MessMaker Reviews

The Brothers Sun (2024)

A fantastic start to 2024!

[9/10 · 5 January 2024]

A thoroughly enjoyable combination of action, comedy and drama. It is super stylish, has vibey music choices and is paced perfectly for what it's going for.

The storyline is evolving all the time and is not predictable whatsoever, which makes it very engaging. There's depth and meaning, many themes, development of characters, mysteries & revelation, turns & twists & then some, conflict - it was pleasantly surprising how it managed to do all that organically and kept it engaging all the way.

Every character is written so well from introduction to where they end up. And the cultural elements are incorporated so authentically & realistically that it's strange to believe I'm watching something like this in the west (like "Beef" last year, but this is specific to Taiwanese and I liked it more). Impressive output from the actors, too, they absolutely nailed their work - charismatic & captivating!

Despite having depth & darkness to it, it's such an easy, addictive & fun watch that I binged it all in one evening!

"The Brothers Sun" achieves exactly what it's going for and the way it's doing it is beyond just entertainment! Hope they earn some nominations and win some awards :)

What If...? (2021– )

4 Eps so far... Surprisingly Limp and Wasted Potential

[6/10 · 7 September 2021]

This COULD HAVE been the best Marvel show on Disney+.

It really could've taken WAY more risks than the cinematic universe stuff, and definitely more than the previous shows. You'd think animation + the title implying ANYTHING can happen... literally the comics' What If combined with the MCU and added creativity... right? Nope.

Instead, this is so nothing-y that it's pointless. Think vanilla, and this is somehow even less versatile than that. The animation is high quality but somehow... uninspiring, like it's a design by committee... which, I guess these are even more evidently now.

This is like fanfic but not even as different as those dare to be usually. 4 episodes and it's been borderline alright stuff, not a single outstanding thing.

And if my subjective opinion makes me a "hater" because I don't guzzle down every piece of Marvel content like a mindless drone... then, guess I am.

Maybe it gets incredible. Who knows. I'm hoping :)

Army of the Dead (2021)

My favourite zombie movie now!

[9/10 · 21 May 2021]

I did not expect this movie to pack so much :) and thoroughly enjoyable!

It's got heart, a thrilling sense of dread, is shot so stunningly and is full of bombastic action!

The characters are so engaging - there's drama, there's so much depth & development and the diversity is creates beautiful chemistry. I didn't expect to have any emotional reactions but the performances and situations make it hard not to feel for the characters... including for the zombies!!!

The plot is clearly well thought-out, paced perfectly and has meaning. Most of all, it just keeps you on the edge with how unexpected the events turn out compared to what you perceive!

Zack Snyder is a master of visuals, so it's no surprise how impressive and awe-inspiring the whole film is. The soundtrack is also so perfectly tailored to every scene presented.

There's ample action all the way and it's exactly as balls-to-the-wall as you'd think! I really cannot think of a reason someone wouldn't take away something or the other enjoyable from this flick.

Eric Andre: Legalize Everything (2020 TV Special)

Enjoyable, but Annoying

[6/10 · 26 June 2020]

Yes, he's loud. Yes, he's on about being on something... and, seemingly on something. And it's definitely on the nose (the comedy, not the coke) and sometimes in your face with the yelling.

But I found it all rather amusing. I'm not a drug user at all, I don't even drink or like the premise. And, gosh, this man loves it all.

But, he was sufficiently entertaining at the end of a night in, while not paying 100% attention but still watching most of it. Likeable dude, a little annoying yet enjoyable performance, funny jokes and there's meaning to a lot of it.

Krypton (2018–2019)

A surprisingly AWESOME superhero-based TV show... especially considering this is a prequel to the superhero's existence!

[9/10 · 30 March 2018]

I've watched the 1st and 2nd episodes, so far. And I don't get all the complaints... they're a bit nonsensical. Anyway, here's what I think of the show :)

~ Well-written characters and a favourable cast! Honestly, you feel what you're supposed to, concerning the characters.

~ Reminiscent of Man of Steel (2013) and even Superman (1978), especially the music... obviously, that's all intended, especially the connection to the DC cinematic universe, to some extent.

~ Powerful soundtrack.

~ The CGI and production (sets, mainly but the costumes as well) are "super" impressive!

~ An enthralling plot with excellent pace that keeps you wanting more... so much that I audibly groaned when the episode ended!

AT LEAST WATCH IT FOR YOURSELF BEFORE DECIDING.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

An awesome experience!

[10/10 · 29 July 2015]

My most anticipated movie of this year and luckily enough, I had the pleasure... the utmost pleasure of watching it at an advance screening! Loving Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol so much that I'd given it a near perfect rating, I was skeptical and expecting at least a bit of a letdown as I simply couldn't see how they'd top that. Also, I had only limited myself to 2 trailers as I already felt I knew far too much, which only increased my anxiety. Still, I couldn't help but have expectations; my excitement level had peaked before even going into the cinema!

And the movie surpassed my expectations; just blew me away... multiple times. The best elements from all the previous four films are adapted and have been vastly improved upon.

Sean Harris is the antagonist and he does a fantastic job of it. Cruel, mysterious, calculating, manipulating, menacing... just evil to the point that Hunt is at the end of his wits, feeling helpless. His luck seems to be running out... his skills, his way of operating, all his usual tricks and methods - they've all been exhausted and you are actually scared for him!

The way this movie is presented to us, the audience, we aren't just viewing it; it's made to feel just as much of an experience. That's how the whole film is and I am in awe of the ingenuity. Just when you think you've got it all figured out - how the scene and then the movie are gonna play out, it twists & turns and throws you off. And then, in the back of your mind, whilst taking in all of this unexpected awesomeness, you're off again... trying to figure out where that shot and the entire film is headed. It just takes you on an exhilarating ride. For the most part, the movie feels so perfectly realistic even with all the crazy awesomeness going on. And I love how unpredictable it was.

In regards to the characters in general - actions taken by them, the pieces of dialogue they speak with everything occurring in the background and taking into consideration everything that has happened so far… you find yourself being uncertain what their motivations and intentions are, what they're thinking, what they are going to do next, what's going to happen, what's the plan, etcetera etcetera – every character; not just the new ones but even the previously established ones. That is how exceptional the performances are, in tune with the direction of the story... the entire cast has their A game on!

Also, there's a lot of humour, scattered all over the movie and that makes the movie more fun. There is development, too, with most of the characters - especially Hunt.

The action in the movie is just insane... they went all out! From stunts to fight sequences and chases - absolutely sensational; it's like you're feeling every hit and every move. The whole scene where Tom Cruise actually clings onto the door of a plane while it's taking off - my heart was racing so fast. It was very well shot and the fact that he actually performed the insane stunt adds to the feeling; CGI just cannot compare. This intensity and excitement is constant throughout the movie, on some level. Also, Tom Cruise is riding a motorcycle once again and it is sweeeeeeeeeeeet! There's a scene of him running, as well, as usual.

The cinematography is just spectacular and quite literally breathtaking throughout the film. Be it action sequences, landscape, anything... there's amazing wide-angle shots, there's POV shots that feel like you're really there, the whole lot. The movie looks and feels so great.

The gadgets and gear in this movie are unreal! I don't mean they are unrealistic; they are believable in a very plausible-in-the-future way, creative and incredible.

There's more than a few things going on in the movie, yet none of it feels forced or unnecessary and it all works together very well. It runs at a tense, thrilling and suspenseful pace - in an enjoyable way. Not a single moment is wasted; every scene on the screen is essential and every shot is impeccably acted, directed and delivered. I could go on & on about how every little aspect of the film was awesome, but to conclude, I loved it all.

Also, TOM CRUISE IS A GODDAMN LEGEND!

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015 Video)

A sequel better than its predecessor!

[7/10 · 21 January 2015]

We have a sequel to Justice League: War ... and it is very good!

So, this is a story focused on Arthur Curry, or as he comes to be known as towards the end of this flick: Aquaman. There is already an existing Justice League at the point of time consisting of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Cyborg and Shazam. Here, Queen Atlanna's son Orm/Ocean Master (along with Black Manta) is the one is set upon waging a war against the surface and she is looking to find her other son Arthur, the unknowing half-Human & half- Atlantean, to take the throne as he'd be the perfect person to bridge the two worlds in peace.

First off, I was really stoked we're getting a movie, especially a JL one, where the emphasis is on Aquaman. I mean, the character is very badly underrated - even Hawkeye in the Avengers, who is joked upon quite a bit, isn't ridiculed & unappreciated this much! And, add to the fact that not only we get a movie about him, but they have made him a real badass? AWESOME. The depiction of Aquaman in this movie was great - strong, noble and badass - a true King of Atlantis.

These new 52 movies are not really that amazing. The characteristics of our beloved heroes are not upto the mark and are quite lacking in some moments. Especially in War but we got a bit of development this time and they rectified mistakes from it. All in all, this movie was a big improvement over its predecessor and hopefully the movies to come keep getting better.

The story was well told. The first part movie is what really impressed me and hooked me to it! I was enjoying it. And, to be honest, most of this was because I really was into finally watching Aquaman on screen, even if it's an animated movie. The second part of this movie just dropped in terms of quality - it was very rushed, predictable/cliché and had illogical parts. But, again, cannot ignore the fact that it started off real well and the story was very satisfying. I quite liked the movie.

Again, if you like the fact that Aquaman is at the centre of this film and are quite pleased about that, you will enjoy it.

Non-Stop (2014)

Non-Stop suspense & thrill!

[7/10 · 26 February 2014]

We all thought (at least, most of us)that this was 'just-another Liam Neeson movie'. AND, I justtt realized that in fact, it is. But that doesn't stop it from being good! GREAT, in fact! Especially since I went in with not-really much expectations. Thought it was just another 'Taken'-type flick, that I might just feel averagely about it.

THIS IS REALLY A SUSPENSEFUL THRILLER! Keeps you intrigued, doesn't deter from the plot even with various elements in the movie! It's not just an action movie, folks! Suspense, twists, emotional stuff, realization - all those happen! There's Liam's bad-ass action scenes, also, of course! (One scene is really great, pretty awesome, towards the end) But this is surprisingly good! Has a good story, is REALISTIC, no real plot-holes or goofs, keeps you into it at every second! What else do you need? But, yes, you will not be AMAZED by it. But, you will really like it, to your own surprise! (especially if you didn't expect to) IT IS ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES OF THIS YEAR, SO FAR. And, it feels better in a theatre, I'd say! Kind of keeps you on the edge of your seat!

I'D GIVE IT AN 8.5, too, maybe if IMDb had that option.

Krrish 3 (2013)

Amazing story. Unbelievably better than expectations. Terrible VFX

[8/10 · 31 October 2013]

Watched this movie yesterday. 31st October. Yes. Very surprisingly, it released ahead of India in New Zealand (and Bahrain, I hear). Huh, what's that about? Not that I'm complaining :)

Well, anyway, this movie. Wow. I honestly couldn't believe it. I am the biggest 'Krrish' fan. Despite the obviously bad VFX (from the trailer) and all that, I very desperately wanted to watch this movie. Went in with low expectations – A result of the VFX in the trailer, the talks of it being copied from the Hollywood Superhero movies and all such crap.

But this movie. The story actually evolved during the movie. And, did so grandly, unpredictably. It got better and better and really amazed. Like any other Indian movie, it OBVIOUSLY has its very cheesy, corny, childish, too-perfect-to-be-realistic, dramatic (All combined at times, oh dear god, the embarrassment) scenes & dialogues. But the plot. The Story. Amazing. As the movie goes on, it keep us conspiring about the actual complete plot, but, when it hits us, it's really something. It turned out to be very realistic, in a way. Had everything. Romance, action, drama, comedy, tragedy (That damn scene which broke my heart), whatnot.

And, the acting was way beyond amazing. Hrithik literally more than perfected it, whether it was as the lovable Rohit or Krrish, the best superhero ever or the good hubby Krishna. He delivered it. He killed it. Priyanka Chopra did very well, too. Also, this was definitely Vivek Oberoi & Kangana Ranaut's finest acting yet in their entire careers. Great job, Rakesh sir. The action sequence stunts and also the dances were choreographed awesomely. The songs weren't superb, but still. And, OF COURSE, the Krrish background score. That is obviously awesometastic! Could be very well compared to the soundtracks of Hollywood superhero movies.

The VFX, though, ugh. It ruined what the plot and great acting had built. Red Chillies VFX – WHAT THE HELL? I've literally watched cartoons & mobile phone games with better, way more realistic graphics. They really put our movie industry to shame. Terrible. They made the great acting and amazing plot look ridiculous. Laughable. AND, as usual, the extras (minute roles, pedestrians, etc.) in the movie were way too bad. Very childish, embarrassing and extremely stale. Be it the spoken roles, the reactions to crashes/collisions/explosions or the facial expressions, etc. etc., I could keep on going . . . To put it plainly, this was the awful part. Had so much potential, otherwise. Could've easily been a global blockbuster, even with the Hollywood. Well, next time.

But, this movie. Was. Thrilling. Wasn't perfect. But, real good. Extremely well above expectations. India's own Krrish is forever the best superhero.