suganthram Reviews

Child's Play (2019)

Pretty good concept failed by lack of depth in writing

[6/10 · 28 November 2019]

The idea of an AI doll going rogue and on a killing spree is pretty interesting and the team has been smart to veer away from the supernatural story of the original and kudos to their attempt for trying to bring in something new to the table in this remake.And the first half of the movie does a good job building up the story from how the innocent doll slowly transforms itself into a killing machine.But that depth in the story started to fizzle out once the killing spree starts and gore takes over the story.From that point everything feels rushed up and predictable.And mark hamill felt really underused.This movie could have been so much more but thankfully its not a trashpile like most low budget remakes.By the way,the movie had an open ending so there is a sequel on the cards.Hope they improve on the flaws in this one.

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)

More of a pale imitation of the previous movies with a couple of decent action set pieces and a weak plot

[6/10 · 8 September 2019]

I loved both John Wick and its sequel.The first movie was perfect.The second was a little weaker in terms of story but compensated with better action and high body count.This movie has even higher body count but that's it.The first half of the movie was good enough to keep me engaged with some good action set pieces and new ideas included in them.The movie derails in the 2nd half with the screenplay getting a little messier,the action getting too boring and overlong and even logic being thrown out of the window at times.Definitely falls short by a huge margin compared to its predecessors.

The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

Poorly executed scares spoil this movie

[5/10 · 4 August 2019]

Most of the complaints about this movie is about being over-reliant on jump scares.I am fine with jump scares as long as they are well executed.The movie was superior to its franchise predecessor "The nun" in trying to be creative in the scares.And there was a decent build up to it as well.But the final act is where they failed,everytime,with poor sound effects and cliched "Boo" moments.And this movie has the worst writing of all the movies in the Conjuring Universe.Most of it feels rushed and the characters were dumb and cliched,and in a particular scene, unspeakably stupid.And Joseph Bishara wasn't the usual best in this movie as well.

Got to improve a lot,Mr.Micheal Chaves.I appreciate your ideas for the scares but the execution needs some fine tuning.You have a huge movie on shoulders up next (Conjuring 3) so hope you will learn from your mistakes in your debut.

The Lion King (2019)

Know what to expect from this,people!!!!!

[7/10 · 31 July 2019]

I was initially surprised when this movie received a 55-60% rating on RT.Most of the complaints were about the lack of facial expressions.Come on!!!! Don't you know it when the trailers were released!!!! I knew.So I went to the theater not expecting that.And I knew the movie will be a 90% shot by shot remake of the original.So I didn't expect anything new.I went to this movie purely for the CGI and Hans Zimmer's score.And both of them were satisfactory.The CGI was one of the best ever I've come across in my life.Watching it in IMAX,it was an absolute visual treat.Though Hans Zimmer didn't have much scope for new innovative scores in this movie,his new versions of the scores from the original movie were good to hear.Despite being a shot by shot remake,there were a few things added and all of them were good.

There were noticeable flaws.Especially the voice acting.Some of the dialogue delivery was poor,even from James Earl Jones("Is that a challenge?").But he is almost 90 so its understandable.And scar is a mixed bag.He was good in most of the places,but at times he was pathetic ("Long live the king").And there were moments where the scenes felt rushed which took off the feel.But they really screwed up the end where Simba climbs priderock for the last roar,with out of sync music and rushed up editing

Overall I could give a 7.5/10....8 will be too much for this.And don't go to the movie expecting the same emotion from the original.Just watch it for the technical brilliance

X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)

A step lower than its predecessors but definitely not as bad as most critics say

[6/10 · 10 June 2019]

Pros :

1.Hans zimmer : Though some of the scores seem like a rehash of his previous works ( especially dunkirk),he has did a pretty good job in elevating the set pieces.

2.The action set pieces : The opening space scene,the scene where the X-men try to convince Jean to come back,the climax train fight scene...the high points of the movie

3.The actors : Especially Sophie,she did a better job than Jannsen in the last stand (my personal opinion).

Cons

1.Almost eveything in the movie seems rushed up 2.Lack of engagement factor found in its predecessor movies 3.Some scenes didn't do justice to Hans Zimmer's powerful scores

So is this movie flawed?? Yes Is this movie as good as its predecessors ?? Not really But is it a trash like most critics say?? Definitely No

Bumblebee (I) (2018)

Good movie but I missed Steve Jablonsky

[7/10 · 5 February 2019]

I was born in 1994 so I didnt grow up watching the Transformers cartoons.It was because of Bayformers that I knew such a thing existed.I liked the franchise,despite knowing most of the movies are stupid,blotched ( especially T5,damn what were you thinking Micheal Bay).And then the announcement for this movie came,which kept me interested.And the movie pretty much delivered what was expected.It has the feel of the Disney movie which is why it received so many positive reviews.Personally I liked the movie.This movie is an improvement over Bayformers because the movie had a soul and good character development.And also in the action sequences.Travis Knight made sure we can see whats happening whenever 2 tranformers clash at each other.But still the movie felt bland for me,because this movie falls short than the Bayformers in the music department.Steve Jablonsky is such an underrated composer.He made most of the below average Bayformers movies look like masterpieces.Unfortunately in Bumblebee,the music was nothing more than fillers.Just one suggestion to Paramount : if you want to reboot the franchise,just pretend the Bayformers sequels didnt exist,but dont discard the 1st movie

Aquaman (2018)

CGI extravaganza

[7/10 · 5 February 2019]

The movie pretty much lived upto its hype.It delivers what was expected of it- loads of action,breath taking CGI and some campy humour.James Wan did an awesome job overall.A special mention to the action sequences which are beautifully shot & choreographed.Spoiler : There is a scene with horror elements in it with the vintage Wan touch,which is a bonus.Meanwhile Rupert Gregson Williams was a let down.The music in this movie pales in comparison to his work in Wonder woman.Overall,worth your money

Aquaman (2018)

CGI extravaganza

[7/10 · 27 December 2018]

One of the most anticipated movies of the year,and it delivers what was expected of it,huge CGI spectacle and an absolute fun ride.The plot was pretty basic and straight forward to say the least.But the way James wan presented it was top notch.The CGI scenes underwater are wonderful to watch.The stunt choreography and the cinematography in it are excellent.There was some unnecessary humor in the 2nd half that drags the movie a little bit but thats all I can complain about the movie.There is also a scene where James brings in his horror movie direction skills and it is an added bonus.Overall an absolute fun ride and worth your money

The Predator (2018)

Nothing new to offer

[5/10 · 15 December 2018]

I wouldn't say the movie was terrible.Its not good either.Its just another action flick with lots of violence.I liked how they stepped on the gas pedal right from the word go without wasting too much time on setting things up.There are a few good action sequences.But there are a few places that are way too defying in logic.Its understandable why die-hard predator fans are pissed off at this movie.

Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018)

Almost as good as Disney's Jungle book

[7/10 · 11 December 2018]

When the 1st trailer of Mowgli was released,I was like "Why??" considered how Disney's Jungle book took the box office by storm just a couple of years back.But then I heard this movie will adapt its source material more faithfully.thats were things got interesting.And I got to watch it almost immediately after its relese. And it was pretty good.Andy Serkis & the writers did a good job portraying the darker tale.The characters too were pretty good,especially Bagheera.Christian Bale absolutely nailed it and he was the biggest plus of the movie.Baloo & Akela too were well developed and animated.I wasnt that convinced with Sherkhan.May be its the impact of Disney's Jungle book,where Sher Khan was more than perfect.The character's CGI,Idris Elba's powerful and majestic voice was unmatchable(sorry Benedict Cumberbatch).I can understand what the makers of Mowgli were trying to do here-showing a more evil and sinistrous Sherkhan in contrast to the fearsome and majestic beast in the Disney version.And Benedict was spot on with what was expected from him.But still it wasnt that convincing.Overall a good movie and definitely worth a watch

Skyscraper (2018)

A simple straight forward action flick

[6/10 · 22 October 2018]

There are a few moments where the laws of Physics are defied but other than that this is a good solid action entertainment with an interesting premise.And "The Rock" - the name itself is enough.He has carried the whole movie on his shoulders.

Rampage (2018)

Pretty much what you would expect

[7/10 · 19 October 2018]

This is another mindless,popcorn entertainment film.Those who expect art house films please stay away from this.But if you are a fan of 2.5 hours of nonstop action,entertainment and destruction,this is a movie for you.And moreover it has "The Rock"-the name itself is enough

The Nun (2018)

Had the potential to be so much more......but.......(sigh)

[5/10 · 15 September 2018]

The darkest entry of the conjuring universe also ended up being the weakest entry.I watched the director's other movie "The hallow" and it too was a mess.But the trailers and the hype surrounding the movie tempted me to watch it in theatres despite the mixed reviews.The move had a few positives-like the dark,ambient and spooky atmosphere,good performances & eerie score.There were criticisms regarding the humour but that was ok for me.But it aint enough to make up for the incoherent writing and very poor direction of the scares.None of them are genuinely scary or unpredictable.The ending was interesting though,linking correctly with one of its predecessor movies.Still wondering why a conjuring universe movie without James wan's direction fails to live up to those directed by him.Looks like WB is planning for a sequel to this movie and hope they rectify the mistakes

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

Better than all the other sequels,but still not enough

[6/10 · 14 September 2018]

After the 1st movie,this was certainly the most entertaining of the franchise.The runtime is less,the pacing was good,great visuals(no surprises),and of course,it had Johny Depp. But still I couldn't get completely satisfied with this movie and its nowhere as good as the 1st movie.May be because this franchise has run its course and I have become exhausted watching the same thing again and again.Still it was far better than the sluggish "At world's end".Overall,its neither amazing nor its an absolute trash pile

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Very good but get rid of that unnecessary humor for god's sake

[8/10 · 16 August 2018]

Such a huge hype for this movie all these years and I prayed it shouldn't be like few of the overrated movies of the MCU. And thankfully it didn't. The movie delivered what was expected from it.Full paced action with CGI as a visual spectacle.And the anti climax was a bit of a gamble which paid off perfectly.I would have given it a 9 if not for the unnecessary misplaced humor,which the directors are still refusing to let go.

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018)

Not in the same league as under the red hood or dark knight returns but still pretty good

[7/10 · 16 August 2018]

There was quite some talk during this movie's release as to how it is good.It increased my expectations but now only I had the time and mood to give it a watch.And it was pretty good.The design of the batman's cowl was the only issue for me.Even if it is a Victorian age film,they need not make the eyes square.I really missed the white eyes typical of animated Batman.Other than that I had no complaints.The story and writing was engaging from beginning till end and I didn't see the climax twist coming.Overall a nice addition to DC 's acclaimed animated movies list

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

Okay!!!

[6/10 · 10 August 2018]

They say Jurassic world is a sequel to the Jurassic Park movies but it is actually a reboot of the 1st movie with more dinosaurs,more action but lacking the soul of the 1st movie.I hoped they wouldn't do that in the sequel after I saw the trailer but nope.the 1st 45 minutes of the movie was pretty good with the plot going like an adventure movie with volcanoes and stuff.It is then the movie derails a bit with rip off of the lost world- bringing dinosaurs from the island and using them for monetary gains.The movie picks up in the last 20 minutes after the indoraptor enters the scene.I also liked how they made it darker than its predecessor,also like the lost world,and also added a horror movie like feel to a few scenes.I would say it is the least engaging movie of the franchise but worth a watch overall

Insidious: The Last Key (2018)

Average

[5/10 · 4 April 2018]

Insidious 1 is one of my favourite horror movies.Its unfortunate the sequels weren't as good as the original,with each having its own problems.While chapter 2 was spot on in scares,its confusing plot was a let down.In case of Insidious 3,it was the other way around with better writing but poorly executed and predictable scares.As for Insidious 4,it was sloppy in both.The plot was okay till the 1st half of the movie after which it got a little lousy.And the movie had too little scares for a horror movie.Even Joseph Bishara wasn't his usual self this time around with a sub standard scoring.Lin Shaye was the only saving grace of the movie.Overall it is worth a one time watch but it is way below the standards of the Insidious franchise

Dunkirk (2017)

Great movie

[9/10 · 25 December 2017]

I had read expectations to this movie after all the praise it got.And boy Christopher Nolan didn't disappoint.The movie was great.I would rank it my 2nd favourite film of Nolan after Inception.I saw a bit of Speilberg's touch during the bombing scenes by the Stuka planes.And hans zimmer proves yet again why he is such a great composer.Though a little repetitive,they show the tension perfectly in the scenes.The only negative in my opinion is the non linear narrative,which seemed absolutely unnecessary for a war movie like this.Otherwise Dunkirk is another feather to Christopher Nolan's cap

Justice League (2017)

Avengers-DC version

[7/10 · 19 November 2017]

So the wait is finally over.Had my expectations low after criticisms of how WB made a mess of a movie by cutting off 45 minutes of the movie,but the movie ended up being pretty good.Didn't witness such a pacy screenplay in Hollywood in a long time,the 2 hours passed in a blink of an eye.Due to Joss Wheldon's influence,JL reminded me of Avengers in several places and there were plenty of jokes,but they were fine except for the flash,who was more annoying and whiny than funny.Superman's moments in the movie are beyond doubt the best parts of the movie.As far as the negatives are concerned,I really missed Hans and Junkie XL in this movie.Danny Elfman's score was nothing more than fillers to the narrative.There were a couple of scenes where the old themes were used and that was the only consolation.And barring a few slow mo scenes,I felt Zack Snyder's touch lacking.Lets hope we get the full extended director's cut soon

Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

Painfully long....overall a disappointment

[5/10 · 19 September 2017]

I had different opinions with the transformers franchise.1 was great,2 was average with some good moments and a few annoying moments,3 was boring and 4 was good(honestly I liked it compared to DOTM)...so hearing the overwhelmingly negative reviews I thought this will be just like AOE,but it isn't.The first 1 hour of the movie was fine with some good action and humour,but after Anthony Hopkins meeting with Mark Wahlberg it starts to get too long.This movie is shorter than AOE at 2 and half hours but it felt much longer than it actually is.But like all Transformers movies the CGI was top notch,the action and chase sequences were high octane,but I felt for once the critics were right unlike before.As a fan of transformers this was a disappointment to me

Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Neither good nor bad

[6/10 · 23 August 2017]

So the ruins of Annabelle 1 was handed over from John R Leonetti to David Sandberg who previously directed 'Lights out'.Annabelle wasn't an utterly bad film.It just failed as a horror movie with too less scare scenes and more melodrama.So coming to the sequel,I wasn't expecting it to be a masterpiece like the Conjuring,but was expecting some scares.Sure,they were lot of scare scenes,but almost every one of em is predictable,which took the excitement out of the equation.And the one man I missed badly was Joseph Bishara(as composer).He carried the entire below par 1st movie on his shoulders with his amazing score and made it somewhat memorable.It wasn't found in this movie.Clearly David Sandberg needs to take a few lessons from James Wan as to how to generate the suspense,build up and tension which is the major weakness of Annabelle:creation.And the positives include the writing;I liked the way they linked this story with that of the 1st movie in the end.And the cinematography was great.Overall this ended up as a good popcorn entertainer.If you are expecting a movie like conjuring,you'll be disappointed

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

great movie....but still lacking something from first movie

[9/10 · 17 June 2016]

I have been waiting all these years since conjuring 2 was announced,with full hope that James wan will not mess it up in a sequel like all other directors.And boy,he did not disappoint.The scares were terrifying,but inevitably they don't stand a chance in comparison to those in the first movie.But it is more than made up with some really intense scenes and brilliant screenplay.Especially the twist when the warrens are about to depart from London is a masterstroke.The scene where Lorraine faces off with Valek in the first half was typical James wan master piece.Joseph Bishara has proved yet again that he is a master in this genre when it comes to background scoring.Overall it was full worth of 2 hours and money of 120 bucks.

Paranormal Activity 4 (2012)

Only the climax is worth it

[3/10 · 5 April 2016]

I was eager to watch this movie because paranormal activity 2 and 3 were better than the reviews suggested and because of the curiosity to know what happened after PA2,only to find out that the movie is a horrible mess.The earlier movies did test my patience but the wait was worth it,but not in this movie.There was absolutely nothing in this movie that can be termed scary or freaky.And the logics were defied greatly... Katie abducted the child in PA2 but how did she miss him only to find him 5 years later?? Who were those bunch of people confronted by Alex before being killed in the climax...were they all possessed by the demon?? Only the last few minutes had some scary substance...but the rest is disappointing

Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

good,but not good enough

[6/10 · 10 October 2015]

This movie is a second proof to the fact that "just because you worked with James wan doesn't mean you can direct a movie like James wan.John R Leonetti learned that by directing "annabelle".It wasn't a poor movie though,but it is nothing compared to "the conjuring".The situation is nothing different in Insidious 3.But first lets discuss the positives.Leigh Whannell,being the writer for the first 2 movies,did nothing wrong with the plot or screenplay.The actors too did a decent job,and Stephanie and Linshaye were exceptional.Joseph Bishara was his usual best,but he too cannot save the movie's cause that flawed so badly in the jump scares.The scares were so predictable that i was guessing every time "OK there is going to be a scare here",and guess what!!! i was right almost every time.even "annabelle" was better in that area,though they were few in number.I really missed James wan in this movie,who is a real master in that department.U can never guess when or where the scares would come.And the demon,geez,whannell cant u come up with something better or more terrifying than that!!!! Do u expect us to get freaked out by seeing a man with a breathing mask and with feet covered with blood!!!! Overall,it is a decent attempt by Leigh Whannell but Insidious 1 stands too tall in front of insidious chapter 3