Iron Man 3 (2013)

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Iron Man 3 (2013)

Genre:     Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi | Superhero

Starring:  Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Jon Favreau, Ben Kingsley, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, Ty Simpkins

Directed by: Shane Black

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

Running Time: 130 minutes 

Movie Review:
To tell you the truth - I so wanted to give this movie 10/10. But as they say 'hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man.' and my first mistake was - after watching The Avengers (for 3 times in theater and several times on DVD - well I stopped counting after 3), I put all my hopes on Iron Man 3 and believed that it was going to be a masterpiece of a Super Hero Movies. Pity, it was not like that. Nevertheless, though Iron Man 3 did not deliver the way expected for it has a plot without vision and exploited villain far from what they were in the comics, this film did not disappoint in terms of action, comedy and visual effects.

Based on the character developed by Larry Lieber, Don Heck, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee - comic book writer, editor, publisher, media producer, television host, actor, voice actor and former president and chairman of Marvel Comics, Iron Man 3 is a fast pacing slapstick action comedy which concludes from where the The Avengers left. The near death experience of Tony Stark in The Avengers has resulted him to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder. Restless with his trauma - he has build up his personal Iron Man suits army. Being hubristic, he challenged a terrorist who, in return, devastate and tear apart his home and his pride (maybe) with it. Now its time for him to rebuild himself and return for vengeance, but wait! There is more to it, he also has one more enemy to deal with which can be the deadliest enemy he has ever met.

Robert Downey, Jr. is one actor with plethora of skills. You can always trust him for he will never let you down. With his skilled serious comedy and his ingenuous one liners, he can make you rofl. For the first time you can see less of Iron Man and more of Tony Stark who happens to have fighting skills regardless of the suit. Iron Man 3 is a well crafted visual  stunner and stick-to-couch kinda film which has a prolix run time of 130 minutes. It does not bore you but is not worth the storyline it has. Nevertheless this film is a worth watcher for its mesmeric effects, blood gushing action and brilliant 3d effects. But do not keep your expectations high, this film is relatively better than Iron Man 2 but don't think of comparing it with The Avengers. The Avengers was a masterpiece and Iron Man 3 is just a puzzle piece of the puzzle board The Avengers 2 is gonna provide. The more is yet to come.


 My Verdict:
I liked Iron Man 3, but did not love it. The story line is crappy but the way the film has been portrayed is amazing. There were some questions of which I did not get answer and I was a bit disappointed for the way they exploited the villainous characters from the comics. Also I felt that this film is worthlessly lengthy and few scenes should have been avoided to cut the length a bit and focus more on story. Nevertheless, Robert Downey, Jr. has always impressed me with his acting skills ( I wish someday I will see Downey with Johny Depp sharing the screen together - Man! It is gonna be a ride! Can actually we have a story so strong which can improvise both their acting skills? Hey! Directors - are you listening this?). But what amazed me was its stunning Vfx and hard core actions. Iron Man 3 is purely a scenic ride which you may love to enjoy in theater, just remember not to keep your expectation too high as you may have after watching Avengers.

Why See?: Visual effects, action, adventure, 3d effects

Why Not?: Crappy Storyline.

Rating: 7.5/10

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Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

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Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

Genre:     Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Starring:  Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Alice Eve, Bruce Greenwood, Peter Weller, Benedict Cumberbatch, Anton Yelchin

Directed by: J. J. Abrams

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

Running Time: 133 minutes 

Movie Review:

After the magnificent performance by Star Trek in 2009, it was quite clear that a sequel was on the way, which took a long road to reach to the theater - Obviously 4 year is a long span when Marvel Comics did the whole The Avengers concept in 4 years - which includes 2 Hulk, 2 Iron Man, a Thor and a Captain America and finally - The Avengers... and mind my maths but it calculates what? 7 movies! Not that is what we call Business! And now when the sequel is here, it is sure to create some ripples with its jaw dropping visuals and astounding 3d effects. This is what Star Trek Into Darkness is all about, it is a refreshing film with a weak story line, which is unlikely as the predecessor came with flabbergasting visuals and resplendent storyline along with the cast ensemble which were just perfect for a Star Trek installment. And Star Trek Into Darkness promises the same, the difference being is its underwhelmed story which does not impress anyhow.

 Based on the series of the same name created by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek Into Darkness is actually the 12th installment in the Star Trek film franchise which has been into continuation since 1979 when the first motion picture of Star Trek was released. The 2009 Star Trek was, however, a spinoff and took the Star Trek film franchise to a new level. But that does not mean that you have to watch each and every Star Trek to get hold of what exactly it is.

After bombing a secret installation in London, the starfleet agent John Harisson tries to kill the high ranking officers at starfleet, which result in deaths of several officers including Rear Admiral Christopher Pike. Harisson successfully escapes to a planet, which turns out to be Kilngton, the home planet of Kronos. Kronos are enemies to humans and now its time for the Starfleet Team which includes - Captain James Kirk, Spock, Dr. Leonard McCoy, Hikara Sulu, Nyota Uhura and many more, to go behind this fugitive with only two options - bring him back to justice or kill him for his evil deeds. The emotional Kirk, aghast by the death of Pike, is filled with rage and he is sure that he will end up killing Harisson. But Harisson is powerful and he know secrets that can shake the core of starfleet officers. And there is something new waiting for Kirk and his team, which is ruthless and ugly than Harisson himself. What will Kirk, Spock and their team gonna do? Watch out for this fast pacing adventurous yet dangerous ride with Kirk and his crew where they will save lives and more importantly, will save their dignity.

 My Verdict:

Star Trek Into Darkness is hell of a ride. With its appealing 3d effects, this film is a good to go. Just its storyline, which does not looks to be fresh and in the end - with all its whoa! effects, you may end up saying - 'I think I have watched films with similar story line'. But the place where it does not fail at all is - 'Entertainment'. Star Trek is visually perfect, with its jaw dropping sequences and its stunning visual effects, it takes you to a fast pacing adventurous ride where action and entertainment is guaranteed. And when you have your 3d glares on, you know that you took the right decision to go for this film because the 3d effect of this film, takes you to a magnificent joy ride.

Why See?: Visual effects, action, adventure, 3d effects

Why Not?: Storyline - which does not look fresh.

Rating: 7.5/10


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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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Apocalypto (2006)

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Apocalypto (2006)

Genre: Epic/Action/Adventure/Thriller

Starring: Rudy Youngblood, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Sérbulo, Dalia Hernández, Ian Uriel, Gerardo Taracena, Rodolfo Palacios, Bernardo Ruiz Juarez, Ammel Rodrigo Mendoza, Ricardo Diaz Mendoza, Israel Contreras

Directed by: Mel Gibson

Rated: US: R, UK: 18

Movie Review:

Mel Gibson is one brilliant director who has always left me mesmerized by his charismatic direction. Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ and now Apocalypto. I am not a profound fan of him, but the way he daringly takes concepts for direction has always acquired my attention.

Apocalypto, an Epic produced and written by Mel Gibson himself, depicts the struggle and fight of a man to return and save his family. And it is not a normal fight, he has to fight with the one of the most intelligent yet ferocious civilizations of time - The Mayans. Yes, they fooled us that world was gonna end, but this time they are serious.. :P. We may have survived the apocalypse but will this meso-american survive the Apocalypto? If yes, than how?

Apocalypto is a well crafted film which is ruthlessly bloody and highly intriguing  from start to end. This surely is not for faint heart people who do not enjoy gore much. But nevertheless, Apocalypto is a masterpiece of film that will be remembered as a 'cult' in the history of cinema. If you can bear the savage rampage this movie has, then do not miss it, because this film is more than violence, this film has every emotion you can think of. Its a keeper's edition that will entertain you always.

At few times, I almost forgot that I was watching a film, got so involved that it looked to me like I am seeing a real life story going on live in front of me. I did not find a single point which looked to me fake. The whole film being in Yucatec Maya dialect rather than English has made it more realistic and natural (hard coded English subs are available). The Vfx is amazing and the plot is heart throbbing.

Mel Gibson must have been called insane to direct such gory yet enthralling film but he must be highly appreciated, for all that movie is worth watching for, comes from the mind of Gibson himself. It will be in my library among the best movies I have seen and would love to see it again and again.


My Recommendation: If you can, for once, let go off your aversion for violent films (if you have any). Do watch this one, this film promises more than that, its a film that will clearly imprint a mark and will make you proud that you saw it. And if you are okay with violence in films, well don't miss this one.

Why Should I See?: Adrenaline rushing sequences, highly intriguing plot, brilliantly acted.

Why Should I Not?: Only if you cannot withstand violence at extent level.

Rating: 9/10

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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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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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Ramona and Beezus (2010)

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Ramona and Beezus (2010)

Genre: Adventure/Comedy/Fantasy/Family

Starring: Joey King, Selena Gomez, John Corbett, Bridget Moynahan, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Duhamel

Directed by: Elizabeth Allen

Rated: USA: G, UK: U

Ramona and Beezus is a smooth adorable family entertainer that will not disappoint you in any expect. It has emotions, humor, drama and everything a family entertainer should have, in short, it is a movie for all the ages.

Based on Ramona series of novels by Beverly Cleary, Ramona and Beezus has Joey King aka Ramona who is so adorable that her innocence will win your heart. She is the main protagonist of the film and the whole film revolves around her and her elder sister Beezus aka Selena Gomez.

Selena Gomez and Joey King's bond in the film is quite a charm. If you are looking for a family entertainer, this movie is surely made for you and you are gonna love every part of it.

Why Should I See?: Brilliant acting by adorable Joey and beautiful Selena.
Why Should I Not?: None, only if you are not into a family entertainer.
 
Rating: 6.5/10

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Avatar (2009)

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Avatar (2009)

Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy/Sci-fi

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi

Sigourney Weaver 

Directed by:James Cameron

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

Avatar is not a movie, but a vision of the critically acclaimed director James Cameron, who was holding this vision since before he even made Titanic. The only thing that was holding him back was the technology needed to make this movie which was not up to the mark that time. So he decided to enhance the technology himself, waited for years to come and finally completed his vision and made this heart throbbing epic we know today as 'Avatar'.

The planet Pandora and the 'Blue-tiful' Na'vi people all made out of Live Action CGI  makes the movie you would like to see open mouth. All the effects take you to the realms which only can be imagined in dreams. And with 3d effects it shows, it brings the dream to reality. In short Cameron showed the dream with open eyes which you will not forget for a lifetime.

Avatar is a beautiful epic which shows the vision of James Cameron. It has all the essence of a blockbuster movie, superb casting, mind blowing action sequences, well made plot and more importantly a well executed one. Its a world beyond world and a zenith of beautiful imagination.

In short - Avatar is more than a movie, it is an example to show that a movie can be beyond the expectations. It will set an example for the movies for years.

Why Should I See?: Everything
Why Should I Not?: None
 
Rating: 10/10

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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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