5 stars

Hangover

I went to see “Hangover” yesterday. That’s actually one of the films that I was waiting to see. Firstly, because I am a fan of Todd Philips comedy films (particularly, “Old School” and “Road Trip”, both of which I have probably seen a gadzillion times by now). Secondly, because the trailer was funny and promising. And, thirdly, because it’s summer time and I am all for more entertainment.

My expectations were pretty high for this film, and they were all well met. It was hilarious. Interestingly, it was funny in a different way then I expected it, but it was very funny non-the-less. The comedy was evenly distributed across the film, with a bit of build-up effect towards the end. By which time my belly was hurting and my eyes were wet of laughter.

Highly recommended, with my rating of 5 stars. Just remember, that this one is not for kids. Everyone else should watch it.

Changeling

I deliberately avoided going to the cinema to see “Changeling“. Why? Because, I probably knew too much about it and whatever I didn’t know, I assumed. What I knew was that this film was a drama about missing children, directed by one of the most dramatic directors ever – Clint Eastwood, and starring Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich. While I do appreciate drama, it’s had for me sometimes to take all the sadness in the film, especially when there is a beautiful woman who is sad.

With missing children somewhere in the story, I thought, it was almost guaranteed that Angelina Jolie would be sad for a significant chunk of the screen time. That’s hard to watch on its own. Multiply that by Clint Eastwood’s directing, and add to that John Malkovich, who is a sort of actor that can multiply anything happening on the screen ten-folds, and the result would be something so sad that it would border with depressing. That’s why I was trying to avoid this film a bit. But I knew that I’d watch it anyway. And so I did.

This film is a beautiful piece of art. It is an interesting, slowly unfolding, story. It’s an authentic look back at Los Angeles during 1920-1930’s. It’s an excellent cast, with some really talented actors. And its an excellent directorship.

It is a sad movie, yes. But not as sad as I thought it would be. It is in sad in a very sensible way. Plus, it gives a lot to think about. The film brings topics of family, humanity, social responsibility and bureaucracy.

Overall, highly recommended. My rating: 5 stars.

Crank : High Voltage

I got my hands on “Crank : High Voltage” last Saturday. I’ve heard a few good reviews of this movie, so I decided to watch it, even though I haven’t seen the first part “Crank”.

I wasn’t disappointed at all. The film is pure action from start to end, with somewhat bizarre story, which I didn’t mind at all. It contains lots of chasing, fighting, swearing, and even some sex. Excellent cast and directorship were spiced up with plenty of visual effects and good soundtrack.

This is not a serious movie by any measure, but a very enjoyable one if you are into fast cuts, action, and crime on the big screen. My rating: 5 stars.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

I just came back from the premier of the “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen“. After seeing the trailers for this film, my expectations were so high, that I was actually worried if the movie is going to be any close to what I wanted it to be. I happy to report that all my expectations were bitten down and torn apart. The real thing was so much better.

Now, I don’t want to spoil it too much for those of you who haven’t seen it, but let me give you this. There is non-stop action from start to end. Everything flies, swims, shoots, explodes, collides, and transforms. There were quite a few things on the scale that I haven’t seen before. Epic!

If I had a hat, it would be off, with all respects to Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg. And, of course, everyone else who worked on this film. It was so much worth it!

My rating: 5 stars. Highly recommended, must see.

P.S.: I don’t know why everyone is so turned on about Megan Fox. She’s not bad, but I don’t think she’s worth all the hype. Isabel Lucas (another hot girl in this film) is at least as good. Sometimes even better.

Slumdog Millionaire

Just watched “Slumdog Millionaire“. It’s been just a few minutes, and I am still under impression and all, but I will still call it a brilliant masterpiece. Beautiful film on so many levels! Perhaps it’s a bit too sad and dramatic for some, and too unrealistic for the others, and even to “indian” for someone else. But I didn’t notice any of that. Very balanced, original, and extremely well executed.

10 out of 10 from me.