Rahul Sawant

As a fan of the original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, this 2011 remake left me disappointed. First off, the iconic dragon tattoo the one that literally gives the movie its name looks like an afterthought. It lacks the boldness and symbolism the original carried so well. That was the first red flag. Then there’s Lisbeth herself. Rooney Mara’s version just doesn't hit the same. She’s noticeably less of a sociopath, which weirdly makes her less compelling. One standout moment that really underlines this is when she doesn’t even hesitate when asked for a blowjob no pause, no inner conflict, just compliance. It’s off-brand for a character who’s supposed to be emotionally detached and guarded. In the original, Lisbeth was a paradox damaged yet sharp, emotionally distant but still charming in a twisted, cute kind of way. This version? She comes off more arrogant than intriguing. That whole “I have a photographic memory” scene felt like forced genius rather than a natural part of who she is. In contrast, the original Lisbeth never needed to brag she just was a badass with style and confidence, not ego. All in all, this version feels like a slick Hollywood echo of a gritty original. It looks good on the surface but loses the heart of what made Lisbeth Salander unforgettable.

Spoilers ahead - The storyline becomes a bit convoluted towards the end, particularly with the sequence involving Matt and the figment boy Shane. After a tense fight, Shane manages to lock himself and his unconscious mother inside the room. Unbeknownst to her, he (who now has face and body of Matt) creates a replica of their house and the surrounding forest within the room itself. This twist explains why, when she steps "outside" to check if her son is dead or not, he doesn't age—because they never actually left the room. While the concept is clever, the execution can be a bit confusing for viewers. The pacing drags at times, and certain plot points feel underexplained. Still, The Room offers an eerie atmosphere and raises interesting questions about the nature of reality and consequences. It’s worth a watch for those who enjoy mind-bending thrillers, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes turned out to be a disappointment compared to its trailer. The preview suggested an adventurous thriller, but the film itself struggled to maintain that energy. Proximus, who seemed like a formidable antagonist in the trailer, was a letdown in the movie. He lacked authority, had minimal screen time, and came across as almost desperate in his interactions with Noa, practically begging for submission. Up until the last five minutes, it felt like a half-hearted attempt to keep the franchise going, with little of the passion or innovation that made the earlier films memorable. It’s hard to escape the feeling that this might be the weakest installment in the series to date.

⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.5/5 If you're going into Bramayugam with the expectation that it will be as gripping and masterful as Tumbbad, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Approach it with a fresh mind, and only after watching it, you can draw comparisons between the two films. Bramayugam, much like Tumbbad, centers around the themes of "Greed" and "Supernatural Beings." However, it falls short in several aspects compared to Tumbbad. For starters, Tumbbad brilliantly encapsulates different timelines, generations, and numerous locations within a concise 104-minute runtime. In contrast, Bramayugam stretches over 140 minutes but confines its story to three characters and a single setting. This tighter scope can feel a bit drawn-out, lacking the dynamic shift and rich tapestry that Tumbbad offered. Where Bramayugam does succeed is in creating an eerie atmosphere and delivering some genuinely suspenseful moments. The supernatural elements are well-executed, and the film maintains a consistent tone of dread and intrigue. The acting is solid, and the cinematography effectively complements the dark, foreboding narrative. The primary difference between the two films lies in their outcomes. Tumbbad presents a complex, satisfying conclusion that ties its themes together beautifully. Bramayugam, while intriguing, doesn't quite deliver the same level of depth or resolution. In conclusion, Bramayugam is a good film in its own right, worthy of a watch for fans of supernatural thrillers. Just don't make the mistake of holding it up to the high bar set by Tumbbad.

⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5) Late Night with the Devil refreshingly deviates from typical found footage films by setting its story on a late-night TV show with a live audience. This unique setting creates an engaging atmosphere, and the film wisely avoids relying on jump scares, instead building a slow-burn tension that keeps viewers hooked. The story adeptly maintains a delicate balance between fostering belief in the supernatural and suggesting it could all be a hoax, only to shift decisively to a paranormal conclusion, effectively eliminating the hoax theory by the film's end. The film's message about the dangers of pursuing success at any cost adds a meaningful layer to the horror. Overall, it is a good movie, offering a compelling watch despite an ending that might not satisfy everyone.

(4.5/5) Aavesham is a refreshing entry into the contemporary cinematic landscape, managing to blend comedy and action seamlessly. What sets this film apart is its ability to radiate genuine happiness, leaving the audience with an enduring smile. Unlike the repetitive and often uninspired action sequences seen in Ajay Devgan or Akshay Kumar movies, 'Aavesham' delivers dynamic and engaging action that keeps viewers entertained. Although not a suspense thriller, the film maintains a gripping narrative that makes you eagerly anticipate the revelation of the main character's true strength (physical as well as mental). It's a joyous cinematic experience that stands out in its genre

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan falls flat with its pathetic attempt to recycle the same tired concept repeatedly. The film shamelessly exploits patriotism for profit without offering any fresh perspective. Moreover, glaring loopholes like the villain's ability to create clones but inability to fix a simple burnt face fragment the already weak plot.

The Pale Blue Eye, captivates from the opening scene with its stunning cinematography and striking color contrast. Set in the early 19th century, the film offers a visual feast, with meticulously chosen locations and period-accurate clothing that immerse the viewer in its era. Christian Bale's performance alone is a compelling reason to watch, but the film's intriguing murder mystery, consistently engaging plot, and a touch of sadism add depth to the narrative. The twist at the end ties everything together, making it an interesting journey throughout. Overall, this movie is a well-crafted piece of historical fiction that keeps you hooked till the very end.

Under the Silver Lake begins with a slow start that sets the tone for a lengthy narrative. The film delves into mental illusions and a convoluted conspiracy that challenges the viewer’s perception. While the character seems to be living a blissfully ignorant life, the plot often tests your patience. Despite its intriguing premise, the movie's pacing and complexity may not appeal to everyone.

I thought "The Vast of Night" was quite captivating, with a mysterious plot that kept me intrigued. The actors’ performances were very moving, although some parts of the story could have been better developed. It’s still a good movie that stays with you.