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.