No Hard Feelings

No Hard Feelings is a 2023 comedy directed by Gene Stupnitsky, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Maddie, a financially struggling young woman who agrees to a unique deal: date an awkward 19-year-old named Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman) to prepare him for college life. The film combines raunchy humor with surprising heart, delivering a mix of laughs and emotional depth.

Jennifer Lawrence shines in a rare comedic role, bringing both charm and vulnerability to Maddie. Her chemistry with Feldman is a highlight, and their dynamic evolves in unexpected ways. The movie’s humor is often outrageous, featuring physical comedy and cringe-worthy situations, but it’s balanced by moments of genuine connection and introspection.

Critics have praised the film for its fresh take on the "coming-of-age" and "mentor-student" tropes. The script is witty and self-aware, though some jokes may push the boundaries for certain audiences. The supporting cast, including Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti as Percy’s overprotective parents, adds additional layers of humor and quirkiness.

While No Hard Feelings doesn’t reinvent the comedy genre, it stands out for its balance of raunchy comedy and heartfelt storytelling. It’s a fun, feel-good movie with a meaningful message about self-discovery and the complexities of relationships.

Rating: 7.5/10

No Hard Feelings is a great pick if you’re in the mood for a lighthearted film with laugh-out-loud moments and a surprisingly touching core.

-Awishaka Aluthwaththa-

 

The Blind

"The Blind" released in 2023, is a biographical drama that delves into the early life of Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Duck Dynasty family. Directed by Andrew Hyatt, the film offers an unflinching portrayal of Robertson's tumultuous journey from a troubled past marked by addiction and personal struggles to a life redeemed through faith and family.

Critics have noted the film's raw and honest depiction of its subject matter. Plugged in describes "The Blind" as delivering "a classic story of redemption," highlighting the transformation of a "lost and broken man" toward a hopeful future.

Audience reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers moved by the film's authenticity and emotional depth. One IMDb user remarked that the movie "offers a painfully honest look at the life of an alcoholic and the cost of addiction," appreciating that it "didn't sugar coat the redemption of the Robertson's life or marriage.

The film's production quality has also been praised. Another IMDb reviewer noted that it "felt like a movie," commending its production, cinematography, acting, and dynamic plot, which collectively contributed to a solid film experience.

However, some critics have pointed out that while the film serves as a compelling Christian testimony, it may not adhere strictly to conventional filmmaking rules. Movie guide mentions that "The Blind is a good movie as a Christian testimony," but suggests that "it doesn't follow the rules of filmmaking," which might affect its reception among broader audiences.

Overall, "The Blind" is a heartfelt and impactful film that resonates with viewers through its candid storytelling and portrayal of redemption. 

-Awishaka Aluthwaththa-

 

Red One

"Red One" is a highly anticipated holiday film featuring a star-studded cast, including Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans. The movie is directed by Jake Kasdan and is expected to blend action, comedy, and festive themes, making it a unique addition to the holiday film genre.

The premise revolves around a fresh take on the Christmas narrative, incorporating elements of adventure and humor. Dwayne Johnson's charismatic presence and Chris Evans' charm promise to deliver engaging performances that appeal to a wide audience. The film aims to explore themes of friendship, holiday spirit, and the importance of family, all while providing entertaining twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Visually, "Red One" is expected to be vibrant and festive, with a production design that captures the magic of the holiday season. The cinematography and special effects are likely to enhance the storytelling, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

Overall, "Red One" appears to be a promising film that combines humor, action, and heartwarming moments, making it a potential favorite for holiday movie-goers. Fans of the cast and those looking for a fresh holiday film experience will likely find it enjoyable. However, as with any film, individual preferences may vary, so it will be interesting to see how audiences receive it upon release.

-Awishaka Aluthwaththa-

 

Leave the world behind

"Leave the World Behind," released in 2023, is a suspenseful drama directed by Sam Esmail and based on Rumaan Alam's novel. The film features a star-studded cast, including Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke, portraying two families who find themselves unexpectedly sharing a remote vacation home during a mysterious blackout, leading to escalating tensions and uncertainties.

Critics have offered mixed reviews. Michael O'Sullivan of The Washington Post praised the film, noting that it "plays like an M. Night Shyamalan movie, but without the supernatural element and with a thick vein of social critique running throughout." He added that "what happens may be extreme, but it feels based on mundane reality."

Wenlei Ma of The Sunday Times described the film as "jittery and suspenseful," highlighting that certain cinematographic choices "emphasise that we're all puppets in someone else's marionette theatre... we're not in control, but Esmail is of his startling, character-driven doomsday story."

In contrast, Bilge Ebiri of Vulture critiqued the adaptation, stating that "every change made for the adaptation happens to be for the worse," and that "the film doesn't demonstrate any kind of interest in, or affection for, its characters." He concluded that "this feels more like a collection of cool ideas than scenes that belong to the same emotional and consequential continuum."

Alissa Wilkinson of The New York Times commented that "after a while, the movie plays like a bulleted list of everything wrong with America... the narrative tension dulls into passivity, both for us and for the characters," and noted that "the ending seems like a punchline."

Audience reactions have been similarly varied. Some viewers appreciated the film's character development and atmospheric tension, while others felt the storyline was underwhelming and the ending abrupt. One user review described it as having "great characters, beautiful shot composition, ok storyline, abrupt ending."

Overall, "Leave the World Behind" presents a thought-provoking narrative with strong performances, though opinions differ on its execution and impact.

-Awishaka Aluthwaththa-

 

Poor Things

"Poor Things," directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and released in 2023, is a darkly comedic and visually inventive film that has garnered significant critical acclaim. The narrative centers on Bella Baxter, portrayed by Emma Stone, a woman brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and liberation.

Emma Stone's performance has been widely praised, with critics highlighting her fearless and transformative portrayal of Bella. Stephanie Zacharek of Time describes Stone as "wonderful—vital, exploratory, almost lunar in its perfect oddness." Similarly, Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian refers to her role as a "hilarious, beyond-next-level performance."

The film's visual and artistic direction has also been commended. Nicholas Barber of BBC Culture notes that "Poor Things" is "outrageous and hilarious," comparing its aesthetic to the works of Wes Anderson and Terry Gilliam.

The steampunk-inspired setting and imaginative production design contribute to the film's unique and immersive atmosphere.

However, the film's explicit content and thematic boldness have elicited mixed reactions. Some viewers have found the graphic sex scenes provocative, with Ramin Setoodeh and Zack Sharf of Variety reporting that "a stream of [Venice] theatergoers bolted for the exit during some of the racier scenes." Critics like Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle argue that the film's approach to themes of female empowerment is misguided, describing it as "a 141-minute mistake."

Despite these criticisms, "Poor Things" has been lauded for its originality and ambition. The film holds a high approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics concurring that it is "a weird, wild good time and Emma Stone is fantastic in it." Audience responses have been similarly enthusiastic, with some calling it "a masterpiece" and "an instant classic."

In summary, "Poor Things" is a daring and imaginative film that showcases Emma Stone's versatility and Yorgos Lanthimos's distinctive directorial vision. While its explicit content may not appeal to all viewers, the film's blend of dark humor, visual creativity, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout piece in contemporary cinema.

-Awishaka Aluthwaththa-

 

Officer Black Belt

"Officer Black Belt" is a South Korean action-comedy film that combines martial arts with a humorous narrative, making it an entertaining watch for fans of the genre. The story revolves around a dedicated police officer who, despite his serious demeanor, finds himself in a series of comedic situations as he navigates the challenges of his job and personal life.

The film excels in its choreography, showcasing impressive martial arts sequences that are both thrilling and well-executed. The lead actor delivers a commendable performance, balancing the intensity of action with moments of levity that keep the audience engaged. The supporting cast also adds depth to the story, providing comedic relief and enhancing the overall dynamic of the film.

One of the standout features of "Officer Black Belt" is its ability to blend humor with action seamlessly. The comedic elements are well-timed and do not detract from the film's more serious undertones, making it a well-rounded experience. Additionally, the film touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of perseverance, which resonate with viewers.

While the plot may follow some familiar tropes found in action-comedy films, "Officer Black Belt" manages to keep the audience entertained with its energetic pacing and engaging characters. Overall, it is a fun and enjoyable film that showcases the unique flair of Korean cinema, making it a worthwhile watch for those looking for a mix of action and comedy.

-Awishaka Aluthwaththa-

 

Lucky Baskhar

"Lucky Baskhar," directed by Venky Atluri and released in 2024, is a period crime drama set in the 1980s that delves into the world of financial scams and personal ambition. The film stars Dulquer Salmaan as Baskhar, a charismatic protagonist whose journey through the banking and share market sectors forms the crux of the narrative.

Critics have lauded Dulquer Salmaan's performance, noting his ability to anchor the film with charm and depth. Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu commended the director for balancing the exploration of financial scams with relational dynamics, highlighting Dulquer's superb portrayal. The screenplay employs a non-linear narrative, utilizing flashbacks to reveal Baskhar's foresight in evading challenges. While some viewers found this technique engaging, others felt it became repetitive. A review from constantscribbles.wordpress.com described the film as entertaining but criticized the overuse of deus ex machina elements and the lack of depth in certain characterizations. The period setting has been both praised and critiqued. Rediff appreciated the '80s backdrop, stating that the story keeps viewers hooked from the first frame.

However, constantscribbles.wordpress.com felt the film did not fully immerse the audience in the era, suggesting that the period aspect served more as a plot device than a fully realized setting. Music by G. V. Prakash Kumar received mixed reactions. Some viewers enjoyed the soundtrack's contemporary appeal, while others felt it lacked depth and seemed tailored for social media snippets rather than enhancing the film's emotional landscape. Meenakshi Chaudhary's portrayal of Sumathi, Baskhar's wife, has been a point of contention. Certain critics found the character underdeveloped, with limited agency, and felt that Chaudhary's performance did not add significant value to the narrative.

Overall, "Lucky Baskhar" offers an engaging storyline with strong central performances, particularly from Dulquer Salmaan. While the film succeeds in delivering entertainment and a glimpse into the financial intrigues of the past, some critics believe it falls short in areas such as character development and authentic period immersion. Nevertheless, it stands as a notable entry in contemporary Indian cinema, blending elements of drama, crime, and personal ambition.

-Awishka Aluthwaththa-