Maharaja

Maharaja (2024)
U/A | 2h 21m

A barber seeks vengeance after his home is burglarized, cryptically telling police his "lakshmi" has been taken, leaving them uncertain if it's a person or object. His quest to recover the elusive "lakshmi" unfolds.

I’m glad I decided to check out Maharaja after seeing a post from our TM. Initially, I was hesitant because I don’t recall ever having watched an Indian film before. From the small video clips that went viral on social media, it seemed like Indian movies often feature a lot of dancing and singing, with some scenes appearing quite exaggerated.

However, since I’ve watched most of my preferred genres on Netflix, I’ve recently been exploring documentaries. So, I decided to give Maharaja a chance.

The first part of the movie was a bit slow and hard to get into, partly because I wasn’t familiar with the actors and the story felt drawn-out. The film picked up when the lead actor began acting in an unexpected way, which sparked my curiosity and led me to piece together the plot like a jigsaw puzzle. This type of engaging and complex storytelling is exactly what I enjoy. I hope to see more movies/series like this on Netflix.

John Wick 4

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
R | 2h 49m


John Wick uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.

"John Wick: Chapter 4" delivers another action-packed thrill ride that fans of the franchise will undoubtedly love. Keanu Reeves once again shines in his iconic role, bringing intensity and skill to every jaw-dropping fight sequence. The film further explores the intriguing world of assassins and offers a compelling storyline with unexpected twists. The high-octane action, stunning cinematography, and mesmerizing choreography make "Chapter 4" a true adrenaline-pumping spectacle. While it may not deviate significantly from its predecessors, the film remains a satisfying and entertaining addition to the John Wick saga.

The Sandman (2022)
TV Series | 1h 4m


In this two-part story collection, a Siamese cat dreaming of a new world and a writer in desperate need of inspiration cross paths with Morpheus.

Just when I thought I'd have to wait years for the next season or episodes, Netflix pleasantly surprised me with a bonus episode (11) of the series. Needless to say, I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve deeper into this captivating world and unravel more of the storyline.

However, I must admit, I found myself getting a bit confused with the names in the series. At one point, I thought they were referring to another character, only to realize it was Sandman's other name. Nevertheless, I can't help but see him as a fascinating blend of Edward Scissorhands and Jareth from "Labyrinth" - an enigmatic combination that sparks my imagination. If a sequel to "Labyrinth" were to be made, he'd undoubtedly fit the role seamlessly. The allure of this character adds an extra layer of intrigue to the series, making me even more excited to see how the story unfolds in the future episodes.

 
Replicas (2018)
PG-13 | 1h 47m

A scientist becomes obsessed with bringing back his family members who died in a traffic accident.


While the storyline of the movie was decent, I must admit that it left me with a strange feeling, and I couldn't quite put my finger on what was missing. 

After watching, I decided to check its rating on IMDB, and it scored a relatively low 5.4/10. As I scrolled through the reviews, I stumbled upon one that pointed out the terrible acting, and yet, like the reviewer, I found myself still engrossed in the film—just because of Keanu Reeves' expressionless face, lolz. I couldn't help but agree with that observation. 

It's intriguing how I often view Keanu in other movies with the same stoic demeanor, as if he's reprising his Neo/John character but in a different genre. I'm curious to explore his past movies now to see if he has always embodied this enigmatic style of acting.

Man to Man


Man to Man (2017)
Maen Too Maen (original title)
16 episodes

A secret agent works under cover as a bodyguard and is forced to deal with both national security missions as well as a temperamental superstar.


The bromance scenes were an unexpected delight, and I couldn't help but find them more amusing than the scenes involving the lead couple, lolz. The subtle camaraderie between the characters brought a unique charm to the series, leaving me eagerly anticipating their interactions. The humor and chemistry shared by the male characters added an extra layer of enjoyment to the drama, and I found myself eagerly waiting for those hilarious moments to unfold. While the lead couple's scenes were undoubtedly significant to the plot, it was the bromance that stole my heart and kept me thoroughly entertained throughout the show.

The Impossible (2012)
Original title: Lo imposible
PG-13 | 1h 54m

The story of a tourist family in Thailand caught in the destruction and chaotic aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.


I stumbled upon this while searching for movies; it was showing on TAG TV. It starred a teenage Tom Holland, who recently portrayed Spider-Man in the latest reboot. The tsunami scenes felt incredibly realistic, and it really captured the chaos and devastation of that day. The performances, especially by Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, were powerful and emotional, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of disaster. Overall, The Impossible is a gripping portrayal of survival and hope that left a lasting impression on me.

 

Dalaw

Dalaw (2010)
PG-13 | 1h 40m

Three years after her husband's death, Stella (Kris Aquino) decides to marry Anton (Diether Ocampo), who was her great love before her parents forced her to marry Danilo. But after the wedding she experiences major hauntings that endanger her life and those of the people around her, and all the clues point to her dead husband. Feeling guilty about his death, she tries to save her family from the ghost's wrath. Along the way, secrets come to light and she's now unsure of who's haunting her and why.


I'm not really into horror movies because I often dream about them so vividly that they turn into nightmares. I managed to watch this one, but I kept covering my eyes during the scary scenes!

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