Captain America: The Winter Soldier | Movie Review

CA

So Captain America kicks off the season of superhero movies this year, and it ain’t a bad start.

Scripted by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, CA: The Winter Soldier relies more or less on the premise set in the CA: The First Avenger, that of Project Hydra (for those who have no idea what that is, I’d suggest you watch the first part). The Russo brothers (Directors) did a commendable job with the given storyline, but for the mediocre screenplay. At two quarter hours, the movie seemed really long because of the slow screenplay, especially during the first half. However, the innumerable number of fight sequences and action episodes keep you glued to your seats.

Chris Rogers is good, while Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) looked odd at times. Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson are decent in their respective roles. On technical front, music/score by Henry Jackman could have been more gripping. The action sequences are very well choreographed, and cinematography by Trent Opaloch is pretty neat. The 3D effects are just alright, nothing spectacular. Editing by Jeffrey Ford could have been sharp. The production values are pretty neat.

Is it worth your time and money??: It’s a decent film, and I liked it better than CA: The First Avenger. While the first film didn’t really establish Captain America as a superhero (not for me at least; he absolutely did nothing in the movie, even the climax fight with Red Skull was so boring!), this film has a lot of potential for him to make his mark, and he does. But for the slow screenplay, it works on every other front. Give it a watch (not necessarily in 3D or IMAX though).

Worth mention: Nick Fury’s car chase sequence. It’s funny though that the roads are absolutely empty and there’s not a single soul in sight when so much is happening.

Acting: 8/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 7/10
Technical Aspects: 8/10

Verdict: 7/10

The Grand Budapest Hotel | Movie Review

The-Grand-Budapest-Hotel-UK-Quad-Poster

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a well scripted, hilarious comedy from Wes Anderson. The story is simple, but the effective screenplay makes the movie work. The narration is brilliant. Acting is spot on, with Ralph Fiennes putting up and exceptional performance. Music by Alexandre Desplat is subtle, and cinematography by Robert Yeoman is brilliant.

Is it worth your time and money??: Overall, it’s a brilliant fun film, and a joy ride. I’d suggest you give this a watch!

Worth mention: The swift screenplay, and some smart acting from Fiennes and his accomplice, Tony Revolori.

Acting: 9/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 8.5/10
Technical Aspects: 8/10

Verdict: 8.5/10

Queen | Movie Review

QUEEN

After hearing some raving reviews, here I was watching Queen. And boy oh boy, I wasn’t disappointed one bit!

Directed by Vikas Bahl, Queen tell the story of Rani, an innocent young belle from Delhi who decides to go on her honeymoon alone after her fiance calls off the wedding. The story is simple, but Vikas handles it so well, that you connect with Rani easily. The witty dialogues by Anvita Dutt and Kangana herself add to the beautiful journey, while the screenplay  (by Parveez Shaikh, Chaitally Parmar and Vikas Bahl) is crisp. I loved the way the flashbacks kept coming in between the storyline. Direction is perfect, and Vikas was able to get right and beautiful emotions from every cast member. He is a director to look out for.

Kangana can take a bow. After some boisterous performances in the past, she portrays Rani with such ease and simplicity that you can’t stop falling in love with her. Her innocence charms you from the word go, and she comes up with an impeccable, probably her best performance till date. The rest of the cast is superb. Be it her foreign friends or her parents and relatives, everyone put up fine performances.

On technical front, music by Amit Trivedi is neither too loud nor weak; it’s just perfect. Editing by Abhijit Kokate and Anurag Kashyap, and cinematography by Siddharth Diwan and Bobby Singh are spot on. It’s nice to see a movie with no big star cast come so good, and proves the fact that script is the king/queen.

Is it worth your time and money??: Absolutely. It’s a brilliant film and should not be missed at any cost. Go enjoy Rani’s beautiful journey and get mesmerized by Kangana’s performance.

Worth mention: The episode when Rani gets drunk in Paris; and the end title credits.

Acting: 9.5/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 9/10
Technical Aspects: 9/10

Verdict: 9/10 + 0.5 for Kangana!

300: Rise of an Empire | Movie Review

300

300: Rise of an Empire tells a story which runs parallel to the 2006 film 300, where Leonidas (Gerard Butler) leads 300 Spartans into battle. This film showcases the Greek fighting Artemisia (Eva Green), the naval commander of the God King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). Just like it’s predecessor, this film, directed by Noam Murro, is a visual treat for any action movie lover. While the script and theatricals falter at times, the amazingly choreographed fight sequences and the spectacularly dark cinematography keep you engrossed in this blood shed warfare.

On the acting front, Eva Green is superb and fits the role to the bill as Artemisia. Forget beautiful, she looked as cunning and powerful as required to do justice to the role. On the other hand, I was disappointed with the lead, Sullivan Stapleton. A role of such magnitude needed someone with a better persona, and maybe better acting skills. He created no impact whatsoever.

The background score and sound effects are excellent. Editing by Wyatt Smith David Brenner is decent, while the screenplay by Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad could have been more effective. However, cinematography by Simon Duggan and the action sequences more than make up for other flaws.

Is it worth your time and money??: The film is a visual extravaganza. Barring the gore blood shed and mediocre performance from the lead actor, 300: Rise of an Empire is an entertaining watch.

Worth mention: The amazingly choreographed fight sequences in single shots.

Acting: 6/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 7/10
Technical Aspects: 8/10

Verdict: 7/10