Movie Review : Timecrimes

Timecrimes is a Spanish time travel condundrum back from 2007 directed by Nacho Vigalondo starring Kara Elejalde in the lead role.

This flick starts out as something that isn’t really trying to peak the spectators curiousity at first. Something straightforward turns into quite a ride along which some motifs are a little more predictable than the others but yet, provides a captivating journey through till it’s finale.

It’s an adamantine effort to review the film without giving a spoiler. The devil is in the details and I can only say as much that it’s just a short one and a half hour watch that everyone who enjoys time travel as a theme will most definately enjoy. This one has its “Primer” moments as well. It’s not half as complicated as that , it keeps it quite simple and you can see where things are going at times but it’ll keep your interest once you’re past the opening 20 minutes which are building up to what’s to come.

I quite enjoyed the simplicity of the film. The acting by Kara Elejelde was swell and reflects the mind frame of what Hector is going through on his journey through time no matter how long or short it might be.

Time travel can be such an extensive debate and is used in a different manner in most films, whether it be Predestination, 12 monkeys or Primer. They all have their code on how time works . As does time crimes and possibly it’s the one that keeps it the most simplistic. Sometimes there can be quite a few loopholes when it does come to time , but the writing keeps it away from these by keeping the plot as linear as it gets when it comes to time. A consensed time travel journey and the effects it takes on a man. Maybe at the start it might not feel like the most interesting film to watch but by the end of it it will leave you content, of that I’m sure.

Did love how they represented the man in the pink mask and his enigma. Quite a intimidating aura and they used his look to perfection and to me is iconic to the film. For me, definately the best part of the film.

To conclude I must say that it’s a definite watch for any fan of sci fi or those who enjoy time travel themed movies. Definitely not a let down .

Movie Rating : 7.5/10

Movie Review : Hotel Mumbai

Hotel Mumbai is a film by Anthony Maras dramatizing the events that took place in Mumbai at the Taj Hotel between 26th November to 28th November 2008 when Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists stormed the hotel and took hostage for over three nights.

It stars Dev Patel( Slumdog Millionaire) , Armie Hammer ( The Social Network) , Nazanin Boniadi, Anupam Kher and Jason Isaacs in the feature roles.

Hotel Mumbai is a film that hits hard and as a citizen of this city watching these events unfold on our screens, showing them the way Anthony Maras has was extremely hard to watch. Bringing back days of PTSD that we spent glued to our TV screens watching the news for updates of what was going on and wondering how an attack of that magnitude was even possible in our hometown. It’s brave filmmaking no doubt and is shown in a raw and very real manner. Every incident they have depicted has been shown in a crude form and gives you that shiver down your spine as you watch those events unfold. It’s violent, barbaric and bloody and exactly how you would have expected this particular incident to have gone down and maybe even a little worse.

Everyone in the cast has put in very strong performances and the movie has come together and has been dramatized very well. As a citizen of Mumbai it was an upsetting movie to watch but you do see the reality of the incident and how it went down. As a depiction it was too close to home and will move a lot of people . It’s hard to praise a film that depicts such a dark chapter for our city and the lives of people we knew around us but in a cinematic aspect the movie does well and it’s shown the truth of how things do go down in a situation like this . This movie will leave you shook.

All in all Hotel Mumbai is definately worth a watch, but watch it at the risk of you own peace of mind, especially if you know someone or had someone you know affected by this incident, it won’t be an easy watch. If you’re a cinema buff and feel like you can take it , I suggest you definately go ahead as it’s a very well made film.

Movie Rating : 8/10

Movie Review: The Irishman

I heard you paint houses.

The Irishman is a three hour twenty nine minute feature film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring the legendary likes of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.

The Irishman fills in the accounts a mob hitman as he recounts his life and the associations he made during it, from his clique begginings till the end and primarily focused on his rapport with his long time friend at the time Jimmy Hoffa.

In this day and age of cgi and action packed movies,’ The Irishman ‘ is a scarcity. Released for viewing on Netflix over the weekend there were numerous complaints over the length of the film but to a movie lover and to anyone who appreciates film as an art ‘ The Irishman ‘ is an immense film and well worth your time.

Scorsese has used his typical drawn out long cut scenes as he is inclined to and the camera work and cinematography make it a stunning film to look at . The ageing of their characters is done in a splendid, believable manner.

It shows the rise and fall of a man in the mob, the effect it has on his family and how certain life events can have an effect on a man. Martin Scorsese manages to tell a story while covering so many bases and with so much depth from a human perspective, making you think about life and the choices we make and the way it affects our relationships and the people around us. And yet like the mob film you expect it’s violent and filled with iconic dialogue, characters and moments that will have you in an emotional rollercoaster. The tone and setting of the film is on a slower pace but that just adds a facet of realism to the story he is telling us , getting to know the characters along the way , it’s a slow drive to a beautiful destination , enjoying all the sights and sounds along the way.

It sticks by Scorsese’s towering standard and only makes you appreciate his wonderful direction that we’ve come to know him for over the many years gone by watching his films.

Not one scene from the film has been rushed and you can tell he’s shot every scene in the film with care, just the way he’s wanted to and that shows in the length of the film. He tells a story moving back and forth in the timeline effortlessly.

Scorsese’s cast has shown their faith in his work as they always do with De Niro showing that he can easily hold his own with the younger generation of Hollywood even now. Joe Pesci puts in a wonderful performance as well but who really steals the show is Al Pacino in his depiction of Jimmy Hoffa. A performance which I believe deserves to give him an Oscar nomination for.

Martin Scorsese will always be the mob film guy but what was different about ‘ The Irishman ‘ is the the way he used emotion and relationship’s in the films, something we haven’t seen him do in his earlier films and it really added a deeper touch to his film.

Three hour twenty nine minutes and worth every minute of your time . The Irishman is the type of movie cinema needs. It is what it is .

Movie Rating : 9/10

Best Tracks I’ve heard this week: November 25 2019

Music is something that i cant get by without on a daily basis. When i wake up, drive, before i sleep, it’s something that i can’t do without. Which is why I’m gonna share the tracks i discover every week in this series. From older tracks to newer it’s basically stuff that I’ve heard for the first time in that particular week and I’d love to share it with you guys. And yes I’m sharing the Spotify links too. I’m not going to rank these tracks in a particular order because all these tracks have quite contrasting styles and are from a variety of genres. Here goes.

Legend – Abel Orion

https://open.spotify.com/track/1zoZUC9IHFIq5fagrKkbYp?si=vrTDq324S8K9C4QroN9CoQ

is an outstanding upbeat alternative with some classic vocals running through, top track that I’ve been jamming to all week.

K I D S – G-Eazy ft. Dex Lauper

https://open.spotify.com/track/6zD2XsRF3r7TMuwo6aZE7W?si=m2reRwbJTmWeAJlwm6n7Pw

A track that i initially slept on when i heard the scary nights EP. Heard it again and it stuck with me. The beat is hypnotic and the lyrics are real , keeping it real.

Best Life – Danny Brown

https://open.spotify.com/track/068XDWvE8tDnQsKo8J3x1Z?si=KKO7_r99RBmHoZX8iakF0w

This one’s been my daily pick me up. From the beat to the lyrics it’s so upbeat and Danny flows so nice . “ain’t no next life so now I’m tryna live my best life” . Love it.

Mutual Butterflies – Ryan Trey

https://open.spotify.com/track/531MBHrtGF6nAkK4zUafi9?si=LJrReGXEQH23ZF37tE58gg

Ryan Trey rapping over a smooth ass Lofi beat about a girl he knew. Great easy listening.

Where’s the catch – James Blake ft Andre 3000

https://open.spotify.com/track/7omij53d6AvXefx13NNyfn?si=YwNwJpP_Q_Kdkxj1HRxHjQ

I don’t know how on earth i missed this one but it’s just pure brilliance on the production. It’s such a trip the whole track from the vocal from James to when he lifts the beat and andre spits pure gold.

Drink Dat – Thundercat ft Wiz Khalifa

https://open.spotify.com/track/61Dpc8Dw5FjzJWI3e5Zwha?si=ONKaTvDHRGehJdRk9h5MLw

This one’s a smooth number from the wonderfully hazy hook from Thundercat to wiz on his brilliant slow burn rap. On repeat. This hook is me on a Saturday night. Lifted.

like we were the last two people on earth – Dj poolboi

https://open.spotify.com/track/5uQyLXqTIZUSztFKQny0H2?si=tk-i6FOVRPeLBmDFm_JMqg

This one was quite a random find on YouTube and God damn did this hit. It’s a purely electronic instrumental and you know how they say you don’t need lyrics to convey an emotion and he’s captured it. The video really adds to the track as well . Beautiful. https://youtu.be/i6y5HpALM2k

Myth – Beach House

https://open.spotify.com/track/2vAts2sr7wl8NJwd8qmUEo?si=u4LMOy0GTjGtjow4piMACg

This is a smooth and slightly synthy alternative vibe that’s a journey as a track. Loving Beach house and looking forward to exploring more.

Then there were two – Mark Ronson and Anderson Paak

https://open.spotify.com/track/3HOwzZCW4jgwls1nX215Ie?si=lQ_e7Uh9QBylIB7DZOhKxQ

This one’s a soundtrack for the upcoming movie Spies in Disguise and Mark Ronson is on the production and Paak as usual soo soo smooth.

Mr Sun ( miss da sun ) – Greentea Peng

https://open.spotify.com/track/2dhPGfqPl8LEXqRiU8tfPl?si=D7vXNP6ySWuHl3EIhH3IYQ

A nice little electronic vocal track and ends up being catchy as well. Chilled out vibes. The music video is pretty trippy too. https://youtu.be/y_DDqg1A8lw

We didn’t make it to the moon – Milky Chance

https://open.spotify.com/track/34mEgQ8lubKSiASCZwEHiX?si=dBginWwYSoiWkJny43OwNQ

An electronic poppy number that I’ve been listening to and will keep listening to through next week. It’s catchy and a tune. Nice positive vibes.

Nirvana – Bas , Falcons and B. Lewis

https://open.spotify.com/track/7LjRPqtlYb2qyqUmKOwKuz?si=r4GPanffTeCzca_13UPs-Q

Bas is making some outstanding music lately after risk with fkj this one’s a super chill number with a zoned out hypnotic vocal that I’m loving. On repeat.

Gat Damn – Freddie Gibbs and Madlib

https://open.spotify.com/track/6rGi0GY8EYym1dZOFpa69f?si=NWR1kIxxRsy7u6O-tRoTLg

On a smooth beat Freddie goes on and he’s got a silky flow on this one and Gat Damn, it’s a nice track.

Prey – The Neighborhood

https://open.spotify.com/track/38kjFXYgPvtuXCPbHPMGte?si=eFAGC03QSmqJAy6oBZzOlg

This one’s probably my favourite alternative track I’ve heard all week. It’s such a good upbeat vibe and stays soo soo good. One for the playlist.

Brooklyn Baby – Lana Del Rey

https://open.spotify.com/track/1NZs6n6hl8UuMaX0UC0YTz?si=IA-60DaaRsKlTXmFkXZDAQ

Lana’s hypnotic vocals and abstract lyrics on a smooth alternative on this one combine so well. She really doesn’t disappoint, it’s a tune.

Memorie$ – Goody Grace, Jesse and A$ap Ant

https://open.spotify.com/track/4VIAKU13YSnozH0aLh5S81?si=xa1nCjOZRValA-Ac7gJ81g

A number with contrasting styles that come together really well . A catchy hook and a couple of good verses. I’ve never heard any of them before but I’m definitely going to be on the lookout now.

Lotus Eater – Foster the People

https://open.spotify.com/track/6ReKt5x6FVUXTMdWNC6GAQ?si=LbegKvx3TC2HZP5X_0EXrg

Alternative rock and it’s Foster the people . Don’t need another reason to listen to it. Pumped up awesomeness.

All in Me – Jerry Folk and Heavy Mellow

https://open.spotify.com/track/5F8uRYr7402vH9BMgltIca?si=wFjGQEs2Ti-byVLKLQ4fEA

This one’s a trippy chill electronic track that’s going to be on my playlist for a bit surely. It’s such a smooth vibe.

Where do you go? – Claire George Yumi Zouma remix

https://open.spotify.com/track/0inPu3hLmPgUD8tKFJMOOn?si=ktwkOK7ARBar1JVE8xHbNw

This one’s a hypnotic chill electronic track that’s soo soo relaxing. Such a tune. Loving the vibe on this one.

Void – The Neighborhood

https://open.spotify.com/track/2wXioTynVwrEWYRv6R6vEj?si=L7yNOhqlTrCHSP5jKp88iw

Another lovely alternative number from the neighborhood. Haven’t heard a bad song from them. Love the upbeat nature of it . So good.

Movie Review : Parasite

Parasite: an organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other’s expense.

This South Korean film from the visionary director Bong Joon Ho (Snowpiercer,Memories of Murder) is another innovation of his portrayal of modern society.

What Bong has actualized with Parasite is cinematic transcendence. It’s a rarity to see such a mesmerizing cluster of genre’s coming together in such a scintillating manner. He’s infused almost every type of genre into one film and has made it work and it shows his dexterity as a filmmaker. The film is a black comedy in it’s essence and carries it’s darkness with class and elegance. The cinematography is beautiful, every shot is considered very carefully and a lot of care has gone into this gem and it’s there to show.

Bong has sprinkled paint onto a canvas, all type of colours and techniques and in the end it’s his masterpiece that’s there to show for , his Mona Lisa. The writing is incredible.

Parasite as a film starts as one thing, becomes something else and in it’s final act it evolves once again, giving the viewers an absolute breathtaking experience. This is the kind of movie that will leave you talking about for the days to come and for some even question the reality of how our society works. There are going to be so many different outtakes from this, so many lessons to be learnt.

The cast of Parasite have all put in steller performances, it would be unfair to point out just one singular standout performance.

The way Bong has depicted the lives of an upper class family and a lower class family is authentic and it feels very relatable with how our daily lives work. The different kind of things different people in contrasting positions in lives, their ambitions and how far they would go to achieve what they need to .

To sum it up , Parasite is one for the ages . A modern day classic that is going to be talked about and referenced to for several years to come. It’s an unmissible film and will certainly be rewatched by many. Parasite will be winning the Oscar for the Best Foreign Film and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop it.

Movie Rating : 10/10

Movie Review : Bala

Bala, a story about a man’s skirmish with premature hair loss. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana , Yami Gautam and Bhumi Pedneker in the lead roles and is directed by Amar Kaushik.

The premise of Bala is a simple yet untouched topic (Bar Ujda Chaman), although the basis is on premature hair loss, it touches on several topics that people in our society deal with like social pressure and skin colour among others. What the movie does so well is being witty and subjective at the same time. The cast has put in substantial performances but the superlative performace as always belongs to Ayushmann. He’s become a trusted, household name in Bollywood where you know, if he’s in the film, it doesn’t disappoint. What he brings is a verve and liveliness to play a balding man and it’s a credible performance and a joy to watch. The support cast has done a phenomenal job too and the movie had the cinema hall in an uproar in multiple scenes. It’s a complete entertainer while spreading a great message about self acceptance. The dialogues of the film are extremely well written and the throwbacks to classic Bollywood movies are executed supremely.

In conclusion, Bala is a must watch whether you have a full head of hair or none at all. It’ll keep you laughing through it’s entire runtime and is a great watch for the whole family. Don’t miss it.

Movie rating : 8/10

Movie Review : Doctor Sleep

39 years later…

Doctor Sleep is here and it’s about time we finally have a sequel to the 1980 Stanley Kubrick classic ‘The Shining’ . Stephen King’s narrative torch has been passed to Mike Flanagan ( The Haunting on Hill House, Gerald’s Game) who had some big shoes to fill as did Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting , Moulin Rouge!) coming in to play the role of Dan Torrence, the now grown up version of Jack Torrance’s son.

Generally a whole lot of horror movies rely on codependence between the conventional jump scares and the audience. Doctor Sleep follows through as an accessory, not a fundamental . What this movie achieves so well is the pure eerieness of its concept and it’s villians. A couple of scenes involving them are genuinely hard to watch and truly grim. They’ve done a great job expanding on the ‘Shining’ universe giving the viewers a much refreshed experience than your average Joe horror. From it’s gory moments to it’s mind bending visuals, the conceptual work on the film is extensive. The balance between nostalgia and originality is served well. Unfortunately, it fails to keep up it’s momentum in it’s last couple of acts. It did become a little mundane and it felt like they flunked out of ideas on how to grab the audiences attention. Ewan McGregor and Rebbeca Ferguson put in cogent performances that also eeks out just a little due to a powerless end of the script. If you’re expecting something along the lines of ‘ The Shining’ you could be in for a surprise, but a commendable one as it’s a worthy successor to a film which if I’m being completely honest is no picnic to top.

All said , ‘Doctor Sleep’ is definately worth a watch for cinema and horror lovers alike. A couple of scenes are bound to send a shiver down your spine and give you that sinking feeling of fear. It seems like it may lead to us seeing more movies set in the same universe as well and I for one will not be one to refuse.

Movie Rating : 7.5/10

The Mandalorian Episode 1 Review

The much awaited streaming platform Disney plus is here and along with it comes ‘The Mandalorian’ ; the first ever live action ‘Star Wars’ TV show and I have to say, colour me impressed. Pedro Pascal stars in the lead role as the cult favourite ‘Boba Fett’ and plays a man of a few words and more action. The westernized feel of the show blends to perfection with the sci-fi setting . The visuals and cinematography of the show are absolutely stunning, Disney has not held back on the magnanimous production for their crown jewel. The visuals make it seem like this was made for the big screens. The stunning intro to the ending, that as a lifelong Star Wars fan peaked my interest to the max. I’m looking forward to see where this show takes us as the future of streaming television is now and it seems Disney is here and it’s arrival has been nothing but a roar.

Episode Rating : 9/10

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Movie Review : Before Sunrise

I know I’m around 20 years late to this but here goes nothing. Before Sunrise is a movie directed by Richard Linklater who has also co-written it alongside Kim Krizan. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy helm the lead roles of the film. The movie follows the chance meeting between two strangers on a train in Europe who decide to spend the evening together in Vienna.

The movie itself was more of an experience than a movie itself , the premise so simple and natural by itself you engross yourself into the conversations between Jesse and Celine. The authenticity and genuinity of the writing and dialogue make the movie extremely close to home and very relatable. At times you lose yourself into the film as if you’re a bystander , eavesdropping in on the conversations between two extremely interesting strangers. As for the acting , both Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have aced their roles, their flow in the extended scenes that lasted minutes on minutes of just holding a conversation with each other felt just effortless and added to the genuinity of the characters. If I were to describe the cinematography of the film I would say it was very tasteful, keeping it simple yet beautiful, using the locations in Vienna very well,shot after shot, visually pleasing. It’s rare to find a movie like this in our day and age anymore, that bases itself purely on conversation rather than a shocking plot or a big cgi explosion. Hopefully we get more of these

All in all a fantastic, humane watch for all of those who enjoy a heart to heart, it was a joyful experience watching love in the age before cell phones and it sometimes made me wonder, wasn’t it better that way? .

Movie Rating : 8.5/10

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

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