Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny - Movie Review

Before hanging his boots, Indiana seems to be on his last quest to make magic, as he usually does, and to discover something unthinkable from the jaws of death and defeat. 

Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny

Expect The Unexpected

The movie review here will be a little different from what you've come to expect from my prior work. Perhaps it is my approach of communicating with you and sharing my thoughts. So brace yourselves.
The first thing I realised after watching the film was that my hero had been defeated. No, it wasn't his favourite villain-Nazis who got him; it was his age. Our hero Indy has aged, not that he has acknowledged it as his true self, who will fight until the last trick and always wins, but, come on, it is apparent. Everything you remember from earlier films is missing: the punch, the wit, the charishma. And, despite your best attempts to enjoy the film, you must concede to the inevitable.

Why So Serious?

The film seems to be a farewell episode for all the fantastic things we've come to associate with Indana Jones, until a new team with gadgets and passion arrives. However, the former allure of an exciting adventure will not return. It is gone, and we must prepare to let go of our old flame. But again, it's only a movie, and all of the male action heroes we grew up with are on their way out, and the new ones are either too plastic or not to my liking. They appear to be overly artificial and unreal. However, the universe itself is in a different state these days. 
 
Ok, have said enough, let us get back to reviewing the movie for which we all came for… Isn’t it? 
The film is packed with traditional Indiana Jones action and terrific entertaining chase moments that we've come to expect from the Indiana franchise. The story line tells us of ancient unfinished stories that have regained momentum as if their time has come. Here, too, the adventure is for the missing artefact and the race to find it first. That may sound monotonous, but we're all used to chase sequences.

The only difference here is that the gun violence related action appeared to be a little more intense. Several key characters, including Renaldo (Antonio Banderas) and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), have said their final goodbyes and gone, leaving you with a melancholy feeling. 

And The Plot Is…

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY begins with a scene set at the end of WWII, with Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and his buddy Basil (Toby Jones) attempting to save an ancient religious artefact from the Nazis. Instead, they discover half of Archimedes' Antikythera mechanism, a mechanical device supposed to bestow unfathomable power on whoever has and masters it. Indy gets into a fight with the evil Nazi scientist Voller (Mads Mikkelsen), but he and Basil escape with the dial. 
Years later, in 1969, Dr. Jones has just retired from teaching, as the US lands on the moon in the backdrop. This was a time when people were more interested in the future and had little appetite in ancient legends. However, things became interesting when he is visited by Basil's daughter, Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), who is desperate to get her hands on the dial. But why is this so? Indy soon becomes engrossed in a thrilling journey to seek the relic as the truth unfolds.

The Final Verdict

Despite shortcomings in many new performers' acting abilities and the story's flow, the film is a one-time wonder that you may enjoy viewing. This picture will be remembered for Harrison Ford's terrific performance, the cutting-edge spectacular effects, and the plot, which is still better than a lot of alien nonsense. So, watch it and let me know what you think. 


Image Courtesy: Google

Sunday, 24 September 2023

It is found that celebrity endorsement, that is, using attractive, trustworthy, and familiar celebrities to advertise online gambling applications, has a statistically significant impact on young people's propensity to gamble.

 The Shameless Promotion of Gambling by Celebrities

In today's world, celebrities will do just about anything for a buck. They have become shamelessly shameless, from endorsing questionable products to promoting dubious causes. But perhaps one of the most alarming trends in celebrity culture is the shameless promotion of gambling. Yes, you read that right - gambling! It seems that the rich and famous are not content with their fortune and fame; they also want to tempt Lady Luck. But let's take a closer look at this recipe for disaster. 

How Online Gambling Has Become Fashionable Today

In today's digital age, online gambling has become all the rage. Gone are the days of travelling to a casino to try your luck. Now, with just a few clicks, you can access a world of temptation right from your home.
 
From poker tournaments to online slot machines, youngsters are tempted to join the fun. However, they fail to recognize the dark side of online gambling - the addictive nature, the hidden costs, and the potential for financial ruin. As per one report by thelancet, gambling has become a public health issue in different parts of the world.

Gambling - A Recipe For Disaster

Gambling is like baking a souffle - one wrong move, and everything comes crashing down. And who better to lead us down this treacherous path than our beloved celebrities? They make it seem glamorous and exciting but don't be fooled. Behind the glitz and glamour lies a dark and dangerous world that can lead to financial ruin and emotional despair.
 
But why are celebrities drawn to gambling like moths to a flame? Is it the thrill of risking it all? Is it the adrenaline rush of winning big? Or is it simply a desperate cry for attention? Perhaps it's a bit of all three. Whatever the reasons may be, the consequences can be dire. 

Frightening Trends Of Gambling in India

If there's one country that knows how to take gambling to a whole new level, it's India. From online poker tournaments to betting on cricket matches, the increasing participation of people in online gambling in India is frightening. And who better to lead the charge than our beloved Bollywood celebrities? They dance, they sing, and now they gamble too! But what's truly frightening is the influence they have over the masses. Their shameless gambling promotion has normalized it in society, making it seem like just another harmless pastime.

Hence, it is no surprise that India's Online Sports Betting market is projected to reach US$1.70bn in 2023. It shows an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2027) of 9.79%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$2.47bn by 2027.

How Shameless Can Celebrities Be?

When you think celebrities couldn't sink any lower, they surprise us again. From reality TV stars to A-list actors, they shamelessly promote tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and now online gambling. They plaster their faces on billboards, appear in flashy commercials, and entice novices to join the mobile apps. It's as if they have completely lost touch with reality. But hey, who needs morals when there's money to be made, right?

Examining the Effects of Celebrity Gambling Ads on the Public

It's no secret that celebrities hold a tremendous amount of influence over the public. Whether it's their fashion choices, political views, or favourite food, we tend to follow their lead. So, it should come as no surprise that celebrity gambling ads profoundly affect the public's perception of gambling. As per one report, the influence of celebrities on young minds is enormous. 
 
These ads make it seem like gambling is glamorous, exciting, and full of opportunity. They create an illusion that anyone can strike it rich with just one spin of the wheel or one roll of the dice. 
 

Interestingly, Social media has become a breeding ground for the normalization of gambling in pop culture. From celebrities sharing their big wins to influencers promoting betting apps, it's hard to escape the constant stream of gambling-related content. 
 
With impressionable minds and a desire for validation, young people are more susceptible to the allure of gambling than ever before. It's time we put an end to this normalization and start promoting healthier forms of entertainment.  

Examining the Impact of Celebrity Endorsement on Gambling 

Celebrity endorsement has always been a powerful marketing tool. From perfumes to clothing lines, celebrities can influence our purchasing decisions. But when it comes to gambling, their impact goes far beyond a simple purchase. 
 
When a celebrity endorses a gambling brand, they are not just promoting a product; they are promoting a lifestyle. And for their fans, that lifestyle becomes aspirational. They want to be like their favourite celebrity - rich, famous, and lucky. But the reality is that only some people will win big. They will lose big. 

Is Government Blind?

With all this shameless gambling promotion happening right before our eyes, one can't help but wonder - is the government blind? Are they ignoring the emerging social catastrophe in exchange for tax revenue? It certainly seems that way. 
 
The government is allowing celebrities to lure people into a dangerous game. It's as if they say, "Go ahead, gamble your life away. Just make sure you pay your taxes." It's a sad state of affairs. 

Money makes the world go round, and celebrities are no exception. The allure of accessible cash is hard to resist. The shameless promotion of gambling by celebrities is a dangerous trend that needs to be addressed. It's time we hold celebrities accountable for their actions and take responsibility for our choices. Let's not gamble with our future - there's too much at stake. 


Videos and Photos Courtesy - Google - Veed 

Monday, 7 August 2023

EXTRACTION 2 sees Chris Hemsworth reprise his role as Tyler Rake. The tough guy mercenary and his squad go on another risky mission: freeing a vicious gangster's imprisoned family.

 Extraction 2

This isn't just any regular movie review. Oh no, it's a brutally honest, humor-infused rendezvous through the labyrinthine plot (or lack thereof) of Extraction 2. Buckle up, folks, because this is going to be a crazy ride.

Extraction 2 has Spectacular Action With No Story!

I mean, come on, who are we kidding? The title tells us what we should expect (hint: nothing beyond intense action). It's like ordering a pizza and getting only the crust but no toppings.
But let's dive deeper into this lack of story and explore the implications. In a world where narratives drive our entertainment, Extraction 2 dares to defy conventions. It challenges the essence of storytelling, asking us to question our expectations and embrace the raw power of visceral action.

Despite this almost comical lack of a story, the action sequences rival the likes of a Marvel or a Bond movie. It's like they took all the punches, gunshots, and explosions cut from other films and shoved them into Extraction 2. Every frame bursts with adrenaline, leaving you breathless and on the edge of your seat.

But let's not overlook the underlying brilliance of this mind-boggling absence of narrative. Extraction 2 creates a blank canvas for the action to take centre stage by stripping away the complexities of plot and character development. The action was spectacular, yes, but did it make sense? About as much as buying a ticket for a cruise ship only to discover it's a submarine. It turns out to be an underwater adventure. That wasn't what you signed up for, but hey, you're already on board!
And just like that unexpected underwater adventure, Extraction 2 takes you on a wild ride through a maze of heart-pounding sequences that defy logic and reason. It's a rollercoaster of pure adrenaline, where the only rule is to hold on tight and let the action wash over you.

Chris Needs to Work on Acting Skills

Oh, Chris! Our hapless hero. I have a theory that the original script involved Chris Hemsworth playing an emotionless robot. However, somewhere down the line, they forgot to mention that he was supposed to be human.

His acting skills actually put the 'wood' in Hemsworth - stiff as a log and just as expressive. If you ever wanted to see Thor without his hammer, charm, or charisma, here you go!

But let's give credit where credit's due. Nobody, and I mean nobody, could make repeatedly walking into gunfire and achieving absolutely nothing look so... well, pointless.
As the camera pans across the set, we can't help but notice the lack of life in Chris's eyes. It's as if he's lost in a perpetual daydream, wholly disconnected from the world around him. Perhaps he's envisioning a future where he can finally master the art of emoting.

Every line he delivers feels forced and unnatural as if he's reading from a teleprompter for the first time. It's almost comical how he struggles to convey even the simplest emotions. One can't help but wonder if he attended the Nicolas Cage School of Overacting. At times I believe he has watched Rocky 4 too many times, and you get a glimpse of it here.

But remember the action scenes where Chris truly shines in his mediocrity. With each gunshot and explosion, he valiantly charges into danger, only to achieve absolutely nothing. It's almost poetic how he makes even the most intense action sequences feel utterly pointless.

As the film progresses, I root for Chris, not because of his acting prowess, but because I desperately hope to witness a breakthrough moment. We yearn for the day when he finally discovers the key to unlocking his emotions and delivering a performance that will leave me speechless.

Until then, I can only marvel at Chris Hemsworth's ability to consistently deliver a performance that falls flat. 

Relax, Russians Aren't That Bad

The ‘Russians are the bad guys’ trope in Hollywood is as outdated as high-waist bell-bottom trousers. Oh, Hollywood! Where’s your creativity? 

The funny part is that Russian villains in this film have an almost supernatural ability to miss all their shots. You could stand still in the middle of a FIFA football stadium, and they'd still manage to miss. It's like the Bullets had a restraining order against Hemsworth!

If the Russians were really this ineffective, then I guess we've nothing to worry about. I mean, if they can't manage to hit a single man who’s perpetually in their line of sight, global security’s pretty much sorted, right?

Why Extraction 2 is a Funny Movie With Foolish Action Sequences?

There's an undeniable talent for crafting elegant nonsense, which Extraction 2 has in spades. The action sequences are high-octane yet absurdly hilarious.

At one point, Chris was hanging from a skyscraper and took a bullet in his hand to save Golshifteh Farahani, who was dangling from the same place. Guess what? In the next frame, he was applying an antiseptic and was fit to take a shot. There's a suspension of disbelief, and then there's shamelessly catapulting it into another dimension.

All said Extraction 2 is less of a movie and more of a cinematic roller coaster, a non-stop thrill ride of senseless, albeit entertaining, action. If you leave your common sense at the door and bask in the flurry of fists, bullets, and random jumping-off-cliff scenes, it's fun.



Image Courtesy: Google 

Friday, 14 July 2023

Infinite is billed as a sci-fi thriller, but it turns out to be a disappointment with an amazing cast, exciting visual arts, and no story.

 Infinite

Have you seen a movie that made you angry? You feel so disgusted that you start crying in rage. I am sure you have had your share of the list, while Infinite is recently added to mine. That's right, we're diving headfirst into the Infinite enigma. So, brace yourselves, folks, because I have some strong opinions to share!

Why Infinite Is a Stupid Movie?

Alright, let's address the "elephant in the theatre" immediately. Infinite falls flat in the brainpower department. It's like they took all the logic and rationality of a goldfish and decided to base an entire movie on it. I mean, come on, folks! I'm all for suspending disbelief, but this movie takes it to a new level of ridiculousness. It's like watching a monkey try to solve a Rubik's Cube - you know it won't end well.
But let's dig deeper into why Infinite is such a disappointment. One of the main issues is that the makers don't understand "reincarnation". Yup, you read it right. This movie is based on the "Hindu" principle of reincarnation. The makers had some vague ideas and decided to make a movie hoping that the theme would stick and they would come up with sequels.
 
Truth is, they are fools and would be better off talking to some expert before exploring the idea of making a movie. I won't reveal much, but trust me, the entire story is so twisted you feel amazed by the stupidity.  
The second reason is the need for more character development. We are introduced to many characters who seem to have no purpose but to fill the screen. Their motivations are unclear, their actions are inconsistent, and it's hard to feel any connection to them. It's as if the writers threw random ideas into a blender and hoped for the best.  
Furthermore, the plot holes in Infinite are so vast and numerous that they could swallow an entire city. The writers didn't bother to think through the story's logic, resulting in twists and turns that make no sense. Characters make decisions that defy all reason, and events unfold in a way that leaves the audience confused. It's as if the filmmakers were more interested in creating flashy visuals than crafting a coherent narrative.

One Bright Spot

Let's talk about the special effects in Infinite. While they may be visually stunning at times, they often feel like a distraction from the lacklustre story. It's as if the filmmakers relied on flashy explosions and CGI to compensate for the weak plot and underdeveloped characters. Sure, the action sequences may be thrilling at the moment. Still, they ultimately feel hollow and devoid of any real substance.

Should Mark Wahlberg Be More Selective?

Now, I must address the green room elephant - Mark Wahlberg. What were you thinking, my guy? Infinite reminds me of another Mark movie, "The Great Wall". I respect your career choices, but Infinite, like the other one, feels like a step in the wrong direction. Is it really too much to ask Wahlberg to pick movies with a tad more substance? Maybe something that doesn't leave us scratching our heads and wondering if he lost a bet or something. Come on, Mark, you're better than this!

Why Infinite Is a Total Time Waste?

Picture this: you're sitting in a dark movie theatre, popcorn in hand, ready to be whisked away into a world of excitement and wonder. But instead, you find yourself transported into the never-ending abyss of boredom with Infinite. It's like watching paint dry, but somehow even more tedious. 
 
With Infinite, there are moments where you think the story might actually take off, but nope - it crashes and burns like a bird that forgot how to fly. And don't even get me started on the dialogue. It's as if the scriptwriter dropped their thesaurus and settled for the first words that came to mind. Talk about a snoozefest!
 
I can delve deeper into why Infinite is such a time waste, but letting it off. 
In conclusion, Infinite is a total time waste for anyone seeking an engaging and thrilling cinematic experience. Its lacklustre plot, one-dimensional characters, uninspired visuals, and lacklustre performances make it a forgettable and tedious watch. Save yourself the agony and choose a different movie to spend your time on.


Why I Cried Watching Infinite?

Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking. How on earth could anyone shed a single tear while watching Infinite? Believe me, I'm just as surprised as you are. But hear me out - it wasn't tears of joy or sadness. Nope, it was tears of sheer frustration!
Now, I'm not one to judge people's tastes, but when a movie drags you through its silly, predictable plot twists and turns for an eternity, it starts to chip away at your soul. But hey, maybe that's just me. Perhaps you'll watch Infinite and be swept away by its nonsensical charm. Who am I to rain on your parade? All I can say is, don't say I didn't warn you!


Images Courtesy: Google