Kubo and the two strings is a masterclass in packaging a fun filled fantasy adventure punctuated by jaw dropping visual grandeur while having a neat little life lesson tucked away for someone willing to see beyond the glitz!
Bank robberies committed by Cowboys in Texas – that’s something not so unique to sell, but “Hell or High Water” has more to offer than just that. Diligent acting and eye-pleasing captures of the Texas landscape, aided by a particularly well-orchestrated screenplay, makes it quite a pulsating western film!
“Manchester by the Sea” is a flawlessly executed narrative of complex human emotions in the wake of inevitable situations that life throws at us. Unveiled at an apt and unhurried pace to maximize the impact, it is indeed a treasure to be cherished!
A movie that entertains from start to finish has to have a lot of heart shown from the cast and technical crew - “LaLa Land” is fortunate to enjoy the benefits of just that kind of a pristine effort. A grandiose presentation of songs, dance and visuals serves as the perfect Glossy cover-up for a drifting story!
Following Masaan, debutant filmmaker Shubhashish Bhutiani’s Hotel Salvation is another indie gem with the fabulous Varanasi as its backdrop. Restrained performances and witty writing makes this an enjoyable roller-coaster of emotions.
Bogan has an interesting premise and offers a little hope as it starts but focus on peripheral elements takes away the hope and makes us yearn for the end-credits scroll even as we get a little over the half-way mark.
Revelations is an assured debut from Vijay Jayapal. The film explores complex themes such a guilt, sexuality, loneliness and empowerment and emerges successful thereby delighting audiences world over.
'Adhe Kangal' has the perfect canvas and subject to create an intriguing and taut thriller, but falls short of its destiny courtesy a protagonist sans presence and an admirable story sans impact. Even strong characterisations and the brilliance of the technical team cannot revive this blurry attempt!
The last quarter of the year, for all practical purposes over the last few years, is an extended one going by the latest trend of movies releasing in the last couple of weeks in December. Such schedules have gone on to become a film editor's nightmare who would otherwise have his/her list prepared in time for the New Year's Eve. Precisely for that reason, we have our last quarter's coverage extended to the week before Pongal. Over this extended quarter, there were two grand festivals - The Navarathiri week that was lit up by the Remo, Rekka, Devi trio followed by Deepavali, which, despite the lack of a huge star film release, clicked with the release of Dhanush's Kodi that surprised us with its meaty role on offer for the female lead! Gautham's reunion with Simbu in AYM was the big release in November & with the Chennai Sharks' reunion in Venkat Prabhu's Chennai-28 II early in December, the holiday mood got set in advance. The year ended on a fine note with 21 year old Karthick Naren's Dhuruvangal 16 coming literally out of nowhere and knocking the viewers over with its presentation. 2017 might be that year, after years, when films of all the four big stars in Kollywood might have a release. Which 4 are we talking about?! We will leave that to your imagination. On that note, let's head to give one last good-bye to 2016 with our picks from its last quarter.
Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru is a feather to the cap of Tamizh cinema which makes you believe in the old adage that content is always king. A fabulously packaged thriller from a young team with a captivating Rahman taking us through 100 odd thrilling minutes.
