Cloud Atlas (2012)

[a large and thought proving movie]

Cloud Atlas (2012)
IMDB- 8.0
Rottentomatoes- 64%
RJG Rating- 90

6 different tales which take place in different eras have an impact on each other.

Starring- Tom Hanks,Halle Berry,Jim Broadbent,Hugo Weaving,Jim Sturgess,Doona Bae,Ben Whishaw,James D'Arcy,Huge Grant
Directors-Lana Wachowski,Tom Tykwer,Andy Wachowski

Based on the novel of the same name by David Mitchell ,it was believed that adapting the novel into a movie was impossible.But, like the successful adaptations of unfilmable works like Watchmen ,Life Of Pi ,Cloud atlas was brought to the big screen by the Wachowskis & Tykwer.

The acting of the cast is the major selling point.A-List stars such as Tom Hanks & Halle Berry not only play the lead and supporting actors in the stories ,they also look completely different in each story.The cast has been arranged in such a way that no actor can be said to be the lead actor .One might play the hero in one story ,the supporting actor in another ,the villain in another ,or just a cameo in another.This gives everyone an equal stage to perform and showcase their abilities,and all of them have done excellently.Hugo Weaving plays a villain in almost all 6 ,and hes truly excellent in all of them.Tom ,Halle ,Jim Broadbent ,Doona,Ben Whishaw all shine in their respective stories as well.

The story is the true core of this entire film.Although it is 3hrs long ,it carries 6,totally different stories.The movie requires your strict attention ,and with 6 stories taking place at the same time ,its a bit difficult to truly understand each ones depth.But on the first watch ,all 6 are beautiful tales ,that deal with different topics and range from friendship,love,mystery,comedy,revolution and survival.The movie requires a 2nd viewing to truly appreciate the depth of each story and to understand the link between each one of them.

Direction by the Wachowskis (Matrix Trilogy) & Tom Tykwer (Perfume) is just brilliant.Their devotion to the source material is admirable and the film is a very honest adaptation of the novel.The pacing of the movie is fast and doesnt lag at all during the entire 3hrs.The movie isnt just mixed together but ,thanks to some excellent editing ,the links between each story is highlighted.

The action sequences and the visual effects are just awesome and the cinematography is very beautiful as well.The makeup on the actors is just superb,at times its hard to even recognize some of them!

But on the downside ,Cloud Atlas isnt for everyone.For some, keeping track of the the 6 stories will prove to be too much to handle.If you like movies that are straight forward , Cloud Atlas isnt for you.Plenty of names will be thrown around, and getting confused as to who is who is understandable.So keeping a piece of paper and pencil at hand is recommended.

Overall ,Cloud Atlas is a definitely one of the grandest work of film making.Fans of the Wachowskis wont be disappointed.Although its a must watch ,its not a movie that most can handle.

Acting -4.5/5
Story- 4/5
Direction- 5/5
Action- 5/5
Drama- 4.5/5
Romance- 4/5
Comedy- 4/5
Thriller- 4/5

V for Vendetta (2006)

[a brilliant and thought provoking movie]

V for Vendetta (2006)
IMDB- 8.8 (Top 250 - #166)
Rottentomatoes- 73%
RJG Rating- 100

A terrorist by the name of V,threatens to bring down the dictatorship rule of Britain.

Starring- Hugo Weaving,Natalie Portman
Director- James McTeigue

Adapted from Alan Moore's graphic novel ,V for Vendetta was directed James McTeigue and written for the big screen by the Wachowski Bros. (Matrix Trilogy).

The main character of the movie is V ,but being a masked character from the start to the end ,its hard to judge Hugo Weaving's acting.But Hugo's dialogue presentation is top notch.He ranges his voice perfectly from light hearted to terrifying.But this doesnt mean the movie falls back on its acting department.With the main lead under a mask,Natalie Portman as Evey is a strong acting role.Natalie is just superb in the role and she delivers one of her best acting performances of her career.The supporting cast doesnt disappoint either,all give very good performances.

V for Vendetta can be easily mistaken for an all out action movie on the outside but its clearly much more that.The story of VFV is a strong pillar on which it stands.The various ideologies presented by the lead characters , the stories of various individuals , and ofcourse V's grand plan are all blended in a manner that wont confuse or bore the audience.
The dialogues also are a very important factor for the movie.The hard hitting dialogues from V will definitely send a chill up your spine.

Direction by debutant, James McTeigue ,is excellent.The pacing of the movie is perfect and he nicely blends the action scenes with the drama ones making the movie a satisfying feature for all.Every scene of VFV has a particular message to convey and all hit the bulls eye.James had previously worked on the Matrix Trilogy, and considering the Wachowski's have written the screenplay ,theres the particular tone that is similar with The Matrix.

The action scenes from VFV is just excellent.The climax fighting sequence is just jaw dropping!The special effects have been used moderately and not been overdone.

On release VFV ,was a moderate success.Alan Moore ,the writer distanced himself from the movie as he did for other movie adaptations of his comics (From Hell,League of Extraordinary Gentlemen ,and later on Watchmen).But the movie over time achieved cult status and made the Guy Fawkes mask (the one V wears) infamous for issues that related to peoples freedom of speech etc.

Overall ,V for Vendetta is a great movie ,a must watch.

Acting - 5/5
Story- 5/5
Direction- 5/5
Drama- 4.5/5
Action- 5/5

Pic from Cloud Atlas

First Pic from Wachowski's Cloud Atlas.The movie stars Tom Hanks & Halle Berry.

The synopsis for Cloud Atlas is:
'Six stories set in a different time and place become intricately related to each other.'

All the 6 stories feature the same set of actors.Its sort of a mind bending story.The Wachowskis are known for their classic -The Matrix ,and are returning to direction after 2008's flop ,Speed Racer.They had a good reputation once ,but squandered it on projects such as Matrix 3,Speed Racer & Ninja Assassin.
Cloud Atlas has a release date for October 26 and Im not convinced from this pic that they are bringing a sensible movie.