Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) - English Movie Review

Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) - English Movie Review

Cast :

• Patrick Wilson as Josh Lambert
• Garrett Ryan as young Josh
• Rose Byrne as Renai Lambert
• Ty Simpkins as Dalton Lambert
• Lin Shaye as Elise Ranier
• Lindsay Seim as young Elise
• Barbara Hershey as Lorraine Lambert
• Jocelin Donahue as young Lorraine
• Steve Coulter as Carl
• Hank Harris as young Carl
• Leigh Whannell as Specs
• Angus Sampson as Tucker
• Andrew Astor as Foster Lambert
• Danielle Bisutti as Mother of Parker Crane
• Tom Fitzpatrick as Bride in Black / Old Parker
• Tyler Griffin as young Parker
• Michael Beach as Detective Sendal
• J. LaRose as Long-haired fiend
• Brooke Peoples as Neighbor Jessica
• Edwina Findley as Front Desk Nurse Hillary
• Stephanie Pearson as Dark-haired woman
• Jorge Pallo as Brian
• Priscilla Garita as Natalie
• Jenna Ortega as Annie
• Dannay Rodriguez as Allison

Directed by : James Wan
Produced by : Jason Blum, Oren Peli
Screenplay by : Leigh Whannell
Story by : James Wan, Leigh Whannell
Music by : Joseph Bishara
Cinematography : John R. Leonetti
Editing by : Kirk Morri
Studio : IM Global, Entertainment One, Blumhouse Productions
Distributed by : FilmDistrict, Stage 6 Films

This is a difficult one. On the one hand, the constant use of jump scares, which last for about two-thirds of the running time, feels like a cheat. The camera closes in on an actor, the music drops, and then, suddenly, WHAM, something appears, screams indecipherably, and a discordant note strikes. Repeat. And repeat, repeat, and repeat. It’s not difficult to do, and director James Wan (Saw) does it so frequently that you start to wonder, fairly early, if he can do anything else.

He doesn’t seem to, since the story is nonexistent for a large part of the beginning, and once Wan finally settles down and tells it, it gets convoluted and downright silly.

What we do get, at least before the spoiler-mark, is a flashback to 1986. Young Josh Lambert (Garrett Ryan) is troubled by spooky visions so his parents call in Elise Ranier (Lin Shaye), a paranormal something-or-other who senses deadly presences and then decides to hypnotize Lambert into forgetting everything. Jump to the present day, where Josh (Patrick Wilson), his wife Renai (Rose Byre), and son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) are recovering from the events of the first film. Josh starts acting strange, and Renai suspects something’s come back with him (come back from the supernatural place he went in the first film). At the same time, two bumbling ghost chasers, Specs (Leigh Whannell) and Tucker (Angus Sampson), team up with quasi-psychic and former colleague of Elise, Carl (Steve Coulter), and Josh’s mother, Lorraine (Barbara Hershey) to contact the spirit of (Spoiler for the first film) Elise.

That’s about the most detailed I can get without ruining some parts, but I don’t think it matters much, because…because, well, on the other hand, Insidious: Chapter 2 is a movie that knows what it wants to do, and while its ambitions aren’t very high, I’d be lying if I didn’t say it does it quite well.

This is a jumpy movie, and it’s likely the jumpiest you’ll see for a while. The isolation and claustrophobia of Wan’s setting and camera is uncomfortable, and he releases his grip only when he has to do something other than spook. As creepy and eerie and even funny (Wan tries to get a rise from everything, and the misfires and cliches, whether intentional or not, get some laughs) as the movie is when it starts, it hurts the remainder because the characters, up to the point until we’re supposed to start caring about them, have existed only to threaten or be threatened. If Wan wants to evoke some sympathy and concern for Josh and Renai and Dalton, he probably shouldn’t spend most of his time simply abusing them.

And yet, I admire Wan for keeping me edgy. The scares should get old and ineffective simply from their volume, but they don’t.

So what can I say? It’s the 2010s’ version of a ’50s B-movie: clunky, yes, but it does the job. If you like being spooked, you’ll get your money’s worth; if you want something more, well, what are you expecting from a movie called Insidious: Chapter 2?

Phata Poster Nikhla Hero (2013) - Hindi Movie Review

Phata Poster Nikhla Hero (2013) - Hindi Movie Review

Cast :

• Shahid Kapoor as Vishwas Rao
• Ileana D'Cruz as Kajal
• Padmini Kolhapure
• Darshan Jariwala
• Saurabh Shukla
• Sanjay Mishra
• Zakir Hussain
• Mukesh Tiwari
• Rana Jung Bahadur
• Deepika Kamaiah
• Tinnu Anand
• Nargis Fakhri (special appearance in an item song)
• Salman Khan as himself in a special appearance

Directed by : Rajkumar Santoshi
Produced by : Ramesh Taurani, Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur
Written by : Rajkumar Santoshi
Music by : Pritam
Cinematography : Ravi Yadav
Editing by : Steven Bernard
Studio : Tips Music Films

Films like Phata Poster Nikla Hero make me wonder about the larger purpose. What drove the makers to make this film? So, here we have the theme of a wannabe actor landing himself in situations which force him to become a real life hero. Squeezed in you have a mother's aspirations for her son. All of this is made out to be silly, just in case you take any of this seriously. But, then the laughs drain out because of repetitions and/or labored explanations. The story knows not where to stop and you are running around in circles much like the characters in supposedly comic climax fight sequence.

Andaz Apna Apna had an elaborate and absolutely hilarious last fight sequence - purely because it was silly beyond comprehension. Phata Poster Nikla Hero seemed to be gearing up to something similar. Unfortunately, it wasn't even close. Also, the sensibilities have changed since the 90s too. Which pretty much can be said of all of Phata Poster Nikla Hero.

From the texture of the film to characters like the righteous mother - the film has a very dated feel about it. As if the makers were relishing nostalgia, rather than make a fresh film. The only thing fresh about the film is Shahid Kapoor's performance. Yes, the role and the film's genre require him to be loud and so he is. Yet, there is a certain composure about his performance within the context of his character. He over-acts and yet there is some constraint to not get annoying.

Ileana D'Cruz on the other hand irritates soon enough, especially at places where she is required to pause between words for effect. The timing is all wrong. Though its cute to see Padmini Kolhapure back, her performance is as theatrical as it ever was. Darshan Jariwala, Zakir Hussain, Sudhir Mishra all go about their dos like they would in any third film that they do.

I must say though, there are times when you can't help but laugh at the silliness on screen. Much like Andaz Apna Apna - despite the annoying self-referencing jokes strewn across the film. But, of course, these times are few and far between. Less often than the completely out-of-context songs that are picturised in a completely different tone to make the misfit even worse.

In general, I find silly comedy cumboresome. Even Andaz Apna Apna, arguably the silliest of them all took its time to grow on me. At least, it went all out there. Phata Poster Nikla Hero seems like the writers lost steam within 30 minutes of run-time. How are we supposed to hold up for another two hours?

Veena Malik's film Real life of Super Model promotions at Delhi

Veena Malik's film Real life of Super Model promotions at Delhi

Veena Malik's film Real life of Super Model promotions at Delhi

Veena Malik's film Real life of Super Model promotions at Delhi

Veena Malik's film Real life of Super Model promotions at Delhi

Rajinikanth to join politics?

Rajinikanth to join politics?

For more than a decade now, the fans of Superstar Rajinikanth have wanted him to join politics, while the star has been evading the topic and has neither confirmed nor denied anything concretely. The buzz of the Superstar joining politics has started again after BJP state president Pon Radhakrishnan while Trichy appealed to actor Rajnikanth to voice in favour of the party in the upcoming parliament election for the welfare of the country.

Radhakrishan was in the city to inspect the ongoing works for the scheduled youth wing conference venue at G- Corner where the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is to address the youth from the state. Recently upset over the continued silence of super star Rajinikanth over his entry into politics, some of his fans in Coimbatore had come out with posters urging him to aspire for the top seat of power in the state, the chief minister's mantle, in the next assembly elections.

Happy Birthday, Priya Anand

Happy Birthday, Priya Anand

It's a special day for actress Priya Anand as she celebrates her birthday today. The actor, who celebrates her 27th birthday today, is going great guns in her career. She has a flurry of projects in the pipeline, including Vanakkam Chennai, Irumbu Kuthirai, Vai Raja Vai, Arima Nambi to name a few. Her last release in Tamil was Ethir Neechal, which had Sivakarthikeyan in the lead. The film was a success at the BO.

The actress made her foray into Bollywood as well with veteran actress Sridevi's comeback film English Vinglish.

Kamal Haasan shoots his villain

Kamal Haasan shoots his villain

Kamal Haasan's Vishwaroopam 2, the second part of his superhit Vishwaroopam is making brisk progress and the Bollywood actor and villain of the film, Rahul Bose is in the city shooting for the film. The portions of Kamal and Rahul Bose are being shot in the current schedule and the duo seems to sharing knowledge behind the camera.

Bollywood actor Rahul Bose who portrayed a menacing militant commander Omar in Vishwaroopam tweeted "Spent today filming for #Vishwaroopam2 with Mr Haasan. Always stimulating chatting with him. Books, cinema, India...we covered it all!"

Kamal Hassan, Andrea, Pooja Kumar and Rahul Bose starrer Vishwaroopam-2 is expected to release at the earliest and Kamal will be seen in a complete avatar in this film. Shamdat has replaced Sanu John Varughese who cranked the camera for Vishwaroopam as the cinematographer for the sequel. While Shankar Ehasan Loy were the music director of Vishwaroopam, Ghibran has been signed up to be the music director Vishwaroopam 2.

Closer to the 100 films landmark: Nagarjuna

Closer to the 100 films landmark: Nagarjuna

Style icon Nagarjuna is one actor who doesn't shy away from experimenting and trying out new roles in his films. But after playing different characters in films like Shiridi Sai, Dhamarukam and Greekuveerudu, the actor seems to be back to the entertainment formula for his 95th film, Bhai. "Yes, the film is a complete action packed entertainer," shares Nagarjuna, adding that like the title suggests, the film is about 'sister sentiment' and also has a mafia backdrop. "You will get to see a lot of punch lines and humour in the film," he adds. Richa Gangopadhyay is playing the female lead opposite Nag in the film.

When quizzed as to why he was back to the regular masala formula, he says, "If you check the top actors of Hollywood or Bollywood, they all stick to entertainment-based films. Entertainment is now a worldwide phenomenon, since even action films contain the same formula as that of a commercial movie."

With this film, Nagarjuna is one step closer to his 100 films landmark. "This is my 95th film. I just got to know about this, and like a century is a landmark in any field, it is a special number in films too. I want my 100th film to be a memorable one," signs off Nagarjuna.

It's family time for Lara Dutta

It's family time for Lara Dutta

Bollywood actress Lara Dutta is busy spending some quality time with her sisters, Sabrina and Cheryl.

"Always feels so nice to have a full house! All three Dutta sisters together again! Lots of garam chai and chit chat! Have a good weekend!," she posted on microblogging site Twitter.

The 34-year-old was last seen in Bejoy Nambiar's 'David'.

My mom-in-law my muse: Drew Barrymore

My mom-in-law my muse: Drew Barrymore

Actress Drew Barrymore says her mother-in-law Coco Kopelman is the perfect example of a person who knows how to balance multiple chores.

Drew is married to art consultant Will Kopelman, and has 11-month-old daughter Olive with him.

"She's the best. My mother-in-law is actually my muse, just on how to be a person and a wife and a mother," Usmagazine.com quoted Drew as saying.

Drew and Will married in June last year.

Naomi Watts worried she would never have kids

Naomi Watts worried she would never have kids

Actress Naomi Watts had almost given up hope of starting a family before she met her partner.

The "Diana" actress worried she wouldn't be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a mother until she met Liev Schreiber in 2005.

"There was a time when I was becoming pessimistic because children were always a lifelong dream of mine. I would never have felt the happiness I feel now if I hadn't met Liev and had my children," contactmusic.com quoted Watts as saying.

"I still have shudders when I think how my life would have turned out if we had never met. So maybe there was some destiny involved ... I don't know," she added.

Soha Ali Khan raises 100,000 pounds for charity

Soha Ali Khan raises 100,000 pounds for charity

Actress Soha Ali Khan is elated after being able to raise 100,000 pounds from charity dinner held in London. The money will go to the Pataudi Trust, which will use it for curing blind people in India.

Soha, daughter of veteran actress Sharmila Tagore and late cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, attended the dinner with her family members.

"What a fantastic night! We raised 100,000 pounds which will all go towards eradicating curable blindness in India. Heartfelt gratitude," Soha posted on Twitter.

"We are eternally grateful to Jeffrey Archer (British author) for making tonight such a huge success. Thank you. You helped us raise 100,000 pounds," she added.

Apart from charity, the 34-year-old is busy with upcoming comedy movie War Chhod Na Yaar. Directed by debutant Farz Haider, the movie also stars Sharman Joshi and Javed Jaffrey.

Big B buys a house in Paris?

Big B buys a house in Paris?

Bollywood's most respected couple Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan celebrated their wedding anniversary in France a couple of years ago. At that time, both wanted to spend a quiet and calm time with each other, away from the busy life, family and friends.

Bachchan, who has always been in love with the city of fashion and romance — Paris — had promised Jaya that he would take his wife to the countryside of France and to Paris for their anniversary. TOI has now learnt from sources that Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan have bought a house in the French capital. And, Jaya is currently in the process of doing up the house. Does this mean that Indian cinema's biggest legend will now commute frequently between Paris and Mumbai?

We SMSed Bachchan, who replied saying, "This is not entirely correct... I'm out of the country and will be back in a few days."

Vin Diesel finds co-star sexy

Vin Diesel finds co-star sexy

Hollywood actor-producer Vin Diesel, whose movie "Riddick" is releasing Friday, finds his co-star Katie Sackhoff "sexy".

Sackhoff plays the role of Dahl, a sniper woman-cum-mercenary on the hunt for killing Diesel's character Riddick.

Sackhoff is said to have done some stunning action scenes in the movie.

"She came in guns blazing to play the role of Dahl, which I think is extremely sexy and formidable," Diesel said in a statement.

Written and directed by David Twohy, "Riddick" is a dark action-packed science fiction film, packed with breathtaking battle sequences. PVR Pictures is releasing the movie in India in four languages - English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Scarlett Johansson Engaged to Romain Dauriac

Scarlett Johansson Engaged to Romain Dauriac

Scarlett Johansson is engaged to her French journalist boyfriend of less than one year Romain Dauriac.

The Under the Skin star, 28, who was previously married to Ryan Reynolds for two years before their divorce was finalised in June 2011, is set to tie the knot with the French journalist, who popped the question approximately one month ago.

A source close to the couple confirmed the news to People.com on Wednesday, saying: "They're engaged and very happy."

A spokesperson for the blonde beauty declined to comment on the news.

The couple began dating in November after being introduced by mutual friends, just weeks after the actress split from her boyfriend of one year Nate Taylor.

Earlier this week Scarlett was spotted wearing a diamond ring at the Venice International Film Festival in Italy.

She was previously spotted wearing an ornate gold ruby ring in July but friends dismissed reports she was engaged at the time, saying it was "simply a piece of jewellery."

Rumours first began to swirl that the couple were planning to wed after the actress was spotted wearing a huge pear-cut diamond ring as she wandered around New York with Romain, 30, in February.

The Avengers star admitted last year she liked being married but hinted that she wasn't interested in tying the knot again for quite a while.

She said: "I got married when I was young and it was incredibly romantic and I liked being married, actually.

"But it is different. It's hard to put into words. To me, being in a functioning relationship doesn't mean you have to be married.

"I never think about marriage. Is that weird? The only time I ever think about it is when people ask me. It's really not important to me."

Didn’t know I had a dark side until now: Vivek Oberoi

Didn’t know I had a dark side until now: Vivek Oberoi

His villainous turn in 'Krrish 3' is being dubbed a make or break moment for Vivek Oberoi but the actor seemed at ease as we caught up with him in Film City on his birthday yesterday. Excerpts from the interview...

Your past films this year - KLPD and Zilla Ghaziabad did not fare well. How important is the success of Krissh 3 to resurrect your career?
I do not believe in resurrection. I think I have done fairly well in Bollywood and I am reasonably proud of my body of work. If tomorrow I were to retire I know I will be remembered, because I have a few memorable films in my portfolio. My character Kaal in Krrish 3 revels in revenge, hatred and darkness. It's the fuel of this character and it bought me closer to my dark side, one I didn't even know I had. So, the idea now is to expand my portfolio and do diverse roles.

If that is the idea, what makes you do films that put you in a tee shirt with Mallika Sherawat?
These films attracted me on the basis of their concept. On paper it looked very lucrative but unfortunately did not translate on screen. A number of issues happened. But am I embarrassed of them? No. I'd still get into a tee with Riteish and Aftab to promote our film Grand Masti. (Laughs)

Despite the fact that the film has already faced criticism for its brand of humour...
Ideally I wouldn't have done a film like this. At best, I am a reluctant participant. When I read the script, I was shocked. Then I called up Riteish, he too had a similar reaction. Then we both put things in perspective. We, as an audience, enjoy films like American Pie and The Hangover, then why the double standards when it comes to Grand Masti? With this logic, I felt lets go do it. If there was a scene beyond my comfort zone, I put it on Aftab.

You did Masti in 2004. Today you are married and have a kid. What is your family's take on Grand Masti?
There is no friction and my wife is very supportive. She is interested in my work but doesn't interfere. So in that sense, my married status has had no influence on my choice of roles.

Is your wife critical of your roles?
All women are after marriage. Nothing that you do escapes their scrutiny. My wife is my fiercest critic, definitely the most vocal. At the same time, she is my strength and my best friend. She'd never lie to me about how she feels about my performance.

How has fatherhood changed you as a person?
It has revamped me. It has given me perspective and a sense of balance. When Vivaan was born, I was very busy with movies and promotions. I think I have missed out on a lot of milestone moments. I haven't seen him grow as much as I would have liked to. Then it struck me, is this what I really want? Being occupied with work, and barely any time for my son? Then I started cutting down on many work related things. Today I am much calmer and happier because of him; we spend a lot of time cuddling together.

Raja Rani (2013) Tamil Movie Stills

Arya and Nazriya Nazim in Raja Rani (2013) Tamil Movie Stills

Arya and Nayantara in Raja Rani (2013) Tamil Movie Stills

Arya, Sathyaraj, Santhanam and Nayantara in Raja Rani (2013) Tamil Movie Stills

Jai and Nayantara in Raja Rani (2013) Tamil Movie Stills

Arya and Nazriya Nazim in Raja Rani (2013) Tamil Movie Stills

Arya and Nazriya Nazim in Raja Rani (2013) Tamil Movie Stills

Arya and Nazriya Nazim in Raja Rani (2013) Tamil Movie Stills

One film at a time, please: Nithya Menon

One film at a time, please: Nithya Menon

Nithya Menen is sticking to her decision of doing just one film at a time. Despite her kitty being full with offers from Tamil and Telugu, the actress revealed that she wants to do just one film at a time. And she is in no hurry to sign Malayalam films either.

Although her films Poppins and Bachelor Party received bad reviews, Ustad Hotel is still considered as the film of the year. "I don't want to cash in on the success of Ustad Hotel or anything. If I feel like doing a film, I will do it, irrespective of the language."

Anjali quashes rumors on her secret marriage

Anjali quashes rumors on her secret marriage

A certain section of media reported that Anjali has been missing from her house and that she moved to the USA after secretly marrying her beau.However, Anjali thrashed all the rumors and further requested the media to refrain from spreading such baseless rumours about her.

The actress also added that she'll be available on phone and the media can contact her to seek clarification in the wake of any such buzz. Anajli is paired opposite Venkatesh in their forthcoming film Masala, a Telugu remake of Bollywood film Bol Bachchan. The couple would fly to Japan to shoot for a romantic number.

Prachi Desai on FHM India Magazine August 2013

Prachi Desai on FHM India Magazine August 2013

Prachi Desai on FHM India Magazine August 2013

Prachi Desai on FHM India Magazine August 2013

Kajal Agarwal's tough look

Kajal Agarwal's tough look

Here is the exclusive pic of Kajal Agarwal from her biggest action entertainer 'Jilla' which also stars Superstars like Mohanlal and Vijay. If the attire, body language and the police vehicle is any indication, she might be playing a top cop in this commercial flick. She looks dashing in every sense and one gets the doubt if lady-cops in real life look as hot as her. No matter which ever costumes she might be wearing, the hotness quotient of this saucy seductress will always be intact and it's this factor which makes her stand tall among the young crop of actresses.

In one of her previous interviews, Kajal expressed her desire to do an full-on action role and 'Jilla' might be the project she has chosen to fulfill her dream. Get ready guys, the hot lady will be breaking some bones this time to provide unlimited entertainment!