olcare Reviews

Challengers (2024)

The use of metaphor is spot on.

[8/10 · 8 May 2024]

I really enjoy high-quality sports movies, but this film uses tennis as a metaphor for a love triangle involving three abnormal individuals in a very accurate way.

Let me just say why this film is good. Firstly, it's technically very good. I'll detail the scene I'll say is the best, but overall, the use of cameras, where they stand, and the masterpiece climax in the final scene, make the direction top-notch.

The casting fits the script perfectly. Sometimes, it's the actors who determine the tension of a film, and in this film, our trio of leads creates a fantastic tension, very successfully.

Thirdly, the use of sports as a tool. In normal sports films, the main focus is on the sport and the plane it creates, but Challengers goes beyond that and metaphorizes tennis very successfully. And tennis could truly be the most individual among individual sports, so it's a very apt choice. The metaphor of the tennis ball being Tashi, especially, enchanted me. The back and forth between Art and Pat, and finally Art winning because of the Grandslam, is not an easy metaphor.

Fourthly, and the part I loved, the climax scene is amazing. Taking such a risk in shooting in such a different technique and jolting the audience in the theater with that scene is really well done. Putting the camera in place of the ball, drawing a bomb on the camera, shooting from different angles, all accompanied by a simple music that tells the tempo very well, is really the right move.

Fifthly, the film's sexiness is very well placed. The love scenes are not exaggerated and really well placed. Maybe the red-lighted scene at the end is a bit swagger, but all the characters look very sexy. Congratulations to Zendaya, Mike Faist, and John O'Conner, good job.

The point I didn't like is that the simple concept of family wasn't filled out enough, in my opinion. When Art and Tashi's child is mentioned, there should have been a flashback to that period and the importance of that in their lives should have been explained. Yes, the film is super-paced and great, but I feel it lacks something, and with a 5-6 minute scene added, the film could have been a 10/10 for me. Also, the focus on Pat's wound. Since we focused on it, we could have had 1 or 2 scenes of Pat's suffering as well.

And finally, I want to address people's comments. I think the ratings are exactly what the film deserves, the positives are very dominant, but there are minimal shortcomings, so the ratings are just right. Some people have said (especially in my country), "oh, we were very uncomfortable, it's exaggerated," etc. Dude, the whole point of the film is to try to explain a sick situation; all three characters have big personal problems; one worships people, the other worships sports (and of course, meaningless ambition and success), and the other behaves loosely and cowardly. Sorry, but it's silly to accept this situation as normal and make comments; excuse my bluntness, but watch the movie and try to understand it.

The film is very enjoyable and flows excessively, not a second boring, watch it in the cinema.

Additionally, some of the argument scenes in the film and the overall structure also resemble a tennis match, I forgot to explain (metaphor) that in my review, but I think this is also a major factor in the film's success. (For example, the argument scene between Tashi and Patrick in their rooms fits perfectly. This fight just like a tennis match.)

The Idea of You (2024)

The real life hits a bit different.

[6/10 · 2 May 2024]

Due to the high ratings and the high Metacritic score, I was curious and decided to give it a chance. Yes, the movie is definitely not bad, but it's a bit hastily resolved for a 74 Metacritic score, and the real-life drama isn't fully explored due to this speed.

First of all, unexpectedly, I really liked the acting and the vibe of the film. I found the allure, sexuality,hot and sensuality of the film to be on point, and I believe this was achieved thanks to Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. I found the film successful in this regard.

Overall, the screenplay is not very original but not bad either, and I'll address its biggest issue at the end.

I liked the color palette of the film and the fun, fast-paced scenes during the European tour. It all fit together nicely, and the film didn't fall apart, even though it may not have had a great screenplay. Additionally, I noticed that the film's premise was sometimes unfairly criticized, like lynching in certain places. At this age, we should stop easily judging things that everyone should decide for themselves, like race or choices. We don't have to love or approve of everything, but we should respect others. If you didn't like it very much ,engage with your peers in your own life.

Now, onto the biggest letdown of the film for me. The film rushes through the part where it should really throw the audience against the wall when the good story takes a nosedive. This likely has to do with its duration, but it greatly reduces the film's score in my eyes. Because in real life, people don't just get through such cruelty by crying or waiting; life is much harsher and crueler. Moreover, when we fast forward five years, the rush continues and events are easily resolved, which greatly diminished the drama part of the film in my eyes due to these two things.

Yes, I know this is a rom-com, but a more dramatic portrayal of such a radical and harsh issue would have made the film more memorable. It's perfectly suitable for an evening movie.

Note: In terms of similarity, I watched May December this year, which portrayed the subject matter much more seriously and clearly, but it was also a messy screenplay.

Note2: I guess there isn't anything a mother wouldn't do for her daughter or son.

Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver (2024)

Ultimate Nonsense Part II.

[3/10 · 25 April 2024]

Zack Snyder's new movie Rebel Moon Part 2 is out. I watched it as soon as it was released. Just like the first movie, it was a disaster. All the bad elements are preserved exactly the same. There's no acting, no screenplay, no good whatsoever; I think there's nothing in the movie.

It's just tiresome to watch directly. Especially after the 20th minute, the scenes where characters sit around a table and narrate their origin stories one by one are so simple and predictable that you get bored while watching. You automatically get bored because it's too basic. They give simple examples like "Well, I did this in the past, or I did that in the past," and it's bad.

As for the final battle scene, it's completely random. Everyone is shooting each other, dying, and the dramatic impact of the deaths is very weak. It's like bang bang bang, everyone is shooting each other and you're watching it as if it doesn't mean anything. Also, the introduction to the battle scene is very bad, the motivations are extremely bland. Additionally, it has a very cliché ending, with the theme of "the good guys win, try to fix the universe, and it ends with an open ending" with all its clichés.

I don't think an extra spoiler review is necessary. It's a complete waste of time. I gave the first movie a 3 out of 10. I gave the second movie a 3 as well. Because all the elements, bad characters, good characters, everything is still valid. So, my review of the first movie applies completely; it's not worth watching a disaster of a movie.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Real Modern Classic, Thank You Denis.

[10/10 · 4 March 2024]

I believe I've witnessed something magnificent, and truly, it shouldn't be watched outside of the IMAX format because regardless of what anyone says, this is a modern classic. I'm writing this review somewhat for myself because years later, when I read it again, I want to see how much I elevated this legend and how it managed to close so many things correctly despite its mini flaws.

For the past two days, the film hasn't left my mind, and the reason I give it a perfect 10 is this. Whenever I talk about the film, I get excited because I've seen a visual masterpiece. It has incredible cinematography, beyond amazing. Watching the Lisan al Gaib scene where the Fremen walk from a bird's eye view, the scene between Paul and Feyd at the end, the scene where the Fremen accept Paul, the Harkonnen attack in the opening sequence, and many others, you feel that there are very few scenes like these. Greig Fraser is a master at this. Besides that, Hans Zimmer's music, which doesn't mean much when listened to alone but reaches a tremendous dimension with the sound mixing, adds a whole new dimension to the film. It's truly wonderfully designed and fitted, Denis, you're amazing.

And the casting is phenomenal. Dave, Timothée, Florence, Zendaya, Rebecca, Javier, Josh, Austin, they're all fantastic. I won't describe each one separately, saying 'this scene was superb,' everyone fits their role so well and performs so excellently that the film becomes a recital; there isn't a single scene with amateurish or shallow acting. Besides acting, something that needs to be mentioned is the stunts. The fight choreography was quite good and clear, especially the scene between Feyd and Paul at the end, where the music stops and we watch pure fighting for a few minutes, it was wonderful.

Besides the cinematography, casting and harmony, the legendary use and synchronization of music, there are two more reasons why this film excels and why I rate it highly. Firstly, the film is superbly adapted, I won't touch upon this further. Secondly, it's a fantastic critique film.

The film critiques every mundane and inherent aspect of human nature. Whether it's the dynastic system, coercion around the secret gene preservation logic, the exploitation of religion, political chaos, inefficient use of resources, and many more points, it hits the bullseye so accurately that it's both overwhelming and not tiring while making you feel it, a tremendous achievement.

Now, onto the contentious topic of staying faithful to the books and the polemic of how similar it was... Despite everything, it's said that both Part 1 and Part 2 were quite faithful to the book, and I believe they were. Some details might have been skipped or not exactly replicated in the second film, but for such a meta and philosophical book series, this is extremely normal; if everything were portrayed exactly, it might have been incomprehensible. I won't comment on the film's dynasty and operation right now because as a sequel, it has to complete the script with good motivation and also convey the characters it portrays well; I'm very happy it achieved this.

The film had a fitting humor, some scenes were mildly funny and unintentionally successful, which was admirable. Also, I think it will sweep the awards at the Oscars next year; it could win for its amazing costumes, production design, adapted screenplay, and maybe even best picture.

It's the peak of cinema that I've ever seen; go to IMAX, you won't regret it. I didn't delve into the details because everyone should watch it for themselves and try to interpret it in their own way; it's that kind of film.

"May thy knife chip & shatter." March 2024.

Madame Web (2024)

I am filled with hatred, it can't get any worse.

[1/10 · 16 February 2024]

It's the worst movie and superhero adaptation I've watched in recent years. Completely atrocious effects, atrocious screenplay, and atrocious acting. Also, a big insult to all comic book readers and those who know the original story.

Let me describe the movie simply. First of all, I am filled with hatred; I really want to curse the entire creative team for this unacceptable film.

All the performances are bad, everyone. There's not a single good actor trying; everyone just took the role for money. It's a terrible disgrace, a total eclipse of reason.

The screenplay is the worst superhero screenplay I've ever seen. It barely resembles the original story, and if there aren't scenes like the other Spider-Girls in the trailer, why include them? There's no such obligation; instead, write a decent screenplay. All action scenes are full of logical errors; they've written it without thinking, it's complete garbage.

Apart from these, the direction, sorry to say, is garbage too. Most scenes are shot as if they were taken straight from a phone camera; action scenes are not shown, they're hidden due to the atrociousness of the effects. It's shameful.

After these general points, Sony urgently needs to cancel this universe; the original stories are garbage, there's no logic, no connection anywhere. They're just being shot randomly. I don't like to curse, but I hope this film sinks at the box office.

The last scene with Madame Web gaining her powers, those web effects, clinging to souls, it's unbelievable how you approved this film, may God punish you.

I don't know which one to talk about; all the atrocities are collected in this film. Whether it's the woman going to Peru and back in 30 seconds, Spider-Man dodging with fireworks, dancing at the boys' table when my daughters are left alone, not telling the story of the Spider-Human community, or the woman talking normally while giving birth at the end, everything is a disgrace. I hope this universe sinks, and you all get fired. No one involved in the management of this film deserves their job respectfully; they should quit immediately.

Note: Dakota Johnson made a statement saying she didn't watch the movie. Why are you serving a completely garbage film if you're not going to watch it? Life shouldn't be all about money for you; we, in our poverty, are trying to watch it, and this is no different from cursing all the audience's families. Shame on you.

Note 2: Just now, I looked at the budget of the movie, and my anger grew even more, 80 million dollars EIGHTY MILLION. How can I not believe this money, I really can't believe it, it's nothing but disrespect to yourself, disrespect to the audience, nothing but an insult.

Ashes (2024)

Anything you watch could be better than this.

[2/10 · 15 February 2024]

I'm watching the latest productions of Netflix Turkey, and every time I say, "this could be improved, that's missing," but this movie is beyond bad, beyond criticism.

First of all, the acting is terrible. It's like everyone's worst performance; I couldn't believe if I was watching the right actors. Mehmet Günsür tried hard, but he seemed like a victim of the screenplay. As for Funda Eryigit, it's her worst performance that I've seen. Everyone is overacting unnecessarily, and it just makes everything cringeworthy without adding anything meaningful.

The screenplay is incredibly bad. 'Someone read a book and thought it was real' could have been depicted much better. They handled the fantasy theme exactly how it shouldn't be handled; the fantasy elements felt artificial, clichéd, and didn't evoke any interest. And they used some effects in certain scenes, but those effects were terrible. I haven't seen worse editing; I'm sorry.

I don't want to blame or criticize the entire team individually, but is this what we get for this concept and this budget? Bad acting, simple single-shot scenes, effects that look like sand on the camera, terrible editing; can everything be this bad?

We should be able to do more than this, especially when we have quality actors and actresses. We should make the most of them before they age. A whole generation is wasted on mediocre scripts. I've written too much already; it's already a contender for the worst of the year.

The Kitchen (I) (2023)

Sci-fi/Drama Movie That Isn't Sci-fi

[3/10 · 30 January 2024]

So, when I opened it, my expectations were different. I thought I would witness the details of a uniquely crafted world, its pros and cons, explored by a broken family. However, aside from a dry drama, the sci-fi element was poorly executed in the movie. It was genuinely disappointing.

The characters' motivations were lacking, and Benji finding out that Izi had a child was poorly written. Even though this is the only striking event in the movie, they failed to present it effectively.

Technically, I don't think there's anything noteworthy. The script is extremely weak, so despite good direction and other elements, it is beyond recovery. The subject matter is genuinely interesting. If we had seen the situation of the Kitchen residents in general, not just during the police raid, and if they had shown its historical development, explaining its separation from the other part of the city, we could have witnessed a very different work. Unfortunately, it falls short.

The concept of becoming a tree after death was also left unresolved. In short, there were certain events in the script, but they did not connect or lead to anything. They were not even presented directly like in a documentary; it was just a half-baked concept.

I expected much better from Daniel Kaluuya, especially in terms of the script and character expression. I don't know how many films were wasted this year, but it's truly a waste of time, like a bullet fired into the air. Forgettable.

WWE Royal Rumble 2024 (2024 TV Special)

Wwe missed the big opportunity.

[6/10 · 28 January 2024]

I don't know why I bothered to analyze it, but it was the most predictable storyline I've seen in a long time, causing me to lose sleep last night.

If we break down the matches, the Women's Royal Rumble was simply amazing, saving the night with its inclusion of feuds, betrayal attempts, debuts, and strong wrestlers. Everyone who needed to shine did so adequately. Jade Cargill's debut was excellent, and the comebacks of Liv Morgan and Naomi, along with Bayley's victory, were significant and well-placed.

There were two title matches, and predicting both accurately suggests the show started much higher than it ended. We knew Roman Reigns would retain his title, but I didn't expect it to be so simple, with just a couple of spears in a 10-minute match. I anticipated a more exciting and dramatic contest. The US title match also fell short of expectations, opting for the simplest method by not having Kevin Owens and Logan Paul lose. Both matches were disappointingly straightforward.

However, the most underwhelming match was the Men's Royal Rumble. It felt like the most poorly thought-out match globally. With other paths for Cody to reach Wrestlemania, giving him the Royal Rumble win seemed like taking the easy way out. The lack of surprises, despite most participants being undisclosed, and the prominence of the announced four contestants, felt overly simplistic. No need to drag it out further-hopefully, Wrestlemania XL will be exceptional this year.

Women's RR = 9/10 Men's RR = 5.5/10 Undisputed Championship = 6/10 US Championship = 6.5/10.

Lift (I) (2024)

Died from Cliché.

[3/10 · 12 January 2024]

It's a film that, once again, fails to surpass the clichés, thinking it surprises the audience stuck in the same Netflix cliché loop. It's strange how they present international organizations like Interpol, NATO, as if it's some silly joke.

The most irritating part, as I mentioned, is the portrayal of serious institutions where major states collaborate as if it's some silly prank. To those saying, 'Oh, we did it to make the movie entertaining,' I have news for you: the jokes in the film aren't funny; it's just a time-wasting movie. From the start, you can predict that Agent Glandwell and Cyrus will team up and, of course, steal the gold. But where is the innovation, the uniqueness? Still nowhere.

Now, let me give you an example of a heist film that was both entertaining and cleverly crafted: "Inside Man" (2006). It depicted a much narrower robbery but managed to be both fun and serious, unlike this film. None of that is present here.

Let's establish an organization, then let's steal art from those who don't deserve it, then let's escape by boat to avoid getting caught by the police, and afterward, let's have the agent find the house as if it's a piece of cake, have a drink, and finally, resign. Wow, truly a burst of intelligence, isn't it? A genius show(!).

We need to see new ideas; even in simple films, something different should be presented. A film, even if it's a casual watch, should contain both entertainment and intellect. It shouldn't be about portraying a silly group, it shouldn't be just a moderate entertainment film. Look at F. Gary Gray's last three films and see how he regressed; they are far behind his initial works.

The Beekeeper (2024)

They forgot to write the script

[3/10 · 10 January 2024]

I mean, I don't know what to say; it feels like the movie's script was randomly written without any thought. The events are so poorly explained that I couldn't believe it while watching. I have no idea how they shot it. I'm addressing everyone who watched and gave good ratings: watch it again, life is not that simple.

I want to mention Jason Statham. The only good thing in the movie is Jason. He is more than an actor; he's an excellent athlete, continuing this for years and elevating all the action scenes in every action movie. In some fight scenes in this film, extras stand there taking hits flatly, and it's entirely the fault of those who planned the scenes.

There's no recognizable plot; the character just walks straight into the president of some made-up country's house, kills 30 people, and we watch this for 1 hour and 40 minutes. The FBI is portrayed as if it's a village organization; the detectives hang out like it's their dad's farm. It's unbelievable. They wrote a movie without sitting down and thinking about these details; it's astonishing.

The Beekeeper program is constantly mentioned in the film, but what is it? What do these people do? How were they trained? What hardships did they endure? None of it is there; they just expect us to believe in a name. There's nothing about how the top-secret deadly agents of the government are trained.

Money theft and the presidential race are portrayed like child's play. These are not people you can easily reach; to blow up a building or enter the president's mansion, you need an incredibly good script, and this film has none of that.

The acting is also bad, except for Jason Statham. There's no good performance except him. The character's motivation is bad too; killing 100 people because a woman who treated him well while beekeeping shot herself. We should have seen a 3-5 minute segment about their intimacy.

I don't know what else to say; it just goes on and on, complete bulls**t. I'm thinking about David Ayer's early works, and nowadays, each film he makes is dragging everything further down. The screenwriter, Kurt Wimmer, has also messed up; he wrote it thoughtlessly. I'm eagerly anticipating the film's complete failure at the box office. Definitely a waste of time..

Echo (2023–2024)

If it wasn't for the rush in the last two episodes, things could have been different.

[6/10 · 10 January 2024]

I rushed through Echo as soon as it was released, and while the first three episodes filled me with great hope, the hastily concluded last two episodes once again turned the series into an average Marvel production. I truly can't comprehend this rush; just when I was enjoying it, both the episode count and duration fell short. If they had taken their time to narrate this series with ten episodes, each lasting 50 minutes, and delving deeper into a Kingpin (Fisk)-involved storyline, it could have been a contender for the best Marvel series. Unfortunately, it didn't happen that way.

I didn't find Maya Lopez's story bad. Despite the short duration, they managed to handle it reasonably well, but they pushed us to quickly connect with the supporting characters again, and this time I didn't dwell on it too much. However, the mystical dimension of the story lacked sufficient depth, and the scene where she distributes her powers to her family in the final scene was entirely senseless. I particularly enjoy flashbacks, and the Native American narration at the beginning of the third episode was fantastic. However, the transition to her receiving powers from her ancestors in the final scene wasn't well-executed; I didn't understand why they chose to do it that way. If the character unleashed her powers in a fit of anger without involving her family, the fight could have ended more powerfully. Apart from that, the best part of the series was Maya Lopez. Alaqua Cox performed better than I expected.

Now, let's talk about the rush in the series and the incomplete portrayal of Kingpin. While narrating Maya's story, they could have provided a deeper look into Kingpin's underground empire. I would have appreciated the series much more if they had explored the depth of the business and political intrigue hinted at in the final scene from the beginning. Of course, for them to achieve this, there needed to be more episodes, and unfortunately, this depth wasn't possible within the given timeframe.

I liked the Daredevil and Hawkeye flashback scenes, and I found them sufficient. They didn't need to overshadow the series. However, beyond the flashbacks, a whole episode dedicated to Maya's ancestors could have been more powerful, allowing viewers to feel the story more deeply. Apart from these, the fight scenes were also good, at least they weren't grinning.

Marvel constantly strives to connect various elements, and this effort sometimes leads to odd outcomes. In this series, there's no such attempt, but even without it, secondary characters are left hanging, and they can't seem to strike the right balance. In my opinion, this series is enjoyable but its shortcomings are quite noticeable, and although I was extremely hopeful after the third episode, they couldn't bring the series to a satisfying conclusion. Just like the Hawkeye series and the Moon Knight series, the development parts were enjoyable, but they had rushed and simplistic endings. From now on, this series has become a glimmer of hope for Daredevil because Marvel should handle these types of events in a more mature manner; even the toughness in this series isn't entirely sufficient.

In summary, it's enjoyable, a Marvel production with a rushed ending that can be finished in a day, featuring a main character narrative that isn't bad. I don't know how much more I should expect from the superhero genre; most of the time, it's not promising. I hope Marvel reads these comments and takes the matter seriously.

The Holdovers (2023)

How to Make a Amazing and Sympathetic Christmas Movie: Holdovers.

[9/10 · 9 January 2024]

Firstly, I congratulate both director Alexander Payne and screenwriter David Hemingson, as well as the entire cast, for creating a film that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season and January. Holdovers delivered the drama it aimed for exceptionally well. My expectations were low at the beginning, but by the end, my eyes were filled with tears, and I felt all the emotions intensely. There are clear reasons for this; everything felt like a puzzle.

Firstly, in most recent films I've watched, there were high-level performances, but the trio of Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da'vine Joy Randolph all deliver award-worthy performances. I believe each of them played strong enough to potentially win an Oscar. Dominic Sessa, especially, is incredible in his first film, and I sincerely applaud him; I hope he continues this way.

Secondly, in terms of the screenplay, the film knows what it's doing, and the transitions between emotions are handled very well. Each transition delivers the emotion to you perfectly, neither too much nor too little, making it emotionally and narratively charming and well-executed. The dialogues are realistic, not exaggerated at all, and the intensity they convey goes beyond what is expected from a Christmas film. Truly, when these details come together, it becomes a heartwarming film that must be watched.

Another thing the film does well is providing the emotion that many films fail to deliver while maintaining the right dosage. Paul Hunham's struggle and his somewhat anxious state are portrayed exceptionally clean and beautiful. Angus Tully's yearning for the love missing from his family and his search feel extremely real; I see and read about such stories every day, and they've analyzed it well. Additionally, I believe the film accurately reflects the atmosphere of 1970-1971, which is an important detail for me in giving it a rating of 9.

The film also succeeds in illustrating what teaching means, how challenging it can be to be a student beyond appearances, and, most importantly, finishing in a very realistic and emotional way. Paul's expulsion from school may seem simple, but making that decision was like relieving the burden he felt inside; touching the life of a smart child is always important, something that teachers and academics often forget today. Mary Lamb's grief over her lost child was also very realistic, especially her emotional outburst when she saw children at the party felt like an event I witnessed just last week. The focus on Angus's mother giving up on him instead of his father's treatment was also extremely realistic.

When this kind of realism combines with straightforward, well-written dialogues and masterclass performances, it undoubtedly becomes a film that can easily enter the top 5 of the year. A highly recommended watch.

The Eternal Daughter (2022)

Tilda Swinton carries the entire film, but it's not enough.

[5/10 · 9 January 2024]

After finishing the movie, for a moment, I thought I didn't understand anything and missed the deep meaning, but later, after reading several reviews, I realized I hadn't missed much. I also grasped the very simple plot twist in the film. That's when I felt a great disappointment.

Tilda Swinton gives a truly powerful performance, both in the role of the mother and the daughter, and it's a bit of a shame that her performance is not fully utilized. The film's only twist is that the mother doesn't actually exist, but the effort to reconcile with her internally and conclude the story. However, apart from turning the color palette of the seemingly deep film from black to light to reveal this mystery, did the screenplay need to connect that mystery to something?

The mother-daughter relationship is always special and involves different dynamics. Despite Tilda Swinton's tremendous acting in this aspect, the screenplay falls short. Despite trying to create tension with simple sequences and a gray mist, as a viewer, I didn't feel tense. It was intriguing, yes, but without logically connecting it to something, it didn't make much sense.

The locations and camera angles were beautiful, but it seemed like they went overboard with the mist to create an atmosphere, and there was no need for such an exaggeration.

When the woman couldn't sleep in the hotel and got tense, I had imagined a nice harmony of drama in a setting-horror film. However, there is no satisfying conclusion about finishing the book, which the film focuses on, and no beautiful ending regarding the tension of this setting that I mentioned.

In short, I think Metacritic's score of 80 is related to the acting and atmosphere. But thrillers are much more than these two details. It is a straightforward, well-acted, not as deep as it seems, a regular drama thriller with a flat ending.

Maestro (I) (2023)

A mediocre screenplay accompanying superb performances.

[6/10 · 9 January 2024]

I will write this review as someone who only knows Leonard Bernstein by name and for composing West Side Story, as the film, despite having outstanding performances, takes a strangely awkward approach in conveying Leonard's story, bringing the film down well below its potential level.

I must give credit to Bradley Cooper without digressing. Aside from the screenplay, he excels both in directing and acting. Particularly in some scenes, he literally lives the moment. Truly a great actor, he is the highlight of the film. Carey Mulligan also delivers a fantastic performance that doesn't pale in comparison. They portray a couple with extreme harmony and enjoyment.

However, the film's major flaw lies in its screenplay. It tackles Leonard's life story in a scattered manner, and as the film progresses, it abandons caring about his story and focuses solely on the fantastic performances of the actors. Nevertheless, for a biographical film, this is a significant shortcoming. The transitions between the happy and sad parts of Leonard's life are not smooth at all. The shifts in the era feel overly rough, diminishing the significance of his life. The transition from black and white to color, although a beautiful detail, could have been more enjoyable if the period shifts in the screenplay were smoother.

Leonard led a tumultuous life, like many famous geniuses, filled with turbulent loves and destructions. Unfortunately, the film fails to fully reflect this; you only experience the enchantment of Bradley and Carey while the screenplay flows through crucial events and comes to an end. I also felt the absence of a deeper exploration of the period after Felicia's death.

While the film is worth watching for its magnificent scenes, visuals, and costumes, it falls short of being a film that deepens someone's story.

Almost Entirely a Slight Disaster (2023)

I wish its comedy was as good as the message it wanted to convey.

[5/10 · 7 January 2024]

Straight up, the movie nails the message it's trying to throw down without dragging it out. People in our hood are getting more down and out every day, getting hit hard by all that negative news. They're forgetting their dope moves or straight up downplaying them. The movie's trying to shine a light on that, and the drama part hits right, but it fumbles when trying to pull off comedy.

I didn't vibe with any moment the flick tried to be funny; it was straight-up cringe. It could've been a real raw drama flick on a low budget, but they tried to sprinkle in some dark humor. Too bad it fell flat, no dark, no laughs. Especially dropping crying scenes every time the characters, like the whole country, are feeling low, expecting us to laugh. That's really bad and unnecassary.

Especially, they threw in crying sequences every time the characters, like the whole country, are unhappy, expecting us to laugh. Those parts were terribly cringe-worthy, really bad. Overall, the actors, despite being no-names, deliver performances that are not bad and don't feel forced. However, those crying scenes were genuinely regrettable.

I applaud Umut Subasi for attempting something new; the score doesn't matter as much as trying something different in our current mediocre cinema. Thanks to the actors, but if the comedy parts didn't pull the movie down, it could've had a much stronger ending.

In short, drama's not bad, but the comedy's a no-show, and the ending's just okay. Worth a shot though."

Eileen (2023)

The importance of the ending of the movie.

[5/10 · 7 January 2024]

The ending of a film plays a crucial role, and unfortunately, despite a well-developed plot and a suspenseful atmosphere, this film falls short with a simple message of "good family is everything" at the end, making it forgettable.

I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere and color palette, which truly immersed me; however, the ending, concluding with a cliché message about the significance of a good family, turned the film into an annual watch rather than leaving a lasting impression. I don't believe the film deserved such an ending, considering the importance of the theme.

I appreciated Thomasin Mckenzie's performance, finding it the standout in the film. She has the potential to become one of the most talented actors from this generation in the coming years. Other performances were average; even Anne Hathaway, despite her screen time, didn't deliver an exceptional performance.

Despite the initial good casting and the suspenseful atmosphere, it's not enough to redeem a film when, at a crucial moment emphasizing the importance of the father figure, a murder occurs, and one of the most dramatic events is revealed. Eileen's random escape and the relieved expression placed on her face at the end felt like undermining the significance of the development I mentioned. This sensation significantly lowered my rating, as the film had potential in various aspects.

In short, it's a wasted film. I always say the ending of a film is one of its most impactful aspects. If a film is bad, it can redeem itself with a strong ending; if it's good, the ending can make it legendary; if it's average, the ending can elevate the overall feeling. It requires a well-crafted screenplay, and I don't think this screenplay achieved that. The costumes and atmosphere make it watchable, but not much more.

Mortal World 2 (2023)

What a big dilemma -Serbest-

[8/10 · 30 December 2023]

Today, I went to the sequel of Mortal World, whose first film I really liked, and I had serious reservations because, as someone who believes the first film is extremely underrated, I was concerned that this sequel might set the series back. Contrary to expectations, the first film was in a good position, featuring exceptionally well-executed action sequences and, unlike the mediocrity in Turkish cinema, successfully incorporating the proper use of profanity and situational comedy, similar to series like "Gibi."

The second film, compared to the first, leans a bit more towards situational comedy while slightly reducing the action, but it was definitely worth it. Once again, the action scenes are absurdly enjoyable and of high quality, eliciting genuine laughter. Especially the scene where they confront the mafia with Rasputin's music is truly magnificent. Congrats to Ali Atay and the team for acing this test once again.

This film indeed contains a lot of profanity, and some people may genuinely dislike it. I watched it with a friend who doesn't like profanity, but she wasn't bothered at all because she said profanity, when used in the right context, is extremely funny, especially for Turkey. I quote this expression verbatim and agree with it.

Even if the script revolves around the mafia and feels a bit repetitive, the careful selection of new characters enhances the potential for the continuation of the film. I sincerely wish for comedy-action films of at least this quality to be maintained as a minimum standard for the development of this industry. I hope more films with scenes like the non-awkward rocket launcher, helicopter chase, bus pursuit, mall fight, and hospital chase are produced and analyzed critically.

Finally, I want to mention Feyyaz Yigit. Adding something new to his superb performance in the series "Gibi" and his beyond funny acting in the first Mortal World film, he delivered another memorable performance. Everyone else was more than good. After all, making the actors harmonious with the quality of a comedy film should be the main goal, even though many of our films still struggle with this. Watch it, make others watch it.

Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)

The Year's Ultimate Nonsense (Nearly Worst)

[3/10 · 28 December 2023]

So, there's a lot to say about this movie. Just the other day, after watching Aquaman 2, I thought, "What could be worse than this?" And I stumbled upon a whole different fiasco that falls just a notch below. To be honest, this film is an absolute disaster.

If we delve into specifics, let me start with the CGI that caught my eye the most. I mean, just the other day, I said, "It's 2024, if you're making a sci-fi, the world created should look appealing to us." Yet, the grotesque CGI in this one is an eyesore. Especially the beam effects from the ray guns - I can't find words to describe how awful they are, like staring at a horrendous computer game.

The performances are also cringe-worthy. Despite having a good cast on paper, the film takes a nosedive into a whole different level of agony with inappropriate casting choices and a script collaboration beyond disastrous. Truly cringe-worthy and embarrassing.

Let me touch upon the script I mentioned in the previous paragraph. This universe, resembling Star Wars but unclear about its essence, fails to resonate with the audience. The Justice League mindset in filming disappointed me separately. Let's refresh our memory and recall why Justice League (2017) was dreadful. Due to neglecting character development, this film falls into the same trap, expecting us to warm up to characters only given a name and claimed to know how to fight. Zack Snyder, I really like you and follow your movies, but you urgently need to stop this nonsense; you can't create such a universe and end up on the list of failures every year.

As for the direction, except for one slow-motion scene, there's hardly any scene that stands out positively. I can't believe a film with this budget ended up like this. It would be better as a donation to impoverished countries, benefiting people, instead of us enduring these absurdities.

Additionally, irrespective of everything, the appearances of these creatures are a disaster, attempting to be exotic like the worst cartoon in Cartoon Network's lineup aimed at the 7-11 age group. I mean, the depiction of creatures in this production is akin to the worst portrayal in an attempt to be exotic for Cartoon Network's 7-11 age group. Having creatures popping up from everywhere doesn't make this film intriguing; on the contrary, it demands more refined makeup and CGI, but unfortunately, there's only a repulsive image. I can't believe how they managed to take a concept that could be extremely captivating on paper and turned it into a repulsive visual in 2 hours and 13 minutes.

I won't delve into more details because everyone has pointed out different flaws, and everyone is right. This film is a disaster, one of the worst of the year. The release of its second part is another absurdity. We'll witness unknown characters rebelling against an unknown authority. If the film gets canceled or postponed and rewritten, it might be healthier; otherwise, we'll continue watching these ridiculous scenes with pink laser fires. Don't make the mistake I did; even if you have to skip, just forget it, don't watch.

Dream Scenario (2023)

I watched this work by Borgli, and it is one of the most interesting scenarios I've seen.

[7/10 · 27 December 2023]

I just watched "Dream Scenario," and truly, Kristoffer Borgli creates intriguing and well-executed works. However, in my opinion, the punch in the final part is lacking. Apart from that, it's one of the most original scripts I've encountered.

Nicholas Cage, the main standout in the film, deserves special mention. He plays the character with great precision and quality in every aspect, and I'm glad he was chosen for the lead role. Other actors also deliver decent performances.

As I mentioned, the script is genuinely interesting, but I believe it couldn't fully reach its potential, which disappointed me a bit. Up to three-quarters of the film, everything progresses accurately, but the downfall of the protagonist in the last part seems meaningless and ends with a simple conclusion. It could have pushed boundaries further when it was already capable of provoking profound thoughts.

The cinematography and shots were exceptionally clean. Just as I admired the angles and colors in "Sick of Myself," this film also exhibited high quality in those aspects.

For a detailed analysis, the film accurately touches on social media, attributing meaning to dreams, exploiting and lynching people, smearing reputations, and erasing individuals from life. It beautifully illustrates how a seemingly absurd situation is perceived as selfish by family members, drawing parallels to how this affects children and portraying the painful consequences when everyone thinks only of themselves. The film addresses the culture of lynching, highlighting that there are no longer limits to it, and it's endless. We can criticize and dislike, even hate, but making someone or a situation a target doesn't make it any easier, and the film precisely delves into this. Paul's character eventually succumbs, loses control, and adopts his dream personality. Here, there's a fantastic critique of how people are influenced by situations and how they characterize themselves. Hence, I enjoyed the film.

However, in the last paragraph, I want to express a disappointment. After Paul's collapse and separation from his wife, I think they could have portrayed the situations even more pessimistically and metaphysically. This way, it wouldn't have ended with a seemingly meaningless conclusion like, "Well, the book is published, the man continues, what now?" The film, with a script solidly rooted in societal critique for three-quarters of its duration, should not have ended with the most straightforward ending. Nevertheless, I'll closely follow Borgli; he's likely to surprise us in the future. Recommended for viewing.

What If...?: What If... Happy Hogan Saved Christmas? (2023) Season 2, Episode 3

Please Pay Attention to Filler Episodes

[5/10 · 25 December 2023]

I want to clarify that this is not for the entire series but just to give an idea, and I won't make it too long.

Don't you think filler episodes are being taken a bit lightly? I mean, the idea of turning Happy into Hulk is funny and interesting, but when it's executed so poorly, watching it feels equivalent to staring at my home's wall for 30 minutes.

I'm not saying every episode involving the Avengers should be super serious, but those who say 'wow, that was good' after watching this episode really can't imagine how much below the potential of this series it falls.

A season filled with references to the cinematic universe, delving into characters and events that could lead to an abundance of unexplored material - the series should do more than turning Happy into Hulk and turning enemies into clowns.

This is not a rock-bottom level, but please, do more than this.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

I feel embarrassed; this unnecessary ending is embarrassing.

[4/10 · 23 December 2023]

The DCEU has finally concluded. I won't provide a general critique of the DCEU, but it has been a process that taught us even superheroes should be taken seriously. As for the movie, it's disappointing and unnecessary. One of the most pointless films I've ever watched.

Let me express my main frustration: no matter how solid the elements, cast, director, and budget of this DCEU film are, the result is a colossal embarrassment. A summary of how $205 million is wasted. Now, let me touch on all the disgrace briefly.

Firstly, what are these effects? In the year 2024, a film with a $205 million budget should not have CGI resembling 1998. It's a disgrace, truly embarrassing.

Now, onto the fight scenes. How were they rushed and so ordinary? Whoever designed them should stay away from the action genre. Such absurdities in two crucial elements are unbelievably shameful.

Now, onto the other nonsense. This dark power, the conflict between two brothers, and the lack of tension in dark scenes - it felt like watching Snow White. Even the horror elements in a film directed by James Wan turned out to be a disgrace. I'm embarrassed on behalf of the director.

Orm's portrayal is a separate disaster. How can a sibling relationship be depicted so artificially? The script feels like that of a middle schooler, and the portrayal of Orm's misery after years of imprisonment is a complete failure.

To sum it up, I could list many more things. From the forced father-son dialogues to turning a serious issue like global warming into a child's plaything, I could mention everything. However, what I don't understand is ending a cinematic universe in a trashy way, even worse than the first film with a decent IMDb rating of 6.8. It feels like an insult to the audience, the viewers, and time itself. A superhero story can be dramatic, impactful, and serious without relying on external events, without rushing. There are numerous examples, but this film, in terms of its plot and elements, could easily have had a rating of 7.6-7.7 IMDb, yet it will be remembered as one of the most artificial works I've seen, forgotten in two months. This disgrace is enough for the entire production team, the director, and the writers. Shame on them.

Note: Nicole Kidman is a great actress; I have immense respect for her, even in her tiny scenes, she makes Atlantis felt.

Rick and Morty: Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie (2023) Season 7, Episode 8

What did i watch?

[2/10 · 6 December 2023]

I watched Rick and Morty last unbelievable episode, thinking about how it could become even more boring in the latest episode, but to my surprise, it turned out to be not just boring but a downright disastrous episode.

Ironically, it was written with the intention of being very funny, yet I believe it's by far the worst episode in the history of Rick and Morty.

Out of 8 episodes, only 2 were genuinely good; the majority were mediocre, and this episode has done something so absurd that it's beyond criticism.

I pondered which audience segment in the USA they were targeting, and I feel there isn't one. These rapper jokes are just out of place, seriously. They have no connection to the essence of the show, providing no amusement, laughter, or even distraction. It's like messing up the show by trying too hard to parody, and it doesn't work.

I don't know what should change, but I don't think it's an issue with the voice actors; I believe the problem lies with the writing team. I can't find any other explanation.

WWE Survivor Series WarGames (2023 TV Special)

Cm Punk and Randy's returns in wrestling marked a outstanding victory for WWE and the fans.

[9/10 · 26 November 2023]

Although I usually don't evaluate wrestling matches and often watch them on delay, yesterday WWE gave us a teaser for an amazing 2024 spoiler, and Randy Orton's returns, despite being announced, was incredible and befitting of the main event. Cm Punk surprised many of us by delivering a knockout, making me feel happier than I have in a long time. Thank you, Triple H, you are the best.

Regarding the pay-per-view, both WarGames matches were excellent. I was expecting them to be even more intense, but they were still very good. The only downside was Rhea retaining her title match; otherwise, everything was appropriate, and I think the storylines were well-written. This surprised and pleased me because, in many pay-per-views, aside from 1-2 matches, the quality has been declining.

Legends and new wrestlers are now working well together, and I hope WWE continues to develop this storyline, surpassing the incredible event from yesterday. This commentary does justice to the event.

Last Call for Istanbul (2023)

A fun start, even more senseless than senseless-a disappointing ending once again.

[4/10 · 24 November 2023]

I just finished watching it, and once again, unfortunately, it was a disappointment. Netflix Turkey continues to produce works that are simple and, in my opinion, well below the expected level. The simple and poor ending, along with an uninteresting 2nd and 3rd act, truly surprised me.

Firstly, the film's obvious flaw, in my opinion, was the idea of turning the romantic-comedy plot established in the first 40 minutes into a game played by a married couple and two strangers who are new to each other. This idea caused the entire first 40 minutes to be wasted because there was no smooth transition between the two parts. It felt as if Beren Saat and Kivanc Tatlitug played some scenes six months ago and some scenes six months later, damaging the performances of these two actors. Their performances were generally ordinary due to this imbalance, and in a film like this, the acting should have stood out.

Another part I didn't like at all was the ending. It became tedious with the cliché of connecting everything to a suitcase and an overly clichéd reunion. I got bored at the end, even though around the 30th minute, I thought they had at least managed to make a light-hearted film.

The film's only positive aspect was its successful portrayal of New York. Having such an opportunity and creating this film with a scenario reminiscent of a middle school Wattpad book is incredibly funny and bad. It's a disgrace that there is nothing different in all the Netflix Turkey works I've watched recently; there's zero imagination, which is a huge disappointment.

The music selections were successful, and there were two or three scenes with fast cuts that worked well. The costume choices were okay; I liked them. However, a terrible script, combined with two actors who were influenced by this script and acted artificially, ruined the film.

In the final paragraph, let's reflect on this. It's incomprehensible to gather such talented actors and produce such dull works. Has our imagination really died? I've seen many things much more quality than this for ten or twenty thousand dollars. I don't think it's about money. There's nothing more to say; it's a shame.

Scavengers Reign (2023)

A completely different visual experience.

[9/10 · 23 November 2023]

I've just finished Scavengers Reign, and I can say it truly offers a unique visuality, especially when watched in a dark environment. Some scenes are so impactful that it feels like insect creatures or anything could touch you at any moment. This, in my opinion, is a truly distinctive achievement.

This visuality, independent of everything else, elevates both its score and the viewing pleasure to a different level. Apart from this detail, I also loved the narrative style. The way each character is thoroughly explained allowed me to understand and connect with them in short durations of 20-24 minutes, which is superb.

And what I have always mentioned in my previous critiques but was never done properly - how to execute flashback placements. This is how it's done. The flashbacks are incredibly well-placed and provide the right amount of clarity, which is very valuable to me.

It's almost flawless, with very few shortcomings. If I have to point something out, the first two episodes can be a bit dull, and the ending leaves you feeling like a second season is coming, although there hasn't been any official announcement. I personally feel disappointed about this. If it were to end in a single season, a cleaner conclusion could have been achieved by adding a couple more episodes. However, considering the statements from the creators (Joe Bennett and Charles Huettner), I believe there's a high possibility of a second season.

It must be watched for its documentary-like feel and the unique world it presents. It should be a source of inspiration in many aspects.