HOLLYWOOD REVIEWS
Orphan: In search of the Perfect FamilyWhat defines an excellent thriller film is not sudden jerky camera movements, splashing of gory faces on the screen or blatant, explosive sound effects. Most thriller films seem to follow these patterns and usually fail miserably at evoking any kind of fear or any other emotion out of their audience. Orphan is a thriller which makes a difference. |
Sherlock Holmes: Sleuth turns superhero!In today’s post modernist era of remixes and makeovers, it was only a matter of time before the world’s favorite detective Sherlock Holmes would also reboot for the twenty first century. And with Guy Ritchie at the helm and quirky “Ironman” Robert Downey Jr. as the leading man, this cinematic rendition has not only become contemporary but also downright irreverent. |
Paranormal Activity: Truth KillsFor a long time it felt that horror films were losing their standard and edge. Horror films were following a path of being about heavy thudding footsteps, graphic facial disfigurations and sudden explosive sound effects. But along comes Paranormal Activity and changes the face of a horror film. It raised the bar of fear and also came as a niche in itself. |
Avatar: StunningStunning. In one single word, that’s what the visual experience of James Cameron’s Avatar is. But Avatar is much more than the visual gloss, something that Hollywood, and the likes of Cameron, are experts at. |
Year One: Pre-Hysteric FunYear One encompasses a few eras that we traditionally associate with anything pre-historic. The cavemen in their wooly uniforms, Cain and Abel and the Roman civilization. Black and Michael Cera are hunter and gatherer in a tribe where might is right. |
Season of the Inglorious BasterdsIt's been pouring bastards, literally, first with Kaminey, and now with The Basterds. No wonder, it's hard to believe that winter is lurking around the corner. |
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: But Where is The Magic?Somewhere Harry Potter has lost his zing. He flies, but there is no fire in the speed. He waves his wand, but there is not enough magic in the swing. He romances a beauty, but the passion is passive. He talks but listlessly. Clearly the boy wizard seems tired of Hogwarts and all the hoopla that pervades the rather eerie school of witchcraft and wizardry. Warner Brothers' sixth edition, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", adapted from J.K. Rowling's immensely popular seven-book series, appears jaded in concept and execution, the film's choice of words over action contributing to my dismay..... |
Gone Baby Gone: The Affleck DuetBen Affleck burst onto the scene when he, along with Matt Damon won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting. Since then, their careers as writers have been put on hold, perhaps for more financially rewarding careers as actors. But this is a comeback of sorts for Affleck who not only co-writes but also makes an auspicious debut as a director. The material for the film comes from a book by Dennis Lehane who also was the author behind Mystic River. |
