Tag: Hollywood

Not an MJ Fan, But This Movie Won Me Over!

Michael Jackson Poster

Okay, I have to be honest first. I’m not a diehard Michael Jackson fan, which is probably why it took me some time to finally watch Michael. I’m actually not a diehard fan of any celebrity or public figure – you know, the kind of fan who can’t even hear anything negative about their hero without getting defensive.

I always tiptoe around such fans, concerned about whether I would offend them. This has been the case after one specific personal incident. I remember discussing a controversy with someone who was a huge MJ fan, and he went absolutely batshit crazy. He started abusing me simply because I pointed out the news when it came out.

So, in a world full of different kinds of “bhakts” covering politicians across ideologies, sportsmen, football clubs, actors, singers, influencers, religion, and everything else, I’m pretty much bhaktless. It still baffles me when people treat their favorite personalities as gods who can do no wrong or act as if they cannot be questioned.

But having said all that, I really enjoyed this movie! It was genuinely so much fun to watch.

I’m guessing there’s going to be a sequel because this movie seems to focus mainly on Michael Jackson’s troubled relationship with his father. There’s clearly a lot more of his life and career to explore.

Jaafar Jackson’s acting was phenomenal. To be cast in the lead role of his uncle might have been intimidating, but he passed with flying colors.

The song and dance sequences in the movie were incredibly energetic. The movie left me with one big feeling: positive vibes!

Michael is streaming on JioHotstar.

Movie Review: The One I Love

The One I Love Movie Poster

A lot of love stories released lately haven’t worked for me. I tried Saiyaara, but it felt more Gen Z-oriented. While they cried, I yawned. As a 40+ year-old, I am not quite sure if that yawn stemmed from a vitamin deficiency or because I was genuinely bored. It’s a tricky age group.

Then, I gave Metro In Dino a shot, only to find every character cheating on their partner… while singing songs, of course, because that’s how it is in Bollywood. Your loved one could have died, but you still end up singing a romantic song for your partner. Remember Suraj Hua Maddham?

While I was on this quest for a good love story, I realized there’s no chance of my stumbling upon a feel-good romcom that meets my dreamy requirements. So I thought, why not pick an old movie that already matches my soul? That’s how I ended up choosing this dark, unsettling Black Mirror-type romance, The One I Love.

What’s It About?

A couple struggling with marital issues goes on a retreat to a remote resort. This place, recommended by their therapist, is where many of his former patients have found healing. The home is warm and spacious, disconnected from the outside world, seemingly perfect for reconciliation. But soon, strange and unexpected events happen, which draw out very different responses from each partner.

Thoughts

I enjoyed the movie. It was gripping and featured some excellent performances.

I felt that even though the movie was released in 2014, it resonates with today’s AI age, where many people turn to artificial means to fulfill emotional needs their partners can’t always meet. The filmmaker probably foresaw a future where this would take shape in some shape or form.

I especially felt for the female lead, who genuinely seemed happy with the new experience. She was finally getting what she had always craved, even if it couldn’t last. It leaves you wondering what you might have done in her place. If you’re emotionally craving for a deeper bond, and you accidentally stumble upon it after years of acceptance that you would never experience it in your lifetime, how would you react?

You look at the character, see her face light up with a happiness that was missing in the previous scenes, and you can’t help but wish she could experience that bliss a bit longer. Routine has a way of dulling your emotions. You do not wish to take things for granted, but it happens anyway. These relatable human emotions make you empathize as well as get annoyed with Sophie (played by the talented Elisabeth Moss).

I would say The One I Love was a good watch. It’s currently available for free (not on rent in India, thankfully) on Amazon Prime.