Movie Review: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Finally the time has come for the Skywalker saga of the space opera Star Wars to come to an end after 42 years and 9 major movies. Star Wars movie release as always has it’s cultural impact across the world and is one of the most anticipated events across globe. The space odyssey brings its final installment of the Skywalker saga which has been close to fans across many generations.

“You can’t stop the change, any more than you can stop the suns from setting.”

— Shmi Skywalker (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace)

On a personal front, The Last Jedi (2nd film in the latest trilogy) still remains my favorite after the original trilogy. Rian Johnson had showcased a very different approach to the Star Wars world with the Last Jedi and had the potential to redefine the future events. That vision is apparently lost in this movie and it focuses more on bringing an emotional and gratifying end to the the legendary saga. The last act of any series is always a difficult affair. Everyone expects it to end the way they would like. The fans spanning across multiple generations will have conflicted feeling about this movie. Director J.J. Abrams nonetheless gives us a movie which tries hard to live up-to the nostalgia of 42 years.

The movie plot is again spun around Rey who is searching for her real place in this universe. When she finds that out, it really a battle of emotions between the dark and the light sides. Daisy Ridley as Rey is charismatic. This film belongs to her, and she delivers a superior performance. Adam Driver is equally amazing and he will be long remembered for his role of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo. His face-offs with Rey are the highlight of the movie and leave the viewers awestruck by the intensity of the scenes. The lightsaber duels are legendary and their emotional quotient matches up seamlessly. It is true exhibition of opposite powers against each other, the icy Kylo Ren against the flamboyant Rey.

The film gives good screen time to all the wonderful characters, the droids, Chewbacca, the stormtrooper and the rest. Without divulging , the fans would see some of their favorites from past making one last appearance. The film is technically great. Archived footage of Carry Fischer is cleverly used. It’s again a tribute to the beloved princess that she plays such a pivotal role in this episode despite not being around. The action sequences are the best ever in a Star Wars movie. The turbulent sea action sequence is unbelievable, the final battle sequence equally good. Visual effects are spectacular, cinematography is meticulous. The soundtrack by the legendary John Williams is pure nostalgia.

The film does have a nonchalant first 30 mins and takes some time to pace up. But Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver keep it interesting. The biggest drawback of the movie is that few of the scenes cut abruptly and it gets a bit fuzzy at times. But Star Wars is a fantasy cinema and it should be enjoyed like that.

The Rise of Skywalker is not a standalone movie, it’s a conclusion of all the sequels and the prequels and surely requires a brief refresher. Watch out for the legendary Skywalker Saga to amaze us one last time.

Taking one last look, Sir, at my friends.

— C3PO (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker)

My Rating: 8.2/10

Movie Review: Avengers: Endgame (2019)

2019 is proving to be an emotional year for the fans and followers of some of the most iconic movie series and television shows around the world. Game of Thrones is just 3 weeks away from airing its final episode. The Skywalker saga is coming to an end with the episode IX of Star Wars. And here we are with the highly anticipated Avengers Endgame which is the final movie of the much celebrated chapter of Marvel Universe, the Infinity saga.

The phase 3 of Marvel Cinematic Universe began with Captain America: Civil War back in 2016. The movie directed by Russo brothers was a huge success and a major stepping stone towards the Infinity War buildup. As we hear Russo brothers do not plan to make more Marvel movies at the moment, it is only a fitting tribute that the epilogue to the greatest phase of movie making is directed by them.

Marvel has redefined the way cinema needs to be experienced. They have manged to take the overall cinematic experience to a whole new level with their ideas, passion and the use of technology. The overall idea of the Avengers Initiative is a proof of what can be achieved with a proper vision and planning. Avengers Endgame is an ode to that vision, which spanned across 22 movies and 11 years.

Coming to the review, it goes without saying, Avengers Endgame is not a standalone movie. Every single one of the MCU movies eventually tie up to the larger picture of things. Endgame is a final culmination of 11 years of story telling and the last building block of MCU’s Infinity saga. Any review or feedback needs an understanding of the overall theme spread over 22 movies and if those recaps are foggy in memory, it might be difficult to fully relate to the depth of this movie. Having said that, Endgame is a absolute treat and delight for the fans. The movie delivers more than anyone could have expected on each and every front, whether it is the story telling, acting, background score, screenplay or editing. It would be unfair to even look at the CGI aspect of this swansong, but it can not go without a mention. The CGI is top notch, and the final battle is by far the best sequence ever seen on the big screen( Infinity war comes a close second). The level of energy the final battle generates is evident from the IMAX crowd shouting at the top of the lungs and cheering each and every moment like it was real. If any movie deserves an IMAX re-watch, it has to be the Endgame. Few words for the soundtrack, it’s amazing, no hold barred. If this was the one last time, then Alan Silvestri the composer has made sure it will not be forgotten soon. Without giving away too much on the character details, Endgame is a tribute to the original six Avengers and each and every one of them has delivered a memorable performance in the movie. The most interesting character of this whole saga has been Thanos, the Mad Titan who is arguably one of the best villains in Marvel Universe and is the most intriguing, thought provoking, compelling anti-hero with a real motive. He is a character we love to hate and will be long remembered as the most powerful antagonist in cinematic history.

The style of movie making Marvel has followed has always included a dose of humor in even the most difficult situations. Endgame is no exception on that front. The movie is absorbing, monumental and heart-rending and is a tearjerker which would manage to bring uninhibited emotional outrage among true fans. But the humor quotient is never sacrificed at any point. Fans have immersed into Marvel’s Universe from over a decade rooting for Steve Rogers – the super soldier from Brooklyn and de facto leader of the Avengers, Tony Stark – the genius, billionaire, playboy philanthropist and Iron-Man, Bruce Banner – the Scientist and Hulk or Thor – the God of Thunder. Endgame is the ultimate venture to all of that. While Endgame is an insanely emotional moment for the Avenger fans, it marks end of an era, the end of an epic journey of what is refereed as as the Infinity Saga in MCU. From infinity stones to infinity war to Thanos and beyond the possibilities have been endless. The celebration of 11 marvelous years in the history of cinema does sets up new possibilities in future as we bid adieu to some of our favorite characters and are ready to endorse the next gen superheroes.

Nothing lasts forever and a part of journey is the end. That’s the unpleasant truth no one wants to be reminded of. But the road ahead does not look so bad. There is no question that Marvel visionaries won’t let the fans down with what they plan to bring in next with the next generation superheroes. We know it took a decade of fandom to go full circle from Iron-man to the Endgame and this is not where it ends.

Overall, Endgame is an emotional extravaganza. It’s a fitting farewell to some of the most beloved and followed cinematic figures in the history of cinema. Let’s rejoice in the glory of our heroes one more time. 

My Rating: 10/10

If any movie deserves it, it has to be this. A perfect 10 may sound too high to few, but for me, nothing has gone beyond this and while there may be movies in future which may be better in every other aspect, but at this very moment, this is perfection.

P.S. – Movie does not have a post credit scene. But do wait for the credits to roll, it’s absolute nostalgia.

Movie Review: Black Panther (2018)

Marvel Studios has got into a phase of movie making where anything and everything they do will be right. With Black Panther, they present a very different Superhero movie and deliver an absolute blockbuster yet again.

At a time when we are looking towards the highly anticipated Infinity Wars, a superhero origins movie is really a cat out of the bag. And the trick seems to have worked, as now we have a solid background on the relatively unknown king of Wakanda, Black Panther. Marvel has started a very different territory in the Superhero movie genre with Logan back in 2017. Black Panther falls right into that zone of beautifully paced, extremely absorbing movies which tend to defy the regular superhero movie genre and have the potential to raise the bars a notch above.

Black Panther may probably be the first solo superhero movie from MCU, where each and every important character hold to their own. Far away from the regular arragement, Black Panther is beautifully setup in African country of Wakanda and dwells deep into African culture. Chadwick Boseman is just the perfect Black Panther in true sense. He does not overdo the act, does as much would be expected from a guy playing the super powerful king of a technologically superior tribe. Letitia Wright plays the nerdy techno whizkid younger sister Shuri and her screen presence is super cool. Each and every one of the major characters play their part perfectly. But one actor who stands out is Michael B. Jordon with his role of Killmonger. He plays the perfect anti-hero to the Black Panther and proves to be a worthy match. It’s hard to ignore Andy Serkis if he is a part of any movie. Returning in Black Panther as  Ulysses Klaue, even with a limited role, he again proves why he is one of the best actors on the planet. Even without going into character details of Nakia, Okoye, W’Kabi and M’Baku, we can easily say if we were left wanting for more from the Amazonian tribe in the Justice league or even Wonder Woman from DC, Marvel fulfills that want with the tribes of Wakanda.

Movie has some incredible background score, truly African style, blending in rap music with African instruments and fitting the characters and scenes brilliantly. The tone of the movie is truly setup by the music to say the least. VFX is top notch, as we would expect from any Marvel movies. Action scenes are limited but high quality. Without giving away too much, the car sequence is mind blowing. The climax is beautifully setup and has many awe moments, but the end battle may disappoint a few and the ending may seem a bit predictable.

Overall, Black Panther is a top quality effort from Marvel Studios and will stand tall among the Solo Superhero movies. We should now expect a bigger role for Black Panther in the Infinity Wars, having seen and understood what he is capable of. A must watch for fans waiting for the Wars to being.

My Rating: 8.6/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie Review: Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Star Wars is not just a movie series, it’s a cultural phenomenon. Generations have grown up watching the epic saga. The space odyssey has deeply impacted and influenced the popular culture and is undoubtedly the most iconic movie franchisee on planet. Every new Star Wars movie gathers a lot of attention and anticipation worldwide. The Last Jedi is the 2nd film in the latest trilogy, episode VIII of the science fiction film series, and 3rd offering after Lucas Films was acquired by Disney ( The Force Awakens and Rogue One being the other two).

The Last Jedi is one such film, which is difficult to be reviewed without divulging few details. High hopes, anticipation, excitement and emotions make it an uphill struggle to actually review any Star Wars movie. Having said that, The Last Jedi is the finest Star Wars movie after the original trilogy, to say the least. Directed by Rian Johnson(Looper famed), this is an honest attempt to get out of the shadows of the original three films and yet maintain the nostalgia which surrounds any Star Wars movies. Rian Johnson brings an element of freshness to the series and delivers a masterpiece. His conceptualization of darkness and light being two sides of the same Force is amazing and the tussle to have a balance between the two forces by the main protagonists is the main theme. The movie is long, elaborate, digs deep and sets up the future, leaving the rich history behind. Anyone could be a Jedi, anyone could be a Darth Vader, no one is privileged, no one is destined.

Talking about the cast, words aren’t enough to pay tribute to the legendary Carrie Fisher for her one final appearance as Princess Leia Organa. Her character in the current trilogy was as important as that of Ian McKellen as Gandalf in LOTR series. Her demise may actually lead to a huge change in plot in Episode IX. It’s a nostalgic experience to see Mark Hamill play Luke Skywalker once again. His role’s multilayered portrayal may surprise a few, but succeeds to drive the movie forward. Daisy Ridley as Rey is pure raw power. Her role is wonderful and she has all the capability and charisma to do the same with this character as Gal Gadot has done with Wonder Woman. Adam Driver is absolutely mind blowing as the dark master Kylo Ren/Ben Solo. He has been a brilliant choice to carry the legacy of Darth Vader forward. He is the anti-hero who will be long remembered once this trilogy ends. Some of the best scenes in the movie are his interaction with Rey. The director masterfully depicts the scenes when the two opposite powers interact. A brilliant addition to the story has been Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, he might be the one who can fulfill the spot left by Harrison Ford’s Han Solo. One word for Andy Serkis as the Supreme Leader Snoke, even with a few minutes role Serkis creates deep impact. There is no doubt he is the best in business when it comes to motion capture roles.

Coming to the CGI, movie never gives an overdose of it. Battle scenes are epic but nothing goes overboard. Visual effects are nothing less than spectacular, cinematography is brilliant, and production design praiseworthy. We might see few of these making nomination cut at the Academy awards. Coming to the soundtrack, it’s once again composed by the highly acclaimed, 5 times Academy Awards winner, John Williams. The background score is magical and hugely compliments the story.

Amidst mixed reviews floating around, the true fans of Star Wars should not think twice before watching this movie. The movie definitely requires viewers bonding with the 40 years of epic saga. While prequels may still be given a miss, the Original trilogy and the Force awakens are a must watch if someone wants to truly connect to the movie. Anyone looking for a standalone movie might feel a disconnect. Given the long run time, it could be unsettling for few. This is a new generation movie on path to redefine set norms in the Star Wars universe. A lot is getting changed in this galaxy far far away, or is about to be changed. This is something which die-hard fans may find difficult to adjust to and may instantly dislike the movie due to that.

Overall, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, is a wonderful addition to the iconic franchisee. The movies is meant for the fans and may prove to be a stepping stone towards a new future of the Star Wars series.

My Rating 8.8/10

 

 

Movie Review: Justice League (2017)

Any superhero movie genre fan is bound to draw comparison between the two parallel cinematic universes in existence. While it appears one of the universe is on the next stage of evolution, the other one is yet to decipher it’s evolutionary descent, in-spite of incredible dwellers in it’s world and a great fan following(including me).

Coming to the movie review of arguably the most awaited movie of this year, Justice League fails to live up to all the buzz, hype and hoopla created around it. Movie has an ensemble cast and comes as the next big installment to a very strong previous outing from DC (Wonder Woman). The stage was set for an unforgettable experience for the fans, but alas, the opportunity goes wasted. To start with,  editing is awful, scenes cut abruptly, meaningless coversations follow, and it is difficult to connect to the overall proceedings. Dialogues are seriously unfunny and cliched. There is hardly any time for character development and there is a hushed up origins story for 3 major characters in the movie. There seems to be a need for someone to lead the team, but the script does not offer anything there. The movie starts on a promising note and always gives a sense that the next level is awaiting right at the corner, but does not manage to offer anything new. There is a promise to start with Steppenwolf’s character, but at the end we do not see anything beyond a CGI monotone.

There are some amazing sequences like Amazons taking on Steppenwolf, but to our disappointment, the Amazonian sequences are cut short. The charismatic Gal Gadot is once again expected to carry the whole movie on her shoulders, but she is not given the role which would have enabled her to do so. Having said that the best scenes of the movie are still reserved for her, and she delivers in style.

Zack Snyder has been a favorite director (300, Watchmen, Man of Steel), but his signature style somehow seems to be missing in this movie, we only get glimpses of his otherwise brilliant vision. CGI is average, looks artificial, action sequences do not offer anything new, Para-demons are neither funny nor menacing. All in all, Justice League is an average weekend movie, which promises big, but fails to deliver big. Fans will still watch the movie and wait for DC to make it right the next time the team gathers.

Why to watch : DC Fan. The first team gathering for an evolving movie universe. Decent weekend movie experience.

My Rating: 7.4/10

 

 

Movie Review: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Marvel Studios is back with their last movie of the year. Time and again they have raised the bar for superhero movie genre and they manage to deliver yet again with Thor Ragnarok. The god of thunder finally delivers the kind of lighting and thunder we always wanted to see.

Thor Ragnarok is a fun film, a strong contender for the funniest film from Marvel. The comic scenes are a laugh riot, characters outright hilarious. We get to see Thor, Hulk, Loki like never before. We see the green guy do the talking, the lord of thunder expressing his love for his hammer, the god of mischief at his funniest best, and the team calling themselves The “Revengers”.

We can always trust Cate Blanchett to deliver amazing performance in any character she plays, she does exactly the same with her role in this film. As Hela, the goddess of death, she is exceptional, maybe the villain we always looked for in a Marvel movie. Chris Hemsworth gets by far is his best performance as Thor. Tom Hiddleston has always been great as Loki and continues to own the role and entertain us. The big surprise is Tessa Thompson (WestWorld/Creed famed) as Valkyrie. She is wonderful as a part of team Revengers and somehow gives a glimpse of Michelle Rodriguez with this performance.

CGI, VFX, action sequences are amazing as usual, something which we can always expect from Marvel. Special mention for the face-off between Hela and the Valkyrie. The sequence is almost poetic and looks straight out of a mythological book. The final Ragnarok battle also lives up to the expectations. The most amazing fact about the movie is the brilliant choice and use of the Immigrant song (by the legendary English rock band Led Zeppelin) as theme song. The director, Taika Waititi, deserves a special applause for his vision to use this song which features lyrical references to Norse mythology.

Overall, Thor Ragnarok is a hugely satisfying movie watching experience. Marvel fans can hardly wait for the Infinity Wars and this movie leads further towards the most anticipated movie event. Do watch out for the first post credit and speculate some crazy theory for the Infinity stones.

My Rating: 8.4/10

Movie Review: Dunkirk (2017)

Movie making as an expression of art is an act of creativity which brings the most imaginative visualisation and thought process of the movie makers into reality. Creative minds have a perpetual compulsion to express themselves, there is a need to keep getting inspired, which makes them think beyond boundaries, express beyond subtleties and define their own realities. Cinema is one such art form which empowers some of those creative minds to achieve these needs.

There have been movie makers right from the beginning who have pioneered with their path-breaking visual art, have influenced, inspired generations and have created an aura which never fades. Christopher Nolan is one such modern great. His non linear, mind bending, complex narrative based movie making style has given a new meaning of cinema to a lot of people. Christopher Nolan is not just great but a true maverick director, who has dared to break stereotypes, going beyond linear narration, which has been attempted though, but none with the clarity and precision as Nolan. He is the absolute king of complex narratives. The detailing in each and every scene of his movies is of epic proportions and even umpteen viewing of the same movie could bring out newer details which went unnoticed earlier. Nolan always believes in magic of his imagination rather than relying on CGI and creates a magnificent visual spectacle with his high resolution 2D cameras.

During the period of WWII, Dunkirk evacuation took place in the north of France, between 26 May and 4 June 1940. Code named Operation Dynamo and also known as the Miracle of Dunkirk, more than 300 thousand soldiers of allied forces (English and French) were rescued by evacuating vessels. The overall incidence was nothing less than a miracle, as German forces had heavily surrounded the allied forces in Dunkirk, but they were remarkably evacuated. Nolan pays his tribute to the spirit of Dunkirk and presents his version of the events, in one of the most anticipated movies of this year.

Dunkirk is a visually compelling, artistically satisfying and technically perfect movie. It is a nerve wrecking, edge of the seat Nolan thriller and literally draws you into it with his astounding imagination at work. It takes Nolan’s genius to present the war situation in such a thrilling way, without even showing the actual enemy. Anyone expecting another Saving Private Ryan from Dunkirk should give it a miss as both the movies are conceptualized, visualized and narrated on very different levels, by two of the greatest movie makers of modern generation. Infact, anyone expecting a great war movie, similar to ones made in past (well there are many and they are amazing), Dunkirk is not a typical war movie. It is Nolan’s take on the events which happened during the evacuation of allied forces from Dunkirk, France. The storyline is simple, and does not try to cover anything and everything which might have happened during the actual events, but Nolan handles it in his trademark non-linear style and makes the audience completely immersed and feel the complex situations arising during the narrative. Dunkirk may not have the blink and miss detailing as we find in The Dark Knight, Inception or Interstellar, but it definitely needs more than one viewing to truly understand, notice and absorb everything which Nolan has to offer. The movie casting is great, with wonderful set of actors donning suitable roles. There is no main lead as such and everyone has a part to play. Notably, Mark Rylance delivers a standout performance. Tom Hardy does have an interesting role and is part of some nerve wrecking scenes. The scenes featuring Tom Hardy and Jack Lowden, as Spitfire pilots of RAF, with the vast horizons and the sea as backdrop might be the best we have ever seen. The movie heavily relies on visual detailing, on-screen tensions, superb background score, and has minimum dialogues.

Hans Zimmer is another modern great who has been the most iconic music composer of recent times. The ten times Academy award nominee and one time winner, has created his magic again with Dunkirk. It would be apt to say that his composition is one of the main reasons for Dunkirk to be the movie it is.

Nolan expects his audience to be intelligent and aware before watching his movies. He does not provide you with all the details. You need to figure out what is happening in the movie and should be attentive to grasp fast changing timeframes, edits, abrupt scene changes. Whereas this gives great delight to anyone looking forward to an immersive experience, the casual movie goers may not like to put that much effort for a weekend movie experience. Still with all the hype and aura around, as with any Nolan movie, Dunkirk will be rated highly on popularity charts. In true cinematic senses, it will stand as a remarkable achievement in the movie career of the great director.

Why to watch? Technically brilliant, visually amazing, nerve-wrecking, holistic cinematic experience. A great offering from a master movie maker.

Why not to watch? If expecting a full fledged war movie. If expecting another Inception.

My Rating 9.2/10

 

Movie Review: War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

Caesar is back. And he is the one who knows that Apes Together Strong.

There are movies which are immediately appreciated by the audience and some which gain the cult status down the line. War for Planet of the Apes falls somewhere between the two. The fans of Caesar will instantly appreciate and connect with the movie, on the other hand, a time will come down the line, when people in general will remember this movie as a great epilogue to the wonderful trilogy on Planet of the Apes.

War for Planet of the Apes is a movie a certain Stanely Kubrick would have been proud of. Anyone who has loved the opening scenes of Kubrick’s Space Odyssey, will be overjoyed to see this movie. A word for the director Matt Reeves who has done a brilliant job to bring a satisfying end to the trilogy. Having directed the highly acclaimed Dawn of the Plant of the Apes, high hopes were pinned on the final installment. Reeves’ delivers with a bang and gives us a very different, complex layered movie, which brings an apt end to the 2011 trilogy reboot.

The background score is of the highest level in this movie. Michael Giacchino has been a wonderful composer (Ratatouille, Up and very recent Doctor Strange and Spider-Man Homecoming along with many other huge hits). War for the Planet of Apes will definitely standout amongst most distinguished works by the composer over the time.

If anyone deserves an Academy nominations this year (perhaps beside Hugh Jackman’s Logan), it has to be Andy Serkis for his portrayal of Caesar. It’s awe inspiring to even think what emotional effort he must have put, in order to bring the complex character of the ape hero to life with motion capture. A word for Woody Harrelson, wonderful actor, brilliant job in his limited role as the main antagonist, though not as vicious as Koba from previous movie. A lack of final battle between him and Caesar will leave many disappointed, but that is just perceptual, as a very different showdown happens which finally substantiates what Caesar is all about.

The movie is not at all about the war on the battlefield between humans and apes. The war which Caesar fights within himself, the dilemma to seek revenge or save his tribe, the urge to be consumed by the darkness within or to think about the greater good and look towards the future, that’s the war which this movie is all about.

Not every other movie is meant to be a popcorn flick and certainly Matt Reeves did not want this to be one. This is a movie which needs to be experienced, absorbed and understood. The heart wrenching emotions, anger and dilemma of the ape leader Caesar needs time to be soaked in, and the director gives us ample time to perceive that. The movie is long and slow paced, anyone looking for a CGI war happening on screen, please give it a pass, you will be bored.

The movie is technically brilliant and never gives an overdose of CGI. Camera work is amazing, waterfall scenes specially stand out. 

Overall War for the Planet of Apes is an apt end to the wonderful trilogy. While we wait for the highly anticipated, Dunkirk to hit theatres next week, this can prove to be a perfect platform for moviegoers to switch from casual action flicks to mature cinema.
Why to watch ? Great storytelling, high quality, multi-layered, artistic cinema, masterful performance by Andy Serkis and rest of the crew.

Why not to watch ? If looking for a highly entertaining action blockbuster. If slow paced absorbing cinema does not excite you, please wait for the TV Premiere.

My Rating 8.8/10

Movie Review: Wonder Woman (2017)

“Only love can truly save the world” – Diana Prince. Hardly has there been a superhero movie where the lead character gets to say words like these when faced with dilemma to choose the right path. They are just expected to fight out of every situation, save the world with their super powers and keep saying witty one liners to keep us entertained. This is what makes Wonder Woman a truly different take on Superhero movies and a deserving candidate for one of the best movies from DC Extended Universe yet. A woman is all about compassion, grit and power. Being the first Superhero movie to be directed by a woman and lead by a woman protagonist further empowers the movie and gives a fresh perspective and viewpoint to the superhero movie genre.

A character in the movie says to Diana, she is a work of art. Well, Gal Gadot truly lives up to the adjectives and gives us the most deserving, powerful and praiseworthy female lead character ever. And it’s not only stopping the bullets,wielding the sword and saving the world which makes Diana, the warrior princess any different, it’s the way she interprets life and reciprocates to choose the right path when the situation arises, which fills us with awe and inspiration. Gal Gadot is probably the best thing to happen to the big screen in recent times and we all saw a glimpse of what she is capable of doing in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. Well, she carries forward the same aura and panache and takes the demigoddess’ character to great heights, ready to fight for those who can not fight for themselves.

A superhero movie does not need to have start to end mindless action sequences or funny dialogues each and every time characters engage in a face-off, both of these dilute the overall effect and often feel repetitive. This has been a trend with most of the superhero movies in recent past. Wonder Woman breaks this stereotype and still scores high on entertainment factor. There are limited action sequences but they are kickass, high voltage ones which leave you awestruck and make you feel the adrenaline rush. The Amazon princess gets a super loud cheer and reception when she takes on the real world forces for first time, and the overall sequence is sure to give you goosebumps. Special mention for the Wonder Woman theme, which is on path to become the most recognized theme associated with a movie character.

Patty Jenkins has returned to big screen movie direction with Wonder Woman after a long gap (Monster,2003). The movie has a definite stamp of Zack Snyder style of action and visualization, given that he has written the story of the film, but Jenkins manages to get her own mark and gets a right mix of story, action and visual art. A word for Chris Pine, who has acted his heart out for this role, a perfect counterpart to Diana Prince when she faces the real world. Connie Nielsen and Robin Wright are amazing as Queen Hippolyta and Antiope respectively, only wished they had longer roles to play in the film. The lead villains too have a very limited presence and that is a bit of disappointment. The climax is long and interesting, a lot happens in terms of story and it’s not only about action.

Why to Watch : One, for the incredibly engaging, emotionally connecting and thought provoking superhero origins movie ever made. Two, for the awesome Gal Gadot.

Why not to watch: If only looking for a start to finish non-stop action movie.

My Rating : 8.8/10

Movie Review: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

Dead Men Tell No Tales, also released  by the name Salazar’s Revenge is the fifth installment for the immensely popular and commercially successful franchisee. Captain Jack Sparrow, one of my most favourite screen character returns to the big screen after a gap of almost 5 years. Directed by the Norwegian duo Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, Dead Men Tell No Tales tries hard to recreate the magic of the first three parts, which was missing in the last movie, On Stranger Tides. The Pirates series is very popular amongst movie goers and fans and a tremendous box office response over the years is just a proof of that.

The movie takes loose references from the previous outings, but continuing the story after such a long a gap is quite a disconnect and many will find it hard to recollect things quickly, unless previous movies have be revisited recently. Having said that, Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa do not need an introduction and we immediately feel thrilled to see them again on big screen. Captain Jack Sparrow is one of the most iconic, recognizable and memorable screen heroes ever. His character, like always, gives us the comic relief in his unique indomitable style. But we still feel something lacks which had made him the beloved Pirate leader among the viewers. Johnny Depp is extremely comfortable and natural in this role , and we might say the directors could have made him do a bit more which he is hugely capable of. The beautiful and talented Kaya Scodelario is wonderful as Carina and provides a refreshing dimension to the movie. Javier Bardem as Salazar is menacing, fearful and funny at times. Might not match up to Geoffrey Rush’s Barbossa from the first movie, but is still convincing in the role.

There are many subplots which are quickly glued to integrate with the main theme of search for Poseidon’s Trident, but they do add to a certain amount of confusion in viewers mind. Overall, this technically outstanding movie, recreates the nostalgia of the infamous expeditions of Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew. CGI is mind blowing in most of the part and climax scenes beautifully imagined. There is a scene at the end of the credits, which I somehow missed, that might give us a glimpse of the future of the franchisee.

Why to watch: The Pirates theme never gets old, never fails to give a goosebump. We all wish to be aboard on Captain Jack Sparrow’s Black Pearl , so how can we miss this one. Aye Captain here we come.

Why not to watch: Did not bother to think over that. Anyways lots of reviews out there to suggest why we should not.

My Rating : 7.6