vishalsmail33 Reviews

The Heat (I) (2013)

The Heat is a crazy,boisterous,epic ride!

[9/10 · 1 July 2013]

Whoever said a movie with women in the lead cant run.This one doesn't just run,it rocks.What do u get when a thin,tall,sexy,bull-headed FBI cop meets a fat,shortish,equally bull-headed,witty local cop?You get an epic mixture.

Summed up in word, this movie is 'Insane'.The ego clashes,the battle,the tension,the hilarious moments in this movie are something to watch out. The one liners are epic, the dialgoues are as good and funny as they can get and are intelligently witty.I did not expect this much humor. The acting in general by the lead pair is superb(Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy).The plot is kinda there and all the supporting cast is decent.This movie is generally funny but many times gets ridiculously boisterous.The jokes are pretty good and original.

Go for it.It will make you laugh your head off.

Monsters University (2013)

Riveting,Funny and very gratifying

[9/10 · 24 June 2013]

I am new to the Monster universe and watching this evoked one strong feeling in me, that of being mind-blown. There was never a dull moment. I don't remember the last time when i was gripped by a movie totally from the beginning to the end. Even with the good ones there are always times when things get slow or boring with fillers of sorts.Not so with this one which is it's strength.It moves effortlessly into my top five movies of the year.

Conceptually it is just amazing and very original. It is interesting to see the world of 'monsters'(which is another world in itself). The characters are brilliant. The character development for each character is very deep and stimulating. I fell head over heels in love with the characters. From an endearing,nerdy,hard-working Mike to the smooth,hunky Sullivan to the rest of the quirky team OK members(A team comprising of Mike,Sullivan and 4 others who all get together to take part in the annual 'Scare' event), the characters are all very endearing. Beyond mid film you feel for and support the underdog OK team. I was totally rooting for them.

Another aspect about animation films is the animation itself.With 'Monsters University' the animation is aptly done with bright colors but it's not gaudy in any sense. It is very appealing and the feel in general while watching the film is enjoyable. The plots,sub-plots are intricately wound and the pace is pretty electric.I am becoming a fan of Pixar studios and looking to catch the rest of their films.

I cant give you enough reasons to watch this movie. Give it a shot and I am sure you will think your time was well spent.

Man of Steel (2013)

Unpretentious,immersive experience of phenomenal proportions!

[9/10 · 16 June 2013]

When the likes of Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan are in the same venture ,you know you are in for something big. And Man of Steel does not disappoint.It is a retake on the world of superman,his birth,story and him finding a place for himself in our world. Honestly given the backdrop I expected the story to be kind of slow in the start. But the manner in which it was told i did not find it so at all. I was gripped from the very beginning. Beautiful story telling.

The acting in general is superlative.Henry Cavill fit perfectly into the shoes of Superman.Almost as if he was born to play this role. He has that unique mix of handsome yet vulnerable persona. Amy Adams is not exactly someone you can call hot but the role did not require her to be.She was charming and had a pleasant affect. Michael Zannon as general Zod was a pretty intriguing antagonist.Russel Crowe as Superman's father was superb as well and had a look almost reminiscent of gladiator. It was nice catching Laurence Fishburne as well. The support cast does a decent job too.

The direction by Zack Snyder is great.The dialogs are smooth and stay true to the plot while capturing the essence of characters. The character development for each character is brilliant,one of the most important things in a film. All the characters are given enough space in the movie. And you end up caring for the characters which is always a good thing. The story is pretty straight forward and I think deliberately told in a fashion that is very easy to pick which makes it more universally appealing. The background score is apropos to the theme and adds another dimension to the movie. The pace of the film is quick enough to keep you interested all the time. The cinematography is pretty aesthetically pleasing. The superman costume is just kick-ass. Now for the action. I think it is one of the best action movies i have seen. I am in general sceptical towards action, particularly when it gets all jarring and blurry .But with superman it does not. The action seems very well executed , genuine and simple enough to follow while entertaining at the same time.Some of the scenes are like ZOMG Mind blowing. And I am not even going to get into the amount of effort that must have gone in. The CGI looks authentic and nothing in any frame ever felt artificial.I think Krypton was captured beautifully and uniquely.

Let's see the flipside. I did get IMaxed(kinda overrated experience for me) and while the feel was good the 3-d is kinda non-existent. There are few questionable plot holes and there are few times when you think really? But i guess some of the things are pretty inescapable. Maybe they could have shown Superman to be conflicted while choosing sides. Then again that's how Superman is. Ah, screw it who wants to find faults with such a legendary movie.

Some people complain 'Man of Steel' was long and slightly slow, I did not find it to be so. It is already belting the box office and 'Man of Steel 2' has been announced which is great for the franchise and us fans. Above all I think this is a very honest and genuine movie which never tries to be pretentious, and boy does it deliver.

'Man of Steel' is a movie you CANNOT miss. One more thing to your bucket list. Have a blast.

Now You See Me (I) (2013)

Intriguing thriller replete with unexpected twists

[8/10 · 14 June 2013]

Magic.It is a mysterious phenomenon;even a simple card trick can leave u confounded,make u scratch your head. But when we are talking about a bank heist using magic,that is another level of level of astonishment altogether. 'Now you See me' is an intelligent thriller with great characters,breakneck pace and plenty to keep you interested.

Jessse Eisenberg looks fresh and lends that youthful and charismatic persona.It was great watching him after 'The social network'.Mark Ruffalo does a superb job in his portrayal of an FBI cop. Ishla Fischer and Melanie Laurent are charming.The chemistry between the four illusionists is kinda good too. In the backdrop we also have Morgan Freeman playing an antagonist who is keen on thwarting the illusionists.

There are perhaps one too many characters in the movie.So the character development is a bit low. What works though is that the story is told in a thrilling fashion and it is always interesting to see 'tricks' unfold. You realize that in the end it is all a trick but u keep wondering 'How the hell did they pull that off?'Therein lies the strength of the movie.It is also full of unpredictable turns at every corner. The movie will keep throwing surprises at you till the very end.

Bored and want something different?This one makes a good watch.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Yeh Jawaani is full of Deewani!

[8/10 · 12 June 2013]

Yeh Jawaani hai Deewani is a refreshing take on the lives of the youth(of varied types)-their needs,their aspirations,their madness. Inspite of being 3+ hours,it never felt like a long film. It is a movie with a lot of flair,adventure and madness, as you would expect from the title.

The acting cast is mouth-watering. Ranbir Kapoor as Bunny is brilliant. He plays a character who loves to have all the fun, wants to live life at a fast pace and has this quirky ambition of visiting all the beautiful places in the world. Good job Ranbir, great acting skills and mind-blowing dancing skills that is always fun viewing. Deepike Padukone as Naina shines as an actor and shows she is more than just good looks with a beautiful rendition of a nerdy girl who is looking to break all inhibitions. I think she captured a studious,unsatisfied and conflicted girl perfectly. Kalki as Aditi exceeded my expectations. It was a treat watching Aditya Roy Kapoor who always lit up the screen whenever he was present.

The dialogues are crisp and some of them pretty deep and well thought. The music and the songs stand apart. I actually felt like getting up and dancing to the tunes of 'Balam Pichkari' and 'Badtameez Dil'. The costumes are good as well. Ayan Mukherjee seems spot on in his direction and execution as well as in the selection of the cast.

What is good about this movie is that the approach to many things is fresh and is no cliché(The ending is kinda inescapable though).The plot seems perfectly plausible. Bunny does not fall head over heels in love with Naina. They pretty much get back to their lives without any drama.It is circumstances that later makes things happen.

' Yeh Jawaani hai Deewani' is definitely good entertainment overall. An enjoyable experience.Go for it.

Furious 6 (2013)

A spectacular action fest with emotional depth

[8/10 · 23 May 2013]

Get the wheels rolling and adrenaline pumping,Fast and Furious returns and the stakes are higher than ever.There is a new enemy named Shaw and he has gathered a formidable crew who are up to no good.They have already wrecked havoc in Moscow and now set their sights on a device that can cause a military catastrophe.When the going gets tough you need the tough to get you going.Who else to counter such an enemy than our very own fast and furious team.A top police officer Luke Hobbs(Dwayne Johnson) approaches Dominic(Vin Diesel) to seek help.Dominic has retired and would normally deny but there is a twist.Letty(Michelle Rodrigues),Dominic's girlfriend who is believed to be dead has been spotted.Dominic agrees and recalls his team.What follows is a face off between the two teams.

I am not a fan of mindless action movies.Fortunately this is n't one.This is a very interesting plot with lots of emotional quotient in the movie and the concept of togetherness,camaraderie and standing up for family is touched frequently.In fact more so here than any of the previous movies which was something i enjoyed.The wisecracks are awesome and the dialog in general brilliant.Dwayne Johnson is becoming a better actor and the tough cop role suits him .Vin Diesel and Paul Walker were amazing.For me Michelle Rodrigues as Letty walks away with the crown.Tough,Sexy and conflicted,she delivers a great performance.The rest of the cast does well too.Always good to see the banter between Roman(Tyrese Gibson) and Tej(Ludicrous).The score keeps you interested.The action is just superb.I wont give anything away but the kind of stuff the team pulls off will blow your mind.

Overall Fast and Furious Six is a fiery action ride but is a movie with an emotional soul to it!

The Great Gatsby (2013)

The Great Gatsby is an amazing movie that you should not miss!!!

[9/10 · 18 May 2013]

The Great Gatsby glides into my top 5 movies of the year.The setting is New York in the 1920's post world war 1 and wall street is bustling with activity.The rich,the elite,the actors and anyone popular are all invited to larger than life parties.Their host is an elusive figure going by the name Gatsby.Gatsby,Gatsby who is this Gatsby?He is the name on everyone's lips yet little is known about him.Rumors circulate about him,who he is and what he does.He is hardly even seen by anyone.Leonardo Di Caprio plays Jay Gatsby a suave rich businessman with a colorful past.I am a Leo fan and once again loved his performance and enjoyed his rendition of Gatsby.Nick Carraway(Toby Maguire) is a young ambitious man who is a writer of sorts but currently looking to invest in bonds.He happens to end up as Gatsby's neighbor and gets a surprise invite to one of Gatsby's parties.The real reason for that invite(and the parties) is revealed later.Nick is the cousin of a beautiful woman called Daisy(Carey Mulligan),Gatsby's past love life.The two fell in love when they met but the war meant Gatsby was separated from her for five years.In the meantime Daisy marries Tom Buchanan(Joel Edgarton).Nick is roped in by Gatsby to re-introduce her to Daisy who has been ignoring Gatsby's parties.It was amusing to see that when the two meet again,an impeccable and charismatic Gatsby stutters,falters nervously and sits in uncomfortable silence-A total transition.The movie is all about how he tries to re-ignite the flame between him and Daisy and how they have to tussle with Tom,her current husband.All this as Nick the silent observer watches on.

What can I say about the acting?It was superlative.It was the first time I got to catch Joel Edgerton and the pretty Carey Mulligan and their acting prowess and screen presence was amazing.Toby Maguire was brilliant and this role should be a renewal of sorts to his career.Leo as always was outstanding.There is even a cameo from Amitabh Bachchan(He had a centric role to the plot,wish there was more of him though).

What is enjoyable is the development and the depth of every character.Finally it's about whether or not you give a damn about the characters and what happens to them and in this case you totally do.At 142 mins it's reasonably long,but it never felt so.Time flies when you have fun they say.I was totally absorbed in the world interested to know what happens next.The narration(it's Nick recalling) is superb and told with a thrilling touch.Now the sound element-The score was apt and well made,it would rise with cadence whenever things got tense.The dialogues are exceptional.Beautiful story telling.

In all I have n't enjoyed any movie this year this much since 'Silver Linings' and i think you should n't give this movie a miss-It may turn out to be one of your all time favourites.

Epic (2013)

Epic:Be enchanted!

[17 May 2013]

Animation movies are all about the feel.Epic is a movie where the feel while watching the movie is brilliant.The level of detail that has gone into each frame in creating this world is mind boggling.The result is an aesthetically pleasing experience that deserves applause.The characters are all likable and well imagined.The snails are funny.I especially loved Mary Katherine,endearing and innocent.The 3-D is decent and the background score good.The overall experience is enjoyable.

Kids will love this one!If you are an adult,just let out the child in you and have fun :).

Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

Start Trek Into darkness is well worth a watch

[7/10 · 15 May 2013]

First off,I will admit I am not a hard-core Trekkie.Still Start Trek is one of those mega blockbuster movies that you just don't miss.To those relatively new to this universe I strongly offer u the following advice: Before watching this movie,Watch the franchise in some form,either the previous movie or the TV Show to gain some familiarity with the world and the characters.What happened with me(and what should n't with you) was it took me a while to connect with the setting and the characters and by the time I did get into the groove the movie was almost over.

Now for the review,I am still debating with myself if it was a great movie or not maybe chiefly because of the aforementioned point(definitely a good movie though).The cast does a superb job and for me could not have done more.Chris Pine as Captain Kirk is brilliant.Karl Urban as Dr.Bones,Simon Pegg as scotty and Zoe Saldana as Uhura are decent.I am a Zachary Quinto fan and I cannot imagine a better executed Spock-Stern,Rule abiding,Stoic yet endearing and innocent in a way.The one who walks away with all the glory though is Benedict Cumberbatch as theintriguing ,charismatic and manipulative Khan.The CGI is exceptional.There are two- three scenes,one where the enterprise takes off from the sea and another in the end where a ship crashes and obliterates many buildings that are awe-inspiring and will blow your mind.The plot and the dialogs are average.Do not bother about the 3-D, it is non-existent(I caught the movie in Imax).I cannot put a finger on it but the movie seems lacking in some aspects.

If you are not a trekkie,the movie may not exactly be stupendous or put a smile on your face,but yea it is one of those movies that you want to be good,you want to enjoy,you hope to enjoy.I hope hardcore fans and others enjoyed it more than i did .Dont miss it,watch it and decide for yourself.

Go Goa Gone (2013)

Indian Cinema dares to experiment and wins!

[11 May 2013]

It's a rarity for Indian movies to step beyond the conventional(and convenient) love stories and venture into the unknown.'Go Goa Gone' tries that and does a commendable job.You have heard of romcoms,now there is a new genre and it's called 'ZomCom!'.The movie stars Saif Ali Khan,Kunal Khemu,Vir Das and many many zombies.

There is good chemistry between the friendly trio of Luv,Hardik and Bunny.There's lot of slapstick humor,plenty of boisterous moments.The trio attend a rave party in Goa where all goes wrong.Thanks to a drug,suddenly zombies are spawning out of the blue and they are hungry for any human they can find.The trio find themselves stranded on an island with zombies all around and no way out.Enter Saif Ali Khan as a Russian mafia Boris.Off late Saif's acting has really transcended to a new level of confidence and this role is an example of that.His character is just so amazing.His dialog delivery with that Russian accent,his intimidating yet adorable looks,his intriguing persona-are all things you will love about him.You get a kick within when he says with that Russian accent- 'I kill dead people'.The rest of the cast has acted pretty good as well and i liked Kunal Khemu's(Hardik) performance.There are plenty of genuinely funny moments.

Don't try applying your mind too much or connecting the dots,this one is just meant for fun.Watch it and enjoy!

Shootout at Wadala (2013)

Shootout at Wadala entertains but is wasted potential

[6/10 · 6 May 2013]

I missed the prequel 'Shootout at Lokhandwala' which did great and after hearing the rave reviews 'Shootout at Wadala' has been getting I decided to give the franchise a shot.I ended up with mixed feelings.What's good? The apropos setting means that as you sit through the first half hour of the movie you will find yourself quickly immersed in the gangster world of Mumbai(then Bombay) in the 70's and 80's.That is courtesy to a gripping story,exhilarating pace and good acting.The actors seem well cast.John Abraham(Manya Surve) impresses but in parts(As always his body is amazing though).It's always good to see Anil Kapoor and Sonu Sood,two of the many underrated actors in Bollywood.What really keeps the movie alive is it's dialogs,witty one liners and crass jokes.The movie justifies it's A rating with lot's of violence and sensuality(not meant for kids).There is a hot Kangana Ranaut and as many as three item songs with probably Sunny Leone's being the best.The camera work and editing are simply brilliant.

You would expect a movie with so many positives to be thoroughly satisfying,yet it somehow falls short of that.The movie seems undecided on what it is trying to portray.Is it about the transformation of an innocent student to a merciless gang leader?If so it certainly is n't believable.Is it about the honest duty abiding policemen?It doesn't seem so,then why spend so much time on the lives of the inspectors,an unnecessary digression(Not that i don't like Anil Kapoor,Ronit Roy or Mahesh Manjreker-they are great in their own way).Is it about a face off between John Abraham(Manya Surve) and Sonu Sood(Dilawar Imtiaz Haksar).Well after a great build up,the showdown does n't happen either.Such a missed opportunity.In the end you cant decide whom you are rooting for- Manya,Dilawar or the police.That's where it is a letdown,which is why the ending wont leave you teary eyed or deeply moved.

Overall the movie entertains,maybe doesn't disappoint but you feel it could have been much more.

Aashiqui 2 (2013)

Brilliant acting by two fresh faces with great songs!!!

[7/10 · 29 April 2013]

Aashiqui 2 starts of beautifully with a captivating song that you will find yourself humming as you walk out of the theater.Many things hold the movie strong.This was the first time I saw the lead pair Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor and i was mighty impressed. Aditya with his semi-dashing,semi-conservative looks does a great job portraying a conflicted singer who is past his prime and turned an addicted alcoholic. Shraddha who plays a budding singer whom Aditya promotes exhibits great talent playing a charming and loving girl.The lead pair move the strings in your heart with their powerful performances.The audio of the movie is superlative,the background score is good and two- three songs stand apart.The songs and great acting are the highlights of the movie.

On the flip side the second half kinda drags with belabored scenes along with a few scenes that lack common sense.The movie should probably have been half an hour shorter.The ending is unconventional as well.

Still the movie has enough stirring moments and is decent enough to watch in the theater!

Iron Man Three (2013)

A Stupendous first half is followed by a disappointing second half

[7/10 · 27 April 2013]

First things first,this movie is definitely one of the coolest movies out this year.The dashing Robert Downey Jr. returns as Iron man 3 and you better watch out he's slicker than ever.The first half of this movie was amazing,humorous and a treat for the senses...In fact i think it's first half was far greater than that of it's predecessors Iron man 2 and 1.There are plenty of sensational technology powered scenes that will totally wow you.The plot too seems interesting and the stakes much higher with a deadly global terrorist called 'The Mandarin' targeting U.S and who else to stand up to him than our very own Iron Man.The build up is great.The wisecracks are good.The action scenes top notch.Robert Downey Jr and Gwyneth Paltrow perform superbly. All good till here.

Where then does it go wrong?The second half.Why oh why did they have to make a mockery out of such a menacing looking villain(The Mandarin).Why try fix what's not broken and make The Mandarin just a pawn.The pace of the movie drops,the plot dulls and so many things just don't fit in. Nor did i like it that Pepper had her DNA mutated and all of a sudden in the end she's like the new hero.Lame.They ruined what was such a promising start with some mind boggling digressions and unexpected (rather, not needed) story twists along with lack of elaborations on the plot.

Overall i think it's way better than Iron Man 2 and probably as good as Iron Man 1.Does it still merit a watch?Of course,it's freaking Iron Man!

The Croods (2013)

'The Croods' is a fresh tale that invigorates and entertains

[8/10 · 21 April 2013]

'The Croods' is an enticing tale about an emotionally bonded family living in the cave of a mountain. Grug,the head of the family is a loving but overprotective father with one fierce motto-Survival and that anything new is dangerous.At night he narrates stories to his children that teach them not to indulge in their curiosities.His daughter Eep however is a naturally inquisitive being who likes to discover things for herself,a trait that her father doesn't appreciate.Their cave gets destroyed and soon after they meet Guy,a young laid back fellow who is a somewhat opposite of Grug .Guy is fun and adventurous and has an uncanny ability to pop ideas out of nowhere and do miraculous things like light a fire.The movie is all about how the family along with or in many ways led by Guy embark on a journey to find a better home,a better tomorrow.

There are many likable things about 'The Croods'.For one the plot is atypical and fresh.There are no villains here,just characters playing their roles.You can feel a separate connection with each of these characters.Even though for most he is against the idea,you know all Grug is trying to do is keep his family safe.Nor can u fault Eep for her natural curiosity or Guy for his inventive fun approach-There are no bad guys here.The pace of the movie is fine.The animation and effects aptly done and commendable.Nothing over the top or in your face.The voice actors are an all star cast comprising of Nicolas Cage(Grug),Emma Stone(Eep),Ryan Reynods(Guy) and others.They do a good job.The characters are unique,intriguing and lovable at the same time.What else? The animals.You will love them.The movie is also packed with genuine humor that makes you laugh a lot.The animation captures the emotions of the characters well.The background score is cool too.

In all 'The Croods' is a happy feel good movie with plenty of boisterous moments.An enjoyable watch.Go for it!

The Call (II) (2013)

The Call is a well executed,Intelligent,Riveting piece of work

[7/10 · 7 April 2013]

'The Call' is one of those movies where the feel dictates everything- Either you find yourself deeply engrossed,excitedly anticipating what's next or you feel disconnected and cant sit through it.With 'The call' it's the former.The movie wastes no time in getting things started and once they do,there's hardly a dull moment.The actors are well cast. Halle Berry plays a gutsy 911 phone agent who is desperate not to repeat a mistake made.Frankly she was amazing...way better than i expected.

The movie works because it has it's ingredients well cooked.The acting is superlative,the pace exhilarating.The background score is brilliant and adds another dimension to this thriller.The movie captures perfectly the horror and terror of being a kidnapped victim to a psychopath,the tension of being a 911 phone helper(Who needs to display equanimity,sympathize and be nimble-minded,all at the same time).It is a genuine tale,thrilling,intriguing .......and at times even scary.Definitely worth a watch.Go for it.

Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

Olympus has fallen is up to snuff but nothing great

[6/10 · 27 March 2013]

First off,I am not a an ardent lover of action cinema.Watching guns blazing,bombs exploding,tanks rolling etc....(Insert Noise) is not very appealing to me.Fortunately Olympus has Fallen does not do them over the top and the action that is there is realistic and well executed, enough to set the mood and tone for an action film.

The beginning ten-fifteen minutes are interesting and you think you are in for a treat but the movie doesn't rise too high from there.On the positive side though the acting is decent.Aaron Eckhart is convincing as president of U.S.Gerard Butler as Mike Banning steals the show with a powerful portrayal of a towering hunk who dominates his enemies,shows no mercy and tolerates little bullshit.An intriguing character and Butler does justice to the role.Morgan Freeman is well...Morgan Freeman,this is certainly not his best work.I really liked Ashley Judd and wished the plot allowed more of her.

The problem with Olympus has fallen is that it rarely goes above the mediocre.It is OK as an action film.Not thrilling and gripping enough for a hostage drama to be called a thriller.The wisecracks do elicit a smile but you wish there were more.Its just a fine watch....not one of those movies that stays with you once you walk out of the cinema.Good enough for a theater watch?It's your call.

The Master (2012)

The Master is intriguing and semi-satisfying

[8/10 · 21 March 2013]

Freddie Quell(Joaquin Phoenix)is a mentally troubled lascivious,and an alcoholic man who is prone to bursts of anger ,sometimes resorting to violence.Life is not smooth.Then he meets Lancaster Dodd(Philip Seymour Hoffman).Dodd wins him over with his charisma and intellect.Indeed it is the first meeting between the two that gets you hooked and you realize this is not your conventional film(if you already did n't).Subsequently Freddie views Dodd as a mentor and stays with him to improve.But Dodd who is apparently talented in multiple disciplines has his own eccentric treatment methods and philosophies including unique counseling methods,understanding past life,hypnosis and the like.Is Dodd a true master?A savior perhaps?Or is he just a quack in the guise of a genius?Is Freddie being guided or misguided?These thoughts keep you preoccupied mid film.

The writing and dialogues seem fresh.The conversations are stimulating and the lead actors Phoenix and Hoffman deliver such powerful performances that even a questionable plot keeps you entertained,although in a different way.Hoffman especially is so convincing that you actually root for him and hope he is a truly brilliant man.You end up thinking that if he is a con man,he is one hell of a con man.Getting back to the plot like i was saying, not your conventional movie.In fact the movie mocks cliché with a shocking opening scene followed by some equally astonishing scenes(One of them has Dodd singing in a party with nude women!).The movie carries on its tradition of surprising you by ending somewhat ambiguously with Freddie leaving Dodd and we are left to use our imagination to connect the dots.Did Freddie realize that he was better off without Dodd?Or Did he realize that Dodd was a quack?Was Dodd a real master or not?The movie ends there dangling and open to multiple interpretations(If anything you are inclined to believe that Dodd is in fact a con).

If you are in the mood for the uncommon,appreciate good acting and don't mind not having a sold ending,I did say watch this movie.It has enough to keep you intrigued and entertained.

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

Visual Stunner,Great Acting and an Amazing Watch!

[8/10 · 11 March 2013]

I am new to the Oz World and dint know what to expect.But boy was i blown away by this movie.I mean the drop-your-jaw visual effects and 3D are the best i have seen in a long long time and are second to no movie i can recall.Its all so real and many a time you feel like you can touch the objects and characters on the screen.A damn good 3D experience .....like its meant to be, quite unlike the frenzy of movies we have seen that rip you of for money in the name of 3D.

That's not all though.The characters are brilliant and the actors playing them seem well cast and display great acting prowess.The characters are all so likable and alluring(Loved the monkey and the doll!).I was especially impressed by James Franco who looks energetic,charming yet vulnerable at the same time exhibiting impressive emotional range.All the witches are beautiful and enticing. The Music and background score are decent as well.

The characters and cinematography will totally immerse you in the fantasy land of Oz,and you will vicariously relish a land of magic,colour and vibrant characters.

Give your mind a break,Sit back,relax and enjoy this adventurous treat.

Jack Reacher (2012)

Jack Reacher has its moments and is a fine watch

[8/10 · 31 December 2012]

Five people are killed mysteriously by a lone sniper.A soldier from the US army is the prime suspect with flagrant and overwhelming evidence found against him in the form of fingerprints,parking ticket and the like.On interrogation the soldier replies with three simple words-'Call Jack Reacher'.But Reacher(Tom Cruise),an ex soldier from the army himself has long since disappeared from the scene and little is known about his whereabouts.Oddly enough,Reacher shows up stylishly out of the blue at the investigators' doorstep.An attorney(Rosamund Pike),fights to defend the accused from the death row.Together the two team up to uncover the truth in a case where everything is so obvious it seems wrong and discover that there's something amiss.

There are many things I like about Jack Reacher. The pace of the movie especially the first half is exhilarating and the plot intriguing.The writing is great with some crisp dialogues and witty one liners.There is a certain sizzling chemistry between the lead pair.Tom Cruise is convincing in his role as the enigmatic and charismatic Jack Reacher. Rosamund Pike exhibits great acting prowess and if anything she's the highlight of the movie.The score of the movie matches the genre and keeps you interested.

What doesn't work for Jack Reacher is a somewhat sloppy second half where the plot digresses unnecessarily,with a not so great ending. Also,the character arc of the main antagonist is neither well explained nor deep enough.

These shortcomings prevent the movie from being stupendous.Still,Jack Reacher is a slick movie with lots of great moments. If you like thrillers, you will enjoy this film.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

The Hobbit is Captivating enough!

[8/10 · 28 December 2012]

Be warned,this review contains many spoilers,although i will try not to get too much into details.

The Hobbit is a prequel to the Lord of the Rings(LOTR),and,as you may have heard,the first movie of a trilogy.(They are making three movies of this one book!)So is this movie in the same league as the LOTR and a fitting adaption of the book?Well,Yes and no.

The dwarfs' city has been demolished and captured by the dragon Smaug. Several years later the wizard Gandalf meets the protagonist the hobbit,Bilbo Baggins and invites him to a journey.Not exactly the adventure type, Bilbo is hesitant.The following night dwarfs arrive one by one at his residence.They make a mess of it and gorge on all the food. Gandalf also returns later and states the purpose of them all being there-To help the thirteen dwarfs under King Thorin to reclaim the lost city beyond the mountains.The next morning the dwarfs are gone and an initially relieved Bilbo finds that he misses the dwarfs' songs and merry making.He decides to join them.

What follows on this unexpected journey is what you might anticipate from a movie of this genre and scale.The group encounter many mythical creatures-Trolls, Orcs,Goblins and stone Golems alike.There is more trouble in the region with a necromancer on the loose.The group also traverse through the city of the elves.

Sounds interesting right?But the pace of the movie can bore you at times,quite unlike LOTR and many a time you feel its a drag.The dialogues are also pretty mediocre.

That apart,the movie does have many high points,especially the animated interaction between Bilbo and Smeagol (Or Gollum,The original owner of the cursed ring).The Hobbit immerses you in Tolkien's world,a world before LOTR happened. I would say watch it for a feel good fantasy experience and some outstanding acting from the cast,especially those playing Gandalf and King Thorin (Bilbo is decent too).The visual effects are amazing,pretty real and even stunning at times.The background score is fine.

Overall verdict:Watch it as a stand alone movie without comparing it to LOTR and you will have a good time.