Boyhood (2014)

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Chronicling the lives of the entire cast over 12 years to show us the journey of a young boy and his multiple families is a rare feat achieved by director/producer/ writer Richard Linklater and his team.

Primarily we see patterns, of choice, fear and relationships. We see how a story can surprise you even though you seem to have identified what can or cannot happen. That’s the beauty of the human free will, we can elect to change our circumstances by simply taking responsibility rather than exercise an external locus of control.

Performances range from average to sublime while we digest the natural progression of the story. It made for an engaging watch with an awe for the time period, patience and dedication it was shot in.

3.5/5

Birdman (2014)

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Michael Keaton shows us why he is still in the business with this rare and layered performance, where we not only hear the voices in his head, but see the havoc created in his life.

What he has is probably not a clinical affliction, but the result of ego, insecurity and performance pressure. In any case his histrionics are well supported by an equally whacko ensemble, all of whom seem to have alter egos to match the (in)sanity quotient of the group.

What results is an alarmingly inspired series of events which can make you think either of two things. A) why do I understand this?? B) how do I understand this?? Thankfully I thought the former, so I came out knowing what the pursuit of fame can drive people to.

A dark comedy with awkward moments which seem perfectly normal if you dive in to the world written, produced and created by director Alejandro G. Iñárritu.

3/5

The second best exotic marigold hotel (2015)

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The old crew is back (pun intended), this time they are settled in the pink city and looking forward to ‘sunny boy’s’ wedding.

The story moves forward with characteristic British humour and the wit we rely upon from stalwarts Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. Richard Gere becomes the ‘eye patch candy’ in the group and the looming expansion of the business provides the back drop of the tension.

Lots more music and dance make this a departure from its predecessor, but it’s heart is still in the place you left the first one. The line that resonated with me the most was, “There’s no such thing as an end, it’s only when you leave the story.”

Director John Madden has provided a fitting sequel for a film which embraces old age (if you are lucky to reach it) and death (how much time do we really have left?).

Watch it if you enjoyed the first one ( its more sober brother). You are in for more treats and irony.

3.5/5

Voice of Reason

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I marvelled at my 6 year old niece Miraya when she softly told her 13 year old sister, ‘You don’t need to do it, you WANT to do it.’Choosing words so carefully at her age, she provided a wisdom far beyond her years. Then a new mother explained the concept of ‘paralysing by over analysing’, where we beat the scenario to death in our minds, then not enjoying the scenario when it happens in real life. A good friend shared about being ‘too committed’, a trait seen as a hinderance in the work place and relationships in the modern world. An old friend asked me ‘So are you back to square one?’ I replied, ‘Nope, I am in a whole new board game now’. Watch out for the voice of reason, it can come from any age and person you meet. Sometimes you hear words uttered by yourself as if they were by someone else, because your understanding of the moment is greater than you would have imagined.

Badlapur (2015)

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The extent of damage caused by grief is seen in this intense film which keeps catching you off guard.

Director Sriram Raghavan has gone a step further in this tale of revenge, where we see gory scenes and details and have no time to digest them.

Varun Dhawan has portrayed the character of a man that spans more than two decades, playing a care free young man, a responsible married man and the rest that follows. He has a spectrum from a ‘happy go lucky full of life guy’ to a ‘raw menacing wide eyed freak’. There is a complete transformation and an unforgiving streak which make him unpredictably scary.

Nawazzudin Siddiqui on the other hand is perhaps the anti-Varun, dealing with the proceedings in the moment. He is non chalant and unaffected. The audience was stretched to process both of them.

The film is brilliant in exposing small moments from new angles which add a rich texture to the story. An ensemble cast effort, every member has played an important part.

The climax is the best part of the film. You don’t know how you arrived there. You don’t know how things will move forward. But the Indian audience has to be spoon fed so nothing is left to the imagination.

A dark grisly tale which is a highlight in varun’s career and another feather for Nawazzudin.

3.5/5

Whiplash (2014)

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Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, this musical drama is pitch perfect in capturing the struggles faced by musicians and the search of a genius by their mentors.

J.K. Simmons appears to be a monster in the guise of a teacher, a conductor who doesn’t miss the heart beat of a beat. Miles Teller, a 27 year old in real life plays a 19 year old aspirational drummer and when their paths cross it is an explosion of emotions and music.

For lovers of jazz and those who have a keen sense of hearing, this film is a delight to the ears. Intense with a completely unexpected climax, it will leave you in awe and perhaps awaken a dormant desire to pursue a hidden or potential talent.

This is one film where you have to skip the popcorn.

3.5/5

The Babadook (2014)

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An Australian psychological horror film, it
relies on intelligent camera work, lighting and a creepy yet simple tale to
scare us. It succeeds!

The faceless monster torments Amelia, the single mother (Essie
Davis) and her son Samuel (child actor Noah Wisemen) much as they try to reject
his existence. Both characters are played brilliantly with unerring ease. While
our heart goes out to the mom, the child is supremely talented in showing adult
like responses and instincts.

Director Jennifer Kent made this movie in a tiny sum of $2
million and not only does it pack a lot of shocks but it also plays with your
mind. For people like myself who like horror without gore, it was a good watch.

3/5

Foxcatcher (2014)

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A critically acclaimed film which offers pure
drama (without a background score) it relies on a simple yet effective
technique of building tension and strain.

The 3 principal cast members have displayed a layered
brilliance in their performances and have been nominated for, and won some
awards as well. Steve Carrell, Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum sport altered
physical features and body language. The lingering silences and soft hushed
tones make for many awkward moments.

Director Bennett Miller has captured the film with sweeping
cinematography, which creates a metaphorical imagery. It is very technically
sound in its approach and is a distinct runner for the awards, and audiences.

3/5

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We spend our entire lives trying to break patterns we develop during our formative years. If we are lucky we identify them. If we persevere we may just emerge victorious.

The Imitation Game (2014)

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Benedict Cumberbatch shows his talents lie well outside being the voice of ‘Smaug’ in his portrayal of mathematician Alan Turing, who was credited very late for working on a code-breaking machine that saved millions of lives. He is every bit the British genius who is socially awkward, has a brilliant isolated way of working out problems and is stifled emotionally.

The magnitude of his story and what he faces in his personal life is captured in great detail for the small budget by director Morten Tyldum. He has taken creative liberties from the book ‘Alan Turing : The Enigma’ by Andrew Hodges’, on which the film is based. He has added some cinematic value to what would have otherwise been dull proceedings and has a flair for characteristic British dry wit.

Keira Knightley plays a remarkably talented and driven woman Joan Clarke, who is fighting her own war of prejudice in the work place. A varied and talented supporting cast display different values and virtues, all of which complement the mood and tone of the film. Child artist Alex Lawther, who plays the young Turing, in particular, deserves mention.

An important piece of history is now a sensitive and intelligent piece of film making.

4/5