Change Your Image
JoaquimGonsalves
Reviews
The Great Indian Escape (2019)
A great story with soul held back by budget and a somewhat uni-dimensional film.
Let me start off by saying, as an actor and film-maker myself since 2012, a finished film is always a huge milestone. I've seen others and myself, either not following-through or putting projects on hold. And that's a tragedy. So film-makers will always be respected.
Overall, I felt the film was lacking that oomph to lift it up to higher success. I'm no expert by any stretch but it seemed a little short on perspectives.
I really like how the actual real-life heroes were incorporated in the film. Hats-off for that. (not a spoiler)
In terms of performances, I felt like the lead actor was lack-lustre. Some of the other performances were a highlight though. Asheesh, Nimesh, Rohan, Raaj Singh Arora and Tushar Phulke were really great!
Above all that, the main goal of this film is to bring to light the fact that life doesn't come with capes, perfect bodies and magic but with blood, sweat, tears and everyday folk. Our soldiers, navy and air-force being the best of us. Right up there with world changers like Bill Gates. That is what real heroes look like.
And to make a film howcasing their bravery is what's important. Which, once you look past the flaws, this film has certainly achieved.
The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened? (2015)
What an incredible documentary!
A must watch for aspiring film-makers and anyone who loves movies enough to care about the collaborative work that goes on behind it. I'd like to think it's the same as having your family or spouse say, 'I want an abortion.' Can't even begin to imagine the pain.
The artwork, the concepts, the ideas, with Tim Burton at the helm, it probably would have made a masterpiece that would be talked about for years. Like one of them said. "It wasn't made and we still are talking about it." Almost 20 years later!
Personally I don't think it would have brought the studio the numbers at the time, considering Warner Bros'. bad run of luck and the very fact that the audience back then may not have been ready for it. The cinephiles of today though, with their healthy diet of superhero movies, would have thrown money for a story like this. (This documentary was funded largely by a Kickstarter campaign, so there you go)
But when you see what they rather made with the previously allocated budget? (Man, you will be shocked.) You'd perhaps say, they should have gone with "Superman Lives" instead.
A big shout of appreciation to Jon Schnepp for getting this made. An even bigger hug to the entire team for being brave enough to relive the memories.
Tomorrowland (2015)
A welcome break from superheroes and reboots.
I don't usually review movies, but this one deserves appreciation. Disney's Tomorrowland is surprisingly(to me) a very good film. Delivering a strong but subtle message rooted in our reality while giving us visuals and concepts that don't disappoint. As with anything sci-fi, go with an open mind. That's what you did with every new experience as a child and this story certainly tugs at that little curious kid you once knew inside. Disney does what it does best but director Brad and writer Lindelof definitely had the freedom to explore the world they created. I feel that in terms of acting range, Hugh Laurie was underused. But having said that, his character fits well with the tone of the film and he does have some of the most important lines in the story. Excellent performances by Britt Robertson and Raffey Cassidy, a wonderful age appropriate character played by George Clooney, relationships that stand out for their innocence and a moral to our future. Inspiring, fun and a treat to the eyes. I wouldn't mind watching this one again.
Man of Steel (2013)
Inspiring, emotional and action packed!!
The very opening of the movie made me exclaim: "That's how you tell a Superman story!" Some really epic battle sequences. I found the dialogues quite apt too. I haven't been a follower of the comic books. But from the little I have read and seen, some of the scenes coupled with the dialogues made Superman leap out of the colored pages for me. I credit that to Snyder's style. Soundtrack is surprisingly subdued compared to when I hear it by itself, during which I find the OST absolutely inspiring. The climax, if you haven't seen the movie yet is best appreciated from a story arc stand point. Emotional hint for the sequels. So maybe that will help understand it's raison d'etre better. If you've already seen the movie, then the previous statement hopefully justifies it. I'm agnostic (no offense to those who aren't) but I found the subtle references to Christ quite thrilling. The biggest USP of the movie of course is one Mr. Cavill. Heard of him? No? Oh he's just some guy who has fought kings alongside Zeus, dressed up in victorian outfits, shared screen space with a certain slumdog, was called fat Cavill in school, would be seen in his country's army if not for theatre and acting. And he also happened to pack on some huge pounds to physically embody the last son of Krypton. A worthy successor to the late great Reeves. And yes, forgive me for being a Cavill fan. But anyone who can astound a seasoned senior fitness and gym trainer with his near limitless pumping abilities and doesn't let fame and fortune affect his humility wins brownie points in my books always. No wonder IMDb has him ranked at No. 1 ever since the movie was released.
Dylan Sprayberry, who plays a teenage Clark was pretty good too.
Russel Crowe did a fantastic job too and I was very happy to see more of Jor -El. Kevin Costner is simply perfect in his role. Diane Lane is just what you would want a doting mother from Kansas to be.
Amy Adams is what you would want a modern day Lois to be. The one from the Christopher movies was good for it's time. But I prefer this Lois more.
Michael Shannon has the most wonderfully written character according to me. I guess I like this interpretation of Zod much more. Simply because you actually can relate to him. He's done a superb job at it! You actually feel for him and I totally agree with Snyder and Goyer's vision of grounding the Superman folklore into modern day reality. Some staunch followers may cry hoarse that parts of the movie do not stick to the comics. but I guess they simply forgot to watch it as a "MOVIE." There's a reason for why they can do what they can do. There's a reason for why Clark is so human despite being physiologically alien. Yes, I am aware you know that reason to be the Kent family, but watch the movie and hopefully you will appreciate this to be the best way to tell Clark's human side. If not I challenge you to come up with your own. It ain't as well made as you would expect it. But the second sitting for the movie certainly did it for me. I was honestly more vulnerable to the emotional aspect the second time around. Mind you some of the fight scenes are quite quick(cough*understatement*cough). So keep your eyes peeled for some easter eggs.
Finally my biggest take away is when he learns how to fly. That of course being the most wanted Man of Steel power to have. And the team nailed it there:)
Pardon me for the few comparisons that I made. I couldn't help myself.
Overall, the foundation has been set for the sequels very well. Definitely worth watching twice at the most (tin 2D for the very pleasant colors) and for the story. Inspiring, emotional and action packed!
There's still a lot more that I have not mentioned, but I leave that for you to enjoy while watching. I have deliberately written a neutral review and not filled it with my drool. I probably will watch it as many times as I can. :P Enough said.
Iron Man Three (2013)
Waste of talent and money.
Shane leaves you in a Black hole of disbelief with his plot holes. And Sir Ben Kingsley has chosen the worst role of his illustrious career. My fellow reviewers have laid it down on a platter for you dear readers. Enough said. Oh sadly I have to tax my digits more as I have to post a minimum of 10 lines. OK 8 9 10? no? Fine. 5 more lines to go right? Okay. I will ensure I waste some time along with your wasted talent and budget. You asked for it. Now face my music. I promise I won't be harsh. And unlike you I will hold good on my promise. With all your experience and skill, why couldn't you see that the majority of the modern audience will not take gladly to such a deceiving trailer? I love IronMan and I love the Marvel Universe. But why? Why oh why? The storyline had so much good going for it. I feel you guys have tricked Sir Kingsley too somewhere. Favreau, your amazing and so is Black in his own right. But I guess you did not give him enough tips. You could have kept two villains and achieved a lot more. Mandarin, the arch enemy and Killian his accomplice. How could Kevin Feige even allow this? All you had to do was hold good on your word. Here's my take after I saw the movie. Mandarin: 'You'll never see me coming.' Tony Stark: Bitch Please! No one wants to see you Coming.' (Pun intended) This is me in a light mood. You don't wanna see me get rude. I gave you a 6/10 cause I belong to the industry and I know it takes a great deal. Also, I paid for 3 shows but attended only one. Unfortunate for me. Consider that a donation to make a better movie next time. I still love y'all for what you do. One word of advice from what I have learned in my short life. 'Always, always, Under-promise and Over- deliver.'