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Best Comedy Films of recent times (10+1list)

Best Comedy Films of recent times

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Comedy Films of recent times: Overdose of sex and violence. Overdramatic celebrities and never-ending super-hero battles. Best-Comedy-FilmsExcessive use of computer graphics and 3D glasses. At the end of the day it all feels so artificial and commercial and unreal.

Sometimes all you want is a good sensible film with believable characters and a realistic story line, an easy going comedy that simply makes you laugh – but nowadays such movies are pretty hard to find.

Well, you don’t have to look any further!

Here’s a list of the Best Comedy Films of recent times which will simply make your day a happy one! Enjoy.

10. Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6raUs0CiCQ

Best-Comedy-FilmsA cool freshman pitcher who steers his way through various new life experiences, making friends and finding love!

(Film Review)

Directed by Richard Linklater, a classic take on college bonding!

May be considered as a continuation to either Dazed and Confused (1993) or may be even a follow-up of Boyhood (2014).

9. Captain Fantastic (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1kH4OMIOMc

Best-Comedy-FilmsResiding inside a forest, a devoted father has a very different idea of parenting (home schooling his children). But his life philosophies are soon challenged by the regular norms of our modern society!

Directed by Matt Ross, a brilliant comedy with such a powerful embedded meaning to it all.

This movie though pretty differently conceptualized still reminds me of Little Miss Sunshine (2006).

8. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zru-1DbbcsA

Best-Comedy-FilmsThe epic story of a legendary concierge and his lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend!

(Film Review)

Memorable performances by Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray AbrahamAdrien BrodyJude LawBill MurrayEdward NortonHarvey KeitelWillem Dafoe and Tilda Swinton among others.

Directed by Wes Anderson, by far the most stylish comedy I have seen!

7. The Lobster (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU29VfayDMw

Best-Comedy-FilmsAn extremely twisted and dark Greek comedy set in a dystopian near future where being single is forbidden by the laws of The City!

(Film Review)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, and starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Léa Seydoux, John C. Reilly and Ben Whishaw among others; a gem of a comedy, quirky and entertaining in the best way possible!

6. The Nice Guys (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVd-EuoEf3U

Best-Comedy-FilmsA missing girl and a dead porn star kicks off an investigation lead by a mismatched pair of private detectives none other than Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling.

Directed by Shane Black, underrated and yet a superbly subtle and dark, often a bit violent but overall a solid comedy that perfectly sets up the mood for some good laughs. Cool performance by Angourie Rice.

5. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

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

Best-Comedy-FilmsBowled over by this brilliant vampire comedy where a documentary team follows a group of vampires trying to make a sense of their unique lifestyle!

Directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, this film from New Zealand has such a unique concept and some of the most funny characters, dialogues and situations that guarantees a continuous flow of laughter!

4. Deadpool (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xithigfg7dA

Best-Comedy-FilmsPersonally not a fan of superhero flicks but this one is special!

Directed by Tim Miller, Ryan Reynolds comes out as the most witty and raunchy superhero ever and that too with a quest for vengeance.

(Film Review)

Hilarious dialogues with perfect comedy timing, complimented by lot of violence and foul language! Eagerly waiting for the sequel Deadpool 2 (2018).

3. Frances Ha (2012)

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

Best-Comedy-Films

The combination of director Noah Baumbach and actress Greta Gerwig presents one of the most endearing film of recent times! 

A brilliant black and white comedy drama that tells the tale of an ordinary yet hilarious New York girl named Frances. She is quirky, childlike but superbly entertaining!

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

Don’t miss another cool comedy from the same director-actress combo is Mistress America.

2. The Hangover (2009) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcdUhdOlz9M

Best-Comedy-FilmsThe most commercially popular Hollywood comedy of this decade and certainly one of the best laugh riots ever made!

Directed by Todd Phillips, the story of four friends and their memorable bachelor party in Las Vegas of which they don’t seem to remember anything!

Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Justin Bartha – they absolutely rock the show!

Don’t you miss out the two awesome sequels The Hangover Part II (2011) and The Hangover Part III (2013)

  1. The Intouchables (2011) 

Intouchables (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34WIbmXkewU

Best-Comedy-FilmsThis french film is about a young man from a difficult background who takes up a job to look after a rich paralytic aristocrat – and then of course it’s about their eventual bond of friendship.

Directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, and such brilliant performances by François Cluzet and Omar Sy; this film is undoubtedly the best comedy film of this era!

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

+1. A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)

En duva satt på en gren och funderade på tillvaron (original title) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7pna4laaAk

Best-Comedy-FilmsThis Swedish film is an altogether different kind of comedy (don’t expect any periodical gags or laughs), this is humor so dry and often tragic even!

Directed by acclaimed Roy Andersson, a series of absurdist episodes maintaining a thin line between reality and fantasy, apparently nonsense but then again it’s deeply philosophical, in a way questioning the very essence of our human existence!

Similar Interest: Best horror Comedies

Similar Interest: Best Bollywood Comedy Dramas of 2015

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

Best Horror Comedies (10+1list)

Best horror Comedies

written by Souranath Banerjee

When two completely different genres intermingle and their individual flavours get infused into one – something very special happens and the Cinema-lovers rejoice!

Quality Horror Comedies actually work both ways – they not only make fun of the typical horror genres being the perfect spoofs (be it the vampires, zombies or the werewolves) but they also have a few scenes that has the potential to scare you for real.

So it’s Horror + Comedy – let the list begin!

10. Army of Darkness (1992)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vvJCg2JsIc

Best-horror-ComediesThis is one frightfully hilarious horror-comedy that has also brilliantly clubbed the themes of time-travel and fantasy!

A unique case of accidental back in time transportation of Ash (Bruce Campbell) and his battle with an entire army of zombies in order to return back to the present!

Directed by Sam Raimi, you shouldn’t miss this one.

9. Dead Alive (1992)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8LIug1cP04

Best-horror-ComediesHave you ever heard of a Sumatran rat-monkey and what happens if it bites you? Does it make you sick or kill you and then make you alive – again?

Well, to know more on this topic please watch this brilliant horror-comedy by the acclaimed director Peter Jackson.

How exactly can you kill somebody who is already dead – huh?

8. Warm Bodies (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07s-cNFffDM

Best-horror-ComediesA cute perfect zombie love story! What?

This is probably one of the very few love stories based on the relationship between a human (girl) and a zombie (boy) – and how they together are determined to save the world.   

Directed by Jonathan Levine, one of the most innovative horror comedy ever!

7. Young Frankenstein (1974)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL9Q_0JtMNA

Best-horror-Comedies

Directed by acclaimed director Mel Brooks, this film is about a mad scientist who managed to bring back the dead!

The classic story of Frankenstein retold in a brilliantly humorous fashion, starring  Gene Wilder,  Madeline Kahn,  Marty Feldman.

A spoof so funny and witty that it becomes one of the greatest horror comedies ever!

6. Zombieland (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1-jFLlHLPw

Best-horror-Comedies‘This is now the United States of Zombieland.’

Oh yes, and to survive you have to be real good in killing those zombies before they get to you!

Directed by Ruben Fleischer,  a hilarious zombie comedy featuring  Jesse Eisenberg,  Emma Stone,  Woody Harrelson , Abigail Breslin and also the ever awesome Bill Murray. A must watch! 

5. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uw6QPThCqE

Best-horror-ComediesThis film as exactly the name suggests is about an American guy who gets attacked by a werewolf and then he becomes one – and all this on a walking trip in the ever peaceful London!

Directed by John Landis, one of the best horror comedies of our times – the film that not only often hit’s your funny bone but also creates enough drama to engage you and even scare you at times.

4. Beetlejuice (1988)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hovKm9oFiM

Best-horror-ComediesTim Burton probably has made more horror comedies than any other director in the world but this one is special!

A dead couple haunted by the alive, hires another dead (a bio-exorcist) to get rid of the alive – well, something very similar to this.

Alec Baldwin,  Geena Davis,  Michael Keaton create magic on the screen! 

3. Ghostbusters (1984)

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

Best-horror-ComediesThis film has achieved a cult status because of it’s huge fan following and popularity.

Directed by Ivan Reitman, it’s the story of a professional team of three former parapsychology professors all dedicated to investigate and eradicate any kind of supernatural activities!

Bill Murray,  Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver killing it!

2. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

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

Best-horror-ComediesThe routine vampire movies have become monotonous and vampire comedies are so rare to find.

But then I saw this film and was bowled over by it’s unique concept and brilliantly funny characters, dialogues and the overall treatment.

Directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi – one of the best in this genre. Watch it!

  1. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMitSKT-u_k

Best-horror-ComediesWhen someone talks about Horror comedies the first film (and undoubtedly the most popular film) that comes to you mind is this one!

Directed by Edgar Wright, a brilliant comic take on the zombie apocalypse and the several tips and tricks on how to survive through it. 

The hilarious combination of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost is too bloody good to be true. 

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

+1. Bhooter Bhabishyat (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg7OYuc7a5I

Best-horror-Comedies

A group of very entertaining and well behaved ghosts are currently in threat of being kicked out from their mansion by some unscrupulous builders!

A brilliant variety of characters and intelligent witty dialogues – writer/director Anik Dutta gives us probably the most popular Bengali film of recent times, and also a superbly crafted horror comedy indeed!

Similar Interest: Best Horror Films of recent times

Similar Interest: Horror Anthology films

Similar Interest: Best Asian Horror Films

Similar Interest: Best Japanese Horror Films

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com

Best Kung Fu films ever made (10+1list)

Best Kung Fu films ever made.

written by Souranath Banerjee

Kung fu or wushu are chinese words that refers to the age old tradition of Chinese Martial Arts.

In ancient China, Kung fu was first introduced as a method of self-defence and hunting, and was also a part of the country’s military training. Essentially a hand to hand combat system (with different forms and styles of fighting) but then again, certain classic Chinese weapons are often used as well.

Since long time martial art has been introduced in films for entertainment and such action films were very popular in China and in a few other Asian countries.

bruce-lee-posterBut only in the early 70s, the craze for kung fu films hit the west, and the person responsible for giving kung fu a world-wide recognition was none other than Bruce Lee.

Then there was Jackie Chan and Jet Li who prolonged the tradition. 

Nowadays, even in Hollywood action films like The Matrix TrilogyKill Bill, and The Transporter stylized forms of kung fu are extensively used and well appreciated by the audience. 

Listed below are some of the best Kung fu films ever made that can be enjoyed even if you are not a hard core action film lover.

Let’s kick start the list.

10. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m3IB7N_PRk

kung-fu-hustle-posterDirected by Stephen Chow also known for films like Shaolin Soccer and The God of Cookery – this one is the most entertaining kung fu film.

According to Bill Murray this film is ‘the supreme achievement of the modern age in terms of comedy‘.

According to famous film critic Roger Ebert ‘Imagine a film in which Jackie Chan and Buster Keaton meet Quentin Tarantino and Bugs Bunny’.

9. Ip Man (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhz4Jl6nf58

ip-man-posterA semi-biographical account of the most influential martial art master Grandmaster Yip Man.

The man who taught martial art to the world, he was also renowned as the teacher and inspiration of the legendary kung fu master Bruce Lee.

Directed by Wilson Yip, the film tries to be as real and authentic to the grandmaster’s life as possible. 

8. Come Drink with Me (1966)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1A6PnPZ6Gk

come-drink-with-me-posterDirected by King Hu, also known for films like A Touch of Zen and Dragon Inn started the modern trend of kung fu films.

This film is said to be the first Hong Kong martial art film which portrayed kung fu as pure entertainment and each ‘fight scene as art form’. 

This film has more historical value than than any other in this list.

7. Ong-bak (2003)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJvMhOkwH9I

ong-bak-posterTony Jaa, the face of the new martial art superstar gets his introduction through this film.

After an extensive four years training, Tony Jaa performed all his stunts by himself, no wires or CGI were used in the fight scenes.

Directed by Prachya Pinkaew, the film was a huge hit for it’s epic fight sequences and the extreme acrobatic stunts.    

6. The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f6f_kfp1Z8

The-Raid-Redemption-poster1Directed by Gareth Evans, this is one extreme action-packed film, the best in the recent times.

The Martial Art used in this movie is Pencak Silat, which is the indigenous fighting style of Indonesia.

Iko Uwais and his fighting skills are simply awesome. If you like this film then The Raid 2 is also a must watch.

5. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65GQtH6pzTY

The-36th-Chamber-of-Shaolin-posterChia-Hui Liu plays the guy who firstly gets beaten by the brutal Manchu clan; then he learns martial art and goes back to take his revenge.

Hence forth this learn-and-revenge plot has been done to death in numerous films.   

Directed by Chia-Liang Liu, this one is one of the kung fu classics.

4. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEaGsdiA0y0

crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon-posterYun-Fat ChowMichelle YeohZiyi ZhangChen Chang and Pei-Pei Cheng all together in this exclusive kung fu drama.

Directed by master director Ang Lee, the film was a huge success – the first foreign language film to earn over $100 million in the United States.

A story of passion, love, revenge and much more – an unique action film without any real violence!

3. Hero (2002)

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

hero-posterDirected by Yimou Zhang, who is also famous for House of Flying Daggers and Curse of the Golden Flower.

The most expensive Chinese movie till date, epic fight sequences and visually the most beautiful film ever made!

Jet Li at his best along with Tony Chiu Wai LeungMaggie Cheung Ziyi Zhang and Daoming Chen

2. Drunken Master (1978)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQMNllz6aE0

Drunken-Master-PosterThe film that kick-started Jackie Chan‘s career and also portrayed his unique ability to combine kung fu with comedy.

Drunken Fist Kung Fu is a particular style of fighting that is highlighted in this film.

Directed by Woo-Ping Yuen, this was a landmark film that paves the path for the infinite comic-action films to be made ever since. 

  1. Enter the Dragon (1973)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB-QGOChuQc

enter-the-dragon-poster1Bruce Lee, the legend of martial arts, the man who made kung fu movies a world wide sensation – this was his last film shot before he passed away at a young age of 32.

Directed by Robert Clouse, the film was a sensation and a landmark in action genre.

The ‘Hall of Mirrors’ sequence, the cave fight were Lee beats 50 people at a go, and then the unique steel hands of the antagonist Han were some of the highlights of the film. This one is one of it’s kind and a must watch for everybody.

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

+1. Burning of the Red Lotus Monastery (1928)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=012M83Me6us

burning-red-lotus-posterThe film that successfully introduced martial arts in cinema – it runs for 27 hours and thus it’s the longest film ever produced!

It was split up and released as 18 features between 1928 and 1931, of which Burning of the Red Lotus Monastery is one.

Directed by Shichuan Zhang, this Chinese film is considered as a classic and rightly so.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.topchinesemovies.comen.wikipedia.org.

St.Vincent (2014)

My Ratings: 3.7/5.

Honestly i was a bit hesitant to watch St.Vincent because some of the recent Hollywood comedies (the likes of Dumb and Dumber To and 22 Jump Street) were too much of slaps and sticks for me.

But St.Vincent is refreshingly good and funny, exactly as it’s trailer promises it to be. Even better.

ST-VINCENT-Poster1The man who never fails to entertain us with his superb acting ability and brilliant comic timing, responsible for amazing films like Groundhog DayGhostbustersLost in TranslationBroken Flowers – everyone’s favorite Bill Murray is back and this time has become St.Vincent.

A young boy named Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher) and his mother Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) comes to a new neighborhood and guess who’s their neighbor – an old, lonely, irresponsible and selfish guy named Vincent (Bill Murray).

Oliver soon befriends his grumpy, drunk old neighbor who sort of becomes a father-figure to him and as expected gives Oliver the worst set of parental advice possible (drinking, betting on horses, going to strip clubs, moves to break a fellow student’s nose and so on).

But then again Vincent and Oliver’s odd but deep friendship is the spine of the film. The chemistry between them is superbly maintained throughout the film, never too dramatic, just enough dose of emotions to keep it real and witty.

st.vincent-poster3Writer/director Theodore Melfi has done a great job and Laura Rosenthal deserves a special mention for the awesome casting.

Another surprise element in St.Vincent is Naomi Watts and her excellent performance as Daka, a Russian ‘lady of the night’.

Both the story line and the ending is pretty predictable though, but the little comic situations played in-between such talented actors amuses us and makes the film a pleasant watch.

A bit under-rated i guess, St.Vincent comes as a perfect lighthearted comedy, a good combination of emotions and humor punched with a message!

A must watch for Bill Murray fans.

Most anticipated world films of 2014 (Part 2)

And here comes the Part 2 of the most anticipated world films of 2014 yet to release. The trailers are convincing enough to make us impatient but all in good time.

For Most anticipated world films of 2014 (Part 1) click the link below:http://www.cinemaforensic.com/most-anticipated-world-films-of-2014/

Here follows a list of another Ten films that promises awesome entertainment. Do enjoy the trailers for now and make sure you don’t miss any of these on the big screen.

Let the fun begin.

A walk among the Tombstones (releasing on 19th Sept)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HDQ_PEVgwI

a walk among the tombstones

A private investigator is engaged in a dangerous hunt to find a drug lord’s wife who has been kidnapped and killed.

Scott Frank‘s direction – by the look of the trailer the film looks like a perfect thriller in every sense.

And according to me in such suspense-action films Liam Neeson simply can’t go wrong. Let’s wait and watch.

Interstellar (releasing on 7th Nov)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WzHXI5HizQ

interstellar

This year Christopher Nolan comes up with a Sci-Fi thriller that looks superb (as the trailer goes till now).

With talented actors like Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain i bet the film will make enough waves all around the globe.  

A newly discovered wormhole! And a voyage in the space! An interstellar Voyage!! – Bring it on.

The hundred-foot journey (releasing on 8th Aug)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6H8pAKKkgQ

the-hundred-foot-journey

Lasse Hallström is the director who has given amazing films like ‘Chocolat‘ and ‘What’s eating Gilbert Grape‘. 

And on top of that this film has such an Indian connection.

An Indian family opens an eatery in France right across a French restaurant. Helen Mirren, Om Puri,  Rohan ChandCharlotte Le Bon – all look just perfect for the film.

Good people (releasing on 26th Sept)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC17twr50WU

good-people

A couple in the time of financial crisis discovers a bag full of money. And they decide to keep it.

Soon enough they find themselves trapped and become the target of both the police as well as some deadly thief who knows all about it.

Starring James Franco and Kate Hudson, even good people make mistakes in the time of crisis and has to pay their price.

St.Vincent (releasing on 24th Oct)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5BVn-eyAxA

st.vincent

The main attraction of this film is none other than Bill Murray.

Of course it’s a comedy and according to the trailer it looks like a good one.

It’s about a little boy’s friendship with an unlikely old man who is completely wrong as a mentor to the child. Melissa McCarthy and Naomi Watts are also starring in the film. 

The Equalizer (releasing on 26th Sept)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt0GkVZK8zA

the equalizer

An innocent girl as a victim, Denzel Washington, an ex commando is the savior and a lot of Russian gangsters.

What more can you possibly need for an action packed entertainer.

Antoine Fuqua‘s direction and the trailer looks damn cool.

I am sure this film will clench the thirst of all the action film lovers.

Unbroken (releasing on 25th Dec)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebHji2c_ciU

unbrokenDirected by Angelina Jolie and written by the Cohen brothers.

The film is about an Olympic runner  by the name of Louis Zamperini who was taken prisoner by the Japanese army during WW2 but he never give up his hope to come back. 

The trailer undoubtedly looks interesting and inspirational. All the best Angelina.

Jessabelle (releasing on 29th Aug)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoBCEdt_BC8

jessabelleA horror flick that looks decent enough to make you sit in the edge of your seat. 

Returning to her home a girl finds some tapes and eventually comes in contact with a spirit that was waiting especially for her.

I wish the film turns out to be at least half as good as the trailer. I like horror films but unfortunately they never seem to scare me. Sad.

Before i go to sleep (releasing on 8th Aug)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9QNAJm8E5g

before-i-go-to-sleep

Nicole KidmanColin FirthMark Strong – all look stunning in this mysterious trailer. 

A woman wakes up everyday without any memory of her past – it’s a matter of who she can trust.

The concept sounds familiar but hopefully the treatment will be different and better.

Dumb and Dumber To (releasing on 14th Nov)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMxwcRck9TI

dumb-and-dumber 2

After 20 years they are back and probably more dumb than ever (if that’s humanly possible).

Our all time favorite Jim Carrey and the hilarious Jeff Daniels team up again to make us laugh even harder at their brainless comedy.

This time they are going in an adventure trip to find one of their long lost children with the motive of gaining a kidney.

For Most anticipated world films of 2014 (Part 1) click the link below: http://www.cinemaforensic.com/most-anticipated-world-films-of-2014/

Is Edge of Tomorrow just a Sci-Fi version of Groundhog Day?

Is Edge of Tomorrow just a Sci-Fi version of Groundhog Day?

written by: Souranath Banerjee

Well, the recently released Edge of Tomorrow (2014) is an action pact futuristic thriller where the human race (or rather Tom Cruise) fights the ambitious aliens to save our beloved planet.

The film is supposed to be inspired by the novel ‘All you need is kill’ by Hiroshi Sakurazaka.

Unlike most of the latest Sci-Fi action flicks which look more like amazing VFX show reels, Edge of Tomorrow does have a proper story line and believable performances – it’s actually a well made film.

The theme on which the film is based is that each time Private William Cage (Tom Cruise) dies, his day starts again! So basically no matter how many times and in how many ways Tom Cruise dies, the last day of his life gets repeated again and again and … again.

Yes, the first time I saw Edge of Tomorrow’s trailer it struck me too – the core plot very much resembles the good old comedy Groundhog Day (1993).

If you remember Phil (Bill Murray), the weatherman was repeating one particular day of his life (the Groundhog Day) again and again in the small town of Pennsylvania.

Though Edge of Tomorrow and Groundhog Day are films of totally different genres and are made for entirely different target groups, but still they share the same basic theme or story structure based on repetition of one single day in a man’s life till some desired purpose is achieved.

In the case of Tom Cruise he repeats his first day in the war zone till he becomes an expert warrior and finds the clue to destroy the enemy. And for Bill Murray I suppose the repetition was just to make him a better man.

In the Edge of Tomorrow the director Doug Liman gives us enough logical explanations of Tom Cruise’s repetitive phenomenon (the alpha male alien’s blood being splattered on him and blah blah blah) though it kind of makes sense in the film’s futuristic circumstances.

But surprisingly enough there was no such clarifications given when poor Bill Murray got stuck in time. Only a couple of decades back director Harold Ramis didn’t even bother to come up with a reason for such a concept of repetition and amazingly we (the audience) never did look for any explanations!

It is kind of obvious in a comic way that Phil (Bill Murray) has to become a better man, be compassionate and kind, and find love and then only he can break the spell of repetition. Groundhog Day is something special that doesn’t need any logical theories and justifications, and we still love it.

Anyways, except for the core theme Edge of tomorrow and Groundhog day are completely different films in all other aspects.  Both of them are entertaining in their own ways. Better watch them.

My only concern is that Hollywood shouldn’t start repeating itself on the same concepts again and again and again.

 

List of Legendary Actors who also directed films

Did you know that so many of our favorite actors are directors as well? May be all are not as glorious and successful as Charlie Chaplin or Clint Eastwood but some of these Hollywood actors who also directed films deserves a pat on their shoulders.

Let’s see how many of these movies have you seen which are directed by these legendary actors.

Actor turned Director                Popular films directed

(Note: many of the actors have directed more films than mentioned here but i have listed only the popular ones)

Kirk Douglas                                  Scalawag (1973), Posse (1975)

Richard Burton                            Doctor Faustus (1967)

Diane Keaton                                Unstrung heroes (1995)

Billy Bob Thornton                    Sling Blade (1996)

Danny DeVito                              Throw Momma from the train (1987)

John Wayne                         The Alamo (1960), The Green Berets (1968)

Liv Ullmann                                     Sofie (1992), Faithless (2000)

Barbra Streisand                         Yentl (1983), The prince of tides (1991) 

Paul Newman                                 The glass Menagerie (1987)

Bill Murray                                       Quick Change (1990)

Alec Baldwin                                      Shortcut to Happiness (2003)

Ed Harris                         Pollock (2000), Appaloosa (2008)

Denzel Washington                      The great Debaters (2007)

Ethan Hawke               Chelsea Walls (2001), The Hottest state (2006)

Forest Whitaker         Waiting to Exhale (1995), Hope Floats (1998)

Sylvester Stallone                     Rambo (2008),The expendables (2010)

Jodie Foster                              Little man Tate (1991),The beaver (2011)

Ben Stiller                                   The Cable guy (1996), Zoolander (2001)

Ralph Fiennes               Coriolanus (2011), The invisible woman (2013)

Jack Nicholson                        Goin’ South (1978), The Two Jakes (1990)

Morgan Freeman                       Bopha! (1993)

Drew Barrymore                       Whip It (2009)

Antonio Banderas        Crazy in Alabama (1999), Summer Rain (2006)

Nicolas Cage                                  Sonny (2002)

Angelina Jolie                               In the land of blood and honey (2011)

Anthony Hopkins                      Dylan Thomas: Return Journey (1990)

Dustin Hoffman                          Quartet (2012)

Keanu Reeves                              Man of tai Chi (2013)

Tom Hanks                                     That thing you do! (1996)

Johnny Depp                                 The Brave (1997)

Robert De Nero      A Bronx Tale (1993), The Good Shepherd (2006)

Al Pacino                                             Chinese coffee (2000), Salomé (2013)

Kevin Costner          Dances with wolves (1990), The postman (1997)

Mel Gibson                                        Braveheart (1995), Apocalypto (2006)

Sean Penn                                          The pledge (2001), Into the wild (2007)

George Clooney                            The ides of March (2011) 

Ben Affleck                                        Argo (2012), Gone baby gone (2007)