Destined to Doom Movies of 2019, which were Surprisingly Great or Decent or Just About Average
Every year we predict certain films as turkeys because they simply stink in all departments right from the day they were conceived on the drawing board. But, there's no more an exhilarating felling than when these type of films shockingly end up being really good. While some just about make the cut, few others, and very few others, might ultimately achieve cult-classic status, too.
List activity
397 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
52 titles
- DirectorBugs Bhargava KrishnaStarsAmit SadhManjari FadnnisAaryan MenghjiA series of inexplicable and gruesome killings tear the Barot family apart and destroy the close relationship between father and son. Who could be behind this mindless slaughter? When the truth is discovered, it throws the family into further turmoil. But is the truth really the truth or games of a troubled mind?Easily one of the greatest psychological thriller films and one of the most disturbing representations of psychopathic behavior — right up there with Darr, Gupt, Kaun, Khamosh, Deewangee, Agni Sakshi, Dushman, Sangharsh, and Raman Raghav 2.0 — to emerge from Hindi cinema, embellished with stunning performances from a well-rounded ensemble cast, especially from Amit Sadh and Aaryan Menghji. Wish Barot House had got a wide theatrical release so that more folks would be aware of it.
4.75/5 stars - DirectorStephen ChowHerman YauStarsJingwen E.Baoqiang WangQuandan ZhangA young woman who is dreaming and striving to pursue the actors' dream despite being an extra and stand-in.Simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking, positive and poignant, splendid and sad, emphatic and emotional — The New King of Comedy, directed by auteur Stephen Chow leaves you in splits, tugs at your heart strings, celebrates the human spirit, and acts as a wonderful love letter to cinema by highlighting those who often disappear under the shadow of celluloid glamor. The first great Chinese film of 2019, destined to go down as a rib-tickling, heartfelt, moving, and triumphant classic.
4.75/5 stars - DirectorKarthik SubbarajStarsRajinikanthVijay SethupathiNawazuddin SiddiquiA hostel warden becomes the target of a dreaded politician and his gangster son, but little do they realize that it is they who should fear him.Boasting an all-star cast where everyone is given their moments, Petta is a full-on dhaasu mass entertainer, not to be missed by both Rajini fans and those who love masala cinema. And I'm so glad that Rajinikanth went for a young and talented writer-Director like Karthik Subbaraj for his last film (if it indeed is his last), who not only unleashes the Thalaiva magic of old with unbridled force, but also does so by weaving a tight script and narrative around Rajini Saar's inimitable swag and charisma, not to mention the Tarantino-esque climax and earth-shattering twist at the end, which only a Director like Subbaraj could have convincingly pulled off in a masala film. It's Thalaiva-ism at it's most mind-blowing and leaves you totally Rajini-fied. Sensational swansong for Rajinikanth.
4.5/5 stars - DirectorSergio PablosCarlos Martínez LópezStarsJason SchwartzmanJ.K. SimmonsRashida JonesA simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions.Having the sheer gall to chalk out an origin story of Santa Claus at a time when such indulgence is strictly reserved for superhero films; Klaus not only excels in painting a heartwarming picture of how Santa came into existence, but also flourishes as one of the most beautiful Christmas movies or animated films (whichever way you'd wish to see it) ever, packing enough of touching moments, X'mas cheer, and gleeful entertainment to be enjoyed over and over again by all age groups.
4.5/5 stars - DirectorNitesh TiwariStarsSushant Singh RajputShraddha KapoorVarun SharmaA tragic incident forces Anirudh, a middle-aged man, to take a trip down memory lane and reminisce his college days along with his friends, who were labelled as losers.Chhichhore is so relatable that it felt like I was reliving my entire four years of engineering college before my eyes from every small detail to big. Director Nitesh Tiwari has followed up # Dangal with another brilliant film where the laughs, tears, joy, heartache, and euphoria engulf you in a wave of emotions. Coming to the performances, Sushant Singh Rajput, Shraddha Kapoor, and the rest of the cast live every length, breath, and depth of their characters, but it's Varun Sharma's Sexa who steals the show, demonstrating a range that far exceeds comedy gold. Admittedly, the movie does dip in a few portions during the present timeline, but thankfully, Tiwari comprehended that it were the flashbacks which were his strong suit, and focused majorly on them to deliver a heartfelt, out-an-out, feel-good film where every 1 will go home both entertained and a bit wiser.
4.25/5 stars - DirectorGene StupnitskyStarsJacob TremblayKeith L. WilliamsBrady NoonThree 6th-grade boys ditch school and embark on an epic journey while carrying accidentally stolen drugs, being hunted by teenage girls, and trying to make their way home in time for a long-awaited party.Good Boys simultaneously makes us double with laughter at its gleefully dirty humor while charming our socks off with its innocent nostalgia. Writer/Director Gene Stupnitsky along with co-writer Lee Eisenberg and their juvenile protagonists take us back to our school days, reminding us all of the naive antics we fell for, the naughty stuff we discovered, the friends we lost, and the new ones we made. Any movies that can do all this without becoming all preachy and schmaltzy, ranks pretty high in my book.
4.25/5 stars - DirectorAnthony MarasStarsDev PatelArmie HammerNazanin BoniadiThe true story of the Taj Hotel terrorist attack in Mumbai. Hotel staff risk their lives to keep everyone safe as people make unthinkable sacrifices to protect themselves and their families.Hotel Mumbai is a gripping human drama worthy of Oscar love and one of the best films based on a real-life tragedy — right up there with Schindler’s List, Life is Beautiful, Titanic, Hotel Rwanda, Spotlight, The Impossible to name a few. Everything from the direction to writing to editing to cinematography to sound mixing to action choreography to dialogues to the performances are spot on.
Writer-Director Anthony Maras seamlessly moves every part like a well-oiled machine, captivating us though chaos, creating poetry in pain, extracting trauma from thrill. Simultaneously evoking anxiety in the audience’s hearts while adrenaline is coursing through our veins courtesy an extremely tense scene is a herculean task for even the greatest of filmmakers, yet Maras threads the eye of the needle and comes out a winner ten times out of ten. The only gripe I have with the film is how a few of the characters deliberately and inconsistently come across as naive before others, especially in the case of Hammer and Boniadi’s roles. Nevertheless, Hotel Mumbai is harrowing, gut-wrenching, emotional, and still so triumphant and entertaining.
4/5 stars - DirectorTushar HiranandaniStarsTaapsee PannuBhumi PednekarPrakash JhaBoth over the age of 60, Chandro Tomar and Prakashi Tomar inspire other women in India when they demonstrate their expert sharpshooting skills.Bhumi Pednekar and Taapsee Pannu hit the bullseye in Saand Ki Aankh — at once a stirring biopic, an invigorating female-centrc film, a stirring feminist statement, an emotional family drama, and a rousing underdog story. Three sequences in particular — a party at a palatial mansion, a confrontation at a village Panchayat, & a meltdown at a shooting range — stand out as luminescent highlights and are worth the price of admission alone. Barring a few minor grievances in the first half when the narration goes a little see-saw and one or two scenes come across as slightly convenient & immature, the film brims with indelible dialogues, powerful moments, really good performances by Taapsee and Prakash Jha, and an exemplary one by Bhumi. It will leave you in awe of the struggles and accomplishments of two remarkable women, and maybe even with a lump in your throat.
4/5 stars - DirectorZach LipovskyAdam B. SteinStarsEmile HirschBruce DernGrace ParkA bold girl discovers a bizarre, threatening, and mysterious new world beyond her front door after she escapes her father's protective and paranoid control.Freaks is hands down one of the best sci-fi films of 2019. Think the X-Men in today's horrible political climate, with the distrust they're eyed with in the comics extrapolated manifold, and the consequences in the real world being bleaker, deadlier, and all-round more terrible, and you get this little gem of a dark, sinister sci-fi piece. It begins with you wondering where things are really headed, suddenly shifts to another gear during the middle, and then goes balls-out, batshit insane toward the end. The only gripe I had is that for all its bravado in weaving a starkly different film about those with superpowers, making them seem almost like a curse that a gift, certain plot-points did skirt the derivative path of common superhero stuff, which could've been easily avoided. That being said, it's sad that such a brilliance sci-fi film got lost in the melee of bigger, flashier stuff release this year.
4/5 stars - DirectorJennifer KentStarsAisling FranciosiMaya ChristieBaykali GanambarrSet in 1825, Clare, a young Irish convict woman, chases a British officer through the rugged Tasmanian wilderness, bent on revenge for a terrible act of violence he committed against her family. On the way she enlists the services of an Aboriginal tracker named Billy, who is also marked by trauma from his own violence-filled past.Gritty, gory, gruesome, gut-wrenching, and extremely, extremely gripping, — Australian film The Nightingale (2019) is a harrowing tale of vengeance, told through a dark, disturbing journey, accentuated by fine performances from Aisling Franciosi, Sam Claflin, Damon Herriman, and Baykali Ganambarr (in that order). It's a brutally demanding watch and certainly won't be to everyone's taste, but if you can digest the grim servings, then Director Jennifer Kent's sophomore outing is even more impressive than her debut feature, The Babadook. If it wasn't for the detour from its welcoming feminist tapestry, I'd have gone with an even higher rating. Nevertheless, this is still a brilliant revenge film, and more than justifies its Oscar buzz.
4/5 stars - DirectorNitin KakkarStarsZaheer IqbalPranutan BahlMir Mohammed MehroosAn ex-army officer, Kabir, becomes a teacher in Kashmir in a school that is in a miserable condition. Things take a turn when Kabir finds a notebook, left behind by the previous year's teacher Firdaus (Pranutan Bahl).In these modern times of instant romance and quicker breakups, Tinder hookups, volatile relationships, and disillusionment with the ways of the heart, a film like Notebook comes along like a breath of fresh air. It's old-school ethos, so much at odds with the world we live in, are precisely what serve as a timely reminder of how true love can triumph all obstacles and make us better versions of our selves, provided we believe it's worth sticking our necks out for. The purity of these emotions is justifiably juxtaposed against the exquisite beauty of Kashmir (captured in all its Glory by DOP Manoj Kumar Khatoi).
Kudos to Director Nitin Kakkar for striking a fine balance both with the depiction of romance (evoking nostalgia without ever slipping into unbelievable territory) and the issues plaguing Kashmir (showing both sides of the coin with honestly and subtlety, never taking sides, never shoving agendas in our face). He's blessed with two talented debutants (Zaheer Iqbal and Pranutan Bahl) who have alluring screen presence, exude confidence, and look like great finds for Hindi cinema. Of course the film has some flaws, but the way it captures romance, in all its purity, innocence, and beauty, is worth getting lost in. The climax in particular is a fine example of this, leaving you on a high as you walk out of the theater. We've had enough of realistic love stories in the recent past. After eons, go and celebrate the magic of true love on the big screen for a change.
4/5 stars - DirectorSwaroop RsjStarsNaveen PolishettyShruti SharmaKrishneswara RaoAgent Sai Srinivasa Athreya is an authentic humorous investigative thriller revolving around the adventures of a detective based out of Nellore.Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya keeps you hooked and guessing to the very end by means of a smartly woven murder mystery, laden with copious unpredictable twists and turns. Headlined by a pop-culture detective that pays homage to the likes of Pink Panther and Sherlock Holmes by playing up the bumbling fortunes of the former and mental acumen of the latter, the character still manages to stand out as home-bred with enough individualistic traits to leave its own identity, due in no small part to a crackerjack eponymous performance by Naveen Polishetty (Acid from Chhichhore and also one-half of the script-writing duo here). Though the final 30 minutes could've been tighter, this easily goes down as a gem of a detective thriller to emerge from contemporary Indian cinema, Telugu or otherwise.
4/5 stars - DirectorTatsuya NagamineStarsMasako NozawaAya HisakawaRyô HorikawaGoku and Vegeta encounter Broly, a Saiyan warrior unlike any fighter they've faced before.The no-holds barred narration, barrage of color, frantic pace, belligerent action, crazy albeit gorgeous 2D animation, and deep-rooted pop-culture of this long-standing franchise will make Dragon Ball Super: Broly nothing short of orgasmic paradise for Dragon Ball fans, but non-committed viewers or even first-time watchers of the anime phenomenon will also be drawn into the magnificent world of Goku, Vegeta, Broly, although it may be for a solitary sitting. However, the way things end, they, too, may return out of curiosity to know what happens in the next installment.
4/5 stars - DirectorLorene ScafariaStarsConstance WuJennifer LopezJulia StilesInspired by the viral New York Magazine article, Hustlers follows a crew of savvy former strip club employees who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.Backed by intense performance from Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu, Hustlers separates itself from other heist films by forgoing slick con jobs, meticulous planning, and tense getaways for dramatic heft, emotional weight, and poignant realism — perhaps befitting given the alleged true story it's based on. On a side note, it can also lay claim to being the sexiest film of all time, given the eye candy galore on display. Constance has never looked better and JLo, well, she's still one of the sauciest stunners at half a century.
4/5 stars - DirectorLaxman UtekarStarsKartik AaryanKriti SanonAparshakti KhuranaPretending to be married in order to cohabitate, a small-town couple lands in endless awkward situations to hide the truth from their orthodox families.Luka Chuppi scores on two fronts — as a light-hearted rom-com and a complete family entertainer. The best part about is how despite the theme of live-in relationships, the film is accessible for the whole family. KartikbAaryan brings the house down again after SKTKS (he can now really carry a film on his own), and he's well supported by Aparshakti Khurana and Kriti Sanon, while Pankaj Tripathi is totally in his elements, using all his expertise to breathe life into a largely half-baked character. But what makes Luka Chuppi more than the sum of its parts is how subtly writet Rohan Shankar and Director Laxman Utekar induce surprisingly pertinent statements underneath all the humor. The comedy in some parts could've been played out better, though in its entirety, the film largely works in keeping your funny bone tickled, with the second half picking up the fun by several notches. The youth will love it, but it'd be nice if families go and watch Luka Chuppi to get a handle on evolving India while enjoying a good laugh.
3.85/5 stars - DirectorTim van DammenStarsAnton TennetJonny BrughHetty Gaskell-HahnJohn steals money and a bracelet/temporal dislocator from a Chinese antiques shop. Fleeing, he triggers the device and goes minutes back in time. The time travels result in new Johns and they form the Mega Time Squad.New Zealand import, Mega Time Squad, is solid proof of the magic a committed cast and crew can creat from a shoestring budget, when they're armed with a great idea, riding on firm conviction and brilliant execution. The writing is crisp and clever, the direction carries a vibrant energy, the performances have a dopey charm about them, the sci-fi angle is neatly introduced and cannily unfolded, backed by loads of humor that constantly hits the mark, and everything else falls in place like a well-oiled machine despite the simple production values. Who says you need big money to make great sci-fi?
3.75/5 stars - DirectorParthiban RadhakrishnanStarsParthiban RadhakrishnanGayathrieDeepa VenkatAn emotionally unstable murder suspect explains the modus operandi behind the crimes he had committed to a few cops which helps in unfolding some intriguing revelation.Oththa Seruppu Size 7 is a taut murder mystery, headlined by one of the year's best lead performances from R. Parthiepan (who's also the writer and Director), and told through a groundbreaking perspective hitherto never seen in Indian cinema regardless of the industry the film has emerged from. The big reveal after the massive buildup and palpable suspense is a bit of a letdown, but that notwithstanding, this is one seriously good murder mystery that, if nothing else, demands a watch on the strength of its unique perspective alone.
3.65/5 stars - DirectorRob LettermanStarsRyan ReynoldsJustice SmithKathryn NewtonIn a world where people collect Pokémon to do battle, a boy comes across an intelligent talking Pikachu who seeks to be a detective.Frequently thrilling, constantly funny, and perfectly balanced to satisfy both long-term fans and newcomers alike — Pokemon Detective Pikachu ticks all the boxes necessary to live up to the legacy of the vaunted Pokemon franchise (animes as well as video games), due in no small part to Ryan Reynolds channeling his inner Deadpool albeit in a toned-down, PG-mold. The awfully contrived climax and ensuing denouement , this is still a gleefully entertaining, CGI-laden, popcorn movie.
3.65/5 stars - DirectorAntonin BaudryStarsFrançois CivilOmar SyMathieu KassovitzIn the near future, a French submarine finds itself in a crisis situation.French film The Wolf's Call uses its claustrophobic submarine milieu and underwater scenario to eke out maximum tension and copious nail-biting moments. A few scenes feel rushed and a few others come across as a bit convenient, but that only mildly dilutes the effect of a pretty tense film with a clear anti-war sentiment.
3.65/5 stars - DirectorJay RoachStarsCharlize TheronNicole KidmanMargot RobbieA group of women take on Fox News head Roger Ailes and the toxic atmosphere he presided over at the network.Bombshell is held together by Jay Roach's smart direction and solid performances from Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman, and John Lithgow. There may be better films on women empowerment out there, and probably better ones will be made on #MeToo scandals in future, but this nevertheless works as an engrossing expose, detailing an important chapter at the beginning of the movement.
3.5/5 stars - DirectorAdam RobitelStarsTaylor RussellLogan MillerJay EllisSix strangers find themselves in a maze of deadly mystery rooms and must use their wits to survive.Escape Room has a lot going for it in terms or innovation, tension, and genuine edge-of-the-seat moments, making it a really good thriller, even if it falls just short of being a great one due to the slightly half-baked nature of its climax and subsequent finale, coupled with its sometimes derivative dabs at the best parts of the Saw franchise.
3.5/5 stars - DirectorTodd Strauss-SchulsonStarsRebel WilsonLiam HemsworthAdam DevineA young woman disenchanted with love mysteriously finds herself trapped inside a romantic comedy.Unlike most spoofs, Netflix's latest film, Isn't it Romantic is more busy with taking pertinent digs at its predecessors rather than merely milking them for rehashed humor, and ends up being a charming rom-com on its own with a few important things to say. Also, Rebel Wilson proves that along with being blessed with genuine comic talent, she has what it take to headline a film. Among the supporting cast, Liam Hemsworth (Thor's younger brother) is surprisingly funny and Priyanka Chopra, in an extended cameo, again proves that she can do just about anything. Isn't it Romantic maybe not up there with some of the best rom-coms it spoofs, but it does enough to stand on its own as a breath of fresh air.
3.5/5 stars - DirectorJoe CornishStarsLouis Ashbourne SerkisDenise GoughDean ChaumooAlex, a 12-year-old boy, and his friends fight an evil sorceress with the help of Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur, in a bid to save the world from her atrocities.A welcome throwback to old-school, family-adventure films of the 80s and 90s, with a bunch of kids/teenagers at the center of the action, The Kid Who Would be King revisits the timeless legend of King Arthur and Merlin with a fresh, contemporary touch, offering viewers a swashbuckling medieval romp married with modern sensibilities. Even the VFX, though distinctly slick and polished, looks to have borrowed its style from Ray Harryhausen's (the undisputed Granddaddy of visual effects) stop-motion mastery. This may be not in the league of E.T., Jumanji (1995), Goonies, Neverending Story, Back to the Future, or even the recent Bumblebee, as there are some loopholes in the plot and parts of the adventure are overly simplified (even for the kids), but it's still something that the entire family can derive wholesome, unfussy entertainment form.
3.5/5 stars - DirectorMike WiluanStarsYoshi SudarsoArio BayuPevita PearceTwo brothers named Jamar and Suwo came back to the land of Java to avenge their father, who was a Sultan, after years of exile in America.A heady concoction of westerns (cowboy films), martial-arts movies, and Bollywood-styled potboilers — Indonesian film Buffalo Boys wears its cliches like a badge of honor, pays homages to genre tropes with gleeful abandon, and packs in copious adrenaline-pumping moments to keep action-junkies on the edge of their seats while also weaving an engaging plot and interesting characters to go with all the excitement. Of course, the cliches tend to get a tad excessive toward the end, but thankfully, they never wear the narrative down. Plus, any film that can unite the "quick draw", with "sexy archery", "roundhouse kicks", and "Indian cinema masala" (the myriads nods to the legendary Manmohan Desai's lost-and-found themes are too many and too evident to ignore, at least for Hindi-film fans) is bound to be a helluva lot of fun.
3.5/5 stars - DirectorTommy StovallStarsLin ShayeOliver RayonValeska MillerLonely widow Joyce rents out a room in her house and becomes dangerously obsessed with one of her guests.Room for Rent strikes a commendable balance between campy B-movie thrills and a neatly carved suspense aesthetic of the kind generally found in A-grade cinema, with a riveting central performance from veteran Lin Shaye (Insidious franchise). But what stands out the most is how Director Tommy Stovall and writer Stuart Flack weave an entertaining thriller while also managing to paint a telling picture on old age, loneliness, and the dire ramifications of past abuse, which helps iron out some of the film's more obvious issues.
3.5/5 stars - DirectorIvan KavanaghStarsEmile HirschJohn CusackDéborah FrançoisAn Irish undertaker profits when outlaws take over a peaceful American frontier town, but his family comes under threat as the death toll rises.Atmospheric, gritty, and tense — Never Grow Old combines old-school filmmaking tropes with modern-day cynicism to serve up some good, low-budget, adult entertainment, especially for those starved for decent "westerns" in today's times. If only leading man Emile Hirsch was even a smidge as captivating as John Cusack's antagonist, and if writer-Director had steered clear of unnecessary Christian propaganda, we could've had a violent little gem on out hands. Nevertheless, even if the end result doesn't shine like a gem, it still has enough value as an uncut, unpolished precious stone in the rough.
3.5/5 stars - DirectorM.G. SrinivasStarsM.G. SrinivasRukmini VasanthSujay ShastryA man who is wrongly accused of murder is helped by an advocate, facing various threats during the investigation.Kannada film Birbal (the first of a planned trilogy) is a pretty engaging thriller with some neat twists and turns. However, what sets it apart from other modern Indian suspense films is the unique perspective adopted by Director Srini (M.G. Srinivas), who also does a good job as the main protagonist. Other major plus points are the background score two songs (one during the title and the other, in the first half). If only certain plot contrivances and convenient outcomes were avoided, particularly in the first half, some of the uneven portions ironed out, this could have been a top-notch suspense film. Nevertheless, Birbal ends up comfortably as a fine enough piece of innovative cinema for Indian tastes as well as one of the better Kannada movies in recent years, not to mention setting things up beautifully for the sequel.
3.5/5 stars - DirectorVivek AgnihotriStarsShweta Basu PrasadMithun ChakrabortyNaseeruddin ShahRevolves around the mysterious death of India's 2nd Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri and attempts to uncover if he had actually died a natural death, or, as alleged, was assassinated.The Tashkent Files is a pretty well-directed (Vivek Agnihotri finally comes good after six horrible attempts), brilliantly acted (Shweta Basu Prasad Mithun Chakrabort, and Pallavi Joshi being the standout performers), and extremely well-researched (unverified or not) docu-drama, despite the obvious agenda, at-times-bizarre hypotheses (for lack of a better "word"), and Prasad's needless recurring jogging shots. To sum it up, just as the film ends up accepting that neither its sources can be corroborated nor its tall claims be backed, we, too, realize that it all makes for more of a spicy conspiracy theory rather than a shocking political expose . If for nothing at all, check it out to see how the promising young girl from Iqbal Makdee & Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii gas matured into an exceptional actress.
3.5/5 stars - DirectorHan HanStarsTeng ShenJohnny HuangZheng YinAn old-time racing champion tries to come back to the race track.Chinese film Pegasus is an entertaining, uplifting sports film set against the backdrop of rally-car racing, with the last 30 minutes, featuring the actual race, boasting several standout moments, guaranteed to draw you to the edge of your seat and get your adrenaline pumping. Of course, there are more than a few plot contrivances, extremely convenient solutions, and sequences that challenge rationale, but, on the whole, it's a pleasant watch for those who love a good underdog yarn.
3.5/5 stars - DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandSamuel L. JacksonJake GyllenhaalFollowing the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.Spider-Man: Far From Home neither breaks new ground as a superhero movie a la Infinity War or Endgame nor is it as refreshing as cool or refreshing as a GOTG or Ant-Man, but what it does provide is wholesome good fun for the entire family while also reminding us that Marvel's blend of comedy, action, romance, and dizzying visuals has a long way to go before it gets old. The technologically smarter presentation of one or Spidey's arch nemesis, Mysterio, is also a welcome And even if it doesn't completely fill the massive void left by Endgame, it does enough to offer an entertaining detour that's leagues better than Marvel Studio's first foray into their standalone Spider-Man features.
3.45/5 stars - DirectorStewart SparkeStarsLyndsey CraineMichaela LongdenLizzie Aaryn-StantonSophie's 18th birthday becomes a bloodbath when monsters descend upon her house and start to devour the party guests. Sophie and her friends must rally together to send their party crashers back to hell.Book of Monsters shows no aspirations of wanting to be something more meaningful nor does it feel the need to provide any edge-of-the-seat moments to evoke excitement. All it wishes is to offer a textbook, lighthearted, fun creature-feature horror flick. Nothing more, nothing less. And sometimes, that's all you need to entertain yourself with a movie of this kind. It also pays to have some decent acting all round coupled with some cool monster effect, given the low budget. A word of advice though: This may not be your cup of tea if gory thrills and visceral splatter isn't your thing.
3.35/5 stars - DirectorJames BobinStarsIsabela MercedEugenio DerbezMichael PeñaTeenage explorer Dora leads her friends on an adventure to save her parents and solve the mystery behind a lost city of gold.Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a fun, family friendly, adventure film, and sometimes, that's all you need to be entertained. It may not be as good as a Goonies, Princess Bride, ET, or Neverending Story, but even being taken in the same breath as those classics should be reason enough to check it out.
3.25/5 stars - DirectorLee CroninStarsSeána KerslakeJames Quinn MarkeyKati OutinenA single mother living in the Irish countryside with her son begins to suspect he may not be her son at all, and fears his increasingly disturbing behavior is linked to a mysterious sinkhole in the forest behind their house.Though nowhere near being a horror film that haunts you long after the credits roll, Irish spooky entry The Hole in the Ground builds a chilling atmosphere, creates enough mystery, and boasts some genuine scares to hold your attention while it lasts, not to mention another worthy inclusion to the gallery of diabolical children of horror.
3.25/5 - DirectorSivaStarsAjith KumarNayantharaJagapathi BabuA village ruffian, who settles disputes in his native, takes on a big shot when he tries to sort out the rough patch in his marriage after several years.Thankfully, Vivegam proves to be just an aberration in Directors Siva's 'V' series (this is his fourth one after Veeram, Vedalam, and Vivegam) with Tamil cinema superstar Ajith Kumar as Viswasam brings the actor back in roaring form with all the quintessential Thala mannerisms intact, plus some new ones to boot. The story is a simple family affair with the usual mix of action scenes and moments of slapstick, but it all gels pleasantly with the emotions evoking genuine warmth, the comedy tickling the funny bone in places, most of the action being well choreographed, and, thankfully, not too over-the-top. It also doesn't hurt than an actress of Nayanthara's caliber and stardom gives Ajith company in a pretty-fleshed out role. Jagapathi Babu doesn't have much to do as the main adversary, but still manages to leave an impression owing to his expertise. All in all, Viswasam makes for an unassuming, welcome family entertainer.
3.25/5 stars - DirectorGary DaubermanStarsVera FarmigaPatrick WilsonMckenna GraceWhile babysitting the daughter of Ed and Lorraine Warren, a teenager and her friend unknowingly awaken an evil spirit trapped in a doll.Though the Annabelle spin-offs have always served as pale minions in the same horror-verse as the Conjuring films, the latest installment in the franchise at least manages to be scarier, tighter, and pack in more thrills than the earlier two films films, though it also suffers from the same lethargic pacing issues, particularly in the first half. Thankfully, the second half picks up plenty of steam, with a lot of chilling scenes and creepy moments, even if not all of them are completely original. What works best though for Annabelle Comes Home during these sequences is writer-Director Gary Dauberman's willingness to look beyond the doll in question as the central focus of mayhem, and explore varied possibilities of its evil manifestations through other diabolical conduits.
3.25/5 stars - DirectorAdrian TehStarsHairul AzreenAmmar AlfianHenley HiiA story of true piracy based on an elite unit of the Royal Malaysian Navy's mission.It may not feature anything novel by way of plot or stunts or fight sequences, but Malaysian action film Paskal, centered on the country's elite-commando unit, has a gritty, no-nonsense aura about its narration and characters that work well with its subject matter and tough-as-nails combat scenarios. Neither extremely exciting nor immensely fresh, this one still does enough to satiate the appetite of action-movie fans even if neutral moviegoers (particularly those without any allegiance to Malaysia or its military achievements) may find their attention waver at a few points midway.
3.15/5 stars - DirectorScott VickersStarsCharlie BlackwoodJulie HannanScott VickersAn expecting Mother and husband crash their car in the countryside and are offered shelter by a farmer and his wife. Rachel soon realizes the farmer's children are in fact stolen. Just as they try to escape from the farm.It may get a bit slow at times, with a few plot-holes here and there, but British thriller Matriarch eventually packs in a decent amount of suspense and tension, plus a neat twist at the end (even the most hardcore film-buffs would find it difficult to spot it), to keep viewers satisfied.
3.15/5 stars - DirectorAditya DattStarsGulshan DevaiahRobin ChaudharySubhasish GhoshKaran goes to London to stop a terrorist attack on India.Commando3 may be largely corny, somewhat unrealistic, and a touch farcical in places, but it's also a pretty darn entertaining action flick, with adrenaline-pumping fight scenes, high-octane stunts, and a beautiful albeit schmaltzy climax on national integration. If u still believe in getting entertained on the big screen by "dhamakedaar" Bollywood action movies with "dumdaar" dialogue-baazi, then this Vidyut Jammwal starrer does the job. Otherwise, sit at home and watch Netflix to feel all cool and pseudo-intellectual about your existence.
3.15 stars - DirectorTravis StevensStarsPhil BrooksTrieste Kelly DunnSarah BrooksDon Koch tries to renovate a rundown mansion with a sordid history for his growing family, only to learn that the house has other plans.Girl on the Third Floor is an enjoyable little indie that puts an innovative spin on age-old haunted-house horror tropes, succeeding in keeping you hooked as well as creeping you out in parts. Oh, and Phillip Jack Brooks aka ex-WWE star and current UFC fighter, CM Punk, proves to be one of the few wrestlers who can actually act. An abrupt and slightly messy denouement though undoes some of the good work preceding it.
3/5 stars - DirectorShelly Chopra DharStarsSonam KapoorAnil KapoorRajkummar RaoThe film tells the story of closeted lesbian Sweety Chaudhary and her attempts to come out to her conservative, traditional family.Imperative and irrefutable, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga is necessary viewing for every Indian, both the younger and older generation, and if possible, with your family. That's not to say the film doesn't have some issues — the first half has more than a few dull portions, the plot has some loopholes, and the characters could have been more fleshed out — but the narrative rises above all this with genuine pith, a poignant touch, and dialogues that hit you in the feels. Everyone from Rajkummar Rao to Sonam Kapoor to Juhi Chawla are easy on the eye (though you wish Juhi would've been given a role befitting her stature), but it's that legend, Anil Kapoor, who packs a real emotional wallop. His heartfelt moments in the climax are a testament of the expertise he has over his craft, and a cry to every parent to accept their children however their orientation may be as every kid is normal. To borrow a beautiful line from the film, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga har uss bacche ke liye jisko kabhi apne aap ko diary mei band karna pada.
3/5 stars - DirectorVikram BhattStarsSanaya IraniShivam BhaargavaVikram BhattThe story of the film follows Karan Khanna, a politician of Indian origin in the United Kingdom, who is accused of killing his wife. He tells his lawyer that a spirit committed the murder and should be tried.Ghost may not be up there with the best entries in Bollywood horror auteur Vikram Bhatt's repertoire, but it's far better than his slew of recent letdowns like Creature 3D (2014), Mr. X (2015), Love Games (2016), and 1921 (2018). Some of the problems plaguing these films such as topsy-turvy editing, unnecessary romantic interludes between the horror, and inconsistent narration rear their head this time, too, but, thankfully not all the way through as they're stopped in their tracks by a mostly mysterious plot, suspenseful direction, sufficient amount of scary scenes, some nifty camerawork and lighting, and an overall spooky aura. It's not that these facets always gel in seamless harmony, but there's enough of each of them to keep us engrossed to the end. It's not that Vikram Bhatt is back with a bang, but he's at least shown signs of returning to form.
3/5 stars - DirectorShilpi DasguptaStarsSonakshi SinhaBadshahVarun SharmaA feisty girl from Punjab tries to continue her family traditions by opening a sex clinic to help and aware others in her hometown.Needed to be more humorous to connect with a wider audience and get its pertinent topic across, but for those who don't mind their humor subtle (although it gets a tad too subtle at times) and mixed with dramatic heft, Khandaani Shafakhana gets the job done in a sweet, simple, straightforward way due in so small measure to another charmingly restrained performance from the grossly underrated Sonakshi Sinha and a spitfire supporting act from veteran Annu Kapoor — especially watch out for him tear the house down in the climax. Also, Badshah can act. A decent film, with a relevant albeit not in-your-face message on sexual stigmas, told through small doses of humor, which can be enjoyed at least once with the entire family.
3/5 stars - DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsChris HemsworthTessa ThompsonKumail NanjianiThe MIB tackle a mole in their organization.Men in Black: International is reasonably enjoyable "time-pass", falling smack dab under the category of what I'd like to call Hollywood sci-fi/fantasy masala, being one of the more decent entrants in the genre of late. Of course, it helps a lot when you have Chris Hemsworth's infectious charm and dripping charisma carrying almost the entire film, even when the plotting becomes clumsy and the narration fails to hold your attention. This isn't better than Will Smith's MIB movies, but in many portions, it isn't worse either.
3/5 stars - DirectorKen ScottStarsDhanushBérénice BejoErin MoriartyAjatashatru Lavash Patel has lived all his life in a small Mumbai neighborhood tricking people with street magic and fakir stunts. He sets out on a journey to find his estranged father but instead gets dragged on a never-ending adventure.Hollywood/British filmmakers attempting a Bollywood or South (given that Dhanush is the leading man here) styled film against a backdrop of westernized storytelling has seldom worked both locally or overseas. However, The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir proves to be the rare exception on account of how Director Ken Scott (in this case, a Canadian filmmaker) remains true to both schools, without being overtly conscious of the union, choosing to focus instead on a fun ride with charming little life lessons strewn along the way. It also pays that he's gifted a lead protagonist who can melt seamlessly in any role despite being a big mainstream star back home, and thankfully, doesn't get overawed by the occasion of his first international project.
The lending hand of a game international supporting cast, including a few experienced performers like Ben Miller, Oscar nominee Barkhad Abidi, Erin Moriarty, and Berenice Bejo also pays rich dividends. That's not to say though that Fakir is near perfect or even immensely enjoyable. While the first half moves along with negligible bumps, traffic gets a tad heavy post interval, with more than a few plot contrivances and narrative absurdities clogging the flow. Fakir is not a thoroughly entertaining film. What it is though is a fun, breezy 90-minute ride, with Dhanush making up for some flaws that crop up along the way.
3/5 stars - DirectorSunny DeolStarsKaran DeolSahher BambbaKallirroi TziafetaWhen video blogger Saher Sethi embarks on a tedious trek with mountaineer Karan Sehgal, sparks are bound to fly. But will their love story blossom despite the odds?Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas is a sweet, simple film that doubles as a throwback to old-school romance (especially the first half), mixed with bouts of "seeti-maar" action. There's outdated, and there's old-school, and Sunny Deol has clearly given us the latter, certain flaws in the second half notwithstanding. Also, kudos to how he's envisioned the scenes with his cinematographers — several shots look absolutely breathtaking. The man of the hour, Karan Deol, makes an endearing debut, but really shines in action, with his fisticuffs drawing loud cheers and claps from the audience in my show — the legacy of the Deol family is safe in the hands of its 3rd generation. Sahher Bambba, too, is a find. If you can keep modern-day cynicism, narcissism, and social-media clutter at bay, there's a charming, nostalgic film to be enjoyed here. I'm certain there's going to be those who'll diss this review from their pseudo-intellectual viewpoint, but it doesn't matter as proven by the reaction in the theater where I watched the movie. Welcome to Bollywood, Karan, and all the best for the journey ahead.
3/5 stars - DirectorAbhishek SharmaMehmet TutkunStarsSonam KapoorDulquer SalmaanSanjay KapoorBased on Anuja Chauhan's novel, Zoya Factor is a rom-com about Zoya, an advertising agent, and her relationship with the captain of Team India, Nikhil Khoda.The Zoya Factor is blessed with a quirky essence, smattering of witty lines, and endearing performances from Sonam Kapoor and Dulquer Salmaan that make for a pleasant one-time watch. However, some sequences do appear far-fetched and the glaring factual fallacies along with the huge liberties pertaining to the sport that the plot is centered on are hard to ignore (especially, to hardcore cricket aficionados of which there's no shortage in out country). Angad Bedi's character arc (not his performance) also seems like a forced, unnecessary attempt to dig up long-buried dirt, and totally out of sync with the spirit and sincerity with which the sport is played today. Having not read Anuja Chauhan's novel of the same name on which the film is adapted from, I can't say how much of these criticisms can be traced back to the source material, but they do their bit in taking some of the sheen off from an otherwise decent watch. Nevertheless, there's still quite a bit of breezy humor that works in the film's favor, and a game supporting cast (among whom Abhilash Chaudhary, Gandharv Dewan, Sikander Kher are the standouts) provide enough support to the lead pair to ensure that most of "Zoya's factors" will hold your interest.
3/5 stars - DirectorGuy RitchieStarsWill SmithMena MassoudNaomi ScottAladdin, a kind thief, woos Jasmine, the princess of Agrabah, with the help of Genie. When Jafar, the grand vizier, tries to usurp the king, Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie must stop him from succeeding.The live-action remake of Aladdin is a big-screen spectacle that appears tailor-made for the big-screen experience at first glance. But scratch beneath the surface spectacle, and it doesn't take long to discover that the film sorely lacks the magic and wonder of Disney's own 1992 animated masterpiece, qualities dearly needed for such a fantastical tale to take flight in the vision of more discerning viewers. These deficiencies appear even more prominent and strange when you realize that almost the entire movie has been lifted from the animated version (zero points for creativity, too, especially when you consider that Guy Ritchie is the Director, or perhaps he just wasn't the apt choice for this job, considering hitherto his filmography). Despite a welcome feminist angle and the best attempts of the cast, including a wholehearted effort from Will Smith, neither does his genie nor the film itself has much going for it other than a dash of CGI-induced razzle-dazzle, which should strictly appeal to teenagers and kids too preoccupied with texting to even be bothered to check out past classics.
2.75/5 stars - DirectorIndra KumarStarsAjay DevgnAnil KapoorMadhuri DixitA group of people learn about a hidden treasure and then they race to find it and claim it.Total Dhamaal isn't some great comedy or even a paisa-vasool Bollywood masala entertainer, but it isn't half-bad, offering some half-decent, stress-free fun and a handful of really good punchlines, not to mention a star cast to die for (among whom Ajay Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, and Riteish Deshmukh steal the show), plus some surprisingly good VFX. Of course, it's downright silly, but not embarrassingly silly; more like self-aware silly fun to be had at its own expense, provided you open your mind and go with the flow. Watch it, have a few laughs, forget it. That's it.
2.75/5 stars - DirectorMitali GhoshalStarsBarun SobtiAmartya RayRajit KapoorA dramatic tale of a fallen cricket agent and a young cricketer.22 Yards is what one would call, "going in with really low expectations and emerging pleasantly surprised". Admittedly, hardcore cricket fans like me are bound to connect to it more than others, but there's no denying that the film evokes a modicum of heart; features characters that elevate each other and elicits a semblance of care from us for them; and hinges on that one facet every great cricketer or stirring cricket tale is made of — "comebacks". What impedes the film from being better than it could is its lead protagonist, Barun Sobti, who turns out be the weakest player on the pitch. But earnest efforts from Director Mitali Ghoshal and writer Samrat, backed by convincing performances from the supporting cast, including Panchi Bora, Chaiti Ghoshal, and Geetika Tyagi, plus strong cameos from veterans Rajit Kapoor and Rajesh Sharma, ensure that 22 Yards doesn't turn out to be a sticky wicket.
2.75/5 stars - DirectorAshwin ShettyStarsPatralekhaa PaulDivyendu SharmaDolly AhluwaliaIt encompasses the journey of a surrogate mother, played by Patralekhaa, and her dynamic relationship with people around her.Zee5 original web film, Badnaam Gali takes a pleasant route for a pertinent subject, but gets marred at times by clumsy plotting. Also, the film feels a tad lengthy even at just 95 minutes on account of Director Ashwin Shetty being unable to clasp a firm grip on his characters and narration. Still, it does manges to get the point across (barely though), largely due to Divyendu Sharma acing another complex character with effortless ease.
2.75/5 stars - DirectorHans Petter MolandStarsLiam NeesonLaura DernMicheál NeesonA grieving snowplow driver seeks out revenge against the drug dealers who killed his son.Cold Pursuit is almost a frame-to-frame adaptation of the 2014 Norwegian film, In Order of Disappearance, which does it no favors given that the original is not a really engaging actioner itself. But Liam Neeson's conviction; Director Hans Petter Moland's (remaking his own film) presence of mind to pose tougher challenges for his hero and make him earn his vengeance; and a better handling of the dark humor makes the remake one more watchable. That being said, it's still likely to go down as one of Neeson's more tepid retaliatory quests.
2.75/5 stars - DirectorTimothy Woodward Jr.StarsJon FooTrace AdkinsSean Patrick FlaneryIn search of a better life, a railroad worker (Foo) finds himself on the wrong side of a group of corrupt lawmen. As the Marshal (Adkins) attempts to control his town, tragedy strikes forcing him to decide between justice and family.The Outsider's generic plot, further saddled by an unimaginative screenplay and cliched dialogue, is barely saved by the few moments of excitement derived from watching kung fu fights against the quick draw of the West.
2.5/5 stars