ragingbull_2005

Set in 1970s Brazil under the oppressive military dictatorship, I'm Still Here tells the true story of a family whose idyllic life is shattered when the government intervenes. It's a powerful drama with strong performances, particularly from Fernanda Torres, who brings depth to her role.

However, while the film is well-crafted, it didn't leave as much of an impact as its critical reception had suggested. It captures the emotional toll of the era but offers little insight into the activism against the regime. The protagonist is often shown smoking, sifting through papers, and eventually moving away-but beyond these personal struggles, the larger fight for justice feels underexplored.

Given the current global concerns over rising populism in Europe and the U. S., the film may have resonated more due to its political relevance rather than its storytelling depth. A solid film, but one that could have delved deeper.

Sky Force is one of those rare Hindi films where the second half significantly outshines the first.

Initially, it feels like a cheap Top Gun knockoff, with barely introduced characters trying too hard to appear cool.

However, just before the halfway mark, the film takes a compelling turn, transforming into a deeply engaging drama that soars until the very end.

Despite being set during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, Sky Force is far from the full-fledged war film its trailer suggests. Instead, it leans more towards a human drama with a strong emotional core. The title itself could have been more fitting to reflect this aspect.

Sara Ali Khan is completely wasted in an underwhelming role.

Akshay Kumar gives his all, and while it feels forced in some moments, he manages to shine in a few key scenes.

The action sequences are a mixed bag-some are genuinely thrilling, while others suffer from poor CGI. They are long but remain engaging for the most part.

At 113 minutes, the film is shorter than the usual Bollywood fare, but it could have been even tighter, ideally around 90 minutes, for a crisper impact.

Sky Force may not start strong, but it gradually wins you over. If you can push through the generic first half, you might be pleasantly surprised by the emotions it evokes by the time the credits roll. It's worth a shot!

Watching Much Ado About Nothing felt like stepping into a dream, where language itself became a character. The brilliance of Shakespeare's words played in my mind long after the film ended, even lingering into REM sleep. It took time to fully absorb the genius of his dialogue, often pausing to decipher archaic phrases-but the effort was more than rewarded. The rhyme, rhythm, and wit of his language are nothing short of mesmerizing.

The film boasts a dream cast: Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton, Keanu Reeves, Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, and Kate Beckinsale-all in their prime. Aside from Reeves, the rest deliver performances at the peak of their craft. Their chemistry, comedic timing, and effortless grasp of Shakespeare's text bring the story to life with charm and vibrancy.

Unlike Shakespeare's darker tragedies, such as Hamlet (Haider) and Macbeth (Maqbool), which have found Hindi adaptations, Much Ado About Nothing remains untouched in that regard. Yet, its blend of comedy, romance, and playful deception is just as captivating. Once you settle into its groove, the film enchants and delights, leaving you utterly spellbound.