An epic art movie : Black Swan

Natalie Portman starrer another classic blockbuster.

Simply magnificent. The movie is just like the orchestra and the symphonies that play around in the background of the movie. It has its notes, its melodies, its desire , the crescendo and it dies out. I watched it cozz of Natalie and boy she has given a god-like performance in this one. She is no doubt one of the best actresses of our times. Thoroughly deserved Oscar for her role and acting.
The movie as we all know is based on the Swan Lake ballet, which goes about the same way for our lead Nina in the movie. She is overtaken by ambition and is unable to control her alter ego.
The theme revolves around the leads uncontrolled desires to be perfect and the way her mind starts playing out on her. Mila Kunis provides the needed raunch and sex appeal as Natalie's character is too
All in all, a great movie, not an entertaining one for Bollywood buffs. but you'll enjoy it if you like great direction and superb acting. Hats off to Natalie Portman and the director Darren Aronofsky.

8.5 stars out of 10 for this piece of art.

Recommended for people who dig artsy stuff and off beat films. This director is the same who made Requiem of a dream, so expect intense scenes which may make you cringe. I am jealous of the way this guy is able to portray the human psyche and its maladies. Simply great!

A big deal horror film from 80's: The Shining

Jack Nicholson starrer thriller which had been a big hit back then and has become some kind of a cult symbol with huge following.
My mandate: quite average. It might be the case that I watched it now, after I have watched so many horror flicks with effects and crisp direction that I am not able to appreciate the subtle direction and over the edge overacting by Nicholson that might have created rage fan following back then.
The setting of the film is perfect for a horror, with a lonely big hotel in a snowbound mountain with a dark past etc. but somehow the director and the writers have not quite exploited the superb setting they had at their disposal. The movie somehow kept me wanting for more. it was like, ok now the thing would happen, now the revelation would be shown, now the character will open up but then you are pushed towards the exit door by a swift climax.
I mean, what happened to the things we had been waiting for? Anyways, lot of bashing done! Lets look at the good stuff, the setting and initial parts are good. The psychic kid acts great. his mom was made for the role. Nicholson (have seen..cuckoo's nest too) is quite capable, but was not used by directors back then. Still became a big star! (Lucky I guess).
To summarise, watch it if you want to know what the fuss is all about as the movie is BIG on fan following. But beware, you too will be left wondering why that is.

5.5 stars out of 10 for this average thriller.

Recommended for people who believe more in 'blending in' with the others and only so appreciate things which 'people' like. (ex. Shawshank, HIMYM etc.) (Remember the days when you used to collect worthless things that were given free with FMCG products, ONLY because your friends collected them and you felt COOL about it? Well, you have grown up now. Stop doing the same and stand out on your own opinions.) (Gyan pravachan :P)

A riveting drama about some uncovered secrets: JFK

I saw a decent rating for the movie on imdb and decided to watch it. And was surprised to see a hard hitting, crisp drama about one of biggest controversy of the modern world. I must say, I envy the content and the amount of freedom that Hollywood movies have to those in movies made in India.
Freedom of speech is what those guys over there really have.

Anyways, the movie is a worthy watch. It keeps you glued to itself as it slowly uncovers the never before known secrets that lie beneath the surface, relating to the President's death. Kevin Costner gives a memorable performance.
The direction and editing are great. Sometimes the screenplay goes off the balance, but it recovers in no time.
A definite recommendation for history and mystery (:P) buffs. Also for people who believe in freedom of speech and the truth. Disclaimer: The original ghastly footage has been shown in the movie. The movie makes serious in-roads into the existing, stated explanation of the JFK case and bares a lot of skeletons that once hid in American government cupboards.
7.5 stars out of 10.

Stellar performances, still average movie: Closer

Superb star cast for a messed up love-hate movie.
Watch this movie only to see superb performances by Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts and Clive Owen.

It sails smoothly for the first half and then suddenly slips on a banana skin and lands flats on its arse (English accent is boring in it :P).
Its starts like a mature piece of art about relationships. Then suddenly I guess the director went nuts and missed the plot completely, ending the movie in a half baked, immature, foolish kind of climax and end.
I din't like it much, but had real fun watching a truly mesmerizing performance of Natalie Portman. She and Clive Owen put up a great show!

5 1/2 stars out of 10

Still recommended to people who think Twilight series is about love and romance. :P

A decent foreign film: The girl with the Dragon Tattoo

A murder mystery in Swedish, which is soon to be made into an English movie with Daniel Craig in it.
An idealistic journalist and a hacker team up to unravel the mystery that has been surrounding the strange disappearance of an old billionaire's niece since 40 years. The movie encircles around the main character's lives' stories and the mystery at hand. The hacker girl (with the dragon tattoo) has had a victim's life. Her past and present conditions shown are quite disturbing (not suitable for young viewers).
The billionaire's family, his estate and the mystery surrounding the girl have been shown quite nicely, flavored with eerie Swedish country side, cold relatives and gruesome murders that had been happening in the area. The plot created goes down quite well.
The direction is good. Could have been better. The story picks off and goes well in between, but ends a bit flat. Various possibilities have been added to keep the viewer interested. Acting is ok too.
Recommended for the people who want to find out what the fuss is about the book that's being called a bestseller. Was planning to read it till I had seen half of the movie. Now, not so much. :P
All in all, a decent watch when you don't have a movie that you know is definitely better.
P.S. if the book has the same story, I don't recommend buying it. You have already read something better. :)

6.5 stars out of 10. Don't feel like giving more. :P

An intense movie: Requiem for a Dream

Drugs and addictions. And their extremities.
OMG! This might easily be one of the most intense movie ever made. The story is about four individuals, four normal, average people with desires, aspirations and dreams. But these individuals have one thing in common. They are all addicts. For different reasons, for different ends. The movie takes you through their lives as they get swept deeper and deeper into their drugged maladies. A lonely widow aspiring to be an identity in a worthless life, her dreaming son who wants to make it big, his girlfriend who wants to have an independent life of her own and their friend who misses his family and a normal life.
This story takes you to the very tragic and terrifying ends which their fantasies and helplessness takes them. This movie is perfect for a person who is trying to come out of an addiction as it shows all the wrong things in all the right ways.
The director has made a masterpiece and has used 'shock and awe' in all its negative splendour to show the worst that can come to people indulging in drugs. The screenplay is simply great. The crisp, precise yet thoroughly effective scenes work wonders.
The actors all have put in superb performances. Special mention to the acting of Ellen Burstyn and Jennifer Connelley.
Please watch and make everyone watch this movie. And the world would one day be free of drugs. :P
Recommended to one and all. (Not for weak hearted, as some scenes are pretty intense. Although no graphic scenes.) Please do not expect to get entertained. But do expect to experince a great work of art.

8.5 out of 10 for this hard hitter.