OSTW: FAN'S REVIEW
Review By: Dr. Kemi Osigbesan (Washington D.C)
I preface this TV show review by putting out a disclaimer about how I think human behavior is shaped and formed.
When I have conversations about the origin of each person's behavior, I always say that your behavior is shaped by your family and your environment, which includes your culture, religion, and peers. Technology is also starting to play a huge role in how our children and even adults ingest information that later forms our personality and behavior.
If you are looking for a fun show to watch, Adolescence is NOT a feel-good show. It is not a bad movie; it is a TV show that does not give you warm and fuzzy feeling because of the emotionally charged storyline. I was sad intermittently while watching this TV series. There were four episodes, and it had such a heavy message that I could not help but delve into research mode to see if it was based on a true story. While it is not a true story, the story is based on the knife stabbing pandemic in the United Kingdom.
Thirteen-year-old Jamie and his family are asleep in their house when the police break through the door and arrest him for suspicion of murder. In the four episodes, you wonder if he is indeed the culprit or if he is covering for someone else. You also want to know why the offense was committed in the first place. Through the show, I noticed a stark difference between how the United States processes juvenile justice and how their punishment are meted out in comparison to the U.K. There was an element of humanity when Jamie was arrested that I have never seen happen here in the U.S.
In the show, we watch Jamie transition from a meek 13-year-old child to a child screaming and yelling obscenities at his counsellor while explaining the story. It was determined during his psychological evaluation that Jamie was being bullied because he was an incel (I had to go dig for the meaning). In the course of the show, Andrew Tate's name was mentioned, and you know that definitely would not bode well for anyone using him as a yardstick to measure how men are meant to treat women. On the other hand, Jamie's parents are also questioning their role in how Jamie turned out, and they resolve their inner conflict by reassuring themselves that Lisa, Jamie's sister, turned out well. But, could they have done better?
Overall, the storytelling was amazing. You were equally fascinated and annoyed at Jamie for putting his family in such a bad situation. Then you look at how tender the police were with him when he was arrested. Some will watch this show and bring in race as a determinant for how Jamie was treated by the police. However, it would be remiss not to say that his initial interaction was with a black police officer D.I. Bascombe. Who gave him a very good advice and you could tell there was a softness in his eyes due to the tender age of Jamie.
I’ll say this much: watch your kids all the time and do not let technology raise your kids. If they are quiet, check in on them.
Adolesence is still on Netflix.
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy – My Take
After watching Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, I was once again reminded why I love the Bridget Jones film franchise. Bridget’s childlike charm, quirky humour, and moments of heartfelt sincerity make her incredibly relatable. She’s the kind of character who stumbles through life in the most endearing way—flawed, funny, and completely lovable.
This film beautifully captures the struggles of single motherhood, and the incredible lengths mothers go to for their children. It also explores the deep grief of losing a partner, the ache of loneliness, and that universal longing for love and companionship. But beyond the heartbreak, it celebrates the joy of rediscovering love, the unwavering support of true friends, and the resilience of the human spirit.'
It’s a film packed with emotion—love, laughter, sorrow, hope, and the simple joy of embracing life, no matter what it throws at you. And as always, Bridget reminds us that even in life’s messiest moments, there’s room for humour, love, and a happy ending.
Flora Kingscote (London, UK)
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is still showing in the cinemas.
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SUPERBOYS of MALEGAON
Why 'Superboys of Malegaon' is a Love Letter to Dreamer.
Independent cinema has always been a space for dreamers—those who create not for fame or fortune, but for the sheer joy of storytelling. ‘Superboys of Malegaon,’ directed by Reema Kagti, is a heartwarming tribute to small-town filmmakers who dare to dream big with limited resources. Set in the bustling yet overlooked town of Malegaon, this film encapsulates the undying passion of grassroots filmmakers, blending humor, nostalgia, and struggle into a compelling cinematic experience.
Synopsis
‘Superboys of Malegaon’ follows Nasir (Adarsh Gourav), a wedding videographer with aspirations of making his own films. With his equally passionate friends—Farogh (Vineet Kumar Singh), the writer, and Shafique (Shashank Arora), the melancholic dreamer—Nasir embarks on a journey to create Malegaon’s version of a superhero film. Armed with makeshift props, unwavering enthusiasm, and an indomitable spirit, the trio face financial struggles, technical difficulties, and scepticism from their own community. Yet, their love for cinema keeps them going.
What Works
The film captures the essence of Malegaon’s unique filmmaking culture, previously highlighted in the 2008 documentary ‘Supermen of Malegaon.’ Kagti’s direction ensures that the characters feel real, their struggles deeply relatable.
Adarsh Gourav shines in the lead role, delivering a nuanced performance that balances comedy and emotional depth. Vineet Kumar Singh and Shashank Arora bring additional layers of charm and sincerity to the narrative.
The film beautifully portrays the raw, unfiltered process of making a film with little to no resources—echoing the passion of countless indie filmmakers worldwide.
Could Have Been Better
While the film’s humour and heartfelt moments keep it engaging, some sequences feel stretched, particularly in the second half.
Given the subject matter, the story follows a somewhat familiar underdog arc. However, the emotional beats and character development make up for it.
Themes
Beyond being a celebration of filmmaking, ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ explores themes of perseverance, friendship, and the impact of storytelling on communities. It highlights how cinema, no matter the budget, has the power to inspire and unite.
Similar Films
Fans of ‘Supermen of Malegaon’ and ‘Cinema Paradiso’ will find ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ equally endearing. The film captures the same spirit of indie filmmaking as ‘Be Kind Rewind’ (2008), where a group of passionate misfits reimagine cinema with whatever resources they have.
Final Take
‘Superboys of Malegaon’ is a delightful, inspiring film that reminds us why storytelling matters. It’s a must-watch for anyone who has ever picked up a camera, written a script, or simply fallen in love with the magic of movies.
OSTW Rating: 84%
Join the Conversation
Have you watched ‘Superboys of Malegaon’? What are your thoughts on indie filmmaking? Drop your comments below!
Superboys of Malegaon is available on Prime Video.
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