AnishMisra

Avengers: Endgame is a film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. This film was my most anticipated one for this year for a number of reasons. The trailers got me pumped up and increased my anticipation even more. But after walking out of that cinema hall, I felt that the creators did justice to all that was served to us in these past 10 years.

Plot: The Avengers decide to reverse Thanos' action done during the events of Infitnity War.

Story and direction: As this will be a non-spoiler I shall try to be as generic as possible as tio what I liked and didn't like about this movie. This film is a conclusion to a long story arc that started in the beginning of this cinematic universe. Yes, the film is three hours long (by far the longest in the MCU, too) but the best thing about the film was that the film never felt that long. And, for that, I would like to give a big salute to the creative minds behind this mega-blockbuster. In each and every minute of the move, you do feel for the characters. There is a sense of human-ism which is quite rare in superhero movies, which I was a big fan of. None of the scenes felt misplaced or unnecessary. I even liked the risks that were taken with characters which too is very rare for a commercial movie. The MCU brand of humour is there in some moments and I just loved them. This film had a proper balance of tension, entertainment and laugher, which is what wants from any kind of movie. Talking about the action scenes. OMG!!! They were huge, awesome and fantastic. Also, the VFX. My God!!! I can imagine the VFX artists had to do to bring so many of these scenes to like. And I salute them in doing that in the most seamless and effortless way. Alan Silvestri has also done a wonderful job on the score. I don't remember tearing up in any movie, but I surely did in this one. This film had such a profound effect in me. But in saying that, there were some scenes that did feel like plot-holes. Also, with the announcement of so many movies and TV show spin-offs this film still didn't manage to address so many things. But these, things are any way secondary to me.

Performances: Now if I list each and every cast member and their performances, this review will go on and on. But still, I will do some highlighting. People have been wanting Robert Downey Jr to be nominated Best Actor for the Oscars next year. And I really hope they do because this was the best of Tony Stark in the MCU. Chris Evans as usual is fantastic and I saw a side of him in this film which wasn't even tapped on in this universe. Chris Hemsworth was the funny man in this film. His scenes just made me laugh. Same can also be said for Paul Rudd. Mark Ruffalo too was just great as the Hulk and Bruce Banner. Scarlet Johannson and Jeremy Renner made me remember what made them so special and unique in this team. Josh Brolin again was fantastic as Thanos. All the rest of the cast members too were just great and commendable.

Favorite Scene: This is where I am out of words. But I will say it anyway without giving away anything. I will say it will be the one during the final hour of the movie where you will feel that are heroes have nothing to do. But then there comes a ray of hope and you feel that victory will surely touch our heroes' feet. Verdict: Is this film perfect? No, absolutely not. Does this film satisfy the MCU fan? Hell yes, it absolutely does. This film just made me realise why I love movies and why my love increases every day. Its exactly for films like these that I live for. Do watch the film in 3D (IMAX, if possible) for the best experience and I am sure you will have a smile on that face yours feeling a sense of completion and happiness. If the MCU has more films up in its kitty, bring them on because I seriously would like to see what more can they give. Yup, and for the first time ever: NO POST CREDITS. So don't need to wait till the end waiting for some random scene to show up.

I am going with an 8.5/10.

Captain Marvel is a film co-written and directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden. To be very honest, the trailers and promotional material didn't excite me for the film and so as a result my expectations from this film were not very huge. In short, I would say that this film was quite a satisfactory watch for me.

Plot: Vers, a member of the Starforce is the only hope when Earth becomes the target of an intergalactic conflict.

Story and direction: MCU has grown over the years and when you have in mind to watch a film from this universe, it has a certain bar set for itself. Well since MCU is one of the most successful franchises to date, this film knew that without even promoting people will sure be attracted to watch this new venture. So, in short, I went into the halls a blank slate having no expectations what-so-ever. This film is neither bad (as many trolls suggested) nor great. For me, it was a decent film. The good is the technicality the film has. The VFX is as usual awesome and you have wide angle shots and CGI that doesn't feel mis-placed. A big hats-of from my side to the team for the de-aging effects. OMG. It felt as if I was seeing a younger Sam Jackson and Clark Gregg. The action scenes felt quite natural to me and were just quite good. The marvel brand of comedy is there and you are surely entertained by it. But what did feel lacking for me was the character development. I was not really invested into a character and cared for them. That's what you want from any film. Yes, the film was entertaining and good but what good is a film when you really don't have anyone you can pinpoint on after watching the movie. Where is that lasting effect? The film too doesn't have its own voice. Also, the score was pretty average. In an action scene, apparently a pop song just plays in the background which felt too out of place.

Performances: Brie Larson for me did a fair job. She has what it takes to carry a movie on her own shoulders (this being much different from her much acclaimed ROOM). Samuel L Jackson is just awesome and it's just a treat to watch him in this universe. Ben Mendelsohn actually surprised me. He was good. Jude Law, Djimon Honsou, Lee Pace and Gemma Chan were good additions to the film. Clark Gregg had a small yet effective role. Lashana Lynch was really bad-ass. And so was Annette Bening. A special mention to Goose. OMG, the cat is so adorable.

Favorite Scene: It would be the one where Vers and Nick Fury have a conversation in the bar interviewing each other on whether they are Skrulls or not. That scene was funny and entertaining at the same time and the MCU we know for quite a long time now.

Verdict: I would say that this film is quite weaker than the previous MCU films we have seen in recent times. But for me this was a decent watch. Don't really believe the trolls. Make a judgement on your own. I am really interested to see how this character is incorporated into future films as well as the upcoming finale of AVENGERS. Be sure to watch the dedication to Stan Lee. That man is a legend and the tribute to him was just great. Yup, don't forget to watch the mid-credits. Post-credits can surely be forgotten.

I am going with a 7/10.

Ralph Breaks the Internet is a film co-written and directed by Phil Johnston and Rich Moore. I loved the first film and have been waiting for a sequel for quiet along time. So when the trailer debuted, I was on top of the world. And at the end of finishing the film, I was just ecstatic.

Plot: Ralph and Vanellope decide to seek help from the internet world when the game Sugar Rush faces danger of shutting down.

Story and direction: While the first film honoured the traditional video game parlours which now-a-days have almost gone extinct; this film shows the diversity that the internet has to offer us. Since this is a Walt Disney film, it's really hard to fault the animation. So much of hard work has gone into the animation with ample amounts of detailing. The internet world looked so beautiful and amazing. I liked the way the makers had depicted spams, pop-ups, ads and viruses. Each and every scene is a wonder to look at. Also, we have the voice cast that is amazing and never for a moment its felt that they have miscast the voices. But the most important thing that the film has is the correct and apt story. This film not only has some amazing character development which makes you feel for them and makes you understand as to why they take certain decisions, but also beneath that has wonderful messages which I found quite relevant in the modern times. One big takeaway for me was that you should learn how to move on and not stop someone when someone decides to. The comedy is just spot on. I laughed at every joke that was cracked. Like the previous film, this one too has a lot of pop-culture references (with Disney being quite a focus). But these references don't dilute the film in any way. The score by Henry Jackman is just awesome. This man doesn't fail to surprise me. Also good is the song which comes at a quite crucial moment in the film from Disney's favourite composer Alan Menken (I especially liked the way at how its hinted as to when a song comes to one's mind). With all that being said, this film does have certain pacing issues. Like the first half is quite racy and energetic and the second half being interesting but not as racy as the first half.

Favorite Scene: Not to spoil anything, but there is a particular scene between Vanellope and Ralph towards the end of the movie which strung something in my heart. Those who have watched the film will surely understand which scene I am talking about.

Verdict: Year 2018 has been a good year when it comes to animated films. I am still trying to figure out as to which one is my favourite. As for now, I can say that I loved this film and even more than the first instalment. If the makers are surely planning the spin-off and sequels (according to some news reports and media outlets), I am in for it. Do watch the film till the end as it has both a mid-credits and post-credits scene.

I am going with a 9/10.