Synopsis – A couple on the brink of a breakup are cheating on each other with two sexy outsiders. Whilst they’re waiting to reveal their secret and go their separate ways, life has other plans for them. My Take – Infidelity and extra marital affairs are a topic Hindi cinema filmmakers love visiting. Mostly in the form of comedies (Masti, No Entry, Pati Patni Aur Woh) … Continue reading Do Aur Do Pyaar (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A live television broadcast in 1977 goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation’s living rooms. My Take – For those who have been feeling wary about jumping back into found footage films, fear not, as the genre gets a clever update in this latest from Australian writers-directors Cameron and Colin Cairnes (Scare Campaign). Presenting their film as a lost episode of a 1970s … Continue reading Late Night with the Devil (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Complexities of modern relationships and self-discovery in the high-tech age are explored through interconnected stories of love, friendship, and identity. My Take – Back in 2010, riding high on the former wave of found footage successes seen in the west, director Dibakar Banerjee (Khosla Ka Ghosla, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!) delivered three stories centered on a honor killing, a MMS scandal and a … Continue reading LSD 2: Love, Sex Aur Dhokha 2 (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – The British military recruits a small group of highly-skilled soldiers to strike against Nazi forces behind enemy lines during World War II. My Take – Though filmmaker Guy Ritchie is known mainly for his grittier flicks, his specialty clearly lies in delivering action comedies. His latest too veers in the same direction and sees him head back to WWII era and shake the tired … Continue reading The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Kora and surviving warriors prepare to defend Veldt, their new home, alongside its people against the Realm. The warriors face their pasts, revealing their motivations before the Realm’s forces arrive to crush the growing rebellion. My Take – Filmmaker Zack Snyder‘s Netflix backed multi-million dollar Rebel Moon saga was supposed to be the answer to the Star Wars franchise. An exciting new dawn for … Continue reading Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Cecilia a woman of devout faith is warm welcomed to the picture-perfect Italian countryside where she is offered a new role at an illustrious convent. But it becomes clearer to Cecilia that her new home harbors dark and horrifying secrets. My Take – Every year sees the release of their own set of horror films centered on a nun who finds herself in … Continue reading Immaculate (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. My Take – While ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ arguably remains DreamWorks Animation‘s best franchise, the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ series of … Continue reading Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – ACP Avinash Verma (Manoj Bajpayee) and his SCU are called upon by the Commissioner of Police to investigate a mass shoot-out at the Night Owl Bar in Mumbai. Layers begin to peel at something bigger, deeper, and darker at play. My Take – Three years ago, ZEE5 released a mystery thriller, Silence…Can You Hear It?, written and directed by Aban Bharucha Deohans, which despite … Continue reading Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A love story centering on the connection between music and memory and how they transport us, sometimes literally. My Take – Indeed, music plays an important role in our lives. It connects people in ways beyond sharing similar tastes in genre or artists. While specific songs can remind us of a memorable event, some others can bring back vivid memories from our past particularly … Continue reading The Greatest Hits (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Follows the life of pop star duo Amar Singh Chamkila and Amarjot Kaur, whose songs that were social commentaries or devotionals became massive hits in the 80’s. My Take – With directorial works like Socha Na Tha (2005), Jab We Met (2007), Love Aaj Kal (2009), Rockstar (2011), and Highway (2014), and writing works like Ahista Ahista (2006) and Cocktail (2012) filling up his … Continue reading Amar Singh Chamkila (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – With their contrasting personalities and maverick methods, Bade Miyan and Chote Miyan need to overcome their differences and labor together to transport the offenders to impartiality and preserve the day. My Take – Despite releasing alongside Karan Johar‘s directorial debut, the massively successful ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai‘, director David Dhawan‘s comedy venture starring Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda in double roles managed to win over … Continue reading Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Inspired by the Indian national football team coach and manager Syed Abdul Rahim, who is regarded as the architect of Indian football. My Take – Though India remains a country where cricket continues to be worshiped as the ultimate sport, a massive amount of people, particularly from the states of West Bengal and Kerala, still continue to throng towards football. Indeed, while the current … Continue reading Maidaan (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church, but encounters a darkness that causes her to question her faith and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that hopes to bring about the birth of evil incarnate. My Take – Released in 1976, The Omen became a staple in the horror genre by introducing many recognizable tropes, such … Continue reading The First Omen (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A coming-of-age love story that follows an aspiring creator with synesthesia, who must come to terms with an uncertain future, while navigating the pressures of love, family, and his Brazilian culture in Newark, New Jersey. My Take – I got to be honest, despite being familiar with the hilarious Diego the puppet from Instagram stories and YouTube shorts, I was complete unaware of who … Continue reading Música (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A girl who becomes a surrogate mother, becoming the relief for couples with issues. My Take – Though often credited to have started the discourse around the hushed-up topic of surrogacy to the Hindi speaking audience, the Abbas Mustan directorial, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (2001), painted with every and all maddening stereotypes, couldn’t have handled the concept of arrangement any worse. Hence, it wasn’t … Continue reading Dukaan (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – When a contract killer has a rapidly evolving form of dementia, he is offered an opportunity to redeem himself by saving the life of the adult son with whom he had been estranged. My Take – A hit-man with a spotless record facing an unexpected challenge is probably the synopsis of a dozen crime thrillers that release every year. And in his sophomore directorial … Continue reading Knox Goes Away (2023) Review!!
Synopsis – How the BBC obtained the bombshell interview with Prince Andrew about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. My Take – The statement, “An hour of television can change everything”, certainly rings true of the infamous 2019 episode of BBC Newsnight. An hour-long interview in which anchor Emily Maitlis interviewed Prince Andrew about his friendship with the Jeffrey Epstein. The landmark moment in … Continue reading Scoop (2024) Review!!!
Synopsis – Advocates to end homelessness, organize an annual tournament for Homeless men to compete is a series of football matches known as The Homeless World Cup. My Take – Who doesn’t love an underdog story? Particularly an uplifting sports one? Something which portrays how passion and humility in a game can change lives, especially for those who have lost their way. On that front, this … Continue reading The Beautiful Game (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A young man, Aren, is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance: making white people’s lives easier. My Take – While the recently released highly acclaimed directorial debut of writer-director Cord Jefferson, American Fiction, acted as an absurdist and clever satire response to how white liberals require an outlet to empathize with … Continue reading The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A renowned photojournalist returns to his alma mater as a guest speaker, reminiscing about his carefree school days and first love My Take – I think we can all agree that being a teenager was never easy, especially considering the hormonal upheaval. Yet, at this age when we are burdened with responsibilities and literally live by the clock, it is quite nostalgic to think … Continue reading Woh Bhi Din The (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – While trying to salvage her career, a disgraced journalist begins investigating a strange conspiracy theory. But as the trail leads uncomfortably close to home, she is left to grapple with the lies at the heart of her own story. My Take – Though single location set films make for an easier production, the bigger challenge they face is to sell their intriguing premise and … Continue reading Monolith (2023) Review!!
Synopsis – Tanvi Shukla, a lawyer in Patna’s lower court, who is living her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. My Take – Who doesn’t love a good legal drama? Particularly those centered on a David vs Goliath kind of fight. Often delivering a tantalizing mix of intrigue, moral quandaries, and courtroom theatrics. And while this latest Arbaaz Khan production, which is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, … Continue reading Patna Shuklla (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – This latest entry follows up the explosive showdown of Godzilla vs. Kong with an all-new cinematic adventure, pitting the mighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence – and our own. My Take – Ironically it’s been only a few weeks since Godzilla Minus One (2023), the critically and commercially acclaimed Japanese … Continue reading Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024) Review!
Synopsis – Follows three hard-working women as their destinies lead to some unwarranted situations and end up caught in a web of lies. My Take – While last week saw Kunal Khemmu strike perfect balance between legit situational comedy and heartfelt moments, in his all praise deserving directorial debut, Madgaon Express, this weekend sees his Lootcase (2020) director Rajesh A Krishnan do almost the same, but … Continue reading Crew (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Shirley Chisholm makes a trailblazing run for the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination after becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress. My Take – Having become a fan of her performances in If Beale Street Could Talk (2018), for which she picked up the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, the under-looked yet excellent The Harder They Fall (2021), and the acclaimed HBO … Continue reading Shirley (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A woman returns to her childhood home to discover that the imaginary friend she left behind is very real and unhappy that she abandoned him. My Take – Though, Blumhouse, the house of horror has franchises like Insidious, Paranormal Activity, The Purge and recent Halloween trilogy to its name, its mainly gained fame for yielding neat profit by producing a string of low-budget well-received … Continue reading Imaginary (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – The journey of three childhood friends who embark on a trip to Goa that goes completely off-track. My Take – Having well proven his comedic skills in films like Dhol (2007), Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge (2009), Golmaal 3 (2010), Guddu Ki Gun (2015), Lootcase (2020), and of course, the blockbuster Golmaal Again (2017), it was only inevitable, following his excellent showcase as a dialogue writer for … Continue reading Madgaon Express (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – In the midst of India’s struggle for freedom in 1942, a brave young girl starts an underground radio station to spread the message of unity, setting off a thrilling chase with the British authorities during the Quit India movement. My Take – While the struggles and sacrifices made during India’s fight for independence has been the subject of many features, this latest Prime Video … Continue reading Ae Watan Mere Watan (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – An ex-UFC middleweight fighter ends up working at a rowdy bar in the Florida Keys where things are not as they seem. My Take – You have to admit, films starring the late Patrick Swayze, mostly the popular ones, though still simple, silly and fun, haven’t particularly aged really well. Such has also been the case of the 1989 Rowdy Herrington directorial, Road House, … Continue reading Road House (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – The story of how reggae icon Bob Marley overcame adversity, and the journey behind his revolutionary music. My Take – Admittedly, I never knew much about Bob Marley. Other than occasionally stumbling upon and enjoying some of his popular songs, I was aware of only basic facts like how the legendary reggae pioneer inspired many with his philosophy on life and love. Messages that … Continue reading Bob Marley: One Love (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – After terrorists hijack a passenger plane, an off-duty soldier aboard devises a strategy to defeat the hijackers and ensure the passengers’ survival when the engine fails. My Take – It’s never a good sign when a particular film keeps getting pushed from its release date over a span of three years, showing a rather lack of confidence in the final product. Such a case … Continue reading Yodha (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – During a murder investigation, a non-traditional police officer turns a spotlight on an array of suspects. He steps into their world as an outsider, only to find there is so much more than what meets the eye. My Take – Indeed, whodunits continue to be the flavor of the season as Netflix serves its latest in the form of this Homi Adajania (Cocktail, Finding … Continue reading Murder Mubarak (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Jamie regrets her breakup with her girlfriend, while Marian needs to relax. In search of a fresh start, they embark on an unexpected road trip to Tallahassee, but things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals. My Take – With films like Fargo (1996), The Big Lebowski (1998), No Country for Old Men (2007), True Grit (2010) and … Continue reading Drive-Away Dolls (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt. Thrown into a cave with a fire-breathing dragon, she must rely on her wits and will to survive. My Take – Like most, I too love a good fantasy story. Especially a one that offers a revisionist take … Continue reading Damsel (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A timeless tale of battle between good and evil with a family embodying the forces of righteousness while a man symbolizes malevolence. My Take – Marred by clichés and melodrama, gone are the days when horror used to rule the box office of the Hindi speaking belts. Forget the scares, these so-called supernatural dramas even missed the mark when it came to providing … Continue reading Shaitaan (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – When three childhood best friends pull a prank that goes wrong, they invent the imaginary Ricky Stanicky to get them out of trouble. Twenty years later, they still use the nonexistent Ricky as a handy alibi for their immature behavior. My Take – Though writer, producer and director Peter Farrelly, known famously as the Farrelly brothers along with his brother Bobby Farrelly, gained fame … Continue reading Ricky Stanicky (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Half a year into his solo mission on the edge of the solar system, an astronaut concerned with the state of his life back on Earth is helped by an ancient creature he discovers in the bowels of his ship. My Take – Despite his preference to star in goofy and loud comedies, as evident by his roles in films like Punch-Drunk Love (2002), … Continue reading Spaceman (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Journey that delves deep into the complexities of friends. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant college festival, the movie explores the intricate dynamics between two friends whose paths diverge and ignite a fierce competition. My Take – Ever since he marked his directorial debut with the cult classic Shaitan (2011), Bejoy Nambiar has been often considered as one of the most versatile … Continue reading Dange (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – It’s a jolly mess when two young brides get lost from a train. Set in 2001, somewhere in rural India. My Take – Ever since its conception in 2001 with the Oscar nominated Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, Aamir Khan Productions has gained a reputation for being an esteemed production house which, with the exception of Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), delved mainly … Continue reading Laapataa Ladies (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. My Take – Three years ago, filmmaker Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049, Arrival) did the impossible by adapting author Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi novel Dune as his next project. Cited as the world’s best-selling science fiction novel, over the years, the series has been widely influential, … Continue reading Dune: Part Two (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – The incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Dafoe). My Take – If you’ve seen The Lobster (2015), The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) and The Favourite (2018), you know what to expect from a Yorgos Lathimos film. Known for his intentional odd, quirky, … Continue reading Poor Things (2023) Review!!
Synopsis – Follows a girl fighting to get justice for her slain brother by corrupt police officers. She enlists the help of an ex-con and his former partner, they face a highly regarded and well protected police sergeant who doesn’t want to be. My Take – Released in 2019, at the height of superhero fame, director Jeff Chan and writer Chris Pare adapted their own 2016 short … Continue reading Code 8: Part II (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A coming of RAGE love story about a teenager and her crush, who happens to be a corpse. After a set of horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the two embark on a journey to find love, happiness – and a few missing body parts. My Take – When it comes to most famous monster stories, alongside vampiric tales of Dracula and … Continue reading Lisa Frankenstein (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – The journey of a man from the slums of Mumbai to the world of underground extreme sports. My Take – While Vidyut Jammwal, a trained martial art expert, has proven himself to be indeed quite a spectacular Indian action hero, since his debut as an antagonist in the fairly thrilling Force (2011) opposite John Abraham, success and deserving spotlight continues to evade him as … Continue reading Crakk: Jeetega… Toh Jiyegaa (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – After 2016 Kashmir unrest, local agent Zooni Haksar chosen for secret mission by Rajeshwari to end terrorism and conflict economy by abrogating Article 370 without bloodshed. My Take – While the troubles in the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir has been the subject of many Hindi films before, particularly revolving around terrorism and Pakistan’s interference in causing dis-stability, this latest one tackles the contentious … Continue reading Article 370 (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Cady Heron is a hit with the Plastics, an A-list girl clique at her new school when she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George. My Take – Upon release back in 2004, the Lindsay Lohan led teen comedy, Mean Girls, directed by Mark Waters, written by Tina Fey, and based on Rosalind Wiseman‘s 2002 book … Continue reading Mean Girls (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – When a Delta Force team is ambushed in enemy territory, a rookie officer (Liam Hemsworth) refuses to abandon them. Their only hope lies with an Air Force drone pilot (Russell Crowe) as the eyes in the sky during a brutal 48-hour battle for survival. My Take – At this point the concept of a solider stranded in enemy territory trying to make it back … Continue reading Land of Bad (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – From debut feature film writer/director Laura Chinn, a semi-auto-biographical coming of age story about a young woman dealing with her brother’s serious illness. My Take – Taking care of a sick one is hard. There’s so much that goes with it, and only those who have personally dealt with it can truly paint the right picture. With grief at its center, this latest Hulu … Continue reading Suncoast (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – Cassandra Webb is a New York metropolis paramedic who begins to demonstrate signs of clairvoyance. Forced to challenge revelations about her former, she needs to safeguard three young women from a deadly adversary who wants them destroyed. My Take – While they deserve full credit for backing the ongoing ‘Spider-Verse’ series of animated films, a live action cinematic universe based on Spider-Man characters, but … Continue reading Madame Web (2024) Review!!
Synopsis – A woman who along with her newborn try to find their way home as environmental crisis that submerges London in flood waters and sees a young family torn apart in the chaos. My Take – While disaster films generally adopt a CGI-heavy approach to sell the said calamity on screen, but, this British feature sees first-time director Mahalia Belo and screenwriter Alice Birch (Lady … Continue reading The End We Start From (2023) Review!!
