Tranformers 3: Dark of the Moon (2012)

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Tranformers 3: Dark of the Moon (2012)

Genre:   Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Starring:  Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Patrick Dempsey, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand

Directed by: Michael Bay

Rated: US: PG-13, UK: 12A, India: U/A

Running Time: 157 minutes 

Movie Review:
Decepticons are back! And this time they are loaded with more fire power, a super demoniac plan and a leader more powerful than Megatron himself. Autobots are going to feel on a weaker side and now its time for human to join the party and yell the 'kill-em-all' locution. This film had to be one of the most awaited movies of 2012, and for Transformers fans like me, every day of the countdown was a curious one. Everyone wanted it to be bigger, better and smarter than the predecessors, alas!

It is bigger of course (157 minutes duh! too much length for a sleazy plot), 'better' depends on your perception, to which, we will come later, but smarter? Hell no! (Mind my French :P) This film is a goof box if you are going to consider it a sci-fi film with some sense. It is too much to handle at a time, and I wonder how Michael Bay can be proud when everyone is gonna say - 'Hey! this scene is a complete nuisance!'. Action and style are surely Michael's cup of tea, but Basic Laws of physics? He well knows how to defy them from its core. But nevertheless, being a Transformers fan, you cannot miss this one so I have an advise -  'keep your expectations low', this is not anywhere better than Revenge of the Fallen or Transformers, except for its mind blowing action sequences and conspicuous CGI effects and remarkable 3d effects. If these are your criteria, you are surely gonna love this film, just do not give a damn about physics, sense and plot.

Based on Transformers action figures by Hasbro, Dark of the Moon  is the third installment to Transformers live action film series. Autobots have been working with human to capture 'decepticon punks' since three years of the previous encounter. Soon they realize that human have been hiding a long lost technology since the moon mission, 42 years back, where it was found. And now its time for Autobots to keep that in possession before Decepticon arrives and use it to destroy Earth and to pull Cybertrone - The ex home of the Transformers, to our Solar System (does not make sense? Yea exactly my point!).  But there is a space-craft hidden in moon and the secret inside it, can change the war's face to an unimaginable extent.

The way Michael Bay has shown the connection of secrets with moon's mission and the reason behind the sudden cease of man missions to moon is exuberant. After that, the plot goes incoherent. But as the Michael Bay film has always been, Dark of the Moon never goes out of style and presentation. When it comes to show action with style in jaw dropping way, Michael Bay has always proved himself an ace. Shia LaBeouf is a hard working actor and it shows, though there is nothing new about him to watch here.  The-miss-who-replaced-Megan-Fox aka Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is flawlessly pretty yet falls a step behind as an actress. But you cannot deny to the fact that she don't have to act much because when she is on the screen - all eyes are going to be on her. At some places you may find that dialogues have been put unnecessarily but it won't bother you as there is action everywhere to enjoy. Nonsensical plot cannot be avoided though, and it really bothers as absurdity at such level can be hard to digest. The length of the movie is too much as plot is not that intriguing, but CGI and action is. And CGI and action is all what is worth to see in this high end intensifying action flick

My Verdict:
Transformers: Dark of the Moon is a high end CGI live action film with mesmeric 3D effects whose fast paced action is really nail biting. But the way it defies common physics and its weak plot with high end absurdities is a major drawback and is unavoidable. Also some of the action sequences have been stretched too much that becomes difficult to assimilate all at a time, and hence the length of the movie is an issue. Thus, though being and excellent panorama of action, visual  and 3d effects, Dark of the Moon do not stand in the category of intelligent and excellent movies. Nevertheless, regardless of its flaws, this film excels in one thing and that is - Entertainment. Length can be an issue though but it keeps you engaged with its pace. It turns out to be a no-brainy hi-fi nifty action matinee which is worth to give a try, but is not a keeper.
  

Why See?: Mesmeric Vfx, action abundance, brilliant 3d, stylish.

Why Not?: Nonsensical scenes, logically whacky, lengthy.

Rating: 6.5/10

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Lincoln (2012)

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Lincoln (2012)

Genre:  Biography | Drama | History | War

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, Tommy Lee Jones

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Rated: US: PG-13, UK: 12A, India: U

Movie Review:

Lincoln, a plethora of acting, directing and screenplay finesse', is a splendid film made so well that no one could have made this movie better than the one of the finest director Spielberg himself.

Lincoln has been outstandingly directed, beautifully acted and effectively written and is going to be in the hall of fame for one of the finest movies ever made on Abraham Lincoln and also one of the finest film of 2012. Tony Kushner, the man behind its screenplay shall be widely applauded for his mesmeric dialogues and astonishing writing skills. Daniel Day-Lewis aka Lincon, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones along with other ensembles have set a milestone of acting geniuses with this film.

Based on some parts the biographic book 'Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln' by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Lincoln depicts the last four months of Abraham Lincoln's life focusing mostly on Lincoln's effort to abolish slavery in United States by achieving the passage through the constitutional amendment. But the task is tougher than it looks, as the American Civil War is winding up to a conclusion and peace is going to prevail soon, and if the peace comes before the amendment is passed, the amendment will not get the chance to become a law. How did Lincoln managed to pass it, what cost he had to pay for it, is all you would love to see.

Lincoln has shown how difficult it was to get the equality for humanity in United States and teaches a lessson to respect the freedom at any cost. Daniel Day-Lewis is an actor that will be remembered for his role as Abraham Lincoln for a long long time and Tony Kushner's writing skill along with Spielberg's direction has made a film that is a Great Tribute to a Great Man ie., Abraham Lincoln.

This film is more of a political drama than being a biopic which can be difficult to understand for people who are not into politics much. Also it does not explains history much so you may have to do a bit of homework if you are unaware of political terms and history behind the 13th amendment.  But this film unfolds few stories which were not known to people that happened during that period which can make you ponder over the situations of that time.

My Verdict: Lincoln is an exploration of the era when the 16th President of United States of America aka Abraham Lincoln was fighting his own war to abolish slavery by adding a law into the constitution. This film is an acting, direction, writing gem. The only drawback is that its more of a political drama than being a biopic which, though a demand of the film, can be confusing for people who are not into politics or history that follows.

Why See?: Well written, beautifully directed and well acted film which unfolds many aspects that should be known to the people who are interested to know about the abolishment of slavery in United States of America.

Why Not?: Only if you totally hate politics or you are not familiar with political terms and way it works.

Rating: 8/10

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Argo (2012)

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Argo (2012)

Genre: Drama | History | Thriller

Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman

Directed by: Ben Affleck

Rated: US: R, UK: 15, India: A

Movie Review:
Boy! Has not this film created ripples all over the world not only for being among the best directed films of 2012, but also for its historical inaccuracies. Argo is one spine chilling, fascinating film that will make you to stick-on-your-couch-with-the-tub-of-popcorn until it gets over. You can guess what may happen in the next scene, you know that practically it's not possible what has been shown, but then, you also want to see that is it going to happen like you guessed? Or is it the other way round? It has the potential to make you involve with the plot so much that you may start feeling that you are a part of this movie, and with each sequence your heart may pound and blood can gush. But from the start to the end you have to keep one thing in mind, and I quote it - "Do not get your history corrected from this film." Because this film, though worth watching in every expect, is not completely true to what actually happened, though base story is correct.

Argo, dramatized adaptation from The Master of Disguise by Antonio J. Mendez (ex. CIA)  & The Great Escape, the article by Joshuah Bearman, portrays a true incident of 1979 Iran hostage crisis, in which Mendez himself led the rescue of six U.S. diplomats from Tehran, Iran. Ben Affleck has been splendid as Mendez, and his directing skills, which has been impressive in his previous films too, will surely give him a seat among the best directors hollywood has with this drama thriller.Though historically discrepant, this film promises a strong impact on your mind about the situation that was being faced by the hostages during that period.

Argo is astonishingly funny, with some brilliant dialogues that will be quoted year after years. This film won't let you down in any aspect which it promises, unless you don't like histories getting manipulated for the benefit of the film. The movie does not lose its focus for a single second. But sometimes, you can easily guess that the film is unnecessarily trying to create intense which could have been avoided. This is the only point where it lets you down.


My Verdict: Argo is a well crafted, finely acted film whose intriguing plot makes it entertaining from the beginning till the end. And when you know that its a true story, the fun and excitement doubles. I was spellbound with tense, heart pounded when the van with U.S. diplomats was in between the Iranian Procession on the street who were outrageously banging the van and shouting. Gosh! So scary! And many more scenes that will make you glare the screen without a blink.  The only drawback is, sometimes, it looks like, that the intensifying scenes has been intentionally added and were redundant, maybe they were added just to enhance the length of the film.

Why See?: Well plotted, well acted, well narrated and well portrayed film and when it ends, you will feel like a winner and that's guaranteed!

Why Not?: Historically discrepant and few intensifying scenes which looks superfluous. 

Rating: 7/10

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Cloud Atlas (2012)

Cloud Atlas (2012)

Genre: Drama/Mystery/ Sci-fi

 Starring:  Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Bae Doona, Ben Whishaw, James D'Arcy, Zhou Xun, Keith David, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant

Directed by: Lana Wachowski, Andy Wachowski, Tom Tykwer

Rated: US: R, UK: 15, India: A

Movie Review:

Lengthy, confusing yet intriguing plot that will get you involved in the movie all the time. And if you cannot grasp all the six stories moving in different timelines, you will certainly be lost in it, which may give you the feeling that it is getting boring. But if you do grasp them, this certainly is a fresh, interesting and thought provoking film that should be appreciated for the efforts the directors and actors have put in it.

Cloud Atlas is adapted from 2004 novel (of the same name) written by David Mitchell. And the Watchowski Brothers (of The Matrix Trilogy fame) along with Tom Tykwer have tried their best to convert this bestseller into a film. This film has some strong Vfx, applausable cinematography and nicely laid plots which will get you involved in the film.

The only drawback is, it is so haphazard that sometimes it confuses the viewer as many of the characters have been repeated in different stories. Well maybe it was necessary (due to budget most probably) so one should keep in mind that the they does not have to relate the character's repetition to be having some link between the stories. The only links are what has been shown. All characters are unique in their own stories.

See, if making you understand is so complicated, you can imagine the complications of the stories...lol. Tom Hanks has been brilliant throughout the film and cast ensemble is good.

The film is intriguing and it won't let you guess what it has in the next scene. Well sometimes you can, but most of the time, you just would like to see what it has in the next scene rather than guessing (unless you have read the book of course). 

But I felt that the movie lacked in making understand its motive properly (which was suppose to be reincarnation and relation between every story).

My Recommendation: It has some brilliant Vfx. I will recommend to Rent it only when you have heart to watch such films that are more than just entertainment. I mean, this movie needs lot of brains to be poured in it (you also may need to rewind the film to grasp what you saw or heard at that moment). So if you are ready to watch some difficult sci-fi

Why Should I See?: for its freshness, brilliant plot, vfx, good acting

Why Should I Not?: Lengthy, confusing at times (only if you do not get yourself involve with the story)

Rating: 6.5/10

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy

Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Manu Bennett, Andy Serkis

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Rated: US: PG-13, UK: 12A, India: U/A

Movie Review:
Being a true LOTR (Lord Of The Rings) fan, this film did not go up to my expectations. I did not fall in love with this film as I thought I would, because I had this misunderstanding that this movie is going to be on the level where LOTR stands.

The first part of The Hobbit Trilogy, and the prequel to the LOTR, this J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga has been mishandled at many aspects. Its slow pace (especially in the beginning) gets boring, (I think the idea of making it a trilogy made him to make a slow slithering plot. If only he would have thought to complete the book in two parts, this movie would have been far far better than it is.) Jackson's attempt to connect this film to LOTR again and again without any necessity has made him to add on scenes which were not required at all.

Beside its slow paced plot, major drawbacks had been, the overwhelming (and at few places - inept)  CGI (it was too much to digest sometimes), non - humor screenplay and comparably not to the extent of LOTR cinematography, plus an expected ending which just promises that the second part will be better and if that's the story, I would love to write all the good about it (after all I am an LOTR fan remember?), but not this time.

 But there was one impeccable scene that has been made with extreme care (an eye candy for sure), and that would be the conversation between 'Bilbo' and 'Gollum'. And yes, the mind blowing background score by Howard Shore. He did some really good job there.

All in all, this movie is okay on its own level but it is shallow if compared to LOTR. Hope Peter Jackson comes up with a blast in 'The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug'.

My Recommendation: Well, the second part looks promising, so you have to get yourself equipped by watching this one. And if you are an LOTR fan, you cannot miss it no matter how shallow it is if compared with its predecessors. So, anyhow, watch it, just for the sake of it.

Why Should I See?: To get yourself acquainted with the plot as the second part looks promising, some high end background scores and high - end CGI at some places.

Why Should I Not?: Slow paced plot, non-humor as compared to its predecessors

Rating: 6/10

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Les Misérables (2012)

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Les Misérables (2012)

Genre: Drama/Musical/Romance

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Isabelle Allen, Daniel Huttlestone, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen

Directed by: Tom Hooper

Rated: US: PG-13, UK: 12A, India: A

Review:

Based on the musical drama by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg which is in turn based on the 1862 French novel by Victor Hugo, from the acclaimed director Tom Hooper, comes another Laudatory Masterpiece Les Misérables.

I did not expect much from this movie (though it has a very strong star-cast), as I am not very fond of Musical Dramas, but as the movie started, within few minutes it just caught me and I couldn't move till it ended. Les Misérables is a spell-binding  2.5 hours of musical journey that will take you to the heights of the passion of movie making and there you will see the heart throbbing performance by the ensembles that is truly magical.

 This movie will prove to be Jackman's and Hathaway's acting finesse for a long coming years. Its a benchmark of musical drama with some magnificent music, some sharp special effects, applaudable cinematography and above of all spell binding choirs.


If you are bored with regular entertainers, don't read further, just go and utilize your precious 2.5 hours on this movie, and when you will come back, you will know what would have you missed if you wouldn't have seen this one.

My Recommendation: A brilliant musical drama. Even if you are not into musical movies, I will still recommend to watch this one. Because this movie is plethora of beautiful expressions and lovely choirs which will keep you engaged.

Why Should I See?: Jackman's and Hathaway's acting finesse, beautiful expressions and choirs.
Why Should I Not?: Lengthy

Rating: 8/10

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The Lovely Bones (2009)

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The Lovely Bones (2012)

Genre: Drama/Fantasy

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Michael Imperioli

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Rated: USA: PG-13, UK: 12A

Review:

If Peter Jackson would have thought to make a suspense thriller by keeping this story in mind, he would have aced it. But The Lovely Bones, though good at times, does not get hold of Peter Jackson's magic. The plot is strong which makes me believe that 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold must have been a great book. But its depiction, does not inspires much of creativity.

Peter Jackson should have thought that CGI is more important part of film, but the truth is, it was the plot that was heart winning. There are some really intense scenes and nail biting sequences that has been well shown. But the afterlife plot has been inappreciably stretched too much and sometimes goes incoherent.

The Lovely Bones has some brilliant piece of acting by Ronan, Wahlberg and Weisz. But if it had been more of  a killer mystery rather than a fantasy, I would have loved the movie more.

My Recommendation: Its not boring, but can be confusing at times, so watch if you like fantasy and Ronan or Wahlberg or Weisz. An above than average movie.

Why Should I See?: Plot and Good Acting.
Why Should I Not?: Incoherent afterlife scenes.

Rating: 3/5

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The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012)

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The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012)

Genre: Adventure/Drama/Fantasy/Romance

Starring:  Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Ashley Greene, Mackenzie Foy, Michael Sheen

Directed by: Bill Condon

Rated: USA: PG-13, UK: 12A, India: U/A

Review:

Finally, Stephenie Meyer's Saga has come to an end. And I gotta say - "This movie is far better than its predecessor". Breaking Dawn - Part 2, at some places goes nonsensical as Condon might wanted to focus on the concluding half rather than its first half. But anyhow, he deserves the praise for the way he showed the concluding half an hour of movie which is quiet intense and well presented.

For first half, the movie goes in such an irregular pace as director seems to cover up everything from the book and he failed to co-relate things with proper dialogues and scenes. The next scene goes without covering its previous and so the scene after that. Hence it may become difficult for people to co-relate who have not read the book. And the people who have read it, well they will not like the way Bill Condon depicted the half of it.

Everything good in this movie resides in its last half an hour. But I would still say, do not fast forward to see the ending, just have patience, and let it reach to its destination, and it won't disappoint you for its 'The Half an Hour'

For half of the part, I felt, Renesmee was an animated child (which was really weird - an animated child? C'mon Bill, you could have done better!) I never found Kristen Stewart act good in any of her movie and her performance in this film did not change my perception about her. Rest are good and suitable for the role given to them.

My Recommendation: If you like the Twilight Franchisee, this maybe the best part for you to see. And if you are not so keen of Twilight, well you can give this one a try. It is, better than Part 1 in every way.

Why Should I See?: Good Effects, Spellbinding Conclusion
Why Should I Not?: Irregular Pace, Dull First Half.

Rating: 3/5

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Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

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Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

Genre: Comedy/Romance/Sci-fi

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Jake Johnson, Mark Duplass

Directed by: Colin Trevorrow

Rated: USA: R, UK:15

Movie Review:

'Safety not guaranteed' is based on an actual classified ad of 1997 in Backwood Homes Magazine by a person asking for someone who could go back to time with him. The writer may have thought, what if it was not a joke?And he made a movie keeping that mind.

The film is monotonous in style, but is entertaining till the end. End is quite predictable which gives a movie an 'ok' type of feel, it has a fresh plot though. Aubrey has done a fine job and rest are as I said 'ok' at their end. So Safety Not Guaranteed is a good film where entertainment is guaranteed if it is your genre. Else you might love this movie, or you may not, but this is a decent entertainer all in all.

Why Should I See?: Good Plot
Why Should I Not?: Predictable End
Rating: 6/10

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Django Unchained (2012)

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Django Unchained (2012)

Genre: Action/Drama/Western

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson 

Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

Rated: USA: R, UK:18, India: A

Review:

Django Unchained - in one word is 'splendid'. A terrifying, surprising, shocking, hilarious yet poured out of slavery & bloodshed, Django is one 'unchained' movie that will keep you entertained till the end. If you are not familiar with Tarantino's way of showing blood-shed, you might feel little uncomfortable but this movie provides more than you can expect from a Wild Wild West cowboy flicks.

Django Unchained shows the cruel part of slavery and how a 'free' black man was not acceptable by them white men during those times, this flick has written 'cult' all over it.

Brilliant performances by brilliant actors with brilliant plot by a brilliant director, Django has the potential to be one of the Tarantino's masterpiece for a long time and is one of the best movies of 2012.



Why Should I See?: Hilarious, Brilliant acting, plot, entertaining
Why Should I Not?: Lengthy, Blood-shed (if you are not comfortable with it)
Rating: 3.5/5

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21 Jump Street (2012)

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21 Jump Street (2012)

Genre: Action/Comedy/Crime

Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Rob Riggle, Ice Cube

Directed by: Phil Lord, Chris Miller

Rated: USA: R, UK:15

Review:
 Set your expectations up and 21 Jump Street will not let you down in any way if you are in for an teen buddy comedy flick. It is full of good laughs, hilarious moments and filthy yet funny dialogues.

21 Jump Street is not just another teen movie, but it is THE ANOTHER teen movie. Some dialogues you will remember even after the movie goes over. 21 Jump Street is one of those teen comedy movies that has the potential to make you laugh till you drop at certain points.

Don't miss on this one if you are looking for some good times with pals.

Why Should I See?: Hilarious
Why Should I Not?: Only if you are not in for teen comedies which includes racist jokes, dopes, swears and a bit of vulgarity etc.  
Rating: 3.5/5

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Dredd (2012)

Dredd (2012)

Genre: Action/Sci-fi

Starring: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey

Directed by: Pete Travis

Rated: USA: R, UK: 18, India: A

Dredd is less of a movie and more of a video game entertainer. A-nothing-new plot, less on humor, plain gun actions and hardly any fight sequence makes movie a bit mediocre. But it has some nice SLO MO 3D effects (which I don't know why the director planned to put in slow motion - due to the SLO-MO drug I suppose, lol funny name for a drug).

Highly over-rated by critics worldwide,  Dredd is just another low budget action entertainer, in which the only plus point is that it does not bore you anywhere (Thankfully). It has some good one liners  but do not expect much from this movie and you will be fine. And if you are keen to view some high intense gun action, well, watch Dredd for sure.


Why Should I See?: 3D effects, Gun Action
Why Should I Not?: Weak Plot

Rating: 6/10

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Ted (2012)

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Ted (2012)

Genre: Comedy/Fantasy

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel McHale

Directed by:Seth MacFarlane

Rated: USA: R, UK: 15, India: A 

Don't melt your heart for this cute Teddy, he is one brat that cannot be tamed. Ted is a hilarious Adult Comedy about a tale of romance and bro-mance.

The best part of this movie is the dialogue it emits and that too at the right time and the right place. The teddy is outstanding. This movie is far beyond moral and ethical values, so if you are easily offended by the profanity, stereotyping, sexual humors, dopes etc this movie is a strictly No for you. But if you are a no-matter-what and bring-it-on kinda person then do not and I say again do not miss on this one.


Mark Wahlberg has one profound comic side that we have seen earlier in other comedy movies too and Mila Kunis has done a pretty job (well of course she is pretty what can do...) and Seth MacFarlane aka Ted, is simply superb. Once you start enjoying the movie, you won't even treat Ted as a bear.


My Suggestion: Its a not-for-everyone movie so only watch it if you are fine with Adult Comedies.

Why Should I See?: Hilarious Dialogues
Why Should I Not?: Vulgarity
 
Rating: 7/10

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Life of Pi (2012)

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Life of Pi (2012)

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy

Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu

Directed by:Ang Lee

Rated: USA: PG, UK: PG, India: U 

Some movies are made to cherish, and Life of Pi is one of them. An astounding story of adventurous journey for survival, which may not bring tears to your eyes, but the smile on your face - is guaranteed.


Some really beautiful CGI & VFX, some highly intensed cinematography, some nail biting sequences, some praiseful dialogues, some meaningful lessons and above all the story of Piscine Patel and Richard Parker, together they made a movie you would love to watch.

Life of Pi is a finely crafted masterpiece that you would not want to miss. The film as we know, is based on Yann Martel's 2001 (novel of the same name) but the end is not as ambiguous as the book's.
And oh! if you can watch it in 3d, then do not miss some amazing 3d effects this movie has for you.


Why Should I See?: See it and you will know
Why Should I Not?: Some unnecessary effects, but that does not spoil anything at all.
 
Rating: 9/10

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Total Recall (2012)

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Total Recall (2012)

Genre: Sci-fi/Action/Dystopian

Starring: Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel

Directed by: Len Wiseman

Arny or no Arny, Mars or no Mars, but this movie is quite a descent remake of 1990's Mega Blockbuster with the same name. Total recall is more than it looks like in the start. One of the highly twisted movie that has been released recently, Total Recall has some of the finest actors and breath-taking Sfx (Special Effects).

As the movie goes on, you will start believing that it is not only Farrell who is confused about his true identity, but it confuses you too at many points about his identity. After all the tag line is - 'What is Real?'

 Despite being Arny's film remake which has always been famous for its humor and one liners, this movie seriously lacks in humor. But it is highly under rated, this flick is worth to go if you like sci-fi action based on future. There are very few senseless scenes which you may not like but it does not make the movie lose its charm, because there are many scenes that will make you glued to your seat and you may not wanna leave unless the movie finishes.



Pros: Sfx, Action and Kate Beckinsale
Cons: Lengthy, Lack in Humor

Rating: 7/10

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The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

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The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Genre: Superhero/Crime/Action/Thriller

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Morgan Freeman

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

You cannot expect any lesser from Christopher Nolan (Director). The Batman series trilogy has finally come to an end and this movie is the best farewell the Batman can get. The film has excellent direction, heart-pounding sfx and full of twist and turns. One will see the darker side of batman - his anger, his obsession, his passion that has been with him since 8 years (after the death of Harvy Dent) but never used it. Unlike the predecessor – The Dark Knight, it’s not about gadgets this time, but is about the physical and mental strength that Bruce Wayne possesses when he is Batman. This time he realizes the true power he has.

Bane is not as strong as the Joker, but his plans are vicious and more dangerous than Joker. The ravishing Anne Hathway aka Selina Kyle aka Catwoman has justified the role very well.

If you haven’t seen the other two parts, I will strongly recommend watching them first. Especially the first part i.e., Batman Begins, because if you don’t, you will keep on thinking that who is the mentor of Batman. 

Among the best part of the movie, is its excellent background score by the great Hans Zimmer. I believe that the Oscar is waiting for him already. The music itself intensifies the suspense/action scenes to a great extent.

The movie goes in slow pace once a while and at some places there are plot holes which doesn't makes sense (and you cannot expect such mistakes from Nolan Bros.) but the last 45 minutes of the movie is high packed action and thrill. It cover up all the complains that you may have in the previous 2 hours. And these 45 hours make the movie worthwhile.

The Dark Knight Rises can be considered among the best action movie of 2012 right beside The Avengers. With the reboot of Superman in 2013 as Man of Steel (by Zack Snyder), it seems like DC & Warner Bros. are planning for Justice League soon, and we wish the director to be none other than Nolan.

Rating: 8/10

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*Trailer Courtesy: VISO Trailers  

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The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

                       *poster Courtesy (www.impawards.com)

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)  

Genre: Superhero/Action/Sci-fi/Spinoff

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Irrfan Khan

Directed By: Marc Webb

From the directorial debut from 500 Days of Summer to the reboot of Spider-Man saga, Marc Webb indeed has come away a long journey. I hope he knew that this movie is going to be compared with the 2002's Spider-Man directed by Sam Raimi.


What occured to Sony Pictures Entertainment's mind to go for a reeboot is a mystry as it was a big risk to take when the last movie of Spider-Man franchisee generated more than 890 million USD (which was Sony Pictures Entertainment's highest grossing film to date). They could have continued with the old story and would have changed the director / star cast which has happened many times in Hollywood history rather than going for a reeboot.

Andrew Garfield undoubtedly portrayed the character very well and Emma Stone has always been a charm to see on the screen. But the point where movie loses scope is - Plot. The depiction of story has not been justified properly.

The film has stronger characters and amazing effects which makes the movie watchable, but when it comes to the plot, it has a million loose ends. Few of them being:

1. The story of Peter turning into wall-crawler has not been depicted properly as it was in Spider-Man (2002).

2. It has been shown that there are millions of biotic spiders, which means there are millions of chances of getting bitten somehow and turning into wall-crawlers.

3. In some places the movie is over-dramatic

4. Where is Dr. Rajit Ratha?

5. What was the purpose of showing small lizards shown time to time?

And the rest, I will leave on the readers to tell, if you watch the movie.

All in all, The Amazing Spider-Man is a worth to watch for its effects and effective star casts. DO NOT expect much from the movie and do not think of comparing it with 2002's Sam Raimi's classic, then only you will find it worth.

Pros:  Vfx
Cons: Weak Plot

Rating: 6/10

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 *Trailer Courtesy: VISO Trailers 
 

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