FiftyTwoReviews

Joseph Kahn's Ick is a wild, messy, and occasionally brilliant ride... a horror-comedy that's as ambitious as it is uneven.

Set in a world where a parasitic, plant-like "Ick" has spread unchecked, the film follows Brandon Routh's Hank, a washed-up science teacher, and Malina Weissman's sharp-witted student Grace as they uncover the Ick's true, terrifying potential.

The movie's strengths lie in its visual flair and Routh's charismatic performance. The Ick itself is a standout monster: grotesque, dynamic, and genuinely unsettling. The humor lands more often than not, and the nostalgia-baiting soundtrack and aesthetic will delight fans of early 2000s pop-punk.

But Ick stumbles in its execution. Kahn's breakneck pacing leaves little room for character development or coherent world-building. The sociopolitical commentary feels tacked on, and the supporting cast is often reduced to caricatures. It's a film that prioritizes style over substance, and while that style is undeniably fun, it's not enough to mask the lack of depth.

Verdict: Ick is a 7/10 watchable, entertaining, and packed with energy, but ultimately more derivative than innovative. If you're a fan of chaotic, nostalgia-drenched horror-comedies, you'll find plenty to enjoy. Just don't expect anything groundbreaking.

Stree is an 8.5/10 horror-comedy gem that spooks and tickles in equal measure, proving Bollywood can nail genre blends with wit and heart.

Amar Kaushik's debut direction weaves Chanderi's eerie vibe with sharp feminist jabs, poking at patriarchy through a ghostly lens-Stree's tragic tale flips the script on male entitlement brilliantly. Sachin-Jigar's "Kamariya" and "Milegi Milegi" pump the vibe, and Amalendu Chaudhary's visuals nail the spooky-small-town aesthetic.

Rajkummar Rao is a riot as Vicky, channeling small-town innocence with pitch-perfect timing - his wide-eyed terror and heroic bluster make him utterly relatable and rootable. Pankaj Tripathi's Rudra Bhaiya is a masterclass in eccentricity, blending scholarly babble with hilarious one-liners that had me cackling. Aparshakti Khurana's Bittu nails the skeptical sidekick vibe, his deadpan reactions amplifying the chaos, while Abhishek Banerjee's Jana delivers slapstick gold, turning fear into farce. Shraddha Kapoor's enigmatic woman adds seductive mystery, her subtle shifts keeping you guessing, and Vijay Raaz's wild-eyed Shastri amps the exorcism absurdity.

Stree works so well because it subverts horror tropes with genuine laughs, smart commentary, and a tight 128-minute pace that never sags, delivering chills without gore and empowerment without preaching.

A rare treat (scary, funny, and smart) making you root for its underdog heroes while jumping at shadows. A must-watch for fans of fresh Bollywood flair.

Kick is a rollicking 7.5/10 masala fest that unleashes Salman Khan at his peak, swaggering as Devi Lal, the thrill-chasing Devil who robs for a cause.

Salman's magnetic charm and bone-crunching stunts steal the show, making every outlandish leap a guilty pleasure. Debutant director Sajid Nadiadwala nails the high-energy vibe, delivering glossy visuals and a pulsating Himesh Reshammiya score- "Hangover" still slaps! Randeep Hooda's sharp cop keeps the chase tight, while Nawazuddin Siddiqui's unhinged villain cackles with menace. Jacqueline Fernandez sparkles but is stuck as eye-candy, her role thinner than a Mumbai monsoon.

The plot, a chaotic mix of heists and heart, stumbles with logic gaps and a stretched 2.5 hours, but who cares when Salman's tossing one-liners and bikes off buildings? Kick is pure popcorn bliss, blending comedy, action, and desi heart.

It's not flawless, but it's so damn fun you'll wish for a sequel. I do. Perfect for Salman fans craving a nostalgic adrenaline hit.