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alvinjai39
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Le Mans: Racing Is Everything (2017)
Suspenseful
I don't follow Le Mans racing but used to watch Formula One racing growing up. This is a really good series in my regard. I especially like how the different drivers are interviewed and how the main gist of the race is shown. Unlike others, I found the editing style a good addition. Hopefully, this returns for another season.
Ore Mukham (2016)
Trainwreck
This movie is exhausting to watch. It doesn't go anywhere for so long which is then followed by a story that is confusing and often times ridiculous. The cast have put together below average performances. Even Aju Varghese, who is the resident funnyman, struggles to do any humor in this half-baked script. Special mention to Ranjith and Chemban Vinod for putting up such terrible performances. The music is not anything memorable either. The story has also convinced me that present day Kerala looks like its constantly in a sandstorm. Whoever did the cinematography, hats off. I used to wonder why there aren't more detective/investigative movies in Malayalam. Then I realized, that most of them are train wreaks like this.
Now you might wonder why I gave it 3 stars. I've seen worse films. That's the only reason.
13 Reasons Why (2017)
Great series for young adults
I'm not going to bore you with a lengthy review. This is an amazing Netflix series. Brilliantly shot, directed, acted, edited. The story itself is refreshing, although it plays an old tune. The story theme, teenage suicide, is executed appropriately in my opinion. Overall, a must watch.
The reason I took off 1 star is because I can feel the difference in consistency due to the fact that 1 director doesn't helm the entire series. There are several directors that juggle this series and I feel that having just one would have smoothed some bumps in the screenplay.
The Blueberry Hunt (2016)
What can I say? It's quite enjoyable.
This movie has been getting a lot of flake from the community and I must say. I don't get it. It's not a bad film by any measure. Sure, it has a unusual premise and theme. Not to mention it isn't really a narrative focused film. It's more about the relationships the characters share with each other in the film, especially in the case of Jaya and Colonel. Since it is essentially an indie film, it has some obvious cost cutting. But more on that later.
The central theme of growing Cannabis in the hilly region of Vagamon in Kerala has been accused as unrealistic. The truth is, and this is coming from a Keralite, is that Cannabis plantations are alive and well in Kerala. Especially in the high-range areas like Idukki and Wayanad. The gangs trying to steal the Cannabis? Pretty plausible as well.
I said earlier that this isn't a narrative focused film. It really isn't. The audience is expected to pay attention to the dialogues and take backstories and subplots from that. The performances in this film are good. Naseeruddin Shah is great as always. The others range from average, Jaya, to below average.
Cost cutting. There is always a saying when it comes to film-making. It is better to show than tell. Instead of telling us the story of the Colonel and his elusive lover, there is a bit of hinting and people playing North-East Indian instruments. Some of the camera movements are also very jerky.
All in all, it's an enjoyable film. I was very happy to see Nasseruddin Shah back in Kerala, last was in Ponthan Mada, and speaking Malayalam. A certain degree of disbelief is needed. But trust me, random guy you just met on the internet, it's worth it.