Aarcflick

 What the hell happened to heist movies? To be more specific, what happened to Indian heist movies? Does everyone remember Aankhen? It's not just one of the best Hindi heist movies of all time; it's one of the best heist movies, period. Everything from the concept to the performances was perfect.  Despite not liking it as much as others, I have to admit that the Dhoom movies were quite influential, especially in terms of sales. Don 2 reigns supreme in this category of films in the Indian subcontinent and abroad, not just because it had Shah Rukh Khan, but also because of the craftsmanship he displayed!  Directors: Robbie Grewal, Kookie Gulati Writers: Sumit Arora, David Logan Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ivana Brcan,Shaji Chaudhary The first half of Lootera focused on a heist, while the second half was about its repercussions. And that's the last good heist movie I can remember. After that, we had half-baked entries like Kick, Drive (sorry, Sushant), Crew, and Sikandar Ka Muqa...

There are no perfect films. It's impossible to make a perfect film because there are so many parts involved that something is bound to go wrong. Yes, many people can join in loudly proclaiming a film is perfect, but since this art form depends on evoking an emotional reaction, something that is famously unpredictable by nature, it's impossible to strike a chord with every viewer. But have these complications of judging films ever prevented me from awarding a perfect score? No, they haven't, and they never will. I have two simple criteria, and if one or both of them are met, I'll give you a five out of five. The first is to make me cry. Yes, if I tear up for even a second, you're on my "best films" list. The second involves wrapping everything up in such a satisfying and thought-provoking way that it doesn't even occur to me to find flaws in the plot. Director: Hwang Byeng-Gug Stars: Kang Ha-neul, Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-joon  Yadang, by Hwang Byeong-gug ...

 Mob Cops, directed by Danny A. Abeckaser, has an interesting premise, but it never quite realizes its full potential. The film feels like a collection of clips from all-time mob movies. Mob Cops lacks originality and simply fails to shock, entertain, or engage as it aims. Mob Cops is inspired by New York City police officers Stephen Caracappa (known as Sammy Canzano in the film) and Louis Eppolito (known as Leo Benetti in the film), who were arrested in 2005 and sentenced to life in prison. The film took some creative liberties, changing characters' names and dramatizing events to make the narrative more compelling.  Director: Danny A. Abeckaser Writer: Kosta Kondilopoulos Stars: David Arquette, Kevin Connolly, Nathaniel Buzolic That said, the creators made sure to capture the essence of the events that shook American society and exposed the corruption of the system. Mob Cops is inspired by New York City police officers Stephen Caracappa (known as Sammy Canzano in the film) a...

 At the end of Etoile, Cheyenne feels alone, and for the first time in the entire series, we see her show some emotion. Etoile on Prime is a television show that chronicles the history of ballet and the art of dance. In the series, the most important ballet companies in New York and Paris decide to exchange dancers as a marketing strategy to fill the seats of theaters that are about to close. Jack McMillan, who runs the New York company, initially thinks it's a terrible idea, but when he lands the best dancer in the world, Cheyenne Toussaint, in this exchange, he's willing to do it, even if it means losing the best choreographer he's ever had. Genevieve is his counterpart in Paris and proposes this idea after a businessman named Crispin Shamblee agrees to sponsor the entire project, helping both companies with funding and mentorship. Creators: Daniel Palladino, Amy Sherman-Palladino Stars: Luke Kirby, Charlotte Gainsbourg, LaMay Zhang  Ironically, Cheyenne is an environment...

Netflix's Reversi is a Malaysian science fiction drama film centered around a time traveler who had a revelation after suffering an extreme personal loss. Akid discovered he had inherited the power to time travel upon his 18th birthday. Although his father didn't understand why the men in his family possessed this special ability, he shared with Akid the three rules of time travel he had learned through personal experience. First, money doesn't stick; while time travel grants the power of knowledge no one else possesses, it's impossible to manipulate destiny. Therefore, the money his father had earned through investing was used up to pay bills and debts. Second, a flower is destined to wither; there are certain things that are impossible to reverse, and he advised Akid to accept them rather than try to fix them.  Director: Adrian Teh Writers: Adrian Teh, Nazifdin Nasrudin Stars: Beto Kusyairy, Shiqin Kamal, Hasnul Rahmat Third, one can only time travel when one is calm ...

 While the story of Andor, despite its quality, has been told several times, I think it deserves to be repeated because of how mind-blowing it is. Rogue One was undoubtedly fantastic, and my appreciation for the work of Gareth Edwards and his team has grown with each passing year. But I don't think you'll see a cast of Felicity Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, and Forest Whitaker decide to make an entire series around the character of Diego Luna, especially since they all died at the end of the film. Plus, when the series was about to premiere, excitement for anything new in the franchise was at rock bottom due to the laughably bad second seasons of The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Creator: Tony Gilroy Stars: Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk, Kyle Soller However, as soon as we stepped into the incredibly detailed and complex world created by Tony Gilroy and his team, we knew we were in for an adventure—and what an adventure it was! Sadly, as...

Heavenly Ever After is a K-drama that feels almost like a strange kind of fan fiction. The series tells the story of a woman who decides to stay 80 when she goes to heaven because her husband once told her she looks prettier at her current age. However, the real reason the situation feels so complicated is that her husband decided to become younger again, but she stayed old.  Somehow, even in heaven, this is an almost unacceptable relationship. Not because people gossip or anything, but simply because it seems weird. In this episode, we see some adorable little animals because it reminds us that our pets have feelings too and that dogs are so loyal that they will be with us even in the afterlife—or rather, they will be waiting for us. Much of the series makes no sense, like why people are filming heaven and why pets have to become humanoid once they cross the pearly gates, or even the cult leader who is the manager. Stars: Han Ji-min, Son Suk-ku, Lee Jeong-eun  Anyway, with th...

 If you grew up watching American soap operas, you've probably already seen Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly. Or rather, you feel like you've grown up with them, and seeing them star in a series together, after so many years, is a great feeling. Although I'm a little young to have seen those series, I've certainly seen both actors in films like "Life As We Know It" and "The Roommate," both successful in their own right. So I understand not only the excitement, but also the nostalgia, both joyful and melancholic, that one feels when seeing them on screen again. Ransom Canyon is a romantic and dramatic western that makes you feel like you're on a Texas ranch. The series follows the residents of the town of Ransom, who may soon have to give up their beloved ranches to create something new. The plot is a predictable multigenerational saga that feels like a classic drama that will take you 100 seasons before you finally get what you want. At the center of...

 Khauf, the 2025 Prime Video original series, creates a blend that combines supernatural elements with events that could be described as real horror. The series gives us an intimate understanding of how a woman feels walking alone through the streets of India's capital. How uncomfortable the male gaze is, how intimidated she is by those leering stares, and what she does to ensure she returns home safely. There are many incidents throughout the series that show us that, according to the narrow-minded mindset of so-called alpha males, the woman is always to blame. A woman who prostitutes herself lacks character, but a man who pays her for her services does.  Creator: Smita Singh Stars: Rahaao,Ambika Vani, Riya Shukla A woman who wears skimpy clothes doesn't come from a respectable background, but a man who makes her uncomfortable can boast of his morals and values. Not to mention the discrimination faced by girls in the northeast of the country. This is the hypocrisy of the soci...

 In Secrets of the Penguins, the latest installment of National Geographic's Emmy-winning "Secrets of the Penguins" franchise, viewers are taken to the most remote corners of the world to witness penguin behavior captured on film for the first time. Featuring award-winning Nat Geo explorer Bertie Gregory, the series showcases these adorable, fluffy flightless birds as they face some of the planet's most extreme environments. Narrated by Blake Lively (Another Simple Favor), the three-part series premieres on April 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM (CAT) on National Geographic Wild (DStv 182, StarSat 221), and all episodes will be available to stream on April 21, 2025, on Disney+ in South Africa. While many documentaries have explored penguins, Secrets of the Penguins takes them to a whole new level. The team, comprised of more than 70 world-renowned scientists and filmmakers, embarked on a two-year adventure across the globe, from the rocky beaches of Cape Town and the icy shores o...

 Ram Jagadeesh's film, "Court-State vs. A Nobody," currently streaming on Netflix, has an undeniable essence, but it's far removed from reality. In courtroom dramas, logic, reasoning, and reality are sometimes set aside to make the narrative more thrilling and entertaining. But I felt "Court-State vs. A Nobody" was too idealistic in its approach, so much so that the twists and turns seemed too predictable. Also, there was a point in the film where, while I loved the drama and the wit of the dialogues and performances, respectively, I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs that this is not how court proceedings play out. Moreover, I felt the protagonist defeated his opponent, who was supposedly the most powerful man in the village, too easily. Director: Ram Jagadeesh Writers: Ram Jagadeesh, Vamsidhar Sirigiri, Karthikeya Sreenivass Stars: Priyadarshi Pulikonda, Harsh Roshan, Sri Devi  I expected his nemesis to resist and go to any lengths to save his reputat...

 Journey to You is an entertaining Hallmark movie that has everything you'd expect from a Hallmark movie, but with added religious elements. The film follows Monica (Erin Cahill), an ER nurse practitioner, who has completely dedicated herself to her job and prides herself on never taking vacations. Her new boss has a different perspective and encourages her to take some time off, as it will help reenergize her. At her mother's urging, Monica travels to Spain to join a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago, just as her parents did years before. Equipped with the last gift she received from her late father—a devotional with Scripture passages and daily suggestions to guide her and clear her mind—Monica begins to appreciate the slower, more leisurely pace of the Camino.  Stars: Erin Cahill, Solal Bellaiche, Pamela Field She forges relationships with her fellow pilgrims, including Luis (Eric Valdez), a divorced father traveling with his teenage son and his father. As the Camino ...

 Written and directed by James B. Cox, Call of the Void tells the story of Moray, who has decided to take a break from the hardships of daily life in a cabin in the woods. Having recently lost her job and still reeling from the death of her brother, her parents are worried about her, but she assures them that she can handle herself. On her first night in the remote place, Moray briefly interacts with one of her neighbors, Professor Blackwood, and his dog, Parkins. The next day, she meets her other neighbors: an amateur band consisting of Lucy, Sterling, Cole, and Darryl (who is not part of the band, but joins them through his sound design work as a film student).  While interacting with them, Moray discovers that the band knows Blackwood because he is helping Sterling with his thesis; however, Blackwood is nowhere to be seen. Neither the band nor Moray think much of it and decide to go for a hike in the woods instead. Call of the Void is very sparsely detailed and only hints t...

 In the marketing material for the Nordic horror film The Ugly Stepsister, the first thing you see is "Bridgerton meets The Substance." There's no better way to describe this body horror, which, beneath all the gore, reflects the remarkable reality of beauty standards. If you can tell from the title (somehow, it didn't catch my attention), the film puts a twist on the fairy-tale Cinderella by giving us the point of view of the "ugly" stepsister.  All Elvira has ever dreamed of is marrying the virginal, weakling Prince Julian. When her mother remarries, Elvira and her family move into her new stepfather's house, which they will share with the more beautiful stepsister. But on the very day of the wedding, her stepfather dies, and the women are left with nothing, because the man was broke and not the wealthy dream Elvira's mother imagined him to be. When Elvira and her stepsister Agnes are invited to the royal ball, Elvira sets out to dance with the pri...

 In the HBO documentary "The Dark Money Game," director Alex Gibney examines the history and current influence of dark money in American politics. It is one of several projects Gibney has been working on related to the Trump presidency and crony capitalism. "The Dark Money Game" includes two documentaries: "Ohio Confidential," about the corruption case of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, and "Wealth of the Wicked," which traces the history of campaign finance from the creation of the Federal Election Commission in 1975, the McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform Bill of 2002, and the 2010 Citizens United decision, which has shaped the shape of today's super PACs (political action committees). Stars: Jane Mayer, Laura A. Bischoff, Russ Feingold This two-part documentary reveals how an untraceable network of money from wealthy individuals and corporations representing business interests or religious agendas flows through nonprofit ...

 A heartwarming Turkish drama about a young woman who moves to Istanbul and lives with an old friend of her mother's. At first, they clash, but gradually learn, grow, and heal together. Netflix has been on a rampage collecting regional tales from across Turkey. The drastic differences in existing themes, a result of tradition wearing thin over time, have given creators enough material to weave stories from these lands. Tales of faded gilding and stained-glass windows, one of which is said to grace screens, is the Istanbul Encyclopedia. Stars: Canan Erguder, Helin Kandemir, Tolga Tekin Credited with creating some of the most intricate Turkish tales, from "Wound of Hesitation," "Between Two Dawns," "Tuzdan Kaide," and many more, with years of refinement and creation hidden beneath the tip of the iceberg, filmmaker Salman Nacar has devised a premise that tests the story of two deeply estranged generations through two women. Istanbul Encyclopedia offers a ...

 Ezekiel saw the wheel. This is the wheel he said he saw. These are Unidentified Flying Objects that people claim to be seeing now. Are they proof that civilizations from other stars are visiting us? Or simply what are they? The United States Air Force has launched an investigation into this great oddity in search of the truth. What you are about to see is part of that 20-year search. The previous quote opens The UFO Project and showed footage of what real people report seeing in actual UFO sightings. The program features two United States Air Force investigators, Sergeant Harry Fitz (Caskey Swaim) and Major Jake Gatlin (William Jordan), who work with the Foreign Technology Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on what became known as Project Blue Book. Their mission is to investigate all UFO sightings.  Stars: Piotr Adamczyk, Mateusz Kosciukiewicz, Julia Kijowska The show is a dramatization of actual sightings recorded by the Air Force as part of Project Blue Book, whic...

 Bobby Boermans' Netflix crime thriller, iHostage, focuses on a shocking true incident that occurred about three years ago, on February 22, 2022, in Leidseplein, one of the most exclusive areas in central Amsterdam, famous for its vibrant nightlife. Around 5:30 PM, the police control room received information about a possible robbery. Abdel Rahman Akkad, a 27-year-old Amsterdammer, armed with a machine gun and a pistol, took about 70 people hostage in an Apple store located on the ground floor of the Hirsch building. As soon as customers learned of the robbery, chaos erupted, and those near the entrance quickly fled the store. Those unable to access the main doors hid in different places to protect themselves from the assailant. Eleven minutes later, at 5:41 PM, a police car arrived on the scene, and Abdel shot them four times. Fortunately, no one was injured. While authorities were trying to secure the premises with fences, Abdel called the police call center to present his demand...