yashhraaj

Locked (2025), the English-language remake of Argentina's 4x4, sets out with a chilling premise-a carjacker trapped inside a high-tech SUV turned psychological prison. Directed by David Yarovesky and starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins, the film delivers on claustrophobia and unease but falls short of leaving a lasting mark.

The plot unfolds as Eddie, a reckless thief, breaks into what he believes is just another luxury car-only to find himself ensnared in a twisted game of justice by a vigilante played briefly, but brilliantly, by Hopkins. While Skarsgård carries the majority of the film, shifting between fear and frustration, it's Hopkins' minimal screen time that lingers most-his voice alone lends gravitas the film sorely needs.

Technically, the film scores well-direction, editing, background score, and cinematography all pull their weight. But narratively, it's a slow-burner that doesn't quite ignite. The tension builds steadily, yet the climax arrives too suddenly and is followed by a rather muted epilogue, dulling the impact of the confrontation and its moral undertone.

In the end, Locked feels like a high-concept thriller that loses steam halfway. It grips, but doesn't quite throttle. A one-time watch, especially for fans of psychological tension, but not one that demands a revisit.

Rating: 3/5 A tense setup with strong performances, but the payoff doesn't quite justify the ride.

Tetris (2023) is far more than a movie about a video game-it's a thrilling Cold War-era chess match where business, politics, and espionage collide. Directed by Jon S. Baird, the film unravels the incredible true story behind the licensing battle for Tetris, one of the most iconic video games of all time. Starring Taron Egerton as Henk Rogers, the film follows his relentless pursuit of securing the game's handheld console rights for Nintendo, navigating a complex web of corporate greed, Soviet bureaucracy, and high-stakes negotiations across Japan, the U. S., and Russia.

From the very beginning, the film is gripping-not just as a biopic but as a suspense-filled thriller that keeps you on edge. Egerton delivers an outstanding performance, bringing both charm and determination to Rogers' character. Nikita Efremov's portrayal of Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov adds an emotional depth, grounding the film in the human connection behind the game's success.

Visually, the cinematography is sleek, capturing the tension of Cold War-era Moscow and the vibrant gaming culture of the late '80s. The screenplay is tight, ensuring every twist in the legal and political battle is engaging. The music score enhances the suspense, blending retro gaming vibes with the intensity of a corporate thriller.

While Tetris is not your typical action-packed blockbuster, it excels in making a legal and business battle feel as intense as a high-speed car chase. The film's pacing, sharp writing, and stellar performances make it a must-watch, especially for fans of history, gaming, and true-story thrillers.

Rating: 9/10 - A fascinating and engrossing take on a real-life story, bringing both nostalgia and nail-biting suspense to the screen.

Watching Mickey 17 (2025) in 4DX format was nothing short of breathtaking! Since I had not read the novel. From the moment the film started, I was completely immersed in its world, feeling every jolt, rush, and atmospheric shift as if I were right there with the characters on the mission to Niflheim. The 4DX effects enhanced the experience dramatically-the sudden jolts and seat vibrations during intense action sequences made the zero-gravity moments and high-impact scenes feel incredibly real. The cold gusts of air during Niflheim's frigid landscapes gave me chills, making me feel the planet's harsh, unforgiving conditions. And whenever Mickey faced a high-stakes challenge, the tactile sensations of movement and force made every impact hit harder.

But it wasn't just the technical immersion that made Mickey 17 a standout experience-it was the film itself. Bong Joon-ho has crafted a truly gripping and unconventional sci-fi thriller, bringing Edward Ashton's novel Mickey 7 to life with a unique blend of tension, mystery, and dark humor.

Set in 2054, the story follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an Expendable-a crew member whose sole purpose is to take on the most dangerous, life-threatening tasks while colonizing the icy planet Niflheim. If he dies, he is recreated in a new body with most of his memories intact. While this concept seems like an advantage, it quickly becomes clear that Mickey's role is far from straightforward. The film keeps you guessing, raising profound questions about identity, survival, and the ethics of cloning.

What truly elevated the film was the performances. Robert Pattinson delivered one of his best roles to date, portraying Mickey's existential crisis with nuance and depth. Naomi Ackie and Mark Ruffalo added layers to the story, making every moment engaging and emotionally charged.

Visually, the film was a masterpiece. The VFX was stunning, seamlessly blending practical and digital effects to create a fully realized sci-fi world. The direction by Bong Joon-ho was exceptional, balancing intense action, psychological depth, and moments of dark humor. The editing kept the film tight and fast-paced, ensuring no scene felt unnecessary or dragged.

By the time the credits rolled, I was left in complete awe of the film's depth, storytelling, and immersive presentation. Mickey 17 is not just a sci-fi movie-it's an experience that demands to be seen in the most immersive way possible. Watching it in 4DX was an absolute game-changer, and if you have the chance, I highly recommend experiencing it that way.

Rating: 9/10 - A stunning, thought-provoking, and truly immersive sci-fi epic that left a lasting impact on me. A must-watch for any sci-fi enthusiast, and an unforgettable ride in 4DX!