I saw Dev Patel in it...not Ramanujan. It could have been but certainly no where near caliber of Good Will Hunting or A Beautiful Mind.... Just because a movie is set in India doesn't automatically make it good (as a South East Asian). Many are sympathetic because of it. The directors could have taken it to so many different angles... For instance, did you know the history behind the partition formula? But no, it had to make some generic biopic, Hollywood asumming that audience may not have braincells and need a story to be dumbed down. If you are math nerd, you will be disappointed. I watched it a long time ago, but I think typical Hollywood injected some sappy love story in it too in the beginning.
Reviews
32 Reviews
SEAL Team
(2017–2024)
Boring and predictable...
22 April 2021
A macho soldier who hates going to therapy but likes to blow things up? Ho hum. Give us something new. How original. Another plot of America's police watchdog who thinks they have moral superiority.
It is being bashed for the wrong reason about female SEAL and what not. But hey... that's Hollywood. It is supposed to be fiction and not another documentary. Some insecure men have problem about it.
Although some of the shots are superbly crafted it is just cheesy, falls flat thanks to the cringeworthy acting by David Boreanaz.
Oh throw in some stock minority characters for good measure because it is not about race but about righteosness. Just because you pass BUD/S suddenly doesn't make you beyond reproach. In real life many SEALs have lost their ethos and warrior mindset to stand up for the weak and oppressed instead full of xenophobic hate and what not.
For fellows who want to get their fix, just stick to Jack Reacher.
It is being bashed for the wrong reason about female SEAL and what not. But hey... that's Hollywood. It is supposed to be fiction and not another documentary. Some insecure men have problem about it.
Although some of the shots are superbly crafted it is just cheesy, falls flat thanks to the cringeworthy acting by David Boreanaz.
Oh throw in some stock minority characters for good measure because it is not about race but about righteosness. Just because you pass BUD/S suddenly doesn't make you beyond reproach. In real life many SEALs have lost their ethos and warrior mindset to stand up for the weak and oppressed instead full of xenophobic hate and what not.
For fellows who want to get their fix, just stick to Jack Reacher.
Boring as hell....
19 April 2021
For a pilot they needed to bring their A game. Almost fell asleep watching it. Didn't see what the point was. Pretty much stating the obvious. Yeah, if you are expecting it to be something of Jason Bourne nature, forget it. Simple formula: Macho brawny snappy fast talking talking SEALs deployed for a mission. Nothing original.
I had high expectations after seeing some clips. Although I will finish Season 1, but I hope the rest of the episodes are not so yawn inducing. Only thing that makes it bearable is the very attractive Jessica Pare.
I had high expectations after seeing some clips. Although I will finish Season 1, but I hope the rest of the episodes are not so yawn inducing. Only thing that makes it bearable is the very attractive Jessica Pare.
Nobody
(I) (2021)
Fails to live up to the hype. No depth or layers.
18 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Look it's a good film. The plot is simple. John Wick meets Equalizer. However, the rave reviews and the hype are nowhere warranted and accurate. People are acting it is Joker 2019 - the ONLY movie where the hype fully lived up to potential as well as Heath Ledger's Joker.
Given the spate of utter garbage that Hollywood spews out this obviously transcends the mediocrity. However, just like at the end of Equalizer 1 and 2's warehouse and deserted city scene in thunderstorm, I just couldn't wait for it to end at the end which seemed to drag on and on. Because you KNOW what's gonna happen. The obvious Hollywood predictable trope. Although I loved Equalizer 1 and 2 and John Wick 1, I couldn't stand Parabellum and to this date haven't finished it even though paying 10 bucks online. As some famous critic pointed out for Parabellum it is almost someone unlocked the cheat code of Immortality.
Same thing with the ending of this movie. It's almost nothing can go wrong and thus no tension nor suspense. Had it not been for sunken cost fallacy, I would have easily given it 8,9,10. But I won't even though I spent 20$ online.
As far as the movie itself, love the acting and slightly raspy voice of the actor. I mean yeah judging by his acting alone it is hands down 10/10 performance.
But other than that there is no depth, no layers, no nuance. At least in Equalizers you see the layers and subplots and exploration of anciliary character's arc. I mean Equalizer 2's gun to the head scene (it only takes x amount of pressure to kill) is one of the most powerful scenes in cinema thanks to Denzel's performance and writing.
Unlike Equalizer there are no cool monologues. Dialogues are bland. Nothing is left for the cherry on the top in the final scene. I honestly couldn't wait for the gratutitious action scenes to be over. Unlike the character arc of Equalizer, Christopher Lloyd's prescence was just filler as well as the other African-American dude who came to his help.
I mean.... luring the bad guys to a warehouse/abandoned city/big office building with booby traps is as tired as ever.
Finally, movie makers REALLY need to stop making action scenes at night or dark where you can't see 90% of what's taking place. One horrible example of this dark tinted scene was in non-action film Fatima. But again and again filmmakers do it for action scenes which might as well be staring at a black wallpaper. For God's sakes, stop.
Watch if for fun, entertainment and thrill. But don't believe the hype.
Given the spate of utter garbage that Hollywood spews out this obviously transcends the mediocrity. However, just like at the end of Equalizer 1 and 2's warehouse and deserted city scene in thunderstorm, I just couldn't wait for it to end at the end which seemed to drag on and on. Because you KNOW what's gonna happen. The obvious Hollywood predictable trope. Although I loved Equalizer 1 and 2 and John Wick 1, I couldn't stand Parabellum and to this date haven't finished it even though paying 10 bucks online. As some famous critic pointed out for Parabellum it is almost someone unlocked the cheat code of Immortality.
Same thing with the ending of this movie. It's almost nothing can go wrong and thus no tension nor suspense. Had it not been for sunken cost fallacy, I would have easily given it 8,9,10. But I won't even though I spent 20$ online.
As far as the movie itself, love the acting and slightly raspy voice of the actor. I mean yeah judging by his acting alone it is hands down 10/10 performance.
But other than that there is no depth, no layers, no nuance. At least in Equalizers you see the layers and subplots and exploration of anciliary character's arc. I mean Equalizer 2's gun to the head scene (it only takes x amount of pressure to kill) is one of the most powerful scenes in cinema thanks to Denzel's performance and writing.
Unlike Equalizer there are no cool monologues. Dialogues are bland. Nothing is left for the cherry on the top in the final scene. I honestly couldn't wait for the gratutitious action scenes to be over. Unlike the character arc of Equalizer, Christopher Lloyd's prescence was just filler as well as the other African-American dude who came to his help.
I mean.... luring the bad guys to a warehouse/abandoned city/big office building with booby traps is as tired as ever.
Finally, movie makers REALLY need to stop making action scenes at night or dark where you can't see 90% of what's taking place. One horrible example of this dark tinted scene was in non-action film Fatima. But again and again filmmakers do it for action scenes which might as well be staring at a black wallpaper. For God's sakes, stop.
Watch if for fun, entertainment and thrill. But don't believe the hype.
Hollow Point
(2019)
Amateurs in comedy of errors...
16 April 2021
Terrible actor. Terrible director. Terrible writer. Terrible producer. Even 80s B movies are better.
There were some parts entertaining. Such as talking of Hammurabbi or Monarch butterfly weird reference during interrogation. Luke Goss is very suave and the fight scenes are okay. But that's about it. No string of coherence. Terrible music.
Dan Zirilli should never make movies anymore. And Dilan Jay should neve act.
There were some parts entertaining. Such as talking of Hammurabbi or Monarch butterfly weird reference during interrogation. Luke Goss is very suave and the fight scenes are okay. But that's about it. No string of coherence. Terrible music.
Dan Zirilli should never make movies anymore. And Dilan Jay should neve act.
Wonder
(I) (2017)
Ironically...
15 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The most cruel thing said in the movie was by the sister. "Not everything is about you." Jeezus Christ. But hey we are supposed to play on with the eternal apocalyptic battle between good vs. Evil where the "evil" "mean" "bully" is the bad guy where the kid laughs at the end when volcano malfunctions to trumpet good conquering evil. Ho hum.
I actually hated that Via's character. (Nothing against the child actor. Heck she even did a fine job of playing this frustrated, sourpuss girl who seems to hate everything in life and is only concerned about herself -while wink wink- at the same time remembering to couch with love when giving advice to her brother.
I GET IT. They wanted to show the dynamic of a caregiver or rather the neglected child too... but the character just came off plain unlikable. Again maybe because of her mean spirited comment.
On the other hand, Miranda character was refreshingly 'healthy' in terms of her outlook, mindset and everything.
Having said that... I LOVEEEEEE Owen Wilson's character. This guy continues to impress me from the lovable hippiesque JC lovin character in Little Fockers... It is so refreshing to see him in his 'mastery' phase of life. Heck the way he portrays himself he comes across as genuine and sincerely 'at ease' and happy person in life itself.
As is Julia!! Loved her character. People are not talking about these two... and taking their performances as 'granted' but this is what happens when you have two masters in their field who take on roles in their craft. Julia's smile is so genuine and you can also tell she found peace. (By the way not gushing over her like a fanboy because I actually hated Eat Pray Love.. lol!)
Finally, the main character. Amazing job. Amazing portrayal. But as a reviewer pointed out, he susses out his three 'friends' in the beginning by judging them and yet we are supposed to sympathize him all the way? They could have shown more nuance where it's not always black and white and good vs evil where the big evil villain is the mean school yard bully.
But I am willing to overlook it. Hate to repeat myself, but look at the clunker of trash Tenet is from a 200 million dollar budget. When you have garbage like that and Unhinged coming out, you are bound to like Wonder as it shows PURE CLASS. (I also recommend the movie Gifted for anyone interested.)
Finally, the principal. FANTASTIC performance. He sort of looked like a wise old Thoreasque type of person...soft spoken but teeming with understaning and wisdom where at one stage of the film he even empathized with the mean kid. Loved it.
All in all great film and much needed. Many reviewers who gave negative reviews will point out we are being swayed by emotion. I absolutely agree. But then again what is so WRONG about being swayed by emotion or pathos?
Isn't that the whole purpose of a movie after all?
I actually hated that Via's character. (Nothing against the child actor. Heck she even did a fine job of playing this frustrated, sourpuss girl who seems to hate everything in life and is only concerned about herself -while wink wink- at the same time remembering to couch with love when giving advice to her brother.
I GET IT. They wanted to show the dynamic of a caregiver or rather the neglected child too... but the character just came off plain unlikable. Again maybe because of her mean spirited comment.
On the other hand, Miranda character was refreshingly 'healthy' in terms of her outlook, mindset and everything.
Having said that... I LOVEEEEEE Owen Wilson's character. This guy continues to impress me from the lovable hippiesque JC lovin character in Little Fockers... It is so refreshing to see him in his 'mastery' phase of life. Heck the way he portrays himself he comes across as genuine and sincerely 'at ease' and happy person in life itself.
As is Julia!! Loved her character. People are not talking about these two... and taking their performances as 'granted' but this is what happens when you have two masters in their field who take on roles in their craft. Julia's smile is so genuine and you can also tell she found peace. (By the way not gushing over her like a fanboy because I actually hated Eat Pray Love.. lol!)
Finally, the main character. Amazing job. Amazing portrayal. But as a reviewer pointed out, he susses out his three 'friends' in the beginning by judging them and yet we are supposed to sympathize him all the way? They could have shown more nuance where it's not always black and white and good vs evil where the big evil villain is the mean school yard bully.
But I am willing to overlook it. Hate to repeat myself, but look at the clunker of trash Tenet is from a 200 million dollar budget. When you have garbage like that and Unhinged coming out, you are bound to like Wonder as it shows PURE CLASS. (I also recommend the movie Gifted for anyone interested.)
Finally, the principal. FANTASTIC performance. He sort of looked like a wise old Thoreasque type of person...soft spoken but teeming with understaning and wisdom where at one stage of the film he even empathized with the mean kid. Loved it.
All in all great film and much needed. Many reviewers who gave negative reviews will point out we are being swayed by emotion. I absolutely agree. But then again what is so WRONG about being swayed by emotion or pathos?
Isn't that the whole purpose of a movie after all?
A Hologram for the King
(2016)
It was going great until...
12 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The funny and dynamic rapport with Yousef - which was... let's face it- not stereotypical. At least not in the extent of Kumail Nanjiani in Stuber or that Indian-taxi driver stereotype from Deadpool. It showed it is perfectly natural for a Saudi driver to know Chicago or for that matter the parties behind closed door with booze and all.
The running gag of him falling even humored me. It was beauitfully photographed and visually stunning. But the moment they had to inject typical Hollywidazation romance it completed turned the whole thing sour like acid in milk.
Why does it ALWAYS have to include that dynamic? Can a single movie not be made that focuses on "missed" connections or chances or say just the cherished bond of friendship?
As a reviewer pointed out there was no way such deep, steamy romance can happen in 2 weeks between people from two vastly different background. Whereas Bill Murray's Lost In Translation was complete cringe fest thanks to Sopfia Copolla and also Salmon Fishing in Yemen is similar in nature (actually that was very predictable too...) this was a decent watch and I did not find it slow.
I mean... just like they had to ruin the movie "The Magic Of Belle Isle" this recurring force feeding of Hollywood of interracial/intercultural romance down our throats really need to be stopped. It could have easily gotten 10 had they didn't put that dumb twist of a romance at the end.
The running gag of him falling even humored me. It was beauitfully photographed and visually stunning. But the moment they had to inject typical Hollywidazation romance it completed turned the whole thing sour like acid in milk.
Why does it ALWAYS have to include that dynamic? Can a single movie not be made that focuses on "missed" connections or chances or say just the cherished bond of friendship?
As a reviewer pointed out there was no way such deep, steamy romance can happen in 2 weeks between people from two vastly different background. Whereas Bill Murray's Lost In Translation was complete cringe fest thanks to Sopfia Copolla and also Salmon Fishing in Yemen is similar in nature (actually that was very predictable too...) this was a decent watch and I did not find it slow.
I mean... just like they had to ruin the movie "The Magic Of Belle Isle" this recurring force feeding of Hollywood of interracial/intercultural romance down our throats really need to be stopped. It could have easily gotten 10 had they didn't put that dumb twist of a romance at the end.
The Ron Clark Story
(2006 TV Movie)
Cliche!
24 March 2021
Watched for an hour. Loved it actually. Then took a break and never went back and never will force myself to finish it. Why?
Because it is the same hollywoodization of utter tripe. This same style has been seen before (and after!) whether it be Dangerous Mind or the John Leguizamo's chess movie that they might as well call this its own genre.
But it's just so cheesy.
I know we all can use a bit of positivity and feel good warmth and comfort, but that doesn't excuse cheesy portrayal. Nothing against Perry or the remarkable kids or the true story in general (which I am not too familiar with...), but if you want honesty... it's just another cliche portrayal of rowdy middle schoolers.
Of course most people wouldn't admit it cuz "teaching" is somehow a hallowed profession here in America.
Because it is the same hollywoodization of utter tripe. This same style has been seen before (and after!) whether it be Dangerous Mind or the John Leguizamo's chess movie that they might as well call this its own genre.
But it's just so cheesy.
I know we all can use a bit of positivity and feel good warmth and comfort, but that doesn't excuse cheesy portrayal. Nothing against Perry or the remarkable kids or the true story in general (which I am not too familiar with...), but if you want honesty... it's just another cliche portrayal of rowdy middle schoolers.
Of course most people wouldn't admit it cuz "teaching" is somehow a hallowed profession here in America.
Michael
(1996)
Really wanted to like it but...
22 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
... but intolerable. Turned it off after 50. Great premise but utterly butchered and horribly executed.
I for one am not religious neither non-religious. So that part didn't bother me. Although I have a soft spot for 90s nostalgia but this was just terrible. I remember watching a clip of it in South Africa's Mnet when it came out and got turned off by the wings' depiction. It just looked gross. And here I am 28 years later and still couldn't be sold.
While Phenomenon was phenomenal, the fans of the former will be massively disappointed. This was just all over the place.
"Michael" looked like a big baby except nothing adorable about him. I wasn't turned off by smoking or sexual reference but minor things like:
-Why would there be a largest milk bottle and largest twine in such close proximity? -Why would a fight break out all of a sudden? -What was the point of the dumb bull fight?
It was just plain cringe. It was nothing charming, the plot was glacial and even after 50 mins it went nowhere. Andie McDowell overdid a naive ditz character without coming as coy, sweet and heart warming. Rest of the cast were all stooges. (FWIW, as I am watching the angel movies, "Legion" was another terrible one, but "Angels on the Outfield" drove it out of the park.
I for one am not religious neither non-religious. So that part didn't bother me. Although I have a soft spot for 90s nostalgia but this was just terrible. I remember watching a clip of it in South Africa's Mnet when it came out and got turned off by the wings' depiction. It just looked gross. And here I am 28 years later and still couldn't be sold.
While Phenomenon was phenomenal, the fans of the former will be massively disappointed. This was just all over the place.
"Michael" looked like a big baby except nothing adorable about him. I wasn't turned off by smoking or sexual reference but minor things like:
-Why would there be a largest milk bottle and largest twine in such close proximity? -Why would a fight break out all of a sudden? -What was the point of the dumb bull fight?
It was just plain cringe. It was nothing charming, the plot was glacial and even after 50 mins it went nowhere. Andie McDowell overdid a naive ditz character without coming as coy, sweet and heart warming. Rest of the cast were all stooges. (FWIW, as I am watching the angel movies, "Legion" was another terrible one, but "Angels on the Outfield" drove it out of the park.
Little Fockers
(2010)
Let's be honest...
4 March 2021
....if you read reviews and went to watch movies you wouldn't watch 99% of the movies.
This movie delivered precisely what it was asked of: funny, quirky, weird, idiosyncratic humor with the cliche running gag of comedy of errors. Critics are being way too harsh.
I am just happy to find it because it was released on 2010 and I only found out about it a day ago. And it lived up to the promise. The twin kids were adorable, Jessica Alba played a different role for a change and overall I enjoyed it.
My only problem is the trailer revealed way too much of the plot. But perhaps that was to understandable as they need to cash in on it after it being a flop.
This movie delivered precisely what it was asked of: funny, quirky, weird, idiosyncratic humor with the cliche running gag of comedy of errors. Critics are being way too harsh.
I am just happy to find it because it was released on 2010 and I only found out about it a day ago. And it lived up to the promise. The twin kids were adorable, Jessica Alba played a different role for a change and overall I enjoyed it.
My only problem is the trailer revealed way too much of the plot. But perhaps that was to understandable as they need to cash in on it after it being a flop.
Legion
(2010)
Absolute garbage
2 March 2021
Absolute garbage...even Paul Bettany's suave acting couldn't save it. I forced it to entertain but couldn't. Granted it may be my first zombie apolyptic slash horror movie...and couldn't relate but some of the scenes are so ridiculous as to be utterly puerile.
Just Like Heaven
(2005)
Still amazing....after 15 years!
2 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I watched it in theaters when it first came out and watched it again last night. It was still amazing!
There were so many angles and sub-facets that really made it shine. For instance, the old man proposing, the weird model lady (lol), David's friend...etc. They all tell a story. They don't make cute and feel good classic movies like this anymore and even though it was in 2005 it had 90s vibe to it.
Little details like the sublet paper flying and those adorable crazy kids turning off the machine or collapsing the bed....really adds contour to the story and helps keep you entertained. The dialogue in the beginning at the restroom was a bit cheesy but still lot of thoughts went into it. This is what I meant by they don't make movies liket his as Scorcese rightly pointed out Marvel is nothing but theme park entertainment full of lazy writing, execution, creation and production. Also I love 90s early 2000s movies like this where it is short and sweet and still delivers entertainment unlike 2 and 2.30 hour flicks. (Are you listening Christopher Nolan?)
Rant aside, the acting was ok. Reese Witherspoon was adorable and although David was flat at times still he shone through.
Best part of the movie? Jon Hader's character. Napoleon Dynamite blew up back then and for people who loved him it was a treat. Absolutely loved his character and best way to end the movie!
Go watch it. A great warm and fuzzy feel good cozy gem from back in the days!
There were so many angles and sub-facets that really made it shine. For instance, the old man proposing, the weird model lady (lol), David's friend...etc. They all tell a story. They don't make cute and feel good classic movies like this anymore and even though it was in 2005 it had 90s vibe to it.
Little details like the sublet paper flying and those adorable crazy kids turning off the machine or collapsing the bed....really adds contour to the story and helps keep you entertained. The dialogue in the beginning at the restroom was a bit cheesy but still lot of thoughts went into it. This is what I meant by they don't make movies liket his as Scorcese rightly pointed out Marvel is nothing but theme park entertainment full of lazy writing, execution, creation and production. Also I love 90s early 2000s movies like this where it is short and sweet and still delivers entertainment unlike 2 and 2.30 hour flicks. (Are you listening Christopher Nolan?)
Rant aside, the acting was ok. Reese Witherspoon was adorable and although David was flat at times still he shone through.
Best part of the movie? Jon Hader's character. Napoleon Dynamite blew up back then and for people who loved him it was a treat. Absolutely loved his character and best way to end the movie!
Go watch it. A great warm and fuzzy feel good cozy gem from back in the days!
Unhinged
(I) (2020)
So Russell Crowe finally really lost it huh?
23 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
No what I mean is now he is doing cheesy movies like this. Really? One man... btw this contains 100% spoilers so do not read further...
So one character leaves a trail of wreackage as if Iron Man himself met Hulk on the freeway and it takes a final stab to stop him from the protagonist with the cheesiest coup d'etat retort: Here is your tap..
Hahaha Hollywood lost it too. Avoid, unless you want to see a bad comedy of errors.
+3 for still being gripping... Russell's acting started from mean, brilliant to a grunting rogue. And as for the final scene the movie could very easily be an awareness campaign for road rage.
Liked the music at the credits.
So one character leaves a trail of wreackage as if Iron Man himself met Hulk on the freeway and it takes a final stab to stop him from the protagonist with the cheesiest coup d'etat retort: Here is your tap..
Hahaha Hollywood lost it too. Avoid, unless you want to see a bad comedy of errors.
+3 for still being gripping... Russell's acting started from mean, brilliant to a grunting rogue. And as for the final scene the movie could very easily be an awareness campaign for road rage.
Liked the music at the credits.
The Blacklist
(2013–2023)
From a gem of a show to absolute trash!
15 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Setting aside the Elizabeth Keen annoyance, it just rife with dumb plotholes and convulated storyline. Okay, full disclosure, just like many others I watch it for Red's well-crafted monologue and his acting arc. But other than that it is just yet another inane police drama brought to you by yet another overpaid writers devoid of talent and creativity in Hollywood etched in a matrix of fast processed boilerplate templates....
I mean I watched 75% of the episodes, but I still don't get the convulated story line. Red is an imposter? Imposter of who? Some nonexistant father of Liz? So abstract that hardly the audience can relate.
They can kill off anyone and revive at will. It was good when it worked for 1 or 2 characters but it has come to a point where they control the absurdium switches so as to resurrect Katarina Restova should they choose.
Elizabeth Keen-Red dynamics is absolutely unwatchable and if they ever plan on making her inherit Red's empire this would be one of the sorriest ending imaginable.
Had the show ended three seasons ago (I reckon when Red was being convicted of high crimes), it would still retain shade of respect and retire honorably. Now it just becomes a drag to plod through and keep up to follow the new episodes. I think I have finally given up after the ludicrous plan to kill Red where Keen was #1 in the list.
And the scenes of Aram consoling the daughter as well as others is so cheesy and so unBlacklisty, it's not about even funny. Aram's character also has gone downhill and they stopped using the new character (the Asian FBI lady) after introducing her.
All in all a big ol mess that really needs to be put to an end.
I mean I watched 75% of the episodes, but I still don't get the convulated story line. Red is an imposter? Imposter of who? Some nonexistant father of Liz? So abstract that hardly the audience can relate.
They can kill off anyone and revive at will. It was good when it worked for 1 or 2 characters but it has come to a point where they control the absurdium switches so as to resurrect Katarina Restova should they choose.
Elizabeth Keen-Red dynamics is absolutely unwatchable and if they ever plan on making her inherit Red's empire this would be one of the sorriest ending imaginable.
Had the show ended three seasons ago (I reckon when Red was being convicted of high crimes), it would still retain shade of respect and retire honorably. Now it just becomes a drag to plod through and keep up to follow the new episodes. I think I have finally given up after the ludicrous plan to kill Red where Keen was #1 in the list.
And the scenes of Aram consoling the daughter as well as others is so cheesy and so unBlacklisty, it's not about even funny. Aram's character also has gone downhill and they stopped using the new character (the Asian FBI lady) after introducing her.
All in all a big ol mess that really needs to be put to an end.
Treadstone
(2019)
Looks like someone found an formulaic plate for creating infinite Jason Bourne episodes
22 January 2021
First the positives. It has the classic, trademark theme, stylization and action of Jason Bourne franchise. The fight choregraphy is well-don and delving in on MK-Ultra more was a great concept. The on-site filming, scenery and cinematography is top notch. But then what? Everything falls apart.
The plot is a mess and all over the place. The episodes all ends abruptly with no rhyme or reason. The Korean girl gets into a kung-fu stance before fight. Seriously? When in Jason Bourne franchise would a character would ever do that.. The journalist's character is unlikeable and redundant. Almost as if her character and the FBI dude are somehow THE protagonist in a series about superspies. What the h...
Overall a trainwreck. It started off with a bang but then slowly devolved such that it becomes excruciating to plod through after Episode 5.
Waste of $16 on Youtube.
Problem with Hollywood is that they have to eke out, milk, squeeze every inch, bit and centimeter of any hit that it stumbles upon. And you know what they say? When you squeeze the lemon too hard, it just becomes bitter.
As if some producers found the perfect formulaic template to generate and churn out infinite Bourne episodes at will. Disgrace to Bourne franchise and fans. And also Robert Ludlum will NOT be pleased. (By the way, the Bourne movie - as in the final installment - sucked too.)
This franchise should just end.
The plot is a mess and all over the place. The episodes all ends abruptly with no rhyme or reason. The Korean girl gets into a kung-fu stance before fight. Seriously? When in Jason Bourne franchise would a character would ever do that.. The journalist's character is unlikeable and redundant. Almost as if her character and the FBI dude are somehow THE protagonist in a series about superspies. What the h...
Overall a trainwreck. It started off with a bang but then slowly devolved such that it becomes excruciating to plod through after Episode 5.
Waste of $16 on Youtube.
Problem with Hollywood is that they have to eke out, milk, squeeze every inch, bit and centimeter of any hit that it stumbles upon. And you know what they say? When you squeeze the lemon too hard, it just becomes bitter.
As if some producers found the perfect formulaic template to generate and churn out infinite Bourne episodes at will. Disgrace to Bourne franchise and fans. And also Robert Ludlum will NOT be pleased. (By the way, the Bourne movie - as in the final installment - sucked too.)
This franchise should just end.
Criminal
(2016)
Great example of Hollywood in a microcosm....
4 January 2021
This movie typifies and exemplies everything wrong with Hollywood...
...ie that it keeps churning out utter garbage ad nauseum and public feeds on it. Public fuels precisely these type of movies to perpetuate.
It is sad as despite the trite and cliche done-to-death plot of Manchuarian Candidate meets Face Off meets Jason Bourne (read: a sorry smorgarsbord) Tommy Lee Jones gave solid performance as did Gary Oldman. Kevin Costner wasn't that bad, but his gruff voice and grunt was just overdone and not likeable. Gal Gadot was great as a side actress role.
Problem weren't the cast nor the performances but the utter drivel that writers, producers, directors and the entire production unit that comes up with. It's almost freestyled script probably sloppily written under a day and there was absolutely no plot tension and an uncessary character of a Dutchman as well as a stock villain of poor man's Javier Bardem as the antagonist.
How long do we have to endure Hollywood churning out these type of trash and garbage one after another? If y'all bored and got no creative impulse, then maybe it is time to take a break instead of treating art as a fast-buck making industry - because that is essentially what movie going experience has become: a giant pop-corn flick inducing fast-foodization of cinema.
...ie that it keeps churning out utter garbage ad nauseum and public feeds on it. Public fuels precisely these type of movies to perpetuate.
It is sad as despite the trite and cliche done-to-death plot of Manchuarian Candidate meets Face Off meets Jason Bourne (read: a sorry smorgarsbord) Tommy Lee Jones gave solid performance as did Gary Oldman. Kevin Costner wasn't that bad, but his gruff voice and grunt was just overdone and not likeable. Gal Gadot was great as a side actress role.
Problem weren't the cast nor the performances but the utter drivel that writers, producers, directors and the entire production unit that comes up with. It's almost freestyled script probably sloppily written under a day and there was absolutely no plot tension and an uncessary character of a Dutchman as well as a stock villain of poor man's Javier Bardem as the antagonist.
How long do we have to endure Hollywood churning out these type of trash and garbage one after another? If y'all bored and got no creative impulse, then maybe it is time to take a break instead of treating art as a fast-buck making industry - because that is essentially what movie going experience has become: a giant pop-corn flick inducing fast-foodization of cinema.
Paranoia
(I) (2013)
Guess that's the reason it got slept on...
29 December 2020
The rating says it all. Too slow, shallow, cheesy - that even Harrison Ford couldn't save it.
Very predictable. Relativity Media hit it out of the ball park with Limitless but this was a disaster.
Skip it. Waste of 1 hour and a half of time, money and energy.
Very predictable. Relativity Media hit it out of the ball park with Limitless but this was a disaster.
Skip it. Waste of 1 hour and a half of time, money and energy.
Ted
(2012)
Brilliant!!
25 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This whole review contains all the spoilers. Don't read ahead if you haven't watched the movie.
Sure I am giving it 10 stars like 12 Angry Man, but this film was brilliant. Goes onto show if you have genius behind the most absurdist concept, you can still pull it off.
I mean... -the scene of Mila Kunis's character breaking up + the final scene of his death was poignant... -the scene where Mark Wahlbarg's character rattles off all the names of women was pure wit and intellect -the Flash Gordon breaking the wall had me in tears and laugh-out-loud dying. I really had to restraint myself at that point and yes, the crass and crude scenes were well...all crass and crude.
Mila Kunis's character's seriousness brought all the necessary balance to a really good stoner movie akin to Harold and Kumar, Hangover or even Deadpool.
Don't mean to squeeze post-existentialist nonsense pseudo philosophy into this...but Ted is like an alien/Buddha/Christ/fool/jester character who doesn't take life seriously and yet can be very sincere in his polemic to win back 'the girlfriend' in the living room talk.
He has a yoda like wisdom to him as well as vulgar and offensive. What I find it really touching is it doesn't matter if the object in this question is a venus fly-trap plant, or Wilson volleyball of a FedEx officer on an island or just a pet fish or a toy or a talking teddy bear for that matter (not to go as far as saying adopted child of parents),but the BOND one creates is really touching, eternal and strong. It is a testament to humanity and faith EVEN if it comes through a movie about a talking toy bear- which we were all at moments to suspend our belief fully well aware that we are being lied to through the creators teeth.
Never was a fan of Family Guy or familiar with Seth MacFarlane's work. But he won over a fan/stan.
Genius.
Sure I am giving it 10 stars like 12 Angry Man, but this film was brilliant. Goes onto show if you have genius behind the most absurdist concept, you can still pull it off.
I mean... -the scene of Mila Kunis's character breaking up + the final scene of his death was poignant... -the scene where Mark Wahlbarg's character rattles off all the names of women was pure wit and intellect -the Flash Gordon breaking the wall had me in tears and laugh-out-loud dying. I really had to restraint myself at that point and yes, the crass and crude scenes were well...all crass and crude.
Mila Kunis's character's seriousness brought all the necessary balance to a really good stoner movie akin to Harold and Kumar, Hangover or even Deadpool.
Don't mean to squeeze post-existentialist nonsense pseudo philosophy into this...but Ted is like an alien/Buddha/Christ/fool/jester character who doesn't take life seriously and yet can be very sincere in his polemic to win back 'the girlfriend' in the living room talk.
He has a yoda like wisdom to him as well as vulgar and offensive. What I find it really touching is it doesn't matter if the object in this question is a venus fly-trap plant, or Wilson volleyball of a FedEx officer on an island or just a pet fish or a toy or a talking teddy bear for that matter (not to go as far as saying adopted child of parents),but the BOND one creates is really touching, eternal and strong. It is a testament to humanity and faith EVEN if it comes through a movie about a talking toy bear- which we were all at moments to suspend our belief fully well aware that we are being lied to through the creators teeth.
Never was a fan of Family Guy or familiar with Seth MacFarlane's work. But he won over a fan/stan.
Genius.
The Queen's Gambit
(2020)
Nothing to see...
25 November 2020
Utter drivel. Cringy made for teenage daughter. The kid is adorable at first, it is slow and excruciating. So what the cinematography is masterly? There is zero substance and plot. This is no where near the level that some people are portraying it to be. I got baited in to watching it for glowing reviews, but it is nothing extraordinary. You average show at best.
Fatima
(2020)
Another one overhyped...
25 November 2020
Lot of shows and movies tend to be overhyped. It cost a lot on YouTube and in return you get a movie which is 80% shot in the dark or in tinted filter. Only the entrance to older Fatima is a bright colored one. Very deceptive.
The feel of the movie is good as well as subtlety but seriously it is no masterpiece that you cannot do without.
The feel of the movie is good as well as subtlety but seriously it is no masterpiece that you cannot do without.
The Secret
(2006 Video)
This movie ruined my life!!!
9 November 2020
When it first came out, I really loved it and no doubt would have given it 10 out of 10. But the more I put it into practice, I found how miserable it made me.
And that is EXACTLY how self-help and positive psychology gurus operate. They create a problem and then they offer the solution - which is theirs. As Alan Watts says about gurus: They steal your own watch and sell it to you.
There are TON of things wrong with this movie.
First of all, it assumes the "Universe" is a spiteful entity. As if if you think negative and 'draw' and 'pull' those attractions in your life, you somehow 'deserved it'. As if God or Universe is a nefarious, spiteful being who 'punishes' you lest you 'think negative'.
And this is another thing about this whole Law of Attraction/The Secret/New Age cult-ure. They vilify and s*** on Christianity and other religions, yet they precisely do that. As if you don't "give gratitude", God will be displeased and highly annoyed at you, or the "law won't/will work against you". So diabolical. I mean they just took religious pseudo-concepts and slapped the neutral word "Universe" in lieu of "God".
Another nefarious slash diabolical game is this whole Catch-22 card. If it works, oh well it worked. If it doesn't oh well you didn't "Believe" or "Receive" hard enough. Just like prayer. Growing up as Muslim, if something I received through my own hard work, then it must be Allah/God's blessing. And if """I""" failed, then oh well too bad it's my fault. Seriously?
The Secret is HIGHLY manipulative in nature. It teaches the user into manipulating the Great Power in the Universe "to give what you want" only...only.. if you will be the Great Grandfather or wink wink, "Universe"'s good little boy. IE (Read: give gratitude, think positive, do good things etc.)
Sickening. I mean make no mistake. The whole New Age movement is a residual of Unity movement and early theosophical movement which derives from Christianity.
Again, I have nothing against religion but this is just disingenous.
Lastly, and not least.. it teaches you Spiritual Bypassing. As if "negative" emotions are "Wrong". We should suppress our authentic, raw emotions and pt a lid... and that's exactly what happened to me. I have been using this 'patch' and suppressing my real emotions with a lid by practicing mantra, affirmations, positive thinking... that finally it erupts in its ugliest form.
Now I DO understand they are well-intentioned. But to quote Alan Watts again: "Let me put help you sire, or else you will drown"- said the monkey putting the fish to the tree.
I mean the people who want to 'change' the world sometimes does more damage than good. They make it seem like something is "wrong" in the first place.
Also, I am not the only one whose life was ruined. Anita Moorjani talks about the dangers of LoA and The Secret, but she does it in a better and more polite tone than I am.
Also, maybe maybe not everyone "wants" to "control" everything in their life. Have you ever thought of that? Maybe the negative events in our lives were NOT "caused" by us, but they just happened. Maybe they are like fertilizers which God intended us to grow.
Also another counterexample. Why is it when things are going totally sour, suddenly it turns around and we hear a great news? I mean LOGICALLY speaking if I was thinking negative all the time, then it shouldn't happen. Or similarly, when things are going rosy, why does a bad event occur? I mean here I was doing everything right.
See how simplistic it is? Don't get me wrong. I DO think we live in a universe of energy and yes people who GENUINELY and in AUTHENTIC manner emanate positive energy without "manipulation" to "get something out of the universe" or "eke something out" we do feel good. But it has to be raw and authentic and you cannot be superficial about and slap some patch on it. It's like deceiving God. It's pure deception. And that's exactly what this movie teaches.
Religion wants to control and manipulate people. The Secret does the same thing except most deceptively and yes, in a clever surreptitious manner by stripping off the religious baggage of "God" and "prayer" and preaches that you are not allowed to "think negative" or "be ungrateful".
Avoid this like a plague.
And that is EXACTLY how self-help and positive psychology gurus operate. They create a problem and then they offer the solution - which is theirs. As Alan Watts says about gurus: They steal your own watch and sell it to you.
There are TON of things wrong with this movie.
First of all, it assumes the "Universe" is a spiteful entity. As if if you think negative and 'draw' and 'pull' those attractions in your life, you somehow 'deserved it'. As if God or Universe is a nefarious, spiteful being who 'punishes' you lest you 'think negative'.
And this is another thing about this whole Law of Attraction/The Secret/New Age cult-ure. They vilify and s*** on Christianity and other religions, yet they precisely do that. As if you don't "give gratitude", God will be displeased and highly annoyed at you, or the "law won't/will work against you". So diabolical. I mean they just took religious pseudo-concepts and slapped the neutral word "Universe" in lieu of "God".
Another nefarious slash diabolical game is this whole Catch-22 card. If it works, oh well it worked. If it doesn't oh well you didn't "Believe" or "Receive" hard enough. Just like prayer. Growing up as Muslim, if something I received through my own hard work, then it must be Allah/God's blessing. And if """I""" failed, then oh well too bad it's my fault. Seriously?
The Secret is HIGHLY manipulative in nature. It teaches the user into manipulating the Great Power in the Universe "to give what you want" only...only.. if you will be the Great Grandfather or wink wink, "Universe"'s good little boy. IE (Read: give gratitude, think positive, do good things etc.)
Sickening. I mean make no mistake. The whole New Age movement is a residual of Unity movement and early theosophical movement which derives from Christianity.
Again, I have nothing against religion but this is just disingenous.
Lastly, and not least.. it teaches you Spiritual Bypassing. As if "negative" emotions are "Wrong". We should suppress our authentic, raw emotions and pt a lid... and that's exactly what happened to me. I have been using this 'patch' and suppressing my real emotions with a lid by practicing mantra, affirmations, positive thinking... that finally it erupts in its ugliest form.
Now I DO understand they are well-intentioned. But to quote Alan Watts again: "Let me put help you sire, or else you will drown"- said the monkey putting the fish to the tree.
I mean the people who want to 'change' the world sometimes does more damage than good. They make it seem like something is "wrong" in the first place.
Also, I am not the only one whose life was ruined. Anita Moorjani talks about the dangers of LoA and The Secret, but she does it in a better and more polite tone than I am.
Also, maybe maybe not everyone "wants" to "control" everything in their life. Have you ever thought of that? Maybe the negative events in our lives were NOT "caused" by us, but they just happened. Maybe they are like fertilizers which God intended us to grow.
Also another counterexample. Why is it when things are going totally sour, suddenly it turns around and we hear a great news? I mean LOGICALLY speaking if I was thinking negative all the time, then it shouldn't happen. Or similarly, when things are going rosy, why does a bad event occur? I mean here I was doing everything right.
See how simplistic it is? Don't get me wrong. I DO think we live in a universe of energy and yes people who GENUINELY and in AUTHENTIC manner emanate positive energy without "manipulation" to "get something out of the universe" or "eke something out" we do feel good. But it has to be raw and authentic and you cannot be superficial about and slap some patch on it. It's like deceiving God. It's pure deception. And that's exactly what this movie teaches.
Religion wants to control and manipulate people. The Secret does the same thing except most deceptively and yes, in a clever surreptitious manner by stripping off the religious baggage of "God" and "prayer" and preaches that you are not allowed to "think negative" or "be ungrateful".
Avoid this like a plague.
Se7en
(1995)
Perhaps the apt rating
28 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this movie second time perhaps after 20 years. There is a reason why I hesitated for so long to rewatch it.
Yes, it is ingenious, clever but stylish? No. Apart from the intro with the credits the cinematography was pathetic.
And it is not unlike many of the director's misguided effort to make it more gritty and realistic. Ton are guilty of the same low quality cinematography. If you feel like you need to portray a movie with 70-80% dark shots which is barely visible, then no matter how "realistic" it is, it falls short. It becomes boring, dull and as jejune as watching water boil, paint dry or rather stare at a dark wall.
The murder scenes could have been more elaborately shot. I mean just take the crazy masterly reveal of Hannibal. It may be avante garde for 90s but today 2+ hour movie won't fly.
I wouldn't be surprised if Law Abiding Citizen and tons of other movies drew inspiration from it.
What however does work is Spacey's monologue at the end? Even though I rewatched it after 20 years, the ending could be seen from miles away.
As a reader pointed out, only the ending saves it. And yes there is obvious plot hole about how a methodical killer could have an ovesight not to think of the materials being borrowed with library card. That's okay.
Sparing Brad Pitt's character life with a rain pouring and a barely recognizable figure as if something from 50s Dick Tracey genre movies was superb touch.
No wonder people rave about Fincher. All those details such as glow of sun light bursting through as they drive in the car in the rain to give a transcendent touch.... all these dosages have been just right to moderation.
However, at the end all of these fall short. It is boring with terrible cinematography and only reason I gave it is a 7 because it would be a timeless gem. Today, it won't fly.
And boy oh boy, has Brad Pitt changed over the past 25+ years! :)
Yes, it is ingenious, clever but stylish? No. Apart from the intro with the credits the cinematography was pathetic.
And it is not unlike many of the director's misguided effort to make it more gritty and realistic. Ton are guilty of the same low quality cinematography. If you feel like you need to portray a movie with 70-80% dark shots which is barely visible, then no matter how "realistic" it is, it falls short. It becomes boring, dull and as jejune as watching water boil, paint dry or rather stare at a dark wall.
The murder scenes could have been more elaborately shot. I mean just take the crazy masterly reveal of Hannibal. It may be avante garde for 90s but today 2+ hour movie won't fly.
I wouldn't be surprised if Law Abiding Citizen and tons of other movies drew inspiration from it.
What however does work is Spacey's monologue at the end? Even though I rewatched it after 20 years, the ending could be seen from miles away.
As a reader pointed out, only the ending saves it. And yes there is obvious plot hole about how a methodical killer could have an ovesight not to think of the materials being borrowed with library card. That's okay.
Sparing Brad Pitt's character life with a rain pouring and a barely recognizable figure as if something from 50s Dick Tracey genre movies was superb touch.
No wonder people rave about Fincher. All those details such as glow of sun light bursting through as they drive in the car in the rain to give a transcendent touch.... all these dosages have been just right to moderation.
However, at the end all of these fall short. It is boring with terrible cinematography and only reason I gave it is a 7 because it would be a timeless gem. Today, it won't fly.
And boy oh boy, has Brad Pitt changed over the past 25+ years! :)
Becoming Nobody
(2019)
Started out nice... but then lost the plot
27 April 2020
Started out nice....but then lost the plot.
The introduction was stellar but then slowly devolved into being odiously preachy. Nothing was innovative- and understandably so- as the entire narration has been culled from his talks, but I was more interested in knowing Ram Dass as a person, his life story etc than being sermonized.
I am familiar with his life, but it was just another reinterpretation and reformulation of his materials from his talks from YouTube channel. It was very artistic at times, but it doesn't depict Richard Alpert's story, and loses the flow in mid-stream.
It is nothing more than the director's adaptation and not Richard's bio. Missed potential.
The introduction was stellar but then slowly devolved into being odiously preachy. Nothing was innovative- and understandably so- as the entire narration has been culled from his talks, but I was more interested in knowing Ram Dass as a person, his life story etc than being sermonized.
I am familiar with his life, but it was just another reinterpretation and reformulation of his materials from his talks from YouTube channel. It was very artistic at times, but it doesn't depict Richard Alpert's story, and loses the flow in mid-stream.
It is nothing more than the director's adaptation and not Richard's bio. Missed potential.
Tell Your Friends