Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

6/10

Starring

Paul Rudd

Carrie Coon

Finn Wolfhard

Mckenna Grace

Kumail Nanjiani

 

Directed by Gil Kenan

 

It felt like this movie was rushed out, even though the last Ghostbuster movie was three years ago. Then it was a thrill to see a CGI of the late Harold Ramis (Egon Spengler). The film did a wonderful job when it came to comedy and science. The all-round guckingness of the cast members and the coming together of the crew to save the day, with the addition of the family of the Spenglers, was a nice job. Still, it felt like we just got over the first one and here is another.

As you would expect, the acting was cool. It was a wonderful job the cast did in the movie, but this new addition introduced more characters into the mix, and at times it felt crowded. There were too many people involved in stopping this bad guy that it just did not feel right.

The movie digressed a lot from the matter at hand, and the matter at hand was a creature called Garraka from thousands of years ago, who was trapped in an orb and kept there to save the world from his anger. Now, this creature is no ordinary ghost. The proton packs do not work on this creature, so trying to stop it will require certain skills from the descendant of the people who caught him thousands of years ago.

The movie starts with these new four (Gary, Callie Spengler with her two children Trevor and Phoebe) going about busting ghosts. If you are a fan of the Ghostbusters, you know in doing this, they are also making a mess of the city of New York, and everyone is not happy about it, especially the mayor.

Turns out, Phoebe Spengler was too young to be running around busting ghosts and needed to be benched, which did not go well with her. She was forced to make friends with a ghost in her loneliness.

On another note, the ghost tank in the firehouse is getting full, and they need to transfer the ghosts from there to a new, bigger tank. With all this happening, the orb in which Garraka was trapped was sold to Ray Stanz, who then took it to the company which Winston runs for them to extract the paranormal being in it. But when they tried, it caused so much chaos in the new lab, and almost caused the person working on it to lose a hand to frostbite.

But Garraka wanted out, and he is able to communicate with other ghosts from within the orb to help him get out, promising them anything they wanted.

As you would expect, he got out, and we watch the team, now united with the old team and with the new set of casts, try to stop Garraka and put him back into the orb.

I can say, the movie was not bad, but it still felt like it was too soon, and we have had enough of ghostbusting for a while. The combination of the nostalgic nods, the Spengler family integration, and the dynamic interplay between the new and old cast offered some bright moments, but the story didn’t always deliver the freshness needed to keep the audience thoroughly engaged. While it was enjoyable, it feels like a breather before the next installment would have made this experience more impactful.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

 

5/10

Starring

Rebecca Hall

Brian Tyree Henry

Dan Stevens

Kaylee Hottle

 

Directed by Adam Wingard

 

There must have been two reasons for this film to be like this:

1)      Many people must have clamoured for a film with monsters fighting from start to finish.

2)      The rights to the franchises were going to end and Universal had to make a film to keep it.

This was not a good film. The plot is so straightforward that you could watch it without sound and still understand everything. Monster fights dominate from start to finish, and since Godzilla and Kong are clearly the good guys, anyone opposing them is automatically the villain. Dialogue feels almost redundant, as most of it revolves around Godzilla absorbing radiation and Kong navigating the Hollow Earth, both preparing for an inevitable showdown.

Set three years after Godzilla vs Kong, the film follows Kong exploring Hollow Earth and encountering massive creatures that he quickly dominates. However, he soon comes across a smaller ape-like creature, and their confrontation leads him to a lair filled with others like himself. Here, he faces off against the leader—a sinister ape intent on breaking into the surface world and triggering an ice age. This villain wields control over a Godzilla-like creature, forcing Kong to retreat after a fierce battle.

There are also people living in the hollow earth. It is like a society which seems to have been around for ages, just as long as these monsters have. In this society, they have a prophecy that sees the only savior of the earth is Godzilla and a large butterfly creature working together. You can gather from them that this is not the first time Godzilla had to save the earth, and this is not the first time he had to work together with this creature to do it.

Meanwhile, Godzilla instincts tell him there is a rising threat and begins absorbing all forms of radiation to prepare for the fight. How Godzilla's instinct, somehow tied to the threat and all the reasons he is absorbing, are not well put together. Although mentioned, I felt the movie could have given in to explaining more about the past battles, how these creatures work together. Anyway, it felt like a hole they could have addressed. So as Godzilla is gearing up for a fight, the humans are busy trying to wake the creature that will aid Godzilla in this fight.

The action sequences produce spectacle, but the film lacks balance, with too few moments of human connection or meaningful plot development. If your sole desire is to watch epic monster fights to save humanity, this movie delivers. Otherwise, it offers little substance and feels like an uninspired continuation of its predecessors.

Monkey Man (2024)

Monkey Man (2024)

 

7/10

Starring

Dev Patel

 

Directed by Dev Patel

 

This is Dev Patel’s directorial debut, and he also co-wrote the film. This action thriller follows the classic 80s revenge movie formula but with a modern twist. It doesn’t just focus on the intent for revenge but delves into the deeper reasons behind it. The idea that one man can orchestrate an elaborate plan with some luck and well-placed allies might seem far-fetched, but the film does a commendable job making it feel plausible, as long as you don’t overanalyze the things you see.

The film carries a political tone, with graphic scenes of violence that might not sit well with the Indian community in which it is set. It portrays Third World struggles with corruption, discrimination, and poverty, where individuals exploit spirituality and leadership roles to gain power. Corrupt officials, who should be enforcing checks, only fuel this cycle, amplifying the power of such opportunists.

The movie teases viewers with mild violence early on, leading you to wonder, “Is this what people find so extreme?” Then, at about thirty-seven minutes in, the intensity escalates, delivering moments that truly shock.

The story follows Kid/Bobby/Monkey Man (Dev Patel), who witnessed the massacre of his mother and village as a child. Haunted by the face of the man who robbed him of his family, he dedicates his life to revenge. The film begins with Kid donning a Monkey Man mask and getting beaten in a rigged underground fighting match to earn money. Once he saves enough, he sets his plan in motion. He starts by infiltrating the network of a woman who supplies girls and drugs to influential politicians. Rising through the ranks, he becomes a VIP server and, at his first chance, attempts to kill his target. However, the attempt fails, leaving him on the run halfway through the movie. The rest of the film focuses on his journey to regain focus and complete his long-awaited revenge.

Bringing this film to audiences was no small feat. Concerns about its reception in India delayed its release, with Netflix shelving it after acquiring it in 2021 due to fears of backlash. Thanks to Jordan Peele and Universal Pictures, this film finally saw the light of day. Despite its roots in 80s revenge storytelling, it stands out with cultural depth and a touch of class.

While it may not become a blockbuster for everyone, I assure you that it is an engaging watch. If you’re a fan of revenge thrillers with a unique cultural lens, this film will not disappoint.

The Beekeeper (2024)

The Beekeeper (2024)

3/10

 Starring

Jason Statham

Emmy Raver-Lampman

Josh Hutcherson

Bobby Naderi

 

Directed by David Ayer

The Beekeeper is a Jason Statham action film that delivers exactly what his fans have come to expect: intense fight sequences, implausible feats, and a lot of over-the-top bravado. However, don’t let its flashy presentation or the actor's star power fool you this movie falls short in almost every other aspect.

The dialogue is painfully bad, often feeling as though it was cobbled together by chance, like letting a monkey loose on a typewriter, rather than intent which you will expect from a prolific film writer. The script’s overuse of bee-related terms like "bees," "beehives," and "beekeeper" is relentless and eye rolling. They shoehorned these words into almost every conversation, which then made you feel like screaming and making the movie look silly, repetitive and unintentionally comedic.

The film plot is not manageable, and the execution is laughable. The plot is centered on retired "beekeeper" Adam Clay (played by Statham). In this world, beekeepers are elite killers created by the U.S. government to handle covert or unmanageable situations. Adam, now retired and tending to bees in solitude, is drawn back into action when his friend and neighbor tragically takes her life after being scammed. This sparks Adam's quest for vengeance as he hunts down and takes out those responsible. The premise, while promising some emotional stakes, fails to deliver due to poor execution.

The action sequences are classic Statham, he strolls into a room full of men with guns, and suddenly he has the ability to dodge every bullet and take down everyone with absurd ease. While entertaining at times, the sheer invincibility of his character renders most conflicts predictable and, eventually, tiresome.

I understand that he must be a top-notch unstoppable guy, but there is a point when it started to look ridiculous. It got to a point where his replacement (someone supposedly as good as he is and should be able to stop him) was dealt with, with ease, like pushing over a crying two-year-old.

The movie’s serious tone clashes with its outlandish narrative, making it difficult to invest in the story. Even moments that should feel climactic or emotionally charged are overshadowed by the nonsensical plot and poorly written characters. Despite this, the film seems intent on setting up a sequel, hinting at even more outrageous antics for Adam Clay in the future.

In the end, the film sets itself up for a second part, with many more insane things for Statham’s character to do. With the kind of money it made from the release, I believe a second part will not be far away from production.

Damsel (2024)

Damsel (2024)

 

5/10

Starring

Millie Bobby Brown

Ray Winstone

Nick Robinson

Shohreh Aghdashloo

Angela Bassett

Robin Wright

 

Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

 

Damsel is not one of the most impressive fantasy films I've seen. While the story lacks depth and sufficient plot development to fully immerse viewers in its premise, it partially redeems itself through the tense play-hunt scenes between the dragon and Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown). Unfortunately, the pacing is uneven, and much of the film drags, making its short runtime feel longer.

Millie Bobby Brown is the standout element, her compelling performance and dedication to the character bringing much-needed life to the movie. Her portrayal of Elodie makes the film bearable, showcasing her strength as a leading actress.

The special effects are average, and while the film picks up once Elodie enters the dragon’s lair, it struggles to maintain momentum. The film’s plot is spread over the length of the film (to create a surprise feel), but I will give you a brief of what the Queen of the land where the dragon tortures shared.

The dragon she said has been terrorizing their village and killing its people, so the king went to the dragon’s lair to confront it with his men. The dragon killed them all as you would guess, but spared the king and made a deal with it, which is to revenge the attack on her lair by killing all the king’s daughters, from one generation to another.

So, if you have seen the trailer of this film, you already know how Elodie found herself in the dragon’s lair. If you have not seen the trailer, I will not share it here in case you want to be surprised on how she got there.

Once she was in the liar, she was in the dragon’s game of play hunt. The dragon has been doing this for generations to all the girls who are dropped in her lair. She chases them and allows them to think they can escape, then when she is tired of the taunt it catches them and burns them alive.

Elodie was lucky, when she was to be burnt, someone caused a distraction, something which has never happened since the dragon has been on this hunt of all the girls dropped in the lair. Elodie was able to get ahead of the dragon, which is the first time something like this has ever happened to the dragon.

Damsel ultimately falls short of being memorable. It’s an okay film for a casual watch but difficult to recommend wholeheartedly.

Michael (1996)

Michael (1996)

3/10

Starring

John Travolta

Andie MacDowell

William Hurt

Bob Hoskins

Robert Pastorelli

 

Directed by Nora Ephron

 

When I was much younger and saw Michael, I could not fully understand or pinpoint what was off, but I knew the film didn't have the same impact I expected from a John Travolta movie.

I blamed it on my younger self's inability to fully comprehend the film, but now, as an adult, I can confidently say that Michael is one of the most pointless films about an angel I’ve ever seen.

Are you seriously telling me that the archangel Michael is so jobless that his mission on Earth is to make two people fall in love? Is this really the most important task in his divine agenda?

Now that the two of them are in love, it did not solve world hunger, or bring about world peace, just two new lovebirds, who if they have children will add to the growing overpopulation of the world.

The story is so disjointed and lacking any cohesive elements that I can’t fathom how I let my sister convince me to rewatch it. She didn’t find it entertaining either, but she insisted on seeing it because, as children, we were both huge John Travolta fans.

So, what exactly is Michael about? Well, for anyone lucky enough to have missed this film, here’s a quick rundown:

Michael follows the archangel Michael (played by Travolta), who descends to Earth to help an elderly woman with her problems. At the start, two well-known journalists from the National Mirror are tasked with getting Michael to Chicago. When they finally meet him, they quickly realize that Michael has other reasons for being on Earth, and he specifically chose to travel with these three individuals. Along for the ride are Frank and Huey, the journalists, and Dorothy, a woman who their boss claims is an "angel expert."

Upon meeting Michael, they are shocked by his behavior and the way he speaks. Michael is staying with the woman he’s come to help, and despite his divine status, he decides to accompany them to Chicago.

Instead of flying, Michael insists on a road trip, refusing to have his picture taken until they reach Chicago. The rest of the film follows their journey, revealing that Michael, though an angel, harbors personal desires and intentions beyond simply helping those in need.

Michael’s actions and mannerisms during the trip aren’t intriguing, but rather borderline irritating. Their stops along the way seem nonsensical, as Michael’s decisions defy any logical explanation.

It felt like watching a horny angel trying to sleep around.

Avoid this movie at all costs if you value your sanity and probably your innocence.

Ladyhawke (1985)

Ladyhawke (1985)

 6/10

Starring

Matthew Broderick

Rutger Hauer

Michelle Pfeiffer

Leo McKern

John Wood

 

Directed by Richard Donner

 

I enjoyed this film more than I thought I would. Although it didn’t fully capitalize on the swordplay and sorcery combination, it managed to deliver an entertaining adventure romance, with twists and turns that I did not expect at all. I appreciated how the film kept some secrets, only revealing them halfway through.

Matthew Broderick brought the comedy, with his wisecracks hitting home at just the right moments, while the rest of the cast were more serious and handled all the adult stuff.

Visually, the film was enjoyable, and the cinematography stood out. However, its story prevented the film from becoming a classic and achieving major box office success at the time. Still, it was worth the time spent watching it. It was like the movie was tethered by its own need to have a masterful twist, that it never fully took off.

Set in medieval times when the church held power through the fear of God, the film takes place in a land called Aquila. The story revolves around two lovers who are cursed. The curse is in the form of keeping them apart. The curse makes sure that neither can see the other in their true human form.

Parallel to this, we follow a thief named Philippe Gaston (Broderick), who accidentally falls into a hole and uses the opportunity to escape his dungeon on the day of his scheduled execution.

The bishop, displeased with Gaston’s escape, sends the captain of the guard with a team to hunt him down and kill him. Gaston, however, takes his escape for granted, only to find himself celebrating in a bar, where he accidentally runs into the captain and his men disguised as regular patrons. After being caught, Gaston is rescued by Etienne of Navarre, the former Captain of the Guard of Aquila.

Etienne’s appearance causes a stir, and he helps Gaston flee. He takes him along on a mission to get back to Aquila, where he has unfinished business with the bishop.

Through the journey the movie makes you loose focus of somethings, when Gaston meets a woman, who always happen to be around when Etienne is not. Then Gaston learns more of the curse which were on these lovers, and who these lovers were and how he can be able to help them break the curse, and in the end gain revenge on the Bishop.

I enjoyed the film so much that I plan to watch it again.