1. Dad (7/10): I liked this movie because a lot of it felt genuine to me in terms of dealing with a parent who has gotten old. It's a fairly simple story in the beginning that gets a little complex as it goes on. Certain scenes reminded me of how I used to take care of my granddad, which made me quite emotional. Watch this movie if you're looking for a heartfelt family drama. It'll make you sad but it will also make you happy and provide a satisfying experience.
2. Jojo Rabbit (7/10): A serious issue that is treated with a light touch by Taika Waititi (director of Thor: Ragnarok). I enjoyed the message it gave in terms of looking beyond propaganda and seeing things on your own. The performances and the progression of the story are enjoyable and make it seem like almost a hopeful comedy-drama. But the movie does go to a dark side near the end, which creates tonal whiplash. It later goes back to a lighter tone, but the tone is screwed up by then. It was intentional on the director's part, but I had trouble getting back into the movie's zone. Regardless, it is a good watch for the most part.
3. Jawaani Jaaneman (5/10): Time for something more relaxing. I wasn't expecting a great movie, just a fun one. It manages to be that for the most part, but also sort of feels like an episode of Two and a Half Men. It also feels like a movie that just applied concepts to its characters without explaining why. Like why is Saif so against having a family, why does he suddenly start caring for this daughter, etc. Not to mention some of the dialogues and scene feel like they're pretty much taken from Hollywood movies/series, but Saif and the team are not able to do them well. It's not done properly in a desi way, instead feels like an english script translated to Hindi. Despite all that, it is a breezy watch for the most part and the acting is decent too. Just had the potential to be much better.
4. Ratsasan (3/10): I have been hearing for a while that this is one of the best thrillers and unbelievably good, but I was sorely disappointed upon watching it. It is very very long for a thriller and feels like it's written by someone out of touch with reality. Like teenage girls wanting teddy bears as gifts and everyone behaving in the dumbest way possible for the most part. What's ridiculous is that the movie just solves most of the mystery by having the main character go to another police officer who has an entire back story for the villain ready. It felt like watching the part in Bhool Bhulaiyya where the past of Vidya's character is revealed. After chasing the wrong person for most of the movie, the chase for the actual culprit really tests your patience, and it seems like the movie is just not going to end. It also begins abruptly and ends abruptly, like old Hindi movies. Not to mention other issues like the senior cop who is on just one mode throughout the movie, or the villain who's real motive is never explained and does not match the profile of a psycho. It feels like someone watched several Hollywood thrillers about psychos and mixed them up into a subpar script. The good part I guess is that the first half is enjoyable for the most part, and the villain is suitably creepy.
Movie of the week: Dad.
Other: I'm also watching episodes of the sitcom 30 Rock. It's a good one and I have finished 2 seasons till now. It's not top tier like The Office, but feels close enough to Parks and Rec.
Disclaimer: The idea of this post belongs to the user Ankit 007. I am just making this post because he's been inactive for a while. I will try to make a post like this every Saturday.