Saturday, January 24, 2015

Big Hero 6 - Walt Disney Animation at its best :)

Loved this one from Walt Disney Animation Studios , this action-packed comedy-adventure just tells us to keep faith,hope and the love intact and keep it going and emphasizes on the most beautiful relationship in this earth which is friendship :) Thought Baymax, the plus-sized inflatable robot was the most adorable being in this movie :) Love the way Walt Disney has grown in the recent years focusing on one notion and that is to realize the power we have within ourselves and unleash it to experience the most positive phenomenon :) The film is extremely entertaining and enjoyable for the whole family. The animated special effects were sheer brilliant, but well thats Disney for you always innovative :) Loved that the story between the two brothers Hiro and Tadashi which was so touchingly told,loved it ya I am quite a sucker of emotions that way :) Its a movie for all ages please please do not miss it and make sure your children watches it as well..passing thought never let the child in ourselves die ever :) Recommended :)

Kill Dil - Awful

This is what happens when you mix a samosa with pasta and do a complete mish mash job of it, hence the end result is bound to be tasteless and probably will leave a bad taste in one's mouth. Movie making is a passion and if one thinks that one will get away with all the gloss minus the soul in the right place well they are sadly mistaken. Shaad Ali started his film career with some pleasant movies - Saathiya (2002) ,Bunty Aur Babli (2005) and then he made a disaster called 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom' (2007 ) and after 7 years he comes back with a movie which is so so casually made lacking any depth in it rather aimless. Ranveer Singh is nice but getting a bit stereotype. Ali Zafar is admirable Parineeti Chopra is as effortless as ever,but again, her 'effortlessness' seems to be getting repeated in every film of hers,she really has to 'reinvent' herself soon. Govinda is a pack of surprise the best part of the movie. Music is not bad but definitely so many songs were not needed in this a quick succession. And I thought the climax of the movie was handled the worst. Highly avoidable..In today's time both time and money are equally precious so why waste them on non worthy stuff :) There are many other good movies like Gone Girl,Big Hero 6 ,Interstellar watch them if you still haven't :)

Beauty And The Beast (La Belle et la bête ) - Magical

This one is a French adaptation of the famous fairytale we have all grown up with. The animated version of this from Walt Disney is one of my all time favorite movie but must admit I enjoyed watching this one immensely as well. Love love fairytales and movies with happy endings and magic and positive feelings :) The movie is shot beautifully in the most exotic locales of Germany so that makes this one a visual splendour too. If fantasy genre is liked by you then most certainly you must watch this one and in big screen. Vincent Cassel is superb so is the French actress Lea Seydoux. Recommended for a magical weekend watch :)

John Wick - For Keanu Reeves :)

Action movies are not exactly my favorite genre but if the main lead is someone then I do make exceptions, a reason good enough to watch the movie, in this case it was Keanu Reeves :) The movie promised action and kept its promise to the T. Action it was which if you like the genre I am sure you will find it mind blowing. If vehicles flying around at high speeds, great gun play excite you then this is the movie for you. Keanu Reeves is simply superb and looks so cool and fit :) Worth the money and time spent :) Action movie fans don't miss this one :)

Boyhood - Mindblowing

Director Richard Linklater who gave us the awesome 'Before Midnight',Before Sunset' and 'Before Sunrise' has taken this movie into a different movie making altogether, something never seen or experienced before for sure to the best of my knowledge. The movie depicts the life of a young boy, Mason, from age 5 to age 18, so the movie is actually filmed from year 2002 to 2014 i.e.over 12 years with the same cast and this is what sets it apart from the rest. BOYHOOD is an excellent ode to growing up and parenting, loved every bit of it. Ellar Coltrane as Mason is sheer joy to watch. Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason's parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha are simply brilliant. Loved the way the film captures the essence the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. Snapshots of adolescence right from road trips and family dinners to birthdays and graduations and all the moments in between become memories one carries for lifetime. Life is all about the moments that makes memories..why not make them beautiful at least most of the time :) This movie is an experience ..don't miss it :) Recommended :)

Khaad (Bengali ) - Simply brilliant

A simple story told in the most brilliant way, haunting music and heart-warming performances by the whole cast , definitely makes this movie stand out among the movies that are churned out every week and easily be termed in being a masterpiece in visual narrative. The story in brief so as not to take away the thrill and surprise of it : Fifteen strangers, bought together by fate, meet with a bus accident… They are trapped in a khaad (a pit) for a night before they can find their way back to the civilization again. This is a night of self-discovery, accepting truths of life, the night when one faces the mirror and leaves behind the baggage of the past in the khaad to move on, afresh, pure. The climax gave me the goose bumps surely was stunned for a while and I am stopping my synopsis of the movie of this :) Leaving excess baggage and moving on is indeed the best thing to do in one's life... The movie is released with English Subtitles so here's a good cinema for you to watch.. Recommended for sure..

Dumb and Dumber To - dumb of course :)

As the title suggests of course its out and out dumb and the comedy most of the time is outright disgusting but will not fail to make you laugh. Not really a family entertainer but a mad crazy one :) So it could be a time pass DVD watch on a tough day. Jim Carrey was rather irritating but must admit thought Jeff Daniels was endearing. Theater watch..hmm not sure...

The Equalizer - Great action movie

This is what you call stylish thriller and an extremely interesting one at that, not letting the story out keeping in mind the best interests for the would be audience for this extremely smart and sleek thriller. Denzel Washington - I am always in awe of this actor and yet he proves again he is one of the best and he still looks so good and super fit :) There is something just so nice in watching Denzel Washington coldly and calculatingly firing a nail gun in righteous vengeance. Chloë Grace Moretz - A great actress in the making for sure. Marton Csokas and David Harbour the actors playing the negative characters are simply brilliant. Superb performances by the rest of the cast as well. Melissa Leo is outstanding even in that brief role. Loved the background music , goes so well with the subject of the story. Of course its an adult for the movie does get a bit brutal and merciless, so yes the movie is a mix of violent and exciting ride. So if action and thriller is your game then this is the movie for you not to miss :) Recommended from someone who usually does not enjoy action movies :) Don't miss this one :)

Horrible Bosses 2 - Not worth it

Yes it has ample moments of madness which will make sure you are rolling in laughter but wonder what the bosses had to do with the incident, but if you keep the logic aside you will have a good laugh. The movie belongs to the guys and Jennifer Aniston is actually barely there. Worth a DVD watch not really worth going to the theater..

Penguins of Madagascar - Fun ride

Just when the audience is getting soaked in world of Big Hero 6 just then Dreamworks brings another great animated movie from the Madagascar series which is so so popular among all age groups :) Immensely enjoyable and entertaining this animated movie can only bring sheer joy among the audience and as mentioned earlier age group does not matter :) The dialogues are hilarious , kudos to the guy who have written them :) The penguins,the wolf, the octopus all of them were equally adorable :) This delightful high action adventure is bound to keep you entertained :) Recommended and your best bet this weekend :)

Exodus: Gods and Kings - Great Special Effects

The movie is worth a watch for sure for the amazing special effects and some real good performances by Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Ben Kingsley. Watch it for the awesome special effects. Good one from Ridley Scott

PK - Meaningful

Two alphabets and what a strong message making the movie so so meaningful, must say Bollywood did end the year on a lovely note and gave us a lot to ponder. Was very disappointed with Aamir Khan last year when he came in Dhoom 3 ,but Dude you more than made up for it with this gem of a movie. I so agree with every thought about religion portrayed in this movie, very close to my heart. I am often asked that if am I a Christian because I like Christmas so much and visit Churches so much ..well why can't I follow what my heart wants to follow, whatever religion/sect I am born really does not matter ..really :) I am free thinker and I am going to live and die with that and celebrate every fun part of every religion the way I want to and would never be bound by any rules ever :) The so called Gurujees are frauds most of the time and we have enough proof of that. Life would be really simple if we lead a life minus double standards. Some people can be so stuck up when it comes to religion fanaticism and yes they have educational degrees which I think they can shove up their you know what :) Whether its the khaap panchayats or the parents emotionally blackmailing their children saying they will end their life if they don't chose a partner belonging to their sect, in my opinion are criminals of the same order. If there are two good Hindi movies I have to name for 2014, it would be Queen and PK for sure. Aamir Khan - Do I need to say anything more about this brilliant actor ...he is simply superb..loved him...such an efficient actor. Anushka Sharma - Won't say out of the world but not bad too ...wonder what she has done to her lips, it was looking really weird. Sushant Rajput - Likeable for sure.. Saurabh Shukla - he was so good as the bad guy that one would want to beat him up :) Sanjay Dutt - Likeable as always :) Raju Hirani - Take a bow ..great movie indeed. Very soothing music. Of course recommended ..do no miss it and you will do yourself a favor.. Glad this was the last Hindi movie I watched in 2014 :)

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb - Fun Ride :)

Fun journey taken by Larry (Ben Stiller ) uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series since 2006 and enjoyed this one too ..lot of inventive entertainment - a fight sequence inside a MC Escher drawing was really cool I thought. This is definitely the movie for the holiday..Enjoy :)

The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death

I share a special relationship with horror flicks , don't get sleep for many nights post watching them but that never deters me from watching them :) I won't say this is the scariest movie but surely will give the much needed thrills and the creepy feeling :) If horror flicks is something you like then watch it :)

Badshahi Angti(The Emperor's Ring ) - Superb Thriller

Feluda series by Satyajit ray is loved by many of us both in terms of the book as well as the movies. His son Sandip Ray is taking forward the legacy and is doing a pretty good job at that. Abir Chatterjee as Byomkesh Bakshi is superb and have done an equally good job as Feluda and yes he is a very good looking guy :) The movie is beautifully shot keeping the thrills intact and letting us guess so whats next in store. Very intelligent story well directed by Sandip Ray. Feluda's series takes me back to childhood days and fortunately those books are still there with me as one of the most prized possessions :) The movie has released with English subtitles so not knowing Bengali does not matter :) A Good Thriller With Great Performances :) Recommended :)

And So It Goes - Lovely

A beautiful movie about relationships and some soulful performances from the lead actors Diane Keaton and Michael Douglas makes this one so so watchable. Glad i kick started the first Monday evening of 2015 with this poignant tale a romantic genre which is my favorite genre of course.

Unbroken - Inspiring

Based on the life of Louis Zamperini who was an American World War II prisoner of war survivor, Christian inspirational speaker, and Olympic distance runner, this movie is all about hope, conviction and immense faith that the best is yet to come. The sequence showcasing Louis Zamperini spending a harrowing 47 days in a raft is bound to give one goose pimples. The movie indeed is inspiring and emphasizes lot on forgiveness something which we all find it difficult to do. Yes its not a fast paced movie but nevertheless a good movie for sure and the cinematography is superb which makes the trip to the theater so worth it. Good job Director Angelina Jolie .. Recommended ..totally worth it.

Taken 3 - Good Fun Ride :)

A real good joyride with the right amount of action, a bit of humor and Liam Neeson and yes there's Forest Whitaker too this time. No complaints I enjoyed the ride :) Taken 4 bring it on :)

Big Eyes - Beautiful Drama

This biography about painter Margaret Keane, her awesome work ,her trust manipulated by her husband and then finally truth prevails. Brilliant performances by Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz. The story unfolds in a beautiful poignant manner. A beautiful drama..recommended for sure.

St.Vincent- Poignant

Poignant tale of relationships forming in the most unexpected yet in the most beautiful and fulfilling manner. Bill Murray,Naomi Watts,Melissa Mccarthy all seasoned actors throwing in some great acting not to forget the gem of a child actor Jaeden Lieberher. Brilliant movie to start the week with which is bound to leave a positive impact. Recommended of course :)

The Imitation Game - Intelligent nail biting thriller

Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, the film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II and someone who conceptualized the modern computer way back that time. The attention to the details is tremendous in this movie. The story is extraordinary yet tragic. Benedict Cumberbatch has done a brilliant job of portraying the role of Alan Turing. Kiera Knightley is a good actress and a pleasure to watch. Rest of the cast is aptly placed too. This espionage thriller is totally worth a watch..don't miss it..

American Sniper - Excellent War Drama

Based on the life of Christopher Scott "Chris" Kyle who was a United States Navy SEAL, and proclaimed most lethal sniper in U.S. military history, he was a legend to reckon with. A Texan Man whose sole aim was to become a cowboy, whose life took a complete turn when he figured out the real purpose of his life which was fighting against terrorism. Bradley Cooper has done a splendid job of a sniper, something which he has never done before must say he has done a brilliant job, very well earned nomination at this Oscar for sure. It was a pleasure to watch Sienna Miller in a significant role. Clint Eastwood has come up with a great war drama ..a must watch..

Paddington - Adorable

A young Peruvian bear travels to London in search of a home and home is where the heart belongs to. A fun heartwarming movie for all ages with great dose of humor and an awesome feel good factor. Whatever your age be ..you will surely enjoy this one :) Recommended :)

Foxcatcher - Awesome Drama

Based on shocking true incidents this one is a harrowing and disturbing and powerful story and the reasons for watching this movie is solely the outstanding performances by the three main leads - Steve Carell,Mark Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum. The story shows the relationship of Olympic Wrestling Champion Mark Schultz and paranoid- schizophrenic millionaire coach John du Pont, who later on murdered Schultz's brother, Olympic Champion Dave Schultz , such is the power of mad ambition and schizophrenia as well. Schizophrenic behavior is one of the most dangerous trait it can really ruin a person's life. Steve Carell is absolutely incredible in this role, something he has never donned before and he has done a splendid,,you would just love to hate him, such is the power of his character...his awkwardness is bound to leave mark in your mind. Mark Ruffalo is simply brillant, very well deserved nomination. Channing Tatum - undoubtedly the best performance he has given and I am sure he will only better this one. Great job by Bennett Miller..he has given us something meaningful again after 2011 release 'Moneyball'. Foxcatcher is an extremely well made drama not to be missed. Recommended..

Selma - Superb

This chronicle of Martin Luther King's campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965 is bound to move you ... David Oyelowo essaying the role of Martin Luther King Jr. did a fabulous job. The movie is not entertaining but an important one for the human race for sure, a grim part of history which needs to visited so as to appreciate what we are blessed with today. A movie worth watching for superb performances and a great story which we should always remember. Recommended.

Mortdecai - superficial

All gloss and style and no depth at all with some very average performances by the top notch actors with the likes of Johny Johnny Depp,Gwyneth Paltrow,Ewan McGregor. Even if you like the above actors leave this one for a DVD watch at the best..not worth a visit to the theater.

Baby - Totally worth a watch

When Akshay Kumar decides to do a good movie he really chooses a good one and does a great job at it. With immense faith in the capability of the director well he has a 'Special 26' and 'A Wednesday' I had decided to watch this movie when I witnessed the promos for the first time and so glad about my decision. A fabulous thriller, a tight script and superlative performances makes this one the undoubtedly the best release this weekend and apt timing just before the republic day, the topic being patriotism. This piece of fiction emphasizes about we the common people who fights for everyday issues, there are deeper and bigger threats to us and our family that we will never know exist because it is the men and women in uniform that safeguard them. The men and women who put country before self, the men and women who define our history because they give a damn except for the safety of the citizens of the country and yes such people do exist in real. The movie really was on the able shoulder of Akshay Kumar and he did a splendid job of it,impressed smile emoticon Rest of the cast comprising of Danny Denzongpa,Rana Dagubatti,Anupam Kher,Kay Kay Menon and Tapsee Pannu are also quite effective. People who really want to help our neighbors destroying our country should really vacate this country ..we do really need that space smile emoticon The Climax was mind blowing, me and my friend kept our fingers crossed so you can understand what a nail biting sequence it was and yes reminded me of the climax in 2013 release Ben Afleck's movie 'Argo'. Yes there are cinematic liberties taken here and there but thats perfectly ok. Don't miss it ...the best release this weekend and the best Hindi movie release of January 2015 smile emoticon Recommended