Breaking Dawn - Part I
The first part of the highly awaited conclusion of the twilight saga doesn't disappoint, first half is romantic with the marriage and honeymoon of Bela and Edward, pictured beautifully with fine direction and great locations, the anticpated twist then plunges the second half into sombre mood, unlike the earlier two parts which dragged on and didn't really help the story move on, this part is rather paced and exciting,the depiction of lengths a mother would go for sake of her child is heart-warming and am glad it ends on a happy note, the closing scene is awesome.
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The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn
It was like a reunion with childhood friends, I have been a fan of the comic books series and am glad that this movie adaptation has been done by Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg, also happy that they chose to start with the story that begins the remarkable friendship between Tintin and Captain Haddock, I think the jolly Captain brings a great comic angle to the series (as Obelix does to the Asterix series) and is one of my favourites characters, and of course there is Snowy and bungling twins.
The animation is wonderful and action sequences are awesome, especially the chase sequence down the harbour. Overall an enjoyable movie.
Captain America: The First Avenger (3D)
A fine film. Casting of Evans as Steve/Captain is spot-on (better than as Human Torch in FF). Steve's transformation is done wonderfully. Liked the costume improvisation and Captain's 'waking up in present' scene. Inspite of most of the story being in the WW period the film avoids bias or propoganda which is good. Some scenes are quite witty especially Tommy Lee Jone's parting remarks to Steve during the jet chase sequence. The after- credits teaser nicely builds up on anticipation for the Avengers to assemble on screen in 2012.
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 (3D)
The 10 year magical journey of Harry Potter closes with a fitting finale in Deathly Hallows 2 (3D). The complexity behind the characters of Dumbledore and Snape is revealed, the closing sequence is like a new begining and I liked that. With rumours about Rowling wanting to spring up more books, I am guessing it would be the adventures of Albus Severus Potter :)
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Transformers: Dark of the Moon (3D)
The 3rd installment in the Transformers saga is awesome - being fast-paced and packed with action it may leave out on reasonable plot development but the audience doesnt seem to miss this and are busy applauding one out-of-the-world scene after another.
It is sad that Megan Fox is out of the franchise but Rosie Huntington ensures that the oomph quotient continues to hit the ceiling.
To sum it up - a spectacular visual treat.
Definite 'Large Screen 3D' watch!
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X-Men: First Class
This movie chronicles the begining of the X-Men and the rise of two most important mutants - friends and arch-rivals - Professor X and Magneto. Fassbender as Magneto is great, Jennifer Lawrence who plays Msytique/Raven is a revelation, the finale sea action sequence is shot wonderfully though the plot strays a bit into propoganda.
Logan is arguably the most liked mutant and the loudest cheers in multiplex were for his cameo.
Overall a fine film but I dont understand why MARVEL had a timeline/continuity break with some characters/incidents in First Class especially having Emma Frost in 60s.
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On Stranger Tides
Capt. Jack Sparrow is back! Penelope Cruz as Angelica is an alluring addition, movie theme is the journey to 'the fountain of youth' with mermaids, zombies and a new antagonist Blackbeard, the adventure has its great moments, action, picturesque locations and of course memorable quotes especially Capt. Jack Sparrow's - "Did everyone see that? Because I will NOT be doing it again."
And yes, if folks are wondering if the jolly Captain could hold the film on his own without Will and Elizabeth, well go watch it to find out.
Recommended.
___
Thor (3D):
Liked the movie! Chris Hemsworth is a fitting cast. Asgard is rendered beautifully. Some good fight sequences especially the one between Thor and Loki. Overall a good movie, though I felt the story was wrapped up tad too quickly in the later half and that maybe Lady Sif should have been given a more elaborate role.
For a MARVEL fan it sure is fun to see comic characters come to 'reel' life.
Note: Those who wait through the end credits may get a glimpse of Samuel L. Jackson with a built up for Avengers initiative.
Recommended!
___
Source Code:
I was sold on the concept after watching the trailer itself, and the movie lives upto the expectations. Jake Gyllenhaal is convincing in his potrayal of Captain Colter Stevens. Especially liked the finale.
I do wish though that the storyline was extended a bit more as the plot had lot of potential. Overall a great sci-fi though not as complicated as say Inception but it still delivers.
Recommended!
___
Rango (Animation):
This animated wild west story about a chameleon who becomes an unlikely hero in rescuing small town folks from being swept away under threat of urbanization is made like-able thanks mainly to antics of the lead character with excellent voice lent by Johnny Depp.
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Battle: Los Angeles:
Many critics have panned this film to the hilt, to be fair I felt this tale of group of Marines lead by (almost retired) Staff Sgt Nantz (Aaron Eckhart) fighting an alien invasion on earth is quite watch-able. It may not be the best movie based on this theme but did not think it deserved some of scathing reviews it recieved.
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Monday, May 9, 2011
MOVIE REVIEWS 2010
Inception:
Interesting stuff! you have to pay much attention though to get a hang of it, and though was un-clear on certain aspects in the finale as regards Fischer and much more about exact fate of Cobb, but wonderful theme overall, some folks draw comparisons with Matrix, I dont agree totally...this one is more about the complexity of the plot than the special effects, whereas the Matrix (alluding here only to first part) was a great combination of both!
Bruce Nolan has come up with another good movie after the Dark Knight, have to watch out for him in future.
Highly recommended!
___
Prince of Persia:
Had played a very early version of the game during my college days, and apart from Gemma Arterton this was the one of the reasons for visiting the nearest multiplex to watch this one, the movie is quite entertaining, great chase sequences, picturesque landscapes and lot of wise cracking, the time reversal angle is quite interesting especially in the finale. Gemma is a treat to watch, Molina is fun, Sir Ben goes over the top and Jake is pass-able, thankfully he is not taking over as Spider-Man I dont think he would have done justice to the role.
Recommended BIG screen viewing.
___
Iron Man 2:
Those who liked the first installment are bound to like part 2 also, in addition to the expected action & special effects there is a lot of wise-cracking with Downey Jr. getting a quite fair share of it. A couple of MARVEL heros are introduced with Cheadle (stepping in place of Howard) as Rhodes/War Machine and Scarlett Johansson comming in as Natasha/Black Widow. Scarlett looks stunning as ever and ups the OOMPH factor of the movie by several notches. This movie also sets the ground-work for the future of Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D with Samuel L. Jackson comming in as MARVEL UTLIMATE's version of Fury. Exciting time ahead for MARVEL fans.
___
Alice In Wonderland (3D):
Visually brillant! The story, of course, is quite familiar but Tim Burton and his team manage to evoke awe among the audience, and you are transported to a wonderland that is extraordinarily wonderful, attention to minute details in rendering this world and the depiction of characters in it really make this a treat to watch, Mia as Alice and (Burton’s favourite) Depp as Mad Hatter give credible performances, The Cheshire cat is however the most endearing and a personal favourite.
All in all it is a delight to watch this movie, highly recommended for 3D big screen viewing.
___
Clash Of The Titans (3D):
An impressive fantasy film with some great action sequences, the film revolves around Greek mythological characters and mainly tells the story of Perseus played by Sam Worthington. Those who have seen the Percy Jackson movie will identify some parts of the plot though of course on overall movie-making scale this is way much larger and better in quality. Gemma Arterton's Io looks beautiful inspite of lack of fancy wardrode/accessories.
Recommended 3D big-screen viewing.
___
Hum Tum Aur Ghost:
The film starts off as a fun film and is quite entertaining with some hilarious scenes, Arshad is always dependable when it comes to comic performances (be it the muffin scene or when he lets go during his argument with his girlfriend or his interaction with ghost of Mr. Kapoor) and Diya Mirza who goes by the novel name of Gehna Sinha and looks stunningly beautiful in designer wear dresses in most scenes, but towards interval the movie changes track and treads on the emotional side, however it fails to take the audience with it, and hence some supposedly serious scenes are received without any emotions in the auditorium and in fact there is even some miffed laughter, overall in-spite of having a good concept the movie leaves a lot to be desired.
___
Percy Jackson And (The Olympians) The Lightning Thief:
Heavily influenced by the Harry Potter movie series, right from title of the movie, the starting credits which proclaim the director’s contribution to the first installment of Harry Potter movies to the last scene. The similarities are staring you in the face: The chief element is Magic. Harry, Hermione and Ron are replaced by Percy (unwilling hero) Annabeth (overtly smart – in fact daughter of Athena, goddess of wisdom) and Grover (comic relief), Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is replaced by Camp Half-blood and so on, however overall the movie does not in any manner match its original inspiration – also except for the lead trio everything else, be it the background, set-ups and characters are hushed up and never allowed to establish themselves in the context of the film, one also gets a feeling of deja-vu while watching most scenes. Watchable if you are a magic/fantasy movie fan.
___
Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?:
Overall a fairly entertaining film, easy on the senses without elaborate melodrama or sensationalism, funny to a considerable extent (though don’t expect an out-and-out laugh aloud session), the main strength is the performances of the central characters. This is neither a film you will regret watching when you walk out of the auditorium nor a film you will consider in the must-see category.
___
Eclipse:
This installment is better than New Moon, however the story doesn't seem to move much from what was projected in Twilight, the Vampire/Werewolf/Mortal love triangle deepens and though some otherwise ridiculous situations are made passable because of the presentation, along-with some action sequences with Were-wolves and Vampires.
___
Interesting stuff! you have to pay much attention though to get a hang of it, and though was un-clear on certain aspects in the finale as regards Fischer and much more about exact fate of Cobb, but wonderful theme overall, some folks draw comparisons with Matrix, I dont agree totally...this one is more about the complexity of the plot than the special effects, whereas the Matrix (alluding here only to first part) was a great combination of both!
Bruce Nolan has come up with another good movie after the Dark Knight, have to watch out for him in future.
Highly recommended!
___
Prince of Persia:
Had played a very early version of the game during my college days, and apart from Gemma Arterton this was the one of the reasons for visiting the nearest multiplex to watch this one, the movie is quite entertaining, great chase sequences, picturesque landscapes and lot of wise cracking, the time reversal angle is quite interesting especially in the finale. Gemma is a treat to watch, Molina is fun, Sir Ben goes over the top and Jake is pass-able, thankfully he is not taking over as Spider-Man I dont think he would have done justice to the role.
Recommended BIG screen viewing.
___
Iron Man 2:
Those who liked the first installment are bound to like part 2 also, in addition to the expected action & special effects there is a lot of wise-cracking with Downey Jr. getting a quite fair share of it. A couple of MARVEL heros are introduced with Cheadle (stepping in place of Howard) as Rhodes/War Machine and Scarlett Johansson comming in as Natasha/Black Widow. Scarlett looks stunning as ever and ups the OOMPH factor of the movie by several notches. This movie also sets the ground-work for the future of Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D with Samuel L. Jackson comming in as MARVEL UTLIMATE's version of Fury. Exciting time ahead for MARVEL fans.
___
Alice In Wonderland (3D):
Visually brillant! The story, of course, is quite familiar but Tim Burton and his team manage to evoke awe among the audience, and you are transported to a wonderland that is extraordinarily wonderful, attention to minute details in rendering this world and the depiction of characters in it really make this a treat to watch, Mia as Alice and (Burton’s favourite) Depp as Mad Hatter give credible performances, The Cheshire cat is however the most endearing and a personal favourite.
All in all it is a delight to watch this movie, highly recommended for 3D big screen viewing.
___
Clash Of The Titans (3D):
An impressive fantasy film with some great action sequences, the film revolves around Greek mythological characters and mainly tells the story of Perseus played by Sam Worthington. Those who have seen the Percy Jackson movie will identify some parts of the plot though of course on overall movie-making scale this is way much larger and better in quality. Gemma Arterton's Io looks beautiful inspite of lack of fancy wardrode/accessories.
Recommended 3D big-screen viewing.
___
Hum Tum Aur Ghost:
The film starts off as a fun film and is quite entertaining with some hilarious scenes, Arshad is always dependable when it comes to comic performances (be it the muffin scene or when he lets go during his argument with his girlfriend or his interaction with ghost of Mr. Kapoor) and Diya Mirza who goes by the novel name of Gehna Sinha and looks stunningly beautiful in designer wear dresses in most scenes, but towards interval the movie changes track and treads on the emotional side, however it fails to take the audience with it, and hence some supposedly serious scenes are received without any emotions in the auditorium and in fact there is even some miffed laughter, overall in-spite of having a good concept the movie leaves a lot to be desired.
___
Percy Jackson And (The Olympians) The Lightning Thief:
Heavily influenced by the Harry Potter movie series, right from title of the movie, the starting credits which proclaim the director’s contribution to the first installment of Harry Potter movies to the last scene. The similarities are staring you in the face: The chief element is Magic. Harry, Hermione and Ron are replaced by Percy (unwilling hero) Annabeth (overtly smart – in fact daughter of Athena, goddess of wisdom) and Grover (comic relief), Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is replaced by Camp Half-blood and so on, however overall the movie does not in any manner match its original inspiration – also except for the lead trio everything else, be it the background, set-ups and characters are hushed up and never allowed to establish themselves in the context of the film, one also gets a feeling of deja-vu while watching most scenes. Watchable if you are a magic/fantasy movie fan.
___
Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?:
Overall a fairly entertaining film, easy on the senses without elaborate melodrama or sensationalism, funny to a considerable extent (though don’t expect an out-and-out laugh aloud session), the main strength is the performances of the central characters. This is neither a film you will regret watching when you walk out of the auditorium nor a film you will consider in the must-see category.
___
Eclipse:
This installment is better than New Moon, however the story doesn't seem to move much from what was projected in Twilight, the Vampire/Werewolf/Mortal love triangle deepens and though some otherwise ridiculous situations are made passable because of the presentation, along-with some action sequences with Were-wolves and Vampires.
___
MOVIE REVIEWS 2009
Paa:
One of the finest films ever! it is quite easy to run out of superlatives while describing Big B's Auro, one of his best performances till date, also some great performances by Paa (Bacchan Jr.) Maa (Vidya Balan - it is possible to look very beautiful even when you have Big B playing your son), Grandma (Arundhati Naag) and even Auro's school-mates (special mention - Pratik Katare, Swini Khara).
Also there is this mis-conception among some folks that the movie is a art-film type, tear-jerker, it is NOT! it is a feel-good family entertainer with some really witty dialogues.
For mutiplex viewing with family.
___
Avatar (3D):
Avatar is a great film, a wonder-ful visual experience.
Much has already been said about the special effects, and with awe inspiring scenes and use of vibrant colors and 'out-of-the-world' forms, the film does live up to its 'epic' tag, however somehow I couldn't shake off the feeling of watching an part animation movie fused with real one. The first half relies more on the technology to deliver a visually rich experience, it is only in the second half that the viewer feels emotionally attached to the proceedings and especially the natives of Pandora.
The story has pro-nature, anti-war message with David vs Goliath like situations and certain ideas which seem similar with those in earlier films like 'Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within'
Avatar is a Sanskrit (India) word, and usually used to describe the many forms taken by the supreme Lord Vishnu, in computer lingo it is more popular in the virtual reality or virtual world concept.
Strictly for 3D BIG screen viewing.
___
Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year:
Nice flick! Ranbir yet again proves his acting mettle (completing his hattrick in 2009, as someone at the theatre aptly summarised with the reference: "Rocket Sid"), and is well supported by his ‘team’. The movie gives an insight into world of sales and is nicely directed by Shimit.
Recommended mutiplex viewing.
___
Twilight:
Highly recommended for the romantics ! It is wonderfully pictursied and is quite engrossing, especially the vampire/mortal love story angle. Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson are quite good in their respective roles, even the “vampire family” seems (if I dare say) adorable.
___
New Moon:
New Moon doesn't match up to the magic that the first part, Twilight, weaves, the the Werewolf/Vampire/Mortal love triangle is interesting only in parts. See if you belong to the Twilight Saga fan-club (I sort of do!) and want to keep continuity.
___
Wake Up, Sid:
(Kapoor rising...)
To summarize this movie - Sweet, Simple and Superb!
Great direction by debuatant Ayan Mukherjee, Excellent performance by Ranbir with great support from Konkona, good music, in all a great movie.
recommended!
___
G. I. JOE - The Rise Of Cobra:
I must admit I wasn't expecting too much from this movie, I had been told that the critics had given it low ratings, however being a comics fan and having read G. I. JOE when I was in school, (also because it featured Snake-eyes) I caught the film at the nearest multiplex.
This movie is END-TO-END an Action/Special Effects sequence, and highly enjoyable if you like to watch Sci-fi action, just some points to be kept in mind -
1. Dont expect an elaborate storyline/plot - Its just the good guys and bad guys going at each other all the time.
2. Dont expect oscar winning performances - This is a sci-fi action flick, what do you expect!
3. If some things seem illogical - Well thats the benefit of a science fiction, its science but its also fiction.
Of the characterizations I liked Duke, Ripcord and of course Scarlett - they could've done better with Snake-eyes though, of course the real stuff as I've already mentioned is the Effects and Action - definitely a big screen affair.
Worth a watch!
___
Transformers : Revenge Of The Fallen:
Visual extravaganza ! Cool effects and great action! Shot at some classic locations and with awe-inspiring fight sequences involving the Autobots, Decepticons and the armed forces and as if that is not enough there is Megan Fox.
Arguably the best sci-fi of 2009.
Scene to watch out for: Optimus Prime taking on a group of Decepticons alone and making good use of his ionic blade.
Definitely BIG screen viewing.
___
X-Men Origins: Wolverine:
Probably the most awaited movie (by MARVEL fans - which includes self) - it seemed it packed a lot of things in one installment but still it is neat stuff ! Jackman is the perfect cast for Logan.
___
One of the finest films ever! it is quite easy to run out of superlatives while describing Big B's Auro, one of his best performances till date, also some great performances by Paa (Bacchan Jr.) Maa (Vidya Balan - it is possible to look very beautiful even when you have Big B playing your son), Grandma (Arundhati Naag) and even Auro's school-mates (special mention - Pratik Katare, Swini Khara).
Also there is this mis-conception among some folks that the movie is a art-film type, tear-jerker, it is NOT! it is a feel-good family entertainer with some really witty dialogues.
For mutiplex viewing with family.
___
Avatar (3D):
Avatar is a great film, a wonder-ful visual experience.
Much has already been said about the special effects, and with awe inspiring scenes and use of vibrant colors and 'out-of-the-world' forms, the film does live up to its 'epic' tag, however somehow I couldn't shake off the feeling of watching an part animation movie fused with real one. The first half relies more on the technology to deliver a visually rich experience, it is only in the second half that the viewer feels emotionally attached to the proceedings and especially the natives of Pandora.
The story has pro-nature, anti-war message with David vs Goliath like situations and certain ideas which seem similar with those in earlier films like 'Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within'
Avatar is a Sanskrit (India) word, and usually used to describe the many forms taken by the supreme Lord Vishnu, in computer lingo it is more popular in the virtual reality or virtual world concept.
Strictly for 3D BIG screen viewing.
___
Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year:
Nice flick! Ranbir yet again proves his acting mettle (completing his hattrick in 2009, as someone at the theatre aptly summarised with the reference: "Rocket Sid"), and is well supported by his ‘team’. The movie gives an insight into world of sales and is nicely directed by Shimit.
Recommended mutiplex viewing.
___
Twilight:
Highly recommended for the romantics ! It is wonderfully pictursied and is quite engrossing, especially the vampire/mortal love story angle. Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson are quite good in their respective roles, even the “vampire family” seems (if I dare say) adorable.
___
New Moon:
New Moon doesn't match up to the magic that the first part, Twilight, weaves, the the Werewolf/Vampire/Mortal love triangle is interesting only in parts. See if you belong to the Twilight Saga fan-club (I sort of do!) and want to keep continuity.
___
Wake Up, Sid:
(Kapoor rising...)
To summarize this movie - Sweet, Simple and Superb!
Great direction by debuatant Ayan Mukherjee, Excellent performance by Ranbir with great support from Konkona, good music, in all a great movie.
recommended!
___
G. I. JOE - The Rise Of Cobra:
I must admit I wasn't expecting too much from this movie, I had been told that the critics had given it low ratings, however being a comics fan and having read G. I. JOE when I was in school, (also because it featured Snake-eyes) I caught the film at the nearest multiplex.
This movie is END-TO-END an Action/Special Effects sequence, and highly enjoyable if you like to watch Sci-fi action, just some points to be kept in mind -
1. Dont expect an elaborate storyline/plot - Its just the good guys and bad guys going at each other all the time.
2. Dont expect oscar winning performances - This is a sci-fi action flick, what do you expect!
3. If some things seem illogical - Well thats the benefit of a science fiction, its science but its also fiction.
Of the characterizations I liked Duke, Ripcord and of course Scarlett - they could've done better with Snake-eyes though, of course the real stuff as I've already mentioned is the Effects and Action - definitely a big screen affair.
Worth a watch!
___
Transformers : Revenge Of The Fallen:
Visual extravaganza ! Cool effects and great action! Shot at some classic locations and with awe-inspiring fight sequences involving the Autobots, Decepticons and the armed forces and as if that is not enough there is Megan Fox.
Arguably the best sci-fi of 2009.
Scene to watch out for: Optimus Prime taking on a group of Decepticons alone and making good use of his ionic blade.
Definitely BIG screen viewing.
___
X-Men Origins: Wolverine:
Probably the most awaited movie (by MARVEL fans - which includes self) - it seemed it packed a lot of things in one installment but still it is neat stuff ! Jackman is the perfect cast for Logan.
___
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