extreme_weasel Reviews

Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017)

A hidden gem

[8/10 · 9 November 2022]

This movie snuck into my heart. At first, I was interested in the premise: make a womaniser spend time exclusively with a prudish woman, while she relies on him to get her back to her fiancé. And then I got swept up in their transition, since they both end up in quite different emotional places.

At opposite ends of the romantic scale, they are each naive in their own way. And their journey matures them into opening their hearts to something deeper.

The soundtrack is excellent, and matches the beats and themes of their expanding horizons. And the songs are justified in-world, which is smoother and more appealing than interrupting the narrative for a song-dance spectacle.

The settings are beautiful. I've lived and worked in Europe, so I can relate to both sides of the tourist industry - and the enduring appeal of old world culture.

It was also satisfying to see SRK directed to play a subtle and somewhat bitter character, with frustration brewing under the surface that flares every now and then. As Harry, his internal battle is much more than 'chasing skirts' as he struggles with guilt and shame of longing for and rejecting his homeland.

Sejal is quite quickly shocked out of her apparent confidence when threatened by the darker side of foreign cities. Anushka plays her as sweet and a bit unco-ordinated, but when it really counts Sejal's inner strength (her true beauty) is bold and effective.

Despite Harry's bravado, she can see through to his fears, and challenges him - to get out of the prison of his own making.

There are some scenes that didn't make the final cut. From what I've seen of these, they add some context to the challenges and attraction between Harry and Sejal - but ultimately, the theatrical release has everything it needs to complete the journey into meaningful, honest love. One exception I'd prefer was included is when they each realise what is at stake, what they truly want, but won't tell each other the truth.

If anyone turns up to this expecting Raj, or any more flamboyant SRK characters, they'll be doing a disservice to themselves and this movie. It is pleasingly subtle and sweet.

I'm shocked to see people giving this low ratings and harsh critiques. It's well made, and - if nothing else - is a fresh setting for a will-they, won't-they light romance. What people seem to have missed is the real heart of the story and writing, which is well-delivered by these two lovely actors.

"Jab Harry Met Sejal" has now entered my top 10 list of romantic movies.

Battleground Melbourne (2022)

Ground Zero Truth

[8/10 · 6 June 2022]

Living through these events, trying to make sense of them, still witnessing the fallout and the persistent spin - it was reassuring to see Battleground Melbourne shine a light on the very human tragedies. As with any event that has impacted the world, these stories must be told, and must be available for future generations.

The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)

Creative, quirky, comfortable classic

[9/10 · 27 August 2020]

This is not a straight forward movie experience. It combines elements of live theater with classic farce, woven together with an obvious love for the source material.

Cinematography, editing, score, and set and costuming attention to detail conjure a believably pre-industrial London. We see the world first through the eyes of a boy ingenu, which lends to the slightly fantastic.

It smoothly transitions through 'highlights' of the book, without being too thin or fleeting. The creators have consciously chosen to lean into the comedic aspects of events, while still giving weight where appropriate.

Performances are perfectly tuned to the array of idiosyncratic characters. None of the actors outshine the others - a true ensemble. And it is an extra pleasure to see Hugh Laurie and Peter Capaldi in scenes together.

It evolves through episodes which tie together beautifully in the conclusion, especially with the final line.

The end credits retain the style and are a pleasing conclusion.

Now, one of my favorite films.

Peninsula (2020)

The chase is on!

[8/10 · 22 August 2020]

This was an excellent movie experience for me. The set-ups and pay-offs across the story landed well. Minimal dialogue to connect characters, but enough to give meaning and weight to their journeys. The action scenes were well-planned to give a different setting and mood for each one.

The daughters were the stand out characters for me.

The soundtrack was diverse and well-matched to the different shifts in tone. A key part of the whole experience.

The cinematography, pacing and editing took us on a wild ride. Excellent use of lighting, not only for setting and space, but also for plot points in some instances.

The CG treatment for some parts of the vehicle chase scenes were not seamless, but went by fast enough that I could just accept them as part of the extreme physics being pushed. So, I wasn't troubled by those few seconds here and there.

Some side characters were a bit caricatured, but still had satisfying moments.

It reminded me of a gritty, more realistic Mad Max: Fury Road - plus zombies.

The zombie movement designs are wonderfully bizarre and unsettling.

It's not necessary to see the first film (Train to Busan). The zombies in this one are an aspect of the story but not the main focus. So people seeking the same thrill as the tension and terror of the first one might be disappointed. But - just saying - this was a great night out for me. The writer/director delivers satisfying solid storytelling.

Les petits meurtres d'Agatha Christie (2009–2024)

Ooh La La - a classic crime show \o/

[9/10 · 8 February 2020]

This show sets the perfect mood for intrigue, mystery and entertainment.

Agatha Christie's works have inspired many iterations on film, although "the usual suspects" are most often repeated (Death on the Nile, etc.). So, it's not just "new" stories that are presented here, but the crimes are solved by a new set of characters who bring lots of playful dynamic to the mix.

Of the 1950's episodes - while the first two seasons very well establish the era and tone, the series really hits its stride in seasons 3 & 4. With increased confidence, everyone brings more layered nuance to the storytelling.

Overall, the production values are extremely well delivered. A special shout out to set dressers, costume and make-up. And the soundtrack engages with suspense and mischief, and perfectly balances the actors' and editors' comedic timing.

Of the performers, my personal favorite is Elodie Frenck as the divine Marlene. She's sexy, funny, the perfect blend of subtlety and charm, and occasional well-placed gaucherie, making this character irresistibly adorable.

Well cast, the other actors bring dynamic energy to their roles in unique ways.

J'adore!

Just Mercy (2019)

Mercy makes life better

[8/10 · 29 January 2020]

The experience of watching this was not so much a 'slow burn' as a persistent earnestness that delivered a victory of the heart, without posturing or pretense. Seeing the statistics, images and footage of real people through the end credits really brought home the power and importance of 'mercy'.

The cinematography deserves particular appreciation since it holds the viewer in quite a 'naked' portal into this world. The framing of characters and conversations is direct, without extremes - squared up shots of people with no escape (the prisoners who cannot, the lawyer who will not), with geometric 90 degree aspects in the backgrounds (prison bars, empty bookshelves that progressively fill, window frames, wood trims on walls). Whenever 'the state system' appears in establishing shots, e.g. the courthouse or the prison, the screen is filled to bursting with these imposing, dominating institutions - the Goliath to the protagonist's "David". The only deviation from straight framing was in the scenes where the lawyer was reviewing the cases, leafing through files and papers, looking for anything on which he could build a genuine court appeal. The camera was level with the papers on the desk, looking up at him - like it was the piece of evidence he needed, waiting for his discovery. Very subtle, and once again pulling us in without being showy.

I didn't think the film affected me so strongly until I tried to describe it to friends the next day. I guess THAT's when the slow burn hit home for me.

Overall, the ensemble cast presents believable characters, with relatable degrees of humanity in such extreme circumstances. I was particularly moved by the humble brotherhood of the inmates on death row.

For me, the only misstep in writing was the legal assistant. I am confident that the real person is feisty, upbeat and dedicated, but in this portrayal, she is giving the trope touchstones of 'wife' and 'mother' in the first half of the film, though these aspects completely vanish for the second half, making them feel like plot devices to establish her character, rather than belonging to this story. Perhaps there is a deleted scene that would balance this. Or a line of dialogue to justify her availability has become more flexible as she researches/drives/waits at all hours with no hint of family obligations.

Otherwise, a quietly powerful experience. I think we could all do with a bit more mercy ...

Rocketman (I) (2019)

A musical and visual feast!

[9/10 · 8 June 2019]

Dexter Fletcher (director) clearly had a vision for telling this internal story through stunning set pieces and brilliant pacing and editing. From the opening shot, it makes a bold statement that you are embarking on a journey. And the journey is always entertaining, switching seamlessly between flamboyance, pathos and humor. Yet, it maintains a deeply personal portrayal of someone whose vulnerabilities are misunderstood and mistreated. A poignant, inspiring perspective on a couple of genius creatives who have enriched the world for decades through their music. Overall, a feel-good cinema experience.

Immortal Demon Slayer (2017)

A rampaging romp with lots of heart

[9/10 · 1 March 2019]

Already a huge fan of The Monkey King as a character, I am currently reading the original 1400-page-novel "Journey to the West". This film (WuKong) cleverly brings together characters and aspects from the original story in a blend of prequel/sequel that perfectly captures the personality of Sun WuKong and his world. It is flashy (but so is Monkey), it is bold and cheeky (as is he), it is epic (you guessed it), and it has lots of heart (what more can you want?). Overall, extremely entertaining. The creators had a clear vision and executed it well. So many jaw-dropping shots. Great soundtrack. Eddie Peng is perfect in the lead, and is supported by an excellent cast, well-suited to their roles. Absolutely my favorite Monkey King so far (besides the book).