FOREVER STRONG (2008)

Well I have always been a big fan of sports movie and this one sure is one of those good sports movies I have watched. The movie is about a talented-but-troubled rugby player who must play against the team his father coaches at the national championship. A lot of drama goes behind the story which is worth knowing for better appreciation of the movie. Though the direction lags at many important situations in the movie which I would say could be because of cost issues. At last I would say a good sports movie to watch in your free time. My rating for this movie is 70% good.

EAGLE EYE (2008)

This movie is a Si-Fi, Man verse Machine movie which will surely entertain you and keep you at the edge of your seats. Directed by D. J. Caruso this action flick is worth a watch as his efforts are virtually noticed at every scene. The movie is about two strangers thrown together by a mysterious phone call from a woman they have never met. Threatening their lives and family, she pushes these two strangers into a series of increasingly dangerous situations, using the technology of everyday life to track and control their every move. My rating for this movie is 70% good.

BRUNO (2009)

Sacha Baron Cohen is a masterpiece in himself and the well of confidence he shows performing the outrageous scenes is mind blowing. Well you do not need any level of IQ for watching this movie; everything that’s bad about US is in this movie. Directed by Larry Charles this movie offers only nonsense comedy or a very high level of comedy with many may not be able to digest. The movie is about a Gay star, yet to be celebrity trying to make things happen for himself in Hollywood. Please keep your brains outside the movie hall before watching this movie. My rating for this movie is 60% good.

SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE (1993)

This movie highlights a nice love story about a small town guy and a city girl. Tom hanks play the role of the small town recently widowed guy who has a son and they have moved into a new city. One day his son calls the radio talk show in an attempt to find his father a partner and from there the love story begins. Directed by Nora Ephron this movie is worth a watch if you haven’t seen a romantic movie lately. Well my golden rule says if it is a Tom Hanks movie it has to be good. My rating for this movie is 65% good.

ROAD TO PERDITION. (2002)

This movie offers you Tom Hanks in action, as a Hitman and then a bank robber against his boss. This movie went on to win an Oscar for best Cinematography. The movie is about a Hitman played by Tom Hanks who is caught in a web of events after his son sees him what he does for living. This results into testing of tom Hanks loyalty and later urges him to rebel against his boss which makes him into a bank robber. Tom Hanks has played his role convincingly and has gone under the skin of the character. All an all this is a good movie to spend your time and money on. My rating for the movie is 80% good.

Inkheart (2008)

This movie somehow did not make any sense to me as the story was bit complicated to understand and had many flaws in direction. Though the director has tried to tell the story but I feel this movie could have been made in parts so that the audience understands the story bit by bit. The story is about a young girl discovers her father has an amazing talent to bring characters out of their books and must try to stop villain from destroying them all. I can’t do better than that if you are still confused watch the movie. I could never understand how Brendan Fraser always land up in some out of box magical movies. My rating for the movie is 50% good.

CRIMSON TIDE (1995)

This movie I would say showcases Denzel Washington at his best. Directed by Tony Scott portrays a story about a US nuclear missile submarine, the Alabama on a mission to combat the rebel Russian forces who had gained control over Russian nuclear weapons. Denzel Washington plays a role of a New X.O of the ship with ship’s captain Ramsey played by Gene Hackman. There are many issues that turn up on the event of firing of the nuclear missiles between the X.O and the Captain and so. The movie is a real thriller and keeps you on your toes till the last moment. My rating for this movie is 75% good.

CAST AWAY (2005)

If you haven’t seen this movie my advices to you is leave whatever you are doing and go watch this movie. First time when I saw Cast Away I couldn’t stop wondering if that situation was really possible and what would have I done in Tom Hanks place. Directed beautifully by Robert Zemeckis this movie is value for time and money. This surely is Tom Hank’s best performance in the lead role. Movie is about a person who gets stranded in an island for many years after a plane crash and how he copes with life alone in the island. My rating for this movie is 80% good.

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (2007)

This musical directed by Julie Taymor seems to have been a music tribute to the great Beatles Band. All the songs in the movie are from Beatles and beautifully go along with the movie. The movie is about an artist who comes to US to find his dad and gets caught in a string of events from Vietnam War to falling in love. There are also few other parallel love stories in the movie and movie tries to relate one character with the other in an emotional way. Jim Sturgess, the artist has done a good job and fits the character well in a convincing manner. All the Beatles fan do watch the movie as this one is a real musical treat for your eyes and ears. My rating for this movie is 70% good.

AVATAR (2009)

Directed by James Cameron this movie had to be special, with its ground breaking special effects in 3D. Though the story is not much to speak about, goes as same age old act of one person against many, saving the other civilization and thereby bringing peace and harmony. Well the depiction of character does seem to attract lot of attention as lot of works has been gone into differentiating one civilization from the other. The 3D effect is amazing and one should not miss this movie at any cost as this one is value for money. Though it lost out to Hurt Locker in the Oscar race but 3 Oscar’s does emphasis my point of movie being worth watching. My rating for this movie is 90% good.

APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)

Being a late 70’s movie I would say this movie was way ahead of its time and personally I feel this is the best movie made on Vietnam War till date. Written and Directed by Francis Ford Coppola it had to be a good movie. Actor Martin Sheen has done an excellent job but the real cake goes to Marlon Brando though a shorter appearance but a powerful one. This movie went on to win 2 Oscars so if ever you get a chance do not miss this movie and do remember it’s a late 70’s movie before judging it. I do not want to spoil the fun of watching the movie for you by telling you the plot but just remember it is a war movie and Marlon Brando is suppose to be a local deity. My rating for this movie is 80% good.

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (1999)

Directed by Gil Junger this movie is a college flick revolving around a romance. Though nothing new to offer but has few good moments and few good dialogues to take home. Late Heath Ledger stands out for his acting same as Julia stiles stands out in the opposite role. Movie is all about high school, romance, parties, friends/family and fun all the while. I would say a good movie to watch with your friends on a lazy afternoon. My rating for the movie is 65% good

WALK-HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY (2007)

Being a spoof movie is always hard to attract large crowd and grab the attention of the viewer. To a great extent this movie has been able to be funny and at the same time managed to attract the attention of viewers. If you haven’t seen the movie Walk the Line this movie might not ring bells or seem funny. Though the movie is a spoof on many musicians but mostly revolves around the life history of Johnny Cash. Actor John C. Reilly is really funny in the movie and has given his best shots for the movie. My rating for this movie is 65% good.

TROPIC THUNDER (2008)

Acted, Written and Directed by Ben Stiller this is an all time action comedy in my list. Just keep your brains aside while watching this movie as more you think less you enjoy the movie. Ben Stiller is the comedy king here but I do have my personal favorite as Jack Black (for comedy) as he also shares the pie in being the king of comedy. Storyline: For different reason a group of actors end up being in the drug smugglers camp, thinking they are portraying soldiers in a big budget movie but end up being the real heroes. My rating for this movie is 70% good

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994)

All praises for this movie as there hasn’t been a better movie till date. Story about two individuals who are in jail for different reasons become good friends and find solace and finally redemption. No doubt this movie was nominated for 7 Oscars and won many others. Directed by Frank Darabont movie showcases many faces of lives of the two individuals and there is no other story that has been narrated as good as this one. Actors Tim Robins and Morgan Freeman deserve a standing ovation for their superb acting in the movie. Do not miss this movie at any chance otherwise you would be missing a whole lot of Hollywood. My Rating for this movie is 95% good.

THE REBOUND (2009)

Written and Directed by Bart Freundlich, this movie has a modern day touch to it and has many things to offer. All though story line is bit common but screenplay is done beautifully. The story is about a single mom in New York who falls in love with a much younger neighbor and the how other complications creep into their relationship. Well I do appreciate the acting done by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Justin Bartha both deserves applause as both of them stand out in the movie. My Rating for this movie is 60% good.

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (2002)

Well you may not find a better movie on jail escape or better story line. Movie has many good things to offer such as superb acting done by all the actors and the direction is also done beautifully. It’s a story about a person who is wrongfully accused and sentenced to a deserted jail and then he escapes from jail after many years and take his revenge. All though it is a long movie but it’s worth the pain. I do have some problem with the costumes and few of the sets as they spoil the feeling of eighteenth century movie. But do not undermine the movie it’s very powerful and grabs your attention throughout the movie. My Rating for this Movie is 80% good

TAKING LIVES (2004)

I had never thought Angelina Jolie and Ethan Hawke could end up doing such a movie. There is nothing new to offer in this movie, same old murder mystery story with no suspense as such. The direction and the story line have many shortcomings as many scenes do not justify the storyline. Though the one thing to take away from this movie is the hot sensual scene between Angelina Jolie and Ethan Hawk or rather I would say that’s what I remember about this movie. My Rating for this movie is 50% good.

LUCKY YOU (2007)

Casino, Gambling, Rivalry, Tournament and Drew Barrymore, that’s what I remember about this movie. Before watching this movie all the Poker lovers bring out your card decks and a can of beer because this movie is just made for you. Besides if you are a Drew Barrymore fan, take the chance and you might not repent watching the movie. The whole plot revolves around a champion poker player who tries to win a tournament in Vegas, but at the same time has been going through rough patches in his life. So I would take my chances with this movie. My Rating for this movie is 55% good.

LEATHERHEADS (2008)

You would have never known George Clooney could act and direct in the same movie and that too, a sports movie. The movie speaks about the early 1920’s when the American football was just beginning to grab the national attention and how a person (George Clooney) single handedly forms a team and goes on to win the national cup. The other thing to watch out in the movie is the acting done by Renée Zellweger, she has always given more than hundred percent in most of her movies and this one sure is one of them. A touch of romance and rivalry alongside the American football gives the edge to the movie over other sports movies. My rating for the movie is 65% good.

IT’S ALL GONE PETE TONG (2004)

To begin with this movie is about a true life story of a musician and the change of events in his life. This is a must watch movie for all the party goers in town. Frankie Wilde played by Paul Kaye has done total justice to the character by his superb acting. Though many might call this movie a tragic comedy but for me it was a mixture of drugs, music and love. Being a true story surly grabs your attention and makes you understand the troubled life of most of the musicians. Frankie Wilde once was on top of his career and then there was a sudden downfall due to drugs and loss of hearing. But that’s not it; there is the comeback of the king of night clubs with his smashing hits, while still being deaf. The weird part is after all this he disappears in the end and still hasn’t been found. My Rating for the movie is 75% good.

A PERFECT MURDER (1998)

Being a Gwyneth Paltrow and Michael Douglas fan this movie surely grabs my attention every time. Though movie does not have a good screenplay but the storyline speaks itself for the movie. Directed by Andrew Davis movie is beautifully directed and the suspense always keeps your upright. Movie is all about love, deceit, murder, conspiracy and suspense. Gwyneth Paltrow, the unfaithful wife has acted wonderfully as always and has given a tough fight to Michael Douglas, rich husband for being the best. In short movie is worth a watch on a free Sunday when there is nothing else to do. My rating for the movie is 65% good.

A MILLIONAIRE'S’ LOVE STORY (2006)

Well when it comes to making good love stories no one can beat Korean movies in that category. This movie is my personal best romantic movie in terms of good acting and storyline. Though the translation of Korean into English has impacted a lot from the perspective of dialogues’, but I feel sometimes its better this way. As the title says it is a millionaire’s love story and how different emotions unfold with the happening of different events. A nice movie to watch with your loved ones, would give you a chance to get close. And for ladies please carry an extra pair of handkerchief this movie is bound to let your veins flow. My rating for this movie is 75% good.

2012 (2009)

Directed and written by Roland Emmerich this is one of the highest cost of production movie, no wonder the producers were bummed out after the poor response from the box office. Well special effects are what you can talk about the movie and the whole concept is based on the Nostradamus theory, end of the world in 2012. The direction lacks at many places towards the end and I personally do not like the thought that everything was about to end an American ‘hero’ saves the world like always. Just that part I thought should have been avoided and better would have been keeping the end unknown. All in all a good try from the director. This is a must watch movie for its phenomenal special effects and the long list of good actors. My rating for the movie is 65% good.

UP IN SMOKE (1978)

Directed by Lou Alder this is comedy filled with smoke and marijuana. Actors Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin are also the writers for the film. Being an old movie for today’s generation this movie has lot to say about the drugs and Hippy culture of the mid 70’s. In this movie you would literally see a car made out of marijuana yup that’s true, a car made out of marijuana which is used to smuggle marijuana into America from Mexico. There are many drawbacks in direction but it’s a onetime movie with a twist. And don’t worry you would feel much lighter after watching this movie, only if you’re a mid 70’s hippy culture fan. My rating for this movie is 60% good.

THE SNOW WALKER (2003)

After watching the movie few years back I kept talking about the movie for weeks and have recommended this movie to most of my friends. Simply WOW what a movie, this movie just took me by surprise with the unfolding of the events as the movie moves on. Outstanding acting by Berry Pepper and Annabella Piugattuk and exceptional direction by Charles Martin Smith this movie is worth a watch. Movie starts slow and gradually interest grows, movie is about two people who got stuck in the freezing landscape of Alaska after their plane crashes into a lake. The sad part for the two individuals is that they both cannot speak and understand the language of other person. The journey of the two individuals from being completely strangers to being as close as brother and sister is beautiful to watch. My Rating for this movie is 80% good

THE HURT LOCKER (2008)

With 9 Oscar nominations this is one movie that needs no introduction about its superb direction by Kathryn Bigelow and acting done by Jeremy Renner. The plot is based on Iraq war and about an elite Army bomb squad unit that must come together in a city where everyone is a potential enemy and every object could be a deadly bomb. Movie also highlights the emotional pain the bomb squad have to go through and how they go through their life with a constant fear of death. Jeremy Renner and Kathryn Bigelow truly deserve an Oscar for their performance in the movie, for which I will keep my fingers crossed. My Rating for the Movie is 75% good.

THE RON CLARK STORY (2006)

If you have been a FRIENDS fan and like Chandler Bing, do not miss this movie for Matthew Perry as he has done an excellent job. Directed by Randa Haines this is a true story about a school teacher (Ron Clark) who has helped thousands of low scoring students around American schools. This is an emotional and inspirational movie which deserves applause from the audience. The plot highlights the story of a small town school teacher (Ron Clark) who shifts to city and has been assigned the job of teaching one of the most notorious students in the country. It’s a beautiful journey and you do not want to miss it. My rating for this movie is 65% good.

ROGUE TRADER (1999)

People who understand stock market this is one movie for them to not miss. Movie has many shortfalls in terms of acting and direction but the story is worth hearing as it is a true story of a trader Nick Leeson. The movie explains the intricacies of the stack market and highlights how can an act of single individual can crash the whole stock market and dissolve a 100 year old bank. Ewan McGregor (the Rouge Trader) has acted better than most of the supporting actors and deserves a chance to be watched. My movie rating for this Movie is 55% good.

PRIDE AND GLORY (2008)

Directed by Gavin O’Conner this movie is about the black and white side of law. Movie has good actors such as Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Noah Emmerich and Jon Voight all from a same family in the movie and also each of them are part of the law. Movie showcases corruption in the law system and how the family members are involved directly or indirectly in it. To some extent movie also highlights the racism as it becomes common cause for many movies on corruption. The Good part is Edward Norton plays the role of a good cop in the family and how he has to stand against his family members for a good cause. Direction and story line falls apart at few places but all in all a good movie to spend time on. My rating for this movie is 65% good.

ORPHAN (2009)

Well to start with this is really a scary movie and seriously, one which will take you by surprise. Excellently directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and superb acting by Isabella Furman as Esther this movie is sure to give you goose bumps. Isabella has acted so beautifully that the whole plot seems real and creepy at the same time. All praises for the direction as I personally haven’t seen a better one. I do not want to spoil the fun by giving you hints about the plot just watch it and you can then comment on it. My Ratings for this movie is 75% good.

JULIE AND JULIA (2009)

If love cooking and love to eat this is one movie that should bring water in your mouth. Written and directed by Nora Ephron this movie sheds light in to the life of two talented cooks of different time eras, one being from present days (Amy Adams) and other from yesteryears (Meryl Streep). Meryl Streep has done an excellent job is performing the role of Julia Child, author of the famous book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Movie underlying theme revolves around; Julia Child's story of her start in the cooking profession and blogger Julie Powell's 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child's first book. And the best part is, it is a true story. My Ratings for this movie is 70% good.

GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997)

Being a Matt Damon/ Ben Affleck combo fan this is sure to be in my list of good movies. And not to mention Robin Williams who well managed to take away the cherry from the cake. Directed by Gus Van Sant it is one of the finest movies which has portrayed the life cycle of a troubled math’s genius, Matt Damon who also happens to be a janitor at MIT. Movie also showcases a beautiful romance between Matt and Minnie Driver, with its highs and lows in their relationship. Robin Williams helps the troubled genius to cope with him situations on the request of one of the professor at MIT. There are many emotions to be explored with the movie and gives a different prospective about genius persons. MUST watch movie, My Ratings for this movie is 80% good.

DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975)

This is a good old movie with a slow comedy which drives down your throat as the movie progresses. Movie highlights a bank robbery and the turn of events with the bank robbery as it is one of the most unplanned robberies. Though the robbery has a good cause as Al Pacino one of the involved in the robbery wanted to help out his gay friend with an operation. Well this is one movie where Al Pacino has acted out of his skin and made me laugh throughout the movie and mind you the consequent events of the robbery are also very funny. Though a old movie for today, the plot and the scenes in the movie are ever green. This is one bank robbery you don’t want to miss. My Ratings for this movie is 70% good.

CLERKS (1994)

Written and Directed by Kevin Smith this movie has different flavor to offer. Movie has many aspects of a life of a simple clerk and how things happen to him throughout the day in the movie. Yup it is a single day movie which showcases the turn of events in one single day in this clerks life and people around him. To leave a taste in your mouth movie has- death, love, deceit, comedy, drugs, funny hockey game and much more. And guys & gals it’s a modern age movie in Black & White which adds up to the whole satire in the movie. Please watch if you are bored with the conventional action, romance movies. My Ratings for the movie is 75% good.