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Ron Perlman Shows His Range in Asher

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Since the late 80s, when he was cast as The Beast in a television adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, Ron Perlman has solidified himself as just that, a beast of an actor. Perlman is a consistently strong presence known for the stature and swagger he exudes in his roles. So much so that it can be easy to overlook the amount of heart and humor he can bring to a feature, but with his latest effort, Asher, Perlman brings the feels to the forefront.

The film introduces us to the titular aging hitman Asher (Ron Perlman) who has fallen into a life of routine complete with contract killing in the afternoon and a glass of wine just before bed. When his path collides with Sophie’s (Famke Janssen) on a hit gone wrong, he sees a way to the life he left behind years previously. But his old lifestyle won’t go down quietly, forcing Asher to fight for the right to start anew.

If you feel like you’ve read that plot synopsis before it’s because you almost certainly have. One of Asher’s most glaring issues is, ironic enough, the routine nature of its plot structure. First-time feature writer Jay Zaretsky is taking few chances in his initial go around. The killer with a heart of gold, the love interest who knows she should stay away, and add in a turf war for turmoil – it’s all here.  

Although, Zaretsky does sprinkle in glimmers of promise throughout the screenplay. Janssen’s Sophie is given agency outside of her Asher-centric interactions with the introduction of her dementia-addled mother. This allows the film to contrast difficult topics such as euthanasia and its accompanying emotions with the emotionless killings of a hitman. Yet this idea is timidly explored, highlighting that these grand ideas are out of the scope of this film.

Thankfully, Perlman takes these glimmers and polishes them until they outshine the more mundane aspects of the film. The actor takes it upon himself to present a character full of history. The viewer can envision the difficult and empty life Asher has endured thanks to the longing ever present in Perlman’s expression. The amount of emotion conveyed in Perlman’s lethargic sighs as he goes about his day wash over you and remain until the film ends. You easily understand why Asher and Sophie leave such a strong impression on each other despite their short time together.

Janssen is an excellent companion to Perlman. She is the graceful counterpart to the lumbering Asher but manages to match him in her forlorn presentation. These two weathered individuals pull you into their plight to such an extent that when the plot calls for a revisit to the seedy underbelly of Asher’s occupation you’ll be calling for a return of the film’s more exciting storyline.

From the outside, Asher doesn’t look like much. It offers itself up as a commonplace story showcasing a couple familiar faces in the hope you’ll give it a passing glance. Beneath that uninspiring exterior though is a passionate core that will win you over if you give it a chance.

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Movie Review: Katamarayudu

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Directed by: Kishore Kumar Pardasani

Written by: Siva

Studio: North Star Entertainment

Runtime: 149 minutes

Genre: Action, Drama

Cast:

Pawan Kalyan as Katamarayudu

Shruti Haasan as Avanthika

Siva Balaji as Katamarayudu’s younger brother

Ajay, Kamal Kamaraju, Chaitanya Krishna in supporting roles


Katamarayudu is a Telugu-language remake of the Tamil film Veeram. This movie blends family drama with high-octane action sequences, delivering a narrative that is quintessentially rooted in southern Indian cinema’s flair for heroism and larger-than-life characters.

The story revolves around Katamarayudu, a righteous and fiercely protective elder brother who has dedicated his life to looking after his younger siblings. Known for his aversion to marriage, his life takes a turn when Avanthika, a poised and graceful woman, enters his life. The movie skillfully combines lighthearted romance, brotherly camaraderie, and intense action sequences, creating an engaging watch for the masses.

Kishore Kumar Pardasani delivers a visually grand spectacle while staying true to the essence of its Tamil original. While the screenplay lacks novelty, it compensates with fast-paced action and emotional beats. The dialogues, although simple, hit the right chords when it comes to showcasing family bonds and love.

Pawan Kalyan is the heart of the film. His screen presence and charismatic portrayal of Katamarayudu dominate every frame. Shruti Haasan offers a refreshing on-screen presence, and her chemistry with Pawan Kalyan adds charm to the narrative. The supporting cast, especially the actors playing the brothers, do justice to their roles, adding depth to the storyline.

The film boasts meticulously choreographed fight scenes, which are a visual treat for action lovers. Anup Rubens’ background score and songs elevate the emotional and action-packed moments. His mass appeal and command over action and emotion anchor the movie effectively.

The film adheres to a conventional template, leaving little room for surprises. At 149 minutes, the film feels stretched, especially in the second half.

Katamarayudu is a feast for fans of Pawan Kalyan and action-packed family dramas. It carries the essence of mass entertainment but doesn’t break new ground. While it caters to the sensibilities of Telugu cinema audiences, others might find its predictability a drawback.

Rating: 8/10 Fans of Pawan Kalyan and high-energy action films will undoubtedly enjoy this one, but those looking for a novel story might find it wanting.

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You Are Not Ready for ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’

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“Do you want to watch a film with me? It’s called Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”

“What?”

“It’s about a little shell named Marcel who wears shoes.”

“…”

And that about sums it up! It’s the blob of a week between Christmas and New Year so it was the optimum time to watch a very surreal film recently added to UK Netflix. 

Released in 2021 (a blob of a year) Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is about a one-inch-tall shell called Marcel who lives with his grandmother, Connie, in an Airbnb. Marcel usually stays out the way of the house’s various guests as he utilizes his only means of fast transportation (a tennis ball) and walks his pet lint on a string (Alan). This is until a documentary filmmaker named Dean, who is staying at the Airbnb, discovers Marcel and his unique lifestyle.

As filmmakers are wont to do Dean begins to film interviews with Marcel, consequently we get an insight into Marcel’s world both inside and out. Yes, Marcel is a stop-motion hermit crab shell with surprisingly expressive googly eyes but he feels very human. I was unsure about Marcel’s age and gender because he sounds a lot like Lisa Simpson, I did even check that Marcel wasn’t voiced by Yeardly Smith. But Marcel is voiced superbly by Jenny Slate. Marcel comes off as quite childlike with his wide-eyed optimism and naivety (he is a shell I suppose). Yet, like many children, Marcel will utter something so profound he will seem more of a fossil than a shell. When Dean uploads Marcel’s interviews onto YouTube Marcel of course becomes a viral sensation. Marcel reads the comments on his videos, using his tiny shoes to activate the laptop touchpad, which is just adorable! Despite his obvious popularity, Marcel remarks; “It’s an audience. It’s not a community.” Which just drives a stake into the heart of social media.

No, Marcel does not become a teeny-tiny-TikToker, he in fact uses the internet to find his lost community. The house used to be full of anthropomorphic objects including Marcel’s own shell family. They had been living in the house for generations, Connie herself came from the garage travelling by coat pocket to the main house; it’s why she has an accent. Among the community there are anthropomorphic pieces of cereal and because the internet notices this stuff; a tampon! An unfortunate event occurred and the community were accidentally removed from their home one tragic night, leaving Marcel and Connie on their own. 

Being an A24 film I knew it would get deep. Marcel’s journey gives the audience a unique perspective of life, death, and community. In a modern world where we are more connected than ever but loneliness has been recognized as a universal health crisis. We could all learn something from this talented little shell and his grandmother. Be like Marcel and don’t get sanded down by life, stay connected to your community and know you are not just rattling around on your own!

It’s a beautifully poignant and quirky film. Despite its metaphysical and existential content, the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. Whether it’s Marcel making rope by winding together the pubic hairs he finds in the drain (he calls them ‘hardy hairs’) or sleeping on slices of bread referring to them as his ‘breadroom’. The film is painstakingly detailed and you can see its roots in a short film. It’s a delightful adventure that has something far bigger to say than its minuscule protagonist.

Five stars. 

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Top Five anime in 2024

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As an anime enthusiast and entertainment journalist, I’ve curated a list of the top five must-see anime series of 2024. These selections showcase the diversity and creativity that define the medium, offering compelling narratives and stunning animation.


Delicious in Dungeon
This series combines culinary arts with fantasy adventure, following a group of dungeon explorers who cook and eat the monsters they defeat. The unique premise and mouth-watering depictions of fantasy cuisine make it a standout this year. Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development.


Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development. Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide.


Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide. The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim.


The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim. Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.


Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. These anime series exemplify the innovation and storytelling prowess that continue to drive the medium’s global popularity. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or new to anime, these titles are essential viewing for 2024.

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