THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY

Truth be told, comedy movies are not made to win oscars. And people would be wrong to expect that. Comedy movies are meant to take your mind off the looming reality like all the hungry children sleeping on the streets or the incessant train of exams in your life. There's something about Mary is a classic comedy starring Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz(the sexy, 'non aged' version).

The movie is about a guy and a girl who were schoolmates and shared a really hilarious incident on the day of their senior prom(depicted with a certain degree of grossness in the movie). The movie fast forwards years later when the guy tries to search for this certain girl and appoints a det. for the job. The story takes off from there, interspersed with a lot of really funny incidents(some of which would make you feel a clench "down there"). Anyway, as expected from a good comedy movie, All's end which ends OK.

Final Verdict: In the exam mood? Want to lighten up? Check it out!

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129387/

WAKING LIFE

There are times when one just simply gets tired of living reality; well hitting a bong is one escape option but for a movie buff like yourself, getting lost in the dreams of a character sounds better, right ?

Well i am not talking about Inception, in fact something more subtle. An art movie, shot in rotoscopy portraying journey of a subconscious mind through (lucid)dreams wondering, questioning and learning about the blatant universal truths and doubts.

Final Verdict: If you want to find yourself a spectator to some flabbergasting philosophical conversations, this is exactly what you need to watch !

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0243017/

BURIED

Some movies are meant to be watched in the dark; So that you can feel the desperation, the fear and the frustration of the protagonist. 'Buried' is a typical watch-in-the-dark movie, perfect for the times when you are just unable to go to sleep and the ambiance is quite and dark.

It is the story of a civilian contractor employed truck driver in Iraq. Ambushed one day while on duty, he is buried in a coffin with nothing more than a zippo and a mobile phone. The cost of release: $5 million. Based on actual incidents in Iraq where abducted Americans are forced to pay up or are left to die. The frustrating part is that the people who are being contacted for help are worried more about the news being kept buried(like the guy), rather than helping the fellow.

Final Verdict: The whole movie is shot in a box, from the perspective of the protagonist. It is different and scary at times. If you are game for some pretty depressing emotions, go for it!!

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1462758/

L.A. CONFIDENTIAL

Movies do a lot more than entertain us. Some of the movies help us broaden our perspective and allow us to see situations from different angles. LA Confidential does the same. The story is set in the 1950s and makes for a really good watch.

3 police officers: One, straight-thinking; Another, brutal; And a third, the sleazy/colorful, investigate a series of murders involving police officers and the mafia. The story is very gripping and we have the privilege to watch three different personalities, with three different sets of problems,  have a go at it with all their capability. There is obviously, love, hate, denial and betrayal as they go about their mission.

Final Verdict: Kevin Spacey!! Russell Crowe!! Guy Pearce!!(the memento guy". Need I say anything else...This 2 hr long movie is well worth the time spent watching it. And when it ends, you can't help but go, "C'mon!! Thats the best way it could have happened."

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119488/

BROKEN ARROW

On some evenings you want to watch a movie. But not one with lots of emotions, a complex plot or with deep characters. In those times, Broken Arrow will serve your purpose: A cliched movie involving action, nukes and terrorists.

A movie from John Travolta's glorious past, Broken Arrow is a movie that captures all of him. A story about terrorists stealing nuclear warheads from the US Air Force and the story of how far a soldier goes to stop them (along with a sexy Park Ranger). The story has a decent storyline along with a customary end of the movie fight sequence.

Final Verdict: Watch it if you want to watch something without taxing your mind.

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115759/

SAVING PRIVATE RYAN

Saving Private Ryan has a weird charisma. It manages to make you happy and sad, optimistic and hopeless, all at the same time. It is a ride full of emotions. If you have 2.5 hrs to spare, do get on this ride.

It is the story of a group of soldiers who are sent deep into the war-zon to retrieve a certain Private Ryan. Ryan is the last living son of his mother, the rest having been killed in the war. The group of soldiers are cynical about the task assigned to them. But each of them has their own reasons for the mission. The movie tracks their story as they attempt to find Ryan and the dilemma that they face when they actually find him.

Final Verdict: The movie is long. But it's definitely not boring. The emotional turmoil that you go through as you watch the movie is sure to have an impact on you. Personally, I 'felt' like a better man after watching the movie.

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120815/

A LOT LIKE LOVE

A Lot Like Love is a lot like the general romantic movies that you might have watched. Only that it impressed me more than many. Perhaps it is one of those movies which is neither a chick flick nor a general romantic comedy. In fact, the characters very much appreciable and imaginable.

It's the story of Emily and Oliver, two very average immature young adults who meet each other for the first time in the lavatory of their flight to europe... while having sex with each other. The story tracks their lives and stories through the next several years. The movie manages to be funny while being emotional but without the cliches and "heard that" dialogues. After watching this and 'Calender Girls', Nigel Cole is sure to become a very respected figure in your mind

Final Verdict: If you are feeling romantic for some strange reason, or if the weather and the surroundings make you want to see something lite, without much thought, do watch this. You will probably watch it again sometime soon.

P.S.: The soundtrack is for keeps, definitely...

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0391304/

BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD

This movie is an epitome of a thriller narrative. The story flows so smoothly that you won't be able to tell when you slid into this whole world of crime, guilt and redemption.

 Two brothers desperately need some money. They can't borrow directly from their parents. So what do they do? They try borrowing it forcefully. They would obviously return it later and more importantly, it would free them from their troubles. But then, its a movie. So how could it all go smoothly. Things start getting out of control, darker. Situations and emotions keep falling to the depth of darkness till the climax.

Final Verdict: Watch it for Philip Seymour Hoffman. Watch it to see Ethan Hawke deliver yet another stunning performance. Watch it for a story.

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0292963/

THE DAMNED UNITED

Not so frequently, you come across a movie based on your interest but not overpowered by it. The Damned United, which came out in 2009, is a good example. And also, it made Michael Sheen one of my favourite actors, apart from evoking some respect for someone with a "Sheen" last name.


A person's contempt for someone, and his will to better the other guy sometimes causes him to do great things. Same for Brain Clough and his disdain for Don Revie, the popular Leeds United manager. The movie tells the story of a man, his colourful character, and of course, his jealousy and hatred. Football obviously forms a great background.

Final Verdict: If you follow football, the movie is going to blow you away. If you don't, the movie will inspire you.

P.S.: Ever heard of Nottingham Forest in the 70s?? And also, doesnt the poster look more apt for FIFA Manager 2013 or something...

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1226271/

TRAINING DAY

If you are in the mood for watching a really fast-paced thriller, Training Day is your ticket to some really good time. The movie will definitely linger on in your conscious for some time.

The movie is about a rookie cop, played by Ethan Hawke who is in for a training day with a corrupt but efficient senior officer, Denzel Washington(Alonso). Alonso's idiosyncrasies make for some good scenes in the first part of the movie. Then, things start getting deep & dark and continue to do so until the last part of the movie.

Final verdict: Its not a movie to be left unwatched. But be sure to follow it throughout. If you miss parts, you will not follow it completely.

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0139654/

RAIN MAN

Rain Man has a nice story, and well, Tom Cruise too. Frankly, I started watching it coz it had Tom Cruise in it, and since it was not one of his action packed film, I thought it would be good. The movie didn't disappoint.

It is a movie set in the 80s and has the whole 80s feel to it. The music, the setup, the whole aura is pure 100% 80s. And if u like being transported into a whole new era, you will like it. The story complements the whole background. How Tom Cruise with his troubled youth, bonds with his new found brother who is an autistic savant. How their whole relationship develops and gets a new meaning.

Final Verdict: It is recommended as an easy watch. Sort of something which you should watch on a lazy evening. Plus Tom Cruise is another plus.

IMDb Page:http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095953/

INSIDE MAN

Some stories are interesting and intelligent enough to be made into a movie, and you as a viewer yourself want to see those stories acted out by really able actors. Try Inside Man; It might just make for really good time investment.

The plot is simple enough. A gang of robbers take control of a bank. A regular heist. Denzel Washington, playing the cop, has to negotiate with them and has to formulate a solution. Simple, right?? Well, not that much!!

Final Verdict: You won't regret it. Must watch for Denzel Washington fans like myself.

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454848/

EQUILIBRIUM

Some evenings, you just want to escape the reality into a whole new world with completely different situations and values. You then watch a movie story unfold while imagining "what would it actually be like?". Equilibrium is your ticket to that elusive realm.

It's a well made sci-fi movie. Cliched but well worth the time spent watching it. Go for it if you are in a mood for some future action and suspense/thrill. The background is pretty dark and it gets darker before the whole scenario takes a turn for the brighter. Christian Bale doesn't disappoint he definitely fits the role of the rebel.

Final Verdict: If you are in a mood for sci-fi, it's worth a try.

IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0238380/