16 films in January

16. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (5/10)
I have such mixed feelings about this film. I wanted to like it so much but the film left a lot to be desired. It seems like as an audience it will be better to know what the film is about before you see it. Thank god for subtitles cos there was no way I would have understood what the hell was going on in the film. There were too many characters, too many code names that were used in the film. WIth subtitles, I thankfully understood what was going on but not quite could get why it was that way. Critcs are going gaga over the film and Gary Oldman's performance but I am still a little perplexed.

15. The Descendants (6/10)
I had no expectations from the film apart from all the attention that the movie has been getting from critics and award committees. For a change I did not know too much about the film. The film, I think, was ok. It was very simple. It showed how even in a place like Hawaii, your life can be miserable. I think more than Clooney, I liked the acting of her daughter in the film. I know it was supposed to be dark comedy and Clooney has acted really well the role where he switches between being nice and jealous and heart-broken. But common, best actor award!! If he gets an oscar too, I would be disappointed personally.

14. Agneepath (Hindi) (8/10)
Total paisa vasool movie. Having not seen the original, I think this film was made for masses. Hrithik and Sanjay Dutt were both fantastic. I loved Hrithik's restrained performance and his aggression coming out only at the right time. For a change I even liked Priyanka's character. I just wished they had concentrated a little bit more on the mother-son relationship. The song by Sonu Nigam comes at such a emotional point that it almost brought me to tears. Definitely recommend this for masala lovers. Action films are back in Bollywood.

13. The Vicious Kind (6.5/10)
This film is about relationship between two brothers, a father trying to connect with his sons and the young woman who gets between the three of them who happens to the younger brother's girlfriend. This film was atypical american f***ed up family with an interesting story to tell. This film is watchabale because of its short length and some brilliant acting by all the lead characters. This was a good mix of drama and dark comedy.

12. Lanka (Hindi) (4/10)
The story of the film was interesting but not new. We have seen films with similar story lines. It was a little hard to believe that in today's world someone can actually captivate someone in their home and no one knows about it. Manoj Bajpayee acted decent but I thought Arjan Bajwa's character was not defined properly. Till the last minute he was this bechara hero who could do nothing. How can you even expect that indian film audience is going to accept their hero this way. Tia Bajpayee was effective IMO. She deserves some attention by directors.

11. Miley Naa Miley Hum (Hindi) (4/10)
These kind of films were made in 90s when love stories were talk of the town but I have a feeling that even then this film would not have worked. Newcomer Chirag Paswan seems honest in his work but the guy has absolutely zero screen presence. He just does not have that 'hero wali baat' and thanks to his blue eyes, he just cannot pass off as a regular guy for some reason. Kangna Ranaut was ok but I fail to understand why she signed this film unless except if it was strictly for money. This one is passable.

10. Kokuhaku (Japanese) [Confessions] (7.5/10)
This was interesting. A teacher trying to take revenge on 2 school students because they killed her daughter and the law would not do anything to punish them except some rehab time. If you can sit through first 15-20 minutes of the film, you are gonna love it. The initial film is a little confusing but turns into a psychological drama. Not really a thriller but does give you interesting twists and turns. I would definitely recommend this one.

9. I Am Kalam (Hindi) (9/10)
It is so sad that Bollywood i associated with mindless musicals and romantic stories with people running around trees. Bollywood thankfully also makes films like this which deserve every single acclaim that it has been receiving from the few who have seen this film. I am so so glad that i saw this film. The 2 kids are brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Salute to the writer, director and producer for showing us something so simple yet so beautiful.