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Selma (2014)
Excellent Biopic without deviating to commercial cinema
Selma is a strong Biopic directed by Ava DuVernay. The movie mainly concentrates on the run up to the march by Martin Luther King & Co from Selma to Montgomery. It discusses about the struggle undergone by King and his family. Also deals with other losses which eventually lead up-to to the equal voting rights. The films backs mainly on the power packed acting of David Oyelowo. He has done complete justice to the job given to him. King was known to be a beautiful orator and David Oyelowo has done exactly that on screen. Tom Wilkinson as the President who has to take a call on passing the bill is great. A very intense story with some powerful acting and crisp screenplay has made Selma a complete movie. P.S : Wait and listen to the song "Glory" played during the end credit. Phenomenal!!!
We Still Kill the Old Way (2014)
Fun movie
This movie is about Old School and New school. Old Guys bashing up younger ones. The movie follows the life of Richie who returns to his neighborhood to avenge his brothers murder. The movie has some nice Back ground music. Richie is played well by Ian Ogilvy. Danny-Boy has done a great job as the protagonist. Even though i found it a bit difficult to understand his language it sounded intense. There is a small twist in the movie but I guess most of you can catch it.The screenplay is done out well and sure will not bore you. If you are ready for some fancy stuff (they portray Richie almost equal to Corleone), then you are in for this movie. . I am ready for the second part.
John Wick (2014)
Mindless action movie!!!
Recently with the Oscar fever I have been watching mostly drama or real life scenario type of movies. I have been wanting to watch John wick for a long while. Hence yesterday I decided I'll give it a go. I was in for a super duper action treat. Mind you the action is mindless. Crazy shooting, he pulls a trigger people die, but people will capture him and only talk to him. So if you are ready for these kind of logical non-sense, then this is the movie for you. Keanu Reeves seems to have got it right. He looks convincing as the Superhuman, Superpowered, Supreme hit-man. The background score of the movie is the highlight. Classic stuff for action scenes. Anybody a fan of the 90's action movie and leave your brain in the locker and watch this movie. You'll enjoy it!!!
'71 (2014)
Close to Good but still you feel something missing
The poster looks very promising. The movie starts of well. It is the story of a soldier left behind enemy lines, here being Ireland. It shows how he manages to survive the night. It shows the people who help him and take care of him and the different levels of spying and counter spying. The lead actor has done a reasonable job. He kind of has a soft look but pulls it off well. The setting for the movie is superbly dark. Some of the scenes are intense but when you finish the movie, somehow you seem to be fetching for more and you are never served what you want. Decent movie for a first time movie director and will surely watch his next venture.
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Boring yawn......
The film is lousy. There is no solid characterization. There is no intense moment. The actors are not up to the act. Since I knew the story line there was nothing interesting (even though some books made as movie hook you on). Even the red room scenes are not convincing enough. Mediocre script with some normal acting. If you have no movie to watch, then maybe you could watch this movie. The only scene I liked in the movie was the negotiating scene which was done well. And even the lighting for this scene was done differently. Otherwise nothing much in this movie. I only hope they don't make another sequel to this movie!!!!
Trash (2014)
Powerful subject
This is a powerful drama about 3 rag pickers. These boys discovers a wallet in the dump yard which forms the baseline for the story. It involves a lot into corruption, bribe in Brazil. The senior cast like Sheen & Rooney are good. But it is basically the 3 boys who steer the movie forward. In spite of their lack of knowledge in English, the way they coordinate is superb. The only thought that carries them forward is the right path. And since they feel this is the right path, they go ahead with it in-spite of the problems they would face. I would suggest this movie to anybody. Reminds me of the City of Gods which was also very powerful. Thumbs up for the director and the 3 boys!!!
Son of a Gun (2014)
Trying Too much
Didn't expect too much from this film. The plot is decent. It is about a guy who is helped in prison by a notorious guy. That guy later comes out and they team up for a gold heist. Also the lead guy falls in love with a gangster's girl.
So all these plots unwind in this decent thriller. Though in some places the movie thinks to attempt too much and falls flat, there are some instances which are away from the commercial movie. Ewan Mcgregor has done a fantastic job as the criminal. Also thumbs up for Alicia Vikander. Brenton Thwaites could have done a better job.
Overall not a bad movie to watch. A decent heist thriller which tries too much in some places.
Roman Holiday (1953)
Thoroughly Enjoyed it
I have been wanting to watch this movie for a long long while now. And recently after watching trip to Italy, I thought I must watch this movie. I have seen Gregory peck's Guns of Navarone, Mackennas gold, Mockingbird and Audrey's My fair lady. But watching both these actors in their sweet roles in this movie was fun. They take you to all the important places in Rome. I was shocked to know that Audrey was cast since they wanted a new comer. She looks at her delightful best in the movie. Apart from the Black and white tinge and the happy sense in the move, the movie is also backed by some heavy acting in the end. Especially the separation scene is so powerful that you just hope it goes the other way. I thought it would turn out like Notting Hill but the movie finishes in a different note. Anybody who loves classics should watch this movie. (Watch it before you go to Rome)
The Rewrite (2014)
Maybe for Hugh grant fans
I used to like Hugh in his prime days like Notting hill & Four wedding. In this movie he plays his age and done it pretty well. Not much in the script for the actors.
Marisa Tomei is very watch-able in his character as a mother of two daughters who is trying to prove a point in life. J.K Simmons hasn't much role to play in the movie. If you are watching it for him then you can give it a miss.
The movie starts of promising but slowly looses way somewhere mid scene. Many scenes feel forcefully driven into the movie. Even though the movie is about screen writing I feel this movie could have been written better or maybe they needed to attend Hugh Grants class. So if you have finished watching all of Hugh's classic and still want more of him, then maybe you could watch this.
Foxcatcher (2014)
A good movie but in no comparison to Moneyball
The movie is about a Rich guy who thinks money can buy anything including friends. He decides he has to fund the wrestling team of the USA for the 88 Olympics and gets in touch with the Schultz brothers. One decides to come on board while the other turns it down. The movie is about what follows next.
Steve Carell was a slight disappointment. Maybe that's how Dupont really was in his days. But the character was a little shallow for me. Channing has done a good job as Mark. Mark Ruffalo as his brother Dave is very believable as the steady headed brother.
This is not a sports movie but behind the scenes drama about relationship, isolation, loneliness and fight for self glory. Could be watched once for the decent effort of the entire cast.
Whiplash (2014)
Intense drama
There are some people who push you to your max limit so much so that you get irritated with them. But end of the day, those are the people who help you achieve great heights.
This movie is shot purely on this concept. But the way it is shot is so intense that you start to feel sorry for the lead actor (Miles Teller). I read in IMDb that he had learned to drum from the age of 15. He has put all that initial learning to use in this film so well. What a performance by this young chap!!!!
J.K. Simmons as the instructor is raw and brutal. Stunning acting by a seasoned actor. Just these two guys fill the whole movie. A fine package for a second film by the director. Superb acting with some excellent drumming & intense scene takes this movie to the top part of my 2015 list (as of now).
The Drop (2014)
Unexpected Goodie!!
A simple plot. With a lot of twist of turns. The way it is told is good.
English debut of the director and he has done a well worth job. Tom hardy in the lead role is believable. James Gandolfini's last movie and a decent job from him. Noomi Rapace as the scared girl in the neighbourhood is fine.
The story revolves around a silent guy who works in the bar. A dog that he is fighting to keep. A girl who takes care of the dog and has a troubled past. A guy who owns the dog but wants money from Toom hardy for him to keep it. A guy who owned the bar and is not able to come to terms with the bar taken over by Chechens.
The last 5 to 10 min of the movie takes wild turns and should be watched. I will not reveal anything more as it will spoil the fun of the movie. Watch it!!
Myeong-ryang (2014)
Well shot battle scenes
Only the second or third Korean movie I am watching. The first half was slow and dramatic. It didn't bother me because I am so used to watching Indian movies.
The second half picks up pace. The battle scenes are shot well. I think less use of CG has helped maintain the natural feel. The lead actor has done a great job in portraying emotions. I asked one of my Korean friends and he said this is a part of history they feel proud.
Even if history happened some where close to what is depicted on screen the Admiral was great. Finally read about him and came to know he is honoured as the greatest naval commander. Anybody interested in history and an hour of navy strategy and battle should watch this movie. Korean Masterpiece.
White Bird in a Blizzard (2014)
Could watch it for Shailene Woodley
I have become a fan of Shailene Woodley. Especially after watching fault in our stars followed up by the spectacular now. This one is no different where she has given a worthy performance. She is going to be one of the good actress in the industry in the coming years.
I haven's seen many Eva green pictures other than the Bond flick. But she did surprise me in this movie. Her performance as the arrogant mother is commendable. Christopher Meloni also as the innocent husband is good.
The story line is about a troubled teenager whose mother one day suddenly disappears. She thinks of it as a good thing due to the trouble she was undergoing. But when she gets to know some of the truth the daughter will stop at nothing but to find out what happened to her. The narration is smart and crisp. It also keeps you a little bit guessing. Can watch it once for Shailene and Eva's performance.
The Theory of Everything (2014)
Mind Blowing!!!
Can't think about anything but giving it a 10!!!! Outstanding acting by the lead actors. Eddie Redmayne has taken the role to a whole new level. And the sensitivity with which Felicity Jones has done her part is beautiful. This movie is not about the scientific or physics part of Stephen hawking's life. This deals with the hardships faced by him, his wife, the understanding, the way they fight their life through the hardships. It was a beautiful journey from they meeting right until the end of the story. Eddie Redmayne has already won the Golden Globe and BAFTA. I am sure he will grab the Academys as well. Well worth a watch. My first movies of James Marsh and he has surprised me too well. Anybody wanting the watch a well made out film, please see "Theory of Everything".
Cake (2014)
Lacks a punch
There are some movies you wait to watch and after watching it you feel the wait wasn't worth it. Daniel Barnz's "Cake" was one such movie. The movie just drags on and on.
Jennifer Aniston gives a commendable performance as Claire. The story is about Claire who is attending a support group trying to cope with her son's death. It takes you through the pain she is undergoing, the nightmares, the hallucinations and mind disorder that she is experiencing.
Anna Kendrick does a good job in the small and neat role given to her. Sam Worthington lacked a punch. Not much expression in his face. Adriana Barraza has adapted to her role very well. She looks believable as the hired help. The movie looses focus along the run time and the pain gets too much for us. If you want to see dry drama and Aniston in one of the better roles (especially after Horrible bosses 2) you can sure watch it.
Wild (2014)
A good attempt falls flat
This is not what I expected from the movie. I thought it will have much more grit and depth in the story telling. The start was good but as the movie progresses it looses direction. It is about a troubled girl's life who is in drug trouble, sex addiction and what not due to her recent loss. She takes on this Pacific Crest trail (Hike) to set her mind straight and get back to who her mother wanted her to be. A good act from Reese Witherspoon who seems to have given it her all. But unfortunately the story telling and editing are a big let down. After watching movies like "Into the Wild", this movie seems to be a bit far stretched. Some unwanted scenes like the CGI fox and some explicit scenes could have been avoided. Some times the story telling seems to miss the end point. Can watch it for Reese's performance, Scenery and maybe some basic tips of hiking. Can be watched but will not miss much if skipped.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Outstanding!!!
I have seen Alejandro's Babel & Amores Perros few years back and liked them. But not until recently, I had a chance to see 21 grams and was fascinated with the intense story telling style of Alejandro. Hence I always had the inclination to watch Birdman.
This movie gives us a feeling of being shot in one continuous take. The editing, screenplay, music (mostly drums), lighting (a tinge dark as it is shot in a theater) all aspects of film making were brilliant. Lead by an extremely talented Michael Keaton, the all- star cast visually outperform each other. The best part of the casting was getting Michael Keaton to play the lead who is an iconic superhero battling his ego.
Keaton has given a complex performance and especially the scene where he talks about his father and suddenly turning it around was awesome. This performance has earned Keaton his first Academy nomination and I hope he will win it. Edward Norton as always has done complete justice to his complex role. Emma stone as Keaton's daughter has given us a feeling of her having a very troubled mind. Some parts of the movie are shot like a metaphor and some with a mind voice constantly talking to Keaton.
The story is a bit complex and I wouldn't mind watching the movie again for a better understanding. The director has left the end for the audience to decide and it is on you to finish things off the way you would want the story to end. It is movie that can be discussed right after viewing and anybody ready for some heavy mind work while watching will enjoy this movie.
Boyhood (2014)
A different approach to film making
I had read that this movie was shot over a span of 13 years. The first thought that came to my mind is how did the director be so patient in shooting this film. Even though I am a fan of the "Before" series of Richard Linklater, I thought that since this has been shot over a span of 13 years, the continuity in the film would take a hit. But the director proved me completely wrong.
This is mature story of a boy growing up with troubled parents and the way he goes through his middle & high school days. As the years progress in the movies, Ellar Coltrane progressed as an actor. By the time the movie comes to an end, you are seeing the film through his eyes. It is as though you are in his brain and going through all the pain, trouble and confusion he is undergoing on screen. Lorelei Linklater (The director's daughter) has given a neat and thorough performance. Ethan hawke in this movie has proved that he is one of the under-rated actors of Hollywood by giving the father role his best shot. But the limelight of the movie is Patricia Arquette as the Mom. The way she has brought out the problems of single parenting, troubled marriages, endless love for her children are heartfelt and surely deserve an Academy award.
This movie is a must for anyone who enjoys good cinema and these kind of movies come only once in a while. So don't miss it. I am giving it a 10 star rating just for this bizarre idea and vision of the director.
Kill the Messenger (2014)
A masterpiece filled with controversies
I wasn't too inclined to watch this movie and was not impressed with plot profile. Also I'm not a great fan of Jeremy Renner.
Finally I forced myself to watch this movie and I got so engrossed into it. I wonder how the movie was even allowed to release. It deals with Government corruption and drug trafficking.
Jeremy Renner is the heart of the movie. Enough physical change backed by strong acting he has steered this movie forward. Even though the supporting cast lacked a punch, Jeremy made up for all the minus. He has handled every part of his character (Be it the journalist, father or husband) with such intense acting. The screenplay is tight and sets the pace for the movie. Kudos to Michael Cuesta for making a fine movie and bringing out the best in Jeremy Renners since The Hurt Locker.
The Imitation Game (2014)
Stunning performance from Benedict !!!!
This is the first movie I'm watching of Morten Tyldum and boy was I surprised. "The Imitation Game" is a well scripted movie told in the right run time. A stellar performance from Benedict Cumberbatch along with a good support caste. Keira Knightley has thrown in a strong and powerful act. Even though a small role, Matthew Goode has surpassed his performance in Stoker.
The story takes its own time to form but once it gets going, it holds on to you like a leech. The period setting is top notch with the costumes matching the era. There are some hair rising scenes like the one were Christopher kicks off and also scenes that touches the soft spot in your heart (will keep away from the story).
This might not be a relaxed Saturday evening movie but is worth a watch for anyone who is interested in history. And for all those fans of Benedict from the Sherlock series, this one is a must watch.