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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Avatar level visuals for a great tale
The visuals alone makes up for a spectacular watch. But the story isn't weak either. The movies takes it's time to help us understand every character. That's the strong point for me. Several reviews here complain of the long run time but the same would then complain no connection with the characters. You cannot have it both ways.
The movie in the end shows the disgusting nature of humans which is true to the T. I think this movie should be shown in schools to educate children on compassion and empathy.
I wish I watched this on IMAX when it was out. I deduct a point because the action at the climax could have been even more spectacular. But I'm just nitpicking at this point.
Monkey Man (2024)
Better than John Wick
The movie is uniquely shot. I loved the blend of flashbacks with present time and how the protagonist's past is gradually revealed. There is defiantly a lot of cultural aspect to this movie and there in lies the heart of it. The action sequences are brilliant. There is an exhilarating chase sequence that'll match up to some from Tom Cruise's MI franchise. Simply fantastic!
Not bad for a directorial debut. I read that the movie was ten years of effort and a lot of sacrifice on Dev Patel's part. And it definitely shows because of the attention to detail that went into the cinematography and choreography.
There is both unique in their own ways but personally, this movie has more heart than John Wick.
Pax Massilia (2023)
Gritty edge of the seat thriller
When I started watching this, I did not expect this would keep be intrigued and on the edge of my seat until the end. The character development is on point. Every character is well explored to the point the audience is connected to each of them. The gritty and violent nature of the drama reminded me a lot of Rogue City. The camera work is sensational. It drags you into the scene even more. Actors have done a great job portraying their roles.
And what an actress Jeanne Goursaud is turning out to be! Everything she touches, turns to gold.
I really hope they make a season 2 of the show. This is the kind of shows Netflix needs to invest on.
Silo (2023)
Best show of the year and arguably the best of the decade
This is arguably the best tv series of the last decade. Plenty of factors to weigh in but nothing about this show is less than perfection. The sets are incredible. Every little detail, spic and spec, is done to perfection. I am not the only one who feels like - "damn! Living in a silo like that would be so cool!". Spectacular visuals at times. I don't know what the budget of the series is but they've outdone themselves regardless. The plot is taken from Hugh Howey's novels so all the story credits should go to him but the producers and directors have done well to stick to the book in all of the important aspects. The stories are well told. There is adventure, mystery, science-fiction, action, thriller. It's a perfect combination. Each episode ends with a nail biting cliffhanger leaving you wanting for more. It's been a long time since Lost premiered on ABC. But this show reminds me of those good times. In my honest opinion, this show is a true heir to 2004 tv series Lost.
Ostatnia wieczerza (2022)
Underrated and arguably one of the best in this genre in recent times
Don't go with the poor ratings. The movie delivers in what is promised in all folds. The plot seems to be mundane at the start and at every step, you'd expect things to unfurl as it usually does. But this is where the movie gives forth it's best. Not only does it keep you on the edge of the seat but also lets a shiver down your spine each episode. I do't want to give anything away but this is one of the very few rare gems that truly delivers in it's climax in the sense that there is a nothing of true parallel to reality to the good vs evil as we know it.
To conclude it is dark, gripping, thrilling with a good production value. The cinematography is spot on. Honestly, if you are a fan of this genre, this one is not to miss. Strongly recommend.
The Ledge (2022)
How does this movie has a 5 start rating?
Wilderness movies rarely get made and when they do, you expect them to have some quality. I'm sorry but this one just done't do it. If they had a budget and the intention of making a climbing movie, should have invested in better script.
The plot is so senseless that in the first 20 minutes things escalate from 0 to 100 without any reasoning whatsoever. The cinematography for a few scenes are decent. But these days you find better on YouTube videos. Acting compliments the plot. Dialogues are just too poor. There is no character development. The main lead has a cliche flashback past.
Overall a disaster.
Nope (2022)
Peele hits a home run
The movie has all the elements to make it an almost perfect thriller. It's incredible how the story unfurls as you are left wondering until the end. The first half has some edge of the seat moments that really scare you to bits. For me the movie had it all - horror, thriller and scifi. And the three were combined quiet nicely. The actors did an excellent job. Granted there wasn't enough time for character development per say. But for a creature feature, the cast did superbly. And the climax to top it all with the ending will leave everyone satisfying.
Jordan Peele is turning out to be a masterful filmmaker and I really cannot wait for his next one.
Samaritan (2022)
Better than the monotonous Marvel movies
Sly packs a punch. The movie has heart, a decent plot and a good climax. But most of all, Sly delivers at 76. Characters could have been developed better but this action movie delivers in what an action movie is supposed to deliver. 10 out of 10 for the action sequences. Whoever choreographed those, did a splendid job. And yes, I compare this with marvel because the fights are raw and realistically violent. And for an OTT movie the special effects were surprisingly impeccable. You hardly ever feel it's cartooony which is quiet often the feeling with Marvel films.
I would love for them to make a part 2 but it's getting to a point where we should be glad that Sly even makes movies at his age and action movies at that.
The Gray Man (2022)
Plastic action
There's a fight sequence in the CGI plane in the first 20 minutes or so where a 160 pounder beats the hell out of 6 US Seals. The whole plane sequence is so out of sync with reality that you are completely disconnected from it. This makes me value Tom Cruise's attempt at the exact same sequence with a real zero gravity plane even more. The camera movements are so bad, you'd be lucky to not get a headache. Raw garbage.
Lost (2004)
Greatest show of all time
Writing this review 18 years after the show was created because I started watching it all over. Even to this day, it still feels incredible.
Even to this date, there isnt' a TV series that has developed sub-plots for so many characters with so much detail and intricacy that you felt like you personally knew them.
I think this is the greatest show of all time. And for me personally it's the only show that should get a 11/10. But I deduct 1 because of the final season. I think with all the science-fiction they introduced as a foundation to what was to be a grand revelation, only to take a U-turn and turn it into a Christian concept was a major let down.
I am still watching for someone to pick up the DHARMA initiative subplot and turn it not a series. It will be so cool.
Nevertheless, this is the best ever.
The Last Samurai (2003)
The movie ages like a fine wine
I am writing this review in 2022 after my second viewing. I did not appreciate the movie enough when I watched it twenty years ago. But having watched this again, I can confidently say this is beautiful. Simply beautiful.
RRR (Rise Roar Revolt) (2022)
Overhyped
I don't understand the hype around this film. Action sequences are over-exaggerated. Cliche plot. Poor acting. And the runtime is unrealistic.
The movie sells super stars and the hype built around it. But is hollow as it gets gets.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Live, Watch, Repeat
I am coming back watching this movie like 20 times already. I cannot think of any action sci-fi in recent times that is as perfect in screenplay, direction and cinematography as this one is. Its a all-in-one complete package.
There are sci-fi movies that offer one or the other elements but this ones special. It is unfortunate that this went down underrated back in 2014 when this should have been a global super hit. With today's marketing, it surely would have been. The movie released ahead of it's time. 8 years ahead. That alone speaks of it's greatness.
Jersey (2022)
A solid movie
I haven't watched the original. But judging this movie solely by itself, it's a solid work. Shahid is possibly the best actor in the industry. The music elevates this movie to a whole new level.
K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022)
A saga worthy to be called one of Indias great
I won't say much but I would say this is the only Indian movie saga that compares to some of the great ones. The movie is packed with everything you can imagine in an entertainment package.
This saga has etched it's name in the history books. It's masala but it still packs the punch.
Feria: La luz más oscura (2022)
A perfect fantasy fiction executed almost to perfection
Deducting 1 point for poor special effects.
But the cinematography, direction, plot, acting and pace is a 10. Everything is meticulously executed. Each episode is careful planned and will have you on the edge.
The icing on the cake is the ending. Even without a season 2, you are still satisfied.
Aranyak (2021)
Best ever TV show in the history of Indian cinema
I have never written a review for an Indian TV series. But this one is special. Breathe comes close but isn't remotely as intricate, complex as this one. This one is a right mix of suspense, drama, politics, dark and thriller. And it is drafted so well that you wont find any loop holes nor will you ever feel bored. It isn't dragged but the pace is just inch perfect. Best ever. This is India's GOAT show.
The Survivalist (2015)
As raw and real as it gets
This is a post-apocalyptic survival movie in its most real form. Its raw to the bones. No decoration, no flares, no special effects - just real human survival instincts in real world. Martin McCann is possibly the most under-rated actor in the industry.
Bronx (2020)
Why does this movie have so many bad reviews?
I think this is a cop/mafia movie as real as it gets. Its dark, gritty and palpable. The ending is what makes it all the more absolute. It's funny that crappy comic cop shows like Bad boys gets a better rating than a substantial one. Just goes to show what people want to see and what they want to believe. I think this movie is a solid seven.
Tenet (2020)
Nolan is living in the future
No, seriously! I don't think there is any writer/director who can produce films that feel out of place and in a great way. The movie does not make up for a popcorn flick which explains a lot of bad reviews. But a second run at it with subtitles and a hellofalot attention, this movie is heaven for any sci-fi lover. I could draw some parallel with Dan Brown's Inferno and if you've read the book, you'll know what I am speaking of. The only bad thing about this movie was David Washington, a product of nepotism. Terrible one dimensional actor.
Project Power (2020)
Would give a zero if not for decent special effects
A low budget movie without any sense or logic. One of the protagonist can do whatever he wants and there are no repercussions. He can fight an army and still come out with only a few scratches. And he helped by another "detective" and a child. I'm not sure what the targeted audience was but Netflix could have used the same budget to hire cheaper actors with better script writers. A big flop.
Sputnik (2020)
A solid entertainer
Not sure why the bad reviews. But this was one of the best Alien movies I've watched till date. Granted it had many flaws but props to the director for shooting it so well, revealing answers gradually as the movie progressed. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I saw many reviewers complaining about the secondary plot but they completely missed its interpretation and how it motivated the protagonist to do what she did. I'd say this is a must watch for alien movie lovers and thrill seekers in general.