''Little Miss Sunshine'' (2006 movie)- Review

Directed by: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Released: 2006
Country: United States

Genres: Comedy-drama, Adventure

Cast: Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Alan Arkin, Steve Carell, Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

''Little Miss Sunshine'' is about a dysfunctional family that has to drive 800 miles to reach a beauty pageant. The journey brings them across a lot of incidences: sad revelations, tragic incidences, yet the unity that is the basis of all families will bind them together.

The above description may make you think that '"Little Miss Sunshine'' is a very serious film. It absolutely isn't! ''Little Miss Sunshine'' is in fact a bright, gentle comedy-drama that may not make us laugh aloud all time, but it gives a smile. It is an emotional, a charmingly delightful, heartwarming, and funny film.

The aforementioned family consists of the father, Richard (Greg Kinnear), who is a serious man and often starts saying unpleasant things. The mother, Sheryl (Toni Colette). The son, Dwayne (Paul Dano), who has not spoken for nine months. And the charming and cute daughter, Olive (Abigail Breslin), who dreams of winning a beauty pageant one day. And then there is the Grandpa (Alan Arkin), who coaches Olive so that she can participate in the pageant. 

Sheryl's brother, Frank (Steve Carell), is discharged from the hospital, having been hospitalized for attempted suicide. We get to know about the family as Frank comes to know how things have changed during the time when he was absent.

Olive gets qualified for a beauty pageant, ''Little Miss Sunshine'', and for participating in it, the family has to drive from New Mexico to California. Richard thinks that winning in the main thing... and Olive can participate only if she is confident that she can win. Olive is confident... And then the family decides that they will be driving to California!

But this drive will change the life for the members of the family. For some, it will help them to reveal their emotions and warmth. For some, it will bring painful revelations. For some, it will bring tragedy. But this journey will help them learn a lot, will help them to forget the disdain they have for each other and bring back the warmth and unity in them.

There are several themes and messages in this film. The one that I found most touching is that no matter who leaves you, no matter who abandons you, disrespects you, family will always be there for you. It was really touching.

A real loser is someone who's so afraid of not winning he doesn't even try.- this is what Olive's grandfather tells her. It is one of the main messages of the film.

 The film was also very funny, very hilarious, with funny dialogues and funny, often unexpected incidences. I found the scene where the horn of the car breaks really very funny (and what the policeman found when he came to check the car!). Then there was Olive's performance in the contest. And Olive's response when she is asked where her grandpa is.  The film has a blend of emotional moments and really very funny moments. 

And now for the characters. The characters were deep and well-written. The performances were very remarkable. Abigail Breslin, as the little Olive, was really good.

''Little Miss Sunshine'' is a gentle, hilarious, delightful, touching film. Very good film with a splendid depth and message.

4.5 out of 5



 

''Gigi'' and ''The Wizard of Oz''- Movie Reviews

Gigi (1958 movie)

Directed: Vincent Minnelli
Released: 1958
Country: United States

Genre: Musical romantic comedy

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review

Gigi is an amusing, cheerful, lighthearted musical comedy. I enjoyed every minute of it. It was so entertaining and funny! The plot centers around Gigi, a teenaged girl who lives with her mother and grandmother. Her mother is an opera singer, and we never see her (but we do hear her voice). It is Gigi's grandmother who takes care of her. Besides going to school, Gigi is further educated by her great aunt, Alicia, who gives her lessons on becoming a courtesan, lessons that are difficult and need a lot of patience.

Gaston Lachaille is a young, successful man who finds everything in life boring. He is very close to Gigi and her grandmother. One weekend, Gaston takes Gigi and her grandmother to the seaside, for holidays. Gigi and Gaston's relationship gradually becomes stronger, and realizing this, grandmother and Aunt Alicia start giving more emphasis in Gigi's training to become a lady, hoping that someday Gaston will ask her hand in marriage. However, there is Gaston's fame and notoriety, and Gigi's immaturity and working class background. Despite intensive training from Aunt Alicia, it is obviously not possible for Gigi to completely change her manners and attitude. Will these be a barrier to their relationship?

Gigi was really very funny and fully entertaining! It was so lighthearted and charming! The screenplay, situations, and dialogues were humorous and witty. While the songs were not that much memorable, they were really impressive as well! The performances were really very impressive. Leslie Caron (as Gigi), Louis Jourdan (as Gaston), Maurice Chevalier (as Honore Lachaille), Hermine Gingold (as Gigi's grandmother), and Isabel Jeans (as Aunt Alicia)- all of them gave such excellent performances. The characters were wonderful and funny. Overall, ''Gigi'' was an entertaining and funny musical comedy, witty and charming!

4 out of 5

The Wizard of Oz (1939 movie)

Directed by: Victor Fleming
Released: 1939
Country: United States

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Musical, Drama

Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, Clara Blandick, Charley Grapewin

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review
 
Oh, how I love The Wizard of Oz! It had been a long, long time since I last watched the film! I read the book in March 2013, and since then, I have been eager to watch the film again.

The first few scenes and the last scene are filmed in sepia, but the time that Dorothy, the protagonist, spends in the land of Oz, are filmed in brilliant color. Dorothy is a girl who lives with her uncle and aunt in a farm. A vicious neighbor, Miss Gulch, threatens to take away her dog, Toto, from her, because the dog regularly disturbs her. Dorothy yearns to get away from the farm, to somewhere magical, wonderful...

Suddenly, a twister carries Dorothy and Toto, along with the house, to the land of Oz. There, she is warmly greeted by the Munchkins, who are grateful to her because her house had fallen on the Wicked Witch of the East, killing her. However, the Wicked Witch of the West, the dead Witch's sister, now wants to capture Dorothy, because she (Dorothy) has the red slippers previously owned by the dead witch... Dorothy wants to return home, to Kansas. She is told to follow a path made of yellow bricks, to the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. On her way, she comes across a Tin Man looking for a heart, a Scarecrow looking for a brain, and a Lion looking for courage. They decide to go to the wizard together.

However, the Wicked Witch of the West is looking for Dorothy...

I just LOVED The Wizard of Oz! It was so beautiful, so colorful, so lively! It was filled with charming songs. And oh the sceneries, the production design, the sets- they were just BEAUTIFUL!

Dorothy comes to draw parallels between the people whom she meets in Oz, and the people whom she knows in real life. For example, she imagines the Wicked Witch of the West as Miss Gulch, the vicious neighbor who wants take her dear little dog, Toto, away from her. And she finds similarities between her three companions and three friendly workers of the farm.

The farewell scene was really very emotional and touching... The performances were brilliant. Judy Garland, as Dorothy was amazing. Ray Bolger (as the Scarecrow), Bert Lahr (as the Lion), Jack Haley (as the Tin Man) and Frank Morgan (as the Wizard) were amazing! Margaret Hamilton was brilliant as the Wicked Witch of the West.

The Wizard of Oz is certainly a very delightful, wonderful film!!! It's so magical and charming. The most memorable things about this film are the set decoration, colorful backgrounds and cinematography, dialogues, and some of the songs.

5 out of 5

''The African Queen'' (1951 movie)- Review

Directed by: John Huston
Released: 1951
Country: United States, United Kingdom

Genres: Adventure drama, War, Romance

Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Katherine Hepburn, Robert Morley

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

The African Queen shows a lot of promise when it starts, and it definitely fulfills all the promises. It's an absolutely amazing, thrilling and tense adventure romance film!

Rose Sayer (Katherine Hepburn) and her brother, Samuel, live in Africa. World War I starts, and the German soldiers start burning the house of the village. Samuel dies because of the shock that he receives, witnessing these incidences. The place is no longer safe. Rose starts a journey on a boat named ''African Queen'', along with the boat captain Charles Allnut (Humphrey Bogart), who drinks a lot. They begin a dangerous and thrilling journey, their aim being to destroy Queen Louisa, a German ship. A dangerous journey that makes them encounter waves, rocks,  leeches, and love.

This film was tense, thrilling, adventure packed, romantic, humorous, with EXCELLENT performances from Hepburn and Bogart. I liked both the main characters, especially Hepburn's character, who was brave, adventure loving, and curious. There are also many funny scenes (one of the scenes I found funniest was the scene where Bogart's character mocks the sound of the animals). And sometimes it gets sad and shocking, such as the scene with the mosquitoes. It was also sometimes touching, especially at the last few scenes. The screenplay was excellent, humorous at times, adventurous at times, thrilling at times. Overall, The African Queen is an excellent film!

  

''The Bridge on the River Kwai'' (1957 movie)- Review

Directed by: David Lean
Released: 1957
Country: United States , United Kingdom

Genres: War, Drama, Adventure

Main cast: William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa, James Donald

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
 
Review

Lieutenant Colonel Nicholson is a stubborn and firm character, and so is his rival, Colonel Saito. David Lean's The Bridge on the River Kwai, is set during the World War II in a Japanese camp for prisoner-of-wars. This is not a violent war film; the war violence is really mild and the overall presentation is not violent at all, yet it is an intense film, and sometimes, overpowering.

Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa) has the orders to complete a bridge by a due date. He orders all the prisoners, including even the officers, to work on the bridge. But Lieutenant Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) says that employing officers in such manual labor is strictly prohibited. But Colonel Saito is stubborn and firm in his decision. And so is Nicholson. And when Nicholson orders his officers not to join in the work, Saito keeps them all (including Nicholson) locked up.

But as mentioned, Nicholson can be extremely stubborn as well. He won't give up his decision. And finally, after a rather long time, Saito agrees, because he has to complete the bridge in time. And if such inconvenience and disagreement continues, there would be more and more delay on the work.

Meanwhile, Commander Shears (William Holden) manages to escape from the camp. Soon, he manages to arrive in Ceylon. There, Major Warden asks him to help them to destroy the bridge that is being built. And after some hesitation, Shears agrees. 

On the other hand, in the camp, Nicholson is working wholeheartedly and co-operating with Saito to build the bridge. And he is working with all his spirits. When asked by someone why he is working so hard on the bridge, Nicholson says that he wants to prove to the Japanese that they will never be able to break the spirits of the British. And one day, after the war, when trains will run over the bridge, people will know that the bridge was made by British soldiers, not by slaves of a prisoner-of-war camp.

The hard work of the prisoners in building the bridge, and the mission of Major Warden, Shears and the others with them, to destroy the bridge- is shown together, is merged together. The adventures of Warden and Shears and the others with them is very well told through the well-created situations and beauty, remarkable cinematography, locations, and score.

The very first scene, where a prisoner-of-war bribes a Japanese Commander so that the latter enlists him as sick (so that he doesn't have to participate in the constant manual labor), made me really very interested in the film. There was something so very remarkable about the storytelling, that it became very engrossing. So excellently acted and written and directed, the film sometimes can become overpowering. It remains engrossing throughout. One of the most memorable scenes is  the scene after Colonel Saito changes his mind. The joy of the prisoners after hearing this declaration was so beautiful, so well-written. The climax is slightly disturbing yet can be so very emotional and intense!

Alec Guinness does justice to the character. The stubbornness, the firm determination of the character, all these are really very well-acted by Guinness. Also remarkable are William Holden, Jack Hawkins and Sessue Hayakawa.

The Bridge on the Rivers Kwai was an engrossing film throughout. Not my favorite war film, but I did love it.

4.5 out of 5
 

''ParaNorman'' and ''The 39 Steps''

ParaNorman (2012 movie)

Directed by: Sam Fell, Chris Butler
Released: 2012
Country: United States

Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jodelle Micah Ferland, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, Jeff Garlin, Elaine Stritch

Genres: Comedy horror, Adventure, Fantasy, Family

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review

Norman is a boy with an unusual quality: he can communicate with dead people, including his late grandmother. His parents don't appreciate this quality. He is bullied at school, being called a ''freak''.  He learns in school about a person who was accused of being a witch, three centuries ago. The ''witch'' gave a terrible curse to the seven people who had accused her, causing them to become living deads (zombies).

One day, Norman comes across his elderly and strange uncle Prerderghast, who tells him that since he can communicate with dead people, only he can save the town from the zombies by keeping the curse under control. Norman is puzzled, but after the sudden death of Prenderghast, his (Prenderghast's) ghost visits him, giving him instruction about how to keep the curse under control.

How can Norman control such a terrible curse, all by himself? There follows twists, perils, revelations, and humor.

ParaNorman was a fun watch. I liked the overwhelming humor, the comedic horror elements, the twist, and the truth. The voice actors do a great job. The visuals are also great. The scene I loved most was the final confrontation between the ''witch'' and Norman. It was superbly designed, and the scene following this, the scene at the forest, was also beautiful. Overall, it was a light and refreshing film.

3.5 out of 5

The 39 Steps (1935 movie)

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Released: 1935
Country: United Kingdom

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

Main cast: Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, Lucie Mannheim, Godfrey Tearle, Peggy Ashcroft, John Laurie, Helen Haye, Wylie Watson

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review

Before he moved to Hollywood in 1939, Alfred Hitchcock, one of my favorite directors of all time, made many films in Britain, almost none of which are particularly remembered as his great movies. However, two of his British films, The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes, are often considered among his great films. The 39 Steps is often considered to be one of the first movies where Hitchcock showed his common elements: the excellent suspense mixed with humor, the man struggling to prove his innocence, and one of the very memorable features of his films, the blonde heroine. This is the film where Hitchcock introduced a blonde heroine who is found in many of Hitchcock films.

In the midst of the chaos that suddenly start in a music hall,  a man named Richard Hannay meets a strange and mysterious woman who looks very afraid and requ

ests Hannay to take her to his home. Hannay, though puzzled at the woman's attitude, does so. There, the woman introduces herself  as Annabella Smith demands absolute security and solitude, and tells Hannay that she is working to unravel spies who are going to smuggle a secret very valuable to the country. But because of her work, the spies are wanting to kill her. Hannay doesn't know whether to believe her or not, but nevertheless shelters her. Late at night, when he is sound asleep, Annabella rushes to him, apparently having been stabbed by the spies, and soon dies. Hannay, confused what to do, decides to go to Scotland, where Annabella was supposed to meet somebody important. Meanwhile, word gets around that it was Hannay who killed Annabella. Now Hannay can prove his innocence in only a single way: he has to expose the spies who are planning to smuggle the secret out of the country.

Alfred Hitchcock's excellently directed film really fascinated me. I hadn't watched a Hitchcock movie for a while (the last I'd watched was Notorious, back in April), so it was great to return to his movies! I liked the depth of the situation and the characters. Madeleine Carrol, who played the first ever blonde heroine in Hitchcock films, gives a very remarkable performance. Overall, it is an enjoyable, suspenseful film and one of the earliest marks of the greatness that Hitchcock would be showing in future with such great films as Vertigo, Psycho, The Birds, Strangers on a Train, and Shadow of a Doubt.

4 out of 5

''Just Beyond That Forest'' ''The Impossible'' and ''The Host''- Reviews

Just Beyond That Forest (1991 movie)

Directed by: Jan Lomnicki
Released: 1991
Country: Poland

Genres: War drama

Rating: 3 out out of 5

Review

I was quite interested about this film after reading the summary, thinking if it is not great, at least it would be a satisfying and emotional experience. Bu

t this film was not what I had expected. It was not as good as I had thought it would be. It had it's moments, but had several drawbacks as well. The story is about an Aryan woman, Kuglawcova, who once used to work as a washerwoman for the Sterns, a Jewish family. In 1942, Mrs Stern calls her to Warsaw Ghetto, and requests her to take her daughter, Rutka, to a safe residence with a Christian family. Though she initially argues, later she agrees when Mrs Stern gives her expensive dresses and jewelries. Rutka poses as Kuglawcova's granddaughter, and together they start their journey. Kuglawcova's feelings towards Rutka soon becomes deeper; they form a warm and intimate friendship, and amidst the danger of being caught by Gestapos, they walk amidst the forests, with the goal of safely reaching the place they are heading towards, and now Kuglawcova is even prepared to risk her life for the girl.

The story and concept is good, but the screenplay and presentation wasn't as good as I had expected. The beginning and the early parts, were quite good, and it kept me interested in the film. But however, then it had a lot of problems. For example, the length. Despite building up an interesting situation, the short length actually prevented the film from becoming something really good and deep. It could have been much, much better. Also, the conclusion leaves a lot of questions. If only it had been slightly deeper with a better screenplay, it would have been far more memorable.

But however, what it has is quite powerful. And it didn't bore me or made me think it a
 terrible movie. It was an average film, and had the potentiality to be more, much more better.

 The Impossible (2012 movie)

Directed by: Juan Antonio Bayona
Released: 2012
Country: Spain

Genres: Drama, History

Main cast: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin, Oaklee Pendergast

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review

Juan Antonio Bayona's ''The Impossible'' is a vividly disturbing, effective, and realistic film, and it's surely one of the best films of 2012. The story, set in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, gives us a vivid portrait about the tragedies and horrors that can happen as a result of such natural disasters.

The story centers around a family who have come on a vacation to Thailand, and fall victims to the tsunami. The mother, Maria (played by Naomi Watts, the character is based on María Belón) and her oldest son Lucas (Tom Holland) manage to survive, and are soon escorted to a hospital. Unknown to them, the father, Henry (Ewan McGregor) and the younger sons, Thomas and Simon, have also survived, and Henry is desperately searching for Lucas and Maria. The family is separated, but their emotional bondage stands powerful against the horrors of the outcomes of the tsunami. Will they be reunited?

The film gives us a picture of the horrific outcomes of natural disasters like the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Along with this, the emotional unity of the family shown in this film is beautiful. How families can be so terribly impacted by these terrible natural disasters like this, is skilfully portrayed in this film. The screenplay is extremely powerful, and the performances are excellent. Naomi Watts, for example, is excellent (she always is, such a talented actress). Ewan McGregor, whom I first saw in Tim Burton's Big Fish, is excellent. More mentionably, young Tom Holland gives a terrific performance.

Overall The Impossible is an excellent film, giving us a vivid portrait of the terrible outcomes of such natural disasters; it is a very skilfully made film.

The Host (2013 movie)

 Directed by: Andrew Niccol
 Released: 2013
 Country: United States

Main cast: Saoirse Ronan, Jake Abel, Max Irons, Chandler Canterbury, Frances Fisher, Diane Kruger, William Hurt, Boyd Holbrook, Scott Lawrence, Emily Browning

Genres: Sci-Fi, Romantic-drama, Adventure, Action

Rating: 2 out of 5

Review

The Host was one of the 2013 films that I had been eagerly waiting to watch. I had loved the original novel written by Stephenie Meyer. I don't like Twilight, but I simply loved the novel The Host. But I must say that the 2013 film adaptation disappointed me. Really disappointed me. Now, I try never to judge a film according to the original novel or story or play. If I do that, it would be judging the film as an adaptation, not the overall film itself. But I must say that The Host is disappointing not only as an adaptation, but also as a film itself.

The Host is a weak film, first of all. First I would discuss the storyline (which is great; but it just wasn't presented nicely). Set in a future, the earth has been invaded by an alien species, called ''Souls''. They are parasitic aliens, and they are inserted in a human host. Human race is nearly extinct (as their bodies have been occupied by the souls), and the few surviving humans are in hiding.

A human, Melanie Stryder (played by Saoirse Ronan) is captured, and a soul, Wanderer, is inserted into her body. Wanderer finds out that her host is resisting; that the host still exists. The Seeker (Diane Kruger) wants Wanderer to go through the memory of the human body, and give her information about the hiding humans. But however, Wanderer has grown to love the humans in Melanie's memory: Melanie's lover, Jared, and her brother, Jamie. So, she, with the help of Melanie, sets out to search for Jared and Jamie. She finally reaches the hiding place, where many other humans besides Jamie and Jared are hiding as well. But none trusts Wanderer, nobody believes that Melanie is still with her. Meanwhile, Wanderer falls in love with Ian, one of the hiding humans. Jared and Melanie, on the other hand, deeply love each other. What will happen? On the other hand, the Seeker is searching for Wanderer and the humans... Wanderer's innocent presence sadly poses a threat to the humans.
 
I love the storyline. I loved the original novel. I loved the depth. But however, the screenplay of this adaptation was just not okay. It had little depth in it. Melanie's loud voice in Wanderer's head made thing unintentionally funny. The voice was supposed to be somewhat different; not funny at least! Saoirse Ronan, one of my favorite actresses, gives a good performance, but the problem is, her character is not well-written. No character is well-written, to tell the truth. Almost none of the scenes have the depth to make it a good film. The love triangle has none of the depth and sweetness found in the original novel. The effects and cinematography, on the other hand, are quite good.  

That doesn't mean it was a terrible movie. The Host had it's moments; at least, they were not cliched like Twilight. The Host did have some effectively emotional moments, for example, the last few scenes. Finally, for those who haven't read the novel, this film might seem slow and boring and ridiculous; on the other hand, those who read the novel (and loved it) will find this film to be disappointing. On the whole, it's a not a recommended film.

 
  

''Inception'' (2010 movie)- Review

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Released: 2010
Country: United States, United Kingdom

Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Main cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Lewitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Wantabe, Dileep Rao, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Marion Cotillard

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

I have just finished watching Christopher Nolan's ''Inception'', and it would be rather difficult for me to put in words how much I liked the movie. Seriously, I loved it. Action is never a genre fine with me, but Christopher Nolan presents a conception so unforgettable, and also presents it to us with a very sharply brilliant screenplay and direction- Inception is without a doubt one of the best films from 2010.

The conception is excellent. Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) can learn about other people's thoughts and ideas by entering their dreams. Now, he is given an extremely difficult and almost impossible task of imposing a new idea on a person by means of controlling and designing his dream. This task is known as ''inception''. He is asked to plant the idea to Robert Fischer, whose father is in his deathbed, of breaking his father's company. If Robert takes over the company, then within a short time he would be taking over half of the world's energy. Because of it's difficulty, Cobb initially denies to do this, but he is said that if he manages to do this task, he can return to his two children, to whom he is prevented to return because it is suspected that he had killed his wife. Desperate to reconcile with his two children, Cobb agrees to this plan, and, along with some people, gets on to work on the idea. Their plan is to build layers of dreams- dream within dream within dream, to plant the idea on Robert's mind.

Ariadne (Ellen Page), the architect who is in charge of designing the dream, soon comes to know that Dom still makes himself dream about his late wife, Mal (Marion Cotillard), and that he has many past secrets that are later revealed, in course of the film. Meanwhile, they go on with their plan, but the dead Mal haunts Cobb, bringing a conflict between dream and reality, and the past flashed, guilt revealed, obstacles and...

Christopher Nolan's screenplay and direction are both extraordinary. The only other Nolan film that I've seen is ''The Prestige'', which I found to be extremely irritating. ''The Prestige'' was filled with so much complicated elements that it made me lose my interest in the subject matter and feel no interest in knowing the climax. Anyways, ''Inception'' is brilliant, far too better from ''The Prestige''. ''Inception'' also deals with a complicated- in fact very complicated subject matter- but the presentation is so brilliant that it kept me engrossed and interested in it.

Leonardo DiCaprio's acting as Cobb, a cool-headed man with a past, secret, and guilt, is beyond remarks. Joseph Gordon-Lewitt is excellent. Ellen Page gives an excellent performance, as usual. Cillian Murphy, as Robert Fischer, is really good. 

Technically, the cinematography and editing are two other memorable elements of this film. The action scenes are well-constructed and well-written, and nothing crosses limit, which is one of the thing which makes an action film better. Continuous action scenes without art gives me headaches- I had hated ''Transformers''. Well, it's funny that I'm mentioning ''Transformers'', since there is no resemblance between ''Transformers'' and ''Inception''. But, I have not seen too many action films and I need something to compare it with! Anyways, getting back to the topic, the fight scenes in ''Inception'' are well-written and well-made. The background music is pleasant but not memorable.

Inception makes us enter in the world of dreams,  demanding our complete attention so that we can understand the overall subject matter. It's not a film to be missed.

4.5 out of 5

 

''Life of Pi'' (2012 movie)- Review

Directed by: Ang Lee
Released: 2012
Country: United States

Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Adil Hussain, Rafe Spall

Genres: Adventure, Drama

Rating: 3 out of 5

Review

There can be no arguing in the fact that ''Life of Pi'' is a visual beauty. The striking cinematography, and the wonderful visual effects are so very beautiful. Other than this, almost no other thing about this movie impressed me. I found it to be a, umm... nothing special film at most times. While I was watching it, at most times, I could feel it's beauty. But next, by the time an hour and a half or so had gone, it felt a really, umm, average movie.

Why is it so? ''Life of Pi'' had no impact on me, the heartwarming tale of the unlikely and surprising companionship between a tiger and a boy may be good, but it seemed neither special nor touching to me. I don't find problems with the length, it is 2 hours long, but many great movies have length that is more than 2 hours. I felt ''Life of Pi'' to be not only far from being great, but also to be nothing really special.

What are the frequent fantasies meant to be? Why are the storm scenes so long, so extended? Couldn't they be short? Of course, they could be, and apparently it would have been a slightly better movie. I don't agree to the widespread acclaim the film is getting. It is certainly a beautiful-looking picture that can be charming at times, but ultimately, it left me with mixed feelings.

''Life of Pi'' is a visual beauty

Most of the film is told in a flashback as the adult Pi Patel (Irrfan Khan) narrates the tale of his survival in the sea after a shipwreck, and also explains the surprising fact that during the days when he struggled with the sea for survival, his only companion was a tiger with whom he formed a companionship.

The first parts of the movie can be delightfully entertaining as Pi Patel and his family is shown. His father was the owner of a zoo. One day, his father is forced to sell the zoo for some problems and the family has to move to Canada. While they are on their way to Canada on a ship, a terrible storm starts in the sea, and ultimately, after the shipwreck, because of circumstances, Pi is trapped in the middle of the sea and he is in a lifeboat with a fierce tiger, Richard Parker. Then begins a tale of survival, struggles, and an unlikely friendship.

The film impressed and entertained me at the first parts. Occasionally it was scary and thrilling when the tiger suddenly growled. And it was entertaining. The film is really an exceptionally well-made one. The stunning cinematography, and the beautiful scores are too much excellent. Visual beauty of this film is noteworthy. The editing is so excellent.

But overall, despite the touching elements in the film, it didn't have much impact on me. I wasn't very touched. It might be an excellently-made film, but I found it to be just an average entertainer.

3 out of 5

127 Hours (2010 movie)- Short Review

Directed by: Danny Boyle
Released: 2010
Country: United Kingdom, United States

Genres: Biographical, Adventure, Drama, Thriller

Main cast: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, Clémence Poésy

Rating: 5 out of 5

Short Review

Intense, emotional and touching, Danny Boyle's ''127 Hours'' tells a true story. And truly, it's one of the most emotional, most impressive movies about a true story of survival. It has an excellent screenplay, and with the excellent background music, stunningly great cinematography, great performances (especially by the lead actor, James Franco), and truly excellent editing, it can easily be said as among the best movies of 2010. It tells the story of Aron Ralston, a young man, who, while canyoning, gets trapped. One of his arms get trapped in a big rock. He cannot move. He cannot escape. Thus begins his journey of survival. How will he survive? How? Throughout the film, he thinks that he would die soon, but his efforts to escape and survive doesn't end. He tries and tries. Along with this, he records something in his camera, thinking someone would send it to his parents if he dies. Along with this, there are beautiful flashbacks of his childhood, youth, family life, along with memories of his girlfriend. There are several other supporting characters, but they just remain mere supporting characters. For example, two lost hikers (played by Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara). Aron's girlfriend Rana (played by Clémence Poésy, who appeared as Fleur Delacour in the Harry Potter film series) is present in flashbacks.t   Impressive, powerful, and engrossing, and Often intense, ''127 Hours'' is a beautifully-told movie. It is a must-watch. 

Note: The film is very intense and is rated 'R' for ''language and some disturbing violent content/ bloody images.''

''Alice in Wonderland'' (2010 movie)- Review

Directed by: Tim Burton
Released: 2010
Country: United Kingdom, United States

Genres: Adventure, Family, Fantasy

Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska,  Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas, Michael Sheen, Stephen Fry, Christopher Lee

Rating: 3 out of 5

Review

Tim Burton's ''Alice in Wonderful'' is visually fantastic. It has delightful visual effects, and the sets are remarkable. It is quite pleasant, with wonderful and amazing elements that makes us like the film, but overall, it just remains a good movie, not something special.

The film's events take place thirteen years after the events of Lewis Carroll's famous novel ''Alice in Wonderland". Alice is seen as a nineteen-year-old girl who has forgotten her trip to the Wonderland, and often has dreams about the trip, which she describes as "nightmares". As Alice, Mia Wasikowska is simply fascinating.

Alice's mother, Helen, wants her to marry Hamish, but she doesn't know if she wants to marry him. While Hamish proposes to her, she notices a rabbit going to a hole, she follows the rabbit and falls into the hole. Through a tiny door, she enters the Wonderland once again (after reducing her height!). She sees strange creatures, who claim her to be ''The Alice''. She believes it to be simply a dream.

Slowly, she comes to learn that the place is being ruled by a tyrant ruler named Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), who seized the throne from her sister the White Queen (played by Anne Hathaway).  Alice is told that she is destined to slay the Red Queen's Jabberworky. The creatures in the Wonderland argue if it is the right Alice. Meanwhile, the evil Red Queen comes to learn that Alice has arrived...

When Alice enters the Wonderland, it seems indeed a beautiful green wonderland. But slowly, it turns out to be desolate and dark. The area around the Red Queen's palace doesn't seem pleasant, indicating her evilness. While, on the other hand, the comparative beauty around the White Queen's palace represents her moral values.

The Red Queen is simply tyrant, and is cruel to both animals and humans. She beheads anyone who displeases her. She is herself an unpleasant character with a big head, and Alice describes her as ''perfectly horrid''. Helena Bonham Carter's performance is fascinating as the antagonist. Anne Hathaway plays the White Queen, whom everybody wants to come back at the Queen. She is beautiful, kind, and good (though a bit weird!).

Johnny Depp plays Hatter, an expert in making hats. He once used to make hats for the White Queen. He's a major character in the film. He is a pleasant fellow, and remains Alice's friend throughout the film. Unlike others, he recognized Alice as the right Alice the moment he saw her. Matt Lucas plays Tweedledee and Tweedledum, jesters in the Red Queen's court (but however, they secretly support the White Queen).

We hear the voices of Alan Rickman (as Absolem, a Caterpillar), Michael Sheen (as the White Rabbit), Timothy Spall (as Bayard, a bloodhound), Stephen Fry (as the Chesire Cat), and many others. All these characters are animated.

In minor roles, there is the presence of Martin Csokas and Lindsay Duncan as Alice's parents, Jemma Powell as Alice's sister Margaret, Leo Bill as Hamish, Tim Piggott-Smith and Geraldine James as Hamish's parents, and Frances de la Tour as the unmarried middle-aged aunt of Alice.

As with other Tim Burton's movies, the cinematography deserves special praise. Music by Danny Elfman is also quite good. 

The story and screenplay are both fine, but the movie doesn't become that much memorable because though it is interesting and engrossing, it is, somewhat, a bit clumsy. But that doesn't mean that it is boring. Not a single moment in the film is boring. It is just that, despite of the wonderful visuals, excellent cast all of whom give good performances, and good screenplay, the film remains just a good experience.

Tim Burton's ''Alice in Wonderland'' is visually wonderful, and is a good movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Though it is not as good as his great films like ''Edward Scissorhands'', ''Big Fish'' or ''Sweeney Todd'', it is still very enjoyable, quite good, and overall, entertaining!

3 out of 5!

"Big Fish'' (2003 movie)- Review

Directed by: Tim Burton
Released: 2003
Country: United States

Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Cast: Albert Finney, Ewan McGregor, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Marion Cotillard, Danny DeVito, Steve Buscemi, David Denman, Deep Roy, Ada Tai, Arlene Tai, Matthew McGrory

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

I had the idea that ''Big Fish'' would be good before I saw it, as all of Tim Burton's movies have impressed me more or less. But I didn't had the slightest idea that it would be so good. In fact, it's an excellent movie, and certainly among the best movies that Tim Burton has directed. Capable of bringing smile and tears at the same time, and having an amazing story and screenplay with an extremely awesome and touching ending, this film will always remain memorable.

''Big Fish'' is completely unpredictable. It is a beautiful film directed by Tim Burton, and it is truly so very impressive. It impressed me more than ''Edward Scissorhands'' did.

Will Bloom is a man who, as a child, had been amazed by the amazing bedtime stories his father, Edward used to tell him. Those stories had been about the adventures of Edward as a young man. One of the most prominent of his stories was how he caught a big fish the day Will was born. Now Will has grown up, and thinks his father's stories are mostly lies, thinking his father had hardly told anything true to him. Nevertheless, the people who hear the stories love them.

On his wedding day, Will gets angry at his father for repeating the story he thinks imaginary, and they stop talking. Three years later, Will comes to learn that his father is dying. He and his wife Josephine immediately go to his parent's home.

Will tries to learn much more about his father's life. Through a series of flashbacks, we see the charming adventures of Edward as a young man.

Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor bring the character of Edward Bloom to life. While the adventures of the character are fascinating and make the film interesting, the two actors, playing the older and younger versions of Edward Bloom, contribute to make the character remarkable. Edward Bloom, as a young man, had been adventure-loving and not being afraid to take risks. While he did good at both sports and science, he even confronted a giant named Carl who was being misunderstood by the people of the town. Together, Edward and Carl left the town. And after leaving the town the real big adventures of Edward's life had started.

As the young man who tries to learn more about his father's life, trying to understand more, Billy Crudup is simply fascinating. In supporting roles, Marion Cotillard plays William's wife Josephine. Jessica Lange and and Alison Lohman play the older and younger versions of Sandra Bloom, the wife of Will. Matthew McGrory is present as Carl, a giant. Danny DeVito plays Amos Callaway, who is a circus ringmaster, and employs Edward and in return, tells him trivial facts about the girl he has fallen in love with. Deep Roy is present as the clown of the circus.

A character whom I found very remarkable was Jenny, a girl whom Edward first had met when he visited Spectre for the first time and whom he befriended. Hailey Anne Nelson played Jenny as a child, and the young and old versions of Jenny are played by Helena Bonham Carter. I liked this character ever since she was introduced as a little girl. A very touching scene of the film was when Edward was leaving Spectre, the little Jenny ran to him and said, ''Promise me you'll come back.'' Such a cute and touching scene!

Certainly the most beautiful scenes in the film are some of the last scenes, but however, another scene which I found very beautiful was when Sandra sees Edward standing between the daffodils, her favorite flower. Other cute scenes are plenty. The first time Edward comes to Spectre, he notices that it is a beautiful green place, and all the scenes where it is shown Edward's first visit to Spectre are simply marvelous.

I found touches of ''Forrest Gump'' in this movie. But ''Big Fish'' impressed me much more than ''Forrest Gump'' did. I agree that ''Forrest Gump'' is a very good, sweet film, but not as beautiful and wonderful as ''Big Fish''.

With occasional touches of humor, ''Big Fish'' is a truly beautiful and wonderful movie, and certainly among the best films directed by the brilliant Tim Burton. It may bring smile and tears at the same time. And of course, it touched me and impressed me. Watch it, it's so very beautiful!

4.5 out of 5!