Phantom

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, Denzil Smith(Haider) and Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal(Mother)
Director: Kabir Khan
Genre: Crime, Action, Thriller



A quality action thriller, Bollywood fans must not miss!




You may look forward to:

• Saif Ali Khan is a pleasant surprise in this one. I will really consider this as his come back movie after a long hiatus. The expectations from this film was lose mostly because of his recent hit records. However, he proves the audience again that he is a promising actor and can deliver on good scripts :)
• Katrina Kaif i guess by now can be labelled as an action heroine, first of its titular kinds in Bollywood :) She has indeed come a long way to have established herself from amongst the already occupied thrones by stable heroines. She has earned this place, its lovely to see her in some rugged looks minus any glamor but good content
• Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is seen in a lot of movies these days, amazing how he is picking up in his career. Does a good variety of roles, he has a short one in this, nevertheless goes for an accountable one
• Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, Denzil Smith and Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal have very strong supporting roles. They do a pretty commendable job
• This a no nonsense serious action-crime flick. Watch it for the underlying drive and seriousness of the plot, not for entertainment. A subject very carefully handled, as well presented in a compelling way by Kabir Khan

What you can sleep over:

This movie doesn't have a filmy ending where everything is rosy by the end. Its disappointing but close to reality

The dampeners you should be aware of:

Not very convinced with the last two assassinations plotted in Pakistan. The plans don't exactly look like cover up accidents, but clear cut murder plans. This glitch in story apart, rest of the movie doesn't have a single scene out of place.





My Rating: 3.5/5

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

All Is Well

Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Asin, Rishi Kapoor,Supriya Pathak, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub(Chima) and Sonakshi Sinha
Director:  Umesh Shukla
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance



Movie is not really worth its star cast. Disappointing film!




You may look forward to:

• Abhishek Bachchan after a long time in a lead role :) Horrible dressing most of the times, but he is not a bad actor. Alas! He doesn't get appropriate scripts for himself
• I love Rishi Kapoor come what may. Agree this movie isn't worth his presence, yet all respects to him
• Supriya Pathak is a lovely lady again, but sad, her role is not defined very well for her to perform
• My favortite character is Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub :) He is super cute, adorable as 'Chima', just like the name of his character :D
• The songs in the movie on an average are fine. Most of the Bollywood movies do an over kill with horrible numbers, this one doesn't irritate you. Certain songs are good to ears including the item number with Sonakshi Sinha
• If you can sit through its first half, you will survive the second half, where certain hidden angles from Rishi Kapoor unravels and gives the story some direction

What you can sleep over:

Asin's role is very redundant. There is absolutely no chemistry between Abhishekh and her. Right from the beginning minus last scene, he keeps avoiding her while she forcefully keeps herself glued to him. Not even the flash back does any justice to any romance between them. She remains just like an accessory to the film




The dampeners you should be aware of:

• The biggest failing factor of the film is its story. People are running around in the entire film quite aimlessly. None of the characters are well defined
• A supposedly comedy romance genre film, which fails miserably to make you laugh, also fails in any chemistry between the lead pair

My Rating: 2/5

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

Manjhi - The Mountain Man

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Pankaj Tripathi(Ruab),Ashraf Ul Haque(Father), Tigmanshu Dhulia(Mukhiya), Gaurav Dwivedi(Journalist) and Deepa Sahi(Indira Gandhi)
Director: Ketan Mehta
Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance



Less of a biography, more of a masala movie




You may look forward to:

• Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead, and he cracks it :) He is a complete entertainer and a versatile actor. He knows exactly what a pinch of salt can do to make a difference. Undoubtedly, he is the only one to look out for in the film, from the beginning to the end
• Radhika Apte looks beautiful and sexy. She has good lot of content in the story and keeps appearing throughout the movie
• My personal favorite is the role of Ashraf Ul Haque, who played the father to 'Dashrath'. Skeletal figure with awesome expressions and dialogues
• Pankaj Tripathi and Tigmanshu Dhulia are perfect caricature of corruption and real face of India
• Gaurav Dwivedi is a short but sweet support
• What makes this otherwise long film worth watching is the comedy factor of it, forget that this is a biography and simply enjoy the movie and watch Nawazuddin  deliver his best :)

What you can sleep over:

We also have a surprise element here, a look alike of 'Indira Gandhi' played by Deepa Sahi :D If not a look alike, but very close to the then President of India :) They made a genuine attempt, but you as an audience just cant help laughing at it :D




The dampeners you should be aware of:

• The perception of the movie by its trailer is a lot deceptive. It is by no means an absolute biography. Its a complete entertainer with ample masala in it for a typical Bollywood heroic and/or romantic movies. Every possible tackiness of romance, which is far from believable history. This movie will also remind you of 'My name is Khan- meeting the president', also of 'Mahatma Gandhi', all in a funny way :D
• One essence this movie really lacks is the pain of a relentless 'Dashrath'. You do appreciate his work, but you don't feel the agony and the perseverance of that man who has put 30 years of his life tenaciously into carving a path out of the mountain. You see the passion, but the entire soul of the movie is eaten up by the over dramatized flash backs
• One another loophole being,  the Director shows the readied path by the end of the movie, not tarred yes, but leveled. And leveling a rocky path is never an easy task, looks like the director missed showing how did the village guys managed to level it :D

My Rating: 3/5

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

Fantastic Four

Cast: Miles Teller,Michael B. Jordan(Johnny), Kate Mara(Sue), Jamie Bell(Ben), Toby Kebbell (Victor Doom), Reg E. Cathey(Dr. Franklin) and Tim Blake Nelson(Dr. Harvey)
Director: Josh Trank
Genre: Sci-Fri, Adventure, Action



Enhanced and better version of the yesteryear's 'Fantastic four'




You may look forward to:

• With the advancement in technology and better story, this version of Fantastic four is by no means lame, as otherwise criticized by many. The story has a good build up, which starts with childhood days of 'Reed' and 'Ben', and later a full size Sci-Fi thriller, with latest machines and believable renderings. The physical deformation of each character very well explained and dealt with appropriately with the apt medical and government attention which were lacking in its original film
• Miles Teller is my personal favorite since his 'Whiplash' days. He is indeed a mature actor, he is though a kid when compared to the original 'Reed', hence the comparison wont exactly be a right thing to do. Nevertheless, Miles does a good job, way to go!
• Michael B. Jordan replaces Chris Evans from the original film. Honestly, i don't quite like that change. Though Michael is good as 'Human Torch', but i miss the boyish flirty notorious character of 'Johnny' played by Chris Evans in its original
• Kate Mara cannot replace Jessica Alba in essence, but she definitely adds up with more intelligence and contribution as a scientist than original character of 'Sue' who is hardly ever seen doing anything scientific other than playing an 'Invisible woman'
• I loved the old 'Ben', but i like this one too. The enhanced version of 'The thing', is pretty impressive. Unlike the original structure of 'The thing' which had a more chiseled body, this one possess an irregular body constituting rocks, you can see some extended portion of his arm and the unevenness. And yes he sure does give you a good clobbering experience :)
• Toby Kebbell's character is more nerdy and rough in this one as compared to the original, where 'Victor' looked more like a business tycoon than a doctor. This 'Victor' does a good job. I also like the enhanced and totally modified look of 'Doom'
• Reg E. Cathey and Tim Blake Nelson, are the added roles in this feature film, and they have quite an important supporting role, though that lasts only one film
• Another notable factor in this film is the scientific contribution depicted by each one of the Fantastic four members. Unlike the original Fantastic Four, where only 'Dr. Reed' was the nerdy scientist, and others were just playing fools around until the world needed saving, this one does justify the roles of each one of them
• The CGI effects of this movie is much more impressive than the original, but for obvious reasons

What you can sleep over:

It is not a Christopher Nolan film, but it surely is an entertaining movie for a weekend




The dampeners you should be aware of:

I did not like the end. After all the build up and with a power pact potential of 'Victor Doom', i was expecting a lot better conclusion to the film. The last 5 mins of 'Doom' isn't appreciative enough

My Rating: 3.5/5

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

Vacation

Cast: Ed Helms,Christina Applegate(Debbie), Skyler Gisondo(James), Steele Stebbins(Kevin), Chris Hemsworth, Catherine Missal(James's girl), Chevy Chase(Rusty's Father), Charlie Day and Michael Peña(New Mexico-Cop)
Director: John Francis Daley, Jonathan M. Goldstein
Genre: Adventure, Comedy



Its a fun watch. Perfect for a weekend entertainment but refrain from applying any logic!




You may look forward to:

• Movie packs you with plenty of laughter, from family jokes to some naughty ones. Its a light hearted adventure film for the modern family
• Ed Helms steals the show, he plays dumb throughout and does everything wrong. He does a much better job here than in 'Hangover' series, here he gets the maximum limelight :)
• Christina Applegate is amazing too. She has quite good content to showcase
• Skyler Gisondo and Steele Stebbins, are fun kids, loved to see them fight :)
• Chris Hemsworth's special appearance stole my heart, i see him first time in a comedy avatar :)
• Catherine Missal and Chevy Chase are in good but short supporting roles
• Charlie Day and Michael Peña, need not do much, their mere appearance itself is hilarious :D They are perfect embodiment of humor and a perfect fit for comedy films

What you can sleep over:

Absolutely no logic applies to this film, dont even come with such an expectation




The dampeners you should be aware of:

• I am afraid there are some scenes chopped off for screening in India, as well many swearing words beeped out, spoils the movie experience
• The movie cover many states in the US, though not really showcasing a lot of them

My Rating: 3/5

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

Bangistan

Cast: Riteish Deshmukh,Pulkit Samrat, Kumud Mishra, Jacqueline Fernandez, Chandan Roy Sanyal(Driver) and Arya Babbar
Director: Karan Anshuman
Genre: Crime, Comedy



Absolute waste of time. It doesn't even qualify for a time pass flick.



You may look forward to:

• Riteish Deshmukh, he is a decent actor. Though the story and dialogues were junk, its none of his fault, except for signing on this movie. :) Nevertheless, he did his part well
• Kumud Mishra has a meaty content, in his double role avatar. He looks convincing enough
• Though the role of Chandan Roy Sanyal was limited, he is the only one which makes you laugh a bit

What you can sleep over:

• Lots of over acting delivered by Pulkit Samrat. I wonder how does he bag roles for himself, he never really made any mark with any of his movies so far
• Arya Babbar in his idiot best :) Please spare him :P

The dampeners you should be aware of:

• Jacqueline Fernandez, is such a waste in this film. I am still wondering, why did she sign up for it. No role, nothing! The only possible reason i can figure out is that she is in love with Poland after 'Kick', that could be the only justification to why she accepted this role :P
• The story of the film starts with a good potential. All the sarcastic jokes, and locations and representations were seemingly good, but alas! that last only for first half an hour.  After a while, the story slogs without much of any interesting content, no sense of humor worth enough to even giggle. This movie has nothing to offer beyond trailer. At least the movie didn't give me a headache

My Rating: 2/5

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

Brothers

Cast: Akshay Kumar,Sidharth Malhotra, Jackie Shroff, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shefali Shah, Ashutosh Rana, Kareena Kapoor and Kiran Kumar
Director: Karan Malhotra
Genre: Action, Sport, Drama



If you can survive first half, you wont mind the second. Pass time flick.



You may look forward to:

• Akshay Kumar is the star of the movie. If he wouldn't star, i could not have survived the movie till its end. Its always a pleasure to see him fight, on that the effort gone in building the body, is worth appreciating. Its no six pack abs, but yet worth to drool over :) His appearance is apt and so are his action skills
• I do not personally like the role of Jackie Shroff, but he has acted really well. Its mostly drama for him, but he delivers quite well
• Jacqueline Fernandez is a sweetheart, with zero make up, she yet looks very adorable
• Shefali Shah and Ashutosh Rana, were in good supporting roles. They have a specific well defined caricatures, which they abide by pretty well
• Kiran Kumar has a decent appearance
• The sets are worth appreciation. They don't look artificial, they look pretty good. Nor do the commentators look bad, they do a good job too
• Second half of the movie is yet watchable, it has action and the pace of the movie catches up, drama is low and end is unpredictable. You keep wondering when two leads fight relentlessly, who gives up first. Karan Malhotra manages to keep up with the curiosity till the end

What you can sleep over:

• I expected a lot more from Sidharth Malhotra. I credit him full points for the effort he has put in building his rough and tough looks with toned body. But, he has nothing more to do in the film. He hardly has any dialogue, nor any quality action scenes. All he delivers is one power packed punch and that simply does it, irrespective of who the opponent is. He makes a fool of himself.Alas!
• Jackie Shroff's role as a coach to 'Monty' is just crap, he does nothing in the entire movie except for drama

The dampeners you should be aware of:

• First half of the movie is horribly slow, full of flash back stories, minus any motion
• The songs in the movie are like lullabies. They irritate you and almost puts you to sleep. The only no lullaby song was that of the item number by Kareena Kapoor, and oh my god what a disaster it is. Sad music, sad choreography, and even worse, Kareena Kapoor in her regular cliche item girl avatar, somebody please retire Kareena Kapoor from Bollywood!
• I am still wondering what kind of sport is R2F-Right to fight :P Boxing or wrestling? Lightweight or heavyweight? Its mixed martial arts, but its very bizarre to see some heavy weight fighters fighting with lightweight fighters. On the top of that, no two fighters other than the leads fight with each other. Its always the leads who fight the others. All rules jumbled up, making it a freak show on the face of it
• This movie comes with low entertainment, less impactful drama with a ludicrous presentation of sport

My Rating: 2.5/5

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

The Vatican Tapes

Cast: Olivia Taylor Dudley(Angela),Dougray Scott(Roger), Michael Peña(Father Lozano), John Patrick Amedori(Pete), Peter Andersson(Cardinal Brunn) and Kathleen Robertson(Dr. Richards)
Director: Mark Neveldine
Genre: Horror


Its more of an Anti-Christ movie than a horror kind. I like the end, but for those coming for horror, will be greatly disappointed



You may look forward to:

• Olivia Taylor Dudley is good. One of horror movies, where you see a victim of demonic possession coming out prettier than ever by the end of the film :) She does a good job to what she was given to do
• Dougray Scott and John Patrick Amedori, were important supporting roles. They also did good, less drama and more specific to working things out
• The one good aspect of this horror flick is its end. This is certainly something new to me. Rise of the Anti-Christ and the perception for it was unique. Imagine devil walking the earth in the disguise of a god-man, whom you would want to follow not knowing how tactically it turns you against god in return! One you cannot fight!

What you can sleep over:

• The next major role was that of Michael Peña. I have to say, i am so used to his comic representation, his serious avatar just doesn't sink in
• Peter Andersson and Kathleen Robertson were ok support. They looked very important, but didn't really do much

The dampeners you should be aware of:

Big thumbs down to its horror content. Watch the entire flick with eyes wide open, rest assured, there is not even a single scene even close to spook you out. I wonder what was the director thinking!! It doesn't bore you, but doesn't scare you either.




My Rating: 2.5/5 (Only for its intriguing end)

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

Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation

Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg(Dunn), Rebecca Ferguson(Ilsa), Ving Rhames(Luther), Sean Harris(Lane), Alec Baldwin(Director of CIA) and Simon McBurney(Chief of Mi6)
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Genre: Action, Crime, Adventure



Good watch, keeping the expectations low. Doesn't match the standards set by 'Ghost Protocol'.



You may look forward to:

• Tom Cruise undoubtedly. For his age, he is doing an incredible job to maintain the hype of MI series. He gives you some breath taking action scenes, be it the opening scene of the movie, or the high speed motorbiking on the road, and even some on the edge missions that were  accomplished :) We love you Tom Cruise!! :)
• Simon Pegg has always been one of the important agents aiding 'Hunt'. He has some good content in his role, and he gives you some Hi-Tech mind boggling gadgets as usual, teamed with his skills :)
• Rebecca Ferguson is crazy awesome to look at. Every time that she appears, she is a bomb, by the looks or in action. Her role remains dubious for long, that's what makes her interesting. Though one factor which i failed to understand is why both her and 'Hunt' were flirting on and off with one another, they never declared 'Hunt's' wife dead, did they?? :P
• Alec Baldwin and Simon McBurney have apt supporting roles. Only turn around being people in their incumbencies, are much more smarter, than the way depicted otherwise :)

What you can sleep over:

• Very unfortunate, Jeremy Renner doesn't have much meat in this one. He has no tasks to him, unlike Ghost Protocol. He is just there, thats all!
• Ving Rhames again, potential wasted. He had nothing much to perform
• The humor content of the film, mostly of which is credited to Simon Pegg, is much toned down in this one

The dampeners you should be aware of:

• Sean Harris appeared to be a tough nut to crack. Alas! It was pretty easy for Hunt to get a hold of him in the climax. He could have been a lot better than this. Again what I failed to understand is why was Lane after all shooting Hunt in the final scenes, when Hunt was an asset to him, without whom he couldn't access the money!!
• I just couldn't appreciate the end. Unlike MI series, it is quite dull and non happening. The amount of Hi-Tech gadgets were far less, the moments of foot in the mouth action scenes were less again
• This movie fails my expectations. However, with toned down hope, this qualifies for a good weekend watch :)

My Rating: 3/5

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

Southpaw

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker(Titus), Rachel McAdams(Maureen), Miguel Gomez(Escobar) and Oona Laurence(Leila)
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Genre: Action, Sport, Drama



Not worth its hard hitting outlook. Not a bad watch either. Definitely not for all audience.




You may look forward to:

• Jake Gyllenhaal blows me away every time he is on screen. Does a very few movies but comes out completely revamped every time. From skinny and cold attitude in his last movie 'Nightcrawler' to this one where he is bulked up and tempered lightweight boxing champion. His every streak is amazing. Watch out the movie only for him
• Rachel McAdams is hardly there for a few scenes, but she is just omnipresent even after her death in the film. She is by all means the female lead of the film
• Miguel Gomez is good. Antagonist well played
• Oona Laurence plays a significant role, her story is pretty well written and she plays it really well. A daughter who goes through extreme emotions, from riches to the rags, from both the parents to almost an orphan, wonderfully played

What you can sleep over:

Forest Whitaker is the most essential support to the lead. He although has more emotional scenes than that of a boxing coach



The dampeners you should be aware of:

• The camera work in the final match wasn't good enough to catch your attention and grip you until the match lasts. You feel no heat in the finals scenes
• The story is very average. Nothing like we haven't seen in movies of such genre. Yesteryear's champion loses the title for a personal cause and then revives it back with the help of a coach rediscovered. What is new in the story? Very predictable and dull. On the top of which the movie is unnecessarily lengthy and slow

My Rating: 3/5 (Only for Jake Gyllenhaal)

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

Masaan

Cast: Richa Chadda, Vicky Kaushal(Deepak), Sanjay Mishra, Shweta Tripathi(Shalu),Pankaj Tripathi(Sadhya) and Nikhil Sahni(Jhonta)
Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
Genre: Drama



Off beat, yes; quality watch, no! It is strictly a pass time flick!



You may look forward to:

• Richa Chadda and Vicky Kaushal, are the leads of the film in two parallel running stories.Vicky Kaushal in particular gives out a fab performance, he has more diverse expressions. While Richa Chadda is good in her defined role
• Sanjay Mishra is a class apart actor. He can pull off serious roles as confidently as comedy. In here as father, vulnerability of the character is depicted beautifully by him
• Shweta Tripathi,Pankaj Tripathi and Nikhil Sahni in brief supports. The most empathized role being that of Pankaj Tripathi's :) Nikhil Sahni is adorable and so is Shweta Tripathi
• This movie is watchable for the performances only, that of which too is nothing extra ordinary

What you can sleep over:

Direction. I believe a better direction could have changed the face of this film. This was a very average directed movie



The dampeners you should be aware of:

• The story of the film is very passe. Small town love, cliche; filled with some slightly forced tragedies, doesn't make up for a good a story. There are many faces of tragedy apart from death alone. If people dying could make up for a quality story, in that case, every action movie will qualify for one :) Bottom line, not every off beat movie is a quality watch
• The feel of the movie just leaves you depressed by the end of it. You wonder what did you gain out of this flick. No entertainment, minus any quality story with some ok to do performances, none to boast about!

My Rating: 2.5/5

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

Drishyam

Cast: Ajay Devgan, Shriya Saran, Tabu, Rajat Kapoor,Ishita Dutta(Elder Daughter),Mrinal Jadhav(Younger Daughter) and Kamlesh Sawant(Gaitonde)
Director: Nishikant Kamat
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama, Mystery



Gripping thriller, a must watch! This movie is sure to leave lasting impact on your head.




You may look forward to:

• Nishikant Kamat is the hero of this movie. The way this one is directed is absolutely amazing. I am not sure, if the direction also follows from the original Malyalam movie or not, but i just cant stop praising the way this story is presented. Excellent editing and frame by frame neatly put together
• The story of the film engages Ajay Devgan in each and every frame. The role that Ajay Devgan has performed impeccably must not have been as easy job on him, knowing this movie is a hit the many times it was remade. Round of applauds to him!
• The script writer is the person next to be credited for. The meticulously edited script where the audience knows most of the truth, and yet, there are much more to be revealed. Literally expect the unexpected. You as audience will think you mostly know it all, but director and editor has done a fab job in surprising the audience time and again. Also the humor content of the movie is totally subtle and well placed
• Second half of the movie is the best part of the film. Its a rip off in its second half. Every minute is gripping till its last scene
• Tabu looked her best to her perfection. She is one actress who never fails to chose her roles. She gains much respect with every role she plays, none of them are way too experimental but they are always strong scripts for her. I doubt anyone else could fit in this role better than her
• Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor, have their own specific place in this story. Shriya looks beautiful and plays exactly what she is required to, nothing less nor overdone. Rajat Kapoor maintains the niche position he has in the film industry with this one as well!
• Kamlesh Sawant is my personal favorite character :) This guy is amazing with expressions. He makes you laugh and he as well makes you hate him. He is one important role you just cant help talking about as you walk out of the theater :)
• Ishita Dutta and Mrinal Jadhav, were amazing in their own roles. While Ishita Dutta must have grabbed attention from many of her male audience, on the other, Mrinal Jadhav earns lots of accolades for her undaunted acting skills :) 
• Another positive about the movie is there are absolutely no unwanted songs in the entire film

What you can sleep over:

The first half of the movie is mostly event less. Those who hits the theater with a lot of expectations, may just not enjoy the first half of the movie. But then i don't count this in minus, simply  because, the first half was a build up, much necessary for its second half. Though it was bit too lengthy, i agree!

The dampeners you should be aware of:

• There are not really many minuses in this film which is already a work of perfection after these many remakes. However the length of the movie could be reduced. Where the second half was totally amazing, many scenes from the first half could be cut short
• One another undigested factor of the story being, that the character of 'Tabu' searching for her lost son, doesn't look desperate enough. She sticks to the one family based on her hunch with all her focus, as the many days just rolls by, she makes no other attempt in looking for her son by hunting for other clues and broader means
• Also explanation to one aspect isn't clear, as to whom does 'Vijay' hint to call through his brother in law, in case family is arrested by cops. Possibly media, but remains unclear!

My Rating: 4/5

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