Fingernails is a very interesting story since it deals with a unique concept. Its about a test done by a machine that calculates whether a couple are in love or not. With the results of the machine being seemingly "accurate", your relationship is either make it or break it. So, with a plot like this, I was hooked right by the start. There is a retro futuristic vibe in it that I really jammed with.
I think it has a…
May December is a deeply uncomfortable work of art with complex characters. Todd Haynes crafts a film layered with an unsettling and awkward atmosphere that revolves around an actress doing her research about a very controversial subject. The characters have a shade of grey inserted in them and so, you are at least able to empathize with them and yet understand their extremely devious actions that has had an effect on so many lives and shaped their very outcome. The…
The Holdovers is a delightful yet poignant film with drops of apt comedy sprinkled around it making an absolutely beautiful film that has depth, heart and soul. Its the essential Alexander Payne film if you are familiar with his works. It is set in the 1970s and designed just like a picture from that decade. It has that vintage, old-timey feel to it and that works so well with the overall quality and look of the film. It's a full-on…
I am now done with the Craig Bond films with this one and it's a great farewell to Bond. This film wraps up a decades long story and the character arcs. First of all, Daniel Craig finishes off in style as always nailing his role. Lea Seydoux is wonderful and probably my favourite Bond girl from this franchise. Then, the surprising scene stealing role by Ana De Armas. Her character shines and is a nice contrast in terms of personality…
Different people have their different version of their own "Golden Age" and for our main character in Midnight In Paris, that time period is the whimsical and romantic era of the 1920s in France. As they say, nostalgia is a powerful drug and it can really skewer someone's perception of their reality. I think the film tackles that notion really well especially with dialogues that presents us endlessly that perhaps life is always going to be a little "unsatisfying". Whatever…
Spectre is nowhere near as bad as people are making it up to be. Yes, it does not surpass the brilliant Skyfall but it encapsulates the Bond lore and expands it more than ever. The action scenes are the best in this film especially the close combat sequences that are greatly choregraphed. The cinematography is also really good this time around as well. Lea Seydoux and Dave Bautista are new additions who are exciting characters of their own and bring…
I am surprised by the ratings and what the general consensus seems to be about this film. For me personally, Only God Forgives is a visceral, poetic and feverish film that grabs you with its moody atmosphere and characters. Nicolas Winding Refn continues what he did with Drive but makes it more subdued and quiet this time around. The film operates in a Eastern styled Western if that makes sense especially how the camera evokes old Western angles and how…
Skyfall really felt like a proper James Bond film. Thats what happens when you bring a capable filmmaker like Sam Mendes who delivers the good in near perfect shape. The film has intense action sequences, interesting characters and the highest calibre of excellent cinematography, set design and colour grading. Not to forget but the film also serves a memorable villain courtesy of Javier Bardem who brings his A-game and portrays a complex and emotional character.
This film also explores Bond's…
Third time's the charm then. I say this because I tried watching it two times before and had to turn it off since it always felt so boring. Starting right after the first one, Quantum Of Solace is a borderline questionable entry for the Bond franchise. The story is rather interesting but it's not expanded well enough to let it flow and settle in. The characters are written as disposable items and are often used to generate a shock value…
I was bored and tired watching The Wailing since it felt overly long and dull. I was actually enjoying the film as it started when it had this tense and misty atmosphere. It shaved off that tone quickly and for 2 hours, I was suffering from tonal whiplash. Its a horror film but I never sensed anything like that while watching it. The film honestly had a lot on its plate and never found that balance to keep it steady.…
Rumble In The Bronx rumbles good on the action scenes. There are so many great and frankly insane stunts to be seen. Some of these are really creative in how they are used in sequences. Jackie Chan leads the way fighting, dodging and generally doing stunts so out there that you can't help but be at awe. Plus, his famous bloopers are always so entertaining to see since you can see how much hardship Jackie and his stunt group go…
There is a certain comfort and light heartedness in the film as you see the cast of characters bond so closely and create a short-lived "family" of sorts. We see them go through daily activities in life confined in the spaces of an inn and its surroundings as they engage in conversations, walks, food and sleep. I loved the warm and compact nature of the film. The vibrant characters are just cherry on the top that makes it a delight…