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ILLUMINAKING BY FAIZ FAISAL


Movie Review: Mortal Kombat II
Mortal Kombat II is a visual treat for fans, but is it a "good" movie? While the second half is an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride with stunning fight scenes, the first half drags, and the "dad joke" humor feels like an SNL skit. It’s on par with the first film and boasts a bigger roster, but the weak story and the treatment of Queen Sindel hold it back. A 6/10 experience that hits the nostalgic sweet spot but misses the mark on narrative.

Faiz Faisal
May 81 min read


Movie Review: The Devil Wears Prada 2
Think the original was untouchable? Think again. The Devil Wears Prada 2 officially "ate." From the return of the iconic trio (Miranda, Andy, and Emily) to a jaw-dropping Lady Gaga cameo, this sequel tackles the death of print media with style and heart. It’s a mature, high-stakes look at Andy Sachs’ professional growth and the struggle to balance a career with a personal life. If you love fashion and pop culture, this is the 9/10 masterpiece you’ve been waiting for!

Faiz Faisal
May 12 min read


Movie Review: Michael
From being terrified of the Thriller video as a kid to witnessing his legacy on the big screen, the new Michael biopic is a nostalgic triumph. As a casual fan who grew up with his music, I found the film endearing and visually stunning. While it may paint a "perfect" picture, Jaafar Jackson’s transformative performance makes it feel like MJ is back. Here is why this 8/10 film is a must-watch for anyone who loves pop culture.

Faiz Faisal
Apr 242 min read


Movie Review: Lee Cronin's The Mummy
I wanted to love Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, especially after the triumph of Evil Dead Rise. While the gore is a 10/10 masterclass in nastiness, the movie fails as a reimagining of a classic monster. It feels like an Evil Dead sequel trapped in the desert, losing its identity to derivative tropes and a sluggish pace. Aside from the Egyptian setting, there’s no "Mummy" soul here. A disappointing 6/10 that works for gore-hounds but fails the fans.

Faiz Faisal
Apr 172 min read


Movie Review: Alas Roban
I was fully "seated" for Alas Roban (2026). With director Hadrah Daeng Ratu (Sijjin) and a haunting Nike Ardilla trailer, I expected a masterpiece. Instead, it’s a 5/10 mess. It jams too much lore—white tigers, white monkeys, and mass graves—into one 90-minute plot. It should have been an anthology horror! Even with a stellar cast, the emotional "Train to Busan" vibes fell flat due to cheap jumpscares. My advice? Skip the cinema and wait for Netflix

Faiz Faisal
Apr 102 min read


Movie Review: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Does The Super Mario Galaxy Movie reach the stars or fall into a black hole? While the sequel is a visual masterpiece and pure eye candy for kids, it feels more like a collection of Easter eggs than a deep story. From Bowser Jr.’s rescue mission to Yoshi’s big debut, I’m breaking down why this intergalactic adventure earns a 7/10. Is the stunning animation enough to make up for a thin plot? Read my full review!

Faiz Faisal
Apr 32 min read
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