Year: 2024

‘Be Cool’ is a nice return to form, a witty crime dramedy that manages to not only equal its predecessor - but also improves pleasantly upon the thrust of the first film. It adds a much needed layer to Chili Palmer, Hollywood’s most likable wiseguy.

An ex-loan shark and bookie, Chili is always getting himself into situations that he can handle. John Travolta suits the role of Chili Palmer like a tailored glove, ironic, since the shylock tends to don a pair whenever he’s about to “get down to business”. If you’re a fan of ‘Get Shorty’ then you should adore this second entry in the Elmore Leonard duology.

They say you shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover.

A useful fascimile for cinema lovers: you shouldn’t judge a movie by its trailer.

I am very guilty of breaking this unspoken rule when it comes to the brilliant ensemble piece ‘Now You See Me’. It turns out, that it handles its contrasting tones masterfully, and manages to make a rather “out there” concept not only seem believable, but extremely fun - in the process.

The comedic banter in this movie is carried - nay, elevated by the varied and prestigious cast. Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Woody Harelson, Mark Ruffalo, Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Mélanie Laurent, and Dave Franco to name a few. Also you get some neat cameos, Common and Conan O’brien being among them. This is the type of film that shouldn’t work on paper, conceptually. But somehow Louis Leterrier ties this neat lil’ bow on it all, using a standard heist script that’s imbued with light satire in addition to a juxtaposition of high-stakes action and jeu d’esprit.