Avengers: Age of Ultron

Dear Joss Whedon,

You have revolutionized the super heroes franchises by making Marvel into a better package than the superheroes from DC. All these phase packages combine to form an Avenger film. Thankfully, this installment of the superhero union is worth the wait but like any orgasm, the first one always seems more satisfying. Hence, this film lacks the simple beauty of the first Avengers.

The film revolves around Hydra enhancing 2 normal humans into superheroes - Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. These 2 trick Iron Man into making a software virus machine called Ultron, who is so powerful that it is impossible to defeat it. Like all superhero films, all ends well, but there is a twist in the tale and one of the beloved Avengers is killed. (Between, its not the one you expect)

The film is brilliant in its writing. The Dialogues deserve an Oscar. The Scene where Super heroes try to lift Thor's hammer is brilliant. Also Elizabeth Olson's Scarlet Witch excels in her role. But its the fight between the Hulk and Iron Man which takes the cake. It's even better than the climax. Just for that one fight, this film is a must watch.

But, the plot is similar to X-Men Days of Future Past, since it has the same villain (Ultron) and you have the Quicksilver in both films (X-Men's Quicksilver was awesome) Hence, X-Men steals the thunder from under Marvels nose. Also the problem lies that there are too many complex layers added to every character for their future spin off films. Like Iron Man's stubbornness or the Hulk's emotional side. Hence, you feel disconnected in the end of the film cause all the answers to these complex layers will be presented in the coming films (last of which will be Avengers 3 part 2 in 2019) so you need to see other films to keep a tab on your favorite superhero. Another glitch is that Hulk isn't used much in the climax, nor is Thor. Hulk was the reason Avengers-1 felt awesome. The first half of the film is quick and brilliant but the second half builds up like an erection without reaching a proper ejaculation.

Performance-wise, Iron Man is as awesome as ever. Even with negative shades, he is the best of the lot. Captain America is restrained. Hawk-eye has finally to do something in the film. Hulk is wasted in the climax but brings the house down in his fight with Iron man, literally. Black widow is sexy and shows her human side. Quicksilver is cool but not as cool as the X men kid. Scarlet witch is a welcome addition to the franchise and the surprise package of the film.

Overall, Avengers - Age of Ultron is worth the hype and expectation. But not satisfying like the Winter Soldier or Avengers-1. Till the other sequels and spin offs come to the theaters, enjoy this visual treat without getting too confused with the plot. We want more Mr Whedon. (PS: wait for the credits to roll out and check out Thanos)

Rating: ***half (the extra half star is for the Dialogues alone)

Hunterrr

Dear Harshavardhan Kulkarni,

Well our film industry is deprived of a good sex comedy, then a film called Hunterrr rolls in. 

The film revolves around a Nymphomaniac or Vasu, who lusts for women rite from his childhood. But then decides to settle with a confused girl, who has a past as well. The catch is that, he has told his bride that he is a simple virgin. His past and present intervene to form the crux of the story.

The movie is a total Desi film and the non linear screenplay gives it a fresh look. Not many people would like the antics done by the hero but it is relevant even today. If you don't have a pervert friend then its difficult to understand this lead character. The formulas to get a girl are all inspired by real life. The childhood of the lead is the highlight of the film. Also, scenes like the horny neighborhood bhabhi track & the mentor friend marrying an ugly girl is superbly written.

The film slows down in the second half and there is very little emotional connect. The love story of the leads is a little weak and it is conveniently ended in the climax but i guess it saved a lot of unnecessary film length. 

Technically the film is made on a shoe string budget but you get the feel of this Desi sex comedy, thanks to a very clever production design. The Dialogues need a special mention. Absolutely awesome.

Gulshan Devaiah as the marathi manoos is brilliant. You won't believe this actor is a south Indian after you see the film. Radhika Apte as the bride, is restraint and subtle. She is the new age Shabana Azmi. Sai Tamhankar as the hot bhabhi is the highlight of the film. Her track is the best of the lot. 

Overall, Hunterr, even though has its flaws, is a must watch comedy, but not necessarily with your family. Watch it with one of your most Tharki friends. Incidentally, i got the maximum calls from my friends. Hey wait a minute...

Rating - ***half

Detective Byomkesh Bakshy

Dear Dibakar Banerjee,

Directors like you have revolutionized Hindi Cinema with films like Khosla ka Ghosla, LSD, Oye Lucky and even Shanghai, but now with Byomkesh Bakshy you get too smart for your own good. 

The film revolves around a Young Sherlock, who can take umpteen amount of Cinematic Liberty by acting Dumb. He is entrusted on finding his sidekick's father, who has made a mysterious drug which might bring down the entire city of Calcutta and forfeit it to the Japanese during World War 2.

Firstly, the film is wrongly promoted as a suspense thriller, when there is no suspense in the film. You know the villain by the interval phase. Then, the film starts taking doses of cinematic liberty like an I-pill. Why does our hero trust all the negative people ? There is too much of coincidence and convenience in the film. Why would the villain come back twice to meet Byomkesh when he has everything set for him ? Also, the film is too smart for a normal spoon feeding Indian viewer, many people were looking for answers in the theater during the film, which they realized in the climax. The film's suspense builds up like a ejaculation right till the end but then, it doesn't cum at all.

But, Byomkesh is one of the most stylish films ever made in recent times. The details of the pre-independence era is painstakingly put together. Rite from the opening titles where the director gives you hints about the film in the foreground by keeping the actor out of focus in the background. The Cinematography of the film is brilliant and the action scenes are breathtaking. You are transported to that era, thanks to the awesome art direction and production crew. The film even though has loop holes keeps you interested in the theater but is heavy on the brain and you come out scrambling for a Saridon, because you have used a lot of brain cells.

Sushant Singh Rajput excels in the lead. Neeraj Kabi as the Doctor is brilliant. Watch out for this actor. Anand Tiwari as the sidekick is awesome. Swastika Mukherjee as the Femme Fatale is sexy and beautiful. 

Overall, Detective Byomkesh Bakshi, is an one time watch because of the smart direction and the overall look. It would have been brilliant if the film would have been marketed as the Indian version of 'North by Northwest' about a Desi Conspiracy rather than a suspense mystery thriller. It's all style, but a little more substance would have been great.

Rating: **half