Category: English

Brave | Movie Review

Brave is no Finding Nemo. Neither is it close to Ratatouille, Up, The Incredibles , or any of the other Pixar classics. It’s very different from what Pixar generally make. But still, it’s a beautiful movie; a movie with heart. One you will enjoy!!

Scripted by Brenda Chapman, Brave, the production house’s first fantasy fairy tale, tells the story of a princess, Merida, who defies age-old customs of the kingdom, and in the process gets her family cursed. The rest of the story is about how she fights to undo the curse. Though the concept has the potential to create a classic, the script lacks the punch to make it one. The story is touching, yes, but I believe it could have had little more substance. Titled Brave, I never really saw Merida’s bravery coming into picture. Yes, she did fight for her family, but that was barely for 2 minutes of the movie. I didn’t see much archery either. However, some brilliant direction by Chapman and Mark Andrews makes this film work. It has its moments in abundance, both fun and emotional. The episodes involving cursed Queen Elinor, and the triplets are all hilarious. Screenplay by Chapman, Andrews, Steve Purcell and Irene Mecchi is good, but could have been more effective.

Kelly Macdonald’s voice was perfect for Merida. I loved the Scottish accent, and she was able to do absolute justice to Merida’s character. Emma Thompson did a very good job voicing Queen Elinor. The rest of the voice cast was alright.

On technical front, the movie scores big time! Though the 3D effects were never so great, the animation and visual effects were brilliant. The colors, shades, visuals were all magnificent. Music by Patrick Doyle is good. Editing by Nicholas Smith is crisp. There was not a dull moment in the entire film.

Overall, Brave is just a good film. A better script/fairy tale could have made this another Pixar classic, but that is not to be. The direction is brilliant, and the emotions are perfect. Go watch it without any expectations, and I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Acting: 8/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 8/10
Technical Aspects: 9/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Absolutely. It ain’t like any of the other Pixar films, but is a good movie nevertheless. Go watch it!! (PS: Take your mom along, she’d love it!!)

Verdict: 8/10

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted | Movie Review

Is it worth your time and money??: Well, if the innocent child in you is still alive, then you’ll love Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. All the kids around me did. For me, it was good, but nothing extraordinary. The animation and 3D effects are great, but in simple terms, the film is absolutely dumb. If you no kid, then wait for the DVD 🙂

Acting: 7/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 6/10
Technical Aspects: 9/10

Verdict: 7/10

Prometheus | Movie Review

Is it worth your time and money??: Prometheus is an entertaining film. Its got its moments in abundance, has some great cinematography and some decent acting performances. But its the clumsy screenplay which pulls down the film. The effects are great, and so are the 3D effects. If you like alien movies with not much story-line, this ones’ for you. It’s two hours of spooky entertainment. Give it a shot, you might not regret it!

Acting: 8/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 7/10
Technical Aspects: 9/10

Verdict: 7.5/10

Men In Black 3 | Movie Review

It’s been a long time since I watched the Men In Black movies, but from what I remember, the first one was really entertaining while the second one was a bore. I believe the third installment of the series, 15 years after the first movie, falls somewhere in between the first and the second. Its entertaining on most occasions, but is also a bore at times.

Director Barry Sonnenfeld’s Get Shorty (1995) is one of my favorite films. He is one director with talent. In MIB3, thanks to Will Smith’s amazing coming timing, Sonnenfeld creates few amazing moments between Agent J and Agent K (both young and old). But the script, written by Etan Cohen, lacks the required punch to make this a classic. There are moments in the film which made my self question if I was watching a Hollywood film or a Bollywood one. Not all aspects of the script are not explained clearly as well (either that, or I didn’t get them :P). The screenplay tends to lose pace in the second half, and that’s when you tend to yawn. Nevertheless, some neat direction, apart from the acting, saves the film.

Will Smith shines as Agent J. As already mentioned, his comic timing is just perfect, and its a treat to watch him. Tommy Lee Jones has minimal screen presence, and is good in his role. Josh Brolin is perfect as the younger Agent K. Instead of trying to imitate Tommy Lee too much, he comes up with his own version of Agent K, which I thought was pretty impressive. The rest of the cast was alright.

On the technical front, music by Danny Elfman could have been better. The re-recording though was very good. Cinematography by Bill Pope is pretty decent. Most scenes were shot for the 3D effects, which honestly, weren’t anything great. Editing by Don Zimmerman and Wayne Wahrman is alright, except for some patchy work towards the end. The art and set decoration is pretty impressive. The flashback episodes looked very real. The graphic work is also pretty impressive. Production values by Columbia pictures seemed a little on the low side.

Overall, an average film. It could have been way better, but is not. However, thanks to some good acting, its watchable. Give it a shot at your leisure.

Acting: 8/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 6/10
Technical Aspects: 8/10
Is it worth your time and money??: If you’ve liked the MIB series thus far or if gross alien stuff doesn’t freak you out, then yes. You may watch it for Will Smith.

Verdict: 7.5/10

 
 
 

Hugo | Movie Review

When was the last time you watched a film which made a difference to your life? When was the last time a movie made you question your purpose in this world?? Well, Hugo makes you do all that. It is one of the best films I’ve watched in my life. I loved it more than the Oscar-winning The Artist. 

Though I’ve watched only a handful of his films yet, I love Martin Scorsese for his type of film making. He, without doubt, is one of the finest film makers in Hollywood. But Hugo is not a typical Scorsese film, for it aint got a dark side to it, there are no screenplay gimmicks, and no freeze frames. This one is an honest film with heart. It’s an adventure with which almost everyone can connect, where Scorsese tells the story of a twelve-year-old Hugo Cabret in the most affectionate way. Based on Brian Selznick’s novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret, the film is shot splendidly. Though the pace tends to get slow at times, it has these beautiful moments which make it an amazing film. Be it the budding romance between the Station Inspector Gustave and Lisette, or the one between Monsieur Frick and Madame Emile, or the moments created when Rene Tabard tells Mama Jeanne how beautiful she is, all are brilliantly shot. The direction is superb, and so is the screenplay by John Logan. Scorsese ends this masterpiece as an homage to cinema and the pioneers of film. He deserves a tribute himself, period.

Every character in the movie is finely crafted. Asa Butterfield wins your heart with his awesome performance as Hugo Cabret. His portrayal as the kid who is curious to fix broken things while longing to solve the mystery associated with the automaton is absolutely brilliant. Ben Kingsley’s performance as the pioneering French filmmaker Georges Melies is beautiful. He portrays the emotions to perfection.  Chloë Grace Moretz is lively as Isabelle. The chemistry between her and Hugo is entrancing. Every other actor is perfect in their respective roles. It is, I believe, one of the best ensemble cast in a film in recent times.

On the technical front, Hugo is a magnum opus (5 Oscars prove it: Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Sound Editing). Music by Howard Shore might not be that great, but the sound mixing was awesome. Cinematography by Robert Richardson was without doubt the finest work I’ve seen so far. The breathtaking opening shot of Paris, zooming into the railway station, moving in between the passengers on the platform and finally swooping up into the clock chambers setting onto Hugo is by far the best shot I’ve seen in any form of world cinema. Magnificent!! Editing by Thelma Schoonmaker is the only privative (I am inspired by Isabelle) of the entire film. A little over two hours, the film seemed long, and had some, I wouldn’t call them dull, but slow moments which could have easily made the cut. Art Direction by Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo is splendid. The 3D effects are fluid and flawless.

Overall, Hugo is an epic masterpiece expertly crafted by one of the finest directors of our time. It might be a little too long, but the heart wrenching tale of the twelve-year-old hooks you to  your seat and makes you a part his adventure. It’s a film with a message, one which tells you that you have a purpose in this world, one which tells you never to stop chasing your dreams. I am inspired, and hope you will be too. Go watch it!!

Acting: 9.5/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 9/10
Technical Aspects: 9/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Absolutely!! It’s a must watch for every film buff!!

Verdict: 9/10

The Avengers | Movie Review

Whoa.. what a movie!! The Avengers is two hours of non stop fun and action. After Mission Impossible, this is one film I’d love to watch over and over again. I’m Hulk smashed!!

It is quite a task to bring four super heroes into one film, and the expectations are pretty high. But director Joss Whedon does full justice by creating a spectacular action film. The script, co-written by Zak Penn, is pacy in itself, and Joss made sure that the story remains close to its roots. I thought there were a few instances which couldn’t be connected well with the previous films, but otherwise the direction was perfect. The way he inserted witty humor (Hulk smashing Loki was hilarious!!), and canned action episodes is commendable. The screenplay is very good. The last 30 minutes of the film was simply superb.

On the acting front, Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) takes the lead with his ever-charming arrogant flair. He mouths some of the best lines in the film as expected.  Chris Evans (Captain America) is perfect. I would have expected him to act a little more surprised with the happenings around him after waking from 70 years sleep though. Mark Ruffalo was good, but I liked Edward Norton (Incredible Hulk) better. His character is the best sketched one in the movie, and this might be the best Hulk movie ever. Him smashing Loki was one of the best scenes in the movie (almost every one in the theater was clapping and hooting for it). Chris Hemsworth (Thor) was excellent, but I thought he had minimum footage. I would have loved to see more of him. Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) looked hot, but I thought her character was not very well explained. Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) is great. The best act of the movie for me though was by Tom Hiddleston (Loki). His expressions and mannerisms were excellent. His character could have been more fearsome though. Samuel Jackson (Nick Fury) was alright.

On the technical front, music by Alan Silvestri is very good. Cinematography by Seamus McGarvey is of top-notch quality. The action episodes were excellently picturized.  Editing by Jeffrey Ford and Lisa Lassek is crisp and perfect. You are left wanting more towards the end of the movie.The graphic work is excellent and the 3D effects deserve a special mention.

Overall, an entertaining film. Some great acting, good direction and amazing effects make this a must watch for every action film fan. Whether you’ve watched the rest of the series or not, you’ll surely enjoy this one. Go get Hulk smashed!!

Acting: 9/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 9/10
Technical Aspects: 9/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Yes, totally worth it!!

Verdict: 9/10

Titanic (3D) | Movie Review

Now how does one rate a classic like Titanic?? I was 11 years old when the movie first released and I still remember the first time I went to watch it. I barely had any knowledge about movies back then, but the sheer grandeur and brilliance of this movie made me watch it a billion times over and over!! (Twice in the last five days in 3D!!)

After working on action classics like The Terminator, Rambo, Aliens and True Lies, James Cameron comes up with one of the best romantic, epic movies of all times. The way he adds fiction to the true story is absolutely brilliant. The script is too long, dialogues a little cheesy, screenplay a tad slow, but the whole package together is so beautiful that you end up falling in love with the movie. Bottom line, I’m no one to talk about this man.

Twenty-two year old Kate Winslet looks gorgeous as Rose DeWitt Bukate, and plays her role to perfection. Her performance in the climax is so bloody haunting that I have goosebumps even now thinking about it. Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal as Jack Dawson is one of his best works to date. The chemistry between them is probably the finest you will ever see on-screen. The rest of the cast, Billy Zane, Bill Paxton, Kathy Bates, Victor Garber, and every other actor, is excellent. It’s a shame that it didn’t win any Oscars for acting!

Cinematography by Russell Carpenter is absolutely splendid. The way he captured the romantic moments between Rose and Jack in the first half, and the disastrous sinking in the latter half is terrific. It is one of the best work on cinematography I’ve seen to date. Editing by James Cameron, Conrad Buff IV and Richard A. Harris is perfect. Music by James Horner is absolutely brilliant. Be it the foot tapping Irish music for the real party under-decks, the musicians playing till the last-minute before the sink, or the ever loved “My Heart Will Go On”, master-pieces!!

James Cameron spent over a year with 300 people to digitally remaster the 1997 version into 3D. And the effort pays off, for it was fantastic to watch this masterpiece on big screen again. The 3D effect wasn’t so great, but seriously, who cares?? It’s TITANIC!! 3D or not, go re-live this magnum opus all over again!

Verdict: NA

 

The Artist | Movie Review

I knew this was the toughest review I was ever going to write even before watching the movie, but boy, was it an experience. Jean Dujardin, man, take a bow, for you were out of this world!! (He now joins the list of my all time favorite actors :))

The moment you know that it’s a black and white silent movie, you have this notion in your head, a notion you cannot describe. But having enjoyed the all time Indian silent classic Pushpak years ago, I kinda was motivated to watch this film (even before it won the Oscars). I am glad I did.

The Artist is a movie which you can connect with. It’s very predictable at times, but brilliant, moving yet humorous performances by Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo and every other cast member, not to forget the dog, Uggy, make you fall in love with the movie. Every character is so well written that you can emotionally connect with them. The cinematography, though in black and white, is absolutely mind-blowing, and the direction perfect. The background musical score adds so much life to the film. The screenplay was good, though, pardon my ignorance if that’s how it’s supposed to be in b&w classics, was kinda slow at times.

Overall, a fabulous film, one of the best I’ve seen so far. If you wanna have a delightful experience, go watch The Artist, with pleasure!

Verdict: 9/10

Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows | Movie Review

With rotten status on rottentomatoes.com (59%), I was not so eager to watch Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows. But finally decided to give it go for Guy Ritchie, and Hanz Zimmer’s music. And I am so glad I did. Brilliantly shot, great acting, awesome direction and great music make this movie one of the best I’ve watched in 2011.
With its twists and turns, Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows is a typical Guy Ritchie film (If it weren’t for him, the film would have barely made it to the theatres).  Plus points are direction, music and ya, Robert Downey, Jr., who comes up with a really good performance. I thought is was way better than the first instalment, for it had a much simpler story-line. Only drawback for me was the length of the movie.I would definitely recommend you to go watch the movie. I happened to love it for I went without any expectation, so do go watch it without any expectations!!
Verdict: 8/10
 
For a detailed review, read on…
 
Plot
Miscreant from the first installment, Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris) makes Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) deliver a package for him. The package happens to be a bomb which is diffused on time by Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.). Holmes discovers that Moriarty is responsible for a series of murders and terror attacks across Europe, but has no proof to prove his case. Holmes is trying to solve the case while his best friend Dr. Watson (Jude Law) gets married and is off on his honeymoon. To avenge Holmes’s intervention, Moriarty first poisons Irene, and then tries to kill Dr. Watson and his newly wed wife Mary (Kelly Reilly). The rest of the story is how Holmes saves Watson, and solves the case with his help.
 
Actors Performance
Robert Downey, Jr. is really good in the lead role. His antics and body language make you fall in love with his character. He generates ample amount of humor with his stupendous comic timing and one liners. His performance in the climax is really good. Jude law is good as Holmes’s long time friend Dr. Watson. He supports Robert Downey, Jr., while never overplaying his role. Rachel McAdams has a limited presence and is good. Kelly Reilly and Noomi Rapace are perfect for their respective roles. Stephen Fry was excellent as Mycroft Holmes. His comic timing, again, was superb. I thought Jared Harris could have come up with a  better performance, for his face lacked expression on most occasions.
 
Story-Screenplay-Direction
Even since I’ve watched Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, I’ve been a big time fan of Guy Ritchie. His films, similar to Quentin Tarantino’s, are very different and intriguing. Though not a caper film, Guy Ritchie makes this movie look like one. The story written by Kieran Mulroney and Michele Mulroney is very simple, and there’s nothing really great about the script, but with his typical style, Ritche gives the film the punch required for an action detective film. I loved the way he shot the train episode, and the climax. The last scene of the movie just happens to show his brilliance. Except for but the fight scenes towards the beginning, I thought that the screenplay was really good.
 
Other Departments
Music by Hans Zimmer is a definite asset to the film. I loved the theme score of the first film (it’s one of my favourites), and he doesn’t disappoint on this one either. The sound effects were alright (maybe could have been much better). Editing by James Herbert is alright. I don’t know if its something wrong with me, but again I felt that the film was a little too long, and needed trimming. Cinematography by Philippe Rousselot is pretty decent. I thought that most shots lacked enough lighting and were snowy, but I have a feeling that it was intentional. The CGI team did a pretty good job of recreating Europe of 1890’s. Production values are really good.

Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol | Movie Review

Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol is not a great film, period. But thanks to its adrenaline pumping action sequences, a decent story, direction, and acting, it delivers to its expectations. The awesome cinematography just helps the case. I would have loved to hear better use of the MI theme though. It’s a lil boring in parts, but you’re too engaged to notice these flaws. It’s without doubt the best film of the series so far.

Watch it for sure, and if you do, watch it on IMAX (I’ve watched it both on IMAX and regular screen. The regular screen just doesn’t do justice to the film, there is no adrenaline rush!!). I’ve never seen the audience clap without any particular reason, but they did today for the spectacular sequences shot using the IMAX camera. They left me spellbound.

Verdict: 8/10 + 1 for IMAX

For a detailed review, read on….

Plot
The Kremlin is destroyed, and the Russians believe that the IMF is responsible for it, following which the US government disavows the IMF. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) takes up the mission of trying to find the guy responsible for the blasts, and stop him from starting a nuclear war. But he has to do it like a ghost, with only three team members, and without any kind of support. The rest of the story is about how Hunt, along with his team, accomplishes the mission: impossible.

Actors Performance

Tom Cruise is absolutely brilliant in the lead role. He looked old, yet fit, and performed the stunts with great ease. It takes real guys to perform the stunt on the Burj Khalifa without a double. He gets a close to perfect score on acting front as well. Jeremy Renner was very good as the ‘helper’. He looked really dashing, and at times, better than Cruise. Simon Pegg was excellent, and created quite some humor in the film. Paula Patton was alright. She has great body. I hate to say this, but Anil Kapoor was pathetic as Brij Nath. I don’t even understand why he took up such kinda sleazy role, which lasts less than 5 minutes (I don’t think an actor of his caliber should do such kind of roles, just to make a mark in Hollywood). Rest of the cast was alright.

Story-Screenplay-Direction

The story of the movie is very simple. Someone blasts a building in Russia, the Russians want to attack US, but our hero (or rather his team) tries to stop them and evades the nuclear invasion. Actually, now that I am typing it, it sounds very familiar to X-Men: First Class. But writers André Nemec and Josh Appelbaum did a pretty good job with the simple script. They added quite a number of twists and turns, or rather challenges to our team. But its Brad Bird (director) who makes this simple script look amazing on-screen. Having directed animations like Ratatouille and The Incredibles in the past, he uses all his experience from the Incredibles count on this one. His take on the movie was absolutely superb, and I don’t think anyone else could have done a better job. His persistence on using the IMAX cameras really pays off. The shots are out of the world!! On the downside, there were a couple of dull episodes (the climax especially), and unrealistic scenes which could have been handled better. Screenplay was excellent. (I am now eagerly waiting for 1906).

Other Departments
Music by Michael Giacchino was pretty decent. He did a good job of the original MI theme composed by Lalo Schifrin, but the punch was missing (I wasn’t quite satisfied with it). He did a horrendous job with the Indian music though. Editing by Paul Hirsch is pretty neat. A few of the scenes could have made the cut on the final print. After 2 hours 15 minutes, you don’t feel bored, but you want the movie to end. Cinematography by Robert Elswit is absolutely brilliant. The IMAX shots in Dubai are spell-binding. Production values by Tom Cruise,J. J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are really good, but I wish they had shown real India instead of a set somewhere else in the world. And when you say Mumbai, shoot it in Mumbai, not Bengaluru.

Foot Note:
I really don’t understand why these Hollywood films make a mockery of India. I mean, when you say you are in India, shoot in India for God’s sake (they did in parts, but not completely). It’s not that we don’t have the resources or production equipment; we are home to the biggest film studio in the world. And I hated Anil Kapoor’s role more for the reason that it will now symbolize how Indians are to the rest of the world (just like Slumdog Millionaire did). And again, when you say you are in Mumbai, shoot in Mumbai. Oh btw, for my foreign friends reading this, no, we are not perverts like Anil Kapoor; no, we don’t have so many sexy BMW’s on road; no, we don’t have automated car parking systems yet; no, we don’t play that kinda sad pathetic music at our parties; and no, those Indian streets they show in the movie are not real.

On another note, you get to see Allu Arjun, Gopichand and a couple of other Indian stars on-screen.

And finally, this is what Wikipedia reads: The first public viewing of the movie across the globe was held in Hyderabad, India at Prasads IMAX. The movie released ahead of scheduled start on the 14 of December and the first show was at 10:30 AM IST. Yours truly was there!!