Experience Life of Pi on Sky Movies!

Life of Pi [3D] (2012)

Brief review: Based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Yann Martel, "Life of Pi" is the latest cinematic diamond from, arguably, the most versatile director in film history - Ang Lee. This fauna-dedicated story is touching, genuine, adventurous, full of life and truly absorbing from start to finish, and features one of the most engaging human/animal relationships ever put on film. Even though it's basically a fable, Ang Lee's powerful storytelling makes you believe every second of it. Yes, the film gets a bit too dramatic midway through, and the last minute story 'grounds' the otherwise magical experience quite quickly, but other then that, "Life of Pi" is an extraordinary fight for survival like no other. Ang Lee's refined direction features lots of diverse camera angles and impressively skillful camera work, and the special effects are flawless. The design of the animals, especially the Bengal tiger, is so amazing, you wouldn't recognize if those are CGI or actually real. The 3D is often sensational, and fully achieves its purpose to add an extra dimension to the visuals and make them look even more astonishing. There are also particular scenes, shot in a very artsy way, that will make your eyes pop out, particularly the stunning whale sequence. Suraj Sharma manages to carry the entire movie on his shoulders, thanks to his captivating and lively debut performance, and thoroughly charismatic character. If you're lucky enough to live in Great Britain, you will be able to experience this thoroughly outstanding movie at home next month, thanks to Sky Movies. "Life of Pi"'s premiere date is Nov 15, so if you're eager to see this film, take advantage of the truly beneficial sky broadband deals, and choose the package that suits your requirements the best. Doing so, you will have the chance to see not only this one, but also many other great films in the upcoming months... and years.

Overall summary:  Daring, captivating, beautifully-crafted, technically-brilliant, and completely extraordinary in every way, this nature-inspired gem of a film, "Life of Pi" is yet another winner from master of storytelling and visuals, Ang Lee, and one of this year's very, very best.

Zero Dark Thirty premieres on Sky Movies next month!

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Brief review: Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow succeeds yet again with another bold and daring project for the manhunt of enemy No. 1, Osama bin Laden, based on actual events. Bigelow lets us witness the near decade operation, revealing interesting details and hidden facts, making the experience not only gripping, but informative as well. The films also benefits from Kathryn Bigelow's incredible ability to keep things as realistic, and plausible as possible. There's nothing exaggerated, or Hollywood-ish about this movie, even when the action kicks in. The whole thing is stripped down to the bone, but that only helps to Bigelow for maintaining the intensity level, even when the film is slow and talky. The last 30 minutes are so thrilling, you may find yourself on the edge of your seat, but unfortunately the climax, namely the killing of Osama is nothing special really, hence, it may leave you slightly unsatisfied. Featuring lots of hand-held, camera work, intentionally simplistic cinematography, and washed-out colors, "Zero Dark Thirty" has a slightly documentary-ish feel about it that works to its advantage, plus, there's a certain grittiness to Kathryn Bigelow's shooting style, that adds further realism to the story. The film wouldn't be as great without Jessica Chastain's award-worthy performance as the workaholic CIA officer, Maya, whose angelesque femininity contrasts beautifully with her self-confidence and often intense personality, and the rest of the cast all do a brilliant job as well. If you haven't had the chance to watch this fantastic movie on the big screen, you can still catch up if you are a UK resident, as it premieres on Sky Movies on Nov 8, 2013. If you don't have this channel, go get one of the awesome BT TV packages, as from October 26, BT TV customers will have the option to add Sky Movies to their new packages, or existing ones. Choosing that, you will be able to enjoy not only Kathryn Bigelow's masterpiece, but also many other upcoming movie premieres.

Overall summary: It drags a bit in the first half, and the slaying of bin Laden could have been  way more dramatic, but nonetheless "Zero Dark Thirty" is a smartly-scripted, superbly-made, and truly engrossing piece of cinema, jam-packed with sheer, nearly obsessive intensity.