KUNG FU PANDA 2 (2011)

Every year there are few animations comes out which will make you say wow that’s fantastic. And out of that one or two makes your eye brows go higher beyond its capability, and laugh out loud from corner to corner of your face. And this year NO DOUBT that animation is Kung Fu Panda the second edition. 

We all have seeing the first movie and sure enjoyed it like hell (Just saying no one really enjoys hell but if that movie was shown in hell that would have made lot of sinful poor souls happy!) And there was this awesome animation character named PO a Panda from the land of ancient China and his side kick Kung Fu friends. The characters just plainly evolve in this second movie as well. And now they are a gang of fighter who protect their land with the new Dragon Warrior Po. But Po seems to be the same old funny and not so heroic character time to time. 

In this edition Po is challenged by an Evil Peacock Lord Shen from the Gongmen city who is a threatening the whole China with a new secret weapon in hand. And later Po finds out that Lord Shen was his enemy from the childhood and discovers his sad origins as well. 

The plot may not be totally unique as this is the second edition but the spirits run high. The character creations are awesome and so do the voice acting. Don’t even have to mention that the animation is kick ass because most of you will not expect anything less. 

Simply put Kung Fun Panda 2 is a must watch. No excuses!

My Score 4/5

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Action

Director:  Jennifer Yuh

Writers: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger

Stars:  Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan

MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS (2011)

Jim Carrey is not the kind which makes you a disappointed viewer. There may be a movie which does not live up to standards on the plots but Carrey always make sure that his part is covered. Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a good example. It’s funny, light and makes you feel a little bit happier than most other flicks that come out with animal themes. 

Mr. Popper is a successful but a lonely business man. After the divorce seems like his wife or the two kids doesn’t really like to hang out with him. Surprisingly his father sends him 6 penguins and writes him an emotional letter on his deathbed. Though Popper was reluctant to keep the Penguins at his luxury condo at first, he finds that there is no better choice as his kids starts to get very fond of the creatures. 

The plot is not totally the interesting type. It’s quite predictable and sometimes does not make much sense. But it’s not hard to get through. It has more of Disney movie characteristics than a Jim Carrey movie. There are no special cinematography credits or extra special performances or music too. What might be the key to making the flick watchable is the performance by Carrey and the cute set of Penguins. And I’m sure more of them are not real but animations. But done quite cleverly I must say. 

My Score 3/5

Genre: Comedy, Family

Director: Mark Waters

Writers: Sean Anders (screenplay), John Morris (screenplay)

Stars: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino and Angela Lansbury

CAPTAIN AMERICA - THE FIRST AVENGER (2011)

When the skinny small man Steve Rogers wants to join the army at the time of WWii it seems to be almost impossible. After failing 5 times doing so, for his luck he manages to join a strategic scientific experiment unit of USA army. After undergoing an experiment his body reaches the ultimate human performance. Proving his capability of fighting the war and becoming a hero Steve steps up to the front line with the nick name Captain America. His mission is to defeat the evil Schmidt of the German army who heads the Hydra project which threatens to destroy the major cities of the world.   Schmidt aka Red Scull posses a secret energy source which is ultimate.

Captain America – The First Avenger is not one of those super hero movies which are filled with earth shattering action sequences.  But it preserves the comic style well. And starting from cinematography to performance it stands out among the mundane super hero wave of movies. Furthermore as he is not really a super hero with exceptional abilities just like Bat Man there is a sense of humanity in him. And the plot surrounds him with the good which he offers from his unique abilities and truthful desire. 

As the movie ends with the hopes of a second installment which takes place in the present times, I sure hope that next will be a bit bigger in every aspect. 

My Score 3.5/5

Genre: Action, Adventure

Director: Joe Johnston

Writers: Christopher Markus (screenplay), Stephen McFeely (screenplay)

Stars: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving and Samuel L. Jackson

CARS 2 (2011)

When the first movie ‘Cars’ came out it was like one of the best works of Pixar by then. And to be honest one of the best animations that hit the screen back then. It was amusing and had a wonderful story line mixed with good humor and breathtaking scenes. However that charisma seems to have faded away with Cars 2. Simply you don’t feel it like you used to be. But that doesn’t mean that it’s a totally bad movie. There is lots of good stuff in this. 

This time also the story evolves around the famous race car Lightning McQueen and his friend the tow truck Mater. After accepting a challenge from a car which runs from alternative fuel to gasoline the duo leaves the Radiator Springs in order to bring home another cup. However once they start to race Mater realizes that the race is a cover up for a big plan to make the gasoline more popular and at the end his best friend’s life is in danger. 

More than Lightning McQueen the story this time is rolled out based on Mater. The comic, romantic and even the heroic character is the old rugged tow truck. And to support the plot there is plenty of good animation lines up. There are some stunning sequences which is worth watching. 

However like I mentioned before that feeling of Cars is lost in this flick. Maybe I expected more than it was suppose to but then again I’m just a regular adult fan. And most of the good animations are capable of moving adults to the theater without hesitation. 

My Score 3/5

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Directors: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis

Writers:  Ben Queen (screenplay), John Lasseter (story)  

Stars: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy and Michael Caine

FLYPAPER (2011)

First of all it’s not really easy to categorize this movie. Before writing this review I spent a little time wondering to review it as a comedy or a thriller or just as a dumb movie. Whichever it is what’s certain is that it does live up to the last category I mentioned. 

When a bank is robbed by two gangs of bank robbers at once the hostages tries to find a way out. The plot is sounds like it got something really interesting. But ‘only’ if the plot was taken serious. But sadly here it’s not. The plot is just a big flop as both gangs of bank robbers seems to be like quite dumb and the hostages are freely roaming inside the bank time to time will make you figure out why.

And it’s filled with a ship load of stupid scenarios that on the way you might actually loose the track of what’s really going on. Some might call them ‘twists’ in the story but I don’t think so. Twists suppose to be making the story better. But not dumb to dumber. 

Maybe the director wanted to play it this way so that it’s a novel movie experience to the audience but what I think is that audience is quite disappointed. 

There is hardly anything good and interesting about Flypaper. Only few comedy scenes makes it’s a little worth. 

You should do yourself a favor and skip this one!

My Score 2/5

Genre: Comedy, Crime

Director: Rob Minkoff

Writers: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore

Stars: Ashley Judd, Patrick Dempsey and Octavia Spencer

RED STATE (2011)

It was too late when 3 teens who were looking for out of the ordinary exiting sex, realized that the online invitation they got was a fake one. They have become the pray of an extreme fundamentalists and a piece of a vicious movement of wiping out the sinners including gays and pre marital sex activities. They will be facing their scariest nightmare when they realize that they are on a death row and an even worse enemy when they decide to get out. 

Red State is a brutal and a scary movie. And maybe some of the scenes could be hard to handle for weak hearted. Yet the events that take place in it add strong ingredients for the movies success. 

The acting is very good. Especially the strong portrayal of the Abin Coopers character by Michael Parks. He just pumps in so much energy to the plot and being the bad guy the viewers might wanna rip him apart. 

This may not be one of the best movies. But it sure can keep you in one place and throw you with some mind blowing realities to think about. 

My Score 3.5/5

Genre: Action, Horror, Thriller

Director: Kevin Smith

Writer: Kevin Smith

Stars: Michael Parks, Melissa Leo and John Goodman

HORRIBLE BOSSES (2011)

Horrible Bosses - Probably the best comedy I have seeing this year. It has a super awesome plot and filled with spine cracking humor. Have no doubt this will make you remember some awesome lines about Toyota Prius!

The plot is simple. Three friends are approaching the end of their patience barrier with their bosses. So they come up with a wicked plan to murder their bosses and goes to hire a hit man. Ultimately the hit man turns out to be not so expected and the guys themselves end up doing all the dirty work. In the process of killing their bosses fate takes unexpected turns.

This flick is awesome in every step of the way. From start where the characters are introduced and up to where the titles roll with outtakes it’s a straight forward joy ride of comedy. Some of the stuff these guys do and what they face is downright hilarious. 

Don’t miss it!

My Score 3.5/5

Genre: Comedy

Director: Seth Gordon

Writers: Michael Markowitz (screenplay), John Francis Daley (screenplay),

Stars: Jason Batman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis

TRUE LEGEND (2010)

For the martial art action fan and the Chinese movie enthusiast this flick is just total heaven. It will engulf you with breathtaking fighting action sequences and eye popping cinematography from start to end. And to add more icing to the cake it comes with a good plot which at times will shake you with emotion and then boost you with courage. 

I don’t have to write long paragraphs about the plot of how cool this flick is overall. If you know how the Chinese martial art movies work, this is nothing extraordinary. There is lot of fighting with weapons and bare hands and then there is quite a bit of cable work as well. But at the end it speaks of a fighter who looses a lot and tries to gain them back while fighting the evil. 

My Score 3/5

Genre: Action, Drama

Director: Woo-ping Yuen

Writer: Chi-long To (screenplay)

Stars: Man Cheuk Chiu, Xun Zhou and Michelle Yeoh

OLD SCHOOL (2003)

Old School is about 3 grown up men who are hitting their 30s fed up with their family lives and relationships and seeking to do something new and interesting. So they start a fraternity club with all other intentions in their minds. And when their rented house is threatened to be taken over by the college campus they have to prove some points in order to save the club and the house. 

This flick is filled with good humor start to end. And it’s obvious when Will Farrell teams up with Vince Voughn and Luke Wilson is caught up in the middle. These three portray the somewhat crazy yet ambitious men who stand up to what they believe in.

A good run for the comedy lovers indeed!

My Score: 3/5

Genre: Comedy

Director: Todd Phillips

Writers: Court Crandall (story), Todd Phillips (story)

Stars: Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell

GREEN LANTERN (2011)

There were several superhero movies hitting the screen this year. Some were cheesy and some were not up to the point of creating that much interested. But ‘Green Lantern’ is one which that keeps up to the superhero expectations. 

Created based on the famous Green Lantern comic character, this is the story of a young man named Hal (who lives on earth by the way) is getting selected to be a ultimate universe protecting squad named Green Lanterns. He gets supreme super powers and even the ability to cross universes without a spaceship! But the thrill of the new appointment soon fades away with the arrival of an eminent threat that he has to protect earth from. While fighting the bad guys he finds love with a beautiful woman whom he knew from childhood. 

Green Lantern is a straight forward movie. Feels like you are reading a comic when the story unfolds and the graphics and visual effects sets a good standard. There is a good load of action, thrill, romance and humor to keep you glued to it. I watched the extended version which is little over 2 hours long but still it was an easy watch. There is nothing boring. 

My Score 3.5

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Martin Campbell

Writers: Greg Berlanti (screenplay), Michael Green (screenplay)

Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Peter Sarsgaard

TRANSFORMERS - DARK OF THE MOON (2011)

There is little I have to write about the anticipated third installment of the Transformers – Dark of the Moon. Basically it is bigger, flashy, longer, and intense and action packed than the first 2 movies but definitely it’s not better. 

“Transformers” when it came to the big screen back in the day was a real treat. It was a movie which was never before seeing and filled with fantastic visual effects and breathtaking action sequences start to end. But the second installment was a bit disappointing. Too much action and it was long but the plot was not unique. And sadly the third is not so different. And this has way too much action and metal banging but really doesn’t make any sense what so ever when the movie finishes. 

It’s filled with certain people who don’t die under the most extreme situations that you can imagine. And robots which not only transform but cannot really make anything useful other than blowing up buildings and senselessly move here and there. There is nothing scientific about the whole plot and it just roll from one end to the other.

The only aspect I’d applaud is the out of this world visual effects and set creation. They are definitely the only strengths of this flick and without those it’s an utter failure. 

Comparing with the first movie this lacks humor, humanity and the romance as well. Bigger the Transformers gets smaller it becomes of things which really matter. 

My Score 3/5

Genre: Action, Sci Fi, Adventure

Director: Michael Bay

Writer: Ehren Kruger

Stars: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Tyrese Gibson

SOMETHING BORROWED (2011)

 Life sometimes is about untold words and lost opportunities. And at times we are given with blesses but we tend to sacrifice them for the sake of others or ignore them simply not knowing how great they are.

“Something Borrowed” is a story like that; about two people who have lost an opportunity of being together once, but find it back in the most awkward time. Discovering that your best friend’s soon to be wedded groom, is the love of your life can be a very uncomfortable moment. Yet Rachel and Dex breaks the known boundaries in the name of love.

This movie is quite romantic indeed. And that’s what you expect from a romantic movie. But what’s special about it is that the plot is creative enough to make you keep guessing about what’s the next move is. And the actors are great and the chemistry runs high. There are no places where the story stalls or becomes boring. It’s a good run throughout. 

My only disappointment is the too perfect ending. And at the end of the day every one solves their issues and becomes happy is kind of a bit unlikely to happen in a story like this. But it does. 

Anyways it’s a light weighted movie which pumps some blood in to your romantic nerves. 

My Score 3.5/5

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Director: Luke Greenfield

Writers: Jennie Snyder (screenplay), Emily Giffin (novel)

Stars: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson and Colin Egglesfield

THE TREE OF LIFE (2011)

‘Tree of Life’ is completely in the definition is a drama. But it’s not the kind of drama you must have seeing before. It’s a complete new experience in observing a tale of emotion, at times maybe quite difficult to explain it in words as it’s purely fascinating and deeply though provoking. 

When you extract the plot from this whole movie experience it just looks plain, simple and mundane. A family who loses their elder son at the age of 19 is shattered and deeply saddened by the unexpected event.

The loss is viewed in terms of the parents and the second child of the family and the movie represent different time periods of the main even before and way after. And the story flows concentrating the faith the family has put upon god and their views of their faith in times of despair and loss. But more than being a religious movie ‘Tree of Life’ ends up being a true film that touches the mind of the viewer. 

The story telling is extremely creative. The cinematography is totally and completely mind blowing. I cannot recall a movie in recent times which had gone to the extent of being ‘beautiful’ and ‘creative’ in cinematography than this. And the music which is bound from scene to scene will put the viewer in to a trance and it’s almost like a meditation for long minutes. The movie at times flows just like a usual movie with people acting and telling the story. And at times it depicts the characteristics of a documentary from National Geographic with simply extravagant collection of footage from distant corners of the planet earth, and graphical representations of deep space and micro organisms. And you may get to indulge your senses in magical moments when the earth was so young and the dinosaurs roamed it. When you read this it might sound insane. How can all that fit in a movie which has a simple theme of family and loss? You have to watch it to understand. 

All of the above with raw acting makes ‘Tree of Life’ a wonderful movie experience, which comes to presence very rarely with genius visualization of a director like Terrence Malick. 

My Score 4.5/5

Genre: Drama

Director: Terrence Malick

Writer:  Terrence Malick

Stars: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain

HUNGER (2008)

‘Hunger’ tells the story of Bobby Sands, who spends his last 6 weeks of his life in agony doing a hunger strike in an Irish Maze prison. This true story is based upon the events which took place in 1981 in Northern Ireland surrounding the IRA resistance and the government’s brutal effort to destroy it. 

Almost the whole movie is based upon the insides of the prison and the prisoners confined within it. While they call themselves soldiers of a freedom fight the government tags them as terrorists and vigorously punishes them in order to weaken their minds and the freedom movement spreading across the land.

‘Hunger’ is a very painful movie to watch. Even for the most strong hearted some of the scenes can come as a shock. It happens because this is not some fiction or a horror movie based on imagination, but because its real life and real human beings involved. It is quite disturbing to understand and realize the roots of some nations which condemn other nations in the name of human rights, while they themselves have made their problem resolution on violence and crimes against humanity. 

This movie is filled with practically alarming circumstances and unparallel masterful cinematography which will send some of the scenes permanently in to your consciousness.  And it speaks louder without words than any movie which speaks with a larger script. ‘Hunger’ is that much perfect. And when it comes to acting it will just blow you away by its naturalness. Some scenes are so long and uncut you might even feel that your right there seated with those men. 

It is a painful experience to watch, but if you get though you will be wiser about life than you were before.

My score 4/5

Genre: Drama, History, Biography

Director: Steve McQueen

Writers: Enda Walsh, Steve McQueen

Stars: Stuart Graham, Laine Megaw and Brian Milligan

Setup (2011)

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SUPER (2011)

‘Super’ is not really super in the sense of super. But it has enough drama and realistic action in order to make it interesting to watch.

The story is about an everyday guy who decides to become a super hero in order to rescue his wife from a local gang. He himself considers him to be a loser and bad looking, suits up and get to the streets to hurt some bad people but he lacks the skills and money. But eventually after some lessons learned from mistakes and finding a suiting side kick, The Crimson Bolt & Boltie starts to do some serious damage.

Though the story sounds a little dumb at some points it’s totally realistic. The viewer can follow it smoothly except for the quite unwanted scenes where some of you might call sick. Especially when it comes to Crimson Bolt’s imagination the movie suddenly turns in to a stupid horror movie like the Scary Movie. I wonder if that’s required. And the crime scenes are quite bloody. 

Overall ‘Super’ tells a story of a man who becomes ambitious and trying to achieve something extraordinary of his own. He is self motivated; self prepared and strive up again when the forces put him down. That itself is a good reason to watch this. 

My Score 3/5

Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama

Director: James Gunn

Writer: James Gunn

Stars: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page and Liv Tyler

ATTACK THE BLOCK (2011)

 

 When south London gets attacked by Aliens, a set of teenage gang weapon up to defend their block and save the planet. Sounds a bit too ordinary for an age where lots of movies hit the screen with the alien theme right? 

But ‘Attack the Block’ is somewhat a totally new experience. The critical reason is that the story telling does not involve skilled military personnel, scientists or the government and a heroic star actor. Yes there is an alien invasion and they are nasty. But the whole thing is plain viewed from the perspective of a gang led by a 15 year old kid named Moses. 

Small budget yet creatively crafted its being a nice watch. The plot is quite nice and the whole of it takes place within a span of few hours. Sometimes funny and sometimes scary and gory ‘Attack the Block’ will keep you guessing of what’s next. 

My Score 3/5

Genre: Action, comedy, Sci Fi

Director: Joe Cornish

Writer: Joe Cornish

Stars: John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker and Alex Esmail

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (2011)

Drama and romance comes in different sizes and states in the silver screen, most of the time mundane and filled with scenes which makes little sense. And once in a while there comes a movie which tells the grace of love in an unprecedented manner and ‘Water for Elephants’ is just that.

Sets place in 1930s America surrounding a circus act called Benzini Brothers, this movie tells the story of a young man who accidently comes on the circus train and falls in love with the owners wife. Swiftly flowing with well made cinematography and attention to detail, the viewer is taken back in time without hesitation. And the blossoming love between the two gradually and very steadily gulps the whole plot amongst the wonderful circus life built around a train ride.

Furthermore the movie covers a good deal of lifestyle of the people who were involved in circuses back then. Not only that, how the circuses were run and the role of animals in it as well. Some scenes quite cruel and heart breaking to see especially when it comes to animal training involving a wonderful elephant named Rosie. 

Overall Water for Elephants is one of the movies that touched me and will be in my mind for a long time. And I wish I can say this for lot of movies based on love stories. But sadly I cannot. So this flick is a must watch for anyone who likes to feel love. And the long two hours will pass by without making you bored.

And finally it’s nice to get to know Robert Pattinson out of his glowing vampire skin, and in a role which truly makes some sense. 

My Score 4/5

Genre: Drama, Romance

Director: Francis Lawrence

Writers: Richard LaGravenese (screenplay), Sara Gruen (novel)

Stars: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz

HALL PASS (2011)

Is Hall Pass a good movie? Yeah it is. Is Hall Pass a crap flick? Oh yeah it is!! What????

That’s because it all depends on what you mean by good or crap. Hall Pass is not a master piece. It’s not going to run for Oscars for any category even if there was a category called the best ‘poop scene’! But for some it might make sense as a comedy and for light weight carefree viewing pleasure.

The plot is simple but a bit wicked. Two married men with children get an official off the marriage pass from their wives for seven days. Yep! You heard me right. And the men are set free to do anything within that 7 days and now you can imagine what they will be up to. But the funny thing is when the wife’s starts to get the kick off the marriage as well, and when they also want to have some fun things goes way south! 

Seriously this movie has some sick humor. You will never wanna watch it with the family. Oh yeah keep that in mind. The visuals are not that bad but believe me the words can hurt. 

Apart from that it’s the typical dirty comedy together with hot woman on and off with some funny circumstances including things which are directly or indirectly related to sex. So all you can do it watch it and then forget it if you really have to. 

My score 2.5/5

Genre: Comedy

Directors: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly

Writers: Pete Jones (screenplay), Peter Farrelly (screenplay)

Stars: Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis and Christina Applegate

WIN WIN (2011)

Here comes something that you can really watch true to your heart and say I liked it. It’s filled with emotion, achievement and most of all unconditional love. When certain people make certain decisions in their life just to make themselves feel a little better, they sometimes do the wrong thing without expecting the worse to happen. But when things turn out to be not so looking good most might back off or put the blame on someone else. But some people take the situation in to their hand and actually do something to correct them and the lives of others involved. “Win Win” is a story of such individual. 

Briefly put Mike is an attorney who is struggling to keep up his practice going with expenses piling up on his home and family. Running out of options and looking for some extra buck he cheats the court and an old helpless man by becoming his guardian with the intention of claiming the guardian commission. But when the old man’s grandson Kyle suddenly shows up on his door step Mike runs out of options once again and agrees to keep the 16 years old at his place. But soon Mike realizes that this young kid who is homeless and running away from his drug addicted mother is a talented wrestler. Mike being the head coach of the small towns wrestling team put Kyle on his team and his family really starts to like him. But soon things turn ugly when Kyle’s mother shows up expecting other benefits.

Win Win has a nice flow in the plot. It never rushes or never lags. It portrays the slow and dull life in the small town and Mike’s internal sensitiveness towards it. The story put the viewer in some kind of a trance and makes them believe that the characters are real and they have real feelings. And when things happen to them the viewer makes it their own. And that’s brilliant movie making.

There is no magic in this flick. It’s just pure humanity and survival. And no doubt Win Win is a win for all just as the name states.

My Score 4/5

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Director: Thomas McCarthy

Writers: Thomas McCarthy (screenplay), Thomas McCarthy (story)

 Stars: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan and Jeffrey Tambor

SENNA (2010)

This documentary covers the unparallel and legendary life and the tragic death of the Brazil born greatest sportsman and the most amazing Formulae one racing driver the world has ever seeing, Ayarton Senna. Starting his driving life from pro carts and winning 3 world championships before his untimely death at the age of 34 in 1994, Senna has done what many would say impossible more than once. 

This film follows Senna’s racing career very closely with ample footage from the past starting from the 80’s including news and TV footage and family videos. And it gives a deep insight to the rivalry he faced from the great French co team mate Allen Prost and the struggle he had to put upon the F1 committee at times where his actions were condemned and resulted in suspension from the track. 

When you dive in to half of this wonderful film, you will start to realize what a wonderful sportsman Senna was on the track and equally or beyond a normal person off the track. Senna was a great patriot who bought laughter to millions of his fans from Brazil, in a time where the country had no hope and engulfed in political instability and poverty. Privately very humble to his beginnings and sometimes shy he donated ample to the benefit of his fellow men. 

Not just a hero in Brazil but Senna soon becomes the most muttered name in the world of racing where at times he is treated like a god more than a super star. Though he cheats death many times and fearlessly believed in the supreme power of god, his life tragically comes to an end at the peak of his career with a fatal crash. As the whole world lies speechless with tears filled in their eyes and memories of the greatest driver they have ever known, Senna’ s life story ends way before anyone expected. 

This documentary is simply touching. And it will touch your deepest corner of the heart not just because it’s a good production but because Senna himself is an eternal flame. 

My score 4.5/5

Genre: Sport, Biography, Documentary

Director: Asif Kapadia

Writer: Manish Pandey

Stars: Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Frank Williams

THE BEAVER (2011)

A man who is depressed expresses his true self through a talking puppet doesn’t really sound sane at all. But in The Beaver it works fine and proves effective though the doctors don’t recommend it. 

Walter Black (Mel Gibson) used to be an important man in the workplace and a good father at home until depression took him over. Totally affected by the sickness he wonders about like a sail less ship creating a mockery of himself until one fine day his family tells him goodbye. Troubled and not knowing where to find his life back he decides to end it. But suddenly and unexpectedly a talking Beaver puppet (apparently attached to his own hand) recues him from his misery and put him back in the circle. And the society around him is not prepared to accept his new self immediately. 

‘The Beaver ‘at a glance reminded me of ‘The Lars and the real girl’ (2007). Though the tales are noticeably similar they are totally different at the same time. For sure this is one of the best performances ever by Mel Gibson. I sometimes wondered if to observe Mel or the Beaver when he is talking! Because those two were very well bound together with each word and expression. 

This flick is not boring. It’s quite the heavy drama at times but has its own little laughs too in between. Overall it will quite effectively take you in to a troubled person mind set and make you feel for him. Which I believe is the sole purpose of any good movie should be. Make the viewer to live as someone else for the span of the movie. 

My Score 3.5/5

Genre: Drama

Director: Jodie Foster

Writer: Kyle Killen

Stars: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and Anton Yelchin

X-MEN:FIRST CLASS (2011)

As soon as I was done with X-Men: Fist Class my immediate impression was ‘Wow that was awesome’.  The reasons were very simple. It gives totally tolerable answers to how the X-Men came in to play and how all the saga was created from the scratch. And most importantly the history of Charles Xavier and Magneto and the cold war between the humans and the mutants. 

X-Men is one of those amazing comics created by some people with fantastic imagination. And when it comes to movies the creativity and the plotting was equally over the expectation. Each X-Men movie (including the Wolverine) was true movie craftsmanship and never disappointed the crowed who was insanely following it. And the same goes with X-Men: Fist Class no doubt. 

Comparing with the previous X-Men flicks this maybe having less action and CG involved. But when it comes to the story and character development this is richest of the series. That is the reason why I love it the most. Each of the important character is well crafted and presented. Especially the leads Xavier and Magneto. And it filled with dialogues which bring in the true self of mutants and their long future ahead. 

If you’re a serious X-Men fan and want to know how it all began this is a must watch. And if you’re comic fan skipping this one is sin. 

My Score 3.5/5

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Writers: Ashley Miller (screenplay), Zack Stentz (screenplay)

Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence

THOR (2011)

Thor is a good looking super hero. Just like Superman he comes from a distant place in the universe. But unlike Superman, Thor brings a war of his own when he arrives. And while he fights bravely and manages to save the world, he finds a lovely human girlfriend as well. And she is quite sweet and prettier than the Superman’s girl Louise! 

Thor belongs to the mystical realm of Asgard. (Rhymes a bit familiar if you have the Lord of the Rings tongue). Though he is this much closer to become the king of Asgard he is expelled by his father due to his mischievous behavior and lands on Earth after traveling via a very colorful beam of light. Here with his unknown stupidity and the well toned bare chest along with some Asgard martial arts he manages to impress a lot of people, including some dumb FBI agents and the girl whom I mentioned before. Then there are some gruesome battles here and there in order to defend earth from the fire breathing iron man kind of machine that comes to destroy him and to save Asgard from his evil brother so on and so forth. 

What’s good about Thor is that it’s a visual extravaganza. Asgard is just one hell of a breathtaking place. Kingdom to be more precise and you must see the palace to see its glory. It looks like musical instrument when I used to play when I was a kid but very much grand scale. And then there is the dark place where the Frost Giants live. Both these realms are well presented in CG and set making. They will blow you away. And then comes the action and the graphics. Pretty awesome they are as well. No doubt I would love to see some action sequences all over again. 

What’s normal about Thor is the plot and acting. Not really a story which impressed me, or the performances. But this is what you always get in a superhero movie. It’s all about the summer and the action and big budgets. Not really about the drama. 

Thor is not the best superhero flick released so far, but it has its own awesome moments. And overall it’s a good watch and worth keeping hopes for the next installment. 

My Score 3.5/5

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Kenneth Branaghand

Writers: Ashley Miller (screenplay), Zack Stentz (screenplay)

Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES (2011)

Jack Sparrow maybe the most untruthful two tongued character every lived on the cinema screen.  But he proves that he will survive and turn even the darkest failures of his life in to advantages. And this time he is back for more adventure and brings in a ship full of action and pirate attitude. 

In this fourth installment of the famous Pirate of the Caribbean franchise, Jack Sparrow is on the hunt to find the Fountain of Youth. While looking for a ship to sail for his destination he is unwillingly coupled with the vicious pirate Blackbeard and his daughter. Soon Jack finds out that even Barbosa is in the race to the fountain and see opportunities opens for him to get back his beloved ship, the Black Pearl. 

What’s good about the flick is that it’s always filled with fun what Jack brings to it. The character well played by the amazing Johnnie Depp is truly significant. And there is plenty of action. Escaping from the police, battling with the pirates or even Mermaids this time. And the story has a good flow without dragging. 

However there are few points which this flick is not equal or better than the previous movies. To start with Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly are missing in this edition. And then some of the sequences don’t seem really very relevant to the plot. Some action sequences appear too cluttered together and though they are done well it makes less sense. Thirdly there is lack of imagination. The previous movies were quite on the top with the imagination and fantasy department but this one really is not. It doesn’t have the WOW in it. 

My Score 3.5/5

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Rob Marshall

Writers: Ted Elliott (screenplay), Terry Rossio (screenplay)

Stars: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz and Ian McShane