moonis-mohammad Reviews

Toy Story 3 (2010)

An Instant Classic-Pixar did it again!

[10/10 · 27 June 2010]

Pixar tried to revisit their cult franchise of Toy Story and contrary to my presumption it manages to create another classic. Generally sequels don't live up to the hype but Toy Story 3 has got it all for everyone - from audience to critics and perhaps go miles ahead of last two installments. Story is something really one can connect. I mean what you will do with your toys when you become old enough. That's the core of story. The story has been supported by crisp screenplay. From begin to end Toy Story 3 will keep you on the edge of seat. Adults, teenagers, oldies, ladies and of course, kids - all will like this because there's something for everyone in parts as well as whole.

In the characters, woody and buzz light year (check out his Spanish lingo) are as usual great. But some other characters are also worth mention. Barbie and Ken, The Rex, The three eyed aliens (my favorite), the evil pink & fluffy teddy bear-Lotso, the potato couple and the baby were all fun to watch. On technical side, animation is, as expected, stand out. Sound effects are simply amazing.

All in all, one of the best films of the year - Repeat watch guaranteed!

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Fast Paced, Engaging but Something's Missing

[7/10 · 2 June 2010]

The latest from Jerry Bruckheimer's house "Prince of Persia:Sands of Time" lived upto its expectation stimulated by the trailers. The film is fast paced, engaging, visually great but still something was missing. I guess... the story or this genre is bit dated.

The story is not much to talk about. On direction side, it was okay. On acting side, Jake Gyllenhaal has boyish charm with macho body which also worked. Ben Kingslay as villain was also good. Gemma Arterton as Tamina is alluring in this. But the big let down was Hasssasins as the trailers promised. They were hardly terrifying. There snake looked fake.

The film beautifully portrayed the imaginative world of Persia in a more realistic manner. Visual and sound effects were decent. In conclusion, if you don't expect much you will like this. If you have expectations watch other films by Jerry Bruckheimer such as Pirates of Caribbean.

The Bounty Hunter (I) (2010)

Poor Lead Pairs and poor storyline

[3/10 · 23 April 2010]

"The Bounty Hunter" could be crowned as the worst movie of 2010 simply because of horrible acting from the Lead Pairs of Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler and poor and predictable storyline.

The story is so boring that I don't want to go into this. The cat and mouse chase, cheap humor, boring emotions and irritating nostalgia of ex couple were ingredients of this romcom concoction. I can understand Gerard Butler has taken pledge to do worst of the worst films to get over the hangover of 300's success (which brought him into the Hollywood limelight). Although he has got labor class type affable charm.

But Jennifer Aniston?. She did some good films like Marley & Me post Friends. How could have she fell for such role. Although she looks great in this but that's all she has to offer.

The situations were created forcefully to create "comedy" scenes with run of the mill songs. Some of the soundtracks were taken from present day candy floss numbers of teenage sensation Kesha.

All in all, not a decent enough flick to take your love interest to show this romcom mess.

Gamer (2009)

Not good even if you expect nothing

[4/10 · 22 April 2010]

Gerard Butler's Gamer released in theaters of India (my country) when the DVD was already out in the stores. After watching Gamer now I have realized that it should not be delayed but should not be released at all. The film is complete mess for an average action flick standard.

Although film does make point of rising consumerism in virtual gaming sector where users are being offered real stuffs which are actually real. But poor screenplay, horrible acting from Amber Valletta, Gerard Butler and Michael C. Hall, mindless fighting scenes and brief nudity ruined the basic concept itself. You will be disappointed even if you are expecting nothing much.

However, soundtrack is the worth mention. Marilyn Manson's wonderful anthem "Sweet Dream" and Bloodhound Gang's infectious track"The Bad Touch" were played in background in two different appropriate situation.

In conclusion, the film is not even cheesy but strictly time pass fare.

The Hurt Locker (2008)

Bit Disappointed, One sided

[5/10 · 21 April 2010]

The multiple Oscar winner - The Hurt Locker finally released in India. Contrary to presumption the movie turned out to be another effort to justify Iraq war by using apolitical tag. Every civilian has been shown as suspicious for unknown reason and every marine has been shown as human. The movie suffers from being too self centric by showing the complexity of war from one side only.

On plus side, the technical aspects are worth mention. The sound effects and slow motion capture of explosive blasts have given real feel of the situation. Guy Pearce is a fine actor and he has been given minor role which disappointed me. I noticed Jeremy Renner in 28 Weeks Later as kind heated soldier where he saves a bunch of people from poisonous gas leaked by American authority to get rid of Zombie mess. The same kindness and grace of him is reflected here.

On Oscar winning - Precious:Based on Novel Push by Sapphire could have been the ideal choice for best film and best direction. It was much more original, entertaining at the same time tense and provoking film than The Hurt Locker.

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Pure Entertainer

[10/10 · 21 April 2010]

"How to train your Dragon" is perhaps the best wholesome entertainer of the year so far or may be only entertainer which is worth your ticket money. The story is about the humaneness of Hicupp, his injured dragon and how they both help in changing the attitude of Vikings that Dragons are bad. The movie will hold you and keep on edge of the seat from begin to end. Apart from story, the visual effects of fires are simply amazing. The growing friendship between the cute dragon and Hiccupp is something really interesting and unpredictable. The ending climax is also something different, I mean, Hicupp's state after waking up from sleep. The colors and actions of different types of dragon has been wonderfully depicted. All in all, an out and out pure entertainer for whole family.

Alice in Wonderland (I) (2010)

I actually liked it

[8/10 · 25 March 2010]

I don't know why comments on Tim Burton's remake of Alice in Wonderland are mostly negative. I actually liked it. The whacky and modern day twists helped the movie to avoid from being labeled as dated. There was peculiarity with each characters but the role of Red Queen was simply hilarious. The rabbit, the twins, the disappearing cat, the dog longing to unite his family and finally hatter all were fun to watch. Anne Hathway as White Queen also did her role effectively. But the winner and applaud goes to production designing and visual effect team. The team truly created a wonderland. I hated the old version just because it is labeled as a classic.

Valentine's Day (I) (2010)

Loads of stars, Low in entertainment

[6/10 · 19 February 2010]

Valentine's Day - I watched it a day before 14th Feb 2010. All I wanted cheesy time pass stuff. But it turned out to be audio visual wrath with no relief. It was simply a collection old romcoms processed in mixer grinder of Gary Marshall. It was so sugary and mushy-mushy from beginning itself that audience hardly find any connection.

Almost all actors were irritating but Jennifer Garner and Jessica Biel tops the list. In my opinion, role and performance of Anne Hathaway was the best. Good actors like Kathy Bates, Julia Roberts and Queen Latifah were completely wasted in minute roles. Country Music star Taylor Swift should better stick to her music talent though she as teenage charm as shown in the movie.

Apart from weak in every aspect the soundtrack was run of the mill and boring. I guess movie was counting on valentine day release buzz which helped them in decent box office collection. Otherwise it would have bombed if released on some other day.

The Wolfman (2010)

Not bad if you don't expect much

[8/10 · 17 February 2010]

I watched this without any expectations as reviews were mostly negative. The film is bit dated since the concept is not new. What I liked most was technical side of the effort. The cinematography and art were something were clear cut reflection of that era. The land of Black Moor where wolfman was on rampage looks so haunting even without knowing that a creepy werewolf looms there. The costumes of Gypsy tribes were great. But the stand-out mention is transformation scene of man to werewolf.

On acting side Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins did decent jobs but Emily Blunt was wasted as she is a good actress. Hugo weaving was just okay.

All in all a time-pass flick.

Avatar (2009)

You can't afford to miss this one

[10/10 · 20 December 2009]

James Cameron did it again after 11 years of Titanic. His new directorial venture Avatar is simply masterpiece and sets a new standard in film making. However the story is bit inspired from Pocahontas kind of situation but this has been compensated by fast paced presentation of each developments & twists. I was in awe how 170 minutes passed because of crisp screenplay.

The visual effects are perhaps the best since Lord of the Rings. On acting side, Sam Worthington as Jack Sullivan was convincing. His positive aura and decent look worked well. He is actor to watch out. Sigourney Weaver and Michelle Rodriguez were also did there job effectively.

The lush vegetation and ferocious animals of Pandora were breathtaking. Everything looked so real. The sound effects were also something I haven't experienced before and I liked.

The entire credit goes to James Camroon and only James Camroon. The film does live upto its expectation. What I liked about Avatar is that it has mass appeal. Everyone from elders to kids were enjoying and clapping in the theater.

Please don't miss this one in theater as big screen is better for this big venture (in terms of content and not budget).

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Mindblowing !!!

[10/10 · 20 December 2009]

Quentin Tarantino is back with loads of blood n violence but with content.What a movie I must say. The trailers only shown Brad Pitt & his team of Inglorious Basterds but the surprise package was some one else. Its Christopher Waltz as Hans Lada aka the Jew Hunter. But I also liked the role of Melanie Laurent as cinema hall owner. Her aspiration to avenge and fear of Nazis was clearly reflected and well balanced.

The chapter wise presentation of story was really helpful to develop the overall storyline of the film. The costume and art direction was stand out. Some of the scenes kept me on edge of the seat - The gunfires scene in bar when identity of moles is revealed by a German office was the best one. On downside, Brad Pitt was the big let down. His acting as well as his accent was horrible and didn't go well. Diane Krueger was also so-so. Eli Roth was okay. All in all one of the best films of 2009.

The Blind Side (2009)

Inspiring and Feel Good

[10/10 · 17 December 2009]

After a long gap we get to have a nice film like this. The Blind Side is recommended for any one who is looking for family oriented, feel good and inspiring stuff. The story and the presentation were so good that one can even hope that movie should never end.

The story is about a troubled and bit enlarged teen called Big Mike and his savior Sandra Bullock. Sandra Bullock has gave performance for her lifetime. I even liked her other two movies this year,i.e., All About Steve and The Proposal. She has been presented as caring mother, great wife, beautiful lady and genuine human being. Kathy Bates as Miss Sue was really fun to watch especially her teaching skills.

I liked the ending in which Sandra Bullock said that very few are lucky as Michael... followed by newspaper report of killing of an African American teen. We can imagine what the life of troubled killed teen could have been if he had been picked by a benevolent kind of person like Mrs. Tuohy.

Repeat watch is guaranteed and watch along with family and friends.

The Uninvited (2009)

Much better than the original

[7/10 · 28 November 2009]

I know most of people will be against my belief that The Uninvited is better than its source of inspiration. It is natural that in comparison originals fare better than inspired version. But The Uninvited was way better than the original Korean " A Tale of Two Sisters" in many aspects.

First thing first, it was not lengthy. The movie sticks to its plot and unnecessary drama like its Korean original was avoided. The actors acted well especially Elizabeth Banks. She has a great career ahead. The scenic locales were pleasant to watch. The ending was still shocking despite my awareness of story.

The movie could have avoided the creepy ghosts coming out of trash.

Ninja Assassin (2009)

Boring and disappointing

[1/10 · 28 November 2009]

I was expecting it to be cheesy action flick but it turned out to be boring and over the top.

The story moves slowly and ends with too much action to handle. The development of situation itself takes first half.

I was also disappointed with action. The blood in fight scenes splatter like tomato sauce every where and make no point at all for an action film.Most of the fight scenes have shown in dark which was hard to enjoy.

Actually, I was duped by the trailers running on television. I would rather suggest to stay away from this Asian infatuation of Hollywood and save your money.

One Missed Call (2008)

Please give us relief from Asian Horror Remakes

[1/10 · 28 November 2009]

This is the awful remake of a Japanese Horror flick. Actually, I don't even think that Hollywood should look Asia for Horror inspiration. Hollywood has given much better horror flicks. Barring "The Ring" none of the Asian Horror can match Hollywood's horror flicks.

One missed Call is no different. It was boring, pretending to be creepy with confused ending. There are too many plot holes. The lead actors were poor in acting. The visual effects were complete crap. Funny looking ghosts were however fun to watch. Mobile phones in the movie shown were outdated models with external antenna. They could have shown other brands also.

This missed call was meant to be missed.

Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

We are indebted to John Hughes

[10/10 · 27 November 2009]

With every movie John Hughes kept surprising me. I wondered how this guy was so well at connecting with teenage related personal issues. And this one is no different. Some Kind of Wonderful is a kind of movie which will be special to me forever. This is well executed film in every aspect from acting, screenplay, story, message, entertainment, sound track, and direction.

You can watch it from different angles either for simply entertainment or going deep into the content. The costumes of 80s were awesome. The slightly dysfunctional family of Keith was fun to watch. The tomboyish charm of Watts will inspire all the tomboys for generations.

We cinema lovers are indebted to John Hughes for offering such decent and special films.

District 9 (2009)

A Classic Franchise is Born !!!....

[10/10 · 12 September 2009]

God bless Peter Jackson & Neil Blomkamp for bringing relief in the flood of stupid & over-hyped offerings (read Transformers, Terminators etc.). District 9 should not be missed at any cost and there are valid reasons for this. First thing , the alien human conflict was NOT located in New York, LA, Chicago or London. It is based in Johannesburg, and aliens are contained in slums and not in hi tech enclosures. Realistic treatment to the issues associated with human-alien friction was so believable that I was totally absorbed in it. Although the shaky camera work was bit irritating some times, it was balanced by amazing shots of fighting sequence during climax. The make up, sound, editing, background music and visual effects were stand out. The main protagonist is very interesting to watch from his development from a human to an alien. Surprised to know that it was made on a mere budget of $ 30 million. It is much much better than any alien movie ever, perhaps it is the best ever. The ending sequence has already laid the foundation for District 10 and I will eagerly await for it.

Obsessed (2009)

Horrible !!

[3/10 · 26 August 2009]

I am from India and "Obsessed" was not released in India. But now I know the reason why distributer shelved its' release in India. The film is simply horrible if not avoidable. Bad acting, bad script, bad direction and above all worst soundtrack (barring two-three songs) made this one of the worst offerings of 2009. The story was run off the mill and plot was more popular in 90s (movies of Sharon Stone and Demi Moore). Audience is more matured in 2000s. Ali Larter is no doubt sexy but on acting part she was just predictable. Beyonce was okay. I have no idea why Beyonce went curly haired and suddenly became iron haired in one scene (in order to show Ali Larter..Look !!.. I am hot in this also !! ...aah !) The only USP is the cat fight between Beyonce and Ali Larter in the end which was really fun to watch.

He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

An okay romantic movie

[7/10 · 26 June 2009]

I watched He's just not...as it starred my favorite actress Scarlett Johanson. Many labeled this movie as chick flick but it was more than that. Although the angle of story line was from a woman's point of view but it was still believable. But I hated the main storyline starring Ginnifer Goodwin and Justin Long. Both were poorly casted and Ginnifer's desperation to find true love was over the top. But the worst part was Jennifer Connelly. Her acting and role were horrible considering that she is an Oscar winner. Scarlett Johanson's charm to a married man was believable since I have heard many real life stories in which single lady was having affair with a married man. Even in country like India, these single ladies are mostly fitness experts, lifestyle advisers just like Scarlett as Yoga instructor.

The best part was Jennifer Aniston's desperation to get married to long time partner. She is a fine actress and did sound judgment with her role.

On male part, there's nothing to write about since most of the time female actors were on the screen. But I think, Bradley Cooper was the best in male cast.

Black Book (2006)

A decent Holocaust Movie

[8/10 · 26 March 2009]

Though lengthy but "Black Book" gives thoughtful and gripping insight into Nazi era secret Jewish resistance. The movie impartially demonstrates the Nazi's antipathy to Jews (The killing of rich Jews). After the fall of Fascism in Europe, the bad treatment to Nazi associated women has also been shown (to balance the presentation of point).

The leading lady - The dutch singer loses her family and secret Nazi (but helpful) officer cum lover. But still she bravely fights all the circumstances and even take revenge from mole within their own resistance group.

Art direction and cinematography were stand-out. My only complaint is that film maker could have avoided too much nudity to make it acceptable to all kinds of audience.

How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (2008)

Avoidable and Boring

[2/10 · 14 February 2009]

I was expecting it to be a laugh rite or satire or dark comedy or even slapstick. But it turned out to be nothing but just boring and horrible piece of disaster. The name "How to lose Friends and Alienate People" was too long for this short in content movie.

I couldn't figure what the director actually wanted to point. I could not able to know whether the purpose was to expose link between celebrity and media or growing love between Pegg and Dunst.

After enjoying Run Fat Boy Run I was expecting Simon Pegg would be fun to watch in this. But he had gone over the top and irritating in most of the scenes.

What the hell Gillian Anderson was doing here. After investigating aliens and paranormal events in X files how she could accept the role of agent of a film celebrity. If she was looking for something different she could have at least read the script. And Kirsten Dunst after playing love interest of Spiderman/Peter Parker, how could she settle for a film like this.

Only saving grace was hot and sexy Megan Fox. She was appropriate for the role of a budding actress. Her scene in pool was like a relief in this visual torture.

It was released in Indian theaters when the DVD was already out in America. What was the point behind this "marketing strategy" by the distributors?

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

A genuine Romantic Comedy

[10/10 · 14 February 2009]

It's such a bad idea that films like Vicky Cristina Barcelona was not released in theaters of India. I waited for DVD release since I am a big fan of Woody Allen. And the film lived up to its expectation. The narrations were well used to depict complexity of relationships. What blew me away were the intoxicating locations of Spain. The city of Barcelona and Oviedo are so romantic and artistic. Credit also goes to cinematography.

On performance side, Rebbecca Hall and Penelope Cruz were stand out. Rebbecca Hall as defensive but emotionally weak was pure fun to watch. Penelope Cruz gave the performance of life time. Her Spanish style English accent was genuine. I mean she was born to do this role. Scarlett Johanson is beautiful and convincing. Javier Bardem was also suitable as a painter. Background score gave feel of the movie.

Double thumbs up to Mr Allen, for this unadulterated romantic comedy. VCB is a sign of relief when stupid box office oriented films are flooding the Indian theaters.

The Lives of Others (2006)

Best European Film Ever !!!.... Immaculate !

[10/10 · 8 January 2009]

I have no words how much I liked this movie or masterpiece. Each an every second is gripping and well shot. The strained relationship of the lead pair is well played by the actors. The headphone using spying agent was expressionless but one can easily get the feelings he developed while peeping into suspected German couple.

The film depicts the communist era East Germany realistically without being critical to the government system at that time.

If you want to get the taste of European Cinema, this one should come top on list.

I am from India and fond of alternative cinema. But this film will appeal to anyone who believes in quality cinema.

Burn After Reading (2008)

Coen Brothers did it again !

[10/10 · 4 January 2009]

Coen Brothers did it again... I loved "O'Brother Where are Thou" made by the duo so much and "No Country for Old Men" was terrifying yet entertaining.

The latest offering "Burn After Reading" falls in league of dark comedies with smart presentation. The Director duo rightfully presented a chain of events due to leak of a secret CIA data. One thing that lead to other was really engrossing and so much fun to watch. The background score was awesome. The beginning and ending of the movie with an aerial view of earth from space was really really innovative for this visual effects lacking movie.

In performances, Francis Mc Dormand as Gym worker, online date searcher and looking for cosmetic surgery was simply stand out. Without pretending, her unhappiness with loneliness and growing age was clearly reflected on her performance. Brad Pitt as macho gym instructor was convincing. Tilda Swinton and John Malkovich as frustrated husband-wife pair is fun to watch. What disappointed me was the role of George Cloony. His role was interesting but some how he did not manage do justice with it. In some scenes he had gone over the top.

All in all, a healthy comedy with realistic approach. Two thumbs up to Coen Brothers.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Hope is a good thing and good thing never dies

[10/10 · 24 December 2008]

This film (or may be masterpiece) changed the whole outlook of mine towards life. The characters played by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins were so real and so closed to my heart that I cried and I laughed with them while watching it for the first time.

We learn from books, we learn from our parents, we learn from our friends and we learn from movie like "The Shawshank Redemption".Once upon a time, I was going through a bad phase of my life and bit depressed also. Then some suggested me to watch this. What happened next was simply miracle. The pain endured by Tim Robbins was no less than mine. But it was hope that kept him alive. That infused a new joy in my life and I achieved success in very little amount of time. The dialogues are simply straight yet touching.

The movie has universal appeal - It can move anyone because characters played by Freeman and Robbins are so close to heart.

Double thumbs up to Stephen King and Frank Darabont for teaming up and offering this life changing piece of cinema.

This movie was not made for Oscars (although it grabbed multiple nominations) and not for critics (some critics ridicule about its number position in IMDb 250). It was made for common people like us.

Humble salute to all who were directly or indirectly associated with this all time classic.