Xan_Ryil

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

With the noise it made recently, I could say I was bit disappointed. Overall it was a decent movie but not worthy of the names it grabbed. I think anyone would agree that this movie is like watching a re-mastered version of “Driving Miss Daisy” with much focus on the recent changes. Times were simpler back in 1989 when “Driving Miss Daisy” was released and the focus was only on the story and relationship between a Jewish women and Black driver. But in almost three decades’ focus became less and less towards the story and more on “How to force the academy members to vote for this movie?”. Movie spills its beans way too early and even with that pace, every single step is predictable. Even upcoming scenes could be predicted with exact timing and words. Either writers wanted to stick to the real story too much or they wanted to not show anything to antagonize either color. And as a product of their effort, the output was mediocre. As far as acting goes, Mahershala Ali is on average. Beside one scene, his acting looks like an effort. For a person like me who has seen him for several years, on House of Cards giving a brilliant performance before he became famous, his portrayal was a huge let down. His effort was visible but he resisted taking risk. Viggo Mortensen on the other hand was closer to the character he was playing. He did not come up with the sharp Italian ascent we’d expect since God Father but his body language was very impressive. Ironically, Viggo was nominated for a similar role 11 years ago for “Eastern Promises”. The Green Book is not a bad movie and definitely not a bad idea, but it sure was wasted to milk the recent black cow.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

Like many recent horror movies, which tend to keep the budget low to make quick break even, Backcountry too engages only two characters most of the time on screen. Which is one of the qualities of the movie and also keeps audience engaged in. A couple dominated by the female goes out in deep nature to hike on a famous trail. The plot is not very unique but it was the chemistry between the actors which keeps the plot focused. There are moments which are truly scary and then there is enough thrill to keep you with the movie. Missy Peregrym is very natural in both halves of the movie. In first she is all that calculating and social kind of girl and in second half she is that daring victim who will do any thing to survive. Jeff Roop and Eric Balfoor are good too but not convincing. Overall, a fine movie to watch alone

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

Since his victory at Oscars last year, Innaritu has become a famous name and perhaps that is how he pushed the financiers to add 100 million more the the movie which was shot in the best location of northern america. The sequences, is the word that keeps circulating my mind after watching it. The best one is the opening one. Because it has that suspense and thrill, you don't know who are they and who is attacking and what is coming to be their fate. All you see is brilliant work at screen and that great score in your ears. Movie soon starts to take shape still we are confused what revenge will be the soul of it. Bear scene is deadly, but as internet has been taking about, it's exaggerating (much like Inarritu's overly hyped Birdman). Soon after we find out what revenge the title talks about. But more then revenge, it's a survival movie. A man who survives everything being driven by the energy to seek revenge. Scenery of the movie is magnificent. And they have brilliant cinematography and Score to make it magical. However at time it feels excessive and ploy to win awards (we know how much they want it). Even at time's it felt like National Geographic's documentary. One thing that The Revanant lacks is the grip over script. Characters are quite shabby with focus on only one character and one goal which makes everyone in the story a supporting character who did not get any attention by the writers. As I mentioned before, one is confused who would Glass seek revenge from? But even after it's cleared, we are so driven by the title and the sequences that we don't realize how hallow the reason of revenge is. And we also ignore the superficial recovery of Glass's wounds which accelerated (even) at the final night at camp. Not to mention the use of horses that much high at snow is bit too much. Leonardo Dicaprio is heart and soul of the movie. The actor brings all the intensity (much like his all roles) to the character. He slept in a horse carcass once but he slept in Glass's mind for months. He deserves every bit of recognition for going into those frozen waters, eating raw meat and doing deadly stunts. Tom hardy (who is amazing otherwise) rather then playing a southern rotten soldier played Christian Bale from The Fighter. His accent was very fake and so was his performance. Rest of the actors did not got much to do they appeared as puppets. Cinematography, Score and Editing are perfect. Inarritu tried to take inspiration from James Cameron for stunning visualization which he succeeded but Mr Cameron never compromises on the script which Inarritu did. But he brought together all those people and made this movie which is great (if you could digest all lope-holes)

Force Awakens is kind of movie which makes you miss James Cameron. The visionary director who actually understands the need and desire of the audience. Force Awaken even lacks the philosophy offered by original movie. It’s a product which is made with only one intention, ‘Feed the hungry fans and cash the cow’. Starting with the story, it was like watching A New Hope’s mesh up with Jurassic World. All elements of the Original movie were present. The Trio of young characters, the good turned bad antagonist and his relationship with the protagonist. Even the death star and some old stars were there. There absolutely is no real goal in the movie. We movie from securing the map to preparing the Jedi to destroying the death star. And story itself has holes big enough to swallow a galaxy which is far far away. It seems that in last 30 years only earth have progressed in technology and biological domain, the galaxy which was so advance 40 years ago, now seems be living the same. Like the original series, antagonists are not killed and neither the family of protagonist is revealed. I wonder if they have any idea about DNA and biology. Also it’s not clear that how come antagonist know a lot of technology. From a 30 years old spaceship to a newly built death star. She knows the right circuits to pull out. Characters seemed to be very distant throughout the movie. There absolutely was no chemistry between Han Solo and Princess/General Lea. Who unexpectedly is never mentioned to be from Jedi family. Although after recent success of female protagonist oriented film series, they did pass the torch to a girl. Moving to visual effects and cinematography, perhaps the focus really was to add unnecessary and blunt action sequence. Much like prequels directed by George Lucas, colors were blurred and not so bright. There was no need to watch the movie in Imax or 3d, the worst a director can do to a 3d movie. J J Abrams really lacked a vision here. It is just like watching a 2d film. Acting is okie, Although I did not understand some of the wits. Daisy Ridley is great in her role. She wore the role over and is the best thing in movie crossover. Harrison Ford is good and easy in his role. Carrie Fisher is alright. She did not have much to do that explains more than enough make up even at crucial times. John Boyega and Oscar Isaac played split up of Han Solo’s character with not much required jokes. One goes with high expectation but returns very disappointed.

A total knockout film. A piece of art which has everything one goes to cinema for. From funny to hilarious and then dramatic, emotional, sad and finally shocked. It's a movie without any ending and the one that attaches a hook to you brain and won't let it go. From the publicity posters to the editing, writing and acting this movie is a thoughtful work. At times it would seem like reading an old novel and at times it would seem like watching a nemesis film. There are many flavors which work because of the terrific acting jobs everyone has done. Every character is a perfect fit. Both of the lead cops are opposite to each other and then the shift in their personality to take each other's place. The suspense is very strongly kept through out the movie and there is a ground breaking background score to lift it to new heights. The chase seen from the woods into the village and then the factory site is very thrilling. Another scene involving the train accident is also placed right. There would not be any department or field this movie could be less then great at. Kang-ho Song, is the best thing in the movie. His portrayal of an aggressive cop is top notch. He brings all the humor and then the intensity in the movie. Sang-kyung Kim, also gave wonderful performance. A cop with less known background which is civilized and honest to his job and then loses his control over the event. A movie which will be on your favorite lift forever.

Life could be simple yet bring us happiness. Colours are not the best to keep you going as day go by. The Twilight Samurai, takes us into mid 19th century's Japan and makes us fall in live with the civilization. Like the era it represents, the direction is very clean yet effective. Although movie is shot in 2002 but it actually takes us to centuries ago into the era Yoji Yamada is telling story of. Power of a creator. Everything is in aspect and very real. From emotions to the sword fight, there is nothing fantasized or emotionalized. A perfect movie for a Sunday afternoon.

One of the best work of Pedro Almedor, with themes similar to those of his All About My Mother, he took rather more artistic way to explore the film making by introducing a story with a story. A connection between past and present is the narrative in a fantasized way which is very touching. The bitter taste of the reality in comparison of our memories is very well presented. Pedro never clanged on to his scenes much longer or tried to over dramatized his films which works best for the films length and matches the innocence of younger characters. The scenes in convent are worth praising. Daniel Giménez Cacho's work as a priest dealing with inner demon while in the presence of a child is very beautiful. Rest of the cast were good too. Best of the movie would be the twist it came with the final character's introduction and explanation of alternate reality as to the one protagonist was imagining. A way to show the strength of the writer. An emotional, convincing and disturbing work of art.

A well written movie, which touches many themes most importantly dealing with death and watching others grief upon it. One side of it is very soft and touches our heart but on the other hand it is not as astonishing as we expect it to be. Story and even scenes are very predictable. Ending also could be seen from minutes away from it. Director has worked hard on the interior of Coffining but failed to bring deeper sentiments onto screen. Tsutomu Yamazaki's portrayal of a Boss who teaches the protagonist is the most fabulous quality of the movie. Actor actually work the role around and inside. Masahiro Motoki and Ryōko Hirosue are very convincing although camera sometime focused on Ryōko more then it needed. Her character as a devoted wife is well however it is not explored much. Ritual of coffining are filmed very good. The sub plot of protagonist's relation with his father was good but there could have been more about it. Over all a light hearted sentimental film.

A true work of art which can mesmerise anyone. Every frame of Hero is designed and presented so beautifully that one watching it forgets to blink the eye. Magnificent and giant artwork is enough to keep you with the movie and increase your interest in Chinese history. Lavish yet clean living style of the people and the costumes, not to mention the colours and the way the events are narrated. However, movie is more about the complex love story between two assassins then another one with extreme speed. Essential Chinese arts of Qin, Wéiqí ,Caligraphy and Painting are amazingly blended with the themes while first 3 are expressive shown, Painting is rather subjective to the audience perception of colour work through out the movie. Characters are presented enigmatically, from passionate to the quite ones. Very strong movie with brave artwork and performances.

Many themes are mixed in 'All About My mother' and the best part is that it does not care about them at all. Movie has it's own pace, the goal set in start is lost somewhere to pursue important ones. It also clarifies how does a loss changes the point of view and feelings for someone. Reshaping one's own life over one's sorrow. Although set in Spain, it have major south american influence on characters and their lifestyle aswell as technical departments. Like most of Pedro Almodovar, woman oriented turns into genderless story of people who are dealing with grief, regret while struggling with life to go on. 'Innocence does know itself' would perfectly describe the movie.

Even if I had not heard of flattery reviews It Follows received, I would have found it not entertaining. Premise is very strong and interesting but to keep it realistic and teen friendly, there is nothing happening on screen except for nudity. I would call cinematography weak as well as there was not much shaking of camera which was eminent for this genre. Another aspect is adult absence in the movie which is confusing. Not so entertaining movie which completely failed to build strong work on good idea.

JSA is both a crowd pleaser and deeply sentimental film. Some people might think that it's an underdeveloped commercial film but considering the storyline and early direction work of Park Chan Wook, its a great effort to make film on such sensitive matter and be neutral after all. Every interaction of both side soldiers is so intense and convincing that one holds his breath and waits for something to go wrong as it's all in flashback. Over the years many movies have taken inspiration from NSA. Two sequences are worth praise, the first one where three soldier meet at mine field and final one when all four are by chance in one snapshot taken by a tourist. Very strong and active screenplay and very good performances.

An instant classic, not merely a cult one but universal. There is no department where this movie is less then superb. Starting with haunting interior, make-up and characters soon on the shoulders of furiosa it enters into a new direction of astonishing graphics, story and deadly action which not only drop your jaw but make you forget to breath. Action sequence are as amazing as never before. Acting from top to bottom is to be praised and from top I mean Theron. Though named as Mad Max, but this is Furiosa's story and movie belongs to Charlize Theron. She gives another Oscar worthy performance. Tom hardy is good in his role and portrays the complication character needs. Nicholas hault is good too. Who really surprised was Rosie Hutington whiteley, she might have given her best to the screen. In the end the real crown goes to George Miller who brought this unique thrilling adventure to the screen.

The movie has been shot at exotic Latin American location with firing chemistry between Bridges and ward. Initial pace of the movie is very captivating however as it passing and Terry familiarizes himself with Jessie's love, movie somehow loses its beat. There is not much clarification what is the direction of the movie. And it does not stop there near the climax it gets us confused about who is the bad guy and whoever it is, is he really bad? And that is how it ends.

Antman is one those marvel movies which treats the audience as stupid. With a few Dark Physics terminologies then can make anything realistic even though plot has gigantic loop holes. There was almost nothing new, plot line similar to any action movie. Paul Rudd was the worst mistake of the film makers, that guy is not a superhero material. Michael Dauglas being the second one. And their chemistry is worst at times. There is no adventure at all, and from the start, the goal was confined and very small that offered no fun moment or test ride. Total waste of time and money...

More then being sequel of MI, it looked like sequel to Jack Reacher. I Still can't understand why there was no background score in high thrilled sequences. Too much forward and backward story was confusing. Brad Bird did a great job assembling a team for IMF but McQuarrie put half of it to rest and only Job Banji would do was to show his bad comic timing skills. When the things were apparent from the start there was nothing to be found only to catch. And in the end, such a strong and powerful organization ends up grounded by catching only one solicitor. While their goal still remains confusing.

What a movie, It is second movie of Director Denis Villeneuve I have seen and both time i said the same. Perfect cast and breathtaking cinematography and background score. Emily Blunt starts the movie with stunning performance but its Del Toro to whom this movie actually belongs. Actor takes torture and perfect assassin to another level. I did not expect any less from the director of Oscar Nominated Incendies and i was not disappointed.

Ofcorse a very thrilling and mind pleasing movie for those who like real adventure. Packed performances and breath taking special effects, although what we hear is that they used least possible computer imagery and more real material to recreate the magical mountain. Movie however lacks the jargon part in dialogue, we see characters frost bitten but no one mentioned the phenomenon. Also many may be lost on the way to the summit and it would have helped if there was a summary of the main track and major milestones. The best part of the movie is the excitement created with the screenplay and how close it is to the actual events. On performances, Jason clark and Jake Gyllenhal are top notch, Emily watson is perfect in her role. Keira Knightly and Robin Right are reasonable both. Overall a different and exciting experience

The Martian is an intelligent, well made and well acted movie. Everything about The Martian just falls into the right places. The humour, The science and the characters (although the role of team was not much strong). A comparison to either Interstellar or Gravity would be totally wrong. Since Interstellar was further and deeper in emotions, future and science as compared to The Martian which only deals with near future and every scientist's science. Gravity on the other hand had much similar substance "Survival of a single protagonist", but differed in aspects of visuals and the fact that we get to see only one character in space, where The Martian has a lot of dramatized characters on screen. But all 3 movies are worth watching again and again and they deal with space and survival in their own ways.

Fully action packed movie. Technical details about the K-2 are not right though but daring action sequence, one with another, are alone enough to keep you interested in the movie.

Best movie i have seen about mountain climbing. Eigar might not be have as high has K-2,Everest or Nanga Parbat but North Face sure is much more high quality production, in every aspect, then the movies based on those mountains. Most strong part of the movie would be technical detail about climbing and the visuals of the movie.

An outclass film, crafted perfectly around a marvellous idea. I was very much curious to watch this movie since I heard that the main characters in the movie are human emotions, after all I wanted to get inside my own head for once. From tiny details of memories, dreams and subconscious to the complex behavioural patterns, Inside Out is total knock out. Although physical appearance and motion of Main character Joy, reminded me Penny from The Big Bang Theory, but it was Amy Poehler who stands above all other aspects (except for the idea) of the movie.

A very cute sequel to The Fault in Our Stars, only without romance and lesser characters. Movie is very peculiar about one character only through out and at the end we get to know what goes on in Rachel's head. Which is most touching moment. While it is very neat and touching, I wished there were little more complexity and length.

Del Torro masterfully crafted a bewitching and horrifying place for a perfect plot. And he had story for it too, but the bad thing was that he gave all the clues in the start and there was nothing mortifying left to astonish except the evil cries and screams. Still Crimson Peak is visually stunning only story should have been richer and something to left for audience to swallow at the end.

Ex-Machine possesses a great taste as in itself. Through out we see struggles of the minds including that of a machine to find the answers and we are lead to believe and feel about the robots. But it ends with even greater twist and a total change of our mind and perception of innocence. A powerful and convincing film.

Worst, is the perfect word for this movie. There is not a single good thing about this movie. From characters, casting, storyline and even special effects, nothing was astonishing accept the earth **** business it generated. I literally wanted to walk out of theatre 10 minutes from movie started because such lousy dialogues and cinematography made me bored already. There are dozens of loopholes where plot does not make any sense not to mention it hardly offers any thrill or discovery, which dinosaurs are all about. Since it could not develop the characters so it is easy to not expect a good depiction of the monsters. If I had a chance, i would hang the director for ruining this Series for me.

I think this movie to some extent left me disappointed (Much like Lincoln, just lesser). I was left confused because I went to see (As name suggests) a movie full of spies. But it started with a rather legal drama flavour and proceeded to the second half as thriller and ended with .. Well I don't know what to call the ending. I was so confused about what is going on in James Donovan's mind or what is his code of conduct which is making him make odd choices. That part is for writer. Now what I missed the most was John Williams, a movie like this could have worked a lot better with a progressive score to compliment it's pace but Thomas Newman's work is highly mediocre. On the bright side, Tom Hanks was very good with the performance. His best since Charlie Wilson's War (resemblance between both characters as negotiators and involvement of Russia). Costumes, Editing and Sets were worth praising too. Biggest thumb down towards Mr. Speilberg for using very old tactics of basing the humour between two key characters, in this case James Danavon and Rudolf Abel (both contender for Oscar), did not work. Same joke too many times. And movie also lacked intensity. There was not a single moment we felt that James' plan would not fall through. Overall, movie is watch-able for it's not mater much departments, which makes it not much enjoyable.

There is a term' Drop Dead Silence, which I will modify to Drop Dead hilarious. Spy is a long leap for everyone who have worked on it. Generally it is not much different then any girl's dominated comedy but when you watch it , you realize it takes humour to the direction (not the new ones) that you did not assume while coming for it. Mellisa Mccarthy is of corse the main highlight but it's Rose Byrne and Jason Statham who come us as pleasant surprise and not to forget the massive use of F word followed by sexual harassment and dress criticism. Action sequence are very thrilling as are all of Melissa's get ups and he entries. Writing is impressive and just brings the twists and laughter altogether keeping list of rooms for sequels. Complete entertainment and 200% worth of money n time.

The Last Winter is set in exactly same setting as 80's cult The Thing, but it is focused on more psychological aspects then on the alien parasite. Which ultimately **** the juice out of it. Movie is powerful in every way but since it ends in an abyss, it losses most of it's charm there.

The best part of watching Mr. Vengeance was the perspective it was presented from and how it included other persons into it. And also the fact that it was in linear style, while most of the director would have opted to do a non linear style with all the Ryu story in flashbacks but Park Chan Wook made this movie in his own way because he wanted to show the roots instead of glorifying film editing. Although one would expect something bigger and more astonishing act for which revenge is going on but it works the way it was presented. At moments the movie is so light as in the clouds and then it turns to be so stomach hurting intense which is amazing. Every one on the screen just fits the role they are performing. Every department has worked very good to create this cult movie.

Lady Vengeance is a powerful movie which starts just like any other movie. With flashbacks which introduces new characters. Then it starts making a shape which is not much different then many of the revenge movies. However, it really gets interesting during last half an hour. Revenge for yourself is not enough, let other serve this dish at the best of the time. Yet it finds little comic moments. There are some questions which are left unanswered as is the ending confusing but it is very satisfying with it's climax which is brutal yet clean and impressive. Most powerful of all the the direction and acting. Every one on screen has been marvellous. Cinematography also needs a mention so does the editing. Background score is very experimental and could be held single mean of amusement in the movie.

Where first movie was likeable because of it's wild and raw nature, Scorch Trial leaves those specs behind and join Divergent and Hunger Games which to the great extent loses all the charms. Movie makers are only trying to milk this new cash cow which is based on young adult dystopian universe but how much could it work. Also another cheap trick is to cast Game of Thrones actors to get an extra audience but could it really work to see an actor play highly techno role (although without any importance) whom you have seen in cloak and pre-historic era. Scorch does not clarifies what is the object of the kids running, I was left amazed at the selfishness of the character. What is wrong in sacrificing yourself to find a cure. And a little background, why were those all kept in Maze in previous movie, to find out what ?if they are immune? how would have it worked. Dylan O'Brien should be considered for Golden Raspberry Award for his terrible performance. Overall movie is a way down and very dull.

Spectre is what I call, Quantum of Solace collides Mission Impossible 5, means disappointment squared. There is a reason why Spectre would be the worst Bond movie I have ever seen. I was excited was 3 things which were never happened to this series before. Monica Bellucci, Lea Seydoux and ofcorse Skyfall. There have been good Bond girls but never been such a magnificent, mysterious and furious combination. Where Bellucci has a cult following for being best Italian seductress, Seydous has been famous for her untamed method and flawless aura. But what a waste, none of the ladies were given the role to justify they hype they created with the casting. Seydoux’ character was the most confused in the film, one minute she is mourning her father and next she is flirting and seducing Bond. She very much reminds you of Olga Kurylenko from Quantum of Solace. Enough with my outrage now little business. Opening sequence as well as background score was top notch so as Daniel Craige. The missing elements were the key one. Strong and focused story and powerful direction. Spectre had a strong structure, a childhood jealousy at a global level. But did they really have to mix it with Privacy Rights and internal failure of MI6? Especially if they were not good at handling it. Bond is known for perfection and skills but Spectre’s fight sequence leave too much on chance. Except the opening sequence and barehanded fight in train none of the action were impressive. Finally, adding Bautista to the caste was such a bad decision. It is perhaps something they learned from Fast and Furious who added Dwayne Johnson few years ago. And Sam Mendes should be over with defaced antagonists. Perhaps he will then concentrate on what should go on in their minds.