Gone Girl

My review: Gone Girl

No one even in their wildest of dreams can come out with such a chilling story of a couple whose marriage is under strain. To come out with a story as brutally chilling as "Gone Girl", you must be one of those who is either twistedly intelligent or intelligently twisted. Wonder how could Gillian Flynn can come out with such a decadent tale of love, hate, revenge and misery with such lyrical undercurrent. David Fincher's screen adaptation of Flynn novel is a spine chilling thriller that entertains married couples more than anyone else, albeit with all its guilty pleasure. 

The movie warrants an inquisitive viewing to piece together the bits into a whole to make sense of  it all. Along the way loads of emotional investment happens unwittingly that may leave you drained in the end   salubriously all the same with the glee of having watched a wonderfully crafted movie. The screenplay never looses its steam, keeps you at the seat's edge all through with its numerous twists and turns. It reaffirms the fact that the twists and turns of a crooked mind is more horrific and adrenaline pumping than the fast and furious metallic actioners.   

Besides Flynn's terrific screenplay and Fincher's brilliant direction, what makes "Gone Girl" what it is is the acting from its lead, Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. Everyone is at awe with the power-packed performance from Pike as a borderline cum dissocial Amy Dunne who goes to the extreme extent possible for revenge. Indeed she has given her career best in the role that has shades that are oblivious to a normal psyche which she has identified and portrayed magnificently.

 But in my opinion it is Ben Affleck's portrayal of awkward Nick Dunne that takes the cake. Without his terrifically understated performance, the impact that Pike was able to make would not have happened. Towards the latter half, when his hidden layers keep unraveling one by one, the gradual transformation his character undergoes that reaches the crescendo in the interview scene and later when he gets reunited with Amy are just tremendous. 

On the whole, "Gone Girl" is a terrific thriller, a sociopathic commentary on the disintegration of the institution of  marriage in the modern times of an anomic society. 

Bottomline:  Must watch and goosebumps guaranteed.  

4/5

Into the Storm

My review: Into the Storm

"Into the Storm" is yet another serving of a disaster movie which is an ode to the 1996 blockbuster hit "Twister". It has come armed with advanced computer generated visuals of the tornado and its aftermath which is just jaw-dropping. What it gained over the "Twister" in the form of its terrific making and fascinating visuals, "Into the Storm" looses it when it comes to an engrossing tale and power-packed acting. The story is as cliched as you can guess with a all sorts of cliched characters and contrived situations. And to make the matters worse, the acting is not that promising.

A hard-nosed storm chaser who risks it all, his reluctant understudy, a confronting weather analyst, a straightforward vice-principal of a local school, his sons - one an introvert and another an extrovert, couple of adrenaline junkies....yes you have them all playing their parts amidst the marauding tornados. They get themselves into dangerous of situations and invariably get themselves out of trouble as well. And it is quiet astonishing that every-time the tornados miss the lead bunch like invariable the bullets evade our action heroes. 

Except for its eye-catching visuals and awesome technical wizardry, movie fails to offer anything as much as the soft skills goes. As a result all the the hardwork that the technical team has put does down the drain due to lackluster writing and pretty ordinary performances. 

On the whole, Steven Quale's "Into the Storm" is strictly for the adrenaline junkies, who don't just bother about  the soft skills.

Bottomline: Into your nerves. 

2/5 

The Fault in Our Stars

My review: The Fault in Our Stars

"The Fault in Our Stars" (TFIOS) is a heart-warming romantic drama that comes with a fresh perspective. Unlike movies that deal with romance between terminally ill patients in a cliched manner, TFIOS is more real and relatable, more subtler and refined. Based on the John Green's 2012 best seller of the same name, movie is directed by Josh Boone with screenplay adapted by  Scott Neustadter and Michael H Weber. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort play the titular roles. 

TFIOS is populated with people who are real, who go through real emotions, have real vulnerabilities and draw strength from the graveity of their lives, it's bitterness and disappointments. Hazel Grace is an adorable teenager who yearns for a life that any teenager of her age wants in spite of her debilitating illness. Her aspirations are so real and when she gets one she goes through the ups and downs like everyone without any undue understatements of sympathy in view of her illness. She years for company, tries her hands on silly childish prank when the situation arises, and can get intellectual too. She is such a rounded character that eny teenager can relate to.

 And she doesn't have parents who constantly sympathizing with her or trying to make her live her life. They step back when the situation warrants and leave her live her life the way she wants to. Her mother politely brings to her notice the unaffordability of the family in fulfilling her wish of visiting Amsterdam due to her mounting medical bills, though she herself tries her best to mask her dolefulness. And when the situation arise when the finance part is taken care of she fights her best to make it sure that the trip happens in spite of the reservations that the doctors express. 

 Augustus Waters is not your carefree, devil-may-care teen. Though he is introduced to us as some one who is flashy, carefree and charming, he too has a breaking point and reacts the way he ought to when he gets to know of his relapse. And the most endearing of all the characters, Isaac, who is funny but at the same time evokes your sympathy. The scene when the trio go to bombard Issac's ex-girlfriend's house with eggs is  a riot. And thankfully other than that eulogy scene, there is not much of a melodrama. 

William Dafoe has a terrific cameo as the alcoholic and almost hysterical Peter van Houten. The manner with which he confronts the duo when they come to meet him and ridicule their illness is not sullied down by a justification in the end. He ought to behaved in the manner he did after his personal tragedy but he is never brought to apologize for that behaviour. The end has a poetic tough to it and the eulogy that Gus delivers to Hazel and the messenger is a pleasant surprise. What could have been a tearful ending is beautifully camouflaged into a heart-warming one. 

One the whole, "The Fault in Our Stars" is a movie that is touchy at times, up-lifting at others, but largely soul-stirring. And the makers have been able to elicit all this in such a simple manner is testimony to their brilliance, the quality of the writing and the talent of the actors. 

Bottomline:  a well-rounded romantic drama. 

3.5/5

Captain Phillips

My review: Captain Phillips

Real life stories are always difficult to make in the first place and more difficult to make them riveting and interesting. Reactions, both positive and negative are bound to come its way from the people involved in the incident as well as those who have had some knowledge about the incident through media. Hence it is a very very difficult job to satisfy everyone. But when it comes to cinema who cares about the veracity of the truth or minutest details of the real life incident portrayed as long as the movie is a brilliant piece of entertainment. And to me "Captain Phillips" is brilliant cinema.  

Based on the book, "A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs and Dangerous Days at Sea" by Richard Phillips and Stephen Talty, movie is written by Billy Ray and directed by Paul Greengrass. Greengrass is known for his fascination with fictionalizing real stories and events albiet more known as the director of "Bourne" movies. This time around backed by brilliant writing and stellar cast, Greengrass has made one of the best  movies of his career and one of the best this year in "Captain Phillips". 

Though everyone knows what happened to the MV Maersk Alabama crew and its captain Richard Phillips through media reports and news broadcast, while you watch this movie the makers succeed in making us forget those and gets us fully involved with the happenings. Hence it becomes an emotional roller-coaster ride for us viewers when we watch the whole hijack-cum-kidnap drama unfold. One gets to go through all the emotions  Phillips' family member would have gone through during those days. And when the movie gets over the predominant emotion that one has is that of relief. That goes to show the intensity of the movie and the writing as well the stellar performance of the cast.

Coming to cast, the two main characters enacted by Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi, that of Richard Philips and Abduwali Muse is one of the main reason the movie is able to evoke the kind of intensity in the viewers it did. For Tom Hanks' standards for most parts he doesn't have to flinch his acting muscles that much. But in the last 10 minutes or so he comes to his own amazingly portraying the mixed emotions of shock, relief and fear. So effortlessly done without going overboard, Hanks once again vindicates the top billing he commands as an actor par excellence. It is astonishing feat that Barkhad in his first major role is able to stand up to Hanks. He gets to mouth all the best one-liners in the movie. He breezes through his role with aplomb and assurance of a veteran. 

Writing makes this movie imminently watchable. The story is told as much in a neutral perspective as possible as a result one might actually feel for the pirates towards the end when they meet with their ghastly end.  In not demonizing the pirates and trying to show their humane face the makers have presented a balanced viewpoint to the viewers unlike many other movies based on such incidents. Movie makers' fascination with existentialism which has become a fad these days continues with this one too. 

On the whole, "Captain Phillips"  is one of the best human drama to have released this year which would make wonders at the academy awards for this year. 

Bottomline: The Award for the Best Picture goes to.....

4/5

Gravity

My review: Gravity

Hollywood's fascination with survival stories and resilience in the face of a disaster has always kindled the interest of the viewers especially considering the fact that it is fertile ground for awesome visual imagery and special effects treat. Usually it is either doomsday or alien attack or a genetically modified monster wreaking havoc. Refreshingly here comes a disaster movie which is set in space with first class direction and acting, above all one of the best making ever as far as the technicalities are concerned. "Gravity" is one hell of a visual extravaganza that transforms you to the space where you along with the protagonists in the movie experience the ordeal having your adrenaline pumping for about two hours and taking time to recover from the aftermath of it.

"Gravity" is one of those movie which you experience rather than you just seeing it. Movie makes you anxious, claustrophobic, resigned, hopeful, expectant, hopeless, nauseous, hallucinating and finally elated. The gamut of emotions that you go through while experiencing this movie is mainly due to splendid writing (Alfonso and Jonas Cuaron), brilliant performances from Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, good direction (Alfonso Cuaron) and above all "out of the world" (literally..!) visuals and visual effects (Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki). 

Rarely we get to see a science-fiction movie that has loads of human emotions seamlessly built into the narrative and at the same time keeps the thrills and excitement going. It is a rare blend to achieve which the makers of this movie were able to accomplish. Partly the writers and partly the actors are responsible for it. 

George Clooney as the cheerful Lieutenant Matt Kowalski, the commander of the team on board the space shuttle, the Explorer. His casual and calm demeanor in the face of imminent  catastrophe makes him one of the most likable and memorable characters in a science fiction movie.  Sandra Bullock has a more physically demanding role to play with more screen time (she is there in almost every frame). She has worked hard to portray Dr. Ryan Stone on her first space mission who eventually becomes the sole survivor of the cataclysm. That the two were able to evoke the kind of emotional responses from the viewers in spite of being masked most of the time by the space suit that they were is a remarkable achievement indeed.

Steven Price's musical score relies at most places on the power of silence which is used to a great effect. "Gravity" is best enjoyed in a 3D cinema, preferably in a IMAX screen with  Dolby Atmos surround system.. 

On the whole, "Gravity" works to a great extent mainly due to its human content apart from stunning visuals, technical wizardry and the adrenaline pump.  

Bottomline: "Out of the world", quite literally 

4/5

Grown Ups 2

My review: Grown Ups 2

Sandler and his on-screen and off-screen friends are back with another attempt to trivialize the taste of audience and to slander the genre, comedy with their apologetic movie, "Grown Ups 2". What they intended to achieve by making this horribly bad movie is difficult to fathom. Though movie has an impressive line up of proven comical talent like Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade, movie doesn't have much to laugh about. Only thing that makes one laugh is at oneself lamenting the bad time which would be the only reason any one would even think of going anywhere near the theater showing this movie.

Written by Adam Sandler, Tim Herlihy and Fred Wolf and directed by Sandler's constant Dennis Dungan, "Grown Ups 2" sees the quartet now living in the same place where they grew up but not yet "Grown up". Faced with their own off-springs going through what they went through during their high-school years, movie is all about how they realize the growing up of their children.

Lame writing, disgusting sequences with lots of vomitus, farts and below-the-belt jokes, inability to make the viewers smile even for a fraction of second, pathetic acting, beaten-to-death- family values , underdog vs bullies, and boring slapstick comedy, just about summarizes what this movie is all about.

This time around the energy and verve which is so typical of Adam Sandler is totally missing. He just sleep walks through the movie. Kevin James hardly gets any noteworthy sequence while Chris Rock is irritating. David Spade also gets limited opportunity. Salma Hayek in a totally forgettable role where her acting has regressed to her early television days.

On the whole, "Grown Ups 2" is one of the lamest and most disgusting movies in recent times. Watch it at your own peril.

Bottomline: Asinine 

1/5

We're the Millers

My review: We're the Millers

 "We're the Millers" has a very interesting premise that has full potential for rib-tickling situations that goes unexploited  by the makers of this movie. In the end what we get to watch is an offensive, loud, formulaic, over-the-top movie, but where are the laughs..?! Touted to be a comedy "We're the Millers" is anything but it. Not even a single moment the movie makes you laugh. Only point where one gets to smile is right in the last frame of the movie which is one of the candid shots of the filming when The Rembrandts' "I'll be there for you" (from "Freinds") blare out from the music system of the RV and Jennifer Aniston's reactions to it when she is caught unawares.

The idea of four unfamiliar people from diverse background coming together to pose as a family in order to smuggle marijuana across the Mexican border so that they can escape suspicion of the authorities  is fodder for loads of comedy and fun. But lazy writing and lousy execution leaves the movie high and dry  as the result the viewers exasperated. Bob Fisher and his co-writers could have used a bit of imagination to instill levity and humour into their screenplay. Not being offensive or unabashedly stereotypical would bring in the laughs, the writer should realize.

Jason Sudeikis has done his part well, trying his might to keep it lively and going but in "Horrible Bosses" he was more successful because he was backed by a good script. Jennifer Aniston tries her level best to rekindle her "hawtness" but she looks jaded and fails to create the same kind of awe once she was known for during her television days. Emma Roberts is energetic while Will Poulter tries hard. Ed Helms somehow is totally a different actor when he is in the "Hangover" series but when it comes to his other roles he fails to recreate the same aura. Here too Ed is wasted in a poorly etched out role and he makes it worse by his banal performance.

On the technical side movie is good. Rawson Marshall Thurber could have spruced up the presentation so that the pace could have been a bit faster which might have camouflaged some of the trivialities and triteness.

"We're the Millers" is "Adult", yes, but "Comedy", a BIG NO.

Bottomline: No laughs.

2/5

Jobs

My review: Jobs

Joshua Michael Stern's biopic of Apple Inc.'s co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs "Jobs" has Ashton Kutcher in the lead. Written by Matt Whiteley, "Jobs" shows the erraticism, ruthlessness and narcissism of the man who never seemed to think twice about rubbing people in a wrong way or two on his road to success. It also show how ruthless is the corporate world where any moment the creator can get alienated from his product or in a larger parlance his enterprise.

But by largely focusing on only a few chosen years of his rise and fall and his eventual heroic return to the company he co-founded the makers have lost out on the struggling years as well as his personal life. Movie moves in a patchy episodic manner for suddenly certain issues are left half way only to be shown later with viewers clueless about what happened in the interim. Jobs' reconciliation with his daughter Lisa is a case in point.  By focusing largely on the corporate politics and power games movie has lost the human focus which might have made this biopic a bit more engaging. 

Ashton Kutcher has given his best performance so far (though still not in the league of the better actors if Hollywood). He gets the body language, mannerisms and persona right though at certain points his over-exaggerated gait makes it look a bit comical. He is well supported by the rest of the cast who have all done their parts to perfection. Especially Josh Gad as the other co-founder of Apple Steve Wozniak is excellent. Lukas Hass and Dermot Mulroney have meaty roles and have done well.

Technically the movie is good. Background score is good. Screenplay doesn't lag except for couple of instances in the second hour of the movie. Otherwise movie moves at a nice clip without much scope for boredom. 

With another movie on the anvil on the life of Steve Job by the Aaron Sorkin touted to be a more authentic biopic "Jobs" fails to create a sense of fulfillment at the end. Due to its patchy screenplay and lack of human touch "Jobs" is neither intellectually nor emotionally stimulating. 

On the whole, "Jobs" is better enjoyed if one looks at it as another movie on the silicon valley and its power politics rather than a biopic. But sadly everything right from the title to promotions have promised a biopic and one can't but exclude the same from one's thought process and hence it falls way short of what it promised. However accolades are due for Ashton in his career best role so far. 

Bottomline : Wait for the Aaron Sorkin's biopic on Steve Jobs instead.

2.5/5

The Conjuring

My review: The Conjuring

 

 Supernatural horror movies are best enjoyed by people who believe in god and spirits but for non-believers it would be a great challenge on the part of the makers to scare them. Writers Chad Hayes and Carey Hayes and the director James Wan with more than adequate support from John R.Leonetti, the cinematographer and Joseph Bishara, the Music director have achieved precisely the same. That is why "The Conjuring"  has managed to scare even a non-believer in me. 

Main reason for it is though the movie uses oft-repeated horror movie cliche's the restrain shown by the makers in using the same is what makes this movie one of the scariest movies in recent times. There is no on your face horror sequences or makers trying to bombard you with gory faces or creepy shots or unnecessary bangs in music. They have been used sparingly and appropriately which is one of the main why the movie surprises you with the scary moments even though they are only a few nonetheless most of them effective. 

Whole cast have put in good effort. Be it Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators or Lili Taylor and Ron Livingstone, the head of the family who gets troubled by the supernatural forces. 

For a horror movie to be successful cinematographer and the music director should back the writers and the director adequately. In this movie John R.Leonetti has managed to scare the viewers not with undue gimmickry but with astute use of camera angles and lighting. He is very well supported by Joseph Bishara who has used silence wonderfully well in his background score. At many places silence spooks you more than creepy sounds.

On the whole, though "The Conjuring" strictly follows the oft-used horror movie cliches, it is scary at couple of places nonetheless. 

Bottomline: Well made horror flick that scares.

3.5/5

Man of Steel

My review: Man of Steel

One should be clear before entering the theater that not all superhero movies will be "perfect" to the extent of the Batman series or all movies that bear the name of Christopher Nolon would be a "Dark Knight" or a "Inception". If one makes this clear then there would be very little scope to complain after watching "Man of Steel", directed by Zack Snyder, Produced by Nolon, Charles Roven, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder.

A revamp of the Superman movie series, "Man of Steel" is a good take at the origin and the rise of Kal-El/ Clark Kent aka Superman. Screenplay by David S.Goyer focuses mostly on the humane aspect of it all for most part which makes the movie tick with the audience. Even though the Kryptonian world and its landscape is an embossment of imagination the writing which focuses more on their emotions and end of life crisis makes the viewer identity with them instantly. Goyer has also subtly incorporated the messages on environmental exploitation and its aftermath intelligently in this part of the story.

Though the story takes its own pace to get going, the initial parts are crucial in making the viewers get involved in the story. Movie keeps the viewers engaged until the the last 20 minutes or so, after which the over-the-top overdone action take its toll on the viewers. They could have toned down the action sequences, especially the final showdown between Kal-El and Zod. This fight goes on and on and on with both of them flying all over the place. But then who would watch a superhero movie without action sequences of such intensity.

Henry Cavill as Kal-El / Superman looks dashing, has a body like a dream and acts more than decently, fits the bill as the Superman made memorable by many in the past like Christopher Reeves and Brandon Ruth. Amy Adams is an eye candy, though not much scope for performing, she does her best in the limited compass that was on offer. Michael Shannon is menacing as General Zod. Other veterans like Russel Crowe, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane make their presence felt bringing into use the wealth of experience they have.

Once again a superhero movie which is not all slam bang action but tries to explore the heart and soul of those involved including the antagonists. Expectation most of the time kills the experience, hence going without expectation one would sure enjoy this "Man of steel".

Bottomline: Man of steel and ...... heart.

3.5/5

The Hangover Part III

My review: The Hangover Part III

Unlike the previous two installments this time there is lesser drugs, lesser madness, lesser profanities, and even lesser female screen space, but the movie is more purposeful, more heartwarming and more fun. The "wolfpack" is back, only this time they get hungover not due to intoxication but due to their earlier escapades with Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong is at his explosive best) that catches up with them three years later. "The Hangover Part III" directed by Todd Philips who has also written it with Craig Mazin is more focused unlike the earlier ones which were mindless comedies. 

Yes there are not that many laugh out loud or ROTFL scenes this time, but the laughter that it evokes is heartfelt. There are numerous genuine heartwarming moments most of which are centered around Alan (Once again a rocking show by Zack Galifianakis). 

As usual movie starts of with Doug being separated from the gang, this time abducted by a group of gangsters who are on a lookout for Leslie. Since only Alan seems to be in regular contact with Leslie exchanging with him gibberish all these years they keep Doug as captive for the rest of the gang to go, catch and exchange Leslie for him. The rest is 100 minutes of non-stop adventure and fun. Except for few minutes of dull moment around one hour mark, major part of the movie is riveting, keeps you glued to the seat. 

As usual Zack is brilliant, Bradley Cooper is dashing though doesn't have much scope to perform. Ed Helms is into his elements few minutes into the movie. But it is Ken Jeong who steals the show as Leslie Chow. 

Movie is shot stylishly by Lawrence Sher with background score of Christophe Beck giving life to the narrative. 

People who are used to "The Hangover" series and expect this one also to be in those lines might get disappointed but for those who seek novelty, "The Hangover Part III" would be a pleasant surprise. 

Bottomline: For purposeful laughter. 

3.5/5 

Silver Linings Playbook

My review: Silver Linings Playbook

People with mental illness like Bipolar affective disorder and Nymphomania also have romantic feelings like the so called "normal" people. How the protagonists unite fighting against the emotionally draining and challenging mental illness they suffer from form the crux of the story of "Silver Linings Playbook". Brilliant writing, neat direction and above all, excellent acting marks "Silver Linings Playbook" which has been nominated in eight categories for the Academy awards including Best film, direction, actor, actress, supporting actor and actress.

Directed by David O.Russell, who has also written the screenplay adapted from  Matthew Quick's novel of the same name. The story and screenplay beautifully captures the difficulties and stigma that the people suffering from mental illness like BPAD go through and how the illness create challenges in their performance of daily routine activities. It is an interesting premise where two people united by mental illness but with different outlook towards life, both trying to cope with failed marriages getting involved in a relationship which gets muddled by the impulsivity, impaired judgement and emotional dyscontrol. How their relationship triumphs over these challenges is told in a light-hearted yet impactful manner.

Only thing is that the phenomenology of the symptoms from which the lead pair suffer from could have been a bit more clearly portrayed.

Main attraction of the movie is the power packed acting by the lead actors. Bradley Cooper is a revelation in this  movie. As a partially treated, drug non-compliant  Bipolar patient with periodic breakdowns, he has done his part exceedingly well. A well deserved nomination for him. The effortless manner in which he has shown myriad of emotions with subtlety intact for a even minor tilt in balance would have become contemptible needs appreciation.

Jennifer Lawrence is brilliant. Her portrayal of Tiffany, a recovering Nymphomaniac is astounding for the fact that she successfully manages to bring in streaks of  vulnerability underneath a hard-nosed exterior. The hot and cold relationship she has with Pat is portrayed with conviction. She was very unlucky to miss out on the best actress award couple of years ago for a more power packed performance in "Winter's Bone". If luck is in her side she might walk away with the statue this time around.

Veterans Robert Di Nero and Jacki Weaver, who are also nominated from supporting actor and actress awards respectively have done their job very well. Chrish Tucker and Anupam Kher make up  one of the finest ensemble in recent times.

On the whole, "Silver Linings Playbook" is one of the best feel-good romantic drama in recent times with an underlay of dark-humour throughout. Watch out for the crew in the Academy awards, especially Ms. Jennifer Lawrence.

Bottomline: Triumph of the human mind.

3.5/5     

Les Miserables

My review: Les Miserables

Based on the Victor Hugo's French novel of the same name, musical "Les Miserables" boasts of some of the best talents in Hollywood who have made it a worthy movie watching experience. Directed by Tom Hooper with musical score by Claude-Michel Schonberg, if one has patience to sit through two hours and thirty odd minutes can savor the wonderful music and songs. Since it is a musical it might not be everyone's cup of tea and one must be forewarned  before venturing to watch it. 

Movie's story is faithful to the novel and is adapted from the British stage musical. It traces the life of Jean Viljean who is on the run after breaking the parole in the backdrop of the political turmoil in the France around the time of French revolution. 

Movie boasts of not only scintillating music and songs, the acting is top class. Hugh Jackman is fabulous as the lead protagonist  of the story, Jean Viljean. He has been nominated for many awards including the academy awards for this role, rightly so. He is closely followed by Anne Hathaway who is proving timing and  again that she is an actress with substance. Rusell Crowe make up the dynamic trio of heavy duty actors. He has done his part pretty well. 

Amanda Seyford has a brief role, has acquainted herself well. Most of the other actors are cast from the stage musical and they have transformed effortlessly from stage to screen. 

Another fabulous part of the movie is its production design. The team has done a wonderful job in recreating the France of the early 19th century. Danny Cohen, the cinematographer has shot the movie wonderfully well. 

"Les Miserables" is the type of movie one can watch in a lazy Sunday afternoon when one has loads of time to kill. If you are a kind who gets impatient with recurrent songs in a movie, then it is a strong NO for you. Nonetheless it is a critically acclaimed movie with good music and fabulous acting, hence give it a try once.

Bottomline: Too long for comfort

3/5

The Impossible

My review: The Impossible 

Long over due finally we get to see a disaster drama based on the 2004 Tsunami. Juan Antonio Bayona's "The Impossible" scripted by Sergio G. Sanchez strictly follows the template of a disaster drama with a feel-good ending. At times it gets too mushy with contrived feel-goodness where the artificiality rakes in which waters down the overall good that the movie manages to achieve.

Movie has one of the most chilling and realistic visualization of the Tsunami and its aftermath. Also it captures the shock, agony and nightmares of the victims in actuality. It is a ode to the numerous kindhearted human beings across the globe during those challenging times who saved many lives. Also it beautifully captures the powerlessness of the humans in front of larger power of the nature and how much of a humbling experience it would lead to.

Apart from the visual effects and emotional connectivity that the movie has with the viewers, acting is top notch. Tom Holland as the eldest son of the family Lucas is brilliant. It is his first feature film but he has done a sterling job ala a veteran. He is closely followed by Naomi Watts who brings in her experience to the forefront in a challenging role. She effortlessly brings on screen the mental and physical agony of her character which worsens as the movie progresses. Superlative effort from her indeed. Ewan McGregor is okay, he doesn't have much of a screen space.

Oscar Faura's cinematography is awesome with great deal of help from the visual effects and CG department. Fernando Velazquez's background score lends support to the movie in enhancing its emotional reach.

If only the makers steered away from unnecessary forced in feel-goodedness and titillation ( a case of poor direction or inattention to details or voyeuristic sojourn on the part of the makers, Naomi is shown wearing a bikini underneath her top when the Tsunami strikes but a while later shown with a torn top with nothing underneath which do get highlighted dramatically..!!!  )

If one can overlook these blips, "The Impossible" is a movie one can watch in theater for its visual effects and the celebration of the spirit of human nature above all these disasters. 

Bottomline: Over-rated

3/5

Life of Pi

My review: Life of Pi

Based on a novel by Yann Martel of the same name, "Life of Pi" is an abstract piece of work which people with straight rational thinking mind would find it difficult to comprehend or enjoy. For non-believers and scientifically oriented souls this movie would test their patience. It is almost a religious propaganda, at least without  taking the sides of any religion. So the subject matter and the content right away disinterested me and hence I would like to abstain from reporting on it further. The reference of sort of Lord Vishnu helping the marooned Pi in realizing his purpose of life in the form of a carnivorous island is farfetched and a big yawn.

Technically the movie is marvelous. The cinematography (Claudio Miranda), CG and VFX work and the background score (Mychael Danna) are astounding in making it a worthwhile watching experience visually and aurally. The 3D is done without any gimmicks that would hurt the eyes or bring out unnecessary thrills, except for one scene in which the tiger just sprung towards the viewers. The various shades, hues, character of the sea is captured so well that after a point the sea becomes one of the main characters of the movie.

Casting wise the movie boast of a mixture of veterans and novices all of whom have done their parts well. Suraj Sharma is brilliant, comes out as a natural talent. Irrfan Khan is dependable as usual while Tabu though doesn't have much to do looks radiant. The Royal Bengal tiger, Richard Parker, the animated tiger in one of the best VFX work one can get to see.

All said and done, though the movie is compelling visually since it was difficult to have the same amount of involvement cognitively from a non-believer's point of view, movie can't be enjoyed wholesomely by them as the believers would do.

Bottomline: Skewed interpretation of  natural phenomenon in the believers' point of view.

3/5

Looper

My review: Looper

"Looper" Rian Johnson's sci-fi actioner that deals with time travel is not your regular mindless action movie. And it is not intended to tease your brain with the concept of time travel either. It is almost philosophical without being a boring, long drawn out arty movie. It is an action movie but the main confrontation is between the present and future self of the protagonist, between selfish interest and the larger good for the society.

Many movies have used the concept of time travel but here the same is used in a cognitively simple manner for the viewer to follow. And main focus is not on the time travel but as i said earlier, it is a battle for survival between the present and the future life of the same person which is very intriguing thread to make a movie on. Movie starts of like an usual action movie with time travel concept to spice up things. But when the concept of "closing the loop" which means killing self from the future by the person in the present surfaces the movie becomes interesting and engaging.

Once Bruce Willis, who plays the future self of Joseph Gordon-Levitt appears, the confrontation and cat and mouse game between the two makes up for a riveting viewing. With umpteen twists and turns, the writers keep you guessing till the end with a thoughtful end.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the present Joe, the protagonist of the movie with a lot of gray shades is very good.  Though he doesn't have much facial reactions to make, he is able to convey his emotions to the viewers nonetheless. Bruce Willis is good too as the future Joe, though his screen space and scope is lesser. Emily Blunt is brilliant.

Steve Yadlin's cinematography and Nathan Johnson's background score enhance the story's impact.

If your are the type who doesn't mind in being cognitively alert while watching a movie at the same time enjoy  slam-bam action, then "Looper" should be your pick.

Bottomline: Creative and humane sci-fi movie

3.5/5

Ted

My review: Ted

Seth MacFarlane's "Ted" is a fantasy adult-comedy, that takes itself very lightly. Hence it is imperative that the viewers should also must take it lightly, enjoy the swear words & profanities, routine love vs friendship battle with lots of laughs and Flash Gordon, Sam J.Jones. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Seth MacFarlane in the lead, "Ted" is not a must watch but not a pushover either.

First thing first. If you expect, since it has a fantasy element and one of the protagonists is a teddy bear, the movie to be cutesy and goody-goody then you are in for a jolt. This teddy is brash, loud, uncouth and promiscuous. Nonetheless you would instantly fall in love with it/"him" for he is not pretentious or "human".  The movie is strictly for the adult audience mainly because of the usage of strong explicit language throughout the movie. In that way movie stays clear of regular Hollywood rom-coms.

Except for the bold dialogues, movie is a routine story of a man's struggle to choose between his girl-friend and his best buddy. Seth MacFarlane is the hero of the movie. He has brought life to the teddy with his voice and keeps the movie going with his indomitable dialogue delivery. Without the teddy and Seth, movie would have been an usual movie with a routine storyline.

Mark Wahlberg is sincere in his effort as the "still-not-yet-THE-man" protagonist. Mila Kunis is adorable as ever.

"Ted" is your regular heart-warming "boy-finally-becoming-a-man" story, "bro-com" made in the narrative style of a rom-com. It might not be everyone's cup of tea but if you can brave the profanities, then "Ted" will surely make you smile in the end.

Bottomline: Watch it with your "BRO"

3.5/5

Argo

My review: Argo

A movie based on one of the most audacious rescue operations in history is bound to be overtly dramatic and lionizing. But Ben Affleck's "Argo" is not. It tries to be as objective as possible within the constraints of a commercial cinema with a few cinematic liberties which is understandable. It is astonishing to think of that a mission which appears so fancy and ridiculous on paper was actually carried out, that too in 1979-80 and successfully at that.

Movie never tries to take sides and be "patriotic". There itself the writer Chris Terrio and director Ben Affleck stand apart. They have also not tried to make it an adrenaline pumping action adventure. Rather they allow the story to unfold and gradually building up the tension in the viewers which leads on to a happy ending. Though one knows how the story would end, cant't escape the sense of jubilation that come into one's psyche as the movie ends. Sense of respect for the actual people involved gets higher when they show the photographs of them in the end credits.

As said earlier though the movie moves at a very laid back pace, it keeps the viewers engrossed to it throughout. Though the movie is set almost three decades back, it is still relevant considering how US has time and again done similar blunders, screwing many countries all along. And by calling spade a spade, team "Argo" has shown courage and honesty which deserves to be lauded.

Ben Affleck has also done the lead role of Tony Mendes, the hero of this rescue operation. He is uptight throughout the movie, may be the real Tony Mendes might have been that kind of a person. He doesn't show much emotions. It is a very restrained portrayal. Rest of the cast have ably supported Ben to give us one of the most memorable movie of the year.

Technically movie is brilliant, shot in the old 80's style, cinematography sets the mood. Rodrigo Prieto is the cinematographer. Alexandre Desplate's background score complements the story very well.

One the whole, "Argo" is a must watch, one is bound to get goose bumps in the end. Watch out for the Academy awards, except for the acting honours, it might sweep the others.

Bottomline:  An  astonishing "Mission impossible".

4/5

Cloud Atlas

My review: Cloud Atlas

Every now and then comes a movie which one can't watch passively. One has to be really active, using the grey matter to put the pieces together to get a complete picture. Even then one should have done their homework well to aid in which piece to put where. Else when you get out of the theater you would be muddled with confusion of what has happened over the past 3 hours. "Cloud Atlas" is one such movie which teases your intelligence and very difficult to comprehend what is going on, however intelligent one is.

Touted to be one of the most expensive film ever, it is adapted from a novel of the same name by David Mitchell. Written and directed by Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, and Andy Wachowski, "Cloud Atlas" narrates six-stories which happens in six different epochs, each story is a story within a story. Also there are hints that each of these stories which are all true stories have people related to some or the other character from the preceding story or themselves reincarnated in their next lives.

 Though the movie has a more structured narrative when compared with the novel, it is still confusing for an average movie goer. Many may get tired of trying to concentrate hard to find the relationship of what is going on screen. Main reason might be that when one is reading a novel they can take their own sweet time taking breaks in between to decipher what is going on. But here one is bombarded with all these 6 stories within a period of three hours which might get into one's nerves.

There must be movies that tease one's grey matter and make the movie watching an active experience. But there must be reason for it. It should not be done just for the sake of it. If one takes a closer look at the movie it an assortment of six straight-forward stories. It is just the narrative style which makes it difficult to follow initially which also gets easier as the movie proceed.

Almost every actor has more than a role in this movie, aided by top-class make-up and CG work it is hard to identify who is who. For instance except for couple of roles, it was difficult for me to identify Tom Hanks in others. Same holds true for many others too. Tom Hanks is brilliant as ever in all his six roles, some very brief. Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Jim Sturgess, Hugo Weaving and Jim Broadbent, all have substantial roles in most of the stories and have done well in most of their roles. Only sore point is in the 22nd century story where many non-Asian actors are made to portray Asian characters which looks very artificial with amateurish make-up.

Technically movie is brilliant with all its CG work, cinematography by Frank Griebe and John Toll. Background score is good in parts.

On the whole, "Cloud Atlas" is a type of movie which will get only dichotomous opinion from its viewers. Either people will classify it as one of the best or the one which is very difficult to decipher and hence difficult to appreciate. For me its a mixed feeling when the movie ended.

Bottomline: An active movie watching experience.

3.5/5

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Fire in Babylon

My review: Fire in Babylon

Written & directed by Steven Riley , "Fire in Babylon" is a sports documentary film which got released in UK last year finally released in India this week. Cricket has always been lauded as a game with lot of human elements & emotions. This documentary focuses on the human elements & emotional turmoil and upheavals of one of the most strongest team ever in any sports of any era , the West indies cricket board.

Movie starts with insights into how a group of independent nations are represented collectively as one cricket team , a legacy of colonial rule till the 60's. It is really shocking to know that till Sir Frank Worrell all the West Indian captains were whites. There are many other shocking revelations about how the team was tormented in Australia in both by the players & the spectators with racist abuses.

Actually this documentary is made in the template of any other "under-dog feature film". This movie traces the raise of the under-dog cricket team which was once taunted as the "Calypso cricketers" who entertain but don't win to the world beaters they became. The story starts with the 1975 tour of Australia where they get decimated by the Lille-Thompson pace duo and the racial abuses. Wounded by the utter humiliation when they return home Clive Lloyd , taking a leaf out of Australian team's success ( the protagonist ala feature film ) starts scouting for pacy fast bowlers. Andy Roberts & Michael Holding are joined by Colin Croft. India is the unfortunate team which gets to be in the receiving end of this team with new philosophy & fire power.

After beating India it is the turn of England in England to get the mauling fueled by the now infamous jibe of Tony Grieg "I Intend to make them grovel" . This point in time one starts rooting for the West Indies team to beat the arrogant English side which they did.

In between the movie focuses on the financial crunches that crickets of those days used to face , especially in West indies & the famous World series cricket of Kerry Packer which came to their rescue. There can't be a under-dog movie unless the under-dog finally put its might across their tormentors. 1979 is the year when it is payback time for the West indies against the mighty Australians.

Movie ends with focuses on the 5-0 "black wash" against England & the truth that from 1980 to 1995 they were undefeated.

Apart from Clive Lloyd , movie focuses amply on the pace quartet Andy Roberts , Micheal Holding , Colin Craft & Joel Garner. Viv Richards is Lloyd's trusted lieutenant. Once respect for the man grows manifold when it is revealed that he turned down a million dollar deal with the apartheid government of South Africa for the cause & sentiments he believed in.

"Fire in Babylon" is a well crafted documentary which entertains , especially if you are an avid cricket fan. It focuses not  only on the sports but also on the socio-political as well as the humanistic aspects of the game as well.

Bottomline : Under-dogs' success story.

3.5/5