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

Ghost Rider - Spirit of Vengeance

Movie Name: Ghost Rider - Spirit of Vengeance

Language: English
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy

I was waiting eagerly for the next installment of Ghost Rider. But this one was not at par with the first movie. This time, Johnny Blaze (Nicholas Cage) gets an opportunity to get the curse lifted. For that he need to save a boy from the clutches of Devil and take it to monastery. This movie deals mainly with the conflict within Blaze which had arisen due to his alternate personality as Ghost Rider. The movie ends with a note where viewer can expect another installment.

The age has started to show its signs for Nicholas Cage. He has depicted the conflict within the Blaze very well. Idris Elba also was unable to impress as Moreau. Christopher Lambert was in a guest role which was neither significant nor impressive. The plot was okay but the direction did not help to cater the requirements of action flick lovers. The plot has huge potential which was left untapped. The 3D and actions scenes were good but not much genuine.

The music and Ghost Rider scenes are somewhat able to compensate for the lacking luster but they are not enough to keep you bound to the seat. I had much expectations with this one but it failed miserably. Still I will suggest it only to the people who have seen and liked the first one.

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

Catch .44

Movie Name: Catch .44
Language: English
Genre: Action, Suspense

I was not expecting much as it was not marketed much. Still I was hopeful because of its stellar cast with Bruce Wills and Forest Whitaker.

The story revolves around girl named ‘Tes’ played by Malin Akerman who deals in drug paddling along with her friends ‘Dawn’ and ‘Kara’. The three girls worked for Mel’ played by Bruce Willis. Scriptwriter has tried to introduce twists and elements of surprise but failed miserably to produce the same. The movie drags a lot trying to develop the characters. Even the ending is a cliched one.

I was disappointed with the movie, as it did not excel in any of the parameter. The plot was loose and direction was shallow. Music score was overkill, as it did not enhance the flow of the film. The big star cast was not utilized properly. It was a sheer waste of 90 minutes.

My ratings are 2.0/5.0

50/50

Movie Name: 50/50
Language: English
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Slice-of-life

After a long time, I got to watch a movie with right combination of elements that is essential for a great movie. This movie does not have extraordinary cast, plot, dialogues or special effects. But this movie does have all the right pieces at right place to make a perfect fit.

The plot is pretty simple. The story revolves around a young guy, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt who is informed about the vicious tumor that is growing within his spinal cord. Rest of the plot follows the ordeal of the protagonist and effect of his disease on his family, lover, and friends. There is nothing unique about the plot, yet the movie portrays the issue in a different light. The movie neither is overflowing with overly sentimental dialogues nor is making a mockery of the fragility of human existence. The movie depicts various genuine characters whom we encounter in our daily life be it doctors who work mechanically without emotions or be it lovers who leave your side when you are down.

The acting is great by everyone be it Seth Rogan, who is playing the friend who is more concerned benefiting with friend’s disease or Anjelica Huston, who is playing the mother of a young guy suffering with cancer. Joseph has impressed once again with his acting prowess. He has potential of becoming a great actor. The movie makes perfect sense unlike various others in its category. It treats a social cause and all related aspects with complete respect without being smothering or sarcastic. In a way, the movie treats the issue of cancer in the same way as "Thank You for Smoking" treated the issue of smoking. This movie is a must for all the movie lovers who seek some meaning or message from the cinema.

My ratings are 4.5/5.0

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Movie Name: Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Language: English
Genre: Drama, Action, Sci-fi

I saw Planet of the Apes long time back. I did not enjoy that movie much and I was not much enthusiastic about its prequel either. Yet I decided to watch it for the lack of any other fiction.

The story revolves around a genetics scientist named Will Rodman played by James Franco who is experimenting with drugs to cure Alzheimer diseases. He takes one newborn chimpanzee at his home and names it "Caesar" as its mother dies in an accident. The chimp retains the effects of the drugs that were administered to its mother. It evolves physically and mentally. Due to certain situation, Will is forced to leave Caesar with the animal care facility. There Caesar encounters firsthand human - cruelty and loneliness. His trust in humanity is destroyed. It uses its enhanced capabilities to save other apes and takes the role of their leader. The movie ends with the portrayal of spread of an infectious disease which affects only humans. In such way it demonstrates the start of a new era when Apes are destined to rule the planet.

I liked the movie due to great direction and script. It was way better than the first installment. The main cast is Caesar. Animation and graphics has done really great to show the inner turmoil and emotions of the animal which has far greater abilities than human, yet is being treated like a pet. Tom Felton has performed the despicable character of cruel animal care attendant very well. Others do not have much to do. Graphics sequences are great. This movie is a must for all cinema goers.

My ratings are 4.5/5.0

Colombiana

Movie Name: Colombiana
Language: English
Genre: Action, Drama

Watched this movie last week. I was looking for some action flick so opted for Colombiana.

The movie’s story is about a girl named Cataleya whose parents are killed in front of her eyes in the childhood. She escapes from the hands of murderers and goes to his uncle’s place. She becomes an assassin for hire and finally takes revenge from the people who destroyed her life. Plot is pretty much clichéd, yet I was expecting some innovation or freshness. The movie was okay but there have been great movies with assassin as central theme such as Hitman, Taken, and Bourne series.

The main attraction was acting by Amandla Stenberg who played young Cataleya. Zoe Saldana played adult Cataleya but she was not as impressive as Amandla. No other actor has played significant role. The movie had a great starting but was not able to maintain the pace. An unnecessary romantic angle also does not help the pace of the movie. Music is bad and does not sync with the tempo of the movie. This movie was purely made for action lovers. This movie could have been great if the producers/ directors would not have brought some innovation to the script. If you are in mood for another cliched assassin movie, go for it :)

My ratings are 2.5/5.0