Wreck-it Ralph (2012)

[a fun watch but not fully satisfied]

Wreck-it Ralph (2012)
IMDB- 8.0
Rottentomatoes- 87%
RJG Rating- 65

Ralph ,a villain in an arcade game is tired of being the bad guy.To win some respect he ventures out of his game.

Starring- John C. Reilly,Sarah Silverman
Director- Rich Moore

Animation was great.Blending the 8-bit style into this movie was pretty neat.It carried a sense of perfection within the movie ,something which animation legends ,Pixar is renowned for.But on the downside ,the voicing cast could have been chosen more wisely.Sarah Silverman as the voice of Vanellope was a wrong choice in my opinion.

The story was a great concept which carried almost infinite potential.The idea of arcade games coming to life at night might sound like a modernized version of Toy Story ,but Wreck It Ralph manages to bring out some interesting points along the way.The introduction into such a world was amazing and was done quite well ,but what followed up was a bit disappointing.As the movie progressed it started bending towards a more kiddish and a bit cliched story.But on a positive note,the twists towards the end was a welcome change.And the cameo of various 80's game icons was an excellent touch to the story.

Direction was by Rich Moore was good.Although he tried to make the movie to be acceptable to all ,he does mess it up in the second half.With 80's iconic game characters and a somewhat a new concept ,he might have roped in much of the audience ,but its undeniable that the second half just throws it all out to cater for the kids alone.Much sense is lost and setting up majority of the movie in candyland seems to be a forced attempt to make the kids happy.

The comedy wasnt too fresh but was definitely family friendly (something many animated movies forget these days).the movie excelled in its action sequences and the drama scenes were well set up.

Overall ,Wreck It Ralph is a good attempt ,although it doesnt fulfill expectations.But since sequels is inevitable considering the large universe the movie has opened ,several flaws can be fixed.

Animation- 4.5/5
Story- 3.5/5
Direction- 3.5/5
Comedy- 3/5
Action- 4/5
Drama- 4/5

Oscar Nominations- 1
Best Animated Feature Film

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2012)

[just for fans of the series]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2012)
IMDB- 6.0
Rottentomatoes- 51%
RJG Rating- 35

Greg gets extremely bored in the summer with only his video games to his rescue.

Starring- Zachary Gordon,Steve Zahn,Devon Bostick
Director- David Bowers

The third part of the Wimpy Kid movie series is based on the novels The Last Straw and Dog Days by Jeff Kinney.

The entire cast from the second movie are back for this part as well.Zachary ,who plays the main lead ,gives an ok performance.Steve Zahn as the father has a more bigger role this time.The supporting cast do a good job as well.Devon Bostick as Greg's older brother Roddick ,gives a good performance once again.

The story for Dog Days ,is somewhat familiar to the second part ,Roddick Rules.Theres no new concept or anything.Just the same humiliating and awkward jokes.

Direction of Dog Days is average.Its tone is the same as the previous two and doesnt try to improve itself.Its pacing is quite even and is an enjoyable watch.
Overall,if you liked the previous 2 installments ,Dog Days will be of your liking.

Acting- 3/5
Story- 2.5/5
Direction- 3/5
Comedy- 3/5

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

[an adventure for kids]

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)
IMDB-6
RottenTomatoes-42
RJG rating-55

Sean & his step father decode a signal broadcast believed to be sent by Sean's missing grandfather.

Starring- Dwayne 'Rock', Josh Hutcherson
Director- Brad Peyton

Journey 2 is the sequel of 2008's Journey to the Center of the Earth (Brendan Fraiser & Josh H). It like its predecessor is a awesome visual treat.

The main highlight of the whole movie was Dwayne 'Rock'. His charm easily lifts the movie and sets it on course and the viewers are able to forgive the cheesy dialogues and over acting from Josh & Vanessa.Luis is a great comic relief for this movie and he gives ample support to Dwayne for many funny sequences.Michael Caine is wasted.

Story is average.It isnt very great and just plods on.Direction from Brad is not very good.The movie drags in many places and when its time for a plot point ,it quickly picks up pace and ends up looking a rushed up scene.The movie is also too kiddish and lacks common sense in many scenes.The cheesy dialogues exchanged too is quite embarrassing.

The visuals are upto the mark (although the Center of the Earth is still better). The island and its bizarre nature is well captured but not extensively utilized.The action scenes are also quite good.

Overall ,fans of Dwayne 'Rock' will enjoy it.Due to the overdose of kiddish material ,kids will love this movie.

Acting-2.5/5
Story-2/5
Direction-2/5
Action-3.5/5
Visual Effects- 4/5

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Arthur Christmas (2011)
IMDB-7.2
RottenTomato-92
RJG Rating-100


On the eve of Christmas night ,Santa goes around the world delivering toys...with a little help from his family ofcourse...

Starring - James McAvoy , Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent
Director - Sarah Smith & Barry Cook

Arthur Christmas is one of the best animated movies of recent years.The animation quality is superb ,the direction neat ,the storyline sweet and the characters "Pixar level" [top class]...

What makes Arthur Christmas one of the best is its undeniable charm in the way it presents the story...True,the whole Santa & son concept has been used numerous times, but this time its different..The characters in this movie are just too good...


Animation-5/5
Direction-5/5
Story-4.5/5
Comedy-4/5
Family-4.5/5