Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back in “Incredibles 2” – but this time Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is in the spotlight, leaving Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell) and Dash (voice of Huck Milner) to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life. It’s a tough transition for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) must find a way to work together again—which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible. Directed by Brad Bird (“Iron Giant,” “The Incredibles”) and produced by John Walker (“The Incredibles”) and Nicole Grindle (“Sanjay’s Super Team” short, “Toy Story 3” associate producer), “Incredibles 2” busts into theaters on June 15, 2018.
HELEN PARR (voice of Holly Hunter), known in the Superworld as Elastigirl, hung up her Supersuit to raise the family with husband Bob, leaving their crime-fighting days behind them. But when she’s tapped to lead a campaign to bring the Supers back into the spotlight, she finds she can still bend, stretch and twist herself into any shape needed to solve the trickiest of mysteries. In short, she’s still got it. That’s good news, too, because a new villain is emerging—unlike any they’ve ever seen before.
BOB PARR (voice of Craig T. Nelson) cherishes his days as Mr. Incredible—a popular Super with mega-strength and the power to singlehandedly take out the bad guys. Ever since Supers were outlawed, Bob’s been mostly lying low, raising the family alongside his wife Helen. But when she’s called on to stretch her Super skills and hopefully change the public perception of Supers for the better, Bob must manage the household on his own, which calls for a completely different set of super powers.
VIOLET PARR (voice of Sarah Vowell), the firstborn of the Parr clan, is an introverted and intelligent 14-year-old teen that doesn’t quite fit in with the normal crowd. Socially awkward, outspoken and sarcastic, Violet plays her teenager role to perfection—all while secretly mastering her superpowers of invisibility and creating force fields. A Super at heart, Violet can’t help her urge to fight crime alongside her family.
DASHIELL PARR (voice of Huckleberry “Huck” Milner) is a 10-year-old boy—restless, relentless, curious—though his remarkable power of Super speed certainly sets him apart. Dash sports a hearty sense of adventure and a boundless supply of energy. He’d love nothing more than to show off his special skills and fight a few bad guys along the way—and doesn’t understand why he has to keep his powers a secret.
JACK-JACK PARR, the baby of the family, likes to sit back with a bottle and a good story. Well-versed in gibberish with a penchant for throwing food, Jack-Jack may seem like a typical toddler, but he just might turn out to be the most powerful Parr in the household—if only his family had a clue of what this kid can really do.
LUCIUS BEST (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) is not only Bob’s best friend, he’s a fellow-former Super who’s so chill, he can make ice with the point of a finger. But even when he’s not fighting crime as Frozone, Lucius is all about style. He has a quick wit and a cool, can-do attitude—and he wouldn’t think twice about breaking out his Supersuit if it could help bring Supers out of hiding.
EDNA “E” MODE (voice of Brad Bird) possesses impeccable design sense, a keen understanding of cutting-edge technology and an unmatched skillset. A creative visionary, she longs for the return of Supers so she can once again create functional yet edgy Supersuits. The petite and powerful fashionista treats her clients like family, dahling, but sticks firmly to her long-held assertion: No capes!
WINSTON DEAVOR (voice of Bob Odenkirk) leads a world-class telecommunications company alongside his genius sister, Evelyn. Ultra-wealthy, savvy and suave, Winston goes big in everything he does—including his infatuation with Supers. He has been a supporter of Supers returning—all he needs is a hero (or three) to help him change public perception and bring them back into the sunlight.
EVELYN DEAVOR (voice of Catherine Keener), the brilliant brainchild behind her brother Winston’s telecommunications company, knows her way around tech. She loves tinkering with tech, and has never met a problem she can’t solve.
RICK DICKER (voice of Jonathan Banks) heads up the official Super Relocation Program, helping the Parr family keep their Super identities secret—that’s no easy feat with this family. But Rick takes his job very seriously—at least until his division is shuttered, leaving the Parrs all on their own.
VOYD (voice of Sophia Bush) is a young, overeager “wannabe” Super and a mega-fan of Elastigirl. Her superpower is the ability to divert and manipulate objects around her by creating voids that allow the objects to appear and disappear, and shift in space.
The Supers find an advocate in a dignified foreign AMBASSADOR (voice of Isabella Rossellini) who is committed to the support and legalization of Superheroes.
Streaming
Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire
directed by Prashanth Neel, brings a bold and gritty spectacle to the big screen, marking a triumphant return for Prabhas in an action-heavy role. Known for his high-energy, raw style (seen in KGF), Neel continues his signature approach here, blending intense action scenes with grandiose settings reminiscent of epic sagas like Game of Thrones. The film revolves around Deva (Prabhas), a powerful yet calm figure with a complex past, and his involvement in a politically charged power struggle with Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character Varadha. This layered storyline introduces us to the fictitious city of Khansar, where betrayals and power dynamics keep viewers on edge.
Critics generally appreciate Prabhas’s magnetic performance, noting that he captures the larger-than-life heroism he’s celebrated for since Baahubali. His portrayal, paired with intense fight choreography, keeps the audience engaged, particularly during standout sequences that elevate the film’s dramatic intensity. Prithviraj’s character as Deva’s friend adds an intriguing dynamic, though Shruti Haasan’s role feels underused. While fans of action-packed cinema and Prabhas’s iconic style will enjoy the exhilarating visuals and powerful cinematography, some critics feel the plot loses momentum in the second half, with multiple subplots that dilute its emotional depth. The story is intentionally left open-ended, setting the stage for Salaar: Part 2.
Overall, Salaar is an ambitious action film that will satisfy fans of Prabhas and high-octane spectacles. However, those seeking a tight narrative or deep emotional connections might find it lacking. I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars—a solid experience for action enthusiasts, with room for a more focused storyline in its sequel.
Streaming
Review of Kalki 2898 AD on Netflix
Review of Kalki 2898 AD on Netflix
Rating: (4/5)
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, is a visually ambitious sci-fi film featuring an ensemble of Indian cinema legends, including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone. The film is set in a dystopian future with a storyline that weaves mythology and science fiction, creating a unique cinematic experience for viewers.
The film’s narrative unfolds in a futuristic society where technology and ancient themes intersect. It begins with an immersive setup that introduces us to Prabhas’ character, Bhairava, who grapples with complex moral and existential questions in a world marked by political and ethical turmoil. Although the pacing can feel slow in parts, especially as it establishes the mythological underpinnings, the intensity and scope build significantly as the story progresses.
One of the most captivating aspects is the stunning visual effects. The production team, with a budget reportedly over 400 crore INR, utilized advanced CGI to craft expansive landscapes, dramatic space battles, and futuristic cityscapes that resemble scenes from Hollywood sci-fi giants. The action sequences, particularly those featuring Bachchan, stand out with their thrilling choreography and careful dramatic build-up. These sequences balance between traditional Indian cinema stylings and Hollywood’s polished sci-fi tropes.
While Kalki 2898 AD relies heavily on genre conventions, it manages to bring a fresh twist by blending mythological symbolism with modern sci-fi elements. However, some may find the film’s narrative occasionally predictable, and the focus on visual spectacle occasionally overshadows character development. Yet, the powerhouse performances from the lead cast, particularly Bachchan and Padukone, provide the emotional depth needed to keep audiences engaged.
In summary, Kalki 2898 AD is an impressive venture into the sci-fi genre for Indian cinema, successfully balancing myth with high-tech fantasy. While not without flaws, it’s an enjoyable and bold cinematic experience that’s worth a watch for fans of both Indian mythology and science fiction.
Movie
Gladiator 2 Builds On The Legacy Of Its Predecessor,
Gladiator 2 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, delivering a captivating story that honors the original while forging a compelling new path. The cast shines in their roles, with Paul Mescal delivering a powerhouse performance as Lucius, the now-grown son of Maximus. Mescal captures a blend of vulnerability and strength, embodying a character driven by both honor and revenge. Alongside him, Denzel Washington commands the screen, adding gravitas and depth to a key supporting role
The screenplay is a triumph, keeping the audience engaged at every turn. While the overarching story gives you a sense of where it’s headed, the journey remains unpredictable, and packed with twists. The film balances themes of legacy, vengeance, and redemption, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative.
Action sequences, particularly the gladiatorial combat, are visually pleasing. The fights are brutal and visceral, with just enough gore to feel authentic without veering into excess. Visually, Gladiator 2 is stunning. The production design, cinematography, and score come together to create a visceral and immersive experience.
As a follow-up to a beloved classic, Gladiator 2 meets expectations, proving to be both a thrilling spectacle and a worthy successor. It’s a 9/10—a tale of honor and legacy.