We recommend: The best new movies and TV
John Wick Chapter 4: Baba Yaga returns in the final chapter of the action-heavy ‘John Wick’ series. John Wick (Keanu Reeves), the former underworld assassin, returns in this epic culmination of a battle against the mysterious consortium known as the High Table. John, who is now hunted by the High Table throughout the world, must clear his name by defeating its new head—Marquis.
The Guardian is not too impressed with the movie and calls it “bloated”. IndieWire has high praise for the movie and notes that Keanu Reeves delivered an action blockbuster that is “the biggest, most elaborate and best film in this unlikely action saga”. Our take: We are excited to watch Keanu Reeves kick some butt, and peel back more layers of lore from this mysterious and exciting hidden world. The movie came out in theatres on March 24.
Bheed: ‘Bheed’ is a political satire set during the first lockdown of 2020, and follows the story of migrant workers stranded without basic necessities, while they’re trying to return home to their village. Interestingly, the entire movie is shot in black and white and gives an art-house cinema-esque look. It stars Rajkummar Rao and an ensemble cast featuring Dia Mirza, Bhumi Pednekar, Ashutosh Rana among others and is directed by Anubhav Sinha—of ‘Thappad’, ‘Mulk’ and ‘Article 15’ fame.
Hindustan Times is enamoured by the film, with an overall review that “Bheed states the facts as is and doesn’t try to lace them with them anything fancy or unreal.” The Hindu deems it to be “an engaging and important watch.” Film Companion writes that “Bheed succeeds more than it fails” and has analysis on the narrative, art-house style filming, and characters. Our take: With a cast filled with actors who generally pick good roles, we’re being cautiously optimistic for this one. The movie released on March 24 and is out in theatres.
All That Breathes: This documentary has been making a lot of buzz since it won at the Cannes last year and was one of the Oscar-nominations from India. Directed by Shaunak Sen, the film features two Muslim brothers from Delhi who rescue wounded black kites and owls in a makeshift hospital in their basement. The film explores the themes of ecology, air pollution, and conservation and prompts viewers to think about the planet and everything that breathes.
Hindustan Times is all praise: “All That Breathes is urgent, sublime and deeply moving. Sen has created a masterwork.” Film Companion concludes “All That Breathes is nothing short of poetry in motion that celebrates humanity even in the bleakest of times.” Our Take: It is not everyday that we get access to Oscar-nominated documentaries from India to watch at home, so we’re not missing out on this one. ‘All That Breathes’ is on Disney+ Hotstar.
Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga: Are you someone who can’t pick between a hijacking thriller and a good ol’ heist film? Netflix’s new flick seems to have come up with a solution—by blending the two genres! In the film, a flight attendant (Yami Gautam) and a charming criminal (Sunny Kaushal—Vicky Kaushal’s younger brother) plan to steal a diamond phone case mid-air. This genius plan is foiled when their plane gets hijacked. In this thrilling detour, will they get to follow through with the heist?
Reviews are mixed for this one with a sweet spot for the lead actors. Scroll feels that despite the weak script, “action is so engrossing, and the many twists so surprising, that the minor flaws do not matter.” The Hindu writes, “It’s a joke film, a ruse film, a film where the cleverness on paper somehow overrides and glosses over the flaws in execution.” Our take: Genre-bending movies are high-risk, high-reward endeavours, but we’re looking forward to what this unconventional plot can achieve. ‘Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga’ released on Netflix yesterday.
Here’s a new chapter…
Succession: HBO’s hit drama which follows billionaire Logan Roy (Brian Cox) and his dysfunctional power-hungry family in a bid to win over his legacy after his retirement, is coming to its final chapter. In the last ten episodes, we are likely to find out how the deal between Waystar Royco and Lukas Mattson plays out and who ultimately gets to keep the family business. If you’ve been holding off on watching this awesome show, start your marathon watch now before season 4 starts streaming on Disney+ Hotstar from Sunday.
Pathaan: Speaking of OTT releases, SRK’s blockbuster spy-thriller ‘Pathaan’ is now streaming on Amazon Prime. We don’t want to give you any spoilers, but there are four deleted scenes that have been included in this release and the fans are going crazy!
