2014 - SECOND HALF (65 Films)

December 2014
1. Deadfall (6/10)
2. Nymphomaniac - Part 2 (7/10)
3. Predestination (6/10)
4. The Imitation Game (8.5/10)
5. Like Someone In Love (Japanese) (5/10)
6. The Raid 2 (6/10)
7. Kill/Dil (Hindi) (4/10)

November 2014
1. Enemy (7/10)
2. Interstellar (7/10)
3. Daawat-E-Ishq (Hindi) (4/10)
4. Tim's Vermeer (Documentary) (7/10)
5. Into The Storm (4/10)
6. Ankhon Dekhi (Hindi) (8/10)
7. Donnie Darko (6.5/10)

October 2014
1. Bang Bang (Hindi) (6/10)
2. Edge Of Tomorrow (6/10)
3. How To Train Your Dragon 2 (5/10)
4. Jadoo (UK Indian) (3/10)
5. Haider (Hindi) (8.5/10)
6. The Godfather Part 2 (7/10)
7. Nymphomaniac - Part 1 (7/10)
8. Gone Girl (8.5/10)
9. Hayat Var (Turkish) (4/10)
10. The Maze Runner (7.5/10)
11. Singham Returns (Hindi) (6.5/10)

September 2014
1. Mary Kom (Hindi) (6.5/10)
2. CityLights (Hindi) (7.5/10)
3. Starred Up (UK) (6.5/10)
4. Belle (UK) (5.5/10)
5. North By Northwest (6/10)
6. Chef (5/10)
7. Maleficent (7/10)
8. Finding Fanny (India) (7.5/10)
9. Dom Hemingway (UK) (5/10)
10. Bad Neighbors (6/10)
11. Magnolia (6/10)
12. Ship Of Theseus (India) (7.5/10)
13. The Fault In Our Stars (7/10)
14. The Calling (5/10)
15. Khoobsurat (Hindi) (5.5/10)
16.  The Snowtown Murders (Australia) (5/10)

August 2014
1. Bobby Jasoos (Hindi) (5/10)
2. Kick (Hindi) (5/10)
3. The Stag (The Bachelor Weekend) (Ireland) (5.5/10)
4. About Time (6/10)
5. Filmistaan (Hindi) (6.5/10)
6. The Xpose (Hindi) (4/10)
7. The Counsellor (3.5/10)
8. The Other Woman (5/10)
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (8/10)
10. The Godfather (7.5/10)
11. The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet  (7/10)
12. Half Nelson (5/10)
13. Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi (2/10)
14. Transcendence (4/10)
15. Ek Villain (Hindi) (5.5/10)

July 2014

1. Grand Piano (6/10)
2. Inside Llewyn Davis (5/10)
3. Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (Hindi) (7.5/10)
4. Dawn of The Planet of The Apes (7/10)
5. Volver (Spain) (7/10)
6. This Is The End (3/10)
7. Lekar Hum Deewana Dil (Hindi) (3/10)
8. Women on the Verge of Nervous Breakdown (Spanish) (7/10)
9. Livet är en schlager (Swedish) [Once In A Lifetime] (4.5/10)

2014 - FIRST HALF (51 Films)

June 2014
1. Non-Stop (5/10)
2. Under The Skin (1/10)
3. The Railway Man (4/10)
4. X-Men: Days Of Future Past (7/10)
5. Une liaison pornographique (French) [An Affair Of Love] (6/10)
6. Hawaa Hawaai (Hindi) (5/10)
7. U Want Me 2 Kill Him (UK) (7/10)
8. Revolver Rani (Hindi) (5.5/10)

May 2014
1. Gulaab Gang (Hindi) (5/10)
2. Fruitvale Station (6.5/10)
3. Her (5/10)
4. Bewakoofiyaan (Hindi) (4.5/10)
5. The Lunchbox (Hindi) (8/10)
6. Godzilla (5/10)
7. Gunday (Hindi) (4/10)
8. Like Father Like Son (Japanese) (6.5/10)

April 2014
1. Main Tera Hero (Hindi) (6/10)
2. Thor: The Dark World (5.5/10)
3. Saving Mr. Banks (6/10)
4. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (4/10)
5. Paranoia (5/10)
6. Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom (6.5/10)
7. Shaadi Ke Side Effects (Hindi) (4.5/10)
8. The Monuments Men (6/10)
9. Touch Of Sin (Chinese) (4/10)
10. 2 States (Hindi) (7/10)
11. Os 3 (Brazil) [The Three] (4.5/10)

March 2014
1. August: Osage County (7.5/10)
2. Phelomena (8.5/10)
3. Rush (7.5/10)
4. Nebraska (6.5/10)
5. Wadjda (Arabic) (6/10)
6. The Book Thief (6/10)
7. The World's End (3/10)
8. Queen (Hindi) (9/10)
9. The Grand Budapest Hotel (8/10)

February 2014
1. Hasee To Phasee (Hindi) (6.5/10)
2. American Hustle (6/10)
3. Highway (Hindi) (6/10)

January 2014
1. Gori Tere Pyar Mein (Hindi) (4/10)
2. Shahid (Hindi) (6/10)
3. Dedh Ishqiya (Hindi) (7/10)
4. Before Midnight (6.5/10)
5. Don Jon (5/10)
6. Runner Runner (3/10)
7. Dallas Buyer's Club (7/10)
8. The Wolf Of Wall Street (6/10)
9. Butler (5/10)
10. Closed Circuit (5/10)
11. 12 Years A Slave (7/10)
12. Captain Philips (7/10)

2013 - SECOND HALF (65 Films)

December 2013
1. Phata Poster Nikhla Hero (Hindi) (3/10)
2. Ramaiya Vastavaiya (Hindi) (5.5/10)
3. Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire (7.5/10)
4. What Maisie Knows (5/10)
5. 2 Guns (3/10)
6. We're The Millers (6/10)
7. Maghadheera (5/10)
8. Dhoom 3 (5.5/10)
9. Invictus (6/10)
10. The Hunt (Danish) (6/10)
11. Percy Jackson The Sea of Monsters (6/10)

November 2013
1. The Past (French/Iranian) (6/10)
2. Krrish 3 (Hindi) (4/10)
3. Blue Jasmine (7/10)
4. Grown Ups 2 (4/10)
5. The Way Way Back (6/10)
6. Ram-Leela (Hindi) (6.510)
7. Bombay Talkies (Hindi) (6/10)

October 2013
1. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Hindi) (6/10)
2. The Heat (5.5/10)
3. The Internship (6/10)
4. Man Of Steel (5/10)
5. Lootera (Hindi) (8/10)
6. Grand Masti (Hindi) (4/10)
7. Gravity (6/10)
8. I'm So Excited (Spanish) (4.5/10)
9. Prisoners (7/10)
10. Pacific Rim (5/10)

September 2013
1. Star Trek: Into Darkness (6/10)
2. Kon-Tiki (Norway) (5/10)
3. Pain and Gain (5.5/10)
4. The Company You Keep (4/10)
5. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (Hindi) (7/10)
6. Aaja Nachle (Hindi) (7.5/10)
7. Shuddh Desi Romance (Hindi) (6/10)
8. BA Pass (Hindi) (5.5/10)
9. Akaash Vani (Hindi) (5/10)
10. Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara (Hindi) (3/10)

August 2013
1. 42 (6/10)
2. Goynar Baksho (Bengali) (6.5/10)
3. Midnight's Children (4/10)
4. Upside Down (4/10)
5. Chennai Express (Hindi) (5/10)
6. Chittagong (Hindi) (6/10)
7. Go Goa Gone (Hindi) (4.5/10)
8. Now You See Me (6/10)
9. The Place Beyond Pines (5.5/10)
10. Ek Thi Daayan (Hindi) (6/10)
11. Ghanchakkar (Hindi) (5/10)
12. Fukrey (Hindi) (7/10)
13. Madras Cafe (Hindi) (8/10)
14. Olympus Has Fallen (3/10)

July 2013
1. Liberal Arts (5.5/10)
2. English Vinglish (Hindi) (8/10)
3. Trance (4.5/10)
4. Fly With The Gold (3/10)
5. Admission (4/10)
6. The Raid Redemption (6.5/10)
7. Future To Bright Hai Ji (Hindi) (5/10)
8. Upside Down (4/10)
9. J. Edgar (5/10)
10. Abohomaan (Bengali) (5/10)
11. Taken 2 (5/10)
12. El crimen del padre Amaro (Mexico) (5.5/10)
13. Aurangzeb (Hindi) (5/10)

2013 - Q2

June 2013
1. Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (Hindi) (7/10)
2. Aashiqui 2 (Hindi) (6/10)
3. Commando (Hindi) (5.5/10)
4. Raanjhanaa (Hindi) (7/10)
5. Side Effects (5/10)
6. Stoker (4/10)

May 2013
1. Saare Jahan Se Mahenga (Hindi) (4.5/10)
2. Iron Man 3 (6/10)
3. Nautanki Saala (Hindi) (4/10)
4. Jolly LLB (Hindi) (6/10)
5. The Great Gatsby (5.5/10)
6. Chashme Baddoor (Hindi) (5.5/10)
7. David (Hindi) (4/10)

April 2013
1. Himmatwala (Hindi) (4/10)
2. Dirty Pretty Things (UK) (7/10)
3. Identity Thief (6/10)
4. Middle Men (5.5/10)
5. Mere Dad Ki Maruti (Hindi) (6/10)
6. Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns (Hindi) (7/10)
7. I, Me Aur Main (Hindi) (4.5/10)
8. Murder 3 (Hindi) (4/10)

18 films in March 2013

1. Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola (Hindi) (3/10)
What was VB thinking man? I always held him in high regards but I am so disappointed. Both in music and the story and direction. This was like SLB's Saawariya. Total indulgence from the director. Agreed you dont have to always make commercial potboiler but make something that people can comprehend and enjoy too. This was a major disappointment.

2. Bhumika (Hindi) (5/10)
I constantly kept thinking of Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine while watching this film. It shows life of an actress in olden days and what did she as an individual go through. Smita Patil as always was fantastic in the film. I am pleasantly surprised to know that this film had won best film filmfare award. I really hope Shyam Benegal comes up with another film soon

3. Newlyweds (8/10)
I was very very impressed with the film. Mostly because of such raw natural acting. PLus it being shot in New York. It shocked me to know that the entire film was made on a budget of USD9000. I highly recommend this film for indie film lovers with great acting.

4. The Forgiveness Of Blood (Albanian) (6/10)
An old school, slow but very very real movie. Great performances.This powerful film immerses us in an ancient culture that continues to exist in modern times. An Albanian family is torn apart by a murder, resulting in a blood feud that finds Nik becoming the prime target and his sister, Rudina, forced to leave school in order to take over the family business.

5. Son Of The Bride (Argentina/Spanish) (5.5/10)
A heart felt story of  a man in his 40;s who is so much into his work that he doesn't have enough time for any of his loved ones. A sudden heart attack makes him re think his life and learn rom the love that his father shares with his mother who suffers from Alzheimer.

6. Special 26 (Hindi) (8/10)
This film was fantastic. I had read all positive reviews and was hoping that high expectations wont kill my fun, but surprisingly it didn't. The film was quirky, funny and you just wanted it to go on. Anupam Kher does a good job in a significant role after a while. Every actor fits the part well. I am little dis-satisfied by the ending but then these days we always leave room for sequel and I guess it is what happened here as well.

7. Da zero a dieci (Italy) [From Zero To Ten aka Italian Lovers] (5.5/10)
IT is story of 4 friends who plan to take a trip to a nearby beach exactly 20 years after they did a similar trip in their teens. They had met 4 girls on the trip and they invite them again. They have things they need to finish which they could not 20 years ago. Over the course of 4 days we see the dynamics between friends, what their hopes and fears are and what is in store for each of them wrt past, present and future.

8. Kumare (Documentary) (4/10)
This one definitely had a very novel concept and idea. Vikram Gandhi transforms himself as a spiritual guru hoping to prove the absurdity of blind faith. Instead, he finds himself forging profound connections with people from all walks of life -- and wondering if and when to reveal his true self. The idea was novel and intelligent but the film could easily have been of smaller length and much crisper.

9. Balak Palak (Marathi) (7/10)
I am so glad that this film was made. At the same time I wish more and more people get to watch it. Sex education is something which we just dont talk about in India. This films shows with humour and emotions how important it is for parents to be friends with their kids. A sensitive and important subject has been so maturely handled by the producers and the director of this film, it is commendable. I definitely urge everyone to watch this film.

10. Klovn: The Movie (Denmark) (4/10)
This film could have been so much better, but it unfortunately felt like a TV show (which I believe it originally was). The film follows Frank, whose girlfriend thinks he doesn't have the potential to be a good father. To prove her wrong, he sort of kidnaps her sister's brother to go with him to a canoe trip with his best friend Casper. Casper's motive is just to get laid on this trip. The trio goes through a lot, which ends in a un filled dinner and the proof that Frank can in fact be a good father. The film is a comedy but could be so much more affective and hilarious.

11. Mahabharat Aur Barbareek (Hindi) (3/10)
It was like watching an extended episode of mahabharat on TV. I bet the title role of barbareek has been played by some relative of producer/director. All actors playing bheem, arjun, yudhishthri, draupadi, krishna... were loooking so old and haggard and they are all original cast members from mahabharat tv series. Age has really caught up with these guys but just for nostalgia sake, it was very nice to see all prominent members once again together. THe movie itself was a drag.

12. Thanks Maa (Hindi) (6.5/10)
A very interesting subject , sensitively handled and a well deserved national award for the child actor. Handling the subject of abandon new born babies by their families and babies being found in trash and garbage is very common in India. The film's language is very real full with abuses that street kids in mumbai use but the film itself is very realistic. I was shocked see that this was Irfan Kamal's debut film as a director, the actor who made a failed acting debut in 'Chahoonga Main Tujhe', way back in 90s.

13. Race 2 (Hindi) (5/10)
This film got some bad reviews but I thought it was total popcorn masala entertainer. It had gloss, drama, twists, turns etc. Although after a while twists were predictable because they all followed the pattern of i know what u know and you think i know what you know. Still, the fact that I did not feel like fast forwarding any part and manage to actually sit through the whole film was good.. Even Anil Kapoor was not annoying for a change that he usually tends to get in these kinds of roles. Climax was a let down but overall still watchable.

14. The Attacks of 26/11 (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Ram Gopal Varma has lost his magical touch. He got good reviews for this film but I was very disappointed. Agreed it is a very sensitive subject but still as a film, it needs to hold your attention. SOme of the scenes seem so dragged and slow. All the scenes with Nana are so slow and the whole gyan at the end is a little too much. And to top that to most important section of hijacking the Taj hotel was not shown at all. Overall a huge disappointment.

15. Cloud Atlas (4/10)
I read some great reviews on this film but totally failed to grasp much on what was going on with so many parallel stories. I am gonna spend some time reading online more about the film to appreciate it better. Till then, I will have to rank the film low. :(

16. Killing Them Softly (2/10)
This was such a bad movie. It had a very simple plot but execution was so so simple, it felt like watching a NCIS episode on TV. I cant believe how this film has received good ratings and reviews by critics. But hey what do I know

17. Barbara (German) (5/10)
In 1980s East Germany, Barbara is a Berlin doctor banished to a country medical clinic for applying for an exit visa. Deeply unhappy with her reassignment and fearful of her co-workers as possible Stasi informants, Barbara stays aloof, especially from the good natured clinic head, Andre. Instead, Barbara snatches moments with her lover as she secretly prepares to defect one day. The pace of the movie is really slow and sometimes it does test your patience but overall it was a decent watch.

18. 3 (Uruguay) (4/10)
The film shows life of 3 people and n what crossroads they are, needing companionship in their life. A dentist, his ex wife and his 16 yr old daughter. Again, this was a very very slow film. It's just unfortunate that his storytelling is lethargic and inconsistent, and the aesthetic and score of the film give the impression of a mid-'80s soap opera. I didn't really get the point behind the film.

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)