Review : The Devil's Double (2011)

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The story of a man who looks exactly like Uday Hussein,the notorious playboy son of Saddam Hussein, and how he gets used as a body double and abused as he plans a way out of the palacious hell. Will he get out alive?



As the poster cover say- "Its jaw droppingly awesome". Maybe not jaw dropping but its awesome nonetheless. We all know the story of Saddam Hussein but his son's story is not widely known. And by the looks of it its clear that he surpassed his father when it came to assholeness. He was just so so cruel and immoral that even Saddam wanted to kill him. He really was the devil and it needed someone more devilish to end him. So after an assassination attempt which left him paralyzed he died in 2003 when the US attacked Iraq. The film chronicles his life and shows how and what he did pretty clearly showing that he was a psychotic which everyone turned a blind eye to cos he was Saddam's son. Raping and killing women and many of his father's friends who didnt agree with him. He was more than the devil. Although Saddam has not been totally shown as a Villian in this movie and it keeps the fact intact to show what really brought upon the Kuwait war. This can be eye opening for those unaware and you totally realize that no single party can be right and wrong in this complex tug of war. Entertaining and engaging stuff.......


The New Zealand director Lee Tamahori(Die Another Day, Along Came A Spider) directs this amazing feature and gives an entertaining though brutal look at the state of Iraq under Saddam and Uday. He takes up a controversial book written by Latif Yahia which many called to question and turns into a stark fast paced action movie which loses pace only a couple of times in the middle where an unnecessary love triangle was being created. But it poses no problem as there are enough great moments to keep you glued to your seats as we hope with all our energy that this scum gets his comeuppance sooner than later. War footage has been used extensively as time passes and Iraq goes further into turmoil as Saddam slowly but surely loses trust of the people. Lee creates some authentic sets and pays great attention to details as we get transported to the 80's and 90's Iraq as Uday lusts and Iraq gets bombed. Just amzing!!

Who wouldn't be enthralled by her?

The acting department is full of new people who do fantastic work. The supporting cast is huge who create a world of deceit and debauchery that makes us all sweaty. The girls are beautiful and do what Uday had kept them for. Glamour and sex. But the real hero of this amazing movie is none other than Dominic Cooper(Latif/Uday) who plays the dual role with perfection. He sure knows how to make us dread and love him in the same scene. The complex and psychotic role of someone as non media savvy as Uday is captured pretty nicely by him. And in those scenes i bet you would want to hurt him pretty badly. But the next scene he turns into this lovable Latif and you now cant help but root FOR him. So its a real complex situation but good writing and direction helps the matter. Ludivine Sagnier(Sarrab) makes for pretty picture and has a good role as Uday's escort who falls in love with Latif. Women have only thing to do in this so considering that she gets a pretty nice role which in my opinion wasn't needed. But who cares. She's drop dead gorgeous. Don't believe me. Watch Swimming Pool!!

The Devil's Double?

  
Cinematography by Sam McCurdy is amazing. Capturing some great scenes with some awesome lighting and colour. Considering he was the DOP for THE DESCENT its no wonder he creates mood and feel and so well. Fast editing and some pretty nice music make for an engaging ride to hell. Shot in Malta and Jordan the Iraq is created pretty nicely as the shiny 80's and a psychotic son of a dictator take your breath away.....



HighTension Verdict: Not many know Uday Saddam Hussein's story. And this is a great movie if you like to know what led to the Kuwait war. Maybe the story is not totally accurate but its engaging and action packed. Breathless moments, Sex and brutal violence fill the running time and can be enjoyed if you like stark dictator stories.


HighTension Meter: 8/10.


BEST Quote:

[after Uday has kidnapped a school-girl off the street]

Uday Hussein: Don't fucking look at me like that.
Latif Yahia: Like what?
Uday Hussein: Like that. I know that fucking look. I know what you're thinking. Think what the fuck you like. I like cunt. I want cunt. I see a cunt, I want to fuck it. I don't care. I love my country. I love my mother, father. But I love cunt more than I love God!

Review : Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Wikipedia

Sherlock and his dear friend Watson get embroiled with a dangerous cult in London which has plans to take over the world. So the two join forces along with Irene Adler to save England from catastrophe.....


I got a complete case of Sherlock Holmes book when I was 10. It was gifted to me by my dad. And since that time I am completely captivated and baffled by the mind numbing deduction capacity of this world famous detective, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I never for once felt that it was just fiction, making plans to meet him one day and impressing him with my own deducing. But sadly he was. And I could only read and imagine myself meeting with this great man and his friend Watson drinking wine and accompanying them during one of their macabre adventures. And that imagination was helped a lot when this movie arrived and gave the perfect face to my dear Sherlock and Watson. So I just jumped at the first opportunity to watch this and now having watched this more than 10 times I realize I am in love with Sherlock. Still. And sorry to say also with Irene now. Just to see the perfect characters play the roles I only read and fantasized about makes this one of my favourite book film ever. And a great suspense thriller at that. Nice!!



Guy Ritchie( RockNRolla, Snatch) directs this as beautifully as he has over his sparse career. Some vivid colours and great production values add this magnificent work. Helped along by great camerawork he recreates England of the time when it was the strongest and the more technologically advanced. The suspension bridge was being still tested and horse carriages were the preferred mode of travel. The period look is perfect and Baker Street and Sherlock's house just looks damn good. He extracts good performances out of his actors and crew and makes this one of the most wonderful thriller suspense I've seen in many years. Most enjoyable!!

The perfect Sherlock and Irene!!

Acting by far is the best thing that has happened to the movie. Sometimes you make pictures of your favourite book characters in your head and when it translates into a movie. Theres scope for disappointment. But not here. These roles are just perfect helmed. Damn everyone fits it to the "T". Especially the trio of Robert Downey Jr(Sherlock), Jude Law(Watson) and Rachel Mcadams(Irene). Its just mindblowing work by the three who just work their magic and make us believe that if Sir Arthur had seen it maybe he would approved of them. Sherlock as the goofy but inhumanly brilliant detective with maybe some feelings for Dr Watson just grows on you and Jude Law as his roommate and great friend just aces it. In a small but not so insignificant role is Rachel as the only woman who , to quote Watson "Made a proper idiot" out of Sherlock, TWICE. She exudes carefree and dangerous and vulnerable feeling all at the same time as Sherlock refuses to fall for her. And to support such a wonderful cast is Kelly Reilly(Mary) the girl about to marry Watson. And who could forget Lestrade played by Eddie Marsan. But such a cunning detective needs a much more cunning adversary to make for an engaging battle. And we get Lord Blackwood(Mark Strong) who makes a rather strong impression and strikes fear into our hearts. Although we soon realize he won't be a match for our beloved detective but his theatrics does help in enjoying this movie more. Excellent work!!

Sir Arthur just turned in his grave!!

This movie looks good and has a very good feel thanks to some awesome work by the DOP Phillippe Rousselot(Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Planet Of The Apes). As his huge repotoire suggests he is really that excellent and gives some texture and colour in this movie. Plus some nice music and awesome editing means you get too engrossed to know that its a 2hours and 10 minutes movie. Excellent effects and production value just add to the experience.



HighTension Verdict:  People who grew up reading Sherlock, please watch this. And if you like suspense action thrillers this is pure class. So order or make some popcorn ,sit back and enjoy on your plasmas ASAP. Especially for that one shipyard sequence which is guaranteed to leave you breathless!!


HighTension Meter: 9/10


BEST Quote:

Sherlock Holmes: Why did you drain the bathwater?

Constable Clarkie: Out of common decency, sir.

Sherlock Holmes: Crime is common, logic is rare. The decent thing is to catch the killer, not provide comfort for the corpse.

 

 

Review : Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

With Penolpe and Scarlett it oughta be sexy!!

 

 

A girl majoring Catalan studies and her filmmaker girl friend seek out Barcelona and its wonders and fall in love with the same man, which leads to some unconventional, dangerous and funny results and a lifetime worth of experiences.......


 What can I say? Its just brilliant. I knew it before hand that it will be good. But what I got was just mindblowing. I was a rom com specialist not so long ago, before the horror bug bit me. And what this movie brings to the table not many can compare. Amazing sight and scenery combined with not so deep but entertaining storyline and some fine acting and you get Vicky Cristina Barcelona. I must admit its not the best Woody work,but hey its a rom com and it tries something new. What more can I say? 


Woody Allen as always directs this marvellously. He transports us to Barcelona through some tremendous help from the DOP. He always writes his own movie. And maybe that helps as his vision is clearly printed on every scene and situation. His characters are creative people who talk deep and sometimes superficially. And are ready for change. But this movie doesnt have the deepness or sweetness of other movies but when compared to the rom coms of the new century this sure is a masterpiece. Nothing much new, but is trying to be. And still you'll be captivated as one conversation after another captures you in. You may be aghast at certain situations if it were in any other movie, but you admire it in this. Woody creates something fresh from some stale situations and puts a little twist here and there and you know you are in a master class on love and relationships. Plus the fantastic dialogues can be quoted again and again. Just beautiful writing!!

Increasing the beauty of Barcelona!!

 


Woody is unbelievable but he gets lucky and finds amazing actors to do his bidding. Everyone was born to do their respective part or so he makes us feel. Just look at Scarlett Johannson(Cristina) and Rebecca Hall(Vicky). Perfect as the "unconventional" and "conventional but can be open to unconventional" respectively, characters. Scarlett has that temptress feel and Rebecca looks more understated. And who better to seduce them than the mind numbing actor Javier Bardem(Juan Antonio). He dives into his troubled painter character with panache. Where Bardem ends and where the character starts it just can't be said. In a particular scene he asks the two friends to sleep with him. In my mind only he could put such a indecent proposal in such a decent way. He is pure brilliance. And when you talk of brilliance how can Mrs Bardem be far behind? Penelope(Marie Elena) as the tempestuous ex wife of  Antonio makes a rather late entry but is bang on from the start. Her behavior and cursing in Spanish as Bardem shouts to her to speak in English as Scarlett looks on confused, are some of the best scenes in the movie. It tackles some unconventional themes and issues of tolerance which looks totally fine as the ladies and the lone ranger Bardem give one of the best performances ever.  Some fine support from Chris Messina(Doug) , Patricia Clarkson(Judy) and Kevin Dunn(Mark) make this a Rom com I can proudly add to my favourite collection. Well done!!



I know Barcelona is a great city to shoot a movie in. And even better if its a romance. That city is incomparable when it comes to exuding romance. Just so beautiful and natural and historical. Such things are hard to find in America. So Hollywood looks more towards Europe to film their rom coms and its a very good thing. Plus the camera work by Javier Aguirresarobe(Twilight Saga, Warm Bodies) is brilliant. He captures it well and the lighting work in some scenes just speaks a thousand words. I was with Scarlett and Hall in Barcelona. I can say that. Also some nice editing and sweet background music just puts to ease any apprehension and makes us delve deeper into the lives of four people with so much difference but quite many things in common too. Nothing to complain about....



HighTension Verdict: Rom Coms may not be breaking any grounds but this one tries and has many new things to give to you. Added with the benefit of the beauty and culture of Barcelona rest assured you will be in Barcelona for two hours and learn all the things that Woody and Barcelona has tell you. Go for it and experience Barcelona......


BEST Quote :

Maria Elena: You speak no Spanish?
Cristina: No ,I uh-uh studied Chinese.
Maria Elena: Chinese? Why?
Cristina: I thought it sounded pretty.
Maria Elena: Say something in Chinese.
Cristina: Me?
Maria Elena: Mm-hm.
Cristina: Um... ni hao ma?
Maria Elena: You think that sounds pretty?

HighTension Meter: 8/10.

 

Review : Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)

Sleepless night indeed!!

A family suffers a suspicious break in and install security cameras to solidify their security only to realize that something more serious and downright scary is going on at night, inside their house......


Paranormal Activity was an amazing movie. It was scares at a fraction of a studio horror film cost. And being a found footage movie buff I just enjoyed it much more intently than others who still like old age horror and were averse to too much tamper and change. Some amazing jump scares and creepy atmosphere and regular characters made it unbelievably scary and it became a big hit. So expectations from the sequel were immense. And with a new director onboard they attempted to uncover more haunted ongoings in another house and fortunately came out trumps. Well not Oren Peli good, but good. Although it may test patience of people as it isn't till the 45th minute that any kind of scares are exhibited. But once it starts it turns more and more interesting. Its kinda slow characterization and build up towards a grand finale kinda movie. And you wont be disappointed by the ending. Another nice movie gets added to the recent found footage wave. Must watch!!


 Tod Williams(The Adventures Of Sebastian Cole) directs this pretty nicely. Some creepy atmosphere is created and the characters grow on you. So that means when you encounter the first round of real happenings nearer the hour mark you won't be disappointed. This whole movie is a series of jump scares and to pull it off so well is commendable. Written by Michael Perry(Stephen King's Dead Zone) and Christopher Landon(Disturbia) the movie is full of cliches and situations exploited in many movies. Plus it depends much on its characters and atmosphere. Even if one had been amiss it would have crashed admirably. But it turned out well, fortunately. And i enjoyed it immensely. Though its not as good as the first, its a worthy successor. Job well done!!

Cleavage Cleavage Cleavage!!

Likeable characters mean the acting is pretty good. And so as an audience our job becomes that much easier as we know who to root for. And horror movies can rise or fall based on that small fact. Happily this dark knight rises and makes us happily scared. One of the best characters in the movie is played by Katie Featherston(Katie) and Sprague Grayden(Kristi Ray). Both play sisters who love each other very much. And something had happened in their childhood which crops up now and then. Also the Kristi's descent into madness as the haunting gets worse is very well enacted. Also well done Brian Boland(Daniel) and Molly Ephraim(Ali) too do decent work as we get all worked up knowing what awaits the unlucky family but unable to do any thing cos its found footage you see. Nice job!!


Cinematography is decent. As also the editing and background music. All combine to form a potent found footage horror which can scare you and make you feel unsafe at night. 



HighTension Verdict: Found footage is often derided even after giving movies like Paranormal Activity and Rec. Maybe this isn't as good but when it comes to good midnight horror movie not many found footage can be as effective. Its gonna be hard sleeping tight after watching this. Go watch!!


HighTension Verdict: 7.5/10.


BEST QUOTE:

Daniel Rey: We just can't let this affect us that much. If we do that, the terrorists win. 

Review : Below Utopia (1997)

Below Utopia is much better!!

A man is taking his girlfriend to his family at his ancestral house,for the weekend. Also he missed his brothers funeral. All this happenings are already disturbing the utopian existence of his family when a gang of three thieves break into the house and all hell breaks loose.......



EXPECTATIONS. Yes this not so small word has the uncanny ability to enliven or destroy any experience. And i have been given lesson after lesson in this hard fact of life. But foolishness refuses to recede and i have yet still  to lighten my burden. Meanwhile another movie falls prey to my skyscraper-ic expectations. Body Count Or Below Utopia, the summary read the same and my mind conjured up images from the numerous house break in  movies i have seen. One of my fav sub genres is Home Invasion. And i gladly watch anything showing that without much googling or wiki-ing. But sadly The Conjuring of my mind went well, not the movie though. I feel yawning during movies is disrespecting it, but alas the natural instinct takes over and sometimes i tend to break my rules. So yawn and a nap. And around it was the Hot Alyssa Milano and Mr Aniston Justin starrer Below Utopia. Glad i didnt went to sleep.....

Below My Expectations for sure!!

  

Director Kurt Voss(Poison Ivy: The New Seduction, Sugar Town) directs this decently. But somehow fails to get the same tension out of the scenes which caused fluttering in my heart in some other movie. You do know many people are gonna be killed, there's gonna be a game of cat and mouse and there will be a twist in the tail. But somehow in the middle it loses steam and "who the killer is" just doesn't have that shock value anymore. Writers Richard Shepherd(The Matador) and David Diamond(Evolution) do try to inject it with twist and turns and some violence, but something in the middle gives way. There isn't a lot of story and when the killers storm the castle in the early moments you realize somewhere its gonna sag, and it sure does. But its not all bad though. It can be enjoyed once on a lazy afternoon. Just make sure you aren't feeling sleepy!!


 Most of the house invasion movies I've seen and enjoyed is cos they had some great acting by both the lead and the bad people. The bad people were terrifying and and so badass that it was interesting to see who wins the game. But sadly in this the professionals looked hardly anywhere near the fuck face they should be. Maybe it isn't a horror and didn't need that much animosity,but it isn't easy for me to be scared for the lead when the men are as easygoing and indulging in stupid bantering. Just shooting everybody in cold blood doesn't make them hardcore,right? Anyway the leads were good. Alyssa Milano(Susanne) is the star of this movie. She just races your blood with early skin show and all her obsessed fans out there can heave a sigh of relief. And she gets to show her acting prowess too. Plus she's the executive producer. So many "Milano" reason to watch this!! Justin Theroux(Daniel) turns in a great performance. More in the news now for being Aniston's guy, he has some great acting talent and he does show it by looking happy even when referred to as Mr Aniston!! Ice T(Jim) and Tommy Lister(Tiny) do a good job but are nowhere as menancing. But all the performances are decent enough to enjoy it once anytime of the day. Night, if you really really like Alyssa. 

Plz turn me into Justin for one movie!!

Cinematography is excellent as is the music. The utopian existence with the house turned into  Louvre is shown beautifully. The production values and the set designing are pretty well done. But editing leaves a lot to be desired. Many continuity problems mar some fine scenes. Even the one where Alyssa is being undressed. So a decent effort to supplement a weak story. But it takes hardwork, even if its a mediocre work. Lets not forget that.....



HighTension Verdict: I maybe am too harsh on this movie. And maybe i am comparing it with the wrong breed of films,but even as a thriller it leaves a lot to be desired. Minimal characterization and storyline just keeps it from being a fun movie. Although Alyssa fans like me can enjoy, i need a story to supplement her lovemaking. And there isn't much with a great ending marred by a dull middle. One time watch i say.....


HighTension Meter: 5/10


Best QUOTE:

Daniel: "You killed my family,now you are gonna pay for it"

Review : The Fog (2005)

Via Wikipedia.com

Some 100 years ago in Antonio Bay,Oregon a group of lepers who came to take refuge were betrayed by the founding fathers of the island and burnt alive. Now they have come back to take revenge in the form of "The Fog"........


Open mind. Thats the best quality of all. When at first I watched it I didnt like it. But when i watched it again with an open mind, i must say its not half bad. It starts off pretty well and loses that intent in the middle but it happens all the time. Worse things have happened in a Remake. Mostly of the great horror movies of the past. But this isnt the worst remake or the worst horror movie of any which year. Sadly the critics gave it a thumbs down and so did most audience. And me as well. But on second viewing i must confess that i was wrong and too harsh. This movie is good and entertaining and scary sometimes. Its like comparing a Hostel with Cannibal Holocaust or a Takashi Miike movie. No it isn't as good. But it isn't as shit as everyone's making it out to be. Open mind. Remember and see. Then maybe you can get the enjoyment which i got. And also a lesson for life.


Rupert Wainwright(Blank Check) directs this movie pretty well. The movie gets off to a rousing start which slowly dwindles in the middle but then picks up as the end gets near. But at no point of time would you find yourself dozing off or yawning. Although the first time i watched it i was guilty of the latter. I cant actually believe i enjoyed this movie. Thats some transformation. With some great creepy scenes of the fog and the underwater sequences this can give a little scare here and there. And most of them in the first 20 minutes. And Rupert has chosen the location well. It looked beautiful and turned equally dreadful as the the Fog took over. And some nice kill scenes too. All in all John Carpenter shouldnt as displeased with the effort. Much worse atrocities litter the remake street. Nice work by Rupert and the Screenwriter Cooper Layne(The Core). Enjoyable for most of the time. Not much scares though.

Miss Frightened Long Legs!!

 
Sometimes movies fail due to bad acting. And many bad horror movies have had some horrible acting. Overacting or no emotion at all. But not this. Maggie Grace(Elizabeth) is an absolute delight. She just does evrything well enough to sympathise with her emotional  upheavals. And Tom Welling(Nick) who looks suspiciously like James Masden to me is terrific too. People said they didnt care about the leads or any of the characters, so automatically it turned out to be a bad movie experience for them. But not  for me. I maybe didn't care for any body but these two had me going. And also the likeable Selma Blair(Stevie) and the stand up comedian De Ray Davis(Spooner). Others too dig in but this movie revolves around these four people. And if you care about these four i dont think nobody can stop you from liking this movie. I did.


Theres some awesome camerawork from Nathan Hope(Hellraiser:Inferno, Mimic2) who sure knows how to make things look creepy. Coupled with great effects and action this movie can be enjoyed without being looked as an abomination. Yes it does have it flaws. But it isnt the baddest movie ever. Some decent music adds to the overall enjoyment. Good work by the crew...

"Lost " again!!

HighTension Verdict: A universally panned movie on which I joined chorus. But now i beg to differ and say that it isnt as bad when you dont compare it with the original and go in with an open mind. Some nice creepy scenes and action with minimal scary moments make it a decent watch. The gorgeous leads and the location(Bowen Island,BC, Canada) add to the enjoyment. Just get through the slow moments of the middle and you have a fine midnight horror movie. 


HighTension Meter: 6/10.


Best Quote: 

Father Malone: We're the children of murderers. All of us. Wayne, Castle, Williams, Malone...

Kathy Williams: But we haven't done anything.

Spooner: Yeah, keep my father out of this. We from Chicago.

    

Review : 9 (2009)

Via filmofilia.com

A rag doll wakes up in a world ravaged by the war between humans and machines. Now it has to fight back and save whatever is left of civilization.


A fairly simple story and a fairly simple treatment. But the depth given to the world created by the director/writer Shane Acker and screenwriter Pamela Pettler is mindblowing. And it all started with Shanes 2005 short film 9 which won an Oscar. And prompted him to convert that into a full length feature which runs for hardly 80 minutes. And as I have come to realize- Shorts being turned into a feature feel long most of the time. And this too feels a little long but the grandeur and the detailing and the excellent animation work leaves us spellbound. And with a little shortcomings in the story those things save the day for 9. 


One thing I liked about this movie was the sub text and all the things it said and wanted to say. Rarely does animation tackle dark themes. And show violence. But this is scary and is a teeny weeny bit violent. And its a dark movie. When your villain is like Hitler who uses the weapons of peace inappropriately its bound to throw up some uncomfortable questions and visuals. But it doesn't shy away from the telling the truth and in that process earns a PG 13 rating. Pretty bold for an animation movie. And I hope Tim Burton the producer must have been very happy. And really well done Shane. Looking forward to a horror from you ......

Via geekflavor.com

Elijah Woods Jennifer Connelly John Reilly Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau are the voices of the characters. And 9 is amazingly voiced by Woods. As is the work by other actors. And as for the rag figures they look cute and are small. But they do things which nearly can be impossible for people their size. And the director has seen flak for some illogical things he has shown. But its a sci-fi movie with a stern message. And he deals with it pretty well. The amount of work it must have taken to create this stuff cant be imagined. And everything is so detailed. The landscape, the post apocalyptic world, the scary creatures and machines, the scientist and the Hitler like villain and the rag dolls who names are numbers. Visually its in one word STUNNING. So detractors must see the bigger picture and realize that in the treatment lies the biggest surprise. A pleasant one.  So well done Acker N Team......


I have already said this. And i'LL SAY it again. This is a visual masterpiece. So the editing animation and camerawork can't be faulted. Plus a haunting musical score makes you know that this isn't made for kids.


HighTension Verdict: A PG 13 animation makes me happy. I am a sucker for dark movies and am happy to get one in animation. The message delivered through the visual grandeur can strike you or not. But the imagery is non escapable.  Go for this ride and I swear you won't come out disappointed. 


HighTension Meter: 8/10.

Best QUOTE:  "Sometimes fear is the appropriate response."

REVIEW: HORRIBLE BOSSES (2011)

                                           VIA http://ducttapeweddingring.files.wordpress.com


Dead tired of all the serious movies I wanted to see a comedy. And there are very few good comedies nowadays. And very few new comedies which are good n I've not seen. And this was one of them. I gladly gave it a watch after seeing the star cast n hell it was damn enjoyable. I didn't laugh my ass off but i enjoyed it.

SYNOPSIS: Three friends conspire to murder their awful bosses when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness.

Nice work by the screenwriters to give us not an out n out insane comedy like the Hangover but something more sinister than it seems to be. Behind the laughter n foolishness was some really uncomfortable truths. And I always enjoy movies which make me use my brain. All the characters are developed pretty strongly n especially the villainous bosses. We care about our heroes cos we realize that these bosses are absolutely way more hateable than the horrible tag suggests. So pretty good pacy script with some laughs.

Direction by Seth Gordon is excellent. Full of zest n energy as we are fully behind our heroes as they plan to murder their bosses. He makes us root for things we usually wont do but some of us did think about murdering our bosses,didnt we?. N he brings that infront us as we identify with the characters who want nothing more but respect n promotion from their bosses. From that bitter truth he tries to bring laughs but those are few but some of those scenes are mindblowingy funny.

And the acting department is full of talent. Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell as the three bosses are very very good. Especially Kevin who only implies promotion never actually giving them. Our heroes are Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis troubled by the respective bosses. Very well done by the trio as we really care about them n sometimes even egging them on to kill their bosses. Jason n Charlie are the standout performers. One is being heckled by Kevin other being violated by Jennifer. And Jennifer does act well. She is hot as the maneating dentist having hots for her assistant. Sudeikis n Farrell are the third enemy pair. Both try but arent as good as the former. Jamie Foxx makes an appearance as a murder consultant and as always he's a delight.

Cinematography is pretty good. Especially some skyline scenes at night are well captured. Music is decent as well. And the credit song in the start is nice.

ALL IN ALL a pretty decent comedy with few good laughs n more brain n dirty words than most of its modern ilk.

HighTension Meter- 7/10.

BEST QUOTE: Nick Hendricks: Where were you during the murder?

Kurt Buckman: I was making love. I was making love to a woman. You know... murdering some ass.   

REVIEW: CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL (2001)

I watched it for the first time some 5-6 years ago. Loved it. And then watched it again and again for atleast 15 times in the next 3-4 years. Then just left it off. So when i accidentally saw this being shown on TV i didn't hesitate to watch it for the 16th time. It doesn't lose its charm,however how many times I watch it. PERFECTO!!! 

SYNOPSIS: At Pacific Palisades High, a poor Latino falls hard for a troubled girl from the affluent neighborhood.   

Screenwriters Phil Hay n Matt Manfredi do an amazing job here. They create a perfect couple n with such distinct qualities. And it still doesn't feel forced or fake. A poor hardworking sincere boy with a rich totally wild girl n willing to forgo his exams for her. Seems unlikely but it doesn't feel out of place here. They make us realize through the pair that having a planned out life is pretty cool but you gotta let it go sometimes. A little wildness is a good thing to have. Sometimes you have to listen to your heart instead of your mind. Without much melodrama n long dialogues they tell a straight story which never bores you.

As for the direction by John Stockwell its just class. He never for once loses hold as we get drawn more n more into the lives of the teenagers. He makes us meet them both n shows us the personality differences between them in the first scene itself n from then on its a turbulent ride as we cheer on for love not affected by the consequences it can have on the protagonists. And he makes us believe that sometimes all we need is a little love. Which isn't entirely true but cant be decried as well. 

As for the acting Jay Hernandez and Kirsten Dunst do a fantastic job. Makes it much more believable when you have the perfect actors for the role. And I have high regards for both Jay n Kirsten. Especially Kirsten has a difficult role as an alcoholic troubled 17 year old living with her indifferent step mom n loving dad. But her past makes her present miserable n she is never ever away from trouble n alcohol. While Jay is the hardworking poor American-mexican boy who wakes up at dawn to travel by bus to his college. He is not getting enough sleep n wont get much after meeting Kirsten. He just leaves a mark as if that role was written with him in mind. I had seen him in Hostel before this n that movie made me his instant fan. And this is just a proof of his acting range. Supporting cast does decent work to make this drama engrossing n enjoyable. A good hand by Bruce Davison as the congressman dad of Kirsten.

Cinematography is excellent. Los Angeles is captured pretty nicely as is the Mexican neighbourhood. And with an almost perfect music to supplement it, it does turn into a heady concoction. 

ALL IN ALL a movie which raises issue about alcohol, drugs in teenagers and also the ingrained stereotypes about brown n whites which people have in their minds. Albeit in a much less darker way. And also the question - IS LOVE MORE STRONGER THAN ANY MEDICINE ON EARTH?

HighTension Meter- 7/10.

BEST QUOTE: There are millions of people in this world, but in the end it all comes down to one. I still panic sometimes, forget to breathe, but I know that there's something beautiful in my imperfections; the beauty that he held up for me to see. The strength that I will never be able to say.

   

REVIEW: THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (2011)

Look at the star cast. Did I need anymore reason to watch this movie? Plus it featured India and I am always on the lookout for movies based here cos I am always curious on how foreign directors capture our country. And most of the times I've been happy. And this movie gives me no reason to be sad. Excellent watch.

SYNOPSIS: British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways.

Based on the novel by Deborah Moggach,screenwriter Ol Parker does pretty nice job of adapting it to screen. The story does slow down a little bit here and there but you never get disinterested. You want to know how exactly these people will fare as they go on about their life. So kudos to Ol for not making this drama about retirees seem so much out of sync with the younger generations. That's why it was one of the biggest hits that year. Anybody could enjoy it.

Director Paul Madden does a great job of making us care for the characters from frame one where he introduces them in an absorbing prologue. From then on we are totally invested in them cheering them on as they reach India to a, much better on paper and ruin in real life hotel, for retirees. He then captures the emotional quirky and effervescent side of India with panache. He puts them in situations which makes us laugh and cry at the same time. And we want them to come out trumps as we sit glued for a whopping runtime of 126 minutes. A little on the longer side but was necessary i guess, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy and plus the other veterans of British cinema have just given a mindblowing performance which brings tears to your eyes as you see them fighting at an age where they should have settled down in their lives. But there's a zest in their approach as they go about as if nothings the problem in their lives and eventually come out trumps. And thankfully the women characters are very strong as they usually are.  And all this brought to life by seven different characters played by seven of the best actors in the world. In one word brilliant. And special mention to Dev Patel as the owner of the hotel with no business acumen. Well done.

Cinematography is very well done. India's color n confusion has been captured brilliantly. Music is also nice complementing the situations onscreen. Some folk music has been used as per the locations and that helps a lot. Editing is nice as well.

ALL IN ALL a movie which makes think- Will the West ever take the family system strongly? Will they ever realize there's nothing more important than your mom and dad? Guess they've to learn something from India as well as much as we have to learn from them.

HighTension Meter- 8/10.

Best Quote: Everything will be all right in the end... if it's not all right then it's not yet the end. 

  

REVIEW: THE LINCOLN LAWYER(2011)

                                                     

I love a good crime drama. N I had heard a lot about this movie which is based on a novel by Michael Connelly. So I had no hesitation in watching this. With high hopes I sat glued to my seat as the movie took me from one high to another as well as shocked me. Nothing as a nice courtroom drama n this is one of the best. Glad I watched this.

SYNOPSIS: A sleazy defense attorney has a crisis of conscience when he represents a wealthy client who has a foolproof plan to beat the system.

The screenwriter John Ramano does a pretty nice job of keeping the thrills coming all the right times. You never feel bored even for a second as the story moves along pretty nicely. Sometimes you feel a novel is not done justice cos you cram it all up in 2hours. But this never feels like it. With the thrills n shocking revelations all coming at the right places its a interesting ride to hell and back.

The direction by Brad Furman is top notch. He keeps in the thick of action n gives us very time to breathe. Some zoom shots used to make it look more authentic especially the court scenes. Tracking shots too are used as we get up close and personal with the protagonist. The atmosphere created of an impending doom as we realize not everything is what it seems. And we are proved right at the end but how he never lets the tension down is brilliant.

Cast is in one word brilliant. The film belongs the often derided Matthew McConaughey. What an act. Brilliant as the seedy lawyer with a conscience. He has put many a scum a back on the streets but not now. His transformation is believable as we root for him to win this battle. He gives his all to this role n we can feel that as we get involved with him in his fight for justice n to save his family. And his family is his courtroom rival Marisa Tomei,his ex-wife. With a smile as hers I am afraid no man would have any choice but fight for her. She carries through her small role brilliantly. As does the villain Ryan Phillipe who does a brilliant turn as the rapist murderer. Josh Lucas n William H Macy also do a great job in their roles. As does everyone in the cast which elevates this movie to a greater height.

Cinematography is excellent. Capturing the seedy life perfectly as well as the prison n court room. Plus some aerial shots are damn amazing. The music is very nice especially the start n the end credit songs. Editing is nice.

ALL IN ALL a movie gives an insight in the US justice system as well as tell you about the kind of notion people have about a prostitute. N also the loopholes for the scum n their lawyers to exploit.

HighTension Meter- 8/10.

Best Quote- Earl: You know what? You would've done all right on the streets.
Mick Haller: Shit. Where do you think I am, Earl? 

REVIEW: MOTHER'S DAY(2010)

I dug up several rape revenge dramas of the 70 n 80's. Prominently I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE n STRAW DOGS. Pretty much liked them except for a couple of things. Mother's Day was another which i wanted to see but the exploitation tag made me stop. I am not a big fan of exploitation cinema as it trivializes serious issues. But with slew of remakes flooding the market which aren't as exploitative as their original brothers i decided to give this a go.N thankfully had a very enjoyable time for most parts. Its shocking for most of the times. Some of the scenarios were way beyond implausible though. But dammit its not the best place to look for logic is it?

SYNOPSIS: The sadistic members of a villainous family return to their childhood home to terrorize the new home owners and their guests. 

So as you can see the 1980's rape revenge drama has been turned into a brutal home invasion horror. And it s been done with elan. The writing is pretty good by Scott Milam. The action is fast. And the characters are more in numbers but are introduced pretty quickly. And they have been written pretty well. So many characters but each one with a differentiating characteristic. So you definitely realize who's the villain but also how good are the good people really are?

Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman who has SAW 2-4 n REPO THE GENETIC OPERA behind him has done a nice job. He creates a really creepy atmosphere n fast action as we are given very less time to breathe. The sexual degradation is just hinted at as it pleasantly turns from a rape revenge to home invasion in 33 years. The atmosphere of dread is compounded by the fact that its a stormy night n that makes things even more scary. Well that man isnt short of ideas but he doesn't bring SAW here n keeps violence to a minimum. Another good thing. But the body count is high n he shows the shootings n killings perfectly making us cringe. Only worry is the runtime of almost two hours. Slowed down the things a little in the middle. Plus the some sequences during the last 10 mins are crazy which could have been edited. Enjoyable in most parts thankfully so you wont be disappointed.

Many a times bad acting leads down a good horror. But thankfully this time it isn't happening. With a cast like Rebecca De Mornay, Jaime King, Briana Evigan this didn't have any excuse of bad acting. And they do the work with sincerity as we get shocked more n more as their lives get destroyed. Rebecca De Mornay is the mother n Jaime King the owner of the house. As the two ladies fight with each other the men n women in their lives get affected brutally. That's one night of life and death as both wont give up. The other's the cast do a fantastic job giving these two ladies support as they fight it out to survive the night. Especially Shawn Ashmore is the best of the supporting cast. 

Cinematography is excellent. The stormy night outside n the life of the residents inside the house both are captured perfectly. The music is pretty nice as is the editing.

ALL IN ALL a horror which makes you lock your door pretty tightly. As well as think twice before buying a house from a criminal or a creepy mother.

HighTension Meter- 7/10. 

Best Quote: Izaak 'Ike' Koffin: What's your name?

Daniel Sohapi: Daniel. Daniel Sohapi.

Addley Koffin: You don't look so happy to me.

REVIEW: HOW DO YOU KNOW(2010)

                                                       VIA BEYONDHOLLYWOOD.COM

The rom com bug bit me again today. N I without any consideration n thinking reached out for the genre which i had grown up watching. But those were much more cheesy than what I encountered today. I wasn't expecting this n it left me feeling great. Its a always a rarity that a movie n that too a rom com exceeds your expectations. But when it happens. BLISS :)

SYNOPSIS: After being cut from the USA softball team and feeling a bit past her prime, Lisa finds herself evaluating her life and in the middle of a love triangle, as a corporate guy in crisis competes with her current, baseball-playing beau.

When I read that synopsis it was like somebody had lifted my life story n put it onscreen. I was competing for my ex once n sadly it ended in disaster n a very sad short story written by me. Maybe James.L.Brooks got hold of it,huh :) But frankly it was very well written. Considering i am comparing it with other rom coms its a real class act. Never will you get bored n say c'mon not again. The characters are good. Everybody. N still you are pretty sure whom you'll be cheering for. Funny in parts n absorbing in others. Great writing.

Well direction is class as expected. He never for once makes you get bored even as you can predict how a couple of scenarios can play out. You get absorbed totally into your characters and cheer every single one of them. Its easy to create a good vs bad scenario n attract your audience. But here you cheer for one good over another a little less good guy. Thats something. Great work.

THE CAST!! WOW!! What a cast. REESE WITHERSPOON essentially takes over the movie. Cute, cuddly n confused she is the life of this movie. The men OWEN WILSON n PAUL RUDD are amazing. You cant get a better cast for your rom com than that. Plus JACK NICHOLSON. WOW!! That man can elevate a movie. He has nothing much to do here but whatever he has he just nails it. But again nobody has anything to do here much but REESE. I like her so much. Her character's zeal for life n continued struggle to find whats right for her is just feel good. PAUL's character is essentially me. So good that its bad. So no point for guessing i was right behind him. OWEN was what i wanted to become at some point of time. So i was drawn to this good guy with a one night stand addiction. Great work cast.

Cinematography is pretty well done. As is music by HANS ZIMMER. Wow that guy is just untiring. Editing is nice.
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All in all a rom com which isnt the usual run of the mill stuff. It raises some genuine issues n as is much less implausible than others of its ilk.

HighTension Meter- 7/10.

Best Quote- We are all just one small adjustment away from making our lives work. 

REVIEW: THE NEXT THREE DAYS(2010)

 

                                                    VIA NEWS.SOFTPEDIA.COM

THE PREMISE ATTRACTED ME TO THIS MOVIE. I WAS GUESSING AS TO HOW HE SAVES HIS WIFE OR DOES HE SAVE HIS WIFE? PLUS I AM A BIG FAN OF FRENCH MOVIES N THIS BEING A REMAKE N PLUS DIRECTED BY PAUL HAGGIS. I HAD TO SEE THIS. N I DID WITH GREAT EXPECTATIONS WHICH THANKFULLY THIS TIME DIDN'T DIP. PRETTY MUCH ENJOYED THE WHOLE OF IT.

SYNOPSIS: A married couple's life is turned upside down when the wife is accused of a murder. 

PRETTY MUCH A STRAIGHT STORY. AND THE WHOLE MOVIE PLAYS AROUND THE HUSBAND AS HE COMES TO GRIP WITH THE SITUATION. THE SCREENWRITERS DO A GREAT JOB OF MAINTAINING THE TEMPO N GIVING US AN AMAZING N BREATHTAKING LAST FEW MINUTES. CO WRITTEN BY THE DIRECTOR
PAUL HAGGIS THIS REEKS OF CLASS. ITS A REMAKE BUT THIS MOVIE STANDS ON ITS OWN. WELL DONE.

THE DIRECTION IS PRETTY CLASSIC. AS WAS EXPECTED FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE OSCAR WINNING CRASH. ITS JUST AMAZING HOW HE KEEPS US HOOKED FROM THE FIRST FRAME TILL THE LAST EVEN AS THINGS BECOME A LITTLE PREDICTABLE AT SOME PLACES. THE TENSION KEEPS FLOWING AS WELL THE SYMPATHY. WE WANT THE HERO TO BREAK HER OUT OF JAIL. WE WANT THE HERO N THE HEROINE TO RUN AWAY FROM THE POLICE. YES HE CREATES SUCH A SITUATION THAT WE ROOT FOR THINGS WE WOULDNT NORMALLY. AMAZING JOB!!

                                                              VIA MUBI.COM


ON THE ACTING FRONT ITS A RUSSEL CROWE MOVIE WITH A SPLASH OF ELIZABETH BANKS. N A VERY MINOR TOPPING OF OLIVIA WILDE. N EVERYONE DOES THEIR JOB SUPERBLY. RUSSEL CROWE AS THE SCHOOL TEACHER TURNED JAIL BREAKER FOR HIS WIFE IS JUST PURE AWESOMENESS. HE EMOTES EVERYTHING WITH SUCH SINCERITY THAT YOU WANNA REACH OUT TO HIM N HELP HIM COMMIT FELONY. HE IS HAPPY FOR JUST TWO MINUTES IN THE MOVIE. AFTER THAT ITS ONE DISASTER AFTER ANOTHER. N ELIZABETH BANKS HAS NOTHING MUCH TO DO EXCEPT LOOK SAD N PISSED OFF WHENEVER HER HUSBAND ARRIVES TO MEET HER IN JAIL. HOW COME SHE'S PISSED OFF ON A MAN TRYING DESPERATELY TO SAVE HER IS UNKNOWN TO ME. SOME NOT SO WISE STEPS TAKEN BY HER MEANS THEY GET ALMOST KILLED. GEEZ!! SOME WOMAN ARE TOO HARD TO UNDERSTAND. BUT WHATEVER SHE DOES SHE DOES WELL. OLIVIA WILDE TOO SHINES IN HER MINOR ROLE. AS DOES MICHAEL BUIE. GREAT WORK CAST.

CINEMATOGRAPHY IS AWESOME. THE PRISON N THE ACTION SCENES ARE PRETTY WELL CAPTURED. MUSIC IS VERY NICE. THE END CREDIT SONG ESPECIALLY IS SUPERB. EDITING IS DECENT.  


IN THE END A MOVIE WHICH MAKES YOU ASK YOURSELF SOME QUESTIONS- HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO FOR THE ONE YOU LOVE? HOW IDIOTIC A JUSTICE SYSTEM CAN GET? N IS CHILD MORE IMPORTANT FOR A WOMAN THAN HER HUSBAND? 

HighTension Meter- 8/10.

REVIEW: THE HILLS RUN RED(2009)

I HAD HEARD QUITE A LOT ABOUT THIS MOVIE. BUT NEVER GOT AROUND TO SEEING IT. N I AM A GREAT FAN OF SLASHERS N GORE. N THIS MOVIE'S NAME SMELLED OF BLOOD N A GOOD TIME. SO WITHOUT SECOND THOUGHTS I JUMPED AT IT WHEN IT AIRED ON TV TONIGHT. RECORDED IT N BANG FIRST THING IN THE MORNING I WAS UP N READY TO SEE THIS. N THANKFULLY ENJOYED MOST PART OF IT WITHOUT BEING SCARED MUCH.

SYNOPSIS: Dark Castle Home Entertainment and Warner Premiere collaborate for this shocker about a film fanatic whose quest to procure a print of a notorious slasher movie leads him and two friends on a trek into the backwoods where the film was originally shot.

SO AS YOU CAN SEE A CLICHED PLOT OF YOUTH GOING IN THE BACKWOODS N GETTING SLASHED TO DEATH BY A SLASHER. BUT THIS ONE BOASTED OF A NEW VILLIAN- BABYFACE. INSPIRED FROM LEATHERFACE BUT QUITE INNOVATIVELY DONE. 


DAVE PARKER DIRECTS THIS WITH ELAN. KEEPING THE TENSION GOING THROUGHOUT. BUT THE START WAS PRETTY PROMISING N I THOUGHT IT WOULD GET MORE CREEPIER. BUT ALAS IT WAS AN ANTI CLIMAX OF SORTS. SO I STOPPED FEELING TENSED N JUST KEPT GOING WITH THE FLOW. IT WAS ENJOYABLE BUT THE TENSION WASNT THE SAME. SCREENPLAY WAS A LITTLE ON THE WEAKER SIDE. THE WRITERS JOHN CARCHIETTA N JOHN DOMBROW LET GO A PRETTY NICE BEGINNING. BUT IT WAS ENJOYABLE NONETHELESS. SOME INFIDELITY N NUDITY THROWN IN BUT I AM AFRAID THATS NEVER THE ANSWER TO SOLVE STORY PROBLEMS.  


ON THE ACTING FRONT TYAD HILGENBRINCK IS THE MOST CONVINCING. AS IS WILLIAM SADLER. THE OTHERS DO A DECENT JOB BUT HAVE NOTHING MUCH TO DO. SOPHIE MONK DOES THE STRIPPER WITH A BAD PAST TURNS SOCIOPATH ROLE LOOKING HOT EVEN AS SHE MUTILIATES PEOPLE. SHE HAD TO LOOK HOT AND SHE DOES THAT WITH DECENT ACTING. N THE NEW HORROR VILLIAN BABYFACE IS TERRIFIC. SO WELL DONE CAST.

CINEMATOGRAPHY IS PRETTY NICE. AS IS THE MUSIC. KEEP YOU ENGROSSED AS THE STORY GOES A LITTLE WEAK AFTER THE START. EDITING IS DECENT.

ALL IN ALL A SLASHER WITH QUITE A PROMISE BUT ONLY HALF DELIVERS ON IT. YOU WONT BE SCARED OR CREEPED OUT BUT WILL DEFINITELY ENJOY THE GORE N KILLS.

HighTension Meter- 6.5/10.