Iron Sky

The best thing about Iron Sky is that it is so out there in its concept, that the audience doesn’t have a choice but to take the entire film lightly. The bad thing about Iron Sky is that it is just too out there.

The story revolves around Nazis who after their loss in WWII moved to the dark side of the moon in 1945 and since then have colonized it for more than half a century. Surprisingly enough they didn't bump into the Decepticons during their time or else Earth would have had quite a war on its hand. On second thought Nazis and Decepticons Vs Earth and Autobots would make for an interesting watch.   

Coming back from my little tangent there, the new breed of Nazis have grown believing that the Swastika is a symbol of love and that Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator is a 10 minute short in which Charlie tries to imitate their beloved leader. I did warn you the film was out there. But wait, there is more...

The United States of America now has a female President, and one who has an uncanny resemblance to Sarah Palin. What follows is an attempt by the Nazis at world domination amidst a campaign manager, here on Earth, who will do anything to help the President get re-elected for another term.   

Leaving the story aside, the film isn't all that bad (which doesn’t mean it is good) and while it might seem like a parody at times, it doesn't always come across as funny or laugh-out-loud. The lowest point of the entire movie would have to be the cast and its somewhat wooden dialogue delivery and acting. The background score is pretty good and works well with the entire science-fiction theme of the film. Iron Sky makes for an entertaining watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon, but watch it with an open mind as it is a borderline B-Grade Hollywood sci-fi film.

Rating 2.5/5

The Adjustment Bureau

I feel like giving a standing ovation to the people behind The Adjustment Bureau. The writer(s) for coming up with a story that actually very skillfully disguises a "chick flick" as a film that is borderline sci-fi. The makers for keeping just the right balance between the lovey-dovey stuff and the mystery making sure that both the sexes are equally satisfied.

(Note: I know I am generalizing the genres with the sexes, that is not my intent, but just a tool to better explain the film in a somewhat lighter/comical manner)

The Adjustment Bureau is about David Norris (Matt Damon) who meets Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) just when he has lost a senate seat and has one of those love-at-first-sight experiences. Unfortunately, soon afterwards he finds out about a certain mysterious organization that is in a way responsible for making sure the world functions properly, to put it mildly. According to this organization, he is never to meet Elise again. The remainder of the story is over a period of time (sometimes jumping 3 years in one go) wherein David discovers more about these mysterious men and realizes that he will leave no stone unturned (talk about using a clichéd phrase) to be with Elise.  

Matt Damon and Emily Blunt perform as professional actors are expected to. There are no real scene stealers, but there are also no negatives when it comes to acting. Both the primary actors look good together and probably for the first time I really enjoyed Emily Blunt's performance (I haven't seen very many of her movies).

The film as a whole keeps just the right pace. It doesn't turn into a race-against-the-time thriller nor does it get entangled too much in the romantic side and slows down. The only disappointing aspect, for me, was the fact that the action scenes (and action is mostly running around not fighting) are somewhat at par with the remainder of the film. On one end, these scenes fit in well, but on the other, the action is more fun when it is slightly super-charged.

The Adjustment Bureau is a nice little watch than can even pass by as a date movie, one where neither of the members will have reason to complain afterwards. Although, it doesn't exceed expectations, it does manage to hold its ground firmly making watching it a pleasant experience.      

3.5/5 Star Rating

Attack The Block

Attack the Block, for me, was simple and unadulterated fun. First and foremost, I would so like to thank the aliens who invade, in the movie, for choosing a country other than USA. I think they have suffered enough cinematic alien invasions and thus for a change moving the action to a community block in London was a great choice.

My likeness for the movie lies in the fact that it doesn't try to be something it's not. It's simply a “chase” film and doesn't hide away from that. Instead, it relies on some snappy dialogue and good performances by the young cast to entertain. I'm sure I missed out on some dialogue due to the strong dialect, but considering it brings authenticity to the film, it's a point I can look over.

Attack the Block is an entertainer. The aliens, although look like gorillas from afar, bring a certain coolness with their fluorescent teeth. The community block and the apartment complex is a character in its own. The direction takes you right into all the action with a fair number of scares. Yes, the story is thin, but then the movie doesn't claim to be intelligent. In fact, the explanation for the alien invasion is so basic that the audience will realize it's not a question on why the aliens invaded but more so what happens next.

Amidst all the running around and killings and aliens, there is also a look at community life from the point of the children. There is a moral to the entire film and that's to realize that "ever action has a reaction". So whether you mug someone (that's how the movie starts) or you kill an alien, there will always be some repercussions to your actions. 

Considering the movie doesn't drag (with a running time of about 90 minutes) and entertains without utilizing too much brain power, I'd happily give it a 3.5/5 star rating.