Gravity (2013) ~ Review

The outline of the story is all about surviving a space disaster. This is one of the best space adventure films that ever made (Probably this year's best). A masterpiece from Alfonso cuaron. Interesting plot, Intriguing cinematography from Emmanuel Lubezki. Heart pounding Steven Price's background scores, Sensible screenplay, George clooney’s decent supporting role, brilliant visuals and use of CG, Thanks to Tim Webber (VFX).
Everything at its best, all top notch. 

Sandra bullock played the character of her lifetime, a trademark one! Best cinematic experience in 3D. So sad that the running time is only 90 mins for a thrilling space ride. Stop noticing at the scientific flaws because it’s more a fictional and emotional journey than anything else.

Rating: 8/10

Verdict:
 Gravitational force is too strong so“Don't let go” ;)

Escape Plan (2013) ~ Review

Finally, the dream team Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone joining forces to kick ass’es. Sam neill gets to work alongside a couple of dinosaurs yet again! (Arnie & Sly) :P The unusual story is the platform for the movie which is quite unpredictable; this helps to carry out the film with the same intensity till the last stage. Since it’s a never boring commercial script, the plot holes go unnoticed. 

Former terminator Schwarzenegger turns out to be self deprecating humorous person and the whole play has got something to do with him (Revealed at the end). By the way, it was a great fun seeing him back in big screen. Coming to Stallone, in this one he largely depends on his brain matter than relying on his muscle power alone. The only one that stands out terrible is none other than ‘50 cent’. Even the female lead isn’t crucial. But the pace wasn't affected in anyway. My advice is that, this would be an action packed entertainer if things are not taken serious. 

Rating: 6.5/10

Verdict:
Escape plan is more or less a dumb popcorn flick that makes up for its entertainment value.

Raja Rani (2013) ~ Review

"There is a life after love failure!" 

Now, that's what sending a message truly means :') A decent romantic entertainer from Atlee. Brilliant Cinematography and never boring screenplay are the added plus points. Good songs (except one) and background melodies carried the film. Jai's under-dominating role remains unchanged. It doesn't seem contradictory from Engeyum Eppodhum, infantile character but a great piece of acting. Wonderful matured display from Nayanthara and Arya as well. No comments about Nazriya's overacting :p

Total length of the movie should have been reduced. Second part drags at most stages without proper storytelling. Fortunately, Santhanam's usual one-liners's came to the rescue. Expected ending with an unexpected twist.

Rating: 6/10

Verdict:
On the whole, Raja-Rani is a latest version and a compilation of Mouna Ragam (1986) and Rhythm (2000). Couldn't ask more from a debutant kollywood director. Tamil spectators would be pleased but certainly not a hardcore movie buff.

6 Candles ~ Review

The story of the whole flick is a one-liner; similar to Liam neeson's Taken with a strong message. The melodramatic movie shows a doting father's never-giving search to find a way to get back his missing son, who has been kidnapped in beach. Actor Shaam has worked extremely hard after a long come back. Good solo effort from his side, Neat supportive role from Poonam Kaur and the sentimental screenplay from the director made the movie interesting. Some of the scenes went quite dreary and boring. Srikanth deva's songs and bgm gave a good ride throughout but wasn't upto the mark.

It surely won't satisfy commercial movie lovers or those who expect too much. Totally, 6 Candles joins the 'club elite' in Tamil cinema but surely will fail to make an impact at the box office. I really feel sorry for Shaam whose astounding efforts will go in vain if it's not given a required push.

Rating: 6.5/10

Verdict: 
A brave attempt from V.Z.Durai (Mugavari, Nepali), could have been a lot better. People who haven't watched the movie yet, can give a try to this one instead of preferring the local stone-age commercials Ya-Ya or VPVS.

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

Gravity (2013) - Official Trailer

Astronauts attempt to return to earth after debris crashes into their space shuttle, leaving them drifting alone in orbit.

                                                                               CLIP 1:  OFFICIAL TRAILER

CLIP 2: "I've Got You"

Director : Alfonso Cuaron

Cast        : Sandara Bullock, George Clooney
Writers  : Alfonso Cuaron, Jonas Cuaron

Release date : 4th October, 2013

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" Official Trailer (2013)

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games, sparks a rebellion in the districts of Panem. Their victory is cut short as the Quarter Quell puts them back into the Hunger Games for the second time.

Director               : Francis Lawrence

Cast                      : Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth banks, Woody Harrelson, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
Producer              : Suzanne Collins, Nina jacobson, Jon Kilik
Writer                  : Suzanne Collins, Michael Arndt, Simon Beaufoy
Editor                   : Alan Edward Bell
Cinematography : Jo Willems

Composer            : James Newton Howard

Release date : 22 November 2013 (USA)