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Reviews
Murder Mystery 2 (2023)
Interesting action comedy
This is a quite a funny movie starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. Interesting action comedy. On a wafer thin plot, the duo (good easy chemistry 👍🏻)provide interesting moments. Stunning locations and good photography add strength to this otherwise average movie.
The illuminated Eiffel tower is an important and elegant character & background in the movie. But also ridiculous and funny at the same time. The Indian song & dance sequences on the eve of Maharaja's wedding are well choreographed.
This is not a movie to be critically reviewed but to be enjoyed without getting serious. Indulge in the silly & stupid humour without too much analysis.
Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway (2023)
A good plot but an average movie
Firstly, I appreciate the director Ashima Chhibber for choosing an interesting and different plot. Presenting the clash of cultural differences in child upbringing, is definitely an engaging theme. But it is presented mostly from the perspective of a doting, emotional Indian mother. The narrative avoids rather misses the opportunity to present a balanced perspective of culturally different ways of child nurturing. Perhaps that's intentional.
The two very young children of an immigrant Indian mother, are taken away to foster-home by the State welfare authorities on grounds of violence and neglect. Not supported by the husband (focused only on getting citizenship) the mother has to fend for herself and starts a battle for the custody of her own children. Rani Mukerji does a good job. Her raging anger restrained by her inability to get things done in a foreign land, further fuelled by motherly instincts, are very well depicted. Jim Sarbh, as the Norwegian lawyer of India origin is too good even in that tiny role.
Overall, you can watch it for Rani's acting skills (and Jim Sarbh) and a mother's love for her children. The Norwegian view on child rearing could have been presented better.
Ponniyin Selvan: Part One (2022)
Grand fusion of historical facts & exciting fiction
If you are open to time travel without any references or expectations, this movie provides a wonderful experience. Rich visuals, excellent art work, good music (esp background score), fine acting and well crafted scenes together create a magic that takes you almost ten centuries back.
The ailing king Sundara Chozha is under the control of Peria Pazhuvettarayar, a great warrior & the treasurer of Chola kingdom. But he himself, is under the control and magic spell of his beautiful wife Nandini. She wants to avenge the death of Veera Pandiya by killing Adithya Karikalan and helps the suicide squad of Pandiya king who want to completely destroy Chola dynasty.
The swashbuckling & chivalrous warrior Vandiyaththevan and the humorous & staunch Vaishnavite Aazhvaarkadiyaan carry the story along. The gorgeous princess Kundhavai attempts to thwart the conspiracy by the clans who try to crown Madhuranthakan as the next king instead of Adithya Karikalan.
All the lead actors, Karthi, Vikram, Jayaram, Jayam Ravi, Sarath Kumar & Parthiban have given excellent performances. Trisha and Aishwarya Rai are awesome and glittering. The picturisation of Rakshasa Mamane is beautiful. Aishwarya Lakshmi as the strong boat woman is very good.
A R Rahman's music blends with the story and times of Chola to provide a different experience. Ravi Varman's camera and Thotta Tharani's art takes us, right into Chola's period. Finally, it is Mani Rathnam's brilliance which does the magic. He is at his best in delivering Kalki's masterpiece with all sincerity.
It is a grand fusion of historical facts and exciting fiction. It provides a beautiful cinematic experience. Don't miss it.
Notorious (1946)
Romantic Spy thriller & a masterpiece
World War II had just ceased. Hitchcock made this film in 1946. The film is about the attractive young girl spying on the Nazis in Rio de Janeiro for the Americans. It is also a beautiful but strained romantic tale of love. It is also a suspenseful drama with great screenplay and some fine dialogues. Hitchcock creates suspense out of simple situations. Ben Hect's screenplay creates a magic on a very simple storyline. Cary Grant is stylish, elegant and amazing. Brings out the torment of suppressed love and emotions with his stoic expressions very well. Claude Raines plays the villain becoming the victim. Excellent performance. The last sentence "We want to talk to you" provides the chilling effect of Hitchcock.
Finally, Ingrid Bergman. She is amazing and wonderful. This is her best performance. She carries the film with her great looks, beautiful personality and some great acting. The legendary kissing scene is clever and worth watching. Love is in the air. Hugs, embraces, intermittent kisses. A kiss beyond 30 seconds was not allowed those days. Hitchcock was clever to insert those kisses like conversations.
A masterpiece by best artists in the best of their times.
Don (2022)
Good blend of entertainment and message
A good screenplay and decent performances by Siva Karthikeyan, S J Surya and Samuthirakani make the movie, an interesting watch. For a debutante, director Cibi scores well. A below average (in studies) student seeks to find his talent and succeed. The first half provides some decent humour (silly on some instances but clean) but slows down a bit. The second half is filled with emotions and motivation. The protagonist's perception of the two disciplinarian characters (father and the college principal) initially and the change later on, is well handled. Good movie, balancing both entertainment and a message.
Sharmaji Namkeen (2022)
Slice of Life, enjoyable tale
You can see Sharmaji around you or even identify yourself with him. That's the strength of this movie. Retirement is like a boring shadow. People see different things to hold on after retirement. Philosophy, rituals, music , travel and so on. For Sharmaji it is cooking. Though very thin, the plot is presented delightfully. The two sons are in their own world, respect the father, love his cooking, yet don't want him to do anything that will embarrass them. Sharmaji, bored and confused, tries a couple of things including Zumba classes. Finally his friend (no doubt, friends are very important, for retired people!!) suggests him to go to cook for a ladies satsang. But he finds that to be a kitty party. The reluctant Sharmaji is persuaded by the gregarious gang of ladies to cook for them and he slowly starts to mingle with them. The platonic bond that develops between him and Veena (Juhie Chawala - the beauty of the 90's still looks very elegant and charming) is nice to watch. The movie continuously keeps you smiling or laughing. The closing scenes in the police station are a bit silly but still keeps you laughing.
Rishi Kapoor always plays the charming romantic roles, very well. Here it is yet another sweet role played by him effortlessly. Paresh Rawal needs a special mention. After the first few scenes, we don't feel that there are two actors, Paresh Rawal fits into the character seamlessly. Editing is very effective.
The movie is a nice tribute to Rishi Kapoor. I could still find the fresh, charming and effervescent person singing "Main Shayar to nahin from Bobby" in this movie. We will miss you Chintu Ji.
Jai Bhim (2021)
Engaging drama
Lijomol Jose gives an outstanding performance as Sengeni. Repetitive scenes on custodial torture dry up the initial effects created on the audience. Court room drama is quite ok. Suriya and Manikandan live upto the roles. Dialogues deserve special mention. Sharp and Blunt. Director Gnanavel has done a good job in raising voice for equality through showing the real situation of the Irular tribe. More such movies can improve the standards of Tamil films.
Sarpatta parambarai (2021)
An Enjoyable historical drama
A clean and enjoyable film without any specific agenda from Pa Ranjith. Well researched and presented. All lead characters have done very well. Pashupathi is a very talented actor and essays his role effortlessly. John Vijay, a generally an under rated actor, does a brilliant role. His English (as an Anglo Indian) slang and body language are thoroughly enjoyable. "Dancing Rose" needs special mention. A different role for Arya and an important one in his career. He can be happy and proud. Dushara Vijayan as Arya's wife does a satisfying part. As a person who grew up in North Madras during the Seventies, I could understand and relate to the historical background of Boxing Emergency situation and Politics. Lastly Santhosh Narayan has done a good job as a music director. Overall, an enjoyable historical drama.
Sherni (2021)
Unconventional & interesting
Kudos to the director for choosing a story and background which has not been explored well so far. It is a bit slow in the beginning but builds up appropriately to give a good movie. It us about a tigress T 12 attacking cattles and humans, the hard working team of forest officers (very good performances by Vidya Balan, Vijay Razz, and the hunter Sharath Saxena), local politicians taking advantage of the situation and couple of other issues you can ignore. The central theme Man Vs Wild is handled very effectively. Camera work is beautiful. I am sure it will leave a few questions with you on how we, as humans, handle the issue. That's the success of the movie. Tigers do have 'Life'
Tribhanga (2021)
Interesting one.
The debutante director Renuka Shahane has done a very decent job. The broad smiled anchor of Surabhi show, has come a long way. Three strong and brave women from the same family, lot of interesting emotional sequences (influence of 80s serials & movies - cuss words could have been lesser) brilliant performances by Kajol, Tanvi Azmi & Mithila Parker make the movie interesting and enjoyable. Kunal Roy Kapoor is very good in an underplaying & embarrassed role. A good film to watch.
The Whistleblower (2010)
Brilliant, intense and emotional drama
What started as a slow pace movie, gathers pace once Kathy lands in Sarajevo and turns to be a intense one. The genuinity of Kathy's character, the steely determination behind that lovely face and her rage against the corruption in high places takes the movie to a different level.
It is a well researched film, brutal and blunt. It's about domestic violence and sex trafficking in Bosnia post 1999 war. Kathryn Bolkovoc, the Nebraska cop takes up a highly paid tax free job goes to Bosnia as a part of the peace keeping force and finds about the human trafficking and the shady brothel. Difficult to forget those two Bosnian girls Raya and Irika who were drugged and dragged into that dungeon. Kathy's effort to save them goes waste since both Demacra the contractor employed by US Army and people in high places of UN, thwart her efforts and are also immune to prosecution.
Brilliant movie. It will be difficult to hold your rage and frustration.
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Brilliant family drama
The movie is relevant even today (2020) after 41 years of its release. Splendid performances by Dustin Hoffman Meryl streep and the kid Justin Henry make the movie very enjoyable. Robert Benton has done a wonderful job in depicting the characters realistically. Joanna's desire to find herself and the subsequent agony of missing her son alongside Ted's evolving intense love towards his son have been portrayed brilliantly. The ensuing court drama and parents hurting each other childishly to keep custody of their son are very interesting. "Must watch" for those in mariage with kids and want to Divorce
Just Mercy (2019)
Brilliant emotional and legal drama
Nice movie worth watching. Beautiful film against racism. Both Jamie foxx and Michael B Jordan have given excellent performances. The whole sequence of preparing and executing Herbert Robinson was quite moving. Crisp dialogues...."you can't change the world with only great ideas in mind, you need conviction in the heart. Hope allows you to push forward..." Overall a good movie, makes you sad, makes you angry yet entertains as well.
Sufiyum Sujatayum (2020)
Enjoyable Love story
Nice movie with good BGM and visuals. True, a bit slow but if you have some patience, movies takes you to a different world of nice experience. Aditi gives a good performance. Sufi music adds value. Really enjoyable.....
Chitchor (1976)
Pleasure to watch
Paying tribute to Basu Chatterjee by watching his films. Watched Chitchor today. Beautiful romantic musical... A simple story flowing like a fresh stream... Amol Palekar and Zarina Wahab in a mild underplayed romance. Ravindra Jain and Yesudas providing mellifluous melodies for love soaked lines.... Kind of a cult movies of those middle cinema times... Absolute pleasure to watch.
Street Dancer 3D (2020)
Good entertainment
Low on story but high on dance. Enjoyable film. Prabhu Deva, Varun and Shraddha have done a decent job. Dances are very well choreographed.