Chennai Express (2013) Arnab Review

Chennai Express (2013)

(Guest Review by Arnab Goswami)

AG Rating: 70

The Basics

A Rohit Shetty brand of cinema almost all the way with a unique SRK touch!!

Plot one liner:

A 40 year old mans journey from Mumbai to Rameswaram and all that ensues!!

The AG analysis:

The signs of a Rohit Shetty film were all there: the scorpios, the tom and jerry cartoonish antics, the one liner plot, the abundant pool of one liners and the over the top action sequences. And yet, in many ways, Chennai Express isn't really a Rohit Shetty film in the way the Golmaal series and Bol Bacchan were. The combination of SRK and Rohit Shetty had been creating buzz right from the start of the project and rightly so, because believe it or not Rohit Shetty for once had to adapt to the filming technique off the star he was filming and not just simply go ahead with his usual brand of tomfoolery. Several scenes of the film are shot with such finesse that I had a bit of difficulty in believing that this indeed a Rohit Shetty film. Of course, I am not saying that the film doesn't have its annoyances. Rohit just cant seem to help himself with many of the sequences but a majority of them are saved by the magnetic SRK.

The Film:

It starts off quite nicely and chugs along relatively smoothly until the end of the 1st half. Some one in the rohit shetty team must have pulled the chain for as the second half begins, things start to look a bit forced and even SRK is not able to save some sequences. Then it thankfully picks up speed and the last 30 mins of the film turn the film into unexpectedly a non-Rohit Shetty for believe it or not, this film does seem to have a message after all unlike any of the past Rohit Shetty films. And then came the climax which I must say is a treat for SRK and Rohit Shetty fans. The combo does live upto the hype at the end.

The Acting:

SRK is back!! well, almost!! SRK attempts to do something very new and different for the first time in his career and for that alone the film is worth watching once. He does comedy, woos the girl and kicks some serious ass as the 40 year old Rahul. Also, I must say that he has to be commended for doing something which no other actor I think has ever had the guts to do. I leave that something for you to find!!

Also, SRK fans who were disappointed with his romantic avatar in Jab Tak Hai Jaan will be relieved to see him back with his arms outstretched crooning Titli, Kashmir Main and One two three four. Also, don't forget to stay back for Lungi Dance, SRK looks very reminiscent of his younger self in this one.

Equally commendable is Deepika Padukone for her accent and her performance. Fans of Deepika will see her do a very different role.

The music and score:

The presence of Vishal-Shekhar ensures that the score actually resonates with you and the music is peppy, catchy with all the usual Rohit Shetty trademarks and yet they stick!! Watch out for One two three four, Titli, Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari and of course Lungi Dance (though this one wasn't composed by the duo).

The Direction:

For once, Rohit Shetty has made a film with a message and for that he must be commended.

The AG Verdict:

A Rohit Shetty film brushed energetically by SRK and also happened to have an actual message!! AG recommends that you watch it once!!!

VHS-2 (2013)

[much better than the first part]

VHS-2 (2013)

IMDB- 6.4

Rottentomatoes- 69%

RJG Rating- 65

story- 5 Directors ,5 Horror Stories

Directors - Adam Wingard,Eduardo Sánchez&Gregg Hale,Gareth Evans,Jason Eisener,Simon Barrett

Acting overall is below average.All are newbies and first timers ,so nothing much can be expected of them.And plus ,being a horror movie ,all they need to do is scream and die.The worst of the lot ,was Phase1:Clinical Trials.Acting was just completely horrible.

VHS 1 was horrible,but managed to make enough profits to get a sequel.Even though i didnt expect anything from the sequel ,i was surprised at the quality.

Phase1:Clinical Trials-This one is about a guy who gets an eye fitted with a camera for an experiment.It had a good concept ,but thanks to the horrible acting and stupid gimmicks ,the story completely unwinds towards the end.The movie was directed and acted by Adam Wingard (VHS1).It had a slow start and an absurd end.

(story-1.5 ,direction- 2, horror- 3/5)

Ride In the Park -This one was about a cyclist who encounters Zombies.Concept wise it wasnt too clever and it seemed to be trying to get scares just through the gore aspect.The ending was vague and didnt make much sense, but somehow it did wrap up the story nicely.It wasnt scary and had a bit of a tiring repetitiveness to it ,initially.It was directed by Eduardo Sánchez and Gregg Hale (of The Blair Witch Project).

(story-2 ,direction- 2, horror-0/5, gore-3.5/5)

Safe Haven -Now this one was the BEST.This segment was about a group of reporters interviewing a cult leader.From start to finish it was exciting and the end was chilling.Made by Gareth Evans (director of the brilliant Raid Redemption) ,he nicely balanced the cheap aspect of the movie ,vagueness ,and delivered a story that was really horrifying.The camera settings were good and wasnt a hindrance.

(story-4.5 ,direction- 5 ,horror- 4/5, gore-4/5)

Slumber Party/Alien Abduction -This one is what the title is about...Slumber Party ,Alien Abduction.It was ok.The shaky cam was horrible ,and so was the cheap costumes.But it had the scare factor and concept wise was pretty ok.It was directed by Jason Eisener (director of Hobo With a Shotgun).It had bit of a slow start but thankfully it gets rolling quickly

(story-3.5 ,direction-3.5 ,horror- 3.5/5)

Tape 49-This is the main story ,which has 2 investigators ,checking an abandoned house full of tapes.The start was slow ,but it had a good punch at the end.Its directed by Simon Barrett (VHS1).It had a slow start but was much better than the main story of VHS1.The twist at the end was pretty solid too.

(story-3 ,direction- 3, horror- 3/5, gore-2/5)

Overall ,VHS2 is much better than its predecessor in terms of quality.It might not be the best horror movie you might have seen ,but its worth a watch if you are horror fans ,especially the segment Safe Haven.

Acting- 2/5

Story- rating given above

Direction- rating given above

Horror-rating given above

Gore- rating given above

VHS1-https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=526558104037785

Latest Trailers

Beautiful Trailer for Secret Life of Walter Mitty

This is Ben Stiller's next directorial venture after his superhit 2008 movie ,Tropic Thunder.The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is based on a famous short story written by James Thurber.The movie is about a photo manager of Times Magazine ,who has vivid imaginations and daydreams that cover up his timid character in real life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC6yZzLWGFM

The trailer looks amazing and being a Ben Stiller fan ill be awaiting this one!The movie releases on December 25th 2013!

 Fantasy and Action blend in the trailer for 47 Ronin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47_-pqoPDVQ

Starring Keanu Reeves ,47 Ronin is about a group of samurais who unite to avenge their master's death.The trailer looks fun ,but theres something cheesy about it.Keanu Reeves gives his usual wooden looks and that itself drains some fun.But the visuals are beautiful.

Christmas Season is packed with very powerful movies,heres a quick look at the lineup.

Dec 13- Hobbit2
Dec 18- The Monument’s Men (George Clooney & Jean Dujardin)
Dec 20- Anchorman 2 (Will Farrell)
Dec 20- Saving Mr.Banks (Tom Hanks)
Dec 25- 47 Ronin (Keanu Reeves)
Dec 25- American Hustle (Christian Bale)
Dec 25- Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller)

Its going to be a bloody battle ,and im sure many are going to pull out of this fight!

First Trailer for Star Studded THE COUNSELOR

Trailer #1

Directed by Ridley Scott (Gladiator,Prometheus,Alien,Blade Runner and more) ,and starring Micheal Fassbender ,Javier Bardem ,Penelope Cruz ,Cameron Diaz ,Brad Pitt! If you dont know atleast one of these actors ,you must be newbies to Hollywood!

The trailer looks good ,but im not too excited for this one.What do you think?

To be released on October 25, 2013

A guy falls in love with his computer......literally,fall in LOVE...Give this trailer a watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzV6mXIOVl4

Spike Jones who has directed some really thought provoking movies such as Being John Malkovich and Adaptation ,returns to make "HER".The trailer looks beautiful ,and really intriguing.
Starring acclaimed actors such as Joaquin Phoenix,Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams and Rooney Mara ,this movie looks interesting with a really unique concept.Hope they get this right!

Thor :The Dark World Poster & Trailer

Action packed Awesomeness in new Thor 2 Trailer 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KTvjFGgGkk

Thor,Loki and the entire gang returns in what seems to be one fun movie!Its nice to see Thor enjoying a bit more freedom in its trailers.Especially after Thor & Avengers ,Thor 2 has enough confidence to become a blockbuster

2 Guns & Smurf make dull debuts

2 Guns & Smurf make dull debuts

[AUG 2-4]

#1- 2Guns made $27million ,which was a bit short of initial expectations.Starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg ,the action comedy was supposed to open with around $35million ,especially considering the huge popularity of the lead stars.The $61million movie ,is about two crooked cops who unknowingly investigate each other.The movie got average reviews with most saying its a movie that sticks to the usual formula ,and is predictable.The movie has a score of 58%.

#2-Wolverine had a steep fall of over 60% ,as it made just $21.7million.But the movie has been doing extremely well overseas.Wolverine has already made $254million worldwide ,and still has plenty of markets to release in.It has yet to overtake any of the other XMen movies in terms of collection.

#3-The Smurfs 2 crashed with just $18.2million which is way below expectations.The first part was a big hit and it was expected Smurfs2 would utilize this advantage but unfortunately many say its under performance was due to the presence of strong family movies such as Monsters University and the currently running Despicable Me 2.But luckily Smurfs 2 is saving face with its overseas collection.So far the movie has made a worldwide total of $80million from a budget of $105million.

Smurfs 2 as predicted turned to be a rotten movie in terms of critics as it was critically panned worldwide.With just 12% ,critics were of the opinion that the movie would only be amusing to young kids.

#4-Conjuring made an excellent stand once again and it made $13million.The horror movie has been a huge success so far making over $108million just from domestic markets.Conjuring is close to becoming the highest grossing horror movie of the past couple years soon.

#5-Despicable Me 2 fell to 5th spot but was was least affected by the new releases.It made $10million even with direct competition from Smurfs2.The movie has been a gigantic hit for Universal Studios ,making $713million worldwide from just a small budget of $76million!The movie is still running strongly and with not much competition it has a chance to cross the $800million mark.

2013 Top 5

#5-Monsters University -$613million

#4-Man Of Steel -$644million

#3-Despicable Me 2-$713million

#2-Fast & Furious 6- $771million

#1-Iron Man 3 -$1.212 billion (#5 on all time grossing list)

Monsters University made a leap over The Croods ,to become the 5th highest grossing movie of 2013 (so far).

This week we have more new movies but most are worthless.

Percy Jackson2 -the first one was horrible and judging by the trailers ,this one doesnt seem to be any better -

RJG says SKIP IT

We're the Millers- Trailers show it to be a fun type of movie with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis leading the way.But i suspect it to be predictable with lame jokes.

RJG says WAIT FOR THE REVIEWS

Planes -Yet another animated movie ,Planes is a spinoff Pixar's Cars series.Again it looks predictable and cheesy.

RJG says SKIP IT

Last is one of my anticipated movies....

Elysium- AUG9

story- In a futuristic world ,the wealthy live on space stations,while the rest live on a ruined Earth.

+ The brilliant director of District 9 , Neill Blomkamp ,is directing this one.Plus theres a solid cast of Matt Damon & Sharlto Copley.

- it looks like District9 and it could be just the same thing plus an over the top story

Reviews have been mixed ,but most say its a fun sci-fi movie.

ELYSIUM is RJG's PICK OF THE WEEK!

Whats your pick?

Avatar Updates

AVATAR...The highest grossing movie of all time and the one that single handedly made studios go crazy for 3D will be returning with not one nor two ,but 3more sequels!

James Cameron has been working on the sequel since 2009 ,and now news is that he has approached couple of writers to help him complete the stories of the 3 remaining movies.

Cameron who has told that the Avatar movies will be his last set of films he will be directing ,is planning to shoot all 3 simultaneously ,that is back to back ,and have them release one year at a time.

Fox Studios announced the supposed released dates for the upcoming sequels.

AVATAR 2- Dec 2016

AVATAR 3- Dec 2017

AVATAR 4 (prequel)* - 2018

*Avatar 2&3 will be continuing the story of the first movie ,but Avatar 4 ,is said to be a prequel movie ,telling the story of how Pandora was colonized.

Any Avatar fans excited?

First Trailer & Pics for American Hustle

First trailer for American Hustle!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhB6o3Dtwjs

Bale & gang look almost unrecognizable in their 80's getup!Does this movie look good?Will it be another critical hit for David O Russel & Bale?

David Russell will be reuniting with Bale& Amy Adams after FIGHTER ,and with Bradley Cooper & Jennifer Lawrence after last years Silver Lining Playbook.

The cast as you can see is power packed and will also include Jeremy Renner.The movie is based on a true story ,in which a Con-Artist (Bale) works with the FBI (Bradley) ,to uncover corruption in the Congress.

Bale looks completely different from his OUT OF THE FURNACE look.American Hustle is set to release on December 25th ,and Out of The Furnace on December 6th! December is gonna be one heck of a month for Bale Fans!

Jackass4:Bad Grandpa Trailer

Believe it or not ,but im a Jackass Fan! I enjoyed their TV Show and the 3 movies.So heres Jackass4:Bad Grandpa Trailer!

For those of you who dont know about Jackass ,it was a reality show of a group of friends who do the most ridiculous and dangerous stunts for fun.Most are hilarious ,and most are really gross!The TV show ran for 3 seasons ,and later produced spinoffs and 3 Movies.

One of the characters the Jackass guys created was -Bad Grandpa ,acted by Johnny Knoxville in makeup.The main idea was to just shock the public by having Grandpa do stupid things.And here we are with an actual movie based on him.Check the trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MSrAwfagG4

Unlike the other Jackass movies ,which were comprised of various unrelated stunts and skits ,this one has an actual story.Its about Bad Grandpa taking his grandson on a road trip.It looks fun!

The movie is set for October 25,2013

4 Biggies of AUGUST!

July was a bit of a downer after power packed May & June ,and August marks the end of the action movie season.Unfortunately theres just 4 anticipated movies ,and its hard to place much hope on these.

Europa-AUG2

story-a group of astronauts land on Europa ,one of Jupiter's moons.As usual something goes wrong.

+The trailer was amazing.The realistic feel of the movie is also another attraction.

-Found footage is on the decline.The story might take a cliched route as other space movies.

FINAL VERDICT= 60 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=683680348325559

Elysium- AUG9

story- In a futuristic world ,the wealthy live on space stations,while the rest live on a ruined Earth.

+ The brilliant director of District 9 , Neill Blomkamp ,is directing this one.Plus theres a solid cast of Matt Damon & Sharlto Copley.

- it looks like District9 and it could be just the same thing plus an over the top story

Kick Ass 2- AUG16

story-More costumed vigilantes hit the street ,and Kick Ass joins a group in order to take down Red Mist aka The Mother F**ker.

+ The first part has turned into a cult movie ,and with its type of action and comedy ,the sequel is a hot movie of this year.Trailers looks great.Jim Carrey's inclusion is a major positive!

- Following up on a critical movie is a hard task.The trailers dont have that spark ,the first movie had.

The World's End- AUG23

story- 5 childhood friends have a reunion and go on a long pub run.

+ The brilliant team of Edgar Wright ,Simon Pegg & Nick Frost are back after Hot Fuzz & Shaun Of the Dead.

- none so far.

If i had to pick one out of the 4 ,it would be-----At Worlds End.What are your anticipated movies of August?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR.Christopher Nolan

"I know the truth...there's no going back. You've changed things... forever."

8 Amazing Movies ! 1 Brilliant Director !
A Very Very Happy 43rd Birthday to Christopher Nolan !
All the best for Interstellar!

Oldboy postponed

Oldboy postponed by a month.The American remake starring Josh Brolin and Sharlto Copley was supposed to be realesed on October 25th ,but now has been pushed back to November 27th.

Is this a push for the awards season?

Wolverine tops but not by much

Wolverine tops but not by much

[Jul26-28]

#1-Wolverine opened at the top with $55million ,which is below expectations.Initially it was thought the movie had the prospects to debut with a strong $80million ,but it was not to be.But Huge Jackman's 5th movie as the superhero Wolverine, in a major role, wasnt a complete failure.the movie racked up good reviews ,and is currently at 67%.Critics were pleased with Jackman and also with the the story content.This is a big improvement over Wolverine's previous movie ,Origins ,which was a disappointment to all.

The movie doesnt have much to fear as it already recovered its budget of $120million.With overseas collections amounting to $86million ,the Wolverine has packed a decent $141million.Considering the lack of any huge threat ,in the coming weeks ,Wolverine can be expected to make a good stand.

#2-Making way for Wolverine ,Conjuring was satisfied with $22million.The movie has been making a solid hold ,and is slowly turning out to be a huge hit.The movie has so far made $96million and is still running strong.

#3-Despicable Me 2 continued to be a blockbuster ,as it made $16million on its 4th week.The movie is a gigantic hit ,collecting $661million worldwide!The movie easily crossed its predecessor and crushed its rival, Monsters University.with ease.But things may weaken once Smurfs2 drops in this week.

#4-The animated movie Turbo tried its best to stay in the competition.The movie made $13million ,bringing its worldwide total to $97million.Turbo is still in the danger zone ,as its budget is $135million ,and the competition of this week (Smurfs2) is bound to kill this movie.

#5-Grown Ups2 had a minor tumble ,making $11.5million.The movie is safe as it somehow has managed to survive all the horrible reviews thrown at it.Making $116million worldwide ,Grown Ups 2 is another poor quality-Adam Sandler Hit.

2013 Top 5

#5-The Croods -$582million

#4-Man Of Steel -$636million

#3-Despicable Me 2-$660million

#2-Fast & Furious 6- $741million

#1-Iron Man 3 -$1.211 billion (#5 on all time grossing list)

Despicable Me 2 easily swept past Man Of Steel to enter the Top 3 Movies of the year.The movie has enough power to even overtake Fast Furious 6!

This week ,i advice you all to take a rest ,or watch wolverine or any other movie.Because this week we have one new movie--Smurfs 2.Its first part was universally panned ,and im pretty sure this one is none the better.Its a dumb-kiddish movie and thats all it is.And if initial reviews are to be believed ,its going to be rated below 20%.

Remember to check out the 2013 Movie Guide

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=597324636961131

Mud (2013)

[a beautiful movie with layers of story]

Mud (2013)

IMDB- 7.9

Rottentomatoes- 98%

RJG Rating- 95

2 boys find a man living on an abandoned island.

Starring- Matthew McConaughey,Tye Sheridan

Director- Jeff Nichols

Matthew McConaughey continues his brilliant streak ,as he gives yet another excellent performance as the title character Mud.Its one of the best performances of this year so far.But competing with him is 16year old, Tye Sheridan as Ellis ,who is spot on with his acting.Both Mathew & Tye are the main actors here and they both deliver this movie excellently.Jacob Lofland as Neckbone is another 16year old who gives a solid supporting role to the main characters.These 3 build up a good bond between each other that helps present this movie more smoothly.

The story for Mud ,is deep.It has multiple storylines that run parallel to each other,some are hidden while others are in plain sight.Tales of friendship ,love ,drama are presented so beautifully in Mud.Theres no lack of material in Mud ,and this helps it to run for more than 2hrs ,without any dragging.

Jeff Nichols' direction is solid.He presents this movie neatly without overburdening it.While some directors opt to bury the story under tonnes of symbolisms (a recent example being Only God Forgives) ,Jeff Nichols reminds us that movies dont need to be over the top artistic to be acknowledged as a great movie.

The pacing was even.It never dragged at any scenes which was a surprise considering it was 140min long.He gives all the characters enough screen time to shine.Its almost impossible to criticize any aspect of Mud.If i had to nitpick ,i would say that i wanted Micheal Shannon's character to have more relevance.

Overall ,Mud is a beautiful movie that will surely grow on you.Give it a watch!Its easily one of the best of this year.

Acting -5/5

Story- 5/5

Direction- 5/5

Drama- 5/5

Romance- 4.5/5

Like Me on Facebook to get Immediate updates !

Sorry for updating late on the blog.To get the latest updates as and when i post ,please follow /like my Face book Page - https://www.facebook.com/RJG.Ratings
I also have an INTERSTELLAR page ,tracking the latest news on Nolan's latest movie ,please follow/like that too - https://www.facebook.com/INTERSTELLAR.NOLAN

Final members of the cast revealed for Interstellar.

Ellen Bursty- The 80 year old actress has got 6 Academy Award nominations ,winning once for Best Actress for Martin Scorsese's Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore.Shes also famous for her roles in The Exorcist ,Requiem for a Dream.Shes one of the few people who have won an Oscar (movies) ,Tony Award (Stage show) and an Emmy (TV show).

Timothée Chalamet- Timothy is a teenage actor who has appeared mostly in TV shows,more famously in "Homeland".

Mackenzie Foy- The 12 year old ,has once again nabbed a big movie.Before Nolan's Interstellar she has appeared as Renesmee in Breaking Dawn 1&2.

John Lithgow -The 67 year old actor is most famous for his role as Arthur Mitchell,a serial killer in Dexter Season 4.He is a multiple Academy Award nominee,and has won a Golden Globe & an Emmy for his Dexter role.

Topher Grace- Most famous for his role in the TV show "That 70's Show" ,he has been appearing mainly in TV shows.Topher also is recognizable for his role in the forgettable Spiderman3 as Eddie Brock/Venom.

Wes Bentley- Wes is an American actor most famous for his role in American Beauty.Over the past couple years he has been appearing in multiple films in minor roles.Most popular among them was his Hunger games role of Senaca Crane.

Rest of the already confirmed cast:

Jessica Chastain- Jessica is one of the best actresses of the current generation.She has shined in all her movies ,and many felt she was denied an Oscar for her brilliant performance in last years Zero Dark Thirty.

Casey Affleck- Brother of actor-director Ben Affleck.Casey is a good actor who is most famous for his role in Gone Baby Gone.He has also appeared in the Ocean 11 series ,Tower Heist and Assassination of Jesse James.

Michael Caine- He needs no introduction to a Nolan fan.He played Alfred in the Dark Knight Trilogy.He has got 6 Oscar nominations ,winning 2 ,both as Best Supporting Actor.

Bill Irwin- Bill Irwin is a TV actor ,who is most notable for his role in stage shows.He shined in the movie Rachael Getting Married ,which starred Anne Hathaway.

Anne Hathaway- Fresh from her Oscar win for Les Miserables ,Anne is the one of the two actors who will be reuniting with Nolan (the other being Caine).She appeared as Selina Kyle ,aka Catwoman ,in last years blockbuster Dark Knight Rises.

Matthew McConaughey (Dr.Cooper)- Matthew McConaughey is a fine actor and has really shined with his supporting actor performances in 2012 with movies such as Magic Mike ,Killer Joe ,Bernie.Mathew struck gold earlier this year with his brilliant performance in Mud.He will also be seen this year in yet another supporting role in The Wolf of Wall street along with Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Martin Scorsese.

Shooting starts-August 2013

Release -November 7th 2014

Director- Christopher Nolan

Screenplay- Christopher & Jonathan Nolan

Music-Hans Zimmer

Cinematographer- Hoyte Van Hoytema

Studio-Syncopy, Paramount Pictures ,Warner Bros

Synopsis-A heroic interstellar voyage to the furthest borders of our scientific understanding.

PLEASE LIKE - https://www.facebook.com/INTERSTELLAR.NOLAN  ,to stay updated with Interstellar News