The Magic Faraway Tree
Enid Blyton's book series gets the screen treatment and it's a wonder-filled adaptation, if a little overly cute and long-drawn.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.4
Johnson Thomas
In StepMid-Day, The Free Press Journal, TribuneIndia
Reviewing since 2014 · Last review Oct 2019
In Step
Films
Johnson's highest scores
Scoring fingerprint
How Johnson scores
219 scored reviews · 0–10
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Most given: 5 (60 reviews)8% of reviews not scored
In step with the room
Within a point of the Monk Score on 80% of 177 films
Closest peer
Suraj Prasad
Agrees with Johnson on 91% of 21 shared films
Divergence
Where Johnson and the room split
JohnsonMonk Score0 ———— 10
Kinder than the room
Tougher than the room
From the archive
All 239 reviews
Tony
Anthony Bourdain, best-selling author of 'Kitchen Confidential' and the celebrated host of 'Parts Unknown', may have died a tragic and controversial death at the age of 61 in June 2018, but the life he led until that point, though troubled, had lessons for us all.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.6−0.6
Sense and Sensibility
The film is a warm and tender reading of romance in that distant age where overdressed men and women set out to find their mates. This film may not be a perfect cinematic rendition of Austen's very first novel, but it is poignant enough to be notable among the pantheon of adaptations that have come before it.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.2−1.2
Fall 2: Deadpoint
'Fall 2: Deadpoint' is a survival thriller that lacks the suspense and originality that made the first film compelling, failing to justify its existence as a sequel.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.6
Joker
Joker is a sort of biopic of the main villain in the Batman series with Joaquin Phoenix striving for a believability that is so stark that it could almost make you squirm in your seats
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 7.1−1.1
Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame incorporates beloved elements from earlier outings while adding texture and complexity to the inter-galactic drama envisioned as homage to the never-say-die superhero spirit.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.8−0.8
Dumbo
Cute and appealing but not Burton's style...Tim Burton's craft is more simplistic here - even though the film is a sort of circus fantasia with all the aspects of an imagination running wild.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.4+0.6
Hellboy
Over populated, largely superficial and gory mayhem...David Harbour's performance lacks the confident stamp of authority that Ron Perlman's did. Even the other main characters don't have smooth enough arcs. The narrative jumps from one plot point to another without acquiring much coherence
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.3+0.7
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
The eye-pleasing look of the Light Fury, the mating dance sequence between Toothless and his new love, the flickering flames, the resplendent panoramic and scenic views from the skies are all rendered with an unerring artfulness that is simply splendid to behold. Forget the ennui borne from a repetitive and familiar plotting. This one has the power to give flight to your imagination!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.9+0.1
Photograph
The narrative is an assemblage of beautiful events shot with breath-taking lucidity — by cinematographers Tim Gillis and Ben Kutchins. Mumbai beckons hauntingly as the two central characters make this seemingly fleeting tryst last a lot longer than what seems possible in real life. Photograph is the emblematic representation of that connection we seek in these disconnected times. It speaks to us, but not as much in words as in the moments that warm our hearts.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.1+0.9
Bumblebee
Though the narrative blast lasts around 113 mins, it feels too lengthy and other than in its climactic moments, there's hardly any adrenaline rush to be had here. The formula happens to have lost its edge and the screenplay by Christina Hodson can do little to improve the nature of emotional distention here. Hailee Steinfeld does lend some empathy to her role but it's all too capricious to amount to anything heart-tugging!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.0−1.0
Mary Poppins Returns
Disney drums up age-old magic by picking up the threads of an unforgettable original which had the unassailable diva Julie Andrews mesmerize way back in 1964
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.5+0.5
Aquaman
The film has some stunning imagery but most of the action feels random and incoherent. The narrative is overlong in its desire to include every embellishment possible
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.8−0.8
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
...a highly inventive, unique and stimulating experience. Characters have a solid relatable foundation and the tone, gags and dramatic beats make their mark felt
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.5−0.5
Bohemian Rhapsody
The script has the necessary wit, Freddie's break-out antics are well documented and the excellent tech work makes it all blend in to form a composite whole
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.2+0.8
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Warner Bros and JK Rowling's attempts to capture the Young Adult Market with the Fantastic Beasts adaptation are proving to be nearly as productive a goldmine as their previous collaboration the Harry Potter series
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 5.7+1.3
Venom
An anti-hero from the Marvel comic-book universe gets a Superhero makeover in this spanking new origin story with a cliched plot, blobby effects and messy action
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.7+0.3
Isle of Dogs
The animation is smooth, the characters are quite vivid and most of the dialogue are lightly comedic. The familiar voice cast helps keep the attachment going...
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.8+0.2
Hereditary
What you experience is an intense family psychodrama with the largely concealed emotional torment roiling it all up to a bitter harvest
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.1−0.1
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
The formula continues to hold sway. The plotting is familiar and aims to extend the brand further- which is quite obvious. Largely an exercise to keep the fans happy, this film makes all the right noises but fails to make it more than ordinary!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.8+0.2
Solo: A Star Wars Story
The setups and payoffs are big sized- meant to make the referencing easier and obviously memorable. Energetic performances, casual humour, nostalgic back-flips add up to a rousing engagement.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.9+0.1
Deadpool 2
Deadpool 2 not only gets you nostalgic about the glorious past, it also has what it takes to keep you roaring with laughter all the way through.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.1−0.1
Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers Infinity War is an epic spectacle no doubt and I believe the lack of modulation is intentional-an attempt to leave the viewers with questions more than answers
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.00.0
A Quiet Place
Despite it's few aberrations, 'A Quiet Place' is a stand-out horror feature because it abstains from the typical jump-scares and hackneyed tropes that abound in genre fare.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.2−0.2
Ready Player One
Steven Spielberg's take of Ernest Cline's pop-culture sci-fi novel Ready Player One is a bagful of geeky tricks with a treasure trove of pop-culture references in a derivative plot
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 7.0−1.0
The Square
Ruben Östlund's scripting doesn't allow for much integration between events so what you get is a stripped along story-telling that might seem meaningful to some and largely worthless to others. The experience thereof is interesting but not exactly illuminating or heartfelt.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.2−0.2
Darkest Hour
A wonderful blend of history, art and fiction, this film has the best credentials to take away all the major awards.
Full review ↗8.0
TRM 6.4+1.6
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Carter Burwell's measured background score and Ben Davis' involving cinematography will keep you affected throughout. This is one helluva film. You can't afford to miss it!
Full review ↗8.0
TRM 7.8+0.2
Maze Runner: The Death Cure
It's an experience that veers to off-putting and may not develop the kind of excitement this film hopes to generate!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.8+0.2
Ferdinand
There's hope for everyone in this world if they are daring enough to search it out themselves. It's basically a people story presented in animal form with a solid stream of comedy and songs interspersing the narrative –thus allowing for fairly vigorous entertainment!
Full review ↗TRM 6.0
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The Last Jedi is definitely not the end of the road for the Jedi warriors. Johnson in fact brings their future creations into the sub-textual discussion that embraces issues of legitimacy and succession. The franchise's future appears to be in safe hands – with the baton having passed down from the old trinity - Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill to a newer and more energised lot. Let the force be with them!
Full review ↗TRM 7.6
Murder on the Orient Express
The Who's Who In The Cast Of 'Murder On The Orient Express' Don't Matter Much Because They Have Very Little To Do Other Than Get Paraded/Interrogated As Suspects. So It's Brannagh Who Hogs The Show From The Word Go. His Role Is Well Rounded
Full review ↗TRM 6.2
Coco
The few drawbacks notwithstanding, this is one of Disney-Pixar's better efforts of late!
Full review ↗TRM 7.2
Justice League
The dark seriousness of 'Batman Vs Superman' may have taken its toll I guess. The few engaging moments here and Gal Gadot, aren't able to lift this nearly incoherent, noisy and short-fused experience to gratifying. This may not be a 'Suicide Squad' but it's certainly no 'Avengers' either!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.2−0.2
My Little Pony: The Movie
The story-telling isn't smart enough to hold anyone's attention and the animation specs are so over-indulgent that you just don't feel enamoured by it. The voicing also sounds put-on and fake. It's all a harmless bit of fluff ... but there's just no fun in it!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 5.1
Thor: Ragnarok
This is a well-designed Marvel Universe, crossover franchise, spectacle party, riding high on Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song," that's bound to get everyone who watches it, into a tizzy!
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.4−0.4
Geostorm
There's really nothing spectacular, sustaining or memorable about the catastrophes designed here. There's not much acting to be had, either. Gerard Butler may be able to save the White house from disaster but the world?
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.8
6.0
TRM 4.8+1.2
Blade Runner 2049
This is a potential Oscar Goldmine even in terms of performance and probably the best ever sequel of an original iconic film, made.
Full review ↗8.0
TRM 6.9+1.1
6.0
TRM 6.5−0.5
Kingsman: The Golden Circle
While you might be briefly fascinated to behold the spoofy onscreen antics on display here, it's not something that will hold your attention for long. The narrative is basically a gushing parade of nonsense, silly, showy pyrotechnics presented with sly effrontery and irksome guile.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.5+0.5
American Assassin
American assassin is a compulsively badass, brutal, emotionally vacant actioner that leaves you gasping at the heavy-duty carnage and mayhem poured into what is largely a generic action thriller. If you are the type who thinks 'rivers of blood' make a movie more thrilling then this one will certainly make you sit up and take notice!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.5+0.5
It
Bill and the kids do a fantastic and totally convincing job of drawing the viewer in. The esoteric mix of wonder, danger and learning is quite a potent one. It is both poignant and harrowing!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.1−0.1
6.0
TRM 6.4−0.4
The Hitman's Bodyguard
But for the charismatic turns by Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L Jackson and to some extent Salma Hayek, this one would have been just as imminently forgettable as countless other odd-couple buddy comedy copycat films we have been subjected to in the past.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.7−0.7
War for the Planet of the Apes
This film is strongly allegoric. The evils of war, obsession, revenge and the liberating aspects of sacrifice are delineated in exciting, funny and unforgettably poignant assay.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.4+0.6
Despicable Me 3
The animation is the standard bearing distinctive. And the pacing is break-neck so you just have to hold on tight and sit upright for the exciting and reasonably thrilling joyride. This film may not measure up to the first two issues on most fronts but as a standalone it's still affective and rousing!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.00.0
Cars 3
Ultimately it's just the multiple hues of color, the eye-pleasing animation and the fairly appreciable voicing that keeps you awake here.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.3−1.3
The Mummy
This callow outing for stars like Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe, Annabelle Wallis, is big and slick, typically Hollywood, but it's no fun at all.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.3+0.7
Wonder Woman
The Amazonian quality that Gal Gadot displays here is simply stunning. She wears her costume without allowing it to dictate her moves. It's a command performance that will go down in superhero history as amongst the best ever. While she is every bit the Goddess she represents, Pine, as the all-too-human pilot, lends an emotional heft even to the man-in-distress cop out. 'Wonder Woman' I must say is the oddly rare superhero story that breathes fresh life into the jaded cosmos of comic-book super-heroics.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.2−0.2
Baywatch
This film is nearly two hours long with a storyline that wouldn't be much of a challenge even to a 6-year-old kid and zero funnies to go with it.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.9+0.1
Alien: Covenant
Most of it may seem like a repeat of what we've seen before but it's the sheer elegance in the dramatic flow that keeps your interest going. Even the uncluttered background score allows for a soothing evocation that stays with you. This film may not entirely live-up to everyman's expectations but it's certain to keep the fans ruminating over the many questions it has unleashed.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.6
Smurfs: The Lost Village
This one's a roller-coaster journey full of action and danger(in fun form),and certainly a joy to behold for the young and the old. There's nothing much to think about... so just enjoy!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.4
The Fate of the Furious
The narrative in fact feels lazy and stilted. Charlize Theron tries her best to look like and act like a venomous seductress black widow but fails . Kurt Russell is wasted here, Scott Eastwood plays officious like a joker while Helen Mirren just about manages to light up a few distinctive moments with her august presence. The script is fatally flawed and the direction seems out of sorts. Frankly there's not much to hold on to here.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.7−0.7
Ghost in the Shell
The problem with this film is not the choice of actors but the fact that it's overwhelmingly flashy slickness renders everything else almost inanimate.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.4−0.4
The Boss Baby
The desperation to find hooks for all age groups is visible in the entreaty that involves an old school look, action sequences themed on 'S.W.A.T' and other '70s TV shows and a weird nod to Tolkein's Gandalf. The visual style is fun but it's not enough to spell entertainment. Baldwin gives it his all through his badass voicing but its benefits are lost in the unexciting extended outlay of rivalry and vengeance. So, cute is not always what you make of it!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.7−0.7
CHiPs
There's no suspense, the comedy is painful to watch and the action is downright embarrassing - violence and gore that becomes unattractive when there's an overdose. The plot is generic and has too much irritating banter shepherding it through a minefield of unattractive miasmas. This one is pathetic no doubt about that!
Full review ↗3.0
TRM 4.0
The Salesman
This film is a psychological exploration about morality and it's implications on the strictly religious conservative mindset while bringing into play questions of hurt male pride and manhood. And of course the marriage could well be at stake here. Performances are first rate, camera work is enlightening and direction is masterly. Farhadi may not have set the narrative on fire with obvious dramatic thrusts but the subtler flurries of subtext within allows for a lot more rumination and thought. So there's reason enough to watch this film for sure!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.9−0.9
Life
Genre thrills are all very well only if they come in a sound package. This one's merely pretty, brief, aesthetically designed and maybe just a trifle enjoyable!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.0−1.0
7.0
TRM 6.8+0.2
Kong: Skull Island
'Skull Island' is no doubt impressive in terms of FX and CGI and has pop-culture references that could tickle the funny bone of those brought up on American culture but there's hardly any tension or adrenaline rush to be had. I just wish Roberts' had taken more pains to make this one more gainful and invigorating.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.8−0.8
Logan
While the thematic content and the philosophies may not be consistent throughout, the intent and execution to provide a richer deeper experience is obvious. This is a wonderfully rendered goodbye to an awe-inspiring generation of mutant superheroes who kept our cravings for justice and righteousness alive and well. My guess is we won't have to wait long before the young lot (featured here) move to centre stage and prove themselves cinematically worthy. It's a given!
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.6−0.6
Split
The narrative is cuts away one too many times, the tension is not pervasive and there's no ending as such. Split hopes to parcel out into a franchise and that's obvious from the unfinished ending sequence.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.6−1.6
Hidden Figures
This is a feel-good drama that is intended to reveal the untold story about how race played an important role in the U.S.-Soviet space race.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.6+0.4
John Wick: Chapter 2
'John Wick: Chapter 2' is a bad habit already and it could get worse because this film ends with a possibility of more mayhem to come.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 6.8−2.8
Rings
The so-called scary moments are so wearisome that they grate on your nerves. The young talent here is also not interesting enough to put your money on.
Full review ↗3.0
TRM 4.0−1.0
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
The action sequences are breathlessly vicarious but it all appears too rote to be enjoyable. The pace is relentless. The action is never-ending so there's little understanding of what is happening other than the Heroine's continued survival even under the most vicious of circumstances. And at the end of it all there's a suggestion that a new beginning may well be proffered –given that the cloned Alice assumes the place of the real thing!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.1+0.9
The Great Wall
...the writing doesn't allow for much attachment. And having a white man save the day for the Chinese is certainly not pluralism the way we'd like to see it.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.9+0.1
The Founder
Keaton plays Kroc singularly driven by the urge to do more. He may be a pathetic human being but make no mistake he is a vulture when it comes to business. It's a vigorous performance aided by poignant turns from the rest of the cast included Laura Dern who plays his neglected wife. But for the performances, this film would have been just a little too wishy-washy in its attempts to overlook the predator in the man!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.5−0.5
XXX: Return of Xander Cage
'Return of Xander Cage', as the name suggests, returns to stunt-CGI-action to provide it's adrenaline rush. This is basically Diesel's show and he is well aided by the stunt choreography, CGI action and editing speed. But don't go by looks. There's not much energy in the telling here and the confused narrative totally sidelines logic
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 5.1−1.1
A Monster Calls
The cinematography by Óscar Faura is visually ensnaring. The special effects live action is enhanced by "paper cutout" animation and allows for great depth. The narration is strong on philosophical and emotional resonance. This is a film that has the power to shake you to your core.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.8+0.2
Passengers
Extraordinary visuals of technological advancement and well imagined outer space array of glittering bodies makes this one more than just a standard issue sci-fi experience.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.7+0.3
Assassin's Creed
For the video game fans, this may be just what the doctor ordered, but for cinema lovers, it's just another convert (like 'Mortal Kombat', 'Dungeons And Dragons' and whole lot of other illegitimate spawns) that doesn't quite work!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.0
Collateral Beauty
The film has an interesting idea, but the way the feints are played out, you will feel suckered. There are far too many damaged people around and the methods employed for cure appear unethical and impractical. The script doesn't manage to get one emotionally involved. The performers are the saving grace, though.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.00.0
Rogue One
...this is a satisfactory outing and will keep the appetite of the fans whetted for the next in line.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.8−0.8
Deepwater Horizon
Though everything seems routine there's enough human connect to keep the audience involved. Stunt work and CGI are top notch making this experience amongst the more fulfilling disaster movie experiences in the recent past.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.7+0.3
La La Land
This film might not have managed to hit the emotional complexity that Chazelle intended, but it certainly gets you a dazzling high.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 8.0−2.0
Moana
'Moana' is traditional Disney, yet has a much more vaunted ambition of imparting life lessons -by going back in time, mining from the ancient folklore of Polynesian culture and myth, never seen before in mainstream Hollywood cinema. The film has an intriguing mythology of demons and demigods, inspiring a creation story with ancient fantasy that's never been so wonderfully rendered.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.00.0
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
The set designs are out of this world, Colleen Atwood's costumes makes the era come alive and the CGI is both inventive and affective. The story may not make much sense altogether, but the magical experience thereof is never limiting. This is, by far, the best Potter movie — even if it is not about him.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.00.0
Shut In
Screenplay writer Christina Hodson obviously did not have a clue as to how to connect the big idea with a credible story. So every attempt at generating thrills and scares appears fake. It's also obvious that the mechanics have been ripped-off from much more assured material . There's no compelling story here and neither is there any involvement. But for the heightened atmospherics, and the presence of Naomi Watt and Jacob Tremblay, this would have been an imminently forgettable experience.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.9+0.1
Doctor Strange
The camerawork and CGI are quite immersive. Mind bending sorcery, multiverse battles, time space interjections and more come into play so easily that it almost seems like a daily occurrence. This film may not have the playfulness of a 'Guardians of the Galaxy', but it certainly makes for an adequate fire-starter of sorts.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.6−0.6
31st October
'31st October' is why fledgling inept filmmakers should stay away from history-invoking true stories, else such heinous acts might well be wiped out from the collective conscience for want of a skilled and able raconteur!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.9+0.1
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
The movie feels underdeveloped, the jokes aren't laugh worthy or clever for that matter and the treatment doesn't have a consistent tone or temper to make the experience thrilling. Not quite the Cruise comfort we were looking for I say!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 5.1−1.1
The Accountant
The runtime feels overly long while incoherence looms large due to O'Connor's over zealous efforts to contextualize. But for the actors and their heavy-duty efforts this would be just another jaded wearisome actioner!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 5.5−1.5
The Girl on the Train
It's entirely up to Emily Blunt to save the film from becoming just another 'Gone Girl' wannabe. It's largely her well-endowed, entirely relatable performance that lends memorability to the experience while rescuing it from being just another serviceable thriller.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.00.0
Inferno
Frankly speaking, one would have to be an amnesiac to rate this film even as a thoughtful thriller!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.8+0.2
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
The tempo is little more than snail's pace and the visual enticement doesn't quite lend it's wings to a narrative that wallows in a marginal fantasia that's impressive but not quite enticing!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.1−0.1
Storks
The story line is interesting (even though it's beyond believable) and as animation comedies go, it's got enough moments written in to make things entertaining for a bit. It's central conceit seems inspired by a randomness that is all too wacky. It's a strangely emotive world that balances fantasy with reality with animation technique that is quite kid friendly in its assay. This may not be wholesome entertainment at it's best but it's certainly cute enough to keep the little ones charmed.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.0−1.0
The Magnificent Seven
This film is much closer to the spaghetti western of yore and is not likely to go down as a class act in itself.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.6+0.4
Bridget Jones's Baby
The continuity is sloppy in places and the editing is not as sharp as was needed. The direction though is pretty much comedy enriching. The lead actors do a good job but it's really Emma Thompson as the Gynaec who is handling Bridget's pregnancy, who mixes it up and raises the game to a few laughs more. This exercise may not be as fresh and robustly energising as the first salvo but it's certainly better than the previous one.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.1−0.1
Sully
The film, shot in Imax cameras is visually impressive given the magnitude of the format and the seamlessness of the visual effects. Blu Murray's editing serves up a pace that seems so unlike the traditional Eastwood that you're likely to be far more edgier here than you were while watching any of his earlier films. This is an experience that will leave you entertained for sure!
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.7+0.3
Skiptrace
This film doesn't even amuse leave alone entertain. There can be little return (even if hypothesized) on that!
Full review ↗3.0
TRM 4.3−1.3
Don't Breathe
It's a largely on-set exercise in terror and it's played out in real time with a never ending series of challenges thrown-up for survival against all odds -so the increase in heart rate is quite palpable.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 7.1−1.1
Nine Lives
The CGI is blotchy, visual effects are terribly unconvincing, the humor is potty and the gimmickry is knotty- so there's really very little relief for adults and maybe just a smidgen of pet antics that might interest children.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.3+0.7
Mechanic: Resurrection
The onus is on the stunts (the seen before variety) rather than smarts. Exotic locales and Jessica Alba prettify the experience but routine action, jaded stunt choreography, an irritating background score and typically generic plotting weigh it down woefully!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.7−0.7
Pete's Dragon
With its old school story-telling charm, uncluttered plotting, magical CGI and restrained performances, this film comes as fantastically alive as is possible for a fantasy to get.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.1+0.9
UNindian
This is not meant to be serious stuff. It's a harmless, reasonably enjoyable outing if you're not expecting too much from it!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.00.0
Ben-Hur
There's really nothing new in it other than what modern technology can bring. The story's eventual outcome – a lesson in repentance, is lost in the visual bombast designed in overkill.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.8+0.2
War Dogs
Todd Phillips attempt is to give this film a 'Hangover' sort of burlesque and he succeeds partly- unfortunately that kind of treatment takes away from the purity of the true story. And that's a pity really.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.0−1.0
Suicide Squad
This is a messy mash-up that has neither style nor real substance to make it exciting enough. For sure this is nowhere near as cool or nihilistically humorous as 'Deadpool.'
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.1−0.1
Jason Bourne
While the action is racy and propulsive, it does feel a little far-fetched and fanciful. Ultimately it's Matt alone who is top draw here. His sheer personification of Jason Bourne leaves little room for others to emulate. But for him this film would have been a 'Legacy' re-run!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.5+0.5
The BFG
The spectacle of BFG's world is imaginative enough but the story doesn't really grow on you and the build-up is entirely botched. While this is not a bad movie by a lesser director's standards, it just does not live up to the standards set by Steven Spielberg (during his heyday) himself.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.3−1.3
Bad Moms
The sight gags are funny enough, the writing though is pretty much pedestrian and the exaggerations are obviously not intended to be mean or hurtful to either sex. So just take it in like it is (mindless entertainer)…if you care!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.5
Lights Out
The atmosphere here is suggestively creepy. Dark frames, dim flickering lights, sudden switch on and offs, striking sounds delivered suddenly, shadowed faces and faces shrouded in darkness and the general lame tricks that shore up the genres myriad affectations. They are all so obvious and predetermined that you can't help but feel cheated by the déjà vu surrounding the experience.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.3−0.3
Star Trek Beyond
With the climactic sequence pumping up the action and destruction, you are quite guaranteed a swell experience – especially since it's quite bloodless and catering largely to boyish fantasies.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.7−0.7
Ice Age: Collision Course
So there's really not much take home here other than a few stray moments of elastic levity. It certainly appears from the lack of surprises here, that this franchise has outlived its fly-by date!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.1−0.1
The Secret Life of Pets
The film has a brisk pace, but the story is pretty much well-trodden and playing to type. Also the plotline goes beserk trying to invent an adventure that might not seem all that plausible or affecting. If you are a dog lover, you will love this all the way through. If you are a pet lover (and I mean a generic one) you will find this a harmless entertainer but if you hate pets or are allergic to them, then you might not be wholeheartedly impressed by their shenanigans on screen. And that's the way this cookie crumbles.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.9+0.1
Free State of Jones
The problem with the film is that its intent is far more academic than cinematic. So the involvement of the audience is largely cerebral (and that too only if you are a history buff) rather than emotional. At the end of this experience you are likely to feel more beleaguered than entertained.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.0
The Legend of Tarzan
In terms of visual effects this film is quite impressive but as a crusty, involving adventure, it falls short!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.1−0.1
Independence Day: Resurgence
'Resurgence' is surely attempting to do a 'Jurassic World' for the franchise but this Roland Emmerich helmed sequel appears to have delayed it's coming by a good ten years. The current generation has already seen countless repeat and reprise efforts from contemporary spectacle specialists so this one doesn't quite have the blistering genre redefining power that the original did. The irreverence involved in the monument trashing on display here makes it all seem quite ridiculous, fanciful and tends towards tedium. To the extent that even a short 120 minute runtime begins to feel a little long in the tooth!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.8+0.2
Finding Dory
This is a wholesome film, that's entertaining even while it sends out a message of love and understanding for all such differently-abled entities in the world. Such old fashioned values need to be given such frequent spring-boards if the world has to becomes a more equitable and fair living space!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.3−0.3
The Nice Guys
The writing may not be entirely up to the mark but the actors more than make up for the deficit. Crowe, Gosling and Angourie Rice make the ensuing mayhem look entertaining enough. Despite Shane Black's penchant for the absurd, it's still very much a joy ride!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.00.0
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
The plot is totally outlandish. Quite unbelievable really but then what would you expect in a scenario where turtles are ninjas and go about defending the city and it's people with a speed and alacrity uncommon to their genre type. So the implausibility in such shows of valor is a given. It's the lack of wit that is hard to overlook. The sci-fi action is sumptuous but not out of the ordinary. Everything seems like it's been done before.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.0
Me Before You
It's the premeditated glossed out treatment that really hurts here. Director Thea Sharrock's helming is not a smoothly coordinated one. The lack of grittiness and honesty in the telling is also a drawback.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.0
Alice Through the Looking Glass
The film, though CGI-driven, has little that's above ordinary or exciting for that matter. Sacha Baron Cohen as Time tries his best to liven up things but it's never enough. The effects are woebegone and look pretty much classless.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 5.0−1.0
The Angry Birds Movie
The animation here is just about OK. It's not comely and though blindingly colourful, lacks a certain class that we've come to expect from the major Hollywood studios. There's not much to laugh at as the narrative goes a little haywire in its redemptive spiral. The action sequences, while quite bombastic doesn't quite make it stick. There's nothing inventive or creative in terms of the writing either. The entire run looks contrived and derivative. Even the three-year-olds will find it difficult to cotton on to this miserable escapade.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.9−0.9
X-Men: Apocalypse
Grant Major's production design, Louise Mingenbach's distinctive costumes, cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel's fluid combo work with visual effects designer John Dykstra and editor-composer John Ottman's multitalented effusiveness allows for a smoothly integrated take-off and subsequent voracious display of action that sieges into a mind-boggling array of firepower that is imposing if not overpowering. So if you are willing to sit through all those discordant dynamics, the payoff becomes justified.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.4+0.6
Pelé: Birth of a Legend
The poor acting, traditionalist treatment and regulated melodrama also fails to raise the bar in terms of overall affect. Only Mathew (Black Swan) Libatique's cinematography is worthy of high praise here!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.2
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
A decidedly flimsy reason to fashion a sequel with nothing but a whiff of long forgotten nostalgia to drive it through, this one is a big fat blunder that's bound to sink. There's no great charm to offload, pretentious performances, forced family bonding and a distinct lack of sincerity driving it - so this one is sure to go off the screens even before it can come on, so-to-speak!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.6
Money Monster
The film is tautly drawn and the suspense is nail-bitingly assured but the narrative elements fail to stand-up to closer scrutiny. Jodie's sincerity though, comes through quite clearly as do that of the A list cast that do the honors in bringing to life this straining-to-stay-above-board genre flick.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.6+0.4
Criminal
The science of it is undoubtedly silly, plot holes and inconsistencies are too many so it's mainly up to the strong cast and their individual charismas to work out some likeability. Unfortunately it's not enough to keep you rooted in your seats through the near two-hour flakily eventful runtime.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.1
Captain America: Civil War
There might be no great depth in the storytelling though. Nevertheless, this is kickass stuff and will keep the fans in high spirits till the next engagement is worked out!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 7.1−1.1
10 Cloverfield Lane
The psychological suggestiveness and the tension are quite high. The narrative manages to keep you guessing and at the edge for most of its runtime. The ending in fact raises more questions than the film can answer! So are we in for another sequel? You guessed it!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.9−0.9
Mother's Day
There's not much script to propel this wannabe comedic drama. Even so, it's all quite neatly laid out and tied in to produce a feel-good effect. This movie is meant to be about mothers but most of the narrative revolves around representations of women as wives, ex-wives, lovers, daughters and just peripherally deals with them as mothers. As such, this tribute turns out to be just a little too shallow!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.4+0.6
The Man Who Knew Infinity
...the film's main strength lies in Jeremy Irons' performance. It's one that holds the film together and raises its worth in the eyes of the discerning. While the story is about an extra-ordinary individual it plays out as something a little too cerebral and boring to reach out to a wider audience.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.3−0.3
The Huntsman: Winter's War
The lack of character detailing curtails the enjoyment to an extent while the erratic non-linear narrative adds to the woes. Nevertheless, there's still plenty more to enjoy!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 4.3+1.7
Before I Wake
The VFX is magical but the entire treatment lacks vision and fire. As a result the 'scares' are never fully realized. This one promises much more than it can deliver!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.0+1.0
The Jungle Book
The drama and treatment may border on conventional but the animal renditions are definitely not. Cinematographer Bill Pope and the VFX team led by Robert Legato and Adam Valdez integrate real time sequences with animation so brilliantly that it's difficult to pinpoint the differences. It's seamless, proportionate and way above anything that has come before. A must-see for all - irrespective of species, age or gender!
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.5−0.5
Demolition
Both the director and Gyllenhaal work hard at keeping things believable and interesting. Gyllenhaal's performance is sincerely involved while Jean-Marc Vallée's narrative takes the unexpected path to evolved and involved recompense. Together they make this event a eminently worthy experience.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.8+0.2
The Divergent Series: Allegiant
The Divergent franchise started out with promise a couple of years ago but now it's merely fumbling around in dystopia for a unique sci-fi footing. 'The Hunger Games' experience is probably hard to beat but this series appears to have lost steam after that first salvo. 'Allegiant' may still be a popular outing for the young set but I don't think it will make for a distinctive or memorable one!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.5
Kung Fu Panda 3
The narrative is strong on emotions, pulses with dramatic energy and is quite visually enchanting. The colours are delightful, the lightness of touch gives it a strong enough dose of revitalizing humour and the thematic relevance is winsome. The fluid and comely animation adds strength to the enchantment. It's an invigorating path to enlightenment paved as it is with wit and charm. - See more at: http://www.mid-day.com//articles/kung-fu-panda-3---movie-review/17095161#sthash.QdjEvBV1.dpuf
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.6−0.6
Norm of the North
You just don't get the point of this movie even if there's enough adventure to satisfy the kids. This effort rests largely on marketability and doesn't appear to have any answers to the moral questions embedded in the run-of-play. The animation design is not exactly eye-pleasing and even the back-drops don't have the cinematic finish of far more accomplished animation films we've seen afore. As a result there's very little excitement to draw up here.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.3−0.3
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
The non-linear spiel, though busy and fervently active, doesn't quite enchant because of the frequent back and forth cutting that doesn't allow for extended concentration. With the central conflict looking forced and out-of-place especially when there's an irritating villain scheming in the shadows, waiting to be vanquished. The tonal template here is much darker than what Snyder designed for 'Man of Steel' and that's a good thing surely.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.3+0.7
Bus 657
It's quite confusing when there's no clear cut difference between the good and the bad. Most of the events play out in predictable fashion. The chase is reasonably gripping and the twists that account for the escape and safety from apprehension border on humanitarian and ethical premises. There's no real tension to draw you in and the suspense is a little too vapid to make a difference in engagement.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.00.0
Eye in the Sky
The narrative tempo is artfully measured and strongly evocative. Gavin Hood makes the telling sharp and incising. And with steely performances from Helen Mirren, Alan Rickman and empathetic ones from the rest, this one sure has the power to make it a striking, one-of-a-kind experience. The aerial aesthetics and a sanguine score adds substance. This film is strong on conviction and its anti-war sentiment is quite inflammable!
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.00.0
Triple 9
The treatment employed for 'Triple 9' is as brutal as the story immortalised within. You may not love this movie but there's no way you can remain unaffected by it either.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.4+0.6
Race
While performances are strong and engaging, Stephen Hopkins' validating treatment, Peter Levy's edifying camerawork and Rachel Portman's pulsating background score lend emphasis to the greatness showcased within. In terms of a biopic, this might not be the best representation of the genre but it certainly scores as a totally engaging and emotionally satisfying engagement!
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.5
The Program
The film ignores Armstrong's 'personal' life twists even as it glorifies his fight with cancer and his efforts to provide financial and moral succor to those combating the disease. Doping though is not that strong a villain here!
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 5.8+1.2
45 Years
A sort of British 'Amour' this wonderful film that rarely goes beyond the four walls of the home has keenly calibrated soulful performances from both the leads.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.6+0.4
Zootopia
Crowned by loads of attitude, eye-pleasing animation, trendy music and sharply suave voicing, this Zootopia is sure to draw the audience in like bees to a honey pot.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.6
London Has Fallen
It's all tried and tested ('Die Hard' series) stuff which any B grader would showcase with far more assured relish. Director Babak Najafi is unable to define clear-cut distinguishing points to raise the level of this undernourished offering. In fact this one is even worse than 'Olympus Has Fallen' if that's anything to go by.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.8
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
This film fails to make you realize the seriousness of the attack, the repercussions of it or the shaking up of the world order that followed as a direct result of that assault. Every moment is reduced to exhibitionist thrill seeking and makes it all the more meaningless because of it!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.0
Gods of Egypt
While you may admire the physical magnificence of the pyrotechnics on display, there's little that can take your breath away. This is a tiresome exercise at regaining immortality and the gamey nature of the pursuit only makes it worse.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.00.0
Carol
Haynes and his principal actors manage to convey the acute loneliness felt by those in unconventional relationships that society frowns upon. The agony and the ecstasy are all conveyed in fleeting, nuanced moments through exquisitely drawn body language and facial expressiveness.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.5+0.5
The Revenant
We have seen many man versus nature endurance films in the past, including recent ones like Everest, The Martian and In The Heart Of The Sea. The Revenant, however, scores much higher in terms of depth, vision, adventure and extraordinary circumstance. The film has such stunning impact that it can leave you reeling several hours after its runtime.
Full review ↗8.0
TRM 7.1+0.9
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Too many stretched-thin characterizations are probably a necessity for such genre mash-ups. The tone keeps shifting at every turn, the momentum is spiffy while the performances are all in the likeable mould. This re-imagined fantasy may not be considered original in terms of ideas but it plays out in a light-enough vein to make the cobbled together concoction fairly invigorating.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.0+1.0
Spotlight
The film may tend to the boring at times but if you are someone who pays close attention to the nuances then you are sure to be both gratified and fulfilled. This film in fact highlights how even within the humdrum existence of routine we can achieve so very much.
Full review ↗8.0
TRM 7.7+0.3
Trumbo
By and large the film is faithful to it's subject and keeps you engrossed and involved in it's drama. So largely fulfilling in my opinion!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.5−1.5
How to Be Single
Yeah those typical Americanized dysfunctions, warts and all, are exposed quite liberally here and while it's not entirely boring it's not all that funny either. As Valentines Day bait though, this might just about manage to get a foot in.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 5.4
Deadpool
'Deadpool' has all the markings of a wannabe cool super-hero flick, and the genre staples are all too evident in the narrative spiel designed by helmer Tim Miller. So in terms of surprises, there are pitiably few but what really takes this routine experience to that of one that's supremely entertaining is the strong dose of humour underlying every bit of action and drama in the plot.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.7+0.3
The Finest Hours
There's nothing like faulty human beings rising to the occasion when the chips are down, to warm the cockles of your heart. The overall experience here is one of affected awe and that's more than we get from big-budget spectacles!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.1−0.1
The Choice
The story is stale and un-enterprising, the characters have now assumed stereotype, the twists can be seen a long way off and the eventual coming together is generically as expected.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.0
Room
This is definitely not an easy watch. The suspense is simply put, unbearable. Once you are immersed in the experience you wish you could stop it somehow but you feel so imprisoned by the realism that you just can't get out even if you want to.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.6−0.6
Asterix: The Mansions Of The Gods
What you get is a likeable product that in no way matches up to it's comic-book counterpart. And that's truly sad, really!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 5.3
The Boy
The film just can't live up to the challenge of creating a monster out of a doll and all the tricks thereof seems just that - and too feeble and insipid to give you the chills. You are going to be largely unaffected by this one.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.7−0.7
Joy
Unfortunately Russell's craft here is not as luminous as it was in 'Silver Linings Playbook.' But even though it's a hustle at best, it manages to spread out enough charm to keep you engaged.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 5.7+1.3
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip
It's a silly story and the drama is terribly stretched and worn to bits. There's no comedic relief to be had and the musical experience which starts off as peppy ends up becoming tedious and boring.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 5.2
The Hateful Eight
The mystery is mysteriously threadbare, the chapter breaks are momentum breakers and the ethnic slurs leave a bad taste. The violence is of course gratuitous and gimmicky. The visuals garner attention but what's the point? It's hard to figure!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.5−0.5
The Danish Girl
a splendid example of cinematic art that could well stand the test of time and become revered as a modern day classic. You just can't afford to miss this one!
Full review ↗8.0
TRM 6.3+1.7
Our Brand Is Crisis
...fails to work as a convincing political satire as the pranks devised as a show of aggressive competitiveness appear childish and the performances lack dramatic heft.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.5
Daddy's Home
A few laughs can be had on that but after a point it all gets tiresome and boring. The Boss (Thomas Haden Church) gets the best lines and the handyman (Hannibal Buress) a contractor hired and then fired by Brad, ekes out a few too. The childish antics of the grown-ups get to you after a point. And it's really not funny anymore thereafter!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.5
Point Break
The script is basically an attempt to stitch together incredible feats; the characters have nothing to show in terms of depth, other than their ability to pull off the monumental.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 4.8+1.2
Monster Hunt
While the narrative is not as brisk and efficient as it should have been, and the dubbing is completely clueless, there's plenty of charm and Confucian depth to keep you beguiled and interested.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.0
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
This one is strongly written, well-structured and sets a strong basis for more to come. It's an exhilarating ride certain to get the fans in a tizzy!
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.7−0.7
The Peanuts Movie
The voicing is all done by child artistes and that's a plus for greater attachment. The colour palette stays largely true to Schulz's printed vision and Vince Guraldi's iconic music finds voice in the new background compositions. Missing character summaries and lack of back stories hamper the enjoyment of this flip through of a 50-year-old antiquated Charlie Brown universe. While the computer animation renders faithfully, the 3D seems pointless. And familiarity alone does not generate enough excitement for this so-called fresh run at the cinemas.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.2−1.2
Everly
Hayek is sincere and gives it her all but believability still turns up suspect. The lack of complexity and depth is what hurts much more than the ritualistic violence and stylised mayhem on display here.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 5.0
The Good Dinosaur
There are some truly amazing photo-realistic sets serving as true background for the adventure and it's truly an awe-inspiring sight to behold. The visuals are stunning to say the least and so are the character definitions and movements. And there's also a strong message underlining the adventure - an engaging mix to keep the young and old entertained!
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.1+0.9
Legend
This is a reality driven film, brutish in evocation and as such, might not be pleasing to all.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 5.6
In the Heart of the Sea
There are portions in this film which keep you completely engrossed and involved and there are those that remain listless , as though unanchored to a steady rhythm or pace. Despite the great adventure at the centre of it all, there's not much awe, surprise or suspense to be had here. And it's all to do with the inconsistent scripting and helming. While effects are top notch and visually appealing there's very little thrill in the experience. And that for an adventure/disaster movie is a great dampener.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.4−0.4
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2
By the end of it all (including the neat epilogue) you are just relieved that the exhausting series has finally ended. 'Catching Fire' did take it to the pinnacle just as 'Mockingjay Part 1' toppled it back to the ground level. Part 2 manages to save the blushes. It doesn't catch fire but does a fair impersonation of it.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.2−0.2
Secret in Their Eyes
This film is at best serviceable. Nothing exciting or extraordinary about it!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.8
Spectre
The film, in effect, appears over plotted and a little too long-drawn with a flagging middle act and a neatly executed conclusion. This Bond is akin to an ageing Romeo striving to engage in young-man games...and falling flat just a little too often to be exciting!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.1−0.1
He Named Me Malala
Veteran documentarian Guggenheim, who won the Academy Award for 2006's "An Inconvenient Truth" and has critically acclaimed works like "It Might Get Loud" and "Waiting for Superman" behind him, appears to have lost focus in the brouhaha over a young girl's much revered super-heroics. And that wasn't really expected!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.6
Hotel Transylvania 2
There's so much waxing and waning that you just can't hold tight to the good things. The climax is also quite chaotic and repelling-especially since it suggests there's a no 3 on the way... certainly, that's not something we want to go through again?
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 5.0−1.0
Guddu Ki Gun
This attempt at raunchy sex comedy has it's heart in a daring space but along the way appears to have caught on to a fear psychosis that tempers the escapade and makes it well short of enjoyable. So the writing never goes the distance and the truncations thereof almost take on the look of a ritual dismembering.
Full review ↗TRM 4.2
Burnt
While the food and the actors involved looked good and come close to creating a gastronomic orgasm, the angst-ridden dynamics of the drama don't manage to steer clear of melodramatic flourishes and dissentious familiarity of genre staples in it's relapse and recovery route. And yeah, Jones is presented as someone gifted and terribly behaved and it's not a sight that can be forgotten easily..even with all that heavenly gastronomical window dressing on display!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 4.9+1.1
Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension
This film has the third dimension as mentioned in its moniker but frankly it's just too flaky and insubstantial for any effect. There's no thrill, nothing exciting, no tension, little of interest and certainly nothing inventive either. The 3D doesn't add any novelty to the stale sub-genre staple that gets regurgitated here. What was once an interesting and intriguing concept has now turned turtle completely. It's just too sad, disheartening and extremely tedious an outing to bear any fruit. Access at your own risk!
Full review ↗3.0
TRM 3.4−0.4
Goosebumps
As a standard children's adventure, this one is interesting enough but the horror part just doesn't stick.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.7−0.7
The Last Witch Hunter
The narrative is densely over-plotted with other-worldly incidents both magical and radical. It's convoluted and has hallucinatory overtures that take you off course every time. The story itself lacks consistency and the visual architecture here reigns supreme over everything else.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.0+1.0
Rock the Kasbah
The story never rings true, the antics are jaded and the performances – more than just lackluster- especially from all those heavy-weight stalwarts in the picture. The one person who makes a difference is Leem Lubany, who is refreshingly alive and sparkling with talent in a performance that gives the discordant, juvenile and unbecoming narrative some much needed excitement. It's quite a harried ride, this one!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.9+0.1
Ranviir The Marshal
While the training and fight sequences are decently picturised there's not much to be had in the dramatics and the extra stretches due to sentiment. The narrative is not very focused and the performances don't have the grittiness to lend attachment.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.9
Chinar Daastaan-E-Ishq
Neither the story nor the telling has anything to distinguish it from the many sordid unbecoming love stories that spill out from the Bollywood firmament. Faissal Khan is definitely better off living in the shadows of his big brother. Mainstream movies and stardom don't appear to be his calling. Here's another one of his vapid outings that we'll have to delete from our memory banks!
Full review ↗TRM 4.0
Bumper Draw
The film has intermittent moments of levity and begins quite well. Unfortunately the attempts to ply humour becomes strained with overdone slap-stick and extreme verbosity. Characters keep cropping up at William's abode for no rhyme or reason. There's no justification for the manner in which the screenplay adds characters and motives for those inclined to the reward.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9
Bridge of Spies
The film has an old-world charm that is cozily ensconced in vividly enumerated, shadily expressive visual dynamics that scores high with it's carefully calibrated tension and crafty cinematic constructs. Donovan is an intelligent hero who does not need the appendage of super-heroic powers. And Tom Hanks just makes it stick!
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.9+0.1
Crimson Peak
Del Toro's brilliance is unquestionable but his talent doesn't always come through with a completely credible experience. This one is somewhere close to brilliant but in experience falls well short.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.3−0.3
The Walk
The acting is solid, if not exactly extraordinary. And the Imax heightens the dread and the perception to incredible heights. CGI is also quite majestic. This is simply note-worthy entertainment brought about by the best technicians in the business of cinema.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.8+0.2
Pan
Over-the-top performances, amusing pop-references and definitive clowning around allow for some jest but the overall takeaway is less than satisfying despite the by-and-large amazing sock-it-in-your-jaw graphics animation CGI work. Some sloppy visual effects and lack of overall coherence also mar the involvement. Kids will be amused no doubt.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.4
Sicario
No doubt that this is a frequently mined area of operation for most Hollywood flicks. But Villeneuve doesn't take the by-the-numbers route to achieve his distinction. The characters are beautifully fleshed out.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 6.6+0.4
The Martian
Scott and his team get innovative in creating a framework for plausible realism, well aided by Janty Yates costumes, un-obstructive 3D effects and splendid space vistas. There's suspense, thrills and excitement in ample measure and though this is speculative fiction, it appears so very real.
Full review ↗7.0
TRM 7.1−0.1
Time Out
A decently played out drama about adolescence, sexuality and growing-up concerns in an upper class set-up where free thinking bohemianism is just a façade for traditional conservatism and bigotry. Though the story doesn't develop well enough to provide thought-provoking moments, the sincerity and noble intentions of this enterprise is unmistakable.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.8
Bhaag Johnny
While the story is interesting, the treatment and structure don't quite fit in. Kunal doesn't appear quite convinced about what he had to do and that shows. Zoa and Mandana don't look so hot on the performance front either. Music, direction, choreography and action are indistinctive. So there's precious little purchase to be had here.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.5+0.5
Pawn Sacrifice
Pawn Sacrifice is a fascinating drama, a biopic of sorts, that sheds light on the life and career of America's most valued asset during the height of the cold war. And it's not a weapon of mass destruction I am alluding to, but a homegrown champion whose mastery over the game of 64 squares put the chess giants, USSR, on the back foot.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.1
The Perfect Girl
There's nothing really stellar about this enterprise other than the beauteous camerawork that makes Mumbai and Goa look like much sought after international locations. The production values are of course spiffy and the performances are overburdened by boring and extremely tedious verbosity. Teeshay and Tara Alisha Berry fit in but are unable to generate any sparks to keep you interested.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.1
The Transporter: Refueled
Luc Besson's attempts to re-energise the franchise with an entirely new cast and tech team doesn't do anything to make the experience memorable. This fourth installment can barely get its jollies on track, leave alone the stunts, the assorted action or the car chases. 'Game of Thrones' star Ed Skrein's Frank Martin fails to measure up in Statham's shoes. Neither his driving skills nor his athletic kicks and chops can make an impression here.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.4+0.6
Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale
The story appears cobbled together without much logic or realism. As far as performances go, it's Kishori Shahane and Krutika Gaikwad who stand out with their sincerity. Aditya Pancholi appears a little awkward at first and then gets into his own stride mouthing Marathi invectives in his effort to redefine mean. The only real reason then, to bear with this opportunistic exercise are the clutch of hit classic numbers
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.0
Hitman: Agent 47
The entire run is typically sci-fi generic. Nothing remotely original or exciting transpires on screen here. There's plenty of confusion in the plotting and the structural faults in the narrative doesn't allow for any attachment. There's no feeling attached to the brutalizing, maiming and killing of the opponents and this makes the enjoyment largely suspect.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.6−0.6
She's Funny That Way
The situations thereof are whacky enough but the humor is a little too obvious and mitigating. There's no originality in the screenplay either. Clichés abound while cloaked rambunctiousness can only keep you tickled for a brief while.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 5.6
Bangistan
Karan Anshuman had impressed many with his critiquing skills but the same cannot be said about his directorial or scripting ones. The script gets decrepit in the middle section. And the climactic one delivered in sermonizing fashion just doesn't cut any ice. The blundering terrorists angle was a great ploy but to have them intentionally turn in the slog overs, appeared too far-fetched. Also the subplot that involves a goat that Pravin is forced to adopt, doesn't go anywhere near fruitful.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.9+0.1
Aisa Yeh Jahaan
Themes of migration, loneliness in a big city, greed, aspirational lifestyle, environment degradation, alienation, adaptation to new and alien ways, attitudinal shifts, parental neglect and many more jostle for space in a narrative that lacks focus and prefers to get frequently waylaid by unnecessary song and dance.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 3.9+1.1
Bāhubali: The Beginning
My biggest peeve with this film is the manner in which the characters are drawn- too cartoonish and derived from mainstream Bollywood/Hollywood to curry favor with a discerning audience. Shiva prances about emulating Hrithik and scales mountains and precarious waterfalls a la Tarzan. He is a little too childish to be impressive. The CGI looks fake and for most-times quite unbelievable. the scale of the mounting may be huge but it just doesn't measure up to reality.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 7.2−2.2
Thoda Lutf Thoda Ishq
I just couldn't figure out what this movie's main agenda was. The plotting went all over the place before it came full circle on the happily ever after. Though the film had a short runtime of 98 odd minutes, the entire run was tedious and off-putting. With 40 plus actors, Tejwani and Yadav donning the mantle of much younger 25-30 year olds, running amuck in shorts and garishly color coded clothes, the sight was even more distressing. There were other odd players like Sanjay Mishra playing the bride's father- a comic politician and Sushmita Mukherjee as Jhumroo's mother. Despite all that talent in store, there really wasn't anything worthy of holding your attention here.
Full review ↗2.0
TRM 3.4
I Love New Year
The end result is an entirely unconvincing attempt to make the odd couple look the part of die-hard romantics. The writing is unoriginal, the costuming is ridiculous and the dialogues are pretty much unintelligent. The locations and the music are the only saving graces here. This film is bound to tank – no second guessing on that one!
Full review ↗3.0
TRM 3.6−0.6
Uvaa
...if the objective of the film was to put forth that radical idea then the exercise itself was futile. The strappy narrative goes back and forth trying to delineate past and present without much success or class. The treatment is clueless, amateurish, uninventive and tedium inducing.
Full review ↗2.0
TRM 3.8−1.8
Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho
A little inventiveness and craft combined with some smart writing would have been enough to make this a sharper more gratifying experience. But alas, Kapri is just not up to the task. His idea of satire is entirely situation based and loses efficacy because of it. Good solid performances by Annu Kapoor, Rahul Bagga, Ravi Kishen, Sanjay Mishra go a little way in ameliorating the incredulity experienced here!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.9+0.1
Hamari Adhuri Kahani
There are weighty issues out here and it's not just the narrative that I am talking about. Mohit Suri's workmanlike direction misses the wood for the trees and the 'thanda' chemistry between Vidya Balan and Emraan Hashmi makes this desert bound drama lose it's grip in the quick sand of forced unflattering togetherness.
Full review ↗3.0
TRM 3.3−0.3
Dil Dhadakne Do
An unedifying cross between a typical Karan Johar scenario set in an 'Honeymoon Travels' backdrop- only this time it's not a bus but a cruise ship where all that relationship fracas between the members of a high-society family happens- with friends and onlookers butting in to add chaos to the confusion.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 6.3−1.3
P Se PM Tak
There's really nothing to distinguish this film from Mallika Sheravat's 'Dirty Politics' except for the cast. Familiar faces hog the roles of villainous politicians. Even newbie Meenakshi Dixit who is supposed to be having a good run down south doesn't really make a mark here.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.0
Welcome to Karachi
The film has a very cheap look to it. The production values are suspect. The tacky opening credits itself give you the feeling that there's very little of affect to follow. The script lacks basic sense. Even if the characters are supposed to be dumb misfits, there has to be some logic in setting them up on a path to redemption. That's not to be found here. the dialogues sound disconnected. The set-ups are all lacking in finesse.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.9+0.1
Piku
...is quaint and quirky, has a few chuckle worthy moments but never rises to any great heights in terms of content or form!
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 7.3−2.3
Kuch Kuch Locha Hai
The characters are cliched and the plotting doesn't have anything interesting powering it. The screenplay has nothing much to joke about- just some silly, oft repeated age-old situations that don't exactly measure up as humorous. The treatment is neither interesting nor entertaining. The music is the only saving grace here. It's quite ear-pleasing otherwise everything here is loud, heavy-duty and conspicuously overdone!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 2.7+1.3
Gabbar is Back
The preachy overtones, the conscious sermonizing, silly antics, unbelievable action stunts, confounding logic in the sequence of events and Kumar's staccato dialogue delivery don't allow for much enjoyment here. Standard Stereotypes ,clichés, formulaic elements make it that much more difficult to make sense of. Director Krish and his editor manage to make it slick but the disjointedness and incoherence doesn't stay hidden for long. Watch it only if you are a die-hard Akshay Kumar fan!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.8−0.8
Kaagaz Ke Fools
Well there was a moral to it I guess but the treatment and narration was so artless and boring that it could put you to sleep. Vinay Pathak tries to keep things real and empathy worthy but the character he plays just doesn't seem to be from the real world.
4.0
TRM 2.9+1.1
Jai Ho Democracy
The script in fact goes haywire trying to justify the hue and cry over something so innocuous. The coherence and tension are missing big-time. The tone is pretty much flat and the treatment more toonish than satiric!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.6+0.4
Ishq Ke Parindey
The songs are lilting and hummable , the story is engaging and involving and the runtime is not so much of a stretch.
Full review ↗5.0
TRM 4.4
Dharam Sankat Mein
Clichéd representations of common stereotypes make the interest diminish. The performances by the three main leads and the all-too-brief bits of alleviating humor are the only magnets to your interest!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.6−0.6
Ek Paheli Leela
The film is lavishly mounted and Basha Lal's camerawork captures the sensuality of the earthy Rajasthan canvas just as well as he does Sunny's curvaceous body. And Leone does the rest. This is not much of a movie but an experience ..of the Sunny Leone kind!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.6+0.4
Barefoot To Goa
It's all very well being influenced by Iranian cinema but to try and incorporate similar elements without working out the cultural manifestations is sheer foolhardiness in my book. Praveen Morchhale seems sincere in his efforts to portray the problems faced by the aged and ailing- unfortunately his good intentions did not translate into a good film!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 5.1−1.1
Detective Byomkesh Bakshy
The unnecessarily overly stylized extension of runtime towards the end makes it an anticlimax of sorts. But all things said, this one's worth a dekho for sure!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 6.5−0.5
Yahaan Sabki Lagi Hai
There's not much to the story and there's even less weight in the dialogues. The characters all sound like petulant self-seeking individuals lost in their own self-importance and fake sentiment. There's an effort to shore the weak scripting with pseudo-verse and music that sounds like a bad imitation of sixties rock but it fails to impart any affect. The performances are stilted at best. No one looks comfortable in the skin of the characters they assay. Suresh Kumar Rajan's cinematography manages to capture the beauty of the region but fails at creating vivid atmosphere for the trip that appears to be going nowhere. The film of course, stays true to it's title. Everybody does get screwed here-including you!
Full review ↗3.0
TRM 3.9−0.9
Barkhaa
The film looks good, is short on runtime and harbors on old-fashioned hysterics. Likeable but not exactly enjoyable!
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.6+0.4
NH10
The night-time cinematography is creditable, and the performances are pretty much adequate. Anushka. Neil and Darshan Kumar as the villain dig in well but it's a feisty Deepti Naval, who makes her all-too-brief cameo a memorable one. In fact her entry point is when the film picks up speed. Otherwise, Navdeep Singh's film is a mere genre pusher.
Full review ↗TRM 6.8
Black Home
The only thing that holds you spell-bound here is Chitrashi(Chak De) Rawat's spunky, feisty and gritty performance as the defeatist who tries to rise to the occasion in order to save those around her who need help. But for that unalloyed performance , this film would have been just another exploitative attempt at exposing the depravity prevalent in society.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 4.1
Dilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend
There's a twist in the tale but it comes at a time when you've already lost interest in the entire sorry set-up. Most of what transpires is imminently predictable and unexciting. The basic premise had some promise but Japinder Kaur's direction is totally uninspired. It's all so heavy-duty and labored that even the light hearted moments fell like dead-weights.
Full review ↗4.0
TRM 3.5+0.5
Dozakh In Search of Heaven
This novel attempt to foster Hindu-Muslim amity is pretentious at best!
Full review ↗3.0
TRM 4.7−1.7
Hunterrr
At best 'Hunterrr' is interesting and entertaining – It certainly could have been much better than that though!
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 4.7+1.3
Dirty Politics
K C Bokadia's days of setting up a juicy pot-boiler for the front-bencher audience is long way past. Using stinging dialogues, steamy sequences and conniving moves, he tries to make it all happen but it just doesn't. There's really no excitement or bite in this rather unsavory product. -
Full review ↗2.0
TRM 2.5−0.5
Coffee Bloom
The scripting is well proportioned, allowing for a affect tempered narrative that blossoms out into an interesting and rewarding climactic spiel. The music plays a very subordinate, supportive role allowing for words and emotions to capture the imagination without hampering effect.
Full review ↗6.0
TRM 4.9+1.1
Main Aur Mr. Riight
The only becoming factor here is TV hottie Barun Sobti's ability to make the unlikely transformation stick with some nifty acting. But for his resplendent ability to convince and engage, this defeatist enterprise would have sunk without a trace!
Full review ↗TRM 3.4
Ungli
Rensil D'silva (infamous for Qurbaan) gets into the all-in-one act with dialogues, story, screenplay and direction credited to him so there isn't much cause to blame anyone else for the sloppy misinformed plotting. Also the lack of cohesive reasoning is unpardonable. Deepa Bhatia, editing expert extraordinaire does her best to make the film racier and more exciting but the narrative just doesn't have what it takes.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8
Zid
Possible 'Hate Story' intent but in effect not coming close even to that low ask. There's in fact a little too much promise in the marketing and precious little in deliverance!
Full review ↗TRM 3.1
Zed Plus
'Zed Plus' is a highly engaging attempt at socio-political satire with humour laden benefits all along the route. The script has its sublime moments. Unfortunately the plotting is not altogether believable.
Full review ↗TRM 5.9
Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi
A quirky, distasteful title alone does not make a film hit. Production houses like Balaji Motion pictures should have known that. This kind of putrefying titles might gain a bit of curiosity but without the content to match that expectation, there's no chance of recompense.
Full review ↗TRM 4.6
CityLights
A legitimate inspiration, Vishesh Film's Hansal Mehta directed 'Citylights,' repackages the 2013 Sundance premiered, British-Filipino Indie production 'Metro Manila,' written and directed by Sean Ellis. Set within an Indianised setting and rewritten to suit the milieu in Rajasthan and Mumbai, it loses most of its charm in the bargain.
Full review ↗TRM 6.8
Kochadaiiyaan
There is very little balance achieved in the telling and for people unfamiliar with the culture and rituals of the bygone era, everything on view may appear far-out and fanciful. In terms of technology being used, this is a first, no doubt, but it doesn't come out as exciting or completely entertaining.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8
Heropanti
If this movie was an all-out actioner like 'Raid' or any of the Bruce Lee, kung-fu, Karate movies, it would have been a dream debut at least for Tiger. 'Heropanti' as is, where is, just doesn't engage or entertain, sorry to say!
Full review ↗TRM 4.2
Ankhon Dekhi
What's interesting though is the impeccably portrayed milieu, the familiar sounding familial interactions, the ensemble assemblage of quality actors and by and large, a distinctive intention to stay away from the superficial and the formulaic.
Full review ↗TRM 6.7
Darr @The Mall
Jimmy Shergill, who gets lumped with an ineffectual role, is the only one who stays on the credit side of things here. A back-story that bears close resemblance to the one in 'The Conjuring,' can do little to justify or elevate things. The 'item number' is shabby and the production design quite sub-standard. You just have to go with the flow I guess. Most horror aficionados would. I am not one of them. For me, this script is simply lacklustre. No scares, no jumpy moments just a lot of set-up and ketch-up!
Full review ↗TRM 4.1
Gulabi Gang
At 97 minutes the film is powerful, engrossing and completely captivating. And it's all because the central character is so completely assured of her ability to get women to become more proactive in their own defense. It's inspiring and truthful and even manages to question Sampat Pal's own beliefs on testy matters that involve her family members. Sampat pal of course, comes out smelling like roses and why not? She is after all the queen of the Pink Brigade!
Full review ↗TRM 6.9
Heartless
Adhyayan's third Bollywood film , this time directed by his father Shekar Suman, is a bad copy of the Hollywood supernatural/Thriller film 'Awake' starring Jessica Alba. There's not much room for rapier wit or exciting, riveting drama. The treatment is severely lacking in smarts. Just goes to show that even a bad Hollywood flick can look good when compared to its re-envisioned Bollywood take!
Full review ↗TRM 4.1