The Artist

The only time I might've watched a silent film was in my childhood. I've got a vague remembrance of a Charlie Chaplin movie. There was also "Three Stoogies" , the TV show. After ages it's a walk down that forgotten road.

The Artist may be a silent movie but it paints a beautiful picture in motion. Every scene is talking through the depiction. You're in no way cut out by the silence, the movie makes a connection emotionally. Jean Dujardin is expressive, the silence does not limit his skill at all.

The story just adds up to the sweet portrayal of the black and white era. The movie lags a little later on, but then again I keep realistic expectations from a silent movie so I won't complain.

Overall, a sweet movie, the romance is clean, cute and makes you fall in love, just like it was in those good old days of black and white.

Go on, be brave and experiment with this one. You won't be disappointed.

My rating - 3.5/5

Kahaani

Vidya Balan is here again, to falsify the stereotypes according to which the only things a female actress is supposed to do in a Bollywood movie are singing, dancing and catalyzing the climax of the movie by shedding some tears. The lady proves it, that a good actress can independently drive a story without resorting to anything else and leave the people in awe.

Kahaani will grip even those who're not fond of thrillers, those like me who shut their minds while watching their movies.

Previously, Vidya succeeded in leaving a mark with the Dirty Picture where her character was the highlight. But in Kahaani, it's the story and the way it has been executed. Vidya fits in perfectly and walaaa, we have a good movie.

Highly recommended for people who've still not watched it, for it's a fine example of good cinema comprising of a gripping story, dynamic screen play and a fine actress like Miss Balan who pulls it all off with sheer excellence.

Also, a very notable aspect of the movie is the background score by Clinton Cerajo.

Amen to good cinema and Amen to this movie.

My rating- 4/5

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu [2012]

This surely is such a beautiful example that Bollywood is evolving. A movie that incorporates a fresh new narrative approach, and presents an obvious concept in a very unobvious way, that's not only new, but also very sweet.

Certain frames in the movie are so cute that they will make you "Awwwww". The songs just add to the beauty that is depicted in such a simple yet cute manner. The movie tends to get a little slow in between but immediately re-gathers momentum and saves itself.

Long live this new-age bollywood. Our children and grand-children still have some hope when it comes to quality cinema. Amen.

My rating-3.5/5

The Change Up [2011]

One of those movies where the plot is very obvious. A look at the poster above will give you an idea as to what the movie's about. But the good part is that the movie has its own funny moments that are genuinely funny and that just saves any comedy movie and that's just what saved this movie too.

The movie however stretches, to make the ends meet, so that we somehow reach the much awaited happily-ever-after scenario. However a few touchy moments make up for the lag and make you smile.

Overall, strictly okay.

My rating- 2/5

Match point [2005]

A strictly okay-ish movie in my opinion, tells a not-so-normal story in a very predictable manner. Drags a little, tries to add an element of surprise to the story but ends up being a pretty normal movie.

I’ve seen really bad movies too. I’m not saying that this is a bad movie however there is nothing special about it too. Watch this one just in case there is nothing else to watch. You won’t be disappointed by the story; however you won’t really be that amused too.

My rating-2/5

Midnight in Paris [2011]

You have to see this movie to realize how beautiful it actually is. I've always had admiration and love for places like Switzerland, Paris all thanks to DDLJ. This movie just reminded me of my love for Paris, making me fall in love with the place all over again.

So you have a movie set in the most beautifully poetic city in the world which tells a story which is not only amusing but beautiful at the same time too. The movie manages to capture the magic of Paris in a way, that'll make you smile.

No complaints about this one. Because when it comes to Paris, everything is just so bloody beautiful, perfect and oh-so-romantic. <3

My rating- 4/5

The Silence Of The Lambs [1991]

I know! I know! I'm late to the party! I had already heard a lot about this movie. Infact, numerous times I had it stored on my hard disk too but never really got down to watch it. My curiosity to watch this movie was triggered by this awesome prequel of this movie that I'd watched.

Now that I've finally watched the movie I'm not surprised at to why the movie makes it to the all-time-greatest list. Also bags all the main academy award categories.

The plot is simple. The movie plays mind games with you thereby keeping up with your interest. And even if you cannot cope up with the pace of the movie, the interesting plot will make you rewind a scene or two to catch up with the pace of the movie. I'm not disappointed with this movie, even though thriller was never my genre.

This franchise of movies epitomizes brilliant story telling. Hats off to this guy.

My rating-3/5

Ek Choti Si Love Story [2002]

Frankly speaking, I had a feeling that this movie was just about the obscenity this is because when this movie was released, the media had projected it in a very bad way. Also, the controversy between Manisha Koirala and the film's director actually made people think that there was certainly something objectionable in the movie. Back then, as a school going kid I had pre-assumed that this movie is not worth a watch.

But surprisingly my old notions about this movie were untrue. This movie does tell a story, the pace of the movie is very slow, however there is surely something this movie tries to stay. The narration is very not dialogue-based. The entire movie is shot in limited locations, depending heavily on the pictorial depictions. On researching I also found that this movie is actually inspired by this Polish Movie.

It's sad that this movie went unnoticed, it surely belongs to a different genre of movies. A genre which now constitute of movies like Dhobi Ghaat. Perhaps, back when the movie was released, our audience was not very much evolved to accept a bold and a different movie like this. Manisha Koirala was bold enough to choose a movie like this. But the unnecessary controversy was not needed. Maybe that's what brought her career to a standstill, or well, we can just blame her stars.

Personally, I liked this movie. It's much beyond those countable scenes of soft porn that had been hyped. The movie tells a "Choti si" story that is unique and will be remembered by any sensible movie buff.

My rating- 2.75/5

Red Dragon [2002]

Thriller movies which manage to tell simple stories are quite rare. Perhaps the precise motive of any movie belonging to the thriller genre, is to make the viewer go round and round in circles with plots that test one's intellectual abilities. But Red Dragon does not do that despit of being a classy thriller movie.

The Red dragon is one thriller movie that even those emotional-suckers will love. A story that will grip you, take you for a ride and restore your slow mind's faith in thriller movies.

Big ups for Anthony Hopkins for portraying a villain so frightening that you'll bite off every nail on your hands and toes.

I also feel bad for not watching the The Silence of the Lambs, which is actually a sequel to this movie.

Don't miss this one.

My rating - 3/5

Agneepath [2012]

I think making a remake of a movie is one of the biggest challenge in movie making. You're already over shadowed by a movie that has made a mark and to make the same movie that manages to stand out unique is tough indeed. But there are certain attempts that surely hit the bull's eye, if not all of them.

Welcome to Agneepath again. Presenting our very own Hrithik Roshan, as the angry young man who did not seem pretentious at all despite of acting in a movie that was supposed to be pretentious.

This movie is entirely Hrithik's who delivers the sheer intensity of the role merely by the look in his eyes, he's that explosive.

The movie is long, but manages to weave a tight story. Therefore, not even once does the story lag.

You're gripped as you yourself will feel the rage, the vengeance and the fiery emotions depicted in this saga.

We finally have our first good movie of 2012. And it gives me hope, that the mayan calendar lies. We still have years of quality cinema ahead of us.

Don't. Miss. This. One.

My rating- 4/5

PS- I repeat. Bollywood is fortunate to have an actor like Hrithik Roshan. Yep.

And yes, Piggy chops is not noticeable but I absolutely loved her. She's the apple of my eye. Whattodo.

Soundtrack [2011]

Soundtrack, a movie that was not really advertised or hyped. Just released and was forgotten in no time. A movie belonging to the class of meager-budgeted movies.

The movie is different just because even though it tells a usual story, but does manage to add an element of inspiration to conclude it. The movie's based on true story, however the way in which it is depicted does not seem very real. It is inspired from a Canadian movie which claims to be a true story too. That's why it's so fishy to believe it. Anyhow..

In accordance with my spoiler free policy, I won't tell you what the movie is about. All I can say is that it's a decent movie, with decent music and something that could inspire those creative souls.

My rating- 2.5/5

Chaalis Chaurasi [2011]

Every year there's a class of non-mainstream movies, which try to strike an artistic chord, separate from the commercial class of cinema. I like to watch such movies. Cinematic-ally they might lack a lot of things, but they surely showcase ideas that try to stand out without the commercial nurturing. "My friend pinto" was one such movie that released last year and I loved the movie.

Chaalis Chaurasi is again a movie from the similar class. However, it falls short due to many reasons, a poor screenplay, complex story progression and a lot of time wasted in setting up the story. I won't even say that the movie is bad. It saves itself by the end and ends up being a not-so-bad movie which is not good. I hope you understand what I mean.

The only thing to admire in this movie is the way a story is conceived. The movie also manages to throw in an element of thrill and grips you at certain moments. Another thing to admire is Mr Shah and his fetish for item girls.

You can skip this one. But watch it only if you want to see a movie that is not good but ends up being a not-so-bad movie with a story that's surely worth a hear.

My rating- 1.75/5

PS- My first movie of 2012. This can look more better ya know. Oh thou kind Lord of Cinema bless the world with good movies before we reach our Mayan-governed end.

Don 2 [2011]

Dude. SRK is finally back. Finally. Yep.

This is the SRK we expected to see in Ra One. But our expectations were bombarded with a badly executed movie. But anyhow, what's done is done. But here we have the movie, which revives the SRK-magic that we all were missing to witness.

Don 2 is cut-to-the-chase, thrilling and stars the SRK we desperately wanted to see. I actually didn't have much expectations from the movie. Because sequels in bollywood are just revenue generators sustaining on hype.

But Don 2 is the sequel that lives up to the hype it generated. The plot is just too damn full proof. SRK delivers. I thought that he's too damn old now. But when you see him on screen, you're convinced that THE man is a star.

The only flaw is that Don 2 drags a little. In order to justify the complex plot that's shown in the movie.

But by the time movie ends, you're convinced that Farhan Akhtar is a fine film maker and SRK is a star indeed. And stars continue to sparkle till the end of time.

My rating- 3/5

PS- I saw the movie in 3D. I tried many times to hug my irresistable Piggy Chops. But failed. Sigh.

Mission Impossible 4 [2011]

So we're back to the MI franchise and how! The thing about MI movies is that they make action movies look good. Fasten your seat belts and jump into this roller coaster. Watch the movie take you for a ride.

The movie is too fast so you gotta keep up with it. But nevertheless Mr. Cruise keeps it thrilling and there's not even a single moment when boredom would get a chance to sneak in.

Also when you see 50 year old well maintained man just rocking it out there. You can't help but applaud the spirit. Mr. Cruise, So. Much. Respect.

The only thing which I won't regard as a flaw, but as a humble suggestion is that the story never really has a high point as it's always moving in a fast paced momentum. Due to which too much action will seem redundant which reduces the thrill by just half a fraction. But still, MI 4 stands out as a good movie.

Salutes to Mr. Cruise, who's got nerves of Titanium for pulling this movie.

My rating- 3.5/5

Ladies Vs. Ricky Bahl [2011]

Another movie from Yash Raj. So there's an obvious level of expectation it generates. And the expectations are surely met.

This is the mainstream cinema that I would like to see. Ideas that are properly executed with a very realistic approach.

The movie is smooth before interval. Drags on a little, later on. But still manages to create an impact.

Ranveer is just splended. He's right there, doing his thing, with utmost perfection.

Another surprise in the movie, is how they've shown the portrayal of a regular-rich-daddy's girl from Delhi. The actress who has played that specific role, manages to stand out and get noticed. In the photo above she's the one wearing a blue top.

Overall, a good movie, yes good is just the right word here. However "good" certainly does not do justice to Ranveer's acting skills. The man has a great future ahead. God bless.

My rating-3/5

Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels [1998]

Another movie off the all time greatest list. It did not manage to amuse me that much as I'd already seen its poorly executed remake. This movie was actually the very reason why "Phir Hera Pheri" had the same plot.

Watching a movie after seeing its bad remake definitely, takes away the charm of the original.

Overall, a great movie. What stands out is the plot. Very tightly woven. The movie is fast paced, so you got to keep up. Also, keep your ears open as the british accent is the fanciest one you'll ever hear.

I wish I hadn't seen Phir Hera Pheri that way I would've appreciated this movie in a better way.

Nevertheless, a great movie.

My rating-2/5

Dirty Picture [2011]

The way this movie was publicized, I was very anxious to know if this movie would be just about the skin show or no. I'm so glad it wasn't.

Dirty Picture, manages to tell a tale and explores an emotional perspective despite of the cheesy display of vulgarity.

The best part of the movie is the writing. From downright cheap humour, to lines that hold deep meaning and wisdom and even the way the story is narrated. The writing is absolutely brilliant. All thanks to Milan Luthra, OUATIM was a fine example itself.

Respects to Miss Balan for pulling off that role so comfortably. This movie is entirely hers.

The story could've been a little more well formulated. However, I'll appreciate this not-so-bad movie for one simple reason which lacks in today's cinema. It does tell a story.

My rating- 2.75/5

Next Three Days [2010]

I loved this movie. A neat little plot. Good story progression. Nicely executed.

Was on the edge of my seat as soon as the movie took off. Russell Crowe is awesome as the lead with the right amount of intensity to carry it off. Highly recommended.

Also, there was also an appearance by this guy who played Marv in the Home Alone series. Kinda went nostalgic there.

This is an awesome movies, tells you as to how far one can go under the influence of this drug called "Love", and it's always worth it.

My rating - 4/5

The Doors

Ever since I'd discovered music by The Doors, I'd wanted to watch this movie. Personally I really like some songs by this band. Jim Morrison's voice is hypnotic.

Just like his voice, the movie is hypnotic too. So hypnotic that you would want to go for a little nap, just to survive this movie.

The Doors, tries to be a biopic about the great band that we know of. But it just ends up talking about Jim Morrison, makes me think, why did they name the movie "The Doors" then ?

The movie tries hard to depict the contraversial moments of the band as accurately as possible, due to which the story progression suffers. The scenes are shot in parts, describing each gig by the band. It never looks like a single movie altogether.

What this movie lacks completely, are the emotions. Morrison is depicted as the usual "Sex, drugs and rock n roll" star. But nothing more than that.

You can let this one pass. Even if you're a Doors fan like myself. You can just trip to their awesome music for 2 whole hours than watch this boring movie.

My rating- 2/5 [ 1 mark just for Morrison's voice in the movie ]

Tintin [2011]

What does one expect from an animation movie? An adventurous tale, sprinkled with innocent humour, a tight plot and breath taking animation effects. Tintin delivers just that.

A great story, awesome animation sequences, good story progression and very funny at times. You'll watch it with a child like wonder and shall be entertained. Also, if you have a younger sibling? Take them along, just like I did. You'll feel good, just like me.

My rating- 3/5 [There could've been more 3D oriented scenes. Yeah, just that. Overall, a great movie]