Batman vs Superman : Dawn of Justice [2016]

Language - English
Director - Zack Snyder
Run Time - 2 hours, 33 minutes
Genre - Action/Drama
Starring - Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons

Before I start this review, I'd like to say that do not compare this movie with the Christopher Nolan trilogy, he is in a league of his own. Also, do not compare this with a Marvel movie,because they are bound to introduce laughter in their films to make it more 'family-friendly'.

Yes, the movie has some serious loopholes and unexplained agendas, but let me tell you, coming from an avid comic book reader, this is how most comics are. Yes, there are faults with the movie - it did try to cram up a lot of things in 2 and a half hours, and yes, it did seem haphazard at times, but overall, I would say Snyder made a hell of a movie. Apart from the shoddy editing.

The movie is just like a Dc comic book came on screen in a motion picture , In comics some actions don't need any explanation , it is left to explore in the future , or the stories don't have to make sense, that's the beauty of a comic book , That's why I liked the movie in spite of all other issues.
If they do not explain the dystopian future dream sequence (Is it a reference to Injustice?) and how Luthor is able to know identities of Superman, Wonder Woman and the rest, then it shall be quite a disappointment.

Affleck did justice to the role of Bruce Wayne, as did Jeremy Irons as Alfred. Cavill had already established himself as a perfect Superman, and my oh my, Gal Gadot as Diana Prince, a.k.a Wonder Woman is a treat for the eyes. Even Lex Luthor's craziness is quite perfectly embodied by Jesse Eisenberg. Although I'll say I'm very discontented at the first looks of Flash and Aquaman. They don't even remotely look what they are portrayed in the comics. Also, Doomsday looks like 'Abomination' from 'Incredible Hulk' then what he really is.

Set after the events of Man of Steel, Bruce Wayne holds Superman guilty for the collateral damage caused by the fight between Zod and Kal-El, and thus seeds are sown for a showdown. What do we know that it was mastermind Lex Luthor pulling the strings?

The action sequences are fabulous, especially the one-on-ones between our Dark Knight and the Man of Steel. Add in Wonder Woman and Doomsday to this, and you've got a feast. The movie pays homage to comic characters Mercy Graves, mention of the 'Langs' and also a Jason Todd reference.

What is also does is give a good base for the Justice League movies, albeit I admit, I'll be really sad if there's no Hal Jordan. I'm also intrigued to know if Luthor was talking about Brainiac or Darkseid?
Both are some of the biggest villains in the DC Universe. This website does point towards Brainiac though -https://www.lex-os.io/

The best scene of the movie, which deserves special mention in my opinion is when Superman is down and tells Batman to save Martha. Oh My fucking God it never occurred to me that both Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne's mother's have the same first name. Snyder has used this little bit of coincidence perfectly.

Last but not the least, Hans Zimmer kills it again with this background score as always.

Can't wait for Suicide Squad now.



My Rating - 7.4/10

Kapoor and Sons [2016]

Language - Hindi
Director - Shakun Batra
Run Time - 2 hours, 12 minutes
Genre - Drama/Comedy
Starring - Siddharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak and Rajat Kapoor

I have to admit ,when I heard that a Karan Johar movie is being released starring Siddharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt, the horrors of 'Student of the Year' came back to me, and I instantly made up my mind not to watch it.  But after hearing amazing reviews, I had to watch it and see for myself.

And yes, it turned out to be an amazing movie. Bollywood movies' standards have dropped so low, there are barely 5-10 decent films every year, and Kapoor and Sons is definitely one of them. A heart-warming, chuckle-filled family tale which pleases everyone.

What's different about this movie is that it sheds away the tag of a perfect family. Here is a family where a grandfather openly talks about watching porn, the husband cheats on this wife, and the kids are leading sad and dysfunctional lives. Thank God, it does not follow the cliche of all is well, happy endings.

All actors play out their roles effortlessly, as the movie focuses on each character and gives them space to flourish. Yes, the movie is at times predictable, but a delight to watch nonetheless.

The plot is quite simple, with Rahul (Fawad) and Arjun (Siddharth) being called back to India due to their 'dadu' (Rishi) suffering a heart-attack. Thus, happens a long overdue family reunion, when the 'can of worms' erupts and out comes flaring bags of tempers and some long kept secrets. Add some more Drama which the general India audience requires, and that sums up the storyline.

Commenting on individual actors, Rishi Kapoor deserves the most applauds for his portrayal of the lovable and naughty 'dadu'. With tons of makeup, I did not recognize him at first :O

Ratna Pathak is fun to watch as the jealous wife, whereas Rajat Kapoor also serves his role justice.

Fawad, Alia and Siddharth share amazing chemistry and drive the film. Fawad and Alia, in my opinion, are brilliant actors and the future stars of the industry, Siddharth, not so much.

The songs, as usual, were lame and unnecessary, and should have been eliminated.

Overall, a nice watch,`which leaves you with a feel good sensation. Go for it.

My Rating - 7.2/10