Logan [2016]

Language - English
Director - James Mangold
Run Time - 2 hours. 17 mins
Genre - Action/Drama
Starring - Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart

Logan is not the movie Wolverine needed, but the movie Wolverine deserved (hope you guys get the ref). Logan is a high octane adrenaline pumping film that serves as a perfect conclusion to Hugh Jackman's rein over the character for the past 17 years.

The movie is set in a semi post-apocalyptic world - for mutants at least, with only few of them surviving. Amongst those are our dear favourites James Howlett a.k.a Logan and a 90 year old Charles Xavier. They are swept up into saving a child with some very familiar adamantium claws and therein starts the cat and mouse run.

Hugh Jackman finally gets to display the wild animal Wolverine is in this movie and he leaves no-holds-barred. It's violence and gore that exhilarates and drives up the adrenaline. And it's not only Wolverine who does that for us but the surprise package of the movie, Dafne Keen as the wild untamed daughter of Wolverine, Laura.

When the movie is not violent, it is emotional and sentimental and gives you the 'feels' consistently. It might be the best X-men movie yet (and I'm not counting Deadpool). Also, it derives partly from the brilliant 'Old Man Logan' storyline in the comics is another hallmark to one of the greatest, if not the greatest anti-hero ever.

Hugh Jackman does not disappoint, and the franchise seems to be far from over. No one will be able to replace Hugh Jackman easily.

A must watch for action movie fans, a movie that redefines the superhero genre and gives Wolverine a lasting legacy.

My Rating - 8.4/10

The LEGO Batman Movie [2017]

Language - English
Director - Chris Mckay
Run Time - 1 hour, 44 minutes
Genre - Animated/Comedy/Superhero
Starring - Will Arnett, Ralph Fiennes, Zach Galifianakis and Michael Cera

The Lego Batman movie disappointed me big time! Rather than what could have been a deserving spin-off of the Lego Movie, it has been presented as a parody on Batman promulgating "teamwork". It is therefore, not a movie 'for-all-ages' and would enthrall only kids, as I witnessed in the theater too.

Although, not all is wrong with the movie. It has some delightful cracks at the Batman mythos and a running gag on Iron Man. Introduction of characters from other franchises is always welcome, Voldemort, Sauron and King Kong for example in this case. The animation, like previously, is spot-on and the wide variety of Batman Rogues' gallery is also appreciated.

But quite frankly, the originality and freshness of its predecessor is missing. Phil Lord and Christopher Millers, the original directors could not deliver us the same awesomeness as producers which they did as directors. The plot is quite predictable, and the action sequences is a tad bit on the excessive side.

A movie kids would love but not all adults.

My Rating - 6.7/10

John Wick : Chapter Two [2017]

Language - English
Director -  Chad Stahelski
Run Time - 2 hours, 2 minutes
Genre - Action
Starring - Keanu Reeves

John Wick is back! And he has managed to keep us on the edge of our seats yet again. The movie picks up from where the first one left off. The story starts from the point where John goes to collect his stolen car from the Russians who had stolen it in the first place, and the action sequences also pick up from there. Since very few sequels plug the loose ends from their predecessor, a big plus point for this movie for having executed the same flawlessly.

John Wick was a niche movie, and not everyone liked it. Same can be said for the second chapter as well. But those who liked the first part will be happy with this movie as Keanu gives an adrenaline pumping performance yet again. You should not mess with the boogeyman because John Wick will take revenge on you. With his house burned down, and forced to come out of retirement, yet again, he is angry. Beware Baba Yaga a.k.a the Boogeyman.

The movie is stylish, suave and provides for a good trilogy at the end. But they should end it at a trilogy and not milk it fail like in 'The Bourne trilogy'. Keanu looks nowhere close to his age - 52. He looks the same as when Matrix came out, well except for the long hair and beard now. His performance is consistent. All action sequences have been shot amazingly, coupled with some great CGI and stunt work.

Other assassins like Cassian, the mute Ares as well as characters like Winston, the concierge, and Gianna D'Antonio, as well as elements like the operator, Continental rules, etc, add a certain level of depth to the film which would otherwise turn out to be just a never-ending battle for John.

Looking forward to the third part in 2018!

Great movie. A must for action lovers.

My Rating 7.5/10