Movie Review: “Searching”

There is a new movie genre in town – well, maybe not so much a genre but more a medium of storytelling that has the possibility to lend itself to multiple genres. “Screen life” films, where the entire movie plays out on phone and computer screens, came to the forefront with the 2014 horror flick “Unfriended”; but is employed much more effectively and skilfully in “Searching”. This movie is a good case in point for the genre and Timur Bebkambetov, the producer of both movies, would definitely be happy with the result.

“Searching” is a mystery thriller which follows single parent David Kim (John Cho), as he searches for his missing daughter Margot (Michelle La) by navigating various tools like her laptop, her social media and the internet. Not only is it an interesting premise, it is one that lends itself especially well to the “screen life” genre – it feels like we are part of the investigation with David, as we also scour the screen for clues. It creates a very immersive and engaging experience, and the audience is fully invested as the proceedings unfold through various screens including browsers, video calls, security cam footage and news footage; to name a few. This is achieved by a tight screenplay, masterful direction and fine performances.

The screenplay very cleverly uses the medium at hand to give a very relatable feel – not surprising given the fact that we live in a world where we are all completely “online” and staring at various devices pretty much all the time. A big plus is that the writers trust the audience’s intelligence (for the most part) and allows them to navigate the investigation with David. The writing should also be appreciated for its subtlety and thematic elements – not only does it focus on the obvious ideas like how much of our life we live online, and how easy it would be for someone to get a sense of us based on our online activity; it also touches on themes of parenthood and family through the proceedings without overtly putting it out there.

Full marks to the director Aneesh Chaganty (this is his first full length feature, and he has co-written the movie with Sev Ohanian) for the near-flawless execution, as he pushes the plot forward masterfully and creates an edge-of-your-seat thriller using the seemingly unlikely medium perfectly. The unfolding of events purely on screens never feels gimmicky, jarring or restrictive (something that “Unfriended” never really achieved) – instead, the format feels like an obvious choice. Even with restrictions like mostly locked shots where the camera cannot move around, it does not take away from the performances or the tension.

Speaking of performances, John Cho is excellent as David – the angst and anguish in his performance is palpable, yet it is a restrained turn which is exactly what the character needs. The other cast members are very good as well, especially Debra Messing as the sympathetic detective assigned to Margot’s case.

I highly recommend “Searching” – it shows that new mediums, if used effectively, can make for an extremely engaging movie experience.

Movie Review: “Alpha”

“Alpha” is a movie that would slip under the radar of most people, given that there are no real stars and (as far as I know) no major promotion. In fact, I would have missed it if it wasn’t for a recommendation. Good thing I did manage to catch it on the big screen – “Alpha” is a simple survival story which is visually stunning with some gorgeous imagery which deserves to be seen on a big screen.

The plot of “Alpha” is, as I mentioned, very simple – the story is set 20,000 years ago in Europe, where Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee) almost dies on his first hunting expedition. His tribe, led by his father, leave him for dead when they realize they have no way to save him. Keda, however, manages to recover and circumstances lead him to befriend the leader of a wolf pack, whom he names Alpha. Keda and Alpha must overcome various challenges and brave the elements as they make the long journey back to Keda’s tribe.

Now, the execution of “Alpha” in terms of story and screenplay is pretty straightforward. There are a few good moments, and canine lovers in particular would enjoy the proceedings. While there is no real sense of suspense, there is enough to get the viewers invested in the journey of Keda and Alpha. The bonding between Keda and Alpha is also shown well. The performances are good – kudos to the animal handlers and director, who have got a great performance from the canine.

The USP of this movie is the visuals – the cinematography and direction are top notch here. I saw the movie on an IMAX screen, and am glad that I did. There are scenes that are evocative of other visually brilliant movies like “300”, and the shots are beautifully crafted. A scene where Keda is under ice and Alpha is above is one of the many shots that left an impression on me.

To sum up, I would recommend “Alpha” if you are a viewer who appreciates stunning visuals and the craftsmanship that goes into it, and doesn’t mind going for a narrative that doesn’t offer many surprises. Many viewers may not find it exciting enough to pay for a theatre watch, but no one would deny the fact that it is a cinematic experience that really ups the ante in visual storytelling.

Movie Review: “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”

I think it’s safe to say that the “Mission: Impossible” franchise and its leading man, Tom Cruise, are mutually dependent. Without Tom Cruise and his death-defying stunts, which he does himself a-la Jackie Chan, the franchise would definitely not have the same impact. At the same time, the franchise continues to establish Tom Cruise as a blockbuster star, while many of his other projects have not worked. So, does the latest addition to the franchise continue to cement this relationship as a successful one? Thankfully yes – “Fallout” is one of the best movies in the franchise, and is a perfect example of a summer thrill ride blockbuster.

The plot is nothing more than an excuse to jump from one insane action sequence to the next. That being said, here goes – Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is given a mission to recover nuclear devices before they get into the hands of the Apostles, a terrorist group headed by a mystery man known only as John Lark, who are loyal to Solomon Lane (Sean Harris), the antagonist of the previous movie. After an initial failure, Ethan and his team (Simon Pegg as Benji and Ving Rhames as Luther) must join hands with CIA operative August Walker (Henry Cavill) and go on a globe-trotting mission to recover the devices and save the world. Add into the mix returning characters like MI 6 agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) and IMF head Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin), along with new additions like CIA head Erica Sloan (Angela Bassett) and the mysterious White Widow (Vanessa Kirby), and we have the components for a fun, albeit overcrowded ride.

This is probably the first movie in the franchise where you should have watched atleast the last instalment before this to be able to follow the movie, given that there are returning characters whose backstory is important to the proceedings. There are also callbacks to the previous instalments for those who can spot them. But, even if you have not seen any of the previous movies, chances are you will enjoy the ride since it is the breath-taking action sequences that will keep you glued to the edge of your seats. There are a lot of them, each one as exhilarating as the next. Be it grand pieces like the HALO jump, the bike chase in Paris or the climax featuring a helicopter chase in the mountains of New Zealand (standing in for Kashmir); or the more rooted ones like the bathroom fight scene or the foot chase across London’s rooftops, one cannot help but be impressed at the spectacle on offer. I saw the movie in an IMAX screen, and it definitely does add to the impact.

The other actors are more to rally around Cruise, but everyone does their part well. Needless to say though, the star of the show is Tom Cruise, and full credit to him, as he performs each stunt with so much gusto and enthusiasm, it would put much younger actors to shame. His commitment to the scenes is what makes this movie so much fun.

Is “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” too long? Maybe. Is the plot virtually non-existent? Yes. Do some of the action sequences go on for too long? Possibly. But is the movie just a whole lotta fun? Hell yeah!! If you haven’t caught it yet, definitely go ahead and watch it. It is a thrill ride that is sure to entertain. 

Movie Review: “Ant-Man and the Wasp”

One of the biggest successes of the Marvel movies is that the makers seem to think like the audience. So, after the emotionally heavy “Avengers: Infinity War”, it isn’t surprising that the next instalment is a light, breezy, fun caper. “Ant-Man and the Wasp” is a refreshing change, with down to earth stakes and a more personal story.

“Ant-Man and the Wasp” picks up a bit after the events of “Captain America: Civil War”. Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is under house arrest for helping Captain America during the events of that movie – with only days left for his sentence to get over, he is contacted by Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) after he has a vision of Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), Hope’s mother who was stuck in the quantum realm. Hope and Hank are trying to find a way to get Janet back, but have to deal with the FBI, some black-market dealers and an adversary called Ghost, who can walk through walls. Their efforts to get Janet back forms the plot of the movie.

This movie, like the first Ant-Man movie, works on account of the fun element and the easy charm of its actors. Paul Rudd is as likeable as ever, though it was Evangeline Lilly who was the highlight for me. The interactions between Rudd, Lilly and Michael Douglas provide some of the best moments. But, like the first movie, the scene stealer is Michael Pena – his comic timing is impeccable and the gag where he narrates incidents with the actors acting it out is still comic gold.

The plot can seem a bit muddled with too many players in the mix, but at the heart of it the screenplay is more about the laughs and the action sequences. The size shifting antics are great, and the action sequences deliver enough excitement. The effects team has done a great job here. The relationships are also well etched out here – I thought the interactions between Scott and his daughter Cassie were especially well done.

To sum up, though “Ant-Man and the Wasp” may not be the best in the impressive list of movies in the Marvel cinematic universe, it is still a nice change of pace and probably what the audience needed. It’s a fun time at the movies, and you will leave the theatre with a smile in your face. Definitely worth a watch. (Needless to say by now, but remember to stay till the credits are done.) 

Movie Review: "Hereditary"

The horror genre has been going through an interesting phase of late, with a good mix of movies – some of which are classical and do a good thing well, and there are others which try new things and extend the definition of the genre. “Hereditary”, by first time director Ari Aster, is a bit of both. The movie pays homage to classic horror movies, while at the same time subverting audience expectations and delivering a disturbing, slow burn movie that unravels in a way unlike most horror movies.

The movie is, for me, one of the best of 2018; but may well be one of the most polarising movies of the year. “Hereditary” is something extremely different, with it being both a psychological thriller/horror as well as dealing with classic fear elements. There are a lot of viewers who have expressed their dislike for the movie (I feel it may be because it does not line up to classic horror tropes, but this is such a disturbing and creepy film that I find it hard to believe that it did not leave everyone unsettled). But no matter what your opinion is on the final product, I think it is an undisputed fact that Toni Collette has delivered an absolutely phenomenal performance, one that should definitely find a place in the list of the greatest performances of all time.

“Hereditary” starts with the funeral of Ellen, the matriarch of the Graham family, and introduces us to the members of the family – her daughter Annie (Toni Collette), son-in-law Steve (Gabriel Byrne), and their children Peter (Alex Wolff) and Charlie (Milly Shapiro), their daughter who has allergies and some mental issues. As the story progresses, disturbing occurrences haunt the dysfunctional family, challenging their sanity and even their lives. To give away anything more would be criminal, and I’ve already rewritten part of this review to avoid spoilers, so I’ll stop here on the plot.

There is a lot to appreciate here. Technically, the movie is great – with the lighting (especially the lighting) and sound design adding to the sense of dread throughout the movie. The camerawork is perfect too. And Ari Aster masterfully uses the great technical team to create a great finished product. The script is great, though that is a divisive statement. There are a lot of layers, and the progression on the movie had me hooked. At the end of it all, there is a lot of tiny details that come together and I would definitely love to have a repeat viewing and a lot of people to discuss the movie with. Of course, I won’t be visiting the theatre for a repeat viewing (more on that in a bit).

The acting is perfect as well. Ann Dowd, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Gabriel Byrne – all of them are great and complement the story telling. But it is Toni Collette’s incredible turn, a performance that just towers above anything else, that is the highlight of this movie. I really hope she gets the accolades she deserves for her performance.

I would definitely recommend the movie to those who appreciate horror movies – it will definitely not be what you expected, and that can either excite you or disappoint you. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

P.S.: Let me caveat that. I enjoyed the movie, but my experience was marred by a deep sense of frustration. Not on the movie, but on the Central Board of Film Certification – there are cuts in this movie, which is so irritating! Especially in scenes which build up for a while, the moment of payoff ends up being cut in the movie. I sincerely believe that the movie watching experience is much more pronounced in a cinema hall, all the more for horror movies. So, it is truly frustrating that despite being given an ‘A’ certificate, the censors have to get their grubby hands all over the movie and start chopping away to glory. And in this movie, it is a great shame, because the movie doesn’t resort to cheap jump scares – the entire investment in tension building gets ruined by a simple cut. I have already ranted on this before, but the censorship really took away from my movie going experience. It is a real disappointment that our censors are not able to understand the art of cinema. Unfortunately, risk taking cinema usually gets the sharp end of the scissors, so movie lovers have to suffer. Shame!

Movie Review: "Sanju"

Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘biopic’ of Sanjay Dutt star is here – and it works very well, even if it does not aim to paint a nuanced picture of its protagonist and ends up feeling very simplistic and one-sided. What is complex and nuanced, however, are the performances, led by what can only be described as an absolute tour de force performance from Ranbir Kapoor. The actor practically vanishes in the role, and more often than not I was unable to distinguish the actor from the character.

“Sanju” unravels more as a sequence of events than a biopic – the storytelling is done as a biographer Winnie Diaz (played by Anushka Sharma, one performance which feels out of place here) is piecing together aspects of the star’s troubled life; on a request from the actor who wants his side of the story told. The movie focuses on two major aspects of the actor’s life – the first half is focused on his early years and his battle with drug addiction and the loss of his mother; while post-interval the focus shifts on his legal troubles and being branded a terrorist.

In typical Raju Hirani fashion, there are strong emotional moments which tug at your heartstrings, as well as a lot of humour peppered in. For me, the emotional bits are far stronger – the humorous bits work for the most part (with a lot of it being absolutely hilarious), but for me a lot of it took away from the momentum of the story telling and disinvested. But the biggest takeaway for me was that the movie plays it very safe, choosing to squarely blame the media all through the second half and painting the protagonist as a misunderstood figure who is merely a victim of the media. While this may be true to a large extent, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the simplistic manner of presenting it is a disservice. Fake news is now a hot topic, and it looks like the makers are using it to their advantage and basically using is as a scapegoat to point fingers at – the song during the credits lays it in thick, though in a fun way. It takes a bit away from the movie as well – the plot threads where both the biographer and the best friend are swayed by news articles so easily without doing even basic research of their own despite being so heavily invested in the actor is silly to say the least. That being said, the Rajkumar Hirani template is almost a formula for success with its crowd-pleasing nature, and so it isn’t surprising that the director doesn’t tread a different path – if you do not think too much on these aspects you will enjoy the movie.  

The performances are definitely the highlight of this movie. The main cast is very strong – Manisha Koirala as Nargis Dutt has a striking resemblance and backs it up with a great performance. Paresh Rawal as Sunil Dutt, while not having much by way of resemblance, makes a winning turn as the ever-suffering father who refuses to give up on his son. The supporting cast is also very good (not a big fan of Sonam Kapoor and Anushka Sharma’s performances, so not much to say there). The highlights of the movie for me were the performances of Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor – Kaushal as Sanjay Dutt’s friend who stays by him through thick and thin (through the first half atleast) has some fine performances behind him, and this is one more under his belt. Same can be said of Ranbir, and I sincerely hope his bad run improves (this one will definitely help). This is a role for the ages, and Ranbir sinks his teeth into it. With the help of great support by way of make up and costume, Ranbir not only gets the physical aspects down pat, but portrays the emotional turmoil of Sanjay Dutt across many years with such ease, the performance does not seem like an imitation even for a minute. This is definitely a performance to remember; and should be one of the best of the year.

All said and done, go ahead and watch “Sanju”. Don’t go expecting a nuanced biopic that covers a lot of aspects of its controversial subject matter – it is a regular fun Rajkumar Hirani movie, and while it may not count among his best, it is a good one elevated by arguably the best ensemble cast he’s had, led by two performances that leave a lasting impression.

Movie Review: “Deadpool 2”

The merc with a mouth is back. After the phenomenal success of “Deadpool”, it’s no surprise that “Deadpool 2” was one of the most anticipated movies this year. So, does the movie manage to live up to the colossal expectations? We-ell, yes and no. While the movie delivers more of the crazy comedy and fourth wall breaking as its predecessor, and also adds in some great action set pieces; the sheer uniqueness and audacity of the original hasn’t been recreated. It’s more of the same – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’ll still be a juggernaut at the box office for sure (you’ll see what I did there).

“Deadpool 2” is, as the protagonist puts it, a family film. Although it sounds crazy, the movie actually does have a lot of heartfelt moments. To sum up the plot, Deadpool has to try and stop Cable, a soldier from the future, from trying to kill a young, troubled mutant. Throw in returning characters like Dopinder, Weasel, Blind Al and the budget members of the X-Men mansion; and a bunch of new characters like Domino and Peter joining the “X-Force” into the mix, and you got the ingredients for a fun outing (I know this is really skimming the top and leaving you with more questions than answers, but I don’t want to give away anything remotely close to a spoiler).

The movie is definitely fun, but if you are not up to speed on your comic book movies, or don’t enjoy the brand of adult humour that Deadpool provides, then maybe this plate of chimichangas isn’t for you. But for those of you who enjoy it, the movie provides loads and loads of laugh out loud moments, pop culture and movie references, cameos and easter eggs which would be caught by casual viewers, as well as those which would take even eagle-eyed fans repeat viewings. The action sequences continue to take advantage of the ‘R’ rating, and John Wick co-director David Leitch stages some impressive action pieces, which I felt was lacking in the first part. But there is a certain been-there-done-that feel that I couldn’t shake off. If you are expecting a completely brand-new experience and the sort of novelty that the first movie had, you are likely to be a bit disappointed.

From an acting front, there is nothing to complain about. The returning actors fit into their characters like nothing has changed – and Ryan Reynolds is pitch perfect as the motor-mouthed, quick-witted superhero. Of the new cast, Josh Brolin is very good as Cable, but it was Zazie Beetz as Domino who really impressed me. Julian Dennison as Russell Collins, the young mutant Deadpool must protect, also makes a mark.

I would definitely recommend “Deadpool 2” – there is a lot to like here, but don’t go expecting something absolutely path-breaking like the first movie. It guarantees a lot of laughs and a fun experience.

P.S.: Needless to say, but don’t forget to stay for the mid-end credits scene. It’s an absolute hoot!

P.P.S.: I was pleasantly surprised that there were no cuts, and just a few words muted when I saw the movie here. I was expecting a silent movie to be released – thank God that’s not the case.  

Movie Review: “Raazi”

“Raazi” is a spy thriller, which stays true to the genre yet defying some of its basic tropes. Unlike other spy movies which portray the characters in a larger than life fashion (a-la the James Bond franchise and many Bollywood movies); the focus here is on actual espionage, and the treatment is understated and grounded in reality – which benefits the movie immensely. Which is essential given that the movie is based on true events. That being said, “Raazi” is more focused on the emotions of it all. While most spy movies have hardened, cynical leads who should not get emotionally invested, the protagonist of “Raazi” is emotional and vulnerable, and the movie is more focused on the emotional turmoil in her journey of espionage.

“Raazi” follows Sehmat, a young Kashmiri girl who is married off into a Pakistani military family to get information and pass it on to the Indian army, during the time leading up to the India-Pakistan war of 1971. The journey of Sehmat, as she adjusts to her new family, gains their trust and falls in love with her husband; while at the same time relaying information to the Indian side at the risk of getting caught, forms the crux of the story.

“Raazi” is directed by Meghna Gulzar, who last directed “Talvar”, which was a police procedural based on the Aarushi Talwar murder case. She is able to deftly handle both the thrill elements and the emotional moments of the movie. Though I personally felt the tension could have been more heightened and there are moments where things seem to fall into place very conveniently, the movie is more about the emotions involved and the director has done justice to the script. It’s great that the script doesn’t resort to creating situations just for the sake of raising the stakes or coming up with suspenseful moments. It is also extremely commendable that the movie does not resort to jingoistic scenes or Pakistan bashing to create a sense of patriotism and takes a very mature and even responsible look at the meaning of patriotism and love for one’s country.

The movie benefits from a solid cast, led by an amazing performance from Alia Bhatt. Her recent filmography has given her ample opportunities to showcase her acting chops, and “Raazi” is definitely one of her finest performances. She seems to be choosing her roles vey well, and I’m excited to see what she does in the years ahead. Vicky Kaushal is also very good as her military officer husband – he delivers a nuanced performance showing a lot of vulnerability. I must also mention Shishir Sharma, who plays Sehmat’s father in law, and Jaideep Ahlawat as Khalid Mir, who trains Sehmat – both of them have given great performances and I hope they get the praise they deserve. It’s also good that smaller roles have good performances, including Rajit Kapur as Sehmat’s father and Amruta Khanvilkar as her sister in law.

I would definitely recommend that you catch “Raazi” – it is a finely crafted spy thriller that deserves to be seen. In a world where sensible Bollywood movies are finding more and more takers, “Raazi” makes a case to keep the trend going.

Movie Review: “Omerta”

There are certain movies where the lead actor pretty much carries the entire movie. One of them was definitely the Hansal Mehta directed Rajkumar Rao starrer “Shahid”. The director-actor duo has now added another movie to this list. “Omerta” is all about it’s leading man, and once again, Rajkumar Rao is brilliant.

“Omerta” is an attempt to delve into the mind of terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the notorious Pakistan based terrorist, and follows a non-linear structure focusing on his ‘formative’ years where he becomes a fundamentalist, the 1994 kidnappings of foreigners in India which led to his release, and the plot to kidnap journalist Daniel Pearl, which eventually leads to his death.

Hansal Mehta is a capable director, and “Omerta” is yet another feather in his cap. Mehta is able to capture a sombre mood filled with dread and doesn’t need to resort to any frills to create the right atmosphere. The best scenes are the ones where Omar Saeed Sheikh plots his activities and befriends his targets – it is shot very well and the sinister intentions behind the disarming smile and nonchalant nature are always lurking in the background. I also have to mention the scene where Daniel Pearl is killed, which is so brutal despite the main events transpiring offscreen. Definitely not for the faint hearted. The movie is a chilling portrayal of a terrorist and his methods, and Mehta is able to fill the audience with a sense of awe and disgust at the same time. Like the protagonist (or should I say ‘antagonist’?), the movie is structured in a no-nonsense way, with quick cuts and slick editing. Also, I was surprised that the story is written by actor Mukul Dev – and it is definitely well written. 

In front of the camera, this is Rajkumar Rao’s show all the way. He is present in almost every scene in the movie, and it is probably the biggest plus of the movie. Barring his jarring accent which you can look past after a point, the performance is flawless. Rao portrays Omar Saeed Sheikh as a cold, calculated and ruthless mastermind, who is single-mindedly dedicated to his cause. He evokes no sympathy for the character obviously, but you can’t help being drawn into the performance.

“Omerta” is definitely not an easy watch, neither is it without its flaws. But it is a gripping watch if you can stomach it, and benefits from a director who is hitting the right notes and an actor who is at the top of his game. Recommended if you like the genre.

Movie Review: Avengers: Infinity War

It’s finally here – the internet memes notwithstanding, arguably the most ambitious crossover in movie history has finally come as a culmination of something that has come over eighteen movies. And “Avengers: Infinity War” really manages to carry the gravitas that a movie of this magnitude should have. Full credit to the Russo brothers, and the entire team – this is no mean feat.

Needless to say, you need to be fully caught up on the previous movies, as “Infinity War” wastes virtually none of its long runtime on recapping what happened. I would suggest watching one of the many videos available online which summarizes what has happened in the other movies. From a plot point of view, there is not much to tell without giving away too much. After teasing his arrival over ten years, Thanos is finally here – and he wants to wipe out half the universe by getting the six infinity stones. Our entire set of heroes have to overcome their differences and join to stop him from getting the stones. I’m not going to reveal anything else, but let’s just say that a lot happens and there is enough to surprise and shock everyone.

“Avengers: Infinity War” is a good showcase of what the Marvel movies have been getting right. Despite the long runtime, the plot is focused and none of the two and a half hours of running time is wasted. Despite the separate plot threads and the huge ensemble, the Russo brothers are able to bring all of them together and though certain characters invariably don’t get the screen time they deserve, everything is in service of the story and nothing feels pointless or gratuitous. Even though it can seem an overload and there is a lot to process, both in terms of plot and action, it works in a way that has become characteristic of this cinematic universe.

There are a lot of positives here. Josh Brolin’s performance as Thanos is probably the biggest one. Thanos is surprisingly a well sketched out character; and has a lot of emotional moments as well – unlike the generic villains we have seen in many of the movies. All the other actors slip back into their own roles without missing a beat. You cannot help but feel emotionally invested in the proceedings. The humour and interactions between the heroes, many of whom are meeting each other for the first time, is brilliantly written and acted and provide some of the best moments of the movie. Despite all this though, the tone is noticeably darker and has a sense of doom about it, something that is apt and plays a big part in giving Thanos the impression of being the formidable force that seems almost impossible to challenge. The visual effects, the screenplay, the amazing action sequences – all of them are top notch. The major issue here would be the runtime, and the fact that some characters seem to be short-changed, but that was expected.

So, should you watch it? Well, heck yeah! This is definitely the movie event of the year, and absolutely needs to be seen on the big screen. So, assemble your team and enjoy the ride!

Movie Review: “A Quiet Place”

“A Quiet Place” is one of those refreshingly original movies that shows that you don’t need a mammoth budget to make an effective movie. A smart and tense screenplay, a terrific cast and absolutely brilliant direction by actor-director (and co-writer) John Krasinski make for one of the standout movies of the year so far.

The plot is fairly simple – a family is trying to survive in a world that has been invaded by creatures that use sound as the means for hunting their prey. The family is able to adapt using sign language to communicate, staying really quiet and generally using their smarts to stay away from the creatures. Krasinski uses the silence as a powerful tool to evoke tension and fear, and there were many scenes where I was holding by breath and trying not to make a sound (I was very lucky to be in a screening where the members of the audience were also equally engrossed and there were no instances of phones ringing and people generally being inconsiderate). In fact, the movie was such an immersive experience for me that even after the credits rolled, and even as I am writing this review, I feel like keeping the noise to a minimum so that I don’t lose the feel of the movie. There is very limited dialogue in the movie, and it almost comes as a relief in the proceedings where everyone tries not to make a sound. It was such an effective tool, I felt the creatures in the movie were the least scary thing.

The screenplay is top-notch. It is a good thing that there is hardly any exposition, and audiences are filled in through newspaper clippings and notes on boards, as well as character experiences. The underlying themes of parenthood and protecting your family give it the emotional heft that makes you invest in the characters. The stakes are established very early, and it’s great how they show that actions have consequences, no matter what the intention or motivation.

The characters are very well written, and the actors do them complete justice. The child actors are great, and Millicent Simmonds is exceptional as the deaf daughter who is going through so much internal turmoil. Emily Blunt is fantastic and has some of the best moments, which she completely steals – she really makes you feel her character’s dread. And John Krasinski is very good as the father who will do anything to protect his family.

Krasinski’s direction is the movie’s revelation and its biggest highlight – it takes great skill to keep the audience continually engaged and on the edge of their seats, and Krasinski doesn’t rely on too many jump scares to get the frights either. The constant elevation of tension is achieved mostly in scenes where characters are waiting; and being very careful about the sounds they make. The camerawork, the lighting, the silence and the overall atmospherics are absolutely perfect and Krasinski achieves everything that is required. I hope he does more directing soon and am very excited to see what he comes up with.

To sum up, it’s a great movie with really immersive storytelling and one of those rare gems where everything comes together to give you what feels like a complete package (something that is actually very rare) – two thumbs up and a strong recommendation to watch it!

"The Shape of Water" movie review

“The Shape of Water” by Guillermo del Toro is a fantasy tale which touches upon themes like acceptance of those that are not like us, compassion winning over cruelty – themes that seem particularly relevant today. I can see why it was so loved by the critics and the awards shows. However, I found the entire experience quite underwhelming.

The movie’s protagonist is Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute woman who works as a cleaner in a government laboratory in Baltimore. Her friends include her closeted next-door neighbour Giles (Richard Jenkins) and her co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer). When the lab gets an amphibian creature which has been captured by the cruel Colonel Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon), Elisa forms a bond with the creature. How their relationship develops and the lengths that Elisa will go to in order protect the creature is the main focus of the movie.

The movie hits all the standard tropes but works best when the subtle touches come into play. The visuals are beautiful and it is great to see Guillermo del Toro’s imagination come alive. The movie is a cinematic triumph and uses the medium of cinema very well. The performances are also good throughout.

The issue I had with the movie is that for a fantasy movie, it felt very much by the numbers. Especially with Michael Shannon’s character, he is so purely evil and has no redeeming qualities – it is to Shannon’s credit that his performance is able to bring some humanity to the role. It is set in the cold war and is a period drama so it feels old and dated – unfortunately I also got the same feeling for the movie in general. The ode to the movies and the luxurious pace has a feeling of indulgence, though that is not necessarily a bad thing. The biggest problem for me was that the movie lacked freshness, which made it a bit boring for me. Granted it is a romance and fantasy, but the treatment could have been more engaging.

All in all, I felt I could have given “The Shape of Water” a pass. As I mentioned, I understand why the movie is such a darling with the critics – but as an audience it felt a lot more “meh”.

"Black Panther" movie review

Marvel continues its successful run of solo superhero movies that work on their own, and at the same time gels well with the larger MCEU. A big reason for this is that they select writers and directors who lend their own distinctive touch to the stories. And with Ryan Coogler, Marvel has once again made a brilliant choice – he has made Black Panther with a distinctive voice and has probably helped usher in a new era in superhero movies.

Black Panther picks up after the events of Captain America: Civil War – following the death of his father King T’Chaka, Black Panther T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) inherits the throne of Wakanda and assembles his trusted team including his bodyguard Okoye (Danai Gurira), his sister and agent Q Shuri (Letitia Wright), his confidant W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya) and former lover Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o). Things get serious when T’Challa tries to capture Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) who is working with Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), who seems to have a connection with T’Challa that threatens to bring up stuff from the past.

The biggest strength of Black Panther is that the movie hits pretty much all the right notes. Each character is well defined, especially the supporting characters – the female characters in particular are so great, it is so refreshing. Wakanda, the new world in the ever expanding MCEU, is beautifully rendered. The movie is visually stunning, with excellent action set pieces and the cool stuff like the new technologies, etc. are a lot of fun. The performances are all rock solid – it is a great ensemble cast that delivers, irrespective of the screen time. The soundtrack by Kendrick Lamar is just perfect. And of course, with Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger, Marvel has tackled their villain problem – Killmonger is not a generic villain with a generic motivation. It is a rich, nuanced character with a good backstory and motivations that make you question right and wrong – and of course the performance is one of the biggest highlights of the movie.

On the flip side though, I felt the movie could have been longer – not the worst problem to have. There could have been more backstory to the characters, especially Killmonger. And with the supporting characters, a lot of them seem to overshadow Black Panther – despite Chadwick Boseman’s screen presence. The final act also gets a bit cliched, especially with Martin Freeman’s bit.

But these are minor squabbles in what is a memorable movie. And it is an extremely important movie for a variety of reasons – the diversity angle in particular, especially given its timing. Ryan Coogler has made a movie that is entertaining, thought provoking and just so woke – you can’t help but ignore it. The movie deserves the success it is getting, and I hope it goes on to mint a lot more at the box office.

"Padmaavat" Movie Review

The only reason I went to watch “Padmaavat” in the theatre was that curiosity got the better of me. And, as it often happens in such cases, I came out disappointed – I should have waited for the movie to stream, or better still, avoided it altogether. While there is no denying that the movie is visually great and has all the grandeur of that era captured in a way that can only be called ‘cinematic’, the overall experience feels hollow and empty – mostly because the focus is more on style over substance. (To be clear, I am considering the movie as a pure work of fiction – the makers have gone to great lengths to put it out there – and am not putting any emphasis on things like historical accuracy.)

“Padmaavat” tells a pretty simple story about a war fought for want of a woman – Sultan Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh) wages war against the Chittor ruler Maharawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor) in his single-minded obsession to attain the famed Rani Padmaavati (Deepika Padukone). Basically, a spoilt brat with a sense of entitlement wants something he can’t have, and goes to great lengths to get it. The fact that this story is told over a 163-minute runtime should tell you something. You would hope that some of the screenplay would focus on things like politics of the era/region, war strategies, etc. Surprisingly, there is not even a lot of time spent on the relationship between Rani Padmaavati and Maharawal Ratan Singh. Their romance before their marriage is literally over in four or five scenes (maybe five lines of dialogue)! The screenplay felt aimless and haphazard, and funnily, the movie loses steam especially after Alauddin decided to wage war against Chittor – exactly when the setup is over and the main storyline kicks in. Again, the attempt to beef up (strictly as an expression, don’t want to offend anyone) a pretty straight forward story with anything is clearly evident here – so we have lots of screentime spent on Diwali and Holi celebrations while the enemy is twiddling their thumbs in the name of a siege. Even the climactic battle between Alauddin and Maharawal Ratan Singh, a-la the Hector-Achilles battle in Troy, is shown very briefly and barely holds one’s interest. The possibility of the battle sequences held promise, but hardly anything materializes. Though, to be fair, the movie was meant to focus on the heroine’s portion of the story, which gets a whole 5 to 10 minutes in the end – really not sure what they were trying to do here.

The movie is a visual spectacle and every frame is a painting here – no overstatement. It is clear that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has an eye for spectacle and grandeur, and every shot is beautiful. The music by him is also pretty good. That being said, the direction is heavy handed – the characters aren’t fleshed out, and end up being not much more than cardboard cutouts and caricaturish presentations of historical figures. The screenplay is the movie’s biggest flaw, and the editing comes in a close second. The dialogues have the nuance and subtlety of a sledgehammer. The CGI is decent at times, bad at others.

In the acting department, the weakest link is, surprisingly, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh. It doesn’t help that the character is the most underdeveloped. He seems ill-at-ease and it’s just a lot of posing in the name of being regal. Deepika Padukone in the (formerly titular) role of Rani Padmaavati is good, but again surprisingly, there is not much by way of character development and, barring the climax, too much to do. The highlight of the movie is Ranveer Singh by far, who embraces the evilness of probably the only fully defined role. His interpretation works well with the extravagant nature of the film, and he balances the humanity (or lack thereof) of the character with the exaggerated antics he is required to portray. He creates a memorable character, often despite what he is working with.

On the whole, I have to say that the movie felt like a pointless affair. Even discounting the controversy surrounding the movie and all the brouhaha, this feels like an exercise in futility.

"Aadhi" Movie Review

“Aadhi”, Pranav Mohanlal’s debut movie as an adult, is tailor made to showcase his skills in parkour, music, and of course, acting.  And while the movie is far from perfect, director Jeethu Joseph delivers a fun ride that pretty much achieves everything it sets out to do.

The plot is fairly simple – Aadhithya Mohan (or Aadhi, as he is affectionately called) is an aspiring music director who is unable to catch a break. While performing in a club in Bengaluru, he is involved in the accidental death of a wealthy banker’s son. Now Aadhi is being hunted around Bengaluru for something he hasn’t done, and he must try to survive and prove his innocence. The screenplay and direction do a good job in not complicating the storyline, and there are ample scenes to showcase Pranav’s acting skills as well as his action abilities.

The direction by Jeethu Joseph is good, but not without flaws. He is able to bring out the best in the young actor, and does a good job in highlighting his skills. The chase scenes in particular, where Aadhi must use his parkour skills to elude capture, are choreographed and shot very well – special mention to the stunt coordinators who have done an amazing job (the end credits montage showing the behind-the-scenes moments are reminiscent of Jackie Chan movies, and shows the dedication of both the actor and the crew). The support cast is also pretty good, with the ever-reliable Siddique being the highlight for me as Aadhi’s loving father.

On the negatives, the film could have done with some tighter editing – not every single decision needs to be explained, and making the film crisper would have definitely added some more tension. Tension building, apart from the chase sequences, is something that is lacking here in general – even scenes where ideally the audience should be at the edge of their seats end up lacking. Even in the camerawork and direction, there are too many close ups to showcase his acting chops and similarities between Pranav and his superstar father which aren’t really necessary, and even make some of the scenes seem shoddy in its execution. The background music could have been better too. The deliberate praise of certain movie songs and actors seem too much on the nose and stick out like sore thumbs.

The star of the movie is, needless to say, Pranav Mohanlal. The young actor has a good screen presence, and though he may seem raw in certain scenes, the potential cannot be denied. He makes full use of what is given to him, and it’s clear that he is confident and capable. Would definitely be interested to see what his future holds – I’m sure that if he makes intelligent choices, he is surely someone to watch.

All things considered, the movie is definitely enjoyable. There is enough to keep the audience engaged and entertained, and at the end of the day, the team has successfully made a good movie which is a good launch vehicle for its young lead. Worth a watch!