Movie Review: Spiderman - Across the spiderverse...goes above and beyond!!

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Okay people let's do this one last time..My name is Anirudh and for the past so many years I've been the one and only reviewer writing great reviews without giving away the plot so that you folks can go and enjoy the movie as the experience is meant to be, without any spoilers. I've not written reviews for the last 2 years. I saw Oppenheimer (well made but done in by Nolan's own tropes) and Mission Impossible recently (strictly average by mission standards) and I didn't feel compelled to make a comeback to the review writing but Across the Spiderverse is such a bold statement in movie making, that I simply had to - even though I might be the last person who is seeing this in the hall by this time. (And if you didn't get why I started the review like this - you need to watch the first one - I reviewed it here and its an absolute thrill ride).

Into the Spiderverse ticked most of the boxes - it was the quintessential hero's journey, with a generous dose of humor, new panel like animation that makes a movie feel like a comic book and is just scintillating to watch and a linear progression to a multiverse universe that simply made sense. When I saw the first trailers of Across..I was pretty convinced the sequel is just going to feed off of that goodness and be a do-over with some bells and whistles. I wouldn't have blamed them either - it would've been a fun watch still and it was the smart thing to do. Across the spiderverse though - goes far beyond anything I would've imagined possible.

Across..is what you get when put passionate, dedicated writers without a time deadline to dream a script that takes the same beloved characters and spins a storyline that elevates everything - their journeys so far, the new challenges and realities they confront and the story it tells to a whole different level. Telling a multiverse story can be hard. (Ask the Marvel movies - they haven't made any sense post Infinity War). However, this movie's script has more depth and thought than the last 5 Marvel movies combined, and that's not saying much. There are moments that are so poignant, that you'll shed a tear or two, it just makes you want to root for those characters - and I am not talking about Miles alone. In fact, this is as much a Gwen movie as it is about Miles Morales, even in terms of screen time - and that is so refreshing! The central theme, and it takes its time coming to the fore is truly core to the superhero saga, you wonder how come it hasn't been leveraged this way before. I've always believed that a great story needs a formidable villain but this one debunks that myth as well. It has a villain but the greater emphasis is on the demons closer home. I'll stop at that. 

And then there is the animation.I am possibly not even equipped to talk about the animation. It feels like every kind of animation/ art style/ design choice has been incorporated into the movie at some point or another. Its like an artist going bezerk on their canvas without a care in the world and the result is nothing short of astounding. There is an insane amount of action and it all comes believably together and you are able to follow it because of how it is presented. Pixar has some serious competition in just the creativity and presentation these guys are bringing to the table and that's no mean feat.

Is it better than the original? It is definitely a step up in most departments. There is less humor than the original and the attempt to copy the funnier content from the original actually falls flat. However, its a deeper story. There is more at stake and you are more invested. It is such a thrill ride that when you actually reach the ending, there is a deep sense of frustration and you don't want the fun to stop. To tell more would give away something that you may not already know so very reluctantly, I'll refrain.

Suffice it to say that Across the Spiderverse expands on some already stellar work with the original and is truly the must-watch everyone has been raving about. If you haven't seen it already - don't wait for it to come on Amazon Prime, go watch it in the hall.

Movie Review: Soul..brings new meaning to life

Its been long...too long. 2020 was nothing like any of us expected and on top of all the other trials and tribulations, its meant a 1 year hiatus from the cinema halls and watching the latest and the greatest. As we herald the dawn of a new year and hopefully a sign of better things to come - the wonderful folks at Pixar have been hard at work, and its a joy to say that 2021 starts with an offering that would truly touch your soul.

I thought Inside Out - was the height of ambition. To imagine a movie that takes place entirely inside a human head and bring out such emotions (pun totally intended) and such depth in its message was brilliant in and of itself. Soul, is on an entirely different plane and is clearly an indicator of how deep and insightful Pixar is willing and looking to get. It also shows just how close to the edge, they are willing to walk. Even if the result can be a little messier than would've hoped for. 

I think I can say it quite firmly - Pixar doesn't make movies for kids anymore. I mean, they can watch it, the visuals are cute, there are a few funny lines and scenes here and there - but to truly appreciate their art and their craft, you need to be a bit grown up. You need to understand the nuances, the understated commentary, the quiet messages and once you do, you simply doff your hat and applaud. Also, you spend a good amount of time, doing some of your own soul-searching, long after the credits roll. 

Soul could've been funnier. If I was to be absolutely critical, I'd certainly call that out. Pixar's earlier offerings have had you roaring with laughter, genuinely clever lines and side characters that brought out more than a chuckle or two. However, for Soul its all about the story its trying to tell. It picks such themes that its a wonder it wasn't more somber a watch. Within its runtime it manages to touch on concepts like life and death, passion and purpose, talent and spark, peer pressure, the burden of societal expectations and a whole lot more. All this while maintaining a sense of lightness and gait. Such concepts can be extremely tricky - its a tightrope walk for the entire 100 odd minutes, each moment threatening to teeter into either empty and obvious rhetoric on the one side or absolutely metaphysical and metaphorical on the other - but Soul manages to maintain the balance.

Jamie Fox does a credible job with his protagonist Joe Gardner while Tina Fey, now a past veteran in voicing animation, brings life to '22'. Why it had to feature a predominantly Black cast, I don't know. Its not like the story particularly demands it. But that's how it is set up. Soul isn't one for fun, repeat watching. Yet, if you want to do it justice - you need to give it more than one watch, for all that is said, there is so much more that is implied - that you don't catch it all in the first run through. 

I saw Tenet, pretty much wish I hadn't - for the record, all the playing around with time is getting a bit much now Mr Nolan and for all its talk, Wonder Woman 84 is an absolute letdown after the shining moments of its original outing. Soul, then - is your best reason to light up the screen once more - and reflect on your own meaning of life. Even more relevant, in these times where things have slowed down just that wee bit and we all (hopefully) have a greater appreciation of this life that we've been given. 

I am not recommending theater visits for all the obvious reasons, but Soul deserves to be seen in absolute peace, in as immersive an experience as possible. Hoping 2021 brings more such gems and bright lights for us.

Movie Review: Joker..new origins

Did I ever tell you how I got these scars?". The Joker tells many different stories in The Dark Knight to reveal how psychotic and deranged he really is. You never know, which of those stories is true and reassure yourself that hopefully none of them are. When you watch this origin movie though, its a chilling realization, that while the stories may still be false, the scars are real.

Welcome to Todd Phillips' version of The Joker. He isn't flashy, he isn't full of himself, he isn't the master planner..this isn't the Joker that was immortalized by Heath Ledger. In fact, the Joker character itself doesn't have a definite origin storyline and this one spins a yarn of its own.

Even though its set in the fictional city of Gotham, every bit of Joker feels real. His loneliness, his pathetic existence, the gulf between him and society. The fact that there's no Batman makes the reality even more stark. Its not about cops and robbers - there are no good guys. Just when you feel things couldn't get worse and maybe this is a sadist's idea of humor, there is relief - not the kind you'd expect, but relief nonetheless.

Its disappointing, relatively, that the Joker laugh is put down as a condition. While it gives a plausibility to the storyline and also Joaquin Phoenix much more room to perform, it feels like an escape and a disservice to the iconic villain. Then there's the climax, which feels like a wet blanket after all that build up. Thankfully, there's a shining moment post that which more than redeems the character. There's also the whole societal angle to it as well - there is no good that can come of making a movie like Joker - it gives a Godlike status to a cold blooded killer, worships a psychopath who means no good - to anybody.

But then there's also the direction and the performance. Its hard to believe, that this is the same man who helmed the hilarious The Hangover because there's not a single laughing moment in The Joker, not even a chuckle, not even wry humor. Its stark irony that the protagonist considers himself a stand up comedian. Todd Phillips keeps the camera squarely focused on the protagonist and Joaquin Phoenix doesn't disappoint.

Heath Ledger's Joker is one of the hardest acts to follow. Anything would feel like a disservice. Yet, this Joker does come close. Joaquin Phoenix gives his heart and soul to the character. His laugh due to his condition, shows a thousand emotions every time and he pulls them off perfectly. His rage, is believable - you feel for his condition. Even his hunched back - is explained and apparent. And then, there's the transformation - which takes things to another level.

Todd Phillips' Joker is not for everyone. Even as a character, this isn't the Joker you saw in the Dark Knight. His reasons are different, his motivations are different. But if you are willing to put that aside, its a masterful act nonetheless.

P.S: The original title of this review was Joker..true origins..but as a friend helped me realize, this isn't the story of the Joker we met in the Dark Knight..hence, the new title.

Movie Review: Dream Girl..pretty in patches

Ayushmann Khurrana has carved out his own niche with offbeat comedies. Am sure though, even he would admit, that this is probably his most offbeat movie yet. Its also the one that gives him the maximum room to perform and he seizes it with both hands. While he may not look like a dream, his performance is probably the best reason to watch this one.

The premise itself is extremely weird. Kudos to the director to take up such a concept and build on it so creatively. In its treatment, Dream Girl is sure to remind viewers of Vicky Doner (that still being the better movie and by a mile). The hit pair of Ayushmann and Anu Kapoor also returns - though they don't sparkle as much this time around.

There are wonderfully quirky characters that build the side act - not just as a filler, but a complement to our protagonist. Sure they are all totally one-dimensional, but its a clever selection, being a subtle commentary on many issues that plague our society. Unfortunately, its the main message where the movie falters. There is so much potential but that is frittered away in a forced lesson that gets talked about only in its beginning and end and doesn't feel real. Especially the second half and the climax is where it gets terribly uneven.

The laughs are more due to the writing than the situations the characters find themselves in. At times, it even feels that the scene is added to serve the writing alone. You'll laugh and then you'll wonder  why that scene was necessary. Some twists get a bit much and teeter dangerously at the edge. Fortunately, the performances remain true in both the side and the main act, which makes this one still an enjoyable watch.

As the Dreamgirl himself/herself is the guy who has been having a dream run at the box office and only seems to get better and stronger with every performance. He embraces his character without a hint of embarrassment or hesitation though the nature of this character would have prompted both. He is completely in his element in both male/ female avatars and keeps the audience interested throughout. Nushrath Bharucha's character though in sharp contrast is woefully inadequate - looking  more like a pretty face rather than being fully fleshed out. Its the side act that comes to the rescue - with veterans like Vijay Raaz, Annu Kapoor in fine touch and having decently defined characters as well.

This Dreamgirl needed one final check in the mirror before she presented herself. That would've cleaned some extra make up, dabbed a few patches here and there and got her to showcase her inner beauty as well. As it stands though, you can still go see her, but don't expect to be captivated - you've probably seen better.

Movie Review: Chhichhore..shares a worthy message

Contrary to my own expectations, my biggest takeaway from Chhichhore which I had billed as a wannabe and possibly worthless 3 Idiots aspirant even before entering the movie hall, wasn't its jokes or comedy.While it has ample of those too, Chhichhore, shares a beautiful and pertinent message, especially in today's rat race and pressure cooker environment that I would consider its real draw.

How much you would relate to the humor and jokes of the movie, is highly dependent on one simple factor - have you at all experienced hostel life? If so, you will rejoice at the literal tribute to hostel life that Nitesh Tiwari manages - showcasing all the elements of the not-so-glorious but wonderfully carefree life. You'll probably reminisce back to your own experience - finding parallels of your own to the quirky characters the movie spends ample time introducing us to. If not, you'll still have the laughs, they may just not connect as deep.

To tell its story though, the movie does a juggle between the past and present which isn't all that convincing and sometimes feels outright jarring - especially with events that are happening. In the present, the movie takes some brave calls and makes a rather poignant start. The past, in sharp contrast, is light and fresh. However, the comparison between past and present doesn't always fit and it feels like a forced connect at times, especially at the intermission stage. The movie takes some weird turns while still telling a predictable story. At one point, it even starts feeling like a version of Student of the year, with better actors and performances, but in the end, it all feels okay - simply because at its heart, the movie's message is genuine and much valuable.

Chhichhore is also helped by an earnest performance by its entire cast. Sushant Singh Rajput isn't all that convincing in the present, but his college days have him in fine form. Shraddha Kapoor has a simpler character - well its either that - or she approaches her past and present the same way and looks exactly the same. However, the real scene stealer is the erstwhile Chucha, now Sexa (which I suspect will soon become his new household name). Varun Sharma is in fine form, with the best lines and expressions, that has the audience in splits for most of the time. One can argue that his character is similar to that of his Chucha avatar from Fukrey fame - but there is no denying that in pulling off this kind of character, Varun truly excels. 

Chhichhore's songs aren't all that melodious but don't slow down the narrative beyond a point. The laughs keep on coming even when the mood is sombre. A lot of the movie prefers to keep the canvas as black and white rather than shades of grey, which is closer to real life. The climax, even though painfully obvious (well, almost so) is also slowed down considerably. However, the ultimate message of the movie is a winner all the way and highly pertinent for today's generation of kids as well as parents.

Chhichhore then is definitely worthy of a visit to the theater. While some of the execution can feel a bit lame, its laughs are genuine - you are bound to have a good time - and its message sets a shining example that I hope many take inspiration from.

Movie Review: Avengers End-game...a grand if not fitting finale

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How I yearned to start with the lines that the Russo brothers have done it yet again. After the magic they accomplished with Infinity War they out-did themselves with the grandest send-off they could've mustered for Earth's Mightiest Heroes. But alas! That wouldn't be the truth. The send -off is grand, but all things put together, the Avengers deserved a better swan song.

Things start off in spectacular fashion - and I don't mean high octane action with the superheroes showing off. No. After the events of Infinity War (and I dearly hope you've already seen that one) there could be no celebration and the start is a chilling reminder of that fact, in the most subtle of ways. However, once that initially shock wears off, its hard to follow the logic of what our heroes are up to. They are disoriented and distraught - sure. They are seething for revenge - again, I get that. But, what they do next - just feels off and you wonder how things will proceed thereon.

With Infinity war, the Russo brothers wove a tight narrative - that was gut-wrenching and spell-binding at the same time - you couldn't move from your seat. You were footing for your heroes all through. Avengers End-game, and its extra long runtime doesn't do it any favors, lacks that very tightness. It almost feels like the Russo brothers were creatively worn out after they achieved Infinity War and then just put some stuff together to close things out. There are a few good ideas - for sure. The homage to the previous movies with the cameos, being amongst the coolest of them. However, the execution has you scratching your head. A lot of it just doesn't seem to fit and looks to be more of fan-boy pandering than service to a script.

The stakes are higher than they ever were for our heroes, but it doesn't feel like it. There isn't a sense of foreboding or dread. There is no sense of progression. You don't know who the villain is, what he/she is up to, what are their motives - and when you do discover - it feels distinctly unconvincing.

No doubt that the finale is thrilling. The vision for action that is characteristic of the Russo brothers, is on full display and anything less than an IMAX screen would be a disservice to watch it on - but that's all from an action perspective. The surprises, if we can even call them that, don't deliver the same punch. There is no shock and awe. There is precisely one scene in the finale, where the guns change their position and fire at an unknown target, where it truly delivers some thrills. Everything else is Avenger-esque but not quite there. To say more, I'd have to spoil a few things so let's stop here.

While some of the characters are done a lot of dis-service the actors still step up to the plate and after 22 films and 11 years they may well be their characters. The trailers again have red herrings - the events in the movie are slightly different but it doesn't have the same impact as was the case with Infinity War. This time the changes look gimmicky and are off-putting. There are few, if any, rabbit out of the hat or rather Thanos gauntlet snap moments that genuinely take you aback. It all feels very predictable and no fun at all.

End-game then, is a grand finale - the culmination of 22 Marvel movies that put together the greatest ensemble possible and should best be remembered for that purpose. Its not Ultron thankfully, but its not even better than the original Avengers, which was at least whole lot of more fun and Infinity War by comparison is simply in a different league. If you are one of those Marvel fanboys who wish the directors would at least listen to them some time and play along with the more popular theories and ideas they come up with, you may well be in for a treat. But if you were looking for the Russo brothers to do one-better and dream up a script that nobody would've thought of - this time that hasn't happened. Go with the right expectations but go nonetheless - after all, it is the end of an era.

Movie Review: Shazam..magic n monsters..of the stranger kind

Shazam is a strange movie. In fact, if I didn't know better - I would've assumed that a lot of it is inspired from the hit Netflix series - Stranger Things. Don't worry its not scary or horror or anything like that. But it sure has a lot of kids playing the role of getting the better of the bad guys, while one of them is a superhero..well let's just stop here.

Shazam is a fun watch that is fun in bits and parts. It starts off slow and many scenes are pointless, tired even. There's no sense of flow, nothing links to anything and the weakest of storylines is put together just to make our guy the superhero. At this point, you wonder what the big hullabaloo is all about - taking a page from Marvel and going the humor route, making this a lighter watch and all that talk. That's when Zachary Levi steps in and the character goes into a whole different mode.

Some parts post this are hilarious. Other parts tend to drag and that's a pity because they really could've been much quicker and snappier. Even the action, that is thrilling at one point, seems to stretch on and on towards the climax. DC can clearly take a lot more pages from the Marvel playbook but at least this is a start. Better editing and a more coherent flow to the storyline would've certainly helped. A little more intelligence in the dialogues, witty exchange between characters would've really made this one stand out.

More than Zachary Levi's performance, its what his character can do that's more fun to watch. Despite being a superhero movie, it manages to preserve the innocence of its child protagonist and his coming of age journey. Levi is no Ryan Reynolds and Shazam isn't Deadpool but he does manage to catch your attention. The movie also has an endearing theme of family and some well thought lines that are surprisingly its better moments.

Seen as a standalone children's movie albeit with some ugly and scary looking creatures, Shazam would mostly fit the bill. However, as competition to the Marvel juggernaut, it doesn't pose much of a threat. Still, its a better bet than some of the other drivel DC has been dishing out and it does try to take things on the lighter side rather than being brooding and unnecessarily dark. A step in the right direction but still a long way to go for DC.