Movies&Musings

Thoughts on movies, books and life will be found here. Read at the risk of getting addicted.

[sandeepadnani]

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Movies&Musings

Thoughts on movies, shows, books and life will be found here. Read at the risk of getting addicted.

[sandeepadnani]

Joker (2019)

Joker: Expectations were riding high on this character, with references to the performances of Heath Ledger and the legendary Jack Nicholson.

Joaquin Phoenix makes the character his own from the very beginning, holding a mirror to society’s perception and treatment of mental illness, physical symptoms of injury or just being vulnerable.

As the story progresses, we see what motivated him to become the Joker, what were his feelings and emotions that led him to rely on anarchy as a coping mechanism.

Not only is it a commentary on the breakdown of society, but a true reflection of the current scenario in many countries that pride themselves on their supremacy.

A disturbing yet insightful watch.

4/5

[sandeepadnani]

Not Normal (2019)

Can I touch it (2019)

Not Normal: Wanda Sykes hits it out of the park once again, with themes that are not only hilarious but insightful as well. A laugh riot!

Can I touch it: Whitney Cummings gives us a peek into the future of intimacy, the present treatment of women and fills it with enough punches and laughter along the way.

[sandeepadnani]

Ad Astra (2019)

Brad Pitt shows us a very long journey outward to complete a difficult journey inward. Set in the future, he’s an astronaut chosen for a mission to deep space. He subconsciously carries his issues from Earth all the way there and has to face them. An introspective film which puts our current political, climate, personal, economic issues in perspective.

3/5

[sandeepadnani]

Sensitivity training (2019), Tall Girl (2019), Falling inn love (2019)

Sensitivity training: a hilarious film which touches very deep chords on parenting. A grumpy boss learns how to be more kind and encouraging to her team when a mishap happens. Full of laughs and some breakthroughs.

3/5

Tall girl: an insight into the teenage years of a girl who is 6ft 1, her high school life, potential boyfriends, teasing class mates, family support, best friend and all the growing pains that come with it.

3/5

Falling inn love: a cute film about a chance win in an online competition that takes a girl from San Francisco to New Zealand when she becomes the owner of an inn. As she takes a leap of faith, she lands in a community full of friends, adventures and love.

3/5

[sandeepadnani]

Downton Abbey (2019)

I have been waiting for this film since it was announced and it delivers on every score. It felt like going back home. It’s not often we get so invested in a tv series, that we yearn to get one more glimpse of how their life would be a year or two later. We have the full package here, the Dowager ready with her quips, the servants with their antics, everyone settled in their lives, making big decisions, holding big events, some find love and others solace. Filled with scenes that make you laugh out loud, feel warm, spot the cunning and of course cry, it is a Fabulous tribute the characters we have loved for so many years.

5/5

[sandeepadnani]

13 reasons why (2017-)

A well written series with a disturbing set of themes and many scenes that shock you. Each and every cast member has done a great job, but it’s the writers that have crafted wonderful arcs for each character. Keeping the suspense and drama alive, the crisp editing and direction keep the audience uncomfortable and glued. You must take this show in doses as it could trigger any unpleasant memories. Suicide, Rape and Murder for teenagers in high school leaves you with many relevant social messages and some superb performances by the young cast.

[sandeepadnani]

Happy teachers day to all my lovely teachers who have impacted my life so positively, my friends who have been my mentors and guides and my family for instilling values and teaching life lessons. Every person I have met has taught me something of value! In gratitude to all!

[sandeepadnani]

Once upon a time in Hollywood (2019)

A classic and authentic take about a time in Hollywood where careers were changing and being challenged. We get perspectives from an aging TV star, Leonardo Di Caprio and his stunt man, Brad Pitt.

Both leads have given impeccable performances, one who is very sure and confident about himself, the other has to accept a changing future and challenging present. We are treated to a complete vintage experience, enjoying the era and the pace. At 161 minutes you soak in everything you have to.

I was waiting for the classic Quentin Tarantino scene which doesn’t disappoint. The film depicts a large slice of ‘what could have been’ and you leave entertained having seen it.

3.5/5

[sandeepadnani]

Annabelle comes home (2019)

The creepy doll manages to freak out the audiences by doing absolutely nothing! It does so by waking up its other scary pals, sticking to formula but providing the jumps and jolts. Good performances by McKenna Grace and the other young adults in the house. The 7th instalment in the franchise, it doesn’t fail to entertain.

3/5

[sandeepadnani]

The Lion King (2019)

It was such a delight to see this classic come back to life on the big screen after 1994, using technology to its fullest to give us a vivid viewing experience.

Directed by Jon Favreau, it is a photorealistic computer animated musical film which has altered certain characters and retained the famed James Earl Jones as Mufasa for this retelling.

I enjoyed the complex graphics and glimpses from the original, while giving us the details and landscapes which make it real beyond belief. The music stirs the nostalgia while adding its own contemporary flavour.

The overall effect was heartwarming and enjoyable, an offering for the current generation while reminding previous ones that a classic will always remain alive.

3.5/5

[sandeepadnani]

Rocketman (2019)

Taron Egerton has a difficult task, to capture both the trauma and talent of Elton John. He does so very well, keeping his own but depicting what we think Elton would be like in his real personal life.

We are given insights in his life changing events, using music and slow-mo which actually leave a mark, etching it in your memory. The supporting cast is perfect, notably Richard Madden as John Reid, Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin and Bryce Dallas Howard as his mother Sheila Eileen.

The film is engaging and treads the tricky road between emotional ruin and musical genius with great precision. It speaks of the anguish of wanting to be loved and accepted, and losing yourself in addiction as a result of failing to do so. A carnival of feelings, music and costumes!

[sandeepadnani]

The Good Fight (2017-)

The good fight picks up where the good wife ends, focusing on the lives of Lucca Quinn and Diane Lockhart. More current and relevant than its predecessor, it brings back characters which create a fun sense a familiarity.

[sandeepadnani]

The Good Wife (2009-2016)

The show started well, with engaging cases and back stories, but as the seasons passed it became more about their personal lives. The internal politics and the going back and forth in partnerships became predictable after a point, but it was fun nonetheless. My favourite was Archie Punjabi, I liked her tough persona.

[sandeepadnani]

Made in Heaven (2019)

It was so refreshing to see such exemplary content and no surprise it’s so moving once you know the team behind it, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti. Created by them, and written by them and Alankrita Shrivastava, the stories are carefully crafted to evoke many emotions.

The stories are so beautifully written and presented, with a mature and understanding outlook. There is no melodrama as we dive into the most intimate thoughts and feelings of the characters.

The recurring cast has great performances, Arjun Mathur, Dhulipala, Kalki Koechlin, Jim Sarbh, Shashank Arora and Shivani Raghuvanshi invite you into their worlds, and you feel invested right away. That being said, each and every cast member is super, every character complete.

The four directors at the helm, Nitya Mehra, Zoya Akhtar, Prashant Nair and Alankrita Shrivastava deliver rich episodes with lots of superior content to process, real stories set in the current world that challenge every stereotype and include most sections of society.

I can’t wait for season 2!

[sandeepadnani]

Aladdin (2019)

Disney’s motion picture directed by Guy Ritchie, is a fun light watch, with musical nostalgia from the original animated version.

Will Smith as the genie creates his own magic and comedy, whilst the leads Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott sing well. Nasim Pedrad as the handmaiden leaves a mark with her timing, whereas Marwan Kenzari as Jaffar and Navid Negahban as the Sultan lend able support.

The film has great production qualities and brings back many memories from the 1992 original.

2.5/5

[sandeepadnani]

Sonu ke Titu ki Sweety (2018)

Saw this one recently and had a gala time laughing, as it reminded me so much of my friendships. The ‘bro code’ and all that it entails is shown with abandon and how some friends know you better than yourself is an endearing undercurrent of the film.

Then enters a beautiful proposal which turns complicated. Kartik Aryan (Sonu) plays the protective realist to his dear friend Sunny Nijar (Titu) the eternal romantic, who becomes enchanted with Nushrat Bharucha (Sweety).

Comedy from start to finish, with a pinch of emotions to add to the taste, the film is a riot! Exploring friendships in the details for both the older and younger generations, it deserves all the praise and success it has gotten. Great music and direction!

3.5/5