Barfi!

Genre: Comedy | Drama | Mystery

Director: Anurag Basu

Plot

Barfi! is about Barfi who falls in love with an already engaged woman and how life changes after their first encounter and they learn that love can neither be defined nor contained by society's norms of normal and abnormal

Review

The movie barfi had a big hype among the people that included me too. I personally am not a big fan of Anurag Basu movies as he has delivered some blunders as well. But I am a big fan of Ranbir films and to add to it, it was a Priyanka and Ranbir movie. One more reason was that the barfi songs are already so popular due to the melodious music that reminds you of the old times.

The beginning of the movie might make your jaw drop and you will understand that the movie is not just a comedy flick. Don’t worry I am not spreading barfi movie spoilers here. That is just what the foremost thing is. Then from the beginning itself, the movie will make you feel so light hearted and will create a pleasant environment which is so nice that you will immediately fall in love with the movie. I am not going to jump directly to the technical things coz furthermore before that I just want to tell that this is so much of a different things which audience might have craved to look for in a Bollywood movie. Barfi is exactly what the viewers needed from long. It is beautiful and lovely completely.

Now talking about the acts, Ranbir is superb as usual. It’s something in his blood that makes him enact so authentically. He fits in so well with the character of Barfi that you will feel that no one can do it better than him. Then Priyanka Chopra is simply phenomenal too and the same though will arise for her character Jhilmil as well. Surprisingly for me (as I haven’t seen Ileana anytime earlier) Ileana D’Cruz looks so beautiful. Her role was important as well and she has played it absolutely with justice. The direction of the movie is very good and Anurag Basu has written it in a lovely manner. In each of the technical things, the movie is very good if not exceptional. The cinematography is eye pleasing. The background score is absolutely great. The songs as already said are great and so much refreshing than the usual Bollywood beats. 

There are various instances which are copied from some of the very famous movies like ‘Notebook’, Charlie Chaplin and even from Mr. Bean T.V. series. Certain BGM sounded inspired from “Atonement’. But frankly they were not annoying as the story of the movie was refreshing. The movie is really not what you might expect. It’s a light hearted comedy drama which goes deeper adding the elements of mystery as well. There are so many sweet things added in between the movie which does awe the viewers completely as if bounded by a magical spell.

Overall, it is something what the Bollywood needed from a long time. I would not say that it is perfect. But it is a complete entertainer and completely refreshing. Hats off for the whole crew for delivering such a treat to the viewers.

Just go and fall in love with the movie

8 on 10

Raaz 3

Genre : Horror
Director : Vikram Bhatt

Plot

Bipasha Basu (Shanaya) is a successful actress but her dream to be the best actress of the year is shattered by an upcoming actress Sanjana (Esha Gupta). To take revenge from her, she seeks help from a black magic specialist.

Review

Many of you might have heard several black magic stories and to be truthful, it is not at all different from those you might have already heard or watched. The concept is stale now and Vikram Bhatt has done nothing to revive that. ‘Raaz 3: The Third Dimension’ is actually on third dimension just with the stereoscopic 3D effects and not some concept.

Fore mostly I haven’t watched any of the Esha Gupta movies and I am also not a big fan of Emraan Hashmi movies and the feeling is more intense over his last watch Shanghai. Is Esha Gupta hot? Well yes she looks stunning in the movie. But does Esha Gupta know how to act? I’ll give a big no to it. She basically irritates with her acting most of the time. Any other character has not done any better wonders as well. The dialog delivery is pathetic too. Moreover the dialogs themselves are poorly written.There are certain things which were really good and could have been much effective if had directed nicely. The chills of the movies are good and look effective in 3D. That’s where the movie is particularly fine. It manages to make you stir in some scenes. The sound effects I would say were impressive and commendable. Many a things looks like copied from the Hollywood movies. A lot of scenes are what we have already seen somewhere. 

Please see to it that the film is not a sequel to ‘Raaz: the mystery continues” and neither was that a sequel to ‘Raaz’. They are just trying to earn on the brand name. Raaz 3 songs are nice but have no place in the movie and are stuffed in forcefully. Display of sex is how Vikram tends to attract viewers these days. Esha Gupta has gone all nude for a scene which is one of the scenes that could have been more effective. But with all the funny looking dialogs and characters it became a bit dull. The concept of black magic spells could have been made so much better for sure.

Lastly, if you have seen a raaz 3 trailer than you already know what to expect.  With zero expectations you might think it’s a nice one time watch. Though it doesn’t stand anywhere on the critical standards with poor script and poor acts and poor direction, it is definitely a onetime average watch with some decent scares, pretty nice sound effects and cool 3D effects considering Indian cinema. Horror watchers can definitely watch it as it is actually better than what we have seen in recent years (especially by Ram Gopal Verma).

An average horror fare

5 on 10

 

Kya Super Kool Hain Hum

Genre : Comedy

Director : Sachin Yardi

Plot

The story revolves around two friends Adi and Sid and how their life changes after an astrologer predicts future for Adi.

Review

I didn't say much in the plot coz there isn't much to it. Most of you might have seen kya kool hain hum already long back so you must know why you're going to watch it. The film explores all kinds of below the belt jokes explicitly and even offensively at many places. So the foremost thing to keep in mind is that you should not go with family. It might sound a bit stupid for me to tell but I was astonished to see some families in theater even after the nature of the movie is pre announced.

There is really not much to talk about. The movie follows a basic storyline with nothing to offer to the scripting part. Everything is put as lame as it may sound in a vulgar manner. Not much left for the direction as well and you might think at many times that it's just a standup comedy show filled with double meaning humor. Tushar and Ritesh are good as they were in the prequel. The female leads have nothing much to offer but Neha Sharma is damn cute. Anupam Kher played his part nicely. Now all this movie is about some filthy liners, offensive humor and below the belt jokes. They have practically left no scope to add more. But the fact is that they make you laugh at most of the places. Probably they are trying to push in the genre of sex comedy in Bollywood. Some of the jokes are stale and repulsive while others will make you laugh out loud. The songs are good without the need though. But they certainly are enjoyable. There is nothing new to anything but its still entertaining and will make you laugh. By you I am pointing at the youth as I said earlier that the movie is not for families. So the youth especially guys may find it good as it is aimed towards them only but the prequel was better even in that sense.

Funny One Time Watch

5 on 10

The Dark Knight Rises

Genre : Action | Adventure | Crime
Runtime : 164 min
Director : Christopher Nolan

Plot

It has been eight years since Dent died. Batman has been lost somewhere after being rewarded as a criminal. a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham's finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy. 

Review

When I watched The Dark Knight, I assumed that no superhero movie can be made better than it. It gave a new outlook to a superhero image. I desperately waited for the epic finale for these years and hoped and wished that it doesn't ruin the series as it is difficult for a director to make a successor of a movie that was so much appreciated.

The movie started introducing Bane as the villain and as soon as bane spoke I felt that this should not be the voice of a villain that is associated as bone crusher. Well the scene was terrific as bane escaped which obviously is not a spoiler. Unlike every part especially The Dark Knight, the villain here is already a big fish and extremely strong. Earlier the villains grew big with the movie. I guess it had to be done for the finale. But the best part is that he grew even more stronger and darker as the film proceeded to an extent that he was obviously the best villain I have ever seen. I would not compare it with the Joker as they both depict a different criminal trait. Joker's motive was different than Bane. His aim is not Batman but the people of Gotham. There is no scope for comparison. Bane here is ruthless and believe me he is too strong. His character developed after the viewers get to know who he is and what he is capable of. A good choice to create difference between the earlier parts by Nolan.

Tom Hardy seems to be the best choice for Bane. As stated earlier about voice, I started loving his voice as the amplifications and range were modified and the voice seemed pretty interesting as it has been manipulated as per the requirement of the scene. Christian Bale has always given his best and I don't feel any other guy can fit in that costume better than him. He is just tremendous. Especially in this installment he has given a terrific performance. Most of the people were concerned with Anne Hathaway as the cat-woman. I really don't want to talk about her earlier performances in her earlier movies but she is suited quite well in her character.The persona, the temperament, the appearance, the traits all fits well in Hathaway. I am very much pleased with the choice of Nolan. Other performances are amazing as well as usual. Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine are great like they have been.  But Marion Cotillard and Joseph Gordon-Levitt who were fresh faces to the series did great too.

Now the direction. Well I simply think that Christopher Nolan is the God of Cinema. I have never seen a better director than him. Directing a movie after the major hit and world wide appreciation for The Dark Knight is definitely not everyone's piece of cake. I just loved the script. The way it is designed is awesome but it couldn't have come better in any other hands except Nolan's. Great cinematography and great screenplay. The visual effects are marvelous. But most importantly they are not wasted over useless scenes. Every CG scene was required and fulfilled efficiently. The action sequences are breath taking especially the one towards the climax. One more thing which I would like to include is the Background Score and seriously hats off to Hans Zimmer. The score just refined the movie to another level.

Overall the movie is a masterpiece and even more. Chris Nolan has outdone himself again clearly. I don't think there could have been a better end of the Epic Saga than this one. With such a big run time I could not take my eyes off even for a moment and I could notice myself watching bending forward with eyes glued in the excitement towards the end. I just loved the climax and would like to stay quiet on it as it's worth knowing by yourself and a single word may ruin the experience. It is one of the finest piece in the history of superheroes movies. I don't think anything can be better. A truly worth watch and maybe you will desperately feel to watch again flick. Yes, The Dark Knight Rises and outdoes everything far behind.

A Masterpiece from The God

12 on 10

The Amazing Spider-Man

Genre : Action | Adventure | Fantasy
Runtime : 136 min
Director : Marc Webb

Plot

A reboot to the Spider-Man series, it is centered on Peter Parker who's keen to know how his parents disappeared.

Review

I had loved the earlier series and as Spider-Man had been my favorite superhero in childhood, I was so eager to watch this reboot. Also I had prior information that it portrays the actual character of Peter Parker and the script with reference to the comics. And that's what it does. I loved the similarities even between the comics and the movie.

First of all, Marc Webb deserves an applause for making such a reboot. Brilliant direction of the movie by him seriously. A guy who just have a past experience of 500 Days of Summer which was a romantic comedy has done wonders in this superhero flick. I was always disturbed by the fact that Peter can throw webs from his hand. Its not the same now and its what should be referred with cartoons. Anyways lets not get deeply involved in the comparisons. Andrew Garfield is great in the superhero avatar. I am listening people are not liking his act as its too amateurish for them. But ask from yourself, what will you do (if you're a teenager) and you're suddenly blessed with superpowers? The character of Peter Parker is portrayed effectively and Garfield has provided optimum judgement to it. Emma Stone is nice as Gwen and has done good in her parts. I loved the cinematography. Very good use of camera in few scenes.

The script was engaging and not much happened too soon but I liked the character development. Things are not rushed and hence the big running time. They have used this installment to build up the character of Spider-Man strongly as well as introducing important characters in his life like Gwen and Dr. Curt Connors. It definitely allows us to know more deeply about Peter Parker. The comic timing is very good except maybe a a scene or two. Action scenes are superb and I will again like to include in the use of camera which is commendable. The best part of the movie was that it forced me and the rest of the audience to hoot, shout, applause, laugh at so many places. One sec! I almost forgot about the 3d effects. Well seriously the people who expect every 3d movie to be like Avatar should better watch in 2d. For the rest, the 3d effects are awesome at so many places. Watch out for the climax scene which was a perfect 3d end. As usual (being a Marvel movie), they have left a teaser at the end. So just wait for the credits and you'll get the look of the teaser. Loved the movie on whole.

Web Swinging at its Best
9 on 10

(500) Days of Summer

Genre : Comedy | Drama | Romance

Runtime : 95 min

Director : Marc Webb

Plot

As the title suggests, a romantic comedy centered around a girl who don't believe in love and a guy who falls for her.

Review

I really wasn't able to make out anything out of the title. Summer is actually the name of the character played by Zooey Deschanel. It is actually 500 days of her relationship with Tom played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Before I can pen down on the movie critically I would like to say for the quick readers that the movie is exceptional to the genre of Rom-Com.

I really wanna say that this is not an old formula romance tale in which a couple meet, they fight and fall in love. This is something quite different and that's why I found it exceptionally good. The script of the movie is quite refreshing. Thumbs up really to the script writers. But that could have been poor without a proper direction. That's where Marc Webb has done awesome with his debut movie. I quite liked the non linear direction which is not confusing but interesting for a romantic comedy. Screenplay is nice not perfect. The movie deserved even better acts but Levitt and Deschanel did nice. One thing that I must say is that this is not a story which might find everyone adoring it. As I said its quite different and that's why not all can digest it. Watch it if you want top watch something different. I completely loved it. Also the climax is just brilliant and one of a kind.

Exceptionally Lovable

9 on 10

Rowdy Rathore

Genre : Action | Comedy

Runtime : 143 Min
Director : Prabhu Deva

Plot

Shiva is a small time thief in love with Priya. Everything changes as he finds a six year old girl Neha who believes him to be her dad!

Review

I was never much interested in this flick as Bollywood has now taken such kind of movies as a blessing. They provide entertainment without any concept of materialistic script and people are liking them in a row. I was bored and just watched it. Now maybe I am too lucky these days as I am finding myself amused after watching movies.

The movie actually is entertaining. I believe the script is better than most of such kind of films recently but still not quite materialistic. The entertainment factor solely is Akshay Kumar obviously. He's kind of good after so many disasters or maybe its the direction of Prabhu Deva who could bring out better of him. Songs in the movie are useless and often irritating as they happen to crawl in randomly without any need. But a Bollywood movie without extra songs can be a difficult leap for producers. Talking about songs, Pritam Pyaare was special for me as Shakti Mohan (I love her) was one of the item girls in the song. It was lovely to watch her dancing after such a big gap. Sonakshi Sinha is useless and is just forced down in the script. The first half is entertaining though there is hardly any story development in the first 45 minutes. Second half was a little boring for me. There are some useless sequences which just fills in the lengthy runtime of the movie. Overall action is what you usually see but can be considered nice.Pretty much dialogues are loud and overly done. There are a lot of flaws that can be counted. Still overall its a nice piece of entertainment. Maybe Prabhu Deva should not think of a sequel to it.

Nice Entertainer

6 on 10

The Blair Witch Project

 Genre : Horror | Mystery
Runtime : 81 Min
Directos: Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez

Plot

Three film students go missing after traveling into the woods of Maryland to make a documentary about the local Blair Witch legend leaving only their footage behind.

Review

I will speak frankly that I always wanted to watch this movie as I have heard a lot about it. But I could not watch it as it seemed too boring. I had nothing much to do and it was late night when I watched it (complete this time). I was not much surprised as I have already seen a lot of cam movies already but the fact that the movie could be interesting after almost half an hour is surprising.

The whole movie is presented in a manner that the footage used is real. Well that kind of hype was the sole reason that I was intrigued to watch it. Therefore the movie had that creepiness that is present after about half of the movie. Things get tense then and if you know it all happened for real, it will definitely creep you out. There are no sudden scenes to make you jump but gradually it starts filling with an aura of spookiness. All of them acted real, very real I must say. Don't get confused, it's not something that happened for real. The actors are very much alive and its just a movie. I won't talk much about it here and you can Google it to know exactly how the acts seemed so real. But yeah, it was very much disappointing to know the fact. I didn't like the climax at all. Movie on the whole seemed average to me just because it was released a decade ago and was kind of the first in such genre. Definitely capable of pulling you into an eerie environment but not scary for me.

Can be Watched Once

5 on 10

Taken

Genre : Crime | Action | Thriller
Runtime : 126 Min
Director : Pierre Morel

Plot

A retired CIA agent travels across Europe to save his estranged daughter, who was kidnapped on a trip to Paris to be sold into prostitution. 

Review

I almost felt stupid for not watching this movie till now. Maybe I had avoided crime movies earlier. I watched it and I felt surprised as you may be if you haven't and are gonna watch it after reading my review. I know I have started praising the movie in the starting of the review only but its seriously good.

The plot of the movie is not quite different and so will the script follow. What is different is the way it is directed. Really a good job by Pierre Morel. Well I haven't heard of him at all but will surely look forward to his works now. So the whole movie has some stylized action sequences which seemed perfect on Liam Neeson. Damn he looked so bang on with all the action and bullets. He has done a phenomenal act in the movie and can be considered as a reason for it being a super-hit. The other acts, well its all about Liam Neeson and you'll agree with my opinion if you watch. Did it touch you emotionally? Yes, the relation of a father with her daughter and he'll be willing to do in the circumstances. Strong screenplay carries it to a further level. I felt that its a tightly packed package for all the crime and action lovers. Of-course movie is not perfect but it will make you glued to it for sure. I would strongly recommend it to everyone. Just loved it.

A Worth Great Watch

8 on 10

Laddaland

 Genre : Horror
Runtime : 117 Min
Director: Sopon Sukdapisit

Plot

 A family moves to Laddaland after the father is being posted to a new company. But soon they are encountered by a series of paranormal events.

Review

I have seen every work of Sopon Sukdapisit. This was the reason that I had a lot of expectations from him again. His earlier works were terrifying. Now Laddaland is a bit different from them. Its actually based on the events that happened in Chian Mai. The movie starts in a pleasant manner and the BGM is really beautiful. Soon after the family moves to Laddaland, things start happening and they are hit by certain bad omens.

Now I must admit that the very first sudden scene was enough to make me jump. It was not scary but I could feel my heartbeat pacing. Things kept happening and there were a lot of sudden scenes to stir me up. But there is a big problem. Things were emerging out of no where and running into null. I could not link up the events. They just happened randomly and at random times. There was some bit of drama going as well and I think that's pretty much responsible for it. I could not feel a scary environment which should build up in a horror movie especially in a movie directed by someone like Sopon Sukdapisit. There is a whole lot of plot holes in the script. The acts were likeable to me. Direction is lacking which is responsible as well for making this movie just average. On whole I will say that it definitely kept putting chills down my spine but at no point I felt it was scary and creepy. For me, that is an important thing in a horror movie. I dint even liked the climax. It comes out to be just an average movie.

An Average Horror Flick

5 on 10

The Woman in Black

 
Genre : Drama | Horror | Thriller
Runtime : 95 Min
Director: James Watkins

Plot

A young lawyer travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.

Review

Daniel Radcliffe will have a hard time erasing his Harry Potter image clearly. The first sight at the movie and this is what will cross your mind. Maybe it will take him few years to be mature enough for playing mature roles. Anyways, this is the kind of plot which interests me a lot. Even by looking at the poster I could make out that this is gonna be an old school horror ( a kind of rare in modern times). It surely is.

The movie follows a simple plot and is quite assumable even in the beginning. So one thing I would suggest you all is to keep your brain out of your head and watch it just for the horror's sake. Arthur Kipps travels to a remote village to sell the Eel Marsh House. Now the house is haunted (not just house, but the village). That's it. Whatever follows are the situations and the drama part. Still I liked it much. It's been a long time I watched such a horror movie. Its devoid of any blood spills and other gore stuff. What you'll see is pure horror. Daniel has done nice if we can get rid of his earlier image. The direction is nice as there are few sudden scenes to make you jump. I liked the cinematography really. It creates a proper creepy environment. Nothing else that I would like to mention here. It's surely a scary watch and you'll like it definitely. There are some weak points but I never said its a perfect movie.

Scary

7 on 10

P.S. I Love You

Genre : Drama | Romance
Runtime : 126 Min

Director : Richard LaGravenese

Plot

Life of a young married girl Holly is torn apart after her husband dies but soon she discovers that her late husband had already planned on to ease her pain.

Review

I have been long avoiding this movie as I wanted to read the book first. I never got time to read the 700+ pages novel and so watched it today.  I hadn't even read the plot and so the whole movie was a surprise for me. Yeah reading the plot can sometimes spoil it. So the movie seemed ordinary in the beginning with a couple as the main attraction living happily despite of the small fights. But soon everything changed. Don't worry it's not a spoiler but the plot of the movie. Very soon the husband dies.

Whatever happens with the girl is what the whole movie is about. Its screened quite well how the life of the girl changes and how difficult it is for her to believe that he is dead. Soon she founds that her husband had already planned on things for her to make her life easy and lessen the pain. I won't tell you how and it's quite dreamy but very touching. I will not go towards the story now. The performances by Swank and Butler are very good and they made everything realistic. I have not read the book and therefore can't compare but the screenplay was nice for me regarding the script used for movie. I really could not concentrate on any of the technical aspects as I was really drowned in it. The whole movie is so emotional and touching that you can do nothing but love it. Trust me it's vague to depict it as a chick flick. I loved it by all means. After a long time I watched a movie which left me in tears. Its a true tearjerker on whole and is really able to make you cry at so many places. I don't know why critics didn't like it but I would suggest you to watch it as early as possible. There are not much movies available like this.

TRULY LOVABLE 

9 on 10

Shanghai

Genre : Thriller
Runtime : 120 Min (approx)

Director : Dibakar Banerjee

Plot

Shanghai, a political thriller, follows the journey of these unlikely heroes as they come together to find justice in the labyrinth of Indian democracy.

Review

Well went for this movie with great expectations. I had read the reviews so was very excited to watch it. I wasn't aware that it was a political thriller initially. So coming to movie. It started of well and got me interested. It was slow but still I liked the concept with what it started. I felt finally another different story from Bollywood. But very soon, it became a big drag and the movie was crawling literally. The script had nothing to tell for most of the length. It kept on crawling till I found people in theater got busy on their phones. But still I felt it was nice and there was interval. Now the latter half was pathetic for me. There was nothing to show. You can judge what will happen and it happens at such a slow pace that you might wanna sleep. The direction was pathetic for me. I liked the concept. Few things are good which shows the internal political matters of small towns of India. Everything they showed was truth but it was not promising. I remember when I watched movies like Rajneeti and was forced to clap in certain sections. I could not feel the same way in this one. The screenplay is utterly boring. I don't want to talk about acts as i could not concentrate due to the weird direction. All I will say is that you can try it if you like the genre otherwise you will sleep it off. I won't say that the movie is pathetic but its below average.

Can Be Skipped

4 on 10

2012

Genre : Action | Adventure | Drama

Runtime : 158 Min
Director : Roland Emmerich

Plot

An epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors.

Review

The famous Director of Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow fame is back with another End of The World Triumph. Well I did like those two but to watch the same thing it took me some time. Its about the famous Mayan's prediction about the end of the world which is due for 21 Dec 2012.  Therefore it's quite similar to the other two movies plotwise.

Now Surely what I found nice was that the things started up very soon and the effects were great. I thought it was great to see things soon but I almost forgot about the long runtime of 158 min. It started well but soon things began stretching. I really feel that movies like these which are purely a visual effect treat should be short in length. Things were happening for no reasons and the destruction was too much that it lost its charm soon. John Cusack was fine and the rest of the cast didn't matter much with their mediocre acts. The failed comedy acts was a lowdown with the basic theme and looked foolish while the environment was of panic and havoc. One more thing I liked was how it connected politically which showed quite correctly the possible political conditions if it happened in real. I found that the last half an hour of the movie was good and engaging. So overall I will say that due to some things this can definitely be considered as an epic which it should have been but its not bad at all. I read all the negative reviews but guys its not at all bad. I liked it pretty much. Threw in a couple of brilliant acts and a tight screenplay with a short length this could have been a big one. Do watch it otherwise and you will find it good.

Definitely a Good One

7 on 10