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- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonEdward FurlongA cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her ten year old son John from an even more advanced and powerful cyborg.One of the best ever. Timeless. My love affair with movies may be defined by this James Cameron classic, which I saw for the first time when I was 10. I still remember the goosebumps I used to get (and probably still do) whenever it opens up with the scene of the future and Linda Hamilton's voiceover.
- DirectorFrank DarabontStarsTim RobbinsMorgan FreemanBob GuntonOver the course of several years, two convicts form a friendship, seeking consolation and, eventually, redemption through basic compassion.A beautiful story of friendship, courage and the power of hope. A movie which you slowly fall in love with and by the time it's over, you realise you HAVE to revisit it.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsKevin CostnerGary OldmanJack LemmonNew Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison discovers there's more to the Kennedy assassination than the official story.The ultimate conspiracy theory flick. But apart from that, the level of intensity and inspiration both Stone and Costner (with an excellent supporting cast) bring to proceedings make this a movie, ultimately, about the importance of integrity, truth and dedication.
- DirectorTony KayeStarsEdward NortonEdward FurlongBeverly D'AngeloLiving a life marked by violence, neo-Nazi Derek finally goes to prison after killing two black youths. Upon his release, Derek vows to change; he hopes to prevent his brother, Danny, who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps.Powerful. Hard hitting. And a towering performance by Edward Norton. You could almost feel the hate coming out of him as he spewed vitriol from his mouth. This movie just showed that hate will never get you anywhere.
- DirectorEdward ZwickStarsLeonardo DiCaprioDjimon HounsouJennifer ConnellyA fisherman, a smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen match wits over the possession of a priceless diamond.The movie which, for me, finally did away with DiCaprio's baby face and made him look like a tough guy. An exciting and nail biting actioner set among the war fields of Africa, Blood Diamond also tried to pass an enduring message. Excellent direction, excellent acting and basically just excellent.
- DirectorLalSiddiqueStarsMukeshSiddiqueJagadishFour young men are enamored by Maya, their next-door neighbor. However, she is in town to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of her brother.A movie which symbolizes to me the golden age of Malayalam cinema and Malayalam comedies. It was not just funny, it was unbearably thrilling and sad too at times. Along with T2, one of those movies which made me fall in love with the movies.
- DirectorAparna SenStarsRahul BoseKonkona Sen SharmaBhisham SahniDuring a bus journey, a devout Hindu Brahmin woman protects a Muslim man when communal rioting breaks out.An almost subtle, yet incredibly moving story of communal hatred and the slowly burgeoning love between two unlikely travel partners. Brilliant.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleHeath LedgerAaron EckhartWhen the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.This is not just a superhero flick. Not even just the best superhero flick. This is one of the best ever. A perfect marriage between the commercial and the critical, for me it represents the perfect movie which can be enjoyed by all classes of moviegoers.
- DirectorFazilStarsShobanaMohanlalSuresh GopiWhen a forbidden room in an old bungalow is unbolted, the spirit of a vengeful dancer is unleashed.One of the best Malayalam movies ever made. Considering that it came at a time when these kind of themes were virtually unheard of in Indian cinema and the brilliant performances by Shobana, Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi, makes it even better. Not withstanding the substandard remakes (Bhool Bhulaiya, Chandramukhi etc.)
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodViggo MortensenIan McKellenGandalf and Aragorn lead the World of Men against Sauron's army to draw his gaze from Frodo and Sam as they approach Mount Doom with the One Ring.The whole trilogy was amazing, but this one was the best. Though they did leave out a lot of stuff from the book, I still thought it was almost perfect.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsRyan PhillippeBarry PepperJoseph CrossThe life stories of the six men who raised the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima, a turning point in World War II.The first of Clint Eastwood's two part take on the battle of Iwo Jima. Less acclaimed than the second one, but I felt this one was just as powerful, if not more, in its anti war take. A must watch war movie which doesn't take sides.
- DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsIvana BaqueroAriadna GilSergi LópezIn the Falangist Spain of 1944, the bookish young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world.My favorite foreign film. An adult fairytale, the kinds of which I have never seen before. This one is spooky, touching, thrilling and wonderfully shot.
- DirectorFarhan AkhtarStarsAamir KhanSaif Ali KhanAkshaye KhannaThree inseparable childhood friends are just out of college. Nothing comes between them - until they each fall in love, and their wildly different approaches to relationships creates tension.A movie which redefined Bollywood for the new generation and brought in much more new fans to the industry. All the characters and their predicaments seemed to be perfectly enacted by a top notch cast. The beginning of the modern legend of Farhan Akhtar, and almost totally responsible for rejuvenating Saif Ali Khan's career.
- DirectorBoaz YakinStarsDenzel WashingtonWill PattonWood HarrisIn 1971 Virginia high school football was everything to the people of Alexandria. But when the school board was forced to integrate an all-black school with an all-white one, the very foundation of football's tradition was put to the test.Another look at the issue of racism, but in a more family friendly and mellow manner. Yet, equally powerful in depicting how its not the skin but the soul which counts for in the end.
- DirectorRakeysh Omprakash MehraStarsAamir KhanSoha Ali KhanSiddharthThe story of six young Indians who assist an English woman to film a documentary on the freedom fighters from their past, and the events that lead them to relive the long-forgotten saga of freedom.A refreshing, innovative and passionate take on the apathy of the new generation and how even the most aimless can be changed on finding a focus to live (or die) for. Above all, it showed the true meaning of patriotism. Not blind patriotism for a country or race, but devotion and loyalty to the ones you love.
- DirectorMani RatnamStarsKeerthana ParthiepanSimranMadhavanA little girl is told by her parents that she is adopted. Determined to find her real mother, she begs to be taken to Sri Lanka, where her mother works with a militant group of activists.As far as I am concerned, this is Mani Ratnam's best. An adopted girl's search through the wilderness of the LTTE jungle that is Sri Lanka for her biological mother. Brilliant performances by the main cast and supporting acts. Despite some hard to believe parts, still a modern classic.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksRobin WrightGary SiniseThe history of the United States from the 1950s to the '70s unfolds from the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75, who yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart.Tom Hanks second Oscar, and a beautiful little fairy tale. This is one of those movies you fall in love with all over again each time you watch it. Life is, after all, like a box of chocolates.
- DirectorBong Joon HoStarsSong Kang-hoKim Sang-kyungKim Roe-haIn a small Korean province in 1986, two detectives struggle with the case of multiple young women being found raped and murdered by an unknown culprit.This may seem like another cop movie on serial killers and their hunt, but it is anything but. The story is taken as merely a canvas to paint a wide tapestry of human emotion and character which focuses more on the internal demons which haunts each of these characters. The cinematography and music perfectly captures this mood – slow burning, understated, grime tinted and devastatingly effective. This is not a neatly wrapped up ready to order thriller. This is a movie where the cinematic techniques and writing are at their most superlative. The ending can be considered open ended, unsettling and maybe unsatisfying for some, but bear in mind – this was based on a true story, and this was never meant to be just about the case.
- DirectorDileesh PothanStarsFahadh FaasilSuraj VenjaramooduNimisha SajayanPrasad and Sreeja enter wedlock and move to a new place to continue the rest of their lives. Unfortunate events begin to take place after Prasad, a small-time thief, robs Sreeja's gold chain during a bus journey.This is an almost genius piece of film making. Dileesh Pothen's 'Maheshinte Prathikaram' brought Fahad Fazil back into the fold in a big way but it was a movie which grew on me, after being a little underwhelmed by it on first viewing. But here, he grips you from the start and never really lets go till the end credits roll.
Movies like this don't come along often. When they do, they deserve every accolade and recognition they get. A must MUST watch. - DirectorTom McCarthyStarsMark RuffaloMichael KeatonRachel McAdamsThe true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.McCarthy has always been a favorite, but he outdoes himself here. Brilliant, tense, gripping drama on the true life investigation by a group of reporters into a massive cover up of pedophile priests by the Catholic church. The movie is a superlative example of how a great screenplay and dialog, matched with some amazing acting and direction can prove to be as edge of seat gripping as any big budget thriller.
- DirectorZoya AkhtarStarsRanveer SinghAlia BhattSiddhant ChaturvediA coming-of-age story based on the lives of street rappers in Mumbai.Gritty, gripping and unabashedly favoring the underdog trope, this is one of the best Hindi films I've seen in recent times. Ranveer Singh proves he has the mettle to go with the trademark flamboyance with a bravura performance as the mostly timid Dharavi boy who finds his potential calling in the Rap scene. Backed up by a reliably brilliant Alia Bhatt as his tigress of a girlfriend, as well as other notable supporting turns (especially Vijay Verma's Moeen and Siddhant Chaturvedi's MC Sher), this is a movie which, within its commercial template, doesn't shy away from asking some tough questions, while also making us root fervently for Murad to make it big. Unforgettable.
- DirectorMichael MannStarsRussell CroweAl PacinoChristopher PlummerA research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a 60 Minutes exposé on Big Tobacco.This is one of the most thrilling drama's I've ever seen. Shows how a movie can be nailbiting without any special effects or action sequences. Confirmed Michael Mann as one of my favorite directors.
- DirectorMysskinStarsNarainPrasannaAjmal AmeerSathya and Kiruba are friends. Sathya is reckless and gets into drinking and violent fights whereas Kiruba studies hard to become a Sub-Inspector. Tables are turned when Sathya becomes a Sub-Inspector.I LOVED this cop and robbers saga of two friends who end up on opposite sides of the law, with the one expected to be the model law abiding citizen ending up on the wrong side. Brilliant direction, with the atmosphere set up amazingly well and shouldered well by Narein along with others. This is Tamil cinema at its best.
- DirectorSibi MalayilStarsMohanlalSuresh GopiJayaramRavishankar pretends to own the farmhouse of his friend Dennis when his relative, Col. Menon, pays a visit along with his granddaughters. Dennis and Ravishankar try to find Ravishankar's secret admirer among the girls.A heartfelt, beautifully evoked summer romance in an idyllic setting. This showed Sibi Malayil at his best. Suresh Gopi gave, in my opinion, one of his best performances which the common viewer seemed to have not noticed in the wake of Jayaram's usually mimicry. A carefully nuanced and sensitive portrayal of a good guy, while the chemistry he shared with the peerless Manju Warrier was matchless.
- DirectorTony ScottStarsRobert RedfordBrad PittCatherine McCormackRetiring CIA agent Nathan Muir recalls his training of Tom Bishop while working against agency politics to free him from his Chinese captors.One of the best spy movies I have seen. A great game of cat and mouse as Robert Redford and Brad Pitt bring their best to the table. Probably the best Tony Scott has made. I have always wondered why it did not get more love than what it got.
- DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsLubna AzabalMélissa Désormeaux-PoulinMaxim GaudetteTwins journey to the Middle East to discover their family history and fulfill their mother's last wishes.Powerful and hard hitting tale of the paths we take and the fates which lie in wait for us. The story revolves around a mother who leaves her twins a letter each, one with information on their father and the other on their brother. The search for the truth wil take these siblings (and us) on an unforgettable journey through a history of oppression and violence. Does 1+1=1 ? I was captivated by this story.
- DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsChoi Min-sikYoo Ji-taeKang Hye-jeongAfter being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must track down his captor in five days.The only Korean movie I have seen so far. Dark, disturbing and shocking, it is also an almost flawless piece of storytelling. One of my favorite foreign language films.
- DirectorRajkumar HiraniStarsSanjay DuttArshad WarsiVidya BalanMunna Bhai embarks on a journey with Mahatma Gandhi in order to fight against a corrupt property dealer.A similar theme to Rang De Basanti, but in a totally different representation. This was a light hearted, comical venture which brilliantly juxtaposed the teachings of non violence with the modern world. It may be hard to believe, but isn't what this world needs a little bit of hope?
- DirectorBen AffleckStarsMorgan FreemanEd HarrisCasey AffleckTwo Boston area detectives investigate a little girl's kidnapping, which ultimately turns into a crisis both professionally and personally.I couldn't believe this sensitive, carefully portayed film about a missing girl and the detectives who try to find her, was made by Ben Affleck. Affleck may not have done great stuff in front of the camera, but his directorial debut (with his brother Casey in the lead) points to greater things to come.
- DirectorM. PadmakumarStarsJoju GeorgeAthmeeya RajanDileesh PothanThe story develops through the life of four retired policemen. It has the tone of a thriller investigation. An issue affecting the life of Joseph, the central character, and his family is being investigated.Joseph is a masterful exercise in restrained pathos, the kind that you know is always simmering underneath a stoic surface but which can erupt into stunning grief at some point. As we watch proceedings unfold through the weary protagonist’s eyes, there is an enveloping sense of underlying gloom that he exudes which makes us reach out to him even before events and characters have been properly laid out. The movie is one of those rare occasions when a perfect symphony is achieved in commercial film making. The actors, screenplay, direction and even the song sequences are so in tune with the general tone of the film that it’s impossible not to be gripped by this world
- DirectorKunal KohliStarsSaif Ali KhanRani MukerjiKirron KherA novel look at the eternal battle of the sexes and the trials and tribulations of Karan and Rhea and their attempts to understand each other.Saif Ali Khan seemed to extend his DCH character into this. The result was a wonderful, peppy romantic comedy with amazing chemistry between the two leads, SAK and Rani Mukherjee.
- DirectorShaji KailasStarsAliyarAugustineAzeezBharat, an IRS officer, heads a team to investigate the assassinated of a chief minister. With the help of IPS Meena Nambiar, he uncovers the shocking truth and exposes the mastermind.For me, the best of the Mamooty investigative thrillers. An unnaturally subtle character in search of the perpetrator of a heinous double murder, it was thrilling without being bombastic (Considering Shaji Kailas' later works, this is unbelievable). Even the background music lifted from Enigma seemed to suit the mood.
- DirectorEdward ZwickStarsDenzel WashingtonMeg RyanLou Diamond PhillipsA U.S. Army officer, despondent about a deadly mistake he made, investigates a female chopper commander's worthiness for the Medal of Honor.Again, Edward Zwick at his best. Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan (along with an able supporting cast led by Matt Damon) pitch in flawless performances, in this story of honour, courage and eventual redemption during wartime.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsAngelina JolieColm FeoreAmy RyanAfter Christine's son goes missing, she reaches out to the LAPD to find him. But when they try to pass off an impostor as her son to quieten public protests, she refuses to accept him or give up hope.Eastwood is turning into one of my favorite directors, and this story of his based on a real life case of police corruption is one of his best in recent times. The determination and grit shown by a few good people in the face of increasing hopelessness is as inspiring as it gets.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleHugh JackmanScarlett JohanssonAfter a tragic accident, two stage magicians in 1890s London engage in a battle to create the ultimate illusion while sacrificing everything they have to outwit each other.Another one of Nolan's masterpieces. A brilliantly edge of the seat tale of two rival magicians. Amazing performances and an intriguing storyline which catches you by surprise throughout.
- DirectorGautham Vasudev MenonStarsKamal HaasanJyotikaPrakash RajA Police Officer investigates a series of brutal rapes and murders, with the culprits seeming to cover more than one country.Gautham Menon is known for making big budget movies which also have strong plots and characters. This one is one of the best thrillers I have seen in Indian cinema, led by the great Kamal Hasan. Another example that despite the loads of substandard fare which comes out of their industry, when they do it well, they do it better than most.
- DirectorLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsKeanu ReevesLaurence FishburneCarrie-Anne MossWhen a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.Does anything else really have to be said about this masterpiece? This was a movie which blew away most who watched it at the time with its innovative and complex plot and action, and the effect remains on further views.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsEric BanaDaniel CraigMarie-Josée CrozeAfter the Black September capture and massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics, five men are chosen to eliminate the people responsible for that fateful day.Not one of Spielberg's movies which are among his most acclaimed, but I thought it was an excellent evocation of the conflicting emotions of revenge and forgiveness. A superb lead performance from Eric Bana too.
- DirectorZack SnyderStarsJackie Earle HaleyPatrick WilsonCarla GuginoIn a version of 1985 where superheroes exist, the murder of a colleague sends active vigilante Rorschach on the trail of a conspiracy that will change the course of history.I have not read the graphic novel on which it is based, but I heard it was thought to be almost unfilmable. Whatever the case, the movie they made ultimately turned out to be a complex, intense and exciting work of art, and made us see the term 'superhero' from an entirely different angle.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsKen WatanabeKazunari NinomiyaTsuyoshi IharaThe story of the battle of Iwo Jima between the United States and Imperial Japan during World War II, as told from the perspective of the Japanese who fought it.The second of Eastwood's take on Iwo Jima, told completely from the Japanese perspective. Watching these young soldiers suffer as they fight for what they know is a hopeless cause, you wonder at the futility of it all.
- DirectorGautham Vasudev MenonStarsSuriyaSimranRamyaA father and son help each other through growing up, romance, tragedy, and adventure.Another Gautham Menon opus. And Surya's magnum opus. The epitome of method acting, he played out 5-6 different characters in one movie. How he was passed up for the major awards I'm not sure.
- DirectorHenry SelickStarsDakota FanningTeri HatcherJohn HodgmanWandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, an 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.A dark, intense and almost adult fairytale. The unique style of animation also made it a beautiful experience to watch.
- DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsTom CruiseJon VoightEmmanuelle BéartAn American agent, under false suspicion of disloyalty, must discover and expose the real spy without the help of his organization.I loved the first MI. The intrigue, complex plotting and unbearable tension was a thrill a minute.
- DirectorMel GibsonStarsGerardo TaracenaRaoul Max TrujilloDalia HernándezAs the Mayan kingdom faces its decline, a young man is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression.Mel Gibson in the directors chair. I don't know how much of it was historically accurate, but what a chase! Great cinematography too.
- DirectorJonathan DaytonValerie FarisStarsSteve CarellToni ColletteGreg KinnearA family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus.One of the best indie films I have seen. Wacky, humorous, quirky and totally original.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom CruiseColin FarrellSamantha MortonJohn works with the PreCrime police which stop crimes before they take place, with the help of three 'PreCogs' who can foresee crimes. Events ensue when John finds himself framed for a future murder.One of my favorite sci fi futuristic flicks. The thrills were great, as well as the pacing and backstory. Tom Cruise carried it with typical charisma.
- DirectorTed DemmeStarsJohnny DeppPenélope CruzFranka PotenteThe story of how George Jung, along with the Medellín Cartel headed by Pablo Escobar, established the American cocaine market in the 1970s in the United States.Despite the overly sentimental approach they took to showing a drug lord, I thought the direction was spot on and made us completely care for this misguided anti hero who was a bit too trusting. And of course a great performance by Johnny Depp.
- DirectorTom TykwerLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsTom HanksHalle BerryHugh GrantAn exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.The novel by David Mitchell was epic and wildly experimental in nature. Translating it to the big screen would be a mammoth task and required visionary and daring minds to make it work. And the Wachowskis and Tom Twyker proved themselves more than adept. Spanning multiple generations, from the 18th century to a futuristic post apocalyptic world, this brilliantly incorporates themes of love, karma, rebirth and the corruption of power into its multi pronged narrative with some amazing performances and cinematography. Sure, it may not be for the average moviegoer and may have come a cropper at the box office, but in years to come, it should rightly be recognized for the modern masterpiece it is.
- DirectorMichael MannStarsColin FarrellJamie FoxxGong LiBased on the 1980s TV action/drama, this update focuses on vice detectives Crockett and Tubbs as their respective personal and professional lives become dangerously intertwined.This somehow did not get too much love from people. While I agree its totally different from the TV show, I loved the uber cool, stylized and no nonsense style it employed. Another feather in Mann's cap.
- DirectorMahesh NarayananStarsParvathy ThiruvothuFahadh FaasilKunchacko BobanIn 2014, a group of Malayali nurses was captured when terrorists took over the city of Tikrit in Iraq. This movie recounts the ordeal suffered by the nurses following their capture.Brutally gripping and brilliantly realistic, this is all that Airlift tried to be but couldn't. Not just the best Malayalam movie of the year, but one of the best of the year overall. Parvathy amazes with each role she takes up, every one of them differnt from the other, and she carries this movie on her able shoulders. Fahad Fazil, Kunchako Boban and others provide admirable support, but the biggest kudos should go to the director here. Based on the incident where Indian nurses in Iraq were kidnapped by Isis, and their eventual release, this movie deserves as wide an audience as it can get, and Parvathy and its director deserve all the accolades they can get for it.
- DirectorNishikant KamatStarsParesh RawalKay Kay MenonIrrfan KhanA moving portrayal of the 2006 train bombings in Mumbai, this Indian drama follows the interconnected stories of several strangers.One of the best of new age Bollywood... An amazing director with an exciting cast and a great theme. Much better than the overrated 'Wednesday'.
- DirectorRanjithStarsMammoottyPriyamaniJesse Fox AllenPranchiyettan is a successful businessman who often has talks with an imaginary St. Francis of Assisi. The story deals with how he goes about changing his embarrassing image to making a name for himself using wealth and contacts.Delightful comedy from that wonder duo of Ranjith-Mamooty. The Thrissur slang and its environs perfectly captured in this comical celluloid masterpiece!
- DirectorPete DocterDavid SilvermanLee UnkrichStarsBilly CrystalJohn GoodmanMary GibbsIn order to power the city, monsters have to scare children so that they scream. However, the children are toxic to the monsters, and after a child gets through, two monsters realize things may not be what they think.The first animated feature which truly impressed me. The final sequences between the monster and Boo affected me as much as any well made drama does.
- DirectorRichard AttenboroughStarsDenzel WashingtonKevin KlineJosette SimonSouth African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, the Black anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko.Attenborough is more known for his definitive work, Gandhi. But I was somehow more impressed with this work based on real life characters of Steve Biko and Donald Woods during apartheid, played effectively by Denzel Washington and Kevin Kline.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsJohnny DeppWinona RyderDianne WiestThe solitary life of an artificial man - who was incompletely constructed and has scissors for hands - is upended when he is taken in by a suburban family.Johnny Depp and Tim Burton in one of their best collaborations. And a to-die-for cute Winona Ryder. A very touching tale of a social misfit who just wanted to belong.
- DirectorRajkumar SantoshiStarsAmitabh BachchanAkshay KumarAjay DevgnA team of police force escorts an alleged terrorist from Chandangarh to Mumbai. However their trip turns into a deadly survival when an ex-cop tries to stop them to reach Mumbai.Rajkumar Santoshi is one of my fave directors from Bollywood's old school. This movie was totally gripping, edge of the seat stuff with a first rate cast.
- DirectorJonathan LynnStarsJoe PesciMarisa TomeiRalph MacchioTwo New Yorkers accused of murder in rural Alabama while on their way back to college call in the help of one of their cousins, a loudmouth lawyer with no trial experience.This was a simple and hilarious little gem. Joe Pesci at his best and a extremely cute and convincingly loving performance from Oscar winner Marisa Tomei.
- DirectorEric BressJ. Mackye GruberStarsAshton KutcherAmy SmartMelora WaltersEvan Treborn suffers blackouts during significant events of his life. As he grows up, he finds a way to remember these lost memories and a supernatural way to alter his life by reading his journal.I was totally and pleasantly surprised with Kutcher's performance in this. A well crafted and immensely captivating psychological thriller with a great turn by Kutcher.
- DirectorDibakar BanerjeeStarsNushrratt BharucchaAnshuman JhaNeha ChauhanA video camcorder, a store security camera, and concealed cameras candidly expose lives in three loosely-linked tales.Brilliant film making. My respect for Dibakar Bannerjee has gone up ten fold on watching this low budget masterpiece. Each of the stories doesnt just tug, but grabs hold of your heartstrings as conflicting emotions of humour, love and absolute dread run through you.
- DirectorKevin SmithStarsBrian O'HalloranJeff AndersonMarilyn GhigliottiA day in the lives of two convenience clerks named Dante and Randal as they annoy customers, discuss movies, and play hockey on the store roof.I wondered how I would like a black and white simple tale of two convenience store clerks talking and fooling around, but this movie which launched the name of Kevin Smith is a total relevation.
- DirectorFrank MillerQuentin TarantinoRobert RodriguezStarsMickey RourkeClive OwenBruce WillisAn exploration of the dark and miserable Basin City and three of its residents, all of whom are caught up in violent corruption.Ultra violent, but made with such effective artistry that I totally loved it. Great cast too. And who would believe Elijah Wood can play a deranged character?
- DirectorAmal NeeradStarsFahadh FaasilJayasuryaLalSet in the pre-independent India, Aloshi returns from the war to his estranged family and childhood love, only to find his elder brothers taking the side of a ruthless business man to overthrow their father.Amal Neerad finally finds the right balance of substance to go along with his undeniably flashy and captivating cinematic style and the result is a fascinating story of morally compromised characters set in the time period from the pre Independence era till the day the Emergency was declared. Fahad Fazil confirms his coming of age as one of the best of the current times, while brilliant supporting turns are given by the rest of the cast, including Lal(as the titular character), Chemban Vinod Jose, Jinu Joseph, Lena, Padmapriya, Vinayakan and a menacing turn from Jayasurya as the menacing Angoor Rawther.
- DirectorM. PadmakumarStarsPrithviraj SukumaranRenuka MenonDevanSolomon Joseph, a corrupt policeman, aids Ummachan in his narcotics business. However, things take a turn when he ends up accidentally killing his younger brother.Another of the exciting new breed of Mallu film makers is M. Padmakumar. Here he teemed up with Prithviraj to give a gritty cop drama, the kinds of which are unfortunately rarely seen in movies these days. Prithviraj gave one of his best performances in this.
- DirectorJohn HughesStarsEmilio EstevezJudd NelsonMolly RingwaldFive high school students meet in Saturday detention and discover how they have a great deal more in common than they thought.My fave John Hughes '80's movie. An eclectic collection of teenagers caught in detention where they interact, learn, understand and change. I can keep watching this one.
- DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintAs Harry, Ron and Hermione race against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, they uncover the existence of the three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.The best Harry Potter movie so far, and almost as good as the LOTR movies, I felt. The transformation to the adult and dark atmosphere has been beautifully captured by David Yates, and the young leading cast have excelled.
- DirectorMatthew VaughnStarsCharlie CoxClaire DanesSienna MillerIn a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm.I dont think this one got noticed much. But what a great little fantasy flick among the many that were being churned out at the time. One of the best I've seen after LOTR.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsWil WheatonRiver PhoenixCorey FeldmanA writer recounts a childhood journey with his friends to find the body of a missing boy.Loved this movie which captured the spirit of adventure, confusion and sadness of pre teen friendships. Somehow those were probably the best days of anyone's lives. RIP River Pheonix.
- DirectorJoshiyStarsSuresh GopiManju WarrierN.F. VargheseNandagopal, a newly joined associate editor with Keralareshmi, one of the leading dailies, is aggressive and daring. His closeness to belligerent Sekharan, who runs Jagratha creates conflicts within Nandagopal.Old school Suresh Gopi actioner with Joshy at his best. And Manju Warrier. Who ever heard of a female actor winning a state award for her performance in a Suresh Gopi movie? This was the perfect commercial actioner and the peak of Manju Warriers sadly short career.
- DirectorJuan José CampanellaStarsRicardo DarínSoledad VillamilPablo RagoA retired legal counselor writes a novel hoping to find closure for one of his past unresolved homicide cases and for his unreciprocated love with his superior - both of which still haunt him decades later.Only Argentine movie I have seen. The slow burning, intense and quietly captivating detective tale is a wonderful experience.
- DirectorPaul GreengrassStarsMatt DamonEdgar RamírezJoan AllenJason Bourne dodges a ruthless C.I.A. official and his Agents from a new assassination program while searching for the origins of his life as a trained killer.Captivating, fast paced and incredibly cool action flick. Total adrenaline rush.
- DirectorNeil MarshallStarsShauna MacdonaldNatalie MendozaAlex ReidA caving expedition goes horribly wrong, as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators.One of my favorite horror flicks. This caught the feeling of fear, spookiness, claustrophobia and hopelessness amazingly well.
- DirectorMichael CiminoStarsRobert De NiroChristopher WalkenJohn CazaleAn in-depth examination of the ways in which the Vietnam War impacts and disrupts the lives of several friends in a small steel mill town in Pennsylvania.One of the best Vietnam war flicks. The lives of three friends and the sad ways it changes after war is so poignantly captured here.
- DirectorJohn CurranStarsNaomi WattsEdward NortonLiev SchreiberDr Walter gets married to the beautiful Kitty but soon finds out that she is cheating on him. Battling his way through problems, he heads to China to fight a dreaded disease spread in a small village.I loved this not so well known movie which starred Edward Norton and Naomi Watts. A loveless marriage set against the backdrop of fighting a cholera outbreak in a Chinese village.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsJesse EisenbergAndrew GarfieldJustin TimberlakeAs Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg creates the social networking site that would become known as Facebook, he is sued by the twins who claimed he stole their idea and by the co-founder who was later squeezed out of the business.One of the few movies where I felt the hype was justified. Excellent screenplay, direction and acting. My favorite being Andrew Garfield as the vulnerable friend of the lead character.
- DirectorFrank OzStarsMatthew MacfadyenPeter DinklageEwen BremnerChaos ensues when a man tries to expose a dark secret regarding a recently deceased patriarch of a dysfunctional British family.Slapstick British humour at its best. I couldn't help aching with laughter at this one.
- DirectorBryan SingerStarsKevin SpaceyGabriel ByrneChazz PalminteriThe sole survivor of a pier shoot-out tells the story of how a notorious criminal influenced the events that began with five criminals meeting in a seemingly random police lineup.A small budget movie, but totally mindblowing. Kevin Spacey was amazing, too. I even liked the Hindi remake which spawned from it, Chocolate.
- DirectorMarc ForsterStarsWill FerrellEmma ThompsonDustin HoffmanI.R.S. auditor Harold Crick suddenly finds his mundane Chicago life to be the subject of narration only he can hear: narration that begins to affect his entire existence, from his work to his love life to his death.A modern day fairytale with an air of quiet sadness around it, Will Ferrell gives an amazing performance and is ably supported by Maggie Gylenhal.
- DirectorAbhishek KapoorStarsArjun RampalFarhan AkhtarLuke KennyFour friends reunite to relive their moments of glory as a rock band.This seemed like a cliched storyline initially. But the direction and the performances perfectly caught the mood of the fledgling Rock scene in India and trials and tribulations of a group of friends. Great flick and more power to Farhan Akhtar.
- DirectorUday AnanthanLal JoseShaji KailasStarsSathyan AnthikadAugustineM.A. BabyA series of related and unrelated tales together linking them in subtle ways and discuss different shades of life.In the graveyard of creativity that Malayalam cinema has become in the new millenium, Ranjith is one maker who constantly pushes the boundaries. Similar to Dus Kahaniyan in Hindi, but much better in my opinion.
- DirectorBen StillerStarsBen StillerOwen WilsonChristine TaylorAt the end of his career, a clueless fashion model is brainwashed to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia.Absolutely dumb, but side splitting hilarity!
- DirectorDavid CronenbergStarsNaomi WattsViggo MortensenArmin Mueller-StahlA teenager who dies during childbirth leaves clues in her journal that could tie her child to a rape involving a violent Russian mob family.Cronenberg is more known for his weird themes, but I thought this was a gritty, thrilling actioner with Viggo Mortenson and Naomi Watts in top form.
- DirectorTomm MooreStarsDavid RawleBrendan GleesonLisa HanniganBen, a young Irish boy, and his little sister Saoirse, a girl who can turn into a seal, go on an adventure to free the fairies and save the spirit world.One of the best animated movies I have seen, and such an unexpected one too. Based on the Irish and Scottish legends of the Selkies, this weaves a magical fairy tale around these magical creatures, while also exploring heavy handed themes of family, sibling love and dealing with the loss of a parent. All this with a achingly beautiful background score and wonderful animation. This is a must watch.
- DirectorPaul VerhoevenStarsCarice van HoutenSebastian KochThom HoffmanIn the Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II, a Jewish singer infiltrates the regional Gestapo headquarters for the Dutch resistance.Powerful, raw, gripping Dutch thriller set during World War 2. A towering performance from the beautiful and expressive leading lady is at its heart.
- DirectorSean PennStarsEmile HirschVince VaughnCatherine KeenerAfter graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.Sean Penn as a director this time. And Emile Hirsch in an excellent performance as the true life character. You may or may not agree with the characters motives, but you cannot deny that it was a very effective movie.
- DirectorK. SelvaraghavanStarsRavi KrishnaSonia AgarwalSuman ShettyA neighborhood good-for-nothing attempts to romance the new girl in town.A Tamil movie which traversed the confusing paths of love, desire, passion and choices in the form of a love story between two unlikely individuals.
- DirectorCurtis HansonStarsKevin SpaceyRussell CroweGuy PearceAs corruption grows in 1950s Los Angeles, three policemen - one strait-laced, one brutal, and one sleazy - investigate a series of murders with their own brand of justice.An excellent flick which had the bad luck to be released in the same year as Cameron's Titanic. Else it would have probably gobbled up the Oscars.
- DirectorAnurag KashyapStarsManoj BajpayeeNawazuddin SiddiquiTigmanshu DhuliaA clash between Sultan and Shahid Khan leads to the expulsion of Khan from Wasseypur, and ignites a deadly blood feud spanning three generations.Viscerally brilliant, this is Anurag Kashyap at his devastating best. Brilliant performances from an unconventional yet supertalented cast, Kashyap takes the Godfather-esque story and places it in the hinterlands of Northern India where the coal mafia are involved in a brutal no holds barred fight. Despite the excessive violence and abusive vitriol, this is a must watch for lovers of artistic film making at its best.
- DirectorAbhishek ChaubeyStarsShahid KapoorAlia BhattKareena KapoorA story that revolves around drug abuse in the affluent north Indian State of Punjab and how the youth there have succumbed to it en-masse resulting in a socio-economic decline.After all the hullabaloo on the censor board and its cuts died down, the bare fact remains - this is just a great film. A resonating look at the drug menace in Punjab through some disparate characters, it thrills and saddens in equal measure and features some of the best acting of the year, particularly an absolutely brilliant Alia Bhatt.
- DirectorKim Ki-dukStarsKim Ki-dukOh Yeong-suJong-ho KimA boy is raised by a Buddhist monk in an isolated floating temple where the years pass like the seasons.Caught this at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival at a special screening, and am glad that I caught it on the big screen. The exquisite visual beauty of the film speaks a language of its own. The movie has hardly any dialogs, yet conveys the themes of growing up, breaking free, crime and punishment and eventual redemption in a way most dialog heavy movies cannot hope to do. Set in a remote floating monastery where a young monk grows up under the tutelage of an older one and the upheaval brought to his life by his awakening desires.
- DirectorSatyajit RayStarsKanu BannerjeeKaruna BannerjeeSubir BanerjeeImpoverished priest Harihar Ray, dreaming of a better life for himself and his family, leaves his rural Bengal village in search of work.What a brilliant piece of art. When I watched this story, the beginning of a trilogy of stories of an impoverished family in rural Bengal in the pre-independence era, I finally started to understand the reasons for the awe in which Satyajit Ray was held worldwide. His first movie this, it was made on a limited budget and the storytelling is understated, observant and very real. The whole trilogy is great, but this first movie surely is the torchbearer. The aching humanity mixed with wry humor transports the viewer completely to a world and time long gone.
- DirectorVishal BhardwajStarsShahid KapoorTabuShraddha KapoorA young man returns to Kashmir after his father's disappearance to confront his uncle, whom he suspects of playing a role in his father's fate.Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor return to top form with a vengeance in this brutally gripping modern retelling of Hamlet in the Kashmir valley. It has its detractors for a perceived softness on separatist terrorists and its depiction of the Army, but from a neutral point of view I just saw the futility of the war and the violence it wrecks on the body and psyche as a trail of shattered lives are left in its wake. Apart from Shahid, there were some brilliant turns here from seasoned performers like Tabu and Kay Kay Menon. Even Shraddha Kapoor was tolerable in this.
- DirectorLee UnkrichStarsTom HanksTim AllenJoan CusackThe toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home.The kind of animations I like. Good fun, while at the same time dealing with real issues that everyone can relate to like friendship, loyalty and adventure.
- DirectorRamStarsJiivaAnjaliKarunasA young post-graduate faces difficulties with finding employment, and struggles against social inequalities.A dark and despondent look at a troubled young man's descent into madness and violence. Jiva gives a breathtaking performance in the lead role of a Tamil MA graduate who gets disillusioned at the lack of opportunities for his kind. This movie should have got noticed MUCH more than what it did and Jiva should have stuck to doing some more of these kind of roles.
- DirectorAri FolmanStarsAri FolmanRon Ben-YishaiRonny DayagAn Israeli film director interviews fellow veterans of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon to reconstruct his own memories of his term of service in that conflict.Amazing work of art. And a telling social commentary on the sins of omission (or maybe worse). The final scenes when real life images suddenly replaced the animated ones were bone chilling.
- DirectorJoe CarnahanStarsRay LiottaJason PatricChi McBrideWhen the trail goes cold on a murder investigation of a policeman, an undercover narcotics officer is lured back to the force to help solve the case.There are a lot of cop drama's out there, but I thought this one was one of the best I have seen. What the heck happened to Jason Patric?
- DirectorTom McCarthyStarsRichard JenkinsHaaz SleimanDanai GuriraA college professor travels to New York City to attend a conference and finds a young couple living in his apartment.A wonderful little movie about a lonely professor and the illegal immigrant couple he becomes friends with. Bittersweet.
- DirectorAlejandro G. IñárrituStarsMichael KeatonZach GalifianakisEdward NortonA washed-up superhero actor attempts to revive his fading career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production.The Oscar winner for the year, and well deserved for being so wildly inventive. Essentially a tale of midlife crisis and the egocentric desire to leave a lasting legacy, this is a recklessly brilliant innovation of filming technique and a masterful exploration of some wonderful performances which hold the story together. One of my favorite movies of the year, and for once I have no complaints with the Academy choice.
- DirectorAdam ElliotStarsToni CollettePhilip Seymour HoffmanEric BanaIn 1976 Melbourne, a lonely 8-year-old girl strikes up a correspondence with an unlikely pen pal: a severely obese 44-year-old New Yorker with Asperger's syndrome.One of the best animated films I have seen. This is definitely more geared to the older audiences and provides intricate character portraits of a socially awkward girl in Australia and the overweight middle aged man with behavioral disorders who she becomes pen pals with and keeps up a long standing relationship with over letters. Delicate, touching, at times heartbreaking and with surprising insights on life and people, this will remain with you for some time.
- DirectorAashiq AbuStarsParvathy ThiruvothuTovino ThomasJoju GeorgeA real life account of the deadly Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, and the courageous fight put on by several individuals which helped to contain the epidemic.A uniquely unmissable cinema experience. When a bunch of great actors and stars come together in service of a gripping script without anyone hijacking the attention, the result is mesmerizing. Probably, only in the Malayalam industry can something like this happen in India. I would prefer not to write anything more on the movie. It just has to be seen and felt.
- DirectorAbrid ShineStarsKalidas JayaramKunchacko BobanNeeta PillaiA war is waged between two colleges at the youth festival, with Goutham (Kalidas Jayaram) leading the Maharaja's college to regain their lost glory from the all-time winners, St. Teresa's college led by Irene (Neetha Pillai).This went by without registering too much on the public consciousness. Yet, it is such a carefully constructed campus tale like no other. Based around the few days of a youth festival and the competing colleges, the story flows with the vibes of a realism never seen in movies of this genre. Tender, lighthearted and with its heart in the right place, this is a movie which will make you yearn for a past even if you haven't experienced the specific situations the film alludes. I'm hoping that over the years this will become a minor cult classic.