Tim Burton’s 1989 ‘Batman’ redefined the superhero genre, offering a dark, stylistic, and visually stunning portrayal of Gotham City and its iconic hero. This film, unlike today’s CGI-heavy blockbusters, utilized practical sets, masterful cinematography, and a unique artistic vision that continues to captivate audiences 35 years later.
Shot in St. Paul two years ago, ‘Downtown Owl’ features strong performances but stumbles with its storytelling, introducing far too many side plots that muddle the overall action. While the acting overall is top-notch, from Lily Rabe’s portrayal of Julia to Ed Harris’ elderly townsperson and Jack Dylan Grazer’s hyperactive teen, the film fails to deliver a coherent narrative despite adapting an acclaimed novel. Despite commendable local charm, ‘Downtown Owl’ struggles to engage and ultimately earns a modest 2 out of 5 stars.
Miss World 2017 and actress Manushi Chhillar recently shared that she became a meat-eater for her role in ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.’ Having been a lifelong vegetarian, she was encouraged by her doctor father to consume meat to maintain her weight during the shoot. The lack of vegetarian options in Scotland, where much of the filming took place, also factored into her decision. Meanwhile, trade experts have analyzed the film’s shortcomings, citing insufficient content and an overemphasis on the India-Pakistan conflict.
