Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) - Movie Review

Once there was a Hushpuppy, and she lived with her daddy in The Bathtub. Even after a million years, the scientists and moviebuffs of the future will be delighted to know it. Directed by Benh Zeitlin, 'Beasts of the Southern Wild' is a compelling piece of art about a mystical land of the beasts and love of a father and his daughter.    The plot is set in the fictional island/community called 'The Bathtub'; a secluded locality on...

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Silver Linings Playbook (2012) - Movie Review

Based on a novel by the same name, 'Silver Linings Playbook' may not be the most memorable of movies. But it definitely has an inescapable charm driven by an ensemble of affable characters and sterling performances.  A testimony to that being the 8 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Written & Directed by David O. Russell (director of The Fighter),...

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Les Miserables (2012) - Movie Review

It wouldn't be just to review this movie in isolation to the masterpiece from Victor Hugo. So, I wouldn't even attempt to do it. All the more when Les Miserables (2012) remains so faithful to the novel. After all, who dares flirt with near perfection. The Plot: For the unaware, Les Miserables is a timeless tale; one that will test the corners and the depths of the heart and stir up every emotion residing in there. Set in the early to...

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Django Unchained (2012) - Movie Review

Yes, the old jungle saying is still true."Nobody can film a bloodbath better than Tarantino and none can spill blood more beautifully than his characters".  Surprise to none, Django Unchained, written & directed by Quentin Tarantino is indeed a glorified account of blood sputtering revenge; set in an age of nobody's seen no nigger on a horse. In keeping with the code of Tarantino-esque school of film making, the first scene sets...

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Lincoln (2012) - Movie Review

Lincoln (2012) infuses life into the history books; unlike any other on this topic. This winner from Steven Speilberg is a delight for historians as much as the Oscar jury. With a total of 12 nominations that include Best Picture, Best Direction, Best performance in the lead and supporting roles, Lincoln leads the race for the Oscars (85th Annual Academy Awards). As the American civil war (1861-1865) between the United States (Union/North)...

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Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011) - Movie Review

Based on a novel by the same name, 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011)' is a heart warming story of a 9 year old boy coming in terms with the untimely death of his father. One of the most under rated movies, ELIC brilliantly captures an innocent mind's struggle to make sense of the not-so-logical world of the grown ups. The Plot: The protagonist Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn) suffers from Asperger syndrome; an anomaly characterized by difficulty...

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The Descendants (2011) - Movie Review

Written and directed by Alexander Payne, The Descendants (2011) is really one man's struggle to come in terms with a bumpy stretch of his life and bonding with his children. Plot is set against the exotic locales of the contemporary Hawaii. Matt King (George Clooney) is a land deal consultant and an average unsuspecting husband of an adventurous wife and father to two rebellious daughters. While contemporary movies take about 30-40 mins...

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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) - Movie Review

Most contemporary British spy movies (read James Bond series) have got us a good look at suave agents paired up with hot chicks, chasing super villains on fast cars and hunting them down with uber cool gadgets. That is one extreme of the genre. Directed by Tomas Alfredson, and based on a novel by the same name, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (TTSS) is a gem of a movie belonging to the other extreme end of the genre. Set in the the early 1970s during...

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Black Swan - Movie Review

Black Swan is one of the most intriguing movies one will get to see this year. The Director, Darren Aronofsky delivers the perfect concoction of Art, Drama, Suspense and Hysteria. Black Swan has everything in it to become the Dark Horse on the Oscar Night. The plot revolves around New York City ballet company and their opening production of the new season, "Swan Lake". Much to the envy of other ballerinas, the artistic director, Thomas Leroy (Vincent...

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The King's Speech - Movie Review

With 12 Oscar nominations, The King's Speech leads the pack in the race to the coveted black beauties. The movie revolves around the Duke of York (Colin Firth) who has a speech problem; his wife (Helena Carter) and Lionel (Geoffrey Rush) - the speech defector. The best part of the movie, is undoubtedly, Colin Firth's performance as stuttering Duke who goes on to to become King George VI. Colin strikes a perfect balance between being an assertive...

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The Fighter - Movie Review

The Fighter, nominated for 7 Oscars, follows the early days of Mickey Ward's career in boxing. Clearly, the strength of this movie is in the ensemble of characters that lend great depth and realism to the plot. As a result of which, The Fighter rises beyond just being about Mickey's career. Mark Wahlberg is cast as Mickey Ward, the upcoming boxer. He trains with his elder brother for the fights that are managed by his mother. All along the movie...

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True Grit - Movie Review

True Grit, written and directed by Coen Brothers is adapted from a 1968 novel by the same name, authored by Charles Portis. This Oscar Nominated movie follows the life of a 14 year old girl who sets out to avenge her father's murder. Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) talks the U.S Marshal Rueben Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) into pursuing Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) for a reward of $ 50 (Note that the plot is set in early 20th Century). Along comes the Texas...

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