37. Awake (3/10)
A psychological thriller about a common occurrence called "anesthetic awareness" a horrifying phenomenon wherein a patient's failed anesthesia leaves him fully conscious but physically paralyzed during surgery. During such a surgery, the lead in the film finds out about a plot to kill him for his money driven by his doctor friend and wife. Nice thought on paper but silly execution with too many loopholes and medically not possible things. Waste of time.
36. Breach (6/10)
This is based on a true story about the biggest breach in US history in FBI around year 2001 timeframe. The bureau suspects a chief to be giving US secret information to Russia but the guy being so smart, they cannot arrest him because of lack of proof. A new division, a new team and a wanna agent are put on case to keep an eye on him and catch him in action when he drops information next time. Interesting film although at times it can get a little confusing because of too detailed technical discussion. It still makes for a god tea time watch.
35. West Is West (Indian English) (2/10)
A movie with this name feauring Ashutosh Gowariker in the main lead gets your expectations high. Ashutosh arrives to SF but realizes that his sponsors have moved to India, he has not gotten into college and is running out of money. He lives in a chap motel run by Pearl Padamsee and starts working there. Constantly harassed by immigration officials, the only option he is left with is to marry an American girl whom he made friends with. He realizes then he doesn't see any reason to stay in US and goes back to India. Months later his wife joins too. This ne was such a silly and bad film that its hard to even write how bad it was. Apparently made in 1995, the production looked like 70s film and the acting was bad, just bad from each and every person. Well maybe not from Pearl Padamsee. She was charming as she always is.
34. Baran (Iran/Persian) (7.5/10)
My first Iranian film recommended by a dear friend and boy did I love the film. It was a wonderful experience to watch love in the purest form. 17 year old Lateef is a man working on a construction site. He just kills time, picks up fight rather than working hard. When another construction worker injures himself, his 15-16 year old son Rahmat becomes the bread earner and joins the site. Soon enough Lateef realizes that Rahmat is in fact a girl Baran posing as boy t get work. His life changes because he gets drawn irresistibly towards her. He sees her working hard, cries for her and wants to help her. In the process he ends up losing his money, identity and everything just to make her life a little better. The family soon leaves for Afghanistan and Lateef could never even tell the girl how he felt for her. Must watch film.
33. Hallam Foe (5.5/10)
Hallam, a young man suspects that his stepmother may have had a hand in the sudden death of his biological mother. Fleeing the family home (which is like in middle of woods), Hallam takes up residence upon the rooftops of Edinburgh, it's not long before he is drawn into a voyeuristic obsession with a young woman who shares more than a passing resemblance to his mother, who is older to him and actually employs him. Changing equation of Hallam with the girl and how things end is this film. The film is interesting in bits and pieces. With a tighter and faster pace, he film could have been better,
32. Karma Aur Holi (Indian English) (3/10)
The film finally released and yes it was torture to watch the film. A very amateurishly directed film, its a classic example of how you can waste money and talent of people involved in the film. Randeep and Susmita are a couple living in NY suburbs who are hosting Hli bash at their huge suburban mansion. Different people with different backgrounds ultimately end of sharing a secret about themselves that no one knows which ultimately can change their lives. Neither the people not their secrets were exciting at all. See this film to know what bad acting, bad dialogue delivery is all about.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
The May end number is.. still counting
31. Last Chance Harvey (5/10)
Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson are 2 lonely individuals. When he visits London for his daughter's wedding, his chance encounter with Emma changes both of their lives forever. They teach other that they need to take chances in life and how its important to love and respect their family. He gets a last chance before he can decide whether to return back to US or spend his life with Emma whom he has hardly known for not even 2 days. A decent plot but it has ben done to death so many times that for me to had nothing new to offer
30. Bicentennial Man (7.5/10)
A robots journey over the course of 200 years where he struggles to fit in the human world, trying to understand their life and ultimately trying to become a human himself so that he can marry and live his life with the girl whom he loves so deeply. It was a very very interesting film. Had my friends mom not told me about it, I would have neevr seen this beautiful film. A bit lengthy but its marvelous. Robin WIlliams does a brilliant job.
29. Rachel Getting Married (7/10)
Few minutes into the film, it kind of reminded me of Monsoon Wedding. Inspired yet very different. Anne Hathaway is visiting her family from rehab for her sister Rachel's wedding. The entire film is dedicated to various functions and festivities that go on in the family and the fights they have because Anne is still going through her rehab days and how he cannot let the guilt of possibly being responsible for her brother's death out of her mind. Brilliant performance by her. A rightly deserved Oscar nomination. A simple indie film.
28. Marley And Me (6/10)
It started out fun. I am not big fan of dog films but just witnessing the kind of dog Marley was in fact fascinating. The film is about this couple who has a god Marley, their life, aspirations , career, kids and how in all this Marley , the dog plays an important part in their life before ultimately succumbing to death after living his full course. Comical performances by the dog, Jennifer Aniston and Owen wilson. Time pass flick
27. Faltu (Bengali) (6/10)
This is a story about 20 year old guy Faltu who is in search of his roots (who his father is) and is looking for love. It is also the story of a small village and its people and the story woven around these characters who have helped Faltu to grow in a mature young man but they never want to talk about who his father is. Every person in the village at some point raped his mother (who was a mad woman), so no one is sure of who the father actually is. The guilty feeling of raping Surikhepi haunts almost every single male in the village. That is when a twist in the tale ensures Faltu and his love don't get married. The story and direction is very fascinating. It is still so difficult to understand human relationships and desires and Bengali cinema has time and again shown us different facets of it.
Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson are 2 lonely individuals. When he visits London for his daughter's wedding, his chance encounter with Emma changes both of their lives forever. They teach other that they need to take chances in life and how its important to love and respect their family. He gets a last chance before he can decide whether to return back to US or spend his life with Emma whom he has hardly known for not even 2 days. A decent plot but it has ben done to death so many times that for me to had nothing new to offer
30. Bicentennial Man (7.5/10)
A robots journey over the course of 200 years where he struggles to fit in the human world, trying to understand their life and ultimately trying to become a human himself so that he can marry and live his life with the girl whom he loves so deeply. It was a very very interesting film. Had my friends mom not told me about it, I would have neevr seen this beautiful film. A bit lengthy but its marvelous. Robin WIlliams does a brilliant job.
29. Rachel Getting Married (7/10)
Few minutes into the film, it kind of reminded me of Monsoon Wedding. Inspired yet very different. Anne Hathaway is visiting her family from rehab for her sister Rachel's wedding. The entire film is dedicated to various functions and festivities that go on in the family and the fights they have because Anne is still going through her rehab days and how he cannot let the guilt of possibly being responsible for her brother's death out of her mind. Brilliant performance by her. A rightly deserved Oscar nomination. A simple indie film.
28. Marley And Me (6/10)
It started out fun. I am not big fan of dog films but just witnessing the kind of dog Marley was in fact fascinating. The film is about this couple who has a god Marley, their life, aspirations , career, kids and how in all this Marley , the dog plays an important part in their life before ultimately succumbing to death after living his full course. Comical performances by the dog, Jennifer Aniston and Owen wilson. Time pass flick
27. Faltu (Bengali) (6/10)
This is a story about 20 year old guy Faltu who is in search of his roots (who his father is) and is looking for love. It is also the story of a small village and its people and the story woven around these characters who have helped Faltu to grow in a mature young man but they never want to talk about who his father is. Every person in the village at some point raped his mother (who was a mad woman), so no one is sure of who the father actually is. The guilty feeling of raping Surikhepi haunts almost every single male in the village. That is when a twist in the tale ensures Faltu and his love don't get married. The story and direction is very fascinating. It is still so difficult to understand human relationships and desires and Bengali cinema has time and again shown us different facets of it.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
More movies in pipeline
26. Happy Go Lucky (6.5/10)
Sally Hawkins play this free and effervescent high school teacher whose unstoppable optimism guides her life. Bubbling forth with giggles, laughter and jokes, life's a bowl of cherries even when she comes across a few pits. Whether it's a cranky driving teacher or a fiery flamenco instructor, Poppy embraces life on the sunny side of the street. It's a joyous, feel-good film you'll find irresistible. Great acting by Sally and she totally deserves the golden globe for this.The film just reminds you of how different things can be if you look at bright and positive side of all events that happen to you.
25. Igby Goes Down (6.5/10)
Igby is a teen struggling to find any purpose or meaning to his life; surrounding him are his tyrant mother Susan Sarandon, schizophrenic father, wealthy and deceitful godfather D.H. and a cold brother - all of whom have their own problems. While evading being sent to yet another boarding school, Igby seeks solace with two women: a drug-addicted dancer who's D.H.'s mistress, and Sookie, a college student who becomes perhaps his only friend and his brother's girlfriend. Brilliant acting by everyone, this film makes you realize and remember some of your own teenage issues.
24. Kissing Cousins (Indian/English) (4.5/10)
A weird title, isn't it. Story is about this boy in LA who works as a relationship terminator (who gives the bad news to people). He has group of friends but they are all couples. They want him to have a girlfriend. When his cousin visits him, they pretend t be a couple just for fun, thereby making the dude realize that he too is capable of love. The cousin returns back to her boyfriend and our man is ready for love. Ordinary story and ordinary acting. Supposed to be a comedy, it hardly evokes any laughter but still makes for a time-pass watch
23. Ru-Ba-Ru (Hindi) (7/10)
Another bollywood adaptation of an english film 'If Only', but this movie surprised me. The story and above all the acting by Randeep Hooda and Shahana Goswami is pretty awesome. She reminds me of Konkona's natural talent Their chemistry, fights, interactions are so real and natural. Randeep gives prefernce to work more than love and happiness and ends up losing Shahana. Next day, he sees the events of the previous day repeating itself and he tries to change them by being a more sensitive and sensible man.
Sally Hawkins play this free and effervescent high school teacher whose unstoppable optimism guides her life. Bubbling forth with giggles, laughter and jokes, life's a bowl of cherries even when she comes across a few pits. Whether it's a cranky driving teacher or a fiery flamenco instructor, Poppy embraces life on the sunny side of the street. It's a joyous, feel-good film you'll find irresistible. Great acting by Sally and she totally deserves the golden globe for this.The film just reminds you of how different things can be if you look at bright and positive side of all events that happen to you.
25. Igby Goes Down (6.5/10)
Igby is a teen struggling to find any purpose or meaning to his life; surrounding him are his tyrant mother Susan Sarandon, schizophrenic father, wealthy and deceitful godfather D.H. and a cold brother - all of whom have their own problems. While evading being sent to yet another boarding school, Igby seeks solace with two women: a drug-addicted dancer who's D.H.'s mistress, and Sookie, a college student who becomes perhaps his only friend and his brother's girlfriend. Brilliant acting by everyone, this film makes you realize and remember some of your own teenage issues.
24. Kissing Cousins (Indian/English) (4.5/10)
A weird title, isn't it. Story is about this boy in LA who works as a relationship terminator (who gives the bad news to people). He has group of friends but they are all couples. They want him to have a girlfriend. When his cousin visits him, they pretend t be a couple just for fun, thereby making the dude realize that he too is capable of love. The cousin returns back to her boyfriend and our man is ready for love. Ordinary story and ordinary acting. Supposed to be a comedy, it hardly evokes any laughter but still makes for a time-pass watch
23. Ru-Ba-Ru (Hindi) (7/10)
Another bollywood adaptation of an english film 'If Only', but this movie surprised me. The story and above all the acting by Randeep Hooda and Shahana Goswami is pretty awesome. She reminds me of Konkona's natural talent Their chemistry, fights, interactions are so real and natural. Randeep gives prefernce to work more than love and happiness and ends up losing Shahana. Next day, he sees the events of the previous day repeating itself and he tries to change them by being a more sensitive and sensible man.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Theatre time
22. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (5.5/10)
Wolverine lives a mutant life, seeks revenge against Victor Creed (who will later become Sabertooth) for the death of his girlfriend, and ultimately ends up going through the mutant Weapon X program. The movie was visually good but plot was little weak. I did not have many expectations so it was ok for me. I cant say that acting was exceptional or anything but it definitely did make a good time pass viewing.
21. Angels and Demons (6.5/10)
I loved the book. Much more than Da Vinci Code and had been waiting for this film for a while. I knew it was hard to squeeze all that was in the book in a film. The director tried best but the thrill which the book creates and the way clues and puzzles are solved, it didn't come any closer to that i the film. I still feel Tom Hanks is not the right choice for Robert Langdon. Book is better any day but I would still not mind watching it just to visually see the pages unfold on big screen
20. Star Trek (8/10)
I wasn't too sure to watch this film but I am glad I did. Watching it in IMAX really did the trick. Plus actually the storyline was also pretty interesting and gripping. Having no background of Star Trek, I was still very much drawn into the film, the characters, the visuals, the space, everything. From the first stunning visuals of a pre-Enterprise time to the final iconic sweeping space shots Star Trek is fully and wholly back, completely engaging for Fan and newcomers alike
Wolverine lives a mutant life, seeks revenge against Victor Creed (who will later become Sabertooth) for the death of his girlfriend, and ultimately ends up going through the mutant Weapon X program. The movie was visually good but plot was little weak. I did not have many expectations so it was ok for me. I cant say that acting was exceptional or anything but it definitely did make a good time pass viewing.
21. Angels and Demons (6.5/10)
I loved the book. Much more than Da Vinci Code and had been waiting for this film for a while. I knew it was hard to squeeze all that was in the book in a film. The director tried best but the thrill which the book creates and the way clues and puzzles are solved, it didn't come any closer to that i the film. I still feel Tom Hanks is not the right choice for Robert Langdon. Book is better any day but I would still not mind watching it just to visually see the pages unfold on big screen
20. Star Trek (8/10)
I wasn't too sure to watch this film but I am glad I did. Watching it in IMAX really did the trick. Plus actually the storyline was also pretty interesting and gripping. Having no background of Star Trek, I was still very much drawn into the film, the characters, the visuals, the space, everything. From the first stunning visuals of a pre-Enterprise time to the final iconic sweeping space shots Star Trek is fully and wholly back, completely engaging for Fan and newcomers alike
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Its time to make up and watch films
19. Rihaee (Hindi) (6.5/10)
It was good to watch an 80s artsy Indian Cinema. The story is about a village which is mostly inhabited by women since their husbands have gone to the city for work and come at most once or twice a year. A village man Naseeruddin Shah returns from Dubai and every woman in village gets attracted to him, two of them ultimately getting pregnant including Hema Malini. She refuses to get abortion like the other woman. When the husband returns there is a huge debate on whats right and whats wrong and the woman has an equal right to live her life. Excellent performances by an ensemble cast, I loved it and I was glad that I saw it.
18. Kaash Mere Hote (Hindi) (1/10)
Another one of those fatal attraction movies where a teenage girl is obsessed with a man who already has a lover. Terrible acting by each and every single person, be it newcomers or Sneha Ullal. Its a torture to watch and you cant feel anything but pity for Rajesh Khanna, superstar of his time who has to do these kind of roles.
17. In Bruges (7.5/10)
Brilliantly made movie. One of the finest ever. Killer friends are asked to go to Bruges by Harry who gives them work. Once in Bruges, one of them is asked to kill the other one because he accidentally killed a kid. BUt he refuses. How Harry shows up there and things end is very interesting. I loved the way the whole film is in a subtle comic tone trying to keep the drama going at the same time. Its hard to explain but it is brilliant. Loved it. Must Watch. Deserves all praises for direction , acting, photography, story etc.
16. Seven Pounds (3/10)
Will Smith has had an accident in which his girlfriend dies. He is looking for redemption by radically transforming the lives of seven people he doesn't know. Once his plan is set, nothing will be able to stop him. At least that's what he thinks. But he ends up falling in love. Even that doesn't stop him and he ends his life to give them new beginning. It was a confusing film. For such films, you have to connect with the audience but I could not feel the connection. Also the proceedings were a little confusing to understand why and what is going on. A downer!
It was good to watch an 80s artsy Indian Cinema. The story is about a village which is mostly inhabited by women since their husbands have gone to the city for work and come at most once or twice a year. A village man Naseeruddin Shah returns from Dubai and every woman in village gets attracted to him, two of them ultimately getting pregnant including Hema Malini. She refuses to get abortion like the other woman. When the husband returns there is a huge debate on whats right and whats wrong and the woman has an equal right to live her life. Excellent performances by an ensemble cast, I loved it and I was glad that I saw it.
18. Kaash Mere Hote (Hindi) (1/10)
Another one of those fatal attraction movies where a teenage girl is obsessed with a man who already has a lover. Terrible acting by each and every single person, be it newcomers or Sneha Ullal. Its a torture to watch and you cant feel anything but pity for Rajesh Khanna, superstar of his time who has to do these kind of roles.
17. In Bruges (7.5/10)
Brilliantly made movie. One of the finest ever. Killer friends are asked to go to Bruges by Harry who gives them work. Once in Bruges, one of them is asked to kill the other one because he accidentally killed a kid. BUt he refuses. How Harry shows up there and things end is very interesting. I loved the way the whole film is in a subtle comic tone trying to keep the drama going at the same time. Its hard to explain but it is brilliant. Loved it. Must Watch. Deserves all praises for direction , acting, photography, story etc.
16. Seven Pounds (3/10)
Will Smith has had an accident in which his girlfriend dies. He is looking for redemption by radically transforming the lives of seven people he doesn't know. Once his plan is set, nothing will be able to stop him. At least that's what he thinks. But he ends up falling in love. Even that doesn't stop him and he ends his life to give them new beginning. It was a confusing film. For such films, you have to connect with the audience but I could not feel the connection. Also the proceedings were a little confusing to understand why and what is going on. A downer!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Five more down under
15. City Rats (UK) (5.5/10)
Eight f****d up haunted people meet and fall apart - looking for redemption in each other. Jim is testing affects of suicide when he meets Sue on adjacent roof trying the same. Her ex boyfriend Dean is dealing with his creativity issues and is looking forward to his muse in a prostitute in his building. After one time fling with Dean, Olly is lost in a world of sexual confusion. He also has to look after his deaf autistic brother who incidentally is gay and comfortable with it. Their eldest brother Pete is stalked by an old lady Carol who is looking for her son whom Pete knows from his druggy days. By the end, each lost soul finds a solution in darkness or in light. Interesting stories and interweaving of them . A pretty decent watch with multiple simultaneous stories.
14. Frost/Nixon (7.5/10)
Amazing movie. Well deserved academy nominations. When disgraced President Richard Nixon agreed to an interview with jet-setting television personality, David Frost, he thought he’d found the key to saving his tarnished legacy. But, with a name to make and a reputation to overcome, Frost became one of Nixon’s most formidable adversaries and engaged the leader in a charged battle of wits that changed the face of politics forever. It was interesting to see certain chapters of US history which I was oblivious to. Brilliant acting and direction.
13. Dhoondhte Reh Jaoge (Hindi) (4.5/10)
Paresh Rawal needs superstar Sonu Sood to get financiers for his film. Meanwhile the poor Kunal Khemu needs to make money so that he can impress girlfriend Soha, a wannabe actress. Kunal Khemu comes up with a scheme according to which they will make a flop film, get money from various financiers and have all their money. They make a mish mash of al recent superhit films. The film turns out to be hit instead of flop and the two guys then end up in jail. The film is funny in parts. The actors are passable except Kunal Khemu. He is definitely talented. All he needs is that one project that he can prove himself.
12. The Diving Bell and The Butterfly (French) (6/10)
This is an inspiring true story about the awesome power of imagination. After having a stroke, Jean can move his left eye and through that he learns to communicate one letter at a time. With the help of his therapist and a stenographer. he writes the stunning memoir The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Brilliant concept and direction. The movie is slow at times but there is no other way to portray the sufferings and idea except the way the director did. Very good.
11. 8x10 Tasveer (Hindi) (4.5/10)
Akshay Kumar has power to see the past through a photograph. When his father dies in a mysterious boat accident, he needs to find all about it. As he discovers clues he realizes that his father was actually murdered and that everyone on the boat had a motive. Now on a mission to unmask the killer, he undertakes the dangerous journey of visiting the past repeatedly. The ultimate truth turns out to be scary and shocking for him which he never expected. How does he get out of the past and take revenge is this movie. Akshay gave a decent performance but the punch to run on box office was clearly lacking in the film. Nagesh Kukunoor took certain things for granted and they should have been better explained. Good time pass.
Eight f****d up haunted people meet and fall apart - looking for redemption in each other. Jim is testing affects of suicide when he meets Sue on adjacent roof trying the same. Her ex boyfriend Dean is dealing with his creativity issues and is looking forward to his muse in a prostitute in his building. After one time fling with Dean, Olly is lost in a world of sexual confusion. He also has to look after his deaf autistic brother who incidentally is gay and comfortable with it. Their eldest brother Pete is stalked by an old lady Carol who is looking for her son whom Pete knows from his druggy days. By the end, each lost soul finds a solution in darkness or in light. Interesting stories and interweaving of them . A pretty decent watch with multiple simultaneous stories.
14. Frost/Nixon (7.5/10)
Amazing movie. Well deserved academy nominations. When disgraced President Richard Nixon agreed to an interview with jet-setting television personality, David Frost, he thought he’d found the key to saving his tarnished legacy. But, with a name to make and a reputation to overcome, Frost became one of Nixon’s most formidable adversaries and engaged the leader in a charged battle of wits that changed the face of politics forever. It was interesting to see certain chapters of US history which I was oblivious to. Brilliant acting and direction.
13. Dhoondhte Reh Jaoge (Hindi) (4.5/10)
Paresh Rawal needs superstar Sonu Sood to get financiers for his film. Meanwhile the poor Kunal Khemu needs to make money so that he can impress girlfriend Soha, a wannabe actress. Kunal Khemu comes up with a scheme according to which they will make a flop film, get money from various financiers and have all their money. They make a mish mash of al recent superhit films. The film turns out to be hit instead of flop and the two guys then end up in jail. The film is funny in parts. The actors are passable except Kunal Khemu. He is definitely talented. All he needs is that one project that he can prove himself.
12. The Diving Bell and The Butterfly (French) (6/10)
This is an inspiring true story about the awesome power of imagination. After having a stroke, Jean can move his left eye and through that he learns to communicate one letter at a time. With the help of his therapist and a stenographer. he writes the stunning memoir The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Brilliant concept and direction. The movie is slow at times but there is no other way to portray the sufferings and idea except the way the director did. Very good.
11. 8x10 Tasveer (Hindi) (4.5/10)
Akshay Kumar has power to see the past through a photograph. When his father dies in a mysterious boat accident, he needs to find all about it. As he discovers clues he realizes that his father was actually murdered and that everyone on the boat had a motive. Now on a mission to unmask the killer, he undertakes the dangerous journey of visiting the past repeatedly. The ultimate truth turns out to be scary and shocking for him which he never expected. How does he get out of the past and take revenge is this movie. Akshay gave a decent performance but the punch to run on box office was clearly lacking in the film. Nagesh Kukunoor took certain things for granted and they should have been better explained. Good time pass.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
I am cruising along good
10. The Wrestler (7/10)
Mickey Rourke plays a heavily scarred and battled wrestler who was at peak of his career 20 yars ago. He still gets involved in second rate fights to make money and nursing his pride. He goes to a strip club and flirts with Marisa Tomei. A day he gets a heart attack and he cannot fight. He tries to make mends with his daughter because he is scared to be alone but that doesn't work. He finally realizes that his family are the people who come to watch him. Excellent performance by Rourke. What a comeback! The film was very depressing to see the fall of a star and how he lives. I have never felt like that in a movie.
9. Chandni Chowk To China (Hindi) (5.5/10)
The film got bad reviews and hnce my expectations were low but it turned out a decent DVD watch. Villagers in China mistake Akshay to be reincarnation of their saviour. They take him to China to fight against the bad guy. Meanwhile Deepika Padukone goes to China in search of her twin sister who it turns out is with the bad guy. How and why ultimately Akshay learns Kung Fu to fight against the bad guys and how Deepika's family finally meet each other, is this film. Lave your brains and try to enjoy. Its really not that bad.
8. The Other End Of Line (5/10)
This I believe is an Indo-American venture. Shriya Saran working in Indian call center poses as an American working in SF and calls his customer regularly. She somehow thinks there is a connection and falls for him even though she is engaged. She decided to go to SF to meet the guy but i scared to tell the truth. Eventually they become really close but there are misunderstandings which finally get cleared and everything is fine. It was a decent film with good performances. Some things didn't make sense but when the film is supposed to be a rom-com, who really cares.
7. Aasma (Hindi) (2/10)
A bunch of friends decide to start a theatre group. They have certain challenges when it comes to raising money which causes some friction between few of them. Meanwhile the lead character instrumental in starting the group is dianosed HIV positive. How this fact brings the friends and family close makes this film. Interesting concept but bad film. Poor acting and direction. Everything was so fake and artificial.
6. Quemar Las Naves (Spanish/Mexico) [Burn The Bridges] (7.5/10)
Brother, sister and an ailing mother. Sister takes care f her mother and brother who is 18. AFter the mom dies, the siblings dont know what to do. The brother is getting attracted to a local boy, wants to leave the town with him but somehow he can never leave because he feels he is responsible towards the sister. Sister meanwhile is locked always in the house and has odd feelings for her brother. Finally she realizes what's right and tells her brother to leave and do whatever he wants and she also would move on in life. This is one of the better films I have seen. The strange chemistry between the siblings might make you uncomfortable but thats the directors vision. Brilliant acting by every character. Very good.
5. Swing Vote (4/10)
Kevin Costner plays this average Joe who lives with his daughter Molly. During presidential elections, by a turn of events it boils down to his vote to decide the candidate. WHat would the candidates do to get his vote and how finally, his conscience will wake up and he will decide fairly is what this movie is about. You dont have to put too much brains for this film. Just an average mindless, trying to be funny film.
Mickey Rourke plays a heavily scarred and battled wrestler who was at peak of his career 20 yars ago. He still gets involved in second rate fights to make money and nursing his pride. He goes to a strip club and flirts with Marisa Tomei. A day he gets a heart attack and he cannot fight. He tries to make mends with his daughter because he is scared to be alone but that doesn't work. He finally realizes that his family are the people who come to watch him. Excellent performance by Rourke. What a comeback! The film was very depressing to see the fall of a star and how he lives. I have never felt like that in a movie.
9. Chandni Chowk To China (Hindi) (5.5/10)
The film got bad reviews and hnce my expectations were low but it turned out a decent DVD watch. Villagers in China mistake Akshay to be reincarnation of their saviour. They take him to China to fight against the bad guy. Meanwhile Deepika Padukone goes to China in search of her twin sister who it turns out is with the bad guy. How and why ultimately Akshay learns Kung Fu to fight against the bad guys and how Deepika's family finally meet each other, is this film. Lave your brains and try to enjoy. Its really not that bad.
8. The Other End Of Line (5/10)
This I believe is an Indo-American venture. Shriya Saran working in Indian call center poses as an American working in SF and calls his customer regularly. She somehow thinks there is a connection and falls for him even though she is engaged. She decided to go to SF to meet the guy but i scared to tell the truth. Eventually they become really close but there are misunderstandings which finally get cleared and everything is fine. It was a decent film with good performances. Some things didn't make sense but when the film is supposed to be a rom-com, who really cares.
7. Aasma (Hindi) (2/10)
A bunch of friends decide to start a theatre group. They have certain challenges when it comes to raising money which causes some friction between few of them. Meanwhile the lead character instrumental in starting the group is dianosed HIV positive. How this fact brings the friends and family close makes this film. Interesting concept but bad film. Poor acting and direction. Everything was so fake and artificial.
6. Quemar Las Naves (Spanish/Mexico) [Burn The Bridges] (7.5/10)
Brother, sister and an ailing mother. Sister takes care f her mother and brother who is 18. AFter the mom dies, the siblings dont know what to do. The brother is getting attracted to a local boy, wants to leave the town with him but somehow he can never leave because he feels he is responsible towards the sister. Sister meanwhile is locked always in the house and has odd feelings for her brother. Finally she realizes what's right and tells her brother to leave and do whatever he wants and she also would move on in life. This is one of the better films I have seen. The strange chemistry between the siblings might make you uncomfortable but thats the directors vision. Brilliant acting by every character. Very good.
5. Swing Vote (4/10)
Kevin Costner plays this average Joe who lives with his daughter Molly. During presidential elections, by a turn of events it boils down to his vote to decide the candidate. WHat would the candidates do to get his vote and how finally, his conscience will wake up and he will decide fairly is what this movie is about. You dont have to put too much brains for this film. Just an average mindless, trying to be funny film.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
The start of May
4. Secret Window (4.5/10)
Based on Steven king novel, Johnny Depp plays a writer, depressed and nearly divorced, who's stuck in an isolated cabin when a stranger arrives, accusing him of plagiarism. The stranger slowly starts getting aggressive and violent over a few days while Depp is trying to gain more evidence. With a twist in the end, the viewer is shocked to know who was the stranger. The story was interesting but somehow I expected what's going to happen. Plus expectations from Depp's movies are big
3. American History X (7.5/10)
Edward Norton is dangerous, a coiled fury of hate who leads a neo-Nazi gang. But time and events start to change him. He reassesses his ways while doing time for manslaughter and emerges from prison eager to keep his younger brother from falling victim to the thug cycle of violence and payback. It may be too late. Weaving in and out of events past and present in his life, American History X is revealing in its look at white-supremacist gangs and impassioned in its message that hatred and bigotry can be unlearned. It was very interesting for me giving some insight in those years of America.
2. Cheenti Cheenti Bang Bang (Hindi) (3/10)
The animation flick is about 2 rivals ant gangs (red and white). The black ants and red ants are at war and one mediator named Ghunn double-crosses both kingdoms for his personal gains. Of course, the kids of both kingdoms are in love. As if the poor animation was not enough, the story line itself had nothing to boost off. Pretty sad. I doubt if even the kids will like it.
1. Kaalpurush (Bengali) (5/10)
A man struggles to come to terms with the memory of his powerful father, which prompts a plunge into long-hidden secrets. Rahul Bose is caught in a world that he doesn't really belong in, and retreats to the comfort of memories, both real and imagined. His father had long ago left home and his wife Sameera Reddy is having an affair with another man. She keeps blaming him for not being able to achieve anything in life while she herself seeks success as an author. The film was a little too poetic. I have loved Bengali cinema but this was somehow was not for me. I will stick to Rituparna Ghosh's films.
Based on Steven king novel, Johnny Depp plays a writer, depressed and nearly divorced, who's stuck in an isolated cabin when a stranger arrives, accusing him of plagiarism. The stranger slowly starts getting aggressive and violent over a few days while Depp is trying to gain more evidence. With a twist in the end, the viewer is shocked to know who was the stranger. The story was interesting but somehow I expected what's going to happen. Plus expectations from Depp's movies are big
3. American History X (7.5/10)
Edward Norton is dangerous, a coiled fury of hate who leads a neo-Nazi gang. But time and events start to change him. He reassesses his ways while doing time for manslaughter and emerges from prison eager to keep his younger brother from falling victim to the thug cycle of violence and payback. It may be too late. Weaving in and out of events past and present in his life, American History X is revealing in its look at white-supremacist gangs and impassioned in its message that hatred and bigotry can be unlearned. It was very interesting for me giving some insight in those years of America.
2. Cheenti Cheenti Bang Bang (Hindi) (3/10)
The animation flick is about 2 rivals ant gangs (red and white). The black ants and red ants are at war and one mediator named Ghunn double-crosses both kingdoms for his personal gains. Of course, the kids of both kingdoms are in love. As if the poor animation was not enough, the story line itself had nothing to boost off. Pretty sad. I doubt if even the kids will like it.
1. Kaalpurush (Bengali) (5/10)
A man struggles to come to terms with the memory of his powerful father, which prompts a plunge into long-hidden secrets. Rahul Bose is caught in a world that he doesn't really belong in, and retreats to the comfort of memories, both real and imagined. His father had long ago left home and his wife Sameera Reddy is having an affair with another man. She keeps blaming him for not being able to achieve anything in life while she herself seeks success as an author. The film was a little too poetic. I have loved Bengali cinema but this was somehow was not for me. I will stick to Rituparna Ghosh's films.
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