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Reviews
Men (2022)
Interesting storytelling on view from the other side
Men is an amazing representation of bizzare realism, a profound yet weird story told through a grief stricken woman. The film protrays harsh blows by men to a woman's life, beginning with subtle gestures of passive insult to more intense freedom to penetrate into a woman's personal life worsening the grief. As the film begins, the protagonist is already a state of mind where she refrains from putting out the fact that her husband died tragically. She is subconsciously prepared to portray herself as a divorcee. Then the way she's treated by the pastor in an attempt to manipulate her into guilt is another major "taboo" that women probably face at men's hands. Things like "harmless" nudity to "casual" stares are emphasised straight across the bat. It is striking to note that every men in the village has the same face, quite literally presentating the notion that "all men are the same". The creepy stalker is let go, the pastor takes liberty assualting her mentally and then the general apathetic attitude of other men, all point towards a daily life is a struggling woman. The direct correlation between the slit arm of her husband's body and the injured slit hand of all the "men" of the village is beautifully presented. In a way, she might also be projecting her grief on to the other men, but the way she was treated by the men of the village was outrightly unfair, creepy and criminal.
The audio visuals are nice, with long shots adding to that slow-burn. Acting is quite good and music is decent.
All in all a good watch. I would recommend this film like I do for Mother.
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Definitive horror that doesn't lie!
For the first time, portrayal of horror hit me to the core. Why? Because it is honest and accurately profound. The haunting of Hill house very precisely manifests the story of how fear, grief, love, heart-break, insanity, tragedy and evil can intrude our lives, both physical and inner (spiritual) and disintegrate us slowly and gradually, bit-by-bit, day-by-day. It, beautifully tells the story of how these things feed upon us and drive our lives.
Coming onto the presentation aspects, Mike Flanagan has done a brilliant, brilliant job at writing a wonderful story inspired by the book by the same name. The screenplay and direction are equally amazing. The non-linear way of telling the story is remarkable as it very beautifully builds (or rather unfolds) several layers of the story. Hardly any jittery camera movements and very apt jump-scares make it perfect horror. The acting is brilliant. I specially loved episode 6 (season 1) for its theatrical portrayal. The color-tones are soothing and tense at the same time. The way season 1 concludes is also amazing for the fact that all lose-ends, doubts, confusions and intricacies tie together simply beautifully. I was left very emotional while the credits of the last episode rolled.
I am a big fan of horror, thriller, drama and I am not easily impressed by books/ movies/ series of this genre but I absolutely loved it. I will eagerly wait for the forthcoming seasons. Also, being a budding story-teller, I really hope to write something of this kind some day.
Jolly LLB 2 (2017)
Akshay simply couldn't pull off an Arshad Warsi
Jolly LLB2 is certainly not a film that deserves what most reviews say. I am pretty sure, all the other reviews are paid reviews. It is film with mediocre story but even weaker script and excessive dramatization.
Jolly LLB 2 has several weak points spread across the entire film. The following things are very observable flaws in the script:
1. Jolly convinces Hina to give him a heavy amount. When Hina discovers that it was a fraud, she commits suicide, it becomes a criminal offense and not just a simple fraud
2. Narcotics test is not admissible in court.
3. Too much court room dramatization including nonsensical protest.
4. Totally misfit songs.
5. Akshay's wife acts normal even after learning that a woman committed suicide because of her husband's fraud.
All-in-all, a mediocre film. Arshad Warsi was way better and more believable than Akshay Kumar.
Fan (2016)
Aryan should be Gaurav's Fan
SRK is great as Gaurav Chandna but could have done better being himself. Perhaps, the script just did not allow that. Aryan lacks that charisma and lustre. The former half of the movie is gripping and very interesting and sets a good background for the latter half. It is in the latter half, where movie loses its rhythm and grip. While the first half is quite believable, second half is not so great with a lot of bollywood-style stunts and pointless run-&-chase. While all this is fine, the essential interaction among characters that really takes the story forward is missing. Hence, you don't get what the characters are feeling and exactly trying to convey. In all of this, you lose that emotional connect and this is where Fan disappoints. Fan could have been a really nice movie if the second part was handled carefully. Must watch for all SRK fans, other can give it a miss!
The Jungle Book (2016)
Great animation with a lot of hiccups!
The Jungle Book is perhaps the most popular story across the world which is equally loved by children and adults. That is for its sheer intensity, suspense, emotion and wonder beautifully weaved by Rudyard Kipling. Doing justice to this timeless classic is both difficult and important. This movie succeeds to a good extent but has its flaws, some really crucial ones. But let's talk about the bright side first. The animation and effects are simply mind-blowing. The subtle details are truly amazing. Neel Sethi seems to be seamlessly pulling off Mowgli. The screenplay is very gripping and the audience just cannot keep their gaze off the screen even a bit. The background score elevates the awe of the movie all the more. A great visual treat! Now the hiccups! While Mowgli's character is decently developed, Akela (his wolf father) is almost invisible in the movie with minimal character development. Sherkhan kills Akela in a snap. I personally believe that it deserved a lot more character and a lot more drama. There is no Tabaqui. While Tabaqui is not a central character, it is crucial to intensify the ploy. Sherkhan doesn't really scare anyone. That 'cruel king of the jungle' feel and the heavy voice are so missing. And then, Kaa's character is completely different, why? Because Kaa tries to kill Mowgli, unbelievable! The movie is so not Rudyard Kipling. Take your kids for the visual treat but nothing more!