The Ring

Its long since I last wrote anything on this blog or infact anywhere. And here I return with a movie is totally different genre. However despite being in the horror genre it doesnt scare you throughout with scary faces. The visual effects are too appealing. Infact the whole mood of the film is set because of the excellent use of visuals and sounds. Acting too is superb, even from the child actor. Most of you probably have seen it. If you havent see it. I would not very scary but more of a mystery. There are plenty of questions that I couldnt answer, maybe some of you can help.

If you havent seen the movie skip this part now and come back later

1. Why does the body of the girl(Samara) appear under Shelter mountain inn though she was pushed into the well in Moscoe Island?

2. Why does Mr. Morgan kill himself?

3. Why were the images of those who viewing the video twisted?

4. Why was Samara killed at all? And why was she kept in the barn?

5. Why is this continuing? And what does that video mean?

Now fun questions?

What if someone is not near a TV on the 7th day? :P And they say it will never end. Here is method. After the all the known viewers of the video have copied the tape once and their stipulated 7 days is over, they can simply burn allt he existing tapes. Done, End of story. Enjoy

Overall 7/10

Visuals-8/10

Aliens

Only a few 2nd parts are as good as the original. This movie thrills you. Held together mostly by two characters. Ripley- an epitome of an action heroine and Newt-one of the cutest child characters.

Its an action/Sci-fi movie everybody is bound to love. However something I missed in this movie is a twist which was novel in Alien. The music is gripping and you too feel a part of this movie. Enjoy it.

Overall 7.5/10

La Jetee

Its one of those movies I can write a book about. Alas I dont have enough time. In a nutshell, I can say this, if you havent seen this movie, you have missed on a novel experiment to film making.

The whole film consists just of a set of still B/W shots. Shots which convey a lot. Within shots there are dialogues, phrases i would remember forever,such as

"Nothing sorts out memories from ordinary moments. Later on they do claim remembrance when they show their scars."

"summon the Past and Future to the aid of the Present."
"To wake up in another age meant to be born again as an adult."
"Time rolls back again, the moment returns."
"Time builds itself painlessly around them, their only landmarks are the flavor
of the moment they are living"

The story too innovative, it revolves around time travel but is rather a sarcasm than a Sci-fi. This is novelty at its best. Try this movie for sure.

Overall 8.5/10

Twelve Monkeys

Terry Gilliam's Brazil is one of my all time favorite movies. He shows his class once again in Twelve Monkeys. A perfect Sci-fi suspense thriller based on the famous 'La Jetee' (reviews comings). It was difficult to guess everything till the very end.

Brad Pitt and Bruce Wills put in an amazing performance. The actress too puts in a brilliant performance. Watch this movie. You cant miss it. Trust me you will be glued to your seats.

Overall 7.5/10

Batman Begins

I would just like to point out I love the way Nolan has transformed a simple comic character into a movie with a message: Conquer your fears, only that makes your life Hell.

Cinematography/Editing... I would give thumbs up to Nolan

Overall 7/10

The Color of Paradise (Iranian)

All supporters of Slumdog, watch this movie and then you will know what a classic is like-the quality of good directors, good editing, cinematography..a good film that can move you.

This is one of the most moving films I'v ever seen close on heels of Ray's Pather Panchali and Majidi's Children of Heaven. It portrays the character of a blind boy (Mohammed)who knows he is unwanted by even his close ones (even his own father). Its wisdom which spoils. Mohammed's father wants to disown him because it is a ridicule to him and he thinks of Mohammed as a punishment. His character is tragic too as somebody is just born to be a loser. His character is a contrast to Mohammed. Mohammed though blind can see the wonders and joys of life. His father on the other hand considers himself a loser despite being better off than many others.

The pristine landscapes are a treat to watch. There isn't one scene in this movie which is unwanted. The ending is a jewel. Majidi is definitely one of my favorite directors.

Overall 8/10
Direction 8.5/10

You've Got Mail

This is an absolute crap pomantic comedy. Probably not comparable to other movies I have reviewed in this blog. But still this movie moved me. And here I am.

The storyline is almost predictable. Yet its the execution which is near flawless. Meg Ryan is sweet, innocent and jolly yet has a depth of character.The chemistry between Hanks and Meg is enviable. And the wit and wisdom that one garners from this movie is almost unparalleled.


"Remember life is a dream "
"There will be a tomorrow; clear the cobwebs of sorrow :)"

"People always tell you, change is a good thing, but all they want to say is that something you didnt want to happen has happened"

And lots more..

This one tops my list

"The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are, can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall! Decaf! Cappuccino!"

Overall 6.5/10

The Exorcist

The tagline for this movie (Somewhere between science and superstition, there is another world. The world of darkness) moved me and drew me to watch this movie. Contrary to what others may say, this movie is not a horror movie. In my opinion the director even didnt want to make a horror movie. There is no sudden brandishing of scary face that is cliche in many other films. Its a terrifying mysterious drama. A grasping one.

The director challenges faith and our blind devotion to science. This is most beautifully brought forth in the character of a psychiatrist boxer turned priest. We see the devil so often yet never see God. Is there a God??

The acting is superb in this movie. Dont watch this movie expecting nerve wrecking horror and you will enjoy it.,

Overall 7/10

Alien

"In space, no one can hear you scream". So true. Its a horror sci-fi that will remain an evergreen good watch. This movie has one of the best anti-climax ever seen on celluloid. There are two very good twists in this movie which I love.

The direction is just perfect as is the editing. Background score, cinematography etc everything is almost perfect in this movie. However there is too much of drama in this movie surrounding a cute cat. The best part is the atmosphere that it creates. You feel you are part of the Nostromo.

Enjoy it

Overall 7.5/10

Slumdog's Millionaire

NB: This is not a classic. Not even close to it. I am writing this review because I cant tolerate the hype that this movie is generating.

If you want to see a good movie on the life in slums, see Dharavi or Salaam Bombay. If this gets to Oscars, Salaam Bombay should have swept it. This movie lacks the basic tenets of a classy movie. The premises of this story are so stupid that even a 5 yr old kid would recognize the fallacy. If you could know who invented the revolver just because you saw your elder brother use one, you would know who came up with the idea of mobiles just because you use them everyday!!!! And lots more...infact almost all the premises are improbable to say the least...a blind Indian beggar in Mumbai knows that Benjamin Franklin is on a 100$ note.

This movie has been made with a deliberate attempt to sell misery. There are lots of ways to show it, this is just a commercial way. The worst part of the movie was when a policeman was hitting the protagonist(Jamal) for being an aide to car thieves. Jamal told 2 American tourist, "This is the real India". The tourists gave him a 100$ bill saying, "This is the real America son". Mind O mindless arrogant money beasts, Indians are not beggars....

Whats even more enraging is the way the quiz host, Anil Kapoor behaves with Jamal in this movie. If a chaiwallah really has the skills to come up to a quiz show, the audience and host will actually help and empathize with him,praise him. Not act with contempt. Mr Rehman, you must be ashamed to be associated with this movie.

After all the scathing review, I must admit it corresponds to a well made Hindi movie with a happy Bollywoodish ending making it a good watch. The 2nd half was lot better than the first part. Music is good but probably AR has delivered better before this.

Nevertheless go and watch it, you will come to know how to make a movie that sells well though will not go down in history. Fortune favors the brave.



Overall 6/10

Dosar (The companion) (Bengali)

Its a movie about infidelity. A movie about the colors of life in black and white. Infidelity for no apparent reason. This movie is a emotional journey through the aftermath of infidelity.

The acting in this movie is awesome especially by Konkona. The treatment in black and white makes it artistic. However I felt few scenes in color or sepia would have made even more impact. The ending is chauvinistic and too sudden. Rituporno excels as a director, clever interweaving comedy in a movie with a serious theme making it an enjoyable watch. The use of poems amplify the effect of this movie. One of my favorites(from this movie, as it contains the essence of this movie) is:


"tomar thoth amar thoth chulo
jodio ei prothombar noi
chumbon to ageo bohubar...
eibar thothe mileche ashroi

vromon shob bhoyer golpe
doitto danob rakkosh r khoi
tile tile shukhoi rajkumari
ontomile rajputrer joy"

My English translation

(Your lips touched mine
Though not the first time
Kisses had flown then
Now lips are my haven

Traveling though the scary tales,
Beasts ghosts fiends and swines
The Princess withers gradually
Until the Prince's victory)

Overall 6/10

Blade Runner

One more of those movies that wont leave you impressed the first time you watch it. I wasnt atleast. But as I analyzed it, I found it to be extremely subtle and poignant. have to see this movie again. I saw the director's cut. Have the see the original next time.

The whole film is set in a sombre ambiance. The cramped, busy streets of the Oriental town shown in this movie is so true everywhere. The buildings are so realistic. This has to be one of hte best futuristic sci-fi s I have seen along with Brazil. Infact this reminds me of Brazil especially in its environment. This film is about a rebellion by humanoids.

And this film leaves a lot a space for speculation. the ending is not really complete and I guess the protagonist was a humanoid too. And who was right. It seems the humanoids have a reason for rebellion. There's lot to think about in this movie.

Overall 8/10
Direction 8/10
Plot 8.5/10

Stolen Kisses (French)

When I first watched this movie along with a friend, we both concluded that this movie was trash and overhyped. Now, after some thought I realize that it was a good movie..much better than many others..Its a different kind of film(or a normal Truffaut film) which is not pure entertainment..it has to be analyzed to understand the significance.

The biggest problem with this movie is that it is incoherent. you cant really understand the significance of every scene. The movie doesnt really go anywhere, it just meanders about the same region. But I guess that is what the movie wants to portray. The youth is the stage of life, when we are incoherent. Not very pragmatic. Life doesnt really have a direction. Quite like the protagonist, there is little experience in us that can lead us to a job. And people do not regard very highly of us. Even on the personal front, we are not 'settled' and often drawn to glamor.

In my view, the film portrays the essence of youth.

There are two scenes in this movie which I absolutely love. One where the protagonist's girlfriend tries to guess his new profession. Two when they are eating breakfast and the he puts a can opener like a ring on her finger.

Watch the movie at your discretion. You may enjoy it.

Overall 7/10
Direction 8/10

Ratatouille

Animation again. Do you hate rats? Arent they the nuisance makers? Well I loathed rats. Before watching this film that is. I kind of love rats now. Even want to have one as a pet :)

Again a sweet, enjoyable film. But it has a message. Dont undermine anybody. Even a rat may be able to cook!!!!! Its like a parable. Often in life we are blown away by prejudices. And most of these prejudices are based on flimsy premises. Ant-sized premises puffed up to elephantic proportions by the whistles of ego. Next time you speak anything out of bias, remember to give it considerable thought. Its easy to praise somebody but too difficult to condemn.

Enjoy this classic.

Overall-8.5/10

Wall-E

I would say the same thing that everybody says about this film-"I love Wall-E". He/It is one of the cutest animation characters I have ever seen. And I love the way he says "Evaa".

The storyline is simple. Just like an anime should be. But its thoroughly enjoyable. Whatever agegroup you might me in and whatever mood you might be in, there would be an unfading smile on your face when this movie ends.

You will love Wall-E for sure

Overall-8/10