Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (4.5/5)

Dawn of the planet of the apes is a work worth watching in theatres (preferably in 2D). "Rise" by itself has impressed us by displaying a protagonist ape Caesar with so much emotions that even show in his face. "Dawn" takes it a step ahead by introducing new charecters and giving most charecters an equal rapport.

Is "Dawn" understandable without watching "Rise"? Other than the fact that you'll be perplexed seeing intelligent, english speaking apes, yes, it is fairly understandable. However, you will feel left out in some scenes regarding Caesar's past. The main story however, since it takes place 10 years after Caesar marked his territory, isn't connected to the first movie. The human cast is totally different from that of "Rise".

The story takes place after the virus is spread across the human race and only a handful are alive. The movie portrays lifestyle of the apes, the relationship between the apes and the humans when in need, and the beginning of an inevitable war.

Caesar is portrayed to be a very wise and just leader, and many scenes reminds us of "The Lion King" Mufasa. The lifestyle of the apes in the first half shows us what we are lacking as humans. Many scenes from the movie fills us with awe, while other scenes makes us feel like "awww..." ;-)

The sets used are very good and apt for the movie and the dark blue tone used gives the movie an intense "this is serious" feel. What amazes me the most is how realistically they have depicted each charecter. Even if the plot is impossible, the film does a good job of shaping it realistically and makes us accept talking apes exist. (To be fair, credits goes to both "Rise" and "Dawn")

The movie, on the whole, is based on how one species understands the other and draws us into movie without a single moment of boredom in spite of the slow pace. The only complaint is that the movie didn't use 3D AT ALL. Other than that, the movie is totally worthy and best viewed in theatres

Person Of Interest (3.5/5)

With the third season ending today, I've decided to review this series. Person of interest is a gripping thriller that's bound to make you react like "OMG, what's gonna happen next?". Since Jonathan Nolan (who had a crucial part in writing the ever famous dark knight trilogy) is the executive producer, his signature in the series can be easily seen. Armed with a very good cast and fitting locations, person of interest shows style and finesse in its work.

The series centers around a secret surveillance machine which has access to all CCTV feeds, phone conversations and any communication related to technology. Harold Finch builds this machine for the government in order to detect acts of terror beforehand and stop it. Harold programs it in such a way that it is an impenetrable box and no one, including Finch himself, can have access to the actual feeds. The only output that the machine can give is a social security number of a suspect of terrorism. What Finch didn't anticipate is that, the machine also detects violent crimes involving ordinary people. The government considers these people irrelevant. Hence the story revolves around Finch and his secret team saving the "irrelevant numbers".

The series manages to cover many types of crime involving murder. However, the back stories of the different characters are the main highlight of the series. Apart from a few episodes, the first two seasons were very gripping. However, the third season lacks in having interesting irrelevant numbers but rather concentrates on the bigger story arc involving threats to Finch and his team. As a result, giving some boring, uninteresting episodes. Yet the story arc was good enough to make us forgive them.

 Though the series gives each character an emotional background story, it fails to highlight emotional part of the character through acting (unlike Breaking bad, Game of thrones, etc.). But I guess it is too much to expect these from this genre of series. Guess I can live with that.

The villains play a major role in keeping the series gripping. This is a great highlight as there is no singular Moriarty type villain. But rather a collection of unrelated villains, each with a different motive, some even changing sides in due course of time.

On the whole, the series is an action-packed thriller with a very innovative plot and having twists and turns where you least expect it. Definitely worth watching. Don't forget "You are being watched".

Game Of Thrones (5/5)

Game Of Thrones can be considered as one of THE best series I'm following (And I'm following MANY series). This is one of those series that can just DRAG you into their world and make you feel the way the charecters feel. Many viewers who watch Big Bang Theory, Two And A Half Men, etc. would want a light-hearted series that they can watch in their free time. This is DEFINITELY not recommended for them. This series is suited more for hardcore binge watchers.

Game Of Thrones is a story taking place in a fantasy land consisting of seven kingdoms, which are ruled over by King's Landing. The series shows the power struggle in order to capture the Iron Throne, and rule the seven kingdoms. It is a perfect blend of honour, injustice, wrath, treachery and, of course, butchery. In spite of being a fantasy story, the series doesn't let us feel alienated from the charecters. Only few of them possess magical powers. And unlike "The good guy strives hard and wins" theme that any usual fantasy fiction would follow, game of thrones follows an entirely different patterns. Many people whom we assume to be the main part of the series would die suddenly. This happens so often that, in the middle, you'd be confused who to consider as a protagonist.

The casting is done perfectly, each actor fit their role like a glove. And the sets used are EPIC. Though the series is designed to be intense, they have given a good, though meagre, comic relief with the help of the witty dwarf, Tyrion Lanister a.k.a The Imp. The Script and storyline is well-planned and well-crafted for each role. Another Con is that there are too many charecters that if u watch it weekly once, you'd tend to forget what happened recently.

Game Of Thrones, thus, joins the list of EPIC series. A Must-watch for hardcore viewers. DON'T watch it in front of your family, I've warned you.