asifakberali Reviews

Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway (2023)

Eating Biryani with hands while typing this down... :P

[9/10 · 15 May 2023]

..oops, I did it again. Watcha gonna do Norwegian Child Welfare Services (CWS) take me away? LOL.

The movie is inspired by true events unfortunately happened with Mrs. Chatterjee. Rani Mukherjee's comeback in this movie proves that she's still the star. Her emotional performance throughout the movie truly portrayed a loving Indian mother who will go to any heights in order to fight for her children. A bunch of foster kids, I believe, working for CWS--perhaps a little too greedy for their mouth, turn the system into a money pumping institution with corrupt officials/representatives on both sides(Norway and India). More children means more donation + government subsidies + more foster family = a great business for CWS. Any way, the part that torn me apart and left with tears is the opening scene where two evil ladies from CWS literally abduct Mrs. Chatterjee's two kids(one still on breast-feeding), and Mrs. Chatterjee running after that car screaming for her kids. From there on, it's all about her hardship, cuz the father is too concerned about his citizenship and job status--so much so that he literally becomes that one character you want to go inside the tv and punch(at least I did). A lawyer after another, and the case just keeps getting complicated. CWS tries their best to prove that Mrs. Chatterjee is unfit; she feeds kids with her hands(implying that it's force-feeding), the condition they're living in is not quite suitable for kids, their domestic violence etc., I mean, seriously, I don't even know why this case didn't get WHOLE WORLD'S attention cuz Norway would have literally become a laughing stock. Cultural differences made you see the mother as unfit? How quaint.

Father's love for citizenship ultimately makes him lose Mrs. Chatterjee, and Mrs. Chatterjee unconditional love and devotion to her kids eventually gives her the victory. Yay, no force on Earth can keep an Indian mom away from her kids!

Want to watch a strong emotional performance by Rani Mukherjee? Are you an immigrant and want some interesting story to watch? You think you love your kids too much? Well, this is the movie for you then... cuz you'll LOVE it!

Our Universe (2022– )

Great Substance. Stunning Visuals. Soothing Narration.

[10/10 · 18 February 2023]

Three ingredients to a great documentary, and Netflix once again added another great, visually stunning, and beautifully narrated documentary to its catalog. It's this kind of gems I was pulled towards Netflix once again(broke up with Netflix after 10yrs), and successfully retained me as its consumer.

Narration: Morgan Freeman does an excellent job narrating it. Usually, I opt for Sir David Attenborough, however, Mr. Freeman surpassed my expectations with this one.

Substance: The documentary itself is divided into informative segments(parts), and each segment is a world in itself--connected/linked with our universe(both on micro and macro levels).

Audience: If you're fond of documentaries portraying nature and our world--then this is something you'd not only love but watch over and over again.

It can certainly be added to World's Top Documentary/Docuseries list.

Small Soldiers (1998)

Ah. Brings my childhood toy-stories back!

[9/10 · 15 January 2023]

Well, I wasn't actually quite young when I watched this movie for the first time... I think I was 16 something. Nonetheless, it brought many of my childhood toy-stories back. The figures, and the their animation considering the special-effects tech in 90s, this movie did an outstanding job in that aspect. Story is quite catchy to hold your interest. Comedy is pure fun and entertaining, especially them Barbie-dolls going nuts. The General's one-liner were hilarious. And, the good-team was rather dumb but cute... all packed with quite some great action.

Script ... A+ Action Figures ... A+ Animation .... B+ Action .... A+ Comedy ... B+ Movie Cast ... A+ Ending ... A+

It's not only for kids but adults too.

Charlotte's Web (2006)

Charlotte's Web Will Make Even A Tiger Cry! *sniff*

[10/10 · 17 December 2022]

Who's cutting the onions here? Charlotte's web will even make a tiger cry. It's a story of a farm, emphasizing more on a friendship between a spider and a pig. A friendship so beautiful and strong that ultimately changes the pig's destiny; giving him a chance to live.

It is not just for kids but for adults too. It's about showing kindness, humbleness, and caring and putting others before you. A funny and emotional farm story that we could all learn from; let animals be animals rather than a mere piece of meat on our plates.

We all should be like that little girl who knows that a little pig's life is no less significant than hers. One saved life can mean a lot, and Charlotte(spider) proves that with her hard-work. I shall not be spraying Raid Spider killing spray on innocent spiders any more. I know they are creepy but this movie changed my mind.

Definitely a movie you should BUY!

Miss Granny (2014)

I can watch this x1000 even if I have to read subtitles.

[10/10 · 1 December 2022]

It is one of those international gems that you wouldn't mind watching multiple times even if you've to read the subtitles.

A beautiful family-oriented movie full of emotions, and a little bit comedy side to keep you fully entertained. Yes, it's a remake of some other original movie, but it is still very well-made. The story itself is quite captivating, emotional and magical. I must have watched it 10 times, and I still click the play button whenever I see the title on any of my streaming services.

We take our parents for granted. We forget the difficulties they went through in order to bring us up. This movie portrays that aspects quite beautifully. I literally well-up with tears every time I watch it. It will remind you of your loved ones; mom, dad, or even siblings. It's about a mother's life journey where she finds herself alone, struggling to bring her baby up--cuz, she's lost her husband in a war, and now she's at the mercy of this cruel world with two lives(including hers) to take care of. Her son is all grown up with his own family; children are too merged with present materialist world and its glamour, taking things for granted, disrespecting their parents, but still love their grandma(well, at least the boy). The grandma goes through a magical phase where she's 20 again. While the family deals with grandma's disappearance, the grandma herself gets a second chance in her life to live it to fullest. She takes up on singing, eats whatever she likes, does whatever she feels like--all while keeping a close watch on her family and their well-being. She's found love too. However, like in all fairy tales, nothing lasts forever and the magic always has a price. This time, it's one of her family member's life is at stake--will she keep her present young and lively youth, or sacrifice yet again for the family. Find it out.

A MUST WATCH!!! Watch it with family, you'll enjoy it more.

House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths (2021)

It will give you CHILLS and GOOSEBUMPS

[10/10 · 16 November 2022]

The first time I watched it, I had my iPad placed by my bedside, and I was listening to the whole thing as a lullaby. Well, guess what? I had to switch it to TV and watch the whole thing. Just the narration gave me chills and horrors, imagine what visuals did. The visuals aren't portrayed overly-dramatic or horrific just to make everything intense, because it doesn't it. The story itself will make you stick to your seat and watch the whole thing. Every episode unfolds with a mystery, leaving you wanting and eager to know more. Very well done, and with substantial material to keep one interested.

• Bone chilling.

• True, and still remains a mystery.

• Very well put-together to make it more sensible even to those who do not believe in spirits n stuff.

• Definitely a more than one time watch.

• Even better to watch with your other half, or group of friends. Halloween material.

That's all from me.

"More horror coming your way soon", Lalit said.

Jeepers Creepers: Reborn (2022)

More like, Jeepers Creepers: RUINED.

[1/10 · 24 October 2022]

This movie is SO BAD that it kept me up from falling asleep. My mind just couldn't take it, I wanted to know if there was any scene in the movie worth appreciating. But, there's none. Even nuns are scarier than THIS JEEPER-CREEPER! My favourite franchise ruined. Thanks.

Seriously, what in the name of horror genre I just watched? Who is responsible for this mess? I would like to sue the people responsible for ruining my favourite horror franchise. Ugh. And, I'm mad that It was $6.99 to rent!!!

This looks like a D grade version of Escape Room who a bunch of teens shot to show their tacky CGI effects. There's no continuity, plot, or even a scare in this movie. And, I thought Sharknado was funny.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Life can be a bitter cough syrup sometimes, but...

[10/10 · 14 September 2022]

..there's still honey in this world to make it better. :)

If there's one movie I can recommend someone, a movie that is x1000 better than superhero-crap we watch, a movie so accurate, deep and meaningful that it will leave your eyes welling with tears after some bizarre funny and mundane scenes... your heart and soul will feel the jolt ⚡imprinting itself onto your inertia, so you remember it for good! 😊 Life can be a cough syrup sometimes or all the times: This movie is about a family, struggling to cope up with life on every day basis, being immigrant, working hard at a coin laundromat, you know a typical Asian baggage you carry once you get married. There's just so much to take and bear in life--and, it goes for each and every one of us. We all have so much going, and sometimes it all just seems overwhelming. Pressure, depression, responsibilities, bills, taxes, job, children, and on top of that the love and care you once had slowly dried out... is this the life we signed up? Is this what multiverse have to offer? No. Life is what we make of it, and that's precisely the message of this movie. A hard-working, dedicated, devoted yet not perfect mother, and how she copes up with her father-in-law, husband, and a daughter who is affected negatively by all her struggle. Because, she's too busy and bound by societal laws to even truly acknowledge her daughter's sexual orientation. Eventually, little dark cloud turn her too bitter towards life. She'd rather be a rock. And, trust me, when you get to this scene where they're rock--you too would be like, yeah, I want to be a rock too. Life's too much--everywhere and all at once, but there's still kindness and love if we keep it alive. It will make life worth living if we take a break from this world's nonsense we humans have enslaved to. All we need to do is take a break, look around, cherish those around us, and life will become once again beautiful and worth living.

Yeah, I did cry quite a bit. Because, I too had these dark clouds hovering over me.

A MUST MUST MUST watch. I cannot insist more. This is x1000 better than any blockbuster superhero crappy movies you've watched. It's truly a MASTERPIECE that you must own. I am going to buy and add it to my library too. BRB. :)

Aaja Nachle (2007)

It's okay to fall in love even if it doesn't last long.

[10/10 · 17 August 2022]

As brown people, our typical mentality is that whatever parents choose for us, or agree with--tends to last for life. It lasts lifetime because it's a forced relationship you live for life just to keep everyone in the family and society pleased. What about your own happiness though? Does one have a say to live life the way they want? No. Not if you're from a community or small town where everybody knows everyone's business, it's hard to be that girl who loves to dance; an art she respects and wants to continue with it even at different stages of life. Normally, girls are forced to quit everything when they get married. Become a house-maid to do only chores. The dancing girl becomes a bad example for this town just because she fell in love with a white man, and eloped to USA. Her love-life didn't last that long, but she has this beautiful baby-girl now, and teaches dance in her own dance-studio abroad. Her dance guru(teacher) is on a death bed wishing to see her for one last time. By the time she comes, he's gone. The whole town is talking and got their eyes on her. The house she lived in is sold. Her parents disowned her. Her best friend is now married to some conservative business guy and is being acting completely different. What's worse is, that the stage she learned the dance, is going to be demolished and replaced by a shopping mall. She must do something to save it, and what best way other than reminding people the language of music and dance. Something that was always in our culture even back in times (Mughal era). An art that is nothing lesser than a religion.

A team of misfits, goons, and some old friends are trained with a lot of dedication. Will their performance save this holy dance stage, or will it be demolished and replaced by a shopping mall? Find it out.

A beautiful, well directed and choreographed family movie. Some great dance performances too. A new love story emerges from two who hate each other.

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag: Journey of a Woman (2007)

Always WATCH movie with a Social Message that is rated low.

[10/10 · 17 August 2022]

Yup, just what I had expected. A beautiful movie with a strong social message rated low by small and conservative minds. How quaint!

Seriously, this is such as under-rated movie. All actors played their characters brilliantly. Rani, Abhishek, Konkona, Anupam Kher, and Jaya Bachan--even the villains were all too great. But hey, people have grown to love crappy Sallu bhai's movie instead of movies portraying social issues. A family of daughters only, father just a so called father, and a mother in a whirlpool of stress and responsibilities. Amidst all this, Rani takes up on a journey and a role to support her family. What she went through, and later became--was a choice given by the society, not her own. So then, who are we to judge those who opt for such measures in the times of need. One must survive. Here, a whole family survived because of her sacrifices. Chutki (Rani's younger sister) couldn't have finished her education if it wasn't for Rani's sacrifices. And, I loved that she became a supportive friend of her sister after discovering what she does for living.

Beautifully directed and performed. A movie that deserves more. A movie hard to digest for mentally-challenged-conservative individuals who refuse to be open-minded. A 5 out of 5 movie for me!

P. S. I have learned from my experience, to always watch movies with a social-message, and have a low-rating on Internet. Trust me, they always turn out to be great!

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022)

I believe this movie gave tough competition to Akshay!

[8/10 · 14 August 2022]

The second movie in any franchise often fails to do well compared to the original one. This movie, however, proved that wrong. In my opinion, the story/script, suspense, thrill and performances by the characters all added to its overall success. I don't understand why it has received such low-rating. Perhaps, due to it being released on web platform? Well, things are changing--look around, we dealt with the lockdowns. This movie provided the quality of entertainment I seek from a horror movie. How many good horror movies can you name in Bollywood industry? Hardly a few titles. So, considering what we get in 'horror' genre, this movie should be in the top 10 list (horror).

Kartik Aryan was no doubt all charming and amazing as usual with his performance, but it's Tabu who won my heart. Oh my God, does she age? Lol. She's looking stunning!

There's comedy, suspense, good thrill that will keep you glued and interested throughout the movie, and finally, fishing it off with a GREAT TWIST in the story. Keeping all such good aspects in mind, it certainly receives a 8/10 from me.

Runway 34 (2022)

A satisfying Bollywood movie after a long time...

[9/10 · 9 July 2022]

This is one of those Bollywood movies that will leave you content with your choice of hitting the play button.

The whole chemistry between Mr. Bachchan and Ajay Devgan was so captivating that it kept me glued to the screen. You may find the story short and being overly stretched, but I really did not feel that unnecessary 'stretch' to make the movie longer. Cinematography was excellent with no cheap effects. All three main characters; Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, and Rakul Preet Singh outdid themselves. I wouldn't leave Booman Irani; though his role was short but he performed it with extra effort.

Not only dialogues themselves, but their delivery was worth appreciating.

I loved the movie for its story, great acting by its cast, and a feel-good ending.

We often tend to blame it all on one entity. "Bus galti tau sirf pilot ki hai!". I will look things differently now.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

The mighty Thor has done it again!

[10/10 · 9 July 2022]

I absolutely LOVED it. It was well put together with lots of comedy, action and love.

When I first saw Gorr the God Butcher, I was like, where have I seen this Batman mouth? Then, I came to realized it was Christian Bale. He nailed the role! The way he crawled, spoke, and sneaked... making the character extra creepy and freaky!

Natalie Portman was great too with her role. She looked buffed. And of course, how could I leave out the mighty Thor. Buffed and still a comedic genius. In short, this movie was worth watching on the big screen!

Looking forward to more from the franchise! :)

The Kids in the Hall (2022– )

The show will give ya headache...

[10/10 · 18 May 2022]

..if you're like me who gets a headache from laughing too hard. I can't believe I already finished the Season 01. Now, God knows how long I have to wait until I can laugh out out again. :(

I thought 'Just for Laugh Gags' was the funniest thing in Canada, but this show proved me wrong. It's hilarious on a whole new level. The cast, their getups, little skits--all so funny!

It is not wrong to say that Amazon did invest into something great. And, I hope it keeps doing it. I am on to the older The Kids in the Hall now.

A MUST WATCH if you want to LAUGH!

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020)

Sweeter than goodh(jaggery)

[10/10 · 3 May 2022]

And, the low rating is what I had expected to see here. Why though? This movie was pure comedy and fun for me. I did cry a little bit in the end, and that's because it touched me on a personal level. Those in the same boat, will understand the movie.

Like how Ayushmann puts it, if it doesn't exist in your mind then you don't know how to react to it. Everything goes in the society, but we still tend to keep the veil in front of our eyes--and pretend it doesn't exist or you don't understand it. Many good points touched upon while keeping the comedy genre throughout the movie. It doesn't tear you up from deep inside, but rather leave you with a smile on your face. And, that's exactly how I am feeling right now.

The new guy was quite good with his acting. The couple who also played in 'Badhayi ho' is my all time favourite pair now. They're hilarious, and too good as parents.

Don't read too much into reviews... just press the play button. You won't regret it. :)

Jalsa (2022)

So, Shefali Shah stole the movie from Vidya Balan?

[8/10 · 3 April 2022]

..usually, I find Vidya Balan being the attractive and strong aspect of any movie. However, this time, It's Shefali Shah who stole 'Jalsa' with her strong and outstanding performance. Her eyes talk, so she doesn't have to with her mouth. Literally.

As for the movie, it's just another 'hit and run' case being a little stretched and tortured with slow pace. It will still keep you entertained, but not so much with keeping the suspense--as it quickly dries out in the middle of the movie. I wish it was more suspenseful though, because that's what had me watch the movie in the first place. I wanted it to be like, Arnab Goswami(being Vidya balan) who is always out and loud in search for the truth often seen screaming on the screen who suddenly hits a girl, and runs away without attending her wounded and crippled body on a pavement(that scene alone was too much for me), and is now faced with reality, and must choose what's ultimately BEST for him and his family(that includes the maid). The story was great so far, but then went flat after this... I won't mention some aspects because then they would be considered 'spoilers'.

Still a good one time watch, but be prepared to have your expectations slightly lowered towards the end of it. A great attempt nonetheless.

So, it's 8/10 for me.

HouseBroken (2021–2023)

A bunch of animals talking raunchy...

[9/10 · 8 March 2022]

..how funny!

So, I gave the first episode a try, and already got hooked to this funny animated series of animals talking dirty, raunchy, and trying to get laid/humped. It's like adult show but with animated animals. Super entertaining and funny.

The series will certainly cheer you up if you are feeling down or sad.

The Fame Game (2022)

Meh. Kinda fell flat. I wanted it dark.

[8/10 · 2 March 2022]

This could have been more thrilling, dark, and mysterious... but unfortunately, it's kinda falls flat, ordinary, predictable, and mainstream.

I really wanted Madhuri to forget her own identity, and take a dark turn in life... playing that other white curly hair man's character. Basically, living two lives to create a fake kidnapping in order to get publicity, be rich with her last movie, and get to keep her luxury life.

At times, I thought they included pretty much every thing and anything related to celebs' issues, and the cost such glamorous life comes with. Parenthood, children issues, infidelity, stardom about to fade, money problem, family issues, abusive relationship, aging, first love etc.,... all those typical concepts jammed into this series.

Let's see if season 2 gets better.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

As good as the FIRST one!

[10/10 · 17 February 2022]

This movie brings the Franchise back to LIFE!

Nothing attracts my attention better than portraying a disturbing/neglected childhood, only to find out later that it was LOVE, or DEVOTION to result the childhood that way.

A mom and her two kids who are financially troubled inherit an old house after the death of their grandfather who was an ex-ghostbuster. The nerdiness flows in the family, and so the little girl finds everything about her grandfather through her experiments. She quickly learns about the capturing gun, the trapping of ghosts, and the car's ghostbuster's firing seat.

The movie has a great mixture of laughter, emotional moments, and adventure. The past one may have ruined the franchise, but this one brings it back to life.

Definitely a MOVIE TO WATCH if you liked the first Ghostbusters movie.

Dune (2021)

Definitely a movie worth watching on BIG SCREEN with 4D 6D 100D effects

[10/10 · 4 February 2022]

Yup. It's one of those Avatar-like movie which you MUST watch on a big screen. Add 3D, 4D, 10D--all kind of effects on your ticket, cuz it would be worth it!

I was still content with watching the HD version via iTunes. It's beautifully visualized, choreographed and directed. Great shooting locations. Convincing CGI effects, and awesome copter designs. I read the dragon-fly one was actually real, and they flew it. Wow! That shows the level of dedication put into this movie. A beautiful craft!

I never read, or watched the previous Dune movie. This was more than satisfying for me, and so I won't be comparing it to any other form. The ending was a bit abrupt, as in not detailing many things... I guess it's left for the second part?! I.e., if they plan on producing it. Well, why wouldn't they? I bet this movie helped them make a fortune; so I presume part 2 is definitely coming in the future. Watch it alone, or with friends. It's fun either way. Pay attention to details, or else you'd be on YouTube searching for explanation videos.

Call My Agent Bollywood (2021– )

A good late-night comedy!

[8/10 · 4 February 2022]

Why such low score? This is a brilliant and hilarious tv-series.

I was a little down, and thought I would give first episode a try... and, didn't like that much cuz maybe I didn't pay enough attention to funny sarcasm and humour in it. Second episode, third episode and now I'm on the last episode. It's a great late night show that younger generation shouldn't miss. 😂 Some great romantic yet shocking scenes. Two ladies openly kissing in public? Wow. I was so impressed, and laughed too. The chemistry between Jaslin and that agent is super funny.

My favourite line: "Zaalim maan ki zehreeli beti" -- Farah Khan.

The Planets (2019)

Visually Stunning. Beautifully Narrated. Intelligently Put Together.

[10/10 · 16 January 2022]

I love documentaries about the space, universe, planets, or anything out there in our multiverse. I have watched quite many, however, this one took its position on the top due to: 1. Great and knowledgeable content on the subjects.

2. Brian Cox; wow, what a narrator!

3. Beautiful imagery and overall presentation.

4. Everything broke down into easier-to-understand parts.

BBC never disappoints me with their documentaries. And, I think Brian Cox gets on my favourite narrators list after Sir David Attenborough. It's like I have died, gone to heaven, and listening to some angel enlightening me on our solar-system.

Excellent documentary as TV-Series. Must watch and own!

My Rating: 10/10.

Jism (2003)

A mediocre love-story...

[8/10 · 12 January 2022]

..but with beautiful songs. The songs made the movie popular, and of course, John and Bipasha took the movie to another level through their chemistry. One can sense it that they are bonding apart from their acting in the movie.

Some great romantic scenes.

The story is meh... no "WOW" aspect, I guess.

Greenland (2020)

Family is what you want to hold on to during extinction level threat...

[8/10 · 11 January 2022]

..and, while watching this movie too!

The movie more revolves around a family than the overall impact of meteors on planet Earth. Maybe that's why many users didn't find the "mainstream" wow factor in it. I, for one, liked it though. It's more about the family bond, sticking together, and doing everything for their little boy who's a type-1 diabetic. The illness that got him rejected from the system that chose a handful people(including this family) to use the survival bunkers. Rejected, and then later all three separated put each in their worst nightmare; it's their love and will finally bring them closer once again. Clock is ticking and a giant extinction level meteor is about to hit the world; estimating 75% of all species extinct. There only chance is to be at Greenland.

Find out if they'd make it. A great family movie with suspense here and there.

Chak De! India (2007)

Makes u scream for ur country in excitement.

[9/10 · 4 January 2022]

This movie brings the patriotism out of you even by just watching it.

For the audience it is easy to scream at the screen or players when things go wrong, and such is the case for a hockey player(Kabir Khan played by Shahrukh Khan). He's labeled disloyal and unpatriotic to India after losing a match against Pakistan. A few years later, he takes up on a job of being a coach for India's women's hockey team. A team with misfits and players from every corner of India. The players first play for themselves, get bitter about each other, disrespect their coach. However, all of that changes after some strict disciplinary actions taken by their coach. Their arrogance is broken. The division in terms of their cast and city is converted into uniformity; the team India.

Every thing goes well until the finals approaches, however, their performance is still mediocre and that's because some of the team members still hold grudge, indifference, and personal issues. The last final match is on, and the team issue still persist.

I won't spoil the ending for ya. Find out if they are capable of attaining the victory as a team.

Great movie. Funny characters. Warm and motivational message. Beautiful ending.