Castle TV Show - A Breath of Fresh Air!

Castle TV Show - A Breath of Fresh Air!

Tags: Richard Castle Hollywood Movies Television TV Show Series Comedy Crime Drama Thriller Mystery Romance Actor Nathan Fillion Firefly Famous Sci-Fi Fans Actress Audience Stana Katic Detective Kate Beckett New York Police Department NYPD Cast Susan Sullivan Martha Rodgers Jon Huertas Javier Esposito Seamus Dever Kevin Ryan Molly Quinn Alexis Castle Tamala Jones Lanie Parish Penny Johnson Jerald Captain Victoria Gates Ruben Santiago-Hudson Roy Montgomery Jack Coleman Senator William Bracken Andrew Marlowe Ratings Seasons Plot Millionaire Playboy Serial Killer Books Inspiration Chemistry Characters Skills Dialogue Facial Expressions Postures Mannerisms Episode Viewer Charm Wit Successful Writer Cop Gorgeous Beautiful Powerful Backstory Alluring Mysterious Flirtatious

The television series Castle has been one of the most beloved comedy / crime / drama / thriller / mystery  / romance shows on the air. Its lead actor Nathan Fillion of Firefly fame (a cult Sci-Fi TV Show) is a much loved actor and has a huge fan following. Apart from Fillion, another lead actress who has captured the attention of the audience is Stana Katic who has perfectly embodied and brought to life the character of Detective Kate Beckett of New York Police Department (NYPD).

The show is also supported by a strong ensemble cast that includes Susan Sullivan (as Martha Rodgers), Jon Huertas (as Detective Javier Esposito), Seamus Dever (as Detective Kevin Ryan), Molly Quinn (as Alexis Castle), Tamala Jones (as Lanie Parish), Penny Johnson Jerald (as Captain Victoria Gates), Ruben Santiago-Hudson (as Captain Roy Montgomery) and Jack Coleman (as Senator William Bracken). Of course, this is only the main cast and the full cast is far longer! The show was created primarily by Andrew Marlowe and clearly, he did a fantastic job going by the show ratings especially for the first 6 seasons!

The plot of the show is all about Richard "Rick" Castle, a millionaire playboy who recently killed off his main character when a serial killer starts killing people like he does in his books. He teams up with New York police detective Kate Beckett to solve the case. He finds inspiration in Detective Beckett and starts shadowing her for his next book. Interestingly, the show was initially latched on by Fillian's fans but it took a turn when Stana Katic played out the character of Kate Beckett quite so well and brought it to life.

The audience loved the chemistry between the lead characters and that rocketed the show to fame! Further, the story telling was exceptional well into the sixth season. We liked the acting skills of the actors - acting does not always mean dialogue delivery. It includes facial expressions, postures and mannerisms. In this area, the main actors pull it off big, especially Stana Katic. Though it was a long series, it did not feel boring and in fact, it kept the viewer riveted to each episode as it played out.

For the casual viewer, it was wonderful to find a series that was sprinkled with comedy, mystery, drama and thrilling sequences. Importantly, the elements of romance were electric and nicely done! Further, there were quite a few interesting tidbits to add to our overall knowledgebase in various fields.

The show focuses on the charm and wit of Castle complemented by the grit and fortitude of NYPD Detective Kate Beckett. The chemistry between the lead characters is awesome - irresistible force meets immovable object, opposites attract, oil and water and fire and ice. On the comic element, Fillion is a perfect match for anything that the show throws at him and he brings out the best! He plays out the role of a successful writer - in fact, he even has a protective vest printed Writer when he goes out with NYPD detectives! He is obviously charismatic and an egocentric mystery writer!

Not to be outdone, Stana plays out the role of the cop to the dot! She is gorgeous (in real life too) and ever so enticing, egging Castle to match her. One wonders what a beautiful woman is doing in the NYPD - turns out that she has a powerful backstory and that is unravelled in the episodes of the show. She is alluring, mysterious and lightly-flirtatious while maintaining her ability of a tough cop who will not be cowed down by anyone! Both actors are clearly comfortable in their roles and that is one of the main reasons for the series doing brilliantly. This is a show that defies cliche and is cleverly done! If you are looking for a good show that will keep your interest alive for many seasons, then this is it!

Many of the punchlines became famous. Due credit must be given to the actors who delivered the punchlines exceedingly well. Take a look at some of them.

• Castle: When I was your age... I can’t tell that story, it’s wildly inappropriate, which oddly is my point. Don’t you want to have wildly inappropriate stories that you can’t tell your children?
• Alexis: I think you have enough of those for the both of us.

• Castle: [to his daughter Alexis] I just want someone to come up to me and say something new.
• Beckett: Mr. Castle?
• Castle: [turning around holding a pen ready to give an autograph] Where would you like it?
• Beckett: [holding badge] Detective Kate Beckett, NYPD. We need to ask you a few questions about a murder that took place earlier tonight.
• Alexis: [taking the pen from him] That's new.

• Ryan: [pointing to inscription on Castle's book] From the library of Katherine Beckett.
• Beckett: Do you have a problem with reading, Ryan?
• Esposito: Yo, check it, girl, you're totally a fan!
• Beckett: Right. Of the genre.
• Ryan: Right, the genre, that's why you're blushing.
• Beckett: What are you, twelve?

• Esposito: [To Beckett] A control freak like you with something you can't control? No, no, that's gonna be more fun than Shark Week.

• Beckett: Richard Castle, you are under arrest for felony theft and obstruction of justice!
• Castle: [Smiling] You forgot making you look bad.

• Martha: It's my fault; he never had a father figure.
• Castle: Oh, that's not true, Mother, I had lots of father figures!

• Beckett: Well, guess this is it.
• Castle: Oh it doesn’t have to be. We could uh… go to dinner, debrief each other.
• Beckett: Why, Castle? So I can be another one of your conquests?
• Castle: Or I could be one of yours.
• Beckett: [extending her hand] It was nice to meet you, Castle.
• Castle: [shaking it] It’s too bad. It would have been great.
• Beckett: [stepping closer and leaning toward his ear] You have no idea.

• Montgomery: Beckett, listen.
• Beckett: Sir, he is like a nine-year-old on a sugar rush, totally incapable of taking anything seriously.
• Montgomery: But he did help solve this case. And when the mayor's happy, the commissioner's happy. And when the commissioner's happy, I'm happy.
• Beckett: How long, sir?
• Montgomery: [motioning to his door] It's up to him.
• [Beckett turns to find Castle standing in the doorway, smirking]

• Beckett: Exactly how much longer do I have to expect you to be shadowing me on my cases like this?
• Castle: Hard to say, when I’m writing a new character there’s no saying when inspiration might strike.
• Beckett: I thought I was your inspiration.
• Castle: Oh you are Detective, in so many ways.
• Beckett: Yeah well your inspiration might strike you sooner than you might think.

• Alexis: So, who got killed today?
• Castle: The nanny.
• Alexis: Do they know who did it?
• Castle: Well, apparently, in an actual homicide, they don't know who did it until the guy gets caught.

• Police Rep: Mr. Castle, be advised: if you get injured following Detective Beckett to research your next novel, you cannot sue the city. If you get shot, you cannot sue the city. If you get killed...
• Castle: My lifeless remains cannot sue the city?
• Police Rep: Your heirs, Mr. Castle, your heirs.

• Beckett: Exactly how many times have you been married?
• Castle: Twice.
• Beckett: That’s it?
• Castle: Isn’t that enough? How about you?
• Beckett: Me? No, never been.
• Castle: Really?
• Beckett: Yeah.
• Castle: You’d be good at it. You’re both controlling and disapproving.

• Castle: You would really clean up at my poker game.
• Beckett: Right. You, James Patterson and the rest of the times best seller list. No thank you Castle, little to rich for my blood.
• Castle: We could always make it strip poker.
• Beckett: Sorry but I prefer mystery to horror.

• Beckett: Do you know the school?
• Castle: Oh, I’ve been kicked out of all of New York’s finer educational institutions at least once. The irony is, now that I’m rich and famous, they all claim me as alum and want money
• Beckett: [sarcastically] It is just so rough being you.
• Castle: My cross to bear.

• Castle: What’s the class?
• Martha: Introduction to life coaching. It’s always been my desire to make a difference, whether on stage or off. And I have had cards made.
• Castle: It says here I’m your client.
• Martha: Well of course you are, haven’t I been telling you what to do your entire life?

• [Talking to Alexis about the case while chopping onions]
• Alexis: I don’t get it. If Creason didn’t do it, then how does the rug fit in?
• Castle: Killer probably heard about the feud between the two of them and tried to shift suspicion, which is stupid, because without the rug, it would’ve just looked like a mugging gone wrong.
• Alexis: So by trying to look smart, they were actually being stupid.
• Castle: I think you just described the human condition.

• Lanie: Getting a drink with me after work instead of getting your freak on with writer boy?
• Beckett: What? He is annoying, self-centered, egotistical, and completely-
• Lanie: Fun. And take it from me, girlfriend, you need some fun. I mean, how bad can he be?
• Beckett: [answers phone] Beckett.
• Castle: [excitedly] Guess who's got a date with a prostitute!

• Castle: All right, so you and I are married.
• Beckett: We are not married.
• Castle: Relax, it's just pretend.
• Beckett: I don't wanna pretend.
• Castle: Scared you'll like it?
• Beckett: Okay, if we're married, I want a divorce.
• Apartment Guy: Are you two like this all the time?
• Castle & Beckett: Yes.

• Beckett: [following Castle across the street] Castle? Castle!
• Castle: [stops in front of a electronics shop] I’m on TV.
• Beckett: Are you having a breakdown?
• Castle: Not a breakdown, a breakthrough. And I really am ruggedly handsome, aren’t I?
• Beckett: Still waiting for the breakthrough.

• Beckett: The next time you show up at a crime scene without me, I'll show you how my taser works.
• Castle: Promise?

• [talking about a poker game]
• Judge: [to Beckett] Do us a favor, Detective. Beat his pants off.
• Castle: Yes please, beat my pants off if you dare.

• [After Castle wins the game and begins gloating]
• Judge: [annoyed] Don’t you ever get tired of winning, Castle?
• Castle: [still gloating] Yeah, you’d think so, right? But no.

• [After Sorenson leaves]
• Castle: Nice guy. I can see how it wouldn’t work, though.
• Beckett: Really?
• Castle: Sure.
• Beckett: Huh.
• Castle: Handsome, square-jawed, by-the-book.
• Beckett: And that’s a bad thing?
• Castle: Yeah, he’s like the male you. Yin needs Yang, not another Yin. Yin-Yang is harmony. Yin-Yin is…a name for a panda.
• Beckett: Any more wisdom, Obi-Wan?

• Lanie: [examining Castle after the car crash] He'll live.
• Ryan: What no brain damage?
• Lanie: If he has some, it happened way before tonight and was probably self inflicted.
• Castle: Ahh, good times.

• [A murder calls Castle away from an ad-hoc play rehearsal with his mother]
• Alexis: Take me with you!
• Castle: To a crime scene?
• Alexis: It'd be educational. Please?
• Castle: Find your own hiding place.

• [Explaining why they should continue ad-hoc play rehearsal]
• Martha: If it’s a hit, who knows how long it could run? Then I could take it on the road.
• Alexis: You mean you’d leave us?
• Martha: Well, only for nine months of the year. [noticing Alexis’ concerned expression] Oh, don’t look so sad. [noticing Castle’s dreamy expression] And, you, don’t look so happy.

• [When Beckett tells Castle she hasn’t read Heat Wave yet]
• Castle: You were all over me to get a copy of that book. Do you have any idea how many hoops I had to jump through, just so my editor wouldn’t send an armed guard to watch over you while you read it? The least you could do is to… [pauses and looks at her] Oh. Oh! I see what you’re doing.
• Beckett: I’m not doing anything.
• Castle: Oh, yes, you are. Yes, you are. You’re trying to push my buttons, but it’s not gonna work.
• Beckett: Really?
• Castle: Mmm.
• Beckett: ‘Cause it seems to be working just great. [smirks]

• Castle: What?
• Beckett: Nothing... it's just I'm so used to seeing you act like a 12-year-old all the time, it's refreshing to see you as a father.
• Castle: It makes you want me, right?
• Beckett: ...And there's the 12-year-old again.

• Castle: Does he look like a killer to you?
• Beckett: Everybody looks like a killer to me, Castle. Job requirement
• Castle: Do I look like a killer to you?
• Beckett: Yes, you kill my patience.

https://www.mouthshut.com/UrbanHermits/reviews

Black Panther - A Unique Superhero Movie

Black Panther - A Unique Superhero Movie

Tags: Black Panther Superhero Movie Trailers Wonder Woman Afro American Script Cast Story Fantasy Science Fiction Acting Special Effects CGI Comedy Marvel Cinematic Universe MCU Infinity War Stereotypes Film T'Challa African Wakanda T'Chaka King Chadwick Boseman Michael B. Jordan Erik Killmonger Danai Gurira Okoye Lupita Nyong'o Nakia Martin Freeman Everett K. Ross Daniel Kaluuya W'Kabi Letitia Wright Shuri Winston Duke M'Baku Sterling K. Brown N'Jobu Angela Bassett Ramonda Forest Whitaker Zuri Andy Serkis Ulysses Klaue Florence Kasumba Ayo John Kani T'Chaka David S. Lee Limbani Actors Villain

Today, we watched Black Panther, the movie. Our first impression from the trailers was that this would be fun and exciting to watch! Fortunately, we were not disappointed! At the outset, this is a unique superhero movie. It is similar to Wonder Woman movie - what Wonder Woman solo movie did for women across the world, the Black Panther movie does for the Afro American community. It is nice to see a movie done well and rounded on all fronts - script, cast, story line, fantasy, science fiction, acting, special effects and of course, comedy. Given that it is one of the many links in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) leading up the ultimate climax of Infinity War, it has charted its course well. However, it must be said that it has the usual stereotypes of any superhero film though that does not take away the fun from the movie. It is also significant from a cultural perspective making a difference for the Afro American community.

The storyline goes like this - T'Challa returns home to his African nation of Wakanda, after the death of his father T'Chaka, the King. It is now his turn to take his rightful place as King after his father's unfortunate demise and continue the legacy of Black Panthers before him. However, the path to that is not a bed of roses and is strewn with thorns. There are troubles that he must overcome with fortitude and wisdom before he rightfully ascends to the throne vanquishing his enemies. During those troubling times, he is drawn into a conflict with his enemies that puts Wakanda and the whole world at extreme risk. He is almost killed in the process but manages to survive, thanks to his family and allies. He then rallies his allies and his power as Black Panther to defeat his protagonists and secure the safety of his nation.

The movie casts Chadwick Boseman (T'Challa / Black Panther), Michael B. Jordan (Erik Killmonger), Danai Gurira (Okoye), Lupita Nyong'o (Nakia), Martin Freeman (Everett K. Ross), Daniel Kaluuya (W'Kabi), Letitia Wright (Shuri), Winston Duke (M'Baku), Sterling K. Brown (N'Jobu), Angela Bassett (Ramonda), Forest Whitaker (Zuri), Andy Serkis (Ulysses Klaue), Florence Kasumba (Ayo), John Kani (T'Chaka) and David S. Lee (Limbani). The actors play their roles well true to the script. If you are going with children, they would love it. If you are nerd or geek, then you would love it for the futuristic landscape it presents of the Wakandan kingdom. If you love fantasy and superhero movies, then this movie won't disappoint. It may not be at the awesome level but it is definitely worth watching once. Viewers however need to be prepared that the movie drags a bit at some points of the story. If you can sit through it, through the credits, you will get your money and time's worth.

One of the key positives of the movie is its light comedy tone. It lighted up the movie when sometimes it might have felt a drag or boring. The character of Everett Ross however felt disconnected and with no real apparent role in the movie. It was not even relevant in the storyline and appeared forced. One key message in this movie though is that there is no such thing as a typical villain - we make them to an extent through our flaws and faults - in this case, King T'Chaka killing his own brother and abandoning his nephew as a nobody.

https://www.mouthshut.com/UrbanHermits/reviews

Lucifer Morningstar TV Show - A Wonderful Cocktail of Fun & Comedy!

Lucifer Morningstar TV Show - A Wonderful Cocktail of Fun & Comedy!

Tags: DC TV Television Hollywood Films Comics Tom Ellis Tom Welling DB Woodside Tricia Helfer Lesley-Ann Brandt Lauren German Kevin Alejandro Rachael Harris Linda Martin Charlotte Richards Chloe Decker Dan Espinoza Marcus Pierce Fun Comedy Thriller Mystery Fiction Fantasy Script Dialogues Soundtracks Music Rock Pop Rap Religion Heaven Hell Lucifer Morningstar Mazikeen God Amenadiel Angel Devil Satan Demon Cain Soul Fear Good Evil Bad Sin Temptation Blessed Cursed Man Mankind Humanity King Earth Los Angeles Police Murder Crimes Punish Sinners Law Justice Psychiatrist Attorney Detective Wealth Money Mischievous

Throughout history, Lucifer, the fallen angel or the Devil or Satan (as often called), has been a figure to be feared and despised. He has been cast opposite of God, the benevolent father and all that is good. He has been shown as evil incarnate of all that is evil or bad in this world and humanity. In fact, he has been held responsible for all the ills plaguing this world. However, if you keep religion out of it, it does seem odd or surprising that Lucifer, one of the most powerful angels in God's army would be as humanity picturised him to be. Let us take God as existing without any questions... when that is so, how can there be any being that can stand against him who is all powerful? Unless, he allows it? So does it not stand to reason that Lucifer perhaps is there in his role for a purpose to keep sin at bay and to punish sinners? That is food for thought!

We know that amongst the world's oldest religions, there is at least one religion that considers the King of Hell as a God in his right. His purpose has been given by the all powerful Gods to punish those who stray from the path of good. That way, it is like a Minister in a Government who has been given a job to do and he does it admirably. From that perspective, is it not possible that Lucifer is doing much the same thing by luring the temptation of man, punishing humanity for its sins and cleansing the race for the better? Well, that is exactly what the TV show Lucifer does - it provides an alternative take on Lucifer, the fallen angel. Lucifer defends himself admirably in the comedy / thriller / mystery / fantasy / fiction show that he is not responsible for sins of humanity. Rather, he strives to punish it and encourage people who are in the path of goodness.

The show is like a breath of refreshing air in television carving out a unique path for itself, away from the stereotypes. For those who may be extremely religious, we need to remember that this show does not idolise Lucifer nor does it demonise him - he is just doing his job! The sins and evils humanity faces are very much its own, though we have always blamed someone or the Devil for it. However, we can not escape the conclusion that humanity is both blessed and cursed at the same time - blessed for its capacity for goodness and cursed for its tendency to commit unspeakable evils (as we are seeing in this world in recent history and now). In his words on the TV show, he does not cause humans to commit evil or sins - they do it on their own and he only punishes them for it as it is his job to do.

Anyway, the show is worth watching and it is quite interesting! It is a well balanced comedy that keeps your interest alive! This show keeps you intrigued throughout its many seasons. Every season it keeps coming back with a different twist to keep your interest alive and wanting for more. It portrays Lucifer as part of a dysfunctional family of Father, Mother and Sons, quite similar to what we see in this world in our own families. Family fights are common and we also make up. Lucifer Morningstar played by Tom Ellis is at odds with his father and God and decides to part ways and go on a vacation from his job as the King of Hell. He decides to spend some time on Earth and settles down in Los Angeles, the city of Angels while teaming up with the Los Angeles Police Department as a consultant to solve crimes. He sees it as a wonderful way of punishing sinners through law and justice.

The script is well written with clever dialogues and some really cool soundtracks. The music is a nice mix of rock, pop and rap that resonate well with the audience. His dialogue contains lot of doublespeak that confuses and puzzles the humans around him when he speaks about him being the real Lucifer. They finally settle down to believe that he is either joking or confused or may be demented and sunk in to that role. The cast is ably supported by DB Woodside as Angel Amenadiel (Lucifer's brother), Lesley-Ann Brandt as Demon Mazikeen (who thinks she has no soul but is surprised to find that she may actually have one), Rachael Harris as psychiatrist Linda Martin, Tricia Helfer as Attorney Charlotte Richards (and also playing as possessed by Lucifer's mom in few episodes), Lauren German as Detective Chloe Decker (Lucifer's female interest), Kevin Alejandro as Cop Dan Espinoza and of course, Tom Welling as Chief of Police Marcus Pierce (and also Cain, the first murderer of humanity).

Tom Ellis as Lucifer Morningstar manages to carry the role with elan showing off his wealth and taste, not to mention his quirky and mischievous nature. He impresses with his smooth convincing acting, suave confident looks, charming British accent, cheekiness and sarcasm. He is quite manipulative and persuasive with his magnetic personality and uses his abilities to the hilt while helping solve crime and punishing criminals. He is cast well in eye-catching suits. While he may come off sometimes as arrogant or callous, yet the viewer knows otherwise. Lucifer is not trying to be dark and mysterious - he is simply fast paced and humorous. In short, he thoroughly embraces his characters and makes it come alive as an alternative take on the character of Devil. The chemistry between Lucifer and his female interest Chloe is brought out quite well too. The show is done with great taste and is quite classy throughout the series, not to mention the touch of devilry every now and then.

By the way, were you aware that this series is from DC Comics? We got surprised too.

https://www.mouthshut.com/UrbanHermits/reviews

Justice League Movie - Injustice to Fans?

Justice League Movie - Injustice to Fans?

Tags: Justice League Movie Film Critics Fans Blockbuster Wonder Woman Superhero Zack Snyder Joss Wheedon Warner Bros Paramount Henry Cavill Ben Affleck Gal Gadot Ezra Miller Jason Momoa Ray Fisher Jeremy Irons Amy Adams Diane Lane Connie Nielsen J.K. Simmons Amber Heard Kal El Clark Kent Bruce Wayne Diana Prince Barry Allen Arthur Curry Victor Stone Superman Batman Wonder Woman Flash Aquaman Cyborg Alfred Lois Lane Martha Kent Queen Hippolyta Commissioner Gordon Mera Steppenwolf Mother Boxes Story Marvel's Avengers MCU DCEU Warner Bros

The Justice League movie was a much anticipated film by critics, fans and casual film watchers. It was widely expected to be a blockbuster especially riding on the success of its predecessor Wonder Woman, the first female solo superhero movie in recent times. It was essentially directed by Zack Snyder and was from the stable of Warner Bros. It had a strong cast comprising Henry Cavill (Kal El Superman, Clark Kent), Ben Affleck (Bat Man, Bruce Wayne), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman, Diana Prince), Ezra Miller (Flash, Barry Allen), Jason Momoa (Aqua Man, Arthur Curry), Ray Fisher (Cyborg, Victor Stone), Jeremy Irons (Alfred), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Connie Nielsen (Queen Hippolyta), J.K. Simmons (Commissioner Gordon) and Amber Heard (Mera), among others.

The story line is how Bruce Wayne's faith is restored in humanity after being inspired by Superman's selfless act and his death. He enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince to find and recruit a team of metahumans to face mankind's greatest threat and enemy, Steppenwolf who has awoken. However, the assault is of catastrophic proportions and the newly found league of super-heroes (Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash) may not be enough to stop the threat in his tracks and save the planet from imminent destruction. To counter the threat, something vital is missing and that is Super Man. Meanwhile, as the team make futile attempts to save Earth, Steppenwolf has emerged from his exile and has begun collecting the 3 Mother Boxes, ancient gadgets with the power to end all life on Earth. The Mother Boxes need to be kept out of the clutches of Steppenwolf lest they once combined, transform Earth into his nightmarish world with severe consequences for all the inhabitants of the planet including humans.

Originally, Zack Snyder's Justice League was expected to be DCEU's answer to Marvel's Avengers. Unfortunately, it was plagued by numerous issues. Some of these issues, like Zack Snyder's exit as Director on account of a personal tragedy, were thoroughly unavoidable. Snyder's 20 year old daughter rather tragically committed suicide in March 2017. Though Joss Wheedon stepped in for Zack Snyder, the movie suffered. There were many other problems too that were self-created by DC and Warner Bros. These included the confusion caused by the clash of directorial styles of Zack Snyder and Joss Wheedon, substantial re-shoots, indiscriminate and meaningless cuts / edits in the movie (probably favouring shorter run-time of the movie), a plot line that seemed quite weak and of course, an improbable story with numerous plot holes in it. The special effects and CGI too were way off the mark.

For instance, with Joss Wheedon stepping in, there were extensive re-shoots to the movie in London and Los Angeles. Consequently, Henry Cavill had to simultaneously work in both Mission Impossible and Justice League. In the former movie, he was sporting a moustache for his role while in Justice League, the moustache and facial hair had to be digitally removed since Paramount refused to let the actor shave it off when he had to play Superman again. Unfortunately, the digital removal did no good and the effects were awkward. This was clearly noticed by audiences globally.

There were more goofs like Steppenwolf's axe is easily destroyed by Superman's cold breath? Really, the axe of a super-being like Steppenwolf is made of such cheap material that it is so easily destructible? Was it cost cutting? Even more weird is that Steppenwolf despite being mighty and powerful is subdued by his own parademons, as he showed fear? The movie was underwhelming and belied expectations of critics and fans alike. The final product was more of a broken film rather than a powerful culmination of its predecessors Man of Steel, Wonder Woman and Batman Vs. Superman. Understandably, the film performed poorly at the box office, perhaps the lowest from recent movies in the DC franchise. Film goers also noticed that the much touted Justice League movie trailers contained footage that seemed to have disappeared from the movie itself!

However, do not forget that the movie has some positives too. The comedy tone was definitely much lighter in Justice League than Batman Vs. Superman. It was engaging through the movie and fun. The interplay of the superhero characters with each other was quite good. Ezra Miller as Flash adds genuine personality and innocent humour in the movie though the film could have done with better backstory for characters like Aquaman and Cyborg.

If you are prepared to make some allowances, then you can still expect the movie to be entertaining and fun. Despite all its gaps, in our view, it is worth watching, at least one time, especially for children.

https://www.mouthshut.com/UrbanHermits/reviews

Thor, Ragnarok - A Comic Super Hero Fantasy?

Thor, Ragnarok - A Comic Super Hero Fantasy?

Tags: Hollywood Movies Films Thor Ragnarok Super Hero Fantasy Comic Comedy Humour Spoof Marvel Cinematic DC Extended Universe DCEU Critics Fans Audience Reviews Franchise Wonder Woman Script Director Cast Music Special Effects Justice League Zack Snyder Joss Whedon Taika Waititi Box Office INOX Theatre Asgard Avenger Loki Hulk Hela Odin Grandmaster Valkyrie Heimdall Skurge Executioner Lady Sif Hogun Doctor Strange Sakaar Sutur Chris Hemsworth Mark Ruffalo Cate Blanchett Anthony Hopkins Tom Hiddleston Jeff Goldblum Tessa Thompson Idris Alba Karl Urban Jaimee Alexander Tadanobu Asano Benedict Cumberbatch Matt Damon Sam Neill Luke Hemsworth Stan Lee

Thor, Ragnarok is the latest movie in the Thor / Marvel franchise. It has been received quite well by critics. In fact, the reviews have been quite splendid and received from across the world. That is not an easy feat for fantasy movies. Earlier, Wonder Woman received wide ranging acclaim for being the first solo super-heroine fantasy movie in recent times. To do that movie justice, it was quite well made on all fronts (script, directing, cast, music, special effects et al) and well deserved the acclaim it received.

However, Justice League which followed it, was not lucky. The movie was plagued by all manner of issues particularly with Zack Snyder moving out as Director (on account of a personal tragedy) and Joss Whedon stepping in to ensure the completion of the movie. Clearly, there was a clash of styles that the movie suffered from, not to mention the indiscriminate cuts all over the movie, making it a sad sight to watch. As some points, some of the footage from the trailers was also chopped off enraging fans world-wide. Consequently, Justice League bombed at the Box Office.

Fortunately, for Thor, Ragnarok, the going was smooth. It was not just critics but fans too loved the movie. The enthusiasm and support of the global audience showed visibly making the movie a major success at the Box Office. It went on to erase, the not so great performance, of its predecessors in the Thor franchise. Fans have thronged in droves to watch the movie in theatres and have applauded this Marvel movie. Apparently, the first movie of Director Taika Waititi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has struck gold. The quirky humour he has brought in to the movie has made the movie, lot of fun for fans to watch. We watched the movie last Nov 2017 in the INOX theatre and had a good time through the movie. If you have children coming with you, then you can be sure that they will be delighted.

The story line as it progresses shows the mighty Thor, imprisoned on the other side of the universe and participating in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the indomitable Hulk, his former ally and fellow Avenger. Thor has to survive, escape and race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying Asgardian civilization and of course, his home world. The movie, as is typical of MCU, boasts several big names in the cast. It is led by Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk / Bruce Banner), Cate Blanchett (Hela), Anthony Hopkins (Odin), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Jeff Goldblum (Grandmaster), Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie), Idris Alba (Heimdall), Karl Urban (Skurge, the Executioner) and Tadanobu Asano (Hogun).

The movie is quite fun and hilarious to watch. It is populated by a rich cast of popular actors, each one playing their role fabulously. Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson and Karl Urban play their roles marvelously as the venomous Hela, the Grandmaster, the Valkyrie and Skurge, the Executioner. The established cast namely Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk / Bruce Banner), Anthony Hopkins (Odin), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Idris Alba (Heimdall) and Tadanobu Asano (Hogun) are well entrenched in their respective roles and play their scripts with elan. What may come in as a surprise to the audience though is the cameos in the movie by well known and popular faces. It features Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange. Further, there is a play within the movie itself which has cameos by Matt Damon (as Loki), Sam Neill (as Odin) and Chris Hemsworth's brother, Luke Hemsworth (as Thor). As is the norm, Stan Lee plays a small part too playing the role of a gladiatorial barber.

The movie is well rounded and comes off well to critics, fans and casual movie goers alike. The script is written well with a good dose of super hero treats and lot of comedy with the actors living their roles too. The music score is exciting complemented by the special effects that set your heart racing with anticipation. The Director Taika Waititi has elevated the movie to a great film through his directorial skills and his quirky humour. Frankly, it is a positive deviation and a refreshing change for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it was falling in to a stereotype.

Just our feeling though - sometimes, the humour felt awkward, spoofy and cheap than genuine comedy - that did not feel good! This was just few times in the movie like when Thor refers to his team as Revengers or the escape from the planet Sakaar is through the Devil's anus. The movie had few plot holes too - at least, we thought so. For example, Thor is supposed to be powerful enough to eliminate Sutur and grab his horns as a trophy but can not defeat Hela who sort of gets vanquished by Sutur when he is reborn? And the super cast? Felt like their genius was not well exploited.

Overall though, it is mostly a fun movie and its few disappointments are not devastating! A good timepass for everyone and a watch, more than once.

https://www.mouthshut.com/UrbanHermits/reviews

GeoStorm Movie - A Recipe for Disaster!

GeoStorm Movie - A Recipe for Disaster!

Tags: GeoStorm Hollywood Movie Film Trailers Screening Theatres TV Disaster Day After Tomorrow 2012 Script Science Special Effects CGI Climate Change Acting Gerard Butler Ed Harris Andy Garcia Jim Sturgess Abbie Cornish Planet Earth Satellites Astral Engineer Astronaut

In the recent past, disaster movie flicks like Day After Tomorrow and 2012 enthralled audiences across the world. Such movies were not just a flash in the pan. They were made with a good script, sound science, solid special effects and strong acting by lead actors. Consequently, every now and then, new disaster movie flicks keep cropping up attempting to capture the imagination of movie-goers in a similar vein as erstwhile popular movies.

One of those Hollywood movies that film buffs were looking forward to was GeoStorm, a disaster movie flick with climate change impact at its core. The film cast several well known and popular Hollywood names like Gerard Butler, Ed Harris, Andy Garcia, Jim Sturgess and Abbie Cornish. Actors like Gerard Butler and Ed Harris are big names in Hollywood and have proved their mettle in the past with captivating screen presence and capable acting. The film boasts tons of CGI as well. The movie trailers also pique your interest. When you consider all these aspects, it is natural for movie-goers to feel enthused in watching the movie on the big screen.

However, if you are wise or have learnt from past experience like us, then you would think twice before rushing to watch a much hyped movie in the theatres without giving it some good thought. There are many times that movie buffs have been caught in a nightmare when a supposedly appealing film turned out to be a rotten egg. We learnt much the same way with harsh experience as our instructor.

When we consider watching a film in the theatre, we take care to first read about it, its plot-line, critiques, reviews and comments from others. That way you can minimise the damage even if a movie does not meet your expectations - at least, it won't turn out to be a nightmare that you have to leave the theatre midway through the screening or suffer a severe headache thereafter, especially when you have paid good money for it. If you are unsure about a movie despite reading reviews, then best to give it a go-by and perhaps watch it on your TV later when its print is available. You will have the comfort of your own home and a TV remote to fast forward the painful parts of the movie. Remember, it is not just about the money you pay for a movie - it is the bad experience of watching it in a theatre that could very well stay with you for a prolonged period of time... it did for us on earlier occasions.

Getting back to GeoStorm, we watched this film at home. The story-line speaks about the triggering of a world-wide climate change and its severe impact across the globe. Earthlings have been warned time and again but as is typical of us, we ignored all those warnings. An unprecedented series of natural disasters threatened the planet. To counter the disaster, the planet comes together, as every nation is equally endangered from the threat of a GeoStorm. They build and launch an intricate network of satellites designed to control the global climate and keep its inhabitants safe. For a while, everything is hunky dory. However, events soon turn bad. The host of satellites, built to protect the planet, mysteriously begin to attack Earth. The countdown to save the planet is on and it is a race against the clock for Gerard Butler to unravel the real threat before a worldwide GeoStorm wipes out everything.

Unfortunately, the film was quite pathetic despite boasting big Hollywood names and its CGI special effects! Interestingly, the rugged looking Gerard Butler plays the role of an astral engineer / astronaut who designed the network of climate control satellites called Dutch Boy. This is somewhat of a stretch for audiences to latch on. While the core scenario of climate change initially sounded promising, yet it winded down horribly. The script is extremely weak - and it felt as if the writer was in a bad place when he wrote it! The movie is a mish-mash of several of its predecessors.

The plot-line, as it unfolded, simply did not make sense and many a time (which was most of the movie) was outright ridiculous! Several parts of the movie could not be explained by any rational mind! If you did not already catch it, Mumbai is shown as only a city of slums and nothing else - typical stereotype! The premises of the movie on climate events is botched up and defies logic. The movie mostly meanders on, quite dull and boring, a thorough drag and a washout! It is what is often called 'an eye-rolling story'. The editing could not patch up the film however hard they may have tried as it was already broken in to a million pieces! Simply put, it was insulting the intelligence of the audience!

Alternatively, it could be a movie for scientists to have an absolutely good laugh or for triggering emotion in those with cold personalities! Our suggestion - give it a go-by and save yourself before you are consumed by it!

https://www.mouthshut.com/UrbanHermits/reviews

Tiger Zinda Hai Movie

Tags: Tiger Zinda Hai Inox Movie Theatre Axis Bank Cashback Offer Snacking Rates Splurge Eat-out KFC Home Delivery Sequel Ek Tha Tiger Story Indian Nurses Hostage Terrorists Salman Khan Bollywood Films Songs Villain Abu Usman Sajjad Delafrooz Handsome Katrina Rambo Pakistanis Politics Militaries Business

Watched Tiger Zinda Hai in Inox on 2 Jan 2018. First movie of the year. Did not need to spend much as there was an Axis Bank cashback offer going on. No snacking in the theatre either. Rates there are clearly horrible and are meant for people to splurge exorbitantly. We prefer it differently - We usually watch the movie and afterwards go and have a nice eat-out elsewhere. In this case, went home after the movie and ordered KFC Home Delivery. Ambiance of the theatre and Bang for the buck too!

This movie is a sequel to the earlier one Ek Tha Tiger though it kind of stands by itself. Storyline is inspired by a real-life event sometime back wherein Indian nurses held hostage by terrorists were rescued. It has been tweaked for this movie to portray Indian RAW agent Tiger (Salman Khan) at the helm of affairs of the mission to rescue the nurses.

Essentially fast paced - so at least you may not get bored though some of the action sequences etcetra are unrealistic but then that is what Bollywood films especially Salman's films are known for.

One thing we liked was the wonderful locales in the movie and few songs... not particularly fans of too many songs in a movie unless they gel fluidly with the script - mostly they do not. This movie is no exception either on that front.

The guy who acted as the villain  Abu Usman (Sajjad Delafrooz) however is another story. Good acting, handsome guy, backstory that makes you empathise with him, ruthless to the core and barbaric practices like sex slavery. Katrina's part as another female Rambo takes an effort to digest, not that Salman's role as some Rambo is any easier to digest. We also felt the movie was unduly long and dragged.

We liked the way the movie brings out the commonalities between Indians and Pakistanis and how we get messed up in the games of dirty politics and militaries. Do not want to comment more than that. As the mission progresses, lot of bonhomie is displayed between Indian and Pakistani agents which makes you feel good and wish how nice it could have been if there had not been any partition. Clearly, this thread makes excellent business sense too and we expect that the movie will be received quite well with Indians and Pakistanis all over the world and in their home countries.

If you are looking for time pass or you are a Salman or Katrina fan, then you can watch this movie once.

https://www.mouthshut.com/UrbanHermits

New Year Celebrations!

New Year Celebrations!

Tags: New Year Celebrations Fireworks Temple Guru Blessings Driving Beach Road City Money Pastries Snacks KFC Smoky Grilled Chicken Wings Coke Dinner Alcohol IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score Rating Movie Stars Box Office Foreigner Pierce Brosnan Jackie Chan Tragedies Violence Bloodshed Civilians Peacekeeping Politics British Government IRA Irish Republican Army

We had a quiet New Year's Eve and New Year celebrations. We avoided the roads around 11:30 PM on 31st December 2017. There is a clear tendency for them to be crowded with people. Moreover, quite a few of them typically may be at higher alcoholic levels making their driving somewhat suspect in the city. We went to the temple and communed with our Guru seeking his blessings for the New Year ahead! After that, it was a short drive through the Beach Road and home.

We had stocked up our supplies a bit well ahead in the evening - few pastries, some snacks, KFC and coke. It was a quiet dinner while watching a recent action movie that we downloaded earlier. By the way, feedback for KFC - the newly launched item Smoky Grilled Chicken Wings was dissatisfying and quite disappointing! The quantum was totally insufficient, taste did not come out right and it felt more like a gravy dish than grilled chicken. Money spent on it was wasted.

Anyway, back to The Foreigner. movie. The movie stars include big names like Pierce Brosnan and Jackie Chan. It was nice to see both of them in quite different roles than they were primarily known and got famous for. Their acting was quite good especially Jackie Chan. It was quite moving as Chan plays his age of an elderly person who suffers multiple tragedies of losing his family members to violence at various stages of his life, the latest being his youngest daughter. The plot is about the peacekeeping efforts between the British Government and the IRA or the Irish Republican Army to end the bloodshed and violence that has characterised relations between them for long with innocent civilians taking the brunt of it.

The movie appears to have been received well at the box office too with IMDB rating at 7.1 and a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 62% Fresh / 74% Audience Score (when I last checked). The twists and turns in the movie and the connects between politics, terrorism, violence and civilians are done intricately and keep you guessing till the end of the movie. This movie also offers Chan a satisying comeback and proves that he is a versatile actor. Net net, worth a watch. After watching the movie, we went up to the terrace to witness the change to New Year 2018 when the fireworks broke out in the skies. It was lovely and wonderful!

Happy New Year to all of you and your families!

https://www.mouthshut.com/UrbanHermits