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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INK (2009) - Movie Review

Thought Provoking | Mystery | Adventure INK (2009) is well conceived and equally well presented. Written and directed by Jamin Winans, this movie blends innocence, mystery and suspense in all the right ways to deliver an engaging and thought provoking watch. Having said that, INK (2009) may not appease everyone for it demands a certain level of innocence even to indulge in the plot. At the outset, this movie is a battle between Angels and Demons...

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Khiladi 786 (2012) - Movie Review

There are two reasons why Bollywood churns these no-brainer multi-starrer movies every 15 days. One is to make a lot of money and the other is to make a point - "Bloody hell, I can do it. So what are you going to do about it?"Khiladi 786 throws that question in your face right in the very first scene. How you answer that question will decide if you will find the movie entertaining or otherwise. If you can surrender to the theology that masala...

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Talaash (2012) - Movie Analysis

*** This is not a movie review but an analysis with spoilers on the plot and the other nuances of movie experience. If you haven't watched the movie and intend to do so, please skip reading this. *** There are two kinds of movies that the connoisseurs relish. The ones that awe you with a brilliant story and the others that delight you with great story telling. Talaash (2012), directed by Reema Kagti and starring Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherji, Kareena...

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The Expendables 2 (2012) - Movie Review

The Expendables 2 (2012) is silly and nostalgic. Silly to the extent of being humorous and and nostalgic to the extent of gratification. However, in spite of a zero-plot and sub-zero intelligence, the movie still manages a visit to unexplored territory.  The most ostensible aspect of the movie is it's star-cast; which respectfully is a who's who list of Hollywood action figures assembled from across multiple generation. Directed by Simon...

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The Dark Knight Rises (2012) - Movie Review

Written and Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight Rises (TDKR) is a worthy conclusion to one of the most acclaimed and entertaining superhero franchisee of our times.  TDKR succeeds in the rare feat of achieving 3 things at the same time; offering something more to the audience, doing justice to the comic series and last but not the least, lead the legend of Dark Knight to a logical and convincing conclusion. This movie is...

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Abraham Lincoln: Vampire hunter (3D) - Movie Review

Based on a novel by the same name,‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ takes the concept of fantasy to a whole new level of silliness. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov and is co-produced by Tim Burton, this movie narrates the nonexistent secret life of the the 16th President of the United States. Walk into this one only If you're looking for some cheap thrills and have a stomach for blood and gore. The plot is devoid of intelligence or wit except...

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Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) - Movie Review

Mr. Anurag Kashyap has always been guilty of indulgent film-making; Gangs of Wasseypur (GOW) assumes epic proportions. Wilderness and finesse seldom co-exist; neither do documentaries and commercial cinema blend. But then this is no ordinary movie. If I were allowed to make one comparison, viewing pleasure of GOW is strikingly similar to reading pleasure of 'Catch 22'. Finally, a truly desi gangsta movie that has every aspect of Hollywood...

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