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Friday, January 04, 2013
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
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,co
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
Pitch Perfect (2012)
[a cute musical chick flick movie]
IMDB- 7.3
RottenTomatoes- 80%
RJG Rating- 85
Becca joins her new school's A Cappella singing group.
Starring- Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Anna Camp
Director- Jason Moore
Anna Kendrick does a wonderful job as the main lead.Shes charming and gives the movie a very good vibe.The supporting female cast are also great and they all have a great chemistry together.
The story of Pitch Perfect isnt something new ,but its done in a fairly fresh manner.The characters are lovable and this makes the movie an easy watch.While the comedy is good at most times ,some gags take it to an unrealistic setting ,which sort of takes the audience out of the movie.
Direction has been good.Jason manages to get the best out of the cast.The pacing of the movie was smooth.The characters were well developed ,and the music and dance sequences were of just the right length.
Overall ,Pitch Perfect is a light and breezy romantic-comedy-musical movie.
Acting- 4/5
Story- 3.5/5
Direction- 4/5
Musical- 4.5/5
Romance- 4/5
Comedy- 4/5
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
Hobbit beats out Les & Django
[Dec 28-30]
Hobbit beats out Les & Django
Hobbit beats out Les & Django
1-In a very tight week ,Hobbit did quite a feat by defeating 2
anticipated movies to claim the box office crown for the 3rd week in a
row.Hobbit made a strong $33million on its 3rd week.This puts Hobbits
Domestic total to $222million.Hobbit is doing great in overseas making
$464million.This makes its worldwide total to $686million.The Hobbit
will go strong for the next 2 weeks also.
2-Django came second with $30million.The R rated action flick directed
by Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds) ,has already collected
$64million in its 6 day release.The movie has been getting great reviews
and critics have praised Quentin for his direction.The movie is
currently rated at 89%.
3-Although it opened well ,Les
Miserables couldnt keep the crowds attention during the weekend.It made
$28million over the weekend and $67million in its 6days.Tom Hooper's
(Kings Speech) musical drama ,boasts of excellent performances from Huge
Jackman & Anne Hathaway.Even though the movie has got great reviews
,it couldnt match upto the towering expectations.Its currently rated at
72%.
4-Parental Guidance opened 4th making $14.8million in the
weekend.The family comedy which stars veteran comedian ,Billy Crystal
,was a top choice for the family (Django was R Rated while Les
Miserables was mostly depressing).But the movie has got poor reviews
,calling the movie predictable and a one time watch.But it turns out to
be a good choice for families with younger kids.The movie has a rotten
rating of 17%.
5-Jack Reacher only suffered a small fall
(10%drop) ,as it made $14million on its 2nd week.The movie has made a
worldwide total of $67million ,but is still below the standards for a
Tom Cruise action movie.
Meanwhile Lincoln is still doing great
domestically and has made $132million so far ,which is Steven
Spielberg's highest grossing domestic movie since 2008's Indiana Jones
4.
Life of Pi has made a worldwide total of $303million ,and has become Ang Lee's highest grossing movie.
And finally ,after almost 7 weeks ,Skyfall became the first James Bond
movie to enter the Billion Dollar club! The movie made $289million
domestically & $710million overseas to become the 14th member &
3rd 2012 movie to make a Billion Dollars ($1000,000,000).Skyfall is yet
to open in China ,and is expected to make it into the Top 10 Highest
Grossing Movies of All Time.
This week we have 3 new releases
,Texas Chainsaw 3D,The Impossible & Promised Land.I dont think these
3 can break into the Top Spot ,as Django or Les will do it.My pick of
the Week will be ---
The Impossible-This is a true story about
the tragic incident that took place on Dec 26th 2004 -The Indian Ocean
Tsunami.The movie has been critically praised for its acting and
direction,and is currently rated at 79%.Even though its a bit gloomy
,this will be my Pick Of the Week
The Promised Land stars Matt
Damon and is about 2 salespeople who are sent to a rural town to close a
deal.This is a drama movie directed by Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting,
Milk).The movie has been getting below average reviews ,saying its a
good start but then ends up predictable and cliched.Its currently rated
at 49%.
Texas Chainsaw 3D is about a masked serial killer who
kills a bunch of teenagers.No reviews are there currently but it looks
like usual slash and kill type movie.Its expected to be rotten and if
you want to watch a silly horror movie ,this might be the one for you.
Dabangg still on fire in 2nd week
Dabangg 2 [Blockbuster]
After making a powerful first weekend of 60cr ,Dabangg2 managed to make it into the 100cr club just in 6 days.The movie has made Rs.20cr in its 2nd weekend and is currently at Rs.127cr (10days).The movie is now the 3rd highest grossing movie of 2012.With just Rowdy Rathore (Rs.131cr) & ET Tiger (Rs.198cr) ahead of Dabangg2 ,its a safe call to expect it to beat out Rathore by its 3rd week.D2 doesnt have much competition in this week too ,since the major competitors,Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola and Vishwaroop will release only in January 11 2013.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Hobbit falls, but remains on top
[Dec 21-23]
Hobbit falls, but remains on top
Hobbit falls, but remains on top
1-The Hobbit fought of 5 new releases on its second week to remain on
the top spot.But the movie had a sharp fall and made only $36.7million
(57% drop).So far the LOTR prequel has made $149.8million domestically
and it looks like the movie wont break any of the Lord of The Rings
collections (the lowest of which is Fellowship's $313million domestic
and $869million worldwide).
The
Hobbit is going strong overseas too ,but its decline is noticeable.The
movie made another $91million overseas to bring its overseas total to
$284million.Hobbit has made a worldwide total of $433million so far.With
movies like Les Miserables & Django coming up ,Hobbit's collection
will fall even further in the coming weeks.
2-Tom Cruise's new
movie Jack Reacher made a disappointing $15.6million.Jack Reacher is an
adaptation of Lee Child's 2005 novel One Shot.The action movie has been
getting above average reviews and is currently rated at 63%. Jack
Reacher is expected to linger in The Top 10 as long as possible to
atleast cover its budget of $60million.
3-The second new movie
was Judd Apatow's This is 40 with a disappointing debut of
$12million.This is 40 is a spin off Knocked Up.The comedy movie has been
getting average reviews and is currently rated at 50%.The movie has a
small budget of $35million ,and so its expected to recover through the
Christmas season.but for a Judd Apatow movie its disappointing ,although
its better than his previous movie ,Funny People.
4-Rise of
the Guardians managed to hold on to the Top 5 for its 5th week earning
$5.9million.So far the animated movie has made $222million.
5-At 5th place ,Lincoln continued its surprising run by making
$5.6million.Even after 6 weeks ,the biopic has exceeded expectations by
staying within the Top 5.So far the movie has made $116million in the
domestic market.The movie is yet to release worldwide.
The 3rd
new release was Guilt Trip.The movie starring Seth Rogen & Barbra
Streisand flopped.Debuting at #6 ,the movie managed to make just
$5.4million in the weekend.The movie which is about a mother & son,
has been getting negative reviews and is currently at 37%.Although
critics liked the actors ,the story was the main culprit.Made at a
budget of $40million,Guilt Trip will be crushed by the upcoming
releases.
The 4th new release ,isnt exactly new.Mosters Inc.
was re-released after 10 years ,this time in 3D.Though the movie is a
classic ,it failed to garner interest this time.The movie made just
$5million and turned out to be the worst debut for a Disney 3D
re-release.They should have learnt their lesson with the backlash they
received when Finding Nemo 3D crashed.Monsters Inc 3D is nothing but a
cash grab ,and theres nothing special in the 3D version.
The
5th new release , Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away opened at #11 earning
just $2.1million.The movie which is a 3D concert movie ,opened to
limited audiences.The movie has got mixed reviews and is currently rated
at 56%.
Even though Skyfall & Life of Pi were pushed out
of the top 5, both are making strong collections worldwide.Skyfall made
$4.7million domestically and $9million overseas to bring its worldwide
total to $974million.Skyfall is bound to hit the $1billion milestone
once it opens in China in January.
Life of Pi made $23.2million worldwide to push its total to $235million.
This week we have 2 BIG releases! Tom Hooper's emotional drama ,Les
Miserables & Quentin Tarantino's Western action movie, Django
Unchained.
Both are strong movies and have A list actors boosting the movie with great performances ,but my pick of the week is....
Django Unchained
Im not a die hard fan of Quentin ,but his movies are always packed with
fun and bloody action sequences.With Christoph Waltz (Inglourious
Basterds) ,Jamie Foxx (Ray) and Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception) ,the
acting department has been widely praised with Leonardo stealing much of
the praise.And on Christmas Week ,i would prefer some action drama than
emotional drama.Django is currently rated a solid 91%.
Les Miserables
Tom Hooper's next after the motivational The King's Speech ,is Les
Miserables which is based on the French historical novel of the same
name by Victor Hugo.The movie is a musical and stars Hugh Jackman
(X-Men) ,Russell Crowe (Gladiator) ,Anne Hathaway (Dark Knight
Rises).Anne has been praised for her performance in this movie and is
currently the front runner for Best Actress awards of 2013.The movie is
currently rated at 71%
But who will come on top, Django or Miserables ? Or will the Hobbit come on top? Wait and watch
Dabangg2 blasts off
Dabangg 2 [going to be superhit]
Although Dabangg2 couldnt register the biggest single day gross (Ek tha
Tiger Record -Rs.31cr opening) ,it did break the record for first
weekend collection with a solid Rs.63.6cr (previous record- Ek tha
Tiger-Rs.57.8cr).
Powered by Salman Khan ,the movie is charging forward towards Rs.100cr ,which is quite easy for it at this stage.
The reviews have been average.The main issue being the story and how
its just a remake of the first part,which wasnt so great either (Dabangg
2010).The over the top action scenes and dialogues may only satisfy
Salman fans.
[One Time Watch/ Skip It]
Khiladi 786 [Hit]
Khiladi 786 is close to winding up its run.So far the movie has made Rs.70cr
Talaash [Super Hit]
Talaash too wont be hanging around much longer.It might not have made
it to 100cr club ,but making Rs.90cr is a good collection for a small
budget movie.
End Of Watch (2012)
[a good cop thriller]
End Of Watch (2012)IMDB- 7.7
RottenTomatoes- 85%
RJG Ratings- 65
A recording of 2 cops adventures on the streets Los Angeles.
Starring- Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena
Director- David Ayer
Both Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena give good performances.At times it does go a bit over the top but its passable considering the type of characters they are playing.Anna Kendrick does a very cute and lovely performance.
the story for End Of Watch is average but has some good twists.The story is about a series of brave deeds and some long talks by the lead characters.While the missions are exciting ,the talks and discussions does start to bore you after a while.
Direction was good but Ayer's idea for handheld style was a failed experiment.The unique feature of the movie is its handheld footage (like Cloverfield,Paranormal Activity etc).While Jake's character explain his reasons for recording with his hand cam ,it starts to get ridiculous towards the second half.In the second half ,many scenes arent even shot through handheld.The climax scenes are even more idiotic when the villains run around carrying camcorders during gun battles.The addition of camera footage just adds to more problems and drags the movie in various scenes.Add to the fact that theres plenty of shaky scenes,it becomes a bit troublesome watching EOW.The movies climax was excellent.The movie has plenty of plot holes too.
Nevertheless EOW is an exciting cop thriller-drama and worth a watch.
Acting- 4/5
Story- 3.5/5
Direction- 3.5/5
Action- 4/5
Thriller- 4.5/5
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Chennai Express First Pic
First
official pic from Rohit Shetty's Chennai Express, featuring Shahrukh
Khan & Deepika Padukone.The movie is set for release in 2013
TDKR FYC Video
Warner Bros have released a 'Dark Knight Rises' Behind the scenes compilation video ,check it out!
http://batman-news.com/
Nolan really deserves some major praise for his work on the Trilogy.Just amazing & beautiful.The more i watch TDKR ,the more i see how much work Nolan has done to close the trilogy into perfection.Nolan ,you are too good :)
http://batman-news.com/
Nolan really deserves some major praise for his work on the Trilogy.Just amazing & beautiful.The more i watch TDKR ,the more i see how much work Nolan has done to close the trilogy into perfection.Nolan ,you are too good :)
Friday, December 21, 2012
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
[a sweet and charming tale about young love]
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)IMDB- 8.0
Rottentomatoes- 94%
RJG Ratings- 100
Sam & Suzy run away from their homes ,causing their caretakers to make a search party.
Starring- Jared Gilman,Kara Hayward,Bruce Willis ,Edward Norton
Director- Wes Anderson
The cast for Moonrise Kingdom is solid.The leads are played by Jared Gilman & Kara Hayward who play Sam & Suzy.Both do a wonderful job and give their characters the unique style often seen in Wes Anderson movies.The supporting cast includes all A listers ,such as Bruce Willis ,Edward Norton ,Bill Murray and Frances McDormand ,and they all do excellently.Bruce W & Edward N were just great.
The story is excellent.Its short but it holds a much deeper & meaningful tale.The subtle humour and Anderson's usual themes are ever present.The story doesnt rush off ,but slowly reveals its layers.Although the concept of young love ,has been tried plenty of times ,i think Wes Anderson's story is the one that really stands out from the rest.
Direction from Wes Anderson is brilliant.He brings to Moonrise Kingdom his trademark themes and visual styles that we end up loving.His presentation is wonderful and the simplicity of the entire movie ,is a heart warming experience.He once again brings the best out of his cast.The movie has a wacky setting but its all done in good taste.
Overall ,Moonrise Kingdom is a sweet romantic movie.A must watch if you are a Wes Anderson fan.
Acting- 5/5
Story- 5/5
Direction- 5/5
Romance- 5/5
Comedy- 4.5/5
Drama- 4.5/5
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