Hanna

A young girl (Saoirse Ronan) is trained to be a killing machine in an icy wilderness by her father (Eric Bana). Then with nary an explanation they announce themselves to the people they are supposedly hiding from and split up. Soon they have an obviously evil Cate Blanchett hot on their heels. Inevitable splices of action and chases is soon followed by the obvious climax. Through out which the film is limply held together by a whispering storyline. Thankfully the Chemical Brother filled in the void.

Rating: * +

Airbag

The Spanish claimed that Delhi Belly had vestiges from an old 90’s flick from Spain. So the plan was made for the movie, chicken wings and other things.

Dumbo Konradin is engaged to a rich countess’s daughter and wears a multi-million dollar wedding ring. Weddings also mean bachelor parties with much debauchery. Konradin is dragged to a brothel by his friends who actually have more fun than him. Unfortunately for him, he ends up losing the ring up a prostitute’s ass. So like in Delhi Belly jewels are involved here too followed by insane number of underworld dons and their underlings. But like how a lot was lost in translation from Hindi much Spanish humor was missed. However thanks to this film many things in life will be “mui profesional” and sub-machine gun will always be somachigún.

Rating: * *

Delly Belly

Came into my radar after I had read about a song from the movie - on a chap called D K Bose. From the production room of Aamir Khan, Delhi Belly is yet another stylish Bollywood movie thats being churned out on a regular basis - capturing the escapdes of 3 urban young nothings. Not one of the pretentious self-discovery shit that films like these often are: like Rock On was or the new Abhay Deol/Hrithik Roshan movie. Lots of swearing, farting, shitting, passion, bullets flying around and comedy sequences that were, well, quite funny.

Rating: * * +

Ip Man 2

Take Ip Man, replace the Japanese with the Brits, remove all historical context and you will be left with the second film that supposedly peeks in to the life of Bruce Lee’s master. Throw in Sammo Hung for old time sake, but nothing can save this film from inducing coma in the viewers.

Rating: *

Let the bullets fly

Talking of highest grossing films, I finally watched China's all time box office hit. Highly recommended by Nek, it took bit of an effort to get hold of a copy with English subtitles. After all that, I was left disappointed as the action was limited & with Bollywood style editing. Couldnt see what the deal was. But there was a whole load of crisp, bullet sharp conversation which seemed rather tame as I read the subtitles - I suspect all the wit was lost in translaton. 

Rating: * *

El secreto de sus ojos

A murder-thriller made with great style. Benjamin Esposito, a retired lawyer, resurrects details of a murder that he had investigated 25 years ago as inspiration for a novel. It brings back memories of the brutal murder, his genius alcoholic partner, the chase for justice and his unconsumated love. For 120 mins, director Juan José Campanella captures your imagination as the intricate story is laid out (though the last scene was a copout) and outstanding camera work fills the screen - the sequence in the football stadium is one of the greatest I have seen in a long time. "The secret in their eyes", as of last year, was apparently the highest grossing movie in Argentina over 25 years.

Rating: * * *