Kick Ass 2 (2013) ~ Review

This one is way too amusing than the previous hit but unfortunately didn't live up to the expectation. The first 80 mins is hilarious, filled with exciting fun factor. Not only it tops in humor, it also strikes the emotional package. Unnecessary role for Jim Carrey, not a vital one but a good cameo i should say. Stunning performances from cutie pie Chloe Grace Moretz and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Everything goes pretty well till things starts to mess up. That moment i braced myself. The more the movie gets serious, more the things got worse. From there on, it went out of control. Those last 15-20 mins are full of flaws and ridiculous. Not a meaningful climax indeed. Updated kick ass gets ready, hopefully he'll not return for the next instalment.

Rating : 5.5/10

Verdict: Kick-ass really kicked my ass :p Can give a try. Cannot compare with the prequel.

Thalaivaa (2013) ~ Review

After getting mixed reviews & most of the plotline revealed well before the release, so i went without any expectations. Those spoilers didn't affect the story in anyway, which is old but different. Movie begins in 1988 in bombay and there comes the title credits which has got nothing to do with the film. First half is quite lengthy, dragging, repeating similar sequences again n again thereby making the portion insipid. Editing could've been better by avoiding unwanted scenes. The awkward moment is when the word "bro" is called more than "sir" used in the film Saroja. Nirav Shah's cinematography, a Visual treat. G.V.Prakash's background scores are pulse-pounding (Not to mention CTRL+C, CTRL+V has also been used)  songs are audio delight. Screenplay is boring in the 1st half & a bit intriguing in the second. Apropos, A.L.Vijay managed to pull things back after the intermission and made good use of the surreal cast. Ending is too familiar. (Thank god, No far-fetched scenes).

Vijay is youthful (as he's always been), his movements are phenomenal and led all the way while Sathyaraj has been a real highlight. He portrayed his role well, their relationship stands as a plus point. Santhanam keeps his timing sense but his whimsical one liner's wasn't catchy and fails to attract the spectators at some stages. Individual performances/contributions include Amala paul, Ponvannan & next dream girl Ragini Nandwani.
In a nutshell, Thalaivaa is a good, decent entertainer and did not screw up much as it is claimed.

Verdict: Will surely be a south-indian commercial hit Worth watching once. Strictly for ardent Vijay fans.

Rating: 6/10

Conjuring (2013) ~ Review

*contains spoilers

James wan, creator of Saw and Insidious, widely known for awry horror genre has kept his touch in this one too. Good cinematography by John R.Leonetti and exceptional screenplay writing from the twin brothers Chad and Carey Hayes imbued with Joseph Bishara's sudden breath taking background musics in ominously quiet play rode the spectators at the edge of the seat throughout the whole movie, till the last sec. 

The story takes place in 1971, where Carolyn (Lili Taylor) and Roger Perron (Ron livingston) move their family into a dilapidated Rhode Island farm house and soon strange things start happening around it with escalating nightmarish terror. In desperation, Carolyn contacts the noted paranormal investigators, Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga), to examine the house. What the Warrens discover is a whole area steeped in a satanic haunting that is now targeting the Perron family wherever they go. To stop this evil, the Warrens will have to call upon all their skills and spiritual strength to defeat this spectral menace at its source that threatens to destroy everyone involved.

Only worrying part is, the same old story which is being used for creepy movies since 1980's. Ending is too predictable, it could have been better. Since it's based on true events, so couldn't ask for more nor can complain. Protagonist couples investigating paranormal activities is something new. Kirk M.Morri's editing kept the momentum going. Not much visual effects needed so CG not over poured but placed wherever required. Finally, have to tell about the direction, James Wan really stands tall above all. Ending left with so many questions. Still undoubtedly the best horror/thriller to be witnessed this season.

Verdict: 

Conjuring --> Mind blowing.
A Masterpiece by wan and crew. Must watch.

Rating: 7.5/10 

"American Hustle" (2013) - Official Trailer #1

The Story of a Con Artist and his partner in crime, who were forced to work with a federal agent to turn the tables on other cons, mobsters and politicians.

Director : David O. Russell
Cast        : Christian bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Jenifer Lawrence & Robert De Niro
Writers  : David O.Russell, Eric Warren Singer (Screenplay)
Music     : Danny Elfman
Editing   : Jay Cassidy
Studio    : Annapurna Pictures, Atlas Entertainment 

Distributed by : Columbia Pictures

Release date: 25 December 2013