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SoumikBanerjee1996
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Take Shelter (2011)
I'm astounded at the love it gets!
The film fails to effectively function as either a survival drama or a psychological exploration into schizophrenia and mental health issues, it constantly struggled to establish a coherent balance that ultimately renders its outcome trivial.
Although I do appreciate the makers for their intention to address psychological problems and their potential ramifications, the script I believe, lacked sufficient depth to attain the dramatic highs they wished for.
The pacing is another area where it faltered. I am accustomed to slow-burns and recognize their importance in certain contexts, but here this was excessively elongated, some scenes did overstay their welcome.
The sole redeeming aspect of the movie lies in the performances given by both Shannon and Chastain.
However, I believe that more could have been done to fully harness the capacity these two talented actors possess.
Lord of War (2005)
Uncovers the bitter truth!
What I appreciate most about this film is how brazenly it uncovers the cynical underbelly of corruption among world leaders.
It illustrates their hypocrisies regarding peace & truce, which are nothing but masquerades, illusory tactics to present themselves as the torchbearer of ideal, conflict-free civilisation, while proactively, and sometimes voluntarily, participating in proxy wars and bloodsheds around the globe for selfish goals, monetary or political, sometimes both!
I appreciate how these thoughts have been expressed in a straightforward manner, with ingenuity and occassional, undisruptive wit and humour.
Le règne animal (2023)
Love the message!
My advice would be to not go in expecting a traditional post-apocalyptic narrative, as it resists classification into a specific style of filmmaking.
While it does incorporate elements typical of apocalyptic cinema throughout its writing, the script deliberately wishes to transcend such limitations.
It may as well interpreted as a survival drama; however, the theme of survivalism is not fully drawn out.
Instead, it acts more like an amalgam of both genres addressing a variety of societal issues from a myriad of perspectives.
Interpretations may differ, but I perceive it as a poignant commentary on challenges faced by individuals who are perceived as 'different,' whether due to their demeanors or physical deformities. They often experience neglect and rejection from the society, and at times don't get the bare minimum respect a human being deserves.
In my view, this movie serves as a conduit for understanding horrible experiences of these marginalized individuals and their loved ones, who strive to protect them at all costs, even when theur everything is at stake!
Beyond Skyline (2017)
I prefer the tone of the original!
Improved visuals and the presence of more prominent faces in the ensemble indicates a significant increase in the production budget this time around.
While I'm glad they got the back up to extend the universe further, the additional fund has shifted the priority of the narrative towards action, contrasting with its predecessor that predominantly aimed to be an alien invasion thriller.
With the introduction of actors such as Grillo, Uwais, and Ruhian, the filmmakers appeared to have steered the execution towards a more action-oriented spectacle.
Some may find this relatively newer direction appealing, others may differ on sentiments.
If you ask me, personally, I have a preference for thrillers, which leads me to express some reservations about this tonal shift.
Although I did enjoy the film in parts, I found myself longing for the essence of the original!
Skyline (2010)
Not as bad as many others have suggested!
Reviews have led me to believe this would be another of those cheaply made sci-fi horror features.
But you know what? It was not so bad! Given the monetary limitations, I say it fared quite well.
The visuals, while not upto industry standards, hold well for the money spent down here! The story is pretty generic though, and so was the ensemble selections, and the less I say about their performances, the better.
Absolutely substandard!
Frankly speaking, if it weren't for the horrible acting, the film would have worked more for me, because the concept underneath had some potential.
All it needed was a more capable cast and crew.
Shooter (2007)
Not the same movie after 17 years!
I remember my 11-year-old self admiring the film for its focus on sniper rifles and stuff.
Around 2007-2008, back in those days I used to be a COD enthusiast. Any books or movies on guns and battlefield tactics used to pique my curiosity, and 'Shooter', I can recall being among the top names on the list!
Almost 17 years later, the rewatch surprisingly holds little value to me. Times have changed, so have my tastes and preferences, and now I can confidently state that guns or any sort of weapon no longer excite me; I have witnessed the horrifying sides too much to know better.
Not a terrible movie by itself, but the generic, trope-ridden narrative became a nuisance eventually.
Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
Complete chaos and not the good kind!
When a dozen characters are introduced in a span of 5 minutes at the very beginning of a film, you know you will not be getting much from them later.
And my suspicions were proved right; despite having a diverse set of individuals, no one, and I repeat, nobody, left any significant impacts.
This lack of connectivity coupled with subpar CGI and poor writing made things even worse!
There's no elevation, no breathing space, not a single segment dedicated for the aliens and their originations. It was tirelessly chaotic and not the good kind.
In fact, it seemed more like an ad campaign for the US military than a sci-fi film revolving around an extraterrestrial invasion!
Blink Twice (2024)
Neither great nor terrible, finds a decent middle ground!
Ultra-rich individuals being sadistic creeps and doing horrible stuff to innocent people; where did I see that before?
Yeah, it does remind me of Peele's "Get Out" and Wilde's "Don't Worry Darling" though thematically "Blink Twice" does things quite differently.
I liked the subtext of women empowerment, their grouping up when the situation calls for it.
The whole power dynamic, however, or rather the misuse of control & authority, which was meant to be the central subject here, felt a bit stale, or half-baked to be more specific.
And this inefficient nature of the writing becomes quite apparent towards the ending, where the story fumbles to finish on a higher note!
Cuckoo (2024)
Didn't meet my expectations!
Eccentricities manifest their impact only when they are conveyed with a sense of conviction.
Psychological insinuations leave their lasting impressions only when they are supported by substance behind their suggestive notions.
And the most important thing, unconventional ideas necessitate a corresponding vision and ambition. In the absence of such elements, an unconventional movie risks becoming merely an empty vessel, deprived of any meaningful implications.
"Cuckoo" unfortunately falls into that list of misfires.
Despite possessing ample material to craft an emotionally engaging narrative centered on a grief-stricken teenager grappling with familial struggles, the execution ultimately falls short, couldn't achieve the highs it envisioned, falls flat in the most crucial junctures!
Spiral (2019)
Convolution proved detrimental!
I'm happy that incorporation of a homosexual relationship held critical value and wasn't just an obligatory inclusion; now it could have had a better resolution had the writing been a bit less confused with itself and what it wanted to do.
The script had its priorities divided, and that bifurcated attention did more harm than good in my view, as it could not remain focused on one particular theme or subject.
At times it wanted to be psychological drama, periodically acting as a suspense thriller, and then other times it tried to bring in the occult, supernatural elements into play, and they all made the ending feel quite contrived, far off from its intended destination.
Overlord (2018)
Quite entertaining albeit with few issues!
Even if it takes a while to get to the core topic of interest, the film does succeed in keeping your attention until the very last frame.
Well-paced, convincingly acted, and, on top of all, stunning in appearance. I personally prefer color-rich, contrast-heavy tonality in my movies, so I loved the cinematographic choices made over here.
Nevertheless, the story is quite rudimentary, characters are one-dimensional, and it lacks the emotional connect I had hoped for, thus, this didn't make that high of an impact, even though I did have a good time with it.
Now If you can look past its deficiencies, rest assured, you're gonna enjoy this.
Thalavan (2024)
Gets muddledi in the final act!
The narrative is skillfully crafted, particularly in the first half where homicide investigation unfolds, creating several gripping moments.
However, as we transition into final segment, the plot begins to lose clarity and focus. As more details start to emerge and significant revelations surface, the storyline becomes increasingly convoluted.
This convolution is further complicated by the two main protagonists, with whom I found it difficult to connect.
This disconnect stems not only from their actions, but also from the insufficient exploration of their personal backgrounds and mental states!
Golam (2024)
The twist caught me off guard!
During the initial thirty minutes, I found myself constantly questioning what made this film so remarkable, as I struggled to comprehend the widespread acclaim it was receiving amongst viewers over the internet.
However, once I reached the point of interval and the revelation came through to the front, I had my queries answered. The unexpected turn of events caught me off guard; I never anticipated the script to tread such an unconventional path.
All the technical aspects and the meticulous way in which the narrative was narrated, with every minor detail thoughtfully considered, are genuinely impressive and merit praise.
On the other hand, the conclusion left much to be desired! I fail to understand the decision to leave the story unresolved, as there seems to be no justification for setting the stage for a sequel.
Whilst I would very much like to delve deeper into the storyline, I must refrain from doing so, as even tiny details could spoil the experience for others, and I wish to avoid that at all costs.
Sector 36 (2024)
Massey and Dobriyal show!
I love it when filmmakers exhibit audacity and present their creations in a manner that feels appropriate.
"Sector 36" demanded a raw and unfiltered approach, given the appaling real-life events that inspired it.
The portrayal of child murders, cannibalism, pedophilia, and necrophilia was unflinching, delving into some of the darkest aspects of human depravity and the twisted minds of disturbed individuals.
Kudos to Massey for delivering a powerful performance as Prem, showcasing his talent with remarkable conviction. Dobriyal also shone brightly, particularly in the gripping interrogation scene, which stands out as a highlight.
Moreover, I admired the use of symbolism, as the theme of class disparity was showcased in an organic manner, didn't seem coerced!
My only criticism lies with the final twenty to twenty five minutes, where the screenplay's pacing abruptly slows down, diminishing both the urgency and sophistication that had been established earlier. Suffice to say, I had hoped for a better climax.
The Thing (2011)
The classic remains as the preferred choice!
John Carpenter's 'The Thing' still stands as a quintessential Sci-fi creature feature, setting a high standard for any future successors.
While this prequel strives to introduce fresh elements, it falls short due to a noticeable absence of the impressive practical effects that defined the original. And I believe, this particular deficiency weighed down heavily on the overall execution.
Although it's not a terrible film by any means and can still be enjoyed in parts, specifically by those unfamiliar with the original, 1980s' classic remains superior in visuals, character development, and storytelling, in short a far better movie all around.
Dìdi (2024)
I hate to be the contrarian, but it is what it is!
"Didi" does appear to be a movie crafted with considerable passion and vigor, embodying a story that seems profoundly personal to its creator. It undoubtedly possesses the kind of warmth many viewers would admire.
However, my experience diverges from the majority sentiment!
Why? Well, to engage with a story, particularly one centered on the theme of coming of age, not only do I require a connection on a deeper level with the protagonist, I also require some elements that would resonate with my own experiences during that particular phase in my life.
Regrettably, neither of these connections materialized in this instance.
Despite my best efforts, I found it challenging to empathize with the main character, nor did I encounter any specific aspects that mirrored my own past.
Interestingly, I felt a much stronger emotional connect towards the mother, who consistently brought comfort to the screen. It was during those brief moments that I sensed the writing attaining the kind of emotional resonance I was actively searching for the whole time.
I wished for poignance.
La mesita del comedor (2022)
I have got mixed feelings!
Although the circumstances that are shown are absolutely horrifying, any parent's worst nightmare, I've still got mixed feelings about the movie, or rather, the way it was narrated.
When the subject itself is that serious, which mandates a serious tonality, I don't know why they chose to include unnecessary comedic bits here.
I guess they intended it to be a dark comedy, but I don't think there was any feasible space to incorporate such experimental elements.
As a matter of fact, it downplayed the severity of the situation, weighing heavily on the final outcome and its greater implications.
Hunter Hunter (2020)
Could have been more!
I frequently discuss how movies can create impressive build-ups, only to falter when it comes time for the payoff; however, in this case, the exact opposite happened.
Whilst the climax was robust and filled with unexpected twists and turns, the hour-long buildup leading to those moments lacked the required foundation and depth for the plot as well as for the on screen characters.
The script came in with all essential elements though, and I believe, a more capable person behind the camera could have capitalized on them, unfortunately, that was not the case in here.
To me, It felt more like a lost opportunity than a compelling independent feature.
Federer: Twelve Final Days (2024)
Federar, the human being!
There are only a handful of athletes/players in the world whose names are forever linked to their sport, and Federer undoubtedly stands higher among this elite group. Not only has he become phenomenon, a source of inspiration, but also an icon for millions of people globally
I really adore how the documentary delves into his personal life, showcasing his family and the relationships he has with friends and colleagues.
Although I have watched countless matches featuring him, marveling at his effortless skills on the court, specifically those classy, almost effortless one-handed backhands that are in a league of their own.
But this was the first time I witnessed him as a person rather than just a legendary player; he came across as a genuinely nice human being who deserves all the love he receives.
Now, Just to clarify, I am not a hardcore tennis enthusiast, I certainly don't possess extensive knowledge or claim to be well-versed in the statistics or analytical aspects of the game. However, I did grow up hearing names like Roger, Nadal, and later Djokovic and Murray, so seeing them all together here was a real treat, a delightful experience!
Frailty (2001)
I prayed for a better ending!
I typically find voiceovers in movies to be less than appealing, a sentiment I have expressed on numerous occasions before. The tendency for a protagonist to narrate their journey while lengthy flashbacks unfold often renders a film overly didactic, suggesting lack of creativity!
Yet, 'Frailty' stands apart from this norm. From the very first frame, the narration captivated me, maintaining my intrigue from start to the finish.
I was particularly impressed by its profound focus on the bond between father and his two sons, which allowed me to empathise with their desperation and suffering.
Having said that, the final act fumbled quite a bit, which was regrettable as my expectations were elevated and all aspects seemed poised for a remarkable ending; unfortunately, that did not come to be!
The Machinist (2004)
Little on exposition, more emphasis was put on Visual Storytelling!
Although I was able to foresee the direction of the narrative from a distance, I still value the process by which the writing arrives at that conclusion.
I liked the fact that minimal attention is given to exposition; the emphasis predominantly remained on visual storytelling rather than spoon feeding vital information.
This leaves the audience pondering the sanity and motivations of our protagonist, thereby making the character progression more so effective and interesting!
Not to mention, Bale did a fantastic job, merits applause not only for his remarkable physical transformation but also for the authenticity he brought through his performance!
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Enjoyed it!
Heist dramas do not particularly capture my attention, mainly due to their over reliance on formulaic narratives that leave little room for exploration and experiment.
To my surprise, I happened to have cherished this quite a bit. While 'Ocean's Eleven' shares same limitations as its peers, it aptly utilizes the familiar tropes at hand.
The meticulous planning and its execution are enriched with necessary details, the intriguing ensemble, although much of the heavy lifting was done by Clooney and Pitt, had also made their own contributions!
Set against the luscious backdrop of Vegas, the essential allure and opulence is there as well!
Trap (2024)
Interesting idea, I wish the execution complimented the same!
M. Night Shyamalan possesses a remarkable ability to conceive captivating concepts that often remain uncharted or receive minimal attention.
"Trap" unfolds a narrative centered around ensnaring a serial killer during a live concert; such a premise is refreshingly unique, and it certainly piqued my interest, and the writing did well to keep me curious for the initial hour or so.
However, once the concert concludes and the plot shifts to the killer's family and residence, the earlier finesse suddenly dissipates. I wish the third act was more mature and had more substance to showcase.
Nonetheless, my experience with the film was quite decent, primarily due to Josh Hartnett's impressionable enactment of a dual-faced 'butcher' with such ease and conviction!
Roy (2015)
Wasted potential and missed opportunity!
The story hints at the author's struggle with writer's block, intertwining his authentic self with a fictional persona; the issue lay not in the intention rather in the flawed execution.
Neither his setbacks nor his eventual recovery from confined conscience resonated with me, regrettably creating an emotional detachment that even diminished any and all impact of the romantic angle, despite the considerable time invested in it.
I would categorize this a missed opportunity, as there was potential underneath. Under the supervision of a more skilled director, it could have transformed into something remarkable.
Alas! That didn't happen!
P. S. I give one star solely for the soundtrack; 'Tu Hain Ke Nahi' remains a Banger!
Jagga Jasoos (2017)
Turns into a mess in the second half!
I must praise Anurag's imaginative take and his delightfully eccentric approach; however, from a writing perspective, the plot devolves into an indefensible mess.
It is indeed disheartening, as I found myself thoroughly captivated by the first half of the film; the father-son dynamic, the vibrant visuals, and the catchy soundtrack all harmonized quite beautifully.
As I ventured into the second half, the entire premise turned upside down, transforming what began as an engaging dramedy into an overly ambitious, nearly surreal adventure feat now It is a missed opportunity, had the writing maintained rhtym and coherence, this could have blossomed into something remarkable, something mesmerizing!