paulsamuel-48177's Reviews

1899: The Ship (2022)

Season 1, Episode 1

7/10

17 November 2022

Indeed loved this episode. Within minutes was completely hooked into the world of 1899. The ambience, the atmosphere and overall mood was set. Just loved the set, costumes which reflected the old times. Not to mention about the background which was so eerie and disturbing and gave the exact tempo. Overall establishment of every character and the performance rendered was phenomenal.

Though it lags a little, but it takes time to get accustomed to their world.

There were lot of directors signature touches and an usual song at the end of episode, which gives a perfect kick start to the next episode.

Overall a decent pilot episode, looking forward for remaining episodes.

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I Came By (2022)

6/10

Surprisingly Good

9 September 2022

Warning: Spoilers

Started seeing this movie without any expectations, as it came by as a recommendation in Netflix. Was completely hooked right from the 1st scene. Every time when someone steps into Hector Blake's home, it's an edge to the seat moment and completely nail biting.

Everyone's performance was top notch and the screen play was tight and crisp.

Though there were few logical loops, it was not to crib with the flow of the movie. Overall placement was organic and would've loved if they showed in detail with every victim's show with Hector Blake.

One of the best movies watched in recent past for a thriller genre.

An ideal movie for a Weekend night. Don't miss.

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The 7 Lives of Lea (2022)

8/10

High on Dope

25 July 2022

After a long time, binge watched a series in Netflix. From the first episode, we are completely hooked into the world and and it keeps us in splits.

Recreation of 90s, the overall ambience, beautiful photography(especially the lovely village where the series shot) and above all exemplary performance of every actors who just lived as the characters.

Sure, we can't expect a season 2 because the ending was just perfect!!

Would highly recommend for a weekend watch!!

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The Polar Express (2004)

10/10

Best Christmas Movie produced!!!

3 October 2021

One of the greatest Christmas movie produced ever - period!!!! This movie is quintessential, during every Christmas season. Rightfully brings the joy and essence of Christmas.

Every frame, music, songs, minute detailing with CG, just stands apart.

Believe that could hear the sound of the bell forever 😊

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Them (2021– )

7/10

Not For the Weak hearted

2 May 2021

This series might stir up and might agitate with atrocious things which occurred in the past. Though it's slightly fictionalised, this series is so Raw.

The performance is top notch by all the lead actors. It was like just seeing their life story in person.

Highly disturbing, so intense and its hard hitting.

The editing and the way camera pans slowly, laced with the disturbing background score, will definitely be haunting.

Kudos to the writers!!

THEM is sure a well crafted series, loaded with top notch performances and backed up with an amazing technical crew!!

But it's definitely not for the weak hearted.

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The Queen's Gambit (2020)

8/10

Mr William Shaibel - An Unsung Hero

2 March 2021

Absolutely loved this mini series. Right from the first episode till the last, not even a minute I could take away my eyes. The devil is in the details!! Each and every scene is fine crafted with finesse. Right from the lead actors performance, cinematography, art department and the screenplay were just outstanding. Kudos to the creators of this splendid mini series. Anya Taylor as Beth Harmon has breathed her life into the character. Not to mention the younger version of Beth, who did a commendable part. All the other supporting characters such as Jolene, Benny, Beltik and Townes were brilliantly written and performed by the actors. Last but not least, I just loved the character Shaibel which was beautifully portrayed by Bill Camp. Throughout the series, felt that atleast there must be one scene where Beth meets Shaibel after she grew up to be a successful player! The scene where Beth goes to Shaibel's room and find the paper clippings was aesthetically shot and beautifully performed By Anya!! Do not miss this lovely series. It's one the best series in Netflix. It's pure bliss and class apart!!

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Deep Impact (1998)

9/10

Mixed Human Emotions - Deep Impact

20 October 2020

Rather terming this moving as a science fiction, it can more be described as an emotional drama. Yes, this movie is kind of a tear jerker. So nostalgic seeing this movie recently and had the same impact when I saw this movie as a kid!! Maybe, 90s kid would accept this!! The movie revolves around 3 main characters and their family backdrop and also the space crew is shown in between. The emotional interchange between each and every character and how they strive to survive during a natural disaster was shot realistically!!! Though the movie defies logic and some CG shots look amateurish, it doesn't matter much. Just remember, that this movie was shot before 23 years!! The background score by James Horner is magical and pure bliss. All the lead characters performance was top notch!! My fav would be Morgan freeman's portrayal of President. It was not the usual cliched president like those portrayed in Roland emerich movies!! Overall a perfect weekend movie to be watched by whole family!! One of the best disaster movie produced in Hollywood!!

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Inception (2010)

10/10

A Never Ending Roller Coaster Ride

9 October 2020

Have seen this movie more than 20 times to be precise, still get goosebumps every time seeing it. It's as fresh as it's during every watch. The sheer brilliance of Nolan could be savoured in each every frame. An absolute class act and indeed a Masterpiece. Never a movie of this genre, can be pulled ever or could be created once again with the same vigour!! The performance of every character is top notch and flawless. Starting from Dicaprio, Tomhardy, Ken, Joseph Gorden, Cillian Murphy, Dileep Rao and Ellen page just lived in layers in every dream. The whole aesthetics of the movie is well crafted to fine nuances, right from cinematography, sound design, background score and indeed the art work!!

Thanks Mr.Nolan for giving us this Gem of a movie. Not sure how you brought this into real as a movie. If we think just about the script and storyboard it must be complicated!! Only a genius within can get it accomplished.

Inception - Lucid Dreaming within!!!

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Upgrade (2018)

8/10

Déjàvu - Black Mirror Reincarnated

9 September 2020

People who have seen black mirror, might get acquainted with AI and cyberpunk stuffs which is portrayed. I could not much connect with lead characters and more chemistry could have been showed between them. But keeping all these aside, this movie clearly entertained for 90 minutes. The lead character's performance was good, and the climax was satisfying. It's a routine revenge story with lots of cliches sprinkled all over, but this movie stands apart with its progress. Not to mention, it's made on a shoe string budget. Which gives a tough to mega budget flicks!!! A must watch entertainer for action and sci fi genre lovers!!!

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Host (II) (2020)

8/10

Genuinely Scary!! Don't Miss this Gem!!

3 August 2020

Happen to see this movie by chance and was blown away. The best part of this is movie is original and the brilliant writing keeps us glued towards the seat. The entire zoom concept was nice and interesting, which makes this stand apart from other session based or found footage movies. All the lead characters portrayal was great and the casting was aptly done. All the vfx shots was pretty much credible and gives genuine scare. Though initial few moments dragged a bit, it was for the ambience to keep us hooked. Once in, it was dark and ominous then. Being an avid horror genre fan, have got accustomed to most of the cliche based movies. But this gem which was made on shoe string budget would be one to look out for! Don't miss this movie!!!

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The Secret: Dare to Dream (2020)

6/10

Law of Attraction applied ??

2 August 2020

Was waiting for this movie ever since I heard about it. Got to see on the same day it got released. Being an ardent Secret follower and fan, the law of attraction and the major Secret nuances were very mildly sprinkled or applied overall. I would say that, this movie was a decent love story with fantastic cinematography, good performance by the all the major actors. The major cons of this movie is the casting which made a great impact. Starting from Katie Holmes, josh and the kids, everyone played their part very well and we could just move into their story. The background score also needs to be mentioned and went well with the movie. Though the story was straight forward with a predictable climax, never felt bored. Felt that the law of attraction could be more applied or showcased and depicted in the movie. The impact was very meagre in this and couldn't satiate Secret fans. But it's a complete family entertainer and could feel the positivity when the movie ends. It was so light and cheerful!!

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You Should Have Left (2020)

6/10

A Cheeky Roller Coaster Ride

28 June 2020

Well, this movie had all sort of elements to make it more ominous, creepy and to have right tinge of horror. But it indeed lacked, especially the climax and ending. Could have been better if there is some more story told about that place, that would have made more justice. Felt that the ending was quick and abrupt and expected more. There were lot of loopholes and many questions which were not answered. But, the whole movie kept us glued and it's more of paranormal thriller than a horror genre.. The acting was good, both Kevin and Amanda made justice to their characters. Loved the photography. Am a great fan of David Koepp, but this movie is just mediocre.

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Forever My Girl (2018)

6/10

A Breezy Country romance

30 May 2020

Felt a lot of déjà vu from Nicole Spark movies, though it made an impact during the end of this movie. Forever my girl, is predictable, falls under the usual story line and ends with a straight forward climax. What irked me most is the ambience, portrayal of the town and it's happening, the family bonding, country songs and the cinematography. Performance by the lead characters was fine, but loved the chemistry between father and son. The little girl was much cuter though. Couldn't much relate to the chemistry between both the lead characters. May be, much more bonding could have been showcased between them. Overall a timepass feel good movie, over a lazy weekend noon..

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Kumbalangi Nights (2019)

9/10

GEM of a Movie!!!!

4 May 2020

Warning: Spoilers

Thanks to this lockdown quarantine period, had a privilege of seeing this beautiful film. It's a story of 4 brothers, who stay in a lovely serene village. All are in loggerheads initially and how they unfold together and bond strongly is the basic premise.

The way the movie transcends and shows the family bond is shot aesthetically. The shift in the genre of this film, is the highlight and it was brilliant. The way the characters are established, the way the lovely surrounding, nature and serene village was established makes us to connect with the movie to core. Now coming to the performance, all the 4 brothers portrayed by Soubin shahir, Shane nigam, Sreenath bhasi and Mathew Thomas was outstanding. And all the other supporting cast provided complete justice to their characters.

Now the scene stealer is the man 'Fahadh Faasil'!!! OMG, is just got chills with his mind blowing performance especially in the climax. Without exaggerating it was quite equal to Jack Nicholson's performance in 'Shining' and Heath ledgers performance in 'Dark knight'. Just see the movie to witness it. Easily one of the best actor from India!!!

Would strongly recommend this film, to be watched especially during a Friday night!!! The fine human connection which is sprinkled all over the movie, gives a whiff of fresh air!! This movie is a connoisseur of different genre such as drama, comedy, romance and thriller!! Easily one of the best films have seen in recent past.. Kumbalangi Nights - A GEM of a movie.

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Angrezi Medium (2020)

7/10

Irrfan Khan - Shining star

3 May 2020

Saw this movie, just to see the performance of Irrfan Khan. Would gleefully tell that was thoroughly entertained throughout this movie. Laughed a lot, cried at times and indeed 'Angrezi medium' is such a feel good movie. Now coming to the performance, Irrfan Khan was soo effortless, suave, cool and portrayed the character with such grace and ease. His dialect and diction to the local slang was so good and couldn't believe that he is acting before a cam. He just lived as the character 'Champak'. Miss this legend, this being his last movie. All the other characters were so good and they portray complete justification to their respective roles. This movie has so many layers, yet not preachy and completely entertains. Such a light hearted feel good movie and indeed burst out laugh for few scenes. Would strongly recommend to see this movie and to witness the performance of Irrfan Khan.

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Karwaan (2018)

7/10

Karwaan - Blissful and Ecstatic

1 May 2020

Loved this movie right from the beginning. It's a journey of 3 contrast characters who gets involved in a unplanned road trip amidst a quirky circumstance. The movie has different layers yet not preachy or sober. It's one of the best feel good movie, I've seen in recent past.

Irrfan Khan - he elevated this movie to next level with his effortless and magical performance. His Onscreen charisma is one to look out for. Dulqer and the other lead character, lived into the skin of their respective characters. We laugh, cry along with them during their overall travel throughout.

Karwaan - a whiff of fresh air. Would strongly recommend this movie, especially on a blissful Sunday morning.

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The Good Doctor (2017–2024)

8/10

For Freddie Highmore

30 April 2020

Right from the first episode I got completely hooked to this series! Very much intriguing and keep us glued completely. Takes us directly into the medical world and we could get very well acquainted to the hardcore medical terms by the end of the series. Now coming to the performance, Freddie nailed it and lived as an Autistic Doctor. All the other supporting characters, lived up to the expectations. Loved the 1st and 2nd series, the last series was pretty much mediocre!! Would strongly recommend this series, every character has a strong detailing and you'll love Freddie more.

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Extraction (2020)

6/10

That '11 MINUTE' Fight Sequence!!!!

25 April 2020

I'd always loved to see Chris Hemsworth in a full fledged action movie. And was glad to see him in Extraction. Now First about the cons of this movie, it defies logic and not sure about the body count though. The major negative is wafer thin story and script. The lead antagonist is completely miscast. The major USP of this movie is the '11 Minute' fight sequence. It's one of the best action choreography I've seen in recent past. It was wild, raw, realistic and quite intense. Thanks to Netflix release, the censor less leverage is rightfully used. Not to mention about the cinematography especially in the stunt sequence, kudos to the legend Newton Thomas for his live cinematography. Finally our very own Thor, we see him here as Tyler Rake. Chris's portrayal of Tyler rake was great. And it was indeed fresh to see him as such. This movie would sure cater for adrenaline pumping movie lovers!! Grab a bucket of popcorn for a Saturday night movie!!!

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The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)

7/10

A lovely feel good movie

25 April 2020

This movie was a good family entertainer. The location, ambience, good portrayal of every character and above all the food, made this movie a worth watch. Loved the portrayal of Helen mirren and Ompuri. Music plays a vital part, which elevated the movie. Just felt a bit dragged towards the climax, especially when the story moves away from the small beautiful town and goes towards Paris. But overall a perfect feel good movie which could be watched during a rainy noon.

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The Man from Earth (2007)

9/10

Film making at its best!!

24 April 2020

I was completely hooked right from the first scene till the end of movie. This movie is an classic example, that don't require CGI's, adrenaline pumping fight sequence to keep the audience glued towards the seat. It's a complete roller coaster ride and you will wish, the movie could have been extended some more time. Not to mention the performance of every artist, they lived up to the character. Kudos to the director for giving this hidden gem. Forget about all the negative discussions of this movie. If you are a movie buff, this movie is complete different experience and you'll definitely love it!! My rating - 9/10

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Fantasy Island (2020)

6/10

Good Entertaining

24 April 2020

Not sure why so much hatred for this movie. It was very much entertaining from the first scene, though slightly illogical . An ideal Friday night movie and goes well with a tub of Popcorn!!

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