Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Before I Go to Sleep

British writer and director Rowan Joffe delivered an effective thriller for his second feature. An amnesiac woman whose memory is wiped everyday has to overcome her ordeal to figure out the truth about herself and the people around her. Based on the novel by S.J. Watson, Joffe delivers a thrilling ride that only comes undone after the film is finished. The film reminds of Christopher Nolan's far superior thriller "Memento" which still holds up. Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth star with solid performance along with Mark Strong and Anne-Marie Duff. Yama Rahimi's coverage for 1001 Films. 

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Jurassic World

Writer and director Colin Trevorrow made huge jump from indie film to a franchise blockbuster with his second feature which resuscitated another dead end franchise. The dinosaur park of the original is back with a vengeance with some exciting improvements. Trevorrow basically remakes the original by paying homage but also updating it and delivering the goods expected from the blockbuster of this caliber. One of the improvements is the sense of humor which enhances the experience. Chris Pratt stars with another winning performance that should solidify his status as a major star. The solid supporting cast includes Bryce Dallas Howard, Irrfan Khan, Jake Johnson, Omar Sy and BD Wong who starred in the original film as well. Yama Rahimi's coverage for 1001 Films.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Jimi: All is by My Side

Writer and director John Ridley brought the story of Jimi Hendrix to the screen with a talented cast and crew. The discovery of Jimi Hendrix and his rise to stardom is highlighted in this focused drama by Ridley who directed his second feature. André Benjamin stars in the title role with a compelling performance along with Imogen Poots and Hayley Atwell as the women in his life that played a crucial role in his transformation. The only thing that's missing from the film is the original music Jimi Hendrix. Yama Rahimi's coverage for 1001 Films.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Mad Max: Fury Road

Australian writer and director George Miller returns to his debut and revives the franchise after 30 years with a dazzling new vision. A mysterious prisoner joins forces with female warrior who betrays a vicious ruler and his gang to return to her native home in this dystopian action adventure. Miller revisits his vision and takes to new heights with this utterly original and entertaining adaptation of his groundbreaking film. Tom Hardy is perfectly cast in the title role of the man with few words along with the stunning Charlize Theron who's equally terrific as the woman who drives the action in this thrilling ride. The support cast includes Hugh Keays-Byrne who starred in the original film along with an unrecognisable Nicholas Hoult. Yama Rahimi's coverage for 1001 Films.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Fury

Writer and director David Ayer brought his gritty vision to this tale of a group of American soldiers and their tank at the end of World War II in Germany. As the war nears its deadly end, a group of soldiers are sent behind the enemy lines for a final mission which proves to be their greatest. While WWII has been exhausted extensively on the screen, Ayer shows a different side that was rarely shown on screen that's probably closer to the reality and proves that war is hell. Brad Pitt stars with another terrific performance with an excellent supporting cast that includes Logan Lerman, Shia LaBeouf, Michael Peña, Jon Bernthal and Anamaria Marinca. Yama Rahimi's coverage for 1001 Films.