Star Wars : The Force Awakens [2015]

Language - English
Director - J.J. Abrams
Run Time  - 2 hours, 15 minutes
Genre - Drama/Sci-Fi
Starring - Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, etc

The most awaited movie of the year finally arrived, and lo, it did not disappoint at all. All of us were crushed after watching Episodes 1-3 came out because they were soooooo BAD! But, the Force Awakens is a brilliant sequel to a brilliant franchise, one that was long pending.

There was no doubt of JJ Abrams talent, as we saw how admirably he revamped the Star Trek series. And he proved his mettle once again. It was refreshing to see new characters, and Oh did we love them like we loved Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, Darth Vader and the rest. Rey, Fin, Kylo Ren, Poe, and BB-8 are great characters to build the next stage of the franchise.

JJ Abrams kind of played safe here, with the film kind of mirroring A New Hope, but isn't that what we all wanted anyway? The film is packed with great action, stunning visual effects and the new characters add a lot of energy missing in the last 3 movies. The little quips in between also add a pleasant dimension to the film.

The Force Awakens picks off after the events of 'Return of the Jedi', wherein the dark side was finally defeated. It has been many years since, Luke Skywalker has disappeared, and the dark side has grown stronger, seducing innocent young minds towards its side (Kylo Ren). There are some new faces in the fight between the good and evil, with each side looking to find the last JEDI - Luke.

There is not one moment in the movie which feels like a drag, as it keeps you enthralled all throughout. And the best part is the number of times the movie has paid tribute to the original trilogy. Its a must watch for every Star Wars, Sci-Fi fan or anyone for that matter who likes going to the movies.

Go on, and May The FORCE be with you.

My Rating - 8.5/10

Bajirao Mastani [2015]

Language - Hindi
Director - Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Run Time - 2 hours, 38 minutes
Genre - Drama/Romance/Biopic
Starring - Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra

Rarely does one get to say that a Bollywood movie has been shot so well, and I can say this about Bajirao Mastani. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has always been a director with a vision of grandeur and splendor, and he does manage to captivate us with this visual masterpiece. Every shot, every scene has been shot with ultimate perfection and richness.

But it doesn't end there, the movie is aptly aided by the brilliant acting of its lead characters, Ranveer Singh as Peshwa Bajirao, Deepika Padukone as Mastani and Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai. All three have given a splendid performance deserving an applaud. The sizzling chemistry between Ranveer and Deepika has earlier been witnessed in Ram-Leela, and they continue to charm us. Priyanka Chopra also performs admirably as the supporting character.

The movie is a biopic of Peshwa Bajirao, the second greatest person of interest of the vast Maratha empire, after Shivaji himself. It is based on a novel which gave greater focus towards his relationship with his wives, Kashibai and Mastani.

The movie goes on the similar lines of Jodhaa Akbar, but is not able to match it as it falls short of content. The movie could have been made better if it could have been shortened a bit, as by the end it sort of feels like a drag. And there were numerous, unnecessary songs which could have been done away with.

All being said, one should go watch this movie, as it is better than most Bollywood movies which are nonsensical, predictable and unoriginal. Just go to admire Sanjay Leela Bhansali's artistry and the amazing chemistry of Deepika and Ranveer.

My Rating - 7/10

Spectre [2015]

Language - English
Director - Sam Mendes
Run Time - 2 hours, 28 minutes
Genre - Action/Thriller
Starring - Daniel Craig, Christopher Waltz and Ralph Fiennes.

The last BOND movie of the Daniel Craig era, Spectre starts off wonderfully. We have an exhilarating scene in Mexico amidst the 'Day of the Dead' festivities, but sadly, the movie just goes downhill from there and is not able to maintain the tempo.

For a James Bond movie, the 'action' content was quite sparse, and even when there was, it was meek and uninteresting. The movie made no sense in some areas as well and there were multiple plot holes in the movie. Simply put, the movie does not succeed in keeping the audience captivated. Although it does succeed in confusing them at times. Sam Mendes, disappoints after the much loved Skyfall.

Mendes fails to gain from casting Christopher Waltz as the villain, as the movie barely featured him. Even Dave Bautista of the Guardians of Galaxy fame (Drax) and Andrew Scott of Sherlock fame (Moriarty) were both barely given any screen time and thus wasted.

The movie picks up from the scars of Skyfall, with Bond chasing a target given to him by M posthumously, but failure to work within the system leads to his official leave from MI6. Bond uncovers an undercover criminal organization that has long been pulling the strings behind criminal activities in the world - Spectre, but his infiltration is soon discovered. These chain of events kick off the movie with Bond trying to figure out more behind Spectre and Franz Obenhauser (leader of Spectre) attempting to kill Bond.

The trailer promised us so much, It promised us of a great possible battle ensuing between Bond and the criminal organization 'Spectre'; something on the terms of Mission Impossible 5, but it became more of a one on one between Bond and Obenhauser (Waltz). Sam Mendes tried to win the war by linking all Craig-era movies but lost the battle at hand by failing to have a substantial plot for this movie.

The movie also falls short of the usual Bond gadgets and gizmos, that are usually the forte of a spy.

Thus. ends Daniel Craigs Bond reign, though, he does not go out with a bang. More like a fizzle.

Hardcore Bond fans will watch, but I'd recommend avoiding.

My Rating - 6.4/10

Talvar [2015]

Language - English
Director - Meghna Gulzar
Run Time - 2 hours, 12 minutes
Genre - Drama/Mystery
Starring - Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma

'Talvar' takes us back to the gruesome story of Aarushi Talwar double murder case which absorbed and dumbfounded the entire country. This is not another version of what happened, rather an anthology of all possible versions, upon which the audience can base their judgment.

Bollywood  movies rarely please me, but Talvar was an exception.

What works for this movie is its unique documentary-esque style of storytelling which keeps the audience enthralled throughout. Kudos to Vishal Bharadwaj for that. Also, credit to Irrfan, Konkona and especially to Neeraj Kabi for his performance as 'Ramesh Tandon' (Ramesh Talwar). I'm beginning to like him quite a lot after following his performances in 'Ship of Theseus' and 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy'.

This movie reveals how truly fucked up and bizarre the Indian justice systems' working is, as we get an overview of how this case progressed. It shows how Indian police and investigating authorities are incapable of solving a crime even with the easiest of evidence available and how a case becomes a media trial instead of being just a police investigation.

Although there were some shortcomings according to me. Vishal Bharadwaj, here portrays a biased stand towards the parents' innocence and builds the movie chiefly on that. Also, Tabu's role was unnecessary and could have easily been cut out.

In conclusion, I would like to shower some praise on Vishal Bharadwaj. He is one of the few genius minds in Bollywood. His films move away from the usual run of the mill Bollywood films, and that is one thing I love about his work. His films challenge the typical 'song-dance-drama-sprinkle some comedy' routine to which majority of Bollywood films adhere to and thus seem like a diamond among the soot. More movies should be made like this.

Just go Watch it. This is one movie you should not miss out on.

My Rating - 8.6/10

The Martian [2015]

Language - English
Director - Ridley Scott
Run Time - 2 hours, 21 minutes
Genre - Drama/Sci-Fi
Starring - Matt Damon, Kristin Wiig, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Michael Pena, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, Kate Mara and Chiwetel Ejiofor

With such a star-studded cast, one can barely go wrong. (Remember Expendables, Valentine's Day, The Counselor). And you have Ridley Scott as the director. This film had success written all over it.

A great story (everyone loves a hero story), coupled with some phenomenal actors, and brilliant cinematography and we have our masterpiece. One thing that was mediocre was the background score. You cannot have a science fiction movie without a good background score. It was lacking half the times and the other half seemed like it had been picked up from the soundtrack of Interstellar. Well, all can't be Hans Zimmer.

The Martian, based upon the best-selling novel of the same name, tells us the story of Mark Whitney [Damon], who's left behind upon a mission to mars as he was presumed dead. Now all alone on this planet he must find means to survive and somehow alert NASA that he is still alive. How will NASA bring back America's hero?

One may try to compare The Martian with the previous year's space saga, 'Interstellar'; but I ask why? They are completely different and amazing movies and should be left at that. Genius director Christopher Nolan's Interstellar made us think while Ridley Scott's Martian makes us hope. Hope for our hero to survive.

Although not suspenseful, but it was certainly not predictable. Our hero, Mark Whitney's tale sure had its share of ups and downs. Another thing that worked for the movie was the dialogues. The quips and quirks sure added some flavor to what otherwise would have been a pretty mundane movie.

I was a bit sad to see the other actors to receive such less screen time considering the tremendous talent and pedigree they hold to their names.

But Kudos to Ridley Scott and Matt Damon to deliver us one of the smartest, simplest and most satisfying film of the year.

My Rating - 8.8/10

The Intern [2015]

Language - English
Director - Nancy Meyers
Run Time - 2 hours, 1 minute
Genre - Comedy/Drama
Starring - Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro

The Intern, from the trailer itself, seemed delightful. And yes, it was a delightful and heartwarming movie. Seasoned actors Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway put an effortless performance to steal the show.

'The Intern' is a 'feelgood movie', which you'll watch and enjoy, and watch it again and again. But you will not appreciate it, as it does not offer anything new in terms of a brilliant storyline (okay credits for introducing us to senior citizen internships) or a tremendous performance by its cast. What is credible is the amazing chemistry shared by our two protagonists, which makes us love the movie.

The movie starts off with us getting an introduction of Ben Whittaker (De Niro) who has been feeling a bit lonely and bored since his wife died and he retired. He senses a new opportunity in a senior internship program offered by a startup - AboutTheFit - yes, run by Jules Ostin (Hathaway). At first Jules is reluctant to work with Ben, but time passes by, and Ben impresses her and everyone at the firm with his mannerisms and friendly nature and they form a reliable and trustworthy relationship.

What also works for the movie is the exceptional comic timing of the script, coupled with some good performances by the supporting characters.

The movie pleases the crowd and it does that job well.

My Rating - 6.8/10  

Entourage [2015]

Language - English
Director - Doug Ellin
Run Time - 1 hour, 44 minutes
Genre - Drama/Comedy
Starring - Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara and Jeremy Piven

Like every guy in this world, I loved the Entourage series and was awaiting the movie as soon as news came out about the movie. And yes, I liked the movie too. But going back to that, it's not really a movie. It just seems like a couple of episodes stitched together and tagged as a movie.

This was the chance for the show to grow into a proper franchise and make its mark but sadly, it failed. Since I loved the show so much, I'm a bit biased towards saying that it was a good movie. But if you look at it from another angle, it's just a movie about a Hollywood star and his entourage going about the regular routine of women, alcohol, partying, and the usual.

We continue from where the show ended, with the usual tone of failed romances for Vince and Eric (no surprise that Sloan is again no more). Drama's still struggling but Turtle has become a different man altogether, slim and RICH! Let's hug it out Bitches, Ari Gold is back too and the supporting crew of Mrs Gold, Lloyd and Shauna.

We again follow the lives of these individuals as they try to make it big in Los Angeles, rising above failures and petty issues. Yes, we love these characters, and thus we love the movie, but this movie needed something more, something different which was missing. By saying more, we were not asking for so many cameos Mr. Ellin.

Everyone who loved the show, will like the movie. Others could avoid.

My Rating - 6.4/10

Man from U.N.C.L.E [2015]

Language - English
Director - Guy Ritchie
Run Time - 1 hour, 56  minutes
Genre - Action
Starring - Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer

Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a well made movie and all, but sadly, it falls beneath the level of Guy Ritchie, the director of Snatch, Locks Stocks, RocknRolla and Sherlock Holmes series. This movie is very different from his usual movies which are filled with various plots working at the same time and delivering a perfect climax.

Man from U.N.C.L.E. is quite an entertaining movie with Armie Hammer as 'Illya' and Henry Cavill as 'Solo' coming together to form an effective albeit hostile partnership. Add in Alicia Vikander as the 'oh-so-gullible' [is she?] Gaby and we have a charming trio.

The movie set in the Cold War era portrays the American and Russian agents and their contrasting nature perfectly with Solo being all suave and modern and Illya depicted as one preferring everything traditional and old-school. The animosity between these two is what keeps the movie going. Also the awkward romance between pretentious husband and wife Illya and Gaby.

The plot of the movie is very simple. Amidst the cold war rivalry of the two nations, these two agents are teamed up to go against a mutual enemy. The usual tricks of a spy movie are used and the movie is at times quite predictable.

Another thing that works for the movie is the brilliantly shot action sequences which our director Guy Ritchie has somewhat a mastery in. What does not work is thelinear plot of the movie. And what is missing is a good climax. Personally, it seemed too simple the way the enemy was beat.

But does seem like an interesting franchise can grow from here. To add to all this, Cavill and Hammer both show good potential and could become Hollywood A-Listers in the coming years if not considered already. Even Alicia Vikander shows some signs of promise. Looking forward to seeing her in more movies. Was expecting much more from a Guy Ritchie movie though.


My Rating - 6.9/10

Mission Impossible : Rogue Nation [2015]

Language - English
Director - Christopher McQuarrie
Run Time - 2 hours, 11 minutes
Genre - Action/Drama
Starring - Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg

Tom Cruise once again reprised his role as the ultimate IMF (Impossible Mission Force) agent in fifth movie of the series, and boy, at the age of 53, he is among the few actors who can pull off an action movie.

The previous movie was such a disappointment for me, because even though the name of the series is 'Mission Impossible', it became too 'impossible' and an unrealistic plot. Rogue Nation in comparison is a delightful pleasure to watch. Christopher McQuarrie is able to blend old school spy movie within this new age and technological era and that works out brilliantly  It manages to keep you enthralled and captivated for  more than 2 hours.

The movie starts with Ethan Hunt trying to track down a rogue terrorist organization called as 'Syndicate' but sadly, the CIA are not ready to believe that something like this even exists and they dissolve the IMF thus making Hunt a fugitive. Hunt has to evade the CIA, as well terminate a terrorist organization, whose operations remain a mystery.

This is one movie where Hunt meets his match, in Solomon Lane, the leader of the Syndicate and it's s amusing to see how each tries to outwit the other. Add in the wildcard British Agent Ilsa Faust, and it gets even better. The occasional quips provided Simon Pegg as 'Benji' are quite enjoyable and lighten up the mood. I was sad to see the immensely talented Jeremy Renner left on the sidelines. He should have gotten more screentime. Rebecca Ferguson makes quite an impression in her second movie and seems like promising future actor.

The movie has been shot nicely, especially the scenes in Morocco, oh what a beautiful country! And the action sequences were suave and stylish, far from the previous movie. Even at the age of 50, Tom Cruise can carry a movie with 'swag'.

Although I have one negative comment is that the movie did become predictable at times. But that should not take away anything from the movie and remains one of the finer films of the summer.

My Rating - 7.5/10

Southpaw [2015]

Language - English
Director - Antoine Fuqua
Run Time - 2 hours, 4 minutes
Genre - Drama/Sport
Starring - Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker and Rachel McAdams

Southpaw was expected to be another thrilling boxing movie, but it came out as a disappointment for me. Even after having some of Hollywood's finest (underrated as well) actors, this movie fails as it is not able to overcome the generic and cliched storyline thats done and dusted. In fact, I would say that the trailer itself showed us how insipid the plot is.

I went to see this movie just because of Gyllenhaal, but sadly, he couldn't churn up brilliant cinema this time. Taking no credit away from Gyllenhaal, he was tremendous as Billy Hope, our protagonist, the lonely father with the never giving up attitude. Also, Rachel McAdams was wasted in the movie as she lasted all of 15 minutes as Whitaker fails to lift the latter half of the movie.
Note - 50 Cent can't act for shit.

The plot is so banal with Hope as the World Heavyweight Champion, losing his wife, kid, title and everything else because of his rage and ego. Fast forward to 'whatamidoing' 'letmegetmylifebacktogether' phases and yes, you can guess the end. If someone calls this the best boxing movie since Raging Bull, that person hasn't seen 'Warrior' which is a gem of a movie.

The thing is, the director Antoine Fuqua, of the Training Day fame, has tried to fuse the a sports movie with drama, but it becomes too overberaing to handle. In Boxing Terms, I would say it has become a match which has lasted all of 12 Rounds without any contender throwing a good punch.

But, Jake Gylenhall is brilliant, as he's been in the past couple of years, be it with Nightcrawler, Prisioners, Source Code, Zodiac, Brokeback Mountain or even further down the line when he did Donnie Darko as a kid. This guy, I feel is one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood currently, and deserves to be called along the best.
Adding to it, I'd say Gylenhaal and McAdams share sizzling chemistry, and I would love to see them together in the future.

One could skip it, unless they are hardcore fans of Gylenhaal or boxing movies, although it is more about the drama than boxing.

My Rating - 6.5/10