TOP 10 MOVIES OF BOLLYWOOD 2013

This is that time of the year where we start to look back at the best and the worst in the year gone by. We look back at everything from events in our own life as well as events in other fields as well. So why should films be left behind????

This year we celebrated 100 years of Bollywood and it is a really big milestone and a proud one for us Indians. But sadly the quality of films churned out this year ranged from obnoxious to downright dumb. Bollywood seems to be divided into two distinct parts - The one which counts Quantity and the other which counts Quality - and the sad part is that there is hardly any movie merging both together. 100 Crore seems things of the past and the new benchmark is 200- 300 Crores as set by some of the Blockbusters this year.But are the makers of these films really caring that films are a medium of art is a matter of huge debate. Can we judge the quality of the general audience based on these hits??? I don't know but I know this that unless this is a fad, it does not augur well for film lovers like us and the industry as a whole.

Anyway, this post is about the 10 best films Bollywood produced this year according to me. I guess I have watched more or less all the worthy films to be in contention - barring SHIP OF THESEUS and RAMLEELA - and this is my humble POV. This list may not contain the so called Blockbusters of the year, but films which made me sit up and pay notice. So here goes the list..............

10. D Day

 There was a time in his prime when Rishi Kapoor was frustrated with playing the same romantic hero in each of his movies. That was then, but during the past couple of years he has truly experimented with characters of the darker shade. AGNEEPATH showed that he can carry out the negative character with ease and in D Day he has again showed what a great actor he is. His portrayal of Dawood seemed as close to reality as it can get. Combine this with a brilliant ensamble cast including the brilliant Irrfan Khan and you have one of the better films of the year. The songs are good and the action sequences shot well. Its more than your one-time-watch caper.

9. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

This movie is the biopic of sprinter Milkha Singh and his journey from a child in the refugee camps after partition to becoming one of the most famous sportsman of this country. If there was one movie this year which was  a one man show, this has to be it. Take a bow Farhan Akhtar for portraying the role to perfection and his dedication for the role can be made out as soon as you watch the film. Be it  his awesome change in physique or his seamless change of character from a shy romantic to a fierce competitor, he deserves a pat on his back for this role.The only reason this film finds itself in the lower half of the list is its length and lack of anything else to mention other than Farhan.

8. Jolly LLB

Films like Jolly LLB proves time and again that a smart script with competent actors is all we need sometime to produce a wonderful film. I did not have much expectations from this film, but oh boy I had a smile on my face as I left the theater. The trio of Boman Irani, Arshad Warsi and specially Saurabh Shukla are brilliant and this is probably the first time we see in a bollywood movie what a real courtroom looks like. The story was in sync with our current issues and problems in our judicial system where the big fish often escapes, and the editing was well done. This one was a surprise package of the year.

7. Bombay Talkies

Being the 100th year of Bollywood,how come a film celebrating the milestone be too far in this list. BOMBAY TALKIES is a Omnibus of 4 films directed by 4 celebrated directors of Bollywood in recent times. Each of the films show different aspects of our lives and how each of the characters deals with them. Each of the segments are beautifully directed and the acting in each of them is brilliant - specially the segment featuring Nawazuddin. Overall, this was one film which may not get popular success but was a good effort and a nice collaboration.

6. Lootera

The thing with Romantic tragedies is that if executed properly, they stay with you for a long time. Yes we knew what was going to happen in the movie once it was revealed what was its source of inspiration, but still LOOTERA is a very well made film. The beauty of the film is its simplicity and the wonderful romance between Ranveer and Sonakshi who both does an excellent job in bringing their roles alive. Add to that some beautiful cinematography which transports us to the Bengal of the past and some really melodious songs, and we have a simple yet lovely film which should not be missed.

5. The Lunchbox

This was a year of some really innovative stories being tried on the big screen. Some failed to capture our imagination but some really hit the right notes. THE LUNCHBOX  was a delicious offering which was really out of the box. The story of friendship between two diametrically different human beings where food acts as the catalyst really is presented beautifully. We have a smile on our face as we become privy to their conversations, but at the same time can feel the void in their respective lives. Films like these are rare in Bollywood and the acclaim this movie received brings hope that all is not bad with the industry. But this film could have done with a lil more pace as it feels repetative at some point.

4. Kai Po Che

You can never be sure how a movie adaptation of a Chetan Bhagat book turns out. While I found his book THE THREE MISTAKES OF MY LIFE as his worst book, I was sure it was the one which could be made into a great Bollywood masala film. But the big screen adaptation really left me surprised. It was great alright, but it was far from the melodramatic masala it could have been. It is narrated in a such a manner it touches your heart and you begin to feel for each of the characters. It helped that the ending was tweaked for the movie which made it more hard hitting. Bollywood may have unearthed a future star in Sushant Singh Rajput and Raj Kumar Yadav is brilliant as usual. The music and songs are awesome too. Overall a surprise package which surpassed my expectation.

3. Madras Cafe

You may wonder how does a film starring John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri - admittedly not the best of actors - be so high in this list. But make no mistake this is one of the best and slick thrillers ever seen in Bollywood. It is a Political thriller based on the assassination of former Prime minister Mr. Rajeev Gandhi as told from the POV of the character of John. This must be the best shot film of Bollywood in recent times, if not the best ever. The pace is taut and acting brilliant. Be pleasantly surprised with the performance of Siddartha Basu who makes his debut.

2. Special 26

Its always a treat when a con movie gets it right, but more often than not the big twist or revelation is the major letdown. But this wonderful movie manages to carry the story beautifully with the right twists at the right time. The movie is certainly helped by great acting from brilliant actors and none more than Akshay Kunar. He shows us yet again what is he capable of, but sadly we see this side of him rarely these days.A wonderful tale told in the backdrop of Delhi and Bombay from years gone by, this one is indeed Special.

1. Raanjhanaa

At the start of this year, If someone told me that I would rate RAANJHANAA as the best film of 2013 come December when I sit down to make this list, I would have just laughed away and think he must be out of his mind. This film stars Sonam kapoor who has as many expressions as there are dinosaurs inhabiting our earth, and opposite him we have Dhanush of Kolaveri Di fame who is by no means the ideal choice for a bollywood hero.The question was how good can it be. Believe me when I say that you have to watch this film to know just how good it is. There is still the same number of expressions on Sonam Kapoor's face, but Dhanus will steal your heart and make it ache for him.He gives the best performance of this year and the transformations in his character over his journey to find love and do everything to fulfill his side of unconditional love is just amazing. The score by the mozart of Madras adds an extra dimension to the movie. I was blown away by the film and this, for me, is the best film of 2013.

So these were the films I felt deserved to find a mention as the best of 2013. I know its not the most conventional list as this list features almost none of the top grosser of the year, but as I said earlier, this was a year where either you side with quantity or quality. Overall a very mediocre year in terms of quality but huge on quantity........

A SINGLE MAN - A Wonderful Tale

Tom Ford’s A Single Man is swimming with emotion and heartbreak. The wonderful performances, combined with a striking depth of character, brings a sense of joy and heartbreak in the heart of the viewer. The beautiful cinematography adds a charm to the film which is perfectly contrasted by the woe and tragedy of the story and the life of the lead character. As we journey with George through his daily life we become engulfed with him, in his tragedy. After losing his partner in an accident, George’s life has become monotonous, meaningless and painful. As we join him in his morning routines in the first few minutes of the film, we are instantly drawn to his suffering. Colin Firth is at his best ever in A Single Man.Firth gives a performance so raw and so fascinating that it is impossible not to feel the sorrow and solitude that consumes him.

Julianne Moore is dazzling in her role as George’s one true friend, Charley (She always is). Her empty marriage and the lack of real love in her life are replaced with the material. As George’s comfort, Moore gives a delicious performance that highlights her ability as an actress, to truly understand a character and deliver the inner workings of a woman on to the silver screen. Nicholas Hoult also compliments Firth brilliantly as the new love interest and the lingering reminder of freedom and youth.I came across this guy recently in Warm Bodies and I wish he delivers more in the coming years.It is the combination of these performances, along with Ford’s exquisite direction, that makes A Single Man such as striking piece of work.

A Single Man is wonderful without trying to be. It is cool, collective and chaotic all at once. This film succeeds in the wonderful art of making you care about characters that aren’t necessarily very likeable individuals. George is matter of fact, slightly arrogant and closed off. Charley is shallow and selfish and yet our hearts break as we watch them try to cope with losing true love and the heart wrenching agony of never being able to say goodbye. A Single Man combines a masterful script with detailed characters and performances that do such characters justice. It is the use of visual colour that adds a perspective to the suffering in this story that only cinema could do. This is undoubtedly one of my favourite films of the last ten years, A Single Man will draw you in, consume you and leave you feeling both empty and elated.

WORTHY MENTIONS

The film was shot in just 21 days. 

Tom Ford financed the film himself and this was his directorial debut.

MY VERDICT

**** - Sublime

INSIDIOUS - Scaryyyyyy with a Wildddd theory

I have been watching a lot of horror movies lately which I may have missed lately. Insidious was the one I started out with.I had heard a lot about this film but the storyline never tempted me enough.But I must admit its damn scary in parts but with a predictable storyline.The film mainly tries to build on the jump scare moments, but boy they succeed in doing so in some of the scenes.

The Lambert’s have just moved into a new house. Renai (Rose Byrne) quit her job to focus on music and raise the kids, but the latter is proving to be more time-consuming than expected. There’s boxes to unpack, a baby who won’t stop crying and a husband (Patrick Wilson) who’s becoming increasingly distant. Josh assures her nothing’s wrong, but something feels off. She knows it. She just can’t put her finger on what. Unfortunately, that proof comes by way of a terrible accident. Oldest son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) goes exploring in the attic and lands on his head. Apart from a few bumps and bruises, he initially seems fine but fails to wake up the following morning. He’s rushed to the hospital where the puzzled doctors can’t figure out what’s wrong. He’s not in a coma. He just won’t wake up. onths later, the family has gotten somewhat used to their comatose son, but the weird occurrences have continued, getting more and more menacing to the point of them actually seeing frightening beings wandering around their house. Changing houses doesn't rid them of the problem, and by the time they call in a paranormal investigator with her crew, the situation has put you well on edge, not knowing what exactly is going on or what will happen next. 

The best thing about the movie is that the above events constitute two-thirds of the movie and the audience still  has no clue of what is going on. And this answer is the key to the movie.Its as wild an explanation as I have ever come across. Either it would go down well or it would spoil the whole experience.I somehow accepted it as it was sort of interesting.

A key component to any of it working as well as it does is the perfect casting of Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, two terrific actors who have proven they can do anything. They're incredibly believable as a married couple and they really pull you into the lives of the characters just as it's disrupted by them being pulled into the unknown.Although Wan and Whannell are working in a genre that's been done to death, they're able to keep things from getting too predictable due to their quirky sensibilities, ably avoiding the clichés despite the obvious influences. Sure, there are a few jump scares but they're never done in a cheap way. In fact, most of the scariest moments take place during the most innocuous dialogue sequences, just as you're relaxing from the last one, which just makes the whole freakier, since you never know exactly what might happen next.

Insidious is  one of the scariest and creepiest movies in some time - Wan does one better in his latest -and the odd sense of humor that permeates the film's darker moments just makes it that much more enjoyable.Recommended for all horror fans.Films like these proves that a film can be scary sans the blood and gore.My only complain - THE DEMON COULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO LOOK SCARIER.

 

WORTHY MENTIONS

 

Screenwriter Leigh Whannell gets into the act, showing up as one of the paranormal investigators named "Specs" (yes, he wears glasses), and it's infinitely entertaining to watch him and his partner Tucker (Angus Sampson) pulling out an odd array of gadgets to investigate the paranormal activities. 

 

MY VERDICT

 

***1/2 - Nice gem from Wan

 

BESHARAM - The name says it all

BESHARAM was released on a Wednesday keeping in mind the national holiday in our country, and with no major releases the week before, this film was guaranteed a grand opening. The film boasts of a director whose previous work set the balls rolling for the mass entertainers in Bollywood. It has the whole Kapoor trio of father-mom-son and some hummable songs. How bad could it be??? Must be a one time watch to be enjoyed on a lazy wednesday evening - i convinced myself and my friends - and set out to watch it. The only suggestion I can give to the others who has not seen it yet is PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THIS.

The title of the film takes itself too seriously. The film is loaded with crass humor and toilet jokes but the problem is that it never tries to be smart or even sensitive.We have seen Jim Carrey pull off films doing crazy things wearing even crazier outfits, but there was some great stories to back him up. The only thing reminiscent of the great comedian is the expression the protagonist and his sidekicks borrows from him at the start of the film. But it goes downhill from there. Besharam turns over every cliché from the Big Black Book of Hindi Movie Plots section that lists “Robin Hood-inspired Thief Takes Good Turn After Heart is Stolen."During its course it even tries to pay tribute to the 70s with its settings and songs but you don't even care for it after a while.

The film's plot is centered on a loutish car thief, Babli (Ranbir Kapoor), who must steal back a car that he sold to a murderous money launderer (Javed Jaffrey), when he falls for the poor girl who owned the car (newcomer Pallavi Sharda). The plot is wafer thin but if handled adequately, could have been less treacherous.Add to that the pair of Rishi and Neetu Kapoor who never decide upon their character shades and suddenly disappear in the second half only to return inexplicably by the end of the movie. The same can be said about the only likable actor Titu (Amitosh Nagpal) who never appears enough in the second half.

But whats most disappointing and a curious case is the association of one of the finest actors in this generation with this tragedy of a film. For a actor who has done varied roles in movies like Wake Up Sid, Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, Rockstar and Barfi, the actor sure needs to choose his roles carefully. He has become more of an icon for the youngsters and this film will certainly not go down too well with them. He never fails in way of acting, but his mannerisms and histrionics will certainly not make the parents happy who bought their kids along with them to view the film. I dare say that this movie wouldn't even have got a decent opening if not for the association of Ranbir Kapoor and that's a big responsibility and he has let his fans down on this one.

The movie has certainly got a good opening but it's future in the box office depends on its content and sadly there isn't any. But so didn't  some of the recent releases which has gone on to become hits. I don't care about it's collections, but don't waste your time and money on this tacky and off-putting mess.

MY VERDICT

* - Avoid this

THE FROZEN GROUND - Cold hearted drama

Films based on Serial killers tend to follow a common trend.There will be a police officer who conducts his manhunt based on some witness or evidences. A prime witness who manages to escape from the clutches of the killer.The killer himself leads a dual life like Jekyl/Hyde and has no particular reasons for killing off his victims. And lastly, some scenes depicting the act of killings itself. Debutant director Scott Walker doesn’t bring any new insights to the serial killer genre, but he creates a satisfying atmosphere of dread and desolation.

Set in 1983 in Anchorage and based on a real case, the screenplay follows in the tracks of state trooper Jack (Cage) and his team as they hunt for serial offender Robert Hansen (Cusack) before he kidnaps, rapes, tortures and murders his next victim. Their only hope is a prostitute, Cindy Paulson (Vanessa Hudgens), who escapes her attacker’s clutches and understandably doesn’t want to go anywhere near the police.

The only thing really separating this film from the others like it is the cast.The biggest stars are Nicolas Cage as the State Trooper after Hansen, Vanessa Hudgens (unfortunately) as the escaped victim and John Cusack as the killer. Nicolas Cage is so grounded here, so real and simple. The whole film really hinges on Holcombe trying to make Cindy trust him so that she will testify and be a reliable witness, and this is where Cage shines. His entire performance is about two things only: thinking and listening.Cage was one of my favorite actors for quiet a while till World Trade Center  happened. Things went terribly south thereafter and he has been a shadow of his past, but it is so good to see him return to something of his best here. John Cussack is a hugely under rated actor who has given really good performances in his carrier, and he doesn't disappoint here as well.But the real surprise package is Venessa Hudgens who has matured tremendously from her High School Muical Days.

For an inexperienced director like Scott Walker this a great start to a career. The desolate Alaskan wilderness is shot in a way that reflects the bleak and hopeless mood of the first hour or so of the film. In contrast, the busy city of Anchorage seems dangerous and dirty much like the people and the girl gets mixed up in.This is a film with nothing new to offer and even the serial killer himself is not a legend like Ted Bundy. But, there is something different in its intensity and presentation.If for nothing else, watch it for Nicholas Cage and his revival which I hope would continue for some time.

WORTHY MENTIONS

There is a blink and miss role by 50 cents

MY VERDICT

*** - Good to see Cage back

THE BLING RING - Are American celebrities so dumb

At the start of the film we are told that the film is based on an article in Vanity Fair magazine and that it is based on real events.After watching the trailer, I was excited by both the premise of the story and the lady behind the lens - Sofia Cappola. But after watching The Bling Ring, I was firstly disappointing by the handling of the story by the director and I was equally awestruck by the utter dumbness of the celebrities who were affected and I did not feel any symapthy for their stupidity.

The Bling Ring inspired by the case of a gang of Los Angeles teenagers who broke into the homes of some of the city's celebrities and stole a total of $3 million in jewellery, cash and clothes. It wasn't difficult. Doors were found unlocked and security cameras were easily avoided - until they got really careless.Our guide to the working of the gang is Marc (Israel Broussard). He meets the others when he and his parents move into a  suburb in the San Fernando Valley full of big, boxy houses with immaculate lawns and well-placed families for whom status matters quite a lot.He's taken up by Rebecca (Katie Chang), a self-possessed Korean-American girl whose obsessions match his own. And from that point things accelerate rapidly. They're soon consulting the websites that keep tabs on the whereabouts of their favourite celebrities and whenever they're out of town, they break into their houses.Before long, the gang has expanded to include Rebecca's friends, dedicated party girls Chloe (Claire Julien), Nicki (Emma Watson) and her adopted sister, Sam (Taissa Farmiga). All of them are delighted at the prospect of launching a new career in grand larceny, and Marc, the only one who expresses any qualms about the possibility of getting caught, is persuaded to calm down and get on with it.

There are some major flaws in the movie.The main problem with the film  is the lack of accountability.Coppola seems to send out a message like, "they have so much stuff, it's hard to feel sorry for them." Yes, but a victim's wealth doesn't normally figure in deciding the amount of culpability.When a victim is as rich and stupid as Paris Hilton (she actually left her spare key under the mat), does that mean she deserves what she gets? This film comes to no real conclusion, just leaves you wondering what exactly the parents were doing while all this was going on. For another, there's the involvement of actual celebrities in a movie that's mainly about celebrity-envy. Paris Hilton and Kirsten Dunst have non-speaking cameos as themselves; more importantly, Hilton's real house is used throughout the film.Coppola neither makes a case for her characters nor places them inside of some kind of moral or critical framework; they simply pass through the frame, listing off name brands and staring at their phones and posting their celebrated acts on Facebook.It seems she is unsure of her own feelings about this and thus makes a shallow ambiguous film for each to reach his own conclusion.

The other thing that turns what might have been an underdog heist story into a glamorous mess  is the casting of Emma Watson as one of the bling ring leaders. This is very distracting, and Watson's well-toned figure is given excess airtime, leaving the lesser – and potentially more interesting – members of the gang with insufficient space for their motives to be heard.

This film could have been so much more if the director was more sure of her motives and feelings about the incidents.It seems that she had detached herself from the characters just like her characters in Lost In Translation. After an hour into the movie you would feel that you have been watching the same things over and over again. We would have loved to see the back stories of these characters and a little bit more pace.Instead, we get a shallow movie about narcissistic characters and dumb celebrities.

WORTHY MENTIONS

Watch out for the long take during the robbery of Audrina Patridge's house. It reflects the sense of detachment we feel as the viewer.

This is the first movie starring Emma Watson not based on a book. 

MY VERDICT

**1/2 - Wait for the DVD

42 - Not just about sports

There is a scene in 42 in which Philadelphia Phillies manager Ben Chapman climbs out of the dugout and spews cruel racist remarks at Brooklyn Dodgers rookie Jackie Robinson.You can see the pain and rage on Robinson’s face as he tries to concentrate on his bat, knowing if he goes after Chapman, the headlines won’t be about the hateful manager — they’ll be about the first black player in the major leagues “attacking” the opposition.You immediately feel for this rookie and the fine line of emotional balance he has to maintain at every step of his amazing journey.On the exterior, this may seem like just another sports film, but it is much more than that. This is more of a drama centered around around one of the most significant sporting events in the history of baseball.

Based on the true story of Branch Rickey’s signing of Jackie Robinson for the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team in 1946 in a bid to start racial equality within the sport; the film’s opening narration informs us that before this season there was not one black player in the league but things were about to change.Racism, however, was not only present in the game but also rife across America at this time, and the film is more about what Robinson stood for for humanity, not just baseball in general. Robinson and Ricky knew they will be hated and abused from the fans and fellow players, but the weight of what Robinson must have had on his shoulders must have been incredible, especially as he knows one wrong word or if he shows a fight against his oppressors, he will not only lose his personal battle, but also damage the possibilities for other black players to follow in his footsteps.

Chadwick Boseman as Robinson is good and handles the array of emotions really well, but somehow I felt he could have done better with the role and seemed too uni dimensional at times. Harrison Ford as Rickey gives one of the best performances of his career.Whether Rickey’s lecturing young team members in his office, or observing his team from the sidelines, he’s filled with one-liner wisdom and perfectly timed punch lines. Andre Holland is solid as Wendell Smith, a black sportswriter who’s more of a travel guide for Robinson.

42 is one of the better films of this year but not without its faults.At times the journey of Robinson seems too easy and the film could have shown more of the struggles he may have gone through in his time.But without being too critical, this is a good movie about human courage and character and it is a film which deserves to be made. The screenplay is excellent,the sports scenes are excellent,the support cast competent and Harrison Ford with a potential to get an Oscar nod.Don't miss this if you like warm uplifting films.

WORTHY MENTIONS

Watch out for the superb scene which follows where Robinson breaks down out of sight from the media’s eyes.

the number 42 is retired in Baseball as a tribute to Robinson.

MY VERDICT

***1/2 - Uplifting

 

MUD - Growing up is an adventure

Teenage can be very confusing. It's the phase where we have half conceived ideas about adulthood and we want to reach towards it in a hurry.Along the way there are a few adventures and heartbreaks we never forget.At the end of these adventures, we come of age and our thinking are changed forever.Mud is the story of one such beautiful-yet-heartbreaking adventure which would stay with the viewers long after it ends.

Mississippi adolescents Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) are exploring along the mighty Mississippi when they stumble upon a small island inhabited by Mud (Matthew McConaughey), a desperado who claims to be on the run from brutal bounty hunters after killing a man in Texas. According to Mud, his true love Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) is awaiting his arrival in town, and together they plan to make a daring escape. Fascinated, the two boys agree to help Mud slip past his pursuers, despite the potential dangers of doing so. The story of Mud inspires and motivates Ellis in his otherwise crumbling life where his parents are thinking of separation and his childhood home is in danger of being shredded apart.His decision to help Mud somehow seems more of helping himself.Neckbone is initially skeptical,though he gradually warms to the outsider.

But often life does not turn out according to our plans.These are the roadblocks which teach us most of the important lessons in life. It is the same with Mud and his simple plan of escape.Mud is about the fragility of men, the craving to be loved — by a woman, by other men — and how easily that love is misplaced, taken away, cheated or lost. The kid may think it’s about all loving each other, but Eillis  discovers that love leaves lots of wishes to be desired, and many complications in the spells it conjures.Both of the boys have matured by the time the end credit rolls.

The cinematography and the score may seem too dry and cynical at times but this story was never about glee and mirth.Both the teen actors give excellent performance, but the heart of this movie is Matthew McConaughey. He has been going through a purple patch lately and it seems here that he has been practically living on the island all his life.His rugged looks and his transformation from a tough self assured macho guy to a slightly sensitive and frail guy is worth some accolades.Add to that his pair of false teeth and the Arkansas accent. I will not be surprised if he gets an academy nomination for his role. All the supporting actors play their part well.

Coming of age movies are a sort of rarity these days. I remember enjoying the classics like Stand By Me and The Breakfast Club, and Mud surely finds a place almost equal to that.At a time when certain highly anticipated and big budget films are disappointing big time, it is good to see a small movie take the audience by surprise with its solid story and mature performance. Lovers of high paced action movies may not like this, but any genuine movie lover would certainly appreciate the offering.

WORTHY MENTIONS 

Chris Pine was in talks for the title role in May 2011. Despite this, Matthew McConaughey was always writer/director Jeff Nichols's first choice.

Writer/director Jeff Nichols came up with the concept for the film in the 1990s. 

MY VERDICT

**** - You will remember your teenage

KICK ASS 2 - You will only kick yourself

There are some movies which should never have a sequel.They are best left alone as a solo offering.Kick Ass was one such movie.When I watched the movie in 2010, I didn't know what to expect, but it turned out to be one of my all time best movie.The story was original and the entertainment was terrific.It was but natural for me to be excited when the second installment released, but after watching the utterly mediocre offering, I wished it never was made.

Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Red Mist return for the follow-up to 2010’s hit fist installment. After Kick-Ass’ (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) insane bravery inspires a new wave of self-made masked crusaders, led by Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey), our hero joins them on patrol. When these amateur superheroes are hunted down by Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse)—reborn as the world's first super villain—only the blade-wielding Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) can prevent their annihilation.With graduation looming and uncertain what to do, Dave decides to start the world’s first superhero team with Mindy.Unfortunately, when Mindy is busted for sneaking out as Hit Girl, she’s forced to retire.Just as they start to make a real difference on the streets, the world’s first super villain, assembles his own evil league and puts a plan in motion to make Kick-Ass and Hit Girl pay for what they did to his dad. But there’s only one problem with his scheme: If you mess with one member of Justice Forever, you mess with them all.

Kick-Ass 2 is not as funny, smart, original, cool, or simply as good as its predecessor.The first movie dealt with self made superheroes with out any superpowers.The only superpower they had was their own self belief and their decision to wipe out evil.But the sequel makes them look invincible and over the top.The film is too violent for its genre and the less said about a particular instrument called Shitstick, the better. But if you view it as an independent movie, it can still be enjoyable enough ,and for one reason only: Chloe Grace Moretz.At 16, Moretz has had a career of ten years already with directors like Martin Scorsese, Tim Burton,  Marc Webb and Matthew Vaughn.She was the best thing to me about the first installment of Kick Ass where I was spellbound by her quirky character.She was smart and cool and lit up the screen by her presence.She steals the show again in this movie and it is only the weight of her awesomeness that carries the film through.Can't wait to see her in the remake of Carrie later this year.The rest of the cast was all okay but never too great with the exception of Jim Carrey. He delivers a solid performance in an extended cameo and many of you will find it difficult to recognize him with his mask on.

With the super success of super hero movies in this age, it must have been too tempting for the producers to come up with the sequel to cash in on the success of its 2010 predecessor. But in doing so, it produces nothing but a confused mess in the name of a follow up. This film is more about Hit Girl than Kick Ass. It is confused if it is a teen movie or a dark superhero movie.The fans of the original are bound to be frustrated but still enjoy the graceful  Chloe Grace Moretz.This is best avoided.

WORTHY MENTION

There is an extra scene after the credits which sadly leaves a scope for a third installment

MY VERDICT

** - Failed to kick it

Kick-Ass 2 is not as funny, smart, original, cool, quirky, shocking, violent or simply as good as its predecessor. But if you view it as an independent movie, it is still an enjoyable enough romp, and for one reason only: Chloe Grace Moretz.

Read more at: http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/kick-ass-2-review-chloe-moretzs-hit-girl-deserves-her-own-franchise-1060741.html?utm_source=ref_

Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Red Mist return for the follow-up to 2010’s irreverent global hit: ‘Kick-Ass 2.’ After Kick-Ass’ (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) insane bravery inspires a new wave of self-made masked crusaders, led by the badass Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey), our hero joins them on patrol. When these amateur superheroes are hunted down by Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse)—reborn as The Mother F%&*^r—only the blade-wielding Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) can prevent their annihilation. When we last saw junior assassin Hit Girl and young vigilante Kick-Ass, they were trying to live as normal teenagers Mindy and Dave. With graduation looming and uncertain what to do, Dave decides to start the world’s first superhero team with Mindy.
Unfortunately, when Mindy is busted for sneaking out as Hit Girl, she’s forced to retire—leaving her to navigate the terrifying world of high-school mean girls on her own. With no one left to turn to, Dave joins forces with Justice Forever, run by a born-again ex-mobster named Colonel Stars and Stripes. Just as they start to make a real difference on the streets, the world’s first super villain, The Mother F%&*^r, assembles his own evil league and puts a plan in motion to make Kick-Ass and Hit Girl pay for what they did to his dad. But there’s only one problem with his scheme: If you mess with one member of Justice Forever, you mess with them all.
- See more at: http://screenrant.com/kick-ass-2-official-plot-synopsis/#sthash.e136DWub.dp

Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Red Mist return for the follow-up to 2010’s irreverent global hit: ‘Kick-Ass 2.’ After Kick-Ass’ (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) insane bravery inspires a new wave of self-made masked crusaders, led by the badass Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey), our hero joins them on patrol. When these amateur superheroes are hunted down by Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse)—reborn as The Mother F%&*^r—only the blade-wielding Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) can prevent their annihilation. When we last saw junior assassin Hit Girl and young vigilante Kick-Ass, they were trying to live as normal teenagers Mindy and Dave. With graduation looming and uncertain what to do, Dave decides to start the world’s first superhero team with Mindy.
Unfortunately, when Mindy is busted for sneaking out as Hit Girl, she’s forced to retire—leaving her to navigate the terrifying world of high-school mean girls on her own. With no one left to turn to, Dave joins forces with Justice Forever, run by a born-again ex-mobster named Colonel Stars and Stripes. Just as they start to make a real difference on the streets, the world’s first super villain, The Mother F%&*^r, assembles his own evil league and puts a plan in motion to make Kick-Ass and Hit Girl pay for what they did to his dad. But there’s only one problem with his scheme: If you mess with one member of Justice Forever, you mess with them all.
- See more at: http://screenrant.com/kick-ass-2-official-plot-synopsis/#sthash.e136DWub.dpuf

SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN - Extraordinary ode to an extraordinary life

The beauty of Documentary films is that you always know that all of this is true even if it seems absolutely improbable. This knowledge produces a sense of amazement and shock. The story of Sugar man is no less amazing and equally hard to believe in today's digital age where the world is a nothing but a global village.This is an excellent offering by director Malik Bendjelloul, and it deserves all the rave reviews and awards that it has been receiving.

In the early 1970s, Sixto Rodriguez was a Detroit folksinger who had a short-lived recording career with only two well received but non-selling albums. Unknown to Rodriguez, his musical story continued in South Africa where he became a pop music icon and inspiration for generations. Long rumored there to be dead by suicide, a few fans in the 1990s decided to seek out the truth of their hero's fate. What follows is a bizarrely heartening story in which they found far more in their quest than they ever hoped, while a Detroit construction laborer discovered that his lost artistic dreams came true after all. 

Rodriguez never got his due in his own country, but became a source of inspiration to thousands of South Africans who were reeling under the brutality of apartheid.Every movement needs an anthem, and the rebels of the country adopted Rodriguez's music as theirs.Even the censorship of a few of his songs could not deter the fans.The majority of the first half of the film deals with establishing the known facts about the singer and his rise to stardom in South Africa, but takes a turn in the second half.Two fans take it up upon themselves to unravel the mystery of the singer and know more about him.Thus begins the search for Sugar man. What happens next and what do they find is represented in a beautiful way akin to a mystery thriller. Watch the film to find it out. The outcome is both heartwarming and somewhat sad.

The film touches upon the eternal malice of  Piracy (or Bootleging) and its effect on artists, but overall its a film about an extraordinary life.Filled with songs from the artist's 2 recorded albums and the third unfinished one, it adds life to the narrative.This is a masterpiece which would be extra special to all the music lovers who grew up with 70's music of the likes of Bob Dylan. But even if you are not a music aficionado, this would sill strike a chord in your heart.

WORTHY MENTIONS

Some parts of the documentary were shot on an iPhone App called 8mm Vintage Camera after the producers ran out of film for an expensive real 8mm camera.

AWARDS

Won the Oscar for Best Documentary in 2013

Won the BAFTA for best Documentary in 2013

MY VERDICT

****1/2 - A very melodious journey

WE'RE THE MILLERS - Inconsistent fun

The most effective comedies tend to be the ones you know you have seen before yet you can't name any other just like it. "We're the Millers" has lots of familiar pieces but puts them together in a new-ish package. Often funny, sometimes hilarious and always amusing, the film doesn't raise the bar for R-rated comedy, but it works the formula in all the right ways. 

David Clark (Jason Sudeikis) creates a family as a disguise to help him pull off a huge drug smuggle. He finds a 'wife' (Jennifer Aniston) a stripper who is desperate for money, a 'daughter' (Emma Roberts) who is supposedly homeless, and a 'son' (Will Poulter) who is just an idiot who lives next door and is home alone with nothing better to do. The chemistry between these four characters really bought the film to life and they really did provide you with lots of laughs as the fake family, where it was all destined to go wrong but they got there in the end after some extremely awkward situations. 

Jason Sudeikis was brilliant in the lead role and Jennifer Aniston again brings out her wild sexy side as she was in 2011 comedy, Horrible Bosses. But for me the star of the show was English actor Will Poulter, he was the one who gave me the most laughs and I will be keeping an eye on his future ventures. He just really suited the role of the awkward teenage boy; his facial expressions were just brilliant. The supporting cast was also good and added even more comedy value, especially the somewhat crude Fitzgerald family.

The jokes are crude, some parts are stupid and far fetched but rarely vulgar as is the case so often in these R rated movies - think of Hangover. The chemistry of the "fake" family is great and as expected they bond during the course of their journey helping each other out when needed. We're The Millers is one of the better comedies to come out this year which, while not rib tickling, is quiet Okay for a film of this genre.After all its a staple summer entertainer. So don't be too critical and I am sure you could enjoy it.

WORTHY MENTIONS

Watch out for a hilarious scene involving a spider and Will Poulter.

Look for the end of credit scene involving the millers and how they pay tribute to Aniston.

MY VERDICT

*** - Sit back and enjoy

PAY IT FORWARD - Heartwarming theme but lukewarm treatment

What would you expect if you put together a cast featuring an Oscar-winning actor in Kevin Spacey, an Oscar-winning actress in Helen Hunt and an Oscar-nominated actor in little-but-extremely-talented  Haley Joel Osment ? An Oscar winning movie perhaps? Well, things don't always turn out the way we want them to, right?No, it doesn't.

Young Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment), troubled by his mother's(Helen Hunt) alcoholism and fears of his abusive but absent father, is caught up by an intriguing assignment from his new social studies teacher, Mr. Simonet(Kevin Spacey). The assignment: think of something to change the world and put it into action. Trevor conjures the notion of paying a favor not back, but forward--repaying good deeds not with payback, but with new good deeds done to three new people. Trevor's efforts to make good on his idea bring a revolution not only in the lives of himself, his mother and his physically and emotionally scarred teacher, but in those of an ever-widening circle of people completely unknown to him.

Great concept, top-notch acting and a nice concept but this film ultimately fails because it tags convenient situations on to its second half and gives us one of the most uninspiring endings that I have seen in years.Why anyone would think that this finale "completes" this picture in any way is beyond me! the film's horrible conclusion also amplified my disappointment in a story which seemed to be aiming for so much, while ultimately achieving so little.

The movie also ran on for too long with not enough time spent on the most interesting aspect of the film,the whole concept of "pay it forward". The idea itself was captivating, but just seemed to become more of a backdrop to the sentimental and emotional outpours in the foreground as the movie moved onwards. I really loved the "pay it forward" moments between people and would've liked to have seen more of them in the film, perhaps even developed further. And it's all really too bad because the talent assembled here is as good as they come. Spacey delivers, as does Hunt, while Osment proves to everyone that The Sixth Sense was no fluke. But the script.......what the heck happened to the script?

All in all, a misfire, a decent attempt at reaching for that something big but coming up short. Catch it on DVD or cable for the strong performances and try to figure out yourself when exactly things started going wrong in this film.The underlying theme is unique but the treatment and the ending leaves much to be desired.

WORTHY MENTIONS

Watch out for a small blink-and-you miss role played by Jon Bon Jovi.

The Jaguar owner is played by director Mimi Leder's husband, Gary Werntz. His character's asthmatic daughter is their real-life daughter, Hannah Leder. 

MY VERDICT

*** - An extra star for the concept

AN EARNEST PLEA FROM A MOVIE LOVER

As an avid movie lover, some of the current trends in recent movies are really bugging me. And its , not only Bollywood which is the culprit. Even Hollywood is not far behind. So, on behalf of all the movie lovers like me, I would like to make an earnest plea to the following people to rethink their current decisions and realize whats best for them.


1] Mr. Bruce Willis

Dear Sir, last week I had to endure the mess by the name of G.I.Joe - Retaliation ,and you had a so called cameo in the movie. Then again I watched Die Hard 5 and you were fighting the bad guys with your on screen son. As someone who thinks John McClane is the best action hero, I was really feeling bad for you. You must realize that even if you quit playing the macho action hero in your films , you would still be remembered as the best action hero of your generation. Its important not to make a mess of things and turn out just the heck for it. I just wish not to watch John McClane re emerge for the sixth time. I admire your decision to do RED and Looper as you played your age, but its time to watch out for your age and your cramps.

Not such a good choice

We liked it this way

2] Mr.Shah Rukh Khan

Dear Sir, I know that you are the king of Bollywood and the biggest star who is currently enjoying the success of your latest hit which has become the biggest hit in Bollywood history. But are you really enjoying doing what you are doing. You don't have to answer me but just think about it.There was a time when you used to make the audience skip a heartbeat by simply holding your arms open in the mustard field , but now it seems you just want to repeat the same formula without realizing that most of your fans from your generation has matured and the new crop of viewers want more from their films.You have done it before with films like Swades and Chak De India and must not loose the faith in yourself just because your attempt with Ra One failed. I am not your biggest fan, but it hurts to see an icon not adapt to changes when the only constant in life is to change.

Don't  get carried away

Golden days in the golden field

3] Mr Adam Sandler

Dear Sir, Please stop making comedy as the only thing comic is you acting in them, and I don't mean it in a good way. The trailer of Jack and Jill was enough to make me throw up. There was a time when you did some genuinely good movies like 50 First Dates and Big Daddy, but you misfire more often than not nowadays. The last straw was probably the crass You Dont Mess With the Zohan. Maybe you should take a break or make a paradigm shift, which seems unlikely.

It really ain't pretty

4] Mr.Mukesh Bhatt and Mr Mahesh Bhatt

Dear Sirs, I am a big fan of your production house Vishesh films, but I must say you dont really understand the concept of sequels. I fail to understand why do you make an Aashiqui 2 when the first Aashiqui  was made 23 years ago and the second installment has no sort of link with the first one- except the poster. Same is the case with your Raaz, Murder , Jannat and Jism installments. Please give them a new name and don't try to cash in on a brand just by its name.

The similarities end here

 5] Ms.Julia Roberts

I was watching Notting Hill today, and the superstar Anna Scott played by Julia Roberts comes to her love and says, " I'm also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." It's a simple line but it still touches the heart even after all these years. Dear Mam, you were my favorite actress during my years of coming to terms with hollywood movies as seen through channels like Star Movies and HBO. Your way of delivering lines and your comic timing made you a superstar and you acted in some of the best romantic comedies of your time. But lately I find you a shadow of your former self. The choice of the scripts are not what I expect from you. I know its not easy for actress on the wrong side of forty to repeat the same success as before, even in hollywood. I dearly hope August:Osage County brings you back to your best and hope to see more from you.

Miss this million dollar smile

6] To all the Directors overdoing the Found Footage Films

Dear Sirs, I request you to understand that out of the dozens of found footage films that we see, we remember only a few. If Blair Witch Project set the ball rolling and cashed in by Paranormal activity and REC took it to a new level of horror, majority of the films still end up bombing with poor acting and predictable scare tactics.No one believes in the authenticity of the found footage anyomore - unlike Blair Witch- and the acting has to be good to leave a mark.With dozens of such films coming out each year, I request you all to mybe try something different.

We don't care anymore

So, these are few of the the trends which comes to the top of my mind which i feel should change with immediate effect. Whether it  would change or not is to be seen, but we all could do with them. I would surely add some more as and when anything strikes me.Till then, I am open to some more trends you would like to change too.Please comment on the same.

THE CONJURING - Classic Horror

I have been hearing all the positive buzz surrounding this film for quiet a while now. Some people are tagging it as the best horror film to come out in the last 10 years. Then there are talks about the film getting a R rating just based on its horror factor. All these aroused the excitement of the horror fan in me. I was , at last, able to get my hands on it yesterday, and I waited till midnight to watch it. After I finished it, I was horrified and satisfied in equal parts. It is indeed good.

In 1971, Carolyn and Roger Perron (Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor) move their family into a dilapidated Rhode Island farm house and soon strange things start happening around it with escalating nightmarish terror. In desperation, Carolyn contacts the noted paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) , to examine the house. What happens next and what the Warrens eventually discover forms the crux of the story and it is sure to make you cringe with tension as the horrific set pieces start to revel themselves. This is said to be based on a true case and I can only imagine what the Perron family went through if any of these events actually happened.

The Conjuring  takes all the familiar elements of exorcism based horror movies and puts a deadly new spin on them, resulting in a film that is not only genuinely terrifying but also a well-made one. It takes nearly one fourth of the film to build the tension and make us go through the anxiety and tension each of the Perron family members face ever since moving in. And then it explodes and starts hitting you hard.The run time of only  112 minutes is another positive aspect of the film as it never gives the audience a chance to divert from the gruesome happenings.The tension is quite unbearable and the fact that you’re not familiar with the scare tactics makes it an even more unsettling watch.There isn't a single dull moment, you are on the edge of your seat rooting and praying the family triumphs over their satanic adversary.

With new sub genres emerging within Horror films like Torture Porn and Mockumentaries, to name a few , the acting has taken a backseat for quiet a while now. It depends more on the CGI and the technology. But when backed by solid acting, a Horror film really achieves greatness- Think of The Shining. All the actors in The Conjuring gives solid performances. Right from the main protagonists to the child actors, each are brilliantly cast in their roles. The exorcism is not exactly like in The Exorcist, but is brilliantly done. Director James Wan has delivered some modern day horror classics like Saw and Insidious and again scores big with The Conjuring.

On the whole, this film is certainly one of the best films to come out in 2013 and a great horror movie. My only complaint to the film makers would be that they maybe showed too much in the trailer itself, but still its a horrific ride.Its a horror story told in the classical way and that is the best way. Watch it and get terrified.

WORTHY MENTIONS

In the end of the movie when Lorraine gets off the phone and talks to her husband, she says that the priest wants to discuss a case in Long Island. That case is the Amityville case.
Watch out for the Annabelle doll in the movie which is one of the most famous cases of the Warrens . But,the real Annabelle doll was a rag doll not a broken porcelain doll as the movie depicts.

MY VERDICT

**** - Be Prepared to Be Terrified

NOW YOU SEE ME - Not as magical but still entertaining

The first time I watched the trailer of Now You See Me, It really caught my attention and set high expectations. The star cast was awesome and the plot line promised a cocktail between Oceans Eleven and The Prestige - Two of the coolest movies ever made.The end result is not quiet the masterpiece I expected, but still a good entertainer all the same.

Now You See Me follows three magicians and a mentalist, all at different points in their careers. J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg) is a rising star with plenty of street cred. Merritt Osbourne (Woody Harrelson) is a once world-renowned mentalist trying to fight his way back after tax problems. Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) is J. Daniel’s former assistant trying to make a name for herself with daring escapes, and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) is a nobody who performs around town to hone his craft. After being mysteriously brought together, they join forces to become the magic act known as The Four Horsemen and wind up landing a gig in Las Vegas - which they close by helping a man from France rob his local bank of millions.How did they do it? Why did they do it? And what are they planning next? These are questions for not only the two investigators (Mark Ruffalo and Melanie Laurent) sent to look into the case but also the audience.

A story this elaborate really needs to get its trick and illusions in place. They must be jaw dropping, yet simple enough for the audience to marvel at the audacity and brilliance. But sadly this is where the film falters.While Now You See Me is definitely high on the fun factor and thrills, it's hard to tell what is a legitimate illusion, what's CGI-trickery and what you're simply not being shown by director Louis Leterrier.

But Now You See Me is definately entertaining.The chemistry between The Four Horsemen  magicians who pull off elaborate bank heists and reward their audiences with money  is excellent.

Played by Fisher, Eisenberg, Harrelson and Dave Franco, each are experts in their fields and overconfident in their own way, whether it be in hypnosis or sleight of hand.Mark Ruffalo and Melanie Laurent make a wonderful pair with some really good moments shared between them.Ruffalo isn't the typical hollywood hero we are used to see, but definitely one of the better fringe actors around.Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are always good and they deliver here as well. But- and this is a big BUT- the movie boasts of a wonderful ensemble cast who are never really assembled together. This leaves the film short of its desired mark.

I love movies involving magic (The Prestige, Illusionist )  and was really looking forward to this one. While not as great, but this movie is entertaining and if you don't over-think it, it's engaging, entertaining and makes for a great bit of escapism.

WORTHY MENTIONS

A police interrogation, where Ruffalo and Laurent clearly have no power and are completely undermined, is highly amusing.

MY VERDICT

*** - Potential wasted

EVIL DEAD (2013) - Gorefest at its best

There are certain films that horror fans would have you believe should never be remade. They should exist forever in their original state. The Exorcist, The Shining, etc to name but a few. The Evil Dead definitely fits into this category. I started expecting another poorly conceived and executed rehash. I finished not entirely unsatisfied, but at some point the bloodbath is so excess that it may cease to be shocking.

Director Fede Alvarez is obviously a fan of the original film. Their fingerprints are all over this well executed remake. He has approached this with the right attitude and tries to deliver all of the elements you would expect from the original film, but leaves his own touch. With this new Evil Dead they have tried to introduce a more cohesive plot, instead of a group of demon fodder twenty somethings just going up to a cabin in the woods for no obvious reason. This time we are introduced to the gang as holding an intervention for their drug addicted friend, Mia (Jane Levy). Her older brother David is there with childhood friends Eric (the nerd), Olivia (the nurse), and Natalie (the blonde). This makes for some interesting ideas on withdrawal. Are the things Mia is experiencing just part of her going delusional?

Also in trying to introduce the characters to us our leads all have to act. They seem to struggle a little with this, expressing is not their strong suit.But one possession later (the iconic scene which would make the fairer sex cringe ), we have our first casualty and the film takes off and never stops.The gore is brilliantly well done. In particular are a shot involving a knife and a tongue and an electric bread knife and a possessed arm. From there we have rivers of blood and gore. The the shocks keep coming thick and fast and you barely have chance to catch your breath.

You need to go into this film and be prepared to switch off your brain and just enjoy it for what it is, an extravaganza of blood and guts and a tribute to a horror classic. On the whole, Evil Dead was never meant for subtlety , and it succeeds that way. But, would the audience care enough for the gore as it is overdone?If you like your horror creepy and subtle you may not get the most out of this, but if,  you like it loud, in your face and with tons of blood this is the film for you.

WORTHY MENTIONS

According to reports in the press, the film used 70,000 gallons of fake blood. In an interview, Fede Alvarez said they used 50,000 gallons for the final scene alone. This is compared to the 200-300 gallons used in the original.

MY VERDICT

*** - Not for weak hearted