Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Quick Views - Oscar 2022 Films Part 4

Spoilers ahead...


Lunana : A Yak in the Classroom

Directed by : Pawo Choyning Dorji

Like water in a vase, the heart is clear.
So clear that infinite beauty is reflected in its depth.


Ugyen Dorji (Sherab Dorji) has a 5 year contract with the school where he works as a teacher in capital of Bhutan. He aspires to be a singer and is eager to get his visa for Australia. In his final year of contract, owing to his past teaching behavior, the principal assigns him job at a very remote place of the world, Lunana. Its a place that even requires a 8 day trek to reach and is at a very high altitude covered by Himalayas. Ugyen is told he can return before the winter hits. He reaches there only to find its a place with a population of 56, a dirty looking classroom, no blackboard, no supplies to teach, no electricity, use of yak dung to start fire and a very average looking room to sleep in with a very dirty looking toilet. 

Its basically a Minari meets Panchayat, the former's sweet simplicity and the latter's city guy suddenly has to compromise and adjust to the village setting. One of my most fav scene is when Ugyen reaches the village and immediately tells the head of the village Kencho (Sangay Lham) that there's no way he can stay and teach here. Kencho reacts with a disappointed look and yet instantly tells Ugyen he would arrange his return back to city. I mean the behavior of Kencho is so calm and polite when you have every right to show anger/shout or maybe even use bad words. Also, think of the timing as it happens when Kencho would had been happy and waiting for arrival of Ugyen and already building hopes of how the village may develop a bit and the kids will get some education. I like how we see slow development of Ugyen's love for this new environment and the people, it sure is predictable but still a joy to watch how he becomes willing to be part of them to an extent he wants to learn the song one lady often sings in there that has a history with the Yak. 

The climax is tricky, because after the kind of change Ugyen has and the closeness he has with almost everyone in this small village, you feel maybe he shouldn't leave and change his decision by staying the winters but then the ending we get feels much more real because how would it be if Ugyen stayed back despite getting visa and not go to Australia for his singing career where he feels his passion lies. This way we get to see him being there, and the open end where we don't see the reaction of people who listens to his version of that song he learnt at Lunana, makes me believe chances are he will head back to Lunana because he rather would prefer to be among people who love him than to sing for people who can't seem to care to even listen to his song that he sang before it. Performances wise everyone are on same wavelength, equally enjoyable. For me, its a very sweet film that you don't just love but also have a smile on your face for most parts. I was really hoping it won the Oscars, anyways its definately my favourite foreign movie of the last year. 

My Rating : 7.5/10 


West Side Story 

Directed by : Steven Spielberg

When love comes so strong, there is no right or wrong. Your love is your life. 


Based on Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' (I haven't read it yet), story is about two gangs Jets lead by Riff (Mike Faist) and Sharks lead by Bernardo (David Alvarez). Tony (Ansel Elgort) who was a former leader of Jets is out on parole and falls in love at first sight with Bernardo's sister Maria (Rachel Zegler) when they meet at a high school dance. Funny how SRK's movies came to my mind while watching the opening two scenes, the one where we see the rivalry of Jets and Sharks introduced reminded of Josh, and the other where the high school dance place is set up reminded me of Mohabbatein. Okay enough of bollywood, the starting portion put me to sleep almost until Tony's first scene sets up the mood though I didn't like voice of Ansel Elgort in 'Something's Coming'. However, he worked very well in other tracks, specially loved 'Maria', other fav tracks for me were 'America', 'Tonight' and 'I Feel Pretty' which is masterly used at a moment when Maria is excited to meet Tony unaware of the murder of Bernardo. Ansel Elgort is a delight whenever his scenes comes, whether its with Jets or his attempts to stop Bernardo and the rumble, or the feeling he has having fallen in love with Maria. Rachel Zegler performance was nice, just the choices her character makes was tough to really like her. 

The reason why the movie never touches or moves me is firstly I am not fond of these kind of musicals, and other is the time span of Tony and Maria love relation is just 2 days where they are already talking of 'forever love'. If thats how it was for Romeo and Juliet, then I fear this will be a story that will never click for me or atleast will require a screenplay that doesn't rush their romance. The scene where Tony comes to meet at window of Maria's home after death of Bernardo and she still wants to save him felt more silly rather than 'love' to me, again for the mentioned reasons above. Loved the performance of Mike Faist, a character that's not ready to listen to Tony, leading to dangerous death like situations. And then there's wonderful Ariana DeBose (playing Anita), who shines throughout the film, and I specially liked the way she displays the dilemna in the track 'I have a love' learning Maria loves Tony who killed her husband. There's some lovely moments expected in a Spielberg movie, but unlike others 'West Side Story' is just a watchable movie for me, never goes further than that.

My Rating : 5.5/10 


No Time To Die

Directed by : Cary Joji Fukunaga

We all have our secrets. We just didn't get to yours yet.


James Bond (Daniel Craig) comes out of semi-retirement when his old friend from CIA, Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) seeks help to rescue a kidnapped scientist. All roads eventually leads to the main villain behind all the new troubles, Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek). If you see this as a farewell Bond movie with a emotional finale to say goodbye to Daniel Craig then you won't be disappointed. For others, well there's lot that doesn't work here. You miss all the humor Bond films have (this comes from me who has only seen 2 Bond films before so I can imagine how much more this would be a factor for die-hard Bond fans). There are some lovely choreographed action sequences specially the opening Bond scene or for that matter the ice scene introduction of Lyutsifer is quite chilling one too. Ana de Armas (playing Paloma) is fantastic in a small cameo, oh I just kept wishing she will return with another scene. 

The main issue comes with the romantic plot of Madeleine (Lea Seydoux) and James Bond, its the central plot and all the while it felt like hinderance to what this film rather would had been otherwise. There's way too much focus on them, that it gets tiring at times to sit through. Then there's Nomi (Lashana Lynch) who is the new 007, first black woman even if its just temporary, but there is simply no character development here making her serve no major purpose at all. Expectations with Rami Malek were high, but he disappoints too though writing more to blame here too, its probably the weakest villain I have seen among Spectre and Skyfall, even that finale of Malek's poison garden was meh for me. I have a feeling once I am done watching all the past Bond films, I may find 'No Time To Die' even more less likable than I did right now. Special mention to Billie's rendition of title track, I did like that a lot more than the past 2 films versions. Overall, 'No Time To Die' feels more like a film that tries to give a good ending to Daniel Craig's version of James Bond, but the path taken to reach there is full of mess. 

My Rating : 5/10 


Drive My Car 

Directed by : Ryusuke Hamaguchi

If you really want to look at someone, then your only option is to look at yourself squarely and deeply.


Two years since the demise of his wife Oto Kafuku (Reika Kirishima), Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima) who is a renowned stage actor and director gets an offer to direct a production of 'Uncle Vanya' at a theatre festival of Hiroshima. Yusuke is still dealing with regret and grief concerning his wife, as he had found she was cheating on him and then her sudden death on a day when he decides to return home late for no reason makes him feel he could had saved her. The rules of Hiroshima festival team suggests Yusuke can't drive on his own which he doesn't like since he has the habit of reciting the dialogues using Oto's cassettes (that are actually recorded in a perfection way noting exactly how much pause and pace Yusuke will take to say his part) while he drives car. So, Yusuke against his will is given a female driver Misaki Watari (Toko Miura) who would daily drive him from the given place to live and the theatre place to practice the play. Rest movie shows their bonding while we learn Misaki herself is dealing with her own trauma, and also how Yusuke while taking auditions for the play casts Koshi Takatsuki (Masaki Okada) who was the guy he saw Oto cheating with when he once came home unannounced. 

The opening prologue or 1st act whatever you wanna call it lasts more than 35 mins before the film title comes on screen. I think last time I saw a film taking that long was Dev.D though you may argue that there we had Paro and Chanda chapters shown before Dev chapter brought the title. I like how they setup the mood of the film, even the cheating part of Oto is something you ain't sure you wanna blame her for it. Because on one hand, she and Yusuke have been through a lost daughter in past which made Oto leave acting and become a screenwriter. And other is that Oto has this strange talent where her best creative ideas come out while she is having sex or after it. For some this would be funny, but that's how it works for some creative people. Also, I kept wondering if you can feel regret for a person's death even if that person has wronged you or betrayed you.. or you just always end up ignoring what they did because they are just too dear to you. 

I totally enjoyed the part of Yusuke-Misaki, its really well build up.. both have very minimal talks initially playing more like typical boss-driver scenario before situation by situation Yusuke starts giving her importance and the fact that she drives brilliantly makes Yusuke happy who can keep on with his routine dialogue practicing while Misaki drives without once asking him anything about this habit. A reason why bonding with Misaki holds more importance is how she would had been Yusuke's daughter age, the one that died. And Misaki herself later on reveals where she is from and how in a tragedy her mother died with whom she didn't really have a healthy relation. Yusuke and Misaki both hold off their personal emotions and its at the very end when they finally let it all out. 

I had two major issues though with the movie, one was expectedly the pace, a 3 hour film with a slow pace almost snail level at times that is based on grief and loss, is never easy to sit through.. if its for you then chances are you will totally enjoy the film. Other issue I had was with the 'Uncle Vanya' play, how Yusuke goes through all the methods, wants his cast to do as told, in a way it was fun watching it but after a while it felt repetitive and a bit too detailed to be shown to my liking. Also, I found this part very less engaging in comparison to the rest of the plots the film covers. I did though enjoy the dining scene when Yusuke learns how one of festival organizer had got his wife a part in the audition without letting him know about it. I also liked how the play involved many languages together, making it more complex. Also, special mention to that school girl story narrated by Oto which is where movies begins at, and very late in the final act, Koshi completes (or almost does) the next part of that story, felt very good one to me.

Even though I am rating 'Drive My Car' not highly, it was a very interesting film to watch, a reason why I ended up writing a bit too much. Give it a try if possible.

My Rating : 6.5/10 


The Worst Person in the World 

Directed by : Joachim Trier

I feel like a spectator in my own life. Like I am playing a supporting role in my own life.


Based in Oslo, we see the life of Julie (Renate Reinsve) as she is nearing 30s and isn't sure about what she wants. She has changed her profession numerous times and her love life with Aksel (Anders Danielsen Lie) isn't going smooth either. Just a life where you question yourself as if you are 'The Worst Person in the World'. The story is presented through a prologue, 12 chapters and an epilogue. 

The basic premise is so good that I was expecting to thoroughly love this movie, but the opposite happened and the reason is the main lead Julie with whom I could never connect. Her choices or attitude often felt irritating to me to an extent that I stopped caring where she is heading next. Even the most loved scene by everyone, the freeze frame one where the world comes to standstill while Julie runs off to the barista to announce her love to Eivind (Herbert Nordrum) didn't invoke any 'wow' feelings for me. That mushroom hallucination scene I rather felt was very stupid. The best highlight for me was the first meet scene of Julie and Eivind where they both try not to make love and as a result do all sort of things that comes close to cheating, though this scene gets little ruined too by some gross things they end up doing. The prologue was fun to watch too as we get to see how much Julie struggles to stay with one lifestyle, wanting to be a doctor and then a psychologist, then a photographer and finally working at bookstore. Performance wise, I liked Anders Dnaielsen Lie, minus that media scene where he defends his point of view. 

Overall, I can easily say that 'The Worst Person in the World' just wasn't my cuppa of tea. 

My Rating : 3/10 


CODA

Directed by : Sian Heder

The song you sang tonight. What was it about?
It was about... what it is to need another person.


CODA denoting Child of Deaf Adults, a story about Rossi family where Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones) is the only hearing person in her deaf family. Her father Frank Rossi (Troy Kotsur) and brother Leo Rossi (Daniel Durant) are involved in a fishing job where Ruby helps before going to her class being a high school teenager. Ruby also helps often as the interpreter whenever the family needs her. A new passion for singing develops at a time when her family's new fishing business gets into trouble. 

Hasn't happened before atleast in past 8 years since I began watching Oscars when my personal favorite movie of the year matched with Oscars. CODA is a movie that makes you happy and also very emotional because its got its heart at right place. Despite the predictability the plot holds, it never loses your attention for a moment due to masterful direction, writing and the performances of entire cast specially Troy Kotsur and Emilia Jones who very much steal the show. The only low or less interesting part of the film for me was the Ruby and the guy she has a crush on scenes which also worked whenever they were singing. Another flaw you can call is how quickly the conflicts get resolved, but again if you are enjoying the film like I did then this won't really matter.

Two standout scenes for me were, both involving Frank Rossi, one where he is in the audience listening to (ofcourse he can't listen) her daughter singing and to understand if she is singing well or not, he looks around other people sitting there to check their reactions, its a nervous look he has hoping he sees positive response. What makes it work even more is how the scene is shown fully from his point of view as a result we get pindrop silence with no sound in background. And then later same night, he asks her to sing for him again and this time he touches her vocal chord to feel her singing and the proud father feeling he gets knowing its the best he can come to understand his daughter's singing talent. There's another fun and an awkward scene where Ruby's mother Jackie Rossi (Marlee Matlin) honestly admits that when Ruby was born she was hoping she would be deaf and learning she can hear made her heart sank fearing how she would adjust in the family now. Its tough to say how to react to it. 

Was also fun watching a hyper Bernardo Villalobos (Eugenio Derbez) who had various weird methods to get the best singing out, and I am not sure if anyone else felt it too but he many times reminded me of Robert Downey. Overall, Coda is a very sweet and beautiful movie, with good dosage of comedy and drama, music wise its decent for the songs used, performances are terrific and I enjoyed watching the sign-language making you fall in love with this community, wanting you to root for them in tough circumstances and also not have Ruby get burdened out with the family pressure. In the end, it very much ticks all the right boxes, and there's a possibility at places you may cry too, I ofcourse didn't. 

My Rating : 8/10 


Spider-Man : No Way Home


Directed by : Jon Watts

The entire world's about to forget that Peter Parker is Spider-Man.


Everyone now knows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is the Spiderman and the people thanks to Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal from last film) think Peter is actually a bad guy (seriously, people always struggle to  differentiate good from bad). Peter isn't happy how this starts effecting his girlfriend, MJ (Zendaya), best friend Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon) and Aunt May Parker (Marisa Tomei). So he decides to make a visit to Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) who helps him with a spell that will make everyone forget who Spiderman is, but the spell goes awfully wrong resulting in a multiverse chaos bringing people from old Spiderman franchises into the world of Tom Holland's Spiderman. 

Probably the only film I have seen since the pandemic that I regret not having seen in the theatres. Because there are numerous occasions the theatre would had whistled or clapped or laughed at simple brilliance of way multiverse is captured and the nostalgia it brings from the past Spiderman movies connecting them to Tom Holland's universe. Also, that means if you haven't seen all 3 films of Tobey Maguire's Spiderman or both films of Andrew Garfield's Spiderman then you are most likely just wasting your time watching this film and will end up giving a wrong opinion over how good/bad film is. 

We get a Doctor Strange vs Spiderman (Tom Holland) fight where Mirror Dimension isn't enough for Doctor Strange to win. There's arrival of Dr Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina, villain of 2nd film in Tobey's universe) and Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe, villain of 1st film in Tobey's universe), both getting enough screen-time, though clearly Willem Dafoe with his menacing laugh and evil Goblin side stealing the show here, specially the scene where he kills Aunt May. Also, good to see many other villains like The Lizard (Rhys Ilfans, from 1st film of Andrew's universe), Sandman (Thomas Haden Church, from 3rd film of Tobey's universe) and Electro (Jamie Foxx, from 2nd film of Andrew's universe), though personally they all were my least liked villains in those films. Many other fun moments include the interactions of all 3 Peters making the final 40 so mins really amazing, there's too much of it to list down, both Tobey and Andrew not understanding what Avengers is when Holland talks about is was definately a loud laugh out moment. 

I liked the plot of 'trying to fix villains' with that wonderful line by The Lizard about how fixing people results in consequences. Talking of what didn't work for me would be, first 20 mins felt too long and boring (though thats more of me wanting entertainment knowing what's coming soon). The use of that famous dialogue 'With great power' I feel could had been done without, and also at many places I felt Garfield's character was used manipulatively to get more emotions out specially when he makes that face after saving MJ trying to show how he couldn't save his own MJ in his universe. I did love though how they re-created the same sequence resulting in different outcome though for a moment I did feel scared. I think the main complaint I would have is I felt MJ and Ned got sidelined in the 2nd act a lot, though again when you are bringing so many characters from previous universes, that is bound to happen. 

The fight sequences are choreographed beautifully and on emotional level too the film works really well. There's the dark rage building inside Peter Parker (Tom Holland) who is for first time experiencing someone close dying due to him, like Peter (Tobey Maguire) did with his Uncle's death or Peter (Andrew Garfield) did with his MJ's death. Also, I like the equation of Doctor Strange-Peter, it may not be anywhere close to what Ironman was to him, still lovely emotion at the final scene when he feels for Peter knowing new spell would erase memories of Peter Parker from every person who mattered to him. And then that final heartbreaking scene! I don't want this franchise of Spiderman to end on that note so I do hope there's more films to come and everyone again remembers Peter, especially MJ and Ned.

The end credit scene of Venom was good one, specially showing that symbiote left behind means it might effect someone and also gives hope for another Holland spiderman movie.  

Overall, Spiderman No Way Home works very well, it may not be perfect like Avengers EndGame was.. but its good enough connecting all Spiderman movies very well and ofcourse the nostalgia is something that it really thrives on. 

My Rating : 7.5/10 

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Monday, April 11, 2022

Mini Review : Lamb and Red Rocket (Amazon Prime)

Lamb

Directed by : Valdimar Johannsson

Ada is a gift.. a new beginning


Spoilers ahead... 


A dark and atmospheric (not really horror) tale of Islandic couple Maria (Noomi Rapace) and Ingvar (Hilmir Snaer Gudnason) whose daily routine involves looking after the herd of sheep at their remote farm. One day a sheep gives birth to an unusual lamb whom they decide to raise up together as parents. But taking something away from nature comes with its own consequences. The premise is really good, if only the execution and screenplay was on the same page too. We get a very good opening scene hinting at something present at the farm and then follows a tedious 20 so minutes of nothing but been told how sheeps give births and the kind of isolated life Maria-Ingvar are living. Unless you are fond of Animal tv kind footage there's chances your patience will get tested. Once we get to the scene of that newborn lamb named Ada, the proceedings become interesting. 

We are never shown anything but its clear the couple are grieving over something, possibly something tragic happened to their child. There's a very chilling scene where Maria out of anger kills Ada's mother, its so brutal that you just can't help but feel Maria in order to get her own life back may have gone too far to not get punished one day. I didn't understand why Ingvar's brother Petur (Bjorn Hlynur Haraldsson) has a sudden change of heart to an extent that he not only decides not to kill Ada but gets so fond of Ada. Was Ada more than just an unusual born lamb ? Even at start Ingvar didn't feel like giving same kind of love Maria was giving. For me atmospheric setting based films are really good to watch, and here the snowfall surrounding with just single family and a farm makes the isolated feel add up lot more. The ending however was very bizarre, I did like that Maria's punishment was taking Ada and her husband both away, but was there need to show all of it directly, I am not really sure. In the end 'Lamb' was a kind of film that at places felt like 'what the hell am I watching, just turn it off' and then at places it was really good too. So more of a mixedbag for me! 

My Rating : 5/10 



Red Rocket 

Directed by : Sean Baker

It's the adult film awards. It's like the Academy Awards for what I do. 


Spoilers ahead...


Ex pornstar Mikey Saber (Simon Rex) returns back to his small Texas hometown where his ex-wife Lexi (Bree Elrod) and her mother lives. With much of pleading he eventually gets a roof for himself there and also starts helping them with money through a job which is selling pot. Its when he decides to give a treat to them taking to a donut restaurant where Mikey meets Strawberry (Suzanna Son) and gets attracted to start a series of meets. But slowly we learn, Mikey has got some other plans in mind and is just using Strawberry to help him back in the porn industry. 

Mikey is a character that you would love and also hate, but the charming personality that Simon Rex brings makes it really a fun ride. He almost carries the entire film on his shoulder and I feel he got robbed off an Oscar nomination. Feel it would had been even better movie if not for the character of Lonnie (Ethan Darbone), who is neighbour of Lexi. I felt Lonnie brought nothing to the story and his sole purpose was to let us know stories of Mikey from past or how he is slowly getting Strawberry in line for joining the adult film industry. I rather would had liked more scenes of Strawberry, could even had let Mikey share those past stories with her. A reason why maybe Sean Baker opted for less of her could be so we may not get idea of Strawberry being the innocent girl, and who knows if she was also using Mikey to get out of the donut restaurant job. Anyways, despite that issue, Red Rocket delivers as a very fun film where you end up enjoying a character like Mikey who in most likelyhood you won't be able to stand in real life at all. Just how cinema works sometimes.. 

My Rating : 7/10 

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Sunday, April 10, 2022

Quick Views - Oscar 2022 Films Part3

Spoilers ahead...


tick, tick...BOOM!

Directed by : Lin-Manuel Miranda

If I thought that what you thought
Was that I hadn't thought about sharing my thoughts
Then my reaction to your reaction 
To my reaction would have been more revealing.


Set in New York City, its the directorial debut of Lin-Manuel Miranda that is based on Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield) who died of an aneurysm at the age of 35 right on the day of his off-broadway preview of 'Rent'. A musical biography of sorts that works for most parts thanks to excellent performance from Andrew Garfield, its a character that you support despite him being very selfish, and not treating his friends/love with same respect or time as they do. Sometimes I feel if the artists (or most of them, can't be all) actually are like that, and you just have to accept them for that rather than go away from them, atleast for those who are part of their life. Coming back to film, its a flashback story told at a time when Jonathan was busy in workshop of his play 'Superbia', when everything seemed to him was going against him, whether its his girlfriend Susan (Alexandra Shipp) who wants to join a job which meant going away from New York, his close friend and room-mate Michael (Robin de Jesus) about to shift to new place, there's this writers block as Jonathan struggles to write a song required for 2nd act of the play and there's this fear of 'I will be 30 soon' giving thoughts of what if all this doesn't work and the 8 yrs long struggle leads to a flop adventure. 

Jonathan is someone who wants to have a song on anything he sees or thinks about, even' Sugar'. A reason why it doesn't come as surprise when an arguement with girlfriend leads him to feel like using that whole scenario as his song in future. That scene is my fav of the film for the way they cut it at same time with 'Therapy' track, because on one hand we got this song enacted in a very comedy manner about complex relationships by Jonathan and Karessa (Vanessa Hudgens, she gives such amazing expressions in this track) and on other hand we are watching Jonathan and Susan having a very serious fight, giving this whole sequence a very strange dramatic emotional tone. 'Boho Days' and 'Come to your Senses' were other two main lovable songs, also I liked  'Swimming' (gorgeous under-water visual of musical notes), '30/90', 'Johnny can't Decide', 'Why' and 'Louder than Words'.  The sub-plot of Aids was little underwhelming for me.. Overall, tick, tick.. BOOM delivers with Andrew Garfield's act, I had issues with him in 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' but in here he was fully satisfying, even his singing was totally upto the mark. Some very good musical numbers to enjoy, plus got to learn a bit about Jonathan Larson I never knew about. 

My Rating : 7/10 


Licorice Pizza

Directed by : Paul Thomas Anderson

You are always thinking things, you thinker! You thinker! You think things!


Story of Alana Kane (Alana Haim) and Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman), former is 25 yrs old girl (or so she says) and latter is a high school 15 yr old boy. They meet, try to date, eventually become friends and later professional partners. Set in San Fernando Valley, California, 1973, the story is mostly about how various events keeps happening in life of Alana and the choices she makes while Gary is most of the times part of it. I enjoyed the first very long sequence that involves Gary hitting out on Alana, making compliments, flirts and eventually asking her for a date which she keeps declining for the obvious agegap. Its a regular scene but the way its shot, the camera handled and the debut lead actors enact makes it very cute and sweet. Unfortunately, after this the movie keeps going in all sort of directions, Gary and Alana will be together one moment, then totally on different routes and then be together again. Kind of gets frustrating plus the various events that happen, be it Alana trying a hand at actress job even if she has to do full nudity or her attempt to join a political workplace, everything feels half baked. Even the cameos of Sean Penn (I literally was waiting for his part to end) and Bradley Cooper were frankly very boring. I did enjoy the lead actors, little early to say if Cooper Hoffman has the same brilliant talent his father used to have, but in this film I did like him. Alana Haim is wonderful too, as a girl who keeps looking for opportunities to make her life better than what it is. Licorice Pizza as a entire story won't work, but if you see it as a coming of age or a story about the growth and learning things as the life goes on for youngish couple then maybe it will give you quite a bit to like. For me it was very underwhelming!

My Rating : 5/10


Encanto

Directed by : Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith

Maybe your gift is being in denial? 


A Columbian family, Madrigals stays in a place called Encanto and their house is magical with each member of the family having a magical power except for Mirabel (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz). When the house starts having cracks, Mirbabel takes it to herself trying to save the family. There's some lovely characters with different magic, one can fill the place with flowers, another can lift heavy objects even a complete church, one controls the weather, another can change into various human getups, one can understand birds/animals language, another can heal people through food and one can see future visions. Its a pretty sweet movie that explores themes of 'Over-expectations' or 'Living in Denial' very well. Where the film does lack is the quality of songs which do keep the narrative going but once the film ends not a single song stays with you. Performances by everyone as voice-overs is very good. The Mirabel and her grandmother part is slightly annoying in parts, or maybe its just the outsider feeling in your own home is something I don't enjoy watching. Disney's Encanto does qualify into my category of films that may not be great but you still feel time well spent. 

My Rating : 6.5/10 


Raya and the Last Dragon

Directed by : Don Hall, Carlos Lopez Estrada, Paul Briggs

The world is broken, you can't trust anyone. 
Maybe it's broken, because you don't trust anyone, you just have to take the first step.


There was a time when Humans and Dragons lived together peacefully in Kumandra, until an evil force known as Druun (purple roundish shaped that turn every living thing into stones) wreck havoc resulting in dragons sacrificing themselves to save the humanity. 500 years later, when the Druun return again, its all about will the Humans unite to face it or they will stay greedy and think about themselves only. Another Disney film that works on an interesting theme 'Trust'. Would you trust someone who betrayed you? Or take a leap of faith because sometimes to fight evil you need to have everyone by your side. The start of film is little overloaded, as through a flashback we are told how humans are living in 5 sections of Kumandra (called Heart, Fang, Spine, Talon and Tail), each of them having a part of the gem. Its the gem which the last dragon living somewhere all hidden used to save the mankind 500 yrs ago. As expected from Humans, they want to get hold of all gems. 

Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran) from 'Heart' takes it to herself to find the last dragon and collect all the gems on the way to get her father and everyone else back who are now stones. Its when Raya meets the last dragon Sisu (voiced by Awkwafina) that the film gets very engaging, a reason being the excellent comic timing of Awkwafina suiting the dragon character to the tee. You feel instant liking for her innocence, the magical powers she possesses everytime one part of gem is given to her and her constant ideas of wanting to send gifts in return of taking gem are often hilarious. But at the heart of it, she is offering the message of how good world would be if we are together and trust each other, rather than developing prejudices resulting in only hatred. This works in the film, felt more like fantasy to me.. because in real world this is next to impossible because Humans don't work that way. Apart from Sisu, Raya is interesting character who is very complex and forms a great bond with Sisu, and later there's the adorable con-artist baby with its three little animals and also the boat guy 'Boun' (voiced by Izaac Wang) and her own pet 'Tuk Tuk' she rides on while travelling. 

The villain or betrayal part played by Namaari (voiced by Gemma Chan) is little boring mostly for the predictability. Again, its a film that isn't great and yet you feel entertained for everything it tries to offer whether its the animation, story or the message. 

My Rating : 6.5/10 


Flee

Directed by : Jonas Poher Rasmussen

Oh my country, you have lost your melody, your voice.
Oh my country, you are in pain and there is no cure. 


An animated documentary that tells the story of Amin Nawabi who is about to get married to his long time boyfriend and feels its time to confront his past. He shares with a close friend, what he went through before arriving in Denmark as a minor refugee. I don't think I have previously seen a movie that was animated as well as documentary, and Flee excels very well in both departments mostly. The tone of interview which Director has with Amin who is his close friend, is very friendly and informal that makes you feel more for Amin as he slowly opens up. He talks about his childhood in Soviet-occupied Afghanistan, his father taken away and then gone missing, his mother, sisters and brothers fleeing to Russia which is in post-Soviet stage, the human trafficking attempts to flee to Sweden where his elder brother lives are some of the painful times he has been through. Oddly, I saw this film at a time when Taliban again took the power in Afghanistan (just last year) and currently the Russia-Ukraine war is on. 

But, Flee isn't just about the struggles caused by the war kind situation.. its also about Amin's love for men which only makes more obstacles as its considered a sin in his country. The most heartbreaking scene probably was when Amin and his family along with many others are stuck on a boat and a passingby ship has people standing there to take their helpless looking pics rather than offering help or the one where Amin knows the fate of the girl in police van but doesn't help (not his fault though, in that situation he would only have ended up with more physical scars). Also, many good use of tracks, I loved the Afghanistan one (Sar zameen-e man) that talks about how my country is in pain and has no cure to it. Lovely use of live-action archive footage at some stages keeps the narrative smooth. 

The only issue I had was that the animation despite creating good emotions has something missing which say a real character based or Amin himelf would had done. But I can't really complain knowing he would had wanted to keep his identity hidden and not risk any more problems when his life is sorted at present. The hand drawn animation I have never been a fan of, is a major reason for pointing this out. Anyways, Flee still successfully showcases the experiences of a refugee or how tough surviving can be for individuals made to go through these times.. and at every point you could feel what Amin went through thanks to a very well thought out narrative. 

My Rating : 7.5/10 


Luca

Directed by : Enrico Casarosa

Some people, they will never accept him. But some will. And he seems to know how to find the good ones.


Set in Italy, the story is about sea creatures, Luca Paguro (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) being one of them always lives a routine life where his parents especially his mother is very protective not wanting him to ever go to the land surface. One day Luca happens to meet another sea creature Alberto Scorfano (voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer) who unlike Luca loves going to the land surface. Their bonding eventually leads to them wanting to go to a small human town, Portorossa and participate in a Cup race where the prize would be a Vespa scooter they both dearly want to travel the world. 

I felt the movie was very boring or passable for atleast 20-25 mins until Luca-Alberto enter the human town. From there its a fun ride specially by keeping sea creatures transforming into humans when they are on dry land creates some laughable moments and also dangerous ones. For instance, when Luca's parents arrive in search of him, their only way is by trying to put water on every human kid they see of Luca's age to check if they turn into sea creature. I also enjoyed the bonding Luca-Alberto have with Giulia Marcovaldo (voiced by Emma Berman). I am not sure if there's really any gay subtext or the jealousy we see Alberto has is more to do with close friendship Luca is forming with Giulia that upsets him. Giulia's always hyper mode is fun and so are her 2 worded italian phrases she says often. The villain Ercole Visconti (Saverio Raimondo) is irritating but has very less scenes. The movie never tries to go into dark zone, or explore any possible themes like 'Humans vs Sea Creatures'. Rather its about Luca learning life about humans on land, sun, solar system, and a school where he can learn much more. The practice leading to the race is fun, though the eventual race isn't given that much significance as the story rather keeps focus on the Luca-Alberto bonding all the time. Despite some issues and a very average 1st act, the film makes up for that later on for a decent watch. By the way, I am happy I didn't see this movie in theatre, just for that end credits scene which I am sure I would had stayed back for and get really mad why I waited for this scene!

My Rating : 6/10 


The Mitchells vs The Machines

Directed by : Michael Rianda, Jeff Rowe

Humanity will survive.
You can't survive without me. Watch what happens when I turn off the Wi-Fi. 


A dysfunctional family where Katie Mitchell (voiced by Abbi Jacobson) has applied for a film school, her brother Aaron Mitchell (voiced by Michael Rianda) being a major dinosaur fan (I wish he was friends with Ross) seeking someone having same likes, her dad Rick Mitchell (voiced by Danny McBride) with whom her relationship has grown apart with time, her mom Linda Mitchell (voiced by Maya Rudolph) who just wants to see her happy and there's a pet dog (or pig or loaf of bread, you will know) Monchi (voiced by Doug The Pug). Katie's dad decides for a car road family trip, more of a forced one while driving Katie to the film school. Its only going to get worse when they will learn about rising of Robots where humans are about to disappear leaving Mitchells as the only family left as the last hope to fight and save humanity. 

I enjoyed the side characters more like Aaron specially his shy mode whenever neighbours girl would come to talk, or Monchi hilariously causing a glitch in the working of Robots, and Pal (voiced by Olivia Colman) asking one of robot to place her (she's a smartphone) on the table so through vibrating she can get her frustrations out. The dad-daughter angle of Katie-Rick was bit of both, at places the emotions works but at places it doesn't. And it doesn't help that the actions are so loud and violent, whether its Katie's short films she made or the sudden powerful mode Linda gets in the final act. Could had got more with Pal's character, that I felt was very limited in her actions. The whole theme of 'How Humans treat technology as everything and above people' these days also isn't explored the way it should had been. Rather we get the humans vs robots excess fight scenes! Still A decent timepass animation movie, just fails to satisfy me. 

My Rating : 5.5/10 


Four Good Days 

Directed by : Rodrigo Garcia

I just want now to be now. The way it is for kids, or animals, plants. 


Being an addict  for 10 years and visited detox house 14 times, Molly (Mila Kunis) knocks at the door of her mother's Deb (Glenn Close) house to seek help and get clean. As expected Deb initially suspects its another routine case of Molly who would try to steal money to get high like she always done, but eventually Deb decides to help Molly and the doctor suggests a magical shot that would keep Molly fine for a month only if she can stay sober for next 4 days. The film explores all the moods and struggles an addict goes through, however it keeps it very light in a way that the proceedings stay very one note and you never get any shock value or say hard-hitting moments as a movie on drug addiction demands. There's even a forced like scene where Molly is seen preaching teens about what a mess her life became just because she never could resist the feeling of getting high. I do liked the soft background theme that runs a lot throughout the narrative, and Deb-Molly relationship is good to see too however I would had liked more of them maybe through flashbacks or something else because here it was just Deb all the 4 days worried when Molly would do the mistake and ruin another chance. Basically, 'Four Good Days' is more about to find out whether Molly succeeds by the end of 4 days or its going to be nothing again. Its a watchable movie, not totally gripping, just the characters needed more detailing to let those emotions flow. Mila Kunis and Glenn Close do their best though with their performances to keep you engaged. 

My Rating : 5/10 


The Hand of God 

Directed by : Paolo Sorrentino 

What a shitty world this is. 
You go buy dessert and when you get back your husband's in jail.


Set in 1980s Naples, its a coming of age story about a young boy Fabietto Schisa (Filippo Scotti) who goes through a tragedy losing his parents. A very strange beginning to the film and I knew this won't be my kind of film, got tempted many times to stop watching, it was almost midway when Fabietto goes through loss and the drama gets interesting with him trying to discover himself. Even then it was still a hit and miss with not everything really keeping me hooked. The only plus points I found were, firstly the locales of Italy shown are eye-catching, there's little but sweet bonding of Fabietto and the guy he becomes friend with, or the entire conversation of why Fabietto wanna be film-maker and lastly the scenes of Diego Maradona whose famous goals are shown though I felt the use of his scenes hardly does anything to the story development in any way.  The Hand of God just fails to make any impression on me! 

My Rating : 3/10 

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Saturday, April 9, 2022

Mini Review : Pig and The Last Duel (Hotstar)

Pig

Directed by : Michael Sarnoski 

We don't get a lot of things to really care about. 


Spoilers ahead.. 


Rob (Nicolas Cage) has been living all alone in the Oregon wilderness with his beloved truffle hunting pig. His only connection with the outside world is with Portland's businessman Amir (Alex Wolff) who helps him with supplies in exchange for truffles. One night he gets attacked by a group of men and his pig is kidnapped. This makes Rob seek help of Amir and return to Portland to find his Pig that involves going through many of the mates he had left behind and a rewind of the memories atleast in his head. 

Firstly, as it may appear, a John Wick style story, this never really goes in the direction of seeking revenge even though for most part you would feel thats what is happening. Instead we see the developing interactions between Rob and Amir, also how Amir's viewpoint about things evolve the more he tries to help Rob. There's also this vibe you get from Rob all the time that he dislikes humankind which is why finding that pig is more important for him, because its not the business but the love he has for his pig, something Amir initially shrugs off but eventually realizes. The past of Rob is never clearly shown, we only get glimpses through Amir's father who had dined once at place where Rob used to be chef. Nicolas Cage delivers a very good performance (I am not someone who has seen any of his films before so can't put comparisons out) and Alex Wolff compliments in the supporting act brilliantly. I did crave little more drama in the final act but clearly the director wanted to keep it at a very minimal. The 3rd act is still very heartbreaking to see. Overall, Pig works for the way it approaches the grief and loss, and the attachment we make, in this case a pig. Some lovable performances, a touch slow to my liking and less dramatic yet its very likeable movie. 

My Rating : 6.5/10 



The Last Duel 

Directed by : Ridley Scott

I say before all of you, I spoke the truth!


A historic tale of 14th century based in France where Sir Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) who were once good friends get involved in a last duel as Matt accuses Jacques for rape of his wife Marguerite de Carrouges (Jodie Comer). 

Told through 3 chapters each involving point of view of Jean, Jacque and Marguerite, the screenplay gets very repetitive to my liking and the background already wasn't interesting enough to keep me engaged. The positives I found was performance of Adam Driver and Jodie Comer, she was easily the only likeable character in whole movie. Also, I totally struggled to recognize Ben Affleck who plays the lord. I won't talk more, its simply a case of movie that isn't my type at all. 

My Rating : 3/10 

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Friday, April 8, 2022

Movie Analysis : A Quiet Place Part II (AmazonPrime)

Directed by : John Krasinski

You said.. that you could not do enough. Now you can.


Spoilers ahead... 


After the death of her husband, Evelyn Abbott (Emily Blunt) along with her children Regan Abbott (Millicent Simmonds), Marcus Abbott (Noah Jupe) and a new-born, walks away to find a new place of shelter with possible more humans alive and also having the knowledge of how to kill the Aliens/Creatures. 

Love how they begin the movie with 'Day1', the clear reason is to give a little dialogue sequence involving humans talking at baseball game (because later on those dialogues either wont happen or will be whisperish tone), and main one is to introduce Emmett (Cillian Murphy) who is some sort of acquaintance relation with Abbotts. Also, the nice quick blink and miss reference of the space shuttle toy is there that is bound to make you little emotional. 

Cut to 'Day 474', as the first act is mostly about Evelyn reaching up to meet Emmett coincidentally. Unlike the 1st part, this movie has little too many sound to my liking, and some stupid character decisions too. For instance, why would Emmett place a trap so he can know if any human walks by his place, when he clearly knows the sound would result in the Aliens/Creatures arriving only to put his own life in danger too. Then, there's Marcus who instead of staying underground and be safe rather decides to roam around to see what the place has (why are teens always super curious in horror movies/settings?), when a) he is badly injured in his foot, and b) there's death lurking outside. I didn't like the fact that they make him suffer that injury, which is a clear dejavu of what Evelyn goes through with the nail in 1st movie. Also, best thing about horror is when you can't see that thing which scares you, 1st part showed very less of the aliens, but here its little overdose. 

Yet, the final act makes for a engaging watch when we have 3 parallel scenes running and knowing they all will encounter the danger anytime. The island and song angle was good too, though another stupid thing happens, why would they make the mistake of not checking the boat properly for the alien? A thought comes to my mind though, if you are in a death kind zone where you can die any moment, does that mean your mind doesn't function properly and you end up making silliest of mistakes ? That would be only way to defend some of the things in this movie.

It was Emily Blunt who was the star of the 1st Part, and its Millicent Simmonds who steals the show here, though she was very much wonderful in the 1st part too. Cillian Murphy is a great addition, and I like how they get the part of 'I don't trust you' done with very quickly, and also I feared he may be playing a negative character which he isn't, so that was a nice pleasant surprise. 

The Sound mixing again is applaudable, would had preferred more silence ofcourse. The jump-scares are few but superbly used, you won't be able to see them coming. 

I agree this film is nowhere close to how good the 1st part was, still it works enough for me with an ending that suggests the fight against the aliens might still be on in next movie.

My Rating : 6.5/10 

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Thursday, April 7, 2022

Mini Review : Passing and Mass (Netflix)

Passing

Directed by : Rebecca Hall

I am beginning to believe that no one is ever completely happy, free, or safe. 


Spoilers ahead... 


Based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Nella Larsen, Passing is about 2 mixed race women, one is Irene (Tessa Thompson) living as African-American who occasionally passes as 'white' while visiting retail stores, and is married to Brian (Andre Holland) with a son. While other is Clare (Ruth Negga) who permanently lives a lie of being 'white' married to a racist John (Alexander Skarsgard) and is scared for trying a child because it may get born black revealing her real identity. How lives of Irene and Clare changes when a chance encounter between them occurs at a hotel dining place. 

Its a concept I wasn't aware existed actually, so did took a while to get used to. You can see how opposite both characters are, Irene is always worried someone will find her identity with that hat and scared eyes look while Clare is craving to live as black and a reason why she gets drawn to Irene's place in Harlem. The movie reminded me of 'One Night at Miami', the amount of tension constantly building and you are waiting for that moment when hell unleashes but unlike that movie, we never get that in 'Passing', rather we are given a very unusual strange ending that very much made no sense to me almost undoing all the good work done till then. 

I loved the drama and tension of the scene in hotel when John arrives early and Irene finds out how much he hates black having no idea of her own wife's reality, also enjoyed the party sequences involving Clare-Hugh (Bill Camp) conversations and all the meetings that Clare and Irene have, or the closeness Clare builds with Brian leading to Irene having more thoughts building inside her who never looks comfortable when Clare is around. We are never told or shown any flashbacks regarding their friendship during school days. There are 1-2 scenes where subtle hint is thrown that they might be attracted towards each other in past, but its mostly left to imagination.  Both Ruth and specially Tessa gives very good performances. As a first time direction, Rebecca does a pretty decent work, I just wish the ending (even if its same in novel) wasn't where she headed and there were more conflicts thrown in the 2nd act that at times felt meandering along too much to my liking. I do like the fact that the film can be considered as a 'passing' by someone you aren't and not just limited to the 'color' as shown in this story. Worth a watch once. 

My Rating : 6/10



Mass

Directed by : Fran Kranz 

We believed we were good parents. And in some awful, confusing way, we still do. 


Spoilers ahead... 


Two couples, Jay (Jason Isaacs) and Gail (Martha Plimpton), Richard (Reed Birney) and Linda (Ann Dowd) agree to meet at an isolated basement room of a church so they can talk on a tragic incident that lead to the death of their sons. There was a mass shooting at school by son of Richard and Linda, Hayden who killed many other students including Evan, who was son of Jay and Gail. Clearly, there will be clash of opinions, one leaning on guilt and other on blame. I had not seen trailer or even read the story so going blind into the film meant I had to wait like 20 so minutes before it became clear what this meeting set up going on is about. 

Its not an easy watch, simply because the topic this covers and as I have said many times before, the horror incident becomes even more horrific when told just by words without showing the visuals. Almost 95% of the movie takes place in that room, all 4 leads do commendable work, each of them getting their moments to put forward their thoughts, right or wrong, is ofcourse subjective, you can always take sides. The point is whose pain is deep, the parents whose son for no reason got killed or the parents who couldn't raise their son well enough to become a murderer, or maybe you can't really take a side here because 99% of times parents aren't really at fault. 

Its a serious movie which is a reason why after some point I did wanted some respite, some fresh air which we don't really get here with the indoor room setting. Can't blame editing or pace much because you do need time given for all to speak out and not rush out putting their point of views. I didn't understand that outdoor shot they showed many times, and its shown in the last scene too, whatever meaning it had. Definately one of very good movies of last year, even if its not easy one to sit through with wonderful performances from all leads, specially Jason and Martha. 

My Rating : 7/10  

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Quick Views - Oscar 2022 Films Part2

Spoilers ahead... 



Parallel Mothers

Directed by : Pedro Almodovar

You have overcomplicated things.


Two mothers, Janis (Penelope Cruz) and Ana (Milena Smit) meet at a hospital where they share the room and about to give birth. Both are single, Janis is happy about it while Ana isn't. The background story of Janis wanting to excavate the mass grave related to her great-grandfather in the early years of Civil war is something I rather would had liked the main story on. Instead we get only starting and ending of film on it, while rest is how 2 parallel mothers cope with their newborns while the father and basically any other family help is absent. The coming closer to a relationship together angle specially didn't feel natural to me despite Penelope and Milena delivering very good performances. The screenplay and writing just doesn't keep you hooked to it. Decent one time watch.

My Rating : 5/10



King Richard

Directed by : Reinaldo Marcus Green

The most strongest, the most powerful, the most dangerous creature on this whole earth is a woman who knows how to think. Ain't nothing she can't do. 


A biopic on Richard Williams (Will Smith), father of young Serena Williams (Demi Singleton) and Venus Williams (Saniyya Sidney). The story is based on the William sisters preteen journey to the 14 year old Venus playing her 1st Pro tournament as their father Richard coaches them with all the support always from their mother Oracene Brandy Williams (Aunjanue Ellis). 

What makes this a very good watch is how the focus is always on Richard and his plans, which he feels he got before the birth of Serena-Venus knowing they will scale the stardom and get the legends tag one day. He is not a easy character to like at many places, very stubborn to the extent he gets called by one coach as someone more stubborn than John McEnroe. And thats a reason why I enjoy those outbursts scenes of Oracene, one where she isn't happy that Richard takes decisions about their daughters without involving her, and other when she lets Richard realize he is going overboard being a protective father and not letting Venus decide things. That Cindrella movie scene was hilarious and so was the way Richard interrupts McEnroe-Sampras match just so he could show how good his daughters can hit tennis balls and deserve a coach to go to the next level. The tennis scenes are well shot, and the drama is created nicely through the cuts to the crowd, Richard or others. 

I also learnt that the toilet break misuse happened then too, the way Vicario took away the momentum from a match Venus was winning. Will Smith delivers a smashing (not referring to his Oscars slap) performance, even if too stubborn or not likeable at some moments, you just could feel he is a father trying to get the best for his daughters knowing its not easy for their gender, color and how cruel the world can be. Totally enjoy his mannerisms, the walks, habit of not looking at live match but just using sound of balls to know who won the point (God that is so me or many other tennis fans who do it unable to bear the tension of watching someone you love lose). Also, love his scene with Serena telling it was part of his plan to keep her in the shadow of Venus. And Aunjanue Ellis is also excellent in her support act, love her reply to the neighbour who tries to interfere un-necessarily with Williams family, or how she helps Serena get the ball toss right. Even the casting of William Sisters or the other players, coaches felt very good to me. Its good to see they used all the real names and not funny madeup ones, something our biopics need to look at (I am pointing finger at Saina biopic here).  

In the end, King Richard is a very good movie with great performances, and I say that for someone who isn't a fan of William Sisters (specially Serena) at all. And I love the end, didn't try to show Venus with a win.. rather a loss and learn how she still gained fans for the way she played. You can ofcourse use the text lines telling how many achievements they both had, for the people who don't follow tennis.

My Rating : 7.5/10



House of Gucci 

Directed by : Ridley Scott

Can you keep a secret ?
Father, Son and House of Gucci.


Inspired from true events, a crime-drama about the Italian fashion Gucci family. Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) who is an outsider falls in love with Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) leading to Maurizio's father Rodolfo Gucci (Jeremy Irons) to disown him citing Patrizia is after their money. However, Maurizio's uncle, Aldo Gucci (Al Pacino) brings him back into the family business as the story follows what happens next.

The first thing you would notice when you start watching (if not seen the trailer) the movie would be the accent, takes a while to adjust to it. As much as I loved Lady Gaga's performance who is a delight to watch in this role, her accent on many occasions was distracting, maybe a reason why she didn't get an Oscar nomination. The film tries to show too much in limited time, leading to many rushed plots including an ending on the murder that just happens and movie ends. Maybe a 8-9 episode series would had served the story better purpose along with ofcourse actors without an accent bothering all the time.

Its quite clear to me that Patrizia had her eyes on the money, tough to make out if she also loved Maurizio at same time or not, did seem the money drived her lot more. Adam Driver in restrained performance is good as always, Al Pacino is wonderful whose accent looked spot on, so is Jeremy Irons whose only scene with son of Aldo, Paolo Gucci (Jared Leto) is hilarious. Unfortunately, an unrecognisable Jared Leto with his makeup doesn't transform into a great performance, rather felt he was over-exaggerating the character making it little boring. In the end, House of Gucci is watchable, but it misses its mark for all the mentioned reasons. 

My Rating : 5/10



The Lost Daughter

Directed by : Maggie Gyllenhaal

I am an unnatural mother. 


Leda (Olivia Colman) who is a middle-aged English professor arrives at a beach resort in Greece for a holiday all alone. She very soon gets obsessed with a family involving a young mother Nina (Dakota Johnson), her husband Toni (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and their daughter. The reason is that Leda is taken to a memory lane of her unsettling past when she herself was a young mother and how unusual she used to act then. Leda has no idea how this holiday will turn out to be very haunting one for her. 

The key for a film that involves a character's current timeline and flashback timeline running together is to make you like both of them almost equally which is where Lost Daughter faulters for me. I got so engaged and interested in the young Leda (Jessie Buckley) version while whenever Olivia's version would come, I would only be wanting those scenes to end quickly. Jessie Buckley is fantastic in portraying a character that's tough to imagine, a mom who wants her own life even at expense of not being what you would expectedly call 'A Responsible Mom'. Its a very thin line, some might still complain and say she had no right to be wanting those desires because being a mother makes you have your children as first priority. I like how that concept and many more is explored but when it came to Olivia Colman who is another brilliant performer, I felt she got stuck with the thoughts of past and there's too much of her walking through beach or observing others scenes or her obsession with Nina daughter's doll that kept on dragging rather than serving any purpose. In short, I wasn't able to connect both Leda which should had happened here. Its just the Jessie Buckley's act that worked for me and a good supporting act by Dakota Johnson in otherwise a very underwhelming movie. 

My Rating : 6/10 



The Tragedy of Macbeth 

Directed by : Joel Coen

Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires. 


Story is known to everyone. The only Macbeth adaptation I have seen before is 'Maqbool'. The Tragedy of Macbeth has Denzel Washington (as Macbeth) and Frances McDormand (as Lady Macbeth) comprising the main roles, both delivering lovely performances. My favourite however was the Kathryn Hunter (as the Witches). The movie gives a festival oriented feels to me, all the treatment with the camera, cinematography, or the black and white setting. The Shakespearean language used directly is another reason why the movie fails to work for me. Just a personal taste, the same story told in different way with same actors would appeal better for me. 

My Rating : 3/10



Nightmare Alley

Directed by : Guillermo del Toro

When a man believes his own lies, starts believing that he has the power, he's got shuteye. 


A mysterious burning down of house opens out the film as Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) comes across a travelling carnival where he accepts a job of carny offered to him. He slowly learns and examines various acts and gets attracted towards one of the performer Molly Cahill (Rooney Mara). Stanton offers her a proposal of 2 act show away from the carnival for a better future. 

One of those films where the supporting cast outdo the leads by a long way. Willem Dafoe (as Clem Hoatley) is wonderful as a guy who exploits needy guys in places like nightmare alleys to become a future geek (alive human but acting like a beast sort). The whole story where Clem tells Stanton how he lures them into it makes you wonder if at all Stanton would have this fate too one day, the answer you get in the final epic scene. There's the brilliant Toni Collette (as Zeena) who warns Stanton with her tarot cards about the wrong dangerous road he is taking which he doesn't listen to. Cate Blanchett (as Dr. Lilith Ritter) provides that mysterious element not knowing what her intentions are, and ofcourse seductive as always in her ways. Richard Jenkins (as Ezra Grindle) despite having a small cameo and a role of somewhat bad person still infuses so much emotions into it. David Strathairn (As Pete), the alcoholic husband of Zeena delivers the best performance of the movie again a character having small screen time, and the one whose act Stanton is most keen to learn or steal. Rooney Mara and Bradley Cooper are the ones that disappoint, most of 2nd and final act involve them, specially Bradley felt like going through the motions in a character that I felt required more emotions than be little too quiet to my liking, the greed and angle of playing almost a God didn't come through. He does get the final scene pretty right but not enough to save from the rest of the performance. Also, I can't forget that gross scene involving a geek eating an alive chicken. Aneways, Nightmare Alley works in patches, mostly due to very good supporting acts. 

My Rating : 5.5/10 



Belfast 

Directed by : Kenneth Branagh

Be good. And if you can't be good, Be careful!


Set in Belfast of late 1960s, a working class family consists of a 9 year old Buddy (Jude Hill) living with his elder brother Will (Lewis McAskie), father Pa (Jamie Dornan) and mother Ma (Caitriona Balfe). The backdrop is of the rising tension between Catholics and Protestants leading to the dilemna of how long can Buddy and his family stay in this environment. The violence is limited to the opening riots scene and the climax one. Told through the pov of Buddy, we rather get to see his adventures and desires while living in a place with military around and curfew imposed. Jude Hill will keep a smile on your face all the time, whether its his attempts to impress Catherine (Olive Tennant), the girl from school he wanna marry one day, or the things he steals when forced to rob at stores by his cousin, or the conversations he has with Granny (Judi Dench) and Grandpa (Ciaran Hinds). Both Judi Dench (that fantastic final heartbreaking scene) and Ciaran Hinds (love the maths cheating suggestion he gives along with many other advices) are a delight to watch. The soundtrack is another good highlight of the movie. Caitriona Balfe does get some scenes to shine through too specially where she insists not to change home having all attachments in here. I am happy they keep the arguements of Jamie and Caitriona to a limit, its the part of story that I didn't enjoy much. If you are looking for a hardhitting movie then probably this won't work, I actually prefer this treatment, that gives you an overview of history but rather keeps the proceedings light. 

My Rating : 7.5/10



Dune

Directed by : Denis Villeneuve

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings obliteration. I will face my fear and I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past... I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.


Based on Frank Herbert's famous sci-fi novel of 1965, the story is about planet Arrakis (a place for spice growth) whose control has been given to House Atreides by the Emperor while their powerful rival House Harkonnen has been asked to leave to their home planet. Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) arrives on Arrakis along with his wife Lady Jessica Atreides (Rebecca Ferguson), son Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) and his army. The things aren't as simple as it looks, with a betrayal on cards and Paul still struggling to come to terms with all the dreams he has and him being considered as 'The One'.

To be honest I was expecting this to be a very boring movie, firstly because of the trailer that worked only for the visuals and secondly because I totally felt bored in Denis last movie too 'Blade Runner 2049'. So it comes off as a major surprise that I liked the movie and even loved it at some places. Everything together from the cast to the Hans Zimmer music (not among his best though), gorgeous visuals contribute to it, specially the narration I felt was very engaging and didn't really felt slow. Having not read the book or seen previous films on this also helped with no expectations.  

Rebecca with another strong performance and Timothee for most parts doing well, just his physique for action sequences felt little odd to me which may come more in 2nd part. I love the scene where he is being tested if he really should be 'The One', or the plane scene where he tries to use his powers for first time knowing he hasn't mastered them yet but its a chance required to be taken. Enjoyed the way Arrakis planet is shown and the dangerous sandworms that requires you to walk in a certain dance manner (felt comical watching it) so they don't detect you. I actually liked Jason Momoa (playing Duncan Idaho) more in this movie than I did in Aquaman (Sorry to his fans). Josh Brolin (playing Gurney Halleck) I think will get more to do in next part if I am correct he is alive, can't recall his death scene shown. 

Dune works as a adventurous film mostly for me, those helicopters shapes or the sandstorms that may bring sandworms along and also how slowly Paul is learning his role in all this and ofcourse the brilliant visuals. The mystery angle of Chani (Zendaya) is also nicely mixed around the narration, again she will have lot more to do in next part. Stellan Skarsgard (playing Baron Vladimir Harkonnen) gives a haunting effect in the fewer scenes he is in, specially the scene where he is almost floating to other side or the one where he is recovering from the attack he suffered. Definately little low when it comes to emotions, which is kind of expected given how much material movie is trying to show-off, yet I felt satisfied for large portions of the movie. The end scene does remind you of Baahubali a lot (couldn't help myself using the reference).  In the end, Dune will work only if while watching you feel being part of this adventure, otherwise you may struggle finishing the movie.

My Rating : 7/10 

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