Just Like You Imagined (2003) User Reviews

Awesome ride!

[david-erwin · 8/10 · 17 June 2005]

If you loved the first Matrix, than you will love this short. This futuristic story comes out of the gate sprinting and doesn't stop until the climatic and original fight scene. And, believe me, in today's flood of copy-cats, it's refreshing when someone offers up an original idea.

What makes this even more impressive is the lack of dialog. The film opens with text, explaining the premise than bolts into action, supported by a hard driving sound track.

This director has a lot of promise and I look forward to seeing what he delivers up next.

One Great Ride- Excellent film, talented director

[DaveFeingold · 8/10 · 19 June 2005]

A colleague of mine in the film industry urged me to see this short after it won several notable awards at regional film festivals throughout the U.S.

I'm not easily impressed, but this film blew me away. This is not your typical short film fare and it's easy to see why critics at many festivals have hailed the work.

Moreover it's certainly clear that the negative comment posted here is motivated by jealousy back in Mr. Alhusani's homeland and that is unfortunate. Anyone who knows anything about film or the cinematic craft could hardly call such a piece of work as "Just Like You Imagined" either "meaningless" or "flawed."

Indeed, it is rare to see a work so original, so groundbreaking, so well-done, come out of a new filmmaker. It was visually captivating and the story is certainly new. We can only hope that this short becomes adapted to a full-length feature at some point.

Usually, student filmmakers and first-time directors piece together their work from various inspirations or the work of other filmmakers. Not so in this case.

Mr. Alhusani has created something wholly original and unique. He has done an excellent job of translating his vision and world onto the screen, and then drawing the viewer within it.

Kudos to him- I hope that he continues to develop his craft and that we are allowed to see more of his talent on the big screen here in the West.

Wild

[Varnado · 8/10 · 20 July 2005]

I saw this movie at the HD festival in NYC and I really liked it. I thought that it had incredible action and I loved the way it told a story without using duologue. I think too many movies rely on a jumble of words instead of real film-making. Anyway, I can't wait to see what this director will do with his next film.

My only concern about the film is that I though that the opening credits told you too much about what was going on. I would have preferred to find out about what was going on gradually as the story unfolded, but that may just be me being a snooty fan and wanting things just my may. I wish to God that this writer director gets a chance to work with some recognizable property in the future. I can't believe how many things are slaughtered nowadays and I would love it if something wasn't for a change.

INCREDIBLE... Expect BIG things from this filmmaker...

[msarhan · 10/10 · 19 June 2005]

The film was, quite simply, amazing.

It's a credit to this young filmmaker to have accomplished so much with so little in the way of budget and time. The effects are fantastic and I would venture to say that films with even 10 times the budget don't even look this good. The level of artistry and professionalism speak for themselves when a new director is able to get name stars AND a name producer for his short.

As someone who regularly attends film festivals and has seen NUMEROUS shorts from young directors, I can honestly say this is a 10 out of 10- for the sci-fi story, the special effects and the direction.

I saw it screened at last year's COMIC-CON in San Diego and it was a full house. Everyone was impressed with the effects that were accomplished on a tight budget.

There is clearly a reason it has won so many awards coast to coast and internationally... A must-see if it's at your local film festival.