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12th Fail (2023)
Near about a perfect film
12th Fail is a recipe with lots of ingredients. Poverty, politics, corruption, friendship, love, and jealousy, to name a few. These are the ingredients that make up the life of an average Indian middle-class family.
All these are rightly blended and perfectly complement the plots and sub-plots of this inspirational biopic drama about the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who is a 12th fail but aspires to become an IPS officer for the sake of his ailing grandmother and promises to redeem his father's principles when he decides to leave his village and prepare for the civil services exam in the most competitive neighbourhood of Delhi.
It is a slippery ground when a director tries to handle so many ingredients at once. Yet VVC has done a tremendous job of balancing them so that none really overpowers the other. Although the plot is serious, the film is very enjoyable, with some light moments and comedy.
The vibes of Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar must've brought nostalgia to many Indian youth and civil officers (or aspirants). Manoj and Shraddha's love story feels fresh and cute. Something seen after a very long time in Hindi cinema.
The sound and cinematography is mesmerizing. Especially the breathtaking scenes of Mussoorie.
Vikrant Massey is a fabulous actor, and these kinds of common man roles are just tailor-made for him. He is just a natural.
There's a very special cameo from a highly influential person who has nailed his role to perfection too.
The Truman Show (1998)
Sensational!!
Jim Carrey's charm and Ed Harris' fanatic amalgamated with some jolly piano music, wonderful setting, chilling thriller, and a mind-boggling concept produced a landmark movie in The Truman Show!
Truman Burbank's complete life is a TV show and when he finally finds the truth he decides to escape and from there on, it's his version of 'The Shawshank Redemption which is pretty satisfactory! The film subtly shows the reality of 21st century although it was set in the 20th. That's why it is a timeless film and perhaps is more meaningful today in the digital age of Facebook and Instagram.
Well paced and beautifully directed, this film binds the audience with the protagonist at all times and gives them one of the best goosebumps in the climax one can get while watching a movie.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
This whole film feels like a drug
There's just something about Jim Carrey and films that leave you bewildered for a week after you've finished watching it. The Truman Show and this! While the former has more comic and light scenes, this one is mostly out-and-out depressing.
A man (Joel) is fighting with his subconscious mind while his memories of a failing relationship are being wiped out. All those scenes where he is talking to himself and Clementine (the imagined version of her through his subconscious mind) are so nicely written and directed. How badly the subconscious mind wants to cling to even the slightest details of his lover. Isn't that something we all do when we find ourselves most miserable after a bad break-up?
We learn a lot about both of them and their relationship through Joel's procedure of erasing Clem. Clem was an overly exciting, impulsive, outgoing girl, while Joel was more introverted and overthinker. He never feels anything beyond just 'nice'. He never truly communicates about his feelings with her while she does all the talking. It's only through this procedure that we actually see Joel's insecurities and his humiliation.
But it's not all gloom and sad here. There, indeed, is sunshine! At last, when Joel's subconscious mind speaks as Clem that it'll (their memories) be all gone soon, so what do they do now? And Joel says, 'Enjoy it'. It feels like with Joel, we also realize that the best thing to do with memories is to savour and enjoy them.
Mary's story is also beautifully written, something which I missed the first time I watched this film. Her whole point was that all the experiences and memories (good and bad) together make up the person we are today, and erasing them would mean killing off your own personality. Instead, we should embrace, enjoy and move on in life.
That's why Joel and Clem finally accept each other's imperfections and move on with an 'Okay'.
The Nice Guys (2016)
A multi-layered film with some hilarious moments
Two detectives cross paths as they land on the same mystery case of finding a missing girl. The girl was related to an experimental film, and the mystery was everyone related to the film was getting killed off one by one. Probably the film contains a revelation of dirty business done by the capitalists and would ruin their reputation if it came out.
The movie starts relatively slow but picks up when the duo meet and they start their adventures together. The 70s retro feel is awesome; the music is excellent too. And all of it culminates in a satisfactory climax.
Russel Crowe was serious. Ryan Gosling was super. The duo outstanding.
Filled with comic moments and action, it is a good flick to enjoy with friends.
A Man Called Otto (2022)
A feeling called grief
The deepest of grief comes from losing a loved one. When you can't fathom a life without them, you feel suffocation in your every breath.
Tom Hanks nailed the role of a grumpy, grieving old man who has lost his wife and, with her, his will to live. So much so that he has limited himself to doing menial tasks to keep himself busy. He fends off any human interaction by saying he needs to do a lot of things. It's finally when his new neighbours arrive and slowly soften him which ultimately culminates in him getting the closure.
There are moments of laughter (even in serious moments) which gives the film some extra range of emotion. The soundtrack is nice.
Don't forget to sit with some tissues though!
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
The most comic spidey film
Thoroughly enjoyed this fun ride. Striking visuals, colours, great music and emotions, everything is worth watching on the big screen.
The parallelism between the lives of all the spider-beings and the idea of the superhero (that they need to endure great loss in order to protect their neighbourhood) is presented very well, and it is what is the core of this film.
Pavitr Prabhakar was a special addition, and the animations of Indian streets and environment were spot on, absolutely loved it being an Indian.
This one took the pointing meme to a whole different level, and that was just hilarious.
12 Monkeys (1995)
Starts slow but picks up
A science fiction story about time travel and a deadly virus killing millions (rings any bells?).
Bruce Willis travels to the past trying to stop the spread of the virus in order to save lives, but he's always caught up in chaos. Brad Pitt plays a lunatic guy trying to bring about a revolution with a bunch of junkies (rings some more bells?).
The overall theme of the film is dark and thrilling, and because the science part is simpler keeps you hooked throughout. The soundtrack is very beautiful, especially the melancholic one at the end.
The film's ending is open-ended, thus creating room for lots of discussions and deductions. A good choice for a watch party with friends.
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)
One kiss is all it takes. . .
This film is basically two people experiencing Groundhog day.
But that's not all; there's an underlying message that sometimes people try too hard to cling to things they should not. Finding it difficult to let go, unable to muster the courage to imagine a life without something/ someone. So much so that they're ready to sabotage their future too. In a way, 'stuck' in time.
It's also appealing how we fail to realize that on a completely normal mundane day, so many "perfect" things happen around us. And also, how ungrateful we are for the people and things that happen which allow us to have a normal day.
Lovely film. The space charade especially is very beautiful.
Drishyam (2015)
A flawless story
I remember the first time I watched this. It was playing on the PC, and my brother was watching it; I just sat down, intending to watch a few minutes and resume whatever else I had stopped. But I couldn't move from my place until the film ended.
Today, reluctantly, we started the film at around 11:30 pm, again intending to revise just a few moments (because we had watched Drishyam 2) but ended up watching the whole film.
Such is the gripping story woven through contrasting characters. Gaitonde and IG Meera(Tabu is arguably the most intense actress in India) are intimidating for different reasons. Meera's husband is reasonable, and you can see sympathy in his eyes, and he realises they've failed at parenting; Rajat Kapoor is a phenomenal Bollywood Dad.
There are no words for Ajay Devgn; his best work, perhaps, the range of emotions he has delivered almost effortlessly and his closing dialogue is excellent!
This film is basically about love. Love for your family. Nothing is greater than that. The lines of right and wrong go blur when you religiously love.
Drishyam 2 (2022)
Slowly builds up to a great climax
Whenever there's a sequel of a super hit film, there's this added expectation from it and makers are constantly reminded of it, and most of the time, they try to follow the same formula that worked the last time around.
Unlike Drishyam, which keeps you invested right from starting, this one is a relatively slow starter, and there are a few moments in which your mind can wander off. But with Akshaye Khanna's entry, the script picks up pace. He is intimidating yet subtle. With him enters Gaitonde! At some point, he says he can forget his wife's birthday, but he cannot forget the events of 2nd and 3rd October, lol; the guy despises Vijay and his family, which hasn't changed in all these years. More than anyone else, Gaitonde made me want to watch the first film again.
The climax feels rewarding, and it logically places all the pieces in place, which I think has become a trademark of this franchise.
"Shabdo pe nahi, drishyon pe dhyaan do, kyuki shabdo mein jhoot chupne ki jagah dhoond hi leta hai, lekin drishya. . . Drishya kabhi jhoot nahi bolte. Isliye,
Sawaal ye nahi ke aapki aankho ke saamne kya hai. . .,
Sawaal ye hai ki. . . Aap dekh kya rahe ho."
The Minimalists: Less Is Now (2021)
More Americans should watch this!
I don't understand the low rating; it explains how Americans are suffering from 'stuffitis' and resist change.
This is not a perfect documentary, but it gives insights and ideas on overcoming your need to own more and more. I loved that idea the other guy implemented - pack all your items into boxes as if you are moving out, then in the course of the next few weeks, take out just the items you really need to consume (it starts with your toothbrush, a towel, few utensils etc. ). The guy found out that by the end of 3rd week, almost 80% of his stuff was still lying in boxes.
One other thoughtful point this raises is the spectrum of our comparison. Back when there was no social media, we compared our living standards with our neighbourhood, which in most cases, doesn't vary too much. But today, we have more access to the personal lives of actresses and famous people. We compare our clothes and our stuff with them, which is not a very wise thing to do.
We need to be serious about minimalism. Hyper-consumerism will lead to the doom of our planet.
"The consumer world understands that if I can get you to choose before you think, I'm gonna get you to buy things you do not need."
"We misplace our desire for belonging and satisfaction by buying more stuff."
"What you don't want in your life is this endless horizon of aspiration. 'I just need a bit more of this or a little more of that. I need more success, more income, more wealth, a bigger house, bigger car, bigger this' because that's just an endless black hole."
"When we get all of the things that we want, we tend to be wrong in the predictions that we made about how happy we would be because the brain normalises those things."
"The reason the message of minimalism is so powerful is because we're bingeing on all the wrong things, and we're dying of hunger for the things that really matter."
Qala (2022)
Good dark story but actors didn't turn up
Qala is one of those films which makes you feel books are better than films. It is just so difficult to tune everything to the same frequency the cinematography, acting, pacing, storytelling, music(which is top-notch in this one btw.) etc. It could have been one fine mystery short story, but of course, how would we have gotten the great album then?
I don't have much problem with its slow pacing because it picks up in 2nd half, and I am used to slow-paced films. What bothered me the most was the monotonicity.
Playing the role of a child who has a disturbing childhood and is continuously deprived of her mother's attention and love despite being a single child is not easy, even for someone who has done a dozen films, let alone a new actor. And it did prove a bit too much for Tripti Dimri(Qala). She's cute, but her expressions in the film are primarily scared (that too in a weird way) or terrified. Very sorry to say, but Babil Khan(Jagan) was not up to the mark either. I absolutely loved the bits with Sunil Grover(he's an absolute gem) and his thoughtful dialogue:
". . . Par daur badlega. Daur ki ye puraani aadat hai."
Apart from music, the colour grading is very beautiful, which complements the dark aspects of the film industry. The shooting locations and photography are great too.
One Day (2011)
Can you love someone you don't like?
I have had this question in my mind for some time and have done enough pondering upon it. It's essential to note the difference, and for a healthy relationship, you need both.
One Day is about a young girl and boy who quickly become friends. But they fail to muster the courage to have heart-to-heart conversations about how they genuinely feel about each other. This, my friends, is the recipe for chaos and mess in your personal life.
Unsurprisingly, they both lead very messy personal lives and get into wrong relationships. And the story is about them trying to clear the clutter and be with each other.
The film follows their lives closely and the events that take place on one particular day every year. Filled with moments of laughter, joy, heartbreak and a yearning, you will think about it for quite some time.
The Menu (2022)
Will think twice before going to restaurants now!
This horror thriller is, for most parts, carried by Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor. The plot is simple and predictable, even spoiled by the characters, so there's little mystery. The score is pretty good and does build the tension in some scenes.
So there's this group of people who've made a dinner reservation in a famous restaurant on an island. And as the night progresses, we get to learn about the vices in them.
As some stories about the characters unfold, it becomes more evident that none of them is actually likeable. Also, because there's so little about each of them, you don't care enough if they live or die.
Ram Setu (2022)
Nothing special in here
So there's an archaeologist who's an atheist and does not believe in folklore and stories if it's not backed up by evidence and facts. And then, which feels like all of a sudden and abrupt, he has a change of heart and is adamant in proving Ram existed.
They hoped Ram naam ka patthar would float this project and hence did not pay much attention to plot building, dialogue writing or even characters.
The only interesting character in the film is AP and how he has answers for things all the time.
Clearly, they did not plan to make it a comedy film; it was supposed to be a mysterious adventure. But the level of seriousness in the direction is questionable if that's the case. You don't add a dance number while the lead actors are on their way to find a clue about Ramsetu's existence in villages of Sri Lanka!
There was so much material for a potential The Da Vinci Code kind of film, but alas!
Thank God (2022)
Enjoyable
Siddharth Malhotra's character Aayan goes through a car crash and has to win a game show to return to earth or else he'll burn in hell. Ajay Devgn(God Chitragupt) is the host of the show, and he deals with all his paap and punya. The concept is excellent, and the movie feels very fresh.
There are a few unexpected twists and turns, which feels rewarding given you never expect them in such a light dramedy. Also, there's a powerful dialogue from Ajay Devgn.
"Tum log Bhagwan mein to maante ho per Bhagwan ki ek nahi maante"
Although over the top at times with its gimmicky editing and graphics, it drives home the message of humanity and righteousness.
And, of course, Manike Mage Hithe!
The Girl on the Train (2016)
Carried by Emily Blunt
There's only one character you can care for in the film and that's Rachel (played by Emily Blunt). Otherwise, you'll forget the whole thing within days. . .
I'm writing this review five days after I watched it, and I cannot recall the character names.
The story is also predictable at times and thus provides very little thriller.
Some close-up shots of Rachel with a tense background score are terrifying and keep you engaged for its hour and a half of runtime.
Sometimes you're not as bad as how other people try to portray. . . All you need to do is stand up for yourself and not take any blame blindly.
Awakenings (1990)
Robin Williams was such a gem
In what is a rather depressing story of chronically ill patients who happened to have survived the encephalitis epidemic earlier in their lives, Robin Williams' presence feels like a cool breeze of hope. He plays a doctor who has no experience in treating humans, but he needs a job. A middle-aged lonely scholarly man who does not know places other than a botanical garden, opera or museum for a day out. He gets shy when a girl asks him out for coffee. I don't think anyone else could have played the role better.
And then there's Robert de Niro. He plays a much more difficult role of a patient suffering from the disease, and pulls it off brilliantly. His expressions are captivating and gives a crystal clear image of the pain these patients have to go through.
This is a tear-jerker and the soundtrack by Thomas' cousin Randy Newman just adds to the overall experience of the film.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Good visuals, ordinary story, weak characters
Watched this in two parts.
I'll talk about the climax first - it feels absolutely weak. The action is underwhelming for most parts, except when the rings come into play. But you get a feeling that, for creatures so ancient and the rings so powerful, the whole sequence doesn't appear very serious.
It might also be attributed to the fact that I didn't watch the whole film in one go.
That said, Shang-Chi starts off brilliantly and feels like you're in for a magical ride with mythical rings and ancient powers. It then subtly shifts narrative to the protagonist life in a city. The bus sequence is just amazing! The first 40-45 minutes are great.
But as whole the film doesn't leave you wanting more, either from the hero or from the rings. Maybe an origin story about the rings would seem interesting.
No wonder it didn't occur to me to complete the other half of the film for over one month!
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Highly predictable but entertaining
If anyone is a master of making a formula movie, it has to be Tarantino. The formula = An emotionally intense opening sequence/ first act + Nicely build up a scene, and then kill off everyone + Gore + Cartoonish CGI + Lots of tomato ketchup + Excessive use of the N-word . . . Oh, and, + A beautiful lady's feet :D
Christoph Waltz is terrifying as a Nazi officer and has done a great job intensifying the opening sequence. The coldness in his eyes! Amazing performance.
Brad Pitt plays Brad Pitt. He leads an American team in killing off Nazis.
I loved Fassbender's role as well, and he's such a charm. He plays a British movie reviewer and writer who does not really like violence. The tavern sequence is also great and keeps the tension high.
The thing is, I am not a fan of Tarantino's formula, especially the mindless killing, making almost all the characters dispensable. And in the end whole film appears to be a survival game - whoever survives will be crowned the protagonist.
Since I like war films and Nazi - Allies portrayal, Inglourious Basterds gets a pass.
Bullet Train (2022)
Thoroughly enjoyable
An exhilarating ride from first to last - just like a Bullet Train. A story about an underworld murder mystery with flavours of gang rivalry, family feud and personal vendettas, which all connect.
There are exciting and diverse characters(assassins) with intuitive names. I loved 'Lemon'. He loves Thomas & Friends, the cartoon show but finds himself in trouble when he has to drive the train!
Brad Pitt is 'Ladybug' who is furious with his luck as he always lands into trouble and people die without him even trying. There is a subtle comment on fate and that however hard you may try to control it, some things are just not in your hand.
Filled with some decent action, better comedy and little gore Bullet Train is a good one-time watch.
Druk (2020)
Decent
I don't think anyone who's been in that sweet state of "slightly drunk" has not felt the lightness and increase in confidence levels, so that way, the idea explored in the film is not new.
Character-wise, only Martin's has some depth to draw some care out of you. But they don't do much with him, except for a cliched failing marriage plot.
The history lessons and Tommy's football sessions are fun. The themes of friendship, mid-life crisis is portrayed nicely. And there's some element of comedy as well.
And there is a good song at the end.
But it lacks something, maybe needed a few strong moments which would have made it memorable.
As it is, you'll forget it in a few weeks.
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
A bizarre coming of age film
Finally had the chance to watch this much-revered film by Studio Ghibli. I had some very high expectations going in, especially after so much talk about how deep anime films are. I must say I am not disappointed.
Spirited Away is about the sins of Gluttony and Greed. How we tend to have an inflated feeling of pride in our materialistic possessions. When Chihiro's father says "Let's eat, I've got lots of cash and credit cards". He is ready to pay any price to fulfil his greed, unaware that the price is not always money but can be himself and his family as well.
How the corporate(Yubaba) tries to enslave by stealing people's identities(Chihiro and other humans), and these very workers who give in their everything are so dispensable(Dying Haku).
It is about not losing your spirit(your identity) despite the horrible circumstances that you live in. And sometimes, standing up(punching above your weight) when you're forced to mature at a tender age. Chihiro, a protected and pampered child, now has to clean floors and washrooms and do all the nasty things she loathed.
And never losing the kindness and love in this process of growing up.
There are so many allegories in this film that I can go on and on. The more you think deeply, the more you can find.
And all this is presented magnificently through a fantastical fictitious and magical world, making it a thrilling experience.
It's a film that will stay with you for a long time; also I think I'm gonna revisit this often.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Slightly different from the books
The Two Towers is a great buildup for the final battle in the 3rd age of Middle-Earth. I liked how Jackson used the characters from the books and gave his own interpretation. Also, there are parts that he moved to the final film, keeping the focus of this one more on Rohan and Isengard.
The battle at the Helm's Deep is intense, with great action and music. Gimli and Legolas, in particular, were too good.
Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam find themselves amidst a seemingly impossible quest in the terrifying land of Mordor all by themselves and one poor creature who once was just like Frodo perhaps, made miserable by the treachery of the Ring.
Gollum v Smeagol is something we all experience at some point in our lives. Only some can defeat the Gollum inside them.
Still, Frodo shows compassion out of pity or out of empathy. Because only he can truly understand what the Ring can do to its master.
Sam: I wonder if we'll ever be put into songs or tales. I wonder if people will ever say, 'Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring.' And they'll say 'Yes, that's one of my favourite stories. Frodo was really courageous, wasn't he, Dad?' 'Yes, my boy, the most famousest of hobbits. And that's saying a lot.'
Frodo: You've left out one of the chief characters - Samwise the Brave. I want to hear more about Sam. Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam.
With or without Sam, How far can Frodo go?
Raksha Bandhan (2022)
Still miss the vintage Akshay!
I had seen a review about this film saying Akshay has shown his legendary comic timing in the first half of the film. That was the sole reason for our viewing. I am aware of the dowry problem in our country and expected little to learn more through this film.
Not only I felt cheated because there were not more than a couple of genuine comic scenes, but I also felt the director contradicted himself in several places which perhaps was just poor screenplay writing. Because at one point Akshay says to her sisters to study so much that they won't need to give dowry to get married, but rather they'll ask for dowry to get married, all this just a few moments after he had completely loathed the dowry system and its severe consequences.
That said, Akshay is the only life this film has, but a lot could have been better. A few irritating songs don't help the cause either.