Videogames have been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. It has given me some of my fondest memories. Adam Sandler brings us a movie about old school games and the gamers that grew up with them using their skills to save the world. It seems like a great premise for a film and a fantastic way to capitalize on nostalgia. Unfortunately I was not impressed. Videogames have been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. It has given me some of my fondest memories. Adam Sandler brings us a movie about old school games and the gamers that grew up with them using their skills to save the world. It seems like a great premise for a film and a fantastic way to capitalize on nostalgia. Unfortunately I was not impressed.
The high expectations something like this undertaking comes with are high as you’re messing with peoples childhood memories. The expectations are always almost impossible to meet. And this attempt missed big. In the end it’s just another Sandler comedy. Not saying that’s a bad thing but it’s been seen before. The high expectations something like this undertaking comes with are high as you’re messing with peoples childhood memories. The expectations are always almost impossible to meet. And this attempt missed big. In the end it’s just another Sandler comedy. Not saying that’s a bad thing but it’s been seen before.
The comedy will make you giggle but, it’s by no means memorable. I can’t give a single quote from the movie that wasn’t drilled in my head by the trailer. I also realized that I’ve never liked any of Peter Dinklage’s work outside of Game of Thrones. I haven’t seen all of his work just the stuff I’ve watched is just not good. Josh Gad is probably the funniest part of the film but still not enough to save it. Kevin James as the President ? I really shouldn’t have to say anymore but it’s like POTUS Paul Blart. Sandler and Michelle Monaghan have comedic chemistry but no romantic chemistry at all. They just don’t fit. Talking Q-Bert that sounds like a Furbie…GTFOH.
The fact that the movie seems to constantly refer to gamers as nerds and losers is counter productive. The target audience seems like it would be gamers but the dialog suggests the target audience are people who waste their lives and talents developing skills that are only useful if we get invaded by aliens using the very games we play to attack us. Not insulting the people you’re trying to get money out of is paramount to the success.
Adam Sandler and company give movie goers a run of the mill movie that had potential and squandered it like it’s main character. This is a huge disappointment as I wanted to like this picture but couldn’t get past the glaring holes in it all. Maybe they should hit the reset button on this one.
Genre: Crime Thriller / Mystery
Run Time: Approximately 123 minutes
Studio: SRT Entertainments
Where to Watch: Streaming now on Aha (Telugu OTT platform)
Director: Ashok Teja
Writer: Sampath Nandi
Lead Cast: Hebah Patel, Vasishta N. Simha, Sai Ronak, Poojitha Ponnada, and George Maryan
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Odela is a gripping Telugu-language crime thriller that weaves the mysticism of rural India with the suspense of a murder mystery. Based on true events, the film is set in the culturally rich village of Odela, where a series of brutal murders shakes the community. When fear takes over, the villagers believe the killings are the work of a supernatural force, but a determined young trainee IPS officer decides to uncover the truth.
Ashok Teja makes a confident directorial debut, and with the support of seasoned writer Sampath Nandi, the film blends folklore and investigative elements seamlessly. The narrative doesn’t rely on jump scares or gore but rather on tension, cultural realism, and atmosphere, making it stand apart from typical crime thrillers.
Vasishta N. Simha delivers a strong and brooding performance as the local suspect whose silence hides secrets. Hebah Patel brings depth and credibility to her role as the determined officer, breaking stereotypes of female leads in regional thrillers. Sai Ronak and George Maryan round out the cast with solid support, while Poojitha Ponnada adds emotional texture to the story.
The cinematography captures the beauty and eeriness of the village setting, while the score subtly enhances the suspense. What truly stands out is the film’s effort to incorporate the Odela temple culture and beliefs into its storyline, making the mystery feel both grounded and unique.
Unique Setting: Odela village and its spiritual legacy are treated with respect, giving the film a haunting authenticity.
Strong Female Lead: Hebah Patel’s character is refreshingly written and well-acted.
Tight Storytelling: No unnecessary detours or filler content; the movie maintains its pace and tension throughout.
Cultural Depth: Balances folklore and realism without leaning too heavily on superstition.
Rating: 8/10
Odela is a tightly woven, atmospheric thriller that doesn’t rely on spectacle but rather storytelling and culture. It’s a solid step forward for Telugu cinema in the crime-thriller space and worth a watch for fans of mystery films that respect both narrative and regional authenticity.
“Vidaamuyarchi,” now streaming on Netflix, is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language action thriller directed and written by Magizh Thirumeni. Produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under Lyca Productions, the film boasts a runtime of 150 minutes. The narrative follows Arjun (Ajith Kumar) on a relentless quest to rescue his wife Kayal (Trisha Krishnan) after she is abducted by a mysterious group in Azerbaijan. The ensemble cast includes Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra, and Arav in pivotal roles.
Drawing inspiration from the 1997 American film “Breakdown,” “Vidaamuyarchi” offers a familiar storyline but is elevated by compelling performances. Ajith Kumar delivers a commendable portrayal of a husband battling against time and adversities, while Trisha Krishnan effectively captures the emotional depth of her character. The film’s cinematography by Om Prakash enhances the tension and atmosphere, and Anirudh Ravichander’s music complements the narrative’s intensity.
However, the film’s predictability and pacing issues may deter some viewers. Despite these shortcomings, “Vidaamuyarchi” provides an engaging experience for fans of the action thriller genre.
Rating: 6.5/10
Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the cast are Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.
only in theatres August 1st.
A Riveting Rural Whodunit Rooted in Tradition Movie
VidaayMuyarchi
Justice has a new Daddy. Watch the new trailer for NakedGun,
Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever.
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