31. Oceans Thirteen (7/10)
When one of the senior Ocean member is double crossed by Al Pacino, The Ocean's team is back together this time with the help of an old enemy to bust the opening night of the casino and steal the diamonds. The film was fast and pacy. I personally liked it better than 2nd part.
32. Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi (Hindi) (6/10)
Dont hate me for saying that I liked this film. I know its romantic, very cheesy but what can I do if I like these kind of films. ONly annoying thing was the heavy dose of songs. Worse is they weren't even melodious. The movie was good but Barjatyas need to come out of their regular mould, please.
33. The Boy In The striped Pyjamas (7.5/10)
Set during World War II, a story seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences. A depressing film with a very shocking end, I loved this film. Very good.
34. Luck By Chance (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Another hindi film that shows us what happens behind the scenes of a hindi film. But this one according to me is very realistic and shows us different facets of different people realistic and fake both. A very brave attempt by a first time director and excellent performance by my favorite Konkona. Farhan is good too.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Reaching number 30
27. Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Inspired by the incredible true story of Lucky Singh, an extremely charismatic and fearless confident man and thief who socialized with the rich, famous and influential of Delhi society and then proceeded to rob them blind. He robbed both the rich and the poor without prejudice. Funny film with a full on setting of Delhi. O love Abhay Deol's film. He deserves all praises and I hope he keeps doing all these wonderful films. Cant recall any of his film that I did not like
28. Sukkar banat (Arabic) [Caramel] (8/10)
Six women in Beirut seek love, marriage, and companionship and find duty, friendship, and possibility. Four work at a salon: one is engaged, second is divorced mother fearing getting old; third is a attracted to a clinet and fourth is in love with a married man. There's also Rose, a middle-aged seamstress, who cares for Lili, old and facing dementia. Excellent excellent movie. The sheer direction, spontaneity, natural acting and everything brings this film to life.
29. Waitress (4/10)
An unhappy waitress Jenna who makes excellent pies but wants to run away from her husband once she has enough money. BUt she can't because now she is pregnant. Enter a handsome young doctor and life changes. She is having an affair and cant get away from Earl, her husband. Finally when the baby is delivered, she gets the courage to separate from husband and make a life of her own. A very very ordinary fare. Nothing great about it. I like the southern accent though.
30. The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice (5.5/10)
The third and latest in the Librarian series. This one was the least interesting among the three. This time he has to make sure that the vampires who are still living hoping to bring themselves to life using Judas Chalice cannot do so. A good girl vampire is this time his associate who helps him in his challenge. There were no thrills in this one at all. A downer.
Inspired by the incredible true story of Lucky Singh, an extremely charismatic and fearless confident man and thief who socialized with the rich, famous and influential of Delhi society and then proceeded to rob them blind. He robbed both the rich and the poor without prejudice. Funny film with a full on setting of Delhi. O love Abhay Deol's film. He deserves all praises and I hope he keeps doing all these wonderful films. Cant recall any of his film that I did not like
28. Sukkar banat (Arabic) [Caramel] (8/10)
Six women in Beirut seek love, marriage, and companionship and find duty, friendship, and possibility. Four work at a salon: one is engaged, second is divorced mother fearing getting old; third is a attracted to a clinet and fourth is in love with a married man. There's also Rose, a middle-aged seamstress, who cares for Lili, old and facing dementia. Excellent excellent movie. The sheer direction, spontaneity, natural acting and everything brings this film to life.
29. Waitress (4/10)
An unhappy waitress Jenna who makes excellent pies but wants to run away from her husband once she has enough money. BUt she can't because now she is pregnant. Enter a handsome young doctor and life changes. She is having an affair and cant get away from Earl, her husband. Finally when the baby is delivered, she gets the courage to separate from husband and make a life of her own. A very very ordinary fare. Nothing great about it. I like the southern accent though.
30. The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice (5.5/10)
The third and latest in the Librarian series. This one was the least interesting among the three. This time he has to make sure that the vampires who are still living hoping to bring themselves to life using Judas Chalice cannot do so. A good girl vampire is this time his associate who helps him in his challenge. There were no thrills in this one at all. A downer.
Friday, January 16, 2009
7 more in a few more days (3 were awesome)
20. DIl Kabaddi (Hindi) (5/10)
A supposedly comedy based on lives of 2 couples and how each one of them is not too happy with it. Everyone has different reasons and is just not honest enough to share that with their partner. A few extra marital affairs, very few laughs and realization of mistakes, this film could have been edited much better and ended sooner than 2 hours. Always dependable Konkana was best of the lot.
21. First Snow (4.5/10)
A guy's life turns tailspin after a psychic tells that his life is limited but he is safe till the first snow. Very later that he can use this opportunity to plan for future of people around him after he's gone. He does certain nice things. After he miraculously escapes a killing from his ex best friend whom he feared al his life, he ends up dying in a car crash on a nasty snow day. A very slow film for me with decent performances. It seemed like a TV film.
22. Ghost Town (6.5/10)
Dentist Dr. Pincus, is a man whose people skills leave much to be desired. When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts. The movie was funy in a weird way. I liked it specially Dr Pincus.
23. Revolutionary Road (7.5/10)
A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Amazing amazing performances by Leonardo and Kate but the film was a bit too slow for me.
24. Kadachit (Marathi) (6/10)
A famous surgeon's life turns upside down when her father returns after a 20 year life imprisonment for killing his wife based on his daughter's testimony. It turns out that it was all imagination of the doctor as a little girl and how her confidence on herself starts getting down. Brave performance by Ashwini Bhave and others.
25. Gran Torino (9/10)
Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino. Excellent performance by Clint Eastwood. The movie had small instances of humor even without trying hard.
26. Defiance (8.5/10)
I wasn't too sure about this one. But what a surprise it was in every aspect, be it story, direction of performance including Daniel Craig. Three Jewish brothers escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into the Belarussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and others in danger. A must see film
A supposedly comedy based on lives of 2 couples and how each one of them is not too happy with it. Everyone has different reasons and is just not honest enough to share that with their partner. A few extra marital affairs, very few laughs and realization of mistakes, this film could have been edited much better and ended sooner than 2 hours. Always dependable Konkana was best of the lot.
21. First Snow (4.5/10)
A guy's life turns tailspin after a psychic tells that his life is limited but he is safe till the first snow. Very later that he can use this opportunity to plan for future of people around him after he's gone. He does certain nice things. After he miraculously escapes a killing from his ex best friend whom he feared al his life, he ends up dying in a car crash on a nasty snow day. A very slow film for me with decent performances. It seemed like a TV film.
22. Ghost Town (6.5/10)
Dentist Dr. Pincus, is a man whose people skills leave much to be desired. When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts. The movie was funy in a weird way. I liked it specially Dr Pincus.
23. Revolutionary Road (7.5/10)
A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Amazing amazing performances by Leonardo and Kate but the film was a bit too slow for me.
24. Kadachit (Marathi) (6/10)
A famous surgeon's life turns upside down when her father returns after a 20 year life imprisonment for killing his wife based on his daughter's testimony. It turns out that it was all imagination of the doctor as a little girl and how her confidence on herself starts getting down. Brave performance by Ashwini Bhave and others.
25. Gran Torino (9/10)
Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino. Excellent performance by Clint Eastwood. The movie had small instances of humor even without trying hard.
26. Defiance (8.5/10)
I wasn't too sure about this one. But what a surprise it was in every aspect, be it story, direction of performance including Daniel Craig. Three Jewish brothers escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into the Belarussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and others in danger. A must see film
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
4 more down and under
16. Roadside Romeo (Hindi) (4/10)
India's first joint venture with Disney to give an animation film. Romeo a street dog used to have a good life. Now that he is on streets, he has fallen for Laila, another cute dog and he will have to fight with gangster dog Charlie Anna to get his love. Very thing story line with nothing new except the whole animation experience to offer.
17. Hamlet 2 (5.5/10)
In this irreverent comedy, a failed actor-turned-worse-high-school-drama-teacher rallies his Tucson, AZ students as he conceives and stages politically incorrect musical sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet. This was a satirical comedy with a very interesting finale when the actual play is staged. A very decent fare.
18. Man On Wire (Documentary) (6.5/10)
A look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City's World Trade Center's twin towers in 1974, what some consider, "the artistic crime of the century." Its good when you see it as a documentary. What surprised me how the whole event unfolds of preparation like a sit film. It was good and interesting
19. Vantage Point (7.5/10)
This is a very very interesting political thriller. During an historic counter-terrorism summit in Spain, the President of the United States is struck down by an assassin's bullet. Eight strangers have a perfect view of the kill, but what did they really see? As the minutes leading up to the fatal shot are replayed through the eyes of each eyewitness, the reality of the assassination takes shape. But just when you think you know the answer, the shattering final truth is revealed. A very intriguing story with many twists.
India's first joint venture with Disney to give an animation film. Romeo a street dog used to have a good life. Now that he is on streets, he has fallen for Laila, another cute dog and he will have to fight with gangster dog Charlie Anna to get his love. Very thing story line with nothing new except the whole animation experience to offer.
17. Hamlet 2 (5.5/10)
In this irreverent comedy, a failed actor-turned-worse-high-school-drama-teacher rallies his Tucson, AZ students as he conceives and stages politically incorrect musical sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet. This was a satirical comedy with a very interesting finale when the actual play is staged. A very decent fare.
18. Man On Wire (Documentary) (6.5/10)
A look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City's World Trade Center's twin towers in 1974, what some consider, "the artistic crime of the century." Its good when you see it as a documentary. What surprised me how the whole event unfolds of preparation like a sit film. It was good and interesting
19. Vantage Point (7.5/10)
This is a very very interesting political thriller. During an historic counter-terrorism summit in Spain, the President of the United States is struck down by an assassin's bullet. Eight strangers have a perfect view of the kill, but what did they really see? As the minutes leading up to the fatal shot are replayed through the eyes of each eyewitness, the reality of the assassination takes shape. But just when you think you know the answer, the shattering final truth is revealed. A very intriguing story with many twists.
Monday, January 12, 2009
I am making good progress
I think I am watching a lot of films (well who doesn't know that). Hopefully the saga will continue
14. The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines (6.5/10)
The next in 3 part series so far, this movie sows us next step journey of the librarian to the king solomon mines. As is always the case in these movies, the ultimate bad guy turns out to be the one whom you never expected. One thing that I just dont understand is how come the main protagonist faces all these hurdles to reach the destination and the bad guys are always there so quick. Fun for me because I like these kind of films.
15. Ramchand Pakistani (Hindi/Urdu) (6.5/10)
Now this on was interesting. Ramchand, a hindu dalit pakistani mistakenly crosses the border and his father follows. They are arrested. What follows is their trials and tribulations in the jails in India and how his mother played beautifully by Nandita Das copes up with the situation back in Pakistan not knowing about their whereabouts.
14. The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines (6.5/10)
The next in 3 part series so far, this movie sows us next step journey of the librarian to the king solomon mines. As is always the case in these movies, the ultimate bad guy turns out to be the one whom you never expected. One thing that I just dont understand is how come the main protagonist faces all these hurdles to reach the destination and the bad guys are always there so quick. Fun for me because I like these kind of films.
15. Ramchand Pakistani (Hindi/Urdu) (6.5/10)
Now this on was interesting. Ramchand, a hindu dalit pakistani mistakenly crosses the border and his father follows. They are arrested. What follows is their trials and tribulations in the jails in India and how his mother played beautifully by Nandita Das copes up with the situation back in Pakistan not knowing about their whereabouts.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Films that I saw in past 9 days
Starting this year, I wanna see and keep a tab of how many films I watch. The goal is to see if i make it to the magic number of 365 (less or more) per year. So in very short, I am going to write names, few sentences and what I thought of the movie.
So here's what have I seen so far in past 9 days:
1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (7.5/10)
A brilliant story that takes us on a journey of a man who ages reverse. Brilliant concept and acting by both Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt. I thought it was superb.
2. The Day the Earth Stood Still (3/10)
A remake of the 1951 classic sci-fi film about an alien visitor and his giant robot counterpart who visit Earth. Even with Keanu Reaves, the fate of this film could not be salvaged. This was bad . Period.
3. Yuvvraaj (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Thee kind of stories dont work in these days but still it was pretty decent attempt. If nothing else, the locales in the film were brilliant and songs were very melodious.
4. Khela (Bengali) (6/10)
A film director, a bored housewife tired of her husband. The director plans a film with a child an din the process comes closer to understanding children , something he never was ready for. Manisha was decent, Prasanjeet was great and so was the kid.
5. The Reader (9/10)
BRILLIANT. Thats one word to describe this film. Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Burk re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial. How does Kate Winslet do it every time, its unbelievable.
6. Finding Amanda (5/10)
A television producer with a penchant for drinking and gambling is sent to Las Vegas to convince his troubled niece to enter rehab. A cross between drama, comedy and message, a short budget film which was a decent watch. Not bad
7. Things We Lost in the Fire (7/10)
I loved it. If only it was not stretched towards the end, I would have loved it more. A recent widow invites her husband's troubled best friend to live with her and her two children. As he gradually turns his life around, he helps the family cope and confront their loss. Hale Berry and Benicio Del Toro gave performances to die for.
8. The Princess Bride (7/10)
A very good mix of fantasy, modern day, fights, swordplay, evil prince, beautiful princess. I wasn't sure before the movie. But the movie is very very entertaining. Its a must for kids.
9. Sorry Bhai (Hindi) (7.5/10)
I really dont understand why people did not like this movie. It was so natural slice of life and very believable. Al the characters were so true and real. Brilliant performances specially by Sharman. I loved it. I love Onir's films
10. Karzzzz (Hindi) (3/10)
The less, the better. Awful acting, direction and songs. Everyone was so over the top. The plot was not developed properly ad the film it seemed was made just for the heck of it. Himesh bhai.. please hamein maaf karo.
11. Penelope (4/10)
A modern romantic tale about a young aristocratic heiress born under a curse that can only be broken when she finds true love with "one who will love her faithfully." It could have been so much better but somehow somewhere it lost the steam.
12. The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (7/10)
When a magical artifact is lifted from his library, a meek librarian sets out to ensure its safe return. Exactly the kind of films I like. Thanks to Manu for recommendation. Cheesy treasure hunt type. Perfect!!
13. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (8.5/10)
When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents' jewelery store the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that sends them, their father and one brother's wife hurtling towards a shattering climax. Brilliant acting by Philip Seymour and Ethan Hawke, this film will keep you on your edges. Crisp editing and one of the best. MUST WATCH
PS: I see many many more 'my kind of' films than I will actually write here but there is a separate blog for those special films. If you are interested, I can send you the link. Read at your own risk.
So here's what have I seen so far in past 9 days:
1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (7.5/10)
A brilliant story that takes us on a journey of a man who ages reverse. Brilliant concept and acting by both Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt. I thought it was superb.
2. The Day the Earth Stood Still (3/10)
A remake of the 1951 classic sci-fi film about an alien visitor and his giant robot counterpart who visit Earth. Even with Keanu Reaves, the fate of this film could not be salvaged. This was bad . Period.
3. Yuvvraaj (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Thee kind of stories dont work in these days but still it was pretty decent attempt. If nothing else, the locales in the film were brilliant and songs were very melodious.
4. Khela (Bengali) (6/10)
A film director, a bored housewife tired of her husband. The director plans a film with a child an din the process comes closer to understanding children , something he never was ready for. Manisha was decent, Prasanjeet was great and so was the kid.
5. The Reader (9/10)
BRILLIANT. Thats one word to describe this film. Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Burk re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial. How does Kate Winslet do it every time, its unbelievable.
6. Finding Amanda (5/10)
A television producer with a penchant for drinking and gambling is sent to Las Vegas to convince his troubled niece to enter rehab. A cross between drama, comedy and message, a short budget film which was a decent watch. Not bad
7. Things We Lost in the Fire (7/10)
I loved it. If only it was not stretched towards the end, I would have loved it more. A recent widow invites her husband's troubled best friend to live with her and her two children. As he gradually turns his life around, he helps the family cope and confront their loss. Hale Berry and Benicio Del Toro gave performances to die for.
8. The Princess Bride (7/10)
A very good mix of fantasy, modern day, fights, swordplay, evil prince, beautiful princess. I wasn't sure before the movie. But the movie is very very entertaining. Its a must for kids.
9. Sorry Bhai (Hindi) (7.5/10)
I really dont understand why people did not like this movie. It was so natural slice of life and very believable. Al the characters were so true and real. Brilliant performances specially by Sharman. I loved it. I love Onir's films
10. Karzzzz (Hindi) (3/10)
The less, the better. Awful acting, direction and songs. Everyone was so over the top. The plot was not developed properly ad the film it seemed was made just for the heck of it. Himesh bhai.. please hamein maaf karo.
11. Penelope (4/10)
A modern romantic tale about a young aristocratic heiress born under a curse that can only be broken when she finds true love with "one who will love her faithfully." It could have been so much better but somehow somewhere it lost the steam.
12. The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (7/10)
When a magical artifact is lifted from his library, a meek librarian sets out to ensure its safe return. Exactly the kind of films I like. Thanks to Manu for recommendation. Cheesy treasure hunt type. Perfect!!
13. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (8.5/10)
When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents' jewelery store the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that sends them, their father and one brother's wife hurtling towards a shattering climax. Brilliant acting by Philip Seymour and Ethan Hawke, this film will keep you on your edges. Crisp editing and one of the best. MUST WATCH
PS: I see many many more 'my kind of' films than I will actually write here but there is a separate blog for those special films. If you are interested, I can send you the link. Read at your own risk.
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