My Week with Marilyn (2011)

My Week with Marilyn (2011)

Biography | Drama

 

Being a celebrity has its own weights to carry and prices to pay. And falling in love with one is equally painful and most probably ends with an empty heart. This movie speaks of such affair or rather one sided affection and love but not two ways is a unique piece. The glamorous Marilyn is impeccable and she just brings the screen to glow with her presence. Beautiful sets, music and flow teamed up with wonderful performances of the cast it is a must watch. It peeps in to the secret world of Marilyn which is not the usual dreamy and sexy appearance that we all remember.

 

3.5/5

 

Synopsis: Colin Clark, an employee of Sir Laurence Olivier's, documents the tense interaction between Olivier and Marilyn Monroe during production of The Prince and the Showgirl.

Machine Gun Preacher (2011)

Action | Biography | Crime

Maybe the hardest thing to do is to make a difference. And it is always easy to give up or run away from it when the barriers present it to be larger than expected. But still some people just hang on to what they believe and live for the greater good of their beliefs and survival of others. This movie is about a man like that who thought everything else can wait but the only thing matters is to help kids in a nation torn by civil war. Based on true events this is one touching and moving plot which will open your eyes to a different reality. A reality which is not so colorful or filled with dreams that coming true. Gerard Butler gives a good performance and this must be a mile stone for the fellow Spartans career. 

4/5

Synopsis: The story of Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing biker tough guy who found God and became a crusader for hundreds of Sudanese children who've been forced to become soldiers.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)

Adventure | Drama | Mystery

 

This Oscar season had these somewhat similar plotted two movies showcased for the best movie category. One is this and the other is Hugo. In both the tales surrounds a young boy whom is desperately looking to find a missing piece of his life connected to his lost father. And both related to a mysterious key. But as many agrees that Hugo did it the best, in my opinion Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close have done it bigger and better. The plot is wonderful and the acting by the main cast is fantastic. Though a child the adult who is existing inside that kids mind is remarkable. And as viewers we get to follow his lead in to a beautiful journey of life, hope and ambition. Started as a 3 it gradually grew up to become a 4.5/5 rated movie in my book. Enjoyed it, loved it and cherished it extremely well.

 

4.5/5

 

Synopsis: A nine-year-old amateur inventor, Francophile, and pacifist searches New York City for the lock that matches a mysterious key left behind by his father, who died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

War Horse (2011)

Drama | History | War

 

For a moment I was totally satisfied and then disappointed of War Horse. The reason for satisfaction is the epic portrayal of love the humans are capable of showing even in the depths of a horrific war. And the beauty of the affection towards an animal, and the love received from the wild animal in return. The reason for disappointment is that it doesn’t really stand up to the level of a Spielberg movie. Or maybe I expected too much and offered too little by it. I thought of wars in epic proportions and war heroes that I’d remember till I die. But this doesn’t offer that or this is not about all that. It’s about an ordinary horse that lives through extraordinary situations and survives to be a remarkable animal. Adapted from a children’s book this has the qualities to become a fairy tale. It has a dreamy beginning and a sunny happy ending. And mix it up all together it is the best plot and movie about a horse after the Spirit, the animation.

4/5

 

Synopsis: Young Albert enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. Albert's hopeful journey takes him out of England and across Europe as the war rages on.

Absentia (2011)

Horror

 

This is a kind of a very slow horror movie. It feels like forever to enter the horror state from being in the drama state as it starts. But the horror state is not something that you might experience in the other high budget flicks. You hardly see anything scary other than glimpse of a creature and a man who appears from nowhere time to time. There is one gore scene which is a bit extraordinary but not that it makes you get scared either. However what I like about this is the story telling. It’s slow and quiet and gradually hits the spot which the viewer may not really expect. But overall it’s too normal though the actors seem to pull it out quite well. It’s just another horror flick for me.

 

2.5/5

 

Synopsis: A woman and her sister begin to link a mysterious tunnel to a series of disappearances, including that of her own husband.

Perfect Sense (2011)

Drama | Romance | Sci-Fi 

 

I have seeing quite a number of epidemic movies but this one sure stands way tall than any of them. The simple reason is the unique plot and wondrous performances from the cast and above all the personal relativity to it as the viewer. The story telling and the plot manage to effectively plant a seed of sadness and fear inside the minds of the viewer of a very personal level. No matter who you are or what you thought you were if such epidemic to take place, it will forever change the world as we know now. And we will truly start to appreciate the most simplest of things that we take granted today. This movie has a very predictable ending once you start to engulf in it. But that ending as we all expect but fear makes the plot that much stronger. A very good movie that makes you forgets that it’s total fiction and would stay with you for some time.

 

4/5

 

Synopsis: A chef and a scientist fall in love as an epidemic begins to rob people of their sensory perceptions.

Don 2 (2011)

Action|Crime|Drama

 

The heavily colorful and romantic Indian cinema has now become a serious follower of Hollywood type flicks. But really can we blame it? There is a trend setter in every corner. But coming from its classic roots Don is still making news. Don is becoming bigger and better. It has immensely evolved from its first installment and promisingly ends well with a hint for the next chapter. Packed with cinematic charm delivered by Shahrukh and some heavy explosives with heist action, this flick does not let down the serial viewer. Thought the plot is insanely impractical and filled with on and off plot holes you can really forget all that and just swiftly enjoy it. Not that Indian cinema is bad, but this is better than most of it. Keep it up!

 

3.5/5

 

Synopsis: An international gangster turns himself in, then dramatically escapes - only to face treachery and betrayal.

The Artist (2011)

 Romance | Comedy | Drama 

 

Oops! I was about to say that the actors those days knew what’s acting was all about and the ones these days are just made out of plank wood and cardboard. But hay my mistake. These are the actors of these days. And aren’t they making your jaws drop? This is a one brilliant piece of art which is actually a rare gem in the unending storm of entertainment overload. For once I had the pleasure of actually feeling the cinema as it was enjoyed by fans generations ago. Forget the Oscars and forget everything you ever heard of this movie and just embed yourself in the scenes opening one after another filled with wonder and amusement. For a good 100 minutes you will be inside a time capsule and forget that a world exist out there which actually has talking people in it. This feeling is maybe too old for us to even remember but it is one of the best of recent cinema no doubt. Thunderbolt performances, groovy set creations and costumes with details beyond accurate there is nothing pleasing more than this modern day black and white silent movie.

 

5/5

 

Synopsis: Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break.

The Descendants (2011)

Comedy | Drama

All of you must have read quite a lot about this flick already. Apologies yet I have my own share of views to express. One awesome thing about this is that it has a momentum and a flow which does not break you in between. There are no slow parts or extreme hypes. It just flows. Even in the most dramatic and suspenseful moments... It just flows. I think its how the script was meant to be and we feel it. The plot is very unique and for a moment we all wonder what if it’s me?  We take life and living for granted and things slips away right though our fingers. And when we try to hold it tight the best has already escaped. Clooney play a character filled with doubt, anger, sorrow and hope and most of it served to him in big doses in little increments. How will he pull through is the big “?” in the whole plot and I believe he makes it out alright.

A good watch and a memorable piece of artistic movie. And overall a script to die for.

4/5

Synopsis: A land baron tries to re-connect with his two daughters after his wife is seriously injured in a boating accident.

Special Forces (2011) - French

Forces spéciales (original title)

Action | Adventure | Drama

For few good reasons I’m a fine fan of war movies. I believe this genre portrays a set of people who risk their lives in order to achieve a much greater cause than their very own existence. Courageous to the bone and loyal to the heart these men carry out their duty bravely until the last breath. And these men known as soldiers makes the most heroic and deep impact in the silver screen. This movie does nothing less than it is meant to do. That is to entertain us while showing the most gruesome experiences which a set of special operations soldiers go though in order to rescue someone else’s life just because it’s their duty to do so. Maybe the most ‘touching’ war movie I have watched in recent times. So touching that it can water your eyes and fills you with deep respect to the men and woman out there on the front line.  

You will not see exaggerated action sequences or super soldiers in this. But the pure hunger for humanity and the strong will to carry out ones duty beyond anything else. This is nothing less than BRAVO.

 

4/5

Synopsis: A French journalist in Afghanistan is kidnapped by the Taliban. And a special operations deployed in order to rescue her.

The Grey (2012)

The Grey (2011)

Action|Adventure|Drama

 

The concepts of thrillers where men are attacked by various animals are quite old school. Yet time to time one movie breaks the boundaries and manages to live up. The Grey is one of those movies. Apart from the animals part this has a good background plot and a solid character development. Once the movie is over you will feel like you have spend some tough to the bone ordeal with a gang well known to you. This is what makes The Grey stand above the mundane thrillers with animals. And the production looks very good. It is certain that the crew and the cast must have gone through visible challenges in order to make this possible. Though at some points the CG wolves looks a little obvious the rest is a mix of a good drama and a thriller in-between.

 

3.5/5

 

Synopsis: After their plane crashes in Alaska, seven oil workers are led by a skilled huntsman to survival, but a pack of merciless wolves haunts their every step.

Columbus Circle (2012)

Mystery | Thriller

 

The basic idea I got after watching this flick is that, Good script but could have being made better. The script is actually somewhat unique and starts with lot of mystery and dilemma. But soon it starts to reveal itself. Perhaps too soon.  And at one point it becomes more predictable and then all the thrills start to fade away in a panic. And the poster says “Fear thy neighbor”. Oops the cat just jumps the basket.

 

Synopsis

An heiress who's been shut inside her apartment building for nearly two decades is forced to confront her fears after one of her neighbors is killed and a detective arrives to begin the investigation.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Crime | Drama | Mystery

 

In an age where thrillers have become a nuisance with poor scripts and wasted acting, this movie is the modern day savior of the very nature. It runs fairly long. 2 hours and 38 minutes to be precise. But once you hit the main stream with the breathtaking starting title sequence filled with creative computer graphics and rock music, the journey from there is swift. The story up to a certain point makes no proper direction and runs in two lines. But suddenly it becomes one and the whole plot shapes up to be a monster you didn’t wish to see. The good thing is it still doesn’t stop from there. It goes on to another dimension before the climax. Nominated for the best movie in Oscar and actress (Which is strange considering its nature), there is something to see in this thriller. It’s a mix of drama, action and thrill served in one silver platter. 

 

4/5

 

Synopsis: Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker.

The Skin I Live In (2011)

Drama | Thriller

I’m profoundly moved and touched by this wonderful Spanish movie. Firstly the plot is simply so unique and the story telling will keep the viewers gazing for answers. Yet it has a solid start and a complete ending with a feeling of satisfaction. Acting is very powerful. Banderas simply makes the movie run with his performance and so does the beautiful Elena Anaya. Cinematography is eye catchy and flows in complete harmony with the script. Thrilling, romantic yet mysterious this movie is a must watch.

4/5

Synopsis: A brilliant plastic surgeon, haunted by past tragedies, creates a type of synthetic skin that withstands any kind of damage. His guinea pig: a mysterious and volatile woman who holds the key to his obsession.

Young Adult (2011)

Comedy | Drama  

This is not the typical Charlize Therone movie. The girl who did Monster and North Country is stuck in a limited character in this one. Though she portrays it very well this one will not put her on an Oscar nomination list. I cannot say that I enjoyed the plot that much. Maybe looking at a psychological perspective yes it can work out. Yet it’s too short and too sweet. But for some this can be a movie which creates memories. So it depends. As the movie says life must go on. So here I move on…

3/5

Synopsis: Soon after her divorce, a fiction writer returns to her home in small-town Minnesota, looking to rekindle a romance with her ex-boyfriend, who is now happily married and has a newborn daughter.

TYRANNOSAUR (2011)

Drama

Is it possible to find peace at the most daunting times of life? When everyone seems not care for you and the life you live is nothing but a mere illusion. How will you escape yourself when you cannot trust the inner you? You might find some good answers for those questions in this movie. Very disturbing and heart shaking at some points but so emotional and heartfelt overall, this is a wonderful story of people and their true lives. Powerful acting combined with touching script Tyrannosaur is colossus just as its name.

4/5

Synopsis: Joseph, a man plagued by violence and a rage that is driving him to self-destruction, earns a chance of redemption that appears in the form of Hannah, a Christian charity shop worker.

The Walking Dead – Season 2 (mid) review

2010 on going

Created by Frank Darabont

 

This series is so good that just like the zombie plague it entered the blood of the viewer so fast and made them numb to other feelings when the show is in the air. I have being eagerly watching this series from the inception. And it forced me to read the comic as well. And now I’m fan of both the TV and comic alike.

 

What’s great about Walking Dead apart from its wonderful and eerie cinematography and the mind blowing work of zombie make up is the human emotions. The story is centric towards a group of survivors led by good hearted police officer Rick Grimes and their struggle to survive in a world full of dead people who wants to eat them all day. The story is more human centric than just a plain apocalypse related thriller.

 

All these were bygones in the first season. It was filled with more thrilling episodes and somewhat fast phased story telling. When it came to Season 2 the things slowed down a bit. It becomes more human and emotional based while zombies become a bit distant. Yet on and off an ugly creature falls on their door step for the pure fun of killing it. But as the season progress it becomes stronger and steady with its main object, survival. The season 2 finale is now weeks away and already the rumors of season 3 have started to spread. And they are not just rumors but facts of new casting for few of the most demanding characters yet to appear in the show.

 

If your still not a fan of the show its time to start. There are only 2 seasons to catch up!! But be aware this is one of the most graphic shows on TV right now. And it gets uglier by the episode. 

Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)

Drama|Thriller

If you want to live inside the mind of a helpless girl who once seek asylum in a mad man’s sanctuary, then this movie is the right place. It will slowly, silently yet strikingly engulf you in a mind trap that you will not be let go even at the end. I find this movie to be very powerful. And if you are a woman you will be feeling it even stronger I’m sure. Sometimes something’s goes on at some places cannot be erased once you experience them and by running away from it. This is the story of a life haunting experience of a girl who once wanted to change her life for the good but failed.

4/5

Synopsis: Haunted by painful memories and increasing paranoia, a damaged woman struggles to re-assimilate with her family after fleeing an abusive cult.