Quick Views - Oscar 2022 Films Part1

When the Oscar Noms were out, I had not seen even one of the films nominated. Here's my quick views on all the films. Some deserved to be there, and some are as always poor picks for reasons only the academy knows. 

Spoilers ahead.. 

Don't Look Up

Directed by : Adam Mckay

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11286314/

We really did have everything, didn't we? I mean, when you think about it. 

Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), an astronomy grad student along with her professor Dr Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) discover a comet that is on direct collision course with Earth and there's only some months time left to do something or the planet Earth will be destroyed. The probem however is, when Kate and Dr Mindy go on to warn people, no one cares, and that includes the President Orlean (Meryl Streep) and her son, also the Chief of Staff, Jason Orlean (Jonah Hill), or the media where Brie Evantee (Cate Blanchett) one of the host that interviews both Kate-Dr Mindy, is rather more interested in her growing lust for Dr Mindy and even makes out by asking him to say the words 'We are going to die'.

Usually satire dark comedy movies are my favourites, this one didn't really entertain me. Possible reasons could be that it got tiring to see crazy President, media and citizens all unwilling to open their eyes and see the disaster coming their way. I feel maybe director went little overboard with the concept, though I do agree many people exist who are this crazy to ignore a simple warning given to them from professionals. Think the intention was to draw parallels with global warming, you could also connect same movie with 'Covid idiots' (ones who believed Covid was never real, who knows if those ppl still live in the delusion). The craze people have over celebrities than any other important news is pretty well captured though it was irritating to watch for obvious reasons. 

Both Meryl and Jonah (who I believe were portraying Donald Trump and his Chief of Staff) felt hammy to me. I enjoyed Leonardo a lot and so did Jennifer who clearly was a character that echoes most of us viewing this film as to why the hell people are so ignorant. However the show stealer for me was Mark Rylance whose dialogue delivery style was so hilarious that for a moment I had to pause the film and think if he's really doing that. I am happy that his prediction over death of President Orlean turned true and Dr Randall one didn't. One complaint I had was over editing, the abrupt cutting off a scene that hasn't finished to move to next happens way too often, if its a style he follows then certainly it effected my movie viewing too often. Overall, 'Don't Look Up' gives some good laughs but its very underwhelming given the great starcast it boasted off, I certainly wanted lot more than what I got. 

My Rating : 6/10 

The Power of the Dog

Directed by : Jane Campion

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10293406/

Bronco Henry told me that a man was made by patience in the odds against him. 

Set in 1925, with the backdrop of Montana where brothers Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Burbank (Jesse Plemons) own a cattle ranch. During one of their cattle drives, while dining at a restaurant they come across waitress Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst) and her son Peter Gordon (Kodi Smit-McPhee). George soon falls in love with Rose and marries her, but Phil who hardly likes anyone isn't happy when Rose comes to their place after marriage. Rose has no idea how badly her and her son's life may get affected with the non-accepting nature of Phil. 

I liked the initial scenes of Rose and George, also the drive one when they are heading home. It felt like the movie will keep their relation going rather the plot shifts totally towards Phil's equation with Rose eventually leading to her mental state being disturbed while George almost goes missing for large portion. The Peter-Phil bonding didn't really work for me. Infact Benedict Cumberbatch for once I found very boring. Every year there's always one film that despite being a well made movie never clicks for me like it does with others, for instance 'The Theory of Everything', 'Moonlight', '1917', 'Nomadland' to name a few, and 'The Power of Dog' joins that list. Overrated to my liking, though happy its not got a high rating at Imdb. Except for the 1st act and that too in patches, I couldn't enjoy or feel anything in this film. 

My Rating : 3/10 

Being the Ricardos

Directed by : Aaron Sorkin

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4995540/

I am Lucille Ball. When I am being funny, you will know it. 

A biopic that follows lives of  Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and her husband Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) when they are shooting for their famous show 'I Love Lucy' at a time when Lucille is pregnant and wants that included in the final episodes of the show. There's also a newspaper article that has termed Lucy as a communist which may effect everyone's lives and also a matter of Lucille feeling that Desi is having an affair. I really enjoyed watching all behind the scenes we are shown of the 'I Love Lucy' show where Lucille tries to dominate and control the proceedings. Its fun watching how she in her mind creates those black and white visualisation of the scene, how she gets so picky to have a scene done the way she wants. Also, the sexism at display and this being a 1950s based movie, a time when clearly women who won't try to say something won't be able to put over their point which clearly Lucille was doing. Unfortunately though, whenever the narrative went towards Lucille-Desi marriage, or their flashbacks, it just felt too average and dull. I don't know if its the writing to blame entirely, or maybe Javier Bardem wasn't right choice to play Desi. Nicole Kidman though was very good, even if I won't say it was among her great performances of past. Overall, 'Being the Ricardos' works in patches mainly the television drama and creative arguements that take place between leads, supporting actors, producers and the directors, maybe the entire story could had stayed on it only. 

My Rating : 5/10 

Coming 2 America 

Directed by : Craig Brewer 

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6802400/

Walk your own path. Be not the prince of Zamunda. Be the prince from Queens.

Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) goes to America with Semmi (Arsenio Hall) after learning he has a son (bastard son as they call it) Lavelle Junson (Jermaine Fowler). Akeem's father recent demise means he will be the new king of Zamunda and the throne of new prince as per their outdated rules can't go to his 3 daughters so its important to find his son Lavelle and avoid the threat of General Izzi (Wesley Snipes) who would rather wanna take the place. I haven't seen the original film whose sequel this is. There are some funny scenes, mostly involving Lavelle specially when he comes to Zamunda and tries to fit in or learn what tests he has to pass to become a Princi that involves a walk, a tiger sequence and much more. Lets be clear, from the first scene onwards you can see its a very bad film, yet it had in it to be a guilty pleasure film if not for too many of gross scenes or humour that just is hard to enjoy. The love angle of Lavelle with hairstylist is predictable but still gives some nice moments. Morgan Freeman special appearance is very forgetabble and the daughter of General Izzi I am not sure what that was, kind of speechless. Maybe I would give the original movie a chance in future, this one is easily avoidable if you haven't seen yet. 

My Rating : 2.5/10 

Cruella

Directed by : Craig Gillespie 

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3228774/

They say there are five stages of grief. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Well, I would like to add one more. Revenge. 

Estella (Emma Stone), since teenage time wanted to be a fashion designer. At 12 after losing her mother, she reaches London and befriends two amateur thieves Jasper (Joel Fry) and Holace (Paul Walter Hauser). After 10 years, with help of Jasper.. Estella lands herself a chance to work at a popular fashion designing place and later on leading to work with The Baroness (Emma Thompson). Just when it looked like she was winning the heart of her new boss, she learns about a deep secret related to her mother's death and her alter ego Cruella De Vil is born who will leave no stone unturned to seek revenge. 

Its an interesting film, one that I didn't feel I would like, having no idea about who Cruella was so it was a new territory for me. We see Estella with half head hairs white and other half black, and then her new name having 'De Vil' aka 'Devil'. The way Cruella sabotages every fashion event of The Baroness is fun and stylish specially that garbage sequence. But it all comes at the expense of not caring for the loved ones, as both Jasper and Holace could feel Estella has changed a lot. Revenge comes at a price, making Cruella dislikeable character even when we are enjoying her little wins over The Baroness. Emma Stone does a commendable job, while Emma Thompson on the  other hand was so so for me, didn't quite work out. The costumes and songs choices were another plus point of the movie. Overall, Cruella is one of those films that you will like and dislike at same time, good enough though to pass time.

My Rating : 6/10 

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Directed by : Michael Showalter 

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9115530/

And remember, never forget it. You know what I am going to say. God loves you. He really, really, really does. 

A biopic on the televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker (Jessica Chastain) that shows her rise and eventual fall into PTL scandals and much more. One of those films that I saw to know a part of history rather than actually been interested in it with all the God religion angle. For me both lead characters were very dislikeable, Tammy atleast shows human side on many occasions, specially the aids scene or her views towards the LGBT that is brought out often. Also, you can't help but feel its her blind faith in her husband Jim Bakker (Andrew Garfield) that mostly resulted in the life she had because he clearly all the while was interested to be on camera and become wealthy with the 'God wants' angle always a joke or atleast it appeared so. Jessica was highly unrecognisable for me in this role, and even though I love her a lot.. I still feel this isn't the film I would had liked her to win Oscar. On the other hand Andrew Garfield for once was highly irritating, and again its not his performance issues but a character that you just don't wish to see at all. 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' is watchable, its just not a film that I could like. 

My Rating : 4/10 

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Directed by : Destin Daniel Cretton

Imdb link ->https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9376612/

Lead with your breathe. Look into your heart, the light and the dark. To know yourself, you must face them both.

Xu Wenwu (Tony Chiu-Wai Leung) leads an organisation called Ten Rings and always lusts for more power until he meets Li (Fala Chen) falling in love at first sight. But Li's death one day makes Wenwu return to his old ways even more deadly than before seeking revenge of his wife's death. Wenwu's children Shaun (Simu Liu) and Xialing (Meng'er Zhang) grow apart from him, while Shaun along with his friend Katy (Awkwafina) work as a valet. Wenwu sends his men to find Shaun as he believes Li is still alive and kept trapped by her own people in a place called Ta Lo. 

Two action sequences totally standout, one is where Wenwu meets Li first time resulting in a martial arts kind duel.. have to admit it reminded a lot of the Baahubali scene between Prabhas and Tamannah but this one worked lot better for me specially because Wenwu who felt immortal finally met someone with more powers than him. And other scene ofcourse is the bus one where Shaun fights with men of his father and Katy learns the real identity of Shaun. Sadly, the rest action sequences comes nowhere close and the climax was a total misfire for me. The story however works a lot, whether its the part where both Shaun and his sister Xialing feel neglected eventually leading them to run away at a teen age from their home. Or the part where Shaun feels changing name is enough to run away from his family or how Shaun's aunt Ying Nan (a brilliant Michelle Yeoh) tells him how he has to let go things to really succeed. 

The scenes between Li and young Shaun are very touching and play key role to the emotional side of the movie. Simu Liu is good as the first Asian lead of MCU universe, though he doesn't have that screen presence or confidence I would have liked but I will still give him chance in future films. Awkwafina is hilarious and too good, she reminds me of Michael Pena from Antman, the energy way I mean. Though I found that last scene where Shaun is welcomed to the Avengers along with Katy as pretty stupid, I mean she hardly did anything and that arrow shoot was just a fluke. Aneways,  its Tony Chiu-Wai Leung who steals the show, in every frame he is so good in displaying all variety of emotions, I felt bad that he had to die in the end, he may have gone wrong direction but in love everyone does it, wish they kept him alive. Overall, Shang-Chi is a good addition to the MCU universe, minus a very poor CGI based final fight that ruined the movie a little, still entertaining enough to be seen and certainly better than Captain Marvel.. I will still rate it below Doctor Strange (yet to see Black Widow). 

My Rating : 6.5/10

Cyrano 

Directed by : Joe Wright

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12889404/

Have you ever wanted something so badly you cannot breathe? Have you ever loved someone madly?

Cyrano de Bergerac (Peter Dinklage) is not only brilliant at swordplay but is wonderful with words coming up with great poems. He has always been in love with his friend Roxanne (Haley Bennett) but always feels he's not good looking to get her approval. Finally he decides to tell his feelings only to find Roxanne herself has fallen in love at first sight with Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr) who is a new recruit in Cyrano's guardsmen. I haven't seen this play or read the story before, but the main plot of a friend helping another guy get the girl they both love has been done many times. Yet that scene where Cyrano is so happy and excited only to be heartbroken moments later works wonderfully. Infact Peter Dinklage performance was worthy of a Oscar nomination, maybe its his singing that let that not happen, otherwise his acting and expressions of a person in deep love were very spot on. 

My issues with film rather was firstly the story post the death of Christian, it kind of goes nowhere and that end didn't work for me even if thats how its in the play. And other main problem I had was the backdrop of war and battle looming, that just wasn't used in a way that it keeps the romantic plot going. Also, what was that scene where Cyrano gets through a army of men without getting killed. And I get the point behind that long song of the men at war reading the letters of their loved ones (a kind of Sandhey se aate hai from Border), but in a film that has Cyrano-Roxanne-Christian love story, this track just feels like a hiccup more than to invoke feelings. I enjoyed Haley Bennett act, while Kelvin was so-so to me. In a musical, the songs need to be really good.. here they work well with the narrative specially 'Madly' and 'Wherever I fall' but they aren't tracks you would otherwise listen to.  Cyrano is a decent watch, that mainly works for Peter Dinklage performance. 

My Rating : 5.5/10 

Spencer

Directed by : Pablo Larrain

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12536294/

Well here, there is only one tense. There is no future. The past and the present are the same thing. 

Its 1991, Christmas weekend when Diana Spencer (Kristen Stewart) who has been struggling with her mental health joins the Royal family at their Norfolk estate. The entire plot revolves around Diana feeling trapped and not willing to go through all the routines that one expects from her, whether its about what dress at what time of the day she must wear, what she must eat, where she must go or not go etc etc. At one stage her husband even warns her to get her act together and try to manage 2 lives because thats the only way to survive. I personally felt very tired watching Diana throughout the movie go through what she does, from her hallucinations to the unsuccessful attempts to breakfree, and also I wasn't fully sold by the performance of Kristen Stewart though some of that has to do with the fact that I have never seen Princess Diana footage in real before. If you are able to manage these 2 issues then most likely Spencer will work a lot better for you. The scenes of Diana with her children were kind of respite I wanted, giving some nice lighthearted moments. Mostly I prefer a biopic that rather shows a particular event of person's life then show the entire span in chronological order but Spencer still ends up as a mediocre movie for me. 

My Rating : 5/10 

Free Guy

Directed by : Shawn Levy 

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6264654/

Don't have a good day, have a great day. 

Guy (Ryan Reynolds) lives a same loop kind of life starting from waking up to greeting the fish Goldie to choosing a blue shirt, some routine happenings on the way to bank where he works that ultimately results into heist scenario. He is happy with his friend Buddy (Lil Rel Howery) until a chance encounter happens with Millie (Jodie Comer) when he feels she is the girl he had been all the time dreaming of his entire life. But, Guy is not aware yet that he is actually a NPC (non playing character) and its a video game 'Free City' he is living his life in, not a real world. 

I quite enjoyed the movie mainly for Ryan Reynolds who always cracks you up whether he is playing Deadpool or not. Also, the other star of movie is Jodie Comer who is brilliant in every frame whether its the part she plays inside the game or the real world where she is trying to prove that the game actually has her and her friend Keys (Joe Keery) codes used without any mention by Antwan (Taika Waititi) for whom Keys actually works for now. Taika Waititi was highly irritating character for me and Joe Keery I felt got too sidelined as a result his romantic angle never really worked for me. Another issue I found was the film doesn't try to tackle the toxic environment these kind of games have, rather presents it as something fun and entertaining to enjoy. I am not much into Gaming or specially these kind of simulation games, so did felt little confused at places. Yet, I won't deny Free Guy is a good movie to sit through, some of the visual effects are appealing, jokes on Hulk-Captain America comeby too, a wonderful action sequence involving Guy and Millie on bike, plus there are few moving moments too involving Guy specially. 

My Rating : 6.5/10

Movie Analysis : The Guilty (Both Versions) (Netflix)

The Guilty (English version)

Directed by : Antoine Fuqua

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9421570/

Broken people save broken people.

Spoilers ahead... 

About a demoted police officer Joe Baylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) assigned to a call dispatch desk who gets an emergency call from a kidnapped woman. 

Set in Los Angeles and the backdrop of California wildfires making the office proceedings more lively where basically the entire story takes place with us not shown the faces on the other side of the call.

Its a very edge of the seat thriller, because like Joe you do believe that the kidnapped woman is in trouble but at same time you are also wondering a twist may come yet its pretty tough to guess what we do get in the final act. 

I like the added touch of Joe trying to interact with his wife on phone regarding saying good night to his daughter and then his phone lock having her daughter's picture while he talks to the kidnapped woman or that woman's girl later on adds more to the emotional layer. 

Oddly, what made the film work less for me was Jake Gyllenhaal. He always is a reason to watch movies but here he played this character with over expressive anger. 

The twist works perfectly for me, and so did the other actors involved in the phone conversations. The court hearing looming over Joe next day is also well inserted in to add more drama.

The Guilty is a good watch, probably you would like it more than me if you don't mind the way Jake plays this role. 

My Rating : 5.5/10

The Guilty (Danish version)

Directed by : Gustav Moller

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6742252/

He kept crying because he had snakes in his stomach. I just took them out. 

The demoted police officer here is Asger Holm (Jakob Cedergren) and rest of the plot or even the conversations are same as the English version. This is the original movie though. 

The setting here is very minimal, so much so that there's hardly much happening at the office workplace until ofcourse the kidnapped woman's call arrives. There's no mention of Asger's wife or children which does slightly effect the scene where Asger talks to the kidnapped women's girl.

Its Jakob Cedergren who makes this a better watch, he plays the character with same amount of anger inside but always restraining it. You could rather see it in his eyes way he emotes whenever he feels a strong emotion. A reason why he admitting his Guilt regarding the court hearing case next day work a lot with all the office staff around listening in shock, whereas in English version, Jake didn't admit to it in front of them all. 

This one also has a much darker ending because of a certain person not able to escape death. The fact that they never show any of those horrofic visuals makes it even better as you just can't help but think about it when it happened. 

Despite the less chaos or a backdrop setting, there's lot more to enjoy in this original version of The Guilty. 

My Rating : 7/10

Mini Review : Sooryavanshi (Netflix)

Directed by : Rohit Shetty

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9531772/

Kabhi kabhi sochta hoon Sir ki kaash ek hi dharm ek hi upar wala hota toh shayad yeh sab nahi hota.

Hota! Hum insaan ladh marne ke liye koi na koi aur bahana dhoondh hi nikaal lete.

Spoilers ahead... 

The chief of Anti Terrorism Squad, DCP Veer Sooryavanshi (Akshay Kumar) takes up the challenge of stopping a 1993 kind situation with terrorists wanting to wreck havoc again in Mumbai.

Usually I like when the antagonist part is strong and given good importance, but here the entire Omar Hafeez (Jackie Shroff), Bilal Ahmed (Kumud Mishra) and Riyaaz Hafeez (Abhimanyu Singh) plot felt so non-interesting. Kumud and Abhimanyu do try their best but the characters just don't get the kind of story you would want.  Maybe a scene of what led them to do what they did in 93 or the Masjid demolition would had added lot more. Also, I never get why terrorists name need to be changed from Dawood/Tiger ?

The end result is that Akshay Kumar part feels too rushed to my liking, he doesn't really get proper buildup that say Ajay got in Singham or even Ranveer in Simmba. Yet,  its commendable how Akshay still keeps you very engaged throughout his scenes. 

Felt very disappointed how Jaaved Jaaferi (Kabir Shroff) gets totally sidelined in what was possibly a very good serious role he had got.

Also, co-incidences happen too often in this movie, like Bilal and cops at same funeral place. Then there's the weird song insertion - You just set up a terror situation where Sooryavanshi is ready to tackle it however tough it maybe. And then you follow it up with a flashback of Sooryavanshi with Ria dancing on the tunes of 'Tip Tip Barsa Paani', yes I get it that she looks damn sexy and beautiful in it but atleast have some sense of placing the song. 

In the end its the banter of Ajay, Ranveer and Akshay in the final 20 so minutes that is a joy to watch and probably the best part of the movie, sadly it comes way too late.

Sooryavanshi is more of a timepass movie than a good addition to the Cop Universe. Singham still stays Rohit's best cop movie by some huge margin.

My Rating : 5.5/10

Oscars 2022 : Predictions

One of rare occasions when I had seen 0 films when the Oscar 2022 nominations were out. And also one of rare times when I ended up watching all films that got nominated (minus the Documentary and Short Film categories).

A quick few lines views on all the films I will be posting in few days time. For now about to tell my predictions on who will win and who I wish rather wins. This time around I am not posting the snubs as I have seen very few non-Oscar nominated movies.

Refer to the nominations list here - https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2022

And the Oscar goes to .. 

BEST PICTURE 

Will Win : The Power of Dog

Should Win : Coda

Some of the films like Nightmare Alley, Don't Look Up and Licorice Pizza surprised me to be even there nominated. The Power of Dog, I found very average too but it looks like front-runner. I will so love 'Coda' to win, or even 'Belfast' would be a pleasant surprise. 

BEST ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE 

Will Win/Should Win : Will Smith (King Richard)

Although I want Andrew Garfield to win for tick, tick... BOOM!, Will Smith was easily the best of all the nominees by a huge margin. Please, no Benedict!

 

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE 

Will Win : Kristen Stewart (Spencer)

Should Win : Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos)

To be honest this is one category where I didn't enjoy any of the nominated performances to the fullest, infact my personal choice would be Lady Gaga for 'House of Gucci'. Aneways, most likely it will be between Kristen or Olivia. Give it to Nicole or Penelope please!

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE 

Will Win/Should Win : Troy Kotsur (Coda)

It has to be Troy, though I am little torn wanting Ciaran Hinds (Belfast) to win too. Rest of  the nominees, a huge no!

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE 

Will Win : Ariana DeBose (West Side Story)

Should Win : Jessie Buckley (The Lost Daughter)

Even though West Side Story didn't work for me, I liked Ariana performance a lot, infact more than the leads. Yet, I would prefer Jessie to win, again it was a case of me liking her act lot more than the lead Olivia. Judi I believe has no chance, that final scene of her's was so good but not enough to get her an oscar. Aunjanue was also very good in King Richard.. Kirsten Dunst I hope doesn't win, her character kind of goes in directions that made me not enjoy her act that initally was pretty good. 

BEST DIRECTOR 

Will Win : Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog)

Should Win : Kenneth Branagh (Belfast) 

I seriously don't understand the hype over 'The Power of the Dog', even its Imdb rating is below 7. Kenneth would be great to see win, or Ryusuke Hamaguchi for 'Drive my Car' I would prefer even if I had some issues with the movie.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

Will Win : Encanto

Should Win : Flee 

Flee was a very emotional animated documentary, a kind I saw for first time. The other animation films were more of timepass, good fun, but none was terrific enough for me. 

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM 

Will Win : Drive My Car (Japan)

Should Win : Lunana : A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan)

I wish Lunana could win, it was such a simple yet heart-touching movie. But almost 100% sure it would be Drive My Car taking Oscar here. 

BEST MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE) 

Will Win/Should Win : Hans Zimmer (Dune)

Its funny when your favourite always wins Oscar for a work you find not their best, for instance Leonardo winning for 'The Revenant'. Similarly, Hans Zimmer in Dune I felt was far from his best, yet he is most likely to win mostly because the other nominees don't really pose any competition. 

BEST MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)

Will Win : Dos Oruguitas (Encanto)

Should Win : No Time To Die (No Time To Die)

Usually its a very tough category, this time around far easy because only Dos Oruguitas and No Time To Die stand out.. personally I prefer Billie Eilish very well rendered version of 'No Time To Die', but at the same time I liked spanish track 'Dos Oruguitas' too specially for its tragic love story portrayed in the lyrics.

BEST WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)

Will Win : Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Lost Daughter)

Should Win : Sian Heder (Coda)

I won't mind Maggie winning, but the heart wants Coda to take this specially knowing its got very few oscar nominations. 

BEST WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)

Will Win/Should Win : Kenneth Branagh (Belfast)

Definately should be winning, 'The Worst Person in the World' has a chance too, any other winning would be a disappointment. 

BEST EDITING 

Will Win : Pamela Martin (King Richard)

Should Win : Myron Kerstein and Andrew Weisblum (Tick, Tick.. Boom!)

Pamela likely winner here, surprise me with Tick Tick Boom that clearly had the best editing! 

BEST SOUND 

Will Win/Should Win : West Side Story

I belong to the section that didn't like Sound Editing and Sound Mixing category getting combined. Aneways, West Side Story is my pick here, though I am kind of leaning towards Dune too. 

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Will Win/Should Win : Greig Fraser (Dune)

Straightforward pick it was, and I hope for Oscars it is too. There is competition from both 'The Tragedy of Macbeth' and 'West Side Story'. 

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

Will Win/Should Win : Nightmare Alley 

Its the only thing other than the supporting cast performances that I liked about Nightmare Alley. There's a huge possibility that Dune might steal away the Oscar here. No chance for rest nominees.

BEST COSTUME DESIGN 

Will Win : Cruella

Should Win : West Side Story 

The movie based on costumes makes Cruella as top contender, I personally prefer West Side Story which is lot more eye-catching.

BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING 

Will Win : The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Should Win : Dune 

Even Cruella has a chance, but 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' looks likely the winner. 

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Will Win/Should Win : Dune

What is 'No Time To Die' and 'Free Guy' even doing here? Spiderman is the only competitor here, but feel Dune should get the Oscar. 

Mini Review : Satyameva Jayate 2 (Amazon Prime)

Directed by : Milap Zaveri

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10739666/

Gandhiji ki hamesha jai ho, lekin Bhagat Singh mera banda hai.

Two twin brothers, Satya and Jay (John Abraham) fight against corruption and injustice against common people or women in their own ways. 

Over the top superhero level action, ear bleeding dialogues, patriotism presented in absurd possible manners and songs coming in at any random moment.. Now, multiply these by three times, thats the exaggeration limit this film crosses. 

There's a scene where the cop Jay is fighting a eve-teaser at some Independence event and suddenly national anthem starts running making our patriot guy stand silently while the guys are hitting him (why didn't they aim for his head, Oops Thor fans). Or the father of Satya and Jay, Dadasaheb (also John Abraham) is fighting guys in hospital with one hand while other is transferring blood to his wife. I seriously don't know how writers write this crap. 

We get to see 3 John Abraham, and all are so resembling to each other, like they have the same personality and ofcourse same physical looks, doesn't matter if one is a home minister or a farmer or a cop. The less said about Divya Khosla acting the better. 

Not gonna waste more time, almost every scene can be ripped apart. Some films are so bad that they work as comedy, but this one is a plain torture. And whosoever liked this film, I am sorry I am gonna judge you for your taste. 

My Rating : 0/10 

Movie Analysis : Shershaah (Amazon Prime)

Directed by : Vishnu Vardhan

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10295212/

Main tiranga lehra ke aayun, nahi toh usmein lipat ke aayunga.. lekin aayunga zaroor haan. 

Spoilers ahead ... 

Based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra (Sidharth Malhotra), a brave Indian Army Officer who got awarded with Param Vir Chakra for his courageous actions during the 1999 Kargil War. 

Felt like the cue given to the director was, go somewhere in between Border and URI. As a result, Shershaah isn't melodramatic but it doesn't keep entire focus on war either.  I do like how they show Vikram Batra philosophy when facing enemy, always ready to take them down at cost of his own life though it also results in situations where he puts others and civilians lives in danger. However, I wish they showed more about Vikram, surely his personality wasn't limited to this. 

His equation with parents or for that matter twin brother is never given importance and its hard to understand why they hide his brother face who is the narrator like we don't know about it. 

Two particular war scenes I loved, one was where Vikram leads team to catch terrorist Haider which does give you a dejavu of 'Zero Dark Thirty' capture of Osama to some extent but I will still take it. Other was the strategised mission where the code name of Vikram was 'Shershaah' that happens in two parts and you wish he didn't insist on going for the 2nd one or he would had been alive but then such is life. 

One good thing is there's no unwanted caricature Pakistan characters or jingoism shown to please audience. Liked the use of real footage of Vikram where he tells about how he responded to the warning of Pakistani while climbing the hill. Also, use of Atal Bihari Vajpayee speech part was almost a given. What the film does lack however is building up the tension through use of media scenes or even whats going at the other side on Pakistan streets.

I couldn't really love any actor playing role of senior or junior to Vikram, not because they acted poor but they just got very little screen-time to make any sort of impact. Then, there's that unwanted scene where one is talking about his daughter to Vikram, and you can't help but feel they are gonna kill him very soon, again the point is what's the need of this scene or this particular story!

Vikram-Dimple romantic plot was touching, emotional but with flaws. Major issue was the cringy punjabi dialogues they speak which spoils the otherwise very good chemistry Sid-Kiara have here. There's a cute moment when Vikram is for first time noticed by Dimple and how he reacts after that feeling very delighted. And their final scene works lot more because as a viewer you know it will be their last face to face talk which they don't know then. However, I wish the manipulative 'Kabhi tumhe' track wasn't inserted there. I did love the use of 'Ranjha' track which is my personal favourite from the album beautifully showing the love between Vikram and Dimple. And that is a reason why 'Raatan Lambiyan' track was also misplaced and should had been edited out. 

Won't say Sidharth Malhotra was perfectly casted, but he did a fairly good job at playing Vikram Batra, meanwhile Kiara Advani is adorable and shines when she gets the chances like the burst out scene at her father telling she would marry no one else if not for Vikram. 

I didn't cry at any scene, but did feel moved by the post Vikram death scenes with the song 'Mann Bharryaa' making a great impact. I always feel that whole ceremony how its carried out ends up evoking strong emotions. 

Despite all the mentioned problems, Shershaah is still a good movie, it just isn't what I was hoping for after all the hype. Maybe Vikram-Dimple angle or for that matter Vikram Batra bravery itself deserved a far better movie. 

My Rating : 6/10 

Movie Analysis : Mimi (Netflix)

Directed by : Laxman Utekar

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10895576/

Hum jo sochte hai woh zindagi nahi hoti hai, hamare saath jo hota hai woh zindagi hoti hai. 

Spoilers ahead... 

Mimi Rathod (Kriti Sanon), a small town girl from Rajasthan has big dreams of making it big in the Bollywood industry of Mumbai. She is running out of patience from the small amount of money earned through regular dance shows. And enters Bhanu Pratap Pandey (Pankaj Tripathi), a driver who offers Mimi to act as surrogate for an American Couple, John-Summer (Aidan Whytock - Evelyn Edwards) and in return get a heavy sum of 20 lakhs. Everything is going as per plan until the American couple backout and run away back to their country. 

The premise tries to tackle surrogacy and single parenthood to some extent mostly through light humor and succeeds for most of the 1st half. It is the 2nd half where the overdose of melodrama specially the final 30 mins where the narrative derails with very minimal humor. The issue with a film tackling serious topic in a comic manner often is that most of the times you may not actually feel for the characters the way you would want in the emotional scenes. Same happens here, the end is predictable and I was hoping actually they won't go the 'American Couple' returns back to get their child which unfortunately they do. 

Another main issue is how the struggle of Mimi is quickly shown through a montage kind 'Rihaayi De' track, you just don't get to see her go through it. Again it has to do with probably how light they wanted the film to be, which as a result has effected the film. 

While 'Yaane Yaane' and 'Rihaayi De' were great to listen to, you can feel this isn't Rahman at his best at all. 

Few of comic scenes really stand out, like one where Mimi tells her parents that Bhanu is her husband, and the epic chaos scene later when Bhanu's real wife and mother visits Mimi's house. 

Kriti Sanon does deliver a great performance, probably best of her career so far, as even when the writing is falling apart she holds herself in many scenes, and you can feel her anger towards the American Couple or when she scolds a random bike guy for almost hitting her child. Pankaj Tripathi is spot on yet again, his comic timing is out of the world, his scene with maulvi made it hard for me to control my laughter. Even in the serious scenes with Kriti he is a treat to watch. Also, special mention to how foreign actors looked part of the film rather than looking jokers like mostly happens in our films. 

Sai Tamhankar as Mimi's best friend and Sheikh Ishaque Mohammad as one of Mimi's father's student were other notable performances. Manoj Pahwa and Supriya Pathak were totally wasted, it almost felt like they were the most convincable parents to live on earth. 

Mimi is a good watch, entertaining 1st half but it just needed a better treatment and writing to avoid all the hiccups it has specially in the 2nd half. 

My Rating : 6.5/10

Quick Views on 2021 Films I Didn't Review - Part4

Spoilers ahead... 

Is Love Enough? Sir

Directed by : Rohena Gera

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7142506/

Log majaak udayenge. 

Mujhe koi fark nahi padta.

Mujhe padta hai, Sir. 

A young high society living man Ashwin (Vivek Gomber) falls in love with his servant Ratna (Tillotama Shome) who is widow and wants to be a fashion designer. Easily one of those movies that could go in various cliche zones and end up doing no justice to the tabooish relationship if you can call it that which society/relatives wont accept. But here, that doesn't happen, wonderful performances by leads especially Tillotama Shome who gets a full fledged role and she shines right through it very convincingly. The conversations Ashwin and Ratna have are fun to watch, but its what they don't talk about gives the mood of the movie extra edge. And love the ending on a hope of maybe there's more to their story. 

My Rating : 7.5/10 

Saina 

Directed by : Amole Gupte

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9176086/

Game jeetne ke liye tum kya karti ho yeh important nahi hai, important hai ki game jeetne ke liye tum kya chorhti ho.

A biopic based on famous Indian badminton player, Saina Nehwal. When the trailer released, I was oddly happy and excited, not because it looked like a proper biopic but it felt like 'entertaining hogi'. I was so wrong and clearly misread the trailer. I never liked Saina Nehwal, mainly because I started watching badminton when she was on decline and now she is almost over. So, I missed her glory days. Coming back to the film, the narration is total cliched, showing journey of Saina from a kid to national level and finally success playing for India. With a sports biopic, you want something new.. even those who don't watch badminton won't find anything 'wow' feel because you are just showing the rise with montages of winning matches. What were other options then? Show the equation between coach Rajan (Manav Kaul) and Saina (Parineeti Chopra) in detail, instead Rajan's character felt so cringeworthy at times as if he wasn't happy for Saina doing well. It didn't help that Parineeti strangely looked out of touch, I expected her to nail the acting part because looks wise she definately wasn't the right choice, Shraddha fitted it to the tee. The romantic angle of Saina and Kashyap was very meh too. The actor playing mother of Saina, was very hammy much like the Yograj Singh of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, yet I did like the scenes involving her and Saina. I don't think I enjoyed a single match shown with camera angles and not enough drama induced major culprits. To cut the long story short, Saina is easily one of the most forgettable biopics ever, they even failed to use the very motivating track 'Parinda' properly. And I couldn't care to check how much they used real scores of tournaments, and how much they fictionalised, because the film never generates interest to research.. Sigh! 

My Rating : 3/10 

Roohi 

Directed by : Hardik Mehta

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10098288/

Your rashee? Personality se toh Leo lag rahi hai tu. Gussa bahut aata hai tumhe. 

Pakdaai Shaadi is famous in Bihar where the bride is kidnapped and forced to marry the guy who loves her. Working in this business are two friends, Bhawra Pandey (Rajkummar Rao) and Kattani Qureshi (Varun Sharma) whose boss Guniya Shakeel (Manav Vij) orders them to kidnap Roohi (Janhvi Kapoor). After some complications they do manage only to be told to keep Roohi safe somewhere until the new formed circumstances are settled. The twist comes when they find out Roohi is possessed. Unlike everyone else, I didn't feel bored by this film, specially the Afza (name of spirit) angle with Kattani was hilarious and that 'Saagar' track was very well put in. Varun Sharma's comic timing was on right track and also enjoyed Rakummar chemistry with him. Janhvi worked for me in the Afza role, not much as Roohi though. What spoils the movie is the lazy 3rd act, all the chudail or dog marriage angle and even the climax was more of finding a way to finish unlike stree where it made you think for good. Still an entertaining movie in parts for me. 

My Rating : 5.5/10 

Pagglait 

Directed by : Umesh Bist

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11142762/

Agar hum apne faisle khud nahi lenge na, toh doosre le lenge.. phir chaahe woh humhe pasand ho ya na ho, toh phir kuch toh badalna hoga na.

About Sandhya Giri (Sanya Malhotra) who becomes a widow just after some months of marriage. The usual 13 days of mourning happens with most of the family gathered around, only odd thing is that Sandhya doesn't show any kind of sadness, which makes her question her own attitude very much like others in the family do. With actors like Ashutosh Rana, Sheeba Chaddha, Raghuvir Yadav, Jameel Khan and Rajesh Tailang in the supporting cast, there is always quality acting on display along with lead Sanya. Its just the message this film tries to deliver in the 3rd act or should say final part of the act, comes way too late. Some of the subplots could had been avoided specially the husband and Akansha Roy (Sayani Gupta) angle felt didn't make any impact and stretched a lot. As a social drama there's lot to take in here, from the traditions of funeral that last 13 days, usual family drama, taunts, hints of open-minded family trapped in the society prejudices and then insurance money angle. We get some dark comedy specially involving Sandhya's hilarious reactions to facebook comments, craving for various food and a doorbell that has Dirty Picture's 'Oh la la' song. Its all about Sandhya slowly realizing what she must do before she gets stuck in this mess. Its also a take on women in India, most of them won't follow Sandhya's decision, and as she herself says, either she can change her fate or let people decide it. Its slow going, but if you can manage till the end, you may not regret watching the film even if its still a one time watch, bit too lighthearted to my liking. 

My Rating : 6/10

Ludo

Directed by : Anurag Basu

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7212754/

Kam paiso mein khush rehna mushkil hai, par jyada mein impossible. Soch sahi hai madam, zamana galat hai. 

The game of Ludo is used as a metaphor as 4 stories are shown, Yellow belongs to Akash Chauhan (Aditya Roy Kapoor) who goes on a road trip with ex-girlfriend Shruti Choksi (Sanya Malhotra) because a sextape of their past has gone on a porn site. Red belongs to Bittu Tiwari (Abhishek Bachchan), an ex-criminal bonding with a little girl Mini (Inayat Verma) who has faked her own kidnapping, the story is inspired by Kabuliwala. Then, there's Green for Alok Kumar Gupta (Rajkummar Rao) who has been in a one-sided love with Pinky (Fatima Sana Shaikh) since school days and even now when she is married with a kid, he is helping her set her husband free from jail. Finally there's Blue for a sales guy Rahul Awasthi (Rohit Saraf) who is constantly abused verbally at workplace, meets a Malayali nurse Sheeja Thomas (Pearle Maaney) who also gets made fun of for her different dialect, they both get hold of plenty of cash that could change their life. Sattu bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi) plays the role of 'dice' who decides the fate and luck of all the characters involved, he's the local don.

Much like the game that's slow and becomes interesting moment other tokens come close to snatch your place out, same is case with film as first 30-40 mins are taken to set up all the 4 stories. Totally loved the use of 'Arre o babuji, kismat ki hawa, kabhi naram, kabhi garam' song many times in narrative. Pankaj Tripathi stands out, a character he has played a lot and yet he brings out something fresh and enjoyable again. His scenes with the nurse Lata Kutty (an excellent Shalini Vatsa) are hilarious. Also, Rajkummar Rao is in excellent touch with the mimicry of Mithunda, the way he would go in a corner and cry everytime Pinky comes to ask for help, or his idea of dancing out the excess emotions, simply hilarious. Aditya-Sanya story I liked but the chemistry was a major letdown here. While Abhishek Bachchan puts off a great act, just felt the story needed more of Mini in it. Rohit Saraf and Pearle Maaney gives most laughs, getting in many unwanted chaotic scenarios, making their story most interesting. Pritam's music is another plus, and a lovely climax. Little too long but Ludo works and entertains despite its share of flaws, its still a film that you would enjoy watching just like most of Anurag Basu films. 

My Rating : 7.5/10 

Lootcase

Directed by : Rajesh Krishnan

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10515526/

Aakhiri baar pooch raha hoon, yeh suitcase kiska hai. 

Working for a newspaper printing press Nandan Kumar (Kunal Khemu) leads a routine normal middle class life with wife Lata Kumar (Rasika Dugal) and son Ayush (Aryan Prajapati). One night on way to home, Nandan comes across a suitcase full of cash, and his life changes all of sudden as he plans to hide the money and use when required. But little does he know, there's MLA Patil (Gajraj Rao), corrupt Inspector Madhav Kolte (Ranvir Shorey) and a gangster Bala Rathore (Vijay Raaz) all after the suitcase. Kunal Khemu as I have stated in past is one of most under-rated actors in present industry, and his comic timing again gives plenty of laughs specially the 1st act where he keeps falling in situations of getting caught, the fake calls he makes in autorickshaw while bringing suitcase or how he drops out at wrong location trying to be smart, and all the chinese food references with his wife. Rasika Dugal is in great form too with a typical housewife kind remarks all the time. Its the 2nd act that slows down the proceedings, some songs inserted, and very less shown about MLA Patil or Madhav or Bala. Vijay Raaz does bring a smile to face with a very laidback references to animal NatGeo channel during every conversation. Lootcase for me has a great 1st act, an average 2nd act with occasional laughs and a better final act let down though with the final shootout scene. But you never really feel bored due to the great starcast, and their comic timing bringing good laughs.  

My Rating : 6.5/10 

Haseen Dilruba

Directed by : Vinil Mathew 

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11027830/

Pagalpan ke hadd se na gujre toh woh pyar kaisa.. hosh mein toh rishtey nibhaaye jaate hai.

Set in a fictional Jwalapur, Rani (Taapsee Pannu) is the prime suspect along with her lover who is also her brother in law, Neel (Harshvardhan Rane) for the murder of her husband Rishu (Vikrant Massey). Its a very weird film unless you see it through the point of view of Rani who narrates the entire story to the police inspector Brijraj (Daya Shankar Pandey) which is equivalent to us knowing the story even if its unreliable and can't be fully trusted. The setting is completely off a pulp novel, whose references Rani herself takes endless times through 'Pandit ji kehte hai'. There's a hot sexy wife who gets married to inadequate husband, and then enters a handsome brother in law she lusts for. Such themes are common in the railway stations bookstalls where you may find such novels, specially the smaller cities. That is one reason I was able to take the tone knowing what the intentions clearly are. 1st act is hilarious, including Rishu's mother Lata (an excellent Yamini Das) whose reaction to bahu's regular pallu drops would make you smile or her anger for getting a daring bahu than the susheel one she was hoping for. Also, Rishu-Rani chemistry makes for an interesting watch because you can see they are poles apart from each other in their personality or for that matter taste too. 

I also like how they use food, once tea to bring Rani-Rishu closer having drifted apart, and then the mutton biryani which Rani actually made for Neel but has to serve to Rishu while revealing to him about her love for Neel. The transformation of Rishu is immense too, how from a deep soft lover he turns into a raging husband wanting to hurt and see Rani bleed kind of guy. Vikrant Massey is marvellous in achieving that without any hint of weirdness, you easily buy it way he acts. Even the toxicity in those portions didn't make me feel cringy or for that matter how Rani is willing to let him hurt her. Taapsee Pannu act works wonderfully, a tailor-made role for this character that is bold, outgoing and yet a girl who is willing to adapt for love. Infact there's almost everything to love in the flashback story, its good they keep Neel part shorter, otherwise he would had been my weak link. The 3rd act is where you would either love the film or call it meh! I was kind of in between, there's lot of coincidences happening, rushed up climax and yet that final shot and dialogue made me enjoy what just happened. And since the setup is based on the tone of those roadside crime novels, it would had been a sin to have a routine normal ending. Special mention to the writing of Kanika Dhillon, she was fabulous in Manmarziyaan too. And I love 'Mila yun' track a lot more after watching the film. Haseen Dilruba will surely receive different verdicts from people, for me it was a very bold attempt that works largely, only hiccups were portions of 3rd act and the length that is little too long.

My Rating : 7.5/10 

Quick Views on 2021 Films I Didn't Review - Part3

Spoilers ahead... 

Citizen Kane

Directed by : Orson Welles 

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033467/

You don't care about anything except you. You just want to persuade people that you love them so much that they ought to love you back. Only you want love on your own terms. Something to be played your way, according to your rules. 

The last word spoken by newspaper tycoon Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) was 'Rosebud' as a group of reporters try to decipher the context behind it. A film considered iconic and often used in teaching at many film institutes or academies. Yet, I found it very over-rated, the story is very straightforward, routine rise and fall of a person with some relationships drama and a friendship angle. Not a film hard to sit through like 'Mank' was, there is enough going for you to feel engaged, its just I was expecting something special. I have seen some reviewers suggest its a film you should give more chances, so if possible I will do that. For now, I have to rate it low. 

My Rating : 4.5/10 

Collective

Directed by : Alexander Nanau 

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10706602/

When the press bows down to the authorities, the authorities will mistreat the citizens. This always happens, worldwide, and it has happened to us. 

A crime documentary at its best that covers the October 2015 Bucharest nighclub 'Collectiv' fire incident leading to 27 dead people and 180 injured, but what followed was the bizarre deaths in hospitals owing to poor hygiene, corruption, incompetent health minister, and the politics at play. What is really good to see is how right journalism could help bring justice even if its for a short period. You can easily connect to the journalist who feels like a lone hand against a powerful bunch of government yet he never shies away from talking truth and seeking answers. And you also feel for the new health minister, who clearly wants to follow right procedures but is almost at political pressure all the time. The film could easily be compared to our own setup, whether its the press vs govt where the govt is rarely questioned or be it the Covid angle where our own health minister was often giving stupid statements. In short, there's plenty to takeaway from this movie, that tells the history about Romania event but is a running commentary on how its the case in many other countries too where citizens life mean nothing and media plays a key role in helping government run their agenda. A bitter truth shown through this well made documentary. My only complaint is that journalist role I felt got sidelined in the 2nd half, would had liked more of his scenes, I totally enjoyed his direct hard-hitting questions posed at press conferences.

My Rating : 7.5/10 

The Cabinet of Dr Caligari

Directed by : Robert Wiene

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0010323/

Now I also know how to cure him. 

Hypnotist Dr. Caligari (Werner Krauss) uses a somnambulist Cesare (Conrad Veidt) to commit murders. Its a 1920 released film, ofcourse black and white, and I am guessing this is the oldest film I have seen ever. More than the horror, what is really interesting is the engaging story and the 3rd act very much blows your mind. To make you think and ponder for a movie released in that era, has to be some achievement. Though the expressionism style is new for me, and it took me a while to adjust, my main issue was no dialogues made the impact less, at times I wanted them to speak something. For the budget and creative restrictions around that time, you have to applaud the effort and how appealing the film turns out. Good luck if you are able to predict what the climax the story is heading to. 

My Rating : 7/10 

Soul 

Directed by : Pete Docter & Kemp Powers

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948372/

You can't crush a soul here. That's what life on Earth is for. 

Joe (voiced by Jamie Foxx), a middle school music teacher who has passion for Jazz and dreams to make it big in the industry finally lands himself a gig of a lifetime. But in excitement he falls down a manhole and next moment he sees himself heading in a line to some blue colored wierd looking place learning its where souls go in the afterlife. Pixar studios deliver another terrific animation movie, not only its so good on the animation, lovely background and various beautiful loving characters it gives us, but the message the movie is trying to give, that you must live every minute of your life and rather than having purposes or sparks its about enjoying the little things that could be a simple sunset or hello from a person you like or anything in daily routine. There are many lighthearted fun and silly adorable moments to enjoy too. The pairing of Joe and 22 (voiced by Tina Fey) is fantastic, the way 22 makes fun of Joe's life citing he has done nothing worthy than live a robotic life or how Joe helps 22 find the spark she never knew she had with her hatred for Earth. I totally love 22's scenes with barber, Joe's Mom, Connie (one of Joe's student at school) and when in awe listening to guy singing at metro station. Also, film explores the moment 'when you are in the zone' and pursuing dreams/passion over regular career.  Soul comes very close to my top fav animation movies, 'Inside Out', 'Zootopia' and 'Coco'.  

My Rating : 8/10 

The Father

Directed by : Florian Zeller

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10272386/

I feel as if I am losing all my leaves. The branches and the wind and the rain. I don't know whats happening anymore. 

Anthony (Anthony Hopkins) living with his daughter Anne (Olivia Colman) starts to suffer from dementia and it keeps on getting worse. Another take on how losing memory slowly can be nothing less than horror for the person going through it. Infact for the entirety you feel for Anthony and also never sure if what he is saying/watching is real or just his imagination. At times you feel frustrated because there doesn't really seem to be any cure for it. Anthony Hopkins expectedly gives a performance to remember that got him the Oscar, even enjoyed his act in 'The Two Popes' previously.  Also, lovely supporting performance by Olivia Colman. Its not a easy film to watch, at times gives feels of very depressing tone but its quality cinema at its best, so give it a go. 

My Rating : 7.5/10 

Don't Look Now 

Directed by : Nicolas Roeg

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069995/

He has the gift. Even if he doesn't know it. Even if he's resisting it. Its a curse as well as a gift. 

John Baxter (Donald Sutherland) and Laura Baxter (Julie Christie) arrive in Venice, been just some months to the loss of their daughter when she drowned accidentally. Both of them still recovering from the grief of losing daughter so young with John having taken up restoration work of a Catholic church. They end up meeting two sisters, Heather (Hilary Mason) and Wendy (Clelia Matania) at dining, where one of the sister who has psychic abilities suggests she can see their daughter in afterlife with an important warning for them. Don't Look Now is a terrific film when it comes to creating horror through chilling atmosphere, using city and the passages wonderfully, well done music and keeping you guessing with an added plot of a random serial killer creating havoc at same time in the city. John's incapability to make use of his own psychic abilities or sixth sense is what the entire story is about, and also eventual reason to where he lands in that unpredictable final scene. The only hiccup for me actually was the famous sex scene everyone talks highly of and some too extreme closeups. Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie chip in with great performances, its a slow art-feels movie, a genre that works very less for me but I enjoyed it a lot.

My Rating :  8/10 

Godzilla : King of the Monsters 

Directed by : Michael Dougherty 

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3741700/

Sometimes, the only way to heal our wounds is to make peace with the demons who created them. 

Five years after the last movie events, the story moves to a Russell family. After death of their son, Mark Russell (Kyle Chandler) leaves behind wife Emma Russell (Vera Farmiga) and daughter Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown). Emma works for Monarch, an agency that deals with these huge creatures that are to be destroyed or protected as per situation. Emma finds out a device that would help communicate with these creatures and control them. There comes our villain Alan Jonah (Charles Dance) and there's not much to keep track of after that, but this happens right at first scene! Except for the lovely Dr Ishiro Serizawa (Ken Watanabe), there's not a single human plot that you would remember once the movie ends. Have to admire Ishiro though, this dude simply loved Godzilla to the core. Talking of Godzilla, for those fans that had issue with him getting very less screen time in last movie (as I said then, I preferred him being less in film) would be happy, there are numerous fight scenes, so much that I had to anxiously wait when this will end. The supporting characters irritate, even Millie has a nothing role. Vera is confusing, unsure which side she is until the last scene heroics. I just didn't enjoy the movie at all. 

My Rating : 3/10

Godzilla vs Kong 

Directed by : Adam Wingard

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5034838/

Godzilla. Not. Enemy. Please.. be careful. 

Monsterverse has Godzilla pitted against King Kong, its almost as good a battle as say Batman vs Superman (sorry superhero fans if I offended with that odd reference). But you gotta be stupid if you believe that Godzilla and King Kong won't get on the same side after initial fight. There's the expected human conspiracies but unlike the last film, there's some human connection here which was a huge respite. Jia (Kaylee Hottle) who can interact with King Kong gives some touching scenes including the one where she warns Kong to remember who the enemy is (Hunger Games style, oops another wierd reference). To be honest, I was never keen for the Godzilla vs Kong fight scene, but its very engaging when it does arrive, they do film it very well. One question however that crossed my mind was, while enjoying these creatures help mankind in their ways, aren't they still causing so much destruction all around or maybe I shouldn't be thinking too much in what is a fantasy sci-fi film. I still prefer the 2014 version of Godzilla, but this one for most parts was fun to watch. 

My Rating : 6/10 

The Vanishing 

Directed by : George Sluizer

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096163/

You start with an idea in your head, and you take a step.. then a second... Soon, you realize you are up to your neck in something intense, but that doesn't matter. You keep at it for the sheer pleasure of it. For the pure satisfaction it might bring you. 

Rex Hofman (Gene Bervoets) and Saskia Wagter (Johanna ter Steege) are a young couple on vacation, driving in France as they stop at a petrol station. Saskia goes in to buy some drinks at the busy service station, and disappears. Its been 3 years when Raymond Lemorne (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu) who abducted Saskia, tries to get in contact with Rex. The movie basically does a deep character study of 2 individuals, one is Rex who is obsessed to know what happened to Saskia, so much that he keeps visiting the place Raymond asks him to come to through postcards in these 3 years, even his current girlfriend feels his feelings for Saskia will never go off and then the big leap/risk (or stupidity as some will call) he takes with drinking the coffee. Other is Raymond, who looks like a normal guy among the crowd but is a very cold blooded sociopath who since childhood has been testing himself, one of the event being where he jumps off a window telling himself its predestined that no one jumps so he has to go against the destiny, and other event when he saves a drowning person getting labelled as hero by his daughter and now he has to prove himself that to be called a hero he must prove to himself that he isn't capable of doing something very evil. The director sets up both stories wonderfully, Raymond is mostly told through flashbacks. I personally don't feel Rex made a wrong decision, yes it lead to his death but thats better than living a whole life where he won't have made peace with the fact that he never came to know what happened to Saskia. I mean yes as a viewer you would say that she must have died is the easiest answer and move on, but for that person its not as simple as you would feel it is. Totally enjoyed the act of Bernard, yes the ending is shocking not because you can't predict it coming but more because you know these kind of people exist in reality. Its fun to see the detailing they show how he reaches to the point where he tries to abduct Saskia, with all his chloroform, scream tests and the funny awkward moments he lands himself into while learning to be a pro in kidnapping. If you wanna see the themes of obsession and a psychopath, what happens when they meet each other then this film would work for you. I still however didn't understand the eggs dream part, maybe in future watch. 

My Rating : 7.5/10

The Woman in the Window 

Directed by : Joe Wright

Imdb link -> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6111574/

I don't know, I am just not made that way. I wish to God I could, believe me, but I can't. Everyone else can move on, I can't. 

Seperated from her husband and a young daughter, Anna Fox (Amy Adams) a child psychologist lives all alone in her Manhattan brownstone apartment with a tenant living in the basement. Having agoraphobia, Anna never steps out of her house. She develops interest in her new neighbours, the Russell family specially after the son and wife come over to meet her. The spying from Anna results in her witnessing murder of Jane Russell (Julianne Moore), but can Anna be trusted or is she going through hallucinations with the overdose of alcohol and the depression she's been handling for a long time. Firstly, its a story done many times, hell even our own hindi films did a wonderful take through Radhika Apte starrer Phobia (watch it if you haven't yet) . The starting is engaging, despite the plot not so new.. you like Anna feel eager to know more about Russell's and if what she saw really happened. The hiccup comes very early, that long conversation scene of Jane and Anna somehow felt very odd and fake to me, maybe its the dialogues or how its filmed or the situation because its the only time they would talk together. But the main issue is the final act, and how poorly they use Gary Oldman in an almost nothing role. Also, it doesn't help when you see cops almost wanting to not believe Anna at all, like not giving a 1% chance even. I mostly love Amy Adams performances, but this one is very forgettable, mostly because its just a very average film, not much scope for her to do anything special and also its a role (not ditto, but similar shades) she has played a lot offlate, prefer it more in 'Sharp Objects'.

My Rating : 3.5/10