The film that began the Marvel Cinematic Universe couldn't have been done better. Amazing job behind the camera by Favreau and a perfect casting for Tony Stark in RDJ. Smart script and well exercised character development, especially with Obadiah Stane.
Reviews
22 Reviews
Jaws
(1975)
Still has teeth - 45 years on
5 August 2020
"You're gonna need a bigger boat." Director Steven Spielberg explores onto the scene with the horror-thriller Jaws. When the mangled remains of a swimmer are discovered, small-town police chief Martin Brody comes to believe that a rogue shark is prowling the waters and attempts to close down the beaches. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw lead the cast and deliver some pretty good performances. But the real star of course is the shark, and Spielberg does an excellent job at giving it a real sense of terror. And one cannot overestimate the impact of John Williams' score, which heightens the tension and suspense, taking it to the next level. Playing on our primal fears, Jaws is a terrifying monster movie.
Vasoolraja M.B.B.S
(2004)
A Laughing Riot
5 August 2020
Well comedy films do not provide too much to take away most of the times. But this film provides more takeaways than a damn drive in hotel. And it also is so hilarious. If you ever wanted to watch a meaningful film which also provides you with so many laughs that your stomach hurts, then this is it.
The Dark Knight Rises
(2012)
Astounding
5 August 2020
A very nice follow up to the Oscar winning "Dark Knight" "The Dark Knight Rises" dosnt disappoint. With more vehicles and some better acting by Bale this movie is mostly carried by its fantastic story and its crazy villain Bane. Once again Nolan outdoes himself in this beautiful crime thriller piece. The RT score is perfect where it is but id like to see it reach a 90% or higher.
Venghai
(2011)
A nice Family movie with fun...
5 August 2020
I love watching movies from South, especially Tamil and Telugu. Venghai is also a nice movie and I had a great time watching it. I liked everything in this movie- Good hero, Excellent heroine, good comedy and action, and a perfect story-screenplay.
Venghai is a rural action drama film which appeals to all, mostly masses. The film's story is very well and appealing. The father and son relationship is well established in this film. Dhanush is excellent in his performance and does well in the action scenes, comedy scenes, dramatic scenes, and dances as well. Tamannaah is beautiful and cute as always. I loved watching her in such a look. Her performance was mind blowing! Karuppu's comedy....just a laugh riot! One may hardly stop laughing! Others like Rajkiran and Prakashraj are decent. The music is good. I liked the song Orey Oru the most.
On the whole, Venghai is a great mass entertainer that can be watched without any regrets. Go for it!
Venghai is a rural action drama film which appeals to all, mostly masses. The film's story is very well and appealing. The father and son relationship is well established in this film. Dhanush is excellent in his performance and does well in the action scenes, comedy scenes, dramatic scenes, and dances as well. Tamannaah is beautiful and cute as always. I loved watching her in such a look. Her performance was mind blowing! Karuppu's comedy....just a laugh riot! One may hardly stop laughing! Others like Rajkiran and Prakashraj are decent. The music is good. I liked the song Orey Oru the most.
On the whole, Venghai is a great mass entertainer that can be watched without any regrets. Go for it!
Visaaranai
(2015)
The dark side of the Indian police force
5 August 2020
There's a scene where a man is suspended in the air by a rope that's tied tightly against his forearms. In a few seconds, the man moans with pain as his entire body weight is on his shoulders and before you know it, both his arms are broken.
There are numerous scenes in Visaranai that gleam a realism not seen much on film, making the message all the more straightforward and urgent. A brutal socially-charged exploration of a deplorable justice system and the unfortunate that bears it's brunt, Visaranai or Interrogation is a visceral, violent and eye-opening look on a system gone haywire. With no holds barred, Vetrimaaran subjects a trio of migrant labourers to stomach-churning torture sequences, sinister policemen and spine-chilling situations that'll test their innocence and sanity in the most inhumane methods possible.
Pandi, Murugan and Afsal, three Tamilian migrant workers work odd jobs in the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh. Squatting in a public parks and living on meagre resources, the trio finds them forced into a rickshaw and ends up in a local police station. Unable to find the thieves who conducted a robbery in the vicinity, the police capture these workers for a forced confession to close the long overdue case. When the three constantly plead their rightful innocence, the police officers, headed by a seedy chief, torture them for the confession. Alongside this storyline, a much more complex narrative involving dirty politics between two parties, led by inspector Muthuvel, rages parallel to the torture. The two narratives coalesce with each other for a climax that's undeniably dark and painfully real.
Prizewinner at Venice Biennale 2015, Vetrimaaran shines a light onto the rotten police system and their inefficiency, police brutality, caste-based thinking, rampant corruption, sneaky loopholes and dirty politics, all of which are borne by the weaker sections of society. Based on true events, Vetrimaaran never shuns aways from the unspeakable that happens on an everyday basis and it's an unsettling experience, overall. It's this director's realism that sells the film. The detail put into the most trivial of matter is what made me appreciate the film more as a whole.
The acting is absolutely solid. Dinesh Ravi, Aadukalam Murugadoss and Munnar Ramesh as the poor workers were stellar in their roles. Kishore Kumar was great as the auditor K. K. But the best performance has to be Samuthirakani as Muthuvel. It's a character whose moral compass is wildly fluctuating, his actions always contradicting our preconceived notion of him. At times, it's exasperating but amps up the unpredictability tenfold because of who we 'don't' know he is. It's an impressive role and deserves some well-earned recognition.
The major flaw of this film has to be it's technical side. The sound design was average but it really dipped in the night sequences. The chirping crickets and walkie-talkies were loud in certain scenes. There was a sad violin score that was misused. The cinematography was decent and the dubbing was bad in some areas. Some are nitpicks but it's effect on the film was minuscule, partly because of it's great script.
Freedom is an illusion. What we assume as our ticket to do whatever we want is simply an excuse for someone else to use you for selfish purposes. Pandi, Murugan and Afsal have their fate sealed by this. The moment they think they're free, they're dragged into another crime with no reason at all. Politics and police are one of the same, willing to shed blood, cut corners and use others as pawns in their sinister games. The message is clear. It's not the unchecked power that must frighten you, but the inevitability that you too will caught in their murky talons...
A warning more than a film, this may not be liked by everyone but it's a film that demands a viewing...
Important.
There are numerous scenes in Visaranai that gleam a realism not seen much on film, making the message all the more straightforward and urgent. A brutal socially-charged exploration of a deplorable justice system and the unfortunate that bears it's brunt, Visaranai or Interrogation is a visceral, violent and eye-opening look on a system gone haywire. With no holds barred, Vetrimaaran subjects a trio of migrant labourers to stomach-churning torture sequences, sinister policemen and spine-chilling situations that'll test their innocence and sanity in the most inhumane methods possible.
Pandi, Murugan and Afsal, three Tamilian migrant workers work odd jobs in the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh. Squatting in a public parks and living on meagre resources, the trio finds them forced into a rickshaw and ends up in a local police station. Unable to find the thieves who conducted a robbery in the vicinity, the police capture these workers for a forced confession to close the long overdue case. When the three constantly plead their rightful innocence, the police officers, headed by a seedy chief, torture them for the confession. Alongside this storyline, a much more complex narrative involving dirty politics between two parties, led by inspector Muthuvel, rages parallel to the torture. The two narratives coalesce with each other for a climax that's undeniably dark and painfully real.
Prizewinner at Venice Biennale 2015, Vetrimaaran shines a light onto the rotten police system and their inefficiency, police brutality, caste-based thinking, rampant corruption, sneaky loopholes and dirty politics, all of which are borne by the weaker sections of society. Based on true events, Vetrimaaran never shuns aways from the unspeakable that happens on an everyday basis and it's an unsettling experience, overall. It's this director's realism that sells the film. The detail put into the most trivial of matter is what made me appreciate the film more as a whole.
The acting is absolutely solid. Dinesh Ravi, Aadukalam Murugadoss and Munnar Ramesh as the poor workers were stellar in their roles. Kishore Kumar was great as the auditor K. K. But the best performance has to be Samuthirakani as Muthuvel. It's a character whose moral compass is wildly fluctuating, his actions always contradicting our preconceived notion of him. At times, it's exasperating but amps up the unpredictability tenfold because of who we 'don't' know he is. It's an impressive role and deserves some well-earned recognition.
The major flaw of this film has to be it's technical side. The sound design was average but it really dipped in the night sequences. The chirping crickets and walkie-talkies were loud in certain scenes. There was a sad violin score that was misused. The cinematography was decent and the dubbing was bad in some areas. Some are nitpicks but it's effect on the film was minuscule, partly because of it's great script.
Freedom is an illusion. What we assume as our ticket to do whatever we want is simply an excuse for someone else to use you for selfish purposes. Pandi, Murugan and Afsal have their fate sealed by this. The moment they think they're free, they're dragged into another crime with no reason at all. Politics and police are one of the same, willing to shed blood, cut corners and use others as pawns in their sinister games. The message is clear. It's not the unchecked power that must frighten you, but the inevitability that you too will caught in their murky talons...
A warning more than a film, this may not be liked by everyone but it's a film that demands a viewing...
Important.
Eega
(2012)
Something Different
5 August 2020
The first 29 minutes of director S.S. Rajamouli's live action/animated tale of reincarnation was so sweet it was a diabetic coma waiting to happen! Then the movie gods stepped in and decided to bless us with one of the most hilarious revenge films I've ever come across! It was incredibly entertaining and a real joy to watch!
Between Sudeep and the sophisticated CGI fly sequences I was in 7th heaven! Huge props to Sudeep he was a stellar villain with impeccable comedic timing and sensibilities! Watching Sudeep's endless torment became my new favorite pastime!
The onscreen Makkhi mischief and mayhem sequence was as tasty and delectable as deep fried hilarity on a stick! And in my neck of the woods everything and I mean EVERYTHING tastes better on a stick!
Between Sudeep and the sophisticated CGI fly sequences I was in 7th heaven! Huge props to Sudeep he was a stellar villain with impeccable comedic timing and sensibilities! Watching Sudeep's endless torment became my new favorite pastime!
The onscreen Makkhi mischief and mayhem sequence was as tasty and delectable as deep fried hilarity on a stick! And in my neck of the woods everything and I mean EVERYTHING tastes better on a stick!
Life of Pi
(2012)
Powerful storytelling & splendid performances presented in a brilliant 3D.
5 August 2020
Superbly believable acting from the whole cast bolstered by the amazing less is more approach to the... i can't belive i'm saying this... beautiful CGI. the only Ang Lee reel i've liked. considering it was well hyped up i was pleasantly surprised.
Baasha
(1995)
Movie of this millennium
5 August 2020
Baasha - A movie that still brings a feeling of mass and pride to every other superstar fan and auto driver. The movie has a certain style (obviously) and the we see the superstar in a role that we like seeing him play. But, the movie sadly didn't work for me as much as I would have liked it to because of the fact that has this template has been used in movies for a long time after Baasha in everything from Maari to Kochi Rajavu to Vedalam.
The supporting cast is secondary, although I did like his gang of goons. Raghuvaran as the villain Mark Anthony does a somewhat good job.
^ - Joining his sister in college
The supporting cast is secondary, although I did like his gang of goons. Raghuvaran as the villain Mark Anthony does a somewhat good job.
^ - Joining his sister in college
Star Trek
(2009)
Fun
5 August 2020
It came as a shock to many people when it was announced that Paramount Pictures would make a new "Star Trek" movie that would reboot the franchise. But when the movie came out, pretty much everybody agreed that it was pretty good. This movie is awesome! J.J. Abrams managed to make a movie with some incredible acting and a really good story. The new actors were all pretty good and, of course, Leonard Nimoy who returned to play the older version of Spock proved that he still got it. The weaknesses of this movie are the visual effects when it comes to the creatures and then the villain who is incredibly weak. I didn't think that they had gave him a good reason for him to do what it is that he does. However, I still love this movie and I can't wait to see where this franchise will be going.
Muthu
(1995)
Muthu
5 August 2020
K.S. Ravikumar remakes Priyadarshan's Thenmavin Kombath as a Rajinikanth vehicle, which is to say he makes it a different film entirely - brighter, brasher, the villains coming from outside rather than the complicated web of (alcoholic) self-loathing and class discrimination of the original. which isn't to say that it isn't a lovely film in its own right, a surprisingly gentle village set masala that retains an oddly intimate feel despite the lavish surroundings and a score from A.R. Rahman at a time where he could seemingly do no wrong.
Pariyerum Perumal
(2018)
Best movie of the year/decade
5 August 2020
Seamlessly structured around Santhosh Narayanan's greatest ever collection of songs -- every song transformative, every lyric or accompanying dance (as in Engum Pugazh Thuvanga, whose affective power within the film's context possibly surpasses even that of the more immediate classics like Karuppi and Naan Yaar) suggesting an opening out of the film and its protagonist to newer, deeper emotional dimensions, the kaleidoscopic textures of their soundscapes around which the drama arises from and unfolds on a land, born as much of the tenderness of idealism, innocence and navigating college, friendship, love as it is of the brutality of caste. what initially appear as threads or elements tangential to the film's central thrust -- an old man carries out caste honor killings with eerie precision, Jo's doe eyed naiveté that is in a way even more terrifying, Yogi Babu's comic relief rendered with a quiet generosity -- have, by the time the film settles upon a marvelous final exchange and shot, emerged as integral to the film as the blues, as Kathir's performance of astonishing vulnerability and physicality, as the soul of Karuppi.
so much more to say and celebrate here, but for now, more power to Mari Selvaraj, Pa. Ranjith and their team to continue to create a contemporary cinema of such palpable urgency and because it cannot be said often enough, Santhosh Narayanan is a national treasure.
so much more to say and celebrate here, but for now, more power to Mari Selvaraj, Pa. Ranjith and their team to continue to create a contemporary cinema of such palpable urgency and because it cannot be said often enough, Santhosh Narayanan is a national treasure.
Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix
(2007 TV Movie)
A typical Ben 10 episodes with longer duration.
5 August 2020
Finding Nemo
(2003)
Swimming with Sharks is a Whale of a Time
5 August 2020
This is really where Pixar perfected what would become the "Pixar formula", and years later it holds up shockingly well. It's a simple story, almost like the Odyssey in reverse, but the characters are all so good and the emotions are all so solid it just stands up. You get a lead who's believably troubled but still likable, one of the best sidekicks in movie history, and a quest you can believe in with a consistently entertaining slew of obstacles that never go on long enough to get boring or stay so short you wish you had more. It's practically perfect. If I have any criticisms it's that the segment with the sharks goes on a bit too long and doesn't really matter in the end, but I'm really stretching their because it's still a good segment that everyone remembers. Other than that, I really can't criticize this movie.
The Avengers
(2012)
"I'll free you." - From what? - From freedom.
5 August 2020
The Avengers was so much fun and Marvel absolutely nailed it! Let me explain what I loved! Positives: 1. The characters; this is a no brainer! Without these awesome characters this film would be nothing. They honestly shape this film and their banter and chemistry with one another is awesome! There are a lot of humorous as well as heartfelt moments which all lend to an awesome film! 2. The villain; Loki in my opinion is the best villain of the MCU. He has motivation you understand and his rivalry with Thor is mesmerizing! Tom Hiddleston once again does a fantastic job as this character and he was the perfect villain for this movie. 3. The action; all of the action is done well! There is quite a lot of CGI, but it doesn't get in the way of the film, and because of these awesome characters all the action and explosions have weight to them. If these characters hadn't been characterized properly, and it didn't have a well made story then this film would've probably turned out like a Transformers movie. Thankfully that was not the case and all the action was awesome! Overall: I have no cons with this film that I can think of. The Avengers is one of the best comic book films I've ever seen! It is by far one of the best things Marvel has ever done and it was one of the most fun I've had watching a movie! Even if you aren't a comic book fan I guarantee you will enjoy this film! Don't go into this movie expecting a mindless action movie like Transformers, this film is a lot more deep than that.
Batman Begins
(2005)
A darker, stormier knight.
5 August 2020
After 1997's 'Batman & Robin', it seemed that there was no future for Batman in cinema. Christopher Nolan took a dead franchise and managed to reignite the flame with this greatly cinematic and entertaining superhero film.
Sunset Boulevard
(1950)
Billy Wilder masterpiece
5 August 2020
There is a lot to love about this movie, which is loaded with great performances, and intersects film noir with fading Hollywood stardom. It grabs us from the start with police called to the scene of a mansion with a body floating in its pool, and as we listen to a deadpan narrator. Director Billy Wilder gives us the first of what will be many great shots, this one from what appears to be the bottom of the pool, with policemen in the background standing over the body. The film then flashes back to a young writer (William Holden), down on his luck and pressured by repo men, trying to figure out a way to sell his work or borrow some money. He pulls into the driveway of a mansion by chance, and finds himself slowly entangled in another trap, that of an aging Hollywood star (Gloria Swanson). The feel is eerie from the start, as she seeks funeral arrangements for her pet chimp, lives in boundless ostentation, and has a single companion, her solemn servant (Erich von Stroheim) who plays an organ that otherwise wheezes drearily when the wind blows through it. While her pool and tennis courts have fallen into ruin, she lives in the past, surrounded by her own photographs and watching her own old movies. Out of what he feels to be necessity, he begins working for her and living with her, hating every moment. Gloria Swanson, who was 51, turns in an outstanding performance, and has several fantastic scenes. The one where she and Holden sit in the dark with the projector light going through smoke is brilliant, and one of my favorites. Another is him dancing with her on the floor that she says Valentino had danced on, surrounded by an orchestra and expecting other guests, only to realize there will be none. The one where she imitates Charlie Chaplin, complete with a little tramp outfit, is truly special. Wilder is excellent at gradually revealing just how far gone she is. It was a nice touch of his to include silent movie stars as her bridge companions in a small scene, including Buster Keaton, and to see Cecil B. DeMille on the set at Paramount was fantastic. We see both her delusion of still being an important star as she rolls up to the gate house in her expensive old car (an Isotta-Fraschini), and yet we also see her past stardom recognized by one of the gate keepers, and then people on the set when they realize she's there. It's a very touching moment. Things get more complicated when Holden begins working with the fiancé (Nancy Olson) of his affable friend (Jack Webb, soon to be better known for Dragnet). Not all of the scenes revolve around Swanson, and the one where Holden and Olson play act a romantic scene at a party is intelligent, funny, and utterly charming. The film gives us a behind the scenes look at Hollywood - brainstorming over scripts, the writing process, the vanity of those in the limelight, and the opulence. Swanson gets a little over the top at times especially towards the end, but the film feels both sadly true, and yet also fantastical, with her mansion other-worldly and not unlike that of the one Miss Havisham has in 'Great Expectations', as Holden observes early on. With such a setting and those poignant overtones, and having excellent direction, cinematography, script, and cast, it's hard to go wrong with this one.
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