Witch Hunters grab the top spot

Witch Hunters grab the top spot

[Jan25-27]

#1- Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters had a easy takeover the box office ,as it debuted with $19million.This is an average debut for a $50million and its fate is yet to decided.The movie is a gritty retelling of the classic childrens-tale.But as all gritty remakes of such tales ,this too isnt no better.Critics have panned the movie and is rated at 18%.

#2-Mama slipped by 55% to make $12.8million on its second week.With that this horror movie has already made a strong $48million and can easily beat last years top grossing horror movie ,Woman In Black ,by this weekend.

#3-Silver Linings held the 3rd spot as it fell by just 7% to make $10million.Made at a budget of $21million ,the romantic movie has made a worldwide gross of $86million and is still going strong.

#4-Zero Dark Thirty has started slipping down ,as it made just $9.8million.The momentum has been dipping slowing.The movie has made $77million worldwide so far ,and is set to be director Kathryn's highest grossing movie by this week.

#5-Jason Statham starrer Parker had a very poor start with $7million.The heist movie which is like any other Jason movie ,wasnt liked by critics either.The movie got a negative 37% and the critics say this is just like any other Jason Statham movie with a poor script and even more poorer heist.The movie is expected to tank as competition grows this week.

The third new release ,Movie 43 ,flopped with just $5million.But for a movie made at a small budget of $6million,this comedy has already made its cost.Reviews have been thoroughly negative and harsh ,and is rated at 05%.

Meanwhile ,Skyfall beat up Toy Story 3 & Pirates of the Caribbean2&4 as it rose up to #8 in the highest grossing movies worldwide list.The Bond movie has made $1.077billion and is still going at a strong pace.The next in line is The Dark Knight Rises with $1.081billion ,which will be an easy takeover for Skyfall.

Hobbit Part 1 has now grossed $939million and easily took over Lord Of The Rings:Two Towers.This has been a good run by the prequel, but much of the collection is from overseas ,and Hobbit ($293million) is yet to match upto the Lord of The Rings domestic collection ($313 ,$339 ,$377 million).

As we enter February ,there are 2 new movies this week.My pick of the week will be ---

1- Warm Bodies:Warm Bodies is a zombie romantic movie.Yes, i said romance.Strange as it is ,the movie looks like a sweet comedy movie.Warm Bodies is about a zombie that falls in love with a human.This is directed by Jonathan Levine ,who earlier directed another unique movie ,50/50.

2-The other new movie is Sylvester Stallone's Bullet To the Head.So far i have zero interest in this one ,and none of the trailers have made much of an impact.The movie is based on a graphic novel about a hitman & a cop who unite to bring down a gang.So far the movie has been getting average reviews and is currently rated at 63%.

Abrams for Star Wars 7

Disney has officially announced that JJ Abrams will direct Star Wars Episode 7.Bad Robots (Abrams production company) will produce the movie as well.The screenplay will be written by Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine ,Toy Story 3,Hunger Games 2).The movie will start off a new storyline for the franchise.

But will this prevent Abrams from taking on Star Trek 3? Well it does limit Abrams from directing Star Trek 3 ,but he says he will stay close to Star Trek 3 as well and will be producing it.

Although Abrams will do great as director for Star Wars ,but by leaving Star Trek 3 hes sort of ruining the new Trek series (that is if Star Trek 2 of this year turns out to be any good).

Star Wars 7 is set for release in 2015.

Heres a small FAN MADE trailer for Star Wars 7 - www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q99q5dV2ko

Argo (2012)

[an intense hostage thriller]

Argo (2012)
IMDB- 8.1 (Top 250- #213)
Rottentomatoes- 96%
RJG Rating- 90

6 American Embassy workers are hunted during the Iranian revolution.

Starring- Ben Affleck ,Bryan Cranston
Director- Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck once again directs and plays the lead after 2010's The Town.From start to end ,he plays an excellent role and gives the movie a strong character.The supporting actors playing the hostages were all okay.Although they are the lead subjects ,its hard not to end up hating a couple of them.Its a bit one dimensional characters.John Goodman & Alan Arkin on the other hand give a great supporting roles ,but there roles are too short.Bryan Cranston did a good job and also had enough screen time as well.

The story is based on the "Canadian Caper" ,a true incident which took place during the Iranian Revolution.Although much is changed to give dramatic effect ,the story is tight and plays out really well.Even though the climax is sort of cliched ,Ben's direction gets the movie across.

Ben Affleck once again has made an excellent movie.Although it has its moments of comedy ,its mostly a very intense movie.The pacing is mixed in the first half with drama suddenly giving way for a comparatively slow and relaxed period with ,but the second half spikes up the intensity all the way to the end.Affleck directs a somewhat cliched story into an engrossing watch.With Argo ,he has proved hes a great director.

Overall ,Argo is a must watch.Although its not historically accurate ,its an interesting watch to understand the situations during the Iranian revolution period.

Acting- 3.5/5
Story- 4/5
Direction -4.5/5
Thriller- 5/5
Drama- 4/5


Oscar Nominations- 7

Best Picture
Best Supporting Actor- Alan Arkin
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Film Editing
Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Mixing
Best Original Score- Alexandre Desplat

1000th Post :)

Thanks for the support my dear readers :D

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

[excellent story and cast]

Seven Psychopaths (2012)
IMDB- 7.5
RottenTomatoes- 82%
RJG Ratings- 100

Marty ,a writer gets caught up in his friend's dog kidnapping case.

Starring- Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell
Director- Martin McDonagh

Seven Psychopaths is powered up by a brilliant cast.Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell & Woody Harrelson are hilarious and keep the movie rolling forward without a hitch.Rockwell & Walken steal the highlights a couple of times though.Everyone brings an enjoyable performance onscreen and its a treat to watch them.

The story is quite unique.Its about a writer who is writing the movie ,which in turn resembles much of what the actual movie is about ,sort of like Adaptation (2002) on a smaller scale.The story manages to tell multiple tales and keep the pace of the movie tight.The comedy is of dark nature and is of the right amount.It disguises much of the serious crime story to keep the mood light.The storytelling is what makes this movie even more unique.

Direction by Martin McDonagh is excellent.The movie is fast paced and he juggles the various Psychopaths very well indeed.Also the screentime was well balanced between Colin ,Rockwell and Walken ,and gives all 3 enough time to shine.The dialogues are witty and funny.

Overall ,Seven Psychopaths is a must watch ,for those who like their comedies with some crime & some unique storytelling.

Acting- 5/5
Story- 5/5
Direction- 5/5
Comedy- 5/5
Action- 4.5/5
Thriller- 4.5/5

Mama beats new releases

Mama beats new releases
[Jan 18-20]

1-The horror movie ,Mama ,made the top spot with a powerful $28million debut.Made at a budget of just $15million ,Mama is already reaping profits.its also Jessica Chastain's second movie to make it to #1 consecutively ,shes already become a sought after actress and is proving that she can attract the crowds with strong ,female centered movies.

Mama is about 2 girls who are being haunted by someone after they are rescued from an abandoned house in the forest.

Reviews have been above average ,with most saying it delivers on the scares but is a bit lagging in the narrative aspect.Mama has a rating of 62%.

2-Zero Dark Thirty ,another movie led by Jessica Chastain ,made $17.6million ,bringing its worldwide total to $59million.This movie has out-grossed ,Kathryn's (the director) earlier movie ,The Hurt Locker and looks strong enough to be her most grossing movie (currently Point Break -$83million).

3-Silver Linings Playbook finally expanded its business to all theaters and made $11million to come 3rd.This brings its worldwide total to $67million.

The movie is about a 2 people who have very deep problems falling in love.The movie has been getting excellent reviews and is currently rated at 91%.I watched this movie and i found it to be nothing exceptional (Review- http://bit.ly/silinplaRJG)

4-Gangster Squad managed to hold on to the Top 5 with $9million.The action movie is not having such a great time ,with mixed reviews and a slow start at the box office ,Gangster Squad is struggling to make its budget of $60million.The movie has a worldwide total of $41.3million.

5-The second new movie of the week ,Broken City , had a poor opening as well.The movie managed to make just $9million ,which is a disappointment considering the movie stars A-listers such as Mark Wahlberg & Russel Crowe.The movie has been getting very poor reviews with many complaining about the poor script and predictability.The movie has a rotten rating of 24%.

The 3rd new movie was The Last Stand ,which is Arnold Schwarzenegger's first lead role in a decade (last one being Terminator3 in 2003).The movie made just $6million.

Although directed by acclaimed Korean director ,Kim Jee Woon (I saw the Devil) ,the reviews have been fairly mixed,with critics saying its not very unique but is a treat for Schwarzenegger fans.The movie is rated 57%.

Meanwhile ,Skyfall is now the 11th highest grossing movie with $1.034billion ,overtaking Star Wars 1 & Alice in Wonderland.The next target for Bond is Pirates of the Caribbean 4 ($1.043b)

This week ,theres a poor set of movies opening.So my pick of the week will be last weeks ,Mama.

1-Hansel and Gretel:Witch Hunters-Starring Jeremy Renner & Gemma Arterton ,this movie has been written off as a terrible movie ,judging by the concept and trailers.Gritty remakes of fairy tales have never pleased the critics so far ,and this wont either.

2-Movie 43- Starring almost the entire Hollywood's A-Listers ,Movie 43 is also directed by 12 directors.This is a comedy movie which is made up of multiple short comedy movies.Trailers have been ok ,and the movie is completely for adults.It doesnt seem too interesting either.

3-Parker-This is a Jason Statham movie.Thats the most appropriate synopsis for Parker.An action packed movie ,Parker is about a guy looking for revenge.Not too interesting or anything new.

Poor performance by Inkaar & Matru

[Jan 18-20]

Inkaar [Flop]

Inkaar only managed to rake in Rs.6cr on its first weekend.The thriller also couldnt please the critics either .The screenplay and the conclusion were poor making the movie a half baked attempt.Arjun and Chitrangada's acting were good but this hasnt helped Inkaar's business.

[Skip]


Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola [Below Average]

Matru failed to keep the crowds as it plummeted in its second week.The movie had made Rs.22cr in its first weekend ,and just Rs.5cr in its second weekend.Even with the new releases failing ,Matru couldnt get any hold over the audience.So far this comedy has collected Rs.38cr ,and with Race 2 releasing this week ,Matru will wrap up by this week.


With Race 2 opening this week ,hopefully things will be better at the box office.

Top 10 Worldwide Grossers All Time

3 Idiots- Rs.385cr

Ek Tha Tiger- 310cr

Dabangg 2– 258cr

Bodyguard– 230cr

Dabangg– 215cr

Jab Tak Hai Jaan– 211cr

Don 2– 206cr

Ra.One– 202cr

Rowdy Rathore– 201cr

My Name Is Khan– 200cr

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

[another take on romance]

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
IMDB- 8.2 (Top 250 -#222)
RottenTomatoes- 91%
RJG Rating- 65
After being discharged from a mental hospital ,Pat ,a bipolar patient, meets Tiffany ,a young widow.

Starring- Bradley Cooper ,Jennifer Lawrence
Director- David O. Russell

Silver Lining has an excellent cast.Everyone has a solid role and they all give it their best shot.Bradley Cooper once again showcases his best ,Jennifer Lawrence continues her brilliant run and is the movies main pillar.Jacki Weaver & Robert DeNiro give a strong supporting roles as well.But other than Jennifer ,the rest arent exactly the best of the year.

Story isnt very different from the usual set.It follows the usual storyline of romantic movies.The only highlight is the concept of a bipolar patient with a widow romance.The story is good and keeps the viewer hooked with Pat's relations with his parents ,friend and Tiffany .

David O Russell brings a charming tale of romance and drama.The pace of the movie is average ,its neither fast nor too slow.At 2hrs ,its the right duration for such a movie.He captures much of the quirky natures of the characters without ever making it over dramatic.The movie always keeps a sense of comic/romantic sense ,without going over the top.

Overall ,SLP might not be as awesome as most say ,but its a charming romantic movie and definitely worth a watch.


Oscar Nominations- 8

Best Picture
Best Director- David O. Russell
Best Actor- Bradley Cooper
Best Actress- Jennifer Lawrence
Best Supporting Actor- Robert De Niro
Best Supporting Actress- Jacki Weaver
Best Adapted Screenplay- David O. Russell
Best Film Editing

First Official PIc from Kick Ass 2

Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars ,Aaron Johnson as Kick-Ass

Kick Ass 2 will be released on June 28 2013 !

Latest News from TED 2,RED2 Leonardo & more !

1-Trailer for RED 2 has been released.The movie is a sequel of RED which was released back in 2010.The action movie brings back the original cast of Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Helen Mirren and will also star Catherine Zeta-Jones,Byung-hun Lee and Anthony Hopkins.The movie will release on August 2 2013.

RED 2 Trailer #1

2-Mark Wahlberg confirmed the inevitable ,Ted 2 will be made and Seth MacFarlane is in the process of writing it.Ted was a big hit last year ,as it made more than $500 million from a $50million budget ! Mark said that he will shoot for the movie once hes done with Transformers 4.

3-Noomi Rapace will join Tom Hardy for the movie adaptation of Animal Rescue.One of the reasons that this movie is anticipated is because the story its based on was written by Dennis Lehane.His stories have been made into classic modern day movies ,such as Gone Baby Gone by Ben Affleck ,Mystic River by Clint Eastwood and Shutter Island by Martin Scorsese.

3-After Lance Armstrong publicly admitted to drug use during his cycling career ,everyone is rushing to snag the movie deals for the upcoming book based on the scandal -Cycle of Lies: The Fall of Lance Armstrong.As of now its been said that JJ Abrams (Star Trek,Cloverfield,Lost) will take up the project.

4-On a sad news ,Leonardo DiCaprio (Aviator,Inception,Titanic) will be taking a break from movies,and according to him ,its going to be a long one.Leonardo last appeared in the critically acclaimed Django Unchained ,and has 2 movies lined up for 2013 ,The Great Gatsby by Baz Luhrmann (May 10 2013) and The Wolf of Wall Street by Martin Scorsese.Leonardo hasnt taken up any projects after these 2 and will be going on an environmental trip around the world.A well known environmentalist ,Leonardo has been a staunch supporter of Solar Energy and other Energy conserving methods.
Leonardo is one of the best modern day actors ,who has been starring in top class movies one after the other.

Cloudy 2 Pics

Here is the first official pic from Cloudy 2: Revenge of the Leftovers!
It seems they gone for a completely awesome, food related animals concept !
The movie releases on Sept 27 2013 !

(PS:The above pic i made with the collection of the Cloudy 2 pics released earlier)

Music video from Kai Po Che -Manja

Wow!Its beautiful ,just check it out.Seems like a faithful adaptation of the book ,3Mistakes of My Life.
Manja
Music by Amit Trivedi (Dev D) and lyrics by Swanand Kirkire (3 Idiots).
Kai Po Che is directed by Abhishek Kapoor (Rock On),and will release on 22 February 2013

Django Unchained (2012)

[another classic from Quentin]

Django Unchained (2012)
IMDB- 8.7 (Top 250- #43)
RottenTomatoes- 89%
RJG Rating- 100

A bounty hunter frees a slave named Django ,to assist him in capturing some outlaws.

Starring- Jamie Foxx,Christoph Waltz,Leonardo DiCaprio
Director- Quentin Tarantino

Django Unchained is fueled by all round brilliant performances.Powerful acting.Although Jamie Foxx plays the lead character ,Christoph Waltz is so central to the story that he too should be considered a lead hero.Jamie Foxx is brilliant and this is one of his best performances since his Oscar winning role in Ray.Christoph Waltz once again dishes out a smashing performance as Dr. King Schultz.Unlike the last time ,where he played Col.Hans Landa in Quentin's Inglourious Basterds ,he plays a more positive but still an equally memorable role.Leonardo DiCaprio plays his first fully fledged villainous role as Calvin Candie.And he just nails it.He matches up to both Jamie & Christoph ,and seeing all 3 together is just amazing!Samuel Jackson arrives a bit late to the story ,but that doesnt stop him from stealing the show in many scenes!

Quentin has written a long story with plenty of his usual trademarks.The funny take on a serious issue ,the gore ,the standoffs ,the gun battle ,the long talks,and plenty more.But this story is captivating and tells us a tale that has so much depth and twists are aplenty.Theres plenty of time devoted to character development and that makes the movie feel even more deep.Learning a bit about each person ,paints a even more larger picture of their past ,and Quentin has done it beautifully.The dialogues are spot on ,and just powerful and witty too.

Direction by Quentin is top class.With Django Unchained, he has once again made a cult classic that easily joins up in the ranks of his previous movies such as Kill Bill,Inglourious,Pulp Fiction etc.The movie is almost 3hrs long ,and most movies that deal with the subject of Django ,might get a bit boring ,but this one doesnt get dull even for a second.From start to finish ,its either funny,dramatic,action packed or romantic ,Quentin does his best to include all the genres into this Old West themed movie.Quentin has shot this entire movie in top style.

The cinematography is beautiful.The action scenes are well shot and the gun battles were intense.There is plenty of gore ,especially in the second half ,but all are elemental to the movie's tale.The music selection is another high point for Django.From classic to raps ,Quentin utilizes a variety of music to enhance the scenes ,and it all hits the mark!

Overall ,Django Unchained is a must watch movie.This is one immediate classic.

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

Oscar Nominations- 5

Best Picture
Best Original Screenplay- Quentin Tarantino
Best Supporting Actor- Christoph Waltz
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Editing

Oscar Snubs

Though 2012 was a tough race ,with many brilliant movies coming out ,The Academy still made loads of idiotic choices by overlooking some deserving performances and movies.Check this video to find those who got snubbed this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j17a2fFFJQA