at_khan Reviews

Upgrade (2018)

Fantastic Concept - Better than most AI/Sci-fi Movies

[8/10 · 22 November 2021]

Without spoiling anything here, this is a very creative, well thought out and a very interesting movie.

Of course it establishes a few rules - most out-of-the-box movies have to.

Seems quite under-rated to me for what it is. But it's a definite watch for any sci-fi/AI based movies fans.

This is better than a lot of the cannon fodder out there these days.

Spiral (2021)

Below Average Homage to a Cult Franchise.

[4/10 · 2 June 2021]

What started as very smart, intelligent and a witty series of movies that would keep you on the edge is coming to a very bad turn around the corner.

The plot has so many holes, the police authorities are shown completely dumb-founded, the acting doesn't help as you just can't see much emotion or surprise or the feel of the moment of almost any of the cast members. Somewhere it's slow acting and dialogue, and at other moments it's underconfident or ill-prepared delivery. Any attempt at any dark humor is a failed one.

But most of it really is the writing; that's the most absurd part in the foundation of this film. There's no real purpose, no real intelligence that's been put in, and it's an overall very disbalanced, and then an abrupt, very raw and unfinished ending that just takes you nowhere.

In general, no character development, no happy or sad emotions, no mystery or suspense that immerses you in any way, and no excitement or thrill. Adrenaline rush? They wish. It feels so fake and just, directed.

This movie pays no homage to the Saw legacy, and honestly, if it's going to be like that, I'd rather suggest wrapping up the franchise and just leaving it at that.

I've seen some reviews, and they're in earnest. Ones that say this is meh - those ones.

I've watched all the Saw movies and this is simply the worst. Only reason I carried on and continued watching was because of the legacy of the franchise - if it were a non-Saw movie, I'd quite half way.

I will not recall watching this movie or relating it to the Saw franchise. I see it as a disrespect. In time, I hope I forget I really ever saw it, and leave it till Saw 7 (which wasn't that magnificent either by the way).

Stop it. Just stop it. Please.

Predator Dark Ages (2015)

Very well fan-take!

[7/10 · 5 December 2015]

I was expecting less from this. But it really helps you relive the classic Predator legacy. The medieval time setting is very creative, interesting. No plot holes. No time-waste. It really matches high budgets. The producers put in very good effects, props and money into this. To the point, precise. Even the character development (in this small span of screen-time) is done nicely. The Predator is in it's complete originality. The sounds effects, the background music, editing, dialogue is all top-notch. The characters are strong for a short-film. Memorable. The ambiance is very nicely done.

If it were longer and a full-feature film, it can expect a lot of praise. Well done!

Now Is Good (2012)

Now is Good... is Great!

[8/10 · 24 April 2013]

Definitely worthwhile. Colorful, innocent & touchy. The acting is good, even by the other relatively less famous actors. 8 Stars well deserved.

Fanning has certainly established that she will evolve, and so will her roles in diversity. Coming from a child-star, she definitely has lived up to what is expected.

The editing is nice and crisp. There's no rush, no loose-ends, no surprises, yet curiosity still remains throughout, wanting you to keep going on and on and on.

This is comparable to the likes of Burning Man and My Sister's Keeper, and is momentous, beautiful and full of sentiment. It really hits you in multiple ways. What can I say: it made me cry multiple times, and I'm a guy, so.

Now would be a Good time to watch it - though you can always get back to it, and it might just make you do so.

Burning Man (I) (2011)

Rock-solid; Heart Touching!

[9/10 · 1 October 2012]

Before any of you go on about anything, yeah; I stole the tag-line from the ASUS brand of computer products. Still, these were the first words that came out after the credits rolled. This movie is so well substantiated in direction, cinematography, acting, editing, drama and script, and holds its ground for excellent execution, staying true to the main theme all the way. Yet, it will touch your heart in so many different ways; it's a beautifully knit piece, with a sentimental value for everyone. And yes, I did shed a few tears, which means it performed exactly the way it was meant to. The movie poster does not differ from the eventual experience, I tell you. Take it at its face-value, really.

With a non-linear direction style, particularly akin to Alejandro González Iñárritu, the director does not fail to stir things up for you up every few moments. As clear and strikingly shining as morning dew, the film keeps the fizz up with occasional humor, enhancing that than eroding away the serious notes. It's a memorable piece, which would very easily end up in your forget-me-not list of movies. It has a hint of Another Earth and Take Shelter, or so I think. Anyhow, you be the judge.

Nevertheless, anyone in search of romantic movie, subtle and funny with some witty sauce, or otherwise and emotional and memorable collage of events of a romantic life, family, and forces of nature acting thereon, would not sway away from this masterpiece, ever.

I'd give it a 9, straight out of my hat. Actually, this is to help it make up for points lost. On the IMDb Richter-scale, it wouldn't surprise me to find this landing somewhere between 7.2 to 7.8 eventually.

Kill List (2011)

Different... Well-plotted... Worthy!

[9/10 · 25 September 2012]

Thus comes my first movie review... Primarily because this title looks pretty ignored still.

I was just looking up new titles, and saw this pop up. The ~ 6-point-something rating had fair promise, so I watched it. None of the cast I'd seen before. Even the director is on a somewhat debut spree. But lo and behold. By the time the credits were rolling, I was half-stunned. This title does finish off in one unique and unexpected way – a perfect 10 for the ending I'd give it, much like only a handful of movies I've seen that influenced my perception like this one did.

It's a pretty overlooked title. People are skeptical, probably of the actual value of this production. But I tell you, it does not seem to be low-budget. It has what it should, which is well enough. The acting is well done overall. The editing is prudent. The director, surprisingly, has such a nice take on things. The drama and mystery, and the whole flow of the movie is very fathomable. It is somewhat slow in the beginning, and I kid you not, just let the movie grab the pace, and by the time you reach the end, you will be stunned, yet as amazed as to what just happened. The plot... is SUPERB.

I've given it a 9, just so people realize how nice this movie really is once you actually see it. If it were by IMDb standards, I think the movie should definitely fall somewhere between 7 to 7.5. Want to try something new and different, yet valuable? Go on. Watch this beauty.