Sukanya reviews “Arthur the King” and “Shaitaan,” two films, exclusively for Different Truths. “Arthur” is a heartwarming adventure, while “Shaitaan” is a supernatural thriller with intense performances.
“Arthur the King” is a heartwarming movie that brings a new twist to adventure and teamwork, all thanks to a stray dog named Arthur. Directed by Simon Cellan Jones and written by Michael Brandt, the movie stands out because it doesn’t just tell another adventure story. Instead, it deepens into emotions, showing us the strong bond between humans and dogs.
The story might initially look familiar, focusing on a group overcoming challenges together. But Arthur, the dog, changes everything. He’s not just a pet; he represents loyalty and the need to belong. This makes the movie’s message hit home for viewers.
Based on a true story from a book by Mikael Lindnord, the movie moves its setting from Ecuador to the Dominican Republic, making the scenery stunningly beautiful and adding to the excitement of the story. Some might wonder why the location was changed, but it only makes the visual part of the movie even more impressive.
The cast, including Mark Wahlberg, Simu Liu, and Juliet Rylance, deliver outstanding performances. Wahlberg, playing team captain Michael Light, does a great job showing his character’s struggles between being competitive and caring for Arthur. Liu and Rylance add their depth to the movie, exploring the connection between people and animals.
What makes “Arthur the King” different is how it focuses on the emotional side of things, especially the deep connections between the team members and Arthur. The movie goes beyond the usual adventure film by showing the importance of loyalty, resilience, and the concept of home.
Arthur’s story with the team, filled with challenges and victories, reminds us of the courage and love that can come from the most unexpected places. The film beautifully balances thrilling adventure with the emotional journeys of its characters, thanks to great cinematography that captures the beauty and challenges alike.
“Arthur the King” is more than just another adventure movie. It’s a memorable story about overcoming odds, the strength of unity, and the deep bonds that can form even in tough times. It’s a touching reminder of the power of companionship, whether between humans or between a human and a dog.
***
In the 2024 supernatural horror film Shaitaan, directed by Vikas Bahl and produced through a collaboration between Devgn Films, Jio Studios, and Panorama Studios, the narrative embarks on a gripping tale of a family’s confrontation with malevolent forces. While the film benefits from the combined talents of Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, Jyothika, Janki Bodiwala, and Anngad Raaj, it navigates through a landscape riddled with both technical accolades and narrative challenges.
Pros:
– Stellar Cast: The ensemble cast delivers compelling performances, particularly Devgn and Madhavan, whose on-screen presence anchors the film’s emotional and suspenseful moments.
– Cinematic Craftsmanship: The film shines in its technical execution, from its cinematography to the eerie atmospheric tone set by Amit Trivedi’s music, enhancing the horror genre’s immersive experience.
Cons:
– Length and Repetition: The film’s pacing suffers significantly towards the latter half, particularly after the pivotal moment when Vanraj takes Janhvi. The narrative becomes notably elongated and repetitive, diluting the tension built up in the earlier acts.
– Underdeveloped Antagonist: A critical shortfall is the character development of Vanraj. Lacking a convincing backstory, Vanraj’s motivations and origins remain superficial, making it difficult for the audience to understand or relate to his character fully. This lack of depth undermines the potential complexity and relatability of the film’s central conflict.
Three-Act Structure Analysis:
Act 1: The Set-Up
The film opens with the idyllic life of Kabir and his family, disrupted by their encounter with Vanraj. This segment sets the stage for the supernatural elements that gradually intertwine with the family’s reality, establishing the central conflict.
Act 2: The Confrontation
As Vanraj’s malevolent influence over Janhvi escalates, the family’s struggle to protect one another from his dark powers forms the crux of the narrative. The confrontation peaks during the dinner scene, highlighting the tension and the stakes involved. However, this is also where the narrative begins to show signs of protraction, as the subsequent events unfold in a somewhat predictable and extended manner.
Act 3: The Resolution
The climax, involving a daring rescue and a confrontation with Vanraj, showcases a mix of ingenuity and traditional horror tropes. The use of a voice recording as a deus ex machina to free the victims offers a clever twist. Nevertheless, the resolution feels drawn out, with the narrative losing steam after Janhvi is given to Vanraj. The final scenes, aiming to wrap up the ordeal and hint at Kabir’s moral complexities, add layers to the story but also contribute to the feeling of lengthiness.
Shaitaan, while succeeding in many respects as a supernatural thriller, grapples with pacing issues and character development, particularly concerning its antagonist. The lack of a compelling backstory for Vanraj weakens the film’s emotional impact and reduces the complexity of its moral quandaries. Despite these criticisms, the film’s technical merits and strong performances provide a foundation that fans of the genre may still find worth exploring.
Picture from IMDb
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