Presenting to you, the movies I watched in February -
The Royal Tenenbaums (Feb 3) - A dysfunctional family (of child prodigies) comes together to bid farewell to their ageing patriarch. I found myself giggling at all inopportune times here. That's how this movie pans out. The Tenenbaums' tragedy becomes the viewer's comedy, and, a good one at that.
Notes on a scandal (Feb 9) - Watch this one solely for the performances.
Manhattan (Feb 12) - Wood Allen. Just the name makes me smile. Manhattan is an irreverent look at twisted human relationships. I liked the movie, though, I have seen better from Allen.
Ek main aur ekk tu (Feb 13) - Let's call this my guilty pleasure. And, I'm not ashamed to admit that I liked the movie. Having known people with similar stories (of misdirected and mis-understood emotions) it was easy to laugh at the improbability of the romance. The only disappointment was Amit Trivedi's music.
The Descendants (Feb 15) - I loved the movie and pray that we make such messy, yet refreshingly humorous and uplifting family dramas in Bollywood. And say what you want to, but Sid stole the show!
Friends with benefits (Feb 18) - Second guilty pleasure of the month. Same old story; it could have been bolder but chose not to push the envelope. I, however, developed a tiny crush on Justin Timberlake.
Recently, I have been handed a collection of movies by a cinema lover whose taste is different from mine. Hence, watching movies has been a strange experience lately. I may not have given preference to some of these movies, and may have skipped others completely. But that's the good part of watching movies from a collection that's different from your own. You end up experimenting and watching newer directors and exploring more themes.
Another practice I've followed is to randomly pick movies and watch and not whet my expectation with reviews or rankings.
L.A. Confidential (Jan 4) : A crime thriller set in the 1950s. 3 LAPD cops on the trail. An absolute must watch! Crisp writing and strong, believable characterisations. Given the ambitious scale of the project (since it is an adaptation from a book), I felt the movie assumed a life of its own and is standalone piece of art.
Let the right one in (Jan 10) : A Swedish, vampire love story. My first Swedish movie. My first vampire love story. My last vampire love story. I hate vampires, especially when they are in their pre-teens! Having said this, I loved the mood and the cinematography and feel the winter in Mumbai added to enhance my late night movie watching experience.
True Grit (Jan 13) : Decent performances and that's that. I couldn't understand the hype, except for that it's a 'Coen brothers' movie.
Winter's bone (Jan 13) : The plot is fairly basic and the movie is simple in style. Yet, this was one of the most engaging movies I have seen of late. A spectacular performance by the lead actress, Jennifer Lawrence. Winter's bone is the actual True Grit.
The Fighter (Jan 14) : My only motivation to watch this one was Christian Bale. While he didn't disappoint, I didn't think much about the movie.
The constant gardener (Jan 28) : A political drama about the nexus of governments, large (and evil) corporations and the impact on third world countries. A fairly engaging watch, with some great shots of Africa. While I wasn't too impressed with the political theme, I enjoyed the parallel romantic theme, especially, because of its non linear treatment.
Other decent movies : The squid and the whale (poignant, funny, family drama with good performances. The more I see Jesse Eisenberg, the more I like him), Man on the train (French movie, a lovely theme and good performances. I enjoy movies which have two or at the most three characters, and are completely dialogue driven. It is a minimalist approach and can serve as a litmus test to see how good a writer one really is).
The King's Speech is about the Duke of York, Albert, an heir who is 4th in line to the British throne, after his grandfather, father and brother.
Fate however has different plans for him. The Duke, must take the reins of the Monarchy and be coronated as King George VI.
He must restore public faith in the Monarchy - which had been dipping during the late 1930s and early 1940s.
Through show of courage and perseverance, he must lead his countrymen and keep them hopeful, during the World War II.
Only, there is a minor glitch.
The Duke will do everything in his powers to keep away from the throne.
A chronic stutterer and low on self confidence – he will not jeopardise the fate of his countrymen and make them suffer due to his shortcomings.
How the Duke finally finds his voice and earns his rightful place in history, forms the crux of this movie.
Any adjective I use for The King's Speech will fall short of what I experienced last night, while watching it.
Though I am a cinema lover, it is hard to come by movies that make one's heart soar.
The King's Speech had me choked throughout its running time. And this, I say in a good way.
It is hard to live with a physical/mental/speech defect, harder still to be belittled for it. But what is hardest and even daunting, is to be put under a microscope and be judged for your defects. To remain in the public eye and meet the sympathetic glares of your close confidantes and subjects. To live with a constant feeling of having failed in your duties.
The King's Speech offers many such terrifying moments – moments where you feel one with the King, in his humiliation and loneliness, failure and torment.
Though I could grasp what King George VI must have been through, I just couldn't stop marveling at Colin Firth's portrayal of the distressed King. I wonder which recesses of his mind he must have tapped into, to bring to life such a complex character. At one level, I experienced the King's acute sense of terror in front of a huge audience, yet, at another, I was aware of the unfolding of a very uplifting personal story.
While the entire cast comes up with a commendable act, I choose only to talk about Colin. I do hope he gets to portray meatier roles and moves away from his Darcy image.
As a viewer, The King's Speech will treat you to some rare, poignant cinematic moments; they will stay with you long after the King has made his eloquent speech.
Needless addition, still – Go watch it!
*****
Next in line, Black Swan. Will keep you posted.
My latest recommendation is Groundhog Day.
Just the description of the story (on IMDB) created enough interest to give it a try -
"A weatherman finds himself living the same day over and over again".
Yes, Phil Connors, a weather reporter with a local news channel, takes up an assignment to cover the Groundhog Day celebrations in Pennsylvania. A sarcastic and cynical man, fun begins when Phil realises that he is living in a time loop.
How would you live life if every other day was exactly the same as the previous one - with this sentiment, the movie creates some hilarious moments and shows a very skillful transformation of Phil.
Also I loved the fact that, like in most movies, the protagonist isn't a changed man when the ordeal ends, he is only an improved version of his previous avatar.
Some other subtle messages too here, but I wouldn't want to spoil it for you.
I generally watch two movies back to back. However, this one offered enough funny and sublime moments and I just didn't want to spoil it.
So, go right away and watch this one as a priority !
I watched this Romantic movie (Sunrise) and the sequel (Sunset) a few days back.
Both played on my mind for a long, long time.
Still, I refuse to do a review. I just don't think I can sum up the experience.
I like open ended movies. They give me a chance to guess and have the satisfaction of an ending per my likes.
Yet, as thoughtful as this series was, it was a difficult one too, as a viewer. Watch it to know what I mean.
Before I end, I have to add - Sunset (my favourite between the two), has some of the bestest conversation you will see between a lead pair. Really.
I wonder if Bollywood pairs will ever move to this level. Or do they atleast wish to ? Or, do they atleast understand ??
Yes, another review. However, a short one !
Being a late lateef, most friends thought I was a fool for not having watched THE Prestige !
Most, being Nolan fans, had painted an amazing picture of this one.
Obviously, the expectations were sky high from this one.
The Prestige, set in the Victorian Era, is a story of two Magicians, who start out as friends, but end up as enemies, due to a magic trick gone awfully wrong.
From then on, it is an endless drama of one-upmanship and revenge.
The movie uses the classic Nolan technique of a complicated narrative meshed with flashbacks at various intervals and clues to be used for later.
An intelligent, but a dark movie, full of twists and turns with gray characters, none of which one can sympathize with.
A spectacular look at an era gone by and a sleek peek at a Magician's life.
Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are impressive and play their parts with believable kameenapan, though, my favourite is Michael Caine, as Cutter, the wise Old man.
The Proposal
I am a sucker for Romantic Comedies. To top it all, this one had Sandra - who generally brings lots of style and genuineness to most roles. Yet, when the credits rolled for this one, I felt un-satiated. The movie just hadn't clicked with me.
Someone Like You
Hugh Jackman... A RomCom…? Purrffeect !!! But I tell you - this is one of those very stupid and pointless and meaningless and lifeless movies which you should stay away from. The why's and the how's and the whens of why the protagonists fell in love is a mystery I am still unable to solve ! Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Oh yeah. Audrey Hepburn. The one name most Miss Universe/World finalists spew in their answers. However, I beg to differ. Now if you are an Audrey fan, please read no further since I am about to tell you all that I slept off during this classic. I know, I know !! How could I?? BaT is one of the most revered classics of all times…Sorry, I slept off. I think I should watch it again and then attempt a review.
Casablanca & Spellbound
Talking about classics and timeless beauties - Ingrid Bergman definitely tops my list. I watched Casablanca in 2007 and Spellbound last year. Still, I write about them today because they were and probably, still are, the very best made in their respective genres. I remember feeling restless while watching Casablanca - it resembled a lot of Romantic Hindi movies being doled out year after year. However, a friend brought perspective. He said, "Do you realise that you probably watched the one movie that has been replicated again and again through decades? So while you feel De Ja Vu…it is not Casablanca that is at fault. It is the Original baap of all romantic movies and it is we who have adapted it in various forms." How true ! So now if you see some brooding protagonist with a cigar/pipe, playing violin/piano, the sacrificial heroine deciding to stay back with her husband – you know where it all started from :-) Do watch Casablanca for it's magic. It still comes out as genuine in such times of concocted love stories.
Spellbound is another 1940s flick which I just loved ! It has mild doses of drama and romance and is basically a thriller. A very well made psychological whodunit which shall keep you engaged till the last minute. Ingrid Bergman & Gregory Peck make an awesome pair :-)
99
I thank small budget movies since they not only keep an otherwise boring Bollywood alive, but also satiate an intelligent and variety hungry audience. 99 is a mad caper which trails the lives and times of those who were unwittingly involved with the launch of the mobile phones in 1999 and were also dragged into the match fixing hullabaloo. A good movie. Amazing Boman. Lovely ensemble cast too.
Chocolat
One movie I have always wanted to review since last year. A small, sleepy, French village; a close-knit community; age old customs; skeletons in every one's cupboards; enter a mother-daughter duo that pose a threat to everything the community has always believed in - a threat through the most lethal weapon - yummy, sexy, melting, tantalizing chocolates ! A must must see for all lovers of old world charm and simple yet meaningful cinema. Oh and non chocolate lovers can watch Chocolat for Johnny Depp. He is nothing short of a treat himself.
Turtles Can Fly
An amazing movie again. A look at the US intervention in Iraq through innocent eyes of a few kids. I love Iranian movies for their simplicity and content. This one's a definite watch for one and all !
Yes Man
I did not set out with too many expectations from this one. Jim Carrey and his repetitive histrionics make me wary. Yet, Yes Man was a surprise and a treat at the same time. A simple, sweet story which would bring some smile and sunshine to one and all.
Gulaal
I have been wanting to watch this one for ages now. Though I would love to do a detailed analysis of this one, yet, I feel the post would either come out as insufficient or verbose. Yes, an extreme post for an extreme movie. All I can say is, it is one of the most riveting and intelligent movies of recent times. A must watch for all.
Quickgun Murugan
A mindless movie with some silly twists and turns. Enjoyable only for the first time.
Stoneman Murders
Kay Kay Menon is the reason I went for this flick. However, I was extremely pleased with the overall movie. Tight script, superb editing, masst acting by one and all. The plot is partially based on actual incidents. How the writer and director mix fact with fiction is what makes this a must watch.
Kaidan
Ok, by now you must have guessed that I like to watch movies. Be they Indian/Foreign - as long as they are well made - I am game. I was very keen on watching this thriller-cum-horror flick. The movie was made in the 1960s and it was fun to watch an old, Japanese movie. Yet, well, I don't have much to say about this one beeecaausseee, umm, I slept off ! OMG - what a slow and a boring flick !!
Wanted
I don't like Salman. I never wanted to see this one. Yet, all the brouhaha surrounding it made me rethink my stubbornness. A complete masala and paisa vasool movie. Nope, It didn't give me any fodder for thought. Yet, they were lots of rib tickling moments which made this a good time pass movie.
Fridays are fun time. They generally give me the liberty to watch two movies back to back !
Yesterday, I watched Road To Perdition, a movie I have been wanting to see for long now.
First things first. Paul Newman was a true hunk!! I plan to see more of his work.
Road to Perdition is a story set in the Chicago of 1930s and traces the lives of a Father and Son duo (superbly played by Tom Hanks & Tyler Hoechlin).
The movie revolves around various subjects - violence, morality, blood ties, loyalty and the primary one being, a parent and child relationship.
An upwardly cold, yet, an understated and undemonstrative love exists between Hanks & his son. The mutual respect and the silence between them speaks a lot about the various hues a father-son relationship can have.
This specially touched a chord.
A few other pluses about the movie are the minimal use of dialogues and a superb background score which complement every mood and sentiment.
The cinematography is fabulous and one is easily transported to the dark and sullen Winter of the 1930s !
Hollywood is good at making movies that are understated and don't think for you, instead allow you to think.
I prefer Cinema which allows you space to make whatever you want to of the story and the characters.
This one too has hues of gray and fits that genre very well.
Hanks as usual, still tops my most favourite Hollywood actor - an amazing performance !
*Image Courtesy - Flixray
I am a BIG fan of the horror genre.
Now, horror movies generally don't scare me. Also, the blood and gore aren't the types I like. They seem rather stupid to me.
What I like are movies like The Sixth Sense. Very believable and dark.
I have wanted to watch The Others since a long time now. What made me keen, apart from it being a horror flick was watching Nicole in action. This was my first Nicole movie and…to come to the point – She surpassed all my expectations !
The Others is a ghost flick set in the 1950s, just after the World War II. It outlines the story of a war torn mother and her two kids.
They lead solitary lives in a mansion. Their days are filled with readings from the Bible and an endless wait for the Man of the house who is a war soldier.
Add to this, the fact that the kids suffer from an indescribable allergy to light. Hence, at no times should the doors and windows of the mansion be kept open ! Also, all the inhabitants follow a strict code while in the house – no room should be entered without locking the door of the previous room.
What makes their wait creepy and scary is that their Mansion is haunted by "The Others". These "others" tear the fabric of their routine lives is what forms the crux of the movie.
The two kids called "Anne" and "Nicolas" are adorable and have given fine performances. Their tiffs seem very natural and would make one think that they are probably real life siblings too.
The movie also includes supporting cast in the form of Nicole's husband (nothing to write about) and the house attendants. Of the attendants – Mrs. Mills (Fionnula Flanagan) brings the right amount of mystery and old world charm to her "Nanny" act.
The movie has an amazing cinematography – the whole look of the mansion and the dark interiors set the pace and mood of the movie.
The creepy background score not only scares but also evokes strong emotions for the protagonists.
The editing is crisp and at no point did I feel that a scene was wasted or unwarranted for.
Nicole's portrayal of a longing wife and an upright and caring mother leave us asking for more ! Her delicate walk, the far-away look and the pain of losing her children to the unknown would stir strong emotions amongst all.
Only when we think that the climax is near and the battle has been lost does the movie take a U turn ! A very un-expected, hard hitting and truly unthinkable climax.
A slick performances with a mind blowing climax is what makes The Others a "5 star" for me.
Highly recommended to one and all.
Ladies & Gentlemen, Hold your breath !
People's Sexiest Man for 2008 is...
Hugh Jackman !!! Yyaayyyy !!! I am just so happy !
However, let me tell you, I haven't seen any of his movies, heard any of his songs, read any interviews or known him at all !
Bas...had just seen a few shots of him with Meg Ryan in one of their movies - Don't recollect what it was about...
Still, I always felt...he resembled Greek Gods ! (ahem, I know this sounds cheesy)
I have always liked rustic and ruffled looks more than clean shaven, smooth looks.
Hence, mujhe Hugh Ji bhi achhe lagte the and hain :)
Also, there is something about Australian men I say ! Look at Russell Crowe !
Maybe its their outdoorsy lifestyle or modest ranch upbringing... can't put a finger on it..
Whatever be it, I just love them all ! :)
This post has come in late. Had watched this movie about 10 days back.
The movie is an interesting account of events from the famous Hurricane's life, sketching his childhood, troubled teens, glamorous youth, the wrongful impeachment and the tumultuous years in prison and the final reprieve.
The movie has a slow start but makes it up for the viewer with a world class performance and cracking dialogues.
The Hurricane stays with one long after the credits have rolled. It's heartbreaking to see how hate can ruin lives and leave indelible life-long scars.
It's even more astonishing to see what love, faith and self belief can do for people.
What Rubin Carter went through is a nightmare for an average Joe. How he managed to keep his optimism amidst crumbling public opinion is heroic and unbelievable.
I was hit by various emotions the movie evoked in me - from surprise to disgust to sympathy to anger to admiration to respect and finally awe for the man known as The Hurricane.
The man is a living legend of how one can achieve what one holds close to heart - in his case - respect and freedom.
Our daily worries would seem insignificant when we have people like Carter/Mandela who have borne with hell on earth.
Denzel Washington has portrayed Carter with a finesse very few can match.
There have been loads of movies on racism from Men Of Honor (a bonanza) to Antwone Fischer (again, a good watch) to A time to kill (forgettable) to Driving Miss Daisy (again a brilliant tale).
Yet, few have impressed me as much as this one. Probably because the protagonist doesn't take shit lying down.
The Color Purple and Crash are next on my list.
What also struck me is - why Bollywood doesn't churn out such visual treats?! We have had an amazing history filled with notable public figures too !
Yet all we manage to make are stories on losers (Devdas) and insignificant romances (Jodha Akbar?!) with Legend of Bhagat Singh being an exception.
Anyway, I recommend this movie to one and all. I am sure you wouldn't come back unaffected !
Reliance has clearly set its sight on right targets. The proposed plan shall propel Reliance into the big league and be force to reckon with.
