Insurgent Movie: Pros and Cons

Theo James, Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley

Insurgent is hardly a great movie to watch, but I have recently begun a habit of trying to find even the smallest redeeming qualities a movie may have. Insurgent is the sequel to Divergent, based on a series of books where mankind has been reduced to a system of factions, which are now in a state of anarchy following a blooming power struggle. So here goes. What are Insurgent's pros and cons?

Why Watch Snowpiercer?

Tilda Swinton in Snowpiercer

Snowpiercer is a post-apocalyptic movie where human life is confined to a single, moving train. Mankind attempted to curb global warming by releasing a manufactured chemical known as CW-7, but it only had the effect of creating the next ice age, and the only people left alive live aboard a train that is in perpetual motion. So why watch Snowpiercer?

Fifty Shades of Grey Review

Fifty Shades of Grey Review

Dakota Johnson

Note to self: if you watch Fifty Shades of Grey with a couple of your single male friends, you’ve hit rock bottom. That being said, I went to watch the erotic romance without any prior knowledge of the book’s story, so I wasn’t weighed down by any fan boy expectations. All I had to go by was that this was a highly erotic film with BDSM as its theme.

Riddick Blu-ray Review (2013)

Riddick Blu-ray Review (2013)

'Riddick' has more in common with 'Pitch Black' than its immediate predecessor 'The Chronicles of Riddick', which took the conventional route for a sequel (to Pitch Black) by trying to elevate its scale and scope. This third installment is smaller in terms of its ambitions, but that is a compliment in most regards.

Vin Diesel's anti-hero gets stranded on a planet left for dead this time around. He not only has to contend with the species calling the planet their home, when two groups of bounty hunters which include Dave Batista and Katee Sackhoff, try to hunt him down to get hold of one of his possessions.

Unlike 'Chronicles' which was PG-13, Riddick earned an R rating, which paved the way for more graphic violence, language and a dose of sexual content to top it off. While the second half is action and dialogue heavy, the first deals with primarily Riddick on his own, fending off creatures from the air, water and land alike and sees the character show his true grit and aggression as a result. That's not to say that the finale is lackluster by any means, since it is as severe, but the first half, where Riddick is virtually isolated, seems to test our lead by forcing him into a corner. The results of this movie are impressive, considering that only a $38 million budget was utilized, and while the scope of the movie was greatly reduced, seeing Riddick return to his origins is a welcome change.

Riddick Blu-ray Special Features and Extras

• Unrated Director's Cut: The Blu-ray edition of Riddick features the film's 119-minute theatrical cut and the extended 127 minute director's cut.
• The Twohy Touch (HD, 6 minutes): This segment looks at why another Riddick movie was made, or rather had to be made, through interviews with director David Twohy and company.
• Riddickian Tech (HD, 10 minutes): Explores the science and technology of the Riddick universe.
• Vin's Riddick (HD, 9 minutes): Chronicles the conception and transformation of Vin Diesel's character.
• Meet the Mercs (HD, 11 minutes)
• The World of Riddick (HD, 11 minutes): Explore the planet Riddick finds himself in.
• Riddick: Blindsided (HD, 5 minutes): A motion comic. 

Blu-ray Specifications

• Format: Color, Director's Cut, Widescreen
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo), English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (DTS 5.1)
• Subtitles: French, Spanish
• Subtitles for the Hearing Impaired: English
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
• Number of discs: 2

Grudge Match (2013) Movie Review

'Grudge Match' Sports Comedy Review

 

Movie Musing Rating: 6/10

 

I got to see an advanced screening of the ‘Grudge Match’, starring Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro and Kim Basinger. The story revolves around two Pittsburgh boxers (the two leading men of course) who get a chance to enter the ring once again after 30 years of retirement. That retirement was enforced when Razor (Stallone) opted not to fight ‘The Kid’ (De Niro), depriving ‘Kid’ of his rematch for the title. Thus, a grudge ensued between them, and was further fuelled by the primary female lead of the film, Kim Basinger.

I will opt not to reveal details of the movie in the hopes of having a spoiler-free article. But there’s no point to doing that anyway, given that this sports comedy follows a predictable plot line. I could easily pass myself off as clairvoyant and set up shop as a soothsayer if all movies were like this. But anyway, circumstances force Stallone’s character to accept conditions for a rematch with De Niro’s ‘Kid’. Stallone works in construction and has an ailing friend named ‘Lightning’ (Alan Arkin) to take care of, who also happens to be his former boxing trainer. Hence, financial turmoil is what forces Razor to take up the offer. ‘Kid’ on the other hand, runs a bar and a car dealership, so instead of money fueling him, it’s purely the need to salvage his pride after his loss to Razor 30 years ago.

Since this movie is about settling a 30 year old grudge, a central theme of the film is reconnecting. The reason for Razor’s sudden exit from boxing is explored through Kim Basinger and Robert De Niro. Inevitably, rekindling an ancient relationship also becomes a focal point for one boxer, but this comes off poorly. The specific boxer’s (not saying who) relationship with Basinger is quite childish at times. It seems as if the two are stuck in their teens. This is especially true with Basinger’s character who fidgets about like a giddy teenager.  I could elaborate on this a bit more but then I’d be laying down spoilers in abundance. And for your information, the 60 year old Kim Basinger still looks stunning and beautiful, and I don’t think surgical enhancements are the reason for that.

By all means, the plot isn’t a gem of any kind. But you will have more than a few laughs while watching the film. Firstly, it sees two retired boxers trying to get back in the game, so the training programs and workouts they go through will elicit some humor, especially De Niro’s since he isn’t in any kind of peak shape. Stallone still has some muscle definition, though much less in comparison to his last few movies, specifically in The Expendables. Then there’s the grouchy trainer Lightning, who through Alan Arkin’s delivery portrays an aging man out of touch with society quite perfectly. Stallone, too, plays an out of touch character quite effectively, one who is oblivious to the tech developments since 1980 I suppose. Alan Arkin’s character shows more tech savvy than his boxing student in this movie. Finally, we mustn’t forget Kevin Hart’s blabbering antiques. He plays the businessman/agent trying to arrange the boxing match-up between the two Pittsburgh boxers and if you’ve seen his stand-up comedy, you know how his lightning speed dialogue and high pitched tone can crack you up, even if it’s nonsense spewing out of his mouth.

You should watch ‘Grudge Match’ if you are in real need of some distressing as there will be an assortment of jokes throughout, but some may fall flat due to their slapstick nature. You won’t have much to go by way of surprises since the plot follows a generic structure and the romance of the movie will make you squeal. It’s definitely not the best comedy but has plenty of moments of laughter.

 



John Harrison/Khan's Unsatisfying End in Star Trek: Into Darkness

John Harrison/Khan Subdued Too Easily?

Star Trek was undoubtedly entertaining. JJ Abrams had clearly made an immense and boundless universe in crisp detail. It only takes a few minutes for us to realize this in the opening sequence on planet Nibiru. The scene where Kirk is being chased by the local population through a forest with red foliage is a prime example. Abrams' and his crew's

Se7en/Seven Movie Review: Epitomizing the Thriller

An Unforgettable Serial Killer

I am not sure how to approach this article because Se7en was released in 1995. So a movie review is free to have spoilers as many would have already seen it but just in case there are those that haven’t seen the movie, like the new generation, I’ll keep it spoiler free.

I knew the movie existed but only considered watching it when Empire Magazine hailed it as one of their Masterpiece numbers. Then I listened to a Nine Inch Nails song and suddenly felt like watching the movie. The group, coincidentally, was responsible for the music in the opening sequence.

Se7en features a serial killer who is modeling deaths based on the 7 deadly sins (greed, gluttony, etc.). A rookie (Brad Pitt) and a veteran (Morgan Freeman, of course) team up to solve the case.  The setting is a city where rain and overcast clouds are as common as your morning cereal, setting a background that complements the grim nature of the deaths. The movie also features Gwyneth Paltrow as Pitt’s wife and you begin to adore her as soon as she turns on screen, painting a portrayal of the wife we all would wish for but can’t have. Every frame on screen has a purpose in this movie, even the first unrelated depiction of Pitt’s character’s family life, all in the hopes of making a poignant finale.

However, what truly deserves praise is the serial killer. Most movies reduce these psychopaths to over churned clichés. The reason for their behavior is credited to some formulaic childhood trauma such as an abusive parent or some vicious experience they had to get through. A guy who rapes and kills women could have been abused by his mother in his early years so he vents his anger on others like her. Se7en opts to break free of these conventions, which is saying something even now despite being released in 1995. This serial killer is not just crazy. We don’t even need to give a damn about his childhood. This serial killer is philosophical. I opt not to reveal the actor playing the role as that, too, is part of the thrill in this movie, finding out who the killer is.

A chase scene in the middle of the movie (on foot) unexpectedly manages to create a sense of impending tragedy with the loud gun shots and gritty nature of the pursuit (old school style). It is a tame sequence in modern movie terms but somehow it creates moments where your heart can stop. People travel down flows breaking glasses or skating down the fire escape. They cross the chaotic roads by jumping over cars, using them as landing spots. The inclement weather only emphasizes the threatening nature of the chase.

Most movie finales in this category rise to provide a suitable climax but fail to as they create generic motives and finales. Se7en’s serial killer promises a horrific end to his journey and he doesn’t disappoint. This finale has me still locked in its grasp 24 hours later. As the killer himself says, you can’t comprehend it nor deny it. The macabre details of the crimes will keep you hooked in the early half of the movie. The middle will provide an abundance of action to satiate your appetite. And that finale will simply have you in shock for hours even after the credits stopped playing. 

I got on a diet after I saw what happened to the glutton.

Man of Steel Ending: Why It Shouldn't Be a Controversy

Finale Allows Superman to Form His Principles

Superman doesn’t kill. This was the sole reason for what later became a controversy surrounding the Man of Steel ending. The finale saw Superman snap General Zod’s

'The Call' (2013) Movie Review: Surprises Within Conventionality

Into The World of 911 Calls

Halle Berry as lead Jordan Turner

I wasn’t expecting a masterpiece going into ‘The Call’ but I wasn’t disappointed as well. The movie starts off with a 911 call picked up by Jordan Turner (Halle Berry). The person reporting is having her home broken into.  Jordan’s instructions can be termed as conventional, pragmatic but she does sport some out-of-the-box thinking as well. She starts off with the basics. Go upstairs, lock your room. But afterwards she takes an exclusive

Vampire (2011) Movie Review: An Altruistic Serial Killer?

Shunji Iwai's Humane Take on a Vampire

Written by @halfhindu

At least he didn't leave bite marks. 

From the swoon-inducing Twilight, to the recent humorous Hotel Transylvania, vampires have permeated popular culture in almost every incarnation possible. From teenage heartthrob to supernatural monster, the vampire has been abused by Hollywood incessantly. In this particular instance, there is nothing supernatural whatsoever about the vampire. He is nothing more than a serial killer, who finds

Oz The Great and Powerful Blu-ray Review

Rich in History and Grandeur

Oz the Great and Powerful acts as an origin story for Frank L. Baum’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The wizard named Oz is depicted as a philandering below-par carnival magician, whose romantic escapades force him to hop onto a hot air balloon, lest he face the wrath of one of his tryst’s boyfriends (one of those burly carnival guys). This balloon then gets entangled in a tornado just like Dorothy’s did years later, and Oz finds himself in a completely alien location.

Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters: Blu-ray Review

Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters Blu-ray Review

Hansel and Gretel is not for the faint-hearted. I had a friend who couldn't tolerate the gore, and she ended up leaving the cinema hall before the halfway mark. You can find a million flaws in the movie, starting from the bizarre use of weaponry to the language, both of which are highly off beat with the time period. But if you are watching this picture, you definitely enjoy decapitated bodies

Iron Man 3: Mandarin Reduced to a Joke

The Mandarin's Notoriety Pillaged (Spoilers Galore)

As mentioned previously in a post, The Mandarin is Iron Man’s greatest rival in comic book history. His superhuman physical strength, harnessed through alien technology and his genius intellect outclass and belittle Iron Man immeasurably.

Jack Reacher Blu-ray Review: Tom Cruise is the Ideal Jack Reacher

Jack Reacher Blu-ray Review

• Movie Review
• Video and Audio Quality
• Blu-ray Special Features
• Blu-ray Specifications

Movie: 7/10, Video Quality: 8/10, Audio Quality: 9/10, Special Features: 9/10

Movie Review

Lee Child’s Jack Reacher character is said to be 6”5 with a 50 inch chest. Tom Cruise, as mentioned in a previous post on the blog, has neither. Yet, he is the only actor I prefer playing this protagonist. His performance was the main element of attraction in the movie and rightfully so.

Silver Linings Playbook Blu-ray Review: Dysfunctional Fun

Silver Linings Playbook Blu-ray Review

• Movie Review
• Video and Audio Quality
• Blu-ray Special Features 
• Blu-ray Specifications

Movie: 10/10, Video: 7/10, Audio: 9/10, Special Features: 8/10

Movie Review

I’m sure many people would relish the thought of beating their wife’s lover to death. Bradley Cooper’s Pat Solitano does exactly that, earning him an 8 month stint in rehab and a restraining order from his wife Nikki. After the 8 months,

Gangster Squad Blu-ray Review: Blending Violence with Style

Gangster Squad (Blu-ray + DVD + UV Digital Copy)

• Movie Review
• Video and Audio Quality
• Blu-ray Special Features
• Blu-ray Specifications

Movie Review

Gangster Squad features a group of hard-line police cops attempting to take down mob king Mickey Cohen, who in post-war America basically owns Los Angeles as if he were playing a game of monopoly. With corruption smearing the entire city, only a handful of honest policemen (Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Anthony Mackie, Michael Peña, Giovanni Ribisi and Robert Patrick) would even consider taking on Goliath head on.

Django Unchained Blu-ray Review: Another Addition to Quentin Tarantino's Masterpiece Movie Collection

Django Unchained (Two-Disc Combo Pack: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet)

• Movie Review
• Blu-ray Specifications 
• Blu-ray Audio and Video Quality
• Blu-ray Special Features

Movie Review

Django Unchained pays homage to the Western from the very get go. The opening presentation of Columbia Pictures, the display of the credits in stark red and the music itself transports you in a time machine back to the hay day of these movies. Even the camera angles and style of shooting is characteristic of the Western. Most notably this is seen when the shot zooms in swiftly on a character, Django himself, to highlight his reaction to another character’s retort. This was done to perfection with Samuel L. Jackson’s Stephen and Django, as Stephen takes a jab at Django for looking out to the fields where a woman is been taken in a wheel barrow. Don’t ask. Of course, Tarantino takes the odd detour from the conventional systems of the Western, when he plays a rap song as Django strides atop a horse, blending the music with some vintage guitar work to place the mood within the time period, in no way making it incongruous.

Exam (2009): A Movie About an Exam

Exam (2009) is a Movie About a Cryptic Test to Choose a Candidate for a Colossal Duty

Exam is what it says it is. It’s a movie about an exam that a few candidates must sit to determine if they’re eligible for a corporate job, with the usual package of a good pay and most certainly the accompanying fringe benefits.  This doesn't mean that as the viewer we’ll be sitting in complete silence watching 8 candidates sweat themselves… in complete silence.  This isn't your ordinary examination.

Les Misérables Blu-ray Review: Bollywood Survives a Scare

Les Misérables Blu-ray Review: Two-Disc Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + Ultraviolet

The Movie

Bollywood survives a scare from their Hollywood counterparts. Many thought that Tom Hooper's musical would revolutionize the genre, and I thought that the Hollywood musical would be a serious contender to overtake the usual 3 hour Bollywood film packed with song and dance, despite the industry currently shedding this former self. It was not to be so.

Finally, A Vampire Men Can Actually Approve

Hotel Transylvania Piles Laughs On Top of... Laughs

By Guest Blogger @Reconcoding

Anybody here watched Van Helsing? Blade? Dracula? What all these movies obviously have in common is some hardcore vampire action! It became the unspoken rule that Vampires were either cool, scary, or even scary cool and maybe that’s why there’s a lot of Twilight hate going on when they failed to comply. However, I caught a new perspective on our fanged friend that doesn't obey the rule, yet hasn't evoked the same reaction as Twilight, from one of the most unlikeliest places: Hotel Transylvania.