Friday, May 24, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Fast & Furious 6 - Movie Review
Starring
Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto
Paul Walker as Brian O'Conner
Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs
Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz
Sung Kang as Han Seoul-Oh:
Luke Evans as Owen Shaw:
Paul Walker as Brian O'Conner
Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs
Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz
Sung Kang as Han Seoul-Oh:
Luke Evans as Owen Shaw:
Directed by Justin Lin
Produced by Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Clayton Townsend
Written by Chris Morgan
Based on Characters by Gary Scott Thompson
Music by Lucas Vidal
Produced by Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Clayton Townsend
Written by Chris Morgan
Based on Characters by Gary Scott Thompson
Music by Lucas Vidal
Cinematography Stephen F. Windon
Editing by Christian Wagner, Kelly Matsumoto
Studio Original Film, One Race Films
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date May 23, 2013
Running time 130 minutes
Editing by Christian Wagner, Kelly Matsumoto
Studio Original Film, One Race Films
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date May 23, 2013
Running time 130 minutes
Budget $160 million
The film continues from where Fast 5 left off. Hobbs comes to meet Dom, this time not to arrest him but seeking his help in nabbing an international criminal & former Special Forces operative Owen Shaw. Dom who was reluctant at first agrees to the mission when presented with a photo of Letty who was supposedly killed in FF4 [End credits scene in FF5 revealed us that she is alive]. So Dom with his team joins Hobbs in a mission to take down Shaw and know the mystery surrounding Letty and bring he back.
Fast 5 was the best ever movie in the franchise, Fast 6 even though
couldn't top that, still is a very much enjoyable fast paced
entertainer. Cars, race and high speed chases are the identities of the franchise and the director didn't disappoint us, gave us everything in plenty, but at the cost of logic & sensibility. The Tank scene, initial chase and Jet Plane scene in the climax are the highlights. Kudos to stunt directors and VFX team even though they beat laws of physics many a time. The script is racy, technical department did a commendable job.
The film offers nothing new. Rock as an antagonist added much to Fast 5 which is missing here. Everything else remains same. Forced humor sadly went overboard & fells flat. Drama scenes seemed bit stretched.
The franchise is moving on like 'SAW' which had 7 parts, each one similar to one another but with some twist linked to old movies to keep the fan boys interested. Similarly this one also has an end credits scene which ties up the franchise finally to 'Tokyo drift' which was kinda stand alone movie till now. TFTF, 2F2F, FF, FF5, FF6, FFTD, FF7 that's the order in terms of the story line. so FF4-FF6 were prequels to Tokyo Drift. Hope the 7th one will be last one. With that being said the 7th part will be directed by Director of SAW and the film will come out next year in July.And from the credits its sure gonna be awesome and may end up the best one in the franchise and also a possible finale.
Like one character says in the movie - Fast 6 is a Vehicular Warfare !!!
Rating: 3.25/5
Box Office: Smash HIT
Verdict: Leave your brain at home and enjoy this Mass Masala Hollywood Blockbuster !!!!
NB: Even though Rock might not be a part of the FF7, Jason Statahm fans can rejoice, gear up and very much look forward to its release :wink:
Monday, May 20, 2013
Neram - Hotel California - Bharya Athra Pora - My 3 in 1 Movie Review
Neram
Simple story, events happening in the lives of fews people in Chennai city in a day, told in an entertaining manner by Debutant Director Alphonse Puthiren who is also the writer and editor of the film. The simple story told in non-linear pattern, even though common in Mollywood now a days, makes it look complex and exciting. The rusty color tone of the film is suited for a story set in Chennai. Another big plus is the BG score - one of the best works of the year without a doubt. Editing is crisp, and the film is racy under 1hr 50mins run length. Nivin Pauly was good. Nazriya bowled over everyone with cute expressions and acting and is here to stay [Heard that many big shot Telugu producers are waiting for her dates !!]. Shammi Thilakan & Manoj K Jayan rocked in the cameo length roles. Simha, the villain was also good. Its a must watch this summer - Go for it 3.75/5
Hotel California
Watched this movie after reading so many negative reviews, but I personally liked the film very much. A Perfect Priyadarshan type entertainer - Mistaken identities, confusions etc - suited for Adults Only. There is plenty of humor in the film. Even the BG evokes laughter in many scenes. Direction was Okay. Camera & Editing were good, made the film look chick, stylish and trendy. Biggest plus of the movie is Joju, he rocked big time, the next Biju Menon for sure. Jayasurya never looked better on screen, even though had little to perform, he excelled in whatever he had to do. A non-brainer adult entertainer for the masses, loved it more than Trivandrum Lodge 3.25/5
Bharya Athra Pora
Verutha oru bharya team reunites in this family entertainer. BAP is like VOB reloaded, Jayaram once again plays the husband with some issues. Gopika plays the lovely house wife. They are on the verge of a divorce and something happens to their kid which changes their lives for ever. The film sadly is nowhere near VOB. The saving grace and the factor that holds the film through is Jayaram, he is incredible as the alcoholic school master. Rest of the cast doesn't get much scope. Compared to VOB its low in humor content and high in melo drama. Overall its an Average watch 2.5/5
Nadodikattu Part 4 confirmed for Onam 2014
Two of the most Iconic characters in Malayalam cinema history, Dasan & Vijayan, are coming back, FINALLY!!
Nadodikattu is one of the most loved Malayalam film of all time, where the characters CID Dasan & CID Vijayan appeared for the first time. The characters are so popular that still we can see refrences to them even in New-Gen Malayalam movies, the latest being Neram (Malayalam Version). The film had 2 sequels, the last one being directd by Priyadarshan, all of them being huge hits.
For the past few years many Directors were trying for the 4th part including the original director Sathyan Anthikakdu, Roshan Andrewws etc. But Srinivasan who penned all the 3 films couldn't come up with a complete script.
Now after months of persuasion from all close quarters Jr.Sreenivasan, Vineeth has reportedly taken up the project. He will take few plot ideas from the script ideas that his father has had for the 4th part, but will be a completely different project to be entirely scripted by Vineeth himself. Presently Vineeth is busy with his next venture 'Thira' a thriller starring his own brother. The film will go on floors some time next year and will be a Onam 2014 release.
Looks like the hopes of many Malayali audiences are finally coming alive, hope this project doesn't get dropped mid-way like the other attempts to make a 4th part to the ever green Investigation-Comedy saga....
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Vallatha Pahayan - Movie Review
Vallatha Pahayan Movie Review
Directed by Niyaz Becker and Razaq Muhammed
Banner: Galaxy Films [Milan Jaleel]
*ing Manikantan Pattambi, Rachana, Vinod Kovoor, Niyaz Becker, Sreekumar, Sneha Sreekumar, Janardhanan, Mamukkoya, KPAC Lalitha, Kochu Preman, Narayankkutty, and Indrans
Writer- Vijayan
Cinematography - Utpal V Nayanar
Music- Bijibal
Art- Sujith Raghav
Editing- Sreejith VT
Costumes- Velayudhan Kizhillam
Make-up- Pradeep Rangan
Associate Director- Shibu Gangadharan
Production Executive- Deepak Kizhumury
Executive Producer- Manoj Menon
Banner: Galaxy Films [Milan Jaleel]
*ing Manikantan Pattambi, Rachana, Vinod Kovoor, Niyaz Becker, Sreekumar, Sneha Sreekumar, Janardhanan, Mamukkoya, KPAC Lalitha, Kochu Preman, Narayankkutty, and Indrans
Writer- Vijayan
Cinematography - Utpal V Nayanar
Music- Bijibal
Art- Sujith Raghav
Editing- Sreejith VT
Costumes- Velayudhan Kizhillam
Make-up- Pradeep Rangan
Associate Director- Shibu Gangadharan
Production Executive- Deepak Kizhumury
Executive Producer- Manoj Menon
Story
Balan
(Manikantan Pattambi) is an innocent man who leads a simple life in a
village. His wife is Sumithra (Rachana) and they have two kids. Balan's attempts to bulit a new house and the political,social & economical hurdles that he and his family faces, forms the story of Vallatha Pahayan
This is the debut of immensely popular 'Team Marimayam' in Mollywood, as a group [even though most of them have already acted, individually, in various other films]. Being a huge fan of the show & especially Rachana, VP was a not to be missed in my list.
As expected VP is a worth watching family entertainer that Mollywood used to produce in the 80's and 90's. The story is a simple one. The script couldn't rise above average, but its the perfomances of the actors and the subtle humor that makes the film worth watching. The writer has laced the film with enough comic elements so that it will not be tiring or preachy. But still the film tends to get into over melodramatic mood in the second half.
Its the convincing and honest perfomances of the entire star cast that's the major positive of MP. Manikandan, Rachana & co has done a very good job. After a long time Janardhanan got a good role in VP. 2 songs in the film are passable. Background work is Okay. Direction is pretty average, often reminded soap operas, with some weird close-ups and camera angles. In the hands of a better director the film could have been much better. Editing is good, the film under 2hr 5mins never really lags.
Usually such films will have a character from Dubai, suddenly appearing from no where, near the climax, to solve all the problems of Hero, which is not the case in VP which I liked very much.
The location [Palakkad] is very good as well. So nice to see paddy fields and the good old villages which seems to be extinct in new--gen Malayalam films
Kudos for Galaxy films for investing crores in such a project and experimenting and bringing the hit TV group into the big screen
Overall Vallatha Pahayan is a decent watch for the entire family.
Rating: 2.75/5
Verdict: Above Average
Its the convincing and honest perfomances of the entire star cast that's the major positive of MP. Manikandan, Rachana & co has done a very good job. After a long time Janardhanan got a good role in VP. 2 songs in the film are passable. Background work is Okay. Direction is pretty average, often reminded soap operas, with some weird close-ups and camera angles. In the hands of a better director the film could have been much better. Editing is good, the film under 2hr 5mins never really lags.
Usually such films will have a character from Dubai, suddenly appearing from no where, near the climax, to solve all the problems of Hero, which is not the case in VP which I liked very much.
The location [Palakkad] is very good as well. So nice to see paddy fields and the good old villages which seems to be extinct in new--gen Malayalam films
Kudos for Galaxy films for investing crores in such a project and experimenting and bringing the hit TV group into the big screen
Overall Vallatha Pahayan is a decent watch for the entire family.
Rating: 2.75/5
Verdict: Above Average
Friday, May 3, 2013
Mumbai Police - Malayalam Movie Review
Mumbai Police - Malayalam Movie Review
Direction : Roshan Andrews
Producer : Nisad Haneefa
Cast : Prithviraj, Jayasurya , Rahman, Aparna Nair, Hima Davis, Kunchan, Riyaz Khan...
Story, Screen Play : Bobby & Sanjay
Banner : Nisad Haneefa Productions
Co-Producer : Nivas Haneefa & Niyas Haneefa
DOP : C. Diwakar
Music : Gopi Sunder
Production Controller : Aroma Mohan
Art Director : Cyril Kurivila
Action Director : Allan Amin
Story
Mumbai Police narrates the story of three close friends: City
Police Commissioner Faran (Rahman), Mattancherry Assistant Commissioner Aryan
John Jacob (Jayasurya) and Ernakulam Assistant Commissioner Antony Moses (Prithviraj). These police officers are a cause of nightmare to the mafia and the
underworld of Kochi city. The media calls these fearless and efficient
officers Mumbai Police because even though they are in Kochi, they all
have some sort of connection with Mumbai. MP is a investigative thriller that also focuses on the life of a Policemen, friendship etc
Mumbai Police is mainly a 'who-dunnit' cop thriller drama. Film begins with Antony revealing the identity of the Killer to some one, but before he could reveal the name of the culprit he gets involved in an accident and suffers temporary memory loss.So Antony has to start everything from the scratch, but this time its not just the identity of the Killer, knowing himself forms an even bigger puzzle.
First of all Kudos to Bobby-Sanjay team for thinking out of the box and coming up with an interesting, engrossing and a new kind of cinema - which definitely deserves a new generation tag because of the story and its treatment and not because the cuss words used or overdose of titillating scenes.
Prithviraj has done a very good job, the 2 contrasting phases of Antony has been brilliantly portrayed. The character goes through tons of emotions and changes throughout the film which he has beautifully played out. Rest of the cast were also good.
The film maintains its pace through out, it keeps you on edge of the seats till the end. Its a mix of Drama and investigation, so don't look for a fast paced thriller.
Camera, editing works were really good, able to capture the mood of the film perfectly without any lag or uneven jumps/cuts. There are no songs in the film, but Gopi Sundar's BG play an important role in the narration, done again wonderfully by GS.
Direction looked brilliant at places but sloppy in others - so totally it was mixed bag. The climax could evoke mixed reactions and may even cause wave of discussions in online forums and social media, but apart from the logical aspect of the 'REASON' in current scenario it was brilliant from the part of the writers to think out of the box .
For those who expect films like CBI series it may end up as disappointment, but for lovers of cinema it is something to watch out for.
Verdict: Good
Rating: 3.25/5
First of all Kudos to Bobby-Sanjay team for thinking out of the box and coming up with an interesting, engrossing and a new kind of cinema - which definitely deserves a new generation tag because of the story and its treatment and not because the cuss words used or overdose of titillating scenes.
Prithviraj has done a very good job, the 2 contrasting phases of Antony has been brilliantly portrayed. The character goes through tons of emotions and changes throughout the film which he has beautifully played out. Rest of the cast were also good.
The film maintains its pace through out, it keeps you on edge of the seats till the end. Its a mix of Drama and investigation, so don't look for a fast paced thriller.
Camera, editing works were really good, able to capture the mood of the film perfectly without any lag or uneven jumps/cuts. There are no songs in the film, but Gopi Sundar's BG play an important role in the narration, done again wonderfully by GS.
Direction looked brilliant at places but sloppy in others - so totally it was mixed bag. The climax could evoke mixed reactions and may even cause wave of discussions in online forums and social media, but apart from the logical aspect of the 'REASON' in current scenario it was brilliant from the part of the writers to think out of the box .
For those who expect films like CBI series it may end up as disappointment, but for lovers of cinema it is something to watch out for.
Verdict: Good
Rating: 3.25/5
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Iron Man 3 : The Big Summer Blockbuster - My Movie Review
Directed by Shane Black
Produced by Kevin Feige
Screenplay by Drew Pearce, Shane Black,
Starring
Produced by Kevin Feige
Screenplay by Drew Pearce, Shane Black,
Starring
Robert Downey, Jr.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Don Cheadle
Guy Pearce
Rebecca Hall
Stephanie Szostak
James Badge Dale
Jon Favreau
Ben Kingsley
Gwyneth Paltrow
Don Cheadle
Guy Pearce
Rebecca Hall
Stephanie Szostak
James Badge Dale
Jon Favreau
Ben Kingsley
Music by Brian Tyler
Cinematography John Toll
Editing by Jeffrey Ford
Peter S. Elliot
Peter S. Elliot
Studio Marvel Studios, DMG Entertainment
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, UTV Motion Pictures (India)
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, UTV Motion Pictures (India)
Release date(s) April 26, 2013 (India), May 3, 2013 (United States)
Running time 130 minutes
Running time 130 minutes
Country United States, China
Language English
Budget $200 million
Language English
Budget $200 million
Iron Man 3 (U/A - 2D) My Movie Review
Big Man In a Suit Of Armour. Take That Away - What Are You? asks CAP in the Billion dollar Blockbuster The Avengers to which Tony Stark aka Iron Man says 'genius billionaire playboy philanthropist' - this answer is what explained in Iron Man 3 by series debutant Dir. Shane Black [Lethal Weapon Series writer]
Iron Man continues from where The Avengers left off [including the Shawarma scene ;-)] . Post the 'New York' incident Tony Stark is suffering from PTSD. Adding to the worries, is a previously unknown terrorist, Mandarin [Ben Kingsley] who brings Tony back to square one, right into the ground from the billion dollar mansion, super cars and tons of money, with nothing but his brain & brawn [& a 10 year old boy] to depend upon. This is where he answers the question that has been baffling him for years, The question that has been long baffling him, does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?
Iron Man 3 is the best movie in the series. The series is back on track, with a bang after a disappointing Iron Man 2 which was like Tony Stark himself - lots of money wasted with a lazy script which kinda looked like IM1 reboot. Coming after Avengers Shane had a lot to do and prove as IM3 marks the beginning of Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 2 [followed by Thor 2, CAP2 and Avengers 2].
We like Super heroes when they are cornered and pushed to the walls - this is exactly what Shane Black did in IM3. Plus there are lots of quirky one liners, which is one of the USP's of the character, which only Tony Stark/RDJr. can pull off. This is the 5th appearance of RDJr., still we cant get enough of this character, that's the stars charisma and performance in a role that changed even his life of drugs, drinks and prison. His contractual obligation is over with IM3 hope he returns in avengers 2 and IM 4, 5 etc - because I personally can't imagine anybody else doing Tony Stark/Iron Man .
The story also has an investigative kinda touch to it - ie its not monotonous like most super hero movies. The are many well executed/written scenes like the one with Kid, Flight scene, climax, scenes with Mandarin etc
After Joker (The Dark Knight) we got another equally powerful cinematic villain in the Mandarin played excellently by Sir Ben Kingsley.
Rebeca Hall gets limited screen time, but Gweneth Paltrow as Pepper Pots gets a meatier role this time, the best outing of the character in fact in the series.
Don Cheadle [War Machine/Iron Patriot] & Guy Pearce did good job as well.
The film doesn't look like needed 3d conversion [so don't waste your money and tire your eyes]. There are some things left unanswered. It is a stand alone movie, it doesn't hype Avengers 2 much [may use any one of the scenes later]. Nick Fury who was part of all previous 'Avenger' movies is absent in IM3 [& Thor 2 as well according to reports].
Jos Whedon after watching Iron Man 3, especially the climax, said it will be difficult to top this in Avengers 2, may be a little extravagant comment but still the movie and the climax can stand upto the grandeur & awe set by The Avengers.
For banner/Hulk fans there is a cameo in the end credit scene [not by the alter ego], which is a comic one, unlike the other IM, Thor, Cap movies had. It doesn't lead to Avengers 2. [May be they are waiting for the film to release in US, to add another end credit scene, on May 3rd, like they did with Avengers adding the Thanos scene]
Final Word: The Best in the series, best follow up to Avengers
Rating : 4/5
Verdict: Too Goooood for Super Hero Geeks and RDJr/Tony Stark fans, Others too will like it for sure
Box Office - Blockbuster Worldwide !!!! Hit-Super Hit in India
Contact Reviewer Through : - https://twitter.com/BreakingViews4u
Friday, April 5, 2013
Immanuel - Exclusive Malayalam Movie Review
Immanuel - Exclusive Malayalam Movie Review
Directed by Lal Jose
Produced by S. George
Screenplay by A.C. Vijeesh
Story by Pradeep Nair
Music by Afzal Yusuf
Distributed by Play House
Release date(s) 5 April 2013
Country India
Language Malayalam
Produced by S. George
Screenplay by A.C. Vijeesh
Story by Pradeep Nair
Music by Afzal Yusuf
Distributed by Play House
Release date(s) 5 April 2013
Country India
Language Malayalam
Cast
Mammootty as Emmanuel
Mukesh
Fahadh Faasil as Jeevan Raj
Reenu Mathews as Annie
Devi Ajith
Aparna Nair
Salim Kumar
Guinness Pakru as Kavi Shivan
Mammootty as Emmanuel
Mukesh
Fahadh Faasil as Jeevan Raj
Reenu Mathews as Annie
Devi Ajith
Aparna Nair
Salim Kumar
Guinness Pakru as Kavi Shivan
Story
Immanuel is the story of Immaneul who tries to cope up with MNC Insurance company and the New Gen wok ethics after the press publishing firm that he worked went broke.
Evaluation
First things first- Immanuel is Mammootty's best outing since Best Actor which came 2 years ago. Its a typical straight forward feel good family entertainer without much gimmicks or masala. The Story is nothing revolutionary or unique. The story one-line has distant some with Rocket Singh - Salesman of the year.
Its a simple screen play beautifuly narated by Director Lal Jose, eventhough its no where near to his previous films. The surrounding of an MNC, especially an Insurance company is new to Malayali audience. The frauds, in-humane rules, fight for meeting the target has been explained in the film.
Apart from this there is a sense of Dejavu in most parts. Each & every turn that comes along are predictable. We have seen many stories of such Golden hearted Hero before, all elements find in thos movies can be find here too. But nothing appear forced or fake unlike Bavooty. The film belong to the Sathyan Anthikadu brand of feel good family dramas, but he only thing is that Immanuel is low in humor content. The movie drags here and there.
Mammooty has beautifully underplayed the role of man with Golden heart. There was nothing challenging in for him. He just needed to comedown from the over the top characters of his past few films and he did that efficiently. In an extended cameo as the main antagonist Fahadh Faasil simply rocked. Reenu Mathews has made a confident debut. The supporting cast are also good.
Songs are good, even though there was no need of the Carol song. The Background score is very good. Camera and Editing are beautiful.
Sukumari in a cameo role makes everyone's eyes wet. The claps that people gave for her is the the testimony of what a great loss her death will be for us.
Family Audience will love this movie for sure. And for those who doesn't watch too many foreign language films this one will definitely be worth a watch.
Rating
2.75/5
Box Office - HIT
Apart from this there is a sense of Dejavu in most parts. Each & every turn that comes along are predictable. We have seen many stories of such Golden hearted Hero before, all elements find in thos movies can be find here too. But nothing appear forced or fake unlike Bavooty. The film belong to the Sathyan Anthikadu brand of feel good family dramas, but he only thing is that Immanuel is low in humor content. The movie drags here and there.
Mammooty has beautifully underplayed the role of man with Golden heart. There was nothing challenging in for him. He just needed to comedown from the over the top characters of his past few films and he did that efficiently. In an extended cameo as the main antagonist Fahadh Faasil simply rocked. Reenu Mathews has made a confident debut. The supporting cast are also good.
Songs are good, even though there was no need of the Carol song. The Background score is very good. Camera and Editing are beautiful.
Sukumari in a cameo role makes everyone's eyes wet. The claps that people gave for her is the the testimony of what a great loss her death will be for us.
Family Audience will love this movie for sure. And for those who doesn't watch too many foreign language films this one will definitely be worth a watch.
Rating
2.75/5
Box Office - HIT