True Grit

English(U/A)

Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin

Directors: Ethan & Joel Coen

This western flick based on Charles Portis’ novel by same title is about 14-year-old girl Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) quest to kill her father’s murderer Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Let down by court she finds the unlikely companion in one-eyed gunslinger US Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Bridges). They are joined by Texas Ranger LeBeouf (Damon), a known talker but reliable man with his gun.

The film lives up to its title -powdered revenge story with love, humour and action since the start. The landscapes look wild and rusty. The cast has acted well. The unlikely story of 14-year-old girl who wanted to avenge her father is itself odd but Steinfeld makes its realistic with two well know actors Damon and Bridges by her side.  This film will appeal to both new age and old cowboy film fans.

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PREDATORS film review

English (A)
Cast: Sadrien Brody, Alice Braga, Laurence Fishburne
Director: Nimrod Antal

The “Predator” series that began in 1987 has come a long way after several glitches with the sequels. Now in “Predators” Adrien Brody takes over Arnold Schwarzenegger’s role and finds himself in a new land along with seven others.

Despite their killer’s instincts these mercenaries must fight together against deadly ‘aliens’ who have the power to hide themselves and read heat signals to spot their enemies.

The film is comparatively a simpler form of other “Predator” films. The jungle setting remains a vital part of the show and the pace of the story is given a push up.
However, the script includes many unnecessary scenes which only add to the already humdrum franchise. New characters have also been introduced to add interesting turns in the plot but they never really generate enough pressure to please the audience.

Despite several shortcomings one can still enjoy the far-fetched action scenes where there are large guns and gadgets.

“Predators” is not twice the fun watching “Predator”, yet if you shut your sense of reality you can be pretty satisfied.

Robert L Sungte

RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE (3D) film review

English (U/A) 
Cast: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Kim Coates, Shawn Roberts, Sienna Guillory, Spencer Locke
Director: Paul WS Anderson

The fourth edition of ‘Resident Evil’ series is literally an extension of the tired effort to keep the computer-game woman-hero’s character alive. The story continues from where the third part ends in a virus-infected world and with Alice (Milla Jovovich) attempting to get back her freedom.

The film makes a visual impression. However, director Paul Anderson is left with few things to experiment as the script lacks imagination and originality. Most of the action sequences are mixture of popular action stunts, notably that of ‘The Matrix’. The only difference being the 3D effects.

Despite the striking visual interplay, ‘Resident Evil: After Life’ has little to offer except zombies and Ali Larter who look like they really need some medicines to get their acts together. And most of all, there are no surprises.

Milla Jovovich can still breathe easy as the film ends somewhat inconclusively. But how long the threadbare adventure will last is hard to say if film makers continue to fall ill due to the technology bug — 3D.

Robert, Deccan Herald

THE LAST AIRBENDER film review

“The Last Airbender” is the story of airbender Aang (Noah Ringer), the avatar who helps maintain the balance of life among Fire, Water, Earth and Air nations. When Aang disappears for a 100 years, all the other Airbenders are killed by Fire Lord Ozai (Curtis). To make sure that no airbender is left, he sends his son Prince Zuko (Patel) to track down Aang. Meanwhile, a frozen Aang is found by the last Waterbender, Katara (Peltz), and her brother, Sokka (Rathbone). Now, they must find a way to bring back order.

Shyamalan’s adventure with “The Last Airbender” falls short of just being a big flop. It is not clear as to which audience he is catering to. There are in fact no thrilling or humourous moments which are essential in making kids laugh and awestruck. The film also lacks strong characters to please adult movie goers.

The dialogue is one of the worst in any of Shyamalan’s films. It makes even those supposed to be funny moments rigid and still. The only saving grace is little Noah Ringer as the Avatar. Otherwise, “The Last Airbender” is dull.

By Robert L. Sungte, Deccan Herald

The American film review

English (A) 
Cast: George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli
Director: Anton Corbijn

George Clooney plays “The American”, involved in supplying guns to assassins and sometimes taking part in the action as well.

The promos focussed on action but in reality this is a big disappointment for Clooney fans as he is reduced to a man who is really not comfortable doing what is given to him. Even thou-gh he tries hard to look artistic, Clooney’s looks make him unrealistic, which, incidentally may be a big relief for his fans.

This film is one of the most confusing thrillers. Despite a killer beginning, it slumps into hollow and painfully slow pace till the end. The script and scre-enplay never lift up the suspe-nse. If you are one who expected hot action flick, you are in for big disappointment.

By Robert L Sungte, Deccan Herald