JustInfo: 2012

Friday, July 20, 2012

The Dark Knight Rises: Movie Review

The Legend will never end

Rating:

Director: Christopher Nolan

Cast & Crew: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Liam Neeson, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Morgan Freeman

Review: It’s been 8 years since the masked vigilantly went into hiding. After taking the blame for a murder he did not commit, Batman disappeared. And with him, so did Bruce Wayne. Hiding in his mansion, like a rundown warrior. Weak, frail, ignored and that’s how he would like it. Until the appearance of another masked outlaw – BANE. A terrorist who threatens to destroy Gotham City. Another league of shadows outcast, Bane threatens to fulfill his master’s destiny.

Will the Bat come back from hiding to save his city? It’s a superhero movie, of course he will. But this is no ordinary superhero movie. This is a Christopher Nolan film. Batman doesn’t simply fly out on his cool toys and save the day again. Batman is human. He bleeds, he hurts, he fails and he falls. Now, in here lies the brilliance of The Dark Knight Rises. It shows the more human aspect of Batman, the failures, the trials, the suffering. But what makes him a superhero, is the will to go beyond the suffering, to see past the darkness, to overcome the failure. And Nolan is a master at his art when it comes to taking human emotions to another level.

The Dark Knight Rises in plain words is nothing but a testament to rising above failure. Yes folks, Batman fails. Under the menacing power of Bane, he fails. But the movie isn’t called The Dark Knight Rises for nothing now is it?

The Dark Knight Rises also throws come interesting new characters in the mix, Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, who slips into the role with feline efficiency. Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes a mark as Officer John Blake even with the little that he had to do and notably so Tom Hadry emotes beautifully with his eyes and body as the terrifying Bane. Michael Caine and Gary Oldman are honorable in their parts.

Now, the big question that everybody is asking. Is it better that The Dark Knight? (A disclaimer before I answer: my apologies to all Nolanites)The answer, in brutal honestly, is NO. But it is terrifyingly close. There are places where it slows down due to the length, but when it picks up, it picks up with such vigor; you won’t know when the climax hit you.

However, this one has many upgrades you will thoroughly enjoy as far as the firepower is concerned. The batmobile/tumbler looks like nothing compared to the cool new toys that Mr. Fox (Morgan Freeman) keeps adding to Batman’s armory. Besides that, hand to hand combat sequences have been used generously. Gotham is a city at war in The Dark Knight Rises, so Nolan has left nothing to the imagination when it comes to firepower and action in this one.

The Dark Knight Rises in totality is a film with a lot of spirit. Especially the human spirit of endurance. A trait that has become synonyms with Batman as a character. Just like one sees in the entire series. Nolan is a magician when it comes to lifting any story and adding human spirit to it that never fails to inspire. So go discover Nolan’s mastery as he delivers yet another stellar Batman Movie that bears all his classic trademarks. Trademarks that fans seem to absolutely enjoy.

Verdict: This seals the deal. The best superhero series on the big screen.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Avengers: Movie Review

Rating:

Director: Joss Whedon

Cast: Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth , Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr.

Synopsis: When an unexpected enemy emerges who threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), director of the international peacekeeping agency S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.

Review: This is a broadcast from outer space: The Earth is experiencing a rare phenomenon. There is a convergence of all superpowers that is increasingly becoming a threat to our existence. – SOS: Alien powers.

‘Tis sheer bliss to see all the superpowers we have individually seen on screen through the years come together to be a part of this mega-franchise directed by Joss Whedon. Where else could you have imagined your very favourite comic heroes to first star in exclusive films and then join forces and give you an “Avengers”. Perhaps this moment was one of those impossible dreams that when devised was scoffed at as opposed to the completely different response the grand idea might bring now.

Although, the film has been shot in 2D and then converted into a 3D, the film either ways is enjoyable. And there’s so much to look forward to! From the witty Iron Man to veteran U.S. Army Officer Captain America to Thor to Hulk, there are many more surprises, great special effects, great humour and a world to save!

Besides, all of them are goodlooking too, so that’s a bonus point. Good-looking and superhuman – that’s a catch! Scarlett Johansson is quite a treat playing the lithe “Black Widow” who has a major role to play in order to get all the heroes together so a common consensus can be arrived at, like a “Save The World” agenda, in every sense, Johansson aka Black Widow is a Powerpuff Girl! Add to that, Jeremy Renner’s role first as a pillar of strength to the enemy forces and then stepping over back to where he originally belongs. Thus, begins his Black Hawkish display of power!

The story is very well-woven since it has been partially written by Whedon himself. Only a comic-book fanboy (man) can retell a superhero story that highlights all his favourite characters, and might I say it is no less than a daunting task at hand. The world is on the verge of a global threat and only an extraordinary group of superheroes can save the day.

The story begins with how Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), director of S.H.I.E.L.D is cornered by Loki (Thor’s half-brother), who only wants ultimate control over the Universe while trampling whoever comes in his way during the process. Through the 135 minutes of the film’s running time, there wasn’t even one that bored me. As mentioned before, the story was the masterpiece that eventually put everything into place. All the actors/superheroes did a fab job out of contributing in the mission to save the world. The only disappointment for me perhaps was Thor, played by Chris Hemworth – one his long blonde hair might make it difficult for him to focus on the urgency of the hour (just kidding), and the second, his countenance lacked a certain conviction this time around, or he was too emotional due to his personal pain as in the film, which had to be portrayed in some way, however, it would be a definite injustice if I were to compare him with a Hollywood veteran such as Robert Downey Jr.

We all know what heroic powers each of the characters possess, so I shall refrain from delving into any of that. As a final word, I would only add that this is a film that everyone will enjoy whether or not you have followed any of the previous Marvel film franchises, or read the comic books. It’s summer holiday time, so all the kids in the family will be hyperactive to enjoy their holidays, well, you might want to treat your kids to a gala party such as this where he/she can connect with their favourite heroes.

I believe that everyone has a hero hidden inside them, all they have to do is to discover that special quality and use it. That, perhaps, was also what the writers of the comic books must have first thought. Besides, after this gala affair, shall we await another major movie phenomenon? A Marvel vs Capcom maybe someday?

Verdict: Thumbs Up to everyone’s efforts. A great watch!