athanasiosze

This is a very good, if not great, movie. Something like a comedy/drama/fantasy, a dark comedy, a Kafkaesque thriller and an existential drama. Protagonist is named "K.", possibly a hommage to protagonist of Kafka's novel, "The trial". There are also some claustrophobic/nightmarish sequences, even though they don't set the tone, because the first half of this film is very funny, even hilarious at times.

Furthermore, the whole story is heavily influenced by a Stephen King's story (Quitters, Inc). It's basically the same premise. I have read King's story but i don't remember it well. In any case, NO SMOKING is still a very good movie because it took many risks, there are musical scenes, there is a strong comedy element, somerthing that probably didn't exist in King's story. And there is also a strong Indian element. The director took this story and made it his.

I am sure there are many layers here and many interpretations, but this is one of those movies in which the viewer should "let it go" and enjoy the ride. It's not necessary to understand everything here, the hidden meanings or the symbolisms. There is so imagination and creativity here, it's funny, emotional, clever and well acted, the leading actor was great. I enjoyed the colours and the songs and everything here, except for the story. It gets dark in the end but this is a part of this story, too.

1) Slightly worse than the other 2 Ant/Man movies. Better than Black Widow/Love and thunder/Wakanda forever. And better for sure than this 6/10 rating here, i don't understand it, this is an entertaining movie. I can't ask much more than this for a superhero movie, as long as my expectations are not that high. I was not expecting Avengers greatness here, so i got what i came for.

2) Truth be told, the first 30-40 minutes are not that good. It felt even a bit awkward, everything looked a bit clumsy, the story, the acting etc. Fortunately, this movie finds its rhythm and pace and as it progresses, it gets better. More interesting and enjoyable and i was definitely more invested because as i said, during the first 30-40 minutes, i didn't care at all about anything that was happening.

3) Last 30 minutes, everything was good. The climax was nice, the action, the intense and the emotional scenes. Of course, there was nothing new. You have watched the same things many times in movies like this. And you know what is gonna happen, give or take. But i had lowered my expectations, so i enjoyed it. I don't think that MARVEL movies will ever reach INFINITY WAR levels of greatness. I am ok with this, and the only thing i am looking for is entertainment. If they figure it out again and i am wrong, that would be nice. If not, it's ok.

3) Kang was a very interesting character. The post credit scenes were ridiculous though.

This is uneven. There are many positives, but also many negatives.

WF is one of the worst MARVEL movies of the last 10-15 years. There are many positives as i said, it's well directed, nice cinematography, interesting and likeable characters and a villain with depth. Action was good, and overall, it was enjoyable.

Unfortunately, it was not that good. Script was not that exciting for a 161 minutes movie. Pace was occasionally bad, this movie dragged a lot. Furthermore, Chadwick Boseman couldn't be replaced easily but still, they should have found a better leading actor. Unfortunately, Letitia Wright didn't have the gravity, she is not a protagonist in an epic movie like this but a good supporting character. She's a good actress but she couldn't rose to the occasion. Michael B. Jordan appeared for a few minutes and he stole the show. A strong, leading presence is absolutely needed in movies like this. Lupita Nyong'o could make it, but sadly she was just a supporting character. Angela Bassett was excellent though.

There were other flaws, like the ending. I won't say much in order to avoid spoilers but the final battle was not exciting neither impactful, it didn't even made a lot of sense. Building up was good, very good at times. But the finale didn't deliver.

It is a good and entertaining movie, but 162 minutes were too much.