Weekend Movie Reviews: “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” (2011)and “Safe” (2012)

Synopsis: This is a story about a young autistic boy who loses his father on 9/11. His father owned a jewelry store in Manhattan and on any given day would have been at work, not in the WTC. But he was on 9/11, for a meeting. Goes on an expedition across New York to find a lock that fits a key he found among his late father’s belongings.

The Eric Roth’s Adapted Screenplay surely has its moments, but on the whole it lacks the Kick and dragging Climax killjoy.  The acting of Hanks and Bullock was emotive and downplayed. Thomas Horn and Max von Sydow have given fantastic performances. The soundtrack is really moving and that does most of the talking in half the movie. Cinematography is well-done.  Art Design is good. Claire Simpson’s editing could have been crispier. Stephen Daldry’s direction is suited to the script although his narrative style is very slow, will appeal mainly to those who like different cinema.

Survi Verdict: ‘Extremely loud & incredibly Close’ begins on a promising note, but dips sooner than expected. It’s not an easy movie to watch out, But worth a watch for fantastic performances and feel good moments.

Synopsis:  An Ex New York City cop (Jason Statham) makes rescuing of a young Chinese girl (Catherine Chan) his life mission.

Jason Statham perfectly suited as the ex cop; he was just too good in action episodes. Catherine Chan as Mei, she is natural. Rest of the characters were supportive. Plot looks interesting, actually it’s not. The action episodes were worth watching.  Dialogues were okay, but one liners were good. They do not spend enough time together to develop a meaningful relationship for the spectator. Boaz Yakin’s direction was adequate, better than his previous projects. The film is a fun escape into the underground world of New York City. The fighting, shootouts, and heart-pumping action all add up to a great ride.

Survi Verdict: Safe offers exactly what we expected, a plot just enough to rise by a few action sequences gratifying and the presence of Jason Statham always delivering the goods in such a context.