Closer (2004)

This movie based on relationships is unlike any other romantic movie that has come out till now. The approach is brutally honest and the way humans are portrayed in this movie is totally realistic with warts all over.

It has been inspired by one of Mozart's operas and the soundtracks of the master are mesmerizing to say the least.

The 2 men in the movie fall for their hormonal cravings and don't hesitate to cheat on their partners. The 2 women in the movie are vulnerable in their own way and they too can't resist the charm of a good man at any point.

Natalie Portman has the best role in the movie as Alice/Jane, the young stripper who is madly in love with Dan, a failed novelist. Alice works as a waitress once she moves in with Dan.

Dan, meanwhile can't resist the charms of Anna, a divorced photographer and he cheats on Alice. Anna on the other hand is married (for the 2nd time) to Larry even as she is madly in love with Dan as well. All the characters are brutally honest when it comes to sex even when they admit it to their respective partners at that particular instant.

Clive Owen as Larry brings in that restless craving that his character has. Jude Law and Julia Roberts are vulnerable and fidgety as they deal with each other and also their respective partners. Natalie shocks during her scenes as the stripper. She has really upped the oomph quotient in this movie. That she looks a million bucks, in her various makeovers, is an understatement. The other actors look attractive as well.

There are some really bold scenes in this movie which are definitely meant for the adults. The chat scene between Larry and Dan posing as Anna, is hilarious as well as raunchy.

On the whole, this one is definitely a unique movie on romance and relationships. Human beings have been portrayed in their most impulsive, lunatic, senseless, vulnerable and instinctive avatars. Ultimately a review can't summarize what exactly this movie offers. It's crazy for sure.

VERDICT: Brutally honest and unpredictable portrayal of romance and relationships

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 

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.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

Professor James Moriarty is taking control of the Western civilization by controlling all the major industries. He intends to create war between the nations by controlling all the supplies. Sherlock Holmes stops him with the aide of Dr. John Watson, as usual with his brains, eye for detail and daring attitude.

John is dragged unwillingly from his honeymoon by Sherlock. John’s wife is sent off with Sherlock’s brother. They trace the professor’s evil intentions to a peace summit in Switzerland and in the end they avert a major disaster

The movie ends with the premise for a sequel after Sherlock is believed to have been dead back in Switzerland. The detective is back for more action in the end.

Hits

• The movie’s period style production design, artistic sets, elegant costumes etc. it is consistent in look and feel, as in the 1^stfilm of this franchise.
• The film really picks up towards the climax. The chess scene between Holmes and Moriarty is splendid. The other parts of the movie are enjoyable only due to the presence of the super charming Robert Downey and Jude Law. Their friendly banter and ‘pulling the legs’ routine is enjoyable as always. Downey’s elegant, casual style and his various makeovers (particularly the lady makeover) are a total crowd pleaser.
• The sequences where the action is visualized in the mind before it actually happens have been used in this edition too, and they work like a charm.
• The visual effects during the chase through the forest are awesome. The use of slow motion to show the effect of the explosives is another high octane idea.
• The in-your-face editing, jerky camera angles reminiscent of Guy Ritchie are there in this movie too.
• The witty dialogs filled with intellect. The dialog delivery style of Robert Downey accentuates their effect. 

Comments

• Hans Zimmer's BG score isn’t extra-ordinary. The signature theme continues from the 1^st edition.
• The villain isn't imposingly portrayed.

VERDICT

The movie picks up considerably towards the end. Otherwise, it falls short of the expected Guy Ritchie brand of cinema. 

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Whats it about
A stylish depiction of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his assistant John Watson in eliminating the dreaded black magic exponent Lord Blackwood. Holmes nabs Blackwood in his 6th act after 5 murders, and succeeds in getting a death sentence for him. But Blackwood returns from the dead and plans to take over the entire world through some shady plans that involves many murders based on some maps, directions and signs (man,ox,eagle, lion)
          Holmes' former sweetheart Irene also gets involved through another professor Moriarty who employs her to get some details through Holmes. Holmes and John have their share of differences over many matters including John's fiancée Mary but, they stick on for friendship's sake and for their sheer brilliance and succeed in putting an end to Blackwood before his final act at the Parliament.
       Finally Holmes proves that Blackwood's schemes and plans were all based on pure science, logic, the fear that he instilled among people and that there was no magic involved

                                                                        
Hits

• Robert Downey Jr. Perfectly cast. As the always rational, logical detective with absolute attention to detail, Downey rocks with his elegant and nonchalant style
• Guy Ritchie's touches. The sequences when Holmes visualizes in his mind what he intends to do before he actually attacks his opponents are mind blowing examples of innovation. 
• Jude Law as Watson is majestic and classic with his manly style and western looks. 
• Hans Zimmer's soundtrack is quite repetitive but ear-pleasing nevertheless. 
• The art direction is terrific. Many scenes look just like paintings. The color schemes make the London of old look absolutely gorgeous. 
• Mark Strong's solid voice is his biggest plus in his portrayal of Lord Blackwood.  

VERDICT

New age style and some surreal visuals/visual effects make the action set in London of 1890 look absolutely stunning. The lead male cast's contribution is no less either.