omkar1984 Reviews

Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022– )

Quite professional handling of a crime story.

[7/10 · 20 April 2024]

How does this series shine in comparison with general Netflix (hideous)crime thrillers?

• Sparing use of cuss/swear words.

• No nude or sexual scenes.

• Hardly any nauseating drama, loud scenes.

While some agenda does creep in now and then, they have ensured that they don't glorify a abhorrent criminal. I particularly liked the scene where SP Amit Lodha is unperturbed by Mahato's threatening and says that it's immaterial how a criminal is made, he has to be stopped.

The cast have done well, especially Avinash Tiwary(hails from Bihar), Abhimanyu Singh(hails from Bihar) and Ashutosh Rana. The dialogue writer and directors have tried their best to add authentic Bihari touches wherever possible.

'Aiyye na hamra Bihar main' is a catchy song. Advait Nemlekar(composer), Sagar(lyricist) and Keerthi Sagathia(singer) have given a soul to the series.

The series does grossly divert from the real-life proceedings, especially the part where they have shown massacring of only one side but have hidden the other.

Overall, it is a pleasant watch in spite of being a crime plot based on real events.

Swatantra Veer Savarkar (2024)

Attempt to give justice to VDS.

[8/10 · 24 March 2024]

While several flaws exist with from cinema/movie perspectives, the movie has dared to quote several inconvenient historical facts. It also highlights lesser known aspects like VDS - MKG meeting, Lenin's active help to revolutionaries via VDS, BRA's opposition Congress's support for Khilafat movement, VDS's path breaking work about Dalit rights, guidance provided by VDS to SCB for taking Japanese help.

A single film lasting max 3h cannot give justice even to a minor historical event. This film has fared well to cover several important aspects of life of a stratospheric, legendary human being.

The starcast has done well except some choices that were inherently unsuitable e.g. Santosh Ojha as Lokmanya Tilak, Rajesh Khera as MKG. While commendable, Hooda's attempt to recite Marathi poem neither appeals to the Marathi audience nor does enlighten the non-Marathi ones.

The brain behind, the lyricist and the singer(!) of the rap song at the end must be sent to Kaalapaani.

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Give this franchise a rest!!!

[5/10 · 24 March 2024]

Kung Fu Panda 4 *5/10*

The movie franchise started to go downhill from Kung Fu Panda 3, and now it has hit another low.

Absolutely inane screenplay, lacklustre new characters, tampering with the established characters, shabby background score(they thankfully reused 'Oogway ascends' from the first part), lack of its pristine humour, dazzling but unnecessary action sequences - the list of disappointments in unending 💔. They couldn't even correctly reproduce Oogway's staff!!! It looks more like a cheap toy than an ancient staff :(

I think it is time they give a rest to this franchise before the fans start to boycott.

Cross of Iron (1977)

Realistic action but hodgepodge screenplay

[6/10 · 26 January 2024]

It is undoubtedly an impressive WW-II action film. The trench warfare and the desolating human loss leaves an impression on the viewers.

While I could relate to the anti-war tone of the film, the elements of truth spoken by the Wehrmacht(Heer) soldiers, the plot also has cliches like Wehrmacht soldiers being good and SS being the only villains.

The actors have done their best but still their age cannot be hidden - they look more like pensioners deployed to battle than regular frontline soldiers. Steiner's delusional laughing amidst gunfight was another absurdity.

It is a good watch but still overrated, and disappointing in terms of screenplay, casting and overall presentation.

Mosul (I) (2019)

Misses most of the targets, yet a good watch.

[6/10 · 17 October 2023]

As an outsider with zero background knowledge/context: Pros:

• Cinematography.

• The emotional impact.

• The hazards, and price of urban warfare (door-to-door, town-to-town fighting).

Cons:

• I watched the movie till the end but still couldn't figure out the objectives of the S. W. A. T team.

• I doubt that no one else was fighting to liberate Mosul. There has to be TECHINT, HUMANINT, supplementary/paramilitary forces. How come a S. W. A. T team moving headless is the only one finding and killing the terrorists?

• Lack of showcasing modus operandi of the ISIS(how they operate tactically, their Intel. Network, recruitment, etc.).

• The S. W. A. T team literally attacks a stronghold with handheld weapons and 10 men? You gotta be kidding me!

Overall, it is a nice watch but leaves much desired.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

One of the most lame screenplays!

[5/10 · 12 August 2023]

MI has joined the league of the action hits of the 80s, 90s(Terminator ,Die Hard, Rambo, and so on)that were inscrutably dragged, thereby, turned into a suffering! These stars, and their fans (I'm guilty myself)don't know where to retire a franchise!

It has one of the most lame screenplays I have ever seen for a movies with so immense star value. I ain't even writing about the other pathetic aspects of the movie. I was so bored even by the action sequences that were the only distraction for the audience from the ridiculous plot, and inept direction.

Avoid the wastage of time and resources by going to a multiplex or so.

Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan (2007)

Good, but could have been better!

[6/10 · 17 September 2022]

I liked the rugged terrain panoramas, the brief depiction of the lifestyle, the restraint shown by the script writer in taking sides, the background score, and so on. It is a good movie for those who don't know much about Genghis Khan.

The movie could have been a bit longer in terms of running time. They dedicated too much time to Temudjin's family life, and escapades. The Battle of Chakirmaut is a landmark in Mongolian history, yet, it is shown naively.

I don't understand the generalization done when casting - why cast Japanese, Chinese actors as leads while the Mongolians have distinct facial characteristics? Like the female lead, why weren't the other actors chosen from amongst the ethnic Mongolians?

I hope the sequels, if any, fix these shortcomings.

The Way Home (2002)

Masterpiece! Emotional whirlwind.

[9/10 · 17 February 2022]

We often hear a lot of noise around 'Humans getting materialistic, losing values and emotions, becoming apathetic towards others, becoming selfish to the core' but simple and intuitive elaboration of this isn't often done. Well, watch this movie, and you will realize it effectively.

The background score is good but seems off at some places e.g. During some melancholic scene like the closing one, happy/merry melody is used.

Scenes that made an impact (yes, that's the word!):

• The first nasty moments of the movie are when the disturbed mother brings her spoilt and inconsiderate brat to the village. She shamelessly puts responsibility of her brat on her fragile and old mother whom she hasn't seen or written to in 15 years since she ran away from the house. The brat doesn't mind hitting his own mother or grandmother. She blankly tells that the brat will not share any of his food(WTF! Seriously??). She doesn't even look back at her mother who wants her to stay at least for the night!

• The brat exhibits himself like a masterpiece of abominable and abhorrent parenting throughout the movie - saying, and writing cuss words about his grandma, stealing her only hairpin for pawning, throws away her shoes, and in spite of getting a meal at restaurant, Choco pies, doesn't even take the small bundle with him in the bus (forces her to carry it!). The movie is swamped with such scenes ...
• The grandma's stoic and tolerance actually made me livid but that was quite unfair of me - it was the kind of forbearance that millions of humans, especially women, manifested across centuries in many Indian and Asian cultures. When her hairpin is lost, she uses a spoon. She walks all the way from the town to the village because she ends up spending every penny meeting the demands of the brat. Such scenes form another flood where viewers might struggle to stay afloat.

• The social structure where people look after each other - this is something even today's Indian and Asian cultures might relate, realize, and hopefully preserve. The bus drivers, kids like Cheol-yi helping out the elders wherever possible, the old woman in the town that grandma meets regularly, the aged and fragile cycle-carrier man, the village folk leave a mark. The grandma gifts some medicine/nutrition to the ailing, and old cycle man who believes that he is just a dead wood now causing suffering to others, and insists that the grandma should consume those nutrients, which she denies.

• A partial transformation of the brat into an acceptable boy is shown inadequately, nevertheless, realistically. As soon as he receives a letter from his mother, he attempts to teach his grandma to copy some important messages, leaves a bunch of threads woven in the eyes of needles, spends time creating ready-to-post messages behind his play cards, leaves her a memento, and at least promises to return if she her health fails.

Directorial mettle:

• The grandmother isn't even named in the entire movie.

• She is not shown exhibiting any emotions except the scene where her daughter rushes back to the city. The viewers are left to see ordeals and experience themselves. Even when she cries the only time in the movie, the camera is facing her back, showing her wiping her tears.

• She is always toiling, but the only moment she is shown sitting idle for a moment is a touching one - she just stares over the mountains, jungle, and the sky!

• Only once she is shown to even mildly protest is when she doesn't ask the brat to put thread in the eye of the needle.

• The conversation between grandma and the old woman in the town is touching - the woman packs Choco pies as a gift for the brat but the grandma's dignity permit it, and she gives some farm produce as a return gift. While leaving, the old woman says to the grandma "Do visit again, and before anyone of us dies".

• The ending scene is quite melancholic - the grandma walks up the rubble path towards her home, steady and alone.

The movie is an epitome of how living close to nature, real humans makes you humble, a giver, tolerant, hardy, frugal. If planned and executed properly, such a lifestyle can bring peace and contentment as well.

Going along the main theme of the movie - do respect your elders, especially grandma/grandpa and older generation, and dedicate some time to them. After all, they won't be around long enough to slow you down or waste your time!

3:10 to Yuma (2007)

Starts well, fizzles out later

[6/10 · 16 February 2022]

The cast has done the job well - impoverished Dan trying to save his family and honour, Wade as the boss, the sadistic but smart Prince, the good-natured Doc, the seasoned bounty hunter McElroy, the exasperating Tucker, the meek but righteous Butterfield and so on. I liked the background score as well.

The sets are not bad but somehow, the entire cinematography lacks the charm, and grandeur of the rugged terrain showed in the classic westerns that came half a century ago. Seemed too modern and hastily put together pieces of various elements of that era.

The biggest problem is with the script. Maybe, it made sense in the 1950s or earlier whenever it was originally written but in general, I find it unconvincing that seasoned criminals like Wade would even think anything that Wade is shown doing in the climax. The other gaping holes in the script are the bandits not charging Dan's house at night, not trying to obstruct the railroad, Wade killing his entire gang.

The commendable acting by a superb cast is the only aspect that has has helped the movie do good, but nothing much here.

Drishyam 2 (2021)

For the philosophy, not for the thrill ...

[8/10 · 21 February 2021]

If we think from legal and (police) procedural viewpoints, the screenplay is riddled with logical fallacies. Not only the climax seems far-fetched, it also re-exposes the fallacies of Indian cinema in making professional police investigation movies(I agree that this is a thriller per se, NOT a cop movie). So, from a suspense/thriller perspective, I think the movie is average.

In spite of all the pitfalls in the screenplay, I am rating this movie high because of it's philosophy: 1. The protagonist lives in a constant fear, preparing and bracing for the next danger. In a way, it is a punishment worse than accepting the crime. 2. In spite of being punished in a way, the protagonist doesn't give up. One should not be lackadaisical after a catastrophe but learn from it and brace for another. 3. As the head of the family, he keeps his family isolated from the looming dangers and his stressful countermoves. The whole facade is shown effectively. 4. Mohanlal's acting - the man knows how to play the character!!! The climax scene 'He is observing us and preparing his next move', the shame he feels while facing the boy's parents and many other places in the movie are a proof of his solid performance.

The background score was/is unnoticeable.

I think they have kept options open for another sequel. If it comes out, I'll be glad.

The Unknown Soldier (2017)

A good watch but nothing impressive or memorable.

[6/10 · 20 December 2020]

The Winter War and the Continuation War are lesser-known wars for people belonging to the Indian subcontinent, like myself. To gain an overall understanding of the Continuation War, I picked up this flick.

For almost a 3h long run, the movie provides scanty information. The actions scenes seem repetitive. We barely see any of the Russian side - weapons, counterattacks, close shots of their tanks and dive bombers, etc.

Did the Nazis and Finnish Army fight side-by-side? Other than a few mentioned in the movie, which geographical areas and major battles were part of this almost 3 year war? Many such questions remain unanswered. While I understand that the novel on which the movie is based itself isn't intended to have a large scope, when you create an expensive and long film like this, you should try to raise the bar!

The actors have done their parts well - no one seems unnatural or loud or overly dramatic. Background score and cinematography suit the premise.

Overall, it is a good watch but nothing much informative or memorable here.

Thani Oruvan (2015)

Sheer waste of time! Avoid!!!

[2/10 · 20 December 2020]

Sheer waste of time - utter rubbish! Except one logical point made in the beginning of the movie and Arvind Swamy's rendition of the antagonist, everything in the movie is excruciatingly disappointing - the screenplay, acting, background score, action sequences, etc. Avoid.

Raatchasan (2018)

Engrossing and fearsome but script has aplenty flaws ...

[8/10 · 13 December 2020]

A typical crime thriller that keeps the viewers engaged and apprehensive. I often get upset while watching such movies which highlight the perilous facts like inadequate and ill-equipped police forces, myriad criminals and pyschos at loose, lack of awareness among the masses about prevailing dangers and the never ending saga of innocents losing their lives to psychopaths(and even if captured, the psychopaths feeding on taxpayers money for decades!).

Ram Kumar has done a commendable job in gradually mounting the tension. In spite of the considerable duration, the movie doesn't appear sluggish and the unrelated events have been restrained.

The sets are commonplace but still seem scary, especially the hideout.

The screenplay is a bit weak and clichéd - police investigation missing out on simple details and procedures(I couldn't believe that despite of spotting the van, they don't take any pictures, do not alert the traffic and other police to trace and stop it!), the coincidence wherein Arun takes the same auto-rickshaw, the post-mortem indicating no rape but the arrested teacher is a rapist and so on.

Overall, the movie is well-made and engaging work. When it ends and the viewer rethinks about it, the fear and stress prevails but the loopholes in the plot cannot be ignored.

The One and Only Ivan (2020)

Emotional whirlwind, including guilt as a human!

[8/10 · 14 November 2020]

Story of a gorilla brought up in captivity(enclosures, mall, circus) but towards his life's twilight, was released into various zoos. Based on true events(much sadder than depicted in the movie), it is a movie that should be watched by kids, teenagers and adults alike. A touchy, sentimental and sombre tale of animals that suffer because of the humans. There are only a handful of human characters in the movie and each one of them leaves a good impression on the viewers, especially, Bryan Cranston as 'Mack' as a caring but practical mall/circus owner.

The Longest Day (1962)

A sheer classic of the WW-II league!

[8/10 · 29 August 2020]

One lesson I have learned a bit late is that one has to be fair and considerate while evaluating 'old' movies. Such movies were made in a era which was probably way different than we have ever experienced, or we can ever contemplate.

First of all, the makers of the film deserve an applause for their ambition and execution of a film that tries to cover an unprecedented event like the D-Day.

I took an instant liking to the movie since it lacks the overly dramatic and loud depiction of wars/battles. The restlessness and other practical problems caused when millions of soldiers are assembled, the uncertainties, the challenges when several leaders from various countries are working together and so on are highlighted. They have given adequate footage to the various events in right chronological order(airborne landings, the French Resistance in action, the beach landings). I was quite happy to view the scenes that showed the funny, tragic incidents e.g: a paratrooper landing in the lawn of German high command residence and sarcastically apologizing, another falling in the well, a slaughter that ensues when a bunch of paratroopers land near a church in middle of a village. The Atlantikwall, the confusion in the OKH, the conflicting command structure, the unpardonable mistake of not unleashing the Panzer divisions, and Luftwaffe's unavailability were touched upon. Overall, I found the approach and rendering quite professional (for many, it is more of a documentary than a movie but that's an absolutely ridiculous assessment!). When I later read about the movie, I discovered that many actual participants of the D-Day were the military consultants and actors for the movie.

The potential flaw in this, as well as many other B&W epic films, is casting actors who were way older than the characters. The action(if any!) of Allied air force, the paratroopers holding their positions overnight, aren't covered. Having said that, it's a 3-hour movie and one must not expect it to have everything one expects!

A sheer classic of the WW-II league!

The Enemy Below (1957)

The saying 'Old is Gold' perfectly fits this movie

[8/10 · 27 August 2020]

A straight movie that focuses on tactical maneuvers between a submarine(a U-Boat) and a destroyer. For common men like myself, this movie offers a bird's eye view of the techniques like sonar scanning, triangulation bearings, procedures and protocols on a warship and a submarine, the sangfroid of the leaders, the lurking perils. I found the enemy warship manual kept in the submarine, particularly interesting. The depth charge explosions felt quite realistic (close to the actual footage shown in the WW-II documentaries). The hypothetical problem that the American captain asks his deputy to solve made me feel less disappointed with my schooling where we solved such mathematical equations and I always wondered 'Why on earth am I doing this?'.

They seemed to have used a real Buckley-class destroyer escort ship. I was a bit disappointed with the end where a destroyer ramming a U-boat but it seems it really happened! The lack of VFX back in the days make such movies appear more realistic.

I often feel irritated when the war movies depict the leaders in battles, especially, naval as hysteric and loud people. I believe the depiction in this movie is closer to the realityh. Even the actions scenes don't seem senseless and impractically intense.

As common with the B&W movies, there is an incessant background score. I am unsure if the destroyers travelled alone and without any air support for long hours, especially, after a close contact with enemy submarines is reported. The actors seemed to be a bit older for the characters but I may be historically wrong here.

The saying 'Old is Gold' perfectly fits this movie, it's better than the modern submarine movies that I have watched.

Run Silent Run Deep (1958)

Must-watch for WW-II enthusiasts

[7/10 · 21 August 2020]

While the history and naval/submarine experts might have mixed opinions about the movie, as a naïve WW-II enthusiast, I liked the movie for it's depiction of the submarine and destroyer action. In 90 minutes or so, the viewer can experience a bit of everything - the environment in a submarine, the jargon and submarine maneuvers, the perils, the cat-and-mouse game between the rivals, the game of chance and advantage and so on. There were several surprises for me: 1. Depth charges shown so ineffective even while exploding by the sides or beneath a submarine. 2. Smoking in a submarine? Seriously??? 3. Choice of actors - were the submarine crews so 'old', including the captains? 4. Somehow, I felt that the entire crew is quite laidback even during the most dangerous events e.g: a hatch leakage, depth charges incoming. I mean they might be professionals and battle-hardened but still their expressions and behaviour sounds out of place.

Overall, it's a must-watch movie for WW-II enthusiasts.

Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (2016)

Engaging, even though fizzles in the climax.

[7/10 · 27 July 2020]

Pros: 1. Star cast feels genuine and each one fits well in their respective characters. 2. No disturbances by loud music(either background score or soundtrack), the viewer can focus on the flow. The credits score is good to listen. 3. They have kept the length of the movie in accordance with the screenplay.

Cons: When the movie started, I told my wife that this guy is definitely not Deepak's friend's son(one can tell this after watching a couple of thrillers). As the movie progresses, the loopholes in the screenplay hint an experienced viewer about the upcoming disappointment in the climax e.g: Deepak doesn't even note Vaishnavi's phone number (later, asks the neighbor), she is able to leave without any hassles, the lack of camera coverage at the crime scene (and Deepak not asking any questions, yet comes up with the theory!), not tracing Shruti's phone or call history, Deepak being unconcerned about someone standing outside his house for long, and so on. Of course, the climax is unconvincing.

Overall, the combination of the screenplay and other factors mentioned in the 'pros' section make this movie impressive.

1917 (2019)

Poor screenplay but rest is good

[6/10 · 9 February 2020]

A sombre and humble WW-I film. If one has read even an overview of the battles of the WW-I, the horrors of trench warfare aren't unknown and this is where the movie begins. The sets of the trenches, the state of the hygiene, living conditions of the soldiers, the horrid views of the no-mans-land and the barbed wires etc. are depicted well enough to make the viewer uneasy. The landscapes of the French countryside, the devastation caused by aerial raids are captivating. The dogfight scene came as a pleasant surprise! The supporting actors leave an impression, even if their roles last barely a few minutes on the screen. MacKay has played his role immaculately, in fact I could relate what I read about the transformation the wars bring in men. With a runtime of barely 2 hours, the movie offers a lot. Since my primary parameter of evaluation has always been the screenplay, I hate to say that the screenplay was unimpressive. I have no idea of the frontline battles but even if one wants to avoid detection of large groups, fast pace and secrecy, I can't believe that such a crucial task can be enlisted to just two soldiers. The incessant background score reminded me of the similar exasperation that I faced while watching 'Dunkirk'. The background score makes sense only if used sparingly. Overall, the presentation, acting, cinematography and the overall execution of the movie is commendable but these strong elements can't salvage the screenplay.

Fatteshikast (2019)

Notable attempt to portray a legendary surgical strike

[7/10 · 20 November 2019]

Another notable attempt to revive the period films, especially, about Chattrapati Shivaji. The cast has done well, especially, Harish Dudhade as Bahirji is far better than Prasad Oak(cast in 'Farzand' and was intolerable). The music is pretty good except the closing song which is utterly unimpressive. I'm happy that they haven't shied away from making a considerably long movie. Many facts regarding the legendary raid on Lal Mahal are highlighted, as also the challenges faced by 'Swarajya' and it's soldiers.

The movie is riddled with flaws:

• Around 1h 30 minutes is dedicated to pre-1663 events, this should have been shortened and more details of the raid and it's planning should have shown
• The casting has gone wrong at several places, notably for characters of Shaistekhan, Fatteh Khan and Kartalab Khan.
• While some of the Maratha sardars were well-built, the obsession with 6-pack abs, Koyaji singlehandedly lifting a cannon, the dramatic duels during the raid etc. are dampeners
• While historical inaccuracies can be ignored (e.g: Ramzan fasting/Roja was ongoing during the raid and most of the sentries and other staff used to stuff themselves with food which caused lethargy), Chattrapati Shivaji charging unescorted was the most ridiculous and unbelievable sequence, so was he chasing Shaistekhan alone. 5-6 Maratha soldiers were killed in action and many were wounded inside Lal Mahal and they haven't shown this
• Last but not the least - the limping of Indian cinema on the path of technically solid movies. The Umberkhind ambush is one of the legendary battles/skirmishes in the world but is depicted so amateurish that they would have avoided it altogether!

Despite of all the shortcomings, it's a commendable and welcome attempt to present the epics from a legend's life - Chattrapati Shivaji!!

Hirkani (2019)

Technically lame, filmmakers need to raise the bar

[6/10 · 31 October 2019]

Another example of how the Indian cinema falls short on the technical aspects of filmmaking! The running time of the movie is around 100 min.(which itself is too less for any period film, should have been at least 140 minutes or greater) out of which around 20 minutes are dedicated to Hirkani's legendary descent. This is core of the film and is dismal. Maharashtra has hundreds of accomplished climbers who have trekked across the Sahyadri. They could have helped with guessing and projecting the possibilities of how Hirkani would have descended in a freestyle way but such efforts don't seem to manifest. While Sonalee Kulkarni's makeup and acting is surprisingly good, the other actors fail to make any impression, including Prasad Oak as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Actors utilized for characters of Kavi Bhushan, Bahirji Naik, Pant(now it's unclear if they were taking about Moropant Pingale or Ramchandra Pant Amatya!) and others are unsuitable! There is not a single view(VFX-based) of how majestic fort Raigad would have been in 1670s, moreover, they didn't bother to show how Hirkani Buruj and the western cliffs look today(remember, Raigad was termed as 'Troy of the East'). The music somehow doesn't suit a period film. I will continue to watch and encourage period movies, especially about the Maratha empire but the filmmakers need to raise the bar much higher, put blood and sweat and create technical and historical masterpieces.

Joker (I) (2019)

Watch it as an independent psychological thriller but not as a 'Rise of Joker' film.

[6/10 · 4 October 2019]

A film with a laudable performance by Phoenix. The film highlights several unpleasant aspects: 1. The PBA disturbance which I doubt the masses(which includes me) are aware of and the traumatic life such a person may lead 2. The effects of the lack of medication for such a disturbance or the effectiveness of such medicines, in first place 3. The never-ending saga of bullying 4. The general insensitivity of the media and talk show hosts.

The background score of the movie is good but is an overkill.

The screenplay of the movie, the themes and the in general the origin story/retrofit is not only unconvincing and flawed but also seems to deliver a wrong message. 1. The obsession of linking Joker/Fleck to the Wayne family - Fleck's mother's history, Wayne Enterprise employees beating up Fleck and finally the ideological assassination of the Wayne family by a protester 2. Fleck being adopted and having suffered childhood abuse is such a lame and clichéd plot aspect used by the writers 3. Plausible: Lack of medication, disturbing discoveries and sort of revenge causes Fleck to go on a killing spree and even enjoying the attention that he receives unexpectedly Implausible: Social commentary by Fleck on the show, his sudden liking to riots and chaos. I couldn't believe that they send a detective/psychiatrist to meet Fleck in jail but she's unaware of his disorder and thinks that a PBA-suffering Fleck is laughing at some joke!! Seriously? Are the police and other agencies do dumb to not investigate history of such a criminal? 4. While it's unfair to go into too much of details, I don't understand how a person who likes to dance and become a stand-up comedian would end up having a predilection and some talent in chemical weapons, dynamite, explosives etc. Which are Joker's speciality? Is the viewer supposed to assume that the Fleck cultivates these skills from scratch after he turns into 'Joker'? 5. Last but the most important point - Joker, as we know since ages, is a class-I psychopath who feels no remorse or emotions and enjoys killings and chaos. While such psychopaths get a bit influenced by their surroundings, they are genetically/pathologically having some issues that makes them what they are. In this movie, they somehow try to come up with a cocktail of reasons that give rise to Joker. The worse part is the that riots, vandalism and criminal activities are portrayed as a natural outcome of expressing your discontent.

Overall, the movie is a poor origin story of an iconic psychopath like Joker. Watch it as an independent psychological thriller but not as a 'Rise of Joker' film.

Dances with Wolves (1990)

A glimpse of the wild west frontier ...

[7/10 · 3 October 2019]

While the plot of the movie itself is unimpressive and obvious, the movie scores well in all the other aspects. 1. The actors have given justice to their characters, especially the tribal leaders. The emotions are depicted appealingly 2. The viewer gets a brief idea about the lifestyle of the Indian tribes, the climate of the wild west, the situation of frontiers during the civil war, the wanton and marauding behaviour of the white hunters, the enmity and skirmishes between the tribes, the survival challenges posed by the Americans to the ethnic Indians and so on 3. The cinematography highlights the above aspects quite well

There are several shortcomings: 1. The background score is not only monotonous and an overkill but almost no attempt is made to include any 'Indian/Native' flavour! 2. The theatrical run was almost three hours but I landed with an extended version of 4 hours! While I managed to watch the entire movie, I couldn't figure out what did they gain by adding another 60 minutes? They could have focused on the developments in the Union, the Indian Wars and so on but the movie simply revolves around the life in the tribal camp

Overall, the movie is good watch if you have the patience to watch a 4-hour long movie.

The Magnificent Seven (1960)

A pathetic remake of Akira Kurosawa's classic(Seven Samurai)

[4/10 · 29 September 2019]

A pathetic remake of Akira Kurosawa's classic(Seven Samurai). In 2h or so, the film doesn't engross you even for a minute for reasons galore: 1. The personalities of the gunfighters aren't developed well in the screenplay. They just assemble together out of the thin air. Lee is shown to have some PTSD but the depiction is so lame that it could have been left out altogether. The attempts to bear resemblance with 'Seven Samurai' are so halfhearted that it seems a mockery e.g: Chico's bitterness towards gunslingers for scaring the villagers, in general. 2. The actors look more like stars than broken or aimless gunslingers. Each of them gives an impression of a cultured soldier than a bounty hunters. The makeup and the costume designing are misplaced 3. The village/sets are a major disaster. Except for a bunch of corn lying on the floor seen in the beginning of the movie, one doesn't see any fields or get a feeling of a village that depends on cultivation. The houses are not shown properly, the barricade techniques(!) employed by the gunslingers are ridiculously and inadequately shown 4. The background score - LAME. 5. Chico walking straight into the camp of bandits and escaping unscathed without being recognized was the most absurd scene in the movie. The action scenes are equally boring and unrealistic. The climax scene seems to have shot in haste and each gunslinger seems to be hell bent on committing suicide by exposing themselves and without shooting! 6. Eli Wallach may be memorable for his work in 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' but in this movie, he is mostly disappointing except in the scene where he explains how practical he is regarding his bandit business.

Overall, it's a sheer disappointment. I am clueless how, even in retrospective, can this movie receive any accolades! Avoid.

Hostiles (2017)

Brittle screenplay but powerful acting performances

[7/10 · 28 September 2019]

A glimpse into the the era during the Indian Wars. The actors have done their part quite well, without exceptions. Christian Bale and Wes Studi make a persisting impression. The overall tone of the movie is sombre, complemented by the background score. The cinematography is captivating and goes quite well with the flow of the story. Then what's lacking ? Well, the soul of the movie - screenplay! Just in a matter of several days of travel, a hardcore native-hater(who's a field officer) becomes friends with the natives, a hotchpotch of themes - Indian Wars, PTSD, morality, brutality gives a sense of confusion on the screenplay writer's and director's part about what they exactly wanted to convey to the viewers. The climax is even more melodramatic that shatters the already brittle storyline. Overall, it's a good movie if you can ignore the screenplay immaturity and appreciate sombre but powerful performances by the actors.