Sherlock Holmes - Books

SHERLOCK HOLMES

Rating: 4.8/5
Written By: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes, the prerequisite inspiration for every 'consulting' detective in the whole wide world whether real or fictitious is a character worth reading. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes are thrill containing cases by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that not only changed the perspective on how to approach a certain case scenario but the message that little things are what matter the most yet mean the least. The complete set of books comprise of 4 novels and 56 short stories of different contexts but having a common purpose.

Mr.Holmes is a keen fellow residing in medieval London. Though London is home to highly sophisticated crimes but the most astonishing figure is Sherlock Holmes himself who has a unique set of skills to tackle whatever problem is at hand, may it demand a disguise or a more physical approach such as overwhelming the guilty. Sherlock Holmes with his accomplice who happens to be a doctor Mr.Watson are enough to solve any case however complex. The theories must be able to grasp all the facts, may it be an improbable one is what he believes.

Every single case is worth reading, every single adventure and moment are worth the time of this great figure. The readers should at least read the short stories to understand the man's nature towards the art of crime and the whole science of deduction.

Reviewed By Najam

Percy Jackson & The Olympians - Book Series 2005-09

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS

Rating: 3.3/5
Author: Rick Riordan

The mythological fiction is a ride for 12-15 year olds but as it gets a little older (as in my case) then this stuff gets boring. But still, in this review I won't let my personal feelings intervene in between the review and Percy.

The greek mythology kicks off with Percy Jackson the male protagonist who is trapped somewhere between the War of the bad guys (Kronos) and good guys (all the greek gods). Percy discovers that he is a demigod and that's when he feels threatened that 'maybe' some external power is trying to kill him.
Percy has dyslexia and his sweet teens are not so good with him having only one friend Grover who is not so 'human' himself. Percy has a very painful experience in the wretched school but this all changes when Camp Half Blood is introduced to him. The story proceeds nicely in favor of Percy and many secrets are told related to these fictional characters. The last part of this series is most interesting because of the way this story unfolds.

My favorite part about this book is the distinction it has created to other similar books through its merging the fictional characters with the real world stuff. Moving statues and the top floor of the Empire State building etc. The book is very good for the childhood fantasies but NOT AT ALL for ADULTS.

Reviewed by Najam

Inglorious Basterds - 2009

INGLORIOUS BASTERDS

Rating: 8.6/10

Notable Star: Brad Pitt

Director: Quentin Tarantino

 

Adventure of Jewish era with a little twist in events has been revealed under the heading of Inglorious Basterds. The alternate history is represented in a mixed fashion where one really ought to think whether the nazi's ironically, hated Jews or one of  'em who loved a Jew at the same time was an idiot.

The Plot is set in Hitler dominated France during World War II. Jews were hunted like deers and so the the tale concerns a group of Jewish men who are US soldiers and plan to take down the leader....

On another note, a Jewish girl (Melanie Laurent) had escaped the wrath of a Jew huntsman in her teenage and grew up loathing Nazi and plotting to take down the leader....

COINCIDENCE?

The Cinema was the medium through which both of the parties planned on avenging the blood thirsty wolf.

The Movie throughout was interesting. Though it was a sad narrative but the writer surely wanted to spice things up and he did with the 'fun' part. The acting is superb as expected from a Oscar winning film and the story was good as well. The alternate history part appealed more to me personally cuz the same old Jewish oppression was too depressing to watch again and again under different names. Overall the movie was fun to watch and is a must watch for everybody.

                                    This was the scene where one would really say OWNED IT

Reviewed by Najam

Fight Club - 1999

FIGHT CLUB

Rating: 9/10

Notable Stars: Brad Pitt and Edward Norton

Director: David Fincher

How would one describe a Mind boggling adventure?

Through Fight Club would be the answer. Edward Norton may look like an innocent angel but a psychological game can stir and turn many events. The Brad Pitt starring thriller is truly a Fight Club.

Edward Norton is a person who is hunted down by a boring office life and by the way 'insomnia'. He looks to change his life, to do something that will bring out the dead (interesting life). He meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) one fine day and that's when the required change strikes. Tyler Durden is a soap maker by profession who is intrigued by Edward Norton's life and that's when their friendship turns to something more, something related to Fight.
The former and latter from their art of fight similarly open a Fight Club. The Fight Club's sole purpose was soon to be ignored when the new members take the things to a whole other level.

Fight Club shows the significance of how the thoughts of  single person can change the perspective of a throng of people. The little things matter most and simply can make all the difference, the idea of fight was subsequently transformed into something that not even the protagonist had expected. The acting throughout is superb and the director has done fairly good job to manage all the scenes. The script was awesome for which an oscar won't have been too bad.
                                                                       Well this Scene takes all

                                              

Reviewed By Najam

Jurassic Park III - Movie 2001

Jurassic Park III
By Joe Johnston
8.3/10

The third installment of the series, some part of Jurassic Park III is based on Michael Crichton's novel. Years after the incident at Isla Nublar Ben Hildebrand (Mark Harelik) and Eric Kirby (Trevor Morgan), a 12 year old boy, go paragliding along the shores of Isla Sorna when a mysterious creature attacks the boat and kills the crew, to survive the crash Ben detaches the line and both get drifted off to the island. Eric is the son of Paul Kirby (William H. Macy) and Amanda Kirby (Téa Leoni) who are a divorced couple, both the parents unite in order to get their son back and offer Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), who now is a famous figure after his Jurassic Park experience, to fund his research in return for a aerial tour of Isla Sorna. Alan accepts the offer, not knowing of the Kirbys true intentions, and flies with them along with his assistant Billy Brennan (Alessandro Nivola). Upon reaching the island Alan finds out the true intentions of the Kirbys and tries to stop them from landing but gets knocked out by a person, when he wakes later he finds out that they have touched down and persuades everyone to get back inside but until then they have already attracted a deadly Spinosaurus (A big and ferocious dino with a fin) who attacks them and destroys the airplane, and this adventurous tour turns into a desperate struggle for survival and only time can tell the dangers that wait ahead of them.
An excellent movie that will keep you glued and not bore you for a second.
A great job by the Director as all the events in the movie were very well set and the dinosaurs were very life like.
Macy and Leoni gave a convincing performance whereas slacked at times.
Neill like always at his best and did a great job with his role.
My Favorite scene of the Movie is when the Spinosaurus and the T-Rex get engaged in a deadly fight.

Reviewed by,
Moiz Khan.

Da Vinci's Demons - TV Series 2013-2015

Title: Da Vinci's Demons
Rating: 7.5/10
No.of Seasons: 2
Status: Complete

Set during the age of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci, This show is a heavily fantasised version of the events that took place during his time and how he influenced them.
Leonardo Da Vinci (Tom Riley) a genius with dreams of greatness gets involved in plots he has no business being in. Due to him being in service to the house of Medici and his indispensable nature, He is often the target of plots and conspiracies mainly forged by the impostor, Pope Sixtus (James Faulkner) and his subordinate Girolamo Riario (Blake Ritson).
Explaining too much about this show will give away important details,
Perhaps the best thing about this Series is the acting of Blake Ritson as he plays a completely icy cold blooded killer in the form of Count Riario. Not even the acting of the main protagonist compares to the extremely professional acting done by the former. Also the Sherlock-Moriarty type relationship between Leonardo and Riario is enough to send shivers down one's spine.
Some scenes among many others, Deserve the praise of the masses.
With so much conspiracy to frighten a Borgia, This show is truly a must watch for those who are fans of medieval themed shows like Game of Thrones.

REVIEWED BY:
Yasir Zafar
First of His Name

Red Tails - Movie 2012

Title: Red Tails
Rating: 6.5/10
Director: George Lucas, Anthony Hemingway

Set in the most bloody era of all time, Red Tails tells the story of a squadron of African-American fighter pilots in world war 2. Faced with prejudice and racism these pilots struggle to do their best for a country that does not give them their rights.
This squadron also known as The Tuskegee Airmen consists of Captain Martin Julian (Nate Parker), Lieutenant Joe Little (David Oyelowo), Lieutenant Ray Gannon (Tristan Mack Wilds), Lieutenant Andrew Salem (Ne-Yo), Lieutenant Samuel George (Elijah Kelly), Who all have to perform their missions with old out of date aircraft.
This is a very special and very beautifully made movie, The special effects of which were spectacular to behold. Also this movie conveys a very important message that adversity always makes people stronger rather than destroying them and that the amount of courage or capabilities of a person is not measured by mundane things like skin colour or ethnicity.
In short this movie is truly worth watching and will not fail to excite you. However a few moments that cannot be mentioned without spoiling the movie for those who have not watched it yet were cliched and fantasized.
A must watch for fans of aerial warfare, Since that is the best thing about this film.

REVIEWED BY:
Yasir Zafar
First of His Name

The Pianist - 2002

THE PIANIST

Rating: 8.5/10

Director: Roman Polanski

Historical/Drama is the emotions striking in the very depth of heart. The Jewish history and sufferings are displayed with every detail possible. The wishes of the Best Director had been made possible by the Best Actor in leading role of the year.

Wladyslaw Spizlman is the Jew who survived every possible calamity and his biography is made picturesque by the likes of Adrien Brody.

Wladyslaw Spizlman was a talented Pianist in Nazi Occupied Poland. At the beginning of World War II, the Hitler regime sought the lives of Jews like bloodthirsty animals and the point is conveyed with precision.

The musician's family and himself were the victims of this plan that Nazi sought. The Warsaw ghetto faced destruction and the pianist had to bear the reality due to which his survival was hindered in every possible manner. Soon the 'inevitable' happens and when things couldn't get any worse, the pianist's heart was literally chewed away until the very last.

Acting is absolutely amazing in this feature of the Jewish Past. Though history doesn't contain something new but the Director and Actors have broke the records. The graphics and effects were stunning. Though the plot has nothing special but the other characteristics are what make this movie worth a while. 

The Lost World : Jurassic Park - Movie 1997

The Lost World : Jurassic Park

By Steven Spielberg 

7.5/10

The second installment of Jurassic Park, The Lost World is once again based on Michael Crichton's novel. Four years after the incident on Isla Nublar, a family happens to be on a nearby island, Isla Sorna, on a vacation when their young daughter is attacked by a horde of dinosaurs. She survives the attack and her parents sue InGen back home. Jon Hammond (Richard Attenborough) then meets Mathematician Ian Malcolm (Jeff Golblum) and explains to him that Isla Sorna was the former location used by InGen to clone dinosaurs but after it was destroyed by a hurricane the whole setup was moved to Isla Nublar. InGen now led by Peter Ludlow (Arliss Howard) wants to capture a dino of their own and Hammond wants to stop them by sending a team including Ian to gather support against human interference. Ian at first reluctant but then accepts as his girlfriend, Dr. Sarah Harding (Julianne Moore), is also at the site. Ian upon reaching Isla Sorna discovers the dangers and the film making turns into a desperate survival, on the other hand Peter and his hunters struggle to capture a baby T-Rex. Instead they capture a life size grown up T-Rex and ship him to San Diego where he gets loose and goes on a wild rampage across the city.
The overall Movie was quite average as Spielberg couldn't bring out the best of himself and the direction slacked throughout.
Goldblum and Moore gave a convincing performance but somwhere there was something lacking in the acting.
My favorite part of the Movie is when the T-Rex gives a wild shriek in the city after wreaking havoc.

Reviewed by,
Moiz Khan.

The Help - Movie 2011

Title: The Help
Rating: 9/10
Director: Tate Taylor

Based on the book of the same name by author Kathryn Stockett. Set in the 60's, The Help tells the story of Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone) a university graduate who returns home after graduating to find out that her mother has fired her childhood nanny. After discovering the attitude of the people near her towards the coloured people who work for them, Skeeter resolves to stop this ignorance by publishing a book about the different experiences of the coloured housekeepers.
Foremost in helping her in achieving this dream is Aibileen (Viola Davis) who is a housekeeper to Hilly (Bryce Dallas Howard) a white socialist whose racist views know no bounds. As time passes Aibileen also convinces her friend Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer) to narrate her stories for the book too. As time passes more and more people start coming to Skeeter to narrate their stories.
The Help is one of those movies that becomes imprinted in your mind after you finish watching it. With light comedy and some spectacular scenes The Help is truly a sweet movie.
Perhaps the best thing about this movie is the acting of Octavia Spencer, Who manages to perform in the same comedic and ironic way that is expected of her. Her potrayal of Minny Jackson is both light hearted and at times serious.
The Help taught me that everyone is special and that the way a person looks does not determine their identity or personality.
Even 6 years after its release The Help remains a must watch.

REVIEWED BY:
Yasir Zafar
First of His Name

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
ON STRANGER TIDES
Rating: 8/10
Director: Rob Marshal

Phew! The Last in the series (not for long) is again a surprising tale of events as Disney is full of surprises for its fans. The introduction of new characters was the best part in this portion of the series as Black Beard ain't no joking around.

Fountain of Youth is the centerpiece of this plot and as usual Captain Jack Sparrow and Mr. Barbosa are on a hunt to this unique establishment but there is the addition of Black Beard as well.
Everybody has their own intentions to use the Fountain of youth. Gibbs destroys the map to the Fountain, hence Barbosa is forced to take him with himself. Black Beard ( Lost in fear due to the prophecy of him being killed by a one legged man) wants to use fountain of youth to survive.
The events are especially extraordinary as the prerequisites for the Fountain of Youth to work are perilous. The Chalices, Mermaids Tears and a sacrifice of a soul are the essence of this adventure. None other than Jack Sparrow has the charm to make this journey a memorable one even when the circumstances are this severe.

The box office of a $ billion is no joke and the feat is achieved second time in this series. The reason behind is the acting and Visual Effects. The stunning Visual Effects were a  joint work of 10 companies which made the graphics worth watching. The Shooting took place in different American cities and sometimes even in another country for the realistic look and distinct features which couldn't have made this movie beautiful otherwise.Though the movie didn't win the Oscar in any category but still a POTC fan would be satisfied and would want the next one to be even better.

Reviewed By Najam

Jurassic Park - Movie 1993

Jurassic Park
By Steven Spielberg
8.3/10

A Science-Fiction film based on the novel by Michael Crichton. The Movie features a Bioengineering Company called InGen owned by industrialist Jon Hammond (Richard Attenborough), who have opened a Theme Park inhibited by cloned Dinosaurs on a Costa Rican Island, Isla Nublar called Jurassic Park. After the casualty of a handler by a Velociraptor the investors of the park decide to call experts and certify it safe. The Team of experts include Paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neil), Mathematician Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) and Paleobotanist Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern). As the scientists enter the park they are amazed by the work as their reading subjects come to life and start on a tour of more lethal dinosaurs. While traveling through the forest a tropical storm hits the island and shuts down the electrical tour cars beside a T-Rex enclosure. With the whole security system being down the enclosure's pylon electrical wires separating the tourists and dinosaurs are now useless and now the ancient beasts remain unchained.
The Movie was very brilliant and had one of the best effects and animation literally making you jump in your seat.
A Great movie directed by Spielberg bringing the ancient animals to real life and giving the movie his exotic touch.
Neil, Goldblum and Dern did a perfect job with the roles and definitely nailed the desperate survival.
My favorite part of the movie is the last part where all the Velociraptors fight the T-Rex.

Reviewed by,
Moiz Khan.

Minions - Movie 2015

Title: Minions
Rating: 6/10
Directors: Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda

Brought to you by the same studio that made the unforgettable animated movie series Despicable me.
Minions is a simple yet hilarious story of the single celled organisms that evolved into the inept lackeys of the greatest villain of history.
From the evil T-Rex to Emperor Napoleon these minions find themselves struggling to find the biggest baddest villain of all time. Cast out and defeated these minions sink into boredom because they have no purpose left until three minions Kevin, Bob and Stuart venture out to find  a master to serve.
One of the most entertaining movies you will ever see, While it does lack the special something needed to make it more interesting. The creators of this movie failed to realise that a standalone minions movie would not do well as good things should be taken in small doses and a standalone minions movie would become overbearing and dry.
Perhaps the best thing about this movie is that it takes place during the 60's and makes many references to popular stuff like The Beatles. Another good thing is that Minions does not shy away from being adult even though it might feel like a kids movie at times.
But still even with all its flaws it makes for good time-passing material and remains one of the funniest movies I have ever watched.

REVIEWED BY:
Yasir Zafar
First of His Name

Fifty Shades of Grey - Movie 2015

Fifty Shades of Grey
By Sam Taylor-Johnson
5/10

Based on the Novel by E.L. James Fifty Shades of Grey is a erotic romantic drama film. The Story is based on the life of a university student Anastasia "Ana" Steele (Dakota Johnson) who lives with her friend Kate Kavanagh (Eloise Mumford). Kate, one day becomes very ill and is unable to interview a 27 year old billionare entrepreneur Christain Grey (Jamie Dornan), Ana then offers to take Kate's place and goes to Seattle to interview Christian. Ana nervous through the whole way falls on the door as soon as Christain is about to open it, the rest of the interview goes really awkward but they both start to find something unusual in each other. Christian then visits Ana at the hardware store she works and agrees to a photoshoot for the college magazine. Ana and Christian continue to see each other and shortly get indulged in a relationship but Christian insists that Ana sign a non-disclosure agreement. Ana at first sees the light and gentle side of Christian but then discovers his dark side as Grey is tormented by inner demons and hides his evil nature from the world.
The Movie in general was very average and the relationship of Ana and Christian was poorly imitated.
Dakota and Jamie played the characters well but slacked most of the times during the movie.
The Director has certainly done a poor job as the whole story was not very well portrayed.
My favorite part of the movie is when Jamie gives Ana a hard kiss in the elevator.

Reviewed by,
Moiz Khan.

Forest Gump - 1994

FORREST GUMP
Rating: 9.5/10
Notable Actors: Tom Hanks and Robin Wright
Director: Robert Zemeckis

6 OSCARS (Phew!). Forrest Gump is like the best emotional/comedy film around here. The masterpiece is truly one of its kind and the movie is Jack Of All Trades without a doubt.

Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) is a stupid fellow who is unable to cope with the world. He had lost his father, his mother was the only support and inspiration in his dull life. Though the protagonist is a little backward boy but that's his strength cuz "Stupid is as a Stupid Does".
In his young life, unsocial and friendless Gump meets Jenny (Robin Wright). The crippled boy has 'leg braces' and is bullied, that's about the time he discovers that he has a certain talent. A talent to RUN, whenever he is in danger or doesn't know what to do, he starts to run and to everybody's astonishment the stupid guy is fast (I mean Really Really Fast).
The adventures of Forrest Gump are the part that everybody wants because he achieves so much even due to the criticism of many for his lack of intelligence.

The Movie effectively makes one stare in awe and forces one to wonder whether they themselves have really led a life so simple rightly. Forrest Gump is a pure classic and revamped the class of comedy. Dedication, Obsession and Simplicity are the few messages the film conveys to the audience, even the most dull and stupid can attain great heights if he/she is focused is the lesson one must learn. That said, Acting was superb (Everybody and especially Tom Hanks were awesome in their respective roles), dialogues were beautiful and Script was beautiful as well. These kinds of movies are needed to cushion ones fall in life and to motivate to push further until one doesn't become PHENOMENAL.

Reviewed By Najam