Yashhraaj Barman

Quest for Justice The Amateur (2025), directed by James Hawes, spins the classic tale of a vigilante quest into a riveting spy action thriller, resonating with modern cinematic flair. This adaptation of Robert Littell’s novel sees Rami Malek as Charlie Heller, a CIA cryptographer transformed into a determined avenger after a tragic personal loss. His journey from a desk-bound analyst to a relentless pursuer across continents is both compelling and chilling. The premise might echo familiar vigilante tropes—old wine in a new bottle, so to speak—yet The Amateur manages to keep it intriguing. The plot weaves through a labyrinth of espionage and retribution, underpinned by a strong screenplay that keeps the tension taut and the stakes high. Malek’s performance is particularly noteworthy; he brings a nuanced depth to Charlie, capturing the transformation of grief into grim resolve with finesse. Caitríona Balfe, despite limited screen time, leaves a strong impression, adding layers to the narrative’s emotional complexity. Visually, the film is a treat. The cinematography adeptly captures the stark contrasts from the shadowy corridors of power in Washington to the bustling streets of London, enhancing the story’s global scope. The direction by Hawes is precise, never losing sight of the film’s heart amidst its high-octane scenes. The background music complements the film’s intense mood, subtly weaving through the scenes to heighten the suspense without overwhelming the dialogue. This careful balancing act ensures that The Amateur is not just watched but felt. While it may not break new ground in the genre, The Amateur is executed with enough skill to make it a worthwhile watch for those drawn to stories of personal redemption and justice. Rating: 4/5 The Amateur offers a gripping and polished addition to the vigilante genre, powered by stellar performances and a solid narrative foundation. It’s a film that proves the potency of classic themes when coupled with dynamic storytelling and robust characterization.

A High-Stakes Dinner Date… In Drop (2025), a gripping thriller directed by Christopher Landon and set against the backdrop of a seemingly innocent dinner date, the stakes are anything but ordinary. Featuring Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar, the film delves deep into a suspenseful night that begins with promise but quickly descends into a sinister spiral of coercion and survival. The film unfolds with Violet, portrayed compellingly by Meghann Fahy, a recently widowed mother looking to rekindle her personal life by stepping back into the dating scene. Her character’s vulnerability and hope are palpable as she meets Henry, played by Brandon Sklenar, whose charm masks more ominous intentions. The evening takes a terrifying turn when Violet receives threats from a mysterious figure, pushing her into a corner where each choice could mean life or death for her loved ones. While Drop may start off as a slow burner, it skillfully builds tension, drawing viewers into its complex web with meticulous direction, engaging storytelling, and crisp editing. The film’s ability to maintain suspense is enhanced by a well-composed background score that amplifies the growing sense of dread. The performances are a standout, with Fahy bringing a nuanced depth to her role, making her plight both relatable and heart-wrenching. The climax of the movie shifts gears dramatically, offering fast-paced, action-packed sequences that keep you riveted until the final moments. For fans of the thriller genre, Drop offers a fresh take on the psychological thriller with a scenario that’s as unsettling as it is captivating. It’s a film that not only entertains but also leaves you pondering the extremes one might go to when pushed to the brink. Rating: 4/5 Drop is a must-watch for those who thrive on edge-of-the-seat moments and enjoy narratives that challenge as much as they entertain.

Uncovering Brilliance Beneath the Surface Hidden Figures (2017), directed by Theodore Melfi and streaming now on Jio Hotstar, is a deeply compelling biographical drama that shines a long-overdue spotlight on three trailblazing African-American women whose mathematical brilliance helped launch NASA into the Space Age. Based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s non-fiction work, the film follows Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) as they battle racism, sexism, and systemic neglect to take their rightful place in history. Having had the DVD for a while, I finally gave it a go on streaming—and was thoroughly enthralled. The narrative is strong, with standout performances from the leading trio. Taraji, Octavia, and Janelle carry the emotional core of the film with power and poise, while Kevin Costner brings a steady presence. Kirsten Dunst’s role adds nuance, though it doesn’t quite shake the story’s structure. Direction, editing, and screenplay all come together cohesively, weaving a story that is as inspiring as it is sobering. The film doesn’t scream for attention—it speaks quietly but profoundly, much like the women it honors. Rating: 5/5 A must-watch for lovers of history, space, and stories where unsung heroes finally get their due.

Captain America – A Not-So-Brave New World Captain America: Brave New World (2025) arrives with the weight of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on its shielded shoulders, but somewhere along the line, the vibranium seems to have lost its shine. Directed by Julius Onah and continuing the story of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, this fourth Captain America installment sets Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in the center of a global conspiracy tied to none other than President Thaddeus Ross (played by a surprisingly committed Harrison Ford). As a longtime Marvel fan, I walked in with tempered excitement and walked out feeling like I had attended a government briefing rather than a superhero movie. The plot attempts to be political, profound, and punchy—but ends up tangled in a Brave New Bore. While Mackie and Ford deliver solid performances, the rest of the ensemble is either underused or forgettable. Visually, the action was just enough to keep the MX4D seats jolting, but emotionally, the film stayed frustratingly flat. There’s no sparkle of past Marvel magic, no standout sequences, and very little to write home about unless you’re chronicling the MCU’s slow descent into mediocrity. With 35 films in the bag, maybe it’s time Marvel stops assembling and starts evolving. Rating: 2.5/5 A passable entry for die-hard fans, but for most, it’s just another episode in a saga that desperately needs a reboot.

A Spy Game That Misses Its Target Black Bag (2025), directed by Steven Soderbergh and penned by David Koepp, enters the spy thriller space with an intriguing premise: a decorated intelligence officer, George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender), must choose between national loyalty and personal trust when his wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchett) is suspected of betrayal. Yet, despite the promise of high-stakes espionage and a powerhouse cast, the film doesn’t quite hit the mark. The narrative is slow-burning yet intermittently gripping, held together by a good screenplay that teases tension without ever fully delivering a satisfying punch. The cinematography is solid, with well-framed shots that maintain the film’s sleek aesthetic, but the editing falters, making certain sequences feel disjointed or sluggish. The direction feels unusually restrained for Soderbergh, never quite tapping into the emotional or psychological core of its conflicted characters. One of the most surprising letdowns is the fair-to-underwhelming performances from Fassbender and Blanchett—two otherwise commanding actors whose chemistry here feels undercooked. While their individual talents shine in moments, the script doesn’t give them enough fire to ignite the screen. Overall, Black Bag is a stylish yet subdued thriller that doesn’t capitalize on its potential. It might keep fans of the genre mildly entertained, but for many, it may feel like a missed opportunity. Rating: 3/5 Well-acted in parts and visually refined, but ultimately falls short of the suspense and emotional gravity it promises.

Trapped in Tension: Locked but Not Loaded Locked (2025), the English-language remake of Argentina’s 4x4, sets out with a chilling premise—a carjacker trapped inside a high-tech SUV turned psychological prison. Directed by David Yarovesky and starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins, the film delivers on claustrophobia and unease but falls short of leaving a lasting mark. The plot unfolds as Eddie, a reckless thief, breaks into what he believes is just another luxury car—only to find himself ensnared in a twisted game of justice by a vigilante played briefly, but brilliantly, by Hopkins. While Skarsgård carries the majority of the film, shifting between fear and frustration, it’s Hopkins’ minimal screen time that lingers most—his voice alone lends gravitas the film sorely needs. Technically, the film scores well—direction, editing, background score, and cinematography all pull their weight. But narratively, it’s a slow-burner that doesn’t quite ignite. The tension builds steadily, yet the climax arrives too suddenly and is followed by a rather muted epilogue, dulling the impact of the confrontation and its moral undertone. In the end, Locked feels like a high-concept thriller that loses steam halfway. It grips, but doesn’t quite throttle. A one-time watch, especially for fans of psychological tension, but not one that demands a revisit. Rating: 3/5 A tense setup with strong performances, but the payoff doesn’t quite justify the ride.

A High-Stakes Game of Strategy and Survival Tetris (2023) is far more than a movie about a video game—it’s a thrilling Cold War-era chess match where business, politics, and espionage collide. Directed by Jon S. Baird, the film unravels the incredible true story behind the licensing battle for Tetris, one of the most iconic video games of all time. Starring Taron Egerton as Henk Rogers, the film follows his relentless pursuit of securing the game’s handheld console rights for Nintendo, navigating a complex web of corporate greed, Soviet bureaucracy, and high-stakes negotiations across Japan, the U.S., and Russia. From the very beginning, the film is gripping—not just as a biopic but as a suspense-filled thriller that keeps you on edge. Egerton delivers an outstanding performance, bringing both charm and determination to Rogers’ character. Nikita Efremov’s portrayal of Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov adds an emotional depth, grounding the film in the human connection behind the game’s success. Visually, the cinematography is sleek, capturing the tension of Cold War-era Moscow and the vibrant gaming culture of the late ‘80s. The screenplay is tight, ensuring every twist in the legal and political battle is engaging. The music score enhances the suspense, blending retro gaming vibes with the intensity of a corporate thriller. While Tetris is not your typical action-packed blockbuster, it excels in making a legal and business battle feel as intense as a high-speed car chase. The film’s pacing, sharp writing, and stellar performances make it a must-watch, especially for fans of history, gaming, and true-story thrillers. Rating: 4.5/5 – A fascinating and engrossing take on a real-life story, bringing both nostalgia and nail-biting suspense to the screen.

A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Experience Like No Other Watching Mickey 17 (2025) in 4DX format was nothing short of breathtaking! From the moment the film started, I was completely immersed in its world, feeling every jolt, rush, and atmospheric shift as if I were right there with the characters on the mission to Niflheim. The 4DX effects enhanced the experience dramatically—the sudden jolts and seat vibrations during intense action sequences made the zero-gravity moments and high-impact scenes feel incredibly real. The cold gusts of air during Niflheim’s frigid landscapes gave me chills, making me feel the planet’s harsh, unforgiving conditions. And whenever Mickey faced a high-stakes challenge, the tactile sensations of movement and force made every impact hit harder. But it wasn’t just the technical immersion that made Mickey 17 a standout experience—it was the film itself. Bong Joon-ho has crafted a truly gripping and unconventional sci-fi thriller, bringing Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey 7 to life with a unique blend of tension, mystery, and dark humor. Set in 2054, the story follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an Expendable—a crew member whose sole purpose is to take on the most dangerous, life-threatening tasks while colonizing the icy planet Niflheim. If he dies, he is recreated in a new body with most of his memories intact. While this concept seems like an advantage, it quickly becomes clear that Mickey’s role is far from straightforward. The film keeps you guessing, raising profound questions about identity, survival, and the ethics of cloning. What truly elevated the film was the performances. Robert Pattinson delivered one of his best roles to date, portraying Mickey’s existential crisis with nuance and depth. Naomi Ackie and Mark Ruffalo added layers to the story, making every moment engaging and emotionally charged. Visually, the film was a masterpiece. The VFX was stunning, seamlessly blending practical and digital effects to create a fully realized sci-fi world. The direction by Bong Joon-ho was exceptional, balancing intense action, psychological depth, and moments of dark humor. The editing kept the film tight and fast-paced, ensuring no scene felt unnecessary or dragged. By the time the credits rolled, I was left in complete awe of the film’s depth, storytelling, and immersive presentation. Mickey 17 is not just a sci-fi movie—it’s an experience that demands to be seen in the most immersive way possible. Watching it in 4DX was an absolute game-changer, and if you have the chance, I highly recommend experiencing it that way. Rating: 4.5/5 – A stunning, thought-provoking, and truly immersive sci-fi epic that left a lasting impact on me. A must-watch for any sci-fi enthusiast, and an unforgettable ride in 4DX!

A Thrilling Ride with a Divisive Climax Crazy 2025 marks the directorial debut of Girish Kohli, delivering a high-stakes thriller that keeps the tension alive from the very start. Starring Sohum Shah as Dr. Abhimanyu Sood, the film follows a frantic race against time as he receives a chilling phone call that throws him into a relentless cat-and-mouse chase to save his kidnapped daughter. With Tinnu Anand, Nimisha Sajayan, and Shilpa Shukla lending their voices to the narrative, the film keeps the audience engaged through gripping suspense and unexpected twists. From the opening sequence, Crazxy 2025 proves to be thrilling and gripping. The cinematography is commendable, capturing the urgency of the protagonist’s journey, while the editing and direction maintain a strong momentum. However, the storyline occasionally feels choppy, leading to moments where the pacing falters. The climax, in particular, is divisive—while some may find it bold, others may feel it leans into an anti-climax, leaving more questions than resolutions. Interestingly, there are reports of a revised climax being introduced in the film’s second week, though whether that enhances the experience remains to be seen. For those who appreciate edge-of-the-seat thrillers, Crazxy 2025 delivers in terms of suspense and execution, even if its ending might not land perfectly for all viewers. Rating: 3/5 – A gripping thriller with great performances and tension-filled moments, but an uneven storyline and divisive climax hold it back from being a truly unforgettable experience.