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Reviews
Miller's Crossing (1990)
Nothing very Coen
The film is technically sound like all others of their films and looks great throughout. It is both 50s and 90s at the same time. Or, was it 40s. The characters are interesting. The protagonist is very charismatic, the character and the actor. Too little drama, for my liking. Also William Macy was in the movie for a brief while who played a major role in Fargo. The whole double crossing game became boring at some point. The noir style was very appealing, including lighting, shadows, movement. Scene in Caspers place was my favorite. The use of Miller's Crossing as a crucial part of movie justified the movie title and also rendered character to the place.
Gulmohar (2023)
Well made, warm, watchable.
Very south of the city movie with so much stuff feeling just pushed in to check boxes. Also, Manoj Bajpayee and Simran don't look their age(Or maybe rich people age gracefully). Loved the character of Amol Palekar and not, the man can act. Sharmila tagore renders all the weight needed for the main plot. Although, her flashback love story felt very most forced among other things, but they've tied it up in a quirky way. Pleasant on eyes. Didn't quite buy the ending of the Manoj Bajpayee's issue with his biological father. And coming the aforementioned inserted things.... Startup, passion, father's shadow, queer family member, father's death when son is away. But, have been knitted into it somehow and don't fall off, although patchy.
Hail, Caesar! (2016)
I'd honestly give a 6.5. But, whatever.
Coen Brothers sprinkle stars like herbs on an Italian dish. And ofcourse, Josh Brolin is the meat of the film. He does shine in his role. He's a great antagonist as Eddie Mannix. George Clooney does his part well, but I only wished his role had more spice to it. Hobie is a delight and a charm as he's meant to be. There are characteristic Coen Brothers' twists, but they don't hit that well compared to their other films. Also, the undercurrent themes are muddled with too much from World war to Communism and executives running studios. It stands a tad tall about just another vintage Hollywood movie, but doesn't stand very much apart either.
Layer Cake (2004)
Crisp
The 2004 fashion, young Tom Hardy, whacky editing and camera work are very fun to watch. Very British, and it's good. Not the usual up the ladder mafia film. But, also it is that in a way. First time holding a gun, Craig acts like bond is so fun to watch now, after seeing him be the Bond for so many years now. The film aged well overall. The Duke character is so well done, he irks you even after he's dead. Not showing the face of Dragan felt like a nice choice. Pacing has been managed well unlike many mafia films where it gets all rushed in the end. The film is crisp from the beginning and only gets pacier.