Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod are wonderful in this unmissable tale of love and longing. It might also leave you bawling your eyes out.
What really makes a romcom work? Its so easy to get it wrong, and I'm certainly not alone in spotting trouble in the first five minutes of whether a pair works or not. The genre has been done so many times, and there's either too much cheesiness or too much effort or… zero chemistry.
One Day - the new 14-part Netflix series, based on David Nicholl's bestselling novel of the same name, has none of that. It works, unexpectedly at first, and then builds and builds its way towards the heart. Gorgeously romantic, funny and ultimately heartbreaking, One Day is the first great (bingeable) show of the year. (Also read: Love Storiyaan review: An intimate Valentine's Day date between the personal and the political)
Forget that lousy 2011 feature film adaptation with Anne Hathaway. The new adaptation uses the format of web series to inject much-needed life into this story of the central 'will-they-won't-they' relationship that spans out between Dexter (Leo Woodall) and Emma (Ambika Mod) for the course of two decades. It starts in 1998 when the two meet at the night of their graduation and from there on, each episode takes up on that date - July 15, over the years.
Their meet-cute romance turns into a failed one night stand in the beginning but there's a spark somewhere. Emma is nerdy and eager to embark on to her goals, and admits that she wants to change the world. Not the whole world, but just a little corner. In contrast, Dexter is wayward and rich, carelessly striding his way through privilege. Together, they are like a fine balance of opposites, struggling to find the words to communicate to one another when they most need it.
Rebel Moon Part 2 The ScarGiver (2024) Hindi Dubbed Review
The Scargiver” that makes the movie and its franchise seem essential? Director and co-writer Zack Snyder has already tried to whip up his fanbase by teasing “R-rated” versions of the first two entries in his ongoing “Star Wars” ripoff cycle, a lifeless homage to that other IPed-to-death sci-fi series. The well-covered struggle to release the Snyder cut of “Justice League” notably improved what was only ever a passable super-programmer. It’s also established an unfortunate precedent for how “Rebel Moon” is now being advertised, as a victim of its own release strategy.
Unfortunately, while I can’t review a version of “Rebel Moon—Part 2: The Scargiver” that I wasn’t allowed to see, I can say that I doubt more (or just more extreme) violence and sex will improve this joyless expansion of the previous movie’s Kurosawa-sploitation space opera. The shortcomings that kept the first “Rebel Moon” from ever taking off are still apparent in its sequel, particularly Snyder’s disinterest in his actors’ performances as well as this movie’s vast array of bland visuals and flavorless dialogue.
Like the last one, the latest “Rebel Moon” looks like it was rushed through production to compete with whatever “Star Wars” series is now streaming on Disney+. The Snyder faithful may see something in “Rebel Moon—Part 2: The Scargiver” that the rest of us can’t, but that doesn’t make this tired sequel any less puny.
Previously on “Rebel Moon”: A group of misfit rebels banded together and seemingly defeated the Imperial Space Nazis, led by the goofily accented Regent Balisarius (Fra Fee) and the lanky rage-case fascist Atticus Noble (Ed Skrein). Noble was killed at the end of “Rebel Moon—Part 1: A Child of Fire,” but even the end of that movie hinted that he wouldn’t be dead for long. Sure enough, he’s back again and now angry enough to retaliate against the smalltown farmers of Veldt, an idyllic moon with Smallville-style fields of space-grain, Oshkosh B’gosh catalog-ready space-farm children, and “Asterix”-type longhouses, too.
Who will save the people of Veldt, represented here by the young and ripped hunter Den (Stuart Martin) and the older but also chiseled Hagen (“A White, White Day” star Ingvar Sigurdsson)? The same motley crew as last time, still led by the scowling ex-general Titus (Djimon Hounsou, the generically mysterious Kora (Sofia Boutella), and her unconvincing love interest Gunnar (Michiel Huisman), the last of whom is also from Veldt. In case you’re wondering what else has changed since the last “Rebel Moon”: there’s a scene where our heroes share what they’re really fighting for, which they emphasize through momentum-throttling, voiceover-smothered flashbacks.
Among other acknowledged influences on the “Rebel Moon” movies, Snyder claims kinship with the graphic-design-forward and stoner-friendly “Heavy Metal” brand of comics, an inspiration that Snyder teases in Martin’s character name (named after Richard Corben’s serialized space-barbarian “Den” comics). I don’t see it, and it’s not because Martin isn’t obviously trying to emphasize the sheer immensity of his emotions.
I imagine that Den never lives up to his namesake because of of Snyder’s blunted vision and not Martin or his performance. For supporting evidence, see how often intensity and action figure poses stand in for character and detail in just about everyone else’s performances.
More is often less in “Rebel Moon—Part 2: The Scargiver,” not only when it comes to the movie’s sweaty, vein-activating performances, but also its over-exaggerated and under-choreographed action scenes. Kora and Gunnar’s overblown romance is also defined by bold, sweeping hints at romantic passion, like when he unbelievably confesses to her what motivates him: “It was you. It was losing you.” Never mind the gawky adolescent phrasing and the unbelievably flat line-reading—this gesture towards big-ness exemplifies the Snyder-y style of “Rebel Moon,” a series whose sound design is always more convincing, in both its nuance and sheer volume, than whatever’s on-screen.
Seeing “Rebel Moon—Part 2: The Scargiver” in a theater would probably be the best way to go, since that way you can hear the movie loud enough to imagine you’re watching something better. Then again, the fact that Netflix produced both movies—their most expensive production of 2023!—and is apparently now releasing at least two cuts per installment, suggests that not many people will be able to see this movie beyond their living rooms. In this light, it’s hard to imagine the necessity of a separate R-rated version of either movie.
The problem with the “Rebel Moon” movies isn’t that they need to be bigger or heavier to be better. If everything else feels as anemic and negligible as the non-sexual scenes in a floppy, overproduced porno, then I don’t think that adding more of everything will greatly enhance anything.
Varudu Kaavalenu New Hindi Dubbed Full Movie Review:
‘Varudu Kavalenu’ is a simple story to start with and goes on lighter mode. The corporate office setup for Bhoomi ( Ritu Varma) as owner, Vennela Kishore and others as employees is a familiar recipe for some entertainment. As Akash (Naga Shaurya) comes to Hyderabad and take up a project with Bhoomi’s company, the flirting starts.
Within 30 minutes into the film, audience do take note of the impressive dialogues written by debutante writer Ganesh Ravuri. Debutante director Lakshmi Sowjanya scores well in making women audience feel connectedThe first to the scenes. First half passes with no big plot twists as such, it all keeps it simple approach. Second half starts with college flashback story which is unimpressive but ends in a quick 20 minutes session. Murali Sharma Nadiya conversation scene about how parents should think about their daughter’s life stands out and the best scene of the film.
The story picks up momentum when Akash, Bhoomi and others go to a village for their colleague’s marriage. Saptagiri’s Lag comedy is hilarious for 15 minutes. Comedy scenes on Tiktok fanatic girls worked out a bit. The climax takes a predictable path and ends on a happy note.
Directors: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson Writers: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger,Ethan Reiff Stars: Jack Black, Ian McShane, Angelina Jolie
Kung Fu Panda (2008) Hindi Dubbed Full Movie Review:
"Kung Fu Panda" is a story that almost tells itself in its title. It is so hard to imagine a big, fuzzy panda performing martial arts encounters that you intuit (and you will be right) that the panda stars in an against-all-odds formula, which dooms him to succeed. For the panda's target audience, children and younger teens, that will be just fine, and the film presents his adventures in wonderfully drawn Cinemascope animation. (It will also be shown in some IMAX venues.)
The film stars a panda named Po (voice of Jack Black), who is so fat he can barely get out of bed. He works for his father, Mr. Ping (James Hong) in a noodle shop, which features Ping's legendary Secret Ingredient. How Ping, apparently a stork or other billed member of the avian family, fathered a panda is a mystery, not least to Po, but then the movie is filled with a wide variety of creatures who don't much seem to notice their differences. They live in the beautiful Valley of Peace with an ancient temple towering overhead, up zillions of steps, which the pudgy Po can barely climb. But climb them he does, dragging a noodle wagon, because all the people of the valley have gathered up there to witness the choosing of the Dragon Warrior, who will engage the dreaded Tai Lung (Ian McShane) in kung-fu combat. Five contenders have been selected, the "Furious Five": Monkey (Jackie Chan), Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Crane (David Cross). Tigress looks like she might be able to do some serious damage, but the others are less than impressive. Mantis in particular seems to weigh about an ounce, tops. All five have been trained (for nearly forever, I gather) by the wise Shifu, who with Dustin Hoffman's voice is one of the more dimensional characters in a story that doesn't give the others a lot of depth. Anyway, it's up to the temple master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim), an ancient turtle, to make the final selection, and he chooses -- yes, he chooses the hapless and pudgy Po. The story then becomes essentially a series of action sequences, somewhat undermined by the fact that the combatants seem unable to be hurt, even if they fall from dizzying heights and crack stones open with their heads. There's an extended combat with Tai Lung on a disintegrating suspension bridge (haven't we seen that before?), hand-to-hand-to-tail combat with Po and Tai Lung, and upstaging everything, an energetic competition over a single dumpling.
"Kung Fu Panda" is not one of the great recent animated films. The story is way too predictable, and truth to tell, Po himself didn't overwhelm me with his charisma. But it's elegantly drawn, the action sequences are packed with energy, and it's short enough that older viewers will be forgiving. For the kids, of course, all this stuff is much of a muchness, and here they go again.
Director: Mark Dindal Writers: Paul A. Kaplan, Mark Torgove, David Reynolds Stars: Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham
The Garfield Movie (2024) Full Movie Review:
Our beloved cat Garfield, who loves lasagna and hates Mondays, is back on the big screen in “The Garfield Movie,” a brand-new animated journey. This exciting revival, directed by Mark Dindal, has a moving story and a voice cast of big names sure to please both old and new fa The movie follows Garfield, whose voice is done by Chris Pratt, on a surprising adventure outside after meeting his long-lost father, Vic, a scruffy street cat played by Samuel L. Jackson. Because he has to leave his spoiled life with his dog friend Odie, Garfield reluctantly joins Vic in a funny, high-stakes heist.
One of the best things about the movie is that it captures the essence of Garfield’s character while adding new things to the well-known series. How well Pratt plays the sarcastic, lazy cat is a pleasant surprise. He nails Garfield’s carefree attitude and dry wit perfectly. His chemistry with Jackson’s rough but likable Vic is one of the movie’s best parts. They make a tremendous father-son bond that drives the movie’s emotional core.
The supporting cast is just as good. Nicholas Hoult, Ving Rhames, Hannah Waddingham, and Cecily Strong all do fantastic jobs bringing the different personalities to life. The animation is bright and beautiful, accurately turning Jim Davis’ famous comic strip into a realistic world. The movie has some plot holes, but overall, it is a heartwarming and fun journey that stays true to the book’s spirit. The heist plot gives us a lot of chances for funny antics and exciting action scenes, which keeps the pace fast and enjoyable.
One thing that makes the movie stand out is how well it captures the subtleties of Garfield’s personality and behavior. From his love of lasagna to his dislike of Mondays, the movie is full of references and inside jokes that fans of the show will love. The music, which John Debney wrote, goes perfectly with the film’s silly mood. It mixes orchestral parts with catchy tunes that show what Garfield’s world is like.
Directors: Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Stine Writers: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, Darren Lemke Stars: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis
KUNG FU PANDA 4 (2024) Full Movie Review:
Kung Fu Panda 4 is the fourth entry to the Kung Fu Panda film franchise, the first instalment since 2016. This time around, Po is now preparing to become the new spiritual leader of the valley, meaning that his time as the Dragon Warrior is coming to an end and that he must now choose his successor to be the new Dragon Warrior. All while this is happening, a new shape-shifting villain, the Chameleon is planning to steal the kung fu abilities from all of Po’s former enemies, thereby making her an all-powerful kung fu master whom Po now has to confront.
The first three films make for a surprise trilogy if ever there was one. What could’ve been a goofy animated series made strictly for kids ended up being a quality trilogy with heartfelt stories, important life lessons, engaging characters, and a good look at the cultural side of kung Fu and how it’s more than just a bunch of fancy fighting moves. I really enjoy all three prior entries and found that they made for a solid trilogy. But with Hollywood being Hollywood, the cash cow needed a good milking and now we have a forced, unnecessary sequel. That said, a movie being superfluous doesn’t automatically make it bad. Toy Story 4 is a prime example of a completely unnecessary film that’s still an overall enjoyable movie in its own right, so now we see if Kung Fu Panda 4 can pull that off as well.
What worked in this movie, first and foremost, is the voice acting. Jack Black is back in the role of Po and he hasn’t lost a step. He’s clearly enjoying himself in the role and he’s a big part in what makes Po so likeable and enduring despite his bumbling and awkward self. Other supporting roles include Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman, Viola Davis, and James Hong, all of them doing good jobs with the work they’re given. There’s really only one weak link when it comes to the voice acting and I’m sure you already know what it is, but we’ll get to that later. I still want to focus on the positives here.
This movie also has a good message regarding change and how you can open some great doors in your life if you’re willing to get out of your comfort zone and just go for whatever big change you want to make in life. It’s a good message on paper and this movie has one scene where the message is laid out front and center and it makes for one effective moment in the story. Granted, the story as a whole doesn’t fully lend itself to said message, but it’s still an overall important message for a younger generation and I appreciate the movie’s attempts at conveying it.
The animation, for the most part, is good. Or at least, it’s good enough given the movie having a relatively low budget compared to its predecessors. The animation is at its very best when you’re seeing a big wide shot of a landscape in China or when Chameleon is shape-shifting in some really creative ways. That said, the animation does have some weak spots in my mind’s eye. There are times when the skin and textures on characters looks a little too smooth and not fully rendered. It’s slightly noticeable in some close up shots of Po’s face and even background extras have the issue of looking unfinished. I won’t go so far as to say that it’s straight to streaming levels of bad, but it was noticeable for me, especially having rewatched the first three films right before seeing this one.
The movie’s problems come into play once we really get the plot rolling and the big issue is that of Awkwafina and her character of Zhen, Po’s new sidekick on this journey. At this point, I’m really starting to get annoyed with Awkwafina and her typecasting as the smartass sidekick. The truth is that she’s not even all that bad in this role, but it’s just more of the same of what we’ve seen from her in other roles. And from a character standpoint, she’s not given enough development for us to really care about the predictable emotional payoff that the movie has with her. The Furious Five are mostly absent from this movie and Master Shifu is basically only in the movie for the opening and third act, which is what I also didn’t like about Kung Fu Panda 2. I’ll die on the hill that the first film is every bit Shifu’s story as it is Po’s and Zhen just isn’t a compelling enough side character to make up for the absence of series regulars.
There’s also a side story involving Po’s two fathers, played by Cranston and Hong, as they also partake in their own adventure in Po’s wake. This whole subplot reeks of something that exists only to pad time and give the actors something to do since they have the actor's back. There’s a half-baked attempt at an arc with Po’s biological father, Li Shan, learning how to be brave, but it goes nowhere and it just feels redundant.
For the villain, I feel confident in saying that Chameleon is easily the franchise’s weakest villain so far. Viola Davis is honestly quite good purely from a voice acting point of view, but the character is thinly written with a very tired motivation and a backstory that doesn’t even make sense the more you start to think about it. She feels like an afterthought when all is said and done and I think her name of just “The Chameleon” is just lazy. Po’s other enemies from the previous films won’t go down as some of the best antagonists in film history, but they at least fit with the themes of their respective films and they had their own identities. Hell, even Tai Lung makes an appearance in this movie for the sake of nostalgia bait and I wanted to see more of him than Chameleon. When it all comes down to things, the movie just feels tired and it’s clearly following a formula that doesn’t take any big risks. Po’s journey with Zhen to fight the Chameleon is a very straightforward, predictable adventure and it makes for an animated film that I found to be a little boring in some scenes. The pace doesn’t move nearly as quick as any of the other three films and there came a point where I checked the time on my phone expecting to see that we were nearing the end of the 90-minute runtime, only to see that the movie had just barely made it past the half-hour mark. For a movie that’s exact runtime is an hour and thirty-four minutes, that’s borderline unforgivable.
Overall, Kung Fu Panda 4 is a low point for this film series. While not a truly bad movie, it still just suffers from feeling like a generic animated adventure of the week with a story and jokes that feel as if they were marketed mostly for kids. The first three movies are animated films that can be enjoyed by anyone of any age, but this movie doesn’t have that broad appeal. It’s a forced sequel that can’t justify its existence and now I have to live in my own little headspace where I pretend that this story was neatly wrapped up in just three films.
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar Writers: Aditya Basu, Vashu Bhagnani, Suraj Gianani Stars: Akshay Kumar, Alaya F, Prithviraj Sukumaran
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024) Full Movie Review:
The much-anticipated action flick 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff hit theatres on Eid, garnering a flurry of reactions from moviegoers and social media users. The film, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, also features Manushi Chhillar and Alaya F in pivotal roles, with Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist.
Moviegoers' Critiques
Initial reviews on social media painted a mixed picture. Venky Reviews gave it a 2.5-star rating, describing it as a typical action film witha predictable screenplay and lack of emotional depth. He remarked, "#BadeMiyanChoteMiyan is a run-of-the-mill action film...doesn’t offer anything new...the screenplay is predictable...a so-so time-pass film that is mostly forgettable.
Some viewers were more critical, labelling it as a disappointing endeavour. One moviegoer expressed, "Fails miserably as an action movie...poorly executed scenes...one of the worst action movies I've seen." Another pointed out similarities with other films, stating "Scenes copied from War and Pathaan...music and background does nothing to elevate the story."
However, not all feedback was negative. Akshay Kumar's fans praised the film's entertainment quotient. A fan exclaimed, "Overloaded with masala highlights
Prithviraj's performance, character design, humour, VFX, and scale...a one-time watch.
Pushpa: The Rule - Part 2 (2024) Full Movie Review:
Directed by Sukumar, "Pushpa: The Rule - Part 2" continues the saga of the titular character, Pushpa, portrayed by the talented Allu Arjun. The film reunites audiences with the rugged landscapes of the red sanders smuggling underworld, where Pushpa navigates through treacherous territory to establish his dominance.
Building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, "Pushpa: The Rise," the sequel delves deeper into Pushpa's character, exploring his motivations, struggles, and relentless pursuit of power. Allu Arjun delivers a powerhouse performance, seamlessly transitioning between moments of vulnerability and moments of sheer grit and determination.
Rashmika Mandanna shines once again as Srivalli, bringing warmth and depth to her character amidst the chaos of Pushpa's world. Fahadh Faasil's portrayal of the menacing antagonist adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue to the narrative, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
The ensemble cast, including Jagapathi Babu, Anusuya Bharadwaj, and Prakash Raj, deliver stellar performances, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. Their interactions with Pushpa add depth to the character dynamics, showcasing the complexities of human relationships in a world driven by power and ambition.
Visually stunning and meticulously crafted, "Pushpa: The Rule - Part 2" immerses audiences in its gritty world, thanks to Sukumar's masterful direction and the awe-inspiring cinematography. From the bustling streets of the urban jungle to the rugged terrain of the forests, every frame is a visual treat, enhanced further by the captivating background score.
One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to balance intense action sequences with moments of emotional resonance. Whether it's a heart-pounding chase through the wilderness or a quiet exchange between characters, each scene is infused with a sense of urgency and authenticity that keeps viewers invested from start to finish.
The screenplay, penned by Sukumar and his team of writers, expertly weaves together multiple narrative threads, seamlessly blending elements of drama, suspense, and adrenaline-pumping action. The pacing is relentless, ensuring that there's never a dull moment as the story hurtles towards its electrifying climax.
As the second installment in the Pushpa series, "Pushpa: The Rule - Part 2" not only lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor but also surpasses them in many ways. It's a gripping tale of ambition, loyalty, and sacrifice, anchored by strong performances and a compelling storyline.
In conclusion, "Pushpa: The Rule - Part 2" is a must-watch for fans of the action-thriller genre. With its engaging plot, dynamic characters, and breathtaking visuals, it cements Pushpa's status as one of contemporary cinema's most iconic protagonists. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this cinematic masterpiece on the big screen when it hits theaters on August 15th.
How come the electricity bill is so high this month? Definitely, our meter is faulty or tampered with. If these statements ring a bell in your head then you are among 92% of the Indian population who feel cheated by electric power companies. Batti Gul Meter Chalu is dedicated to you. Don’t sulk, remaining 8% aren’t lucky. Rather, they are unfortunate enough not to be electrified yet!
The movie starts with the happy and content lives of three friends, Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor & Divyendu Sharma in the picturesque and serene location of Tehri town in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Their friendship gets disturbed when Shraddha chooses Divyendu over Shahid as her lover. Divyendu starts a small printing factory which gets into trouble due to an obnoxiously high electricity bill of ₹ 54 lacs generated by a private electric power company called SPTL. Lawyer friend Shahid, who is not just smart but also a con artist refuses to help his friend because the girl sided with him. Jealousy. Poor Divyendu couldn’t handle the financial pressure and chooses suicide as a route to freedom. Guilt-conscious Shahid drags SPTL to court to take revenge on behalf of his friend.
Full marks to writer Vipul Rawat for putting the Garhwali dialect in the dialogues. The cinematography does full justice to the beauty of the hills. Both of these add real and authentic flavour to Uttarakhand. Editing could have been better though. 2 hrs 43 mins is a serious concern. “Sochta hoon ke woh kitne masoom the” is a melodious song, the rest are not worth mentioning.
Shahid Kapoor has acted brilliantly, especially in courtroom sequences, where he delivers emotional punches and hilarious one-liners with equal panache. What an award-winning performance. Too good! Shraddha Kapoor has also done well. But I am a bit disappointed with talented Divyendu’s acting which lacked energy this time. Yami Gautam’s cameo as a lawyer is strictly ok.
The movie is also a satire on India’s growth story with frequent references to “vikas”, “kalyan” and “ache din” in not so progressive manner. One may relate to it depending on his/her political preference, touché!
Alright then, go or no go? Would have given a wholehearted recommendation if an unnecessary romantic angle hadn’t played a bit of a spoilsport. Nonetheless, for the lack of anything better this weekend, go and watch Batti Gul Meter Chalu. The light-hearted cinema might soothe your pains inflicted by the stock market bloodbath this Friday.
This teaser makes it clear that Shinda Grewal will be the main focus of the film. As the preview implies, people are adoring his mischievous persona. In this movie, Gippy Grewal and Hina Khan will portray Shinda’s parents. In terms of the film’s credits, Gippy Grewal, Hina Khan, and Shinda Grewal will portray the main characters. In addition to these main protagonists, the film features important roles from Jaswinder Bhalla, Prince Kanwaljit Singh, Raghvir Boli, Nirmal Rishi, Hardip Gill, Seema Kaushal, and others.
But Naresh Kathooria, a well-known screenwriter in the Punjabi cinema industry, wrote the story of “Shinda Shinda No Papa.” Furthermore, Amarpreet GS Chhabra is the director of this film. Sukh Kamboj is this film’s DOP in addition to this. Regarding the producers, Gippy Grewal, Ravneet Kaur Grewal, Vikram Mehra, and Sidharth Anand Kumar are the ones that provide the financial backing for “Shinda Shinda No Papa.” Moreover, the film’s co-producers include Sahil Sharma, Vinod Aswal, and Bhana LA. The film’s executive producer is Hardeep Dullat.
Saregama & Humble Motion Pictures is presenting “Shinda Shinda No Papa” in the interim. So, this film will be released under the auspices of Saregama and Humble Motion Pictures. The producers also disclose the specific date of this film’s release. The movie “Shinda Shinda No Papa” will be released on May 10, 2024. So please share in the comments section how eager you are to see this movie in theatres. Follow Punjabi Teshan for more updates related to Punjabi Film Industry…………….
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