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The Grand Tour (2016)
Top Gear did not fire Jeremy Clarkson, Jeremy Clarkson fired Top Gear
When The Grand Tour began last year, it seemed like some of the magic was lost. It seemed like the magic of Top Gear could not be brought back again. Despite trying hard to like the new avatar the epic show, the loyal audience was left dissatisfied. I personally found myself going back and watching the good old Top Gear episodes - trying to relive some of the joy, with sadness. Something seemed to have been lost.
A few months passed, and while visiting a friend,I happened to watch part of an episode of season 2. In this ep JC was reviewing a KIA. What? This was extreme disappointment - nail to the coffin. I went home after the funeral hoping never to see the dead show again.
Days passed but the heartache never ended. In extreme pain, just like you would rebound with an ex, I turned on the TV - keeping aside my self respect. Watched S2E2, then E3, E4. The GT was listening and responding. Overjoyed I was eagerly waiting for E5 and watched it as it came out. Ken Block wiped from the face of the earth with JC's Farmkhana shot in GoAmateur. Then E6 came and finally, having just watched the epic story of Lancia's world rally championship win - I am exhilarated to see the magic of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May BACK AGAIN in this, even more epic, The GT!!
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
LOTR experience relived, much better that the prequel 'An unexpected journey'
I have not read any of the LOTR or Hobbit books, but I am a big fan of the LOTR movies.
After watching 'The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey', I did not have great expectations from this sequel. However, within 10 minutes into the movie I felt much better. It is much more creative and more entertaining at various levels. The Lord of the Rings experience was back and I would even say The Hobbit : desolation of Smaug has taken entire LOTR package to another level.
The movie begins with Gandalf meeting Thorin at 'The Prancing Pony' pub at Bree, same place where the hobbits in LOTR will meet Aragorn. Gandalf convinces Thorin to go to the Lonely Mountain to fetch Arkenstone and lead the 7 dwarf kingdoms into a battle and this fetching the Arkenstone is what this sequel is all about. Thorin is then seen journeying with other dwarfs and Gandalf towards the lonely mountain. Midway, at the forest gate Gandalf parts ways with the Dwarfs+Hobbit company and advices them to 'not leave the path' as they cross the forest. While crossing the forest the Dwarfs lose the path and are attacked by a group of giant spiders (similar to the one 'Shelob' seen in LOTR 3). The scene where Bilbo looks down the canopy to discover the spiders till towards the end the elves come (Legolas and Tauriel) is intense and keeps you glued to your seat.
The dwarfs are captured by the Elves and imprisoned. We are introduced to a younger Legolas who likes Tauriel. During the captivity, Bilbo had used the ring to stay invisible and later comes to rescue the dwarfs. The entire escape scene starting from dwarfs entering the barrels till the end of fight amongst orcs, elves(Legolas and Tauriel) and dwarfs is one of THE BEST fight scenes ever. I repeat it is one of the best fight scenes ever in the movies. There is good humor in the movie and introduced at places and in ways that seems extremely welcome.
After the escape from Elvish town the Dwarf Company meets Bard, who is introduced as a man trying to feed his family. He agrees to help the dwarfs in exchange for money. After entering the lake town the movie slows down a bit, and probably the slightly boring parts of the movie are during this time. However during this time the audience is told about the prophecy and other essential elements of the story take place. The last scenes of using the furnaces to melt gold and casted into a giant statue to kill Smaug the dragon is one of the best in CGI. The entire treasure scene with fights and runs is stunning graphics. The golden dragon emerging out of cave and then flying into the sky dusting off the solidified gold from its body looks brilliant. The movie ends with a good 5 second pause when Smaug escapes, with clear intention of destroying the lake village.
Some expectations have already been build up during this movie for the sequel to come. Bard should play a lead role in killing the Dragon. The Black Arrow remains hidden on a boat. The budding love between Tauriel and Kili will have some impact in the future. The talks of a war that is being raged are already there. Sauron is growing powerful. The Dragon has escaped. Arkenstone may, or may not have been picked by Bilbo. Lets wait for the next and find out.
Great movie and good entertaining 3 hours.
Scenic Route (2013)
Highly Underrated
This movie is a beautiful surprise. A rating of 6 something doesn't do justice to this title. I rate it a point higher just to contribute to correcting what seems to be a skewed rating.
The movie's most boring parts are the first 10 minutes, once the character development is complete and the stage set, a beautiful play is under execution. A series of serious quarrels erupt and get sorted that may remind you of some similar situation that happened with a close friend, very close to reality. The highs of unfriendliness leading to worsening of the already troubled situation. Some clichés here an there ( missing occasional passers by - that 'so near yet so far' thing reminds me of Bollywood ) but surprisingly they don't seem out of place and appropriately fit into the scenario.
Suspense is high, interest is high (I did not get bored on this one) has a relieving feel towards the end, with an end that, may be, is most suited - open to interpretations.
Someone wise whom I was talking to recently told me "You only see what you want to see" and with this movie I think it's completely true. It will be perceived differently by different viewers. Overall a must watch.
The Nines (2007)
Somewhat fresh concept - Gets boring at times
This is one of those movies which scatter all the pieces and in the end all of them start fitting together into something beautiful. So as expected the best parts of the movie are towards the end but what 'The Nines' lacks is that these pieces get pretty dull and boring at times. One cannot watch an entire 90+ minutes movie just for a pleasing end and exploration of concept. When done with the movie i got that 'not worth it' feeling with a mixture of dissatisfaction for a good concept been wasted.
Should you watch it? Yes, it is watchable.
If the story ended in a way where it left the movie open to various interpretations (a presentation very much possible with this one) and left the audience in surprise and with questions, would have been more appropriate than the usual happy family ending. A Donnie Darko end with a sad mysterious feeling could have added great quality to the movie.
I had a feeling that i was watching a sitcom the entire time with Ryan Reynolds in it. Give me that movie feel and add one more star but for this its 6/10.