films Archives - ASK THE RAZZ

By - Razzouk Razzouk

An Uneven Portrayal: Reflecting on the Short Film Depicting Antoune Saadeh

I recently had the opportunity to watch a short film at the Galaxy Grand Cinema that aimed to portray the epic figure of Antoune Saadee, a monumental figure in the history of Lebanon and Greater Syria. However, my experience left me somewhat disappointed, as I felt the film failed to do justice to the importance

By - Razzouk Razzouk

A Tale of Two Carols: Classic vs Diverse Interpretations

This is the season to be jolly, and what better way to usher in the festive spirit than with a heartwarming rendition of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol.” Over the years, we’ve seen various adaptations of this beloved tale, ranging from the traditional classics to more diverse and inclusive interpretations that reflect the

By - Razzouk Razzouk

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – An Electrifying Prequel That Outdoes The Hunger Games

The much-anticipated movie adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has captured the hearts of Hunger Games fans everywhere. This gripping prequel film, set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen’s fight for survival in the arena, tells the origin story of the sinister President Snow and his complex relationship with District 12 tribute

By - Razzouk Razzouk

Scott’s Napoleon: Lazy Mockery Robs Viewers of Real Insight

As someone fascinated with the Napoleonic era, I entered the theater to watch Ridley Scott’s take on the French emperor with high hopes – but walked out rather unsatisfied. Now showing in cinemas, Scott’s Napoleon aims more for low-brow laughs than an intricate exploration of the complex man behind the myth. Don’t get me wrong,

By - Razzouk Razzouk

The State of the Film Industry: Examining Creativity and Originality

In 2007, I had an opinion that I posted back then before having a blog that expressed concern over the state of the film industry. I argued that many filmmakers at the time were lacking in creativity and relying too heavily on remakes and prequels of successful movies. They lamented the fact that there seemed

By - Razzouk Razzouk

76 Years After Citizen Kane: Has Any Film in the Last Decade Matched Its Mastery?*

It’s been seventy-six years since Citizen Kane first graced the silver screen, and like a fine wine, it seems to get better with age, further solidifying its reputation as one of the greatest films ever made. Every passing year only strengthens its mystique, making it harder for modern cinema to rival its innovative storytelling, groundbreaking

By - Pierre Kassar

The Promise : Empire attempt to wipe an entire nation

In the last few weeks before the release of the movie worldwide and Lebanon, there was a lot of discussion how the movie through ratings via IMDB & Rotten Tomatoes being hijacked by thousand of reviewers through very low ratings with the majority not writing a single note on the movie. For the reason mentioned

By - Razzouk Razzouk

Lebanese Cinema is Alive

Cinema is all about passion, risk, and artistic taste and letting your dreams control your vision and lead you to the stars. A few weeks back I was watching an interview with the producers of a newly released film in the Lebanese Cinemas, that got some awards at the Dubai Film Festival, ” Nuts”. When

By - Razzouk Razzouk

Rediscovering Steve Carell in Cafe Society

Am not going to ruin the movie to anyone who didn’t watch in Lebanon because pretty much majority didn’t watch. Though, there’s something you really should know about it. Saying this I have to give my gratitude to Woody Allen on the choice of casting Mr. Carell in such role that requires comedy and drama

By - Razzouk Razzouk

Chris Pratt Shines, But the Rest of The Magnificent Seven Misses the Mark*

The film was a major letdown. The screenplay felt weak, and several casting choices were questionable at best. The actor who played the villain, for instance, fell flat—he came across more like a sidekick than a true antagonist. His lack of menace made it hard to take him seriously as a genuine threat. A particularly