Sunday, January 23, 2022

Quick Views on 2021 Films I Didn't Review - Part2

Spoilers ahead...


Saint Frances
Directed by : Alex Thompson

If you had the choice to never exist at all or to have the exact life you are having now, would you have chosen to be born? 


Bridget (Kelly O'Sullivan), a 34 year old gets herself job of nanny to a 6 yr old girl Frances (Ramona Edith Williams). The plot is basically just that, we get to see lovely friendship form between Bridget and Frances with very little cliches used. And also the sub-plots, involving Frances lesbian moms, Bridget's unexpected pregnancy, her equation with parents and rest is just the routine dull life trying to get better out of it. Both Kelly and Ramona give some of best scenes in the movie, their conversations are fun and nice ending too. Just one of those lighthearted dramedy that you won't regret watching. 

My Rating : 7/10 


Better Days 
Directed by : Derek Tsang

If you weren't the bully, then you were being bullied.


Based on a 2 day national college entrance exam in China known as Gaokao, but at core the story is about school bullying. Its a topic that always makes me react lot more, even if I personally never got bullied to the extent it happens in this film. I mean the strip scene was hard to watch or the constant threat of getting bullied making main lead Chen Nian (Dongyu Zhou) so scared that she is hardly enjoying going to school anymore. Love the introduction of small time criminal Xiao Bei (Jackson Yee), and how he protects her like a shadow. Have to admit, even the cliched romantic relationship development worked for me, although I would still have preferred focus staying on the bullying part more which kind of feels like backdrop in the final 30 mins when it all becomes a murder mystery plot all of sudden with themes of sacrifice and deep love. A good film nonetheless whether you like the last act or not. 

My Rating : 7.5/10 


Dick Johnson is Dead 
Directed by : Kirsten Johnson

It would be so easy if loving only gave us the beautiful. But what loving demands is that we face the fear of losing each other. That when it gets messy, we hold each other close. And when we can, we defiantly celebrate our brief moments of joy. 


A documentary drama where the daughter Kirsten Johnson helps her father Dick Johnson prepare for the remaining life shooting some of possible ways he could die. Ofcourse most of those death sequence are hilarious, yet its a film that didn't click to me, it was partly fun and some moving moments but never quite got the attention out of me I felt it might for the plot it was covering. Decent one time watch. 

My Rating : 5.5/10 


Sound of Metal 
Directed by : Darius Marder 

If I disappear, like, who cares? Nobody cares, man. Seriously. Yo, and that's okay. That's life. That's life. No, for real. Okay? It just passes. It just fucking.. fucking passes.


Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed) is a heavy metal drummer but his life turns upside down when his already deteriorating hearing ability worsens. On request of his girlfriend/lead singer Lou (Olivia Cooke) he joins a small deaf community run by Joe (Paul Raci). Some wonderful scenes between Joe and Ruben, from the introduction when Ruben is very reluctant to be part of Joe's setup. The entire film is basically about if Ruben is willing to accept that its okay to be deaf, and he can still live a happy life without feeling being handicapped. We get to see Ruben's cold reactions, and desperation to give it a try, forming some new bonds. I am not questioning Ruben's decision, every person can't go through the transformation which he clearly fails at. But its a pity that he does go the other way, was heartbreaking to see final few scenes where he does realize he cannot undo his hearing disability.  Riz Ahmed with an absolutely wonderful performance, I was hoping he would win Oscar. Also, brilliant sound design in a film thats shown from the point of view of Ruben for vast proportions making you feel his pain even more at times. Very good supporting acts by both Olivia Cooke and Paul Raci. Definately a film to watch. 

My Rating : 7.5/10 


Palm Springs 
Directed by : Max Barbakow

'So, this is Today. Today is yesterday. And tomorrow is also today.'
'We kind of have no choice but to live. So I think your best bet is just to learn how to suffer existence.'


Two wedding guests, Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) get stuck in a one day time loop. Its a fun movie and doesn't follow the cliched route associated with such rom-com usually. Love when Nyles and Sarah decide to totally enjoy the time together after Sarah learns there's no way out of the time loop. Also, Nyles mimickry of his current gf is fun, and the cameo of Roy (J.K Simmons) is well done too, I somehow got reminded of that army guy in Jumanjee, very similar sudden appearance Roy has wanting to kill Nyles all the time. Another film that you must watch. 

My Rating : 7/10 


Another Round 
Directed by : Thomas Vinterberg

What is youth? A dream. What is love? The content of the dream. 


Martin (Mads Mikkelsen), Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen), Nikolaj (Magnus Millang) and Peter (Lars Ranthe) are 4 high school teachers whose life both professionally and personally has been dull and going no-where, and just then one of them suggests consuming alcohol daily in small proportion to see how it could lead to a positive change, based on a theory from Norwegian philosopher. Its a fantastic movie that doesn't really go one-note on alcohol consumption, we do see how it can break your life if taken in overdose and also how the results vary as per individuals, so don't mistake the film as something that would inspire you to alcohol because it very much shows the drawbacks too. Mads Mikkelsen is just awesome, and any talk about this film would be incomplete without that famous final scene where Mads dances on the addictive track 'What a life', if ever I list my top cinematic experiences then this scene will definately make it. Another Round works not only for the many fun light hearted moments, or the commentary on the danish drinking culture but also is very moving in many places specially the final scene involving Martin and Tommy. Again, do watch it. 

My Rating : 8/10 


Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Directed by : Eliza Hittman 

Can't stop doing things for him. He's got the power of, power of love over me.


Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) living in rural Pennsylvania seeks medical help after an unintended pregnancy. She gets the much needed emotional and financial support from her cousin Skylar (Talia Ryder) as they go on a quick secret bus trip to New York City. Its a strange film, sort of documentary style not in the way its shot but the time-span it covers. Basically if you leave first 15 mins aside, the story is about the 2 days trip of Autum and Skylar, with very basic or at times no dialogues. The backdrop kept is mostly male dominated with females treated badly or treated more like objects by men when we see how girls are given payment by boss with kiss on hands or how Skylar has to make out with a guy just so he could help with bus trip money. My issue rather was that I felt they overdid the trip plot, there was a case of developing both Autumn and Skylar characters through either more dialogues or their flashbacks. But then again, I still liked the film for what it is, and the 'Never Rarely Sometimes Always' scene when it comes it does hit you hard. Also, like the song sung by Autumn in very first scene.. setting up the mood of her character and what way the film will head. Its not a film for everyone, I do feel personally girls should connect easily even if they find it slow. 

My Rating : 6.5/10 


The Man Who Sold His Skin 
Directed by : Kaouther Ben Hania

Do you know what's worse than being part of the system? It's being ignored by it. 


Sam Ali (Yahya Mahayni), a Syrian refugee meets Jeffrey Godefroi (Koen De Bouw) in Lebanon offering him a job where his back would be used as form of art for his museum. Another strange film, that I can label not my kind or just clicks in parts. I like scenes involving Sam and his love Abeer (Dea Liane), them trying to be together but circumstances don't let it be. Or the scenes having Sam and his family. The entire museum angle unfortunately felt odd and not executed well enough to my liking. Even the climax felt more like a copout for a happy ending. 

My Rating : 4/10 


Quo Vadis, Aida?
Directed by : Jasmila Zbanic

Do you think we are safe here? I don't know anywhere else we could be safe if not here. 


Based on the war in July 1995 Bosnia, when Serbian army took over the small town of Srebrenica as the citizens look for shelter in the UN Camp. Aida Selmanagic (Jasna Djuricic) who works as a translator for the UN gets to know about the negotiations and developments as she has to do her professional duty and also help her family stay alive. Very well directed movie that keeps you on the edge, firstly for the horror of the war on normal citizens and then knowing Aida's family is very close to death. You feel for every person that goes in that theatre hall, knowing well in advance what fate they are gonna have. Basically, the story presents how war destroys life of normal citizens for no fault of theirs. I liked the film whether or not it was fully true to the actual events, can't really say. 

My Rating : 7/10 


Wonder Woman 1984
Directed by : Patty Jenkins

Sometimes you can't see what you are learning, until you come out the other side.


An ancient artifact that grants wishes leads to risk of destruction of world because it lands in hands of a very greedy businessman Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) and Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig) who wants a lifestyle like Diana Prince (Gal Gadot). Nolan's movie not working didn't hurt me much as Wonder Woman 1984 being bad did. The greed angle is so overdone that it felt like writers didn't have anything else to go to but just play out how much greedy human can go. I would had liked Barbara going more evil too because I felt Kristen Wiig played it really well but again the writing spoils her part. Its sad to see Pedro ham so much, even Chris Pine scenes don't bring the humor it did in earlier movie. Yes Gal Gadot has some scenes to shine but thats not enough in the end. Total disappointment after finally having a franchise in the DC Universe you thought might turn out to be really good. Not to be.

My Rating : 3/10


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Saturday, January 22, 2022

Series Analysis : You (Season 3) (Netflix)

Directed by : Silver Tree (5 episodes), John Scott (2 episodes), Pete Chatmon (2 episodes) and Sasha Alexander (1 episode).

I can't completely cage what's inside of me, or, when it bursts out, it comes for blood. Better to feed it just enough to keep it in check, keep it on a leash, take it out for walks, but make sure it knows the rules.


Spoilers ahead... 


Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) who is now a father to Henry (yes not a daughter as he wanted), lives with wife Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti) in a new place called Madre Linda (does this place exist? Because I quite love the vibe with the name). Now, question is how long before Joe goes to his patterns and will he be stopped because Love is his best match.. or will Joe change, becoming a father can do wonders sometimes!

Season starts with a bang, because we are teased into 'Oh no, there goes Joe in same.. 'you are the one' territory'. But as expected, due to Love the pattern gets broken right at end of Episode1, and we get early killing. This is exciting because we know Joe no longer loves Love, when he came to know the real 'Love'. But its tricky situation, knowing the childhood Joe had, he won't want Henry to have no Mom. 

Joe interactions with Henry are fun, cute and nice to watch.. because there's always a human side to him no matter how much you try to hate him which you rightly should. I am happy they didn't overdo calling Henry as 'Forty' because even it was getting irritating to me. It does play well with the Love's arc who has plenty going inside her head, and Forty being one of her most softer emotional spots whom she can't let go away even after killing him. 

The initial episodes explores beautifully how Love handles Joe's obsession for new partner, and Joe handling Love's impulsive killing attitude. I totally adored the couple therapy session interlinked with Joe-Love clearing the crime scene of their 1st murder after becoming parents and how they can't tell the actual reason to psychiatrist but find ways of accusing the other one using all kind of references. 


The new additions are always a risk in any ongoing series, the friend circle of Love was the weak-point in Season2, but here the Madre Linda people that get involved with the life of Joe-Love mostly worked for me which is a very big plus for the episodes where Joe-Love story take a backseat. Sherry Conrad (Shalita Grant) initially is a very irritating character, very double faced and I loved how Love makes fun of her in her mind like the vomit emoji, and her husband Cary Conrad (Travis Van Winkle) is even a bigger wierdo. Yet Love's efforts to be friends with Sherry slowly builds that character more in the future scenes involving marriage swinging and getting caged where they fully come out. I won't say I ended up liking them even at the end, but atleast a part of me was happy they didn't die. Also, special mention to the 'Woods' episode of Joe and Cary, my reactions while watching it were similar to how Joe felt being part of those rituals, and I couldn't help but laugh when I thought 'Did Joe actually just kill Cary with a push?' 


Dante (Ben Mehl) was another character that I liked, he didn't have much screen time but plays key part and ofcourse someone Joe could trust to keep Henry safe. Marienne (Tati Gabrielle), Joe's new 'You' was a mature character and yet her chemistry with Joe never felt convincing. I have no idea why, whether it was because of been invested so much with Beck and now Love, or because in my mind I know this is just another of Joe's new obesession and nothing more, not the 'Yes you are the one, you are perfect for me' theories his mind keeps playing for him. Tati Gabrielle (she was very good in Sabrina show too) plays the character wonderfully because even us can't read her easily like is the case with Joe. Infact I still don't know whether she really meant it about the toxicity with Joe while having conversation with Love or it was her strategy to escape the death. 

The middle episodes were less engaging because it deviates away from Joe-Love, focusses on Joe getting social with Cary having adventurous jungle weekend trip. Was funny way he reacts to the therapist telling him to find friends and not have wife to be only person to share everything with, and Joe is like 'who the hell is worth being friend to in Madre Linda'. There's the Love-Theo (Dylan Arnold) angle where Theo gets serious for Love, and making me worried because that only means death at hands of either Love or You, nevertheless I enjoyed this plot. Two key scenes, one where Theo is so in love he wants to get a video proof of Joe and hand to Love so she can file domestic abuse, and the other when Theo learns about Conrads in the cage, the expression on both Theo and Love is priceless, one is still mad in love not realizing yet what Love will do, and on other hand Love is angry and gutted knowing she will have to kill him now. 


Also, I liked that the father of Theo, Matthew (Scott Speedman) unlike the first few episodes where it felt he accepted the truth of Natalie (Michaela McManus) and won't do anything, rather goes all out secret office spy act on every person in Madre Linda, I expected more still in the finale than just rescuing his son and same the case with the detectives who are yet again no match for Joe or even Love. There's good use of Joe's childhood shown in almost every episode, just tiny scenes everytime involving him at a foster home and Nurse Fiona (Kim Shaw) who is also going through a abusive relationships. 

Some other issues I had was, the whole measles episode felt forced, like it was inserted due to covid, only positive coming out of it was Gil (Mackenzie Astin) getting into the cage as Love learns to atleast half control her impulsive nature. Then, theres the scene where Joe attacks Cary openly outside house, with Matthew who is using all cameras still not get anything? And also, when Joe kills Ryan (Scott Michael Foster) its very open.. again no one sees or no camera gets it.. thats writing trying to be too much in support of Joe. 


Its tough for me to say who is more bad, Love or Joe, in comparison yes Love is more but as humans they both are similar, which is why they are a pair made for each other even if they had no love feelings mutually anymore. Both make mistakes, go on affairs, killing wise it was clearly Love who would murder instantly while Joe will wait until he had no other option whether it was with Ryan or eventually Love. Its fun how little trust they have for each other, having the spare key hidden in the cage in case one of them turns other inside. 

If Joe didn't meet Marienne, would he still had felt Love is the problem in their marriage, because for a while it did feel he was back in love with Love, or its a case of Joe who just isn't your 'forever' kind guy. And I am not shying away from the fact that Love goes the same route too, she isn't faithful and has clear instant crush for Theo which she acts upon much later. So the point is still the same, who would you blame more, Love or Joe, or should they both had accepted each others flaws and stayed together just for Henry, maybe thats asking for too much! That brings me to one of very wierd love making scene I ever saw. They both just put Conrads in cage and then make out right outside there, and Joe perfectly sums it up 'Our love language is violence'. Just what I was saying earlier! I also wondered how come Love didn't see Joe different attitude or performances in bed or the 'too much busy in work' as maybe there's someone else.. or did it have to do with Love herself dealing with so much that it got too much for her, maybe last time she got better of Joe because he just didn't knew who the real Love is, this time around he was watching his steps. 


Victoria Pedretti again delivers a power-packed performance, she just can never let you down. Watch her expressions every time she feels she is being betrayed, her face totally changes, like during the swinging scene she can see its not her Joe is thinking about while watching his face. Her impulsive attitude often brings hilarious scenes where Joe is the one seen doing the damage control job. The confrontation scene with Joe in the finale is awesome, Victoria totally nailing with those frustrated, angry, disappointed with Joe expressions, and yet you know the impulsive her might do anything now to Joe. Or her reaction to mom's outburst telling she is spoiled and its not the bad parenting as the reason. Also, in some selected episodes, she looks so gorgeous too specially the event at Library or when she is seductively trying to work her magic on Joe. I am being biased but seriously why would Joe not love her. 

Meanwhile, Penn Badgley continues to work his magic despite having some repeated patterns, which I had said in previous season too that it doesn't bother, you just love to see how he manages this time. I have to say his voiceover specially is fun to hear when he is telling what he is thinking about the situation to us only. Also, its good to see him kind of have the backseat for most of the season, he still has his patterns but there are changes to it, there is the careful approach knowing Love is basically worst version of Joe, and not to forget there's the son Henry to be always kept safe. Infact, this is a season where he does good things a lot, doesn't frame Mathew for murder of Natalie, avoids killing Theo to name a few. Penn very much manages to keep you on the edge, you are (or atleast I am) still rooting for him, no reason otherwise to be still watching Season3. I really love the scene where Joe has to clear a crime scene and also at same time have a arguement with Love firstly on why kill someone, and then where did she hide the bodies in last season. The expressions of 'what in the hell made me fall in love with this lady' clearly on his face, and he knows this will happen many times more when he sarcastically tells her for next 30 so years he will be erasing her kills. 


Creepiest moments have to be when Joe and Love are digging up the grave with Henry in a stroller not facing them but having a laugh. Or when Love is making some breakfast while checking footage of cage from her mobile if Conrads are doing fine, some multitasking that. Talking of multitasking, how about Joe cleaning crime scene making Henry busy watching some cartoon and Joe's expected words 'this is the last time Daddy is doing this'. And when Joe tells Love, what equipment he had used to dispose off a body in last season, actually more than creepy this one felt very gross.

Final 3 episodes are as good as the starting ones, keenly waited for the confrontation scene in the finale, to see who comes out winner, Joe or Love or are they gonna re-unite and start a fresh which would mean plenty more deaths. Its great to see Love ahead of Joe in her thinking, only to be pulled back because Joe was very smart to know what Love had always been planning. Yet, I was somewhat disappointed, maybe because by now I am too fond of Love's character and how brilliantly Victoria Pedretti again played it. Wasn't there a case of either of Love or Joe going jail, rather than Love getting killed.. I mean the ending very much felt like dejavu of Season1, even Joe in his voiceover refers to the end he gave to Love is better than Beck. 

I am hoping, the fact that they avoid showing Love's body catch fire, is some hint that maybe Love had her PlanB going too or if Marienne didn't actually leave and helps Love out in time before whole house is burned. Even if she is dead, and these theories don't turn true.. I seriously hope S4 goes some new territory, whether its with Joe's past murders catching up with him or a new character that sees what Joe is and plans to get him arrested, more of Love of S2 minus the love angle. 

Its a very consistent series, having enjoyed all he seasons so far. I personally think there's atleast 2 more seasons possible without getting repetitive. 

My Rating : 7.5/10 


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Quick Views on 2021 Films I Didn't Review - Part1

A very quick recap on all the films/series that I missed writing on last year. 

Spoilers ahead...


Mank
Directed by : David Fincher

You cannot capture a man's entire life in two hours. All you can hope is to leave the impression of one.


Showcasing the journey of screenwriter of Citizen Kane, what events took place while he wrote for movie and his equation with the director, producer and lots more. Among all the films I have seen of Fincher, this was the only one that not only never worked but was very boring to sit through. That dining scene was my only interesting takeaway from this film along with lovely performance of Gary Oldman. Might work for Citizen Kane fanatics!

My Rating : 3/10


Nomadland
Directed by : Chloe Zhao

One of the things I love most about this life is that there's no final goodbye. You know, I have met hundreds of people out here and I don't ever say a final goodbye. I always just say, "I will see you down the road." And I do. And whether its a month, or a year, or sometimes years, I see them again.


About life of nomads, focussing mainly on Fern (Frances McDormand) who uses her van to survive after the recession hits her badly. There have been movies in past like Shape of Water, Moonlight that won Oscars when I found them decent at best, and Nomadland adds to the list. The screenplay is just too slow and not engaging enough specially when it involves silent moments of Fern. I did like scenes involving other nomads, some were real nomads too and those did click. Definately not my kind of movie when I see how much praise it got from critics. 

My Rating : 4.5/10 


Tenet 
Directed by : Christopher Nolan

For me, I think this is the end of a beautiful friendship. 
But for me it's just the beginning.


The protagonist is trying to save the world while learning how to tackle time inversion. Like most of his movies Nolan again masterfully confuses you, unsure what is happening, which time zone or which timeline are we actually in right now, with Blue and Red as main timelines used in this movie. But unlike his all previous work, this movie lacks or I would even say is totally emotionless.. which is funny when a character says 'Don't try to understand it. Feel it', which I never felt. Rather the dialogue 'Does your head hurt yet' actually justifies how you feel at end. Even the lovely bonding between Robert Pattinson and John David Washington couldn't save the film. Seems 2020 was a year of firsts, Nolan finally giving a below average movie. No, a second watch won't change this either. 

My Rating : 3.5/10


Da 5 Bloods 
Directed by : Spike Lee

After you have been in a war, you understand it never really ends.


Four African American vets going back to the Vietnam to collect remains of their fallen squad leader and also the gold he had promised to have hidden in there. One of very bizzare movie I have seen, specially the character of Paul (Delroy Lindo) that goes totally mad in the end, I personally felt very irritated watching his actions and basically putting others in danger. Also, disappointed that Chadwick Boseman got very less screentime. Just felt the movie kept changing stances, going one way then other without making any sense and its 2 hr 34 mins long to add to the misery.

My Rating : 2.5/10


Eurovision Song Contest : The Story of Fire Saga
Directed by : David Dobkin

I will just leave the knife here, in case, you have to, do other murders.


Two dreamers, Lars Erickssong (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams), aspiring musicians want to represent their country at the world's biggest song competition. If not for Will Ferrell, it would easily had been a guilty pleasure movie for me, but he just is in every frame and irritates hell out of you. So many unintentional comedy gets ruined due to him. Likeable movie that offers lots of silly comedy situations, love the final track, love the scenes involving Mita (Melissanthi Mahut) and Rachel McAdams is as always lovable. 

My Rating : 4.5/10


The Vast of Night 
Directed by : Andrew Patterson

I think they get inside our heads and make us do destructive things, like drink and over eat. I have seen good people go bad, and smart people go mad. 


A switchboard operator Fay Crocker (Sierra McCormick) and radio DJ Everett Sloan (Jake Horowitz) are up for a very strange night full of events they won't had seen coming in New Mexico, in the late 1950s. Skip the first 5-7 mins and you won't miss much without having to sit through a confusing initial scene to begin film. After that its never ending but fun talks between Fay and Everett slowly leading to the strange audio frequency as they get curious to find out what its all about, and it involves Fay who  already appears to have a personality of someone overcurious or hyped about future inventions. Its a super going until ofcourse the end that just disappoints, some of you might say it works but not for me, it just felt like we were taken all the while to something that never happens. Fun movie nonetheless, or for the way its filmed to keep you engaged till the end. 

My Rating : 6.5/10 


Black Bear
Directed by : Lawrence Michael Levine 

You are uncomfortable with emotion. Anytime something real comes up, you have to make a joke. 


First chapter follows Allison (Aubrey Plaza), an actress turned director/writer who comes to stay at a lakehouse in the woods working on her new script, the house owned by a couple, Gabe (Christopher Abbott) and Blair (Sarah Gadon). Plenty of long conversations eventually leading to Gabe cheating on Blair with an end involving bear. Second chapter involves same three characters but this time Gabe is husband of Allison who is lead actress shooting a film at same lakehouse location while Blair is co-actress and the shooting scene resembles 1st chapter. There's a terrific scene where Allison is drunk and lets out her hatred for Blair (forced by husband unknowingly in name of method acting). I liked both chapters, even though both feel incomplete.. But then its how you decipher the movie or if you are willing to else it may be boring for you, One possibility is that 1st chapter is fiction and 2nd is real, other possibility is that both are fictions or just drafts as Allison tries to get the right story going for her script. At times does get tiring to watch the proceedings in both chapters, but films like these that test your mind even if not fully executed properly are always great to watch. Also, brilliant performances by all 3 leads, especially Aubrey Plaza. 

My Rating : 7/10 


Relic 
Directed by : Natalie Erika James

Maybe its just been waiting till I was weak enough. Alone enough. 


Horror backdrop used to showcase Dementia in a family consisting of grandmother Edna (Robyn Nevin), mother Kay (Emily Mortimer) and daughter Sam (Bella Heathcote). Another thoughtful movie that tests your brain with a brilliant climax, if only the 1st two acts were more engaging and not that slow. Love how they use dementia to create horror around it. 

My Rating : 6/10 


Babyteeth 
Directed by : Shannon Murphy

This is the worst possible parenting I can imagine. 


About Milla (Eliza Scanlen) who is seriously ill and falls in love with a smalltime drug dealer Moses (Toby Wallace) making it tough for her parents to deal with. I liked the film, but it never made the impact most films of this story usually does, partly because the plot of Milla-Moses never fully registers for me. I would had wanted more of pregnant neighbour or the music teacher or even Milla's parents living a dysfunctional family life. But then I get the mood was kept mostly light so that could be a reason to keep everything in small ratio. There are some nice touchy moments and the heartbreaking final scene, good use of music at many places, and wonderful performances. If you can connect with Milla-Moses chemistry, film would work lot better for you, I wasn't really sure I wanted to see someone living final moments of life with a person whom she had just met and doesn't love her back. Or maybe just how love works, you are stubborn to let go specially when you ain't living for long not caring if its silly. I might give it another watch someday with clear mind if it works better. 

My Rating : 5.5/10 


Shirley
Directed by : Josephine Decker

The truth is, nobody really cares if you live or if you die. 


A biopic on the famous horror author Shirley Jackson (played by Elisabeth Moss) that tells story about how Shirley takes inspiration for her next book when her husband Stanley Hyman (Michael Stuhlbarg) invites a young couple Fred Nemser (Logan Lerman) and Rose Nemser (Odessa Young) to stay with them. One of those films that I couldn't like for the uncomfortable vibe it gives, even when the narrative tilts to the insanity it doesn't really work for me. Leaving asides Odessa's performance, I hardly enjoyed anything in here, all the manipulation, dirty drama failed to engage me in and also I didn't care to google if the story told was actually real or mixed with fiction. 

My Rating : 3/10 

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Friday, January 21, 2022

Series Analysis : Mirzapur2 (Amazon Prime)

Directed by : Gurmmeet Singh (7 episodes) and Mihir Desai (4 episodes)

Jeet ki gurantee tabhi hai jab, jeet aur haar dono tumhare control mein ho.


Spoilers ahead...

A total revenge saga is what 2nd season is. Guddu Pandit (Ali Fazal) seeks revenge of the death of his brother Bablu Pandit (Vikrant Massey) and wife Sweety Gupta (Shriya Pilgaonkar). Golu Gupta (Shweta Tripathi) who loved Bablu and was sister of Sweety, joins him. Then there's Sharad Shukla (Anjum Sharma) whose father was killed by Guddu, and besides he is after the throne of Mirzapur too very much like Guddu. And in all this Munna Tripathi (Divyendu Sharma) tries to help his father Akhandanand Tripathi (Pankaj Tripathi) in the upcoming elections as he tries to get a strong ministry. 


Unlike the 1st season, this one goes in a very slow pace despite the very quick start with that dreamy sequence that for a moment felt like are they doing Hannibal Season2 by showing the glimpse of end directly. The whole political game is what that holds this season for me, and the revenge angle unfortunately goes to the backseat. Most of the blame however goes to the addition of twin brothers, Tyagi (Vijay Varma) which derails the narrative. Only positive that comes out of this character is that you know Golu will have a very tough time in Season3. 



My issue was this hampered the main plot which was Revenge of Bablu and Sweety death, we get one face-off scene where Guddu single handedly

was proving too much for both Munna and Sharad, but there's nothing after that. Infact the narrative goes so many places in every episode that when the scene of Guddu-Golu comes, you got to ask yourself where were they last time and where exactly their plans are going on now. If not for Tyagi whole story, this wont have been an issue and same with Sharad who starts off on such a brilliant note in 1st episode, or his meeting with Munna and later getting the trust of Akhandanand but then he suddenly disappears and returns in last episode making that final move, the motive of which we will learn in Season3.

The best part was Munna and Madhuri Yadav (an excellent Isha Talwar) romantic angle and also a sense of responsibility that comes to Munna. It made his character more human, and just a tiny bit of emotions shift towards him when he gets killed. JP Yadav (Pramod Pathak) gave feels of GOW2 Tigmanshu's son and almost pulled off the similar success before getting thrown out. Bauji (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) and Beena Tripathi (Rasika Dugal) story was perfectly done this season, love the plotting Beena does and also how she stops Maqbool (Shaji Chaudhary), wanting to kill Bauji herself. 


I totally enjoyed addition of Robin (Priyanshu Painyuli) character, bit suspicious early on and his constant 'yeh bhi theek hai' was fun. Also, his love angle with Dimpy (Harshita Gaur) made for atleast someone who isn't violent in this series. However, the mystery about his mother makes me wonder if there's a dark twist coming to this story too. Also, Dibyendu Bhattacharya provided some lovely light moments playing a doctor trapped under Golu-Guddu, trying to get his leg working again. Sad to see the end he and his family goes through.

Shabnam's (Shernavaz Jijiza) feelings developing for Guddu felt very sudden to me, almost as if she always had liked him. Ramakant Pandit (Rajesh Tailang) and Inspector RS Maurya (Amit Sial) joining together to go against Tripathi's was fun, though I didn't see Ramankant killing Maurya coming. 

Pankaj Tripathi somehow felt lost to me in this season, again the culprit been how the story moves to so many characters. He does still have some moments to shine, and the end gives me hope of something special from his side in next season. Shweta Tripathi too felt offtrack, didn't like her character's way of dealing with the trauma. Ali Fazal was in form again, liked how they made him have action scenes with one leg not fully working yet and still powerful enough to get that Mirzapur throne. But, his greed makes me feel he might be having a downfall in next season. 

Mirzapur2 may not have lived upto the standards of 1st season, still it was good enough for me, specially the political angle inserted, few good addition of characters, some good old sub-plots finished, few new sub-plots that have scope of lots more in next Season. Maybe Season2 is just gonna act as a catalyst for a very powerful new season.

My Rating : 6.5/10

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Thursday, January 20, 2022

Movie Analysis : Ajeeb Dastaans (Netflix)


Another movie that consists of 4 shorts, benefit always is that even if it doesn't click you feel time wasn't wasted. Very much like the past films Bombay Talkies, Lust Stories, Ghost Stories etc, Ajeeb Dastaans ends up as a mix of highs and lows together. 


Spoilers ahead... 


Majnu 
Directed by : Shashank Khaitan

Hum jab bhi kuch lete hai, toh badle mein kuch dete zaroor hai. 

Babloo (Jaideep Ahlawat) gets married to Lipakshi (Fatima Sana Shaikh) but on the first night informs her that he will never be able to give her love because he likes someone else and was forced by his father into this marriage. Its been some months, and  Raj (Armaan Ralhan) who is son of Babloo's driver, offers to help Babloo in his work but his intentions are to come closer to Lipakshi who herself gets fond of him. This short would had worked better if it stayed at the revenge theme (you get that twist very late), but the gay angle is so poorly done that I didn't really bothered about the ending then. Even actor like Jaideep Ahlawat looks out of touch here, or its just a case of how poor the script was. 


Khilauna
Directed by : Raj Mehta 

Kothiya mein rehne wale kabhi apne sage nahi ho sakte.

Meenal (Nushrratt Bharuccha), a housemaid changes the place she used to work at just because the male owner there could help the electricity cut issues she was facing at her small accomodation where she lives with her lover Shushil (Abhishek Banerjee) and little sister Binny (Inayat Verma). There's a party going for the new-born and an unusual incident makes Meenal and her lover prime suspect. This one works better, yet in parts only. The theme clearly is of poor vs rich, but it also tackles bad parenting that actually results in that very shocking final scene which you probably don't wanna remember ever (almost as disgusting as the one in Kingsman 2 movie). All the actors chip in with good performances, feel there was more scope in the execution of how rich treat poor and vice-versa, which may have made that final scene making more impact. Still a decent short for me. 


Geeli Pucchi
Directed by : Neeraj Ghaywan

Tumhe apne sach ko maan lena hoga, tabhi khush reh paayogi. 

Bharti Mandal (Konkana Sen Sharma), a Dalit and discretly gay, is the only female working at this industry, she is hard-working and wants promotion for a computer desk job. But it rather goes to new recruit Priya Sharma (Aditi Rao Hydari) who is bisexual. After initial apprehensions, Bharti forms a close bond with Priya having feelings for her but only to realise with time that she can never close the caste gap and all the discriminations that comes with it. I won't say it totally lives upto the hype I heard for this short, a tad slow I felt but still is the best of the lot. What works is Konkana Sen Sharma's brilliant performance, even her walk in the male dominated workplace looks so manly like her dressing as if she has so sunk up in the job when clearly her talent says she deserves lot more. Thats what the short explores, talent is always secondary, links and your status matters the most which is why I love the casting of Aditi Rao Hydari, because she is so sweet and cute that to hate her, which her character gives reasons at places, results in very contradictory situations. Love the office birthday scene, and the final one at Priya's residence. In the end you would take Bharti's side but its tricky, you still would feel Priya was somewhat hard done. 


Ankahi 
Directed by : Kayoze Irani 

Aapke honth jhooth bol sakte hai, par aapki aankhein hamesha sach bolti hai.

Natasha's (Shefali Shah) daughter Samaira (Sara Arjun) is slowly losing her hearing ability and her husband Rohan (Tata Roy Chowdhury) isn't willing to put in efforts of learning sign language or give time to Samaira. At a art gallery, Natasha happens to meet Kabir (Manav Kaul) who is a photographer and has a hearing/speech disability. They form a great bond with use of sign language but what will happen when Kabir learns reality of Natasha being a married woman. This is a very good effort from Kayoze Irani as his directorial debut, and it helps that he has got the terrific main lead actors, Shefali and Manav, both of them engaging you in every frame they are in.. a delight together which makes me wonder if Manav should do more of romantic movies, I can recall only Tumhari Sulu last one where also I liked him. Coming back to Ankahi, the final heartbreak scene works a lot here (unlike the case in Majnu), even if I could say it was little dramatic but I will still take it. 


Overall, Ajeeb Dastaans has 2 winners for me, Geeli Pucchi and Ankahi, both full of great performances, with former having an interesting theme and latter more of routine romance done in a nice way. Majnu was a total miss, while Khilauna has some likeable portions. 


My Rating : 6/10 

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Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Series Analysis : JL50 (SonyLiv)

Directed by : Shailender Vyas (4 episodes)

You see, America mein ho toh phenomena, possibilities pe research. Lekin hamare hindustan mein ho toh only one 'Story'. Hamara problem kya hai Shantanu, hamare desh mein Hindu, Muslim, Mandir, Masjid, Politics, Andhvishwaas se upar hum log kabhi uthte hi nahi... Agar humhe akaash mein kuch dikhayi de jaaye toh hum do haath jodh lete hai aur usse bhagwaan maan lete hai.. question nahi karte, we don't ask Why, What, How.. Never.


Spoilers ahead... 


CBI officer Shantanu (Abhay Deol) along with his colleague Gaurango (Rajesh Sharma) reaches a village of Lava in West Bengal. Expecting to find the missing plane that was carrying some important politicians, Shantanu is shocked to learn that it is instead a different plane JL50 that crashed near the village, and more so its a plane that took off 35 years ago. Is it some kind of staging done by ABA (Azaad Bengal Association) or are we talking time-travel here? 

Time-Travel in last few years has really gone up on me as something exciting, first it was Avengers Endgame and then the superb Dark series. JL50 unfortunately is neither entertaining as the former, and nor detailed like the latter. Yet you have to applaud for the honest attempt and the fact that its just a 4 episode series so despite the flaws you would end up watching it in a go. 

Two major issues I had was, firstly the characters aren't developed enough, there's too little time spent on Shantanu's back life, why his marriage fell apart, and then the time-travel when it does come is way too late. Also, the entire scenario where Shantanu tries to change the events going back in time, felt hurried and not exciting enough to me. The sci-fi effects aren't good but that could be low budget thing. 

Love the scene where Professor Subroto Das (Pankaj Kapur) talks about why we Indians won't believe something unique can be invented by our own people, there's a genuine true frustration felt in those words. Pankaj Kapur is easily the best performer in the series, a reason why his sudden change in final episode didn't go well with me, maybe I wanted him to stay a positive character but still its a good twist. Abhay Deol was expectedly good, a tad overstretched maybe when it comes to 'I don't believe time-travel is possible', otherwise you enjoy his act or the revelation when he learns how Bihu Ghosh (Ritika Anand) is related to him. Again, not proper character development made this scene not having that much impact as it otherwise would had. 

Rajesh Sharma is fun, only character who is all the time wanting Shantanu to believe its definately a time-travel. Piyush Mishra strangely was too hammy, and rest cast didn't quite work for me specially Ritika. 

Even though I found the attempt to connect time-travel with Hindu Mythology little odd with the narrative of show, I liked that small part specially how propaganda is used by big leaders like Hitler shown or a certain person from our own country these days. The climax where Shantanu doesn't burn the papers properly was a clear case of very lazy writing, when you know how not only his life or people he knows will get affected but the country could suffer, why would he be so silly and stupid!

Some fun moments definately includes when Shantanu offers 10rs Coin in the time-travel to a bus conductor of 1984, it was really hilarious to see him being told 'nakli paisa deta hai'. The songs are used well as backdrop, though none of them has 'listen again' appeal to it. 

JL 50 I feel had the potential to be much more, let down in many departments, yet being a 4 episode series, you can still give it a chance. 


My Rating : 5.5/10 
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Monday, January 17, 2022

Series Analysis : Haunted Season 3 (Netflix)

Directed by : Jan Pavlacky

The house is hungry. The house demands blood. 




In the Pines
Hannah had a abusive mother and when she was a teenager she moved to a friend's place who then helped her reach to Drew for work. She soon fell in relationship with him and moved to his house as live in where strange incidents started occuring. 

First of all, the narrator is very irritating herself and then there are two others who are over-reacting to her story. I mean these three made me not believe one bit of the story as true. Yet the story is interesting, clever use of 'My girl, my girl, don't lie to me' track and its never told if the serial killer killed that girl because she cheated on him or it was just a track he liked to sing. Again there is a stupid scene where Drew doesn't wanna leave the house as he believes he can channel the negative energy that is trapped and angry to somewhere peaceful. I am like, who are you Drew, why trying to be a hero, just mind your business and save yours and Hannah's life. Aneways, looking at the standard of this show, In the Pines is pretty decent watch. 


Haunted by Henry 
Wyatt as a young boy was haunted along with his sister at the house of Henry Croft. As he remembers those times, a house that had just hatred for him and his family. 

This one has better narrators minus the unwanted 'lights out' moment. But the narration again effects the main story, it does have good horror effects including few jump scares. This is much believable to be a true story, with a ghost that just doesn't want any tenant to live at his place and will either scare them to death or make them leave. 


Gift of Evil 
Emily on her 16th birthday gets a gift from her godmother, a musical box with her name engraved on it. Little does she know, that its some old box from a girl also named Emily who was murdered and now will haunt her. 

This was parts comical, parts wierd and parts watchable. When you see the 1st scene how the little girl Emily dies, you think maybe this one will be about the revenge from the guys who for no reasons (nothing is told) kill her. So, was a little disappointment to see the story go where she rather haunts an innocent girl. The Swan Lake theme played in musical box is nice, the boyfriend angle felt rushed entering Emily life and very quickly leaving too. And no logic why for 10 months she would go totally hidden. Overall, I didn't much enjoy, or found it scary.


The Witch behind the Wall
Brandy as a young girl shifts to a new rented place with her siblings and mother, only to find that the room upstairs wasn't safe because the wall was linked to the house where a very mean old lady lived.

Finally a different story, based on witch and sort of black magic. Works for most parts, except the 'get out of my house' dialogue which is the only time she talked in the episode. Out of all her ways of scaring the family, the table fan one got to me because many times I think of what if I feel asleep with it so close to me and my hand gets stuck inside. One other hiccup in story was, why would all the siblings one by one wait to get a experience of what that old lady is doing, rather than straightaway sleep in the ground floor, aneways maybe this is bit of nitpicking. This is a nice episode, probably best so far. 


Demon Cat
Alicia, a teenager, moves in with her brother and mother to a rented house after living most of her life in a mobile place before. Unfortunately, a demon cat awaits her in this new house. 

My most disliked episode so far. Starts with a very gross scene involving some cat ritual. Then, there's a very hard to see ankles breaking scene and we also go bollywood with a practioner helping Alicia escape death in hospital as he removes the demon cat spirit from the house. The cat scenes itself are gross too with it looking like some very odd creature. Only positive I can say about this story was that for a change its the mother who experiences odd things happening in house before it happens with rest family. And yea, definately not a true story by any means for me. 


Sins of my Father
Christian's father becomes effected by the spirit of Antichrist and goes jail for murdering his grandma. Years later, Christian having recovered from the shaky childhood, is at Yale University and he sees the history repeat as he too becomes Antichrist. 

I couldn't understand why Christian father all of a sudden becomes anti-god, there's just nothing shown as a reason behind it. And then same happens with Christian. Did I miss something? Scare wise it works more on the level how scary it would be for people around Christian father or later Christian, rather than us as viewers feeling terrified. Decent episode, just the reasoning would had made it work better for me. 



So, new season of Haunted again had same issues, funnily enough many of the stories would had worked if only they get done with the unwanted narration style, infact voiceovers ain't needed too. All episodes are 20ish mins long mostly which is a blessing and also a reason why I keep coming back to this series that I know will never work for me. 


My Rating : 3.5/10 
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