Movie Review: Avengers Infinity War...its not about fun anymore

Many many moons ago, when I'd written the review for the original Avengers movie, I had labeled it as being 'super fun'. While not a great description, it perfectly captured the spirit of the movie - highly capable but conflicted heroes coming together in a humor filled, feel good movie with an epic battle sequence that brought some real thrills.

Infinity War also brings together the heroes - over 60 of them at that but this one is anything but 'feel-good. However, unlike the garbled mess that was Ultron, Infinity War plays like a well oiled machine. Sequences flow seamlessly into one another. Parallel plotlines playing out without confusing the audience a whole lot. There's a ton of action and if the airport duel in Captain America:Civil War gave some hope that the Russo brothers had a vision for action - Infinity War emphatically stamps its approval.

However, Infinity War is no fun and games with the good guys winning all the way and spouting fancy one-liners as they show off. Surprisingly, for the context in which Infinity War plays out, that's actually a good thing. The stakes are higher than they ever were. Right from the opening scene, with its grim background chatter and even more grim context and developments, the message is clear. Its not about fun anymore. No friendly banter, no chit-chat, there's no time - war is imminent and its toll will be heavy. So much so, that in the few sequences that Stark tries to be 'Stark' and StarLord tries to be 'StarLord' - it pretty much fails. That's not to say there isn't humor in the film - but these are dark times indeed, and humor almost feels out of place in multiple instances. At other times though, you feel relieved that Marvel has still preserved the funny bone.

The challenge with this approach though, is that there are less personality conflicts, character development or even time to stop and take a breath. The hits just keep on coming - one more devastating than the last. Yet despite this, the movie doesn't feel rushed or hurried. There are some astounding battle sequences, something that comes close to the airport magic in Civil War as well, yet there is a character to the movie that looms large above all of this. Infinity War has a formidable villain, who continues to gain strength and that's such a terrifying prospect that every action, effort starts seeming pointless.

In terms of the act, well they are all well versed with their parts now. Robert Downey Jr. is effective as always, Mark Ruffalo is in a very different avatar for Hulk, Chris Evans is a little too intense as Captain America, Chris Hemworth is vintage Thor and Zoe Saldana is emotive in  a surprisingly meaty part as Gamora. Also, Dr. Strange's powers are really on display in this movie as against his own origin movie. Scarlett Johansson has nothing to do as Black Widow, and I think she's just in for it since she gets to be an Avenger and likes the franchise as such. Nothing else explains her continuing to play the part.

If I have a bone to pick, its with the climax and since its the climax that's all we'll say about it here since I don't want to give any spoilers. Suffice it to say that the ending will baffle you, crush you and stay with you long after you've exited the hall. However, there's ample reason to believe that all is not as it seems and this is more of a gimmick to create a finale for part 1, since there's also a part 2 separately arriving in 2019. If so, then I am dismayed for them having used this cheap parlor trick. And if not, then I bow down to the sheer courage of taking the path the movie does take. (Think Dumbledore being dead before the 7th book in the Harry Potter series - only several times worse).

I had my misgivings about Infinity War before I went in for the movie, despite the hype, especially after the mess they made with Ultron. There were 14 million possibilities (wink) where things could've gone wrong. Still, the Russo brothers have truly matured the franchise and its characters to  come up with the one plotline that made sense. Infinity War is truly a spectacle, a befitting finale for Earth's Mightiest Heroes to engage in a battle that might well end it all. I can hardly wait for the sequel to come.

Movie Review: October..an unconventional blossom

The title of this movie itself seems strange given the context in which it sets up. Save for a line well towards the end of the movie there's little that explains the title. But then, Shoojit Sircar's October is not a movie that is easily explained. This isn't great storytelling, plot progression or phenomenal acting. And yet, it has its own bloom.

Those looking for a conventional love story of boy meets girl should simply stay away. October is unlike anything you would've seen before. Its a brave attempt at unconventional yet very real cinema that is unbecoming of Bollywood and deserves the kudos for that alone.

Slow and measured - there is nothing urgent about the storyline or plot progression with October. It takes a simple premise and then focuses the lens very strongly on the characters - their motivations, their innocence, their emotions - everything and the movie lets that do the talking rather than explaining everything. There are those who would find the movie painstakingly slow, but if they are willing to be patient, they get to see some very nuanced direction from Shoojit Sircar. Still, October isn't one to have universal appeal.

While the direction is nuanced and masterful, Varun Dhawan's performance only lifts the movie further. A character that is quite the opposite of what he has largely portrayed on the silver screen, October might be his best performance till date. Banita Sandhu, given her character's state has little resources to pull off her act, yet she does so convincingly. Gitanjali Rao is striking in her support role as the mother and her courage and strength shine through with her presence alone.

The conversations and dialogues feel real - the kind you would have heard or are likely to hear in these circumstances. None of it feels forced and there is little that is crammed in. In fact, less is more in October, with scenes of scant, if any, dialogue that let the silences do the talking.

If the movie's setting is unconventional, its climax is even more surprising. One that you might not agree with as it unfolds, but given a moment, you have to appreciate the courage of the director and where he is willing to take the story.

Its fair to say that October doesn't blossom in a predictable manner.Comparatively, Shoojit Sircar's earlier offerings (Vicky Donor and Piku) were a much easier watch. Like certain flowers that bloom only in a specific set of circumstances, not everyone would see October in all its glory. Those who do though, might well consider it a rare treat.