Real Steel is the real deal

Reviewed by Debolina Sengupta

Confession first. I went to watch Real Steel only and only for Hugh Jackman (girly reasons completely). And 15 minutes into the movie I was slightly bored. It looked all too obvious. I half thought that it would be one of those emotional drama movies with robots in it, but with the movie's progression, I started enjoying it. Jackman is to die for as a father, lover and a robo-boxing freak while his on screen son Max, played by Dakota Goyo is believable.

Won't give out too much of the movie since the last complaint that I have been typing out spoilers, but this is one movie you can't miss if you are looking for a complete package. Most of the moments in the movie are guessable, but the way they are treated makes them perfect in every sense. You will cry with the characters, be on the edge and pray for the "little guy" to win over the powerful and you will also be completely involved in every step of their journey.

In an age of 3D cinema, Real Steel proves that it's the story that makes a film a winner. The robot part of the movie is carefully intertwined in the narrative without making it jarring while the father-son bonding is given more preference. Perfect combo of acting, special affects and post production. This movie is a winner staying true to its tagline- courage is stronger than steel.

In case you are someone who loves spending time and money on a movie that gives you a good feeling in your heart, Real Steel is the real deal.

Rating: 4/5

Rango: An Oasis in an Animation Desert

Rango

Reviewed by Adam Minor

Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp re-team to bring us Rango, an animated western that is as odd as it is appealing. I found myself constantly mulling over this film for hours after I saw it. I would almost say that this film is not a children's movie, but it definitely is.

Johnny Depp voices Rango, a pet chameleon that's found himself stranded in the desert. Rango is directed to a local town called Dirt that's inhabited by various desert animals. An avid thespian, Rango presents himself as an adventured outlaw and quickly rises to the rank of town sheriff. As sheriff, Rango vows to discover why there's no more water in Dirt, but what he finds may surprise him.

Perfectly cast, the characters of Rango  have unique and distinct personalities. Alongside Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Ned Beatty, Bill Nighy, Timothy Olyphant and Harry Dean Stanton bring their characters to the forefront of the action.

The plot provides no new exercises in cinema, but the presentation and acting still make it feel fresh. I wouldn't be surprised if the plot was merely another film reference, as this movie is filled with them. To say that this film is full of other film references is not to say that they are as commanding and in-your-face as say, Scary Movie, but this film was definitely made by film lovers.

I said earlier that part of me thinks this isn't a kid's movie, and that's partly because of the animation. The characters are so detailed and vivid, that when it comes to some of the moles and other rats, the detail is gross and almost frightening. The film, though, keeps itself grounded in a dialogue and action sequences that don't take itself too seriously, and provides a fun and sometimes, goofy atmosphere.

One of my favourite things about this movie is the fact that it's in amazing 2-D! The company opted not to film this in 3-D which is almost blasphemy in this day and age. But, for once, the audience wasn't subjected to cheap tricks of props attacking them from the screen.

Rango, with its superb voicing and detailed animation is a rare find in today's animation.

Rating: 3/5

Satrangee Parachute Review

Satrangee Parachute

Reviewed by Sab Khan

Unlike its colourful name, Satrangee Parachute is a very depressing children’s film. After watching the movie, I was thoroughly depressed by the fact that film makers have completely run out of impressive ideas to appeal to the younger audience. Unlike Hollywood movies like Wall E, Madagascar or Narnia, Satrangee Parachute was not even close to the being smart, clever and impulsive. Kids’ entertainment needs a major revamp in this industry.

Satrangee Parachute is about a bunch of boys from Nainital who travel to Mumbai from, in search of an amazing parachute for a blind girl. But when they reach Mumbai, the scenario is entirely different. The innocent boys are completely unaware of the darker sides of life and soon get stuck amongst gangsters and terrorists who plan on exploiting the kids.

There are some points to be noted hidden between the lines of the script but I think the genre was inadequate for the portrayal of such a grim idea. Being a children’s flick, it should be lighter, but it was far from being even funny, neither for the kids nor for adults.

I wouldn’t suggest any parent out there to let their kids watch the movie with the notion that it is a “kiddo type”. Avoiding the movie would be a better option.

Rating: 1/5