Documentary: An Inconvenient Truth

All movies I have seen so far have either been disturbing or inspiring. I can't remember any that achieved both. 'An Inconvenient Truth' easily does both.

It's a documentary on global warming so most of the points in this film are expected. However, this documentary puts it in a better perspective. Sometimes it does it through numbers at other times it shows satellite images as evidence and looks at some possible consequences of further damage. Then at other times it explains the reasons for 'revenge' we have been victims of in forms of weather hazards. This is the disturbing part.

For a long time I have been living with a feeling that there is little we can do now to reverse the damage. This is where 'An Inconvenient Truth' worked for me. It is the last ten minutes or maybe not even that much. The duration of this does didn't matter to me. What mattered to me was that all this can be undone by 2060. The film actually worked its charm (or was it Al Gore?) on me. At this moment I well and truly believe that I can play a part in this change for the good. I was inspired.

So much for the message of the film. On the film itself:

1. I am not able to make up my mind on the presentation style. From what I understand, this film has been pieced together using all the talks Al Gore has given 'at least a thousand times'. I was not expecting this style and can't make up my mind on it.

2. I can make my mind on one thing though. I felt the inclusion of Al Gore's personal life in this film was not justified one bit. It hampered the narration of the main theme a bit but I am keeping this point out of mind when I give out my rating at the end.

3. The opening and closing of the movie is special, that image of earth is so captivating. In fact, I should have seen the end coming. They showed a photograph of the earth, which is claimed to be the most reproduced image in history. I should have seen that's how the film would close.

On the whole, this film is a must-watch. Can't be missed, shouldn't be missed.

RATING: 5/5

Documentary: The Corporation

The subject of 'The Corporation' can make very interesting viewing. But it doesn't. However, that does not diminish the importance of the message of this well intended documentary.

Facts I was not aware of:

1. Just like everyone I know corporations can acquire and get rid of assets. But I was surprised to find out how this come into existence. If I am not mistaken it is the fourteenth amendment that was responsible for equating a corporation to an individual. It was interesting hearing the number of cases that were put up at that time, a vast majority of the cases from corporations and not Afro-Americans. Very unlike what we'd expect.

2. IBM's involvement in the concentration camps under Hitler. The subject of 'Iron Man' is so old? What does one say if it is the same today as during WW2?

Michael Moore's reasoning behind how this documentary is released for the world to see is interesting. The flaw in this system allows us to watch this documentary.

For me, the film was too long with not a clear structure. It seemed like they were throwing out evidence after evidence to prove that corporations are villains. They did that well right through the film. I guess that's what documentaries are supposed to do anyway.

RATING: 3/5

Movie Review: Hellboy 2

Some observations to start with:

1. The creatures are all creative for sure. Special effects are one aspect and the creativity in the creatures that surround Hellboy deserves a very very special mention.

2. The special effects are special. One must keep in mind that for a movie relying so heavily on special effects this is a 'cheap' film at $ 70 million or so. Same was the case with 'Pan's Labyrinth'.

My feelings on this film:

1. Is there a story? I don't see one that deserves a mention. The entire plot of this film is stereotypical.

a. The flashback which the movie opens with does not seem to be linked anywhere in the film. If it is I missed it. I know Hellboy pulls a face on first hearing about the Golden Army but that's it. So the flashback essentially could have been done with.

b. At one stage it seems the film will tackle the issue of deforestation. I was up and game. But then it all fizzled out. Hellboy finishes the forest God and that's it. It is not referred to again. It would have been great to see a creature not from our world tackle a larger issue. No superhero film I have seen has done it.

2. For most part the story moves at nearly-brisk pace with the action and all. However, once Prince Nuada abducts his twin the movie fizzles out. We are told about the destiny of Hellboy which will surely come up in future parts, if there are any. For all the fuss, the Golden Army is almost never raised! I didn't expect that. I felt cheated. The Golden Army is what this film goes by but it hardly has any screen time.

3. To me the second love track didn't fit into the tale. It seemed forced. The moment Abe fell Princess Nuala we all know he is going to be heartbroken. After all the Prince can't be killed without killing the Princess.

4. The part where Hellboy and Abe get drunk, well, what can I say? I should have seen it coming. They seemed to be acting like humans all along. I enjoyed it anyway.

5. I liked Hellboy's girlfriend. Interesting concept of her getting pregnant with Hellboy's twins. Where are they taking this?

6. I felt the destiny bit of Hellboy thrown into this film was so forced and lame. It was totally in-your-face. I know it is the way films are these days. But a smarter way of introduction to the what's coming should have been thought of. For example, the way Joker is introduced at the end of 'Batman Begins'. Else why bother with this? Isn't it first a duty to finish this film properly?

All those were my thoughts on the story. Seems like I didn't like it much, huh? Not really, this is a superhero film and I enter the hall not expecting much. Even after the rave reviews this film got I was not expecting much. But I did have one expection, good special effects and wonderful creatures all served on a budget. I was not disappointed there. I also liked the flamboyant character of Hellboy. He is portrayed as a cool dude.

To sum up, the SAVING GRACE:

1. Wonderful special effects.
2. The toothfairy in particular was spectacular.
3. Hellboy - the cool dude with the coolest lines.

RATING: 3/5

Movie Review: The Prince of Egypt

I am writing this after a fortnight so I am sure to miss out on many many details.

I wish I watched this on the big screen. Believe me, I tried to catch it when it released but for some reason I can't recall now I missed it. If people think it is an animated film and probably not worth watching on the big screen then they could not be further from the truth.

1. 'The Prince of Egypt' has a huge canvas. There are so many wonderful visuals in this film which would definitely look massive on a big screen.

a. The chariot race through which Moses and Rameses are introduced.
b. The parting of the sea.
c. A particular scene during the parting of the sea when a whale (or some really big fish) is seen in the parted water.
d. The scene where the sea comes together.

2. The face of Moses is unforgettable. A clear face without any guile. Maybe it is my innocence or gullibility that made me look for such a face for such a character. I agree the bias does help but I am sure the artists kept Moses' appearance in mind.

3. The songs are very melodious as always in any animated feature film. But in this movie they blend into the genre. The music is not too loud. It is calm. Except maybe one, in Rameses' court.

A very steady tale with no sudden ups and downs in the pace. The dubbing is great, Val Kilmer sounds so calm. But is it touching? It can be if you want it to. 'The Prince of Egypt' relies on you to have some faith and belief beforehand.

RATING: 3/5

Movie Review: Amruthavarshini

Kannada movies have the advantage of starting out as an underdog. No one expects a lot from them. Even the biggest hit last year 'Mungaru Male' does not feature in my book of good movies. My wife recommends the Kannada movies we watch and the last one was a total wash out. However, 'Amruthavarshini' surprised me.

1. The story is not entirely new. To me it is character of Ramesh Arvind, his performance and Suhasini's acting that make this moves what it is.

a. The character of Abhi makes the movie what he is. Abhi, from what I understand, suffers from an inferiority complex. He is so low on confidence that he hardly speaks, stutters when he is lying and his hands shake when he knows he is not in the right. The fact that he hardly ever speaks does not give away his intentions so the murder he commits comes a surprise. It is at this point that the movie takes you on.

b. Acting accolades for Ramesh Arvind and Suhasini are richly deserved. Ramesh puts in a memorable performance as the low-on-confidence Abhishek Bharadwaj. Suhasini keeps the first half of the film alive with her gusto and witty lines while the second half brings out the exact opposite face of her character. I am not sure if they won awards for their performances but I hope they did.

2. Barring the first ten minutes, where the couple exchange recorded messages, and climax where Suhasini speaks for a while the movie is not over dramatised. The direction and editing are first rate. After Abhi commits the murder the pace is steady and does not falter.

3. I didn't like the way Dr. Vimala's court case was used to bring out the interest in the camera. I felt that was lame. It was too direct! Once everyone had forgotten about the camera one just wonders how it will be introduced again. To introduce it the way it was didn't earn any points for imagination. But in the bigger picture it didn't matter much so it was not a big deal.

4. Most songs are melodious with the very first song being the best in the set.

CONCLUSION: My wife redeemed herself after the 'Guru Shishyaru' fiasco. A charming film this one.

RATING: 3.5/5

Movie Review: The Killing

1. I liked the non-linear style of storytelling here. To be frank, till yesterday I believed it was something the became popular after 'Pulp Fiction'. It works more in the second half than the first half when the heist is actually in operation.

2. Time is not wasted on building characters as only the important are focused upon. I liked this idea. Not a reel is wasted!

3. The narration is very effective in helping the viewer through the non-linear plot. I don't like thinking every few minutes after a scene change to figure where the story is now.

4. Never heard of Sterling Hayden before? Doesn't matter! His no-nonsense style of mouthing his lines is just perfect for this film. He displays no emotions and is to the point which are perfect qualities for mastermind of the heist.

5. If this movie were to be made today then stuff like technology, over characterization and unnecessary exploitation of women would have hindered the flow of the film. Not here though. I like this James Hadley Chase style of storytelling. Wearing clown masks during the robbery was enough. Every single gun to be used in the operation had to be planned for. One could drive through town with a couple of million dollars in bag made of cloth. The same money could become checked-in baggage while flying a airplane. Such simple but exciting heists so convincing shown make me believe a few men with guile would be enough for a robbery unlike the planning and execution of a modern 'Swordfish' or 'Ocean's Eleven'.

5. The pace of the film has to be credited. It builds up and carries till the last scene. The intensity just goes up, up and up till the credits roll.

6. At 83 minutes this is as taut as it can get. Absolutely no slack here.

7. Two doubts I had during the movie,

a. What's the purpose of the old man asking Hayden to come with him after the robbery?

b. What was he doing loitering around the bar during the operation? I thought he was supposed to stay at home. Was it to distract us into thinking he'd be the one to foil the plot?

RATING: 4/5

Movie Review (NOT!): It Happened One Night

I should seen this coming. Sometimes it pays to know a little of the story before actually watching it. Not that I didn't like this film, I quite enjoyed it. It was just that some of the ideas in this film I have come across in Bollywood movies.

How does one hitch a ride? The 'thumb rule' clearly is no match for Claudette Colbert's (or should I say Pooja Bhatt's!) legs.

Peter Warne takes a married Ellie Andrews to her husband. Aamir Khan's character too does it in a movie.

I have delayed this review by almost a week to try and review this movie in isolation. But I just can't do it! I give up. 'Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin' is a remake of this film. I liked that film the first time I saw it. In all probability I'd have liked this if I'd seen it earlier.

Movie Review: Halla Bol

When making a movie with a message the message by itself is as important as the execution. The message by itself is the problem of a very well executed 'Halla Bol'.

1. Pankaj Kapur turns in a riveting performance. This is his movie. Watch him tackle his former mate and some goons to save a chick. And then watch him in his 'nukkad nataks'.

2. OSO took us inside Bollywood. But we all know it is not as nice a place as it was made out to be. It has a dark side. I guess that was what this movie was meant to bring out to the public. But this film does not achieve that. Although it starts in that direction it diverts to the oft repeated theme that a bystander can't claim he or she is innocent.

3. Typical Raj Kumar Santoshi movie. He is in his elements here.

4. Vidya Balan is wasted.

5. The main plus with this film is that it has no songs. Oh! I think it has one song but it didn't really hurt me.

A well intended and well executed film which works only as a well executed film.

RATING: 3/5

Movie Review: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

1. Memorable Scenes:

a. The look on John Candy's face when Steve Martin tells him how irritating his conversation is.

b. John Candy speaking to himself when he is left out in the cold.

c. Steve Martin laughing when their rented car is burning.

2. Both the actors give hilarious performances.

But what is this movie about? For sure it is more than comedy. I can sense it. But I was not able to understand it rightly, I think. Well, there is one guy who has his life planned and everything out of the plan does not work well with him. In contrast there is another guy who has friends all over and can get out of any situation. The movie explores the situation when circumstances bring them together for a couple of days. Beyond that I don't see anything else. To me it's a hilarious movie, no doubt, and nothing more.

RATING: 3/5

Movie Review: Life in a ..... Metro

Two weeks after having seen the film is probably not the best time to write a review. But who cares? I will give it shot.

I remember:

1. Sharman Joshi's track was a total let-down. I watched 'The Apartment' not too long ago and it is not a movie one forgets in a hurry. Moreover, that meant Kay-Kay Menon's track was also lost. Although I appreciate their wonderful performances the tracks could not keep me interested.

2. Why was Dharmendra and Nafisa Ali's track in the film? Is it to remind us that even at old age we need someone? And was it also to tell us that we should keep our promises to our loved ones? I thought this track was unnecessary.

3. For once we didn't have characters from different stories coming together. It was a movie which had stories which had people from different walks of life and stayed that way. Their paths were not forced to cross. Moreover, the flow of the film was very very smooth. Transitions from one track to the other were deftly handled. So the Anurag Basu did a great job of directing and writing this movie.

4. Great performance by the entire cast. Simply superb! Every actor and every star carries his or her own baggage. Kind of rare in a film like this.

5. Songs deserve a special mention. They are great.

RATING: 3/5

Movie Review: Raiders of the Lost Ark

I have to open this entry with expectations I had from this film. I recently watched the new one in the theater and then saw 'Temple of Doom' and 'The Last Crusade' on T.V. Did I love 'The Last Crusade'! Some adventure! Brilliant! Clues taking one to various places punctuated with comedy and action, not to forget the conditions under which Junior is sent after the Grail. All these memories I will treasure for life.

But this is supposedly the best of the series. More than that, it is supposedly one of the best films ever made. In my opinion, 'The Last Crusade' is the best of the series but because this is the first in the series people remember it more fondly.

1. My problem with the movie is pretty straightforward. Jones finds the Ark of the Covenant in sixty minutes or so. What happens after that is not very difficult to see. The fun is almost over once the Ark is packed and sealed, only some action remains.

2. There are several smart scenes and ideas in the film. The monkey business, snakes, the fight on the plane and the one on the streets of Cairo. I have seen them so many times before, Spielberg plays with action in virtually every film of his. Nevertheless it was fun this time, like always.

3. Harrison Ford settled into Jones' shoes as early as the first part in the series. This is what I noticed watching 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'.

4. The part of the movie after Marion is picked up by Jones till their escape from the chamber of snakes is great! It's the portion after that which was very predictable.

RATING: 3/5

Movie Review: Grindhouse

When directors venture out to deliberately make bad movies what happens. This is the question 'Grindhouse' answers. However, I must admit that I have not seen any exploitation movies and first heard of grindhouses through this film.

1. PLANET TERROR

Now this is a bad movie. As bad as it can get. Now I like action movies and was expecting this to be my favorite among the two films. Sadly it is not as good as Tarantino's 'Death Proof'

a. I like both babes. That's one of the reasons they were picked for this film. Exploitation cinema is about babes.

b. The action was not my type at all. There was more of gore and bloating humans than I like. It's not scary and it is not funny. So on this front it is was not worth anything.

c. The story is absolutely pointless. It's exactly how it was supposed to be, I guess. The small stuff about the recipe, the engagement ring, the missing leg replaced with a gun and Tarantino's appearance were funny. Meaningless people popping in and out. Stupid! And that's exactly how it is to be, right?

d. I watched this on DVD (and 'Death Proof' too) and lost interest many a time. It was too long, 105 minutes.

e. If there were any references I probably missed them.

Full marks to the idea but that doesn't make-up for the bad story. I feel something better (or worse, if that's what people want to call it) was easily achievable.

RATING: 2/5

2. Death Proof

It was probably the best idea in this movie to have Tarantino's film as the second one.

1. Tarantino is an expert at writing dialogues, especially conversations over a meal. I can't forget the conversation in 'Reservoir Dogs' when the gang is having breakfast (or was it lunch?). 'Death Proof' is filled with great conversations between the women. It's crazy for sure but it is engaging. I don't remember this happening in any of the other movies I have seen. Long conversationg keeping me occupied and those same conversations not adding to the story.

2. The story is good. In fact, it is great! It is so engaging! I could not believe someone could write such a story. It is stupid, I know many will say this. One can say the story in one sentence but the way the film treats it is brilliant. I can't put it in words but I will try. The conversations, the performances, the reference to 'Vanishing Point' and the action are all our of this world. When I say that one should understand that though it is 'Planet Terror' that pretends to take us into the surreal it is 'Death Proof' that actually accomplishes that by staying true to our world. 'Death Proof' is written in such a way that one does not realize, at least I didn't, as to who the good people are. It does not give a clue as to who is going to win, who is going to lose. That is one of the winning points in this film.

3. Kurt Russel has probably given the perforance of his life. I'd written him off as a non-actor until 'Death Proof'. This is a masterly performance. Why did he not get an Oscar nomination at least? I almost felt like giving it to him last night when I was watching it.

4. The action here is stupendous? Technically superb? I can't say. Why? It is because the suspense in the final car chase is unbelievable. Most of the time I am watching action I am in awe of the technical brilliance but here I was taken on a ride and didn't know what would happen. Will Stuntman Mike win once again like he always does? I will not forget this as long as I live.

5. All the girls have acted superbly. I am not going to talk about looks here because when performances are first-rate appearances don't count. Each and everyone of them is brilliant in the roles assigned.

6. I didn't understand more than ten sentences in the conversation between the two cops when Stuntman Mike is in the hospital. Does it matter? I didn't bother to rewind and try to understand what they said. I just went with the flow. Just like Tarantino would have wanted me to.

7. For me this is a stand alone film. I am reviewing it like that even though it is under 'Grindhouse'. Moreover, if this film were inspired from some other film I have no clue. Some say it is similar to 'Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!' but I have not seen or heard of it.

Great movie!

RATING: 5/5

GRINDHOUSE RATING: (2+5)/(5+5) = 3.5/5

Movie Review: Good Night, and Good Luck

Arguably one of the best movies of this decade. George Clooney is much better director than actor, in my opinion. I thought of him as a regular star with his Batman, Ocean's Eleven and Twelve, 'Intolerable Cruelty' etc. But behind the scenes is where his strength lies.

1. Outstanding timing for the film's release. Won't elaborate on that.

2. Senator McCarthy as himself from original video footage is a great idea. The scenes involving him are very powerful. In fact, they are so strong that if they were shot with an actor I'd be thinking it was dramatized.

3. There are no scenes outside the office. No family for the characters, no wasting time building relationships, no crap. Straight into the story.

4. David Strathairn delivers a riveting performance. I have not seen Edward Murrow or his show so I don't know if Strathairn bears any resemblance in looks or mannerisms. But his performance looks very studied and researched. I am quite confident that the real Edward Murrow behaved much the same way as Strathairn portrays him. A very purposeful performance.

5. I could not understand related the track of Downey Jr. and the problem with being married to a fellow collegue. What was that? How was it related to the tale?

6. Clooney gives a good acting performance too.

7. The direction is great. I say thing because the movie nevel loses its pace. At 93 minutes it makes very very compelling viewing.

A must-watch!

RATING: 4/5

Star Wars Episodes 1-6

This saga needs no introduction. I have seen them as a baby, as a kid, as a teenager and now I have decided to see them all once again. When I watched them earlier I was more interested in the special effects and the action. This time I want to see it more closely. Moreover, I have seen the newer episodes around the time they were released and have now forgotten the old ones.

EPISODE 1: THE PHANTOM MENACE

This has been long pending. I watched this movie on Monday and it is now Thursday evening as I write this. All through the film I was excited but the end didn't go well with me. To tell you the truth I just had to take a few seconds to remember the end of the film. As I was watching this, for the second time, I was only thinking of how a story has been woven around the discovery of Anakin Skywalker. This story seems like a 'filler' to me. But that was always going to be a challenge. Lucas must have known it when he decided to make these prequels. If one looks at this film in isolation it does make entertaining viewing.

The whole concept of 'a galaxy far, far away' is great. Those words which every film of this franchise starts with tells us we are going to another world. Those words by themselves stir emotions. I vividly recall the thrill of watching the villain with heavy breaths in a dark and scary suit. Add to that the swords which shone like tube-lights. It was fun when I was a kid and is fun when I watch it today. These are the emotions 'a galaxy far, far away' stirs in me.

My memories of this film will be two. Firstly, Jake Lloyd. Secondly, the pod race. The rest of the film is lost to me today.

The story moves. It keeps moving. The way it moves one gets a feeling that it will be endless. It just gives me a feeling that nothing has been achieved. The characters don't evolve in the film. It's a pity.

On the bright side, this is a movie about special effects. It is a movie about engaging sci-fi action. At least on that front it doesn't disappoint. The action was engaging enough. That was enough to make it a joy ride for me.

FINAL NOTE: Too many characters and constantly moving story line interspesed with wonderful action in great sceneries can be fun. Nothing more.

RATING: 3/5

EPISODE 2: ATTACK OF THE CLONES

This episode was much the same stuff. Anakin Skywalker has grown up. The love angle is baffling but I took it in. My wife still can't buy the love angle. The action once again is great. This is the sole good point of the film.

RATING: 3/5

EPISODE 3: REVENGE OF THE SITH

Now we are talking about a great movie. This is a movie, man! This movie had a purpose and a sense of urgency. The earlier episodes didn't. We had to wait over four hours for Anakin Skywalker to make contact with 'the dark side' and supposed to enjoy the adventures he had before meeting the Sith lord.

The best one so far is this one. Clearly there is no doubt in that.

RATING: 4/5

EPISODE 4: A NEW HOPE

Yes! There actually is a new hope. After the first two episodes things picked up in the third and there is actually hope in the fourth installment.

Why this movie is better than the new ones:

1. Fewer characters in this film have been better exploited towards better characterization. There's Luke Skywalker who will of course become a Jedi because Obi-Wan is getting old for this. He has a motive to fight this war. Then there is Leia who has to be rescued. Check out Han Solo is as human as it can get, he does not believe in the 'force', wants money to clear his debts and is trying to pick a fight with Leia and flirting with her at the same time! Then there's Darth Vader, surrounded with technical geniuses, who still believes and is trying to enforce the power of the 'force'. Finally, the duo of C-3P0 and R2-D2 keeps he laughs coming. Oh and wait! Who can forget Chewbacca?

2. The memorable parts of this film are when the gang on Death Star. Leia has to be rescued by the two heroes, Obi-Wan has to turn off a power supply somewhere while C-3P0 and R2-D2 have adventures of their own. The humour more than the special effects is what I will remember this episode for.

3. Han Solo and Luke Skywalker become friends. I liked that. Some comraderie won't hurt in the later episodes I guess. This was missing in the three earlier episodes. I didn't feel strongly for any relations.

4. What's Luke doing trying to impress Leia? I don't get it yet.

RATING:4/5

EPISODE 5: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

The highlight of the movie has to be Darth Vader telling Luke Skywalker who Luke's father is. Unfortunately, the whole world knows it already irrespective of whether the person has seen a single one of the episodes. Now I can understand why this particular episode worked, apart from of course the really special effects.

1. The story in this film has nothing to offer for someone who is watching it from the first episode and reached the fifth in not too long a time gap. I understand this angle of judgment takes me away from how the audience viewed this film at the time of its release. So I am willing to overlook this.

2. The special effects in this film are far superior to 'A New Hope'. Things start to look a little like they did in the first three installments. Lando's city (or whatever it is) gives a feeling of deja vu, the lightsaber looks better and the space wars look better.

3. Yoda is almost incomprehensible. I wonder why it's so. He speaks so clearly in the first three episodes but back in the early days his diction is horrible. Is he going senile? Why does Luke have to carry him on his back?

4. Leia's fickle mindedness is almost irritating. I know Luke is her twin. That's the problem with watching this series from the beginning.

I should have enjoyed it more but I like 'A New Hope' very much. Although the special effects were not as good as in this film it had life. It was made as though it was for kids, Han returning to save Luke. I liked it. The fun is missing in this one.

RATING: 3/5

EPISODE 6: RETURN OF THE JEDI

Movie Review: The Age of Innocence

With Martin Scorsese calling the shots I was expecting a typical film. Slow start leading to a tense finish. But what's this? We have a neat little love story here.

OBSERVATIONS:

1. Firstly, it is a simple little tale. A straight-forward love story, which surprises me. It's a Scorsese film. It's a charming surprise though. Charming by Hollywood measures. In Bollywood this kind of a story would not be out of place.

2. I failed to understand why so many characters were introduced at the start of the film. The story involved just three people!

3. I can't understand any of the acting nominations from this film. Everyone does a decent job but the performances are not powerful. Maybe I am wrong in my opinion about acting nominations. What do they look for in an acting performance? Do they look for performances true to the script? If that is so then not a single person goes out of bounds.

4. Now most of the shooting is indoors. So the period feel had to come from the costumes and the language. Both of which are of high degree. On looking into IMDB I realized that it won the Oscar for best costumes and I am not surprised.

5. Even though it is the story of three people almost every frame has Daniel-Day Lewis in it. In fact, the tale makes us sympathize with his character.

6. I loved the conspiracy of sending Michelle Pfeiffer's to Europe. The subtlety and class with high society people do things was the best part of the film for me.

7. MY INTERPRETATION: WHY DOES NEWLAND NOT MEET THE COUNTESS AT THE END? I had a simple feeling. Just like he gave Olenska a chance to turn around once he was waiting for her to reveal herself to him once again. That didn't happen and he walked off.

RATING: 3/5

Movie Review: Awara

I have seen three movies today and have time to squeeze in one more. I added the run time of all these movies it turned out to be a staggering 12 hours. One of them was "Lawrence of Arabia". What a way to spend the Sunday, huh?

But when the movies are good how can I complain? Of the three I have seen so far I have liked 'Awara' the most. Okay! Agreed I am Indian and can identify more with my world. No questioning loyalties here.

This film was made in 1951. Keeping that in mind I have to mention things that surprise me old movies like this, 'Pyaasa', 'Kaagaz Ke Phool', 'Devdas' etc. are:

1. The story makes compelling viewing even today. While watching 'Awara' not once do we get a feeling that we are watching a dated story. That's the power of cinema that deals with human emotions. These emotions don't change!

2. Rita is a modern woman even by today's standards. She has a career ahead, has a head of her own with a heart in the right place. Very good performance by Nargis. Very pretty too.

3. See her in a swimsuit and then speak of all the hype about Bipasha Basu in 'Dhoom 2'. The scenes were cleanly done in this movie. It was shot naturally. I mean swimming in a swimsuit is natural. It need not be highlighted with close-up views of flesh! It is our thoughts that have changed. That too for the worse.

Particularly to this movie:

1. Apart from one song, the title track, I didn't like the rest. This is unusual as I have enjoyed the music in all RK films.

2. All three Kapoors have acted well.

3. Nargis is great!

4. The story is comparable to 'Pyaasa'. Even though the outline plot has been beaten to death the things in between have been well managed. For example, the way Jagga is got rid of, the case that is fought, how Raj transforms. Raj actually transforms twice, maybe more, wants to be good, steals the necklace, wants to be good again, murders Jagga and is ready to murder his father. I liked it.

Great movie! Better than what I expected for sure.

RATING: 4/5

Movie Review: Good Morning, Vietnam

My brother and a friend have been singing praises of this film for a long time now. So my expectations with this film were fairly high.

CONFESSION: I had tried watching this film once before but failed. I was tired that day and slept after forty-five minutes. My brother made me regret that decision for a long time and today was my chance.

It is more than fair to say that the Oscar nomination for Robin Williams is richly deserved. This performance is typical Williams in parts and not typical Williams in the rest. We see him doing his stuff over the radio and then the other side when he is off it.

I can't help but compare it to 'Good Night, and Good Luck'. It is similar! We have Williams' character trying to get the real news on air while Murrow is having public trials of Senator McCrathy. We have not seen this in India. These films and others, like 'V for Vendetta', try to mock the government. I am not even sure if this would be approved of in India. Remember how 'Rang De Basanti' was cleared by the IAF prior to its release?

GMV {Bruno Kirby's character loves acronyms!} is a simple movie. Almost toned down. But then it is not supposed to be hard-hitting. Maybe it is because this is the story of an experience a 'funny-man'.

What will I remember from this movie?

1. The long commercial breaks that interrupt short intervals of actual film.

2. Forest Whitaker as the lovable sidekick. In many ways this movie is as much of how his character evolves as Williams' character.

3. I can't forget the characterization of Lt. Steven Hauk. Kirby does a fantastic job! This is my favorite character in the film. He does not change in the film. He can't be changed. Demanding respect and belief that humor is formulaic, can anyone beat that?

RATING: 3/5

Movie Review: Lawrence of Arabia

This is my first break into this film. Have seen one hour of the movie. Some observations so far,

1a. By the 'looks' of things so far it appears the visuals are going to transport me into the war between the Arabs and the Turks. Absolutely stunning visuals! When I watched 'Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace' I was taken in by the world it created. I'd have to say the same here. Except in this film it is all real whereas in George Lucas' films it was all CGI.

1b. One hour into this film the beautiful desert with the sand flying from the top of the dunes. The flying sand looks like steam coming off something hot and that again reminded me of how hot it actually was out there in the desert.

1c. Omar Sharif's entry will be memorable. It almost appears like he floated from the horizon to reach Lt. Lawrence and his guide. Beautiful!

2. The story so far has been great. I don't know the history behind this. However, I do know it is having the war as its backdrop. So this particular story is new to me. After an hour Lt. Lawrence and his fifty men have just taken off for Aqaba.

Looking forward to the rest of the film.

I have another hour of the film to go. My wife needed a break and frankly so did I. My views so far,

1. Very elaborate film. All trips across the deserts have got plenty of video time. There is a lot of focus on faces, especially Peter O'Toole's. Can't forget the scenes after Daud is lost in quicksand.

2. Lawrence's acceptance of liking killing was another surprising scene. Especially after his superior reads out his character, loves music and literature. So big turn around there.

3. The American angle, I should have seen that coming. It's a Hollywood movie, right?

4. I recognized Anthony Quinn as Auda. It took me a long time. I had seen him in some film, I kept telling myself but could not remember. Finally, I was not able to remember his name but could remember the face from 'Last Action Hero' {I loved that movie as a kid!}.

Have to get back and finish the final leg of the movie.

Finally! It's over. We started watching it at nine in the morning and at two in the afternoon it's finally over. A highly rated movie. If I'd not seen it now I probably would have never seen it. Final thoughts:

1. Noteworthy performances from Omar Sharif and Anthony Quinn, especially the latter. His mannerisms are commendable and more so his appearance. In my opinion this movie isn't about the acting.

2. Story kept me reasonably occupied. The first half moves pretty quickly. Upto the last hour it is fine. However, the last bit didn't go very well with me. But that's my opinion. I personally feel that a film's closure is very very important. But the end can be seen coming, it is very logical and is as must have happened.

CONCLUSIONS:

1. For me the movie is about the landscapes. It's about the visuals it treats the viewer to. Although this movie is old it is not dated. All the while I was watching this film I was thinking how it'd be in a cinema hall.

2. After watching CGI wars these days in movies it was great watching people fight their own wars.

3. I notice that the movie has little dialogue. I don't know what to make of it though. Maybe it is the focus on the desert which is intentionally done.

4. I like my movies to have some 'masala'. I understand this is adapted from Lawrence's writings. But there are movies based on real life which are entertaining, 'Good Night, and Good Luck', 'The Aviator' and 'Goodfellas'. As far as entertainment is concerned this movie has little of it. But then I suppose this was not meant to be an entertainer. Fair enough.

RATING: 3/5

Movie Review: Race

Trust this director-duo were great in the 90s. Although I am not a big fan of 'Baazigar' I can't help but accept that it was enjoyable. 'Khiladi' was one cool movie! What's wrong with these guys now?

FAULTS:

1. 'Dhoom' and 'Dhoom 2' lookalike. This similarity can't be missed. It looks so much like 'Dhoom 2'. It is made in the same style. Bipasha Basu almost does a bikini routine again, actors dress like in 'Dhoom 2' and action is forced into the film. Nothing fits!

2. It's a cool story. I have no hassles in accepting that. In fact, the first half of the movie sets up the plot nicely. But there are way too many twists and turns in the second half. Most of them are expected. The second half just falls apart with everything either predictable or plain stupid.

3. It's that time in Bollywood where you have to be true to your film and to your audience. Why make a thriller and then force songs into them? One song at the start would have been passable but all the others don't merit a place. Worse news, the songs are not good either.

I can go on with this. But I will stop here.

RATING: 2/5

Movie Review: Aamir

In the last ten years or so we have been offered some hope that Bollywood is headed in the right direction. It all began with Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Hyderabad Blues'. Filmmakers suddenly became aware of an 'intelligent' audience. Although it is not one of my favorites it is considered a landmark film. This feeling has become even stronger in the last two or three years with 'Black Friday', 'TZP', 'Johnny Gaddaar'. 'Rang De Basanti' and such films. 'Aamir' is the new addition to that list.

There are plenty of unforgettable things in this movie. As I have been out of touch with Bollywood for the last six months the first thing to strike me was the music. Superb! When one is watching a film like this good music is the last thing that we are looking for. The English song at the start set the bar which never dropped in this film. Every song is great!

"Aamir" plays out as a thriller. Although it does get a little boring after about 75 minutes the end more than makes up for it. Great story and direction by the debutant Raj Kumar Gupta. Very commendable to start out with a movie like this in Bollywood. I have mention that 99% of the viewers are going to know what the movie is about in the first two minutes which isn't great for a thriller. However, it's the treatment and the end that keep us riveted to our seats.

The dialogues are great. The actors mouthing them have done a good job too. Add to this the fact that the two protagonists of the film never meet. The film hardly shows the villian's face!

I remember being in Mumbai when blasts ripped through at various place in railway stations. Back then the bombers were supposedly guys like Aamir Ali. Thus, relevance is the first point we'll notice as the movie ends. Full marks for this, an extra star in the rating reflects this.

Finally, the length of the film makes it a winner. At 104 minutes with great editing it is near perfect.

RATING: 4/5

Thoughts on "Corpse Bride"

It's been a long list of Tim Burton movies at my place. It's no secret by now that I love him.

First thing to strike one about the film is afterlife is the place to be. The living don't seem to enjoy life in this movie. It's the dead. Why would Victor come to the world of living? It'd be a great life if Victoria were to make it to the other side!

In particular I can think of two scenes involving the 'corpse bride' which were great. One when she is introduced, it is scary and immediately she is like a girl who needs love. Then the one in Victoria's room which is again scary and then she is upset once is back on the other side. I have seen scenes where they make you laugh and cry but here they the scenes scare you and then move you. It was a different experience for me.

In an era where we see computer generated flicks it is nice to see something that is like this, stop-motion type.

Finally, this is different. Animated films tend to be very colorful and cheerful. This is dark. Almost like it was made for adults. I am sure kids will be scared at some points in the film.

RATING: 3/5

Feder Vs. Nadal, "Analyze This"

Now I don't know much about watching tennis but I know a great match when I see one. I have been following tennis in the news for the last two and a half years. It all started around the time Sania Mirza picked up her game a little bit and made it to the fourth round, if I am not mistaken, of the Australian Open, once again I maybe wrong, to lose to one of the Williams sisters. Ever since I have made it a point to follow the grand slams in the news. Like I said, I don't watch the sport but with all the hype surrounding this final I took the 'chance'.


The match was scheduled to start at six this morning. Thinking I'd give it some time to settle I woke up at quarter past six to see the match was just into the third game or so. I got through the 'motions' and switched on the T.V. to see that Nadal had breezed through the first set. Let me make it clear at this point that I am a Federer fan. I thought this would be a four setter and that Federer would win the next three sets, of course with some sweat. He even had a 4-1 lead in the second set only to lose it 6-4. The first two sets I was over the internet keeping an eye on the Asia Cup finals and finishing my review of 'Khuda Ke Liye' and started on 'Ed Wood'.

I watched the next two sets. I just had to. If Federer was going to lose, that too in straight sets, I just had to share his sorrow. Agreed I have been following this only in the news but I just love this guy. He was not doing too good. Would have probably lost if not for the rain interruption. It went to a tie breaker. Although the weather was gloomy the audience didn't let that permeate through into their enthusiasm. It was not magic, that was saved for the fourth set, but Federer survived another set. The fourth set too went by with the players not giving an inch. Because at that level if an inch is given a mile is generally stolen. Knowing this would happen I took a break to have bath. On return the match was headed for a tie breaker.

At this point I have to make a confession. I didn't exactly know how tie breakers work. I was not sure if the finish was at five or six or seven with a difference of two. Or if each player had one serve or two. You can now imagine how I must have felt when Nadal was on 4 and then went to 5. I was on the edge of my seat. Nothing surprising. The guy I was rooting for was almost down. But it was time for magic. Federer took the next five points and took the match to the final set, saving two championship points on the way.

I think there was another rain interruption somewhere at noon. I wanted to wait for the match but I had something scheduled. 'Analyze This' was on T.V.. It's not a great movie, I know that. But I had been trying to watch it for a long time. It had Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal, a pair I had not seen on T.V.. So I started watching this. It seemed like my lucky day it was on a channel which had plenty of commercial breaks which helped me keep an eye on the final at Wimbledon. Apart from the performances of these two great actors there was nothing much in the film. We have seen mafia movies before but this time it is packaged in a supposedly funnier reel. The only problem is that I could see most of the unfolding in my head a few minutes before it played out on T.V.. That usually means something is not working in the film. But to be fair, It was okay. That's it. (RATING: 2.5/5)

Every commercial break I'd change to the final. The final set went just like the last two sets. It was 6-6 and this time there would be no tie-breaker. I should have seen it coming. No tie-breaker would have, in all probabilities, lead to a win for Nadal. After all, Federer's record in tie-breaks was outstanding and today his record with break points was miserable. It just had to against Federer. I didn't see that coming though. The last shot Federer was a summary of the day's play for me. He hit it hard. But it went straight into the net. I understand it was off his forehand, unlike many of his other unforced errors which were off the backhand, but that was Federer today. However, he showed what champions are made of. Coming back from 2-0 he went down fighting.

Nadal broke Federer's run on grass. It had to happen. He kept giving himself so many chances by playing well and making it to the finals for the last two years. He simply had to win it sometime. I don't mean to say he got lucky. But this is my belief. Failure is not a reason to stop. If you try again you chances of success are that much higher. And that's why I keep saying that Federer will win the French Open once for sure. He keeps coming to the final. Moreover, Nadal has now shown him that no player ever owns a trophy. The trophy finally goes to a deserving winner.

SOME OBSERVATIONS:

1. The behaviour of both players was an example to the Australian cricket team, Harbhajan Singh and Santakumaran. It looked like a match from the 1990s. The players were so subdued. To see Federer chat with Nadal at the customary hand shake over the net at the end and his reaction to the defeat was a pleasant surprise. Nadal too knows his place and didn't go over the top with his celebrations.

2. For quite some time now I have believed it is cinema and literature that can keep give you goosebumps, make you laugh, make you cry and get inspired. But I have slowly but surely begun to realize that it is in sport too. In sport there are no genre like in literature and cinema. It's all there in one match. Nothing looks out of place as it often does on screen or in text. It all fits in. No one can write scripts like those written in real sporting events.

3. I am not clear on how the 'challenge' thing works. Although I understand that each player is allowed three incorrect challenges I don't quite follow what happens when a rally is stopped mid-way for a challenge. I will have to find that out.

4. There was a lot of talk of whether it was the best final at Wimbledon. I don't quite know. I have read and heard of Sampras and Rafter playing into the twilight. It happened again today.

5. While watching the match on T.V. I was not half as cool as two players on center court. Having seen cricket for so many years it was the first time I was exposed to such tension. While in cricket it all builds up over a period of time here it is from the first serve. And today it went over the top with the match lasting as long as it did. It was a different experience for me.

6. This is perhaps my most important observation. My experience with following sports has been purely through cricket and off late I have been following F-1 and tennis. In the other two sports it has alway been easy to pick the one I support. Raikkonen was an easy choice last year as he was the only good guy. Australia can never be my choice as they are the eternal bad guys. But in this final both the guys were good guys. Many people pick their favorites on skill but I give equal importance to character. Both Nadal and Federer are great players and are well behaved. I support Federer. So, when someone tells me he or she supports Nadal I have nothing to say against him. This has not happened to me before.

Movie Review: Ed Wood

Tim Burton again! The last ten days or so have taken me through many movies by Tim Burton, 'Big Fish', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', this movie and 'Corpse Bride'. I will be writing about 'Corpse Bride' soon. As I have mentioned earlier I like Tim Burton and I liked all these movies. With 'Ed Wood' considered his best movie I knew I'd like it. It was only about how much I'd like it.

PREPARATION FOR THE MOVIE: This is a biopic and it's about the 'worst director of all time'. Even though I claim to follow cinema very closely I could not claim I had heard of Edward D. Wood, Jr. before hearing of this film. So I did read him up on Wikipedia. Before watching the film I knew about 'Glen or Glenda' and 'Plan 9 from Outer Space'. In fact, I knew more than the movie covers.

STORY: The movie speaks of his early struggle and his friendship with Bela Lugosi. So it covers just the first three movies he has made, 'Glen or Glenda' and 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' being two of them. It'd be better to say it covers the twilight days of Lugosi.

ACTING: i knew Martin Landau won an Oscar for his performance and was definitely looking forward to scenes involving him. Johnny Depp himself is very very good. Bill Murray has only a few minutes but is noticeable.

JUST SOME THOUGHTS:

1. The treatment. Ed Wood is the worst director of all time. But this movie gives a new angle with which to view him. It almost praises him! Although it is hard to imagine that with such enthusiasm he should fail so miserably. I can't understand that. What did we learn all out lives? If you love what you do you succed, right? Why does Ed Wood fail? I don't understand.

2. Johnny Depp keeps the characer alive. In fact, it is easy to forget that Ed Wood is a failure. Depp's portrayal is of a man with endless self belief.

3. I like the end of some of Burton's movies. "Big Fish" has a very special ending and will stay with me forever. Likewise, here too the end is charming. 'This is it! I will be known by this film.' How can I forget these words? Immediately after that he goes off in the rain to get married. It is that time I felt sorry for Ed Wood. He seems like such a nice guy, at least in the film, that I didn't want him to fail. My wife who had not done the background reading before watching this film could not believe this was a biopic on the 'worst director ever'. That goes to show how lovable Burton's Ed Wood is.

RATING: 4/5

Movie Review: Khuda Ke Liye

I wanted to write this review carefully. That's because as far as I am concerned this is a great film. There is so much I want to write and I am afraid it will all get lost. So I am going to write this in points.

1. The narrative style, the way the music is put into this film and the cinematography reminds me a lot of Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu's "Babel". Stories switch just like they did in 'Babel'. The pace of the movie is very much like that too. I think the most striking resemblance is that one of the tales of 'Babel' involved Islamic people in backdrops similar to those seen in this movie. I loved 'Babel'. I love this.

2. The music is lovely. I sing "Allah! Allah!" at home all the time. Hey! I know those are the only two words in that song but I like it. The visuals associated with this background song in the movie flash in my mind every time I sing it. Even the two songs the brothers sing at the very beginning of the movie are melodious.

3. Both lead actors have performed. Especially the one who comes under the influence of the 'Maulana'. At the start they made it look like he'd be the hero of the film. Then all of a sudden he's doing all the wrong things! He hardly speaks after he is grown a beard but is lively before that. It maybe the script that gives me a feeling he is acting or it may just be him. Above all is the amazing acting by the 'Maulana'. If this character was not rightly cast and didn't act well the movie would not have been half the movie it is.

4. I like the way the story moves. It's a story of ordinary in today's times. I like that. Right at the start I got a feeling that this is going the traditional Bollywood way. In fact, on hearing good things about this movie I assumed it'd be along the lines of our movies. High on music, high on melodrama, high on exposure and all that has come as expected and accepted today. But this is truly a great movie! The movie starts with two big singers in Pakistan and this lead me to believe it'd be like any of the regular Bollywood stuff. Trust me, I was so surprised and so happy for that. I don't like movies that run too long unless they can really justify the length. 'Khuda Ke Liye' justifies it. Not once was I bored. But the real yardstick for this movie is not the fact that it help my interest, that's not tough as I know the backdrop enough. But it is my wife who is not aware of how terrorists are bred. She was hooked too. This is the winning point. To take a political story and make a movie which can be enjoyed even by people who are not totally into politics. Some movies don't even attempt this, many do and fail. But not this one.

5. Naseer Ud Din Shah's five minutes performance can't be under emphasised. In a movie that is 165 minutes long five minutes can be nothing. But this is something. This is also a good time to mention the characterization in this film. It has a good number of characters. All get introduced in the first half hour or so. Then they keep coming back. It works very well in this movie as we some English, Americans, lots of Pakistanis and a Sikh. All of them very much in the script.

6. Both leading ladies are very pretty. Generally, I would not have mentioned this but I thought I'd do it this time. I liked them both!

RATING: 5/5

Movie Review: Devdas (1955)

This is a oft remade and oft told tale. The references in our lives can't be ignored. All in all this is a movie which will have to carry the burden of impressing viewers even after they know the story. Not many films can carry this burden. Devdas does.

I have known Bimal Roy as the director who lost out. It was just last year when I was reading an article in a newspaper where one of Roy's relations was trying to get people to notice his work. I agree his work has been noticed but that person's argument was that Bimal Roy had never been put on the same pedestal as Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor. My expectations from this movie were pretty high. Bimal Roy's best is supposedly 'Do Bigha Zameen' but this movie is not concerned less either.

For a storyline that's very simple the length I noticed, before start, was 160 minutes. Quite long I told myself. I braced myself for a slow film. Surprisingly the first 100-120 minutes are quite fast. Obviously, that was great! The movie dipped a little after that for about half an hour after the which the end, which is very very famous, was just a formality. I felt certain portions of the film in that half hour were unnecessarily stretched. Purely my opinion.


If there has ever been a list of best acting performances of all time in Bollywood then Dilip Kumar as Devdas has to be pretty high on that list. This is a super performance. Scene that will stay with me forever: Dilip Kumar is angry but his way of showing anger is very very different. He does not shout yet we know he is angry and will lose control any second. The scar on Suchitra Sen is the result of his anger.

I also liked the idea that Paro is the brave one and Devdas the coward. She makes her way to his room at two in the morning and tells him she loves him. Simply brillaint! I can't remember a better scene in cinema at the moment. The scene just before this one, where she tells her friend of her plan to tell Devdas, set the tone for her character.

However, I didn't understand why Devdas chooses to drink himself to death in a train. I think I missed something there. Was I supposed to feel that train was taking him to his death? Or was there something else there?

RATING: 3.5/5