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 TRAILER
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 TRAILER
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.
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 TRAILER
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 TRAILER
He is afraid. He is totally alone. He is 3 million light years from home.
GENRE Adventure/Drama/Family
STORYLINE A meek and alienated little boy finds a stranded extraterrestrial. He has to find the courage to defy the authorities to help the alien return to its home planet.
DIRECTOR Steven Spielberg
CAST Henry Thomas Drew Barrymore Peter Coyote
MY REVIEW What does one do to make a good Sci-Fi / Fantasy movie?? The answer is to bring Steven Spielberg. This guy has been the mast of this genre ever since it was created . E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial was one of his first movies. Ever since he has given us beautiful films like Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Schindler's Lit etc.
E.T and Steven Spielberg
The movie deals with some friendly aliens who leave behind one of their kind after coming to Earth briefly. He is found by a shy little boy named Elliot. The authorities are after him to conduct test on him. Now it is upto Elliot and his siblings to help E.T contact his home planet and save him from the Government authorities.
The movie is well known for being well ahead of its time and teaching humans an important lesson about friendship and the concept of humanity. Elliot who is shy at first becomes bold and fearless in his quest to save his friend E.T. The kind of bond the boy and E.T share is heart touching. They get connected to such an extent that the action of one causes the other to replicate the same.
E.T and Elliot: The Best of Friends
The movie is perfect in all departments. The story is brilliant. Choosing children as the lead because reflect honesty and innocence was a great decision. Not just choosing them,but also writing their parts as similar to a real child deserves an ovation. The boy putting his thermometer to a glowing bulb to use as an excuse to stay away from school is something everyy child must have done during his school days. Many of the scenes in this movie have become iconic. E.T and Elliot's touching fingers or the biclycle flying with the moon in the background are some of the scenes that come to your mind when you are reminded of this movie.
The Famous bicycle sequence
As for dialogue writing, it seems a guy has actually experienced all this. It is simply perfect. Capturing a child's world is difficult and requires a lot of work. The hard work can be seen throughout the film. Memorable dialogues like 'E.T go home' are remembered till now. The background score too compliments this film really well.
All the movie fans must have such a movie in their library. I don't think there is any department where this film lags.This is a must watch for the whole family.
