◄REViEWS OF FOREiGN MOViES► IInd THREAD

[Cinemalover]

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

Ghostbusters enthusiasts will find Frozen Empire a satisfying addition to the franchise. While it may not be a game-changer, this consistently engaging film serves up an adequate mix of nostalgia and entertainment, punctuated by thrilling set-pieces - the finale, which unfolds across the New York City skyline, being a particular standout.


Land of Bad (2024)

A welcome throwback to the likes of Behind Enemy Lines, Land of Bad is a visceral, old-school thrill ride that resurrects the classic war movie genre. Featuring pulse-pounding action sequences that'll leave you on the edge of your seat, and a dynamic duo led by the charismatic Liam Hemsworth and the legendary Russell Crowe, this one is a briskly-paced actioner.


Monkey Man (2024)

Monkey Man is a cinematic wildfire that blazes with unbridled passion, but ultimately gets lost in its own metaphysical haze. What begins as a gritty, pulse-pounding action drama morphs into a thematic jumble, overindulging in spiritual symbolism and cryptic messaging. Don't get me wrong, this film is a masterclass in kinetic energy and unapologetic intensity, but its narrative inconsistency is a pesky speed bump that derails the viewing experience. It's like a rebellious punk rock song - explosive, attention-grabbing, and relentless, but also a bit disjointed and rough around the edges.


Civil War (2024)

Civil War is the cinematic equivalent of a punch to the gut - not because of its visceral and unflinching narrative, but because it dared to whisper a haunting truth in our ears: this could be our tomorrow. With eerie prescience, the film conjures a dystopian near-future that feels alarmingly within reach, like a dark prophecy waiting to unfold. It's a mirror held up to our society, reflecting our deepest fears and most primal instincts. The scariest part? We can't look away, because deep down, we know it's not just a movie - it's a warning.

A masterclass in immersive storytelling, with a visual grammar that's both beautiful and brutal, Civil War is a big screen spectacle you wouldn't want to miss.

[Naradhan]

Abigail

Vampire sub-grenre, kidilan making enookke paranju aanu vanne.... Nalla oola sadhanam. Renfield-nekkal mosham... Its not Abigail, more like Abi-fail...

[Cinemalover]

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

A supremely entertaining, but imperfect, addition to the series.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a visually stunning and action-packed installment, bursting with grand ideas and heart-pumping sequences. However, despite its best efforts, it fails to reach the same heights as the original trilogy. While its predecessors excelled in emotional depth, this film prioritizes spectacle over substance. The result is a thrilling, yet slightly shallow, experience that lacks the intensity and dramatic punch that fans have come to expect from the franchise.

In the end, this solid sequel successfully steers the franchise in a fresh direction, proving there's still plenty of life left in the series. With a new course set, the apes show no signs of running out of steam anytime soon.

[Cinemalover]

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

Drawing from Winston Churchill's declassified files, Guy Ritchie's The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare proves a sturdy addition to his diverse filmography, even if it doesn't quite stand out from the crowd. While its intriguing story has plenty of potential, Ritchie surprisingly prioritizes spectacle over suspense – a misstep for a genre that demands more. Henry Cavill's irresistible charm and the film's sumptuous production values are the mainstays that keep the movie afloat.

[Ali Bhai]

Saltburn (2023):

This movie required a totally different approach to work.

Needed a focused and tighter narration. Instead priority is given to shock-value scenes and "look-how-weird-characters-are" style of narration.

Too late twist into the plot didn't help either.........

Featuring one of the cringiest scenes I have ever witnessed in a movie screen



1.5/5

[advaithh09]

Under Paris (French/Netflix)

Bore adikathe chumma kandirikkan patiya oru padam, shark attack aanu base, 1:45Hrs ollu, ending kollam, sthiram ithpolathe padangalil kand varunna oru template ending alla.

Time undel kand nokk

[Cinemalover]

A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

This impressive prequel retains the original's most effective elements - a poignant human story and unrelenting tension - while introducing fresh nuances that bode well for the franchise's future. Day One is a chilling addition to the series, skillfully building on familiar themes while injecting new life into the narrative, making it a compelling and exciting evolution.

[Ali Bhai]

Creep (2014) & Creep 2 (2017):

Creep completely rests on the shoulders of the lead actor Mark Duplass (aka the creep) to pull off this experimental/documentary type films as there are only 2 characters.

To my luck the man is as talented as he can be...

For both films, I give 4/5..thoroughly enjoyed these low budget mysteries.



An insanely talented MARK DUPLASS in a bathtub

[Ali Bhai]

Dune 2 (2024) :

What is the common factor among the great sci films like Alien, Aliens, The Matrix, Terminator 1&2, independence day, Predator?? I mean other than the plot, it's making & script?

Yes. The characters.

Dune's greatest weakness is it's wooden and one-note characters and their stiff dialogues.

The plot itself is boring, atleast the characters should have some life in them.
Villeneuve spent lots of time perfecting the grandeur and visual epicness, he forgot to fine tune the script and to make the characters feel real.

Direction ✅
Music ✅
Sound design✅
Visual ✅

Plot👎
Script👎
Characters👎
Dialogue 👎

I was very disappointed with what he did with Dune 1. Then I tried to read the original material and realized it was not Villeneuve 's fault.
The source material itself is a drab.......
There is not much he can do here
2.5/5

[Ali Bhai]

Furiosa : A mad max saga (2024)

From the visionary mind of the great George Miller, comes an inferior needless prequel to the fury road that came 10 years before.

But aside some jaw dropping action sequences and a stunning cinematography, why everything seems weightless and hollow?

Chris hemsworth as Dementus is another positive
2/5