Lucifer – movie starts with a promise and premise but loses steam as it progresses. Movie takes the time to introduce the characters, few characters are well etched, like Bobby, but most of the characters don’t realize their potential. Focus seems to be on style than substance. Mohanlal has a role which he could do in his sleep. Most of the movie he walks in slo-mo, we get repeated shots of him getting out of the car in slo-mo followed by a close-up of his face. Director went for his mass than class moments. For the build-up given for Fyodor the big villain, he gets killed like we swat a mosquito. Since Lucifer, the devil, is always multiple steps ahead of his opponents we don’t feel any tension. I did like few sequences in the movie, like Jatin’s image makeover followed by his introduction speech. Casting helps you to sit through the movie but the last act becomes a real drag. Final twist leaves room for part 2.
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Intimate Strangers – movie explores the assumption of close friends and families. As close friends, are we really close? Are you close enough to share your secrets? Movie starts and ends with the note that every person has three lives, public, private, and secret. Old childhood friends get together for a housewarming party. In the course of discussions and chitchat, all agree play a game, they must leave their mobiles on table for everyone get to read their messages and calls. Once you buy in to this premise (why anyone would agree to open their cellphones), the movie is engaging and intriguing. As the texts, pictures, and calls come through, secrets come out in the open and threaten the stability of their marriages and friendships. Each reveal is different and tension builds up as secrets come out. Since this is Korean movie I have no idea who the actors are, but all of them are well cast and have done a wonderful job. Given the subject matter, thanks to the director, J.Q.Lee, for not resorting to sentimentality or preaching. Movie leaves you with the question, how well do you really know your friend? Or spouse? Can we be really open with no secrets at all? Yes, you will be wise enough not to play these type of games.
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