I have seen some old Kannada movies which are very very good. 'Yeradu Kanasu' and 'Gowri Ganesha'. Unfortunately, this is bad.
If the story of them movie were to be put in two sentences it'd sound promising. That perhaps is the only decent deal in this movie. The outline story is not bad. I'd even go a step further to state that any other treatment of the movie would have to be better. The film is so amateurish! What's wrong with this movie?
1. Scenes don't flow smoothly from one scene to the other. A song ends and the next scene is in the middle of a jungle with horses running around.
2. The acting can't get worse than this. How can the 'shishyas' think they are funny? The supposedly comical scenes are too long. Their voices are more irritating than funny.
3. The gags designed in this movie are pathetic. The sequence where the 'shishyas' drive away the thieves is unbearable.
4. It actually put me to sleep. I slept sometime after the seventy-fifth minute only to wake up around the hundredth minute to realize nothing had changed.
RATING: 1/5
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Movie Review: Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
The only positive I saw in this movie was the acting performance of the lead actors. Very surprising to see the two deliver some nonsensical lines with sheer dedication and sincerity.
I hardly found anything funny. Perhaps it was because I missed any references, if there were any.
Surprisingly, my wife was laughing all the time! I felt it was a movie guys sit together and watch but it was my wife who laughed all the way.
RATING: 1/5
I hardly found anything funny. Perhaps it was because I missed any references, if there were any.
Surprisingly, my wife was laughing all the time! I felt it was a movie guys sit together and watch but it was my wife who laughed all the way.
RATING: 1/5
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Movie Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Tim Burton is truly different. My list of favorites is endless. It is hard to keep the list limited when one enjoys all genre of cinema.Tim Burton has a gift. He can transport people into a land of magic. All his movies are visually stunning. Among filmmakers he knows the power of colors. Bright colors on a dark backdrop. Spotless white gowns, lush green grass and spiraling red blood. He is the one who can capture them best on film.
Now I have seen the original as a kid. Fortunately, I didn't remember the end of the original movie. So effectively I was watching it for the first time. In short, the story is nothing much to write home about. It is a one line tale which spans a while. Writing a word on it will leave nothing for the viewers who look for a story. It is all about the visual treatment. The gags to lure the boys and girls. The song and dance routine. However, there is one important additional aspect. Johnny Depp.
Johnny Depp comes in after the first thirty five minutes. After that it is a one man show. His screen presence can't be described in my reviews. Only seeing can be believing here. It is a crazy character that Depp sets to portray in this film. Wonka's character is a focal point to taking the audience from the ordinary life we live to the magic that happens that happens in the chocolate factory. Depp's performance is crucial and does he deliver! I will never fathom why actors give such wonderful in movies like these. They know it all along that an Oscar or any major award is not coming their way. But they give it their 100%.
Freddie Highmore does perform. However, it is the two girls, Ms. Robb and Ms. Winter, if I am not mistaken who put on a surprisingly good show.
But all said and done it is Tim Burton all the way. If there is one director who stamps his mark on every frame it is Tim Burton. I am sure anyone could identify a Burton film with his eyes open for two minutes. The colors, the shades, the costumes and the make up are beautiful. But that is nothing new. All his movies are like that.
CONCLUSIONS: A simple story, with imaginative visuals and Johnny Depp make for a wonderful matinee.
RATING: 3/5
Now I have seen the original as a kid. Fortunately, I didn't remember the end of the original movie. So effectively I was watching it for the first time. In short, the story is nothing much to write home about. It is a one line tale which spans a while. Writing a word on it will leave nothing for the viewers who look for a story. It is all about the visual treatment. The gags to lure the boys and girls. The song and dance routine. However, there is one important additional aspect. Johnny Depp.
Johnny Depp comes in after the first thirty five minutes. After that it is a one man show. His screen presence can't be described in my reviews. Only seeing can be believing here. It is a crazy character that Depp sets to portray in this film. Wonka's character is a focal point to taking the audience from the ordinary life we live to the magic that happens that happens in the chocolate factory. Depp's performance is crucial and does he deliver! I will never fathom why actors give such wonderful in movies like these. They know it all along that an Oscar or any major award is not coming their way. But they give it their 100%.
Freddie Highmore does perform. However, it is the two girls, Ms. Robb and Ms. Winter, if I am not mistaken who put on a surprisingly good show.
But all said and done it is Tim Burton all the way. If there is one director who stamps his mark on every frame it is Tim Burton. I am sure anyone could identify a Burton film with his eyes open for two minutes. The colors, the shades, the costumes and the make up are beautiful. But that is nothing new. All his movies are like that.
CONCLUSIONS: A simple story, with imaginative visuals and Johnny Depp make for a wonderful matinee.
RATING: 3/5
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Movie Review: Abhimaan
The late Hrishikesh Mukherjee has made some of the most distinct movies in Bollywood. There was no flamboyance in his cinema. It relied heavily on a story. I love such films.
Now this great director made two types of movies. Comedies and drama. Two totally different genres. Not many directors can handle both. 'Abhimaan' clearly is drama.
Instead of a full fledged review I will try to recollect some scenes that 'worked' and 'didn't work' for me.
1. The opening scene, with the best song of the film, works perfectly in setting up the character of Subir. Loves his success more than the money. After he does not need to, he has Chandru to take care of that aspect.
2. The prophecy of the great classical singer did give away the story. Having known the story beforehand I won't comment.
3. The most memorable scene is the one where Chandru returns to take Subir to his village. Chandru tells him about the child. But Subir is clear, he just won't go. It is a powerful scene with the dialogues spoken with a close up of Amitabh's face.
4. Uma losing all faith in life was not a bad idea for this movie. I generally feel that such 'tricks' help stretch the film beyond the customary 120 minutes and help in the addition of songs. However, here it was facilitated to get both Uma and Subir singing again.
My personal favourties of this great director are "Namak Haraam" & "Aashirwaad". In my books 'Abhimaan' will be second to them.
Rating: 3/5
Now this great director made two types of movies. Comedies and drama. Two totally different genres. Not many directors can handle both. 'Abhimaan' clearly is drama.
Instead of a full fledged review I will try to recollect some scenes that 'worked' and 'didn't work' for me.
1. The opening scene, with the best song of the film, works perfectly in setting up the character of Subir. Loves his success more than the money. After he does not need to, he has Chandru to take care of that aspect.
2. The prophecy of the great classical singer did give away the story. Having known the story beforehand I won't comment.
3. The most memorable scene is the one where Chandru returns to take Subir to his village. Chandru tells him about the child. But Subir is clear, he just won't go. It is a powerful scene with the dialogues spoken with a close up of Amitabh's face.
4. Uma losing all faith in life was not a bad idea for this movie. I generally feel that such 'tricks' help stretch the film beyond the customary 120 minutes and help in the addition of songs. However, here it was facilitated to get both Uma and Subir singing again.
My personal favourties of this great director are "Namak Haraam" & "Aashirwaad". In my books 'Abhimaan' will be second to them.
Rating: 3/5
Movie Review: The Bicycle Thief
The title is more than apt. I should have seen the end coming about half an hour into the movie. At that point I was asking myself why this movie was named so. After all they were not speaking of the thief at all. It was the story of a father and son searching for a stolen bicycle. I should have seen it coming.
It is a simple film. No doubts about that. On the surface it is a very simple tale. Hardly touching. I mean, what's the big deal about a guy stealing a cycle to replace one that was stolen from him? When the end credits rolled I started thinking, what made this movie a classic? I decided look at some points not highlighted in the film to draw some deeper meaning.
1. Santona was one character referred to twice. As an Indian and having some belief in the powers of the psychic I thought of this. Ricci loses the cycle a day after not paying Santona. After all his wife had almost 'bought' Ricci a job but failed to pay. Later when he visits her again as a last resort. She tells him that this morning is his last chance to find it failing which he shall never succeed in tracing it. Ricci sees the guy who has stolen the cycle. In my opinion a point the movie was trying to make was the power of Santona. If Riicci chose to press charges he'd probably have nailed the guy. But he either didn't believe in the prophecy or lost confidence in himself.
2. On the other hand, the film might have been trying to say that some things are meant to be. Maybe that job was not in Ricci's fate. Maybe his family were to live in poverty. Maybe he is not meant to be a 'bicycle thief'. Maybe the thief who stole Ricci's bicycle was meant to get away.
Finally, I could not understand the church angle or why the link of the old man. However, they did make interesting viewing.
RATING: 3.5/5
It is a simple film. No doubts about that. On the surface it is a very simple tale. Hardly touching. I mean, what's the big deal about a guy stealing a cycle to replace one that was stolen from him? When the end credits rolled I started thinking, what made this movie a classic? I decided look at some points not highlighted in the film to draw some deeper meaning.
1. Santona was one character referred to twice. As an Indian and having some belief in the powers of the psychic I thought of this. Ricci loses the cycle a day after not paying Santona. After all his wife had almost 'bought' Ricci a job but failed to pay. Later when he visits her again as a last resort. She tells him that this morning is his last chance to find it failing which he shall never succeed in tracing it. Ricci sees the guy who has stolen the cycle. In my opinion a point the movie was trying to make was the power of Santona. If Riicci chose to press charges he'd probably have nailed the guy. But he either didn't believe in the prophecy or lost confidence in himself.
2. On the other hand, the film might have been trying to say that some things are meant to be. Maybe that job was not in Ricci's fate. Maybe his family were to live in poverty. Maybe he is not meant to be a 'bicycle thief'. Maybe the thief who stole Ricci's bicycle was meant to get away.
Finally, I could not understand the church angle or why the link of the old man. However, they did make interesting viewing.
RATING: 3.5/5
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Movie Review: Lamhe
Waqt, Deewar, Mashaal, Veer-Zaara, Kabhi Kabhie......These are some of my favourite movies. My expectations with "Lamhe" were very high. I was disappointed on two fronts.
1. The songs in this movie are not in the Yash Chopra bracket. I know two songs are melodious for sure. But that's it!
2. The duration of this film is inexcusable. I understand that the movie spans two generations but that's no excuse. For a story with just five characters (two of them Sridevi!) it can't be 186 minutes. This is not 'The Godfather' or ('The Godfather 2') where there are many characters and they all need to be introduced. Nor is it 'Lagaan' where an entire day of cricket is condensed into an hour.
However, if I were to put the above 'flaws' aside I can say I qite liked the film. I have a confession to make. I knew the story. In fact, my parents will tell me I have seen the movie a day after its release. I assure everyone though that I barring the intergenerational marriage I don't remember much of the film. However, that is what the film is about. I happened to be watching this movie with my wife and she didn't see this coming until the story took us there. Thus, my opinions are based as much on her reactions as my own.
The story is exceptional. Yes! I have to reservations in stating that. Viren falls for Pooja and not Pallavi. Pooja loves Viren not out of sympathy for his unreturned love from Pallavi. Finally, the concept of Viren marrying Pooja is ground breaking. Last year we had 'Nishabh' and 'Cheeni Kum' which were considered bold. Sixteen years before them this film presented a tender tale. The story is very contemporary. In that sense it is a true Yash Chopra story. All his movies can be a part of life in any era.
Sridevi may have won an award for her performance but for me the acting accolades should have gone to Anil Kapoor. In no movie he sticks out like a sore thumb. Here he gives one of his best and most controlled performance. I am used to seeing him doing at least some comedy in his movies but that is not so here.
Anupam Kher is fantastic.
RATING: 3/5 (One star reduced for the unnecessarily long runtime)
1. The songs in this movie are not in the Yash Chopra bracket. I know two songs are melodious for sure. But that's it!
2. The duration of this film is inexcusable. I understand that the movie spans two generations but that's no excuse. For a story with just five characters (two of them Sridevi!) it can't be 186 minutes. This is not 'The Godfather' or ('The Godfather 2') where there are many characters and they all need to be introduced. Nor is it 'Lagaan' where an entire day of cricket is condensed into an hour.
However, if I were to put the above 'flaws' aside I can say I qite liked the film. I have a confession to make. I knew the story. In fact, my parents will tell me I have seen the movie a day after its release. I assure everyone though that I barring the intergenerational marriage I don't remember much of the film. However, that is what the film is about. I happened to be watching this movie with my wife and she didn't see this coming until the story took us there. Thus, my opinions are based as much on her reactions as my own.
The story is exceptional. Yes! I have to reservations in stating that. Viren falls for Pooja and not Pallavi. Pooja loves Viren not out of sympathy for his unreturned love from Pallavi. Finally, the concept of Viren marrying Pooja is ground breaking. Last year we had 'Nishabh' and 'Cheeni Kum' which were considered bold. Sixteen years before them this film presented a tender tale. The story is very contemporary. In that sense it is a true Yash Chopra story. All his movies can be a part of life in any era.
Sridevi may have won an award for her performance but for me the acting accolades should have gone to Anil Kapoor. In no movie he sticks out like a sore thumb. Here he gives one of his best and most controlled performance. I am used to seeing him doing at least some comedy in his movies but that is not so here.
Anupam Kher is fantastic.
RATING: 3/5 (One star reduced for the unnecessarily long runtime)
Movie Review: It's a Wonderful Life
It's a wonderful film! James Stewart is wonderful! Frank Capra is wonderful! It's a wonderful life!
These were my thoughts when the end credits started rolling. What a film! Be good, do good, even if you have to make a life full of sacrifices it'll all come back to you.
I have to hand to the guys who have written the script. I know Capra is one of them. It's wonderful! The opening scene of the movie has you listening. There is light humor in the conversation 'up there', George saves his brother and from then on you think you know what to expect. Well, roughly most film geeks will figure where the movie is heading, that is for sure. But it is manner in which little things are put together that will move you. The climax is around Christmas, there is magic in the air, bells are ringing. It's wonderful!
Frank Capra. This is supposedly the best movie he has made. By God is it wonderful!
This is the best performance I have seen from James Stewart. He was good in 'Rear Window' and 'Vertigo'. However, it is here that he saves lives, sings, dances, romances, saves Bedford Falls and most of all, he sacrifices. It's a Shah-Rukhish performance in many ways. But then, that's how it was meant to be. He is Wonderful!
I don't know who Henry Travers is. But he is wonderful! Wonderful! The humor, the smile of innocence, as Stewart once says, "He didn't grow up."
Thanks Mr. Capra. Thanks Mr. Stewart. Thanks Mr. Travers. You were wonderful!
RATING: 4.5/5
These were my thoughts when the end credits started rolling. What a film! Be good, do good, even if you have to make a life full of sacrifices it'll all come back to you.
I have to hand to the guys who have written the script. I know Capra is one of them. It's wonderful! The opening scene of the movie has you listening. There is light humor in the conversation 'up there', George saves his brother and from then on you think you know what to expect. Well, roughly most film geeks will figure where the movie is heading, that is for sure. But it is manner in which little things are put together that will move you. The climax is around Christmas, there is magic in the air, bells are ringing. It's wonderful!
Frank Capra. This is supposedly the best movie he has made. By God is it wonderful!
This is the best performance I have seen from James Stewart. He was good in 'Rear Window' and 'Vertigo'. However, it is here that he saves lives, sings, dances, romances, saves Bedford Falls and most of all, he sacrifices. It's a Shah-Rukhish performance in many ways. But then, that's how it was meant to be. He is Wonderful!
I don't know who Henry Travers is. But he is wonderful! Wonderful! The humor, the smile of innocence, as Stewart once says, "He didn't grow up."
Thanks Mr. Capra. Thanks Mr. Stewart. Thanks Mr. Travers. You were wonderful!
RATING: 4.5/5
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Movie Review: The Treasure of Sierra Madre
The only person I knew in this movie was Humphrey Bogart. Having seen him in 'Casablanca' I considered him a star, almost a non-actor. The other names associated with the film are new to me. It's high rating on IMDB, rave reviews by my brother and a dear friend instilled in me high expectations.
There is almost nothing I dislike about this movie. It is a different movie on gold-digging. Unlike other movies which turn on the excitement with the actual process of digging for gold this one is about the aftermath. This is where the Humphrey Bogart shines. It is almost his movie in many ways. In fact, for me it is totally Mr. Bogart's movie. Walter Huston may have walked away with the Oscar with Bogart earned my respect, not much competition here but I mention it nonetheless.
Scenes that deserve a special mention;
1. The options that our prospectors are faced with and the way they discuss among themselves is a great scene as it brings out the characters of each of the three. Further, it goes to justify the actions of the characters.
2. Bogart's laughter. He goes crazy after he believes he has murdered his partner, the man who saved his life. This is when he won me over.
3. The humor in the scene where tobacco is exchanged although obvious was funny to me.
It was nice to start expecting an exciting movie and to settle into a steady movie. I expected an adventure movie and got drama. I like surprises!
RATING: 3.5/5
There is almost nothing I dislike about this movie. It is a different movie on gold-digging. Unlike other movies which turn on the excitement with the actual process of digging for gold this one is about the aftermath. This is where the Humphrey Bogart shines. It is almost his movie in many ways. In fact, for me it is totally Mr. Bogart's movie. Walter Huston may have walked away with the Oscar with Bogart earned my respect, not much competition here but I mention it nonetheless.
Scenes that deserve a special mention;
1. The options that our prospectors are faced with and the way they discuss among themselves is a great scene as it brings out the characters of each of the three. Further, it goes to justify the actions of the characters.
2. Bogart's laughter. He goes crazy after he believes he has murdered his partner, the man who saved his life. This is when he won me over.
3. The humor in the scene where tobacco is exchanged although obvious was funny to me.
It was nice to start expecting an exciting movie and to settle into a steady movie. I expected an adventure movie and got drama. I like surprises!
RATING: 3.5/5
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Yuvraj & Test Cricket
It's going to be almost ten years since I started following cricket. That's not a lot many would say but then it should be enough to speak of Yuvraj Singh. I am going to try writing this article without looking up any statistics on the internet, that means I will be attempting to argue Yuvraj's case based on my memories of his heroics.
MEMORY #1: Ganguly had just taken over the reins of the Indian team after Hansiegate. With the home series victory over RSA now meaningless and the defeat in Sharjah it was time to perform at the Champions' Trophy in Nairobi. Although the demolishing ways of Australia were yet to be recognised they were the team to beat in the competition. Yuvraj's invaluable 84 runs, a superb catch at covers of Ian Harver and a brilliant run out of Michael Bevan sealed a memorable win. Yuvraj missed a century that day.
MEMORY #2: For long, really long in my memory, India had not lost a match every time 50 or more runs came of Yuvraj's blade.
MEMORY #3: Pakistan were in India for a test series which India won 1-0. But on the first day of the third test, if I am not mistaken, Yuvraj and Ganguly shared a 300+ stand for the fifth wicket. Yuvraj was out for 165. Ganguly went on to make a double century and Irfan Pathan too scored a ton. Nonetheless it was a valuable knock which earned him a place in the Indian team for the tour down under. He failed in the first two tests.
Is there something missing in Yuvraj Singh? No! He has the talent and the world has accepted that. He has been a regular member of the ODI team for long now which implies he is consistent. At present he is the vice captain. This means the selectors feel he is responsible. What more do we need in a test batsman?
Why is he not in the test team? Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly and Vangipurrappu Venkata Sai Laxman are the only four reasons. That means he is out of contention in the middle order until one of these guys hangs up their boots and cricket kit. The only other option for him is to open the innings for India in test cricket. Of Sehwag and Jaffer the latter is under pressure to keep his place in the side. I see him not lasting too long. If he can make it through the Australia's tour of India this October he will be fine. Else that will be the end of Wasim Jaffer. In that case too Gautam Gambhir should be the first choice as he is an opener. Yuvraj loses here too..........
Somebody in the middle order has to retire for Yuvraj.
MEMORY #1: Ganguly had just taken over the reins of the Indian team after Hansiegate. With the home series victory over RSA now meaningless and the defeat in Sharjah it was time to perform at the Champions' Trophy in Nairobi. Although the demolishing ways of Australia were yet to be recognised they were the team to beat in the competition. Yuvraj's invaluable 84 runs, a superb catch at covers of Ian Harver and a brilliant run out of Michael Bevan sealed a memorable win. Yuvraj missed a century that day.
MEMORY #2: For long, really long in my memory, India had not lost a match every time 50 or more runs came of Yuvraj's blade.
MEMORY #3: Pakistan were in India for a test series which India won 1-0. But on the first day of the third test, if I am not mistaken, Yuvraj and Ganguly shared a 300+ stand for the fifth wicket. Yuvraj was out for 165. Ganguly went on to make a double century and Irfan Pathan too scored a ton. Nonetheless it was a valuable knock which earned him a place in the Indian team for the tour down under. He failed in the first two tests.
Is there something missing in Yuvraj Singh? No! He has the talent and the world has accepted that. He has been a regular member of the ODI team for long now which implies he is consistent. At present he is the vice captain. This means the selectors feel he is responsible. What more do we need in a test batsman?
Why is he not in the test team? Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly and Vangipurrappu Venkata Sai Laxman are the only four reasons. That means he is out of contention in the middle order until one of these guys hangs up their boots and cricket kit. The only other option for him is to open the innings for India in test cricket. Of Sehwag and Jaffer the latter is under pressure to keep his place in the side. I see him not lasting too long. If he can make it through the Australia's tour of India this October he will be fine. Else that will be the end of Wasim Jaffer. In that case too Gautam Gambhir should be the first choice as he is an opener. Yuvraj loses here too..........
Somebody in the middle order has to retire for Yuvraj.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Grown Up
It soon will be twenty-five years since I arrived. My memories of wanting to grow up when I was a kid are clear. I wished it not once not twice but on numerous occasions. The first one of those is perhaps the most amusing. I was in the third standard when the school had organized a trip to Essel World. For reasons clear to me today I wasn't allowed on the most exciting rides because I wasn't tall enough. Ever since I wished time would fly by and I'd be 'grown up.'
Now I'm grown up. Time flew by quicker than I thought. Do I like it? Yes! I know many guys around who'd love to be kids again. But not me.
Now I'm grown up. Time flew by quicker than I thought. Do I like it? Yes! I know many guys around who'd love to be kids again. But not me.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Movie Review: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Steven Spielberg makes two kinds of movies. One which gets him Oscars and the other kind for the general public. Thank God for the fact that he is great with both!
The movie opens with Elvis' "You ain't nothin' but a hound dogga" as a backdrop to a mini-chase or race or whatever.The music track lets you in on what the movie is going to be about. The fun starts right away with Indy being dragged out of a trunk and putting on his hat to redeem himself. It stops for a short while after the nuclear test but then it is fun all the way.
I put Capt. Jack Sparrow's movies along with this. At least that's how I sold the movie to my wife to get her to come. However, I do feel they are similar in their imaginative action sequences. The scenes of chase in the forest, the sword fight, the ants, the gold key.......I can go on and on. The actions is not as much about special effects as the creativity. Some of the craziest action I've seen are in adventure movies. The special effects are special, no doubt, but it's almost like the action scenes have a plot of their own.
Harrison Ford is in his elements as Henry Jones Jr. Anyway, his limited acting skills mean he'll only be remembered as Indiana Jones to most and Hans Solo to a few. I don't know the kid's name, the guy from 'Transformers', but he has charisma. I can say that he is a good choice. But the movie's real hero is Cate Blanchett. I jnow she is a great actress but have not seen her big roles apart from 'Elizabeth'. She has done a good job. All superhero or superhero like movies, as is the case here, need a solid villain. Here we have Cate. To act well in a role which has the potential to be Oscar material is one thing but to do so in an action movie is quite something else. I mean what's the motivation to learn a new accent and body language for roles like these?
Although not a great movie it is definitely good. I expected a better movie. But I now realise that there exists this problem with sequels. People expect a lot. But then filmmakers are stuck with stereotypes of earlier films. They are bound by them and work within those limitations. We as audience should realise that. That's why I still recommend this film.
RATING: 3.5/5
The movie opens with Elvis' "You ain't nothin' but a hound dogga" as a backdrop to a mini-chase or race or whatever.The music track lets you in on what the movie is going to be about. The fun starts right away with Indy being dragged out of a trunk and putting on his hat to redeem himself. It stops for a short while after the nuclear test but then it is fun all the way.
I put Capt. Jack Sparrow's movies along with this. At least that's how I sold the movie to my wife to get her to come. However, I do feel they are similar in their imaginative action sequences. The scenes of chase in the forest, the sword fight, the ants, the gold key.......I can go on and on. The actions is not as much about special effects as the creativity. Some of the craziest action I've seen are in adventure movies. The special effects are special, no doubt, but it's almost like the action scenes have a plot of their own.
Harrison Ford is in his elements as Henry Jones Jr. Anyway, his limited acting skills mean he'll only be remembered as Indiana Jones to most and Hans Solo to a few. I don't know the kid's name, the guy from 'Transformers', but he has charisma. I can say that he is a good choice. But the movie's real hero is Cate Blanchett. I jnow she is a great actress but have not seen her big roles apart from 'Elizabeth'. She has done a good job. All superhero or superhero like movies, as is the case here, need a solid villain. Here we have Cate. To act well in a role which has the potential to be Oscar material is one thing but to do so in an action movie is quite something else. I mean what's the motivation to learn a new accent and body language for roles like these?
Although not a great movie it is definitely good. I expected a better movie. But I now realise that there exists this problem with sequels. People expect a lot. But then filmmakers are stuck with stereotypes of earlier films. They are bound by them and work within those limitations. We as audience should realise that. That's why I still recommend this film.
RATING: 3.5/5
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Movie Review: Terms of Endearment
Six months after joining the graduate program at UC, Davis I have the time to watch movies. I have seen quite a few in the last two weeks of which 'Terms of Endearment' gets top honours.
GENERAL OPINION: Quite inappropriate for a guy to write a good review, I get a feeling many think this way. It is primarily is a 'girlie' movie. Mother-daughter combo serving 'masala' laden problems one after the other.
The opening scene of the movie sort of gives away what the entire movie is about. That one scene sets up the character of Shirley McClaine for the rest of the film. The third scene sets up Debra Winger's character. This happens in less 200 seconds, which should speak of the format of the movie which I felt was unusual. Most scenes are very very short, lasting no more than a few minutes at most. However, they are very effective in eliminating the need to explicitly mention the passage of time. Probably the only problem is that the characters don't seem to age.
Although Bollywood fans might see the end coming they should also notice the difference in treatment. I point this out but won't elaborate.
Finally, a movie built around very good performances with a reasonable storyline and good direction.
PERFORMANCES: 1. She won my heart in 'The Trouble with Harry' and again did it in in 'The Apartment'. This is McClaine's film. Her character is fantastic making her performance all the more enjoyable. Watch out for this 'fun-fucking-tastic' performance.
2. Debra Winger plays her part.
3. What can I say of Nicholson? His character is similar to what we've seen in 'Something's Gotta Give'. He is thoroughly enjoyable. Watch him take McClaine away from all the men flocking her.
4. I liked Jeff Daniels' and John Lithgow's efforts as the losers. One of those movies where the whole cast acts well.
MEMORABLE SCENES: 1. McClaine crying on Jeff Daniels' shoulder in the hospital.
2. Jack Nicholson speaking to Winger's eldest son at the funeral.
MEMORABLE DIALOGUES: 1. McClaine to Nicholson,"Go to your house and turn them on."
2. McClaine to Jeff Daniels, "I thought it'd be a relief when she finally went."
RATING: 4/5
GENERAL OPINION: Quite inappropriate for a guy to write a good review, I get a feeling many think this way. It is primarily is a 'girlie' movie. Mother-daughter combo serving 'masala' laden problems one after the other.
The opening scene of the movie sort of gives away what the entire movie is about. That one scene sets up the character of Shirley McClaine for the rest of the film. The third scene sets up Debra Winger's character. This happens in less 200 seconds, which should speak of the format of the movie which I felt was unusual. Most scenes are very very short, lasting no more than a few minutes at most. However, they are very effective in eliminating the need to explicitly mention the passage of time. Probably the only problem is that the characters don't seem to age.
Although Bollywood fans might see the end coming they should also notice the difference in treatment. I point this out but won't elaborate.
Finally, a movie built around very good performances with a reasonable storyline and good direction.
PERFORMANCES: 1. She won my heart in 'The Trouble with Harry' and again did it in in 'The Apartment'. This is McClaine's film. Her character is fantastic making her performance all the more enjoyable. Watch out for this 'fun-fucking-tastic' performance.
2. Debra Winger plays her part.
3. What can I say of Nicholson? His character is similar to what we've seen in 'Something's Gotta Give'. He is thoroughly enjoyable. Watch him take McClaine away from all the men flocking her.
4. I liked Jeff Daniels' and John Lithgow's efforts as the losers. One of those movies where the whole cast acts well.
MEMORABLE SCENES: 1. McClaine crying on Jeff Daniels' shoulder in the hospital.
2. Jack Nicholson speaking to Winger's eldest son at the funeral.
MEMORABLE DIALOGUES: 1. McClaine to Nicholson,"Go to your house and turn them on."
2. McClaine to Jeff Daniels, "I thought it'd be a relief when she finally went."
RATING: 4/5
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