When a masked madman who calls himself the Riddler begins murdering high-profile figures in Gotham City, the vigilante with the tenuous cop relationship known as the Batman has to step out from the shadows to stop him!
The first thing to be aware of, of course, this incarnation of Batman isn’t a prequel or sequel to any of the previous Batmans, but rather a stand-alone based in its own Bat-verse, where our beloved hero is already neck-deep in things.
When the movie begins, Bats has been in the service as Gotham’s villain scourge for more than two years and has managed to form an established repertoire with Lieutenant Gordon (Jeffrey Wright). Most of Gordon’s fellow cops balk at the idea of Bats being brought actually into the investigations of high-profile murders and some do voice their opinions, yet not a single one of them will gainsay Gordon when he puts his foot down about the shadowy presence wrapped in Kevlar over his shoulder, which he does vociferously and often. In fact, the working and even personal relationship between Lieutenant Gordon and Batman are one of the best storylines running throughout the film.
One thing that the continuing adventures of Batman in all his various shapes and colors have a tendency to gloss over is that way back at the beginning when Bob Kane and pals were making our caped crusader, Bats was supposed to be the world’s greatest detective. And the police, regardless of their annoyance at his track record far out-classing theirs and Batmans’ continual flouting of The Law, have to acknowledge that his tech and smarts usually goes far beyond whatever the cops can come up with, so grudgingly at least some of them work with him. Because while you might sneer at the costume, the brains of the man underneath it are what matters – what you see is far from all that’s actually there.
Also another continuing theme throughout this new Batman film, the forced perspective for the literal way we the audience see and perceive things, often makes us feel like we too are standing at Batman’s shoulder as he prepares, yet again, to face down a fresh wave of bad guys. Filmed in a very similar style to Villeneuve’s Dune, is all about close-ups on the faces and the action sequences, close almost to found footage shots but in a very polished kind of way, the movie does a great job of making us feel as though we’re about to be washed away in a wave too!
So, the Mayor has been murdered, and a devilish riddle clue has been left behind, specifically for Batman. As was inevitable here in Sodom and Gotham, the Mayor seemed to be involved in some real shady sh*t, and it potentially extends to the main mob families of the city, Maroni, and Falcone (John Turturro), along with reaching consequences into the police and the courts themselves. As Bats begins combing the underworld clubs for clues and informants, he makes the acquaintance of a very light on her feet thief with a penchant for cats and strays, Selina Kyle (Zoe Kravitz), and the supposed proprietor of the more secret watering spots of the rich and secretive, generally called Penguin (Colin Farrell) but he also introduces himself as, “Oz!”
And who is this badly masked psycho who keeps leaving cutesy riddle cards, especially for Batman, and videos where he scream-rants about the corruption of Gotham city? How is he related to the Waynes, how does he know about the festering rot at the heart of Gotham, and what is the culmination of his grand plan? He wants to show people the truth, of course. Score another for the visual insistence of the film – the Riddler (Paul Dano) desperately wants you, all of you, to see the truth, and hopefully understand.
The Batman introduces a brand new Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis), considerably younger, much gruffer and warrior-like, still and always an avid supporter of the Wayne family, but also a considerably less take-any-shit version. The push-and-pull dynamic between Bruce Wayne and his Alfred, the father-son dynamic denial and yet in the same instance a desperate need for love and forgiveness, is beautifully but sadly briefly rendered here.
Little attention is paid to the fact that underneath all that chiseled armor is a human in pain, the film focuses primarily on Bruce’s role as the Batman (Robert Pattinson), only touching on his role as a Wayne in a legacy aspect. This new rendition of our beloved Bats is young, and oh so angry, and brooding everywhere, which is exactly as it should be. Given the timeline we’ve come to accept for Batman’s life and legacy and where The Batman film is located within it, Pattinson’s performance is dark and rugged and at times painful to watch, and perfect within it. From the black camouflage smears he never seems to remember to remove, to the way he snarls at Alfred and then cringes for it later, to the way he trembles convincingly, in rage, or sheer frustration, to the blatant and boxed-up desire for Catwoman, every emotion this Bats goes through, we see and often feel it all with him. His heavy-treaded stalk out of the shadows that strikes fear in the heart of the bad guys, the seriously badass way he just mows down villain after villain, all that high tech gadgetry (including, inevitably, fancy camera eyes, reinforcing that whole “see as I do” ascetic) and a new Batmobile that I’m pretty sure has a jet engine stuffed into it, all combine to give us a brand new Batman worthy of dark adoration.
Amidst the many feature films, cartoon romps, comic books, graphic novels and eternal Batman fandom, it’s very difficult to make an entire Batman movie that’s your own, apart from any other in style and scope. Director Matt Reeves, along with a stellar cast and a particular vision, accomplished this in a truly unique, visually stunning way, and every single last Batman fan, old or new or somewhere in between, should see The Batman in theaters now!

Streaming
Top-five list of romantic Japanese anime


1. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)
Director: Kyohei Ishiguro
Writer: Takao Yoshioka (screenplay), Naoshi Arakawa (manga)
Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Romance, Drama, Music
Runtime: Approx. 22 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 22
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Synopsis: A talented young pianist, Kosei Arima, loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother’s death. His world changes when he meets the spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, who teaches him to embrace music and life again.

2. Fruits Basket (2019 Reboot)
Director: Yoshihide Ibata
Writer: Taku Kishimoto (screenplay), Natsuki Takaya (manga)
Animation Studio: TMS Entertainment
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 23 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 63 (3 seasons)
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
Synopsis: Orphaned Tohru Honda moves in with the mysterious Soma family, who harbor a magical curse: members transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Amid unraveling secrets, she finds love and healing.

3. Toradora!
Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
Writer: Mari Okada (screenplay), Yuyuko Takemiya (light novel)
Animation Studio: J.C. Staff
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 25
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE
Synopsis: Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka strike an unlikely alliance to help each other win over their crushes, only to discover their feelings for each other along the way.

4. Violet Evergarden
Director: Taichi Ishidate
Writer: Reiko Yoshida (screenplay), Kana Akatsuki (light novel)
Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 13 + Special + Movies
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Synopsis: Violet, a former child soldier, seeks purpose as a ghostwriter and learns about love and human emotion through her clients’ stories.

5. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)
Director: Masahiro Ando
Writer: Deko Akao (screenplay), Sorata Akizuki (manga)
Animation Studio: Bones
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Runtime: Approx. 24 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Synopsis: Shirayuki, a herbalist with red hair, flees her kingdom after catching the attention of a lecherous prince. She finds a new home and love with Prince Zen of the neighboring kingdom.
Streaming
Baahubali: The Beginning

Rating
Storyline: 9/10
Performances: 9/10
Direction: 10/10
Visuals and VFX: 10/10
Music: 8.5/10
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali: The Beginning is a magnum opus that redefined the landscape of Indian cinema. Released in 2015, this epic historical drama captivated audiences worldwide with its grandeur, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable characters. With a mix of mythological inspiration and cinematic spectacle, Baahubali: The Beginning sets the stage for an extraordinary tale of power, betrayal, love, and legacy.
The film tells the story of Shivudu (Prabhas), a young man raised in a tranquil village who is drawn to the mysterious and towering waterfall near his home. His curiosity and courage lead him to the kingdom of Mahishmati, where he uncovers his royal lineage and his connection to the legendary warrior, Amarendra Baahubali (also played by Prabhas).
The narrative is skillfully interwoven with flashbacks revealing a tale of palace intrigue, betrayal by Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati), and the valor of Baahubali. The first installment ends on a cliffhanger that leaves viewers yearning for answers about the fate of Baahubali and the sinister conspiracy surrounding his death.
Prabhas as Shivudu/Amarendra Baahubali: Prabhas delivers a dual performance that is both regal and relatable. His commanding presence as Baahubali is balanced by the playful and curious nature of Shivudu. Rana Daggubati as Bhallaladeva: Rana embodies menace and ambition, portraying a formidable antagonist. His physicality and intense expressions add depth to his character. Anushka Shetty as Devasena: Though her role is limited in this installment, her fiery spirit and tragic undertones leave a lasting impression. Tamannaah Bhatia as Avantika: Tamannaah brings grace and strength to Avantika, a rebel fighting for Mahishmati’s freedom. Ramya Krishnan as Sivagami: Arguably one of the film’s standout performances, Ramya Krishnan’s portrayal of the steely and noble queen is unforgettable.Sathyaraj as Kattappa: Sathyaraj adds emotional weight and intrigue to the story as the loyal yet enigmatic warrior.
S.S. Rajamouli’s vision is unparalleled. His ability to blend mythological grandeur with human emotions ensures the story resonates universally. K.K. Senthil Kumar captures the magnificence of Mahishmati and the breathtaking landscapes with a keen eye for detail. The film’s VFX is groundbreaking for Indian cinema, particularly the waterfall sequences and battle scenes. M.M. Keeravani’s music is a soul-stirring mix of grandeur and emotion, amplifying key moments. The intricate set designs and costumes reflect the film’s epic scale and authenticity.
Baahubali: The Beginning explores themes of heroism, loyalty, family, and the thirst for power. It highlights the cultural richness of Indian storytelling while presenting it in a universally accessible format. The film’s success not only established Telugu cinema on the global stage but also proved that regional Indian films could achieve blockbuster status internationally.
Baahubali: The Beginning is more than a film; it is an experience. Its blend of epic storytelling, jaw-dropping visuals, and powerful performances makes it a landmark in Indian cinema. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates grand narratives and larger-than-life characters. It leaves you in awe and eagerly anticipating the sequel, Baahubali: The Conclusion.
Whether you’re a fan of historical epics or someone looking for an immersive cinematic experience, Baahubali: The Beginning is a film that transcends boundaries and sets a gold standard for Indian films on the global stage.
Movie
Love Hurts Delivers High-Octane Action with Heart

Rating: 8/10
Genre: Action, Comedy
Runtime: 83 minutes
Director: Jonathan Eusebio
Writers: Matthew Murray, Josh Stoddard, Luke Passmore
Studio: 87North Productions, Universal Pictures
Stars: Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Marshawn Lynch, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, André Eriksen, Sean Astin
Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan) is a former hitman who has reinvented himself as a successful realtor in suburban Milwaukee. But his peaceful life is shattered when Rose (Ariana DeBose), his former partner and lost love, reappears with a chilling warning. Adding to the chaos, Marvin’s estranged brother, Knuckles Gable (Daniel Wu), a ruthless crime lord, is on a relentless hunt for him. Forced to confront his past, Marvin must fight his way through old enemies and long-buried secrets—all while trying to keep his new life intact.
From the moment Love Hurts begins, it grips the audience with a pulse-pounding blend of action, comedy, and emotional depth. Director Jonathan Eusebio, best known for his stunt work in John Wick and Deadpool 2, makes a stellar transition to the director’s chair, delivering slick, hard-hitting action sequences that showcase his mastery of fight choreography.
Ke Huy Quan, in his first major leading role since his Academy Award win, is an unconventional yet compelling action star. He brings an everyman charm to Marvin, making him both relatable and surprisingly lethal when pushed to the edge. Ariana DeBose shines as Rose, exuding charisma and wit, while Daniel Wu commands the screen as a menacing yet layered villain.
The film moves at a breakneck pace, balancing high-octane action with well-timed humor and emotional weight. The chemistry between Quan and DeBose adds depth to the story, making their characters’ relationship feel authentic. While the plot treads familiar ground, it’s executed with such energy and style that it remains thoroughly engaging.
Love Hurts is a thrilling action-comedy that delivers intense fight sequences, sharp humor, and a heartfelt story. Ke Huy Quan proves that he’s not just a comeback story—he’s a bona fide action star. While the film doesn’t reinvent the genre, it executes its formula with precision and flair, making it a must-watch for action fans.
Final Rating: 8/10—An electrifying mix of action, comedy, and heart that proves love—and revenge—can hurt in all the right ways.