Dunkirk [2017]

Language - English
Director - Christopher Nolan
Run Time - 1 hour, 46 minutes
Genre - Action/Drama
Starring - Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy

While I will not say 'Dunkirk' is the greatest war film or the greatest Christopher Nolan film, I do indeed say that it is a grandiose masterpiece from the extremely talented, older Nolan brother.

Dunkirk is a film about the events of 'Dunkirk evacuation' where 400,000 soldiers were trapped on a beach amidst a German onslaught. While Dunkirk does not have an elaborate plot or mind-wracking concept [Inception, Interstellar, Memento], it does manage to expose and magnify human emotions in a war-zone. Nolan exhibits his narrative from three perspectives - air, sky, and land and one appreciates it when it all comes in to sync later in the movie. Accompanied by Hans Zimmer's beautiful score, it just becomes even more satisfying.

All actors in the ensemble give brilliant performances. Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy, although with small roles, perform gloriously. Fionn Whitehead as Tommy and surprisingly, Harry Styles [One Direction] as Alex also give a commanding performance.

Each and every scene of the film is gorgeous, and for the first time in a Nolan movie, feels real, as the movie is based on a true story. The intensity and ardour of the soldiers is captured by him beautifully and every single frame is thrilling.

Go see it in IMAX if possible, the cinematography is just exquisite. But do see it nonetheless too.

My Rating - 8.3/10

Spider-Man : Homecoming [2017]

Language - English
Director - Jon Watts
Run Time - 2 hours, 13 minutes
Genre - Superhero/Action
Starring - Tom Holland, Michael Keaton,  Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr. and Marisa Tomei

Homecoming is a pleasant Spider-Man reboot. After 5 movies of Spider-man, we did not need yet another origin story, and that is where this movie succeeds. Instead of pouring a good 45-50 minutes into a backstory for Peter, his parents, Uncle Ben and how he became Spider-Man; this movie almost perfectly syncs our friendly neighborhood Spiderman into the MCU. [Marvel Cinematic Universe]

For me, Tobey Maguire will always be Spider-Man, but one has to credit Tom Holland for his performance - may he be the Spider-Man to a whole new generation. Also, I'm so glad that a new villain - 'Vulture' [Michael Keaton] was introduced, too much of Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus anyways. Tony Stark and Happy Hogan fill in with some cameos

Homecoming carries on from post Civil War. Peter, having got a glimpse of the 'avengerous' lifestyle, is waiting impatiently for Tony Stark's call but is left hanging high and dry by Tony, as well as Happy, the point-man between Tony and him. Thus, when he witnesses some strange alien guns in the market, he tries to take matters into his own hand, and expectedly, fails. Therein we have the customary 'fall before you may rise' superhero moment.

The movie is quite predictable at times, but it is still a fun movie, with enough of action and humour for everyone to enjoy. It's a 'coming of age' movie for our little web-slinger which follows completely new storyline and characters. Expected a lot more from the mid-credits scene; very bleh.

Another thing I've noticed is that 'Aunt May' keeps getting younger with every reboot. And hotter?

Could be a one-time watch for all.

My Rating - 7.2/10

Baby Driver [2017]

Language - English
Director - Edgar Wright
Run Time - 1 hour, 53 minutes
Genre - Action
Starring - Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx and John Bernthal

Baby Driver is a whiff of fresh air. After delivering Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and Scott Pilgrim vs the World, all brilliant movies on their own, and must-watches; Edgar Wright comes back with a spectacle once again. The cast is studded with phenomenal and talented actors,  it's an adventure you should not miss out on.

Ansel Elgort plays 'Baby', a getaway driver who needs music all the time to drown out a ringing in his years caused by an accident when he was young. He wants to get out of this criminal lifestyle but is threatened against doing so by his boss, the Doc, played by Kevin Spacey. Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, John Bernthal and Eiza González play out convincing gangsters. One does not have to worry about the acting in the movie, as the majority of the cast is world-class. Elgort grows in stature by his performance in this movie.

This movie does not have even an ounce of dullness as its extraordinary soundtrack keeps you on edge throughout. The movie proves that even an action-clad thriller can be smartly written and shot as pretty much every shot of the movie was just about perfect. In the opening sequence after the first heist, the lyrics of the song 'Harlem Shuffle' are emphasized by the graffiti and names of stores, etc in the background. This show what an amazing director Mr. Wright is.

Lastly, I shall credit the amazing soundtrack which mixes pop, funk, rock (both modern and old school), RnB, Soul, and Jazz to deliver an array of sounds.

An amazing mix of humor, action, great dialogue, soundtrack, acting and thrills, this movie is a classic.

A must watch for almost everyone. Though I did get the reception from some 50-year olds' that they did not enjoy the movie at all.

My Rating - 8.7/10