Iron Man (2008)

A superb action movie! Near Perfect adaption of a comic superhero. near, cos nothing's perfect, but near also coz, it's a strong contender. Brilliant computer graphics, spectacular stunt sequences and a terrific Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man complete the movie. Nothing more needs to be said. It is meant to be an action flick, it means nothing less, nothing more. spotless entertainer!

concept 7.5/10
Performance 7.6/10
Screenplay 7/10
Technical 8.5/10

Overall 7.6/10

Hitman (2007)

On the face of it, its a good entertainer. there's solid action which is very well shot, there is a protagonist (Timothy Olyphant) who's got good screen presence and there's a climax. There's also the usual sprinkling of sensuality.

But, when you start to piece in the jigsaw, a lot of pieces are missing and i don't like that in a movie.

That minor issue, apart, a good action flick!

Performance 8/10
Screenplay 7.3/10
Concept 7.3/10
Technical 8/10

Overall 7.6/10

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Po, the Panda has Jack Black written all over it. It was as if Jack Black was dressed up like a panda. Such was the faithfulness in the toon's caricaturization. I've loved Jack Black in movies like Shallow Hal and School of Rock. He has a unique style of acting characterized by quips and jerks. All that is faithfully imbibed into Po's body language.

Kung Fu Panda is a good movie. It, however, falls short of greatness. The screenplay is the culprit. Most animation movies are meant to be comedies, but here we have a first half thats almost philosophical. There are goosebump moments and grand emotions and it is building up into a serious drama when it all becomes funny. Just like that! Couldn't help frowning at that, but once you accept it, it becomes enjoyable again.

I'm a big fan of the oriental martial arts, their way of life, the importance of honour, respect and courage. Its a lesson in principles. Kung Fu Panda enlivens all that while at the same time being your regular funny cartoon. Tough juxtaposition; unwarranted, somewhat pulled off..not much harm done.

Performance 7/10 (Jack Black rocks!, but the support is not very strong)
Screenplay 7/10
Technical 8/10
Concept 7/10

Overall 7.2/10

I Am Legend (2007)

Its all hype! I thought this was going to be as good as it gets - science fiction, creepy crawlies and WILL SMITH!!...what more do you want? well, maybe rachel bilson running across the canvas every few minutes :P...point is, all my hopes were dashed to mediocrity, which is all this movie is about. Alas, even Will Smith couldn't salvage it from my disgrace

Concept: 5/10
Performance: 7/10 (-1 for the female lead)
Screenplay: 6/10
Technical: 7/10

Overall: 6.3/10

The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (2007)

Its a fantastic children's film which even adults would quite enjoy. So that makes it a good movie overall. doesn't it? Yes it does. Sensitive characters, brilliant graphics and a happy ending, Jay Russell, you've won my heart. I see that you've made ladder49. interesting!

Its a nice little feel good movie. you'll smile in the end, like this :)

Concept 6/10
Performance 7/10
Screenplay 7.5/10
Technical 8/10

Overall 7.1/10

Trivia : Its based on a book by Dick King-Smith also credited with 'Babe'.

Its based on the legend of the loch ness monster

Mr. and Mrs. Iyer (2002)

Sad Movie. What a drag!! its amazing how a 1 1/2 hour movie can seem never ending. There's nothing to the movie from a concept point of you. If its designed to be subtle, its probably a bit too subtle to have an effect.

Special mention of Konkona Sen Sharma for handling a typical Tamil Brahmin character with aplomb.

Aparna Sen's movie has won a lot of awards, but i fail to see the point.

Concept 5/10
Performace 8.2/10
Screenplay 7/10
Technical 7/10

Overall 6.8/10

The Bridges of Madison County (1995)

A tender love story that is quite a drag, but made tolerable and eventually, even likeable by the mere presence of hereby established, my favourite actress of all times, Meryl Streep. yeah, Clint Eastwood too, but i'm a guy.

Oh! Meryl Streep, how sensuous can you be? How naturally emotions unfurl on her face! how subtly her body language extends the feeling. she's poetry in motion and this movie is nothing without her.

If you're a fan of Meryl Streep, you know which movie not to miss.

Otherwise, its just another romantic film with a bad supporting cast!!

Concept 7/10
Performance 8.5/10 (+ 0.5 purely for Ms Streep)
Screenplay 7/10
Technical 7/10

Overall 7.4/10