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)
Monday, June 21, 2010
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.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Final December number is 25
25. A Single Man (6.5/10)
At least the year ended on a positive note. A poignant tale of a man who has just lost is lover and is trying to come in terms with the fact. The way director has portrayed the loneliness that Colin Firth is going through is amazing. You can feel the emptiness in his life and how much he could use a friend. Though the film tends to get tooo slow and draggy at places but I think that was necessary to keep the soul of the book alive. Definitely a good watch.
24. Love Ka Tadka (Hindi) (0.5/10)
Featuring Nauheed Cyrusi and Sameer Dattani, this is nothing but a bad bad film. There is no excuse to make such films. Boy-girl meet, fall in love, get married. Boy doesn't have money, girl's father is visiting and now they have to act up as if everything is fine. Gosh!! Gimme a break!!
23. Julie and Julia (7/10)
Wonderful movie. Showing parallely the lives of julia Child, the legendary French cook book writer and julie Powell who mastered the art of cooking every single recipe and blog about it. Great acting by Amy Adams and Meryl Streep, I also liked the honesty with which both the husbands supported their wife. Definitely a watch.
22. Dashavtar (Tamil) (1/10)
What was this? This was self-indulgence to its height. Kamal Hassan please spare us. Every act of his is so OTT and there is a stupid story to tell (or is there?). This is such an utter waste of time, effort, money and talent for everyone in the movie and everyone watching the movie.
21. Kurbaan (Hindi) (7/10)
Another ilm that dealt with terrorism and Muslims albeit handled in a different manner. Initially the movie moves fast but after a while when all cards are open, the film moves on with single focus of terrorism. The debate in the class on who's right who's wrong (America's war vs terrorism) was a god discussion. Kareena, Saif and Vivek were all good specially Vivek. SOme more detailing should have been given to the locations. Although I can see why the film would not work on box office because of its dark theme and a very focussed subject which doesn't entertain you but makes you think.
20. Beynelmilel (Turkish) [The International] (4.5/10)
We learn the life of Gevendes' - local musicians- in Adiyaman region. People were looking for a little bit freedom for their way of life. For the moment, it seems strange even listening music was prohibited by law makers. We should appreciate the freedom we have now. It is definitely that the freedom needs enlargement in Turkey. The movie was simple and nice
19. London Dreams (Hindi) (3.5/10)
This is not what I expected from Vipul Shah. Such an ordinary story. Just by shooting it in London and changing the setting to some lavish UK locations and throw in some Italy and Paris is not going to make a film. The actors just dont suit the characters. The music is bad considering it is supposed to be a movie about a band. Surprisingly bad film by a director who I thought directed decent films so far.
At least the year ended on a positive note. A poignant tale of a man who has just lost is lover and is trying to come in terms with the fact. The way director has portrayed the loneliness that Colin Firth is going through is amazing. You can feel the emptiness in his life and how much he could use a friend. Though the film tends to get tooo slow and draggy at places but I think that was necessary to keep the soul of the book alive. Definitely a good watch.
24. Love Ka Tadka (Hindi) (0.5/10)
Featuring Nauheed Cyrusi and Sameer Dattani, this is nothing but a bad bad film. There is no excuse to make such films. Boy-girl meet, fall in love, get married. Boy doesn't have money, girl's father is visiting and now they have to act up as if everything is fine. Gosh!! Gimme a break!!
23. Julie and Julia (7/10)
Wonderful movie. Showing parallely the lives of julia Child, the legendary French cook book writer and julie Powell who mastered the art of cooking every single recipe and blog about it. Great acting by Amy Adams and Meryl Streep, I also liked the honesty with which both the husbands supported their wife. Definitely a watch.
22. Dashavtar (Tamil) (1/10)
What was this? This was self-indulgence to its height. Kamal Hassan please spare us. Every act of his is so OTT and there is a stupid story to tell (or is there?). This is such an utter waste of time, effort, money and talent for everyone in the movie and everyone watching the movie.
21. Kurbaan (Hindi) (7/10)
Another ilm that dealt with terrorism and Muslims albeit handled in a different manner. Initially the movie moves fast but after a while when all cards are open, the film moves on with single focus of terrorism. The debate in the class on who's right who's wrong (America's war vs terrorism) was a god discussion. Kareena, Saif and Vivek were all good specially Vivek. SOme more detailing should have been given to the locations. Although I can see why the film would not work on box office because of its dark theme and a very focussed subject which doesn't entertain you but makes you think.
20. Beynelmilel (Turkish) [The International] (4.5/10)
We learn the life of Gevendes' - local musicians- in Adiyaman region. People were looking for a little bit freedom for their way of life. For the moment, it seems strange even listening music was prohibited by law makers. We should appreciate the freedom we have now. It is definitely that the freedom needs enlargement in Turkey. The movie was simple and nice
19. London Dreams (Hindi) (3.5/10)
This is not what I expected from Vipul Shah. Such an ordinary story. Just by shooting it in London and changing the setting to some lavish UK locations and throw in some Italy and Paris is not going to make a film. The actors just dont suit the characters. The music is bad considering it is supposed to be a movie about a band. Surprisingly bad film by a director who I thought directed decent films so far.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
I Think I can do it
18. The International (3/10)
Interpol agent Clive Owen has been on the brink of conclusive evidence against the villainous international bank, but his sources always end up dead. WIth the help of Manhattan District Attorney Naomi Watts, he stumbles on the trail of the bank's favorite hit man, through whom he might finally get his trail. The film was confusing and things would happen randomly. For me the film was worth watching only for architectural beauty of Italy and Turkey that they showed.
17. Mrs. Doubtfire (7/10)
Everyone has seen the movie and loved it. Finally I also managed to watch it and of course absolutely loved it. Robin Williams has done such a great job. It is entertaining to the core. It was interesting to see Pierce Brosnan in his pre-Bond days. Overall very very entertaining.
16. Radio (Hindi) (6/10)
I had literally zero expectations from the movie and like most times it works to the movies advantage. Himesh actually did a pretty good job in his acting. He was OTT. After getting divorced from his wife Sonal Sehgal, he meets Shenaz Treasurywala and a fake love affair starts between them for Radio TRPs. At some point Sonal wants to return back to his life. He likes Shenaz to but is utterly confused on what to do. Himesh's scenes with Shenaz's family are very entertaining. Even the songs are very god and placed well. They are a lot but still manageable.
15. Zor Lagake Haiyya (Hindi) (4/10)
A bunch of kids make a tree house and their life revolves around it. A big builder Gulshan Grover wants to get rid of the tree but the kids dont want it. They try their best by playing different tricks. A roadside beggar Mithun is also a part of the plan t save the tree. The film is decent with some nice message for greenery but one whole film surrounding the tree is a little too ambitious specially in Bollywood.
14. Inside Twin Towers (Documentary) (5.5/10)
A very very insightful and interesting documentary. Based on some experiences of people who were saved in the terrorist act and what they actually went through during that horrifying ordeal. Even though most of the scenes were enacted, it looked very real and some of the scenes were heart-wrenching. Watching the towers fall down still gives me chills.
13. Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (Hindi) (7/10)
Wow! What a film and what an actor Ranbir Kapoor is. The whole party sequence where he is continuously dancing is just unbelievable. The movie is a very ordinary sweet simple friendship turned love story between Ranbir and Katrina but Santoshi's execution of this simple subject is very captivating. Mixed with great performances and a melodious score, no wonder this movie was a hit at box-office.
12. The Manchurian Candidate (6/10)
Serving together in the Persian Gulf War, Denzel Washington and Sgt. Raymond Shaw were part of a platoon of soldiers kidnapped and brainwashed. Ten years later, Shaw gears up for his vice presidential campaign while Denzel eventually remembers being kidnapped and discovers Shaw's powerful mother played a big part in that scheme. Determined to reveal the truth behind everything, Denzel must first convince Shaw that the brainwashing really happened. It is scary to watch such movies and to think that there are people out there who will do anything to get power. Power specially in politics can make you so ruthless.
11. Avatar (6.5/10)
Fantabulous visuals but less than half can be said about the story. No doubt, anyone who watches this film would not have seen anything this spectacular on the screen before bu fr me the fact that just about everything was based on visuals does not do the trick. Plus I guess the fact that I watched the film at 12:01 show in the night (just to catch first show of the movie), I was not able to enjoy the movie to the fullest. Maybe I will give it another chance.
Interpol agent Clive Owen has been on the brink of conclusive evidence against the villainous international bank, but his sources always end up dead. WIth the help of Manhattan District Attorney Naomi Watts, he stumbles on the trail of the bank's favorite hit man, through whom he might finally get his trail. The film was confusing and things would happen randomly. For me the film was worth watching only for architectural beauty of Italy and Turkey that they showed.
17. Mrs. Doubtfire (7/10)
Everyone has seen the movie and loved it. Finally I also managed to watch it and of course absolutely loved it. Robin Williams has done such a great job. It is entertaining to the core. It was interesting to see Pierce Brosnan in his pre-Bond days. Overall very very entertaining.
16. Radio (Hindi) (6/10)
I had literally zero expectations from the movie and like most times it works to the movies advantage. Himesh actually did a pretty good job in his acting. He was OTT. After getting divorced from his wife Sonal Sehgal, he meets Shenaz Treasurywala and a fake love affair starts between them for Radio TRPs. At some point Sonal wants to return back to his life. He likes Shenaz to but is utterly confused on what to do. Himesh's scenes with Shenaz's family are very entertaining. Even the songs are very god and placed well. They are a lot but still manageable.
15. Zor Lagake Haiyya (Hindi) (4/10)
A bunch of kids make a tree house and their life revolves around it. A big builder Gulshan Grover wants to get rid of the tree but the kids dont want it. They try their best by playing different tricks. A roadside beggar Mithun is also a part of the plan t save the tree. The film is decent with some nice message for greenery but one whole film surrounding the tree is a little too ambitious specially in Bollywood.
14. Inside Twin Towers (Documentary) (5.5/10)
A very very insightful and interesting documentary. Based on some experiences of people who were saved in the terrorist act and what they actually went through during that horrifying ordeal. Even though most of the scenes were enacted, it looked very real and some of the scenes were heart-wrenching. Watching the towers fall down still gives me chills.
13. Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (Hindi) (7/10)
Wow! What a film and what an actor Ranbir Kapoor is. The whole party sequence where he is continuously dancing is just unbelievable. The movie is a very ordinary sweet simple friendship turned love story between Ranbir and Katrina but Santoshi's execution of this simple subject is very captivating. Mixed with great performances and a melodious score, no wonder this movie was a hit at box-office.
12. The Manchurian Candidate (6/10)
Serving together in the Persian Gulf War, Denzel Washington and Sgt. Raymond Shaw were part of a platoon of soldiers kidnapped and brainwashed. Ten years later, Shaw gears up for his vice presidential campaign while Denzel eventually remembers being kidnapped and discovers Shaw's powerful mother played a big part in that scheme. Determined to reveal the truth behind everything, Denzel must first convince Shaw that the brainwashing really happened. It is scary to watch such movies and to think that there are people out there who will do anything to get power. Power specially in politics can make you so ruthless.
11. Avatar (6.5/10)
Fantabulous visuals but less than half can be said about the story. No doubt, anyone who watches this film would not have seen anything this spectacular on the screen before bu fr me the fact that just about everything was based on visuals does not do the trick. Plus I guess the fact that I watched the film at 12:01 show in the night (just to catch first show of the movie), I was not able to enjoy the movie to the fullest. Maybe I will give it another chance.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Few more movies added
10. Fruit and Nut (Hindi) (4.5/10)
A mapcap comedy whose central character Cyrus Broacha is a simple, nerdy, 'buddhu' type of person who is looking for friends and love. One fine day his colleague Dia Mirza gets kidnapped. How and why Boman Irani has done this and what's Mahesh Majrekar's involvement comes clear after a series of roller coaster and comical mishaps. Acting wise, everyone is good. The film just did not hold my attention
9. Far From Heaven (6/10)
Julianne Moore, an amazing fusion of vulnerability and will power, plays a housewife whose husband has a secret gay life. When she finds solace in the company of a black gardener (Dennis Haysbert), rumors and peer pressure destroy any chance she has at happiness. It's astonishing how a movie with such a stylized veneer can be so emotionally compelling; the cast and filmmakers have such an impeccable command of the look and feel of the genre that every moment is simultaneously artificial and deeply felt. Its laudable for director to handle issues of racism and sexuality so beautifully.
8. Paanch (Hindi) (5/10)
The movie has never released but I got hold of a pirated version that released on the internet. Excellent performances, Anurag Kashyap's hold on the plot is very evident for the get go. He has touched upon teenager's drug, music and greed issues. Story might not be very novel but handled in a very dark manner, exposing the grey side of human brain, this movie definitely catches your attention The problem of the film i sits length. Almost 3 hour long, the movie needs some serious editing.
7. Wonder Boys (6.5/10)
This is a very interesting movie. Tobey Macguire acted very well. Michael Douglas is an aging professor who has been writing a novel for many years and cant stop it. Its gone beyond 2000 pages. His wife has left him, his affair with her department's head is in soup since she is pregnant. Now his editor Robert Downey Jr is in own wanting to read his script and then there is his literature student Katie Holmes who is more than interested in easing his pain. And then we have another student Tobey who will soon be responsible for a very disruptive but a life changing weekend for everyone involved.
6. 42 kms (Hindi) (0.5/10)
A film portraying life of 4 people from different sections of society. How they use marathon to change their lives form this move. The film is completely illogical and very poor performances from Mandira Bedi, Bikram Saluja, Porab kohli and everyone else involved. Complete waste of time.
A mapcap comedy whose central character Cyrus Broacha is a simple, nerdy, 'buddhu' type of person who is looking for friends and love. One fine day his colleague Dia Mirza gets kidnapped. How and why Boman Irani has done this and what's Mahesh Majrekar's involvement comes clear after a series of roller coaster and comical mishaps. Acting wise, everyone is good. The film just did not hold my attention
9. Far From Heaven (6/10)
Julianne Moore, an amazing fusion of vulnerability and will power, plays a housewife whose husband has a secret gay life. When she finds solace in the company of a black gardener (Dennis Haysbert), rumors and peer pressure destroy any chance she has at happiness. It's astonishing how a movie with such a stylized veneer can be so emotionally compelling; the cast and filmmakers have such an impeccable command of the look and feel of the genre that every moment is simultaneously artificial and deeply felt. Its laudable for director to handle issues of racism and sexuality so beautifully.
8. Paanch (Hindi) (5/10)
The movie has never released but I got hold of a pirated version that released on the internet. Excellent performances, Anurag Kashyap's hold on the plot is very evident for the get go. He has touched upon teenager's drug, music and greed issues. Story might not be very novel but handled in a very dark manner, exposing the grey side of human brain, this movie definitely catches your attention The problem of the film i sits length. Almost 3 hour long, the movie needs some serious editing.
7. Wonder Boys (6.5/10)
This is a very interesting movie. Tobey Macguire acted very well. Michael Douglas is an aging professor who has been writing a novel for many years and cant stop it. Its gone beyond 2000 pages. His wife has left him, his affair with her department's head is in soup since she is pregnant. Now his editor Robert Downey Jr is in own wanting to read his script and then there is his literature student Katie Holmes who is more than interested in easing his pain. And then we have another student Tobey who will soon be responsible for a very disruptive but a life changing weekend for everyone involved.
6. 42 kms (Hindi) (0.5/10)
A film portraying life of 4 people from different sections of society. How they use marathon to change their lives form this move. The film is completely illogical and very poor performances from Mandira Bedi, Bikram Saluja, Porab kohli and everyone else involved. Complete waste of time.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
It's Bollywood time
5. Tum Mile (Hindi) (4.5/10)
I think my patience level for Hindi films has gone down. This is a love story of Emraan Hashmi and Soha who meet 6 years after their breakup in the backdrop of Mumbai rains on 26th July. Movie keeps going in flashbacks. Love story is ok, nothing novel. Rain and flood scenes are done ok. Only thing nice I can think of is that Soha acted pretty good and natural.
4. Aladin (Hindi) (4/10)
Nice concept gone wrong by overconfidence. Movie started well, nice and funny. But somewhere it got unnecessarily serious and gimicky. Sanjay Dutt was total gimmick. If the movie was just about Aladin and Amitabh, the genie, it would have been fabulous. Love angle was absolutely unnecessary and Bachchan Sr overacted quite a bit. Sujoy, enough of 'Aladin' and 'Home Delivery'. Give us 'Jhankar Beats' back
3. De Dhana Dan (Hindi) (5.5/10)
I think some movies make a dierence by how and when you watch it. I am sure had I watched this film with friends in a theatre full of people laughing, I would have def enjoyed it. Like a typical Priyadarshan film with 20 off characters, this film is all about confusion and how people are mistaken for someone they are not. Its hilarious. But the fact I watched it by myself in a theatre occupancy of maybe 20, it was just an ok affair for me. Akshay can now just sleepwalk in these kind of films
2. Paa (Hindi) (6/10)
Thank God that Amitabh Bachchan did not bring Bachchanism in his character of 13 year old Auro. Its very sensitive and funny too. More than paa, film should have been Maa. Vidya Balan has much stronger role, character and she did full justice to it. She is great. Abhishek is just ok. I still wonder why the film was called Paa, considering Abhishek comes to know of his son just minutes before the film ends. Watch it for Vidya and Amitabh
1. Aao Wish Karein (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Another movie gone wrong. I think these kind of stories need to either be done exceptionally well or just relegate to TV. A younger kid suddenly finds himself grown up because he loves this neighborhood girl. And then various things happen which are clearly not very important. Aftab was good. Aamna Sharif had really nothing to do. This film has could have done ok if it was made strictly for kids but somewhere producers get greedy and cant keep a balance between kid flick and romantic youth flick.
I think my patience level for Hindi films has gone down. This is a love story of Emraan Hashmi and Soha who meet 6 years after their breakup in the backdrop of Mumbai rains on 26th July. Movie keeps going in flashbacks. Love story is ok, nothing novel. Rain and flood scenes are done ok. Only thing nice I can think of is that Soha acted pretty good and natural.
4. Aladin (Hindi) (4/10)
Nice concept gone wrong by overconfidence. Movie started well, nice and funny. But somewhere it got unnecessarily serious and gimicky. Sanjay Dutt was total gimmick. If the movie was just about Aladin and Amitabh, the genie, it would have been fabulous. Love angle was absolutely unnecessary and Bachchan Sr overacted quite a bit. Sujoy, enough of 'Aladin' and 'Home Delivery'. Give us 'Jhankar Beats' back
3. De Dhana Dan (Hindi) (5.5/10)
I think some movies make a dierence by how and when you watch it. I am sure had I watched this film with friends in a theatre full of people laughing, I would have def enjoyed it. Like a typical Priyadarshan film with 20 off characters, this film is all about confusion and how people are mistaken for someone they are not. Its hilarious. But the fact I watched it by myself in a theatre occupancy of maybe 20, it was just an ok affair for me. Akshay can now just sleepwalk in these kind of films
2. Paa (Hindi) (6/10)
Thank God that Amitabh Bachchan did not bring Bachchanism in his character of 13 year old Auro. Its very sensitive and funny too. More than paa, film should have been Maa. Vidya Balan has much stronger role, character and she did full justice to it. She is great. Abhishek is just ok. I still wonder why the film was called Paa, considering Abhishek comes to know of his son just minutes before the film ends. Watch it for Vidya and Amitabh
1. Aao Wish Karein (Hindi) (3.5/10)
Another movie gone wrong. I think these kind of stories need to either be done exceptionally well or just relegate to TV. A younger kid suddenly finds himself grown up because he loves this neighborhood girl. And then various things happen which are clearly not very important. Aftab was good. Aamna Sharif had really nothing to do. This film has could have done ok if it was made strictly for kids but somewhere producers get greedy and cant keep a balance between kid flick and romantic youth flick.
Monday, November 23, 2009
November number is 19
19. Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna (Hindi) (6/10)
This one is a very sweet and simple film. Unfortunately these kind of films don't work today. After some financial problems, Salman Khan goes to Singapore and his wife Kareena decide to stay back in Melbourne. She starts to work at the airport where Sohail Khan also works and falls in love for Mrs. Khanna. As expected, misunderstandings between the couple are cleared. Salman and Kareena live happily and move to Singapore while Sohail still awaits his Mrs. Khanna.
18. All The Best (Hindi) (6/10)
This one thankfully was not as mindless as I thought it would. It had a decent plot of mistaken identities of wife swapping. When Sanjay Dutt gives surprise visit to Fardeen, he mistakenly takes Bipasha to be his wife who is actually Ajay Devgan's wife. A few sub plots with some character artists keep the humour quotient of the film going. Just relax and enjoy this comedy.
17. Jail (Hindi) (4/10)
By unfortunate turn of events, Neil Nitin Mukesh finds himself in Jail being tortured by police for drugs. After initial horror he gives in to prison anarchy while the Indian Judicial system takes its own sweet time to have a hearing for his case left alone prove him innocent. Manoj Vajpai is his only salvation in prison who believes in his innocence. Neil has acted very well but the screenplay of the film was not very tight. There were unwanted characters which made the film drag in places. Madhur's earlier films were tight and crisp but this one somehow fails to hold the attention.
16. The Year My Parents Went on Vacation (Portuguese) (3.5/10)
São Paulo, 1970, the World Cup Soccer Games, Young Mauro is swept away from his home by his parents to live in São Paulo with his grandfather: his parents tell him they are going on 'vacation' while in reality they are escaping the dictatorial 'disappearances' that challenged the Brazil of the time. It ends up that the grandfather has died. His Jewish neighbor takes care of him. The story winds through the disparities of Jewish life and the governmental changes that are disrupting the flow of this important year for Brazil and how Mauro manages to live alone all along till his mother finally comes back
15. What's Your Raashee? (Hindi) (4/10)
The idea was good in TV series Mr. Yogi but in a film, it just keeps stretching. Initially I was excited but slowly when I realized how many more Priyanka's I will have to watch (making it a 3 plus hour movie), my interest kept reducing. I liked the songs and they fitted well in the film. Harman Baweja did well but Priyanka actually disappointed. Though all her 12 characters were quite different from each other, but something was missing. Director's fault I guess.
14. Blue (Hindi) (5/10)
A good attempt but sadly the outcome is not what one expected. Publicized as a treasure hunt movie, the movie barely had 10 minutes of treasure hunt. Otherwise it was usual. Zayed takes mony from Rahul Dev and now he doesn't have it to return. He comes to Bahamas to live with his brother Sanjay Dutt who works in Akshay's shipping company. Akshay keeps asking Sanjay Dutt to go find hidden treasure in the sea since he knows it but he wouldn't go until now he has to in order to protect Zayed. Surprise surprise, all miseries of Zayed were thanks to Akshay Kumar himself but he wanted to clean his family name.
13. Wanted (Hindi) (7/10)
A total masala Bollywood flick. It has action, emotion, comedy, romance, drama and guess what, its actually entertaining. Its silly to think one man being so powerful but once in a while its good to watch and live with escapist cinema which in the process also entertains you. Salman Khan and Ayeha Takia both suited the role. Its a god directorial debut for Prabhu Deva as well.
12. Twilight (7/10)
The first in series of Vampire based films based on the novels. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this film a year after it was released. The love story between an innocent girl who falls for vampire was interesting. I thought the visuals were good and the acting was impressive as well. The movie now is prompting me to read the book. Lets see if I can do that. Definitely worth a watch
11. Lawn Dogs (3/10)
Newly arrived in an up-market housing development, quiet ten-year-old Devon doesn’t quite fit in. Ignoring the urgings of her social-climbing father, Devon chooses the company of Trent, who mows the estate’s lawns, rather than of the girls her own age. Their friendship grows during her visits to his trailer home, but although it is completely innocent it is obvious that it would be unacceptable to the residents if they found out.
10. 2012 (6.5/10)
Exactly what I was expecting from this disaster film. Dumb storyline but excellent visuals. Put your brains aside and try not to find logic as to how John Cusack is able to save his family and others. This movie is strictly to enjoy for its visuals. I loved one line from a review that Cusack I read "The world is dying and somehow we are only supposed to worry about John and his family" and thats exactly what the film is about. I wishes they had dealt more with history on how Mayans predicted the end of world in 2012.
This one is a very sweet and simple film. Unfortunately these kind of films don't work today. After some financial problems, Salman Khan goes to Singapore and his wife Kareena decide to stay back in Melbourne. She starts to work at the airport where Sohail Khan also works and falls in love for Mrs. Khanna. As expected, misunderstandings between the couple are cleared. Salman and Kareena live happily and move to Singapore while Sohail still awaits his Mrs. Khanna.
18. All The Best (Hindi) (6/10)
This one thankfully was not as mindless as I thought it would. It had a decent plot of mistaken identities of wife swapping. When Sanjay Dutt gives surprise visit to Fardeen, he mistakenly takes Bipasha to be his wife who is actually Ajay Devgan's wife. A few sub plots with some character artists keep the humour quotient of the film going. Just relax and enjoy this comedy.
17. Jail (Hindi) (4/10)
By unfortunate turn of events, Neil Nitin Mukesh finds himself in Jail being tortured by police for drugs. After initial horror he gives in to prison anarchy while the Indian Judicial system takes its own sweet time to have a hearing for his case left alone prove him innocent. Manoj Vajpai is his only salvation in prison who believes in his innocence. Neil has acted very well but the screenplay of the film was not very tight. There were unwanted characters which made the film drag in places. Madhur's earlier films were tight and crisp but this one somehow fails to hold the attention.
16. The Year My Parents Went on Vacation (Portuguese) (3.5/10)
São Paulo, 1970, the World Cup Soccer Games, Young Mauro is swept away from his home by his parents to live in São Paulo with his grandfather: his parents tell him they are going on 'vacation' while in reality they are escaping the dictatorial 'disappearances' that challenged the Brazil of the time. It ends up that the grandfather has died. His Jewish neighbor takes care of him. The story winds through the disparities of Jewish life and the governmental changes that are disrupting the flow of this important year for Brazil and how Mauro manages to live alone all along till his mother finally comes back
15. What's Your Raashee? (Hindi) (4/10)
The idea was good in TV series Mr. Yogi but in a film, it just keeps stretching. Initially I was excited but slowly when I realized how many more Priyanka's I will have to watch (making it a 3 plus hour movie), my interest kept reducing. I liked the songs and they fitted well in the film. Harman Baweja did well but Priyanka actually disappointed. Though all her 12 characters were quite different from each other, but something was missing. Director's fault I guess.
14. Blue (Hindi) (5/10)
A good attempt but sadly the outcome is not what one expected. Publicized as a treasure hunt movie, the movie barely had 10 minutes of treasure hunt. Otherwise it was usual. Zayed takes mony from Rahul Dev and now he doesn't have it to return. He comes to Bahamas to live with his brother Sanjay Dutt who works in Akshay's shipping company. Akshay keeps asking Sanjay Dutt to go find hidden treasure in the sea since he knows it but he wouldn't go until now he has to in order to protect Zayed. Surprise surprise, all miseries of Zayed were thanks to Akshay Kumar himself but he wanted to clean his family name.
13. Wanted (Hindi) (7/10)
A total masala Bollywood flick. It has action, emotion, comedy, romance, drama and guess what, its actually entertaining. Its silly to think one man being so powerful but once in a while its good to watch and live with escapist cinema which in the process also entertains you. Salman Khan and Ayeha Takia both suited the role. Its a god directorial debut for Prabhu Deva as well.
12. Twilight (7/10)
The first in series of Vampire based films based on the novels. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this film a year after it was released. The love story between an innocent girl who falls for vampire was interesting. I thought the visuals were good and the acting was impressive as well. The movie now is prompting me to read the book. Lets see if I can do that. Definitely worth a watch
11. Lawn Dogs (3/10)
Newly arrived in an up-market housing development, quiet ten-year-old Devon doesn’t quite fit in. Ignoring the urgings of her social-climbing father, Devon chooses the company of Trent, who mows the estate’s lawns, rather than of the girls her own age. Their friendship grows during her visits to his trailer home, but although it is completely innocent it is obvious that it would be unacceptable to the residents if they found out.
10. 2012 (6.5/10)
Exactly what I was expecting from this disaster film. Dumb storyline but excellent visuals. Put your brains aside and try not to find logic as to how John Cusack is able to save his family and others. This movie is strictly to enjoy for its visuals. I loved one line from a review that Cusack I read "The world is dying and somehow we are only supposed to worry about John and his family" and thats exactly what the film is about. I wishes they had dealt more with history on how Mayans predicted the end of world in 2012.
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