MovieBuzZ: Hollywood Movies

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

2024 ‧ Action/Sci-fi

Note: If the download button doesn't work, scroll down to

"Direct Download Link."

Director: Wes Ball

Writers: Josh Friedman. Rick Jaffa. Amanda Silver

Stars: Owen Teague. Freya Allan. Kevin Durand

Critic's Rating: 3.5/5Story: Long after Caesar, a young ape embarks on a journey that will challenge his beliefs about the past and shape the future of both apes and humans.

Review: Directed by Wes Ball, 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes'opens with a clear shift away from the iconic figure of Caesar, confirming that this beloved character's story is definitively concluded. The film focuses on Noa (Owen Teague), a young chimpanzee who survives a brutal attack on his village. His quest for answers and revenge is the heart of the plot, and his journey reveals more about his species' complicated relationship with humans and the machinations of the despotic Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand). Along the way, Noa encounters Mae (Freya Allan), a human whose role is crucial yet not fully explored, and Raka (Peter Macon), an orangutan who represents the lost values of Caesar's original vision of harmony between apes and humans.

Although the story and characters in this new instalment don't achieve the same intensity as the previous trilogy, the film sets the stage for an intriguing journey, providing a glimpse into a future that holds potential for more engaging storytelling. The primary characters are mostly digital apes, convincingly portrayed through the remarkable work of visual effects artists and motion-capture performances. They are instilled with realism through their physical movements, facial expressions, and emotions. This technical marvel ensures that the apes are believable in their pursuit of building communities, whether they align with good intentions or more nefarious plans.

Visually, it is a spectacle portraying a desolate world overgrown and reclaimed by nature. Abandoned skyscrapers, lush scenery, and Proximus' stronghold are all rendered with exquisite detail. However, the film occasionally lingers too long on these landscapes, resulting in pacing issues that leave viewers yearning for more narrative depth. The foreshadowing and hints at future storylines suggest that this instalment may serve as a stepping stone for future films, albeit at the cost of leaving some storylines unresolved.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

2024 ‧ Action/Comedy

Note: If the download button doesn't work, scroll down to "Direct Download Link."

Directors: Adil El Arbi. Bilall Fallah

Writers: Chris Bremner. Will Beall. George Gallo

Stars: Will Smith. Martin Lawrence. Vanessa Hudgens

Critic's Rating: 3.5/5Synopsis: Miami PD’s best buddies-detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that implicates someone they deeply respected. The duo’s still got speed, strength, and occasional insanity, even if age is no longer on their side.

Review: There was a time when buddy cop comedies were a thing. Films evolve and time flies but Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah show how the theme can still be relevant if made well. With true-crime, cerebral sci-fi, biopics and long drawn series occupying our screen time of late, a nonsensical but supremely entertaining action comedy feels like a welcome detox.

The fourth instalment in the Bad Boys franchise is a refreshing resurgence of the 90’s cult cop comedy genre. The film also marks Will Smith’s solid comeback as the likeable Will Smith we’ve always known before the controversial slapgate. This is he returning to top form, exuding that quintessential movie star energy and Smith brand of humour and humanity. The incredible Martin Lawrence not only complements Smith in his mad antics but ignites the madness and chemistry between the two. Only he could have pulled off the racial humour without making it offensive. Their near-perfect comic timing is a delight to watch and the bad jokes never get tiring. The story cleverly weaves fast action into the hilarious and heartfelt banter between the two warring friends, making this a light-hearted roller-coaster. The ageing heroes fight their high blood pressure and sugar along with the bad guys.

At no point does the film get soppy even as the story brings out the emotional side of these characters. Action scenes add to the thrill and excitement, and humour feels relevant, especially as it shows the 50-something lead detectives battling age-related issues. Refreshing to see actors owning their age on screen and characters, their physical limitations.

An ode to male friendship and brotherhood, Bad Boys: Ride or Die embodies Sex and the city’s most celebrated line from a male perspective. “Maybe our bros are our soulmates and wives are just people to have fun with?” This is by far one of the most entertaining films of the year. Watch it!

The Batman

The Batman

2022 ‧ Action/Crime

Note: If the download button doesn't work, scroll down to "Direct Download Link."

Director: Matt Reeves

Writers: Matt Reeves. Peter Craig. Bob Kane

Stars: Robert Pattinson. Zoë Kravitz. Jeffrey Wright

Critic's Rating: 4.0/5Synopsis: When Gotham City is struck by a sadistic psycho-killer, it’s the Batman to the rescue. But can he save himself and the others from this dreaded villain, who will stop at nothing to punish the liars and unearth the complex web of lies and deceit, plaguing the city for years.

REVIEW: As far as stories and plotlines go, ‘The Batman’ is simply a tale of fight against the wrongs by the wronged and yet writer-director Matt Reeves grabs your attention from the very first scene and never lets it slip. In this Batman reboot, we have a villain, who is as formidable or dare we say, more than its superhero and is gunning for the corrupt. This conflict makes for an interesting watch because we, as the audience, are constantly wondering who to root for.

Billionaire Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) is going about his superhero duties, by donning a cape and a batman mask to rescue those in trouble, but a chilling murder of the city Mayor (Rupert Penry-Jones) leaves his priorities changed. Soon, more powerful men start getting killed and the plot gets darker, as with each murder, the killer leaves cryptic clues for the Batman to solve. While doing so, the Riddler (Paul Dano) is also unravelling deep and unsettling secrets about the two most powerful families of Gotham City that have a direct connection with the Batman. So, this time it is very personal.

There is barely a scene in the sunlight and with a psychotic serial killer on the loose who has innovative ways to kill, it is quite like Hollywood’s famed genre blockbusters like ‘Se7en’ or even ‘Saw’. The villain is a kind of a vigilante, whose identity is hidden but his motive is clear - no more lies. Stopping him seems impossible, as he is one step ahead of the law enforcement and also the film’s hero, who is often called to the crime scene by the investigating officer James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) much to the chagrin of his colleagues. But here, the murders are less bloody and there’s more finesse in their execution, as with each victim down, the film progresses towards a definite outcome. And despite some predictability, Reeves and his co-writer (Peter Craig) make sure they pump in enough plot twists to keep the viewers engaged. Some of them sure don’t come across as too convincing, like Selina Kyle’s (Zoë Kravitz) track - it's textbook but not entirely believable.

The action happens organically and at regular intervals. We get fist fights, explosions and dramatic car chases, Batmobile included and everything is served in small doses, so it doesn’t become overbearing. The runtime is long and there’s no comic relief, as the darkness is evenly spread throughout the film, but we aren’t complaining. There is enough suspense to hold on to before the big reveal.

Babylon

Babylon

2022 ‧ Comedy/Drama

Note: If the download button doesn't work, scroll down to Direct Download Link.

Director: Damien Chazelle

Writer: Damien Chazelle

Stars: Brad Pitt. Margot Robbie. Jean Smart

Critic's Rating: 3.0/5
Synopsis: 'Babylon' tells the story of four characters - a silent film star, a production executive, a budding actress, and a musical sensation - whose ambitions lead them to both success and downfall in 1920s Hollywood, as the industry transitions from silent films to talkies.

REVIEW: Director Damien Chazelle's latest film, 'Babylon,' follows his hugely successful 'La La Land.' Despite its lengthy runtime of over three hours, 'Babylon' falls short of expectations, despite a talented ensemble cast. The film is raw and honest, but ultimately comes across as manipulative. Some scenes may feel provocative, leaving viewers wondering if they were included intentionally or were simply part of the film's flow. In Hollywood, movies about Hollywood itself have historically been successful, such as 'Sunset Boulevard,' 'The Artist,' 'Barton Fink' and 'The Player.' However, 'Babylon' breaks this tradition and tries to portray the harsh realities of the industry, resulting in a film that falls short of being satisfying. While some individual performances and scenes are noteworthy, the film as a whole is underwhelming, lacking the charm that was present in 'La La Land' and 'Whiplash.'

'Babylon' features some visually shocking elements that can be unsettling for viewers, and at times, the film deliberately blurs the line between sanity and insanity, which can be confusing. Margot Robbie's character is particularly weak, ultimately becoming a drug addict with no clear direction in life. The character development for the cast is lacking, leaving some of their behaviour feeling disconnected from the story. Brad Pitt's character's tumultuous life, including being shot by an ex-wife who catches him cheating, captures the high drama of Hollywood legends from that era. However, these elements alone cannot compensate for the lack of character development and overall coherence in the film.

At the start of the film, Manny Torres (Diego Calva) is attempting to transport an elephant to a Hollywood party hosted by a Mughal producer. It's at the party that he catches the eye of Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie), an aspiring actress looking for a break in the industry. Also present at the party is Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt), a prominent star in silent films. This very scene sets the tone of the film and what viewers can expect from the tale of the golden age of Hollywood. As the film industry transitions from silent films to talkies, many characters struggle to adapt. While Manny successfully pivots and eventually becomes a director, both Nellie and Conrad face challenges in meeting the demands of the new era of filmmaking.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

The Ministry of

Ungentlemanly Warfare

2024 ‧ Action/Comedy

Note: If the download button doesn't work, scroll down to "Direct Download Link."

Director: Guy Ritchie

Writers: Paul Tamasy. Eric Johnson. Arash Amel

Stars: Henry Cavill. Alan Ritchson. Alex Pettyfer.

Critic's Rating: 4.0/5

Story: During World War II, the British Army recruits a group of men for a covert mission against the Nazis, backed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Review: Guy Ritchie’s films are known for being pacy, fun, and direct, avoiding unnecessary elaboration. ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ is no exception. This time, Ritchie draws from a true World War II story, delivering two hours of humour and action with his signature style. He bypasses the typically serious tone of war films instead infusing it with his own interpretation and a great cast. Though highly fictionalised, the film still offers a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The characters' actions speak louder than words, making for an engaging watch.

The plot of this film centers on Operation Postmaster, a covert British Army mission sanctioned by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to destroy the main supply boat for U-boats in a Spanish colony in West Africa. Gus March Phillips (Henry Cavill) is recruited to assemble a team to destroy the Duchessa, the primary ship. Special Operations Executive agents Marjorie Stewart (Eiza Gonzalez) and Richard Heron (Babs Olusanmokun) take a train to the West African port city, while Gus and his team—Henry Hayes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), Freddy Alvarez (Henry Golding), and Anders Lassen (Alan Ritchson)—sail to their destination. Once at the location, Marjorie begins her task of seducing Heinrich Luhr (Til Schweiger), the Nazi commander of the ship. Upon discovering that the Duchessa will depart three days earlier than planned, Gus's team opts for a more dangerous route to save time, fully aware that being caught could compromise the mission. The operation quickly escalates into a violent clash of bloodshed, gunfire, and explosions upon arrival.

This action film by Guy Ritchie may not match the calibre of his early work, but it certainly entertains. It's one of those movies where you don't need to overthink the plot. Gus and his team go all guns blazing, with humour interjected at intervals. While it might not be in the same league, it will remind you of Quentin Tarantino's ‘Inglourious Basterds’ or even ‘The Guns of Navarone,’ as they follow a similar theme. It's a shallow film, but fans of Ritchie's technique and style will appreciate it. He tells a straightforward story without relying on too many twists and turns.

Henry Cavill, as Gus, exudes testosterone and does a decent job portraying a man who hates following rules and creates his own methods. His rugged appearance adds depth to his character. Alan Ritchson is a welcome sight in a role similar to his ‘Preacher’ character but with a twist. Cavill and Ritchson share excellent chemistry and comic timing. Special mentions go to Eiza Gonzalez and Babs Olusanmokun, who excel as Marjorie and Heron, respectively. Eiza shines as a seductress tasked with neutralizing an SS officer, delivering a fabulous performance.

This film never takes itself too seriously, which is likely its main appeal. It's filled with colourful characters, each with unique quirks and traits that leave a lasting impression. Although the violence might be a deterrent for some, it’s presented in a more subdued manner without excessive blood. The movie will remind you of the classic Guy Ritchie style that seemed to have been lost in his recent films. ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ checks most of the boxes for an entertaining film. It's a fictional retelling of a real incident, done in Ritchie's unmistakable style. Don't expect cinematic brilliance, and you'll have a great time watching it.

Venom: The Last Dance

Venom: The Last Dance

2024 ‧ Action/Sci-fi

Note: If the download button doesn't work, scroll down to "Direct Download Link."

Director: Kelly Marcel

Writers: Kelly Marcel. Tom Hardy

Stars: Juno Temple. Tom Hardy. Alanna Ubach.

Critic's Rating: 4.5/5

Review: The highly anticipated film ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ generates a buzz as Tom Hardy has been spotted in New York City, filming scenes that will excite Marvel fans. This movie marks the final installment in the ‘Venom’ series with Hardy in the titular role, and it promises to delve deeper into the character's complex universe. As the production moves forward, several intriguing details and fan theories have emerged, offering a glimpse into what viewers can expect from this thrilling conclusion.
Tom Hardy was recently seen in New York, where scenes for ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ are being filmed.

Tom Hardy returns for his last appearance as Eddie Brock, also known as Venom. The character, a key figure from the “Spider-Man” comics, is on the run. Both Eddie and Venom are being pursued by two worlds. The official logline reveals that the duo faces a critical decision, marking the end of their journey together. This film concludes the trilogy that began with “Venom” in 2018. Alongside Hardy, the film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Peggy Lu, Alanna Ubach and Stephen Graham.

The movie is directed by Kelly Marcel, who was also the writer and producer of the first two "Venom" films. Marcel, along with Hardy, developed the story for this film. They were joined by producers Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Amy Pascal, and Hutch Parker. Joe Caracciolo Jr. served as the executive producer for this concluding chapter.

The previous two "Venom" films saw considerable box office success. The first movie, directed by Ruben Fleischer, earned $856 million globally. The sequel, "Venom: Let There Be Carnage," directed by Andy Serkis, made $502 million worldwide despite the pandemic.

Barbie

Barbie

2023 ‧ Comedy/Fantasy

Note: If the download button doesn't work, scroll down to "Direct Download Link."

Director: Greta Gerwig

Writers: Greta Gerwig. Noah Baumbach

Stars: Margot Robbie. Ryan Gosling. Issa Rae.

Critic's Rating: 4.0/5Story: Things start changing for Barbie (Margot Robbie) in Barbieland, and she must leave her perfect life to do something about it.

Review: For all practical purposes, Barbieland is pristine. Various iterations of Barbies and Kens live their beautiful lives in blissful ignorance of the real world. But when the quintessential Barbie (Margot Robbie) begins to have unusual thoughts, she is directed by another Barbie (Kate McKinnon) to enter the world of humans and address her existential crisis. However, chaos ensues when Ken (Ryan Gosling) tags along with her on this quest.

Barbie’s production, combined with its costume, art & set design, is picture-perfect, immersing us into the predominantly pastel and particularly pink Barbieland with a plethora of colourful characters. Played by an ensemble cast, some are given substantially more to do, while others are relegated to the backdrop. Even though this is by design, it does make some of these characters slightly redundant, albeit not overbearing. Margot Robbie reminds us of her incredible depth and range as the main character Barbie and is perfectly cast in the lead role. Ryan Gosling is a scene-stealer whose Ken is an unlikely brand of a jerk that draws laughs effortlessly, often at his own expense. However, the ace in the pack is America Ferrera, who is impressive, especially in one memorable monologue that perfectly captures the complex conundrum of women’s equality.

This brings us to the film’s most vital aspect – its writing. Taking a prominently feminist outlook, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach deftly pull off the tricky tightrope act of a self-aware screenplay that hits hard on the nose while being thoroughly entertaining. Using comedy and musical numbers to charm the audience, the message is deliberately heavy-handed. Sure, there’s a looming question of whom this film is aimed at, and ‘Barbie’ is certainly not just for those who’d play with these dolls. Slathered with satire that eventually sheds off its sugar-coat, this film decisively takes the patriarchal bull by the horns. Quite the risk by toymakers Mattel, Gerwig’s style meets substance with her direction that dissolves all debate of ‘Barbie’ being a corporate cash grab as it will undoubtedly tip-toe its way to the front row of awards ceremonies.

Challengers

Challengers

2024 ‧ Sport/Romance

Note: If the download button doesn't work, scroll down to "Direct Download Link."

Director: Luca Guadagnino

Writer: Justin Kuritzkes

Stars: Mike Faist. Josh O'Connor. Zendaya

Critic's Rating: 4.0/5Story: After a rough patch, Tashi convinces her husband Art, a grand slam champion, to enter the upcoming Challenger tournament for a confidence boost against lower-ranked players. Little does he know; he'll face his former best friend and Tashi's ex in the final.

Review: ‘Challengers’ stands out as director Luca Guadagnino's most commercially appealing film to date. With its light-hearted storyline, exceptional performances, and an outstanding score by Oscar winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, this movie guarantees an entertaining experience. Featuring a non-linear plot, ‘Challengers’ exudes a youthful and vibrant atmosphere against the backdrop of tennis. Its fast-paced editing and stylish cinematography will certainly captivate young audiences, though some may wish for a slightly trimmed runtime.

The storyline of ‘Challengers’ centres on Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), a talented tennis player whose career was cut short because of a freak injury. When Patrick (Josh O’Connor) and Art (Mike Faist), close friends and tennis doubles partners, meet her after winning the Junior Open, they both become attracted to Tashi. Over time, Tashi and Art both attend Stanford to play tennis, while Patrick goes pro. Fast forward a few years, Art and Patrick are no longer friends, while Art and Tashi are now a couple. Facing a downturn in his career, Art's confidence wanes, prompting Tashi, now his coach, to enter him into the Challenger tournament. Unaware, Tashi sets the stage for a finale that pits two former best friends against each other.

Set against the backdrop of tennis, this sports-drama unfolds as a poignant relationship drama involving three intimately connected individuals. The film intricately charts the evolution of their relationships through the years, with its highs and lows. Amidst the sports narrative, it also delves into a love story between two men competing for the affection of the same woman. The dynamic between Art and Patrick teeters on the brink between best friends and potential lovers, adding depth to the narrative. While some scenes, particularly the climax, may seem corny, Guadagnino's confident execution keeps the audience engaged throughout.

Zendaya shines in her portrayal of Tashi, delivering a brilliant and nuanced performance. Her transformation from a young tennis player to a mother and coach is captivating, effortlessly commanding the screen. Mike Faist as Art and Josh O'Connor as Patrick deliver credible performances, with their genuine bond adding authenticity to the film. While each actor shines individually, it's their combined chemistry that truly brings the film to life. Even for non-tennis enthusiasts, this absorbing and thrilling drama will keep viewers engaged throughout.

Hit Man

Hit Man

2023 ‧ Comedy/Action

Note: If the download button doesn't work, scroll down to "Direct Download Link."

Director: Richard Linklater

Writers: Richard Linklater. Glen Powell. Skip Hollandsworth

Stars: Glen Powell. Adria Arjona. Austin Amelio

Critic's Rating: 4.5/5Story: A college professor with a side gig as an undercover agent for the New Orleans Police Department finds his simple life flipped when he encounters a woman scheming to murder her own husband.

Review: ‘Hit Man’ is a film that offers nearly two hours of pure entertainment. This quirky romantic comedy, inspired by a magazine article about a man of many talents, captivates with a smart script at its core, telling a simple yet engaging story. Centered around a college professor who also moonlights as a hitman for the New Orleans Police Department, this film makes for an entertaining watch. With a compelling premise, ‘Hit Man’ excels in fleshing out its characters and presents a straightforward, engaging plot. It pays homage to classic noir films about hitmen while blending the right amounts of quirk, comedy, romance, and a touch of sexual tension.

The plot of the film centers on Gary Johnson (Glen Powell), a Sociology and Psychology professor at the University of New Orleans. When he's not busy feeding his cats and teaching students, he works undercover for the local police department. After Jasper (Austin Amelio), a police department employee, is benched for 120 days, Gary steps in his role as a fake hitman, successfully ensuring that those plotting murders are arrested. The story takes a twist when Madison Masters (Adria Arjona) approaches Gary to kill her own husband. After setting the trap and listening to her story, Gary becomes sympathetic and advises her to leave her husband and start anew. However, trouble arises when Madison's husband is found dead. Jasper grows suspicious and decides to investigate further, turning Gary's life upside down.

The most astonishing aspect of this film is that, despite its fantastical and preposterous premise, it maintains a very realistic feel throughout. The screenplay is filled with humorous and witty dialogues, adding an extra layer of charm. While the climax may not be a complete shock, it will still surprise most viewers. ‘Hit Man’ employs a straightforward storytelling format, avoiding unnecessary complications, which enhances its appeal. Once the viewers are hooked in the first few minutes, the film effortlessly maintains its grip on their attention throughout its runtime.

Glen Powell, in the role of Gary Johnson, delivers an impressive performance, carrying the film with his arresting presence and impeccable comic timing. His chemistry with Adria Arjona is fantastic, and their scenes together are a highlight. Powell deserves full credit for portraying a layered character who, through various disguises, convincingly becomes different personas, each distinct from the other. Adria Arjona, as Madison, brings a certain oomph and sexiness to her role, successfully conveying the necessary emotions. Austin Amelio, portraying a suspended cop who is racist and misogynistic, also delivers a credible performance.