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The Batman (2022)
Pattinson's Batman made an impressive introduction but a few lingering problems makes this Batman a Good movie rather than a Great movie.
"MINOR SPOILERS"
The movie had potential to be an all time great Batman movie but a few issues made it into a good Batman movie, rather than the best.
Positives:
Pattinson was great as Batman and Bruce Wayne. This version of no-nonsense Batman with investigation abilities was interesting to see. The fight scenes were brutal yet brilliant. The Batman introduction is one of the best introduction scenes in recent memory. Colin Farrell was good as Penguin and barely recognizable. Paul Dano does a reasonable version of Riddler, especially with mask on. The supporting cast acts well for the most part. As other Commentators pointed out, the investigation has a bit of Se7en about it.
Negatives:
Zoey Kravitz's acting was terrible as both Selina Kyle and Cat Woman. She had a single expression throughout the movie despite scenes of different feelings. This Cat Woman version also came across dumb.
Another problem with the movie is that it's too long. The whole family drama about Selina Kyle, her mother, Falcone, Bruce Wayne and his Parents, wasn't presented in an interesting way. It felt like they added the storyline to justify Selina Kyle's presence in movie and frankly, it could have been skipped entirely.
I can pinpoint the exact moment where movie starts getting a little dragged out, even a little boring. The point is after the brilliant chase scene, just as the family drama starts. The end is also a little predictable and you know certain characters will never die, even if they are bombed or shot straight at. The same ending would have looked a lot better if viewers did not get disengaged during the family drama.
Overall, the movie was good and hopefully sequels are made. This version of Batman has so much potential and maybe, the sequel does it justice.
Asur: Welcome to Your Dark Side (2020)
Starts with a Bang and ends with a Thud.
The first episode of Asur is arguably the best episode you would want to start a series. All the characters are introduced, their relationships are explored and the crime is arguably the most creative crime ever introduced in an Indian web series. The series had so much potential, unfortunately it was let down by inconsistent writing and plot holes.
Without giving away too much of the plot, lets discuss the ups and the downs. Arshad Warsi plays the character perfectly of a forensic investigator and his character is the one you always care about, regardless of his failings. Barun Sobti is the other lead Nikhil and he himself is a top investigator who is teaching FBI recruits. Barun tries his best but he just doesn't look like a top forensic investigator, even if you give him the benefit of doubt for being eccentric. He looks like someone who is too lazy to even wash his face and his character has a knack of blaming others for his own mistakes. Also his wife is extremely unlikable and the alleged love interest with Nusrat doesn't go anywhere.
As for the Asur mystery, Gaurav Arora plays the role brilliantly out of the "three". Rest of the police department is either made up of unlikable characters saying mean things to others or characters that were there just to make up the numbers, without any character development or arc.
The serial killing mystery starts well but falls away a little through the middle, leading to a weak ending. The last episode was exciting until some questionable writing ruined it. I would sum up the series with a few questions;
Why a FBI level Investigator can't analyze the basic elements of a crime scene, like a dog barking at the only car in the area!? Why a strong principled and brilliant investigator needs to fabricate any details? Why was Nikhil receiving the coordinates? Why did they have to reveal extreme details out of nowhere in the season finale like fabrications and details portraying a character as a potential suspect? Why are CBI officers stereo-typically so rude towards others?
Asur had the potential to be an excellent web series but ended up being mediocre. Maybe it will get better in season 2, as even with its shortcomings, the series was entertaining to watch.
American Gods (2017)
Brilliant show with a great cast. Completely bonkers but still somehow connects well.
The cast of American Gods is exceptional with Ian McShane leading the series as brilliantly as he does in all the his credits. Mad Sweeney is the standout as Pablo Schreiber steals every scene he's part of. The actors and actresses playing Shadow Moon and Laura Moon are perfectly casted as well as the Old, New Gods and rest of the supporting cast.
What makes American Gods so interesting is that its unpredictable and each plot is more crazy than the previous ones. Also, love the references to the old mythology and the new God of War game. Can't wait for Season 3!
The Upside (2017)
Extensive effort by the filmmakers to balance the ratings a bit
I dont usually review movies these days but in this case I have to say something, so here I am. As you can see with tons of reviews here; "Ignore the negative reviews", "Remakes happen", "Ignore the haters" etc, its obvious they are trying to increase the score of this movie with fabricated reviews and ratings. What are they going to do with the negative Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes scores? The movie is a shallow and unnecessary remake of the brilliant original. Kevin Hart doesn't have to be in every movie, he's clearly not that entertaining. Bryan Cranston probably made a bad decision to join this movie.
Black Sails: XXXVIII. (2017)
Uncertainty about Flint's sexuality
Black Sails has been one of the most entertaining shows, I've had the pleasure of watching. As the Season Finale approached, there were a lot of questions that needed answers and a lot of plot-lines that needed to reach conclusion. Some of them were answered, most characters reached a good conclusion, however I felt a bit disappointed about a lot of aspects.
Captain Flint, a fictionalized character ever-present in "Treasure Island", show-runners decided to give him a new take. Out of nowhere, in a matter of a single episode in Season 2, Captain Flint came out as a gay/bi-sexual, with a "special" relationship with Thomas Hamilton. Gone are the days when two men could have something more than friendship and not sexual. Relationships like mentor-understudy, visionary-follower, teacher-student, and leader-supporters etc. are a thing of the past.
In Season 3, Captain Flint forgets about Thomas Hamilton entirely and is instead romantically and spiritually involved with Miranda Barlow. She becomes the vision of his dreams, guiding him to a path. Her untimely death shatters Captain Flint and turns him into a rage filled maniac, whose sole purpose is to start a war with England.
Then comes the Season Finale and by some miracle Thomas Hamilton is still alive and Captain embraces him with open arms and locked lips. The show-runners themselves seem to confused about Captain Flint's sexuality. In Season 1, he is straight and having sexual relationship with Miranda Barlow. In Season 2, all of a sudden Flint is revealed as a lover of Thomas Hamilton. In Season 3, Flint reverts to his romance with Barlow woman and reiterates how she completes him. Finally, in the Series Finale, Flint turns gay again. Make up your mind already! Don't hold anything against Gay/Lesbian leading characters but at least there should be an indication and not sudden bombshells.
On a different note, Max is one of the most annoying characters ever. For some reason, the show-runners decided to make her the center of Series Universe. It would've been more appropriate to cast someone whose accent sounds natural and convincing.
Better Call Saul: Lantern (2017)
One step towards Saul Goodman, Two steps back towards Jimmy McGill
Season 3 has been the best season of the Better Call Saul. After the slow burners that were the first two seasons, the inclusion of interesting supporting characters from the past and good story-lines had led BCS to be one of the most intriguing series present. However, the Season Finale was a massive disappointment.
Everything they accomplished in Season 3 has gone backwards in the last episode. Jimmy took one step towards becoming Saul Goodman and two steps backwards towards Jimmy McGill. After going through the drama in Season 1 and 2 which revealed that Chuck was the one that stopped Jimmy from moving up and Season 3, where Jimmy was finally able to get one up on Chuck, he goes back all the way through by apologizing to Chuck. Even, Chuck's retirement and potential demise was a bit too swift and came out of nowhere. Similarly,after working hard to win the Sandpiper Settlement, he decides to give it back. I was hoping for a more creative way to bond the old timers back together.
Kim's whole story has performed a full circle and she is back to only "Mesa Verde" again. This case has continued longer than some real life cases. Nacho, Don Hector and Gus Fring's story was the best thing during the Finale and provided suspense and thrills.
Not to forget the obvious product placements like Gatorade, Chevrolet, Blockbuster and others, which isn't always a bad thing. Still, Season Finale had more product placements than any other episode and by a long margin.
It seems like all the time spent by Better Call Saul in story-lines has been wasted and we are back to where we started. A remorseful Jimmy McGill is no way near in becoming Saul Goodman. I guess we will never see the Hustler, the Con man, the "Criminal lawyer" until the Series Finale.
Black Sails (2014)
Brilliant Series based on Historical Fantasy.
Black Sails is one of the best series on television and its sad for the fans that season 4 is its last. Black Sails replaced Spartacus and Da Vinci's Demons as the Starz' leading TV series and filled the void perfectly. This show should be the standard bearer for other series on how a budget could be put to great use with brilliant CGI and beautiful settings.
The show is based during the Golden Age of Piracy and its main plot includes the hunt for the Treasure Galleon "Urca de Lima" and struggle between notorious Pirates and British Empire for the control of New Providence Island.
Reviewing the characters, Captain Flint has to be one of the best leading men in television these days. Toby Stephens was a perfect choice for the role as he shows his versatility and wide range of emotions throughout different plots and directions. Flint's tactics and strategies at different points of the series are Art and Science. His motivation, driving force and commitment may vary from time to time and that includes an extra layer to the character. Not sure if anyone else agrees with me but Captain Flint is one of those characters that no matter what he does, you just can't dislike him. He can manipulate your favorite characters, sacrifice anyone or be selfish for his own gain, you just can't hate him. His tragic love story with Barlow woman is beautiful and sound, with a few skirmishes here and there. Although, they slightly missed a trick with his "connection" to Thomas Hamilton in Season 2 and had to correct it in Season 3. Overall, Captain Flint is the best and the most fan favorite character. Toby Stephens is a gem of an actor.
Other leading characters include John Silver, another favorite character of the fans who goes through different transitions and directions, and is played brilliantly by Luke Arnold. He is arguably the best John/Jon in television these days. John Silver is the only character that could challenge Flint's superiority and popularity as the leading character of show but if you have to choose one, Flint would be the one.
Other supporting characters include; anti-hero Charles Vane(Zach McGowan), someone who could impress or frustrate you in a single instant and the only pirate that could match Flint's level. Jack Racham, who the fans love for his wittiness and intelligence and would be in the top 3 favorite characters of everyone. Billy Bones (Tom Hopper) who you admire at the start but he tests your allegiance with his opposition to Flint. and Gates (Mark Ryan), Flint's able deputy and friend. Edward Teach "Blackbeard" (Ray Stevenson)joins the party in the latter seasons and leads to some of the best plots of the entire series. The supporting cast was brilliant throughout including shipmates, pirates and prostitutes.
In the latter seasons, Governor Woodes Rogers (Luke Roberts) joins the story and plays the part of a likable antagonist; arguably another favorite character of the fans. Although, Governor is an opponent of the pirates, yet part of you wants him to succeed. The leading women in the series include; Eleanor Guthrie (Hannah New), a character that either you like or you hate. In fact, many fans would arguably switch their admiration/hatred towards her at different points of the season. Her relationship with Governor Woodes Rogers is a one of the better things about her.
Now, coming towards Max(Jessica Parker Kennedy)who starts off on a positive note but then turns into an excruciating presence throughout. Her annoying accent and inclusion as a main character is dreadful to say the least. It seems like the writers had a soft corner for her, and kept her for far too long. Her love story with Anne(Clara Paget) is just unengaging and an unnecessary distraction. Still don't understand why they elevated Max's character so much, when she's nothing but a prostitute with a clever mind. Anne(Clara Paget) starts as one dimensional character who develops slightly through the course of the series and you end up admiring her connection with Jack Racham.
Overall, Black Sails is one of a kind pirate series that impresses you with its in-depth writing/twists/plots, likable characters, and attention to detail. It is a fantasy(inspired by real events), that you would love to be part of. The tactics, strategies, war mechanism, beautiful sights/settings and character development should be the standard bearer for other shows. Unlike GOT, the Battles shown in Black Sails are actually fought with strategies and tactics, one of the best things about the show. GOT's Battle of the Bastards looks like an amateur compared to some of the battles shown in Black Sails.
Black Sails: XXXIV. (2017)
Brilliant Series coming towards its End
Black Sails has been one of the best series going on these days and its sad for the fans that this is the last season. Black Sails replaced Spartacus as the Starz' best TV series and filled the void perfectly.
Another fascinating episode that is leading the show to a brilliant conclusion. The only minus point would be the extended role of Max. While, so many leading characters have perished, for some reason they have kept her role intact for far too long. In this episode, Max came up with a dialogue; "While the Governor is celebrating in my chair" was delusional. If Governor wanted, he could've easily slit Max's throat and replace her with someone able and she could've done absolutely nothing.
The plan Max conjured during this episode was pointless and beyond stupidity. I hope its not a success and it leads to an agonizing death of her. So that, we don't have to hear her annoying accent and the below par love story with Anne perishes.
The Magnificent Seven (2016)
The Not So Magnificent Seven
The original Magnificent Seven was an excellent, entertaining Western movie with a genuine good feeling around it. It wouldn't have been easy to manage and gel such an ensemble cast (Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Eli Wallach and many others) at the time but they pulled it off and a western classic was made. So, the executives at the studios decided it's about time a remake of the classic is made. Hence, we have a Magnificent Seven of our time with an ensemble cast but the results are entirely opposite. To point out what's wrong with the Not So Magnificent Seven, a comparison with the classic would be adequate.
The movie starts with a despicable villain (Peter Sarsgaard) terrorizing the mighty fine folks of a town with mining prospects right outside. The reason and the background story for our antagonist doesn't make as much sense or motivation, as the classic. In the classic, the gang of bandits (lead by Eli Wallach) had suffered losses due to numerous skirmishes and were in need of food and resources. So, it was natural for them to take advantage of a town full of farmers, and raid accumulated resources without much resistance. In contemporary movie, the villain is doing these things because he is meant to be sociopath and must have disregard for human life and emotions.
Lets formulate a comparison between the members of The Magnificent Seven (1960) and The Not So Magnificent Seven (2016). Denzel Washington plays the role of head of the group (Yul Brynner in original), who feels compassion and sympathetic by troubles of town folks and agrees to help them. Denzel did an OK job, and was one of the better things of the movie, despite not matching the heights of Yul Brynner. There's a slight "Political Correctness" feeling attached to his inclusion, considering the prejudice towards African Americans at the time.
Chris Pratt portrays the role played by Steve McQueen and this is where it gets wrong. Steve McQueen absolutely bossed the role and the chemistry between him and Brynner was instantaneous. With Pratt, it's hard to understand whether he is a charismatic gunslinger or cringe-worthy bully with a contemporary sense of humor. He's more of a nuisance to the group than a valuable member and his actions throughout the movie are borderline. Additionally, Pratt's "bonding" scene with Denzel Washington in a Saloon doesn't work the same way as the classic and his motivation for joining the group isn't strong either. You want to sum up how different McQueen and Pratt are in a single instance, just observe how differently they deliver the same "Man falling from a five stories building" anecdote. When Steve McQueen delivers it in the classic, he makes you a fan of his for life. But when Pratt delivers it in the modern movie, it seems cringe-worthy.
Ethan Hawke was a mash between two characters in the classic and it was an opportunity missed by the director, as was Vincent D'Onofrio. Recruiting a Red Indian through visiting a Red Indian territory makes no sense what-so-ever and is too swift. Adding an Asian with a different style of fighting further drifts the movie away from a Western. The Mexican doesn't look like a Mexican until they keep reminding you every other minute.
The Not So Magnificent Seven seem to lack the chemistry between them. The dialogues between them are isolated and uninteresting. There are only slight indications about the backgrounds of all characters and it all seems under-cooked. Like some of reviewers have pointed out, this movie doesn't feel like a Western even though it is meant to be a Western. The fighting scenes are a compilation of good and bad choreography. Why would anyone risk using Axes or Knives, when they have guns and rifles available? The Not So Magnificent Seven relied too heavily on style and too little on everything else. Action fanatics might enjoy it slightly but the rest would find it disappointing, especially the fans of the original.
Fargo: Palindrome (2015)
"People have died, Peggy"
Fargo Season 2 has certainly been one of the best seasons of television, I have seen in a long time. It's fair to say that Season 2 overwhelmingly outdid Season 1 for the most part(which is a grand accomplishment in itself), with the exception of perhaps, the finale. Considering, how excellent the previous four episodes were; especially "Rhinoceros", "Loplop" and "The Castle", which kept the viewers on the edge of their seats and engrossed, the expectations were already intensified and what was delivered in "Palindrome" was slightly underwhelming. One of the reasons for it, was the conclusion of some of the characters; I would've rather seen Mike Milligan and Hanzee go face to face in one last stand, with Lou Solverson involved in some capacity, rather than one ending up as an accountant and other as an ugly season 1 mob boss. Secondly, Peggy was one of the most annoying characters of the series throughout and in the end, it was poor old Ed who had to pay the price of her stupidity with his life, just for the sake of "saving his family", which was never realistically his. Maybe, sky high expectations were partly responsible for the dull finale or the season had already achieved its fascinating climax in the penultimate episode, I was just expecting one more surprise or a twist, to cap off a season that was full of so many twists, thrills and surprises. Overall, a great season with a great cast.
One of the commentators said Kudos to "Kristen Dunst" for owning every scene she was in, Really? She was annoying and average. Rest of the cast was great.
True Detective: Black Maps and Motel Rooms (2015)
Finally a True Detective, everyone expected.
Black Maps and Motel Rooms was perhaps the most engaging episode of the entire season 2. The penultimate episode was full of suspense and timely action. It is fair to say that the road towards the finale is nicely laid, after recovering from the mediocre start of the season. All the characters are finally coming into the places they were supposed to fill. The investigation finally has a direction and is heading towards an enthralling closure. For the first time during the season, I felt something for Taylor Kitsch's character and this should have been the way right from the beginning. The obscurity surrounding his character, made it dull and equivocal.
Vince Vaughn also had one of his best episodes and Colin Farrell was excellent, as has been the case throughout the season. I think Rachel McAdams's character throws F-bombs just to meet the TV-MA rating, otherwise apart from the "elite party", there hasn't been a lot to match HBO's TV-MA rating. Overall, the season has picked up since the 5th episode and hopefully, a good ending will prolong the idiosyncratic concept i.e; "True Detective", with a few more seasons
Gone Girl (2014)
The movie literally mind f***ed me
I have never reviewed a movie before but after watching Gone Girl, I couldn't prevent myself. I am a big David Fincher fan but this movie literally made me angry in the end. First to start with the positives. In the reviews, the appreciations were focused more on Rosamund Pike than Ben Affleck. I think Affleck was simply exceptional and perfect for the role. As for beloved Rosamund Pike, I will never watch her the same way I used to. The supporting cast played their parts well, especially Margo(Affleck's twin sister). Moving on to the negatives, which were many in my opinion. Not spoiling anything for the viewers, how can the authorities be so inept at the end? There were so many flaws in the story told by the one of the lead characters. It seems everyone was so frenzied by the dumb wit media that they forgot to check the facts. The kidnap story was complete rubbish; tying marks were not accurate with the story, nobody checked the alibi of the perpetrator, nobody focused on the history of the so called victim(It happened before, didn't it??) and nobody saw anyone leave or move. Finally, nothing disappointed me more than the the end. How can someone live with that? What was the point of all this? I love David Fincher movies and can watch his dark classics repeatedly. But will I watch "Gone Girl" again ? Never !!