Battle: Los Angeles

2012,Independence day,Armageddon,Deep Impact,The day after tomorrow,I am legend and the list goes on , movies which portray the will power of man and his ever lasting fight for survival against an external agent either an alien , zombie or even nature in certain scenarios. These movies even though might have that predictable cliche ending but with a right mix of CGI and soundtrack and that timely inspiring speech always makes it up for all the sufferance in the plot. Then there's movies like Skyline, war of the worlds and AVP2 which just take the same plot and leaves it in Dire straits . So when Battle: LA came out with its high octane trailer , i had to see which way the coin would fall especially with Aaron Eckhart leading the team.

Here's a short synopsis to battle with-
For years, there have been documented cases of UFO sightings around the world -- Buenos Aires, Seoul, France, Germany, China. But in 2011, what were once just sightings will become a terrifying reality when Earth is attacked by unknown forces. As people everywhere watch the world's great cities fall, Los Angeles becomes the last stand for mankind in a battle no one expected. It's up to a Marine staff sergeant and his new platoon to draw a line in the sand as they take on an enemy unlike any they've ever encountered before.

So now you know the plot and i hope you have seen the trailer , so here' what i suggest , do no more . Yes thats right Dont even think about going out with your best buds to your nearest multiplex to catch this Bummer of a movie . Sure it promises a lot but lets just say it kills the movie buff in you. Here's one action movie where you literally beg the director to bring some sense of conflict and use of CGI to bring out the glory that is idea of Alien invasion. Aaron Eckhart's Brilliance is wasted by the director by placing the all time favorite mankind inspiring speech right when they see their entire base destroyed and all hope is lost and a band of 7 marines have to save L.A . The same group who cant even protect 7 civilians they are assigned to. Even the penultimate scenes of glory produce more smirks than inspiration. The turn of tides in battle especially reminded me of Tom Clancy's novels where no matter what the Odds , America would always win. I was hoping for a District , kind of a movie but ended up getting another Skyline from this outing.
Details-
Directed by Jonathan Liebesman
Produced by Jeffrey Chernov
Neal H. Moritz
Ori Marmur
Written by Christopher Bertolini
Starring Aaron Eckhart
Michelle Rodriguez
Will Rothhaar
Ramón Rodríguez
Bridget Moynahan
Ne-Yo
James Hiroyuki Liao
Michael Peña
Music by Brian Tyler
Cinematography Lukas Ettlin
Editing by Christian Wagner
Studio Relativity Media
Original Film[1]
Distributed by Columbia Pictures[1]
Release date(s) March 11, 2011 (2011-03-11)
Running time 116 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $70 million

Theater seen from- Crown theater , Calicut
Audience recommended to- Really jobless people on the weekend. Sci fi nerds and people who saw the trailer and cant resist and Believers of the alien invasion theory.

Final Word-
I am going for 1.5/5 for Columbia Pictures Battle:Los Angeles , all i have to say that this movie is Black hawk Down meets Skyline and that too in a bad way.

Return of the Blogger- Love and other Drugs

Movies based on novels can be great, they might be fictional such as Jurassic park or even fairy tales such as Alice in wonderland. But when somebody makes a romantic comedy based on a novel , you have to take a peek into what the director will have to offer and am not talking about mushy romantic movies like twilight. So Love and other Drugs based on the book-Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman(yes its about the wonder drug) by Jamie Reidy was definelty on my checklist especially since it starred the beautiful Anne Hathaway.

Here's a short synopsis to get you drugged with-
Maggie is an alluring free spirit who won't let anything, including a formidable personal challenge, tie her down. But she meets her match in Jamie Randall, whose relentless and nearly infallible charm serve him well with the ladies and in the cutthroat world of pharmaceutical sales. Maggie and Jamie's evolving relationship takes them both by surprise, as they find themselves under the influence of the ultimate drug: love.

Maggie played by Anne Hathaway is a chronic patient suffering from Parkinson's Disorder and Jamie played by Jake Gyllenhaal (the Guy from prince of Persia) is hard core Drug salesman . The movie tells us the tale of Maggie's struggle with the disease and Jamie's ambition to make it to the top league . The Movie manages to capture the emotions of the partially disabled and frustrated Anne Hathaway beautifully or also as they joked about at the Oscars , she's the naked girl from Love and other Drugs(YES she is fully naked in this picture , warning Do not watch with parents or kids cause you might face really awkward questions later on in both cases). This is one love story or movie you want to take that special Girl out for a date for , cause i can guarantee you this once this movie is done she will be all Hugs.Also for all the Anne Hathaway fans she's also starring in the sequel to The Dark Knight titled The Dark Knight Rises(Giving you more reasons to love her;)

Details-
Directed by Edward Zwick
Produced by Edward Zwick
Scott Stuber
Marshall Herskovitz
Charles Randolph
Pieter Jan Brugge
Screenplay by Edward Zwick
Charles Randolph
Marshall Herskovitz
Based on Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman by
Jamie Reidy
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal
Anne Hathaway
Josh Gad
Hank Azaria
Music by James Newton Howard
Cinematography Steven Fierberg
Editing by Steven Rosenblum
Studio Regency Enterprises
New Regency
Stuber Pictures
Bedford Falls
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date(s) November 24, 2010
Running time 112 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $30 million[
Gross revenue $93,567,005

Audience recommended to - All the lovely couples out there.

Final word-
I am going for 3/5 for 20th Century Fox Love and other drugs cause this one is a heart touching movie which truly makes you believe in the power of love ( Am i been too mushy, go see the movie and you'll know why :)

Return of the Blogger- Paranormal activity 2

For those of you who haven't caught the Horror sensational hit that was paranormal activity , here's a few essentials you need to know about the movie series .
1.Its a kinda of a blair witch project but in the bedroom rather than in the forest(Strange right)
2.Its one of the most grossing horror films of all time considering the amount made to make the movie less than a honda civic.
3.It claims to be real life inspired ( just to give you more creeps)
4. A poltergeist or a Demon is the Main subject of interest.
5. The Film talks of the story of katie and her boyfriend Micah ( who buys the camera which ultimately tapes his own death)spoiler alert, sorry.

SO now that you know all the facts about Paranormal activity , lets dwell into the world of the second part or the sequel which exactly what the movie is not. Its a prequel to the other movie kinda like how the star wars was released.This movie shot in the same eerie Handy cam or home video style brings to the house of Dan rey and kristie , Katie's sister.

Here's a short synopsis to activate your paranormal self-
Just as Dan and Kristi welcome a newborn baby into their home, a demonic presence begins terrorizing them, tearing apart their perfect world and turning it into an inescapable nightmare. Security cameras capture the torment, making every minute horrifyingly real.

Well thats all what i should reveal right now, otherwise it just kills the story. One advice do watch the first one before you watch this one, and i am kinda of disappointed with the outcome of this movie other than the last scene this movie kinda of didn't have the originality of the original (Duh). But this does shed a lot of light into the story of the series (yes there is third part coming soon). Also For your kind information , i caught this at the imax theater in qatar and it felt like i was living amongst the family . Quite creepy........

Details-
Directed by Tod Williams
Produced by Oren Peli
Jason Blum
Akiva Goldsman
Screenplay by Michael R. Perry
Christopher Landon
Tom Pabst
Oren Peli
Story by Michael R. Perry
Based on Characters by
Oren Peli
Starring Brian Boland
Molly Ephraim
Katie Featherston
Seth Ginsberg
Sprague Grayden
Micah Sloat
Cinematography Michael Simmonds
Editing by Gregory Plotkin
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) October 20, 2010 (France)
October 22, 2010 (United States)
Running time 91 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $3,000,000
Gross revenue $171,768,448

Theater Seen from- Imax , Doha
Audience recommended to - Not for Children ,People with heart conditions and wusses.
Final word-
I am going for 2.5/5 for Paranormal activity 2. Even though they did up the ante on the Budget somewhere along the line they lost the thrill that was scene in the First installment.

Return of the Blogger- Despicable Me

Well like i said animation movies are kinda of my Achilles heel,so its no wonder Universal pictures got me running to the theater to catch Despicable Me. This movie again like megamind has the Villain as the protagonist. The story involves the life of self declared super villain or thief Gru who faces the challenge of facing a new supervillain who ends up stealing the pyramids and so the race begins for the title of world's greatest theif. I know it sounds corny but trust me you will love the ride.

Here's a short synopsis surely despicable-

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon, yes, the moon. Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. The world's greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

This movies greatest moments are livened up by Gru's one eyed minions who just make you he he all over the place with their goofiness and lackadaisical organisation.This one might not impress the oscar jury like Up did but this one's a keeper for the hearts of both the kids and parents.It delivers the all essential message that we all need to remember from time to time in our busy lives. There's kid hiding within us and sometimes you need to let the kid out to play.

Details-
Directed by Pierre Coffin
Chris Renaud
Produced by John Cohen
Janet Healy
Chris Meledandri
Written by Ken Daurio
Cinco Paul
Story by Sergio Pablos
Starring Steve Carell
Jason Segel
Russell Brand
Julie Andrews
Will Arnett
Kristen Wiig
Miranda Cosgrove
Dana Gaier
Elsie Fisher
Music by Pharrell Williams
Heitor Pereira
Editing by Gregory Perler
Pam Ziegenhagen
Studio Illumination Entertainment
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date(s) July 9, 2010
Running time 95 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $69 million
Gross revenue $527,858,058

Theater seen from- Qatar multiplex , Doha
Audience recommended to - All ages from 4-80 yrs

Final word-
I am going for 3/5 for universal pictures .This one is not despicable .

Return of the Blogger- Megamind

Animated movies.....ah they just are too irresistible i say. Each time i see one of them am sure too catch it in spectacular 3D.So when Paramount pictures brought out megamind i knew i had my sights set and left on that spectacular journey into the world of megamind. Superhero's and animation just rock remember the incredible's movie . So i was sure there would be no disappointments and they weren't any.

Here's a short synopsis that mind boggles you-
Megamind is the most brilliant super-villain the world has ever known... and the least successful. Over the years, he has tried to conquer Metro City in every imaginable way -- Each attempt, a colossal failure thanks to the caped superhero known as "Metro Man," until the day Megamind actually defeats him in the throes of one of his botched evil plans. Suddenly, the fate of Metro City is threatened when a new villain arrives and chaos runs rampant, leaving everyone to wonder: Can the world's biggest "mind" actually be the one to save the day?

This movie has great comic relief to it with the villain been the center of attraction and the superhero just been an add on . Will ferrells voice does wonders for megaminds character as he commits more and more blunders mistakes on his road to world domination and the disapperance of metro man his arch nemesis drives him into insanity producing more fun for the city and the film. Enough said go watch the movie.

Details-
Directed by Tom McGrath
Produced by Lara Breay
Denise Nolan Cascino
Executive producers
Ben Stiller
Stuart Cornfeld
Written by Alan J. Schoolcraft
Brent Simons
Starring Will Ferrell
Tina Fey
Jonah Hill
David Cross
Brad Pitt
Ben Stiller
Music by Hans Zimmer
Lorne Balfe
Cinematography Phil "Captain 3D" McNally
Studio DreamWorks Animation
Pacific Data Images
Red Hour Productions
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) October 28, 2010 (2010-10-28) (Russia)
November 5, 2010 (2010-11-05) (United States)
Running time 96 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $130 million
Gross revenue $318,846,220

Final word-
I am going for 3/5 for megamind a movie which you can take your kids too and quietly enjoy it with them.

Return of the Blogger- Due Date

When you think Robert Downey Jr(Iron man) and Zach Galifianakis (yes the fat jesus guy from Hangover) staring together in a movie you think its gonna be a high action comedy probably two of them been cops essentially but when i went for the Due date it was not at all what i had expected. The two actors are both known for the versatility and for been true to their identities characters.Our dear Iron man been the pompous over powering actor who gulps up screen time and Our hangover man been the ultimate no hold barred pea brained comic relief without any sort of sense what he's upto. Usually such big combinations end up been a bust on your face but director Todd Phillips somehow has managed to find the perfect balance between humour and Drama in this wonderful movie.

Here's a short synopsis to set your dates right-
Peter Highman is an expectant first-time father whose wife's due date is a mere five days away. As Peter hurries to catch a flight home from Atlanta to be at her side for the birth, his best intentions go completely awry when a chance encounter with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay forces Peter to hitch a ride with Ethan--on what turns out to be a cross-country road trip that will ultimately destroy several cars, numerous friendships and Peter's last nerve.

Peter played by Robert Downing essentially represents the modern man or the adult in the movie , always worried about commitments and work and what not and Ethan played by Zach represents the child within all of us innocent hopeful and having great expectations from the world around him. Both of them together make a great pair in this comedy with a touching message at the end . The best scene can be traced to their Plane conversation which gets them put on the no fly list. This movies packs enough Humour, Drama and storyline to get you through the toughest of your days.

Details-
Directed by Todd Phillips
Produced by Todd Phillips
Daniel Goldberg
Susan Downey
Screenplay by Alan R. Cohen
Alan Freedland
Adam Sztykiel
Todd Phillips
Story by Alan R. Cohen
Alan Freedland
Starring Robert Downey Jr.
Zach Galifianakis
Music by Christophe Beck
Cinematography Lawrence Sher
Editing by Debra Neil-Fisher
Studio Legendary Pictures
Green Hat Films
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release date(s) October 31, 2010 (Night Visions Film Festival)
November 5, 2010 (United States)
Country United States
Language English
Budget $65 million
Gross revenue $209,739,043

Theater seen from- Inox theater, Bangalore
Audience recommended- Everyone of all ages

Final word-
I am going for 3.5/5 for Warner Bros Due Date because sometimes in life you have to sit back and learn to laugh at it once in a while.

Return of the Blogger- Devil

M. Night Shyamalan, for those of who you don't know the M stands for Manoj and the fact his dad was a malayali may just be one of the hidden reason why i continue to watch each everyone of his weird yet somehow distinguished movies. But this movie was different , i don't know whether it was the bare title or the concept of 5 strangers stuck in a lift and one of them been the devil , it could happen to any of us , think about it (except maybe the devil part). So i set out to catch this intriguingly titled movie and hoping not to be a partisan to the ethnicity of M.night shyamalan .

Here's a short synopsis that devil may care about-
The movie starts off with a narration by a stranger who re accounts of a bed time story his mother used to narrate when he was a child, how the devil would visit the planet to seek the souls of those who have sinned ( what a cruel mother ;) and then the movie starts with an amazing scene of suicide and you know your in for a ride.The main theme of the movie is set inside the lift which entraps 5 strangers who are stuck and left to wait it out for help to arrive. In the midst of all this confusion , is when the realization comes to the point when the lights go off each one of them is mystifyingly executed one by one. So the trick of the movie is you have to make a first guess in your mind who the devil is and play a game with your friends and see who wins even before the first person dies.

I know the plot line sounds kinda narrow but M.Night shyamalan does wonders with the concept and director John Erick Dowdle makes the thriller an absolute roller coaster as your put on the edge trying to figure out who the devil is. This movie unlike the other nights's movies doesn't have a complex puzzle or long back story to be narrated , it just keeps it simple and brain teasing at the same time . I think Night might have just found the perfect balance he was looking for after sixth sense. The movie's soundtrack and compelling narration make it a nail bitter same as the movie phone booth with a bit of horror element. The weirdest part was that when i watched this movie the lights kept going off in the theater too, which added to the effect created by the director . In short i had one hell of a chill after this one. As for claustrophobic people , kindly stay as far as from this movie , cause you will never enter a lift after this show is done.

Details-
Directed by John Erick Dowdle
Produced by John Erick Dowdle
Drew Dowdle
M. Night Shyamalan
Sam Mercer
Screenplay by Brian Nelson
Story by M. Night Shyamalan
Starring Chris Messina
Bojana Novakovic
Bokeem Woodbine
Logan Marshall-Green
Jenny O'Hara
Geoffrey Arend
Music by Fernando Velázquez
Cinematography Tak Fujimoto
Editing by Elliot Greenberg
Studio Media Rights Capital
The Night Chronicles
Blinding Edge Pictures
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date(s) September 17, 2010
Running time 80 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $10 million
Gross revenue $57,417,973

Theater seen from- PVR cinemas , Bangalore
Audience recommended to - ALL except claustrophobic people and wusses .

Final word-
I am going for 3.5 /5 for M.Night shyamalan's DEVIL . This movie might just be his best work yet.