Pooja, Sir (2024)
Directed by Deepak Rauniyar this film stars Asha Magrati, Nikita Chandak and Dayahang Rai. A female police office in Nepal tries to solve a kidnapping at a time of political and racial tension.
A pretty good look at life in Nepal and the politics affecting Indian minorities living in the country. Works decently as a police procedural. Well worth seeking out.
4/5
Capuchin Monks in the Vatican City (1898)
Directed by William K. L. Dickson this is an early short film. Monks go for a walk with a crucifix in the Vatican.
I thought I had already seen this one but presumably it was another very similar one. Pretty good quality. Decent little short.
3/5
Minimum (2024)
Written & directed by star Rumana Molla this film also features Geetanjali Kulkarni and Saba Azad. A young woman moves to Belgium in an arranged marriage only to find out her husband is mentally incompetent.
To be honest I think this film should be a lot darker than it actually is, it does not really grapple with the idea of trafficking and slavery on a deep enough level. Things are just a bit too nice and surface level. A shame as there is some potential here.
2/5
Road House (2024)
Directed by Doug Liman this remake stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniela Melchoir and Jessica Williams. A former UFC fighter works as a bouncer at a troubled bar.
With a bigger budget and bigger stunts than the original there is not much more in favour of this film. The fact that Conor McGregor features so heavily is definitely a point against this one too. Lacks some of the charm of the original.
2/5
Black Bag (2025)
Directed by Steven Soderbergh this film stars Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. Two spies married to each other are caught in a web of treachery.
Certainly slick and stylish as you would expect from Soderberg with good performances from the big name cast members. My issue with this film is that it lacks anything of substance and is not nearly as smart as it thinks it is. I am not even sure that the puzzle holds together when you think back on it.
3/5
The Unwilling Draught Dog (1898)
Directed by William K. L. Dickson this is an early short film. Dogs pull trailers for humans.
I enjoyed the pastoral background to this one and the trailer falling over at the end. Could almost be a painting the way it is framed. Very nice scene.
3/5
In the Friedrichstrasse (1899)
Directed by William K. L. Dickson this is an early short film. A simple street scene from Berlin.
Similar to many films of the period. A nice little jaunt down a busy street, provides a decent amount of viewing variety. Survives in good quality.
3/5
