Toy Story 3
Lee Unkrich | USA | 2010
103 min

Consistent – that’s the word that best describes both the Toy Story series and Pixar’s monumental achievement that is this third film in the saga. If the Pixar of the past was about creating films with increasing levels of sophistication and depth, the new Pixar proves that, miraculous as it may seem, it can go on doing this quite consistently even with a trilogy, in an age where most sequels rarely measure up to their original. A week after having seen it, I still can’t quite place where Toy Story 3 ranks amongst the others (better than the first or its sequel? you decide), but what I do know is that I can’t quite stop thinking about how stellar and emotionally satisfying it was. continue reading »»

We list’em, you pick’em.

Oceans

Narration: Pierce Brosnan
Director: Jacques Perrin, and Jacques Cluzaud
Genre: Documentary
Running Time: 84 min

Synopsis: An ecological drama/documentary, filmed throughout the globe. Part thriller, part meditation on the vanishing wonders of the sub-aquatic world.

What We Think: A must see, especially for documentary buffs or anyone who wants to watch something educational that also happens to look gorgeous on big screen. This is our pick for the weekend. continue reading »»

We list’em, you pick’em

The Karate Kid

Starring: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, and Taraji P. Henson
Director: Harald Zwart
Genre: Action, Drama, Family, Sport
Running Time: 140 min

Synopsis: When 12 years-old Dre moves to China with his single mother, he tries to adapt to the major changes in his life and starts to consider China home. But when the school bully harasses and beats him, Dre with the help of Mr. Han the maintenance man, who is secretly a Kung Fu Master, trains to be a Kung Fu fighter to defend himself and win a Kung Fu tournament.

What We Think: Surprisingly and perhaps even unexpectedly, this film has left a positive impression on our WM reviewers. Faizan Rashid says “it is definite a crowd-pleaser; an improbable underdog Rocky tale for children”. Shariq Madani Says “By not being too ambitious or commercialized, The Karate Kid retains an innocence that many movies of this scale lack.” We say it’ s definitely worth a watch. continue reading »»

The Karate Kid
Harald Zwart | USA | 2010
140 min

The new Karate Kid doesn’t even learn Karate – he learns Kung Fu. That’s not the only significant change viewers who adored or grew up on the original from the 80′s can expect. The story shifts base from the US to China, a move that embraces 21st Century’s globalized view of the world as a shrinking village. This remake does what every good, successful remake should do, builds on the strengths of the original while downplaying its weaknesses. continue reading »»

The Karate Kid
Harald Zwart | USA | 2010
140 min

Although a star-vehicle for Jaden Smith, The Karate Kid manages to capture enough heart to be a respectable film. As a classic underdog story, it echoes movies like Rocky, channeling it for a new audience via a charismatic young lead. Owing to its genre, there is not much unpredictable about the story, yet it works suitably to be a crowd-pleaser. continue reading »»

The A-Team
Joe Carnahan | USA | 2010
117 min

You’re unlikely to be whistling the A-team theme tune on your way home after watching the film. Though used sporadically, it, and the film, just doesn’t leave their mark. Featuring an intense, highly convoluted setup, this is an action movie created using excesses – its attempt to entertain are based on the philosophy of sensory overkill and it leaves you longing for more simpler films. continue reading »»

We list’em, you pick’em

The A-Team

Starring: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, and Jessica Biel
Director: Joe Carnahan
Genre: Action, Adventure
Running Time: 117 min

Synopsis: A group of Iraq War veterans looks to clear their name with the U.S. military, who suspect the four men of committing a crime for which they were framed.

What We Think: This film is the epitome of silly summer films. It is a mindless action film adapted from a very popular cheesy (dare we say it, terrible?) 80′s TV series. Keeping that in mind, you should be able to enjoy the ride, but don’t ask for much more. continue reading »»

The Ghost Writer
Roman Polanski | UK | 2010
128 min

Roman Polanski is a consummate artist. The Ghost Writer could be described as a political thriller and then left at just being that, but it is so much more. Encompassing some of the director’s favourite motifs, it is the quintessential Polanski film, representing his uncompromising nature and drenched in the harsh pessimism shaped by his own tumultuous personal life. continue reading »»