Snow White and the Huntsman

I did try to save my weekly expense on movie this week so that i could spend it on the two movies releasing this coming Friday, though, couldn't as I was getting bored to death today - Monday. I went down to watch the newly released "Snow White" movie. One of the primary reasons to choose the movie ahead of others was Charlize Theron on the posters,though, I did see Kristen Stewart in cast but I'm more of a Theron fan than I dislike Stewart.

Cast

Charlize Theron's being part of the movie was enough for me. I have been a great fan of her and have been missing her from the big screen since a few years. Primarily cause of her movies doesn't release in India that easily and Hancock was the last Theron movie released in theaters given that Prometheus is yet to release in India. The only movie of Kristen Stewart I liked was "In the Land Women" but then she had a small supporting part in it. It was good to see Chris "Thor" Hemsworth, whom I recently saw in "The Avengers". I hadn't hear about Rupert Sanders "Director" about much earlier, so no comments for him.

Take

Src: Wikipedia

The movie takes a bit darker take at disney's fairytale of Princess Snow White. I liked how the movie starts. It has pace which remains with the movie for most of the part. Being a fairy tale, good graphics and animations was pretty much given. The action sequences in the movie are good starting from the first one when the King saves the "Ravenna" (Charlize) from the Dark Army which proved as a trap, till the one in the end between the wicket witch Ravenna and Snow White (Kristen). The characterization of both the characters played by Charlize and Kristen is pretty strong and where as, Charlize did a brilliant job with it and shows her experience and talent which bring the character to life. Though, Kristen failed to do so and seemed pretty weak at few moments. Her lack of experience showed through her portrayal, though, I'm not trying to prove anything less of her, she did have her moments in the movie but lacked the maturity. She was looked beautiful and innocent to be easily related to Snow White, though, the same she couldn't do with her performance. Chris Hemsworth was good with his part as the huntsmen. He plays the guy who saves the Princess and then, falls in love with her beauty and innocence.

The second half of the movies moves it focus from the Witch to the Princess which kind of killed the movie. Though, it is a movie which i recommend but that's only because of Charlize Theron.

X-Men: First Class -------- Grand

Being already missed Kung Fu Panda 2's in theaters, i didn't want to take any risk with X-Men: First Class and went into the theater right on the first day of the release. Although, i hadn't think of it earlier to watch it right on friday, however, it worked out perfectly for me, though i had to run for it and even missed a couple of early minutes of the movie. Any who, i was on time to catch most of it.

Cast

I was thrilled to see James McAvoy's name in the cast. I could watch a movie only for this guy. I have seen a few of his movies and loved them all. James is possibly one of the best of actors at present. Other than him, the whole cast was new to me.

About

There were many a moments in the movie when mouth was wide open and jaw lying on the floor like the moment when Megneto turns the satellite's receiver face or when he lifts the sub marine out of the water and carries it to the coast. You'll know when you'll see those propeller out in the wind and turning right in front of your face. Something tell me that i have already told you about how good the action is in the movie and it is bettered by the brilliant camera work.

But the best part about the movie was the performance delivered by the two leads of the movie - James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. Well, it seemed like a competition or healthy competition where both tried to out run each other performance wise, however, both were equally brilliant. James was so real while portraying Charles Xavier and the way he displayed the calmness of Prof. X on screen is one of the high points about the movie.

Michael as Megneto was a surprise to me. May to people, who have seen him earlier, his performance didn't came as a shocker but it so so was for me. This is first Michael Fassbender movie where i recognized him, even though i have seen Inglorious Basterds and 300, however, i didn't where he was in those movies. The scene where Charlers tell him about finding inspiration from the memories between rage and serenity and then Erik turns the satellite receiver face was one of the many scenes of the movie which i'll always remember.

There are other performers who managed to not be over shadowed by James and Michael among whom my two favs are Jennifer Lawrence (Raven/Mystique) and Kevin Bacon (Sebastian Shaw).

All in all, the movie is such a refresher and brings back the belief of the audience back in to the X-Men franchise especially after the not so great X3 and X Men Origin - Wolvorine.


Good Things

Everything's good about this movie. If you are a X-Men fan, then, this movie will satisfy your all your urges and then, will leave you to want more. At the end of the movie, the only thing in my head was when will i be able to see the next X-Men movie.

And I just wish that this time, the X-Men franchise sticks with Matthew Vaughn for good and bring peace to the X-Men Fans.

Another thing, i want to do before closing this post is to appreciate a man, and i do wanted to do this since a long time, Stan Lee. The guy who have been the greater force who visualized the character and their powers. He who can easily be called as the father of modern comics.

This movie is a must watch for everyone who have ever seen a mutant movie or read a comic or even heard about it or even if haven't heard about it.

9/10

Love And Other Drugs - Love And Romance

It's been a long time since i saw a movie before this movie. The reason for being Two and Half Men, which i'm trying to complete these days. However, watching the same daily again and again, just took a little bit of fun out of the it, so i went for a movie for change. Then, came the decision of what to watch, but it was a easy one for me and i went for a Romantic movie. Thus, landed on Love And Other Drugs.

Cast

The cast made it easy for me to choose this movie. I have been a fan of Anne Hathaway since her "Princess Dairies" days. She a fab actress and so beautiful. I have been following Jake too. I have a lot of his movies too especially after "Brokeback Mountain", which was the first Jake Gyllenhaal movie i saw. So, there wasn't much of a fight in going for this movie.

Plot

Jamie is a player and great with girls. He joins Pfizer as a medical rep, hoping for big money. After he becomes one of the regular, he meets Maggie, who's is effected by Parkinson and wants to live free spirited life and wouldn't stop for anyone or anything. Jamie falls for her especially to her attitude. He asks her out but gets turned down but didn't gave up. He pursues her to go out with her but gets shocked when Maggie asks him to "just do it with and get over and not to fall in love with her". Then, starts the spree of multiple sexual meaning less encounters. In between, Jamie gets one of the first opportunities to sell Viagra, which makes him one of the best in the business. Big paychecks, option to join the bigger league at the headquarters and et cetra.

But, during these meaning less sexual encounters, both fall for each other. Jamie puts in all the time and money he had to find the best doctors in the business for Maggie, however, the chances of maggie being Parkinson free were thin. After a few months of wandering from one doctors office to other, all the around the states, Maggie gives up and believes that Jamie can't live with a sick Parkinson affected girl and it will get worse and breaks up with him.

But then, does Jamie gives up too and other answers makes the climax of this beautiful love story.

Good Things

Great performances by Jake and Anne is the backbone of the movie. It's a good romantic movie and a safe bet for the people who love romance and drama. Good music and script also adds to the advantages of watching it.

Bad Things

Well, i liked this movie so i'll be biased and say it's is almost a perfect watch. However, watching though a neutral eye, people may say that they have seen similar kind of story-lines which brings a disadvantage to the movie.

Any who, this is worth a watch for the people who love watching love on the big screen. A must watch for the Jake and Anne Hathaway fans too.

7/10 from me

Khartoum - Epic Entertainment

I heard about this movie from someone i really respect as a person, so it was quite obvious for me to watch this movie. I hadn't heard about this movie much because it's too old, i mean it was released in 1966. I have seen only a few Hindi movies from that era so it was quite obvious that i hadn't seen this movie or even heard about it in this case.


Whatever, after i heard about the movie, i did a lot of research like who was in the cast, director, what the movie was about and all. Although, i downloaded this movie last year but didn't feel like watching it till today.

Before, i start telling you about the movie, here are few of comments i found by various critics:-

1- "Confrontation between Western Imperialism and Islamic fundamentalism more topical than ever."
2- "A Thinking Man's Fictionalized Biography; A Beautiful Historical Re-creation"
3- "Good Drama And For Once History Is Not Too Distorted"
4- "History is cool" <---and my fav


Cast

The cast is incredible. I don't know much about the actors of that era but i have heard that Charlton Heston was a great performer and Oscar winner. I read and heard about him a lot but as this is the only movie i have seen of him, i would have to go with what everybody says of him.

Laurence Olivier, was the best performer for me in the movie. The way he carried out all the dialogs with that accent was really great. I know the difficulty of faking an accent and here, Olivier did it, with what it seemed to be, with great ease.

Other appreciable performers in the cast were Richard Johnson and Ralph Richardson.

Plot

Charlton Heston "Gordon"

The Mahdi (Laurence Olivier), who is a self pronounced, "Chosen One", wants to take over different countries who are against Islam. He wants to take over Egypt now, because he had a vision that Prophet Mohammad asked him to offer prayers from one of the cities in Egypt but Egypt government isn't allowing him to visit their country.

Mahdi is a powerful man with hundreds and thousands of followers. Egypt government asks the British government for help. However, Mahdi successfully defeats the Egyptian and British army in the first war. British Government then decides to send in their best person. So, they choose Gen. Charles 'Chinese' Gordon who helped Chinese king to win a battle and also have a good reputation in Sudan, where he ended the slavery system. 

Olivier "The Mahdi"

Gordon (Heston) moves Sudan with Col. Stewart (Johnson). Gordon talks to Mahdi about not getting into a war and leaving the peaceful people of Sudan. However, Mahdi doesn't agree and tells him about his plans of taking over Khartoum and thus, Egypt.

Gordon knew that he doesn't have enough man power to fight Mahdi's army, so he sends Col. Stewart back to England and asking the British government to send reinforcement while he fights the Mahdi at Khartoum. British government, who were reluctant to send more army to Sudan, sends reinforcement under public pressure. Gordon knew that he has a heroic image among the people of Britain and government will send reinforcement to get him out of Sudan safely.

In the end, Mahdi attacks Khartoum and Gordon fights till his last drop of blood. 

Good Things

The movie boasts of great performances delivered by Charlton Heston and Laurence Olivier. Both were incredible in their respective characters. However, if i had to pick one out of them, i would pick Olivier. I liked Richard Johnson also.

I think the back ground music of the movie was good especially during the war sequences.

Bad Things

I think the duration of the movie was a bit too much especially when i noticed a lot of places where it could have been saved. I mean showing people walking through the deserts for minutes isn't a good idea.

Anyways, it's a Charlton Heston and Laurence Olivier especial. You would love the movie.

7/10 for me.

Invictus - Morgan Freeman shines in Clint Eastwood's solid drama

I just completed one of the movies which I’ll never forget watching. I had great expectation from this movie and this is one of those movies which exceeded my expectations.

I heard about Invictus during last year’s Oscar nomination as Morgan Freeman was nominated for the best performance in a leading role (male). Even though, Morgan Freeman didn’t win the Oscar for his performance but this performance adds to his, already big, list of great and memorable performances.

Cast


Morgan Freeman, I have not seen much of Al Pachino’s movies but for me Morgan Freeman is the greatest actor I have ever seen on the big screen. He tops my list. I now have seen over 10 Morgan Freeman’s movie and haven’t been disappointed by a single one of them. Nowadays, I’m trying to get some of his earlier movies I mean the movies he did in the 70’s-80 because all of his movies I have seen are the recent one; Shawshank Redemption being the oldest.

Matt Damon, he is also one of my safest bet. I read somewhere that Matt Damon is also a producers best bets. His choices of scripts and movies are the best among his contemporaries. I have seen many of Matt’s movies also. Matt has experimented with all kind of characters may it be comedy, action or any other. His “Bourne” series is one of my favorite action movie series which includes Bruce Willis’s “Die Hard” series.


Clint Eastwood, well, who doesn’t love his movies. He needs no introduction. His movies speak for him. He is one of the all time best directors for me, internationally, though I admit I don’t know all of them. This is the 6th Clint Eastwood movie I have seen and loved plus I recently saw one of his soon to be released movies which I’m eagerly waiting for.

Plot

The movie is based in Africa (after Apartheid) when Nelson Mendela wins the election and takes up as the President of South Africa. Nelson Mendela (Morgan Freeman) wants to unite the whole country that is still divided among whites and blacks. Even though, the apartheid is lifted but the attitude of the people for other color is still the same.

After taking over, he realizes how the country is divided over Rugby. The black Africans hate Springboks, their national side because they believe Springboks is a symbol of Apartheid. But the white Africans love Springboks because Rugby is their favorite game. Mandela seems this opportunity as a political opportunity to bring the two sides together.


Mandela grabs the opportunity and with the help of François Pienaar (Matt Damon) he tries to bring together two sides of Africa and to bring the rainbow nation together.

How this historic event took place is described in the movie.

Good Things

Everything is good about the movie. The performances, the perfect cast, the perfect director and a great story dealt with great importance.

I applaud Morgan Freeman’s performance as Mandela. He delivered a convincing and credible performance. Same for Matt Damon too.

Applause for the camera man and the technical team for capturing all the rugby match sequences beautifully and with great details.

I loved the back ground score of the music with complements the story so well.

PS:- I simply loved the poem “Invictus” included in the movie.

8/10 from me.

Mississippi Masala -- Intelligently Braided

I was waiting for long to watch this movie, however, i don't what was it in me which held me back. But this weekend, i was in a different kind of mood. Outside, the dark clouds took over the sky and i was feeling good plus sad. Yea, i don't have much of words to describe that feeling. Anyways, i was completely in the mood to fall back to some original and classic movies. So, i picked Mississippi Masala from my storage disk.

Cast

Denzel Washington, he is one of the top five actors who i would include in my all time favorite actors. He was the reason of me finding this movie. About a couple of years back, i was so into Denzel that i started renting all of his movies. I rented almost all of his movies and that was the day when i saved Mississippi Masala to my storage disk.


Sarita Choudhury, was one name, in the lead, of whom i hadn't heard of. When i checked about her in IMDB, i found that she has also done a lot of credible work since this movie but i was stupid enough to have never seen any of her movies. But that won't happen again as one of her movie "For Real" will soon be released in India and i'm going to watch the movie.


Mira Nair, a well known name among Indians and people who watch movies. She has directed many beautiful movies like Salaam Bombay, Monsoon Wedding, Vanity Fair, The Namesake etc. Salaam Bombay and The Namesake makes it to my all time favorite movies and the movies i recommend. 

Plot


Mississippi Malasa, as the name suggest, is a mix of different stories and emotion of a family. An Indian family, settled in Uganda, is forced to leave the country during the rule of Idi Amin in the 1970's. Jay (Father) is reluctant to leave the country because he was born and brought up in the same country and he feels that Uganda is his home but had to leave when forced.


Cut - to 1990's



The family now lives in Mississippi, US. Jay (Father) is still fighting for his rights and property in Uganda against the Uganda government in the court. His wife Kinnu (mother) works at a alcohol shop to support the family. Their daughter Meena, works for the same Indian Motel they live in.

One day, in a road accident, Meena (Sarita) meets Demetrius (Denzel) and after a couple of meetings, they start liking each other. Meena decides to keep her relationship with Demetrius a secret from her family. But the secret is unveiled as one day a neighbor of Meena catches her in a motel with Demetrius. After which, Meena's family forbids her from seeing Demetrius and the neighbors try to get Demetrius out of business by hampering his carpet cleaning business. Results of which, Demetrius leaves Meena. In the meanwhile, Jay gets a call from Uganda court asking him to come back to take the property case further. The family decides to leave Mississippi and move back to Uganda. When meena meets Demetrius to bid goodbye, Demetrius asks her to marry her and move to a different city with him. Meena, who no more wants to go back to Uganda and wants to continue her life with Demetrius.

Jay goes to Uganda to fight for his rights while Kinnu, his wife, stays back in Mississippi waiting for him with the good news.



Good Points

The best thing about the movie is the performances delivered by the cast. I can't point out a single actor that's why would like to applaud for the whole cast for playing the role with the highest dedication. I have always believed that it's director's job to bring the best from the actors that is why, Mira Nair is such a good director.

Bad Points

Well, i have seen many people arguing about the climax of the movie which i agree to a certain extent but not completely. People say, that the end was not appropriate as they it left the story in half and they wanted to see at least what happened to the Jay (Father). I agree to this, i thought, Mira Nair should have added or created that part too. Then, the climax also leaves me in a confusion who was the important character in the movie Jay, the father or Meena, the daugther?

Anyways, it's a good watch and can be categorized as the Sunday Movie.

8/10 from me

Women In Trouble - A Surprise

I entitled this movie as "A Surprise" because it was completely different from what i was expecting. I hadn't hear about this movie much but when i found one of it's promos on youtube, i decided to watch it. I did my research on the movie and found a lot of good reviews about the movie, even though, it isn't rated good enough on IMDB, which is like bible to me. But, for once i can say, IMDB is totally wrong about this movie.

Cast

I knew no one from the cast of the movie other than Emmanuelle Chriqui. This is, i believe, the fifth Emmanuelle Chriqui movie i have seen. I'm not a fan of Emmanuelle but she is beautiful. Other cast also include, Josh Brolin, but he has a small little character in the movie. I haven't even heard of any other person in the cast earlier.

Plot

The consists of 4-5 different stories, affecting different lives and people. The day everybody finds out some of the secrets of their life. A pornstar, Electra, who finds out that she is pregnant and is indecisive about keeping the baby or abortion like the last three times she did. However, she wants to keep the baby because she loves the father a lot. How and what decision she makes is her story. Maxine, a therapist, finds out that her husband has an affair with one of her's patients. Her whole world falls apart and how she recollects everything is her part of the story. Addy and her sister, Doris, have a secret about the parentage of their girl. Doris, is the same women who has an affair with Maxine's husband and her daughter tell Maxine about the affair. Doris meets an accident while talking on the phone and now, is hospital in a crucial condition. How does Addy tell the girl that she is actually her mother is her part of the story. Another story, is of Holly, also a pornstar, who loves her friend, Bambi but haven't been able to tell her about her feeling. How she tells bambi about her feeling is their part of story.

All the stories are interlinked as Electra and Holly are co workers, working together in a porno. Electra know Addy because they both got stuck in the elevator for hours on the same day. Maxine hits Holly with her car and after that they go the bar. So, in short, everybody knows everybody.

The movie will be more clearer while watch it.

Good Things

The movie has a good script and good direction. The director/writer Sebastian Gutierrez weaved a really good story and was successful in showing it on the big screen pretty well. For me, the best performance of the movie was by Adrianne Palicki. 

Bad Things 

Well, their actually isn't any bad things about the movie. You'll love the movie.

7/10 From Me

Step Up 3D - Gets an "F"

Well, Step Series is loosing the script with every new attempt. I was in a dilemma to watch it or not because i loved the first part the original "Step Up" but the second part "Step Up II" sucked. Well, the promo's of "Step Up 3" were intriguing especially because of the all the cool dance steps. Plus, i'm a Alyson Stoner fan and haven't seen much of her lately. So, i had to watch it.

Cast

Well, other than Alyson Stoner i knew no one in the cast. I had seen Adam Sevani but other than his moves, i don't remember much. Though, it is a sequel to Step Up series which created a lot of buzz with the first part but haven't been able to live up to it after that.



Plot

The movie focuses on the an dancer's fraternity called the "Pirates". Pirates is led by Luke (Rick Malambri) who provides a living place to all the dancer in the group. But, he is under a lot of debt and haven't been able to pay the rent for the place for several months. The bank tell him that if he won't be able to pay the debt by a particular date, the place will be auctioned. While trying to save the place, Luke spots a new talent in the NYU, Moose (Adam Sevani) who is here to learn engineering with his best friend Camilla (Alyson Stoner). Luke asks Moose to join pirates and compete with them at the world jam. Luke wants to win the world jam so that he can pay off all his debts with the prize money.

Pirates struggle to win the world Jam is the main theme of the movie. The movie also showcases two love stories. First, Moose and Camailla, the best friends, who knows each others importance when they drift apart. Other love story is Luke and Natalie (Sharni Vinson) ,who enters the group as a mole and passed infomation to his brother, lead of the rival group. But when she finds the truth about his brother betraying Luke, she leaves the group.

Good Things

Well, the only good thing about the movie is the dance but then it's not a dance play which we are watching in a theater. The other parts where there no dancing ,the movie sucks big times.

Bad Things

Everybody was great at dancing but think that's only what they concentrated not on acting.

The script is pretty weak. The storyline is very predictable. The movie looses grip of the audience and becomes boring at times.

4/10 from me

The Other Guys - Will Ferell Is Funny Again

Will Ferell is funny again - i choose that title because it's been sometime since i have seen a out and out comic movie from him. The last hillarious movie of Ferell which i remember is "Step Brothers". I was super excited about this movie since i saw the first theatricals promo of the movie. I was impressed by the promo as it is the first time i have seen Mark Wahlberg doing comedy. It's also been a long time since i saw Mark on screen.

Cast

Well, the whole movie concentrates on two characters played by Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferell. Both are good actors but have been out of touch for sometime. Mark's last couple of movies haven't done good especially the much expected "Max Payne", which was a disaster. Will Ferell also seemed to have lost his comic touch as some of his last movie didn't do well.

Eva Mendes is the eye candy of the movie. She does what she does well that is too look gorgeous and sexy. There wasn't anything for her in the movie. Just a small character.


Plot

Allen (Will) and Terry (Mark) are two federal detectives which work in back office, mostly paper work and no action in the middle. Terry want to be famous and known as the city hero like P.K (Samuel L. Jackson) and Christopher (Dwayne Johnson). After an accident, where P.K and Chris dies, Mark sees the opportunity of being the new hero of the city. He persuades Allen to work with him so that they can be the new hero. But Allen is doesn't agree but still helps his partner. Then, one day, they find information about a huge fraud case involving big names of the city. They try to pursue the case and find the guilty but as they start digging deep in to the case, they attract attention of the bad guys, who gets around them and gets them off the case. Both are transferred to different department, Terry in Traffic and Allen to beach security. Terry accepts his new life and job but Allen couldn't. He keeps investigating till one day he finds all the evidences.

How the duo of Allen and Terry becomes the new hero's of New York City is the rest of the story.

Good Points 

This is the best of Will Ferell's performances. I was laughing the whole way in the movie. His timing and everything was just perfect in the movie. This movie reminds me of why i liked Will Ferell in the first place.

Mark Wahlberg is just awesome. He plays the frustated cop who has fed up of the paper work and wants to be in the middle of the action in the streets. Mark is just great in the movie. The times when i was ogling at Eva's breasts, i was ROFL.

It's a really good story with great comedy.

Bad Points

Eva looked so sexy in the movie that i wanted to watch more of her but didn't get. Anyways, that's not a bad thing.

It's not a great great movie but you'll certainly enjoy it.


7/10 for me.

Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny

Hey All,

First about the movie, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, is that it's a Jack Black movie. So what? That's a rude question. For many of my friends and a bit for me, this is enough to watch a movie. I first saw this movie when i was browsing though Jack Black's movies and this one caught my eye because of an unusual name.


Well, Jack Black and Jim Carry are two people whom i admire a lot. Both of them have rose from level zero to the best in the business today, from playing supporting roles to playing the main lead in big budget movies and succeeding in them.


Cast

Well, i didn't ask for much after seeing Jack Black's name in the list. You must have figured it out by now that i'm a big Jack Black fan. I haven't heard much about the other cast of the movie, before and after watching the movie.


Plot

JB(Jack Black) is a rocker who is born in a catholic family. His father doesn't like what he does and forbids him from rocking anymore. But, JB revolts and runs away from home to the land of dreams, "Hollywood". While, wandering down the streets, he sees a man playing guitar. He loved the way KG(Kyle Gass) rocks and asks him to make a band with him. But, KG denies. Later, that night, when KG finds JB lying on the road being beaten by thugs, KG offers him shelter and takes him to his home. With JB's constant request, KG decides to teach JB "how to rock". They make a band and perform at the local restaurant but gets rejected. While, trying to write a master piece for the next gig, they find a unusual connection between all the greatest rockers there ever been. THE GUITAR PICK. All of them used the same guitar pick.

Then, starts their journey in search of the PICK. How do they get to the pick? What is the secret of the PICK? This all unveils as the story progresses.



Good Points

Jack Black is the high point of the movie. With his kind of comic timing and amazing acting, this movie is a treat to watch. I loved all the songs and lyrics in the movie. The movie is a complete entertainer.

Bad Points

Well, being a movie based on rock music, most of the songs have very offensive language but that wouldn't matter, if you're an adult.

7/10 from me.

Knight And Day -- Not Great, But Fun

Knight and Day was promted in India with full force. There are many reason for it like Hollywood movies are doing good business in India lately. You have Avatar, it's collections from India proved its global success.

It’s the same reason why most of the Hollywood big budget movies are promoted in India, especially in the metropolitans. Let us keep that apart, today, I’m talking about the movie “Knight and Day”.

And, please read how I won the tickets to this movie via twitter.

I heard about this movie before it was released. It was promoted extensively on the blogosphere. But, on its day of release in US, I heard pretty bad reviews about the movie. One fact which caught my eye was that this is the worst Tom Cruise movie, in terms of opening day collections. Although, I don’t get much affected by the reviews but still, reviews make that leave an impression for sure.

Cast

The movie has a big stars ensemble to its name. Tom Cruise, coming back again as an Action Hero and Cameron Diaz, accompanying her, well you can this is one of best star cast you could ask for.  

Yes, I’m a fan of both. This, I don’t know, may the 10^th or 12^th Tom Cruise movie I have seen. I have loved him in all different kind of characters may it be a fighter pilot from Top Gun, to an attorney in Few Good Men, Vanilla sky, Jerry Maguire, The Last Samurai, MI series and many more. He has lived up to the character many a times and same was I expecting in this movie too.

Cameron Diaz, have always been doing these light hearted comic/romantic movies like There’s something about Mary, The sweetest thing, Charlie’s Angels series but my favorite Cameron Diaz movie is  “My sister’s Keeper”. This is one movie I’ll never forget and Cameron was amazing in the movie as well as the other cast.

This was the fourth James Mangold movie I saw after girl interrupted, Kate and Leopold and Walk the Line. I had good expectations from the movie, especially because Walk the line being one of my all time favorite movies.

Plot

The movie revolves around a federal spy gone traitor, Miller (Tom Cruise). According to Millar, he is trying to a save perpetual energy resources, which was discovered by one of his friends, Simon, because some people were trying to sell it to a Spanish Mafia king Anotnio. He meets June Havens (Cameron Diaz) while catching a flight to his next destination. In the flight, the federal agents try to kill Miller while June was in bathroom. Miller succeeds in killing all the agents on the flight including the pilots. But, he somehow manages to land the plane safely. But, now June is stuck with him. Federal agents think that June is involved with Miller and try to take her under custody. But, Miller rescues her and convinces her that she’d be safe with her.

Thus, begins the journey of Roy and June together. What happens to the perpetual energy resource? What happens between June and Roy?

Good Things

Well, some of the good things about the movie are the action sequences, comic parts and the chemistry between Cruise and Diaz. About, action sequences, I’d say after Die Hard 4, this was the one action movie I liked, especially when it all made sense and they weren’t blowing cars for fun. I loved all the chasing sequences in the movie especially the one at the end with the motorcycle. Comedy is one of Cameron Diaz’s fortes. She nailed this one too. The romantic scenes between them are too good.

Bad Things

Yea, the movie was fun and entertaining but it wasn’t one of the greatest. It’s a good movie to watch but it definitely not one of those whom you’d cherish for long.

6/10 is what I rate this movie.

A Single Man - A Single, Lonely Man

Hey All,

A Single Man - well, i heard about this movie during the Oscars this years as Colin Firth was nominated in the best actor male category for his performance in this movie. He was one of the favorites for winning Oscar too because he won BAFTA for the same. So, my expectation were high for this movie for the same reason and also cause it is also rated high at IMDB too.


Cast

Well, other than Collin Firth, Jullianne Moore and Ginnifer Goodwin, i knew nothing about the cast. So, there were chances of surprising good performances.

Collin Firth, i have always rated him as a good actor. I have seen a lot of his movies and was always amazed that he comfortable he was even when performing in a multistarer movies Love Actually, The Last Legion  or while playing the second lead in the movies like Bridget Jones or The Accidental Husband. This made me felt that he is one of those people how are absolutely sure of what he is doing.

I have only seen a couple of Jullianne Moore movies and had a feeling that she a matured actress and know how to play characters very well. I was expecting another good performance from her.

Other than the lead character of Collin Firth, there are couple of supporting roles and i liked the performances put in by both the supporting actors. Nicholas Hoult playing the student attracted to his professor, Collin Firth, did full justice to the character. He was so convincing through out the movie. Also, Jon Kortajarena who played a small character in the movie however, left a impression on me that he can come up to be good actor. 


Plot

Set in the 1960's, George Falconer, English Professor, whose has recently lost his partner, Jim, with whom he was in relationship since last 16 years. After loosing Jim to a car accident, George is trying to return to his normal life but he can't move on in his life and makes several attempt to kill himself but couldn't do it. He also didn't get the last chance to see Jim when Jim's family disallowed him to participate in the funeral ceremony. He decides to kill himself by the end of the day after doing something which he planned for. He fixes a dinner with his ex-girl friend / best friend. He goes on to spend the day as usual, however, he finds out that one of his student Kenny Potter, is coming close to him. He also meets Carlos, a Spanish guy who wants to be an actor and also a gigolo, who tries attract him.

How the days goes ? Will George fall kill himself or Will he fall in love with Kenny?

Good Points

The star cast lives up to the characters and everyone portrays their characters perfectly. You won't be disappointed after watching this one. Also, as the protagonist in the movie is homosexual or gay, so be ready to see a lots of naked men. The background score will also compliments the movie.

Bad Points

Well, i felt it and may be others too, the movie is slow and may give that draggin kind of feeling.


9/10 from me.

The Manchurian Candidate

Again, i found this movie while i was wandering around IMDB looking for some good movies. As Denzel Washington is one of my fav actors, well, actually he would easily top that list. So, i was looking for a Denzel Washington movie, which i came across this one...............and you know what was the plus point to this one. It also has Meryl Streep in the cast. Now, i think this is the only Denzal - Meryl movie made. Though, can't confirm it.

Talking about the movie, The Manchurian Candidate is a remake of a 1962 classic, named the same. Looking at the star cast of the movie, i was talking to myself that i have to watch this movie. So, got down to the local video library to get one.....and saw it this weekend.

Cast

I don't think you have anything to say, if you see Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep in the cast. My expectations from the movie raised to another level, just by looking at the star cast it had. Another good performer in the star cast was Liev Schreiber, who is very convincing in his character as "Raymond Shaw".


About The Movie


The movie starts in middle of Gulf War......where a small troop of soldiers is cornered by the enemy. Cut-to a few years later, Denzel(Major Marco) is praising Liev(Raymond) of his bravery and how he saved lives of other member of their team. Raymond Shaw receives the Medal of Honor for his bravery, the highest a soldier can get. But somewhere in the unconscious mind of Major Ben Marco, there is a dream that on that night......nothing like that happened. That, Raymond Shaw was not the person who saved them. 

One day, Ben Marco meets a man who was with him on that night. The guy also tells the Ben Marco about the strange dreams he has been having. Major Marco is amazed cause whatever the guy tells is the same as he used to see in his dreams. Now, he starts investigating about the whole issue. Raymond Shaw, son of Senetor Eleanor Shaw(Meryl Streep), is standing in the presidential Election. Major Marco tries to get in touch with Raymond but whenever is does, he couldn't convince Raymond about his dreams. While searching for evidence, Marco comes across a dark truth which leaves him in a shock. There is a Manchurian Trust, which was responsible of all this. They have hypnotized Raymond Shaw and since the gulf was night, have been manipulating his mind, something similar to what they did to him and his team member too.

He finds out that Manchurian group people are trying to put a person, on the president's seat, who is like a robot of their own.

How does Major Marco comes around this whole mess? Does Raymond Shaw know what he is doing? What is this whole Manchurain Trust?

Good Things

You can count every bodies performance as a big plus point to the movie. Movie has a good storyline and also has some thrill to it.

Bad Points

Not so convincing Screenplay and Direction. The movie also feels incomplete cause at the end, you still have more questions....which are left unanswered.
Movies pace is slow too. Think there were a few moments which could have been deleted especially because it's a long movie.....more than 2 hours.


At the end, though it's a good movie, however i won't recommend it to people who like watching comedies and fun movies, there is nothing in this movie for you people.

6/10

Shutter Island - Another Martin-Leo Masterpiece

I think, The Shutter Island would easily qualify for the most awaited movies of this year. There are many reasons first it's a Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio and every-bodies expectations just rise to a different just after listening to these names.



Cast

This is an great ensemble of actors.

Leonardo DiCaprio has nothing to prove but he does always shows that he is just improving though he don't have to, he is already at a level were he is a legend.

Ben Kingsley, a living legend. I saw this movie after watching Elegy some 15 days back.....and can easily tell you.....that he is a delight to watch.

Mark Ruffalo, while watching the movie, i wished if Mark Wahlberg was given this part but then i thought Mark was perfect for the part, though he didn't start at a good note but he raised his performance during the movie.....and was very convincing in the end.

Other than the three major character, everybody was good.........which made the movie a convincing act.

Storyline



Well, this is a suspense-thriller and talking much about the movie can actually mess up all the thrill of watching it. But just to lure you towards the movie, i'm going to tell you somethings. The movie starts with Leo(Ted Daniels) with his partner Mark(Chuck) are going to the Shutter Island to investigate about the suspicious get away of Rachel Solondares, who is a patient at shutter island. Ted starts investigating with Chuck and as he starts digging deep into the case, he starts finding some really dark secrets about the Shutter Island which if exposed can be very devastating but he needs to prove it. But, he can not trust anyone on the Island, he has no friend. How does he collect all the evidences and how will he get off the island and go to the world to tell the story of shutter island is the things to watch for.

It's an amazing story and hail to the director(Martin Scorsese) and Laeta Kalogridis for the screenplay. The movie gives you all kind of shivers like horror when you see all those mentally ill patients, thrill and suspense are the major part of the movie and it has the love angle too.

Good Things

By the time you reach this part of the post.....you must have known this is a must watch movie and everything about it is worth watching.

This is a highly recommended movie, a must watch or whatever you people call it but do watch this movie, you won't regret it. For all the people from home(India), you can expect for this movie to release soon.

9/10  (INDIVINE)

  

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Alvin and the Chipmunks. All opinions are 100% mine.


Haven't you seen the "Alvin and the Chipmunks"???????????

I loved the movie. As a kid, i used to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks cartoon series and the movies is just a step ahead. I'm a big fan of Alvin and Theodore. I love the chipette's too. They are fun, funny and watching the movie as a kid or with a kid is an awesome experience.

Now, i'm some 23 years.........and being a big fan of the Alvin and the Chipmunks, i really wanted to watch the movie. But i knew if i would ask my friends or girl friend to watch this movie with me......they gonna make fun of me. So, i told the news that Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel gonna release in India to my little cousins and they agreed to come with me and yaay...i have someone to go with.

I have bought one of the DVD's and gave it to my cousin and now i'm their fav big brother. One of the best thing about the movie is that it's a family movie. You can sit and watch the movies with the whole family and though it may sound kids movie to you........but take it from me, the adults will also like this movie.

Now, "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" is available on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download NOW!! There are many new things and extras like behind the scenes in the DVD. Do visit the page http://www.foxfamilyflicks.com for More Munk Mayhem and you can buy it now

The Other End of the Line

I was video hopping for songs on youtube when i found video from this movie. When i saw that.....i was so shocked that this movie was released in India and i didn't know anything about this movie. So i found more information on my favorite movie database IMDB.com. And then tried searching for the movie online.

So, why did i see this movie? Other than this movie has the beautiful Shriya Saran and Tara Sharma to offer in the cast but more than that......it is based on call center life, which is my most fav things now a days.

About the movie, it's a simple story or kind of a Cinderella story if you would say. The movie is based when the call center culture came to India and now they are providing all kind of services. Priya(Shriya) works at a call center for a bank in India and Granger (Jesse Metcalfe) has a account with the same bank. Priya, goes by the name of Jennifer David and pretending to be an American and faking the accent, is Granger's telebanker. Because of some unusual activity on the account, Priya and Granger come together and talk about different things. Priya aka Jennifer, says that she is based in San Fransisco and one Granger asks her to meet her in SF.

Priya, on other hand in India, is tied down by her parents by getting her engaged to a person she doesn't even love. Priya is dreamer and ready to take risks to achieve something. And that's when the twist comes in. She agrees to meet Granger in SF and leaves India to meet him for a trip of 5 days to US.......just to know if there is something between them. She reaches there and on the first day, she gets disappointed because Granger wouldn't even notice her around.
But there ways cross, eyes meet and with some supporting events, they become friends. But how would Priya tell that she is Jennifer David?? Priya ran away from home and now her parents flying to US to take her back.....what will happen there??? and will Granger will fall in Love with an Indian Girl?????

Though the story line is pretty much predicted but for people who love romantic movies ....this will be a treat. Two different cultures coming together is always a fun movie to watch.

Shriya Saran puts in a good performance and is pretty convincing in the movie. Jesse Metcalfe is pretty good with his good old contemporary American looks and also puts in a good performance. Do watch when both of them are together.....their chemistry really clicks. Other than that Anupam Kher has nothing to prove....he is a good actor and has portrayed the character of Indian father of young girl pretty well. Tara Sharma is also good with her chunks of footage given.

Over All...........the movie has a really nice feel. Yea, it is a chick flick..........but i know there are a lot of people who love romantic movies.

I'm rating it a 6 out of 10. Good movie, kind of chick flick.....romantic movie lovers will love this one.

Alice In Wonderland -- But Nothing Wonderful About It

Hi All,

I was always excited about this movie with all the cast and Tim Button already done some superb work. The hype was big with the movie. Before, even hitting the theater the movie was said to be sure shot hit, which i doubt now. After the first weekend when the movie was released, the grossed more than Avatar in the first 3 days which came as a big surprise. I wasn't expecting that much of a turn on from this movie but the genre of fantasy movies is way much hotter than ever now a days.

Tim Burton 
This is the fourth Tim Burton movie i saw. I have loved all the first three with Sweeny Todd being my personal favorite of him till now. This is not something i'm just saying but he has something different with his way of direction. Just watch a couple of his movies like Sweeny Todd, Big Fish or anyother.....you see a difference or the touch of Tim Burton. He bring a different kind of imagination or fantasy to his movies. He is one of his kind director.

He did good work with this movie too.......but the movie lacked good script. I won't the movie lacked good direction. The movie looked really good on the screen.


Cast
Tim Burton rolled in some of the best in the biz and i think the most appropriate people to play the character. I think Tim has some contract with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. This is the third movie they are doing together after Corpse Bride and Sweeny Todd. 
 
Johnny Depp was perfect in the Mad Hatter's character. The character is a bit wicked and kind of mad but as Alice told in the movie to hatter "All the best people are a bit mad". And do not miss the Futterwacking my Mad Hatter in the end. Some of the high points of the movie.

Helena the best i can in the lot. Her performance as the Red Queen was the one which stood out among all in the movie. She is funny, cruel and romantic and you kind of hate each of those emotion on her and think that is what she wanted to do.


 Anne Hathway though as the White Queen she didn't had much to do but she did good job. Especially the way she walks and talks in the movie. You need to watch the movie to understand what i'm saying here.


Mia Wasikowska was good but could have been better. Though she portrayed character of Alice, the tomboy kind of character and confused want to do with life, pretty well. 


The Movie


Though, for the people who have read or remember reading the book, this won't be any surprise. Though they have the story in hand but the script was pretty weak.
Sometimes the movies becomes dull. The worst or weakest part was the climax where Alice and Jabberwocky which finished pretty fast. I was hoping of some turnarounds or twists but found the climax very easy.



Verdict


Alice In Wonderland is an average movie. Good for people like me who don't remember anything about the fantasy story. Movie is a good revival for those who forgot everything. But still it could have been better.


6/10