I Am Number Four (2011) Movie Review

Storyline

Extraordinary teen John Smith (Pettyfer) is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.

Review

Three Cheers for 'Number Four'!

 
I didn't expect to like "I Am Number Four". It looked like your average action/thriller shoot-em-up bang-bang but I was sorely mistaken.

Based on the novel by Jobie Hughes and James Frey (the writers used the pen name Pittacus Lore) and adapted by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (the team behind such hits as TV's Smallville, "Spider Man 2" and the Jackie Chan/Owen Wilson "Shanghai Noon/Knights" movies), "I Am Number Four" tells us the story of John Smith (Pettyfer) and his "father" Henri (Olyphant). We don't get too much back story (and that's a good thing) when the story starts -- it's nice to keep your audience on the edge of their seat, who doesn't like a little bit of mystery? John and Henri flee Florida after an "incident" happens which almost exposes them and seek solitude in a town called Paradise in Ohio. Here is where the action slows down a little bit to introduce us to the characters. John is given orders by Henri to blend in and be invisible but that doesn't exactly go down as planned. He overhears the principal scolding Sarah (Agron, best known for playing Quinn on TV's Glee) about privacy issues, he befriends the class nerd, Sam (McAuliffe) and attracts the attention of the school's quarterback/bully, Mark (Abel). Not bad for a first day, so much for being anonymous.

The high school drama portion of "I Am Number Four" is your typical teenage fair. Boy meets girl, they start to fall, old boyfriend wants girl back, threats are made, confrontations are had and oh yeah.... one is developing some pretty cool superpowers. That's what makes this movie different. Even John doesn't know what he's capable of doing and not to mention there are bad guys (with even badder teeth) and one pretty hot chick (Palmer) that are hell-bent on finding John and Henri. I don't mind that action takes a backseat in order to flesh out the characters... let us get to know them, they need to be likable so that we can root and cheer for them later on down the road.

The final reel of the film certainly does not disappoint. I'm sure all you action fans will love it. The movie has a good story, good acting, great special effects and it certainly has heart.

Directed by
D.J. Caruso

Writing credits
Alfred Gough		(screenplay) &
Miles Millar		(screenplay) and
Marti Noxon		(screenplay)
Jobie Hughes		(novel) (as Pittacus Lore) &
James Frey		(novel) (as Pittacus Lore)

Cast (in credits order)

	Alex Pettyfer	...	John
	Timothy Olyphant	...	Henri
	Teresa Palmer	...	Number 6
	Dianna Agron	...	Sarah
	Callan McAuliffe	...	Sam
	Kevin Durand	...	Mogadorian Commander
	Jake Abel	...	Mark
	Jeff Hochendoner	...	Sheriff James
	Patrick Sebes	...	Kevin
	Greg Townley	...	Number 3
	Reuben Langdon	...	Number 3's Guardian
	Emily Wickersham	...	Nicole
	Molly McGinnis	...	Receptionist
	Brian Howe	...	Frank
	Andy Owen	...	Bret
	Sophia Caruso	...	Girl on Street
	Charles Carroll	...	Sam's Stepdad
	L. Derek Leonidoff	...	Mr. Berhman
	Garrett M. Brown	...	Mr. Simms
	Sabrina de Matteo	...	Physics Teacher
	Cooper Thornton	...	Sarah's Dad
	Judith Hoag	...	Sarah's Mom
	Jack Walz	...	Sarah's Brother
	Bill Laing	...	Demented Farmer
	Beau Mirchoff	...	Drew
	Cody Johns	...	Kern
	Isabella Robbins	...	Teen At Party

Murder 2 (2011) Movie Review

Storyline

Ex-cop Arjun has crossed over on the other side of the law and prefers to earn his living the underhand way. But life begins to change when a pimp hires him to nab a serial killer who is murdering his girls. Danger threatens to strike home when the killer sets eyes on Arjun's girlfriend (Jacqueline Fernandes) and bookmarks her as his next target. 

Review

Good for scary movie-lovers - go for it

Murder 2, the much anticipated sequel is surprisingly very different to the original Murder. If you want to watch this film for its erotic quotient alone, you'll be disappointed as several recent Bollywood flicks have shown how sex has become an over-rated, oversold theme. However the serial-killer element is a novelty - all the blood, gore, darkness and intimidation blends into a perfect plot to literally scare the living daylights out of you, pun intended. This movie is clearly a popcorn fest and recommended to be seen when you're bored like hell or had a very bad day at the workplace. Please don't watch this film if your mood is cheerful - it's far too disturbing. An A certificate is justified and children should be prevented from getting close to a DVD release.

As for the performances, every actor played his/her part well. Jacqueline looks beautiful, Emraan non-chalant and sharp-witted with his dialogue delivery but the real scene-stealer has got to be Prashant Narayan who's brought a great degree of conviction and authenticity to his role of a serial killer. He should clearly win Best villain award. 

YOU WILL BE DISAPOINTED IF YOU GO TO WATCH THE SEXY / EROTIC FILM LIKE MURDER 1.... CAUSE THIS IS NOT LIKE FIRST ONE..... IT IS COPLETLY DIFFERENT TASTE...

Director:

Mohit Suri

Writer:

Shagufta Rafique

 

Cast

	Jaqueline Fernandes	...	Priya
	Yana Gupta
	Emraan Hashmi	...	Arjun
	Shweta Kwatra
	Prashant Narayanan	...	Dheeraj
	Sudhanshu Pandey
	Sandeep Sikand

 

  

The Adjustment Bureau (2011) Movie Review

Storyline

Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us? A man glimpses the future Fate has planned for him and realizes he wants something else. To get it, he must pursue across, under and through the streets of modern-day New York the only woman he's ever loved. On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, ambitious politician David Norris (Damon) meets beautiful contemporary ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) - a woman like none he's ever known. But just as he realizes he's falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep the two apart. David learns he is up against the agents of Fate itself - the men of The Adjustment Bureau - who will do everything in their considerable power to prevent David and Elise from being together. In the face of overwhelming odds, he must either let her go and accept a predetermined path...or risk everything to defy Fate and be with her.

Review

A well made and more thoughtful film that you might be expecting

What if your own free will was nothing of the sort. Every move you made was in accordance with a master plan, any kinks or imperfections "adjusted" by persons unknown, constantly on hand to ensure you stayed on track.

Many people might assume that their lives are quite the reverse, with all the bad decisions they have made, anything resembling a master plan is unlikely.

David Norris (Matt Damon) is a rising New York Congressman with his heart set on becoming a young Senator, everything is going according to plan until he meets the beautiful quirky ballerina, Elise (Emily Blunt) in a mens restroom.

Elise inspires him in ways that he could not have imagined but any longer term relationship is not part of the plan the "Men in Grey" have mapped out. They do not like their careful plans messed with, ever. Although they do get to wear Trilby's, which not only look cool but are also a necessary tool for their profession.

The many scenes between Blunt and Damon are very believable and natural, real chemistry in action and is fun to watch. Blunt is a breath of fresh air in the congressman's driven life, living more in the moment than he possibly ever did before.

Just when you think the film will descend into a smorgasbord of special effects, the story goes into the opposite direction. A thoughtful and character driven piece about choices and the ripple effect each path taken, or not taken, has on your own and other peoples lives.

Terence Stamp, still with one of the best voices in the business, together with Anthony Mackie & John Slattery, do good work as the agents attempting to get everything back on track.

There are some good lines and Damon can play an aspiring politician with ease, no doubt he could be one in real life if he chose to move in that direction.

The central question of defining who we are by the choices we make is explored and it is good to see another movie messing with our heads, if only just a little. If we have no free will are we still the people we thought we were, very deep but don't panic, the film does not get too caught up in this existentialism.

The action is limited, there are no cars exploding and the body count is non existent, a refreshing change from most modern films. A film that could have been made in the 50's from a story point of view, although actually based on a short story by Phillip K Dick of "Do Androids dream of electric sheep" fame, the inspiration for "Blade Runner".

Production values are good, although not of the highest flight. The costumes worn by the adjustment police are rather dodgy and look like guys with spare motorcycle helmets sprayed black. Not what you would expect in a big budget Hollywood movie, a small point but quite noticeable.

Similar to many films of this genre, the movie has to decide how to wrap everything up neatly. The final reel is perhaps a little disappointing but that depends on how you would want the film to end, somehow it feels that the easier option was taken.

Summary

A well made and more thoughtful film than you might be expecting.

Well acted with a believable romance, a light dusting of Sci-Fi and a great story. "Inception" lite perhaps, which is certainly recommendation enough for any film.

Director:

George Nolfi

Writers:

George Nolfi (screenplay), Philip K. Dick (short story "Adjustment Team")

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
	Matt Damon	...	David Norris
	Emily Blunt	...	Elise Sellas
	Florence Kastriner	...	Suburban Mom
	Phyllis MacBryde	...	Suburban Neighbor
	Natalie Carter	...	Suburban Neighbor (as Natalie E. Carter)
	Chuck Scarborough	...	Himself
	Jon Stewart	...	Himself
	Gregory P. Hitchen	...	U.S. Coast Guard Officer (as Capt. Gregory P. Hitchen)
	Darrell Lenormand	...	Upstate Farmer
	Kar	...	Political Consultant
	Michael Kelly	...	Charlie Traynor
	RJ Konner	...	Political Consultant
	Susan D. Michaels	...	Reporter
	Anthony Mackie	...	Harry Mitchell
	Gregory Lay	...	Albert, Campaign Aide

यह कमबख्त फिल्म है मजेदार

आमिर खान की इमरान खान अभिनीत फिल्म ‘देल्ही बैली’ एक मनोरंजक हास्य फिल्म है। तीन युवा दोस्त एक खस्ताहाल किराए के कमरे में अपने बुलंद हौसलों और नन्हे सपनों के साथ रहते हैं और सतही तौर पर वे आलसी, स्वार्थी और बददिमाग लगते हैं, परंतु संकट के समय उनकी दोस्ती का सच्च स्वरूप सामने आता है। जीवन मूल्यों के प्रति इतने सजग हैं कि एक टूटते रिश्ते में सदस्य की जान बचाने के लिए सब कुछ दांव पर लगा देते हैं। यह हिंदुस्तानी सिनेमा की पारंपरिक कथा है और दर्शक भी दोस्तों की दास्तां को पसंद करते हैं, परंतु इसकी बेबाक प्रस्तुति और इसमें प्रयुक्त अत्यंत स्वाभाविक जबान को लेकर उठे बवंडर में असल बात दबी ही रहेगी। यह तो महज फिल्म है, दशकों तक सआदत हसन मंटो का महान साहित्य विवादों की धूल से ढंका रहा है।

मजे की बात यह है कि पलायनवादी सिनेमा से शिकायत करते हुए यथार्थ का आग्रह रखने वाले भी यथार्थ से रूबरू होते ही अपनी हेकड़ी भूल जाते हैं। आज का अनौपचारिक युवा अपनी ऊर्जा को किसी पारंपरिक दिखावे और शालीनता के मुखौटों पर जाया नहीं करना चाहता। वह जिंदगी के बीस ओवर वाले मैच में पांच दिवसीय के तौर-तरीकों को नहीं निभाना चाहता। वह ताबड़तोड़ नतीजे चाहता है। फिल्म में एक काटरूनिस्ट का पात्र है, जो विज्ञापन एजेंसी के अपने अज्ञानी मालिक की बेवजह नुक्ताचीनी करने की आदत से परेशान है कि सात प्रतिशत मुस्कराहट बढ़ाओ और अब इसमें से दो प्रतिशत घटा दो। नायक खोजी पत्रकार बनना चाहता है और उसका साथी कैमरामैन दो तरह के चित्र लेता है - एक अपने लिए और एक प्रकाशन के लिए गोयाकि एक ही सब्जेक्ट में दोनों रूप मौजूद हैं।

सारे पात्र आडंबर के खिलाफ हैं और अपने गुण-दोषों के साथ पूरी ईमानदारी से उजागर होते हैं। इस प्रक्रिया में अगर वे निर्वस्त्र होते हैं तो उन्हें लज्जा का ढोंग भी नहीं करना है। उनके व्यवहार और जबान में कोई पाखंड नहीं है। उन्होंने महानगर की भागमभाग का हिस्सा होते हुए भी अपनी संवेदना नहीं खोई है। एक दोस्त निजी संकट में खतरे के मुंह में अकेले जाना चाहता है, परंतु दोनों दोस्त बिना कुछ कहे खतरे में शामिल हो जाते हैं और निर्देशक ने ऐसे दृश्यों को भी मेलोड्रामाटिक नहीं होने दिया, कोई डबडबाई आंखों का क्लोजअप भी नहीं है।

यह बहुत क्लिनिकल सफाई से गढ़ी फिल्म है, परंतु ‘शिट’ के लिए भी कोई दास्ताने नहीं पहने हैं और इन परस्पर विरोधी-सी दिखने वाली धाराओं से फिल्म की बुनावट की गई है। सच तो यह है कि आज के जीवन की विडंबना है कि परस्पर विरोधी स्वर ही उसका मूल भी है, यही है युवा कांट्रेडिक्शन जो उनकी असल के लिए आकांक्षा का भी प्रतीक है।

फिल्म की नायिका ने बचपन के दोस्त और प्रेमी से शादी की, परंतु पति की हिंसा और संस्कारहीनता के कारण तलाक की प्रक्रिया से गुजर रही है और अपने आहत पौरुषीय दंभ को लिए वह हिंसक उसका पीछा कर रहा है। नायक और इस नायिका के बीच कहां, कैसे प्रेम अंकुरित होता है, यह काबिले तारीफ है। यह प्रेम ऐसा ही अंकुरित हुआ, जैसे पथरीली सड़क पर दो पत्थरों के बीच किंचित-सी जगह पर कोई नन्हीं कोपल उग आए। इस फिल्म में एक और युवा प्रेमी की प्रेमिका विदेश में बस जाने के मोह में एक आप्रवासी अमीरजादे को चुन लेती है और हमारा युवा देवदास उस विफल प्रेम का मानो श्राद्ध करने के लिए सिर मुड़वाकर एक चुडै़ल स्वप्न गीत में अपनी भड़ास निकालता है।

आज का युवा देवदास शराब में नहीं डूबता। सारी फिल्म में एक से बढ़कर एक मजेदार पात्र हैं। इन बिंदास युवा लोगों के कमरे के ठीक ऊपर वाले कमरे में एक उस्ताद अपने शागिर्दो को कथक सिखाते हैं। फिल्म में अपराधियों द्वारा कत्ल होने की स्थिति में जर्जर मकान की छत टूटती है गोयाकि शास्त्रीय शैली सीधे जाकर ‘पॉप’ के सिर पर गिरी और इसी कारण जान बच गई। इस फिल्म में ढेरों हास्य प्रसंग इसी तरह रचे गए हैं। श्रीलाल शुक्ल आज ‘राग दरबारी’ को महानगर लाते तो ऐसी ही रचना होती। मंटो भी शायद अपने शताब्दी वर्ष में ऐसी ही शरारत रचते।

बहरहाल इस फिल्म में डायरिया पीड़ित युवा का मल(शिट) पैथोलॉजिकल लैब की जगह हीरों के पैकेट के रूप में अपराधी के पास पहुंचता है और नए किस्म का ‘मलयुद्ध’ प्रारंभ होता है। पूरी फिल्म में शिट इत्यादि का जमकर प्रयोग हुआ है। एक तरफ हमारे सिनेमा में द्विअर्थी संवादों की भरमार है और शालीनता का मखमली परदा उसे और अधिक घिनौना बनाता है तो दूसरी तरफ यह फिल्म है, जिसमें दबा-छिपाकर कोई बात नहीं की गई है - ‘शिट’ के बारे में यह साफगोई की तारीफ करनी होगी। आजकल बात-बात में लोग ‘शिट’ बोलते हैं और कोई बुरा भी नहीं मानता।

साहित्य में जेम्स जॉयस की ‘यूलिसिस’ में इस जुमले पर भी एतराज उठाया गया था कि ‘स्मॉल एंड बिग पीसेज ऑफ टर्डस इन पूल और यूरिन रिमाइंड मी ऑफ कांटिनेंट्स..’ जज नूल्से का फैसला था कि रचना के समग्र प्रभाव को देखना चाहिए, न कि उसके किसी अंग को देखकर एतराज करना चाहिए। इस फिल्म का समग्र प्रभाव एक हास्य फिल्म का है और अपने औघड़पन पर भी हंसा जा सकता है। इसे देखकर आपके मुंह से ‘ओ शिट’ निकल सकता है, परंतु यह विरेचन का प्रभाव है। भविष्य में यह कुंदनशाह की ‘जाने भी दो यारो’ की तरह कल्ट फिल्म साबित होगी।