Oscar Special: Hugo (2011)

Hugo Cabret is a young boy who lives at the train station in Paris. He knows to fix things thanks to his late father, who was a clock maker. Following his death, Hugo moves in with his uncle and the clock at the station is his abode. One automaton that can write, is his favorite possession and it is not in perfect working condition now.

He steals things and eatables at the station and a toy shop owner Georges is particularly incensed by young Hugo. Georges takes away the book that Hugo so dearly treasures, one that his father gave him. Isabelle is Georges' god daughter and she befriends Hugo. Isabelle loves adventures and she is always behind Hugo in his endeavors.

There is a big suspense behind the identity of Georges and Hugo figures this out through the automaton. This suspense is truly special and is of epic proportions. Georges rediscovers his purpose and he credits young Hugo for this.

Review

• The initial scenes and the characters at the station have been beautifully portrayed
• The art work, the cinematography are surreal and magical. Paris, seen through the clock is exceptional.  
• Asa Butterfield as Hugo is the new boy wonder. He is so realistic and endearing. Chloe Grace Moretz as Isabelle acts too cutesy. She is pleasing, though. Ben Kingsley has the best role in the movie. His ease at histrionics during his flashback, is surprising given his age. Helen McCrory is beautiful and graceful as Mama Jeanne, Georges' wife. Jude Law has a small, impressive cameo. Sacha Baron Cohen as the inspector who is constantly looking out to nab the young thieves at the station provides some funny moments. His romance with a flower seller at the station is a welcome distraction.
• The music by Howard Shore is dreamy and takes us to 'wonder' land. If not for 'The Artist', this was Oscar worthy music for sure.  
• That particular scene between the kids facing the Eiffel Tower, where Hugo compares the world to a big machine with each person having some reason in it, is dreamy.
• The significance given to film history in this movie closely on the heels of 'The Artist' is a nice coincidence. These scenes are nostalgic. 
• Finally, the automaton is the biggest draw in the movie. So serene and haunting. 

VERDICT

A fantastic genre bender by Martin Scorsese. An adventure movie but, not only for the kids. MUST WATCH 

Billa 2 new look

Thala's much awaited Billa 2 is getting ready for release for his birthday on May 1. His legions of fans are super excited as always while the general audience also wants more of Thala after the blockbuster success of Mankatha, his 50th film.

The earlier released stills carried the same look and feel of Billa 2007. Ajith looked his suave best in his designer suits and coolers. One still showed a rugged Ajith with a gun and standing along the coastline. Some other stills showing Ajith visiting a brothel were released some days back. In a clean shaven avatar, Thala was plump and a bit jaded.

The latest still shows a rugged Ajith, again with a gun in hand and walking with a helicopter in the backdrop. Looks sexy and classy for sure. But, very predictable.

Whenever an Ajith film is getting released, certain elements are becoming very much constant  - a gun, coat / suit, helicopter, coolers etc etc. Ajith needs to rediscover his cheerful ways. Why so grim, Thala?

Nevertheless, Billa 2 is a sureshot. Can bet the last penny on this movie. Thala's 51st offering. It is a prequel to Billa 2007 and the music by U1, official trailer will be out in the coming days. The expectations will reach feverish pitch, guaranteed.

Audio Launch: March 2nd week

Kamal Haasan in Endhiran

Kamal Haasan and Preity Zinta were supposed to do Robot for Shankar, a decade or so back ... Some fascinating photoshoot stills ... 

Now that Endhiran has been made and created all the right noises both on the critical and commercial front, it is hard to debate whether Kamal would have been a better choice for the movie. 

Rajini did it in his own style and bowled over the entire globe particularly as Chitti 2. Whether this Kamal movie would have had the same story as Endhiran is hard to say. Anyway, the stills are awesome. 

A young Kamal and an even younger Preity Zinta. Photoshoots were rare in those times. Shankar and Kamal had the foresight to do one. Sadly, the movie didn't happen. It missed many heroes' hands and finally landed in THE Superstar's laps and he created boxoffice history like only he can ... 

Oscar Special: The Artist (2011)

A beautiful silent film that has many layers, like the transition of films from the silent era to the talkie era, the bonding between a dog and his master and the love (bordering on devotion) that exists between a woman and the man she idolizes.

George Valentin is a big star in the silent era but, is very skeptical about welcoming sound into films. As a result he is phased out and he suffers major losses in the silent movie that he directs and produces.

Peppy Miller, an admirer, grows in his shadows as a major star in the talkie era. Her films rake in the moolah as George himself suffers. George's wife ditches him and he actually escapes death at an instance due to his loyal dog. Peppy gives him the necessary care.

In the end, George realizes certain obvious follies and decides to reciprocate Peppy and also takes up the offer to star alongside her in her new talkie movie.

Review

• The music is lilting, mesmerizing and fills the void left by the absence of dialogs. The periodic display of title cards is humorous and also revealing. Ludovic Bource takes the cake as well as the Oscar for his score. 
• The performances by the lead are superior. Jean Dujardin is Oscar worthy for sure. Berenice Bejo is ravishing with her charm. Their expressions and ease at dancing are a real treat to watch. The climax tango dance is a refreshing experience. 
• The loyalty shown by the dog and the driver is another touching subtext. 
• Film students will feel nostalgic about the silent films with a live orchestra playing in the theater, when the silent film is being screened
• The climax when people actually mouth some words gives a nice feel good effect. 
• The black/white & silent treatment of the film goes with the era that is being depicted

VERDICT

An experience not to be missed. WOW moments galore. The music, the performances and the basic presentation of the movie make the 5 Oscars totally worth it. 

J. Edgar (2011)

The film is a biographical account of FBI director J. Edgar, during his career that spanned 48 yrs. Edgar was a man who wanted to get rid of American society's evils like communism and later the menace of gangsters. He lived with his ageing mother and didn't have a social life.

He liked to take the credit and always loved to be in the spotlight. He is assisted by his secretary Helen Gamby and his "man Friday" Clyde Tolson with whom he has a homosexual relationship.

Edgar narrates his experiences to a writer so that they know his story and the story of the FBI. He doesn't always reveal the truth which only Helen and Clyde know. A controversial career on the whole which had a lot of secrecy.

Helen hides all the secret surveillance files that Edgar maintained, about high profile people in the society. In the end, he dies a natural death as his partner Clyde mourns. The president is on the look out to destroy all the secret files but Helen keeps them safe.

Review

• Intense performance by Leonardo as the controversial J. Edgar whose life is anything but normal. Solid support roles for Naomi Watts and Armie Hammer. Armie takes the cake in the climax and towards the end when he is attacked by a bout of fits. The dialogue diction of both LDC and Armie is excellent. 
• The makeup for the ageing 3 main characters is authentic. 
• There are frequent time shifts in the narrative
• Edgar's tackling of the communism menace and the Lindbergh kidnapping is intelligent to say the least. The fingerprint collection, the handwriting analysis, the wood analysis, monitoring of registration numbers on the ransom notes etc etc. Truly indigenous. 

VERDICT

Clint Eastwood and Leonardo - the best possible combo. Their film is gripping with great performances by the lead trio. 

Citizen Kane (1941)

Charles Foster Kane is a very maverick, eccentric and narcissistic person who runs a newspaper called the New York Inquirer. He meets with a lot of success and is even in line to be the next US President after getting married to a President's niece. But, his arrogant ways and affair with a singer called Susan bring him down and his political hopes are thrashed. He later marries Susan

He doesn't respect his friends and colleagues and slowly starts living a life of solitude as it gets miserable for him. He forces Susan to become an opera singer when she doesn't have the talent to be one.

His later years are spent in solitude after even Susan ditches him. He dies uttering the words "Rosebud". Kane's childhood and his life are depicted in flashback mode as a journalist attempts to find the significance of Kane's last utterance through some memoirs and a series of interviews with Kane's associates and Susan.

In the end, as his belongings, statues and various other items are burned in his self-built palace "Xanadu", Rosebud continues to remain the missing piece in the jigsaw puzzle for the journalist. We get to know what Rosebud is, in the end. It isn't much of a shock, though.

Review

• The rise and fall of Kane has been depicted in a very engaging manner. Never a dull moment. A truly unique man, Kane is 
• The English diction in the movie is so correct and a delight to listen to, though a bit dramatic and old fashioned, obviously. 
• The makeup for Kane as he ages, is quite artificial. Being 1941,one can't expect much. 

Ekk Deewana Tha movie review

Gautham Vasudev Menon brings his much acclaimed 'Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya (VTV)' to Hindi with two fresh actors - Prateik and Amy Jackson. The support actors have also matched well with the original cast. The setting of the movie has been changed for nativity sake, obviously.

The girl Jessie is a 23 yrs old Malayalee Christian while the guy Sachin is a 22 yrs old unemployed Mumbaikar. He wants to become a film maker and he falls in love at first sight with the alluring and uber sexy Jessie. Sachin befriends Anay, a cameraman and he is his mentor both in the film world and also his buddy in love matters.

Jessie is a very confused girl who isn't decisive about falling in love due to fear of troubles and parental opposition. There is indeed a lot of opposition from her parents, her brother and her own fickle nature.

In the end, Sachin makes his dreams come true by making his debut film about his own life and also accidentally manages to meet Jessie and nails his love affair for good. The magical pair unites in the end much to the delight of the viewer.

Review

• The dialogs are really on the mark and send the meager crowd into raptures on many an occasion. 
• The feeling and emotions in the original version are almost there in this version too. A job well done. 
• The way The Taj has been used in the place of the US (in VTV) is magical and adds to the involvement quotient of the climax.
• Amy Jackson is alluring. Kudos to the Brit for shining in her Hindi debut, the same way as she did in her Tamil debut. Her lip sync is admirable. Prateik is youthful, earnest and fits the role to the T. Good casting. Manu Rishi plays the cameraman to perfection. He is a competent replacement for VTV Ganesh. He is THE entertainer of the movie, by a mile. The bald Kerala uncle is a laugh riot too, with his broken Hindi. 
• The technical finesse of VTV is there in Ekk Deewana Tha too. Gautham doesn't compromise on this, one bit. 
• The climax is different from the Tamil version and is a happy ending. A feel good one, that is quite apt for the hero's efforts and heartbreak. 
• Some intense portions that were there in the Tamil version like the chat between the lovers in the backwaters of Kerala, the extended coffee shop argument etc etc. aren't there here.

VERDICT

A worthy remake that sadly hasn't struck the right chord. Do catch it before it's out of the theaters ... 

Safe House (2012)

Tobin Frost is a legendary ex-CIA agent who has access to certain files that can criminally implicate many intelligence officials all over the world including CIA, MI6 etc. There is an attempt on his life in Cape Town due to this. He goes and surrenders at the US Consulate in Cape Town. He is arranged to be deported to a safe house under the charge of Matt Weston. Matt is a young agent who is eager to prove himself. The safe house is attacked as soon as Tobin is brought in & Matt flees the place with Tobin.

Tobin escapes while Matt is hot in pursuit of Tobin as he feels responsible. Finally, Matt gets to Tobin and there is a suspense behind the identity of the people who want Tobin's life. It's not a very shocking twist by any means and in the end all corrupt parties are implicated thanks to Tobin's file that was given to Matt. Matt smartly doesn't become a mere pawn at the hands of the CIA and exposes the whole racket.

Review

• The action is quite pulsating and the camera work by Oliver Wood is energetic, chaotic and captures all the action very well. The aerial shots are breathtaking too. 
• Ryan Reynolds maintains the brooding, action hero image throughout. Denzel Washington as Tobin makes it light hearted at times with his wisecracks at Matt. 
• Brendan Glesson and Vera Farmiga have played exactly their respective roles in previous films too. 
• The bureaucracy and hierarchy evident at the CIA headquarters is again oft repeated. Seen in films like the Bourne series before. 

VERDICT

Not very novel but, worth a watch for the intense action. 

Alex Pandian first look

Karthi continues to be in the same getup and continues to think of himself as a big 'local' mass hero. His cousin and producer Gnanavel is there to support Karthi's indulgences. The director of the movie is another man known for his 'local' entertainers that have appeased the lower strata of the society. The fact that Siruthai became a big commercial success is in itself a big surprise and now Karthi continues to tread the same path.

He is a talented actor who astonished in his debut but, after that he has always attempted to appeal to the masses with mindless commercial mass masala. A talented young actor is wasting his days by doing the same run of the mill stuff. It's the same look in film after film. He is no different from Vijay in this matter.

Agreed, this movie has tremendous title value and Karthi is targeting Rajinikanth's fans with this move. He will probably succeed again and will climb high in the star ladder. But, wish this movie bombs and Karthi reconsiders his career strategy. He has the charisma and a good fan following so soon in his career. If only, he does something different, Tamil cinema will be really benefited by his presence. 

Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)

This is the prequel to the earlier two editions. The 2 sisters, Katie and Kristi are young kids and they live with their mother Julie and her boyfriend Dennis. Kristi behaves in a weird way and she keeps talking to an imaginary friend named Toby. She wakes up in the middle of the night and prances around the house. The elder sister also experiences the spirit a couple of times and she is terrified, in stark contrast to her younger sister.

The man in the house as usual, records everything and keeps examining the footage. He is a professional cameraman too. Julie doesn't believe initially but, she is forced to accept the existence of the spirit and they move out to her mom's house.

In the end, the 2 kids are taken away by the grandmother after Dennis and Julie are killed by the spirit.

Review

• We have come to expect what is on show in this movie series. Weird thudding sound effects, recorded footage, sporadic displays of the spirit and a violent ending. Maybe the heart has become too strong for such movies. It can hardly be termed as scary.
• Some scenes involving the sisters experiencing the spirit are weird and disturbing but, not at all scary. 

VERDICT

Disturbing at times but, not at all scary. 

Pineapple Express (2008)

Dale Denton is a 25 yrs old process server.  He witnesses the murder of an Asian by Ted and a corrupt female cop who is an accomplice to this. Dale had been smoking a weed called ‘Pineapple express’ in his car, when this murder occurred. In shock, he rushes away from the spot back to his weed supplier Saul.

Ted traces the whereabouts of the witness (Dale) using the weed and comes to know of Saul through the middleman Red. Now, Dale and Saul are on the run as Ted and co. are out to get them. Dale and Saul have their share of disagreements and bonding.

Dale’s high school hot girlfriend Angie and her family also get involved in this mess due to Dale who was supposed to join them for dinner on the day following the murder.

We also have the Asian mafia that is against Ted, which makes its presence towards the end as Dale, Saul and Red, somehow escape their way out and come out of the mess as thick friends.

Review

• It entertains at places while it becomes too much of slapstick humor at other places.
• The 3 lead men James Franco, Seth Rogen and Danny McBride, are mainly responsible for the laughs with their funny antics.
• While the men go about enjoying their weed and doing crazy things after getting stoned, it makes for good fun.

VERDICT

Watchable once for the 'stoned' antics and some harmless fun. 

Poraali (2011)

The film’s protagonist Kumaran has to overcome so many hurdles posed by his fellow humans be it his own family or his neighbors. His family is after him for the property bequeathed to him and they don’t allow him to prosper in life. They don’t give him a proper education and brand him a lunatic. He roams around with his friend doing nothing and it takes some well-wishers to tell him the truth behind his mother and his existence. But, he is sent to an asylum when there is actually nothing wrong with him.

He meets another young man there who has periodic fits, and the two elope from there at a point and escape their way to Chennai. They stay with another bachelor Pulikutty who does odd jobs for a living. Their neighborhood is full of weird characters that can hardly be categorized as normal. They slowly make it big in Chennai thanks to Kumaran’s pro-active and helpful ways. His neighbor falls for him after the initial frictions and Kumaran also reluctantly accepts.

Kumaran also helps one of his colleagues at the petrol pump with her domestic problems. Just when everything is fine, his past comes back to haunt him. His relatives are after him again for the property deal. But, Kumaran overcomes all the odds and gives it back to them.  He decides that running isn’t going to help and striking back is the only option.

Review

• Sasikumar’s manic rage, rugged looks and flowing hair fit this role perfectly. He keeps running like a possessed man for most of the movie.
• Allari Naresh, Ganja Karuppu and co. provide some funny moments with their antics. They do test the patience at times too.
• The ‘rolling the tongue out’ routine becomes tiresome beyond a point.
• The songs and BG score are lackluster to say the least
• The theme of the movie is good, of man being a social animal who tries to outwit his fellow men at any given time.
• The ladies in the movie have small yet significant parts. They are not the senseless glam dolls. They have honor and stand by their men at all times. Vasundhara leads the honors.
• That small episode about mentally affected people is touching and makes an impact. Jayaprakash shines in a small cameo.

VERDICT

A good premise that doesn’t hit the bulls-eye. The typical Sasikumar-Samuthirakani brand of rugged and raw cinema. 

American Gangster (2007)

This is a biographical account of dreaded gangster Frank Lucas and how Richie Roberts nabs him with his persistent efforts. Frank is notorious for smuggling into the US, high quality drugs through the US Army planes from Vietnam. He sells them at a lesser price than the competition and calls his brand "Blue Magic". He doesn't like competition and literally monopolizes the market. He has to bribe a lot of cops to stay in business.

Richie has a troubled family life as he is totally into his work. He doesn't take money and is honest to a fault. He sleeps around with many women but when it comes to work he is perfect. He also passes his bar exams. With his team of handpicked men, he finally gets to Frank Lucas and his horde of brothers & cousins, and succeeds in putting him and all the corrupt cops behind bars.

Frank's sentence is reduced to 15 yrs from the initial 70 yrs for his co-operation in the investigation.

Review

• Gripping fare with 2 heavy weight superstars playing their roles with ease. Denzel Washington's aggression is fiery while Russell Crowe is the cop who is trying to bring him down. He looks bulky though. There are many more characters in the form of the other cops, Frank's brothers and cousins, his beautiful wife, his mother etc. All have played their parts. 
• The process of bringing in the drugs from Vietnam and the way Richie goes about his investigation is detailed. 

VERDICT

An engaging true-life story with lot of detailing. Worth a watch 

Classic Revisited: A Beautiful Mind (2001)

The film chronicles the life and times of John Nash, a Nobel laureate in Economics. He is a brilliant mathematician but has troubles with the mind. He has schizophrenia and suffers from delusions - 3 in particular, an imaginary room mate Charles Herman and his niece Marcee and one William Parcher assumed to be working for the US Army in finding a nuke device.  

He is helped by his wife in overcoming all the trauma of medications and hospital treatment. He learns to ignore the delusions beyond a point of time. But, his journey to the Nobel prize takes him through the physical, metaphysical and delusional limits of human possibility. A fascinating true life story

Review

• Russell Crowe delivers one of the most complex roles with myriad emotions, with an ease of the pro that he is. Shame that he missed the Oscar for this. 
• Jenifer Connelly deservingly won the Oscar for her role of the supporting wife who goes through emotional hell. 
• Paul Bettany as Charles, a delusion is so emotive. It is a pity that he is unreal. The actors who come as Sol, Bender and Hanson also have small yet solid roles. 
• James Horner's musical pieces are mesmerizing and give goose bumps. The title track in particular. Another deserving Oscar.
• The prosthetic makeup as the lead pair and other characters age, is very authentic. 
• The screenplay is so gripping that it draws you in from the start. When John gets his delusions and starts messing it up, it is pretty sad and chaotic. That moment when we realize that the 3 characters are delusions, is scary

VERDICT

A psychological classic. All the elements of film making work magic.

Classic: Iruvar (1997)

A fascinating movie by Mani Ratnam that takes a look at the legendary figures of Tamil Nadu politics - MGR, Karunanidhi, Annadurai and Jayalalitha. MGR is Anandan, Karunanidhi is Tamizhselvan, Anna is Ayya Veluthambi and Jaya is Kalpana here.

Anandan struggles to get a foothold in movies while Selvan is a revolutionary poet who works for the upliftment of the downtrodden. Anandan uses Selvan's dialogs to make it big as a superstar among the masses. Ayya starts his own political party and Selvan is an important member of the party. Anandan later joins the party and uses his political clout for the success of his movies and vice-versa.

Selvan starts becoming jealous of Anandan's rise. Ayya's party wins the elections but Selvan becomes the chief minister as Ayya's health worsens. There are lots of allegations of corruption and Anandan doesn't fail to point this out. Anandan is thrown out of the party and goes on to start his own party. The government is brought down and in the ensuing elections, Anandan's party wins handsomely and he becomes the CM.

The members in Anandan's party aren't as service minded as Anandan and corruption allegations are thrown against his rule as well. All along, his relationship with Selvan is one of mutual respect and deep rooted friendship even though they are in opposite parties and Selvan is jealous of Anandan's rise.

Both the men have more than their share of romantic flings and aren't bound to a single woman. Anandan's encounter with his dead first wife Pushpa's lookalike, actress Kalpana is engaging to say the least. The 2 are totally diametric in their character but, Anandan is drawn to the young Kalpana.

In the end, nature takes its course and Anandan dies due to his ill health. Selvan repents for their eroded relationship and hopes to join his dear friend in the afterlife.

Review

• The acting is supreme be it Mohan Lal as Anandan, Prakash Raj as Selvan, Nasser or Rajesh. Living up to legendary characters in real politics is no mean task. Mohan Lal is a surprise fit for MGR though MGR wasn't as burly as Lal. His emoting capabilities don't need much elucidation. Prakash Raj towers above the rest and his climax performance is marvelous, worth the National award. His delivery of the pure Thamizh dialogs could have been better though. 
• Aishwarya leads the female credits and her performance as Kalpana is refreshing to say the least. Aish as Pushpa, Revathi, Tabu and Gauthami are dignified in small roles.
• Among A.R.Rahman's best works be it the cult songs or the inspiring BG score.
• Santosh Sivan's cinematography is top notch as expected. Visual poetry like in all Mani films. Another award worthy show. 
• Some needless songs. The editing department could have trimmed some of them. 
• The dialogs by Suhasini are powerful and intense and helps create many cult scenes. The art work by Sameer Chanda is grand and larger than life. Fits the theme. 
• Mani has portrayed Karunanidhi as positively as possible. Fear of rebuttal must have softened his stand given Karuna's atrocities against Brahmins in his young age.  

VERDICT

Class written all over. Mani Ratnam's best work till date. Top notch acting, inspiring music and magical visuals aid him in creating this masterpiece. 

Ek main aur ekk tu movie review

Another glossy rom-com from Bollywood, inspired by similar such Holly love flicks. Has a contrasting couple in the form of a boyish but uptight Rahul & a jovial and bubbly Riana. Rahul has just been fired from his job while Riana has been dumped. They cross paths a few times before getting married overnight in Vegas after a drinking binge on Christmas night. They decide to get the marriage annulled but their journey together is destined for more.

Rahul falls in love with Riana slowly and he turns around his life in a more cheerful manner thanks to Riana's influence. Riana on the other hand, treats Rahul as her best friend and even takes him to India for him to lighten up his mood. Rahul finally gets the courage to speak his mind out to his parents who are obsessed with his looks, habits and career.  

Just as we expect Riana to slowly start reciprocating Rahul's love, the ending is something unexpected. She stays firm in her stand and maintains that she is just a great friend to him. Rahul turns around his life and the two stay friends forever. 

Review

• Imran Khan sets the benchmark for boyish charm and turns in an engaging performance. Towards the end, he is top class. His dressing, his style sense are all very "boy next door" types. 
• Kareena Kapoor delivers as expected. The parents have all done well, be it Riana's cheerful parents or Rahul's socially conscious parents. 
• The songs by Amit Trivedi are a major plus. The BG score by Clinton fits the mood as well. The locations in the movie are fresh and glossy. Rich production values. 
• Some classy scenes like the scene when Riana calls Rahul the perfect average guy, when Rahul is about to kiss Riana but she refuses, when Rahul burst out to his parents and the climax
• The editing is nice and the chapter style is new to Indian films. The chapters could have been named better though. 
• The dialogs are cheeky, humorous and quite progressive for a typical Indian film. 

VERDICT

A familiar romantic premise lifted by Imran Khan and the different ending. Worth a watch. 

RocknRolla (2008)

Set in London with a bunch of crooked guys ruling the roost. We have Lenny Cole, the man who calls himself the boss of London. He has the judges, the councilors etc in his pocket. Archy is his right hand man and makes sure things are going fine.

Then, we have The Wild Bunch - One Two, Mumbles and Bob, a bunch of small timers waiting for any chance to make money. There is also a Russian who deals with Lenny to enter the real estate scene in London. His accountant Stella is in the mood to make money and she takes the services of The Wild Bunch. They steal 7 million euros meant for Lenny and give a small share to Stella.

The Russian's favorite painting which was given to Lenny also goes missing. Finally, we have Johnny Quid - the rocknrolla who goes missing often to boost his music sales and is proclaimed dead many times. He is Lenny's step son and the painting is actually with him. His managers are instructed to find him.

There are more small characters and everything goes seamlessly and Archy takes control towards the end after knowing the truth behind Lenny. Archy, Johnny and The Wild Bunch survive and are supposed to be back in a sequel. I am waiting!!!

Review

• Typical Guy Ritchie style. Engaging, complex, light hearted and never a dull moment. 
• All the actors have a small part in the bigger scheme of things. They are all competent actors. Mark Strong, Gerald Butler, Tom Hardy, Toby Kebbell, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton (sexy and seductive) etc. lead the huge ensemble cast. 
• The lighthearted banter that One Two and Bob have over the fact that Bob is gay, Johnny's drug trips and philosophies, Archy's narration, Lenny's modus-operandi, Stella's scheming ways, the Russian bodyguards who constantly chase The Wild Bunch during their 2nd steal etc etc. Engaging stuff. 
• The theme music is terrific. A real rage. The title credits are addictive just for this music and the title graphics.

VERDICT

Another Guy Ritchie classic in typical style

The Descendants (2011)

Matt King is a lawyer based in Hawaii. He is always into work and doesn't spend much time with his family comprising his wife Elizabeth and 2 daughters Scottie and Alex. All this changes when Elizabeth meets with a boating accident and falls into a fatal coma. It is decided that she would be taken off life support in a short while.

Matt has to deal with his daughters, his in-laws and also finds about an affair that Elizabeth had with one Brian Speer, a real estate guy. He needs to break the news of the death, to all his cousins and friends. Above all this, as the trustee he also has to decide about the fate of about 25,000 acres of Hawaiian land that has been inherited to his family through their ancestors. All his cousins who are broke, are waiting for this sale to see some much needed money.

Matt handles all these emotional roller coasters in a level headed manner and comes out as a good father and as a responsible Hawaiian inhabitant.

Review

• George Clooney is the soul of the film and the way he handles his foul mouthing daughters, Alex's friend Sid, his cousins, the land deal and his wife's affair, is beautifully underplayed and thoroughly realistic. 2 scenes in particular - his final moments with his comatose wife and the scene when he refuses to sell the land. A-RATE. He is insanely handsome and charismatic as always. 
• The daughters Alex and Scottie are terrific and the guy Sid makes a surprise impact as well. Shailene Woodley is a superstar in the making. Solid support roles for all these 3 youngsters. They are prodigally talented and make a mark in the emotional scenes as well as the typically naughty scenes where they use foul language.
• The soundtrack of the movie has light hearted songs in Hawaiian language I believe. The locations are a big treat. Delightful cinematography that captures the beauty of the land. The costumes are also in sync with the culture - colorful shirts and shorts. 
• Special mention to the ending of the movie which is simple yet striking. 

VERDICT

Simple yet beautiful family movie with a heart. Making such simple movies work, is a big skill indeed.   

Agneepath movie review

A remake of the 1990s movie of the same name. The treatment is also outdated. The only pluses are Hrithik Roshan's incredible looks and screen presence, Ajay-Atul's songs and the rich production design and sets.

It's a typical revenge saga and a blood bath. Vijay has to avenge the death of his father Master Deenanath Chauhan who is killed brutally by Kancha in front of the entire village (Mandwa) because Kancha's ways are opposed by the Master.

After 15 yrs Vijay completes his life's mission of revenge and joins his father in the afterlife. There is a love track, lots of blood, songs, an honest policeman, a corrupt politician, mother/sister sentiment and another gangster in the form of Rauf Lala who opposes Kancha. Stale remake.

Review

• The success of this movie proves that Bollywood is mostly just about a big hero, lots of hype, an item number and very little stuff. Sad state of affairs. Our audience is still welcoming such stale affairs purely believing the hype. Ra.One and now Agneepath, didn't deserve big success. 
• Sanjay Dutt looks seriously scary and overacts at times. Rishi Kapoor is a surprise casting in a negative role. Priyanka Chopra stands beside her man and looks pretty. She emotes well in one dragging scene prior to her marriage and death. Katrina Kaif dances as if she is possessed by a dancing spirit. Chikni Chameli rocks purely as a music video. The sister looks pretty and has some sister sentiment scenes with the Greek God. Om Puri is earnest as always. 
• Too much religious flavor in the songs. The music of the movie is a major plus though. 

VERDICT

Outdated revenge saga and a bloodbath at that. A movie that didn't deserve success. Our audience has been cheated by marketing hype once again. Sad!!!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

On her deathbed, Daisy narrates to her daughter, the story of Benjamin Button through his diary. Benjamin is a truly remarkable man in the sense that he is born old and dies a baby. He ages in the reverse and while he feels young, he appears old and while he is actually in his old age, he appears a toddler.

His life's experiences are inspirational and feel-good to the core. His experience at sailing, women and finding the love of his life are all beautifully told. A fascinating story that takes you on an emotional ride. The makeup and visual effects in portraying a reversely ageing Brad Pitt are top notch and never seen before.

Review

• Eric Roth's amazing story and screenplay. Fascinating imagination and beautifully implemented by David Fincher. His touches like the man repeatedly narrating his experiences at being struck by lightning and Benjamin telling that Daisy has met with an accident in a truly unique way, are brilliant. The scene when Benjamin learns to walk is mesmerizing. His bonding with the mother who raises him is heart warming. As Benjamin is about to die as a toddler, it really makes the heart heavy.  
• The makeup and VFX are top notch and deservingly awarded handsomely. Brad Pitt's veteran makeover takes the cake. His voice modulation for his old makeover is so realistic. The walk, the facial reactions, the bald head are all pitch perfect. 
• Cate Blanchett is brilliant in a very emotional role that spans a long life span. Brad Pitt as usual, looks a killer dude in the scenes where no special makeup is required. The way he rides his bullet is cool. Taraji P. Henson as the mama is endearing. The tug boat captain, the twins in the boat, the man who makes the reverse clock etc. are other small characters that make a huge impression.  
• The movie gives the same feel good appeal that Forrest Gump gave. The romance and the sailing part are very similar to the Tom Hanks' classic. 

VERDICT

A feel good classic with top notch makeup and visual effects. Fascinating concept and a beautiful romance. 

Kochadaiyaan first look

They have smartly opted to go for performance capture technology to hide SSRK's wrinkles and old age. They have given the character a set of abs and flowing long hair, which won't be possible with the human avatar of Rajini ... The still looks surreal, nicely designed. EROS is involved, A.R.Rahman is involved. Big names indeed for the biggest star in India. His youngest daughter is wielding the megaphone for the first time after her failed attempts at resurrecting Sultan/Hara or whatever.

The only minus is the involvement of Rajini's favorite director K.S.Ravikumar. He also happens to be Kamal's favorite director. He has lost touch with the current trend and his past few films have been disastrous to say the least. He is a good man-manager and appeases the ego of big stars. That's why he continues to work with the biggest stars in Tamil cinema.

Hope this movie hits the screens soon and gives us a Rajini treat after Endhiran way back in 2010. After his troubles with his health and giving fans a real scare over his long stays in hospital, Rajini must be raring to go. Such a movie won't place any strain on his health too. Smart move. India's first performance capture photorealistic film ... The makers are proud of their pioneering effort. Hope the final product lives up to it. 

Contagion (2011)

A mystery illness is spreading all over the world and with each passing day, there are more affected people and more deaths. How the world deals with this mystery disease, is the plot. Starting from common people to journalists to doctors, a variety of people are affected and their only goal is to get hold of the vaccine that would get them immunity against the virus.

The process of fear and panic spreading, the way the virus spreads, the various conspiracy theories and the long wait for the curative vaccine are shown well.

Review

• There is a huge star cast giving tremendous face value for the film. Each of them has a small role that could have been done by anyone else. The stars are all impressive, nevertheless. 
• The scientific terms used in this unwavering medical movie are beyond the realms of understanding for a normal human brain. 
• The screenplay is gripping particularly the way the virus propagates across the various cities in the world with the passage of time. The origin of this virus shown in the very end is shocking. Such simple acts leading to catastrophic occurrences. 

VERDICT

An unwavering medical movie which is a warning at how normally inconsequential acts can cause major grief.

Memories of Murder (2003)

The movie traces the investigation of a series of murders of young women in a small Korean village, by 3 cops in 1986. Each of these cops has his own ideas and modus operandi.

While 2 of them are locals with stupid, immature ideas the 3rd cop is from Seoul and he brings in professionalism to the investigation. They are at loggerheads most of the times due to their conflicting ideas.

This investigation turns out to be frustrating and endless for them as they can't find enough evidence that can send the murderer behind bars. All the murders have an element of similarity and perversion with beautiful women being the target.

At one point, the cops are almost sure of the murderer. They investigate him and look for the final evidence and proof but, in vain, till the end.

Review

• This movie shows that investigation of a series of murders is no cake walk as shown in commercial movies. The investigation process done by the Seoul based cop with the help of the lady cop in the station is pretty interesting. 
• All the cops have acted well. One particular retard named Kwang Ho is very natural 

VERDICT

The frustrating side of a murder investigation. Very realistic and engaging stuff