eXistenZ (1999)

eXistenZ (1999)

In one line: While you're watching it, you'll be wondering what the hell is going on. But once it's over, this is one that'll stay with you for quite a while.

You have to play the game to find out why you're playing the game

The concept is very cool and the actual movie is pretty good too. I'd guessed the plot at the beginning ( but not the whole twist in the end ) because of the way the movie unfolded and the whole feel of the scenes; the acting was wooden and the dialogues were weird. The movie seems very hollow and bland. Of course, once it ends and you look back at it, from the point of view of the plot, it all falls into place and it all incredibly clear. Still, they could've made a little better, it doesn't grab enough attention and you could be excused for turning it off half ( or lesser ) the way through. Don't! It's definitely not your average Hollywood fare and definitely thought provoking.

Don't expect to see the Matrix-style special effects and a glossy, slick look, that's just not there. In fact, it's very spartan at best. I think that that was the aim and when you look at it as a whole, it makes a lot of sense. It definitely gets you thinking much more than the Matrix and it scores on the after-movie effect alone.

P.S I would've named it eXYstenZ. Seems cooler, with the X, Y and Z :D

No Good Rating: 2 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

In one line: Their third heist. And this time, it's personal

See ya, when I see ya

Is it as much fun watching a movie with a twist in the end knowing it's coming? Watching Ocean's Thirteen sure made it seem like it; more so because in spite of anticipating the end, seeing it done well is satisfying. Though I don’t think either sequel can beat the first one ( and the second was a little disappointing ), this one was great.

The film style was rather 80's, with the music and the shaky camera with zooms from far away and zooming out at the start of scene. But it all went together rather nicely; gave it all a nice spy-ish feel, just right for the story.

Of course, they're willing to stretch the truth a bit some places, but then, it's Hollywood...all hackers have fancy GUI tools that let them break into a system and manipulate images being streamed into it without breaking a sweat ( or even using the touchpad, I might add. And why did they have to plug in a LAN cable? And how did they get the LAN cable down there? ).

No Good Rating: 2 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Evan Almighty (2007)

Evan Almighty (2007)

In one line: A contemporary Noah's ark tale.

Change the world

Well, obviously they couldn't do the same thing they did in Bruce Almighty, but I still think the title is misleading. He doesn't actually get any powers or anything ( and please, no philosophical retorts about the power of faith ).

It was still a good film even if predictable. And you need to suspend your disbelief at quite a few places. But all in all, it's a good family movie.

No Good Rating: 3 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

In one line: A bonanza of pirates, sea faring, death and return, convoluted plot and the conclusion to what happened after the second film.

The world used be a bigger place.
The world hasn't changed. There's just less in it.

Almost didn't watch this one after the disappointment that was Dead Man's Chest. But I think this one does the first movie ( which I still maintain is the best of the lot ) justice. At almost 3 hours, it's a very good watch, good story and great graphics make it time well spent. It's a little hard to follow though, an awful lot of double-crossing and plot twists, and it’s been so long since the second installment that it’s hard to see where this fits into the big picture of the trilogy.

Johnny Depp was brilliant as Jack Sparrow, again. But I didn't really like the fate of young William Turner but I guess they had to leave Jack Sparrow where they did in order to keep their options open for another sequel.

P.S. Don't miss the clip at the end of the credits.

No Good Rating: 3 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Arthur And The Invisibles (2007)

Arthur And The Invisibles (2007)

In one line: Think Antz/A Bugs Life; with elvish creatures instead.

We're all ears!

The animation was spectacular! The segues between the world of the Minimoys and the real world were done very well. The voice-acting was a bit on the stiff side and some of the dialogues were a little tired, but there are some really funny lines in there. Even the common gags seem fresh at that zoom level.

The story is pretty straight-forward, the elements are ordinary. But the execution is good and overall, it's a decent watch.

No Good Rating: 4 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007)

Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007)

In one line: Lots of special effects but weak in story

It looked like a man but completely covered in silver...and it was flying this, like...like a surfboard...

Why do all trailers look better than the film? Any why are almost all movies that introduce characters so uniformly poor?

The special effects are great, the Silver Surfer really comes to life; but the movie overall is pretty sad. The story is so simple, it could be from a comic book. Wait a minute, that's what it isBut seriously, it doesn't really do the comics justice. It doesn't have the depth; it's too light and feels like it's for kids; not really for the comic book fans.

I think the first one was much better and a much better example of what the Fantastic Four are about. This one does introduce important elements of their universe, but it's just doesn't have "it".

P.S. Don't miss Stan Lee's cameo!

No Good Rating: 6 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Gridiron Gang (2006)

Gridiron Gang (2006)

In one line: Yet another sports movie about the rise of the underdogs, who also happen to be criminals and playing football is their way out of the vicious circle.

Teenage boys will kill to play football. That's what everybody's afraid of!

I'm a sucker for movies that have action heroes in non-action roles. And I'm a big fan of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. I think all his movies are great. So this one is no exception. Very simple, very standard story, very standard film sequences. But the games still get you jumping with excitement and some of the weepy scenes can bring a lump to your throat.

If you've not seen too many movies in this genre before, you won't be disappointed. If you have, then it doesn’t have too much that differentiates it from the others.

No Good Rating: 3 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Glory Road (2006)

Glory Road (2006)

In one line: Another sports movie about the rise of the underdogs

It's not about talent now; it's about heart.

The movie's based on a true story but feels like so many others that have come over the years. But that doesn't mean it's bad. The movie doesn't dwell too deeply on it, but there are poignant scenes which describe the apartheid at the time and the discrimination and hatred against the black players.

The basketball action is glorious, especially the last 20 odd minutes of the NCAA finals game. Nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat action all the way.

Overall, a touching movie with lots of sports action; flows smoothly from start to finish.

No Good Rating: 2 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Wild Hogs (2007)

Wild Hogs (2007)

In one line: Four middle-aged guys discover themselves; think Road Trip without the teenagers and their gags.

For arms training they told us to play Doom!

The movie drags for the first half with tired jokes and stereotyped characters. Brief introductions start the film and thankfully, not too much time is spent exploring the roles.

The second half in Madrid ( pronounced 'Mad-Rid', not the one in Spain ) gets interesting and that's where the feature scores most of it's points.

A good one for those who're experiencing a mid-life crisis themselves.

P.S. Why do the vehicles in movies like this always have their headlights on during the day?

No Good Rating: 5 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Idiocracy (2006)

Idiocracy (2006)

In one line: You think the people you meet at work are stupid?

We seem to be experimenting some techmological differences.

A brilliant movie that was both funny and thought provoking ( Hm. If I found it funny, does it mean I'm part of the downward spiral? ). And the scary part is, it all seems very, very possible. Let things slide and this movie tells you where we're going to end up.

The pace slacks a bit towards the end, but the movie holds up well. Definitely a must watch. And possibly as a educational video mandatory in schools and colleges to give kids the reasons why they should stay in school!

P.S. Don't miss the clip at the end of the credits!

No Good Rating: 1 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007)

Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007)

In one line: The ascension of Doctor Strange, neurologist to Doctor Strange, Sorceror Supreme

...accept the unacceptable

I'm not very familiar with the lore of Doctor Strange but from what I read on Wikipedia, the movie seems to narrate a story different from canon. The animation is good ( as is expected, nowadays ) but the story is not for everyone; die hard fans and comic book aficionados will enjoy it, but for the casual viewer, it will appear too long drawn and boring; an affliction common to all films that attempt to introduce the characters: too many details, not enough running time.

No Good Rating: 8 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Caddyshack (1980)

Caddyshack (1980)

In one line: A straight-faced comedy with crazy characters

You take drugs, Danny?
Everyday.
Good. So what's the problem?

The movie's got some rather absurd ( in a good way ) comedy; ridiculous dialogue delivered with poker faces and preposterous statements made matter-of-factly. This isn't your run-of-the-mill, laugh-when-the-pie-hits-the-face comic movie where the expressions and the background score tell you when to laugh. No, you really have to listen and pay attention to what's going on to catch all the jokes. Let your attention Waver for a second and you're liable to miss some gems.

Rodney Dangerfield is hilarious as a fast-talking, out-of-place rich boor with a very twisted sense of colour-coordination. Chevy Chase is interesting but isn't laugh-out-loud funny. Bill Murray is kinda scary with his psychotic obsession with getting rid of the gopher. And the gopher is cute and furry; but sadly, the character wasn't explored too deeply.

The end of the movie was a bit of a damp squib ( in spite of all the explosions! ) and that somewhat weakened what was otherwise a good run.

No Good Rating: 4 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

EuroTrip (2004)

EuroTrip (2004)

In one line: A riotous romp across Europe with lots of gratuitous nudity

Scotty doesn't know

Finally, a teen comedy that manages to be funny without being overly crass, vulgar or gross.

I'm not really a fan of coming-of-age funny flicks, a-la American Pie and I completely expected this to be a stupid movie but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself viewing a fast paced, well made and actually funny movie for a change. It lags just a bit in between but that's because it's following a story.

The gags aren't your run-of-the-mill cracks involving defecation and vomit and actually made me laugh out loud at places.

A great one to watch with friends.

No Good Rating: 3 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Because I Said So (2007)

Because I Said So (2007)

In one line: Mother and daughters with issues.

God couldn't be everywhere so he made mothers.

I couldn't relate to most of the movie; my mum's not like that and I've never been in a situation like that. Oh yeah, and I'm a guy!

I found Diane Keaton's character very, very irritating. She's clingy, overbearing and interfering. I know, she means the best, but I just wanted to tell her to shut up and get lost. The dialouge between Milly and her mom is also very hyper and weird and bordering on psychosis.

The second half of movie is kinda sweet. Things work out and all's well. Definitely a movie for girls, not sure if they'll like it though!

Oh, and the part with Daphne visiting those adult websites, not quite so much funny as creepy/ gross.

No Good Rating : 6 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Bandidas (2006)

Bandidas (2006)

In one line: The story of two splendiferous senoritas who start out to get revenge and end up saving the common people of Mexico.

...you should stop trying to change the world...you should start trying to...

The plot is pretty standard -a villainous fiend trying to cheat the honest, hardworking Mexican folk out of their land. Enter the two very different ladies who take it upon themselves to rob all the Mexican banks taken over by the American ones and distribute the money amongst the people, a-la Robin Hood.

I completely expected the movie to be totally hackneyed and time-worn, but despite the common plot, the movie manages to be quite fun and moves breezily along. Of course, there's the usual training montage set to inspirational background music that's mandatory for all common-people-turn-heroes stories with the moment when the two protagonists bond; a deductive genius who's a bumbling oaf ( did they have to make him ride a donkey? Everyone else had a horse, why did he get a donkey? ). And the music during the first quarter seemed rather irritating and jarringly cheery and out of place; but it sorts itself out later.

The movie has it's share of good stuff too. There's the witty banter at the bank when the two women first meet. Look out for the reversing horse. And of course, for the one's who want to ogle, there a cat-fight between Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek.

All in all, it's a fairly watchable film. Don't expect too much from it and you won't be disappointed.

P.S. Wasn't the Padre the ghost Ghost Rider in Ghost Rider?

No Good Rating: 4 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)

Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)

In one line: Who cares? Just watch it!

Get on with it!

What can I say? Credits at the start, pretend horses, breaking the fourth wall, animated monsters, smart-alec French knights, outstanding logical arguments to prove witches are ducks made of wood and John Cleese. It's a classic!

I must admit, I'm not too familiar with the sketches of Monty Python ( except for the South Park parody of the Dead Parrot skit ) but this movie is awesome for a first. Don't miss it if you are a fan of straight-faced, British humour with subtle and some not-quite-so-subtle jokes.

No Good Rating: 0 More at: IMDB Rotten Tomatoes Wikipedia

About

Why?
I watch a lot of movies. A lot. So figured I'd put up my impressions of films as I went through them. This is more of a diary of sorts, to keep track of what I've watched and what I thought of it. Possibly a medium to share with my friends the movies I found worthwhile so that they too could have a go and avoid the ones I thought sucked.

If you're looking for the plots or complete reviews, you'll want to go elsewhere ( you could follow the links for IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes or Wikipedia on each post ). But you're welcome to browse around. Who knows, maybe you'll come across something that you might end up enjoying!

What's with the rating?
The ratings indicate the no-goodness of the feature films; the higher the rating, the worse the movie is i.e. it's no good. It's on a 10-point scale, so 0 means you'd best watch it, while 9 means you should avoid it like the plague. Maybe it'd help to think of it as a negative rating. Or perhaps you'd find it easier to subtract from 10 to get the 'real' rating.

No Good Ratings

• 0 - Watch it! Or I'll come over to your house and force you to watch till you agree that it's good!


• 1 - A must see. You'll regret missing this someday.


• 2 - Get together some friends for a blast.


• 3 - This one does well in the absence of popcorn too.


• 4 - Hey, if you've got more important things to do, go do them. It can wait.


• 5 - Feel like munching some popcorn and got time to kill? This is the one for you.


• 6 - Save your time and money; make the popcorn at home.


• 7 - No friends or work, huh? Then you might as well watch this one.


• 8 - Completely out ideas for other brain-numbing activities?


• 9 - Do not watch it! The curse of the ghosts of the winners of Academy Awards past will befall you and your loved ones if you dare to even contemplate viewing this!