NOW YOU SEE ME (2013)

Director:
Louis Leterrier

Writer:

Ed Soloman
Boaz Yakin

Starring:
Basically everyone the makers could get their hands on and others

Let me get down to the questionable choices made during the course of inception to execution in this movie. The production house decides to hand a movie with an expected budget of 75 million to the guy who bought us the utterly ridiculous Clash Of The Titans.Usually I would say too many cooks spoil the broth for a movie that boasts of many writers and a flaccid script but in this case I don't think anything could have saved it.

The execution of the script though is spot on, if the director was indeed going for a movie with so much style and precious little substance. Kudos to you sir. The first magic act is directed like a X Factor or a Voice episode. The action sequence and the car chase sequence is so terribly edited that it makes you yawn. The only saving grace, direction and editing wise is the sequence just before the car chase, in which Ruffalo and Franco engage in a hand to hand combat.

The actors put up a brave front but ultimately how much of an obnoxious Eisenberg or a "Woody" Harrelson can you tolerate. Personally I loved Ruffalo in Avengers and have been a fan of his since Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, but somehow in this movie his greasy hair and self proclaimed disdain for magic just seemed farce. Even dependable actors like Caine and Freeman sleepwalk through their roles. Honestly I don't know how people could have actually enjoyed this movie.

Pranit’s Rating: 4/10

MUD (2012)

Director:
Jeff Nichols

Writer:

Jeff Nichols

Starring:
Matthew McConaughey
Tye Sheridan
Jacob Loftland and others

Much like the title, the whole experience of watching this movie can be summed up in a word, UNBELIEVABLE. Jeff Nichols is definitely talented, while I am not familiar with his previous work, this movie has me looking forward to them.

Now the story of Mud, is not out of the ordinary but in Nichol's hand the script is elevated to a whole new level. His character building is simply stellar. Matthew McConaughey gives his career's best performance while Tye Sheridan is also impressive. Jacob Loftland is a little weak when compared to the others.

The cinematography is awe inspiring and the way Mississippi river is exceptionally captured. There are certain elements of the script which will leave a smile on your face especially the scene in which Mud (McConaughey) is ready to part away with his gun but not his shirt because he feels the shirt will protect him. Take a bow Mr. Nichols. He has now officially joined my list of favourite directors.  

Pranit’s Rating: 9/10

SMASHED (2012)

Director:
James Ponsoldt

Writer:

James Ponsoldt
Susan Burke

Starring:
Aaron Paul
Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Octavia Spencer and others

Now it is a fact well established that I am a LAZY writer. It's not for lack of ideas, but lack of proper motivation required to follow through. Every once in a while I come across a movie which serves as a perfect catalyst. Smashed is one of them.

It is really surprising as to how easily good movies go unnoticed. Smashed has to be one of the most beautifully directed movies of all time. Each frame is a constant reminder of just how talented Ponsoldt is. The movie is poetry on celluloid.

The characters are well etched out and one cares for them, unlike other movies dealing with alcoholics. Here over the top scenes in which the people realize that alcohol is ruining them, are replaced with scenes in which one just makes an observation and decides to do something about it. Subtlety is an art and Ponsoldt its master.

Now I could go on and on about his direction but that would be unfair to Mary Elizabeth Winstead whose performance is so powerful that it captivates us even hours after the movie. The climax sequence is exquisitely enacted by both the leads (and did I mention beautifully captured somewhere before!). Go and watch this movie. Frankly it's one of the better ways to spend eighty minutes of your life. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of his next, The Spectacular Now.  

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (2013)

Director:
Richard Linklater

Writer:

Richard Linklater
Julie Delpy
Ethan Hawke

Starring:
Ethan Hawke
Julie Delpy and others

Linklater's before trilogy is the best trilogy, period. Like good wine, the story of Celine and Jesse ages beautifully. The level of writing in this particular movie easily surpasses Before Sunset, which I felt reached a level that would be difficult to scale but well Linklater proves me wrong.

A million times better than Bernie, the first one hour of the movie had me smiling foolishly and truly enjoying each and every word out of Delpy and Hawke's mouth. Their dialogue writing is perfect. I felt that delpy was robbed of a worthy nomination in the previous installment but if the same happens again, the jury HAS to be blind.

The serious and deep turn the movie takes towards the later half is something which is necessary but unpleasant. The overall impact of the movie is sublime but I just wish that in this one particular scene (I am not mentioning the exact the scene, but it has something to do with a hotel) Linklater would have been a little more subtle. I am 19 so I virtually grew up with this story and hopefully will continue to enjoy it till death do one of them apart.

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

THE WOLVERINE (2013)

Director:
James Mangold

Writer:

Mark Bomback
Scott Frank

Starring:
Hugh Jackman
Tao Okamoto
Rila Fukushima and others

Frankly, I am at a loss for words because James Mangold has managed to follow up Knight And Day with a movie which is even worse. Hats of the you sir because only you could fail so spectacularly TWICE. I would start praying if it led to you NEVER again attempting to direct an action movie. Mr. Manglod if you keep giving us movies like these we will forget that Walk The Line was also your creation.

Blessed with the "most original" title in a long time, this movie is a colossal waste of time and money. The screenplay is written by two twelve year olds, who feel that it is important to resort to corny dialogue so that the audience doesn't forget that it is a superhero movie after all. The writers are so enamoured by Japanese tradition that they consider it to their right to introduce audience to the way the chopsticks are to be used and the kimono is to be worn.

Jackman is the only thing that keeps this movie together. Other actors including Tao Okamoto and Rila Fukushima are average but considering that it is their first movie their performance is not too bad. Svetlana Khodchenkov (I know the name sounds impressive) is truly terrible. The "so called twist" is as predictable as the outcome of Judd Apatow movies. I would have given this movie nada had it not been for a truly sensational Bullet Train sequence.

Pranit’s Rating: 1/10

BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG (2013)

Director:
Rakesh Omprakash Mehra

Writer:

Prasoon Joshi

Starring:
Farhan Akhtar 
Divya Dutta 
Pawan Malhotra and others

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is Rakesh Omprakash Mehra's(ROM) fourth venture into direction and for the first time he has not written the script and it show because for the first time the usually capable ROM has given us a movie which would be instantly forgettable if not for Farhan Akhtar's performance.

Now the blame mostly goes to Prasoon Joshi as this National award winning writer gives us a script which is high on research and melodrama (when Singh is hurt and runs the race irrespective his bandages come out in slow motion) while it falls painfully short in the department of subtlety, something which one has come to expect from this writer director duo. Some of the blame has to be given to P Bharthi, the editor of the movie as the blatant abuse of slow motion is very off putting and irritating.

Some of the sequences are well shot and conceived for which ROM does get the credit (especially when Milkha Singh trains in Ladakh), but some of the mistakes in the movie are glaring and hard to overlook (in the scene from Milkha's childhood when he is being punished by the teacher along with his friend the flag of Pakistan is visible even though the partition has still not taken place.)

Shankar Ehsaan Loy's music is very forgettable, the only memorable song being Zinda. There are just too many songs in the movie which adds unnecessary breaks into an already incoherent screenplay. Clocking in at 3 hours and 7 minutes this movie is too long by at least half an hour. Farhan Akhtar's performance is the only reason one might want to see this movie. Bhaag Viewer Bhaag away from this movie, if you still want to hold the cherished memory of ROM and Joshi's Rang De Basanti.

Pranit’s Rating: 5/10

LOOTERA (2013)

Director:
Vikramaditya Motwane

Writer:

Bhavani Iyer
Vikramaditya Motwane
Anurag Kashyap

Starring:
Ranveer Singh
Sonakshi Sinha
Vikrant Massey and others

Lootera is director-writer Vikramaditya Motwane's second feature film. Now it is only natural for comparisons to be drawn with Udaan. If I had to pick a movie between the two, I still would say that Lootera is no Udaan but it is still in the same league.

The movie is set in 1953-54. Varun (Singh) is an archaeologist who comes to excavate the ground surrounding a temple in a village called Manikpur. Once there he finds himself drawn to the zamindar's daughter Paki (Sinha). Now the movie is predictable and being inspired from O. Henry's The Last Leaf, the climax could be a bit of a dampener for those familiar with the story. But in the more than capable hands of Motwane the movie is treated with a sense of flair and exemplary vision one seldom gets to see in Indian cinema today.

The movie for all the gorgeous sets, cinematography and background score belongs to the two leads. Singh and Sinha put their best foot forward and their performances elevate the movie to a level so high that it seems unlikely that any other movie will reach it this year making it a front-runner as India's official entry for the 2014 Oscars. Sonakshi Sinha's transitions from bitter to jovial to downright arrogant are seamless. But this move belongs to Ranveer Singh who puts in a performance that is memorable and stays true to the name of the movie as he steals your heart and refuses to let it go even hours after the movie.  

Pranit’s Rating: 8.5/10

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (2013)

Director:
Dan Scanlon

Writer:

Robert L. Baird
Daniel Gerson

Dan Scanlon

Starring:
Billy Crystal 
John Goodman 
and others

Monsters University is a prequel of the brilliant 2001 animated flick Monsters Inc. Now the story pretty much deals with how Mike and Sullivan become the best of friends in college. The voice-overs are top notch and Mike and Sullivan are endearing characters. This movie is very well produced and as expected from Disney and Pixar, the animation is top notch but the place where this particular movie fails is charm.

Now the main reason for this is its script. Even though it is well written, it seems recycled and consists of every college cliche possible. Predictable all the way through this movie lack imagination like some of the recent Pixar movies (read Brave and Cars 2). Dear Pixar we want more movies like Up, Wall E and Ratatouille and less like the ones released in the past two years.

I am not saying that this movie is bad, it is more than watchable and deserves your time. But the sense of deja vu is unmistakable and thus makes the movie more forgettable and less memorable.

Pranit’s Rating: 6.5/10

THE HUNT (2012)

Director:
Thomas Vinterberg

Writer:

Thomas Vinterberg

Tobias Lindholm

Starring:
Mads Mikkelson 
Thomas Bo Larsson
Annika Wedderkopp and others

Thomas Vinterberg's Jagten (The Hunt) is a movie which according to him needed to be made and i concur. His vision is truly mesmerizing and his treatment of a heavy script is light handed and subtle which according to me is the true mark of a great filmmaker.

Now for one the title of the movie is slightly misleading. The Hunt has more of a metaphorical significance than literal. The movie is more of a study of human psyche. The movie unravels slowly but in an assured manner. Mads Mikkelson plays Lucas, a divorcee fighting for the custody of his child Marcus. Now Lucas lives a lonely life till he gets involved with Nadja (Alexandra Rapaport). But his life is turned upside down when an innocent lie gets blown out of proportion.

Now revealing any further plot details will ruin the movie so I will refrain from doing so. Mads Mikkelson is stellar as Lucas and his performance is definitely worthy of an Oscar nomination. The scene in which he attends church on Christmas eve is gut wrenching. He infuses so much into his character that one cannot be blamed if they feel like he is playing himself on screen. Vinterberg's and Lindholm's script is beautifully written and small nuances like Lucas's dog, Fanny always barking on hearing his ex-wife's name are a joy to watch. Even the potshots taken at Lucas's ill fate by his friend Bruun (Lars Ranthe) are in good humour and do add a bit is humour into serious scenes. This movie's final sequence is a testament to Vinterberg's ability to understand human nature. This movie is not to be missed.

Pranit’s Rating: 8.5/10

MYSTIC RIVER (2003)

Director:
Clint Eastwood

Writer:

Brian Helgeland

Starring:
Sean Penn
Tim Robbins
Kevin Bacon and others

Mystic river is a delightful movie in a depressing sort of way. The movie opens with three kids playing ice hockey with a plastic ball, little do the kids know what is in store for them. Soon one of the three kids gets kidnapped.

This is followed by a time jump to when Dave (Tim Robbins), Jimmy (Sean Penn) and Sean (Kevin Bacon) are all grown up. Dave is a stay at home dad married to Celeste (Marcia Gay Harden) who is Annabeth's (Laura Linney) sister. Annabeth is married to Jimmy. Thus Dave and Jimmy have maintained contact over the years. On the other hand Sean is a police officer and has maintained little to no contact with the above two after the incident as kids. What brings these three together is the murder of Jimmy's daughter Katie (Emmy Rossum).

Now this movie is quintessentially a slow-boil thriller which is handled masterfully by Clint Eastwood (of the Letters From Iwo Jima and Changeling fame). His exceptional knowledge and vision are on display here as he tackles sensitive issues of childhood fears with aplomb. His execution is spot on and Helgeland's a revelation. The subtle nuances at display in the movie are the mark of a talented writer.

But according to me, the reason why this movie is my favourite thriller of all time (beating The Silence Of The Lambs) is Tim Robbin's and Sean Penn's performances. They won Oscars for their portrayal of Dave and Jimmy respectively. The scene in which Dave breaks down and recounts the horrific details of his childhood is sensationally acted and elicited chills. This movie reinstates my belief in thrillers and I recommend this movie for all those people who find the corny run of the mill thriller more than mildly annoying.

Pranit’s Rating: 9/10

CIRCUMSTANCE (2011)

Director:
Maryam Keshavarz

Writer:

Maryam Keshavarz

Starring:
Sarah Kazemy
Nikhol Boosheri
Reza Sixo Safai and others

Circumstance is an Iranian movie made by debutant director Maryam Keshavarz. Now what really drew me to this movie was the unconventional plot. Keshavarz is blessed with truckloads of talent but unfortunately that only includes the direction part, her writing is sub standard to say the least. The first thirty minutes keep you interested but after that, the script nosedives into obscurity.

The story revolves around Atafeh (Nikhol Boosheri) and Shireen (Sarah Kazemy) who develop feelings towards one another but blame the "circumstances" for not being able to do much about it. The plot is complicated further with the addition of Atafeh's brother Mehran (Reza Sixo Safai). He has feelings for Shireen and resorts of extreme methods in order to satisfy his needs. The only well written scene comes somewhere within the first thirty minutes of the movie, when Mehran pushes a drug addict he meets in the mosque away, while another man helps him by giving him food. This scene is well captured.

 Keshavarz naivety is apparent from her handling of the scene when the characters talk about dubbing Sean Penn's Milk. The dialogues elicit laughs at the sheer awkwardness with which they are delivered and do not work. Another problem I faced while watching this movie was the risque content. The scenes of intimacy are beautifully captured but they are far too many and it spoils the impact of the movie, which is seductive at first but transcends into senseless glob of amateurish writing.

The performances of the lead actors is commendable considering that most of them including Sarah Kazemy and Nikhol Boosheri are first-timers. It is sad that the people associated with this movie have lost their right to enter Iran but what is even sadder is that they lost it because of a movie that promises much but delivers precious little.

Pranit’s Rating: 5/10

REAR WINDOW (1954)

Director:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:

John Michael Hayes

Starring:
James Stewart
Grace Kelly
Wendell Corey and others

Rear Window is my second Hitchcock and the only conclusion that I have come to is that, I have no clue as to how he is so highly regarded. Firstly the movie has like two to three scenes which is good, direction wise. Then comes the editing of this movie, which feels like the work of a two year old who has just discovered the effect, fade out, and hence incorporates it everywhere, making it a difficult watch.

The acting is fine but the screenplay is a let down. The story revolves around a photographer who is confined to a wheelchair due to a broken leg, and he suspects his neighbour of committing murder As an interesting idea, the movie works but the screenplay is to amateurish and is laced with nothing memorable. James Stewart has a few good dialogues and so does Themla Ritter, but that's all. One is bound to forget the movie as soon as it is over.

Pranit’s Rating: 5/10

KAI PO CHE! (2013)

Director:
Abhishek Kapoor

Writer:

Abhishek Kapoor
Chetan Bhagat

Starring:
Raj Kumar Yadav
Amit Sadh
Sushant Singh Rajput and others

Kai Po Che! is definitely the best movie of this year. The movie is based on Chetan Bhagat's bestseller 3 Mistakes Of My Life. Well firstly I would like to say that I thought this book would have made a drab, boring movie but I was proved wrong by Mr. Kapoor. The cinematography of this movie is one of the best ever. The screenplay steers clear of cliches and ridiculous dialogues, which is a refreshing change. Abhishek Kapoor delivers the second best directed movies of all times (only behind Rang De Basanti). This movie seems so close to his heart, that each reel oozes love, dedication and exceptional vision.

The performances of the leads are very good. The most convincing of the lot is Raj Kumar Yadav as Govind, a smart calculating guy, who is not the biggest fan of taking risks. In one particularly stunning scene his usual calm demeanor is replaced by raw rage. Debutants Amit Sadh (Omi) and Sushant Singh Rajput (Ishan) are also impressive (Sushant being slightly better). Amrita Puri is charming and her romance with Govind is sweet and well crafted. This movie is a masterpiece, don't miss it.

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION (1957)

Director:
Billy Wilder

Writer:

Billy Wilder
Harry Kurnitz

Starring:
Charles Laughton
Tyrone Power
Marlene Dietrich and others

I just can't get enough of Billy Wilder. His direction is stunning, there is no doubt about that, but his writing is at another level all together. His ability to come up with the most ingenious dialogues is what sets him apart from most of the other screenplay writers. This movie revolves around Leonard Vole (played by Tyrone Power) who is being attested for murder. He approaches Sir Wilfrid Robarts to help him stay out of jail.

Now the story has a lot of twists and turns towards the end of the movie and consists of one of my all time favourite male performances in the form of Charles Laughton, who plays Sir Wilfrid Robarts. Tyrone Power is decent but over does it in some parts. Elsa Lanchester also shines in her role of Nurse Plimsoll, a woman hell bent on getting Wilfrid Robarts into prime health as the movie starts with him having just recovered from a minor heart attack. The smart script and execution will keep you interested for the whole 116 minutes running time. Don't miss this one.

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

EASTERN PROMISES (2007)

Director:
David Cronenberg

Writer:

Steven Knight

Starring:
Naomi Watts
Viggo Mortensen
Vincent  Cassel and others

Eastern Promises is Cronenberg's attempt at a Russian Godfather. Cronenberg's intentions are very noble but unfortunately heis given no substance to work with. Steven Knight's writing is amateurish at best and utterly laughable otherwise. The dialogues are layered with cliches and the "apparent" twists in the movies can be seen from a mile out.

The acting department also lets the movie down. Naomi Watts is very average in her rendition of a mid-wife, who is determined to find the relatives of a child whose mother died during her labour. The only saving grace in this movie is Viggo Mortensen who is chilling and his motives are never really clear, which makes his character a tricky one. Apart from him there is nothing really of note in the movie.

Pranit’s Rating: 5/10

THE KID WITH A BIKE (2011)

Director:
Jean-Pierre Dardanne
Luc Dardanne

Writer:

Jean-Pierre Dardanne
Luc Dardanne

Starring:
Thomas Doret
Cecile De France
Jeremie Renier and others

The Kid with a Bike is a queer movie. I am not sure as to what the directors were trying to show with the help of the movie. Thomas Doret's performance was something I wasn't very impressed by. Cecile De France on the other hand delivers a good performance. The script has little to offer in terms of memorable moments. The only scene I particularly enjoyed was towards the end when Doret is presumed dead and the first thing the people who discover him do is to cover their tracks. It is not something I would recommend.

Pranit’s Rating: 5/10

GAME OF THRONES (SEASON 2)

Creators:
David Benioff
D.B. Weiss

Starring:
Lena Headey
Peter Dinklage
Michelle Fairley
Emilia Clarke and many many many more

Game of Thrones Season 2 is much better when compared to the first one. The main reason is the fact that the writers no longer concentrate on showing every character in each episode. Now I particularly enjoyed Peter Dinklage's performance in the first season but in the second season he is way below his best. As a plotting, cunning dwarf he shines but when the writers require him to embody the role of a vulnerable man the  performance is way below par.

Now one just cannot give the gist of a Game of Thrones episode let alone giving the gist of the season. Far better writing is a highlight of this season. This season I would also like to commend George R.R. Martin who is the author of the books and the writer of the best episode of this season, as his imagination is truly mesmerizing. David Nutter and Alan Taylor also excel as directors and the final episode is simply stunning. Alan Taylor, who has been busy directing TV shows has been handed the reins for the next installment of Thor and he thoroughly deserves it. The final two episodes really stand out, do watch this show, you wont be disappointed.  

Pranit's Rating: 8/10

COMPLIANCE (2012)

Director:
Craig Zobel

Writer:

Craig Zobel

Starring:
Ann Dowd
Dreama Walker
Pat Healy and others

Now it is not often, when I am at a loss for words while having to describe a movie (have been out of vocabulary many a time, but never out of words). Well they say there is always a first time. Now Compliance is not your ordinary crime thriller, hell it is not even like an ordinary movie. Just thinking about the topic of the movie makes me shudder.

Inspired by true events this movie makes you think and the directors approach and handling of this tricky topic is what makes the movie better than it is. I don't want to divulge any information so I am going to refrain discussing the plot of the movie. Ann Dowd and Pat Healy really stand out in their respective roles. You really sympathize with Dreama Walker and would hate to be in her place. This movie is an eye opener even though Dowd's character could be branded as a little to dumb but if one places oneself in her place one might have taken the same decision. Give this movie a view, its not great but its not something you are going to forget easily (not in the best way possible!)

Pranit’s Rating: 6.5/10

THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)

Director:
William Friedkin

Writer:

Ernest Tidyman

Starring:
Gene Hackman
Fernando Rey
Roy Scheider and others

The French Connection is a vintage cop movie. Yes, racist potshot are taken for no apparent reason and there is also a scene with the good old cop in standing outside freezing while the bad guy eats a hearty meal but these minor glitches can easily be overlooked courtesy the stunning direction. The opening five minutes of the movie has no sound except the eerie background score. The director builds up the tension, expertly.

The chase sequence involving a train is exceptionally well shot. Most people may have a problem with the fact that for an action movie there is very little action but those who want a realistic portrayal of the work cops have to do will enjoy it. The acting of Gene Hackman is top notch and the supporting cast lends weight to the movie. If you liked End Of Watch you will surely enjoy this one.

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

ARROW (SEASON 1)

Created By:
Andrew Keisberg
Greg Berlanti
Marc Guggenheim

Starring:
Steven Amell
Katie Cassidy
David Ramsey
Susanna Thompson
Paul Blackthorne and others

Arrow is an American action-adventure TV show, which is shot in Canada. It follows the story of Oliver Queen (Steven Amell) who is a playboy billionaire (even if billionaires come in other types, Hollywood is always going to be interested in the ones who are playboys!). In the very beginning Oliver Queen is rescued from an island, where he was shipwrecked for five years. Now the crux of the story revolves around a book Queen receives from his dying father, consisting of names of people to have "wronged" the city. But the far more engaging part of this show is the sub plot, which is a detailed narrative of what all he had to endure on that island.

Now if the show is analysed from the acting perspective, it fails miserably. Steven Amell is a very average actor, but he scores high as an action hero. Katie Cassidy is the most consistent performer in this show and  plays the character of Laurel Lance. Paul Blackthorne plays Detective Quentin Lance, a man hell bent on bringing the vigilante down. David Ramsey plays John Diggle, Queen's "Bodyguard". Susanna Thompson plays Oliver's mother, Moira whose significance increases as the show progresses.

Now the first few episodes were very amateurish. But as the show progressed, so did the writing. Earlier I was just about satisfied with the show but now I find it thoroughly engaging. Give this show a chance, you wont be disappointed.

Pranits Ratings: 7.5/10

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)

Director:
Milos Forman

Writer:

Lawence Hauben
Bo Goldman

Starring:
Jack Nicholson
Louise Fletcher
Michael Barryman and others

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest is a well made movie.  The script is not the best but it is definitely good (Lawence Hauben and Bo Goldman won an Oscar for this but I am not the scripts biggest fan). The movie holds its ground due to the stunning chemistry between Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher. The powerful ending is also a plus point. But the reason I enjoyed this movie for the most part of its running time was because of the performances. Jack Nicholson is terrific as McMurphy. The supporting cast really lend a helping hand in making this movie an engrossing affair. This movie is definitely worthy of your time even though the writing could have been tighter.

Pranit’s Rating: 7.5/10

THE APARTMENT (1960)

Director:
Billy Wilder

Writer:

Billy Wilder
I.A.L. Diamond

Starring:
Jack Lemmon
Shirley MacLaine
Fred MacMurray and others

Now firstly I would like to begin by saluting the greatest director who ever lived aka Billy Wilder. This is my third Wilder movie and his attention for detail never ceases to amaze me. Now the story revolves around an insurance agent called C.C Baxter (played by the stunning Jack Lemmon) who rents out his apartment to senior executives for trysts so as the rise up the ladder faster. All is not well as his "customers" become more demanding and cause him a great deal of discomfort.

This continues till he falls for the gorgeous Fran Kubleik (played by Shirley MacLaine). The rest of the story just involves his attempts to woo her, even though she is obviously interested in Jeff Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray). The screenplay of this movie is layered and tight. The way Wilder ties up every reference in the script towards the end is truly what makes him the best story-teller of all time. The direction is something that I didn't pay attention to (for the first time ever), not from lack of intent but due to the fact that I was simply to busy admiring his writing ability . I dare film-makers to best this masterpiece, as this is definitely the best romantic movie I have ever seen.

Pranit’s Rating: 9/10

DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975)

Director:
Sidney Lumet

Writer:

Frank Pierson

Starring:
Al Pacino
John Cazale
Chris Sarandon and others

Dog Day Afternoon is a very well meaning movie, but sadly I did not enjoy it much. The movie starts of interestingly enough but loses its way in between. The screenplay consists of lots of melodramatic scenes, which seem out of place, considering the lighter nature of the movie as a whole. I am a self professed Pacino cynic and this performance is definitely one of his better ones but I still consider him highly overrated.

I know I don't share the same views as most of the public here but this movie just seems awfully confused to me, even though some scenes are very memorable especially the one in which Pacino brings one of the hostages out and when the detective tells the hostage to come with him, she just says I got my girls in there and thoroughly enjoys the attention she is receiving. Overall the movie didn't real impress me, as it tries a little too hard to be different.  

Pranit’s Rating: 5/10

KRAMER VS. KRAMER (1979)

Director:
Robert Benton

Writer:

Robert Benton

Starring:
Dustin Hoffman
Meryl Streep
Jane Alexander and others

Kramer vs. Kramer is a stunning movie. Now my job out here would be to try and find mistakes with this movie and the only thing it can be faulted of is being spectacular in all walks of film making. The writing is sensational and the performances, well I don't have words in my limited dictionary to describe them.

The story starts with Streep (Joanna Kramer) leaving Hoffman (Ted Kramer) and going away. Hoffman buckles up and looks after their only son, Billy (played exceptionally well by Justin Henry). A year and a half later Joanna realises that she cannot live without her son so she fights for his custody. The end of the movie is not the most unpredictable but it is an icing on the cake.

This movie makes you smile, not because the scene is funny but the directors light handedness when it comes to showing emotional scenes. He does not shy away from manipulating our emotions but what he does is that he brings them out in the most sincere way possible and I truly respect him for that. Kudos to this movie, watch it for an unforgivable cinematic experience.

Pranit’s Rating: 8.5/10

                            

BAD EDUCATION (2004)

Director:
Pedro Almodovar

Writer:

Pedro Almodovar

Starring:
Gael Gracia Bernal 
Fele Martinez
Javier Camara and others

Bad Education is another Almodovar movie made for giving audience the creeps. Yes the movie is based on an interestingly disturbing concept but the inept execution along with Almodovar's love for graphic portrayal of scenes one wouldn't dare to imagine, let alone watch makes this a 'cum'bersome experience (the pun is totally intended). This movie consists of the heavy dosage of sex that Almodovar is so well known for bringing out in his movies. One of the problems I had with the script was that every single person in the movie was either a transvestite or gay. The other was Almodovar's fascination with being overly melodramatic when the scene required to be subtle. All this aside Gael Gracia Bernal gives an Oscar worthy performance playing numerous characters in this movie. The scenes with the child actors are amazing but unfortunately not much else is. I was a fan of Almodovar's style of film-making but this and The Skin I Live In just put me off. I wouldn't recommend this, not in a million years.

Pranit’s Rating: 4/10

CHILDREN OF MEN (2006)

Director:
Alfonso Cuaron

Writer:

Alfonso Cuaron
Timothy J. Sexton and others

Starring:
Clive Owen
Julianne Moore
Michael Caine and others

Children Of Men is an engaging watch courtesy the brilliance of Cuaron (better known for directing Harry Potter and The Prisoner Of Azkaban and Y Tu Mama Tambien ). The script is well paced but what really stood out for me was the direction. Cuaron expertly incorporates small nuances to make it evident that the world is no longer like it is in the present times. Gorgeously disturbing cinematography adds another dimension to the movie, which is set in London in 2027, in a time when humans cannot reproduce. Clive Owen is very good and the supporting cast does pitch in efficiently. Do watch this movie especially for its stunning direction and screenplay.

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10

SPECIAL CHABBIS (2013)

Director:
Neeraj Pandey

Writer:

Neeraj Pandey

Starring:
Akshay Kumar 
Anupam Kher
Manoj Bajpayee and others

Special Chabbis is a deliciously taunt thriller. Aided by a more than able cast this movie is extremely engaging. Brilliantly directed this movie is director-writer Neeraj Pandey's second movie (his follow up to the sensational A Wednesday). The story involves a gang of four con men who pretend to be CBI and IT agents and conduct raids. As they target people with truckloads of black money they are never reported and therefore never caught till the "real" CBI decides to investigate.

As proven by his earlier film, he is more than capable of pulling of a tense thriller, but unlike A Wednesday this movie suffers from one flaw, namely Kajal Agarwal. I am sure that even she does not know as to what her role in the movie is and is therefore delivers a confused and uninspired performance. Pandey could have trimmed the movie by fifteen minutes just by doing away with her character.

Kajal Agarwal aside the movie is perfect and the humour infused into tense scenes works in favour of this movie. The dialogue writing is sharp and the characters are well drawn out. Anupam Kher is truly memorable as Sharma, a con man who is quintessentially a nervous train wreck in real life. Manoj Bajpayee has a perpetual scorn etched to his face and Akshay Kumar delivers a good performance. At the end, after mixing all these ingredients, we have a movie which makes us root for the bad guys in their battle of wits against the good.

Pranit’s Rating: 7.5/10

SUNSET BLVD. (1950)

Director:
Billy Wilder

Writer:

Billy Wilder
Charles Brackett

Starring:
William Holden
Gloria Sawnson
Erich von Stroheim and others

To call Billy Wilder a great storyteller would be an insult to truly the pioneer of the thriller genre. There is one thing common to all Wilder movies, the end of the movie is shown and then the movie progresses to describe as to how one reached that particular ending. Sensationally written this story is about a yesteryear's silent movie actress (Gloria Sawnson) who hires a young screenplay writer (William Holden) to compile a movie she has been writing for years. Swanson is mesmerizing and Holden is charming while the performances of the supporting actors especially Erich von Stroheim and Nancy Olsen are worthy of the Oscar nominations they received.

The screenplay is phenomenal and so is Wilder's direction. The climax sequence is exceptionally executed. One other thing I admire about Wilder is the dialogue writing in his movies. This movie too boasts of great dialogues and the banter between William Holden and Nancy Olsen at a New Years Eve party is truly memorable. This movie does miss the frantic pace of Double Indemnity but it is more than memorable in its own way.

Pranit’s Rating: 7/10

ALMOST FAMOUS (2000)

Director:

Cameron Crowe

Writer:

Cameron Crowe

Starring:
Billy Crudup
Francis McDormand
Kate Hudson and others

Almost Famous is a movie where the saying 'Don't judge a book by its cover' would apply. On the face of it, it seems to be just another movie about a rock band and its ultimate fall from grace but what the viewers actually get is more than they could have asked for. It is a sensationally written coming of age story. It is funny, quirky and easily boasts of one of the best written scripts of all time. Hats off Cameron Crowe.

Now the story revolves about a 15 year old boy who is given the chance of a lifetime to write about an upcoming rock band for Rolling Stone. The movie navigates expertly through all the various places and the characterisation is truly memorable. Kate Hudson gives one of my favourite performances of all time. She plays Penny Lane with cultured class and her charm makes it impossible for a person to hate her. This movie is definitely worth your time, even if that time borders on the 160 minutes mark.

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10