thefilmophile Reviews

Dasara (2023)

A Visual Feast.

[8/10 · 30 March 2023]

Nani's most recent cinematic offering, "Dasara," is a veritable feast for the eyes, replete with deftly employed flares and backlit shots that wonderfully enhance the visual experience for the audience. The film is marked by an impressive character development that bears testament to the director's consummate skills, while the camera work is nothing short of breathtaking. Regrettably, the film's soundtrack, though not ineffective, is not prominent enough, and the story could have been more engaging. Although the visual effects are not without merit, they would have benefited from greater refinement. In sum, "Dasara" is a cinematic experience that, while enjoyable as a one-time watch, leaves one marveling at Nani's acting prowess and the director's deft visual storytelling.

Dhokha (2022)

A great attempt but there could be some room for more

[7/10 · 26 November 2022]

I honestly think, this movie should have had something that was supposed to be a mystery, which would simply give the plot some volume. There were no cringy dialogues, perfect representation of mental illness, the want of lust, the continuity details.

The title of the movie can improve a lot, I bet most of the people refused to watch it just by the title. This is best acting I've seen of Aparshakti Khuranna so far, could have avoided the accent though.

The plot was okay, could have worked on character development, and also can't complain the screenplay and cinematography.

Honestly I did not expect the movie would be about Inspector Malik all along.

Definitely one time watchable. Climax felt like a classic Whodunnit type.

Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022)

A great attempt to give a magical experience, but lacked somewhere

[7/10 · 13 November 2022]

I was impressed with many shots of this movie. Clearly it had a magnificent cinematography. Some of the action sequences got me engaged. VFX was not that bad, but the SFX was a little bit off. The beauty of Nandini played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Kundavai played by Trisha Krishnan stole the show. I wish it had a little bit of violence and gore. I feel this was not at all an action drama, rather it was a political drama. It was all about Nandini v/s Kundavai and how they play these political games with the lives of people and kingdoms.

This movie really gave a great experience for sure. But any movie has it's flaws.

Anyone, including who doesn't know about the history will not understand his movie. I felt there was flat characterisation, infact too many characters to even remember. I didn't get attached to main characters at any point of the movie. Also, it had very bad screenplay, slow plot and jerky camera movements. I felt this movie missed a great chance to become one of the biggest movies based our history. Everyone can agree that, audience get attached to the movie or a particular character with its BGM, and it was missing in the whole film. God know what A. R Rahman has done.

On that note, films like Baahubali, Baajirao Mastaani and Tanhaji succeeded. All these films either had a very simplified story or the screenplay was so good that it could be understood very well. And obviously who can forget their iconic BGM's.

But seriously, great attempt by Mani Ratnam and Team. Definitely one time watchable.

Soorarai Pottru (2020)

Wanna shred some tears of happiness?

[8/10 · 10 November 2022]

This movie took me through a journey filled with a lot of pain and sorrow as well as a ton of happiness and joy Hats off to the the team, for making a such a beautiful movie.

There were neither unnecessary shots nor songs. It showed the true lives of people.

The shot when women of various tribes and farmers get down from the plane, literally made me cry.

There was great character development, excellent screenplay and also a few shots made me say, it also had a great cinematography.

To be honest this movie consists of so may life lessons and shows the struggle to success.

This movie makes me say, 'Sky is the Limit'

Dobaaraa (2022)

If it's Anurag Kashyap, obviously it will be bombarded with negative reviews

[8/10 · 4 November 2022]

Anurag Kashyap has been known for the most controversies in India. I still don't understand the amount of hate this movie is getting. I wish I could have watched this earlier in theater.

It will blow your mind. Don't fall for the propaganda based negetive reviews.

Not gonna say, the movie excelled in all aspects, I agree that it had a few flaws; BUT the concept of "lives changing due to a nexus event" is never seen in bollywood and Anurag Kashyap made this movie targeting the Indian audience.

To be honest, this movie had a great plot, good cinematography and excellent character building. And thank god it did not show any cheap vfx and stuck to the core concept. Well, the character of 'Raja Ghosh' portrayed by 'Saswata Chaterjee' will never leave me mind.

I believe this movie got a such a poor response because the plot is beyond the audiences narrow opinion of normality.

Sita Ramam (2022)

Sita Ramam - A Millennium old classic love story, relived

[8/10 · 19 August 2022]

There's always a Ram for a Sita, but trust me, the plot of this film is a little quirky. It feels like what if something happens like this in real life. I love how the evolution goes from Ram coming after Sita and now Sita coming after Ram. A love story like no other in recent times. Mrunal Thankur as Sita a.k.a Noor Jahaan stole the show. Her beauty, her elegance is just adorable. The reason I liked this movie is that, director followed the K. I. S. S algorithm i.e Keep It Simple Stupid. There were no unnecessary VFX or unique camera angles or different set locations. I felt some sort of purity, in this poetic story line. Definitely a one time watchable movie. I'm giving this 8 because it was not that perfect, the only VFX the movie had was the element of Fire which did not meet the expectation of realism. And a few camera cuts were a little off. But apart from that, you have to atleast once check out this.

Some love stories deserve a poem, Some movies deserve a big screen. #SitaRamam.

I Am Groot (2022– )

Drax's Soap = Skateboard

[7/10 · 10 August 2022]

These were one of the cutest stories of Groot. It was fun, didn't expect 'Bradley Cooper' as 'Rocket' coming back for this but it was nice. Could have made a few more episodes but that's okay. And yes, the sketch that Groot made was worth of framing. Seriously, Guardians' Family is the best one MCU has ever got. I am Groot!

Panchayat (2020– )

If you didn't cry at the end of Season 2, you're not a human being.

[9/10 · 31 May 2022]

"Panchayat" is an example for many other web series, that adding unnecessary violence, gore, profanity, sexual scenes and abuse don't make a series great. Really loved the acting and Screenplay of the show. They chose the right people for the characters, kudos to the casting director and the whole production team to make this beautiful piece of pure entertainment. I am now emotionally attached to all these characters, The Pradhan, Prahlad, Vikas, The "Sachiv Ji" and even Bhushan. Really loved the Plot and background score and music was also promising. There was some genuine comedy and not a lot of drama scenes, it gave a good message about politics and society. And something I learned from this is happiness can be found even in the darkest of all times, if one remembers to turn on the light.❤

Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)

Pure Nonsense

[2/10 · 5 April 2022]

I feel they should have stopped at the trilogy. Honestly this movie pure chaotic and nonsense. I loved Milla Jovovich's Character - Project Alice, but after watching this crap I lost interest.

=== My Rating === Plot- Storyline 2 Screenplay 1 Structure 2 Character Development 1

Cinematography- Camera 2 VFX 2 Scene 4 Set 3

Sound- Sound Effects 3 Music/Sound Track/Score 5

Characters- Visual Elements of Character 4 Actor convincing as Character 4.

Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)

You're just another as**ole!

[7/10 · 1 April 2022]

This movie is all about crows and the undead. There is a lot of improvement compared to the previous two. I found this movie very much interesting because, it had a great impact on character development and special effects. Watched this movie in 2022 and still loved it despite all the new zombie movies out there ("Army of the Dead" wink wink nudge nudge). Finally they got a thought of using "Punchlines" for such a badass movie series. I don't know why but, Alice's face look too smooth, almost like a fairness-cream-commercial-model. My favorite scene in the entire movie was the death of Carlos, Respect.

====My Rating====

Plot Storyline 8 Screenplay 5 Structure 7 Character Development 7

Cinematography Camera 6 VFX 7 Scene 7 Set 9

Sound Sound Effects 7.5 Music/Sound Track/Score 7.5

Characters Visual Elements of Character 8.5 Actor is convincing as the Character 7.5.

RRR (2022)

Ordinary Story, Extraordinary Direction

[8/10 · 1 April 2022]

First of all, talking about casting, it sucks. Casting NTR and Ram Charan was okay but Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn don't fit in this movie. The sacle in which S. S Rajamouli shot this movie is Epic. Songs were pretty good, i personally loved the folk song sung by the little girl, it literally gave me goosebumps. Most f the people blame the story but the essence of Rajamouli is small story - big scale, he follows this in every one of his movie.

Talking about technical stuff -

PLOT Storyline 6 Screenplay 7 Structure 8 Character Development 7

CINEMATOGRAPHY Camera 8 VFX 4 Scene 9 Set 8

SOUND SFX 8 Music/Sound Track/Score 8

CHARACTERS Visual Elements of Character 8 Actor is equal to Character 7.

Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

Resident Evil, not that Evil

[5/10 · 27 March 2022]

This was a basic zombie movie with a bit of virus and infection in it. I did not see any kind of character development. The director sucks, too many "low FPS" shots - basically half of the movie was in 10 FPS. Too many camera cuts. I am disappointed with the story line, could have been much better. I am giving a star to the black dude who atleast made me laugh a few times. Apart from that, I think, if this movie had a better director I would have enjoyed it more.

P.s. If you started watching Resident Evil, don't stop at this movie, the further parts will be better, ig.

Johnny English (2003)

Had No Sense, but I didn't stop laughing

[7/10 · 22 January 2022]

Okay so this will be the shortest review i write. No matter if you are Rowan Atkinson fan or not, no matter if you like spy movies or not, Just watch this film. Yes, I agree there were so many scenes which didn't made any sense but that's not point. Seriously Atkinson saved the show. If he would not be casted in this movie, it would be like crap.

You can understand what the movie is abut only by reading the tagline " He knows no Fear, he knows no Danger, he knows Nothing"

Finding Nemo (2003)

"When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming."

[8/10 · 22 January 2022]

This comes under the best animated films I've ever seen. I was not sure f the year it released when i watched it, but when i checked it out hat it released in the year 2003 i was literally shocked, because the animation - oof it was so nice. This film has one of the simplest plots I have ever seen nd the characters were great especially "Dory" (That's the reason it got it's own stand alone film lol). It showed the adventurous journey of Nemo and Dory which was cute and pleasant to watch. Really worth watching.

Pushpa: The Rise - Part 1 (2021)

Not the best, but definitely not the Worst

[8/10 · 15 January 2022]

The character development in this film was Awesome. The acting was good, the makeup and prosthetics were looking so real, the Cinematography was not bad, and the sarcastic Comedy was a great element of the film.

Yes, I agree the this film lacked in many aspects but after watching Allu Arjun's acting, the BGM, the excitement and badass dialogues I was impressed.

For a mass telugu movie it is worth watching. The VFX is better compared to other Tollywood movies and the emphasis on SFX was so good. The movie was not too violent and gore. I loved watching 'Sukumar's' innovative ideas of camera angles and camera movements.

#thagedhele.

Minnal Murali (2021)

Good Attempt, but not satisfying

[6/10 · 14 January 2022]

For a Malyalam movie, it was awesome But if we see this movie on a big scale it was disappointing.

VFX sucked which is eternal in Indian cinema The characters were good, the chemistry was good buy the presentation was bad They tried to show a life of a psychopath, who play the negative character in the film Specifically I loved the storyline of the Villian "Shibu" When we talk in technical terms, the score was awesome, the Cinematography sucked, the set design was pretty good and Screenplay was also promising.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Deeper, Darker and the Magic Continues...

[7/10 · 13 January 2022]

This movie went a little bit darker introducing us to the chamber of secrets y and a lot of characters especially 'Dobby'. And 'Tom Riddle' He was scary though. The characters were older and more mature compared to the previous film. And i enjoyed watching Ron's Parents and their Weirdlu funny House. Overall for a sequel it was pretty good! It did not overdo the action scenes as the first film did but it maintained its Humor

The performances of the three lead actors have all improved by this film and again they are supported well by top class British talent like Alan Rickman and Richard Harris.

Got obsessed with spells "Expelliarmus" after only watching 2 films.lol!

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

not a Masterpiece also not a disaster

[7/10 · 13 January 2022]

Loved the new characters, Loved the new locations basically loved the concept and storyline but can be presented in a better way.

I recommend not to ditch the prequel series of star wars.

Sure you watch it, make. Lol.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Just Watch It.

[8/10 · 11 January 2022]

It was great, had a lot of fun knowing many things about Magic.

Although people say that it does exactly adapts the story the book but for a viewer it would have ben too much to be seen in a single movie.

You'll wait for the next part after watching this.

I bet you'll end up googling spell after watching this movie.

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Really good storyline and characters

[7/10 · 11 January 2022]

The Screenplay of the movie has a good taste, although cinematography was bad and i cant complain that because it was shot in 2001 and its a Indian movie so they used cheap cameras i guess Although it was good there's a room for betterment.

Atleast watching once is recommended.

Hera Pheri (2000)

Good but can be better!

[6/10 · 11 January 2022]

The characters are good but for the year 2000 the presentation can be better. I see many people complaining that the humour is not translating. Of course it would not, I recommend to watch this if and only if you know hindi perfectly and a little bit of marathi(not so imp).

Seriously comparing this film with other 2000 films, It's pretty good.

Gladiator (2000)

Exciting, also Disappointing

[7/10 · 11 January 2022]

I heard this movie was visual masterpiece and ended up watching it. It was true, this film is visually very good, but the storyline and the screenplay isn't really satisfying.

Watching this movie atleast for once is recommended.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Masterpiece!

[9/10 · 13 December 2021]

I started re-watching all the Spiderman films for the upcoming Spider-Man No way Home. I watched Sam-Raimi franchise followed by Marc Webb franchise.

Trust me The Amazing Spiderman Film Series is the best till date.

It got a lot of disappointment and underrating because it was a reboot of Spiderman franchise and not because the actual film.

Seriously production studios suck.

I recommend every single person to watch The Amazing Spiderman Series, who wants to know who really Spiderman is.

🕷

Free Guy (2021)

Really a great film to watch for movie freaks and gamers out there!

[8/10 · 2 October 2021]

Overall the storyline was great.

It made me all hyped up while the cap shield scene and the lightsabre scene.

The casting was perfect, overall very good.