Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle: Short Film Review

Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, play their predictable personas, as in-game avataars of real life teenagers. But what makes the movie enjoyable is that these personas are the complete opposite of the teenagers' real life personalities. Dwayne, who is actually a puny cowardly nerd. Kevin, who is a big black no-nonsense jock. And Jack, who is a self-obsessed PYT
(I know, right!).

These conflicted characters conflicting with each other, as they play the game they are sucked into, battling for survival, finishing the mission, from one adventure to the next, makes for an entertaining watch on the big screen in 3D. Why expect anything more?

How does it compare with the original? Well, it doesn’t.

Jumanji 1995 had Robin Williams. Firstly, nothing can beat that. The movie was disruptive for its time. It showed us a story that was never seen before, every scene surprising us and keeping us at the edge of the seats. We were always left wondering ‘Oh God, what will the next roll of dice bring!’ and no matter how much we thought we could guess, the actual reveal was always beyond our expectations.

But, most importantly, Jumanji 1 was the world of “children”, where fantasy and imagination of an alternate world lived and changed our real world. By contrast, Jumanji 2 is the world of “teenagers”, where being literally transported to an alternate world and going through a journey is the only way we can experience a new reality. Imagination is no longer the muse of a young mind!

My advice: Watch #JumanjiWelcomeToTheJungle without any comparisons or expectations. And you should be fine.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

How do you make a legend from history relevant to contemporary times?

#StarWarsTheLastJedi shows how - being a legendary movie that is an absolute delight to watch, whether you were born in the 70s or in the 21st century. 

It is not enough for Luke Skywalker, the legendary Jedi Master, to be a symbol of hope for the universe, from his retirement planet. He needs to train the next generation to continue the legacy (even if he is disillusioned with it), and also fight the war today, right upfront in the battlefield. Luke may be the hero everyone is waiting for to save the universe, and he may never be able to absolve himself of also being responsible for creating the evil the world is facing today. But, get over it Luke. Just do your bit.

Because that’s what every other mortal is doing. When Poe recklessly destroys the enemy ships in the opening sequence and later rebels against his own command. When Finn and Rose go to Caton Bight planet to find the code-breaker and later risk their lives to defeat the laser weapon. When Vice Admiral Holdo chooses to escape-rather-than-fight, despite being called a coward and later becomes a hero when she sacrifices her life to let the rest of crew escape. When Rey convinces Luke to return and help the Resistance and later attempts to win back Kylo Ren from the dark side, at great risk to her life.

Because, the only way we can fight the evil in the universe is when everyone does their bit, together... with, ofcourse, a little help from the Jedi’s Force. ( I know, I know, you told us that the Force doesn’t belong to the Jedi, but we don’t believe you!)

May be a little too long, and may be at times a bit too pedagogical. And may be for the purists, a parent-like feeling of letting your child go. But I loved it.

Multiple action sequences, many old and new interesting characters contributing to the overall storyline, the conflicted relationship between Kylo Ren and Rey, the conflicted relationship between Kylo Ren and himself, the rich-but-feudal Canto Bight planet, Benicio Del Toro’s short but important cameo, Princess Leia’s calm and confident leadership, and above all the faith in the Force that keeps giving hope that ‘we have all we need’. As Princess Leia says “Hope is like the sun. If you only believe it when you see it you’ll never make it through the night.”

Don’t miss it on the big screen.

Murder on the Orient Express: Short Film Review

The most brilliant crime novelist ever. The world's greatest detective. One of the most iconic murder mysteries of all time. Need I say more?

Kenneth Branagh, as the director, and as Hercule Poirot, simply nails it. The film retains all the nostalgia for us die-hard Agatha Christie fans, and yet feels very contemporary in the way its presented. Beautifully shot, pacy story-telling, quick building of the characters, an unbeatable storyline, great performances by some all-time favourites (Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench and the delightful Michelle Pfeiffer) and un-expected vulnerable and reflective Poirot moments.

Agatha Christie's stories stand out because they are not just about crime and mystery, but about human beings and their psychology. What makes someone commit murder?

Murder on the Orient Express is special because it even questions whether murder is always injustice? Even Poirot is not sure!

And this film takes it from the 1930s and puts it right in the centre of the 21st century when Poirot says "I can only see a world as it should be. It makes an imperfection stick out like the nose on your face.”

If you're a Christie fan, you must watch this. If you're not, then you must watch it even more to know what you've been missing all your life.

And it gets better. This film seems to be the first of the series. Death on the Nile seems next.

Now, here is a franchise that will never go wrong.
#murderontheorientexpress #agathachristie #herculepoirot

Justice League: Short Film Review

"Everybody knows the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost"
Leonard Cohen's 80s number in a Bond-inspired Sigrid's haunting voice, sets the apt tone for Zack Snyder's redemption after his 2016 disaster.

When hope (Superman) is not just lost, but dead and buried, what do you do? Do you give up? Or do you give in to your destiny of saving the world. When God no longer exists, the only solution is for the angels to 'Come Together.. Right Now.. Over Me'.

DC comics have always presented an alternative narrative compared to Marvel's super heroes. And thankfully, Justice League (for the most part) stays true to that. Marvel super heroes are extroverted, loud, clever, funny and love to perform in front of an audience that will stand and clap (even Hulk now as we saw in Ragnarok!). By contrast DC superheroes are introverted, intense, self-critical, and reluctant. Batman, Wonder woman, Aquaman, Flash and Cyborg, all play that part perfectly, in their own unique ways.

We see some disappointing 'flashes' of Marvel trickling in like when Batman tries to play Iron Man'ish mentor to Flash's Spider-Man'ish rookie status. Or when Wonder woman tricks Aquaman with her truth-telling lasso. Or when the entire plot revolves around the villain (Steppenwolf) trying to find and control mother boxes that are suspiciously like the Tesseract.

Admittedly, not the most imaginative of storylines. And the fact they still need Superman to save the day kind of defeats the point a bit.

Yet, the movie works somehow, with stories of the different characters and how they get together to become better than who they are individually.

The music through the film is awesome. The action scenes impactful. Wonder Woman is a delight again. Cyborg is an interesting new hero. Aquaman has not been seen before. Flash is a really cool discovery. And Batman... well, he tries too. #justiceleague

Thor Ragnarok: Short Film Review

#Thorragnarok Classic Avengers fare. Great action sequences. Clever dialogues. Sense of humor. References to previous films. New super heroes. And more importantly, new bad guys (or girl - Cate Blanchett as Hela totally rocks). 

There were even makings of a story line, when Hela exposes the hypocrisy of Odin and Asgard. But when Hulk and Thor become better super-comedians than super-heroes, then you start wondering if everything needs to be an Avengers movie (or “revengers” in this case). Didn't the entire Sakaar planet sequence belong to Guardians of the Galaxy? 

But like a good Bollywood movie, it is paisa-vasool entertainer to be watched on the big screen. 

BTW. What was with the Wonder Woman music playing on the Thor action?!

Bladerunner 2049: Short Film Review

#Bladerunner2049. In a time when man itself is ‘man-made’, what difference is left between the natural and the surreal? How can you tell whether it’s Officer K or Joe? Especially when the cliche answer ‘the absence of a soul’ is not the right answer. Because, despite being a replicant, Officer K has one. 

Pitting the the will of the mind (crafting the perfect human beings) against the helplessness of the heart (being born out of love), David Villeneuve again weaves an engrossing story that captures our imagination and takes us on unexpected journey in a world blurring between science and fiction.

Like "Arrival", David relies on a larger-than-life Sci-fi (aliens in Arrival and a dystopian 2049 in Blade Runner) to tell the story of humanity in the current times. While Arrival played with the idea of language and humanity, Blade Runner explores the idea of memory and being human. And like Arrival, the visual and especially the sound is overpowering. And like Arrival, it's a movie that you find difficult to say "I loved it" because it leaves you feeling a bit cold and distant, yet feeling connected and provoked. 

May be a little bit like how we feel in real life, these days, watching the events shaping our world. In that sense, Blade Runner 2049, is probably not sci-fi after all.

Jagga Jasoos: Short Film Review

#JaggaJasoos A brave attempt for a Bollywood movie, that must be applauded. Because "yehi umar hai, kar le galti se mistake". The movie is definitely an alternate genre that has to be tried to see how it could be. And for the audience, it has to be seen to believe. We saw a glimpse of its potential in Basu's Barfi but that was an entirely different movie, and more mainstream compared to Jagga.

A story about the making of a young detective and his adventures through the ups and downs of his life from childhood to youth. A cross between a Disney-like fairy tale and musical story-telling and a Tin Tin- type adventure trails, the movie still retains a uniquely Indian and Basu flavour. You know it when you find yourself laughing through tragic moments and sniffling through happy moments. And when you notice the not-so-subtle social commentary on the times we live in. Even Ranbir and Kat through their hamming are mostly quite bearable and even cute in many moments.

Jagga is to the 'young-in-minds' what Bhansali's movies are to adults - grand, elaborate, fantasy-meet-reality, incredible, visually mesmerizing, naively idealistic, and entertaining.

Creating new cinema takes time and can only be perfected by doing more. There is something in the making here and hopefully Basu will stick to it, irrespective of critics and commerciality. Looking forward to the sequel.

Dunkirk: Short Film Review

#Dunkirk Is it a typical Nolan movie? 

But, then what is a typical Nolan movie? Dark Night? Inception? Interstellar? Prestige? Memento? What is really common to these movies except that each is a unique master piece, like nothing else we see. Stories that have never been told before, and in a way we will never see again. Movies that stay with us for life, growing in their iconicity, as the years pass by. Film-making that is always unpredictable, larger-than-life, ambitious, and so immersive that you feel a part of the canvas unfolding in front of you.

Dunkirk IS a typical Nolan movie. It is how Nolan would do a war movie. Just like how Interstellar was how Nolan would do a space movie or Dark Night how he would do a super hero movie, and so on.

Dunkirk is a freeze frame on one event in history during World War 2. And just like when you see a frame for too long, it starts revealing to you colours, and emotions, and sounds that you didn't know were there before. Because it was just one frame out of thousands in history.

In times of anger that we live in, it simply lays out what war feels like. Is this really what we want? It puts just basic good old survival at the heart of the conversation. And most importantly, it places the power of the world in the hands of us, the citizens of the world. After all, it is only us, the common folk, who can eventually save the world!

Wonder Woman: Short Film Review

The Man's World has not delivered. It's a depressing, disappointing disaster.(Remember Batman vs Superman from last year 😜). 

And so only a Woman can save it. Only a Woman can do what a man won't or can't do. Only a Woman... 

Because she is free, perceptive, strong, wilful, trained and gifted. Because she is willing, able and oh-so-ready to kick ass. But most importantly because her real super power is that she cares... enough to fight for the good of 'man'-kind. 

Wonderful action, Wonderful effects, and a Wonderful 'Gal'. 

If it wasn't for a flaccid ending, would have been one of the most Wonderful Super hero movies in recent times.

#wonderwoman 

Alien Covenant: Short Film Review

A bad sequel, at worst, Disappoints. But you can move on, with the hope of the next one. 

A bad prequel, however, is Disillusioning. Because it messes with the truth you have lived with all these years. Especially when it comes to iconic movies like the Alien series. 

Prometheus was not only a bad prequel but also a poor film by itself.

#AlienCovenant, on its own, is a perfectly enjoyable Sci Fi thriller, true to the Alien genre. And would make an excellent Sequel. But as a Prequel, it misses the mark by a mile... 

Last chance left at redemption Mr. Scott.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2: Short Film Review

Clever lines, weak storyline
Potential in actors, unrealised by characters
Impressive visuals, unimaginative action
Too much drama, not enough swag

So basically... (hate to say this) just another Marvel movie! 

Probably the coolest thing about the movie was the trailer against Bappi da's classic Jhoom Baba in Salma Agha's voice! Now, THAT was totally swag!

And oh, little Groot IS the most adorable thing.

Iron Fist: Netflix: Short Review

Martial arts hero from monk land
Who was a sworn enemy of the Hand
He came to New York
Couldn't make anything work
'Cos he was just a little loser boy, Danny Rand

#ironfist #netflix 

The Fate of the Furious: Short Film Review

For Dom Torreto it's all about the family...
Only Till he betrays them and goes "rogue" (Hollywood loves that word)... 
Only Till we are shown (surprise!) it's good old Bollywood "majboori" at hands of a villain..
Only Till he makes never-thought of alliances with past nemesis... 
Only Till rest of his too-cool crew continue to save the world...
Only Till it's finally once again about the family.

Charlize Theron sizzles (want more of her in 9). Statham is a Brit delight. Vin and Dwayne are true to type. Cars quotient is high. Though action quotient is many notches lower than 7. 

Overall felt like a "Tyred" attempt of the "Fast" franchise. But still gotta watch it.

Boss Baby | A Dog's Purpose: Short Film Review

Boss Baby vs Boss Dog. 
Two movies pitted against each other. 

One does a take on a baby's purpose (to get the parents love back from puppies) and the other on a dog's (to get all the love, no babies in the movie!). 

Both movies tailor made to bypass any rational thinking and go straight to your helpless "Oh so cute" zone. Both making you wish you had a (another) baby or a dog (er, not both). And most importantly, both reminding you of the purpose of our lives (as the latter movie says it in the end). "To Be Here...Now".

Two movies for children and for the child-in-you. All who call themselves 'grown-ups' please stay away.

Befikre: Short Film Review

A 40-something's attempt at making a millennial movie. 
A boy and a girl go through sex, friendship and eventually love. Yawn! 

Adi Chopra, it's high time you got over pre-marital sex. There really is a lot more to a youngster's life. 

Not a bad movie, and broadly just about watchable. And some sweet moments between Ranveer and Vani. 
But perhaps trying too hard to be young. Next time, Adi.

Life: Short Film Review

The story of what would have happened if they had rescued Mark Watney (The Martian) much earlier in the film. A cold, hungry Martian killing everyone with its bad attitude and eating habits.

Thrilling, Yes. 
Edge of seat, Yes. 
Alien action after a long time, Yes. 
But it's 30 years later, and still no one can do a Cameron.

Badrinath ki Dulhaniya: Short Film Review

The return of a thoroughly enjoyable simple Bollywood love story. 

No complicated triangles or quadrangles. No complicated shades of (unrequited) love, lust, friendships. None of that big urban city heavy weather angst. Just boy meets girl and the story that follows till a happily ever after in small town India (and Singapore!).

Alia is fab as always. But this is Varun's movie throughout. You love with him, cry with him, laugh at him, root for him, and clap for him as he struggles against his patriarchal upbringing to become the man he truly is, - a feminist, in love with an independent woman. 

Music disappoints but a progressing Jhansi and Kota, physically and socially, is a really refreshing setting for the story. Bottomline: Don't think. Just watch.

Kong: Short Film Review

What can you expect from a movie with Tom Hiddleston (aka Loki) as the hero! 

A movie where story, characters, acting, dialogues don't really matter. Only the visual effects matter. And they do. Especially the climax fight between Kong and Lizard. 

Watch it on the big screen or don't really bother.

Rangoon: Short Film Review

"1944- A Love Story": A Love Quadrangle - intertwined with the 'other' struggle for independence. 

True to Bhardwaj style, the film is not in the story but in the story-telling. Not in the ending (definitely) but in the journey before that. Not in the characters but in the performances (all 3 rock!). Not in the beauty of the scenes but in the theatre of it. Not in the catchiness of the music but in its intensity. 

And as always, is in a genre of its own. And so... must be watched to experience it.

Logan: Short Film Review

Logan. Not Wolverine. Because it's a Post Truth World that we live in. A Post X-men World. An Unhappily-Ever-After. 

Super Powers don't Matter. Past Glory doesn’t matter. Only thing that matters is the Time Ahead of Us. And the Journey we Embark On. 

And Who Knows. We may find a Positive Future in the very Cruel things that our Unscrupulous Leaders of Today are Creating. 

Is There Hope? Wrong Question. 
Right Question is: What Other Choice Do We Have Than To Keep Trying? 

A Bold Re-crafting of the X-Men Franchise. Watch it for a Not-Your-Usual-Marvel (read Avengers) Fare. And of course some nice (slightly gory) action scenes from (an old and ailing) Hugh Jackman 😢 and new girl Dafne Keen.

La La Land: Short Film Review

Sweet Nothings. It was sweet and it was nothing. 

Sweet because of few soul-freeing moments like the hill top tap dance, her winning audition sequence, and the climax flashback. 

Nothing because we've seen much better musicals, much better romances, much much much better chemistry. 

#whatwasthebigdeal #lalaland

Dangal: Short Film Review

Short Film Review

Classic winning formula that works again and again. Emotional story of victory against all odds. Personal success = India patriotism. SPORTS. Plus Aamir's additional touch of a social cause (but without the annoying preachy-ness). 

Great performances. Strong characters. Simple story telling. And an underlying point of view. Just what a good movie should be made of. Nothing more. Nothing less.

A lovely feel good Christmas movie. Must watch.

Dear Zindagi: Short Film Review

Short Film Review
It's like 7 Khoon Maaf, except that all the men that are dumped live happily ever after. 
Alia is Strong, the Story is NOT. Music is Annoying, SRK is NOT. Goa is Beautiful, the Moments are NOT.

Gauri is clearly no Shoojit. Next time Shinde.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Short Film Review

Short Film Review

"Fawad Khan is the only stud". Follow the chain of 'Ek Tarfa Pyaar'...SRK loves Aishwarya, who loves Ranbir, who loves Anusha, who loves Fawad, who loves himself.