Sound Speed Action Sohrab Amid-Hozour

Episode 38 - Hype Episode: Road to Perdition (2002)
Quick update - "Sohrab's Movie Queue" is now "Sound Speed Action"!
In this brief episode, it’s all about Sam Mendes' 2002 triumph, Road to Perdition. Starring Tom Hanks and Paul Newman, this prohibition-era graphic novel adaptation crime drama is one of my top three favorite films. Explore the perfect blend of storytelling, cinematography, and music. Find out why this movie is endlessly rewatchable and a standout in my top movie lists. Streaming now on Amazon Prime Video and Paramount Plus in the States.


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Warning: This episode discusses explicit content and themes. Viewer discretion is advised.
In this episode, my cousin Roya Tavakolian and I break down the critically acclaimed "Poor Things" (2023), directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Emma Stone shines as Bella Baxter, in a performance that led to her winning Best Actress at the 96th Academy Awards. We highlight the film’s inventive narrative, standout cast, and its exploration of themes like autonomy and societal norms. We also touch on Mark Ruffalo’s intriguing character and the film’s striking visual style. "Poor Things" is available on Hulu and for rent/purchase. Tune in for a comprehensive review of this remarkable film.


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Episode 36 - Review: Ferrari (2023)
After 20 years of trying to get "Ferrari" made (including several actors being attached to the film only to depart shortly after), Mann got his lead cast together with Adam Driver playing Enzo Ferrari (2nd time playing a famous Italian entrepreneur after leading in "House of Gucci") and Penélope Cruz as Laura Ferrari, a standout in this movie. Challenges this movie faced included casting as mentioned, COVID-related production challenges, and challenges with distribution in the States because the original distributor STX Films shut down their distribution and marketing operations, so the film was eventually sold to the distributor Neon for US theatrical release on Christmas Day (awful placement considering other films that would be competing with it around that holiday time).
However, after all of these challenges, this movie shows that Mann has not lost his magic touch at all. He directs a tight, tense, and emotional story about Enzo, Laura, and their legendary company Ferrari. The movie focuses on the year 1957 (just 10 years after the launch of the company). The company is on the verge of bankruptcy and needs to make a big splash if it is to continue. The 1,000-mile race, the Mille Miglia, is the perfect opportunity for Ferrari to win and make said splash. Everything has to go just right. No pressure.
Adam Driver and Penélope Cruz are captivating as the leads. The pacing is perfect. The music by Daniel Pemberton injects the right thrills. Pemberton only had one week to score the movie! He does an incredible job with it. Erik Messerschmidt is the cinematographer who beautifully shoots the movie. He also shot the amazing David Fincher movie "The Killer" that was also released in 2023. For negatives, Shailene Woodley was underutilized in the movie, and that arc was maybe unnecessary. On the other hand, it only seems unnecessary because her character and story seemed rushed and a little underdeveloped, but maybe if it was made as a TV series (watch Mann’s brilliant HBO series "Tokyo Vice") that might be a better format for a longer form story where roles like Woodley’s character could be properly shown.
"Ferrari" is still a very powerful story. It is one of my favorite movies of 2023 and is available to rent and/or purchase on all platforms. Enjoy the movie and thank you for listening.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sohrabsmovieq.substack.com

Episode 35 - SPOILER Review: Oppenheimer (2023)
Two special guests, Papa Hozour and Kathy Garber, join me today to talk about the latest Christopher Nolan epic which seems to be on a clear path to sweep at the upcoming Oscars.
After years of success at Warner Bros, his major minor tantrum over the disaster that was the movie “Tenet” and Warner Bros and its irresponsible rollout, Nolan seems to have found his stride at Universal Pictures taking up this “lower budget” ($100 million) feature and within that budget Universal giving him carte blanche on how to deliver that film. I don’t hide that I don’t exactly see this Director in the best light and yet it is what it is - I absolutely loved the film “Oppenheimer”. Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr, Emily Blunt (doesn’t get talked about enough for this movie) and so many others that make up this amazing cast. No actor (no matter how big or small their scene is) has their screen time wasted in this film. Ludwig Göransson (Composer), Jennifer Lame (Editor), Hoyte Van Hoytema (Cinematographer), Christopher Nolan (Writer/Producer/Director) - the entire team behind the camera also played key roles in catapulting this movie to being a brilliant epic that has endless rewatchability.
“Oppenheimer” is available to stream on Peacock and is available to rent and or purchase on all platforms. 


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Episode 34 - Hype: Sneakers (1992)
There are so many great movies that came from the 90’s, but “Sneakers” is one that not only stands out but is one that I either return from time to watch again and again or stop and watch some (or all of) whenever I find it playing anywhere. 
While I can appreciate dark, twisted espionage thrillers, 'Sneakers' takes a different path. It steers away from what we have more recently been accustomed to with the usual gritty tones for a blend of light-hearted mischief, humor, and suspense, making it a uniquely enjoyable experience.. You have a one of a kind cast with Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Mary McDonnell, River Phoenix, Dan Aykroyd, Ben Kingsley, David Strathairn, Donal Logue, Stephen Tobolowsky, Timothy Busfield and more. It kind of (I am reaching here a little bit) feels like the precursor to the Ocean’s 11 reboot with its group of goofy characters facing real threats. This movie is written by the team behind “WarGames” and is directed by the always entertaining Phil Alden Robinson (“Field of Dreams”, “The Sum of All Fears”, and the series “The Good Fight”). The movie’s crown jewel, however, is its music. Composer James Horner, known for 'Avatar', 'Braveheart', and 'Titanic', delivers one of my all-time favorite scores. Everyone behind and in front of the camera brings their A-game to this movie. Yes at times its a little cheesy and feels a little dated, but none of that gets in the way of this movie being pure fun. 
The only frustration I have with this movie is its bad title. As you will hear in this episode, there were other great title options that were included in the movie! 
Other than that one (but important) frustration this early 90’s hit is one that if you have not seen it that I highly recommend you check out. 
“Sneakers” is available to rent and or purchase on all platforms. Enjoy the movie and thanks for listening.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sohrabsmovieq.substack.com

Episode 33 - Halloween and SPOILER Review episode : Talk to Me (2023)
Audio recorded on October 24, 2023
IMPORTANT NOTE: This review episode focuses on a horror film and includes topics and scene descriptions and topics that are serious, dark, graphic and disturbing in nature. To be absolutely clear, the discussion in this episode seeks to only make clear these topics were part of the telling of the story of this film.
Additional note: Chris’ movie example was not “The Cave” but rather it was the 2005 movie “The Descent”. Also please disregard the movies I mention as my halloween favorites: 1) “Village of the Damned” from 1995 aged sooooo poorly. Interesting concept but wow going back and looking at it, it’s pretty awful and 2) “Arachnophobia” is an amazing horror movie but (in my opinion alone) it’s not a halloween movie.
Strike update: 1)  As of October 29, 2023 we are at 3 and a half months (107 days) into the ongoing strike between SAG-AFTRA (acting union) and the AMPTP (body representing the studios).
Looking for that perfect jump-scare-loaded halloween movie? The feature debut film for YouTube personalities Danny and Michael Philippou, “Talk to Me” serves up just that. This indie Australian horror movie pushes the limits for the horror genre and keeps you guessing up until the very end. The story isn’t without some issues and moments of confusion. What helps for the most part carry the movie is the fact that is a very unique indie horror film. Besides being a movie that really makes you squirm (and yes at times a little bit too much), it is also a very interesting commentary. As mentioned before though some issues in the film persist like understanding why certain things are happening. Certainly we don’t need thorough explanations but what is needed is just enough info so we can care about the people in this story. 
Friend of the podcast, Chris Cheng, returns after joining previously to review “Smile” in episode 28. On this episode, we break down this movie and then we shift to going over some of our favorite horror movies. 
“Talk to Me” is available to rent and buy on all platforms. 
Wishing you all a wonderful. Stay spooky and thanks for listening.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sohrabsmovieq.substack.com