fredberglyle Reviews

Vikram (2022)

VIKRAM - A multiverse of drug lords, secret agents and tons of bullet fires

[9/10 · 15 June 2022]

Loki redeems kollywood with comprehendible script and furious screenplay. It takes lot of courage to kill the protagonist in the second scene of the movie. Except for an overdose of ultra violence with deafening ammunition sounds, the movie has everything for an action film enthusiast. Primarily, all the principal actors added golden feathers to the already decorated character sketch, they portrayed.

Kamal's sentiment as a grandfather could jerk a tear, VJS evil-grin is horrific (award deserving) and Fahad's acting puts you spellbound. References of Dilli (from Kaithi movie), adaikalam (from Vikram - 1986), highway scene (from managram) makes it first Indian movie to have multiverse (as in Avengers).

Anirudh's score makes your adrenaline gushing down the spine in ecstasy. The film features few cameos that gift us with lots of surprising action sequences. And don't miss the pre-interval block, the camera-man elates you to a hyper-lane.

Fire (1996)

Women on FIRE

[8/10 · 7 July 2017]

Remember watching this movie young, but I paid no attention to the story or screenplay and watched it purely of its pornographic content, as it was the first Indian movie that shows lesbianism. Seeing this after 20 years, I feel, the movie projects the concept of "desire" in Indian Women. Indian women are mostly sub-servants and many believe that desire brings ruin for them. Deepa Mehta written and made a bold and awesome movie that was cleared twice by the Censor board and released after a huge opposition by the Shiv-Seniks in Maharashtra. All the actors in this movie gelled so well to the characters and my favourite is Shabana Azmis. ARR BGM from his previous movies esp. BOMBAY THEME adds spice to the screen.

The mention of Women on FIRE in the title refers not just to the feelings of Radha and Sita in the movie but the directors' because of her flaming script and screenplay.

Nil Battey Sannata (2015)

THE NEW CLASSMATE elevates Bollywood movie school

[9/10 · 1 July 2017]

I'm a teacher by profession and the most common issue found while counseling my students is their loss of interest to study. On such scenario, many-a-times I'd feel if the parents motivates at home our work could be a lot easier . The movie delivers a powerful message of a parent's involvement in instilling learning desire to her child and the entire credit should go to the debutante writer/director, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. The mother's role played by Swara Bhaskar is the spotlight and her struggle is the replica of many maternal sacrifices of our country. The principal role is one 'principal' cameo that reminds us of some teachers during schooling.

2 States (2014)

2 STATES one family

[7/10 · 8 August 2014]

Boy and a girl staying in a single hostel room without the seal/shield of marriage really bugged me. This may be due to the fact I'm Indian (lol). The family's/parent's consent is more vital for marriage in India than the bride or groom and this fact was well highlighted with a strong humor sense. The movie is not to be shown to old-fashioned parents in South-India for they might just hate it. The music is cool and "Offo!". The movie shifts gears towards the second half in which the boy goes to the girl's state for marriage consent and vice-versa.

The novel written by Chetan Bhagat was rich with lot of cultural backgrounds as the girl's family is Brahman with a typical household called as "Agrahaaram" here in our state and are pure vegans. On contrast, the Punjabis (boy's family) are voracious chicken-eaters. The girl's father drinks in private but says that he doesn't drink in the public, just as very few sinful Iyers in South India. The best scene is when Alia Bhatt takes a newly to-be-wed-Punjabi-groom spellbound with a dowry issue which deserved applause.

Everything, I feel, is positive for the movie with simple story except on the part of the audience to watch it with broad mindset.

The Lego Movie (2014)

THE LEGO MOVIE – goofy for kids and nostalgic for adults

[8/10 · 2 August 2014]

I remember playing with brick toys in childhood days. We make different shapes with it, starting from a toy-bird to a building or an airplane. All the animated characters in the movie are based on these brick toys made by the company. The imagination level of this movie-maker is way up high and I couldn't resist humor in some scenes. There are number of memorable characters such as good-cop/bad-cop, wild-style, Vitruvius, Unikitty and 'special'. The batman, superman, Gandalf, Green lantern and Dumberldore were cool too. No wonder the movie got award for best innovative advertising for its cool. The movie features very mild crude jokes that may just require PG.

The coolest thing about the movie is the message – Having free will.

Enemy (2013)

ENEMY wins

[7/10 · 2 August 2014]

A masterpiece story telling that gives you a feeling of watching a straight-forward thriller stuff but puts you spellbound at the final second of the movie. The spiders shown in number of scenes carries a hidden message. If you understand the spider and listen to the lecture given by the lead character in the classroom then you can crack the climax that is way too complex. All the actors did a credible job. The editing is master-class. There are some explicit scenes of sexuality, so not for younger audiences.

The bottom line : The first time you watch this movie is gonna be confusing but the second time you may understand and appreciate it.

The Raid 2 (2014)

Berendal better than Redemption

[7/10 · 12 July 2014]

The Raid 2 movie is far better than its first part of the trilogy. It has a complete story and the movie is loaded with adrenaline action sequences. The Kung-fu sequences are so natural and violent that you'd feel hits/punches coming to you. Salute to the choreographer, who is the movie's vertebra. Again unbelievable camera work by Danu Prasad. The camera is shaky in the action sequences and you almost feel like you're playing a video game.The music by LP is a showdown.

There are number of bad things in this movie. First of all the movie carries so much violent with bloody/gory scenes and a nude scene and it is not for everybody. The shaky camera (I loved it) may not be entertaining for all viewers. Next is the script/story - Viewers must not sit for a logical show when they watch Rama hitting 100 guys and be the last man standing. These discussed issues puts this film, short from being memorable foreign movie yet still to be admired.

The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Non-stop action redeems THE RAID

[6/10 · 6 July 2014]

I was stunned to see the action (Kung-fu) sequences in the movie. The action sequence at the climax was my favorite. Apart from the stunt-men, I feel the camera-work is intense and superb. I loved the bgm that added a flavor to the theme. The storyline is too simple (a group of newly trained recruits raid a building to take down a mobster) but has few twists and turns at apt points in the movie.The dialogs were ultra-reduced and not convincing. The acting is just okay, could've been better. The movie is not for kids due to gory scenes and profane words. The script could've been handled with some 'feelings' and some background on the villain.

The bottom line : 'The Raid' entertains you with good action throughout with few flaws.

B.A. Pass (2012)

B.A passes with merit

[7/10 · 4 July 2014]

The movie is an adaptation of the story railway aunt and its just fine noir The highlight was the aunt character played by Shilpa Shukla, who stole the entire movie. The thing that made me like this movie is the uneasy ambiance surrounding the poor boy throughout the movie. The scenes when the boy takes his feelings to the zenith when his sisters were troubled and when he is treated as a servant in his own relatives' house were shown so aptly. Had few issues like the reason the boy took up 'that' job/gig (see the movie and you'll know it) is still questionable to the book writer/director. The screenplay is cool for a débutant but could've made far better with such a twist in the climax.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

The Grand Budapest Hotel owned by Ralph Fiennes

[7/10 · 28 June 2014]

There is a major degree of uniqueness with exotic visuals in the presentation of this movie. Makeup and costumes were way too fine. Tilda's makeup as an old woman was my favorite. There are loads of black humor. The cast is rich with big names ( such as William Dafoe, Adrian Brody, Harvey Keitel, Jude Law, Murray Abby etc) and Ralph Fiennes owned the movie show. He was fine with comedy and most of the part he reminded me of Steve Martin from Pink Panther.

The negatives: The major problem that any non -European (like me) would face watching the movie is the sarcasm-comedy which are traditional French or Italian mostly. Few explicit comic scenes deserved laughs but others were rotten. The music could've been better.The movie-theme reminded me of the Grand Hotel movie in 1931.

Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)

songs made my heart go crazy

[6/10 · 26 June 2014]

First of all, this is a commercial bollywood movie and so if you looking for a classy-art-flick then this ain't for you. The songs are very good and can't choose a single best one as they all are. The choreography dance sequence between Lolo and Maduri is something to look for. The camera-work is an eye candy and of course the movie sets. Lolo's role was memorable and no wonder she was presented the silver lotus. Madhuri was pleasing with her beautiful dance steps and of course with her smile. SRK (one of the best entertainer) will keep you charmed throughout the movie. I loved the theme that has such beautiful message. AK was well supportive with his screen presence. . The few sentimental scenes near the climax were annoying and director could've edited it out and the movie could've been made shorter at least by half an hour.

Queen (2013)

Bow down to the QUEEN

[8/10 · 23 June 2014]

Another memorable movie themed at female empowerment like 'English Vinglish'. Kangana is sensational as a shy and deserted girl. The Amsterdam actors were cool. Rajkumar Rao was good in all of his scenes (as usual). The music is admiring. Mockery at Indian traditions (being emotional for empty/no reasons) in few scenes deserved laughs and lot of thinking for new-generation-and-still-orthodox Indians. The subplot in Amsterdam reminded me of the movie 'Spanish inn'. The movie theme is an elephant dart to the face of misers who goes on saving money and don't enjoy life.The dialog "For food like this we would sleep outside every night" said by a foreigner (Russian) in this movie shows the greatness of Indian cuisine. Another dialog " you are a pretty lady... Miss Universe... India?" said by a foreigner (Ned) shows the outlook by most foreigners on Indian girls.

Two minor flaws in the movie the director lacked logic including : 1) Kangna (Rani) speaks Hindi to people in Paris. 2) Rani (who is from India) will never have issue crossing streets in any other country (including Paris) ...

The bottom line : Highly enjoyable movie to women and others who admire feminist themes. I you ain't then you might hate this. And watch out for content advisory and censor certificate (PG)

Rock of Ages (2012)

ROCK OF AGES doesn't rock at all

[4/10 · 14 June 2014]

The finest rock music from 1980's were completely wasted for a terrible movie, IMO.The good thing about the movie are the songs featured in it that included Def Leppard's, Bon Jovi's, Scorpions, Journey, Starship's, Speedwagon's and of course the GnR's classic numbers from the 80s. There were few comedy lines that were okay esp. the phrase ''m gonna burn this place down... not with my music but literally', sure deserved laughs. There were some acrobats dancing in a club/bar that deserved an eye.

The first issue with the movie is the PG13 rating. The movie script might have been diluted/sanitized for younger viewers. No reference to drugs are made to a movie with rock music, which is not practical. The script was cheap romantic one which is as old as sky. Tom Cruise and the lead actor male were fine among others who were totally wasted, IMO. Some dialogs are barely heard and so its annoying. The bottom line: There are good number of songs in the movie. If you are an admirer of 80s songs then watch the songs only and forward the rest.

Giant (1956)

Giant review to GIANT movie

[8/10 · 11 June 2014]

I watched this movie, as it was the last movie of James Dean. The last movie before the unfortunate death (accident) of the fine artist. A fine actor who bagged two Oscar nominations after his demise. In this film, James's voice was dubbed by his friend in number of scenes after his death. The movie is huge in length spans three hours long and an era of over 30 years from the main character's (Jordon Benedict) love to Maryland farm's daughter, his rivalry with a cowboy on his return to Texas (homeland), story of his children and grandchildren. The movie convincingly covers two generation of Benedict's family.

The direction is top class. First to direct a three-hour long movie is Herculean. The Oscar has recognized and awarded the director for this work. The guild and photo-play members also had their awards for the movie. The movie is adapted from a novel with the same name. The characterization were screen-played deeply with lot of ideas that makes the viewers remember the dirty-minds on racism in that period of time in Texas. For one instance, both the lead characters Rink and Bick are prejudiced against the Mexicans, but Rink is too poor at the start of the movie so he doesn't show it. Instead after becoming a businessman he displays in much cruel way. William C. Mellor's photography was exquisite in every way throughout the two generations in the story.

In my opinion, Giant must be considered along with epics like Lawrence of Arabia, Gone with the wind, Benhur etc that made it to the top 250 in IMDb. There were few minor flaws that I could not fail to notice, which included Liz Taylor's acting that dragged the movie. She could've done way better to one of the characters in the movie that carried racial tolerance(Leslie). The next flaw is by the make-up department esp. when the characters got old they don't convince the audience. It could be true that the movie is too old to comment mistakes on makeovers, so am not treating it as one.

My final verdict : If you're a fan of old movies that this is one to watch as it is pacey (not too slow). Children can view this as it is free from ratings.

Hall Pass (2011)

HALL PASS the seriousness

[6/10 · 7 June 2014]

The movie is a raunchy comedy. With barrels of crude humor by the Farells, the movie is restricted for kids (Rated R). I didn't have high expectations before seeing the movie but this was above my expectations. The screenplay was mediocre, still quite entertaining with laughs. Owen Wilson was acceptable with his performance, while Sudekis was hilariously funny in number of scenes. The whole cheating scenario would certainly disturb some viewers but the story/theme was meant to be that way. Even though the movie did not carry class and far from reality, it is quite entertaining for the viewers to enjoy.

So, give a "Hall Pass" to serious movies and do watch the movie (if you can appreciate raunchy ones) with an open mind.

Falling in Love (1984)

I'm not Falling in love

[5/10 · 7 June 2014]

The storyline is very simple and De Niro and Meryll plays the lead roles. They both lit the screen with so much charm that it would pass for a good movie. The on-screen chemistry between them were so natural. Apart from the lead acting/actors the music of Gruzin was fine.

Reviewing the cons, firstly the movie is inspired from "Brief Encounter". There is not one comedy or a memorable phrase in the movie and i'm so surprised the massive on-screen talent of De Niro & Streep were wasted. The screenplay was bad,IMO, and for the first time i'm getting bored to see Meryll (in this movie) blushing like a college girl every time she sees De Niro. The cinematography was just okay.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Of late, I fell in love with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

[8/10 · 3 June 2014]

The movie is a commercial/sheer entertainer and not to be taken as a serious film at all. The biggest hit in India (ran 10 years straight) and the debut film for the director Aditya Chopra. The songs needs no review at all and is one of the greatest and one among very few ones in which I watch each song twice while seeing the movie. The songs "Dekha to hain jaana sanam" and "Doli sajake rekhna" are my personal favorites. Apart from SRK and Kajol there is Amrish Puri and Anupam Kher, who were (as always) at their best. The movie served as an inspiration to number of SRK movies that followed it. The movie's runtime is 3 hours but I never felt boring at any instant.

The movie is a typical bollywood one and not for serious art-flick lovers. For others,if you haven't seen it yet, then what you're waiting for...

Come... Fall in love with SRK and Kajol. This is best watched with your lady-love/lover.

Ship of Theseus (2012)

My journey at the SHIP OF THESEUS

[8/10 · 2 June 2014]

There are two categories of movies that I admire most : 1) Those which are artistically excellent and 2) Those with extremely different screenplay . This belongs to the former category and the credit must go to Anand Gandhi for such a wonderful crew members of this ship. The crew members include Pankaj Kumar, Aida Elkashelf, Kushbo Ranka, Neeraj Kabi and the list goes on.

The photography was beyond words and was apt to convey ideas so straight (something like a good picture is worth over 100 lines of dialogs). The overall direction is very well comparable to Tarkovsky, Fellini or Bergman. The screenplay was great (a hyper-link one) as we wouldn't find any issue when the movie goes from one story to another (because there are 3 stories in the film). The third story presents a serious issue in our society too and its thought stays with you hours after you've seen it.The music is minimal which is delightful.

The cons, if I might say, would be the complexity found too hard interpreting the climax's paradox (Spoilers alert, so am not saying it) and certain dialogs were too fast and very few parts too long.

BOTTOM LINE : Recommended for those who takes art-movies seriously like me.

Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

Ravenna, Dwarfs, Costumes and CGI saves SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTS MAN

[6/10 · 31 May 2014]

Started as an reminiscence of Kull the conquerer,the movie could have been handled with some good dialogs and screenplay but it didn't. This movie was based on German book named Snow-white with few twists inspired from other fairy tales. The movie set on sanctuary (home of the fairies) was top notch and the bgm to it added more charm. The costume design is such a sight.

I hated Kristen Stewart's acting. I feel she doesn't show any sign of grief or happiness properly and felt constipated or something throughout the movie. The dwarfs were cool. Charlize Theron's (Ravenna) awesome make-up and her screen presence was the movie-saver.

The movie features mild violence and few sensual scenes (too mild) so parental guidance is advised and children may enjoy the movie which was meant to be.

Goodfellas (1990)

GOODFELLAS make a memorable Gangster movie

[10/10 · 31 May 2014]

If there is a movie with "goodfellas" like De Niro and Pesci directed by Scorsese then you shouldn't miss out. This with the Godfather movie were two best gangster movies of all times and they both are based on Sicilian-Americans. The iconic Italinan-kind-of-narrative-screenplay does the trick for Scorsese again. The characters Jimmy, Henry,Tommy and Paulie are memorable and defined perfectly by the director. Joe Pesci was the best among in this movie as he is funny and short-tempered at the same time and no wonder academy recognized his performance. The script was like a double-edged sword that made this movie so memorable.

Copycat (1995)

Inspite of plot-holes, COPYCAT steals my late-night show

[6/10 · 30 May 2014]

I didn't have much expectation for the movie but it was indeed okay. The story is very interesting but I feel it offers too linear screenplay. The two ladies for the lead did a fine job esp. Sigourney actually saved the movie's negatives. Holly Hunter reminded me of Jodie Foster from SOL but was too weak to act in few scenes.

The movie script has few major holes that makes too little sense (like the computer chatting stuff). The first 40 minutes was good but after the killer's identity is shown the movie looses its pace.My favorite scene is the pre-final scene where the killer hides in ladies room followed by an action sequence in the same room

The Hunger Games (2012)

THE HUNGER GAMES - Loosing game

[5/10 · 29 May 2014]

The movie idea was great and the screenplay could be very far better. The idea is basically a copy of a 1987's Arnold's English movie and another foreign movie. There were some exciting movie sets which is one positive for this film and the other being the acting (esp. Jennifer). The CGI shots were not upto the standards. There were few movies I couldn't cherish because of shaky camera and this is no exception and at one point I forwarded the action scenes. I had a headache after watching this one and the plot was totally non-practical.

The bottom line : Highly predictable action flick aimed utmost for teen-agers.

The Chaser (2008)

Couldn't chase THE CHASER

[7/10 · 26 May 2014]

This is a thriller movie (inspired from true story) with a new level of unpredictability in number of scenes. Firstly, the rapidness of the screenplay pace. At 30 minutes itself, the killer is found by the protagonist which is quite new and there is no flashbacks from then on, yet the movie goes on. The movie is filled with violent/gory scenes and I certainly enjoyed the bgm during chase.

I've felt was the humor at certain seemed to me inappropriate to the theme (may be I don't speak Korean so good) and the situations and the investigations were far too unbelievable,IMO.

To me, I couldn't chase it (appreciate the beauty of screenplay - if any), but you still may.So go ahead and watch it.

The Others (2001)

THE OTHERS gave me chills...

[7/10 · 25 May 2014]

Fear of dark is typical in horror flicks, but here its fear of light for Anne & Nicholas. In fact there is a peculiar condition for children in this film (Anne & Nicholas), that they are photosensitive. This is one of those movies which the viewers must never know the suspense/spoilers for thrills. So before you watch this, don't read any reviews with spoilers. The movie is a horror/thriller so its meant to be scary but didn't scare me. The sounds (sound effects) gave me jerk for I've watched it with surround sounds late at night. Just like a typical suspense movie, it can be watched once as the second time you wouldn't. Except for frightening scenes the movie has no sexuality nor profanity nor violence.

The bottom line : Another good film to watch on a stormy night all alone with good sound effects and big screen (without reading spoilers and unless you have a weak heart to withstand horror)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

THE GIRL WITH DRAGON Tattoo seduced me

[7/10 · 25 May 2014]

I've heard from sources that a person cannot resist three things and one of them is "attraction to opposite sex". The girl with Dragon tattoo (ie.. Rooney Mara) attracts the viewers and no wonder she received Oscar for it. I enjoyed the way she acted as a shy, yet as a bold girl with a disturbed mind and also a smart and intelligent detective. Another feature I loved is the cinematography, the Sweedish winter is such a sight and of course the scenic beauty of the same. Daniel Craig was good too in his role of Mikhel and I enjoyed Plummer and Skarsgard in their roles as well.

Now the cons of the movie. The only problem is the "Remake" factor. If you've watched the original movie then you may hate it. The original Sweedish movie is too perfect to be remade. Naomi may be far better than Mara but you must appreciate the efforts of Mara for her role.