fadybaseleem

This film had all the ingredients for success-an ambitious premise, a star-studded cast, and solid production values. Unfortunately, it falls victim to its own limitations, trying to cram too many characters and storylines into a runtime that simply can't do them justice. As a result, the narrative feels rushed, events unfold in a cramped and disjointed manner, and the emotional weight of the story gets lost in the shuffle.

Instead of delivering a gripping drama, the film ends up feeling more like a missed opportunity. With so many characters vying for screen time, there's little room for meaningful development, making it hard to connect with any of them. For a movie centered on suffering and misery, that lack of emotional engagement is a fatal flaw. By the time the formula started repeating itself, it was difficult to stay invested.

The cast, despite their undeniable talent, is left stranded with weak dialogue and inconsistent character arcs. The excitement of seeing certain actors return to the screen is quickly dampened by a lack of direction and attention to detail. Some of the most dramatic scenes unintentionally drift into unintentional comedy, making them feel hollow rather than moving.

In the end, this project might have fared much better as a TV series, with each character getting a dedicated episode to flesh out their backstory and motivations. If Netflix, Shahid, or OSN ever decide to take on this concept in a proper episodic format, there could be real potential.

As it stands, however, the film struggles to justify its runtime. If you were eagerly anticipating it, you might find yourself more entertained by checking your watch than watching the movie.

Not recommended!

This film is a fascinating, if slightly uneven, dramedy that showcases Robin Williams in a refreshingly restrained performance. While audiences may have expected his usual manic energy, he delivers a surprisingly nuanced portrayal of Joey, a middle-aged Cadillac salesman whose talent for persuasion extends far beyond the dealership. Between juggling an ex-wife, multiple girlfriends, a gangster breathing down his neck, and a boss demanding impossible sales quotas, Joey finds himself in the midst of the worst week of his life.

And just when things couldn't get any worse-enter Tim Robbins, playing a jealous and not particularly bright husband wielding a plastique bomb. What follows is a hostage situation that blends real tension with moments of absurdity, anchored by some top-notch, naturalistic exchanges between Williams and Robbins. Their chemistry is undeniable, with interactions that feel both improvised and effortlessly sharp.

However, the film isn't without its missteps. While Williams and Robbins shine, some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, particularly the underwritten dealership crew. The subplot involving a police captain and a Chinese restaurant leans into farce but doesn't always land, and the frequent use of Fran Drescher (and her ever-present dog) may test the patience of anyone not already a fan. The first half of the film also meanders a bit, struggling to find momentum before picking up steam during the hostage standoff.

That said, this movie rewards viewers who pay attention. The humor isn't broad or slapstick-it's subtle, woven into dialogue and situational absurdities that play off classic hostage drama tropes. It's a film that trusts its audience to catch the quieter, more intelligent jokes rather than spoon-feeding punchlines. If you're willing to engage with its dry wit and appreciate the standout performances, there's a lot to enjoy here.

It may not be a perfect film, but between the compelling lead performances, unexpected emotional depth, and a cleverly understated comedic approach, it's certainly worth a watch. Just maybe keep an eye on your explosives-especially if you got them in Jersey.

Final Score: 6/10-flawed but engaging, with plenty of charm.

The Worst Batman Movie Ever Made (and That's Saying Something)

Bravo to the filmmakers for redefining Batman... as a whiny, emo fashion disaster stumbling through a three-hour snoozefest! "The Dark Knight" didn't just turn into a Neo-Noir film-it tripped, fell, and drowned in its own pretentiousness.

Let's talk casting genius! Detective Gordon is now portrayed by an actor of African descent whose performance screams, "I'm just here for the paycheck." And Catwoman? Oh, joy-a "semi-African" actress who delivers her lines with all the emotion of a damp sponge, complete with an unflattering haircut and a physique that looks more "malnourished alley cat" than sultry feline.

Alfred? He gets a pass-barely. Decked out in black (because, you know, subtlety is overrated), even he can't distract from this dimly lit debacle. Did the budget for lightbulbs run out, or was this an artistic choice to reflect the script's black hole of creativity?

Then there's the design. Wow. Just wow. The worst Batman suit ever conceived-it looks like it was cobbled together in a high school cosplay club. The Batmobile? A glorified junkyard project on wheels. And the soundtrack? Let's just say you won't be humming it anytime soon.

But wait-it gets better. The Riddler, that iconic mastermind, is reimagined as the most unwatchable villain in Batman history. Meanwhile, The Penguin, played by the only bright spot, Colin Farrell, tries his best to rescue this sinking ship. Spoiler: even he can't.

And Robert Pattinson as Batman? Oh, sweet Edward Cullen. This "Dark Knight" is more broody, sparkly mess than caped crusader. He's officially joined George Clooney in the hall of infamy for "actors who should never have touched the cape."

Oh, and the runtime? At nearly three hours, it's so unnecessarily long you'll start questioning your life choices by the halfway mark. Watching this feels like a punishment-a slog through endless scenes of a lanky, eyeliner-smeared rich kid pretending to be scary. Spoiler alert: he's not.

This isn't Batman. It's a self-indulgent, pseudo-artistic catastrophe dressed in black. Please, for the love of Gotham, don't make a sequel. And as for the director? Maybe it's time to consider a career in landscaping-something far, far away from the camera!