PK [2014]

Language - Hindi
Director - Raju Hirani
Run Time - 2 hours, 33 minutes
Genre - Drama/Comedy
Starring - Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Saurabh Shukla and Sushant Singh Rajput

Got a little busy over the last couple of weeks, but here we have PK's review. PK's promos and trailers left everyone, including myself, quite intrigued. With Raju Hirani directing, and starring Aamir Khan and a buttload of other A-list actors, it was one of the most awaited movies of the year.

But sadly, I was left dissapointed while walking out of the theater after watching the movie. It seems Raju Hirani has lost its charm. What worked wrong for the movie was the central idea behind the film that had already been conveyed through Akshay Kumar-Paresh Rawal starrer 'OMG-Oh My God' 2 years back. Yes, it worked around the idea through a completely different and unique plot, but at the end of the day it just felt lifted. Also, I felt that the movie was a tad bit stretched and  it got a bit of a drag till the end. Especially the whole scene when PK [Aamir Khan] goes around praying to each and every God in India. The songs dont work in the movie's favor either. The songs in this movie were dull and almost seemed liked filler items to further elongate the movie.

Coming to the positives, the movie is filled with A-list actors, and all of them gave a splendid performance. Aamir Khan as PK, the confused, pan-eating, Bhojpuri speaking, cloth-lifting alien gave an extraordinary performance which is worthy of all accolades that I'm sure he will earn in all the upcoming annual film awards. Aamir Khan's uncanny ability to achieve success in any role that he is given propels him to the status of being among the best actors of Bollywood all time. Anushka Sharma, Boman Irani, Saurabh Shukla, Sanjay Dutt and Sushant Singh also excelled in the various supporting roles. It was the tremondoues acting by all the actors which drove the film, according to me. I really loved Sanjay Dutt's short and entertaining cameo.

The movie starts with PK [Khan] arriving on Earth, somewhere in rural Rajasthan and is immediately robbed of his remote through which he can call back his spaceship. Lost, and confused, the movie tells his journey of his acclimatisation of the planet and the country wherein continuing the search for his remote. He befriends a curious reporter Jaggu [Anushka Sharma] who first does not believe his story, but then offers to help him.

The movie's central theme is a satire on the religious practices of people and the ridiculing of the length of people's beliefs in God and their designated God-men, similar to what OMG had attempted to do.

There is some room for laughter in the movie through some good script-writing, but it is offset by the excessive dramatization of the theme.

Watch this movie only for the marvelous performance of all the actors. I'm quite dissapointed by Raju Hirani after his three brilliant movies earlier.

My Rating - 7/10

Ugly [2014]

Language -Hindi
Director - Anurag Kashyap
Run Time - 2 hours, 8 minutes
Genre - Thriller/Drama
Starring - Ronit Roy

Anurag Kashyap through his film 'Ugly' shows us how people actually are. Yes, they are Ugly. He makes you think this movie is about the case of the missing child, but it is much more than that. It is about how rotten people are. It is so subtly put, most people would not be able to get this underlying theme.

I have been a huge fan of Anurag Kashyap after his amazing films like Dev D, Black Friday, No Smoking and Gangs of Wasseypur, and he does not disappoint. Although I do admit I expected much more from him, a better climax perhaps, after some pondering did I realize what the movie actually tried to convey, and it was much more than just a story.

With such obscure actors (Ronit Roy being the exception), Kashyap has indeed given us a gem of a movie. Thus, indicating his ability to find out the diamonds amongst the mud. Each character is perfect for his role, and don't you just love Ronit Roy's acting with each passing role? He is one greatly underrated actor of our times.

Shalini is a housewife who spends her day in misery and in the company of alcohol. Her husband is the hard ass police cheif, Shaumik Bose (Roy). Shalini has a daughter with her ex-husband Rahul, a struggling actor named Kali. One fine day as usual, Rahul takes Kali for the weekend as allowed by Shalini, and she gets kidnapped in broad daylight. The movie revolves around the kidnapping, and the ensuing rescue operations of innocent Kali. Everyone is seemingly innocent, yet no one is. Do Shomik and Rahul take their mutual hatred aside to find their daughter together? Watch this gripping tale to know the conclusion.

The best part about this movie is the introduction of so many different characters and storylines, as well as going into flashbacks, but ultimately linking everything with everyone. It gives a certain Guy Ritchie-esque feeling. A dark, thrilling and brutal tale, amidst the usual Bollywood masala. Do not miss it.

My Rating - 8/10

The Interview [2014]

Language - English, Korean
Director - Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen
Run Time - 1 hour, 52 minutes
Genre - Comedy
Starring - Seth Rogen and James Franco

Amidst all the hue and cry, The Interview finally managed to release in select theaters and online. As shameless as we are, we got the WebRip a day later, which enabled me to watch it and write this review.

Warning - Do not watch this movie with your mind open. It is a brainless movie but manages to make you laugh. But that is all because of the amazing performance by the two leads, James Franco as famous talk show host Dave Skylark, and Seth Rogen as his trusted producer Aaron Rapopart.

Skylark and Rapopart, or must I say Dung Beetle and Aardvark - the code names given by CIA attempt to assassinate Kim Jong Un in his own country on the facade of an interview. It is hilarious to see how they proceed as Skylark bonds with the dictator over Katy Perry and daddy issues, whereas Rapopart is infatuated with Kim Jong Un's head of security.

This movie provides some laughs, as did the two previous movies of Goldberg, namely 'Neighbours' and 'This is the End', as per our expectations. It does not have you roaring with laughter, but does manage to amuse you for just under 2 hours. The chemistry between Franco and Rogen is extraordinary, ever since the days of 'Freaks and Geeks' which is evident throughout the movie. These two lift the otherwise plotless film.

See the movie to know how Franco and Rogen go about the assassination. Do they succeed?

My Rating - 6.8/10

Primal Fear [1996]

Language - English

Director - Gregory Hoblit

Run Time - 2 hours, 9 minutes

Genre - Drama/Thriller

Starring - Richard Gere, Laura Linney  and Edward Norton

Although the plot of the movie is not very strong, kudos to Gere, Linney and ofcourse Ed Norton to give us a brilliant movie. Richard Gere and Laura Linney were considered supreme actors when this movie came out, and yes, they did deliver. We get to see Edward Norton's debut in this movie, and it couldn't have been a better debut performance for the man. After seeing this movie I realize how Norton pulled off the lead in Fight Club. The premise for the role of Tyler Durden was built here.

Martin Vail [Gere] is a hot-shot defense attorney, who loves the fame he gets from fighting for high profile clients. One fine day, the archbishop of the town is murdered, and the suspect is believed to be a young altar boy, Aaron Stampler [Norton]. At first, Vail is pursuing the client for the publicity it would bring, but eventually believes in his innocence. Against Vail is state attorney Janet Veneable [Linney], who has had a history with Vail.

The movie goes on with an investigation by Vail, along with his  defense of Aaron in the court. To his, as well as everyone else's horror, he discovers many secrets. Where do we see these secrets driving him, and the case?

The major plot is weak, but it is supplemented by side-plots. The movie could have been much better if the sub-plots were given more attention to. The other altar boy, Alex and the state attorney, John Shaughnessy provided for the story to build on them, but it never did.

Watch it, just for the performances of the cast.

My Rating - 7/10

Edge of Tomorrow [2014]

Language - English
Director - Doug Liman
Run Time - 1 hour, 53 minutes
Genre - Sci-Fi/Action
Starring - Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt

World uniting to fight away an alien invasion is now a highly used and saturated plot. But Doug Liman brings a new dimension to this theme by introduction of the time loop phenomena. Add to that the charisma of Cruise and some good acting from Emily Blunt, and we have a winner. Edge of Tomorrow mixes raw action with some smartness, and we have a good sci-fi flick on our hands. This movie is gripping, well paced, intriguing and clever. Tom Cruise proves that at the age of 52, he can still charm us as well as kick-ass.

Although the concept of time loop is not new (Groundhog Day, Source Code, Prince of Persia to name a few), it's introduction into a genre which was facing a scarcity of ideas was well executed. Like his other movies - Bourne Identity and Jumper, Liman manages to keep us enthralled and captivated by the movie.

The plot follows as aliens termed 'Mimics' have invaded central Europe and forced the countries of the world to join in an all out attack. Major William Cage [Cruise], a PR officer is forced to lead the army onto the beaches of France to fight against the aliens. When he declines, he is arrested, labelled a deserter, stripped of his rank and forced to fight. During his fight, he dies, and is born again, and the start of the day. He must then meets Sargent Rita Vrataski, the Full Metal Bitch [Blunt], who has had same experiences as Cage in an earlier battle. From there on, we follow the battle Cage and Rita face against the mimics, their comrades and their superiors in a bid to salvage the world.

Overall, the movie was shot wonderfully, the action sequences being quite good. Also one thing that gave the movie a plus point was the subtle comedy provided by the character of Nicholas Cage, which adds a little deviation from all the seriousness of the movie.

I would say this is one of the better films of the year, and one must craving sci-fi and/or action must definitely watch it.

My Rating - 8.2/10

Locke [2014]

Language - English
Director - Steven Knight
Run Time - 1 hour, 25 minutes
Genre - Drama
Starring - Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy is an exemplary actor, among the finest of our times. This movie is nothing without him, he certainly defines the movie. It takes a great actor to pull off a movie all by himself, rest a successful one.

This movie is about Ivan Locke [Hardy] and his drive to London where he is about to become a father to a child, thanks to an extra marital affair. Meanwhile, he also has his biggest 'work' day the next day as his company is about to have the biggest concrete pour in Europe aside from nuclear and military sites. The other angle is his wife and children, who are waiting for him to come home and enjoy a great derby.

The entire movie is shot within a BMW X5, Locke's car and the movie centers around his trip driving from Birmingham to London, while talking to his boss (who is on his ass), his assistant (who he guides for completion of the pour), his children (who are anxiously waiting for him to come home), his wife (who is distraught at learning of his infidelity) and the mother of his to be born child (who is lonely and afraid).

This is a different film from what we usually see, and although not thrilling, it is compelling. The Oscar nominated Steven Knight has quite impressively managed to capture us for an hour and a half.

But I must say, this movie is not for all. I doubt that audiences will warmly respond to this movie, especially the ones who watch movies to get entertained. I admit, even I was left longing for more of the background, and a better ending, because we generally don't come across such strange movies.

Nonetheless, see it for Tom Hardy, and his exquisite performance. And see it if you are patient enough.

My Rating - 7.4/10

Interstellar [2014]

Language - English
Director - Christopher Nolan
Run Time - 2 hours, 49 minutes
Genre - Science Fiction
Starring - Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain and Casey Affleck

WOAH! That was my  reaction after watching Interstellar. Yet another masterpiece from the one and only, Christopher Nolan. This guy never fails. We could though exclude 'Insomnia' though. The concept of the movie is far above an average human's intellect, and that is why Christopher Nolan is GOD. And the fact that he was able to complete this movie in just an upwards of a year just shows us how good he is. What Christopher Nolan's movies do is that they make you think - They make you think a lot, they baffle you, they confuse you until you watch it again, and again, and yet again.

There has been a serious dearth of sci-fi movies in recent times, and this has led to the success of this film even further. But that being said, such a movie deserves the praise, not just because of the lack of science fiction movies, but because of its content too. Even after 2 hours and 49 minutes, not a single moment seems like a drag which one generally experiences in such long movies. Nolan is one director who is able to make a highly critical/cult film as well as commercially successful movie as one. A person who is not interested in sci-fi too gets enthralled by the movie because of Nolan's ability to mix up the emotional and the technological quotient amazingly. This makes the movie interesting to geeks as well as drama craving movie-goers. That is although possible majorly due to the brilliant acting of our leads McConaughey and Hathaway. Other actors such as Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain and Casey Affleck also do not disappoint. The introduction of Matt Damon as Dr. Mann through mid-way was an interesting twist as Damon was nowhere named in any publicity of the movie.
Also worth mentioning was the character of TARS, which added the witty quotient in an otherwise serious movie.

The film delves into the future where living on Earth is not viable anymore and new sustainable planets must be discovered by Earth's finest - Cooper [McConaughey], Dr. Brand [Hathaway] and two other astronauts. This journey makes us go from Earth to Saturn, via a wormhole to a new galaxy where everything is unknown. Our heroes must succeed so that humanity can survive in the future. Amidst our journey, we see strange planets with huge tidal waves and frozen clouds. Yes, the possibilities in space are limitless, and that is what this movie makes us experience.

What this film does is, that is goes where no movie has ever gone before. It interests us into the actualities and possibilities inside a black hole - a topic in 'space' which is fairly unknown to majority of the mankind. And the logic, yes I cannot get over the logic which Nolan uses to give us the explanation of it all. It is just brilliant and we have his brother Jonathan Nolan to thank for the screenplay.

Of course in a science fiction movie there are always loopholes and the desire of people to know more and to criticize anything. Well, that desire exists in me too and I think that we should have been given more details, origins  about the 'Blight' which was making it unacceptable to live in earth and as to who rescued Cooper and how. But that is what Nolan does, leaves us with questions, always.

The movie gives us a brilliant story, with such extraordinary visuals and exemplary acting to give us a masterpiece, which would no doubt achieve cult status in the coming years. This movie is up there, comparable with the likes of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner, Alien and Star Wars franchise.
The best of the best.

Not to forget the legendary Hans Zimmer, who's background score never fails to disappoint and keeps us even more engrossed in the movie.

Lastly I would just like to mention how amazingly McConaughey has evolved from doing rom-coms to films like Lincoln Lawyer, Dallas Buyers Club, Mud and the classic first season of True Detective. Phenomenal talent, which was just willing to show itself.

My Rating 9/10

Gone Girl [2014]

Language - English
Director - David Fincher
Run Time - 2 hours, 29 minutes
Genre - Thriller/Drama
Starring - Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris

SPOILER ALERT!

David Fincher, one of my favourite directors, has struck gold again. With his masterful art of delivering suspensful thrillers to us, he manages to keep us enthralled, yet again. Be it Fight Club, Se7en or even Zodiac, we are always intrigued by the plot and are wanting to know what happens further. Same is the case here. Considering 'Gone Girl', I was fascinated from the trailer itself, and the movie definitely delivers, keeping you on the hook. Ben Affleck has evolved highly from the days of winning 'Razzies' to being considered one of the finest in Hollywood. The rest of the cast is also well chosen, Rosamund and NPH delivering brilliantly for their respective characters.

What I adore most about Fincher is how he builds up the suspense right from the start, and after the first scene itself he gives us an opinion of our leads Nick Dunne [Affleck]. We start making our assumptions and perceptions about him, and everything that we notice and process further is a biased judgement. Is Nick Dunne capable of killing his wife? It does seem so.

But then, BOOM!, midway across the movie, we witness a surprising turn of events. We discover the actual psychopath, that is the oh-so-perfect-little-scared-but-no-the-oh-so-manipulative-conniving-bitch the 'Amazing Amy'. Fincher's tactic is to introduce a radical twist in the middle of the movie, and this tactic definitely works for him. This strategy makes the viewers even more interested.

The movie goes on as Nick Dunne fighting to prove his innocence against the police, media, neighbours and his in-laws, all who doubt him; so compelling is the plot set up that each member of the audience also seems to bend their thought that way, although as always, we want our protagonist to be innocent.

A dark, captivating story, that is a masterpiece with the amazing plot and incredible acting of Affleck. Neil Patrick Harris offers to be an interesting character and even he performs terrifically.

My Only area of concern was the odd ending. I guess Fincher could have given us a better climax than the one we saw. I do not know if he has tried to emulate the book or not, but a different climax would have given the film more depth I feel.

With the amazing background score provided by Trent Raznor and Atticus Ross, it is even more a delight; them continuing their succesfull work from The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo and The Social Network.

If you love a thriller, you should definitely go for this movie.
My Rating - 8.4/10

22 Jump Street [2014]

Language - English
Director - Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Run Time - 1 hour, 52 minutes
Genre - Comedy/Action
Starring - Jonal Hill, Channing Tatum

The team of 21 Jump Street is back, and it is back with a bang. The dynamic duo of Phil Lord and Christopher Lord are back with another blockbuster, and yes, this is their second one in the year after the hilarious 'Lego Movie'. Honestly I've loved every movie directed by them uptil now. They are among my 'To look out for' directors.

With 21 Jump Street, Hill and Tatum proved their amazing chemistry, and here yet again they rock that chemistry. While portraying Schmidt and Jenko, they gel remarkably as the two characters are so different yet so similar. Lord and Miller have been geniuses not to meddle with the characters and the pattern of the first movie. In short, it is a clever sequel and a great way to build up the franchise; yes its been confirmed of a third sequel releasing soon.

Scmidt and Jenko, as in the first movie play undercover cops who have now been sent to college to INFILTRATE THE DEALER, FIND THE SUPPLIER! and we follow the same plot as of 21 Jump Street, though we don't mind it. Two stupid cops working undercover to catch drugs is still funny. We again go through the same cycle of one of them getting too involved in college, and the other feeling left out but then coming together to save they day. Yes, it may sound mundane and repetitive, I assure you that it is one of the best comedies to come out this year. Jonah and Tatum have brilliant chemistry, the jokes are fresh and thhe soundtrack is exciting.

Go for the movie! My Rating - 8/10

Haider [2014]

Language - Hindi
Director - Vishal Bharadwaj
Run Time - 2 hours, 40 minutes
Genre - Action/Drama
Starring - Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Tabu, Irrfan Khan, Kay Kay Menon

Haider is an exceptional film. It is probably the only Hindi movie this year which shall receive my heartiest appreciation. Vishal Bharadwaj has struck gold this time, and he seems to be one of the few directors  who can get a good performance out of Shahid Kapoor [Kaminey also]. After watching this movie, I'd like to say that Shahid Kapoor can actually act well, when he does not over-act. His monologue scene was nothing less than remarkable. He essays a multitude of emotions in this film, and does so with extreme ease. I am amazed by this wonderful performance.

Add to that, the brilliant acting of all the supporting actors, be it Tabu as the caring, loving mother who uses emotional torture to get her son to listen to her, or Kay Kay Menon as the conniving uncle; we get an exciting movie. But what blew me away was the entry of Irrfan Khan. The majority of audience [me included] was not expecting him to be in the film, and the director shows his entry with such class, and swagger; we are left awestruck. Shraddha Kapoor's performance, as always, seems very mediocre.

WARNING - A SPOILER AHEAD. READ IT THOUGH, IF YOU KNOW HAMLET'S PLOT

This film is a remake of the play Hamlet, written by Shakespeare, and Vishal Bharadwaj perfectly presents it to the Indian audience. What would be more intriguing to the Indian audience than a story revolving around terrorism and revenge? Yes, a case could be for nonsensical comedies made year round, but lets leave it at that. The plot of Hamlet has been perfectly replicated here with Haider [Shahid] looking for vengeance against his Uncle [Menon], who has had Haider's father killed and also started a romance with his wife [Tabu].

Such is the complexity of Haider's character that at time we wonder if he has actually gone nutty due to trauma or it all a farce. Bharadwaj also adds a touch of comedy to take off the seriousness of the film by the introduction of the characters of Salman and Salman, who love the 'Bhai', and spend their time watching movies of him, and also try to behave like him, one of them being quite successful in doing so. Also, the scene where Irrfan Khan points out how the psyche of the people living in the state has become that they feel the need to be checked at every point is quite sardonic.

Another element I really liked about the film was the filmmakers ability to mix the present and flashback scenes perfectly.

Also the soundtrack as well as the background score are quite brilliant. Loved how aptly the song Bismil plays into the sequence of the movie. And again, what a performance by Shahid during that song.

One point that bothered me was the song 'So Jao'. Yes the song is quite good, but I cant comprehend the dancing/enacting of the song in the movie. It was quite absurd.

Don't miss this gem of a movie. My Rating - 8.5/10