REVIEW: ‘The Electric State’ — visually dazzling, disastrously dull
REVIEW: ‘The Electric State’ — visually dazzling, disastrously dull/node/2594348/lifestyle
REVIEW: ‘The Electric State’ — visually dazzling, disastrously dull
(L to R) Keats (Chris Pratt), Herman (voiced by Anthony Mackie), Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown) and Cosmo (voiced by Alan Tudyk) in 'The Electric State.' (Supplied)
REVIEW: ‘The Electric State’ — visually dazzling, disastrously dull
Updated 21 March 2025
Adam Grundey
DUBAI: There’s irony that “The Electric State” — a film that champions people making genuine connections and facing reality rather than getting lost in virtual worlds — was created for the world’s largest streaming platform.
There’s irony, too — though less deliberate — that this $320-million(!) content package is the perfect example of a movie made for our short-attention-span, two-screens-at-a-time world: It looks great. It’s got a star-studded cast. It’s helmed by the Russo Brothers. It’s got retro vibes. It’s got a ton of sci-fi tropes. And it’s instantly forgettable.
It's set in an alternative 1990s in which robots — having become self-aware enough to demand rights —have been defeated in a costly and bloody war and are now banished to the Exclusion Zone. Their defeat was down to Neurocaster Technology, developed by tech mogul Ethan Skate (Stanley Tucci), which allowed humans to upload their minds into drone robots and so go to war without the considerable drawback of being flesh and bone.
That same technology means many humans now spend most of their time hooked up to drone helmets living idyllic virtual lives; humans such as the abusive adoptive father of teen orphan Michelle Green (Millie Bobby Brown), whose parents and much-loved younger brother Chris were killed in a car crash a few years earlier. Except…
Turns out Chris (a bona fide genius, we’re told) wasn’t dead, but in a coma. And his exceptional mind was vital to the creation of Neurocaster. But 13 months later, Chris woke up. And that didn’t fit Skate’s plans, so he just kept him prisoner. But Chris was able to sneak his mind into a robot that finds Michelle and lets her know Chris is alive. She sets out to find him in the dangerous Exclusion Zone, reluctantly aided by a smuggler (Chris Pratt) and his robot friend Herman.
It's a decent set-up for a family-friendly sci-fi romp. But good grief “The Electric State” is —except visually (but, y’know, $320 million…) — dull. Brown does her best with the clunky dialogue, and comes through mostly unscathed. Pratt’s performance is like an AI-rendered Chris Pratt performance (“Do the wisecracking-tough-guy thing. Do the tough-guy-with-a-heart-thing. Do the wisecracking-tough-guy thing again…”). Tucci goes pantomime villain. The robots are kind of cute. But there’s no substance underneath this multi-million-dollar gloss. Then again, if your target audience is People Who Will Be Watching Something Else Too, who needs substance?
Al-Oudah Mosque restoration in Diriyah revives Najdi heritage
Second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Historic Mosques aims to preserve the mosque’s rich history and Najdi architectural heritage
Recognizing its cultural significance, the project will use traditional Najdi construction methods, including mud and natural materials suited to the desert climate
Updated 7 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The historic Al-Oudah Mosque in Diriyah, a key heritage site in Riyadh region, is being restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Historic Mosques aims to preserve the mosque’s rich history and Najdi architectural heritage, restoring it to its former splendor.
One of the region’s oldest worship sites, Al-Oudah Mosque has been restored three times, with the last renovation about 15 years ago, according to the SPA.
Recognizing its cultural significance, the project will use traditional Najdi construction methods, including mud and natural materials suited to the desert climate.
The renovation will expand the mosque from 794 sq. m for 510 worshippers to 1,369 sq. m for 992 worshippers.
This expansion reflects a commitment to preserving history while meeting the community’s evolving needs, the SPA reported.
It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two of the project, which includes six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.
Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, in which 30 mosques were restored in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, the SPA reported.
The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage.
Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.
The project’s four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of religious sites.
Saudi creators bring a modern twist to ‘Fawazeer Ramadan’ for TikTok
Updated 26 March 2025
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: The “Fawazeer Ramadan” franchise, originally made famous in Egypt by iconic performers Nelly and Sherihan, has been reimagined for the TikTok generation.
The classic TV show, known for its musical riddles and whimsical performances, has been a staple of Ramadan entertainment for decades.
This year, Saudi creators Lama Najjar and Mohammed Subaie returned for their second year adapting the format, bringing a fresh and modern twist to the beloved show for a new audience.
“Honestly, it was such a fun and beautiful experience! When we first started, we never expected people to engage with it so much,” Najjar told Arab News.
“‘Fawazeer Ramadan’ is part of so many people’s memories, and it felt great to bring it back in a new way that fits today’s generation,” added Subaie. “TikTok gave us the space to connect directly with people and see their instant reactions to each episode.”
Lama Najjar, deeply involved in shaping the content, emphasized the importance of connecting with the audience. (Supplied)
As Ramadan comes to a close, the creators reflected on the evolution of the show, which featured challenges and riddles.
“This year, we wanted to bring new ideas and challenges that people might not expect,” said Subaie. “We’ve improved a lot in terms of filming and editing, and even the riddles themselves are a bit smarter and harder!”
Najjar, deeply involved in shaping the content, emphasized the importance of connecting with the audience. “Honestly, I like to be part of everything! From writing the riddles to choosing the ideas and how we present them. I love adding my personal touch and making sure the content feels close to the audience and reflects my style. And of course, interacting with the audience is a huge part of what I do — they’re the reason for our success, so I always want to make sure they feel connected,” she shared.
The show has resonated with younger audiences, many of whom are experiencing “Fawazeer Ramadan” for the first time, according to Subaie.
“Even those who never watched the original ‘Fawazeer’ are now loving the idea. People are waiting for each episode, and that’s the best proof that it connects with them,” said Subaie.
Your guide to Art Week Riyadh: From flagship shows to studio tours in JAX District
Updated 26 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Art Week Riyadh’s inaugural edition is set to take place from April 6-13 under the theme “At The Edge.” The event will feature works from more than 45 galleries, private and institutional collections, and a public program of talks — here is your guide to getting the best out of Art Week Riyadh.
First up, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the event’s flagship exhibition which is curated around three thematic threads — “Everyday Life,” “Landscapes,” and “Motifs.”
Bashaer Hawsawi’s ‘Warm Space 1,’ 2018, Red Broom with African Cloth. (Courtesy of Hafez Gallery and the artist)
The exhibition features contributions from prominent galleries across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe, including A. Gorgi Gallery (Tunisia), Ahlam Gallery (Saudi Arabia), Albareh Art Gallery (Bahrain), Al Markhiya Gallery (Qatar), L’Art Pur Gallery (Saudi Arabia), AV Gallery (Saudi Arabia), Ayyam Gallery (UAE, UK), Carbon 12 (UAE), Efie Gallery (UAE), Experimenter (India), Galerie Krinzinger (Austria), Gallery Misr (Egypt), Galerie La La Lande (France), Galleria Continua (Brazil, China, Cuba, France, Italy, UAE), Green Art Gallery (UAE), Hewar Art Gallery (Saudi Arabia), Hunna Art (Kuwait), Lawrie Shabibi (UAE), Layan Culture (Saudi Arabia), Le LAB (Egypt), Leila Heller Gallery (UAE, USA), Lisson Gallery (China, UK, USA), Mennour (France, UK), Nature Morte (India), Perrotin (China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, USA), Sabrina Amrani (Spain), Selma Feriani (Tunisia), The Pill® (France, Turkey), The Third Line (UAE), Tabari Artspace (UAE) and Wadi Finan Art Gallery (Jordan).
Al Mousa Center in central Riyadh
Up next, visitors should head over to the Al Mousa Center in central Riyadh where more than 15 galleries will present both solo and group exhibitions specially conceived for Art Week Riyadh.
Once a bustling commercial complex, the center is now a cultural destination that houses around 20 art galleries. Galleries participating in Art Week Riyadh include Abdullah Hammas Studio, Abstract Art Gallery, Ahlam Gallery, Alajilan Gallery, Alestudio, AMA Art Venue, Art Arif Gallery, Art Connection, AV Gallery, China Saudi Cultural Art Association, ERRM Art Gallery, Frame Art Gallery, Kadi Art Gallery, Kenz Gallery, Mahd Alfnon Gallery, Marsami Art Gallery, Ola Art Gallery, Takeib For Arts, Tequin Art Gallery, WHJ ALLON and Wrd Art Gallery.
Invited exhibitions
JAX District will also host three exhibitions by invited collections, offering a rare insight into Saudi Arabia’s evolving cultural identity. Presented under the title “Collections in Dialogue,” these exhibitions emphasize the role of patronage and collecting in shaping and preserving visual culture.
The section includes a curated presentation of artworks from the collection of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). Featuring works by artists such as Do Ho Suh, Maha Malluh, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Mohammad Alfaraj, Hazem Harb, Gregory Mahoney, Moath Alofi, and Sultan bin Fahad, the exhibition highlights the interplay between material memory, transformation, and the landscapes that shape identity.
Neïl Beloufa’s ‘Double Standard,’ canyon, 2024, MDF and rubbio varnish. Neil Beloufa, Adagp, Paris, 2025, Photo. Archives Mennour. (Courtesy the artist and Mennour, Paris)
Meanwhile, Art Jameel will present a selection of eight single-channel artworks from its collection that highlight the diverse and evolving landscape of experimental film and video art practices in the region. This presentation brings together video works by artists from Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, largely made in the 2010s, that reflect on a decade marked by profound transformations. Many of the featured works are early and foundational works by major artists such as Ahaad Alamoudi, Hiwa K, Bouchra Khalili, Basim Magdy, Ahmed Mater, and others.
Also, “Abstract Horizons: Three Generations of Saudi Art” by the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) will go on show. Borrowing its title from a work by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Saleem, the exhibition draws from SRMG’s collection to explore the progression of Saudi abstraction through the practices of key figures such as Al-Saleem, Abdulhalim Radwi and Taha Al-Sabban, who merged global influences with local traditions. Their legacy is reinterpreted by a new generation of creatives, including Raeda Ashour, Rashed AlShashai and Zaman Jassim.
Talks, workshops and studio tours
A series of talks and workshops will reflect on themes and questions facing the visual arts in Riyadh, more widely in Saudi Arabia, and around the world. Curated by Shumon Basar and titled “How to Art World? Lessons in Value,” the program will run at JAX District.
A “Moving Image” program will highlight the medium’s capacity to explore complex personal, cultural and social narratives, and feature the work of Theaster Gates, Zineb Sedira, Hicham Berrada, Bani Abidi, Laurent Grasso, Afra Al Dhaheri, Mohamed Bourouissa, Sarah Brahim, Farideh Lashai, and Hashel Al-Lamki.
At JAX District, some of Saudi Arabia’s leading artists — including Ahmed Mater, Ayman Zedani, Marwah AlMugait, and Muhannad Shono — will open the doors to their studios, while resident galleries Athr, Hafez and Lift will present a lineup of exhibitions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.
The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) will present the exhibitions titled “Art of the Kingdom” and “Adaptability Ceramics,” alongside a series of workshops and pop-ups.
Brazilian actress Sabrina Petraglia bridges cultures through film in the UAE
Updated 26 March 2025
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: Brazilian actress Sabrina Petraglia, known for her roles in TV and cinema, has found a new home and purpose in the Middle East.
Since moving to Dubai in January 2023 with her husband and three children, Petraglia has embraced the region’s culture and is making inroads in her attempt to forge cross cultural understanding.
“I never imagined loving the Middle East this much. Whatever I had imagined about the Middle East was totally wrong. The life here is incredible, safe, so beautiful. I like the mentality here. I feel that here your dreams are possible if you work hard,” she told Arab News.
Petraglia is keen to foster collaboration between Brazilian and Arab artists. (Supplied)
Petraglia created her latest project, “Ocean of Mothers,” in Dubai in January, in a move that she says was the first time a Brazilian production hit the silver screen in the UAE.
The film follows three friends — Thais, Erika and Zilda — who connect through motherhood in Santos, Brazil. Despite their busy lives, their friendship becomes a source of strength and support. The film touches on themes like losing one’s identity as a mother, feeling overwhelmed, mental health struggles, and the importance of having a support network.
“We started by booking a room for 60 people,” she said, then the number of guests kept increasing until it reached around 400 guests. “When I saw the cinema full of people and a lot of women from different nationalities, I cried. I could not believe it,” she said.
“I saw a lot of support from women here, because the film is about women. It was so precious for me,” she added.
Petraglia is keen to foster collaboration between Brazilian and Arab artists.
“This is one big dream of mine to work with Saudi filmmakers and show Brazilian culture here and sharing Middle Eastern stories with Brazilians also,” she explained.
“Here, I can see big opportunities, and I’d like to show not just to Brazilians, but to the world, what it’s like here. The cinema is the best way to do this,” she said.
Petraglia said she is working on new projects that challenge stereotypes about motherhood and female empowerment. (Supplied)
Inspired by her interactions with women in the UAE, Petraglia said she is working on new projects that challenge stereotypes about motherhood and female empowerment.
“For now, it is all only on paper, but I am looking for good partners in Brazil. I am speaking to big channels in Brazil,” she said.
Ahmed Helmy to be honored at US, Swedish film festivals
Updated 26 March 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Egyptian actor Ahmed Helmy is set to be honored at the 4th edition of the Hollywood Arab Film Festival in California and the Malmo Arab Film Festival in Sweden in April.
The actor, who started his TV career in 1993 before he landed a role in 1998 film “Aboud Ala El Hedoud,” will make an appearance at both events.
The Hollywood Arab Film Festival will take place in Glendale, California, from April 9-13, while the 15th edition of the Malmo Arab Film Festival will run from April 29-May 5.
Helmy, 55, is a comedic actor known for his roles in “Excuse My French” (2014) and “Sorry To Disturb” (2008). He also made a guest appearance in 2024’s Egyptian-Saudi co-production “The Tale of Daye’s Family,” by filmmaker Karim El-Shenawy.
