TAKEN 2 (2012)

Director:

Olivier Megaton

Writer:
Luc Besson
Robert Mark Kamen

Starring:

Liam Neeson
Maggie Grace
Famke Janssen and others

Taken 2 is a movie that promises so much and delivers so little. Taken was unpredictable and tense while this is predictable and it feels boring due to lack of any tension. Liam Neeson is getting a little too old for movies like these, and his performance was disappointing. The biggest problem I had was with the direction. The action sequences are terribly shot and their editing is even worse which nullifies the effect of what we are seeing on the screen. Taken, too would a better title for this movie because the audience too is taken for highly unpleasant ride.

Pranit’s Rating: 3/10

HUGO (2011)

Director:

Martin Scorsese

Writer:
John Logan
Brian Selznick

Starring:

Ben Kingsley
Asa Butterfield
Chloe Grace Moretz and others

Hugo is a brilliant visual spectacle. The Oscar jury is either blind or ignorant for refusing to give Scorsese his deserved Oscar for the direction of this movie. The script is sweet and the performances have a childish charm to it. Both Asa Butterfield and Chloe Grace Moretz are truly sensational in their respective roles. This movie is a masterclass on film-making for all aspiring directors. Do watch this.

Pranit’s Rating: 7/10

FRACTURE (2007)

Director:

Gregory Hoblit

Writer:
Glen Gerrs
Daniel Pyne

Starring:

Anthony Hopkins
Ryan Gosling
David Strathairn and others

Fracture is a good thriller, whose sole impetus lies in the scintillating chemistry between the two leads. Gosling is particularly impressive in his role as an ambitious attorney. Hopkins is at his usual best. The script is fast paced and keeps you interested till the very end. This movie is not a bad way to spend your day.

Pranit’s Rating: 6.5/10

SAFE HOUSE (2012)

Director:

Daniel Espinosa

Writer:
David Guggenheim

Starring:

Denzel Washington
Ryan Reynolds
Robert Patrick and others

Safe House starts of well. The opening fifteen minutes keeps you interested. But soon the script does a nosedive and wanders about chartered territories. The performances are top notch, but sadly the lackluster script does enough damage to nullify the effect of the good performances. Laced with a number of cliches, this movie is not worth one's time.

Pranit’s Rating: 4/10

THIS MEANS WAR (2012)

Director:

McG

Writer:
Timothy Dowling
Simon Kinberg

Starring:

Tom Hardy
Chris Pine
Reese Witherspoon and others

This Means War is an average movie. Blessed with a very flimsy plot this movie is a no brainer. The performances are fine, Frankly there is nothing above average about the movie, whose only good part is its classy execution. Watch it only if you have nothing better to do.

Pranit’s Rating: 3.5/10

DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)

Director:

Billy Wilder

Writer:
Billy Wilder
Raymond Chandler

Starring:

Fred MacMurray
Barbara Stanwyck
Edward G. Robinson and others

Double Indemnity is a taunt and brilliant thriller. Exceptionally well directed and even better in writing, it is hard to find any fault with this movie. The dialogue writing is simply sensational, in fact I am yet to come across a movie with better written dialogues. Edward G. Robinson  is particularly impressive as Barton Keyes, a meddling claims inspector, who rarely lets a case get by without thoroughly examining it. The tension between Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck is very evident and their first meeting is by far the best scene of the movie.

Pranit’s Rating: 8.5/10

COPYCAT (1995)

Director:

Jon Amiel

Writer:
Ann Biderman
David Madsen

Starring:

Sigourney Weaver
Holly Hunter
Dermot Mulroney and others

Copycat is a watchable thriller. The movie moves along seamlessly without being overly memorable or spectacular. The only thing remotely spectacular about the movie are the immaculate performances by all the lead actors. The movie is not unpredictable but it is not totally predictable also courtesy some deftly etched scenes that keep you interested. Makes a decent one time watch.

Pranit’s Rating: 6/10

CHRONICLE (2012)

Director:

Josh Trank

Writer:
Max Landis

Starring:

Dane DeHaan
Alex Russell
Michael B. Jordan and others

Chronicle is a beautifully directed satisfying sci-fi movie. Filmed with a hand held camera with unknown actors, this movie makes for an engaging watch. The climax sequence is well done and proper justice is provided to the well written, if not completely original script. The best thing about the movie is its attention to detail especially when the powers of the kids are first found. Do watch this, you wont be disappointed.

Pranit’s Rating: 7/10

BRIDESMAIDS (2011)

Director:

Paul Feig

Writer:
Anne Mumolo
Kristen Wiig

Starring:

Kristen Wiig
Rose Byrne
Maya Rudolph and others

Bridesmaids is by no stretch of the imagination just another low IQ chick flick. Yes, it is quintessentially a chick   flick, but it is a polished and refined one. The main hero of this movie is Kristen Wiig, whose performance is classy and funny  and her script is tight and well written. Funny for most of the parts this movie makes an engaging watch even though it is not perfect. The movie does justice to most of the cliches which is a let down but otherwise, it is definitely worth a watch.

Pranit’s Rating: 6.5/10

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN (2011)

Director:

Lynne Ramsay

Writer:
Lynne Ramsay
Rory Kinnear

Starring:

Tilda Swinton
John C. Reily
Ezra Miller and others

We Need To Talk About Kevin is a dark and disturbing insight into the mind of Kevin, played sensationally by Ezra Miller. The movie is deliberately slow and makes you ponder on every turn. I am not a big fan of this type of film-making but I couldn't help myself staring at the contents of the screen with my mouth wide open in disbelief as the movie progressed. Swinton is truly stunning and her character is very well written which give her enough time to shine. The climax is chilling and truly sums up the movie. You need to give this movie time to simmer, because only then it will transcend into a decent eye opening fair.

Pranit’s Rating: 6/10

MY SISTER'S KEEPER (2009)

Director:

Nick Cassavetes

Writer:
Jeremy Leven
Nick Cassavetes

Starring:

Abigail Breslin
Cameron Diaz
Alec Baldwin and others

My Sister's Keeper is a good movie based on a terrible subject. The director's heavy handed approach is the only major flaw in this tear jerking affair which borders most of the time on the overly melodramatic. Those with a certain aversion to such blatant manipulation of emotions should stay away from this one. Definitely makes an engaging one time watch.

Pranit’s Rating: 7/10

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)

Director:

Stanley Kubrick

Writer:
Stanley Kubrick

Starring:

Malcolm McDowell
Patrick Magee
Michael Bates and others

A Clockwork Orange, according to me is the reason why my least favourite directors aka Zack Synder and Edgar Wright and my least favourite actor Jim Carey exist. Based on some novel I dont think anyone dare read, this movie is truly a test of who blinks first and unfortunately I did many a time. Yes, there is an apparent message behind the movie, but the handling of it was obnoxiously weird. Malcolm McDowell starts with a good solid performance which soon transcends into a mess. With weird lingo like yarbles, lobschticks, gulliver and countless other senseless stuff, I definitely wouldn't recommend this one.

Pranit’s Rating: 1/10

DIL CHAHTA HAI (2001)

Director:

Farhan Aktar

Writer:
Farhan Aktar
Kassim Jagmagia

Starring:

Aamir Khan
Saif Ali Khan
Akshaye Khanna and others

Dil Chahta Hai is the best Bolloywood movie from a newcomer. Farhan Aktar does a sensational job as a director and a script-writer. Aamir Khan is truly spectacular in this movie and he further cements his position as the most dependable Hindi movie actor. The movie though a little to long for its own good is a beautiful coming of age tale. The catchy music is an added bonus. Do give this movie a try, you won't be disappointed.

Pranit’s Rating: 8.5/10

RANG DE BASANTI (2006)

Director:

Rakesh Omprakash Mehra

Writer:
Rakesh Omprakash Mehra
Kamlesh Pandey

Starring:

Aamir Khan
Soha Ali Khan
Sharman Joshi and others

Rang De Basanti is the best Hindi film of all time. Stunning script is the reason why this movie is so highly regarded. It was a big shock when it didn't get nominated for Oscars. Okay, I agree it had no chance of winning with Pan's Labyrinth there (which also did not win, shocking!) but it does deserve recognition. The performances are sensational and it is the best directed Hindi movie of all time. Watch this movie and you will change your opinion about Indian cinema.

Pranit’s Rating: 9/10

BARFI! (2012)

Director:

Anurag Basu

Writer:
Anurag Basu

Starring:

Ranbir Kapoor
Priyanka Chopra
Illeana D'Cruz and others

Barfi! is a whimsical tale of a deaf and dumb protagonist played by Ranbir Kapoor who is sensational in his role. But the main reason why I personally enjoyed this movie is Priyanka Chopra's heart-wrenching performance as Jhilmil, who suffers from autism. Agreed the script is not the strongest and the whodunit is predictable but the world created in three different time zones by Basu is believable and engrossing. The direction is top notch. This movie is a must watch for all.

Pranit’s Rating: 9/10

THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

Director:

Robert Wise

Writer:
Ernest Lehman

Starring:

Julie Andrews
Christopher Plummer
Peggy Wood and others

The Sound of Music is a rich and a vibrant tale. Beautifully shot, brilliant background score including all the numbers and exceptionally well written, this movie is a complete package. Julie Andrews is sensational as Marie. The movie also benefits from witty dialogues my favorite being when Plummer tells Herr Zeller (played by Ben Wright) that when the Nazi's come knocking he would eagerly join their side to which Wright says you flatter me. To this Plummer promptly replies that it was clumsy of him as he meant it as an accusation. Truly memorable stuff even though it is a bit corny and long.

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

LOST IN TRANSLATION (2003)

Director:

Sofia Coppola

Writer:
Sofia Coppola

Starring:

Bill Murray
Scarlett Johansson
Giovanni Ribisi and others

___________________________________________________________________________

Pranit’s Rating : 5.5/10

Lost in Translation is a decent movie. Yes it is charming in places and the performances are top notch but the problem I had was the execution of a the very good script. Sofia Coppola does a good job behind the camera.  Some scenes are beautiful and witty which lends weight to the movie but it just doesn't feel enough. Still you can give it a try for Bill Murray's charming performance even though the end result is a movie lost in transition from paper to celluloid.

___________________________________________________________________________

Akshansh's Rating : 9.5/10

Talent runs in the Coppola family. There is no doubt about that. None at all.

Lost in Translation is a quietly beautiful movie - challenging in it's implications and yet, it manages to be subdued and relaxed at the same moment. Bill Murray is excellent as Bob Harris - he delivers with ease a performance that sums up his life's regrets, his fading career and a superficial relation with his wife.

Enter Scar-Jo, a psychology graduate, who too has doubts of her own : whether her young marriage was a correct decision? Has she "bound" herself? Where is she to go from here onward? What is she to do in life?

So, it ain't a surprise that these two 'lost' souls hit it off instantly.

The scenes at the hotel bar are some of the best in the movie - Sofia Coppola brilliantly captures the deep-seated insecurities of the central characters. Towards the end of the movie, she even manages to convert the unromantic skyline of Tokyo into something humane. Something that evoked hope.

The Scar-Jo - Murray chemistry is simply amazing. I haven't seen anything better since or prior. The magic of their relationship lies in the fact that it isn't carnal, but just a healthy (and rather rarely found) companionship in a foreign land. When Murray sings "More Than This" in that karaoke bar with his eyes fixed on Jo, it hints at something playful, but nothing creepy that can put the audience off.

Ultimately, Murray has to return to America. His trip is over. And with it, the promise of a budding relationship. This is what makes the last scene all the more special.

As serendipity would have it, they meet again. He comes out of the limo that is to take him to the airport, chases down Jo and kisses her. Then, he whispers something in her ear. Sofia Coppola's stroke of genius is this : whatever he says is overpowered by the buzz of the Asian markets. Jo smiles, Murray returns to his limo, and I'm still left wondering what he could have possibly said to her.

Then, I realise what Coppola has done : I guess she knew that we never wanted to know what had conspired in those few seconds afterall. Like those two, I found it easy to remain suspended in that moment. Neither inquiring nor over-thinking.

This movie is like poetry in motion. It'll be sometime before it can be displaced from my top 10 list.

___________________________________________________________________________

BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD (2012)

Director:

Benh Zeitlin

Writer:
Benh Zeitlin
Lucy Alibar

Starring:

Quvenzhane Wallis
Dwight Henry
Levi Easterly and others

Beasts Of The Southern Wild is an imaginative movie from Zeitlin. Quvenzhane Wallis is sensational as Hushpuppy. The movie deals with the story of Bathtub whose existence is in jeopardy courtesy the building of a dam. The story is simple enough but the direction is somewhat distracting as the camera rarely focuses and is dealt with a wobbly hand. The climax sequence is lovely especially when ancient aurochs come and everyone runs away but through courage Hushpuppy ensures that they do not cause damage. A good one time watch, let down by its low production values and unconventional direction.

Pranit’s Rating: 6.5/10

BERNIE (2011)

Director:

Richard Linklater

Writer:
Richard Linklater
Skip Hollandsworth

Starring:

Jack Black
Mattew McConaughey
Shirley MacLaine and others

Bernie is a terribly conceived movie. I am a Linklater fan but this is one movie I just could not fathom. The movie is "supposedly" a comedy, well pardon me but the only thing funny about this movie is the critical approval it has received. Jack Black is very good in his role but that is not enough to rescue this exceptionally slow and ridiculous movie.

Pranit’s Rating: 1/10

ARBITRAGE (2012)

Director:

Nicholas Jarecki

Writer:
Nicholas Jarecki

Starring:

Richard Gere
Susan Sarandon
Brit Marling and others

Arbitrage is an above average thriller. Richard Gere is in inspirational form in this movie but the movie is let down by its lackluster script. The direction is good, not spectacular and the whole movie has a sense of cultured class. Unfortunately other than that their is not much to talk about this movie. 

Pranit’s Rating: 6/10

WE BOUGHT A ZOO (2011)

Director:

Cameron Crowe

Writer:
Aline Brosh McKenna
Cameron Crowe

Starring:

Matt Damon
Scarlett Johansson
Colin Ford and others

We Bought A Zoo is a whimsical tale of family and the trouble it can be raising one, from Cameron Crowe. It neither is completely kiddish nor completely meant to target the adult crowd because of which it does fall into middle ground, but it is enjoyable none the less. Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson do justice to their characters without standing out in them. It makes a compelling one time watch. 

Pranit’s Rating: 7/10

THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED (2005)

Director:

Bill Paxton

Writer:
Mark Frost

Starring:

Shia LaBeouf
Stephen Dillane
Elias Koteas and others

The Greatest Game Ever Played is a movie worthy of ones time. Yes it does have a lot of sport movie cliches but it is easy to overlook them courtesy the compelling direction and LaBeouf's best performance till date. Give this movie a try, you won't be wasting your time entirely.

Pranit’s Rating: 6/10

MUNICH (2005)

Director:

Stephen Speilberg

Writer:
Tony Kushner
Eric Roth

Starring:

Daniel Craig
Eric Bana
Ciaran Hinds and others

Munich is exuberantly shot and exceptionally well conceived. The opening sequence of the movie stirs a lot of emotions in the viewers. Hard hitting and extremely well paced this movie is a must watch, not only for the direction and script but also the performances of Craig and Bana. Bana especially is stunning. Don't miss this one. 

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

JUNO (2007)

Director:

Jason Reitman

Writer:
Diablo Cody

Starring:

Ellen Page
Michael Cera
Jennifer Garner and others

Juno is brilliant. Sensational script laced with heartfelt performances, one would actually have to search for reasons to hate this movie. Ellen Page is amazing as the lead protagonist, this movie is what got her the recognition she had always deserved but never earned. Do watch this movie, taking the performances in account. 

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997)

Director:

Gus Van Sant

Writer:
Matt Damon
Ben Affleck

Starring:

Matt Damon
Ben Affleck
Robin Williams and others

Good Will Hunting is a movie blessed with one of the best scripts of all time. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are in inspired form, which is evident because of the Oscar they one for the script. The script is supported by brilliant performance, the major standout being Robin Williams. He delivers a heartfelt performance. Don't miss this movie.

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (2012)

Director:

Stephen Chbosky

Writer:

Stephen Chbosky

Starring:

Logan Lerman
Emma Watson
Ezra Miller and others

The Perks of Being A Wallflower is a compelling rendered narration of the awkward phase of coming of age. A beautiful script and good direction are not the only plus points of this movie. The biggest influence on my rating was Logan Lerman's who is simply stunning in his portrayal of the character he is given. The dialogue writing is crisp and the movie has quite a few memorable scenes, my personal favorite being one in which Ezra Miller compels his teacher to pass him by reminding him that on failing to do so he would have to endear another year of him in the class.

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

PITCH PERFECT (2012)

Director:

Jason Moore

Writer:

Kay Cannon
Mickey Rapkin

Starring:

Anna Kendrick
Brittany Snow
Skylar Astin and others

Pitch Perfect is formulaic. The script is predictable but is still fun, courtesy its polished and refined direction and editing. The performances are top notch but the heart of the movie resides in the A Capella performances (I am a huge fan of it). The brilliantly mixed versions of the various songs shine out in this affair. It is definitely worth a look. 

Pranit’s Rating: 6.5/10

ROMAN HOLIDAY (1953)

Director:

Wlliam Wyler

Writer:

Ian McLellan Hunter
John Dighton

Starring:

Gregory Peck
Audrey Hepburn
Eddie Albert and others

Roman Holiday is a whimsical tale of princess falling in love with an American newsman. Made in 1953 this movie was path-breaking then and is still very enjoyable courtesy Hepburn's sensational performance. Laced with many memorable scenes, this movie captures the essence of Rome beautifully, culminating in a satisfying and enjoyable movie.

Pranit’s Rating: 7.5/10

THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (1999)

Director:

Anthony Minghella

Writer:

Anthony Minghella
Patrica Highsmith

Starring:

Matt Damon
Jude Law
Gwyneth Paltrow and others

The Talented Mr. Ripley is chilling. Matt Damon is spectacular as Tom Ripley, who is a troubled young man sent to Italy to bring back Jude Law. Law is also very impressive in his short screen time. The direction is very good though the script was a slight let down according to me. Do watch it, especially for the last scene of the movie, which is the best shot one.

Pranit’s Rating: 6.5/10

THE TERMINAL (2004)

Director:

Steven Spielberg

Writer:

Andrew Niccol
Sacha Gervasi

Starring:

Tom Hanks
Catherine Zeta Jones
Chi McBride and others

The Terminal is a movie with a heart. Aided by Hanks best performance to date this movie is a gripping affair and is a must watch. The story is well written and directed. The real hero of this movie excluding Hanks performance  is the chemistry between the unconventional pairing of him and Zeta Jones. Do not miss this one. 

    

Pranit’s Rating: 7/10

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (2002)

Director:

Steven Spielberg

Writer:

Jeff Nathanson
Frank Abignale Jr.

Starring:

Leonardo DiCaprio
Tom Hanks
Christopher Walken and others

Catch Me If You Can is one of Spielberg's best. Agreed that I am not his biggest fan, but I couldn't stop myself from getting engrossed in this beautifully delivered movie. Both Hanks and DiCaprio are top notch. You will have only yourself to blame if you miss this movie. 

    

Pranit’s Rating: 7.5/10

DEPARTURES (2008)

Director:

Yojiro Takita

Writer:

Kundo Koyama

Starring:

Masahiro Motoki
Ryoko Hirosue
Tsutomu Yamazaki and others

Departures is a complete movie, which involves an unemployed cellist who takes the job of preparing the dead for their funerals. The performance of Masahiro Motoki is not exceptional but Ryoko Hirosue and Tsutomu Yamazaki definitely are. Beautifully directed and very well written this movie is a must watch, even though it is a tad predictable. Emotionally stirring and visually breathtaking this movie is film-making at its very best, definitely worthy of the Oscar it received.

    

Pranit’s Rating: 9/10

TAXI DRIVER (1976)

Director:

Martin Scorsese

Writer:

Paul Schrader

Starring:

Robert De Niro
Jodie Foster
Cybill Shepherd and others

Taxi Driver is vintage Scorsese. Brilliantly directed this movie is a beautiful look into the human's psyche especially when it comes to the moribund urban life. Robert De Niro is in smashing form in this particular film. Though the film labours in places, it still makes a compelling watch.  

    

Pranit’s Rating: 7/10

THE DESCENDENTS (2011)

Director:

Alexander Payne

Writer:

Alexander Payne
Jim Rash
Nat Faxon

Starring:

George Clooney
Shailine Woodley
Amara Miller and others

The Descendants is a notch below average. The fact that this movie consists of three script writers is more than mildly surprising considering the sheer lack of a storyline. The most ironical thing about this movie is that the only Oscar it won was for screenplay. The performances no doubt are top notch, but is that reason enough to like this terrible excuse for a movie, well I don't think so. The ultimate decision is in your hands.    

    

Pranit’s Rating: 4/10

AVATAR (2009)

Director:

James Cameron

Writer:

Jamews Cameron

Starring:

Sam Worthington
Zoe Saldana
Sigourney Weaver and others

All of Avatar can be summarized in one line. Boy meets girl, they are from different ethnic backgrounds, parents don't approve, boy fights parents for the girl. I don't see anything spectacular about that. Yes the direction is brilliant and so are the special effects. The script is ridiculously simplistic which makes the movie a no brainer. If you are really interested in stuff like this, watch every alternate Indian movie, because it consists of essentially the same plot line minus the aliens.     

    

Pranit’s Rating: 5/10

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (2011)

Director:

David Fincher

Writer:

Steig Larsson
Steven Zaillian

Starring:

Rooney Mara
Daniel Craig
Christopher Plummer and others

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is a well made movie. The narrative lacks pace in certain parts but otherwise the direction and script are top notch. But the greatest strength of the movie lies in the performance of Rooney Mara. Daniel Craig also shines with his performance but Mara steals his thunder.
   

Pranit’s Rating: 7/10

IN TIME (2011)

Director:

Andrew Niccol

Writer:

Andrew Niccol

Starring:

Justin Timberlake
Amanda Seyfried
Cillian Murphy and others

In Time is a ridiculously lame sci-fi movie. Based on a terribly conceived idea this movie works on only the entertainment level. The performances are passable but the fast paced narrative keeps one interested in this low IQ affair.     

    

Pranit’s Rating: 5/10

MONEYBALL (2011)

Director:

Bennett Miller

Writer:

Aaron Sorkin
Steven Zaillian

Starring:

Brad Pitt
Jonah Hill
Robin Wright and others

Moneyball is a fantastic script and performances oriented movie. Hailing from a country where the only thing remotely close to baseball seen, is cricket, I was initially apprehensive about watching this movie. But once I did watch, I couldn't help but fall in love with the sport and the sheer grit and determination of Billy Beane (Pitt). Do not miss this one      

    

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

THREE COLORS: RED (1994)

Director:

Krzysztof Kieslowski

Writer:

Krzysztof Kieslowski
Krzysztof Piesiewicz

Starring:

Irene Jacob
Jean Louis Trintignant and others

The final movie of  Kieslowski Three Colors trilogy was the best. The direction, which was one of the problems I had with the previous movies of the series, is simply sensational. The story is wonderful and the chemistry between Irene Jacob and Jean Louis Trintignant is amazing. Both the actors do complete justice of their roles. Do not miss this one.

    

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

THREE COLORS: WHITE (1994)

Director:

Krzysztof Kieslowski

Writer:

Krzysztof Kieslowski
Krzysztof Piesiewicz

Starring:

Julie Delpy
Zbigniew Zamachowski and others

The second movie of  Kieslowski Three Colors trilogy was sensational. The characterization was sweet and Zbigniew Zamachowski was simply sensational in his portrayal of Karol Karol. Some scenes of this movie remain with the viewers long after the movie is finished. Brilliantly written this movie is a must watch though it is slightly let down in the directional aspect.

Pranit’s Rating: 7.5/10