34. Le silence de Lorna (French) [Lorna's Silence] (6.5/10)
Lorna marries a druggie , pays him to get Belgian citizenship in hope to open a snacks bar. This i arranged by a dealer Fabio. He nows wants to overdose the junkie, so that Lorna can now make money by marrying a Russian who also now wants a citizenship. What will Lorna do now specially now that she has started to have feelings for her now dead junkie husband. Interesting story but the end was a bit weird. It was all good thus far. But still I must say that the film was much better than some of Hollywood crap.
33. Ek Din Achanak (Hindi TV Film) (2/10)
This was a film made for TV where Rohit Roy and his real life wife play husband wife. The film is about money, greed and power where the husband hires a killer to get rid of hiswife for money but tables turn when she finds out he truth. It wasa very TV telefilm types. Acting was strictly ok. Manasi Joshi Ry seriously needs to loose weight.
32. How Do You Know (0.5/10)
After being cut from the USA softball team and feeling a bit past her prime, Lisa finds herself evaluating her life and in the middle of a love triangle, as a corporate guy in crisis competes with her current, baseball. A bad bad bad film on all accounts. If I can leave a film midway in theatre, you can guess how awful it really was.
31. Tees Maar Khan (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Huge expectations usually crumble down. I went with very low expectations specially after all those reviews. So that way at least I enjoyed the film and wsn't disappointed. I hate to say but Katrina was the only saving grace of the film. Her bimbo act was superb and so was Sheila Ki Jawani song. Akshay really needs to do something different. He is getting so repetitive.
30. Coco Before Chanel (French) (5/10)
We all know of the famous Chanel brand. This movie shows us the life of Coco before she became the famous Chanel. It is a historical reconstruction (dunno how much of it is actually true) but nonetheless it made for a very interesting viewing. The film shows Coco Chanel's rise from obscure beginnings to the heights of the fashion world.
29. Mohandas (Hindi) (7/10)
ery engaging film. It is again sad that these mall films never get he audience they deserve. I must admit I had my apprehensions but so glad that I gave the film a chance. Never has a hindi film dealt with the subject of identity theft and what does an individual has to go through because of it. Please watch this one.
28. The Colors Of Paradise (Iranian) (6.5/10)
Directed by famous Majid Majidi, this film also explores and celebrates childhood. Blind boy Mohammad is loved by everyone including his sisters and granny but his single widowed father finds him a burden and wants to get rid of him to stay witha blind carpenter so that he can marry a woman. The story descends into scripted tragedy and a contrived, action-packed climax where it your interpretation of what happened to the boy.
27. Life Express (Hindi) (3.5/10)
A noble theme and handled well but the problem is these issues are so often dealt in small screen that no one cares about it as a film. The film shows a very busy couple who are so much into their careers that they dont have time or kids. They plan to go for surrogate mother so that they can have their cake and eat too. Of course the mom (Rituparna Sengupta) soon realizes that she actually wants to become a mother rather than otherwise. Divya Dutta as always is the only saving grace of this film.
26. Une Petite Zone De Turbulences (French) [A Spot of Bother] (5.5/10)
A comic French film that shows a french dysfunctional family. An aging old man thinks he is dying, cannot accept that his daughter loves a man who is probably not as intelligent as he should, cannot accept the fact that his son is gay and later finds out that his wife is cheating on him. All this happens in the due course of the film with a funny touch but humane angle at the same time. I am not sure what the director's intentions were behind the film but it was alright and easy to watch.
25. Urf Professor (Hindi) (6/10)
THis film was made by now Late Pankaj Advani much before he made Sankat City. This was banned for its very very strong sexual language which I for once have never heard in a hindi movie. But this film was still interesting in terms how many layers of the film interacted with each other and how segments flow. The film basically deals with a professor who is a hit man and what all happens with him and people surrounding him. Also features Sharman Joshi and Antara Mali in extended roles. You can now see why Sankat City was such a wonderful film.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
December is still going great. Lets see what it ends up with
24. Hisss (Hindi) (0/10)
So yes this is THE WORST movie ever made. I read all the reviews and felt how bad can it be. But OMG!! this beats everything. Period!. So called special effects are so tacky that any B/C Grade movie can beat it. Film makers, have mercy on us
23. Wasta The Relation (Hindi) (3.5/10)
A late 80s artsy movie where the village is terrified of a local goon and no one reports him. Except when his cousin gets married to introducing Kiran Juneja and she takes charge. Imagine an 80s movie and you can imagine pretty much what the acting, story and everything would have been like. I dunno why I watched it now.
22. Identity (7/10)
9 people get together in a motel and slowly one by one people start getting killed. Half way into the movie you think that this is one of those regular who-dun-it kinda movies but wait when they throw in a surprise for multiple personality disorder and the movie takes completely different turn. End is equally surprising. Definitely worth a watch. John Cussack was the only known name for me
21. Ankahee (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Dr. Shriram Lagoo is an astrologer who wants his son Amol Palekar to marry Deepti Naval. But he loves another woman by the name of Sushma and is determined to marry her. And then his father tells him that he is fated to have two wives in this lifetime - the first will die within eleven months of the marriage - and that's when he will re-marry. Modern-day educated Nandu must now decide to believe his father and let go of Sushma, or defy his astrological beliefs and marry her.
20. Defending Your Life (4/10)
A witty peak at afterlife where before moving on, you have to go on a trial to prove if you have overcome your fears. If you have, you move on to either heaven or hell and if not, then you are sent back to earth for your next birth. The idea on paper would have been bad but the film was entertaining. A light family bond time movie starring Meryl Streep.
19. Red Rose (Hindi) (3/10)
Gosh!! Rajesh Khanna was so bad in this film. It had all the cliches of 80s thriller film. I was vaguely familiar with the story but I can imagine that in ealy 80s it might have been quite a sensation specially seeing the then super star in a negative avtaar. Poonam Dhillon was ok from 80s point of view but so OTT if you watch the film today.
18. Benny And Babloo (Hindi) (1.5/10)
Rajpal Yadav and KK Menon in title roles. Just a bad film. Although I think the thought and intentions behind the movie were honest but the film lost in trying to be comedy vs preaching a point.
17. Life Goes On (Indian English) (7/10)
Brilliant!! An english film from Uk starring Sharmila Tagore, Girish Karnad and Soha Ali Khan, the film shows how the family of 3 daughetsr and the father copes up after the mother unexpectedly dies. The film goes back and forth in flashback showing how many thing were being handled by the mother and how she was this tiny thread that was keeping the family together and everyone would go to her for their problems. You should watch it. Its a little slow but I got totally into it.
16. Break Ke Baad (Hindi) (5.5/10)
I wonder why this movie got such bad reviews. It wasn't actually bad at all. I enjoyed it. It showed a new perspective of modern day couples who once in a while like to take a break to ind an identity for themselves. I dont see anything wrong in that but of course since this is a bollywood film, they show that in doing this, how you might be losing out on the love of your dear ones. Still enjoyable. Imran Khan needs to branch out and do more varied roles. I still dont like Deepika Padukone but she definitely can act.
15. Wet Hot American Summer (1/10)
Set in a Summer Camp in the 1980's, it focuses on the camp counsellors and their charges trying to organise a last day of fun and frolics before the kids go home. But with the counsellors barely older than the kids, and their minds on each other rather than the welfare of their campers, things soon start to go very wrong. This was such a bad bad bad movie. Completely avoidable.
14. Red Alert (Hindi) (5/10)
A 2010 take on what Naxalite movement in India was, although done with thought, taste and issue based that makes people think. Other films in past have been too artsy to leave an impression. Sunil Shetty cant act but in this film, he was a little better. Sameera Reddy was strictly ok. Seema Biswas always does a good job. Watch it if you dont have anything better.
13. The Town (6.5/10)
Ben Affleck is a part of local bank robbers. When him and his partners think that a local girl saw more thanshe should have at a robbery, he befriends her and slowly fall in love with her. Unfortunately things dont go as planned because he cannot leave the business even if he wants to do. There is lot more on stake. Excellent movie. Surprising was the fact that Ben Affleck directed it as well. Totally the kind of movie I prefer.
12. Golmaal 3 (Hindi) (6/10)
For some reason, I wasn't too excited for this movie specially since Golmaal Returns was soooo bad but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The gags were funny and there was a story to tell. Best one liners according to me were given to Kunal Khemu. Ajay and Kareena were ok. By now we all know that Rohit Shetty's films have to have all bright coloured sets and lots of car explosions and there were aplenty here as well
11. Action Replayy (Hindi) (4.5/10)
Vipul Shah and Akshay's combo has given us some really good films in past plus promos were exciting, so I had high expectations but the movie was a complete downer. Time travel needs to take care of explaining all loop holes but I dont think proper thought was given to it. Ash is no ways looked from 70s (although Neha Dhupia totally did). Songs were all forced. Only saving grace was wonderful acting job by debutant Aditya Roy Kapoor.
So yes this is THE WORST movie ever made. I read all the reviews and felt how bad can it be. But OMG!! this beats everything. Period!. So called special effects are so tacky that any B/C Grade movie can beat it. Film makers, have mercy on us
23. Wasta The Relation (Hindi) (3.5/10)
A late 80s artsy movie where the village is terrified of a local goon and no one reports him. Except when his cousin gets married to introducing Kiran Juneja and she takes charge. Imagine an 80s movie and you can imagine pretty much what the acting, story and everything would have been like. I dunno why I watched it now.
22. Identity (7/10)
9 people get together in a motel and slowly one by one people start getting killed. Half way into the movie you think that this is one of those regular who-dun-it kinda movies but wait when they throw in a surprise for multiple personality disorder and the movie takes completely different turn. End is equally surprising. Definitely worth a watch. John Cussack was the only known name for me
21. Ankahee (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Dr. Shriram Lagoo is an astrologer who wants his son Amol Palekar to marry Deepti Naval. But he loves another woman by the name of Sushma and is determined to marry her. And then his father tells him that he is fated to have two wives in this lifetime - the first will die within eleven months of the marriage - and that's when he will re-marry. Modern-day educated Nandu must now decide to believe his father and let go of Sushma, or defy his astrological beliefs and marry her.
20. Defending Your Life (4/10)
A witty peak at afterlife where before moving on, you have to go on a trial to prove if you have overcome your fears. If you have, you move on to either heaven or hell and if not, then you are sent back to earth for your next birth. The idea on paper would have been bad but the film was entertaining. A light family bond time movie starring Meryl Streep.
19. Red Rose (Hindi) (3/10)
Gosh!! Rajesh Khanna was so bad in this film. It had all the cliches of 80s thriller film. I was vaguely familiar with the story but I can imagine that in ealy 80s it might have been quite a sensation specially seeing the then super star in a negative avtaar. Poonam Dhillon was ok from 80s point of view but so OTT if you watch the film today.
18. Benny And Babloo (Hindi) (1.5/10)
Rajpal Yadav and KK Menon in title roles. Just a bad film. Although I think the thought and intentions behind the movie were honest but the film lost in trying to be comedy vs preaching a point.
17. Life Goes On (Indian English) (7/10)
Brilliant!! An english film from Uk starring Sharmila Tagore, Girish Karnad and Soha Ali Khan, the film shows how the family of 3 daughetsr and the father copes up after the mother unexpectedly dies. The film goes back and forth in flashback showing how many thing were being handled by the mother and how she was this tiny thread that was keeping the family together and everyone would go to her for their problems. You should watch it. Its a little slow but I got totally into it.
16. Break Ke Baad (Hindi) (5.5/10)
I wonder why this movie got such bad reviews. It wasn't actually bad at all. I enjoyed it. It showed a new perspective of modern day couples who once in a while like to take a break to ind an identity for themselves. I dont see anything wrong in that but of course since this is a bollywood film, they show that in doing this, how you might be losing out on the love of your dear ones. Still enjoyable. Imran Khan needs to branch out and do more varied roles. I still dont like Deepika Padukone but she definitely can act.
15. Wet Hot American Summer (1/10)
Set in a Summer Camp in the 1980's, it focuses on the camp counsellors and their charges trying to organise a last day of fun and frolics before the kids go home. But with the counsellors barely older than the kids, and their minds on each other rather than the welfare of their campers, things soon start to go very wrong. This was such a bad bad bad movie. Completely avoidable.
14. Red Alert (Hindi) (5/10)
A 2010 take on what Naxalite movement in India was, although done with thought, taste and issue based that makes people think. Other films in past have been too artsy to leave an impression. Sunil Shetty cant act but in this film, he was a little better. Sameera Reddy was strictly ok. Seema Biswas always does a good job. Watch it if you dont have anything better.
13. The Town (6.5/10)
Ben Affleck is a part of local bank robbers. When him and his partners think that a local girl saw more thanshe should have at a robbery, he befriends her and slowly fall in love with her. Unfortunately things dont go as planned because he cannot leave the business even if he wants to do. There is lot more on stake. Excellent movie. Surprising was the fact that Ben Affleck directed it as well. Totally the kind of movie I prefer.
12. Golmaal 3 (Hindi) (6/10)
For some reason, I wasn't too excited for this movie specially since Golmaal Returns was soooo bad but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The gags were funny and there was a story to tell. Best one liners according to me were given to Kunal Khemu. Ajay and Kareena were ok. By now we all know that Rohit Shetty's films have to have all bright coloured sets and lots of car explosions and there were aplenty here as well
11. Action Replayy (Hindi) (4.5/10)
Vipul Shah and Akshay's combo has given us some really good films in past plus promos were exciting, so I had high expectations but the movie was a complete downer. Time travel needs to take care of explaining all loop holes but I dont think proper thought was given to it. Ash is no ways looked from 70s (although Neha Dhupia totally did). Songs were all forced. Only saving grace was wonderful acting job by debutant Aditya Roy Kapoor.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
December so far...
10. Black Swan (4/10)
Natalie Portman lives with her obsessive mother and is a ballerina. She is selected as the leas for musical Swan Lake. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Natalie fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily, a new girl is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Natalie begins to get more in touch with her dark side, something that threatens to destroy her. The storyline gets a little confusing. You are not sure what is going on, Is Natalie schizophrenic or something else. Her acting was brilliant but overall I was left a little confused.
9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (5.5/10)
Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world. As I expected, the movie was enjoyable experience but it lacked the thrills and actions of first 2 parts specially the first one. I watch these movies for visual thrills which I still got to an extent.
8. Kajraare (Hindi) (2.5/10)
I am so glad that this film was released only in 2 theaters and 1 show each. I would have felt really bad for people to spend all this money on the ticket and see such a bad film. I had high regards for Pooja Bhatt, who I thought would never give in to commercial cinema and continue to make offbeat films but Pooja, you disappoint me. Bhushan Kumar said the right thing, " Himesh is good MD but terrible actor". This film just proves it. It has nothing to watch out for. The story seems straight lifted from a early 90's movie and even the direction seemed that way. Even the lead actress Mona Laizza is pretty bad. And I was reminded again why Amrita Singh is called 'mard' singh. Stay away.
7. Ramaa The Saviour (Hindi) (0.5/10)
A good concept gone horribly wrong because of a terrible script. A bunch of kids get transported into a video game while playing it. Its all confusion and mish-mash after that without any explanations of the game or characters provided. Why Tanushree Dutta or Sahil Khan are the way they are, whey are they fighting and everything else. No wonder kids films are first not made and if made, they are shoddy as hell.
6. A Murder of Quality (UK) (2.5/10)
Intelligence agent George Smiley investigates a murder within an elite British school. Storyline takes aim at the British class system. Amidst the suspects is a young boy who is either a victim or a suspect. Murder mysteries are interesting but this one just did not do for me. Acting of everyone seemed pretty lame or maybe it is just a British thing :)
5. Crook (Hindi) (2/10)
Vishesh Films are having a bad run off late. The recent attacks on Indian students in Australia could have created for a good premise but this film could not use the potential. Why does a love story have to be embellished in a serious film? Emran was good. New actress Neha Sharma was pretty good. The sudden turning of Arjan Bajwa into negative was totally uncalled for. Mohit Suri disappoints. The songs were good though
4. Rakht Charitra (Hindi) (7/10)
Wonderful and a very tight script an acting. Ram Gopal Varma is back. Vivek Oberoi has acted so well and also the main villain. The main hero of the film is the background score. It takes the film to another level. There s constant twists and turns in the story. There is a not a single minute in the film that an bore you. Watch this for sure. There is excessive violence (nothing like seen in Hindi films before) but it gives that realistic touch to the film that it needs.
3. I am Love (Italian) (3.5/10)
This film tells the story of the wealthy Recchi family. The family patriarch surprises everyone by splitting power between his son Tancredi and grandson Edo. However, Edo dreams of opening a restaurant with his friend Antonio, a talented chef. At the heart of Tancredi's family is his wife, Emma (Tilda Swinton), a Russian immigrant who has adopted the culture of Milan. An adoring and attentive mother, Emma's existence is shocked to the core when she falls deeply in love with Antonio and pursues a passionate love affair that will change his family forever. Sounds interesting but the film was way too long and the scenes just seemed stretched at various points. The good thing was that there was no forced drama in any moment of the film
2. The Girl Who Played With Fire (Swedish) (5.5/10)
Follow up to the Dragon Tattoo movie, this film fells short of the hug expectations that the first movie had set both on terms of story and execution. Lisbeth Salander is now a wanted woman. A researcher and a Millennium journalist about to expose the truth about the sex trade in Sweden are brutally murdered, and Salander's prints are on the weapon. Mikael, Salander's friend and Millennium's plublisher is alone in his belief of Salander's innocence. Digging deeper Bloomkvist unearths evidence implicating highly placed members of Swedish Society-as well as shocking details about Salander's past. I hope the third one is better in series. But still it is a decent watch.
1. Walk On Water (Israel/English/German) (4/10)
Eyal is a top assassin in the Israeli secret service. He has killed terrorists before and is now sent to eliminate an aging former Nazi war criminal. During his mission, Eyal meets his target’s granddaughter and grandson, who inadvertently help him uncover his own troubled history and face his demons, while they discover the ugly truth their family has hidden from them for decades. The film has an interesting plot. Eyal's role is played very well and his character is the only one that makes the film believable. The grandson and granddaughter although very important to the film seem not natural in the sense, these kind of stern characters in my opinion really do not exist.
Natalie Portman lives with her obsessive mother and is a ballerina. She is selected as the leas for musical Swan Lake. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Natalie fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily, a new girl is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Natalie begins to get more in touch with her dark side, something that threatens to destroy her. The storyline gets a little confusing. You are not sure what is going on, Is Natalie schizophrenic or something else. Her acting was brilliant but overall I was left a little confused.
9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (5.5/10)
Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world. As I expected, the movie was enjoyable experience but it lacked the thrills and actions of first 2 parts specially the first one. I watch these movies for visual thrills which I still got to an extent.
8. Kajraare (Hindi) (2.5/10)
I am so glad that this film was released only in 2 theaters and 1 show each. I would have felt really bad for people to spend all this money on the ticket and see such a bad film. I had high regards for Pooja Bhatt, who I thought would never give in to commercial cinema and continue to make offbeat films but Pooja, you disappoint me. Bhushan Kumar said the right thing, " Himesh is good MD but terrible actor". This film just proves it. It has nothing to watch out for. The story seems straight lifted from a early 90's movie and even the direction seemed that way. Even the lead actress Mona Laizza is pretty bad. And I was reminded again why Amrita Singh is called 'mard' singh. Stay away.
7. Ramaa The Saviour (Hindi) (0.5/10)
A good concept gone horribly wrong because of a terrible script. A bunch of kids get transported into a video game while playing it. Its all confusion and mish-mash after that without any explanations of the game or characters provided. Why Tanushree Dutta or Sahil Khan are the way they are, whey are they fighting and everything else. No wonder kids films are first not made and if made, they are shoddy as hell.
6. A Murder of Quality (UK) (2.5/10)
Intelligence agent George Smiley investigates a murder within an elite British school. Storyline takes aim at the British class system. Amidst the suspects is a young boy who is either a victim or a suspect. Murder mysteries are interesting but this one just did not do for me. Acting of everyone seemed pretty lame or maybe it is just a British thing :)
5. Crook (Hindi) (2/10)
Vishesh Films are having a bad run off late. The recent attacks on Indian students in Australia could have created for a good premise but this film could not use the potential. Why does a love story have to be embellished in a serious film? Emran was good. New actress Neha Sharma was pretty good. The sudden turning of Arjan Bajwa into negative was totally uncalled for. Mohit Suri disappoints. The songs were good though
4. Rakht Charitra (Hindi) (7/10)
Wonderful and a very tight script an acting. Ram Gopal Varma is back. Vivek Oberoi has acted so well and also the main villain. The main hero of the film is the background score. It takes the film to another level. There s constant twists and turns in the story. There is a not a single minute in the film that an bore you. Watch this for sure. There is excessive violence (nothing like seen in Hindi films before) but it gives that realistic touch to the film that it needs.
3. I am Love (Italian) (3.5/10)
This film tells the story of the wealthy Recchi family. The family patriarch surprises everyone by splitting power between his son Tancredi and grandson Edo. However, Edo dreams of opening a restaurant with his friend Antonio, a talented chef. At the heart of Tancredi's family is his wife, Emma (Tilda Swinton), a Russian immigrant who has adopted the culture of Milan. An adoring and attentive mother, Emma's existence is shocked to the core when she falls deeply in love with Antonio and pursues a passionate love affair that will change his family forever. Sounds interesting but the film was way too long and the scenes just seemed stretched at various points. The good thing was that there was no forced drama in any moment of the film
2. The Girl Who Played With Fire (Swedish) (5.5/10)
Follow up to the Dragon Tattoo movie, this film fells short of the hug expectations that the first movie had set both on terms of story and execution. Lisbeth Salander is now a wanted woman. A researcher and a Millennium journalist about to expose the truth about the sex trade in Sweden are brutally murdered, and Salander's prints are on the weapon. Mikael, Salander's friend and Millennium's plublisher is alone in his belief of Salander's innocence. Digging deeper Bloomkvist unearths evidence implicating highly placed members of Swedish Society-as well as shocking details about Salander's past. I hope the third one is better in series. But still it is a decent watch.
1. Walk On Water (Israel/English/German) (4/10)
Eyal is a top assassin in the Israeli secret service. He has killed terrorists before and is now sent to eliminate an aging former Nazi war criminal. During his mission, Eyal meets his target’s granddaughter and grandson, who inadvertently help him uncover his own troubled history and face his demons, while they discover the ugly truth their family has hidden from them for decades. The film has an interesting plot. Eyal's role is played very well and his character is the only one that makes the film believable. The grandson and granddaughter although very important to the film seem not natural in the sense, these kind of stern characters in my opinion really do not exist.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
November number is 13
13. Knock Out (Hindi) (6.5/10)
12. The Oxford Murders (2/10)
11. Aashayein (Hindi) (5.5/10)
10. The Assassination of Richard Nixon (3.5/10)
9. Anjaana Anjaani (Hindi) (3/10)
8. The Social Network (8.5/10)
7. Guzaarish (Hindi) (7/10)
6. Do Dooni Chaar (Hindi) (7.5/10)
5. Khichdi The Movie (Hindi) (5.5/10)
4. The Sorcerer's Apprentice (1/10)
3. Buried (2.5/10)
2. The Kids Are All Right (4/10)
1. Salt (5/10)
12. The Oxford Murders (2/10)
11. Aashayein (Hindi) (5.5/10)
10. The Assassination of Richard Nixon (3.5/10)
9. Anjaana Anjaani (Hindi) (3/10)
8. The Social Network (8.5/10)
7. Guzaarish (Hindi) (7/10)
6. Do Dooni Chaar (Hindi) (7.5/10)
5. Khichdi The Movie (Hindi) (5.5/10)
4. The Sorcerer's Apprentice (1/10)
3. Buried (2.5/10)
2. The Kids Are All Right (4/10)
1. Salt (5/10)
Monday, October 04, 2010
October number is mere 12
12. Karate Kid (4/10)
When Jaden Smith moves to China with her mom, he is bullied by local students and he is now scared. He somehow meets Jackie Chan, a former Kung Fu master who no remains drunk having some family history of his own. Together they both teach other different meaning of life and finally Jaden overcomes his fears. Strictly alright.
11. Sex And The City 2 (6.5/10)
Embarrassed to admit but I actually liked the film. It was cheesy, sp cheesy but funny at the same time. I saw it on the flight to India, but found myself laughing at a lot of scenes. Story wise there was nothing. As the name suggests, it was all about fashion and sex. You might hate it but hat the hell, I liked it.
10. The Perfect Murder (India/English) (5.5/10)
This 80s Merchant Ivory movie was probably a very novel idea in those days specially a movie made in Bombay in English. The story was interesting and the movie was funny in parts but it was so funny to listen to English dialogues which were clearly written in Hindi and then translated into English. Naseeruddin, Amjad Khan etc were in form. It is very interesting when you see the film as to why it is called so.
9. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Swedish) (7.5/10)
A very very impressive must watch film. It is a little shocking and depressing but the mystery is so profound that it instantly hooks you on. When Harriet disappears an dno one can tell how and why that happened, 40 years later, her uncle wants to try to find the reaosn one last time before he dies. He employs disgraced financial journalist Mikael and the tattooed and troubled but resourceful computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to investigate. Must Watch !
8. Strictly Ballroom (Australia) (3/10)
A crazy old ballroom dancer wants her son to be the champion and will go to any length to make this happen and a convince dance committee that is determined that "there are no new steps!" The dancing is enjoyable, yet not overwhelming, and the movie strives hard not to take itself too seriously. I was not impressed with the movie. Neither humor nor dance. Surprising since it is from Baz Lurhrmann
7. We Are Family (Hindi) (5/10)
I have not seen Stepmom , so I cannot compare but then this movie in itself was quite boring. I mean there ws nothing in this movie that could hold my attention. This kind of family dramas are big on TV these days and no one wants to see this on big screen , not even when you have a Kajol and Kareena involved. And music? SEL have been disappointing so much of late.
6. The Film Emotional Atyachar (Hindi) (2.5/10)
Small indie Hindi films have always raised my expectations specially because few of them earlier were big good surprises. Not this one. A huge disappointment in every department specially since the actors involved are all well known for doing off beat good films. The plot is simple but made unnecessary complex. Completely avoidable.
5. Lafangey Parindey (Hindi) (4/10)
Lafangey Parindey movie is a love story set in the gritty streets of Mumbai. The film is about bike gangs in Mumbai. Neil Nitin Mukesh plays the character of One Shot Nandu, a fighter who pummels his opponents in the ring blindfolded. Deepika Padukone plays Pinky Palkar, a dancer who is blind but ambitious and dances with roller skates on her feet. Neil and Deepika both did not suit their characters. They are classic case of misfit actors. Neil does not look rough street fighter whereas Deepika looks too polished to be a chawl wali Maharashtrian girl. Film could have been much better with better actors.
4. MacGruber (2/10)
A 90 second small kit on SNL hs been blown up for th ebig screen. This itself is a big feat. The film take a 80s plot where MacGruber is the only person who can fight the bad guy (Van Kilmer). MacGruber may not set the world on fire, but the insanely committed Forte, like MacGruber, will do anything, no matter how obscene, to complete his mission. You will get the humor and scenes if you watch it on SNL. But even then it does not tickle your funny bone since it is not a skit anymore, it is a full length feature film.
3. Housefull (Hindi) (3/10)
I still don't understand why was everyone so gung-ho about this movie. This was the biggest disappointment for me. Barring one single scene, I did not laugh at ll in the entire movie. The chunky Pandey sequence that everyone liked, was such a big yawn and very very irritating. Sajid Khan, I expected much more from you specially when you publicize your own movie so much and then make a crap. Akshay was again a big bore
2. Phoonk 2 (Hindi) (1/10)
A very bad follow up to the first one whih had some moments of scare. This one just had long camera angles with no specific scary moments. The worse part is that the film ends just randomly without any explanation of what happened and whether is spirit is alive or dead or what. And please, spare us from part 3. This torture cannot go on.
1. Back-Up Plan (1.5/10)
Since Jennifer Lopez has not found her dream man, she still wants to become a single mom and gets inseminated. Bang when she finds she is pregnant, she fonds her dream man and now she doesn't know how to tell him about the back-up plan of kid that she had. Supposedly romantic comedy of course ends up with initial fight and the guy finally accepting the reality. I like candy flosses, but this was a really bad movie.
When Jaden Smith moves to China with her mom, he is bullied by local students and he is now scared. He somehow meets Jackie Chan, a former Kung Fu master who no remains drunk having some family history of his own. Together they both teach other different meaning of life and finally Jaden overcomes his fears. Strictly alright.
11. Sex And The City 2 (6.5/10)
Embarrassed to admit but I actually liked the film. It was cheesy, sp cheesy but funny at the same time. I saw it on the flight to India, but found myself laughing at a lot of scenes. Story wise there was nothing. As the name suggests, it was all about fashion and sex. You might hate it but hat the hell, I liked it.
10. The Perfect Murder (India/English) (5.5/10)
This 80s Merchant Ivory movie was probably a very novel idea in those days specially a movie made in Bombay in English. The story was interesting and the movie was funny in parts but it was so funny to listen to English dialogues which were clearly written in Hindi and then translated into English. Naseeruddin, Amjad Khan etc were in form. It is very interesting when you see the film as to why it is called so.
9. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Swedish) (7.5/10)
A very very impressive must watch film. It is a little shocking and depressing but the mystery is so profound that it instantly hooks you on. When Harriet disappears an dno one can tell how and why that happened, 40 years later, her uncle wants to try to find the reaosn one last time before he dies. He employs disgraced financial journalist Mikael and the tattooed and troubled but resourceful computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to investigate. Must Watch !
8. Strictly Ballroom (Australia) (3/10)
A crazy old ballroom dancer wants her son to be the champion and will go to any length to make this happen and a convince dance committee that is determined that "there are no new steps!" The dancing is enjoyable, yet not overwhelming, and the movie strives hard not to take itself too seriously. I was not impressed with the movie. Neither humor nor dance. Surprising since it is from Baz Lurhrmann
7. We Are Family (Hindi) (5/10)
I have not seen Stepmom , so I cannot compare but then this movie in itself was quite boring. I mean there ws nothing in this movie that could hold my attention. This kind of family dramas are big on TV these days and no one wants to see this on big screen , not even when you have a Kajol and Kareena involved. And music? SEL have been disappointing so much of late.
6. The Film Emotional Atyachar (Hindi) (2.5/10)
Small indie Hindi films have always raised my expectations specially because few of them earlier were big good surprises. Not this one. A huge disappointment in every department specially since the actors involved are all well known for doing off beat good films. The plot is simple but made unnecessary complex. Completely avoidable.
5. Lafangey Parindey (Hindi) (4/10)
Lafangey Parindey movie is a love story set in the gritty streets of Mumbai. The film is about bike gangs in Mumbai. Neil Nitin Mukesh plays the character of One Shot Nandu, a fighter who pummels his opponents in the ring blindfolded. Deepika Padukone plays Pinky Palkar, a dancer who is blind but ambitious and dances with roller skates on her feet. Neil and Deepika both did not suit their characters. They are classic case of misfit actors. Neil does not look rough street fighter whereas Deepika looks too polished to be a chawl wali Maharashtrian girl. Film could have been much better with better actors.
4. MacGruber (2/10)
A 90 second small kit on SNL hs been blown up for th ebig screen. This itself is a big feat. The film take a 80s plot where MacGruber is the only person who can fight the bad guy (Van Kilmer). MacGruber may not set the world on fire, but the insanely committed Forte, like MacGruber, will do anything, no matter how obscene, to complete his mission. You will get the humor and scenes if you watch it on SNL. But even then it does not tickle your funny bone since it is not a skit anymore, it is a full length feature film.
3. Housefull (Hindi) (3/10)
I still don't understand why was everyone so gung-ho about this movie. This was the biggest disappointment for me. Barring one single scene, I did not laugh at ll in the entire movie. The chunky Pandey sequence that everyone liked, was such a big yawn and very very irritating. Sajid Khan, I expected much more from you specially when you publicize your own movie so much and then make a crap. Akshay was again a big bore
2. Phoonk 2 (Hindi) (1/10)
A very bad follow up to the first one whih had some moments of scare. This one just had long camera angles with no specific scary moments. The worse part is that the film ends just randomly without any explanation of what happened and whether is spirit is alive or dead or what. And please, spare us from part 3. This torture cannot go on.
1. Back-Up Plan (1.5/10)
Since Jennifer Lopez has not found her dream man, she still wants to become a single mom and gets inseminated. Bang when she finds she is pregnant, she fonds her dream man and now she doesn't know how to tell him about the back-up plan of kid that she had. Supposedly romantic comedy of course ends up with initial fight and the guy finally accepting the reality. I like candy flosses, but this was a really bad movie.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
20 (mostly good) films in September. Awesome
20. Ek Tho Chance (Hindi) (2/10)
Sw this film at the film festival. This film has been made for a while now and has not been released yet. No wonder. This is a bad pathetic boring film. It drags at so many places. The characters are not sketched well at all. Not everyone can give a good storytelling of various stories interwoven together. It was funny when in the middle of the film, everyone herd this guy snoring loud. Totally avoidable.
19. Just Another Love Story (Bengali) (7.5/10)
Kudos to the director and the actors to make such a brilliant film. Rituporno Ghosh, as we all know is a wonderful director but he makes his debut as a brilliant actor in this film that shows a completely new complexity of life that the 2 characters of Chapal Bhaduri and the new age director Abhiroop face. Can't wait o see how the aam janta respond to this when this film finally gets released in India.
18. Mirch (Hindi) (6.5/10)
Another one of those unreleased films by Vinay Shukla, the director of Godmother. The film shows 4 different stories and how they come together. The stories are very witty, humourous and funny. Konkona Sen Sharma and Raima Sen have also acted very well. Newcomer Arunoday Singh ipressses yet again after Aisha. I really wish that this film gets the release and audience it deserves in India.
17. Choosing Connor (3/10)
Idealistic 15-year old Owen gets the chance of a lifetime to be the youth spokesman for U.S. Senate Candidate Lawrence Connor, only to be exploited in a fierce campaign of TV and radio ads, posters, interviews, and speaking engagements in the cut throat media-image-is-all world of American politics. The film started interesting but somewhere totally lost the point it was trying to make unless they were trying to tell that all politics is dirty and nasty. The kids acting nevertheless was awesome.
16. Paromitar Ek Din (Bengali) (5/10)
This film directed by Aparna Sen shows a relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law and how it evolve over a period of time. If you see a lot of Bengali films, you will see this one is also a true slice of life film with very very realistic acting specially by Aparna Sen and Rituparna Sengupta. The film at times is very very slow in pace which could have been avoided. I would suggested much better Bengali films to start with before you see this one.
15. Parama (Hindi) (7.5/10)
First thing first. Rakhi Gulzar looks stunning in this early 80s film. Tackling a very bold theme for its time, this film tackles and shows adultery like never before. How Rakhi , who is everything to everyone in a family meets this photographer and start an affair. Where ultimately that leads to makes a very very interesting watch. Must see.
14. I Am (Hindi) (6/10)
I have been a big fan of Onir after watching his previous films. The whole concept of 4 distinct short films as one big film excited me. And actually the stories were good too dealing with issues of single motherhood, Kashmiri Pandits, child abuse and cops harassing gays. Acting from all principal characters was good. Its sometime hard to show everything in a short but this was perfect because anything more would have dragged the pace. One thing that I didn't like was the lighting. Somehow it seemed that film was made in a hurry. At some level the soul was missing specially in the Kashmiri Pandit story with Juhi and Manisha. The lighting in the film could also have been better. It would be interesting to see how janta in India reacts when the film comes out.
13. Khatta Meetha (Hindi) (2/10)
Khatta Meetha is an all around major disappointment that leaves you annoyed if you're one who's looked forward to the film. Priyadarshan tries desperately to bring across some valuable life lessons but sadly due to the non-gripping and poorly structured screenplay the film fails all around. Every character in this film is either screaming on the top of his voice or just slapping one another. And comedy by Johny Lever, Rajpal Yadav etc is so forced taht its a huge drag. Akshay Kumar sleep walks thru the role because he has done so many of those. Completely avoidable.
12. The Stoning of Soraya M. (Iran) (6.5/10)
A shocking but very good film. The film shows a true story of how a man , when could not get divorce from his wife in a remote village in Iran uses the Islamic rules to accuse his wife of adultery and get her stoned to death. The film was very realistic and disturbing but honestly people need to see that all these things exist in the society even toay and there are people who have to live through this. Excellent.
11. Aisha (Hindi) (5.5/10)
I guess the Indian version of Sex and the City where it is all about gamour. Well, this one had some story too but overall, there was nothing much that was going on. Sonam Kapoor is matchmaking for everyone but the way she keeps changing couples is odd. Then suddenly she has change of hearts. The romance between any of the couples was just not convincing. One of the weakest films that my favourite Abhay Deol has done but he was still good in the film. The 'bachkana' fights between him and Aisha were the only highlights for me in the film.
10. The Family Stone (6.5/10)
I love stories about dysfunctional families. Saw this movie, I guess 6th time when it was coming on TV. Still liked it. There are various moments that I like, although some may seem irrelevant and illogical but hey who cares.
9. Four Lions (UK) (7/10)
Hilarious! I am so glad I found out about this film. Who wold think that a film of prospective suicide bombers could have such a hilarious twist. A group of UK based Islamic want to create a name and become suicide bombers. How they go through the whole process with support of family and everyone is hilarious. I strongly recommend this film.
8. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2/10)
Big Bore!! I dont feel like writing anything about it. It is a very poor man's Hary Potter or at least thats whatthe makers thought when they made this film.
7. Dabangg (Hindi) (6/10)
Total entertainment, paisa vasool. Although I still fail to understand what is so great about the film that everyone is going crazy and the film is soon going to become the highest grosser of Hindi films of all time. what the heck!! I enjoyed it. Munni Badnaam hui was perfect. I think I am liking Sonakshi Sinha.
6. The New Twenty (3/10)
This was an independent film set in NY. Started off well but somewhere down the line lost its steam and was totally not fun. The film tells story of 5 friends who meet 7 years later in NYC and what is going on with every one's life and how they are coping with it. No matter how rewarding or difficult (and everything in between) life is for these almost-thirtysomethings, they can always rely on the strong bonds of friendship. My biggest negative was that it did not give explanations for various events like what is making a relationship last or break, why is there so many stereotypical everything. C'mmon give me a break.
5. The Ghost Writer (6.5/10)
I like these kind of mystery films with some element of suspense but not really a murder mystery. Ewan McGregor is hired to to organize and write the memoirs of an ex-British Prime Minister Pierce Brosnan. He suspects not all is well but it takes a few discoveries to determine that there is more to the memoirs than just names and dates. He may not be an invective reporter but he is too nosy to let it go. What he cannot let go of could very well mean his life. The direction is good and the story unfolds slowly and keeps you glued. The final scene gives a shock but if you smart , you will expect it to come.
4. Kick-Ass (5.5/10)
Nice fun filled movie about an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan who one day decides to become a super-hero, even though he has no powers, training or meaningful reason to do so. It was nice timepass movie. You will definitely not get bored.
3. Udaan (Hindi) (9/10)
UDAAN is a simple, straight-forward film that doesn't need to be explained. It needs to be experienced. This one will touh your heart and soul and every single one of you will identify with the film. Acting by everyone is awesome specialy the 2 brothers. Even Ram and Ronit Roy are pretty darn good. Now only if movie lovers good get to see more films like this and Tere Bin Laden.
2. Bhutto (Documentary) (6/10)
This is a great and very informative documentary on life of Benazir Bhutto. It also covers incidents in Pakistan right from the time of her father to the current times. The best part of this docu-film is the fact that unlike most docs, this one always keeps your interest alive. There are so many things that I personally did not know of and was very very surprised to find and know. Benazir Bhutto's life is nothing short of ups and downs and what not. A great effort and a very informative watch.
1. Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai (Hindi) (7/10)
Loved the film. A very good presentation of old 70's. Very different view from the movie Company. I am not big fan of Emraan Hashmi but I think he did a wonderful job . So did everyone else including Prachi Desai. She is a bundle of talent. I wish film makers wake up to her talent. Oh ! and the songs are so melodious.
Sw this film at the film festival. This film has been made for a while now and has not been released yet. No wonder. This is a bad pathetic boring film. It drags at so many places. The characters are not sketched well at all. Not everyone can give a good storytelling of various stories interwoven together. It was funny when in the middle of the film, everyone herd this guy snoring loud. Totally avoidable.
19. Just Another Love Story (Bengali) (7.5/10)
Kudos to the director and the actors to make such a brilliant film. Rituporno Ghosh, as we all know is a wonderful director but he makes his debut as a brilliant actor in this film that shows a completely new complexity of life that the 2 characters of Chapal Bhaduri and the new age director Abhiroop face. Can't wait o see how the aam janta respond to this when this film finally gets released in India.
18. Mirch (Hindi) (6.5/10)
Another one of those unreleased films by Vinay Shukla, the director of Godmother. The film shows 4 different stories and how they come together. The stories are very witty, humourous and funny. Konkona Sen Sharma and Raima Sen have also acted very well. Newcomer Arunoday Singh ipressses yet again after Aisha. I really wish that this film gets the release and audience it deserves in India.
17. Choosing Connor (3/10)
Idealistic 15-year old Owen gets the chance of a lifetime to be the youth spokesman for U.S. Senate Candidate Lawrence Connor, only to be exploited in a fierce campaign of TV and radio ads, posters, interviews, and speaking engagements in the cut throat media-image-is-all world of American politics. The film started interesting but somewhere totally lost the point it was trying to make unless they were trying to tell that all politics is dirty and nasty. The kids acting nevertheless was awesome.
16. Paromitar Ek Din (Bengali) (5/10)
This film directed by Aparna Sen shows a relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law and how it evolve over a period of time. If you see a lot of Bengali films, you will see this one is also a true slice of life film with very very realistic acting specially by Aparna Sen and Rituparna Sengupta. The film at times is very very slow in pace which could have been avoided. I would suggested much better Bengali films to start with before you see this one.
15. Parama (Hindi) (7.5/10)
First thing first. Rakhi Gulzar looks stunning in this early 80s film. Tackling a very bold theme for its time, this film tackles and shows adultery like never before. How Rakhi , who is everything to everyone in a family meets this photographer and start an affair. Where ultimately that leads to makes a very very interesting watch. Must see.
14. I Am (Hindi) (6/10)
I have been a big fan of Onir after watching his previous films. The whole concept of 4 distinct short films as one big film excited me. And actually the stories were good too dealing with issues of single motherhood, Kashmiri Pandits, child abuse and cops harassing gays. Acting from all principal characters was good. Its sometime hard to show everything in a short but this was perfect because anything more would have dragged the pace. One thing that I didn't like was the lighting. Somehow it seemed that film was made in a hurry. At some level the soul was missing specially in the Kashmiri Pandit story with Juhi and Manisha. The lighting in the film could also have been better. It would be interesting to see how janta in India reacts when the film comes out.
13. Khatta Meetha (Hindi) (2/10)
Khatta Meetha is an all around major disappointment that leaves you annoyed if you're one who's looked forward to the film. Priyadarshan tries desperately to bring across some valuable life lessons but sadly due to the non-gripping and poorly structured screenplay the film fails all around. Every character in this film is either screaming on the top of his voice or just slapping one another. And comedy by Johny Lever, Rajpal Yadav etc is so forced taht its a huge drag. Akshay Kumar sleep walks thru the role because he has done so many of those. Completely avoidable.
12. The Stoning of Soraya M. (Iran) (6.5/10)
A shocking but very good film. The film shows a true story of how a man , when could not get divorce from his wife in a remote village in Iran uses the Islamic rules to accuse his wife of adultery and get her stoned to death. The film was very realistic and disturbing but honestly people need to see that all these things exist in the society even toay and there are people who have to live through this. Excellent.
11. Aisha (Hindi) (5.5/10)
I guess the Indian version of Sex and the City where it is all about gamour. Well, this one had some story too but overall, there was nothing much that was going on. Sonam Kapoor is matchmaking for everyone but the way she keeps changing couples is odd. Then suddenly she has change of hearts. The romance between any of the couples was just not convincing. One of the weakest films that my favourite Abhay Deol has done but he was still good in the film. The 'bachkana' fights between him and Aisha were the only highlights for me in the film.
10. The Family Stone (6.5/10)
I love stories about dysfunctional families. Saw this movie, I guess 6th time when it was coming on TV. Still liked it. There are various moments that I like, although some may seem irrelevant and illogical but hey who cares.
9. Four Lions (UK) (7/10)
Hilarious! I am so glad I found out about this film. Who wold think that a film of prospective suicide bombers could have such a hilarious twist. A group of UK based Islamic want to create a name and become suicide bombers. How they go through the whole process with support of family and everyone is hilarious. I strongly recommend this film.
8. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2/10)
Big Bore!! I dont feel like writing anything about it. It is a very poor man's Hary Potter or at least thats whatthe makers thought when they made this film.
7. Dabangg (Hindi) (6/10)
Total entertainment, paisa vasool. Although I still fail to understand what is so great about the film that everyone is going crazy and the film is soon going to become the highest grosser of Hindi films of all time. what the heck!! I enjoyed it. Munni Badnaam hui was perfect. I think I am liking Sonakshi Sinha.
6. The New Twenty (3/10)
This was an independent film set in NY. Started off well but somewhere down the line lost its steam and was totally not fun. The film tells story of 5 friends who meet 7 years later in NYC and what is going on with every one's life and how they are coping with it. No matter how rewarding or difficult (and everything in between) life is for these almost-thirtysomethings, they can always rely on the strong bonds of friendship. My biggest negative was that it did not give explanations for various events like what is making a relationship last or break, why is there so many stereotypical everything. C'mmon give me a break.
5. The Ghost Writer (6.5/10)
I like these kind of mystery films with some element of suspense but not really a murder mystery. Ewan McGregor is hired to to organize and write the memoirs of an ex-British Prime Minister Pierce Brosnan. He suspects not all is well but it takes a few discoveries to determine that there is more to the memoirs than just names and dates. He may not be an invective reporter but he is too nosy to let it go. What he cannot let go of could very well mean his life. The direction is good and the story unfolds slowly and keeps you glued. The final scene gives a shock but if you smart , you will expect it to come.
4. Kick-Ass (5.5/10)
Nice fun filled movie about an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan who one day decides to become a super-hero, even though he has no powers, training or meaningful reason to do so. It was nice timepass movie. You will definitely not get bored.
3. Udaan (Hindi) (9/10)
UDAAN is a simple, straight-forward film that doesn't need to be explained. It needs to be experienced. This one will touh your heart and soul and every single one of you will identify with the film. Acting by everyone is awesome specialy the 2 brothers. Even Ram and Ronit Roy are pretty darn good. Now only if movie lovers good get to see more films like this and Tere Bin Laden.
2. Bhutto (Documentary) (6/10)
This is a great and very informative documentary on life of Benazir Bhutto. It also covers incidents in Pakistan right from the time of her father to the current times. The best part of this docu-film is the fact that unlike most docs, this one always keeps your interest alive. There are so many things that I personally did not know of and was very very surprised to find and know. Benazir Bhutto's life is nothing short of ups and downs and what not. A great effort and a very informative watch.
1. Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai (Hindi) (7/10)
Loved the film. A very good presentation of old 70's. Very different view from the movie Company. I am not big fan of Emraan Hashmi but I think he did a wonderful job . So did everyone else including Prachi Desai. She is a bundle of talent. I wish film makers wake up to her talent. Oh ! and the songs are so melodious.
Friday, August 06, 2010
14 films in August 2010
14. Tere Bin Laden (Hindi) (7/10)
13. Lamhe (Hindi) (7.5/10)
12. Milenge Milenge (Hindi) (3/10)
11. I Hate Luv Storys (Hindi) (5.5/10)
10. Admissions Open (Hindi) (1/10)
9. Peepli Live (Hindi) (8.5/10)
8. Dil To Pagal Hai (Hindi) (7/10)
7. Pas Si Grave (French) [No Big Deal] (3.5/10)
6. Ararat (English/Armenian) (3/10)
5. The Householder (Indian English) (3.5/10)
4. Swaha (Hindi) (1/10)
3. Raavan (Hindi) (4.5/10)
2. EK Second.. Jo Zindagi Badal De (Hindi) (2/10)
1. Gajagamini (Hindi) (0/10)
13. Lamhe (Hindi) (7.5/10)
12. Milenge Milenge (Hindi) (3/10)
11. I Hate Luv Storys (Hindi) (5.5/10)
10. Admissions Open (Hindi) (1/10)
9. Peepli Live (Hindi) (8.5/10)
8. Dil To Pagal Hai (Hindi) (7/10)
7. Pas Si Grave (French) [No Big Deal] (3.5/10)
6. Ararat (English/Armenian) (3/10)
5. The Householder (Indian English) (3.5/10)
4. Swaha (Hindi) (1/10)
3. Raavan (Hindi) (4.5/10)
2. EK Second.. Jo Zindagi Badal De (Hindi) (2/10)
1. Gajagamini (Hindi) (0/10)
Monday, July 05, 2010
13 in July
13. Fateless (Hungary) (6/10)
12. Death Becomes Her (6/10)
11. It's A Wonderful Afterlife (Uk) (4/10)
10. Inception (8/10)
9. Quantam Of Solace (6/10)
8. The 13th Day (Hindi) (0/10)
7. Mr Singh & Mrs. Mehta (1/10)
6. Bumm Bumm Bole (Hindi) (4/10)
5. Badmaash Company (Hindi) (5.5/10)
4. The Hangman (Hindi) (3.5/10)
3. Extraordinary Measures (2/10)
2. The Last Station (5.5/10)
1. Prince (Hindi) (4/10)
12. Death Becomes Her (6/10)
11. It's A Wonderful Afterlife (Uk) (4/10)
10. Inception (8/10)
9. Quantam Of Solace (6/10)
8. The 13th Day (Hindi) (0/10)
7. Mr Singh & Mrs. Mehta (1/10)
6. Bumm Bumm Bole (Hindi) (4/10)
5. Badmaash Company (Hindi) (5.5/10)
4. The Hangman (Hindi) (3.5/10)
3. Extraordinary Measures (2/10)
2. The Last Station (5.5/10)
1. Prince (Hindi) (4/10)
Monday, June 21, 2010
15 films in June - mostly bad
15. Un prophète (French) (5.5/10)
19 year old French Arab guy comes in jail for 6 year jail sentence. He is hoping to serve that in peace. Due to logistics, the head of Corsican inmates, a sadistic mafioso named César Luciani, co-opts Malik as part of the Corsicans' activities, not only regarding what happens inside the prison, but also continued criminal activities outside. The film trails the guys journey from an innocent man to the leader of the whole arab gang and the hardships he has to go through and the transformation he has.
14. Kites (Hindi/English/Spanish) (2/10)
I didn't realize that this movie would be so bad and awful. The only saving grace was Hrithik Roshan. A modern day rehash of the film Koyla which itself was so bad in the first place, had absolutely no chemistry between the lead pair. Kangna Ranaut was completely wasted and the movie itself was soooo slow. A big yawn !
13. Do Dilon Ke Khel Mein (Hindi) (0.5/10)
Another pretty bad film. Kids of 2 long term friends meet and hate each other instantly. When they find that their parents are friends, they think they might force to get them married, so they start getting misunderstanding between the two. Another really bad film. What sucks is the fact that once a superstar Rajesh Khanna has to resort to such cheap misfit roles.
12. Dear John (1.5/10)
While John is on leave in his hometown, he finds Savannah, a college student visiting the town. Although love was unexpected, it doesn't mean they didn't find it. With the knowledge of John having to leave for the army, their love still lives, until his re-signs on due to the 9/11 attack. Troubles invade and their love put on hold. One cannot bear it anymore; can the other? The film just doesn't strike a chord with audience. In fact it tends to get boring after a while.
11. Trump Card (Hindi) (0/10)
A purely pathetic film. The story revolves around a huge transaction of property which leads to murders and sting operations and spying. A group of young people get involved in order to make quick money and using girls, love and friendship. Save your valuable time. Please dont watch this for your and my sake.
10. Fermat's Room (Spanish) (3.5/10)
Four mathematicians who do not know each other are invited by a mysterious host on the pretext of resolving a great enigma. The room in which they find themselves turns out to be a shrinking room that will crush them if they do not discover in time what connects them all and why someone might wish to murder them. Interesting concept on paper but the film fails to hold your interest throughout. The drama is very little and the reasoning given is also pretty lame.
9. Sadiyaan (Hindi) (2/10)
Just about nothing works for this film. Set in 70s the film trails the story of a muslim boy who has been brought up in a hindu family. Twist happens when the real parents from Pakistan come for his wedding. Rekha, Hema Malini, Rishi Kapoor; great cast but so misused. Luv Sinha is just bad. I dont think he has a future in Bollywood and same goes for the actress (whoever she was)
19 year old French Arab guy comes in jail for 6 year jail sentence. He is hoping to serve that in peace. Due to logistics, the head of Corsican inmates, a sadistic mafioso named César Luciani, co-opts Malik as part of the Corsicans' activities, not only regarding what happens inside the prison, but also continued criminal activities outside. The film trails the guys journey from an innocent man to the leader of the whole arab gang and the hardships he has to go through and the transformation he has.
14. Kites (Hindi/English/Spanish) (2/10)
I didn't realize that this movie would be so bad and awful. The only saving grace was Hrithik Roshan. A modern day rehash of the film Koyla which itself was so bad in the first place, had absolutely no chemistry between the lead pair. Kangna Ranaut was completely wasted and the movie itself was soooo slow. A big yawn !
13. Do Dilon Ke Khel Mein (Hindi) (0.5/10)
Another pretty bad film. Kids of 2 long term friends meet and hate each other instantly. When they find that their parents are friends, they think they might force to get them married, so they start getting misunderstanding between the two. Another really bad film. What sucks is the fact that once a superstar Rajesh Khanna has to resort to such cheap misfit roles.
12. Dear John (1.5/10)
While John is on leave in his hometown, he finds Savannah, a college student visiting the town. Although love was unexpected, it doesn't mean they didn't find it. With the knowledge of John having to leave for the army, their love still lives, until his re-signs on due to the 9/11 attack. Troubles invade and their love put on hold. One cannot bear it anymore; can the other? The film just doesn't strike a chord with audience. In fact it tends to get boring after a while.
11. Trump Card (Hindi) (0/10)
A purely pathetic film. The story revolves around a huge transaction of property which leads to murders and sting operations and spying. A group of young people get involved in order to make quick money and using girls, love and friendship. Save your valuable time. Please dont watch this for your and my sake.
10. Fermat's Room (Spanish) (3.5/10)
Four mathematicians who do not know each other are invited by a mysterious host on the pretext of resolving a great enigma. The room in which they find themselves turns out to be a shrinking room that will crush them if they do not discover in time what connects them all and why someone might wish to murder them. Interesting concept on paper but the film fails to hold your interest throughout. The drama is very little and the reasoning given is also pretty lame.
9. Sadiyaan (Hindi) (2/10)
Just about nothing works for this film. Set in 70s the film trails the story of a muslim boy who has been brought up in a hindu family. Twist happens when the real parents from Pakistan come for his wedding. Rekha, Hema Malini, Rishi Kapoor; great cast but so misused. Luv Sinha is just bad. I dont think he has a future in Bollywood and same goes for the actress (whoever she was)
Friday, June 04, 2010
June is slow. Need to catch up
8. Tandoori Love (German/Hindi/English) (2/10)
Tandoori Love is the story of an Indian cook, Vijay Raaz and his series of (mis)adventures in the Swiss mountains. These include leaving his Bollywood troupe to starve as he starts working for a Swiss restaurant, delighting people with his Indian delicacies, stabbing a man, singing, and perhaps most significantly, falling in love with his boss fiancée. This did not keep me interested at all specially why would all the girls keep falling for Vijay Raaz of all the people.
7. Apartment (Hindi) (4.5/10)
Neetu Chandra has moved to Mumbai and rents a room with Tanushree Dutta. After a good few days, Tanushree starts suspecting Neetu's actions because she would not want her to get close to her boyfriend. Next door neighbor Anupam Kher also gets involved and a mysterious past of Neetu's life is uncovered. But its too late. Interesting story but we know these things dont work in Bollywood.
6. Raajneeti (Hindi) (8/10)
A brilliant film in all counts. Story to acting to direction to all the characters fitting their role. Manoj Bajpai was awesome and the way Ranbir Kapoor turns into a shrewd manipulative politician was awesome. Story writer definitely needs applaud to make a modern political story which is so intertwined with Mahabharata. Ajay, Katrina, Arjun etc, everyone was superb.
5. Blue Oranges (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Surprise film. A very good thriller film with nice twists and turns. Performances by everyone was very good. It was good to see Rajat Kapur in form after a while. The film follows t he murder of a budding painter. Various members in the cast are introduced and their link to her with a very unexpected climax. Although climax reminded me a little bit of the recent film 'Right Yaa Wrong'. Its sad that no one probably has even heard that there is such a hindi film that came last year.
4. Vroom (Hindi) (2.5/10)
Reminded me of another hindi film 'Tarzan-The Wonder Car'. A scientist makes a chip that makes anything robotic. To save his life he puts that in a car which is purchased by our main characters. The film follows on how the young teenage kid using the car gets his love and fights evil. A very annoying negative cast characters.
3. It's Complicated (5/10)
Meryl Streep who is now divorced from Alec Baldwin starts having an affair with him after divorced for 10 years. In the meantime she also meets Steve martin, the architect working on her house. She is now confused in what's the best thing to do. Should she give a second chance to her ex or look for new real love. Decent movie but a very annoying Meryl Streep. All she did was kept laughing in the entire movie for no rhyme or reason.
2. The Great Indian Butterfly (Indian English) (4.5/10)
The film unlike its name was interesting primarily because of good cast in Sandhya Mridul and Aamir Bashir. They are a couple on a road trip to Goa. They have been dealing with work pressure which of course is affecting their private life. The film shows how unhappiness in life is mostly man made and if you try to, you can be very happy and content in what you have.
1. Dashavtar (Hindi Animation) (2.5/10)
An interesting concept when you are a kid to see various stories that show you 10 different avatars of Lord Vishnu. I knew all the stories, so they had not much novelty for me. Only if the animation quality was better, this would have made a great watch.
Tandoori Love is the story of an Indian cook, Vijay Raaz and his series of (mis)adventures in the Swiss mountains. These include leaving his Bollywood troupe to starve as he starts working for a Swiss restaurant, delighting people with his Indian delicacies, stabbing a man, singing, and perhaps most significantly, falling in love with his boss fiancée. This did not keep me interested at all specially why would all the girls keep falling for Vijay Raaz of all the people.
7. Apartment (Hindi) (4.5/10)
Neetu Chandra has moved to Mumbai and rents a room with Tanushree Dutta. After a good few days, Tanushree starts suspecting Neetu's actions because she would not want her to get close to her boyfriend. Next door neighbor Anupam Kher also gets involved and a mysterious past of Neetu's life is uncovered. But its too late. Interesting story but we know these things dont work in Bollywood.
6. Raajneeti (Hindi) (8/10)
A brilliant film in all counts. Story to acting to direction to all the characters fitting their role. Manoj Bajpai was awesome and the way Ranbir Kapoor turns into a shrewd manipulative politician was awesome. Story writer definitely needs applaud to make a modern political story which is so intertwined with Mahabharata. Ajay, Katrina, Arjun etc, everyone was superb.
5. Blue Oranges (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Surprise film. A very good thriller film with nice twists and turns. Performances by everyone was very good. It was good to see Rajat Kapur in form after a while. The film follows t he murder of a budding painter. Various members in the cast are introduced and their link to her with a very unexpected climax. Although climax reminded me a little bit of the recent film 'Right Yaa Wrong'. Its sad that no one probably has even heard that there is such a hindi film that came last year.
4. Vroom (Hindi) (2.5/10)
Reminded me of another hindi film 'Tarzan-The Wonder Car'. A scientist makes a chip that makes anything robotic. To save his life he puts that in a car which is purchased by our main characters. The film follows on how the young teenage kid using the car gets his love and fights evil. A very annoying negative cast characters.
3. It's Complicated (5/10)
Meryl Streep who is now divorced from Alec Baldwin starts having an affair with him after divorced for 10 years. In the meantime she also meets Steve martin, the architect working on her house. She is now confused in what's the best thing to do. Should she give a second chance to her ex or look for new real love. Decent movie but a very annoying Meryl Streep. All she did was kept laughing in the entire movie for no rhyme or reason.
2. The Great Indian Butterfly (Indian English) (4.5/10)
The film unlike its name was interesting primarily because of good cast in Sandhya Mridul and Aamir Bashir. They are a couple on a road trip to Goa. They have been dealing with work pressure which of course is affecting their private life. The film shows how unhappiness in life is mostly man made and if you try to, you can be very happy and content in what you have.
1. Dashavtar (Hindi Animation) (2.5/10)
An interesting concept when you are a kid to see various stories that show you 10 different avatars of Lord Vishnu. I knew all the stories, so they had not much novelty for me. Only if the animation quality was better, this would have made a great watch.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Number for May is 23
23. Robinhood (3/10)
Age old story of Robinhood done to death many times. I was actually very bored in the movie and did not find anything interesting. The film was so dark (literally), it just did not hold my attention.
22. Prince Of Persia (5/10)
I thought the movie was interesting, kept your attention intact in a lot of places and had a story to tell. What I am tired of is costume dramas with thin story line and its all about special effects. I am longing for some good cinema. Jake Gyllenhall was good but I did not think the main actress was beautiful to the extent she was made out to be.
21. Edge Of Darkness (2/10)
Mel Gibson meets his daughter after along time and then she is murdered right in front of him. He now has to find the reasons and the things he finds out are just shocking one after the other with a predictable ending. I personally could not connect to the film at all even with the characters. It was plain jane.
20. Law Abiding Citizen (6/10)
When Gerard Butler's family is murdered and the one of the killers does not die because he turned against the other one because of prosecutor Jamie Fox, his life is turned upside down. He takes 10 years to plan to take revenge with everyone involved in this using his brain and still doing everything within the law. Only Jamie Fox can stop the killing and finds himself in a desperate race against time facing a deadly adversary who seems always to be one step ahead. This was definitely a very interesting film.
19. Kushti (Hindi) (0.5/10)
A very stupid film where kushti is a big deal and there are 2 rival parties. Rajpal Yadav falls in love with the girl of one of the rival camps and then he has to fight a kushti against the might Khalli to win his love. This one was plain simple stupid waste of time and money
18. Pankh (Hindi) (1/10)
Really bad film. It had an interesting concept of a other forcing her son to play girl roles as a baby and the boy then grows up to be a very confused man. What the heck was Bipasha doing in the film. It was absurd and stupid. The movie was really really bad. I did not know that Lilette Dubey could also overact.
17. The Japanese Wife (Bengali/English) (2/10)
Aparna Sen has made good meaningful films but what was this? Just a random film where 2 lovers across the two nations share a life, a marriage without even knowing or meetig each other. The entire film goes in letter exchanges and life moves on. This could be Japanese, Irish , Korean or anything for that matter. I want Aparna Sen of Mr and Mrs Iyer days
Age old story of Robinhood done to death many times. I was actually very bored in the movie and did not find anything interesting. The film was so dark (literally), it just did not hold my attention.
22. Prince Of Persia (5/10)
I thought the movie was interesting, kept your attention intact in a lot of places and had a story to tell. What I am tired of is costume dramas with thin story line and its all about special effects. I am longing for some good cinema. Jake Gyllenhall was good but I did not think the main actress was beautiful to the extent she was made out to be.
21. Edge Of Darkness (2/10)
Mel Gibson meets his daughter after along time and then she is murdered right in front of him. He now has to find the reasons and the things he finds out are just shocking one after the other with a predictable ending. I personally could not connect to the film at all even with the characters. It was plain jane.
20. Law Abiding Citizen (6/10)
When Gerard Butler's family is murdered and the one of the killers does not die because he turned against the other one because of prosecutor Jamie Fox, his life is turned upside down. He takes 10 years to plan to take revenge with everyone involved in this using his brain and still doing everything within the law. Only Jamie Fox can stop the killing and finds himself in a desperate race against time facing a deadly adversary who seems always to be one step ahead. This was definitely a very interesting film.
19. Kushti (Hindi) (0.5/10)
A very stupid film where kushti is a big deal and there are 2 rival parties. Rajpal Yadav falls in love with the girl of one of the rival camps and then he has to fight a kushti against the might Khalli to win his love. This one was plain simple stupid waste of time and money
18. Pankh (Hindi) (1/10)
Really bad film. It had an interesting concept of a other forcing her son to play girl roles as a baby and the boy then grows up to be a very confused man. What the heck was Bipasha doing in the film. It was absurd and stupid. The movie was really really bad. I did not know that Lilette Dubey could also overact.
17. The Japanese Wife (Bengali/English) (2/10)
Aparna Sen has made good meaningful films but what was this? Just a random film where 2 lovers across the two nations share a life, a marriage without even knowing or meetig each other. The entire film goes in letter exchanges and life moves on. This could be Japanese, Irish , Korean or anything for that matter. I want Aparna Sen of Mr and Mrs Iyer days
Monday, May 17, 2010
May progresses well
16. Pathshala (Hindi) (5.5/10)
The heart of the film was in the right place but sometimes you get faulted with corruption. Its a huge school but only 6-7 teachers, barely 100 students etc. The story is about Nana Patekar and what will he do to save his school from getting closed to be built into a mall in name of globalization and economy. Shahid and Ayesha Takia were decent. It was very good to see Nana Patekar so restrained.
15. The Stepfather (3/10)
When Michael Harding returns home from military school, he finds his mom is madly in love with her charming live-in boyfriend David. At first, David appears to be the ultimate nice guy and an ideal future husband and stepfather. But when Michael and his girlfriend start delving into David’s past, they begin to discover a dark and dangerous side to Michael’s new “daddy” in this riveting, chilling thriller.
14. City Of Gold (Hindi) (8/10)
A brilliant film in all aspects. Film shows the life of mill workers in 80s in Mumbai. Everyone acts so well and natural. Mahesh Manjrekar is back in action. Very very strongly recommend this film to everyone.
13. Well Done Abba (HIndi) (5.5/10)
This was a very interesting film. When government actually plays with a poor Boman Irani, he fights back with wit and smartness thanks to his daughter and plays backs with the system. The proceedings in the stat are a little slow but half way it becomes very interesting. Minissha Lamba surprisingly acts really well. I so wish she had not gone under knife and get her beautiful face all screwed up.
12. The Waiting Room (Hindi) (2/10)
This was a short film about 4 people who are stranded in a waiting room on a train station overnight. They all read different stories in newspaper and somehow think that one of them is the person n the news. So everyone ends up thinking something bad about at least one of them. In between there is a murder. Movie ends up with all doubts being cleared up.
11. Alice In Wonderland (3.5/10)
This movie is an interesting twist on the original series. Alice, now 19 years old, returns to the whimsical world she first entered as a child and embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny. She has to help the original queen now get her throne back by defeating the evil sister. Just alright for me although I think the kids (specially the girls) would love it.
10. Iron Man 2 (4/10)
Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role but now he has to fight his friends, government and Mickey Rourke who now has all the skills and talent that Iron Man possesses. The movie was entertaining but not half as good as the first one. This sequel was made just for the hell of it.
The heart of the film was in the right place but sometimes you get faulted with corruption. Its a huge school but only 6-7 teachers, barely 100 students etc. The story is about Nana Patekar and what will he do to save his school from getting closed to be built into a mall in name of globalization and economy. Shahid and Ayesha Takia were decent. It was very good to see Nana Patekar so restrained.
15. The Stepfather (3/10)
When Michael Harding returns home from military school, he finds his mom is madly in love with her charming live-in boyfriend David. At first, David appears to be the ultimate nice guy and an ideal future husband and stepfather. But when Michael and his girlfriend start delving into David’s past, they begin to discover a dark and dangerous side to Michael’s new “daddy” in this riveting, chilling thriller.
14. City Of Gold (Hindi) (8/10)
A brilliant film in all aspects. Film shows the life of mill workers in 80s in Mumbai. Everyone acts so well and natural. Mahesh Manjrekar is back in action. Very very strongly recommend this film to everyone.
13. Well Done Abba (HIndi) (5.5/10)
This was a very interesting film. When government actually plays with a poor Boman Irani, he fights back with wit and smartness thanks to his daughter and plays backs with the system. The proceedings in the stat are a little slow but half way it becomes very interesting. Minissha Lamba surprisingly acts really well. I so wish she had not gone under knife and get her beautiful face all screwed up.
12. The Waiting Room (Hindi) (2/10)
This was a short film about 4 people who are stranded in a waiting room on a train station overnight. They all read different stories in newspaper and somehow think that one of them is the person n the news. So everyone ends up thinking something bad about at least one of them. In between there is a murder. Movie ends up with all doubts being cleared up.
11. Alice In Wonderland (3.5/10)
This movie is an interesting twist on the original series. Alice, now 19 years old, returns to the whimsical world she first entered as a child and embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny. She has to help the original queen now get her throne back by defeating the evil sister. Just alright for me although I think the kids (specially the girls) would love it.
10. Iron Man 2 (4/10)
Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role but now he has to fight his friends, government and Mickey Rourke who now has all the skills and talent that Iron Man possesses. The movie was entertaining but not half as good as the first one. This sequel was made just for the hell of it.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
May starts and progresses well
9. Valentines Day (3.5/10)
A truly multi-starrer aimed at love birds, this film was a big yawn for me. I am usually ok with candy floss movies but this was so predictable. Actors could barely act. There was no single moment that did anything for me
8. The Twilight Saga : New Moon (5.5/10)
The 2nd movie in the twilight series, it was nowhere close to the first one. The love between the vampire and Bella gets more intense that they have to separate to keep away from ancient secrets. Enter Bella's friend Jacob who has his own secret of being a werewolf. The movie was still good but not as good.
7. Road, Movie (Hindi) (4/10)
I am so sad to say but this will go as the first Abhay Deol film that I didn't like. I ill applaud Dev Benegal's attempt to do something different and Abhay Deol to act in an offbeat film but then in terms of entertainment, there is absolutely nothing that this film offers. Neither masti not art. Abhay's and Tanishtha's performances are good and so is Satish Kaushik. The film is about Abhay driving a age old truck that shows movies on road and people he meets on the road in desert.
6. Tum Milo To Sahi (Hindi) (4/10)
The film involves multiple characters but central theme is around saving a coffee house that is run by Dimple Kapadia. Nana Patekar is a retired lawyer who helps with this fight. Sunil Shetty and Vidya Malvade are an estranged couple and it is Sunil Shetty's company trying to buy off the cafe. This film was good for a TV episode. Dimple and Nana were brilliant in the film. Watch it only for them. Anjana Sukhani and Rehaan Khan were intolerable.
5. The Secret In Their Eyes (Spanish) (6.5/10)
This film is part cold-case mystery, part long-lost love story, and part thriller set both in the present and in 1970s Argentina, under the tight control of its infamous military dictatorship. A policeman is investigating a case of murdered girl gets totally involved with it. Although on paper the case is closed, he is still not convinced and 20 years later is writing a book on the case. This leads to his meeting of some of the players involved. A very interesting film specially the climax.
4. Lahore (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Now this is one film that needs more viewership. Such a underrated movie, I would highly recommend it. The central theme of the film is family, emotions, companionship, sportsmanship and kick boxing. Everything about this film was good. Special mention needs to be done about the kick boxing scenes. They were so true and intriguing. Everyone suited their part very well. Must watch.
3. Teen Patti (Hindi) (6/10)
This was supposed to be copy of hollywood film 21 but its entirely not. Viewers are taken for granted when it is not completely explained how does Amitabh crack the possibility of finding out who is going to win the teen patti competition. But that apart, the film still makes an interesting viewing. Surprisingly all newcomers have acted very very well. Madhavan was the only one who I felt was totally out of place and character.
2. Brothers (4.5/10)
WIth a starcast like Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire my expectations were high but alas they were not entirely met. Tobey leaves for war and soon news comes he dies. He has been PoW and somehow gets rescued but now when he is back with his family, he is acting all weird and the family is not sure if they want him around. Meanwhile his brother who was always the bad boy takes up responsibilities while he is 'dead'. An interesting take but leaves a lot desired.
1. Broken Embraces (Spanish) (5.5/10)
This one was a typical Pedro Almodóvar movie. Penélope Cruz stars as an actress who sacrifices everything for true love. The films keeps going back in present and past told through the directors eyes who is now blind and is telling the story of how he made this film with the actress which never got finished. Of course there are hidden secrets that come out wrt to the directors agent, her son and everyone around them. I takes time to get a hang of what's going on but soon you are totally involved in the movie.
A truly multi-starrer aimed at love birds, this film was a big yawn for me. I am usually ok with candy floss movies but this was so predictable. Actors could barely act. There was no single moment that did anything for me
8. The Twilight Saga : New Moon (5.5/10)
The 2nd movie in the twilight series, it was nowhere close to the first one. The love between the vampire and Bella gets more intense that they have to separate to keep away from ancient secrets. Enter Bella's friend Jacob who has his own secret of being a werewolf. The movie was still good but not as good.
7. Road, Movie (Hindi) (4/10)
I am so sad to say but this will go as the first Abhay Deol film that I didn't like. I ill applaud Dev Benegal's attempt to do something different and Abhay Deol to act in an offbeat film but then in terms of entertainment, there is absolutely nothing that this film offers. Neither masti not art. Abhay's and Tanishtha's performances are good and so is Satish Kaushik. The film is about Abhay driving a age old truck that shows movies on road and people he meets on the road in desert.
6. Tum Milo To Sahi (Hindi) (4/10)
The film involves multiple characters but central theme is around saving a coffee house that is run by Dimple Kapadia. Nana Patekar is a retired lawyer who helps with this fight. Sunil Shetty and Vidya Malvade are an estranged couple and it is Sunil Shetty's company trying to buy off the cafe. This film was good for a TV episode. Dimple and Nana were brilliant in the film. Watch it only for them. Anjana Sukhani and Rehaan Khan were intolerable.
5. The Secret In Their Eyes (Spanish) (6.5/10)
This film is part cold-case mystery, part long-lost love story, and part thriller set both in the present and in 1970s Argentina, under the tight control of its infamous military dictatorship. A policeman is investigating a case of murdered girl gets totally involved with it. Although on paper the case is closed, he is still not convinced and 20 years later is writing a book on the case. This leads to his meeting of some of the players involved. A very interesting film specially the climax.
4. Lahore (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Now this is one film that needs more viewership. Such a underrated movie, I would highly recommend it. The central theme of the film is family, emotions, companionship, sportsmanship and kick boxing. Everything about this film was good. Special mention needs to be done about the kick boxing scenes. They were so true and intriguing. Everyone suited their part very well. Must watch.
3. Teen Patti (Hindi) (6/10)
This was supposed to be copy of hollywood film 21 but its entirely not. Viewers are taken for granted when it is not completely explained how does Amitabh crack the possibility of finding out who is going to win the teen patti competition. But that apart, the film still makes an interesting viewing. Surprisingly all newcomers have acted very very well. Madhavan was the only one who I felt was totally out of place and character.
2. Brothers (4.5/10)
WIth a starcast like Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire my expectations were high but alas they were not entirely met. Tobey leaves for war and soon news comes he dies. He has been PoW and somehow gets rescued but now when he is back with his family, he is acting all weird and the family is not sure if they want him around. Meanwhile his brother who was always the bad boy takes up responsibilities while he is 'dead'. An interesting take but leaves a lot desired.
1. Broken Embraces (Spanish) (5.5/10)
This one was a typical Pedro Almodóvar movie. Penélope Cruz stars as an actress who sacrifices everything for true love. The films keeps going back in present and past told through the directors eyes who is now blind and is telling the story of how he made this film with the actress which never got finished. Of course there are hidden secrets that come out wrt to the directors agent, her son and everyone around them. I takes time to get a hang of what's going on but soon you are totally involved in the movie.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
April 2010 number is 22. Not bad
22. The Blind Side (7/10)
A well to do family of Sandra Bullock adapt Big Mike who has no knowledge of his family and his strengths and goes on to become one of the most famous football players in American history. The film is very interesting and no doubts that Sandra Bullock has acted really well. The film is intelligent, genuine, and alternately funny and moving.
21. Harishchandrachi Factory (Marathi) (6/10)
It was a very interesting film about Dada Saheb Phalke who is credited for making the first ever Indian film. The film shows how he got interested into films, and the troubles and risks he had to go through to make this first film. The most impressive for me was the fact that he could never have done anything without the great support of his wife. Interesting film for movie lovers to learn how this whole film industry started.
20. Bombay Summer (English/Hindi) (6.5/10)
Bombay Summer explores the fleeting and delicate friendship between three young people and its eventual disintegration in the face of betrayal and personal loss. Set in contemporary India, the film subtly mirrors the turmoil within tradition bound Indian society as it copes with change and rapid modernization. This film has some of the best and most natural acting I have seen specially by Tanishtha Chatterjee and the guy playing the part of Madan. A definite watch.
19. Veer (Hindi) (5.5/10)
It was alright. Novel story and total entertainment. The film lost its direction when it unnecessarily focussed too much on love story in London. The other thing was how tired and lost Salman looked in various parts of the film with his puffy eyes and unnecessary shouting. The film could do with some serious editing. Strictly timepass
18. Karthik Calling Karthik (Hindi) (7/10)
Farhan Akhtar has arrived. He is dam n good in this film. Even concept wise, I think the story is very interesting that of a schizophrenic guy trying to cope up with himself and helping him become and extrovert from introvert. Deepika lends a good supporting hand. I think she looked gorgeous throughout the film. There was nothing histrionic that she had to do in acting department anyway.
17. Veronica Guerin (6/10)
This is a biopic of an Irish journalist who became the first woman to fight against the drug usage that had taken over Dublin which lead to her ultimate death in 1996. Recommendable for Blanchett's performance.
16. The Game (7/10)
Rich Michael Douglas is given a gift by his brother Sean Penn to play 'The Game' to bring some excitement in his life. Before he knows the game has even begun, Douglas is caught up in a series of unexplained events designed to strip him of his tenuous security and cast him into a maelstrom of chaos. How do you play a game that hasn't any rules? That's what Douglas has to figure out, and he can't always rely on his intelligence to form logic out of what's happening to him. The film was very very interesting. I just wished it was not this long.
15. Rokkk (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Rokkk is based on a combination of supernatural thoughts and Inevitable emotions. Story of 2 sisters, younger one Udita Goswami is on a mission to find elder sister Tanushree when she disappears after killing her husband. Its all because of a cursed house and now everyone has to bear the consequences. Sad film
14. Prem Ka Game (Hindi) (0.5/10)
I dont even wanna write about this film. This one should be an embarrassment to Arbaaz Khan and Salman Khan as well to do even a cameo in the film. Pathetic
13. Lions of Punjab Presents (Indian English) (6/10)
I finally got to see this film and I thoroughly enjoyed the film. The film is about Hindi singing contest to find that one desi voice of America. The film is cheeky, with good humor, nice nice music an very realistic. Definitely recommended.
A well to do family of Sandra Bullock adapt Big Mike who has no knowledge of his family and his strengths and goes on to become one of the most famous football players in American history. The film is very interesting and no doubts that Sandra Bullock has acted really well. The film is intelligent, genuine, and alternately funny and moving.
21. Harishchandrachi Factory (Marathi) (6/10)
It was a very interesting film about Dada Saheb Phalke who is credited for making the first ever Indian film. The film shows how he got interested into films, and the troubles and risks he had to go through to make this first film. The most impressive for me was the fact that he could never have done anything without the great support of his wife. Interesting film for movie lovers to learn how this whole film industry started.
20. Bombay Summer (English/Hindi) (6.5/10)
Bombay Summer explores the fleeting and delicate friendship between three young people and its eventual disintegration in the face of betrayal and personal loss. Set in contemporary India, the film subtly mirrors the turmoil within tradition bound Indian society as it copes with change and rapid modernization. This film has some of the best and most natural acting I have seen specially by Tanishtha Chatterjee and the guy playing the part of Madan. A definite watch.
19. Veer (Hindi) (5.5/10)
It was alright. Novel story and total entertainment. The film lost its direction when it unnecessarily focussed too much on love story in London. The other thing was how tired and lost Salman looked in various parts of the film with his puffy eyes and unnecessary shouting. The film could do with some serious editing. Strictly timepass
18. Karthik Calling Karthik (Hindi) (7/10)
Farhan Akhtar has arrived. He is dam n good in this film. Even concept wise, I think the story is very interesting that of a schizophrenic guy trying to cope up with himself and helping him become and extrovert from introvert. Deepika lends a good supporting hand. I think she looked gorgeous throughout the film. There was nothing histrionic that she had to do in acting department anyway.
17. Veronica Guerin (6/10)
This is a biopic of an Irish journalist who became the first woman to fight against the drug usage that had taken over Dublin which lead to her ultimate death in 1996. Recommendable for Blanchett's performance.
16. The Game (7/10)
Rich Michael Douglas is given a gift by his brother Sean Penn to play 'The Game' to bring some excitement in his life. Before he knows the game has even begun, Douglas is caught up in a series of unexplained events designed to strip him of his tenuous security and cast him into a maelstrom of chaos. How do you play a game that hasn't any rules? That's what Douglas has to figure out, and he can't always rely on his intelligence to form logic out of what's happening to him. The film was very very interesting. I just wished it was not this long.
15. Rokkk (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Rokkk is based on a combination of supernatural thoughts and Inevitable emotions. Story of 2 sisters, younger one Udita Goswami is on a mission to find elder sister Tanushree when she disappears after killing her husband. Its all because of a cursed house and now everyone has to bear the consequences. Sad film
14. Prem Ka Game (Hindi) (0.5/10)
I dont even wanna write about this film. This one should be an embarrassment to Arbaaz Khan and Salman Khan as well to do even a cameo in the film. Pathetic
13. Lions of Punjab Presents (Indian English) (6/10)
I finally got to see this film and I thoroughly enjoyed the film. The film is about Hindi singing contest to find that one desi voice of America. The film is cheeky, with good humor, nice nice music an very realistic. Definitely recommended.
Friday, April 02, 2010
April is going slow too
12. Idiot Box (Hindi) (0/10)
Sushant Singh, please excuse us and stop doing these lame ass, half baked movies. You are embarrassing us
11. Cellular (2.5/10)
After getting a frantic call on his cell phone from a kidnapped woman, a young man must battle his way through a ruthless world of lies and murder to rescue her. A fast-paced thriller. But I had already seen the hindi inspired version 'Speed' featuring Urmila etc. Bore !!
10. Hum Tum Aur Ghost (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Inspired by the film 'Ghost Town', I dunno what Arshad saw in the story (credited to himself) to produce it. How could you even think that the film is gonna make any business. Dia Mirza was good in the film though
9. Toh Baat Pakki (Hindi) (5/10)
Tabu was great in the film. The film itself doesn't offer much but it was very interesting to see Tabu as this manipulative elder sister who all she wants is the best groom for her little sister. Draggy, a little boring but still enjoyable.
8. Na Ghar Ke Na Ghaat Ke (Hindi) (6.5/10)
Very rarely you get to see a film that is totally rooted in Indian soil and sentiments. I completely enjoyed each and every moment in the film. There was nothing over the top and it was real. I thought the actor/director did a very very good job.
7. An Education (6/10)
Carey Mulligan is brilliant in the role of a young school girl who fall sin love with a rich older man and suddenly her life becomes all about enjoying and hanging out with rich and because oif this she starts questioning the whoel reason for education. Ultimately as expected, she is hurt and realizes that education is the only things that remains with you. Recommended.
6. Precious (6.5/10)
Precious Jones, an inner-city high school girl, is illiterate, overweight, and pregnant…again. Naïve and abused, Precious responds to a glimmer of hope when a door is opened by an alternative-school teacher. She is faced with the choice to follow opportunity and test her own boundaries. Prepare for shock, revelation and celebration. In my opinion, the lead actress definitely deserved an oscar.
5. Hide & Seek (Hindi) (4.5/10)
A tribute to 'I know what you did last sumer', film plays out as a cat-and-mouse game, with the friends captured in the mall taking their own lead in unmasking the killer before he can diminish their ranks. Strictly ok.
4. Chance Pe Dance (Hindi) (2/10)
Bad film. Why did even Shahid choose to do this film. Story, songs even dancing was bad. Usual chirpy Genelia also could not save this film. A very poor excuse for a film. I am still waiting for that exclusive dance film in bollywood.
3. Love, Sex Aur Dhoka (Hindi) (5/10)
I think the overhype of this film killed all the fun for me. I thought it was just alright. There was nothing extraordinary for me. Yes it is scary that these days cameras can record each and every action of ours but then we all know by now. The 3 different stories were definilety real and inter-related but thats it. Maybe I am missing something that others see.
2. Sherlock Holmes (7/10)
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law put memorable imprints on Holmes and Watson. I enjoyed each and every single moment of this film. Exactly the kind of films that I enjoy
1. Right Yaaa Wrong (Hindi) (7/10)
Now this was a good film. Sad that the movie was not promoted well. Story and direction is very well . Sunny and Irfan have acted their parts very well. Isha And Konkona dont have much to in the film but I would strongly recommend this to everyone. Good film
Sushant Singh, please excuse us and stop doing these lame ass, half baked movies. You are embarrassing us
11. Cellular (2.5/10)
After getting a frantic call on his cell phone from a kidnapped woman, a young man must battle his way through a ruthless world of lies and murder to rescue her. A fast-paced thriller. But I had already seen the hindi inspired version 'Speed' featuring Urmila etc. Bore !!
10. Hum Tum Aur Ghost (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Inspired by the film 'Ghost Town', I dunno what Arshad saw in the story (credited to himself) to produce it. How could you even think that the film is gonna make any business. Dia Mirza was good in the film though
9. Toh Baat Pakki (Hindi) (5/10)
Tabu was great in the film. The film itself doesn't offer much but it was very interesting to see Tabu as this manipulative elder sister who all she wants is the best groom for her little sister. Draggy, a little boring but still enjoyable.
8. Na Ghar Ke Na Ghaat Ke (Hindi) (6.5/10)
Very rarely you get to see a film that is totally rooted in Indian soil and sentiments. I completely enjoyed each and every moment in the film. There was nothing over the top and it was real. I thought the actor/director did a very very good job.
7. An Education (6/10)
Carey Mulligan is brilliant in the role of a young school girl who fall sin love with a rich older man and suddenly her life becomes all about enjoying and hanging out with rich and because oif this she starts questioning the whoel reason for education. Ultimately as expected, she is hurt and realizes that education is the only things that remains with you. Recommended.
6. Precious (6.5/10)
Precious Jones, an inner-city high school girl, is illiterate, overweight, and pregnant…again. Naïve and abused, Precious responds to a glimmer of hope when a door is opened by an alternative-school teacher. She is faced with the choice to follow opportunity and test her own boundaries. Prepare for shock, revelation and celebration. In my opinion, the lead actress definitely deserved an oscar.
5. Hide & Seek (Hindi) (4.5/10)
A tribute to 'I know what you did last sumer', film plays out as a cat-and-mouse game, with the friends captured in the mall taking their own lead in unmasking the killer before he can diminish their ranks. Strictly ok.
4. Chance Pe Dance (Hindi) (2/10)
Bad film. Why did even Shahid choose to do this film. Story, songs even dancing was bad. Usual chirpy Genelia also could not save this film. A very poor excuse for a film. I am still waiting for that exclusive dance film in bollywood.
3. Love, Sex Aur Dhoka (Hindi) (5/10)
I think the overhype of this film killed all the fun for me. I thought it was just alright. There was nothing extraordinary for me. Yes it is scary that these days cameras can record each and every action of ours but then we all know by now. The 3 different stories were definilety real and inter-related but thats it. Maybe I am missing something that others see.
2. Sherlock Holmes (7/10)
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law put memorable imprints on Holmes and Watson. I enjoyed each and every single moment of this film. Exactly the kind of films that I enjoy
1. Right Yaaa Wrong (Hindi) (7/10)
Now this was a good film. Sad that the movie was not promoted well. Story and direction is very well . Sunny and Irfan have acted their parts very well. Isha And Konkona dont have much to in the film but I would strongly recommend this to everyone. Good film
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sad March with only 13 films
13. Up In The Air (5.5/10)
I could relate to the film in the sense of being on road for work. George Clooney is an executive who travels a lot for work and has no personal life until 2 women come in his life and he has to rechek his priorities in life and what he wants to do with his life.
12. Click (Hindi) (6/10)
Shreyas Talpade is someone you can always rely on. The story of this horror flick is thankfully refreshing and different from run of the mill hindi horror films and the ending is also very novel. The fact that everything is not right in the end makes it unique.
11. Colegas (Spanish) (3/10)
Two best friends are forced into street hustling and and ever-expanding life of crime when one impregnates the sister of the other. It shows a very realistic portrayal of some lower middle class people in SPain in 1982. A decent effort. A reality slice of life
10. Dulha Mil Gaya (Hindi) (4/10)
Gosh!! this is perfect example of overacting. I just could not understand why Sush had to so overact in the film. It is one of those cliched films which are supposed to make you feel good. SRK's cameo is total waste and someone please tell me why Fardeen Khan still gets movies. IS there any talent in him at all?
9. Ishqiya (Hindi) (7/10)
Vidya Balan is on a roll. She is so perfect in the film and so are Arshad and Naseer. Ishqiya is a story of romance between individuals caught in a web of crime, suspense, passion, and deceit. Two thieves, Khalujan and Babban, are on the run from their boss, Mushtaq. They seek refuge with an old friend, and instead meet his widow, Krishna. As they plan their escape, their time spent together draws the duo to her, Khalu with his tinted vision of old-fashioned love, and Babban with his lustful eye. The threat of imminent death forces them on a path of violence and betrayal.
8. Road To Sangam (Hindi) (7.5/10)
It is a pity how some very good hindi films are made but just because they dont have stars, people dont even watch them. This film is so beautiful, so nice with such great acting and a nice social message. A simple story of a God fearing, devout Muslim mechanic named Hasmat Ullah who has been entrusted the job of repairing an old V8 ford engine, not knowing the historic significance that it once carried the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi which were immersed in the holy river Sangam. He is caught in a complex situation after a powerful bomb explosion rocks his town leading to the arrest of innocent Muslim youths of his locality. A strike to work is called by the prominent Leaders of his community to protest against the unjust treatment meted out to those arrested youths by the police.
7. Bandit Queen (Hindi) (7/10)
I wanted to show my friend this film and show him another face of bollywood which is shocking. The direction is brilliant and definitely shows why Shekhar Kapur is one of our finest talents.
6. The Walker (4.5/10)
Set in Washington D.C., The Walker follows Carter Page, a popular socialite who serves as confidant, companion and card partner to the wives of the most powerful men in America. When Carter's dearest friend finds herself on the brink of a scandal, he covers for her. Suddenly he finds himself the chief suspect in a criminal investigation and this well-connected man-about-town becomes an outcast, hounded by the police and forced to hunt down the true culprit in order to clear his name. Just an alright film.
5. Shutter Island (3.5/10)
Man, this has to be the slowest movie ever made. The plot was very interesting and the twist towards the end catches you by surprise but still there could have been better handling of the entire screen time. What a waste of a potentially great film
4. Pink Panther 2 (3/10)
Aishwarya Rai's so called Hollywood main stream debut. But the film was so pathetically bad, its unbelievable. The first one was way way better
3. Striker (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Brilliant film. This is Chandan Arora's 3rd film and I like every single one of them. Siddhartha has acted very well. The location in Mumbai and locals has been captured really well. Each character fits very well in the plot. definitely worth a watch. It made me nostalgic of my childhood days when we spend hours playing carrom board.
2. In Invention Of Lying (2/10)
Premise is interesting but the film is actually pretty bad. The film shows a time when no one knows what lie is and they all speak truth. Somehow a man discovers he can actually lie without knowing and understanding what he has accidentally discovered. Mark can get anything he wants...but the one thing he truly wants is the love of a girl named Anna, and she's the one person he can't bring himself to lie to.
1. Fashion (Hindi) (6/10)
Revisited this film on a flight. It was definitely a well made film with brilliant acting by Priyanka and Kangana. Although I would still question if they were worthy of the national award
I could relate to the film in the sense of being on road for work. George Clooney is an executive who travels a lot for work and has no personal life until 2 women come in his life and he has to rechek his priorities in life and what he wants to do with his life.
12. Click (Hindi) (6/10)
Shreyas Talpade is someone you can always rely on. The story of this horror flick is thankfully refreshing and different from run of the mill hindi horror films and the ending is also very novel. The fact that everything is not right in the end makes it unique.
11. Colegas (Spanish) (3/10)
Two best friends are forced into street hustling and and ever-expanding life of crime when one impregnates the sister of the other. It shows a very realistic portrayal of some lower middle class people in SPain in 1982. A decent effort. A reality slice of life
10. Dulha Mil Gaya (Hindi) (4/10)
Gosh!! this is perfect example of overacting. I just could not understand why Sush had to so overact in the film. It is one of those cliched films which are supposed to make you feel good. SRK's cameo is total waste and someone please tell me why Fardeen Khan still gets movies. IS there any talent in him at all?
9. Ishqiya (Hindi) (7/10)
Vidya Balan is on a roll. She is so perfect in the film and so are Arshad and Naseer. Ishqiya is a story of romance between individuals caught in a web of crime, suspense, passion, and deceit. Two thieves, Khalujan and Babban, are on the run from their boss, Mushtaq. They seek refuge with an old friend, and instead meet his widow, Krishna. As they plan their escape, their time spent together draws the duo to her, Khalu with his tinted vision of old-fashioned love, and Babban with his lustful eye. The threat of imminent death forces them on a path of violence and betrayal.
8. Road To Sangam (Hindi) (7.5/10)
It is a pity how some very good hindi films are made but just because they dont have stars, people dont even watch them. This film is so beautiful, so nice with such great acting and a nice social message. A simple story of a God fearing, devout Muslim mechanic named Hasmat Ullah who has been entrusted the job of repairing an old V8 ford engine, not knowing the historic significance that it once carried the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi which were immersed in the holy river Sangam. He is caught in a complex situation after a powerful bomb explosion rocks his town leading to the arrest of innocent Muslim youths of his locality. A strike to work is called by the prominent Leaders of his community to protest against the unjust treatment meted out to those arrested youths by the police.
7. Bandit Queen (Hindi) (7/10)
I wanted to show my friend this film and show him another face of bollywood which is shocking. The direction is brilliant and definitely shows why Shekhar Kapur is one of our finest talents.
6. The Walker (4.5/10)
Set in Washington D.C., The Walker follows Carter Page, a popular socialite who serves as confidant, companion and card partner to the wives of the most powerful men in America. When Carter's dearest friend finds herself on the brink of a scandal, he covers for her. Suddenly he finds himself the chief suspect in a criminal investigation and this well-connected man-about-town becomes an outcast, hounded by the police and forced to hunt down the true culprit in order to clear his name. Just an alright film.
5. Shutter Island (3.5/10)
Man, this has to be the slowest movie ever made. The plot was very interesting and the twist towards the end catches you by surprise but still there could have been better handling of the entire screen time. What a waste of a potentially great film
4. Pink Panther 2 (3/10)
Aishwarya Rai's so called Hollywood main stream debut. But the film was so pathetically bad, its unbelievable. The first one was way way better
3. Striker (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Brilliant film. This is Chandan Arora's 3rd film and I like every single one of them. Siddhartha has acted very well. The location in Mumbai and locals has been captured really well. Each character fits very well in the plot. definitely worth a watch. It made me nostalgic of my childhood days when we spend hours playing carrom board.
2. In Invention Of Lying (2/10)
Premise is interesting but the film is actually pretty bad. The film shows a time when no one knows what lie is and they all speak truth. Somehow a man discovers he can actually lie without knowing and understanding what he has accidentally discovered. Mark can get anything he wants...but the one thing he truly wants is the love of a girl named Anna, and she's the one person he can't bring himself to lie to.
1. Fashion (Hindi) (6/10)
Revisited this film on a flight. It was definitely a well made film with brilliant acting by Priyanka and Kangana. Although I would still question if they were worthy of the national award
Monday, February 22, 2010
February number is 15
15. Paris, I Love You (4/10)
A set of 20 different stories set in Paris. Some were good. Some were bad
14. Informant (5/10)
Matt Damon plays the central character in this awkward comedy movie where he is maybe a bipolar guy. He is helping FBI expose his company's multi-national price fixing conspiracy but at some point he is majorly himself involved with it. It was interesting to see how he himself changes his stand scene after scene.
13. Love Happens (3/10)
Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart star in the romantic drama Love Happens. When self-help author Eckhart arrives in Seattle to teach a sold-out seminar, he unexpectedly meets florist Aniston, the one person who might be able to help him help himself. But will two people who may have met the right person at exactly the wrong time be able to give love a chance? A very very basic love story here. Not interesting at all.
12. Natrang (Marathi) (7/10)
This is one of the better movies I have seen in recent times. The effort in body and acting put in by Atul Kulkarni is amazing. Both the characters of body builder and the theatre artist have been played by him with elan. Must watch
11. Ice Storm (5.5/10)
When a self-centered husband's relationship with his wife and mistress grow cold, it takes a wife-swapping "key party" and a freak ice storm to clear the air and change their lives forever. This is a classic example of a f***ed up american suburban family
10. Paheli (Hindi) (6.5/10)
It was nice to revisit this film. It is definitely beautiful to watch. Not worthy to send to Oscars but this film has a lot of charm to it. You have to watch it for songs, Rani's beauty and an innocence of the fairy tale. And plase dont out your brain and try to find logic. It is a folk tale after all
A set of 20 different stories set in Paris. Some were good. Some were bad
14. Informant (5/10)
Matt Damon plays the central character in this awkward comedy movie where he is maybe a bipolar guy. He is helping FBI expose his company's multi-national price fixing conspiracy but at some point he is majorly himself involved with it. It was interesting to see how he himself changes his stand scene after scene.
13. Love Happens (3/10)
Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart star in the romantic drama Love Happens. When self-help author Eckhart arrives in Seattle to teach a sold-out seminar, he unexpectedly meets florist Aniston, the one person who might be able to help him help himself. But will two people who may have met the right person at exactly the wrong time be able to give love a chance? A very very basic love story here. Not interesting at all.
12. Natrang (Marathi) (7/10)
This is one of the better movies I have seen in recent times. The effort in body and acting put in by Atul Kulkarni is amazing. Both the characters of body builder and the theatre artist have been played by him with elan. Must watch
11. Ice Storm (5.5/10)
When a self-centered husband's relationship with his wife and mistress grow cold, it takes a wife-swapping "key party" and a freak ice storm to clear the air and change their lives forever. This is a classic example of a f***ed up american suburban family
10. Paheli (Hindi) (6.5/10)
It was nice to revisit this film. It is definitely beautiful to watch. Not worthy to send to Oscars but this film has a lot of charm to it. You have to watch it for songs, Rani's beauty and an innocence of the fairy tale. And plase dont out your brain and try to find logic. It is a folk tale after all
Sunday, February 07, 2010
A slow February so far
9. Stage Beauty (5/10)
This one is a costume drama when all men used to play female characters on stage. This story shows how one man has always payed a woman and is good at it. When the rules change and women are finally allowed to work on stage , his future is in danger. He has ben so good at it that even if he tried, he cannot act as a male. Hw things change when the lead actress (his one time helper) helps him to come out of his shell, act as a male and she gets her part as the female lead right. Very interesting.
8. Rann (Hindi) (5.5/10)
All the fuss about RGV's exposure of media was such a downer. It was a very basic thing which somehow he made seem a huge issue. I think no one Madhur Bhandarkar does a good job of exposing. RGV's film was more drama. Amitabh, Sudeep, Ritesh were all ok. The film goes with decent pace. There is not much thrill but you dont get bored either. It would not be right to call the film as realistic cinema.
7. Pyaar Impossible (Hindi) (6/10)
This one was a surprise. I thought Uday Chopra would have copied the story from somewhere but I personally had not heard of this story, so that way it looked a little original. Priyanka Chopra suited the role. Uday was ok but please spare us of your acting. I can't handle it anymore. Nice songs. A simple sweet film overall.
6. Couples Retreat (2.5/10)
Gosh!! such a bad film. 4 couples go on a week retreat to analyze where their marriage is going and try and save it. Each of the couple has their own dynamics and problems and they go through it together. I still dont understand how this film becam a romantic comedy. There was no romance or comedy. It was just bad.
5. My Name Is Khan (Hindi) (7.5/10)
This film got very good reviews. It definitely is one of the Khan's better acting gigs very well complimented by Kajol. The film makes you sit and notice certain things about humanity in general and people around you. Its definitely a very good watch for first time but does not hold any repeat value. I am so glad that both the actors were not lip synching to the songs.
4. Devdas (Hindi) (6.5/10)
Wanted a friend of mine to see this film. And I surprisingly had not revisited this film since it first came out. Sanjay Lela Bhansali's grandeur is awesome. Shahrukh hams but Aish and Madhuri's beauty and songs are still a visual treat. Watching it second time made me realize how long this film was. Still pretty neat.
3. Kamla Ki Maut (Hindi) (5/10)
So glad to revisit some of the 80s movies. Pankaj Kapoor lives with his wife and 2 daughters. Their neighbour Kamla commits suicide and gossips start of her being pregnant. the film progresses with all 4 members thinking of what they have done so far in life because of which either they could have thought of committing suicide or spoil others life. An interesting concept. Good acting by everyone.
2. Unn Hazaron Ke Naam (Hindi) (2.5/10)
The movie was made for TV as dedication to all the people who died in the recent Mumbai blast. It was interesting to see from the point of view of families who ultimately get affected by this whole ordeal and go through. My ratings are mentioned from an entertainment perspective. This one seemed like a poor documentary with drama.
1. Aamras (Hindi) (2/10)
I was interested in the film because it is directed by Basu Chatterji's daughter. ad decent hopes but screenplay of the film was just not right. Story of 4 girls in school. They are best of buddies from 4 statuses of life. But ow quickly their temper an feelings keep changing is unbelievable. Some of them treat each other as shot but still cal each other best friends. It was little odd. Overall a disappointment
This one is a costume drama when all men used to play female characters on stage. This story shows how one man has always payed a woman and is good at it. When the rules change and women are finally allowed to work on stage , his future is in danger. He has ben so good at it that even if he tried, he cannot act as a male. Hw things change when the lead actress (his one time helper) helps him to come out of his shell, act as a male and she gets her part as the female lead right. Very interesting.
8. Rann (Hindi) (5.5/10)
All the fuss about RGV's exposure of media was such a downer. It was a very basic thing which somehow he made seem a huge issue. I think no one Madhur Bhandarkar does a good job of exposing. RGV's film was more drama. Amitabh, Sudeep, Ritesh were all ok. The film goes with decent pace. There is not much thrill but you dont get bored either. It would not be right to call the film as realistic cinema.
7. Pyaar Impossible (Hindi) (6/10)
This one was a surprise. I thought Uday Chopra would have copied the story from somewhere but I personally had not heard of this story, so that way it looked a little original. Priyanka Chopra suited the role. Uday was ok but please spare us of your acting. I can't handle it anymore. Nice songs. A simple sweet film overall.
6. Couples Retreat (2.5/10)
Gosh!! such a bad film. 4 couples go on a week retreat to analyze where their marriage is going and try and save it. Each of the couple has their own dynamics and problems and they go through it together. I still dont understand how this film becam a romantic comedy. There was no romance or comedy. It was just bad.
5. My Name Is Khan (Hindi) (7.5/10)
This film got very good reviews. It definitely is one of the Khan's better acting gigs very well complimented by Kajol. The film makes you sit and notice certain things about humanity in general and people around you. Its definitely a very good watch for first time but does not hold any repeat value. I am so glad that both the actors were not lip synching to the songs.
4. Devdas (Hindi) (6.5/10)
Wanted a friend of mine to see this film. And I surprisingly had not revisited this film since it first came out. Sanjay Lela Bhansali's grandeur is awesome. Shahrukh hams but Aish and Madhuri's beauty and songs are still a visual treat. Watching it second time made me realize how long this film was. Still pretty neat.
3. Kamla Ki Maut (Hindi) (5/10)
So glad to revisit some of the 80s movies. Pankaj Kapoor lives with his wife and 2 daughters. Their neighbour Kamla commits suicide and gossips start of her being pregnant. the film progresses with all 4 members thinking of what they have done so far in life because of which either they could have thought of committing suicide or spoil others life. An interesting concept. Good acting by everyone.
2. Unn Hazaron Ke Naam (Hindi) (2.5/10)
The movie was made for TV as dedication to all the people who died in the recent Mumbai blast. It was interesting to see from the point of view of families who ultimately get affected by this whole ordeal and go through. My ratings are mentioned from an entertainment perspective. This one seemed like a poor documentary with drama.
1. Aamras (Hindi) (2/10)
I was interested in the film because it is directed by Basu Chatterji's daughter. ad decent hopes but screenplay of the film was just not right. Story of 4 girls in school. They are best of buddies from 4 statuses of life. But ow quickly their temper an feelings keep changing is unbelievable. Some of them treat each other as shot but still cal each other best friends. It was little odd. Overall a disappointment
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
January number is 19
19. Four Christmases (3.5/10)
Vince Vaughn and Resee Witherspoon are a happy couple who just like being with each other without getting married because it brings responsibilities and expectations etc. One year because of bad weather they are forced to visit their families for Christmas. They are both from broken families. By the end of their trips they realize how much they miss being a family. Started off funny but it lost steam towards the second half.
18. Hello.. Hum Lallan Bol Rahe Hain (Hindi) (2.5/10)
It's a decent concept of a perfect person who is doing ok for himself and who never compromises with his ideals. Rajpal Yadav is in love with a girl back in his village but can never express his love. The film follows various phases of his life of sticking to his values and principles even if that means losing his love. A good idea but its hard to digest Rajpal Yadav in such a role. The film is def not a comedy.
17. Panga Gang (Hindi) (2/10)
A really bad hindi animation film. A bunch of kids try to stop a gang from deforestation. Its bad and boring
16. Holi (Hindi) (1.5/10)
This was Aamir Khan's first movie supposedly made as an experimental film. Based on one day at college where students demand holiday for Holi. This is again one more really really bad film from all aspects
15. Consequences (1/10)
A very badly made and acted film about 5 friends. It shows you how some of your simple deeds can come back to haunt you. 4 of the men always keep picking on the 5th one. So ultimately after 15-20 years how the 5th dude takes revenge with other guys. Its an awful awful film
14. I am Legend (4/10)
Will Smith is the sole survivor of a virus breakdown. Its been 3 years since he has been alone with his dog. FOr 3 years he has been religiously trying to find another person by sending radio signals and he finds ultimately a woman and a child. Mutant victims of the plague watch all his moves, waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. His only hope is to find a cure to that. Interesting concept but the film failed to keep my interest alive.
Vince Vaughn and Resee Witherspoon are a happy couple who just like being with each other without getting married because it brings responsibilities and expectations etc. One year because of bad weather they are forced to visit their families for Christmas. They are both from broken families. By the end of their trips they realize how much they miss being a family. Started off funny but it lost steam towards the second half.
18. Hello.. Hum Lallan Bol Rahe Hain (Hindi) (2.5/10)
It's a decent concept of a perfect person who is doing ok for himself and who never compromises with his ideals. Rajpal Yadav is in love with a girl back in his village but can never express his love. The film follows various phases of his life of sticking to his values and principles even if that means losing his love. A good idea but its hard to digest Rajpal Yadav in such a role. The film is def not a comedy.
17. Panga Gang (Hindi) (2/10)
A really bad hindi animation film. A bunch of kids try to stop a gang from deforestation. Its bad and boring
16. Holi (Hindi) (1.5/10)
This was Aamir Khan's first movie supposedly made as an experimental film. Based on one day at college where students demand holiday for Holi. This is again one more really really bad film from all aspects
15. Consequences (1/10)
A very badly made and acted film about 5 friends. It shows you how some of your simple deeds can come back to haunt you. 4 of the men always keep picking on the 5th one. So ultimately after 15-20 years how the 5th dude takes revenge with other guys. Its an awful awful film
14. I am Legend (4/10)
Will Smith is the sole survivor of a virus breakdown. Its been 3 years since he has been alone with his dog. FOr 3 years he has been religiously trying to find another person by sending radio signals and he finds ultimately a woman and a child. Mutant victims of the plague watch all his moves, waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. His only hope is to find a cure to that. Interesting concept but the film failed to keep my interest alive.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
My weekend of few movies
13. Public Enemies (1/10)
Johnny Depp is the most wanted Bank Robber of the 30s. He is being chased by Christian Bale and his love interest is a girl. The entire movie is about a game of outrunning and outgunning the FBI, culminating in an explosive, legendary showdown.This ne is a bad bad bad movie and very repetitive.
12. Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year (Hindi) (8.5/10)
One of the finest movies to have come out last year. This is what annoys me when people say that hindi films don't offer anything new but when they do, there is no acceptance of it. This is the most original, very realistic film which is filled with damn good performances. Ranbir is to watch out for. Even Gauhar Khan impresses a lot. Must watch
11. Bolo Raam (Hindi) (6/10)
A surprisingly good movie. The hero is very very close to his mother and would do anything for her. One day he gets arrested in charge of murdering his mother and he would not speak why he did what he did. Although when the real reason and cause comes out, its a little anticlimax but I somehow was still very engrossed in the film and it manage to keep my attention throughout. Nice performances and the chemistry between the new uy and Padmini Kolhapure as his mom is very nice.
Johnny Depp is the most wanted Bank Robber of the 30s. He is being chased by Christian Bale and his love interest is a girl. The entire movie is about a game of outrunning and outgunning the FBI, culminating in an explosive, legendary showdown.This ne is a bad bad bad movie and very repetitive.
12. Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year (Hindi) (8.5/10)
One of the finest movies to have come out last year. This is what annoys me when people say that hindi films don't offer anything new but when they do, there is no acceptance of it. This is the most original, very realistic film which is filled with damn good performances. Ranbir is to watch out for. Even Gauhar Khan impresses a lot. Must watch
11. Bolo Raam (Hindi) (6/10)
A surprisingly good movie. The hero is very very close to his mother and would do anything for her. One day he gets arrested in charge of murdering his mother and he would not speak why he did what he did. Although when the real reason and cause comes out, its a little anticlimax but I somehow was still very engrossed in the film and it manage to keep my attention throughout. Nice performances and the chemistry between the new uy and Padmini Kolhapure as his mom is very nice.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Film watching has slowed down a bit
10. Mixed Nuts (2.5/10)
This was a bad movie. Supposed to be a laugh riot, a corky comedy, this film did not make me laugh even at 1 single point. A group of 3 people led by Steve Martin run a crisis counseling. The film just walks us through the kind of crisis that is going on in these people's life and with some of their friends. The entire film is based on a Christmas Day.
9. Raat Gayi Baat Gayi (Hindi) (7/10)
This film was a big surprise. I actually ended up enjoying myself this movie a lot. Brilliant acting by each and every one in the film. AFter a party, when Rajat Kapoor cannot remember what happened the previous night while he was flirting with Neha Dhupia, he spends the next day spending time with his friend Vinay Pathak to find out what actually happened. This could cost his marriage. I think a wonderful direction, a simple film, extremely enjoyable. Something very very different.
8. In America (6.5/10)
An Irish family moves from Canada to Manhattan. The husband is looking for acting jobs. They think the life would be easy and the film depicts their trials and tribulations during their stay in a run down manhattan building. The film also shows their interaction with other people specially with a painter guy in their building who affects their life in more than one way. Very good acting specially by the female lead.
This was a bad movie. Supposed to be a laugh riot, a corky comedy, this film did not make me laugh even at 1 single point. A group of 3 people led by Steve Martin run a crisis counseling. The film just walks us through the kind of crisis that is going on in these people's life and with some of their friends. The entire film is based on a Christmas Day.
9. Raat Gayi Baat Gayi (Hindi) (7/10)
This film was a big surprise. I actually ended up enjoying myself this movie a lot. Brilliant acting by each and every one in the film. AFter a party, when Rajat Kapoor cannot remember what happened the previous night while he was flirting with Neha Dhupia, he spends the next day spending time with his friend Vinay Pathak to find out what actually happened. This could cost his marriage. I think a wonderful direction, a simple film, extremely enjoyable. Something very very different.
8. In America (6.5/10)
An Irish family moves from Canada to Manhattan. The husband is looking for acting jobs. They think the life would be easy and the film depicts their trials and tribulations during their stay in a run down manhattan building. The film also shows their interaction with other people specially with a painter guy in their building who affects their life in more than one way. Very good acting specially by the female lead.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Film trend continues
7. The Hurt Locker (6.5/10)
War is just the job the characters in the movie do. The main protagonist is addicted to the almost nonstop adrenaline rush and the opportunity to express his life on the edge. He is the main guy who disarms the bombs in Iraq. The people who work with him slowly get used to his working style and can't wait to get out of this work. The hurt locker of the title is a box he keeps under his bunk, filled with bomb parts and other signatory memorabilia of "things that could have killed me." Excellent direction where every tactical detail and nuisance are shown in detail. It might sometimes get boring but it is needed.
6. Accident On Hill Road (Hindi) (2.5/10)
These kind of stories are good for a half an hour slot on television, otherwise they seem pretty dragged on big screen. On top of that you take terrible actor like Celina Jaitley and the film is over. Idea of showing how people's mindsets change if they happen to be in an accident is good. But the film overall is pretty bad.
5. Up (Animation) (7.5/10)
One of the finest animation movies I have ever seen. Guess I am finally getting into animation films. The story was fantastic and it is unbelievable to see such great acting being done by animated characters. I guess lot of hard work is done by director and his team. My favorite segment is when there are no dialogues and in about 15 minutes the lives of the protagonists change from kid to old age. Must watch
4. The Ugly Truth (4.5/10)
Another one of those nonsensical date films which we are supposed to like for some reason. The whole thing of men just think of 1 thing is again explored in this film with a twist where a news anchor Gerard Butler helps the girl get the man she wants but in the process ends up falling in for her. Now how many times have we already seen that?
War is just the job the characters in the movie do. The main protagonist is addicted to the almost nonstop adrenaline rush and the opportunity to express his life on the edge. He is the main guy who disarms the bombs in Iraq. The people who work with him slowly get used to his working style and can't wait to get out of this work. The hurt locker of the title is a box he keeps under his bunk, filled with bomb parts and other signatory memorabilia of "things that could have killed me." Excellent direction where every tactical detail and nuisance are shown in detail. It might sometimes get boring but it is needed.
6. Accident On Hill Road (Hindi) (2.5/10)
These kind of stories are good for a half an hour slot on television, otherwise they seem pretty dragged on big screen. On top of that you take terrible actor like Celina Jaitley and the film is over. Idea of showing how people's mindsets change if they happen to be in an accident is good. But the film overall is pretty bad.
5. Up (Animation) (7.5/10)
One of the finest animation movies I have ever seen. Guess I am finally getting into animation films. The story was fantastic and it is unbelievable to see such great acting being done by animated characters. I guess lot of hard work is done by director and his team. My favorite segment is when there are no dialogues and in about 15 minutes the lives of the protagonists change from kid to old age. Must watch
4. The Ugly Truth (4.5/10)
Another one of those nonsensical date films which we are supposed to like for some reason. The whole thing of men just think of 1 thing is again explored in this film with a twist where a news anchor Gerard Butler helps the girl get the man she wants but in the process ends up falling in for her. Now how many times have we already seen that?
Saturday, January 02, 2010
2010 begins
3. The Proposal (4.5/10)
Decent film. Started off well but towards the end as always the director made it emotions and drama. Had the corkiness and cheesiness between the 2 characters kept intact, the film would have been far funnier. Although I now do wanna visit Alaska. :)
2. 3 Idiots (Hindi) (8/10)
Fantastic film. Inspired by 'Five Point Someone', Mr. Hirani has done wonderful job of screen adaptation to make people aware of Indian education system and also proposed a solution. Fantastic acting by all characters, the film keeps yu entertained in almost all departments. The film is not without flaws but common we can just be happy that finally someone made a film that entertain everyone. Every scene makes you laugh and cry at the same time.
1. This Is It (7/10)
Documentary film made after death of Michael Jackson that focusses on the big concert that MJ was planning just when his unfortunate death happened. The film has clips of all his rehearsals and preparations. I don't care to much for MJ, but if you are a fan, you will freak out after watching this is it.
Now that I have ended 2009 on a high note and more than met my target, I am not too enthused about writing reviews for all the films that I am gonna watch this year. I will though try my best, at least will keep a track of the names.
Decent film. Started off well but towards the end as always the director made it emotions and drama. Had the corkiness and cheesiness between the 2 characters kept intact, the film would have been far funnier. Although I now do wanna visit Alaska. :)
2. 3 Idiots (Hindi) (8/10)
Fantastic film. Inspired by 'Five Point Someone', Mr. Hirani has done wonderful job of screen adaptation to make people aware of Indian education system and also proposed a solution. Fantastic acting by all characters, the film keeps yu entertained in almost all departments. The film is not without flaws but common we can just be happy that finally someone made a film that entertain everyone. Every scene makes you laugh and cry at the same time.
1. This Is It (7/10)
Documentary film made after death of Michael Jackson that focusses on the big concert that MJ was planning just when his unfortunate death happened. The film has clips of all his rehearsals and preparations. I don't care to much for MJ, but if you are a fan, you will freak out after watching this is it.
Now that I have ended 2009 on a high note and more than met my target, I am not too enthused about writing reviews for all the films that I am gonna watch this year. I will though try my best, at least will keep a track of the names.
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