Mesrine: Killer Instinct (2008) - Thriller

Vincent Cassel in one of his best performances to date – I will rate it way too higher than what he did in “Black Swan” – simply mind blowing job. This is one of those rare negative character ever played on celluloid which is author backed and the one that you always wished “only if he wasn’t a bad guy”, reminded me throughout its runtime of my favorite villain “The Joker” – it’s that great. No wonder the movie is being been referred to as the French version of the American film Scarface which starred Al Pacino. I simply love these volatile characters – the one this guy Jacques Mesrine (Vincent) is – one moment he is all lovy dovy with a pleasing personality, a great dancer, lover and the very next moment he will shoot someone in a point blank range or stuff a loaded gun in his wife’s mouth just because she objects to him going out with his buddies. An Ex French Army guy who finds it tough to survive in the sane world with his killer instincts, he even tries a couple of times to be normal but his luck running hard and he keeps running into wrong people. What I loved about his character is that he is a man of his words, when he commits something – he is going to do exactly that – come what may. Watch out for the terrific jail break sequence and what he does next with hardly any help. A little shorter than two hours long but one heck of a thriller – another good thing about this one is that its in two parts and I am totally hooked to get the next installment and watch it soon. This one definitely gets a damn good 4/5 from me with two thumbs up for thriller lovers; it’s a joy ride that you will never forget. Even otherwise it’s a movie which is not to be missed by anyone.

The Counsellor (2013) - Thriller

Another Ridley Scott movie which is hard to miss primarily for its one hell of a casting followed by a terrific story told in his own unique way – shocking, thrilling and in great style as he usually does. Imagine this – the very first scene of the movie – you see a biker going on break neck seed on a freeway (face not shown), camera moves to Michael Fassbender (The Counselor) making out with super gorgeous Penelope Cruze under white satin sheets, it further moves to some other location where we see Javier Bardem following his love interest on binoculars (Cameron Diaz) taking a brisk horse ride with two cheetahs as her guards who are about to kill a rabbit for their feast. On top of that – we are still missing the middle man here who happens to be none other than Brad Pitt. It’s an amazing story of a drug deal gone wrong and like the way they have put in on wiki: The film deals with themes of greed, death, the primal instincts of humans and their consequences. I cannot put it any better in my own words. Unfortunately the girls don’t have much to do but look stunning (I mean fuming hot) and let the guys do the needful. I totally loved the way it all moves making it a fantastic topsy turvy ride for the audience where you keenly follow the movement of the drug consignment changing hands every 20 minutes and the final destination. It’s a very fast paced thriller with 120 minutes of sheer fun told in a fantastic way – I will definitely rate it damn good 4/5 and no less with a very high recommendation for thriller lovers. Go ahead enjoy it.

Miss Lovely (2014) - Drama

This movie had been a part of my “To be seen” list for almost a year – finally I get to see it today but unfortunately it turns out to be such an underwhelming affair for me. Barring Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s earnest performance, the movie had hardly anything new to offer something that we haven’t seen in its earlier counterparts. The only difference I could think of was that this one is based on the so called C Grade Film Industry which exists (still) in the underbelly of big bad Bollywood. Why someone will make a movie on that industry? Because other accomplished Directors have already made a couple of fantastic movies on their counterparts and have achieved quite an acclaim not so long ago – is the only reason I could think of. Right from the very start it has that been there done that feel to it. I could very well gel and understand the feelings / frustration of the protagonist Sonu Duggal (Nawaz almost always does justice to the character he plays) as he struggles to make a meaningful movie and get out of the shit he was neck deep with his brother Vicky Duggal (Another damn good character played by Anil George). He comes across a beautiful girl Pinky (Niharika Singh) with whom he plans / dreams of making a love story called “Miss Lovely”. What happens next is the rest of the drama – where almost everyone betrays everyone else for which this industry and almost all other existent are anyways famous for. It’s heartening to see how it ends, although predictable but still it makes its impact on the audience. Nawaz is such a damn good guy that I just can’t stop praising him, may it be his innocent looks, those deeply painful eyes, his feelings for the girl, big dreams in his eyes or that solid expressions even after his failure. Watch out for one particular scene where almost towards the end of the movie he meets an old friend working as a travel agent – the way he stuffs three biscuits in his mouth and gulps down the tea – is totally out of this world experience. It isn’t easy to make a period drama and not do goof-ups, this one wonderfully captures the Bombay of late 80s and barring a very few ignorable mistakes passes with flying colors. I will still rate it a very average 3/5 for what it offers in terms of quality and quantity – still it’s worth one damn good watch. Not to be missed by meaningful cinema lovers. I will definitely watch it again for its three leads and their superb performances but it isn’t what I expected. That said I am going to keep a keen eye open for Ashim Ahluwalia’s next movie for sure.

Jai Ho (2014) - Action / Drama

Jai Ho will be one of those rare movie of Salman Khan for me which I am never going to watch again as it doesn’t have no repeat value at all. I wonder what was A R Murugadoss (Writer) thinking while writing the character of Jai which seems like a cross of Hulk and John Rambo – the only difference being he won’t increase in size while roaring like a lion. It is indeed hilarious to see Salman doing all that – he almost roars a dozen times during the course of the movie and a dozen of villains fly here there and everywhere with each roar. It is mentioned multiple times in the movie that he is a “Highly Decorated Army Officer” who now works like a mechanic at least once he is actually shown as working under a jeep. I guess he has taken that “Being Human” thing a little too seriously in life hence the outcome in form of this movie where the fundaa of “Pay It Forward” is so done to death that after almost every character repeating the same line word to word again and again so much that by intermission you actually remember the line by heart. And the biggest joke is yet to come – they made sure that someone actually does a favor to Salman before the end of the movie and freaking repeats the same line as well – just to prove the point that it indeed works. Right like some western movie fans counted the number of “Fuck” being used in Martin Scorcese’s latest movie – this one uses the word “Ganda / Gando / Gandi” almost a 117 times during the course of movie and mind it – that only means “Crazy” in Gujarati – a typical Suhail Khan treatment. As mentioned in so many other reviews the movie is full of jobless people and there are so many that you actually lose count of them hence none of the character ever gets developed barring Salman and his Sister Tabu whose only job is to turn on the killing machine by dropping a tear or by just shouting “Jai” and then she stops him saying the same “Jai” again – hilarious that is. Tabu and her son (the little guy from Chillar Party) are actually the saving grace of the movie. One kickass scene that I must mention is while he is being chased by goons and is in need of help – his army friend Suneil Shetty watches him on TV and guess how he comes to help him? No not in an army truck or jeep – he bloody drives a Tank into the town and you’ve got to see the Tank and the Gun that’s fitted into it (The one they use to shoot Aircrafts) and he starts shooting villains with it. WOW! Super Action. The less said about the rest of the people the best, I will definitely give it a 1/5 with no recommendation at all – skip it – you aren’t missing anything.

Paradise Faith (2012) - Drama

The second part of Austrian director Ulrich Seidl’s Paradise Trilogy, first one was about Love in which a middle aged lady from the same family travelled to Kenya to find love. This one talks about the second lady who is trying to promote Catholicism throughout the Austria. Its heartening to see her going door to door to propagate her religion that too while she was on vacation from her X Ray Assistants job. The kind of people she meets, some do open the doors for her and listen to her, and some abruptly turn her away, yet she keeps doing what she loves doing. Her dedication to Jesus is simply amazing – it was too good to see so many photographs, crosses and even a framed picture of “Pope” on her kitchen wall. She too had a dark past for which she keeps punishing herself and the way she says “Thank you Jesus” after is totally mind blowing stuff. The way she takes her own life like a challenge is something outstanding – even while her estranged husband who is paraplegic below waist returns – she accepts him back and how it turns out is another shocker. I am not an atheist even then it’s too hard for me to go to a temple and join my hands in prayer in front of a statue – although I never stop my family from doing what they want to do but I never promote my religion either. The one thing that I totally loved about this movie is – it never goes judgmental but all we see is the lady’s dedication to her god and religion. It indeed is a little bit crazy, even violent and bizarre too – some scenes are over done but I guess that’s how Ulrich Seidl likes his movies and it successfully shakes the audience inside out. He indeed made me feel for the characters, it’s simply amazing to see – to what extent a person can go. I will rate it a damn good 4/5 with a must watch recommendation to all as I myself look forward to the concluding part “Paradise Hope” this weekend.

Blue Caprice (2013) - Drama in real life

Another movie inspired by the real life events as it happened in 2002 in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC. I had no idea what the movie was all about and it was such a haunting experience watching it as a movie that I just can’t imagine how it would be in real life. In today’s time it is so common to read about random shootings especially in USA – almost every other week some psycho will pick up a gun and start shooting innocent people just like that – unfreaking believable. Two men decide to take a revenge on the world just like that – start killing people randomly – whoever wherever – it was heartening to see why they do it and how it was all done. Movie’s background score is equally haunting and one thing that will always be engraved in my mind about this particular movie is the sound of that sniper gun – oh my god – terrific was the way it’s all shot. What goes through the mind of a killer when the start killing people in cold blood – I have no words to explain. How they bloody capture the innocent teenagers and brainwash them to do all that is totally mind-blowing. For a moment I thought otherway round that he is going to help the poor kid by taking care of him and will put him to good work or something – what they end up doing is something you’ve got to watch the movie for. The planning, preparation, training and final execution that too with no expression as if they weren’t doing anything abnormal. I will definitely give it a good 3.5/5 rating – although it isn’t an easy watch but is definitely a must watch.

Mr. Morgan's Last Love (2013) - Drama / Comedy

Two names which attracted me to this movie were Michael Caine and Hans Zimmer (Music). And I must say what a wonderful movie this one turns out to be, this one reminded me big time of last year’s French movie "Amour" which received an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Same background, same city, even the house where it is shot almost looks identical to the one in Amour, in one particular scene one can see Eiffel Tower in the background. This one starts where that one ended – Mr. Morgan’s (Superb Michael Caine as the retired professor) wife dies and he refuses to let go of her body, how he survives after her death, moves on with the help of a new friend, almost falls in love again, gets connected to his family is the rest of the movie. His life changes when he meets Pauline (Clémence Poésy) who is a dance instructor in a local dance school, they hit it off so well and it’s just amazing to see their chemistry. All hell breaks loose when one fine day he tries to commit suicide, taken to a hospital and they inform his family (Son and daughter settled in USA), what happens next is a totally amazing drama every family goes through at one point or the other. A totally different love story cum drama and is a must watch for drama lovers. Michael Caine is in such a superb form in this one – he is anyways a legend and it’s a delight to watch him in a full fledge role in this one – I am definitely giving it a damn good 4/5 with a must watch recommendation for all.

Horror Story (2013) - Horror

I am a little easy to please when it comes to this particular genre of film making as I am a born coward – at times it’s very hard for me to turn the lights off after watching a horror movie. Hence I saw this at home that too in broad day light (Alone) while my wife worked in kitchen – she kept coming into the room just to check what was all those horrible noises our television was making and she kept smiling on the stuff I was watching and getting scared. Still, I must say that the movie indeed scared me partially and was able to give me solid goose bumps. Although it’s a done to death story – a million times narrated already – a group of youngsters going to a haunted place just to prove a point to each other. The so called ghost has only one thing in mind to kill everyone one way or the other, whoever comes to that haunted place. Cell phones don’t work; no one can go out as well as come in. What works in the favor of the movie is its background score, unknown cast, no song / dance and crisp length (only 90 minutes). I will definitely give it a good 3/5, and I am sure it must be fun watching this one big screen. I am not yet able to gather guts to watch any of the horror movies on big screen – let’s see if that changes in the near future.

Diana (2013) - Biography

I guess it will not be an exaggeration to call Diana as one of the most Mysteriously Beautiful Princess in the history of the world and the one who was one of the most adored figures from the recent past. One female that we all born in the 70s and 80s grew up talking / admiring her at one point or the other – unfortunately she died in a (Controversial) car accident as I graduated. The moment this movie was declared – I was totally hooked to the poster as Naomi Watts looked so much like the actual princess (from a distance) – even in the movie if you see her from a distance she looks exactly same and that’s where the comparison ends. I am sure the real Princess of Wales was way too slimmer and better looking than her. This movie covers only a couple of last years of her life / affair with the Pakistani Surgeon Hasnat Khan (Naveen Andrews). Although I know that the critics world over had panned the movie long back still I just couldn’t resist it and I am glad that I did see it finally. And I had no idea that it will become one of those movies which indeed put a wide smile on my face throughout. It’s a controversial subject yet whatever little it covers of her life is too good for us audience and I totally loved it. If this is what is covered in the movie – I am sure the book on which it is based on would be a damn good read as well. It is freaking amazing to see Princess Diana fall in love with a Pakistani of all, the way she goes around with him, cleans his house, washes his utensils, vacuums his house, drives her own butlers car etc– is totally too good. I never imagined that the movie will be this good after reading about how people criticized it big time world over. Unfortunately I am going to give it a damn good 4/5 – call me biased but that’s how it’s going to be – also will recommend it high time to drama lovers, I am definitely keeping a copy for future viewings as well. Not to be missed especially by those born in the 70s.

All is lost (2013) - Survival Film

Robert Redford is back with a bang – haven’t seen him in many movies in last decade or so but this one turns out to be surprisingly good movie. If only we all hadn’t seen “Life of Pi” last year – this one would’ve got its due for sure. But now comparisons will definitely take place and this one stands no chance in that case otherwise it works like a damn good thriller for me at least. Although the movie leaves too many questions unanswered like who the guy was, why was he at sea by himself that too in a luxury yacht 1700 nautical miles off the nearest shore as he states in a letter right before he presumes he is going to die that “All is lost”. It’s a fantastic tale of survival and hope – the one with no dialogues and that was the amazing part with no other soul in picture anywhere, no one to talk to – he is all by himself. How his yacht crashes with a floating container, even after temporary repairs by him (a commendable job) it finally crashes in a storm and he is left to survive in a life boat – how long before he gives up any hope of surviving – it was way too good than what I expected and the best part is to see a guy his age (Late 70s) do all that its simply superb. All he could do was with his facial expressions and body language and he succeeds damn well in that department. I will recommend it to those who like thrillers especially the survivor movies with two thumbs up and a 3/5 rating. Watch it for Robert Redford one of the best performances.

Enough Said (2013) - Romance / Comedy

One of the best romantic movies of 2013 for sure as In their year-end tabulations, Rotten Tomatoes dubbed Enough Said the fifth best-reviewed wide release of 2013 and the runner-up for the best-reviewed romance of 2013 (second to Before Midnight) – and I totally agree with that after seeing the movie. James Gandolfini in one of his best roles so far and can also be called his last as he is no more (Died in June 2013 in Italy, during a brief vacation in Rome), I just realized by his wiki page – it’s very unfortunate. We have seen him earlier in so many movies mostly in support roles but this one was simply outstanding – never imagined him in a role like this and will never forget either. The movie is about Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is a professional masseuse who meets Marianne (Catherine Keener) in a party with Albert (James Gandolfini) as her friend. She starts dating Albert without knowing that he is actually Marianne’s x husband who she starts giving massage and becomes friendly. The roller coaster ride starts after her realization and how their relationships go through a topsy turvy drive because of each other’s influence and past. With two teenage daughters and friends in picture too – it makes up for a hilarious joy ride of sorts and I must say – it’s a solid 90 minute movie which kept me engaged for most of its run time. You’ve got to watch this one for James Gandolfini – I must say – you’ve got to watch how he “Whispers” – that will have you in splits – totally loved it.  I will definitely give it a good 3.5/5 with a two thumbs up recommendation for all – a great time pass movie with good message. BTWs Eva drives a Toyota Prius and I must say its boot is humongous as it swallows her folded massage table. Go for it – you will love it.  

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) - Comedy / Drama

Coen Brothers are back and how! One heck of an amazing movie partially based on the life of folk singer Dave Van Ronk. When I saw the poster for the first time – unfortunately didn’t read as who made it rather I was more keen on the two people in it – Justin Timberlake (Hardly any footage) and Carey Mulligan (Not much role either). Surprisingly the movie turns out to be too good as one can expect by their Writing and Directing the same – even the music and songs were too good – it was hard for me to keep my feet flat on ground while watching this one. I wonder why is it that all the Rock / Pop Stars are drug addicts but country / folk singers are strugglers – at least in all the movies that I have seen in last one decade that’s how they have been projected. This one shows us a week in the life of Llewyn Davis (Fantastic Oscar Isaac) – a folk singer whose album “Inside Llewyn Davis” has recently released and is unable to sell. He is couch hopping to pass his days at his friends and acquaintances places, have no friends or success anywhere. How he goes to Chicago from New York to meet a Music Producer whose not impressed by him anyways – comes back and tries to kick start his career is the movie all about. Movie is quite engrossing with damn good songs thrown in the story – even the jingle that they compose was way too good and hilarious. His struggle to make the ends meet, no success, no job, keep up with friends / family, he may have a son too somewhere plus his hitch hiking to places makes up for quite a decent watch. I will definitely give it a good 3/5 and will call it a good time pass, I wish it covered his life a bit more to make it a perfect biography. Highly recommended for music lovers especially country and folk.

The Fifth Estate (2013) - Thriller

This movie I will always remember as a heart break movie of 2013 for me – as my expectations sky rocketed with the subject in hand and because of the two fantastic guys they picked up as leads – Superb Benedict Cumberbatch with amazing Daniel Bruhl playing Julian Assange and Daniel Domscheit-Berg respectively. Obviously my respect and love for both of them have grown multifold after Star Trek and Rush this year and hence the expectations too. Unfortunately with that kind of subject in hand – I was expecting a solid thriller but what this one turns out to be is a total drama which looked more like an informative documentary than a thriller. If it wasn’t for those two guys – I am sure I would have left it midways as it’s a little more than two hours long with hardly any thrilling or edge of the seat moments. One doesn’t needs to blow off buildings and chase cars or bikes to make it thrilling always. Almost all the incidents it covers were the ones which made headlines not so long ago and the audience is able to connect but what doesn’t works in favor of the movie (for me at least ) is the way it all is shown and told. Even after it ends – I was expecting to see the real Julian but no ways even that didn’t happen. The only good thing and saving grace for the movie was the two leads – Benedict is too good and so was Daniel – watch out for their chemistry and amazing performances. Unfortunately I will have to give this one a real bad 2.5/5 as this became one of those movies of the year which left me confused and asking for more. Give it a miss if you haven’t seen it yet as it’s not worth it rather pick up Star Trek / Rush again and enjoy them thoroughly.

Grudge Match (2013) - Comedy

I guess the reason why this movie will be watched again and again world over will be its two superb leads – how can a movie with Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro in it be missed by a movie buff? It would definitely be considered a crime for sure and on top of that we have gorgeous Kim Basinger with fantastic Alan Arkin too in it. Fortunately both the guys were already loved in their earlier avatars of boxers – Stallone with Rocky Series and De Niro in one hell of a Raging Bull. It’s actually too good to see them both share the screen together – I was totally confused as to love what? The patent smirk on De Niro’s face or Stallone shiny / innocent eyes. And I am sure Kim can definitely give her current counterparts a run for their money still – she is simply stunning to say the least in this one. As the title suggests the movie is about a Grudge match between the leads – the one which never took place because of Stallone’s early retirement which finishes both their careers – what they do for a living is something you’ve got to watch and love it as well. How this one Grudge Match is going to change their life is one heck of a ride. The movie had so much to offer its audience especially the fans who love them big time – I was totally hooked to it and am damn sure its Blue Ray DVD will be worth collecting. The less said about the final bout the better as that’s something you’ve got to enjoy thoroughly on screen, it made me smile, laugh, cheer, go emotional all at once and yes it did leave a lump in my throat in the end. Also the ending credits – worth a mention. I will rate it no less than a 3/5 with two thumbs up – a great time pass and fundoo movie for the fans. Do not miss it – although I kept asking and craved for more than what it offers still it’s way too good a one time watch.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) - Adventure / Comedy

I like Action / Adventure movies and when I read somewhere that this one had Ben Stiller at the helm of things – I was doubly excited – imagine a movie Directed by him with himself in lead as Walter Mitty and the bonus is Sean Penn in a kool cameo. It turns out to be an amazing roller coaster laugh riot with a perfect ending, although it gets a bit predictable but who cares as long as you are having fun with it. Walter works with a magazine as a negative assets manager (Photographs) which is about to close shop and go online – for the final issue he needs to develop a picture sent by photojournalist Sean (Sean Penn) which he misses – what pursues is a roller coaster ride to find the lost negative. Oh and before I forget – he has a crush on his colleague too who has a young son – you’ve got to watch out his short meeting with the son and superb skate board stuff this guys shows him. The movie has it all – starting from updating his profile on a dating site to a terrific business class ride to Greenland, Jumping on sea from a chopper to fighting with a shark, taking a bike / skate board ride to an erupting volcano, scaling himalayas and so much so that I actually lost count of his adventures – all in all it’s a must watch for comedy / action lovers. I will definitely give it a good 3.5/5 and highly recommend it. I wonder what critics were expecting from this one as I believe none of them recommend this one. Not to be missed at any cost.

Her (2013) - Romance

I simply love movies which have one or two characters only and the whole story revolving around their lives – I mean the lesser the characters the better is the insight. Now imagine a movie with one lovable introvert guy (Joaquin Phoenix in an freaking outstanding character) who recently got divorced by his childhood sweetheart (Confession: I’ve got to see the movie again to know why she leaves him), he writes letters for those who have problems expressing their feelings and what he writes – you’ve got to hear – its simply fantastic. One fine day he buys a new operating system for his computer which has artificial intelligence and talks back to him and is super intelligent as well, voice over done by Scarlett Johansson. What pursue are heart to heart conversations between him and his operating system from casual discussions to life – he actually falls in love with the machine. I was actually expecting a surprise turn of events that it can’t be a machine that he was talking to and one fine day she will straight walk in to his life – because the character is so life like unbelievably kool, or does she really walks in to his life? You’ve got to watch the movie to find out. I can only say it has a little scary but a great ending. The movies best part is their interaction and how they start living and enjoying each others company, the way he shows her everything with the help of his mobile camera – it’s totally rocking stuff. One thing which indeed shocked me was Amy Adams in the movie on a thankless role – I wonder why she agreed to do this one? Her character has no scope of any development and will hardly be remembered for this one. Joaquin is too good – imagine this guy almost retired from the movies not so long ago and what a comeback he had with three back to back fantastic movies. He is at such an ease with the character that it feels like it was a kind of cake walk for him, I will definitely look forward to watch this one couple of times more in very near future and will give it a damn good 4/5 with two thumbs up and a very high recommendation to all romantic movie lovers.

Dallas Buyers Club (2013) - Biography

There are quite a few actors whose mere presence in a movie raises the standard of the same and soars the expectations a couple of notches. Matthew McConaughey is definitely one of them – I mean he is one of those guys that one can just not watch him in a movie and not love – simply outstanding is the way he walks, talks, moves and his trademark swagger is something to be seen again and again to love him more. In this particular movie which is straight out of a real life story – he has gone the “Chiristian Bale” (Another superbly adorable guy) and lost 23 Kgs to get into the skin of the character and so much so that initial 5 minutes into the movie – I simply couldn’t believe my eyes that it was indeed McConaughey that I was watching on screen and not Bale. The film is based on the true-life tale of Ron Woodroof, an AIDS patient who began smuggling unapproved pharmaceutical drugs into Texas when he found them effective at improving his symptoms. Who was initially given only 30 days to life goes on to live more then 6 years with his own smuggled drugs and he indeed saved so many lives or should I say prolonged death for those guys, how he does all that in style is the movie all about, he indeed made FDA change the laws. He is aptly supported by superb Jennifer Garner and equally brilliant Jared Leto. It was totally mindblowing to see him in various avatars moving country to country doing his own research on the illness looking for a solution. I will not be surprised if he picks up the Best Actor award this season at the Academy but I will be rooting for Leonardo DiCaprio for “The Wolf of Wall Street” – it’s going to be tough for the jury to decide. I will definitely give it a good 4/5 with a must watch recommendation to all, I totally love Biographies and this is one heck of a movie anyways.

Lone Survivor (2013) - War Film

I have seen thrillers and I have seen action movies especially the ones related to wars and all that – but I haven’t seen a movie which comes any closer to this one or better than this one for sure. One heck of a movie – even the name tells what exactly to expect or predict from this one even then it works big time on many counts – initial half hour once the introduction is done there is no freaking looking back and you simply cannot pause the movie and do anything else it’s that engrossing and what a way it ends. Before I forget – it’s based on a true story. High time that I saw Mark Wahlberg in a meaningful movie to remember – this one is definitely going to be remembered for a long long time for sure – at least I will rate it as one of the best performances from the guy. The action is simply mind-blowing and it kept me thinking – how could they actually shoot it the way its shown, haven’t seen anything like this ever in a movie. As it’s told the film dramatizes the failed United States Navy SEALs mission Operation Red Wings, in which a four-man SEAL reconnaissance team was tasked to track Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. Unfortunately it hasn’t released in our part of the world yet but I guess it should be released this week or next for sure – I am up for a big screen watch definitely and will recommend it to all action / thriller lovers – not to be missed at any cost. I am definitely going to rate it a damn good 4.5/5.

Dedh Ishqiya (2014) - Comedy / Thriller

Dedh Ishqiya became one of those few movies from bollywood that I thoroughly enjoyed and really had a great time watching it – so much so that I never wanted it to end, on top of that the way it ends is simply amazing as it kept me asking for more. I don’t remember which movie I enjoyed the way I loved this one after “Gangs of Wasseypur(s)” barring last year’s “The Lunchbox” which was definitely one of the best I have seen from our part of the world. This one isn’t great but still one of the best and a fantastic one at that – a superb entertainer and it actually has that charming feel about it. Naseeruddin Shah is definitely the best pick of the lot – watch out for his expressions and those awesomely expressive eyes in so many scenes especially the very first when he lays his eyes on Begum Para (Madhuri Dixit) the very first time, you will be in love with him in that very particular shot. Arshad Warsi as his nephew Babban is simply out of this world character – genuinely hilarious and he is so comfortable in that character – it’s actually hard to tell if he is playing Babban or he actually is the way he portrays the character. Unfortunately I was never a Madhuri Dixit fan rather I never liked her hence had this feeling about this movie that it’s not going to work out (Not for me at least), she is totally out of place (for me) doesn’t have that in her to play a character like that convincingly – still I will call it an average performance. Credit should be given to Director plus to Huma Qureshi, Vijay Raaz and even Manoj Pahwa for those hilarious moments, it’s simply a laugh riot thanks to their fantastic performances. I guess this movie has to be seen multiple times to enjoy properly, I am definitely up for quite a few viewings shortly. What I missed in this particular movie is a song like “Dil to bachcha hai ji” as they had in its prequel – not one song to remember once the movie is finished barring that it’s a damn good movie – not to be missed at any cost and I will definitely give it a good 4/5 with two thumbs up recommendation.

Yaariyan (2014) - Romance

Yaariyan precisely is a great example of – when you have loads of money and resources at your disposal but no talent. WOW! It’s actually hard to tell if it’s a movie with half a dozen glossy music videos in between or music videos with some mindfuck story in between. Surprisingly it even talks about the racial treatment Indians get in Australia these days and still they don’t react but just forgive them as after all what we want is their citizenship by end of the day. Barring a few foot tapping numbers and some real gorgeous shots of Shimla / Sikkim – the movie has nothing much to offer. It was totally a Yawn inducing story with nothing much to talk about – it’s shocking by the way it progresses and unfortunately movie is tad too long to see it in one go – Almost 2 hours and 30 minutes – off which 45 minutes should’ve been chopped to make it better. The best part of the whole exercise is the ending credits where you get to see the making of the movie with its cute Director and her kid – too good. I will give it a 1/5 that too half for the cinematography and the remaining half for those 3 songs that I liked. Rest – it’s a superb waste of time and resources.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) - Comedy

Another terrific movie from the lethal combo of Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio camp. Mindblowing is the handling and I am sure all MS and LDC fans just like me will go head over heels in praising this one – big time. It deserves all the accolades and mind it – if this one doesn’t gets him an Academy – no other movie ever will. Oh and before I forget – my full sympathies with the folks in India who saw it on big screen and a heartfelt request to please check it out again on an uncut DVD – so that you should know what you missed. 180 minutes of running time throughout which MS and LDC with superb support cast made sure that I had a solid ear to ear grin plastered on my face permanently. The less said about the language used in the movie the better as we all have heard about it already multiple times – I couldn’t understand why would some tell MS on his face during an award ceremony (“Shame on you”) after watching the movie. The movie is about a New York stockbroker who runs a firm that engages in securities fraud and corruption on Wall Street in the 1990s – ends up making millions of dollar and where all that lands him is what it’s all about. Right like all other earlier MS movies – this one too stands out big time – totally loved it as I saw it right after “American Hustle” debacle which became the first of its own kinds of Christian Bale movies – which I am never going to see again. I will rate this one a fantastic 4/5 with a must watch recommendation to all (especially my male friends – pick up a six pack and enjoy it with your friends). Not to be missed at any cost.

Sholay 3D (2014) - Thriller / Action

How do you rate or review a movie you have grown all your life watching or talking about? When I first heard that it will be rereleased that too in 3D format – I guess the whole of my generation was doubly excited about the same. And to top it off the time of its release coincided with my parents visit to Mumbai. It was truly a mind-blowing experience to say the least – 200+ minutes of sheer fun watching my parents duck the bullets coming out of screen, flying debris, those amazing chase sequences live on big screen with superb background score. Almost every word said by that stellar cast is something I remember by heart and I was actually saying it in my mind before even they could say the same. This isn’t the first time that I saw the movie on big screen – this was my second viewing – first was somewhere in late 80’s I saw it as a part of one film festival back home. 3D definitely added an amazing 3^rd dimension to the movie – it was almost like peeking inside a window and watching everything come alive. Although the quality of the same is highly debatable but wasn’t bad from any standards – if you’ve seen it – I am sure you will agree. It is one heck of a movie that you see as many times – it connects damn well with the audience and to tell you the truth it became another first of those movies where I witnessed that not one soul walked out of the auditorium till it was finished – that’s something I haven’t seen in years (Especially couple of last year’s). I haven’t seen a better thriller / action / comedy / drama – all in one almost in all departments and the less said about the cast the better. I will definitely rate it a fundoo 5/5 for sure, have lost count how many times I have seen it and dunno how many more times I am going to see it in future. If you haven’t seen it on Big Screen yet – times is to take a break – do not miss it at any cost.