Vada Chennai (2018)

written by Anu Gopinath

Vetrimaran’s Vada Chennai, the first part of his ambitious trilogy sets the tone for an ultimate gangster flick which may well go down as one of the classics in the history of Indian cinema!

My Ratings: 4/5

With his film Vada Chennai, directorVetrimaran, in this first instalment, draws the battle ground and the pawns like a painter taking his time to pour out his life’s work in to the canvas. Each character is well defined, their shades, grey and the clouds of vengeance, ever looming!

One has to hail the brilliant efforts of the director as he successfully manage to sponge up the hard life of the fishermen. Dialogues are spontaneous, jokes never seemed to be forced and the language very much limited to the slang and colloquials of the slum dwellers.

Supported by a brilliant cinematography by Velraj, the director does an astounding in capturing the stench of rural perception in the life of the people and its colony, where dreams of a man starts at his doorstep and ends in the garbage bins of the same colony.

Vada Chennai tells the story of Anbu (Dhanush) a gifted carrom board player who inadvertently gets involved in the clock and dagger games of two rival gangs.

The movie if played in chronological order will come short of a decent action flick. But it’s the brilliance of Vetrimaran and the editing team lead by G.B.Venkatesh to present the movie the way it is presented, ever holding the cards close to their chest, tantalisingly revealing each cards, one at a time n each one of them making the storyline turn a corner, keeping the audience engaged and at the edge of the seats. 

The story goes back and forth in time and the narrative is so crisp and the editing so impeccable that each story is left hanging at a tantalising point before the director jumps to continue with thread of the next story, leaving the audience in an agonising wait while their fertile imagination tries to fill in the rest.

Music and background score by Santhosh Narayanan is an absolute revelation.

India  finally wakes up to the idea of the strength and power, a decent background score holds in the grand scheme of things. Santhosh Narayanan relies on the local folk songs, soft rock and at times even punk rock to set the tone of the movie. But his talent of deciphering the director’s perception of the story comes to the fore when he saves a “gem of a move” up his sleeves and reveals it  by letting the silence accentuate the boisterous effect of the compounding suspense in many scenes. Result, drool- worthy!!!

Dhanush as Anbu is brilliant in his portrayal of a simpleton who inadvertently get sucked into the scared games of betrayal and vengeance of mafia gangs.

Aishwarya Rajesh lends good support to Dhanush as his love interest and plays the supporting role to perfection.


The director has retained the core of the supporting cast of his previous cop-flick Visaranai and SamuthirakaniDaniel Balaji,KishorePawan, Radha Ravi and Aamir play their part to perfection and holds the different story lines of the movie together through their gritty performance.

So the board is set! The game is afoot! And Vetrimaran in a move which can only be described as audacious and brilliant, gives the threads of all storylines into the hands of Andrea Jeremiah. And Miss Jeremiah, in a career defining  last quarter of an hour , waltzes into the storyline by not only tying up all the ends of the threads but also put a fucking bow on it!!!

Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5GG5HJ1hVk

Similar Interest: BEST OFFBEAT INDIAN CINEMA OF RECENT TIMES (10+1 LIST)

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com

Best of Bollywood Thrillers 2017 and 2018 (10+1List)

Best of Bollywood Thrillers 2017 and 2018

written by Souranath Banerjee

Nowadays thrillers are back in demand. But then again there’s always an appetite for thrilling stories in Bollywood, the problem is on the supply end of it.

Let’s face it, well made Indian thrillers are rare to find but fortunately this year we have just enough of Bollywood thrillers to make an entertaining list!

Hope you have seen them all, if not then go ahead and have a thrilling life!

10. The Ghazi Attack (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn2qOnKuOoc

Inspired by true events from the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971.

The film reveals the true story behind the mysterious sinking of the US loaned Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi when it stealthy ventured the shore of Visakhapatnam to destroy Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Directed by Sankalp Reddy, superb plot, a tad overdramatic but then again an entertaining thriller and surely India’s first ever Submarine war movie.

9. Blackmail (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDF1qdUtbzw

A man finds out that his wife is having an affair. But instead of the typical agitated confrontation, he secretly blackmails his wife’s lover for money!

Directed by Abhinay Deo, a comedy thriller pretty similar to the director’s earlier film Delhi Belly, the characters spiralling down through a vortex of chaos and mayhem. Irrfan Khan makes the film worth your time.

8. Raid (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h4thS-Hcrk

The story of a fearless Income-tax officer who dared to raid the mansion of the most powerful man in Lucknow!

Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, based on several real accounts of challenging tax-raids where influential people will go to any length to stop the officers from doing their work honestly.

Ajay Devgn and Saurabh Shukla at their best.

7. Mom (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hctApy_i-qg

Veteran actress Sridevi‘s last film as a protagonist, this is a perfect revenge thriller where a ‘mom’ when denied justice in the courtroom seeks vengeance over her daughter’s abusers in her own way.

Directed by Ravi Udyawar, often predictable but with fine performances from Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui the film stands out as a decent thriller.

6. Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN_9DnBh3hM

On 13 May 1998 Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee held a press conference to declare India as a nuclear state!

Directed by Abhishek Sharma, this film portrays the story of how Captain Ashwat Raina (played by John Abraham) plans and executes the mission of India’s second confidential nuclear test series at Pokhran.

Not only a thrilling story but a historic moment of triumph for our country portrayed in this film.

5. Monsoon Shootout (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdbAgeowew8

To shoot or not to shoot, that is the question! A rookie cop’s first assignment and he has to take a decision that will affect his life professionally and personally for ever.

Directed by Amit Kumar, good storytelling (structurally innovative), superb performances by  Vijay Varma, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Neeraj Kabi and Tannishtha Chatterjee. A must watch thriller indeed.

4. Tigers (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJxsiUvccuM

Coming from the Oscar winning director of No Man’s Land (2001) Danis Tanovic, this is the story of a pharmaceutical salesman in Pakistan (played by Emraan Hashmi) who challenges a multinational health care corporation realising that they are responsible for the death of hundreds of babies everyday!

Based upon a true tragic incident that took place in Pakistan in late 1990s and early 2000.

3. Ittefaq (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvfvoCdPrII

Kind of a remake of B.R. Chopra‘s 1969 film Ittefaq, directed by B.R. Chopra’s grandson Abhay Chopra.

One crime scene, two suspects and their two contradicting versions of the same murder, it is time for the detective to decide which story to believe and who to arrest!

Starring Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha and Akshaye Khanna this is one thriller that keeps the suspense till the end.

2. Raazi (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjMSttRJrhA

A brave Indian woman from Kashmir marries a Pakistani officer with a dangerous motive to spy on the Pakistani army.

Directed by Meghna Gulzar, superb acting by Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal and Rajit Kapoor.

An adaption of Harinder Sikka’s novel “Calling Sehmat” based of true events during 1971 Indo-Pak war. Surely the best spy movie of India till date.

1. Andhadhun (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iVYI99VGaw

A blind pianist must report a crime which he never saw! But then he seems to be always in the wrong place in the wrong time to see what a blind man should never have seen!

Brilliantly crafted by my favourite director  Sriram Raghavan, super cool performances by Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu and Radhika Apte. Undoubtedly one of the best thriller of recent times!

and (The ‘+1’ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Pihu (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhWLhuEhXm4

Here comes an out-of-the-box Bollywood concept – a cute two year old girl who finds her mom not waking up and Dad out at work, tries her best to make herself at home!

Directed by Kapri Vinod, beautifully performed by child-actor Pihu Myra Vishwakarma. Shot in one location, one character – a thrilling 1st half that goes a bit repetitive in the 2nd. A very different kind of thriller; according to me such innovative ideas should be encouraged more often!

A few other thrillers though not on the list but still worth your time are BaazaarLove Sonia, In the Shadows AjjiGurgaon, and Long Live Brij Mohan.

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 Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

The Nun (2018)

The Nun Review

written by Anu Gopinath

The Nun touted to be one of the most awaited horror flicks of the year, falls desperately short of expectations and one feels robbed off all the excitement and anticipation created by an exemplary original movie and a well made trailer.

My Ratings: 1/5

Last night, after a long deliberation and strong recommendations of my fellow CFians (The Members of the Official Cinema Forensic Film Club), when I finally watched the classic that is The Shining, I The-Nunrealized that it is considered a classic not because it scared the wits out of the audiences but because of the way it toyed with our minds! Mr.Kubrick used the story, the settings, the background score and the actors to successfully weave an intricate web of darkness in the hearts of the audiences, thus making us feel the horror and plight of characters!

But unfortunately the subtle points where Mr.Kubrick scored with his classic is exactly where Corin Hardy falters with his new flick The Nun.

Set as a prequel to the extremely successful Conjuring series, director Corin Hardy tries and tries in vain to explain the origins of one the most feared villainess of recent cinema history. The Valak!

The movie is set in the year 1952 with a priest and a sister being send to an abbey in Romania by the Vatican to investigate the recent suicide of a nun. The eerie settings of the abbey and competent cinematography of Maxime Alexandre makes the perfect setting for a decent horror flick!

Borrowed heavily from the likes of its predecessors and classics like The-NunThe Omen (1976), the movie on the onset, which had everything going for it, come a cropper the moment director failed to instigate suspense and intrigue in the minds of the audience and inadvertently looses their interest and attention!

Relying heavily on the rigmarole of the usual gimmicks of a below average horror show, it makes the mockery of a movie franchise whose original (The Conjuring 2013) is entitled with the honor of redefining this genre in the last decade!

The cast – Demián Bichir, Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet and of course Bonnie Aarons does a commendable job of holding the fort but their hard works are completely undone by a loosely written script which lacks in both substance and suspense! It neither The-Nunmanages to convince us of the origins of the spectacular villainess nor does it do justice to its originals!

The background score from Abel Korzeniowski which should have been the pillar of support to an already failing storyline, also fails to live up to the expectations and compounds to the misery that is The Nun!

The filmmakers often tend to forget that a movie just because it belongs to the horror genre doesn’t always need to be loud and dramatic. At times subtlety is the need of the hour to lure the audience towards the story and if possible have a more meaningful experience.

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com

The Shining – a plethora of confusions, reincarnations, theories and assumptions!

The Shining – a plethora of confusions, reincarnations, theories and assumptions!

written by Sebastian DK

In the year 1980, Stephen King‘s famous novel The Shining got adopted into a feature film (by the same name), directed by none The-Shiningother than Stanley Kubrick, casting Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers among others. A film that became a cinematic milestone and since then being celebrated around the globe as one of the top psychological horror movie ever made!

But then, how many of you have watched The Shining more than once just to comprehend the overall notion of the film – please raise your hands!

Well, to be honest I personally needed repeated viewings of this mystic feature in order to grasp the various complexities in the The-Shiningstoryline and also to dismantle the various theories that circles around this Kubrick classic.

And here are a few such theories that I hope will clear out some of the doubts which invariably people have after watching The Shining for the first time!

/ The 1921 Jack Torrance Photograph Confusion

I think this confusion could be cleared up to some extent (though not completely) with the help of certain points/facts placed under two theories: a) The Reincarnation Theory, and b) The Absorption Theory.

Before reading, keep in mind the fact that the hotel only reveals its dark magic when people are alone there. By isolating its inhabitants, the hotel illustrates how people behave differently when they know there’s no one else around.

a) The Reincarnation Theory:

There are many (tiny, easy to miss) hints throughout the film that suggest that Jack had been at the hotel before, and the present Jack The-ShiningTorrance is actually a reincarnation of the old Jack. These four hints stated below are the ones I found out to be the most significant:

* The bedroom conversation scene between Jack and his wife Wendy, in which Jack says, “I feel as if I had been here before”. One of the very first hints, and it actually points straight at ‘reincarnation’.

* In the washroom, Delbert Grady, during a conversation with Jack, says, “You’ve always been the caretaker. I’ve always been here”. Delbert implies that it was actually Jack, and not him, who was the The-Shiningactual caretaker of the hotel.

* During a conversation with the ghostly bartender Lloyd, Jack exclaims, “I like you, Lloyd. I always liked you”. Now that’s a strong suggestion that Jack sure had visited this place before, no?

* Jack is always at ease while being around or with ghosts. Though negligible, this fact is also a tiny suggestion that Jack was very much a part of The Overlook Hotel, in a different life, at a different time, and since he is used to it, he therefore blends in pretty well with the ghosts at the party/ball. Its all a normal occurrence to Jack, and that’s what Kubrick wants to show us.

b) The Absorption Theory:

Okay, if you wish to dismiss the idea of Jack’s reincarnation, go ahead, I say! Yeah we could do that since there isn’t anything solid The-Shiningthat confirms it, just mere dialogues that could very well be ignored. Now let’s look at it from a different angle.

It is possible to place a fact stating that “the photo might signify that Jack has been ‘absorbed’ from the present into the hotel’s past”. What if (a strong “if” here) Jack is a normal person who has been sucked into the hotel’s darkly violent spirit? My point is, its a horror movie adorned with a smooth touch of the supernatural, no? The message in that scenario might be that we can’t escape such powerful histories or forces of evil, and The Overlook Hotel was itself built on stolen native land and founded on cruelty.

Now we sure can give Jack the title of Mr. Protagonist, and the title The-Shiningof Mr. Antagonist to The Overlook Hotel. Funny, but actually makes (a little) sense!

In the reincarnation theory, Jack was always a part of the hotel. In the absorption one, Jack is merely sucked into it. Either way, Jack becomes a part of the hotel’s history and that’s all there is to it.

Many other things also come into play, like ‘environmental isolation leading to madness’, and (I’m repeating here) The Overlook Hotel itself being a supernatural evil spirit (“Delbert Grady opening the door to set Jack free” is a valid strong point as in this scene a supernatural force does a ‘real’ thing). But, to be honest, there is no specific clear explanation to anything at all, and I think the director intended to keep it that way.

/ The Charles And Delbert Grady Confusion

What about the two Gradys? Ever noticed Charles Grady being mentioned only once, while Delbert Grady is seen several times in the movie? Think it was a mistake on Kubrick’s part?
Confusing, no? I agree!

Ok here’s what…..
* The hotel manager tells Jack that his predecessor did hire a
‘Charles Grady who was totally normal to begin with, but lost his
The-Shininghead because of cabin fever (environmental isolation) and murdered his wife and two daughters and subsequently took his own life with a shotgun’. Nobody mentions Charles post that scene. (correct me if I’m mistaken, I don’t remember hearing ‘Charles Grady’ more than once)

* As for bald Delbert Grady, well, he is seen quite a few times in the movie. That dude is like a bad disease that won’t go away!
In the washroom, Jack encounters Delbert’s ghost (their first
meeting) and addresses him as the caretaker, also adding that he
recognized Delbert from the newspapers. But Delbert only replies
The-Shiningback saying that the caretaker is in fact Jack himself and not him (already stated above). Remember Delbert saying that one of his daughters attempted to burn the hotel down, so he had to ‘correct’ (kill) them, and also his wife when she interfered.

* Striking Common Fact: Charles and Delbert both ‘had a wife and two daughters each, and both committed familicide’.

So, about the confusion surrounding the two Gradys, I guess its possible to place three contrasting facts:

* Well, if ‘reincarnation’ is the trend here, then its possible that one
is the reincarnation of the other, and that both are from the past (Jack’s past).

The-Shining* Filmmaker’s error with the names.
I’m not neck-deep into this as Stanley Kubrick is one of the finest guys in the business. But he is also human. What do y’all think?

* Fun fact: What was baldo’s full name again?
Could be “Delbert Charles Grady” or even “Charles Delbert Grady”.
I mean, it sure is yet another strong fact that sure as hell satisfies the condition!

Hope this post clears most of the confusions surrounding the movie The Shining. Undoubtedly one of the most confusing, multilayered film, but then I believe that’s exactly the reason why it is also one of the greatest, and of all time!

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com

Best Netflix series you can watch right now (20+1list)

Best Netflix series you can watch right now

written by Souranath Banerjee

In 1997 a new company by the name of Netflix was founded by  Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in California with the idea of providing subscription-based streaming service from its library of Best-Netflix-seriesfilms and television programs. By 2012 they started their content-production of both films and television series under the name ‘Netflix Original‘. And at present they are the largest streaming service with 125 million total subscribers worldwide, operating over 190 countries across the globe!

Needless to say most of the top notch films and series of recent times are available only on Netflix, and don’t know about you but I often get damn confused while choosing from their vast library of awesome content.

And thus to simplify our search for quality binge watching here is a list of some of the Best Netflix series you can watch right now!

P.S – The Golden rule of watching any TV series is to remember that the 1st Season is always the best!

20. 13 Reasons Why (2017) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JebwYGn5Z3E

Best-Netflix-seriesA teenager going through high school is never been easy and this is one show that dares to speak up about the pressure, the temptations, the torments of a young mind and seeks answers to the brutally honest vulnerabilities of today’s youth.

Created by Brian Yorkey, this is about a guy who needs to backtrack in the past and connect the dots in order to know the cause of his friend’s suicide.

19. Dexter (2006) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQeUmSD1c3g

Best-Netflix-seriesA blood-spatter analyst for the Miami police has a secret life of his own – at night he hunts down murderers and kill them!

Created by James Manos Jr., a crime mystery with a twist where you want the serial killer to succeed in his missions.

Awesome performances by Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter. Highly addictive!

18. Sacred Games (2018) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28j8h0RRov4

Best-Netflix-seriesCreated/directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, this is the first Indian Netflix Original TV Series.

(Click for Review)

The story of the intertwined lives of a mafia don (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) nearing the twilight of his life and the struggles of an honest cop (Saif Ali Khan) trying to do right amidst a corrupt system.

17. Gotham (2014) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d1zpt6k5OI

Best-Netflix-seriesSet on the backdrop of the most dangerous city – Gotham, this series tells the story of a young Detective James Gordon (Ben McKenzie) and his rise through the police force to greatness.

Created by Bruno Heller, this is such an unique show where Batman (only a child) plays  the  second fiddle and you get to watch the beginnings of some of the greatest villain characters like the Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor), The Riddler (Cory Michael Smith), Fish Moony (Jada Pinkett Smith) and even The Catwoman (Camren Bicondova).

16. Arrested Development (2003) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXg2_yExgVY

Best-Netflix-seriesA refreshing comedy drama that enfolds the humorous tensions and conflicts within a so-called dysfunctional family.

Created by Mitchell Hurwitz, and Jason Bateman taking the lead – this is one of the very few witty laugh riots that perfectly fits the limited comedy options in Netflix.

Won multiple Emmies and still one of the highest rated TV series ever made!

15. Fauda (2015) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5zcu25_IG0

Best-Netflix-seriesThe Israeli Special Forces tries to take down the Palestinian Jihad organisation – the only series that narrates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and brilliantly weaves the issue into a thrilling tale of action, violence and emotional loss for both sides.

Created by Avi Issacharoff and Lior Raz, an underrated show yet highly addictive, brilliant performances and an intense storyline.

14. Ozark (2017) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hAXVqrljbs

Best-Netflix-series‘Most people just have a fundamentally flawed view of money’

A financial advisor gets in trouble with a drug cartel and is forced to relocate his family and come up with innovative schemes to make money.

Created by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams, and starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney in the lead – an intense drama with multiple thrilling plot twists.

13. The Punisher (2017) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIY6zFL95hE

Best-Netflix-seriesA Marine veteran (Jon Bernthal) whose family been murdered turns into a vigilante and all he wants is vengeance!

‘Those who do evil to others – the killers, the rapists, psychos, sadists – you will come to know me well. Frank Castle is dead. Call me… The Punisher.’

Created by Steve Lightfoot, an action packed crime drama that promises to engage you till the end!

12. Bloodline (2015) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRnS8FkcXNk

Best-Netflix-seriesAs the black sheep of the family returns home many past family secrets are to be spilled along with a bit of bad blood!

Created by Glenn Kessler, Todd A. Kessler and Daniel Zelman, probably the only 100% family drama available in Netflix which completely engages you through its brilliant characters and unique storytelling. Kyle Chandler and Ben Mendelsohn gives amazing performances!

11. Fargo (2014) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKs8DzjPDMU

Best-Netflix-seriesThis show is as popular as the Oscar winning film by the same name from the Coen brothers on which it is based on, maintaining similar storyline but with a fresh star-cast – Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Kirsten Dunst and Ewan McGregor among others. 

Created by Noah Hawley, definitely the best black comedy TV series ever made. Totally worth your time!

10. Stranger Things (2016) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWxyRG_tckY

Best-Netflix-seriesThe sudden disappearance of a young boy in a small town begins a hunt which eventually leads to dark government agencies and their rogue experiments that will turn the otherwise peaceful town upside down and put everyone’s life in danger!

Created by Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer (the Duffer brothers), a dark and twisted tale of horror that you can’t miss. Millie Bobby Brown shines as a child actor.

9. House of Cards (2013) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULwUzF1q5w4

Best-Netflix-seriesA cunning and vicious Congressman (Kevin Spacey) and his ever-supporting wife (Robin Wright) makes their way to the top of the political ladder while taking revenge on people who betrayed him in the past.

Created by Beau Willimon and directed by a series of acclaimed directors like David FincherJames FoleyJoel Schumacher and John Dahl – one of the best series ever made!

8. Daredevil (2015) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAy6NJ_D5vU

Best-Netflix-seriesA blind lawyer who transforms into a vigilante by night – this is the story of an unlikely superhero (Charlie Cox) with superhuman senses that allows him to see the world in an entirely unique manner.

Dark and violent, yet highly captivating with a terrific storyline.

Created by Drew Goddard, this Marvel series has some of the best fighting sequences ever!

7. Peaky Blinders (2013) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwXfVGjSz-4

Best-Netflix-seriesSet in 1919 Birmingham, England -this is one brilliant Gangster saga that has become one of the most popular shows in Netflix and rightly so.

Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Sam Neill and Tom Hardy among other in the acting department, top class story telling and brilliant cinematography! Created by Steven Knight, this is The Sopranos of our time!

6. Homeland (2011) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyFmS3wRPCQ

Best-Netflix-seriesA bipolar CIA operative becomes suspicious to the point of conviction that a war prisoner who is being treated as a war hero is actually been turned into an al-Qaeda spy.

Starring Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin and Damian Lewis and created by Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon, this is a perfect example of a high class espionage drama, thrilling and emotionally captivating at the same time!

5. Orange Is the New Black (2013) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLyUlTu4KbI

Best-Netflix-seriesPrison can be a life changing experience and who knows it better than the lead character of this show, a married woman (Taylor Schilling) who is convicted of a decade old crime of transporting drug money to an ex-girlfriend!

Created by Jenji Kohan, quick paced and quirky, and dealing with LGBT themes, this is one show which manages to be both emotional and funny at the same time.

4. Sherlock (2010) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK7S9mrFWL4

Best-Netflix-seriesOriginally created by Conan Doyle, the ever popular sleuth and his assistant are back and this time Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) are transported to our modern world where they solve unique crimes by the help of Sherlock’s ‘Deductive logic’ of course.

Created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, a thrilling, superbly edited show that guarantees your attention.

3. Narcos (2015) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7elNhHwgBU

Best-Netflix-seriesA series based on the real story of the rise and expansion of the Colombian drug cartels spearheaded by the cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura). And also about the brilliant effort made by a joint team of Colombian and US forces to eradicate the cartel.

Created by Carlo Bernard, Chris Brancato and Doug Miro, this is one of the most addictive series I have ever watched in my life! 

2. Breaking Bad (2008) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhesaQXLuRY

Best-Netflix-seriesA chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer decides to break bad and starts cooking and dealing drugs.

Bryan Cranston in his legendary performance and such an exceptional storyline – this dark comedy series is as addictive as any drug ever existed. 

Created by Vince Gilligan, this is one show that changed the whole game for the future of TV series!

1. Mindhunter (2017) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gZCfRD_zWE

Best-Netflix-seriesLate 1970s, in order to delve into the psychology of serial murderers two FBI agents (Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany) while researching on criminal behaviour interview some of the most prolific murderers of the time!

Created by Joe Penhall and some episodes directed by acclaimed David Fincher – this is at present the most exciting and dramatic crime thriller series to watch!

and (The ‘+1’ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Black Mirror (2011) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jROLrhQkK78

Best-Netflix-seriesA British Sci Fi anthology series, each episode a new story mostly based on futuristic worlds where technology have evolved into extreme advanced dimensions and we humans are trying our best to coup up with it.

Created by Charlie Brooker, brilliantly imaginative, often dark and satirical but thoroughly engaging. Even frightening to some extent as most of the episodes are uniquely scary and believable too.

Similar Interest: Sacred Games Review

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

Mission: Impossible – Fallout Review

written by Souranath Banerjee

Mission: Impossible – Fallout Review: If there is one movie that is meant to be watched and awed only for its Stunts – this is the one!

My ratings: 4/5

‘The end you’ve always feared is coming. And the blood will be on your hands. The fallout of all your good intentions.’

Finally got to see the latest adventures of Ethan Hunt, a fresh set of impossible missions that of course was made possible by Tom Cruise and his IMF team (no suspense there) and this time they call it Mission: Impossible – Fallout.

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie (his second MI directorial mission after Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation); the basic plot for this movie is simple enough, primarily hinging on Hunt’s emotional decision to save a life of his team member and while doing so complicating his original mission and risking lives of millions.

And speaking of his team members Ving RhamesSimon PeggAlec Baldwin – the original Impossible Missions Force (IMF) is back; and
yes, they all look pretty old and glum but still carry enough nostalgia
for the audience to look beyond those aged faces and enjoy their sentimental bonding instead.  

Henry Cavill fits in perfectly and proves to be a worthy opponent for Hunt. And beware – he is not a ‘scalpel‘ but a ‘hammer‘ and ‘He’s not Mission: Impossible - Falloutjust some observer. He’s an assassin.’

Both Vanessa Kirby as the sexy vicious White Widow and Angela Bassett as the calculative CIA head make their presences felt. Rebecca Ferguson is back with a twist of her own, Sean Harris resurfaces as the dangerous criminal mastermind, even Michelle Monaghan has a cameo, but unfortunately Jeremy Renner who was a part of both Ghost Protocol and Rogue Nation was no where to be seen!

But remember this movie is not about the plot, not even about star-cast or the performances, not about the cinematography, the editing or the background music (which are all pretty much awesome though), and definitely not about the suspense of completing the final mission. Mission: Impossible – Fallout is all about the
unbelievable stunts that have been performed throughout the movie with incredible accuracy.

There have been enough media hype over this and I am sure by now you all must be aware that Tom Cruise does most of his death-defying stunts himself and that is indeed an extraordinary feat for any actor, but then at the age of 56 – now that is what I call an impossible mission to accomplish! And hat’s off to Mr. Cruise’s Mission: Impossible - Falloutdedication and fitness level that he performs these stunts in supreme style and perfection!

Let’s first consider the 25,000 ft High-Altitude Low Opening parachute jump performed in Abu Dhabi for which Tom Cruise trained for an entire year and it is the first time ever that any actor have risked trying such an antic for a movie!

Then there is the helicopter chase in New Zealand for which he actually learnt to fly a helicopter – got both private and commercial pilot’s license, and finally did a Downward Spiral which most experienced pilots won’t dare attempt!

Also a helmet-free high-speed motorcycle chase through the busy Paris streets against the traffic and that too without any safety rig!

Then of course the infamous London roof-top chase where Tom had to leap from one building to another, unfortunately broke his ankle as he landed, still pulled himself up and completed the shot – because he Mission: Impossible - Falloutknew that he’d broken his leg and they wouldn’t get a chance for
another take!

And also there are those deadly hand-to-hand combat sequences, risky rock climbing moments, hanging for your life from a helicopter situations and some intense car chases just to keep you attentive for the entire 2h 27min run time!

Trust me, these stunts are the real reasons to go for this sixth franchise Mission: Impossible – Fallout and it is totally worth watching them on the big screen!

‘How many times has Hunt’s government betrayed him, disavowed him, cast him aside? How long before a man like that has had enough?’

Honestly no idea how long before Tom Cruise has had enough or in other words how many more MI instalments will be coming up in future but then one thing is for certain – for Mr. Cruise ‘age’ and ‘MI instalments’ are just a number!

Keep them coming I say!

Similar Interest: Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Best World Cinema of 2018 so far (10+1list)

Best World Cinema of 2018 so far

written by Souranath Banerjee

Half the year is gone and you film-buffs are counting the good ones you have watched. If not – then you should be!

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-farThis year World Cinema is really at its best, acclaimed directors from countries all around the world have given us some awesome films to cherish. Every genres touched, all emotions taken care of. A pretty complete experience!

Till now it has been what we film-lovers like to call it ‘a satisfying year’. Hope you agree.

And let’s also hope the rest of the year goes well. Fingers crossed.

So here we go – the Best World Cinema of 2018 so far. Relax and enjoy the flashback!

10. Lean on Pete (2017)

Country: UK

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzlazAyylw8

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-farCertain films through their simple emotional storytelling and natural performances leaves a certain mark on you.

Directed by Andrew Haigh, this is one such film that narrates a story of a young boy’s love for a horse and more importantly his will to survive all the adversities of life!

Charlie Plummer is a star who has all the signs to make it real big!

9. November (2017)

Country: Estonia

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzEcTKUHxJc

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-farSet in a Medieval Estonian village, where the villagers struggle to survive the winter by any means – and stealing is definitely the first option! A fantasy world where love can be manipulated by magic and folk remedies.

Directed by Rainer Sarnet, keep in mind that this one is certainly the most weird film in the list so that nothing can surprise you.

Especially beware of the ‘Kratts’.

8. Spoor (2017)

Pokot (original title). Country: Poland

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O96ZznajP5s

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-farA series of murders to which only an old lone woman has the clue. But will the others listen to her? A sophisticated crime thriller that makes the necessary appeal to stop murdering the wild life.

From the acclaimed director Agnieszka Holland (of Europa Europa fame) and Kasia Adamik, this unconventional movie that will surprise you, shock you and make you think of our current social responsibilities.

7. BPM (Beats Per Minute) (2017) 

120 battements par minute (original title). Country: France

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVAw7JfTqBU

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-farIn the early 1990’s France, AIDS flooding through the country like an epidemic specially in the gay community. A group of activists in Paris demand action from the government and pharmaceutical companies in order to combat this deadly disease.

Directed by Robin Campillo, this sensational film is so full of life and  also so important in depicting that particular period of chaos and awareness.

6. Foxtrot (2017) 

Country: Israel 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrBEDEmUceM

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-farA desolate military post guarded by young soldiers, and then there is a tragedy. The movie not only focuses on the grieved family of a deceased son but also takes a critical view on the Israeli military and the country’s overall political situation.

Directed by Samuel Maoz, a superbly emotional drama, slow yet riveting with some great performances and excellent visuals.  A must watch!

5. Bad Genius (2017) 

Country: Thailand

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLdhN4oMxCQ

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-far‘If you don’t cheat, life will cheat on you.’

A story inspired by true events where a genius student who makes money by cheating is invited to play on a bigger platform. And there is no price and place for failure!

Directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya, a tight script and solid performances keep you engaged throughout the crime drama.

4. The Death of Stalin (2017)

Country: UK

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPpXFnHoC-0

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-farA rare historical comedy that humorously narrates the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin’s last few days and the panic and paranoia that followed after his death.

Some of the most maddening historic moments told with superb style and wit.

Directed by Armando Iannucci, a film that makes you laugh even if you very well realise that the events are  not funny at all!

3. Sweet Country (2017)

Country: Australia

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaCiXd8wscI

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-farIn 1920’s Australia, an old Aboriginal goes on the run after shooting a white man in self-defense.

At the time when racism was in its full bloom, people are keen to hunt the man down and bring him to justice.

Directed by Warwick Thornton, based on a real life true crime murder case, this slow yet haunting movie depicts the dark times of Australia’s past judicial system.

2. The Day After (2017)

Geu-hu (original title). Country: South Korea

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv0QPchaINk

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-farThere are only a few films that can create such tragic situations which almost makes you laugh. This movie narrates one such story of love, compassion, deceit and pure emotional helplessness.

This is one underrated film from the acclaimed directed Sang-soo Hong that deserves a lot more attention.

The beautiful South Korean actress Min-hee Kim is such a performer! 

1. In the Fade (2017)

Aus dem Nichts (original title). Country: Germany

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyjnzhXJlHU

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-farA tragic bomb attack claims the life of her husband and her little kid and when the attackers are identified she demands justice. But then there is a thin line between seeking justice and taking revenge!

From acclaimed director Fatih Akin comes this unique story of retribution and vengeance.

Diane Kruger gives one of her best performances till date.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. 24 Frames (2017)

Country: Iran

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNSlQ9mmJ4M

Best-World-Cinema-of-2018-so-farAcclaimed director Abbas Kiarostami‘s final feature film before his death.

An experimental project that consists of a collection of 24 short four-and-a-half minute films inspired by still images, including paintings and photographs.

Shot over a period of three years, slow paced and yet beautiful to the eyes, a surreal experience definitely not for everyone’s taste.

Similar Interest: Best of World Cinema 2017 so far

Similar Interest: Best of World Cinema 2017

Similar Interest: Best Hollywood Films of 2018 so far

Similar Interest: Best Hollywood Movies of 2017 so far

Similar Interest: Best of 2017 you may have missed!

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Sacred Games ( TV Series)

Sacred Games Review

written by Anu Gopinath

The series takes a dark undertone from the word go and it’s highly appreciative of the directive duo for discussing the subjects of sex and violence with such level of authority!

My Ratings: 4/5

Long has been the content driven cinema taken a backseat and was pulled into the eroding deluge of memories of a lost generation who
revelled in their Bajaj and bell bottoms! Long has been the pride of Sacred-GamesIndian cinema taken a beating when the world was presented with the narcissistic, megalomaniacal and voyeuristic version of our life and cinema. The same pride that we earned and the respect that we commanded from the world cinema, which took eons of pain and hard work to achieve but still demanded the sacrifices of the lifetime of works of some of the greatest auteurs of Indian cinema like Satyajit RayGuru Dutt, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and company!

And when I completed watching the new web series Scared Games starring “the content “ in the lead, it is with absolute relief and pride that I can say, that all hopes are not lost for Indian Cinema!

Directed by two of the brilliant visionaries of contemporary cinema, Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap, the first Indian Netflix Original TV Series – Sacred Games tells us the story of the intertwined lives of a mafia don nearing the twilight of his life and the struggles of an honest cop trying to do right amidst a corrupt system. The series bears the rare stamp of authenticity and manages Sacred-Gamesto hit all the right tones in its adaptation of the Novel of the same name written by Vikram Chandra.

The series hinges on the story of the rise and fall of gangster Gaitonde, played brilliantly by Nawazuddin Siddiqui and how his life is intertwined with life of the honest cop, Sartaj Singh performed by Saif Ali Khan.

The TV series takes a dark undertone from the word go and it’s highly appreciative of the directive duo for discussing the subjects of sex and violence with such authority that was seldom seen in Indian cinema and has to be considered as one of their masterstrokes. The story deals with religious terrorism with a brilliant screenplay which has a heavy dose of bloodshed, sex, gore and violence and the end product which is devoid of any unwanted transgressions by the censor board, makes it a compelling watch.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the gangster with such elan and composure of an artist who is in control of his creation, taking his Sacred-Gamesown time to paint the shades of white when in love, dark when he’s avenging his enemies and grey, when keeping his comrades in line.

Saif Ali Khan has finally found his calling and he’s absolutely brilliant as the inspector Sartaj Singh and to his credit, underplays his role of a cop who is constantly being harassed, degraded and kicked around by his corrupt seniors. He in no way comes across as a conventional hero who fights the villains single handedly and saves the day. But he is our below average common man who is scared and thinks a hundred times before taking a step, an under performing overweight policeman who has a conscience, a simpleton who runs towards the warm embraces of his mother when things get too tough for him. And he absolutely delivers the goods with an astounding performance and
Sacred-Gamesfinally is given the platform to display his talents – the same talent which we had a few of the fleeting glimpses in the brilliant Omkara and Ek Hasina Thi. The Nawab is back and how!

But, when brilliance of Nawazuddin Siddiqui is always expected and Saif’s performance is worthy of appreciation, it’s the work of the supporting cast that completely steals the show and is what makes this series apart! Such is the depth and brilliance of their acting that one has the feeling of sitting in an Opera House and has been accorded the rare honour of seeing the brilliant performances of one sopran after the other, with each trying to outplay the other with the performances of their lifetime.

Sacred-GamesSpecial mention should go to Jitendra Joshi who was an absolute hoot as the constable Katekar, Rajshri Deshpande as Subhadra, Kubra Sait as Kukko, and then Neeraj Kabi and Geetanjali Thapa. Each and every single one of them gave a performance worthy of an ovation and carries the story on their shoulders and keeps the story moving.

Radhika Apte, the crown jewel of parallel cinema is surprisingly left with a role that is not as meaty compared to her colleagues but the woman holds her fort whenever pitted against the brilliance of Saif and the cast.

Superbly written by Varun GroverVasant Nath and Smita Singh, cool camera work and brilliant editing compounded with unique storytelling and absolutely mind blowing background score by Rachita Arora and Alokananda Dasgupta makes this thriller an Sacred-Gamesedge of the seat affair. Not to forget the perfect casting by Mukesh Chhabra Sacred Games is probably the best thing to have come out of Bollywood since Gangs of Wesseypur!

Sacred Games is, by no means over and with the serious talents of the likes of Pankaj Tripathi waiting in the wings and with a plot line left at an interesting juncture, one can expect a cracker of a second season in the cards!

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com, Sacred Games Facebook page

Best Hollywood Films of 2018 so far (10+1list)

Best Hollywood Films of 2018 so far

written by Souranath Banerjee

Half the year is gone and you film-buffs are counting the good ones you have watched. If not – then you should be!

This year Hollywood have given us some pretty decent movies and
then a very few really good ones. All genres touched – from Sci-Fi to Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-faraction, thrillers to comedies, horror flicks to coming-of-age dramas, biographies and even a couple of superb animated ones like Isle of Dogs and Paddington 2.

Then of course the two huge commercially successful Superhero movies like Avengers: Infinity War and Black Panther. And also Solo: A Star Wars Story for the Star war fans.

Till now it has been what we film-lovers like to call it ‘a satisfying year’. Hope you agree! And let’s also hope the rest of the year goes well. Fingers crossed.

And so here we go – the Best Hollywood Films of 2018 so far. Relax and enjoy the flashback!

10. You Were Never Really Here (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8oYYg75Qvg

Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-farWhen actor Joaquin Phoenix join hands with director Lynne Ramsay you expect something special and that is exactly what this film is.

A traumatized violent man who tracks down people for a living goes in search of a missing 13-year-old daughter of a senator but this time something goes horribly wrong.

An unexpected ending but totally worth the experience – a must watch.

9.  Hereditary (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6wWKNij_1M

Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-farThere are very few films especially in the horror genre that manage to keep the tension and disturbance flowing till the very end and this movie exactly does that and that too in terrific style.

Written and directed by Ari Aster, superb performances by Toni Collette, Milly Shapiro, Gabriel Byrne and Alex Wolff.

Certainly one of the best horror movies of this year!

8. The Rider (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlrWRttLTkg

Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-farA young cowboy takes a fall and is suffering from a fatal head injury. His passion, his career and the way he is being treated by others seem to be changing and he has to cope with his new life!

Written and directed by Chloé Zhao, an underrated film with great story telling, awesome performances and also visually stunning. Brady Jandreau in the part of the rodeo is so cool.

7. Eighth Grade (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8lFgF_IjPw

Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-farHighly underrated and yet a perfect coming of age comedy drama where a young girl tries her best to survive the last week of her eighth grade.

Written and directed by Bo Burnham, a witty and honest portrayal of that awkward age of a youngster where she is neither a child nor an adult – desperately trying to fit in and make her own mark. Elsie Fisher in the central character is absolutely brilliant!

6. A Quiet Place (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR7cc5t7tv8

Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-farA family trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where silence is the key, if you make a sound the deaf dangerous creatures will come looking for you. Basically you die.

(Click for the Review)

Directed by John KrasinskiEmily Blunt and John Krasinski at their best and Millicent Simmonds deserves a special mention in the acting department.

5. Tully (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5D3O4yCmCg

Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-farMotherhood with three little ones (including a newborn) is tough and hectic but then you can always hire a nanny to reduce the stress. And then if the mother and the young nanny starts sharing a certain bond between them – nothing like it!

Directed by Jason Reitman (of Juno fame), and great performances by Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis and Mark Duplass – a very honest film with good humor and drama.

4. Ready Player One (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSp1dM2Vj48

Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-farA young boy is more comfortable in the virtual gaming universe than the real one but as he starts winning the game he discovers the dangers of that crazy world!

Adopted from the famous Sci-Fi novel by Ernest Cline and directed by none other than Steven Spielberg – this is one awesome visual trip that you shouldn’t dare miss. Tye Sheridan and Olivia Cooke are just made for the roles.

3. Love, Simon (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0cbWdlQg_8

Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-farFor a teenager it is often difficult to come out as gay and that is why a young boy tries his best to keep it a secret from his friends and family but then he falls in love. And it is a secret no more!

Directed by Greg Berlanti, this is a unique witty drama, fine piece of storytelling, and Nick Robinson along with Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel are really perfect in their roles. 

2. Deadpool 2 (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D86RtevtfrA

Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-farRyan Reynolds aka Deadpool – the ‘Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary’ is back and all set to fight out the bad guys. And he is as funny and raunchy as ever. 

(Click for the Review)

Directed by David Leitch, with Josh BrolinJulian DennisonZazie Beetz and Karan Soni this second installment of the popular comic franchise is not to be missed.

1. The Tale (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXpYsr3AL4U

Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-farA brilliant mystery drama that forces a woman to go back into her childhood and e-examine her first sexual relationship. A perfect example of the psychology of repressed memory.

Written and directed by Jennifer Fox, this is a must watch film not only because of the sensitive and well narrated story but also for the brilliant performance of Laura Dern. Unfortunately highly underrated. 

and (The ‘+1’ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Annihilation (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89OP78l9oF0

Best-Hollywood-Films-of-2018-so-farA mysterious zone with strange creatures and plants that needs to be explored and a team of female experts are ready for an expedition of their lifetime.

Directed by Alex Garland, a spell-bounding visual treat starring  Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason LeighOscar IsaacGina Rodriguez among others. 

A well made Sci-Fi that demands your attention!

Similar Interest: Best Hollywood Movies of 2017 so far

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom (2018)

Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom

written by Anu Gopinath

“The difference between a great artist and an ordinary one is the ability of the former to know when to stop” – Sherlock Holmes.

My Ratings: 1.5/5

Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom review: Gone are those days when heart wrenching stories were told through the medium of cinema and timeless classics told the Jurassic-World-Fallen-Kingdompoignant tales of love, heartbreak and injustice.

Cinema was once the medium of common man through which he expressed his frustrations against injustice, his lament for his long lost love and his youthful exuberance of his triumphs. But while sitting through the tiring 2 hours of the latest installment of Jurassic Park, one cant help but wonder about the futility of the rigmarole that is “sequels”.

A movie riddled with scientific inaccuracies and mindless special effects, has the two main characters reprising their roles of the previous installment and gives a below par performance Jurassic-World-Fallen-Kingdomwhich makes the film a painful watch.

It is high time Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard give a long review of their resume and decide whether the characters they have done till now do justice to their abundant talent. With absolutely nothing new to offer the film huffs and puffs through its entirety with a wafer-thin storyline and below par special effects.

An almost non-existent storyline which borrows heavily from the first two installments, the director J.A. Bayona even dares to touch the controversial topic of human cloning in a desperate effort to hold the attention of the audience – but fails spectacularly!!!

The timeless classic that is Jurassic Park (1993) has stood the test of
time and it was the touch of the finest auteurs of world cinema that Jurassic-World-Fallen-Kingdommade this movie what it is today – Steven Spielberg.

Its unique storyline, spell binding special effects and amazing background score struck the right chord with the audience and yet it is the same traits that become the new installment’s undoing.

It’s with a heavy heart that I am writing the obituary of a grand cinema franchise which not only did redefine the genre but also became a benchmark to which future sci-fi flicks would be weighed, measured and judged!!

If only men knew when to walk away …  if only …

Similar Interest: Jurassic World review

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com