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

By https://twitter.com/SpiderVerse/status/1651254816025313281/photo/1, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72536149

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.

Movie Review: Badla..brilliant but unoriginal

 


For those who missed the facebook update, I saw this movie on Friday itself and the intention was to put the review shortly after. Since then, though, I've been procrastinating.

To clarify, Badla is what would have otherwise been a brilliant watch - it has a great plot, good progression and twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end. The performances by the leads, Amitabh Bacchan and Tapsee Pannu are really good as well. The problem then? Only the little matter that this is an 'official re-make' of a Spanish movie - The Invisible Guest. And so much of a re-make this is - that the entire setting, plot, dialogues, characters, even screenplay and props - everything is simply the same as the original. I hope you see now where the frustration and hence procrastination came from. Add to it the fact, that this is now the second time a classy director like Sujoy Ghosh has done this (he did it first with Te3n) and its a worrying trend.

At this point, I am not sure what to praise - because all the appreciation I have is actually deserved by The Invisible Guest. So while this review will still be about Badla - the real credit for most of the good stuff goes to the Spanish original - which by the way, is readily available on Netflix.

Those who have seen the trailer of the movie need not fret - you don't know everything that happens and there are plenty of surprises in store. In fact, the opening moments of Badla cover most of what you've seen in the trailer. The story is king here and it will hold your attention throughout the runtime.  In fact, this is one of those where the plot gets so convoluted that you have a tough time keeping up with what's happened and why, while still watching. In fact, in the second half, there are multiple points where you feel you now finally understand what happened and yet, the script has more tricks up its sleeve.

In terms of the act, Amitabh Bacchan is too much of a veteran to find this kind of role challenging. That said, he seems a little too smug and patronizing given the character he plays. He could really have played it down a lot more. Taapsee Pannu on the other hand, is surprisingly emotive, standing her own even in the same frame as Amitabh in some scenes. Still she doesn't really sink into her character. An inspired though short performance is that of Amrita Singh who comes across as really genuine.

I would've really liked to praise the direction. The presentation is tight and slick. There are some  scenes that would've been a great directorial touch. Unfortunately, its all simply picked up from the original. There are some sad attempts at forced humor that slows down proceedings at the wrong time, but these moments are thankfully brief.

To clarify on my stance though, I have no issues with 'official re-makes' of such brilliant plots being made - in fact, I'd encourage it. But to get this from a stalwart director like Sujoy Ghosh - is just distressing. You expect him to make the next Kahaani - not make these kind of re-makes instead - we already have Abbas Mastaan for that.

As an unusual case then, while I really liked the movie and would highly recommend a watch, I do so with a lot lesser enthusiasm. Of course, if you know Spanish or are okay with subtitles, I'd much more highly recommend The Invisible Guest.

Movie Review: Luka Chuppi...hides a few good laughs

Yet another case where the movie's biggest enemy is its own trailer. If you've seen the trailer of this simple, fun and light hearted comedy you know exactly what to expect and that's a pity because it would be so much more fun if you didn't. While the trailer's jokes felt forced and out of place, the movie does manage to hide a few laugh simply by how the plot progresses, the situation's develop and how its characters react.
Its to its credit that Luka Chuppi never takes itself too seriously. While it deals with a contentious matter, it does so in a light hearted, almost casual manner. There is more focus on the setting, the backdrop, the background chatter and the side acts. The writing is both good and bad. The good bits simply sparkle and the bad could be worse enough to make you cringe. Its like that little kid you don't expect much from and just when you are about to give up on them - they turn around and surprise you. You'll hardly expect to do so, but you'll be roaring with laughter in a few scenes and its those moments that make this one more enjoyable than you would expect.

If the movie doesn't do a lot more than it could, its because of its leads and under-written characters. Karthik Aryan and Kriti Sanon are average - their chemistry never really sparks and it doesn't help that their characters aren't well developed either. Most of Kriti Sanon's dialogue delivery seems put on and an effort save for one emotional scene where she appears a different actress altogether. Karthik Aryan may be doing well, but he's always seen as 'acting' and never a natural for the part. Its the side acts that make this movie more fun - especially Pankaj Tripathi who showcases amazing versatility in his rather colorful character (both literally as well as figuratively). Aparshakti Khurana is the other bright spark - he has all the best lines and plays his part particularly well.

The songs are just about average and a hindrance at most times. It helps that they are short, few in number and don't slow down the progression. Of special mention though, is the clever use of music from old comedies as background music to the more comic moments in this one. There is a bit of understated, social commentary - but it also, especially the treatment of the movie's climax, seems all in service of the plotline and the laughs than in terms of sharing a message or being preachy.

Despite a wafer thin plotline, average performance by its leads and an underwhelming climax, Luka Chuppi does end up being more fun that you'd expect it to.Its not a must watch like a Badhaai Ho or a Bareilly ki Barfi but also not a bad way to spend time at the theaters this weekend.

Movie Review: Gully Boy...hard, bahut hard

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If you are wondering about the title - its inspired from the film - to describe great rap that is truly worthy of appreciation. I couldn't think of a better line to describe this movie. Much like the supreme writing of Ranveer Singh's rap content - writing a review for a movie like Gully Boy requires careful thought. Its not something you can simply pen down and be done with. You need to do it justice. It needs to make its mark. The world needs to see it for what it is - no frills, just raw emotion. Its not just a rags to riches story - its something more. Its not just the struggle of an artist - it goes deeper than that. At the surface, sure that's that the movie. But when you linger, when you see a lead actor pull off near perfect, inner turmoil - with just the right amount of restraint. And then - simply unleash on that mic - well, that's Gully Boy for you.

Its time for the apple to fall - Gully Boy isn't the greatest movie ever to grace the silver screen ever, as everybody at Berlinale is touting it to be. But yes, its pretty damn good. Undoubtedly, amongst the best movies of 2019 (which to be fair, has just begun) and arguably amongst the best you'll get to see this year. So book your tickets right away if that's the verdict you've been waiting for. However, be cautioned - its not simply a thrill ride - at 148 minutes its a deliberate slow burn, not in a haste to tell its fairly predictable story. Also, it has some pedestrian side plots and a bold choice for an ending. But I'd still put it very much in the must-watch category.

A lot of what Gully Boy is, is to do with the man at its center - Ranveer Singh. Though his appearance, still doesn't make him look like the Dharavi residing, slumdog who can't even fathom being a millionaire, in spirit he is exactly that. His circumstances, the insults, the deep scars on his psyche, his day to day struggles are all very real. And Ranveer pulls it off like a veteran. Playing a rapper itself is no mean feat but playing such a character with complex emotions and a boiling rage within showcases his talent. Its not only the rap, which he pulls off particularly well, but in his more quieter moments - the quiet determination, confidence and even retaliation where he wins over hearts. While the camera doesn't focus on him nearly as much as he deserves it, debutante Siddhant Chaturvedi is one of the most natural acts you'll get to watch. Its astonishing that this is a debut - it really is - Mc Sher kills it. Its hard to believe this guy is the scrawny teenager who plays the child prodigy in the Amazon Prime series Inside Edge. Alia Bhatt isn't particularly challenged with this kind of role, given what she has pulled off in the past, but she is more than noticeable. Her child like quality is in full bloom here and given her particularly maverick character - it adds particular dimension to it. Her struggle is understated but still very much present.

Zoya Akhtar is in fine form and the directorial touches are subtle yet very much there. The background chatter, the scenes where the sounds fade out and the silence is deafening as the message hits home are all very well done indeed. A lot of thought has gone into the side act as well, especially their characters and their own struggles. As the audience, Zoya makes it easy for us to be judgmental from a distance, but doesn't leave it at that. No she takes the camera into their lives, their homes and their grim realities, eventually forcing us to reflect and ponder, be more thoughtful about our perceptions. One can argue that the movie could've been shorter on runtime but I don't think it should've been at the cost of those slower, lingering moments.

The music, all rap and there is plenty of it, plays its beats really well. Its the sign that something's about to give, a revelation is about to happen and in its element, when things are in full aplomb. As much the background score as the songs - the music is as much a character as Ranveer himself. Its not all great beats though. There are a few side turns that the film could've and should've completely avoided. In a world full of struggles there are too many good Samaritans - not sure how true to life that is. And then there's the ending - which am sure will have its critics. But those are niggles.

In a world of pretentious, over the top cinema - Gully Boy is something real. From the markedly unglamorous introduction of its protagonist(s) to the slums of Mumbai, to the rap itself - its all sincere, original and very fresh. Hats off to Zoya Akhtar to have taken up such content and given it such careful treatment. Gully Boy makes his mark and leaves something with you.

Movie Review: Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse..a refreshing new dimension

Despite being an ardent Spiderman fan, this one originally did set the spidey sense tingling. After 3 different origin stories for 3 different Spidermen - I felt like the multi-verse is already established. On top of it, this one's animated and not even based on Peter Parker. Some guy called Miles Moran who I have no clue about. And yet, I wandered into the halls, that too into IMAX. Having seen it though, its a lesson that pre-conceived notions can be real dangerous. Had I listened to them, I might've swung past and missed out on a thrilling, original and refreshing treat.

Into the Spider-verse defines breaking new boundaries. It feels less like a movie and more like a comic book brought to life. In a sense, it redefines animation. Sometimes, its not even easy on the eyes and yet it doesn't feel out of place. The comic panel styling is simply too cool. The story itself, doesn't feel like a wearied re-hash of the known origin story. In fact, the movie is pretty conscious of its protagonist's elaborate history and makes quick work of its own re-telling. Rather, it lingers on some of the more interesting and fresh moments. The writing is great and the story runs (literally) at a frenetic pace. Much like the superhero himself, there is no time to catch a breath - this even when Miles hasn't discovered his spidey powers yet.

The plot is set amongst the most complex constructs yet. However, it doesn't harp on convincing you that this stuff is possible or even how it is achieved. A lot of peripheral stuff is simply assumed. The second half gets a little more goofy with too many 'Spider-men' from too many dimensions and the movie loses some of its steam. It does pick up quickly thereafter though and moves to a thrilling climax. The writing is classy and some of the lines are really witty. Its one of the few movies, where I actually wished there were subtitles, because am sure with its pace, I've still missed stuff.

I would however, recommend that you don't watch this one in IMAX. The 3D is less busting out of the screen and more on showing depth beyond the window screen. To put it simply, its hardly there and the giant screen that it is, magnifies every pixel of the artwork. Especially given the animation styling given to this movie, it can be too much magnification and I could often see entire rows of pixels bunched together, which was distracting. A lesser screen might actually give a fuller experience.

I would highly recommend you watch it though. If for nothing else, the audacity and boldness of vision and the kind of animation that translates on screen. I am actually hoping this starts off a new trend with more content being developed in this comic panel like format. Spiderman - Into the Spider-verse, breaks new ground with its new dimensions and singular animation style and is a hearty welcome back to a new, refreshing version of the webslinger. Don't miss it.

Movie Review: Badhaai Ho..calls for all manner of celebration

While the central premise in and of itself is funny, there is little else that Badhaai Ho could have offered from a plot perspective. However, the way the movie is packaged and presented, coupled with wonderful performances from the entire cast (especially the older folks), elevate what would've been an ordinary movie to a celebration that stays with you long after its final moments.

You may be familiar with the central premise after watching (or at least hearing about) the movie's trailer. What you won't get from that though, is the extent to which that premise is milked at various points in the movie - each time bringing laughs and at no point outstaying their welcome. That and the most apt use of background score to convey its more comic moments, Badhaai Ho holds your interest through the movie and never feels forced or stretched. Never taking itself too seriously, the movie slowly makes its way into your heart and firmly rests there.

You constantly get the feeling that post this the movie will run out of content, but surprisingly it makes enough for its 2 hour runtime to feel a breeze and also give that warm, fuzzy feeling - most movies can only hope for. To add to the joy, there are virtually no songs and while the 'badhaaiyan bibi tenu' strain plays off in the background every now and then, its just that line and there isn't a pause in proceedings.

There are moments in this movie that lift it to new levels - the wonderful bond of eternal love  between a husband and wife even after they are technically now labelled as parents, Indian family values that every kid should aspire for and also the very Indian family squabbles and chatter that I am sure most would relate to. There are other subtle moments that happen in the background or in conversations - again portraying a message but not quite spelling it out.

If the presentation is good, its starcast is what lifts the movie further. Its real leads are not Ayushmann Khurana and Sanya Malhotra but rather the older pair of Gajraj Rao and Neena Gupta. In fact, the movie's best moments are the (often subtle) exchanges between these two. So much so, that when the movie focuses on the younger love story it seems forced and even out-of-place. Neena Gupta in particular is in vintage touch as she perfectly pulls of a restrained yet impactful performance. She owns every scene she is in and is a delight to watch. Equally restrained, yet no less endearing is Gajraj Rao with his quiet mannerisms. Ayushmann too is going only from strength to strength and puts in another convincing performance with Badhai ho - not trying to steal the show but playing the perfect foil to the older couple. A surprise package is Surekha Sikri as the Dadi of the household, who has many more lines than you would typically expect and is explosive, playing the typical grumbling elder in the house, who is blunt to the hilt.

When I saw its trailers, Badhaai Ho was not a movie that I was all that enthusiastic about. It seemed too wound around its central premise and it seemed like all its funny moments were captured in the trailer itself. As it stands though, Badhaai Ho is a sweet bundle of joy that I am more than happy to announce the arrival of. Go catch its delivery in the theaters.

Movie Review: Andhadhun...a whole array of notes

Ever since I learnt of the movie's title being a play on its chief protagonist - a blind pianist, Andhadhun was on my hit-list of movies to watch out for. Add to it the fact that this one was directed by Sriram Raghavan, a director who excels in making things racy and pacy, it promised to be a lot of fun. For its first half, Andhadhun is actually a masterclass in film making, rarely striking a false note. Its the second half that has some jarring tones that take it from quirky to bloody dark yet manages to redeem itself by the end. All in all, Andhadhun is unlike anything you are likely to witness in a movie hall.

Its best to go 'blind' if you don't know anything about this movie yet. Saying anything gives something away so I'll be extra cautious here. The first half is pure bliss. A brief introduction to its characters gives way to seemingly slow proceedings but you can't help but feel something is about to give. There's a startling revelation early in the game, making you wonder what more the movie could have in store. However, there's plenty of thrills to be had. The setup and proceedings in the movie will have you glued with breathless anticipation, not quite sure what to expect next. Joyfully that's the entire first half. Within that you get the trademark Sriram Raghavan nod to old hindi cinema as well as to Beethoven. So much happens in the first half that you wonder if there's enough for the second act. There are moments here and there that would simply get lost if you aren't paying attention. The movie doesn't rely on blaring background score to make its impact - an offbeat piano note does that just fine. 

While the second half also has enough packed into it, the direction it takes, brings it down relatively, especially with the high standards the initial setup creates. There's still that sense of anticipation, of taking unexpected turns in a zig zag journey but the melody feels off. The piano doesn't play as much, the notes don't always feel right and while it gets much darker in tone, it moves farther away from the stuff that made the first half so perfect. Its the final flourish that ends the movie on a high note and you emerge from the hall still quite satisfied.

There are a handful of songs and for a movie with such beautiful piano melodies, they are a complete letdown. In terms of the act, Ayushmann Khurrana pretty much gets a dream role and he pulls it off really well - probably one of his best performances so far. Its only in the few scenes of high strung drama that his dialogue delivery suffers a bit. Tabu is in fine form and while she starts off subtle and barely visible, she makes the movie her own especially as her delectably complex character gets revealed. Radhika Apte does okay in her relatively smaller role.

However, this is totally a director's movie. All the actors are mere puppets, brought in and out to tell an engaging story. Despite the unexpectedly dark turns it takes and its less savoury second half, Andhadhun is a fine melody, that expresses itself well across the octave and gives us a memorable watch.

Movie Review: Manmarziyan..can't make up its bloody mind

If you sense frustration after reading the review title, it delivered the desired effect. Yes, frustration was exactly what I felt after 2.5 hours of a pedestrian storyline that simply can't make up its mind on which characters should be together, why they deserve to be so and what the characters want to do or be in the first place.

With Anurag Kashyap at the helm I was hoping that the age old love triangle would be given a fresh or unfamiliar twist. Forget unfamiliar, what I got was suspiciously close to old wine in a new, sex-fueled bottle from an early Bhansali movie. In comparison to this one, that made more sense (and that's saying something, coming from some one who is decidedly not a Sanjay Leela Bhansali fan).

The movie starts off fresh and unabashed about its pyar as well as fyar (if you do end up watching, you'll know what this means). Vicky Kaushal is barely recognizable in a very unlikely avatar whereas Taapsee tries her best to pull off the brash and loud-mouthed rebel. There is no background to why these folks are the way they are, what are their motivations and aspirations. There are a few trace instances here and there but mostly you are left to piece together things yourself about them.

A lot of the chuckles in the movie (not unlike previous Anurag Kashyap offerings) are to be found in the background chatter - the complaining siblings, the relatives' remarks and the parents frustration and confusion regarding their offsprings. However, unlike his other offerings, which had a solid mainstream flow as well, Manmarziyan has the characters pretty much doing the same dance over and over again.

The storyline is predictable to a fault and while you look for some interesting twists to put things in a new light - they never actually come. When they do, they make little sense and just look like an attempt to find some way to head things off, all the while showcasing the new indecisive generation at their confused best, or rather, worst.

A lot in this movie depended on its main cast of characters. Of those, it is Vicky Kaushal who shines the most in a very different avatar - barely recognizable in his new look. Not only does he look badass but despite a flashy yet shallow character, he makes Vicky (also the name of his character) a little more fleshed out than what the script would have provided. Taapsee Pannu has the strongest role of the lot and her delivery is a bit of a mixed bag. She clearly struggles at first in terms of the Punjabi accent, high strung dialogue delivery, but soon becomes more comfortable with her character. There are some moments where she is brilliant though and overall she just about pulls off a tough act. Abhishek Bacchan (in his comeback film) has the least role of the 3. In fact, he is barely visible in the first half. His needs to be more of a restrained performance and he sticks to the part.

From a director's perspective, there are some subtle messages - a critical view on the established traditions and their place in modern day society - if you really pause to reflect, you might catch them but there isn't any overt commentary on them. There are umpteen number of songs (more parallels to Bhansali than I would've hoped) and while some are melodious, the movie feels more like a bad musical with songs popping up every now and then, many of which do nothing to move the painfully slow narrative forward.

To my mind, I don't think this one's worth a visit to the theaters - baaki your marzi.

Movie Review: Gold...all that glitters

Gold had a lot going for it. A glittering star cast, a director with solid credentials, the nationalistic theme coupled with a release on Independence Day. And yet..all that glitters...

Gold starts off with a bang - so much so - you'll be forgiven to thinking you are seeing the climax of the movie. However, the moment the gold medal embellished GOLD title credits begin, the downhill journey begins. There is a central premise but nothing on screen seems to build up to that. A team is formed but its characters are very sparsely explored. There is some exploration on team dynamics but that too is quickly lost. The movie trudges on till just before the intermission point which is perhaps the most poignant, moving and stirring sequence in the entire film. One of the darkest chapters of Indian history, is well portrayed and casts a strong shadow on the central premise and you begin to hope - maybe this is what the movie is about and it'll pick up post intermission.

Sadly, that's an empty hope and this supposedly biggest obstacle is also quickly overcome. That's perhaps the biggest challenge of GOLD. Its unsure which thread it wants to truly explore (if any) and ends up opening several of them. Within the two and a half hour long expanse you wait for a particular thread to gather steam. The protagonist faces a challenge and its quickly resolved within the next frame, leaving you to wonder why it was introduced in the first place. Even towards the climax, there are so many unnecessary supposed twists which build superficial tension and don't really hold your attention. The only thing, that is somewhat well done I suppose is the patriotic notion, that goes beyond national boundaries and spreads a message of benevolence and love.

Gold could have been really solid. With a better connect with its chief protagonist, the team he brings together, a concern for their fate as well as realizing their dream, Gold could've been so much more. As it stands though, while it tries to show its sheen, it ends up being empty and hollow instead. And then, there's Chak De India.

Had the world not seen Chak De India, they might have still sat through the rest, to see an endearing tale of a hockey team coming together. However, with Chak De having fully explored that theme and very successfully at that, whatever little hope Gold would have, is lost in recollections of better presented scenes and sequences from that masterpiece, that was clearly ahead of its times.

Akshay Kumar tries somewhat to still get Gold to shine. Though weaker in the first half, he himself shines in scenes of extreme emotion in the second half but that alone isn't enough to save the movie. Part of the problem is also his own character. Very little is known about why he is in the position he is and why he is able to pull it off apart from his passion and determination to realize his dream. Most of it doesn't add up. In fact, its the other characters who are far more interesting and deserving of more screen time. Mouni Roy who plays his better half has very few lines but still seems to hold her own quite well, Bengali accent intact. Kunal Kapoor is a bit wooden with his limited character. Sunny Kaushal is a standout performer and one to watch for.

At two and a half hours, Gold is stretched beyond imagination. The central premise of this movie doesn't merit much content and had the movie been snappier and better paced, it might have still worked. The songs don't help either and most of them are unnecessary additions to an already bloated script. There is very little that I can actually recommend about Gold. Independence Day deserves better celebrations - not the solid gold entry I'd have hoped for.

Movie Review: Christopher Robin...does a bit of something

Christopher Robin seemingly does nothing. There's nothing new here - no complexity of characters, a highly predictable storyline - one that's been told many times earlier in different shapes and forms, the live action animation is there but nothing jaw dropping - and yet, as Pooh wisely says very early in the movie - sometimes doing nothing is what leads to the very best something. He may well be talking about Christopher Robin.

The movie's trailer gives away practically the whole storyline so avoid it if you can. The movie starts off with a wonderful storybook-like presentation, melding hand made drawings with actual scenes to set up the context in a quick few minutes. Post that though, the movie slows down but it doesn't feel off. Especially the scenes with Pooh and his friends are adorably cute. Pooh says some seemingly simple lines but they have a world of depth within. His simple life philosophy is a great reminder of what a mess we've made of our own lives - with something even as ordinary as a simple red balloon.

The second half is where things get a little awry - especially towards the climax. However, at no point does the movie drag or feel dull. Predictable, yes but not boring. The animals keep things interesting - while very stereotypical and one-dimensional as characters - their dialogues are what keep the interest going. That and the lines between Christopher and Pooh. The whole cast puts in a decent performance but frankly there isn't much focus on acting or histronics in a movie like this.

Disney has always been the one to bring that bit of magic back in our lives. The daily rigmarole can always get us to let go of our childhood - grow up, focus too much on work and less on play, less on imagination, less on dreams. Christopher Robin is yet another offering that serves as that reminder and reinforces what's important, what ought to matter most. There's one line towards the end that Pooh says which while Robin dismisses off as a line from a silly old bear - its anything but. Its for these gems and reclaiming your imagination that you must go and see Christopher Robin.

Movie Review: Mission Impossible - Fallout...falls below the mark

I know..I know...its touted to be the best of the franchise yet. Its breaking records world over. Its the most 'self-aware', 'action-packed' and 'thrilling'. Believe me, I went in hoping all that was true myself. To be fair, some parts are all that too. However, as an overall package and at the risk of a fallout with a lot of MI fans - I have to be honest, its just about better than its predecessor and isn't a patch on Ghost Protocol.

There is much that is good about Fallout as a standalone action movie. There are thrilling bike rides and car chases. There is a very poetic run through of a scenario with music in the background which is particularly special. We see Hunt pull it off yet again with the climax being particularly noteworthy. Yet, it doesn't feel like Mission Impossible - the scale needs to be there. I don't care enough about how 'true to life' the action' is, how exaggerated the gadgets are - in that moment, in that context - it just seems do-able, on the edge of impossible, but not out of reach for Hunt.

Another thing is, it is relentless - there's no time to catch a breath, not for Hunt and not for the audience either. Both with Rogue Nation and with Fallout, the movie slows down at multiple points, the stakes suddenly seem to disappear, the action is much more emphasized and not for its scale but how it gets pulled off. The cinematography and action is more than great but there's nothing jaw-dropping about the whole situation. Seeing Hunt manage to steer a motorbike against the run of traffic and figure out bylanes in a city is fun - but not thrilling. For the persona, we have of Hunt, this is a day job for him. There are many moments like this. Its either that, or he pushes forward - with no known skill, plan or agenda in a seemingly desperate move to not let his team down - sorry, but that's not the Mission Impossible we know and love. I don't care whether the critics find it ludicrous - it needs to be fun. Not every franchise needs to take the 'Skyfall' route.

Then there is the story which is not the franchise's strong points. Apart from the original which had a kickass storyline and plot progression, the others just managed to push through on a wafer thin plot. To its credit, Fallout tries to re-create some of the magic of the original. It too has that one moment where the movie raises the bar and moves to another level. Unfortunately it comes crashing back to normal post that pretty quickly. Much like its predecessor, it doesn't know what to focus one - characters and plot progression of the original or gravity defying action of the next installments. It does a bit of both and hits it out of the park with neither.

Character development is another chink in the MI armor. One of the reasons, the original was so brilliant is because it spent time with its characters. They were all knew, you didn't know whom to suspect and you were as bewildered as Hunt through the journey, trying to put the pieces together. Fallout, unfortunately, doesn't take you along for that ride. Its ambitious with where its trying to take the storyline and its characters, but the journey isn't smooth - its just a jump from this to that.

Rebecca Ferguson who was such a refreshing addition to the previous installment adds to the complexity. She pulls off, this time minor, role well enough - but her character just complicates things too much. Then there's Walker - who's played by the suave Henry Cavill, who's character could've been the ace in the pack but ends up being the joker for the way his character is handled. Simon Pegg, otherwise the funny man in the previous installments has the weakest and goofiest lines.

Cruise is, astonishingly, still pulling it off without a hitch and I'd called that marvel in the last movie itself - I'll have to find new words to describe it this time around. He just seems to keep going and going defying his age with every installment. I now fully expect him to be around if there's a no.7 as well.

Its apt to recall a line by Anthony Hopkins from MI 2 at this point to bring it closer to what the franchise really has been - this isn't Mission Difficult Mr. Hunt, its Mission Impossible. I think the franchise needs to heed those words more carefully and scale bigger heights than the Burj Khalifa in its next installment if its going to get back to its thrilling ways. One way to do that - bring back Brad Bird - he seemed to know what to do with Hunt and his team better than anyone else.

Movie Review: Sanju..un'question'ably brilliant

While the hype for this movie reached a feverish pitch after the release of the teaser and subsequent trailers - I was cautiously skeptical. Sure, the effects were good and Ranbir looked like Sanjay Dutt in a lot of scenes. However, given all the controversy that surrounds the larger than life star, I wasn't too convinced. Especially if, I felt, the movie will try put rose tinted glasses for me to view Dutt in a new light. I fretted unnecessarily. I should've just told myself this is a Rajkumar Hirani film and left it at that.

Yes, the master film maker has done it again. So sublime is his story telling, so perfect is his craft that you aren't sure where he is pulling the strings as a director and where he lets the story be king and chart its own course. Suffice it to say that in the 160 minutes of runtime, you are unlikely to glance at your watch, even once. There isn't even as much humor or laugh out loud moments as say, a 3 idiots had. Yet, it all just feels - right.

After a somewhat shaky start, the flashback onwards has Raju Hirani in his element. So much could've gone wrong. The scenes could be more laboured or even unnecessary (yes, MS Dhoni - I am looking at you), there could've been unnecessary razzmatazz around 'Baba's entry' , the fanfare, the hype, the sensationalism - and yet, none of it is there. The narration is as simple and natural as it can be.

If this movie's one pillar is its director, the other is surely Ranbir Kapoor. His voice may not match the deep baritone of Sanjay Dutt but even that comes close in a few scenes. In the scene where he is Munnabhai, I actually suspect they played Dutt's dialogue in the background. What is fantastic is that at no point do you feel that Ranbir is copying Sanjay Dutt. Instead, he melds into the personality, slips into those shoes - its simply effortless and in equal parts consistent. His gait, his mannerisms, his behavior, his antics and most importantly, his emotions - everything looks and feels like Dutt himself.

If the mainstream act is solid, the supporting cast is stellar as well. Paresh Rawal may look nothing like Sunil Dutt, but he definitely embodies the persona. The father-son relationship is deep, emotional and wonderfully portrayed. The bromance between Sanju and Kamli comes to life due to the convincing act by Vicky Kaushal, someone who is just going from strength to strength with every movie. Even the female support cast, Manisha Koirala as the supportive mother Nargis and Dia Mirza as Manyata Dutt do a good job in their limited roles. So much so, that even Sonam Kapoor is somewhat bearable in her limited act. Anushka Sharma, however, is wasted in a minor role.

The songs are nothing to write home about. However, the story brings to life 3 classics from the yester-year, at pitch perfect moments, which are sure to gain popularity after this movie.

Of course, you can always debate how close this movie is to the actual life and therein lies the snag. By no means, has Raju Hirani condoned the life and times of Sanjay Dutt. He has openly shown the ill-effects of a drug addled life, the impact on the family as well as the infamous blasts. Yet, he hasn't exactly pinned responsibility on Dutt for most of it. Saying anything more, will spoil your experience - so I'll refrain.

For the best experience of Sanju, forget how true to life the movie is and how much is shown vs how much is hidden. Watch it as an example of sublime story telling, superlative acting and a journey that you rarely get to witness in Hindi cinema.

Movie Review: Raazi..more than acceptable fare

We are all acquainted with a certain stylish and suave super spy who claims to do all in the name of Queen and country, that too with a swagger that makes it look all too easy. Raazi is the story of another spy, who too goes above and beyond in the name of, well, country. Far from swagger though, for this one its all a struggle, presence of mind needed despite months of training and in place of the razzmatazz - a sense of quiet deftness as she goes about doing what she has been trained to do and hoping fervently that she can deliver on the high expectations set from her.

I've perhaps already given away much more than I intended to, but you can blame the trailers for that. One peek at the trailer and you already know too much about the storyline, build up and even climax to an extent. That, I believe, is one of the bigger flaws with how this movie will reach its audience. The classic dilemma of how much to give away in the trailer to attract audiences vs having a tightly woven plot with multiple twists and turns to keep the audience guessing and on the edge of their seat rears its ugly head with Raazi and spoils to some extent what is more than acceptable fare.

However, despite knowing exactly how things will play out, you still want to root for its protagonist, hope that things will work out well and dread that any moment things will turn nasty. Plaudits to the director and screenplay for keeping the interest going. They go for simplicity and realism rather than the sensational and that is why it works.

Surprisingly, Alia Bhatt is a bit of a mixed bag. She is by no means bad but she has set the bar so high for herself with the past movies that her performance can't be viewed from a rookie lens anymore. While her innocence simply radiates through, its an over effort on scenes where she is almost caught, that pulls her down a bit. Especially in the light of a strong supporting cast, especially her counterpart Vicky Kaushal who puts in a particularly admirable understated performance, her attempts seem to over-dramatize in sharp contrast. However, she considerably makes up for that in scenes of pure emotion - her tortured soul screaming for redemption. In fact, there is much depth about this character that we genuinely miss, but Alia brings some of it through from her portrayal alone.

There is no over-emphasis on background score, thankfully. Rather the tension is built through dialogues and code-words. The songs are nice and don't get in the way of the story. The spy act is pulled off particularly well. If there is room for improvement, its perhaps in getting to know our protagonist at a deeper level- the moral challenge or conflict she faces, how she chooses to overcome them and the story of her subconscious. Some elements of that would've really made this a complete drama.

However, that's nitpicking. There is much to appreciate with Raazi as it stands and it has more than my consent for a watch.

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.