The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Movie Review)

Thorin Oakenshield, the King under the Mountain, continues his journey to Lonely Mountain along with fellow dwarves, a burglar (!) hobbit - Bilbo Baggins & the wizard – Gandalf. A journey to reclaim their homeland….. A journey to find their most valuable gem – The Arkenstone….. A journey to take revenge against an old enemy….an ageing dragon - Smaug!

Desolation of Smaug takes us back to our beloved Middle Earth. And it is as stunning and beautiful as it was in the past. It is the world to get lost into. And once you are inside, you don’t want to get back. Amazing 3D effects take us even closer to the action.

As we had already predicted, this sequel to – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - is fast. Jackson took some time to build the story in first part. But Desolation of Smaug gathers the pace right from the beginning. There are hardly any dull moments.

So, Thorin and company make their way towards the Lonely Mountain. They pass through the Mirkwood forest, the realm of Wood-Elves. King of Wood-Elves, Tharanduil, is less concerned about what is happening in other parts of the Middle-Earth. For him, the safety of his borders is the only concern. This is why he did not help Dwarves when Smaug attacked Erebor (the Lonely Mountain). Would he let them pass this time? Or would it take Bilbo's presence of mind to escape the dangerous Mirkwood? Would Tharanduil’s son – Legolas, understand the situation and help Bilbo and dwarves? And how on earth did Bilbo gain the title of Barrel-Rider?

Along the way they visit the city of Dale, where they are helped by Bard. After the long journey they finally reach the Lonely Mountain. Would Bilbo be successful in finding the precious Arkenstone? Would the company of dwarves be successful in hunting down the dragon? Or would it enrage Smaug (the dragon!) to carry out further destruction?

Along with the journey of Bilbo and the Dwarves, Jackson, in parallel, tries to link this hobbit franchise to The Lord of The Rings Trilogy. And so far, he is succeeding in it.

While the dwarves are on their way to Lonely Mountain, an old enemy – Necromancer re-appears in Dol Guldur. The rest of the Middle-Earth turns the blind eye towards assembling of Army of Orcs and Goblins at Dol Guldur. In spite of their ignorance, Gandalf leaves the company of dwarves to confirm his doubts.

Has the Sauron returned? Would Gandalf be able to escape from Dol Guldur?

What would happen next????

I cannot wait for the third movie of the trilogy – There and back again. There are no doubts in my mind that it would be one hell of a movie and an epic conclusion to this Hobbit Trilogy!

• Entertainment Aspects: 5/5
• Technical Aspects: 5/5
• Creativity Aspects: 4/5
• 'Classic' Movie?: 4/5
• Overall: 4.5/5

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Gone Girl (Book Review)

Gone Girl is a novel by Gillian Flynn. It is supposed to be a modern thriller. It is a story of a marriage gone wrong. The story of sinking relationship between Nick and Amy Dunne!

Nick comes from relatively poor and fractured family whereas Amy belongs to a wealthy family. Nick and Amy have to leave New York, after losing their respective jobs in media, for a small town of Carthage.

They, both, write their accounts, through which the novel moves ahead. What appears to be a routine story of marital conflicts and differences develops into a thriller of greater magnitude. It is a tale of cheating, lies and deceit.

Initially, we found it hard to generate interest in the story. Then, suddenly it gripped us. After some pages, we again started  to loose the interest. In the final sections, Gone Girl again made a solid comeback!

Gone Girl has appeared in the New York Times Best Seller list for many weeks.

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Google Nexus 5 (Review)

Well...let me tell you one thing about Google Nexus 5 Mobile Phone. It is a fantastic device to own!

I am already using 2012 Google Nexus 7 Tablet. And it would not be a shame to accept that I am totally addicted to it. This helped me in my decision to upgrade my phone to Google Nexus 5.

Looks are good. Simple yet classy! And elegant! Back-cover is plastic. But it’s way too better than Samsung! It is very easy to hold and grip Nexus 5. It is light-weight. Google is also offering the bumper cases and quick covers for Nexus 5 on Play Store. So it appears that we will have a lot of accessories this time around.

Google Nexus 5 has a tremendous HD display. KitKat (4.4) version of Android is not very different from the previous version. There is no separate SMS application in Google Nexus 5. It is integrated in Google Hangouts. Initially we found it a bit difficult to adjust. But now it is perfectly fine with us and we have begun to like it. Camera is OK.

The notifications area has been improved and it works to its advantage. Voice quality is superb. Accessing internet on Google Nexus 5 is fun. Google Now has improved and it is actually a very useful service provided by Google.

The hardware specifications are one of the best, if not the best.

The ultimate thing about the Google Nexus series is that we never have to wait for the Operating System updates. In fact, Nexus series is the first to get the Android updates.

As if this was not enough, Google is offering Nexus 5 at very competitive price. With the kind of features it boasts, Nexus 5 is simply the best value for money Android phone in the market. 

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Thor 2- The Dark World (Movie Review)

Thor 2- The Dark World is the second part of this super-hero Franchisee from Marvel's Stable. And it is more entertaining than the first one.

Thor is not a typical super-hero. He is is hammer-wielding Norse God and the Prince of Asgard. He is hot-headed, strong, volatile and reckless.

Thor 2- The Dark World is fast-paced, action-packed, entertaining and a powerful movie.

It starts where The Avengers ends. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) brings his brother - Loki (Tom Hiddleston) back to Asgard. Odin (Anthony Hopkins), their father and the king of Asgard, condemns Loki to the imprisonment in dungeons.

Meanwhile, old enemy- Malekith (Christopher Eccleston)- the king of the dark elves, returns. Malekith seeks revenge. For that, he wants to use an element Aether, to wield unlimited power and to rule the universe.

Thor's mortal love interest - Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) somehow manages to get entangled in this mess created by the immortals!

Will Odin and Thor be successful in stopping Malekith? Would Loki escape the prison and betray his father and brother? Would Malekith get his revenge?

You will get the answers in Thor 2- The Dark World. It may not be a classic but it is a complete entertainer with hardly any dull moment. Loki, though his part is reduced in this sequel, steals the show again.

The performances of everyone are good. Special effects are perfect. 3D effects are (as usual) average.

You won't regret if you watch this latest flick from Thor Series.

So, are you ready for hammers, swords and wrath of Gods????

• Entertainment Aspects: 4/5
• Technical Aspects: 4/5
• Creativity Aspects: 3/5
• 'Classic' Movie?: 3/5
• Overall: 3.5/5

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The Immortals of Meluha (Book Review)

I had read a lot about 'The immortals of Meluha', a novel by Amish Tripathi. And to tell you the truth, it has got an amazing concept.

But sadly...that is the only thing which I found interesting about this novel.

‘The Immortals of Meluha’ is a first part of Shiva Trilogy. It is a journey of ‘Shiva’ – a Tibetan Tribe Leader, who becomes a savior of people of Meluha. 

Is he the Neelkanth as mentioned in the Prophesy? Would he fulfill his destiny?

The major distraction for me was the language. Since it was supposed to be a mythological novel, I had certain assumptions and expectations (may be 'wrong') before starting the reading.

It happens in 1900 BC. You cannot expect Shiva and other characters to use modern-day dialects and expressions. There is one instance where a lady doctor (?) of Meluha asks Shiva if he is free right now for taking the instructions. Shiva answers - 'I am free right now. But I may have to charge you later'. Funny, huh???

Sometimes, it was like reading a formal e-mail. A big letdown for me. I am Sorry. But this is not my cup of tea.

Another issue with 'The Immortals of Meluha' is that it does not move forward fast. We wait, wait and wait for some action, twists and turns. Alas, they never come. 

There are too many meaningless, technical (!) and unfruitful dialogues (again, my opinion). Each character is given a specific characteristic. And it follows the same predictable path religiously.

However, it should not mean that the book is bad. If it were so, it would not have gathered so much success in the market. Many people are buying and reading 'The Immortals of Meluha' as well as its two sequels. I have also heard that it is soon going to be adapted into the movie.

May be it is not my genre. May be I am too much into 'The Lord of the Rings' mould, when it comes to the mythological novels. May be I had too many expectations.

But still.....I did not find 'The Immortals of Meluha' up to the expectations.

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