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