SAMTHEBESTEST
Joined Feb 2014
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Ne Zha 2 (2025) :
Movie Review -
Firstly, a big thank you to Warner Bros. India and their PR team for showing this film in IMAX 3D, and that too on the best laser projection screen available in India. This has certainly elevated the experience to what we call a "breathtaking" scenario. Secondly, I don't believe any animated film can achieve the visual phenomenon of Ne Zha 2 anytime soon, so don't waste a single moment of your precious time and book your tickets now. This is simply ASTONISHING, COLOSSAL, PRODIGIOUS, GIGANTIC, or any other adjective in that category you can think of-just use it here and take your hats off to the visual expanse of cinematic experience that will live for years to come in the history of animated cinema. I can think of greater animated films than this, right from the 1930s' Snow White and Pinocchio to Pixar's and Disney's classic tear-jerkers in the post-90s era, but I can't think of any other animation flick being this grand. Thus, I call Ne Zha 2 the Star Wars, LOTR, and Avatar of the animation cinema world. Hats off to the grandest animated flick ever made, which has deservedly become the biggest animated blockbuster ever!
The film follows the events after Ne Zha (2019), starting with Master Taiyi Zhenren (Zhang Jiaming) trying to bring back Ne Zha (Lü Yanting) and Ao Bing (Han Mo) into physical form with the sacred Lotus. Ao Bing's father, Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, orders Shen Gongbao to attack Chentang Pass, leaving Ao Bing to halt him while the task of embodying remains incomplete. Ao Bing and Ne Zha share Ne Zha's body for seven days, with the latter tasked to complete three trials so the sacred Lotus can regenerate. Ne Zha takes sleeping pills, allowing them to share the body in perfect coordination, but only for a while. When Ne Zha believes his parents are killed, he sets out to destroy Guang and his palace, but is that all? Nope, there is more to it than meets the eye. Catch all the fun, excitement, and suspense in the cinema hall without any spoilers.
Though it is a very basic script with no incredible conflicts, it still manages to immerse you in that world for two and a half hours. The screenplay takes a while to establish a few points that don't feel necessary, but the visual grandeur and out-of-this-world action sequences keep coming one after another, making you forget all the flaws in the storyline and screenplay. The cinematic appeal of this film easily surpasses the likes of LOTR, Avatar, and Avengers-if they were animated movies. Now you know how stupendous it must be. I couldn't believe my eyes for a while during the action sequences. The scale is enormous and simply unbelievable. I won't say outstanding, because it's something beyond that, so why the heck should one care about the plot? The emotional core of Ne Zha 2 is also dated, but for a moment or two, it does make you cry. I was in tears when Ne Zha finally hugged his mother, remembering all those naughty things he did over the years. I believe that scene will leave many children sobbing as they hold their parents close in the cinema halls. That's the power of cinema, right? Children can get emotional, and parents can become emotional seeing their children getting emotional. Too many sentiments and bonds to experience firsthand. Would you really miss that?
The voice cast has done well, but this film is all about its visual expansion, setting a new landmark for animated films. Many universally acclaimed classics by Pixar and Disney must have had great stories and unique ideas, but the kind of cinematic spectacle this movie creates is next-level. It is a never-before-seen visual treat, and there aren't just one or two scenes like that but at least seven to eight. We have all seen big action sequences, blasting explosions, huge battles, large-scale combats, and stupendous sets in big-budget movies, but what if you see all of them in animated form achieved with just an $80 million budget? Isn't that a half-coma moment? I had to pinch myself to believe whatever was happening on the screen, and believe me, I did it at least half a dozen times. The water fight sequence, Ne Zha's transformation, Wuliang's army, the volcano scene, and the final battle sequence-everything is grander than before, never seen before, never done before.
The sound design is superb, and the cinematography is top-notch. I wonder how they even thought of those wide frames, close-up shots, fast-forwarded moments, and slow-motion sequences so accurately that everything looked absolutely mind-blowing! It's so wonderful to see an animated film that looks bigger and better than the much-hyped blockbuster, Avengers: Endgame. I mean, that's a lot to expect, and that's where Ne Zha 2 exceeds expectations and leaves you stunned and speechless. My grand salute goes to writer-director Jiaozi for creating this humongous cinematic experience that simply blew me away and everyone present in the cinema hall. My eyes were filled with joy watching something incredible, and my heart was filled with gratitude. How on earth can a Mandarin film be so grand and magnificent, much bigger than Hollywood? That's INSANE, man. Don't miss the IMAX 3D version; you'll be doing yourself a favor.
RATING - 8/10*
Firstly, a big thank you to Warner Bros. India and their PR team for showing this film in IMAX 3D, and that too on the best laser projection screen available in India. This has certainly elevated the experience to what we call a "breathtaking" scenario. Secondly, I don't believe any animated film can achieve the visual phenomenon of Ne Zha 2 anytime soon, so don't waste a single moment of your precious time and book your tickets now. This is simply ASTONISHING, COLOSSAL, PRODIGIOUS, GIGANTIC, or any other adjective in that category you can think of-just use it here and take your hats off to the visual expanse of cinematic experience that will live for years to come in the history of animated cinema. I can think of greater animated films than this, right from the 1930s' Snow White and Pinocchio to Pixar's and Disney's classic tear-jerkers in the post-90s era, but I can't think of any other animation flick being this grand. Thus, I call Ne Zha 2 the Star Wars, LOTR, and Avatar of the animation cinema world. Hats off to the grandest animated flick ever made, which has deservedly become the biggest animated blockbuster ever!
The film follows the events after Ne Zha (2019), starting with Master Taiyi Zhenren (Zhang Jiaming) trying to bring back Ne Zha (Lü Yanting) and Ao Bing (Han Mo) into physical form with the sacred Lotus. Ao Bing's father, Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, orders Shen Gongbao to attack Chentang Pass, leaving Ao Bing to halt him while the task of embodying remains incomplete. Ao Bing and Ne Zha share Ne Zha's body for seven days, with the latter tasked to complete three trials so the sacred Lotus can regenerate. Ne Zha takes sleeping pills, allowing them to share the body in perfect coordination, but only for a while. When Ne Zha believes his parents are killed, he sets out to destroy Guang and his palace, but is that all? Nope, there is more to it than meets the eye. Catch all the fun, excitement, and suspense in the cinema hall without any spoilers.
Though it is a very basic script with no incredible conflicts, it still manages to immerse you in that world for two and a half hours. The screenplay takes a while to establish a few points that don't feel necessary, but the visual grandeur and out-of-this-world action sequences keep coming one after another, making you forget all the flaws in the storyline and screenplay. The cinematic appeal of this film easily surpasses the likes of LOTR, Avatar, and Avengers-if they were animated movies. Now you know how stupendous it must be. I couldn't believe my eyes for a while during the action sequences. The scale is enormous and simply unbelievable. I won't say outstanding, because it's something beyond that, so why the heck should one care about the plot? The emotional core of Ne Zha 2 is also dated, but for a moment or two, it does make you cry. I was in tears when Ne Zha finally hugged his mother, remembering all those naughty things he did over the years. I believe that scene will leave many children sobbing as they hold their parents close in the cinema halls. That's the power of cinema, right? Children can get emotional, and parents can become emotional seeing their children getting emotional. Too many sentiments and bonds to experience firsthand. Would you really miss that?
The voice cast has done well, but this film is all about its visual expansion, setting a new landmark for animated films. Many universally acclaimed classics by Pixar and Disney must have had great stories and unique ideas, but the kind of cinematic spectacle this movie creates is next-level. It is a never-before-seen visual treat, and there aren't just one or two scenes like that but at least seven to eight. We have all seen big action sequences, blasting explosions, huge battles, large-scale combats, and stupendous sets in big-budget movies, but what if you see all of them in animated form achieved with just an $80 million budget? Isn't that a half-coma moment? I had to pinch myself to believe whatever was happening on the screen, and believe me, I did it at least half a dozen times. The water fight sequence, Ne Zha's transformation, Wuliang's army, the volcano scene, and the final battle sequence-everything is grander than before, never seen before, never done before.
The sound design is superb, and the cinematography is top-notch. I wonder how they even thought of those wide frames, close-up shots, fast-forwarded moments, and slow-motion sequences so accurately that everything looked absolutely mind-blowing! It's so wonderful to see an animated film that looks bigger and better than the much-hyped blockbuster, Avengers: Endgame. I mean, that's a lot to expect, and that's where Ne Zha 2 exceeds expectations and leaves you stunned and speechless. My grand salute goes to writer-director Jiaozi for creating this humongous cinematic experience that simply blew me away and everyone present in the cinema hall. My eyes were filled with joy watching something incredible, and my heart was filled with gratitude. How on earth can a Mandarin film be so grand and magnificent, much bigger than Hollywood? That's INSANE, man. Don't miss the IMAX 3D version; you'll be doing yourself a favor.
RATING - 8/10*
Ground Zero (2025) :
Movie Review -
Emraan Hashmi steps into uncharted territory with Ground Zero, venturing into a role that seeks to redefine his cinematic persona. However, his portrayal of a BSF officer lands with a thud rather than a bang. From the outset, his presence feels miscast, undermining a film that is already weighed down by its overwrought storytelling. What unfolds is a movie that drags its feet through conventional dramatic tropes, courtesy of director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar's penchant for stretching moments that lack any real emotional payoff. Watching it only heightens your appreciation for taut, grounded war dramas like Zero Dark Thirty, a reminder of Bollywood's struggle to shed its over-dramatized, patriotic sheen. Unlike Hollywood's gritty realism, Indian war films-whether it's Uri, Shershaah, or Amaram-are often drenched in sentiment and overused templates. Ground Zero sadly falls into this same trap, becoming a victim of formulaic storytelling and déjà vu.
Set in the ever-sensitive terrain of Kashmir, the narrative centers on BSF officer Narendra Dubey (Hashmi), who is haunted by the loss of 70 soldiers in terrorist attacks. Post the Parliament assault, Dubey embarks on a manhunt for the elusive Ghazi, the brains behind the carnage. Yet, Ghazi remains perpetually ahead. The plot thickens with the Akshardham temple tragedy, leading to Dubey's suspension after the death of one of his informants. Despite this, Dubey takes charge during the Prime Minister's visit to Kashmir and finally corners Ghazi. But bureaucratic red tape raises the question: will he be allowed to strike?
In its attempt to echo the emotional highs and narrative turns of a classic military thriller, Ground Zero stumbles repeatedly. The screenplay rehashes the same tropes: sudden deaths, predictable blame games, skeptical superiors, and a paint-by-numbers climax. While clichés aren't inherently damning, the film's lack of conviction is. There's a notable absence of ingenuity in the writing. By intermission, the film's trajectory becomes painfully predictable. One particularly baffling moment-a child's photograph pinned on a wall-undermines the villain's supposed strategic prowess, revealing a screenplay that's neither sharp nor sophisticated.
Hashmi's sincerity is evident, but sincerity alone can't mask a misfit. The gravitas, demeanor, and charisma expected from a military officer are glaringly absent. Sai Tamhankar, despite limited screen time, delivers a compelling moment as she defends her husband and the institution he represents. Lalit Prabhakar, miscast in a role that clashes with his urbane screen image, adds little, while Zoya Hussain's uneven role restricts her performance to fleeting impact. Mukesh Tiwari seems reduced to a narrative prop, constantly butting heads with Hashmi's character without any real consequence. Deepak Parmesh and Rockey Raina are serviceable but ultimately forgettable-like most of the supporting cast. It's evident the casting process lacked the precision such a subject demands.
Visually, Ground Zero doesn't cut corners. The production value is solid, and Kamaljeet Negi's cinematography captures the Kashmir backdrop with competent familiarity, though it rarely offers anything we haven't seen before. Editing by Chandrashekhar Prajapati feels ineffective-unable to tighten a film that clearly overstays its welcome. The music, intended to stir emotions, instead lands flat, sapping key scenes of their intended weight. Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, who showed thematic promise with Chhatriwali, once again falters at the screenplay level. His grasp on urgent social issues is evident, but execution remains his Achilles' heel. With Ground Zero, he clings to decade-old formulas, resulting in a film that feels like a half-hearted attempt at cinematic relevance. Ground Zero isn't entirely without merit-it has the trappings of a serious film. But in relying so heavily on dated tropes and a lead who doesn't quite fit the mold, it ends up feeling like a zero-effort production. The ambition is present, but the commitment to craft is sorely lacking.
RATING - 4/10*
Emraan Hashmi steps into uncharted territory with Ground Zero, venturing into a role that seeks to redefine his cinematic persona. However, his portrayal of a BSF officer lands with a thud rather than a bang. From the outset, his presence feels miscast, undermining a film that is already weighed down by its overwrought storytelling. What unfolds is a movie that drags its feet through conventional dramatic tropes, courtesy of director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar's penchant for stretching moments that lack any real emotional payoff. Watching it only heightens your appreciation for taut, grounded war dramas like Zero Dark Thirty, a reminder of Bollywood's struggle to shed its over-dramatized, patriotic sheen. Unlike Hollywood's gritty realism, Indian war films-whether it's Uri, Shershaah, or Amaram-are often drenched in sentiment and overused templates. Ground Zero sadly falls into this same trap, becoming a victim of formulaic storytelling and déjà vu.
Set in the ever-sensitive terrain of Kashmir, the narrative centers on BSF officer Narendra Dubey (Hashmi), who is haunted by the loss of 70 soldiers in terrorist attacks. Post the Parliament assault, Dubey embarks on a manhunt for the elusive Ghazi, the brains behind the carnage. Yet, Ghazi remains perpetually ahead. The plot thickens with the Akshardham temple tragedy, leading to Dubey's suspension after the death of one of his informants. Despite this, Dubey takes charge during the Prime Minister's visit to Kashmir and finally corners Ghazi. But bureaucratic red tape raises the question: will he be allowed to strike?
In its attempt to echo the emotional highs and narrative turns of a classic military thriller, Ground Zero stumbles repeatedly. The screenplay rehashes the same tropes: sudden deaths, predictable blame games, skeptical superiors, and a paint-by-numbers climax. While clichés aren't inherently damning, the film's lack of conviction is. There's a notable absence of ingenuity in the writing. By intermission, the film's trajectory becomes painfully predictable. One particularly baffling moment-a child's photograph pinned on a wall-undermines the villain's supposed strategic prowess, revealing a screenplay that's neither sharp nor sophisticated.
Hashmi's sincerity is evident, but sincerity alone can't mask a misfit. The gravitas, demeanor, and charisma expected from a military officer are glaringly absent. Sai Tamhankar, despite limited screen time, delivers a compelling moment as she defends her husband and the institution he represents. Lalit Prabhakar, miscast in a role that clashes with his urbane screen image, adds little, while Zoya Hussain's uneven role restricts her performance to fleeting impact. Mukesh Tiwari seems reduced to a narrative prop, constantly butting heads with Hashmi's character without any real consequence. Deepak Parmesh and Rockey Raina are serviceable but ultimately forgettable-like most of the supporting cast. It's evident the casting process lacked the precision such a subject demands.
Visually, Ground Zero doesn't cut corners. The production value is solid, and Kamaljeet Negi's cinematography captures the Kashmir backdrop with competent familiarity, though it rarely offers anything we haven't seen before. Editing by Chandrashekhar Prajapati feels ineffective-unable to tighten a film that clearly overstays its welcome. The music, intended to stir emotions, instead lands flat, sapping key scenes of their intended weight. Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, who showed thematic promise with Chhatriwali, once again falters at the screenplay level. His grasp on urgent social issues is evident, but execution remains his Achilles' heel. With Ground Zero, he clings to decade-old formulas, resulting in a film that feels like a half-hearted attempt at cinematic relevance. Ground Zero isn't entirely without merit-it has the trappings of a serious film. But in relying so heavily on dated tropes and a lead who doesn't quite fit the mold, it ends up feeling like a zero-effort production. The ambition is present, but the commitment to craft is sorely lacking.
RATING - 4/10*