Mihir Fadnavis
Top CriticMid Day·Firstpost·Hindustan Times·DNA India·MihirFadnavis
Most Divergent Takes
- The Commuter (2018)1.0 vs TRM 5.0-4.0
- Begin Again (2014)10.0 vs TRM 6.6+3.4
- Battle of the Damned (2014)1.0 vs TRM 4.2-3.2
- Hercules (2014)2.0 vs TRM 5.1-3.1
- Divergent (2014)2.0 vs TRM 5.1-3.1
Joker
2019 · Firstpost · Oct 2019
It is clear that everyone involved in the film decided to make a movie so highbrow that it would create some buzz at the Oscars. To some extent, the intent works in the film's favour, and Joker indeed is a worthwhile entertaining experience in the cinemas – if you ignore its problematic politics, juvenile messaging and cringe-inducing lack of subtlety.
Hustlers
2019 · Firstpost · Sep 2019
Jennifer Lopez's wonderful performance elevates a narrative that only skims the surface
Spider-Man: Far From Home
2019 · Firstpost · Jul 2019
The post-credit scenes in Far From Home are absolutely show-stopping, shining an exciting light beam on the next phase of the MCU. As long as Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige understands that superhero fatigue is a very real threat, the MCU is in good hands.
Toy Story 4
2019 · Firstpost · Jul 2019
The entire film is constructed around the final 10 minutes whose poetry and melancholic beauty is just overwhelming. In most films, such a moment is achieved with bleak atmospheres, but in Toy Story 4, it is peaceful. You let the moment break you, take you back to where it all began, and comfort you with the fact that it is all over and it is okay to let go. It is touching, emotionally satisfying filmmaking, and a very elegant goodbye to a cinematic universe that has been a big part of 25 years of our lives.
Avengers: Endgame
2019 · Firstpost · Apr 2019
So drop everything and book your tickets for Avengers: Endgame, because this is a spectacle is tailor made for the biggest possible movie screens in your city. Whether or not your expectations are surpassed, there's no denying the utter power of this movie event, and even though this is a conclusion of sorts, its final moments neatly promise a lot of interesting things in the years to come.
Dumbo
2019 · Firstpost · Apr 2019
Tim Burton's remake is let down by a complicated screenplay, lack of emotional heft
Us
2019 · Firstpost · Apr 2019
Jordan Peele's thought-provoking slasher film suffers from an implausible reveal
Hellboy
2019 · Firstpost · Apr 2019
Hellboy needed to settle down and focus; it's what makes the audience invest in the content, but the director goes for the cram-everything-in-the-folder-and-shove-the-folder-down-our-throats approach.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
2019 · Firstpost · Mar 2019
A little tightening of these screws would have made the film a truly classic series closer, for now it's merely a fun one.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
2018 · Firstpost · Nov 2018
The Crimes of Grindelwald movie review — A recycled, unambitious affair...
The Grinch
2018 · Firstpost · Nov 2018
...this is a harmless film and at a run-time of just 80 minutes, it breezes by anchored by its kinetic energy. And if you like Pharrell, you'll find comfort in his voice as the narrator, even though none of the side characters, or even the Grinch himself is noteworthy in any big way. If you're looking for a more interesting old-timey Christmas based movie, you're better off firing up the DVD of Robert Zemeckis' A Christmas Carol instead.
Venom
2018 · Firstpost · Oct 2018
Tom Hardy's charisma can't make up for predictable narrative, unimpressive action sequences...
The Meg
2018 · Firstpost · Aug 2018
Ironically, this film is based on a successful book series and was made in the hopes of starting a franchise. I can't recall any other franchise starter so dead on arrival that its own stars bash it in the media. You're better off being eaten by an actual shark than subjecting yourself to this cinematic guano.
Isle of Dogs
2018 · Firstpost · Jul 2018
Wes Anderson packs this magnificent, complex tale with intoxicating imagery...
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
2018 · Firstpost · Jun 2018
This is a rare film that makes the first Jurassic World seem like the first Jurassic Park in terms of quality, which is a huge bummer since it's directed by JA Bayona who is one of the best working filmmakers out there.
Avengers: Infinity War
2018 · Firstpost · Apr 2018
This is also the rare MCU film that understands that bigger is not necessarily better, so even though it offers some of the biggest action sequences of all time, and also a very long running time, every minute of Avengers: Infinity War is packed with energy, urgency and people you somehow seem to give a damn about, who make you fear for their lives.
Rampage
2018 · Firstpost · Apr 2018
Are you ready for the best worst adaptation of a video game since Mortal Kombat Annihilation? It will not hit you until you finish watching it and head back home but Rampage is the kind of cheerfully dumb film you, for obvious reasons, need in these cynical times.
A Quiet Place
2018 · Firstpost · Apr 2018
A Quiet Place, directed by John Krasinski, is almost like a master class in the art of pacing a horror thriller. It is consistently eerie, ominous and offers a series of very tense situations that are anchored by characters we are deeply invested in. In many ways, this is a perfect movie to watch on the big screen and you should be heading to the theater instead of wasting your time reading this review.
Ready Player One
2018 · Firstpost · Mar 2018
Steven Spielberg's film is a fun action adventure filled with pop culture references...
The Strangers: Prey at Night
2018 · Firstpost · Mar 2018
There are the usual problems of characters doing stupid things – because it seems to be the right of passage for most horror films – but the demise of the stupid characters is just kind of fun enough to ignore their silliness. At just over an hour and fifteen minutes this is an enjoyable thrill ride, and you don't even need to see the first film to be able to appreciate the woozy thrills of this one. Walk in without many expectations and you'll find yourselves quite surprised by the bloody delights it offers.
Tomb Raider
2018 · Firstpost · Mar 2018
Goggins is the only bright spark here, channeling a little bit of Vaas from Far Cry, but his villain is too stereotypically written to care much. The search for the genuinely good video game adaptation continues, and you're better off playing the Tomb Raider game at home rather than expecting something decent from this film.
Lady Bird
2018 · Firstpost · Mar 2018
It is ultimately quite an achievement to render something fresh in the vastly milked 'coming of age' genre. It is nice to see Gerwig break through as a director and it makes one excited about what film she makes next – it is rare to see a filmmaker with such a grasp on a story's soul, although one does hope she tackles a story with a little more depth next.
Red Sparrow
2018 · Firstpost · Mar 2018
Director Francis Lawrence burst onto the scene with interesting titles like Constantine and I am Legend a decade ago — it's disappointing to see him tackle insipid stuff like the Hunger Games movies and now Red Sparrow.
Game Night
2018 · Firstpost · Feb 2018
This dark comedy mystery isn't as polished as something like a Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, but it's nice to see this kind of an irreverent film in an era where comedy movies compromise on intellect or craft. This is a rare comedy that doesn't require you to wade through the muck to find one or two laughs — it's a genuinely well made film with repeat value, so head to the theaters now.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
2018 · Firstpost · Feb 2018
The final scene of the film is not what you expect in a thriller, but that's the beauty of watching an unconventional film like this – you get to marinate the film inside your mind, mull it over, decide along the way home if what just happened was just an abrupt open ending or logically (and socially) the perfect method to tie it up all together. We're lucky to have this film release in theaters, whether you're a film geek or not you should be booking your tickets right about now.
The Shape of Water
2018 · Firstpost · Feb 2018
So watch the film, be awed by the painterly visual palette it offers, be swept away by the emotions it renders. There are unfortunately a few cuts imposed by our beloved CBFC but don't let that deter you from experiencing a magical time at the cinema.
Hostiles
2018 · Firstpost · Feb 2018
Ultimately this is a hard movie to recommend – it does attempt some important themes but it's overlong and just too cheerless to sit through considering the lack of ingenuity within the narrative. The only real question it poses is why Rosamund Pike's career hasn't taken off since the three year old Gone Girl. She delivers a phenomenal performance here as well and deserves more interesting projects.
The 15:17 to Paris
2018 · Firstpost · Feb 2018
Contrast this to a film like United 93 which is a masterpiece in the genre that this film explores – because unlike Eastwood, Paul Greengrass focuses on character and tension rather than jingoistic overtones even with a no name cast. In this film Eastwood declares an 'it was meant to be' undercurrent into the incident, portraying the three heroes as angels who were part of a mystic prophesy to thwart the Islamic infidels.
Maze Runner: The Death Cure
2018 · Firstpost · Feb 2018
There were elements of horror and mystery in the previous installments — which set it apart from boring siblings like the Divergent films — and had director Wes Ball employed a similar small scale approach this could actually have been a worthwhile revisit to the film's world. The zombie stuff is present but treated with a blockbuster palette — and by going with big scale action set pieces set in generic beats the film becomes an overlong and unworthy finale to something that seemed like it had potential. At this point we should just be thankful that the film wasn't split in two climactic parts like many of its peers.
Darkest Hour
2018 · Firstpost · Jan 2018
Gary Oldman's performance as Winston Chirchill is undeniably entertaining...
12 Strong
2018 · Firstpost · Jan 2018
Since the equally jingoist American Sniper January has become a market for dodgy war movies with whitewashed personalities, a precedent that Hollywood could do without
The Commuter
2018 · Firstpost · Jan 2018
January is most known for being Hollywood's trash can and the only thing The Commuter succeeds in doing is solidifying this stereotype.
Pitch Perfect 3
2018 · Firstpost · Jan 2018
Much like the Hangover sequels, this film tarnishes the memory of the original, and in a dangerous way, in that it makes you loathe the once relatable characters in the film.
All the Money in the World
2018 · Firstpost · Jan 2018
To be able to recreate the atmosphere, energy and continuity so impeccably is an achievement in itself. Everyone was waiting for this film with their knives out, Scott deserves special credit for delivering a film that just works against all odds.
Insidious: The Last Key
2018 · Firstpost · Jan 2018
Final installment in this horror series is frightening in a satisfyingly creepy way...
The Greatest Showman
2017 · Firstpost · Jan 2018
There is a chance the film will have a better shelf life on streaming platforms because of its crowd pleasing musical elements, maybe it would be better to wait it out rather than catch it in theaters where one can't push the forward button during the dull dull bits.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
2017 · Firstpost · Dec 2017
Rian Johnson's strategy for The Last Jedi was simple: identify everything that's great about the previous Star Wars films, use those things sparely as Easter eggs and not main plot threads, and craft a brand new storyline that goes in a bold and adventurous direction full of wonder, thrills and discovery. It makes The Last Jedi the most enjoyable blockbuster of the year.
Ferdinand
2017 · Firstpost · Dec 2017
The film moves very fast, zipping from one set piece to another, making sure no kid watching loses interest. But that sometimes works against the film because we don't learn about the characters well enough to care about them. That is of course a problem that adults would have and the target audience of the film - children would simply sit back and giggle over the string of goofy things that occur in the film. Keep your expectations low and you'll find yourselves enjoying this one.
Wonder
2017 · Firstpost · Dec 2017
You don't need extra frills when you have an actor like Tremblay effortlessly delivering another tremendous performance — who makes you empathise with him without being overtly sweet. After Room and now Wonder, he's pretty much en route to becoming a superstar.
The Foreigner
2017 · Firstpost · Dec 2017
The 'disposable' nature of the film is ultimately frustrating because this is just another entry in a year dominated by a string of trashy forgettable movies
Justice League
2017 · Firstpost · Nov 2017
The only positive aspect in this extravagant jaunt is the post-credits scene which promises something worth keeping your interest in this franchise. At this point, however, any hopes for this getting better in quality are very low.
My Little Pony: The Movie
2017 · Firstpost · Nov 2017
Ultimately this is an adequate distraction if your children absolutely need to be shown something on the big screen this week.
Thor: Ragnarok
2017 · Firstpost · Nov 2017
You should watch Thor Ragnarok on the biggest screen in your town, and to be able to enjoy the pop fizzy colour palette you should head to a theater playing it in 2D. This is a new standard set for superhero movies, and I wonder how Marvel will top this with the Infinity War movies.
Geostorm
2017 · Firstpost · Oct 2017
The special effects are all right but in an era where CGI is so commonplace there's little here that holds your attention. Moreover we've seen this stuff before in films like Twister and 2012. The real problem with the film isn't that it is dumb, it's that it isn't nearly dumb enough to warrant a recco. Director Devlin could have gone all out and made a bad movie classic here, but it feels like an opportunity (apart from the ton of resources) has been wasted.
Victoria & Abdul
2017 · Firstpost · Oct 2017
There's an odd sense of misguided chronicling in the film, which is strange considering it's directed by Stephen Frears who has made rather lovely films like High Fidelity. The lack of irony, or satirical bite from his earlier film The Queen ultimately hurts Victoria and Abdul, more a missed opportunity than a piece of entertainment.
Blade Runner 2049
2017 · Firstpost · Oct 2017
If Deakins does not finally receive the Oscar for this one it's time for the Academy to shut down. Gosling is perfectly cast, and you're better off not knowing anything about the rest of the characters in the film.
American Made
2017 · Firstpost · Sep 2017
Another memorable entertainer from the house of Tom Cruise, Doug Liman...
Kingsman: The Golden Circle
2017 · Firstpost · Sep 2017
Pedro Pascal is surprise package of this strictly okay film...
American Assassin
2017 · Firstpost · Sep 2017
The whole globe trotting hero assassin aspect seems more silly than fascinating here — making it feel like a trashy book you grab at an airport and throw it away when you land. Considering the film is based on a series of novels, that may be precisely what the filmmakers were going for — to make a forgettable film.
It
2017 · Firstpost · Sep 2017
The less you know about the movie the more you will enjoy it. It's the kind of film made for everyone, so it's pertinent that you go and see it now that it's out in theaters. Be careful walking around water drains though. And if you lose a paper boat around the drain, good luck getting it back.
Logan Lucky
2017 · Firstpost · Sep 2017
This isn't a very thought provoking film like other Soderbergh works, but it's probably his most entertaining one to date.
The Hitman's Bodyguard
2017 · Firstpost · Aug 2017
If the film only had Reynolds and Jackson talking to each other, without the bells and whistles of action and contrived conflict, it could have been even more entertaining. The idea of lampooning The Bodyguard and Whitney Houston's song is undeniably funny but a better director – like duo of Phil Lord and Chris Miller – could have taken the idea and turned it into a more memorable film.
Annabelle: Creation
2017 · Firstpost · Aug 2017
One can't help but feel that Sandberg did this film as a favor to do the DC Shazam movie. In any case he's one of the most exciting new filmmakers out there but any studio that works with him needs to give him better writers to back his vision and passion. The only interesting aspect of this film is the post credits scene featuring Valak from Conjuring 2 – let's hope he gets a better spin-off than this.
Atomic Blonde
2017 · Firstpost · Aug 2017
The elements are all present — Theron as a super duper spy who can kick multiple asses simultaneously, action scenes with long takes and realistic punching and kicking, as well as moody cinematography and a ton of sex appeal. If only the story department worked a little harder to match up to the rest of the film.
Berlin Syndrome
2017 · Firstpost · Jul 2017
It's definitely not a film for the faint hearted, and but those willing to stick with the film for the sluggish first twenty minutes will be rewarded with one of the most memorable thrillers of the year.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
2017 · Firstpost · Jul 2017
Besson's intention was no doubt to give you an immersive VR like experience, but the campiness and clinical, soulless execution makes you feel like you're watching someone else play a video game that has pretty cut scenes but no challenging gameplay.
Dunkirk
2017 · Firstpost · Jul 2017
The performances are all great, and it's nice to see both an ensemble cast of biggies and a host of newcomers one the verge of becoming big. Though Harry Styles' much hyped acting debut feels unnecessary and a better actor could have probably made that character more interesting.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
2017 · Firstpost · Jul 2017
There really is no reason you shouldn't be seeing this film at the earliest. Oh and stay for the end credits scene – I assure you, it's going to be worth the wait.
The Big Sick
2017 · Firstpost · Jun 2017
The Big Sick is also a success story for indie cinema and the talent behind it. A non-mainstream, unconventional story that played at Sundance is now in movie theaters and will soon be available to stream worldwide. This is the kind of revolutionary business model the film industry should embrace if it wants to maintain big crowds in the 21st century.
Transformers: The Last Knight
2017 · Firstpost · Jun 2017
Wahlberg once again demonstrates he's one of the worst actors who keeps grabbing starring roles in big films — his bored face making no attempt to hide the fact that he's in these films for the quick paycheck. The other human characters are as irritating as him, and it really makes you wonder why these Transformers films are more about the humans than the awesomely designed robots. Bay claims to make films for 14-year-old boys, but even that demographic deserves better films than this. It's about time we got back the Bay from The Rock instead of the boring and lazy filmmaker that he is today.
Despicable Me 3
2017 · Firstpost · Jun 2017
Much like the Ice Age movies, the Despicable Me franchise will last a dozen more sequels, but unlike the case in those films there is some real effort being put into making these films entertaining. It's been eight long years since the first movie, but Gru and his Minions haven't aged a bit. On the down side the secondary characters, like Gru's children don't have a lot to do in the main story and you wish they grew up over the years. The sub plot with Lucy trying to become the kids' adopted mother may strike a chord with people in a similar situation, but it's an unwelcome distraction from the relentless fun between Gru and Dru.
Cars 3
2017 · Firstpost · Jun 2017
Much like McQueen, we need to accept the reality and look at the brighter side – that Cars 3 is going to be the sequel that will pump in enough money for Pixar to make more original films in the next few years. And with less Mator around, it seems the future is bright.
The Mummy
2017 · Firstpost · Jun 2017
Another reboot, another attempt at building a giant cinematic universe, and another bland, tedious misfire.
Baywatch
2017 · Firstpost · Jun 2017
The film's tone is also a problem, it's never clear whether the film is paying homage to the cheesy 80's show, or making fun of it, or trying to recreate the campy nonsense. A big reason why the original show became so famous is that it came at a time when footage of naked ladies wasn't immediately accessible for mainstream audiences.
Wonder Woman
2017 · Firstpost · Jun 2017
The best moment in the film is not an action spectacle but one where there is no action – it's a delicately funny scene on a boat where Wonder Woman and Steve chat awkwardly, the former effortlessly chastising the latter's human faults. One wishes the studio let director Jenkins delve more into these character driven moments than forcing epic action spectacle as the main selling point.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
2017 · Firstpost · May 2017
Perhaps it's about time Sparrow hung up his boots and thought real hard about what his next journey should be, because at this rate he's just going about in circles.
Alien: Covenant
2017 · Firstpost · May 2017
It's difficult to figure out what other surprises are left from the Xenomorphs — as of now it feels exhausting to watch another movie waiting for the eggs to attack not very smart people on a space ship. Perhaps it's time to let someone else take a stab at this. Neil Blomkamp, with his proficiency in military hardware depicted in cinema and a good screenwriter would probably be a good choice.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
2017 · Firstpost · May 2017
Funny in bits, visually entertaining on the whole...
The Boss Baby
2017 · Firstpost · Mar 2017
There's not enough heart in the film as much as, say, the equally weird 'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs' but it's a more memorable animation movie than Dreamworks' last few films.
Beauty and the Beast
2017 · Firstpost · Mar 2017
Whether or not you're a fan of the 1991 film, you'll find Beauty and the Beast to be an enjoyably fun remake and also a visually gorgeous time at the cinema.
Kong: Skull Island
2017 · Firstpost · Mar 2017
Hilariously neither Larson nor Hiddleston have a single scratch at any point in the film, despite constantly running around, being attacked, tumbling about and even crashing from a chopper. It only invokes the hatred of humans found in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, another film in which the sub humans were the stars. One wishes this movie contained the nuanced dynamics between humans and the 'monsters' from that one.
Logan
2017 · Firstpost · Mar 2017
Perfect send-off to Hugh Jackman and a brutal social commentary...
Split
2017 · Firstpost · Feb 2017
Split, however, is a bonafide roar back to form which showcases why Shyamalan became a superstar in the first place.
Lion
2017 · Firstpost · Feb 2017
In any case this is an effective drama with themes universal in nature. The most fundamentally basic human characteristic is to reach out to one's family and there's nothing more heartbreaking to see the bond ripped apart by forces alien to the human.
Hidden Figures
2017 · Firstpost · Feb 2017
If you're ready to ignore some of its misgivings, Hidden Figures is still a pretty enjoyable watch, and if you had the fortune of learning FORTRAN in school you'll find the film a wonderful sendoff to the programming language.
The Lego Batman Movie
2017 · Firstpost · Feb 2017
Those who have grown up with the Batman action figures will have a total blast watching the film seeing as pretty much every supervillain, from the A grade ones like Bane to the C grade ones like Killer Croc and even some hilariously fictional ones, categorised by Batman himself as Z grade villains show up in droves.
John Wick: Chapter 2
2017 · Firstpost · Feb 2017
Along with Reeves the big star of the film is returning director Chad Stahelski who lathers the stunt sequences with intricately designed moves of ass kickery backed up with some seriously stunning cinematography. There's heightened mood in each dramatic or action scene.
Rings
2017 · Firstpost · Feb 2017
The only interesting aspect of the film is Vincent D'Onofrio who is delightfully unhinged as a blind priest with strange motivations – someone needs to cast this guy as the Ultimate Monster in a horror movie and watch the sparks fly.
The Space Between Us
2017 · Firstpost · Feb 2017
Just when one thought the Young Adult genre of movies was dead, The Space Between Us pops up and continues to make the case for the genre to be permanently buried.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
2017 · Firstpost · Feb 2017
This is a movie that hates the audience and expects them to furiously hate it back.
The Great Wall
2017 · Firstpost · Feb 2017
The truly frustrating aspect of the film is how it feels like a propaganda piece. The white men in the film have some layers to their personalities, but none of the Chinese characters in the film are real humans – they are robotically fatalist and patriotic and would in fact do anything for their country including giving up their lives.
The Founder
2017 · Firstpost · Jan 2017
What works for the film is how unhinged Kroc is and the way he is presented as a straightforward asshole. There is absolutely no gray area at all – Kroc is the very definition of an opportunist spineless businessman as we go through a series of montages containing his rapid-fire business dealings.
Assassin's Creed
2016 · Firstpost · Dec 2016
With Warcraft and Assassin's Creed both performing a belly flop Hollywood has blown its chances of turning video game movies into a mainstream genre. Suddenly the prospects for Alicia Vikander's Lara Croft movie don't look too good.
Sing
2016 · Firstpost · Dec 2016
It's sure predictable but the finale that predictably includes every underdog getting a chance to shine will leave you with the guilty giggles of having enjoyed something you generally wouldn't. If you have kids you should take them to the theater to see Sing - they will love you for it – especially since they were probably horrified by the number of deaths in the new Star Wars movie. If you're lucky enough to find a screen playing the film in 2D, choose that one over the 3D.
Arrival
2016 · Firstpost · Dec 2016
The first thing you'll notice, of course, is how smart the film is. Unlike in movies like this year's terrible Independence Day Resurgence there is a very real depiction of how the world would react if aliens did show up at our doorstep. It's also nice to see characters that don't make stupid decisions when things don't go according to plan.
Office Christmas Party
2016 · Firstpost · Dec 2016
The experience can be a little frustrating since the campiness and risqué material is supposed to be part of the comedic routine, and all you get is a 'sanitised' version of what is supposed to play on the screens. It would be better to wait for the DVD and watch it sloshed with your friends for the full experience.
Underworld: Blood Wars
2016 · Firstpost · Dec 2016
Ultimately if you're looking for footage of Beckinsale looking really classy in black leather go and see the film at the earliest, if you're looking for an entertaining film you'll need to look elsewhere.
Moana
2016 · Firstpost · Dec 2016
The back and forth between Maui and Moana is of course the highlight of the film, and it's a predictably sweet and emotional bond between the two. Anyone watching the film will be able to connect with at least one of these two characters and there's always something to take away and learn from them.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
2016 · Firstpost · Nov 2016
The titular beasts themselves are imaginative and fascinating, and how Scamander is connected to the beasts is an interesting commentary on how humans treat something they are not aware of in a negative manner. When the film isn't dark and scary it's also quite funny which is a breath of fresh air from the persistent gloom and doom of the previous four films.
Shut In
2016 · Firstpost · Nov 2016
I'm not sure which section of audiences the film was made for, but if you get time to see it later on DVD I suggest you give it a spin just to know the reveal, which in my humble opinion gives the ludicrous reveal of 2009's Orphan a run for its money.
Doctor Strange
2016 · Firstpost · Nov 2016
Benedict Cumberbatch film shows Marvel heeded fans' complaints...
Train to Busan
2016 · Firstpost · Oct 2016
Train to Busan also makes you credit Danny Boyle for reigniting the zombie outbreak in the film industry. Boyle turned the concept of zombies from slow moving dumb creatures that could be outrun, into fiery raging monsters that you have absolutely no chance to escape from. If you have watched Train to Busan and have not seen Boyle's horror masterpiece, you could head home from the theater and make this one a double bill.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
2016 · Firstpost · Oct 2016
There are some attempts at violent hand to hand combat scenes but they matter so little because you don't give a damn about any of the stock goons being beaten or even Reacher in general – because you know he's not really going to die in the film. Forget this one and pop in the DVD of John Wick again. The sequel to that movie is the one to watch out for.
Inferno
2016 · Firstpost · Oct 2016
The one thing Inferno has going for itself is the way it is shot by Howard regular Salvatore Totino – in fact the only exciting thing about this whole film is the anticipation for the look of next year's Spiderman Homecoming which is also shot by Totino.
Storks
2016 · Firstpost · Sep 2016
Storks is a film I had absolutely no expectations from and it turned out to be the animated surprise of the year.
Bridget Jones's Baby
2016 · Firstpost · Sep 2016
What works best is that the film is consistently funny and entertaining given how slavishly the formula of the first film is repeated.
The Shallows
2016 · Firstpost · Sep 2016
You should watch this film, but you can walk in twenty minutes late for an even better experience, unless of course you dig endless shots of a bikini lady surfing in slow mo.
Nine Lives
2016 · Firstpost · Aug 2016
The only big takeaway from Nine Lives is that director Sonnenfeld has actually managed to outdo the awfulness of Wild Wild West in a spectacular fashion. Had this film advertised and released with the likes of Sharknado it would have been hailed as a classic of Z grade movie-making, but presented as a summer comedy it's more turgid than entertaining.
Ben-Hur
2016 · Firstpost · Aug 2016
There is one fundamental problem with a 2016 reboot of Ben Hur – that absolutely no one needed it.
Ice Age: Collision Course
2016 · Firstpost · Jul 2016
The only entertaining aspect of Ice Age: Collision Course is Scrat and his adventures with the elusive acorn. Five films in, the cutaways to Scrat struggling to grab his beloved acorn feel like a different film altogether. Like the Minions, he needs a standalone film of his own – perhaps watching a silent film would be a much needed change for those exhausted with the cacophony of the Ice Age movies. It's a shame that Blue Sky studios continues to make these inane sequels when they're capable of making classics like The Peanuts Movie.
The Legend of Tarzan
2016 · Firstpost · Jul 2016
The character is simply one step ahead of being a stereotypical mustache-twirling villain. Skarsgard, whose face is often in the shadows doesn't have many lines in the film and his extreme gym bod does most of the acting. Robbie is severely miscast as Jane – she looks like a very modern woman placed in a period film. It looks like Warner and Disney are making the same kind of blockbuster movies and the latter is consistently making the better ones.
The Conjuring 2
2016 · Firstpost · Jun 2016
The film attempts to compensate for its clichéd elements by telling the audience that it is based on real life incidents, but this marketing gimmick has been stale for quite a while now.
Warcraft
2016 · DNA India · Jun 2016
Watch it once. It deserves that at least. Who knows, you might have a different opinion of how it should have ended...
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
2016 · Firstpost · Jun 2016
With the Transformers and now the Turtles movies it's clear that Bay expect kids to be stupid and is okay with feeding them unhealthy entertainment in the name of fun. If you have kids and want to show them a genuinely great kids film that nourishes their IQ instead of depleting it, make them watch The Little Prince. Until then let's just pray the filmmakers are not trying to do a Transformers-Turtles crossover film.
The Nice Guys
2016 · Firstpost · Jun 2016
Without the kinetic energy of Robert Downey Jr it's definitely not an all time classic like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang but it's still a crazy amount of fun. With such quality cinema out in theaters it's silly to pass on an opportunity to get tickets. The only difficult thing here is the two year wait for Black's next film, a sequel to the legendary Predator.
The Angry Birds Movie
2016 · Firstpost · May 2016
In a world where movies based on games tend to suck, The Angry Birds Movie is a tiny little victory, and a nice diversion from Disney's super large scale animation films. Now let's hope this movie becomes successful and leads to a Candy Crush movie, or a Candy Crush Angry Birds shared universe.
Alice Through the Looking Glass
2016 · Firstpost · May 2016
Ultimately this is a sequel that arrived five years too late, and brings nothing fascinating to audiences who have mostly forgotten the previous movie. This is a rare misstep from Disney whose other films lately have been of super high quality. And if the previous movie was at the advent of 3D, I wish this sequel signals the end of it.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
2016 · Firstpost · May 2016
The only takeaway is that the film could have benefitted with a co writer adding something special to Vardalos' unspectacular script. In the fourteen years since the original movie a lot has changed in the world and cinema audiences, but Vardalos' approach to comedy unfortunately hasn't.
Money Monster
2016 · Firstpost · May 2016
George Clooney, Julia Roberts are the best thing about this half-baked film...
Captain America: Civil War
2016 · Firstpost · May 2016
After watching the hilariously subversive Deadpool, I was convinced that I could never again take a straightforward superhero movie seriously. Captain America Civil War undid my thought process just two months later. The biggest takeaway from this film was that Black Panther looks sleek as hell, and one just can't wait for the next slew of Marvel superhero films like Doctor Strange.
The Man Who Knew Infinity
2016 · Firstpost · Apr 2016
The Mathematics portrayed in the film is fairly diluted so as to make the average audience member understand its concept and also grasp how complex it is and how Ramanujan was a genius to walk through it without batting an eyelid. It would have been more fun if the film's presentation of the Maths was like the stock market detailing in The Big Short, but this will do for now.
The Jungle Book
2016 · Firstpost · Apr 2016
Apart from being a great movie The Jungle Book is also another big triumph for Disney. It seems whatever Disney touches turns to gold. It's hard to think of another studio that has had so much universal acclaim and financial success for such a long stretch of time. With Moana and Rogue One coming later this year it certainly seems like Disney has made sure we're in for a ton of fun.
Kung Fu Panda 3
2016 · Firstpost · Apr 2016
Dreamworks have taken their visual palette to another level with this movie – the imagery is richly detailed and deeply memorable.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
2016 · Firstpost · Mar 2016
After Man of Steel, Snyder had this one chance to redeem himself, and he blew it spectacularly. With the future of the franchise, including the Justice League movies in his hands, it's truly a dark and depressing time for DC fans.
Bus 657
2016 · Firstpost · Mar 2016
The film's other fatal flaw is that it takes itself very seriously – this is a distraction when you're aware that everything that's happening in the film is either improbable or stupid. Even a wee bit of self awareness would probably have made Heist passable as a movie that is so bad it is fun, unfortunately as things stand this is a movie that is so bad that it is unwatchable.
The Program
2016 · Firstpost · Mar 2016
The Program may be familiar plot wise but still holds your attention because what the man did is pretty disturbing (he carried stacks of his own blood during the race in plastic boxes to transfuse before the post race blood tests). Foster also does a great job of portraying a man who just wants to win, no matter what happens. It's a testament to Foster's performance that you do feel a sliver of sympathy for the character because he's going against the grain.
Triple 9
2016 · Firstpost · Mar 2016
There's little suspense or mystery, and the huge star cast does little to stand out – you could replace one actor with another in the heist gang and there would make absolutely no difference to the way the movie plays out.
Zootopia
2016 · Firstpost · Mar 2016
With life lessons and smart characters, this Disney film is a superb watch...
The Revenant
2016 · Firstpost · Feb 2016
The Revenant, therefore, is not just a film but a demonstration of how far the filmmaker can go visually. Every frame in the film can be printed out, framed and hung on a wall. The atmosphere built into the film is brutal enough to permeate from the screen.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
2016 · Firstpost · Feb 2016
The title is absurd but the film isn't absurd enough. What we have is a tiresome jaunt of faux English accents bleached in a substandard Victorian dye.
Spotlight
2016 · Firstpost · Feb 2016
This is not the kind of movie you should take your date to for fun, but it's one that makes you question your faith in your religious institution and the morality of those attached to it. It's heavy stuff for sure, but stuff that must definitely be seen and discussed.
Trumbo
2016 · Firstpost · Feb 2016
Bryan Cranston fails to save this bland biopic of a popular screenwriter...
Deadpool
2016 · Firstpost · Feb 2016
Deadpool is Fox's Guardians of the Galaxy, and it's opened a whole new gateway for the superhero genre. Whether you have a date or not, make sure you celebrate Valentine's Day at the multiplex playing this movie. It's a love story after all, with lubricated strap ons.
The Choice
2016 · Firstpost · Feb 2016
The choice you should make in life this week is to avoid this movie at all costs. Hopefully the makers of future Sparks novels would then rethink delivering clunkers year after year. No Valentines Day should either begin or end with a movie so bad.
The Finest Hours
2016 · Firstpost · Feb 2016
...it's ultimately a Disney movie, and a sentimental one, and if you've ever found yourself liking any film by this production house you'll easily enjoy The Finest Hours.
The Boy
2016 · Firstpost · Feb 2016
Horror films are the single most exciting movie genre so it's always disappointing when bad horror films show up in theaters. The Boy, directed by William Brent Bell is the new culprit this week.
Room
2016 · Firstpost · Feb 2016
A big credit for that goes to Abrahamson for being able to direct a child actor in such a movie and extracting such a performance without being able to inform the actor the disturbing aspects of the story. If you haven't gathered already, Room is a must watch.
Joy
2016 · Firstpost · Jan 2016
Even Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper can't save this bland film...
Daddy's Home
2016 · Firstpost · Jan 2016
Neither is the humor edgy enough for the smarter audience nor is it fun enough to be a passable low brow comedy. It feels like the filmmakers attempted to make a full on low brow film but were restricted with a PG rating. As it stands, even a bad SNL skit is far more sophisticated than anything in this film.
Point Break
2016 · Firstpost · Jan 2016
The only thing that is mildly exciting about the film is a wing suit stunt where cameras soar along with the bat-like divers over a huge canyon.
Everly
2015 · Firstpost · Dec 2015
...director Lynch doesn't have Tarantino's self-awareness and the grasp on schlock to make his film work despite the wanton misogyny in the material. The exploitative tone of the film is a jarring juxtaposition to the emotional sub plot between Everly and her mother. It's amusing that the filmmakers want you to care deeply about the poor woman in ridiculously scanty clothes firing machine guns.
The Peanuts Movie
2015 · Firstpost · Dec 2015
In a world full of unwanted sequels, The Peanuts Movie makes you yearn for more movies of its universe. A lot of present adults grew up in the world of Peanuts, it's about time the torch was handed over to the today's kids.
In the Heart of the Sea
2015 · Firstpost · Dec 2015
In the Heart of the Sea is exactly the kind of sentimental populist Hollywoodised claptrap that Howard is famous for and most of it grates more than entertains. After Life of Pi, which so beautifully established the metaphor for cannibalism on a stowaway raft, and the first act of Unbroken which captured a true story of being cast away at sea and then becoming a prisoner of war, In the Heart of the Sea seems like an unnecessary add on to an already consumed meal.
Legend
2015 · Firstpost · Dec 2015
Ultimately as a demo for showing Hardy's range on screen, Legend is a fairly good attempt but as a gangster epic this is neither fun nor deeply nuanced. A far more capable filmmaker could have made this film live up to its title.
The Good Dinosaur
2015 · Firstpost · Dec 2015
The film works best in the scenes without any dialogue – the visuals are so powerful they either warm your hearts or bring some onions close to your eyes, and sometimes both. Dialogue was not needed in any scene. Had this been a totally silent film it would have become a real masterpiece. For now, this is merely a really good film that everyone should go and watch to have a good time.
Creed
2015 · Firstpost · Nov 2015
There's a layer of meta in the film as well; Creed is unwilling to take on his father's surname, and this film in unwilling to take Rocky's name to promote itself – this is Creed's film and will be recognized as such, rather than 'just another Rocky sequel'. It doesn't reach the iconic triumphant running scene from Rocky but it almost gets there, and leaves you pumped by the time you leave the theater.
Silver Linings Playbook
2012 · Mid-Day · Nov 2015
Towards the end of the film Lawrence takes on the football crazy family and delivers a rapid-fire monologue that pretty much annihilates everyone else in the room. By the end of her monologue I found myself standing up and clapping, having fallen completely in love with Miss Lawrence. I'd be surprised if you don't experience something similar.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2
2015 · Firstpost · Nov 2015
The special effects are fine, but never surprising. By now the dystopia of the universe depicted in the movie has become old hat. So when there's nothing new to look at it becomes easier to spot the shoddy CGI in some of the scenes. It's not entirely clear if the Young Adult audiences will show up in droves to watch the film – the falling box office numbers of all the films of this genre indicate the genre has reached a saturation point. It's up to the finale of The Maze Runner trilogy to turn things around, or at least end on a high.
Spectre
2015 · Firstpost · Nov 2015
Since Mendes already dealt with humanizing Bond in Skyfall, this time the filmmaker gives us the Bond from the Roger Moore era. Which means everything that was ludicrous and over the top in Bond movies makes a grand return in Spectre.
Burnt
2015 · Firstpost · Oct 2015
Most films often portray the process of making food as a romanticized procedure, and we're always told how cooking can make on intrinsically happy. So it's fascinating to see people in the restaurant work in furious technique. If the rest of the film had the same nervous energy and pace of these sequences, it would have been far more watchable.
Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension
2015 · Firstpost · Oct 2015
...ultimately is more an annoyance than a grand series finale. It neither ups the stakes nor does it offer anything new or interesting to take away from the franchise. The Saw series at least had a schlocky punch in the final movie, this one ends on a mere belly flop.
The Last Witch Hunter
2015 · Firstpost · Oct 2015
Hollywood still hasn't figured out that a fantasy film needs some genuine scares to keep things interesting – excessive CGI doesn't really cut it nowadays, and FX as unimpressive as the ones in this movie signal a disaster. In the 90's this film would probably have been a semi hit, in 2015 The Last Witch Hunter is so unimaginative, it digs its own grave.
Rock the Kasbah
2015 · Firstpost · Oct 2015
The film's biggest problem is not that it is offensive on many levels on multiple occasions, but that it is incredibly unfunny. None of Murray's rock bottom ignominy is amusing at any instance. Most of his dialogue seems to have been improvised on set, because it's so terrible you won't believe a major studio would have gone through the script and confirmed it.
Crimson Peak
2015 · Firstpost · Oct 2015
If you're looking for a tragic romance wrapped in a gigantic canvas of epic production design and photography, Crimson Peak is your fix. It's always a special moment when a Del Toro film hits theaters and there's always something fascinating to look at in every one of his frames. In an era where cheap horror films seem to be the big formula, it's nice to have a big budget horror film playing in 2D IMAX screens for a change.
Bridge of Spies
2015 · Firstpost · Oct 2015
Hollywood often whitewashes characters in this manner, and Bridge of Spies is no exception. There's no way Donovan managed to get through national ridicule and complex spy missions without a single misstep, but we'll never know because Spielberg refuses to risk humanizing a human being.
The Walk
2015 · Firstpost · Oct 2015
Ultimately The Walk is for those who haven't seen Man on Wire, with all the standard feel good elements that you expect from the genre. Plus there's enough JGL cuteness to please his fans. But there's no denying that the people involved with this film played it safe to deliver a short climactic spectacle, rather than a truly compelling story.
Sicario
2015 · Firstpost · Oct 2015
If you don't already know what Sicario means, you're in for quite a ride. Those aware of its meaning can probably figure out the mystery early on in the film, but will still have a blast. It's a win-win and a demonstration of deeply awesome filmmaking. The excitement levels of Blade Runner 2 being directed by Villeneuve and shot by Deakins have now increased tenfold.
The Martian
2015 · Firstpost · Oct 2015
Scott has never been known for comedic films, so his grasp on timing is a welcome change from all the serious stuff he's done previously. His recent films have suffered because of lousy scripts, so teaming up with Cabin in the Woods' Godard on such strong source material nicely complements Scott's mastery over visual storytelling. The result is a very funny movie, with big sci fi spectacle, thrilling space exploration visuals and also a couple of life lessons. What more could you possibly ask for?
The Intern
2015 · Firstpost · Sep 2015
He's the father figure she never had, and she renders the companionship he has been desperately looking for. And with Hathaway and De Niro going back and forth with the aforementioned elements, it's cuteness overload. Fortunately there's no hint of forced romance between the two, it's been a while since the two leads of opposite sexes in a Hollywood movie were 'just friends'.
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
2015 · Firstpost · Sep 2015
This film doesn't provoke any adult discussion about ethics and morality in a dystopian world, ultimately it's just a thrill ride for kids, and on that front it works fairly well.
Pawn Sacrifice
2015 · Firstpost · Sep 2015
Even if you have never played chess in your life, Pawn Sacrifice is fun to watch. It is a testament to Zwick's direction and Knight's writing that Pawn Sacrifice makes chess games so tense and exciting.
Everest
2015 · Firstpost · Sep 2015
There isn't a single line of corny dialogue, which is a far cry from blockbuster Hollywood. The acting is universally excellent, with Clarke continuing to impress with his range and a New Zealand twang that never feels out of place. This visually breath-taking film will make you want to go to Nepal...
Hero
2015 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2015
The only reasonably enjoyable moment is in the end credits, when co-producer Salman Khan shows up to sing a song. Don't get carried away, though. Even that's not worth sitting through the rest of it.
We Are Your Friends
2015 · Firstpost · Sep 2015
This film is not a sendoff to EDM fans, but a cookie cutter, coming-of-age rom com, with a sprinkling of lame and generic EDM to look 'hep' and 'cool'. Like most famous underground DJs who sold out and began belting out generic beats for commercial clubhouse and airtime gains, We Are Your Friends panders to the younger and dumber audience with the hope of striking box office gold.
Hitman: Agent 47
2015 · Firstpost · Sep 2015
Hitman is a video game property that seems cinematic because it borrows from other movies. However, a movie based on a game that is based on movies is hardly a recipe for good filmmaking. The curse of the video game based movies continues. It's now up to Duncan Jones' Warcraft and Michael Fassbender's Assassin's Creed to reverse this curse.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
2015 · Firstpost · Aug 2015
The Man from UNCLE is not as fun as, say, Kingsman, but it's another fine entry in a year full of great spy comedies that subvert James Bond.
Ricki and the Flash
2015 · Mid Day · Aug 2015
Streep is the only element worth watching the film for, but there's only so much of 'Streep pretending to be a failed rocker' one can take.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
2015 · Mid Day · Aug 2015
The only underutilized part of the movie is Hugh Grant as a British Intelligence honcho who predictably ends up being the boss of both the spies. There's even a predictable twist towards the end and one wishes the film left that one out and focused more on the bromance between Cavill and Hammer. In any case it's a small complaint in a film that's big on entertainment. Watch it.
No Escape
2015 · Mid Day · Aug 2015
It's hard to fathom whom this film was made for. Perhaps folks who need a fix of some mindless action and thrills will find this passably interesting, but for those looking for something more meaningful, 'No Escape' is a deterrent.
All Is Well
2015 · Hindustan Times · Aug 2015
The illogical plot and buffoonish over-the-top characters might still have been forgiven if there were even a handful of laughs to be had. Instead, the journey is tiresome and utterly un-engaging, filled with tedious potty jibes, loud noises and hammy gesticulation.
Fantastic Four
2015 · Mid Day · Aug 2015
Ultimately there's no fun to be had in 'Fantastic Four', nor is it bad enough to be entertaining or unintentionally hilarious. It's a tedious, laborious watch and a scathing indictment of worst side of superhero filmmaking that has exploding in Hollywood. If anything, the big guys Warner and Marvel can watch this movie and learn what not to do.
The Gift
2015 · Mid Day · Aug 2015
What really drives the movie home are the excellent performances from the entire cast. Edgerton is delightfully strange, while Bateman is pretentious in an endearing kind of manner. The only wasted opportunity is the superb Allison Tollman from 'Fargo' is cast in a minor role that doesn't add anything to the story. But that's only a minor complaint in an otherwise awesome movie. As far as thrillers with smart thrills go, it doesn't get better than 'The Gift'.
Vacation
2015 · Mid Day · Aug 2015
The comedy is so mediocre even Ed Helms struggles to hold your attention. Chevy Chase in the original had this mad glint in his eye which made things all the more funny. Everyone in this film, Christina Applegate included simply go through the motions like robots. Chris Hemsworth makes a mildly interesting cameo as a weatherman but even he's relegated to being part of erection jokes. This is not really a National Lampoons movie, this is a 'Hangover' sequel, and if you've watched the last two you can guess the quality of this one.
Shaun the Sheep Movie
2015 · Mid Day · Aug 2015
'Shaun the Sheep' ultimately is a reminder that the simplest form of storytelling is the most attention grabbing and satisfying. Pixar's 'Inside Out' proved that a children's film can also be incredibly smart and cerebral, 'Shaun the Sheep' on the other hand proves smart filmmaking is all one needs to deliver a very good film. Whether you have kids or not, this one is a must watch. 'Inside Out' has serious competition at the Oscars this year.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
2015 · MidDay · Aug 2015
The story is cookie cutter by 'Mission Impossible' standards but it's the way the story is presented that makes all the difference. McQuarrie bravely spends time establishing character arcs and genuine conflicts that render stakes, so when our heroes are in danger you root for them to make it out alive. The film also moves at the pace of a hurricane, zipping from one exotic foreign locale to the other, yet somehow seeming coherent.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
2015 · Firstpost · Aug 2015
There is a 'bird', and a plane and Ethan Hunt at his best...What everyone will agree on, however, is that the finale is way better than the cringe-inducing 'Indian' segment from the previous movie. If this is the direction that this franchise is taking, then it's a good sign that there's only a gap of two years until the next Mission Impossible.
The Vatican Tapes
2015 · Firstpost · Jul 2015
The characters are all bland and also predictably stupid. Dudley is the exact same teenager found in countless movies – the adorable damsel in distress making twisted faces because of a demon yanking her soul. The film is audacious enough to tease at a sequel at the climax, promising an all out war between Beelzebub and the Vatican. If it is actually greenlit, perhaps the filmmakers could explore the option of making it an intentional comedy.
Southpaw
2015 · MidDay · Jul 2015
Ultimately it's a story of hope and redemption, and on a simplistic level, it works. It's not the best movie, but it's harmless and well acted for sure. Given Gyllenhaal's physical transformation for the role, a better-written movie would have been more worthy.
Pixels
2015 · Mid Day · Jul 2015
His latest movie 'Pixels' is yet again a horrible experience, and this time it is more frustrating because the concept of the movie is quite amazing. So in contrast to Mr Sandler starring in an already terrible film, this time he has actually ruined a potentially great film.
The Vatican Tapes
2015 · MidDay · Jul 2015
It's a shame that this is the golden age of horror films, yet most of the products coming from the industry are so cheap and stale. Even if you're looking for a timepass date movie, 'The Vatican Tapes' fails to deliver. The only respite is that it is not found footage.
Drishyam
2015 · Firstpost · Jul 2015
A lot is salvaged in the crackerjack reveal during the finale and it becomes easy to be swept away by the climax's sheer populist wave. If a better, more convincing central actor had brought some authenticity to the table, Drishyam could have been a must-watch. Right now, it just gets a mild thumbs-up.
Southpaw
2015 · Firstpost · Jul 2015
The film could have been an intense character based drama, but doesn't end up being more than a simplistic and underexplored story of a damaged family man. It relies too heavily on Gyllenhaal's shoulders and it's a testament to the actor's talent that he makes it (more or less) watchable.
I Am Kalam
2011 · Mid Day · Jul 2015
I am Kalam is a delight to sit through. It is one of the bright spots in a dim period for half-witted commercial films. Don't miss it.
Aisa Yeh Jahaan
2015 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2015
The film essentially is a series of half-baked attempts at exploring a bouquet of unconnected themes. Social commentary needs mature filmmaking, and Aisa Yeh Jahaan falls far short.
Ant-Man
2015 · Firstpost · Jul 2015
It's a bit unfair to Ant Man that the Edgar Wright episode hurt its publicity because the final film is entertaining and funny. Any fan of Wright would be able to spot his DNA in a few scenes, but there's no denying Reed's flair for situational comedy and his ability to subvert the whole concept of big action into a smaller scale. It's about time Wright's shadow left this film and Reed received an accolade or two.
Mr. Holmes
2015 · Mid Day · Jul 2015
Sometimes, the case isn't the point, but the man in charge of the case is, and as a character drama 'Mr Holmes succeeds as one of the best of the year.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
2015 · Firstpost · Jul 2015
This is a film where Bhai makes intense geopolitical statements, addresses race and gender politics, demonstrates the futility of religion in modern times while simultaneously displaying the awesome power of Lord Hanuman, showcases the inability of the common man to speak up against political injustice with a metaphorical mute girl, espouses the need for humans to be truthful and uncorrupt, displays the triumph of the human spirit over unbeatable odds, and demands the need for more vocal cord medical research. Has Kieslowski, with his profound understanding of life,explored any of these themes, let alone in a single movie? Of course not. Bhai rocks.
Bāhubali: The Beginning
2015 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2015
What really makes the film work is that it is, at its heart, a fast-paced adventure, fuelled by themes of questing and redemption. Prabhas is exceptional as the lead, hulking yet charming. Rana Daggubati is perfectly cast as the villain, his performance layered with subtlety and nuance.
The Gallows
2015 · Mid Day · Jul 2015
It's a genius strategy – make a movie for peanuts, and make a ton of profit because people love horror movies. As a result over the past ten years we have seen a barrage of painfully bad found footage films that take a dump on the legacy of 'Blair Witch'. The trend continues in 'The Gallows', which is again a cheaply made film, shot with handy cams, and presented as a found footage movie with thrills and chills. Sadly the thrills in the film are lame and the chills are absent.
Amy
2015 · Mid Day · Jul 2015
The film's biggest achievement is headlining the effect fame can have on someone not prepared to become a celebrity. Ultimately Amy was just a girl who could belt out powerful songs, she was not ready for a starry public image. The film also paints a pretty gruesome picture of drug addiction, but it does it in a way where you understand why most celebs get hooked on to them, and you're doubly sure never to do them. Kapadia was hailed as the next big thing with 'Senna', and now with 'Amy' he has well and truly arrived.
Minions
2015 · Mid Day · Jul 2015
The element of surprise is gone, but there sure is fun in the familiarity. There's only so many times you'll giggle at the Minions cutely saying 'banana'. Ultimately it's harmless fun, and the kids will surely enjoy it, so it becomes an easy watch and an even easier recommendation.
Terminator Genisys
2015 · Mid Day · Jul 2015
With 'Terminator Genisys' there's only one thing you need to know - prepare to have your childhood terminated.
Max
2015 · Mid Day · Jul 2015
As far as hitting you right in the feels goes, 'Max' does an admirable job. Anyone who actually has a dog at home will probably love this movie. Kids, especially, might dig it, but for an adult who is not very fond of pets, there's nothing in the film to see apart from contrived plot points, some melodrama and less than great acting. You can decide on watching this film depending on which camp you belong to.
Pitch Perfect 2
2015 · Mid Day · Jul 2015
...could surely have been a smarter film, but it's fun enough, and it's for everyone. And luckily it's not in 3D.
Killa
2015 · Hindustan Times · Jun 2015
Avinash Arun's incredible debut film explores unusual themes delicately and expertly -- the frustration of not belonging, the search for home, the weight of loss, the frustrations of single-parenting. In one scene, Chinmay sets off in a boat, out to the vastness of the sea, letting his mind slowly still and take in the beauty before him. Viewers of Killa can expect a similar experience.
Inside Out
2015 · Mid Day · Jun 2015
Cleverly, the film's central plot involves an incident that pretty much everyone has to go through once in life, so it becomes very easy to relate to the movie and moisten a few hankies watching it, remembering your own version of the incident. Going with the message of the film, it also makes you realize no matter how manly you claim to be, it's okay to shed a tear or two when a movie is powerful enough to bring out your most emotional childhood memory. The whole thing is inventive, eye popping and an emotional roller coaster ride from start to end. Go see it, preferably in 2D.
Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho
2015 · Firstpost · Jun 2015
Interesting concept but ultimately a lame, melodramatic satire...
Insidious: Chapter 3
2015 · Mid Day · Jun 2015
If horror whets your appetite you can hardly go wrong with 'Insidious: Chapter 3' – it's not often that a good horror film hits theaters, so make the most of it.
Spy
2015 · Mid Day · Jun 2015
Nargis Fakhri is passable but not noticeable as such, but with McCarthy hogging the limelight steamrolling everything else in the movie down, it's hard to complain. If you're in need of laughs in this horrible rain, 'Spy' delivers with style.
Entourage
2015 · Mid Day · Jun 2015
The film tries to compensate for its lack of a good story by throwing in a celebrity cameo every minute, but by the time the hundredth celebrity arrives to mouth a line or two, you're already left bored by the excess of un-funniness, extravagant sets and sexist humour.
The Duff
2015 · Mid Day · Jun 2015
The story is predictable right until the very end, but this is one film where the journey is more fun than the result. There are plenty of silly and smart laughs, and the back and forth Whitman has with her friends and foes and especially Robbie Amel is enough to keep to you chuckling in your seat. It's easy laughs and easy entertainment, and an easy recco.
What We Did on Our Holiday
2015 · Mid Day · Jun 2015
The film is exceedingly well cast, as David Tennant and Rosamund Pike spit fire at each other. It's a bit unfortunate that Rosamund Pike is once again playing the wife in an uneven marriage, hopefully she won't be typecast in the future. Connolly is his usual likable self, lobbing little one liners becomes a cakewalk for him. The climax is as predictable as it is sappy, but when the material is so much fun, it hardly matters.
The Age of Adaline
2015 · Mid Day · Jun 2015
...if you're looking for a smart movie that goes into the morality and ethics of never ageing, you'll have to look elsewhere.
Maggie
2015 · Mid Day · Jun 2015
The biggest letdown of the movie is that it isn't scary at all – it makes you wonder what the filmmakers were aiming for. Neither is the drama powerful enough to keep you interested, nor are there any cheap thrills for fun. 'Maggie' ultimately is stuck somewhere in between the two ends, and is a fairly big disappointment, especially for fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Welcome to Karachi
2015 · Firstpost · May 2015
The film thinks it would be hilarious to use the word 'fafda' as a euphemism for 'f*ck', presumably because Gujjus love fafda more than … never mind. So, taking a leaf out of Welcome to Karachi's script, heed this warning: everyone involved in this fafda film overacts, there isn't remotely a fafda funny line to make you fafda laugh, it looks tacky as fafda, is loud enough to make your fafda eardums fafda explode, and long enough to deplete your fafda hairline. I have a few good friends in Karachi. My deepest apologies to all of them on behalf of Bollywood.
San Andreas
2015 · Mid Day · May 2015
There's a gigantic Tsunami like wave as well, that packs enough tension to keep your popcorn intake flowing. Really, with The Rock and falling architecture that's good enough excuse to waste some time at the movies, but ultimately that's what the movie is, a waste of time, and a tiresome one at that.
Tanu Weds Manu: Returns
2015 · Firstpost · May 2015
As of now, Tanu Weds Manu Returns is half a good movie, and half a dunderhead. If you consider both halves of this movie like a couple, then one of them surely needed to give some love and affection to the other before the fuse blew.
Poltergeist
2015 · Mid Day · May 2015
The only differentiating factor in the remake is that it veers away from the original in the third act, but by that time the film has already betrayed its audiences. There's no escaping that you're watching something you've seen a dozen times before. If only there was a dimension of ghosts who terrorize filmmakers who rely on clichés to entertain his audiences.
Big Game
2015 · Mid Day · May 2015
The 'conspiracy' angle is amusingly predictable with the inside man 'revealing ' himself as if no one expected it. When it comes to B movie fun you can hardly go wrong with 'Big Game'. Let's just hope there's a sequel that is even more ridiculous, pardon the pun, in nature.
Tomorrowland
2015 · Mid Day · May 2015
The film is also fast paced, and there's a fair amount of action as well so it's never boring as such. It's just that there's nothing beyond the surface, and that's a major step down from a filmmaker who brought us 'Ratatouille' and 'The Incredibles'.
Danny Collins
2015 · Mid Day · May 2015
Note that this is no Birdman or a gritty diatribe on the fine line between morality and riches, it's an out and out commercial film rendered with all the commercial trappings of the genre. There are plenty of laughs along the way, mostly thanks to Al Pacino's gregarious performance. The dramatic stuff is also present and handled quite subtly. The supporting cast is terrific, with Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner, Christopher Plummer and Bobby Canavale as the son. They all have little details that make them fairly likable.
Mad Max: Fury Road
2015 · Mid Day · May 2015
It's been a while since a movie maintained a huge grin on my face from start to end, and I suspect you'll experience something similar. This is the movie that ushers in the next generation of movies, the movie that creates a whole new legion of geeks, the movie that will be embalmed in pop culture for decades. This is truly something special, and hopefully just the first in a franchise.
Bombay Velvet
2015 · Firstpost · May 2015
Ranbir, Anushka's sizzling chemisty can't save boring second half...However, make of it what you will, but for all its weaknesses, what Bombay Velvet lacks in complexity, it ultimately makes up for with its sheer beauty.
Hot Pursuit
2015 · Mid Day · May 2015
The lack of good jokes are attempted to be padded on by very loud noises, both from the stars and the ensuing action they get embroiled in, and it becomes more irritating than fun. It's a train wreck from start to end, and it's not the least bit enjoyable.
Playing It Cool
2015 · Mid Day · May 2015
The stunningly clichéd script is brought to life by debutant Justin Reardon's flashy direction in which we are 'swept into' Me's life with quirky camerawork. The film cuts to different time zones, and even different countries, and Me even becomes Oriental for a while – it's all showy work but it seems more like a director's advertising showreel rather than a completely piece of cinema. With a better script, and a better production that guarantees him a solid release, Reardon can surely make a good movie, this one ultimately is a very boring and forgettable one.
Piku
2015 · Firstpost · May 2015
Piku glides over all of these heavy-duty themes with breezy lightness and consistent, well-timed comedy. This is a road trip movie after all, and it's got hysterical, rapid-fire montage of cuts of the back and forth between the trio of Piku, Bhaskkor and Rana. The teeny bit of melodrama is handled beautifully by shuffling laughs and tears together like a pack of cards, making Piku one of the more emotionally honest films to have come from the industry.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water
2015 · Mid Day · May 2015
They know that it's the familiar stuff that makes kids tick, and they've struck a fine balance between delivering all that we love and adore about SpongeBob, and the 'newness' that he suddenly finds himself in. As always the voice work is adorable, as is the soundtrack. There's really nothing much to complain about, aside from the fact that this film will probably go under the radar. So take your kids to the theatre, and have fun.
Gabbar is Back
2015 · Firstpost · May 2015
Akshay Kumar remakes a Telegu version of a Tamil film and it's a disaster. The only ray of light in this rumbling assault of stupidity is that the film is only two hours and ten minutes long, short enough to return home and assuage your grief by browsing Vijaykanth's resplendent clips on YouTube.
While We're Young
2015 · Mid Day · May 2015
Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts have never been so likeable, nor have Adam Driver and Amanda Seyfried. They're all perfectly cast and perfectly convincing, complemented by crackerjack dialogue. The film has released in limited screens in India, if you find a theater playing this movie I highly recommend you catch it as soon as possible.
Jai Ho Democracy
2015 · Hindustan Times · Apr 2015
To its credit, Jai Ho Democracy doesn't have the grating melodrama of similarly themed films like Kya Dilli Kya Lahore and the only thing that changes in the narrative is the outlandishness of the plot and characters. It's a pity that the film opted to choose over-the-top buffoonery over well-conceived satire. Its a missed opportunity.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
2015 · Mid Day · Apr 2015
While 'Age of Ultron' has all the ingredients of a good superhero movie, it's sheer scale is its undoing. There are too many characters to be explored properly and the action is 'unfeeling'.
The Water Diviner
2015 · Mid Day · Apr 2015
As you have probably guessed, 'The Water Diviner' is an exercise in sentimentality, mostly to a fault. This reflects, no doubt, on Crowe's past choices like 'A Beautiful Mind' and 'Cinderella Man'. Except, those films had the measured hands of experienced filmmakers, and Crowe's first attempt at direction mostly generates fake mawkishness rather than genuine emotion.
Dharam Sankat Mein
2015 · Firstpost · Apr 2015
Dharam Sankat Mein had quite an uphill task of balancing comedy and the religious sentiments of its audience. It succeeds fairly well – the jokes are in good taste and the film presents the hypocrisy in blind belief, rather than faith per se. Both Hindu and Muslim customs, two polar opposite sides of the spectrum, are made fun of with equally measured, over-careful restraint. Gujarat's ban on alcohol gets a subtle dig.
Ek Paheli Leela
2015 · Firstpost · Apr 2015
This Sunny Leone starrer is soft porn without any actual porn...From outrageous and caricaturist gay characters to outright gay bashing, Ek Paheli Leela offers the whole platter.
It Follows
2015 · Mid Day · Apr 2015
How does one define a good horror film? It is a film which transcends the clichés of the genre, or renders fear without cheap scares or gore, has well defined characters backed up by good acting, and a plot that holds your interest from beginning to end, and makes you talk about the film with your friends long after it is over. The new film 'It Follows' ticks every one of those checkboxes.
Home
2015 · Mid Day · Apr 2015
Once a year we get an animated film that comes out of nowhere, takes us completely by surprise and goes away without causing much of a ruckus. This year the Dreamworks Animation's 'Home' takes that slot. Overall this is a cute little film that's short and sweet, built specifically for kids. Adults may skip it, but they'll score brownie points if they get their kids tickets.
Detective Byomkesh Bakshy
2015 · Firstpost · Apr 2015
...is ultimately a wicked cocktail of clues, images, sounds, emotions and sensations. From start to end, you'll be firmly affixed to the edge of your seat. Hopefully this is the start of a franchise and the dawn of a bold new era for Yash Raj Films.
Furious 7
2015 · Mid Day · Apr 2015
What really matters are the stunts and action, and they deliver by the truckloads. Whether it is driving a car through Middle Eastern skyscrapers, or pounding a truck through forested hills of Azerbaijan, or squirming a convertible through the bylanes of an American metropolis, it's a dollop of entertainment.
Dragon Blade
2015 · Mid Day · Mar 2015
It's kind of fascinating to watch really, because you get to witness the birth of a new kind of cinema, the Chinese War Epic that will eventually catch up with Hollywood's superhero films in the near future.
The Gunman
2015 · Mid Day · Mar 2015
There's nothing as such in the film that's commendable, save for Penn's physique at his age. But his character seems like he belongs in an 'Expendables' movie rather than the super serious drama in this movie.
Run All Night
2015 · Mid Day · Mar 2015
The film could have been entertaining had the filmmakers not treated the subject matter with such seriousness and just embraced the ludicrousness of the whole thing. It's what the Jason Statham 'Crank' movies did and they're far more interesting than Neeson's recent output, including this one.
Cinderella
2015 · Mid Day · Mar 2015
It is simple pleasures and fun visuals that kids want, and this film delivers by the truckloads. - See more at: http://www.mid-day.com/articles/cinderella---movie-review/16079160#sthash.IfO68jI1.dpuf
Cinderella
2015 · Firstpost · Mar 2015
Sure, it's old-fashioned, but this film is as pretty as a fairy tale...The film also does little to hide the regressive backbone of the story, where a girl is rescued from her problems in life only because a handsome prince shows up and whisks her away. After Frozen, one would think Disney had the insight to impart strong and battle like values to young girls, and told them that finding prince charming is not the only target in life. Alas, no such subversion is to be found here.
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
2015 · Mid Day · Mar 2015
Most of the film is crowd pleasing to the core, and when the talent on display is so effortless in entertaining you, it's hard to walk away from the film with any negative emotion. It's the first feel-good movie of the year, and that's always a good thing.
Insurgent
2015 · Mid Day · Mar 2015
Whatever little dose of action is present is rendered in cheap looking CGI, which hammers the final nail in the coffin. It remains to be seen if a third instalment arrives next year because as a second film in a series, 'Insurgent' is a dud.
Hunterrr
2015 · Firstpost · Mar 2015
A funny sex comedy with a terribly botched up ending...The biggest takeaway from Hunterrr is that Deviah is far greater than this film, and he certainly deserves better stories. As do we.
NH10
2015 · Firstpost · Mar 2015
...for all of NH10's accomplishments, there are a few questionable lapses in logic, like when the couple uses a map chart instead of Google Maps on their expensive iPhones, and still lose their way. At times, the film overdoes it and keeps telling you 'North India is full of horrible people', because everyone in the film is seemingly out to kill the couple. Yes, some of the patriarchal rubbish in this country needs to be addressed, but does every man in the film need to be antagonistic to convey the point?
Focus
2015 · Mid Day · Mar 2015
There is a barrage of twists to surprise you, but even those are so lame you wish you had been in the film and successfully fooled everyone in it. Smith, who is generally so likable, does little to salvage the scrappy material, as if still reeling from the aftershock of 'After Earth'.
Chappie
2015 · Mid Day · Mar 2015
'Chappie' asks some pretty solid questions, while delivering the action spectacle as well. If you enjoy action-packed, crazy cinema with a dash of brains, you can do a lot worse than 'Chappie'.
The Lazarus Effect
2015 · Mid Day · Mar 2015
It all leads up to a predictable ending full of groan-worthy loud and noisy events, and by the time it's over all you can do is head over to the nearest sushi restaurant to forget whatever you just saw.
Against the Sun
2015 · Mid Day · Mar 2015
When there isn't anything else in the way of the plot, the only thing we can bank on is the characters, and the filmmaker makes them fairly interesting, and more importantly, makes us root for them.
Kingsman: The Secret Service
2015 · Mid Day · Feb 2015
The film is ridiculous, funny and a wild ride, and it's really hard not to be swept away by its infectious energy.
Dum Laga Ke Haisha
2015 · Firstpost · Feb 2015
Director Katariya keeps things very simple, yet entertaining and relatable. If you've had first hand experience with a situation like the one in which the film's lead couple find themselves, they'll find enough to appreciate in Dum Laga Ke Haisha. For the rest, it's a chance to revisit a lost decade and revive our interest in Yash Raj Films. It's good to know that the production house that brings us over-the-top spectacles like the Dhoom films can make something small, hilarious and straight from the heart.
Badlapur
2015 · Firstpost · Feb 2015
The question of comparison to Ek Haseena Thi and Johnny Gaddaar is irrelevant. Badlapur is the kind of film we need more of, and also the kind of film that you need to see. It's in theaters now, so if you want to see a change in the quality of Bollywood products, buy a ticket or two.
Love, Rosie
2015 · Mid Day · Feb 2015
Love, Rosie is as stock and clichéd as they come. It neither surprises nor disappoints, it just arrives and leaves without making you feel anything. It is a zombie of a movie, but at best it is harmless and at worst humourless. One fascinating aspect of the movie is how Lilly Collins, a reasonably talented actress, continues to choose turkeys. Hugh Grant, however, would raise an eyebrow at Claflin's dialogue delivery, if only the latter was as funny as the former.
Roy
2015 · Firstpost · Feb 2015
At two and a half hours Roy is a slog to sit through with too many unnecessary songs and diversions and not enough meat to either thrill or entertain. If you're in the mood to watch a 'film within a film' and a character crossing over from reel to reality, a better recommendation would be The Untitled Kartik Krishnan Project.
MSG: The Messenger of God
2015 · Firstpost · Feb 2015
You can laugh with the movie, and more so at the movie. It's a win win. I reckon the censor board wanted to ban the movie for being too awesome. There is literally no better way to spend your valentines day than taking your date to watch the Love Charger.
Shamitabh
2015 · Firstpost · Feb 2015
Amitabh Bachchan's act is classy in this fun yet flawed film...
The Boy Next Door
2015 · Mid Day · Feb 2015
Sadly, the majority of the film is too serious to be campy and not campy enough to be fun, and neither bad enough to be a recommendation.
Wild Card
2015 · Mid Day · Feb 2015
The strange thing is, there is a lot of talking in the movie, as if the filmmakers want us to invest in the characters. As a result, there are only three action scenes in the film, and it becomes a real slog to sit through 80 minutes of boring characters blabbering for just 10 minutes of a** kicking. On the bright side, a couple of stunts are in slo mo, probably a first for Statham.
Mr. Turner
2015 · Mid Day · Feb 2015
This is a film made by a true artiste about a true artist. And in many ways, it's better than 'Big Eyes', the other art-based film of the year, and is certainly deserving of more Oscar nominations than it actually scored.
Jupiter Ascending
2015 · Firstpost · Feb 2015
It's frustrating that the filmmakers who so effortlessly adapted the complex Cloud Atlas to the big screen managed to render such a derivative, noisy and forgettable action film.
Foxcatcher
2015 · Mid Day · Jan 2015
You'll leave the theater wowed by the acting, yet unimpressed by the film.
Seventh Son
2015 · Mid Day · Jan 2015
If you're looking for a good swords and sandals epic with mystical creatures, you'll have to look elsewhere because this one is a turkey.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
2015 · Firstpost · Jan 2015
If you find a movie better than Birdman, I'll clip off my wings, bathe in batter and offer myself on the platter at the nearest KFC.
Dolly Ki Doli
2015 · Firstpost · Jan 2015
Though Dolly Ki Doli doesn't qualify as an awful movie – it's not tacky and is often funny - it does, regrettably, end up as forgettable fluff and a hugely wasted opportunity.
Mortdecai
2015 · Mid Day · Jan 2015
Strangely the director David Koepp has made good films in the past – like 'Premium Rush' and 'Ghost Town', the latter especially worked as a comedy because of the charming cast and the genuinely great lines, and also the restrained nature of it. If only he'd spent more time writing good jokes instead of focusing on Depp's star power to propel the film forward. Much like their previous collaboration 'Secret Window', this one is a turkey that'll only be remembered for its legendarily small haul at the box office.
Baby
2015 · Firstpost · Jan 2015
So no matter whether you like the film or not, it's hard to deem Pandey a thought provoking filmmaker because Baby seems a lot sillier a few hours after you see it. Pandey is a smart, commercial filmmaker though, because Baby basically exists for the singular purpose of filling three hours of your life with slickly-crafted and frequently outlandish thrills. Just like Ajay himself, the movie doesn't stop until its mission is complete. Just plug some cotton in your ears though, the music is loud enough to wake up the dead.
American Sniper
2015 · Mid Day · Jan 2015
Kyle is presented as an uber hero on the run from an uber (also sniper) villain, and it turns into a standard issue thriller, in fact a lesser version of 'The Green Zone', rather than the epic biopic you expect it to be. And if you're looking for some gunplay action in a war thriller, 'American Sniper' doesn't even achieve anything substantial on that front.
The Theory of Everything
2015 · Mid Day · Jan 2015
The only bright spark in the film is the music by Johan Johansson, and although James Marsh showed tremendous hold of emotion and subject in his previous movies 'Man on wire' and 'Project Nim', the spark is sorely missed this time around.
The Imitation Game
2015 · Mid Day · Jan 2015
This movie has the same unmistakable stench of disappointment and the waft of simplistic tripe that his previous movie 'The Fifth Estate' had. The same can also be said about director Morten Tyldum who showed so much promise in the Norwegian film 'Headhunters' and sold out so easily to the comforts of Hollywood.
Big Eyes
2015 · Mid Day · Jan 2015
If superb performances, a winning script, and beautiful visuals are your thing, there's no reason why you shouldn't see this film in theatres.
Tevar
2015 · Firstpost · Jan 2015
Even under the garb of 'commercial masala', the fight scenes are dull, the stunts look clumsy and the comedy is so awful that it makes you want to suddenly get off your seat, run towards the cinema screen and smash your face against it.
Taken 3
2015 · Mid Day · Jan 2015
Taken 3 is an exact copy of Taken 1 and 2. Nobody in the movie makes an effort to differentiate this one from its predecessors. In fact this movie is actually less than the sum of the first two parts. Perhaps, an easier way to watch it is by watching the first Taken three times.
The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death
2015 · Mid Day · Jan 2015
The only silver lining in this snoozefest is newcomer Phoebe Fox who is not only too pretty but is also a really good performer as she holds her ground in a rather silly film. If only she weren't offset by the character of Helen McCrory, who spends three fourths of the film denying the existence of ghosts with heavy handed philosophical ramblings and then hilariously apologises for the same when the woman in black shows up in her face.
Unbroken
2015 · Mid Day · Jan 2015
The most interesting aspect of the film is the psychological war between Zamperini and the brutal Japanese camp head 'The Bird' played by the Japanese singer Miyavi. Some of the exchanges between them are so over-the-top they seem manufactured for drama, so it's quite unsettling to know that Zamperini actually went through all that torture and lived to tell the tale. This is a fairly decent movie, but Zamperini deserved a much better one.
Ugly
2014 · Firstpost · Dec 2014
You'll probably be confused as to whom to root for by the end of the film, but the answer really is nobody. Kashyap never tries to make you sympathise with any of the characters, thereby making them more real. Human beings are terrible by default, and they would only do more terrible things to others to have their own way. So there's no point of rendering a contrived 'goodness' to the central character, and Kashyap remains quite non-judgemental. The vast space between helplessness and desperation is morbidity, and Ugly lives in that world.
PK
2014 · Firstpost · Dec 2014
PK might not be the repeat value juggernaut like 3 Idiots, but it does have better content, execution and a more socially relevant topic. Props to Hirani and team for saving one of the most enjoyable movies of the year for the last.
Jessabelle
2014 · Mid Day · Dec 2014
The cheap, crummy style of the scares is also exactly what has ruined the essence of modern horror cinema. When you know what is going to happen in the next scene, there is little you can do but wait for the groan-inducing scare to pass by.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
2014 · Mid Day · Dec 2014
'The Battle of the Five Armies' is the most interesting movie of this trilogy, in that it is the least disappointing movie of this trilogy. So if you walk into the theater expecting something as mediocre as the previous movies, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised. The 3D is still terrible though.
Exodus: Gods and Kings
2014 · Mid Day · Dec 2014
...the lack of cohesive storytelling really kills the film. God is presented as a creepy kid with a scowl on his face, but there is no sense of something being at stake in the film. You also don't really feel for anyone or anything in the film.
This Is Where I Leave You
2014 · Mid Day · Dec 2014
The problem is the characters are either idiots or unlikable snobs — and the actors don't really do anything to make them likable despite their apparent lousiness. The film also makes the mistake of trying to make you sympathise with the characters despite their overall horribleness. And when you have a movie filled with unlikable people in a rather boring setup, it becomes rather problematic to keep your interest levels up.
Penguins of Madagascar
2014 · Mid Day · Nov 2014
There isn't a single boring moment in the movie — it just zips and flies along from the moment it opens. The zip-zoom tone clearly shows that this was aimed at the younger kids whose attention span is significantly less than adults. But it's hard for even adults to be not entertained by such harmless and colourful fun.
Ungli
2014 · Firstpost · Nov 2014
Ungli is a wasted opportunity, because it had all the tools for a fun comedy thriller. Perhaps next time D'Silva will deign to shoehorn melodrama when the comedy is working so well. The good thing about Ungli is it runs just shy of two hours, so even if you dislike the film, you'll forget it the moment you reach home in time for dinner. The final shot of the movie is a giant hand showing you the middle finger, so whether you take that as a hint or not, is left to you.
Horrible Bosses 2
2014 · Mid Day · Nov 2014
Horrible Bosses was packed with misogyny, a large helping of perversion and a big dose of mean spirited nonsense passing off as risque comedy. In short, it was the quintessential fratboy comedy made by and for dudes. It made a boatload of money, so a sequel was inevitable. Fast forward to two years, and we have it, and it is exactly what you expect it to be — Horrible Bosses 2 is mostly a horrible movie.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1
2014 · Mid Day · Nov 2014
Whatever little excitement the film generates only happens in the final 20 minutes, so it's a really long wait for those not gifted with the virtue called patience. The lack of action and a plot only makes it obvious that Mockingjay was split in two parts for monetary reasons.
Dumb and Dumber To
2014 · Firstpost · Nov 2014
Dumb and Dumber To deserves to be buried under two feet of mud, alongside the dead fragments of my childhood. You can either watch this film or could plug in the famous Crash Test Dummies song, put on your headphones and drift away into the nostalgic delights of the '90s, when the world was perfect and movies took you on a snowy ride to Aspen.
Boyhood
2014 · Mid Day · Nov 2014
I do not know what alchemy Linklater performed to pull off such a project, but he somehow did it. And for a film buff, it's a reason to rejoice. It's a reason to rediscover your love for cinema. It's a reason to take everyone you know to the nearest theatre and return home with some seriously fond memories.
Beauty and the Beast
2014 · Mid Day · Nov 2014
The visuals really are top notch, especially with Seydoux's red dress flowing across the snowy white forest. It's not as dark as one expects it to be, but it's fun nonetheless, especially if you have kids for company.
John Wick
2014 · Mid Day · Nov 2014
The film doesn't end Wick's character — if Hollywood were looking for a fresh new alternative to the Bond franchise, they really should make more 'John Wick' movies. Wick is a lot more fun than what Bond and Bourne could ever be. And he kick a ton of ass. Very stylishly.
Kill Dil
2014 · Firstpost · Nov 2014
Kill/Dil is terrible in places, but unfortunately it doesn't come down to the unintentionally funny, disaster zone like Shaad Ali's previous effort, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.
Big Hero 6
2014 · Mid Day · Nov 2014
This is a superhero origin story that doesn't really feel like an origin story. There's a waft of good-natured familiarity in the whole thing, but the feeling is that of a warm welcome back rather than a cold beginning.
Nightcrawler
2014 · Mid Day · Nov 2014
The film is directed by first timer Dan Gilroy (the brother of Tony Gilroy of the Bourne movies), yet it feels like it's made by an auteur with a ton of experience. Despite heavy themes embedded within the narrative the film is a black comedy, and in fact a lot of fun. Some of it is even a horror movie, but whatever the shift in tone the intrigue level is always at full throttle.
Interstellar
2014 · Firstpost · Nov 2014
Regardless of its faults Interstellar offers enough big screen thrills and even has a few interesting questions to ponder over. Is it humane to abandon everyone on this planet to continue life on another? How morally sound are you to sermonize about not abandoning people if you are perfectly okay with abandoning a humanoid to save your own self? And how much would you pay to keep the magic and market of 2D IMAX alive?
Ouija
2014 · Mid Day · Nov 2014
The scariest thing in this movie is the promise of a sequel, and the prospect of more such films to hit the screens.
Gone Girl
2014 · Mid Day · Nov 2014
Even if you have figured out the mystery, nothing will prepare you for the way the solution to the mystery presents itself. It's a brutal deconstruction of imperfect marriages, and the nature for longing, togetherness and eventual hatred in the contemporary world. Surprisingly, the film plays out like a black comedy, even in the face of stunning violence, misogyny and misandry.
Fury
2014 · Firstpost · Oct 2014
Brad Pitt, Shia LeBouf deliver a visceral thriller on war and humanity...
Happy New Year
2014 · Firstpost · Oct 2014
Masala entertainment movie making lesson number 1: if you cast Shah Rukh Khan in your movie, it will eventually make money, no matter how stupid, tiresome and humorless it is. Case number 157: Happy New Year, aka the new Farah Khan Vanity Project for the lowest of the lowest common denominator audience.
Dracula Untold
2014 · Mid Day · Oct 2014
...the film isn't the least bit frightening — the makers seem to forget that this is supposed to be a horror film, and in shoehorning all the action computer-generated imagery, the film loses all its thrill and sense of dread.
Sex Tape
2014 · Mid Day · Oct 2014
I tip my hat to director Jake Kasdan for filming such a plot point. It's mindboggling and, in fact, quite fascinating to just sit through and observe the thunderstorm of stupidity unfolding on screen.
Kill the Messenger
2014 · Mid Day · Oct 2014
In Captain Phillips, the filmmakers make the protagonist the good guy, but in Kill the messenger, they leave a gray shade over the hero in question. Sure, he gets to drive a motorcycle like a Hollywood action hero once, but he's not the uber clean guy one can rely on. That in itself makes it one of the better films we have seen this year.
The Judge
2014 · Mid Day · Oct 2014
The majority of the screen time is hogged by Downey Jr strutting around hurling his smartass lines, and the film is 150-minute long, an unacceptable amount for a plot this thin. There is also a lame attempt at shoehorning a romance between the central character and his old flame (played by Vera Farmiga) and things go downhill pretty soon.
What If
2014 · Mid Day · Oct 2014
The film also piles on cliché after cliché, making the happy ending painfully predictable. Director Michael Dowse has made great films in the past and he does his best to bring Elan Mastai's terrible script to life. But there's only so much that one can do with a mediocre plot and unlikable characters.
Bang Bang!
2014 · Firstpost · Oct 2014
Hrithik, Katrina show how explosively dumb Bollywood can be...
Two Night Stand
2014 · Mid Day · Sep 2014
The film is neither smart enough to be interesting, nor dumb enough to be harmless. It's a great big ball of nothing.
Deliver Us from Evil
2014 · Mid Day · Sep 2014
The only fun bits in the film are when it tricks you that there is something sinister at the end of a dark scene, but sadly it's just a series of false promises all the way.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
2014 · Firstpost · Aug 2014
The original films aren't very good on a filmmaking level, but whatever was on screen had never been done before then. Everything about this film reeks of "been there done that". If Bay's master plan is to nurture today's teens on this sort of mediocre codswallop, we need to hijack satellite channels and telecast the video of Vanilla Ice's 'Ninja Rap' on every screen and save this generation of kids.
Raja Natwarlal
2014 · Firstpost · Aug 2014
Raja Natwarlal fails because its basic premise is a mess. It presents the challenge of conning a man who is supposed to be one of the world's smartest men, except he behaves like one of the dumbest creatures to have walked this planet. Make that the second dumbest; the number one position is occupied by the audience that fell for Raja Natwarlal and bought tickets.
The Expendables 3
2014 · Mid Day · Aug 2014
The action itself is cumbersome and unimaginative, and none of the one-liners are punchy enough to make you laugh. Those were the two elements that made these old timers famous, and the film fails to deliver on both counts – a fatal mistake.
Katiyabaaz
2014 · DNA India · Aug 2014
Hitting the sweet spot with documentaries: 'Katiyabaaz' has some truly incredible footage and moments...
Singham Returns
2014 · Firstpost · Aug 2014
Singham Returns is either a solid injection of boredom or a pain as severe as getting your pecker stuck in the zip and screaming Ata maajhi atakli. Choose wisely.
Entertainment
2014 · Firstpost · Aug 2014
It's sheer genius and Akshay's funniest film since Hera Pheri... All of this hard work in writing would have been futile had the film been tackily shot, just like the films it parodies. Surprisingly, Entertainment is technically great, even the scene transitions are well done.
Guardians of the Galaxy
2014 · Mid Day · Aug 2014
'Guardians of the Galaxy' is a refreshing change from the dark, brooding origin stories that Hollywood has been offering lately. Everyone in the movie has fun, and so will you.
22 Jump Street
2014 · Firstpost · Aug 2014
Just like in the first movie, Schmidt and Jenko have one simple mission: go undercover in order to infiltrate the drug dealers and find the suppliers. With the issue of a 'plot' quickly out of the way, 22 Jump Street storms head-on into becoming the most bromantic movie we've seen.
Lucy
2014 · Mid Day · Aug 2014
If you're looking for a good Scarlett Johansson movie, you're better off watching Under the Skin instead.
Hercules
2014 · Mid Day · Aug 2014
The film is directed by Brett Ratner, who continues his onslaught upon the audience that he started with the Rush Hour sequels, X-Men 3 and Tower Heist. If you thought those films were bad, you have seen nothing yet. To make this all the more unpleasant, it's in 3D.
Kick
2014 · Firstpost · Jul 2014
Salman Khan's latest makes you weep for Bollywood...
Begin Again
2014 · Mid Day · Jul 2014
The film also does a good job of not being preachy about relationships, and ends on the most perfect note. Seeing it once is just not enough, so by the time you're done reading this I'll already be at the movie theater, ready for the experience to begin again.
Pizza
2014 · Firstpost · Jul 2014
You can't take away the fact that the story is a novel spin on a familiar setting and you won't see the end coming. It's certainly better than the likes of Vikram Bhatt's hilarious garbage, but it's a lesser film than its original counterpart. Pop in the DVD of the 2012 movie before you head to see this version.
Planes: Fire & Rescue
2014 · Mid Day · Jul 2014
The one good thing about the film is that it doesn't run too long. In 80 minutes the film zooms by, and the animation isn't bad at all – seeing as the film uses the same animation engine as Cars. It's pure eye candy, with a lame environmental message thrown in. Some kids might dig the visuals and the zooming planes. But most kids are smarter than that nowadays, even the very young ones. It's certainly not for the big kids, though I suspect part three would make its way next year regardless of this one's box office collections.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
2014 · Firstpost · Jul 2014
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is not just better than its predecessor, it also reminds you why you go to the cinema to see movies. This film is one of the best this year will deliver. The future of summer blockbusters is in Reeves' good hands.
The Fault in Our Stars
2014 · Mid Day · Jul 2014
You don't need to read the book prior to watching the film, though I did end up reading it after seeing the film, and I suggest you do the same.
Bobby Jasoos
2014 · Firstpost · Jul 2014
Don't take it too seriously, and you'll dig Bobby Jasoosand forget about it. But if you're looking for a memorable film with a repeat value, you'll be disappointed.
Transformers: Age of Extinction
2014 · Mid Day · Jun 2014
If you thought Michael Bay has lost his touch, fear not, because Transformers: Age of Extinction has all the elements that made the first three films memorable. And I'm not talking of just the misogyny, racism or the blonde butt shots. I'm talking of literally every single plot element.
Ek Villain
2014 · Firstpost · Jun 2014
Shockingly, it's not so bad. Suri takes the core of I Saw The Devil and turns it into a melodramatic, manipulative, pyaar-mohabbat-dardi-humdardi drama.
Grace of Monaco
2014 · Mid Day · Jun 2014
If you're looking for details of Grace Kelly's life that aren't already on her Wiki page, 'Grace of Monaco' will definitely annoy you. Worse, the film literally holds up cue cards to specify the emotional notes playing in every single plot point, the last of which is regret, something that one feels after watching this movie.
How to Train Your Dragon 2
2014 · Mid Day · Jun 2014
Those who saw the first film would remember the goosebumps during the scene where Hiccup and Toothless play hopscotch. There is noting as memorable as that in 'How to Train your Dragon 2'. Ultimately, the film is a mildly cash grabby theme park ride for kids; a fun one for sure, just not a truly great one.
Kochadaiiyaan
2014 · Firstpost · Jun 2014
A disaster of a film with terrible animation...
The World Before Her
2014 · Firstpost · Jun 2014
The film's most touching moment comes when a mother reveals that her husband wanted to dispose of their girl child, and the child went on to achieve massive success. It's when you realise that The World Before Her is one of the most important, skillfully made and powerfully provocative films to come in a long time.
Holiday - A Soldier Is Never Off Duty
2014 · Firstpost · Jun 2014
Ultimately, Murugadoss makes you wonder if you should be making a movie simply because you're allowed to make a movie.
Edge of Tomorrow
2014 · Mid Day · Jun 2014
When I watched Tom Cruise in a mech suit punching aliens in the face with one hand and spraying machine gun ammo with the other, I had just one thought in my mind – why was Edge of Tomorrow marketed so poorly? Because Edge of Tomorrow is a terrific film, and perhaps the most satisfying action movie I've seen this year.
Maleficent
2014 · Mid Day · May 2014
The film is definitely better than the misbegotten Snow White and the Huntsman and the other recent fairytales trying to have an adult spin, but it surely isn't a classic. It's a missed opportunity.
CityLights
2014 · Firstpost · May 2014
When there are so many factors going against a movie, you expect the story to compensate things. Sadly it's paper thin, and crumbles under the weight of the film's mediocrity. You might argue that it's unfair to compare City Lights to Metro Manila, and that this film was made only for those who aren't familiar with the original film, but those people do deserve better, more polished material.
The Raid 2
2014 · Mid Day · May 2014
The Raid 2 was not a movie. It was a fine dining restaurant tended by a single waiter-cum-cook named Gareth Evans.
Blended
2014 · Mid Day · May 2014
It's a lame rom-com, a lame melodrama, a lame slapstick and a lame attempt at schmaltz — all rolled into one horribly lame package.
Heropanti
2014 · Firstpost · May 2014
The best thing that could be said about Heropanti is that it is not as terrible as Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar films. The second best thing about it is that Tiger Shroff may be effeminate, but he's a likable guy who can do some truly amazing stunts.
X-Men: Days of Future Past
2014 · Mid Day · May 2014
Days of Future Past is great. I think it's the best X Men movie I've seen. It brings back the nostalgia of X1 and the magic of X2, and makes you forget about every other movie made in the canon.
Godzilla
2014 · Mid Day · May 2014
The battle scenes are terrific. The scale is massive, the CGI is super detailed and the Kaiju artwork is really fucking cool. The 3D isn't the best, but the super wide shots are superbly choreographed to show how puny humans are, and you'll get the best experience in 2D.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
2014 · Mid Day · May 2014
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is much better than the first movie. But then we need to get into semantics, because the first movie was absolutely awful and unwatchable. This one is bigger, more colorful and more action packed, but those three things are never enough to make a film amazing.
Revolver Rani
2014 · Firstpost · Apr 2014
It has hints of pulp, a dash of slapstick, a helping of noir, some serious drama, shootouts. But the pulp is not pulpy enough, the comedy is not funny, the action is lame, and our heroine Rani, played by the wonderful Kangana Ranaut has nothing to do except overcompensate for the film's half-baked nature.
2 States
2014 · Firstpost · Apr 2014
Dharma's trademark visual style and a few moments of comedy aside, 2 States is mostly a chore and periodically infuriating. The filmmakers had a chance to go against all odds and make a classic and they blew it. Critical appreciation might not be the film's target anyway, because it's been marketed well enough to make a truckload of money.
Oculus
2014 · Mid Day · Apr 2014
Whether you're a horror buff or not, you should seriously consider watching Oculus on the big screen. It's a really fun film with a lot of aural and visual style, and that means all the aesthetics, and not just Karen Gillan.
Divergent
2014 · Mid Day · Apr 2014
Although the film is action-packed, the special effects are rather cheap and the set design comes across as too artificial to digest. It doesn't help that every single plot point in the film is predictable and uninteresting. The dialogues are unintentionally funny, as is the serious nature of the actors in silly costumes. It just doesn't work, and it's a shame because Woodley deserves a better franchise than this.
Rio 2
2014 · Mid Day · Apr 2014
It's all very predictable for sure, but the jokes come thick and fast and there's so much energy in the film it's difficult to dislike any of the proceedings. The sequel is aimed squarely at kids and one can't fault the filmmakers or the film for that. Adults might find the movie simplistic or dumbed down, but even they won't be able to deny the beautifully detailed animation, even though it is presented in 3D. It's harmless, escapist fun, and it'll surely be a bigger hit on DVD.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
2014 · Mid Day · Apr 2014
The film is very good, and Marvel's confidence proves it – they're unwilling to move the release date of the third film, which coincides with the Batman-Superman movie. It's Marvel vs DC, and after watching this movie, I can confirm that Marvel is winning. So bring it on.
Sabotage
2014 · Mid Day · Mar 2014
The whodunit loses its mystery within the first twenty minutes, and you're just left twiddling your thumbs, waiting for the inevitable to happen. The one thing Sabotage gets right is the gore – every murder is grisly and they are the only moments where the film actually caters to its target audience.
Noah
2014 · Mid Day · Mar 2014
It does pander to the Christian audiences more than the average existentialist Aronofsky fan. It's a mainstream film, for mainstream audiences, with mainstream actors. It'll be your own fault if you expect anything remotely different or edgy from the movie. Don't blame Aronofsky for trying something commercial – he's crossed over fairly well, and you'll enjoy the movie for what it is.
Muppets Most Wanted
2014 · Mid Day · Mar 2014
It's a lot of fun for kids, and there are a few jokes for adults to cherish as well. In short, it's for everyone, and only someone without a functioning heart would dislike the film. So go watch it.
Lakshmi
2014 · Firstpost · Mar 2014
As a result, a rare, powerful story of how a young girl was able to get justice for herself has been turned into a film that tries to cash in on India's surging interest in women's rights and violence against women. Lakshmi is a hero to lakhs of distraught women across the country. She deserves a well-made film; not manipulative, awfully directed, woefully shot, soulless tripe.
Ragini MMS 2
2014 · Firstpost · Mar 2014
After a great start to the year with a string of good films, the honeymoon has finally ended. Ragini MMS 2 reminds you that Bollywood still is a stinker conveyor belt. Why someone needs to sully the face of horror cinema and churn out such awful films is a question best left for folks smarter than me. You have no one but yourselves to blame if the words 'One ticket for Ragini MMS 2' exit your mouth.
Need for Speed
2014 · Mid Day · Mar 2014
...does differentiate itself pretty well from the Fast and Furious movies. The latter actually borrowed heavily from NFS Underground but this movie uses real cars even in the crashes and big stunts to look more visceral. There are a couple of saucy action scenes, and the final race is fun. If only the film were a bit self-aware, or at least humorous to keep itself entertaining.
Battle of the Damned
2014 · Mid Day · Mar 2014
Battle of the Damned was probably made for R500. I'm actually being generous and quoting on the higher side. This is a sort of movie that makes Asylum products like Sharknado look like James Cameron action film; it's that cheap and tacky. It's ridiculous and in fact, mysterious that it got a theatrical release, that too in India.
Queen
2014 · Firstpost · Mar 2014
Queen gets almost everything right, beginning with its unusual plot. Strangely there is not one but two endings in the film, and the second one seems shoehorned and unnecessary, because the first one does everything and does so perfectly. But all these are just small complaints, not jarring enough to make one dislike the film. So go watch it.
300: Rise of an Empire
2014 · Mid Day · Mar 2014
The problem arises in the scenes in between the action mayhem where we're forced to look at people who are even blander than in the previous movie. It's when you want to tell director Noam Murro dude just give us the action, not the lame and boring attempts at character development.
Nebraska
2014 · Mid Day · Mar 2014
Payne's latest effort, Nebraska, is familiar territory that screams vintage Payne — a road trip, a disillusioned old man, social barriers, psychological damage and the dark hilarity of it all. Some might call this a retreading of genre elements for Payne, and some might criticise him for delving into the same themes over and over again. On that front, Payne is doing what Woody Allen has been for all these years — taking similar themes and characters and making something new and interesting out of them.
Mr. Peabody & Sherman
2014 · Mid Day · Mar 2014
The first question that popped into my head after watching Mr Peabody and Sherman was simply this — why isn't anyone talking about this movie?...The film is directed by Rob Minkoff, the director of The Lion King and Stuart Little, and it shows. There's a lot of heart in the film and more effort put to infuse soul into it than on animation (although it's still a visually dazzling film). The sense of childlike wonder found in Minkoff's earlier films is omnipresent here, as is the thirst for adventure and the themes of parenthood. And because of the film's time travel plot device, the filmmakers get to let their collective imagination run wild.
Dallas Buyers Club
2014 · Mid Day · Feb 2014
It's a moving drama, and probably the most sincere film of 2013 and it's good of PVR to release the film in India. The film skillfully avoids the cheesy or preachy drama route and does a great job of establishing some dignity into a formerly despicable character.
Pompeii
2014 · Mid Day · Feb 2014
Pompeii is just like Anderson's films of the past ten years – aggressively stupid, full of CGI and bland characters, with a script that is somehow neither interesting nor laughably bad. It's something akin to Gladiator meeting a Roland Emmerich movie, with a dash of Anderson's trademark lack of subtlety and inability to craft good action sequences.
The Monuments Men
2014 · Mid Day · Feb 2014
It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what went wrong with The Monuments Men because it seems to have so many elements going for it – the great cast, the World War II setting, direction by Clooney himself, a decently big budget and Grant Heslov in the producer's chair. With so many positive aspects, it would generally take an awful script to undo a film's advantages but even that doesn't seem to be the case here. The film is not an epic disaster by any means; it's just uninvolving and too lethargic in its pace.
Highway
2014 · Firstpost · Feb 2014
There is so much to appreciate in Highway and if it can goad other commercial filmmakers to take notice and also dare to try something new, we'll all be richer for it.
Vampire Academy
2014 · Mid Day · Feb 2014
Thanks to the success of Twilight and its sequels, the Young Adult genre seems to have exploded and we've been blessed with dozens of clones and carbon copies. Last year's Mortal Instruments was one disaster, and this year's Vampire Academy follows suit.
Her
2014 · Firstpost · Feb 2014
Despite its ability to bring some onions near your eyes, it is never schmaltzy or saccharine. It's affecting and sublime, but never corny. It's moving, but never mawkish. And even in the film's most heartbreaking scene, the frame only contains a character looking at a wall. The fact that this was somehow achieved is incredible.
Gunday
2014 · Firstpost · Feb 2014
There is a good film somewhere within Gunday, and I wish it showed its face fully. This is the film where a shootout in the movie theater ends with Bala firing a bullet through the screen and Alisha Chinoy's 'I love you' echoing as the screen literally tears apart. I wish they made that movie instead of this uninteresting one.
Hasee Toh Phasee
2014 · Mid Day · Feb 2014
I'm happy to report that Hasee toh Phasee is very unlike its promos. For what it is, which is a bittersweet romcom triangle with a dash of dysfunctional family drama, it is actually pretty entertaining. And for all its periodic lapses in logic it is a well-made commercial film that actually does have a little something for everyone.
The Lego Movie
2014 · MidDay · Feb 2014
At the end of The Lego Movie I stood up, clapped and cheered. I became a 7-year-old again. This movie cannot be quantified in a simple review so here are ten reasons why this is one of the most enjoyable films I have ever seen...
I, Frankenstein
2014 · Mid-Day · Feb 2014
Oh boy. Here it is. The first big stinker of 2014. From the bottomless depths of Hollywood. Served right up in the compost pit of movie releases — the dreaded January season. It's called I Frankenstein and it is a train wreck from start to finish...If the filmmakers had gone the whole hog and cast Govinda as Frankenstein, it could certainly have been a more entertaining movie.
12 Years a Slave
2014 · MihirFadnavis · Jan 2014
12 Years a Slave is a tough watch. It's depressing, distressing, gloomy, violent, brilliantly acted and shot. It's also a little overrated and director Steve McQueen's least impressive film to date.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
2014 · Mid Day · Jan 2014
It just doesn't click together in any rousing or notable way. Mandela deserved a better film than this.
Jai Ho
2014 · Firstpost · Jan 2014
...the worst thing about Jai Ho is neither the lousy jokes nor the turgid songs, it's the antiquated and aggressively stupid attempts at emotional wrangling. You get gaudy dramatic music when a woman receives an urgent kidney transplant from her son in law. You get a 30+ year old 'brilliant' college student who commits suicide because of a traffic jam. You get a set of goons who gel their hair, drive posh cars, wear gansta hoodies, play rap music and boast about raping women.
The Legend of Hercules
2014 · Mid Day · Jan 2014
It's a sad, horribly acted in, badly directed, terribly written, clunky, hammy schlockfest that somehow released in theatres instead of direct to DVD. It doesn't help that the lead actor playing Hercules is Kellan Lutz, one of the vampires from the Twilight movies. His delivery and screen presence have the magnetism and charm of a piece of chalk.
American Hustle
2014 · Mid Day · Jan 2014
It's certainly not the greatest film of the year as the busload of Oscar nominations try to tell you, but it's a pretty entertaining film for film buffs.
Miss Lovely
2014 · Firstpost · Jan 2014
Miss Lovely breaks a lot of Bollywood rules. You can bristle at its indulgences but, I'll still root for a movie that fiddles with the rules over an easy commercial one. Especially if it has a climax that features blood and a Nazia Hassan song.
Inside Llewyn Davis
2014 · Mid Day · Jan 2014
Whether or not you relate to it, you need to watch it on the big screen to appreciate its tragic beauty.
Grudge Match
2014 · Mid Day · Jan 2014
Getting into plot details is futile because the 'story' is just a patchwork of ideas from the loony bin of Hollywood just to get De Niro and Stallone in the same frame together. Everything the film attempts is obscenely hollow and half assed. The film is quite cringe-inducing in the 'dramatic' moments because you know the filmmaker is laughing as the camera rolls.
Dedh Ishqiya
2014 · Jan 2014
...smarter, funnier, richer and way more gorgeous than its predecessor. If you're a fan of really, really great writing, masterful direction, clever lines, terrific actors, Urdu literature and shayari, Dedh Ishqiya delivers by the truckloads. There's a severely satisfying degree of subtext beneath the front layers of Dedh Ishqiya, and homages are only a part of the film's intelligent satirical touches. But don't let metaphors and subtext get you down, Dedh Ishqiya is first and foremost a very entertaining movie. Plus it's got a generous dose of cinematic 'moments', and a terrific special effect – romance between Naseer and Madhuri Dixit.
The Wolf of Wall Street
2014 · Mid Day · Jan 2014
Every scene is long, indulgent and excessive but so energetic, euphoric and shocking you can't take your eyes off it. It's definitely not something you should see with your parents. But it's definitely something you need to see to know that entitled assholes like Belfort get away with minor jail time while others are branded criminals and rot in prison for far lesser offenses.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
2014 · Mid Day · Jan 2014
There are a couple of sequences where the film becomes completely over the top in Mitty's daydream cutaways, if only the rest of the film were as engaging and intelligent as those two scenes.
47 Ronin
2014 · Mid Day · Jan 2014
It's a sad, stark display of everything that can go wrong while making a movie, and budding filmmakers can probably use the behind the scenes stories to know what not to do while making a film.
Dhoom 3
2013 · Dec 2013
...is Dhoom to the power of 3. It's 27 times as ridonkulous as Dhoom in every department. The longer it runs the more preposterous it gets, and you can't help but admire it for what it is.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
2013 · Mid Day · Dec 2013
The good news – The Desolation of Smaug is much better and more exciting than the first Hobbit film. The bad news – it still is a lackluster and hollow movie compared to the original Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Oldboy
2013 · Mid Day · Dec 2013
Everything about the film is half-assed, from the writing to the direction to the acting by Josh Brolin. The whole thing really feels like an Asylum remake of Oldboy with an aftertaste of the live octopus that Oh Dae Su swallows in the original.
R... Rajkumar
2013 · Dec 2013
The most annoying film of 2013. Here's all you need to know about the story. Hero joins villain's gang as henchman. Both hero and villain like the same girl. Hero will do anything to save the girl. That's it.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
2013 · Mid Day · Dec 2013
As for everything that was good about the first film, it gets even better and more interesting in the second one. The various themes of nihilism, dystopia, the failure of humanity as a civilization and its voyeuristic obsession with violent debauched reality TV entertainment are significantly better established in Catching Fire. Moreover, the hunger games themselves are bigger, more dangerous, far broader in scope and better shot (with IMAX cameras no less).
Ship of Theseus
2013 · Firstpost · Dec 2013
This is not only a good looking, splendidly directed, shot and acted film, but also a hopeful snapshot of Bombay producing intelligent, challenging yet entertaining cinema on a mainstream scale instead of star studded commercialized hogwash.
Bullett Raja
2013 · Nov 2013
None of the rhythm or panache or any trace of the naughtiness of Dhulia's earlier films can be glimpsed here. There's a flimsy plot about Raja trying to find a job and being forced into goondagardi, but it exists only as a coat hanger on which to hang a random and disjointed series of skits. Toss in a horrendous score by Sajid-Wajid and you're looking at one hot mess of a movie.
Frozen
2013 · Mid Day · Nov 2013
There's plenty of jaw dropping large scale animation, which is not terrible in 3D but will most definitely be better in 2D. This has been a pretty very weak year for CG animation movies and Disney shows them all who the boss is. Watch it on the most gigantic screen that you can find.
Battle of the Year
2013 · Mid Day · Nov 2013
The only two good bits you could find in the movie are the catchy soundtrack and the obviously talented, athletic dancers with insane gymnast skills.
Singh Saab the Great
2013 · Nov 2013
Do you love lots of vintage Sunny Deol shouting? Do you love random acts of pointless, loud and over the top violence? Do you love watching actors get kicked, thrashed and killed in increasingly ridiculous ways?If so then Singh Saab the Great is the movie for YOU!
Last Vegas
2013 · Mid Day · Nov 2013
This is lazy writing for a Hollywood movie with four legendary actors and they deserve better than this, as do the audience. None of the jokes are funny as such and none of the sentimental moments are moving in any way. Theoretically it should be very easy to be able to relate with these characters and sympathise with them, but when the likes of De Niro, Douglas, Freeman and Kline fail to render any emotion within you it's time to leave the hall and watch their earlier films on DVD.
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela
2013 · Nov 2013
It would have been so easy for the film to wallow in opportunistic schmaltz or obvious sentimentality but instead Ram Leela is a slyly fun movie, and one that is best appreciated on big screens.
Thor: The Dark World
2013 · Mid Day · Nov 2013
...has the same problems that Iron Man 3 did — it's a mess, and it shows. The narrative is all over the place, catering to the dumbest possible audience. From jarring editing to tonal shifts, there is no semblance of flow or continuity to be found in Thor 2.
Free Birds
2013 · Mid Day · Nov 2013
The film also zips past its runtime in trying to keep things fresh but it fails to escape its clichés. At times it tries to drill in a social message and it fails miserably there as well. The only place where the film actually succeeds is making you wish it ends sooner. That's sad, considering the talent involved.
Satya 2
2013 · Nov 2013
Remember the memorable acting, awesome camerawork, gritty frames, Bhiku Matre and all the stunning thrills like the movie theater bust out from the original Satya? Yeah, all that stuff is not in this sequel.
Krrish 3
2013 · Nov 2013
The superhero of atrocious superhero filmmaking has struck again, and it's not a pretty sight. Take the most superficial components of X-Men, Batman, Superman, Spiderman and even Shaktimaan; stuff them together in a litter bag, set that bag on fire and inhale the fumes – that's pretty much what Krrish 3 feels like.
Shahid
2013 · Oct 2013
Unlike the commercial hogwash that sloshes around movie screens every week, Shahid is a brave and ballsy film made for grown-ups who like a little intelligence in their entertainment.
Boss
2013 · Oct 2013
Boss expects you to laugh in the face of amazing stupidity. The jokes would struggle to make a guy attached to a nitrous oxide cylinder budge a facial muscle. The highlight of the film is a joke where Boss saves a woman and bestows his brotherly affection towards her by naming his truck 'Behen ki lorry'.
Fire in the Blood
2013 · Mid Day · Oct 2013
Some of the facts in Fire in the Blood may only represent the surface level of the problem, and the film's cutaways to an impoverished Africa tend to get a bit repetitive after a point. Gray's cameras introduce us to various people in India and Africa who contracted HIV but are still alive due to their access to inexpensive medicines in the country.
Gravity
2013 · Mid Day · Oct 2013
Apart from using groundbreaking technology like an LED box that'd change filmmaking as we know it, Gravity has a 'believable' disaster plot and a heroine who is quite different from the stock scream queens that you expect from Hollywood. All flaws of Gravity become infinitely smaller the bigger the screen you watch it on. In IMAX the film is perfect, utterly faultless.
Prague
2013 · Sep 2013
The only element of Prague that offers a welcome break from the dreary, amateurish and clichéd story grafted onto a bad two-hour ad for the city of Prague is the music by Atif Afzal and Varun Grover. Director Shukla gets all the music montage scenes just right, but every single one of those scenes are so tonally detached that they seem like they belong in another movie. Pity.
Prisoners
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
There's plenty of religious symbolism but Villeneuve establishes a chilling moral subtext to it all and lets you make judgments – little details like these is what makes Prisoners so good. And when you veer from feeling hate to pity for the suspect, you know you're watching great cinema.
Elysium
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
If you can ignore the three-four instances of inelegant preaching, Elysium is a blast from start to finish. There's not a dull moment here thanks to the gravelly editing. The production design is incredible, from all the gleaming futuristic hardware of the first world to the rusty crapware of the third world.
Fruitvale Station
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
'Fruitvale Station' won the Grand Jury prize at Sundance this year, and it is quite obvious why. The film is not just well made but also an important one. It's also not a film as much as it is a heartfelt paean for the utter lack of justice in the world.
Rush
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
There are plenty of heroic moments in the film and you can't help but clap till your hands bleed.
Dabba (The Lunchbox)
2013 · Sep 2013
It's the most optimistic film of the year. There are plenty of moments to treasure in The Lunchbox, and they're all small and delicately crafted. Those looking for romance will swoon with delight as they discover two lonely people can find a way to make things work.
Grown Ups 2
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
One ought to thank Sandler though, because thanks to this movie the dreadfulness of all future films will be measured on a scale of 1 to 'Grown Ups 2'
John Day
2013 · Sep 2013
What really destroys the film is that even in the final hour it never feels like anything is at stake. The climactic scene falls completely limp because the story never makes you care about anything that's going on. The film never presented me a hook to continue watching and ultimately I could finish watching John Day because I am a huge film buff, and the process was a struggle. Most film viewers will be fine skipping it altogether.
Riddick
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
'Riddick' works when it isn't trying to be like the first film or isn't dabbling in misogyny. The action is fun, and the raw gritty hard science fiction aspect of it is a nice change from flimsy fare like 'Oblivion'
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
Sadly 'Sea of Monsters' is also a really terrible copy of 'Harry Potter', and with worse looking visual effects than the first film.
Kick-Ass 2
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
The problem with the sequel is that it banks on the very same things to sell itself. More of the same is passable fun, but not satisfying enough to people who loved the first film and look forward to an expanded universe in the sequel. Given the 'Kick-Ass''s relatively tiny profit it was a miracle that the sequel got made, and in a way the filmmakers wasted a golden opportunity to create something truly great.
Jobs
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
There's nothing really more to say about the film, apart from its sheer ineptness oozing though every agonizing second of its excruciatingly long two plus hour runtime. Pointing out each of its flaws would mean typing out a 1000 page document in bold Goudy Stout and thanking Jobs for paying attention to calligraphy and being adamant about including fonts in the word processor.
Planes
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
Even if you somehow get over the nausea of the cash grab, the humor in the film doesn't do much to keep you entertained. There's fart jokes, pop culture stereotypes and puns based on planes, the lowest form of animation filmmaking that exists.
The Frozen Ground
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
The serial killer thriller 'The Frozen Ground' is so clunky a guy who has seen less than five movies in his life could come up with a better script. It is so clichéd and derivative that directly ripping off some other thrillers would still make for a comparatively fresher film.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
The story is formulaic to begin with but the lack of creativity in this film is staggering.
We're the Millers
2013 · Mid Day · Sep 2013
This is not comedy, this is lazy filmmaking. Sure, there are some people in the world who laugh just because someone mentions the human body's nether regions but there are significantly more people who prefer a well-written quality comedy over tedious skits.
The Conjuring
2013 · Mid Day · Aug 2013
Whether or not you believe in demonic possessions, 'The Conjuring' is guaranteed to give you a sleepless night or two.
R.I.P.D.
2013 · Mid Day · Aug 2013
Unfortunately what the film has turned out to be is a miserable ripoff of 'Men in Black', with the joyless tone of 'Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter' and the half-baked quality of 'Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters'.
Chor Chor Super Chor
2013 · Aug 2013
The story doesn't make a lick of sense and that would've been fine had the film actually been funny instead of tedious.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
2013 · Firstpost · Jul 2013
Though some of the cinematography is stunning, and practicing gymnasts and torso enthusiasts will love Akhtar's exceptional physique, it's neither riveting entertainment nor smart filmmaking for the rest of us.
Man of Steel
2013 · MidDay · Jun 2013
This is an expensive movie and Snyder makes sure you leave the theatre feeling happy about investing your money in his work. The frustrations arrive in the form of 3D, which absolutely hacks the cinematography and the special effects with a scythe and murders the fun out of the film.
Kucch Luv Jaisaa
2011 · DNA India · Nov 2012
Kuch Luv Jaisaa is assembled from every possible spare part required to make a laughably bad film. Its offences come by the dozen, but the worst is its portrayal of Indian women as gullible, easily misled, irrational dodos. Even the recent Govinda film Naughty at 40 is more resplendent with intellect.
Delhi Belly
2011 · DNA India · Nov 2012
Delhi Belly is lethally funny and cynical. It is so gaudy and profane that you can't say it isn't fun in its own exuberant way. Do watch.
Chalo Dilli
2011 · DNA India · Nov 2012
Watch Chalo Dilli for its mildly interesting first half, but leave during the interval. If your company forces you to stay on post-interval, don't be surprised if you find yourself praying for the sweet release of death.