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Reviews
The Gray Man (2022)
Accidental Spoof of Bourne Series?
Gray Man is an extremely mediocre movie made with a whooping $200 million budget. The casting is all wrong. For starters, Ryan Gosling doesn't look tough at all with a poker face. It just seems like he is struggling to remember his lines. Chris Evans makes a laughable villain, especially with his moustache. Half way through the movie he transforms into shot-caller from a CIA assassin. You can't help but wonder if the director forgot what Evans' role was supposed to be. Regé-Jean Page is anything but a menacing CIA shot-caller. Billy Bob Thornton is the only saving grace in this movie. The dialogues are laughable: Evans childishly orders his team "kill him dead". After his team spectacularly fails to catch Gosling, he says, "what I can do can't be taught." The action sequences will make you yawn despite the numerous explosions packed into one movie. All this makes you ask the $200 mil question: where exactly was the money spent?
Without the wittiness, Gray Man doesn't even pass off as a parody of Jason Bourne movies. It is just a B-grade movie with A-List actors.
Rizzoli & Isles (2010)
Police procedural or Soap Opera??
Rizzoli and Isles is a decent attempt to highlight female leads in the field of police work in which primarily we see male actors. Rizzoli is the tomboy detective and Isles is the fashionista cum Chief Medical Examiner. Both are brilliant at their jobs. The banter between the two does make one smile. Though the police cases are good with plot twists in the end, the show lacks novelty. To be fair that's the case with most police procedurals.
The issue with the plots is that family drama that takes up 50% of the time in a single episode. Agree that the audience needs to connect with the main characters to get hooked to the show, however, this shows takes that element too far. Since this really bungled up what could have been a pretty Good Cop Show with Female Leads, I am going with a 6/10 for Rizzoli & Isles.
Everybody Loves Raymond (1996)
Contrived Comedy
ELR is a sitcom that was a decade too late to be relatable and Rosenthal's over-the-top comedy makes it a hit and miss affair.
There are four main characters Ray Barone (Ray Romano) the titular character, Debra Barone (Patricia Heaton) as Ray's wife, Robert Barone (Brad Garrett) as Ray's brother, Marie Barone (Doris Roberts) as Ray's and Robert's Mom, and Frank Barone (Peter Boyle) as Ray's and Robert's father. The Barones are a dysfunctional family in which Ray is always the centre of attention, much to Robert's chagrin. Debra is supposed to be the only normal person struggling to manage a overly coddled and lazy husband, an eccentric brother-in-law, an intrusive and critical MIL, and an abrasive FIL. All five actors blend into their roles and give their best performances. However, I think Ray, Marie and Frank were the only characters that were believable, and here's why..
1) Ray - He is a sports columnist in Newsday, a regional newspaper, and hailed as a great success by everyone. This is where the writers lost me. Robert who is a Sergeant in NYPD is a respectable job with atleast a comparable salary. Then, how is Ray, who supports a family of five, financially more stable than Robert, who is single. Apart from all this, Ray seems like an easygoing family man who likes to mind his own business. His sense of humor lightens the mood all the time.
2) Debra - I am all about woman empowerment but I found Debra really annoying. She is smarter than Ray at managing things and never lets her husband forget that. It seems like her way of reminding him that she gave up her career to become a home maker. So why doesn't she go back to work rather than taking her frustration out on him everyday. Isn't that a more peaceful solution especially because Ray is not shown like a principally uncooperative male just a lazy one. An overly protective mother like Marie can do that to a child. Her going to work and letting Marie help manage the household, that Marie does anyways, would solve most of Debra's problems. On the plus side, Debra is caring and kind which kind of holds the family together during the ensuing chaos.
3) Robert - He is a Police Sergeant, a supervisor of police officers. He obviously has risen up the ranks to take up a leadership role that indicates he is tough and poised. This behavioral trait is in contrast with the extremely needy, insecure and jealous nature of Robert. That said, Robert is a decent man, which explains why he became a police officer, and is loyal to his family.
4) Marie - Marie plays the role of an over bearing and narcissistic matriarch to perfection. Her criticism of Debra's family management skills, nosiness, favouritism towards her younger son Ray, and hostile relationship with Frank are a major story arc in most episodes. Doris Roberts shines in this extreme character. Still, one sympathises with her as she has to put up with Frank.
Frank - Peter Boyle plays an acerbic and anti-social man to a T. The fact that Frank has no redeeming qualities works very well in this show. His constant bickering with Marie does offer some genuine laughs.
Thus, Debra's and Robert's plight seem forced while Marie and Frank, even Ray for that matter, seem more believable as people. Although a few episodes in ELM such as The Game, Marie's Meatballs sideline these issues, the gaping inconsistencies in character portrayals make it a mediocre comedy at best.
Only Murders in the Building: Sparring Partners (2022)
At last, pieces of the puzzle come together!
Before I start with my review I will like to how the series portrays the trio as amateur detectives and never cop like, an issue with several PI shows. They are smart people who stumble, bumble and solve mysteries like a normal person. Makes them relatable.
The episode reveals a lot about the mystery of Rose Cooper and Becky, the painting behind the $mn painting, the puppet master of Detective Kreps, and finally the significance of Cinda and Poppy. It peels off the layers one by one to connect the dots. The fight and subsequent make up of Oliver and Teddy over Will's paternity is heart breaking. Charles' discovery of Rose Cooper and her revelations of his father's good side was really moving. Mable confronts the glitter guy face to face in a boxing ring. As expected she made a stupid braggart such as Kreps spill most of beans regarding the plot right in a boxing ring. Of course the scene was realistic and creators didn't make a ScarJo out of Gomez (which I definitely think is a great idea for a future Marvel venture).
Special credits goes to Bunny who entrusted her prized possession - the painting - to the three people she hated the most as neighbours but surprisingly trusted the most. Hats off to you Bunny!
This is was one of the best episodes of this season and I am going with solid 10/10 for this flawless episode ( excuse me for using episode too many times). I seriously can't wait for the finale.
Elementary (2012)
Well done! It's Elementary indeed!
As an ardent Sherlock Holmes fan and reader of all
of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books, I started watching this series with a great deal of skepticism. My primary concern was the portrayal of Watson as a swooning damsel. I was ready to be disappointed, instead I was bowled over. The series showcases a modern day Sherlock who is brilliant and tone deaf. His consumption of drugs is not shown as a mental stimulant as in the books, but rather as a crutch. This enters Watson a former doctor and now sober companion to help him with his addiction. Sherlock sees potential in her and takes her under his wing. The smart and empathetic Watson forms an unbreakable platonic bond with Sherlock and becomes his detective partner. The show maintains Sherlock's superior brilliance without showing others, including the police, as nincompoops. Developing a singular character is easy, that is what most shows do; however, it takes real brilliance to create an ecosystem of smart people with differing degrees of intellect. That's what this show has done. I am going with a 9/10 because of few plots that were very obvious.
Only Murders in the Building: Hello, Darkness (2022)
The Glitter Guy is revealed!
The episode was good except for one obvious goof up. The OMITB fans are back and do offer some light moments. The blackout sparks an unexpected romance. We also get to see a more empathic side of Nina. Most importantly the glitter guy is revealed. Without revealing the identity, all I can say is that this murder seems to be connected with Tim Kono's. Remember cops tried to close the latter without a thorough investigation. Now the goof up - I cannot stomach the lack of urgency shown by the trio in finding Lucy in the passages. That wasn't the time for yodeling.
If I ignore that one slip up, I think this was a well crafted episode.
Friends: The One with the Stripper (2001)
Kicking God's idol is pretty insulting. Still on Netflix!!
Netflix India has the version of this episode where Lord Ganesh's idol is kicked by Mona. It's an unnecessary scene just included to insult Hinduism. Request Netflix to edit this version of the episode.
I never paid attention to the idol before. I really don't get the motivation behind doing so.
Ms. Marvel (2022)
Not for adults!
Disclaimer: I have seen the first two episodes only.
The series is about a teenager from a traditional Pakistani family settled in U. S. Iman Vellani blends into this role seamlessly as does her family. She is a nerdy girl who lives in her own superhero fantasy world until it becomes a reality. Well, who doesn't want that :). Though I liked the familial and societal interactions, I didn't enjoy the special effects or the simple storyline too much. This series will be a good watch for kids only.
Darlings (2022)
A smartly crafted comedy!
The movie takes a bitter sweet take on the prevalent issue of violence perpetrated by men against women in marriage. Alia Bhatt plays her part to perfection as a wife torn between love for her abusive husband and punishing him. Shefali Shah is a treat to watch as a nosy but caring mother of Alia. One of the hilarious scenes in the movie is when the mother-daughter duo team up to strike a bargain price for a mixer. Vijay Varma plays his role brilliantly as a manipulative and abusive husband.
Darlings' simplistic take on a domestic abuse can be excused because it never pretends to be anything other than a comedy.
Only Murders in the Building: Flipping the Pieces (2022)
Consider me flipped!
Only murders in The Building marched back to its glory with this episode. 'Flipping the pieces' had everything: mystery, drama, and comedy.
Mabel is saved by Theo after her scary encounter with the suspected murderer. I always thought Theo was guilty of manslaughter and not murder of Zoe. He tries to redeem himself by helping Mabel track the murderer. They come pretty close too; however, they are forced to escape when the man in black starts chasing them. We are shown a glimpse into Mabel's relationship with her father as she tries to recall what exactly happened at the night of Bonnie's murder. The jig saw puzzle anecdote was a smart addition to the story.
Charles and Oliver bungle through their meet with Detective Williams leading to her taking possession of the murder weapon. Hopefully, she tries to help these three amateur detectives. Charles seemed to be enjoying 'Gut Buzz', seemed like an aerated Gut Milk in a can. Way to go Ursula! There are other comic moments such as Oliver and Charles whispering in a loud voice revealing everything to Williams, and Oliver taking care of William's baby.
The episode ends with a cliffhanger which I rather not reveal. However, I will end with this, the next episode is going to be epic!!
Only Murders in the Building: Performance Review (2022)
Not a satisfactory episode
Performance Review did move the story along, albeit with glaring errors in the storyline.
Firstly, the name of the episode refers to the experience of Poppy (a recurring character) who may or may not be crucial to the case. Out of the blue, Mabel and Poppy strike a bond, and Poppy is ready to team up with Mabel to bring down Cinda. Let's hope this development adds something substantial to this season.
Alice's stabs Mabel in the back, metaphorically. I think all of us were expecting this to happen, except for Mabel. I didn't peg Mabel to be this naive.
The detective trio reveals the existence of evidence to an unknown person assuming him /her to be detective Williams. Now that's dumb! To add to this silliness, they get involved in an intense discussion when they should be focussing on catching the suspect at drop site of the evidence. What was the point of laying the trap if you can't be alert?
Another goof up was Mabel spotting the suspect in the subway wearing the same jacket on which the glitter bomb had exploded. Isn't disguise 101 a change of clothes if the old ones can put a bullseye on you?
There were some genuine comic moments too such as Charles introducing Oliver to Salsa, and Sazz on behalf of Charles breaking up with Jane. Since I already love the characters in this show, I found the episode to be entertaining. Hence, I am going with an 8/10 for Performance Review.
The Batman (2022)
The second best reboot!
The only movies that did justice to my favourite anti-hero were the trilogy by Christopher Nolan. Matt Reeves' "The Batman" pales in comparison to those movies. That said, Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz shine throughout the movie. Pattison plays the brooding vigilante perfectly. Zoe brings out the right amount of cynicism and a conflicted persona.
For starters, the color red for the title and as the hue in many scenes didn't sit well with me. Batman symbolises darkness / night and not red.
Secondly, the villain is just one guy, a crazy serial killer. He is not a worthy match for Batman. This plot has been used extensively in police procedurals like Castle, Psych, Sherlock etc and also in several thriller movies. An example of lazy writing right there. The motivation to attack Bruce Wayne is half-baked and feels forced. Also it constantly feels as if Reeves is trying to pull The Joker, the psychotic villain perfected by Heath Ledger.
Batman's pursuit of Penguin is disappointing. Though the high speed car chase is fun to watch, the Batmobile being beaten by an ordinary car isn't.
Finally, the arrest of Falcone is made too simplistic. Just one convenient phone call reveals the rat, the reason why this movie was made. Yup, that's all it took.
Where as, I would love to watch Robert Pattinson as Batman, it will take more than a serial killer vs Batman plot to make me sit for 2.5 hours straight. (PS: I watched this movie over a period of 3 days)
Legado en los huesos (2019)
Laughable!
I didn't watch the movie for more than 5 minutes. The detective was 9 months pregnant (about to deliver) but she ran pretty normally as well as sat down very quickly in front of the dead guy in the bathroom stall. Such a heavily pregnant woman cannot do so. I somehow was not motivated to watch a movie that couldn't get this simple fact right.
Only Murders in the Building: The Tell (2022)
Peel the onion!
Oliver Putnam brilliantly brought out his inner Sherlock with the game: Son of Sam. I liked the twist in Alice's story. She is a liar afterall and not a hopeless romantic that she seemed to be. Jan's re-entry was interesting. Also I missed her psychotic flirtations with Charles (man he is lonely :p). Finally the possibility that Will may not be Oliver's son! I can only wonder if this will impact the mystery of this season or is it just a sub-plot.
The Boys: You Found Me (2019)
Infant's attempted murder????
I missed a few episodes in season 1 and just saw this somehow. Butcher triggers the explosive knowing an infant is in the room!!! It's pretty ironic coz he stopped SB in S3 from killing Homelander because Becca's kid - a Superboy - who would have just lost his super powers was in the room.
How come viewers have ignored this? Butcher is no better than the selfish Supes, some of whom may not stoop to this level. I think I am done with this series.
The Boys: The Instant White-Hot Wild (2022)
Not the best finale, but it will do..
I liked the ending that showed that Homelander is a typical narcissistic human (albeit with superpowers) who are looked upon with awe by several people (Johnny Depp etc..) Hence, he can please the crowd even by murdering someone in public for throwing a soda can him. What amazed me is that Butcher is amazing even after he self-corrected his narcissistic tendencies. Worried about his lifespan though. Chemistry between Kimiko and Frenchie gets better with every episode. Queen Maeve became a true comic book superhero in this episode and did save several lives. For the first time Vought did not need a script to elevate a superhero. Hope she enjoys her new found human form with her girlfriend. Starlight joining The Boys officially is pretty interesting. MM and Hughie, who usually have a strong presence, seemed forgettable in this episode.
Since this season has given so many good episodes, the Finale couldn't match up to those.
Only Murders in the Building: The Last Day of Bunny Folger (2022)
This was the second best episode of OMITB
I always liked Bunny because she was the only one who behaved like an adult in the building. The episode showed that she liked being Board President because she loved Arconia a lot and not because she liked bossing people around (well maybe that too in my opinion). She at last acknowledged that the detective trio did a great job of catching the murderer of Tim Kono. She is a stickler to the rules but that's her job and she maybe the only responsible person in the building. Now I really want the murderer punished. The episode has created atleast three possible plots for this season to explain her murder:
1) Her unwitting knowledge of the loose ends in case 1 that Mable brought up or,
2) The mysterious caller who wanted the painting or,
3) Nina, Bunny's protege and current Board President (seems too simple though)
This was the second best episode after 'The Boy from 6B'. I can't wait for the next episode to see how the story unravels.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Yawn!!
The movie felt too long mainly because of cramming of too many themes in two hours - stories about each Dr. Strange from different universe and his love for Christine; magic, witchery, dream walking, and souls etc etc; unexplained action sequences - Scarlett witch traveling through mirrors; people fighting souls with hands??; the girl realizing her powers all of a sudden etc etc.
Rather than showing so many sub-plots in one movie, it could have been split into two parts.
I am giving it 7/10 for the CGI, and excellent acting by Elizabeth Olsen whether it be as Wanda, a mother or a villain who wants to be united with her kids at any cost. Also because Benedict Cumberbatch looked hot in a salt and pepper ponytail.
The Boys: Herogasm (2022)
Disgustingly mind-blowing! Spoiler alert!!
Satirical comedy reaches a new level in this episode. It's filled with scenes where I was confused whether to laugh or cringe. It paints the Supes in the worst color possible. At the same time it makes you almost feel bad for the villainous characters like Homelander and A-Train. Soldier Boys character is not well-developed though and seems more like a pawn to make Homelander feel insecure about his powers. Hughie and Butcher reach their character lows by showing lack of empathy for the innocents, something they have always accused the Supes of. A more humane MM emerges with Annie's help and after getting affected by the events of this episode. Annie takes a bold move that puts her life in grave danger.
This episode opens up a lots of possibilities about the future of the Seven, the Boys (the team), and the series itself. It will be interesting to watch how the story unfolds in the upcoming episodes.
Killing Eve: Hello, Losers (2022)
Why not end it with Season 3????
I can't wrap this ending around my head. Such bad writing and directing for such a great show. I would have been happier if the show had ended at Season 3. Season 4 seems pointless and both Villanelle and Eve seem directionless. Why do this to the audience? Really WHY?
Poirot: Dead Man's Mirror (1993)
Too simplistic explanation forb a messy murder with a gun
Shouldn't the blood on the wall and window and maybe on the ground outside the window have alerted the police? A gun shot is alway ls messy and of the murderer shot the victim when he was standing near the window blood would have sprayed outside the window. Hence police.would have come to know that the suicide.was staged.