Just like the protagonist, ‘Lady Bird’ is awkwardly funny yet bittersweet, making it one of Hollywood’s most original and refreshingly honest films about growing up.

‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ poses an intriguing moral dilemma – can revenge be as bad as the crime itself? It also looks at how tragedy can affect different people, but its biggest achievement is in testing your perspective of how quickly we tend to judge people without knowing what truly drives them. One of the movies that could easily fly under the radar if it wasn’t receiving all the awards buzz, ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ is an unassuming film that surprises you with its provocative subject matter and evocative performances that are hard to forget.

‘Hostiles’ captures this constant threat beautifully, with riveting moments of action and drama making it hard to predict who will make it out in the end. But amidst great performances and gorgeous cinematography, ‘Hostiles’ misses the mark by giving us just an overview of its real subject matter.

The intricacies of African culture are beautifully captured and showcased in a whole new light as vibrant costumes and set design merge with high-quality CGI spectacle. Coogler adds another layer to the tale by taking on an intriguing issue of the role global superpowers play in the real world. Inspiring and empowering in equal measure, ‘Black Panther’ is a richer & deeper experience than most comic book fare. Most importantly, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will definitely benefit from the presence of King T’Challa and his kingdom of Wakanda well down the line.

‘Aiyaary’ has quite a few lethargic scenes that are long-drawn and don’t do much to further the story or add to the characters. The complexity of the overarching plot allows for some exposition, but the screenplay goes overboard and often loses pace. The film could make a far more intriguing watch with a tighter edit devoid of all the dramatized entries and exits. Those expecting the clever Neeraj Pandey twists will be left wanting more. But ‘Aiyaary’ has measured performances that resound louder than its bombastic score, and they alone make it a worthwhile watch.

The narrative spins around itself in ways that will test your patience. But ‘Phantom Thread’ questions your outlook on love and what it means to different people. It looks at how people tailor themselves in accordance with those they love.

Granted, it could do with a tauter screenplay and shorter run-time but ‘Padmaavat’ is an entertaining, large canvas experience, brought to life with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s stroke of visual brilliance.

‘Darkest Hour’ is pretentiously flawed in its obvious award-baiting, but well produced and rousing enough thanks to Gary Oldman in one of his most impressive performances.

Similiar to a handwritten letter that takes its time, ‘The Post’ is not a standard thrilling political drama but comes home in the end in another essential addition to the filmography of an influential filmmaker.

This sequel is funnier, more charming and heartwarming than the original; one you’ll enjoy tremendously, with or without kids in tow. Make sure you stay behind for the credits!