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Tag: Netflix

  • The Materialist: The Business of Love

    The Materialist: The Business of Love

    The Materialist: The Business of Love

    First things first: Celine Song’s The Materialist doesn’t quite reach the quiet brilliance of her debut, the magnificent Past Lives. Yet, it’s still a relationship drama worth your time.

    Dakota Johnson (yes, of 50 Shades fame) shines as Lucy, an upmarket New York City matchmaker for the rich and privileged. She approaches romance like an M&A deal, quipping, “Marriage is a business deal and it always has been.”

    Her carefully constructed world collides when she meets Harry (Pedro Pascal) — a charming private equity prince with a $12 million penthouse and impeccable style — at a client’s wedding. At the same event, Lucy’s past resurfaces in the form of John (Chris Evans), her struggling-actor ex who’s working as a waiter. Their breakup years ago, heartbreakingly, was over a parking fee.

    Celine frames Lucy’s dilemma in modern Jane Austen fashion: should she choose the wealthy, flawless suitor or the imperfect, impoverished man who once held her heart? Classic setup, updated for Manhattan.

    The film is peppered with witty (and often depressing) “wish lists” from Lucy’s elite clients — a satirical mirror of transactional love. A side plot also hints at the risks of modern dating.

    Song still delivers memorable moments:

    • Lucy admitting she left John not for incompatibility, but for his poverty.
    • Lucy seduced by Harry’s luxurious lifestyle, yet starved of intimacy.
    • Lucy and Harry, seemingly the perfect match, inevitably drifting apart.

    Dakota Johnson gives a grounded, honest performance. Pedro Pascal oozes charm, while Chris Evans taps into raw vulnerability. The film itself, though, is uneven. The screenplay meanders, and the writing never fully soars.

    Still, Celine’s words resonate: “Love is the greatest mystery in everyone’s lives, and therefore one of the most important themes in cinema.” Couldn’t agree more.

    💡 The Materialist may not be flawless, but it’s a smart, satirical look at the math of love in a material world — and a worthy weekend watch.

    #TheMaterialist #Netflix #WeekendWatch #Romance #RomCom #DakotaJohnson #ChrisEvans #PedroPascal

  • Adolescence Review: An Impeccable Masterpiece – Mandatory Watch!

    Adolescence Review: An Impeccable Masterpiece – Mandatory Watch!

    Adolescence Review: An Impeccable Masterpiece – Mandatory Watch!

    Adolescence is a gripping top notch layered roller coaster dealing with the highly relevant themes of adulting, impact of influencers, teenage insecurities, social media indoctrination, deep misogyny, and parenting challenges in modern world! A catastrophic, horrific and moving experience!

    Just watch it! Every parent, every educator and every teenager should watch it!

    Spoilers ahead, if you continue to read!

    Adolescence is about how an incident changes the lives of a family. A 13 year young boy is accused of a murder and arrested from his home. The four episodes cover different perspectives – first episode is a police procedural dealing with arrest in the police station, the second episode showcases the behaviour of teens in contemporary device loaded school, the third episode is the closed door hard hitting interaction of psychologist with the accused and the final episode is the impact on family and life after the event in the home and town.

    The show is a masterclass – the amazing idea of a single shot take for the entire episode creates a great impact – like watching live theatrical purpose! Episode 3 will remain one of the finest one hour of television in recent times! Class!

    The amazing prowess of actors is on full showcase – how the intelligent posh psychiatrist Erin Doherty engages the accused, uncovers the truth and processes her emotions – just out of this world. The way Stephen Graham as father deals with the situation is exemplary – straddling shock, concern, anger and regret!  His facial emotions say what words cannot ever say – when the child is stripped – pure genius at work. And the debutant 15-year-old Owen Cooper as the central character slays it – from a pant-wetting boy to smart

    conversationalist to angry male – he is rocking!

    Adolescence is the best of television for you!

    “I should’ve done better”

    I do not think any closing lines have created such a thought-provoking deep impact in recent times as these ones in the Adolescence! Totally Devastating!

    (Casablanca, Gone With The Wind and Silence Of The Lambs are my all-time favourites for beautiful ending one liners!)

    Do you like me?

    Do you think I am ugly?

    Are we safe in our homes?

    The mental repercussion of thoughts like these emerge in a Netflix redeeming spectacular show!

    And more questions emerge!

    How can we do a good parenting job?

    Can good produce evil?

    How can kids deal with social media?

    How much technology is good?

    Adolescence is the perfect mix of gut-wrenching contemporary premise, dazzling performances, technical impeccability and devastating impact that calls for action and conversations!

    Ladies and gentlemen, watch the finest piece of artistic work today!

    #adolescence #adolescencereview #netflix #netflixandchill #misogyny #thriller #crimethriller #murdermystery #weekendwatch #mustwatch

  • Do Patti Review: Falls Like A House Of Cards

    Do Patti Review: Falls Like A House Of Cards

    Do Patti Review: Falls Like A House Of Cards – Avoid It!

    Kriti Sanon’s Veronica Style Cocktail Of Crime Thriller, Mental Health & Domestic Abuse Is A Big Letdown

    Soumya and Shailee are twin sisters, who not only are as different as chalk and see, but also do not see eye-to-eye. Both fall for a cool charmer Dhruv- Aaina in Seeta Aur Geeta & Chaalbaaz mode. The troubled trio tale gets a twist as the stud has anger issues and he resorts to violence since he suffers from a patriarchal hangover. Key topics of mental health and domestic violence are diluted in an overzealous attempt to be a cinematic artwork. 

    Kajol is wasted – her Dushman was a better fare. Producer Kriti Sanon gets to show her acting skills in a double act including a complete tribute to Cocktail’s Deepika Padukone Veronica avatar. Rest of the act fail to redeem the poor screenplay and poorer direction – A better sensitivity was expected from Kanika in a women-produced film. 

    Do Patti: Avoid it!

    #dopatti #dopattireview #newreleases #weekendwatch #OTT #OTTShows #thriller #netflix #netflixandchill #hindicinema #hindimovies

  • CTRL: Promising Idea Gone Out Of Control

    CTRL: Promising Idea Gone Out Of Control

    CTRL: Promising Idea Gone Out Of Control

    CTRL has all the right ingredients but its a stale dish on arrival! 

    AI
    GenZ 
    Ananya Panday
    Social Media
    Talented Director

    All the above elements fail to make a compelling and refreshing story. The movie seems a packaged product designed to fill the Netflix shelves of new content. 

    Teenagers Nella and Joe are the GenZ couple living a dream life on social media. The influencers blissful life gets punctured when Joe is caught cheating – live on camera of course! 

    Nella gets Geet’s ‘Jalaa Do Saali’ inspiration from AI App where Joe’s images and videos are erased from her digital footprint and possibly life – The Eternal Sunshine of Spotless Mind!  But the AI Avatar is not a noble friend philosopher and guide – it takes over her data, privacy and soul for sinister gains. The evils of technology, data security and digital life are showcased – even prompting us to switch off our cameras and microphones. 

    Ananya is effortless in her GenZ avatar – her third outing on GenZ, social media and evils of technology after the very recent ‘Call Me Bae’ and ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan’. While the movie maybe a project to showcase Ananya’s talents, it has nothing new to offer. 

    Full credit for getting the look and feel of the movie right but the impact is missing. 

    Vikramaditya Motwane is a genius but he fails to convert a good idea into a credible movie!

    #CTRL #CTRLReview #CTRLMovie #Ananypanday #Ananya #GenZ #Netflix #Netflixandchill #AI #digital #privacy #digitallife #bollywood #newreleases #hindicinema #hindimovies #weekendwatch

  • Sector 36 Review: Dark, Gruesome & Spine-chilling Watch

    Sector 36 Review: Dark, Gruesome & Spine-chilling Watch

    Sector 36 is not for the faint hearted. It is a disturbing tale of child abuse, murders, organ trade, necrophilia and cannibalism.

    Inspired by the infamous Nithari Killings of 2006, writer Bodhayan Roychaudhury and director Aditya Nimbalkar concoct a gripping story that leaves a strong impact. Paedophile businessman Bassi’s Sector 36 bungalow is a playground for his sexual escapades. His servant Prem not only captures the acts of his boss, but he rapes and butchers the kids as well. He relishes their organs and even sells the body parts. Macabre and disturbing – Right?

    A failed kidnapping and convenient coincidences bring him in the radar of inspector Ram Charan Singh, who eventually gets Prem who relishes his confessional like a KBC hot seat! Watch the movie for this highly impactful interrogation scene where Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal deliver a masterclass in acting – reminds of Robert De Niro / Al Pacino in Heat and Nawaz / Vicky in Raman Raghav. This scene will outlive the movie like Pyar Ka Punchnama monologue!

    Vikrant Massey gives yet another stellar performance after 12th fail. He showcases his versatile art on Bodhayan’s canvas. Clearly in his purple patch! Deepak Dobriyal is equally impressive but his character could have been even stronger – his transformation from lazy corrupt copy to a spirited passionate truth seeker was too convenient. The movie has the apt dark gloomy look including the perfect opening sequence! Excellent cinematography.

    Sector 36 – A great watch!

  • Maharaja Review: Vijay Sethupathi’s Mind-Blowing Emotional Revenge Thriller

    Maharaja Review: Vijay Sethupathi’s Mind-Blowing Emotional Revenge Thriller

    Maharaja Review: Vijay Sethupathi’s Mind-Blowing Emotional Revenge Thriller

    Vijay Sethupathi’s Delivers A Knockout Performance In His 50th Appearance

    A bruised middle-aged father visits a police station and wants action against three criminals who stole his “Lakshmi” – a dustbin which has a special value in his life. As the movie progress, parallel tracks and juxtaposed scenes come together to reveal a shocking and heartbreaking climax.

    Vijay Sethupathi’s masterclass acting is the highlight of the movie. He is truly the Maharaja of acting and it shows! Anurag Kashyap fails to leave a mark.

    I loved the smart and intelligent use of metaphors – especially snake. While the climax is what has set everyone talking it was not unpredictable. Lots of scenes are rushed and engineered.

    The director uses “shock and awe” technique. The truck crash, the snake, the non-linear narrative, multiple characters – all are designed to amplify the mystery and engage the audience.

    Maharaja is essentially a father daughter story showcasing the law of karma at work. Packaged emotionally and symbolically designed to leave a strong impact! Worth a watch!

  • Maharaj Review: Yashrajified Movie Derails Strong Story & Junaid Debut

    Maharaj Review: Yashrajified Movie Derails Strong Story & Junaid Debut

    Maharaj Review: Yashrajified Movie Derails Strong Story & Junaid Debut

    Nothing controversial about the movie – a reiteration of how institutionalised and cult-driven religious practices become the very evil they claim to fight against! Maharaj is indeed an important story that needs to be told!

    The movie is based on the landmark case of 1862 where Gujarati social reformer activist journalist Karsandas Multi (Junaid) exposes religious leader Jadunath Maharaj’s (Jaideep Ahlawat) predatory sexual exploitation and rape of women devotees in the name of ‘Charan Seva’. Karsandas is a progressive liberal who overcomes his personal demons to travel the path of great leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

    The premise and plot is very strong but forced punchlines and Yashrajification weakens the impact. Aamir Khan’s son Junaid is earnest and does a fine job – impressive start and a brave choice for zero fanfare debut. Jaideep rocks with his solid performance.

    Maharaj – A though provoking movie that fails to make a strong impact!

  • Laapataa Ladies: A Simple & Heartwarming Classic!

    Laapataa Ladies: A Simple & Heartwarming Classic!

    Laapataa Ladies: A Simple & Heartwarming Classic!

    Gentle and charming unveiling of patriarchal and socially blinding veils! A must watch!

    Kiran Rao’s Laapata Ladies is an authentic, sincere and original story showcased in a very beautiful and warm manner. Like 12th Fail, this is a big-hearted story of small-town India.

    The feel-good satire tells the tale of two brides who are swapped accidentally and how they find themselves while lost. As the story progresses, lot of societal issues are addressed but with humour and gentle treatment – never preachy! A warm hug is stronger than long conversations!

    Women empowerment, role of education, patriarchy, female bonding, political games, outgrown customs and traditional woes – all are beautifully interwoven. But the movie is never boring!

    The actors are outstanding. Phool and Jaya as the lost brides, the melancholic Deepak, the railway platform samaritans including Manju and the extended family – all are spot-on. The most impactful character is actor Ravi Kishan as the policeman who is scary, corrupt but finds his conscience – the most layered, balancing and impressive act.

    The story and screenplay is top-notch. The writing and direction is so perfect that no dialogue or scene feels out of place. Phool hiding behind “Use Me” dustbin, Manju’s fraud theory and changing names of villages – all are subtle and smartly intelligent.

    Even Manju’s frustration “Bhawra bana ke rakh diya hai sabko” is beautiful. Or this dialogue of Deepak: “Jevar chori doi dukh paana; chhota dukh chori, bada dukh thaana – wow!

    Ram Sampath knows how to complement the simplicity with beautiful music.

    Full marks to Kiran Rao! Watch this beautiful tale of positivity, emotional intelligence and hope that challenge the status quo!

  • Amar Singh Chamkila: Outstanding Diljit Dosanjh In A Triumphant Imtiaz Ali Musical

    Amar Singh Chamkila: Outstanding Diljit Dosanjh In A Triumphant Imtiaz Ali Musical

    Amar Singh Chamkila: Outstanding Diljit Dosanjh In A Triumphant Imtiaz Ali Musical

    Amar Singh Chamkila Is An Amazing Electrifying Live Street Concert – Mastila, Rasila, Chamkila

    Jis wajah se chamka woh, uss wajah se tapka woh’

    Imtiaz Ali Mojo is back!

    Amar Singh Chamkila is the biopic of the legendary and popular singer Chamkila, who rose to fame with his raunchy double entendre songs and was shot down at the age of 27 years in Mehsampur. Born as Dhani Ram Sandila, Chamkila is a Dalit Chamar who wins everyone’s heart with his music but faces threats from religious groups as well as militants. Popularly known as the ‘Elvis of Punjab’, he lives and dies for his art and beliefs.

    Diljit Dosanjh is the perfect fit and he gives a stellar performance. He is sincere, authentic and he internalizes Amar Singh Chamkila to win our hearts. From flawless mannerisms to energetic songs to passionate emotions – he aces the Chamkila character. Being a singer, he brings life to the songs – all of which are performed live.

    Parineeti Chopra and the ensemble cast provide a great support. A R Rahman’s music and Irshad Kamil’s lyrics provide the perfect magic to the movie – an important accomplishment as the movie is full of original Chamkila songs. While Ishq Mitaye, Vida Karo, Tu Kya Jane and Baaja are great, Naram Kaaljia is an absolute fun statement!

    Imtiaz Ali creates a wonderful and nostalgically beautiful narrative. He is confident and it shows in the creative mix of flashbacks, real video footage, original pictures, graphic style animation and multiple story tellers. I loved the on screen dance of phrases and lyrics whenever Chamkila songs came to life – though it some created distraction. Imtiaz is in his top firm. ‘

    One of the strong points of the movie is avoidance of airbrushing and whitewashing Chamkila’s story – His mistakes as well as pragmatic choices are showcased. Even the greed of the near and dear ones is not hidden. Yes, his first marriage was conveniently defocused.

    Amar Singh Chamkila – A must watch Imtiaz Ali – Rahman earthy folk musical!

  • Murder Mubarak: Social Satire Meets Ensemble Whodunnit

    Murder Mubarak: Social Satire Meets Ensemble Whodunnit

    Murder Mubarak: Social Satire Meets Ensemble Whodunnit

    A murder of the gym trainer Leo at a posh Delhi club opens a can of worms. Everyone is a suspect where the dark secrets of Delhi High Society Club patrons are at stake. A charming outsider ACP Bhavani Singh investigates the case in Agastha Christie’s desi Poirot style.

    The best part of the movie is the ensemble cast and loyalty to Anuja Chauhan’s brilliant writing and class satire.

    Pankaj Tripathi is back in action and is effective – just another day for him at the office. Sanjay Kapoor is brilliant and continues his Merry Christmas form as a royal Rannvijay Singh – tipping 20 rupees but packing food to cover his dilapidated ruined status. Karisma Kapoor is equally magical as a former diva and B-grade movie star of C-grade movies. Vijay Varma and Dimple Kapadia are not given due justice and feel wasted – their arc should have been stronger. Sara Ali Khan tries up to keep things moving but she has a long way to go. A lot more characters like Tisca Chopra add colour to the proceedings though in a very fleeting manner.

    The Delhi class divide is beautifully portrayed. “Poor people should die young!” announces Tisca Chopra or the fact that two trainers from Arunachal and Karnataka are called twins. Smart writing exists – ACP Bhavani says “It’s easy to be branded anti-national these days!”

    The movie sticks to its genre and the secretive layers get unveiled gradually to keep us hooked. Though the movie could have done with sharper editing and crisper execution.

    This is no ‘Knives Out’ nor Homi’s own ‘Being Cyrus!’

    Watch it once for Pankaj Tripathi and Idiosyncrasies of Delhi Gentry!