Destined to Doom Movies of 2014, Which Were Surprisingly Great or Decent or Maybe Just About Average!
Every year we predict certain films as turkeys, because they simply stink in all departments right from the day they were conceived on the drawing board. But there's no more an exhilarating felling, than when these type of films shockingly end up being really good. While some just about make the cut, few others, and very few others might ultimately achieve cult-classic status too. So I hope this list will be informative to you'll, and yes, adulation and criticism are both appreciated, so please, keep your views coming.
List activity
2.7K views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
53 titles
- DirectorAva DuVernayStarsDavid OyelowoCarmen EjogoOprah WinfreyA chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965.Fueled by a gripping performance from David Oyelowo, “Selma” draws inspiration and dramatic power from the life and death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. while also not ignoring how far we remain from the ideals his work embodied. It’s a blast of piercing social insight expressed through exquisite craftsmanship by Director, Ava DuVernay (unpardonably robbed of a Best Director nomination at this year’s Oscars), which makes it feel like art and not bald-faced messaging. A masterclass in directing, the film is a gripping, hard-hitting, and moving depiction of events in early 1965 as it chronicles Martin Luther King’s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
What’s absolutely credible about the film is that it focuses on the one thing we don’t expect in a movie about Martin Luther King – his doubts – and Oyelowo comes through with a deeply felt and quite brilliant performance. He completely disappears into the persona of Martin Luther – diction, body language, oratory skills and all. Oyelowo’s breakout performance should have rightly earned him an Oscar nomination (another major snub for this film). Nevertheless, it will be remembered by film lovers around the world for years to come. A number of historical dramas fall into the trap of sugar-coating the details of their subject matter in order to stress the qualities of their main protagonist. “Selma” does not display any such shortcoming as it refreshingly presents its main character as a flawed but inspirational figure. Cracking the civil rights leader and his associates from their plaster-saint cocoons, this latest offering on a one of Martin Luther’s many emphatic triumphs presents a multidimensional portrayal of Dr. King, flaws and all, and succinctly demonstrates that we’ve both come a long way and have a long way to go.
Uniquely filmed, superbly written, and downright enthralling, this picture is one for the ages - “Selma” has the power to enrage and enlighten while delivering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s reverberating message of perseverance of the human spirit. - DirectorAdam WingardStarsDan StevensSheila KelleyMaika MonroeA soldier introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence.Adam Wingard is fast blooming into one of Hollywood’s horror/thriller wizards, and “The Guest” more than lives up to the promise borne from his last stellar effort, “You’re Next”. Up until recently, it seemed that horror fans had only James Wan to turn to for quality material in today’s times. Well, thankfully, Wan has now got the promise of another Director, passionate for the genre, to keep him company. And we sure hope that he fulfills his promise.
But, “The Guest” would not have been half the film it is without the standout, badass performance from its lead star, Dan Stevens, of “Downton Abbey” (TV Series) fame. Just a simple wicked smolder of Stevens makes something as innocuous and supposedly pleasant as a smile seem like a weapon of mass destruction. If he continues at this rate, it’s safe to say that his TV days are behind him, and big-budget leading roles that will guarantee superstar recognition – and maybe even a cluster of awards – are just round the corner.
The beauty of “The Guest” is that even though it borrows from other genre pictures, it does so with such intelligence and clarity of purpose that it manages to feel fresh and exciting. The real pleasures of this movie lie mainly in anticipating how the next expected corner will be turned. “The Guest” unravels smartly; and, after too many herky-jerky entries in the faux-found-footage subgenre, it’s nice to see a scare film (horror or thriller – you name it) with a pearly visual style, which gives the enterprise the patina of both elegance and plausibility. This smartly assembled, visceral thriller is tense, action-packed and unpredictable like everything and nothing you’ve ever seen before. It's big, it’s bold, it’s badass, full of flavor Hollywood wishes it could pour over its vanilla blockbusters."The Guest” is what might happen if John Carpenter made a Halloween movie in which Michael Myers takes off his mask and turns out to be a pretty cool guy.
With “The Guest”, Wingard and his writer, Simon Barrett, whom he frequently collaborates with, have once more upped the ante for the indie horror/thriller flick pack. Both the Director and writer – the same team that brought us “You’re Next” – have created a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller that’s brutally vicious yet has a flair for fun. Boasting enough intelligence to bolster its darkly violent thrills, “The Guest” offers another treat for genre fans from Director Adam Wingard. - DirectorPradeep SarkarStarsRani MukerjiJisshu SenguptaAnant VidhaatA female cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, working at a Mumbai Crime Branch, who sets out to confront the mastermind behind a child trafficking mafia.There are a number Indian film actors, male and some female, that one can easily think of taking on the role of an action hero badass, but far from immediately coming to mind to fill such an avatar is Rani Mukerji, what with her pocket-size-petite frame. But not for nothing is she considered one of Bollywood’s most accomplished actresses, stretching beyond the typical romantic heroine comfort zone to fearlessly take on difficult parts.
Director, Pradeep Sarkar, takes the right approach in easing the audience into the idea of Mukerji playing a tough cop determined to take down sex traffickers. We don’t see Mukerji immediately dive into action, but instead essay the role from the inside-out, projecting her natural poise, confidence, and intelligence as she leads an undercover police bust. From there the layers are peeled away and the rougher edges gradually, organically exposed. Talking tough and taking no crap, Rani’s tough-as-nails character convincingly embodies righteous authority that by the time she evolves into the action heroine determined to take down the bad guys, one doesn’t question it at all. Not that Mukerji ever loses her vulnerability, which proves to be valuable in keeping her from becoming a run-of-the-mill stock hero. However, if her character looks so good on screen, it’s due in large part to newcomer Tahir Raj Bhasin brilliantly offsetting it with his insensitive, callous, and downright despicable turn as the new-age suave kingpin of the flesh trade.
Mukerji much like how he doesn’t compromise with Mukerji’s role, also doesn’t soft-pedal the young women’s ordeal, crafting some harrowing sequences. However, the film’s main USP remains that one of Indian cinema’s sweethearts, Mukerji, kicks some major ass, and Sarkar knows this all too well, and more importantly never tries to downplay it.
You might call “Mardaani” a South Asian version of the Liam Neeson action-thriller “Taken.” But that’s too easy. “This is India,” Shivani says as she pummels Walt, before his young captives. Almost sold as prostitutes, his captives – egged on by Shivani – kick and stomp his bloody body. In their rage, you can feel the weight of a nation. - DirectorRob MinkoffStarsTy BurrellMax CharlesStephen ColbertSherman, a young boy, misuses a time machine made by his scientist father Mr. Peabody and causes the world history to go haywire. It is now up to Mr. Peabody to rescue his son and the world.Wow! This film came out of nowhere and sprung a huge, pleasant surprise on everybody. Quite frankly, "Mr. Peabody & Sherman", is one of the most endearing animated films in a long, long time, something nobody would have wagered on before its release. Along with being a wonderful nostalgic trip for fans of the old "Rocky and Bullwinkle" cartoons; viewers with no previous knowledge of the animated shows will also immediately warm up to the charms of this cinematic treat.
But there's something inherently special about "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" besides being a zesty, soaring, breakneck adventure. It offers two important lessons - on history and loyalty - told subtly and wrapped in humor and fun-filled escapades. The trips taken by the adventurous duo to landmark events back in time are outrageous and amusing to the hilt, yet educational enough to ignite any child's interest in history. In fact, this film should be screened across all schools to reignite students' fervor in history, a subject towards which most children don't show a keen affinity.
The other and perhaps most valuable lesson imparted by the movie is that of loyalty. The abounding loyalty of a dog and how we can all learn treasured life's lessons from this inherent quality our canine friends possess in copious amounts.
Overall, "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" is a zany, exciting, endearing, pacy ride, filled with witty dialogues, irresistible charm, and some valuable lessons. - DirectorSeok-hoon LeeStarsKim Nam-gilSon Ye-jinYoo Hae-jinA band of pirates and a group of bandits fight to catch a gray whale that has swallowed a royal stamp.What was thought to be a jiggery-pokery "Pirates of the Caribbean" rip-off, actually ended up being terrific entertainment and quite original to boot, and something the glitzy, insipid sequels of the Depp-led Pirate films should have been more like. The direction by Seok-hoon Lee was fantastic; the cinematography by veteran D.O.P., Young-Ho Kim, was brilliant, and integrated with the story beautifully; the special effects were more than decent considering the budget; the acting was above par; the sight gags and some of the dialogues were downright hilarious; Ji-ah Kim's sets and Yoo-jin Kwon's costumes were breathtaking; and above all, the action scenes were nothing short of spellbinding. One of those movies where everything just falls into place and blends neatly together as a one cohesive unit to provide spectacular entertainment. I'll even go as far as stating that it's quite possibly, among the top five most pulsating, adrenaline-pumping, humor-laden, adventure-riddled, fun-filled, action-bonanza romp I've had in years. This Korean film simply titled, "The Pirates" is the real deal as far as action-adventurers go.
- DirectorRobert StrombergStarsAngelina JolieElle FanningSharlto CopleyA vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child could be the one person who can restore peace to their troubled land.There were so many ways for this live-action retelling to go horribly wrong, and yet it remains surprisingly faithful to the original while recreating the title character as an infinitely more complex creature. While the cast alone put the film on the right track, it’s a combination of all the elements both behind and in front of the camera that bring the movie into perfect focus. The production design, cinematography, and unblemished CGI effects fill in all the remaining elements needed to complete the atmosphere of the story. It’s all mostly computer-generated, of course, but it plays perfectly to the fantasy and fears of the characters involved in the story as a character itself.
Angelina Jolie proves her acting mettle in every glance, speaking volumes without saying a word; it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing this part after seeing what Jolie brought to the role. Likewise, Aurora’s demotion from the main character to supporting cast member neither undermines her nor renders her irrelevant, re-purposing her through Elle Fanning’s portrayal as the instrument that un-blackens a heavy heart.
If “Maleficient” falters a bit, it’s in the editing where some of the scenes could have done with a more seamless continuity. Also, visual effects wizard, Robert Stromberg, directing his first feature film, tends to stumble a tad while handling the plot transitions between drama and action. Barring this visible glitch, he shows good promise and does a decent job of narrating the plot.
With wanton dark material for a story adapted from a children’s tale and willing to stay true to it, “Maleficent” walks a balanced line between revealing the darkness in the light and finding the light in the darkness. So what if the dark fairy isn’t quite as irredeemable as her Disney animated counterpart; it’s just as satisfying watching Maleficent give her oppressors all the rope they need to hang themselves with. - DirectorNeil BurgerStarsShailene WoodleyTheo JamesKate WinsletIn a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late.This is one of those rare occasions that a movie based on a recent young-adult novel has been done right, so savor it for what it's worth. And, worth it is, quite a lot, going by the terrific 2 hour 10 minutes ride you get through the stark dystopian landscape of "Divergent". What's more, the movie is not just about bleak dystopian locations and the direct bearing they have on the daily lives of their characters, but it also shrewdly manages to raise some highly pertinent questions about our own existence and what sort of world we could be leaving for the coming generations. The most uplifting fact about "Divergent" is that it pulls off this unexpected act through astute direction and some incredibly nuanced performances we usually don't associate with summer blockbusters.
Now we all are well aware that this film is based on the first of a series of best selling fiction novels by author Veronica Roth, but as alluded to earlier, it's an aberration that the core elements of a good novel are retained while making it viable for a cinematic audience within cinematic time-constraints. For this reason alone, due credit must be bestowed upon screen-writers Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor for brilliantly adapting a recently loved novel, fresh in readers' memory, and transforming into a crisp screenplay that the Director and producers could work with. But, a screenplay - adapted or original - no matter how good, needs proper guidance, and this is provided with assured measure through the watchful eyes of Director, Neil Burger (known for accomplished efforts such as The Illusionist (2006), The Lucky Ones (2008), and Limitless (2011)).
"Divergent" not only gives us a fantastically entertaining blockbuster to thrill and chill us for w hours plus, it also offers up a thought-provoking sci-fi tale, which begs us to reflect on some startling points it raises even while we're being enthralled by the proceeding on-screen - something of an oddity in modern cinema. Along with being faithful to Roth's book, it also builds a strong cinematic universe apt for the screen and successfully manages to engage both sections of viewers - those who've enjoyed Roth's novel and even those who have no prior knowledge of the happenings of her dystopian fiction series. "Divergent" is basically a must-see for all who enjoy a thoroughly gripping, judicious sci-fi tale. - DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsChris PrattWill FerrellElizabeth BanksAn ordinary LEGO construction worker, thought to be the prophesied as "special", is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the LEGO universe into eternal stasis.Unbridled fun interlaced with dollops of subtle metaphors. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who made “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”, have delivered another essay in controlled madness, bombarding you with far more candy-colored detail than you can process—though, by some miracle, not too much to stomach. In short, pop culture eats itself. Everything you see, until the closing scenes, is Lego: people, landscapes, and products. Even fiery bolts of laser beam are orange plastic rods. You could try to resist or lament this marketing frenzy, but the movie is way, way ahead of you, landing joke after joke about the shiny pretensions of the Lego world.
If you care to scratch the surface a bit, “The Lego Movie” also reveals copious amounts of metaphors – coated in hilariously humorous moments and dialogues – which take potshots at how corporate bigwigs are all but controlling every aspect of our monotonous existence and how we wittingly succumb to the manipulation of these powers when all we need to do is remain steadfast and resolve to live our lives on our own terms. The movie’s irresistible theme song, “Everything is Awesome”, is a delightful dig and corporate branding, capitalist manipulation, and draconian bureaucracy, which in all likelihood will go down as one of the greatest cinematic metaphors of all time. Satirical subversion in family entertainment is an unexpected treat, especially in a movie that also functions as a triumph of product placement.
The film is a visual spectacle and the most amazing thing is how everything looks as though it’s constructed out of Legos. That goes for raging fire and even the wild waves of a turbulent sea rolling under a pirate ship under full sail. If there’s one minor contention with the film, it would probably boil down to it being a bit too fast-paced at times. Slowing down the tempo in certain scenes (a la Hayao Miyazaki) would have elevated it several notches higher; plausibly even have given it a perfect 5 rating.
“The Lego Movie” is a terrific, fun-packed, well-crafted, thoughtful, and outstanding piece of animated cinematic magic. Just like its theme song goes, this film is truly “awesome”. - DirectorGabe IbáñezStarsAntonio BanderasBirgitte Hjort SørensenDylan McDermottHuman race is at edge of the end. Robot race is at edge of the beginning.Beautiful to look at, and boasting rich, narrative depth, “Automata” artfully weaves together its conglomerate of intriguing ideas with dazzling sci-fi visuals, mysterious plotlines, pulsating action, and a general sense of real and palpable foreboding. The film is so well-conceived and meticulously executed that throughout its runtime one gets the feeling of witnessing some kind of primordial origin story about parallel destinies for the human race and the intelligent machines we make.
Director Gabe Ibáñez keeps the pace swift and even manages to allude a bit of religious allegory without bonking us over the head with it. “Autómata” is a movie that has its look and feel in unison – while it’s remarkably easy to appreciate a film with such nimble visuals, the plush storytelling compels us to actually bother about how its plot unfolds. Adding gravitas to the plot is the milieu of the film. The camerawork is in keeping with the stark tone of the film, drawing us into ravaged settlements and desolate landscapes while the visual effects and CGI edifices enthrall you on a subconscious level, never once appearing to scream for notice.
But the film wouldn’t be half as engrossing as it is without its lead protagonist. Banderas’ earnest portrayal is the crux that holds everything together here. He reminds us that he still has the chops to pull off leading man roles, and gives us a very real demonstration of his star quality.
Not since “The Matrix” or “Blade Runner” has a grim, dystopian world seemed so compelling in-and-of itself. Fans of sci-fi films will love it. Those craving good cinema in general will be thoroughly entertained, too. - DirectorNishikant KamatStarsRiteish DeshmukhRadhika ApteTanvi AzmiSumitra travels to Pandharpur to find a ray of hope, after Sangram killed her husband and son and took over their business.An action-potboiler with all the right ingredients stirred in a pot overflowing with unbridled entertainment. It is completely Riteish Deshmukh’s film from first frame to last, and the actor who has recently shown his versatility in the Bollywood film, “Ek Villain”, now proves to us that he’s well and truly ready (after quite a few unsuccessful attempts) to take on the mantel of leading man. Not only does he bring his own charm and flavor to the dialogues , but he’s also managed to do the big action scenes with full conviction. Deshmukh in a double role – yes, you read that right – makes sure that the audience will love his chocolate hero looks (Prince) as well as his angry young man persona (Mauli). His Marathi acting debut is simply astounding. Coming after the appreciation for his performance in ‘Ek Villain’, it definitely seals the arrival of Riteish-the actor. He dances, he emotes and he fights with equal ease. In the first half there’s little experimentation, but as he re-enters the plot as the rustic Mauli, he sets the pace of the film rolling. This is the first time the audience will see him in a hardcore action role and on that account he succeeds with full marks. Riteish Deshmukh, in his debut Marathi film, has managed to win the heart of both critics and the audience with his performance.
“Lai Bhari” is a textbook example of a mass entertainer, a film that tugs at the strings of every single emotion known to the Marathi soul, in that it uses all the tropes that are the cinematic equivalent of the Western Ghats. The film should pave the way for Marathi films who want to set records and push the envelope in engaging a larger audience. If you enjoy the old-school potboiler (read ‘masala’) action films, “Lai Bhari” is your thing. The film may not impress you thoroughly but it promises full entertainment at its core. With a good attempt at giving Marathi cinema an out-an-out commercial entertainer, Nishikant Kamat in the age of realistic cinema, churns out a classic Bollywoodish tale with a good spirit. “‘Lai Bhaari’ is a masala entertainer in Marathi. A complete blend of action, comedy and family drama, this one is worth repeated viewing just for the sheer pleasure of its raw entertainment value.
There’s an arousing dialogue midway through the film that goes like this: “Amcha haat bhari, lath bhari, chya mayla saglach lai bhari”, which totally epitomizes the overall feel of this movie. Much like its name the film’s action is ‘lai bhari’, the dialogues are ‘lai bhari’, the background score is ‘lai bhari’, the performances are ‘lai bhari’, and pretty much everything is ‘lai bhari’. - DirectorScott WaughStarsAaron PaulDominic CooperImogen PootsFresh from prison, a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross-country race with revenge in mind. His ex-partner, learning of the plan, places a massive bounty on his head as the race begins.Everything a car-action movie ought to be, and then some more! The film doesn't letup for a single minute, and though you embark on this ride with little or no expectations, within minutes of the sojourn, you're compelled to fasten your seat-belts, and zoom away with the thrills and testosterone fueled romp this action-packed bonanza of a film provides. But those ready to nitpick the movie for being all zest and no zeal needn't fret, because "Need For Speed" boasts of a surprisingly engaging plot with heart, drama (albeit a tad sugarcoated), and a no-frills coherence.
Aaron Paul, as expected, essays his character with gusto and conviction, but what really comes across as a surprise is the ease with which he cruises into the boots of a leading man, that too in an action movie. Also, it's a pleasure to see Michael Keaton after ages in a major production, and he literally steals some of the scenes in a small but dynamic role. Director, Scott Waugh, smartly refrains from showcasing any hand-to-hand fight scenes featuring his protagonist, since this might have come across as unbelievable and gimmicky, owing to Paul's lithe physique. Overall, Waugh's direction is credible and he builds a pacy narrative for the film, while exhibiting special mastery over the action sequences. The action sequences (read car chases and racing scenes) are some of the best ever depicted on film, and along with Waugh's assured direction, equal credit for this must go to Shane Hurlbut's cinematography, and the editing by Paul Rubell and Scott Waugh himself.
If you are in the mood for an adrenaline-pumped, pacy action ride, then "Need for Speed" is sure to satiate your appetite to the fullest. Fans of car-based films and action movies in general will instantly fall in love with this film. For those who don't share a vigorous fondness for action films; give "Need for Speed" a chance, and you just might be pleasantly surprised as it grown in you over the course of two hours. - DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsChris PineKevin CostnerKeira KnightleyJack Ryan, as a young covert C.I.A. analyst, uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy with a terrorist attack.One of Ryan’s best cinematic outings. The film is not based on any of Tom Clancy’s books. The filmmakers have basically taken his most popular character and given him a new back-story. And, whether or not you’re a fan of Clancy’s espionage novels, the film works purely as an edge-of-the-seat action-thriller.
There is little doubt that “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”, in its deliberately-paced first half, possesses the feel of a rather generic spy thriller. Pine’s charismatic performance certainly goes a long way towards sprucing up what could have been a fairly regular premise. He effectively convinces us of his display as a subdued protagonist, which requires more brain power for his character than muscle power. It’s obvious, however, that Branagh’s scenery-chewing work as the villain remains a clear highlight throughout.
What is most exciting about the film are its spectacular action and chase sequences. It’s during these unexpected turn of events midway through the film, that “Shadow Recruit” really kicks off and elevates itself into intriguing and pulsating territory, from what could have been an otherwise routine thriller. At the end of the day it is veteran filmmaker Branagh’s astute handling of the subject and subtle revelations of the plot twists, which keep us glued to the edge of our seats.
Even if “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” falls a few notches below “The Hunt for Red October” (undoubtedly Ryan’s best cinematic outing), it’s still in league with two other of Ryan’s stupendous spy thrillers – “Patriot Games” and “Clear and Present Danger”, and certainly miles ahead of its predecessor, “The Sum of all Fears”. Fans of Tom Clancy’s iconic literary hero or of the 90′s films in general, can take heart in the knowledge that the franchise looks to be headed towards a smart, new horizon, and that Jack Ryan could end up facing many more exciting missions in the future. - DirectorErnie BarbarashStarsMichael Jai WhiteNeal McDonoughJimmy NavarroChapman is an ex-marine in Brazil's slums, battling the yakuza outfit who attacked his sister and left her for dead.Straightforward, entertaining, B-movie action film that soars on the charisma of its leading man. “Falcon Rising” is a straightforward vengeance tale with no other ambition than to entertain, and entertain it does in copious amounts along with indulging us with a tough-as-nails leading action hero to root for till the very end. Nothing new here, but well-directed by Ernie Barbarash, and White’s electrifying performance coupled with some crackling one-liners makes it all seem somehow fresh.
- DirectorBrandon ViettiSeung-goo JoYoung Won JungStarsFrank WelkerMindy CohnGrey GriffinShaggy and Scooby win tickets for a WWE City trip. All five go. While there, they're attacked by a huge monster ghost bear. Wrestlers help them. The five have a mystery to solve.Fantastic nostalgia all the way through. Fans of the old Scooby-Doo animated series will love this. It has all favorite mystery solving gang back in familiar pseudo-ghost territory, doing what they always do best. And keeping them company are everybody's favorite WWE stars - past and present. This makes it a combined trip down memory lane.
But make no mistake, this is a Scooby vehicle all the way and the WWE stars are present only to add additional chutzpah to the proceedings. It has all the ingredients of the classic animated show we grew up with and came to love so dearly. Everything from the mystery van, to the archetypal character traits of Scooby and his pals, to outlandish plots and villains masquerading as diabolical urban legends are there to make it a fun-filled adventure ride. Even the gang's most famous dialogues such as "Jinkies!", "Nice work Scoob!", "Zoinks!", "Let's split up gang", and "Scooby-Doo, where are you?" are thrown in for added measure.
Yet, the characters themselves take a few amusing digs at some of the more obviously silly parts of the show, like how they never change their attire. Along with the brilliant scripting and direction, the animation flows seamlessly considering the constraints of a direct-to-video feature. In true Scooby-Doo fashion, I'll sign off by saying that this is one of the mystery gang's most grooviest adventures yet. - DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsMichael GladisDan BakkedahlMax MinghellaAn office worker is trapped inside the building where a killer is on the loose.Taut, exciting, tense. Captain America's Joe Johnston heads into low-budget territory with this claustrophobic thriller surrounding a young lawyer, Tom Miller, (Max Minghella), whose life is in jeopardy when he becomes trapped in an office with a killer out to harm his co-workers and eventually his company.
Mr. Johnston crafts an extremely suspenseful thriller and crams copious thrills, chills, and plot twists into the film’s concise run-time of just 74 minutes. He displays enough evidence to convince us that here’s a Director who’s just as capable at handling an edgy thriller as he is adept at delivering big-budget action blockbusters. Admittedly, some narrative twists aren’t that difficult to see coming – particularly if you pay attention – but thankfully they do not fall into banal category. However, other surprise elements in the screenplay are masterfully handled by Johnston, especially the big plot twist towards the climax, and another neat little development that happens at the end just when you think you’ve seen it all. Simon Boyes and Adam Mason also deserve huge credit for penning a crisp and tense screenplay that allows the Director enough scope to masterfully weave a thoroughly engaging visually narrative.
At the end of the day, “Not Safe For Work” perfectly fits into the category of those films, which you have nil expectations from, but jump at you out of nowhere to leave you more than pleasantly surprised. This comfortably finds its place as one of the best thrillers of the last five years. - DirectorAdrian Garcia BoglianoStarsNick DamiciEthan EmbryLance GuestWhen deadly beasts attack from the forest, it is up to a grizzled veteran to uncover what the residents of a secluded retirement community are hiding.After both his faithful German shepherd and friendly widow next door are fatally attacked by something big and wild, Ambrose’s suspicions begin to mount. The police insist that “attacks like these happen all the time around wooded areas”, the vet reveals that they have been a monthly occurrence at Crescent Bay Retirement Community, but Ambrose knows exactly what is going on and what needs to be done – and refuses simply to be easy prey. It all seems pretty mysterious initially, but Ambrose doesn’t take long to put the pieces together: full-moon murders, howling, that rank scent of alpha dog he smelled when the intruder broke into his house, and the fact that Crescent Bay residents are peculiarly prone to getting themselves killed by savage beasts. The place has a werewolf problem. As he waits for the next full moon to come, Ambrose spends four weeks sounding out the community for suspects and meticulously preparing for the beast’s return.
We don’t get as many werewolf films as we do zombies and vampires, so we’re always left hungry for more. In this aspect alone, “Late Phases” more than satiates our desires. The movie is a sly, rueful rarity that plays its monster-movie tropes straight, but also gives them a poignant little twist. It uses old-school monster suspense and scares to present an allegory of the cruelly inexorable ravages of senescence and death. Robert Kurtzman’s old-school effects produce a rivetingly shaggy creature that seamlessly blends with the movie’s homely feel the sort of B-movie effects that’s like a welcome detour from the glitzy, big-budget, CGI VFX we’re accustomed to. Besides, there’s always junk-food pleasure in seeing a questionably funky-looking werewolf take the business end of a silver-loaded shotgun to the face. Ultimately, “Late Phases” is a fun werewolf flick with an exciting, climactic last stand. - DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsKevin CostnerChadwick BosemanJennifer GarnerAt the NFL Draft, General Manager Sonny Weaver has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick. He must decide what he's willing to sacrifice on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with NFL dreams.A highly inspirational sports film in the truest sense. “Draft Day” has all the archetypal characteristics of a good sports tale without resorting to the usual cliches plaguing such films. Well, it does have a few cliches such as the triumph of the underdog and the never-say-die attitude of the protagonist, but then again, is it possible for any sports film to leave an impact sans certain cliches. The sports-drama is one genre where filmmakers finds it most difficult to steer clear of certain kinds of scenes and moments, but a good writer knows how to construct such scenes and a competent Director knows how to handle their narration, so that the audience is left with a distinctive presentation of something they've seen before. It's here where Director, Ivan Reitman, and writers, Scott Rothman and Rajiv Joseph, score big time, as they've shrewdly pruned many familiar, unavoidable scenes and presented them in a revamped manner.
What elevates the drama, overall feel, and those familiar goosebumps we get from watching a great sports film are its performances, and “Draft Day” boasts of a number of fine, crackling performances by a top-notch ensemble cast. While Costner competently shoulders the weight of the film as its leading man, he's surrounded by an impressively talented assortment of supporting actors such as Chadwick Boseman (you literally feel for his hopes and emotions), Denis Leary, Wade Williams, and legendary actors like Frank Langella and Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn. Even Jennifer Garner is surprisingly good as Costner's love interest.
“Draft Day” is an exceptionally enjoyable film with immense repeat value. Though it's simply constructed and follows a by-the-numbers routine, it still takes a highly unconventional route for a sports film, as in all the drama happens off the field, and moreover, it packages itself as something fresh and revamped. The only other sports film that comes to mind, which took such an unconventional route yet triumphed was “Moneyball”. “Draft Day” is a treat for fans of American football, fans of sports-dramas, and just about anybody who loves inspirational movies. - DirectorFarah KhanStarsShah Rukh KhanDeepika PadukoneAbhishek BachchanA gang of amateur dancers takes part in a dancing competition to avenge their personal vendetta."Happy New Year" is a typical Bollywood mass entertainer, the likes of which can only be made by Bollywood. It bears the term "Indiawaale" in its tagline and rightly so, because it's a film meant for Indians to enjoy and indulge in. Only someone who has grown up on a healthy dosage of Bollywood films, can appreciate and even be thoroughly entertained by "Happy New Year".
It's quintessential masala fare to its core, and proves that masala films can be entertaining without defying logic. In fact, the fact that the film has a decent plot and a narrative style that holds true for most parts of its 3-hour length, actually makes it way more entertaining that many other similar efforts that have bastardized the Bollywood-born masala genre in recent times - a la "Kick", "Rowdy Rathore", "Singham", "Bodyguard", "Ek Tha Tiger", and many more. So wholesome is "Happy New Year's" entertainment quotient that it actually evokes nostalgia of some of the best masala entertainers from a bygone era of Bollywood such as "Amar Akbar Anthony", "Hum Kisise Kum Nahi", "Yaadon ki Baaraat", and "Namak Halal" - the kind specialized by Directors like Nasir Hussain, Manmohan Desai, and Prakash Mehra, which says a lot of the improvement displayed by Farah Khan.
Though the film has its dull moments, logical loopholes, and narrative flaws - which was to be expected from a Farah Khan film - they are few and far between a script that's for the most part riddled with laugh-out-loud funny moments and a well-planned heist - the heist is surprisingly well-executed and is actually the highlight of the movie. Besides this, the script checks all the boxes that make for a good Bollywood masala movie: revenge, friendship, underdogs, romance, comedy, fights, dances, multiple costume changes, foreign locations, and a happy ending.
"Happy New Year" is that masala film with strong repeat value Bollywood fans have been waiting for ages - denied by myriad imposters out to deceive audiences. Go for it this Diwali, take your friends and family along, then go for it again, and have a gala time at the movies. - DirectorChad StahelskiStarsKeanu ReevesMichael NyqvistAlfie AllenAn ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters who killed his dog and stole his car.Keanu Reeves goes ballistic in this bloody, slick, stylish, cool aAction film. "John Wick" is a rousing action thriller of the sort rarely encountered in theaters these days. The once popular genre, which was headlined by the likes of Stallone and Schwarzenegger during its heyday, has been a dying breed during the past two decades. Occasionally, a movie like "The Raid: Redemption" (or its bigger, better sequel, "The Raid 2: Berandal") comes along to satisfy fans with a penchant for R-rated violence, but the growing desire for PG-13 action and the emergence of computer generated imaging has rendered old-school brutality obsolete. Then along comes unlikely candidate, Keanu Reeves, to ignite the flame once again. For those who crave no-holds barred action, this may be among the best the genre has to offer.
There isn't much of a plot, but that's often the case with revenge-based tales. Movies of this sort aren't about narrative depth, they're about taking a hero through an increasingly difficult series of bad guys until he comes face-to-face with the Big Boss. "John Wick's" greatest strength is its relentless momentum. The film doesn't have a lot of down time.
"John Wick" is the kind of fired-up, ferocious B-movie fun some of us can't get enough of. Reeves, always a nimble action presence, delivers the goods and then some. Chad Stahelski - Keanu's former stunt double - and David Leitch - Brad Pitt's former stunt double - direct with a flair for movement and framing that slams you right into the fights, stabbings, and shoot-outs. From home invasion to a hotel for assassins, the stage is set for all hell to break loose, and that it does. Moral nourishment is not on the menu, but some memorable one-liners are. Juicy supporting performances from Michael Nyqvist and Alfie Allen, and terrific cameos from Willem Dafoe, John Leguizamo, and Ian McShane are ample compensation in the acting department. The kick of "Wick" is not to be denied. It's as close to a pure adrenaline rush as you're likely to find at the moment. What else does an action movie need? Action movies are about movement, and "John Wick" pursues that goal with remorseless verve. Stylish, thrilling, and giddily kinetic, John Wick serves as a satisfying return to action for Keanu Reeves, and what looks like could be the first of an immensely entertaining franchise. - DirectorJames DeMonacoStarsFrank GrilloCarmen EjogoZach GilfordThree groups of people intertwine and are left stranded in the streets on Purge Night, trying to survive the chaos and violence that occurs.Gritty, grisly, and uncommonly ambitious, "The Purge: Anarchy" represents a marked improvement (a more than decent film on its own) over its predecessor, while being eerily resonant of our impending future. It plays out as a smart action-thriller - with loads of gory action scenes, and edge-of-the-seat thrilling moments - as opposed to the first film's horror leanings. This one definitely exceeds expectations and keeps us riveted to the final frame with its see-saw utopian-dystopian settings (yes, the film wants us to decide for ourselves the definition of the world it's portraying, a rarity in cinema nowadays) and hard-boiled action, while also narrating an engaging screenplay with characters who's journey we actually come to care about.
- DirectorSteven QualeStarsRichard ArmitageSarah Wayne CalliesMatt WalshStorm trackers, thrill-seekers, and everyday townspeople document an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes touching down in the town of Silverton.“Into the Storm” is as straightforward a disaster film as you’re likely to find. It has all the characteristics of the genre. The narrative trajectory is linear and uncomplicated. The one-dimensional characters are entrenched in their own flimsy, soap opera story-lines. Human suffering, although given lip service, isn’t high on the filmmakers’ priority list, which can be excused, because the real highlights of the movie – the destruction and carnage – is presented with verve and flair, making this a fine example of tornado porn. The twisters smash, shred, and do other nasty things to everything in their path, making this film one helluva entertaining ride. So all you need to do is buckle in, much on your popcorn, marvel at the visual spectacle on display, and enjoy a jolly good time at the movies. Not since “2012”, released way back in 2009, has a disaster film actually managed to provide some good, solid entertainment, without being cringe-worthy, over-the-top cheesy, or delving into pseudo-scientific jargon.
Engulfed in a plethora of terrifying special effects, “Into the Storm” is as close as you’ll get to being caught in the middle of a twister – or multiple twisters as showcased in this typical Hollywood take on traditional tornadoes – without actually having to face its fatal wrath. It’s a much better than expected fun-time at the movies, and ends up being one of those little pocket-dynamite kind of surprise packages- the ones in which you enter expecting nothing much only to leave like a kid who’s just won loads of candy at a Christmas raffle. The film is a visually stunning disaster-action-thriller that ultimately achieves what it sets out to do – that is to offer up a great, big, cheesy, fun, ripping, thrill-a-minute-ride of a film that is designed to make you gasp and woo and completely blow your mind away, while you have an explosively good time at the movies. - DirectorJohn StockwellStarsGina CaranoCam GigandetIsmael Cruz CordovaWhen her husband goes missing during their Caribbean vacation, a woman sets off on her own to take down the men she thinks are responsible.A terrific action vehicle for MMA and Muay Thai star Gina Carano to show off her amazing fight skills. But hey, the lady can even act and displays a decent effort in some of the movie's emotional and dramatic scenes, before the real mayhem is unleashed - not that it really matters, but it's always welcome to see an action star with some acting chops.
Basically, Ms. Carano plays Ava, a newlywed on her honeymoon in a Caribbean island and for some reason - revealed only towards the end of the film - her husband gets kidnapped. Now she has to rely on everything on everything she learnt from a dark chapter in her life many years ago if she has any hope to see her husband again; a past she thought was well and truly buried once she had decided to change her life around for a simple, straightforward existence.
The Director does a competent job in presenting a simple, recycled plot - the elements of which are easily noticed by staple action fans - in a gripping, gritty manner, which keeps the narrative raw, visceral, and engaging enough to hook our attention till the very end. Yes, a few plot points may seem farfetched, but that's pardonable in an action vehicle, which delivers on its main points of entertainment, good fight scenes, a believable script, and most importantly, a no-nonsense, tough-as-nails protagonist. Director, John Stockwell, merits special mention for presenting Gina Carano in the way she should - with beauty, sex appeal, tenacity, courage, and loads of kick-ass scenes smartly weaved into the plot to showcase her phenomenal fight skills. Along the way, we get a stupendously exciting, adrenaline-pumping, gritty action film that's sure to be remembered for some time to come.
It's safe to say that there's a stunningly gorgeous woman who's all set to kick some serious butt in the future, as the new action star on the horizon. - DirectorAlin BijanStarsBilly ZaneLacey ChabertMatt DallasWhen the staff inside a renovated film studio finds a co-worker dead one morning, the pieces of a 40-year puzzle add up to an angry ghost who has let the last person step inside her house. Will they get out alive?A little gem of an indie ghost story. Ghost of Goodnight Lane is a bit of an enigma. It feels like a film that just shouldn’t work, yet for some strange reason it does. Despite every instinct indicating that the film would be another ghastly, poorly executed, indie horror flick; the eventual outcome turns out to be quite the contrary. It’s really hard to compliment this movie without sounding indulgent. It’s silly, cheesy, and looks as if it were made on a very meager budget, yet it turns out be an immensely enjoyable ride.
Director, Alin Bijan, tosses everything but the kitchen sink into the movie for good measure, and amazingly, it pays of really well as far as the horror aspect, suspense quota, and build-up are concerned. Some scenes are genuinely creep you out, such as the one with the dolls or when a newbie actress hacks herself with shards of glass on the ghost’s behest. Some of the gore gaga also pay off big time, like the scenes in which a crew member impales himself on nails or when a sexy actress drives her visage into a pedestal fan. The visual effects are clearly limited by the budget, but the production team and makeup folk do a decent job with whatever is at their disposal.
“Ghost of Goodnight Lane” is about as much of a guilty pleasure as a horror movie gets, and you just can’t help but be sucked in by its simple charms. If you go in expecting nothing but 90 minutes of harmless fun, you’ll be completely satisfied and come out of the movie just fine. At the end of the day, “Ghost of Goodnight Lane” is terrific fun, thoroughly entertaining, and a complete blast of a horror film. - DirectorClaudio FähStarsTom HopperRyan KwantenKen DukenA band of Vikings cross enemy lines and a panicked race begins. The losers will pay with their lives.Excellent Viking film. A few, and strictly just a few representations might be historically, culturally, or factually inaccurate, but when a movie is this entertaining, all is forgiven. Pay a deaf ear to the naysayers and give it a shot. You'll be blown away by the pulsating action and the highly intense drama. And yeah, "Merlin" alumnus and current star of the TV show "Black Sails", Tom Hopper, displays the necessary chutzpah and body language to pass of as a believable lead in a period action film.
- DirectorRenny HarlinStarsKellan LutzGaia WeissScott AdkinsThe origin story of the mythical Greek hero. Betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom.Director, Renny Harlin, rarely fails to offer us terrific entertainment, and this time too it's no different. For all the flak that "The Legend of Hercules" has received since it's release, the movie is actually more than enjoyable and keeps us entertained right through its 90-minute run-time. Admitted, the story might take some liberties and depart a tad from the source material, but these cinematic licenses aren't that glaring that they can't be overlooked, especially in the hands of a competent filmmaker like Mr. Harlin, who knows how to carve out a fluid action blockbuster.
Like most of Harlin's previous movies, he begins by concentrating on unfolding a simple plot, which later transcends into one thrilling action sequence after another. He presents his characters in an uncomplicated linear manner, ideally suited for an action film of this nature. As expected, the cinematography and visual effects are top-notch. With a coherent plot, fluent characterizations, and astute Direction from the ever-reliable, Renny Harlin, "The Legend Of Hercules" serves up a concise, adrenaline-pumping action bonanza, befitting the tale of a celebrated folk-hero such as Hercules. - DirectorVikram BhattStarsBipasha BasuImran AbbasMukul DevA newly-opened forest lodge finds itself under attack from a recently awakened creature.An exciting monster-horror with enough scary moments. By now, Vikram Bhatt is heralded as the master of horror among his fans, and not without reason. While he might not be in the league of a Wes Craven, or Dario Argento, or even a Jonn Carpenter, as far as Bollywood movies go, he’s certainly head and shoulder above anyone else taking a crack at the genre, and could even find a place among today’s foreign Directors dabbling in the genre. He knows how to scare you and more often than not, his recent films do hit the mark (with the exceptions of “Dangerous Ishq” and the over-hyped “Raaz 3D”) with “Creature” being no different.
Bhatt smartly plays with his atmospherics, locations, and camera angles to get the tone and scare elements of the movie just right. The visual effects and CGI work done on the creature is also mighty impressive considering the minuscule budget; comparisons with big-budgeted or even moderately budgeted Hollywood or Asian films would be grossly unfair.
Bipasha Basu is the star attraction here and her presence is felt in every scene she’s in. The film rests squarely on her shoulders and she delivers big time, further wedging her position as Indian cinema’s official “scream queen”. Imran Abbas possesses questionable acting dexterity, and barely manages to hold his own in front of his experienced co-star. Deepraj Rana and Mukul Dev play stereotypical roles (not that we’re complaining, even the most loved horror films can’t avoid certain clichés and sterotypes) and put in effectual performances. Another standout in the cast is Bikramjeet Kanwarpal, who’s perhaps the only actor besides Basu who leaves his mark on proceedings. He’s almost a chameleon, barely recognizable, as the repugnant, inconsiderate head of the forest dept.
This is mainstream Indian cinema’s first foray into the monster sub-genre of horror, and Bhatt delivers big time, considering the constraints he had to work with. Bipasha shines in her role and the visual effects and CGI for the monster are a winner. “Creature” is an exciting monster-horror film with enough scares and tense moments to keep the audience hooked till the very end, even if it’s a tad uneven in certain portions. - DirectorJonathan LiebesmanStarsMegan FoxWill ArnettWilliam FichtnerWhen a kingpin threatens New York City, a group of mutated turtle warriors must emerge from the shadows to protect their home.24 years after the first Ninja Turtles' movie, the return of the reptilian heroes in their half-shells are surprisingly enjoyable. It's a solid, fun and, light-hearted family action flick that captures the oddly enduring appeal of the half-shell heroes. Though all its glory comes from the effects work from behind a computer, the Michael Bay-esque Ninja Turtles are still a lot of fun. With exciting action sequences and great turtle banter, fans of the franchise should be able to enjoy the film, as long as they go in with an open mind. Plot-holes and some deviations from the source material aside, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is an insanely enjoyable and off the wall good-time at the movies. A terrific re-boot to a classic animated TV series that I and many others grew up with. Producer, Michael Bay and Director, Jonathan Liebesman have delivered an explosive, hilarious and tremendously exciting guilty pleasure that you can watch again and again. This movie packs a real wallop.
- DirectorMike FlanaganStarsKaren GillanBrenton ThwaitesKatee SackhoffA recently released inmate from a mental asylum learns from his sister that the murders he was convicted of committing were actually orchestrated by a supernatural entity, the Lasser Glass mirror.A horror film with much more mystery than scares and gore, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It comes along as a breath of fresh air, and actually makes you think and pay acute attention as the plot unfolds. As a departure from the otherwise superfluous gory additions to the horror genre, which rely on some terrific jump-scares but little or no mystery (though some are really good and strike a perfect balance such as the recent "The Conjuring" and "Insidious: Chapter 2"); "Oculus" is a welcome break and takes us along a somewhat thrilling, mostly chilling, and decently scary ride, as we unfold the dark secrets along with the film's main protagonists.
- DirectorColin MinihanStarsBrittany AllenFreddie StromaJesse MossA group of friends on a weekend trip to a cabin in the woods find themselves terrorized by alien visitors.Extraterrestrial harks back to a time when sci-fi movies could be both fun and horrific, finding success thanks to the Vicious Brothers’ no-holds-barred filmmaking mentality. It’s evident that the brothers were clearly inspired by old-school sci-fi classic such as “Alien”, “Aliens”, “Predator”, “Invaders from Mars”, and the likes, and while the film falls short of measuring up to these esteemed titles – understandably so, since the aforementioned movies are some of the very best in this genre – it’s still a fun-filled, tense romp, guaranteed to entertain you despite its derivative, generic buildup.
Alien movies are often hard to master, whether it’s debating how long to hold a creature reveal or when to start the onslaught of action, and while the Vicious Brothers haven’t beamed down the next “Independence Day”, their “kitchen sink” style of filmmaking creates a genre movie that’s light-years ahead of so many other little green duds. “Extraterrestrial” is definitely no groundbreaking sci-fi masterpiece, but the final third act is a thrill-ride that leads up to a poignant finale that hints at something much more sinister. - DirectorMark WatersStarsZoey DeutchLucy FryDanila KozlovskiyRose Hathaway is a Dhampir, half human-half vampire, a guardian of the Moroi, peaceful, mortal vampires living discreetly within our world. Her calling is to protect the Moroi from bloodthirsty, immortal Vampires, the Strigoi.Well...well....well.....didn't expect this to turn out so fine! One of the most pleasant cinematic surprise ever. What shapd out to be another inane, run-of-the-mill vampire schtick that Hollywood so frequently churns out these days in the wake of the "Twilight" films, was actually a highly enjoyable tale with a delightfully revamped twist to the vampire saga. Heck, it even had a few "Twilight" puns thrown in for good measure.
In hindsight, "Vampire Academy" is more along the lines of a "Harry Potter" scenario, with vampires replacing the witches and wizards in a wholly magical world, where young vampires are segregated into factions based on their innate abilities and trained in a clandestine institution coexisting within the real world. Though I haven't read the book it's based on, I have heard only positive feedback from many of the novel series' loyal fans. Mark Waters' direction is assured and crisp, drawing the viewers in and gradually allowing them to embrace the unfolding drama and fantasy.
Copious amount of fantasy, exciting action, an intriguing plot, palpable mystery, and sharp narrative twists characterize "Vampire Academy", making it feel like a breath of fresh air in our plagued recent times of deplorable vampire films. It's a pity that in all probability it won't be getting a sequel since it wasn't a box-office smash, which is a real shame given that audiences lapped up five deplorable "Twilight" films. - DirectorEduardo SánchezStarsSamuel DavisDora MadisonRoger EdwardsA group of friends who venture into the remote Texas woods for a party weekend find themselves stalked by Bigfoot."Exists" takes a little while to get cooking, but once "you-know-who" pops up, there's some solid fun to be had. Jamie Nash's script travels the road less taken; far from a gentle giant that just wants to be left in peace, his Sasquatch is a natural born killer with enough brains to outsmart underprepared interlopers on its home turf. Though this is a formulaic monster movie, it succeeds in delivering some killer Bigfoot material by confidently turning Sasquatch into a Hollywood star instead of a camera-shy creature. Director Eduardo Sanchez brilliantly enlists the creepy atmospherics of the woods to actualize anxiety and produce panic, while showcasing his Bigfoot as a brutal monster, yet shrouding it in enough mystery to perpetuate the myth. At the end of the day, "Exists" turns out to be a surprisingly tense and downright vicious horror film with some amount of heart and depth to boot.
- DirectorSai KabirStarsKangana RanautVir DasBackagaindancerAlka Singh, the leader of a political party, and her obsessive love for Rohan Mehra, a rising star of Bollywood."Revolver Rani" is Kangana Ranaut all the way, from first frame till last. Without taking away anything from the Director - Sai Kabir does fashion a good film that captures the politics and rusticness of Central India - it is Kangana's performance that elevates this crime-comedy, eventually making it punch much above its weight. Though Sai Kabir, writes and directs a well-planned script - paying lavish homage to Tarantino, Kashyap, and Dhulia - he keeps losing his grip over proceedings and at times the homages do appear to deviate from the narrative at hand. However, just when there appears to be a dip in the story arc, Ranaut comes along and holds things together with her theatrics, histrionics, nuanced emotions, brash dialogues, and delightfully mouthed expletives. Make no mistake, Kabir does weave an engaging political yarn with loads of dark humor, but unfortunately doesn't manage to maintain a lucid flow throughout. Perhaps, he'll get better with experience - this is after all his debut feature. Providing terrific support to Kangana are the reliable as ever Piyush Mishra (one of his best performances yet) and Zakir Hussain. Sadly, for the first time, Vir Das underperforms, and it could just be that he was terribly miscast in the roles of a scheming romantic hero. "Revolver Rani" serves up a treat for fans of Kangana Ranaut, while also catering to patrons of crime movies and those who enjoy dark comedies.
- DirectorMarjane SatrapiStarsRyan ReynoldsGemma ArtertonAnna KendrickA likable guy pursues his office crush with help from his evil talking pets, but things turn sinister when she stands him up for a date.Simultaneously bizarre, humorous, disturbing, and suspenseful - "The Voices" gets many of its facets, from theme to tone to imagination just about right to keep us engrossed in this genre-blending exploration of psychosis and murder. Director Marjane Satrapi's visual touches, like the pink of the warehouse and Jerry's home with its alternate fantasy-reality decorating are both funny and melancholic. Treating its content as a dark comedy with more emphasis on dark than comedy, the film maintains a creepy tone throughout but is sensitive to its anti-hero's predicament too, striking a delicate balance between making us both loathe and care for the deranged killer. "The Voices" gives Ryan Reynolds an opportunity to deliver one of his better performances while offering good, off-kilter entertainment for fans of black comedies. Appealing to look at, grotesque to bite into, but faltering at a few crucial junctures in its story arc, this flawed but amusing dark comedy plays like a delightfully strange mix between "Doctor Dolittle" and "American Psycho".
- DirectorPaul W.S. AndersonStarsKit HaringtonEmily BrowningKiefer SutherlandA slave-turned-gladiator finds himself in a race against time to save his true love, who has been betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts, he must fight to save his beloved as Pompeii crumbles around him.Compared to the usual shtick Director, Paul W.S. Anderson (the "Resident Evil" series, "AVP", "Mortal Kombat") is renowned for, "Pompeii" comes as a revelation. The writers do a fairly good job in recreating one of the most tragically cataclysmic events in history against the backdrop of exciting action sequences and a simple, innocent love story. Mr. Anderson thankfully sticks to the screenplay on hand while narrating the story. He directs the film in a straightforward manner and ends up pleasing the audience with 95 minutes of simplistic entertainment. Kit Harington, Emily Browning, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Jessica Lucas are dependable in their respective roles, while Kiefer Sutherland is astounding in his hideously wicked act. What really stands out are the set pieces, editing, and cinematography, specially during the disaster sequences. All in all, "Pompeii", fulfills two main promises it set out to achieve. Firstly, it competently recreates a historical cataclysmic disaster with amazing visual razzle-dazzle. Secondly, it allows us to relax with some easy-on-the mind entertainment.
- DirectorJohn R. LeonettiStarsWard HortonAnnabelle WallisAlfre WoodardA couple begins to experience terrifying supernatural occurrences involving a vintage doll shortly after their home is invaded by satanic cultists.In a nutshell: "Annabelle" starts off quite slow, but then comfortably settles into its own pace to keep us spooked and entertained right till the end. Is it a worthy prequel to "The Conjuring" - easily among the top 50 horror films of all time - well, not entirely. While "Annabelle" does offer us some genuinely scary moments, and some spine-chilling ones too, for the most part it remains a moderately spooky affair with a good atmospheric buildup and a strong sense of foreboding of what could have been, without fully realizing its potential. But this was to be expected when "The Conjuring's" helmer and horror movie specialist, "James Wan" declined the offer of coming on-board for the prequel. While his replacement, John R. Leonetti, does a fairly decent job, it becomes clear how a simple generic plot can be elevated under the assured guidance of a supremely talented director and one with definite expertise in a particular genre. Thankfully, Wan's returning for the sequel to "The Conjuring".
- DirectorEmilis VelyvisStarsVinnie JonesScot WilliamsGil DarnellThree friends try to make money and invite another friend in on a plot.A fun romp with all the dark humor, offbeat wit, and quirky situations you’d expect from a good crime-comedy. Even though “Redirected” might seem derivative from erstwhile films that have been helmed along the same themes, yet the narrative appears fresh, due in large part to Emilis Velyvis’ assured direction.
The four main actors portray their roles with aplomb and bring an infectious verve to the proceedings. However, the biggest surprise package her is Vinnie Jones, who pulls a rabbit out of the hat and delivers a performance unlike anything we’ve seen before. It’s simultaneously hilarious and menacing to such an extent that you end up rooting as well as baying for his character at the same time. Much of the credit for shaping these characters should go to Velyvis along with Jonas Banys and Lewis Britnell for having penned a screenplay that’s peppered with dialogues that never fail to elicit a guffaw and more than a few sequences that are downright hilarious.
“Redirected” is certainly nowhere close to classics of this subgenre such as “The Big Lebowski”, “Fargo”, and “Delhi Belly”, and it definitely falls short of the makers’ lofty expectations; but it’s also a shot in the arm for this rare breed of parallel crime movies – a genre that’s all too often littered with grim and gritty plots that don’t actually meet the grim and gritty expectations of viewers – and for this reason alone, the film merits your attention. - DirectorJennifer KentStarsEssie DavisNoah WisemanDaniel HenshallA single mother and her child fall into a deep well of paranoia when an eerie children's book titled "Mister Babadook" manifests in their home.What starts of as a real slow burner with the impression of literally going nowhere, really picks up steam two thirds of its way into the narrative. In this aspect alone, debutante Director, Jennifer Kent, does a swell job with this Australian horror film that derives its chills from a fictitious pop-up book. Though the screenplay take longer than necessary to build and at times even appears dull, the Director manages to hold our interest till the ball really starts to roll, and then our wait is delightfully rewarded with some spine-chilling thrills and chills galore, without ever subjecting viewers to cheap, horror cliches. "The Babadook" is one of those films where you realize that the wait was really worth it once you enter the final third act. In fact, the last 20 minutes or so of the film showcases some of the best supernatural, bone-chilling elements assemble on screen. The twist at the end is also something you'll never see coming. If only the movie picked up sooner, or if Director, Kent, exercised as astute a control over the first half of the film as she displays in the second, "The Babadook" would have easily found its way into the pantheon of horror classics. Nevertheless, it's more than a decent way to spend a night seeking a genuinely spooky tale shrouded in mystery and some spine-chilling thrills.
- DirectorSyed Ahmad AfzalStarsJackky BhagnaniNeha SharmaFarooq ShaikhFollow the highs and lows in the life of Abhimanyu who is forced to join Indian politics after his father, the Prime Minister of India, suddenly passes away.A wonderful ideology, well-executed within the best of its limitations. "Youngistaan" addresses some pressing and extremely relevant topics, and while the film doesn't always succeed in presenting a lucid theory towards these problems plaguing the nation, it does manage to stir emotions and inspire viewers to a degree by serving a pertinent canvas of political issues. Director, Syed Ahmed Afzal, weaves a decent narrative around an inspirational plot, and even though his handling of this complex subject is a tad underwhelming at times, at the end of the day he does manage to get the tone and feel of the film right. Superior scripting and crisper plot transitions could have helped the film convey its message more assuredly, nevertheless, given a chance "Youngistaan" does grow on you over the course of its approximately 2-hour duration. Punching way above its weight, "Youngistaan" is pleasantly entertaining and thought-provoking. More importantly, it gives Farooq Shaikh a memorable swansong in a well-written role.
- DirectorMichael BayStarsMark WahlbergNicola Peltz BeckhamJack ReynorWhen humanity allies with a bounty hunter in pursuit of Optimus Prime, the Autobots turn to a mechanic and his family for help.Say what you want about Michael Bay, but the man does know how to deliver simplistic, straightforward, entertaining action blockbusters; the kind which you can just lay back, much on your popcorn and indulge yourself in an over-the-top action bonanza without needing to use even an iota of your cerebral prowess. Yes, Transformers 4 is even louder than before. Yes, things are perennially blown up with a voracious appetite for explosions and noises that we didn't ever think could get any bigger than what Bay had previously demonstrated in the past. Yes, there are more than a few moments where the script gets downright silly, and the plot-holes are just too large to ignore. And, yes, the movie is most certainly a good 45 minutes longer than what it should have been, and seems to drag a fraction in scenes where not much action happens. But at the end of the day, the ridiculous amount of CGI effects, the acting from Wahlberg (as bankable as ever), and Bay's penchant to deliver everthing Bay come together to save the day, and even succedd in entertainin us to a degree that was surprisingly greater than expected. "Transformers: Age of Extinction is a pure, no-holds-barred, adrenalin-fueled, laidback, by-the-numbers, non-taxing, in-your-face, popcorn-munching, quintessential Michael Bay style action blockbuster.
- DirectorRoger DonaldsonStarsPierce BrosnanLuke BraceyOlga KurylenkoAn ex-C.I.A. operative is brought back in on a very personal mission and finds himself pitted against his former pupil in a deadly game involving high-level C.I.A. officials and the Russian President-elect.When a former James Bond actor plays a suave, globe trotting spy in another film, that’s always going to be the main headline. Such is the case with “The November Man”, which sees Pierce Brosnan suiting up and strapping on a gun in a game of international intrigue as Peter Devereaux, an ex-CIA agent who is brought out of retirement for one more mission. The plot itself is pretty standard stuff, but it’s a thrill seeing Brosnan in an action movie once again.
Even at 61 years of age, Brosnan still has what it takes to play the action hero. The script helps by having him play at least close to his own age and by keeping the action believable. There are no Bond-sized stunts here. Sadly, we learn only a little of Devereaux’s past, but because he is played by Brosnan, we don’t need to. This is a case of the actor’s charisma filling in for the character’s.
There are a few twists and turns in the story, but too many of them are predictable. This wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. How many Bond films ever truly surprise you, for instance? But the rest of the film would have to be more entertaining to make up for the lack of surprises, like most Bond films or even other good spy-action films such as the “Mission Impossible” series end up being. That’s not to say “The November Man” isn’t entertaining; it’s far from a bad film and has many exciting scenes and good twists going for it, but some of the action scenes could have been better planned and executed. Also, more than a permissible number of filler sequences end up unnecessarily derailing the film.
Before the film opened, Brosnan spoke of a sequel being in the works. There’s enough potential in the character to warrant one, but it’s going to need a much stronger script than this one if Brosnan wants to make it an ongoing series. - DirectorAlan WhiteStarsJohn CusackRyan PhillippeRachelle LefevreA desperate American couple discovers all is not what it seems when they uncover a high-stakes underground scam while traveling abroad. To expose the truth and get back to the U.S., they must risk their lives to save their daughter.A taut thriller with some solid acting from John Cusack, Ryan Phillippe, and Rachelle Lefevre. Keeps you entertained despite certain derivations and cliched scenes.
- DirectorTim GarrickStarsNat WolffSelena GomezMary-Louise ParkerTeenager Rick Stevens has a crush on Nina Pennington. They form a friendship and take a rock'n'roll journey together while Nina deals with her overbearing boyfriend Kevin.A quirky comedy, which is quite hilarious in parts, and breezy in others when it doesn't be hilarious. Tim Garrick and Scott Russell's script throws in all the naughty elements for a typical teen comedy, which can take give viewers a nostalgic throwback on some of the fun times during their school and college days. Garrick also doubles up as the Director, and he handles the material with just the right kind of nonchalance and spice needed to execute a silly, American sex comedy about young adults discovering adventurous things in life and encountering trouble along the way. Nat Wolff and Selena Gomez just about past muster as the leads, but it's the supporting cast -boasting a string of noted movie and TV personalities - from Mary-Louise Parker, to Elisabeth Shue, Heather Graham, Patrick Warburton, and Dylan McDermott who really throw their weight into the proceedings to elevate what could have been an average, done-to-death teen, sex comedy. By the end of it all, you'll end up quite enjoying "Behaving Badly", and actually be glad that you chanced upon this little known, comedy romp.
- DirectorShawn LevyStarsBen StillerRobin WilliamsOwen WilsonLarry spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it's gone forever.“Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” is pure fun with more than its share of fun moments, goofy laughs, and fantasy elements. It’s a sure-shot elevation from its disappointing predecessor even if it doesn’t reach the charming heights of the first installment. Ben Stiller is a hoot especially as his other character, Neanderthal Laa; Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, and Rebel Wilson all pitch in hilarious supporting acts; and new addition to the series, Dan Stevens, completely steals the show as Lancelot – here’s an actor and future star – who can seamlessly essay any bloody role scripted for him. However, there are quite a few moments, where the fun and charm seem forced in order to appease the kiddies and family audience, which makes this a scrambled slapstick and bittersweet farewell for Robin Williams and Mickey Rooney. Still, “Secret of the Tomb” is a fun enough trilogy finale for every family or fan that has followed the series.
- DirectorSukumarSukumarZeb WaltersStarsMahesh BabuKriti SanonNassarA rock star must overcome his psychological inhibitions to seek revenge for his parents' death.While “1 – Nenokkadine” dishes out a fair dose of thrilling elements, it doesn’t live up to its initial promise. Still credit must be given to the Director, writers, and especially its star, Mahesh Babu, for taking a risk and delivering something fresh to mainstream Telegu cinema. The Director keeps his cards close to the chest for a larger part of the film, and keeps the audience guessing till the climax. However, this experience gets hampered, at places, by an overtly long narrative, some unnecessary twists, and a few staple Telegu cinema cliches. “1 – Nenokkadine” is still one of the better Telegu films in recent years, with total commitment from superstar, Mahesh Babu.
- DirectorLuke GreenfieldStarsJake JohnsonDamon Wayans Jr.Rob RiggleTwo struggling pals dress as police officers for a costume party and become neighborhood sensations. But when these newly-minted "heroes" get tangled in a real life web of mobsters and dirty detectives, they must put their fake badges on the line.The buddy-cop theme gets an interesting spin in “Let’s Be Cops”, a hit-and-miss affair that amuses and frustrates in equal measure. Luke Greenfield’s film has some good ideas and continually thrives on the easy-going chemistry that exists between Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr, but it’s also let down by bad execution. Some of the comedy is lazy and crass, going for the obvious and low-brow rather than the innovative or knowing, and thereby pales in comparison to recent superior efforts such as “21 and 22 Jump Street” and “The Heat”. The darker, more violent elements sometime sit uncomfortably alongside the lighter material, especially when Greenfield attempts to combine them in one scene.
Indeed, most of the film’s failings stem from misjudged directorial choices rather than shoddy scripting and at times even extend to the editing, with some moments of poor continuity during verbal exchanges proving genuinely distracting. A generous running time also creates a bloated middle section. It’s largely down to Johnson and Wayans Jr. that the film still manages to entertain as much as it does, along with a couple of genuinely funny sight gags and quips.
“Let’s Be Cops” is an amiable watch that succeeds in spite of its many flaws, but you can’t help but wonder what it would have been in the hands of a more competent Director. - DirectorMac CarterStarsJacki WeaverLiana LiberatoHarrison GilbertsonAn introvert teen befriends his new neighbor, and together the couple begin to explore the haunted house that his family has just purchased.A slow burner, somber, atmospheric horror film with just enough chills, thrills, genuine frights, and a conceivable plotline to turn a routinely scary story into a decently entertaining spook fest.
- DirectorKevin KölschDennis WidmyerStarsAlexandra EssoeAmanda FullerNoah SeganA hopeful young starlet uncovers the ominous origins of the Hollywood elite and enters into a deadly agreement in exchange for fame and fortune.Though It's a tad over-cranked in the final furlong, the sheer energy on display and a devilishly compelling plot ultimately win the day. Not a slow-burner so much as a strong build up, once "Starry Eyes" gets where it's going, the film becomes explosively violent and shocking. The story is not uncommon, but its execution is grand. The movie is harrowing and insightful, unafraid to go to places both dark and deep. It has often been said that Hollywood changes people. "Starry Eyes" disturbingly, unforgettably takes this adage to the literal brink, then pushes far beyond it for chillingly good measure. The film balances Hollywood satire and splattery gore in a way that's both fresh and inviting, taking a typical struggling actress and exploiting her story with everything the horror genre has to offer. Horror fans should also watch out for the Directors, Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer, and especially for newbie, Alex Essoe, who delivers a truly star-making performance (pity it was in an indie that might not bring her just recognition). "Starry Eyes" may take a little while to get there, but once it does you'll realize that this diabolically offbeat journey of debauchery, ambition, and masochism was worth the payoff.
- DirectorNick PowellStarsNicolas CageHayden ChristensenAlexandre BaillyA mysterious warrior teams up with the daughter and son of a deposed Chinese Emperor to defeat their cruel brother, who seeks their deaths.Say what you want about Nic Cage, but the man delivers at least one entertaining film a year - either in the action or thriller genre. Sure most of these erstwhile efforts Cage has been associated with fall squarely in the B-movie category, but what simple, straightforward entertainers they've been - way better than some bloated, glitzy, A-level blockbusters. This time he isn't the leading hero, but has a strong supporting part with his character bringing an important element to the crux of the plot. Hayden Christensen is the main protagonist of "Outcast" and he plays the stoical, taciturn, gritty, lost, down-and-out, wandering badass with measured assurance. The role actually suits him - considering his lack of acting skills and emoting capabilities - and is one of his very few, decent performances. Stunt coordinator turned debutante Director,Nick Powell, knows a thing or two about action, which is evident from the fluidity with which the hand-to-hand combats, sword fights, chase sequences, and battles scenes are shot. Story wise, "Outcast" certainly brings nothing fresh to the table, but it's that one entertaining, annual Nic Cage vehicle we've become accustomed to. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a good, simple, popcorn action movie.
- DirectorRohit ShettyStarsAjay DevgnKareena KapoorAmole GupteOwing to the wrongdoings affiliated with evils similar to black money, an honest but ferocious police officer returns as the Deputy Commissioner of Police with the prospect of wiping out injustice.Thoroughly entertaining to its core, "Singham Returns" proves yet again that Rohit Shetty is the undisputed king of masala films (India's very own genre), while the other Directors of the genre are just cheap, second-rate, knockoffs. This is Mr. Shetty's second endeavor at the action-potboiler type of masala entertainer (after the overrated "Singham"), and this time he delivers the goods without taking himself too seriously, a glaring folly he committed in this very film's first installment. Yes, there are major plot-holes, and sometimes you are asked to suspend your disbelief beyond permissibly limits (and Devgn once again hams it up way too luridly without the script demanding such over-zealous prerequisites), but the film is just so exciting, with loads of engaging action sequences, and riddled throughout with so many arousing dialogues, that in the end you forgive all the glaring errors, and just sit back, relax, and enjoy heady concoction that Mr. Shetty delivers in a familiar, overtly large cocktail shaker.
- DirectorTim StoryStarsIce CubeKevin HartTika SumpterSecurity guard Ben must prove himself to his girlfriend's brother, top police officer James. He rides along James on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta.Lighthearted, easily pleasing, simplistic, formulaic, yet sufficiently entertaining buddy-cop action comedy. What it lacks in memorable action, it makes up for in it’s funny scenes and dialogues. Buddy-cop action comedies are never about great plot-lines. unexpected twists, and riveting direction; so we don;t expect “Ride Along” to be any different. But where it fails to enter the elite in its genre, is the apparent lack of memorable chemistry between Ice Cube and Kevin Hart.
Don’t get me wrong, they are both affable in their respective roles and Kevin Hart is actually funny (even though he isn’t in the same league as Eddie Murphy). But as the two main leads, they don’t feed of each other and create that sizzling chemistry which elevated films like “48 Hrs.”, “Lethal Weapon 1 & 2″, “Midnight Run”, “Beverly Hills Cop 1 & 2″, “Hot Fuzz”, “Rush Hour 1 & 2″, “City Heat”, “Red Heat”, “Dhoom 1 & 2″, and “Last Action Hero” to certified classics.
Also, though the film has some decent action scenes, they are completely derived and none of the scenes stand out as fresh and long-lasting. What actually holds “Ride Along” together are the quirky and natural humor of Kevin Hart and the deadpan personality of Ice Cube. It’s good and entertaining enough for passing time on a lazy afternoon. - DirectorDivya Khosla KumarStarsHimansh KohliRakul Preet SinghNicole FariaA college student must win an inter college competition to save his college from being demolished by property builders.Yes it's predictable, unabashedly cliched, cringingly corny, and at times downright silly. But it's also quite entertaining, emotional (at times forcefully emotional), funny (some scenes are stupid, but there are a few others that are genuinely hilarious), has a strong patriotic flavor (just about saves itself from being jingoistic), and most importantly, reminds one of their college days (the most realistic and enjoyable part of the movie). The direction and acting are understandable amateurish, but eventually "Yaariyan" overcomes these hurdles and remains watchable due to its realistic college life portrayal that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
- DirectorBrett RatnerStarsDwayne JohnsonJohn HurtIan McShaneHaving endured his legendary twelve labors, Hercules, the Greek demigod, has his life as a sword-for-hire tested when the King of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord.As a stand alone, swords-and-sandal action film, "Hercules" packs quite a decent punch. The Rock makes for a terrific on-screen Hercules, and the action scenes are well-choreographed and executed, without feeling too rushed or overcooked. But truth be told, both the plot and action have nothing to do with any of the legendary adventures of the mythical demigod. Except for stitching together a few random, threadbare vignettes of his famous twelve labors, the film does absolutely noting to play on the mighty persona and mystical aura that have kept readers and viewers enamored about this Greek demigod down the ages. Renny Harlin's "The Legend of Hercules" - though not entirely accurate itself - released earlier this year was a much better and way more entertaining film compared to this Brett Ratner version. Pity Dwayne, The Rock, Johnson starred in the wrong version of Hercules' tale. I don't see this franchise going very far.
- DirectorJo KastnerStarsJoel CourtneyJake T. AustinKatherine McNamaraTom Sawyer and his pal Huckleberry Finn have great adventures on the Mississippi River, pretending to be pirates, attending their own funeral and witnessing a murder.Retains the flavor of Twain's beloved characters while also providing a good origin story for subsequent endeavors. If only the plot had more coherence, the direction was more solid, and some scenes did not seem rushed, this one had the chutzpah to go down as a rip-roaring, swashbuckling, classic adventure film. As it is, this version of Sawyer and Finn does have enough steam to make us invest time in the characters and also introduce today's generation to two classic American heroes from two of the greatest American novels.
The canvas harks back to a bygone era, and the set pieces are authentic along with successfully evoking a sense of nostalgia. The film is also quite a faithful adaptation of Twain's first great novel, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", and includes the whitewash episode, puppy love, the graveyard murder, the boys' running away to Jackson's Island, the salvation of Muff Potter, and the cave adventure. The ensemble cast, especially the two titular leads, does a fine job of reinterpreting Twain's classic characters, now part of global folklore. Val Kilmer too, surprisingly does quite a good Twain in his cameo and voice-over. Quintessentially Sawyer and Finn in spirit, though not in reach, the film heralds a hopeful dawn of a faithful, long overdue, rendition of two of the most sublime adventure novels ever penned.