LOVE ACTUALLY(2003)

It's All About Love... Actually.

GENRE
Comedy/Romance/Drama

STORYLINE
Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely and interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.

DIRECTOR
Richard Curtis

CAST
Too long a list of great actors:P


MY REVIEW
In today's time there are many Rom-Com movies made each year. Most of them in their effort to make the audience laugh, forget about the story. Love Actually is one the rare multi-starrer Rom-com that doesn't do injustice to the story.



Set during the time of Christmas, the movie follows the life of  8different couples and their situations all centered around love. Love is the main theme of the movie interwoven with laughter, sadness and entertainment.

Seeing the movie you know that a lot of effort has been made in developing the script. 8 stories, each quite unique and distinguished from the others. The situations involve different kinds of love. From the prime minister of UK falling for a girl to a widowed father helping his step son get the love of his life, the film has it all. This movie is a kind of feel good. You just feel like hugging your loved ones after watching such a film.
The story as I said has been written really well with quite the right actors.

The direction is really good as well. Curtis is known for these kind of films. Notting Hill and Mr Bean were some of his works I admire. The fact that this movie has even been written by him shows his immense talent.
The movie has quite a cast. Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley are some of the many actors in this movie. With such a cast you cant expect to not be  entertained.

This is one of the best Rom-Com movies I have ever seen. Do see this.


MY RATING 8.5/10


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NOTE

For all the viewers Sorry for being inconsistent with my posts in the last few days. With me going to college these days, I have been unable to watch/write about movies. From now on, The blog will be updated only from Friday to Sunday.

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HEROINE 

Release Date: 21 September, 2012



STORYLINE
A female superstar struggles through the trials and tribulations of being a Bollywood actress.



CAST
Kareena Kapoor
Arjun Rampal
Randeep Hooda



DIRECTOR
Madhur Bhandarkar



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THE GREAT GATSBY

Release Date: December 2012



STORYLINE
Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby's circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.



CAST
Leonardo Di Caprio
Tobey Maguire
Carey Mulligan


DIRECTOR
Baz Luhrmann


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2012 (2009)

We Were Warned.

GENRE
Action/Adventure/Drama

STORYLINE
An epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors.

DIRECTOR
Roland Emmerich

CAST
John Cusack
Amanda Peet
Chiwetel Ejiofor

MY REVIEW
The Mayans predicted it,Some believe even the Bible mentions it, So does the world actually end in December 2012?  This 2009 release surely believes it and used it to make a lot of money maybe to spend for the next three years that are left!!

The year is 2009, it has been proved scientifically that the life on Earth will soon come to an end because the Earth's core is heating up. As usual USA take up the cause first, deciding to secretly build ships which besides carrying Animals carry humans who have tickets for the ship. Apparently only the rich people have a chance to survive. The movie deals with a family consisting of the Ex-husband Jackson, the current boyfriend Gordon, the wife Kate and her two children. It goes on to deal with their efforts to survive catastrophe.

Is this the way the world ends?

When you hear of this movie, you are obviously attracted to it. The theme is interesting. You want to know if the world ends how does it end, are there any survivors, how do we die etc. This is also a negative point of the movie. Since you know the theme, you basically know the whole movie. Its quite predictable. And when such a movie stretches for 158 minutes, you do get bored. There are some pot- holes in the plot as well. One question that came to my mind was why do only the rich people get a chance to survive when there will be no value of money when the world ends. I would rather have those people on-board who can help contribute and preserve the human race, after the end. Also why does out of all the countries only USA concerned.

The brilliant special effects

The thing that works for the movie is the special effects. They are simply brilliant. Cities falling apart, water filling the earth etc have been shown with great detail. They are really convincing. The acting is also good. John Cusack the lead does a good job in the movie.

Overall the film is entertaining, the theme is good and you do want to explore it but it is no more than a one time watch. You would have had more fun if you saw it on a big screen because of the special effects.

MY RATING 7/10

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WALL-E (2008)

After 700 years of doing what he was built for - he'll discover what he's meant for. 

GENRE
Animation/Adventure/Family

STORYLINE
In the distant future, a small waste collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.

DIRECTOR
Andrew Stanton

MY REVIEW
Pixar never ceases to amaze me. Toy Story, Cars, Finding Nemo, Ratatouille are some of the brilliant films they have given us in the recent past. Wall-E definitely belongs to this list. An unusual, out of the world love story with a message for humanity portrayed so beautifully.

The year is around 2800, Earth is wrecked covered with garbage due to Mass consumerism and the megacorporation Buy N Large. Buy N Large had planned to clean Earth with the help of waste collecting robots while sending humans on a spaceship meanwhile. The robots fail and Earth is abandoned. Wall-E is a small waste collecting robot and is the only surviving robot living on Earth along with his cockroach friend. Eve is another robot sent to Earth to check whether Earth is sustainable for life or not. With the help of Wall-E ( who by the way falls instantly for her) she gets the much needed proof. But they dont know the troubles that lie in their respective future.

Wall-E and Eve

To an extent you can call Wall-E a silent film. With negligible dialogues and a well supported backgrounfd score this movie delivers. The story is brilliant and quite innovative. Many movies show Robots as some emotionell creatures creating troubles/ assisting humans based on their commands. This story is well ahead of that time. Robots have emotions, they make their own decisions and like humans some are good while others are bad. The way Wall-E hesistant at first expressess his love through various acts of kindness aimed at iimpressing eve and the way eve ignorant at first finally reciprocates her love for Wall-E seems human like.

The seory is not basically about love. Its also about giving humanity a message. The after affects of mass consumerism taking it toll on Earth's environment is highlighted here. Humans are shown ignorant to such an extent that in the future they dont even know what earth is. They are obese, never using their feet, always on some kind of flying bed/ Seems as if they are  hypnotized by the BnL corporation.

The Ignorant Humans

The background score plays an important role in this movie as well. It supports the story and the emotions really well. It basically maintains the flow and conveys the emotions to you. 

Whether you consider animated movies childish or not, this movie is a must watch for all.

MY RATING 8.5

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WEEKLY BOX OFFICE EARNINGS

Note: Every Sunday from now on will be dedicated to weekly box office earnings.
Tomorrow There will be no post as I am a little busy. Reviews will resume from Tuesday

US BOX-OFFICE

1. The Dark Knight Rises                                     $35.7 M

2.Total Recall                                                       $25.6 M

3.Diary of Wimpy Kid: Dog Days                         $14.6 M

4.Ice Age:Continental Drift                                    $8.61 M

5.The Watch                                                         $6.53M





INDIAN BOX-OFFICE
( In Rupees)

1. Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum                          34.6   Crore

2. The Dark Knight Rises                                   7.35 Crore

3. Cocktail                                                         3.75 Crore

4. Bol Bachchan                                                 3.29 Crore

5. The Dark Knight Rises (Hindi)                        1.35 Crore






UK BOX OFFICE


1. The Dark Knight Rises                                   £7.28 M

2. The Lorax                                                      £1.85 M

3. Ice Age:Continental Drift                                £1.54 M

4. The Amazing Spiderman                                £687 K

5. Magic Mike                                                  £537  K

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NOTE: From This week every Saturday will be reserved for the new trailers released in the particular week

LIFE OF PI

RELEASE DATE: 21 November, 2012

PLOT
The story of an Indian boy named Pi, a zookeeper's son who finds himself in the company of a hyena, zebra, orangutan, and a Bengal tiger after a shipwreck sets them adrift in the Pacific Ocean.

DIRECTOR
Ang LEE

CAST
Suraj Sharma
Tobey Maguire
Irrfan Khan
Tabu

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BARFI!


RELEASE DATE :14 September 2012

PLOT
He is cute. He's shrewd. The girls love him. The cops hate him. He can't speak but is always talked about. His naughty antics will make you scream, but he will never listen. Cos he can't! Next summer ride a rollercoaster of emotions with Barfii - the Chalu Chaplin!

DIRECTOR
Anurag Basu

CAST
Ranbir Kapoor
Priyanka Chopra
Ileana D'Cruz

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THE HALL OF FAME

THE LAST MOVIE REVIEWED IN BOLD

1. Fight Club                                                                      
2. The Fighter                                                                       
3. Inglourious Basterds                                                          
4. Gladiator                                                                           
5. The Matrix                                                                        
6. The Sixth Sense                                                                 
7. E.T: The Extra Terrestrial                                                   
8. Drive                                                                                 
9. American History X                                                           
10. The Dark Knight Rises                                                       
11. Terminator II: Judgement Day                                             
12. A Beautiful Mind                                                                
13. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara                                                   
14. Catch Me If You Can                                                         
15. Zombieland                                                                         
16. X-Men First Class                                                               
17. The Hangover                                                                                
18. Marley & Me                                                                                 
19. Se7en                                                                  
20. Jerry Maguire                                                                 
21. 127 Hours                                                                 
22. The Pirates Of Carribean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl                                                          
23. Duma                                                                 
24. Vicky Cristina Barcelona                                                                
25. Brokeback Mountain                            
26. Invictus                            
27. 10 Tings I Hate About You                            
28. Devil's Double                            
29. Vicky Donor                            
30. Despicable Me                            
31. Bourne Identity                            
32. Independence Day                            
33. Signs                            
34. The Incredible Hulk                            
35. Hitch                            
36. Thor                            
37. Men In Black III                            
38. The Italian Job                            
39. The Amazing Spiderman                            
40. The A-Team                             
41. Minority Report                             
42. Definitely, Maybe                             
43. 50 First Dates                                                     
44. The Hangover Part II                                                    
45. American Reunion                                                        
46. 
    

DESPICABLE ME (2010)

Superbad. Superdad.

GENRE
Animation/Animated/Comedy

STORYLINE
When a criminal mastermind uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme, he finds their love is profoundly changing him for the better.

DIRECTORS
Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud

CAST
Steve Carell
Russel Brand
Jason Segel
Kirsten Wiig

MY REVIEW
Animated movies are always fun to watch. The belief that animated movies are only meant for children is completely wrong, Animated movies not only appeal to children but there is always something for the adults. The best thing about them is the comedy and the heart touching morale.

Gru is a super villain who has been on a decline both mentally and professionally after failing to steal something big. The stealing of the Pyramids of Giza by an unknown super-villain hurts his sentiments. Now to get back in game, he plans to steal the moon. For his plan to succeed he need the help of the three orphan girls who he decides to adopt. Assisting him is the loyal Dr.Nefario and the minions. This movie deals with how the 3 girls mange to bring the goodness out of him and reform him.

Gru and the Minions

Unlike most  movies, in this movie an evil character plays the lead. The movie is from his perspective so from the very beginning you want him to outclass the new super-villain vector. The story has been written well. The not so social Gru developing love for the children has been really well shown. The inclusion of the green coloured minions who I must say have some extremely funny scenes is a high point of the film. Also are the scenes involving the stealings.

The voice overs by the actors is really convincing. It is always tough to express emotions when you just have the support of your voice but the cast is brilliant in the film. Steve Carrell has done the voice over for Gru thus even before seeing the movie you expect him to be good. Jason Segel as Vector the main antagonist in the film is also funny at times. Russel Brand seems unrecognizable as Dr Nefario.

 Vector: the super-villain

A good watch for the entire family. Nice way to kill your time.

MY RATING 8/10

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THE MATRIX (1999)

Believe the unbelievable

GENRE
Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi

STORYLINE
A computer hacker learns from mysterious rebels about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against its controllers.

DIRECTOR
Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski

CAST
Keanu Reeves
Laurence Fishburne
Carrie-Anne Moss
Hugo Weaving

MY REVIEW
1999 was a really good year for Hollywood. Fight Club, The Sixth Sense, American Pie, 10 things I hate about you were some of the better movies released that year. Another such movie was The Matrix which manged to create a huge fanbase of its own.

Thomas Anderson aka Neo played by Keanu Reeves is a computer programmer who is also secretly a hacker. Curious to know what the 'Matrix' is, he is contacted by Morpheus and Trinity who tell him the true nature of reality. The world is not as the humans see. Machines have taken over Earth and it is on him and the group of rebels to free Earth from these machines.

The Matirx

This is the first part of the trilogy where we are mainly introduced to the situation. It mainly deals with the realisation of Neo that he is the 'One'. Directed by the Wachowski brothers this movie was an instant hit at the box office for its innovative story and the brilliant Slow Motion action scenes. The Direction is brilliant. The good thing is that they do not settle for mediocre things, they wanted the scenes to be perfect and instead of using doubles they made the actors train for the action sequences.

The cinematography is also really good. It is one of those thinking movies. You end up questioning yourself that What is real and what is not? It is a science- fiction film thus you expect some good visual effects. For a movie that released in 1999, the effects were ahead of their time. The story, the action sequences, the visual effects and the performance make this movie an experience one can't miss. I didn't talk much about the plot of the movie / the scenes as I recommend you to see for yourself what a masterclass of a film it is.

Probably Keanu Reeve's best role till date

As for the performances, the actors/actresses that were a part of this movie became a part of the A-list of Hollywood. This was a milestone film for all associated with it. Keanu Reeves, it appears has worked really hard for this movie. A computer hacker who at first is shocked/confused with the truth of reality and who later starts believing in himself to be able to fight the matrix has been portrayed really well. Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith a machine with human appearance looks scary. Playing the machine he had to keep an emotionless face which he has kept brilliantly. Trinity and Morpheus played by Carrie-Anne Moss and Laurence Fishburne respectively have also played the supporting roles quite well.

A must watch for all movie buffs. Definitely in my top 10 list.

MY RATING 9.5/10

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MARLEY AND ME (2008)

Their relationship wasn't going anywhere until one little thing tied it all together.

GENRE
Family/Comedy/Drama

STORYLINE
A family learns important life lessons from their adorable, but naughty and neurotic dog.

DIRECTOR
David Frankel

CAST
Owen Wilson
Jennifer Aniston
22 Labradors

MY REVIEW
They say Marley is the worst dog one can have still they love him, they cant stay without him. This is what a dog does. There is a reason why dogs are called as man's best friend. Yes some are a nuisance creating a ruckus wherever they go, yet the unconditional love they you receive from them overpowers all his naughtiness.

The young Marley

Set in South Florida, the movie is about a writer couple John and Jenny Grogan. Contemplating about having a baby, on advice from John's friend he decides to surprise his wife with a Labrador puppy, Marley to check whether they are ready for parenthood. Initially finding him really cute and adorable, they release the difficulties as Marley is unlike any other dog. He creates chaos wherever he goes. He chews on walls, clothes or sofas.He runs around beaches and jumps out of moving cars. He is kicked out of training school for being a bad influence on other dogs! Despite of all this he teaches the couple important lessons about life and becomes an integral part of the family.

Its a beautiful film that teaches you lessons about life through the medium of the adorable Marley. It is basically a fun/entertaining film with a morale. The story is really well written. Being a dog owner I could relate to most of the things since I have experienced them with my own dog. Starting with a bit of introduction of the couple and then the introduction of the puppy initially to check whether they are ready or not has been shown quite beautifully. The movie has a good flow. There aren't any extra useless scenes included in the film. It is told in such a manner that you end up developing a bond with Marley. The nice thing is that it has a bit of laughter, a bit of drama and is a complete family film.

As for the performances, Owen Wilson looks quite suited for the role of John Grogan. Playing a writer not getting the right assignment and a loving and caring husband quite suits him in the film. The scenes with Marley are really great. Jennifer Aniston as the other lead plays her part really well. Getting angry at Marley for making her life a hell, ordering John to get the dog out of the house and then releasing how much she loves a dog withing a fraction of minutes was the scene which I felt was great. She plays with emotions easily and is quite convincing as an actor. As for Marley, since all 14 years of his life had to be shown about 22 Labradors played the roles. Kudos to the director for not making the viewers feel/realize that they were watching a different dog.

Marley creating trouble for Jenny

This film is an overall package. It is a light hearted film that has been beautifully made. A good watch for the entire family.

MY RATING 9/10

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HITCH (2005)

The cure for the common man.

GENRE
Comedy/Romance

STORYLINE
While helping his latest client woo the fine lady of his dreams, a professional "date doctor" finds that his game doesn't quite work on the gossip columnist with whom he's smitten.

DIRECTOR
Andy Tennant

CAST
Will Smith
Eva Mendes
Kevin James
Amber Valletta

MY REVIEW
Do you love a girl ? Are you afraid to talk to her ? Are you unsuccessful in wooing her? Then  better contact 'Hitch'. Frankly, I didn't even know there is any profession such as a 'Date Doctor'. This movie is basically about this guy and one of his patients.

Will Smith plays a 'by reference only' date doctor helping other guys.   He takes up this profession after a sad experience in college with his girlfriend.   Albert played by Kevin James is his newest patient.   He is in love with his boss Allegra Cole who doesnt even know of his exsistence.   This movie deals with how he helps the shy and embarrasing Albert get Allegra.   Also in the way he himself falls for Sara played by Eva Mendes.   But the odd thing is that shw doesn't seem to fall for any of his charms.

Hitch and Sara

Many Rom-Coms make use of the Valentine's day to earn some profit. Even Hitch used this marketing strategy way back in 2005.   But unlike most films that use such kind of publicity, this movie is actually good.   It is quite funny.   The script/Story is Original and innovative. The actors have also been chosen well. Albert is shown to be a stupid, stuck at a dead end job kind of guy. He embarrasses himself at most of the occasions. The things he does make you laugh uncontrollably. Most of the thing that Alex tells him to do, he screw up yet ends up being successful and loveable in the eyes of Allegra.

I really loved the comedy in the film.   Some scenes are simply exceptional particularly the scene where Alex teaches Albert how to kiss.   The scene where he almosts loses his job or the scenes where he tries to impress Allegra's best friend.  Although the film does get serious and a little monotonous in the scond half, still you end up coming out of this movie quite satisfied.

Hitch helping Albert

As for the performance Will Smith is great. This movie came at a time when he was at the top and this movie was one of his many movies that dominated the Box-office for a few weeks. People know that when a movie stars Will Smith, it just has to be good. This is the reputation he has built and it is maintained in this movie. Kevin James as Albert is extremely funny. He is the real star in this movie for me. He is really convincing and has a really good comic timing. Eva Mendes hasn't done many films in her career but I find her quite good. Besides good role, she tends to support the lead in her movies really well. Amber Valletta as Alegra has also played the part of the rich boss quite well.

MY RATING 8/10

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A BEAUTIFUL MIND (2001)

The Only Thing Greater Than the Power of the Mind is the Courage of the Heart.

GENRE
Biography/Drama

STORYLINE
After a brilliant but asocial mathematician accepts secret work in cryptography, his life takes a turn to the nightmarish.

DIRECTOR
Ron Howard

CAST
Russell Crowe
Jennifer Connelly
Ed Harris
Paul Bettany


MY REVIEW
After watching the film and reading about John Nash, I came to know A Beautiful Mind varies considerably from the actual events. Whether that was right or wrong doesn't really effect me because I found this film Simply breathtaking.

The movie follows the life of the brilliant mathematician John Nash.   After joining Princeton, he devotes most of his time in finding a mathematical theorem that is completely original.   A theorem that would give him recognistion. He seems to be an asocial guy who most of the time ends up embarrassing  himself in front of others.  Charles, his room mate is his best friend and counselor in times of failure.   After finally finding a theorem that proves Adam Smith wrong his life changes.   He gets the top placement, as a professor at MIT he meets Alicia who he soon marries and because of his mathematical skills he becomes a spy.   But life takes a dramatic turn when he loses his grip with reality  . He is diagnosed with schizophrenia.   This movie then goes on to deal with his troubles and how he finally manages to contain himself with the help of his wife Alicia.

 The Genius at Work

Not often do you get a film having a brilliant script and matched by some amazing performances. The story does vary from the orignal events but I feel that has been done to lighten the mood and give the audience a good feeling.   I hadn't read about John Nash till after seeing the movie so some of what I saw was unexpected.   Based on this I can say the script isn't flawed as it is shown through the eyes of John Nash so till he is not diagnosed you believe everything that is shown to be true.   Some scenes are truly well written like the scenes where the professors show their respect to John Nash through the pens.   The dialogues have been written really well as well.

As for the performances, Russell Crowe after giving the world The Gladiator gave us this.  The two roles were completely opposite yet he has delivered.   His body language is so convincing in this film.   Even in the parts where he plays the old John Nash he does a perfect job. Jennifer Connelly as Alicia also supports Crowe really well.   The role of a wife discovering the sad truth about her husband and how she supports him till the very end has been made heart touching by Connelly.   Other cast members including the ones that were the creation of Nash's mind also play their part well.

This is a serious movie.   It might not be entertaining but I am sure people who are looking for a movie with a good story and good performances would appreciate it.

MY RATING 9/10

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