Rating History
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Argo (2012)
The problems inherent in bringing a real life incident to reel life is that for most part even the most exciting periods in reality are overwhelmingly composed of mundane, routine and boring parts interspersed with rush of climactic events. Hence, good direction is sine qua non for a good movie derived from real life events.This movie announces Ben Affleck as an excellent director. The movie engages you from the first scene itself, and leaves you strangely satiated as well as peckish. The production values are of highest quality, story (even for real life one) is amazing, direction is excellent, music supports the atmosphere, the acting is fantastic, and the cinematography excels on all aspects. A true thriller, that does not thrill merely for the sake of it but actually has a story to tell. Kudos!!!
Alex D true -
Skyfall (2012)
Disappointing! The makers had started a story arc with Casino Royale, in spirit they continued it in Quantum of Solace, and they abandoned it so blatantly in Skyfall. Such a waste. Craig was so appealing as a bond that was damaged, suffering, driven, angry - after so surprisingly finding love in CR and losing it so cruelly. He was after "WE", who were so menacingly described by Mr. White in QoS as "we are everywhere". Then we are brought this! This piffle! Where bond is reduced to playing bodyguard to a woman who has been built up as a strong character to be reduced to a damsel in distress in skyfall. Ridiculous just does no sum it up. As standalone this movie might have worked, even though it is slightly better rehash of "World is not enough", but as a follow up to CR and QoS, it is almost degrading to 007 lineup. Truly, 007 is dead. Long live James Bond. Production is slick as you would expect, direction is up to scratch, actors are the only ones that are saving grace about this feature, music is impressive, photography is astounding, and story is trash.
Alex D true -
Inception (2010)
Wow! There are ideas and then there is the IDEA. For those who thought Cameron's AVATAR needed a "leap of faith" check this out. Nolan at his surreal best. Enter the cinema hall, strap into your seat, and just let yourself go as Nolan takes you tumbling 'down the rabbit hole'. The plot here is by no means simple, it has as many layers as cobb's dreams, yet Nolan has handled it masterfully. DiCaprio as Cobb is very convincing, which lends more sheen to this already waxed up feature. Story is as good as it comes, actors are all brilliant, Nolan directs the pants off this feature but in a good way, production values are very high, while cinematography is a treat, and zimmer's background score lends another dimension to this feature. A worthy follow up to dark knight.
Alex D true -
The Blind Side (2009)
A lot can be said about this movie, since it goes beyond the celluloid. It's about a lot that is good around us, and further more is inspiring. As a movie it is an underdog story. Quinton Aaron is absolutely amazing, and Sandra Bullock is a revelation as an actress. She certainly surprised me. The story is dramatic enough for an underdog feature, the direction is competent, the editing is slack enough to allow characters to thrash themselves out and develop without being a drag on the story, the actors are exemplary, production values are high and cinematography is good. An excellent watch.
Alex D true -
Intolerable Cruelty (2003)
Absolutely hilarious feature without being slapstick or drab. It occupies opposite pole to Sandler genre flicks. A comedy that viewers with more than a pea-brain can enjoy. Clooney and Jones are riveting to say the least, especially clooney as a cooky, smart-ass lawyer is very impressive. Ending a comedy is a very difficult job, the director can easily loose himself in an effort to get more laughs, which turns the movie into a episodic sitcom ending being abrupt and interruptive rather than expected and anticipated. Herein, director does a creditable job on that front. The production values are high and story is good. An engaging watch.
Alex D true