I'd take Maa over Maal

DUM MAARO DUM (2011)

Dum Maaro Dum is more like the scribbles of a Tarantino fanboy, than a stylish original, provocative film. 7 Khoon Maaf was another recent film that stumbled into this dark pit.

You Know My Name (look up the number)

UNKNOWN (2011)

Liam Neeson aced it with 2008’s surprise hit Taken. He kicked ass trying to save his daughter. Here he is saving his identity. But he doesn’t really kick ass.

Hello yet again, Sidney!

SCREAM 4 (2011)

a.k.a SCRE4M

I do call myself a fan of the Scream movies. The first Scream (1996) was absolutely brilliant. It was a first of its kind. A postmodern, self-reflexive, satirical, A-grade slasher horror film. The second one Scream 2 (1997) was also highly appreciated by fans, although the second half of the movie didn't fully satisfy me but who cares about that! The third one, Scream 3 (2000), disappointed fans but lived up to my expectations.

*Beep* you

THANK YOU (2011)

I have liked a few Anees Bazmee films in the past. No Entry (2005) I thought was genuinely funny. Singh is Kinng (2008) had its moments too. Deewangee (2002) was an unofficial remake of Primal Fear (1996), worked only in parts because of Ajay Devgan but heavily pales in comparison with Primal Fear. Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998) wasn't as bad either, another unofficial remake (French Kiss). I thought Welcome (2007) was as awful as it can get. Boy was I wrong!?

Fly but not so high

RIO (2011)

I love animated movies. You know that you won’t be disappointed. Even the worst animated films aren’t half as bad as the other films. Yes I am generalizing, but considering the past decade it’s completely called for.

So is Rio the great cinema going experience like the recent - Wall-E, Toy Story 3, Up, Fantastic Mr. Fox, How To Train Your Dragon, The Illusionist, Despicable Me… (I could name 30 more)… well, is it? Frankly, no. Carlos Saldhana has made better films before. The Ice Age films of course, and even Robots (2005). 

Sun and Sand-ler

JUST GO WITH IT (2011)

I must confess I am not the biggest Adam Sandler fan. Before you take my word for this one (or even consider it) you must know this piece of information. Strangely enough, Adam Sandler is one of those stars in Hollywood who just needs to sleep-walk his way to the set and he will have a hit. He’s found his audience and they sure know what to expect (or not expect).

I knew what to expect too. Honestly I’ve seen almost every Adam Sandler film. I do tend to go soft on this guy. Yes, yes, yes, this is going in that direction where I’m finding difficult to admit I did not hate this film! I kind of enjoyed it. It was more like a guilty pleasure. 

 

What a coincidence!

THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (2011)

I see Adjustment Bureau as something like Serendipity (2001) + Vanilla Sky (2001). It’s more complex than Serendipity and simpler than Vanilla Sky. 

More after the jump.