#Pakistani Comedy Shows

[kashmirichaiwithmehr]

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[happy-mokka]

Late to a party (as always... story of my life), but I just finished

Dead End: Paranormal Park

on Netflix...

Copyright: Netflix

Wikipedia: here you go

What a beautiful show! Kind of animated fantasy horror comedy playing in a supernatural theme park with the cutest, most diverse and queer cast imaginable:

Barney Guttman, a 17-year-old gay and transgender Jewish American boy who runs away to the theme park because of his complicated relationship with his family.

Norma Khan, a 17-year-old bisexual and autistic Pakistani-American girl who gets a job at the park because of her adoration of the films made by the park's founder.

Pugsley, Barney's pug. As a result of being possessed by a demon king called Temeluchus, he can speak and possesses magical abilities.

Courtney, a thousand-year-old demon. She has been banished from her home and hopes to find a way to return.

Logan Nguyen, a health and safety officer at the park. He is a gay Vietnamese-American who develops feelings for Barney.

Badyah Hassan, Norma's friendly and sardonic best friend. She is Iranian-American and Muslim.

It is fun, dramatic, cute, adorable, romantic and sooo queer...full of small little details and nice sidekicks. I really loved it. Sadly, as so many good shows, it got cancelled after 2 seasons.

Still, go, watch it!

@uncleadelheid-will-eat-your-soul thanks, once again, for a great recommendation... 😘🤗

[doctorwhoisadhd]

im gonna make this unrebloggable to prevent doomspiraling particularly bc its VERY early in the era to be thinking about this but i just wanna get my worries about dw off my chest

im kinda worried about our prospects for next showrunner after RTD cause like. before its been pretty clear cut. moffat won 3 hugos and was nominated for a fourth during RTD's first era, then chibnall had run the first two series of torchwood. but i worry that RTD isnt going to hire any writers of color who are willing or able to take on the position of showrunner. looking it up, it seems like there are plenty of people who would probably be great but the problem is interest. like it would be totally understandable for writers of color to not be willing to take on the big commitment of helming a show as popular as doctor who, especially when it has been (lets be real) pretty damn racist for the VAST majority of its 60+ year history. in fact it would be totally understandable for them to not be interested in writing for dw at all considering how white the show is. RTD is really going to have to make a good environment for them in order to get people on board in the first place but i just doubt if he'll hire writers of color who are willing to take on the show after him. my honest prediction here is i kind of think he'll hand it off to a white woman if even that, which sucks.

anyway heres a (very short) list of people who i think would be good to take over after RTD or at least would be great writing an episode. that said i dont watch basically any TV aside from dw so im basing this off whether theyve done things that seem similar

jo ho: british-chinese woman, created CBBC series spirit warriors

sumerah srivastav: british south asian woman, wrote for lupin

namsi khan: british pakistani woman, wrote for the his dark materials show

anna ssemuyaba: has written a few different things of very different tones (period, action, sci fi, comedy) but what really interests me is this quote from her "I want to create TV shows that explore the inconvenient truths that rule British society, looking at our culture through the prism of subversive humor, rather than being preachy" which i think could serve dw well

daniel lawrence taylor: black man, wrote timewasters which is about a jazz combo that travels back to the 1920s

[dontgofarfromme]

I'm trying to figure out how to pitch this show more effectively bc it's a comedy so I genuinely can't figure out how to describe the plot, but if u want a very funny very queer show starring a deeply caring nonbinary Pakistani-Canadian nanny-slash-bartender who is Going Thru It because of factors including: their complicated/loving/borderline unprofessional relationship with the family they nanny for, their chaotic artsy ride or die BFF, their shitty-ass boyfriend, and their mom (sobbing), then please please please go watch Sort Of. It's such a fun show, theres 2 seasons of 8 20min episodes, it's been renewed for a third season but there is an absolute dearth of content for it on this website and I'm v sad bc it deserves better. Also if ur Canadian u can watch the entire thing FOR FREE on CBC gem at the small cost of annoying unskippable ads which are easily defeated with an ad blocker.

[cantsayidont]

Some recentish shows of note, or lack thereof:

COUNT ABDULLA: Charming comedy about a Pakistani doctor who gets turned into a vampire by a white vamp with a fetish for brown men, and the many complications that ensue. Not so much a horror story as a witty parable about the travails of being a person of color in Tory Britain today. (So, a horror story after all, then.) Jaime Winstone needs to dial it back, but the rest of the cast delights.

DEADLOCH: Snarky comedy-mystery by a well-known Australian comedy team, about mismatched cops investigating a gruesome murder in a small town. The mystery is clever; the payoff is blah; and despite the predominantly female, mostly LGBT cast, the humor is awfully reliant on misogynistic and homophobic cracks that frequently cross a line from "laughing with" to "laughing at."

HIJACK: Tense but very contrived seven-part thriller about the hijacking of a British airliner on a seven-hour-flight from Dubai to London, with passenger Idris Elba the wildcard. Gripping, but not terribly plausible, and the many false climaxes become exhausting, especially if you watch the episodes back to back.

THE LAZARUS PROJECT: Convoluted, intermittently fascinating, unpleasantly mean Sky sci-fi thriller about an app developer named George Addo (Paapa Essiedu), who's drawn into a secret organization that can undo world-ending disasters (natural or manmade) by resetting time to a predetermined save point, like a video game, although this has harrowing consequences for the handful of people capable of remembering the repeated resets. At first, this is basically just window dressing for grim espionage procedural nonsense, with some extremely questionable character motivations, but after a relentlessly bleak midsection, the first season finds its dramatic footing in the unexpectedly interesting final episodes, in which the premise is pushed to its breaking point and the grimness gives way to black comedy. This is the note on which the considerably more complicated second season begins, but it again grows uglier and bleaker as it goes on, and any sympathy for George, positioned at the start of the show as a relatable everyman, has long since evaporated. There are some provocative ideas and a number of surprisingly funny moments, but the whole story is predicated on pushing the characters into morally compromised positions (one assumes creator Joe Barton always has a browser tab open to the TV Tropes "Moral Event Horizon" page), and the fact that some of the (many) atrocities the characters perpetrate in hopes of fixing the existential catastrophes they've set in motion are subsequently undone doesn't make them any easier to stomach. Anjli Mohindra (who plays Archie, the veteran agent who initially recruits George into the project) remains frustratingly under-utilized in both seasons.

THE MORNING SHOW: Big-budget, all-star TV news drama is all dressed up with nothing to say, undone at every turn by truly spineless whataboutism and a centrist world view so gormless it makes Aaron Sorkin seem like Alexander Berkman. Reese Witherspoon is pretty good as closeted bisexual cohost Bradley Jackson, but costar Jennifer Anniston's limited range becomes a problem, particularly as the quality of the scripts declines noticeably in later seasons. You could always just watch BROADCAST NEWS.

THE OTHER BLACK GIRL: Disjointed adaptation of the 2021 Zakiya Dalila Harris novel scores when it focus on the workplace drama of a young Black woman in a painfully white publishing company, but trips over its own feet in its attempts to also be a paranoid thriller, with plenty of bad vibes that never add up to a coherent sense of threat and a conspiracy plot that doesn't really make any sense.

THE PERIPHERAL: Misfired adaptation of the 2014 William Gibson novel is executive-produced by the same people as the recent WESTWORLD series and has the same problems: big ideas that don't translate into action and an infuriating tendency to consign characters of color to marginal or villainous roles. Worse, it eventually becomes clear that several more compelling characters have been sidelined in favor of the poor white trash leads (Chloë Grace Moretz and Jack Reynor), who are neither very interesting nor especially sympathetic.

WHO IS ERIN CARTER?: Kinetic but preposterous seven-part action thriller with Evin Ahmad as a suburban mom in Barcelona who is secretly an incredible badass with a shady past. Basically a violent Walter Mitty fantasy for soccer moms who love the JOHN WICK movies, with a showy supporting role for Denise Gough from ANDOR.

[historyhermann]

“Amphibia” Emphasizes Chosen Families and Self-Acceptance

What if a Thai-American girl wakes up and finds herself in a world filled with talking frogs? Amphibia answers that question. Anne meets new friends, enemies, and tries to figure out her purpose in this strange world.

Reprinted from The Geekiary, my History Hermann WordPress blog (it will be published on there on Dec. 26), and Wayback Machine. This was the forty-second article I wrote for The Geekiary. This post was originally published on June 25, 2022.

Amphibia is an animated adventure-fantasy-comedy series by Matt Braly, an animator of Thai descent. He is also known for directing episodes of Gravity Falls and Big City Greens.

As a warning, this recommendation discusses spoilers for all three seasons of Amphibia.

Amphibia centers around a 13-year-old Thai-American girl, Anne Boonchuy (Brenda Song), who is transported by a music box to another world with her two best friends, Sasha Waybright (Anna Akana) and Marcy Wu (Haley Tju). In this wild land, filled with marshes and tropical environments, she meets talking frogs and other creatures, including a family of frogs named the Plantars.

This family is headed by the overbearing and traditional grandfather, Hop Pop (Bill Farmer). He has two kids-of-sorts: an excitable frog named Sprig (Justin Felbinger) and a spunky pollywog named Polly (Amanda Leighton). All of them live on a farm of their own in the close-knit town of Wartwood. As Anne bonds with the Plantars, she learns what friendship and being heroic means.

This all-ages animated series is filled with diversity, especially from its characters and voice actors. The latter are of Chinese, Indonesian, Pakistani, Japanese, and Thai descent. The show compliments this with wonderful animation, music, and background art.

Unsurprisingly, the series has been been nominated for four Annie Awards, one Daytime Emmy, and a GLAAD Media Award since it began airing in 2019. It includes some voice actors I'm familiar with, like Tress MacNeille and John DiMaggio, who voice characters in Disenchantment, as well as well-known gay actor George Takei.

From left to right: Sasha, Marcy, and Anne with "cool anime" powers in the final episode of Amphibia, floating the air like anime heroes or Kid Cosmic protagonists

Amphibia is more than a series centered on a girl who is adopted by a family of talking frogs. While there is the classic conflict of good vs. evil, there is also a focus on family separation, self-acceptance, and trauma. As I wrote previously, all of the main protagonists have trauma on same level or another, as the friendship between all three of them faces hardships and strains.

This is all mixed together with fantasy and sci-fi elements, and even occasionally situational comedy acts. These complex characters are written in such a way that you become invested and concerned about them, even after ending the series. The series also has plotlines focused on human and animal experimentation, and robots.

This series is part of a recent set of diverse Disney animated series. Others include The Ghost and Molly McGee, a supernatural fantasy, and will-be-ending horror comedy and fantasy The Owl House. Upcoming series such as Iwaju, Moana: The Series, Tiana, Cookies & Milk, Hailey's On It!, and Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur portend a continuation of this focus.

In the case of Amphibia, Braly based the series on his trips to Bangkok, Thailand where he thought he was an outsider. He also was inspired by video games like The Legend of Zelda and Chrono Trigger. In previous interviews he said he wanted to make the main character a Thai-American because there were few Thai protagonists in TV series or films that he watched as a kid. As a result, he has said he become influenced by the Mortal Kombat and Sonic the Hedgehog franchises.

In a December 2021 interview, Braly noted the themes of immigration, alienation, and xenophobia drawn from his own experiences. All of these themes are deeply integrated into the series. Some of this is heavily informed, according to Braly, by the 1990s series, Pepper Ann. Braly also noted that frogs were chosen for the series because they are metaphor for change and their connection to Thai culture.

Lady Olivia (right) looks at General Yunan (left) lovingly and tells her she wouldn't mind "settling down" in Wartwood with Yunan.

Amphibia is rightly praised for illustrating issues like emotional manipulation, bullying, and delightful characters. The series could also be praised for broadening "ethnic-racial representations" like Craig of the Creek and Elena of Avalor. This is something that groups like the socially conservative family-oriented non-profit, Common Sense Media, would praise.

A 2021 report from the organization notes that when people of color are portrayed stereotypically, it causes harmful views to be promoted among White audiences. This is coupled with underrepresentation of specific groups, such as Latine and Indigenous people, and misrepresentation of others.

Little mentioned is LGBTQ representation in Amphibia. Although it isn't as direct as other recent series, like Dead End: Paranormal Park or The Owl House, Braly stated that in the show's finale, they left it open as to whether someone thinks of Sasha, Marcy, and Anne romantically or not, as he loves shipping. He called it the "greatest expression of love for characters."

This gives queer fans who ship Marcanne (Marcy and Anne), Sasharcy (Sasha and Marcy), Sashanne (Sasha and Anne), or even all three in a relationship together some solace. This the case even if this so-called "Calamity Trio" are only be "gal pals" in the show's canon.

Even so, Sasha was hinted as bisexual in the show's final episode, and confirmed as such by Braly, as I noted in an earlier post. Her voice actress, Akana, is bisexual herself. She voiced Daisy in magical girl esque Magical Friendship Girl Squad: Origins and Magical Girl Friendship Squad. In the case of Daisy, Akana argued that Daisy was bisexual. However, other crew members argued she was a lesbian, and possibly trans, leading to confusion among fans.

Coming back to Amphibia, Sasha joins other LGBTQ characters such as Frodrick Toadstool and Toadie who were confirmed as a gay couple by the show's creator. More significantly is Yunan (Zahra Fazal) and Lady Olivia (Michelle Dockery) as lesbian couple. There's also Ally and Jess who run an Internet video channel together. Their colors are based off the bisexual and pansexual flags.

It is also implied that Mr. X, voiced by RuPaul, is gay, and there are some other minor LGBTQ characters. Similar to Sasha, the sexual identities of these characters are never directly stated. Mr. X is an effeminate FBI agent assisted by a silent assistant named Jenny. After Anne and frog family escape to Amphibia, Anne's birth family convince Mr. X to hear them out and to be on the same side against Andrias. This results in the military and FBI assisting Anne and her friends in the final episode.

The relationship of Yunan and Olivia, was embraced by reviewers like Jade King, who calls herself "TheGamer’s Queen of Gay Cartoons." Braly told King that the ship of these two characters was their favorite ship. He called it "very organic" and "awesome." Fans were jubilant about the news, and fully embraced it. It undoubtedly helped that Fazal was inspired by the protagonist of Darkwing Duck in voicing the character.

Considering that the final episode has a ten year time-skip, it makes the series ripe for a possible spin-off or continuation that happens in that time skip, with different protagonists than this series. While some are conflicted about a spin-off, the show could go a route a la Steven Universe Future, focusing on the aftermath of a victory, with Anne, Marcy, and Sasha having to pick up the pieces.

All three seasons of Amphibia are currently streaming on Disney+, YouTube TV, and Prime Video.

© 2022-2023 Burkely Hermann. All rights reserved.

[proustianrevelry]

Listen I'm not going to lie, the TV series pickings are SLIM and the shows that does is gay look pretty dire (Watch Spec Ops: Lioness, a bw/bw love story that's mostly about the women's work as gritty brave dark tortured heroic US spies who are also The Troops, now streaming on Paramount+).

But film! Queer cinema!!!! There is so much good gay art! Some of it isn't even from the imperial core, that's how marginalized the queer voices you'll be hearing from are!

Incomplete List of Heterogeneous Queer Films from 2023:

Strange Way of Life (Latino lead, iconic gay director Pedro Almodovar)

Cassandro (Mexican film, biopic overwhelmingly Latino cast, also look up the real Cassandro and watch some highlights from his matches imo)

Mutt (trans man protagonist played by transmasc actor)

Nyad (old white lesbian swimmers)

Monica (trans woman protagonist played by a trans woman)

Joyland - Pakistani film about a trans woman Biba, her straight suitor Haider, and his wife Mumtaz

Frybread Face and Me - Diné kid who is lowkey shamed/punished for liking ~girl stuff~ too much is sent to live on a reservation with his grandmother and cousin. Instead of becoming "manlier" from the ranch chores he learns to do, he instead finds room to breathe, love and acceptance in Diné culture, whose gender concepts and roles are different enough from settlers' that he isn't bullied or "corrected" when he plays with dolls or talks about Fleetwood Mac or hangs out with his cousin Dawn instead of finding a male best friend or a girlfriend. (Is this queer? I don't know but I'm putting it on here because it's a film about the violence and coercion faced by anybody doing their assigned gender "wrong," and how it starts before sexuality, before puberty, at a point in childhood where "boys" and "girls" are differentiated mainly by their hair, clothes and friend group.)

Nimona (animated film adaptation of the beloved comic about a bitey shapeshifting genderfuck goblin and its new gay dad villainous mentor. Trans author.)

Bottoms (sex comedy starring 2 queer teens played by queer women - Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edibiri)

[savefilescomng12]

Watch Mathira Mohammad leaked viral video on Twitter and reddit

Watch Mathira Mohammad leaked viral video on Twitter and reddit

 Mathira Mohammad, better known by her mononym Mathira, is a dynamic force in the entertainment industry, known for her versatility as a model, dancer, television hostess, singer, and actor. With roots in both Pakistan and Zimbabwe, Mathira has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, captivating audiences with her magnetic presence and undeniable talent. However, the recent emergence of a leaked viral video has thrust Mathira into the spotlight once again, sparking controversy and speculation about the intricacies of privacy, consent, and the complexities of celebrity culture. This article delves into the multifaceted career of Mathira, examining her contributions to the entertainment industry, the impact of the leaked video on her public image, and the broader implications for artists in the digital age.Mathira's journey in the entertainment industry is characterized by her diverse skill set and unwavering passion for her craft. From her early days as a model and dancer to her foray into television hosting, singing, and acting, Mathira has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in a variety of creative pursuits. Whether dazzling audiences with her sultry dance moves, captivating them with her infectious energy as a television hostess, or enthralling them with her soulful singing, Mathira's versatility knows no bounds.

Watch Mathira Mohammad leaked viral video on Twitter 

One of Mathira's most notable contributions to the entertainment industry has been her presence on television, where she has hosted several popular shows and garnered a dedicated fan base. With her natural charisma, quick wit, and ability to connect with audiences of all ages, Mathira has become a household name, earning praise for her hosting skills and her ability to keep viewers engaged and entertained. From talk shows to reality programs, Mathira's television presence has left an indelible mark on the Pakistani entertainment landscape.In addition to her success on television, Mathira has also made a name for herself as a talented singer, with a string of hit songs to her credit. Known for her soulful vocals and emotive performances, she has captivated audiences with her unique blend of pop, R&B, and dance music. From chart-topping singles to electrifying live performances, Mathira's music has resonated with fans across the globe, earning her acclaim and recognition as one of Pakistan's most promising musical talents.

Watch Mathira Mohammad leaked viral video on Twitter and reddit 

As an actor, Mathira has proven herself to be a versatile and compelling performer, capable of tackling a diverse range of roles with aplomb. From gritty dramas to lighthearted comedies, she has demonstrated her range and versatility, earning critical acclaim for her nuanced portrayals and her ability to breathe life into complex characters. Whether playing the femme fatale in a suspense thriller or the girl next door in a romantic comedy, Mathira brings depth, authenticity, and charisma to every role she undertakes.

Despite her myriad accomplishments and accolades, Mathira's career has not been without its share of challenges and controversies. The recent circulation of a leaked viral video has cast a shadow over her otherwise thriving career, prompting intense scrutiny and speculation from fans, media, and industry insiders alike. While the details and origins of the video remain unclear, its impact on Mathira's public image and reputation has been profound, forcing her to confront difficult questions about privacy, consent, and the perils of celebrity culture.

Watch Mathira Mohammad leaked viral video on reddit 

In the wake of the leaked viral video, Mathira has faced a barrage of criticism and scrutiny from all corners. However, she has remained steadfast in her resolve, addressing the controversy with grace, dignity, and resilience. Through candid interviews and social media posts, Mathira has sought to set the record straight, sharing her side of the story and reaffirming her commitment to her values and principles. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead, Mathira remains undeterred, determined to emerge from this ordeal stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever before.As Mathira continues to navigate the complexities of fame and celebrity in the digital age, her future is filled with promise and potential. With her talent, charisma, and unwavering dedication to her craft, she is poised to continue making a lasting impact on the entertainment industry for years to come. Whether as a singer, actor, television hostess, or all-around entertainer, Mathira's star continues to rise, illuminating the path for future generations of artists and performers to follow. As she embarks on the next chapter of her illustrious career, one thing is certain: Mathira's legacy will endure as a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her craft. Source link Read the full article

[livgr3]

The Big Sick (2017)

Michael Showalter's The Big Sick contains two prototypical rom-com narratives in one: its first third depicts the budding romance between Pakistani American stand-up comedian Kumail and Emily, a white, American woman, while its remainder shows Kumail grappling with love, family, and sacrifice after Emily is suddenly put into a medically-induced coma.

The Big Sick's eclectic narrative and its multitude of inherent themes about race and gender are further complicated by the fact that this film is a true story, actually co-written by now-spouses Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon and starring now-successful comedian Kumail Nanjiani as himself. Perhaps because of this biographical nature of the film, its comedy is incredibly self-aware and purposefully realistic, with many moments of improvisation. In fact, Kumail's place as a stand-up comedian inserts comedy into the diegetic narrative itself, with the role of and need for comedy in the face of tragedies becoming a major theme of the film. This realistic approach is also reflected in the fact that Kumail and Emily's racial difference is not at all hidden within the narrative.

(For the purposes of this discussion, I will refer to Kumail Nanjiani the character as Kumail and Kumail Nanjiani the screenwriter/real life figure as Nanjiani)

Before proceeding with any analysis, I must first address the film's meta-narrative and the complication of analyzing and intellectualizing its modes of representation because of its truth and its autobiographical form. Some of the film is, of course, dramatized and fictionalized, but many of its questionable aspects of race and gender were central to the true story and thus unchanged in the film. This does not justify everything "wrong" with the film, but rather brings forth really stimulating questions about the ethics of autobiographical pieces, identity politics, self representation, and more!

I will try to remedy this gap by analyzing this film based upon Nanjiani's identity as a Pakistani man and Kumail's role as the romantic male lead and the film's narrator, despite the film being written by both Nanjiani and Gordon about their own romance. Kumail's perspective brings forth differing representations of Pakistani and white women.

Throughout the film, Kumail's parents repeatedly force him into meeting several Pakistani women in hopes that he will find a wife. After secretly falling in love with Emily, a fact Kumail completely hides from his family until the end of the film, Kumail detests these arranged meetings. There is tension between his family's adherance to tradition and his immersion into American culture (his brother even calls him a burger). Nanjiani's writing allows for a nuanced exploration of his own relation to tradition and cultural assimilation, avoiding harmful rhetoric framing the tradition of arranged marriages as wholly "bad". In fact, Kumail's relationship to his family and respective culture is open-ended as the film concludes.

However, the Desi women who meet Kumail do not receive this same fair, nuanced kind of representation.

The film has been criticized for its portrayal of Desi women as unwanted, discardable, and interchangeable. Kumail places the headshots of these women in a cigar box, a visual representation of their irrelevance to him. While this is intended to display his strains and complex frustrations with tradition, Nanjiani himself has stated his regret about the carelessness in how he approached this opportunity to represent Desi women in his film, and how its central love story inevitably displays a preference for white women. Let's discuss:

Nanjiani's regret at this aspect of his film is understandable, yet speaks to the rarity of his position in Hollywood and the expectations placed on non-white creatives. Not only is he the most prominent Pakistani-American actor, he is also a Pakistani-American stand-up comedian, writer, producer, etc. His unique celebrity creates a lot of pressure for him to be "the voice" of Pakistani representation. How does the lack of diverse story tellers in the industry impact the kinds of films they are expected to create? How does the expectation to portray one's culture positively to mainstream, Western viewers limit POC writers/filmmakers?

Does Nanjiani's identity as a Pakistani man impact the reception of his film and provide him certain privileges? The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. While the film is fantastic, films that use prototypical rom-com formulas don't typically receive this merit. Do you think any other factors are at play for this high critical acclaim? Would the film be received differently if it were about a Pakistani woman? If it were more classically a "women's" rom-com, from a woman's POV? Is "tokenization" at play?

Finally, I would like to discuss the central romance in the film, one that happens to be an interracial romance. This scene depicts Kumail and Emily's last interaction before her coma, leaving Kumail with immense guilt and regret:

This is a very fitting representation of how interracial and intercultural romance is addressed in the film. I am very confounded by this scene, and don't know what to make of it myself. So, I want to open it up for discussion.

What do you make of this argument? Is Emily's anger and feeling of betrayal understandable? Is Kumail's subsequent guilt justified?

How does this film compare to the previous scene I showed? How do both race and gender privileges intersect in this film, based on these two clips?

[excusethequality]

My 2024 in Film: July

Oh, dear. I am once again super behind on my listing duties.

I was so hoping to be caught up by October, but then I went and watched a boatload of movies in August and now I'm in the weeds once more.

But there's still time! Maybe I can make a big push and make it in time. Especially if I don't blather on about things as much I wound up doing in this post.

In any case, July was a pretty good month for movies. Rewatched some old goodies, tried out some classics I had never seen, took some chances.

Movies are under the break.

* = rewatch

142.

Shark Huntress

(2021)

— Animal attack Directed by: John Riggins

A woman teams up with her old group of environmentalist friends to get to the truth behind the death of her mother at the jaws of a shark.

This movie is trash.

It's so bad. Just truly bad writing. Nothing makes any friggin' sense. The guy who plays "Guru" is one of the worst actors I've ever seen. It was just a confounding and painful experience to finish.

I was toying with the idea of trying to watch all the shark attack movies and ranking them. But I quickly learned that shark movies are havens for the writers of low-budget garbage films. There's just so many truly terrible ones. I haven't fully given up the quest, but I do limit myself to one a month at most in order to protect my sanity.

143.*

Captain Marvel

(2019)

— Superhero Adventure Directed by: Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck

While on a military operation for an alien race known as the Kree, a soldier is taken prisoner and forced to realize that everything she thought she knew was a lie.

Ever since this movie came out people have been shitting on it, but I love it and y'all are out of your minds.

The best thing about it is that it's a character driven movie about someone coming to terms with their past hidden in the guise of a big superhero action movie.

People are so used to the standard MCU framework that they use that to judge it, not realizing that it was subverting the framework the entire time.

"Ugh," they complain, "Carol is too strong and she's so arrogant." She's a friggin' fighter pilot! Have you seen Top Gun? Those fuckers are as cocky as they come. And she's had to battle against sexism her whole career, so she can't show any hesitation or weakness.

And yes, Carol is incredibly strong. That's the whole point. She was the strongest character in the movie the whole time, but her past, her environment, and the toxic people around her had been holding her back the entire time.

The whole story is about her being forced to realize that none of the limiters she thought she had on her were real. They were all just ideas put on her that she could ignore if she stopped trying to play their games.

And if all that wasn't enough you've got an incredible cast, top tier friendship chemistry, queer undertones, and a cute cat.

I don't think it's at the level that will make you a fan if you don't like superhero movies. But it's definitely in my top-tier of my favorite superhero movies.

144.

جوائے لینڈ

[English title: Joyland]

(2022)

— Drama Directed by: Saim Sadiq

A Pakistani family must all bear hardship in different ways when the tensions between tradition and culture versus personal desires and family relationships start to come to a boil.

From the description and the trailer I assumed it was going to be more of a straight forward romantic drama about a romance between a man and the trans woman he works for at a theater. But it really is so much more than that.

The thing that won me over with it is that it never limits its story by focusing too much on any one character. By maintaining a sort of distance it allows you to see all the interactions between the characters and how any one action can ripple through the rest. And thus when things happens you get a more objective view of who, if anyone, is to blame.

I'd definitely recommend giving it a watch. It's a really fantastic bit of character work.

145.*

Miss Congeniality

(2000)

— Comedy Directed by: Donald Petrie

A cop goes undercover as a contestant in a beauty contest in order to take down a serial killer.

I remember there was a reason I decided to rewatch this, but I really don't know what it was.

It's a very 2000s movie, I'll say that about it. And it has not aged particularly well. Especially because if you want a beauty pageant comedy from this era you could just watch Drop Dead Gorgeous, which is funnier, less problematic, and doesn't try and portray cops as heroes.

...the April 25th joke is truly hilarious though. That's something I can't take that away from it.

146.

Leprechaun: Origins

(2014)

— Creature Feature Horror Directed by: Zach Lipovsky

Two couples are vacationing in Ireland, but an attempt to learn some local history backfires when they find themselves under attack by leprechauns.

For anyone reading this list that hates stupid Horror movies you'll be glad to know that this is the last movie in the Leprechaun franchise. I made it to the end!

But for anyone who does like stupid Horror movies you won't be glad to know that this is By Far the worst one.

It's not even a competition. This is the worst one by quite a large margin. There were some stupid entries in the Leprechaun franchise, but at least they all had their own demented sort of charm. This is just hollow.

I knew Warwick Davis wasn't going to be in it, but I figured, hey, he's getting older. I can see them thinking it's time to pass the torch.

But I wasn't expecting them to just change the format completely. The leprechauns don't even talk in this one. They're just feral little creatures here. The whole thing is just a really shoddily made creature feature.

There's also this style of horror filmmaking that I'm sure any horror fan is familiar with. It's particularly prevalent in creature features. But it's a really cheap style where they try to see how far they can get by cutting around anything interesting and relying on you filling in the gaps.

Let's make a fake scene here as an example. Okay, our setting is a cabin in the woods. Characters are acting scared. Oh, a shadow moves past the window? Close up of character looking outside. Jumpscare of something slamming into the window. Characters freaking out and backing away. Something smashes through the window and we quickly cut back to the characters running away before you can see what it was. They all run out of the room and slam the door closed just as something thuds into it. You hear monster noises as the characters struggle to hold the door closed as something on the other side charges into it repeatedly.

You see what I'm saying?

Single location, handful of actors, not much dialogue. And if you're really feeling fancy? Perhaps throw in the most meager of monster props, like a hand or something trying to slip through the crack in the door to heighten the illusion.

Heck, you can even have the creature attacking someone directly, and by using close-ups and a jumble of cuts you can try to suggest the chaos of a monster attack. But once again you're cutting around the actual object of interest.

Your film thusly has a hole in the middle; it is essentially hollow.

Keeps that budget real low. But it's an offensive style, because it relies on you thinking your audience won't notice that you gave them an illusion for dinner.

Sure, lots of horror movies show you very little, but the good ones are using that as a tool. Spielberg famously had to limit the amount the shark was in Jaws because his animatronic was malfunctioning constantly, but he's a talented director so he changed his style to match having to use the shark sparingly. The terror became knowing that something was in the water that you couldn't see. Peaceful scenes became menacing because you knew a killer was somewhere out there and the fact that you couldn't see it right now meant it was all the scarier.

The reason the show-nothing style of horror is the most prevalent in creature movies is because creatures are inherently expensive and easy to do badly. So you try to show them as little as possible. But creating scares without showing anything requires talent, and talent costs money, and these types of low-budget movies don't want to spend that kind of money.

And thus you end up with films like this that want to act like they're The Thing and having the monster coming after these people, but never show the thing.

(The reason why slashers are typically the most budget friendly of the horror genres is because you can show the killer as much as you want and not break the bank on effects.)

Long story short, this is a prime example of modern low-budget horror. The type most often seen in made-for-tv / made-for-streaming money grabs.

And as someone who has watched a lot of Horror, anytime I start something and notice these hallmarks? Oh, you better believe I'm cursing under my breath, because I know I'm about to be treated like an idiot for 90 minutes.

And this is such an egregious example of the style that even people who aren't big film nerds hate this stupid thing.

Just look at these average ratings:

Letterboxd: 1.5/5 IMDB: 3.2/10 Rotten Tomato audience score: 1.6/5

It is just that fucking lazy and stupid.

147.

My Dinner With Andre

(1981)

— Drama Directed by: Louis Malle

Two old friends meet and catch up over dinner.

I feel like I was led to believe this was a movie about dinner between theater majors. But in actuality it is more like a dinner with philosophy majors.

And those are very different dinners!

This is such an acclaimed and oft-mentioned movie, but I had never bothered with it because I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like it. But let it not be said that I don't push myself when it comes to film and try new things.

I think it's fair to say that your instincts about this film will probably turn out to be correct. Love it or hate it, it truly is a movie entirely about two dudes having a conversation over dinner.

I will say that that the first half is definitely harder to watch than the second half. Andre dominates the conversation in the first half and he's a new-agey kinda dude and of the sort that I don't do well with.

In the second half Wallace Shawn's character starts to assert himself in the conversation and I definitely liked it much more once it became more of a dialogue and less of Andre monologuing about nonsense.

148.

Anatomie d'une chute

[English title: Anatomy of a Fall]

(2023)

— Mystery Directed by: Justine Triet

A man is found dead on the ground below the window to his house's attic that he had been in the process of renovating. The only other person at home was his wife. As the circumstances around the fall become murkier and murkier the wife is forced to defend herself from accusations of murder. And the only other person with any clue what might have happened that day is their blind son.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, but I will say that there were definitely parts where I was completely distracted by my ignorance of the French criminal justice system.

All I know is the American system, and damn! It turns out they are quite different. And it very distracting to be watching a trial and having shit happen that apparently is very normal for a French trial, but just utterly out-of-line for an American one.

I know, I know: even US courtroom dramas almost never depict courts in an accurate manner. But the French system is just close enough to be relatable, but also completely different.

So through no fault of the film's, I was definitely taken out of a lot of scenes by my utter bewilderment over what was happening in the courtroom.

Aside from that though, just a tour de force in terms of acting. A really intriguing mystery. And it has definitely stuck with me after I watched it.

149.

The Third Man

(1949)

— Mystery Directed by: Carol Reed

An American author moves to Austria after being offered a job by a friend, but when he arrives he learns that his friend has recently died. However, the more he hears about the incident the more he begins to suspect that things aren't adding up.

This is an example of me finally getting around to watching some acclaimed film to see for myself.

It's alright. It's certainly well-made. But I'm rather character-centric when it comes to stories and there isn't a single character I really care about. And I have a hard time getting invested in a story when that's the case.

If you're more interested in the cinema of it all then there are better sources than I to describe why it's considered a classic.

150.

Platoon

(1986)

— War Directed by: Oliver Stone

It's 1967 and a new soldier has just arrived at an infantry unit in the Vietnam War. He soon learns that the Vietnam War was pretty fucked up.

Look at me! I'm on a roll here with acclaimed films.

I was watching something or another and they made reference to a classic scene from this movie. I've never watched this one, because War movies, and Vietnam War movies in particular, often aren't my thing. They are usually based around having character go through horrible ordeal after horrible ordeal, and then end on a note of "War is truly a terrible thing."

...I don't know about you, but I don't really need to watch a whole movie to know that war is fucked up. And I don't particularly like watching people suffer just to watch people suffer.

Someone might now be like, You watch all that Horror and you don't like watching people suffer?

And they're different! Horror isn't about death, the Horror genre is about SURVIVAL. The bad things that happen to the characters has a deeper meaning within the story, and seeing how they handle these troubles and move forward provides the story arc.

War movies are often about death or guilt or trauma.

And yeah, this one is no exception.

I will gladly concede that one of the reasons this movie feels so average to me is that it came out before I was born and was incredibly influential. So I came up on pieces that were refinements to its formula. It's hard sometimes to properly judge things within their own era, especially when you've seen people build upon what it did and further refine it over the decades.

So while I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to most people, if you're a big movie buff I think it is interesting to see how this fits into the timeline of the genre.

Also, while Charlie Sheen is utterly forgettable as the lead, Willem Dafoe is definitely bringing some heat.

151.*

The Waterboy

(1998)

— Sports Comedy Directed by: Frank Coraci

A man with a love for water and for hydrating the thirsty is fired from his job as the waterboy for a local college. But while trying to find a job at another college it's discovered that he actually has a natural gift for playing football as a linebacker.

And then I end the streak with an Adam Sandler comedy.

Although I hate modern Sandler comedies with a deep loathing, I still can't help but enjoy the older ones.

Look at some of this cast: Kathy Bates, Fairuza Balk, Henry Winkler.

I won't try and convince anyone of it's quality, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it.

The main character is just so earnest. Kathy Bates and Henry Winkler steal the show and are hilarious. And I've never seen Fairuza Bulk in a movie where she wasn't giving something unique to the role.

152.

The Wedding Singer

(1998)

— Rom-Com Directed by: Frank Coraci

A wedding singer in the 1980s falls in love with a bride-to-be.

I do believe this was the only early Sandler comedy that I never saw before.

Well, actually, after watching it again I'm pretty sure I had at least seen parts of it before? A couple scenes definitely felt familiar, so maybe a family member was watching it one day back in my younger days. But I really couldn't have told you a single thing about the plot, so I'm going to go ahead and count this as something new to me.

For a Sandler movie I was kind of shocked at how down to Earth it was. His movies of this era usually had some sort of zany element to them and this is one is played pretty straight.

The most maddening thing about Adam Sandler is that he really can act when he wants to, he just chooses not to for 99% of his movies. And he is so much better when he's playing down-to-earth characters than he is playing wacky ones.

153.*

Drop Dead Gorgeous

(1999)

— Mockumentary Comedy Directed by: Michael Patrick Jann

Things at a beauty pageant in small-town Minnesota turn deadly when someone starts trying to off the contestants.

After Miss Congeniality left a bad taste in my mouth I felt compelled to watch a beauty pageant comedy with some chops.

I could write an essay on this film. There is just so much going on here.

I know people that love it and I know people that hate it and I understand where both are coming from. It's equal parts ingenious and flawed. But it's the way it's flawed that is so interesting.

(well, except for almost everything surrounding Will Sasso's character, which is far and away the cringiest element of the film.)

In spite of being completely over-the-top it still somehow manages to be one of the most accurately Minnesotan movies ever made. And the problems I see in it were all problems that I saw while growing up in 90s Minnesota. And it's the weirdly accurate depictions of both the good and the bad that make it so compelling to me.

It's just doing so many little things that I never see in other movies. The way it shows how young people often have really passionate interests? And the way that sometimes those interests are incredibly esoteric? The accuracy in the way that small towns gossip. The way people at parades in real life look hot and as if they've perhaps been in the sun too long. Almost every scene has some little details in the dialogue or in how a shot is set up that I could point to.

And I haven't even gotten into all the amazing performances in it (not to mention all the before-they-were-famous big names that show up). There are just SO many hilarious women in this movie. If I had to pick a favorite it would have to be Allison Janney, because (like always) she just always finds a way to crack me up.

So yeah, I have a weird love for this movie. But if it's issues are a little too much for others, I do understand.

154.

The Vampire Lovers

(1970)

— Horror Directed by: Roy Wade Baker

A vampire woman specializes in seducing her victims, but things get tricky when she falls for her latest victim and those around her begin to suspect that her intentions might not be on the level.

Came across this one on Tubi and was in the mood to take a chance.

I was a little worried at the beginning, because it was shaping up to be a very stereo-typical Hammer Horror movie. But I've gotta say, there's some stuff to love in here.

While 50% is a pretty straight-forward Dracula ripoff with as many boob shots as they could fit in, the other 50% is a pretty fun queer vampire story?

As long as you know what you're getting into to I think it was a pretty enjoyable watch.

155.

A Streetcar Named Desire

(1951)

— Drama Directed by: Elia Kazan

A woman goes to stay with her sister and husband-in-law after being forced to sell her family home.

Not gonna lie: I know this is a classic, but I finally got around to watching it because of The Simpson's episode "A Streetcar Named Marge" (S4E2).

[and I love that episode even more now that I understand all the jokes they were making.]

I really do understand why this is an acclaimed film, there's a lot about this I really enjoyed. But Blanche makes me want to put my head through a wall.

I have nothing against Vivien Leigh's performance, she's doing a great job, I get what the movie was going for, and I can't explain it...but the character infuriates me.

I get that this is a me problem. I really do think I might have loved this movie if not for the fact that Blanche was driving me slowly but surely to madness.

156.*

The Muppets Take Manhattan

(1984)

— Family Comedy Directed by: Frank Oz

The Muppets have just graduated college and go to New York City to try and stage their show on Broadway.

I thought I had never seen this before and sought to rectify that, but eventually realized that I had seen this at some point as a child. I also now know why I had forgotten so much about it.

I have a hard time knowing how to rate this.

If I'm rating it against all movies? It's alright. There's a lot of fun to had. There's a lot of sweetness and good humor. But on my scale of Muppet movies? It was a bit of a let down.

This came out after The Muppet Movie and before The Great Muppet Caper. And yet it lacks the heart of The Muppet Movie and the plot/character development of The Great Muppet Caper.

Okay, so technically it has a plot. But I would argue that it has less of a plot than a string of things that happen.

There's a quote I think about a lot when it comes to movies and it comes from Terry Pratchett's book Hogfather. In it a philosopher named Didactylos has a theory about the origin of the universe, "Things just happen, what the hell."

And it perfectly describes how some stories are written: things just happen.

It's not a flowing stream of events that naturally lead from one point to another. It's just a string of events that happen because they were written that way.

So if you're a Muppets fan, definitely give it a try one day. There's some fun stuff in here. (This is the movie that led to the Muppet Babies show for instance.)

But I just can't see myself wanting to watch this one again when I could just watch one of the other ones instead.

157.

The Last Dragonslayer

(2016)

— Family Fantasy Comedy Directed by: Jamie Magnus Stone

A former orphan must take on the mantle of a dragon slayer in order to free her adoptive father from a magical spell.

This is only going to make sense to a select group of you, but you can really tell this was based on a Jasper Fforde book. I haven't actually read this one, but the fact that it's very Fforde-ian seems to suggest to me that they at least got the vibes right.

Fforde in general reminds me of Terry Pratchett...but like a sillier Pratchett without the substance and flair. And likewise this movie reminds me of the live action Discworld movies...but without the same substance and flair.

But in spite of its flaws I still had a good time. Although it is rather heavy-handed in its messages, I think it has a really good heart. I really like the main character, I like its anti-corporate messages, and I like that it seems like it was made with genuine care.

And it's a kids movie! It's not made for me. And I would gladly show this to a kid and have a good time watching it with them. So I can't really say it isn't successful.

158.

Deadpool & Wolverine

(2024)

— Superhero Action Adventure Comedy Directed by: Shawn Levy

In order to save his universe from eradication Deadpool goes on a journey across the multiverse to find the missing key.

I keep telling myself that I'm gonna stop watching all these half-assed superhero movies...and I keep doing it anyways.

'Surely THIS one will be different,' I tell myself.

But I grew up reading comics and watching cartoons and my inherent curiosity at how those stories are being adapted keeps me coming back. And hey, the previous Deadpool movies were Fox productions not Disney ones, so maybe Disney will leave them alone to do their own thing?

But no.

It's just more of the usual for MCU movies.

Sure, the previous Deadpool movies had lots of references, but they also had stories and actual character development. (they also had a different director than this one)

This is just nothing but empty calories.

"Hey remember this? Remember this?" for over 2 hours.

And I do remember those things, and there is some enjoyment that comes from that. But damn. I need some actual food for dinner, y'all. You can't just give me potato chips.

I was just thoroughly not having a good time by the end of the movie. And it's such a pity because sometimes you could get a shimmer of what this could have been. Emma Corrin was giving a really engaging performance, which is especially impressive considering her character is given absolutely nothing to work with.

Likewise, Hugh Jackman is out here bringing all the emotion he can (and was my favorite part thing about the movie), but it doesn't really work to have one character having serious emotions in a loony tunes potato chip world with no stakes.

——————

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July Stats

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Movies watched this month: 17

Rewatch percentage: 29.4% (5/17)

Favorite new movie of the month: Anatomy of a Fall

Least favorite: Shark Huntress

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Previous months’ posts:

JAN | FEB | MAR p.1 | MAR p.2 | APR | MAY | JUN

[themovieblogonline]

Ms. Marvel Season 2: What’s Next for the Marvel Superhero?

Marvel Studios is buzzing with speculation about the future of Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel. Fresh off her breakout role in The Marvels and a place in the upcoming Marvel Zombies, Ms. Marvel might just be on her way to a second season. Yes, you heard that right—season 2 could be on the horizon. Let’s dive into what this might mean for our favorite teen superhero and the broader MCU. Ms. Marvel: From Newcomer to Marvel Powerhouse Iman Vellani’s portrayal of Ms. Marvel brought a refreshing twist to the Marvel Television lineup. Her charming, geeky, and genuine depiction of Kamala Khan won hearts and set the stage for her future in the MCU. The first season of Ms. Marvel was a hit, praised for its blend of comedy and drama, its authentic representation of Pakistani-American culture, and its creative use of animation to show Kamala’s inner thoughts and daydreams. However, not everyone was a fan of the superhero action. Some critics felt the superhero scenes lacked the punch compared to the show’s more personal moments. But even with these critiques, the first season proved that Kamala Khan is more than just a passing phase in the MCU. The Buzz About Ms. Marvel Season 2 According to Daniel Richtman, a reliable leaker in the Marvel sphere, discussions about a second season of Ms. Marvel are heating up. While nothing is set in stone just yet, the buzz suggests that Marvel Studios is seriously considering it. Given Kamala’s growing prominence in the MCU, it’s no surprise that fans and insiders alike are eager to see more of her adventures. The first season left us with plenty of questions and room for expansion. Kamala’s role in The Marvels and her future in Young Avengers have set the stage for more thrilling storylines. If season 2 gets the green light, expect deeper dives into her superhero life, more connections with other MCU characters, and perhaps even some new powers or enemies. What’s Next for Ms. Marvel in the MCU? Kamala Khan’s future in the MCU looks bright. She’s not just a sidekick or a supporting character; she’s a central player in upcoming projects. Besides being a main character in Marvel Zombies, she’s also set to play a significant role in the Young Avengers project. Kamala is essentially shaping up to be a key player in the new wave of Marvel superheroes. The buzz about a potential second season could mean more chances to explore her character and the unique cultural aspects that made the first season stand out. Fans can look forward to seeing how Kamala’s character evolves and how her story intertwines with the larger MCU narrative. The Marvel Television Landscape Marvel Television has been expanding rapidly, and shows like Ms. Marvel are helping shape the future of the MCU. With other shows like Hawkeye also rumored for a second season, it’s clear that Marvel Studios is committed to exploring more stories within their universe. Whether or not Ms. Marvel gets a second season, it’s clear that her impact on the MCU is far from over. Conclusion The potential for Ms. Marvel Season 2 is exciting news for fans of the MCU. Kamala Khan has quickly become a beloved character, and there’s a lot of promise for her future adventures. Whether she’s fighting zombies or leading the Young Avengers, it’s clear that Kamala’s journey is far from finished. Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s hope that Marvel Studios gives the green light for Season 2 soon! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx6EQBA3qOY Read the full article

[gmqazi19739]

Ali Zafar - Top 12 Best Pakistani Music

Ali Zafar is synonymous with success in the Pakistani and Indian entertainment industries. Known for his versatility as a singer, actor, and musician, Ali Zafar has captivated audiences across South Asia and beyond. From a Lahore-based artist to a Bollywood celebrity, his journey has been nothing but inspiration and blame. This article will examine the life, career, and career of Ali Zafar, highlighting the key points that have defined his path to stardom.

Best Ali Zafar Best Pakistani Music Download

Early Life and Background Birth and Family Background Ali Zafar, born Ali Muhammad Zafar on May 18, 1980, in Lahore, Pakistan, comes from a family deeply rooted in education and the arts. His father Mohammad Zafarullah and his mother Kanwal Amin were professors at Punjab University, creating an environment for intellectual and creative pursuits. Early interest in art From an early age, Ali showed a keen interest in drawing and painting, which eventually led him to study Fine Arts at the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore but his passion for folk music soon took precedence, and it paved the way for a career that would make him a household name. The Beginning of His Musical Journey Early Career in Pakistani Television Before making a name in the music industry, Ali Zafar started his career in the entertainment world through television. He appeared in several TV dramas and serials, gaining early recognition for his acting skills. His work on TV laid the foundation for his entry into music, where he would find his true calling. First Steps into the Music Industry Ali's foray into the music world began with composing jingles and background scores for television commercials. His unique style and ability to blend traditional and contemporary sounds quickly caught the attention of the music industry, leading to his first big break. He succeeds in "Channo" The success of the Album "Huqa Pani" Ali Zafar's first album "Huka Pani" was released in 2003, and took the music industry by storm. The album sold five million copies worldwide, making Ali an overnight sensation. The effect of the singular "Channo" The album's standout song, "Channo," became a huge hit, topping the charts and winning Ali numerous awards. The song’s catchy melodies and relatable lyrics captivated many listeners, solidifying Ali Zafar’s position in the classical songs and music industry. Transition to Bollywood Debut in "Tere Bin Laden" In 2010, Ali Zafar made his acting debut in Bollywood with "Tere Bin Laden". Directed by Abhishek Sharma, the film was a hilarious comedy showcasing Ali’s talent as a versatile actor. His cartoon of a Pakistani journalist trying to fake a video of Osama bin Laden to get a visa to the US is funny and wonderful. Success and Recognition in India "Tere Bin Laden" was a commercial success in India, receiving positive reviews for its witty humor and Ali's performance. This debut opened doors for Ali in Bollywood, giving his more acting opportunities and cementing his status as a boundary-crossing star. Musical contribution by Ali Zafar Popular Songs and Albums Since "Huka Pani", Ali Zafar has been releasing popular songs and hit songs that touched fans across the globe. His classical music often blends pop, rock, and Pakistani classics, creating a unique sound that appeals to many listeners. Contributions to film sound Ali also lent his voice to musical films in Pakistan and India. His ability to inject emotion and energy into songs has made him a sought-after choreographer in the film industry. Acting Career Highlights Key Roles in Bollywood Films After his successful debut, Ali Zafar acted in several Bollywood films like "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan", "Chashme Baddur", "Dear Zindagi" etc. Each of these films allowed Ali to showcase his range as an actor from romantic leads to comedy roles. Memorable Performances One of Ali's most memorable performances was the romantic comedy "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan", where he starred opposite Katrina Kaif and Imran Khan. His portrayal of the carefree and charming musician won him praise from critics and audiences. Acceptance and Awards Lux Style Awards Ali Zafar’s contributions to music and film have earned him numerous accolades, including several lux style awards. The awards are among the most prestigious in Pakistan, celebrating excellence in fashion, film, and music. Filmfare awards and other honors Apart from his success in Pakistan, Ali has been recognized in India for being nominated for the Filmfare Award, one of Bollywood’s most prestigious honors. His achievements made him a pioneer for Pakistani designers looking to make their mark in India. Collaborations and Performances Work with Other Artists Ali Zafar worked with many famous designers throughout his career. His duets and collaborations added a new dimension to his repertoire, blending genres and genres to create something truly unique. Amazing live music Ali is also known for his electrifying live shows. Whether at awards shows, music festivals, or concerts, his energy on stage and rapport with the audience make his performances unforgettable. The impact of Ali Zafar on Pakistani music Influence on the new generation of artists Ali Zafar’s success has inspired many young musicians in Pakistan. His ability to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary music has paved the way for a new generation of artists who look to him as a role model. Revival of folk-pop music in Pakistan Through his music, Ali Zafar has played a pivotal role in reviving interest in folk and pop music in Pakistan. His work brought these genres to a wider audience at home and abroad. Personal Life Marriage and Family In 2009, Ali Zafar married his longtime girlfriend Ayesha Fazli. The couple have two children, a son born in 2010 and a daughter born in 2015. Despite his fame, Ali has managed to keep his personal life relatively private, focusing on his family and his job. Relationships with other celebrities Ali’s connections in the entertainment industry extend beyond his career. He is known for his close friendships with many celebrities from Pakistan and India, which have helped him navigate the complexity of fame with grace. Social and humanitarian efforts Philanthropy and Charitable Work Ali Zafar is not just an artist; He is also a kind person. He is involved in various charitable initiatives including supporting education and healthcare for underprivileged communities in Pakistan. His commitment to giving back has earned him respect beyond his artistic achievements. Recommended types of support In addition to his charitable work, Ali is an advocate for social causes, using his platform to raise awareness on issues such as mental health, education, women's rights, etc. His efforts have resonated with the public positive influence, and have greatly enhanced his estate. Challenges and Controversies Going through the ups and downs of popularity Like many celebrities, Ali Zafar has faced his share of challenges and controversies. From the pressures of fame to dealing with public scrutiny, he managed to maintain his integrity and focus on his art. Handling multi-media analysis Ali has been the subject of various rumors and controversies throughout his career, particularly regarding his personal and professional identity. Despite this, Ali Zafar handled these situations with poise and maturity, speaking to the media when needed and maintaining a level of privacy that is rare in the entertainment industry their ability to rise above challenges so that he continues to provide good work is a testament to his resilience and dedication. Ali Zafar’s Legacy Lasting impact on South Asian interests Ali Zafar's contributions to music and films have left an indelible mark on the South Asian entertainment industry. He was able to bridge the cultural divide between Pakistan and India, bringing the two countries closer together through his art. His work has not only entertained millions but has also opened doors for other Pakistani artists to work in Bollywood and beyond. Potential future and upcoming projects Looking ahead, Ali Zafar shows no signs of slowing down. With an ever-growing fan base for his work, more music, film, and perhaps even new projects can be expected from this multi-talented artist. His ability to adapt to changing circumstances while remaining true to his roots ensures that he remains relevant and influential in the industry for many years to come. Conclusion Ali Zafar’s journey from a young Lahore-based artist to an internationally recognized star is a story of talent, perseverance, and luck. His success in music and films not only made him a darling in Pakistan but also earned him a loyal fan base across the globe. Whether it’s through his soulful movies music, entertaining performances, or philanthropic efforts, Ali Zafar has had a profound impact on the world of entertainment and continues to inspire generations to come. FAQs What is Ali Zafar’s most famous song? Ali Zafar's most famous song is "Channo" from his debut album "Huka Pani". The song became a huge hit and played a major role in his career exit from music. Did Ali Zafar win any major awards? Yes, Ali Zafar has won many awards, including several Lux Style Awards and being nominated for the prestigious Filmfare Awards in India. His accolades have permeated his musical and acting career. What was Ali Zafar’s first film in Bollywood? Ali Zafar made his Bollywood debut with the 2010 film "Tere Bin Laden", where he played a Pakistani journalist. The film was a commercial success in India and marked his entry into Bollywood. Is Ali Zafar involved in any charity work? Yes, Ali Zafar is actively involved in philanthropy. He supports charitable initiatives, particularly in the areas of education and health, and advocates for important social causes such as mental health and women’s rights What are Ali Zafar’s future projects? While specific details about his upcoming projects are not always public, Ali Zafar continues to work on new music and film projects. Fans are eagerly awaiting his next release, which is expected to further solidify his legacy in the entertainment industry. Read the full article

[samidori]

I was recently introduced to the taste of orange blossoms. I first spotted it at an Egyptian-Persian ice cream parlor in Old Pasadena — I had never quite understood the appeal of floral ice cream, but something about the concoction of orange blossoms, pistachios, and full-bodied sweet cream went straight to my heart at that moment. Intrigued, I came back two days in a row for the same order, and even brought friends and colleagues there on a comedy show night. Two weeks later, I found myself in Berkeley for a short visit. That first afternoon, weary from a day of flying but encouraged by the much welcome escape from the heat of Southern California, I made a half-hour trek up the hill to a local coffee shop that I had heard served an orange blossom matcha latte, which turned out magnificent. On the way back, the delicious aroma of cardamom wafted over the street from a Pakistani café, and I noted the presence of two Persian food establishments. Up to this point, I had known nothing about Middle Eastern cuisine. As fate would have it, however, while in Berkeley I befriended a graduate student from Iran, and through her I became curious about the flavors of the Middle East, a region that seemed at once mystical and generous. Together, we went on adventures around the city, where I gladly discovered rose, saffron, pomegranate and sour cherries, tried multiple variations of chai, and gulped down a tad too many cardamom buns and baklavas. My only regret was not having enough time to sample savory dishes at the more formal sit-down restaurants that dotted the downtown area. Regardless, I was enchanted by everything that passed through my lips. That Berkeley trip opened my eyes to culinary wonders I never knew existed, which I continue to hunt for in Pasadena and the larger Los Angeles area. There is the trusty Egyptian-Persian ice cream place, of course, and I suppose I will find many other pockets of Middle Eastern fare — and many instances of orange blossom magic — sprinkled here and there in this city, which just so happens to be home to one of the largest Middle Eastern communities in America.

[truescoopnews4]

Latest OTT News on Movies, Shows and Web Stories by True Scoop News

OTT platforms for Latest OTT News are often subscription-based and provide on-demand access to a wide variety of content, including movies, TV shows, original series, and live events. Examples of popular OTT services of OTT News like Latest OTT News on Movies, Latest OTT News on Shows or Latest OTT News on Web Stories include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and many others.

Who is Pranav Bagga? All about Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham fame Malvika Raaj's husband

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham fame actress Malvika Raaj's dreamy wedding took place at The Westin Goa with businessman Pranav Bagga.

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/who-pranav-bagga-all-about-kabhi-khushi-kabhie-gham-fame-malvika-raajs-husband

Sam Bahadur Review: Abhishek Bachchan in awe of Vicky Kaushal, lauds director Meghna Gulzar

Although the movie will be released on December 1, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan shared Sam Bahadur Review and lauded the makers as well as actors of the movie

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/sam-bahadur-review-abhishek-bachchan-awe-vicky-kaushal-lauds-director-meghna-gulzar

Animal vs Sam Bahadur Advance booking: Which movie is expected to perform better at box office?

While it has been witnessed that makers skip faceoffs between movies, this time, both Animal and Sam Bahadur makers remained adamant about the release date of the movie.

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/animal-sam-bahadur-advance-booking-which-movie-expected-perform-better-box-office

Kajol reveals THREE blockbuster movies of Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan & Akshay Kumar she rejected

Although the latest episode of Koffee with Karan Season 8 revolved mostly around Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kajol during a rapid-fire round made a massive revelation

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/kajol-reveals-blockbuster-movies-shah-rukh-khan-aamir-khan-akshay-kumar-she-rejected

Sam Bahadur True Story: Did Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw plan a military coup against Indira Gandhi?

Sam Bahadur is a true story based on the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/sam-bahadur-true-story-field-marshal-sam-manekshaw-plan-military-coup-against-indira-gandhi

Who was Arjan Vailly? The True Story behind Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal's Viral Song

Animal's song Arjan Vailly is filmed on Ranbir Kapoor who is fighting many people at once with an axe.

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/who-arjan-vailly-true-story-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animals-viral-song

Randeep Hooda's traditional Meitei wedding video with Lin Laishram in Manipur wins Internet; Watch

Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram got married in a traditional Meitei ceremony in Imphal and later the couple shared mesmerizing photos

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/randeep-hoodas-traditional-meitei-wedding-video-lin-laishram-manipur-wins-internet-watch

'Shame on you': Kapil Sharma bursts in anger at Indigo over flight delay, shares video

'Comedy King' Kapil Sharma had to face airport trouble due to the flight delay and therefore, he lashed out at Indigo and its management.

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/shame-kapil-sharma-bursts-anger-indigo-flight-delay-shares-video

Jonas Brothers to One Republic: Lollapalooza India date, ticket price, lineup & everything

Lollapalooza India 2024 will be a star-studded affair and will take for two days and it will take place in January.

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/jonas-brothers-republic-lollapalooza-india-date-ticket-price-lineup-everything

Suhana Khan trolled for terming Alia Bhatt repeating Saree gesture as 'Sustainable Development'

In one of her interviews, The Archies' actress & SRK's daughter Suhana Khan seemed quite impressed by Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt.

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/suhana-khan-trolled-terming-alia-bhatt-repeating-saree-gesture-sustainable-development

'Home Alone to Harry Potter': Top Christmas movies to watch on Netflix, Disney Hotstar, Amazon, & other OTTs

True Scoop News brings you a list of top Christmas movies streaming on OTT platforms like Disney Plus Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others.

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/home-alone-harry-potter-top-christmas-movies-watch-netflix-disney-hotstar-amazon-other-otts

Mission Raniganj OTT Release Date: When & where to watch Akshay Kumar starrer movie online?

Starring Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra, and more, Mission Raniganj- The Great Bharat Rescue is a true story based on the deadly mishap at Raniganj Coalfield of West Bengal.

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/mission-raniganj-ott-release-date-when-where-watch-akshay-kumar-starrer-movie-online

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke OTT Release Date: When & where to watch Vicky Kaushal starrer rom-com?

Although Zara Hatke Zara Bachke did not perform as much as expected in theaters, the makers are expecting that the movie will do wonders on the OTT platform

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/zara-hatke-zara-bachke-ott-release-date-when-where-watch-vicky-kaushal-starrer-rom-com

Bollywood's Twist Masters: Must-Watch Films on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar with Amazing Plot Twists

With These 6 Bollywood thrillers streaming, from Ayushmann Khurrana's Andhadhun to Akshay Kumar's Bhool Bhulaiyaa Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of suspense and surprises

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/bollywoods-twist-masters-must-watch-films-netflix-amazon-prime-video-disney-hotstar-amazing-plot-twists

Who is Piya Chakraborty? Bengali actor Parambrata Chatterjee to marry his long-time girlfriend

Parambrata Chatterjee who has also acted in Bollywood movies like Pari and Kahaani will reportedly be getting married to Piya Chakraborty.

Visit here: https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/who-piya-chakraborty-bengali-actor-parambrata-chatterjee-marry-his-long-time-girlfriend

[tvrundownusa]

tvrundown USA 2023.11.10

Friday, November 10th:

(exclusive): At the Moment (netflix, Taiwanese love stories anthology, all 10 eps), The Great American Baking Show (Roku, "Celebrity Holiday" special), Dina Hashem: "Dark Little Whispers" (amazon, comedy special), "007: Road to a Million" (amazon, James Bond-themed competition premiere, all 8 eps), Bros (netflix, Hebrew-language comedy series "Through Fire and Water" delayed until 2024)

(movies): "The Engagement Dress" (TUBI, rom-com, ~85mins), "birth/rebirth" (Shudder|AMC+, horror, ~100mins), "The Killer" (netflix, David Fincher's thriller, ~2hrs), "Pippa" (amazon, Indo-Pakistani war drama, ~2hrs+20mins)

(streaming weekly): Invincible (amazon), Upload (amazon, next 2 eps, season 3 finale), Bosch: Legacy (freevee, next 2 eps, season 2 finale), Lessons in Chemistry (apple+), For All Mankind (apple+, season 4 opener), The Great British Baking Show (netflix), Goosebumps (dsn+|hulu, penultimate), Undead Unluck (hulu), Jack Osbourne's Buried Bloodlines (DSC+, paranormal investigation, first 2 eps)

(also new): "Everything Christmas" (HALL, original made-for-TV movie, 2hrs), "After the Blast: The Will to Survive" (ABC, Bob Woodruff special), "Salute to Service" (PBS, a Veterans Day celebration), "MeTV Remembers the MAS*H Finale" (MeTV, annual re-broadcast, 3hrs)

(hour 1): Penn & Teller: Fool Us (theCW), Power Book IV: Force (Starz, season 2 finale), The Wall (NBC), Let's Make a Deal in Primetime (CBS)

(hour 2): Fboy Island (theCW), Shining Vale (Starz), Raid the Cage (CBS), The UnXplained (HIST)

(hour 3): Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO), Creepshow (AMC, ~68mins), The Proof is Out There (HIST)

[preempted: Shark Tank (ABC) ]

[multithinker]

Pakistan's Financial Adventures

Pakistan’s Financial Adventures Comedy of Errors and Power Plays   Copied funny post from Whatsapp Oh, what a rollercoaster of a tale! It seems like we’re in for a real comedy show here, folks. So, the government’s been quite the salesperson lately, selling gold to Saudi princes and reserving the ‘special offer’ for Pakistani robbers. And wait, there’s more! They’ve partnered with a Canadian…