The Croods (2013) [41/50]

Language: English

Cast:  Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone

Story: The story of a Stone Age family trying to find a home in a changing world. The father tries to keep the family together the traditional way while a free spirited boy woos his daughter much to his disapproval.

Screenplay and direction: Direction is good and screenplay was average.

Performances: Nothing exceptional, granted it was just voices but since the dialogues were average it didn’t work for me.

Interesting:  Sparked up debates about creationism.

Downside: It’s too long, nothing new nothing interesting.

Verdict: this movie is not a good idea unless you are a kid, 4/10.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006) [40/50]

Language: English

Cast:  Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Adrian Grenier

Story: The Story revolves around how a small town girl who aims to be a writer works as a fashion magazine’s editor’s assistant to earn a living and how this changes her.

Screenplay and direction: Direction and screenplay are as good as one for a Romcom can be.

Performances: Anne Hathaway is good enough along with the rest of the cast who do their job well. Meryl Streep stands out and is exceptionally good.

Interesting:  Meryl Streep’s character is written based on a real fashion magazine’s editor in New York City.

USP: typical Romcom but interesting, funny, enjoyable.

DownsideSceenplay drags a bit, Too much of a Romcom with reality relatables being low.

Verdict: OIv erall a fun watch  if not taken too seriously. 7/10

Man of Steel (2013) [39/50]

Language: English

Cast: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon

Story: The pre story of how Superman became superman with a lot of new twists.

Screenplay and direction: Direction and screenplay are average.

Performances: Russell Crowe and Michael Shannon wetre very good, the rest of the cast was good too. Henry Cavill and Amy Adams have played their parts well but in my opinion are major miscasts not at all like one envisions Clark Kent and Lois Lane.

Interesting:  When the ships arrive and broadcast the message to the world, multiple cities across the planet are shown, but it is nighttime in all of them.(Source IMDB)

USP: For Superman fanatics, Henry Cavill looks good.

Downside: No joy, no fun, no humor, Boring with endless violent scene with little to no need for them.

Verdict: Another disappointing superhero movie of 2013. The superman I know never reveals his identity, that’s his mystery. So this was a bad experience for me. The effects are good. One time watch 6/10

Bend It Like Beckham (2002) [38/50]

Language: English

Cast: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Story: The story of an Indian girl in England trying to make it in the football world against her family’s resistance.

Screenplay and direction: Direction and screenplay are very good.

Performances: All the actors are very good, including the support actors playing Indian family.

Interesting:  The last scene features Beckham. Keira Knightley and Jonathan Rhys Meyers went on to become big Hollywood stars.

USP: Involving, with a  lot of heart, good story, entertaining.

Downside: Sounds better in English, can’t think of any other.

Verdict: It’s an interesting and entertaining movie and can be watched multiple times over the years. 8/10

Chennai Express (2013) [37/50]

Language: Hindi

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone,  Satyaraj

Story: A comedy based on a north Indian getting stuck among some south Indian dons and the humor that arises from his escape.

Screenplay and direction: Direction is average and screenplay is ok.

Performances: Shah Rukh Khan is average and sometimes tries too hard, Deepika Padukone is very good, the rest of the cast is not too bad either.

Interesting:  SRK broke his own record of maximum promotion of a movie with the promotion of this movie in India. This movie broke the first day collection records.

USP: Typical light hearted comedy, brainless but funny, time pass.

Downside: Plot holes, senseless plot, ok ok jokes, SRK’s character is annoying at times.

Verdict: All I can say is that SRK has done worse and gotten appreciated for it. This one is a time pass comedy. It can be watched if in the right mood for senseless comedy. 6/10

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) [36/50]

Language: Hindi

Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor, Pavan Malhotra

Story: A slightly fictionalized story based on the true life of “the flying sikh” Milkha singh and his journey in life before getting the aforementioned title.

Screenplay and direction: Direction is very nice and screenplay drags and could be much better.

Performances: The actors are good. The supporting cast in my view was very good such as Pavan Malhotra and Diuvya Dutta. Farhan Akhtar has done a good enough job.

Interesting:  Farhan Akhtar started running like a real athlete by the time the shooting of this movie was done, he had trained excessively.

USP: The true life story of this living legend is quite interesting; the sense of purpose is infectious, good settings and performances.

Downside: I am not a fan of movies being shot with digital camera so it was distracting, the movie drags and is way too long, and the editing could be crisp.

Verdict: Overall it’s a good family watch, with only a few scenes as exceptions. The movie fares well in the mind and the music is good. 7/10.

The Conjuring (2013) [35/50]

Language: English

Cast: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ron Livingston

Story: The story is based on what a family in America claim as real hunting of their house in early 1970s

Screenplay and direction: Direction is good and screenplay is enticing

Performances: All actors play their parts well and generate enough empathy. Vera Farmiga was outstanding in her portrayal.

Interesting: Characters repeatedly say that people "hung" themselves. The correct term is "hanged."(Source IMDB)

USP: Scary, fun, exciting, involving, gives you what it promises.

Downside: For people who find flaws and don’t like horror movies in general this movie has nothing to offer, not much character development etc.

Verdict: Fun and involving, this movie gives you what is promises to give, a few scares and a good time at the movies. 8/10

Iron man 3 (2013) [34/50]

Language: English

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Guy Pearce, Gwyneth Paltrow

Story: The third and final movie in the iron man series is based around how iron man saves the day when from a “deadly terrorist” Mandarin and an army or mutant ex military.

Screenplay and direction: Direction is good and screenplay is strange.

Performances: Since I didn’t like the premise of the story even though the actors were good no one leaves an impact. RDJ is RDJ ever so charming and cool.

Interesting: While the Extremis Soldiers can heat up metal to near liquid states, their clothing remains completely unaffected.(source IMDB)

USP: For fans of RDJ and Iron man fanatics.

Downside: it’s nothing special, disappointing, many plot holes, our hero is reduced to a common boyfriend and an anxiety ridden man.

Verdict: One of the most disappointing movies of the year. Iron man series deserved better. Only saving grace is RDJ’s cool factor. The way the plot turns to make Iron man quit heroic activities so his girlfriend is happy is plain silly and one must not forget a 10 year old can mend damaged iron man suits. Overall 4/10.

Despicable me 2 (2013) [33/50]

Language: English 

Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt.

Story: The sequal of Despicable me (2010) where the bond between Gru and the girls gets stronger as they face new problems together.

Screenplay and direction: Direction is good and screenplay is okay.

Performances: All the voices do justice and the minions are especially cute in this one.

Interesting: Kristen Wiig plays different roles in Despicable me and Despicable me 2.

USP: Adorable, cute, family movie.

Downside: nothing different from the first one, nothing fresh, confusing plot.

Verdict: I have mush better animation movies with great story lines, having said that It’s a fun family movie and kids will love it as did I, But nothing too creative in this movie but overall a good time. 7/10

Pitch perfect (2012) [32/50]

Language: English 

Cast: Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson.

Story: Story of how an underachieving but spirited all girl cappella singing group beat all odds.  

Screenplay and direction: Direction is okay and screenplay is average.

Performances: Rebel Wilson is funny, she has comic timing. Anna Kendrick is okay. Some of the supporting cast is downright annoying.

Interesting: The OST of this movie “cups” shot up to fame in 2013 suddenly even though the movie came out in 2012.

USP: Fresh, conceivable, good music.

Downside: Annoying characters, nothing special.

Verdict: I think the good music is the only reason to watch it and the fact that the movie is not irritating but overall nothing special 5/10.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) [31/50]

Language: Spanish         

Cast: Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo De la Serna, Mercedes Morán.

Story: This is a story based on the real life road trip across South America taken by Che Guevara that changes him forever.

Screenplay and direction: exceptionally good.

Performances: Gael García Bernal is outstanding; he is an amazing actor, able to portray complex emotions subtly. I am a fan. Rodrigo De la Serna is really good and really all the support cast has done well.

Interesting: At the end of the movie the real Alberto who was Che Guevara’s friend is shown, it really moved me to see what people can achieve and endure in one lifetime and how little we movie watching people are compared to the doers who have changed the face of history with their passion.

USP: Scenes, performances, beautifully made, fascinating story.

Downside: somewhat biased toward communism, dull in parts,

Verdict: I don’t live in a bubble and understand what a Revolution means El Che is somewhat a hero to me and to see this story of his transformation from a traveler to who he would become is fascinating. As for the movie alone the scenes are beautiful the story is thought provoking and the performances are spectacularly realistic. Loved the movie 10/10

Y Tu Mamá También (2001) [30/50]

Language: Spanish         

Cast: Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna

Story: Story of how a road trip of two teenage boys and a young woman changes their lives. Warning: The movie has nudity

Screenplay and direction: both are good.

Performances: All three lead actors are fabulous.

Interesting: the boys were 20 something when they play teenagers about 16-17 years of age.

USP: realistic, beautifully made, well acted, original and relatable story.

Downside: Nudity, sex scenes make it an awkward watch.

Verdict: It’s defiantly not for everyone. People looking for entertainment and light hearted romcom or Salman khan fans will find the movie preposterous. For someone with an open mind and an interest in comprehending the movie the right way will find it amazing. The sex scenes and nudity can be justified in this movie. I loved the acting. Really good movie 8/10.

Lars and the real girl (2007) [29/50]

Language: English           

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider.

Story: A likable but shy man thinks an inflatable plastic girl is a real girl. How people react to his delusion and how he deals with things forms the crux of the story.

Screenplay and direction: both are good.

Performances: all actors acted well but its Ryan Gosling’s sincerity that makes the movie so likable. Ryan Gosling is amazing. Kudos!

Interesting: The doll was treated like a real person to help Ryan Gosling stay in character.

USP: staggeringly different, fairy tale like, fresh

Downside: Some parts can be difficult to watch; Awkward subject.

Verdict: I have not debated this long with myself before watching any movie, the premise was a bit off putting to me but thank god I did watch it. It’s not a movie about how to treat delusions or any guide like that it’s a fictional tale but of such beautiful virtues. The judgment free and helping community is beautifully portrayed but for me Ryan Gosling once again proves that he is a remarkable actor.8/10

A little bit of heaven (2011) [28/50]

Language: English           

Cast: Kate Hudson, Gael García Bernal, Kathy Bates.

Story: The story of how a cancer patient deals with her life and what could be her last days alive.

Screenplay and direction: The direction and screenplay are both good. The casting is okay, I’m not sure they all suit their roles too well.

Performances: All are good enough as the movie did leave an impact on me.

Interesting: Kate hudson’s character is beautifully magnetic and I was very impressed by her.

USP: Fun, cute and adorable. Different take on things was what made it fresh.

Downside: some miscasts, sometimes too unrealistic.

Verdict: Feel good movie, and I lived the theme, I think I will watch it again 8/10

I’m with Lucy (2002) [27/50]

Language: English           

Cast: Monica Potter, Gael García Bernal, Anthony LaPaglia, John Hannah, David Boreanaz and Henry Thomas.

Story: A Romcom about how a woman goes on 5 blind dates and then marries one. Who is the one is the mystery.

Screenplay and direction: The direction is good but I loved the screenplay and the way the movie was woven

Performances: Monika potter has always been good in such roles, she is very likable. All the boys play their part well. It really doesn’t have much for the boys to do.

Interesting: I saw the movie for Gael García Bernal and he is in the movie for 5-6 mins only. Damn!

USP: Romcom, Feel good, Fun, Romantic, well woven story.

Downside: For someone who is not into romance the movie will be colossal bore, the charecters(specially of the boys) are too unidirectional and unrealistic.

Verdict: Feel good movie, can be watched. 6/10

All the good things (2010) [26/50]

Language: English           

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst, Frank Langella.

Story: Based on the real life events of Robert and Kathleen durst, from one of the wealthiest families in America. The story of a man whose wife goes missing and he is not suspected of murder but the series of events notices something different.

Screenplay and direction: The direction is very good and screenplay drags a bit and doesn’t leave room for character development.

Performances: Outstanding performances by the lead pair. Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst are very talented and dedicated. The rest of cast was good enough.

Interesting: The man who commits the crimes in real life is still free.

USP: amazing performances, its usp is that the story is true and that the man is from one of the wealthiest families in America.

Downside: The writing is not interesting, the creators fail to improvise, it’s a bit too distant.

Verdict: All said and done, the movie left an impact. It’s dark and takes you some place dark too. The writing and screenplay could be better but the performances more than make up for it. I liked it, Can be watched. 7/10

Geek charming (2011) [25/50]

Language: English            

Cast: Sarah Hyland, Matt Prokop, Jordan Nichols, Sasha Pieterse.

Story: A story about two high school students, one popular and one geek who over the course of time while working on a joint project find the true meaning of class difference and friendship.

Screenplay and direction: The direction and screenplay are both good enough could have been better.

Performances: for me the lead actress Sarah Hyland made all the difference, you don’t see these teen actresses really giving sincere performances too often. She was pretty and in the scenes she needed to be a good actress she shines. Matt Prokop is cute and likable. Others have played their part.

Interesting: Even though the movie is set in LA, the license plate on one of the cars is of washingtopn.

USP: sweet, hear warming, adorable Disney style.

Downside: cliché, teenager movie, similar things have been made, plot is too obvious.

Verdict: When I started watching the moving within the first 10 mins I felt that I was too old for Disney movies and especially teenage movies, but fortune favors the ones that persevere. The movie turned out to be heart warming, with good performances from the actors and a sincere script. Yes cliché, yes the same lessons on friendship, but still so sweet. I like it watch it.7/10  

Bachelorette (2012) [24/50]

Language: English            

Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Lizzy Caplan, Isla Fisher, Rebel Wilson.

Story: The story of how three women deal with being bridesmaid at their high school friend’s wedding.

Screenplay and direction: The direction is okay and screenplay is better.

Performances: Rebel Wilson is olay, the rest of the cast is just average too. Isla Fisher is very cute. Lizzy Caplan keeps drawing yor attention to her, she has charisma. I like Kirsten Dunst and when the script calls for she is pretty good.

Interesting: Rebel Wilson and Isla Fisher share the same birthday but Isla Fisher is 10 years older than Rebel, they have played high school friends ergo the same age.

USP: funny in parts, if you go with fewer expectations you might like it. The girls look great. It’s more realistic than other comedy movies.

Downside: Slow, not very funny, no crazy plot twists, nothing much.

Verdict: The movie is defiantly not what you expect it to be. It is really boring in the beginning and I wouldn’t suggest it but suddenly towards the second half the movie increases in pace. It’s not like the other movies from its creators but its average and has some fun scenes. It doesn’t try too hard, and it’s not a whacky comedy. All in all time pass.6/10