Monday, February 13, 2006

Wind will carry us


This was my second Iranian movie, what intrigues me about foreign flicks is the concept. To read the story you can check this link.
I loved this movie, it has a earthy flavor with realism at best.

Iqbal



WOW! What a movie
A truly triumph of the human spirit, a heart warmer and a BIG winner all the way. Nagesh Kukunoor is an inspiration for all the wannabee film directors. Subhas Ghai has found his band of filmmakers and you can surely expect "classy" product coming out of the mukta arts banner, watch out only if Mr.Ghai takes the hot seat.
Coming to IQBAL, this was one good movie I have seen in many years, Shreyas Talpade as Iqbal rocks, Shweta Prasad as khadija and Naseer as Mohit gives a effortless mind pleasing performance. The winning script talks of a deaf and dumb village simpleton's dream to play for the Indian cricket team.
If you haven't yet watched this movie , GRAB it!!!!!!
Another big feather on Nagesh's CAP.

Rang De Basanti


When great minds come together you get to see products like "Rang De Basanti".Rakesh Omprakash Mehra's claim to fame was a box office disaster called "AKS", a poor copy of a hollywood block buster "face-off".With Rang De, not only he erased his previous failure but also made a BIG name with the Bollywood bigwigs.

Rang De Basanti colors the screen thru the eyes of a british journalist who's persistence in documenting her grandfather's journal sees charachters from the past inspiring a bunch of hopeless wanderers.

A movie cannot make everyone happy, Rang De also has its share of "script glitches" but this engaging movie will sway you extreme emotions, will make you cry and laugh and provoke you to be an Indian.

AR Rahman fills Rang De with youthful energy with his uplifting and fitting score, worthy of a mention are the title track by Daler & Chitra and Roobaroo by Naresh Iyer.

Rang de is an all out AAMIR movie, out of the world performance by this khan. Special mention is the scene where breaks down in front of Sue after the flight crash incident. Who ever did the casting for this movie deserves a BIG APPLAUSE. Everyone from Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Alice Patten, Siddharth, Madhavan, Soha Ali Khan, Anupam and Kiron Kher leaves their own mark inspite of Mr.Khan stupendous and realistic portrayal of "DJ".


A MUST MUST Watch on the BIG SCREEN.

Bluffmaster


Bluffmaster has fallen prey to its own campaign, a movie touted in the media as a comic caper had audience finding few laughs in real. A victim,I waited dearly for the tickle on this good effort gone vain. For a moment I thought Rohan got his ducks in a row, with a steller hip hop music video choreographed by the goddess Farah Khan "right here.right now" and a equally convincing star cast BUT it failed to "entertain" period.
I remember attending an ad seminar years back in Pune, the presenter had shared a great business insight - he said you will see great Ads but for some reason no one buys the products. Bluffmaster is a great example of that.

One final word : this movie is a far far better product than his previous effort " kuch na kaho"

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Constant Gardener


Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz starrer constant gardener is the story of a widower who is determined to get to the bottom of secret involving his wife's murder, big business, and corporate corruption. Both Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz is stellar in this political thriller.
Worth a watch.

Flight Plan


Jodi Foster scores in Flight Plan on this edge of the seat thriller about a mysterical disappearance of a lil girl mid air. Hollywoodish at the end, this movie is definitely Worth a watch.

I liked it.

Wah! life ho to aisi

All out children flick. Few funny moments, Sanjay Dutt rocks as the yamraj.
Passable!

Monday, January 30, 2006

Neal "N" Nikki


Cleavagexplosion.
That's what this movie is all about. You will also find unbearable and irritating Tanisha along with gayish Uday.
Mr> Chopra ,have you gone insane.........

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Apaharan


Prakash Jha made a solid impact with his debut effort "damul", In the last decade we saw mr.Jha transitioning into maintstream movies dishing out cinema representative of the perils of our society through realism. "Apaharan" narrates the recent spate of abduction and kidnapping that continues to terrorize a dilapidated Bihar. Mr. Jha's capability to handle sensitive topics is visible with Apaharan, the movie grips you thru the intermission and loses you therafter, Nana does a commendable job, Ajay looked too old for his character, Bipasha is used an icing, in all a honest movie that does entertains you in bits and pieces.

Worthy of a DVD watch.

Sunday, January 22, 2006

Nobody Knows - Japanese

Grizzly Man


Tragic, lonely , bizzare and extraordinary tale of Timothy Treadwell, his love for the Grizzly bears who ironically took his life. Sad but amazing documentary, a journey into the life of a wildlife protectionist, who was more part of the wild than human habitation.

MUST MUST SEE!

Friday, January 20, 2006

Crash


"WHAT A MOVIE" "ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT", I will eagerly wait for what Paul Haggis has to offer in the future. CRASH will strike a chord immediately, engagin you in this emotional thriller where multi ethnic characters intersect each others lives struggling to overcome their own fears.
UNDOUBTEDLY one of the best films I have seen in months::::

DON't MISS!!!!!!!!

Must Love Dogs


Let me keep this short, you MUST LOVE Diane Lane and John Cusak to enjoy this movie, for others PASS.

Deewane Huye Paagal


What happens when an ensembe of comic actors team up? well they make you laugh. DHP attempts to do just that, Inspired heavily from "there's something about mary", DHP is a nonsense or in assamese "fotooa" comedy that will appeal to masses and to people like me who looks at an occasion to laugh, Akshay rocks in this Vikram Bhat directed comic and Vijay Raaz as always is humorous, this guy makes me laugh with just his presence.
If you are not into "non sense " movies, If you are a self proclaimed movie critic and look for meaning in movies, this movie is not yours to watch.

I ENJOYED.

Mr.Ya Miss

What did Antara Mali tried to prove with this sub standard movie?
My only note, learn from others, donate your dollars to the needy instead.

Ek Ajnabee


Apoorva Lakhia's second attempt to Bollywood fame with a copy of Man on Fire does deserve few applause, its a well made film with Amitabh and Perizaad stealing the show all the way. Although this movie manages to get you thru to the end, the final twist can make you leave the theatre saying " What was that?". Arjun Rampal is wasted, Vishal Sekhar's title track wil make your hip hop....Worth a DVD watch...

Bad Education ( Mala educación, La )


Pedro Almodvar is a par excellence story teller, his latest offering starring his favorite team of actors, specifically Gael Garcia who excels in the role of a lifetime playing three characters, Juan/Agnel/Zahara.
Plot Outline: An examination on the effect of Franco-era religious schooling and sexual abuse on the lives of two longtime friends. ( Courtesy - IMDB)
Caution: Subject deals with homosexuality and transgenders.

I think Pedro is a stellar movie maker.
Enjoyed it!!

Sunday, January 08, 2006

Seeing other people


A Sundance production, movie about an engaged couple who decides to have "no strings attached" sexual flings with others before they get married, an "real" adult comedy you will enjoy.

Good Watch!

Thursday, January 05, 2006

March of the Penguins


There are few documentaries you should see, one obviously is "March of the Penguins" and the other " The winged migration". These are GEMS, you will have to see it to believe it. "March of the Penguins" is beyond brilliance, for someone to think about filming these penguins and bringing it to our cozy comfort living rooms is for me the ultimate gift one can give, and to top it Morgan Freeman gives voice to these cute and curious creatures. "March of the Penguins" shows the agony and ecstacy of the "emperor penguins" that inhabitates Antartica.

Beyond words!

Mr. and Mrs. Smith


Didn't like it, so not wasting time writing on it.

Sunday, January 01, 2006

The Film

Thanks to the multiplexes, now we at least have production houses backing directors with "hatke" topics, Junaid Memon's "the film" surprises you with freshness and good twists, a movie about 6 wannabe bollywood stars and how each falls prey to ......... ( see the movie)...

Home Delivery


I liked this movie!
It really has few genuine funny moments, from quality perspective, its a much superior product over "Jhankar beats", but it does fall short of expectation on the script, it drags in between, in my opinion the basic reason for its untimely demise. Sujoy Ghosh's attempt deserves accolades but guess he should focus more on the content the next time. Ayesha Takia is spontaneous, Vivek is convincing ,Saurabh Shukla is brilliant, Tikoo talsania reminds me of his role in "dil hain ke manta nahin" - funny, Boman Irani is effortless.
Watch it ! ( without expecting much )

Ek Haseena, Ek Khiladi


This was one movie, I had zero expectation and was pleasantly pleased with debutant director Suparn Verma's slick handling of this con caper. KK is brilliant, Koena Mitra's transition to lead actor from a item girl is convincing, she sizzles the screen with Fardeen. Pritam scores with "Ishq hain Jhootha". Check this Twister....

Kyon Ki


Just wanted to say the Priyadarshan fails with Kyon Ki, very dissappointed.
Avoid it.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Salaam Namaste

I have heard all sorts of review on Salaam Namaste, don't know about others, I did enjoy this movie, Saif definitely has exceeded a lot of expectations, Prity Zinta fits the character, ( she is getting slotted more & more as a upmarket, urbane, party girl image.Siddharth Raj Anand's ( If you don't know, he is Tinu Anand's son, if you are asking who's Tinu, well he is I think the most famous buck teethed actor/director on Indian screen, directed Shahenshah ) take on Nine Months, may not be a comparable product, but was a decent entertainer. Javed Jaffry as the Austrailian is class. I the like this Movie, Exactly. You may the want to see this movie::

Main Meri Biwi aur Woh

Chandan Arora's debut "main madhuri banna chahti hoon" was a feather in his cap, I have to give full marks to him for coming out with a equally good product. A movie about a average looking suspicious middle class librarian, and how his marriage to a beautiful dame leads him into trouble. Barring few glitches in the script and the length, this one is a pleasant watch. Rajpal Yadav is stellar and Rituparna Sengupta is convincing.

Garam Masala

Rip roaring comedy, a laugh riot, this movie is bound to make you split. I have been a big Priyadarshan fan, right from the days of "Muskurahat" starring Jay Mehta, Anu Kapoor, Revati and Amrish Puri). And since then he has not looked back, one after another he has given "comic gems" to Bollywood. Akshay rocks, Paresh Rawaal is the best back up, John Abraham and Rajpal Yadav completes this comic caper. Pritam gives a fitting & spicy background score with few of the numbers climbing the charts fast. Chori Chori is my personal favorite. A Must Watch

Usual Suspects

Let me just say that this movie was not only an inspiration but a poor copy of the recent bollywood multistarrer "Choclate". This one is a cult movie with Kevin Spacey taking all the credits. A must watch.

Nina's tragedy

An Israely flick about a 13 year old boy and the love of his life , his own aunt. Reminds of another Italian winner "Malena". Nina's tragedy is a A dark comedy, and a pure insight to the minds of teen age boy. Nice One.

Born into brothels

An amazin documentary on children who are born to prostitutes, pro photographer, Zana Brisky's attempt to not only showcase the talent these children have but to completely give her life for these kids is exemplary. The documentary shows how her relentless efforts to teach these kids photography has resulted in showing few of them the light of education and a better life. A winner.

Monday, November 07, 2005

Inner and Outer world of Shahrukh Khan

If you are a star curious fan, this dvd gives you a glimpse to the life of Shahrukh, have to say, i was pretty taken aback by seeing how lonely Shahrukh is. If you are a Shahrukh fan, this one is a keepsake.

James

James is not worth a review. All Ram Gopal Varma movies started to look like a serial, same charachter actors, same ghisa pita, underworld or violence. Dude, its time to produce some good fresh cinema. Rohit Jugraj's attempt to recreate Shiva goes down the ruins of bollywood.

Dil jo Bhi Kahey

DJBK is added to the failed attempt at launching half baked actors who think they have the potential, with due respect to the father/son duo, If Romesh/Karan would have stuck to production, I think they would have got some returns. This one is a washout but Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy did manage to get some attention for their breezy poppish compositions, captured to fame by Vinod Pradhan. Avoid

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Chocolate

"Chocolate" is a slickly shot movie about 5 guys who plans and execute a loot & how they manipuate the police and the lawyer. The movie weakens towards the middle, being a thriller this could have been a classic but guess it didn't had much room for the actors to showcase their talent. Except Tanushree Dutta ( the unbearable new bong on the block ), the rest of the cast does their job fairly. The saver is the twist towards the end. In all a movie you can watch once on DVD.

Mangal Pandey

Ketan Mehta's magnum opus is a big screen bonanza that could have been stellar minus the songs and the love angle. Its a product that has international flair and has top notch performances by Aamir and the British counterpart. Exceptional camera work and fitting score by Rahman, this movie is sure worth seeing once.
Mangal Pandey's character tends to lose its grip on the movie proably due to unavailability of "content". Surely a brillant effort by Mehta.

Talk to her - Spanish

A heartwarming beautiful movie, Talk to her is another feather in the cap for Pedro Almodovar, a complex lovestory, Pedro delves into the depth of human emotion and narrates this sensitive subject of a guy's persistence to bring back his lovers life from coma. This movie is a "sumptous meal" for a movie buff. Without telling the story I want to recommend this movie for lovers of good cinema.
Just Brilliant!

Friday, October 07, 2005

Ramji Londonwale

Remake of a South Indian movie, Ramji is a "pleasant" flick with few hilarious moments. Madhavan as the bihari simpleton does a fair job, Harsh Chaya, Raj Zutshi and the nous comers were good, for a change the British actors seemed like actors, a much relief from the "tourist turned actors" bollywood take refuge on. The end could have been a more convincing one, but Big B comes to the rescue there. In all, a nice time pass.

Monday, October 03, 2005

Ashi Banaya Apne

Get the audio instead.
Not worth a review.

Matrubhoomi

Director Manish Jha fictional representation on the fallout of female infanticide will take you by surprise on the content and narration of the story, the extreme realism shown and crudeness in the way its depicted, may make you pause in disbelief. A subject rarely seen, a attempt rarely taken Matrubhoomi has brilliant performances by Piyush Jha, Tulip Joshi, Sushant Singh and Sudhir Pandey.
Caution: Be prepared for a heavy dose perverse sexual sentiment as the movie explores the "astitva" of men without women.

No entry

Anees Bazmee's earlier claim to fame was "pyar to hona hi tha" and he came back with a bang with "no entry". With a series of flops the kapoor family ( Surinder/Boney/Sridevi and Anil ) made a entry to the box office with "no entry". A movie about philandering, "no entry" will make you split in spurts, in all a decent entertainer, worth a watch one. Anil Kapoor and Salman shines with their tickles, Lara was good, Bipasha sizzles, Esha is passable, Celina is not worth a mention, Fardeen is Ok. Some real funny moments. Watch it.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Leila - Iranian

My first iranian movie, its my curiosity to get a glimpse of the world unknown that makes me pick up foreign flicks. There's another reason, Its the best use of the free rental coupon i get from Blockbuster.

Leila is the story of girl who forces her husband to get into another matrimony because of her inability to conceive a child. A warm movie, has a real feel to it.Watch it only if you are into serious cinema.

Virrudh

What should I say? Amitabh baffles me with his histrionics again, another big feather in Amitabh's cap, worth mentioning,the scene when Amitabh tries to raise his hand to join the laughter club after his sons demise, will make your spine chill.

Movies are like blank canvas, its a directors medium to express and add color and flavor. Mahesh Manjrekar is an accomplished technician when it comes to subject like Virrudh, his previous attempts like Astitva has earned critical acclaim. Virudh will be another medal for him to wear. It may not achieve commercial success as it should but it will remain as a "fine" product of the "nous" bollywood.

Sharmila Tagore's spontaniety and flawless performance will bowl you, John and Sanjay does their part with conviction. Debutant Anusha played her role with ease. Overall a movie I will highly recommend.

Negative : The end, it had a great flow but somehow the climax couldn't hold the weight of the movie.

My Wife's murder

Hmmm, honestly this movie gets over when you think its catching your attention. In my opinion the shortest commercial movie to hit the theatre in bollywood history. Anil Kapoor is as always great, Boman Irani and Nandana Sen ( Trivia - Do you know she is the daughter of Nobel Laurette Amartya Sen) fills in the other space of the screen, Suchitra Krishnamoorthy has more time on the promos then the real cinema.

Wait for the TV run. This wait will be a short one. Jijy Phillip should have chosen a meatier subject for the debut.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Hanan

I still have to find out the meaning of the "title", the only and only reason for me to rent this flick was my curiosity to check what Makarand Deshpande made. Honestly I couldn't gather strength to complete this movie, like the name, this movie will have people wonder "what this was all about"

Stay Away!

Yakeen

Lets play trivia, how many twist and turn can we possibly have in a movie? Can't guess, Watch Yakeen, new breed of indian movies that will not let you guess the end....bottomline ::: a crapy product.

Monday, September 05, 2005

India Fish in American Waters

I don't know what to say about such "genre" of movies, same stories new directors. IFAW is a passable flick and one more addition to the legacy of American Desi, I think budding directors should move out of the hangover created by American Desi and look at mainstream themes.

Yahaan

The new awakening in Bollywood with latest infusion of talented technicians and directors has started to give us a "variety". Creative production units are looking at catering to specific strata of the moviegoing public. Shoojit Sircar's debut effort called "Yahaan" although is a reminiscence of "roja" on the theme and treatment, is a commmendable offering to the multiplex crowd in India.

"Yahaan" is definitely worth one watch, Barring the "overuse " of the blue filter which got on my nerves, "Yahaan" scores on the treatment and the overall "real" feel , it also has pleasant performances by the lead, Jimmy and Nimisha.

In my opinion Indian producers/directors now should look at revenue collection from DVD/VCD sales, since most cinegoers will never throng the theatres minus a strong star cast and the associated paraphernalia, creating movies that compell a strong buy for repeated home viewing will at least address part cost of production.

"Yahaan" will not be a box office success, but will remain as one good debutant offering.

Parineeta

Parineeta has been my most anticipated DVD release yet. I have to say, this movie is a sincere and an honest attempt to show us the Sarat Chandra classic.After getting beaten up at the box office with his directorial releases, Vidhu V Chopra has found talent in Raj Kumar Hirani and now Pradeep Sarkar. Parineeta is a visual treat, and a beautifully crafted period film. Saif,Vidya balan and Sanjay has done a commendable job enacting their roles.Hummable tunes by Shantanu Moitra and excellent lens work gave a lift to this debutant effort by Pradeep Sarkar.

Minus: The climax of the movie was created to symbolise Saif's liberation from his father's shackles but it gave a "humorous" touch.

Watch It!!

Monday, August 29, 2005

Love or lot like it

It was a Ashton Kuthcher back2back for me, "Love or a lot like it " is feel good 60% romance/40% comedy flick with Amanda Peet and AK. Good for a one time view.

Friday, August 26, 2005

Guess Who

Bernie Mac, Ashton Kutcher's "Guess Who" will make you smile through the movie. Its about a balck father's persistent effort to ensure his daughter stay away from his white boyfriend after he finds out on his 25th wedding anniversarry that his darling daughter is courting a white guy.
Both Ashton and Bernie provides the comic relief to this movie making it a pleasant watch.

Monday, August 22, 2005

Sare Saat Phere ( 7.5 phere )

Plot: A TV channel looking to increase the TRP rating decides to do a reality program on a wedding, ( saat phere ), what they get out of it is much more, hence the name ( Sare Saat phere )

Few pleasing moments, Juhi Chawla and Irrfan Khan, this movie is like a TV soap. You may not want to borrow if you aren't a Juhi or Irrfan fan. Passable.

Sehar

Filmmaking is an art, it is also a statement you make to the audience, few film makers use this medium to convey issues we as a society face. Kabir Kaushik's debut effort, Sehar is a beautifully narrated story of organised crime in UP, more precisely Lukhnow. Sehar shows the political nexus with criminals and depicts the story of Gajaraj ( played aptly by Sushant Singh) his ruthless and bloody rise to crime supremacy and how under the guide and lead of SSP Ajay Singh ( Played naturally and brilliantly by Arshad Warsi ) destabilizes and destroys their reign thru a STF, he created with the support of his senior.

Sehar is Excellent. If you aren't into serious cinema and doesn't enjoy realism, this movie may not suit your moods.

Thursday, August 18, 2005

DUS

DUS had sentimental attachement to Sanjay Dutt, post Mukul Anand's untimely demise, SD attempted at reviving this production several times. It was Nitin Manmohan who revisited the name with a different star cast and story line and gave the directorial hat to one time lucky Anubhav Sinha ( of Tum Bin fame). DUS is a slick thriller, the director tried to gave a hollywoodish look to this movie. With a winning soundtrack by Vishal - Sekhar and a hot shots like Sanjay, Sunil, Abhisekh, Zaayed, Pankaj Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty .....DUS will please you in spurts. Could have been a much better movie, lacks continuity and losses its pace. In all a OK movie.

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Sin dejar huella ( Without a Trace) - Spanish

A road movie that treats your eyes to Mexican countryside. The movie surrounds the life of two women, both on a car, one running from customs, the other from her boyfriend and what happens thereafter. In all a good movie, but passable.

Pacifier

Couldn't complete the movie, I think its passable, Disney should stick to what they do best, animation. No more words.

Sunday, July 31, 2005

Finding Neverland

Johnny Depp, Kate Winslett, Dustin Hoffman, Julie Christie - Finding Neverland is the story of a playwright (Sir James Matthew Barrie) who's friendship with a family inspires him to create Peter Pan.
In all a good movie, didn't impress me much though.

Miss Congeniality 2

Not worth a review.
Unless you are a die hard fan of Sandra Bullock, you may not want to try this one.

Monday, July 25, 2005

Million Dollar Baby

"what a movie", this Clint Eastwood directed movie will remain as one of my all time favorite."Million Dollar Baby" roped in tons of Oscar last year with best director, best film, actress ( Hillary Swank) and Supporting actor ( Morgan Freeman). A movie based on hope, struggle, dreams, Million Dollar Baby is the story of ( Frankie played by Clint) and a determined boxer ( Maggie played by Hillary ), how Frankie helps position her as a Pro.

Excellent, but tragic, just in case.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Life Aquatic

Hmmm, may be a good one, I did not enjoy it much. So guess leave my thoughts for another one.

Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya

This is a "leave your brain at home" movie, David Dhawan and Salman is a good team in comedy, however in this one, David pulled in couple others, Sohail, Arshad and Rajpal to create comic havoc. MPKK has spurts of slapsticks and Street comic,if you can relate to such comic, this movie will make you laugh.Sushmita Sen provides the glamor with Katrina Kaif and Himesh Reshamiya delivers with " Just Chill" and "Laga Laga". In all, a breezy entertainer.

Waqt

Warning: "This is a kercief caper"
Waqt is all about a father-son relationship that will make you laugh and cry through the movie, great performances by all the actors, Rajpal Yadav shines as the moron and take you to splits. Amitabh is riding tall on the high tides of his career with great performances and movies.
Stay away : if you aren't able to take drama.
Definitely a Good Watch

Monday, July 11, 2005

"D"

RGV once during an interview post "satya" talked about how he could take one character and weave a movie based on it. "D" seems to be just that, although the movie is by one of his prodigy Vishram Sawant,it has a heavy RGV flavor. D is about Deshu or ( rumors are that this movie is loosely based on Dawood). First things first, "D" introduces one more talented actor to look out for,Randeep Hooda (earlier popular as Sushmita Sen's ex Boyfriend ), Randeep carries this movie on his shoulders and does a marvelous job. I sometime wonder when will the RGV camp run out of ideas to churn underworld movies. From a cinematic value point " D" is too good to be made by a debutant director. Its the story of the rise and rise of deshu in the underworld and has a great cast, Chunky Pandey is the only other "non factory" cast, the rest are from the same talent pool from where RGV picks his team.
The film may leave u with a question though, are we hero worshipping these people?

Monday, July 04, 2005

Sarkar

Ram Gopal Varma recently claimed "Sarkar" to be his best effort till date,I am a big realism fan, and RGV is the contemporary pioneer in this category, "Sarkar" his tribute to Godfather is definitely one of his best. His movies specially on underworld have always come out as a hard hitting products, probably because of his curiosity and obession on the "goings on" with these people. He seems to understand their world so much that his movies looks to be a reflection of that world. "Sarkar" rocks, and you will see Amitabh in one of his best best forms. His strong charachterisation and his ability to gather an ensemble of "actors" is mindblowing, "Sarkar" boast of few of the finest actors in town, Of the main protagonist, KK menon is one to watch out for, superb acting, Abhisekh is getting there. Evry one is stellar in their roles. Amar Mohile has given a fitting background score to this movie.
Excellent! Must Watch

Saturday, July 02, 2005

Paheli

Paheli is a sincere effort to showcase "stories" we grew up with, the grandma stories of ghosts and kingdoms etc. Little unusual for a production house to bank their top monies for such a flick, but given the current "trend" in movie making, wasn't that surprising, Paheli is the tale of a ghost falling in love with a (human ) girl, the highlight of the movie is "story" and the special effects, Shahrukh minus his hamming is good, Rani is effortless, Anupam Kher leaves a mark as the stingy father, Rajpal Yadav makes you laugh with one act and Amitabh is stellar even on a 5 minute stint.
Paheli is colorful/vibrant and a simple story telling on screen by veteran simpleton Amol Palekar. Definitely worth a watch

Monday, June 27, 2005

Irreversible

Irreversible is by far the most raw, brutal, groase and gore movie I have ever seen in my life. Although cinematically or in narrative context this movie has much more to offer, CAUTION, Watch it only you have a tolerance for "brutal" violence. This movie made me nauseatic and sick in my stomach.
Its a story of how two friends vows to kill the other's rape victim

Auberge espagnole - French / Spanish / English / Danish / German

Auberge espagnole, is the story of a French student who decides to go to spain to complete his studies and moves into an apartment in Barcelona with six other characters from all over Europe. The movie depicts the stories of each of the roomies thru the eyes of the main protagonist Xavier along with a taste of his own life.
I liked it.

Ocean's 12

I found this movie a big letdown, it didn't have any meat to write about. The Plot was made to look and sound complicated, the fact is the script did not have a punch. With such a ensemble of actors, this movie is a off the track sequel of Ocean's Eleven.

Hitch

Hitch is a "nice" movie, the main protagonist Will Smith is a date doctor who uses his skills to help "unsmart" guys find the their girl of dreams. The movie also stars Eva Mendes and Kevin James ( the king of the hill guy ). Has few hilarious moments..A good summer flick.

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Invasions barbares, Les (2003) ( Canada-France)

Academy Award Winner for Best Foreign Language Film, 2004 ,Barbarian Invasion ( Invasions barbares, Les) is the story of a dying man's last few days and his son's uncompromising effort to fill the last days with family, friends, love and Humor. Barbarian Invasion is a beautiful movie by writer/director -Denys Arcand. Excellent performances, poetic locales, realistic on screen narration makes this movie a must watch.

No Mans Land - Serbo-Croatian

Backdrop: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Two Bosnian soldiers in no-man's land and become victims of bombing. This movie is STELLAR. I haven't seen many WAR Humor , this stands out in script, story, direction and in realism, practical humor that makes you think. SUPERB movie.
Director/Writer - Danis Tanovic deserves the much needed nomination. Academy Winner for the best Foreign Language film 2002, NO MAN's Land is a MUST SEE.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Spanglish

Once in a while you see a movie and feel like telling others " you know, I saw this movie, really liked it", Spanglish is just that, a simple heartwarming movie about a illegal mexican immigrant and her daughter and how their experience of living with an american family helps find her identity. Spanglish has beautiful comic situations and touches you with the practicality of the subject.
Adam Sandler as John Clasky is brilliant, Tea Leoni as Deborah Clasky just looks a hyper and insecure wife , Paz Vega is gorgeous as Flor and Shelbie Bruce as Christina is just too good. In all I loved this movie.
Grab it!

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Main Aisa Hi Hoon

Rumored to be based on "I am Sam" Main Aisa hi Hoon is the story of an autistic father's legal battle to gain custody of his daughter from her Grandfather. A kerchief caper, MAHH will move you with its simplicity. Ajay Devgan does a great job but is a mismatch for such a role. The movie starts slow and grows on you. Its good to see producers banking their money on such flicks because the chances of these movies clicking is rare.
All in all a good movie, be prepared to shed couple tears.

Sunday, June 05, 2005

Kinsey

Kinsey is a reel adaption on the life of Alfred Kinsey , a pioneer in the area of human sexuality research. Kinsey is bold cinema and has great performances by Liam Neeson ( Kinsey/"prok"), Laura Linney ( Clara Mcmillen), Peter Saarsgard ( Clyde Martin) and Chris O Donnel ( Wardell). Its a stark revelation on human sexuality,the 1940 research is a eye opener as it unearths insights into sexuality that has relevance today as well. Remarkable movie.

Hazaron Khwahishe Aisi

The theme song of the movie is One of my alltime favorite Ghazal by Jagjit Singh, Hazaron Khwahishe Aisi is pure good sensible cinema, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi tells the story through three protagonists – Siddharth (Kaykay Menon), Geeta (Chitrangada Singh) and Vikram (Shiny Ahuja), their tryst with communism and love and the path they chose for themselves in the backdrop of 70's and political turmoil India went thru at that time. A unique political fiction, HKA will win your heart with excepional performances by the leads, Chitrangada is stellar and reminds you of a great actor - Smita Patil.Sudhir Misra deserves a pat on his back along with Pritish Nandy for bringing meaningful cinema to the fore.
This one DESERVE a watch!

Bunty aur Bubli

After years Yashraj bannner has delved into something new, reminiscent of 70's manmohan desai, B&B is a comic caper from director Shaad Ali Sahgal, who first gave us a replica of Mani Ratnam's Alaye Payudhe ( Sathiya in Hindi ).B&B has spurts of humor ( the taj mahal sale ) and could have been much much better without a few songs and sequences. B&B is nothing new but may score at the box office for the fun element it enamates, the production looks half baked and could have been more slicker, since its from Yash Raj you do expect much more. Songs, except for Kajra Re ( with a sultry Aishwarya Special gig ) other are very forgettable. All in all, its a good afternoon home view. Theatres ...hmmm not sure.

Sunday, May 29, 2005

Jo Bole So Nihal

Curiosity drove me to rent this flick.
Not worth a review/time.
I am sure you have better things to do in life.

Kaal

Kaal, takes a u turn towards the end and saves Karan of his first major flop, although the movie is flawed throughout and tends to lose its pace and interest, KAAL gets you hooked and re imagine the movie with just one twist.Kaal is a winner because of the concept and steady direction by debutant Soham, with a melange of stars KAAL is a package worth one watch, the ad numbers specially created to draw the crowds deserve applause, credits goes to Salim-Suleiman and Farah Khan.
The Urban Legend theme will appeal to cinegoers as such movies are a rare on bollywood screen.

Watch it!

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Kya Kool Hain Hum

Well this movie packs some laugh, Finally after a strings of misses, Ekta Kapoor the Baroness of small screen comes out with a sex comedy to pull out a HIT. Kya Kool hain hum is based on mistaken identities and has witty and double meaning one liners and manage to engage you through the movie. Surprising revelation was Isha Koppikar, I thought she was the funniest of the lot, the movie stars Tusshar, Riteish, Ishaa Koppikar & Neha Dhupia, side roles bu Anupam Kher, Razak Khan and Rajpal Yadav.

If you are looking for a no brainer sunday afternoon flick, this one will fit the bill. Btw, KKHH also has the Jay Sean song " Dil Mera " with Juggy D, Rishi Rich and Veronica, a winner all the way.

Monday, May 23, 2005

late Marriage - Israeli

A 31 year-old bachelor is pressured by his traditional jewish parents to get married.
Late Marriage is realism at its best, excellent performances, strong characters, a true to life portrayal of love and life's compromises.
Late Marriage is rated R for nudity and sexuality.

A good watch

Sideways

Sideways is deep yet funny.
Its the story of two friends diametrically opposite in taste and personalities (both middle aged, one a struggling author + a wine connosiuer,the other a sex obsessed former TV actor) spends a week of bachelorhood driving through the vineyards of California in a funny and self discovering journey.

The film stars Paul Giamatti as Miles Raymond,Thomas Haden Church as Jack,Virginia Madsen as Maya and Sandra Oh as Stephanie.

Great movie, Watch it!

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Racing Stripes

Once in a while I like watching movies that think beyond the normal, I have enjoyed Babe and same genre of movies that have voice over for animals, somehow I find it funny. Racing Stripes belong to the same category and tells a story of a Zebra who thinks he's a racehorse and how with the help of his friends and caretaker wins the kentucky derby. RS has voice over by Dustin Hoffman, Whoopi Goldberg, nice and cool afternoon flick, a movie that the whole family can watch.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Morning Raaga

Morning Raaga is pleasant and moving. Its a tale of how a son fulfils a mothers dream by chasing his dream of creating music. Morning Raaga is fresh and is a feather in the cap of the recent Englo bollywood flicks. Beautiful movie - Deserve a watch.

Breads & Tulips - Italian

Breads and Tulips is the tale of a married woman who decides to take a personal vacation after being stranded by her family during one of their vacation trips to Venice. Breads and Tulip is a heart warmer and has sensitive portrayal by the lead stars of the movie.
If you are looking for a nice foreign flick, this one may be one.

Humdum

Humdum kinda took me by surprise, guess when you don't expect much out of a movie you end up liking it. That's what happened with Humdum, its a movie aimed at the youth, its a comic flick about a boy and a girl who gets randomly selected to participate in a love game show from a TV channel who has pinned all hopes on the show to rake in the TRP ratings to take them to the top spot.
Its a pleasant no brainer movie, watch it if you aren't doing anything important.

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

Meet the Fockers

Funny and Hilarious, Meet the Fockers have more laugh than its prequel Meet the parents, Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streisand is stellar, MTF is packed with laughter, will make your afternoon a worthwhile.

Must Watch!

Saturday, April 30, 2005

Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye

Samar Khan, NDTV alumni who turned a freelancer conceptualised this movie,very honestly I could not sit through this movie, had to turn it off before the movie got to the intermission.

Avoid it!

Control Room

Control Room looks at how the Arab World, more specifically how Al Zazeera views the Iraq War, Control Room relooks at war journalism and how media is used as a propoganda to control information.

Another angle. Excellent debate and a Must Watch!

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Mumbai Express

Mumbai Express is fun and will make you smile throughout the movie. It has a great line up of actors, Vijay Raaz is stellar, the scene stealer however is Thambi - the southie guy, the kiddo and Om Puri makes their presence felt,Kamal Hasan and Ms.Koirala is easily forgetable.
Mumbai Express is losely based on comedy of errors, ME is Kamal Hasan and how he gets involved with couple petty slum dwellers attempt to abduct their unsettlers son from Dharavi.Well written , fresh direction and defintely worth a Watch.

Grab It!

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Motorcycle Diaries - Spanish

SPECTACULAR !!
Motorcycle Diaries is autobiographical adaptation from Ernesto Che Guevara's self discovery travelogue of his 1952 tour de latin america with his friend Alberto Granado on their motorocycle "the mighty one". Motorcycle Diaries takes you on a wonderful life changin journey of the south americas thru the eyes of Ernesto ( Gael Garcia' Barnel ) and Alberto ( Rodrigo De la Serna), superb performance by the leads, direction par excellence by Walter Salles, this movie will touch your heart and will capture your imagination.

I was swayed by the strong characterisation,Ernesto's honesty and his life altering experience and this work of art.

A must watch!

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Sins

Sins caught my attention with the recent furore it created in India. Also I remember Vinod Pandey from my earlier TV days, although I do not recollect his claim to fame.
Sin is a story of a young catholic priest and his obsession for a girl which led to his prosecution. Sins can be classified as a soft porn because of the overuse of bold bedroom scenes throughout the movie, although it had a story, after a point you somehow think if the intention was to come out with a sex flick to titilate the audience.

Sins is passable and joins the recent bandwagon of Indian movies trying to use sex as their USP.

Saatchya Aat Gharat

Saatchya Aat Gharat - means home before 7.00 pm, is a preachy yet hard hitting Marathi cinema.
Its the tale of a cosmo group of college goers in Pune at the crossroads of their lives, and how a rape within their group girls impact them and bring out their true charachters. Saatchya Aat Gharat raises questions on values and the 'casualness' of today's generation and also uses "Sita's" agni pariksha as a metaphor to exemplify our society's permanance of view on issues such as rape and male chauvinism.

SAG gives a new dimension to meaningful cinema, it will have you rethink/relook at parenting and get nostalgic. This movie immediately connects and keep you hooked to the end.

Excellent narration and direction. A Must Watch for all of us.

Fog of War

Winner of the ACADEMY Award for the Best Documentary Feature 2003 . This documentary is built around over 20 hours of interviews that director Errol Morris conducted with Robert McNamara (1916-), which is supplemented by archival footage and supplementary interviews. This documentary covers McNamara's entire life, but the topic covered most in the conversations with McNamara is the Vietnam War.

A inside to the minds of leaders. A great documentary and must watch.

Ridicule

A french flick, a movie about a young engineer who travels to the court of Louix XVI and encounters fine art of wit and ridicule. This movie was nominated for the best foreign language Film for OSCARS.

Ridicule didn't impress me as much.

Zeher

Ram Gopal Varma and Bhatt camp has one thing in common, churn low budget movies with good actors, catchy tunes or alopathic tunes - (music that instantly works and catches the attention of the moviegoers)and heavy promotion. The difference however lies mostly with how the product is offered on screen, its presentation. Where Varma takes realism to a new level, Bhatt uses glamor with mainstream formula to capture attention.

Zeher has Imran Hashmi, Ninad Kamat, Udita Goswami and Shamita Shetty as the lead of the cast. The movie starts slow and then takes you on and somehow losses its pace after intermission. In Zeher you will hear some good music and rendition by Anu Malik, Mithun Sarma and Atif and very nice performances by Ninad Kamat.

Again this movie may fill in your sunday afternoon slot if you have nuthing better to do.

Jurm

Thrillers need special tact, it needs the adhesive to bind you on the edge of your seat, that's the trait which makes thrillers special. Off late Indian cinema found solace in thrillers as a success formula with Aitraaz and Murder. Then followed a series of twist and turns with flicks such as Vaada , which turned out to be one such unsuccesful venture.
Jurm,a Vikram Bhatt movie with Bobby, Lara and Milind Soman in the lead, couple good songs,a trademark of Bhatt camp minus nuthing much to offer. Well with thrillers its for you to guess and check so I suggest this movie only if you have nuthing else to do.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Shwas - A Breath

Shwas is a breath of fresh air, this Marathi movie has redefined Marathi cinema, Sandeep Sawant the director of the movie deserve much accolades. This was also the entry to last years OSCARS which failed to get to the nomination.

Shwas is a beautiful movie, Grab it.

Black

BLACK is Beautiful,
BLACK is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's best gift to Indian cinema, Black is spotless and takes indian cinema couple notches above. Black is the tale of a deaf blind girl ( played by Ayesha Kapoor & Rani Mukherjee ) and her teacher's ( Amitabh Bachchan ) persistence in instilling words and colors to her dark and silent world.

Exceptional performances by Rani and Amitabh, Brilliant direction by Bhansali picture perfect camera work by Ravi Chandran, a product par excellence.

BLACK is a triumph!
You cannot to miss this Bollywood Jewel in the crown.

Wednesday, April 06, 2005

Roger & Me

After the successful Farenheit 9/11, Michael Moore re released one of his earlier critically acclaimed documentary on General Motors layoffs in the 80's in Flint, MI orchestrated by Roger Smith, the then CEO, GM. Roger & Me is a stark reality shown in the crudest fashion, it will make you think and question Capitalism. Roger & Me is Moore's quest to confront Smith on what his take was on what he did to Flint, Michigan. An eye opener.

Socha Na Tha

A breezy and refreshing romantic comedy from a debutant director Imtiaz Punjabi, Socha Na tha introduces Abhay Deol to bollywood, Socha Na tha is a heart warmer and has beautiful performance by Ayesha Takia, Its a fresh, real, pleasant and easygoing love story that will make you smile all the way..
Grab it.!

Sunday, March 20, 2005

In The Bedroom

In the bedroom depicts how two parents Matt(Tom Wilkinson) & Ruth (Sissy Spacek) cope with their son's Frank (Nick Stahl) murder. Background - Frank and Natalie love each other, Natalie (Marisa Tomei)- a older woman with two kids is in the middle of a domestic violence as her ex husband, Richard tries to get back together, Frank finds himself as a part of one such incidence which results in his death by Richard.

In the bedroom had 5 Academy Award nominations, and reminded me of Ordinary People on the way the movie was crafted. Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek's performance is out the world, In all In the bedroom is good cinema.

Grab it if you are in the mood for realism.