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Reviews
Hansan: Yongui chulhyeon (2022)
Unabashedly Korean blockbuster
Unabashedly Korean blockbuster had arguable historical accuracy but Kim Han-min surely treated audience with impressive production values and 'geokbukseon' final battle. That's how weak interrelated subplots and underutilized characters are forgiven.
Darlings (2022)
Dichotomy of revenge
Black comedy with domestic abuse issues which could trigger female viewers at first. Jasmeet K. Reen's directorial debut got strong character study and well-written dialogues in everyday life. Both Alia & Shefali flourishingly explored the dichotomy of revenge.
Nope (2022)
Couldn't function as a cohesive whole
Another conceptual metaphors from Jordan Peele but this spectacle film didn't truly come together. Wish these exciting characters and their individual moments could function as a cohesive whole. Looming sense of mystery and immaculate sound made it fun to see.
Raksha Bandhan (2022)
Good but could've been better
Good but could've been better family drama with a healthy dose of humour. Apart from Akshay's essential workload, Aanand L. Rai didn't flesh out every (female) characters properly though still gave on-point social commentary about dowry culture in the end.
Fall (2022)
Not an easy watch for acrophobia person
Certainly not an easy watch for acrophobia person. Scott Mann got staggering single location to deliver nauseating thrills for survival film genre. Despite its predictable outcome, Caroline Currey's solid mental transformation managed to keep our emotions in check.
Bisang seoneon (2021)
Gripping disaster movie on a plane
A bit lengthy with some overheated exchanges and too many issues at same time, Han Jae-rim managed to present a gripping disaster movie from start to finish. Despite being underutilized, Song & Lee showed great fortitude to lead high-quality cast.
Prey (2022)
Deserving entry with unique coming-of-age story
Deserving entry in Predator film franchise with unique coming-of-age story that should get theatrical release. Dan Trachtenberg took some time before gruesome hunting and killings began. Midthunder proved her worthy as warrior princess we can cheer to emerge.
Bullet Train (2022)
Crowded tram of famous cast and cameos
Stylish action comedy with larger-than-life personalities. Despite few suspense throughout the ride, David Leitch kept its thrills amusing and scorching at the same time. A crowded tram of high-calibre cast and cameos certainly provided great entertainment.
Purple Hearts (2022)
Two problematic characters for reciprocal relationship
How on earth that two problematic characters could unite in reciprocal relationship? However Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum did best to soften its plot through old romantic movie tropes. Carson's beautiful singing made up for a lack of chemistry with Galitzine.
Laal Singh Chaddha (2022)
Not necessarily bad remake but
Not necessarily bad remake but Advait Chandan failed to recapture Forrest Gump's admirable traits which made it extraordinary in my early days of cinema. Aamir's decent (sometimes 'caricaturish') performance led us through these historic events in India.
Our Blues (2022)
Varied problems and problematic relationships hit too many highs
"Kita tidak lahir di dunia untuk menderita atau menyerah tetapi berbahagia.."
Drakor 'healing' bagi semua lapisan penonton ini memiliki gaya bertutur unik dimana setiap karakter diberikan panggung masalahnya sendiri yang akan diselesaikan dalam 2 atau 3 episode.
Tema seperti kehamilan remaja, down syndrome menjadi highlights tersendiri selain kekerasan rumah tangga, hubungan terasing anak dan orangtua, kesalahpahaman antar teman dieksplor secara detil oleh Noh Hee-kyung yang akhirnya dieksekusi dengan sensitifitas tinggi oleh Kim Kyu-tae.
Masing-masing hubungan antar individu diberikan keleluasaan dan cukup waktu untuk memahami pokok permasalahan sekaligus mencari solusinya.
Keterkaitan sebagai satu kesatuan yaitu penduduk Pulau Jeju dengan segala rutinitas kesehariannya berhasil mempersempit jarak dengan audiens.
Kombinasi pemain senior, remaja dan anak sekalipun saling bahu-membahu menjaga stabilitas emosi lewat penampilan percaya diri tanpa harus terlalu dramatis. Lee Byung-hun, Lee Jung-eun, Choi Young-jun adalah tiga favorit saya kali ini. Special mention bagi Jeong Eun-hye tentunya.
Selain mata dimanjakan oleh keindahan lanskap Pulau Jeju dan sekitar mulai dari daratan/lautan/pegunungan, mata kita juga harus siap "basah" oleh sederetan momen dramatik dimana turning point nya tak selalu mudah diterka.
Our Blues menjunjung kebesaran hati dengan kedalaman arti.
Kateo (2022)
You decide whether its thrilling or dizzying
Basically Korean version of Crank you'll find whether it's thrilling or dizzying. Applaud Jung Byung-gil's effort to made it look like one long shot with violent action sequences and dramatic revelations. Joo Won strongly played unhinged character from the start.
Jana Gana Mana (2022)
Evocative thriller drama society needs to see
Evocative thriller drama that society needs to see. Felt like Dijo Jos Antony had two separate films combined about twisted social and political issues. Interestingly, Suraj & Prithviraj brought commanding performances for each half with different reasons.
Persuasion (2022)
Futile British period drama
Futile British period drama got only few positive notes. Carrie Cracknell tried to modernize things but didn't always fit with Jane Austen's novel about class rigidity and social mobility. Johnson had a flair for dramatic 'breaks the fourth wall' performance.
Dabbe: Cin Çarpmasi (2013)
Messed us up as it goes along
Turkish found-footage horror with perfect sense of myth and realism. Hasan Karacadag planted subtle hints along the way to darker twist and turns. Örnek & Özgen were both convincing as opposite characters and totally messed audience up as it goes along.
Lightyear (2022)
Not as bad as they say
Certainly not Pixar nor Toy Story caliber but Angus MacLane's origin story got his own mesmerizing sci-fi adventure with rich visuals and honest moments. Kids might feel lost in its time-travel plot though. Bet you wish you had Sox in real life as your sidekick.
The Gray Man (2022)
Harmless fun for one time watch
Certainly had fair share of problems in terms of poor script and familiar tropes though Russo brothers knew how to deliver impressive action sequences with great ensemble cast. Gosling & Evans went toe to toe in latter half was harmless fun for one time watch.
Force of Nature (2020)
Not rousing enough to get us hooked
Neither crime nor storm were rousing enough to get audience hooked in this single location thriller. Michael Polish didn't even stage its action sequences properly. Hirsch wasn't believeable in leading role while for a brief moment, Gibson stole the show.
Nana (2022)
Arresting portrayal
Arresting portrayal of Sundanese woman and her midlife crisis during 60s. Kamila Andini carefully photographed every moments though never ceased to intrigue audience. Salma & Basuki gave nuanced performances to underline difficult choices and cultural hurdles.
DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
Had fun with human-animal bond
Had fun with what Jared Stern talked about compassionate human-animal bond and collaborative super pets though it was particularly kids-oriented. Animation and voice cast were middle-of-the-road but final act got competent actions and heartfelt moments.
Daikaijû no atoshimatsu (2022)
Forced satire with few reedemed qualities
Satoshi Miki epitomized what it means to have too much and not enough at same time. Despite some jabs at self-governance and mass hysteria, this satire felt forced most of the times. Few redeemed qualities in final act might be a little too late.
Oegye+in 1bu (2022)
Messy but entertaining hybrid-genre
Messy but entertaining Korean hybrid-genre from Choi Dong-hoon. Took a while to understand its concept and get to know a lot of characters. Star-studded cast crafted a deft mix of high-octane action and character-driven comedy to kept us all on hold for part two.
Shamshera (2022)
Loud messy epic movie which only worked in parts
Loud and messy action melodrama that only worked in parts specially musical numbers. Karan Malhotra stretched its paper-thin plot into lifeless storytelling with great set pieces and cool VFX. Ranbir was saving grace and gave audience something to cheer about.
The Sea Beast (2022)
Substantial animated film about trust issues
Substantial animated movie got familiar beats but Chris Williams refined 'em into bold message about trust issues. Wish it had unequivocal ending for few subplots earlier. Still its gorgeous visual made such astonishing adventure between Red & Maisie/Jacob.
Way Down (2021)
Managed to raise the stakes
Competent heist film from Jaume Balagueró. Yes it had flaws and predictabilities but cool set pieces and rare occasion made this fun to watch. Despite little backstories and rather one-dimensional characters, qualified cast managed to raise the stakes.