Recently Seen Movies - 12 - Page 98

Had watched Dharmaveer (Marathi movie) a few days back and it had lots of Eknath Shinde in it, he was almost shown as the successor and it is just so uncanny how he is now the CM of Maharashtra. 😆

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

Stranger Things S4 (pt 1 and 2)

Although I enjoyed Stranger Things S2 and S3, I was disappointed they were made. S1 was a complete retro horror thriller on its own. I felt it didn't need to keep going. I approached Stranger Things S4 with increased skepticism. Each episode is well over an hour and I assumed it was nothing more than stretching the story.

But oh boy, was I in for a treat. S4 is to date the most thrilling and engaging season ever. If you want to stretch things (if we still want to call it that) - this is how it's done - tight taught narrative, edge-of-your-seat action, compelling character development, delicious plot twists, and that ability to grab - hook, line, and sinker. I kept staying up late because I just couldn't let go.

This season, creatures from Upside Down continue to traumatize and torment the citizens of Hawkins. Unable to reconcile the horror the town descends into Satanic panic - a mid-80s phenomenon where dungeons and dragons, heavy metal, and in general being a social outcast were considered signs of Satanic cults. Our heroes must race against time to save Hawkins but also save themselves from Hawkins's growing paranoia.

Sadie Sink and Millie Bobby Brown carry the season. Stranger Things has always been an Eleven show, but Max really gets to soar this season. She is the heart and soul. Yes, the whole show has a brilliant ensemble cast - but these two hit it out of the park.

The other star carrying the show is Kate Bush. She's not even in the show but her 1985 single "Running Up that Hill" is the foundation this season is built on. The show has always done a great job with eighties music but the way Running Up that Hill is used as an anchor is brilliant. Now at 63, Kate Bush has broken Cher's record for the oldest female recording artist to hit #1. We now have a whole new generation of Kate Bush fans.

Last word: Give Robin Buckley a girlfriend!!!!!

On a side note. They are really assassinating Mike's character. He was always the most perceptive of Eleven and Will's problems. And now he is just an absolute thoughtless jerk to both of them and Lucas.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

So worth a watch? I was intrigued because I like the leading cast. I saw many people criticizing the show on social media for promoting predatory relationships - so it's not on my list.

Yes, worth a watch. I feel the majority of those who have criticized haven't watched the show completely. The last two episodes are pivotal to the show. Bits and pieces of the episodes taken out of context do seem like they're glorifying these relationships. I personally would have preferred more of Eric and his journey to adulthood since there's a time skip in the latter part.

virata parvam on netflix: a film with depth though with flaws too, it is based on a true incident, a must watch if you want to know about the naxalism movement which ran deep in 80s-90s. it could have been written better and lagged but it captures the period very well.

excellent performance by sai pallavi, her range is amazing. rana does a good job and love how he supports good cinema even playing second fiddle, his scene where he recites a poem is really touching.

though one may question why sai pallavi loves him so much, it did happen so in real life and sometimes there are people like that

Originally posted by: _YoU_KnOw_WhO

And give will byers a boyfriend a decent haircut!

On a side note. They are really assassinating Mike's character. He was always the most perceptive of Eleven and Will's problems. And now he is just an absolute thoughtless jerk to both of them and Lucas.

I actually felt a lot of empathy for Mike. He's clearly harbored an unrequited crush on Will for a very long time. But everyone around him seems oblivious to what he's going through. I've seen grown adults act petulant when faced with unrequited love - a teenager has even more right to be a jerk - especially in the eighties when he probably doesn't have the tools, role models, or support systems to process what he is experiencing.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

I actually felt a lot of empathy for Mike. He's clearly harbored an unrequited crush on Will for a very long time. But everyone around him seems oblivious to what he's going through. I've seen grown adults act petulant when faced with unrequited love - a teenager has even more right to be a jerk - especially in the eighties when he probably doesn't have the tools, role models, or support systems to process what he is experiencing.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2

It was just about ok. But im not surprised it was a hit. Ending was lame

Originally posted by: _YoU_KnOw_WhO

You mean Will has a crush on Mike? Cuz the other way is really not there 😆

Yes. Switch it around. I have old age brain fog. 😆

And now that I have my names straight - yes - Mike was a jerk this season. Although, I thought Mike got to be a bit of a jerk ever since he and Eleven were dating.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

Yes. Switch it around. I have old age brain fog. 😆

And now that I have my names straight - yes - Mike was a jerk this season. Although, I thought Mike got to be a bit of a jerk ever since he and Eleven were dating.

I'm genuinely curious.

How is Mike a "jerk" this season? I haven't seen the latest season yet, but this "Mike is such a jerk" has been going on since the second season itself, an accusation that falls short owing to the common sense and better analysis of the character.

Plus, I feel the writers have been entirely ignorant of his existence ever since the second season ended. He had no arc other than being El's boyfriend — as a character he deserves much better who was in so much focus in the first two seasons. The writers keep adding more and more characters, while ignoring the existing characters (Mike, Will, Nancy, Jonathan, and Lucas). Apparently, he was the only character (well, Joyce and Mike) I cared about all 3 seasons, which is why his treatment in the 3rd season disappointed me. Haven't seen the 4th season yet.

Originally posted by: Metamorphosis

How is Mike a "jerk" this season? I haven't seen the latest season yet, but this "Mike is such a jerk" has been going on since the second season itself, an accusation that falls short owing to the common sense and better analysis of the character.

Mike comes across as exceptionally self-absorbed and is completely oblivious to the pain Will and El are going through. Yes, El has been lying to him about having friends. But he is so thick about her being miserable. He doesn't see it till Will points it out. And it is so obvious that even a chalk eraser could see it.

El is also craving affection. One reason she becomes walled up is she doubts if Mike loves her and cares for her. And Mike acts pissy about it when they argue. This bit though is classic growing pains. Some may see it as a jerk, but for me he's just a kid who doesn't know how to express his feelings yet.

Finally, he is rude and distant with Will. Will is constantly trying to reconnect and rekindle their friendship. Unrequited love aside, Will just wants Mike to be his best friend like they once were in Hawkins. Mike constantly ignoring or rebuffing it comes across as a jerk.

Originally posted by: Metamorphosis

Plus, I feel the writers have been entirely ignorant of his existence ever since the second season ended. He had no arc other than being El's boyfriend — as a character he deserves much better who was in so much focus in the first two seasons.

To me, that has been my sticking point with Mike. He's one of those guys who forgot all about his friends when he got the girl. While El formed a friendship with Max and developed character outside of being Mike's girlfriend, Mike only cared about being El's boyfriend.

Originally posted by: Metamorphosis

The writers keep adding more and more characters, while ignoring the existing characters (Mike, Will, Nancy, Jonathan, and Lucas). Apparently, he was the only character (well, Joyce and Mike) I cared about all 3 seasons, which is why his treatment in the 3rd season disappointed me. Haven't seen the 4th season yet.

I honestly could have done without the 4th season character additions. I didn't care much for Billy or Max either. But Max rules S4. The only new character I absolutely love is Robin. She added a lot of levity to S3. And the Steve-Robin bromance is just heartwarming.