Diresh Sherid
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Stories (126/0)
Mean Girls (2024) Movie Review
The 2004 teen comedy "Mean Girls," originally penned by Tina Fey and inspired by Rosalind Wiseman's book "Queen Bees and Wannabes," has cemented its status as a millennial cult classic over the past two decades. While the original film boasted zesty one-liners and a star-studded cast including Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert, and Amanda Seyfried, its humor often stumbled into racially insensitive territory and other problematic tropes typical of the mid-2000s. However, this fresh interpretation helmed by directors Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr., based on the 2018 Broadway adaptation, injects a contemporary twist into the narrative, breathing new life into the familiar tale.
By Diresh Sherid2 months ago in Geeks
Wonka (2023) Movie Review
"Candy serves no greater purpose than to simply be enjoyed. That's the essence of candy," declared the eccentric candy-maker Willy Wonka to a curious visitor at his factory, as immortalized in the cinematic adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic tale, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Fast forward to the present day, and director Paul King's latest venture, "Wonka," a prequel to the beloved story, brings this philosophy to life in a whimsical two-hour musical comedy. Drawing inspiration from Dahl's universe while carving its own path, "Wonka" aims to tug at heartstrings but primarily delights in entertaining, leaving the audience cheering as the villains meet their match.
By Diresh Sherid2 months ago in Geeks
Next Goal Wins (2023) Movie Review
Can a film be deemed formulaic if it draws inspiration from real events? Perhaps. Like any cinematic work, it ultimately hinges on the execution— the tone, the style, the narrative choices crafted by the filmmakers. "Next Goal Wins" serves as a compelling case study in this regard. This uplifting football comedy, co-penned and helmed by Taika Waititi (known for his work on two Thor films, "Jojo Rabbit," and more) alongside Iain Morris ("The Inbetweeners"), takes its cues from a true story. In 2014, Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen embarked on a mission to train the American Samoa soccer team, aiming to redeem their spirits and qualify for the FIFA World Cup, following a devastating 31-0 loss to Australia—the worst defeat in World Cup history.
By Diresh Sherid2 months ago in Geeks
Io Capitano (2023) Movie Review
Matteo Garrone, the Italian director renowned for his stark portrayals of human nature, showcases his talent for capturing the depths of human cruelty in "Io Capitano." Unlike his previous works, Garrone's latest film follows the journey of two Senegalese cousins, Seydou and Moussa, as they embark on a perilous quest from Dakar to Europe. While their aspirations initially paint their adventure as a classic quest for fame and fortune, the harsh realities of migration soon shatter their innocence.
By Diresh Sherid2 months ago in Geeks
Red Right Hand (2024) Movie Review
"In these hills, survival comes with a price tag soaked in blood," purrs Big Cat (Andie MacDowell), a formidable Appalachian drug lord, moments before her henchmen offer a grisly sacrifice to her guard dogs. This gritty narrative sets the tone for "Red Right Hand," a gritty crime thriller penned by first-time screenwriter Jonathan Easley and helmed by directors Ian and Eshom Nelms, echoing the thematic undercurrents of their 2017 hit, "Small Town Crime."
By Diresh Sherid2 months ago in Geeks
All of Us Strangers (2023) Movie Review
In "All of Us Strangers," Andrew Scott embodies a profound ache that stretches across his features with thunderous intensity. His eyes, softly lidded, and his lips twisted, convey a haunting portrayal in Andrew Haigh's melancholic ghost story. Here, amidst the echoes of unsaid words, Scott, renowned for his fierce intelligence, delivers the pinnacle of his career, infusing shrewdness with tragedy.
By Diresh Sherid2 months ago in Geeks
The Social Dilemma (2020) Movie Review
In the new documentary "The Social Dilemma," we learn that social media has insidiously and fundamentally changed our behavior, and not for the better. Our brains are being manipulated and even rewired by algorithms that are designed to get our attention and make us buy things, including distorted ideas about the world, ourselves, and each other.
By Diresh Sheridabout a year ago in Geeks
The War With Grandpa (2020) Movie Review
"The War with Grandpa" Is a Misfire with a Meanness at Odds with Its Feel-Good Message The film "The War with Grandpa" is a comedy that features Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, Christopher Walken, Cheech Marin, and Jane Seymour. It is directed by Tim Hill and is based on the children's book by Robert Kimmel Smith. The story follows Pete (Oakes Fegley), a middle child who is happy with his family and is starting middle school with his loyal group of pals. However, when his grandfather, Ed (De Niro), starts having trouble functioning on his own, Pete's mom, Sally (Thurman), suggests that he come and live with them. This new living arrangement means that Pete must move out of his room and into the attic upstairs. This leads to an all-out war between Pete and Ed as Pete's friends suggest that he plays a bunch of tricks on his grandfather to make his life hell.
By Diresh Sheridabout a year ago in Geeks
The Devil All The Time (2020) Movie Review
Antonio Campos’ adaptation of Donald Ray Pollock’s “The Devil All the Time” is a bold and sprawling drama that explores the dark side of humanity through multiple generations impacted by violence in the heartland of America. With so much going on under its surface and an array of characters to keep track of, some elements of the film are minimized, making it feel like it would have worked better as a mini-series. However, the film's ambitious scope and willingness to bite off more than it can chew ultimately override any shortcomings, resulting in a memorable and powerful experience for viewers.
By Diresh Sheridabout a year ago in Geeks
Enola Holmes (2020) Movie Review
Enola Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, returns in a cheeky and breezy sequel that surpasses the original. The character has evolved and gained a better sense of who she is, resulting in a more action-packed story with less time spent on explanations. The movie revolves around a mystery that is inspired by a real-life event, making it genuinely inspiring.
By Diresh Sheridabout a year ago in Geeks
The Silencing (2020) Movie Review
Rayburn Swanson is a not-quite-grizzled sort-of warden who oversees a wildlife sanctuary named after his daughter who disappeared five years prior, only in her teens. Rayburn is still printing and posting missing person fliers for his daughter. After kicking off a would-be poacher, one red-bearded man calls him "a goddamn tree hugger."
By Diresh Sheridabout a year ago in Geeks
You Should Have Left (2020) Movie Review
The horror genre has always been an interesting space for filmmakers to explore. The genre demands a certain level of creativity, imagination, and a willingness to push the boundaries of what audiences can handle. It's a genre that has given us some of the most iconic films of all time, from classics like "The Exorcist" and "The Shining" to modern masterpieces like "Get Out" and "Hereditary." Unfortunately, "You Should Have Left," the latest horror film from director David Koepp and starring Kevin Bacon, fails to live up to the high standards set by its predecessors.
By Diresh Sheridabout a year ago in Geeks