debjyoti1981's Reviews

Fallout (2024– )

9/10

A Riveting Dive into Post-Apocalyptic Excellence

19 April 2024

Fallout is a testament to the fact that video game adaptations can indeed deliver mature, compelling content on par with acclaimed television series like HBO's The Last of Us (another game adaptation)

The series has the ability to appeal to both gaming enthusiasts & newcomers alike. Even if you've never picked up a controller, the richly developed characters & intricately woven plotlines will draw you in effortlessly. The series doesn't rely solely on its gaming roots to carry it forward; instead, it stands confidently on its own merits, offering a fresh & immersive experience for all viewers.

The casting choices are spot-on, breathing life into characters that fans of the Fallout franchise have come to love & new viewers can instantly connect with. Ella Purnell's portrayal of Lucy MacLean is nothing short of captivating, bringing depth & resilience to the character as she navigates the harsh realities of the wasteland. Aaron Moten as Maximus, a squire of the Brotherhood of Steel, delivers a performance filled with both strength & vulnerability, showcasing the complexities of survival in a world ravaged by nuclear fallout. Walton Goggins as The Ghoul/Cooper Howard, is a scene-stealer, infusing the series with charisma & mystery that would keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

It's a shining example of how a game adaptation can not only do justice to its source material but also transcend it, carving out its own place in the pantheon of great television.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a riveting series that seamlessly blends action, drama, thought-provoking themes, look no further than Amazon Prime's Fallout. And as for the next potential game adaptation, I couldn't agree more a series based on BioShock would be an absolute dream come true. Here's hoping that someone out there is listening & ready to bring Rapture to life on the small screen.

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The Creator (2023)

9/10

A cinematic triumph !!

11 January 2024

'The Creator', directed by Gareth Edwards, is a cinematic masterpiece that stands out as a shining example of what a post-James Cameron era Terminator movie on human artificial intelligence conflict should have been. Edwards delivers a profound & absolutely brilliant storytelling experience, accompanied by jaw-dropping visuals that would leave the audience in awe.

What's truly remarkable is that the production budget being a mere $80 million, a modest figure considering the scale & grandeur of the movie-making magic on display. The film proves that a captivating narrative, stunning visuals can be achieved without breaking the bank.

In a decade saturated with science fiction films, Gareth Edwards manages to carve its niche among the likes of District 9, Ex-Machina, AI. The movie not only pays homage to the genre but also pushes its boundaries, offering a fresh & compelling perspective.

While John David Washington has already proven himself as a credible actor in films like Tenet & BlacKkKlansman, it's the stupendous performance of the young talent, Madeleine Yuna Voyles, that steals the show. Her portrayal adds a depth & emotional resonance to the story, elevating the film to another level.

As the credits roll, it becomes evident that 'The Creator' is destined to have a cult following, much like Ridley Scott's magnum opus Blade Runner. The movie's unique blend of storytelling, visual spectacle, standout performances cement its place as a timeless piece of cinematic art. The Creator left an indelible mark on the science fiction genre as a whole. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking narratives, pulsating action & stunning cinematography. It is a cinematic triumph that deserves a place among the greats in science fiction history.

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12th Fail (2023)

9/10

12th Fail: A powerful ode to the human spirit

30 December 2023

Vidhu Vinod Chopra's '12th Fail' stands as an extraordinary testament to the art of crafting a compelling biography. The film chronicles the true story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, a man who fearlessly embarks on the challenging journey of restarting his academic life against insurmountable odds. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of extreme poverty, illustrating Sharma's unyielding determination & unwavering hope as he strives to reclaim his destiny.

At the heart of the film is Vikrant Massey's stellar performance as Manoj Kumar Sharma, an unstoppable force on the screen. Massey's portrayal captures the essence of Sharma's resilience, showcasing the highs & lows of his journey with authenticity. His portrayal adds a layer of sincerity & reliability to the character, making us to emotionally invest in Sharma's pursuit of success.

'12th Fail' is not merely a biopic but a powerful ode to the human spirit, highlighting the indomitable will of an individual to overcome adversity. The film adeptly weaves together elements of struggle, triumph, the pursuit of excellence, creating a narrative that resonates with audiences on a profound level. Chopra's direction is masterful, skillfully navigating the complexities of Sharma's life & presenting it in a way that is both inspiring & entertaining.

The backdrop of attempting to crack the UPSC exam, known as one of the world's toughest competitive exams, adds an extra layer of tension to the story-line. It elevates the film beyond a personal journey & transforms it into a universal tale of determination & aspiration. 12th Fail has the potential to inspire countless young minds who harbor dreams of serving the nation through civil service.

In a year filled with cinematic releases, '12th Fail' emerges as a strong contender, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of 2023. The film's thematic richness, coupled with Vikrant Massey's powerhouse performance, positions it as a must-watch for not just entertainment but also a source of motivation & encouragement. Vidhu Vinod Chopra's latest offering is a shining example of how biographies can be brought to life on the big screen, leaving an impact that extends far beyond the confines of the cinema hall & OTT platform.

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Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)

8/10

Definitely Ambitious !!

22 December 2023

Rebel Moon, the latest offering from director Zack Snyder, takes audiences on a visually stunning intergalactic journey that pays homage to classic influences such as Dune, Seven Samurai, iconic game Mass Effect. While undeniably captivating, the film does encounter a few narrative speed bumps, but its overall brilliance is a testament to Snyder's unique vision & style that may not be fully understood by all, leaving audiences with a taste of an epic space saga that promises even greater wonders in the next installment.

The film masterfully blends elements from iconic sources, creating a narrative mosaic that feels simultaneously nostalgic & fresh. The echoes of Dune resonate in the grand scale & intricate world-building, providing a captivating backdrop for the unfolding story. Seven Samurai's influence brings a sense of camaraderie & heroism to the forefront, enriching the character dynamics with depth & emotion. Mass Effect's impact is felt in the futuristic & intergalactic elements, creating a universe that sparks the imagination with layers of complexity.

Rebel Moon, however, is not without its flaws. Some portions of the story feel rushed, leaving audiences yearning for a more thorough exploration of certain plot points & character arcs. Despite these pacing issues, the film manages to redeem itself through moments of sheer cinematic brilliance. The visual spectacle, combined with intense action sequences, delivers on the promise of an epic space adventure.

The criticism directed at Rebel Moon seems somewhat perplexing, especially given the film's ability to seamlessly incorporate influences into a cohesive narrative. Perhaps the detractors fail to fully grasp Zack Snyder's unique filmmaking approach. Snyder has a distinct style that blends visual prowess with thematic depth, it's possible that some critics are not attuned to the nuances of his storytelling.

In conclusion, Rebel Moon stands as a testament to Zack Snyder's ability to craft visually striking & emotionally resonant films in his own inherent style. While the narrative pacing may stumble at times, the movie's overall impact is undeniably powerful. Those who appreciate Snyder's distinct cinematic language will find much to love in Rebel Moon, it serves as a reminder that sometimes, criticism may stem from a lack of understanding rather than genuine shortcomings in the film itself.

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The Forgotten Army - Azaadi ke liye (2020)

8/10

Appreciate the effort !!

24 January 2020

Whenever the topic raises on Netaji, somehow our so-called intellectuals get cold feet. Regrettably, the current generation are fully unaware of what happened to the man who truly turned out to be the foremost catalyst to India's independence. Simply forget about what you are being taught at school, I remember a small paragraph dedicated to Netaji SCB & his INA. Books like 'India's Biggest Cover-up' by Anuj Dhar, 'Women at War - Subhas Chandra Bose & Rani of Jhansi Regiment' by Vera Hildebrand are just some of the examples on the epitome of sacrifice endured by these men & women during the Battle of Kohima & Imphal.

It has been 73 years & still our government did nothing, of-course nothing to expect when treachery is the bread & butter of the system & society. Something for which the Japanese loathes us because we truly don't understand the meaning of honor or sacrifice leaving aside the Indian Armed Forces.

As a start this is the first time where we get to see on the silver screen the exploits of INA at the far east & its ultimate fate. Back in 2005 it was Shyam Benegal's Bose which gave us a little glimpse of our nation's legend. Being a war movie aficionado, I should praise the effort put up by Kabir Khan, who has earnestly tried to put forth the story of the forgotten army. We should never forget the sacrifice made by Netaji & his INA, this the least that can be expected from we worthless souls.

I would highly recommend this mini-series to anyone who has an interest to know about the true story behind our nation's freedom. Anyone who believes that the so-called non-violence truly brought India her freedom, really needs to keep tap on the events which led to sensational trial of INA officers at Red Fort back in February 1946, which raved the country like wild fire. When Subhas Bose took over the INA at Singapore, there was a sizeable amount of 60,000 enlisted men & women out of which 26,000 died during the end of Second World War. It was during the eve of INA trial when around 20,000 Royal Indian Navy mutinied against the Union Jack which lead to a panic across the Raj, which forced them to take a hasty decision for approving the transfer of power as a face saving grace event, so much for so-called ahimsa (non-violence) doctrine.

Note: I'm adding some additional foot-notes after seeing so many negative reviews; Kabir Khan has clearly mentioned in one of his interview, the story is seen from the perspective of one army officer who actively took part in the Battle of Mount Popa & Irrawaddy River operations, as for the love story it was inspired from the personal story of Captain Lakshmi Sahgal & Col. Prem Kumar Sahgal with some alteration, which is quite logical; the intent of the show was to bring forth the untold story of the decisive battle which forged our nation's future. Trust me, I've seen more war movies than many of you can ever fathom, my personal favorites are Saving Private Ryan, Thin Red Line, Come & See, Stalingrad - German Edition, Band of Brothers, The Pacific, Hacksaw Ridge etc. I applaud the effort put up by Kabir Khan; its coming from some one who rarely sees Hindi movies in general.

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Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)

9/10

Renaissance In Indian Cinema !!

14 January 2019

Movies like Tumbbad, Badhaai Ho, Andhadhun indicates an elusive renaissance going on within Indian cinema, URI: The Surgical Strike is no different. It's hard to believe that this has been Aditya Dhar's first directional debut. Many will draw contrast with Kathryn Bigelow's Zero Dark Thirty or Clint Eastwood's American Sniper, yet stories based on true events do have very similar take on chronicle.

Rarely do we get chance to see movies on Indian Army, leaving aside few like Vijeta -1982] or Prahaar -1991 most of them are plagued with forced chest thumping, flawed tactics making them not worth the time or dime. Even though the plot is based on true events on URI attack back in 18th September 2016 tailed by tactical retaliation by Indian Para Special Forces, its quite evident some liberty has been taken by the production unit for the sake of making the subject easily accessible to the civil population.

A bar has been set on how the action movies should be made in India, Mitesh Mirchandani's cinematography is phenomenal coupled with a powerful title track from Shashwat Sachdev.

2018 has been a decisive year for Indian cinema, where content has been given rank over no brainer star cast filled films; 2019 might witness a similar trend. The sheer effort tied with intense acting from cast like Vicky Kaushal & Mohit Raina, realistic action & haunting title score makes this a must watch experience on big screen. Finally a true homage to our brothers-in-arms in Indian Para SF.

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Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

9/10

Cinematic Opulence !!

29 April 2018

When Kevin Feige brought in Russo brothers to direct Captain America: The Winter Soldier, no one anticipated them to be handling the holy grail of Marvelverse, the Infinity War.

Synopsis: To balance the universe from desolation, Thanos aims to snuff away half of its lifeform, which he believes can be done if he yields all the six infinity stones viz., reality, time, power, space, soul & mind. However, his imposing plan gets stalled by earth's mightiest heroes 'The Avengers' & 'Guardians of Galaxy'.

What MCU had been lacking for so long, was a perfect villain. Loki did impose his mischief charisma in his earlier outings like in 'The Avengers' or 'Thor' but it never was as intimidating & terrifying as Josh Brolin's exhibition of Thanos. He not only nailed the character but demonstrated what a perfect nemesis can be, which not just dictates audience but admiration. Of course, his minions, the members of Black Order were no less daunting, look out for the character Ebony Maw flawlessly depicted by Tom Vaughan-Lawlor.

Kudos for putting in so many characters & yet making it perfectly balanced with coherent plot. Each member gets his & her share to shine. The action sequences were prodigious, something which we now are acquainted with & expect nothing short of spectacular from such franchise.

Infinity War has ventured into an uncharted path, where very few movies will ever dare to do; stakes were high for Anthony & Joe Russo, as it could have gone either way as it did with last year's Justice League. It took a decade of meticulous planning of interlaced stories to finally unleash the wrath of mad titan. Did it pay off? Hell yeah, what did you expect! Infinity War is not just a movie but a cinematic phenomenon, ready to awe & shock the reactionary followers of MCU franchise & general audiences alike. Be ready to be blown away.

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Justice League (2017)

5/10

Simply Ignore Critics !!

18 November 2017

I wonder what the critics were smoking, Justice League is highly entertaining. It's much sunnier than its forerunners, a definitive foot print of Joss Whedon. There had been some slight pacing issue which must have been due to keeping the time line within two hours, however it was not at all distracting. The league itself was remarkable with extreme action, one of the best in the DCEU franchise. It makes me really appreciate Zack's ultimate vision which he contributed to this fascinating story arc.

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Dunkirk (2017)

9/10

Epic !!

22 July 2017

Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk is his 10th entry in the conventional filmography, a true chef-d'oeuvre. As reiterated earlier by many it's truly a story of survival in the backdrop of earlier stage of Second World War, where British, French & Belgian forces were on full retreat due to German's Blitzkrieg onslaught. Nolan always expects his audience to use the grey cells while enjoying his vision; Dunkirk is no different. The story commands a unique format which overlays different period, story on beach covering a week, one on sea which takes one full day into account, one in the air while portraying aerial combat which lasts an hour with non-linear blend in time skill- fully interlaced where the dots get connected during climax, very like his earlier works viz. 'Following', 'Memento', though the story is quite simple. 2018 will be a decisive year for Oscars, Dunkirk will surly put stiff competition for its cinematography, movie & direction. The aerial dog-fighting between the German Luftwaffe & British Royal Air-force were amazing. It's a movie which warrants an IMAX viewing. This is not a story of single character but of allied regiments which faced colossal defeat during the 'Invasion of France'. Standout performance goes to Tom Hardy & Mark Rylance. A must watch at the theaters.

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Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

9/10

Ben ~ The Definitive Batman - Just Ignore Critics

27 March 2016

Warning: Spoilers

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a step up which would eventually lead to Justice League. Seeing the iconic trinity of DC sharing the silver screen itself was worth the wait. Keeping the tone of the story grim & dark, Zack Snyder has made it very similar to his earlier take on Alan Moore's legendary graphic novel Watchmen. Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy has been one of the best on screen adaptation of superhero eccentric but it was not entirely faithful to comic book genre. Much of the story was reformed for grounding it to realism so that main stream audience could relate under the pretext of modern day extremism.

Plot: The new chapter in this story arc introduces us to the legacy of Bruce Wayne's origin as Batman in a quick snippet. Fast track eighteen months from the aftermath of Man of Steel, we see a world with divided opinions on the existence of Superman; while some sees him as a savior others question his very presence, leading to countless debates at political & social circuits. As the world tries to cope in understanding what sort of hero it truly needs, LexCorp's business magnate Lex Luthor manipulates Superman by pitting him against Gotham's very own vigilante Batman for nefarious reasons.

This movie sets the premise for the upcoming Justice League, though at times it felt that it could have been addressed more coherently. General audience not familiar with the source material may have some issues as too many ester eggs & reference to league has been laid down. Some shortcomings in the story is however rewarded with startling visuals. Snyder's hallmark is evident in some of the scenes which are simply awe inspiring. The plot has its genesis from two of the iconic graphic novels ever written The Dark Knight Returns & The Death of Superman. Hans Zimmer & Junkie XL soundtrack composition has a different feel, something which we are not used to. It nets well with the movie however, as a standalone track there is crave for more lucid touch.

Castings bring forth some fresh faces to the existing troupe, Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. With new rules set in this DC Extended Universe, Ben Affleck not only excels as Bruce Wayne but he is righteously the definitive Batman ever to put up on big screen. Even with less screen time, Gal Gadot shines as the Amazon Warrior Wonder Woman during her climactic battle with Doomsday. Jesse Eisenberg's take on narcissistic Lex Luthor was quite different than what we have read in comic books, though the reason for his psychotic obsession for destroying Superman was kept fuzzy, I hope when the ultimate extended R version gets released for home it would give some more insight behind his motivation.

Final Verdict: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a pure comic book movie; it's not chef-d'oeuvre but a commendable boost to accelerate the much awaited Justice League. Watch this to institute your own opinion.

Way to go DC!!

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Man of Steel (2013)

8/10

A Fresh Start !!

17 June 2013

Just came from the screening of Man of Steel; after looking at Rotten Tomatoes rating it simply makes me wonder do critics understand the essence of Super-hero movies. I have not seen the '78 version of Superman but Henry Cavill has nailed the character of Clark Kent/Kal-EI. This is truly Zack Snyder's best movie by far. At no point did the story seemed dragged. Just remember this is the origin story of the supposed trilogy so the ground work has been laid for a sequel to follow, whether it's going to be Justice League or not.. I am not sure. The first half provides viewers about Kal-EI's true origin starting from prologue of Krypton's dying mythology to his upbringing by the Kent's on Earth. Kevin Costner has really provided the humane essence that was essential. Amy Adams was good as Louis Lane, her character got enough screen timing rather than what others have complained being just damsel in distress. Finally Michael Shannon as Zod has been good but there was opportunity for him to shine knowing his stature of being a terrific actor; watch out for his side-kick Antje Traue who played Faora-Ul, she was simply awesome. As goes for action what would you expect from Snyder, it was nothing short of spectacular. My final Verdict: do not miss this at theater. This movie truly deserves the praise it received from the audience. Just go & watch it...this is how a Superman movie should be like.

Note: One small advice there is nothing great to watch this in 3D as the transition from 2D to 3D was minimal.

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The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

9/10

Epic Finale

25 July 2012

It's tricky to have a thriving trilogy yet Nolan has effectively fulfilled the Batman legend with style.

No one has ever taken super-hero based movies seriously until we got introduced to Batman Begins. Staying true to the origin of the cape crusader Christopher Nolan has taken us deep into the world of Bruce Wayne's fractured life & his reason to fight injustice under the hood of shadowy vigilante. With a fitting foundation we were offered with the next installment which will always remain as the Holy Grail to all batman fans & movie fanatics alike. Even today, The Dark Knight not only stands out as the best graphic novel adaptation but also as a dark intricate notable crime chronicle. It's regrettable to miss prodigy like Heath Ledger whose feat as the Joker has immortalized one of the best screen play villain in recent times.

Plot : It has been eight years since Batman vanished from Gotham City after taking blame for crimes committed by late Two Face/Harvey Dent. When a mystifying cat burglar going with the name Selina Kyle forces herself into Wayne Manor, Bruce senses sinister plot however arrival of a masked radical named Bane & his rebellious army compels Bruce to put on the cape for one last time in order to shield the very city which once branded him an enemy, based on lies engineered by Commissioner Gordon for greater good as we know from last chapter.

It is recommended to be well versed with Batman Begins as lots of reference takes queue to conclude the story arc. Stakes were higher for making this film as the anticipation had built up from past few years hoping for a great grandiose finale. Nolan has accomplished to bring this story to yet another level which very few have tried to gamble. Unlike the 2nd installment The Dark Knight Rises plays heavy on script with various twists & the last half an hour is nothing short of spectacular. It is unreasonable to compare Bane's character next to Joker. Tom Hardy succeeded to flesh out Bane as shear brute where physical intimidation plays a key role. The fight between Bane & Batman is one of the most imposing moments in Rises where it taunts us by showing that even heroes can be bested. Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle grounded the character not just as grifter but also as a classic movie femme fatale. Keeping true to the rational world of Nolan she delivers a striking show. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Officer Blake is one of the new additions to this saga & plays an integral part. Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne pulls off yet another marvelous act & does justice to cape crusader's tale. Apart from brilliant performance from other supporting casts the soundtrack set by Hans Zimmer is beyond doubt, epic.

This is a story which showcase us how Batman has affected the society & how Bruce has to deal with new threat & decide whether he shall return to save Gotham. The Dark Knight Rises is a multi layered story with massive amount of action, something which we have experienced in Nolan's other chartbusters. It's really amazing to see how the movie brings everything to full circle. Let's just say, the final installment proves to be a fitting conclusion to one of the greatest trilogy in modern times.

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Inception (2010)

10/10

Brilliant

18 July 2010

In the time of remakes, Nolan brings frontward something so original that it's hard to evade.

Let me put this straight; "Inception" is a kind of mind buster if appropriate attention is given, viewers will be suitably rewarded. It's not the typical popcorn flick which we have got used to so often.

By this time I guess everyone got little bit of idea on the plot; In short

Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a kind of specialist who has the skill to get inside people's dream and steal their ideas for various reasons. During one such assignment the subject (dreamer) being aware of Cobb's real intension jeopardizes the mission. However impressed by Cobb's skill he is offered a new task for self redemption. Instead of stealing a dream he needs to implant one in a key business tycoon's mind which will lead to known repercussion in real world.

That being said lets talk about the casting.

The cast assembled for this movie is more than perfect; DiCaprio's role was well balanced by Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard and Joseph Levitt. In various reviews I came across people tetchy about less character development other than Leo; well I guess that is how Nolan wanted to tell his story. Ultimately it all depends on how we interpret.

Action sequence infused within the movie was simply "amazing" and the pace was very much accelerated by Hans Zimmer's pulsating score.

The essence of the movie can be felt with its beautiful cinematography for which credit should definitely be given to Walter Pfister.

In short this is a masterpiece and should never be missed in the theaters.

Time has come for us to leave behind memoirs of "The Dark Knight" and move ahead to accept Christopher Nolan's new great work "Inception"

This movie will beyond doubt be the theme to lots of movie enthusiast café talk for the months to come. Remember Memento... :)

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Kick-Ass (2010)

9/10

Amazing !!!

22 May 2010

Amazing is what I think about this movie right now.

If truth be told, Matthew Vaughn's 'Kick-Ass' has given us a new edge in the comic based movies.

Actions are fast and gritty still it has the essence of some comic relief in between to have some light moments.

The story is simple, where a regular teenager round the block decides to be a super hero calling himself as 'Kick-Ass' and faces the reality of what it takes to be a 'Hero'. Circumstances changes when he comes across vigilante father and daughter team who call themselves as 'Big Daddy' and 'Hit Girl'; who clean the streets by killing the men working for powerful drug Lord Frank D'Amico. Well... I will not go into any further details because it surly will give away the plot and I don't wish to do so for those who haven't seen this movie yet.

Aaron Johnson as 'Kick Ass' has really done a great job, but the main lure for this movie is Chloë Moretz as 'Hit Girl'; she is simply awesome. Nicolas Cage as 'Big Daddy' or rather the side kick had been perfect and revived himself in a much better way than what we have seen in his earlier title at 'Ghost Rider'.

Remember 'Sin City' this movie too has lots of profanity and violence; no doubt this got 'R' rating but I will not at all be complaining because this movie has offered us exactly what we wanted to see.

The soundtrack is also soothing and by the time the credit rolls the song 'Kick Ass' by Mika will be lingering in the mind for quite some time. This movie is surly not to be missed. So far 2010 start has offered some good movies, apart from 'Shutter Island' I can say 'Kick- Ass' can too join the league of success.

I don't know whether any sequel will be upcoming or not but as a stand alone title this will unquestionably win the universal movie goers heart and support.

This movie really KICKS ASS!!!! In every literal sense

Well "Shut Up. Kick-Ass" :)

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Iron Man 2 (2010)

7/10

Worth Watching

22 May 2010

After almost waiting for two years, we finally saw one of the most anticipated movies of 2010.

To begin with, this movie fell short to be a masterpiece if compared to its predecessor. Back in 2008 'Iron Man' had amazed the critics as well as the movie buffs across the globe because of its sheer story and superlative action; thus raising the super hero genre movies to monumental heights. It was inherent for us to have high hopes of its next title.

For those who are still having doubts on this, I would certainly urge everyone to watch this film in the big screen. 'Iron Man 2' practically starts after the events we saw in the first edition. Tony Stark's revelation of being 'Iron Man' has prompted the United States government for asking him to surrender the technology for better cause. Here Stark meets his new adversary Ivan Vanko a.k.a 'Whiplash' enacted by Mickey Rourke who seems to have a personal motive for seeking vengeance. Apart from this we are also shown some new developments in Stark's life which I wish not to disclose here.

Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man had been the best choice made by director Jon Favreau; his charisma and acting talent had alone made the first movie such a success. Apart from some of the similar faces we have seen earlier, this time Don Cheadle as Lt. Colonel James Rhodes proved to be a worthy addition to the title. Personally I feel it would have been nice if Rourke's character was given some more attention because being the foremost antagonist of Iron Man his legacy seemed to be too short lived.

'Iron Man 2' have concerted more on the drama elements than on the action possibly for making grounds for the future movie on 'The Avengers'. As an advisory note if anyone is planning to watch this movie only for its adrenaline pumped action then it might be little bit disappointing, as the sequel is not having much action so to say like its forerunner; however whatever action was there it was top notch and equally commendable.

To finish with, this movie lives up to its expectation as I had said earlier, only I hope in its next title they balance the story with some more action. This is surly not to be missed in the theaters.

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Avatar (2009)

8/10

Amazing....

29 December 2009

Christmas this year came to us with a lavish bonanza in the form of 'Avatar'.

James Cameron once again proved that if you have enough funds and imagination there is no limit to creativity. This movie truly has raised the bar of vision for the future cohort movies.

Avatar deals with a story which we have seen in many forms; the only thing which makes this film so inimitable, is because of its ground breaking way of staging visual effects which is just spectacular to gaze at. Though the narrative had been quite conventional the presence of 3D as the medium for transmission enhanced the involvement further more.

In short, the story takes us to year 2154 on a moon called as Pandora. Here humans are involved for mining valued mineral known as unobtanium. This intrusion threats the way of life of an indigenous humanoid population called Na'vi. 'Avatar' deals with the forename of the project which centers bio engineering Na'vi bodies which could be remotely controlled by humans in order to interact with the native inhabitants. The plot centers a paralyzed marine who knowingly volunteers for Avatar project, falls in love with a female na'vi and later questions his loyalty towards humans.

On personal front I never felt the story to be difficult to get on with; it simply could have been much more, if we had an opportunity to see some more character development. This is the reason for which I had reconsidered my rating.

'Avatar' brings along some impressive cast like Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Stephen Lang and legendary Sigourney Weaver. Saldana's role as Neytiri is really exemplary which made us to stop think that we were actually watching photo realistic computer generated characters.

Cameron's ingenuity can be seen through the vast life form he created for his fictional Pandora. This film shows us what to anticipate in future motion capture animation technology.

Overall, this is a must watch in 3D in order to value its credibility. This would definitely be falling under the scanner of the Academy Awardsif not for the 'Best Picture'surly for Visual Effects there is no doubt's on that :)

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Solaris (2002)

8/10

Classy

14 December 2009

Steven Soderbergh's Solaris can be measured as a complex Science Fiction, yet it brings along a very profound love story. Personally I consider this movie to be an insightful love story with the milieu of Science as the platform. This definitely requires attention to value the context.

The story begins with the central character Chris (George Clooney), a psychiatrist distressed by the loss of his wife Rheya (Natascha McElhone). Shortly a call from his friend/scientist lands him on a space station to a far of planet called Solaris, to investigate some bizarre occurrences which led to death and disappearance of some crew members. The story begins when Chris starts seeing his deceased wife onto the research station and tries to correlate the situation along with delusion.

I think appreciation should go to Soderbergh for choosing the cast so effectively, who had morphed into the characters through a seamless transition. The chemistry between the two key characters is what made the movie so enjoyable. I think Jeremy Davies also pulled up his part pretty much well. Soundtrack used had some kind of appeal which is very hard to put across in words. Presence of James Cameron as Producer also refined the overall quality of the movie, especially if I emphasis on the production set and the special effects deployed.

This is a movie which will not appeal to the universal viewers but to those who have loved movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey as well as 2009's Moon. Again that's my perception; choice is definitely for individuals to make.

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Inglourious Basterds (2009)

8/10

Definitely needs to be seen.

12 December 2009

Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Basterds" is a tour de force in its own way.

Like his other works "The Pulp Fiction" this movie has a strong narrative and is performance driven, which is seen from the very beginning.

Though the story is based on fiction, the backdrop is taken from the time of Nazi Occupied France during 1941.

We are presented with two distinctive stories running in parallel. A girl with a fake identity seeking to avenge her family's murder by Nazi; the other one emphasis on a group of American Jew soldiers led by perky Lt. Aldo Raine called as the "Basterds" for creating havoc within the German Army stationed in France, by brutally killing them and leaving behind their smudge of terror.

As usual Tarantino has achieved to render the violence on screen but restraining from calling this movie too gory. The style is unique and of course praiseworthy. The cast is well chosen, though we have lots of characters to deal with, the one which will linger in the viewers' mind will be 'Colonel Hans Landa' brilliantly enacted by Christoph Waltz. We also have Brad Pitt as Lt. Aldo Raine; it would have been pleasant if his screen timing was little bit more, not to forget Mélanie Laurent, whose beauty was equally balanced by her shining act.

After seeing 'Downfall' or 'Der Untergang' I could not imagine anyone could play the role of Hitler other than Bruno Ganz. If you have not seen that movie you need to see to understand my implication, if you have seen then you probably know what I mean. I think this is the only reason why I would down slide the rating to some extent.

This movie is presented in chapters and is well tuned with background score. I think the originality was also achieved for keeping the language not restricted to English but also keeping German, French and Italian giving us a real feel of European atmosphere. Cinematography has also had been one of its strong points which surly will lure the eyes of the Academy Awards Committee. Note this is not a typical World War movie where it's more action driven; here the drama element also takes a major role.

Overall if you like Tarantino's movies, then there is a great chance that you may adore this flick.

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L.A. Confidential (1997)

8/10

Perfect Classic

12 December 2009

Curtis Hanson's "L.A. Confidential" is an ideal movie on crime, lust & corruption.

This movie has skillfully created the atmosphere of 1950's Los Angeles with a nearly perfect soundtrack.

Just for the ones who have not yet seen, the story follows the time line of '50s and shows us the story from the stance of three protagonists who used to work for the LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department). Shortly they all get caught up in an investigation of multiple homicide case. The movie follows how each of these character deals with the state of affairs. Soon their finding leads them to a murky revelation of corruption which proves to be a deadly game of life and death.

Though the story in the present day might look alike with quite a few movies in the recent times, I think every one will find this movie far intriguing than the regular out of mill junks coming out to give us predictable cheap thrill.

Apart from the story, the cast chosen for this movie was just awe-inspiring. To name a few, Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger. Every one of them has given a brilliant performance.

L.A. Confidential can boast with its captivating screenplay and cinematography. This movie has enough twist to make your grey cells burn out..well joking... :) It will be very hard to believe if some one finds this movie less engaging.

Will you not all agree with me.... "Rollo Tomasi" ...:)

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The Matrix (1999)

9/10

A Triumph In the Genre of Science Fiction !!!

6 December 2009

Writing down the review of "The Matrix" is itself a sturdy effort. I will try but can't guarantee... :)

"The Matrix" will always remain as a triumph in the genre of Science Fiction. Filled with rich narrative, this movie was triumphant in revolutionizing the thinking process of the viewers. The Wachowski brothers have presented us with some story which we could have never imagined even in our wildest dreams.

Since this movie deals with a complex theme, this will require every attention in order to comprehend the flow of the story. This movie is definitely not for those who just like to see action without willing to appreciate the philosophical approach and the depth of understanding.

When it comes to casting, I think Wachowski brothers have made the perfect choice for putting Keanu Reeves as 'Neo', I don't think any other person could have pulled it so efficiently as him. Of course I don't need to mention that Carrie Moss was perfect as 'Trinity', did I miss some one wellwho will forget Hugo Weaving as 'Agent Smith', and it was simply overwhelming.

Action has been the integral part of this movie and will it be very hard to believe that it had become the groundwork of many new movies for the years to come. I think since so much innovative technique was adopted for the visual effects; it was not difficult even for the Academy Awards to be acquainted with and thus aptly awarding this movie for its Sound & Visual effects.

Well I had been the unlucky few to have missed this movie when it came out to the theaters, but I did enjoy when the DVD came out. I must say the DVD transmission was not at all regretful. Sound quality was top notch.

This movie had been the part of the Trilogy and comparing with the other two movies, this had been the best as a stand alone very much similar to the 'Terminator' Franchise.

"The Matrix" might have received mixed reviews but truthfully this was one of the best science fiction movies which came out in the nineties. This also had been successful in revitalizing the interest amongst us; after all we go to Movie Theaters expecting to enjoy the show with a mesmeric experience.

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The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

8/10

An Instant Classic !!!

5 December 2009

An instant classic if I need to express this movie in one word.

Michael Mann's "The Last of the Mohicans" is loosely based on the famous classic novel of the same name written by James Copper.

If we start digging, we will notice lots of the main stream movies have taken its roots from legendary literary works. Well though it's not a bad thing but most of the time in general the movies have always deviated from the source material. End result is, you will find them less gripping than the novel. Well this is not in the case of "The Last of the Mohicans" which is a very good thing. If any of you have read the novel you will know that the story had a kind of tragic ending. None the less, this movie had been highly compelling; I hope every one will agree with me.

For those who have not yet seen this movie, the story is set in the time of 1757 when Great Britain & France fought for gaining control of the North American colonies along with the support of local militia & Native American tribes. In parallel to this we also get to see a beautiful love story wedged in the middle of the war. Though this movie does have some unpredictable tragic note still I feel that this movie was extraordinary. I will not go into full details of the story as it really ruins the anticipation.

First thing which comes to mind about this movie are its remarkable scenery & an amazing musical score by Randy Edelman. Even if some one does not find the story appealing I am sure they will get transfixed with the soundtrack as well as the hand to hand action displayed which is really satisfying. Considering the time this movie was made I just cannot forget how beautiful the cinematography had been.

This movie has used some great talents like Daniel Day-Lewis & Madeleine Stoweshe looked so stunning & majestic simply I can't forget her... :) Steven Waddington as Maj. Duncan was also very impressive. Overall I feel it was not only the actors which made this movie a sensation but the story itself along with the backdrop score. Considering all together we were presented with a high octane action adventure. This movie has two versions, one is the "theatrical cut" other one is the "director cut". Well I have seen both of them & the only difference between the two is inclusion of some two minutes footage & emission of one song from the movie. This fact hardly makes any difference.

If any of you have not seen this, do give it a try. This definitely should find a place in any collector's shelf.

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Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

4/10

Where To Start........

4 December 2009

Warning: Spoilers

Well in the beginning I was thinking where I should start with.

Having seen the first part 'Transformers' I knew this movie will of course not be the type where lots of grey cells need to be nurtured.

I have always been a fan of Science Fiction movies, but to consider Michael Bay's Transformers Revenge of the Fallen is like making fun of some legendary directors like Steven Spielberg, Steven Soderbergh, Stanley Kubrick, George Lucas & of course James Cameron.

Well though I grew up during the time of animated transformers, I had never seen one. So without hurting the feeling of all the hardcore followers of this franchise, my personal outlook on this 2nd sequel is how can we put this title in the shelf of Science Fiction? I enjoyed little bit of the first part only because of the visual effects which was definitely praise worthy. In the beginning of the first movie itself we were told the origin. Whether everyone will agree with me or not, but I feel that the only reason for making "Revenge of the Fallen" was for the sake of keeping the franchise alive and to milk as much of money it could have extracted from the box office. I feel hardcore faction of Terminator & Alien Series will agree with me to some extent.

Firstly in the 2nd part way too many new characters were included as such I hardly cared for any one of them. May be I saw this just for some computer generated robots and because of hot "Megan Fox"....:) The basic plot remains the same, hapless human caught in the war between Autobots and Decepticons. I think by this time almost every one has seen this movie, but for those who have not yet seen, the story in short, its revealed long time back some ancient clan of 'Transformers' moved from universe to universe in search of 'Energon' (Sounded to me like Eragon) sources. In order to do so they used devices called as 'Harvesters' to draw the energy from the stars in order to power "All Spark" which I think every one knows had been the central theme of the prequel. Any way these Transformers were called as "Dynasty of Prime" who had some principle of their own.funny isn't it (they too had philosophers like we human...)) to spare the planets which had life. Naturally some one has to break this, other wise we will not have the 2nd Part..so we learn one of the member (who will be known as 'Fallen') of this special clan makes one of the Harvester on Earth. So in order to hide the key which drives this device rest of the Prime sacrifices their liferest I think you can pretty well guess what would have followed. Whoa!!! What a storyseems like it will put 'Aliens' even to shame.

When it comes to acting I think there is barely any thing you will notice in CGI Robots who are way too busy kicking each others' ass. Never felt sorry for fallen Autobots because that depth had been missing from the very beginning itself. This movie is simply for those who just like actions without much logic to work on. Though the box office had shown pretty positive market for this sequel, sometimes I feel have the viewers lost the very essence of Science Fiction Movieshopefully Cameron's highly anticipated movie 'AVATAR' will revive this lost genre. I think Spielberg's presence in the production shoes might have helped in boosting the visual effects to some great extent. So to finish with, if some has missed this movie, you can pretty well skip, otherwise you can rent it or download it but truly this does not deserve to be purchased. Rest is up to individuals as everyone's view should be valued after all we all do have diverse taste and it may hold opposing views. Hope you will accept my take on this movie. Well your rating will definitely show cause it.

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Full Metal Jacket (1987)

8/10

Another masterpiece from Legend Stanley Kubrick.........

2 December 2009

Warning: Spoilers

Another masterwork from Legend Stanley Kubrick

This is a must for any War Movie Fans.

Till date some of the accomplished Movies on Vietnam War include: Platoon Apocalypse Now Full Metal Jacket

This is not the first time I have seen this movie and will also not be my last one... :) I think there will be very few members in this Community who have not seen FMJ.

Full Metal Jacket is hard hitting with intense dialogue. I think Kubrick was well versed with what he was planning to do at the time of making this movie. There is hardly any place where I can point out flaws.

For those who have not yet seen (which I doubt..) this movie takes us to the time of on going Vietnam War. We are introduced to a company of rookies who joins the boot camp (USMC) Parris Island, South Carolina. Soon we are introduced to the unforgettable drill instructor Gunnery Sergeant Hartman brilliantly performed by Ronald Lee Ermey. First half of the movie deals with the dehumanizing process. On the way we are introduced to some the central characters. To me the most memorable character will be Pvt. Pyle. I think Vincent D'Onofrio had immortalized this character just like Heath had done for Joker in 'The Dark Knight'. Matthew Modine as Pvt. Joker was also very impressive.

Second half of the movie deals with the experience of these characters' Tet Offensive during 1968. We are not given a clear cut ending to this movie and I guess Kubrick left that part to the viewer's imagination.

This movie definitely falls under the category, which never ages. As far as I know this was the only War movie Stanley had ever directed. In my opinion, if some more action was included in the second half it would have been fine just like 'Platoon' still I would not complain, its still a great Movie. We do get some taste of some of the Classic Rock Songs which includes two of my favorites Johnny Wright's "Hello Vietnam" & Rolling Stones' "Paint It, Black".

Closing note will be, if any one is really interested to watch a movie with intense acting along with rich narrative script then FMJ delivers as it promises, without any degree of doubt. This is certainly thought provoking movie and should be with every collector. I think I am the lucky few who owns the Deluxe Edition (Widescreen) of Full Metal Jacket DVD which I got from Amazon UK.

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District 9 (2009)

9/10

Exhilarating !!!

1 December 2009

Warning: Spoilers

Exhilarating!! I think this is the only word I can think of for describing this movie.

For those who have not yet seen 'District 9' this is a Science Fiction Action Adventure directed by Neill Blomkamp and produced by Peter Jackson.

As far as I know this was Neill's first project. Without any prior information on this movie, I think I decided to give this movie a shot when I saw that Peter Jackson was also involved. Any way I was not at all thwarted.

To tell the story in a nutshell, we are told that some time back in the '80s a massive alien ship appeared over Johannesburg, SA & it looked to be marooned as its command module got separated some how (which we are not told how) and fell to earth. After sometime the people from earth formed a probing team who discovers a million unhealthy extraterrestrial species, which are later given refuge on earth. However in a matter of time the initial welcome gets washed out from human community as some of these aliens called as "Prawns" (As they resembled the exoskeleton of prawns) gets involved into unlawful activities. The asylum camp where these aliens were located was called as 'District 9'. After some time a militarized Private Company called MNU (Multi National United) is given contract to evict the population to a new place. While the on going story we are introduced to the protagonist Wikus Van De Merwe who acts as the operative in charge for eviction. Somehow during the process he gets accidentally infected to one alien chemical component which leads to mutation. The story ultimately revolves around the MNU's exploitation on Wikus' newly infection in order to accelerate alien weapon system, which they had been working on for some time, without much success. Side by side we are shown the dark side of the human & Wikus' flight to escape from this new nightmare.

Wikus character is intensely performed by Sharlto Copley; I think I will not be forgetting this very soon. Considering the budget to be less than 40 million I think the special effects and the Alien design was simply brilliant. After a long time we are provided with story which has a soul in a literal sense.

This movie is prepared in the way to give it a documentary look, but it never goes beyond overdo. Neill succeeds in steadily converting the light hearted nature of this movie to a fast paced dark action narrative, which is definitely praise worthy. I think every one should see this once to make their on conclusion. Overall I think this is a nice production which might fall under the scanner of the Academy Awardsif not for the 'Best Picture'may be for the Visual Effects.

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From the Earth to the Moon (1998)

9/10

A History Revisited

28 November 2009

One of the decisive moves in the American History was the Apollo Mission to the Moon.

HBO has always been successful in providing us Miniseries with riveting experience.

Last time I felt like this was in case of 'Band of Brothers'.

'From the Earth to the Moon' portrays NASA's Space Program from its conception to its ultimate dream of sending man to the moon.

Through the set of twelve episodes we are immediately emerged into the life of the extraordinary team which will make it viable for the man to make the ultimate dream achievable for the generations to remember.

Each Episode starts with Kennedy's memorable speech and a short note from Tom Hanks. Lots of effort has been taken to make this series unforgettable. Every detail had been provided to even make a non-science viewer understand how the project took a lift and what had been the motives to do so.

Considering the time when this series came to the home screen I can say the visual effects and the SFX had been impressive and I think this credit might be given to the Team behind the Movie 'Apollo 13' which was made back there in 1995. Some of the poignant composition had been provided by legends like Michael Kamen, James Newton Howard.

Overall this is an amazing miniseries and can be suggested to every collector to add in to the collection like me 

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