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