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Reviews
Fast X (2023)
Better than the last one, but Jason Momoa, please take a break
Far better than going to the space or diverting a nuke! And they made little joke about that too. I guess those who are stuck with this franchise for this long, they know what to expect by now - family happy time (this time the next generation got more attention since the kid is Dom's kid and not Mia's), getting clean and then again criminalized because something done in the past decided to be present, Roman and Tej's silly interactions, Dom's worry reflected on his glabella, idolizing of Dom on the streets, his taking no time to prove why he has been idolized and respected, losing some good folks (with a hope that they May return in a few years 😉), and shouting something in relation to 'family'. All boxes were checked!
Now, let's talk about the new character added to the franchise for at least two movies- Jason Momoa. It is hard to find a niche when you're late in the game In a crowd of big musclemen that includes Vin Diesel, John Cena, Dwayne Johnson, and Jason Statham. So, Momoa chose a different approach- a psychotic who brings hell down with a childlike smile in his eyes and joy on his face, dance moves, and occasional nod challenging gender norm. The problem is, Momoa's acting was totally repetitive of his character in Slumberland. It was so similar to the point that it felt like he probably mixed up the costumes, moves, and dialogues between these two movies. That was very very frustrating. Momoa shows that it is very easy to get gigs if someone has advantage over physical appearance in Hollywood. How about this Mr. Momoa - reveal some more intricate sides of Dante in the next movie? Show us that he can get scared, he can cry, and maybe fall in love? And, remember, if you do work it out, keep it for just one movie. Don't repeat in the others movies you are doing in the same time!
Kaiser (2022)
First of a kind made in Bangladesh
Kaiser shows the promise and limitations of media industry in Bangladesh. The concept behind the web series is good. A game-addict divorced detective with a sharp sixth sense is the protagonist of the series. The childhood friendship between the three friends which grew complicated as they grew up was very relatable. Any kid or adolescent who was a fan of detective or thriller book's could tell that they formed a detective agency to solve mysteries!
The exchanges of dialogues among characters was a strength of the series. Meanwhile the weak point was that not all the actors could match the level of nuances their character demanded. The director tried to remain very close to the reality. He also showed astute planning of stretching it to a next season by leaving the main villain out of reach. Tanim Noor touched but didn't go deeper into something very sensitive in Bangladesh- LGBTQ community's marginalization. I wonder what he will focus on in the next season cause that cannot be only on Kaiser, his family problems, and addiction.
Mohanagar (2021)
The value of 'Mohanagar' stretches far beyond social media hype
Ashfaque Nipun's Mohanagar has rightfully become a hot topic on Bangladeshi social media. But Mohanagar's value stretches far beyond that.
I started watching Mohanagar as a thriller enthusiast who had heard good reviews about the show. But it did not take much time to convince me to switch my perspective. I watched in awe as Nipun masterfully weaved composite characters inspired by Bangladesh's contemporary political and economic landscape over the last decade.
The web series sheds light on the grey area where the dichotomy between the executive and political authorities collapses in Bangladesh. Mohanagar does not tell us anything we don't already know: crony capitalists receive special treatment for their unlawful acts, law enforcement agencies operate at their discretion and under pressure from the "upor mohol," citizens present in the wrong place at the wrong time become pawns, and there exists selective surveillance of city-dwellers. Mohanagar also offers nothing new about the popular ideology that the protagonist must get their hands dirty to fight against a corrupt system.
But Mohanagar does lend a voice to stories that other contemporary directors and filmmakers chose to avoid. It pushes us against political forgetfulness, bringing back attention to harmful practices that are being normalised in Bangladesh.
While retelling the political narrative of Bangladesh, Nipun did miss a few opportunities. The treatment of female characters displays the traditional male gaze while missing nuances. The assistant commissioner had little command over the police station in the first season of the show. While she attempted to figure out what OC Harun was up to, her character was primarily clueless in connecting the dots. Her role betrayed a lack of attention from the director in developing a female character in a position of power. Mayor Rasheda Khanom did have access to the minister to turn the table in the last episode of the second season. But Rasheda neither had much screen time, nor could she embody the journey of a female politician becoming central to the politics of power in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Mitu portrays the role of an elder sister in Bangladeshi families predictably - being caring and emotional yet persistent, and responsible for the family's well-being in the absence of a brother.
Mohanagar checks most boxes to be acclaimed as a top-notch political thriller. Dark humour, puns, unexpected moves from supporting actors, plot twists, and parallel stories lead to the climax. Music director Jahid Nirob deserves a huge shoutout for the background score that creates the ambiance for tense, suspenseful, and dramatic scenes. And Nipun promises to retain viewers' attention for at least another season, given the glimpse of Anirban and a nail-biting cliffhanger. Game on Mohanagar team, game on!
Pathaan (2023)
Fast and Furious Bollywood Version: A return of SRK in the post-pandemic world
The movie's plot is an interesting one - bear in mind that it is a Bollywood Universe. Unsurprisingly, masculine patriotism, Kashmir, revenge, Pakistan, and sexy actress were present. What was new in here is that a move from framing 'Pakistan' as a holistic enemy state. It also slightly touches upon the unequal treatment between a soldier and a high rank official. The most enjoyable moments were when SRK was throwing dialogues as Pathan but those actually addressed the criticisms against SRK himself! Same went for Salman Khan and SRK's conversation- it was a hilarious comedy. When you reach to a certain point of your career, I guess, you are allowed to do this. I wish they could allow John Abraham to the club as well!
The second half of the movie was much better. The plot thickened well cause Jim always has a plan. So Pathan was failing again and again.
Now the critical lens at the Bollywood Verse!. The script writers didn't consult with a Public Health Specialist or a Virologist. When you blow up a plane or a lab which has contagious virus, it doesn't go away. It freaking spreads. This is not the solution to contain the virus. Bombing the disease-affected areas would have been the way to go in the real world.
Second, you cannot run with weapons in an arms market in a nameless country in Africa. This is just wrong and oriental portrayal of the region.
Third, Dubai is not part of India. Even if Indian prime minister is visiting there, the Indian national intelligence cannot just order over phone to block a road in a minute. Apparently, UAE doesn't have any security forces of their own while foreign fighters and terrorists are creating a havoc on their most popular city.
Fourth, Russia could be an ally to India, but apparently they also have no security forces active when SRK and an agent from ISI went there for a secret mission. And, honestly, you need to stop portraying the powerful people as stupid who falls so easily for attractive women. Tiger's appearance was even more reliable- who fought against the Russian platoon with just a piece of cloth!
Fifth, you are literally flying over a desert with wings on your shoulders. Let alone skipping the tutorial part. Cause you're SRK, you can learn flying a plane on the go. But, when you're FLYING on a dusty atmosphere, you NEED glasses to protect your eyes and see and yeah, to fight against another person.
Finally, everyone else is minuscule in the face of imperial and masculine Indian Men - the Africans are running with guns, Russians are speaking with funny accent, neither can torture you enough to kill you, and when two Indians fight- they disseminate so much force that a house built in Afghanistan collapses.
Speaking of which, the movie subtly gave a nod to Afghanistan as an ally to Indian National Security. A new turn in geopolitical imaginations indeed.
The Night Agent (2023)
Interesting mix
The plot is not unique. From the very beginning, the series reminded me of Apple Thriller Series 'Slow Horses'. It was good to see that the genre is now shifting to it's attention to domestic terrorists. Definitely a slight turn against framing foreign lands and people as criminals in the post 9/11 security paradigm. A Muslim terrorist was there, by the way. The series started on a wrong foot - the bomber was wearing a hoodie. I mean, come on. How hard it was to debunk the common myth that people wearing hoodies are suspicious? The weakest part of the whole series was President's Chief of Staff Dianne Farr and the President herself. Farr had a central role to play and she enjoyed so much screen time. Yet her expression was mostly bland and robotic. Of the ten episodes, she only did well in two scenes. It was painful to watch. And Farr's character was developed poorly too. As the Chief of Staff of the President of the United States, she seemed to have no busyness at all. Same goes for the president. Could be much more better. The main actor, actress, and VP's daughter stole the show. As I said it was a good blend of good and bad actors.
Your Place or Mine (2023)
Sweet rom-com
Making is good and funny. All the actors were outstanding. It's interesting to see that as the actors are aging, they are adding variables to the romcoms. Like in this one, they added a kid. So, when a romcom stretches over two decades, naturally one or both will have kids. The side actors were very good. Particularly liked the two friends- one with coffee and the other one who packed Reese's luggage. The movie followed the formula of a sweet romcom with no twists. Each of them understood the value of the other one in their lives throughout the movie and decided to be together. Who keeps book manuscript inside an oven/toaster? What if Reese decided to preheat without checking inside?! The manuscript could go toasted! Ashton should have also gotten laid for the sake of a balance. One serious critique I have is the movie reproduces the notion that single mothers cannot raise her boy kid to his full potential, they need a father. The movie projected Reese as an overly protective and caring mother. The stress and struggle of a single mother is beautifully illustrated to the extent it can in a romcom.
Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)
Could be better
Ever submitted a hastily finished project because the deadline is unavoidable? The movie looked exactly like that. I mean, why was it so poorly edited? Didn't the team watch it before releasing it? A good plot but poorly directed. The shift from one scene to another shows lack of mastery. Thin plot. Leaves watchers who didn't watch the series with lots of questions unanswered- what was Luthar's crime? Why was he arrested? How did the villain develop such a vast multi-country network that required funding and yet he remained under the radar? How come the villain got to catch that many victims? Archie's part was rather good. Why and who was wearing masks during the arson? How did the Red bunker, the so called Urban Legend recruit subscribers? And how come the entire police force couldn't figure out the motif or pattern with all their fancy technology while Luthar from a prison just figured that out while talking out loud? Those three stars were earned by Elba and because I had to see how the movie ended. At least I should credit that.