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Reviews
Bijitâ Q (2001)
Sick Trash
Takashi Miike! This is the only reason why I watched this flick despite of the vague posters. Comedy is really something I feel can not be mixed healthily with the Horror Genre. Anyways in this movie nothing seemed balanced to me. The movie is very disturbing is what I had read. Yeah true it is really disturbing as the opening scene is of a father being seduced by his daughter and having sex. Maybe this is a factor people have given positive reviews on sites that the whole movie is full of these abnormal instances. So much of sex and violence is involved and the concept of incest is exploited. The movie makes no sense to me. The Visitor Q hardly makes sense and nothing is explained. Perverted things keep on happening without any explanation. Hard cuts everywhere ruin the continuity. If people find it redeeming wrt the concept, I strongly object. Things are too exaggerated here which helps in making it dumb. It was rubbish for me. I score just for a scene before climax which I can't tell here as will be considered a spoiler. The climax was again sick. This whole movie is very rubbish. No elements of horror. I could not laugh as well which means the Genre is not clear as well. What I felt was totally sick after watching it. Don't Waste your time.
The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
Thumbs Up
Romance with Sci-Fi itself is quite an appealing genre for me. And with Matt Damon in it definitely makes it more ( least I knew about Emily Blunt who is quite pretty ;) ). Hats off to the concept. These kind of concepts should be appreciated. I never thought about the title and made out what was it and it will definitely surprise you. The direction of movie is quite good and I loved the Cinematography. The script as well is well written and is consistent. the romantic factor is very much appreciating as it do connects emotionally. Damon and Blunt both have done great and its surprising for Damon fans to see him in a romantic and passionate avatar and do so well. Both share a sparkling chemistry. Its imaginative, refreshing, innovative and things are explained in a decent manner. George Nolfi surely takes credit for rewriting the short story of Philip and presenting it in a quite well manner. If you are reading this till here that means you don't care what critics say and if you don't, do watch it then. Thumbs up from my side. Loved it.
Super 8 (2011)
Great - Good - Average - Poor wrt progress of movie
It was a highly anticipated movie so watched it with much expectations. Movie started off quite well and I really got interested. Reminding me of Goonies it gathered my attention. As the movie progresses things go pretty well. An environment is created that something is gonna happen. But when it happens its not much of a surprise, the movie falls down then to the category of average. In short it's good for most of the former part but the latter has spoiled it. The problem is with script which do not cooperate with the theme well at the end. Its one of the same old formula used several time in movies like Goonies, ET, Close Encounters etc. The acts are pretty fine by everyone. CG work is nice. There are few good sudden scenes to stir you which serves well. Now I feel that surely when you see it you will find that you were not actually expecting the movie to turn out so bad reaching the end with stupid script. Anyways, this will serve as a nice flick overall and entertaining as well but don't keep high expectations or you may regret.
Horrible Bosses (2011)
Outstanding
Firstly I did not have much expectations from it as these days comedy flicks are just average. But am telling you, the very first moments were enough to give an outline of what was gonna happen next. Its one of the craziest comedy running along three friends. I must talk about Hangover coz it gave rise to such concepts after being a run away hit. Anyways i did have a laugh or a smile throughout the movie. The best part is that though its dark sometime but the mood is throughout funny and don't get serious. Jason, Charlie and Jason Bateman have done awesome job but Charlie is outstanding with some good liners. Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey fits well in character and are equally humorous. Jennifer Aniston is actually too hot in her avatar. The direction is good maintaining the comic timing and fun element throughout. Dialogs are well written. I loved the story and concept. Forget the critics babbling over the concept or stuff, just give it a try and you won't regret. Its just awesome and a must watch.
Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings (2011)
Save your Time
First of all making another sequel was terrible after the crap third installment and over that it was a prequel. Now I didn't find anything new in this movie. The major lacking thing is that being a prequel they should have considered more attention towards how it all started, they have just substituted the details with mocking gore and slasher. Secondly the script was nothing and a very old formula which is written too week. The makeups are so weird and highlights the low budget direct to DVD release. The slasher and blood spills are not new to us and in fact are presented poorly except for one or two shots. They have just added another black mark to the used to be good series of Wrong Turn. If you're gonna listen to me then you can easily avoid it and save your time.
Ra.One (2011)
A Breakthrough in Indian Cinema
Fore-mostly hats off to Shahrukh for delivering such a magnificent piece of vfx to Bollywood. It is the biggest budget movie of Bollywood cinema till date and it can be seen very well on screen. From the very start it can be judged that we will be watching something very unusual. Now coming to main point, the script and story might not be very unique but the screen play is just great. Sequences are clearly inspired from many Hollywood movies but the decent part is that they are put forth and displayed with perfection. Characterization of especially Ra.One is brilliant and G.One hold an equal importance. Actwise, as usual Shahrukh is entertaining and he fits very well to the super hero image. Arjun Rampal has very well adapted the role of Ra.One. The effects or vfx which is the key attraction of the movie are simply stunning. They will definitely keep you glued to the screen. Action sequences are amazing again. Music has already become a rage. Even surprisingly the background score is very well composed by Vishal-Shekhar. On the whole its a visual treat for us. Its definitely a breakthrough in Indian Cinema. As was Avatar for Hollywood, its Ra.One for Bollywood. It comes out in 3D as well and effects are good in 3D. Sequel definitely awaited by me and just hope better script next time.
Love Actually (2003)
It will make you fall in Love
At last watched this one and believe me I carried a smile across my face throughout the movie. The moment it starts and the music starts playing am pretty sure everyone of you will want to remember the one you love. The music is simply awesome and not just in beginning but entirely including the background score and its just too romantic. Now talking of the script, its quite well written with the interwoven lives of the cast and it exactly manages to depict life and how its affected by love. Everyone in the cast has done a good job. Movie carries on a tint of humor throughout with all the cheesy bits. Its quite beautiful and contains a lots of hooting moments for audience especially the story of the kid which is really cute. It has those touchy moments as well. Although some negativities are shown but its perfect as love is not always ideal. But I guess that you won't find yourself noticing that as the movie will just make you fall in love. Perfect to watch with your partners and get cozy. I want to watch it over again and just can't let go of the music from my mind. Its not perfect I will say as some parts are exaggerated and loosely screen-played but still its a much watch. Loved it.
Dabangg (2010)
Avoid it
I was avoiding it for a long time but atlast watched as I had heard enough of the hype. Now I just don't know what to say. Am truly astonished how they won so many awards for it. Well I wonder how many movies they copied from. Mmmmm Inglourious Basterds, Matrix, Desperado, Planet Terror, The Transporter, Sherlock Holmes, The Dark Knight, Romeo must Die, District B 13, Kill Bill of what I know and etc etc. There is no character development and they have not tried to characterize any other character than Chulbul Pandey's. Dialogs are pathetic for me. There is no scene where I could laugh. Action scenes are much more pathetic and its foolish to say that why can't we like such scenes in bollywood if we like such mindless action in Hollywood movies. The answer is simple they are screened with perfection making them realistic with efficient direction. Abhinav Kashyap here simply tries to grab the style of Tarantino and place it exactly over his project but he even could not do that. Sonakshi Sinha has nothing to do with the movie and it would not have mattered at all if they removed her completely. She should at least learn to speak the dialogs if she's been given two or so. There is practically no script involved and its like someone wrote a story in childhood over which they tried to make a movie.Especially the climax is where you'll wanna bang your head. On whole the movie is below average. Songs are nice and are only savior. It got the hype of Salman and became a blockbuster. Obviously Salman fans must love it but others stay away from it.
Rango (2011)
Hats off to Depp
I never wanted to watch this movie. The characters seemed disgusting and the start seemed boring and so I watched it just coz I dint have any other. But now I feel so bad for my decision of not watching such a wonderful flick. First of all its not a movie for kids but it doesn't mean it fails for us as well. The script is not new and basically styled in western form. The most appealing thing is the visuals and animation which are just flawless with extreme quality. Secondly the characterization which is not found too strong in much of the animated flicks. Johny Depp has given life to the character of Rango seriously. He's terrific and it feels as if the character was made for the voice of Depp only. All the other characters are greatly characterized as well esp Rattlesnake and Mayor. The elements of humor are placed perfectly. The movie is a little dark and contains some violent scenes not meant for kids but hell I enjoyed them. Very good direction plus excellent cinematography. Obviously it's not perfect as I feel the script could have been better but visually 10 on 10 except the ugly looking characters. I loved it pretty much and would definitely recommend to all and ones again, hats off to Johny Depp for making Rango alive.
Corpse Bride (2005)
No big Impression
The first thing is that am not a fan of musicals at all and I was not aware till I saw it. Tim Burton has made a good attempt in creating a dark fantasy in 3d animation. But still it feels as if the things are rushed a lot and a lot is happening quickly without creating an impression in our mind. The only character I can remember is of the bride which is crafted beautifully. Being a musical it had to have some fine score and songs but to a big disappointed I can't even recall anything. Now coming to technical aspects, the visuals are stunning and the screenplay is designed to be a little scary in some places. Therefore am sure kids won't like it. The theme is nice but script don't hold to it and I don't know but there is some problem that it failed to gain my applause. There is no character development which is very disappointing as it ends suggesting nothing. For me its overly rated may be due to Tim Burton but its not more than an average movie which will serve for a limited audience only.
The Town (2010)
A great Heist Movie
The plot however is not brand new to the movie world but Ben Affleck has presented it with great efficiency. The story is about himself playing Doug MacRay and his criminal life with his three partners and how it gets a turnover after he meets Claire. The start of the movie is pretty good and raises our hopes for whats going to be next. I watched the extended cut and may be that's why it felt boring somewhat and long in the latter first half. But soon after that it picked up too good. Jeremy Renner playing James Coughlin has delivered an amazing performance and the rest of the cast is pretty good as well. The screenplay is very good and on the whole its a great robbery movie. The movie surprisingly connects emotionally as well. The character development is superb. Ben Affleck clearly has done a terrific job here. The action sequences and the heists all look real and are shot with much perfection. Watch out for the climax as it may not end how you had thought. Overall its a must watch for crime lovers especially.
Hannibal Rising (2007)
Loses the Charm
I was astonished to see it both in positive and negative sense. The movie tells the story of young Hannibal and how he turned into a monster. Its pretty fine. Gaspard is too good playing young Hannibal as per the script demands. But the script is very disappointing for me. They have turned it into a slasher flick. As far as the character and the theme of the series goes, Hannibal should have been shown more with creepiness rather than his hands filled with blood. It might be great for all the gore lovers but not for me. I was expecting much more. It clearly misguides about the character of Hannibal. They forgot that there was a reason why the character was screened so less without revealing much about his crimes and just giving a nature of his deeds. The mystery of his character was not meant to be solved and not at all in this way. It turns out to be just a gush of blood without the charm. Not for fans of Hannibal. Others can have a look. Its not at all mature like others in series.
Red Dragon (2002)
Hopkins takes it to next level
Well if you have already seen Manhunter you might find yourself pressing forward again and again as its just the same. Even the dialogs are copied to much extent. I was a little disappointed for the fact as I had the highest expectations from this one from the whole series. Edward Norton as the manhunter is nice not great in his role. The credit here goes solely to Anthony Hopkins who just sparked life into the movie by his amazing performance as Hannibal. He's creepy throughout. I feel the character of Dolarhyde and McClane were performed better in Manhunter. The script here remains same excluding the climax which is also a plus point of the movie. Red Dragon on whole is much more creepy than Manhunter thanks to Hopkins. So if you view it on comparison basis you might be disappointed with it to much extent. As a separate movie its pretty much thrilling and terrifying. Do go for it for the brilliance of acts.
Hannibal (2001)
Hannibal the Cannibal
Its been almost ten years and the face of Lekter still lives alive in our mind. The movie has the same psycho thriller environment throughout. The direction is again good but I felt that it lacked a great script. The movie obviously had so much expectations from me and would have from you as well but it don't cross the mark of the silence of the lambs and is a low down. Anthony Hopkins is again brilliant and scary. The movie is creepy in its own way again. Julianne Moore has nicely replaced Jodie Foster. The presence of Hannibal is more and it makes it better. The story was weaker but a rise in gore factor can be seen. On whole the movie is interesting and I've never felt any series having better psycho-thriller environment. Hannibal is definitely creepier than other psychos as without much use of gore he's able to penetrate through the mind. A good sequel definitely.
404: Error Not Found (2011)
Not bad
Prawal Raman infamous for Darna Mana Hai and Darna Zaroori hai is the one directing it which I came to know later. The movie starts off well with all the ragging stuff. You might be bothered for below average acts by almost every character in the movie. The concept of the movie is nice but I really wish it could have been incorporated in a better direction and it would have had a bigger budget. Still its not boring and manages to drive off in a nice pace. The twist in the end is appreciating and so is the climax. The movie gets stretchy in between but its worth with respect to the end. So I would say you can definitely go for it for surprise. One time watchable.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Lekter is Remarkable
In simple language the movie is truly remarkable. The direction of the movie is simply awesome and I loved the screenplay as well. The conversations between Starling and Hannibal Lekter are shot so well and dialogs are written so fine that even though the character of Hannibal don't appear much but still its the one that you'll never forget. Even the character of Buffalo Bill is very much creepy but Lekter wins for me. Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal has delivered a stunning performance. Jodie Foster has also done a good job. The psycho-thriller theme is well established throughout the movie. Its creepy in a sense. The movie is nearly perfect in every aspect. Even the background score settles well enhancing the environment. Its one of the movie you won't forget. Though the character was introduced first in manhunter, its now that it marks its true nature. I would really recommend it to all.
Manhunter (1986)
good acts and steady screenplay
This one comes out in the 80's when Hannibal Lektor was unknown to the world. The movie seems boring in beginning but it stand to its ground soon after. Michael Mann has made it stylish in his own way with reference to the screenplay and the background score as well as music. The environment is always gripping to the theme. William has done a good job as Graham and is efficient in depicting the characteristics of the character. The role of Hannibal is very less and its not able to create the impact upto the mark. Its nice but not great. The character of Dollarhyde is rather more promising. On whole the movie is not great but its good and worth watch. The thrills are adequate as per the time it was released. Go for it if you like crime thrillers.
Kokuhaku (2010)
Slow but worth
I started off with this movie with much efforts as it seemed too boring initially. And it was true as I felt bored during first half more or less. The movie crawls over a murder of an innocent child and the enraged mother. Even the dialogs keep to monologues heard over a faint music which makes it perfect to sleep. But later the story and the theme starts to build up with the revelations. The pace remains same but it slowly becomes interesting. And am sure when the climax comes you'll be thrilled as was I shocked. The mystery which starts unfolding after about half of the length is pretty good. I only felt that the pace could have been better and they might have shortened the length and it would have been much more interesting. On the whole if you can stand by the pace, then do watch it and you'll find it worth in the end.
Children of Men (2006)
Dragging
I had a lot of expectations from this movie firstly for being nominated for Oscars and secondly coz Alfonso Cuarón has directed Prisoner of Azkaban as well. But after watching it my expectations are turned down to the ground. The concept of the movie is so attracting that one must go for it but seriously I felt that they ruined it. The movie is too stretchy and too boring in parts. There's nothing much happening for much of a time and it crawls at moments. Some moments are good but they only make it an average flick not the one to make you stand in appreciation. Most of the part I was skipping frames. Clive Owen did a nice job. Watch it if you like dragging movies over a good concept. Otherwise you'll find it an average movie.
Thor (2011)
Requires an Applause
I've always loved Marvel movies. Kenneth Branagh directing a superhero flick could have been risky but surprisingly Thor comes out to be big and great. There is no moment in the whole movie where you'll feel like skipping. Moreover After so much time I've seen a movie without skipping forward. Chris Hemsworth has done a terrific job as Thor. His dialogs are great and are the only hints of good humor throughout the movie. I've always loved Natalie Portman. Tom and Anthony are good as well. The action scenes are pretty good and must have been great in 3D. Thor with a beard might look odd for the comic fans but it served well to me. Well yeah do wait for the end of the credits as there is another sequence just like Hulk and Iron Man. It seems they are all set for a grand plot for Avengers. Anyways the movie was very good for me. Scope for betterment surely remains but its a must watch. Great job done there.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
For Video-Game Lovers
Frankly I started on with this movie long back but felt it to be a little boring. Gathered courage to watch it again and to my surprise I enjoyed it after where I had left earlier. So guys just don't go by the start as its quite mocking. One thing you'll learn in the beginning itself that it has got a feel of video game, but that's just the start. Half hour in the movie, you'll gonna love it if you are pretty much into games. It may remind you of back years when you used to play them if you're old enough. The style of direction is the wow thing about this movie. The storyline is easily predictable. The acts are fine. All the visual effects are just adequate to manage the feel of a video game. The music is good. Few liners are good including the pac-man one and will make you smile. The co-relation of the movie can be felt if seen deeply as it follows the current code of conduct of the teenagers regarding their life. Though I strongly feel that its not quite conveyed. All the way the movie is entertaining after the first half an hour with all the action sequences. Its a must for all video game lovers.
Source Code (2011)
Not upto the mark but good
I must say a very promising concept. Its not something we haven't seen earlier but it is a refreshed version. Still I feel Ben Ripley failed to justice with the plot. Duncon Jones has tried to direct it with efficiency but it don't stand to the level it should have gone with the brilliancy in concept. At one point of time I started feeling bored with the repetition of things and going through the same thing again and again without any limit. This is the same thing that happened with Vantage Point. The movie is very good despite of all the facts but it could have gone par limits. Climax will be quite surprising for everyone I guess. But there is no such thing like repeated viewings to understand. The climax was amateur and is left to be on the viewer's interpretation. But it's not at all done with the elegance it was left in Inception for example. Viewers are left confused as no information regarding it has been given and the climax ends as well without explaining things. Anyways I liked the movie as I said but I wish it was more powerful and more vivid.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
The epic ends in a Grand Manner
The final installment and the journey comes to an end. I can't believe that they were able to keep the theme up tight for the whole trilogy. This one is very long if you're watching an extended version and some scenes might seem stretching but nonetheless this one is again amazing. Seriously hats off to Peter Jackson for delivering such an extra ordinary series. All the cast members did a terrific job again and likewise everything seemed great. The battle was grand and the CG compositing with visual effects also is stunning as ever. It feels odd as it comes to the end and you'll find yourself wanting for more. Inferior to the previous installment slightly but still a marvelous piece. The series truly is an epic and exceptional. Highly recommended to all.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
A Great and Grand Sequel
I could not believe that a sequel can be that good. Even I felt that it was slightly better than the earlier one. The story concluded from the previous part and it have more wars going on which is a treat with marvelous CG effects. This time the pace was faster than the Fellowship of The Ring. The same efforts from Peter Jackson are clearly visible. Again everyone has done a great job in their respective acts. I could easily watch the extended version without getting bored. The character of Gollum is quite interestingly made fit in the story. The battle of Isengard is what this one is wholly about. Its quite a lengthy war but its one of the jaw-dropper. Overall I think again every technical aspect touched almost perfection. Although I feel this one was better a little still I don't feel like giving it a perfect 10. Again a must watch.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Hats off to Peter Jackson
So much of a hyped movie and I hadn't seen till now. Also as I wanted to watch the extended versions in blu-ray in the first go itself as I already knew this is one hell of a movie. As expected the movie completely stands on the great hype which waves till today. Peter Jackson has done a terrific job in directing this piece. I never felt that its going lengthy except the start which was necessary to build the storyline. The movie is filled with CG elements and VFX, all rendered with perfection. The characterization of characters is perfect. The feel which builds up while watching that something big is gonna happen is the best part for me. It's filled with a suspenseful atmosphere. Every technical aspect seems to be near perfection. The background score I must mention is just amazing. So if you haven't watched then you're a fool like me. This one is a must watch.