Dunkirk (2017)

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Christoper Nolan directs another genius film on all levels, recreating the events on land, air and sea. He doesn’t resort to theatrics, gore or unnecessary violence. The dialogue is limited, the impact is lasting.

The background score creates a unique tension, keeping audiences glued to the screen, at the edge of their seats. While the odds are briefly explained, the beauty is not in over-emphasising them, but to soak in the aesthetics with its visual, sound and story layers.

There is a sense that we were part of something larger than a film, witnessing a slice of history, with its sweeping expanse, though liberating on some levels was also quite helpless and captive on many others.

For that and a lot more that can’t be written but only experienced, watch the maestro at work.

3.5/5

Change the channel

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You are a sophisticated piece of machinery. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You are programmed in the womb and activated at birth. But as you grow older, you go into ‘Auto Pilot’ mode. You forget that you are a complex transmitter of thoughts, ideas and desires. It’s only when you realise that the Universe is an infinite supermarket, and everything in it is there for your selection, absolutely FREE, is when you go back to your original state of ‘being activated’. Try it, it will never fail you. Some requests are granted within seconds or minutes. Some take longer. The difference? Maybe our desire isn’t as intense or maybe we are not ready for it, or maybe there’s a better thing in store for us. Either way, fine tune your antenna, find the frequency of the universe and get ready to receive its abundance!

Viceroy’s House (2017)

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Gurinder Chadha presents a period film this time round, from the perspective of the Mountbatten family. Always a touchy subject, the partition is seen from the stories of staff inside The Viceroys House.

Palatial and luxurious, it has its own political dynamic, which is threatened by the eminent handover of the country. While the destiny of India is battled out by the leaders, a romance blossoms.

It’s a delicate tale told with dignity, without getting caught up in the violence and gore of the time. The film has a strong cast which delivers on every count.

A well made film which is a departure from the directors usual style and technique.

3/5

Jagga Jasoos (2017)

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Jagga Jasoos: Anurag Basu’s Barfi was a stellar film. After a 5 year wait, we get to see his much delayed project Jagga Jasoos.

The film has a fresh creative approach, a musical with a reason for being so. The only question is, does it work? The plot is fantasy, with a bit of suspense and history weaved into it. Again, will it hold the attention of the adult audience?

Jagga is played endearingly by Ranbir, who gives us an act which is not uncommon. He looks young, as the role demands it, and the chemistry between him and Katrina is evidently missing. Katrina, on the other hand, feels out of place and sync in the film. She has a few cute moments, but is seemingly not at ease.

I feel the film was marketed incorrectly. At times I felt like I was watching a teletubby episode. It works very well as a children’s film, in which case it wouldn’t require the talents of established stars. Maybe a launch pad for new actors would have brought the budget down and probably finished it quicker.

All in all, the film moves very fast, with the pair getting in and out of sticky situations in a blink. The plot can’t make up its mind, so let’s not look for logic here, just an easy breezy light hearted fare with a musical overload.

2/5

Tubelight (2017)

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Director Kabir Khan was trying for a follow up to the ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ act but doesn’t achieve it for many reasons.

While the emotional quotient was high in BB, the proceedings were kept to a luke warm intensity this time round, neither investing your attention nor wavering it.

Salman Khan does a decent job, crying the most in any of his roles to date, without making you question his sincerety. He has worked hard to step outside his comfort zone and deliver an act. The effort is present but the final result may leave a lot to desire. A cameo by Shah Rukh Khan makes for an interesting twist.

Child actor Matin Rey Tangu and his mom Zhu Zhu deliver lines with conviction, while Sohail Khan ably supports Salman. Om Puri is the wisdom in the film that uses parallels from history and non-violent events to show NOTHING is a co-incidence.

It was a decent attempt but not cohesive or with lasting impact.

2/5

Despicable me 3 (2017)

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Pierre Coffin is back with his minions, Gru, Lucy and the girls for this much awaited last part of the Despicable me series.

He turns the usual plot on its head where a cliche estranged brother and a villain who has left villainy collide to serve a luke warm tale. There was little humour or character development. The placement of popular songs move the story along.

Definitely not the best or most exciting of the three films but for a lover of the franchise it was fun in parts.

1.5/5

The Mummy (2017)

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The Mummy – What starts off as a ‘silly set up’ kind of introduction, quickly settles into a film which doesn’t take itself seriously.

Tom Cruise walks a thin line between trying to find a treasure and do the right thing. His non chalant behaviour provides unexpected humour, and so does his friend Jake Johnson.

The Mummy is played by Sofia Boutella, and very convincingly so. She is every bit an outworldly creature who was a stunning beauty and turns unforgivingly evil.

Russell Crowe is wasted in a role which will clearly be back for the sequel. It’s an interesting take on an old villian which becomes apparent quite quickly. Annabelle Wallis plays the defiant Jenny, the convenient plot point who drives the narrative.

It wasn’t a patch on the old ones, neither did it claim to be. It was set in London city with different parameters and did ok because it could laugh at itself. A Sequel is definitely on the cards.

2/5

Wonder Woman (2017)

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Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman is the perfect balance of a nurturing beautiful woman and a fierce alert warrior who is compassionate towards humanity and committed to the cause of saving them.

Director Patty Jenkins, known for the movie ‘Monster’ takes on a large canvas and executes the pace and mood the time very well. The plot builds slowly with some stellar action and surprising humour.

Chris Pine ably supports the female lead with his own aesthetics and antics. The remaining actors are well cast for their roles and the villains deserve special mention for being plain and simple evil rather than caricatures.

A visual treat, a well made film, which shows the back story of a super hero, who has the best qualities of all the others put together, combined with humility and grace.

3.5/5

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead men tell no tales (2017)

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Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg present another whacky swashbuckler film, fifth in the series of underwater villains and legendary pursuits.

Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow is his usual swaying, witty and ‘getting saved at the last moment’ character. The surprise here is the villain, Captain Salazar, played so convincingly by Javier Bardem that you can’t recognise him. The other cast members support the plot. Some alumni make guest appearances with a window for a possible 6th instalment.

The film was high on adventure and fantasy with excellent special effects. It was a no brainer, fun ride which doesn’t promise to be anything else.

2.5/5

Alien : Covenant (2017)

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Ridley Scott directs a wavering line between structure and chaos, creator and creation, going from dialogue heavy, philosophical tones to no protocol, careless abandon which doesn’t befit the plot.

The crew aboard the covenant are a blur between rationality and impulse, confusing the audience at various points, capturing their attention intensely at others.

The vision and execution of the 79 year old director is remarkable as he brings to life a world which is so similar yet so different from ours. He takes risks, some of which pay off, to introduce themes which are at odds with each other, not working together as a whole.

The lack of urgency and lacklustre security or survival mode make for a below average experience.

2/5