London, Paris, New York

Movie Name: London, Paris, New York
Language: English
Genre: Romance, Drama

Ali Zafar has already displayed his potential as an actor with the movie "Tere Bin Laden". He was not able to achieve response from "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" because he did not have substantial role. But this time he has attempted to carry a movie on his on shoulder. He has been successful only to some extent.

The plot of the movie is simple. Boy and girl meet thrice in the span of 7 years. Each time their situations and feelings are different. Ali Zafar has got some moments of his own where he displayed his affection or his broken heart; but sometimes he has become loud. Aditi Rao has looked great in various shades of her character but she has not been able to convince with her acting. The plot becomes shabby in the halfway and viewer starts loosing interest. The only things that keeps one bind, is the songs of the movie. Songs are melodious and full of freshness. Movie is shot in three locations, London, Paris and New York. But director did not try to cash the beauty of the location. He kept his focus on main characters only. Besides, movie is different in the way that there is no an army of unnecessary characters. The movie is okay as a package deal but it lacks at various levels. If you absolutely like romantic movies, then you can give it a go; otherwise there is nothing more than music to London, Paris, New York.

My ratings are 3.0/5.0

Perfect Sense

Movie Name: Perfect Sense
Language: English
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice-of-life
Stars: Eva Green, Ewan McGregor

After a long time I got to watch a movie which moved me deeply. This movie forces you to think about the thing which is important in life.
The movie is about a disease which is spreading across is globe and rendering people devoid of senses one by one. First people loose sense of smell, then taste, than hearing and in the end - the sight. Movie deals with the panic caused by the disease and the aftermath. Amid the chaos, there are our protagonists, Michael (Ewan McGregor), who is a cook and Susan (Eva Green) who is researcher on epidemics. Both of them are brought together by the common factor - disease and are separated also due to the same factor. The movie leaves you delving about the importance of love and loved one.

This movie is entirely different from Matt Damon starred "Contagion" despite the fact that both the movies deal with the same subject of 'contagious disease'. This movie does not depict the efforts of any government of system; rather it displays the plight of common people. It spreads it message "life goes on" strongly. It depicts that love can conquer anything & everything. It makes us realize that in the end love is the only necessity in life which sprouts from our heart. Love exists even when all our sensory perceptions desert us.

Ewan McGregor has once again won my heart with his excellent acting. All kinds of emotions come to life in a natural way in his acting. Eva Green is also impressive. The narration style of the movie has been enhanced and more impressive with the help of small clips and photos of people around the world. The sound effects are excellent and helps you to feel the plight of people. The movie is successful in delivering the message. It is must of all the people who believe that movies are not just made for entertainment.

My ratings are 4.5/5.0

The Three Musketeers

Movie Name: The Three Musketeers
Language: English
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama

Just finished watching the movie. I was not expecting much from the movie but it was good enough for weekend evening. I like period films in European settings. I watched it in 3D, so experience was even better.

The movie is about three legendary warriors from France named Athos, Porthos and Aramis. There is one young lad who aspires to join the Musketeers. The story is about the conspiracy by Church Carnal in France to create a situation for war between France in England. Musketeers fight to avoid the war and bring peace to the king. Milady de Winter, played by Milla Jovovich has an important role in the movie as a fellow conspirator to Cardinal.

The story is very much predictable. Movie has all the elements of all the genre, be it romance, action, drama or comedy. Milla has done wonderful as "Milady de Winter". The main characters aka The Three Musketeers were not able to leave the impression though they have done their parts satisfactorily. Orlando failed in the role of "Duke of Buckingham". The action sequences, 3D sequences and graphics were good. This movie is for the people who like to enjoy movies, not for the people who seek something greater than fun from the movies. I will recommend the movie for a fun evening, to appreciate the set ups, costumes and dialogues.

My ratings are 3.5/5.0

Transformers III - Dark of The Moon

Movie Name: Transformers III - Dark of The Moon
Genre: Action, Sci-fi, Romance
Language: English

Finally I got chance to watch the latest Transformers movie. I did not expect it to be so long (~150 Minutes), yet I liked the movie very much.

The story follows from the second part of the movie. Sam (played by Shia LaBeouf) is confused about his life as he does not want to continue to some mundane job after saving the planet in first two movies. He has broken up with his last girlfriend and is in relationship with Carly (played by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley). This time earth faces the danger from the new found member of Autobots, Centennial Prime. Megatron along with Shockwave, a new addition to Decepticons team helps Centennial Prime to bring Cybertron to earth. Rest of the plot, follows the ordeal of Sam and Autobots-team lead by Optimus Prime, as they thwart the plans of villains. The script beautifully contains the story within 2.5 hours. The story justifies the length of the movie.

The movie is all about action sequences which are directed beautifully. This time, movie does not dwell much on the dramatic sequences. There are many renowned actors in the movie, but the movie does not do any justification with all of them. Anyway, it is all about Transformers, not humans :-) In sum, for Transformers' fans it is a great movie but for others it is a bit complicated to understand and just a mix of great action sequences.

My ratings are 4.0/5.0

Zookeeper

Movie Name: Zookeeper
Language: English
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

I opted to watch Zookeeper as it was produced by Adam Sandler and Kevin James was performing the lead role. I have been a fan of Sandler's comedy movies.

The story of the movie revolves around a simple guy named Griffin who works as a zookeeper. He is very affectionate towards zoo animals. Therefore zoo animals decide to disclose the secret to him that they can all talk like humans. They do this in order to help him to get his dream-girl who rejected his marriage proposal 5 years ago and is back in his life. Griffin changes himself to be liked by his love but in the process he realizes the true love of his life and importance of being oneself. There have been several movies made with the similar formula, only the talking animals have added to the novelty.

The acting by Kevin James was good but nothing exemplary. He has portrayed the character somewhat similar to the one in "Hitch". But here Will Smith is not there to support him :) All of the voice actors and scenes with animals were good. None else had much screen space. The comic timings of the movie was a bit off and therefore movie was not able to make me laugh that hard. There is not anything else worth mentioning. In sum, movie was not able to deliver up to the expectations.

My ratings are 2.5/5.0

Kiki's Delivery Service

Movie Name: Kiki's Delivery Service
Language: Japanese
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice-of-Life

I like Ghibli movies as they depict the everyday trials of human with such a ease in the movies. I recently watched another masterpiece by the Studio.

This movie revolves around a young witch named Kiki. She needs to live independently for one year as per her training as a witch. Therefore she lefts her home and reaches a coastal town where witches are not so common. She makes new friends and opens a delivery service for survival as all she can do as witch is flying. The movies depicts her trials and her efforts as she makes friendship with locals. The movie gives message that everyone needs inspiration to do one's task wholeheartedly. One can continue one's work only when one has strong feelings about the work and great inspirations to do the same.

The movie at its course also delivers the message about individuality. Kiki wants to buy a dress in the movie so that she can look pretty like the other girls of her age but she does not have enough money to spare. In the end it is shown how her way of dressing has become a fashion. Kiki inspires one to maintain one's own individuality rather than following others.

This movie was like all other Ghibli movies with a simple plot and lovable characters. The music was good and the dialogues were simple. The movie is ideal for the teenagers who are eager to go out in the world and experience the things first hand. My ratings are 4.0/5.0

Whisper of the Heart

Movie Name: Whisper of the Heart
Language: Japanese
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice-of-Life

I like Japanese animation movies. I watched this Ghibli production animation movie recently. Again the movie did not fail my expectations.

The movie revolves around a young girl named Shizuku who is studying junior high school. The plot revolves around her life, her friends, her love and most importantly her aim in life. The movie is successful in giving message that everyone needs to search for one's true inner calling. Humans are like rocks which are needed to be dug deeper to find gems and later to be polished to reach at its actual worth. The story is about Shizuku's journey to find her place in the world. The movie is able to give deeper sense to any simple scene. For example, there is a scene where Shizuku's boyfriend tells her that he wanted to carry her on bicycle on a steep road. But the girl declines and tells that she does not want to be a burden to him, she rather wants to help her on the steep road. The scene renders the beliefs of a couple beautifully without much ado.

As the movie deals with the life and trials we face everyday, important aspect of the movie are dialogues. Scenes and dialogues combined are capable to deliver the message. The music is great. This movie is must for any Chibi movie fans. This may not be as great as "Spirited Away" yet it is a treat for the people who believes in trying and trying hard with everything they got.

My ratings are 4.0/5.0

Singham

Movie Name: Singham
Genre: Action, Romance, Drama
Language: Hindi

I have been a fan of Ajay Devgn from his early days in film industry. I was waiting for the movie as I already watched “Singam” in Tamil in which Suriya was the protagonist. I was hopeful that Ajay could do justice with the role as he started his career as an action hero.

The movie is about an honest police inspector who is posted in his own village. He works according to his own definition of justice and law. He is the local hero. On the other side there is a city goon who has influence with Police and politicians. The story is about the confrontation and subsequent fighting between them. The plot is not innovative but the way story turns and twists, is interesting.

Ajay is looking great with his perfect physique and impressive voice. The movie is all about action sequences and dialogues. Ajay has done well in both the fields. The dialogues as well as the action scenes are funny. Prakash Raj has become stereotype in his villainous role. Actress Kajal Aggarwal has nothing to do in the movie. This movie is not for critics; rather it is for the movie buffs who believe in pure entertainment. The ending is a bit nonsensical. I will not compare Ajay with Suriya as both have their own styles. I liked both the movies. There is nothing to do for others. Music is good but the songs do not help the plot in any way. In short the movie is about action scenes, dialogues and Ajay Devgn.

My ratings are 3.5/5.0

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Movie Name: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Genre: Romance, Drama, Slice of life
Language: Hindi

I always appreciated movies made by Farhan Akthar, as they go beyond singing and dancing and seek some answers, which challenge the life of common men. This movie also succeeded in keeping up to my expectations.

The movie is about three friends who embark on a road trip, as a bachelor party for one of the friends. The friends come from different segments of society. They have their own fears and reservations. Together they face these fears and come out as winners. They learn to their callings in life and decide to act upon them. The movie gives message that life is all about choices, which are to be acted upon without fear to live to the fullest. The movie is a bit long (2.5 hours) but still has ability to keep the audience tied to their chairs.

The acting by Hritik is great as he portrays the transition from money minded Financial Trader to a free person who believes in living life in present. Farhan and Abhay have also done well in their roles. Katrina was not that impressive, but it is okay as her role was only to increase glam points. The locations in Spain are beautiful. Music and songs are not great but keeps with the flow of the movie. The end seemed a bit arbitrary as ending song was not aligned to the choices made by the trio.

My ratings are 3.5/5.0

Romantic Heaven

Movie Name: Romantic Heaven
Genre: Romance, Drama, Slice of life
Language: Korean

I watched this movie yesterday night. I was in a mood for some light movie and from its name movie seemed a typical romantic comedy. But I was mistaken as the movie was much more than the wide spread rom-com. It made me to think about love and everything related to it.

The story is divided in four parts: A mother, A wife, A Girl and Romantic Heaven. The parts are strictly separate stories; rather they provide glimpses of life of various people whose lives meet at a single point. One can easily connect with these people as they are facing the life, as one knows it. That point is heaven, which is connected to everyone’s life. The movie is not just another feel good movie but it gives message to seek for the most important companion for the journey called life.

The acting was not as important as the story was. It questions the religious facts such as are there separate places named hell and heaven, and did god took a rest on the seventh day. The answers are also provided in the movie itself. The locations used are great and make one believe in existence of heaven. It is must for the people who prefer drama and slice-of-life genre.

My ratings are 3.5/5.0

The Adjustment Bureau

Movie Name: The Adjustment Bureau
Genre: Romance, Drama, Slice of life
Language: English

I am die-hard fan of Matt Damon. I was waiting for this movie with great enthusiasm. The plot made a impression that movie will have some good action plot. I liked Matt in Bourne series and I was expecting the same with this movie also.

The story follows a person who is running for the senator seat but on the last moment loses due to some scandal he caused in his youth. On the same day he meets up with a girl who lefts a great impression on him. Later he is captured by some people who tells him that he cannot be with the girl. They are mysterious organization with great powers who adjust people’s life according to Chairman’s plan, so the movie name “Adjustment Bureau”. Then story forwards to 3 more years. He meets the girl again, falls in love. But later leaves her alone for the fear of girl’s future as threatened by Adjustment Bureau. Story again forwards 11 months. This time our hero fights against all odds to get the girl of his dreams. The story ends with a happy note. The movie reminded me about the greater power which plans for our life. We sometimes call it fate, destiny or God. The movie is all about how one can try his hardest to change his fate and even the supreme power will help him to attain the same.

Once again Matt has impressed me with his great acting skills. He is so natural in expressing different emotions. The leading lady, Emily Blunt is gracious in her role. Her scene where she is performing on stage is great. The strong point of the movie is story line. It makes you keep wondering about the events that may happen. Supernatural element is also available in the movie which makes it different from other action movie. The movie can easily be categorized as drama because it is not depicting fight with some enemy; it is depicting fight with destiny to fulfill one’s dream. The locations and picturisation are good. Camera work is impressive when showing the chase scene near the climax. I will recommend this movie as it carries hope to the individual and asks you to leave your inhibitions and fight against all odds to make your own path in the life.

My ratings are 4.0/5.0

I am Number Four

Movie Name: I am Number Four
Genre: Action, Drama, Romance
Language: English

The movie is based on the young adult novel of the same name by “Pittacus Lore”. I was interested in the movie as it seemed to provide all the elements for a good action-fantasy movie which I am fond of.

The story of the movie is about an alien boy from planet Lorian who lives among human. His race was destroyed by another alien race Mogadorians that is still in search of him and his remaining friends. The story follows typical plots with all the elements of a Superhero movie like love affair with college sweetheart, a bully who also likes the girl, a boy who is bullied and later saved by hero and one protector whop sacrifices himself saving the hero. Nothing out of ordinary exists. But the movie can be considered as the first installment among the many.

It is not a pure action movie, rater it is an action drama film. The action sequences and graphic are good. Villains do not seem to have much power compared to the hero. Dialogues and music both do not score high. It is mediocre movie. The acting is not great either. Alex Pettyfer failed to portray the inner turmoil of the character. So the drama part of the movie seems to fall apart somehow.

My ratings are 2.5/5.0

Pirates of Caribbean - On Stranger Tides

Movie Name: Pirates of Caribbean - On Stranger Tides
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Language: English

I watched on the opening weekend itself. I was overwhelmed by the crowd which was there for the movie. Everyone was excited to watch the new pirate movie. I also went with high expectations.

The story was about the search for fountain of youth. There were many a troupes looking for the same. English troupe with Captain Barbosa, Black Beard pirate ship with Captain Black Beard and Jack Sparrow and daughter of Black Beard and Scottish troupe were the search parties. Jack was in the center of attention as he was the only one who knew the exact location of the fountain. There were twists, turns, dangers, mermaids and what not in the magnificent journey. It was a journey which displayed many a shades in Jack’s character. There was love interest for Jack in the movie as Angelica, daughter of Black Beard played by Penelope Cruz.

The direction was great so as the graphics used in the movie. The 3D effect was not prominent part of the movie. The background music was also compatible with the story. But despite all this, the movie solely belonged to Jack played by Depp. Depp was successful to display the coolness of Jack with slight eeriness once again. Depp handled the pressure of repetition well and made the movie one of the favorites among movie buffs. Other actor/ actresses had done well but there was not much to do for them. Penelope has done justification with the lead female role. The movie was a treat with funny dialogues, great graphics and Depp :) It is a must watch for all movie goers. Ending has indicated for a possible movie in the series.

My ratings are 4.0/5.0

Kalavani

Movie Name: Kalavani
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Language: Tamil

I was looking forward to watch this movie as suggested by one of my friends. Movie was in Tamil so I took help of subtitles. It was worth the trouble of reading subtitles while listening to a language unknown to me.

The plot of the movie revolves around a guy named “Arikki” in a small village of South India. He is studying in intermediate (+2) and has failed twice already. He enjoys life without helping his mother or sister in household chores unknown to his father working in Dubai. He meets a girl named “Mahesh” from nearby village and falls in love with her as typical love on first sight. The rest of story consists of their trials and attempts to fulfill their dreams to marry each other. The story is simple without much drama element. It is a feel good movie with a happy ending.

The music was good to listen even when I was not able to understand the lyrics. The acting was good. Everyone looked natural in the role. I liked the acting by “Thirumurugan” who has acted as girl’s brother and main villainous character. Acting by both the protagonists is good. They are looking naturally in love without any cheesy dialogues or long monologues. The setting is in a village with great scenic beauty.

I liked the movie very much as it does not load you with heavy dialogues, sets or locations. Nothing looks artificial in the movie. The only negative point is length. It is about 150 minutes long. But one does not feel bored. I will suggest the movie to the people who can accept subtitles and can read them very fast :)

My ratings are 4.0/5.0

Yeh Saali ZIndagi

Movie Name: Yeh Saali Zindagi
Genre: Action, Drama, Romance, Comedy
Language: Hindi

I chose to watch this Hindi movie on Good Friday evening as I was confident with the actors of the film.

The story follows three people’s lives. One is criminal, another is CA and the third is stage singer. Their lives are tangled and the ultimate love story is formed. You can say that the movie is about true love being fulfilled with perseverance.

Everything about the movie was great. The music score was good. The dialogues were great, so as narration by Irfan Khan. But the striking part was acting. Irfan has done great as a person who is helplessly in love. The movie grows over you. This movie is like a breeze among the other tailor made movies now a day. I will highly recommend the same.

My ratings are 4.0/5.0.

No Strings Attached

Movie Name: No Strings Attached
Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy
Language: English

I like Ashton Kutcher as he has given great romantic movies in past. This one also had a different story but nothing extraordinary.

The story is about two persons, who meet again and again in life. They become sex-friends, a term invented by the script writer. It indicates people who are friends for sex. Then boy wants more from relationship and girl tries to avoid all complexity. Now you can imagine the rest of the movie easily. There have been various movies on the same topic.

The acting by both the stars is good. Natalie Portman is looking fresh in the role after Black Swan. Ashton has one again done a good job as a guy next door. The background music is good.

This movie is made for the young couples. It makes people realize that there are various other facets of relationship than sex. It is good Saturday evening watch.

My ratings are 3.5/5.0

Finding Mr Destiny

Movie Name: Finding Mr Destiny
Genre: Romance, Drama, Slice-of-life
Language: Korean

I came across the movie some time back. I like the “Coffee House” star, so I decided to watch the movie.

The story is about two persons, one of them fails in his different jobs as he wanted to be true to his profession. The other person is carefree stage director. Male lead opens a company which helps people fiddling their first love and the female lead is the first client who wants to find her first love whom she met in India. The movie is about the search and accepting the fate.

The acting by both the stars is good. There is not cluttering of cast. Story is kept on the track the full time. Yet the movie is a bit too long for the story. The idea behind the movie is to relay the message that one need to accept his fate to reach to one’s destiny. The music is so-so.

This movie is not exactly a out of the mill romantic comedy. It has some underlying tension between the characters. There is no larger than life character. It is about options we get in life and to choose the best for ourselves. It is definitely a worth watching if you are planning to relax and enjoy a simple romantic movie.

My ratings are 2.5/5.0

Thor

Movie Name: Thor
Genre: Action, Romance, Supernatural
Language: English

I watched the morning show for “Thor”. It was first time that I watched some 3D movie where the 3D effects were not forced. They were used quite frequently but without giving you a headache.

The story is about Thor, god of thunder. He was banished from his world as his father Odin was not pleased with his arrogance and pride. He came to earth and learnt living without his power. The rest of the story follows his trials and rising to the top again. The movie is based on Marvel comic character.

Chris Hemsworth has looked good as Thor. He has expressed the arrogant and soft side of Thor very well. Tom Hiddleston has also portrayed Loki graciously. He was able to get to the psyche of the character. The only actor I was not impressed with was Anthony Hopkins. He was not that impressionable in his role of King Odin. Other actors and actresses had not much to contribute.

The graphics are good. Action sequences are good but cannot be considered as par with other movies like Ironman or Hulk. As the movie spent significant time giving details about Thor, the story was a bit rushed. The background music was a bit lacking. Overall the movie is a treat for comic fans. It may not be categorized along with Dark Knight or Ironman but it is worth a watch.

My ratings are 3.5/5.0

Heaven's Postman

Movie Name: Heaven's Postman
Genre: Romance, Drama, Slice-of-life
Language: Korean

I watched this Korean movie on Saturday. The movie was a nice surprise as it had elements of good drama and a purity of romance.

The story follows a lad who claims that he is postman to heaven. He carries a bag with letters to the deceased one by their beloved to be delivered to heaven. He meets a girl who has lost her lover and has sent a letter to him in heaven. The story has good element of surprise and an ending which is happy and justified. The movie gives a whole new meaning to the death, to the loss of someone beloved.

I liked the movie for its story. It is simple yet gives a very strong message. It tells us what is important for human. It tells us the methods to deal with pain of losing someone beloved. It is not a story of death, it is story of life. It tells us that life goes on and so the people.

The acting was not that great by the lead actress as she was not able to display the grief of losing someone precious. As for the lead actor, he was unperturbed by most of the events so his looks helped. The music was fine and locations were excellent. I will recommend this movie for spending a nice evening with your loved ones.

My ratings are 3.5/5.0.

Game

Movie Name: Game
Genre: Action, Romance, Drama, Mystery
Language: Hindi

I had a long weekend as Monday was a holiday. I watched this Hindi movie to spend my time in a hot weather.

The story follows four different people from different parts of the world who are called to an island by a billionaire. The story has its own twists and turns. In one sentence it is a story of revenge which is told like a murder mystery. The main protagonist is Abhishek Bachchan which has failed again to provide some charisma to the screen.

There was nothing much to like in the movie. The music was not likable, nor the actors. They all just filled the gaps but no one was able to get the psyche his/ her character. The movie had all elements of a film but it failed to deliver the same. The acting, story, script, music, action sequences all failed to make a lasting impact. If you want to spend time, there are better ways than watching this movie.

My ratings are 2.0/5.0.