Jurassic World

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard(Claire), Nick Robinson(Zach), Ty Simpkins(Gray), Vincent D'Onofrio(Vic), Irrfan Khan, B.D. Wong(Dr, Henry Wu) and Jake Johnson(Lowery-Operator)
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action, Thriller



Certainly better than the many Godzillas and Jurassic series, but even with all the advanced technologies, it cannot beat the original 'Jurassic Park'




You may look forward to:

• Jurassic Park equivalent sets, modern machines and dinosaurs :) Some additions works beautifully for this movie, like that of water based park for dinosaurs. It is a pleasure watching the first half of the movie
• Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard do a good job. Mostly it is a Chris Pratt movie and he gives you some decent action :)

What you can sleep over:

• Nick Robinson and Ty Simpkins, have nothing much to do other than fooling around. Situational problems are understood, but stupidity is the old fashion of building a plot for a thriller flick. Specially for Ty Simpkins, remember him from 'Iron Man 3'? He has potential to do much better than just acting like a kid
• Vincent D'Onofrio, Irrfan Khan, B.D. Wong and Jake Johnson have miniature roles in the movie. They come and go without much of any significance

The dampeners you should be aware of:

• Storyline is not as cool. Creating hybrids without testing? Seriously? Who is as negligent to play with critical animal of highest priority like dinosaurs, lest a park which is open for human tourists! Next, you see that the raptors can be trained. Ok. but do the director show how he manages to do so? No, just accept it as Chris Pratt gives a sample demonstration in his entry scene  :) Not very convincing!! And then by the climax, you have one apparently good dinosaur fighting with the evil dinosaur! And this was it for me. Nothing more to watch
• The excitement, the thrill, the foot in the mouth moments in original Jurassic Park is largely missing in this one. There are some crazy encounters, but nothing very threatening
• The variety of dinosaurs or be it the number of scenes catching the glimpses of the beauty of these magnificent creatures isn't covered as wonderfully as in the original. Even before the fascination sinks in that you have come to watch THE JURASSIC WORLD and explore a new world, chaos begins in the story pre maturely
• 3D is not worth it. Could have been much better. You expect quality 3D projections in fantasy movies like these. But alas! Mediocre quality is all you get

My Rating: 3/5

1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Dil Dhadakne Do

Cast: Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Rahul Bose, Anushka Sharma, Farhan Akhtar,Aamir Khan(Pluto), Ridhima Sud(Noorie), Zarina Wahab, Parmeet Sethi and Vikrant Massey(Rana)
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Genre: Drama, Romance



Only the rich and affluent class can associate with this movie. Not worth your time if you don't belong to one of those affluent families

I wonder, if this movie can work, what was so wrong with 'Aisha' then!!!!



You may look forward to:

• One aspect the movie certainly excels in, is to depict how hollow are the lives of those who belong to the so called high class society. They may have everything, but they lack mental peace. They may have all the money in the world for luxury, but cannot yet earn any respect
• The only character i like is 'Pluto', the dog :) Thanks to Aamir Khan, he does a fab job, at least he entertains :)
• Congratulations to Ridhima Sud and Vikrant Massey, for the big break :)

What you can sleep over:

Please excuse the entire fleet of heavy star cast. They practically have nothing to do in the film except for fooling around. Yet, minus them you wont even hit the theaters :)

The dampeners you should be aware of:

• Dull storyline. Very unlikely of Zoya Akhtar movie, this story is lifeless. There is no soul in any of the characters. There is practically no script. You don't even enjoy the exotic locations. Most of it is on the ship, with lifeless people on board. You do not feel the romance, nor the drama is worth your money or your time
• Music of the  movie is dull again. Very very passe, you wont even remember them
• I am highly disappointed with Farhan Akhtar's role, he enters as a fresh breeze and just withers away in no time :(
• I had benchmark expectations from Zoya Akhtar.....why this torture!!!!

My Rating: 1.5/5

1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

San Andreas

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Alexandra Daddario(Blake), Carla Gugino(Emma), Hugo Johnstone-Burt(Ben), Art Parkinson(Ollie), Ioan Gruffudd(Daniel),Paul Giamatti(Dr. Lawrence) and Archie Panjabi(Serena)
Director: Brad Peyton
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Thriller



Its a good engaging watch



You may look forward to:

• Dwayne Johnson is the lead undoubtedly. His presence alone makes a huge difference :)
• Alexandra Daddario otherwise is the actual lead. She plays the role of a pretty girl with very smart presence of mind
• Catastrophic elements are presented in a very life like magnitude. Brad Peyton does a very good job in keeping the audience engaged with one after another event in the movie. This one quake which just doesn't end throughout. More than just the calamity, the movie has a story which revolves around this one family with smart kids :)
• Carla Gugino, Hugo Johnstone-Burt and Art Parkinson, have very strong supporting roles
• Ioan Gruffudd,Paul Giamatti and Archie Panjabi as the rest of the cast, all of them have very well defined roles. None of them are wasted
• My favorite scene however is the very first scene of the movie, some breath taking action scenes

What you can sleep over:

Watching it in 3D is strictly OK, doesn't make too much of any difference


The dampeners you should be aware of:

Small bits of flaws here and there, things that are a little far from practicality. For example, steering the boat through debris and not getting stuck even once, a little too difficult to digest. But nevertheless, they dont dampen the entertaining factor of the movie




My Rating: 3.5/5

1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Poltergeist

Cast: Sam Rockwell(Eric) , Rosemarie DeWitt(Amy), Jared Harris(Carrigan Burke), Jane Adams (Jane), Saxon Sharbino(Kendra), Kyle Catlett(Griffin), Kennedi Clements(Madison), Nicholas Braun(Boyd) and Susan Heyward(Sophie)
Director: Gil Kenan
Genre: Horror, Thriller



A horror flick stands good but only for kids.



You may look forward to:

• The only interesting character of the movie is played by Jared Harris. A TV personality with specializations in occult activities. His presence gives the movie some hope
• Kyle Catlett is the star of the movie. The small kid who plays a hero in the film appropriately fits in for kids horror
• For all the kids below 14 who has grown up hearing stories of witches and evil, can perhaps relate to it seeing things in action over large screen. Kids will thoroughly enjoy it

What you can sleep over:

All the other characters of the movie didn't really have much to do. Poor them! Nevertheless, that doesn't disregard their efforts gone into it. My deepest sympathy for Sam Rockwell of all!! Remember him from 'Iron Man 2' as 'Hammer'!!



The dampeners you should be aware of:

The story has potential, Alas! The poor direction reduced it down to a kids show. Not even a single scene which freaks you out of fear. Clearly no adult can get scared looking at branches coming out of a tree and fetching a kid from his home. Movie fails to make any scary imprints on adults




My Rating: 2/5

1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Tomorrowland

Cast: George Clooney , Thomas Robinson(Young Frank), Britt Robertson(Casey), Raffey Cassidy(Athena) and Hugh Laurie(Nix)
Director: Brad Bird
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Mystery


An ambitious teenage flick. Not a bad watch



You may look forward to:

• One of a kinds movie thoughtfully made for a particular age group only. There are many movies for kids and many thoroughly adult, and in that the teens do not know where do they fall, either they remain childish to associate with animations or grow up early to associate with adult complicated movies. 'Tomorrowland' is an ice breaker :) Its a perfect role model movie which has no generation today like teen adultery and yet maintains its sci-fi level pleasing all audience :) Brad Bird is to be credited for it
• George Clooney is the one in the movie worth checking out for. There is something about this man, he just belongs elsewhere, not in movies like this...but yet, we love you George Clooney :)
• Britt Robertson is the parallel lead. Half the time she is less on action and more on wonder factor, yet she does a good job
• Raffey Cassidy does a marvelous job for her age, she is one of the major characters to look out for
• Hugh Laurie and Thomas Robinson, do a good job too, though not very extensive roles for either of them
• The graphics and fantasy adventure aspect of the movie is a treat to the eyes. For those who has high imaginations, will have their minds running

What you can sleep over:

This movie may not be a quality watch for Adult Sci-Fi lovers, cos the story and presentation of this is much scaled down fitting in the child to teenage category

The dampeners you should be aware of:

No dampener really! It qualifies on the standards it set for itself. Just one  good to have factor would be to add some significant meat to the character of 'Casey' . She was represented as "THE GIRL" right from the beginning, but didn't really have much to do!



My Rating: 3/5


1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Tanu Weds Manu Returns

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, R. Madhavan, Jimmy Shergill, Deepak Dobriyal(Pappi), Eijaz Khan(Jassi),Swara Bhaskar(Payal), Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub(Chintu), Rajendra Gupta(Tanu's Father),Navni Parihar(Tanu's Mother), K.K.Raina(Manu's Father), Dipti Mishra(Manu's Mother) and Rajesh Sharma(Datto's Brother)
Director: Aanand Rai
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama



A good pass time weekend watch, nothing more and nothing less.



You may look forward to:

• Kangana Ranaut is the star of the movie. There is hardly any scene in the movie which is without her. Double role certainly works wonder for her. Specially in the caricature of 'Datto', her Haryanvi accent is simply mind blowing. She looks good where she has to and appears bold where demanded so. Perfect entertainment package
• Deepak Dobriyal and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub steals the show in terms of comedy scenes, the dialogues written for them and their portrayal is amazing. 'Pappi Ji' is the only enhanced character from the prequel, and new addition of 'Chintu' is like icing to the cake, a perfect addition :)
• The dialogue writer of the movie should be credited the most, as its his dialogues only which works for the movie and the many actors in it. There is absolutely nothing else to the movie, if not the dialogues
• Jimmy Shergill,Eijaz Khan and Swara Bhaskar make up for an incredible supporting star cast, specially that of Jimmy Shergill
• Rest of the supporting cast viz. Rajendra Gupta,Navni Parihar, K.K.Raina, Dipti Mishra and Rajesh Sharma have good roles in parallel worth a mention

What you can sleep over:

• R. Madhavan's role is repetitive, there is nothing new about him. He is the same old grounded, boring and a non happening character, whose job is just to flow with the current
• Goes the same for 'Tanu's' role. Both 'Tanu' and 'Manu', the title characters of the movie do not have much to do in the flick. The movie is actually taken over by the supporting casts instead

The dampeners you should be aware of:

• Practically zero storyline. The prequel had a life in its story. You do feel romance in that rom-com flick. This one misses the romance largely. The story just do not make any sense, right from the exaggerated beginning till the over dramatic end. Why are people doing what they are doing in the film, just makes no sense at all. To add to the fact that both of Tanu's lovers are inclined only for her looks,  damages the character of 'Tanu' entirely
• The first film had beautiful music in it. The music of this one is complete ear sore, some of them unbearable

My Rating: 3/5 (Only for its Comedy)


1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Mad Max: Fury Road

Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult(Nux), Hugh Keays-Byrne(Immortan Joe), Rosie Huntington-Whiteley,Zoë Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee,Courtney Eaton, Nathan Jones(Rictus) and Melissa Jaffer(Keeper of the seeds)
Director: George Miller
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller


One hell of a movie, and if you can relate to hell, this movie is for you :)



You may look forward to:

• Major credit goes to George Miller to have created an amazing master piece, a cult of its own. This movie cannot go neutral on you, it will either blow your mind away or will make you sick. But if you dare to watch, there is less chance that you can come out of theater feeling sane :) George Miller has that effect on you :)
• Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron are the main leads, and they work in tandem, shoulder to shoulder. Most of the action scenes are delivered by them and they do a great job keeping you at the edge till the end of the movie
• I personally loved Nicholas Hoult, a sympathetic character, who wants to get to 'Valhalla'. The only character who highlights and represents the condition of all others working for their lord. Nothing heroic about him but yet a hero
• Hugh Keays-Byrne is mostly seen behind the mask,  nevertheless he clearly represents the face of the terror
• The entire band of women viz. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoë Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee and Courtney Eaton do a good job, mostly who have no meaty role but are just there throughout the movie as the story revolves around their survival
• Nathan Jones, boy Oh! boy...a tough competition to Tom Hardy. Some good action scenes between the two 
• Melissa Jaffer is worth a mention for her age and for the mettle required to not only understand a character like this but play it as well
• The USP of the movie stands to be in its madness personified. Its marvelous action scenes, the larger than life sandy cinematography, only in dust and desert are very catchy. This movie is a treat to the eyes, and there is nothing beautiful about it, just raw action and outstanding make up given to all the characters. Of all the movie that have come depicting the end of world, this film certainly has occupied a niche position for itself

What you can sleep over:

This one movie is at its extreme, you will either love it or hate it, you surely can't simply sleep over any aspect of this flick :)

The dampeners you should be aware of: 

• The portion in the second half when after a hiatus, the group plans to return back to 'Citadel'. And all the madness all over again, started looking a little monotonous. You had already watch past enough of this action, now you will expect something different, and the repeated action scenes after a point starts getting on your nerves
• This movie isn't gory, but it is yet not meant for mass audience. Not everybody would appreciate it

My Rating: 3.5/5

1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Bombay Velvet

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor,Anushka Sharma, Karan Johar, Satyadeep Misra(Chimmam), Kay Kay Menon and Manish Choudhary(Jimmy)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance, Musical, Thriller



Not a bad watch keeping expectations low. Contradictory to what the reviews may suggest, its not a hopeless movie as 'Roy' :) It does deserve a watch!




You may look forward to:

• The cinematography of the movie is beautiful, one to look out for. Anurag Kashyap's take in presenting the film; very retro as well modern take of making it a musical thriller, ubiquitous background music throughout the length of the movie is different and for sure catches your attention
• Ranbir Kapoor's role reminds you of multiple actors from Hollywood from various movies. Nevertheless, in his own charm, he indeed does a good job, no second thoughts about that. While i hated him in 'Roy', even though this role was again a lot experimental, he still does a good job and he should be appreciated for it
• Anushka Sharma looks fabulous throughout the movie. The retro look, her costumes and everything, she was a charm. And for good, she wasn't just a role for singing and dancing, she has much more to do as a character
• Karan Johar does a decent job, on the other side of the camera :) He doesn't appear to be much of a nasty character, nevertheless, his attitude suits on the caricature
• Satyadeep Misra, Kay Kay Menon and Manish Choudhary were important supporting roles. All of who are commendable

What you can sleep over:

• The embellishment of Jazz music as a major audible and visible aspect of the movie, doesn't quite work, blame it on the music director. Songs were way too experimental and sounded weird, funny and ear sore. Nevertheless, the attempt was unique and hence cannot be counted as a minus
• I must say, this movie had a lot of potential, alas, it didn't work!

The dampeners you should be aware of:

Not sure what really failed the film. I agree there is something missing throughout the movie, and very difficult to catch as in what! The story somewhere felt short, none of the emotions were highlighted with passion, not romance, nor ambition, neither politics. Everything is very melodramatic in the movie lacking any dominant factor of a higher degree, which fails catching your due attention




My Rating: 3/5 (For the style of presentation)


1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Margarita, with a Straw

Cast: Kalki Koechlin, Revathi, Sayani Gupta(Khannum), Kuljeet Singh(Father), Hussain Dalal(Dhruv), William Moseley(Jared) and Tenzin Dalha(Nima)
Director: Shonali Bose
Genre: Drama, Adult


A must watch for all sort of audience, there is something for each and everyone in this film :)



You may look forward to:

• Shonali Bose is the game changer in the movie. A sensitive plot handled so beautifully. Throwing into you that no human can live each day in his life based on empathy alone. Every human being, autistic or not, have their own desires, be it professional or personal, they have their own lives, fun and hardship are part of it. A matter so delicately presented, which not only entertains you but as well strums some strings of basic human behavior. Kudos to the director and script writer of the movie
• Kalki Koechlin not only fits into the role, she out performs it. She is not meant for commercial cinema, her talent is far over reaching. And very fortunate of her that Bollywood these days not only makes such movies but also gives deserved exposure to the actors who put in their souls in the making of such movies. Double whammy for Kalki Koechlin. She is playing a very complicated role, where more than sympathy, you keep wondering what is this lady upto!! The character 'Laila' surprises you every time, and no one else could have played this role describing 'Laila's'journey in life, any better than Kalki
• Revathi is known for her incredible acting skills. She mostly plays a mother in nearly all her movies, but amazing to see the kind of roles she picks. Every time a mother, but yet every time a challenging role, not at all cliche
• Sayani Gupta is a new face on big screens. She appears to me one of those method actors who does very few movies but chooses them very carefully. She is another performer and glad to see that she plays a very positive and pivotal role in the film
• All the men in the movie, viz.,Hussain Dalal, William Moseley and Tenzin Dalha have very brief stints but they all play it wonderfully well
• Kuljeet Singh is a good support
• This movie is in the end female oriented, but thanks to the Director, you wont feel it :) Also one of the reasons why this movie is for all audience

What you can sleep over:

May be some aspects of the movie are over dramatized or the adventure in 'Laila's life is pretty overblown, which takes some time to sink in. But in the end, its a drama and doesn't intend to leave any social message. So one can live with it

The dampeners you should be aware of:

Not a dampener per say, but be aware of the adult scenes shown in the movie. No movie today comes out absolute clean, and this one must have taken some effort to pass through censor board :)




My Rating: 4/5


1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Playing It Cool

Cast: Chris Evans, Michelle Monaghan, Aubrey Plaza(Mallory), Topher Grace(Scott), Ioan Gruffudd(Stuffy) and Anthony Mackie(Bryan)
Director: Justin Reardon
Genre: Romance, Comedy



Average romantic drama. Uncanny resemblances to Bollywood's 'Happy Ending'



You may look forward to:

• Glad to see Chris Evans in a regular human role apart from his super hero image 'Captain America'. You don't get to see as many expressions on his face otherwise :) Enjoyed watching Chris Evans in many different unimaginable get ups with varied countenance
• This movie has striking similarities with the Bollywood flick 'Happy Ending' mostly in its first half. Its a little tricky figuring who copied whom :D Both the movies were in the making almost around the same time :P
• Presence of Anthony Mackie and Ioan Gruffudd, aren't mere coincidences. They establish a visual connect with 'Captain America' and 'Fantastic Four' :) Mostly in cameo roles, but its funny to see these guys can do something different, when cast next to each other :D
• Aubrey Plaza and Topher Grace, had unfortunate roles of being friends of the lead. They are nevertheless good in their respective skin :)

What you can sleep over:

Michelle Monaghan doesn't impress. Her yoga skills are great, but she isn't convincing enough a cast against Chris Evans, neither fitting in with the story. She is more of a 'woman' next door :D More subtle love stories can work for her, not love at first sight kinds :P

The dampeners you should be aware of:

What doesn't work for the movie is its second half, very lose story line, loses its track midway. Story doesn't engage much, nor does it entertain or have you sobbing in emotion. Some bit of laughter here and there, but overall a very average flick




My Rating: 2.5/5


1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Hot Pursuit

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Sofía Vergara(Mrs. Riva), Robert Kazinsky(Randy), Joaquín Cosio(Cortez), Michael Mosley(Dixon),Matthew Del Negro(Hauser) and John Carroll Lynch(Capt.Emmet)
Director: Anne Fletcher
Genre: Comedy, Crime



A light hearted weekend watch. Have no high expectations :)



You may look forward to:

• Reese Witherspoon, definitely yes, provided you draw no comparison from her performance in 'Wild'. This movie is way different and is a light entertainer. Reese is tiny little cute cop who has you laughing and giggling throughout the movie :)
• Sofía Vergara is a woman to watch out for :) Spanish middle aged sexy lady...she is funny, hot and as well dangerous ;P
• Joaquín Cosio is the bad man of our story, his personality fits in perfectly well, unfortunately he doesn't have much to do in the film
• This is a sweet, clean, entertaining flick. Not any dirty scenes nor any dirty dialogues, plain and simple comedy, a lil female oriented humor...but over all a fun watch :)

What you can sleep over:

• Sad for Robert Kazinsky, who happens to get along with our female lead, but yet his role is not strong enough to be called as a male lead :D
• Michael Mosley(Dixon), Matthew Del Negro and John Carroll Lynch, short roles again, but they are good at what the script demands

The dampeners you should be aware of:

If you are misled with the trailer to believe the movie will contain some part of adult comedy in it, you are in for a disappointment. Apart from that, this movie never aimed too high, so no apparent dampeners




My Rating: 3/5

1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding