This columnist may have missed out on the action for August but what a month it's been! We opened our column with Drishyam, which found remake in several Southern languages and also has its roots in Keigo Higashino's Japanese novel The Devotion of Suspect X. It was well-received by the audiences, unlike Pixels which got panned and how! For a story based on popular arcade games of the 80s, this film has gone way off the mark. Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation (August 7) exceeded all expectations with leading man Tom Cruise bounding from one chaotic sequence to another as Ethan Hunt, even at the age of 53. The same weekend's Bangistan could find little love with the audience, especially given the espionage thriller it was up against. Vacation (August 14) was not the perfect break for the movie audience as the Griswolds embark on a road journey across American. Brothers, in another familial outing albeit in a different setting, was panned for being melodramatic but those who appreciated the uniqueness of a fraternal conflict against the MMA backdrop could lap up the storyline. Next week's Fantastic Four (August 21) was a tremendously lacklustre reboot to the franchise and the most disappointing Marvel film in recent times. Phantom (August 28) was a different take on Hussain Zaidi's Mumbai Avengers but found few takers because of its clunky pace and unconventional climax. Still, it was a good attempt but undone by Kabir Khan's recent blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Baankey Ki Crazy Baaraat, however, worked for no one, least of all the titular character who triggers the mayhem. Kaun Kitne Paani Mein proved to be an unexpected surprise with its simple premise and endearing characters. A mixed bag yet again, August had enough going to keep the average moviegoer entertained. Let's see where September takes us. We'll take it from here once the next month arrives.