1408

I cannot understand why I had missed this movie, even when I consider Stephen King as one of the Gods I look up to. Whatever comes out of his quill is bound to be brilliant, and that is why the man is credited to write the greatest movie of all time, The Shawshank Redemption.

1408 is brilliant as a concept, packs up the right amount of thrill and suspense to keep you involved in this roller coaster of a movie. I've no complaints against the screenplay, as a lot keeps happening all through the movie without any drag in terms of progression.

I've just one complaint. The ending. The movie was released with an original ending that was later changed to what I had seen. Keep the ending which King originally wrote and the movie is perfect. The modified ending was a let down for me.

My rating- 2.75/5

You've Got Mail

I had to watch this movie as one of my Profs in college had used it as a reference in many of his classes which were surprisingly about Marketing. But yes, when you watch this movie marketing will be the last thing on your mind.

I can make out by the wiki page and even by the vague remembrance of spotting this movie's video cassette back in childhood, that this movie hit the spot back then and was pretty popular. I see why this story based on a book was a viewed as a very unique story and even appreciated. Today when you watch this movie, it reflects the innocence of those yesteryears.

The movie is good, a little draggy in the later half. Just a little though. Then again, watchable.

I would call it the Hollywood Masala movie from the 90s. Which is unlike the Bollywood Masala movie of today, because Masala cinema or in a more sophisticated terminology, "Mass Cinema" wasn't tasteless as it is today. Stories of those days had an essence to them. And today... there's no story at all. Oh well, but that's just Bollywood. Hollywood's keeping us alive. God bless America.

My Rating-2.5/5

To Rome With Love

To Rome With Love is about a mediocre Woody Allen trying hard to be funny. Well, but you don't complain because he's Woody Allen and even a genius needs rest.

The story is pretty interesting, just like Midnight in Paris however it fails to add an effective addition of humor. Like a dish with all the perfect ingredients but not the right taste.

I'll still am a Woody Allen fan though.

My Rating- 2/5

Whatever Works

I’ve come to realize that there are comedy movies and then there’s a Woody Allen movie. Yes.

Whatever Works has that signature Woody Allen way of tickling your funny bone (A previous example being “Annie Hall”)

Another interesting way with which the movie stands out is Allen’s interesting way of storytelling. He keeps his movies as real as possible and comes out with such comical moments that you’ll have to pause the movie and finish your laugh first.

Even the story telling is different, the screen play isn’t conventional and the story never loses its pace.

Whatever Works is a comedy that you can watch any time you really want to laugh those laughs out without forcing them out.

Whatever Works works for me.

My Rating- 3/5

PS- Watch this even for Larry Davis. He totally nails the role.

"whatever love you can get and give, whatever happiness you can filch or provide, every temporary measure of grace, whatever works. "

My Left Foot

It's quite daring to make a movie like My Left Foot, even if it's an adaption of a novel. The very daring Daniel Day-Lewis treads on a dangerous path but executes it like a cake walk, with acting skills that are just beyond belief.

Apart from Daniel Day-Lewis, My Left Foot tell a different story very simply. The movie cleverly gives you a complete walk through of the entire story. Some times the screen play does change a little abruptly but it does not fail to tell the story by going off track.

Watch this movie when you have all the time. For this movie, is special.

My Rating- 3.5/5

If Only

If Only qualifies to be a chick flick but I won’t let the movie down because of this. Some Chick Flicks are honest as they even depict the masculine side of the story. I can call If Only a chick flick for the man too.

Technically, the screen play is very neat. Even in a short duration the movie tends to give you some very beautiful moments. The movie does not go the cliché-overly-unrealistic way like PS I Love You but ends up being a love story that is lovable.

So yeah, If Only- A chick flick, even for the man.

My Rating- 3/5

50 50

50 50 is a movie that deals with a serious subject in a very subtle way. The depiction is not very over-the-top but at the same time very accurate. Certain moments will cause you to well up a little but a little emotional outburst is okay.

Watch this one on a rainy day when you’re contemplating and need some food for thought.

My Rating- 3/5

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola

Hello Sire Vishal Bhardwaj,
Thanks for giving us a comedy movie with has some sense in its non-sense.



That's exactly what I wanted to say after watching Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. To be frank I'm not a fan of the new age of comedy cinema that comes out of Bollywood. Mainly because it's like a feast that only serves desserts with out the "main-course" of a story and that's very sickening.

Here comes a movie that tickles your funny bone, very subtly. You may not laugh every time, but whenever you will, you will laugh wholeheartedly.

With a plot that's very different. We have a story that entertains, makes you laugh and grin. The screenplay dips a little because there was a story to balance with the comedy that was shown. Mr. VB added his flavor even to this different attempt. He passes on a subtle hint of satire too.

A suggestion would've been about the plot being a little more complex even though you can't predict anything due to the smart and non-cliche execution of the movie. But due to a minimal plot more than the story the characters end up entertaining you.

Apart from everything. Watch this for Pankaj Kapur. He's worth every penny you paid on that ticket counter.

My Rating- 3/5

PS- First movie of 2013. It starts off well. Phew.
Bollywood, may the force be with you.

That Girl in Yellow Boots

I liked this movie. Mainly because of the way it has been written. Simple yet smart.

The movie could've been shorter, after a time the story drags and tends to lose momentum. Overall the movie is not disappointing  Because a well written movie will always end up clicking, and this movie clicks, because of it's writing, the very foundation that makes or breaks any movie.

My Rating- 3/5

Pulp Fiction

Starting the year with a cult movie. Hopefully I get to watch more classics this year. Getting on with the review...

Pulp Fiction, is a neat flick. Neat in the sense, it's stylish, funny and cut-to-the-chase even with a non-linear narration. The screenplay despite being non-linear does not confuse, the movie has attained a cult because it was way ahead of its time. The humor is very funny, aided by situations that tickle your funny bone.

Overall, Pulp Fiction is a movie that will forever remain fresh, a movie that's justifies its cult status and can be watched any number of times.

My Rating-3/5