iamshadab Reviews

Irumbu Thirai (2018)

A Hollywood remake would be totally apt.

[8/10 · 31 December 2019]

I'm not much into South Indian movies, but this is a whole different league. The story is written brilliantly written but somewhere the direction of the movie is so fast paced that you cant get a grip of things. Samantha in her supporting role was sheer brilliant although Vishal could've been better. The movie deals with internet fraud, data handling and the darknet as well. How data is the new gold in this commercial world. Although there were some flaws in the interpretation that could've been fixed. The movie is quite enjoyable and thought provoking at the same time. I would love to see a Hollywood remake of this

Joker (I) (2019)

What he did was wrong, but was it the right thing to do at the moment ?

[10/10 · 9 November 2019]

The creative liberty given to the director/writers has given a new blend on the way you look at the joker. You don't need to be a fan of DC and/or the joker to engulf in to this epic saga of the journey of a transformation of a character. Every moment you have sympathy with the protagonist, he outsmarts you and surprises with the next move. The cringe it creates what happens next and results in another fiasco.All the time you ask yourself what he did was wrong, but was it the right thing to do at the moment ? The so cleverly written movie was very well crafted and Joaquin Phoenix deserves all the respect on impersonating the soul of the character, Todd Phillip from his history of making movies has totally changed, He has become joined the big boys league now. It would be a sin here not to mention clockwork orange and how someone is forcefully made into something, although joker here was more forced by the society. And finally, Heath Ledger, the joker from the dark Knight, this was how a psychotic mind like him will become after few years past. Saying which one was better is a bad comparison to make. But with all respects to heath ledger, Joaquin Phoenix faced the gradient of character, which gives him the lead.

Teefa In Trouble (2018)

A well appreciated attempt.

[7/10 · 31 March 2019]

How Hollywood and Indian film industry impacts Pakistani film industry clearly shows in the movie, but the movie has moments that makes it different from them, specifically mentioning the Pakistani style of humor that is not common in any other movie industry. The story and direction is simple and meant purely for entertainment. What these days is called popcorn movie. and a family entertainer. Ali Zafar has improvised very much in the department of acting. And Javed Sheikh as usual has given an plausible work. Maya Ali looked glamorous and yes she can act, Would love to see her where she has more challenging roles. Cinematography of the movie is something that should get a special mention here. Every frame in the movie looks beautiful and that's the reason I gave an extra star to the rating else it would've been a 6.

My verdict: Go for it. it's a family entertainer.

Indru Netru Naalai (2015)

How South Indian blend of H.G. Wells's classic "Time Machine" will be...

[5/10 · 15 February 2018]

Kudos to the director for he take the risk not many will to do, for sure not in any other north Indian Industry willing to take. The movie has every other south Indian masala minus the action. Coming about the part what makes me dislike the misadventure, What level of fool would you be to spend the money printed in 2015 in the year where you don't have the level of printing technologies like now ? It's like two 12 year olds are playing with a machine which can interpolate the whole universe. Okay there are some clever interpretations about time travel, but all the complexities of time travel, and the time paradoxes clearly ignored. The movie is a south Indian vision about how HG wells's story "Time Machine" will be. The story is still original as there are only few things taken from the real one. Overall, I'd suggest to ignore this if you are a cult Sci-Fi fan, otherwise it's a good watch. Hope I clear the mist why I rated it 5/10.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Spider-man Comes Home

[9/10 · 19 July 2017]

Since it's a reboot, we already know the story of how spider-man gets its power, thus this was a move that the time can be used in the formation of plot. Second clever move was a young spider-man. The movie is all about a school going superhero as suggested by the name. The limits of spider-man are observed for the first time and why is he considered an underdog in the MCU is also reasoned in the movie. As I say how Hollywood is getting more mature every-day can be scene that the emphasis was not on a VFX treat but on the story, Tom Holland as a learning spider-man was brilliant. There limited space for Michael Keaton and he justified it.

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

Chilling...

[10/10 · 19 July 2017]

I was simply trying to avoid the movie as there are many other movies to be focused. But the raves received (Yes they are worth)made me overlook my decision and I went for it. I bet one cannot simply predict what's going to happen next for such cleverly written screenplay. The movie is the proof of how mature Hollywood is becoming.

The eyewash and lavishing landscapes for what the world would be if human extincts. The hunger for power and control on the world, even when they are about to extinct.

Woody Harrelson as the colonel was one of the most outstanding part of the fabric,and of-course, all hail the Caeser. The Irony is, being human, the support for Apes is the war was only because of him.

For the Director Matt Reeves, I believe The Batman movie is totally justified, yes he has a Nolan like themed direction and yet it's his own style. When I said Hollywood getting matured. It's that the primary focus was on to tell the story rather than making it a visual effects treat.

All in all, the movie is a "Must Watch" for good cinema fans...

Doctor Strange (2016)

Spellbound......

[8/10 · 7 November 2016]

When you go to a movie with the sky high expectations, and you get multiverse, multi-dimensions. Yes you get that.

The Animators and visuals are so great enough to get the Oscar of this year, (specially the multiverse journey of strange, I wish that just not to stop) you can quote my words, so if you haven't watched it yet, I'd suggest you to go to an IMAX, or the best projection available in your place.

Out of all the versions of Doctor Strange you know, this one is a conqueror of all, but then, the story telling lacks the bit about how this all is happening, Benedict Cumberbatch, you indeed did your homework very well, and somehow the character Doctor Strange has needed the same proudy self centered like Sherlock.

And for the MCU, you are making us more and more curious to your work by making our expectations grow more just because they get fulfilled every next time.

Gattu (2011)

A "lost in a herd " "low budget" Gem...

[10/10 · 14 September 2016]

I didn't've known of such movie if the cable networks were out of business, so first of all, thanks to my cable network as if you were not there, I was hardly even get to know about such a film exists, even IMDb didn't list the title in general search. The lighthearted attempt for a grieve and serious issue of child labour and education like "I am Kalam" the movie I am Kalam was famous because it has used India's most loved president's name, and successfully achieved the hike and media attention, this one, not that lucky.

The story is simple, heartwarming, and a happy ending, a perfect remedy for a children movie. The actors, specially "Gattu", a kid that loves flying kites definitely marks an impression on you. there are moments in the movie when I sincerely wanted to pat his back for the optimisation he had made to the character. The support cast was also good...

All in all, it proved a surprise low budget entertainer for me, if only capitalism and industrialisation in the industry would have decreased or else some big names have supported it, It would've only increased the value for quality cinema here in India. But then, I guess the story speaks for itself as well.....

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

Imbalanced...

[6/10 · 28 May 2016]

First things first, movie is good, but there's a lot more that could've been better, like they can link the movie with X MEN Origins: Wolverine, as there is a sequence where it feels connected but not the way it should, the story, well every comic fan knows what and who apocalypse is, but his get-up and make-up was awful, and people who are not familiar with comics will definitely don't feel connected to the story.

Psiloc has finally mad her debut in the series, and she is how she was in the comics (only thing that relieved in the movie to see her that way)but still her character and her powers needed explanation too, she's probably one of the influential mutant but they just avoided her may be due to the whip which makes her similar to Wonder-Woman.

The movie has became more of a special effects treat rather than a complete package, although there are elements which you'd like too, this movie is made for Magneto, or naming it X MEN:Magneto will not be a bad idea, and yes, you must watch it if you are a fan of him... And here I'm talking about the good Magneto, not much here for fans of wolverine rather than just cameo...

Verdict : Watch it only if you are fan of XMEN series, else there's not much for a average movie goer....

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Iron Man steals the show...

[9/10 · 24 April 2015]

Yes ! Expectations were way too high, being fortunate that it released in India among selected countries, a week earlier than the rest. thanks to the distribution houses. The Marvel-Disney joined together will rule the superhero industry has been proved again. It's obvious to compare a sequel from the last one. So this time, the movie is less comic, and more action, lots of action. And this time, the team has grown bigger than the last one, the only problem is next time, the justification of screen appearance.

The script writers have totally justified the story about what kind of super-villain will they need, although there were stuff you want to know how it happened but the pace of the movie doesn't gives you the chance to sink in the think,

Iron man, stood as the captain of the team, so yes he is everywhere in the movie, Hulk and Bruce, both of them gave a noticeable part, and as usual. You do miss Nick fury and SHIELD in this one. Thor was there and Captain America was negligible for me. Only there for killing and action,

Quicksilver not as enjoyable as X-Men: Days of the future past, and Scarlett witch was superb.

So the question is, as I said in the start, expectations were too high, so does it meet the expectation...?

Definitely, make sure not to miss this one....

PK (2014)

This movie is the need of the hour.....

[9/10 · 19 December 2014]

When you have Amir Khan and Raju Hirani and Abhijat Joshi on one movie, expectations made are such that sky is the limit, but then, that's the problem with the system, if any less famous team did the same venture, the movie doesn't gets the exposure. After all, they are the expectations of bollywood that it may survive the quality cinema, and movies like this decreases the difference between movies for the class and movies for the mass. Quality entertainment, yes you have it.

Well enough of chit chat, The movie: As it is expected, Amir steals the show, at the end, you are supposed to have sympathy with PK what I really felt, there was not much but supportive role from Anushka what she gave, the script somehow tries not to involve into any trouble somewhere feels not to involve too much, but it relieves the intellectual that they see what they expected to see. Although movie has several spots where it loses the pace, but for the requirement, it is required to get the best recipe. If you ask me "Could it get any better ? " My answer is an unfortunate yes, but then, the better will be quite negligible..

It's basically a satire on Indian subcontinental society and yes it is a work of master that will mark with the time pass by....

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Missing Sam Raimi all the way....

[4/10 · 3 May 2014]

Being a huge fan of Spiderman, went to watch it First Day First Show and being among the first to be disappointed by the flick, there are lots of drawbacks that were making me feel "wait... what ???" and thus the film goes and the way this loosely bounded script can not be resulted in a better movie, coz seriously, the making of max as "Electro" is not as justified as the villains in previous Spiderman movies had, it all looks like a mess, the only thing that one can enjoy in the movie are some action sequences among the movie, beyond that, a few humorous jokes are good too, but you'll be disappointed if you look for a story in the movie. If you talk about the acting, the best one was Jamie Foxx as "Electro" , as he justifies the need of the character which was still misguided in the script, he should be pity and it makes you feel too, Emma stone as Gwen Stacy was good too, but yes Andrew Garfield, you disappointed a little bit.

If someone ask me for an Amazing Spiderman 3, I'll not be going with Mark Webb as a choice for that, we want our Great Sam Raimi back as the Spiderman maker...

In the end, it's better to wait for a DVD released version and watch at home unless you only want it to look for its special effects on big screen....

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

This time, cap has gone way far...

[10/10 · 21 April 2014]

First of all, its the best overall entertainer movie this year to date. Now to begin with story, if someone narrate it verbally to you, you might find it childish and funny, but well build script, packed with all the action that is required. Coz when we talk about Cap'n America, there are no super powers in him, that limits the writers from thinking super powers. It's a Super hero limited with resources, and the challenge was to beautifully taken and furthermore, tighter Direction and well timed acting of whole team, and the special effects team. Together they have served a wonderful movie that would be a new benchmark for Superhero movies.

The Action of the movie is also another reason one should see the movie, and my favorite was the starting ship sequence.

Whole movie is like a thrill ride and the first half keeps your mind so uncomfortable that what is it going on ? and makes you stick to your seat while not to miss any part of it. the 3D version is average and is okay to watch it in 2D.

Final words... If you are a fan of The Avengers series, this is something you should not miss....

The Avengers (2012)

Expectations were too high, but what I found is Hilarious

[10/10 · 4 May 2012]

When we are about to see a movie which has a superhero, we automatically associate our expectations, but this time we've got six of them... So its obvious to expect things from it. So this time, they have changed the rule book. They concentrated on other factors that affects, and this time they came up with giving it a comic appearance than comics, and boy, they came out as winners, I didn't remembered any other Hollywood movie I laughed out so much and the good thing is its a movie you can enjoy with your family as there are no or negligible vulgarities into it.

The movie takes it to the next level of movie making with superheroes. The Autopsy of movie will destroy your will to read this review, my verdict is don't miss it, its an adventure of a lifetime....

The Hunger Games (2012)

Yet Another Step towards a dumber world

[3/10 · 5 April 2012]

I saw the movie, and found it crap, if IMDb permitted me to review in less than 10 lines, my review is over, but fate.

So if you ask me why am I writing this review, than the point is that I didn't came out of the mental; tortures of the twilight series, watched every movie with an expectation that this one will be better, but it only proved that previous one was not bad.

Book series can't always supposed to be as good as Harry Potter, no offense to book fans, the book is good, but not supposed to be a movie and if you do this, the results are disastrous, and moreover, the ratings of the movie are approving this dumbness. But what to expect in a generation of Justin Beiber and Twilight series to be happening... Sorry folks but nothing to read in the review, nothing in the movie also.

The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations (2009)

You can't recook a cooked food, you can only serve it with something else, and that's what the movie does,

[7/10 · 12 November 2011]

Although there is no doubt in saying that I have seen better movies than this one, but the point about this movie is that it is a newer experiment, while talking about the sequel, we know what happened before, so we can't serve the same thing again, and that's the new requirement that occurs, so when we talk about TBE 2, they recooked, and in TBE 3, they used the plot of the other twos as an appetizer for your food and then goes the story, there is no doubt the story is average but still while we talk about time travel, the writers are always in dilemma to hold firm to the script so that flaws should be avoided, and this is how they deal with the story,

Overall, I do realized about the climax what's going to happen but then the end somehow lefts you unsatisfied, but having no other option, you have to accept it....

My verdict : Watch if you have watched the other parts of the series...

Doctor Dolittle (1998)

For the First time, A Hindi Dubbed Version takes over the English

[8/10 · 9 March 2011]

First of all, Let me tell you I am writing this review for the Hindi Dubbed Version, so if you watch the English one, this review is of no use....

Man, I never remembered laughing this much in a family Hollywood movie Dubbed in Hindi. In fact the Hindi version takes over the English one. Hats off to the Dubbing Artists, they gave the animal character's voices to different mimicry artist which brings a stupendously funny feeling for the movie..., So if you understand Hindi, then a must watch for the whole family, no explicit content or cheap jokes either, the artists that made the animals speak, the translators adding extra efforts to the dubbings brought it to life, my review, A Must Watch if you understand Hindi and knows Bollywood......

The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)

At the end, I was shivering, not of fear, but the THRILL

[9/10 · 17 November 2010]

When I heard the plot of the movie, I thought jokingly that how exciting will it be watching them killing lions, i.e. always heard of hunting etc... But the Movie takes this to an ultra high level which is extremely remarkable, for a movie its just Awesome. The Tsavo maneaters are the second lead and of-course, the background score was fantastic enough to be given an Oscar. Talking about it, the movie successes to make you realize the insanity of the Tsavo maneaters and lets you feel the thrill to enroll within the movie, to the instant i.e. the sequences when John and Remington were left alone at the site to hunt them makes you get your eyes searching every corner to the screen.

Overall, The movie being from 1996 that is quite old enough time for now, still hits the mind when watched...

So my view, definitely watch it...

Tere Bin Laden (2010)

Sikander Gave An Award Winning Performance,

[8/10 · 22 July 2010]

Just Watched the movie Today, the Concept was Brilliant and the Laden fake worked just fantastic. And his Sikander was astonishing. Yup, the movie will be a bit disappointment for the American in some scenes but tolerable, overall this is not a laughter riot but a laughter ride, A light Movie to go for, Talking About the performance, the poor Laden Fake was fantastic and done his part of Job, and he was the most memorized character of the movie when you finished watching it, Ali Zafar was good for first Timer, but the Show Stealer was Pradhuman Singh, The Laden Fake,

Final Verdict : If you have the Time, Go for it.

Avatar (2009)

Thank God, It ended,

[2/10 · 10 February 2010]

This movie is meant for those who love to see without using brain and heart, You'll ask yourself "Is it the same Cameroon, whom we know???"

and most of all, the story deals with, not another planet yet an Indian Tribal Village, and that what they call "Navi" are the Naxalists of it, for those who don't know, are some sort of terrorist, what takes a revolutionist kind of approach to make it happen, so nothing new for me in the story, So can say Cameroon to plagiarize it ??

The 2 score is only given to the feel what sometimes occurs to see the jungle,

Nothing else....

Aa Dekhen Zara (2009)

Could've been better, but not bad at all

[6/10 · 28 April 2009]

Beginning with the story, the overall plot was good, but it shows laking of budget resulting in less use of technology. For a debut director I will say has to work more harder to improve, else the acting were OK, but Rahul Dev's character acting leaves a mark to the mind after watching it, you could've think of him at the end. New concept for a Hindi film makes it markable, the ratings cut due to average direction, average acting, and less binding power in the movie, But I'll still say watch it for a different experience generally absent in Hindi movies, a different flavor,

All in all I'll say far more to go, but a good attempt.

my rating, 3/5