Ronita Torcato
The Free Press Journal·Free Press Journal
Berlin Syndrome
2017 · Free Press Journal · Jul 2017
This beautifully acted film diligently explores isolation and fear through an abusive relationship and "abnormal" man's need to control and dominate while exploring Clare's creepy relationship with her captor
The Last Witch Hunter
2015 · The Free Press Journal · Oct 2015
...the production design, CGI, special effects, and make-up deserve an 'A', for portraying a world where magic lurks round the corner. Kaulder wields an Excalibur-like sword and even smiles a bit, a far cry from his unsmiling Fast and Furious persona. But he remains as tough and intensely likeable as ever.Which is a very good reason for watching The Last Witch Hunter
The Path of Zarathustra
2015 · The Free Press Journal · Sep 2015
Oorvazi Irani acquits herself well in the acting and directorial front. There is good emoting too by the supporting cast. Embellished by meaningful dialogue and exquisite (award-worthy) cinematography, 'The Path of Zarathustra' makes a persuasive case for modernity and progress in matters of faith and religion.
The Transporter: Refueled
2015 · The Free Press Journal · Sep 2015
There's some father-son bonding as both Franks get romantically involved (well, almost) with two of the femme fatales as they strive to bring the villains to justice in an adrenaline-charged thrill ride. The ladies are as lovely as the French Riviera. Stevenson is a treat to watch, Skrein is, well, ho hum. Umm, let me just say he grows on you.
Minions
2015 · The Free Press Journal · Jul 2015
...brightly coloured and laden with music, the movie is paisa vasool time pass slapstick. Small children may find some of the scenes distressing but teens and adults will enjoy the music and deciphering minionese' (I did) a mish mash of gibberish and words from languages like Spanish, French, Swahili and I thought I even heard Marathi!
The Gallows
2015 · The Free Press Journal · Jul 2015
Lofing and Cluff resort to formulaic cliches, and while there is great (meaning spooky atmosphere) and a jump scare or three, their failure to capitalize on supporting characters like the janitor (David Herrera) and the poorly contrived ending, results in a yawn instead of a gasp.
Amy
2015 · The Free Press Journal · Jul 2015
Director of the acclaimed Formula 1 documentary "Senna," Kapadia uses Amy's own words, archival footage, interviews and song tracks to flesh out his frail,bulimia-stricken subject. It breaks the heart to see her swigging straight from the bottle in the middle of a song. The tears are never far when you see pictures of her, in childhood and adulthood, with her friends Juliette Ashby and Lauren Gilbert, friends she retained all her life.
Pitch Perfect 2
2015 · The Free Press Journal · Jul 2015
PP2 has romance and a great soundtrack although you won't find memorable songs like the ones from The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady and West Side Story, songs that you can go around singing all your life. However, the riff-off in the basement of a rich fan's imposing mansion is spectacular. As is Kendrick and Snoop Dogg's wonderful cover of Winter Wonderland.
Maggie
2015 · The Free Press Journal · May 2015
But the theme of unconditional love is, vitiated, in your reviewer's humble opinion, by the promotion of suicide and mercy killing (suggested by a doctor no less). It boggles the mind that doctors who take the Hippocratic oath to heal and save life should actually support its termination in violation of the ancient (2,500 year-old) oath which states, categorically in one section: "And I will not give a drug that is deadly to anyone if asked, nor will I suggest the way to such a counsel." The film also indicates that Heaven awaits the good who commit suicide, again, a theologically flawed position for suicide is not the same thing as martyrdom.
Danny Collins
2015 · The Free Press Journal · May 2015
Pacino plays the part with ease, warts and all in a feel good heartwarming story which captures the hedonistic, dissolute lifestyle of the rich and infamous. The talented cast of supporting actors hold their own in the presence of titan Pacino.
While We're Young
2015 · The Free Press Journal · May 2015
Baumbach is a thoughtful filmmaker, his cast is stellar and Ben Stiller( who starred in Baumbach's Greenberg) is endearing as usual.
Run All Night
2015 · The Free Press Journal · Mar 2015
Tense from start to end, Run All Night reveals the seamy underbelly of a city in a telling example of familial reconciliation in the absence of faith and grace.
Dragon Blade
2015 · The Free Press Journal · Mar 2015
We weren't impressed by the art design (and for that matter, the landscapes), but the battle scenes are noteworthy as is the acting by Cusack and Brodie, and of course, our man Chan.
The Gunman
2015 · The Free Press Journal · Mar 2015
Watch it only for Sean Penn...
Blended
2014 · The Free Press Journal · May 2014
Considering how many of Sandler's films are filled with potty humour, it's good to see 'Blended' uphold family values like commitment, togetherness and the unique roles that only a father and mother can play.
The Raid 2
2014 · The Free Press Journal · May 2014
Like the 2011 sleeper hit, the sequel is combat-centric and overwhelms viewers with an unending series of mostly one-on-one bouts starting with the claustrophobic confines of a prison loo and corridor which reminded your reviewer of Spartan v/s Greek army fights. Later, there is slaughter in the snow and the mud-slime of the prison compound as hard rain falls followed by butchery in a bar where an aged hit man battles an entire cohort.
The Lego Movie
2014 · The Free Press Journal · Feb 2014
...the painstakingly detailed rendition of the Lego universe (including water, fire and blasts) is commendable; but alas, the movie is not as memorable as such toons as Up, Shrek, Toy Story, the Lion King and the Jungle Book. - See more
Pompeii
2014 · The Free Press Journal · Feb 2014
Anderson's film is engrossing with the tension building steadily, from the opening sequence's Roman massacre of a Celtic rebellion in Londinium, Brittany through the emotional drama of the star-crossed, wracked by the longing for freedom and love, before the fury of the volcanic Vesuvius explodes upon all, free citizenry, gladiators and slaves.