Team-BHP - The English Movies Thread (No Spoilers Please)

The Awakenings (1990)

This is based on a true story.
The cast includes Robert De Niro and Robin Williams.

Its a very powerful and heart touching movie. Highly recommended family time movie. Since the subject matter is sensitive would recommend that the kids are over the age of 12.

Its available on Netflix.

Quote:

Originally Posted by balenoed_ (Post 5877920)

No reviews on Gladiator II yet here?

Gladiator 2 - rating it 2/5
On the whole, the movie is underwhelming. The fight sequences, CGI, theatricality is good but acting is nothing great (Denzel Washington is the only standout). Story is the biggest letdown, nothing new there. I would recommend that you wait for it to come on OTT.

Gladiator 2

Agree with the 'underwhelming' assessment. The lead actor is totally not up to the role, much less a match for Crowe's towering presence in the first movie. The movie depends on the rep of the first, so much so that there are not just references, but full-on scenes from the first movie inserted into this one, including the complete title sequence. Denzel Washington is obviously the best actor in the film, but even he seemed to be phoning it in.

The sets/CGI are gorgeous though! That redeemed the film quite a bit. This probably should have been an animated movie with the visuals. Went for it only because it had been a long time since we watched a movie in a theater. Wish it had been a better movie!

We also wanted to try out this new theater called New Fangled Miniplex in Bangalore. Interesting little place on MG Road. Has 5 very small screens/halls. Fancy interiors and only couple-seats (recliner-type seats in pairs). Ticket price is 800 for 2. Not sure how long they can sustain, we were the only two people for this movie, evening show on a weekday, so it was like a private screening!

Wolfs on Apple TV+

Had some spare time last night so ended up watching this. God, what a bore. Pitt - Clooney are not even 10% of their Ocean's charm. Rumor has it that there will most likely be a Ocean's 14 with both of them; if this movie is any indication, it's best they can it rightaway.

https://youtu.be/5RSUcuGIiI0

1.5/5

Quote:

Originally Posted by libranof1987 (Post 5879894)

Wolfs on Apple TV+

1.5/5

Had watched Wolfs and Instigators back to back on a long train ride. It was like an Ocean's XI disassembled! :p

Clooney & Pitt on one and Damon & Afleck in the other.

Wolfs felt more polished and Instigators felt a bit rough around the edges but overall Instigators was more a worthy watch than Wolfs.

GladIIator

If you've not seen the epic that was gladiator, you will love this, and then you will watch the first one. But does such a person exist?

Going in with a comparison mindset is not unfair, and that's where it falls flat. I think the problem is way too many characters being given focus and most don't have depth. The first one had 3 focus characters. And that worked.

Denzel Washington, a waste. It feels like he's wondering as well about how did he end up there.

All of that being said, it's a grand effort in production, and if you can keep comparisons aside, it's worth the effort and the money to watch it in the theatres.

Gladiator II
Went in with 0 expectations and came out with "that wasn't so bad". Its not Gladiator 1 but its fine. A little over the top with some great, some average CGI throw in. Not much scope for acting for anyone except Denzel Washington where he goes through motions. The protagonist only has to act angry all the time and he does a 3/5 job of it.

If you don't compare it with Gladiator 1, there are far, far worse movies than this one in the year 2024 alone.

It Ends With Us on Netflix.

Based on a bestseller novel of the same name by American author Colleen Hoover, the hype created around this movie was crazy.

I haven't read the novel myself, but I watched this at home with a few friends who have. Their constant commentary about how the makers have deviated from the actual book and how they should have included many more elements from the book into the movie, made me realise that the apple has fallen far from the tree.

As a standalone movie, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni don the lead roles well. Baldoni also doubles up as the Director. The burning issue of domestic violence is the crux of the story and I personally felt that the nuances could have been handled better and the makers did have some scope of detailing that aspect.

The entire cast has delivered a good performance overall; but impact-wise, I would say the movie does fall short.

Rating: 3/5

Conclave - 3.5/5

This was better than I expected. Immersive and thrilling sequence of events. All the games, politics and secrets that goes into the filling of one of the most powerful seats in the world. The papacy.

Tension abounds with uncertainty about what the outcome might be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=essXUhY7bJw

Red One

Streaming: Amazon prime

With a star cast of Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Lui, J K Simmons and Christmas around, I expected a smash hit movie instead it turned out to be a whimper. The movie feels very shallow where the festival vibes are intertwined with action. The bromance between Chris evans and Dwayne J looks very superficial with both trying outdo each other in weird expressions. Lucy Lui is wasted, Pk Simmons as Santa is seen building his body for the Christmas act. The movie is more exhausting than endearing. A one time watch if you are fans of the cast or if you love the festive season.

Rating: 1.5/5

What a great weekend to start the holiday season with:

Juror #2 2024
A different kind of 12 angry men. I'm a sucker for anything by Clint Eastwood. Great movie.

Heretic 2024
Hugh Grant is fantastic and this is the kind of movie that challenges your intellect especially with regards to belief and religion, definitely not one for Christmas night. A movie to be watched at the dead of night with the volume turned up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomyboy (Post 5894300)

What a great weekend to start the holiday season with:
Hugh Grant is fantastic and this is the kind of movie that challenges your intellect especially with regards to belief and religion, definitely not one for Christmas night. A movie to be watched at the dead of night with the volume turned up.

+1 For Heretic. Loved Hugh Grant.

CARRY-ON on Netflix.
After ages, found a Netflix Original(lol) movie that I actually enjoyed! Carry On is a fast-paced thriller with a director and cast I like. Gave me some Speed movie vibes. Kept me hooked throughout. A couple of moments feel a bit over the top, but nothing that ruins the fun. There is a short in-car single shot sequence that I loved.
Pro tip: skip the trailer—it gives away a little too much. Definitely one to bookmark for your weekend watch!