19. Doubt (7.5/10)
Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Streep), the rigid and fear-inspiring principal of the Saint Nicholas Church School, suffers an extreme dislike for the progressive and popular parish priest Father Flynn (Hoffman). Looking for wrongdoing in every corner, Sister Aloysius believes she's uncovered the ultimate sin when she hears Father Flynn has taken a special interest in a troubled boy. But without proof, the only thing certain is doubt. The movie leaves you with questions and your individual interpretation of what the truth is but no one can deny that film has the 4 most powerful acting characters I have ever seen. Streep and Philip Seymor were superb.
18. Step Brothers (5/10)
A 39 and a 40 year old live with his mother and father respectively. When the parents meet, they fall in love and get married hence making the 2 guys step brothers. As their laziness threatens to tear the family apart, these two immature, overgrown boys orchestrate an insane, elaborate plan to bring their parents back together and form an unlikely bond that between them. It wasn't a boring film but a decent time pass watch.
17. Bride Wars (6/10)
2 best friends have always dreamed of the perfect weeding. When they both get engaged, there i a mix up with reservations and their wedding ends up being on the same date at same place. SInce both of them had dreamed of it, neither backs out and the friends turn against each other in a hilarious battle. It was a fun movie to watch on dvd but I would not have paid for it on big screen
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Time for some bollywood masala
16. Jugaad (Hindi) (2/10)
Manoj Bajpai own an advertising firm which one day gets locked because it is in a residential area. What follows is string of events and how different people give different idea and do things that need jugaad. Manoj doesn't agree because he believes in karm. But everyone else believes in jugaad. Ultimately karm wins. They thought they were making a Leader kind of film but it was so bad that no one should waste their precious 2 hours on a film like this.
15. Gumnaam - A Mystery (Hindi) (4/10)
Mahima Choudhary is murdered. The bad guys find out a struggling girl who resembles Mahima and sign her up for a film. Soon Mahima realizes that something fishy is going on. BUt she is trapped. It turns out original irl is worth 800 crores. Dino finally rescues her and everything is fine. A bad movie which made no sense at so many places. Random songs, poor acting by everyone.
14. Meerabai Not Out (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Zero expectations and turned out to be a decent film, a bit long though. Mandira Bedi , a school teacher is passionat eto the core about cricket. After a long time, when she finally meets her man, she runs away to watch a match on her engagement day. How she wins back hearts of people and still justify that her passion for cricket is not wrong makes this film. The film has good mix of everything. You dont get bored but it definitely can be edited well and made more crisp.
13. Oh My God (Hindi) (5.5/10)
At leat this movie was something different and tried to be hilarious in parts. Vinay Pathak is a happy married man who wants to make big money but a money sharing/investment scheme. He is passionate/annoying for this that God decides to come down and make him rich but he refuses because he wants to make money n his own terms. Then starts the game where God plays with his mind between money and his brochures and making a man realize towards the end that money is not everything. A happy family is much more important than anything.
12. Ek - The Power of One (Hindi) (4/10)
A typical masala 80s kind of film. Usual story of a man running from cops for the murder of a minister ends up in a village where a big Punjabi family mistakes him for their lost son and he starts transforming and helping the entire family in need. His heart changes. Following all this is an annoying cop Nana Patekar who wants to nab him. I dont know why they made this film and why the weird title. Waste of money and audience's time.
Manoj Bajpai own an advertising firm which one day gets locked because it is in a residential area. What follows is string of events and how different people give different idea and do things that need jugaad. Manoj doesn't agree because he believes in karm. But everyone else believes in jugaad. Ultimately karm wins. They thought they were making a Leader kind of film but it was so bad that no one should waste their precious 2 hours on a film like this.
15. Gumnaam - A Mystery (Hindi) (4/10)
Mahima Choudhary is murdered. The bad guys find out a struggling girl who resembles Mahima and sign her up for a film. Soon Mahima realizes that something fishy is going on. BUt she is trapped. It turns out original irl is worth 800 crores. Dino finally rescues her and everything is fine. A bad movie which made no sense at so many places. Random songs, poor acting by everyone.
14. Meerabai Not Out (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Zero expectations and turned out to be a decent film, a bit long though. Mandira Bedi , a school teacher is passionat eto the core about cricket. After a long time, when she finally meets her man, she runs away to watch a match on her engagement day. How she wins back hearts of people and still justify that her passion for cricket is not wrong makes this film. The film has good mix of everything. You dont get bored but it definitely can be edited well and made more crisp.
13. Oh My God (Hindi) (5.5/10)
At leat this movie was something different and tried to be hilarious in parts. Vinay Pathak is a happy married man who wants to make big money but a money sharing/investment scheme. He is passionate/annoying for this that God decides to come down and make him rich but he refuses because he wants to make money n his own terms. Then starts the game where God plays with his mind between money and his brochures and making a man realize towards the end that money is not everything. A happy family is much more important than anything.
12. Ek - The Power of One (Hindi) (4/10)
A typical masala 80s kind of film. Usual story of a man running from cops for the murder of a minister ends up in a village where a big Punjabi family mistakes him for their lost son and he starts transforming and helping the entire family in need. His heart changes. Following all this is an annoying cop Nana Patekar who wants to nab him. I dont know why they made this film and why the weird title. Waste of money and audience's time.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I need to catch up
11. Aloo Chaat (Hindi) (5/10)
Interesting start. I thought it will get further spicy just like aloo chaat but on the contrary it got repetitive and boring. The characters had a very punjabi Delhi flavour which I loved. Aftab loves Aamna who is a muslim girl. To make sure his parent accept her, they do a drama in which he brings in a American girl to show he is marrying her so that by the end his family ends up preferring Aamna over American.
10. Aa Dekhen Zara (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Innovative idea but somehow the excitement of a thriller was completely missing. You didn't feel too much for the character or the storyline or the chemistry between the pair. Neil finds camera that clicks events that will ocur in future. H uses this initially to make a lot of money. Soon he realizes that his life might be in danger and how he tackles the bad guy and saves the camera from falling into wrong hands. Bipasha is just for glam quotient.
9. The Time Machine (4/10)
A man invents a time machine that allows him to travel 800000 years into the future. He is looking into answers as to why he can't change the past. He ends up in a new home with the peacefully primitive Eloi. There he realizes that things happen for a reason and decided to just stay there after his machine gets destroyed while fighting the evil. I did not like the film. There was nothing in it for my taste
Interesting start. I thought it will get further spicy just like aloo chaat but on the contrary it got repetitive and boring. The characters had a very punjabi Delhi flavour which I loved. Aftab loves Aamna who is a muslim girl. To make sure his parent accept her, they do a drama in which he brings in a American girl to show he is marrying her so that by the end his family ends up preferring Aamna over American.
10. Aa Dekhen Zara (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Innovative idea but somehow the excitement of a thriller was completely missing. You didn't feel too much for the character or the storyline or the chemistry between the pair. Neil finds camera that clicks events that will ocur in future. H uses this initially to make a lot of money. Soon he realizes that his life might be in danger and how he tackles the bad guy and saves the camera from falling into wrong hands. Bipasha is just for glam quotient.
9. The Time Machine (4/10)
A man invents a time machine that allows him to travel 800000 years into the future. He is looking into answers as to why he can't change the past. He ends up in a new home with the peacefully primitive Eloi. There he realizes that things happen for a reason and decided to just stay there after his machine gets destroyed while fighting the evil. I did not like the film. There was nothing in it for my taste
Friday, April 10, 2009
Why don't we make any more good movies
8. 13 B (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Its not right to put this movie in horror genre. It was more like a thriller. A family moves into a new house and soon the owner realizes that things that are happening in one particular TV serial are exactly the same that later happen in their house. Trying to solve the mystery, they unfold a past 30 years ago about a family who was brutally murdered in the very same area and how they want to contact the world and take revenge about it.
7. The Fan (5/10)
Robert De Niro plays a pathological baseball fan whose obsession is focused on a San Francisco Giants all-star outfielder (Wesley Snipes). While the newly signed baseball star is having trouble getting his favorite uniform number from a competitive teammate, De Niro is having career troubles at the knife company his father founded. To boost morale of his idol, DeNiro kills the competitive team mate and in the process gets so obsessed with Snipes life that he kidnaps his son. What follows is some many a time seen scenes of an obsessed individual (in this case a fan of a baseball player)
6. Maharathi (Hindi) (5.5/10)
The movie started off very good but somewhere round the line lost the steam. Very interesting story wherein a driver played by Paresh Rawal plots with his master's wife to prove his suicide into murder because thats the only way wife can get the insurance money. The wife also has an accomplice in the form of Boman Irani, the lawyer. The game of cat and mouse between all these characters and who can ultimately get the 24 crores in the jist of story. Excellent cast, the film lacked pace of a thriller. It looked more like a TV drama series. Nevertheless, very interesting story.
5. Role Models (4/10)
Its hard to put this film in a genre. It wasn't really a comedy either. The 2 main characters crash the company truck and mess with the cops. COurt orders them jail or community service of mentorship. They become mentors for 2 young kids and the problems and what all they have to o through with it even though they dont want to makes this film. In the process they realize their mistakes of life and try and grow up. Paul Rudd was decent but thats it. It made me laugh at very few places except one scene when Paul Rudd goes to the king for forgiveness.
Its not right to put this movie in horror genre. It was more like a thriller. A family moves into a new house and soon the owner realizes that things that are happening in one particular TV serial are exactly the same that later happen in their house. Trying to solve the mystery, they unfold a past 30 years ago about a family who was brutally murdered in the very same area and how they want to contact the world and take revenge about it.
7. The Fan (5/10)
Robert De Niro plays a pathological baseball fan whose obsession is focused on a San Francisco Giants all-star outfielder (Wesley Snipes). While the newly signed baseball star is having trouble getting his favorite uniform number from a competitive teammate, De Niro is having career troubles at the knife company his father founded. To boost morale of his idol, DeNiro kills the competitive team mate and in the process gets so obsessed with Snipes life that he kidnaps his son. What follows is some many a time seen scenes of an obsessed individual (in this case a fan of a baseball player)
6. Maharathi (Hindi) (5.5/10)
The movie started off very good but somewhere round the line lost the steam. Very interesting story wherein a driver played by Paresh Rawal plots with his master's wife to prove his suicide into murder because thats the only way wife can get the insurance money. The wife also has an accomplice in the form of Boman Irani, the lawyer. The game of cat and mouse between all these characters and who can ultimately get the 24 crores in the jist of story. Excellent cast, the film lacked pace of a thriller. It looked more like a TV drama series. Nevertheless, very interesting story.
5. Role Models (4/10)
Its hard to put this film in a genre. It wasn't really a comedy either. The 2 main characters crash the company truck and mess with the cops. COurt orders them jail or community service of mentorship. They become mentors for 2 young kids and the problems and what all they have to o through with it even though they dont want to makes this film. In the process they realize their mistakes of life and try and grow up. Paul Rudd was decent but thats it. It made me laugh at very few places except one scene when Paul Rudd goes to the king for forgiveness.
Monday, April 06, 2009
April Begins with some decent flicks
4. Body Of Lies (5.5/10)
The CIAs hunt is on for the mastermind of a wave of terrorist attacks. Leonardo is the agencys man on the ground, moving from place to place, scrambling to stay ahead of ever-shifting events mostly in middle east. An eye in the sky a satellite link watches him. At the other end of that real-time link is the CIAs head Russel Crowe, strategizing events from thousands of miles away. And as Ferris nears the target, he discovers trust can be just as dangerous as it is necessary for survival. A well made movie, it moves at a slow pace for almost an hour trying to build the background. My only problem is that of late we have seen too many similar movies and the subject just doesn't interest me anymore
3. Shoot On Sight (UK) (6.5/10)
The best thing about this movie was performance by Naseeruddin Shah. He plays a Muslim police officer in Scotland Yard who is asked to hunt down the suspected killers of July 7 bombings in London. Being a Muslim he has to face tough terrain. A innocent Muslim is killed in the process by a British officer. he story progresses how Naseer tries to investigate the issue at the same time dealing with the harsh reality that maybe his own nephew is one of the terrorist squad members. A sensitive issue delicately handled by director Jagmohan Mundra makes for a good watch for lovers of meaningful cinema.
2. Molière (French) (5/10)
Molière, a down-and-out actor-cum-playwright is up to his ears in debt. When the wealthy Jourdain offers to cover that debt in return that Molière's theatrical talents might help Jourdain win the heart of a certain widowed Marquise, various things happen. Disguised as a priest, Molière becomes a guest in Jourdain's palace on the pretext of teaching Jourdain the craft of the stage, which annoys his wife, Elmire. But, soon after, the confrontation between Elmire and Molière turns seductive. Too busy to notice, Jourdain enlists the aid of a well connected and scheming acquaintance, to help him pursue the young widow. Finally he realizes that he cannot win over the Marquise and Molière in the process realizes that he is an actor made to do comic roles.
1. Dev D (Hindi) (8/10)
This is one of the best ever modern adaptations of any literary work in Indian cinema. Right from direction, to presentation, to acting, to background music, everything is just set perfect. It tries to remain close to the basic stroyline of Devdas with a very modern twist and interpretation. Anurag Kashyap definitely deserves a pat for this beautiful movie. And as I read somewhere, this movie is for the entire family albeit every member should watch it separately.
The CIAs hunt is on for the mastermind of a wave of terrorist attacks. Leonardo is the agencys man on the ground, moving from place to place, scrambling to stay ahead of ever-shifting events mostly in middle east. An eye in the sky a satellite link watches him. At the other end of that real-time link is the CIAs head Russel Crowe, strategizing events from thousands of miles away. And as Ferris nears the target, he discovers trust can be just as dangerous as it is necessary for survival. A well made movie, it moves at a slow pace for almost an hour trying to build the background. My only problem is that of late we have seen too many similar movies and the subject just doesn't interest me anymore
3. Shoot On Sight (UK) (6.5/10)
The best thing about this movie was performance by Naseeruddin Shah. He plays a Muslim police officer in Scotland Yard who is asked to hunt down the suspected killers of July 7 bombings in London. Being a Muslim he has to face tough terrain. A innocent Muslim is killed in the process by a British officer. he story progresses how Naseer tries to investigate the issue at the same time dealing with the harsh reality that maybe his own nephew is one of the terrorist squad members. A sensitive issue delicately handled by director Jagmohan Mundra makes for a good watch for lovers of meaningful cinema.
2. Molière (French) (5/10)
Molière, a down-and-out actor-cum-playwright is up to his ears in debt. When the wealthy Jourdain offers to cover that debt in return that Molière's theatrical talents might help Jourdain win the heart of a certain widowed Marquise, various things happen. Disguised as a priest, Molière becomes a guest in Jourdain's palace on the pretext of teaching Jourdain the craft of the stage, which annoys his wife, Elmire. But, soon after, the confrontation between Elmire and Molière turns seductive. Too busy to notice, Jourdain enlists the aid of a well connected and scheming acquaintance, to help him pursue the young widow. Finally he realizes that he cannot win over the Marquise and Molière in the process realizes that he is an actor made to do comic roles.
1. Dev D (Hindi) (8/10)
This is one of the best ever modern adaptations of any literary work in Indian cinema. Right from direction, to presentation, to acting, to background music, everything is just set perfect. It tries to remain close to the basic stroyline of Devdas with a very modern twist and interpretation. Anurag Kashyap definitely deserves a pat for this beautiful movie. And as I read somewhere, this movie is for the entire family albeit every member should watch it separately.
Monday, March 30, 2009
A sad number 16 for March
16. Duplicity (5.5/10)
Julia Roberts working for the CIA and Clive Owen working for MI6 play competing undercover corporate high level top secret business spies who may or may not be conning each other. The movie shows us what lenghts mega corporations will try and go to keep their new product information out of the hands of their competitors. The spys in this case will not even acknowledge their relationship as a sly parallel to regular relationships. BIG disappointment for me. Its very hard for a common man to understand all thats going on. Plus ther are so many loop holes. Did not work for me
15. Monster (7.5/10)
This is one movie I have been wanting to see for a long time now and finally it happened. A true story on the US's first woman serial killer make s avery depressing and shocking film. A well deserved Oscar for Charlize Theron. Must watch
14. The Accidental Husband (5/10)
I like romantic comedies but this one was way too predictable and not spicy enough. Uma Thurman, playing a doctor and RJ n radio suddenly finds herself married to a man on papers just 2 weeks before she is actually going to marry her love. Turns out the guy she is accidentally married to plotted all this to revenge on her. How her life turns upside down and how she eventually falls in love with her accidental husband is the story.
13. Last Train To Mahakali (Hindi/TV short film) (6/10)
I am so glad that I got to watch this short film directed by first time director Anurag Kashyap and powerful performance by Kay Kay. The story is about this medical student who is very odd and wants to do research in field of having a cure for virus. The story begins and ends with how he ends up in jail in attempts for murder of people on whom he tries to experiment with his drug. Interesting concept and well done for standard of Indian television in 90s
Julia Roberts working for the CIA and Clive Owen working for MI6 play competing undercover corporate high level top secret business spies who may or may not be conning each other. The movie shows us what lenghts mega corporations will try and go to keep their new product information out of the hands of their competitors. The spys in this case will not even acknowledge their relationship as a sly parallel to regular relationships. BIG disappointment for me. Its very hard for a common man to understand all thats going on. Plus ther are so many loop holes. Did not work for me
15. Monster (7.5/10)
This is one movie I have been wanting to see for a long time now and finally it happened. A true story on the US's first woman serial killer make s avery depressing and shocking film. A well deserved Oscar for Charlize Theron. Must watch
14. The Accidental Husband (5/10)
I like romantic comedies but this one was way too predictable and not spicy enough. Uma Thurman, playing a doctor and RJ n radio suddenly finds herself married to a man on papers just 2 weeks before she is actually going to marry her love. Turns out the guy she is accidentally married to plotted all this to revenge on her. How her life turns upside down and how she eventually falls in love with her accidental husband is the story.
13. Last Train To Mahakali (Hindi/TV short film) (6/10)
I am so glad that I got to watch this short film directed by first time director Anurag Kashyap and powerful performance by Kay Kay. The story is about this medical student who is very odd and wants to do research in field of having a cure for virus. The story begins and ends with how he ends up in jail in attempts for murder of people on whom he tries to experiment with his drug. Interesting concept and well done for standard of Indian television in 90s
Monday, March 23, 2009
More letdowns and a not so impressive March progress
12. La Haine (French) [Hate] (3/10)
Big expectations and huge letdown. STory f 3 friends; a Jew, and Arab and a African American guy who are jobless in France. ONe day they find a lost policeman's gun and what they do with and how their life goes on in a span of one day and the events that happen with him. Its sounds interesting but honestly, the film did nothing for me. Maybe it was a little too intlligent for my tastes.
11. Showgirls (2/10)
The less said the better about this film. It was sooooo bad that at the end you dont even want to think about it. We friends have never had so much discussion about any movie as this one. Everything about this movie was wrong. Unnecessary story, nudity and horrible and terrible acting by everyone. This film might as well be a cult in the porn film world. r as my friend would say, its worse than a porn film because they at least get you off.
10. Victory (Hindi) (6/10)
Victory was actually not a bad film. Hurman acted decent. The only thing he needs to work on is his dialogue delivery. It sounds childlike in a lot of emotional scenes. Victory is a story of a boy from Jaisalmer who dreams of being a big cricketer. HIs dream fulfills but soon he is lured by the money that comes with branding and not the game itself. The story ends with how he redeems himself and rises back from the ashes.
9. Jai Veeru (Hindi) (4/10)
I had to watch the film just because I have to watch all hindi films. I thought at least the film would be interesting but it was a usual mix of action, emotion, drama, music, comedy, a mish-mash of all that used to happen in 80s films but doesn't work anymore. A story of friendship where one man turns out to be a cop and another a suspect. The actresses would randomly come for singing and go away. Only saving grace was Kunal Khemu's performance. People, please stop giving films to Fardeen. He can't act for nuts.
Big expectations and huge letdown. STory f 3 friends; a Jew, and Arab and a African American guy who are jobless in France. ONe day they find a lost policeman's gun and what they do with and how their life goes on in a span of one day and the events that happen with him. Its sounds interesting but honestly, the film did nothing for me. Maybe it was a little too intlligent for my tastes.
11. Showgirls (2/10)
The less said the better about this film. It was sooooo bad that at the end you dont even want to think about it. We friends have never had so much discussion about any movie as this one. Everything about this movie was wrong. Unnecessary story, nudity and horrible and terrible acting by everyone. This film might as well be a cult in the porn film world. r as my friend would say, its worse than a porn film because they at least get you off.
10. Victory (Hindi) (6/10)
Victory was actually not a bad film. Hurman acted decent. The only thing he needs to work on is his dialogue delivery. It sounds childlike in a lot of emotional scenes. Victory is a story of a boy from Jaisalmer who dreams of being a big cricketer. HIs dream fulfills but soon he is lured by the money that comes with branding and not the game itself. The story ends with how he redeems himself and rises back from the ashes.
9. Jai Veeru (Hindi) (4/10)
I had to watch the film just because I have to watch all hindi films. I thought at least the film would be interesting but it was a usual mix of action, emotion, drama, music, comedy, a mish-mash of all that used to happen in 80s films but doesn't work anymore. A story of friendship where one man turns out to be a cop and another a suspect. The actresses would randomly come for singing and go away. Only saving grace was Kunal Khemu's performance. People, please stop giving films to Fardeen. He can't act for nuts.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The movie journey continues
8. Boys On The Side (7.5/10)
Three women; a club musician, a demure real estate agent and a flaky drug-dealers girlfriend make a break with their pasts and form an unlikely family while traveling across the country together. The film is a mix of love, tragedy, comedy. The director makes you fall in love with the characters. You feel their pain, their love and loneliness. I thought it was a brilliantly done film.
7. Under The Same Moon (Spanish/English) (6.5/10)
Carlitos's journey to meet his mother Rosario who left him 4 years ago in Mexico to work in LA so that she can have him a good life. This journey is full of ups and downs, knowns and unknowns, filled with lot of emotional moments. Its truy said that never act with children. They will make you look bad. The kid in this film was superb.
6. The President Is Coming (Indian English) (6.5/10)
A hilarious take in a mockumentary style is the best way to describe this. What would people do and lengths they would go to shake hands with President Bush on his visit to India. Konkona as always is the best but even others are very good. The various competition rounds between the participants have fair share of good comic moments.
Three women; a club musician, a demure real estate agent and a flaky drug-dealers girlfriend make a break with their pasts and form an unlikely family while traveling across the country together. The film is a mix of love, tragedy, comedy. The director makes you fall in love with the characters. You feel their pain, their love and loneliness. I thought it was a brilliantly done film.
7. Under The Same Moon (Spanish/English) (6.5/10)
Carlitos's journey to meet his mother Rosario who left him 4 years ago in Mexico to work in LA so that she can have him a good life. This journey is full of ups and downs, knowns and unknowns, filled with lot of emotional moments. Its truy said that never act with children. They will make you look bad. The kid in this film was superb.
6. The President Is Coming (Indian English) (6.5/10)
A hilarious take in a mockumentary style is the best way to describe this. What would people do and lengths they would go to shake hands with President Bush on his visit to India. Konkona as always is the best but even others are very good. The various competition rounds between the participants have fair share of good comic moments.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Different language Different Genre
5. Ma femme est une actrice (French) [My Wife Is An Actress] (5.5/10)
A "normal" guy who is married to a hot actress gets worried that she is involved with her costar. This worry turns into jealousy and causes problems in their relationship. This is a story about trust and a comedy about the actions between men and women. They tried to show the movie in a comic style but it was just strictly ok. They could have dealt with more pros and cons.
4. The lookout (6.5/10)
Chris, whose once-bright future has been dimmed by a severe head injury because of an accident, is a night janitor at a bank. Lonely having just one blind friend and frustrated, Chris falls prey to a con man’s seductive promise of romance and a better life, and agrees to help rob the bank where he works. What happens before and after and how he deals with his disabilities makes for a very interesting watch. Beautiful performances by everyone.
3. Dosar (Bengali) (7/10)
Yet another beautiful film by Rituparno Ghosh With an awesome and beautiful performance by Konkona Sen Sharma. This girl never stops surprising me. Shot in b&w, the story is about this husband who gets into an accident and in the process the wife finds out hat he was cheating on her. How she deals with the whole situation makes the crux of the film. The emotions Konkona portrays of a betrayed wife but still being very strong is just unbelievable.
A "normal" guy who is married to a hot actress gets worried that she is involved with her costar. This worry turns into jealousy and causes problems in their relationship. This is a story about trust and a comedy about the actions between men and women. They tried to show the movie in a comic style but it was just strictly ok. They could have dealt with more pros and cons.
4. The lookout (6.5/10)
Chris, whose once-bright future has been dimmed by a severe head injury because of an accident, is a night janitor at a bank. Lonely having just one blind friend and frustrated, Chris falls prey to a con man’s seductive promise of romance and a better life, and agrees to help rob the bank where he works. What happens before and after and how he deals with his disabilities makes for a very interesting watch. Beautiful performances by everyone.
3. Dosar (Bengali) (7/10)
Yet another beautiful film by Rituparno Ghosh With an awesome and beautiful performance by Konkona Sen Sharma. This girl never stops surprising me. Shot in b&w, the story is about this husband who gets into an accident and in the process the wife finds out hat he was cheating on her. How she deals with the whole situation makes the crux of the film. The emotions Konkona portrays of a betrayed wife but still being very strong is just unbelievable.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Looks like even March is going slow
2. Brideshead Revisited (5.5/10)
A middle class man CHarles manages to be friends with the rich scion Sebastian and is invited over to his houe for summer, things turn when Charles meets Julia, Seb's sister. Charles becomes seduced by the opulent lifestyle of the Marchmain family, and by Julia, Sebastian's sister. As their romance deepens, repercussions follow, and Charles discovers that at Brideshead, love, money and power come at a price. It was decent film but towards the end it started dragging and too many isues were being handled at the same time. It probably would be a good read.
1. Der Junge Törless (German) [Young Törless] (4/10)
The film is set at a boarding school in the pre-war Austro-Hungarian Empire. When a pair of students find out about their classmate Basini stealing money, the two decide that rather than turn Basini in to the school authorities, they will punish him themselves and proceed to torture, degrade, and humiliate the boy, with ever-increasing sadistic delight. Törless is a passive member of the group but observes rather than participates and frustrates the tormentors by dryly analyzing their behavior. A weird film. I was expecting something else but it turned out different. Definitely not of my taste.
A middle class man CHarles manages to be friends with the rich scion Sebastian and is invited over to his houe for summer, things turn when Charles meets Julia, Seb's sister. Charles becomes seduced by the opulent lifestyle of the Marchmain family, and by Julia, Sebastian's sister. As their romance deepens, repercussions follow, and Charles discovers that at Brideshead, love, money and power come at a price. It was decent film but towards the end it started dragging and too many isues were being handled at the same time. It probably would be a good read.
1. Der Junge Törless (German) [Young Törless] (4/10)
The film is set at a boarding school in the pre-war Austro-Hungarian Empire. When a pair of students find out about their classmate Basini stealing money, the two decide that rather than turn Basini in to the school authorities, they will punish him themselves and proceed to torture, degrade, and humiliate the boy, with ever-increasing sadistic delight. Törless is a passive member of the group but observes rather than participates and frustrates the tormentors by dryly analyzing their behavior. A weird film. I was expecting something else but it turned out different. Definitely not of my taste.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
A rather disappointing number in February - 18
18. Raja (French/Arabic) (2/10)
Raja is an orphan literally and figuratively scarred by life. Fred is an emotionally bankrupt westerner living amid his plush garden. Fred's attempt to seduce Raja, and their mutual attempt at manipulation, are fractured by their gross disparity of income, age and cultural sophistication. I really did not get this movie. I tried hard but I just did not get it. Its got good reviews but hey what do I know. :) oh btw: great acting by the leading lady for sure.
17. The Scent of Green Papaya (Vietnamese) (3/10)
This one has t be the slowest film that I have seen in my life. It you take all the scenes which had some dialogues to it, the movie would probably end in like 20 minutes. A little girl, Mui, went to a house as a new servant. The mother still mourns the death of her daughter, who would have been Mui's age. In her mind she treated Mui as her daughter. 10 years later Mui (now a young woman) was sent to another family, a young pianist and his wife. The musician falls in love with the peasant, he taught her literacy and they eventually married. The only good thing about the film was that it was visually beautiful.
Raja is an orphan literally and figuratively scarred by life. Fred is an emotionally bankrupt westerner living amid his plush garden. Fred's attempt to seduce Raja, and their mutual attempt at manipulation, are fractured by their gross disparity of income, age and cultural sophistication. I really did not get this movie. I tried hard but I just did not get it. Its got good reviews but hey what do I know. :) oh btw: great acting by the leading lady for sure.
17. The Scent of Green Papaya (Vietnamese) (3/10)
This one has t be the slowest film that I have seen in my life. It you take all the scenes which had some dialogues to it, the movie would probably end in like 20 minutes. A little girl, Mui, went to a house as a new servant. The mother still mourns the death of her daughter, who would have been Mui's age. In her mind she treated Mui as her daughter. 10 years later Mui (now a young woman) was sent to another family, a young pianist and his wife. The musician falls in love with the peasant, he taught her literacy and they eventually married. The only good thing about the film was that it was visually beautiful.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Its hindi films time
16. Phoonk (Hindi) (5.5/10)
After somehow managing to get courage to watch a scary film, I saw Phoonk. Apart from initial few scenes, the movie wasn't actually horror. It was more thriller with elements f black magic thrown it which made the proceedings interesting. It was interesting premise and something new for Indian cinema. The young girl acted well. Watch it. Its a god time pass. You definitely wont get bored. I am scared but you probably won't.
15. Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye (Hindi) (3.5/10)
A decent concept gone horribly bad by poor direction, poor screenplay and very bad acting. Raima's husband Arbaaz cheats on her and has made her loose the confidence. How she manages to do something with her life by dreaming of this imaginary man whom she shares with everything. First few times it was fine but then over the top imagination scenes were getting on my nerves. This film can be totally ignored.
14. Delhi-6 (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Sometimes expectations soil the movie. Great music and wonderful ensemble did not ensure a good film. It was just amish mash of characters, with a paper thin plot. Agreed it was shot beautifully but we ned more. Worse is that Rahman's music has not been used well at all in the film. I was so angry. The only good thing for me in the film was Sonam Kapoor. She was great. And Abhishek Bachchan, please loose weight, shave and start looking like a hero.
13. Tahaan (Hindi) (6.5/10)
Its so refreshing to see a director try something new. This film based in Kashmir is about a story between a young boy and his donkey, who has to be sold to the local money lender to repay the loans. The boy will do anything to get his donkey back. And of course, people trying to take advantage of his innocence in Kashmir by giving him bombs etc. Very natural acting by everyone specially the kid and Sarika. Rahul Bose surprisingly seemed complete misfit in the whole proceeding. Watch it for its simplicity.
After somehow managing to get courage to watch a scary film, I saw Phoonk. Apart from initial few scenes, the movie wasn't actually horror. It was more thriller with elements f black magic thrown it which made the proceedings interesting. It was interesting premise and something new for Indian cinema. The young girl acted well. Watch it. Its a god time pass. You definitely wont get bored. I am scared but you probably won't.
15. Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye (Hindi) (3.5/10)
A decent concept gone horribly bad by poor direction, poor screenplay and very bad acting. Raima's husband Arbaaz cheats on her and has made her loose the confidence. How she manages to do something with her life by dreaming of this imaginary man whom she shares with everything. First few times it was fine but then over the top imagination scenes were getting on my nerves. This film can be totally ignored.
14. Delhi-6 (Hindi) (5.5/10)
Sometimes expectations soil the movie. Great music and wonderful ensemble did not ensure a good film. It was just amish mash of characters, with a paper thin plot. Agreed it was shot beautifully but we ned more. Worse is that Rahman's music has not been used well at all in the film. I was so angry. The only good thing for me in the film was Sonam Kapoor. She was great. And Abhishek Bachchan, please loose weight, shave and start looking like a hero.
13. Tahaan (Hindi) (6.5/10)
Its so refreshing to see a director try something new. This film based in Kashmir is about a story between a young boy and his donkey, who has to be sold to the local money lender to repay the loans. The boy will do anything to get his donkey back. And of course, people trying to take advantage of his innocence in Kashmir by giving him bombs etc. Very natural acting by everyone specially the kid and Sarika. Rahul Bose surprisingly seemed complete misfit in the whole proceeding. Watch it for its simplicity.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Not every film I watch is good :(
12. The Heartbreak Kid (4.5/10)
Premise sounded interesting but barring a few funny scenes here and there, the film in a whole was not fun. Story of a uy who thinks he's married the perfect girl realizes soon after that its a big mistake and there is something not right with her. How his world changes , he falls for anther girl etc. A romantic comedy gone wrong.
11. Billu Barber (Hindi) (6.5/10)
I had very low expectations form this film somehow. I was not super charged to watch it but I still did. Surprisingly it was good. Very real. Irfan was brilliant and Shahrukh was thankfully not bad. As everyone said , last 20 minutes are very real and can choke you if you watch the film with heart. Priyan has done a decent direction.
10. Righteous Kill (4/10)
Big expectations from a De Niro and a Pacino film but somewhere something was missing. They play 2 Turk and Rooster, longtime NYPD detective partners who are faced with a serial killer who is murdering sociopathic criminals. They both have personal issues, and when they start working with a younger team, Perez and Riley, tensions between the pairs of partners is inevitable, especially since Turk is now living with Perez's ex-girlfriend, also a homicide detective. Decent acting but a non gripping plot
Premise sounded interesting but barring a few funny scenes here and there, the film in a whole was not fun. Story of a uy who thinks he's married the perfect girl realizes soon after that its a big mistake and there is something not right with her. How his world changes , he falls for anther girl etc. A romantic comedy gone wrong.
11. Billu Barber (Hindi) (6.5/10)
I had very low expectations form this film somehow. I was not super charged to watch it but I still did. Surprisingly it was good. Very real. Irfan was brilliant and Shahrukh was thankfully not bad. As everyone said , last 20 minutes are very real and can choke you if you watch the film with heart. Priyan has done a decent direction.
10. Righteous Kill (4/10)
Big expectations from a De Niro and a Pacino film but somewhere something was missing. They play 2 Turk and Rooster, longtime NYPD detective partners who are faced with a serial killer who is murdering sociopathic criminals. They both have personal issues, and when they start working with a younger team, Perez and Riley, tensions between the pairs of partners is inevitable, especially since Turk is now living with Perez's ex-girlfriend, also a homicide detective. Decent acting but a non gripping plot
Friday, February 13, 2009
2 beautiful wonderful romantic films
9. The Bridges of Madison County (8/10)
THe films is about following your heart and do everything it takes you to be happy. SOmetimes its better to think about what makes you happy rather than worrying about people around you. World-traveling National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid and Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson aren't looking to turn their lives upside down. Each is at a point in life where expectations are behind them. Yet four days after meeting, they wont want to lose the love they've found. Its hard to explain in a few words how brilliant Meryl Streep and CLint Eastwood are in the film. The film is bound to make you cry. Watch it with a loved one. YOu will feel special
8. The Notebook (7/10)
I saw this film for the second time and I still loved it. Sometimes love is so pure, real and last forever and this film is all about that. Its old fashioned tear-jerker with cheesy sugar syrupy love but who cares. I love it. Teenagers meet, fall in love and separate. Reunite after 7 years and all these years they had never forgotten each other. Time makes them make tough choices. And how even though in old age after suffering from senile amnesia, he husband is still very much in love with the wife. Brilliant !
THe films is about following your heart and do everything it takes you to be happy. SOmetimes its better to think about what makes you happy rather than worrying about people around you. World-traveling National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid and Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson aren't looking to turn their lives upside down. Each is at a point in life where expectations are behind them. Yet four days after meeting, they wont want to lose the love they've found. Its hard to explain in a few words how brilliant Meryl Streep and CLint Eastwood are in the film. The film is bound to make you cry. Watch it with a loved one. YOu will feel special
8. The Notebook (7/10)
I saw this film for the second time and I still loved it. Sometimes love is so pure, real and last forever and this film is all about that. Its old fashioned tear-jerker with cheesy sugar syrupy love but who cares. I love it. Teenagers meet, fall in love and separate. Reunite after 7 years and all these years they had never forgotten each other. Time makes them make tough choices. And how even though in old age after suffering from senile amnesia, he husband is still very much in love with the wife. Brilliant !
Friday, February 06, 2009
3 more different films with varied genres
7. Sexo por Compasión (Spanish) [Compassionate Sex] (5.5/10)
A very different film subject. Personally I would enjoyed the film much more if it had more comic angle rather than taking it seriously because clearly it has to be fiction. Dolores is a mature and kind woman whose husband abandons her because he can’t stand her uncanny generosity. Desperate to get her husband back, she devotes her life to works of charity, which results in her "soothing" all the village men as Lolita with remarkable results. Even the wives are pleased with the results. It is through her compassionate sex that she literally brings back the color and the happiness to her community.
6. Into The Wild (6/10)
True story of Christopher McCandless, a freshly graduated from college with a promising future ahead, walked out of his privileged life and into the wild in search of adventure. What happened to him on the way transformed this young wanderer into an enduring symbol for countless people. A fearless persn who tried to understand the balance between man and nature. A very interesting film by some great performances. You should watch this film in a certain frame of mind and you will like it. It teaches you a few things.
5. Starting Out in the Evening (4/10)
Aging novelist Leonard Schiller is slipping into literary obscurity. Formerly a famous author, Schiller has been all but forgotten by the readers, colleagues and critics who once praised him. But when Heather Wolfe, an ambitious graduate student, convinces Schiller that her thesis could reintroduce his writing to the world, the reclusive writer is forced to confront his past regrets. The film was strictly ok. Too much talking and not much going on. I usually like these kind of offbeat films but there was definitely something missing for me in the film
A very different film subject. Personally I would enjoyed the film much more if it had more comic angle rather than taking it seriously because clearly it has to be fiction. Dolores is a mature and kind woman whose husband abandons her because he can’t stand her uncanny generosity. Desperate to get her husband back, she devotes her life to works of charity, which results in her "soothing" all the village men as Lolita with remarkable results. Even the wives are pleased with the results. It is through her compassionate sex that she literally brings back the color and the happiness to her community.
6. Into The Wild (6/10)
True story of Christopher McCandless, a freshly graduated from college with a promising future ahead, walked out of his privileged life and into the wild in search of adventure. What happened to him on the way transformed this young wanderer into an enduring symbol for countless people. A fearless persn who tried to understand the balance between man and nature. A very interesting film by some great performances. You should watch this film in a certain frame of mind and you will like it. It teaches you a few things.
5. Starting Out in the Evening (4/10)
Aging novelist Leonard Schiller is slipping into literary obscurity. Formerly a famous author, Schiller has been all but forgotten by the readers, colleagues and critics who once praised him. But when Heather Wolfe, an ambitious graduate student, convinces Schiller that her thesis could reintroduce his writing to the world, the reclusive writer is forced to confront his past regrets. The film was strictly ok. Too much talking and not much going on. I usually like these kind of offbeat films but there was definitely something missing for me in the film
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Lets see how February goes
4. Se, jie (Mandarin) [Lust Caution] (7.5/10)
Set against the backdrop of a transforming country, a young woman finds herself swept up in a radical plot to assassinate a ruthless and secretive intelligence agent. As she immerses herself in her role as a cosmopolitan seductress, she becomes entangled in a dangerous game that will ultimately determine her fate. Brilliant acting and direction. After the initial inhibition of maybe 15 minutes of not understanding what's going on, give it a chance and you will love the film. The climax was good too.
3. Amal (Hindi/English) (6/10)
Auto rickshaw driver Amal is very happy and content driving people in and around Delhi safely and quickly. He i snot money minded at all. But his sense of duty is tested by an eccentric, aging billionaire, who, moved by Amal's humility, bequeaths him his entire estate before passing away. The story is woven around different people who have amjor role to play in and out Amal's life. A little naive act by the male lead but still watchable.
2. The Last Lear (Indian English) (4/10)
An agin Shakesparean who takes up a challenging role for a film after much co axing from the director. I am surprised at people who say this is Bachchan's one of the best performance. It was so over the top; it was unbelievable. I have liked Rituparna's most movies but this somehow was no way close to his previous works. Only savinggrace according to me was Shefali Shah. She has never disappointed me in her acting.
1. Coeurs (French) [Private Fears in Public Places] (5.5/10)
Seven lonely lives in Paris: a middle-aged estate agent; his co-worker whose Bible is close at hand in times of stress; her late-night charge, an angry, nasty bedridden old man; his son, a patient bartender; the bartender's best patron, an ex-soldier; his fiancée who doesn't now why she is still with him; and, the estate agent's much younger sister, who answers ads in the personal. Will any connect? Can open hearts trump fears? Decent performances but there was something lacking in the direction. Maybe pace or the direction
Set against the backdrop of a transforming country, a young woman finds herself swept up in a radical plot to assassinate a ruthless and secretive intelligence agent. As she immerses herself in her role as a cosmopolitan seductress, she becomes entangled in a dangerous game that will ultimately determine her fate. Brilliant acting and direction. After the initial inhibition of maybe 15 minutes of not understanding what's going on, give it a chance and you will love the film. The climax was good too.
3. Amal (Hindi/English) (6/10)
Auto rickshaw driver Amal is very happy and content driving people in and around Delhi safely and quickly. He i snot money minded at all. But his sense of duty is tested by an eccentric, aging billionaire, who, moved by Amal's humility, bequeaths him his entire estate before passing away. The story is woven around different people who have amjor role to play in and out Amal's life. A little naive act by the male lead but still watchable.
2. The Last Lear (Indian English) (4/10)
An agin Shakesparean who takes up a challenging role for a film after much co axing from the director. I am surprised at people who say this is Bachchan's one of the best performance. It was so over the top; it was unbelievable. I have liked Rituparna's most movies but this somehow was no way close to his previous works. Only savinggrace according to me was Shefali Shah. She has never disappointed me in her acting.
1. Coeurs (French) [Private Fears in Public Places] (5.5/10)
Seven lonely lives in Paris: a middle-aged estate agent; his co-worker whose Bible is close at hand in times of stress; her late-night charge, an angry, nasty bedridden old man; his son, a patient bartender; the bartender's best patron, an ex-soldier; his fiancée who doesn't now why she is still with him; and, the estate agent's much younger sister, who answers ads in the personal. Will any connect? Can open hearts trump fears? Decent performances but there was something lacking in the direction. Maybe pace or the direction
Friday, January 30, 2009
January number is 34
31. Oceans Thirteen (7/10)
When one of the senior Ocean member is double crossed by Al Pacino, The Ocean's team is back together this time with the help of an old enemy to bust the opening night of the casino and steal the diamonds. The film was fast and pacy. I personally liked it better than 2nd part.
32. Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi (Hindi) (6/10)
Dont hate me for saying that I liked this film. I know its romantic, very cheesy but what can I do if I like these kind of films. ONly annoying thing was the heavy dose of songs. Worse is they weren't even melodious. The movie was good but Barjatyas need to come out of their regular mould, please.
33. The Boy In The striped Pyjamas (7.5/10)
Set during World War II, a story seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences. A depressing film with a very shocking end, I loved this film. Very good.
34. Luck By Chance (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Another hindi film that shows us what happens behind the scenes of a hindi film. But this one according to me is very realistic and shows us different facets of different people realistic and fake both. A very brave attempt by a first time director and excellent performance by my favorite Konkona. Farhan is good too.
When one of the senior Ocean member is double crossed by Al Pacino, The Ocean's team is back together this time with the help of an old enemy to bust the opening night of the casino and steal the diamonds. The film was fast and pacy. I personally liked it better than 2nd part.
32. Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi (Hindi) (6/10)
Dont hate me for saying that I liked this film. I know its romantic, very cheesy but what can I do if I like these kind of films. ONly annoying thing was the heavy dose of songs. Worse is they weren't even melodious. The movie was good but Barjatyas need to come out of their regular mould, please.
33. The Boy In The striped Pyjamas (7.5/10)
Set during World War II, a story seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences. A depressing film with a very shocking end, I loved this film. Very good.
34. Luck By Chance (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Another hindi film that shows us what happens behind the scenes of a hindi film. But this one according to me is very realistic and shows us different facets of different people realistic and fake both. A very brave attempt by a first time director and excellent performance by my favorite Konkona. Farhan is good too.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Reaching number 30
27. Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (Hindi) (7.5/10)
Inspired by the incredible true story of Lucky Singh, an extremely charismatic and fearless confident man and thief who socialized with the rich, famous and influential of Delhi society and then proceeded to rob them blind. He robbed both the rich and the poor without prejudice. Funny film with a full on setting of Delhi. O love Abhay Deol's film. He deserves all praises and I hope he keeps doing all these wonderful films. Cant recall any of his film that I did not like
28. Sukkar banat (Arabic) [Caramel] (8/10)
Six women in Beirut seek love, marriage, and companionship and find duty, friendship, and possibility. Four work at a salon: one is engaged, second is divorced mother fearing getting old; third is a attracted to a clinet and fourth is in love with a married man. There's also Rose, a middle-aged seamstress, who cares for Lili, old and facing dementia. Excellent excellent movie. The sheer direction, spontaneity, natural acting and everything brings this film to life.
29. Waitress (4/10)
An unhappy waitress Jenna who makes excellent pies but wants to run away from her husband once she has enough money. BUt she can't because now she is pregnant. Enter a handsome young doctor and life changes. She is having an affair and cant get away from Earl, her husband. Finally when the baby is delivered, she gets the courage to separate from husband and make a life of her own. A very very ordinary fare. Nothing great about it. I like the southern accent though.
30. The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice (5.5/10)
The third and latest in the Librarian series. This one was the least interesting among the three. This time he has to make sure that the vampires who are still living hoping to bring themselves to life using Judas Chalice cannot do so. A good girl vampire is this time his associate who helps him in his challenge. There were no thrills in this one at all. A downer.
Inspired by the incredible true story of Lucky Singh, an extremely charismatic and fearless confident man and thief who socialized with the rich, famous and influential of Delhi society and then proceeded to rob them blind. He robbed both the rich and the poor without prejudice. Funny film with a full on setting of Delhi. O love Abhay Deol's film. He deserves all praises and I hope he keeps doing all these wonderful films. Cant recall any of his film that I did not like
28. Sukkar banat (Arabic) [Caramel] (8/10)
Six women in Beirut seek love, marriage, and companionship and find duty, friendship, and possibility. Four work at a salon: one is engaged, second is divorced mother fearing getting old; third is a attracted to a clinet and fourth is in love with a married man. There's also Rose, a middle-aged seamstress, who cares for Lili, old and facing dementia. Excellent excellent movie. The sheer direction, spontaneity, natural acting and everything brings this film to life.
29. Waitress (4/10)
An unhappy waitress Jenna who makes excellent pies but wants to run away from her husband once she has enough money. BUt she can't because now she is pregnant. Enter a handsome young doctor and life changes. She is having an affair and cant get away from Earl, her husband. Finally when the baby is delivered, she gets the courage to separate from husband and make a life of her own. A very very ordinary fare. Nothing great about it. I like the southern accent though.
30. The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice (5.5/10)
The third and latest in the Librarian series. This one was the least interesting among the three. This time he has to make sure that the vampires who are still living hoping to bring themselves to life using Judas Chalice cannot do so. A good girl vampire is this time his associate who helps him in his challenge. There were no thrills in this one at all. A downer.
Friday, January 16, 2009
7 more in a few more days (3 were awesome)
20. DIl Kabaddi (Hindi) (5/10)
A supposedly comedy based on lives of 2 couples and how each one of them is not too happy with it. Everyone has different reasons and is just not honest enough to share that with their partner. A few extra marital affairs, very few laughs and realization of mistakes, this film could have been edited much better and ended sooner than 2 hours. Always dependable Konkana was best of the lot.
21. First Snow (4.5/10)
A guy's life turns tailspin after a psychic tells that his life is limited but he is safe till the first snow. Very later that he can use this opportunity to plan for future of people around him after he's gone. He does certain nice things. After he miraculously escapes a killing from his ex best friend whom he feared al his life, he ends up dying in a car crash on a nasty snow day. A very slow film for me with decent performances. It seemed like a TV film.
22. Ghost Town (6.5/10)
Dentist Dr. Pincus, is a man whose people skills leave much to be desired. When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts. The movie was funy in a weird way. I liked it specially Dr Pincus.
23. Revolutionary Road (7.5/10)
A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Amazing amazing performances by Leonardo and Kate but the film was a bit too slow for me.
24. Kadachit (Marathi) (6/10)
A famous surgeon's life turns upside down when her father returns after a 20 year life imprisonment for killing his wife based on his daughter's testimony. It turns out that it was all imagination of the doctor as a little girl and how her confidence on herself starts getting down. Brave performance by Ashwini Bhave and others.
25. Gran Torino (9/10)
Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino. Excellent performance by Clint Eastwood. The movie had small instances of humor even without trying hard.
26. Defiance (8.5/10)
I wasn't too sure about this one. But what a surprise it was in every aspect, be it story, direction of performance including Daniel Craig. Three Jewish brothers escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into the Belarussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and others in danger. A must see film
A supposedly comedy based on lives of 2 couples and how each one of them is not too happy with it. Everyone has different reasons and is just not honest enough to share that with their partner. A few extra marital affairs, very few laughs and realization of mistakes, this film could have been edited much better and ended sooner than 2 hours. Always dependable Konkana was best of the lot.
21. First Snow (4.5/10)
A guy's life turns tailspin after a psychic tells that his life is limited but he is safe till the first snow. Very later that he can use this opportunity to plan for future of people around him after he's gone. He does certain nice things. After he miraculously escapes a killing from his ex best friend whom he feared al his life, he ends up dying in a car crash on a nasty snow day. A very slow film for me with decent performances. It seemed like a TV film.
22. Ghost Town (6.5/10)
Dentist Dr. Pincus, is a man whose people skills leave much to be desired. When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts. The movie was funy in a weird way. I liked it specially Dr Pincus.
23. Revolutionary Road (7.5/10)
A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Amazing amazing performances by Leonardo and Kate but the film was a bit too slow for me.
24. Kadachit (Marathi) (6/10)
A famous surgeon's life turns upside down when her father returns after a 20 year life imprisonment for killing his wife based on his daughter's testimony. It turns out that it was all imagination of the doctor as a little girl and how her confidence on herself starts getting down. Brave performance by Ashwini Bhave and others.
25. Gran Torino (9/10)
Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino. Excellent performance by Clint Eastwood. The movie had small instances of humor even without trying hard.
26. Defiance (8.5/10)
I wasn't too sure about this one. But what a surprise it was in every aspect, be it story, direction of performance including Daniel Craig. Three Jewish brothers escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into the Belarussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and others in danger. A must see film
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
4 more down and under
16. Roadside Romeo (Hindi) (4/10)
India's first joint venture with Disney to give an animation film. Romeo a street dog used to have a good life. Now that he is on streets, he has fallen for Laila, another cute dog and he will have to fight with gangster dog Charlie Anna to get his love. Very thing story line with nothing new except the whole animation experience to offer.
17. Hamlet 2 (5.5/10)
In this irreverent comedy, a failed actor-turned-worse-high-school-drama-teacher rallies his Tucson, AZ students as he conceives and stages politically incorrect musical sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet. This was a satirical comedy with a very interesting finale when the actual play is staged. A very decent fare.
18. Man On Wire (Documentary) (6.5/10)
A look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City's World Trade Center's twin towers in 1974, what some consider, "the artistic crime of the century." Its good when you see it as a documentary. What surprised me how the whole event unfolds of preparation like a sit film. It was good and interesting
19. Vantage Point (7.5/10)
This is a very very interesting political thriller. During an historic counter-terrorism summit in Spain, the President of the United States is struck down by an assassin's bullet. Eight strangers have a perfect view of the kill, but what did they really see? As the minutes leading up to the fatal shot are replayed through the eyes of each eyewitness, the reality of the assassination takes shape. But just when you think you know the answer, the shattering final truth is revealed. A very intriguing story with many twists.
India's first joint venture with Disney to give an animation film. Romeo a street dog used to have a good life. Now that he is on streets, he has fallen for Laila, another cute dog and he will have to fight with gangster dog Charlie Anna to get his love. Very thing story line with nothing new except the whole animation experience to offer.
17. Hamlet 2 (5.5/10)
In this irreverent comedy, a failed actor-turned-worse-high-school-drama-teacher rallies his Tucson, AZ students as he conceives and stages politically incorrect musical sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet. This was a satirical comedy with a very interesting finale when the actual play is staged. A very decent fare.
18. Man On Wire (Documentary) (6.5/10)
A look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City's World Trade Center's twin towers in 1974, what some consider, "the artistic crime of the century." Its good when you see it as a documentary. What surprised me how the whole event unfolds of preparation like a sit film. It was good and interesting
19. Vantage Point (7.5/10)
This is a very very interesting political thriller. During an historic counter-terrorism summit in Spain, the President of the United States is struck down by an assassin's bullet. Eight strangers have a perfect view of the kill, but what did they really see? As the minutes leading up to the fatal shot are replayed through the eyes of each eyewitness, the reality of the assassination takes shape. But just when you think you know the answer, the shattering final truth is revealed. A very intriguing story with many twists.
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