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Jolt Review | Lacks Any Spark

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You know that feeling when you get so riled up and so angry that you just want to take your anger out on something or someone? Well due to a lifelong, rare neurological condition dubbed as Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Lindy, played by Kate Beckinsale, does just that in the new action-thriller Jolt.

Lindy is a beautiful and sardonically funny woman, but she’s been unable to live properly due to this condition that she keeps a secret from everyone else. Because of this condition, she experiences sporadic rage-filled murderous impulses. Whenever she sees someone being cruel, deceitful, abusive, or even just a little bit annoying, Lindy reacts violently, normally leaving them in a lot of pain. And there’s only one way that she can stop these impulses. Lindy’s physician Dr Munchin (played by Stanley Tucci) has created an experimental vest that Lindy can wear so that with the press of a button, it sends electric shocks to her brain that stabilizes her and stops her violent impulses.

The film, written by Scott Wascha, provides a really interested premise, one that you know will result in lots of violence. And that’s what happens. Lindy’s never been able to find love or companionship in the world because of her condition until one day she has a date with Justin (Jai Courtney) and she feels a strong connection with him. Unfortunately, she finds that he’s been murdered the following day. Heartbroken and enraged, she embarks on a revenge-filled mission to get to the bottom of it and find who killed Justin. All while being chased by the police who think Lindy is the prime suspect.

The film sets itself up with a lot of potential, but it never really fulfils any of that potential. It never manages accomplish any of the things it sets out to achieve. None of the action scenes are especially memorable. And that’s a big missed opportunity as a film about a woman who pretty much snaps and rages out of control at the smallest things should provide some really great action scenes. But instead, Jolt provides a few short action scenes that never really show much imagination or bring anything exciting to the table.

The film has a few funny moments and there are a couple of amusing juxtapositions as we do see brief glimpses of Lindy snapping and letting loose on people on a few different occasions, but the film is never funny enough to warrant it being an action-comedy. At its centre, the film is an action-thriller but there’s not tons of action and it isn’t particularly thrilling either.

As well as this, Jolt never really explores the character of Lindy that much despite the fact she could have been a character of great interest. She’s a person marked by an endless toggle between hope and despair as she can never experience love or normalcy and she’s trapped in a state of limbo, and yet the film never really dives into this or embraces this character fully so that she does just become a bit of a generic action protagonist. Yes, it’s nice to see a bad-ass female leading the film and Kate Beckinsale does a good job as Lindy, it’s just that the character is never treated with as much personalism as she should be.

To add to that, the film’s final act definitely brings it down another level. Firstly, the film has a bad and predictable twist that to some extent, undermines pretty much the rest of the film. What should be a really exciting action-packed final showdown ends up being quite lame and boring leaving you wanting, and expecting something a bit bigger and more exciting. And to top of the film’s bad ending, the final scene is just unnecessary sequel baiting that will look very out of place if a sequel is never made. Whilst the film does have a good premise, Jolt never inspires as much as it should do and it’s never entertaining enough to deserve a sequel despite the tagged on final scene setting up future adventures.

There was certainly a lot of promise in this film but ultimately it ends up being very bland and forgettable with inadequate entertainment value.

★★☆☆☆

Jolt is released on Amazon Prime Video July 23rd

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Disney

Disney’s Latest Star “Wish”

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Ariana DeBose as Asha in Wish (Disney)

Plot

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

Ariana Debose as Asha in Wish (Disney)

Movie Review (no spoilers)

The film is inspired by Disney’s centennial, which ties together a central theme across most of the Disney-related stories — of wishes and dreams coming true. One can view it as the origin story for the wishing star, albeit a funny star. Disney delivers a feel good story filled with humor and the occasional teases and links to other Disney-related works. Ariana DeBose braces the big screen as the hero, Asha who discovers a sinister secret about King Magnifico and his use of the wishes.

Ariana’s performance performance is amazing and I enjoyed listening to the songs she performed. I foresee “This Wish” topping the charts at Spotify soon.

This Wish by Ariana DeBose (Spotify)

Chris Pine plays the part of King Magnifico and delivers a good performance as the villain. We hear him sing a song alongside Ariana, At All Costs.

At All Costs by Chris Pine & Ariana DeBose (Spotify)

The story delivers the usual fun characters that Disney brings along in all stories, amazing graphics of a magical world, and an amazing song library for everyone to listen to. This movie is excellent for young and old, delivering a feel-good movie for all. Wish is yet another treasure in the world of Disney.

I’m really excited for the next 100 years of Disney magic. The movie Wish has the potential to become a sequel, or even provide potential spin-offs exploring the wishes and dreams of others in the magical Disney Universe.

My wish is for more many more years of movie magic from Disney. What is yours?

My rating is a 4 out of 5 for Disney’s Wish. Watch at a cinema near you and join in the Disney centennial celebrations!

Wish Official Trailer (Disney)

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‘The Holdovers’ Review | Paul Giamatti, Alexander Payne Reunite For This Year’s Most Beautiful and Poignant Comedy

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Paul Giamatti and Dominic Sessa in 'The Holdovers' (Focus Features)

“They don’t make them like that anymore” is one sentence that we hear a lot when it comes to cinematic brilliance. Most of the times, it is used for titles that might be considered a classic. Sadly, this sentence is being used too often these days and even for those projects, that might not even qualify. However, Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers is undoubtedly one of the movies that deserves to be called an instant classic and I can wholeheartedly say: “They don’t make them like that anymore.”

The holiday season has arrived and audiences want to see movies that makes them feel that holiday spirit. Although it is very rare to see both these qualities in the movies these days, ‘The Holdovers’ has quietly gained popularity among cinephiles this holiday season, emerging as one of the year’s best films among audiences.

The movie is set in a boy’s boarding school in New England in 1970. Paul Hunham is a stern yet brilliant professor who refuses to give passing grades to rich students just because their parents are some of the school’s biggest donors. He is firm and doesn’t let these brats take advantage of him. On the other hand, we have Angus Tully, who is the son of wealthy parents attending the school who tends to ready the students for top universities. It’s Christmas time and everyone is going home, but things take a wild turn for Hunham when he is forced to babysit for children whose parents are unable to let them return home for the holidays. Eventually, Tully ends up being the only child in Hunham’s supervision. As the two begin to spend time with each other, they slowly begin to know much more about each other and understand why they are how they are.

Dominic Sessa, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Paul Giamatti in ‘The Holdovers’ (Focus Features)

There is no doubt that Paul Giamatti’s role as Paul Hunham is one of his most compelling roles. Make no mistake, Giamatti has given several amazing performances, but Hunham turns out to be a role that makes audiences realise how truly amazing he is as an actor. The way he insults people in this movie is hilariously brilliant. It seems Giamatti had a lot of fun while shooting this film and went down the memory lane to prepare for the role. Giamatti is just breath-taking in this role. On the other hand, Dominic Sessa is truly a revelation here and delivers a performance that touches everyone’s heart. In the beginning, you might not like his character but as the story moves forward, you understand why he is like this and Sessa completely nails it.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph delivers a deeply heartbreaking performance as a grieving mother in the film. Randolph gives a detailed performance showing both deep sadness and moments of happiness. It’s a portrayal of grief that feels very genuine and touching.

Even though there are moments that makes the film touching, ‘The Holdovers’ is hardly a serious drama. It’s a very welcoming holiday movie that doesn’t shy away from being funny and absurd. These characters have faced sadness, loss, and pain. However, the movie bravely allows us to laugh alongside them, as their humorous shortcomings transform a typical holiday stay at home into unexpected hospital visits and adventurous trips spanning multiple cities. For many people, it will be nostalgic to see this old-school sweet holiday movie that they must have seen in their youth and takes them to a time where people cared about feelings.

All in all, THE HOLDOVERS is a moving, bittersweet comedy drama that instantly becomes a Holiday classic. A story where you’d think how emotions don’t change even though life has.

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Reviews

‘Nightingales In The Cocoon’ Review | A Captivating Tale Celebrating Hope and Joyous Shared Moments

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Official poster of 'Nightingales in the Cocoon' (Unchained Pictures)

Nightingales in the Cocoon is a vivid and heartwarming portrait of transformation and connection in a bustling city. The short beautifully captures the essence of hope, resilience, and the power of shared experiences. In just five minutes, this story carries a profound message that transcends its simplicity. Dharavi, often characterized by its challenging environment, serves as the backdrop for the story’s beginning. It sets the stage for two children’s life-altering decision to break free from their past. This decision, in itself, is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the pursuit of a better life.

The symbolism of leaving behind what is perceived as “trash” is a powerful metaphor for shedding the burdens of the past. The discarded keyboard, seemingly insignificant, becomes a symbol of forgotten dreams and overlooked opportunities. As fate would have it, two young kids in Navi Mumbai stumble upon this abandoned keyboard, which becomes the catalyst for a heartwarming journey. The excitement and curiosity the keyboard sparks in them are relatable and heartening. It reminds us of the pure joy that simple discoveries can bring, especially to young minds eager for new experiences.

A still from ‘Nightingales in the Cocoon’ (MUBI)

The act of acquiring batteries to breathe new life into the neglected instrument is a moment of resourcefulness and determination. It’s a reminder that even in the face of challenges, a little effort can rekindle lost passions and unlock new possibilities. The transformation of the once-silent keys into a source of melodies that fill the air is a beautiful metaphor for the transformative power of art and creativity. The kids’ dance to these newfound tunes is a celebration of life’s simple pleasures and the joy of shared experiences.

This story serves as a reminder that shared moments of happiness can bridge the gaps between individuals and communities. In the bustling city where stark contrasts exist, the shared joy and rekindled dreams bring people together. It’s a testament to the universal language of music and the ability of the human spirit to find connections even in the most unexpected places.

Nightingales in the Cocoon beautifully captures the essence of hope, resilience, and the universal desire for connection and joy. It’s a brilliant and simple narrative that reminds us of the beauty in the everyday moments of life and the power of transformation and human connection.

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