Avengers Endgame [2019]

Back in 2008, when Iron Man came out, no one anticipated that Marvel Cinematic Universe [MCU] would be such an imposing success, as it is today. The decade old journey has not just turned prolific but gave us all a befitting conclusion to an epic Infinity Saga. 

Synopsis: To undo the wrath of Thanos’ galactic level extinction, the remaining band of enduring members from earth’s mightiest heroes ‘The Avengers’ will try for one last time for a final face-off against the mad titan.

Even though the core plot was wrapped under full secrecy since Infinity War’s arrival, within fandom speculation, outrageous theory & production snaps, it was evident that we would we seeing time travel or reference to it. There have been many movies which has already ventured into the realm of time travel notion, yet the fresh take on its concept was quite brisk in Endgame.

If you thought Infinity War was the crown jewel of the Marvel Studios, wait until you see the grand finale. Kudos to Anthony & Joe Russo, for putting forth countless characters & yet making it impeccably composed with lucid plot. Each member gets his/her fair share to shine, special nod goes to Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff who plays an intricate part within the mid-act that would overlay path for the monumental third act, Chris Evans as Captain America, RobertDowney Jr. as Iron Man, with lot of inter-story arch being finally concluded.

Final act of the film not only places Endgame at the epitome of super-hero genre, ever to get filmed but can vaunt for having one of the best single take action sequences in the cinematic history of movie making; this will make any comic book nerd & movie aficionados gasp out of absolute bliss. The fight between the legendary trio Captain America, Iron Man, Thor & Mad Titan, is beyond words.

This has been the fourth consecutive time where Russo brothers have collaborated with Kevin Feige to put forth the final film for phase three. Whether they take up future assignment within MCU multiverse, time will tell. For now, get ready to be awed by the cinematic spectacle. Avengers Infinity War & Endgame will be helmed as one of the greatest super-hero movies of our generation ever to be put up on main screen, since Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy.

My Verdict - 9/10 

Whatever it takes, this is an absolute must-see experience!!

Renaissance In Indian Cinema !!

Movies like Tumbbad, Badhaai Ho, Andhadhun indicates an elusive renaissance going on within Indian cinema, URI: The Surgical Strike is no different. It’s hard to believe that this has been Aditya Dhar’s first directional debut. Many will draw contrast with Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty or Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper, yet stories based on true events do have very similar take on chronicle.

Rarely do we get chance to see movies on Indian Army, leaving aside few like Vijeta [1982] or Prahaar [1991] most of them are plagued with forced chest thumping, flawed tactics making them not worth the time or dime. Even though the plot is based on true events on URI attack back in 18^th September 2016 tailed by tactical retaliation by Indian Para Special Forces, its quite evident some liberty has been taken by the production unit for the sake of making the subject easily accessible to the civil population. 

A bar has been set on how the action movies should be made in India, Mitesh Mirchandani’s cinematography is phenomenal coupled with a powerful title track from Shashwat Sachdev. 

2018 has been a decisive year for Indian cinema, where content has been given rank over no brainer star cast filled films; 2019 might witness a similar trend. The sheer effort tied with intense acting from cast like Vicky Kaushal & Mohit Raina, realistic action & haunting title score makes this a must watch experience on big screen. Finally a true homage to our brothers-in-arms in Indian Para SF.

My Verdict : Highly Recommended - 8/10

Avengers Infinity War [2018] - Cinematic Opulence !!

When Kevin Feige brought in Russo brothers to direct Captain America: The Winter Soldier, no one anticipated them to be handling the holy grail of Marvelverse, the Infinity War.

Synopsis: To balance the universe from desolation, Thanos aims to snuff away half of its lifeform, which he believes can be done if he yields all the six infinity stones viz., reality, time, power, space, soul & mind. However, his imposing plan gets stalled by earth’s mightiest heroes ‘The Avengers’ & ‘Guardians of Galaxy’.

What MCU had been lacking for so long, was a perfect villain. Loki did impose his mischief charisma in his earlier outings like in ‘The Avengers’ or ‘Thor’ but it never was as intimidating & terrifying as Josh Brolin’s exhibition of Thanos. He not only nailed the character but demonstrated what a perfect nemesis can be, which not just dictates audience but admiration. Of course, his minions, the members of Black Order were no less daunting, look out for the character Ebony Maw flawlessly depicted by Tom Vaughan-Lawlor.

Kudos for putting in so many characters & yet making it perfectly balanced with coherent plot. Each member gets his & her share to shine. The action sequences were prodigious, something which we now are acquainted with & expect nothing short of spectacular from such franchise.

Infinity War has ventured into an uncharted path, where very few movies will ever dare to do; stakes were high for Anthony & Joe Russo, as it could have gone either way as it did with last year’s Justice League. It took a decade of meticulous planning of interlaced stories to finally unleash the wrath of mad titan. Did it pay off? Hell yeah, what did you expect! Infinity War is not just a movie but a cinematic phenomenon, ready to awe & shock the reactionary followers of MCU franchise & general audiences alike. Be ready to be blown away. 

Oh, I saw Tyrion Lannister, good lord did I just spoil it #@*!

My Verdict : Highly Recommended - 9/10