cinephile-007 Reviews

Mark Antony (2023)

Sj Suryah steals the show in this somewhat decent entertainer

[6/10 · 16 September 2023]

After a below average outing with Bagheera,Aadhik Ravichandar returns this time with Mark Antony starring Vishal and SJ Suryah in the lead roles.

Trailers play a big part when it comes to promoting a movie. If the trailers are a hit then the movie gets a hype and a big opening.

Mark Antony benefitted from a superb trailer cut. The trailer was the main reason the movie got big hype before the release.

Coming to the movie, the best thing about it is SJ Suryah. He outperforms everyone on the screen be it villainism or the humour.

Aadhik took an interesting idea and made it entertaining eventhough in someplace especially the songs felt misplaced and loud.

Vishal did his best but in few places, it felt like maybe someone like STR would have been apt for the role.

All in all, It's a decent entertainer with SJ Suryah at his best.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

A worthy sequel that keeps you entertained throughout

[8/10 · 1 June 2023]

It's a rare thing nowadays that sequels live up to its predecessor that too for something like Into the spiderverse which was a huge hit but Across the spiderverse not only lives up to it but also surpasses it.

The movie runs for almost 150mins but keeps you glued to it throughout. Just like the first one the animation is top notch so are the soundtracks.

We get a lot of cool Easter eggs and cameos. The humour works fine which is a big positive for the movie.

We get introduced to lots of new versions of Spidermen like pavitr prabhakar, spider punk and lot more.

The movie nicely sets up for the third part which I hope is as good as the first two.

Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two (2023)

Should have been a trilogy

[8/10 · 28 April 2023]

Adapting a book to screenplay is never a easy task, especially if the book spans across multiple parts. The movie should never lose its core value and at the same time keep its viewers entertained.

Maniratnam has done his best to achieve both but at some times we are left wondered if he should have made it a trilogy rather than a duology. At times it felt like there was a lot happening that could have been expanded into a 3rd movie.

The moment you walk out of PS 2,you have mixed feelings about it. It runs for 2.45hrs and yet the plot feels rushed at times.

Jayaram Ravi was the show stealer in this one while Trisha had pretty much nothing to do except the beautiful Aga naga sequence with Karthi.

The final battle had no impact on the movie.

Overall PS2 is a worthy sequel to its predecessor.

Viduthalai: Part 1 (2023)

Soori shines in this gritty drama about police brutality

[8/10 · 1 April 2023]

Vetrimaaran keeps rising his stakes with each film. People wondered if he could outdo himself after a film like asuran and he has done exactly that with viduthalai. There is no doubt he is one of the finest filmmakers in India at present.

When he cast soori as the protagonist, eyebrows were raised because soori has always been the sidekick to the heroes. But he has proved everyone wrong with a career defining performance. It will be no surprise if gets more roles like this in the future.

He lives as Kumaresan,a policeman who gets entangled in a fight between cops and the rebels of a village. The love portions were beautifully done with Ilayaraja doing what he does best.

Sethupathi in his short time owns his role as Perumal as he always does.

The movie is definitely a hard watch because there are some scenes that potray custodial torture and the way they are shot are not easy to watch. So have it in mind the movie is rated 'A' for a reason.

The movie does have some flaws like the editing which seemed rushed and the dubbing is poor.

Overall viduthalai is another fine vetrimaaran film which is upheld by a career defining performance by soori.

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

One of the best action movies ever made

[8/10 · 23 March 2023]

John wick chapter 4 has everything an action flick has to offer. The movie runs almost 3hrs and you wouldn't be able to take your eyes off for even a minute.

Bill skarsgard was a nice addition to an already perfect casting. Especially Donnie yen stood out of all the others. Also Shamier as Mr. Nobody was fun to watch.

As for the fight sequences, Keanu Reeves has given his everything to it and it reflects well in the film.

Another standout thing is the cinematography of the movie. It has some brilliant shots especially the final duel has amazing cinematography.

Overall John wick chapter 4 is undoubtedly one of the best action movies ever made and will be an absolute treat for the fans.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

A fun watch with stunning visuals but lacks depth

[7/10 · 17 February 2023]

Quantamania is a typical marvel movie with grand visuals and a story that has pretty much nothing to offer.

Katheryn Newtown seems like a good choice for Cassie lang. Let's hope she has more to offer in the future.

As for the story,it gives us the first look at much anticipated Kang the Conqueror and Jonathan Majors has done a phenomenal job in potraying the big bad. But after all those build-ups and hype surrounding Kang as the big bad for this saga, i kinda felt they downplayed him in the movie. For someone as powerful as Kang to go down like that seemed like an injustice to the character.

Overall, quantamania is a fun watch but is forgettable once you walk out the theatres. Jonathan Majors is the stand out of the film and am excited for what he holds in the future.

Stealing Raden Saleh (2022)

A near perfect heist movie that keeps you engaged throughout

[8/10 · 26 January 2023]

Came across this movie randomly in Netflix and I am so glad I did. Heist movies are one of my favourite genres. This movie is also my first Indonesian movie and I was pleasantly surprised how well this was made.

The movie runs almost for 150 minutes but it keeps you engaged throughout the film and doesn't make you feel bored. I don't know about the actors or their prior works but they all did a pretty decent job.

It has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. The movie isn't perfect but the flaws are overcome by a tight knit screenplay and story.

Overall a very well made heist thriller from Indonesia that's a must watch for the fans of this genre.

Varisu (2023)

Vijay shines in a mediocre family drama

[7/10 · 11 January 2023]

Vamsi has given us the same old wine in a new bottle. Vamsi has completely relied on his lead actor to deliver and Vijay has done exactly that. The first half of the movie is tiring as it takes lots of time to settle in to the story. Second half on the other hand is entertaining with Vijay taking complete control of it. The problem with the movie is the absence of a deadly villain. Prakash Raj whose previous movies with Vijay were nothing short of perfection,he has nothing to do here. The emotions fell short in most places and the slow motions and the Closeups especially in the first half made it feel like a tv drama.

Yogibabu's humour works well. Rashmika,like every other heroine in Vijay movies has nothing much to do than the two songs.

The casting of the family members is good with sarathkumar delivering yet another good performance. The songs and bgs are okayish when compared to his previous movies like master and beast the songs may feel underwhelming.

Overall Vamsi has fine-tuned a script tailor-made for Vijay who shines perfectly in it, giving us a watchable family drama.

Love Today (2022)

A well made Gen-z romantic comedy

[7/10 · 5 November 2022]

Pradeep ranganathan,the man who gave us comali,is back this time with a romantic comedy and also stars as the main lead. Film focuses mainly on how mobiles today plays a major role in our lives and relationships.

Pradeep has done a neat job as an actor for a debut movie. Ahanna as the female lead is pretty and can act. Sathyaraj and Radhika as parents gives strong performances as usual. Yogi Babu too has done a decent job.

Pradeep definitely knows who his audience are and has done a pretty good job at impressing the teen audience. The movie has lots of funny moments and shows how today's Gen-z relationships are.

Just like his last movie, the movie ends with an emotional and well made message.

Overall a fun entertainer targeted mostly at the younger audience.

Black Adam (2022)

Fun superhero movie with stunning visuals

[8/10 · 20 October 2022]

Delayed multiple times over the years, we finally get to witness Black Adam. The movie follows typical superhero template with eye-catching CGI fights and light-hearted humours. The plus point is that the humour works in most places. The fight scenes especially the Black Adam vs JSA fight is a visual treat.

Rock in the titular character does a fantastic job. Pierce Brosnan as Dr. Fate was good so was hawkman. Atom Smasher doesn't have much to do.

My only issue is that Black Adam could have been more brutal, probably R-rated but DC chose to follow MCU's success formula.

Overall it's a fine addition to DCEU's superhero movies. Not groundbreaking but definitely watchable in theatres for its CGI works and stunts.

Vikrant Rona (2022)

Kudos to the technical team

[7/10 · 16 October 2022]

First of all big appreciation to the cinematographer and the lighting team. Probably 90percent of the movie takes place in the dark and they have done a good job in making it look beautiful. Also the art department have done their job pretty well.

I expected something in the range of tumbbad. The movie started of with so much promise but ended up as another revenge drama. Sudeep as usual was true to his role. Second half was flat when compared to the first half. The songs were okay but the background scores were good.

Overall a fine thriller that prefers style over substance with strong performance from the lead.

Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022)

A Magnum Opus from Maniratnam

[9/10 · 30 September 2022]

Its been 68 years since Kalki's literary Magnum Opus Ponniyin selvan was released. After numerous attempts by various artists over the decades to make it into a live action adaptation, Maniratnam finally did it.

The best thing about the film is he stayed true to the source material. There is no unnecessary buildups, hero worships. Every actor/actress have played their part perfectly.

Karthi carries the first half with his humour, flirtatious nature. The second half belongs to Jeyam Ravi. Its been so long since we saw Jeyam Ravi the actor and he is brilliant. Vikram asusual is intense in his performance. Talking about Aishwarya Rai and Trisha, the screen is dazzling everytime they are on screen.

And then ARR with his background scores, just proves he is unparalleled yet again.

In this era of pan-indian films breaking the language barriers like KGF, Bahubali , PS 1 is another fine addition to it and should be celebrated.

Euphoria: The Theater and Its Double (2022) Season 2, Episode 7

One of the best tv episodes ever made

[9/10 · 21 February 2022]

This penultimate episode of season 2 was absolutely amazing. The much awaited Lexi's play and the ongoing tension with Fezco and Ash , Sam Levinson really outdid himself again. Can't wait for the finale.

The Gentlemen (2019)

Guy Richie does what he does BEST!!!

[9/10 · 31 March 2020]

Guy Ritchie returns to the Crime genre and brings back the good old days of Snatch and Lock,Stock and two smoking Barrels.The casting is perfect.The direction is top notch.Its hilarious,bloody and loads of fun..

Joker (I) (2019)

One word:Masterpiece

[9/10 · 5 October 2019]

Joaquin phoenix has produced a performance of a life time.A MUST SEE in theatres.Probably the best movie of the year and Oscar Worthy.Best Character development i have seen in a movie.