The Fourth Kind (2009)

Plot?

An Alaskan town has seen a huge number of disappearances over the past 40 years. Despite many FBI investigations, the claims of alien abductions haven't been proved yet. We plunge into this scenario through the Psychologist  played by Milla Jovovich as she interviews traumatized patients....who seem to have something common!!

The good:

• Intriguing story (I love UFO-related stuff)
• The setting, which is chilly literally and otherwise
• The split-screen scenes which added to my terror
• A few scenes made me jump and my hair was itching to jump out of my body!!

The bad:

• Does not sustain interest enough, goes on and on at it's own pace
• The screenplay could have been a bit better IMO

My Say:

If you want thrills and are interested in UFO abductions, give this one a try. It's worth it, on TV: By the what, alien abductions are referred to as 'the fourth kind' of alien encounters!!

IMDB 6.0  *** Rotten Tomatoes 17% fresh

My score:6/10

Prince of Persia (2010)

Plot?

A mysterious dagger contains the 'sands of time', which reverses time. Prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhall) and a beautiful princess must literally race against time to protect it from evil forces who are hell bent on ruling over the World (cue evil villainous music)!!

The good:

• Extravagant visuals by Disney (why waste so much money??)
• A nice 'deus ex machina' 
•  Whoa, 'parkour' scenes plus cool sword fights
• Uber cool graphics whenever the 'sands of time' are released
• Oooooh Gyllenhall has 6-packs

The bad:

• Ooohh Gyllenhall has 6-packs which have absolutely no use whatsoever
• Waste of talent i.e Ben Kingsley
• Has an epic look to it, which kind of overwhelms you :(
• A 200 Million $ budget and an estimated profit of 92 Million $, should I say more?? Bad Disney, bad Disney!!

My Say:

Grab your popcorn...switch off your brains...give out your 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' when appropiate..get home when the movie is done!! As simple as that.

IMDB 6.7  *** Rotten Tomatoes 36% fresh

My score:6/10

Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)

Plot?

Alice continues her search for survivors from the virus of the previous films. Her search for the safe haven 'Arcadia' leads her to a group of survivors holed up on a building, surrounded by miles of  'living dead'. They must get to 'Arcadia' before the 'living dead' get in!!

The good:

• Now that is one kick-ass opening scene even though the CGI looks a bit tacky
• The constant mention of Alice being survived all the time keeps the intrigue factor on at all times
• Ali Larter overshadows Milla Jovovich and packs a solid punch
• Michael Scofield aka Wentworth Miller is on the silver screen doing what he does, 'breaking out' ;)
• Cool action scenes and rocking BGM (sometimes headache-inducing)
• We have another sequel, hooray for mindless action!!

The bad:

• Looks like a series of interconnected action scenes
• For people who have not played the games, they have no idea about the strange octopuss-like jaws of the undead or 'The Executioner' who looks like 'The Khali', only double in size :o
• Alice is not her 'usual' self because of the plot, which disappointed me. Watch the film and you'll know what I mean
• Lots of make up even though they don't have proper food, especially the women ha ha ha
• A "preposterous logic" (is that an Oxymoron??) behind the safe heaven  'Arcadia'
• As it is a 3-d film, some actions might actually look funny and illogical when seen in 2-d ;)

My Say:

The weakest in terms of action as well as the CGI in the 'Resident Evil' series in my opinion. But still, this latest offering is worth watching, for it is primarily an action movie and is pretty good at it. The big explosions have eye-popping visuals actually and not the majority of the movie as the promos mislead. Watch it for Jovovich who is gradually becoming an action figure despite aging, Ali Larter and Wentworth Miller!!

IMDB 6.0  *** Rotten Tomatoes 26% fresh

My score:6/10

Clash of the Titans (2010)

 
Plot?

Perseus is the son Zeus, the king of oceans. Hades, ruler of the underworld is scheming to take over the World and rule it. Perseus must stop Hades, discovering his powers in the process.

The good:

• The CGI is cool, when seen in 2D
• Some eye-popping visuals and good action scenes
• Sam Worthington takes on the mantle of the I-save-the-world-action-hero flexing his muscles much to our delight
• The fight scenes to capture Medusa are very good, as we get good CGI as well as some character development
• The rising of the Kraken at the end makes the ticket price worth it for the eye-popping CGI

The bad:

•  Has a jaded look almost throughout
• More focus is on the action scenes and CGI, but the pace of the movie is almost dragging

My Say:

I have already read the 'Percy Jackson' series of books...and to watch such a grim World on celluloid was tough for me. But as a no-brainer action flick, this movie sure is watchable.However, it would be good see Worthington with more hair on his head...it's not that bad to grow hair Worthington :).

IMDB 5.9  *** Rotten Tomatoes 28% fresh

My score:7/10

Surrogates (2009)

Plot?

It is the future and humans go about their daily lives safely through humanoids called surrogates. Someone starts killing surrogates and the operators (actual humans). A cop investigates this issue risking his real and surrogate's life leading to repercussions of a global scale

The good:

• The concept as such is cool, where humans aren't busting their rears to make ends meet. They are safely nestled in their house, insulated from pain and going about their lives through their surrogates
• Set in the future, the setting and gadgets are all cool
• The film moves at a good pace, a whodunnit initially, settling into a science-fiction-with-lesson-for-humans-at-end mould
• Bruce Willis keeps rocking, no matter what kind of role he's playing

The bad:

• Though things look promising, the film doesn't raise it's bar above an average action flick packaged as a science-fiction film

My Say:

If you are looking for entertainment alone, this is a good choice. For people looking at intellectual mumbo-jumbo and mind-screwing concepts, please try something else. All in all, a good timepass movie.

IMDB 6.3  *** Rotten Tomatoes 39% fresh

My score:7/10

The Covenant (2006)

Plot?
Four friends from a supernatural legacy fight the raising distrust amongst them as well as a fifth guy, who was assumed dead. It is a fight for power mind you.

The good:

• Go watch the trailor. All the scenes worth their weight in Gold are all there in the trailor
• The lead character looks like smart, guess the girls could watch this pile of trash for his cute looks

The bad:

• This movie will suck your brain dry with it's pointless plot and boring dialogue
• This ain't a Tarantino movie, so no one is going to watch the movie for the sheer imagination of the writer
• There is actually no action to sustain audience interest after the first 10 minutes or so
• Using 'from the producers of Underworld' is a cheap tactic and an insult to 'Underworld'

My say:
Avoid this trash at all costs!!!

IMDB 4.8  *** Rotten Tomatoes 3% fresh

My score: 1/10

Cop out (2010)

Plot?

A cop's collector baseball card gets stolen. But he needs that card to pay for this daughter's wedding. So his bumbling partner and he have to track down the culprit in time before things get ugly.

The good:

• Couldn't find any...sorry to disappoint you

The bad:

• Generally, I hate people who behave oversmart. Tracy Morgan's smirk in the poster makes me want to punch a hole in his face..call it biasing, but I just couldn't help myself. Same goes for his acting, I mean antics on-screen
• I was so irritated and bored, I switched off the movie after 30 minutes

My Say:

As I have not seen the movie and nor will I see it...I am in no position to comment. All the best in case you decide try this movie out. Do let me know if you survived it ;)!!

IMDB 5.7  *** Rotten Tomatoes 19% fresh

My score: NA

Date Night (2010)

Plot?

A couple on the verge of separation...a deadly case of mistaken identity...and it's a run-for-your-life throughout the night!!

The good:

• Mark Wahlberg makes one helluva guest appearance..Carell will make you roll in laughter whenever the latter sees Wahlberg shirtless
• Steve Carell shines..no matter how stupid his characterization is or how bad the writing is

The bad:

• I was bored to death..in fact I was searching for my Glock
• 88 minutes runtime...still felt like 100+ :o WTH!!
• Looks like an elongated TV show episode

My Say:

The interactions between Carell and Wahlberg are too hilarious....Steve Carell just about manages to salvage this movie and make it a one-time watch!! Watch this movie if you get to for free, else don't blame me.

IMDB 6.5  *** Rotten Tomatoes 67% fresh

My score: 6/10

The Other Guys (2010)

Plot?

Two loser-detectives try to fill in the empty shoes of top detectives...and they unexpectedly stumble upon a sinister plan. It is upto them to save the day now.

The good:

• Samuel L Jackson and Dwayne Johnson's cameos...one word, rocking!!
• Will Ferell and Mark Wahlberg have the chemistry...but it comes out as stutters.

The bad:

• I hate Eva Mendes and she is here for, well you know it..eye-candy (strictly in my opinion)
• The jokes didn't work out for me
• Runtime is excruciatingly long at 100+ minutes

My Say:

Markie Mark was funnier in 'Date Night'...I still rue over having seen this film and wasted 100 minutes of my life.

IMDB 6.7  *** Rotten Tomatoes 78% fresh

My score: 5/10

The Bounty Hunter (2010)

Plot?

A bounty hunter gets the chance to track down his ex-wife, who has jumped bail to investigate a mysterious case (roll eye). They end running for their life..will they survive? (Sigh!! Give me a break)

The good:

• Errr..thinking...still thinking...arghhh I give up!!

The bad:

• I guess both Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler had their eyes on paychecks rather than on their chemistry, which was drier than the Sahara
• The film goes on and on....and on...
• All the jokes fall flat..cut that. Everything falls flat in this film!!

My Say:

Watching dung dry is more entertaining than this piece of trite trash!!! This would be one of the top contenders at the Razzies this year!! Even though I've seen friends, I still don't like Aniston and I think she is an obnoxious snob (on screen persona i.e). And God, I hate her hairstyle. I still don't believe that this trash comes from the Director of Hitch, which was very enjoyable. Please avoid this at all costs.

IMDB 5.2  *** Rotten Tomatoes 7% fresh

My score: 1/10

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Note: Pixar & Disney have literally sealed the 'Best Animated Feature Film' award this year with TS3!!

Plot?

The toys get delivered to Sunnyside daycare center by mistake..now they must return to Andy before he leaves for college. But little do they know that getting out of Sunnyside ain't that easy!!

The good:

• The animation is top-notch and the expressions are spot on
• The opening scene takes the cake for the most imaginatively-imagined scene, simply too good
• There is a story...and characterization as well...and both have considerable depth
• Has many elements which will connect with us (toys getting dumped, kids growing up,...)
• The feelings are real...you'll feel for the toys
• A simply astounding anti-climax scene which had me choked up...I have no idea how they came up with that scene...mind-blowing. I doubt if a real film can generate the same impact as effectively and poignantly. I bow down humbled!!

The bad:

• Seriously?? You got to be kidding me!!

My Say:

Having grown up with my share of toys and having seen both the previous installments..I was eagerly awaiting the third one.The 10-year-wait was worth it!! Toy story 3 is one of THE best films of 2010 period. Enough said already, go and watch it now!!

IMDB 8.8 (Top 250: #23)  *** Rotten Tomatoes 99% fresh

My score: 10/10

Shrek Forever After (2010)

Plot?

Good ol' Rumpelstiltskin tricks Shrek, who is suffering from a mid-life crisis. Shrek must save everyone's life by sealing true love's kiss with Fiona who does not recognize him anymore!!

The good:

• Very much bearable compared to the abysmal part-3
• Donkey is funny as always and makes this a bearable watch

The bad:

• I found this fourth installment mildly amusing and rip-roaringly funny

My Say:

Married men would be able to relate more to this film wink wink!! An average fare, but better than the third  outing. Thank God this is the final installment of Shrek!!

IMDB 6.7  *** Rotten Tomatoes 58% fresh

My score: 7/10

Despicable, Me (2010)

Plot?
The super-villain Gru is planning his biggest heist..the moon!! While a new villain on the block gives him incessant headaches... Gru must succeed despite speed breakers in the form of 3 adorable little girls. Will he??

The good:

• This film is funny right from the word go till the very end
• Steve Carell brings in his own to give that extra comic touch to Gru
• Everyone right from Gru's hideous dog to his minions are soooo adorable, barring the villains
• The 3 girls..my God! They are so darn cute, especially the youngest one :)

The bad:

• Unless you hate animated films, you HAVE TO watch this

My Say:

This film rocks. A non-pixar animated film that actually has repeat value, mainly due to the characters. Watch it with your family!!!

IMDB 7.6  *** Rotten Tomatoes 82% fresh

My score: 9/10

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Plot?
We've heard of the fox who steals chickens. Well, Mr.Fox is now a family man...yet he yearns to do a final heist on the three nastiest farmers in town. Will he succeed?

The good:

• Stop-motion animation (google it!!)...simply too good
• George Clooney, Meryl Steep, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe and many more voice talents...WOW!!
• No-nonsense humor and an enjoyable pace
• A hilarious climax comprising the triple-heist and the payback by the animals on humans

The bad:

• Haters of animated movies stay away
• If you don't like stop-motion animation either, move along now will you!!

My Say:
A not-to-be missed film..for both regular movie watchers and lovers of animated films. I just love Clooney's voice!!

IMDB 8.0  *** Rotten Tomatoes 93% fresh

My Score: 9/10

Moon (2009)

Plot?
The lone worker on the moon longs to return home...but he starts hallucinating things and then, the accident happens..

The good:

• A paranoid and claustrophobic setting
• Sam Rockwell is simply too good, depicting lunar loneliness and isolation to the T
• Kevin Spacey is awesome, doesn't matter if he's only a voice in the film
• Character-driven screenplay which means there IS some story here
• The twist packs a solid punch
• Solid sci-fi film

The bad:

• There are only two characters..not recommended for impatient people
• Nothing much apart from the above

My say:
Sam Rockwell should have got a 'Best Actor' Oscar nomination. You are crazy if you miss this amazing film!!

IMDB 8.0  *** Rotten Tomatoes 90% fresh

My score: 9/1

Saw VI (2009)

 

Plot?
Should I go into the specifics?? Okay..Detective Hoffman seems to take on Jigsaw's legacy. But unknown to him, Jigsaw has plans for him and others as well. Does that make sense to you now?? :)

The good:

• Clever & devilish yet bloody traps
• The twists of course, mamma mia
• Jigsaw rocks as always

The bad:

• As always, the gore is on over-drive..not for the faint-hearted
• Unless you've seen the previous installments, you'll reel in confusion

My say:
If you're a JIGSAW/gore-fan or a demented psychopath, watch it....else skip it.

IMDB 6.2  *** Rotten Tomatoes 40% fresh

My score: 7/10

Ninja Assasin (2009)

Plot?
A ninja with a heart of gold, seeks revenge on his master and clan for their evil crimes

The good:

• Stunning action choreography, just jaw-dropping
• Good CGI complementing the action scenes
• Some kick-ass action from the makers of 'The Matrix'

The bad:

• Lots of CGI blood
• A no-brainer action flick, so don't expect plot or story

My say:
The first major role for South Korean pop sensation Rain. This film is worth trying on a lazy Sunday afternoon

IMDB 6.3  *** Rotten Tomatoes 24% fresh

My score: 6/10

Index of titles reviewed

List of films reviewed (click to read):

 


18. The Losers
17. The Fourth Kind
16. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
15. Resident Evil: Apocalypse
14. Clash of the Titans
13. Surrogates
12. The Covenant
11. Cop Out
10. Date Night
9. The Other Guys
8. The Bounty Hunter
7. Toy Story 3
6. Shrek Forever After
5. Despicable, Me
4. Fantastic Mr. Fox
3. Moon
2. Saw VI
1. Ninja Assassin