Magneto's Movies: Movie Mania

Magneto's Movies

Movie Mania

Short Reviews

Welcome to another edition of movie mania, here I will post a few short reviews of movies I have had the chance of watching or re-watching in the past few months or so. Since a long time has gone into some of these reviews they might be inconsistent, the score also applies from full reviews where I have considered story, directing etc. and then calculated the overall. Enjoy!
 

Burn After Reading (2008)

I really love the Coen brother films, especially the classics from the 90's such as Fargo, Blood Simple, Miller's Crossing and my favorite The Big Lebowski. I'm hoping to catch a chance to go to the theaters to watch their latest venture; Inside Llewyn Davis. 

Burn is considered their worst film as of yet, while it might be true the film is hilarious and really entertaining especially considering its one A-List star putting in one of his best modern day performances. Watch this for the hilarity that is Brad Pitt!
    

Release Date: 12 September 2008

Runtime: 96 Min

Director: Joel and Ethan Coen

Cast: George Clooney as Harry Pfarrer, Frances McDormand as Linda Litzke, Brad Pitt as Chad Feldheimer, John Malkovich as Osborne Cox, Tilda Swinton as Katie Cox, Elizabeth Marvel as Sandy Pfarrer, David Rasche as CIA Officer with Richard Jenkins as Ted and JK Simmons as CIA Superior

Genre: Black Comedy/Thriller

Score: 7.4/10

Pros: -Some interesting performances worth watching

           -Much more lighthearted yet still serious romp from the Coen's

            -Stellar camera work and directing

Cons:-dialogues are a bit poor, nothing really memorable

           -The story is a bit lacking and lagging

           -Not a good film by Coen standards, the balance of the suspense and black comedy isn't proper

           -No particular likable protagonist

           -Half baked character development

           -An inconsistent performance by lead George Clooney

Best Scene: Even after two views; the still tense and still shocking death of Brad Pitt's character Chad at the hands of a startled Harry (George Clooney)

Best Performance: Brad Pitt as Chad Feldheimer

Best Dialogue: "Appearances can be…deceptive"-Chad Feldheimer. It's not the dialogue but the way Pitt says it and then repeats it. 

Margin Call (2011)

Called by some as The Social Network meets Wall Street. The film is a thrilling drama that utilizes some very underrated actors like Stanley Tucci, Zachary Quinto and especially a brilliant performance by Paul Bettany. Quinto gets to not only pick from some experienced actors but also lead them in an ensemble film, that really gives him some range of acting to perform.
  

Release Date: 29 September 2011

Runtime: 107 Min

Director: J.C. Chandor

Cast: Zachary Quinto as Peter Sullivan, Paul Bettany as Will Emerson, Penn Badgley as Seth Bregman, Simon Baker as Jared Cohen, Demi Moore as Sarah Robertson, Stanley Tucci as Eric Dale, Aasif Mandvi as Ramesh Shah, Ashley Williams as Heather Burke, Susan Blackwell as Lauren Bratberg with Kevin Spacey as Sam Rogers and Jermey Irons as John Tuld

Genre: Drama

Score: 8.5/10

Pros:-Great acting from the whole cast, lead actor Quinto handles himself well among more established co-star 
        -A story that really grasps its dramatic beats and raises the tension surrounding them

        -Some crisp and intense dialogue
        -The movie revolves around a real world issue; the financial crisis of 2007-2008
        -Every point of the score suits perfectly with the situation
        -Stunning cinematography that highlights the Wall Street area of America

Cons: -The film is a bit boring
          -It's hard to understand the complex issue at hand, especially for people not knowledgeable of the corporate world and ways 

          -Kevin Spacey at times seems to run on auto-pilot while Irons body language is stiff

          -Not enough back story established on these characters

Best Scene: The discussion post meeting between Tuld (Jeremy Irons) and Sam (Kevin Spacey) as the two debate the morality and what it means for the company with the actions they are about to undertake

Best Performance: Paul Bettany as Will Emerson

Best Dialogue: "There are three ways to make a living in this business; be first, be smarter or cheat."-John Tuld

Dance of The Dead (2008)

I saw this movie I believe listed as an underrated horror comedy gem, it seems since Shaun of The Dead close to a decade ago the Zom-Com genre has become a rage. While the film isn't that funny as promised, its really fun to watch and adds a twist with the prom night situation. It also gives us the beginning of Zombie invasion with a thrilling action sequence within a cemetery. 
 

Release Date: October 13 2008

Runtime: 95 Min

Director: Gregg Bishop

Cast: Jared Kusnitz as Jimmy, Greyson Chadwick as Lindsey, Chandler Darby as Steven, Carissa Capobianco as Gwen, Randy McDowell as Jules, Blair Redford as Nash Rambler, Mark Oliver as Coach Keel, Justin Welborn as Kyle Grubin with James Jarrett as Gravedigger and Lucas Till as Jensen

Genre: Horror/Romantic/Comedy

Score: 7.2/10

Pros: -The story hinges on some thrilling action

          -Comedy and Romance are used at perfect points to heighten the fun, the comedy is especially rife with wit

          -It understands its horror elements and heritage, and utilizes it in some interesting and unique fashion

          -Some nice performances that break the boundaries of their characters such as Lucas Till and Randy McDowell

          -Runs well with it's small budget

     

Cons: -Character development is chewed fast and feels rushed. Certain moments especially in its first half lose their emotional resonance in the action

           -Some standard acting from most of the cast, but it's unfair to judge relative unknowns as harshly

           -Not a memorable score/soundtrack for a movie that really tries to utilize music as a major element for some characters.

           -Comes from the school of comedy horrors such as Shaun of The Dead, thus a few of the elements feel repetitive and copied

Best Scene: Zombie Steven and Zombie Gwen may have been left behind, but they are left with each others love to keep them alive (pun intended)

Best Performance: Randy McDowell as Jules

Best Dialogue: For a film full of comedic wit, there isn't any particularly memorable dialogue

Garden State (2004)

Having heard a lot about this movie, I went to check it out and found it to be a joyous ride. Prior to its viewing I had no idea about the vaunted 

Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope rife in films, it may be because I am biased towards multiple of modern indie romantic comedies and as such I never felt that any Woody Allen film had such one note female characters in tow. It adds a new dimension to my movie reviews

However, to me it seems as if there's a lot of hate for the sake of hate regarding Zach Braff's first directorial venture. I get it that Natalie Portman's character isn't rounded out well, but neither are any of the others. Still I did update my score from a strong 9.2 to a great 8.8

Release Date: July 28 2004

Runtime: 102 Min

Director: Zach Braff

Cast: Zach Braff as Andrew Largeman, Natalie Portman as Sam, Peter Sarsgaard as Mark, Ian Holm as Gideon Largeman, Jean Smart as Carol, Armando Riesco as Jesse, Ron Liebman as Dr. Cohen with Alex Burns as Dave and Jim Parsons as Tim 

Genre: Romantic/Comedy/Drama

Score: 8.8/10

Pros:-A really endearing and feel good narrative with top notch dramatic beats

          -Easy to follow coming of age tale that doesn't go overboard with drama

          -A good job overall for fist time directing by Braff

          -Fun and lovable performances         

          -One of the most sensational and perfectly suited soundtracks/scores ever

Cons:-Not particularly memorable in dialogue

           -Apart from Andrew, every other character isn't developed enough. They seems as pillars for his character to be supported by especially Sam

           -While he is good overall, there is a certain sense of amateur quality to Braff's directing

           -The stories major conflict doesn't really feel or have a presence

           -The Cliché ending

Best Scene: A bit cliché but the final scene where Andrew (Braff) and Sam (Portman) decide to be together and kiss.

Best Performance: Natalie Portman as Sam

Best Dialogue: "You know that point in your life when you realize the house you grew up in isn't really your home anymore? All of a sudden even though you have some place where you put your shit, that idea of home is gone."-Andrew

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

By far as of yet the worst Tarantino film that I have watched (I have yet to see Death Proof and Dusk Till Dawn, while I count Kill Bill 1 and 2 as one film). Still any Tarantino film can't suck, as seen by the score. The film is a dynamite package that plays loose with historical fact but not setting and atmosphere. 

The unfortunate thing about this film is that every actor performs amazingly; Melanie Laurent and Daniel Bruhl should have become household names with this film. Unfortunate then? How? 

Its because they are far outshone by Christoph Waltz and as such don't even register on the viewers radar.  

Release Date: May 20 2009

Runtime: 153 Min

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Cast: Brad Pitt as Lt. Aldo Raine, Melanie Laurent as Shosanna, Christoph Waltz as Col. Hans Landa, Eli Roth as Sgt. Donny Donnowitz/'The Bear Jew', Michael Fassbender as Lt. Archie Hicox, Diane Kruger as Bridget von Hammersmark, Daniel Bruhl as Fredrik Zoller, Gedeon Burkhard as Cpt. Wilhelm Wicki, Jacky Ido as Marcel, BJ Novak as Pfc Smithson Utivich, Omar Doom as Pfc Omar Ulmer, August Diehl as Major Hellstorm, Sylvester Groth as  Joseph Goebbels, Martin Wuttke as Adolf Hitler with Mike Myers as Gen Ed. Fenech and Samuel L Jackson as The Narrator

Genre: War/Action/Comedy

Score: 8.9/10

Pros:-Once again, another spectacularly crafted script and screenplay from Tarantino with great dialogues

          -Tarantino utilizes the multiple language, cultural quirks and accents brilliantly without losing a beat

          -The direction is splendid with some nifty uses of the camera and its focus

          -All round spectacular array of performances in particular Waltz, Fassbender, Laurent, Pitt and Bruhl

          -An eclectic and interesting soundtrack 

          -Basically; a marvelous Quentin Tarantino film!

Cons:-Anti-Climatic end to Hans Landa, including his most stupidest decision that debunks a great character

           -As with every other Tarantino film, a bit of character development is skimmed in favor of a dialogue heavy film

           -The liberties taken with history may be offensive to multiple people

Best Scene: The Opening intense moment that introduces us to the menace of Col. Hans Landa

Best Performance: Christoph Waltz as Col. Hans Landa

Best Dialogue: "You know somethin', Utivich? I think this just might be my masterpiece."-Lt. Aldo Raine. Referring to the Nazi emblem (Swastika) cut he created on Landa's forehead.

This is 40 (2012)

Judd Apatow films have that multiple watch ability to them and 40 is no exception. Its fun and dramatic, and really gets us invested in the better characters from Knocked Up. Although I would have loved some mention of where Seth and Alison were, the film ties in from its previous adventures of the new leads. 

Release Date: March 22 2013

Runtime: 137 Min

Director: Judd Apatow

Cast: Leslie Mann as Debbie, Paul Rudd as Pete, Maude Apatow as Sadie, Iris Apatow as Charlotte, Annie Mumolo as Barb, Robert Smigel as Barry, Charlyne Yi as Jodi, Graham Parker as Graham Parker, Chris O'Dowd as Ronnie, Albert Brooks as Larry, John Lithgow as Oliver with Megan Fox as Desi and Jason Segel as Jason

Genre: Comedy/Romantic/Drama

Score: 8.1/10

Pros:-The film is a great spiritual sequel to Knocked Up

         -It hits a lot of great notes with the comedic dialogue

         -The second half really picks up and makes the film interesting

         -An array of spectacular performances from the cast including the leads but especially the supporting actors

         -A great building of the dysfunctional family and relationship between Pete and Debbie

         -A really nice and quirky soundtrack that utilizes both its characters tastes (hip-hop and soft rock) superbly

Cons:-The film is a bit too long to be indulged in it fully

           -The first half doesn't really grasp the viewer, it is a bit too dramatic and at points drags on

           -While aging is the major issue, it isn't really clearly defined when a lot of conflicts such as financial issues, Parenting and parents occur, which can happen at any age of marriage from 28 to 40 even beyond.

           -At this point Apatow formula feels a bit well worn and while the film is original it's wittiness and quirkiness have lost a lot of zing

Best Scene: The final scene where Debbie and Pete realize they love each other and even though they are in a financial rut know that they have to continue on. It presents the realistic way a couple who love each other would handle things, by being positive yet knowing their limits/options.

Best Performance: Albert Brooks as Larry

Best Dialogue: "JJ Abrams, He's ruining our daughter. That Fucking geek!"-Debbie, just one of the few pop culture references/mentions that run through the movie that begins the initial comedic blowout at the climatic party scene.

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

A movie not as good as advertised to me, but outright a really touching indie comedy drama. It was still interesting to see some of the realistic aspects of a same sex marriage, and the two female leads were just superb. 
 

Release Date: July 30 2010

Runtime: 107 Min

Director: Lisa Cholodenko

Cast: Annette Bening as Dr. Nicole 'Nic' Allgood, Julianne Moore as Jules Allgood, Mark Ruffalo as Paul Hatfield, Mia Wasikowska as Joni Allgood, Josh Hutcherson as Laser Allgood, Yaya DaCosta as Tanya, Eddie Hassell as Clay, Zosia Mamet as Sasha, Kunal Sharma as Jai

Genre: Drama/Comedy

Score: 8.4/10

Pros:-The story uses the uneasiness regarding the topic/central relationship of the film in a comedic way, such as to ease in the viewer

          -The central Lesbian relationship is realistically portrayed and it does not steer into stereotypes

          -Some of the direction is very focused and really utilizes the narrative conflicts in exciting ways

          -The performances all round are sensational

         

Cons:-Apart from Julianne Moore's character, there isn't anyone else worth listening too in terms of dialogue

           -The narrative is a bit unevenly paced, especially in terms of how the major conflict of the film begins and arises to the forefront

           -There isn't a judge able soundtrack within the film

Best Scene: The dinner scene once Nic has found out about Jules affair with Paul, the camera zooms into her face and the use of sound and angle really makes the viewer fell what Nic feels. It also helps that Bening's expressions are pitch perfect.

Best Performance: Julianne Moore as Jules Allgood

Best Dialogue: There's two

 "...marriage is hard... Just two people slogging through the shit, year after year, getting older, changing. It's a fucking marathon, okay? So, sometimes, you know, you're together for so long, that you just... You stop seeing the other person. You just see weird projections of your own junk. Instead of talking to each other, you go off the rails and act grubby and make stupid choices... You know if I read more Russian novels, then…"-Jules.

 Some people (I know) would think differently about a marriage between a couple of the same sex and this debunks that myth. Marriage is a same concept in the lives of two people who love each other (it's hard work) no matter what their sex.

"I wish you were gay, you'd be much more sensitive."-Jules.

This is unnervingly funny, as not every gay person has to be sensitive. As such she is stereotyping which is ironic considering she is gay herself. Plus she says all this to her son.

   

The Social Network (2010)

Since I watched Margin Call, I thought I might as well check out Social Network again for the fifth time. I love, as in LOVE this film; in fact I need to make a list of my top 100 favorite films just to see where this lands. TSN made some real strides with talented young stars, it also proved that a certain Justin can act. Unfortunately snobs that the Oscars are, overlooked this film completely in the acting department even in best movie. 

By far Fincher best modern work, and best since both Fight Club and Seven.  
 

Release Date: September 24 2010

Runtime: 120 Min

Director: David Fincher

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, Rooney Mara as Erica Albright, Armie Hammer as Tyler and Cameron Winkelvoss, Joseph Mazzello as Dustin Moskovitz, Denise Grayson as Gretchen, John Getz as Sy, Max Minghella as Divya Narendra, David Selby as Gage with Rashida Jones as Marylin Delpy and Justin Timberblake as Sean Parker

Genre: Drama

Score: 9.6/10

Pros:-The pace of the story is excellent, for a two hour film there is no real moment where the narrative lags

          -The story is interesting and keeps the viewer invested in the drama

          -Dialogue is smart and quotable

          -The characters especially the lead is well written and rounded out

          -This is the best direction ever by David Fincher

          -The cinematography paints a beautiful picture of Harvard

          -Performances are all round superb and rarely does the young cast falter, Justin Timberlake is a surprising welcome as an actor

          -A nice and eclectic soundtrack

Cons:-The story is a bit over dramatized and really tries too hard to make Zuckerberg unlikable

Best Scene: Once Eduardo finds out about Mark and the companies new restructuring, or according to him; Mark's betrayal. The confrontation between the two is one worth watching just for Eisenberg's subtlety with Garfield's emotive body language.

Best Performance: Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin

Best Dialogue: "I was your only friend. You had one friend."-Edwardo Saverin, telling this to Zuckerburg after reminiscing about his betrayal. 

Lockout (2012)

This seemed like Taken in space considering the Maggie Grace's involvement, still it was quite different and a thrilling ride. The rise/resurgence of Indie sci-fi has been occurring for years now, but I would like companies to try put a bit more money on the visual effects. 

Even then Guy Pearce as a gun totting bad-ass! Where was this five to ten years ago?! 
 

Release Date: April 13 2012

Runtime: 95 Min

Director: James Mather and Stephen At. Leger

Cast: Guy Pearce as Marion Snow, Maggie Grace as Emilie Warnock, Vincent Regan as Alex, Joseph Gilgun as Hydell, Tim Plester as Mace with Lennie James as Harry Shaw and Peter Stormare as Scott Langral

Genre: Sci-Fi/Action

Score: 6.9/10

Pros: -The film embraces its B-Movie style perfectly

          -Although not new, it utilizes it's story in a fun and exciting way

          -The indie production alongside the gritty texture makes the film very realistic in sci-fi terms  

          -A great lead performance from unlikely action star; Guy Pearce

Cons: -The film is filled with stock characters and relationships, therefore there is no major character development

           -As mentioned the basic plot line isn't new, especially with Maggie Grace portraying a damsel in distress expected to be saved by an unlikely actor as an action star (Guy Pearce). Taken anyone?

           -The film is really boring during some points

           -The chemistry between the two leads is not brought out nicely

           -The special effects are clunky and at times feel like they came out of a video game    

Best Scene: Once Snow loses Mace and realizes he must sacrifice himself to save Emilie, a slight moment of true character development through out the whole movie

Best Performance: Guy Pearce as Marion Snow

Best Dialogue: "Don't get me wrong. It's a dream vacation. I mean, I load up. I go into space. I get inside the maximum-security nuthouse. Save the President's daughter, if she's not dead already. Get past all the psychos who've just woken up. I'm thrilled that you would think of me."-Snow. The wry delivery and cheesy comedy infused with some bad-ass Guy Pearce, What's not to like?

The Place Beyond The Pines (2013)

By far the best movie this year that I've watched. When I heard of this project, I envisioned a chase thriller starring two of my favorite up and coming actors but then the dramatic tone and the father-son relations really struck a chord. This is a film with full on slow moments and tons of drama, not many will like it but I assure you it has a real natural and poignant feel to it. Worth watching for the movie fanatic.

  

Release Date: March 29 2013

Runtime: 140 Min

Director: Derek Cianfrance

Cast: Ryan Gosling as Luke Glanton, Bradley Cooper as Avery Cross, Dane DeHaan as Jason Glanton, Eva Mendes as Romina, Ray Liotta as Deluca, Ben Mendelsohn as Robin Van Der Zee, Rose Byrne as Jennifer, Emory Cohen as AJ Cross, Mahershala Ali as Kofi with Harris Yulin as Al Cross and Bruce Greenwood as Bill Killcullen

Genre: Drama/Crime

Score: 9.1/10

Pros:-The story is deep and balances it's major themes most importantly the bonds between a father and son perfectly

          -Cianfrance knows how to pull in his audience, utilizing the most exciting portion dealing with Luke and ending on a high but somber note with Jason 

          -An array of superb performances from the cast

          -Some beautiful cinematography that really utilizes the realism of the setting its title derives from

          -The score is somber and poignant thus setting and syncing with the mood of the film

Cons: -The second story revolving around Avery Cross is a bit dull and stagnant at points

           -The film does not come off as it was advertised. It was advertised as a cop versus robber film. The film is stunning and better than what was though to be a generic plotline, but false advertising is still false advertising.

           -Only Emory Cohen and Ray Liotta fail to deliver worthy showings

Best Scene: The shocking moment when Cross intercepts a trapped Luke at a house and shots him whilst entering. No one could have expected Gosling's character to die so early in the film

Best Performance: Ryan Gosling as Luke Glanton

Best Dialogue: "If you ride like lightning, you're going to crash like thunder."-Robin

  

Despicable Me 2 (2013)

Watched this in the theaters and I have to tell you...I LOVED IT! Definitely not as great as the first one, but it was still a thrilling ride.  

I can't wait to see how well the third venture and the Minions movie does, the franchise brings a much needed mix of popular slapstick (Madagascar and Ice Age) and heart (Pixar films).   

Release Date: July 3 2013

Runtime: 98 Min

Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud

Cast: Steve Carell as Gru, Kristen Wigg as Lucy Wilde, Miranda Cosgrove as Margo, Elsie Fisher as Agnes, Dana Gaier as Edith, Benjamin Bratt as Eduardo Perez/El Macho, Moises Airas as Antonio Perez, Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud as The Minions, Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario with Ken Jeong as Floyd Eagle-San and Steve Coogan as Silas Ramsbottom

Genre: Animation

Score: 8.5/10

Pros: -The film picks up straight from the first, thus carrying in most of the character development and conflicts

          -It has a lot of heart that supports the story and doesn't rely on only slapstick humor

          -Still it's quite laugh out loud funny with more of the lovable Minions

          -A beautiful performance by the voice cast including new addition Kristen Wigg

          -A fun score that utilizes the oddball nature of the Minions such as their rendition of YMCA   

Cons:-Not as good as the first one

Best Scene: Every scene that includes the Minions

Best Performance: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud as The Minions

Best Dialogue: Everything you don't understand that the Minions say

Being Cyrus (2006)

For those who have watched Adajania's Cocktail also starring Saif Ali Khan, this was his debut feature as a director. By far a much better film than the generic romantic comedy, Cyrus utilizes some interesting camera work and deep messages. The film also plays in English language, hence a way for global audiences to enjoy this spectacular Hindi feature.  

Release Date: March 24 2006

Runtime: 83 Min

Director: Homi Adajania

Cast: Saif Ali Khan as Cyrus Mistry/Xerxes, Naseeruddin Shah as Dinshaw Sethna, Dimple Kapadia as Katy Sethna, Boman Irani as Farrokh Sethna, Simone Singh as Tina Sethna with Honey Chhaya as Fardounjee Sethna and Manoj Pahwa as Inspector Lovely

Genre: Crime/Psychological Thriller/Drama

Score: 8.4/10

Pros:-A tight original script that is endowed with detail in black comedy and thrills

          -Dialogue is great and suits the English language style and accent spoken by real Parsi people

          -The short runtime with the nature of suspense and reveal really keeps the audience invested

          -The film embraces the Parsi culture it is established from, the director  has a keen eye for detail on Parsi culture and living ways

          -Adajania excels in his direction and cinematography, using it to compliment the films changing moods

          -The film can be a starting point for global audiences looking into meaningful Hindi cinema since it is spoken in English

          -Saif Ali Khan surprises with a very layered portrayal of the haunted yet also criminal Cyrus

          -He is supported aptly by a talented cast  

                 

Cons:-During certain scenes each performer seems to ham it up quite a bit, they go overboard in their dialogue delivery and actions

           -For a keen viewer, the major twist of the film is revealed half way through the film

           -Being a Psychological Thriller and a gritty crime film, the score isn't as memorably fitting

Best Scene: Any scene that delves into the thoughts and minds of Cyrus's character especially the ones in black and white, including a surprising one for a surprising character

Best Performance: Saif Ali Khan as Cyrus Mistry/Xerxes

Best Dialogue: "Once the game is over, the King and Pawn go back into the same box."-Xerxes, the words he takes with himself after the experience with Fardounjee Sethna and the Sethna family

Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

There's one huge mistake Gerard Butler made when he gained awesome popularity past the feature comic book adaptation 300. Butler should have latched on to multiple action movies that granted him far more visibility than the dramatic thrillers and romantic comedies did. Granted he didn't want to be typecast, but considering the heavy Scottish accent and the mediocre acting skills, Butler could have turned himself into the next big action star. Now I don't know if he got opportunities to do so, but Olympus shows that he has the potential to totally kick ass! 


Release Date: March 22 2013

Runtime: 120 Min

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Cast: Gerard Butler as Mike Banning, Aaron Eckhart as President Benjamin Asher, Angela Bassett as Lynne Jacobs, Rick Yune as Kang Yeonsak, Dylan McDermott as Dave Forbes, Finley Jacobson as Connor Asher, Radha Mitchell as Leah Banning, Robert Forster as General Edward Clegg, Cole Hauser as Agent Roma, Ashley Judd as First Lady Margaret Asher with Melissa Leo as Secretary of Defense Ruth McMillan and Morgan Freeman as Speaker Alan Trumbull

Genre: Action/Thriller

Score: 6.7/10

Pros:-It's a fun action romp that gives Gerard Butler a chance to shine in style

          -The first scene really grasps the viewer, especially with the surprising buddy-buddy between the president and Mike

          -The film is littered with talented actors that support the weight of the film so as Butler can be in all action hero mode

          -The story's gritty style makes the film feel realistic in some sense

          -Camera angles and the direction are effectively used to also make the film have that realistic depth       

Cons:-Characters at points seem to make stupid decisions or statements, those helping Mike from the outside are portrayed less smarter than him therefore don't actually help in narrative terms.

           -The villain's motives are a bit shaky and he isn't as formidable alone as he is with his army

           -For an action film there is hardly any memorable dialogues

           -The film hops around between gritty dramatic thriller to cheesy B-Movie action spectacle, and doesn't do justice to both fully

           -The film is a bit too long and would have done with some scenes being cut out

           -Special effects look out of place and slightly out dated

           -The film is a bit too Patriotic and can be said to be promoting the USA      

Best Scene: Mike and Kang finally face off in a brutal fight with the tense atmosphere regarding the cliché missiles about too go off

Best Performance: Morgan Freeman as Alan Trumbull

Best Dialogue: "Let's play a game of 'Go Fuck Yourself' you go first."-Mike Banning

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Possibly the most influential Indie film and considered the best work done by Tarantino, although my favorite is Reservoir Dogs. Fiction is such an awesome thrill to watch and another one of my favorite movies of all time. 

Best thing; after 5 viewings I finally realized every time Vincent Vega (Travolta) goes to the washroom something bad happens. First he goes into the washroom and Mia (Thurman) Over doses on the lethal drugs, second time the restaurant is taken over and finally the last time Butch (Willis) gets the best over him.  

Release Date: October 14 1994

Runtime: 154 Min

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Cast: John Travolta as Vincent Vega, Samuel L Jackson as Jules Winnfield, Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace, Bruce Willis as Butch Coolidge, Amanda Plummer as Yolanda 'Honey Bunny', Maria de Medeiros as Fabienne, Ving Rhames as Marsellus Wallace, Eric Stoltz as Lance, Rosanna Arquette as Jody, Tim Roth as 'Pumpkin' 'Ringo' with Christopher Walken as Captain Koons and  Harvey Keitel as Winston 'The Wolf' Wolfe

Genre: Crime/Neo-Noir/Black Comedy

Score: 9.7/10  

Pros:-The peak of sensational typical Tarantino narrative structure

          -Dialogues are crisp and infinitely quotable

          -Characters all have that Tarantino voice but still retain some unique essence

          -The film carries enough substance to match its awesome quotient of style

          -None of the three stories lag as a whole, from beginning to end each story potentially entertains while building the puzzle of the whole narrative

          -Littered with some fan pleasing cameos from underrated actors

          -A slew of great performances especially shining comebacks by Bruce Willis and John Travolta during that era

          -Tarantino has sharp directions with some good camera work to aid him

          -The soundtrack includes the retro style fitting the film and it keeps tunes differentiated between the characters     

Cons:-Overall however the film lags but not because of the storytelling, rather some of the directing and camera work alongside it that feels stagnant during exposition heavy scenes

Best Scene: The now famous twist dance scene between Mia and Vincent, oozing with sexual vibes

Best Performance: Samuel L Jackson as Jules Winnfield

Best Dialogue:  "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy My brothers. And you will know My name is the Lord when I lay My vengeance upon thee."-Jules Winnfield 

Nautanki Saala

An underrated and under the radar gem from the 100th year of Bollywood. Saala might not have topped rising star Ayushmann Khurana first feature film (Vicky Donor), but it's one of the most hilarious you will get to see this year. The films USP is its special kinship between the two main leads and the hilarity that ensues between them. Worth a one time watch at least. 

Release Date: April 12 2013

Runtime: 120 Min

Director: Rohan Sippy

Cast: Ayushmann Khurana as Ram Parmar/RP, Pooja Salvi as Nandini Patel, Kunaal Roy Kapoor as Mandar Lele, Evelyn Sharma as Sita Suryavanshi, Gaelyn Mendonca as Chitra Singh and Abhishek Bachchan as Himself

Genre: Romantic/Comedy

Score: 7.6/10

Pros:-The first half portion is laugh out loud hilarious

          -The writing creates interesting and somewhat plausible situations for characters to go through

          -The film hinges on the chemistry of its male leads and their sensational performances

          -Some of the supporting cast and an influx of great expression based comedy

          -The romantic tracks are all soothing to hear     

Cons:-Characters are very sketchily written especially their decisions at times don't feel realistic enough in film, it seems while creating obstacles the writers leave a lot of gaping plot holes

           -The second half falls into a typical love triangle plot

           -Dialogues aren't memorable         

           -Abhishek Bachahan's cameo seems self indulgent and the actor plays it with disinterest

           -The female characters are given limited roles with shoddy writing, and the actors portraying them don't perform that well either

           -While the tracks are soothing, the aren't memorable. There are too many remixed songs    

        

Best Scene: In the car ride when Mandar Lele realizes that his grandmother was responsible for his break-up, Kunaal's expressions are worth watching.

Best Performance: Kunaal Roy Kapur as Mandar Lele

Best Dialogue: nothing in particular

Best Song: "Saadi Galli Aaja"-Ayushmann Khurrana and Neeti Mohan

'Nuff Said

Aneesh Raikundalia