This summer of 2008 is turning out to be a banner year from comic book superheroes. First there was Iron Man, then Wanted, and the natural progression into new cinematic heights continues with The Dark Knight.

The Dark Knight revives the Batman versus Joker match-up from 1989's Batman, and boy, it that rivalry better than ever. Getting director Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale were a good decisions in Batman Begins two years ago, but getting the late Heath Leadger as The Joker was a major coup. He brought his own touch to the role Jack Nicholson made popular and made The Joker more vile and sadistic-- the contrast of Batman's cerebral nature and the Joker's chaotic abandon is played on prett well. Very good job by Ledger if you ask me, but an Oscar-clincher? Let me first see what he will be up against...

The fiom also elevates the story-telling in comic book superhero movies-- The Dark Knight tackles human nature and motivation in a deeper manner and relies more on the tension generated by the story than the pyrotechnics. This is same as saying that the film has hastened the maturity of the superhero genre in Hollywood. So some teeners may actually find the movie boring in a few stretches. One more peeve: Bale does not speak but growls when he's donning the Batman outfit.

My only problem is the length of the movie: it's two and a haf hours long. There was a time I thought the movie should have ended, but it still went on. After the film, you will most likely feel its length. But then again, the movie does have a lot to show. So, sit back and enjoy The Dark Knight, a definite must watch movie.


Rating: 4.5/5


Tags: The Dark Knight

Amusement park rides can be made into a movie (like Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean), but there's a film that can make for a film to be made into a theme park ride-- Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Based on Jules Verne's sci-fi classic, the movie follows the journey of an offbeat geologist (Brendan Fraser), his teenage nephew (Josh Hutcherson) and a beautiful Icelandic mountain guide (Anita Briem) who accidentally find a way to the center of the earth while searching for the geologist's brother. The quest takes them to the world Verne envision in his book and a thrilling ride through volcanic tubes, winding gem mines, and underground oceans.

Like the title says, the movie is a journey, so expect a very linear story with lots of thrills but little plot twists. The movie is really intended to be that way, especially the 3-D version being the recommended one for viewing. I only saw the 2-D version and it was good enough. But I'm sure the movie looks prettier in 3-D.

I like the Journey to the Center of the Earth for the sheer thrill it provides. But if you're expecting more, you'll be better off going to an amusement park.


Rating: 3.5/5


Tags: Journey to the Center of the Earth

The Big Green Guy is back and he's back to avenge the poor showing of Ang Lee's Hulk.

The Incredible Hulk is a huge improvement over Lee's 2003 film for one simple reason: it doesn't take itself too seriously. This current iteration focuses on the Hulk as an angry brute that likes to smash military equipment and gives him a worthy adversary in terms of strength and power. The movie also draws more from the familiar-- more elements from the television series in the 1970's were incorporated into the movie. (Actors from the old series make cameos in the film). No doubt, more people will like this "reset" of the franchise.

Edward Norton plays Bruce Banner with a clear sense of what's motivating him: Banner does not want to be kept isolated by the effect of the Gamma radiation experiments he performed on himself and is driven by the pursuit of finding a "cure." Norton is complemented well by Tim Roth (who played the villain), William Hurt and Liv Tyler.

The movie could be seen as standard sci-fi fare, but the story gets a bit dull in stretches. If you are not familiar with the Hulk universe in the comics, some things in the story will fly over your head. But given succeeding films about the Hulk will follow this thread of reality, I'd say The Incredible Hulk is a very good place to start.


Rating: 3.5/5


Tags: The Incredible Hulk

A lot of people (read: women) will not agree with me but Wanted is the best movie this summer of 2008. (Of course, I've only watched a few movies this summer and the two films that come the closest for getting the top spot are Kung Fu Panda and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull).

I like Wanted for a couple of reasons: (1) the action, although violent, is very envisioned and very well helmed by Russian-Kazakh director Timur Bekmambetov (of Night Watch fame) and (2) Angelina Jolie. I seriously believe that the movie won't be as good if another Hollywood actress is playing the part of "Fox," a skilled assassin.

Speaking of assassins, the movie centers on the ascent of Wesley Gibson (played by James McAvoy) from a complete 9-to-5 nobody to an merciless killer who can "bend bullets" and eliminate targets with ease. Of course, that transformation is not possible without the help of "The Fraternity," a clandestine organization led by Sloan (played by Morgan Freeman). Wesley is trained and tortured by Fraternity assasins with cool call names: Fox, Gunsmith, The Repairman, and The Butcher, among many others. We see Wesley subject himself to the hazing because of his desire to avenge the death his father, who was also a member of The Fraternity.

As far as action movies go, Wanted is very visual and highly unbelievable (you will see a lot of bullets deflecting other bullets). But that is what makes the movie an enjoyable fun. This thrilling high-wire act should be on the top of any action film buff's list this summer.


Rating: 4.5/5


Tags: Wanted

Look at this list: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, and Jackie Chan. Pretty impressive huh? Those Hollywood stars all share their voiced in the Dreamworks' latest animated offering Kung Fu Panda.

It was the first movie I watched since arriving back from my stint in India and it was a good decision. Kung Fu Panda is a nice take on the Chinese Kung Fu genre with an animated twist. If you haven't watched the film, here are some things to look forward to: The opening dream sequence was something I really liked and the animation durring the fight scenes were superb. 

The story is fairly shares a vein with most of Asian action movies-- a seemingly incompetent character is thrust into a hard situation, then undergoes a physical and emotional transformation where he becomes someone of immense skill and great wisdom, then saves his community and his loved ones. From the way I describe it, it seems to be appropriate for the kiddie crowd, but Kung Fu Panda has enough depth and humor to keep the adults entertained.

The only thing I did not like is how everything just unravels so easily in the end-- the main villain was ferocious in the first 95% of the film but degenerates into a comic act in the last few minutes. But other than that Kung Fu Panda was a fun ride.


Rating: 4/5


Tags: Kung Fu Panda

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull marks a couple of firsts for me-- it's the first Indiana Jones movie that I watched, and it's the first movie I watched in a cineplex in Bangalore. (Yes, I'm currently in India).

Indiana Jones has been the gold standard in action-adventure movies and the latest incarnation is proof to that. Harrison Ford and director Steven Spielberg know how to cook up a great journey that starts with a simple artifact and ends in a grand ancient city.

In his latest mission set inf the 1950's, Indiana Jones must unravel the mystery of the Crystal Skull, an ancient artifact Russians are lusting over. The skull holds powers of unearthly capabilities, that's why the the Russian forces led by Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) coerced Indiana Jones to start the search for clues to find an ancient city that holds the key to the skull's true nature. The story also introduces Indiana Jones, Jr., played by Shia LaBeouf, and I sensed that this film is the launch pad for adventures for Jones' young son.

People who have not watched the previous movies can be assured that the story of "Crystal Skull" is stand-alone, but there a few references to the past movies as well as appearances by past characters. I also think that Ford as Indiana Jones has probably seen its last installment, as he's not as dynamic as most action heroes (obviously, he's already in his 60's.) Given LeBouf's performance in this film, I think he can adequately carry the franchise in the future.

No doubt, a movie like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull deserves a follow-up, but it may likely be Indiana Jones, Jr.'s first full adventure.


Rating: 4/5


Tags: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Finally, after three weeks here in India, I've finally watched my first movie in a proper theater. The movie I was able to catch was the Wachowski Brothers' adaptation of Speed Racer, originally a Japanese animated series in the 1960's.

Speed Racer is movie that exemplifies style over substance-- the Wachowskis' vision of the movie is a bright and colorful future world where racing is a huge sport (and business) and race tracks are of various shapes sizes. The hues of the movie is vibrant and slick, and the atmosphere is undoubtedly influenced by cartoons. Speaking of cartoons, the movie also integrates some animation inspired by from Japanese anime (for example, the fight scenes).

The visuals of the movie is impressive and I could see the creators really making an effort to bring the quirky nature of the animated series to real life. However, while it helps create the backdrop and racing sequences of the film, the non-linearity and choppiness of the plotting set in the very fast pace hurts the movie in a whole lot of ways. The acting is not bad as Emile Hirsh in the titular role is very likable and the rest of the cast (John Goodman, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox and Susan Sarandon) do their best to put some humanity in the machine-dominated film. There is humor peppered all-over the movie, but it relies heavily in situations involving a chimpanzee.

So what's the final verdict for Speed Racer? It's one of the best movies that I could remember in translating the spirit of an animated series into real life and the look and feel of the movie is stunnigly top-notch. But the Wachowskis bit focused too much on the action and forgot to put in a better paced story to make this an instant classic like the animated TV series.


Rating: 3.5/5


Tags: Speed Racer

I've followed a lot of superheroes from collecting comic books and I have to admit Iron Man was one superhero I never got to like. But the Iron Man movie is making me change my mind.

Not to surprisingly, the Iron man as a film hero works in almost all levels. First, viewers get to appreciate the mechanized beauty of the suit-- something the comic book can't really give total justice to. Todays computer generated graphics really make Iron Man very believable and scientifically/mechanically plausible.

Second is the alter-ego/secret identity element has been freshened up. Tony Stark is what Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins should have been-- the comics always have always wanted to show a charmed life that contrasts the burden of being a super hero. In the case of Iron Man, Tony Stark fits the contemporary billionaire who realizes he must contribute more to society, something Bill Gates and Warren Buffet did, but Stark decided to use his mechanical engineering genius to save the world.

Third and finally, the film is a very good "reset button" to everyone who knew about Iron Man before the movie. The hero's origin has been updated (instead of dealing with the Nazis, Stark faced problems with an Al-Qaeda-like group) and the corporate aspect of Stark Enterprises resembles the big corporations nowadays, from the public relations to the board room battles.

Robert Downey, Jr. gives his spin to Tony Stark as a fast-talking, wise guy that is quite different from Tony Stark in the comic books. Make no mistake, Downey is superb in this movie, but I guess I was still adjusting to the "new" Tony Stark. Director John Favreau balances the humor, action and commentary with a nice pace, and thankfully doesn't get too caught up in the "hero rescues the damsel" trap.

Iron Man is a great addition to the comic book superhero movies and a definitely a must watch this summer. Heck, you might even get to start liking Iron Man from this film.


Rating: 4.5/5


Tags: Iron Man

I finally was able to catch the most recent Oscar winner for Best Picture: No Country For Old Men. I've been quite busy lately and this movie was the perfect "reward" for the stuff I've been doing.

Now on to the film: The movie won an Oscar deservingly-- The Coen Brothers were able to translate Pulitzer-winning author Cormac McCarthy's work into a tension-filled film. Although set in a rural Texas town near the U.S.-Mexico border in 1980, it's not your typical Western shoot-em-up. On the contrary, the movie lays down themes like chance, justice and fate. I find it the thinking man's action movie, if you know what I mean.

Rather than relying on big bangs and grand gun fights, the movie uses silence and makes the viewer imagine the action since a great deal of the movie shows what happened after the action. The pacing of the movie is almost perfect-- I personally didn't like the anti-climactic epilogue. The movie also has a very memorable baddie played by Javier Bardem. He's probably the villain with the worst looking set of weapons.

Over-all, the movie for me is near perfect: a gripping movie with great cast acting and memorable characters. Really a great movie to cap my week.


Rating: 4.5/5


Tags: No Country for Old Men

I loved Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, they were able to exude on-screen chemistry almost perfectly. In Fool's Gold, not even 100 years of alchemy can turn their tandem to on-screen gold.

The story is already a staple in treasure-hunt fare-- An intrepid treasure hunter and his brainy flame embark in a journey in search of royal riches, face baddies who are after the same thing, piece together the centuries old puzzle that leads them to the treasure, the baddies reach the treasure to set-up the climactic finale. The heroes win, and take home the treasure. Sounds like most adventure film, huh?

At least director Andy Tennant (Hitch, Sweet Home Alabama) tries to differentiate Fool's Gold by giving more than enough attention to the "rekindling the romance" angle between Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. The focus on this aspect shows two things: the director is deft in incorporating a decent romance thread in to the adventure genre; second, this eventually eats up on the action and adventure the movie should have had.

The producers were probably looking for a gem that would appeal to both males and females in terms of action and romance. What they got was Fool's Gold.


Rating: 1.5/5


Tags: Fool's Gold

Two men on the opposite sides of the law: one is a prisoner and one has to bring to the other to the 3:10 train to Yuma Prison. That's the main premise of the western film 3:10 to Yuma and I have to admit, I didn't get the title at first glance.

The two men are played by Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, with Crowe portraying the notorious Ben Wade and Bale portraying Dan Evans, a moral but down-on-his-luck rancher. Wade and Evans' fates intertwine when the the law needed intrepid bounty hunters to transport Wade the town of Contention, knowing that Wade's gang is in hot pursuit of liberating their leader and Wade's reputation of killing men mercilessly. Evans was forced to join the mission to pay off debts and keep his family in their ranch.

What follows is a trip of filled with danger and gun-slinging, as the two men know each other better and gain respect. As a a viewer, I got to sympathize with both characters despite their contrasting motivations. Crowe and Russell's acting are superb, with Bale fitting his role (What's with Christian Bale and raggedly unfortunate characters?)

The movie is a worthy remake of the 1957 western of the same title and the interplay between Russell Crowe and Christian Bale is worth the admission.


Rating: 4/5


Tags: 3:10 to Yuma

I remember the Indian story of the "Blind Men and an Elephant" when I watched Vantage Point because although there is one event or thing, there will be different perspectives on it.

In the film's case, it is a total of eight points of view the viewer sees the event of a presidential assassination in Spain: a television news team, the Secret Service, the perpetrators and innocent bystanders. That's a lot and director Pete Travis uses the "repeat/rewind" technique to show the perspectives as different episodes. The cast of Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, William Hurt and Sigourney Weaver played their parts well.

As a thriller, Vantage Point has the advantage of creating tension lots of times in each of the "episodes," but at the same time loses momentum a bit between transitions. This cliffhanger effect could be annoying to some, but I didn't mind. The plot twists are good and interesting, but the movie ends unsatisfactorily. I say so because after the whole deal of events unfolding, the resolution wasn't too convincing. (I'll leave it at that since I want to make this review spoiler-free.)

I found Vantage Point very intriguing and riveting, although I am sure some people won't share my point of view.


Rating: 3.5/5


Tags: Vantage Point

I have never been truly convinced with Hayden Christiansen (Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith) as a starring actor and Jumper is not the movie that will make me change my mind.

Christiansen doesn't come off as a likable hero in the movie where he portrays a "jumper," or a superhuman being with the power to teleport. Perhaps it's the character development, but I never sympathized with him (No thanks to his whiny acting) or his cause. Jumper is the type of movie where you get to appreciate what Tobey Maguire brings as Peter Parker to the Spider-Man franchise-- a believable portrayal with depth.

Good thing the movie has good locations and a supporting cast, otherwise it would have been a total loss. The scenic views of Egypt, Rome and Tokyo really give justice to the powers of teleportation and Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Bilson and Jamie Bell really serve as Christiansen's crutches in the movie.

I see Jumper as a movie that did not meet its potential, in every possible aspect, from the story-telling (the ending was so lame), to the effects (nice effect on the "jump" sequences, but mediocre by today's standards) and to the acting (agh, Christiansen). So don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to teleport out of the theater halfway through the movie.


Rating: 1.5/5


Tags: Jumper

Finally, the movie review to the movie that intrigued me since last year.

Cloverfield is a very interesting piece of work from producer J.J. Abrams and director Matt Reeves. It's about a group of young men and women surviving a monster attack in New York City. There is little (and I mean little) information about the monster-- where it came from, why New York, how did it arrive to the planet, is it alien or a genetic anomaly-- are questions that are not truly answered.

The movie's main concept is also a fresh take on the monster movie genre. All throughout the movie, it is seen from the video camera lens, with all the recording skips and jittery movement. So in essence, the movie is one big documentation project, or even a home video gone wrong.

The movie's cast is a bunch of fresh faces (Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller) and I can live with that. What I can't though is that the movie leaves too much for the viewer to filter and sift through the action and find the story. People with motion sickness may find discomfort in the movie initially, but the literally stabilizes eventually.

Is Cloverfield worth the hype? Thank goodness it pulls through, albeit barely. Otherwise, six months of anticipation may have gone to waste.


Rating: 4/5


Tags: Cloverfield

American Gangster is Ridley Scott's take on the the organized crime genre, and it looks and feels like a tribute to the gangster classic The Godfather.

Set in the in New York City during Vietnam War era, the film looks at two lives at the opposite ends of the crime and law spectrum. On one end, we have Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a Harlem-based gangster who rose through the ranks and on the other end is Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), an honest cop in the New Jersey Narcotics Division. What brings the two eventually together is the heroin problem that was sweeping the United States at that time.

The film is a good primer on the business of the mob and the drug trade, similar to how The Godfather gave the world an idea how the mafia works. Only this time, American Gangster would focus more on the operational side of things, rather than the succession aspect. The build-up of events in the film is very plausible and the action, while far from being slam-bang, is adequate. What the film focuses on is the relationships and situations each of the lead character is in. The subplots on the tumultuous domestic lives of Lucas and Roberts give more texture to the film.

The only thing I could find weak about the film is it may be something you have seen before, especially if you were around during the 1970's. There are corrupt cops, sexy drug mistresses and colorful drug dealers to spice things up, but American Gangster is a finely produced film that won't blow you away. Definitely watch it if you like The Godfather.


Rating: 4/5


Tags: American Gangster

Two things about this blog post are late: First, Death Proof, the Quentin Tarantino-helmed half of Grindhouse, was shown very six months after Planet Terror, the other half. Second, I watched the movie December last year and I just finished reviewing it just now.

Anyways, Death Proof is a strange animal: it's a 1970's-inspired movie that is set in 2007 and perhaps drew more inspiration than just the technical anachronisms. There are just some scenes where I'm wondering if Tarantino deliberately made them bad so they would fit the 1970's genre. The story of a stunt-driver on a muscle car names Stuntman Mike (played by Kurt Russell) going after women does sound B-movie material, and it's really hard to take it seriously despite the craftiness of Tarantino.

The saving grace of the movie is the final car chase scene where the prodcution team seemed to put the most effort. The last act also put together the closure of having strong women stand up and fight, as opposed to be victimized by Stuntman Mike.

I'm really over the fence with Death Proof-- it's a film that's trying to be bad, but shows glimpses of skill and interesting dialogue. Watch it at your own risk.


Rating: 2.5/5


Tags: Death Proof

Picture this: "Now Showing: 28 Days Later starring Will Smith!" If that happened in our reality, the result could have been I Am Legend.

An empty New York City is the setting for this zombie/survival adventure, where Will Smith is the last surviving man in the city after a massive viral infection that turned people into light-shunning , rage-filled beings. (I don't want to use the term zombies, as the computer graphics do them such injustice). If you watched The Omega Man in the 1970's, and see the similarities with I Am Legend, don't be surprised; both are culled from the same novel by Richard Matheson.

People expecting to see a Resident Evil-type of movie should calibrate their expectations. I Am Legend unfolds very slow and reveals events in a restrained pace, and it is very effective. (The first hour seemed like Castaway from where I sat.) The movie builds tension even with just Will Smith acting on screen and the ghost town-like New York contrasts claustrophobic thrillers. Speaking of Smith, he is superb in this movie and carries it, although the story sluggishly reaches its conclusion.

The movie is a commentary on our generation's "monsters," nature turning against man for tinkering with it too much. 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later previously explored versions of this world where biological Frankenstein monsters are wreaking havoc the same way I Am Legend does.


Rating: 3.5/5


Tags: I Am Legend

Movie-goers need a fantasy fix this holiday season and the movie looking to satisfy that craving is The Golden Compass, an ambitious project based on Philip Pullman's book Northern Lights.

If you follow the novels, you will know that The Golden Compass is based on the first of three books of the His Dark Materials trilogy and this film shows it-- the movie raises a lot of questions that are not answered in the movie. Apart from the unsatisfying conclusion, the movie seems to be juggling a lot of new introductions for the viewer since understanding the world it is presenting is a bit complicated. Yes, knowing what the Golden Compass is very easy from the movie, but the whole back story of why it is relevant in the story is totally different matter.

What I did find great about the movie are the rich visuals. Since it serves the introduction for the two other sequels, the Golden Compass succeeds as a tour of the world where magic and technology meld and a glimpse of the different races (e.g. the scholars, the authority, the pirates, etc). The cast is also superb, with Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green and Dakota Blue Richards taking the main roles. Fantasy film staples like Christopher Lee and Ian McKellen are also playing minor roles.

The cast alone should have made the people flock to the cinemas this holiday season, but the box-office results have been tepid. The film is too thinly spread and I found the movie too busy with a lot of things going on. If The Golden Compass were a console Role-Playing Game, I would have been engrossed with it, but as a film, it makes me want to read the novel.

Merry Christmas!


Rating: 2/5

Tags: The Golden Compass

Let me share a little anecdote that relates to Gone Baby Gone: My girlfriend and I had a lengthy debate about the moral and ethical complexities the movie presented. We watch movies a lot and we rarely debate about a movie. That's how compelling Gone Baby Gone is.

The story from the outset is about disappearances and abduction, thus the title of the movie. However, director Ben Affleck (yes, the actor) puts a great deal of depth in the movie that it makes you wonder if the title really refers to the missing children that figure in the central theme of the story. Casey Affleck, Ben's brother, is effective as a Boston-based private investigator who gets tangled in a conspiracy that involves the drug syndicates and the police. Michelle Mohagnan, Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman complete the movie's solid lead cast.

Ben Affleck's directorial career has have a promising start with Gone Baby Gone and Casey Affleck doesn't let down. My only problem is the Boston accent, but other than that, the movie is a must see despite its limited release.

Rating: 4/5


Tags: Gone Baby Gone

We Own The Night probably had these on its list of ingredients: 1 part crime action, 1 part family drama. The sum however, is a slow moving police movie.

Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg play brothers on the opposite side of the law, with Phoenix's character, Bob Green, on the drug dealers side, and Wahlberg's Joe Grusinsky aligned with the cops. The movie explores if indeed blood is thicker than water, and owning up to one's actions. The movie focuses more of Joaquin Phoenix, as his character's world is more entwined with the Russian drug syndicate and the New York Police, and he has the girl (the lovely Eva Mendez.)

I like two things with the movie: first, Robert Duvall plays the father figure to the two main characters. There was a situation wherein he sounded like the father in the Prodigal Son story.
He definitely brought great credibility as the father figure. Second, the last car chase of the movie was well-executed and full of tension, despite not having a grandiose treatment. If you drive a car, director James Gray will be able strike a nerve or two.

We Own The Night can be looked at as a modern day version of the Prodigal Son story I mentioned. The action is very subdued and authentic, but doesn't pack a punch. The drama is also OK, but it gets in the way of the action.


Rating: 3/5


Tags: We Own The Night