The Last Stand (2013)

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The Last Stand (2013)

Genre: Action | Crime | Thriller

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Forest Whitaker, Johnny Knoxville, Rodrigo Santoro, Luis Guzmán, Jaimie Alexander, Eduardo Noriega, Peter Stormare, Zach Gilford, Génesis Rodríguez

Directed by: Kim Ji-woon

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

Movie Review:
Arny is back after 10 years in a lead role and that too with a Bang! Though he is not the same as he was in Terminator 3 and has grown old. But his passion for action is nonetheless same.

The Last Stand is especially for Arnold Schwarzenegger fans who have been waiting for his comeback since a decade, who even watched The Expandables, just to have a glimpse of him and well Kim Ji-woon is not going to disappoint any of the Arny's fan and that is for sure.

Set in a sleepy border town Sommerton Junction - Arizona, of which, Ray Owens (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is the Sheriff. Soon he comes to know that the leader of a drug cartel has been on a run and going to speed out to the Mexican Border via his town in a sports car faster than any chopper. Now he knows that the only thing that can stop him from crossing the border is he and his rookie staff. How will he do that? The answer is: he has his own means (he always has). But will he be able to? The answer is in the film itself.

The Last Stand is a fast paced action film with some good one liners and has been comic at places, but all in all it is an average action flick with nothing fresh except Arnold who still has his charm and will be loved by his admirers. Moreover this is a genuine welcome to Arnold Schwarzenegger and is fine film for him to have a start all over again. 'Welcome back Arnold, you did a fine job here' - That's all what I have to say.
 
My Verdict: This is not a film for the film lovers who wants something extraordinary and has urge to watch something different or maybe a film crafted for oscar. But if you are an Arnold Schwarzenegger fan and you want to see some decent action film with no nonsense, this film will meet your expectations (just try not to keep them much high). This film has some good action scenes and the pace of the film keeps you engaged. Beside that, it has nothing special to see, oh! wait! it has something special to see and that will be Arny himself.

Why See?: Arnold Schwarzenegger, fast pace, good action

Why Not?: Nothing extraordinary

Rating: 6/10

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Jack Reacher (2012)

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Jack Reacher (2012)

Genre: Action | Crime | Thriller

Starring: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, Werner Herzog, David Oyelowo, Robert Duvall

Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie

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

Movie Review:
Adapted from Lee Child's 2005 novel 'One Shot', Jack Reacher aka Tom Cruise is a homicide investigator, an ex military, and a super intelligent analyst, who is investigating a murder mystery where 5 people are randomly killed by a trained military sniper. But someone don't want him in the city, neither he wants him to investigate. How will he investigate the case when his own life is in danger?

Literally speaking, this film is watchable because of Tom Cruise who has done a good job as Jack Reacher. The story line is impressive but not well executed. That-bond-girl from 'Die Another Day' aka Rosamund Pike is fabulous. Alas! they don't even kiss (Oh! Spoiler! never mind, it was something worth to know, I so wanted them to, and she so wanted him to.. But Reacher.. how gay of him.. he can analyze every aspect.. but cannot read her mind.. weird.)

From the direction point of view, this movie lacks in many aspects. Except Cruise and Pike, none of the ensemble seemed to be serious about their character. Especially David Oyelowo and Werner Herzog. I did not like David in any scene (wrong expressions to blame). Plus action scenes are not well contained, Jack Reacher lacks in some good action, even car chase was very simplified (not-so-Tom-Cruise eh!)

Maybe Christopher McQuarries should try harder as a director. He is a good screenplay writer and no one doubts that. But Jack Reacher is not that impressive, and if it wasn't for Tom Cruise, I am pretty sure that this film would have gone way down than its position. But this film is not-so-Tom-Cruise in which any good actor would have done a good job.

 Nevertheless, its a smart thriller, and if your genre is a murder mystery and your hero is Tom Cruise, you can give it a go. It has a good script and a good entertainer. So if you have nothing to do on this weekend, or any other weekend that follows, you can Rent this film, and watch it.
 
My Verdict: Despite of not well executed plot, Jack Reacher aka Tom Cruise, did a fine job to keep us entertained if not intrigued. Tom and Rosamund are the only fine actors in this film as other did not seemed so well contained. It is a classic thriller and differs from modern day thrillers. So if you would like to visit 80s thrilling films with modern touch this movie is for you. All in all Jack Reacher is a weekend entertainer and Rental of course.

Why See?: Good plot, well acted by Tom Cruise and Rosamund Pike.

Why Not?: Nothing impressive, other actors acting deficiency.

Rating: 6.5/10

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Gangster Squad (2013)

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Gangster Squad (2013)

Genre: Action/Crime

Starring: Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Emma Stone, Anthony Mackie, Giovanni Ribisi, Michael Peña, Robert Patrick

Directed by: Ruben Fleischer

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

Movie Review:

Okay, somebody tell me what was wrong with Ryan Gosling's voice? Why was he talking like a girl. Lol, a guy with that personality and voice like this, irritates a lot. And yeah, the love chemistry of gorgeous Emma Stone and hunk Ryan Gosling (with female touch in his voice this time don't know why) is back from Crazy Stupid Love. They look a pretty couple together on screen.

Gangster Squad is an Action Crime film based on Tales from the Gangster Squad  by Paul Lieberman. This movie shows post World War II Los Angeles, which was then under control of a gangster Mickey Cohen. Can this gangster be stopped when he virtually owns the city? Well this is movie all about.

I appreciate Sean Penn (Mickey Cohen) as for some good acting here though his makeup is 'gawky'. But in this movie, what I truly appreciate is... Screenplay. Will Beall has written some great one-liners that were enjoyable at times.

There are some good action sequences and some nonsensical too (well car chase looked murky to me few times). But most importantly, there are some loop-holes in plot that are questionable. Ruben Fleicher's Zombieland was hilarious, and he has taken care of putting some good humor in this movie too but they are too less than expected.

Dialogues are enjoyable, caste ensemble is up to the mark,  the style the movie carries on in whole is great but when it ends, you just get up saying - 'It could have been better than what it is'. Well Ruben, take care next time. I appreciate your approach, but this movie has some elements missing and some questions that should have been taken care of in the movie itself.

My Recommendation: Car chases and gunfights of 40's was something we rarely see. So this is a Rental.

Why Should I See?: Screenplay and some good actions

Why Should I Not?: Sometimes Blatant

Rating: 6/10

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Bad Boys II (2003)

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Bad Boys II (2003)

Genre: Action/Comedy/Crime/Thriller

Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Jordi Mollà, Gabrielle Union, Peter Stormare

Directed by: Michael Bay

Rated: US: R, UK: 15

Movie Review:
What happens when one of my favorite director works with one of my favorite producer to make a comedy-action with one of my favorite comic actor? When the trio Bay, Bruckheimer and Smith meets, a super comic, super action, super entertainer film happens and they name it 'Bad Boys II'.

I did not like Bad Boys (1995) much, which forced me to have this feeling that the sequel is not going to be better. But well we all know that 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' was better than 'The Terminator', in fact it was one of the best action movies I saw that time . Which means sequel not being better than the original does not happen always, right? Hence I decided to give it a try and well, soon I knew that this movie is going to be in my 'Must to Watch Action Films' list.

Bad Boys II has everything an action comedy movie must be filled with. Stylish actions, hilarious comedy and two brilliant actors Lawrence & Smith dealing with both. Though the movie has lot of racist jokes which may offend some people, but hey, those dialogues have been flawlessly delivered  by Lawrence & Smith which has made it highly enjoyable than to be felt offended with.

Michael Bay has always surprised me with his stylish action sequences and this movie has not been deprived of it a bit. Bad Boys II is a non-stop action entertainer that has nail biting action sequences that just goes on and on. And well due to the dialogues and action, the plot did not even mattered to me.

All in all, this is a good movie that any action - comedy lover will hardly give a miss.

My Recommendation: If you are an action - buddy comedy fan, and you don't care about how the racist jokes could do you any harm. Well, watch it!

Why Should I See?: Brilliant Action Sequences, Hilarious Comedy

Why Should I Not?: Racist Jokes, Involve Drugs

Rating: 7.5/10

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Gone Baby Gone (2007)

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Gone Baby Gone (2007)

Genre: Crime/Drama/Mystery/Thriller

Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Amy Ryan, John Ashton

Directed by: Ben Affleck

Rated: US: R, UK: 15

Movie Review:
Based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, Gone Baby Gone is the feature length directorial debut for Ben Affleck. But in the entire movie, I did not find any aspect that showed that this has been directed by a novice director. Instead, hats off to Affleck that he directed one fine movie which, in turn, shows his bright future in the movie direction. 

Gone Baby Gone has some very fine actors like Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris. Harris has been brilliant in all of the movie. Ben's brother Affleck need to learn to act more subtly because he seemed just okay. Beautiful Michelle Monaghan has done a pretty nice job.


It's a mystery thriller about a girl who has been abducted by someone (I won't tell you who - no spoilers, remember (;  ) and a private detective Casey Affleck is investigating the case with Michelle Monhaghan as his 'better half' and two policemen Ed Harris And John Ashton. All Casey cares about is finding the girl and get her safely to her mother but when he digs deep down, he comes to know some truths that were better hidden and some lies that are sweeter than the truth. But what will Casey do after knowing the truth is the biggest question.

The strongest part of this movie is its brilliant plot that will keep you intrigued (of course only if you have not read the novel, as I haven't). And when you will know what it has in the end, it will leave you questioning about what you saw. It will make you think what was right and what was wrong and that what has been done was the thing that should be done. Confused? Curious? Well watch this movie and you will know what I am talking about (and no this ain't a psychological thriller lol).

My Recommendation: Watch it for Ben Affleck whose hard work in direction has made the movie worth a watch.

Why Should I See?: Brilliant plot, some fine acting.

Why Should I Not?: Nothing specific, a bit slow but that too is manageable.

Rating: 7/10

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Serbuan Maut aka The Raid Redemption (2011)

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Serbuan Maut aka The Raid Redemption (2011)

Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller

Starring: Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Donny Alamsyah

Directed by: Gareth Evans

Rated: US: R, UK: 18

Review:

OK, first of all, they all were not elite cops, most of them were 'rookies'. But The Raid Redemption has some really nice ass kicking hard core martial art scenes that need some serious appreciation. Don't watch it for plot, don't watch it for story, don't watch it for dialogues. But WATCH IT for its intense martial art actions and gun fights. Because when the action starts, it just won't stop.

The Raid Redemption, however lacks in plot which is very plain and hopeless. There has been many martial art films made with a good plot and scenes. Plot is the only place where it falls behind.


My Recommendation: Are you a martial art action fan no matter what? Rent the DVD today, because this film is a kick-ass for martial art lovers.

Why Should I See?: Intense action scenes
Why Should I Not?: Weak Plot

Rating: 7/10

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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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Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

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Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Genre: Crime/Comedy/Suspense

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan

Directed by: Shane Black

It maybe the Directorial Debut for Shane Black but Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a great comedy with dark humor and a brilliant piece of acting by Robert Downey Jr. If you are Downey's fan, this movie is made especially for you. Don't go on its name, it ain't an action movie, the movie is hilarious if you like dark comedies. Though it has some scenes that does not make sense but then in comedy movies, not everything has to make sense.

The chemistry between Downy & Kilmer is admirable and the dialogues are well placed. There are some stupidity which has a unique humor that the narrator Downey himself admit it to be stupid.

All in all it is a watchable movie with good plot and brilliant cast. Don't miss on this one if you are Downey's fan and/or a Dark Comedy Lover.

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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