Tag Archives: Emma Stone

La La Land (2016)

La La Land review

written by Souranath Banerjee

A Classic is born and it will make you sing and fall in love all over again!

My Ratings: 4.3/5

The original 1953 20th Century Fox logo reappears on the big la- la-land-posterscreen and makes it seem even bigger, and then the magic begins!

Yes, the resurrection of the old Hollywood charm, that feeling when the white shoes start tapping in rhythm and the dialogues metamorphose into soothing songs – the sheer magic of experiencing a musical, an odd combination of a modern classic!

And you are lost in the darkness of the theatre, well suspended on your disbeliefs, wondering in a world so full of love and dulcet melodies, absorbed in the sheer beauty of brilliantly choreographed, colourful, talking Cinema!

“How are you gonna be a revolutionary if you’re such a traditionalist? You hold onto the past, but jazz is about the future.”

Director Damien Chazelle‘s love for Jazz was pretty evident in his previous film Whiplash but this time he makes a more definite statement – a desperate effort to save Jazz!

And thus he join hands with Ryan Gosling who learns to play piano like a professional just for this film, and then Gosling’s chemistry la- la-land-poster1with Emma Stone (undoubtedly one of the best actresses at present) is just so sublime! When they dance looking at each other’s eyes – that’s a major part of the ‘magic’ in the film that I was talking about earlier!

Long song and dance sequences masterfully choreographed that takes Justin Hurwitz‘s music to another level; great camera work and colour play by Linus Sandgren and crisp editing by Tom Cross. But again along with superlative directional capabilities thanks to Damien Chazelle‘s brilliantly written love story!

Recommended only for those who adore Jazz, Musicals, Ryan GoslingEmma StoneDamien Chazelle and powerful Cinema!

P.S – Oscar winner J.K. Simmons makes a guest appearance where he seems to hate good music!

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.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

Crimson Peak (2015)

Crimson Peak review.

written by Souranath Banerjee

‘Where I come from, ghosts are not to be taken lightly’.

My Ratings 3.8/5.

Guillermo del Toro is a name that brings hope for all the fans of the horror genre, the Mexican director who is responsible for many superb horror flicks such as Pan’s Labyrinth, The Devil’s Backbone and Cronos.

crimson-peak-posterHis unique ability to create worlds where ghosts and spirits become a part of life; they insists to exist beyond your consciousness, and then you see them, there happens a mutual acknowledgment of each other’s presence and you are terrified!

Del Toro’s recent achievement Crimson Peak is again a perfect blend of fear and deception, hatred and revenge, and horror of course.

A young girl (Mia Wasikowska) is wooed by a handsome stranger (Tom Hiddleston) and in spite of the girl’s father’s disapproval – they did eventually get married.

The innocent girl is taken away to her husband’s place, an old and haunted ancestral palace situated at the Crimson Peak, where the red mud below the white layer of ice looks as if the ground is bleeding from a permanent, incurable wound!

crimson-peak-poster1And then, there is the husband’s sister (Jessica Chastain) who is as cold as the ice above and as sinister as the red mud beneath it.

The rotten house, gloomy and broken in parts has many secrets wrapped inside and when it breathes loud, be sure that it wants to share it’s horrific past with the newly married girl, it wants to make contact with her; frighten her or may be to warn her of some upcoming danger!

The first thing that impresses you while watching the film is the brilliance of the sets and the exceptionally detailed costumes of the characters. Set decoraters Jeffrey A. Melvin and Shane Vieau, art director Brandt Gordon and costume designer Kate Hawley are the ones who deserves to be mentioned first.

crimson-peak-poster5The acting is decent enough to create a sense of danger throughout the film.

Dan Laustsen‘s cinematography makes the film a visual treat and the visual effects is pretty well synced to serve it’s desired purpose.

Though i would say the ghosts and ghouls are sprinkled throughout the film a bit too abundantly; i personally would have expected more moments of suspense than directly looking a CGI ghost with Del Toro’s patented liquidizing effect making faces at me.

But never the less, the film (most of it) is scary and entertaining, with a twist in the end that was though somewhat predictable.

Crimson Peak, a horror film with insects, wall clocks and a Gothic touch. Watch it and you won’t regret, specially if you don’t go without much expectations to be scared.

P.S – Benedict Cumberbatch and Emma Stone were initially casted along with Jessica Chastain.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com

Best of Hollywood 2014

Best of Hollywood 2014 

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Best of Hollywood 2014 – is not at all an easy list to make. 2014 being an awesome year for film-lovers and thanks to Hollywood for giving us such a balanced dose of entertainment; Thrillers, Hollywood-2014SciFis, Comedies, Love stories War Dramas, Horror flicks and lots of Biographies.

But then again, it’s the time to remember the best performances of this year (no foreign language films included in this list), the awesome directorial ventures, those brilliant visuals and mesmerizing background scores – the films that touched your heart, amazed you and made you fall in love with Cinema (all over again).

But first a few honorable mentions (films that almost made the list) – WildInherent ViceThe Hundred-Foot JourneyPrideAmerican SniperCalvaryStill AliceCamp X-RayPredestinationKill the MessengerCake and Mr. Turner

And now the countdown begins.

10. Selma

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6t7vVTxaic

Hollywood-2014

It was 1965 and Martin Luther King leaded the epic march from Selma to Montgomery (Alabama), a nonviolent protest demanding for the right-to-vote for all black men and women in the country.

(Click for the film review)

Such a powerful film evidently backed by some outstanding performances. A must watch.

9. Gone Girl

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esGn-xKFZdU

Hollywood-2014

Gone Girl is fast paced film that demands your full attention, a superbly crafted thriller that plunges into the depths of a psychologically twisted marital relationship.

(Click for the film review)

Brilliant performance by Ben Affleck but the real stunner is Rosamund Pike; she proves to be the perfect cast possible for the ‘gone girl’ character.

Hollywood-2014A dangerously realistic, gritty tale based on the concept of our unconscious satisfaction in watching other people’s loss and tragedy. Thanks to the news channels.

(Click for the film review)

Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) – is he a scavenger or a survivor, a psychopath or a potential businessman, a cold-hearted predator or an insane professional?

7. The Grand Budapest Hotel

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fg5iWmQjwk

Hollywood-2014

The Grand Budapest Hotel is the most stylish comedy I have seen in years.

(Click for the film review)

Wes Anderson’s obsession for perfect production design, bold color schemes, faultless framing and as always the cheeky humor brings out an unique creation. Simply wonderful to watch, probably his best work till date.

6. Interstellar

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSWdZVtXT7E

Hollywood-2014

A Sci-Fi starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathway and Jessica Chastain, Interstellar is a film about space and black holes, about dimensions and relativity; and then again it’s also about love and betrayal.

(Click for the film review)

By the acclaimed director Christopher Nolan and undoubtedly one of his best films ever.

5. The Theory of Everything

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Salz7uGp72c

Hollywood-2014

The Theory of Everything tells the emotional story of Stephen Hawking and his then wife Jane Wilde.

(Click for the film review)

Eddie Redmayne this year won the Oscar (in the Best Actor category) playing Stephen Hawking’s character with extraordinary authenticity and brilliance. A must watch.

4. Foxcatcher

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8361stZ8n0w

Hollywood-2014

Foxcatcher is a film that tells the tale of two troubled souls, a multimillionaire and a wrestler, both disturbed and consumed by their own ambition and distorted personal lives.

(Click for the film review)

The film doesn’t fit the mainstream, melodramatic sport-movie pattern but after watching i am sure you will be thankful it didn’t.

3. Whiplash

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d_jQycdQGo

whiplash-poster

The intense story of Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), a 19-year-old aspiring jazz drummer and Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), his brutal school music instructor.

(Click for the film review)

Whiplash is a gritty and uncompromising take on ambition and success – it stretches the boundaries of all previous student-mentor relationship based dramas.

2. Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJfLoE6hanc

Hollywood-2014

Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and this year’s Oscar winner.

(Click for the film review)

Michael KeatonEdward NortonNaomi WattsZach GalifianakisEmma Stone and all others are magical in front of the camera.

The whole film is edited to look like one continuous shot, a tremendous effort and brilliantly executed.

1. Boyhood

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys-mbHXyWX4

Hollywood 2014

A film so real and shot through such an unreal time-span that it gives you the feel of being a part of the journey with this boy Mason (Ellar Coltrane), who was 7 years old when Richard Linklater started filming and 18 when he finally felt it’s time to wrap up.

(Click for the film review)

Boyhood is something very special, a daring experiment and totally worth it.

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

+1. The Imitation Game

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5CjKEFb-sM

Hollywood 2014

Based on the life of an unsung war-hero, a genius mathematician and a troubled soul who never got the recognition he deserved – Alan Turing.

(Click for the film review)

Brilliant performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley The imitation game is one of the best biographies made last year – a perfect combination of history and good cinema.

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

Most anticipated world films of 2014 (Part 1)

Most anticipated world films of 2014 yet to release. The trailers are convincing enough to make us impatient but all in good time.

Here follows a list of 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.

1. Sin City: A dame to kill for (releasing on 22nd Aug)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhu32sdAGbo

Sin_city a dame to kill for

Finally Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez teams up again for the second installment of a tour of the city where it’s permissible to sin.

Sexy and stylized as usual, adopted from the famous graphic novel, and guaranteed out-of-the-world action.

Jessica Alba, Eva Green, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis just to name a few. A must watch.

2. Exodus: Gods and Kings (releasing on 12th Dec)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6G1vRbvgiU

Exodus-Gods-and-Kings

Christian Bale and Aaron Paul together in Ridley Scott‘s next – a historic drama.

Seems like the film is based in Egypt, the grandeur of the sets and the detailing of the period looks amazing in the trailer.

It’s the story of Mosses, how he was responsible to lead the Israelite slaves from Egypt. A film to check out for sure.

3. Fury (releasing on 14th Nov)

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

fury

World War 2 as the backdrop, Brad Pitt in his army-crew-cut hairstyle leads his small team of men to attack Germany against incredible odds.

Focused on tanks as the weapon of choice i am sure this is going to be the best war film of the year.

Directed by David Ayer of ‘End of Watch’ fame – also starring  Shia LaBeouf and Logan Lerman.  

4. Birdman (releasing on 10th Oct)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-umj5cxtgBA

birdman

The name Alejandro González Iñárritu as a director should be enough to stir up curiosity for a film.

And with a star cast of Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts this film is probably the most awaited release this year.

It’s about how an actor who played the part of a superhero controls his ego in his real life.

5. Horible bosses 2 (releasing on 26th Nov)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B45XU3v9sPw

Horribel bosses 2

Remember the first time you met the most horrible bosses and what fun you had!

Well, here is an opportunity to meet them again – Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey and a especial addition of Christoph Waltz.

The trailer is hilarious and hopefully the director Sean Anders has done a great job. I am sure it will be an enjoyable laugh riot.

6. Gone girl (releasing on 3rd Oct)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym3LB0lOJ0o

gone girl

After ‘The Social Network‘ and ‘The girl with the dragon tattoo‘ my favorite director David Fincher‘s next – a suspense thriller about a girl who’s gone missing.

Ben Affleck, the husband who is also a suspect tries his best to prove his innocence but no body knows what really happened.

Unless of course you watch the film – so wait till it’s released.

7. The Interview (releasing on 10th Oct)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnalZzJ-XS4

The Interview

A deadly plan to assassinate North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un but unfortunately the least qualified men are chosen by the CIA for the mission.  

Who else but Seth Rogen and James Franco. The more they try to be serious the more they look funny.

The plot seems to be hilarious, I am sure this film will be a perfect political satire to look forward.

8. The Judge (releasing on 10th Oct)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBvK6ni97W8

the judge

A mystery to be unsolved, a family drama to experience and a father-son relationship to be revived.

Robert Downey JR, a big shot lawyer find his father (Robert Duvall) a judge to be suspected of murder.

The plot sounds interesting enough to become curious and with actors of such caliber it does raises our hopes.

9. Magic in the moonlight (releasing on 25th July)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG71z-AP524

magic in the moonlight

Woody Allen is back and this time it’s a romantic comedy casting  Emma StoneColin FirthMarcia Gay Harden.

A girl’s authenticity who seems to possess some special power needs to be verified by an English magician.

The trailer looks as funny and quick-witted as any Woody Allen film promises to be.

10. Guardians of the galaxy (releasing on 1st Aug)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89q_HH-3ghk

guardians of the galaxy

Bradley Copper, John C. Reilly, Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Zoe Saldana – all are part of this entertaining space movie.

Directed by James Gunn; the trailer looks cool and funny, high in visual effects and packed with action.

They call themselves the guardians of the galaxy – now lets wait and watch if they can really keep their words and protect our planets.

For Most anticipated world films of 2014 (Part 2) click the link below: http://www.cinemaforensic.com/most-anticipated-world-films-of-2014-2/