Sneha Jaiswal's Blog, page 164
June 17, 2023
Disguise – Short Horror Film Review
Does this mini-film give me a mini-stroke? Maybe! Based on the short story “The Ultimate Disguise” from Reddit’s r/NoSleep, the horror movie “Disguise” follows a woman’s terrifying night at home when she decides to investigate the source of strange noises.
Directed by Tyler Czajkowski, the short film stars Zoe Rose LoMenzo as the protagonist who senses a sinister presence inside the walls of her home. She attempts to wake her husband, but eventually decides to investigate the mystery herself. With a runtime of only about ten minutes, the first few seconds quickly test the patience of horror viewers as the protagonist makes the rookie mistake of venturing into the attic alone in the middle of the night. Why not get back up or just leave things be until next morning? However, the film soon delivers an excellent jump-scare that will likely jolt your heart, leaving you on edge for the remaining tense minutes, wondering what the outcome of the story will be like.
The cinematography and background music create a subtle yet creepy atmosphere, successfully evoking a sense of suspense. Despite the nocturnal setting, the lighting is carefully adjusted, providing viewers with a feeling of an otherworldly hour while also highlighting important details of the unfolding events.
“Disguise” encompasses all the elements of a classic horror tale, culminating in a fantastic twist and an intriguing ending that doesn’t necessarily favor evil. You can watch the film on YouTube or below. If the ending leaves you perplexed, I recommend reading the original Reddit story on which it is based.
A Beautiful Life Movie Review – Sappy
A struggling young fisherman is dragged by his best friend to play the guitar at a fancy birthday bash for the wealthy widow of a famous rock star. When his friend gets cold feet on the stage, the fisherman starts belting out the lyrics and stuns the crowd. Impressed, the widow comes up with a plan for her estranged daughter to produce the dude’s music, hoping it would give her daughter some direction and might even help them reconcile. The rest of the story unfolds like a sappy 90s musical romance, making one wonder why such a clichéd plot is called “A Beautiful Life.”
Directed by Mehdi Avaz and written by Stefan Jaworski, the 2023 film “A Beautiful Life” stars Christopher as the protagonist, Elliot, whose life changes when music manager Suzanne (Christine Albeck Børge) discovers his stunning voice. Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas portrays Lilly, Suzanne’s daughter, who agrees to produce Elliot’s music, but the two don’t initially get along well. The initial animosity between Elliot and Lilly felt too clichéd, as if the creators were blatantly signaling to the viewers, “Hey, these two are the main couple; we’re going to make them dislike each other at first, so they can have a wonderful ‘enemies to lovers’ progression.”
Since music is one of the primary themes of the film, some of the tracks are definitely quite catchy, but they aren’t really the kind of songs you’d want to look up on the internet later. The cinematography was refreshingly straightforward, and it was a pleasant change to see a “not so perfect” home portrayed on screen. Elliot’s boat, where he resides, is realistically messy, reflecting the life of a struggling fisherman. However, one can’t help but desire more depth and complexity in the characterization, similar to the detailed and layered sets.
It’s a 4 on 10 from me.
June 16, 2023
Extraction 2 – Rake is Thor-Like in Exaggerated Sequel
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
“I have to say, you’re not living up to the hype,” a character sarcastically tells Tyler Rake when he meets the legendary assassin, who’s barely recovered from his last near-death mission in Dhaka, Bangladesh. But a few minutes into “Extraction 2,” Rake more than lives up to the hype in his new assignment, which ironically makes the film a lot less believable, because Chris Hemsworth’s character will give Norse God Thor a run for his money with his near-immortal resistance to death.
Directed by Sam Hargrave and written by Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, and Ande Parks, the 2023 sequel to “Extraction” follows Rake (played by Hemsworth) to Georgia. He is assigned the dangerous mission of extracting a woman called Ketevan Radiani (Tinatin Dalakishvili) and her two children from the clutches of her gangster husband, all of who are held at a high-security prison. However, the mission becomes increasingly complicated when the gangster is killed, and his ruthlessly vengeful brother (Tornike Gogrichiani) vows to track down his sister-in-law, Rake, and exact revenge.
The sequel reunites Hemsworth with actors Golshifteh Farahani and Adam Bessa, who portray Rake’s team members and siblings, Nik Khan and Yaz Khan. Together, with a few additional hands, the trio takes on an entire army of Georgian gangsters. So, YES, the film is action-packed and will undoubtedly keep fans of the genre entertained until the very end. In fact, even though the plot may be thin, it still manages to be intriguing. However, the extended runtime of 120 minutes poses quite a challenge when watching “Extraction 2.”
The prison-break violence, which occurs at the beginning, is one of the weakest action sequences in the film. While Rake’s stealthy entry into the prison with the assistance of an insider was tense and exciting, things gradually become increasingly unrealistic as the seconds tick by. Especially when Rake and Ketevan have to battle their way through rioting prisoners, with the latter armed only with a shovel. The Soviet prison break in “Stranger Things Season 4” was far more enjoyable and believable, even though the show features aliens and supernatural monsters! That said, Sam Hargrave and his team definitely pull out all the stops to make the film as intense as possible, so viewers can expect a barrage of guns, explosions, blood, and a few gory deaths. However, while the film delivers on the spectacle, the close-combat scenes are somewhat limited and could have benefited from improved action choreography, as they tend to feel generic.
If you enjoyed the first Extraction, the second installment is definitely worth a watch. You can stream the film on Netflix.
Secret Passages Review – Joyously Surreal!
The loved the illustrations in this graphic novel so much, I just cannot not give it a full five stars! “Secret Passages” is a surreal non-linear memoir by Axelle Lenoir, where she directly appears as an adult artist through the pages to address readers as she takes us through what life was like for her as a six-year-old girl. We then meet the three siblings, little rebellious Axelle, her older brother David and the youngest Tonio who as an imaginary monster friend.
In “Secret Passages,” much of the story unfolds during 1985/86, with little Axelle serving as the adorable protagonist with an over-active imagination. For instance, she entertains the idea of her parents being aliens who have abducted her and her brothers, which is humorously depicted through their alien-like appearance—different skin color and bug-like black eyes throughout the book. It also serves as a subtle metaphor for how the world of adults seems absolutely unintelligible to kids. Things only get more confusing for Axelle, when she is enrolled into school despite her protests and is forced to sit through hours of boring classes.
Axelle’s interactions with her brothers are the cutest. The trio have a love-hate relationship, they eat, play, watch television together and obviously fight like monsters over the silliest of things. Their lively banter reminded me of a conversation I had with an aunt over a decade ago. She was pregnant with her second child at the time and expressed her hope for twins. Having grown up with two siblings herself, she fondly recalled the joy and excitement of growing up with them. The Lenoir siblings are hilarious, slightly troublesome, sure, but their parents often giggle and laugh over their antics and fights. So, even though life as a six-year-old was oftentimes fun for Axelle, a lot of her adult anxieties stem from some of her childhood experiences and fears.
Towards the end of the novel, the creator addresses the fact that some readers expressed a desire for “Secret Passages” to be in color. Interestingly, this is a complaint that I, too, have had about certain works. However, while reading “Secret Passages,” I never once felt the absence of color. Axelle Lenoir’s illustrations and art style are so animated and full of life that they don’t need to rely on colors to bring excitement to the panels. It was only upon finishing the book that I realized I had previously read another work by Axelle titled “What If We Were…”, which was a vibrant burst of colors. In that story, two friends engage in a game where they suggest hypothetical scenarios and explore what they would do in each situation.
It’s a 5 on 5 from me for “Secret Passages”. The book is also on Kindle Unlimited.
June 15, 2023
The Wonder Weeks – Quick Review
Parenting is a tough job, and we’re all well aware of that. However, the 2023 Dutch film “The Wonder Weeks” (original title – Oei, ik groei!) doesn’t bring many new ingredients to the table with its story about three friends navigating the challenges of raising babies. Being a Netflix production, the cinematography is predictably glossy and shiny, featuring immaculate modern homes, but the script feels slightly stale.
Directed by Appie Boudellah and Aram van de Rest, the film spans 90 minutes and follows three different couples as they handle their children. We are first introduced to Anne (Salle Harmsen), who returns to her lawyer job after giving birth but is constantly distracted, worrying whether her husband can handle things in her absence. Her anxiety only grows when she hires a beautiful nanny. Next, we meet the lesbian couple Kim (Katja Schuurman) and Roos (Sarah Chronis), who are expecting their third child from the same donor, a friend who expresses a desire to visit the kids as their father and seeks co-parenting rights. Finally, there’s Ilse (Yolanthe Cabau), who faces the challenge of accepting the conservative parents of her Moroccan boyfriend, who move in with them to help her during her pregnancy.
There are clearly three different themes at play: the challenges women face when returning to the workplace after pregnancy, the dilemma faced by same-sex couples when donors become more involved in their lives, and the cultural and religious differences that arise in interracial relationships. While the filmmakers’ intent is commendable, the execution of the story is far from satisfactory. With a crisp 90-minute runtime, not a single character stands out in the movie, and the plot fails to generate enough momentum for viewers to truly care about what’s happening to anyone. Although, the friendships portrayed between all the lead characters was quite endearing.
Despite its seemingly “modern” outlook, the story contains regressive elements that reinforce the idea that taking care of the child is solely a woman’s responsibility. It’s always the women who are shown running around for their babies, and even in the lesbian couple, there’s a clear distinction between the working parent and the homemaker parent. Sarah Chronis plays Roos, the sweet pregnant homemaker, while Katja Schuurman portrays her wife, Kim, the bossy and manipulative one who runs “Moms for Moms,” an exclusive clique of affluent mothers who organize extravagant kids-related parties and have a network that grants them easy access to various child services, classes, and admission to good daycares and schools.
“The Wonder Weeks” had a lot of potential for being a funny family comedy, but the script lacks spark and the climax was just a mess. It’s a 5 on 10 from me.
You can stream the film on Netflix.
June 14, 2023
Canary – Short Horror Film Review
One of the basic rules for surviving any sort of “end of the world” scenario is sticking to your group and steering clear of unfamiliar places and people. But what do you do if your survival squad is filled with bullies?
Directed by Taka Tsubota and written by Jasper Chen, the 2023 short film “Canary” follows aspiring author Alan (Barron Leung), who is trapped in a cabin with his cousin’s friends as the world outside has been taken over by spider-like monsters. Constantly mocked, abused, and assaulted by the men in his company, Alan has only two options: either do something about the bullies or venture into the dangerous outdoors. It’s quite the catch-22 situation for Alan, as any choice he makes will mostly likely leave him in a no-win situation.
The cinematography incorporates a lot of dimly lit shots, creating an oppressive horror-like atmosphere throughout the film’s 17-minute runtime. Parts of “Canary” are reminiscent of John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place” movies, which share similar themes and build a steady sense of dread over the sinister creatures lurking outside. However, the tension in this short film is heightened as the protagonist lacks a safe space to hide, rest, or retreat to.
Andrew Hayden Kang plays Alan’s chief tormentor Nev, a muscular jock type of guy who revels in exploiting the weak. Barron Leung delivers an arresting performance as the tormented Alan, making viewers worry about his fate. What choices will he make? How will he navigate the end of the world? The creators astutely conclude the short film with an open-ended climax, allowing viewers to ponder the true outcome. “Canary” is worth a watch for fans of horror/post-apocalyptic fiction.
‘Tiku Weds Sheru’ Trailer Mixes Small Town Quirks & Big City Dreams
Sheru is a junior artist who associates with the wrong crowd in Mumbai, and then hastily travels to Bhopal for an arranged marriage. There, he encounters his bride, Tiku, who unbeknownst to Sheru, is an aspiring actress and views the wedding as her ticket to Mumbai and her Bollywood dreams. Both of them have their own hidden motives for getting married, and what follows is a quirky roller-coaster adventure as they get to know each other.
The official trailer for “Tiku Weds Sheru” is colorful, comedic, and blends the charms of a small town with big city dreams. Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrays the confident hustler, Sheru, while Avneet Kaur plays the young and feisty Tiku. Both characters share the same ambitious spirit of achieving success and leading a better life, but will they be able to do it together?
Directed by Sai Kabir and produced by Kangana Ranaut’s Manikarnika Films, “Tiku Weds Sheru” promises to be a whimsical romantic tale judging by its appearance and is set to release on Prime Video on 23rd June.
Period Drama – Short Film Review
Eleven-year-old Georgina is contentedly reading a book under the gentle glow of a candle while tucked snugly under her white sheets when a sudden stab of pain in her stomach jolts her. To her horror, she discovers blood on her sheets, and a wave of fear washes over her as she wonders if she is dying.
“Period Drama,” a short animated film created by Lauryn Anthony and Anushka Tina Nair and produced at Ringling College of Art and Design, delves into the experience many young girls go through when they have their first period.
Clocking in at just two minutes, “Period Drama” races forward like a spirited horse, featuring fantastic animation that rivals the quality of top animation studios. Narrated by Joanne Lichtenstein, the film vividly portrays the protagonist’s emotional journey and the whirlwind of thoughts that flood her mind as she tries to understand why she is bleeding. Lichtenstein’s voice is rich, expressive and sounds like it would serve as a great narrator for other children’s fantasy stories.
The short film unfolds like a tantalizing trailer for a full-length feature, with Georgina’s wild imagination captivating viewers and leaving them yearning for a longer exploration of her adventures as a young girl.
You can watch the film on YouTube or it’s also embedded below.
June 13, 2023
Pixar’s “Elio” Embarks On An Interstellar Trip in Teaser
For a moment, we thought that perhaps Disney-Pixar’s new movie “Elio” is about a character from their 2018 summer adventure “Luca.” However, it turns out that “Elio” is quite different. While “Luca” depicted a young boy from the depths of the ocean exploring life on the surface and among humans, “Elio” follows the story of a little boy who gets whisked away from Earth by aliens and embarks on an adventure involving fascinating extraterrestrial species!
Pixar’s official teaser for their upcoming animated film in 2023 looks visually stunning with a touch of sparkle. The plot revolves around a young boy named Elio, who coincidentally contacts his mother just as she intercepts a message from aliens requesting to meet Earth’s leader. A glitch occurs, leading the aliens to mistakenly believe that Elio is the person they are searching for, setting off an “out of this world” journey for the little boy. Some of the characters in the film may remind animation enthusiasts of the beloved 2002 Walt Disney Studios film “Lilo and Stitch.” The teaser packs in some hilarious jokes and we cannot wait to watch this one!
Our Dining Table Review – Like Comfort Food
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Anyone who has seen or read a decent amount of Japanese content would know what an Onigiri is, but for the first time, a show made me look up the recipe for this popular rice ball dish, which is a staple in Bento boxes. The 2023 Japanese series “Our Dining Table” (original title – Bokura no Shokutaku) is a simple yet sweet story about a young, shy, and asocial man who befriends a pair of lively brothers, and the three of them start spending their Sundays cooking and eating together. That’s pretty much it. Food takes center-stage in the plot and depending on who’s watching it, you might love it or soon be bored. I quite loved it!
Adapted from the manga “Bokura no Shokutaku,” the ten-part series has been created by Ishibashi Yuho, Iizuka Kashou, and Kamimura Naho. Inukai Atsuhiro plays the nerdy and quiet protagonist Hozumi Yutaka, a working professional who lives the same routine every day, eats the same type of food, has no friends, and is even estranged from his family. Child actor Maeyama Kuuga portrays the little firecracker Ueda Tane, who runs into Yutaka at a park, eyes his Onigiri, and is eating it the next minute. They practically become best friends by the following weekend. Iijima Hiroki plays Tane’s older brother Ueda Minoru, who is almost the same age as Yutaka. These two young men also become close thanks to Tane’s insistence on seeing Yutaka as often as possible.
From the slow-burn plot progression to its simple cinematography, everything about “Our Dining Table” was comforting. Most of the story unfolds at the Ueda home, a traditional Japanese house with wooden sliding doors, a low-set dining table with tatami mats, and just a slight hint of homely chaos to indicate that it is run by men. Tane’s mother passed away not long after his birth, and combined with the significant age gap between him and his older brother, Minoru, the responsibility of looking after the boy falls on Minoru, as their father is mostly busy running a pottery workshop. However, Harade Ryuji as Ueda Koji is endearing as the boys’ father and is a warm host whenever Yutaka visits to eat.
Episode seven featured a lovely animated sequence that explained Yutaka’s past and shed light on why he is a lonely, shy man who prefers keeping to himself. The creators utilized a childish doodle style to illustrate parts of Yutaka’s life with his adoptive family and his struggle to feel at home. The heartwarming friendship between Minoru, Tane, and Yutaka was a joy to watch throughout the episodes. The romantic chemistry between Inukai Atsuhiro and Iijima Hiroki was lukewarm, but both actors portrayed young, awkward men finding comfort in cooking and sharing meals together excellently.
Maeyama Kuuga shines as the heart of this show with his portrayal of the excited and energetic Tane. He is always bustling with energy, and his fondness for Yutaka is contagious. There is an adorable emotional scene in the second half of the show where Tane begins to cry upon seeing Yutaka upset, and Minoru is at a complete loss about how to handle the situation. The writers brilliantly capture the simple, uncomplicated emotions of a child in this series, and Maeyama’s lively performance enhances the writing. If you like slice-of-life stories centered around food, definitely watch this series.
It’s an 8 on 10 from me.
