Locke (2014) United Kingdom

The time when Donkey becomes Horse & vice versa.

Genre:

Drama.

Tagline:

"No turning back."

Review:

     Obviously it reminds Paul Wlaker's 'Vehicle 19' for anyone who had watched it. Both the stories take place inside a moving car. But the only difference is the different genres, thus plots deviates. One was a thriller and another one is a drama. The concept was a good one and of course low budget movie with a high quality output. Especially the story was so interesting. The three sets of characters that connected to the movie's main character Ivan Locke played by Tom Hardy. The camera angles were limited that probably restricted to 4 to 5 numbers. And completely whole scenario takes place in the dark time in around the 2 hour span real time.

     Performances wise, there's nothing to praise greatly as everything happens in a stillness. But the expressions and the voices rendered were the highlight. Except Tom Hardy the remains were like Scarlett Johansson from the movie 'Her'. If you see, the story in which the dialogues involved through telephone conversation were the typical and predictable. But the way they used to tell it was made all the difference in here. The movie completely reveals the main character whose family and professional lives begins to take a rough road when he decides to correct his mistake. Kind of unleashes how men stabilized his personal life and job affairs together.

‘‘You make one mistake, one little mistake,
the whole world comes crashing down around you.’’

     Very much satisfied with the movie. Kind of refreshing from the regular entertainment dramas. If you watch, sorry, if you hear this movie without the visuals you won't find any difficulties to understand. Because all you can give best shot to get it is to paying close attention by listening the phone conversations which covers 90% of the movie. Something like an audio book and you will generate your own images throughout. Most of the people in the world do not prefer drama films, they want fast paced entertainment. But if you have no objection for giving a try for experimental presentations, then here it is that you must not skip it and liked it or not comes afterwards.

Similar movies:
Vehicle 19, The Sunset Limited, Carnage, Venus in Fur, The Man from the Earth, Before Sunrise.


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):
      

Interstellar (2014) Hollywood

True to the science and a few fictions, artistic but entertains.

Genre:

Adventure, Science Fiction.

Tagline:

"Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here."
"The end of the Earth will not be the end of us."
'We'll find a way; we always do."

Review:

     Well, one off from two of this year's most expected movies alongside 'The Battle of Five Armies'. Like all the Chris Nolan fans, I was equally excited to see the movie on the opening day opening show. But I slightly disappointed that it was not a digital 3D film. I agree, this science-fiction was more dramatized than usual space travel stories does with an adventure-thriller. Almost a 3 hour long stretch movie did not waste much time to take us to the core of the story. Get prepared for this extremely rare voyage into the space with a logical explanation for everything you see on the screen. Well done research for the most matured and intelligent writing. All the credit must go to Nolan brothers. A good sign from Jonathan Nolan, who can make big in the entertainment industry in a future like his brother.

     As we know many had liked 'Inception', to me that was a simple multi-layered action movie, that's all. But the same stuffs that used in this film makes sense. In fact, you have to have a little knowledge over how the universe works, so then it will be easy to catch the scene and situations while watching the movie. Totally like a documentary style concept, but with the additional stuffs like characters and its emotions add flavor that gives a movie look. An educational movie, though it also can work for those who wants just entertainment. Only the slow movie pace would test their patience.

     It all begins like Shyamalan's 'Signs' movie with a family living surrounded by corn field. Then switches to 'The Astronaut Farmer' and going through 'Gravity', finally meets the 'Inception'. It was just a reference to call the movie setting that brings constant change for every half an hour. Like the opening scene and the end scene had over a 100 years difference.

     As I earlier said it was the story of a family alongside the future of humankind and decoding universal mysteries through travelling in space and time. This movie would a reasonable for those who thought '2001: A Space Odyssey' is a boring piece, Cleverly written cinematic piece especially for science geeks. I don't know how perfect the movie to the actual present astrophysics, but will justify for the common people's capacity of understanding with an encourageable amount of commercial elements in it to entertain as well.

     The first three quarters of the movie was well made. It puts me in a unblinkable position like a story was narrated by Brian Cox in a television series. Like I said, lots of astrophysics involved in it, but strangely human emotions were also exhibited equally that I never expected one from Nolan film. It was not an ordinary sentiment, but was strong enough to make a man cry for happy and sad situations in the movie. I liked science and emotion coming together. In fact, it saved the movie, otherwise it would have been a science documentary straight from NASA production through Nolan direction.

     There are many surprise elements in the movie and of course there is a twist at the end. We can call it a series of twists like the layers. Compared to last quarter of the movie to the rest, it completely detaches which opens broadly to the different directions. And that happens so fast rushing towards the other end. Which give an impression of the movie 'Inception'. In a perfect way to say the first 75% was 'The Tree of Life' and the remains are 'Inception'.

‘‘This world's a treasure,
but it's been telling us to leave for a while now.’’

     All the actors were so good. Matthew McConaughey steals the show as he dominates the majority of the screen space in the story presentation. There's no ruling out the fine performance executions from Anne Hathaway and the young star from the Twilight movie, Mackenzie Foy. The remaining cast was having less scope which were like the guest appearances that was widened a little broader, but was perfectly fitted for the story. Especially Matt Damon's was the crucial one.

     Remember the movie 'Contact', a lovely movie, which was ruined by its fictional ending. Something like that happened in this film as well. The story was initiated with a realistic approach with actual scientific contents as per the present understanding about the universe. But the end was let me down with the layered contents that kind of impossible to agree with it. As a cinematic theme it worked, yeah, a good solution for this wonderfully written story. We know that the time can't run backwards, so that's the trouble.

     Anyway, this movie defines in a new way, I mean scientifically the existence of ghost. It was not a horror movie, but I liked supernatural force that merged with this science fiction theme. That explains and gives vast ideas to expand our physics beyond something and somewhere yet to reach. Hats off to the director, because he was not thinking of making money here. His idea was to implement what the humans are understood so far about the cosmos. And he very nicely transformed those into the silver screen with the blend of human emotions. In my opinion, this will replace '2001: A Space Odyssey' for sometime till another one make this way.

     I could have not asked a better space travel drama than this, especially when I heard Nolan doing a science-fiction I believed he gonna rock it. He was so true to the science and the human feelings in this film. If you had seen enough movies before like this one, you can recall your memories like the Tom Hanks parts from 'Cloud Atlas'. But still independently stands strong and falls in a never seen before category.

‘‘Maybe we've spent too long
trying to figure all this out with theory.’’

     The end scene leaves a hint of a possible sequel. I would be happy if that happen in a near future, but definitely that would be a completely different cinema as per how this one ended. I know his fans want that to happen and so am I.

     The visuals were not that great, but simply very good. To see those in digital 3D would have given us a different experience, sadly Nolan was not in favor of that technology. Hoping this movie would get as many as the Oscars nod. Especially not getting into the best motion picture shortlist would be a shame. Like I said I'm no one fan, I just love watching everyone's every movie. I would have went to see it again if it was converted into digital 3D, since I'm modern tech geek when it comes to the films.

     It will become a talk of the week, perhaps month all over the world, so don't leave behind when your friends talk about it. What I gonna say is it is a must see asap if you are a movie fanatic like me otherwise Nolan movies does not need anyone's recommendation because his movies usually sell itself like the hot samosa.

Similar movies:
The Astronaut Farmer, Gravity, Contact, Prometheus, The Tree of Life, Inception, 2001: A Space Odyssey.


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):
      

A Long Way Down (2014) United Kingdom

A strange way to meet strange people.

Genre:

Comedy, Drama.

Tagline:

"Life is looking up."

Review:

     A dark comedy movie from the Britain which was partially based on a novel of the same name. The second movie together for the rising stars Imogen Poots and Aaron Paul after 'Need for Speed'. The trailer was one of the reasons I watch this movie. It created an interest in me for some uniqueness in its theme. But in the end when I watched the movie now it did not last much longer.

     Usually movies will have best shots for last parts, but here it came very early. The opening scene was the movie's highlight, get off with the fun and then while advancement it slowly died. The concept was really a good one, the story created around it was not. I expected twists and turns in last parts that never came. So, in the end it became a simple and the usual entertaining movie.

     All the actors were good, but their characters were not convinced enough. The developments were to blame because all the four main characters were not exposed well on the screen about some of the mysteries of their earlier stages. I mean the story talks about each of them's difficulties they recently went through and 50% of them remained unexplained phenomena. Like, what was the Aaron Paul's real problems and about Imogen Poots little sister etc.

‘‘We were visited...
by an angel and it looked like Matt Damon.’’

     Beside all these flaws, there's little enjoyments. Toni Collette and Pierce Brosnan's roles were made sense and blended well with the concept. But when it comes to performances all the four were equally good. Overall, a fine subject was wasted for not that good story. Yes, a little let down movie, should have been a better. I don't know the book, maybe they should have adapted it straight without changing much. A decent movie to watch and no guarantee of satisfactory because taste differ from person to person.



Similar movies:
Death at a Funeral, City Island, World's Greatest Dad, A Fish Called Wanda.


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):
      

The Story of India (2007) United Kingdom

One of the first beginning of the human life in order.

Genre:

Documentary, History.

Review:

     Sorry guys, I was busy last week and I have not seen a single movie. Saw this one recently, so here's my review. One of the interesting documentary series about the human civilization. Mainly focused on the birth and traveled path of the sub-continent culture and religions. This 6 episode documentary series was told right from when humans are beginning to migrate from the Africa through briefing some important historical events that took place in the last two millennia till the present time.

     Each episode tells different timeline of the all good and bad occurrences including some of them we already know and that we are not. The British historian and archaeologist Michael Woods travels across the South Asian countries, revealing what he had found in his expedition. In my opinion, what everything he says or find in the quest are probably not accurate, but 'might be like this', 'might be like that' kind of very close truth that we can get. Mainly because of the Indian culture and civilization were assorted with myth. So that's not an easy task to disclose in a short time of the research, the top to bottom of thousands years of the rich history with lots of ups and downs.

1. Beginnings:

     In the first episode, it tells one of the first human migration out of the Africa which took place 75,000 years ago who sailed to the west coast of the southern India. Few millenniums later the agriculture began with the idea of domesticating wild animals. While population increasing they moved towards the north where the great Indus civilization began which gave the name India and Hindu to identify the present sub-continent people. Michael Woods also visits places to find evidence of what Rig-Vedas' mentions. Half of this episode was roughly predicted, but still can't be neglected the discovery he made.


2. The Power of Ideas:
     In this part the story commence around 7,000 years ago, that mean 5,000BC where the system of life order begins. Later chronicled the first ever king Chandragupta Maurya who stood against Alexander the Great. Afterwards the birth of Buddhism and Jainism, and the spiritual side of the India. The fascinated thing was India is a place where it changes the people from their desire of thirst to the spirituality. And still happening like history repeating itself. Who knows Hitler would have invented a new religion and become a god if he'd Invaded India rather going after his neighbor countries. Don't take it offensive because in this episode that is what you learn, men with swords to the enlightenment.


3. Spice Routes and Silk Roads:
     It is one of the best part of the story narration. The first east and west encounter. It's all about trade and business between India and, Greeks and Romans. Indian spices and, silk and cotton weaving made the subcontinent the world's first economic powerhouse. In return, most valuable metals and liquor what India gathered that lead to become rich to richer. At the same time in northern India, Buddhism traveled to the China and further east in coming centuries. The India's famous story 'The Ramayan' was first written before the hundreds of its version come into the different languages in the later years.


4. Ages of Gold:
     The golden era which mainly focuses on the southern kingdom during the Chola dynasty. One of the ancient surviving languages of the world is the Tamil like the Greek. The perspective of Tamil culture, especially the birth story of classical dance, Bharathnatyam and world first sex guide book Kama-sutra was told. Many rituals and festivals that still followed in an old method was revealed. The Michael Woods visit to the places like Tanjore and Madhurai gives some idea about still standing architectural structures.  Overall, it is a south Indian slice of the whole sub-continent's long standing history.


5. The Meeting of Two Oceans:
     So this is where collision begins between outside religion and the sub-continent's. Islam makes it way to the India during the eleventh century. It was not easy for the outsider to invade India that history says many great personalities were failing to do that. But Moghals are the first to invade the sub-continent. Very important aspect and time of the Indian history, especially religious perspective. Because if you see now, the Islam spread from Persia, Afghan, Pakistan to the east Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia. But India and Indians are only who stood and fought against forced Islam conversion. Refused to accept it and that made Muslim kings change their style of rule in coming centuries after witnessing a series of grand failures. That is, to live together, the concept of  unity in diversity began.

6. Freedom:
     In this final episode, it chronicles the last invader of the subcontinent from the west, the English. They put an end to the Islamic ruling in the India and also brought the advanced technologies with them like guns, trains etc. The Indians suffered under the British raj over high taxation, but in other side the birth of modern India was taking place. Mahatma Gandhi himself a law graduate from London college who later fought for freedom with his Ahimsa tactic.

‘‘In history there have been many empires of the sword.
But only India created an empire of the spirit.’’

     With notifying Indian Independence struggle the story brings the curtain down to the narration. If you see the present India, it is not like what it was told from this documentary. Some people remained same from the centuries and generation after generation teaching art and technics to the children, but some are changed like the evolution happened. Especially, after living under different foreign rulers over the 1,000 years, the last 60 years of freedom is what gave them license to do everything they want. And that liberty is what the today's mess you can find in Indian sub-continent.

     Can Indian once again rise to become the leader of the world economy like it did thousands of years ago is the future have to wait and see. In the next couple of decades, India is going to put the American economy behind and compete with China for the top position. Once again, I remind you, that many events were predicted, according to the proof the BBC got. So mostly about the possibility than actuality, especially the occurrence that took place before the Buddhism. It is a must see documentary, there are lots that we can learn from it or get some ideas overs those times lifestyles.

Similar movies:

The Story of England, Legacy: the Origins of Civilization, In the Footsteps of the Alexander the Great.

Suitable for:

Tween, Teen, Adult, All

Final verdict:

Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent

External link(s):

    

The Fault in Our Stars (2014) Hollywood

It's unfair to let it go, what we love the most in the world.

Genre:

Drama, Romance

Tagline:

"They don't have forever, they have each other."
"One sick love story."

Review:

     The director might be soaring after back to back success. Interestingly, both the films dealt with writers, but the main themes were romance. He's just a two movie old and now the movie goers can expect eagerly for his next venture. This movie was based on the teen novel of the same name about a 16-years-old cancer patient.

     Hazel Grace, who is battling between life and death is also a strong fighter against all the odds. When her mother sends her to attend the group therapy she meets Augustus Water, a fellow member. As she is being sarcastic, Waters finds an interesting character in her. A friendship develops and they spend more time together. Even knowing there will no future together, the relationship progress and how everything ends is the rest.

     Usually cancer themed movies are called tearjerker films. Surprisingly, this movie's aim was different. Of course emotion strikes, but the story narration and character developments were the basic goal. Three-fourth of the movie was well told story about teen romance. The afterwards account begins with a twist which were portrayed in the usual manner. Like all the movies, kept sentiments in the last part. The last quarter was very predictable, but they avoided cliche as much possible.

‘‘Apparently, the world is not
a wish-granting factory.’’

     The parents' role was kind of mysterious one, that diverts viewer from their anticipation. Interesting it also creates some doubts. Compared to the previous movie 'The Spectacular Now', Shailene Woodley looked completely different. That means the physical transformed to look a perfect 16 year old was amazing. Her performance as well gives an impression that the Hollywood's future Academy award grabbing the female lead is on making. At this rate she can do that like Jennifer Lawrence did.

     As for the lead actor, it is a good breakthrough and expecting the same result from his next movie as well. This movie, which runs over a 2 hour was smartly sliced the contents and organized those on the right spots. Many had agreed it was a fine cinema transformation from a book. So you can try this, but be careful because nowadays most of the teens movies are overrated because of the overwhelmed teen audience. The warning meant only for the older people. I'm sure the youngster will love this movie, I mean most of them.

Similar movies:

Restless, 50/50, Now is Good, Third Star, Ways to Live Forever, Death of a Superhero.

Suitable for:

Tween, Teen, Adult, All

Final verdict:

Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent

External link(s):