Summer 2022
by AbsentEnthusiast | created - 26 Apr 2022 | updated - 30 Oct 2022 | PublicApril 2022 - October 2022
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1. Spencer (2021)
R | 117 min | Biography, Drama
Diana Spencer, struggling with mental-health problems during her Christmas holidays with the Royal Family at their Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, decides to end her decade-long marriage to Prince Charles.
Director: Pablo Larraín | Stars: Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, Sally Hawkins, Jack Nielen
Votes: 76,616
It took me a few scenes to get comfortable with Kristen Stewart as Diana but once I adjusted the quality became obvious. The lighting, production and camera work in this movie is amazing, every shot seems carefully curated, thought out and intentional. The supporting cast is good as well and the music is exciting too, creating that sense of nausea that the film wants you to experience. Maybe there could have been more lighter moments to balance it out but it was directed to encapsulate the trauma of the protagonist. Liked the surrealist elements as well, though drama felt overcooked. Also the costume and hair looked on point, they made it look 90s without the cliched camera tint like many others. On Prime 7.8/10
2. Sound of Metal (2019)
R | 120 min | Drama, Music
A heavy metal drummer's life is turned upside down when he begins to lose his hearing and he must confront a future filled with silence.
Director: Darius Marder | Stars: Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, Paul Raci, Lauren Ridloff
Votes: 150,420
The setup is good, and the care that has gone in putting this together is genuine. It never gets too much for me or challenges me. Riz was great, though the editing some little off, in some moments I felt the story moved too fast. I liked how they moved perspectives for our understanding of the characters world. Sound editing definitely key. On Prime 7.2/10
3. Bad Education (2019)
TV-MA | 108 min | Biography, Comedy, Crime
The beloved superintendent of New York's Roslyn school district and his staff, friends and relatives become the prime suspects in the unfolding of the single largest public school embezzlement scandal in American history.
Director: Cory Finley | Stars: Hugh Jackman, Ray Romano, Welker White, Allison Janney
Votes: 43,500
A enjoyable retelling of actual events. The characters are deeply layered and patiently unveiled, making for a great execution of a remarkable screenplay. Performances were captivating as well and most actors were given opportunity to showcase their talent with Jackson and Janney commandingly leading the way. Music selection though not ear catching was used judiciously. Premise was already enticing but brought to life by lively characters and direction. Enjoyable and captivating. On Hotstar. 8.3/10
4. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
R | 122 min | Drama, Romance
On an isolated island in Brittany at the end of the eighteenth century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.
Director: Céline Sciamma | Stars: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, Luàna Bajrami, Valeria Golino
Votes: 109,659 | Gross: $3.76M
A very patient telling of a worthy story. Movie might seem tropey from the premise but has many clever nuances which emphasize the simplicity (struggles) of life in that time. Conversation is sparse and words are very economically used with some precision, though I fear a lot is lost in translation. It is brilliantly shot, the colors just burst out of the screen and every shot is mesmerizing. It looks delicately put together with period being beautifully captured. Attention to detail is obvious and ending is satisfactory. I could watch it again just for the visuals. On Prime. 7.7/10
5. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
PG-13 | 126 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Doctor Strange teams up with a mysterious teenage girl who can travel across multiverses, to battle other-universe versions of himself which threaten to wipe out the multiverse. They seek help from the Scarlet Witch, Wong and others.
Director: Sam Raimi | Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong
Votes: 478,426 | Gross: $411.33M
I thought I was being very picky with the movie but certain gaps I picked I couldn't let go off and kept finding more plot holes and uncharacteristic decision making. Certain new elements were introduced in the story without much context and we just have to accept it. Script was very loose and felt like had may reworks or last minute adjustments. That being said the action sequences were fascinating and the performances, especially Elizabeth Olsen, were entertaining. Humor also I only got partially. The horror elements were well done and brought a fresh & welcome perspective. On Hotstar. 6.4/10
6. The Big Red One (1980)
R | 113 min | Drama, War
A hardened sergeant and the four core members of his infantry unit try to survive World War II as they move from battle to battle throughout Europe.
Director: Samuel Fuller | Stars: Lee Marvin, Mark Hamill, Robert Carradine, Bobby Di Cicco
Votes: 21,402
The lead actor was quite stoic and I didn't quite read that well. The supporting characters were well written and the actors gelled well together. Script was good but editing didn't seem the best, the story felt great in individual fragments but the transitions weren't the smoothest. Script did have freshness in all its different instances but not in storytelling itself. Also it had fresh ideas and themes to share, especially in the Monastery Asylum sequence. Overall it growed on me and I felt invested in the characters and wanted them to survive. 7.2/10
7. The Northman (2022)
R | 137 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
A young Viking prince is on a quest to avenge his father's murder.
Director: Robert Eggers | Stars: Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Ethan Hawke
Votes: 253,773 | Gross: $34.23M
I liked how it was more than just a story of revenge, it also captured the ritual and folk tales of the period depicted. And it seemed a lot of attention to detail has gone into carefully putting this together to really make the world come alive. It feels authentic and real, even though a similar story has been seen shot multiple times from different lenses this still held freshness the way it walks us through the world. Can be little brooding and that I believe is more on director's style, and definitely has some surrealism as aspects too. Loved the world building, camerawork and landscape. Very detailed production and dedicated direction. On Prime. 7.6/10
8. Noah (2014)
PG-13 | 138 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Noah is chosen by God to undertake a momentous mission before an apocalyptic flood cleanses the world.
Director: Darren Aronofsky | Stars: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Watson
Votes: 267,092 | Gross: $101.20M
Intriguing movie gave me a lot of after thought. And I understand it is trying to capture a certain time in human existence but it also at the same carrying important message. All the choices they portray have a bigger impact then just the consistency of the because of the nature of source material. I felt that whole thing that Noah worked towards was a failure because how his family reacted to it while understanding his intentions from the start but yet seeking exception. That's just the frailty of human nature. I still liked that it wasn't pointless retelling but carefully put together with different motives for each character and a altered version of the message. Enjoyable and annoying, good for debating. On Prime. 7.3
9. Stranger Things (2016–2025)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.
Stars: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, David Harbour
Votes: 1,336,895
The build up and Climax is great but feels like that they tried to do a lot. Some of the story lines I just didn't care about, especially Russia as it was just outrageously unbelievable. I know its not a show based in reality but there should be something that makes the unnatural aspects more realistic, but they just play with it willynilly. The main story is mindblowing though, I'm deeply invested in each characters arc and vehemently despise some wannabe anti-heroes. The endings are beautifully conceived and it is a brilliant show but the other portions lag a lot and made me lose interest in the characters. A slight step down overall. Noah Schnapp was crazy good, 11 just does the same thing over and over again, unrealistic bullies and sorry I'm out of sympathy. On Netflix. Season 4 - 8.2
10. The Boys (2019– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A group of vigilantes set out to take down corrupt superheroes who abuse their superpowers.
Stars: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty
Votes: 651,539
Back with a bang. In contrast this show had terrific beginning and its self awareness has been masterful. The way they capture the real time event and wove it into their world is so satisfying. They also did Russia and did it much better (only comparatively though). Characters yet evolved more and had enchanting moments, though there was unrequired side quest of Nina but as someone said they didn't know what to do with Serge and Kimiko. But yet it kept me engaged and waiting. Herogasm. Only thing it lacked was a satisfying ending and grew little bit more cheesier. Give me more and injecting it in my veins, even if its temporarily. Season 3 - 8.9
11. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
PG-13 | 144 min | Adventure, Fantasy
Bilbo and company are forced to engage in a war against an array of combatants and keep the Lonely Mountain from falling into the hands of a rising darkness.
Director: Peter Jackson | Stars: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett
Votes: 571,938 | Gross: $255.12M
Finally saw the last movie. Wasn't as bad as I had expected but it just puts me off to see the focus on things that weren't, created to sell us another movie. But it was well executed and completely action packed. Kept my attention for long though even with very less character growth apart from Thorin. Enjoyable though still majority could be forgettable due to its repetitive nature. But yes, this is fan fiction played out, a whole movie on war between 5 armies. On Prime. 7.1
12. Last Night in Soho (2021)
R | 116 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
Aspiring fashion designer Eloise is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s, where she encounters dazzling wannabe singer Sandie. But the glamour is not as it seems, and the dreams of the past crack and splinter into something darker.
Director: Edgar Wright | Stars: Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Diana Rigg
Votes: 177,099
This one kept me second guessing and for few moments I thought that they had lost the plot and there is no way they can bring it round, but they brought it around and tied up ending very well. Very well done script, convincing performances, hearty music and enchanting visuals. The production was again high class and the timeline crisply captured. Anya was great but shoutout to Thomasin for matching her. A well done Thriller with a few shrills! On Prime. 8.2
13. '83 (2021)
TV-14 | 162 min | Biography, Drama, History
On June 25, 1983, the Lord's Cricket Ground witnessed 14 men beat the two times World Champions West Indies, putting India back onto the cricket world stage.
Directors: Pritam Chakraborty, Kabir Khan, Amit Mishra | Stars: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Jiiva
Votes: 40,796
A story worth telling, characters are easily lovable and their chemistry works well. The artificial villians were annoying and most annoying was unnecessary attention given to wives of the cricketers in the Final. The script is well woven and draws you into the characters. Ranveer sounded awkward in the beginning but grows on you as the movie progress. I did shed a few tears, Madan Lal was great. Overall enjoyable and entertaining. On Hotstar. 7.4
14. Section 375 (2019)
Not Rated | 124 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A celebrated Bollywood director Rohan Khurana stands accused by a female member of his crew, Anjali Dangle of having raped her at his residence.
Director: Ajay Bahl | Stars: Akshaye Khanna, Richa Chadha, Rahul Bhat, Meera Chopra
Votes: 18,158
Movie starts strong with crisp editing and unfolds beautifully, drawing you cleverly into a perspective of the story. It's a enjoyable format where you shuffle allegiance as the case facts disclosed and perceived from different angle. Some characters were frustrating and some actors brilliant (the Doctor). Though towards the end it leads to a anti climax with not enough umpf. Also the public shots and news clips seemed doctored and half hearted. On Prime. 7.3
15. Nightmare Alley (2021)
R | 150 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A grifter working his way up from low-ranking carnival worker to lauded psychic medium matches wits with a psychologist bent on exposing him.
Director: Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe
Votes: 165,404 | Gross: $11.34M
This one blew me away with it's imagination. The first half is really great as the movie weaves you into its world and makes you fall in love it with. The cast is great too with very crisp dialogue. The world is a built up set but never made to feel like it, with high focus on production, costumes and makeup, even dialogue. Really enjoyable though falls off a bit in the last leg as it skips little ahead of its self. The characters are well crafted and beautifully acted. Little predictable but still plenty of tricks up its sleeve. Enjoyable, can't say no to Del Toro movie. On Hotstar. 8.8
16. Licorice Pizza (2021)
R | 133 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
The story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson | Stars: Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Sean Penn, Tom Waits
Votes: 140,338
The vibe they were going for is accurately captured and was gave me shades of Richard Linklater's movies. The comedy feels genuine, though some dialogues seem like they are only spoken in California. A lot of characters with their own arcs. The film is more about a vibe rather a story, the acting was good too considering the inexperience of majority of the actors, with a great extended cast. Production and direction were king though, really setting up the movie in a certain way. Enjoyable but nothing exceptional. On Prime. 7.8
17. Porco Rosso (1992)
PG | 94 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
In 1930s Italy, a veteran World War I pilot is cursed to look like an anthropomorphic pig.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Shûichirô Moriyama, Tokiko Katô, Bunshi Katsura VI, Tsunehiko Kamijô
Votes: 102,156
On Netflix. 7.9
18. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
TV-MA | 57 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
Flashing between past and present, a fractured family confronts haunting memories of their old home and the terrifying events that drove them from it.
Stars: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, Elizabeth Reaser
Votes: 288,419
19. Palmer (2021)
R | 110 min | Drama
An ex-convict strikes up a friendship with a boy from a troubled home.
Director: Fisher Stevens | Stars: Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple, Alisha Wainwright, Ryder Allen
Votes: 43,839
20. Nope (2022)
R | 130 min | Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
The residents of a lonely gulch in inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.
Director: Jordan Peele | Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Brandon Perea, Michael Wincott
Votes: 266,172 | Gross: $123.28M
Scale is huge and production is grand. Loved that I saw it in theater. It was fascinating and had a good balance of humor too. Comradery between characters seemed genuine and everything they showed had reason and background to be there, good editing. Feels again like carefully put together, and definitely fresher. 7.7/10
21. The French Dispatch (2021)
R | 107 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A love letter to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional twentieth century French city that brings to life a collection of stories published in "The French Dispatch Magazine".
Director: Wes Anderson | Stars: Benicio Del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Léa Seydoux
Votes: 150,686
22. Conan the Barbarian (1982)
R | 129 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
A powerful warrior seeks to avenge the genocide of his people and the murder of his parents at the hands of a snake cult.
Director: John Milius | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman
Votes: 162,546 | Gross: $39.57M
23. Kaalakaandi (2018)
112 min | Comedy, Thriller
Focusing on life, death and karma, this dark comedy follows three parallel tracks - a man who discovers that he is a terminally ill, a woman seeking redemption and two goons with major trust issues.
Director: Akshat Verma | Stars: Saif Ali Khan, Asif Basra, Neil Bhoopalam, Ankit Bisht
Votes: 3,297
24. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
PG-13 | 178 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
A meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.
Director: Peter Jackson | Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean
Votes: 2,007,751 | Gross: $315.54M
Never gets old, always enjoyable and heart warming. Some scenes seemed new.
25. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
PG-13 | 179 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
While Frodo and Sam edge closer to Mordor with the help of the shifty Gollum, the divided fellowship makes a stand against Sauron's new ally, Saruman, and his hordes of Isengard.
Director: Peter Jackson | Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom
Votes: 1,784,374 | Gross: $342.55M
Pleasure to see it again and Rohirrim rise to call.
26. Casanova (1976)
R | 155 min | Biography, Drama, History
Giacomo Casanova uses his sexuality to find his place in life amid eccentric and strange characters.
Director: Federico Fellini | Stars: Donald Sutherland, Tina Aumont, Cicely Browne, Carmen Scarpitta
Votes: 8,669
Episodic in nature and focuses more on Casanova's misfortunes than on his successes. His story comes of a tragedy, and probably closer to the truth then pop culture. Wasn't able to follow the plot at times and couldn't understand the reason behind certain choices with bothered me, especially the way the sex scenes are shot. Maybe to trying to show it is more as a routine or exercise rather than expression of love. 6.8/10
27. Sophie's Choice (1982)
R | 150 min | Drama, Romance
Sophie is the survivor of Nazi concentration camps, who has found a reason to live with Nathan, a sparkling if unsteady American Jew obsessed with the Holocaust.
Director: Alan J. Pakula | Stars: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol, Rita Karin
Votes: 52,782 | Gross: $30.04M
10mins into I had realized I had seen it, I could recall the gist of it but not the complete depth of it. One of the things I had forgotten was Nathan Landau's character, which was very enjoyable, nervy and exuding infectious energy. He lit up every scene and could easily drive me emotions. Sophie too had a presence, but I never found her as beautiful as the movie makes her out to be. That was one thing that may have irked me. It seems like it is written with a beauty beyond in mind and couldn't get someone as acceptable. Meryl Streep did an amazing job with the character's personality but wasn't convinced of her looks. Some of the backstory was quite interesting and even the present was. It has many remarkable scenes, especially the scale of some of memory scenes. I didn't make too much of the choice itself but the path that led her too present. Every moment is a choice. 7.7/10
28. About a Boy (2002)
PG-13 | 101 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Will, who attends single parent meetings to woo women, meets Marcus, a troubled 12-year-old boy. As they become friends, Will learns to be responsible while he helps Marcus with his studies.
Directors: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz | Stars: Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Sharon Small
Votes: 191,712 | Gross: $41.39M
From the first few scenes you can sense it is going to a typical movie with same old tropes. But this premature judgement plays in its favor as it surprises with its cheeky tone and dry British humor. It gave me many a chuckles, the dynamics were great and characters well thought out. The kid does feel like a kid, doesn't feel like he's written by an adult, actually genuine. Dialogue is sharp and witty. The film does spring surprises and deals with serious issues despite its comedic nature. Depression, bullying, loneliness, single parenthood and purposelessness are some of the themes explored. Kept my interest and smile on my face. 7.9/10
29. The Brawler (2017)
Not Rated | 154 min | Action, Drama, Sport
A boxer struggles to make his mark in the boxing world.
Director: Anurag Kashyap | Stars: Vineet Kumar Singh, Jimmy Shergill, Zoya Hussain, Ravi Kishan
Votes: 8,649 | Gross: $0.08M
The setup and dialogues give this whole movie its intrigue and character. I don't know what real Brailey it but feels like this movie for sure. Addresses a lot themes of corruption, disability, cast system, patriarchy, illiteracy and adapting to a new environment. It goes through multiple phases, each encapsulating. It felt in moments that this probably prepped as a serious and somewhere during the process decision to make it a movie, or other way round it started as a movie but felt like a series but they stuck to their guns. Casting is spot on too, I enjoyed the music as well. It does turn to be little gimmicky but still entertaining. Characters are well done with nuances. On Jio Cinema 7.6/10
30. Flipped (I) (2010)
PG | 90 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Two eighth-graders start to have feelings for each other despite being total opposites.
Director: Rob Reiner | Stars: Madeline Carroll, Callan McAuliffe, Rebecca De Mornay, Anthony Edwards
Votes: 97,490 | Gross: $1.75M
Easy to like movie and characters. Does carry a lot of innocence and charm, but also carries substance to make it intriguing. Characters were well done, though some felt more rounded then others. I did like the dual narration, they pulled it off well. Music was enjoyable though definitely before my time. It also does well to emphasize the themes of its time like patriarchy, mental illness stigma, social status, sexism and more. Easily enjoyable and left a warm feeling. 8.1/10
31. The English Patient (1996)
R | 162 min | Drama, Romance, War
At the close of World War II, a young nurse tends to a badly burned plane crash victim. His past is shown in flashbacks, revealing an involvement in a fateful love affair.
Director: Anthony Minghella | Stars: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Kristin Scott Thomas
Votes: 201,054 | Gross: $78.65M
Great movie experience, definitely made for the big screen, wish I had the chance to see it there. The landscape is astonishing and very carefully captured, as if the director/cinematographer were in love with desert as much as the characters. The plot is great and all the characters too, I was intrigued by all their stories and backgrounds, definitely a worthy read. It carries genuineness of craft which makes it easier to connect with. Twists are good and I loved the small details, even the dialogues were very well done. Acting all round felt great. Really enjoyable. 8.7/10
32. Wittgenstein (1993)
Not Rated | 72 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
A dramatization, in modern theatrical style, of the life and thought of the Viennese-born, Cambridge-educated philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951), whose principal interest was the ... See full summary »
Director: Derek Jarman | Stars: Clancy Chassay, Jill Balcon, Sally Dexter, Gina Marsh
Votes: 2,929
It felt like a play and probably that's what it was supposed to be. I realize I do like simplified movies and this was not that easy to follow. Ludwig life is definitely intriguing and it was good to see his character come to life, though I didn't get a shred of his philosophy. The characters sometimes felt caricatures and designed in that way because of their very specific use of the story. I didn't connect as much as I liked, I probably paid more attention to wiki page. 5.8/10
33. Tyrannosaur (2011)
Not Rated | 92 min | Drama
Joseph, a man plagued by violence and a rage that is driving him to self-destruction, earns a chance of redemption that appears in the form of Hannah, a Christian charity shop worker.
Director: Paddy Considine | Stars: Peter Mullan, Archie Lal, Jag Sanghera, Mike Fearnley
Votes: 33,772 | Gross: $0.02M
This one does not shy away, thoroughly feels genuine, raw and real. From the get go it takes you into this imperfect world of life like gritty characters that's probably more reflective of our times reality then most of the other movies. The direction is masterful and characters beautiful, both the leads have done tremendous job supported by a good host of supporting cast. Builds the tension and is very well paced, music is well suited too. I really enjoyed it and even self reflected a bit. 9.2/10
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