HasankaDesigner Reviews

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

"ogue One: Revitalizing the Galaxy with New Heroes

[9/10 · 24 June 2024]

After watching the Skywalker film series and the "Obi-Wan Kenobi" mini-series for the first time in 2024, I was hesitant to continue. I was quite disappointed with the Obi-Wan series and wanted to avoid further disappointments.

However, "Rogue One" turned out to be an excellent film, even better than the last two films of the sequel trilogy. It had a straightforward story, solid acting, and interesting new characters. Unlike recent projects, it didn't rely heavily on old characters-though a few familiar faces appeared, they weren't the main focus, which was refreshing.

This is what recent Star Wars projects have been missing: the introduction of new, intriguing characters rather than relying on the old ones. While "Rogue One" has its flaws-it's a bit too long for such a simple story, and some action scenes felt a bit tedious-it was still a solid film overall. I hope they explore this direction further in the future.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)

A Stellar Performance Undermined by a Familiar Story

[6/10 · 23 June 2024]

I understand why people don't like this. After watching the main series in 2024, I wanted to explore the side stories, so I started with "Obi-Wan Kenobi."

I was excited to watch this because I really liked Ewan McGregor as the younger Obi-Wan in the prequel films-he's a talented actor. His performance in this mini-series was outstanding, even surpassing his work in the prequels.

However, my main issue is with the story. Bringing Skywalker and Leia into the plot felt like beating a dead horse. If the story had focused more on Obi-Wan's personal struggles and less on rehashing old characters, I would have enjoyed it more.

The setting is more mature than the films, which I didn't mind-I appreciate a more mature Star Wars story. The cast was good, but the story was a letdown and didn't match the quality of the main film series.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

Skywalker's Last Stand: A Disjointed Yet Thrilling Finale

[6/10 · 22 June 2024]

"The Rise of Skywalker" wasn't as engaging as the previous films, though I should have seen this coming since "The Last Jedi" wasn't that great either.

The cast's performances were excellent, with many standout moments. I watched the film mainly for Kylo and Rey's storyline, which was compelling and came together well towards the end.

However, the film felt disjointed at times, which was disappointing. The potential for a great story was there, but it needed more refining.

Regardless, this was a fun ride. I understand why people love Star Wars now-the lore is fascinating, and the characters and stories are truly captivating. Despite some lackluster moments, the great ones are amazing, and the films are visually stunning.

I'm more invested in the franchise now and look forward to exploring the side stories.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

Overwhelmed by the Force: The Intrigue and Imbalance of 'The Last Jedi'

[6/10 · 22 June 2024]

At the beginning of the film, I was intrigued by how the story would unfold, but the constant switching between events left me feeling overwhelmed.

The storyline between Rey and Ben was captivating, and I would have loved it if the main focus had stayed on them. The side quests felt disjointed from the main story. One thing I've learned from watching Star Wars films is that less is more; doing too much can be distracting.

I also felt that Finn's story could have been more personal and would have preferred if he had been more integrated into Rey and Ben's narrative, rather than being sidelined as a secondary character.

Despite these issues, the film was an enjoyable experience. It may not be my favorite in the franchise, but it's definitely a good film.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

Late to the Saga: Falling in Love with 'The Force Awakens'

[10/10 · 21 June 2024]

I regret not investing in this franchise sooner. After watching the main trilogy and the prequels in 2024, I became intrigued by how the story would continue.

"The Force Awakens" picks up where the original trilogy left off, and I was pleasantly surprised by the direction it took. The film has everything: drama, action, excellent cinematography, compelling characters, and even better acting than the previous installments. The entire cast delivers stellar performances.

It's a shame I missed the opportunity to see this in theaters; I bet it would have been an incredible experience. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. I'm a fan of darker-toned Star Wars stories, and while I don't mind some lighthearted moments, I appreciate it when the narrative takes a more serious turn.

Finn and Rey are both strong characters, and I'm already excited to see where the story goes next. This film has deepened my appreciation for the franchise, and I can't stop watching.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Embracing the Saga: A 2024 Journey Through Star Wars

[9/10 · 21 June 2024]

After watching both the original and prequel series in 2024, I finally understand why people love Star Wars.

Each film has a straightforward and entertaining story, with each installment adding something truly special to the franchise.

"Revenge of the Sith" was exceptional, providing a great conclusion to the prequels. Visually stunning, even for a 2005 film, the story was engaging despite some clichéd dialogue, which didn't bother me much.

One drawback was the abundance of side stories that felt unnecessary and didn't contribute much to the main plot. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the film, and it was great to see Hayden Christensen improve his acting skills.

I'm excited to watch the next trilogy and explore more stories in this series.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

Attack of the Clones: A Stellar Sequel with Minor Flaws

[9/10 · 20 June 2024]

I just finished watching "Attack of the Clones," and I must say, I enjoyed it much more than "The Phantom Menace." The mature approach to the story, improved visual effects, and superior cinematography all stood out.

The story progression and pacing were excellent, seamlessly navigating two storylines before bringing them together. If I had to criticize one aspect, it would be Hayden Christensen's performance. His acting felt stiff and wooden, and I didn't connect with his character throughout the film.

I don't understand the low rating for this movie. As someone seeing it for the first time in 2024, I believe it's a solid addition to the franchise, despite a few plot holes and some questionable character actions that felt contradictory. Overall, looking past these minor flaws, I think it deserves a better rating.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

The Phantom Menace: A Surprising Gem with a Few Bumps

[7/10 · 20 June 2024]

Watching this for the first time in 2024, I was puzzled by its low ratings. I found the film to be really good and would have rated it 10/10 if not for one major issue: the character of Jar Jar Binks.

Having enjoyed the original trilogy, I was excited to dive into this new one. "The Phantom Menace" delivers on many fronts: beautiful cinematography, amazing costume designs, a good story, well-crafted dialogue, and an interesting backstory for the original films. However, Jar Jar Binks truly annoyed me. Unlike the endearing clumsiness of characters like C-3PO and Chewbacca, Jar Jar comes off as annoying rather than lovable. I still can't figure out why this character was included.

Another aspect that felt off was the pod racing scene. It seemed to drag on forever, taking up more time than necessary. While it was enjoyable at first, it eventually felt overly long and unnecessary.

Towards the end, the film's pace became overwhelming with too many simultaneous events. The constant switching between different subplots took me out of the main story. It might have been better if the film had focused on fewer, more important events.

Despite these issues, the film's main political storyline is admirable and more mature than the previous trilogy. Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson are fantastic in their roles, commanding every scene they're in. Jake Lloyd also does well, considering his young age. The rest of the cast delivers strong performances too. The action scenes, especially the lightsaber fights, are excellently choreographed.

Overall, I recommend this film to anyone.

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

The Final Act: Mixed Feelings on Return of the Jedi

[7/10 · 20 June 2024]

After thoroughly enjoying the first two films in the Star Wars franchise, which I watched for the first time in 2024, I was excited to see how the story would continue. The film started strong, picking up right where it left off and keeping me hooked until halfway through, when the story shifts to Endor.

The Endor section felt like an afterthought, with several side stories that didn't add much to the main plot. The Ewok scenes, in particular, were overly silly and detracted from the overall narrative. I dislike when films introduce side stories that feel unnecessary and distract from the main story.

Aside from that, the film was decent. However, compared to "A New Hope" and "The Empire Strikes Back," it falls short. The actors seemed disengaged in the second half, and their performances lacked emotional depth.

The cinematography and visual effects are impressive for their time, and the soundtrack remains iconic. While it was an acceptable conclusion, I expected more and felt it could have been better. Nonetheless, I'm excited to watch the prequel trilogy next.

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

A Galactic Masterpiece: Rediscovering The Empire Strikes Back in 2024

[10/10 · 20 June 2024]

After watching the first Star Wars film for the first time in 2024, I was definitely intrigued to see where the story would go next.

I'm so glad I continued the journey-what an adventure it was! The story surpassed the first film, with excellent pacing and no dull moments. I appreciated the darker tone and the more personal and complex plot, while still maintaining a straightforward narrative. The cinematography and visual effects were impressive for a film made in the 1980s.

The acting was outstanding as well. Mark Hamill truly shined as Luke, a significant improvement from his performance in the first film. The rest of the cast also did a fantastic job.

I have nothing negative to say about this film; it was perfect!

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

A New Hope for a First-Time Viewer: Rediscovering the Magic of Star Wars

[9/10 · 19 June 2024]

This was my first time watching any Star Wars film, so I decided to start with the first one and watch them in order. Here's my review of the original film.

I expected a silly, overhyped sci-fi movie, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even in 2024, the visuals are impressive. Some effects are a bit outdated, but they didn't bother me. The story is simple and straightforward, which I appreciate in films. The acting is great, especially from Harrison Ford, whom I admire. The rest of the cast also did a fantastic job.

However, I did have issues with the pacing. Few scenes took them too long to get to the point. Some action scenes felt unnecessarily long, particularly the final scene, which made the ending feel anticlimactic. Additionally, some dialogue could have been better written, but overall, the film holds up well.

The soundtrack perfectly matches the atmosphere of the film, and I now understand why it's so iconic. Overall, this was an enjoyable sci-fi film, and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Back to Black (2024)

A Flawed Tribute to Amy Winehouse

[2/10 · 29 May 2024]

I usually avoid biopics about singers because good ones are rare. "Ray," "La Mome," "Walk the Line," and the recent "Elvis" are exceptions.

This film is a prime example of why I avoid them. The lead actress's performance feels strained and unnatural, more like she has a jaw problem than like she's channeling Amy. Her portrayal is inconsistent, sometimes sounding like Amy, but often not. The cinematography is dreadful, resembling a cheap soap opera with boring, unimaginative visuals and horrible color grading. The rest of the cast is equally disappointing, with none of the performances engaging.

The depiction of Amy's relationship with Blake is tedious, with their interactions showcasing a masterclass in bad acting. Naming the film "Back to Black" while neglecting Amy's music and true talent is a huge misstep. The film also inaccurately portrays the men in her life as good people, when in reality, they contributed to her downfall. Her father neglected her and still doesn't admit his failures as a parent.

Sometimes, it's best to let people rest in peace. Amy Winehouse is at peace now, and we should let her be.

Civil War (2024)

Alex Garland's misstep with a miscast lead

[4/10 · 26 May 2024]

I can't believe this film is by Alex Garland. The same director who gave us masterpieces like Men, Annihilation, and Ex Machina made this?

Let's start with the casting. Who thought it was a good idea to cast Kirsten Dunst as the main protagonist? She was supposed to portray a cold, hardened woman, but all I saw was a bored actress reading lines. The plot and pacing were lackluster, only getting interesting towards the end.

The only redeeming aspect of this film was its depiction of war. As someone from Iraq, I've witnessed firsthand the gruesome reality of war and how it can turn people into monsters. The film captured that atmosphere well.

On a positive note, I think Cailee Spaeny has a bright future ahead. She was surprisingly good in this film, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye on her future roles.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

A Monster Mash of Mediocrity

[3/10 · 26 May 2024]

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire was a snoozefest of a film. After the excitement of Godzilla vs. Kong, I was eager to see where the story would go next, but it seems Adam Wingard has lost his magic with this installment.

I'm usually a sucker for a cheesy story with good cinematography and pacing, but Godzilla x Kong offered none of that. The pacing was terrible, the action scenes were lackluster, the CGI was subpar, and the human acting was atrocious. The film felt like a pointless monster mash, with destruction for the sake of destruction.

It's a shame because this franchise started off strong and held so much promise. Instead, they decided to abandon what worked before and create a film that seems aimed at a third-grade audience. Even the human stories, which are usually a redeeming factor, were lackluster here. The acting was so bad it felt like watching a high school play with people just reciting lines.

Monkey Man (2024)

A Promising Start and a Disappointing Finish

[6/10 · 26 May 2024]

I was really excited for this film because I think Dev Patel is such a great actor. The film started out very strong, and I was thoroughly engaged. Despite the pacing feeling rushed at times, it somehow worked for me as a viewer, providing all the necessary information to lay the groundwork for the story.

However, the second half of the film was a disappointment. It felt like an afterthought and pulled me out of the story. The pacing slowed down in a strange way, making it feel out of place. It was like anticipating a great bridge in a song, only to be let down by a disappointing EDM drop from a Jennifer Lopez track from 2011.

Regardless, I think this was a solid directorial debut for Dev Patel. He did a good job, and the action scenes were really engaging and impressive.

Immaculate (2024)

Disappointed by Immaculate

[2/10 · 22 April 2024]

My expectations were modest, yet I find myself thoroughly disappointed. Let's start with the trailer, which promises a supernatural horror experience. The imagery-hands ensnaring someone in a confessional, eerie figures with crimson masks peering from windows, coupled with the unsettling sound design-all but screams supernatural horror.

I appreciate when a film surprises by diverging from its trailer, but in this case, it feels like they haphazardly injected random "demon horror" elements solely for trailer fodder.

Now, onto the film itself. Within the first fifteen minutes, particularly with the introductory scene, it becomes apparent that the protagonist has been violated by the priests. The revelation about her hymen's intactness upon arrival at the convent raises perplexing questions about the timing and necessity of such a check. Yet, she appears unperturbed by it all.

Initially, we're led to anticipate a narrative akin to "Rosemary's Baby" but with religious undertones, leaving room for an intriguing twist. However, as the minutes pass, the story plods along with exposition, leaving me parched for substance. By the time I realize we're three-quarters into the film, if not further, anxiety mounts. This isn't the movie I signed up for-a mere tale of a nun impregnated for some divine purpose? I cling to hope for a twist, but alas, it never materializes. The revelation that the kindly priest orchestrated everything feels anticlimactic, as if we hadn't been aware for the past two hours.

Regarding the ending, it's yet another letdown. Despite the film lacking real bite, we're subjected to two somewhat gory scenes in uncomfortably close detail. As the film draws to a close, I half-expect a grotesque revelation-a monstrous child, perhaps, or a harrowing depiction of the crushed baby. Instead, we're left with a vague conclusion that fails to deliver on the promised intensity.

Exiting the theater, I'm left utterly perplexed. I fail to comprehend the rationale behind crafting a film where all is revealed within the initial moments, only to stagnate thereafter.

Argylle (2024)

Travesty

[1/10 · 22 April 2024]

Argylle was a travesty. In most well-crafted films, even within strange or unconventional worlds, if a character seamlessly integrates with the environment and other characters, it enhances believability and coherence. However, throughout the entirety of the movie, I never once felt that Bryce Dallas Howard's character belonged in the depicted world. From her demeanor, acting, appearance, dialogue, and decisions to her involvement in action sequences-nothing seemed to click. To be fair, I doubt any actor could have successfully embodied the Elly character, but my goodness, nearly anyone else would have been preferable. The character desperately warranted a comprehensive overhaul.

The concept of her mind oscillating between Sam Rockwell and Henry Cavill was intriguing but executed poorly, resulting in a jarring experience. Furthermore, it completely loses its impact once the twist is unveiled.

Late Night with the Devil (2023)

Unpredictable Terror: Late Night's Devilish Delight

[9/10 · 22 April 2024]

"Late Night with the Devil" stands out as a truly distinctive film, both in its premise and its execution. I was particularly drawn to it because of David Dastmalchian's involvement; he's proven himself to be an exceptional and versatile actor. Initially, I approached the trailer with some skepticism, but the film surpassed my expectations, emerging as one of my favorite recent horror experiences.

Unlike many other horror films, "Late Night with the Devil" defies predictability. Its pacing is superb, and the entire cast delivers stellar performances. I appreciated the narrative decision to commence with a compelling introduction, setting the stage for the story before diving straight into the action-a choice that I found particularly clever.

However, there was one aspect of the film that didn't quite resonate with me: the utilization of AI-generated art for certain elements. This departure from traditional methods left me somewhat disengaged, given my personal reservations about AI-generated art. Nevertheless, despite this minor qualm, "Late Night with the Devil" remains a film well worth experiencing.

Madame Web (2024)

"Hope the spiders were worth it, Mom". No, it wasn't, and neither is this film.

[1/10 · 16 March 2024]

I always disregard critics' opinions about a film and approach it with an open mind. However, 'Madame Web' is a prime example of how studios consistently butcher beloved characters. Companies like Sony and Warner Brothers should take a step back and reconsider their approach. They ought to delve into the original source material and hire individuals who are passionate about storytelling, rather than churning out senseless films.

Where do I begin with this movie? There are no redeeming qualities. The acting is subpar, the pacing is reminiscent of disasters like 'Catwoman,' and the storyline lacks substance.

One commendable aspect is their attempt to introduce a fresh perspective to the superhero genre. Instead of the typical world-saving scenario, 'Madame Web' focuses on rescuing potential heroes. However, this concept is executed poorly and is painfully predictable.

I sincerely hope Sony reflects on this failure and realizes that their ideas are flawed. Just because they operate a media conglomerate doesn't guarantee they understand audience preferences.

Madame Web is a fantastic character, both in comics and in 'Spiderman: The Animated Series.' I eagerly anticipate a future portrayal of the character in films, hopefully by a studio other than Sony.

Her (2013)

Human-AI Interaction and Loneliness

[10/10 · 12 March 2024]

While watching the film and observing Joaquin Phoenix's performance, I found myself experiencing a parallel sense of awkwardness, discomfort, and joy similar to Theodore Twombly's journey in the movie. Phoenix's ability to convey such a wide range of emotions while essentially acting alone for much of the film is truly impressive. I couldn't help but wonder if there was a real voice interacting with him during his solo scenes, adding another layer of admiration for his performance.

This film stands out as the first I've seen to delve into the concept of artificial intelligence without attaching it to a physical body. This unique approach allows for exploration of scenarios that haven't been commonly explored before, such as the complexities of intimacy in a relationship with no physical presence.

Another intriguing theme is the evolution of AI, mirrored in the evolving relationship between Theodore and Samantha. Rather than following the typical narrative of AI turning against humanity, the focus here is on the initial stages of AI development. Scarlett Johansson's portrayal of Samantha humanizes the AI in a way that defied my expectations.

The film also prompts reflection on the pervasive influence of technology in our lives and the potential loneliness that accompanies heavy reliance on it, a theme particularly relevant in light of recent social isolation experiences. In the real world, advancements in technology, such as sophisticated sex dolls, raise intriguing questions about the possibilities if an AI like Samantha were to exist with a physical form.

Overall, the film offers a thought-provoking exploration of human-AI relationships, technology's impact on loneliness, and the potential future of artificial intelligence.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

Lynchian Reverie: Rediscovering 'Mulholland Drive' After a Decade

[10/10 · 12 March 2024]

I revisited this film recently after a decade, having watched it a couple of times back then. Initially, I regarded it as an absolute classic, unlike anything I had seen before, quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite movies. It was my first exposure to Lynchian cinema, and it drew me into the realm of one of the best filmmakers in the business.

The film's intrigue and mystery are relentless, maintaining its immersive quality throughout. The second half, in particular, ramps up the tension to an intense level. Lynch's mastery of tension-building is unparalleled, exemplified in scenes like the one where Diane Selwyn is discovered, and Rita's haunting sleep-talking of "Silencio! Silencio!" in bed. The theater scene is a standout classic among many others in the film, including the dinner and diner scenes, and the unforgettable ending.

Certain dialogues, especially those delivered by the cowboy character, linger in memory long after viewing, highlighting the film's unique and enduring impact.

While I still grapple with understanding the film, even after reading various explanations, I recognize its artistic brilliance that transcends conventional cinema and ventures into the realm of art. Despite my ongoing efforts to unravel its mysteries, I appreciate the film for its unparalleled quality and singular artistic vision.

GoldenEye (1995)

Embracing 007: GoldenEye and the Start of My Bond Journey

[10/10 · 12 March 2024]

GoldenEye marked my initial foray into the world of James Bond. Born in 1990, I was introduced to this iconic character through my father's obsession with 007. Around the age of 12, my father purchased the DVD, and we watched it together, sparking my fascination with the suave spy and his thrilling adventures.

I was utterly mesmerized by the film, completely captivated by the world of James Bond. This moment marked the beginning of my journey with the character, prompting me to delve into the older films and collect their DVDs. Surprisingly, obtaining adult films on DVD was easily accessible for kids in the Middle East at that time. Reflecting on it now, I realize how fortunate I was to immerse myself in the captivating universe of James Bond.

Now in my thirties, I find myself revisiting all the Bond films, and GoldenEye remains one of my favorites. Martin Campbell's direction is truly remarkable, as he skillfully captures the essence of 007 and reintroduces it to audiences in a captivating manner, as he did later with Casino Royale. His understanding of what makes a great James Bond film is evident, and I am grateful for his contributions to the franchise.

While GoldenEye embraces the classic elements of James Bond films, including dramatic villains and high-tech gadgets, the story flows seamlessly, devoid of any dull moments. Pierce Brosnan's portrayal of James Bond solidifies him as one of my favorite Bonds alongside Sean Connery and Daniel Craig. I wholeheartedly recommend this film to any aficionado of action movies.

Dark City (1998)

In the Shadows of Greatness: The Underrated Legacy of 'Dark City'

[10/10 · 12 March 2024]

Dark City is a gem that often goes unnoticed, and it's disheartening how few people recognize its brilliance compared to other sci-fi classics like The Matrix, Interstellar, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Aliens.

Despite having its dedicated fans, I still can't shake the feeling that Dark City is vastly underrated in the grand scheme of things.

The film's world-building is exceptional, with stunning visual effects and production design that not only please the eye but also create a sense of history within its illusionary setting. The concept of aliens manipulating reality, embodied by the terrifying Strangers, adds a chilling depth to the narrative, especially with the eerie presence of the kid.

I appreciate the nods to Last Thursdayism and the philosophical undertones of Plato's ideas, which enrich the storyline without overshadowing its compelling narrative.

While I understand why Dark City may have struggled to find mainstream success upon its initial release, given its challenging marketing and director Alex Proyas's compromises with the theatrical version, I'm grateful that New Line Cinema took the gamble on it.

The Sound of Music (1965)

The Timeless Magic of 'The Sound of Music'

[10/10 · 12 March 2024]

This movie holds a special place in my heart because my mom used to sing certain songs from it to me during different stages of my life. I fondly recall her singing "My Favorite Things" to me as a lullaby, and I would drift off to sleep, mesmerized by her singing and in awe of her.

Undoubtedly, this movie is one of the best. It offers such an artistic and poetic experience that transcends age barriers.

Every song is memorable, every lyric meaningful, and the scenes where characters joyfully dance to the tunes add an extra layer of charm. Despite being from the 1960s, the cinematography quality is surprisingly good.

Julie Andrews shines as one of the most talented actresses and singers in the industry. I long to experience the magic of this movie for the first time again.

Rear Window (1954)

The Cinematic Mastery of 'Rear Window'

[10/10 · 12 March 2024]

In my view, the most compelling aspect of the film is its setting. We find ourselves confined to the perspective of James Stewart's character, confined to a wheelchair with a broken foot, peering out his window. With minimal action, the suspense thrives on the interactions of just a few characters with the main character. Through his lens, we uncover the mystery without relying on exposition dialogue. Hitchcock masterfully plants seeds of deception while keeping the audience engaged.

Moreover, Stewart's physical vulnerability adds another layer of tension, as we remain wary of a potential confrontation with the antagonist.

I've often heard that Hitchcock crafted his films with the audience experience in mind, and "Rear Window" stands as a timeless classic due to the immersive position he places us in throughout the film.