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

THE MASTER (2012)

Director:

Paul Thomas Anderson

Writer:

Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring:
Joaquin Phoenix
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Amy Adams and others

The Master is a film I am sure most of the audience didn't understand. What is the purpose of all that is being showing? Well this question passed my mind also, many a time but then I realized that the best way to enjoy this movie is not to try and interpret the contents on the screen but to view them an unbiased and open mind. Well you may ask whether this actually did help me or not. To be frank I am not sure. I still consider it to be a character study and it definitely works as that.

The Master for all its incongruity is a movie blessed with one of the most amazing performances in recent times. Joaquin Phoenix is surely my pick for the Oscar's this year. He alters his way of enunciation and walk, which adds depth to his potentially tricky character. Philip Hoffman Seymour is also very good and the scene in which he is calm in the prison while Phoenix is breaking stuff in his prison cell, is brilliantly shot and enacted. Don't go into the movie expecting anything and you will end up enjoying it.

Pranit’s Rating: 7/10