Hugo (2011) - DVD review

***This post is a review of the regular standard definition edition of Hugo***







Winner of 5 Oscars (of 11 nominations), HUGO directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 2011 is finally available for home viewing launched by Reliance Home Video and Games. The Blu-ray 3D is priced at Rs 1499, Blu-ray for Rs 1299 and DVD for Rs 599.

Movie Review - Little Fockers "What the FOCK?" *Robert DeNiro , Ben Stiller

When I saw the first part ‘Meet the Parents’, I sort of liked it. The movie had enjoyable good moments, De Niro’s act was worth complimenting and even though the sequel ‘Meet the Fockers’ was upsetting in comparison, absolutely nothing could have prepared for what was about to come next. With the third installment in the trilogy of the Focker series, ‘Little Fockers’ packs up impassive gags, time-wasted subplots on a story loosely tied around Jack’s patriarchal guidelines for Greg on education, finances and a home.

Movie Review - Tangled (Animated) voices - Mandy Moore, Zachary levi, Donna Murphy

I’ve always been a Disney’s child. Right from watching re-runs of Pinochio from our prized cassette collection or parents taking us from the suburbs to South Bombay to catch shows of Aladdin’s adventures, a dose of Disney was always the best entertainment. Cartoon/Animated flicks are one of my favorite genres, cause like the great Walt Disney say, “Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive”

After a semi-satisfactory attempt at co-producing a South Indian feature ‘Anaganaga O Dheerudu’ which released last week, (read review here), Disney is back to the world it knows best. Tangled is the fresh-retelling of Rapunzel’s tale, with a contemporary twist.

Movie Review - The Social Network - 'Dumped'dog billionaire?!?

I was all gaga about this movie from the time the promos first hit Indian shores. I hadn’t heard much about it before, which was quite strange, as I’d expect it to make some noise. Given that im quite a ‘social networking’ person and spend considerable hours on these sites, I deemed myself the perfect audience for the film. A few of my friends were skeptical though, they figured it was just another movie about a bunch of kids trying to get entrepreneurial and makers cashing in on the brand of the most (mis)used networking site on the internet. A friend asked me if he should watch the movie despite not being a Facebook fan or an addict user. I’ll come to that in a bit.

Movie Review - Letters to Juliet

Amidst annoying chic-flicks and ‘wannabe’ romantic comedies, it's a nice surprise to stumble across a film of the genre that DOESN'T ‘try-hard-to-be’ and LETTERS FROM JULIET was that surprise for me. Since this was one of those films, for which the trailer gave away most of the plot, I had not expected to see anything incredible, but it ended up being a double romantic payoff, beautifully portrayed, directed and performed.

New Yorker Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is on a pre-honeymoon vacation with restaurateur fiancé Victor (Gael Bernal) in the picturesque Verona, Italy. While exploring the city, Sophie visits the historic home of Juliet Capulet (from the Shakespeare classic ROMEO & JULIET) where she discovers a fifty-year-old letter hidden in the stonewall (a place where the heartbroken leave notes asking Juliet for her help). The letter was written by a British girl, to her Italian lover, who she abandoned to please her strict parents. Sophie innocently answers the letter, only to discover that the girl, Claire, (Vanessa Redgrave), now a woman in her sixties, has traveled to Verona, accompanied by her grandson Charlie (Chris Egan) in search of her lost lover, hopeful by Sophie’s response. Bored and neglected, as fiancé Vector is occupied meeting vendors for his restaurant, Sophie agrees to accompany Claire and Charlie on her quest for finding Claire’s lost love. You can easily work out the rest of it. In fact, you can guess the whole film based on the 2+ minute trailers.

The major part of the movie rests on the delicate shoulders of Amanda, who does her part efficiently. The gem of the movie however is Vanessa Redgrave. Her grace, wit, mischievously hinting eyes reminded me of the older Rose (Gloria Stuart - Titanic). She is beautiful, irresistibly charming and the scenes between her and real-life husband Franco Nero together are an eclectic combination of bittersweet, poignant, and the most compelling reason to watch the film. The weak link is Christopher Egan, whose oppressive square Brit act is an unwelcome contrast to the sidetracked but moderately appealing Victor. (Still none of the male leads are even remotely gorgeous or swoon-worthy as expected for the Italian backdrop)

Oh ‘Letters to Juliet’, why do I adore thee? Let’s summarize the reasons: there are no pretentions, no bad blood, no going back & forth, no unfunny jokiness or  amateurish tendencies, no clichéd dialogue or people or scenes - just one intricately woven love story, two enchanting Italian romances and dollops of Italian scenic beauty. While it does not break any new paths, the movie is aptly supported by the leading ladies genuine conviction, that slivers through the mushiness to make the predictable plot feel real and touching, while steering clear of the schmaltz of candy floss melodramas.

So it's not a great flick, it’s an indulgence (chocolates/desserts kind), a lazy afternoon leisure and the perfect substitute for ‘chicken soup’ on those feeling low days. Portrait landscapes of delightful Italian countryside, lighthearted gestures, conversations, and immensely affable cast make "Letters to Juliet" worthwhile, even if you've seen it before. Many times before. Recommended.

Movie Review- Wall Street 2 'Highs and Lows, just like the stock market'

WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS - The sequel to eighties superhit ‘Wall Street’ took its time reaching the theatres (23 years!!) but couldn’t have been at a better stage, perfectly complementing the situational backdrop of the struggling stumbling world economies. 

The year is 2001, a glum, older Gordon Gekko (Micheal Douglas) walks out of prison, having completed 8 years for fraud and insider trading. He is reformed, preaches stories of the hopes and the slopes of the bitter world of trading, high finance to anyone who cares to listen. He has catching-up with new-age financial lingo and patching-up with an estranged daughter Winnie (Carrie Mulligan) to do. Cut to 2008, Gordon is in the Big Apple (NYC) to promote his book ‘Is Greed Good?’ Then there’s young hot-shot trader Jake (Shia LaBeouf) who is dating Winnie, but has a hidden intent to take revenge on the venal Bretton James (Josh Brolin) who is responsible for the downfall and subsequent suicide of Jake’s mentor Lewis Zabel (Frank Langella). What happens when Gekko and Jake cross paths is the rest of the plot.

Intertwining, telling three stories of revenge, family and romance, Director Oliver Stone tries hard to measure to the scope and technicalities of the forbearer, but wobbles and loses soul in a glitzy stylish fashion. The story holds your attention but suddenly resorts to inappropriate clichés. Despite its flaws, movie does provide entertainment in edible dollops.

LeBeouf is admirable (maybe a little young) as Moore - brash, yet grounded with a straight, strong act. Michael’s performance measures up to his reputation in Part 1. Sadly, the story crams in needless father-daughter, mentor-protégé tracks going soft, losing focus on the emotions and Michael is a made to be a mere sidekick (albeit a strong one) rather than the boasting villain we yearn to see.   

Verdict: Although no match to the mystique and exhilaration its predecessor, it’s an engaging watch, more-so for the number-crunching-American-dealing execs, who will smirk frown and indulge in utter relevance. However, like most things these days, when remotely connected to the words ‘WALL STREET’, it doesn’t give you your complete money’s worth. The movie has its moments, but as a Wall Street disciple, I wanted a lot more. Afterall, Greed is Good, right?!

On second thoughts: Don't miss the cheeky reference to the India outsourcing/offshoring inc business.

 

Movie Review - Despicable Me! 'Bad is the new good!'

‘Growing old is inevitable; Growing up is optional’ – if you live by this idiom, animation, cartoon films are never childish to demand a dekho and if you enjoy the genre, ‘Despicable Me’ is definitely worth your time.

Despicable Gru (voice by Steve Carell) prides in being the the world's ultimate evil villain and the best that there is in his line of business. All is fine till one day another villain and Gru’s arch-rival Vector (voice by Jason Segal) steals the spotlight from Gru by robbing the Egyptian pyramid. Gru won’t take this insult lying down and plans to revamp his reputation by carrying out a major heist – stealing the MOON! He approaches the Bank of Evil to sponsor the project. The bank refuses. Plan B – to compact the moon for which he first needs to get hold of the shrink ray (google it!). Gru has to enter Vector’s hideout to take the machine. For this he has to take the help of three spunky orphans Margo (voice Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (voice Dana Gaier) and Agnes (voice Elsie Fisher). What Gru does not apprehend is that the girls are a handful and they are all set to melt the heart of the mean baddie. (Sounds straight out of a Bollywood plot ain’t it?). Thus begins the great fun roller coaster ride from BAD to DAD!

Without focusing much on the storyline, enjoy this movie for its novelty, antics and whackiness. There are bucket loads of humorous scenes and wisecracks to keep the audience truly entertained. All the characters have a cutting edge sketch and at no point appear hollow or jumpy. Humour is straight lined, not deeply slapstick or cheeky, but equal in sarcasm and sharpness. Visually the film scores as well. Watch out for the supporting characters of Gru’s partner-in-crime Dr. Nefario (voice of Russell Brand) and also him loyal legion of mischievous pill-shaped tiny yellow minions and the character of Gru’s mother (voice Julie Andrews). Charming! Same goes for the clever reference to ‘Lehman Brothers’. Very cheeky!!

Vivid colors, near perfect animation, great voice-overs, feel-good heart-warming ending, all make this a great weekend family watch. DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JEE.

Although I haven't seen the 3D version, have been hearing great reviews about that too. Hope to catch it soon.

On second thoughts, Do I hear MacDonalds coming up with ‘Despicable Me’ models for their Happy meals. I for one won’t complain.! !

Movie Review - Eclipse

While first part Twilight introduced the translucent relationship and electric attractions of frail Bella (Kristen Stewart) and mysteriously handsome vampire Edward (Robert Pattison), second part New Moon questioned the unusual alliance establishing the scope for a troublesome triangle owing to were-wolf Jacob's (Taylor Lautner) fixation for Bella. The story picks up exactly from where it left, and thus gives birth to the third part of the Twilight franchise - Eclipse. If you thought the second installment in the series, ‘New Moon’ was just about a bunch of shirtless hot boys prancing around with a plot hanging on a thin thread, be prepared for this one. 

Lovers Bella and Edward, with Jacob for added company still have to make up their minds on what’s more important – Bella’s life or their happily-ever-after story. Whilst Edward and Jacob snarl at each other and make clear their deep affection for Bella, Bella seems more dazed than ever in terms of her relationship with her two antagonistic suitors, and more confused on which monster she’s more interested in. Icy cold boyfriend or hot-blooded friend? Well-behaved vampire or determined aggressive werewolf. Oh! The tough choices a girl has to make these days! To add to their troubles, vampire Victoria makes a comeback wanting to avenge the death of her lover James tugging along her trained new set of vampires (who btw look like boy-band rejects)

Will Edward & Jacob join forces to protect Bella? And Bella’s decision ‘to be or not be a vampire’ forms the story of Eclipse.

For most part of its running time, the movie is about conversations - between Bella-Edward, Bella-Jacob, Edward-Jacob, and finally Edward-Bella-Jacob. At a point in the movie, I felt that it would have been better to have combined new moon and eclipse, done some heavy editing and have it all in one film instead of stretching it needlessly. Since we had been exposed to the freshness of vampire-human romance and vampire-werewolf rivalry, there should have been an extra zing in this one to bank upon. Sizzling chemistry between Bella and Edward or some adrenaline-pumping vampire action. Sadly, between parts 2 and 3, there is nil story progress, characters haven’t added any substance, and hardly anything unpredictable takes place.

Three movies and you would think the cast would have warmed up to their characters and shown some praise-worthy acting. No such luck here! Taylor bagged the stronger role with some fine but equally cheesy one-liners hence overshadows Robert who looks as if he’s going to cry in a minute or sneeze in the second. Bella remains an unlikable character, her acting is poor, and she continues to don a disgruntled look, appearing withdrawn and drab.

There are moments that ensure you enjoy the antagonism between the two gorgeous boys, irrespective of your loyalty towards anyone in particular. Here lies the charm of Eclipse. Although it lacks the awe-inspiring magnetism of Twilight, it is more intense and enthralling than New Moon. This is the first Twilight film that manages a stand-alone in its own right and is tedious yet enjoyable in small fragments. Stuffed with uninspired characters and cliché dialogues, Eclipse is doubtful to win many new fans, the quality of the stories remains along a straight horizontal plane with a whole lot of vaccum.

Final Verdict: Obviously aimed at the teenage female fan base, with Taylor going shirtless in every opportunity he comes across, the movie is action-packed but highly mundane and mushy. Overall, by the end of it, there will be two sets of people - the faithful twi-hards who will lap every second of the film or the serious movie aficionados who will scream foul and groan.

Movie Review: Salt. 'Not so Jolly good'

Picture this - Cruise or Daniel Craig or Matt Damon dodge the bad guys, beat up people with nil emotion and hobnob on highways amidst gleefully indulging in disguises, bruise-less escapes from a hailstorm of bullets, building homemade ammunition and emerge unscathed from vehicle blasts! ! Then there is Angelina Jolie, who essentially for all purposes is the feminine answer to James Bond in her new film ‘Salt’. Undoubtedly, there’s no two-ways that it has to be Jolie, the only female star in H-Town, who more than measures up to any of the men.

When Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) a CIA agent is asked to interrogate a Russian chap, mid-conversation he casually accuses her of being a Russian spy. Jolie doesn’t take this well, she wants to head home & have a candle-night with husband for the wedding anniversary. Before you say ‘huh!’ she vanishes, makes a dash for the nearest exit, whilst her fellow agents stare helplessly at video monitors. Why is she running you ask? Too ensure we audiences stay put is my best guess (there is no another reason to sit thru the rest 60 odd mins). the big question - Is she a double agent (or was that triple) or not, forms the remaining reels of the film.

Less on suspense, there is tension and all that, while our lady jumps from bridges, leaps onto moving trucks, balances her frame on building ledges with an ease that would put many an olympic acrobats to shame. Stunts that would result in serious broken bones or certain death to an average joe are nothing for Salt, which in time become ridiculous and even laughable for those not focusing on the pout and the figure. It's sad that the writers decided to spend more time on the lead going from pose to pose instead of exploring a potentially fiery character. So everyone is prancing around asking, “Who is Evelyn Salt?” like they are playing a game of ‘Who wants to become a millionaire?’ but for an attentive viewer the true story in unraveled much before climax.  Finally, its only the chase which forms the point - more or less.

Second thoughts: Salt was originally written for Tom Cruise & the character was named Edwin Salt. Cruise didn’t go along as it was similar to Mission Impossible and he was tilting more in favor of Knight and Day. The plot was altered, Cruise became Jolie and Edwin became Evelyn.  So would Salt be any different had the movie gone the ‘Cruise’ way? I don’t think so. The sex change is what gives the film a fresh feel and much needed uplift amidst the predictable and ludicrous plot.

Quick take: Salty enough, but probably in a little incorrect measure for the Indian palate. The movie is a fun roller coaster ride - implausibility and all. Watch it for the stunts and action, Angelina’s fine & sincere efforts, still opt for a matinee show if you must.