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