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Movie Diary: 2012
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December
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October
1711
7.7
7.8
Oct 7 @ Download
Wes Anderson's movies have a very specific signature when it comes to the characters and the plots and this is no different. Sometimes his style works very well, sometimes it doesn't work as well. Fortunately, this movie falls in the former camp.
Wes Anderson's movies have a very specific signature when it comes to the characters and the plots and this is no different. Sometimes his style works very well, sometimes it doesn't work as well. Fortunately, this movie falls in the former camp.
Abhi's rating:
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September
1206
7
7.1
The Host (2006)
Sep 14 @ Download
The second human eating monster of the day wasn't as good as the first one (Alien). Lacked tension and pacing and was just too needlessly bizarre at times.
The second human eating monster of the day wasn't as good as the first one (Alien). Lacked tension and pacing and was just too needlessly bizarre at times.
Abhi's rating:
4836
8.1
8.5
Alien (1979)
Sep 14 @ Download (First Viewing)
A sci-fi classic and it's easy to see why. Starts off quietly but really takes off in the second half as the action and the revelations come fast and thick.
A sci-fi classic and it's easy to see why. Starts off quietly but really takes off in the second half as the action and the revelations come fast and thick.
Abhi's rating:
848
8.1
8.1
Memories of Murder (2003)
Sep 13 @ Download (First Viewing)
Seriously, the strangest detective drama I've seen in my life. Mixes in comedy, brutality and edge of the seat tension for a terrific movie.
Seriously, the strangest detective drama I've seen in my life. Mixes in comedy, brutality and edge of the seat tension for a terrific movie.
Abhi's rating:
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August
682
6.3
6.4
City of Ember (2008)
Aug 26 @ Download (First Viewing)
Meh sort of sci-fi adventure. It's based on a book, which I hope has more depth than the movie did.
Meh sort of sci-fi adventure. It's based on a book, which I hope has more depth than the movie did.
Abhi's rating:
462
7.6
7.6
The Secret of Kells (2009)
Aug 26 @ Download (First Viewing)
One of the most beautifully animated movies I've seen in my life.
One of the most beautifully animated movies I've seen in my life.
Abhi's rating:
739
6.7
7.3
Frequency (2000)
August 20 @ Television (Repeat Viewing)
Sci-fi thriller combined with a murder mystery that doesn't actually go time traveling but there's a lot of changing timelines all through.
Sci-fi thriller combined with a murder mystery that doesn't actually go time traveling but there's a lot of changing timelines all through.
Abhi's rating:
358
6.5
6.8
Aug 18 @ In-flight (First Viewing)
Breezy romantic comedy with a hint of satire and spirituality. Great acting and chemistry between the two leads is the real attraction here.
Breezy romantic comedy with a hint of satire and spirituality. Great acting and chemistry between the two leads is the real attraction here.
Abhi's rating:
729
7
7.3
The Next Three Days (2010)
Aug 18 @ Download (First Viewing)
Well acted thriller about a mild-mannered college professor who is forced to consider breaking his wife out of jail after she is wrongly convicted of a murder. The twists and turns are mostly plausible and the movie keeps moving along at a good pace throughout. Of course, the acting is top notch, with two excellent actors in the leading roles.
Well acted thriller about a mild-mannered college professor who is forced to consider breaking his wife out of jail after she is wrongly convicted of a murder. The twists and turns are mostly plausible and the movie keeps moving along at a good pace throughout. Of course, the acting is top notch, with two excellent actors in the leading roles.
Abhi's rating:
40
6.3
6.1
Howling (2012)
Aug 17 @ In-flight (First Viewing)
The first half is a well paced and absorbing thriller. The second half, while still both of those things, unfortunately stretches your credulity way too much. Such a shame, since the acting and direction is very good throughout.
The first half is a well paced and absorbing thriller. The second half, while still both of those things, unfortunately stretches your credulity way too much. Such a shame, since the acting and direction is very good throughout.
Abhi's rating:
7840
7.6
8.3
Toy Story (1995)
August 1 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
Pixar has that touch of genius about children's movies that appeal to adults as well.
Pixar has that touch of genius about children's movies that appeal to adults as well.
Abhi's rating:
6705
7.5
8
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
August 1 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
Pixar marathon this week continues. Absolutely hilarious and touching movie.
Pixar marathon this week continues. Absolutely hilarious and touching movie.
Abhi's rating:
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July
1830
6.9
7
Super 8 (2011)
July 31 @ Download (First Viewing)
JJ Abrams' tribute to Spielberg's Alien movies (Close Encounters, ET) puts a more modern spin on the old formula and does it well.
JJ Abrams' tribute to Spielberg's Alien movies (Close Encounters, ET) puts a more modern spin on the old formula and does it well.
Abhi's rating:
4901
8
8.3
Up (2009)
July 29 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
From sci-fi action adventure to fantasy action adventure, Pixar still rocks.
From sci-fi action adventure to fantasy action adventure, Pixar still rocks.
Abhi's rating:
7189
7.3
8
The Incredibles (2004)
July 28 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
Fantastic sci-fi action adventure. When Pixar gets it right, they really get it right.
Fantastic sci-fi action adventure. When Pixar gets it right, they really get it right.
Abhi's rating:
3231
6.3
6.8
The Island (2005)
July 27 @ Download (First Viewing)
Almost, *almost*, works as a sci-fi thriller but lacks that x-factor that takes all the ingredients and turns it into something special. Some massive unresolved questions about the plot do not help, of course. So in the end, it was a good idea but the script doesn't do justice to it.
Almost, *almost*, works as a sci-fi thriller but lacks that x-factor that takes all the ingredients and turns it into something special. Some massive unresolved questions about the plot do not help, of course. So in the end, it was a good idea but the script doesn't do justice to it.
Abhi's rating:
5143
6.2
6.7
The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
July 26 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
Part 3 of my annual pilgrimage to the altar of the Wachowskis.
Part 3 of my annual pilgrimage to the altar of the Wachowskis.
Abhi's rating:
6268
6.5
7.2
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
July 25 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
Part 2 of my annual pilgrimage to the altar of the Wachowskis.
Part 2 of my annual pilgrimage to the altar of the Wachowskis.
Abhi's rating:
10087
7.6
8.7
The Matrix (1999)
July 19 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
Making my annual pilgrimage to the altar of the Wachowski brothers (now brother and sister). I don't need a reason to watch this movie (again).
Making my annual pilgrimage to the altar of the Wachowski brothers (now brother and sister). I don't need a reason to watch this movie (again).
Abhi's rating:
3906
7.7
8.4
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
July 19 @ Theatre (First Viewing)
Very much the worst of the Christopher Nolan/Christian Bale trilogy, merely being a good movie. Ultimately, it fails to stand up on it's own as a story of great substance and definitely feels like the final act of a longer story. That fact is highlighted by the multiple flashbacks employed throughout, some going all the way back to 'Batman Begins'. 'The Dark Knight', by comparison, had no flashbacks, it simply didn't need any.
Very much the worst of the Christopher Nolan/Christian Bale trilogy, merely being a good movie. Ultimately, it fails to stand up on it's own as a story of great substance and definitely feels like the final act of a longer story. That fact is highlighted by the multiple flashbacks employed throughout, some going all the way back to 'Batman Begins'. 'The Dark Knight', by comparison, had no flashbacks, it simply didn't need any.
Abhi's rating:
1956
7.5
7.7
Office Space (1999)
July 18 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
For anyone who has ever had a job they hated... especially in a cubicle.
For anyone who has ever had a job they hated... especially in a cubicle.
Abhi's rating:
5532
7.3
7.3
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
July 15 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
Nice mix of supernatural horror and comedy and looks beautiful to boot.
Nice mix of supernatural horror and comedy and looks beautiful to boot.
Abhi's rating:
855
5.9
6.7
American Reunion (2012)
July 15 @ Download (First Viewing)
Mostly nostalgia value here for people of my generation.
Mostly nostalgia value here for people of my generation.
Abhi's rating:
271
6.9
6.9
Dead Again (1991)
July 10 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
A delicious mystery thriller with a generous helping of romance to go along with it, not to mention excellent acting and direction.
A delicious mystery thriller with a generous helping of romance to go along with it, not to mention excellent acting and direction.
Abhi's rating:
634
7.9
8
July 9 @ Download
Riveting courtroom drama told from the point of view of the defence. On trial for murdering a bar owner is a soldier. His defence is temporary insanity due to the fact that the dead man had allegedly raped his wife. Some really great acting performances throughout the movie.
Riveting courtroom drama told from the point of view of the defence. On trial for murdering a bar owner is a soldier. His defence is temporary insanity due to the fact that the dead man had allegedly raped his wife. Some really great acting performances throughout the movie.
Abhi's rating:
765
6.2
7
A Good Year (2006)
July 7 @ Download (First Viewing)
A mediocre romance that would be fit right in on the Hallmark Channel, not on Ridley Scott's filmography or Russell Crowe's or Marion Cotillard's. What were these people thinking?
A mediocre romance that would be fit right in on the Hallmark Channel, not on Ridley Scott's filmography or Russell Crowe's or Marion Cotillard's. What were these people thinking?
Abhi's rating:
1276
6.7
7
The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
July 7 @ Download (First Viewing)
A sci-fi romance that could have been really great if it wasn't so timid in it's approach to the plot. On the flip side, the timidity of the overall plot allows the romantic aspects to shine. Added to that the excellent performances by the leads and it's a pretty damn good movie anyway.
A sci-fi romance that could have been really great if it wasn't so timid in it's approach to the plot. On the flip side, the timidity of the overall plot allows the romantic aspects to shine. Added to that the excellent performances by the leads and it's a pretty damn good movie anyway.
Abhi's rating:
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June
3193
8.3
8.3
Princess Mononoke (1997)
June 23 @ SIFF Cinema (Repeat Viewing)
Truly epic and a pleasure to see on the big screen for once.
Truly epic and a pleasure to see on the big screen for once.
Abhi's rating:
7
7.7
6.9
Voices (1979)
June 23 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
Sweet romantic drama about a struggling musician who also has to deal with a dysfunctional family all the while falling in love with a beautiful woman, who just happens to be deaf.
Sweet romantic drama about a struggling musician who also has to deal with a dysfunctional family all the while falling in love with a beautiful woman, who just happens to be deaf.
Abhi's rating:
1596
7.8
8
Castle in the Sky (1986)
June 22 @ SIFF Cinema (Repeat Viewing)
Never seen this on the big screen before, can't say it adds much to the experience now that the story is so familiar to me. Still, good times were had.
Never seen this on the big screen before, can't say it adds much to the experience now that the story is so familiar to me. Still, good times were had.
Abhi's rating:
20
8.9
9.5
June 17 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
Technically, this is TV, but it's basically the first two Godfather movies re-edited into a mini-series. It was great to see it in HD for the first time.
Technically, this is TV, but it's basically the first two Godfather movies re-edited into a mini-series. It was great to see it in HD for the first time.
Abhi's rating:
1951
6.5
7.1
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
June 16 @ Download (Umpteenth repeat viewing)
Another favourite rom-com, two in two days. It's one of those weeks.
Another favourite rom-com, two in two days. It's one of those weeks.
Abhi's rating:
577
6.1
6.8
The American President (1995)
June 15 @ Amazon Prime (Repeat Viewing)
One of my favourite romantic comedies, especially since I'm squarely on the side of the liberals when it comes to political beliefs. Still, an honourable politician in the White House, who are they kidding here?
One of my favourite romantic comedies, especially since I'm squarely on the side of the liberals when it comes to political beliefs. Still, an honourable politician in the White House, who are they kidding here?
Abhi's rating:
3696
6.7
6.9
June 9 @ DVD (First Viewing)
Some laughs and some good characters but exceedingly thin on the story front. Set up nicely for the sequel, I suppose.
Some laughs and some good characters but exceedingly thin on the story front. Set up nicely for the sequel, I suppose.
Abhi's rating:
30
6.8
7
Dreamchild (1985)
June 9 @ Download (First Viewing)
Lovely little movie. A semi-fictional account of what inspired the classic book "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll. I had seen part of it many, many years ago and I finally tracked down a complete copy... and I'm glad I did.
Lovely little movie. A semi-fictional account of what inspired the classic book "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll. I had seen part of it many, many years ago and I finally tracked down a complete copy... and I'm glad I did.
Abhi's rating:
2184
6.7
7
Prometheus (2012)
June 8 @ Theatre (First Viewing)
Gripping yet ultimately unsatisfying, primarily because it promises so much yet fails to follow through in the climax. The desire to set up a sequel was the prime reason, in my opinion. I wish people would stop shamelessly tailoring movies in this manner to accomodate sequels, it needlessly spoils the story. Despite that, one of the better non-superhero sci-fi movies in recent times.
Gripping yet ultimately unsatisfying, primarily because it promises so much yet fails to follow through in the climax. The desire to set up a sequel was the prime reason, in my opinion. I wish people would stop shamelessly tailoring movies in this manner to accomodate sequels, it needlessly spoils the story. Despite that, one of the better non-superhero sci-fi movies in recent times.
Abhi's rating:
440
7
7.2
June 1 @ Theatre (First Viewing)
Wow, a movie set in India that is actually shot in India and doesn't resort to bullshit cliches and caricatures (almost none, a couple here and there are forgivable).
Wow, a movie set in India that is actually shot in India and doesn't resort to bullshit cliches and caricatures (almost none, a couple here and there are forgivable).
Abhi's rating:
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May
224
6
6.6
Stakeout (1987)
May 20 @ Download (Repeat Viewing)
It's probably been 15 years since I saw this last. Decent 80s action comedy, good for low energy Sunday afternoon viewing. And oh, Madeleine Stowe is a total stunner. Oh oh, apparently set in Seattle too, but the skyline at the end of the movie looks nothing like Seattle. In the 80s (before Grunge) I'm guessing no one really knew what Seattle should look like, but it sure didn't look like this movie's "Seattle".
It's probably been 15 years since I saw this last. Decent 80s action comedy, good for low energy Sunday afternoon viewing. And oh, Madeleine Stowe is a total stunner. Oh oh, apparently set in Seattle too, but the skyline at the end of the movie looks nothing like Seattle. In the 80s (before Grunge) I'm guessing no one really knew what Seattle should look like, but it sure didn't look like this movie's "Seattle".
Abhi's rating:
1151
5.7
6.4
The Dictator (2012)
May 16 @ Theatre (First Viewing)
Sacha Baron Cohen brings his mix of the incredibly offensive and the incredibly satirical to the big screen once again. It essentially plays like a collection of comic skits, some of which are incredibly funny in themselves, without a coherent story overall. It's nothing like any other movie I've seen this year and no movie has made me laugh so hard this year either.
Sacha Baron Cohen brings his mix of the incredibly offensive and the incredibly satirical to the big screen once again. It essentially plays like a collection of comic skits, some of which are incredibly funny in themselves, without a coherent story overall. It's nothing like any other movie I've seen this year and no movie has made me laugh so hard this year either.
Abhi's rating:
1769
7
7
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
May 5 @ Theatre (First Viewing)
Joss Whedon delivers again with his mix of comedy, horror and sci-fi a la Buffy. The climax wasn't too satisfying however, which knocks it down a whole star in my opinion.
Joss Whedon delivers again with his mix of comedy, horror and sci-fi a la Buffy. The climax wasn't too satisfying however, which knocks it down a whole star in my opinion.
Abhi's rating:
3972
7.6
8
The Avengers (2012)
May 4 @ Theatre (First Viewing)
Finally, a Marvel movie that comes close to matching 'Iron Man'. It follows the disasters that were 'Thor' and 'Captain America' and the semi-disappointments that were 'The Incredible Hulk' and 'Iron Man 2'.
With such a large number of lead characters I was expecting a total mess, but somehow it all just works. In fact, the characters play off each other so well, that it really surprised me. I personally give credit to Joss Whedon, who write and directed this movie. He's always been good at writing good/great sci-fi material.
Side note: IMAX 3D gives me a headache.
Finally, a Marvel movie that comes close to matching 'Iron Man'. It follows the disasters that were 'Thor' and 'Captain America' and the semi-disappointments that were 'The Incredible Hulk' and 'Iron Man 2'.
With such a large number of lead characters I was expecting a total mess, but somehow it all just works. In fact, the characters play off each other so well, that it really surprised me. I personally give credit to Joss Whedon, who write and directed this movie. He's always been good at writing good/great sci-fi material.
Side note: IMAX 3D gives me a headache.
Abhi's rating:
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April
428
6.6
6.7
Apr 27 @ Theatre (First Viewing)
Felt more like a video release than a movie - just way too short. Still funny for the most part but not the in the same league as Chicken Run.
Felt more like a video release than a movie - just way too short. Still funny for the most part but not the in the same league as Chicken Run.
Abhi's rating:
1208
7.1
7.3
The Descendants (2011)
Apr 22 @ Airplane (Repeat Viewing)
Possibly the best movie of last year. Holds up very very well on the second viewing.
Possibly the best movie of last year. Holds up very very well on the second viewing.
Abhi's rating:
1875
7.1
7.4
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Apr 22 @ Airplane (First Viewing)
Surprisingly good and funny movie. Does fall into cliches on occasion but the humour and comedic timing are excellent throughout.
Surprisingly good and funny movie. Does fall into cliches on occasion but the humour and comedic timing are excellent throughout.
Abhi's rating:
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