Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

Insidious: Chapter 3 review.

My Ratings: 3.1/5.

The ‘Insidious’ horror franchise returns to haunt us once again and this time, since it’s the third installment it’s called Insidious: Chapter 3 (isn’t the name too obvious?).

insidious-chapter-three-poster2In the last two films Insidious and Insidious: Chapter 2 we have seen the Lambert family being repeatedly tormented by supernatural entities and an old psychic lady named Elise Rainier helping them out.

But in this third episode (chapter 3) we get to see from where it all started; it’s a prequel to the first two installments.  

Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye), the psychic lady is contacted by Sean Brenner (Dermot Mulroney), the father of a teenage girl Quinn Brenner (Stefanie Scott) whose life is in danger.

insidious-chapter-three-poster3The young girl’s boyfriend goes to his grandma’s house and never comes back and on top of that she is in dominance of a dangerous muddy-feet demon who also suffers from some breathing problem!

Gifted with the ability to visit a place called ‘The Further‘ and contact the dead, Elise Rainier tries her best to relieve the girl from her demon-miseries. Though reluctant and afraid to use her special powers in the beginning, Elise soon manages to gather enough strength to face the evil forces.

While at it Elise also gets to say hello to the Lipstick Face demon, The Bride in Black, and the Long-Haired Fiend – all these ghosts have already appeared in the first two ‘Insidious’ films!

insidious-chapter-three-poster1Insidious: Chapter 3 is scary in bit’s and pieces; a few perfect jump-scares with sudden loud sound-shocks does make the experience worth for the horror junkies.

But the overall film doesn’t really make you feel awesome; especially the ending could have been much better.

This is the first Insidious film not directed by James Wan (since he was busy directing Furious Seven). And so debutant director Leigh Whannell does the job and does it pretty well.

If you are ready to forget the story and simply enjoy a few scares in the dark – Insidious: Chapter 3 does the job.

P.S. – You don’t need to see the first two chapters to get a better understanding of this film since story-wise nothing is connected as such.

Spy (2015)

Spy review.

My ratings: 3.4/5.

Comic spy movies tend to guarantee a few dedicated laughs since the audience unknowingly compares them with the James Bond films and enjoy the satire.

Be it the clumsy Rowan Atkinson as Johnny English or the overconfident Mike Myers in the Austin Powers series or the pseudo-intellectual Steve Carell in Get Smart – their ignorance of espionage has always been a bliss for the audience.

spy-posterBut this week’s release Spy is different from all the other spy-spoofs since Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy who is THE spy in the film) does her job really well! 

She proves herself to be the most competent spy; witty, good in hand-to-hand action, aims perfectly while shooting and knows how to mingle in the crowd (undercover as they say).

Despite of not having any fancy spy gadgets or super-cars this CIA analyst is ready to take on some of the deadliest arm dealers and finally save the world.

So where is the comedy in this?

Well, the laughs in the film are mostly related to the unapologetic dialogues (or should i say very innovative profanities) and also the sheer fact that Melissa McCarthy is the most overweight spy ever!

spy-SPY_VerA_PosterR2_sRGB_rgb-691x1024Now a super-curvy lady-spy trotting around places following potential assassins in stupid disguises and hurling curse words at everybody around may not have pulled the film through but then Jude Law and Jason Statham comes to the rescue.

And then again they have a buffer comic line up as Rose ByrneMiranda Hart and Peter Serafinowicz (he really knows how to give a compliment to a lady!).

On the whole Paul Feig, the director of previous comedies like The Heat (2013) and Bridesmaids (2011) have fairly managed to entertain the audience for most of the 120 mins.

Very slapstick, insanely gross dialogues and one sexy Nargis Fakhri

Are you interested?

Serial Killer films – based on true stories (10+1list)

Serial Killer films – based on true stories.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Serial killers are extremely intelligent individuals, most often masked by a superficial friendly and charming personality but deep inside they are sadistic psychopaths who murders randomly without any personal motives.

Cold blooded killers who simply cannot resist the urge to take someone’s life.

But these serial murderers have always been given enough media coverage and some of the most spine chilling films are made, based on their deranged lives (fictions, nonfictions and docu-dramas).

Here is a list of films dramatized on the real lives of some of the most notorious serial killers ever existed!

1. Jack the Ripper (1988)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJSpZT8IjE0

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Direccted by David Wickes, in this film Michael Caine is in search of the infamous Jack the ripper

In 1888, in the Whitechapel district of London several prostitutes were ripped open by a vicious serial killer, their throats cut open and internal organs removed.

One of the most gruesome killers of all time, never been caught!

Some other films based on Jack the ripper are From Hell (2001) starring Johnny DeppThe Lodger (1927), Murder by Decree (1979).

2. To Catch a Killer (1992)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv-j1K4n-4Q

To-Catch-a-Killer-Poster

Directed by Eric TillBrian Dennehy plays the notorious American killer John Wayne Gacy.

He would either lure his victims or kidnap them by force into his Chicago home, then would rape/sexually assault and murder them.

Convicted of 33 murders (all teenage boys and young men) in between a period of 6 years.

3. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU3P6WXzvXU

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Michael Rooker plays the ruthless serial killer Henry Lee Lucas in this film directed by John McNaughton.

Regarded as one of America’s most prolific murderer, Henry was finally convicted of killing 11 people but it was believe that he killed many others.

At a very young age he murdered his own Mom and went on killing whenever he felt like it!

4. The Stoneman Murders (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNj4SxVqdag

The-Stoneman-Murders-poster

In the year 1985 (Mumbai) and then in1989 (Kolkata) some unidentified Indian serial killer(s) murdered at least 13 homeless people in their sleep.

The killer would crush the head of his victim with a stone weighing as much as 30 kg!

Directed by Manish Gupta, starring Kay Kay Menon and Arbaaz Khan the film dramatizes these killings.

5. Zodiac (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6q_MfcDEEE

zodiac-posterJake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo starring in this tensed mystery-drama directed by David Fincher.

A serial killer from California who named himself ‘zodiac’ and boasted to have killed 37 people in his open letters written to the newspapers!

Confirmed to kill 4 men and 3 women, the killer’s identity still remains unknown.

6. Citizen X (1995)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYtvCXrVsrM

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The infamous Soviet serial killer Andrei Chikatilo, who committed sexual assault, mutilation and murder of 56 women (mostly under the age of 17)! 

Probably the most vicious killer who was convicted to 52 murders.

Directed by Chris Gerolmo, playing Stephen ReaDonald Sutherland and Max von Sydow the film depicts the difficulties of catching a murderer in the-then communist Russia.  

7. Summer of Sam (1999)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a-E4Q9CHSk

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David Richard Berkowitz also nown as the ‘Son of Sam’ and the ‘.44 Caliber Killer’ who began a shooting spree in New York on the summer of 1977.

He killed 6 victims and wounded 7 and also used to sent mocking letters to the police boasting about his misdeeds. 

Spike Lee‘s thriller is a superb dramatization of that era.

8. M (1931)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIj3Bk0bhL8

M-poster

Fritz Lang directed film starring Peter Lorre as the notorious child murderer (probably the first film shot on such a sensitive topic).

The film is based on the 1920’s German serial killer named Peter Kürten (also known as ‘The Vampire of Düsseldorf’) who molested and murdered young children.

Confessed of 79 offenses, Kürten also admitted to drinking blood of at least one of his victims!

9. The Deliberate Stranger (1986)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaoBDMyo98M

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Ted Bundy, the most charismatic serial killer ever! A kidnapper, rapist, and necrophile who assaulted and murdered more than 30 young women in America. 

He would gain trust of his young female victims, trick them to his car and then kidnap them for his sadistic motives.

Directed by Marvin J. ChomskyMark Harmon plays the deceptive Bundy in the film. 

10. Vengeance is Mine (1979)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk81j7Sm5IY

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Directed by Shôhei Imamura, the film is based on the life of Akira Nishiguchi, the legendary Japanese serial killer played by Ken Ogata.

A middle-aged man who was a clever con artist and a cold blooded murderer.

He killed 2 people and became the most wanted criminal, then he murdered another 3 while escaping from the police!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most unique one. A must watch).

+1. Psycho (1960)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG3-GlvKPcg

psycho-posterAlfred Hitchcock‘s most talked-about film starring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh was developed on serial killer Ed Gein‘s mysterious life.

The secluded man who not only murdered woman but also kept their skulls, bones and skins as trophies and made bowls, lamp-sheds, belts, baskets and masks out of them.

After his mother’s death, Gein began to create a ‘woman suit’ (stitching dead woman’s skin) so that he could become his mother!

Some other films based on Ed Gein are The Silence of the Lambs (1991), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), Ed Gein (2000) and Deranged: Confessions of a Necrophile (1974).

Best Modern Black and White movies (10+1list)

Best Modern Black and White movies

written by Souranath Banerjee.

The transition of Cinema from ‘black and white’ to ‘color’ is a unique evolutionary process that took years of experimentation.

Evidently in Europe (specifically in U.k and France), as early as in the beginning of 1900, the first few colored footage were made; they were mostly hand-colored short films. Then in 1914, in U.K Natural Color Kinematograph Company made the first ever full length feature film in color named The World, the Flesh and the Devil. 

In 1918 Cupid Angling was made in US by Douglass Natural Color The-Wizard-of-Oz-posterFilm Inc. which is the first American ‘colored’ feature. Then of course The Wizard of Oz (1939) and Gone with the Wind (1939) established the era of colorful films.

Eventually the dominance of ‘black and white’ films faded away and cinema was full of colors! By the late 60s only a handful of black and white films are made each year.

Nowadays the black and white medium is regarded as a rare artistic choice for stylized visuals, or specifically used to portray a certain desired mood/emotion.

And now, the list contains some of the Best Modern Black and White movies. Enjoy!

10. Pi (1998)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo18VIoR2xU

pi-poster

Darren Aronofsky‘s first feature and an amazing black and white thriller.

A paranoid mathematician who tries to unlock nature’s universal patterns with the help of the magic number Pi!

Matthew Libatique shot the dark contrast images and successfully creates the gritty atmosphere needed for the film.

9. Nebraska (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT5tqPojMtg

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Oscar nominated film (nominated in six categories including ‘best film’, ‘best director’ and ‘best cinematographer’).

Directed by Alexander Payne, this black and white road movie is wonderfully shot by Phedon Papamichael.

An emotional yet humorous father-son relationship like never seen before.

8. Frances Ha (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBn5dgXFMis

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Noah Baumbach presents one of the most endearing and funny film of recent times. 

A black and white comedy drama that tells the entertaining tale of an ordinary New York girl named Frances. She is quirky, childlike and sometimes a bit immature as well.

Beautifully shot by Sam Levy, the film is as spontaneous and free-spirited as it’s leading lady.

7. The Turin Horse (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNkN_xCXozw

turin-horse-poster

From the master directors Béla Tarr and co-director Ágnes Hranitzky this one is an unique film with very less dialogues and absolutely brilliant visuals. 

Shot by Fred Kelemen, the film has long takes that meticulously portrays the struggle of each and every character.

Rural settings with harsh climate – black and white imagery at it’s best.

6. Coffee and Cigarettes (2003)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_7uQsP2TBk

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A series of short, single location films based on people interaction which all have coffee and cigarettes in common!

One of the coolest films ever, directed by Jim Jarmusch with unique casting for each segment.

A black and white film that uses the checker tables, the black coffee and the white cigarette smoke to it’s best advantage.

5. Control (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c2_B_cWK_M

control-poster

A biography of the famous lead singer of the band Joy Division – Ian Curtis.

Directed by Anton Corbijn, the film depicts the troubled life of the musical genius which ended at the young age of 23 (he committed suicide).

The film is a simple yet stylized series of black and white visuals shot brilliantly by Martin Ruhe.

4. The Artist (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK7pfLlsUQM

Artist-poster

Nominated for the Oscars in 10 categories and winning 5 awards including the ‘Best Motion Picture of the Year’, ‘best direction’ and ‘best actor’!

A black and white film directed by Michel Hazanavicius that is arty as well as highly entertaining.

Shot by Guillaume Schiffman (oscar nominated), the film is a treat for all black and white cinema lovers!

3. Ida (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xyxFsg_rrY

ida-poster

The Oscar winner in the ‘best foreign film category’.

Pawel Pawlikowski direction and amazing cinematography by Ryszard Lenczewski and Lukasz Zal.

The film is uniquely in square format (aspect ratio 1.33 : 1) and interestingly most of the frames have huge amount of negative space on the top. A must see.

2. Schindler’s List (1993)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdRGC-w9syA

schindlers-list-poster

Probably the most popular black and white film of our times.

Directed by Steven Spielberg the film is a biography on Oskar Schindler’s life who helped the Jews and saved many lives during the Nazi invasion of Poland in the World War II. 

Shot by Janusz Kaminski this film has so strong imagery that one could never forget in their lives.

1. The White Ribbon (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KJKvvvxY74

white-ribbon-poster

A little peaceful village haunted by a series of awful murders!

Directed by the acclaimed German director Michael Haneke, this film is a superb psychological mystery drama.

A black and white classic shot by Christian Berger, the film was also nominated in the Oscars for the Best Achievement in Cinematography category!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most unique and cool one. A must watch).

+1. Sin City (2005)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2Dj6ktPU5c

sin-city-posterIf you want to use the word ‘stylized’ to define a film – this is the one.

Super cool visuals straight from Frank Miller‘s comic book pages, the film is an epic is it’s dark and violent story telling.

Directed by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez (he also shot the film), the most stylish black and white film ever.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Jurassic World (2015)

Jurassic World review.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

My ratings: 3.8/5.

“We’re talking about an animal here.” – “A highly intelligent animal.”

“She is not eating them, she’s killing for sport.”

“Something is wrong. They’re communicating.”

Well, these are some of the dialogues in the film (even revealed in the film trailer if you remember) just to give you the basic idea of what a bad-ass dinosaur we are dealing with this time.

jurassic-world-poster4She is called the Indominus Rex (yes it’s a ‘she’). Primarily a mix breed of T-Rex and Velociraptor; which also has a bit of cuttle-fish DNA (so she can camouflage), and some amphibian DNA as well (capable of changing body temperature at will). And she also happens to be a killing machine!

Oh ya! Jurassic World the fourth franchise of the famous dino-saga is back and this time it’s bigger, though i won’t say it’s better but definitely ‘with more teeth’.

Steven Spielberg came out with the epic Jurassic Park way back in 1993 and it was a sensational experience (the best dinosaur film till date). And then followed The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) and Jurassic Park III (2001).

jurassic-world-poster5And now after a gap of almost fifteen years Colin Trevorrow brings us the dinosaur theme park – the ‘Lost World’ where researchers have managed to create genetically evolved creatures from the past who are more intelligent, more dangerous and supposed to be more entertaining.

These prehistoric hybrid monsters are the star attractions of the park and people buy tickets to watch them feed and they can even take a ride with their favorite dinosaurs in a special car called The Gyrosphere.

John Hammond’s dream for a “Jurassic Park” finally becomes a reality in this film. (RIP Richard Attenborough)

jurassic-world-poster3But then (though predictable enough) the most evil creation of the park (the Indominus Rex) escapes from her captivity and causes extreme havoc that lasts for a good entertaining 124 mins.   

The star cast is good and to-the-point – Chris Pratt the raptor-tamer, Bryce Dallas Howard the non-emotional business woman turned emotional savior, Vincent D’Onofrio the bad guy, Nick Robinson and Ty Simpkins the adventurous brothers to be rescued. 

Grand music by Michael Giacchino and superb visuals shot by John Schwartzman.

jurassic-world-poster1Overall a racy story-line, exciting chase sequences, dinosaurs killing humans, dinosaurs killing dinosaurs and superb VFX.

But when compared to the original Jurassic Park (since this one claims to be a direct sequel to it) Jurassic World falls short as it tries to show the emotional bonding of the main characters who are destined for not-to-be-eaten till the end credit rolls.

Watch Jurassic World in the biggest screen possible, keep your 3D glasses handy and enjoy the feeding frenzy of your favorite dinosaurs.

And for Irrfan Khan, helicopters may not be the ideal transport option.

What We Did on Our Holiday (2014)

What We Did on Our Holiday review.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

My Ratings: 3.7/5.

What We Did on Our Holiday is a light-hearted comedy mostly based on witty dialogues and funny character tantrums.

What-We-Did-on-Our-Holiday-PosterA family trip to Scotland, ailing grandpa’s birthday celebration, parents in the verge of getting a divorce; and in the midst of all these – three adorable kids having the most eventful holiday ever!

Directed by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin What We Did on Our Holiday is a sarcastic take on the so-called-adult-world, mirrored through the eyes of the three little children.

The casting is neat and appropriate. Recently Oscar nominated actress Rosamund Pike (a bit underutilized though) paired with the funny man David TennantBilly Connolly the perfect rebellious Grandpa and the hilarious couple Ben Miller and Amelia Bullmore.

But the real stars of the film are the three kids who have acted brilliantly – Emilia Jones, Bobby Smalldridge and Harriet Turnbull. They are so spontaneous and natural; undoubtedly the life of this film.

What-We-Did-on-Our-Holiday-poster2The freshness of the blissful beaches of Scotland, the curious looking Ostriches, the vulnerable and confused adults and the innocent loving children – they make What We Did on Our Holiday the perfect family drama (of course sparing the few occasional curse words).

A superb build-up, an unpredictable middle but the ending was kind of weak and cliched.

On the whole What We Did on Our Holiday is a good entertainer, both humorous and British!

P.S – It’s a very irritating experience as an audience if the dialogues are repeatedly muted to avoid the use of the few curse words (which actually adds humor to the film’s script). If someday the righteous Indian Censor board should consider screening Martin Scorsese‘s Goodfellas (1990) i am sure it will end up being a silent film!

Best of Martin Scorsese

Best of Martin Scorsese.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Superlative adjectives like ‘most significant’, ‘most influential’, ‘the best director of our times’, ‘the greatest storyteller’, all begin to make sense when used in context of the one and only – Martin Scorsese.

The man with thick black, bushy eyebrows who has managed to won every prestigious awards that exists in this world (Academy Award, a Palme d’OrCannes Film Festival Best Director AwardSilver LionGrammy AwardEmmysGolden GlobesBAFTAsDGA Awards and even the AFI Life Achievement Award).

Directed almost 60 films till date, Scorsese is also renowned as a producer, screenwriter, actor, and film historian.

His innovative styles of filmmaking are taught in every film-school all over the world; one of the very few directors whose films are both commercially and critically acclaimed.

Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprioHarvey Keitel are some of the actors with whom Martin Scorsese has worked the most and together they created some legendary cinema.

But for now i have listed some of his best feature films (no shorts or documentaries in this list).

Let the fun begin.

1. The Departed (2006)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auYbpnEwBBg

departed-poster

A remake of Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs (2002), an ultimate game of deceit between an cop and a mole in the police department. 

Along with Leonardo DiCaprio we have Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson, what a combination of actors and such brilliant performances!

Four Oscar wins including best director award for Scorsese.

2. Casino (1995)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJXDMwGWhoA

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Robert De NiroSharon Stone (got an Academy Award nomination for her role) and of course Joe Pesci – and a hard hitting story of power and greed.

One of the most violent films that Scorsese ever made and it’s also the eighth and final collaboration with Robert De Niro

Best Casino drama ever!

3. Gangs of New York (2002)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5YmI2PW9R8

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Nominated in ten categories in the Oscars, an extraordinary period film that has it’s own cult following.

Leonardo DiCaprioCameron Diaz and  Daniel Day-Lewis (as Bill ‘The Butcher’) at their very best.

A revenge drama; a boy who returns to kill his father’s murderer.

And also with this film starts the actor/director bonding between DiCaprio and Scorsese.

4. Mean Streets (1973)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCwjzn0CncA

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One of Scorsese’s earliest classics and in this one Scorsese works with Robert De Niro for the first time.

Harvey Keitel along with David Proval gives terrific performances. 

A gang of friends, small time hoods who hustle and try to make a living in the mean streets of New York.

Extensive use of hand-held camera and also camera-strapped-to-the-body technique for drunken effect.

5. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idAVRvQeYAE

The-Wolf-of-Wall-Street-PosterFive Oscar nominations and the most entertaining film of recent times!

Leonardo DiCaprio along with Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey gives out their best.

Based on a wealthy stockbroker Jordan Belfort’s exciting life, the film is a roller-coaster ride of unlimited money, crime, drugs, sex, corruption and sheer madness.  

6. Goodfellas (1990)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo5jJpHtI1Y

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Six Academy Award nominations and Joe Pesci winning the Oscar in the ‘best actor in a supporting role’ category. 

Outstanding performance by Robert De Niro and for Ray Liotta – his best role ever. 

Based on the life of Henry Hill, this film is regarded as one of the greatest gangster drama. Extreme use of curse words and violence but highly entertaining as well.

7. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJKxg4p-Alk

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Controversial yet brilliant, this one is Scorsese’s most courageous project till date.

Willem Dafoe superbly portrays the pain and joy of Christ. Harvey Keitel and Barbara Hershey at their best. 

Based on Nikos Kazantzakis‘s novel, the story of Christ and his last and final temptation on the cross. 

8. The King of Comedy (1982)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wVhCCo02P4

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An ambitious comedian who disrupts  famous celebrity Jerry Lewis‘s private life.

This film is very different from Scorsese’s general trend; a perfect black comedy with subtle dialogues and awesome acting.

According to Scorsese himself this was Robert De Niro‘s best performance under his direction.

9. The Aviator (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FebPJlmgldE

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A take on the life of eccentric genius film director Howard Hughes who is also ‘the aviator’!

Leonardo DiCaprioCate Blanchett (won the Oscar as the best supporting actress) and Kate Beckinsale have given their best. Acting debut of singer Gwen Stefani as well.

A biopic that had total eleven Oscar nominations and five wins!

10. Raging Bull (1980)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiVOwxsa4OM

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Robert De Niro plays the famous boxer Jake LaMotta (for which he won the best actor Oscar) and Joe Pesci (his brother) and Cathy Moriarty (his wife).

Best boxing movie ever made which had eight Oscar nominations and two wins.

De Niro gained a record 60 pounds to look the part. A violent life both in and out of the ring portrayed to perfection.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most unique and crazy one. A must watch).

+1. Taxi Driver (1976)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cujiHDeqnHY

taxidriver-posterA mentally unstable Vietnam war veteran, a nighttime taxi driver in New York, an obsessed man with a mission, a violent man with good intentions. 

Robert De Niro nominated for the Academy Awards, undoubtedly best performance of his lifetime. Jodie Foster and Harvey Keitel at their best.

The director won the prestigious Palme d’Or award for this film.

San Andreas (2015)

San Andreas film review.

My Ratings: 3.5/5.

San Andreas staring Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino is the latest ‘disaster flick’ in town.

A deadly combination of earthquake, tsunami and VFX; our mother-earth opening up and swallowing it’s children, skyscrapers tumbling down without the slightest hesitation, gigantic waves sweeping away the secondary characters, cities wrecked, people slaughtered.

san-andreas-poster2Directed by Brad Peyton San Andreas is the perfect picture of havoc and destruction and we, the audience are thrilled by it.

Actually such ‘disaster’ films give us the satisfaction of experiencing a carnage without actually being a part of it; one feels the relief of being safe and acknowledges the somewhat unconscious gratification of leading a comfortable life.

But then again, these catastrophic films always tend to follow a few common plot points for success and San Andreas is no exception. For example:

1. Preference of muscles over emotions: A protective husband, an emotional father, a loving and caring man who can do anything for his family when put in crisis – that’s all fine but do you have enough muscles?

In order to rescue your family-members in time of such epic natural adversities, you must cast people who are ‘Rock’ solid in the muscle department (who better than Dwayne Johnson). I personally feel sorry for all those real-life fathers who wish to protect their children but doesn’t go to the gym that often!

2. A love story in the midst of all the danger: A smart/sexy girl gets stuck, desperately needs help and eventually gets rescued by her super-daddy (of course). But before all that drama, she has to fall in love with a guy (who generally is the helpful-decent type) and their sweet love story will give the audience the much needed breathing space from all the tension and destruction around. Alexandra Daddario is the perfect young, sexy girl in trouble and Hugo Johnstone-Burt becomes the dependable chap to fall for.  

3. The geeky narrator: There will be this guy (generally some professor or computer expert by profession) whose role is to predict the intensity of the disaster and keep on repeating how epic and dangerous the situation can get; basically scaring the shit out of the audience. In San Andreas we have Paul Giamatti doing exactly that. He also takes great catches when small children are thrown at him!

san-andreas-poster34. A selfish guy who is really selfish: Have to have a character who will be a complete contrast to the protagonist. He will only think of himself and even deliberately put other’s lives in danger; basically an asshole. These characters elevate the intensity of the selfless acts and gestures put together by our Hero. Ioan Gruffudd is that guy who gets to take the blame in San Andreas.

5. The VFX becomes a primary character: The use of visual effects in almost each and every shot has become a necessity for such modern-day ‘disaster’ film’s success. The realistic feel of danger and calamity can only be experienced with the help of such super-detailed effects punched with loud background music (chance of a mild headache after the show). And then the 3D glasses enhance the experience further.

Stereotyped may be, logical may not be, but at the end of the day San Andreas (which is actually the name of a earthquake-porne fault line that runs through California) is exactly the film that it promises to be. Tension, action, effects and a racy story line – overall a good entertainer.

If you like this genre, you will definitely like San Andreas.