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parthaykulkarni
Reviews
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
The Best and Worst Film of 1984?
Ok, so maybe it's not the worst film of 1984 but, in my opinion, it is probably the best film of 1984, at least of the ones I've seen. It's important to note when I say best film, I mean the "European Cut" and when I say worst film, I mean the "American Cut". Yeah, the Ladd Company decided to cut the film down to 139 minutes, excising the 1968 scenes and much of the childhood sequences. Also, Secretary Bailey's death isn't ambiguous anymore and the whole story's in chronological order and Sergio Leone had nothing to do with this cut so just don't watch it. Goddamn it, Ladd Company. But at least there is the European Cut, though, where everything is perfect. Everything from the acting to the script to the immaculate production design to Ennio Morricone's score, is all 11/10 (and that's not even sarcastic). If you have not watched this film, I don't know what you're doing, but whatever you're doing, you're doing it wrong. Watch this film 1,000 times, if possible. Sergio Leone and his crew deserve your support and money, even though they're all dead or very, very old by this point.
Hell or High Water (2016)
Misunderstood At First
When I first watched the movie, I thought it was competent but I didn't exactly gel with it. I thought it was too slow, long, and a little boring. However, seeing the critical acclaim this movie was getting, I decided to give it another chance and it was like watching an entirely different movie. Suddenly, the pacing was not slow but patient. The movie was not long but epic. The movie was not boring but thought-provoking. I didn't even pick up on the whole Great Recession symbolism until the second watch. Performances, dialogue (especially the What don't you want scene), cinematography, everything is immaculate and well-done. Might watch it many more times to come.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Pretty Misunderstood
I'll admit when I first saw this movie, I had intangible feelings. I was going into this movie thinking it was disappointing and I wasn't disappointed at all, but I wasn't really enthralled either. I thought that the movie was saying something, but I didn't know what. Regardless, I wanted to see the film again and I connected with this film much more. Aside from a little bit of iffy dialogue, this film is basically perfect. Definite recommend, but make sure to watch it multiple times.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
If A Hong Konger Version Of David Lynch Had An Existential Crisis While Making The Matrix
I must say: I was completely floored whilst watching the movie. Going on, I knew it was going to be an odd watch, but not to this level. It was an awesome, action-packed action movie that also had amazing acting and also had great humor and also had amazing production design, but it also had something to say, something quite profound about the state of life and how we should cherish it. Would watch this 10 more times if I could. 11/10 Guaranteed.
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
SIR, A JELLY DONUT, SIR!
I can't believe I didn't get this film the first time I watched. It's got amazing cinematography, acting, screenplay, music, and especially production design. Did you know this film was shot entirely in England? I sure didn't. Definite recommend for anyone.
Bad Lieutenant (1992)
Can't Go At This Conventionally
As much as I would love to give a rating for this film, it's too difficult to really rate this film because of how unconventional this film is. There isn't really a plot structure, supporting characters, or an antagonist, and if there is, they're really not that prevalent in the film. Instead, the film is about Bad Lieutenant and only Bad Lieutenant, which elevates Harvey Keitel's performance even more. To speak of performances, I must say that Harvey Keitel is the reason I came to see this movie and the reason I remember it so vividly. Best acting I have ever seen, hands down. He really pushes this film to the extreme. Whilst I can't give a rating, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
The Irishman (2019)
Another Good Scorsese Joint
For any Scorsese fans out there (or just plain cinephiles), this is a solid recommend. Of course, everything about the film is excellent. Only problem I had was with the aging makeup. They weren't exactly too believable as young men, but due to the compelling story, it doesn't mean too much.
Kitchen Nightmares (2007)
NINO!
It's impressive how fake and manufactured this TV show is, but it is entertaining to say the least. Definite recommend.
Battlefield Earth (2000)
This movie has bewildered me for another fifty cycles...with endless options for renewal!
I'm really confused as to how this movie came to be. It has a $44 million budget ($68 million in today's money) and major talent attached, but the mistakes are so amateur and in such high quantity, that this movie should be thrown in an incinerator and never be spoken of. But alas, it was released to theaters. This movie is really baffling more than anything because of the backstory. So, for that reason, I would recommend this movie ironically, but you should read about the production for this movie. It's really quite fascinating.
Saaho (2019)
A Classic To Be Remembered
I was hooked the second I saw the cover for the film. I have a penchant for art film and this film definitely satisfied that penchant. Critics and audiences alike have loathed this movie, but that's because they are so attuned to generic nonsense like Transformers. Let me explain to you a few of the ways that this film is complex. This film is actually a retelling of Oedipus, but instead of Oedipus, Jocasta, and Lauis. It's the titular Saaho, Shradda Kapoor's character, and Neil Nitin Mukesh's character, respectively. The constant corruption and corporate backstabbing is actually a commentary on corporate machismo and greed in modern society. The twist that Saaho is actually the brother of the head of the Roy Group, Roy's son is an homage to M. Night Shyamalan and traditional Bollywood cinema. Must I go on? Or may I declare Saaho as a modern classic.
Boogie Nights (1997)
Simple, but complex at the same time
I was a little blown away by this film the first time I watched it. How couldn't you? This film has so many variant, complex themes to fit variant, complex characters yet it's actually extremely easy to follow. Never once was I the slightest bit confused. Even on my favorite films, I had a bit of confusion in some areas, but not this one. Another thing to note was that this was Paul Thomas Anderson's 2nd film and he was only 27 when this was released (25 when he wrote the script). In spite of that, this film manages to be much better made than some filmmakers twice or thrice his age. I don't really even have a problem with this movie. The only minor complaint is that the first shot might be a little too show-offy, but it's completely forgivable considering the ride that this film took me through. Definite recommend.
Unbreakable (2000)
Surprisingly Likeable Film
At first, I rated this film an 8 on my first watch. I really loved the film, but I was slightly taken away by some plotholes. After some retrospective thinking, I've decided to give this film a 9. The technical aspects are so well-refined and innovative that it just might make this film one of my favorite movies of all time. Also, talk about an Oscar snub. How did this film not get nominated for ANY Oscars? No Best Cinematography? No Best Editing? No Best Score? No Best Prodcution Design? No Best Supporting Actor for Samuel L. Jackson? No Best Director? Talk about a snub. Overall, I would most definitely recommend this movie.
Breaking Bad (2008)
One Of The Greats
This show is really unlike other shows. Sounds clichéd, I know, but it's true. Everything about this show is great. Maybe the first season is a tad un-eventful, but that's because it's setup. And the payoff is worth it, especially the last 3 episodes.
Scarface (1983)
Legitimately Perfect
Once upon a time, I was bored. Nothing new, but I decided to check VOD for some new movies to watch. I came across the 1983 Scarface and realized I had heard the name. I knew this film was going to be good, but not to the level of masterfulness this film presents. I am so amazed at how there was practically no flaw with the movie. However, I was more amazed with how much this film affected me. That scene when Tony kills Manolo was so disturbing to watch because of how long we've known these characters and how well-developed they are. Definite recommend to anyone who's on the fence about watching this film.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
I Remember When Shyamalan Was Like This
Most people today criticize M. Night Shyamalan movies. That's probably going to happen when you release movies such as Avatar: The Last Airbender or After Earth, but it wasn't like this at the turn of the century. When The Sixth Sense was released, it was kind of a big deal, for good reason. The movie is not only well-directed, well-written, well-acted, well-edited, etc., but it's a classic movie and it will stay in my memory for a long time.
Blade Runner (1982)
Flawed, but creative
I have mixed feelings on this movie. For one, I think the special effects and world building are amazing along with the performances (especially Rutger Hauer), but I think that there are some problems with the story. Like, for example, Harrison Ford is kinda just thrusted into the story. He doesn't really have a motivation to be in the story. One scene with him and Brion James goes on for a little too long. The romance between Ford and Sean Young is pretty bad. I'd still recommend it, though and I look forward to the sequel, Blade Runner 2049.
P.s.: I watched Blade Runner 2049 and it is epic! I definitely recommend Blade Runner 2049!
Searching (2018)
Quite clever
From what I heard about this film, I heard that this film was surprisingly more intelligent than people thought. Thinking that, this film is surprisingly more intelligent than I thought. Cho was great along with the music and presentation manner was creative.
Whiplash (2014)
Some movie!
I was surprised at how much I actually liked this movie and how much I'd feel for the characters. At first, I expected it to be a lot like Boyhood or Hell or High Water, in which it would be a good movie, but I'd feel very little, but it isn't. Kudos to Damien Chazelle.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
Best Film Of 1997?
Great movie. Great characters. Great production value. Great Everything. Straight up 9/10. Definite Recommendation.
Malcolm in the Middle (2000)
Better Than Full House
Either a show dies a good show that could've gone on longer, lives too long to be a bad show, or is ended at the right time. This show died a good show. I genuinely believe this show could've gone on for 1 or 2 more seasons considering how amazing the show is. I first heard this show as a better version of Full House. I've seen Full House and I had to watch it. That person is right. It's so much better. The characters are so much more funny, relatable, and fleshed out. And thankfully they didn't put laugh tracks in. Definitely recommend for anyone reading this to watch the show.
Burn After Reading (2008)
Solid For The Most Part
Like many other Coen Brothers' Films, this film manages to be well-acted, well-shot, well-edited, and most of all entertaining. I found the story to be engaging and the characters to be interesting. There were times when I felt the story stopped, but I wasn't extremely affected by it. Overall a very solid movie and I recommend you see it.
Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984)
Somewhat disappointing
I watched this movie recently and I was really expecting a well-crafted movie that would be remembered throughout the ages. Unfortunately, I watched a disappointing movie. Now, that's not to say there weren't well-done aspects of the movie. I think that the set design was well crafted and pretty faithful to the book. I believe that John Hurt's acting was truly invigorating to watch. However, all of the other actors didn't come close to Hurt's acting. I was shocked at how Richard Burton was underacting. I also believe the movie felt way too short despite the runtime of the movie being 110 minutes. It felt like 80 minutes. The pacing for the movie also felt very sloppily done. Apparently, the director had problems with the score. I didn't find it to be bad. I didn't find it to be good either. There was only a couple of scenes in which I felt the score felt out of place, but overall, I was shocked and saddened with how disappointing the movie was.
Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
Great Game
I do personally enjoy this game. The graphics and mechanics are well done. The motion capture is also solid. The only problem lies in the story. Franklin is sort of a remake of CJ from GTA San Andreas, Trevor is a crazy guy, but Michael is the only one to have an original character arc. Michael also happens to have the worst family I've seen in a long time. His daughter Tracy is a whore who feels so bratty and spoiled, Jimmy is a fat loser who plays video games all day, and Amanda is his complaining wife who spends her time having sex with other men. She says Michael's cheating on him when he's clearly not. In fact, he's staying faithful to his wife when he stopped Fabien from his sexual advances. One thing they consistently do is talk about how horrible he is when he's doing absolutely nothing horrible. He was lying down on the couch and Jimmy barges in and tells him he's drunk, lame, and an angry psycho when Jimmy clearly spiked his drink after Michael wanted to spend time with him. What? What kind of son does that? The second problem lies in the commercials and the movies. They are so over-the-top and irritating "parodies" that they're extremely painful to watch. The only good parody in the game was probably Caplavoro. Other than that, this is a good game.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Probably My Favorite Movie
A Clockwork Orange has to be my favorite movie. Malcolm McDowell did a fine job as Alex, the antihero protagonist. The worst thing a movie can do is be boring. This movie is the opposite of boring. Stanley Kubrick gives this movie a sick style and actually embeds a very important message about how ineffective the jail system is here in the United States (despite the film taking place in Britain).
Schindler's List (1993)
Beautiful
This was an amazing movie. I think amazing is an understatement because there I have nothing to describe exactly how much time and care and effort was put into this movie. The story is convincing and well put together. It isn't overly dramatic and over-the-top, but there is a certain level of gravitas. The performances were stellar. Personally it was hard to choose the best performance, but I think that Ralph Fiennes gave the best performance as Amon Goeth. He felt very human and had a character. He wasn't a good man at all, but he wasn't just a bad guy. He was an antagonist with feelings. He wasn't just a Nazi that killed people because he felt emotions that I could see in this amazing performance. Definetly watch.