Change Your Image
chandanr777
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Better Call Saul: Saul Gone (2022)
An honest end to a pragmatic show
I am sensing mixed reviews about the finale. The negative reviews might be because of what happened to Jimmy ultimately. It certainly wasn't the 'colourful' ending one could have hoped for.
Speaking of colours, I would like to divide this review into the 'colourful part' and the 'black and white' part.
'Colourful part' were the scenes from the past where Jimmy discussed about Time Travel with Mike and Walter. As Walter put it aptly, the thoughts of changing the past are simply the regrets we replay throughout our lives over and over again. In the end, we come to know that the regretful past of Jimmy was his relationship with his brother Chuck.
'Black and White' parts were the scenes of how it all really turned out for Jimmy. He couldn't go on living a life conning people and keep getting away with it. He had to pay for his past mistakes of his greediness and other moral and ethical mistakes.
The 'colourful wish' of me was to see Jimmy get a lighter sentence but the wishes doesn't always turn out to be colourful. Not in a pragmatic show such as this where the people involved directly or indirectly in the dark drug cartel world, get what they deserve. Our emotional attachment to the lead character shouldn't change that.
Soul (2020)
This movie has the power to change lives
This quote from the movie had an instant profound impact on me:
I heard this story about a fish. He swims up to this older fish and says, "I'm trying to find this thing they call the ocean." "The ocean?" says the older fish. "That's what you're in right now."
Suddenly I realised that I need to:
1) Appreciate all the things you have in life.
2) Enjoy the simple things in life.
3) Forget the traumatic past and grab the second chance when it presents itself.
4) Be grateful for this life.
And how great was that music from Trent Reznor and Atticus Rose when Joe Gardner reminisces all the joyful moments of his life?
A child's soul in an adult body made the adult realise what life is about. A child's soul is curious, pure and uncomplicated. This right here is a lesson for all of us to recall the inner child whenever we feel lost.
Undoubtedly an instant Pixar classic, this movie has the power to change lives.
Avane Srimannarayana (2019)
A treasure hunt to be treasured
I have watched many western genre movies in Hollywood and I must confess I never thought that one day I would see a similar genre movie in Kannada. Avane Srimannarayana is a treasure.
Elements of action, comedy, adventure, fantasy and suspense are well blended. Innovative narration techniques must receive a special mention. In my opinion, people who are complaining that the movie is too long and lethargic simply don't know how to enjoy art.
Hats off to the entire cast and crew of the movie. I wish that the Kannada cinema will be remembered in two parts. One part as before Avane Srimannarayana and the other part as after Avane Srimannarayana.
Toy Story 4 (2019)
Typically enjoyable Pixar movie with surprising character inconsistencies
To start with, this is a typical Pixar Movie. The plot oozes creativity with the perfect blend of humour and heartfelt dialogues. But this sequel usurping the perfect ending of Toy Story 3 just doesn't feel right.
I must say that I was quite surprised with the inconsistencies in few of the characters when compared to the first three parts. One of them was Buzz Lightyear, whose character was altered for the sake of additional humour. Woody's pivotal decision at the end also surprised me.
Forky's character was an intelligently conceived one. Other newly conceived characters such as Gaby Gaby, Bensons, Duke Caboom, Ducky, Bunny and Giggle McDimples were enjoyable although lacking emotional connect.
One thing that hasn't changed in this sequel is the heart-rending depiction of the purpose and journey of toys. However moving the movie was, it unfortunately fails to impress as much as its flawless predecessors did.
Chernobyl: Vichnaya Pamyat (2019)
Heartbreaking and Inspirational
This episode was nothing like the first four episodes. We neither saw any of those horrifying radiation affected bodies nor did we see the living beings suffering from the radioactive clean up procedures. What we did witness though, was the horrors of the truth of what caused the disaster, and it was as overwhelming as watching the first four episodes.
The shots of representative Pripyat at the beginning was absolutely necessary as it is a reminder of how beautiful the city was, before the disaster. There were plenty of unforgettable scenes, but I was particularly impressed with the explosion scene - for its technicality and the caterpillar scene - for it's metaphorical meaning.
We need political figures like Boris Shcherbina who had the required sanity in the midst of Soviet propaganda. We need the work ethic of the scientists represented by Ulana Khomyuk. We need the ultimate selflessness of Valery Legasov who gave his life for something immortal. We need the bravery of firefighters, miners, liquidators, hospital staff etc.
Before watching this mini series, I had only heard about a nuclear disaster that happened in Chernobyl years ago. Watching it on screen though, has been one of the profound experiences of my life. Watching the real footages at the end made me deeply emotional as it was heartbreaking to know that plenty suffered for the mistake that was not theirs. At the same time, it was inspirational for the reminder it gave us of the qualities that a good world requires.
The Big Bang Theory: The Stockholm Syndrome (2019)
Aptly named 'The Stockholm Syndrome'
I was one of those who was so annoyed when they decided to extend the show for 12 seasons. But, the last few seconds of the episode reminded me why 'The Big Bang Theory' will always remain special to me. This was a show that told the world that nerdiness and social awkwardness can be cool. The character of Sheldon Cooper definitely goes down as one of the greatest in TV history. 'The Big Bang Theory' was my youth and I'm gonna miss it.
The final episode is aptly named 'The Stockholm Syndrome'. After all, I am a hostage who developed affection towards the show who is just sad to be parting ways..
Sharp Objects: Falling (2018)
Masterfully executed shocker of an episode.
This is without doubt one of the finest episodes in any TV show I've ever watched. The things that looked normal in the previous episodes suddenly looked so creepy in this episode. Every scene was powerful - Between John and Camille for sharing their sorrows, between Camille and Richard for obvious reasons, between Amma and Adora for the most chilling moments of the episode and finally the scene between Camille and Jackie that almost brought tears to my eyes. The main female cast of Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, Elizabeth Perkins and the young Eliza Scanlen delivered a performance of the highest order.
One has to really applaud the skill of director Jean-Marc Vallée here for masterfully integrating the flashback scenes and psychological montages which made the episode more effective. The songs that were chosen to be played were perfect according to the situation which was another highlight of this masterfully executed episode.
Gone Girl (2014)
Thrillingly disturbing and disturbingly thrilling
I have always loved mystery and thriller movies. So it definitely does not surprise you if I say I am a David Fincher fan. When I came to know that his next movie will be based on a novel which I had not yet heard of, I was tempted into reading the novel and finished it within a week. I was impressed with Gillian Flynn's intelligent writing. I could not imagine any director other than Fincher to bring this script on the screen. I was very glad that he was the choice already. I waited excitedly for the release of the movie.
When I finally watched the movie, I experienced the same thrilling ride which I experienced during the reading of the book. Flynn impressed again with the screenplay. Fincher has once again chosen a perfect cast. Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Carrie Coon, Kim dickens, Tyler Perry and Neil Patrick Harris have given precise and effective performances. What starts as a perfect mystery progresses through plenty of twists and turns. Each plot turn is thrilling and equally disturbing. It makes you think seriously about the modern marriages and the media. Trent Reznor and Atticus Rose have yet again provided a memorable score which fits perfectly in various scenes, especially in the most important scene of the movie.
I would recommend this movie to those who love surprises and deep thinking at the same time. In my opinion, there has not been a movie which has explored the marriages and the media like 'Gone Girl' has. Definitely among the top three movies of 2014. Fincher has increased his reputation as the intelligent and stylish director!