Sunday, January 14, 2007
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Friday, January 12, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Monday, December 18, 2006
Mahulbanir Sereng (Sekhar Das, Color/Bengali/2005)
PC
A commendable first attempt by Sekhar Das. Following up on Aranyer Din Ratri and Aabar Aranye, Mahulbanir Sereng goes back to the jungle. The jungle, where the oldest surviving civilization of the land still exists.
With a good cast comprising of Rupa Ganguly, Shilajit, Sabyasachi Chakraborty and the others, the movie touches on various themes. Never quite gets there though. The tribal ancestral lands, the government's exploitation, the backward customs ...... even a remark at the end ... something to the effect "they are better than before" .... what BS???? They are where they were when the British left India. The middle class driven Indian civil services, the corrupt (and criminal) politicians, the biggest thieves in India -- the cops and the morally degraded businessmen, they all continue to suck the blood of the downtrodden. At the bottom of the ladder are the tribals -- worse even than the so-called 'untouchables'.
But, I guess if you want to release such a movie in West Bengal, India, one must acknowledge the "contribution" of decades long mis-management of the communist government. Sekhar Das gets a 2.5 stars for sucking up!!!
I really liked Rupa Ganguly's restrained acting. The short role for Sabyasachi was a sleep walk. Shilajit was adequate. Chandreyi Ghosh was so-so. In some scenes she seemed very convincing and in others too urban a tribal girl. Was it because she supposedly should have some 'urban' genes passed on from her ''civilized" father from the city?
A commendable first attempt by Sekhar Das. Following up on Aranyer Din Ratri and Aabar Aranye, Mahulbanir Sereng goes back to the jungle. The jungle, where the oldest surviving civilization of the land still exists.
With a good cast comprising of Rupa Ganguly, Shilajit, Sabyasachi Chakraborty and the others, the movie touches on various themes. Never quite gets there though. The tribal ancestral lands, the government's exploitation, the backward customs ...... even a remark at the end ... something to the effect "they are better than before" .... what BS???? They are where they were when the British left India. The middle class driven Indian civil services, the corrupt (and criminal) politicians, the biggest thieves in India -- the cops and the morally degraded businessmen, they all continue to suck the blood of the downtrodden. At the bottom of the ladder are the tribals -- worse even than the so-called 'untouchables'.
But, I guess if you want to release such a movie in West Bengal, India, one must acknowledge the "contribution" of decades long mis-management of the communist government. Sekhar Das gets a 2.5 stars for sucking up!!!
I really liked Rupa Ganguly's restrained acting. The short role for Sabyasachi was a sleep walk. Shilajit was adequate. Chandreyi Ghosh was so-so. In some scenes she seemed very convincing and in others too urban a tribal girl. Was it because she supposedly should have some 'urban' genes passed on from her ''civilized" father from the city?
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Chokh (Utpalendu Chakrabarty, Color/Bengali,Hindi/1983)
PC
That year was bad, very baaaaaaad. Otherwise why should a sub-standard movie like Chokh get the national award for best movie in India? Ok, the theme was great, but the rest??
Come on, acknowledging Satyajit Ray at the begining of the movie does not
That year was bad, very baaaaaaad. Otherwise why should a sub-standard movie like Chokh get the national award for best movie in India? Ok, the theme was great, but the rest??
Come on, acknowledging Satyajit Ray at the begining of the movie does not
Friday, December 08, 2006
Good Will Hunting (Gus Van Sant, Color/English/1997)
PC
A revisit. Watched it again for nostalgia -- Robin Williams' restrained acting, a rarity these days.
A revisit. Watched it again for nostalgia -- Robin Williams' restrained acting, a rarity these days.
Broken Flowers (Jim Jarmusch, Color/English/2005)
PC
A typical Bill Murray performance -- slow, gloomy and an interesting watch. Except for the restrained and laid back acting from Murray, didn't get anything else out of the movie.
Glad it was free on On-Demand .............
A typical Bill Murray performance -- slow, gloomy and an interesting watch. Except for the restrained and laid back acting from Murray, didn't get anything else out of the movie.
Glad it was free on On-Demand .............
Sunday, December 03, 2006
A History of Violence (David Cronenberg, Color/English/2005)
PC
Very thought provoking indeed. I found the characters very intriguing -- the father/husband, the wife and the son, all three characters are well developed. In the case of the wife and the son, the sudden change that makes their quiet life turbulent brings around changes that are starkly visible. The only character that shows little change, except for the grave concern towards his family, is the father/husband. His character, even though goes through so much, is shown to be utterly faithful to his family, but not much else. The killings are sudden and never planned on his part. They just happen, and he gets involved to save his own life or the lives of his close ones.
The movie has left me with several thoughts -- will the son and wife bring up the past? again and again? won't they? how can you live with this 'violent' person and forget his past? how can one also forget that this person is really a changed man who's dedicated (beyond doubt) towards his family. ???
Well directed -- there are no melodramatic scenes, the violence is short and brutal and the inter-personal relationships are highlighted without the need for extra dialogs or scenes. Overall, a pretty good movie.
Very thought provoking indeed. I found the characters very intriguing -- the father/husband, the wife and the son, all three characters are well developed. In the case of the wife and the son, the sudden change that makes their quiet life turbulent brings around changes that are starkly visible. The only character that shows little change, except for the grave concern towards his family, is the father/husband. His character, even though goes through so much, is shown to be utterly faithful to his family, but not much else. The killings are sudden and never planned on his part. They just happen, and he gets involved to save his own life or the lives of his close ones.
The movie has left me with several thoughts -- will the son and wife bring up the past? again and again? won't they? how can you live with this 'violent' person and forget his past? how can one also forget that this person is really a changed man who's dedicated (beyond doubt) towards his family. ???
Well directed -- there are no melodramatic scenes, the violence is short and brutal and the inter-personal relationships are highlighted without the need for extra dialogs or scenes. Overall, a pretty good movie.
Lawrence of Arabia (David Lean, Color/English/1962)
PC
This is the first time I watched LOA on big screen and every moment counted. Having watched the movie several times on video, I'd virtually memorized the scenes by heart. That didn't change the fact that the big screen screening took my breath away. I was able to see the close up of Sir Alec Guinness' face, Omar Sharif's intensity, the dessert, and all the other finer details that you miss on video.
A masterpiece of cinema, what else can I, a mere mortal, write about David Lean's best effort. Just one regret -- the movie ran for 3 hrs and 10 mins, 30 mins short of the full version. Well, better luck next time, I guess.
SS
This is the first time I watched LOA on big screen and every moment counted. Having watched the movie several times on video, I'd virtually memorized the scenes by heart. That didn't change the fact that the big screen screening took my breath away. I was able to see the close up of Sir Alec Guinness' face, Omar Sharif's intensity, the dessert, and all the other finer details that you miss on video.
A masterpiece of cinema, what else can I, a mere mortal, write about David Lean's best effort. Just one regret -- the movie ran for 3 hrs and 10 mins, 30 mins short of the full version. Well, better luck next time, I guess.
SS
Saturday, November 25, 2006
The Departed (Martin Scorsese, Color/English/2006)
PC
A good movie by Hollywood standards, an average movie by Martin Scorsese standards. There was nothing in the movie that stirred me. Except, Leonardo DiCaprio. The lad was simply fantastic. Matt Damon was not good (NO NO), Martin Sheen had no challenges and Mark Wahlberg had too little to do. And, Jack Nicholson ..... well he was as always the same sleepwalking through the role, smirking his way to glory. But, one shot with him and everyone else gets shadowed completely. Jack is Jack .....
But, DiCaprio stood his ground, even in company of greatness. Full marks to him. As for Mr. Scorsese -- I'm waiting to watch another of his classics from the 1970s, only if he stops making his Gangs of New Yorks and the Departeds ....... sigh!
A good movie by Hollywood standards, an average movie by Martin Scorsese standards. There was nothing in the movie that stirred me. Except, Leonardo DiCaprio. The lad was simply fantastic. Matt Damon was not good (NO NO), Martin Sheen had no challenges and Mark Wahlberg had too little to do. And, Jack Nicholson ..... well he was as always the same sleepwalking through the role, smirking his way to glory. But, one shot with him and everyone else gets shadowed completely. Jack is Jack .....
But, DiCaprio stood his ground, even in company of greatness. Full marks to him. As for Mr. Scorsese -- I'm waiting to watch another of his classics from the 1970s, only if he stops making his Gangs of New Yorks and the Departeds ....... sigh!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Casino Royale (Martin Campbell, Color/English/2006)
PC
Yes, Daniel Craig is the best bond. Period. No, Sean Connery doesn't come close. Hmmmm .... Connery did have the class, but couldn't have matched Craig's acting skills at that time. Now, of course, he's a fine fine actor. But as the first Bond his acting was ok, at best. He had the charm for sure, but I liked the twinkle in Roger Moore's eyes better.
My list, in order of preference:
1. Craig
2. Connery
3. Moore
4. Brosnan
5. Dalton
6. Lazenby
What Craig has really brought to the party is a seriousness that was desperately needed from a super spy like Bond. This Bond is more believable than any other to date. I hope the trend stays this way and we get to see the same type of Bond in the future.
Enjoyed the movie from start to finish with Eva Green providing the perfect foil for Mr. Shake-it or Stir-it Bond.
Thumbs Up!!
Yes, Daniel Craig is the best bond. Period. No, Sean Connery doesn't come close. Hmmmm .... Connery did have the class, but couldn't have matched Craig's acting skills at that time. Now, of course, he's a fine fine actor. But as the first Bond his acting was ok, at best. He had the charm for sure, but I liked the twinkle in Roger Moore's eyes better.
My list, in order of preference:
1. Craig
2. Connery
3. Moore
4. Brosnan
5. Dalton
6. Lazenby
What Craig has really brought to the party is a seriousness that was desperately needed from a super spy like Bond. This Bond is more believable than any other to date. I hope the trend stays this way and we get to see the same type of Bond in the future.
Enjoyed the movie from start to finish with Eva Green providing the perfect foil for Mr. Shake-it or Stir-it Bond.
Thumbs Up!!
Khosla ka Ghosla (Dibakar Banerjee, Color/Hindi/2006)
PC
Another one of those new fads from Bollywood -- the 'hatke' film! Besides the theme which radically differs from the song-and-dance candy floss from Bollywood, the film offered nothing new.
Anupam Kher's acting needs to be mentioned. The man is back to his good roles days. He's acting as well as his Saransh level. Boman Irani in a similar role as LRM (Lucky Singh!!) and he's completely wasted. I liked Ranvir Sheorey. But what was that accent?? Tara Sharma: are you desi or what? Must mention the music track .... typically foot tapping bhangra-pop fusion. Good good.
Banerjee: go back to the drawing board and work with a good script. Your movie fizzled out in the last quarter. And, Navin Nischol, your acting will never improve beyond working on Rekha's skin in Aastha. That's putting it mildly.
SS
Another one of those new fads from Bollywood -- the 'hatke' film! Besides the theme which radically differs from the song-and-dance candy floss from Bollywood, the film offered nothing new.
Anupam Kher's acting needs to be mentioned. The man is back to his good roles days. He's acting as well as his Saransh level. Boman Irani in a similar role as LRM (Lucky Singh!!) and he's completely wasted. I liked Ranvir Sheorey. But what was that accent?? Tara Sharma: are you desi or what? Must mention the music track .... typically foot tapping bhangra-pop fusion. Good good.
Banerjee: go back to the drawing board and work with a good script. Your movie fizzled out in the last quarter. And, Navin Nischol, your acting will never improve beyond working on Rekha's skin in Aastha. That's putting it mildly.
SS
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (Larry Charles, Color/English,Hebrew,Armenian/2006)
PC
I don't think there's any need for a review ........... NAAAAAAAAAT!!!
Sacha Baron Cohen deserves a standing ovation for what he has done in this movie. As most reviewers have pointed out -- he sure is a lucky chap not to have gotten busted several times during the shooting.
Scenes to remember:
1. The poor old jewish couple
2. "vanilla face"
3. Naaaat!!
4. The antique store
5. The bear and the children running
6. The wrestling, the elevator, the convention
7. Pamela Anderson
8. Naaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!!
What a hoot ..... once in a lifetime movie. As Borat will say "High five!"
SS
I don't think there's any need for a review ........... NAAAAAAAAAT!!!
Sacha Baron Cohen deserves a standing ovation for what he has done in this movie. As most reviewers have pointed out -- he sure is a lucky chap not to have gotten busted several times during the shooting.
Scenes to remember:
1. The poor old jewish couple
2. "vanilla face"
3. Naaaat!!
4. The antique store
5. The bear and the children running
6. The wrestling, the elevator, the convention
7. Pamela Anderson
8. Naaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!!
What a hoot ..... once in a lifetime movie. As Borat will say "High five!"
SS
Saturday, October 28, 2006
The Queen (Stephen Frears, Color/English/2006)
PC
This is a Helen Mirren show all the way. Oscar for the grand lady? I vote for it. Sympathy for Diana is easily forthcoming and the general public will cry itself hoarse that the royal family killed her. The fact remains that she was killed in an accident. Period.
The movie shows the other point of view. Except for a few scenes and the depiction of Prince Philip as a dunce, the movie seems to have captured the mood in the royal family and the Queen's personal battles with the incident.
Looking forward to more great roles from Mirren.
SS
This is a Helen Mirren show all the way. Oscar for the grand lady? I vote for it. Sympathy for Diana is easily forthcoming and the general public will cry itself hoarse that the royal family killed her. The fact remains that she was killed in an accident. Period.
The movie shows the other point of view. Except for a few scenes and the depiction of Prince Philip as a dunce, the movie seems to have captured the mood in the royal family and the Queen's personal battles with the incident.
Looking forward to more great roles from Mirren.
SS
Ocean's Twelve (Steven Soderbergh, Color/English/2004)
PC
Now the first one "Ocean's Eleven" was an interesting remake and was bearable. This one is a clear NO NO!!! Completely garbled and overtly stylized, it left me asking if Soderbergh randomly shot the movie and created "a story" on the editing table. The acting, in most parts, was terrible, the plot cliched and confusing, the camerawork & editing gave me a headache.
Is Soderbergh losing it?
SS
Now the first one "Ocean's Eleven" was an interesting remake and was bearable. This one is a clear NO NO!!! Completely garbled and overtly stylized, it left me asking if Soderbergh randomly shot the movie and created "a story" on the editing table. The acting, in most parts, was terrible, the plot cliched and confusing, the camerawork & editing gave me a headache.
Is Soderbergh losing it?
SS
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