Nothing but the Truth (2008)

The director Rod Lurie has made a ballsy movie showing the people what the US government is capable of, which can stir up some comments about the administration. The movie as it began showed me a determined reporter named Rachel Armstrong played by Kate Beckinsale, who is a strong mother and who will fight for the right thing in this corrupt world. An assassination attempt is made on the US president which failed and they believe it had Venezuelan connection towards it. CIA operative Erica Van Doren played by Vera Farmiga proves that Venezuelan connection is bogus but the US government disregards it and attacks Caracas, Rachel gets the story from a source which isn’t mentioned but blows the cover of CIA operative Erica Van Doren and puts the national government in a tight spot.

 Now the story revolves on how did Rachel get this information, who was her source and the whole movie revolves around this, the source is a suspense till the end which keeps the movie interesting and rooting for Rachel’s cause. Matt Dillon plays the prosecutor and his role is strong and effective. He is very intimidative in his new character. Rod Lurie as a screen writer is brilliant, he shows the issues faced, with great depth and clarity also shows that a reporter not revealing the source may have a deeper meaning than we can imagine.

The drama in this movie builds on and keeps the suspense till the end the most awaited scene as it was one of the reasons I found the movie interesting. The end can definitely have mixed responses like some may be angry and the others sad. Although I would call this movie a definite mood changer.

This movie can be viewed with audiences of all age groups. And better not miss such a movie which focuses on current issues faced.

My final verdict for this movie will be 3.5/5.

Based on the Acting, Screenplay & As it was based on a real story.

Nothing but the Truth (2008)

Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon, Vera Farmiga, Alan Alda.

Run time: 1hr 48 mins.

Director: Rod Lurie

Rating: R rated

Release Date: 2008

Psycho (1960)

Psycho has definitely laid a firm foundation into a new line of cinema. There will be many movies after this masterpiece trying to replicate the magic it produced. I can guarantee that this movie had kept me guessing the whole time about the climax, but it proved me wrong on various occasions. Sir Alfred Hitchcock with his perfect direction has created a rich and high standard in films, definitely Hitchcock’s best & the sound effects used throughout the movie gives us a message that this isn’t a regular type of movie.

The character Norman Bates is very well portrayed and the standout among the brilliant cast of this movie. He has created a new villain to be scared about & can probably tell us that psychopaths are not born but created, something we never expected. The dialogues said by Norman Bates which show his evil side, can certainly give you chills down your spine. The character building of Marion Crane let me believe that she would be the heart and soul of the movie, but yes I was wrong which was unexpected because of the incredible story telling in this movie. Norman Bates’s house itself is creepy which also plays a major part in this movie.

When it comes to movie making and creating a new dimension to movies, this movie is definitely highly recommended. There is so much to learn, from the splitting title at the beginning till the chain pulled through the skull at the end, which all had hidden meanings of their own.

This is definitely a PG -13 movie and to all the movie freaks around the world, it’s a must watch piece of art. There might be a new Alfred Hitchcock in the making after watching this movie.

Final verdict -4.5/5. Mystery/Horror/Thriller.

PSYCHO

Director: Alfred Hitchcock.                                                                           

Rating: R Rated.

Cast: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam.       

Year: 1960.    

Length: 1hr 49mins.      

Jumanji (1995)- Review

It begins and sets a great hype to expect something adventurous and a scary thriller. The movie has its moments that’s why I completed watching it. If it wasn’t for robin Williams and witty puns through the movie I would have never enjoyed it. A definite treat because we do not know what to expect.

Although I can’t compare Jumanji with any movie I have seen. Its unique in its own way there might be sequels to this instalment or movie makers might make movies based on this concept. In that case am thankful to be watching something first of its kind.

A scene set in 1869 where two kids try to get rid of the box named Jumanji and they also say god have mercy on the soul who finds the box. This hype in the beginning astonishes you and then the next scene is after 100 years in 1969. Where a kid named Alan Parish finds the game and gets sucked into it, now this was a great introduction. This lets you know that you are in for a treat. The rest of the movie revolves around finishing the game.

The movie creates a stage to expect something scary, as Alan parish (Robin Williams) explains to the kid what to be afraid of. in the remainder of the movie that spark is lost. Although the one liners are done well. The comic scenes are brilliant, which I think definitely kept the movie alive. Though I did not expect it to be humorous but in the end those were the highlights of the movie. Definitely great acting performance from everyone, major stars would be Robin Williams & Kirsten Dunst. The visual effects by Joe Johnston is very convincing, although not up to mark as 1993’s Jurassic Park. But it’s still a job well done, especially the introduction of the lion and the stampede scene of all the animals which causes havoc in the town.

I would definitely recommend this movie to all movie-goers. Although this movie will be more enjoyed with kids and the young teens rather than the adults.

Final verdict – 3/5. Adventurous/Comedy/Entertainer

JUMANJI (1995)

Director: Joe Johnston                                                                                                Rating: PG-13

Cast: Robin Williams, Jonathan Hyde, Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce, Bonnie Hunt

Year: 1995                                                                                                      Length: 1hr 45min

Jurassic Park (1993) - Review

This movie is a classic. Steven Spielberg at his best. Even 20 years from now I know that I would enjoy this movie. Jurassic park made me believe in the impossible with the amazing effects throughout the movie. I was never not interested and probably at my feet during most of the scenes. The only other movie that kept me this excited was ‘predator’ starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is one of those movies that I’ll be proud to say that it’s from my generation.

The movie starts off showing about an island near Costa Rica where the dinosaur reserve named Jurassic park is located. Then join the experts to give credibility for the Jurassic park before it gets launched to the people. Dr Alan Grant (Sam Neill), his partner, paleo-botanist Dr Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and the brilliant-but-cynical mathematician Dr Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum). When the trio arrives at Jurassic Park, they are astonished by what it represents. It doesn't take long, however, for astonishment to turn to horror.

The music is perfect for me as it kept on giving me scares and chills. The introduction of Tyrannosaurs Rex is a great example and the two little kid’s reaction shows some class acting. There are many notable scenes which have excelled in music even the last scene in the kitchen when a raptor is hunting and there is pin drop silence, detail is given to every tiny sound at that time which keeps you on your toes. The direction is stand out as its by Steven Spielberg, incredible work of art and masterpiece. The story is good and builds on and doesn’t lose track from the plot. Although there are certain plot holes in the movie, for example they don’t show how they created the eggs. Only thing we know is they have the DNA of the dinosaurs. Then there is another plot hole when Lex (Ariana Richards) takes over the computer to get the security back on. There’s a raptor attacking them and they need to close the door with the help of the computer. They are successful at it and they lock the raptor out but in the next scene he is back and attacking. There is no scene showing how he found a way to attack them again.

I would recommend this movie to every movie goer out there to not miss this movie at any cost.

My final verdict for it will be 4/5 stars.

Jurassic Park (United States, 1993)

Director: Steven Spielberg

Cast: Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Laura Dern, Joseph Mazzello, Ariana Richards

Run Time: 2:06

U.S. Release Date: 1993-06-11

MPAA Rating: "PG-13" (Violence)