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priyadarshanmaity98
Reviews
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011)
After all these time.... Always
After all these time always it will be my favourite films of all time and my favourite franchise of all time full stop. So the movie starts just where it left off Harry, Hermione and Ron were getting ready to end it all! So they decided to go to gringotts and killed the next horcruxe and the next and the next one end order to eradicate you know who, you know what the evil brat voldemort that's what he is!. So the path to conquer the darkness is not that easy, so there are multiple twist and turns and stunning, emotional revealations coming to you will talk about that shortly. We returned to Hogwarts and our revolutionary Neville longbottom welcomes and Harry, Hermione and Ron meeting them they all rejoice for a short period of time while voldemort is gearing for attacking Hogwarts and rest you watch the movie and enjoy. Now coming to the movie this one is the best chapter in the franchise hands down, it is the shortest and most action packed film of the series, the stakes are immensely high this time the basic thing while concluding the chapter is to give fan service the convieneint way of setting up an action scene but no this film combines action setpieces and emotionally poignant drama so beautifully that you as an audience,fan will want to end this in a good way but wants to go to the finish line along with Harry and his freinds. The character development of all the primary characters are excellent, especially the portion of Snape the montage of Snape's past is directed so well that you will feel teary eyed. Alexandra desplat's rousing scored elevated the film in such a epic way that you feel why they didn't give the man the honour of the Oscars. It was so nice of him to include nicholar hoopers tragic melodious farewell of Dumbledore to the fantastic montage of snape. This is the way the whole movie comes full circle we started with the journey and while ending we need the past adventures, trauma to complete it. Eduardo serra's cinematography is grimy, gritty and melancholic at the same time,there is an element of dremyness in his lenses even if it is dark and gloomy for the most part the sense of magic never goes away. The special effects are astonishing. Every technical aspects United to make this film a great conclusion. Coming to the actors Daniel Radcliffe does all the heavy lifting of becoming a leader and also the part of a tortured soul brilliantly, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint all these are now legitimate great actors. Alan rickman's last hurrah is one of his best performance in the series and even the best in his filmography! All the other British thespians gave there all to this film. There are prominent characters who didn't get enough time to so there talents thats understandable cause there is so much going on in the film. But David Yates staged the scenes of these characters so well it makes us feel no! Every character has there own arc. Stuart Craig's production design is again top notch and Steve kloves screenplay is pitch perfect. And yeah Neville longbottom is super heroic the actor really shines in this movie. Is it an epic film no! It is an epic grounded fantasy film cause even if it is not real you still care for the characters we all grew up watching them grew up. So at the end this is the best conclusion ever no-one can match this note perfect ending and Jk Rowling because of her we witnessed such a great cinematic experience. And all good things must end.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
That's my car mannn!
The title is as laidback as the film is, and what was there in the breifcase the question still lingers. Where did the money come for dude he is unemployed so how?. Is the briefcase mysterious or the dude. There is so much unanswered things in this movie mann. But who cares this the most funny and easy going film I have ever seen, no matter what is the stakes are we all will get along easily at the end, that's the fun part. There is a wider mystery and subplots lingering around the movie throughout but that's the small part of this big universe. We can all create our own backstories about Jesus, Donny , Walter, Mr Lebowski, Maude, and Philip Seymour Hoffman riotusly funny sort of butler. The thing is we can piece the puzzle ourselves but should we do that? Why mess up the fun just seat back and enjoy the film right this is the most slice of lifest of slice of life films I have ever seen. And this is the best stoner comedy film ever. Roger deakins cinematography really brings the relaxed attitude of the film. And Steve buscemi and John Goodman's acting is first rate. Goodman's Vietnam veteran character is superbly funny is jives at the then government of America and it's politics are very funny to hear but equally tragic and true. Steve buscemi is playing a dufous character who doesn't know anything what is going on is also very funny his role is somewhat of a plot point but still he carries the role in an masterfull way. Especially his demise was sad even you know he is not the central figure of the film but still you care, that's great acting. And dude the eponymous dude, the dudeness of all dudeness Jeff brigdes shines like a pot he is smoking and flying around the sky, this is the most phenomenal eventfull performance I have ever seen cause this character is still stuck in the upper echelons of pop culture and all thanks to Jeff brigdes. And finally the director duo Joel and Ethan Coen created another mastepiece of their masterfull filmography. Higly recommended mann
Inherent Vice (2014)
Inherent vice...
Inherent vice is a blackly comic, engaging whodunnit with a game talented cast and a superb central performance makes this movie a must watch. To summarise the plot will be an understatement cause the basic story line in incomprehensible and its very hard to decipher . But still the movie works cause the details and the ambiguous symbolism holds you till the end. The cinematography and editing really makes us feel that we are in the 60s and 70s world. The grainy aesthetic is the cherry on the cake. The plot while inaccessible still has a immense level of intricate details that will melt your brain. Is it a normal disaaperance case or a bigger conspiracy about drugs, capitalist illegal houses business, about racism or about hippe culture. It is a culmination of all the themes and that is astounding to watch it is not easy follow but still you are hooked like you are solving the puzzle. Joaquin phoenix nailed the hippie aesthetic of the character, and you feel like he is actually a stoner masterfull performance. Josh brolin is weirdly funny. Benicio del toro, Reese Witherspoon, katherine waterston, Owen Wilson each and every person drives the plot together. Ultimately it is a headsmacking film but a sometimes not knowing anything is actually the biggest hint of the movies we watch. Paul Thomas Anderson nailed another film.
The Lodge (2019)
Cold blooded darkness.
We are witnessing horror renaissance of the new decade after the shocking discoveries of hereditary and midsommar and heartfelt allegorical babadook now we are again discovering another horror which is not quite horror more of a pshycological thriller with horror elements. This new type of movies really subverting the audience expectations about how to take the horror in a new direction, you never really know where the movie will end. The lodge is the kind of horror that keeps you guessing throughout the second act, and the twist which is predictable but knowing the circumstances of the end makes you uncomfortable. Veronica Franz and Severin fiala's second directorial effort is a gut punch of a film which will hit you directly. It's a indie horror in its full glory. The aforementioned sentence about hitting you will fizzle out in the middle but still it holds you right through the end. The cinematography is exemplary in its depiction of close quatered and even expansive interiors in glorious long and establishing shots you get the sense that something is off about the house because how the Dop handles the lighting it's creepy. The direction never changes the tone it is balanced evenly throughout the duration. The slowburn approach will be self indulging for the viewers even for me but wait for it the message will surely make you think. Is it possible to bury the past trauma or will it again return and if it is returning what will you do? And the trauma of the present time can really make someone lose his/her innonence is the questions you will be having while watching the movie. Riley Keough is mastering the mysterious characters she potrays, very brilliant act and the two kids the it movie famous actor Jaeden Martell has come a long way and his portrayal of a troubled kid is brilliantly realized and her little sister Lia McHugh ably supported him. The film sometimes drags and it will feel like it is not going anywhere but still wait for it, the broodiness will surely hold you. You can watch this film if you like slowburn films if not give it a try it will be new experience
Underwater (2020)
The walking dead
Ohh mann this film really got into my nerves. This is one of the most chilling sci fy horror I have seen in recent times. Right from the start the sense dread gets gradually ascends and then we get immersed in this survival/scy fy/horror film. Mind you this film while watching you will feel I have seen this type of movies aliens maybe, you are absolutely right about that hell they even managed to give a tribute to that movie which is frankly scary. So what's new, for me the conspiracy angle of the story while sparse really creates a realistic world building maybe there is something in the unknown in this movie that is Mariana trench. The Mariana trench is again a fascinating thing in the world it is so deep that's getting a gist of it will definitely make someone scared. This movie is so claustrophobic and tensed that you are hooked right with the characters. Bojan bazelli's cinematography captures some of the striking shots in this film especially the close up shots and the whole closed marines ship beautifully, even if it's a disturbing horror you get the sense of beauty in this film. The underwater sequences are beautifully realized cause you have to maintain the mistyness of the deep ocean and yet it should be clear to the audience and the dop department nails it. The ost is brilliant there are some rock ballads and tensed music and jarring noises makes an effective sight and sound experience. William Eubank have experience in this genre of scy fy and in this third attempt he is very confident in showcasing the dread. The story moves fast and there are very little camaraderie but makes sense cause you have to finish the line cause it is a race against time situation there is no time to have a rousing conversation which I feel will be unnecessary so there are emotional moments but they are brilliant, you really care for the characters and will always think that there should be zero casualties. Kristen Stewart, Jessica henwick, Vincent Cassel, Stephen Callagher jr, Tj Miller,Mamoudu athie gives there absolute best performance in this film. And coming to the extraterrestrial monstrosity in a good sense they are creepy and lethal at the same time they had there supernatural qualities and animals instincts and the amalgamation of both these things creates a terror inducing creatures hatts off to the vfx team. This movie is one of the most underrated gems of this year cause this has some of the most unacceptable negative reviews I don't get it. I will say do watch this film you will not be disappointed.
Extraction (2020)
Brutal hard edged action drama.
In this quarantine time Netflix just gave the most adranaline pumping gift to his audience as this movie just knocked it out of the park in terms of sheer scale of action. I always thought John wick is the most polished action cinema Hollywood ever created but the russos took the challenge and with stunt coordinator turned director Sam hargrave delivered another flawless action film where every broken bones can be heard and feel, the unbroken 12 minute tracking is the highlight of the film reminded me of raid 2 but this scene has its own ruggedness and grit. So coming to the story it is nothing new there is zero sense of character development In this film, the character dynamics between the two main leads are undercooked and the misunderstanding of both the hero and the anti hero Randeep Hooda fantastic performance, are somewhat litle half backed. The predictable plot beats will remind you of Leon the professional and many other films but the dissaopointing script makes up for the terrific acting the cast offers. Randeep Hooda nails his ability to create a believable mercenary from India his acting style is no doubt extraordinary but the way he performed the action scenes feels like he is the action movie star of the world extremely authentic and his character beat is very emotional proud that an Indian actor deserved his talent in the wider Hollywood spectrum. And the lead character Chrish Hemsworth is again brilliant this guy with a hulking physique can emote so brilliantly is a testament to his talents he really is mastering his emotionally charged scenes right from the Endgame. The supporting cast ably did justice to the film and one more thing the wild card of the movie golshifteh farahani stole the show at the climax and the third act she really saved the guys bravo subtle performance from her very intense her role was small but she really made an impression in this film. Higly recommended
Homecoming (2018)
Hmmmcoming..
So finally Julia Roberts cameback with a very experimental show which is quite good if we see the talents behind the show. The show is created by Sam Esmail the creator of the stunning show Mr.Robot and it is even directed by him so we are in safe hands I think that's a conflicted thing I was thinking while watching the show. Some episodes were superb while some were lackluster and the visual ques while interesting becomes repetitive the constant sound of a plane taking flight and the present day and past scenario takes place it's a good transition but not quite new as it becames way repititive throughout the season while it is the style of the show they are rooting for I agree but that doesn't really quite gel all the time. The boxed aspect ratio is quite a nice touch here again it's kind of Noah Hawley.. I witnessed which is nice not trying to derogate the directors and technicians it is that this kind of story we have witnessed earlier also thats the only thing it nevers grasp the momentum. This theme we have also seen in bloodshot not similar but still,little black mirror here and there so this are the things that I quite didn't like. What I liked was the performances Julia Roberts,Bobby cannavale,Stephen James,Sissy spacek,Hong chau in a special appearance gave some of the best acts ever. But the thing that really made me watched the show is Shea wigham he is the centre of the entire show only guy we can root for cause like him we all are unfamiliar with the process and shea wigham just gave the performance of his career his performance was so emotional without any dialogues or over dramatization, his expressions gave all the reasons why he is the most human character in the show, he is also very inspiring cause he knows his job and will finish it no matter what is the cost he has his self respect which is a necessary point for any human being watch out for the confrontation between him and Colin masterfull performance. So all in all this is a passable show with some great editing and extraordinary performances.
Dwitiyo Purush (2020)
Somewhat derivative but a nice continuation
If you loved baisher shrabon you will be somewhat disappointed with this film cause it offers nothing new in the table atleast the first 2 acts. I for one missed Prosenjit in this film which is the biggest drawback cause it should be like a continuation where everything is in a different league altogether but that's what it is missing. The start of the film is reminiscent of other crime films like city of god, Angamaly diaries so nothing new and the starting impression really disappointed me but but... You will not get bored cause there is two of the greatest actors of the Bengali film industry one is Parambrata Chatterjee and the second is anirban bhattacharjya there performance elevated the film and the thing is there is a constant jabs at crime cliches the protagonist talks about you know talking about scottland yard but the cliche they are trying to diminish is actually the fault because they fall into the trap of this same cliche. But again the ending...it will shock you and I think Srijit Mukherjee wanted to create a illusion that the first and second act was just a cliche but the end will be the game changer yeah kind of game changing but ultimately the twist was shocking but again if you finished the film and started to think about it the first and second really somewhat ruined it so the ending doesn't make any impact whatsoever. And the twist which is original... Doesn't make any sense if you think about it maybe it will make sense but the whole thing was convoluted for worse.And the romance is lousy just like Raima Sen said in the film and her arc is tone deaf the new police officer Rajat is a dull character didn't made any impact. Overall the film is passable the technical aspects are nothing to talk about if you know Srijit da's work you know the style is similar. So watch it for the end and then think about it if it is making any sense
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
Snow white and the Darksman
When this movie was about to get released there was a saying that this movie will be a dark and gritty reimagination of the beloved snow white source material,so while watching this movie I can be sure this was indeed the darkest fairy tale reimagining of a children's classic Hollywood has ever produced there are corpses there are deaths there are dark imagery all over the movie and that's a unique experience I witnessed apart from pan's labyrinth this is the one that really earns the above saying. The story is simple enough that the one princess will end the tyranny of the evil princess this good vs evil stuff nothing new but what's new is the visual aesthetic and the representation of the women in this film they are scared of the tyrannical men and there is always a tension between the kingdom regarding the hier so this things are subtle we cannot get these message in your face when you will watch it you will feel it so there is the corruption of the freedom and the sad way of a women living in the kingdom. Charlize Theron gave one of the most powerful performance in her filmography packed with powerfull performances, she is not hamming it up she is brutally honest of her views of men and why she needs to end them but because she is also very much concerned about her beauty that means she is somewhat a everyday women fighting to be comfortable with her skin the conflicted nature of her character is what makes her a acceptable villain. Kristen Stewart is stellar in her performance her confusion is well depicted she is the vision of a good humam being people deserved and all the men in this films are not stereotype they all are haunted by there actions Chris Hemsworth gave his emotionally devasted performance here and the actor who potrayed Williams was equally good the representation aspect of the both male and female are very respectable while we don't get that message enough beacause of the spectacle but that can be spared cause this film is a visually spectacular film with stunning vfx work I was marvelled with some of the fx work here great the gritty slightly greyish colour pallate of the movie fits with the tone of the movie and when there are spectacle the pallate doesn't distract with the colours presented in the later part of the film it blends perfectly with tones. All in all this is a very strong dark fantasy flick do watch it but don't watch the sequel prequel or whatever that is.
Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota (2018)
Paap ko jala jala k raakh kardunga!
Yeah I know the title this movie made me a bollywood fan and a fan of indian cinema and world cinema cause this all catalogues fits into this movie. This is THE pop culture phenomenon of indian cinema or our own superheroes, it is endlessly quotable fantastically acted, stunningly meta and to witness the plethora of references from Hollywood Bollywood asian action films makes an audience happy and giddy.They even managed to make fun of the tried trope of action cinema that is running so fast while staying so close to the enemy that was the funniest thing I have ever scene that was meta at its peak. It's a bit long cause it's an origin story of a vigilante but will never get a sequel you know what I am saying if you read this review by anychance so the vigilante stories needs an origin you get one but the juxtaposition of surya's narrative of his past and present is so brilliantly realized that one doesn't feel bored while watching this film same goes for the character Radhika madan, she is emerging as a true star who will earn her right full place in indian cinema not bollywood she will rein the whole india! The choices of her films are so brilliant from pathaka to mard ko dard nahi hota and then the enjoyable angrezie medium she portrays every role as a cracker jack predictably she is brilliant in this movie no words and another scene stealer and a very difficult role potrayed by THE Gulshan deviah whose jimmy is so sick and pshycotic that you will laugh and squirm at the same time and to playing a double role is the cherry on the cake, and there is mahesh Manjrekar the lovable Alfred to surya's antibatman one of the most likeable character in the movie,jimmy Trivedi is another emotional link to the story who is also seriously funny look for the scene where he marries again that was hilarious and last but not the least the star kid who made a debut in a so obscure unique and out of the box film that he is definitely a star he took a risky chance in his first movie and he nailed it I don't know what will be the future of him at the industry but I am sure he will find its rightfull footing in the industry his old school charm and innonence with gutbusting action talents are a treat to watch. The last scene where jimmy got shot and surya takes the locket really reminded me a meta version of batman's origin story where his mother's neklace was snatched by the goon who killed her and her husband I don't know maybe it's a theory, cause this movie has so much references to pop culture and Easter eggs to hindi english asian cinema and superhero cinema in particular that you will find hard to pinpoint which scene is a tribute or which is not. MASTERPIECE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Annihilation (2018)
Annihilation
There is a saying that movies can transport to the world what we are seeing and that's what this movie did to me it was disturbing trippy hypnotic trippy hynotic I am repeating myself cause this is the most mind boggling movie I have ever seen. This movie is predictably about an alien invasion which created a shimmer like area which is ground zero for the military and scientist if anybody goes there nobody returns you are getting the sense of other movies yes you are right but that's where the similarities end and the real danger real original concepts starts to kick in. This is a nature vs nurture story and its very allegorical in the sense we are constantly tampering with the nature that's how mutation happens and can lead to fatal disasters it's a plague that can wipe out humanity and the newer ones will take place so that the new renaissance happens that's a dark theory i am just getting from this movie maybe I will be wrong anyone can give there perceptions of this movie. The cells regenarate and can mutate to so much infinite level that we will die someday that's the human flaw that's the start of the movie. So the extraterrestrials happens to come to earth and wants to evolve into something that will be infinite just like the cells but the hybrid of humans and aliens can merge but the cells will have a flaw, talking about flaws it's a story of human tendencies everyone is flawed and that trait drives thoroughout the movie the men never returned cause they get twisted by the shimmer and why the lead returned cause she has a pateince a aim to come home but with her own nefarious tendencies the flawed behaviour and the passion for finding something leads to her victory and eventual disastrous fate at the end. Maybe it's open ending I don't know and then comes the direction this is jaw dropping stuff Alex garland just nails the cosmic horror elements he is a knack for creating disturbing reality which wil feel real for the audience and the vfx is stunning for shoestring budget it's just dues ex machina happened oh right his debut film was ex machina getting it I just gave a referencial element to my review nevertheless this is the best horror sci fy of the decade. You will witness hell for 2 hours. Recommended
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Worthy successor and a great standalone sequel
Doctor sleep - this movie shines pun intended if you want to Learn how to balance two source materials into one and make a respectfull movie which will respect the two auteurs and fans than you got mike Flanagan to teach you this is a visually stunning piece of filmmaking. Mind you this is not your run of the mill horror film with jump scares and all that it is much pshycological and bravely talks about childhood trauma and alcoholism our lead character is battling with these both terms and this is where it belongs to Stephen king and now talking about the direction I think Warner brothers chose the right director to helm this film cause Mike Flanagan has impeccable eye for attention to detail and that he is not imitating Stanley Kubrick he is much more like him because he respects his films where shining is vague and ambiguous here he is answering our questions but again leaving something for us too this is much more accessible approach Mike Flanagan has and I bet If you like shining as much as I do you will love doctor sleep this is the best companion piece any director and his crew has put it on celluloid and the final few minutes are pure nostalgia it is not fan service it is the gradual movement of the story it is not money grabbing tactic it is a smart filmmaking approach and Evan McGregor gives his career best performance and the child actor is also badass and this is the type of horror film where the world building matters every non playable characters has its own development and finally Rebecca Ferguson stole the show from the minute she is on the screen. This is the best horror film of this year not midsommar that was a joke or is it .
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Star wars?
Star wars the rise of Skywalker is a visually stylish film of the year better then any blockbusters released this year but that's it. It's a typical heroes journey nothing else it doesn't even felt like star wars untill when the climax hits everything the story puts we all have seen countless times palpatine is like blofeld controlling the villains from the previous films just like Spectre and kylo Ren and rey's minds are wrapped just like Harry Potter and Voldemort and palpatine must get killed so that the sith power will go to Rey just like hocruxes they just swapped it this similarities maybe uncanny but it is very overwhelming to notice and then how Rey is a palpatine I don't have any clue and how kylo Ren is betraying palpatine if palpatine is so powerfull he could have sensed but no the power cinema compells palpatine so that kylo Ren can save Rey and Rey is like the character of frozen or Harry Potter will do all the stuff alone so that nobody can get hurt I mean what!. The last Jedi tried to be different and there was concerns but that movie felt like star wars the sheer unpredictable nature of the universe is what we were expecting from star wars. And carry Fischer's untimely death was a tragedy but jj Abrams respectfully created the illusion of her when she was interacting with Rey but still the ratio was quite unrealistic when she was talking to Rey or Poe nevertheless the filmmakers did give her a nice tribute not a great one but was nice. The only good thing in the movie are Oscar Issac and Adam driver both delivered power pack performances and because of them I watched it till the end. Then there was a heartfelt cameo which was the only emotional part of the movie. The cinematography the vfx everything is top notch no doubt but still there was so impact in the movie that is just disappointing. Kids will love It though
Fight Club (1999)
A delusional piece of art
Welcome to the origin story of startup and the cautionary tale of mental illness warped together to make a film so enjoyable yet disturbing so in your face yet fascinating depiction of narcissistic men throwing there stress by punching each other brutally. This is fight club where people comes here to beat the hell out of each other because competition the rise of capitalism and the rise of mental breakdown this is the first film where I saw vandalism vigilantism and sociapath behavior in one package. Frankly I knew the twist thanks to countless theories and best twist of the decade list but still I was fascinated by the concept surprisingly it's not confusing at it's a very straight forward story but, The story behind it is a complicated mess yeah I am talking about our society the visuals hints and subtle foreshadowing are masterfully shot and the vfx work is outstanding David fincher is known for subtle vfx work where you don't know which one is real just like one will not what is real this is a pulpy entertaining out of the box dramatic pshycological thriller you don't want to miss and the black comedy is not even funny it was terrifying to witness that's the thing it's subverts your whole concept of genre filmmaking. Great cult classic
Joker (2019)
Joker is a manifestation of our troubling times masterpiece
Joker - What can I say about this film this is one of the best phsycological thriller ever Todd Philips and Lawrence Sher captured the whole period Gotham in a disturbing way that is so true in current times the devastating and masterfull performance by Joaquin Phoenix is harrowing, mental illness is very much a thing in 21st century everyone is suffering from some kind of mental breakdown so this film is a cautionary tale about coming out and helping yourself by talking to someone this is very much necessary and this message hits hard in this movie and the chaotic political scenario is very realistic which is again very reminiscent of today's generation of politics. Overall a great cinematic experience.
Horse Girl (2020)
Strong premise predictable execution
Well to start with the review I would like to write that this is a very well made film and talks about mental illness Brilliantly but sometimes the core concept get sidelined in order to show some cinematic trickery it just that it doesn't feels grounded yeah it talks about it in a very sensible way but it all get sidelined at the end as the viewer will definitely feel conflicted about the message the end tries to say was it that she is in the rehab and she never get's treated and she goes to a place where she is subconsciously wanted to go but that is misleading as we wanted a proper cure of the solution could be ambiguous but they shifted to sci fy territory while the basic thing is it is not sci fy you cannot go there you have to place that thing right behind the basic concept I get it that it definitely talks about the situation she is facing maybe she will be cured after she reaches the alien world but that's not the solution you have to atleast give a ending were we can decipher but this just ends it's not a end it's just fullstop then how we can understand while going beyond that talking about the ending it can be ambiguous where we can find the solutions but it just ends it is confusing that's why it is still fascinating even I don't know what I am writing right now but still when it is grounded in reality it was a very real human story very relatable even when the talk about alien abduction started it felt real cause a human can create alternate realities but it should feel like home for the character yeah what I feel is real and there is no fakeness about it I think that was missing the mental illness part was very realistic and Alison brie knocks it out of the park in this role I liked this movie but the ending bugs me that's the reason it is 6
1917 (2019)
Best war film since Saving Private Ryan
War movies are the go to section for best picture at the Oscars but here me out this is no typical war film it is a visecral tension filled emotionally harrowing film where every technical aspects helps the movie to go forward from sound mixing to sound design to ost everything is in sync with the movie so that a audience can get a satisfying experience. Sam mender is back from his earlier lacklustre film with a bang this is his most personal film because the story is about his grandfather who served world war 1 and it talks about the sheer humanity and going forward to finish what is started the fantastic capability of a person's state of mind the humongaus will power to complete the mission in order to save one's brothers in arms is goosebump enducing and tear jerking and coming to another master who is sir Roger deakins who masterfully shot the film which is one take my God how he and editor and Sam Mendes filmed those impossible scenes that is just crazy to just think only. It is not a gimmick it just immerse you with the characters depicted in the screen bravo!. And the actors delivered some of there career best work. Saving Private Ryan got a worthy competitor in the 21st century and frankly this is the best action film of the decade ever. Oscars are tough thistime.
Richard Jewell (2019)
Another Clint Eastwood classic and a american classic
Richard jewel- Clint Eastwood's timely based biopic of American hero Richard jewell is heartbreaking and a powerful watch. Ok this is nothing new for audiences who is expecting something different from sir Clint Eastwood but with so much dignity he potrayed a real life hero is stunning at it's own right. The film starts with some very predictable scenario building up characters, potraying a negative character frankly which is the only thing I thought was not up to the mark but when the Atlanta Olympics starts the palpable tension rises and the real story started to form with ferocious pacing. Sam Rockwell is rocking in his potrayal of a ballsy lawyer and Kathy Bates gives one of her best performance to date watch out for the speech I bet you will feel teary eyed. The only questionable thing about the movie is Olivia Wilde who is chewing the scenes like a villain from a b grade fantasy movie and researching about the story I came to know some part of her story is fictionalized so that was a jarring decision for Clint Eastwood. And the real star Paul Walter Hauser is so deeply affecting in his potrayal of the titular character that your heart goes out for him very much Oscar worthy. The message is clear how media can tarnish one's faith about law enforcement or any other thing within seconds just to earn some extra amount of respect and money. Honest and honourable men get punished because of this things. This is one of the most timely message the films gives regarding the unnecessary cultural bias against movies or show which are showing real life issues but making those creative medium into dangerous fake propaganda is really distressing but this movie should be viewed it is essential highly recommended
Ad Astra (2019)
Existential space drama
In space no one can hear you scream this is part war film part pilosophyical drama part hiest film and each and every genre beats are executed in a very satisfying manner but the thing is all those genre beats are ended abruptly the films biggest issue is finding the right balance where is partially succeeds it also very much inspired by Terrance mallicks films from the narration to some shots that are very reminiscent of his works that's a great thing btw but it is a show of Brad Pitt he exels in his role each and every frame brilliantly acted by him he always tries to hide his emotions and fails miserably his character development is absolutely stunning but the sad part all other characters has no depth even the great Ruth negga doesn't get anything to do that's a shame everyother character is one dimensional and stereotypical it is no interstellar don't compare it to that masterpiece this movie is very much it's own beast so coming to the technical point this a masterpiece in cinematography music sound design and mixing and editing the vfx are stunning as hell and hoyte van hoyetema's cinematography is brilliant it is very stripped down approach he envisioned in his film reminds me of his earlier natural non showy dop works especially in let the right one in and tinker Taylor soldier spy bravo indeed this year with so many reboots prequel rebooquel this is the most original film and James gray attention to detail impeccable I am very much excited what he does next.
Ghost Stories (2020)
Middling horror film but nice effort
2020 is here and I watched my first film which is ghost stories and i must write that this is the roadmap for future ambitious horror films it is great till the 3 story we will talk about 4 segment later so first each directors has taken inspiration from horror legends such as Zoya akhtar Gave it a time loop twist reminds me of groundhog day not exactly like that and that movie was not a horror film but horror lies in the drama anurag kashyap took a leap to Darren aronofsky part black swan part pi and the dibakar banerjee took inspiration from wailing the Korean master piece. Again they all are inspired not copying anything its very good because they are diving into horror for first time and that's an achievement they suceed partly. So the first segment from Zoya akhtar is relatively simple story where a bed ridden old women needs to taken care of as her son has gone so janhvi Kapoor ( excellent ) takes care of her as a nurse there are no answers in this segment which is again very immersive as we want to decipher what is happening but again it is frustrating cause it will end within 30 mins or so there are no room any progressive development the cinematography is the usp of the film the camera flows very creepily and makes us feel the sense of dread sound design is also very good Vijay verma's role was unnecessary and it was going fine but suddenly Zoya akhtar pulls a shyamalan twist which comes from nowhere and it frustrates more that what the hell just happen is it that the room was haunted or the son was haunted or janhvi Kapoor never came to the house never took care of her but when she came the first time she saw her dead was it all in her mind or the badge the kind of jewelry is the cursed so see can see the immediate future what will happen maybe see was there to take care of her this are all questions but sadly we don't get answers to but atleast it was fascinating she is not trying to spoon feed us again it was desperate attempt to mindbend us that was slightly dissapointing.
The next one is arguably the most stomach churning one is anurag kashyap's take on horror very symbolic shobita dhulipala nailed the troubled wife and the child actor was also good the animalistic behavior of human beings are potrayed in a very graphic manner it metophorically connects with the crow's behaviour of bearing a child the exposition in these short is necessary and it is spot on the desaturated cinematography is another great factor to tell the story extremely unsettling the message is clear bearing a child is a huge responsibility and very dark if the child is never born or if he or she is born how to raise him. The ending is sureshot chaos filled mania that you will witness for the first time in an Indian horror film great stuff.
The third one is dibakar banerjee's take on zombie apocalypse with a twist this is the best segment as it is very much rooted with the current political climate the horror is not the zombies but the greed that will eventually wipe out a society the lower class people are killed and zombified because a upper class zombie ate them very political it is talking about small town India where there is no water no electricity death is looming and dibakar banerjee and his cinematographer nailed the atmosphere stunningly he never shy away of graphic violence and there is no flashy light in the night scenes the protagonist cannot see what is happening even the audience, this is Shanghai with a horror twist.
And the last segment aaaah I don't want to write about it is terrible Karan johar has lost his mind because of his segment the whole experience goes downhill he made lust stories and kabhi Khushi kabhi gham with some horror elements there are so much unecessary sexual innuendo thrown into the proceedings that is very unnecessary and then there is a cartoonish story about a granny who is not dead she just passed away great logic she does peekaboo with his adult grandson funny than horrific and mrunal thakur with her glamarous makeup gives us a tour to the beautiful mansion that's it but there was one scene where colour gets away and the slightly dark undertones of visuals took place that was a great transition only thing that was original this type of story ram gopal verma can make in his sleep so nothing to care about this segment. It is so self aware that is becames dumb.
So overall it was a good horror film with some stunning cinematography and direction dibakar banerjee's segment was the best one and then anurag kashyap they saved the anthalogy. 3 stars.
Daredevil (2015)
Stunning hour of television
This is my first review for a show i don't watch shows that much i prefer movies because it ends without any filler. but daredevil is a different beast altogether so my first review start here we go so Netflix's Daredevil is the Dark knight of Marvel canon
this is one of the most different marvel adaptation ever it is dark, gritty, realistic, and constant dilemma of choosing faith or atheism and this dilemma drives through all the seasons that is something astonishing to witness never was a superhero asking such a difficult questions it is simply amazing to watch. Netflix, Drew goddard, and Jeph loeb and the cast and the crew delivered knockout work from there behalf the best part is every season has a one take fight scene which gets bigger with every passing season. If you think Thanos is the best villain in the marvel universe watch out for Wilson Fisk he will give you nightmares when you watch him you will feel empathy for the character no such villain in marvel movies are so three dimensional that you end up rooting with him. But we are talking about Daredevil so Charlie Cox gave his best performance ever this is the best acting from an actor who is brutal, emotional, sarcastic and flawed i was marvelled while watching him. Not only Matt Murdock other characters where also fleshed out beautifully they are leaving breathing human beings who we care through out the season. Season 1 was the benchmark for further Netflix marvel originals which will eventually lead to the tv medium's avengers the defenders which is sadly underwhelming but forget about that if you think defenders killed any hope for you than watch the third season of Daredevil the season resurrected the stunning formula Netflix first envisioned, the last and my favourite one the third season literally stripped the hero out of his costume which really feels like the sense of hopelessness for the character and Hell's kitchen. There is so much going on in this season which never feels boring but intriguing there is the shaking of the moral compass of matt murdock abouthis faith on God he nicely told a story about god's desciple job who was betrayed by god yet job did his responsible work for him this conflicted message is flown through out the season which is uncompromising and stunning to see and the message really develops in the end where matt finally comes to his senses now we know what job did was god's plan after all he never betrayed job he made him stronger for the greater good. But Netflix originals where always criticized for there bloated runtime but this show never felt like a show it really felt like a 13 hour movie because every episodes carry forward the story there is no filler. And coming to the action scenes i have never seen anything in a television show this was next level at every turn. Foggy nelson and Karen page ramped up the emotional tension throughout the season they had there own subplots which is frankly very interesting to witness and then there was detective Nadeem who is one of the most honest characters in a superhero show who for the love of his city gave his life without thinking about his own death, we all know he did some questionable things but for saving the rotten city he did his best and his sacrifice will never go in vain and then there was Pointdexter the eponymous bull's eye and the actor nailed the part he was extremely creepy throughout the season and pshycotic i was so happy that daredevil talked about mental illness with brutal effect marvel and netflix really changed my perception about there depiction of superheroes until when disney messed the whole game. Never the less this is one of the best netflix original show and best superhero show period.