Josephy Kosinski
is building up to be a specialist in Science Fiction cinema. First there was Tron Legacy, now Oblivion and
the grapevine suggests that he has already been roped in for the sequel to
Tron. One thing is for sure, Kosinski
can dish out an absolute visual treat.
If only, he was supported with even average stories like Tron.
Showing posts with label Tom Cruise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tom Cruise. Show all posts
Friday, 12 April 2013
Friday, 28 December 2012
Jack Reacher
A nanny – Chrissy – who stayed back for a week more because one of the most important person in the world – the six year old she takes care of – wanted her to stay back for her seventh birthday.
A middle aged cleaner at a hyper market –Vida – who is struggling to make ends meet but wants her son to watch a basketball game as a birthday present and was on her way to the stadium to buy tickets.
A stoic owner of a construction company – Oline – who hates her business but takes over the reins of a dying enterprise when her husband kicks the bucket – deep in debt.
A husband – Darren – who leaves home in the morning after a fight with his wife but apparently wanted to make it up to her and bought flowers on the way to work (funnily).
A woman – Nancy – who is about to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary and has just picked up an expensive watch as a present for her husband and is walking down the pier without any care in the world.
What is common to all of the above? James Barr. A twenty something Iraq return sniper. Who has probably lost his bonkers and one fine morning decides to drive down to a desolate building facing the pier, pay for his parking and take all 5 of them out over a couple of minutes tops.
In the bargain, he leaves enough evidence at the scene of the crime that points towards him. And in a matter of 16 hours gets caught by the cops. When asked to confess, he simply writes on a piece of paper – CALL JACK REACHER (Tom Cruise).
Based on a book titled – One Shot – by Lee Child, Jack Reacher is the story of the protagonist of the same name who is an army investigator. He sees something amiss where everyone else sees an open and shut case. He doesn’t care much for the law but only about what is right and wrong. And goes to great lengths to protect the right. Much like a super hero but only human.
Written for the screen by Christopher McQuarrie (Known more for writing – Usual Suspects / Valkyrie), JR is definitely not McQuarrie’s best to date. He builds up the suspense extremely well for certain and leaves you waiting for the story to move to the next angle. The first few minutes have no dialogues and yet a lot spoken – very well done. But somehow, it doesn’t come upto the level of excitement that a Valkyrie or Usual Suspects generates.
A tough act to follow for certain but it could have been – with some right casting. Rosamund Pike seems over anxious to prove a point and looks very unconvincing throughout the movie. Tom Cruise is surprisingly composed but average – which is the best he can get to. And the support cast doesn’t contribute too much either.
In short, well written, reasonably directed, good story line but falls short primarily due to performances. Despite that, definitely worth a watch. 7 on 10. Make it a part of your weekend.
Watch the trailer at http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1158194201/
A middle aged cleaner at a hyper market –Vida – who is struggling to make ends meet but wants her son to watch a basketball game as a birthday present and was on her way to the stadium to buy tickets.
A stoic owner of a construction company – Oline – who hates her business but takes over the reins of a dying enterprise when her husband kicks the bucket – deep in debt.
A husband – Darren – who leaves home in the morning after a fight with his wife but apparently wanted to make it up to her and bought flowers on the way to work (funnily).
A woman – Nancy – who is about to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary and has just picked up an expensive watch as a present for her husband and is walking down the pier without any care in the world.
What is common to all of the above? James Barr. A twenty something Iraq return sniper. Who has probably lost his bonkers and one fine morning decides to drive down to a desolate building facing the pier, pay for his parking and take all 5 of them out over a couple of minutes tops.
In the bargain, he leaves enough evidence at the scene of the crime that points towards him. And in a matter of 16 hours gets caught by the cops. When asked to confess, he simply writes on a piece of paper – CALL JACK REACHER (Tom Cruise).
Based on a book titled – One Shot – by Lee Child, Jack Reacher is the story of the protagonist of the same name who is an army investigator. He sees something amiss where everyone else sees an open and shut case. He doesn’t care much for the law but only about what is right and wrong. And goes to great lengths to protect the right. Much like a super hero but only human.
Written for the screen by Christopher McQuarrie (Known more for writing – Usual Suspects / Valkyrie), JR is definitely not McQuarrie’s best to date. He builds up the suspense extremely well for certain and leaves you waiting for the story to move to the next angle. The first few minutes have no dialogues and yet a lot spoken – very well done. But somehow, it doesn’t come upto the level of excitement that a Valkyrie or Usual Suspects generates.
A tough act to follow for certain but it could have been – with some right casting. Rosamund Pike seems over anxious to prove a point and looks very unconvincing throughout the movie. Tom Cruise is surprisingly composed but average – which is the best he can get to. And the support cast doesn’t contribute too much either.
In short, well written, reasonably directed, good story line but falls short primarily due to performances. Despite that, definitely worth a watch. 7 on 10. Make it a part of your weekend.
Watch the trailer at http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1158194201/
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Rock of Ages
It has been a really long time since we have got the opportunity to watch a musical in the purest sense of the word. And whats more, I cannot reemeber the last time I saw a musical which was based solely on Rock!!! School of Rock technically was a Rock movie but not really a musical all the way. Rock of Ages addresses that gap – and does it quite well I must say.
Drew Boley (Diego Boneta) is an aspiring musician who has found his way to the most sought after night spot on the famous or should we say infamous “strip” @ Los Angeles. Its called The Bourbon. A place that has been the launch pad for many an artist of the past few years. Chief amongst them being the lead singer of a band called “Arsenal” – Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise). A rock star par excellence. A star whose fame precedes him like nothing else. A fame that makes women throw themselves at him and give up every single piece of their honour and self respect like no one else can. But even Jaxx has his nuances and is going through a really rough patch.
Coming into the scene early on is Sherrie Christian who comes to LA to make a name for herself in the music world and of course the Bourbon is the place she would ideally like to start off with. However, the small town girl gets robbed of all her records on the strip. And guess what – as luck would have it – right in front of the Bourbon. And right when Drew is on the other side of the road. Drew finds her a job @ the Bourbon despite the resistance from Bourbon’s owner – Dennis Dupree (Alec Baldwin).
On the other side, there is the recently elected mayor Mike Whitmore (Bryan Cranston) whose campaign mantra has been cleaning the city of everything that can be harmful to their kids. And chief among the clean up targets is the strip. He is not only supported but also leading the charge is his wife Patricia (Catherine Zeta Jones) who seems to be obsessed with shutting The Bourbon down.
One of the better musicals in recent times and definitely one worth watching, Rock of Ages show cases some really good talent in mixing new age lyrics with some totally classic rock. Don’t look much at direction or acting talent per se. Although there is sufficient amounts of the latter. Nothing much that Adam Shankman could have got to the table per se. But he is definitely saved with some solid performances from the entire cast. I particularly liked Baldwin and Russel Brand. I give it 6.5 on 10. Watch it.
Trailer on http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi956080153/
Drew Boley (Diego Boneta) is an aspiring musician who has found his way to the most sought after night spot on the famous or should we say infamous “strip” @ Los Angeles. Its called The Bourbon. A place that has been the launch pad for many an artist of the past few years. Chief amongst them being the lead singer of a band called “Arsenal” – Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise). A rock star par excellence. A star whose fame precedes him like nothing else. A fame that makes women throw themselves at him and give up every single piece of their honour and self respect like no one else can. But even Jaxx has his nuances and is going through a really rough patch.
Coming into the scene early on is Sherrie Christian who comes to LA to make a name for herself in the music world and of course the Bourbon is the place she would ideally like to start off with. However, the small town girl gets robbed of all her records on the strip. And guess what – as luck would have it – right in front of the Bourbon. And right when Drew is on the other side of the road. Drew finds her a job @ the Bourbon despite the resistance from Bourbon’s owner – Dennis Dupree (Alec Baldwin).
On the other side, there is the recently elected mayor Mike Whitmore (Bryan Cranston) whose campaign mantra has been cleaning the city of everything that can be harmful to their kids. And chief among the clean up targets is the strip. He is not only supported but also leading the charge is his wife Patricia (Catherine Zeta Jones) who seems to be obsessed with shutting The Bourbon down.
One of the better musicals in recent times and definitely one worth watching, Rock of Ages show cases some really good talent in mixing new age lyrics with some totally classic rock. Don’t look much at direction or acting talent per se. Although there is sufficient amounts of the latter. Nothing much that Adam Shankman could have got to the table per se. But he is definitely saved with some solid performances from the entire cast. I particularly liked Baldwin and Russel Brand. I give it 6.5 on 10. Watch it.
Trailer on http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi956080153/
Friday, 16 December 2011
Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol
Maybe what they say about sequels is true. With the exception of the likes of Godfather in the genre of serious cinema and Police Academy in the comedy space, I cannot think of too many franchises which have really made the cut with the sequels coming upto the same level as the first part. I am a huge fan of Star Wars and Indiana Jones as well. Quite a few in the animation genre - Toy Story, Cars, Shrek & Kung Fu Panda to name some. And what makes or breaks a successful franchise would be the bane of public expectation. Much like a hugely successful athlete, movie makers need to find that magic potion which will raise the bar every time that they put something out there.
So you would understand my apprehensions when I walked into watch Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol last night. Only this time, I was really hoping against hope that the strike team of IMF which caught the fancy of several people across the globe nearly 5 decades ago would come up with an entertaining and acceptable performance. Disappointingly and sadly, but not surprisingly, my expectations were belied - once again. The first edition of MI in 1996 was excellent simply because it was made in a manner well ahead of its time. The use of effects was stunning and to see a team of people do what almost everyone would perceive as Impossible was just the adrenaline rush that we were waiting for.
Most importantly, what they saw was bordering on the unbelievable but the operative word here is bordering. All of us wanted to be Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise). But since then it has been downhill. Is it because of a change of directors? Moving from the inimitable Brian De Palma to one of the best action directors of our time John Woo to the little known JJ Abrams and now finally to the lesser known Brad Bird (Ratatouile & The Incredibles) seems to have done no good to the team from IMF. Tom Cruise’s acting skills have never been brilliant but what does stand out is his supreme ability to look drool worthy to the opposite sex at the age of 50!!!!! What is clearly missing is the emphasis on the villain. Jim Phelphs (Jon Voight) made way for Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott) and then Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman). But in this one the villain seems to be more of a ghost (as the name of the movie would suggest). I guess much like James Bond, Ethan Hunt would be nothing without his villainous adversaries who give him the impossible opportunities.
A weak story line, several consistency errors, poor special effects, really bad sets (if you claim to be shooting in India at least make it real folks. Don’t make it obvious that you used sets) and poor screenplay dot the weakest of the 4 parts. At this rate it would not take long to make difficult seem impossible and not the other way round as is the case with the IMF. Even with Anil Kapoor’s 3 minutes and 32.83 seconds, 5 on 10 is the max I can give. I guess Don 2 will be better. Do something guys otherwise this franchise will self destruct in 5…4…Aaah you know what I mean.
Watch the trailer at http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2866585113/
So you would understand my apprehensions when I walked into watch Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol last night. Only this time, I was really hoping against hope that the strike team of IMF which caught the fancy of several people across the globe nearly 5 decades ago would come up with an entertaining and acceptable performance. Disappointingly and sadly, but not surprisingly, my expectations were belied - once again. The first edition of MI in 1996 was excellent simply because it was made in a manner well ahead of its time. The use of effects was stunning and to see a team of people do what almost everyone would perceive as Impossible was just the adrenaline rush that we were waiting for.
Most importantly, what they saw was bordering on the unbelievable but the operative word here is bordering. All of us wanted to be Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise). But since then it has been downhill. Is it because of a change of directors? Moving from the inimitable Brian De Palma to one of the best action directors of our time John Woo to the little known JJ Abrams and now finally to the lesser known Brad Bird (Ratatouile & The Incredibles) seems to have done no good to the team from IMF. Tom Cruise’s acting skills have never been brilliant but what does stand out is his supreme ability to look drool worthy to the opposite sex at the age of 50!!!!! What is clearly missing is the emphasis on the villain. Jim Phelphs (Jon Voight) made way for Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott) and then Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman). But in this one the villain seems to be more of a ghost (as the name of the movie would suggest). I guess much like James Bond, Ethan Hunt would be nothing without his villainous adversaries who give him the impossible opportunities.
A weak story line, several consistency errors, poor special effects, really bad sets (if you claim to be shooting in India at least make it real folks. Don’t make it obvious that you used sets) and poor screenplay dot the weakest of the 4 parts. At this rate it would not take long to make difficult seem impossible and not the other way round as is the case with the IMF. Even with Anil Kapoor’s 3 minutes and 32.83 seconds, 5 on 10 is the max I can give. I guess Don 2 will be better. Do something guys otherwise this franchise will self destruct in 5…4…Aaah you know what I mean.
Watch the trailer at http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2866585113/
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Magnolia
Let’s start with the Frank T J Mackey (Tom Cruise), a super aggressive man in his thirties who runs one of the several courses that are prevalent in the US which have enough and more suckers that pay money for them – I don’t say that, the movies say it. This one is for men who have been dumped by their past relationships and are desperately looking for getting back on track and more importantly desperately seeking confidence to get laid – sooner than later. Frank is the son of Media Magnate, Earl Partridge (Jason Robards) who deserted both son and mother, Lily when Lily was suffering from cancer and Frank had to take care of his mother. Earl is on his death bed thanks to Lung and Brain Cancer. Frank hates the thought of his father who is now married to a super eccentric Linda (Julianne Moore) and is being taken care of by a male nurse, Phil Parma (Philip Seymour Hoffman).
Let us now move onto Jimmy Gator (Philip Baker Hall) who has been hosting the oldest quiz show on television, What Kids Know for over 33 years now. The channel and show are owned by Partridge. On the show tonight is Stanley Spector (Jeremy Blackman) a kid facing the highest possible pressure of knowing too much. So he is called a nerd by most of his friends. And his father, Rick (Michael Bowen) cannot take his step of the pedal coz he wants his kid to make as much money as possible – obviously because he doesn’t want to work after that. He desperately needs a class on good parenting. Watching them is Donnie Smith (William H Macy) who was the winner of the same programme a few years back and works for a store that is owned by Solomon Solomon (Alfred Molina). Add to all of these, 3 pivotal characters – Rose Gator (Melinda Dillon), Jimmy’s wife who is blissfully unaware of his promiscuous ways. Claudia Wilson Gator (Melora Waters) – coke head, depressive, estranged daughter of Jimmy who doesn’t want to see his face ever. Officer Jim Kurring (John C Reilly) who bumps into Claudia on one of his usual rounds.
Having described the key characters in the movie, now I strongly suggest that you watch it because Magnolia my dear friends is the precursor to the likes of Crash and Babel. Multiple story lines that are inter linked to each other by some weird twist of fate or luck or whatever it is that one wants to call it. But it does make sense. With the exception of the severely over the top scene of raining frogs – yes frogs – at the end, it’s a great movie which is finely woven together with superbly haunting background music and a couple of songs, one of which got an Oscar nomination. I suspect it is the frog sequence and the fact that is 188 minutes long that deprived Magnolia of a nomination for best movie. Yes, Tom Cruise was good but that doesn’t qualify him to be a deserving Oscar nominee for Best Supporting actor – probably the jury was too stunned to find out that Cruise can actually act. Overall, the cast is fairly average. Paul Thomas Anderson’s direction is quite compact and although the movie is long, it moves quite quickly. Worth a dekko. Have some patience to see the movie through though. 7 on 10.
Watch the trailer at http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi894043161/
Let us now move onto Jimmy Gator (Philip Baker Hall) who has been hosting the oldest quiz show on television, What Kids Know for over 33 years now. The channel and show are owned by Partridge. On the show tonight is Stanley Spector (Jeremy Blackman) a kid facing the highest possible pressure of knowing too much. So he is called a nerd by most of his friends. And his father, Rick (Michael Bowen) cannot take his step of the pedal coz he wants his kid to make as much money as possible – obviously because he doesn’t want to work after that. He desperately needs a class on good parenting. Watching them is Donnie Smith (William H Macy) who was the winner of the same programme a few years back and works for a store that is owned by Solomon Solomon (Alfred Molina). Add to all of these, 3 pivotal characters – Rose Gator (Melinda Dillon), Jimmy’s wife who is blissfully unaware of his promiscuous ways. Claudia Wilson Gator (Melora Waters) – coke head, depressive, estranged daughter of Jimmy who doesn’t want to see his face ever. Officer Jim Kurring (John C Reilly) who bumps into Claudia on one of his usual rounds.
Having described the key characters in the movie, now I strongly suggest that you watch it because Magnolia my dear friends is the precursor to the likes of Crash and Babel. Multiple story lines that are inter linked to each other by some weird twist of fate or luck or whatever it is that one wants to call it. But it does make sense. With the exception of the severely over the top scene of raining frogs – yes frogs – at the end, it’s a great movie which is finely woven together with superbly haunting background music and a couple of songs, one of which got an Oscar nomination. I suspect it is the frog sequence and the fact that is 188 minutes long that deprived Magnolia of a nomination for best movie. Yes, Tom Cruise was good but that doesn’t qualify him to be a deserving Oscar nominee for Best Supporting actor – probably the jury was too stunned to find out that Cruise can actually act. Overall, the cast is fairly average. Paul Thomas Anderson’s direction is quite compact and although the movie is long, it moves quite quickly. Worth a dekko. Have some patience to see the movie through though. 7 on 10.
Watch the trailer at http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi894043161/
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Knight & Day
A really old looking Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz come together for an out and out action thriller in Knight & Day. I think the last time these 2 acted together would have been Vanilla Sky (correct me if I am wrong) when they were probably looking half their age. I haven’t seen Vanilla Sky yet but have heard that it was a disaster. Will keep u guys posted about the same when I get around to seeing it.
June Havens (Diaz) specializes in refurbishing used old cars. She bumps into Roy Miller (Cruise) on her way to Boston for her sister’s wedding. Roy, the smooth operator that he is, uses June as a mule to carry a certain something for him. Of course this is done without her knowing about it. However, she cannot board her flight coz it is called full.
But a set of secret agents (don’t know which organization at this stage of the movie) ensure that she manages to make it on board. Funnily she is the only civilian on board. Everyone else, the pilot included in a matter of a few minutes has been changed to be an agent who is out to kill Roy. A superb fight sequence and a plane crash later, Roy escapes but ensures that June is safely returned to her home.
The agents who now pose as the FBI pick up June for questioning but obviously realize they have hit a dead end. They are about to dispose her off when Roy reappears to save her. A fabulous car chase sequence ensues.
The cool agent that Roy is, he explains the situation to June about how he is carrying with him a perpetual energy source called the Zephyr, a battery that lasts for ever, and that the people who are after him and June are really the bad guys – not him. This battery was made by a geek called Simon Feck (Paul Dano) who is also being protected by Roy.
Turns out that there is not 1 but 2 organisations after him – The CIA (not FBI) and a Spanish arms dealer, Antonio (Jordi Molla).
James Mangold’s previous efforts have probably superseded this one. Somehow difficult to believe that this is the same guy who directed Kate & Leopold, Walk the Line and Girl, Interupted. Quite mushy movies right as compared to the one in question right. But I guess 3:10 to Yuma was more action oriented. However, something tells me that if someone like Jerry Bruckhiemer OR John Woo would have done so much of a better job with it. Some of the car chases are executed quite patchily. It clearly shows the use of a blue screen. Seen much older movies and for that matter some locally made movies as well executed in a much better manner.
Cruise and Diaz as mentioned, have started looking their age. Somehow cannot relate to Cruise doing this Mission Impossible / Miority Report kind of roles. However, he seems to be able to just about pull it off. Diaz on the other hand manages to execute her role of a not so bright blonde to near perfection. The support cast does not give much to crow about. Not too many dialogues or one liners worth writing home about. Also, the fun aspect is limited to June fainting over and over again over the same drug.
The background score is actually a stand out in the movie. Very different from what a typical action movie would use. Not the usual heavy metal, thrash metal types. some reggae, some hip hop, some lounge and many other genres all baked in. But all of it blend beautifully. Must get a copy of soundtrack if possible.
It is also a whirlwind trip of sorts through some of the most exotic locations in the world. Begins with Boston but moves into Andalucia, Spain, Jamaica, LA, Salzburg.
Knight & Day takes you through a series of fabulous car chases, Plane Crashes, island bombings and great fun indeed. An all out man movie positively. Not too many women would enjoy the show but guys… you are in for a fabulous ride I am sure!!!! Not the best movie made for sure. I would give it 5 on 10. Which coincidentally is better than what I expected it to be. I was quite sure that K&D would not get more than 1.5 or 2 in my books. Pleasantly surprised. What kind of upsets you is that the movie had the potential to move to the 7 on 10 level if executed correctly.
June Havens (Diaz) specializes in refurbishing used old cars. She bumps into Roy Miller (Cruise) on her way to Boston for her sister’s wedding. Roy, the smooth operator that he is, uses June as a mule to carry a certain something for him. Of course this is done without her knowing about it. However, she cannot board her flight coz it is called full.
But a set of secret agents (don’t know which organization at this stage of the movie) ensure that she manages to make it on board. Funnily she is the only civilian on board. Everyone else, the pilot included in a matter of a few minutes has been changed to be an agent who is out to kill Roy. A superb fight sequence and a plane crash later, Roy escapes but ensures that June is safely returned to her home.
The agents who now pose as the FBI pick up June for questioning but obviously realize they have hit a dead end. They are about to dispose her off when Roy reappears to save her. A fabulous car chase sequence ensues.
The cool agent that Roy is, he explains the situation to June about how he is carrying with him a perpetual energy source called the Zephyr, a battery that lasts for ever, and that the people who are after him and June are really the bad guys – not him. This battery was made by a geek called Simon Feck (Paul Dano) who is also being protected by Roy.
Turns out that there is not 1 but 2 organisations after him – The CIA (not FBI) and a Spanish arms dealer, Antonio (Jordi Molla).
James Mangold’s previous efforts have probably superseded this one. Somehow difficult to believe that this is the same guy who directed Kate & Leopold, Walk the Line and Girl, Interupted. Quite mushy movies right as compared to the one in question right. But I guess 3:10 to Yuma was more action oriented. However, something tells me that if someone like Jerry Bruckhiemer OR John Woo would have done so much of a better job with it. Some of the car chases are executed quite patchily. It clearly shows the use of a blue screen. Seen much older movies and for that matter some locally made movies as well executed in a much better manner.
Cruise and Diaz as mentioned, have started looking their age. Somehow cannot relate to Cruise doing this Mission Impossible / Miority Report kind of roles. However, he seems to be able to just about pull it off. Diaz on the other hand manages to execute her role of a not so bright blonde to near perfection. The support cast does not give much to crow about. Not too many dialogues or one liners worth writing home about. Also, the fun aspect is limited to June fainting over and over again over the same drug.
The background score is actually a stand out in the movie. Very different from what a typical action movie would use. Not the usual heavy metal, thrash metal types. some reggae, some hip hop, some lounge and many other genres all baked in. But all of it blend beautifully. Must get a copy of soundtrack if possible.
It is also a whirlwind trip of sorts through some of the most exotic locations in the world. Begins with Boston but moves into Andalucia, Spain, Jamaica, LA, Salzburg.
Knight & Day takes you through a series of fabulous car chases, Plane Crashes, island bombings and great fun indeed. An all out man movie positively. Not too many women would enjoy the show but guys… you are in for a fabulous ride I am sure!!!! Not the best movie made for sure. I would give it 5 on 10. Which coincidentally is better than what I expected it to be. I was quite sure that K&D would not get more than 1.5 or 2 in my books. Pleasantly surprised. What kind of upsets you is that the movie had the potential to move to the 7 on 10 level if executed correctly.
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