Saturday, December 31, 2011

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes–Game of Shadows–is an enthralling affair


No prizes for guessing this one. Probably one of the best Hollywood movies to hit the theatres this season, Game of Shadows should be right up there on your ‘must-watch’ list. Re-inventing one of the most memorable characters of the yore, is no mean feat and if Guy Ritchie had left something to be desired in the debut of this franchise, he more than makes up for it with a thrilling sequel

Borrowing elements from the fine works of Arthur Conan Doyle, the movie builds up beautifully and one is breathless trying to keep pace with the genius of Sherlock right from the word go. Razor sharp editing only adds to the challenge as you try and catch each frame to make sure you can figure out the solution the way Holmes has. Slow motion action is back as it was in the debut but only, its better this time.

While the build up is strong, the overall plot perhaps may seems a bit of a let down considering that this time Holmes is confronted with his greatest enemy of all time, a mind as sharp as his own, if not sharper.

However, the way it is presented and especially the climax are true moments of joy. As for the acting, both Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are in sparkling form. As for the villain, perhaps they could’ve gone in with somebody that looked a little more menacing, especially given the larger-than-life character he plays, but that’ll be nit-picking. Superlatively written and packed with wit and humour (British humour primarily, so you need to be a fan of that) there is little one can complain of in this enthralling sequel. There is many a masterstroke that Holmes has to offer and I am quite convinced that you won’t be disappointed – assuming of course you are a fan of Sherlock to begin with.

So its elementary, my dear Watson…just go and grab the next tickets

Monday, December 26, 2011

Movie Review: Don 2….twice is not as nice


Okay so maybe that title makes it look really bad which would have probably been apt for most part of the movie. As you exit the hall though, your final notion is..it wasn’t all that bad
So what changes things? I wish I could tell you but then you’ll have absolutely no reason to go and watch this movie in the hall, so I’ll refrain. I wish I could also say that this is one movie where style meets substance but it wouldn’t be the whole truth. The style is definitely there, no doubt about it. Its the substance that we miss, especially given that this comes to us from Farhan Akhtar.
Classy packaging, nice and sometimes riveting action (mostly in the second half) are probably the hallmark of this movie. Beautifully shot, the movie spans a multitude of international locations. The plot isn’t a great one but there could be some minor surprises to keep you interested. However, there is some downright amateurish stuff as well which was a pity since its not expected from Farhan Akhtar. Most of the action though is tightly packaged, save for the unnecessary romantic angles thrown here and there.
No offence to die hard Shahrukh fans but I just don’t see him in the Don character. Probably the same issue one faces in identifying with the ideal James Bond as well. In fact, by giving the original classic the twist that he did, Farhan in one moment, transformed the character of Don into a more complex and extremely strong character. While Khan portrays him quite well, he just doesn’t look the part, at the end of the day. In fact, his characteristic laughter is the only thing that comes close to associating him with such a character. So while the King may be back..I am not sure if he should be looking at a third outing as well
As for the others, well they are all incidental. Priyanka looks lovely, plays her part as expected but her character has become too plain and simple in Don 2. Veteran actor Om Puri is completely wasted in a character that may well have been played by an extra for all the acting talent it required. Lara Dutta has too fleeting an appearance to be of notice. The guest appearance (sorry, can’t say who) though illogical, is a nice addition and adds a new dimension to that particular sequence, also portraying the brilliance of the director to add that part.
One mistake I made is to watch this movie in 3D – bad idea…there is nothing 3D worthy in the movie and there are many instances where you wish you could follow the action better without those infernal glasses on. This one’s a no brainer – don’t watch it in 3D!!
So if you do go to watch this one, go in with ordinary expectations ( not Farhan Akhtar’s best by far) and the master planner’s masterful plan might well catch your fancy

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Movie Review: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol..delivers some thrills

The stakes were pretty high on this one. The Mission Impossible franchise is one that has showed some consistency in maintaining the thrill, the pace, awesome action and amazing stunts in a classy yet enjoyable format. Each instalment thus is confronted with its own impossible mission - to up the ante on the previous one. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol was no different. Question is, does it deliver?

Well, to be completely honest it certainly delivers some thrills. Just when you start thinking that its all been done before, Ghost Protocol delivers some awe-inspiring action and takes it to the next level. Some of the stunts are to be seen to be believed. They are brilliantly edited and don’t be surprised if you actually hold your breath during some of the action

If I am not sounding completely gaga about the movie, its because I can’t say that the entire movie is great. Upto what can be regarded as the first half, it is exactly that. However, the second half just doesn’t deliver as much. The movie slows down way too much, for a Mission Impossible kind of package, where the hits should just keep on coming and that becomes its undoing. Nothing really tops what you have already seen in the first hour of the movie and thus, the lack of euphoria.

The franchise itself has matured. MI 2 was all about Ethan Hunt and the super agent he was and that nothing was impossible for him. After that the game went beyond just him and that’s how it goes in Ghost Protocol as well. However, the movie has an ordinary and predictable plotline and its obvious that all the thinking and hard work has gone only into the action – that too, the first half

An interesting development is the generous dose of humor that has been added to this instalment. An element generally lacking in the franchise overall. I have mixed feelings about it. While it takes away from the sense of tension and excitement of the mission itself, it definitely adds to the fun in the movie hall, so you’ll have to take your own view on that

As far as the acting goes, Cruise still looks good as Ethan Hunt but age definitely shows on him, in this instalment. The other actors all do a good job and Jeremy Runnels is particularly noteworthy as Brent. Simon Clegg as the tech guy provides most of the humour and plays his part well

Another thing is that I couldn’t watch this movie in 3D and if its anything close to the good stuff we got to watch in Avatar then I’d certainly recommend it. At any rate, watch it in the best quality hall that you can because the panoramic shots and awesome action is really what this movie is all about

As I close this review, I still can’t get over that scene - Ethan Hunt climbing the Burj Khalifa and what follows thereafter..that alone takes your breath away and is worthy of the movie ticket

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