Never To Late

After a four month silence and in the end of 2014 I am in a situation "as usual" where I myself have too finish off an entire year's film reviews in three days.

So here we go.

Day - 1

Non-stop  

A non stop thrill ride from the beginning to end. Liam Neeson as usual in his style pulls off the impossible and makes a satisfying thriller. The director pulled off his usual twisted thriller like his earlier "Unknown (2011)".

Overall - 3.5/5

X-Men Days of Future Past

This is not just one of the best X men film's but one of the best super hero film adaptations up to date. With one of the greatest cast ensemble to the screen and great execution this becomes a masterpiece.The Quicksilver scene is one of the best scene's put into film this year in my view.

Overall - 4/5

300 : Rise of an Empire

Though there was a strong effect of creativity and emotions bought down by the predecessor to cinema the sequel lacks it's affect by only creating an action film with lots of blood. Only positive in this film was how the film maker connects it with the prequel. But it still lacks the innovation the last film had.

Overall - 3/5

Transcendance

Film maker tries to bring out something new with his story and cinematography, but in his execution it becomes bland and lifeless as the AI of the itself. Though I'm a big fan of Johnny Depp he doesn't do anything special with his acting he acts like a robot as expected. Have to respect the Animations and the graphics because they were well created.

Overall - 3/5

Captain America : The Winter Soldier

This year has been one of the best year's for Comic book adaptations because most of them was financially and as well as critically hailed by the audiences and critics. This is one of those films.
Captain America sequel makes the franchise more alive by creating an espionage thriller type film bringing mind meddling twists. One of the best action films of the year.

Overall - 4/5

 

Comedies to look for : From Great to worse

Comedies are essential for any moviegoer.

After some serious stuff (Amour [2012] or 21 Grams [2003], not that there bad movies, but they are serious and extremely realistic) everyone needs a break.

Everyone has an immature side that makes him or her happy. Everyone in this world has a serious need to cut off from this screw world like "Linkin Park"(guys who numbed the world by "Numb") says in their song "The Messenger"(Album - A thousand suns).

So as usual after 3 months silence I bring to you a movie list which will make you laugh till your stomach hurt and "so called" comedies to stay away from. You decide.

The ratings are as usually a personal perspective.

1. This is the end (2013) - 4/5
2. Anchorman : The Legend of Ron Burgandy (2004) - 4/5
3. Knocked up (2007) - 3.5/5
4.Go Goa Gone (2013) - 3.5/5
5.Anchorman : The Legend Continues (2013) - 3.5/5
6.The Heat (2013) - 3.5/5
7.Chennai Express (2013) - 3.5/5
8.Office space (1999) - 3.5/5
9.The World's End (2013) - 3.5/5
10.The Watch (2010) - 3/5
11.The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013) - 3/5
12.We're the Millers (2013) - 3/5
13.The internship (2013) - 3/5
14.The Hangover Part 3 (2013) - 3/5
15.Grown ups (2010) - 2.5/5
16.Identity Thief (2013) - 2.5/5
17. 21 & over (2013) - 2.5/5
18.Last Vegas (2013) - 2.5/5
19.Grown ups 2 (2013) - 2.5/5
20. Accepted (2006) - 2.5/5  

1.This is the end (2013)

One of the last years best films for it's creativity and fun "This is the end" lives up to the reputation of Seth Rogen and his cast who drives the movie into becoming a comic masterpiece. Mainly for it's sarcastic remarks, witty acting and most of all for it's real references and it's unforgettable ending this is a real comic treat.

Overall - 4/5

2. Anchorman : The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

One of the most quoted movies of our time, this is Adam Mckay's and Will Farell's masterpiece. With it's funny remarks and unmatchable cast, this will live with every moviegoer as a great comic masterpiece.

Overall - 4/5

 3. Knocked up (2007)

Mentioned as the best Judd Apatow film this is funny for it's detailed and well crafted jokes and superb performance by Seth Rogen.

Overall - 3.5/5

4. Go Goa Gone (2013)

With a cast of new comers and Saif Ali khan, "Go Goa Gone" became fourth in this list because it was extremely sarcastic and truly funny. Though it's a Hindi movie not the typical movie you will expect it to be. Don't miss it.

Overall - 3.5/5

5. Anchorman : The Legend Continues (2013)

After 9 years still the legend remains funny but not as the predecessor. Great cast as usual and stunning story line which is extremely awkward but typical "Ron". So what's not to like.

Overall - 3.5/5

6. The Heat (2013)

Superb duo for the "Buddy movie + Detective / Partner" formula Bullock and Mccarthy pulls off one of the best comedies in years to come.

Overall - 3.5/5

7. Chennai Express (2013)

Best Shah rukh Khan comedy since "Main Hoon Na (2004)", this blockbuster changes the course of Hindi movies as a action-Comedy combination.

Overall - 3.5/5

8. Office space (1999)

Oldie but a goodie, this movie reflects the office life of a normal working class person. And this is not serious stuff, This is really funny. Don't miss it.

Overall - 3.5/5

9. The World's End (2013)

If you are a fan of Edgar Wright and his style of film making and waited to the conclusion of the greatest "Cornetto Trilogy" this is it.
Finest cast and a celebration of a stylish film making you are definitely going to enjoy this.

Overall - 3.5/5

10. The Watch (2010)

A fun movie with a serious story line and some of it's jokes are still lame though it grasps some of the aspects in the american culture very sarcastic. Not that bad though. Don't miss it.

Overall - 3/5

11. The incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)

Though we see The Steve Carell in it there is not much to laugh about it. He and his magician partner gives an average movie performance but not that great. but we still love him and its still is a good film.

Overall - 3/5

12. We're the millers (2013)

Can anything be more awkward than this movie. I guess not.But for many claims this to be the funniest film of the year, and I don't see it. It's not that funny but extremely painful to watch.
So rating it 3/5 might surprise you. But still it recovers from it's flaws because it has a good cast.And capitalization on that is perfectly done.

Overall - 3/5

13. The internship (2013)

The same scenario occurs in this film like "We're the Millers" but the duo makes it alive and makes it watchable. The Dr. Xavier scene is really funny.

Overall - 3/5

14. The Hangover Part 3 (2013)

This series are from good to worse.
The first was a masterpiece.
The second was okay.
The third is the worst.

So what more to say.

Overall - 3/5

Now comes the worst comedies, not that they are "unfunny" but there interpretation of the word comedy is so demeaning.

15. Grown ups (2010)

One of the worst and a typical Adam Sandler Comedy.
Sadly I Went through this and it's far screwed up Sequel.
And the problem is we will keep on watching Adam Sandler movies.

Overall - 2.5/5

16. Identity Thief (2013)

Overly dramatic and a "wannabe" comedy with a stunning duo this movie is a one to miss.

Overall - 2.5/5

17. 21 & Over (2013)

With bad conceptualized story trying to create a formula of youngsters in "The hangover Part 1" Kinda plot, and it's a grand scale misfire.Miss this. Don't waste your Time.

Overall - 2.5/5

18. Last Vegas (2013)

What can go wrong in this film?

Best cast, good story line (more of a retired Hangover movie.....)

But still unfunny jokes makes it a bad comedy with too much emotions and shallow coincidences.

But still loved the cast. So try it. 

Overall - 2.5/5

19. Grown ups 2 (2013)

As I mentioned above there is nothing worse like this.Though it has a cast it is misguided. The worst position a film can be in the genre of comedies.

Overall - 2.5/5

20. Accepted (2006)

And the worst comedy so far in this list is "Accepted". So far the most ridiculous story I ever came across, stupid remarks. Everything is out of balance. Miss this gladly.

Overall - 2.5/5

These are not the worst comedies though I comparatively criticized them. It's a personal remark that I find some comedy's very serious and stupid and some are "LOL" worthy. So this criticsm is not to be taken seriously.

Take care.

Stay strong and fit.

Dimantha   







  

2014 start-up comedies didn't lived upto it

Ride along (2014)

Besides Kevin Hart's comedic appearance the story lacks fun and even action. Ice Cube was fun in "21 Jumb Street (2012)" but not in this.

So Don't waste your time in this.

Overall - 2/5

That Awkward Moment (2014)


Not the best comedy, but the cast of the film makes it alive.

But the bad timing(execution) and the script makes it hard to watch.

Anyway not that bad.

Feel good comedy for anyone who likes awkward loves stories. : p

Overall - 3/5

Any way what i'm trying to say is the 2014 did'nt start off well.
No big blockbusters in the US or Worldwide.
Besides "Frozen(2013)" dominated.
And Lego movie(2014) and 300:Rise of an empire(2014) kept things going.
Anyway summer is to come with highly anticiapted sequels and many more.
Hope for best.

Stay strong and fit.
Dima

Rise of the guardians (2012)

This movie is every childs dream come true. Father christmas or santa (North), sand man, Jack Frost, easter bunny (Bunny) and toothfairy (Tooth) all come together to save the world from the boogeyman (Pitch). What more to expect.

With a stunning cast behind the screen, "Rise of the guardians" is a visual feast forthe season.

Overall - 3.5/5

Smokin' Aces (2006)

Visually stunning, violent and with unique characters Smokin' aces becomes a unique movie experience.

With a plot twister story line the movie becomes a great gangster film in the genre.

For many critics it was a mindless violent romp. But for me personally as fan of colorful characters it was a great experience like reading a violent comic. It was that visual.

Overall - 3.5/5

True Romance (1993)

Quentin Tarantino enters script writing business with his powerful debut script "True Romance", collabarating with Tony Scott Master of thrillers in the directors chairs.

Violent, action packed and plot twisting story line True Romance is a typical Tarantino movie (which is a good thing) which is an unforgettable experience.

Overall - 3.5 / 5

Les Miserables (2012)

One of the years best and grandest films Les Miserables lives upto the reputation of it's musical.

Great Performances by Hugh Jackman and the rest of the cast who plays the immortal roles that lived among our hearts since childhood.

A great movie experience.

Overall - 3.5/5

   

Gangster Squad (2013)

A waste of great talent Gangster squad does not live upto the reputation of the director or it's stunning cast.

May be the execution and script lacked power to make it a good movie.

Overall - 2/5

Taken 2 (2012)

A disappointment considering the predecessor.

The execution of the movie, story line everything is unbalanced.

But still Liam Neeson is a badass fighter to make things keep going and not fall apart.

Overall - 3/5

The wolf of wall street (2013) - Money seduces. Power corrupts.

A mind blowing insight into the world of money piling wall street crooks, Martin scorsese and Leo Dicaprio, the award winning duo makes another step ahead in there film making career by creating another masterpiece "The wolf of wallstreet."

With an amazing performance as Jordan Belfort, Leo Dicaprio brings out the shallow nature of materialism that surrounds his character.

His performance reminds of the "Catch me if you can" Performance he did with spielberg.

Scorsese as usual keeps his style on going parallel to his other films.He shows his mastery in style.

A must-watch film for everyone who despises the corruption and power held by many financial institutions in USA creating many issues not just to themselves but to the world surrounds them.

Overall - 4/5

Random movie picks

·     
The Last Boy Scout (1991)


An “OK” thriller by Tony Scott, but not up to his standards like his other films.

F unny, Witty and visually creative.






Overall – 3/5


















· Almost Famous (2006)




A Celebration of Rock music. A beautiful film about life, music and relationships.


Very well done by the director Cameron Crowe. A Personal fan of his work.


Like his “Jerry Maguire”, “Vanilla Sky” and “We bought a Zoo” this is a real crowd pleaser.


Unforgettable experience and very realistic.


Overall – 3.5/5




























· Eastern Promises (2007)








A Cronenberg film and one of his best .


A mind blowing gangster movie and one of the best of its genre.


Overall – 4/5


















· The Descendants (2011)








This is a beautifully executed, funny and witty movie about life in Hawaii. And how life moves on with problems and other setbacks.






With a wonderful soundtrack and an unforgettable cinematography this film is a really worthwhile for a watch.






George Clooney is excellent in his role.






Overall – 3.5/5

















· The informant!(2009)








Not the best of Steven Sorderbergh’s work but a different story.


Well executed but lacks precision, the script sometimes the gets carried away.






Overall – 3/5






















Life is beautiful (la vita E bella) (1998)








One of the best films to be made In our time.


Makes you extremely emotional at times it will make you cry.


With a magnificent film making style this will live with you forever.


A must see.






Overall – 4/5















· Hero (2002)








Epic, unforgettable and awesome.






A powerful work of cinema that will be like in the level of “Kurasowa” tradition.






The rain fight scene with Donnie Yen and Jet Li is Unforgettable.






Overall – 4/5

2012 in a summary

The Lorax (2012)

Colorful but shallow "The Lorax" is a Dr. Seuss Story that should have been executed perfectly but unfortunately looses it's track.

But the songs of the movie is great have to give that.

Overall - 3/5

Side by Side (2012)

A must watch movie / documentary for every cinephile.

A brief and a clear picture how the films are made.

Very absorbing and Keenue Reeves shows his talent in how to execute a perfect discussions with the biggies in the industry.

Overall - 4/5

Django unchained (2012)

An epic Western with style and substance. Tarantino brings back his style to life with his new movie "Django Unchained" (2012). Awesome performances by Jamie foxx, Leornardo DiCaprio and Christoph Waltz.

With sarcastic dialogue and beautiful story telling this will become a masterpiece.

Overal - 3.5/5

   

Beasts of the southern wild (2012)

This is an amazing film about simplicity and complexity of life. A very well perfected in acting by young Quvenzhane Wallis who gives a stunning performance and also as her father Dwight Henry  plays an strong role in their performances. Visually stunning and with beautiful story telling "Beasts of the Southern wild" (2012) will become an unforgettable experience for everyone on how life is looked at and how vaguely simple it is.

Overall - 4/5

Hotel Transilvanya (2012)

Adam Sandler gives a ok performance as the "count" in this feel good movie "Hotel Transilvaniya". It's Lame some times but a very good family movie.

Overall - 2.5/5

Life of Pi (2012)

"Life of Pi" is about hope. Undying hope to survive. It's about the human spirit and life. Its visually arresting and unforgettable as the novel itself, it's filled with Wit and humour.

A beautiful film by Ang Lee.

Overall  - 3.5/5

  Argo (2012)

I watched this movie because personally i'm a fan of Ben Affleck and his films have been good to great.

Argo is a true story and a real political thriller. It's a beautifully filmed and stunningly executed (just like "the town"). And has an emotional ending. A must watch. I recommend this.

Overall - 3.5 / 5

Avatar - Legend of Korra (2012 - ) Tv Series

Season 1 - Book 1 : Air

Was a big fan of the previous Tv series, Avatar - The last Air Bender (2005-2008) which was a stunning visual feast and a imaginative mind blowing fantasy. Considering that greatness the second Tv Series does have some flaws. But still it has great graphics. Though the story was cool it had some loose ends.

overall - 3/5

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

A witty, funny and emotional film about a unique person with psychological issue. A story about recovery of soul, redemption and struggle. And they are beautifully captured to film.

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence is an awesome duo.Robert De niro was also stunning.Overall one of the must see movies of the year.

Overall - 3.5 / 5

 
Here comes the boom (2012)

A typical Kevin James movie. Lame jokes and a misguided movie.

Overall - 2/5

Wreck-it Ralph (2012)

If you played arcade games since you were a kid, know about Super Mario Brothers, Sonic and other stuff related to this subject this is your film.

Creatively executed Wreck-it Ralph is a must see for every games fan of the 80's and 90's.

overall -  4/5