Change Your Image
vijayant_venky
Reviews
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
X Men - Days of Future Past Review: stellar cast, stellar performances, stellar cinema
First off, I loved it. When I was going into the theatre I really wasn't sure how this one is going to be considering the last Wolverine was a disaster for me. But I did have hopes from this perfect ensemble even though the trailer didn't work for me.
X Men – Days of Future Past has everything that an X Men fan loves and longs for. If you loved X Men First Class, this movie is a treat for you and is sure to blow your mind away.
Take a bow Bryan Singer for creating and presenting this spectacle to us. Kudos to the director, Bryan, for pulling this off brilliantly because I found the plot to be most complex and yet most entertaining so far! This X Men brings all the great actors from the X Men Trilogy, X Men First Class and others to you and that includes Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence (I am in love with you all over again miss), Halle Berry, Ellen Page, Nicholas Hault, Peter Dinklage of GOT fame, Evan Peters, Josh Helman.
I have to admit that I was conspicuous at a lot of times while watching the film and by the end I actually found this flabbergasting a lot more amazing. Why was I flabbergasted? Well because there's time travel, quantum physics and a hell lot of characters (I am not complaining even one bit)
The overall plot of the movie can be summed in this next statement. Wolverine is sent by X Men to about 50 years in the past in order to prevent the doom for humans and mutants. In the present, a war between mutants and non-mutants has led to massive destruction in the world. A few mutants who have survived are battling against Sentinels, the terrifying new soldier robots. Professor X played by Patrick Stewart, realizes that time-travel to 1973 could probably save their destinies.
Kitty Pryde played by my favorite Ellen Page has the power to take X men into the past and she leverages this power at the command of the Professor X take Wolverine back to 1973. And in just a moment, the X Men go forward to the past or an alternative present. Wolverine is required to stop Mystique, or Raven, beautifully and effortlessly played by Oscar winning actress Jennifer Lawrence with whom I have fallen in love with all over again. Mystique attempts to assassinate the anti-mutant scientist Dr. Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage), creator of the Sentinel programme, at a peace conference in Paris. As things turn out, Mystique is captured and her metamorphic properties were decanted through some horrifying and hideous scientific means.
Why does Wolverine need to stop Mystique? So that none of this would happen and the future of humans and mutants is not a dystopia. However he needs Magneto and Xavier's younger selves to join him, however they don't remember or recognise him in the past. What follows is prison breaks, astral projections, and several grisly mutant deaths. Truthfully, this incredibly ambitious mix of character, plot and spectacle could very easily go horribly wrong but not when Bryan Singer is at play.
There is a particular bullet scene which is created in absolute slow motion and though the creators have done a job worth an applause, I actually didn't find the scene as amusing as my fellow movie watchers in the theater did. In fact to be honest, had the same scene been enacted by an Indian filmmaker, everyone would have laughed it off calling it a Rajnikant stunt.
One of my favorite sequence in the movie was the climax sequence wherein an entire stadium is uprooted and fenced around the White House in order to kill the United States President for he is guilty of ordering a Sentinels program aimed at vanishing mutants.
Performances are incredible especially by James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Jennifer Lawrence who made us believe in each and every emotion of Mystique and we witness each emotion even through the body hugging quasi-nudity and you know there's nothing wrong in being sexy. Though Hugh Jackman was at his best however I really felt that other strong characters and performances did steal the limelight. I wish an astonishing actress like Halle Berry had more screen time but I understand that the writers and Singer wanted to be leal to the script and the plot.
The sets, costumes and action sequences are simply out of this world and you will be glued to your sit to not miss even a second of this brilliance put on screen.
My recommendation – you have to go and watch this one even if you are not an X Men fan for you will be on the edge of your seat at so many times.
Finding Happiness (2014)
A mirror with unaltered reflections
I am happy. Aren't I? Just a two word question and the answer is more often than not vague and lost. This is the same question Juliet asks herself as she meets people at Ananda Village and thus begins the quest for happiness.
Finding Happiness is a documentary and yet it's more like a trailer of a journey that one could get onto to seek the 'truth'. The documentary is about a community called Ananda which was founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda who was a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa who apparently showed the path to people as to how to realize God in their daily lives as a tangible and a loving reality. This reality is brought to us on screen by Director Ted Nicolaou and the happiness tale is seen and shared through the eyes of the protagonist Juliet Palmer played by Elisabeth Rohm.
Juliet is a journalist in New York and is asked by her boss to share the story of Swami Kriyananda and Ananda with her readers and hence she must go to the Ananda Village in California. Of course, she is reluctant to take the 'job' (as she calls it) because she just can't connect to covering anything even remotely religious or spiritual. She anyway gets on to a plane to witness the 'truth' herself.
I would certainly like to congratulate Ted for not dubbing any dialogues and for not getting an artist to act on behalf of any character at Ananda. The beauty and simplicity of Finding Happiness is the real people who serve at Ananda Village and they share their stories in a threadbare simulation manner.
Juliet first meets David Eby, who plays her guide in the movie and is also the music director for the documentary, at the airport who had come to pick her up on behalf of Ananda. Within minutes of interacting with David, Juliet knows that he is smart and intelligent and he knows what he is doing at Ananda. I specifically loved a scene where while on their way to the Ananda Village, David takes a halt near a stream and let Juliet immerse the calmness of the sound of the water. I, even though sitting in a theatre, felt so close to nature myself in that moment that it can't be described in words.
The one and a half hour documentary involves Juliet meeting Swami Kriyananda and other people from the community who belong to different age groups and are even equally connected to the world outside of Ananda. When Juliet first meets Swami Kriyananda, she of course has millions of questions and after sharing a few words of wisdom Swami asks her to meet the people from the community as that should help her seek all the answers. Juliet is amazed and flabbergasted after learning the stories of how Ananda came into being; the struggles that people went through in the process and innumerous tales of people finding the truth and happiness.
In one particular scene, a resident at Ananda Village describes the death of a fellow community member and how the passing of that community member impacted others deeply. The resident shared that if one has to go like that in the end, what's the purpose of life anyway if not seeking the truth. On Juliet's last day at the Village, she met Swami Kriyananda again and sought his wisdom on how could she remain the person that she has become after staying at the Village for just a week. She asked Swami to bless her and that scene is just magnificent and larger than life.
Finding Happiness may seem to be something that's just not practical for us because of several reasons and one of them being that we don't feel connected to God. However, the life at Ananda is not about seeking God but finding the truth. As Swami Kriyananda himself said that finding truth could be possible even if one doesn't believe in God. He concludes his blessing to Juliet with these simple yet absolutely profound words which had a magical effect on me 'Don't live to be unhappy, live to be happy'.
Ananda community has about 10 centres across the world with one in India itself in the state of Maharashtra. You have to see the documentary or the pictures of the Ananda Village to believe how beautiful the Village is with almost 1000 acres of land filled with green all around. It's simply spectacular and breathtaking!
Finding Happiness has been acclaimed worldwide and has even gone to win international accolades such as being the finalist in the Moondance International Film Festival, winning the Award of Excellence at Peace, Inspiration, Equality Film Festival among several others.
My Recommendation – you must and you have to watch Finding Happiness to understand what we really miss as we go by living our mundane lives. You never know, it could probably change your life. I would refrain from giving any rating to this one for the simple fact that I am not capable enough to judge something so beautiful. Go and find Happiness :)
2 States (2014)
A beautiful and adorable love tale with absolute adequate drama
Chetan Bhagat couldn't be prouder, after all yet another book of his is the inspiration behind this incredibly well made 'bollywood' flick. Everyone who has seen the movie or will be seeing it is bound to compare it with the book provided s/he has read the book. My suggestion would be don't do it. Enjoy the movie for what it is.
The movie starts with Krish Malhotra played by Arjun Kapoor sitting in a psychiatrist's office narrating his journey from falling in love to marriage. Sounds simple right, well it's clearly not simple. Krish is pursuing one of the most coveted courses at one of the most coveted management schools in the country. He falls in love with Ananya, played by beautiful Alia Bhatt, on first sight. Everything is going good between the awestruck love couple till the time they both realize the problem, rather the only problem that is probably worth a third world war. He is a 'Punjabi' and she is from 'Tamil'. The first bomb drops when both their parents meet at the convocation ceremony and the audience is ready with popcorn in their hands to witness the ultimate Punjab-Madras non-sensible yet believable love story.
The director, Abhishek Varman, has to be given credit for taking such a brilliant star cast on board that also includes Amrita Singh, Revathy, Achint Kaur and Ronit Roy. Every character has done absolute justice to his/her role and the audience believes in their emotions. Amrita Singh has delivered a fine performance by playing the supreme Punjabi mother (or rather mother-in-law) for whom Krish is the most perfect, handsome and intelligent guy on the planet. Revathy plays Ananya's mother and a typical Tamil household lady with panache and sincerity. Achint Kaur and Ronit Roy are brilliant in their roles.
I found Amrita and Revathy to be commendable for displaying the adequate level of emotions in terms of fake sweetness and real frustration to the degree that didn't look overstated else it would have been an over-kill. Arjun and Alia are simply playing Krish and Ananya as the audience is likely to look at them as their characters and not Arjun-Alia. Alia has displayed each and every emotion considering the stage she is at in her love story and has delivered a brilliant performance that is definitely going to put her up on the performance scale. Arjun is sweet, sincere and genuine in his role and doesn't go over board at any stage. Dialogues are worth a big applause and so is the delivery of these dialogues.
What I absolutely loved about the movie is innocent and believable expressions along with rightful showcase of the relationship in the Punjabi family wherein the tension among the three family members is so sincere that you pity each one of them at different levels. Two of my favorite scenes in the movie are when Ananya is walking towards the 'mandap' for the wedding ceremony and she has the perfectly balanced smile on her face which says it all. Another scene that has been xeroxed in my head is between Krish and his dad wherein Krish wants to hug him but doesn't.
However, the movie does have a few, though trivial, issues. The music is just above average with songs that are non-catchy barring two. The editing definitely has some scope for improvement as editing plays a crucial role in making the audience believe that the story is for real.
2 States is fun, full of melodrama, emotions, turbulent relationships and much more.
My recommendation - go watch 2 States for its sincerity, brilliant performances and incredible direction.
Divergent (2014)
Brilliant performances and impeccable execution
While I haven't read the best selling book 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth, I was quite amused and baffled by the comments from individuals mentioning how the movie doesn't capture all that's there in the book and of various other dis-similarities between the book and the movie. After all, the movie is based on the book and not a replica of the book.
Divergent, the movie, is directed by Neil Burger who is known for his films The Illusionist and Limitless is about choosing a faction as defined by the futuristic society and survival in the respective faction. The movie has Shailene Woodley who plays Tris, Theo James playing Four, Ashley Judd playing Tris' mother and Kate Winslet plays Jeanine who is the head of one of the factions called Erudite.
Apparently, there was a war and Chicago was the only place that was saved which led to formulation of a society that is divided into five factions - Abnegation the selfless, Dauntless the brave, Erudite the intelligent, Candor the honest, and Amity the peaceful. As per the rule prevailing in the society, when all teenagers reach the age of 16, they have to undergone a simulation that would help them understand which faction do they belong to. However, each individual is free to chose his/her faction and the same choice can't be changed later whatsoever. Tris' parents are under Abnegation wherein her dad is a close aide to the President of the society. On the day of the test, Tris learns that she doesn't belong to any faction and hence is "Divergent" however she must guard this secret with her life or else she will pay for it with her life. Tris, much to her parent's surprise, choses to be a Dauntless and then initiates a daunting journey for Tris.
Dauntless are hard, demanding, emotionless (well mostly) and tough to the core. Tris has to become dauntless, both physically and emotionally. She meets Four there who is the instructor at Dauntless and with this team he makes sure that the new recruits 'earn' their place in the faction or else they shall be faction-less. What follows is a fast paced and an exhilarating journey for Tris and her friends to be above the line and eventually become officially Dauntless. The journey is incredibly tough with hardcore training, merciless fighting sequences and some dare-devil acts.
Neil Burger couldn't have picked up a better cast as each character is perfect for his/her role and makes you believe their part. Shailene Woodley understands her transition from Beatrice to Tris and plays it without a flinch. Theo James is what he is supposed to be; arrogant, rude, serious, tough and kind, probably all of these at once. Kate Winslet has a smaller screen time but she delivers it with panache and with such poise and ease that you want to see more of her. She as Jeanine is absolutely cunning, shrewd and witting to put Abnegation down and have Erudite be the rulers. Casting Winslet as a sweet villain is one of the best decisions by Burger. The movie is full of pumped up dialogues and jaw dropping sets. Cinematography is brilliant with capturing incredible frames with excellence.
I keep hearing statements like 'Divergent' is a different version of 'Hunger Games'. Well let me break it up for you - it's NOT just like not every ship sinking movie is not Titanic.
I am excited to learn that a sequel will be in place by 2015 but I am sad to learn at the same time that Neil Burger won't be directing it because he insists on been given amply and adequate time frame to bring 'Insurgent', the sequel, to life and the makers are not willing to provide the same. I echo Woodley's thoughts when she says, "It was weird, he was the leader of this entire pack, and he created this world, he dreamt it up, he made all of the executive decisions. It was strange to think that somebody else is going to come over and take it on."
My recommendation - go watch Divergent for brilliant performances and excellent execution.
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela (2013)
An amazing package Wasted!
Apparently, this was one of the most awaited and anticipated movies of the year and the controversy just before the movie release ensured that the shows were sold out! I too was eagerly awaiting for this one and had really high expectations considering the SLB tag.
Let's talk the good stuff first. Brilliant performances by all, stunning and spectacular sets, fabulous music and a whole lot of color. Up till now I had some doubts about Deepika's acting talent, but boy can she act. She was superb and fantabulous in the movie, and I am not talking about her beauty. Supriya Pathak was incredible as Ba. Ranveer again displayed what a brilliant actor he is.
So with all this amazing stuff about the movie, why doesn't it still work. Poor story or should I say, no story whatsoever! The movie just keeps rolling and you end up thinking how is this scene different from the previous one. The story is so bad (and believe me I am not exaggerating even one bit) that nothing else works for the movie. All the viewers with me in the theater were yawning and loudly calling out for the movie to finish.
God knows why the critics are going gaga for this one. I had always believed in Rediff's review and I just wish I had done the same this time as well. Rediff gave it just 1 star.
Do yourself some favour, don't watch it at all.
Talaash (2012)
Gripping! A must watch!
You wouldn't have seen a thriller from the Indian film industry like this one. The movie starts and you are already at the edge of your seat and the next couple of minutes keep you that way. From then on, every few minutes; something exciting is uncovered by the director and your mind stays glued on.
At times, you are sure to feel that the pace is slow but that's how a real thriller is I guess.
The movie is fabulous, however the not so logical climax may just kill it for you. However, if you analyze the movie a few hours later you will probably find some sense in the climax. After 12 hours, I find it great.
If nothing else, watch the movie for 7 reasons as listed below: 1. Reema Kagti's direction which is fabulous and she is done a real commendable job of knitting it all together 2. Cinematography is superb. Mumbai's streets had never been captured the way they have been captured now 3. Aamir Khan's spell bound performance. He steals the show in every frame and you live the 2.5 hours of the movie with him 4. Rani's performance which proves that even though she does disasters like "Aiyyaa", she is one of the greatest actors we have. She is very convincing as a mother who has tons of pain in her heart 5. Kareena's real acting. I must admit that I am not at all a Kareena fan but boy, did she act in the movie! She was fantastic as Rosy who even steals the show from Aamir in a couple of scenes. She demands all your attention in every scene that she is in. She has delivered a highly commendable performance 6. Nawazudin's superb acting. After Kahaani and GOW, he yet again proves that he has to be taken seriously. Fabulous 7. Raj Kumar Yadav's subtle performance. I really wish he had been given more meaty a role
You just cannot miss this one. Go and experience this Talaash!