Rate the films you watched in cinemas (2024 and onwards)

[zen]

Gladiator II (2024) 

 

A time pass movie … At the end of the day (or 150 minutes), it felt like a regular period action film with some good sequences but, overall, lacking characters and moments that can emotionally connect with you … It did not feel as if something was at a high stake to create enough tense moments … The most memorable characters for me were the CGIed monkeys and the first counsel “Dondos”!

 

PS if you keep low expectations and watch it as a regular period action film (and not something that could come close to the Gladiator) you may enjoy it relatively more! 

Edited November 18, 2024 by zen

[zen]

Pushpa Part 2 - the Rule (2024, Hindi dub) 

 

Overall, this is a time pass film. 
 

At close to 3 1/2 hours, it does feel a little long. Since we have seen such masala entertainers, at times, it can feel like old wine in a new bottle.
 

As this is being made as a trilogy, the end appears a bit underwhelming as the film begins to set up the next film. It begins with a sequence in Japan that ends abruptly without being revisited so maybe that segment could continue in part 3. 

The editing could have been better. For e.g. in the last 1/3rd of the film, we get to see the “directed by” title credit. It is distracting as it can take your mind off the film to wonder why it was put there. 

At the end of the day, the film serves as a time pass where you neither feel good or bad about watching it.  From what I recall, the part 1 had some degree of freshness which is relatively missing in this one. Maybe the good stuff is being saved for the final instalment!
 

 

[zen]

I saw Pushpa 2 less than 24 hours ago but most of it is already a blur  

 

I guess you have to either like or not like a movie to a certain degree to remember it relatively more!

[kepler37b]

On 12/5/2024 at 9:44 PM, zen said:

Pushpa Part 2 - the Rule (2024, Hindi dub) 

 

Overall, this is a time pass film. 
 

At close to 3 1/2 hours, it does feel a little long. Since we have seen such masala entertainers, at times, it can feel like old wine in a new bottle.
 

As this is being made as a trilogy, the end appears a bit underwhelming as the film begins to set up the next film. It begins with a sequence in Japan that ends abruptly without being revisited so maybe that segment could continue in part 3. 

The editing could have been better. For e.g. in the last 1/3rd of the film, we get to see the “directed by” title credit. It is distracting as it can take your mind off the film to wonder why it was put there. 

At the end of the day, the film serves as a time pass where you neither feel good or bad about watching it.  From what I recall, the part 1 had some degree of freshness which is relatively missing in this one. Maybe the good stuff is being saved for the final instalment!
 

 

You are one of a kind. It's pretty pretty rare to have some one appreciate both the Ultra Niche movies of film festivals and also the mass movies of single screens. 

[zen]

From Friday, many cinemas would be celebrating Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary by playing many of his films!
 

Link

[zen]

[zen]

Raj Kapoor Film Festival Day 1 (Dec 13)

 

I had gone to watch Sangam (1964) but ended up watching Mera Naam Joker (1970) as well. I found many folks who watched Sangam in for Mera Naam Joker too. This is the first time that I have watched back to back films in a cinema (the opportunity to watch Raj Kapoor films in cinemas in 2020s is a rare and special event). 

 

Both the films appeared to be presented more or less in the original aspect ratio. I said “more or less” because the titles and subtitles were being cut off at the bottom so there may have been some tinkering with the aspect ratio or the screen needed to have more height or the projector needed to be set properly.

 

 

Sangam (1964) 1/2

 

A solid film and, iirc, RK’s first in color. The experience of watching Raj Kapoor, Vyjanthimala, and Rajendra Kumar for the first time on the big screen was awesome. The big screen vindicated their status as superstars. You can feel their star and acting power permeating through the screen. 

 

Sangam keeps getting better as it progresses, leading to an explosive emotional end (somewhat like in an Ozu film). This film’s concept is similar to that of Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960).  

 

I can’t be sure but it may have been re-edited as it felt relatively more tight. The original run time is supposed to be close to 4 hours and this version appeared to run relatively short.

 

The film had two intervals (probably another first for me as I don’t recall watching a film with two intervals before). 

 

If I have to nitpick, where the film loses 1/2 a , is in the attention to details. For e.g. when a young Raj Kapoor throws a toy plane in the air, it turns into a real plane to imply that RK has grown up. The plane is in white color (and could be a glider) but then we see Vyjanthimala being chased by RK in a yellow Piper. Another example is when RK is shown in a taxi going to pick up Rajendra Kumar at the airport. However, when Rajendra Kumar asks RK why he did not show up, RK remarks that he was stuck in his bicycle. This is not a big deal but I expect someone like RK to polish such things. Maybe because he took the responsibility of writer, director and editor, some elements slipped through the cracks. 

 

Also “ideally”, the “letter” should not have been an issue as a) RK was presumed to be dead for like 2 years, and b) it was no secret that Rajendra Kumar and Vyjantimala were supposed to get married. The marriage was “cancelled” by Rajendra Kumar when RK returned. But, anyways, a film needs a reason to create tension, which is played out dynamically on screen by the three actors. 

 

Overall, Sangam remains one of the best Bollywood love triangle films. 

 

 

Mera Naam Joker (1970)  1/2 “Overall’

 

This is another epic with two intervals. It is divided into 3 chapters with prologue and epilogue so each segment gets its rating: 

 

Prologue + Chapter 1 1/2

 

This segment involves Simi Garewal and a young Rishi Kapoor. It is about a school boy developing a crush on his teacher. Manoj Kumar plays Garewal’s love interest but has a relatively limited scope. This segment is by and large elevated by Simi Garewal’s sophisticated charm.

 

Chapter 2 1/2

 

This is the weakest segment of the film mainly because of the circus acts. While some acts are interesting, most of them fall flat esp. today when circus has reached new heights with Cirque du Soleil. This segment appears to stall the film with its snail-like pace.

 

Chapter 2 stars RK, Dharmendra, Dara Singh, and a bunch of Russian actors and circus performers. 

 

Chapter 3 + Epilogue 1/2

 

This segment is of Sangam’s level. RK, Padmini, and Rajendra Kumar shine. It has a memorable storyline with some good dance sequences.  If I have to nitpick, it is again the relative lack of attention to details (or some can view those as cinematic conveniences). For e.g. in one scene we see RK without his moustache. Next day he is on a plane with his moustache back. 

 

Overall, Mera Naam Joker gets 1/2 (average of the 3 chapters listed above). It is a film that has both weak and strong segments. It is as if RK is trying to make an Italian style film. At times, the film feels as if RK is paying himself a tribute (could also have autobiographical elements). 
 

In this film too RK performed writing, editing, and directing duties so a few elements may have slipped through the cracks. Or RK simply got carried away to include more stuff or he remained undecided on what parts to remove as he probably liked his work. Therefore, it may have worked better if RK had acquired the services of a top editor who would not be too emotionally connected with the project. The film is not as tight as it possibly can be with a run time of over 4 hours.

 

It had great potential with a tighter script and editing, and if RK had not gone on to give himself a tribute, making some dialogues and sequences appear forced.
 

Chapter 2 could have been skimmed. There was probably no need for prologue and epilogue as well. The film could have ended with Padmini becoming a star and RK walking towards the sunset. 
 

At the end of the day, this is a good watch once you know what to expect. For many, how chapter 2 connects with them can make or break the film.

 

I hadn’t watched this film in a long time so it felt as if I was watching it for the first time.

 

Edited December 16, 2024 by zen

[zen]

Raj Kapoor Film Festival Day 2 (Dec 14)

 

Bobby (1973) 

 

After the commercial failure of Mera Naam Joker (1970) and with many proclaiming that RK is finished, RK raised his game to return to his blockbuster ways with the trendsetting Bobby.

 

This is a beautiful film where the first half is more or less flawless. The second half is on conflicts and their resolution, which serves its purpose. 

 

Dimple Kapadia gives a stunning performance esp. for a debutant that it is apt that the film is named after her character, which Bollywood movie fans continue to remember. 

 

Rishi Kapoor is good too. Prem Nath’s character is memorable. Then there is “Prem, Prem Chopra” who does a nice cameo. Aruna Irani displays style. 

 

If I have to nitpick, there are a few stereotypical characters such as Pran’s who comes good eventually. Farida Jalal’s character of a mentally challenged person could have been done differently. 

 

On this occasion, I am not deducting any  as Bobby is impactful as a package. A song in the film even says “Pyar mein sodaa nahin”. A few people clapped when the film ended. 

 

It is not surprising that Bobby remains the king (or queen if you prefer) of Bollywood teenage love story films. It was ahead of its time and set a trend that has been followed by many films in this genre. Many of these films have been successful at the box office too but have struggled to match Bobby’s magic and its ability to remain relatively timeless. 

 

 

[zen]

I got the opportunity to rewatch Bobby. Had gone to see Shree 420 (1955) but the cinema was having issues with its digital print. The theatre manager asked what we wanted to do. I suggested to play Bobby without interval (as time was wasted in trying to make Shree 420 digital print work) and provide refund to those who did not want to watch it. 

 

Additional notes on Bobby: 

 

* The direction and editing are performed by RK. Since he is focused on only these two functions, both editing and direction are crisp. Some memorable examples of cool editing include Prem Nath’s entry when the songs “Mujhe Kuch Khena Hai” is about to end, when Rishi & Dimple speak a word and the discussion in another room b/w Pran & Prem Nath is continued with that word, the end of certain songs are used to create segue to the next segment, etc. 

* The theme of kids neglected by parents is nicely touched upon (though with the emotional touch of the 70s).  

* The Pran v Prem Nath conflict brings an interesting dimension to the second half. The first half is focused on setting up the Rishi-Dimple love story. 

* The shades of Bobby are seen in almost all films in this genre including Love Story (1981), Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), etc.

* The cinematography is nicely done especially actor positioning and camera angles.

* The score is interesting too. In serious scenes, it enhances the tension. In the sequence where Rishi & Rishi-Dimple escape on bike, the score creates energy. Subhash Ghai seems to employ this type of score in some chase sequences in his films.

 

Edited December 16, 2024 by zen

[zen]

Raj Kapoor Film Festival Day 3 (Dec 15)

 

Awara (1951) 1/2

 

I watched all the other RK films mentioned here at Cinepolis. However, to watch Awara I had to go to PVR Inox. The aspect ratio appeared to be right for this film. In the 1.37:1 (or other such tall ratio) aspect ratio, if you sit close enough to the screen, it can feel like mini-IMAX.  

 

The conflict in this film is b/w two sets of ideologies: a) A son of a bad person turns out to be bad versus b) Circumstances influence to shape a person into good or bad. We have the villain who comes from a family of dacoits. However, he was forced into becoming bad due to wrong charges levied against him. Then there is the protagonist, who is influenced by the villain to become bad, but something in him guides him to be good. Additionally, there is a person who appears to be good but creates negative circumstances for others (the villain in the shadows?). So in a way, the debate isn’t totally settled in the film. 

 

The B&W cinematography shines. However, the background score and some songs can date this film (in the cinemas, there is no option to FF). Maybe there was a missed opportunity to redo the score with modern equipment. 

 

I tend to skip the “growing up” segment but since I was in the cinema, I took the opportunity to appreciate the young Shashi Kapoor’s performance. However, the growing up segment did feel “long”. In a way, the film “really begins” with Raj Kapoor’s entry. 

 

Awara has had substantial influence on Bollywood and it was a popular film in many other countries as well. 

 

[zen]

Thanks RK for wonderful films  … I am probably among those who made the most of this film festival!

 

 

 

 

Edited December 16, 2024 by zen

[zen]

Cinepolis (maybe due to popular demand) in my area extended the RK film festival to this week. 
 

In the evening time slot on Monday & Wednesday only Mera Naam Joker (1970) was playing so I watched it on both the days. Earlier, I had watched it on Friday after watching Sangam (1964).
 

Therefore, Mera Naam Joker becomes my most watched film in a week in cinema, joining Furiosa (2024) which I also watched for 3 times in its first week.

 

On Friday, Sangam & Mera Naam Joker became the first set of films that I watched back to back on the same day in the cinemas.
 

I watched Bobby twice in 2 days (Sat & Sun) so again it may be the first film that I watched twice in 2 days!

 

 

[zen]

Baby John (2024, Hindi) 1/2

 

Overall, a timepass film esp. for those who are into the masala action genre and keep expectations at a reasonable level.  

 

But Bollywood (or Indian) masala films are too similar - Pushpa 2 and now this (earlier Yudhra that I saw). The differentiation comes from whether the protagonist is a smuggler or a policeman and whether the antagonist is a policeman or a smuggler. Also whether film x (Pushpa 2) has relatively more drama or relatively more action (Baby John). Even songs from these films aren’t memorable (compare that with films from the golden age where if nothing else you would remember the songs). 

 

At some point, you wonder why such films are continued to be made. Maybe learn from Hitchcock where his films are (or feel) different despite being in the same or similar genre - Rope, Dial M For Murder, Rear Window, etc. are/feel different. Bollywood needs a new wave!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Chaos]

On 12/18/2024 at 11:22 AM, zen said:

Cinepolis (maybe due to popular demand) in my area extended the RK film festival to this week. 
 

In the evening time slot on Monday & Wednesday only Mera Naam Joker (1970) was playing so I watched it on both the days. Earlier, I had watched it on Friday after watching Sangam (1964).
 

Therefore, Mera Naam Joker becomes my most watched film in a week in cinema, joining Furiosa (2024) which I also watched for 3 times in its first week.

 

On Friday, Sangam & Mera Naam Joker became the first set of films that I watched back to back on the same day in the cinemas.
 

I watched Bobby twice in 2 days (Sat & Sun) so again it may be the first film that I watched twice in 2 days!

 

 

I got cinepolis here as well

[Vijy]

All We Imagine as Light - 9.25/10, great movie but slightly overhyped

Edited December 26, 2024 by Vijy

[zen]

Nosferatu (2024) 

 

This was one of my most anticipated films but, overall, it did not meet my expectations. 

 

Its biggest (and probably the only) positive is its cinematography. The rest is more or less mediocre or below average.  

 

It is bland, lacking in many of the qualities associated with an interesting Dracula/Nosferatu film such as atmosphere, sexiness, romance, score where applicable, style, tension, humor, etc. 

 

There is humor but it is unintentional where you can laugh at the acting for example. The actors make so many weird noises, along with weird faces, that it is as if everyone is “snoring”. 

 

I would recommend sticking with Nosferatu (1922), Dracula (1931), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), etc. 

 

[cric_fan]

17 hours ago, zen said:

Nosferatu (2024) 

 

This was one of my most anticipated films but, overall, it did not meet my expectations. 

 

Its biggest (and probably the only) positive is its cinematography. The rest is more or less mediocre or below average.  

 

It is bland, lacking in many of the qualities associated with an interesting Dracula/Nosferatu film such as atmosphere, sexiness, romance, score where applicable, style, tension, humor, etc. 

 

There is humor but it is unintentional where you can laugh at the acting for example. The actors make so many weird noises, along with weird faces, that it is as if everyone is “snoring”. 

 

I would recommend sticking with Nosferatu (1922), Dracula (1931), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), etc. 

 

This was my most anticipated movie of the year. And I left the cinema disappointed. Let me try to explain:

 

It just did not have the feeling of dread like Eggers previous movies like I was expecting . Watching Depp twist and turn and pull weird faces was awkward/OTT and unintentionally funny. Aaron Taylor was awful and felt forced-he is just not a very good actor.. this was a role made for Robert Pattinson imo. There were also a couple of time jumps- we suddenly see Orlok’a coffin on the boat? No build up nothing. How long did it take Thomas to travel from the castle to home after he escaped? He suddenly appeared? I think this movie would have worked better as a indi production..it has the look and the feel of a big budget, big studio movie which it is. 

 

There are of course positives. It is beautifully shot, Orlok’s look was perfect and different at the same time- his voice vibrated throughout the theatre! Skarsgard smashed it. Dafoe and Hoult were great in their respective roles. The score was great. The build up leading to the castle was awesome. Full marks to the cinematography. 

 

I was really hoping for a masterpiece. 6/10 for me. Who knows, I might find it better on second watch.

[zen]

Kaho Na Pyaar Hai (2000, Hindi) 1/2 

 

Watched a special show on the 25th Anniversary of the film. Remains a good easy/uncomplicated watch! 

[zen]

Satya (1998, Hindi) 1/2

 

A nice watch with the standard gangster genre tropes and a noir ending! 
 

Was good to see Urmila on the big screen!

[zen]

Yeh Jaawani Hai Deewani (2013, Hindi) 

 

A good time pass film. It has most of the things that Bollywood audiences like - love story, friendship, phoren locations, some good songs, marriage ceremony, etc. 

 

However, many of the things that are portrayed as cool and/or amazing (like a dream to achieve), I have already done that so they appear as normal to me. 

 

 

PS the film has been running for a while and had a good audience so appears to be a popular re-release!

Edited January 19 by zen