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

Captain America: The First Avenger

Movie Name: Captain America- The First Avenger
Language: English
Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-fi

I watched this movie with many expectations, as it is based on a popular comics character. The movie did well but it cannot be compared to other movies based on comics’ characters.

The movie is about Steve Rogers played by Chris Evans, who solely wants to serve his country. He tries several times to enlist into US Army during World War II yet he fails miserably due to his health problems and weak physical structure. An army scientist sees the potential of good in him and gives him the opportunity to serve the country by being a part of the experiment to create the super soldier. The experiment enhances his physique, strength, and speed thereby converting him into Captain America. Rest of the movie is about Captain America as he finds his place in society and serves his country with his life. The climax leaves the possibilities for future installments in the series.

The movie could have used some editing. Viewer has to wait for a long time to enjoy some action because much time is spent in building up the story until the creation of Captain America. Chris Evans has done well yet he does not have physique as portrayed in comics. Hugo Weaving has played the role of antagonist named Red Skull. He was not able to invent anything for the character and looked very much similar to Agent Smith in Matrix. The movie fails to make its place among various movies that are based on comics. Only hardcore fans of action or comics will appreciate the effort spent on making a movie that introduces a superhero, Captain America.

My ratings are 3.0/5.0

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

Real Steel

Movie Name: Real Steel
Language: English
Genre: Action, Drama

Yesterday I watched the movie. I was expecting a great action, drama flick and I was not disappointed :)

The story is set in year 2025 when robot boxing has replaced the regular boxing. Hugh Jackman has played “Charles” who was a boxer in his early days but now he is into robot boxing. He is broke due to his impulsive character, yet he is obsessed with robot boxing. One day he discovers that his girlfriend has died and left him with an 11 year old son, “Max” whom he abandoned in past. He is struck with his son for summer. His son finds an old robot named “Atom” in junkyard and wants it to fight but Charles does not expect anything from the old robot that was made for sparring during boxing practices. Rest of the story is about “Atom” fighting and winning fights, “Charles” realizing his mistakes and connecting with his son again.

This movie is not like other Hugh Jackman movies. This movie is about love, family and passion. The plot is good with adequate amount of humor, action and drama. Hugh has played a careless dad who has abandoned his family in the past. His character has its own faults yet one comes to like him and his passion. Dakota Goyo has played "Max", who is a smart kid and knows the world as it is. Max also displays the character traits of his father. Dakota has played the character very well. Chemistry between Max and Charles produces funny moments. Fighting sequences between robots are great with fine details. These are not complex like Transformers. Music and direction is good. Movie has all the elements necessary for success. I will recommend the movie to all viewers as it has all the elements of a good movie.

My ratings are 4.0/5.0