Recap 2012 : Hollywood Top5

I saw some of best movies in Hollywood last year, but this list would still not be accurate as movies like Lincoln, Hitchcock, Cloud Atlas (it did release but I missed), Zero Dark Thirty haven't released in India yet and I haven't downloaded them to see. Still, a big change from previous years when I would hardly see 5-10 new english movies at the most in a year.

Bourne Legacy and Life of a Pi dissappointed me a lot, even Skyfall wasn't upto the mark.

Here's my Top5 Hollywood movies of 2012 :

1. The Dark Knight Rises 

Saw it 10 times in theatre, was totally mad after it. Special movie. I have to admit that after having seen magic of Joker in The Dark Knight, this movie demanded so much more and how well it surpassed all those expectations. It would still be at no.2 position though in the trilogy but one of the series that I could re-watch without getting bored. Christian Bale was superb once again in the role of Bruce Wayne, you feel bad when he struggles and joy when he succeeds. He had to appear less powerful this time with all the past dissappointments and death of Rachel, but he finds a reason to get into the Gotham and save it from Bane. Tom Hardy as the masked man played that role wonderfully. Anne Hathaway as the Catwoman was gorgeous and great helper to Bruce in the movie. Gary Oldman had lesser role, giving way to Joseph Gordon Levitt who had quite few important scenes of his own like the one where he advices Bruce to return back as Batman. Alfred-Bruce chemistry was still the same, kind of caring person anyone would like to have in their life. Very good cameos by Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Marion Cottilard as well. And then, Hans Zimmer's splendid background score, specially Gotham's Reckoning and The Fire Rises. Christopher Nolan continues to be my no.1 director in Hollywood.
Why didn't you just kill me ? You don't fear death.. You welcome it. Your punishment must be more severe.

2. Django Unchained 

Lucky enough to see the film before writing this post. Interestingly, this is 2nd tarantino film I have watched after Pulp Fiction.. so I have missed a lot in between. But, like Pulp.. this movie had almost everything I expected a Tarantino movie to have, maybe got bit more in terms of all those background soundtracks he used in the movie. The style with which he makes the movies, the camera angles amazes me. Christoph Waltz was spectacular right from his 1st scene to the last, all the improvisations he does at many places, fantastic performance. Jamie Fox gets his share mostly in final 30 mins, till end he plays almost a second fiddle. Leonardo Di Caprio totally surprised me in his evilish act, specially the scene where he and Sameul L Jackson have a private conversation and the follow up to that scene, easily my favourite of the movie. And then all the bloodshed, the slavery, bounty hunting, nigga fights, that terrible dog scene, the final action sequences and lots of sudden actions keeps you engaged. Can't wait to see this movie in theatre (though it would be full of cuts, as adult scenes are way many).
Gentlemen, you had my curiosity. But, now you have my attention.

3. Argo

Excellent suspense thriller specially as the story goes on and one aint sure if the survived 6 americans would successfully flee out of Iran. Ben Affleck in a very calm and simple way leads you to the climax, making you as tense as his character is during the airport scene. The 6 americans rehearsal scene is also rightly spoiled so as to further enhance the importance of the next follow up scene. You can feel the nervousness in each of them when they get questioned, they know they could be so near to their death if caught. Also, amidst all the tense finish, there is a very good light side in the movie when the plan initially shapes up with Ben's idea of making a fake movie which leads to Alan Arkin and John Goodman who bring lots of laughs with their one liners, my fav 'Argo fuck yourself'. The acting, writing, direction, pace of movie, editing everything is spot on.  Also special mention to the background score at the final scene of the movie. 

The whole country is watching you... they just don't know it. 

4. Looper

One of best sci-fi films I have seen, based on time-travel. It was slightly tough to understand the movie initially for me as have seen very less films of this genre. I love the scene where Joseph Gordon Levitt (playing Joe) has to wait extra seconds for his next target who is none other than older Joe (played by Bruce Willis). Also, the restaurant sequence between Joesph and Bruce. And the small kid Pierce Gagnon in those anger sequences. The screenplay does get slightly slow when Joseph takes responsibility of saving Pierce from Bruce Willis. The climax is superb, and so is the final dialogue. I liked the way the scenes are shot where Joseph gives a narration to the happenings. Also, the shift between 2044 to the current time and how both world's would change if one particular person is killed. Joseph Gordon Levitt gave one of his best performances, among all the films I have seen him in.

Then I saw it, I saw a mom who would die for her son, a man who would kill for his wife, a boy angry and alone, laid out in front of him the bad path. I saw it and the path was a circle, round and round. So, I changed it. 

5. The Amazing Spiderman

I haven't seen the old series of Spiderman, so this movie was my first step towards the heroic world of Spiderman. I would say most part is taken up establishing the powers Peter Parker (played by Andrew Garfield) possesses, and the mistakes he does with those powers resulting in death of one of his dear ones. What works for me are the special effects, the lizard sequence and how Spiderman saves lots of lives including that of Irrfan Khan who has a small edited out appearance. Emma Stone looks too cute, and performed well too. For me, how good this movie is would be known with the 2nd part. As of now, I would say that I quite enjoyed watching it especially Andrew Garfield and Rhys Ifans performances. Also, the nerdy sequences of Andrew with Emma, or the one where they try to ask each other out, and my favourite where he reveals her about his identity. Also, the advice Uncle Ben gives to Peter. Loved the climax, the struggle Spiderman goes through to defeat lizard, and the help he gets by a certain person on the way. 

I have got to stop him because I created him. That's not your job. Maybe it is...

The films that just missed my Top5 list : Skyfall, The Woman in Black, Men in Black3, Avengers and The Hunger Games. 

Recap 2012 : Best Albums

Great year for the music too, some very good quality music. Sneha Khanwalkar was the star of the year in music, both singer and composer wise. AR Rahman and Gulzar didn't exactly deliver the kind of album I expected from them, still good enough to be in my top6. Also, great year for Pritam.. 3 of his albums features in my list. The theory is same 'You can love him, hate him but can't ignore his music'.

Here's a look at my Top10 albums of the year :

1. Gangs of Wasseypur II

When most composers go for routine songs, Sneha Khanwalkar opted for experiments and new singers that included Chi cha ledar sung by 12 yr old. Not just that, her vocals in 'Kaala Rey' haunted me for continuous hours when I heard it 1st time. Taar  Bijlee and Aabroo were other gems in the album. Also, Moora and Keh ke lunga mix play their parts plus the instrumentals for various characters, Bahut khoob and Perpendicular theme being the best among them. She is a composer whose songs I would eagerly await in future just like the case for A R Rahman.

2. Shanghai 

2nd time in a row Vishal Shekhar album makes it to my top5, to be precise didn't miss the no.1 position by much. 'Bharat mata ki jai' and 'Imported Kamariya' got my attention straightaway, wonderful dance numbers (if I can call it that) with deep lyrics. But the real gems in the album that I discovered much later were Dua and Khudaaya. Excellent compositions all of them. Khudaaya even had a well thought of video released on it. My most personal fav song would remain Dua, very emotional.

3. Barfi 

One of best albums by Pritam, composed or stolen.. the songs are worth to listen for years. Main kya karoon and Kyon are my most favs, the former dealing with feelings one gets during 1st love and the latter on what life offers you despite you trying to run away. Aashiyan representing the second chance life offers you beautifully. Then, there's Arijit Singh's Saawali si Raat and Mohit's Ala Barfi to add to it. Only Phir le aaya dil failed to make any mark on me.

4. Gangs of Wasseypur

O Womaniya and Hunter among the innovative compositions by Sneha Khanwalkar. The amazing background used in Aey Jawanon. Piyush Mishra's terrific rendition to Ik Bagal. The bihari touch in Manoj Tiwari's Jiya Tu. The revenge song Keh ke lunga with wonderful lyrics and Amit + Sneha vocals makes it superb. Bhoos goes very well with the film too. My most favs being O womaniya, Keh ke lunga and Aey jawanon. Sneha's experiments makes this album a must listen for real music lovers.

5. Cocktail

Another quality album from Pritam, Tumhi Ho Bandhu was catchy right from the 1st time I heard it, wonderfully sung by Kavita Seth.. won't be surprised if she wins any award for it. Second Hand Jawaani, a fun song and very much addictive. Daaru Desi adds to the list of good songs based on friendship. Main Sharabi though not used in film, was  one of my fav songs along with Jugni which is superbly sung by Arif and Harshdeep. Luttna and Tera naam japdi have good punjabi flavour. Yaariyan only song that I didn't like.

6. Jab Tak Hai Jaan 

Rahman + Gulzar combo didn't quite set up the music on fire as it should had. Even repeated listenings didn't help. Had I not loved the songs with the movie, it was possible the album would had missed my top10. Except for Javed ali's title song which sadly had no yashji visuals, every song was visually too good. Challa by Rabbi my most favourite without a single doubt, wonderfully sung by him and Gulzar feel in it. Saans I finally loved but still some reservations against the line 'saans mein teri saans mili toh mujhe saans aayi hai'. Shilpa Rao is fantastic in Ishq Shava, also I had loved Ishq Dance instantly. Heer goes well with movie, Harshdeep gives punjabi touch to it very aptly. Neeti Mohan's voice in Jiya Re was wonderful, could be regular in future Rahman albums, she's got hatke voice which always appeals me.

7. Vicky Donor 

Paani Da Rang, super romantic punjabi song sung by Ayushmann Khurana.. makes me wonder how it didn't appeal to me at first. Kho Jaane De and Mar Jayian aren't far away in their romantic appeal.  Vishal Dadlani rendition to Mar Jayian is very good. Rum Whisky and Rokda are good especially with movie. Abhishek-Akshay as composers have created one of the romantic albums of the year that has punjabi feel in most of the songs.

8. AkaashVani

Thanx to the film, this album makes a surprise entry in my final top 10 list, that too at 8th position. A complete romantic album with 3 fultoo romantic tracks, Kay Kay's superb rendition in Padh Gaye Ji supported by Sunidhi Chauhan, Nikhil D'Souza's soft number Bas Main Aur Tu and Thomson-Sharmali's naughty romance in Rumani. Shafaqat Amanat Ali's emotional number Tera Mera Naam and Vishal-Sunidhi mad romance in Crazy Lover makes it an all-out album. Very good work by Hitesh Sonik, and also Luv Ranjan's lyrics are worth a mention. My most favs are Padh Gaye Ji and Rumani. 

9. Agent Vinod 

3rd Pritam album in the list, he did have a good year. Dil Mera Muft ka was easily best item song of the year. Pungi sung by Mika everytime reminds of Saif's funny dance moves. I will do the talking tonight by Neeraj Sridhar gave another good dance number. Among various Raabta versions, I liked Aditi Singh Sharma one, still it was a song I lease liked in album. My fav in the album easily was the Agent Vinod theme track, amazing beats and very catchy.

10. Talaash

Ram Sampath's next album after Delhi Belly and it pretty much lives upto the expectations. Suman Sridhar has that sensuous + cute feel in her voice, Muskaane Jhooti Hai sung by her is my most fav from the album. Jee Le Zara by Vishal Dadlani another good song, at first I felt he sang in high pitch but repeated listening changed my view. Ram Sampath's Hona Hai Kya gets its worth with the movie the most. Laakh Duniya Kahe is decent, while  Jiya Laage Na kind of songs never interest me.

Albums that just missed my top10 list : Ishaqzaade, Blood Money, Jannat2, London Paris New York and Rowdy Rathore,

Recap 2012 : Best Films

It was a year of highs for Hindi Films Industry. Normally, its easy for me to decide my no.1 movie of the year but there were 4-5 films that were equally capable of being at no.1 position this time around. One of those years when I can't say this film single-handedly stealed the year, for instance 'Rockstar' last year. Films like Heroine, Agent Vinod, Jannat2, Raaz3 and Aiyyaa were some of big dissappointments of the year.

Here's a look at my Top 10 films of the year :

1. Kahaani

Suspense thriller that surprises you completely when the mystery is revealed. Vidya Balan's another fantastic performance, with new actors (in Hindi films), Saswata Chatterjee and Parambhata Chatterjee impressing a lot. Also, Nawazuddin Siddiqui gets noticed after doing several small roles in past for many years. Vidya's final dialogue 'Kya fark padta hai'.. and the background theme running at that scene was my most fav moment.

2. Gangs of Wasseypur II

It was more of a powerful performance oriented movie than story/screenplay based. Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a role he would always remember, and how brilliantly he enacts it.. Just watch the satisfaction in his eyes during climax shootout scene. Huma Qureshi another great find, and Zeishan Quadri as 'Definite' also was a delight to watch. While, Sneha's music added to the appeal of the movie. Another of Anurag Kashyap movies added to my most loved films list.  Hum toh sochte the ki sanjeev kumar ke ghar mein hum bachchan paida huye hai, par aankh khuli toh pata chala ki hum toh shashi kapoor hai.. bachchan toh koi aur hi nikla. 

3. Barfi                                                                          
One of the sweetest movies of the year, no wonder it was titled Barfi. Ranbir Kapoor carries his great work from Rockstar, in another award worthy performance. Priyanka Chopra plays autistic role with such perfection. Ileana D'Cruz makes the best out of a good complex role to make herself contender for debut awards. Apart from the weak mystery sub-plot, the movie was deeply touching and I give a damn to the copied/lifted scenes. Umeedein ho toh kaagaz ki chidiya ke bhi pankh hote hain. 

4. Shanghai
                                                    
Excellent political thriller, real to the core. Dibakar Banerjee's detailing behind every character, it was hard to pick best performance. Plus, Vishal Shekhar's gem of a music. Emraan Hashmi in a very different role, justifying his acting talent to everyone. Kalki, the only one that didn't impress me. The climax is hard-hitting. 'Jahan se bhi aaye ho na waapis chale jaao, yeh india hai samjhe.. yeh aapko suit nahi karega'.                                                                                     
                                          

5. Gangs of Wasseypur 

If you like the first 10 mins of movie, you are more likely to love this film.. Anurag touch is there right from the first big close up frame, as he differentiates the world he will showcase would be how much different then that serial playing on Tv. Manoj Bajpaayee brilliant as ever, while Tigmanshu Dhulia in his debut acting mode was highly impressive playing negative shade of Ramadhir. Also, cameos of Nawazuddin and Huma who take story to next part. A special mention to background score, and music by Sneha too. Uss harami ko humhe mitaana hai, goli nahi maarenge saale ko, kehke lenge uski.

6. Paan Singh Tomar 

Among Irfan Khan's best performances ever, one of leading contenders for best actor awards. The screenplay very well portrayed the rise of a successful athelete, and then turning into a dacaoit. Also, the story that had lot of emotional potential in it which Tigmanshu Dhulia exploited well with the help of good starcast. Sarkaar mein vishwaas rakhte ho ? Naa Saab, sarkaar toh chor hain'.  

7. Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Yash Chopra's last movie though visually very modern (touch of Aditya Chopra) had Yashji feel of eternal love throughout. The script is weak yet the emotions it carries through with Shahrukh and Katrina's top performances helps to ignore the flaws.  The church scene in climax was my most fav. Rahman music gels brilliantly with the movie, be it Challa or Saans or Ishq Dance. I personally loved Shahrukh in army role the most. 'Bomb se jyada zakhm toh zindagi deti hai, har modh pe koi dhokha, koi dard.. Zindagi toh har roz jaan leti hai, bomb toh sirf ek baar lega'.

8. Talaash

Very good psychological drama by Reema Kagti. As a suspense mystery which it was promoted by, the film was pretty average specially by the standards of Aamir Khan. But, the screenplay and the Music/Background by Ram Sampath along with performances brought a lot out of the film. Kareena Kapoor easily steals the show, while Aamir's emotional side as a cop appealed to me. Nawazzudin in good supporting performance too. 'Kya koi bhi poori tarah se khush hai, tum khush ho ? Kuch pal hai..'

9. Vicky Donor

Excellent chemistry between Ayushmann Khurana and Annu Kapoor in a altogether different subject based movie full of humour, and giving a message in the end without preaching it. Yami Gautam makes a good debut while Dolly Ahluvalia was hillarious in Ayushmann' mother role. Loved the punjabi-bengali culture sequence in the movie. And great music, especially romantic Paani da rang and Mar Jaiyiaan. Sperm se thora upar aake dekho, heart naam ki cheez hoti hai.. what about love ? 

10. English Vinglish

The word 'comeback' is justified for a change rather then forcefully used for actors in past. Sridevi performance never makes you think she was in a film after such long gap. The regular english teasing by Adil Hussain (husband) and daugther at times appear odd. My fav part when Sridevi joins classes, and learns to love her old life through it. Amit Trivedi's background score was very good, also innovative Manhattan song. Amitabh-Sridevi scene was super funny. 'Why India not The India, why America The United States of America ?'


Films that just missed my top10 list : Rowdy Rathore,  Ishaqzaade, London Paris New York, Chittagong and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu.

AkaashVani [2nd Trailer]

The 1st trailer was completely crazy, and this 2nd one is fully romantic with the emotional dose. Though, one bad thing, the climax appears predictable that it would be a happy ending unless they twist it. Both Kartik Tiwari and Nushrat Bharucha looking good together, excellent chemistry. Just hoping the film as a whole clicks this time with me unlike 'Pyar Ka Punchnama'.

I like how the trailer shifts from happy romantic to sad romantic, with the final lines 'Love gets a second chance' and that melody background tune that plays with it.

Woh aaj humse mile anjaano ki tarah
hum yunhi raah takke baithe the deewano ki tarah
har nigaah mein aur door chale jaate hai
humse nazar churaate hai beyimaano ki tarah...

Murder3 [Trailer]

From the trailer, it looks Randeep Hooda pretty much plays the role Prashant Narayanan had in last film, a psycho against girls for some reason. Though, I could be wrong. The guy playing cop role, and Sala Loren appear to be weak actors unless they change my opinion after watching the film.

Aditi Rao gets very less shots, I hope she ain't saddened with a cameo like Jacqueline was in Murder2. Randeep Hooda looking impressive, he has dissappointed me with his films since Jannat2. But, those films had poorly written roles so this could be that film he needs to showcase his talent, as a solo male lead this time.

The trailer isn't as good as Murder2 was, they had used 'bheege honth tere' song so well. But then Murder2 was a average movie, so first impression isn't everything. Want good music from Pritam, Teri Jhuki Nazar song that is already out is very much average.. For now, I can say that my expectations from the movie are very less.

'Sab kuch bahut jaldi jaanna chahti ho tum..' 

3G [Trailer]

Super natural thriller, based on events that start to take place when they  buy a second hand 3G mobile phone. Reminds slightly of Karthik calling Karthik and 13B, probably the story here would be different from them. It appears like Neil Nitin Mukesh has dual roles or split personality, the evil one is what I am looking to see him in as in the trailer he looks very good in those shots. For instance, 2:12 and 2:22, those laughs and  reactions. Also, the end part where he looks left, and right and then screams at the camera.

If the film is as good as trailer, then it could be another '7 Khoon Maaf' kind of praise for Neil Nitin Mukesh. Also, Sonal Chauhan is a actress to trust on, loved her in Jannat. 'Kaise bataayu tujhe ke dil mera kya keh raha' song is nice too.

The trailer is very well cut. Waiting for this film..

The Impossible [Views]

Directed by : Juan Antonio Bayona

Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1649419/

The most scary bit for me, was to see I was on my own. And then I saw the two of you, I didn't feel scared anymore. 

A film based on tsunami that hit the south east asia on 26th Dec, 2004. Its about one family that survived that tragedy facing lots of struggles.

Henry (Ewan Mcgregor) and Maria (Naomi Watts) along with their three boys have gone to Thailand beach resort on a holiday. They enjoy the Christmas, and are in good mood next morning until the tragedy strikes and they are taken by surprise with absolutely no chance to run away. Maria and her elder son, Lucas (Tom Holland) survive but Maria is severly injured especially her leg. And they don't know if Henry and other two kids made it or not. 

The tsunami disaster scene effects are very well done, looks very real and very unwatchable thinking of how it would had been in real. The way Maria and Lucas get hit by numerous trees, wood and furniture was terrible, specially the climax scene which shows how worst it was for Maria.

Too much of close-ups and screaming/shouting let the movie down. Also, the characters aren't developed much before the tsunami comes, atleast 3 scenes of family together would had made that connect with them. Instead its during their struggle when we have to connect with them, it was still touching to see their spirit but could had been even better. I liked the aeroplane scene, the fear in two characters tells how they could struggle next morning when they face the disaster.

Some great scenes like Maria and Lucas helping Daneil stuck in the tree bushes, Maria asking Lucas to help other people in hospital, or Henry asking his kid to look after his younger brother who cutely replies 'But, I haven't looked after someone before' and the guy giving his mobile to Henry to make a call.

Also, I feel they could had showed sub-plots of 1-2 families slightly in detail. This would had made it look less partial than it actually did. Though, the film is about one family only but truth is everyone suffered in this tsunami. The background score wasn't appealing either, and was loud at places.

All actors gave good performances, but Tom Holland as Lucas was the pick of them. To suddenly do so much at his age, specially that scene where he helps his mother climb a tree.


In the end, The Impossible is a decent watch, with good special effects of tsunami done, and the scenes that reflect fighting ability and human spirit. It could had been a great film though.