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Reviews
Ramayana: The Epic (2010)
Yet another disaster of an Epic.
Ramayana in the modern world context holds true to the human psyche. Its something that is supposed to give to a new generation of the target audience - the youth.
I don't want viewers to decide emotionally on this review but rather practically. I will not discuss the key storyline of the Epic which is of course,is a classic, but will talk about the animation.
In 2010, with a booming industry, the animators needed to take this Epic to another sophisticated level of 3D but what we have is amazing Scenic Landscapes done with a decent touch and almost bordering great. When it gets to the characters, one can observe there are different teams working on the various subject matters - and the characterizations done in 3d have been a disaster - gimmicky and even unintentionally eerie at times. The eye contact and correlation of the characters with each other is very wooden and one can almost imagine the characters instead being string puppets including their movements.
Another bit, which I found rather disturbing, akin to another "Epic" disaster - 'Asoka' was a song and choreographed dance routine! This is not acceptable, the industry does not need to insert out of place criteria such as that in a serious movie like this.
Im sorry, maybe we might finally have a proper Animated Hindu Classic by 2020 because this one isn't so and I wont be showing it to my kids - they wont take it seriously. No Really.
Batalla en el cielo (2005)
An Important Film for the Critics Amongst the Critics.
I went into this film without realizing it was by Carlos R. I won't explain the storyline as you may have read it already by now - I will however try to rationalize why it may be loved/hated.
This "artistic" film is not meant for the regular masses of people - that much is clear. It however goes a step ahead by trying to create a niche group amongst the "sophisticated" critics/viewers as well! It's a "short story" shot in exaggerated long moments of nothingness. You will be viewing the (deliberately) expressionless actors looking into space like zombies in addition to the Mexican landscape, roads, people, roads, sun rising, (did i mention roads?) etc with no coherence. It was during these long shots, I realized this film was reminiscent of another rather *boring* Mexican film I had once lost 2 hours of my life to.
It wasn't until the much talked about "Real Life people" sex scene that I paused, checked and found it was indeed a film by Carlos Reygadas! At least he has succeeded in imprinting his style even on normal audiences! Once a director does it (ie Geriatrics Sex in Japon) in a movie, its considered artistic by the niche critics but to do something like that again in another gloom of a film? I call it a disturbing fetish crying out for media attention! Let me get this straight - the film is not about sex primarily - it also is *supposed* to be about human dilemmas of morality, class divides etc.
However we never get to see it, comprehend it or actually feel for it. It's a film which will fulfill those niche audiences and allow them that seat of authority which they can have and enjoy.
PS. This film will be enjoyable in 4x Fast forward.
Luck by Chance (2009)
The Inner Fabric of Bollywood
Intro : A look into the inner fabric of what we today know as Bollywood.
The Scenario : The movie follows the trials and tribulations of two main characters (Farhan and Konkona) who are after the same goals - Bollywood Stardom. Along the way they come across a series of characters and personalities who form the crux of the industry. How much will one sacrifice of his/her principles and "person" to get ahead? What effect does rising stardom have on friends and family?
Another well crafted parallel story line is the point of view of a troubled Producer (Rishi Kapoor) and obstacles he needs to go through to get a bunch of ego's and personalities together. (Like a Coalition Government!)
The movie also gives us an insight into what goes behind the finished item - namely the unsung heroes in the industry. The music is pretty good and well placed in the film.
Pros : The casting director should get credit here - actors, special appearances have been rock solid without being overdone. The levels of black humour are abundant. Konkona and Farhan have been in top form but Rishi Kapoor (the arch-typical Punjabi Bollywood producer) probably gets away with the top prize here. Watch out for the little cameo by Saurab Shukla (Slumdog M, Dasvidaniya) who sets the movie rolling in many ways.
Cons : Perhaps the movie could have been a tad shorter but that may not be a problem if you're enjoying it. I know most people will not agree but despite being an improving and likable actor - Farhan's voice takes some getting used to. Well we got used to Rani M so it may not be that bad :)
Race (2008)
A Race to the finish time of the movie....
Saif, Akshaye (Khanna) and Anil Kapoor - has to be a slick thriller and in many ways it is - by Bollywood standards.
The movie is based on two step brothers in a seemingly cordial relationship running a multi-million dollar business in SAfrica. It eventually emerges that the business isn't so well after all. This sets the movie up for the ultimate gain - huge life insurance money on the death of either of the siblings.
This eventually means setups and twists involving the two brothers and their lady friends Bipasha and Katrina . By interval the movie is poised (in theory) at an exciting edge to the finale.
Midway through however, the plot keeps twisting out of control and the audience really doesn't know what the heck is really happening. At this point reviewers might be split -
- The agonizing insertion of songs as fillers inevitably denying a quicker, to-the-point conclusion of the movie. - The character of Sameera Reddy as the obligatory "sidekick bimbo"
If you can get past these 2 factors, this should be a great movie for you.
Summary - The story is great until midway through (at least for me) when it reaches the realms of Ekta Kapoor. - The cinematography is spectacular with the settings of Cape Town nice to the eyes. Good action sequences. - The songs are so-so and unnecessarily inserted throughout the movie. - The humour and wit is subjective at times, funny to some, not to funny to others. - The lead actors play their roles well with Akshaye a bit out of role for this though. Bipasha (especially) and Katrina do a bit more than just being pretty faces. Sameera R needed to be replaced by Rajpal Yadhav!
This isn't a boring movie nor is it a classic. Worth watching on DVD than cinema.
I, Robot (2004)
Potentially a classic but alas...
The Special effects were definitely the highlight of the movie - very good and clever sequences.
The story started out well but somehow managed to become a standard cop thriller scenario.
What has bothered me is that Will Smith character has been literally taken off MIB or Independence day & thrown into this movie, his laid back, one-liner friendly character really seems out of place and makes the story more on the pop corn side rather than some good serious fun on the likes of Minority Report.
Of course this is a personal opinion but when you think Isaac A, you think something with more class in terms of characters, even Pitt/Washington could have made this more serious than good 'ol Will cribbing about everything modern in life while hes living in 2035 - cmon for crying out loud, he probably grew up in the 2020's - I have no idea how he can be attached to 90's iconology! Its great eye candy and cool effects on the home theatre. I definite movie not to miss, but easy to forget in time. :)
Phir Hera Pheri (2006)
Not upto the mark - good fun though.
After the unprecedented success of Hera Pheri, here is more of that good stuff.
Pros : Once again its great to see this unexpected together. The chemistry remains top notch. The 3 characters have heavy roles with their own wizardry to match them. Akshay is suave, rich yet left wanting for more. Sunil remains the good man with the standard pessimistic approach to Akshay. In the middle is Paresh Rawal and bundles of humour.
This plot is set off promisingly with a concept of having gained, lost all and now trying to get it back! :)
Cons : - What made Hera Pheri amazing was the original dialogue and interaction between the characters and how the final story tied itself well with the sub-plots. This is not so here because the director decided to lift the latter half of the story from "Lock Stock and 2 Smoking barrels" which is a big shame because the story only gets confused and dragged into the region of "when is this going to get over"
- Tabu, who was effectively the 4th character is gone, we are left with some eye candy fillers who not only look out of place but with very poor roles.
Still fun to watch if one does not have very high expectations.
Rang De Basanti (2006)
Good Contemporary Indian Cinema
Intro : Aamir Khan takes the viewer to yet another dimension in Indian films - a dimension where he allows many newcomers to take centre stage rather than an ego driven movie centred solely on him....
The Scenario : The movie is based on a group of close knit friends and some outsiders who eventually come together to work on a common project - a documentary on some of India's freedom fighters.
There is an introduction of these characters, some of their families, social standings, their philosophies etc. The director focuses on these little niggles which are affecting India as a whole today like inter-religious mistrust, corruption, death of idealism etc
Any similarities to Dil Chahta Hai or Ghulam will be quashed very quickly. This movie - as laid back as it may be seen as in the beginning gets serious very soon. Certain events eventually lead to a chain of tragic events and soul searching not only for the characters but also the audience.
Pros A good flashback pre 1947/present day scenarios where we see our characters becoming the embodiments of heroes like C Azaad, Bhagat S etc.
Then there's the "intellectual stereotyping" which actually shows the viewers what the mosaic of Indian ethnicities is - in a mature manner, rather than the typical cheap-style many outdated Indian directors use to gather a few laugh at the expense of hurting ethnic/religious sentiments.
One of the highlights which separates this film from mainstream Indian cinema is the absence of song sequences in the 'traditonal sense'. All songs are timed well and in the background. Music score is progressive and entertaining. The title song with its very well choreographed colours of Punjab is the highlight.
Performances by many of the actors are commendable - especially Atul Kulkarni and Sharman Joshi. The tough Hindi spoken by Alice Patton is very appreciative. Aamir in a punjabi first does much better from his coke ad and pulls off another good performance minus any melodrama or domination.
The unpredictability of this movie makes it very welcoming for Indian cinema as a whole.
Cons Perhaps certain events carried out by the members are a bit unrealistic.
Who should watch it? Ideally I'd say everyone but if anyone is looking for anything Aamir has done before with a feel good factor, then this is not for them.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Better than what was expected.
Intro ... Starts of with a grainy police video documenting and reporting a gruesome chain of events, the flashback story ensues...
The Scenario ... Five teenagers from the days of classic rock and male mustaches driving on a Texan road en-route to a rock concert. After a few minutes one realizes Erin (Jessica Biel) will be the dominating character in the events to follow.
The Story ... Is not really too complex. They find a disoriented drifter who does something which will change everything for the group. Eventual reliance on a sheriff and seeking help from a prominent house on the prairie leads to their downfalls to come.
The camera-work is very retro and stylish. I never saw the original but this keeps one on their guard throughout the movie. The artistic and detailed camera angles also help. The gore is not too high and overdone which was great. The teenagers themselves aren't the usual idiots but you actually begin to respect 2-3 of them.
There are some silly bits in the movie which have to do with the longevity issues of being alive after being chainsawed but then this isn't a perfect movie. Also there are questions of why didn't he or she do this or that etc including a bizarre sub-plot in the end.
Who Should Watch It ... I enjoyed this movie, it was much better than what I expected (Scream or FReddy movies). Its not great but good enough to rent and watch in a group/alone. If you've run out of quality horror movies to watch, go for this one, its pretty good quality.
Sahara (2005)
Difficult to digest.
Intro ... A sort of Indiana Jones meets the Mummy well done opening scene, looks promising, offers suspense into the movie and sets the platform...
The Scenario ... Dirk Pitt (Matthew M) our hero searches for the legendary Ironclad and as a sub plot, Doctor Rojas (Penelope Cruz) tries to find the location of a mysterious plague originating in Mali.
The Story ... Insults our intelligence. If it was a spoof, comedy or Disney movie, all would be good but it's horribly full of clichés, boring chases and gun battles - and yet pretends to be taken seriously. Throw in some historical discoveries which come by fluke. Even more irritating is the loud rock soundtrack. Character development is tiny. On the plus all characters are somewhat likable except Cruz who suddenly jumps out of her emo specs, wish I could replace my specs like that. The plot just gets worse and worse.
I did like the fabulous city in Mali which was breathtaking.
Who Should Watch It ... Pre-teens would enjoy it, its a fun movie for that age group. Also it should be OK if you want to watch something very light and not ask questions.
The next Indiana Jones? :-) Yes, right.
Hatuna Meuheret (2001)
Cinematic Delight
Intro ... This is what good movie making is all about. Short and to the point, pretensions are out of question.
The Scenario ...is a 31 year old main character (Zaza) who is being pressurized into marrying a girl from his society (Georgian Jewish). Zaza unfortunately is in love (maybe) but definitely involved with an older divorcée with a child. The parents are well concerned folks who want their only son to be wed in the right way and hence progressing well in society.
The Story ... can be divided into a few main scenes which sum up and present the outcome in the end. One of the main scenes is the graphic sex scene which is actually so very reminiscent of what happens in our personal lives. Full marks there. Another scene is the confrontation of Zaza'a family at his lover's place, chilling and sad (done with zero music). The ending scene is also delightful irrespective of positive/negative outcomes where Zaza finally speaks out of his fate to his parents (done in a clever way).
It explores the point of view of a young & intelligent scholar to be as well as the point of view of the parents. For many people outside the Asian continent, it will be difficult to fathom the parents' point of view but it exists in every Asian society even today.
Who should watch it ... This is a movie for people interested in watching different cultures and the social stigmas of marriage elsewhere. Well acted, non sentimental and reaching out to the audience in full glory.
Method (2004)
Same Old Story packed with Clichés
This may be one that goes to television viewing when one has nothing to do in the evening.
The story is, as described by others, a story within a story which interchanges time to time - an actress back into the world of acting after a few year's hiatus (due to tragedies).
The Movie on a supposed female serial killer from early 20th Century USA is acted out by Liz Hurley and her co star. They still have feelings and an eventual affair ensues. Oh, I forget - the co-star has his wife on the set as well. :-) There's also a reporter on their tails with blackmail material and lets not forget the cold blooded agent/mum of Liz.
After 20 minutes it will become apparent that Liz eventually "merges" into her role so well (Method acting)that mysterious serial killings will occur on the set.
Ending is very predictable and quite cheesy too, I mean (Big Spoiler Ahead) ... we are made to believe the spirit of the dead serial killer possessed Liz all the time, a spirit that travels from the US to the sets in Romania? :-) It may be worth glancing at if you like to watch good IL pouty lipped Liz. Apart from that, get a decent movie or a book.
Cheers
Osama (2003)
A mature study of Taliban time Afghanistan
This is a straightforward, almost documentary style look at the status of women in the Taliban days of Afghanistan.
The beauty of the movie relies on the clever photography on not going too graphic, not over emphasizing on the oppressors and at the same time does not draw too much melodramatics in form of emotional music. Its also a short movie which makes good viewing.
Osama is the story of a pre-teen girl who lives with her widowed mother (a doctor) and grandmother. She will eventually crop her hair short and go out into society disguised as a boy to earn for her family (Women were not allowed to work so they basically starved without any resources of income).
The movie does not preach in any apparent direction but it highlights the plight of the women under this feudal system. Most is left to the viewer's rhetoric.
It may be disturbing for people who were never aware of facts described in this movie but for others it will be a reminder of what once happened. Watch this movie, not to build up prejudices, but to open one's awareness .
Cheers