15 films in February 2013

1. Son Of Sardaar (Hindi) (4/10)
I just couldn't sit through this film. So OTT and annoying. And am I the only who thinks, we have had enough of Sanjay Dutt !!

2. Lincoln (5/10)
All this hooplah about this should have been the best film, I don't think so. It was great performances, but that doesn't necessarily make it a good film. It was long, very dialogue heavy, some which at least, I coud not not comprehend at all.

3. The Imposter (Documentary) (7.5/10)
This was truly fantastic. You need to watch this for yourself.

4. Anna Karenina (5/10)
I am tired of watching Keira in all costume dramas having that constipated smile, playing a character that is cheating (in pretty much all her movies). Nonetheles, this film was an awesome and very innovative story telling. The way the sets and characters would just morph from one piece to the other, it could have ben a stage show with the sophistication of a film.

5. Flight (4/10)
Denzel Washington was fantastic in this film but overall as a film, it did not do much for me. The story might have been novel and new but it failed to connect me as an audience.

6. ABCD Anybody Can Dance (Hindi) (4.5/10)
A good effort, well praised. But having had so much expectations on dances, hearing all interviews etc. I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. Also, personally for me it was very hard for me to disconnect the DID participants from the characters in the film. But thats my problem. The finale song and dance was really awesome though.

7. The Well Diggers Daughter (French) (5.5/10)
This reminds you of a 60s or 70s hindi film. A very basic plot about family and their survival. Just because it is in french, it gets a higher rating from critics but if a similar film had been made in India, it would have been ripped apart. Agreed, the treatment and acting was good.

8. Standup Guys (3.5/10)
Bore ! Bore! Bore! Thats enough said

9. La Vie en Rose (French) (7/10)
The film was above average but OMG! Marion Cotillard totally deserved the oscar for this one. Her performance just keeps you spellbound. Watch this one for just her performance.

10. Mai (Hindi) (5/10)
An important subject, but everyone knows these films never work in todays day and age. Asha Bhosle's acting debut is decent but her singing voice just doesn't suit well for acting purposes. But I would still say that it is an encouraging effort. This would have done really well if released straight on TV.

11. 10 ml Love (Hindi) (5.5/10)
A very interesting indie film with good performances based on Shakespeare's 'Midsummer's night dream'. I like Tisca Chopra and seeing here here was refreshing. After the second half film starts losing the steam but none the less, this film is short, sweet and lot of fun. Highly recommended.

12. Dabangg 2 (Hindi) (4/10)
Didn't like this at all. Dabangg was sooo good. This was a cheap sequel just for the heck of it. I had high hopes from Prakash Raj but he was just a simple villain. Very disappointing.

13. Inkaar (Hindi) (7/10)
This was a very novel concept. A movie on sexual harassment, this one was pretty much a game of words (remember Raincoat!). I loved the film for its theme, its execution and the fact that Sudhir Mishra never took sides. He just showed different interpretations if the same scenarios from male/female point of view. I thought this was a very good piece of work. A little long maybe, but still interesting.

14. Kai Po Che (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Loved the film. Though, when I read the book, I couldn't think that this would make a good movie but I think the use of real locations and raw acting talent helped this movie to rise above the rest.

15. Post Mortem (Spanish/Chile) (3/10)
This film was slow as hell. Totally reminded me some really bad art house cinema form 80s where a simple scene would just drag on for hours. Totally avoidable.

17 films in Jan 2013

17. Django Unchained (8/10)
I was expecting serious movie, but I was surprised that it was a light hearted film with exceptionally great performances. Christoph Waltz definitely deserves an oscar for the film. He was just simply superb.

16. Zero Dark Thirty (7.5/10)
Everyone had been saying such great things about this film and my expectations were soaring high. This film was definitely very very good but I think Hurt Locker was better. Or maybe it was just my expectations after reading almost 100% positive and extra-ordinary reviews about this one.

15. Seven Psychopaths (6.5/10)
I think this film had a brilliant screenplay. You just did not know what to expect. Agreed. the film might not get along very well in a few places here and there but then you've got to give it to the film makers to having come up with something so different. Acting by all principal characters is fantastic.

14. Shadow Dancer (Ireland) (4/10)
I really wanted to like this film but the plot was a little too complicated for me. Top that with Irish english and it did not make things easy. I reckon that the movie would have been a nice book to read but when there is a movie where you have to struggle to figure out every single thing thats going on, doesn't make for an interesting watch.

13. Khiladi 786 (Hindi) (3/10)
I could barely sit through this movie. It seemed like Akshay Kumar had severe cold when he dubbed for this film. And please , when are we going to see Asin and Sonakshi (not in the film) do anything substantial for a change. Although I must say that songs of this film are pretty hummable. I am not a fan of HR but this film has some good music.

12. Savages (5/10)
It was an interesting film to watch. High on octane and you trying to figure out what might happen next. The clime was a big let down though. Lavishly done and an interesting plot line

11. Hitchcock (7.5/10)
This was a very interesting film. Based on the time when Hitchcock made 'Psyco', i got to know so many thing which I had no clue about hitchcock. I would definitely recommend watching this one, both for story and excellent lead performances.

10. The Impossible (6.5/10)
A family drama based on a true story about a family in Thailand during tsunami. Again excellent visuals and acting. When you know that this is based on real life story, you really feel emotional. The 3 kids have done a fantastic job, although I am not sure why Naomi Watts should get nominated.

9. Argo (8.5/10)
Definitely a great story, execution and direction. The film was thrilling, nail biting and would keep you on your toes. This is exactly the genre I like, and I am really looking forward to seeing more of this. Ben Affleck has not disappointed once again.

8. Silver Linings Playbook (7/10)
Watch this film fora brilliant storyline and exceptionally great acting by pretty much everybody involved. The film never moves away from its plot but definitely keeps it focussed and  interesting at the same time.

7. The Sessions (6.5/10)
Such a drastically different movie about a man with iron lung who wants to loose his virginity. The film shows the story of 3 women who come in his life. John Hawkes performance is incredible.

6. Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (Hindi) (5.5/10)
A good situation comedy film. Titu mama was the jaan of the film and he does his part extremely well. I liked the pure punjabi flavour and reminds me of my days in north. WOuld def recommend a clean drama free enjoyable hindi film.

5. The Paperboy (6.5/10)
This film was a huge surprise for me. Having known nothing about the film, I was pleasantly surprised but not just the story but he narration style as well. Zac Efron, Nicole Kidman, John Cusack and Matthew McConaughey were all so damn good. I would strongly recommend this one.
4. Delhi Safari (Hindi) (2/10)

3. Talk To Her (Spain) [Hable con ella] (7.5/10)
Almodovar's 2002 spanish movie about two men sharing an odd friendship while they care for their girlfriends who are both in deep comas. Like all of his other movies, this movie is also full of surprises and a unique narration style where a lot is left on viewers imagination on how to interpret the film. The film has very impressive performances.

2. Tuesday, After Christmas (Romania) (6.5/10)
The film was nothing new but the performances were so raw and real. If you've seen last years foreign film winner 'A Separation' and liked the performances, this movie has performances of similar capacity.

1. Animal Kingdom (7/10)
An interesting Australian thriller. Save for the hard Australian accent which takes sometime to get hold of things, this film is disturbing in parts. Oscar nominee Jackie Weaver also features in this film.

2012 - SECOND HALF

December 2012
35. On The Road (1/10)
34. Footnote (Israel) (5/10)
33. Rust and Pain (French/Belgium) (7/10)
32. Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You (5.5/10)
31. Game Change (7/10)
30. Tokyo Sonata (Japanese) (5.5/10)
29. The Hunger Games (8/10)
28. Eega (Telugu) (6.5/10)
27. Antikörper (German) [Antibodies] (7/10)
26. Looper (7/10)
25. Gattu (Hindi) (6.5/10)
24. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (8/10)
23. Moonrise Kingdom (7.5/10)
22. Les Infideles (French) [Infidelity] (3/10)
21. Rundskop (Danish/Belgium) [Bullhead] (5.5/10)
20. Jab Tak Hai Jaan (Hindi) (4.5/10)
19. Talaash (Hindi) (7/10)
18. Life Of Pi (5.5/10)
17. Magic Mike (5.5/10)
16. Chakravyuh (Hindi) (4/10)
15. Polisse (French) (6/10)
14. Ek Tha Tiger (Hindi) (6/10)
13. Memories Of Murder (Korean) (6/10)
12. End Of Watch (4/10)
11. A Royal Affair (Denmark) (6.5/10)
10. The Dark Knight Rises (6/10)
9. Kshay (Hindi) (4/10)
8. The Intouchables (French) (7.5/10)
7. Günesi Gördüm (Turkish) [I Saw the Sun] (8/10)
6. Amour (French) (6.5/10)
5. The Dark Knight Rises (5.5/10)
4. Dark Shadows (3/10)
3. Bernie (4.5/10)
2. Sound Of My Voice (6/10)
1. Men In Black 3 (6.5/10)

November 2012
11. Heroine (Hindi) (4.5/10)
10. Win Win (5/10)
9. Jalpari - The Desert Mermaid (Hindi) (6.5/10)
8. Gangs Of Wasseypur 2 (Hindi) (7.5/10)
7. Gangs of Wasseypur (Hindi) (6.5/10)
6. Barfi (Hindi) (7/10)
5. Think Like A Man (4/10)
4. Kya Super Kool Hain Hum (Hindi) (3/10)
3. Ted (5/10)
2. Aiyyaa (Hindi) (3/10)
1. Skyfall (7/10)

October 2012
10. Love, Wrinkle Free (Indian English) (5.5/10)
9. Student Of The Year (Hindi) (7/10)
8. Piya Ka Ghar (Hindi) (5/10)
7. OMG! Oh My God (Hindi) (5/10)
6. Sardari Begum (Hindi) (5.5/10)
5. English Vinglish (Hindi) (8/10)
4. Your Sister's Sister (5/10)
3. To Rome With Love (3.5/10)
2. Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi (Hindi) (5.5/10)
1. Cocktail (Hindi) (7/10)

September 2012
6. The Da Vinci Code (6/10)
5. Amadeus (6/10)
4. Gladiator (6/10)
3. Angels & Demons (6/10)
2. Ferrari Ki Sawaari (Hindi) (5.5/10)
1. Teri Meri Kahaani (4.5/10)

August 2012
6. I Wish (Japanese) (4.5/10)
5. Chaurahen (Hindi) (2/10)
4. Sanshodhan (Hindi) (4/10)
3. Headhunters (Norway) (7.5/10)
2. Strangers On A Train (5/10)
1. Other Voices Other Rooms (3/10)

July 2012
18. Fuhrer Ex (German) (2/10)
17. Song For A Raggy Boy (Ireland) (5/10)
16. The Deep Blue Sea (2/10)
15. Mirch Masala (Hindi) (6/10)
14. Naseem (Hindi) (5.5/10)
13. Supermen of Malegaon (Hindi Documentary) (5/10)
12. The Hunter (2.5/10)
11. Trishna (Hindi/English) (UK) (5/10)
10. Housefull 2 (Hindi) (2.5/10)
9. Tezz (Hindi) (4/10)
8. Dangerous Ishhq (Hindi) (4.5/10)
7. Bol Bachchan (Hindi) (5/10)
6. Hesher (6.5/10)
5. 21 Jump Street (6/10)
4. Evil (Swedish) (6.5/10)
3. Ishaqzaade (Hindi) (7.5/10)
2. Arjun The Warrior Prince (Hindi) (4/10)
1. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (5/10)

16 Films in June

16. La bestia nel cuore (Italian) [Don't Tell] (8/10)
An excellent though a little disturbing film on the lines of Incendies, it is still powerful and very engaging with brilliant performances. Sabina has a good life but of late she has memories and nightmares about her childhood. To discover the truth behind those, she visits her brother in US. The secret that comes out has the potential to change things in her life and her interactions with her lover. Wonderful !

15. Like Crazy (4/10)
I had major expectations form the film. The reviews that I read online made me watch this film but it unfortunately did not fulfill the promises that it made. A British college student falls for an American student, only to be separated from him when she's banned from the U.S. after overstaying her visa. And then we see how they fall in and out of their relationship over a period of few years. They break up and they make up. While fighting customs and immigration battles, the couple must decide if their relationship is worth the distance and the hardship. Acting was good but I just failed to understand that in this modern world why would anyone go through so many hardships etc that these guys had to go through.

14. Mirror Mirror (5/10)
A fun fantasy trip to the classic Snow White tale. This film is done more targeting to kids and is directed with a humor tone and that was the best part of it unlike 'Snow White and the Huntsman' movie. Acting was pretty neat and over the top which was the need of the film. I thoroughly enjoyed it specially the song and dance number towards the end.

13. Chaar Din Ki Chandni (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Why do film makers keep making films on same age old formula where either the boy or girl goes to their Punjabi (Rajasthani) in this case, joint family, to make an impression on the family to marry their loved ones. How many times has this been done to death? This film offers nothing new. Over the top , forced jokes do not bring smile to anyone's faces. Kulraj Randhawa was the sonly decent thing in the film. And what the hell was Anita raj thinking making a comeback with this film?

12. City Of God (Brazil) (8/10)
Now this is what I call a film. What a brilliant film! No wonder I had heard of this film so many times and I am glad I finally got to see it. Brilliant story, brilliant direction and performances. As a viewer we are constantly glued to what's going to happen next. You have to watch the film with attention because there are so many characters and so many small small things going on. I bet you, you will like this film.

11. Jannat 2 (Hindi) (4/10)
My patience with hindi films has seriously gone down a lot. I really did not find anything novel or exciting about this film. Emraan Hashmi acted and looked the same as he does in every movie. Esha Gupta just looks pretty. Even the music somehow didn't resonate with me. Yeah, the concept maybe was a little novel and mafia dealing with weapons but still, this film just did not do it for me. If I have to fast forward a movie, to finish it; then it is not worth it.

10. Vicky Donor (Hindi) (6.5/10)
Fantastic film. Very new concept and a very great execution. I have given somewhat lower ratings because Annu Kapoor started to get on my nerves after a while in the movie when he tries to convince Vicky. This does not take away the fact that hew as brilliant along with Ayushman. And the more you talk about the mother and the grandma, the less it is. They were the real pillars of the film. Anyone who has spent time growing up in and around Delhi like me, will totally resonate with how real the movie characters seem to be. Excellent!

9. Rapt (French) (5.5/10)
A rich industrialist is brutally kidnapped. While he physically and mentally degenerates in imprisonment, the kidnappers, police and the board of the company of which he is director negotiate about the ransom of 50 million euro. The film was very interesting but somehow I cannot decide whether I really liked it or not. There were a lot of things that were left unanswered for me. It was slow as well. If the ending really meant what I think it meant, then I liked it. If not, then I failed to understand the point of the film.

8. The Christmas Tango (Greek) (4.5/10)
This film is tale of love and longing for love in a gloomy war period in middle of nowhere in Greece. The characters have not been defined enough to provide a convincing background to what happens in the film. A "strict" Colonel who is nothing else but strict, a "fragile" Colonel's wife who only needs love, a Lieutenant who is in love with the Colonel's wife in a ridiculously primitive way and a soldier who is in love with the Lieutenant. We see their interactions and what happens over a winter preparing for the christmas. It was an alright film but there was so much that was missing.

7. Año bisiesto (Mexico) [Leap Year] (6/10)
Laura's personal life consists of one affair after another. She meets Arturo, and the pair enter into an intense, violent sexual relationship. As days go by, Laura crosses out the days on a calendar, revealing her secret past to her lover. This has got to be the most sexual and sexually violent movie. I still can't believe how this movie came all about.

6. Shanghai (Hindi) (5.5/10)
I read almost uniform excellent reviews of this film and once again it proved that high expectations always prove you wrong when you go to watch a film. Emraan Hashmi was good, agreed but I think Abhay Deol's character had lot to be desired. I also think it was a little inconsistent. The sort unfolds slowly and you realize the politics being played in the small town. Also, shouldn't the director at least once in the film make reference to why the film was called Shanghai.

5. Haywire (4/10)
This is one of those usual summer action movies where the actress is wronged and has now to find the truth and take revenge back. Mallory is a freelance covert operative but when one of the operations goes wrong , she finds herself double crossed. The movie doesn't explain lot of events that happen in the film and how the hell does the protagonist get such easy access to all these men in various parts of the world. The only good (rather really good) thing is the way actions sequence are handled. They are very raw and real.

4. Snow White and the Huntsman (3/10)
Lets get one thing straight. Kristen Stewart cannot act. She just has the same expression on her face throughout. The only saving grace is Charlize Theron. In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen. The film is shot beautifully but there is nothing much otherwise. Very ordinary, usual hollywood summer movies.

3. John Carter (1.5/10)
Transplanted to Mars, a Civil War vet discovers a lush planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior. Previews of this movie gave me high expectations but I was so let down. This was just a bad bad film.

2. Rowdy Rathore (Hindi) (6.5/10)
Full on entertainment. Exactly what you expected from the film, is what you get. A no brainer entertainment with action, emotion, songs, dances. This is what we call mass entertainment. The songs were awesome too. I loved it and had a smile on my face. 80s is back

1. Swades (Hindi) (7/10)
I saw this movie again knowing very feel how slow and preachy it was. But I still wanted to see it because it is one of those films, where SRK has actually done a scent job. I still enjoyed and loved the film as much as I did the first time even though it was still slow and preachy. Oh! and ho much I missed India after seeing this film.

12 films in May 2012

12. Tucker & Dale vs Evil (1/10)
Somehow this movie got good reviews everywhere but this one was an absolute crap IMO. Even within the spoof/zombie area, this movie was pretty awful. Now if you get off laughing at ridiculous stupid stuff, then you might end up liking this but what a disappointment for me.

11. Monsieur Lazhar (French Canadian) (4.5/10)
At a Montréal public grade school, an Algerian immigrant is hired to replace a popular teacher who committed suicide in her classroom. While helping his students deal with their grief, his own recent loss is revealed. A decent story and watchable but Oscar nomination? C'mmon there's got to be better movies than this.

10. Hate Story (Hindi) (4/10)
A decent thriller, this style of movies worked big time in late 80s where a girl takes revenge for something bad done to her. The film is old wine in new bottle but still manages to hold your attention. There is generous dose of skin for those to whom that appeals. Actually it is not that bad but then it is because the expectations with some of these hindi movies are pretty low.

9. Tyrannosaur (UK) (6/10)
The story of Joseph a man plagued by violence and a rage that is driving him to self-destruction. As Joseph's life spirals into turmoil a chance of redemption appears in the form of Hannah, a Christian charity shop worker. Their relationship develops to reveal that Hannah is hiding a secret of her own with devastating results on both of their lives. Excellent acting by principal characters. You feel their pain, their loneliness and their sufferings and when you feel that, it means actors did their job.

8. The Kid With A Bike (French) (7/10)
Abandoned by his father, a young boy is left in a state-run youth farm. In a random act of kindness, the town hairdresser agrees to foster him on weekends. The story is simple and the film focuses on how the kid and the hairdresser start to grow to like each other. It also hows how as kids, we are all so vulnerable, that we just trust blindly anyone without worrying about the consequences.

7. The Avengers (6/10)
This film was a little short of my expectations, I guess more because my expectations were way too high. It definitely is a great concept of bringing the superheroes together from various time zones and them fight an evil force. The evil force in my opinion was not evil enough for all the forces to come together. Technically, the effects were superb and there were excellent one-liners in the movie specially from the Iron-man character. Fans of super hero movies should still check the film out without any doubt.

6. Chronicle (7/10)

Andrew is a troubled but creative teen with a keen visual eye and a high-quality HD camera. He is introverted and socially awkward. Along with his friends, Matt and Steve, they make a discovery that leads them all to acquire powerful telekinetic abilities. They're now capable of, well, almost anything. But things take a dark turn. This film was much above my expectations. It made up for a wonderful viewing at home on a sunday evening. It takes time to get used to the idea of everything seen through a hand held camera but otherwise it was pretty interesting.

5. Bittoo Boss (Hindi) (2.5/10)

An excellent concept gone horribly wrong. The story did not had much to offer. The makers should have thought of some other direction for side story rather than the x-rated video making business. Pulkit Samrat makes confident debut but he is seriously let down by supporting actors including Amita Pathak. The songs are just ok. Overall, it was a pretty waste of my time.

4. Trikon Ka Chautha Kon (Hindi) (5/10)

The film is from 80's and tackles a very tricky theme from that time's perspective. Husband and Wife are in an arranged marriage and husband's love from before marriage returns after 5 years. They still love each other but how does the lover fit in the social world of husband and wife. The direction IMO was pretty lame, but kudos to story. It would be interesting to see a modern day take on this handling the subject with the seriousness and empathy that it deserves.

3. Life Ki Toh Lag Gayi (Hindi) (3/10)

4 parallel stories go side by side and meeting the end. KK's and Ranvir Shorey's tracks were boring. The only interesting track ws of Neha Bhasin. The film focuses on how these characters are beaten by life and hence the title. No great shakes about the film.

2. Sherlock Holmes: The Game Of Shadow (5.5/10)

The first one in this series was total entertainer. This one does not come anywhere close to it but it still is a good time pass flick. My one complaint is too thick of a British accent. If I did not watch this movie with subtitles, I would had emitted so much context and would not have enjoyed at all. Robert DOwney Jr. and Jude Law again excel in their roles.

1. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (7/10)

I think th film was everything that I expected from a MI series. It did not bore me and the film passed on very quick. Awesome special affects, nice action. Although its time for Tom Cruise to retire from this MI series. Series, it was a total paisa vasool entertainer.

15 films in April

15. Piedras (Spain) [Stones] (6/10)

14. Blood Money (Hindi) (6.5/10)

13. Jodi Breakers (HIndi) (4/10)

12. Agent Vinod (Hindi) (4.5/10)

11. Paan Singh Tomar (Hindi) (9/10)

10. Will You Marry Me (Hindi) (2/10)

9. Gali Gali Chor Hai (Hindi) (2.5/10)

8. Carrington (UK) (5/10)

7. Double Hour (Italian) (5.5/10)

6. Lincoln Lawyer (6/10)

5. Sadda Adda (Hindi) (3.5/10)

4. Big Stan (2/10)

3.Partition (Canada/Hindi) (3/10)

2. London Paris New York (Hindi) (5.5/10)

1. 13 Assassins (Japanese) (6.5/10)

18 Films in March

18. Antardwand (Hindi) (6.5/10)

17. Le Havre (French) (5/10)

16. My Week With Marilyn (4.5/10)

15. The Adventures Of Tintin (8/10)

14. Ekk Deewana Tha (Hindi) (4/10)

13. Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (Hindi) (7/10)

12. Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya (Hindi) (5/10)

11. American Psycho (3.5/10)

10. Young Adult (4/10)

9. Good Night Good Morning (Indian US English) (4/10)

8. Carnage (6.5/10)

7. The Devil's Double (7/10)

6. Deool (Marathi) (6/10)

5. Kahaani (Hindi) (8.5/10)

4. Cinema Paradiso (Italian) (6.5/10)

3. Departures (Japanese) (7.5/10)

2. Children Of Heaven (Iran) (7/10)

1. Love Breakups Zindagi (Hindi) (6/10)

16 films in February

16. Y Tu Mamá También (Spanish) (7.5/10)
This movie is an excellent movie watching experience just because of the sheer rawness and the acting of the 2 main leads. Irrespective of your culture and background, you will find yourself somewhere in both of them and it will take you back to your teenage years. The film is about two teenage boys and an attractive older woman, who embark on a road trip and learn a thing or two about life, friendship, sex, and each other.

15. A Dangerous Method (UK) (3/10)
This is a very very wordy film. It relies completely on the acting abilities of the 3 protagonists. I personally feel that Keira Knightley was a wrong choice for this role. The films shows the complex relationships and the friendship and subsequent hatred between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud and how the whole concept of psychoanalysis was born. The film is for lovers of artsy kind of cinema, which I am, but this film was a little too heavy.

14. Martha Marcy May Marlene (4.5/10)
One of the most complicated film names to remember, this film leaves you with a thought and depression and makes you think that yes such cults still do exist in middle America. The story is about this girl who initially gets sucked into a cult, how her life changes and when she finally manages to escape, how she finds it hard to readjust in the normal life. The film also focuses on how difficult it is even for people around her to deal with this situation. The lead actress has done a fantastic job in acting.

13. Mahek Mirza (Hindi) (5/10)
An NFCD production, this is a children's film about a girl called Mahek Mirza, who wants to do big in life but hasn't yet founder strengths yet. Everything she wants to do right ends up being a disaster. Mahek finally realizes how her power lies within the fact that she dreams big about everything an dhow she can use this same strength to achieve something big in life and change her future and make her parents proud. A sweet innocent film for kids.

12. Lilkee (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Ten year old lilkee comes to Mumbai to work in Bela's house. She gradually settles down to a routine of taking care of Bela's baby but misses the mountains of Nainital. Soon she also finds new friends who take her to be an apartment resident, just like themselves. But when they realize that she is a 'maid', they are not sure they want to be her friend anymore. Can friendship blossom across class divides? This was a very very well directed and acted film. Definitely recommended for kids.

11. Today's Special (Indian US English) (4.5/10)
In this feel good foodie comedy, young Manhattan chef Samir rediscovers his heritage and his passion for life through the enchanting art of cooking Indian food. This is one of those Indian American films that do want to cross over the boundaries but alas the basic plot and feel of all these films somehow all remains the same.

10. Cooking With Stella (Canada Hindi/English) (4/10)
Stella has been a cook with Canadian Embassy in India for 30 years. Over years, she has used all she can to make extra money from the perks that the ambassadors get. But her life changes when a new couple arrives where the wife is the ambassador and husband is a wannabe cook. But Stella has her own plans and she does manage to make the best plot of her life to make all the money that she can never do in small installments. Seema Biswas is so different in this film from her usual self. The film is worth just for her.

9. Certified Copy (English/French/Italian) (2/10)
Having read brilliant reviews all over about this film, it could not have disappointed me more. If a film leaves you with more questions than answers, I am not too sure if that was worth the viewers time. There can be so many interpretations of the relationship between the 2 leads. The actors are pretty popular and act well but some sort of background on the 2 characters would help. Another one of those wordy films that are low on entertainment.

8. Hayat (Iran/Hindi dubbed) (5/10)
Its a very innocent and sweet children's film about a girl called Hayaat. When her father gets ill and the mother has to go with him, how she handles everything before she has to go give a very important exam that will determine her future examination. She needs to take care of her younger brother and infant sister. The direction is very realistic and you do feel a part of the whole story of Hayat.

7. Take Shelter (7/10)
Plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions, a young husband and father questions whether to shelter his family from a coming storm, or from himself. This is a film that moves so slowly and builds so dramatically that one begins to wonder if we're every getting to the end. It's an incredibly quiet and sincerely somber film. It's smart, engaging, fascinating, and brutally sincere. Be patient with the film but it will definitely reward you. Good performances from the principal characters as well.

6. Pappu Can't Dance Saala (Hindi) (5/10)
I did not expect to see alive story when i saw this film. I have seen more satire or comedy from the combination on Neha Dhupia, Vinay Pathak & Saurabh Shukla and was completely surprised to see them present something so different. This could partly be the reason for a little low ratings for this film in addition to a very unusual love pairing. It is still decent watch , nevertheless.

5. Players (Hindi) (5/10)
If you haven't seen Italian Job , you might like this better but having seen that film very recently, I just could not forget that. Even if I forget that, my problem was with the choice of actors. No one seemed to fit the part. Abhishek Bachchan is just horrible. Bipasha did not suit the seductress and Sonam also did not fit the part. In fact , the entire team did not look like someone who could pull of a heist of such a nature. The only saving grace is Neil Nitin Mukesh. The music is also pretty pathetic.

4. Jo Hum Chahein (Hindi) (4.5/10)
Some other time, this film would have done decent business. It does have a novel concept in the love story and surprisingly the 2 newcomers do a very decent job considering it is their first film. No one over acted and the story was pretty grounded and real but the chemistry and that speak was missing that one usually expects from a love story. With good publicity and more awareness, this film could have done a little better.

3. The Song Of Sparrows (Iran) (7.5/10)
How I wish, our lives were still so simple and uncomplicated as shown in the film. All of us who were growing up in 80s, 90s know about simple pleasures with little TV, no computers etc where family members used to spend time with each other. When an ostrich-rancher focuses on replacing his daughter's hearing aid, which breaks right before crucial exams, everything changes for a struggling rural family in Iran. Directed by Majid Majidi, it is another excellent portrayal of vast cultural and economic gaps between a village an a thriving city. Excellent.

2. Moneyball (6/10)
I did not want to see this film. Sports films are not my type but this film was pretty decent. I do not understand the details of Baseball but even otherwise the film made sense. Brad Pitt did act really well in the film. The film is based on a true story of Billy Beane's successful attempt to put together a baseball club on a budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players.

1. Never Let Me Go (3/10)
As children, Ruth, Kathy and Tommy, spend their childhood at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. As they grow into young adults, they find that they have to come to terms with the strength of the love they feel for each other, while preparing themselves for the haunting reality that awaits them. This was a weird futuristic (if you can call it that) movie. Disappointing.

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.

January 2012 so far

8. Hugo (8/10)
This is a treat to watch on big screen that too in 3-D. I am not a big fan of 3D films, in fact they give me headache but trust me this film is worth it. It is a touching film with just the right doses of everything. Scorsese has done it again.

7. Desi Boyz (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Over the top and boring. My patience for non-sensible hindi films is just reducing day by day

6. Horrible Bosses (4/10)
Funny in parts. Guilty pleasure. My ratings are based on more meaningful cinema. I am sure many people will love this movie a lot and might identify as well.

5. Crazy, Stupid Love (5/10)
There was a time I used to like rom-coms but not any more. I can see myself absolutely loving this movie 5 years ago but now, this was strictly an ok movie.

4. Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Such a disappointment form the team of BBB. This was just such an ordinary film that I could not believe what I was seeing. Nothing.. absolutely nothing was special in the film except maybe The Chopra girl. I was surprised to see how under utilised Anushka Sharma was. The charm that Ranvir Singh brought in BBB was totally lost by his "star" attitude in this film.

3. Such a Long Journey (UK/Indian) (8.5/10)
Based on the novel by Rohinton Mistry, I had no expectations of this movie but it was such a fantastic and pleasant surprise. A slice of life film focusing on a Parsi man Gustad Noble. He is forced to deal with a number of unexpected problems in his life, including his sick daughter, his individualist eldest son, a distant friend who gets him involved with some dirty money, and an unhealthy neighborhood. Acting by the entire principal cast is very natural. Released way back in 99, I am surprised this film did not get any recognition. Highly recommended. It is very very real.

2. The Guard (9/10)
This film reminded me so much of 'In Bruges'. An unorthodox Irish policeman with a confrontational personality is teamed up with an uptight FBI agent to investigate an international drug-smuggling ring. The humour in this film is subtle and wrong but it is so so funny. Either you will get the humour and you will crack up and enjoy it or you would be miserable. Be careful of the Irish accent. It helped me watch it with subtitles an dont missing out on any jokes.

1. Flowers of War (English/Chinese) (7/10)
A Westerner finds refuge with a group of women in a church during Japan's rape of Nanking in 1937. Posing as a priest, he attempts to lead the women to safety. This film is too real and very depressing. It just kills your heart to see what the little girls have to go through during the war. I did not know about the history of Japan's attack on Nanking in China but the film focuses more on the human aspects of it. Very real, touching and sad. Good piece of cinema.

2011 - SECOND HALF

December 2011
20. Warrior (8.5/10)
19. Don 2 (Hindi) (6/10)
18. Inkheart (2.5/10)
17. Drive (7/10)
16. We Need To Talk About Kevin (4.5/10)
15. The Debt (6/10)
14. 50/50 (7.5/10)
13. Contagion (4/10)
12. Damadamm (Hindi) (4.5/10)
11. A Separation Of Nader & Simin (Iran) (8/10)
10. Albert Nobbs (Ireland) (4.5/10)
9. Midnight In Paris (7/10)
8. The Skin I Live In (Spanish) (7.5/10)
7. Tere Mere Phere (Hindi) (3/10)
6. The Ides Of March (5/10)
5. Shame (7.5/10)
4. Sarah's Key (English/French) (7.5/10)
3. Shabri (Hindi) (5/10)
2. My Friend Pinto (Hindi) (3/10)
1. The Dirty Picture (7.5/10)

November 2011
19. Hum Tum Shabana (Hindi) (1/10)
18. Bol (Hindi) (6/10)
17. The Objective (1/10)
16. Hanna (4/10)
15. Force (Hindi) (6.5/10)
14. Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (Hindi) (6/10)
13. Mod (Hindi) (7/10)
12. Henry's Crime (5/10)
11. Trespass (2/10)
10. Rain Man (6/10)
9. Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster (Hindi) (7/10)
8. Tabloid (Documentary) (7/10)
7. Captain America (2/10)
6. Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (5.5/10)
5. The Help (4/10)
4. Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows (part 2) (8.5/10)
3. Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows (part 1) (5/10)
2. Sahi Dhande Galat Bande (Hindi) (7/10)
1. Incendies (French) (8/10)

October 2011
11. Submarine (3.5/10)
10. Last Night (4.5/10)
9. Green Lantern (3/10)
8. Ra.One (Hindi) (4/10)
7. Soundtrack (Hindi) (7/10)
6. 13 (4/10)
5. Toy Story (4/10)
4. Something Borrowed (3/10)
3. X-Men: First Class (7/10)
2. Aarakshan (Hindi) (3/10)
1. Not A Love Story (Hindi) (5.5/10)

September 2011
13. Khap (Hindi) (3/10)
12. Mausam (Hindi) (5/10)
11. Misery (5.5/10)
10. Iti Mrinalini (Hindi) (3.5/10)
9. Bubble Gum (Hindi) (5.5/10)
8. Kashmakash (Hindi) (6.5/10)
7. That Girl In Yellow Boots (Hindi) (5/10)
6. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (Hindi) (7.5/10)
5. Limitless (4.5/10)
4. Jane Eyre (4/10)
3. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (Hindi) (6/10)
2. Bodyguard (Hindi) (5.5/10)
1. Rio (4/10)

August 2011
19. Super 8 (4.5/10)
18. Fish Tank (3/10)
17. Madeo (Mother) (Korean) (8/10)
16. Singham (Hindi) (7.5/10)
15. It's Kind Of A Funny Story (1.5/10)
14. The Italian Job (6/10)
13. Chillar Party (Hindi) (7.5/10)
12. Bhindi Baazaar Inc. (Hindi) (5/10)
11. West Is West (Uk English/Punjabi) (5.5/10)
10. Burlusque (3/10)
9. Always Kabhi Kabhi (Hindi) (4/10)
8. Monica (Hindi) (6.5/10)
7. Murder 2 (Hindi) (7/10)
6. Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap (Hindi) (7/10)
5. Ready (Hindi) (5/10)
4. Source Code (5.5/10)
3. Bheja Fry 2 (Hindi) (2/10)
2. 404 (Hindi) (5.5/10)
1. Double Dhamaal (Hindi) (6/10)

July 2011
4. Shaitan (Hindi) (6.5/10)
3. Stanley Ka Dabba (Hindi) (8/10)
2. Love u Mr. Kalaakaar (Hindi) (5/10)
1. Delhi Belly (Hindi/English) (7/10)

15 films in June

15. Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills (2.5/10)
I saw this film for first 15 minutes and thought it could be an interesting film in spoof genre but it really could not make up its mind whether this was real or really a spoof. Film has a very thin plot of a widow's houseboy and a divorcee's chauffeur bet on which will bed the other's employer first. Could have been much better with more spoofy jokes and situations.

14. Shagird (Hindi) (5.5/10)
This film was somewhere in between. OIT could have been better if editing was tighter. Acting from Nana Patekar was good. In fact he was in form after a long time. This is the kind of film that would make a goo viewing on TV or dvd but I dont really see myself spending money on big screen despite it having something different although not completely new. Mohit Ahlawat really can't act IMO. Rimi Sen is getting a little repetitive with her shocked expressions

13. Bride Flight (Dutch/English) (7/10)
Wonderful film and a great surprise. I am so glad I saw this film. A romantic drama that charts the lives of three women from different backgrounds, forever changed when they emigrate to New Zealand as war brides. All three of them have something to do with a young man. The film takes us through the entire journey of their life. Beautifully shot in New Zealand, now I wanna visit the country. The acting, story and direction were all great.

12. Shor In The City (Hindi) (7/10)
Very interesting film. 3 stories in parallel but they never meet each other but still somehow it doesn't feel disjointed. There are small moments in the film which make a deep impression. Acting from all principal characters is good. Female characters are wasted. I think Tushar Kapoor did a fantastic job. Again, I prefer these kinds films because they have something new to offer

11. Pyaar Ka Punchnama (Hindi) (7/10)
Only if the length of this film could be controlled a bit, this could have been super awesome. I love the spontaneous acting of the 3 male lead actors. It is straight out of our today's life. The film is a hilarious take on how sometimes girls take boys on a ride for their personal benefit and how a decent man actually ends up becoming a girl's 'kathputli'. I enjoyed this film a lot.

10. Memories Of March (English/Bengali/Hindi) (7/10)
I give high ratings to this film just for the choice of the subject. It is bold yet sensitive but unfortunately the treatment of the film leaves a lot to be desired. Deepti Naval acted very well as an estranged mother who has recently lost her son and is finding out shocking realities of her son's life. But her reactions would change so drastic that there was no reason that at one instant she likes Rituparno Ghosh and the next she hats and then likes him back. It was odd. Rituparno Ghosh in his first film as an actor was very good. Somehow I felt his performance was not very much upto the mark.

9. Luv Ka The End (Hindi) (4.5/10)
Bollywood has finally ventured into the candy floss genre. It is not like there was never the film but this film whose central protagonist is a girl is really a chick flick. When Shraddha Kapoor finds out that her boyfriend (newcomer Taaha) is cheating on him and just playing around with her for some stupid club, she is shattered but vows to take revenge on him. 2 of her best friends are her confidants in the film. The good thing about the film is that it comes straight o point very quick. As a viewer you dont feel that the film is stretching. But still if you put a little brain, it is a dumb silly film for teenage girls.

8. Faltu (Hindi) (3.5/10)
I cannot fathom why this film is a such big hit. The same story was earlier done in 'Admissions Open' film that came last year. I guess that was done in a serious tone whereas Faltu has just one aim- entertainment. But I think I have reached a stage where I have stopped enjoying films if they do not have a meaning behind them. This film is about 4 youngsters taking on the Indian education system. Jackky Bhagnani, Deepak Dobriyal, Pooja Gupta and Angad Bedi were actually all pretty confident and very good in their respective roles. But having seen the story in an earlier film, there was not much originality left for me. Arshad Warsi and Ritesh Deshmukh were actually annoying.

7. True Grit (3.5/10)
A teenage 14 year old girl hires an aging US marshal Jeff Bridges and another lawman Matt Damon in search of her father's killer in the old Indian territory in US. Interesting story but it was sooooo slow that it tested my patience. It really did. Something that could have been finished in about half an hour took forever. The only saving grace was the very wonderful performance of the 14 year old girl. The confidence and determination that she showed was remarkable. This was definitely not my cup of tea.

6. Crimes and Misdemeanors (5/10)
I have a feeling that had I seen this film long time ago about the time it came out , I would have absolutely loved the film. A very famous doctor has been having an affair for over 2 years with a woman who now threatens to destroy his life if he did not do anything about it. WHen he discusses this with his brother, he assures him that he will take care of it. Meanwhile Woody Allen plays this documentary film maker who is falling in love with a co-worker and cannot do anything about hi failing marriage. There were some really good witty one liners which I liked specially the ones that Woody says to his niece. They are outrightly funny. But overall from a movie's perspective, a lot has changed since the time this movie actually came out.

5. Jack Goes Boating (4/10)
Philip Seymor Hoffman's directorial debut is a poignant story of love growing between 2 people and also about love lost between another couple. An awkward shy couple slowly get together and become close as time and events bring them close and at the same time, their friend's life is being teared apart by love lost, infidelity, boredom, career etc. The high point of the film is acting but then again the film is very very slow.

4. Dum Maaro Dum (Hindi) (7/10)
I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the film. I had very low expectations and somehow it worked in the film's favor. Abhishek Bachchan plays a cop who is out to nab the drug mafia in Goa and of course succeeds. Goa has been captured beautifully. Acting by everyone is pretty god. I expected something more powerful from newcomer Rana Duggabatti but he was ok. Prateek Babbar was also decent. Songs somehow fit well in the narrative except the title track. Music Director's please stop spoiling the classics.

3. All Good Things (5/10)
A murder mystery based on a true story which till date has not been solved. Exciting idea and executed well. But why does it still get a low rating? Because I am very curious to know if the director himself knew why he was creating the character of Ryan Gosling the way he ended up doing. Why would he behave in such an odd way? The story is about a latent psychopath man, his aging older power hungry father, and a charming young innocent woman caught up in a struggle for happiness and wealth?

2. Toast (7/10)
I loved this film. I am so glad that I chanced upon this film. I think its the first film that I have seen with food as a background. A young boy loves his mother despite she not knowing anything about cooking. When she dies, he is left alone with his father who is now getting close to their cleaner. She takes the age old route of a man's heart is through his stomach. The young boy yearns for his father's love and wants to cook the best dishes to get his attention. A young chef whom he meets in a restaurant gives him the confidence to leave his father's house and take his dream forward of becoming a great cook. Excellent performances and wonderful movie.

1. Haevnen (Danish) [In A Better World] (7/10)
A ten year old boy Elias is bullied at school until another boy Christian comes to his rescue and they become very close friends. Christian is a troubled young boy after his mother's death and doesn't like to talk to his father but when Christian involves Elias in a dangerous act of revenge with potentially tragic consequences, their friendship is tested and lives are put in danger. There were parts of the film that were confusing and did not add any relevance to the story directly but it was beautiful poetic direction. The boys acted so well specially Christian as the troubled child. This is an interesting cinema with amazing performances, good story and a message.

15 Films in May

15. Sutradhar (Hindi) (4/10)

14. Chalo Dilli (5.5/10)

13. Disturbia (4/10)

12. Bridesmaids (7/10)

11. Thor (5/10)

10. The Ninth Gate (2.5/10)

9. Utt Pataang (Hindi) (6/10)

8. Zokkomon (Hindi) (4/10)

7. Rabbit Hole (6.5/10)

6. Game (Hindi) (4/10)

5. Fair Game (3.5/10)

4. The City of Your Final Destination (3/10)

3. Joneses (3.5/10)

2. Thank You (HIndi) (3/10)

1. Biutiful (Spanish) (4/10)

19 Films in April

19. Aaja Nachle (Hindi) (6.5/10)

18. The Machinist (3/10)

17. Dhobi Ghaat (Hindi) (7.5/10)

16. Exam (3.5/10)

15. Barber Shop (4/10)

14. Love And Other Drugs (3/10)

13. 127 Hours (4/10)

12. Frozen (2/10)

11. Robot (Hindi) (5.5/10)

10. Blue Valentine (7/10)

9. Hereafter (2.5/10)

8. The Next Three Days (7/10)

7. Yeh Saali ZIndagi (Hindi) (6.5/10)

6. Tangled (5/10)

5. Shriman Shrimati (Hindi) (5.5/10)

4. Takers (3.5/10)

3. Made in Dagenham (5/10)

2. Debshishu (Hindi) (3.5/10)

1. Ada - A Way Of Life (Hindi) (1/10)
What a terrible film and such pathetic acting by the male lead. The young man (with a very sad looking face) is always either engaged in heavy duty serious philosophical discussion with his parents (annoying Ayesha Jhulka and Rahul Roy) or is dealing with a gangster to kill someone. IN between he somehow finds time to romance Nauheed Cyrusi. I mean there is absolutely no connection whatsoever in the scenes. His acting is so bad that if you watch this supposedly serious film as comedy, you might enjoy and laugh over it. This 1 star is just for Rahman's music which is actually pretty good. What a waste in such a film

16 Films in March

16. Step Up 3 (3/10)

15. Tanu Weds Manu (Hindi) (7/10)

14. Micmacs (French) (4.5/10)

13. You Again (3/10)

12. Dancing at Lughnasa (4/10)

11. Inside Job (Documentary) (5/10)

10. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest (Swedish) (7/10)

9. The Tourist (5.5/10)

8. Hostel (Hindi) (3/10)

7. Turning 30 (Hindi) (4.5/10)

6. Patiala House (Hindi) (5.5/10)

5. Secretariat (5/10)

4. 7 Khoon Maaf (Hindi) (4/10)

3. Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (Hindi) (3.5/10)

2. Easy A (3/10)

1. Yamla Pagla Deewana (Hindi) (4/10)

10 films in February '11

10. Dil To Bachcha Hai Ji (Hindi) (6/10)
A nice warm no brainers entertainer but very unlike the David Dhawan or Anees Bazmee types. This is not the kind of comedy where you burst out in pearls of laughter. Rather this is the kind of film, where you actually relate to the characters and there is always a smile on your face. Ajay Devgan is someone now you can bank on as actor. Emran Hashmi is just getting better. I have actually started to like the guy. It was also refreshing to see a light film finally by Madhur Bhandarkar

9. Dance Like A Man (Indian/English) (3.5/10)
I had been wanting this film for a while now just because I have always tried to encourage the so called 'art' cinema. I have a feeling that had I seen the film right when it came out, I might have appreciated it bit more than what I did now. Acting by Shobhana and Asif Zakaria was good. In fact pretty good, but overall, it failed to leave a mark on me the struggles a man goes through trying to prove to be a man but at the same time taking his passion for dancing to the next level. Things are not so easy when your better half (read wife) is better than you.

8. Haat - The Weekly Bazaar (Hindi/Rajasthani) (1/10)
A weird film by actress turned director Seema Kapoor. The choice of subject was interesting and could have made a good art film but the bizarre narration style and not a crisp story line leaves a lot wanted. There have been several films on women being tortured and misused, this one follows the same path with Divya Dutta's life being used by her husband and her lover. This film has nothing new or novel to offer. Yawn !!

7. Transamerica (7.5/10)
I had been meaning to see this film for such a long time and finally manage to do so. The film is about a pre-operative male-to-female transsexual takes an unexpected journey when she learns that she fathered a son, now a teenage runaway hustling on the streets of New York. Felicity Huffman is just brilliant in this role. I am so so disappointed to now read that she never won the oscars for the performance. She so deserved it. The film also manages to open your eyes on how society discriminates and ultimately its the soul that matters. Brilliant and a very brave effort on the film makers part.

6. Unstoppable (3.5/10)
A so so film. It kept reminding me of the hindi film 'The Burning Train'. Plus it was very very predictable. It just cannot meet the level of excitement and nervousness that other disaster films can take you through.

5. Conviction (5.5/10)
This film surprised me. Based on a true story about a sister trying to get justice for her brother was very emotional and has been handled with a lot of sincerity. Hilary Swank was wonderful in her portrayal. Despite the fact that you know the final outcome, you still feel so happy and elated for the family who have suffered long to see the day.

4. You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger (4/10)
I used to love Woody Allen cinema but something has been missing in his recent outings. The film focussing on mall multiple stories. We follow a group of people, as their passions, ambitions, and anxieties lead them into trouble and out of their minds. The film ends up abruptly without justifying certain actions or even giving a closure to any one event. It i as if you are watching a slice of life of your neighbour, and just when it got interesting, the neighbour decided to move out.

3. Red (3/10)
When his peaceful life is threatened by a high-tech assassin, former black-ops agent Frank Moses reassembles his old team in a last ditch effort to survive and uncover his assailants. Simple story but it is kind of a British black comedy that makes you laugh at certain points. If you dont wanna put your brain to work , then you might actually enjoy the film. My problem was that I tried to find logic into so many situations that I stopped having fun. Don't repeat the mistake that I did.

2. Toonpur Ka Superrhero (Hindi) (1.5/10)
It as bad, specially if you are very used to the whole American animation world where the things are so much better. From India standards, the animation quality was decent but then just that is not enough. The story was very bad and please, what was Kajol thinking when she did this film. A big downer!

1. Jhootha Hi Sahi (Hindi) (6/10)
I dont know why this film got so bad reviews. I, for once actually enjoyed watching this film. It was sweet and simple and I particularly enjoyed the chemistry that the circle of friends shared with each other. Sometimes simple things are better and I have always wanted to be in such a circle. But what the hell was Abbas Tyrwala thinking when he signed his wife Pakhi for the film as lead actress. C'mmon now, anyone can see how she just can't act and has pathetic screen presence.

18 films in January

18. Band Baaja Baaraat (Hindi) (9/10)
What a fantastic film. Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma have done such a brilliant job. Yet another film with total Delhi flavour and it makes it o much fun to watch. I think Habib Faisal (the dialogue write of the film) is a man to watch out for. Please watch this one for sure.

17. The King's Speech (UK) (8.5/10)
Arguabley, one of the best films to come out in 2010 and almost perfect acting by Colin Firth. The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it. This one is a must watch. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, the king is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country through war.

16. Manon Of The Spring (French) (7/10)
COntinuing the story from Jean de Florette, the daughter is now grown up. As she discovers the truth of what happened to her father as a result of the scheming of their neighbour (Yves Montand), who took the land for himself, she vows revenge, realising that the neighbour's deeds have irrevocably shaped the course of her life. Her moves toward avenging her father's demise provide an ironic twist to this harsh and thought-provoking saga.

15. Jean de Florette (French) (6.5/10)
Two 1920's farmers engage in a bitter rivalry as one tries to tend to a plot of land and the other deviously undermines his efforts in order to conceal a valuable spring. The peasant farmer (Gérard Depardieu) who comes to the countryside to tend the land he has inherited is a naive and trusting soul seeking only to provide for his wife and daughter, while his neighbour (Yves Montand) is intent on doing whatever he can to discourage and demoralise the farmer so that he can take the land for himself. This simple tale unfolds in a wrenching fashion to a tragic conclusion, bringing forth questions about human nature and the prevalence and price of greed.

14. The Fighter (4/10)
The Fighter, is a drama about boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's unlikely road to the world light welterweight title. His Rocky-like rise was shepherded by half-brother Dicky, a boxer-turned-trainer who rebounded in life after nearly being KO'd by drugs and crime. The film is just ok but brilliant acting by Christian Bale and the girl who played the mother.

13. Phas Gaye Re Obama (Hindi) (7/10)
This is called a black comedy with a very very intelligent script. This film proves once again that if the script is right, you can make a wonderful film with lesser known stars and low budget and still come up with a great product. US returned Rajat Kapoor gets kidnapped hoping that since he is american, kidnappers can make good money. But due to recession, he is broke. How he comes up with a brilliant plan to escape the kidnappers and also make some money from this makes the film very interesting.

12. How To Train Your Dragon (8/10)
Normally I dont watch animated films unless I get strong recommendations and this film definitely surprised me. This is a great great film specially after watching it with such nil expectations. Excellent story, direction, connection with audience and everything else. I think I might finally be getting into watching more and more animation movies.

11. Alles is liefde (Dutch) [Love Is All] (2.5/10)
Heavily inspired from British film 'Love Actually'. The film again shows various couples , which I think again here it was 6, and what is going on with their love life around St. Nicolas day. Every couple is unique in their problems and love. While "Love Actually" was a great movie to watch, this was hardly bearable. The characters were very poorly sketched and I thought that the acting was also pretty bad.

10. Rakht Charitra-2 (Hindi) (7/10)
An excellent follow-up to part 1. The story moves forward and now Vivek Oberoi finally has an enemy (in form o south start Suriya). The film is high on emotion, dialogue and acting rather than plain bloodshots like in first part. I think Ram Gopal Verma re-invented himself with this 2 part series. Sad that it all went unnoticed by critics and audience alike.

9. Rita (Marathi) (6/10)
Interesting debut from Renuka Shahane as a director. The story was regular, a little hatke and modern but brilliant acting by Pallavi Joshi. One of the actresses, who never got her due as an actress. It gets a little draggy towards the end and confusing but i think the story was the heart of the film and how Rita deals with people around her (her parents, siblings and lover)

8. No One Killed Jessica (Hindi) (6.5/10)
I am glad that bollywood is still coming up with some good films and some really terrific acting specially by leading ladies. based on the true story Jessica Lal murder case, this film never moves out of where the heart of the film lies and focuses on nothing but just the realities of the case. Excellent acting by Vidya Balan. It was also good to see rani in form after a long time.

7. Butterfly on a Wheel (5/10)
Pierce Brosnan and Maria Bello star in this tense thriller about a couple whose daughter goes missing. Bello plays the grieving mother alongside Gerard Butler. Brosnan appears as a mysterious gunman who tortures his victims through a series of sadistic mind games. Now this one was interesting and with a perfect twist which no one saw coming.

6. The American (4/10)
There were all good things being said about this movie in reviews etc. but this movie was so super slow, that it tested my patience. George Clooney is an assasin who is now hiding in Italy to complete one of his final assignments. Surprising himself, Jack seeks out the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto and pursues romance with local woman Clara. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.

5. No Problem (Hindi) (1/10)
Wow!! This film was nothing short of torture. You would have expected at least a decent affair from Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kappor, Akshaye, Kangana, Sushmita but let me tell you, watching this movie was a very very painful experience. Over the top acting, loud dialogues, no comedy and a very forced script. TERRIBLE !!

4. The Extra Man (3/10)
A man who escorts wealthy widows in New York's Upper East Side takes a young aspiring playwright under his wing. Sounds interesting but it wasn't. Acting was good but after a point, I really didn't care either for actors or the characters and if a film fails to sustain someone's attention, then its just not worth it.

3. Alpha Dogs (4.5/10)
Based on a true story (Jesse James Hollywood), this film brings out some very fine acting from Emile Hirsch, Timberlake, Stone, and a host of first class actors. This is edge of the seat stuff when you can see the terrible consequences unfold - you want to warn the characters to make different choices. But it doesn't happen, up to the tragic end which was very very sad to see> the only reason I am giving low rating is because of the loud nature and no repeat value of the film.

2. Aakrosh (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Although this one is a copy of some foreign film, but I had not seen the original, so I actually thought that film was pretty decent. There was not much to talk about honor killing but that sure was the basic premise of the film. Paresh Rawal was the best thing about the film. And Akshaye, please stop wearing those hideous wigs.

1. Revanche (German/Austria) (7/10)
Very well paced, mostly very quiet and tense. The ending was surprising, but rang true, life can be just like that! When a bank robbery goes wrong, Alex starts living in the country with his grandfather. He wants to take revenge on the police officer who ended up killing his prostitute girlfriend while chasing them. Very interesting twists and turn of events and how he takes the control of his enemy's life and events.

34 films in December 2010. I had to catch up

34. Le silence de Lorna (French) [Lorna's Silence] (6.5/10)
Lorna marries a druggie , pays him to get Belgian citizenship in hope to open a snacks bar. This i arranged by a dealer Fabio. He nows wants to overdose the junkie, so that Lorna can now make money by marrying a Russian who also now wants a citizenship. What will Lorna do now specially now that she has started to have feelings for her now dead junkie husband. Interesting story but the end was a bit weird. It was all good thus far. But still I must say that the film was much better than some of Hollywood crap.

33. Ek Din Achanak (Hindi TV Film) (2/10)
This was a film made for TV where Rohit Roy and his real life wife play husband wife. The film is about money, greed and power where the husband hires a killer to get rid of hiswife for money but tables turn when she finds out he truth. It wasa very TV telefilm types. Acting was strictly ok. Manasi Joshi Ry seriously needs to loose weight.

32. How Do You Know (0.5/10)
After being cut from the USA softball team and feeling a bit past her prime, Lisa finds herself evaluating her life and in the middle of a love triangle, as a corporate guy in crisis competes with her current, baseball. A bad bad bad film on all accounts. If I can leave a film midway in theatre, you can guess how awful it really was.

31. Tees Maar Khan (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Huge expectations usually crumble down. I went with very low expectations specially after all those reviews. So that way at least I enjoyed the film and wsn't disappointed. I hate to say but Katrina was the only saving grace of the film. Her bimbo act was superb and so was Sheila Ki Jawani song. Akshay really needs to do something different. He is getting so repetitive.

30. Coco Before Chanel (French) (5/10)
We all know of the famous Chanel brand. This movie shows us the life of Coco before she became the famous Chanel. It is a historical reconstruction (dunno how much of it is actually true) but nonetheless it made for a very interesting viewing. The film shows Coco Chanel's rise from obscure beginnings to the heights of the fashion world.

29. Mohandas (Hindi) (7/10)
ery engaging film. It is again sad that these mall films never get he audience they deserve. I must admit I had my apprehensions but so glad that I gave the film a chance. Never has a hindi film dealt with the subject of identity theft and what does an individual has to go through because of it. Please watch this one.

28. The Colors Of Paradise (Iranian) (6.5/10)
Directed by famous Majid Majidi, this film also explores and celebrates childhood. Blind boy Mohammad is loved by everyone including his sisters and granny but his single widowed father finds him a burden and wants to get rid of him to stay witha blind carpenter so that he can marry a woman. The story descends into scripted tragedy and a contrived, action-packed climax where it your interpretation of what happened to the boy.

27. Life Express (Hindi) (3.5/10)
A noble theme and handled well but the problem is these issues are so often dealt in small screen that no one cares about it as a film. The film shows a very busy couple who are so much into their careers that they dont have time or kids. They plan to go for surrogate mother so that they can have their cake and eat too. Of course the mom (Rituparna Sengupta) soon realizes that she actually wants to become a mother rather than otherwise. Divya Dutta as always is the only saving grace of this film.

26. Une Petite Zone De Turbulences (French) [A Spot of Bother] (5.5/10)
A comic French film that shows a french dysfunctional family. An aging old man thinks he is dying, cannot accept that his daughter loves a man who is probably not as intelligent as he should, cannot accept the fact that his son is gay and later finds out that his wife is cheating on him. All this happens in the due course of the film with a funny touch but humane angle at the same time. I am not sure what the director's intentions were behind the film but it was alright and easy to watch.

25. Urf Professor (Hindi) (6/10)
THis film was made by now Late Pankaj Advani much before he made Sankat City. This was banned for its very very strong sexual language which I for once have never heard in a hindi movie. But this film was still interesting in terms how many layers of the film interacted with each other and how segments flow. The film basically deals with a professor who is a hit man and what all happens with him and people surrounding him. Also features Sharman Joshi and Antara Mali in extended roles. You can now see why Sankat City was such a wonderful film.

December is still going great. Lets see what it ends up with

24. Hisss (Hindi) (0/10)
So yes this is THE WORST movie ever made. I read all the reviews and felt how bad can it be. But OMG!! this beats everything. Period!. So called special effects are so tacky that any B/C Grade movie can beat it. Film makers, have mercy on us

23. Wasta The Relation (Hindi) (3.5/10)
A late 80s artsy movie where the village is terrified of a local goon and no one reports him. Except when his cousin gets married to introducing Kiran Juneja and she takes charge. Imagine an 80s movie and you can imagine pretty much what the acting, story and everything would have been like. I dunno why I watched it now.

22. Identity (7/10)
9 people get together in a motel and slowly one by one people start getting killed. Half way into the movie you think that this is one of those regular who-dun-it kinda movies but wait when they throw in a surprise for multiple personality disorder and the movie takes completely different turn. End is equally surprising. Definitely worth a watch. John Cussack was the only known name for me

21. Ankahee (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Dr. Shriram Lagoo is an astrologer who wants his son Amol Palekar to marry Deepti Naval. But he loves another woman by the name of Sushma and is determined to marry her. And then his father tells him that he is fated to have two wives in this lifetime - the first will die within eleven months of the marriage - and that's when he will re-marry. Modern-day educated Nandu must now decide to believe his father and let go of Sushma, or defy his astrological beliefs and marry her.

20. Defending Your Life (4/10)
A witty peak at afterlife where before moving on, you have to go on a trial to prove if you have overcome your fears. If you have, you move on to either heaven or hell and if not, then you are sent back to earth for your next birth. The idea on paper would have been bad but the film was entertaining. A light family bond time movie starring Meryl Streep.

19. Red Rose (Hindi) (3/10)
Gosh!! Rajesh Khanna was so bad in this film. It had all the cliches of 80s thriller film. I was vaguely familiar with the story but I can imagine that in ealy 80s it might have been quite a sensation specially seeing the then super star in a negative avtaar. Poonam Dhillon was ok from 80s point of view but so OTT if you watch the film today.

18. Benny And Babloo (Hindi) (1.5/10)
Rajpal Yadav and KK Menon in title roles. Just a bad film. Although I think the thought and intentions behind the movie were honest but the film lost in trying to be comedy vs preaching a point.

17. Life Goes On (Indian English) (7/10)
Brilliant!! An english film from Uk starring Sharmila Tagore, Girish Karnad and Soha Ali Khan, the film shows how the family of 3 daughetsr and the father copes up after the mother unexpectedly dies. The film goes back and forth in flashback showing how many thing were being handled by the mother and how she was this tiny thread that was keeping the family together and everyone would go to her for their problems. You should watch it. Its a little slow but I got totally into it.

16. Break Ke Baad (Hindi) (5.5/10)
I wonder why this movie got such bad reviews. It wasn't actually bad at all. I enjoyed it. It showed a new perspective of modern day couples who once in a while like to take a break to ind an identity for themselves. I dont see anything wrong in that but of course since this is a bollywood film, they show that in doing this, how you might be losing out on the love of your dear ones. Still enjoyable. Imran Khan needs to branch out and do more varied roles. I still dont like Deepika Padukone but she definitely can act.

15. Wet Hot American Summer (1/10)
Set in a Summer Camp in the 1980's, it focuses on the camp counsellors and their charges trying to organise a last day of fun and frolics before the kids go home. But with the counsellors barely older than the kids, and their minds on each other rather than the welfare of their campers, things soon start to go very wrong. This was such a bad bad bad movie. Completely avoidable.

14. Red Alert (Hindi) (5/10)
A 2010 take on what Naxalite movement in India was, although done with thought, taste and issue based that makes people think. Other films in past have been too artsy to leave an impression. Sunil Shetty cant act but in this film, he was a little better. Sameera Reddy was strictly ok. Seema Biswas always does a good job. Watch it if you dont have anything better.

13. The Town (6.5/10)
Ben Affleck is a part of local bank robbers. When him and his partners think that a local girl saw more thanshe should have at a robbery, he befriends her and slowly fall in love with her. Unfortunately things dont go as planned because he cannot leave the business even if he wants to do. There is lot more on stake. Excellent movie. Surprising was the fact that Ben Affleck directed it as well. Totally the kind of movie I prefer.

12. Golmaal 3 (Hindi) (6/10)
For some reason, I wasn't too excited for this movie specially since Golmaal Returns was soooo bad but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The gags were funny and there was a story to tell. Best one liners according to me were given to Kunal Khemu. Ajay and Kareena were ok. By now we all know that Rohit Shetty's films have to have all bright coloured sets and lots of car explosions and there were aplenty here as well

11. Action Replayy (Hindi) (4.5/10)
Vipul Shah and Akshay's combo has given us some really good films in past plus promos were exciting, so I had high expectations but the movie was a complete downer. Time travel needs to take care of explaining all loop holes but I dont think proper thought was given to it. Ash is no ways looked from 70s (although Neha Dhupia totally did). Songs were all forced. Only saving grace was wonderful acting job by debutant Aditya Roy Kapoor.

December so far...

10. Black Swan (4/10)
Natalie Portman lives with her obsessive mother and is a ballerina. She is selected as the leas for musical Swan Lake. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Natalie fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily, a new girl is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Natalie begins to get more in touch with her dark side, something that threatens to destroy her. The storyline gets a little confusing. You are not sure what is going on, Is Natalie schizophrenic or something else. Her acting was brilliant but overall I was left a little confused.

9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (5.5/10)
Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world. As I expected, the movie was enjoyable experience but it lacked the thrills and actions of first 2 parts specially the first one. I watch these movies for visual thrills which I still got to an extent.

8. Kajraare (Hindi) (2.5/10)
I am so glad that this film was released only in 2 theaters and 1 show each. I would have felt really bad for people to spend all this money on the ticket and see such a bad film. I had high regards for Pooja Bhatt, who I thought would never give in to commercial cinema and continue to make offbeat films but Pooja, you disappoint me. Bhushan Kumar said the right thing, " Himesh is good MD but terrible actor". This film just proves it. It has nothing to watch out for. The story seems straight lifted from a early 90's movie and even the direction seemed that way. Even the lead actress Mona Laizza is pretty bad. And I was reminded again why Amrita Singh is called 'mard' singh. Stay away.

7. Ramaa The Saviour (Hindi) (0.5/10)
A good concept gone horribly wrong because of a terrible script. A bunch of kids get transported into a video game while playing it. Its all confusion and mish-mash after that without any explanations of the game or characters provided. Why Tanushree Dutta or Sahil Khan are the way they are, whey are they fighting and everything else. No wonder kids films are first not made and if made, they are shoddy as hell.

6. A Murder of Quality (UK) (2.5/10)
Intelligence agent George Smiley investigates a murder within an elite British school. Storyline takes aim at the British class system. Amidst the suspects is a young boy who is either a victim or a suspect. Murder mysteries are interesting but this one just did not do for me. Acting of everyone seemed pretty lame or maybe it is just a British thing :)

5. Crook (Hindi) (2/10)
Vishesh Films are having a bad run off late. The recent attacks on Indian students in Australia could have created for a good premise but this film could not use the potential. Why does a love story have to be embellished in a serious film? Emran was good. New actress Neha Sharma was pretty good. The sudden turning of Arjan Bajwa into negative was totally uncalled for. Mohit Suri disappoints. The songs were good though

4. Rakht Charitra (Hindi) (7/10)
Wonderful and a very tight script an acting. Ram Gopal Varma is back. Vivek Oberoi has acted so well and also the main villain. The main hero of the film is the background score. It takes the film to another level. There s constant twists and turns in the story. There is a not a single minute in the film that an bore you. Watch this for sure. There is excessive violence (nothing like seen in Hindi films before) but it gives that realistic touch to the film that it needs.

3. I am Love (Italian) (3.5/10)
This film tells the story of the wealthy Recchi family. The family patriarch surprises everyone by splitting power between his son Tancredi and grandson Edo. However, Edo dreams of opening a restaurant with his friend Antonio, a talented chef. At the heart of Tancredi's family is his wife, Emma (Tilda Swinton), a Russian immigrant who has adopted the culture of Milan. An adoring and attentive mother, Emma's existence is shocked to the core when she falls deeply in love with Antonio and pursues a passionate love affair that will change his family forever. Sounds interesting but the film was way too long and the scenes just seemed stretched at various points. The good thing was that there was no forced drama in any moment of the film

2. The Girl Who Played With Fire (Swedish) (5.5/10)
Follow up to the Dragon Tattoo movie, this film fells short of the hug expectations that the first movie had set both on terms of story and execution. Lisbeth Salander is now a wanted woman. A researcher and a Millennium journalist about to expose the truth about the sex trade in Sweden are brutally murdered, and Salander's prints are on the weapon. Mikael, Salander's friend and Millennium's plublisher is alone in his belief of Salander's innocence. Digging deeper Bloomkvist unearths evidence implicating highly placed members of Swedish Society-as well as shocking details about Salander's past. I hope the third one is better in series. But still it is a decent watch.

1. Walk On Water (Israel/English/German) (4/10)
Eyal is a top assassin in the Israeli secret service. He has killed terrorists before and is now sent to eliminate an aging former Nazi war criminal. During his mission, Eyal meets his target’s granddaughter and grandson, who inadvertently help him uncover his own troubled history and face his demons, while they discover the ugly truth their family has hidden from them for decades. The film has an interesting plot. Eyal's role is played very well and his character is the only one that makes the film believable. The grandson and granddaughter although very important to the film seem not natural in the sense, these kind of stern characters in my opinion really do not exist.