'Shahid' is about the life of the controversial lawyer Shahid Azmi who was assassinated in 2010. Directed by Hansal Mehta, produced by AKFPL, Bohra Bros, and distributed by UTV Motion pictures . The film is set to release on the 18th of October after its world premier at the 2012 TIFF. The movie stars Raj Kumar Yadav in the title character and the story revolves mainly around him. Hope the producers and the director join again to make a biopic on the life of Narendra Dabholkar(Another Marathi icon who was recently assassinated). The story opens with Shahid being shot point blank at his office and it continues linearly otherwise. The opening immediately reminded me of 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' and 'Jobs'. Is it a necessity that biopics should begin very dramatically or with a possible ending of the life of the person depicted? Is it because there are many milestones in the life of icons that its difficult to create an apt ending to these sort of movies? The movie showcases more of a rather sweet life of Shahid in the first half and gains momentum in the second half where the major drama occurs. Pre-interval drama is more of Shahid's own upcoming and the people he meets while post-interval is full of courtroom drama. The interval was placed exactly at the mid point of the parabolic life story of Shahid Azmi. I wonder how Raj Kumar was chosen to play the role of Shahid when he looks nowhere close to the man he's portraying. Apart from the looks the guy was very comfortable in his role. Actors should take up biopics seriously as it has more scope for them(Take Ashton Kutcher as an Inspiration). Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Arif, he's one actor to look out for his subtle reactions. He made us realize that if not for Arif, Shahid wouldn't have accomplished so much. Prabhleen Sandhu(Mariyam), K K Menon(War Saab), Tigmanshu Dhulia(Maqbool Menon) in their respective small roles made the story complete. Very few people knew about Shahid Azmi and I think that this man should be made known to everyone. I've not lived when there was a Gandhi but was alive when Shahid was fighting for the lives of the innocent in a polite way. There's a point in the movie where Shahid is being provoked by a prosecutor about his dark past and this is what he says to her "I can sue you but I won't". Such a remarkable character he should have been. His record of 17 acquittals in a short span of time is indeed a great achievement so people please watch this for sure, Shahid will not disappoint you. I hope more such biopics should be made and the patronage for such genre will increase. In a country where iconic people are made gods, a film made about them will be a blessing. It will take time but it will happen.
Reviews
8 Reviews
The Croods
(2013)
The Croods - Dan dan daaaaah !
12 October 2013
I delinquently start my first review of an animated movie meant for kids, feel like criticizing a three year old for writing a poem with spelling mistakes. I wish this critique is particularly read by the children who are under 13.
The Croods by DreamWorks Animation is a 3-D animated disaster movie, co- directed by Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders. Voiced by some of the leading stars like Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, and Ryan Reynolds the movie becomes even more lively. The film raises curiosity as it has been directed by Chris Sanders who made the critically acclaimed animated feature "How to Train Your Dragon". Eventually all his directorial ventures has a co-director and he has co-written with each of them.
This movie set in the pre-historic era is about The Croods, the last of cavemen who've survived all the catastrophes just by staying within a cave and how they turn to be the first modern family of a new era. They are a family of six lead by an overprotective dad Grug (Nicholas Cage). We have Eep the daughter who is chunky and one cannot digest the fact that Emma Stone has given the voice for her. One day Eep meets a scrawny boy called Guy (Ryan Renolds) who tells her about the end of the world, which he very fittingly calls "The End". The crux of the story happens when the family meets Guy and how he takes them on an exodus to the land of tomorrow.
The landscape which The Croods pass by is like Pandora without the fifty shades of blue. The animals in the movie makes one think which weird cross breeding would have created them. An elephantish rat, a mammoth with the skin texture of a giraffe, a bat with pig's face and I let you to imagine the rest. The most adorable creature will be Belt (Chris Sanders) who is Guy's pet, navigator, and belt (Yeah that's how he got the name), you should listen to him saying "Dan dan daaaah" which means "The End" in his language.
Grug's a strong man who's in charge of the safety of the family and at the same time he likes to see his mother-in-law dead. He's the last of the surviving cavemen and who lives to save his clan by keeping themselves away from calamities. Eep the daughter is always fascinated by new stuffs while the entire family believes anything new is dangerous. Guy the hippie is actually a brainy boy who along with his sidekick Belt comes with new ideas at the time of danger. The rest of the cast add to the fun here and there, among them the Gran (Mom-in-law) and Sandy (Younger daughter) are to be specifically mentioned.
We all love movies which involves a journey, don't we ? Similarly this is like the coolest disaster movie one would witness with a plethora of scenes to keep you interested. Though the script is sloppy with illogical and clichéd scenes, the comedy saves it from a drag, specially when all the animals close their ears when they couldn't bear the chatter of the cavies passing by the forest, even the subtlest of comedies will leave one chuckling. As an adult if you let your inner child to experience the movie you'll have a fun time lost in the Chug, I name it because it rhymes with Grug (Watch the movie to know about it ;))
The Croods by DreamWorks Animation is a 3-D animated disaster movie, co- directed by Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders. Voiced by some of the leading stars like Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, and Ryan Reynolds the movie becomes even more lively. The film raises curiosity as it has been directed by Chris Sanders who made the critically acclaimed animated feature "How to Train Your Dragon". Eventually all his directorial ventures has a co-director and he has co-written with each of them.
This movie set in the pre-historic era is about The Croods, the last of cavemen who've survived all the catastrophes just by staying within a cave and how they turn to be the first modern family of a new era. They are a family of six lead by an overprotective dad Grug (Nicholas Cage). We have Eep the daughter who is chunky and one cannot digest the fact that Emma Stone has given the voice for her. One day Eep meets a scrawny boy called Guy (Ryan Renolds) who tells her about the end of the world, which he very fittingly calls "The End". The crux of the story happens when the family meets Guy and how he takes them on an exodus to the land of tomorrow.
The landscape which The Croods pass by is like Pandora without the fifty shades of blue. The animals in the movie makes one think which weird cross breeding would have created them. An elephantish rat, a mammoth with the skin texture of a giraffe, a bat with pig's face and I let you to imagine the rest. The most adorable creature will be Belt (Chris Sanders) who is Guy's pet, navigator, and belt (Yeah that's how he got the name), you should listen to him saying "Dan dan daaaah" which means "The End" in his language.
Grug's a strong man who's in charge of the safety of the family and at the same time he likes to see his mother-in-law dead. He's the last of the surviving cavemen and who lives to save his clan by keeping themselves away from calamities. Eep the daughter is always fascinated by new stuffs while the entire family believes anything new is dangerous. Guy the hippie is actually a brainy boy who along with his sidekick Belt comes with new ideas at the time of danger. The rest of the cast add to the fun here and there, among them the Gran (Mom-in-law) and Sandy (Younger daughter) are to be specifically mentioned.
We all love movies which involves a journey, don't we ? Similarly this is like the coolest disaster movie one would witness with a plethora of scenes to keep you interested. Though the script is sloppy with illogical and clichéd scenes, the comedy saves it from a drag, specially when all the animals close their ears when they couldn't bear the chatter of the cavies passing by the forest, even the subtlest of comedies will leave one chuckling. As an adult if you let your inner child to experience the movie you'll have a fun time lost in the Chug, I name it because it rhymes with Grug (Watch the movie to know about it ;))
The Lone Ranger
(2013)
The Lone Ranger - Resurrection Of The Radio Hero
12 October 2013
Director Gore Verbinski who's known for his "Pirates of the Caribbean(POC)" franchise has collaborated with most of his team from POC for The Lone Ranger. Initially conceived for a radio show The Lone Ranger made it to TV series and then into film starring Clayton Moore(Lone Ranger) and Jay Silverheels(Tonto), the 2013 reboot of the film has Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp reprising the characters respectively.
The movie begins as a frame narrative, narrated by Tonto(Johnny Depp) to Will who visits a Wild West fair where Tonto is a live mannequin.As a non linear screenplay the story shifts between scenes filled with everything you'd see in a 'Western Movie'. Armie Hammer as in the titular role makes you realize why Clayton Moore is irreplaceable, instead of fighting for justice he could have done justice to his role. Being his first major role Armie seems to be out shadowed by the presence of Depp. Can you imagine Robin outperforming Batman(Already getting images of B slapping R), yes that's what lacks in The Lone Ranger. Tonto(Depp) is the USP for this movie, is it me who thinks that Tonto is just another variant of Captain Jack Sparrow? His voice vaguely reminds me of the English speaking Irrfan Khan in Hollywood movies. Where there's a Depp there's an Helena Bonham Carter(Red Harrington) who does a supporting role. William Fichtner as Bush Cavendish and Tom Wilkinson as Latham Cole are the other few notable characters.
A major part of the technicians from POC have been used for The Lone Ranger, beginning from the Director we have the story writing duo of Terry Rossio and Tedd Elliott, Hans Zimmer has scored for this film. Just like the theme song for POC we have The Lone Ranger theme song which is from the finale of Willam Tells overture. listening to the finale orchestrated by Zimmer is literally music to the ears. Disney is another close associate of this team, they're known for their family audience will loose that status because of a considerable amount of gore(no 'm not mentioning the director) and violence in this movie.
All is well that ends well, it fits right for "The Lone Ranger" , however long the movie maybe the final 20 minutes will make you forget everything. One of the best action sequences of this year otherwise its yet another Disney film. If you've decided to watch this movie watch it for Depp and the action sequence.
The movie begins as a frame narrative, narrated by Tonto(Johnny Depp) to Will who visits a Wild West fair where Tonto is a live mannequin.As a non linear screenplay the story shifts between scenes filled with everything you'd see in a 'Western Movie'. Armie Hammer as in the titular role makes you realize why Clayton Moore is irreplaceable, instead of fighting for justice he could have done justice to his role. Being his first major role Armie seems to be out shadowed by the presence of Depp. Can you imagine Robin outperforming Batman(Already getting images of B slapping R), yes that's what lacks in The Lone Ranger. Tonto(Depp) is the USP for this movie, is it me who thinks that Tonto is just another variant of Captain Jack Sparrow? His voice vaguely reminds me of the English speaking Irrfan Khan in Hollywood movies. Where there's a Depp there's an Helena Bonham Carter(Red Harrington) who does a supporting role. William Fichtner as Bush Cavendish and Tom Wilkinson as Latham Cole are the other few notable characters.
A major part of the technicians from POC have been used for The Lone Ranger, beginning from the Director we have the story writing duo of Terry Rossio and Tedd Elliott, Hans Zimmer has scored for this film. Just like the theme song for POC we have The Lone Ranger theme song which is from the finale of Willam Tells overture. listening to the finale orchestrated by Zimmer is literally music to the ears. Disney is another close associate of this team, they're known for their family audience will loose that status because of a considerable amount of gore(no 'm not mentioning the director) and violence in this movie.
All is well that ends well, it fits right for "The Lone Ranger" , however long the movie maybe the final 20 minutes will make you forget everything. One of the best action sequences of this year otherwise its yet another Disney film. If you've decided to watch this movie watch it for Depp and the action sequence.
Turbo
(2013)
Turbo- No Vroom For Logic.
12 October 2013
A snail with a turbocharger is contending at the Indianapolis 500. Will he win or not ? Based on the original idea by David Soren, DreamWorks produces "Turbo" a 3D animated sports comedy film. Mostly known for his T.V animations "Turbo" is Soren's debut film. He has developed his concept with the writer of "The Wrestler", Robert D.Siegel and a couple of writers.
Theo(Ryan Renolds) is born to be a dreamer and he believes that his dream will become true some day. Being a T.V zombie Theo is obsessed about the Indy 500 race and aspires to become a racer just like his hero Guy Gagne(Bill Hader). Split into three parts the story begins at a garden, then it moves on to a strip mall(A deserted place like Radiator Springs) and finally to Indianapolis. Every act of the story has a glut of supporting characters, voiced by Paul Giamatti(Chet), Michael Peña(Tito), Snoop Dogg(Smoove Move), Maya Rudolph(Burn), Michelle Rodriguez(Paz) and Samuel L. Jackson(Whiplash).
Chet a usually paranoid snail and Tito who's also as crazy as Theo(Names himself 'Turbo'), they are the close aides of Turbo and contribute to the fun element. Sadly Turbo doesn't have a love interest and maybe that's why he was able to dream big(I'm just trying to interpret). Some of the scenes will leave you in splits, specially when Turbo becomes an internet sensation. Though the film has a linear sequence of predictable scenes, the supporting character and certain comical portion of the story keeps one entertained.
How does this precociously written script amuse us ? The story has a heart which willfully tries to portray the life of an underdog. A snail who dreams the impossible. We always prefer to hear about the unusual, don't we ? So, Soren's basic idea is the USP for Turbo and how 3D animation is used to deliver the impossible is interesting. Turbo is a 'Tron' visuals meet 'Cars' story. Mostly meant for the kids but it will equally entertain the adults as well, provided that they just watch and don't analyze. Henry Jackman who is a regular for animated films, his music increases the radiance of the picture. Dario Franchitti's as a consultant for "Turbo" adds more detail to the racing portion of the movie. On the whole Turbo is an honest attempt and it does entertain.
A garden snail ! Eew. Have a garden at home ? Beware, your kids are going to bring home Turbos. Turbo is a 96 minute fun filled movie but logically inept(Guys gotta learn from Pixar). Now zip...zap...zoom and book your tickets.
Moral of the story: No dream is too big; no dreamer is too small. Tuck 'n' Roll.
Theo(Ryan Renolds) is born to be a dreamer and he believes that his dream will become true some day. Being a T.V zombie Theo is obsessed about the Indy 500 race and aspires to become a racer just like his hero Guy Gagne(Bill Hader). Split into three parts the story begins at a garden, then it moves on to a strip mall(A deserted place like Radiator Springs) and finally to Indianapolis. Every act of the story has a glut of supporting characters, voiced by Paul Giamatti(Chet), Michael Peña(Tito), Snoop Dogg(Smoove Move), Maya Rudolph(Burn), Michelle Rodriguez(Paz) and Samuel L. Jackson(Whiplash).
Chet a usually paranoid snail and Tito who's also as crazy as Theo(Names himself 'Turbo'), they are the close aides of Turbo and contribute to the fun element. Sadly Turbo doesn't have a love interest and maybe that's why he was able to dream big(I'm just trying to interpret). Some of the scenes will leave you in splits, specially when Turbo becomes an internet sensation. Though the film has a linear sequence of predictable scenes, the supporting character and certain comical portion of the story keeps one entertained.
How does this precociously written script amuse us ? The story has a heart which willfully tries to portray the life of an underdog. A snail who dreams the impossible. We always prefer to hear about the unusual, don't we ? So, Soren's basic idea is the USP for Turbo and how 3D animation is used to deliver the impossible is interesting. Turbo is a 'Tron' visuals meet 'Cars' story. Mostly meant for the kids but it will equally entertain the adults as well, provided that they just watch and don't analyze. Henry Jackman who is a regular for animated films, his music increases the radiance of the picture. Dario Franchitti's as a consultant for "Turbo" adds more detail to the racing portion of the movie. On the whole Turbo is an honest attempt and it does entertain.
A garden snail ! Eew. Have a garden at home ? Beware, your kids are going to bring home Turbos. Turbo is a 96 minute fun filled movie but logically inept(Guys gotta learn from Pixar). Now zip...zap...zoom and book your tickets.
Moral of the story: No dream is too big; no dreamer is too small. Tuck 'n' Roll.
RED 2
(2013)
RED - 2 (Retired and Extremely Demented)
12 October 2013
red_2_2013-wide You thought that the cast of "The Expendables" were old! Let me introduce you to a much older ensemble. RED-2 starring Bruce Willis(58), John Malkovich(59, looks 69 to me), Hellen Mirren(67), Anthony Hopkins(75, However he looks younger than Malkovich), Mary-Louise Parker(48, Am I the only one who thinks that she looks like an older version of Emma Watson), Catherine Zeta-Jones(43) and Lee Byung- hun(43). The average age of the RED-2 cast is 56.14 with Hopkins being the oldest(Suck on that Chuck Norris you're only 73).
Frank Moses(Bruce Willis) with his stellar cast tours Paris,England and Moscow to track down a portable nuclear device created by Edward Bradley(Anthony Hopkins). He's on the Interpol's hit list, MI-6 in the form of Victoria(Helen Mirren) is after him and as well as a paid assassin Han Jo-Bae(Lee Byung-hun). Marvin Boggs(John Malkovich) and Mary-Louise Parker as Sarah Ross help Moses in his quest and they are the most recurring characters in RED-2. Brian Cox as Ivan Simanov to RED-2 is what Chuck Norris(Booker) is to "The Expendables-2". Catherine Zeta-Jones(Katja) is present only to infuriate Sarah. David Thewlis as "The Frog" has a remarkable role to play.
What's a movie filled with spies and Ex CIA-Ops without much action! Writer duo John and Erich Hoeber has made the sequel more serious that suddenly that it appears as if the Batman of 1966 has become Nolanesque(Fanboys don't curse me because this is just a figurative comparison). Yup, the sequel has lost its heart, it was the comical element which made the initial movie amicable. This movie suddenly looks like a mockery of a bond film sans the exotic locations and gadgets. Car chases, private jet blows up in mid air, Kremlin, Portable nuclear device, yawn and Zzzzz.... Wanna make a Bond kind of movie then at least the leading lady should have been attractive. I would have preferred Tina Fey(For comedy) or Uma Thurman(For looks) over ML Parker. As Sarah she does have matured but still something's missing. If people are coming to watch RED-2 its because the first part was foolish and funny in its own way. Who would want to watch John Malkovich as a serious spy, its his goofiness which is a major plus of the movie and he is the only charm of the movie. Of course there is some entertainment in the form of Hopkins but he comes very late in the movie and outperforms everyone. My oh my, how did I forget to mention that this movie has four Academy Award winners. Hope they make it to "The Razzies" this time(Except Sir Anthony Hopkins).
Its surprising to see that Dean Parisot, previously known for "Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)" has made a comparatively serious movie while his predecessor Robert Schwentke who is known for Tattoo(2002) & Flight Plan(2005) came up with a honest action-comedy. Sources say that RED-2 was made because the profit outdid producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura expectations(Why contribute for their benefit ? Are you really gonna watch RED-2). Alan Silvestri's gives us a feel that we're watching a T.V series on BBC One, specially the ones by Steven Moffat. You think that you've had enough of RED ? Well, The Hoeber brothers have already began to develop a third movie for the franchise.The only reason to watch RED- 2 will be because you've watched RED and there are many reasons not to watch it. Its a half baked action comedy spy movie which has failed to hold you, even its aging stars will not amuse you. Why did they even make a movie out of it ? Watch it if you've got all the time in this world.
Frank Moses(Bruce Willis) with his stellar cast tours Paris,England and Moscow to track down a portable nuclear device created by Edward Bradley(Anthony Hopkins). He's on the Interpol's hit list, MI-6 in the form of Victoria(Helen Mirren) is after him and as well as a paid assassin Han Jo-Bae(Lee Byung-hun). Marvin Boggs(John Malkovich) and Mary-Louise Parker as Sarah Ross help Moses in his quest and they are the most recurring characters in RED-2. Brian Cox as Ivan Simanov to RED-2 is what Chuck Norris(Booker) is to "The Expendables-2". Catherine Zeta-Jones(Katja) is present only to infuriate Sarah. David Thewlis as "The Frog" has a remarkable role to play.
What's a movie filled with spies and Ex CIA-Ops without much action! Writer duo John and Erich Hoeber has made the sequel more serious that suddenly that it appears as if the Batman of 1966 has become Nolanesque(Fanboys don't curse me because this is just a figurative comparison). Yup, the sequel has lost its heart, it was the comical element which made the initial movie amicable. This movie suddenly looks like a mockery of a bond film sans the exotic locations and gadgets. Car chases, private jet blows up in mid air, Kremlin, Portable nuclear device, yawn and Zzzzz.... Wanna make a Bond kind of movie then at least the leading lady should have been attractive. I would have preferred Tina Fey(For comedy) or Uma Thurman(For looks) over ML Parker. As Sarah she does have matured but still something's missing. If people are coming to watch RED-2 its because the first part was foolish and funny in its own way. Who would want to watch John Malkovich as a serious spy, its his goofiness which is a major plus of the movie and he is the only charm of the movie. Of course there is some entertainment in the form of Hopkins but he comes very late in the movie and outperforms everyone. My oh my, how did I forget to mention that this movie has four Academy Award winners. Hope they make it to "The Razzies" this time(Except Sir Anthony Hopkins).
Its surprising to see that Dean Parisot, previously known for "Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)" has made a comparatively serious movie while his predecessor Robert Schwentke who is known for Tattoo(2002) & Flight Plan(2005) came up with a honest action-comedy. Sources say that RED-2 was made because the profit outdid producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura expectations(Why contribute for their benefit ? Are you really gonna watch RED-2). Alan Silvestri's gives us a feel that we're watching a T.V series on BBC One, specially the ones by Steven Moffat. You think that you've had enough of RED ? Well, The Hoeber brothers have already began to develop a third movie for the franchise.The only reason to watch RED- 2 will be because you've watched RED and there are many reasons not to watch it. Its a half baked action comedy spy movie which has failed to hold you, even its aging stars will not amuse you. Why did they even make a movie out of it ? Watch it if you've got all the time in this world.
Epic
(2013)
Epic Fail
12 October 2013
Epic is based on William Joyce's book The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs, which is how a 40 page book has been made into a 102 minute animated movie. Way back in 1995 people witnessed the first ever computer animated film in the form of Toy Story which was followed by strikingly brilliant movies which has used CGI to deliver their stories. Usually computer animated movies have a niche audience and it not necessarily be kids alone. The movie is made from a bluntly written script of the good winning over evil. Epic is an overrated title for this movie and maybe it was named so because of the Epic cast if not which the movie would have never really been watchable. It didn't even get hold of us with the minuscule world which it has portrayed, the movies which released in 1998 A bug's Life and Antz which awed us with their parallel life out in the woods were far better than Epic. Being a connoisseur of animated flicks I din't even like it and trust me even the kid's didn't. Take your kids to Epic if they haven't watched any animated movie ever in their life. For Blue Sky Studios who made the 2011 3D film Rio this movie is an epic letdown with lackluster visuals.
Does a boy girl relationship always should end with a kiss ? It did in this movie when the love for the couple wasn't even established whatsoever. Nod(Josh Hutcherson) remains a part of the leaf men of the tiny world while MK(Amanda Seyfried) grows back to her normal size. The only connection for them is the surveillance camera used by MK's dad Professor Bomba(Jason Sudeikis) and that's how the movie ends. Maybe those who love online or through Skype will approve it or maybe Epic is just the first part of a trilogy. Director Chris Wedge should seriously think of making a sequel or else the movie would be as blunt as Avatar first part is. Well.. well..well how did I forget about Christoph Waltz who plays the role of Mandrake the leader of the Boggans, Chris makes his mark in whichever character he plays. Amanda Seyfried is also adorable as MK. Epic could have easily been billed as a musical if the cast of singers like Beyoncé who played Queen Tara, Pitbull who played Bufo and Steven Tyler as Nim Galuu would have done what they do their best but sadly Mr.Tyler alone does that.
Does a boy girl relationship always should end with a kiss ? It did in this movie when the love for the couple wasn't even established whatsoever. Nod(Josh Hutcherson) remains a part of the leaf men of the tiny world while MK(Amanda Seyfried) grows back to her normal size. The only connection for them is the surveillance camera used by MK's dad Professor Bomba(Jason Sudeikis) and that's how the movie ends. Maybe those who love online or through Skype will approve it or maybe Epic is just the first part of a trilogy. Director Chris Wedge should seriously think of making a sequel or else the movie would be as blunt as Avatar first part is. Well.. well..well how did I forget about Christoph Waltz who plays the role of Mandrake the leader of the Boggans, Chris makes his mark in whichever character he plays. Amanda Seyfried is also adorable as MK. Epic could have easily been billed as a musical if the cast of singers like Beyoncé who played Queen Tara, Pitbull who played Bufo and Steven Tyler as Nim Galuu would have done what they do their best but sadly Mr.Tyler alone does that.
Oblivion
(I) (2013)
Oblivion - Love Story 2077
12 October 2013
Oblivion is the second feature for Joseph Kosinski which is an adaptation of his unpublished graphic novel of the same name. Set in the remains of the earth after a nuke war by the aliens, Jack Harper(Cruise) a tech and his partner Victoria(Andrea Riseborough) work as an effective team to take care of the drones, hydro-generators and to attack rogue aliens who are called Scavs.
Set in the year 2077, Jack is a tech guy who's the last man on earth stationed along with Victoria. The rest of the humans are in Saturn's largest moon Titan and the story majorly happens in the final two weeks before Jack and Victoria return to their station TET before abandoning the earth. TET is their ultimate command center which monitors Jack and Victoria who in turn monitor the hydro-generators which draws energy to be used as fuel for Titan.
The story takes a contortion when Jack meets Olga whom he rescues from the wreckage of a space shuttle Odyssey. Jack happening to be the only person who has faint memories of the earth before war and Olga triggers back the memories. Jack and Olga are being captured by the Rogue aliens who are actually humans in disguise and Jack joins them to save what's remaining of the earth.
Tom's character as Jack has been built up well and he's adorable in every frame which he appears, specially when he enacts the Superbowl which happens in 2017. Jack's a NY Yankee's fan, that's what I inferred from his cap. He has a bubble ship which looks like a dragonfly made out of glass, the ship has a bobble head on its dash and its the only way for him to vent out. He rides a kind of dirt bike, he has a plant grown out of a tin can. He sets out into the woods and listens to music. He has a collection of books and reads out from The Lays of ancient Rome by Lord Macaulay. He quotes from the poem "Then out spake brave Horatius, the Captain of the Gate: To every man upon this earth, Death cometh soon or late".
Andrea as Victoria fairs well as a visually appealing colleague of Jack, She shares the bed with him and they swim together but the lady is the one who gives all the command. She's a robot like woman who goes by the commands. Victoria has an aurally alluring British accent that one would forget that there's a Morgan Freeman in this movie. Olga Kurylenko as Julia is namesake role who plays the wife of Jack, whenever she smiles she kind of reminds Lara Dutta. Morgan Freeman, Nilolaj Coaster-Waldau and Zoë Bell are there only to fill up the cast and they aren't even worthy of the supporting cast.
The script originally written by Joseph Kosinski and William Monahan , rewritten by Karl Gajudesk and was finally rewritten by Michael Arndt. With so many drafts written by academy award winners the script fails in many parts and seems to be a long boring Sci-Fi towards the end. At places it even reminds you of other Sci-Fi movies, but Kosinski stated that Oblivion is a tribute to all Sci-Fi movie of 1970's.Guess he thought its better to be told before to be found out. It was actually a beautiful love triangle story which was later ruined by action scenes only because its a Sci-Fi movie and dollops of action scenes are highly required. The "Waking Up" soundtrack by M23 is very Hans Zimmerish and if you close your eyes and listen you'll mistake it for a Chris Nolan movie.
On the whole Oblivion works out well for major portion of the movie. Its certainly to be watched on an IMAX screen to savor the visual spectacle and at the same time one should be happy that it wasn't released in 3-D as a considerable amount of your money is saved. Oblivion tag-lined as "Earth's a memory worth fighting for" is a movie worth watching for Tom Cruise fan-boys.
Set in the year 2077, Jack is a tech guy who's the last man on earth stationed along with Victoria. The rest of the humans are in Saturn's largest moon Titan and the story majorly happens in the final two weeks before Jack and Victoria return to their station TET before abandoning the earth. TET is their ultimate command center which monitors Jack and Victoria who in turn monitor the hydro-generators which draws energy to be used as fuel for Titan.
The story takes a contortion when Jack meets Olga whom he rescues from the wreckage of a space shuttle Odyssey. Jack happening to be the only person who has faint memories of the earth before war and Olga triggers back the memories. Jack and Olga are being captured by the Rogue aliens who are actually humans in disguise and Jack joins them to save what's remaining of the earth.
Tom's character as Jack has been built up well and he's adorable in every frame which he appears, specially when he enacts the Superbowl which happens in 2017. Jack's a NY Yankee's fan, that's what I inferred from his cap. He has a bubble ship which looks like a dragonfly made out of glass, the ship has a bobble head on its dash and its the only way for him to vent out. He rides a kind of dirt bike, he has a plant grown out of a tin can. He sets out into the woods and listens to music. He has a collection of books and reads out from The Lays of ancient Rome by Lord Macaulay. He quotes from the poem "Then out spake brave Horatius, the Captain of the Gate: To every man upon this earth, Death cometh soon or late".
Andrea as Victoria fairs well as a visually appealing colleague of Jack, She shares the bed with him and they swim together but the lady is the one who gives all the command. She's a robot like woman who goes by the commands. Victoria has an aurally alluring British accent that one would forget that there's a Morgan Freeman in this movie. Olga Kurylenko as Julia is namesake role who plays the wife of Jack, whenever she smiles she kind of reminds Lara Dutta. Morgan Freeman, Nilolaj Coaster-Waldau and Zoë Bell are there only to fill up the cast and they aren't even worthy of the supporting cast.
The script originally written by Joseph Kosinski and William Monahan , rewritten by Karl Gajudesk and was finally rewritten by Michael Arndt. With so many drafts written by academy award winners the script fails in many parts and seems to be a long boring Sci-Fi towards the end. At places it even reminds you of other Sci-Fi movies, but Kosinski stated that Oblivion is a tribute to all Sci-Fi movie of 1970's.Guess he thought its better to be told before to be found out. It was actually a beautiful love triangle story which was later ruined by action scenes only because its a Sci-Fi movie and dollops of action scenes are highly required. The "Waking Up" soundtrack by M23 is very Hans Zimmerish and if you close your eyes and listen you'll mistake it for a Chris Nolan movie.
On the whole Oblivion works out well for major portion of the movie. Its certainly to be watched on an IMAX screen to savor the visual spectacle and at the same time one should be happy that it wasn't released in 3-D as a considerable amount of your money is saved. Oblivion tag-lined as "Earth's a memory worth fighting for" is a movie worth watching for Tom Cruise fan-boys.
About Time
(I) (2013)
About Time, Love, and Life.
12 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
About Time is about a guy and his changes in life when his dad reveals a secret that the men in the family can travel back in time. As the website states " A new funny film about love. With a bit of time travel.", the sci-fi tag is just a lame excuse. The movie begins as a sci-fi, continues as a rom-com and ends as a family drama.
Richard Curtis known for writing Love Actually and Notting Hill is the writer and director of About Time, produced by Working Title Films and Released by Universal Pictures. The movie stars Domnhall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy in major roles. Who wouldn't be excited to watch a sci-fi rom-com from Richard Curtis, with a promising trailer which reveals most but misdirects(You'll know when you actually watch the film).
Tim(Domnhall Gleeson) has this immense ability to travel back in time, he uses it to find the love of his life. Comical reliefs happen when Tim foolishly uses it to make other's lives happier. RachelMcAdams is adorable as Mary, though I wish Zooey Deschanel has taken up this role. What works in the film is the prime character Tim and his relationships with the people around. The time he spends with his dad, when he's flirtatious with Mary and when he takes care of his sister Kit Kat. All these relationships is what keeps the movie going. The supporting cast are adorable ones like the hippie sis Kit Kat(Lydia Wilson) and the paranoid playwright Harry(Tim Hollander). Sir Richard Griffiths has a minor yet memorable role in this movie.
There are major plot flaws in the movie. The Dad says that only the men can travel back in time but at a point Tim takes his sister back to where she met her boyfriend. The other secret which the dad reveals later in the movie is that one cannot travel back once a child is born as it would lead to the birth of a completely new child, however we see the father and the son go back in time when Tim was a child and still things are normal in the future. The comedy writer in Richard Curtis couldn't resist from breaking his rules to create some brilliant drama.
About Time is a frivolously written sci-fi script by Richard Curtis which is otherwise a heart whelming romantic drama. Its about time you watch it on screens near you.
Richard Curtis known for writing Love Actually and Notting Hill is the writer and director of About Time, produced by Working Title Films and Released by Universal Pictures. The movie stars Domnhall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy in major roles. Who wouldn't be excited to watch a sci-fi rom-com from Richard Curtis, with a promising trailer which reveals most but misdirects(You'll know when you actually watch the film).
Tim(Domnhall Gleeson) has this immense ability to travel back in time, he uses it to find the love of his life. Comical reliefs happen when Tim foolishly uses it to make other's lives happier. RachelMcAdams is adorable as Mary, though I wish Zooey Deschanel has taken up this role. What works in the film is the prime character Tim and his relationships with the people around. The time he spends with his dad, when he's flirtatious with Mary and when he takes care of his sister Kit Kat. All these relationships is what keeps the movie going. The supporting cast are adorable ones like the hippie sis Kit Kat(Lydia Wilson) and the paranoid playwright Harry(Tim Hollander). Sir Richard Griffiths has a minor yet memorable role in this movie.
There are major plot flaws in the movie. The Dad says that only the men can travel back in time but at a point Tim takes his sister back to where she met her boyfriend. The other secret which the dad reveals later in the movie is that one cannot travel back once a child is born as it would lead to the birth of a completely new child, however we see the father and the son go back in time when Tim was a child and still things are normal in the future. The comedy writer in Richard Curtis couldn't resist from breaking his rules to create some brilliant drama.
About Time is a frivolously written sci-fi script by Richard Curtis which is otherwise a heart whelming romantic drama. Its about time you watch it on screens near you.
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