The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1

Director: Francis Lawrence

Keeps you engaged with strong performances from lead actors and a few wisecracks here and there. The music is engrossing too (still humming 'The Hanging Tree'...there is nothing Lawrence can't do!). Felt tad too long, given it lacked great content of first two parts.

Overall, a good buildup to the finale of series.


6.9/10

Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)

Director: Ridley Scott

A disappointing affair.  Ridley Scott is known for creating characters that etch into your memory forever—Maximus, Ripley, Deckard. Nothing like that in this film. Summing it up:

- Decent special effects
- Dull acting
- Not enough substance justifying the length.

Best part of the film was the kid playing God; perfectly executed the hatred one might feel following 400 years of slavery. Points to expansive sets too.

Charlton Heston’s Moses remains the one to beat. In fact, the animated version “The Prince of Egypt” was definitely much better than this recent take.

6/10