Pradeep Menon
Wogma·Firstpost
Most Divergent Takes
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)8.0 vs TRM 6.6+1.4
- Kaanchi (2014)3.0 vs TRM 4.3-1.3
- Fandry (2013)8.0 vs TRM 7.0+1.0
- Hercules (2014)6.0 vs TRM 5.1+0.9
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)8.0 vs TRM 7.1+0.9
Aquaman
2018 · Firstpost · Dec 2018
...the word 'adequate' is probably the word that describes Aquaman best. The film checks all the boxes, builds the character, sets up a sequel and all the other yadas. The trippy soundtrack and visuals make it a big screen watch, but mainly for fans of the genre.
The Salesman
2016 · Firstpost · Mar 2017
Apart from shared themes that the play and the film have — primarily in terms of one's interpretation of and reaction to reality, the theatre portions also show how life sometimes forces you to go out into the world and put on an act, no matter how difficult things seem on the inside. Sometimes, the façade cracks; but the show must go on.
Sulemani Keeda
2014 · Wogma · Aug 2015
Admittedly, the film doesn't age as well as one would have hoped. I first watched this film over a year ago at the Mumbai Film Festival, and it seemed so much less like a low budget indie back then. In fact, it is apparent just how much of 'jugaad' - getting things done by hook or by crook - has gone into this film. Yet, that's also the beauty of it. In it's message as well as in the manner in which it was made, it is a film that inspires you to undertake the journey you seek. For only then will you have been a story.
Tanu Weds Manu: Returns
2015 · Wogma · May 2015
Tanu Weds Manu Returns - its rather senseless name notwithstanding - can be a fun film to watch and laugh with. But if you're really looking to take something away from it, then all you're going to be left with is Kangana Ranaut's swagger.
Shahid
2013 · Wogma · May 2015
...it isn't often that the conviction and passion of the director and his team shines through in a film that clearly faced a number of obstacles in its making. Just for that, Shahid is a film that deserves to be seen on the big screen.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
2015 · Wogma · Apr 2015
...is intense, spectacular and supremely fun. I've never subscribed to the theory that films are merely entertainment, but if films have to be entertainment, then Whedon shows the world that this is how it's done.
The Imitation Game
2015 · Wogma · Jan 2015
...one can't help get the feeling that the film doesn't seem to want to go into what Turing really was like deep, deep inside. It delves into plenty of facts, yes, but it could have been so much more powerful if Tyldum hadn't chosen to make a simple story seem like it is a complex tale. The deepest, darkest layers of Alan Turing, it seems, are destined to be an enigma, much like the man himself. This film on his life, though, is a well-crafted, gripping film.
Ankhon Dekhi
2014 · Wogma · Dec 2014
...often seems like an easy film to watch, but is also a puzzle at times. A study in contradictions, a gentle look at people and relationships, a wonderful example of how a film can be rooted and still be fanciful. It makes you ponder over it, it makes you want to relive it, but it also doesn't completely convince you of whether you liked the film or not. It raises questions, and answers them with more questions. That, I suppose, is the film's biggest victory.
Interstellar
2014 · Wogma · Nov 2014
Some of humanity's greatest achievements have been finding the answers to questions that confounded generations, and these answers came as a reward after many moons of toil. Patience, it seems, is always rewarding. Interstellaris quite like that. As it twists around time, space and everything in between, it rewards you for patience, attention and curiosity. It also serves a measure of these for each individual, because like all of cinema, Interstellar isn't for everyone.
The World Before Her
2014 · Wogma · Oct 2014
The World Before Her is the kind of film that you can write and talk about for longer than you can imagine. Hence, it is also an important film; the discomfort which it engenders being a measure of which face you represent, of the ugly world we live in.
When Hari Got Married
2013 · Wogma · Oct 2014
It is honest, endearing and mature, but what does one truly take away from the film, apart from the fact that we know Hari and Suman had an arranged marriage? Little else, to be honest. Personally speaking, though, I'm glad that I now know about the existence of Hari, Suman and their angelic daughter somewhere in the hills of Dharamsala; because they will find a place in my prayers henceforth.
The Expendables 3
2014 · Wogma · Aug 2014
If there is one reason why it is a tad bit easier to be kinder to an Expendables film, than to, say, Kick or Jai Ho, it is the technical wizardry at their disposal. All of the most far-fetched action scenes merge live-action and CG beautifully, making it easier to suspend one's disbelief. Real-looking ludicrousness is, after all, quite easier to buy than tacky-looking ludicrousness.
Hercules
2014 · Wogma · Aug 2014
The trick to not getting bored with a film like Hercules, then, is to play along with the lead actor and director, as they dish out a passable film. Don't expect too much, and Hercules at least won't make you regret watching it.
Lucy
2014 · Wogma · Aug 2014
Lucy is fun while it lasts, and if you choose to take the philosophical questions that it poses back home with you, then you could spend some time tossing and turning them over in your head, to draw your own conclusions. But somehow, it never quite seems like that was Luc Besson's intention with this film.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
2014 · Wogma · Aug 2014
Wes Anderson is one of those rare filmmakers whose every indulgence you're willing to forgive, simply because of the loving detail he infuses into his frames, shots, scenes and characters. The Grand Budapest Hotel is yet another feather in his colourful and doubtlessly centre-aligned hat.
Edge of Tomorrow
2014 · Wogma · Jun 2014
Edge of Tomorrow can be taken to the cleaners if one truly wants to - films in the action sci-fi genra can almost always be torn apart for logic. But sometimes a film is so blatantly honest in its intentions, that you're willing to let it have its way. Edge of Tomorrow is an enjoyable film multiple times over; and I suspect it will make for fun repeat viewing as well. -
The Raid 2
2014 · Wogma · May 2014
Personally speaking, I'd have been more than happy to see even more action in the film, because that's what made The Raid so much fun. Yet, The Raid 2offers enough adrenaline-pumping stuff to keep you hooked, and if you set your expectations right, the plot works as well. Evans has firmly established himself as a genre specialist, and The Raid 3 has already been announced, and will certainly be a film to watch out for.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
2014 · Wogma · May 2014
What you're left with are a few periodic smart-ass one liners from Spiderman, and a gut-wrenching climax; albeit one which fans of the Spiderman comics would have been expecting anyway. Expectedly, tantalising hints about the villains in future films are present in this one.
Samrat & Co.
2014 · Wogma · May 2014
In an attempt to draw at least something positive from the film, one can say that it least it never drops its pace and might even keep you interested in its silliness at all times - you wonder how much harder will the makers of the film try. Hopefully, Samrat & Co will die a death with the film, and future filmmakers will think long and hard before creating such lightweight caricatures of characters who have enthralled so many generations.
Revolver Rani
2014 · Wogma · May 2014
Revolver Rani makes you feel it had the potential to be an enjoyable, out-of-the-box film. But, I doubt, with that second half there was any possible redemption.
Kaanchi
2014 · Wogma · May 2014
As the film drags on and on until you've had enough, you almost feel thankful to see the end credits. You also wonder why this thought hasn't yet crossed Subhash Ghai's mind: "Even Sachin Tendulkar has retired. What am I still doing?"
2 States
2014 · Wogma · Apr 2014
When you walk out of 2 States, then, one isn't likely to be absolutely gushing about it, nor will one be particularly annoyed by it. It just gives you what it promises - tolerable enough fun for just as long as it lasts.
Transcendence
2014 · Wogma · Apr 2014
The film, essentially, has no body. It does, however, have a soul. And souls, we've come to believe, live forever. I suspect, then, that it is the sort of film that, in time, will find an audience. The audience of today though, I'm sure, is likely to reject the film.
Fandry
2013 · Wogma · Apr 2014
Writer-director Nagraj Manjule, who also makes a charming little cameo as the village oddball, tells us a story with universal appeal, but in a manner that roots it to what he clearly knows best. At a crisp 103 minutes, the film is paced beautifully, and it has a simple guitar piece that is like the soul of the film. Everytime it plays, it seems like a dream - it reminds you that for all us, there's always something that's out of reach.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
2014 · Wogma · Apr 2014
It's hard to not have fun watching a film like Captain America: The Winter Soldier on a gigantic IMAX screen, which virtually transports you into the middle of the action. With a plot that attempts to be relevant - what with the current scenario of worldwide electronic espionage - and a neat little cast that has a few welcome additions to the previous film, it keeps you entertained for the most.
Dallas Buyers Club
2014 · Wogma · Feb 2014
We're so used to rooting for white characters, that we tend to forget that we're all actually grey. Dallas Buyers Club reminds us of the fact that in real life, we're all grey, and yet some of us lead lives that are worth living and worth dying for. It entertains you, moves you and educates you, just like that.
Non-Stop
2014 · Wogma · Feb 2014
You forsake logic and cinematic craft in favour of quick thrills, which the film has plenty of. You'll either be too busy trying to guess who Neeson is chasing, or you may sit back with the realisation that no matter what, Liam Neeson is having more fun than you are.