Lisa Frankenstein (2024)

Lisa Frankenstein is a recently released American horror-comedy film that combines elements of the classic Frankenstein story with a modern teenage coming-of-age narrative.

Here's a summary of the movie:

• Release Date: February 9, 2024 (theaters)
• Director: Zelda Williams (daughter of Robin Williams)
• Writers: Diablo Cody ("Juno") and Pamela Fryman
• Studio: MXN Entertainment
• Genre: Horror, Comedy
• Running Time: 1 hour and 41 minutes

Cast:

• Kathryn Newton as Lisa Frankenstein, a misunderstood teenager
• Dylan O'Brien as Victor Frankenstein, Lisa's brother (named after the scientist)
• Carla Gugino as their mother, Carolyn Frankenstein
• Josh Gad as their eccentric neighbor, Mr. Walsh
• Cole Sprouse as Charles "Charlie" Walsh, Mr. Walsh's reanimated son (the "creature")

Plot:

Lisa, a self-proclaimed social outcast, longs for connection and struggles to fit in at school. She finds solace in science and frequently tinkers with gadgets in her basement laboratory. Following a tragic accident, Lisa impulsively attempts to bring her crush, Charlie, back to life using her scientific knowledge and unorthodox methods.

However, things don't go as planned. Charlie, the reanimated corpse, is awkward and possesses limited intelligence. As Lisa navigates the challenges of helping Charlie adapt to the modern world and keeping her secret hidden, she also discovers a deeper connection with him than she initially anticipated.

Critical Reception:

"Lisa Frankenstein" has received generally positive reviews from critics. Many praise its humorous tone, unique blend of genres, and the charming performances of the lead actors, particularly Kathryn Newton and Dylan O'Brien. However, some critics found the plot predictable and the humor uneven.

Overall, "Lisa Frankenstein" offers a fresh take on the Frankenstein story with a modern twist. It's a light-hearted horror-comedy that blends humor, coming-of-age themes, and a touch of the macabre. It's likely to appeal to fans of the genre and those looking for a fun and quirky movie experience.

Merry Christmas (2024): Hindi Film Review

Merry Christmas, directed by Sriram Raghavan and released in January 2024, is a suspenseful mystery drama set in Mumbai on Christmas Eve. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif as two strangers whose lives become intertwined under mysterious circumstances.

Here's a breakdown of the film's key points and critical reception:

Story:

• Two strangers, Maya (Katrina Kaif) and Sam (Vijay Sethupathi), meet on Christmas Eve in Mumbai.
• Their initial encounter leads to a night of unexpected romance and secrets.
• As the night progresses, the film dives deeper into their pasts and unravels a complex web of crime and intrigue.

Critical Reception:

• Positives: Many critics praised the film's suspenseful atmosphere, performances by Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif, and Sriram Raghavan's direction. The neo-noir style and slow-burning mystery were also appreciated.
• Negatives: Some critics found the pacing to be slow at times and the story a bit predictable.

Overall:

Merry Christmas is a well-crafted suspense drama with strong performances and a captivating atmosphere. While it may not be for everyone due to its pacing and plot twists, it's a film that will keep you engaged and guessing until the very end.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• The film is not a lighthearted holiday film, despite its title. It deals with mature themes and can be quite dark at times.
• There are some mixed reviews, so it's important to watch trailers and read other reviews before deciding if the film is for you.
• If you enjoy suspenseful mysteries with neo-noir vibes and strong performances, you might enjoy Merry Christmas.

"Mirg" is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language drama thriller film written and directed by Tarun Sharma.

Here's a summary of the movie:

• Genre: Drama, Thriller
• Director: Tarun Sharma
• Producers: Tarun Sharma, Rishi Anand
• Cast:
  • Shwetaabh Singh as Anil
  • Raj Babbar as DGP Ranjan Singh
  • Satish Kaushik (in his last film role) as Panditji
  • Anup Soni as ACP Prithvi Singh
  • Suhani Popli as Anjali
• Music: Sanjeev-Ajay
• Cinematography: Rakesh Sharma
• Editing: Sriram Raja
• Release Date: February 9, 2024

Story:

The film follows the story of Anil (played by Shwetaabh Singh), a young man who is obedient and follows societal expectations. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a mystical mountain leopard, the "Mirg" of the title. This encounter leads him to question his beliefs and challenge the status quo.

Critical reception:

The film received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the performances of the cast, particularly Satish Kaushik in his final film role, and the film's exploration of themes like revenge, societal expectations, and the power of nature. Others criticized the film's pacing and found the plot to be predictable.

Overall, "Mirg" is a thought-provoking film that explores complex themes through the lens of a coming-of-age story. Whether you enjoy it or not may depend on your individual preferences.

Operation Valentine (2024) 

Here's a summary of the movie:

• Release Date: March 1, 2024 (theatrical)
• Director: Shakti Pratap Singh Hada
• Producers: Sony Pictures and Sandeep Mudda, with co-production by God Bless Entertainment and Nandkumar Abbineni.
• Cast:
  • Varun Tej as an Indian Air Force Pilot
  • Manushi Chhillar as a civilian (possibly the pilot's love interest)
  • Navdeep and Mir Sarwar in pivotal roles
• Genre: Action, Thriller
• Language: Hindi (also released in Telugu)

Plot:

The film is inspired by the real-life events of the 2019 Pulwama terrorist attack and the subsequent Balakot Air Strikes by the Indian Air Force in response. It portrays the challenges faced by the Indian Air Force personnel in these operations, highlighting their bravery and sacrifices.

Critical Reception:

"Operation Valentine" has received mixed reviews from critics. Some praise the film's action sequences and patriotic message, while others criticize its lack of originality and oversimplification of the complex events it depicts.

Overall, "Operation Valentine" is an action-packed film that offers a fictionalized take on a significant event in recent Indian history. While the film might appeal to fans of the genre and those seeking a patriotic story, it's important to be aware of the mixed critical reception and the potential for historical inaccuracies.