mariam_najafi Reviews

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

not very funny

[7/10 · 7 May 2023]

Marvel films are at their best when they have an interesting plot, a non stupid villain and a funny dynamic between the lead characters.

This film had two out of three, not bad but definitely not great. Which is a huge shame because the first two of the trilogy were FUNNY.

I LOVED Rockets backstory. It was sweet and the right kind of sad. The villain was perfect. The plot was brilliant, well paced, interesting.

But the team dynamic was so underwhelming. Drax and Mantis carried the humour of the entire movie. Peter was miserable throughout, it was honestly so dull and annoying. Really not sure who thought repeating Thors tired storyline was a good idea. And while Rockets story was brilliant, it did take him out of the main plot and the group dynamic.

Overall it was good but could have been a lot better.

Firefly Lane (2021–2023)

uneven. warmth of story marred by bad plot development

[7/10 · 30 April 2023]

I think the best thing about this show is the characterisation of the female leads, excellently portrayed. I felt the feminist themes were really well done, they didn't hold back but it was just subtly threaded throughout the show.

I really loved having a show about female friendship that is entirely focused on the platonic love of the protagonists.

The big downside for me was the 'big fight'. It was so out of character for Kate and was justified for so long that it really ruined the story. They never explained why everyone went along with cutting Tully out of their lives, even when Bud died. These people raised Tully and treated her like family. It was so bizarre.

It almost made me feel like the book and show were quite different and this was a plot point from the book they couldn't change.

The Witcher: Blood Origin: Of Ballads, Brawlers, and Bloodied Blades (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

Great beginning to a new fantasy show

[10/10 · 1 January 2023]

I love that they've created a new witcher story with an overarching plot. I'm sad to find out it seems to be a limited series, as I'd love to have more of this show. And hope they at least make other spin offs.

This first episode had a great set up for a classic fantasy plot, interesting characters, really well acted. I was excited to see both Michelle Yeoh and Lenny Henry. And to top it off the costumes were brilliant with a special mention for everything Merwyn wears.

I really enjoyed the beginning of the episode, and loved that they found a way to include Jaskier.

Tldr; ignore the review bombers and give the show a go.

The Woman King (2022)

excellent cast and beautiful cinematography

[8/10 · 17 October 2022]

This is a great story, well told. It had great action sequences, inspiring female leads and it really tackled the impact of the slave trade in West Africa. How the trade devastated lives but also how the survival of these kingdoms were made dependant in taking part.

The creative licence in the story is the idea that any kingdom could succeed against colonial wealth and weapons by no longer taking part in the slave trade. That dahomey made such a choice and could survive doing so.

I think it's interesting that a film with a black cast, a black director and black owned production company is inundated with care for 'historical accuracy' about the crimes of dahomey especially when those crimes are acknowledged in the film.

But I guess not even a sliver of creative licence is allowed when it comes to a historical film that shows black people as anything other than being enslaved.

Jackie Brown (1997)

Pam Grier delivers

[9/10 · 18 September 2022]

I think this film was ahead of its time and would highly recommend it to anyone with the chance to see it. The lead character is a 40+ black woman, who is tough, smart and strong, and free of stereotypes.

Jackie Brown is played beautifully by Pam Grier and I think she deserved at least an Oscar nomination. I enjoyed the heist plot, the tension was greater than your regular heist movie due to the sudden violent deaths peppered through the movie. I liked that the movie was less classically tarantino, which is I guess is why it was less successful at the time.

I also really enjoyed the romance.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Fun and smart

[10/10 · 1 August 2022]

I loved this film. It's a fun manic ride, with excellent costume changes and sparks of humour. It also has a great cast of well written and played characters, with an underlying drama of real depth.

One of my favourite films of the year.

Hit the Road (2021)

perfection

[10/10 · 31 July 2022]

This film was phenomenal. It is rare to watch something that has you laughing and crying, then leaves you staying to the final credits in order to process your emotions.

A cathartic and intimate portrayal of exile.

Stranger Things (2016–2025)

Just keeps getting better and better

[10/10 · 4 July 2022]

Love the characters and 80s nostalgia. Some great character development, especially with Steve.

Coherent world building, which for an original sci fi is super unusual and great overall plot(s).

Really loving this (fourth) season - show just keeps getting better and better.

I May Destroy You (2020)

A work of art

[10/10 · 4 July 2022]

I cannot properly convey how phenomenal a show I may destroy you is. If you've not watched it yet do yourself a favour by watching this work of art, classic in waiting.

Thank you Michaela Coel.

Been So Long (2018)

Brilliant acting, slow movie

[6/10 · 14 July 2021]

Really brilliant acting from the whole cast, had some excellent sections in the film but overall it dragged and was a bit directionless.

Giri/Haji (2019)

Started of strong, got progressively worse

[5/10 · 8 July 2021]

I'm really gutted about how this show turned out. It had so much potential. But the plot really let it down.

Quantico (2015–2018)

the dumbest show I've ever watched

[2/10 · 5 July 2021]

Every single plot development is so nonsensical. From the secret twin agent plan, to catching the terrorists by making everyone who can help catch the terrorist think you're the terrorist.

Altered Carbon (2018–2020)

Second season was great

[9/10 · 28 August 2020]

Such a shame this show was cancelled, bizarre complaints re season 2, it was just as good if not better than the first (slow going at the beginning then picks up after a few episodes).

Netflix should have kept the faith in this show, it's one the best sci fi originals they have.

The Lovebirds (2020)

I laughed throughout

[9/10 · 31 May 2020]

I was hesitant to watch this film as the reviews weren't great and Netflix movies are very hit or miss, but this film was really really funny. The leads have good chemistry and I laughed throughout the whole film.

Game of Thrones: The Long Night (2019) Season 8, Episode 3

Perfection

[10/10 · 2 May 2019]

This was the perfect pay off of aryas story arc, and if you've been reading the books it was almost decades long wait.

The fight sequences were brilliant, the music was perfect and tbh the darkness added to the confused atmosphere of battle. Could not have asked for a more perfect episode.