Movie Review: Captain Phillips..charts out a glorious expedition

When I went all ga-ga about Gravity 2 weeks back, I didn’t really expect to write such rave reviews of anything else in 2013. Hollywood sure has a way of proving me wrong. With the third definite hit of the season, Captain Phillips is right up there in Hollywood’s offerings of 2013 – this one too, is unmissable, albeit for completely different reasons

Captain Phillips is aptly named not so much for the captain of the ship this real life event movie is based on, but more the captain of this particular ship (the movie) – Paul Greengrass. Much more well known for his epic presentation of the Bourne Trilogy, Greengrass proves that his expertise doesn’t necessarily require a canvas like the Bourne series to paint on. In his expert hands, a vessel more focused on drama than action, more tight build up than explosions and effects, is steered along on perfectly smooth waters. Scenes that would have seemed ordinary when served up by other directors, get a sense of underlying tension with background score to match and you marvel at the director’s skill at captivating your attention.

The camerawork is just apt, balance between wide and close range shots – just right. Captain Phillips is less about the story (though that would stand for itself too) and more about the presentation. There’s no attempt to glamorize in order to impress. Yet the timing and the sheer smartness of the action that unfolds will hold your attention for long.

Practically all through the movie, you may be wondering why a veteran like Tom Hanks was required to deliver what seemed like a fairly uncomplicated role – till you reach towards the climax. In those moments, Tom Hanks proves just why he is the force to reckon with and in a matter of a mere 10 minutes, he steals the show. It may not all be an Oscar worthy performance but those final moments sure will get you thinking (relax, am not about to give anything away)

However, there’s no doubt that Captain Phillips is ultimately a director’s movie. A veteran who clearly has a vision for action, Greengrass demonstrates his repetoire, deftly navigating through the rough, less familiar seas of emotions and builds connect to the characters and situation. While you might start off wondering why Greengrass chose such an unfamiliar arena, by the end you are well convinced that you have witnessed the work of a master

Watch Captain Phillips only in the hall and watch it for Greengrass’ wizardry despite the unfamiliar territory. Also, you’d better catch it quick. This movie is already two weeks old since it released alongwith Gravity, so it won’t be long before Captain Phillips disappears into the horizon

Movie Review: Shahid…deserved better direction

Shahid’s is a compelling story. Once you’ve entered the hall, whether you would like to or not, you are going to get drawn to the unique context in which his story is built and follow with great interest, the story of his life. It is truly one of the stories that deserve to be told. But is it deservingly told? Well, not entirely.

Shahid starts with striking all the right notes. The unique point to start off the story itself is a smart ploy. Background score is cleverly used. It is absent most of the time and in some sequences the silence can be deafening. The first half sets up things quite well. You understand why Shahid does what he does and the connect with the protagonist is well established. There are some niggling questions, but you let that go – maybe the second half will deliver better.

However, its the second half when things become much more aimless than before. After the tense note on which the movie intermissions, you expect it to pick up the thread where it left off, but instead the movie chooses to slows down. It takes you to a point where you make your peace with the fact that is a biographical account of this young man and his unique story before it again changes gears and suddenly starts running through event after event. Editing would be chiefly responsible for this mess-up in my opinion.

The camerawork is good for the most part but towards the end it becomes one trick too many. I almost put it down to malfunctioning equipment rather than an effect that the director purposely wanted to achieve in a particular scene because he over-did it so much. Speaking of over-doing things, Shahid talks a lot of sense, but then the same sentences keep getting repeated, in the same form and it becomes a forced rather than subtle message.

What is invigorating though, is the performance of Raj Kumar. He breathes life into the script and slips into the shoes of Shahid with ease. In Kai Po Che, Sushant Singh Rajput may have stolen the show, but Raj Kumar made his presence felt. With Shahid though, he makes it amply clear that he has the ability to carry a film on his shoulders alone. He is possibly the best reason to watch this movie. He is also ably supported by Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub, Baljinder Kaur and others who play cameos around Shahid’s story – though the kind of actors they are, they could have easily been utilized more.

In summary, Shahid’s is a story that people must know about. It was the right thing to make this movie. Only, I am pretty sure it could’ve been made better.

Movie Review: Gravity..deserves universal applause!!

Making a 3D in movie in space is a smart idea.Those of us who have been to a good planetarium will know that watching the stars and the blue planet from space is thrilling in itself. However, to make a movie like Alphonso Cuaron has made Gravity is a mark of a genius.

These words aren’t easily written by me either – since to this date I hold Cuaron responsible for practically destroying the 3rd movie in the Harry Potter series (Prisoner of Azkaban, for the uninitiated) through his direction alone. With Gravity though –he more than redeems himself and brings 4.5 years of hard work (that’s time it took to make this movie, I am told) to epic fruition. This one’s a must watch – all the way and it is to be seen in 3D in IMAX and IMAX only

Gravity is set in space and runs for only 90 minutes. Within those 90 minutes though, Cuaron manages a smart script that keeps you interested despite the slow nature of movement in space due to the absence of gravity itself – and delivers an enthralling spectacle.

The attention to detail is astounding and if the hall became a little more deprived of oxygen there’s a good chance you would consider yourself as part of the movie. In a sublime blend of technology and special effects with 3D, Gravity becomes an immersive and realistic experience. Long after you leave the hall, don’t be surprised to find yourself wondering – how in the world this kind of visual imagery was made possible in the first place.

To make matters better, Cuaron even manages to lend some gravity to what could have been completely acceptable fare as a cut and dried script - which is probably the moment Gravity becomes a great movie from a good movie. To say more would be unfair

To further bolster Gravity – Cuaron entrusts the movie to two highly capable leads – George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. Bullock should probably heading for an Oscar nomination with this one and George Clooney plays his familiar, self-assured character with demonstrated ease.

To put it in a nutshell, Gravity doesn’t take one step wrong. (Houston, we ‘don’t’ have a problem with this one). It is comfortably my Movie of the Year thus far and I don’t expect that to change either. Just go watch!!