MOVIE REVIEWS 2011

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.

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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!

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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!

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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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