How can the same person go through the same shit twice? Ask me, my boss gave me the same rating during appraisal as last year to fit me into the HR bell curve. The next day the guy who invented the HR bell curve was hanging upside down by the rope to the same bell curve. I had the opportunity to learn this art of kicking ass from John McClane. So do you.
1988 is a landmark year in which a movie directed by John McTiernan redefined the way action heroes and villains were perceived or action movies were made. The result was it made way for 3 more blockbuster sequels and millions of die hard “Die Hard” fans, me included. Everything in the first installment of the series falls in the right place and it’s no wonder it is regarded as the movie that catapulted Bruce Willis fame professionally and strengthened his relationship with the beauty Demi Moore. Die Hard series is the classic representation of the cult action movies, providing thrill a minute ride with witty one-liners and an adrenaline rush that will not agree to settle down till the credits start rolling on the screen.
Bruce as McClane is perfect and allows us to relate to him even when he is doing some humanly impossible stunts. McClane holds our attention when we hold our breaths watching him blow up a floor in the Nakatomi high rise in Die Hard 1 or blow up an aircraft in Die Hard 2: Die Harder or solve riddles in Die Hard3: Die Hard With Vengeance or toss his car into air to blowup a chopper in Die Hard 4.0: Live Free or Die Hard. I cannot imagine any other actor for this role.
Each time John decides to spend quality time with his wife Holly and their kids, things start going the wrong way. The one and the only thing not planned by the bad guys is their encounter with their worst nightmare called John McClane. And it’s a roller coaster ride with no loose ends and the fast pace keeps you engaged throughout the movie. Die Hard series redefines the villains in the action genre. All the antagonists have oozing charm and it’s a treat to watch the cunning Hans Gruber take hostage of the Nakatomi high rise in Die Hard 1 and well trained Col.Stuart take control of Washington DC airport in Die Hard 2: Die Harder and Simon Gruber trouble McClane with riddles in Die Hard 3: Die Hard with Vengeance and Thomas Gabriel the hacking wizard in Die Hard 4: Live Free, Die Hard.
Each sequel gives you a chance to enjoy watching John McClane go through same shit again and again. It’s a pleasure to watch the Wrong person at the wrong place at the wrong time. I wish that he lands up in the wrong place at the wrong time again.
Each installment of the series is motion picture poetry filled with intelligence, fast paced top-notch action with witty-one liners and definitely a great watch for any occasion. Die Hard series is the best thing to happen to a movie buff since Lumiere brothers. I consider Die Hard series as one of the best action movies ever made. The movie keeps you engaged throughout and makes you a part of the story. At the end of the movie you would be so full of energy and wit that you will be ready to take on any jerk who comes your way. That's what all action movies are supposed to do, and Die Hard does it the best.
Chilled beer and tacos taste the best with a Die Hard flick. So burp in joy and say“Yippie-kai-yay”.
Think About It: Have you ever wondered to what genre do most Hindi movies fit in? It’s called “The Nonsense genre” with MNIK and KANK leading the pack.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Its Complicated
Is Love bound by age? The only love stories we ever hear are about young people in their 20’s and sometimes 30’s. Maybe Love really gets complicated with age.
Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) are in their 50’s and have 3 grown up kids. Jane and Jake are divorced for last 10 years after a marriage for 19 years. Jake is now married to Agnes. Agnes and Jake are trying to have a baby. Adam (Steve Martin) is also divorced and is in love with Jane. Jane also falls in love with Adam. But Jake has been sleeping with Jane, which makes Jane the “Other woman” or the “B!tch”. Jane’s eldest daughter’s fiancée knows about the “affair”, but is not in a position to tell anyone. Damn It’s Complicated.
Nancy Meyers narrates a story about complications in a very simple but unique style. The script is tight with some great humorous moments which will bring the house down. The punch lines have been well drafted and very well delivered. It is always exciting to watch young people with well sculpted bodies on the screen, but it was more fun to watch people twice their age having all the “fun”. The chemistry between Meryl and Alec is perfect and what every lead character would love to have.
Acting by all the lead characters is impeccable. It is a delight to watch what fine actors can do with a superb script. It’s a treat to watch them deliver the laughs with ease. Meryl Streep looks ravishing even today and shines as Jane. Alec Baldwin’s comic timing is bang on. Steve Martin dons the role of a serious character with the same ease as of his previous comic characters.
This one is a relief to all movie buffs after watching some real duds like Teen Patti and KCK released last week. The story is complicated for the characters, but it is definitely a great time for us. Watch this movie and you would agree with me.
Think About It: Have you ever wondered what is the one and only reason for divorce in this whole world? It is an institution called “Marriage”. No Marriage, No Divorce.
Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) are in their 50’s and have 3 grown up kids. Jane and Jake are divorced for last 10 years after a marriage for 19 years. Jake is now married to Agnes. Agnes and Jake are trying to have a baby. Adam (Steve Martin) is also divorced and is in love with Jane. Jane also falls in love with Adam. But Jake has been sleeping with Jane, which makes Jane the “Other woman” or the “B!tch”. Jane’s eldest daughter’s fiancée knows about the “affair”, but is not in a position to tell anyone. Damn It’s Complicated.
Nancy Meyers narrates a story about complications in a very simple but unique style. The script is tight with some great humorous moments which will bring the house down. The punch lines have been well drafted and very well delivered. It is always exciting to watch young people with well sculpted bodies on the screen, but it was more fun to watch people twice their age having all the “fun”. The chemistry between Meryl and Alec is perfect and what every lead character would love to have.
Acting by all the lead characters is impeccable. It is a delight to watch what fine actors can do with a superb script. It’s a treat to watch them deliver the laughs with ease. Meryl Streep looks ravishing even today and shines as Jane. Alec Baldwin’s comic timing is bang on. Steve Martin dons the role of a serious character with the same ease as of his previous comic characters.
This one is a relief to all movie buffs after watching some real duds like Teen Patti and KCK released last week. The story is complicated for the characters, but it is definitely a great time for us. Watch this movie and you would agree with me.
Think About It: Have you ever wondered what is the one and only reason for divorce in this whole world? It is an institution called “Marriage”. No Marriage, No Divorce.
Up in the air- Review
Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. Jay Leno talks. And Jason Reitman makes intelligent movies.
After giving us movies like “Thank You for Smoking” and “Juno”, 32 year old Jason Reitman has crafted another Masterpiece “Up in the Air”.
George Clooney (Ryan Bingham) makes a living by flying across America for 320 days in a year firing employees for companies that don’t have the courage to do it themselves. Trust me-Americans are crazy, they take outsourcing very seriously. During recession, companies which specialize in “Firing” employees thrive. This is the perfect example for disguised unemployment.
The goal in Clooney’s life is to be free from all types of commitment and be the 7th person to achieve 10 million frequent flyer miles (btw moon is just 250,000 miles away from earth). All he needs to do is travel across the country and fire people. He is an expert in adding human touch to the firing process and also gets into a “casual relationship” with another frequent flyer Vera Farmiga (Alex). His dreams are shattered and he is grounded when newbie Anna Kendrick (Natalie Keener) introduces online firing process, which reduces the total travel cost by 85%. To prove her wrong, Clooney has to travel with Anna to introduce her to his line of work. The result is a funny and a satirical journey across the landscape of Miami, Vegas, Omaha and California into the lives of the 3 protagonists. Believe you me; Aerial view of America is stunning.
With the unemployment rate hitting the roof in US, the timing could not be more perfect for the release of the movie. Up in the Air is a reality check of the current times. Many of us would surely relate to the characters and the story. Jason Reitman does an incredible job of bringing in the satire and the funny moments to keep you engaged throughout the movie. Though the first half is fast paced with lots of funny moments, second half is slow and satirical at its best. It is a priceless moment when Anna’s (brainchild behind online firing) is dumped by her boyfriend through a text message.
Vera Farmiga’s performance is very seductive (Experience gained from “The Departed” has definitely worked in her favour). Anna plays her part to the perfection and doesnot give you the idea that she is a supporting character in the plot. But the movie belongs completely to Clooney. He plays the role of the “Terminator” and as a Trainer motivating people to stay away from commitment with lots of ease. Clooney’s flawless performance and Reitman's wonderful screenplay provide an intelligent satirical comedy and a laughter riot. If you don't laugh out loud, your sense of humor has become a casualty of nonsensical Hindi movies. If the movie doesnot gain mainstream appeal because of its intelligence level, it would be because MNIK is still running at the theaters.
I am yet to recover from the hangover of stupendous performances, great direction and a crisp script. If I had the power to fire people, 2 of them top my list, Product Head (in a finance company) who is clueless about preparing a Business Plan and a Risk Manager (in a Bank) who is a “Liability” to the Retail loan portfolio, but is surviving because of her “Wholesome Assets” (These are real people and are making more money than I do)
I am happy I still have my job and can afford to watch the movie again. I recommend this movie to all salaried professionals. Try and watch this with your boss, its definitely worth the effort.
After giving us movies like “Thank You for Smoking” and “Juno”, 32 year old Jason Reitman has crafted another Masterpiece “Up in the Air”.
George Clooney (Ryan Bingham) makes a living by flying across America for 320 days in a year firing employees for companies that don’t have the courage to do it themselves. Trust me-Americans are crazy, they take outsourcing very seriously. During recession, companies which specialize in “Firing” employees thrive. This is the perfect example for disguised unemployment.
The goal in Clooney’s life is to be free from all types of commitment and be the 7th person to achieve 10 million frequent flyer miles (btw moon is just 250,000 miles away from earth). All he needs to do is travel across the country and fire people. He is an expert in adding human touch to the firing process and also gets into a “casual relationship” with another frequent flyer Vera Farmiga (Alex). His dreams are shattered and he is grounded when newbie Anna Kendrick (Natalie Keener) introduces online firing process, which reduces the total travel cost by 85%. To prove her wrong, Clooney has to travel with Anna to introduce her to his line of work. The result is a funny and a satirical journey across the landscape of Miami, Vegas, Omaha and California into the lives of the 3 protagonists. Believe you me; Aerial view of America is stunning.
With the unemployment rate hitting the roof in US, the timing could not be more perfect for the release of the movie. Up in the Air is a reality check of the current times. Many of us would surely relate to the characters and the story. Jason Reitman does an incredible job of bringing in the satire and the funny moments to keep you engaged throughout the movie. Though the first half is fast paced with lots of funny moments, second half is slow and satirical at its best. It is a priceless moment when Anna’s (brainchild behind online firing) is dumped by her boyfriend through a text message.
Vera Farmiga’s performance is very seductive (Experience gained from “The Departed” has definitely worked in her favour). Anna plays her part to the perfection and doesnot give you the idea that she is a supporting character in the plot. But the movie belongs completely to Clooney. He plays the role of the “Terminator” and as a Trainer motivating people to stay away from commitment with lots of ease. Clooney’s flawless performance and Reitman's wonderful screenplay provide an intelligent satirical comedy and a laughter riot. If you don't laugh out loud, your sense of humor has become a casualty of nonsensical Hindi movies. If the movie doesnot gain mainstream appeal because of its intelligence level, it would be because MNIK is still running at the theaters.
I am yet to recover from the hangover of stupendous performances, great direction and a crisp script. If I had the power to fire people, 2 of them top my list, Product Head (in a finance company) who is clueless about preparing a Business Plan and a Risk Manager (in a Bank) who is a “Liability” to the Retail loan portfolio, but is surviving because of her “Wholesome Assets” (These are real people and are making more money than I do)
I am happy I still have my job and can afford to watch the movie again. I recommend this movie to all salaried professionals. Try and watch this with your boss, its definitely worth the effort.
I am back - James Cameron
If you give $ 400 million to Tiger Woods…You know what happens to that money…and the only guy to be entertained will be Tiger Woods (He has an awesome taste by the way).
Give the same $ 400 million to James Cameron and he churns out an exciting cinema experience called “Avatar” and says “The Movie Making Master is back”.
Avatar is officially budgeted at $237 million to produce and an estimated $150 million for marketing. The film is a breakthrough in filmmaking technology, for its development of 3D viewing and stereoscopic filmmaking with 3D fusion cameras that were specially designed for the film's production. This is a film to be experienced with a great sound system, in 3D and you will realize that the movie-making master is BACK after 12 years of hiding from Hollywood.
I suppose most of you have watched Cameron's previous works - Aliens, Terminator 1 & 2, The Abyss, Titanic just to name a few. So what should you expect from Avatar??? MORE of the same! More of revolutionary film-making, more of never-before-seen special effects and more of James Cameron the genius...
Attention to detail is superb. You will practically not notice that you are watching a non-existing world called “Pandora”. Let Pandora become your real world for two and a half hours, let it make you completely forget about your life and problems, let it entertain you.
The only problem with movie is a lack of original story. But what you see on the screen will blow you away. Let’s not complain, this is the era where originality is rare, but if you need a proper dose of cinema experience and action….here’s you chance
Think About it: What if James had made Titanic in 3D format? It would have been a treat to watch Kate in 3D format…What say?
Give the same $ 400 million to James Cameron and he churns out an exciting cinema experience called “Avatar” and says “The Movie Making Master is back”.
Avatar is officially budgeted at $237 million to produce and an estimated $150 million for marketing. The film is a breakthrough in filmmaking technology, for its development of 3D viewing and stereoscopic filmmaking with 3D fusion cameras that were specially designed for the film's production. This is a film to be experienced with a great sound system, in 3D and you will realize that the movie-making master is BACK after 12 years of hiding from Hollywood.
I suppose most of you have watched Cameron's previous works - Aliens, Terminator 1 & 2, The Abyss, Titanic just to name a few. So what should you expect from Avatar??? MORE of the same! More of revolutionary film-making, more of never-before-seen special effects and more of James Cameron the genius...
Attention to detail is superb. You will practically not notice that you are watching a non-existing world called “Pandora”. Let Pandora become your real world for two and a half hours, let it make you completely forget about your life and problems, let it entertain you.
The only problem with movie is a lack of original story. But what you see on the screen will blow you away. Let’s not complain, this is the era where originality is rare, but if you need a proper dose of cinema experience and action….here’s you chance
Think About it: What if James had made Titanic in 3D format? It would have been a treat to watch Kate in 3D format…What say?
Sherlock Holmes-Review
After watching “Snatch”, “Lock Stock and 2 smoking barrels” and “Rock ‘n Rolla”, I had great expectation from Guy Ritchie’s latest flick “Sherlock Holmes”, but I was left disappointed.
Maybe I had a lot of expectations because it was Guy Ritchie and Sherlock Holmes. Ritchie’s narration of the story has always been multilayered with superb twists to the tale…but this movie was not worthy of the world’s greatest detective. I wanted a great crime mystery to be solved by the detective and his Dr friend, but all I got was too much of the gangs of London and too little of the detective’s brainwork.
The action sequences have Ritchie’s trademark imprinted on them. A lot of effort has gone in to create the Old London and the London Bridge. Wish he had concentrated more on the story.
My suggestion: Watch “Sleepy Hollow” it’s a better crime mystery movie or read a Conan Doyle original.
Think About it: Mistakes happen by all the directors. The guy who made “Company” and “Satya”, the finest movies in Indian Cinema has also made the worst movie in Indian Cinema -“Ramgopal Varma ki AAG”. Guy Ritchie- we will wait for your trademark gangsta movies.
Maybe I had a lot of expectations because it was Guy Ritchie and Sherlock Holmes. Ritchie’s narration of the story has always been multilayered with superb twists to the tale…but this movie was not worthy of the world’s greatest detective. I wanted a great crime mystery to be solved by the detective and his Dr friend, but all I got was too much of the gangs of London and too little of the detective’s brainwork.
The action sequences have Ritchie’s trademark imprinted on them. A lot of effort has gone in to create the Old London and the London Bridge. Wish he had concentrated more on the story.
My suggestion: Watch “Sleepy Hollow” it’s a better crime mystery movie or read a Conan Doyle original.
Think About it: Mistakes happen by all the directors. The guy who made “Company” and “Satya”, the finest movies in Indian Cinema has also made the worst movie in Indian Cinema -“Ramgopal Varma ki AAG”. Guy Ritchie- we will wait for your trademark gangsta movies.
3 Idiots
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle surely would be a proud man as his 2 fictional characters have been brought back to life by Guy Ritchie in his latest flick “Sherlock Holmes” and to inform you all Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s name does not appear in any of its promos and I doubt he has any problems with that unlike Chutan Bhagat (Yes, you are reading it right).
First he introduced – “Jadoo ki jhappi”, then” Gandhigiri” and as expected “All izz well” this time, the latest catchy phrase by supremely talented Raju Hirani. He has proved himself twice in the past and he proves it for the third time with 3 Idiots. It would be a disaster if the content is not upto the expectation for an over-hyped movie like 3 idiots .Believe me the movie lives up to the hype and is a great work of entertainment, but personally I feel that Munnabhai MBBS has been Raju Hirani’s best work.
Thank God the script was improvised, else it would have been a dud like “Hello” (movie was based on the Chetan Bhagat‘s novel One Night @ The Call-center with complete script adapted from the novel). Raju Hirani’s trademark can be seen in every scene. He narrates a story that each one of us can relate to.
Two friends embark on a quest for a lost friend. As they make their way through the picture perfect landscape of Ladakh, Shimla and Manali another journey begins: their journey through memory lane and the story of their friend - the free-thinker Rancho who touched and changed their lives. The first half breezes by effortlessly as Hirani balances the rough and smooth incidents in their lives beautifully. The sequences in the hostel, right from the ragging sequence, to the speech when the word 'chamatkaar' is changed to 'balatkaar' and “dhan is changed to “sthan” are superb and the funny moments will bring the house down
The pace dips in the second half. The delivery sequence of Mona on a ping pong table is very filmy, but the culmination to the film is a master stroke by Raju.
3 idiots works because of magnificient screenplay by Hirani and Joshi. Cinematography is awesome. The aerial view of picture perfect Ladakh, Shimla and Manali will blow you away. The music is perfect and “All izz well“ will grow on you. Aamir, perfect as always, is great to watch. Madhavan and Sharman do an outstanding job from start to end. Boman Irani’s appearance, mannerisms and dialogue delivery are exemplary. Kareena makes her presence felt despite the small role, wish we got to see more of her.
All I have to say to Raju Hirani is “Jahapanah Tussi Great Ho, Taufa Kubul Karo”
It’s a great feeling to watch a movie during office hours (Trust me it’s worth it and I suggest all of you try it atleast once). With 3 idiots the feeling is “All Izz Well Chachu”.
And if you still decide not to watch the movie – You are the biggest Idiot I have come across.
Think About It: Who were the real Idiots when Chetan was fighting with VV Chopra? Ofcourse it was the media and us. He is laughing his way to the bank. He got free publicity for his book.
First he introduced – “Jadoo ki jhappi”, then” Gandhigiri” and as expected “All izz well” this time, the latest catchy phrase by supremely talented Raju Hirani. He has proved himself twice in the past and he proves it for the third time with 3 Idiots. It would be a disaster if the content is not upto the expectation for an over-hyped movie like 3 idiots .Believe me the movie lives up to the hype and is a great work of entertainment, but personally I feel that Munnabhai MBBS has been Raju Hirani’s best work.
Thank God the script was improvised, else it would have been a dud like “Hello” (movie was based on the Chetan Bhagat‘s novel One Night @ The Call-center with complete script adapted from the novel). Raju Hirani’s trademark can be seen in every scene. He narrates a story that each one of us can relate to.
Two friends embark on a quest for a lost friend. As they make their way through the picture perfect landscape of Ladakh, Shimla and Manali another journey begins: their journey through memory lane and the story of their friend - the free-thinker Rancho who touched and changed their lives. The first half breezes by effortlessly as Hirani balances the rough and smooth incidents in their lives beautifully. The sequences in the hostel, right from the ragging sequence, to the speech when the word 'chamatkaar' is changed to 'balatkaar' and “dhan is changed to “sthan” are superb and the funny moments will bring the house down
The pace dips in the second half. The delivery sequence of Mona on a ping pong table is very filmy, but the culmination to the film is a master stroke by Raju.
3 idiots works because of magnificient screenplay by Hirani and Joshi. Cinematography is awesome. The aerial view of picture perfect Ladakh, Shimla and Manali will blow you away. The music is perfect and “All izz well“ will grow on you. Aamir, perfect as always, is great to watch. Madhavan and Sharman do an outstanding job from start to end. Boman Irani’s appearance, mannerisms and dialogue delivery are exemplary. Kareena makes her presence felt despite the small role, wish we got to see more of her.
All I have to say to Raju Hirani is “Jahapanah Tussi Great Ho, Taufa Kubul Karo”
It’s a great feeling to watch a movie during office hours (Trust me it’s worth it and I suggest all of you try it atleast once). With 3 idiots the feeling is “All Izz Well Chachu”.
And if you still decide not to watch the movie – You are the biggest Idiot I have come across.
Think About It: Who were the real Idiots when Chetan was fighting with VV Chopra? Ofcourse it was the media and us. He is laughing his way to the bank. He got free publicity for his book.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Ishqiya - An amazing journey
“Kaamyaabi ki peeche mat bhaago, Excellence ke peeche bhaago, success jhak maar kar apne aap peeche bhaagegi!”
- Baba Ranchoddas Shyamaldas Chanchad a.k.a Phunksukh Wangdu
Debutante director Abhishek Chaubey has followed it to the last word. This is evidenced by the script, dialogues and music by Vishal Bharadwaj, lyrics by Gulzar Sahib and remarkable performances by Naseruddin Shah, Arshad and the mystery woman Vidya Balan. One can be assured that there is a clear influence of Vishal’s (Abhishek’s mentor) style of narrating the story, always ready to bend the way hindi movies are perceived and presented.
Khalujan (Naseruddin) and Babban (Arshad) are on the run for stealing money from Mushtaq (Naseeruddin’s Jiju). They meet Krishna (Vidya Balan) at Gorakhpur and a new roller coaster ride begins through the rural landscape with twists in the tale around every corner and even the traveler Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Al Lawati Al Tanji Ibn Battuta or simply Ibn Battuta would surely agree that it is a great journey.
Abhishek never lets you feel that a debutante director is narrating this twisted tale of love. The rugged look and the bad mouth of Naseeruddin and Arshad makes you like them more. The first half is fast paced and dialogues are superb. The liplock scene between Arshad and Vidya surely sends the temperature soaring and I must admit this has been the best liplock scene I have seen in Indian movie. The story slows down in the latter half and I felt in the climax with too many plots is confusing. But let me not complain as the 2 hours journey was exciting.
Living legend Naseruddin is great as ever. Arshad’s delivers superb performance through his dialogue delivery and appearance. But the movie completely belongs to Vidya. She gets out of her comfort zone playing the good girl in all her previous flicks and dons the bad girl image with great amount of comfort. I just hope this talented actor gets more work and we get to see more of her. She looks stunning in a saree and I can’t hold myself back but say here “Saree is like statistics. What it reveals is suggestive, but what it conceals is vital” ….and so is Vidya Balan’s acting skills…..there is more to come.
VB and Gulzar Sahib create magic once again. After hits like “Beedi Jalaile” and “Dhan te na” the DJs will be all out to play “Ibn-e-batuta”. But my pick is “Dil to Bachcha Hai”.
Ishqiya is for those who enjoy of quality movies, definitely not for those who are hungry only for nonsensical masala flicks.
Think About it: What if KJ or Yash Chopra were the mentors for Abhishek Chaubey? Ishqiya would have been nonsensical, artificial candy floss love stories like KANK, KHNH, K3G, Mohabatein set in New York or Switzerland. What a cr@p it would have been.
- Baba Ranchoddas Shyamaldas Chanchad a.k.a Phunksukh Wangdu
Debutante director Abhishek Chaubey has followed it to the last word. This is evidenced by the script, dialogues and music by Vishal Bharadwaj, lyrics by Gulzar Sahib and remarkable performances by Naseruddin Shah, Arshad and the mystery woman Vidya Balan. One can be assured that there is a clear influence of Vishal’s (Abhishek’s mentor) style of narrating the story, always ready to bend the way hindi movies are perceived and presented.
Khalujan (Naseruddin) and Babban (Arshad) are on the run for stealing money from Mushtaq (Naseeruddin’s Jiju). They meet Krishna (Vidya Balan) at Gorakhpur and a new roller coaster ride begins through the rural landscape with twists in the tale around every corner and even the traveler Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Al Lawati Al Tanji Ibn Battuta or simply Ibn Battuta would surely agree that it is a great journey.
Abhishek never lets you feel that a debutante director is narrating this twisted tale of love. The rugged look and the bad mouth of Naseeruddin and Arshad makes you like them more. The first half is fast paced and dialogues are superb. The liplock scene between Arshad and Vidya surely sends the temperature soaring and I must admit this has been the best liplock scene I have seen in Indian movie. The story slows down in the latter half and I felt in the climax with too many plots is confusing. But let me not complain as the 2 hours journey was exciting.
Living legend Naseruddin is great as ever. Arshad’s delivers superb performance through his dialogue delivery and appearance. But the movie completely belongs to Vidya. She gets out of her comfort zone playing the good girl in all her previous flicks and dons the bad girl image with great amount of comfort. I just hope this talented actor gets more work and we get to see more of her. She looks stunning in a saree and I can’t hold myself back but say here “Saree is like statistics. What it reveals is suggestive, but what it conceals is vital” ….and so is Vidya Balan’s acting skills…..there is more to come.
VB and Gulzar Sahib create magic once again. After hits like “Beedi Jalaile” and “Dhan te na” the DJs will be all out to play “Ibn-e-batuta”. But my pick is “Dil to Bachcha Hai”.
Ishqiya is for those who enjoy of quality movies, definitely not for those who are hungry only for nonsensical masala flicks.
Think About it: What if KJ or Yash Chopra were the mentors for Abhishek Chaubey? Ishqiya would have been nonsensical, artificial candy floss love stories like KANK, KHNH, K3G, Mohabatein set in New York or Switzerland. What a cr@p it would have been.
Rann-Review
BREAKING NEWS: Ramu ne news channels ki vaat laga di Mamu
All News channels including NDTV and CNN IBN plotted to destroy RGV’s reputation on 30th Nov ’08 (4 days post 26/11) for visiting Taj hotel with Riteish and his dad. They will not be spared for this attempt as they forgot to read the Statutory Warning mentioned at “The Factory” -“Mujhe jo sahi lagta hai, main wahi karta hoon”.
After a long time Ramu moves away from Mumbai’s underworld and narrates a story of white collar criminals based out of Delhi. It is a simple story of good journalism v/s masala journalism with Ramu’s master technical touch evident in every scene, be it the haunting music or the close-up camera angles, which makes the story more interesting. The characters are loosely based on NDTV’s Pranay Roy (AB) and his ex-employee CNN IBN’s Rajdeep Sardesai (Mohnish Bahl) and their dark secrets. The first half is slow taking time to establish the characters. Post interval the setting picks the speed as the plot thickens. The monologue in the climax for nearly 10 minutes by AB given in a single take is commendable. An undercurrent tension maintained throughout makes Rann a gripping watch.
The script fails in some divisions which is aptly compensated by stupendous performances by Big B and Paresh Rawal. But it is Sudeep who stands tall among these great actors and steals the show along with Mohnish Bahl. Both of them bite well into the meaty role offered. Riteish, Rajat Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav do justice to their roles.
Revenge is sweet, Truth is bitter and the hunter has been hunted. News Channels for once have been exposed and they have been whining about the way media has been presented in the movie. C’mon –All is fair in love and war. You guys slapped his reputation, and now he slaps yours.
I have to admit that this is not the best work of the video library owner turned director (one of my favorite), but still Rann is worth a watch and surely provides a lesson or two on taking vengeance.
No glamour, no over the board emotions, no jhatkas, no matkas, just pure serious cinema and definitely worth a watch.
3 of India’s best directors created a cult movie “Satya” (RGV, Anurag Kashyap and Vishal Bharadwaj). What if Sarkar and Omkara met on a Black Friday? :Think about it.
All News channels including NDTV and CNN IBN plotted to destroy RGV’s reputation on 30th Nov ’08 (4 days post 26/11) for visiting Taj hotel with Riteish and his dad. They will not be spared for this attempt as they forgot to read the Statutory Warning mentioned at “The Factory” -“Mujhe jo sahi lagta hai, main wahi karta hoon”.
After a long time Ramu moves away from Mumbai’s underworld and narrates a story of white collar criminals based out of Delhi. It is a simple story of good journalism v/s masala journalism with Ramu’s master technical touch evident in every scene, be it the haunting music or the close-up camera angles, which makes the story more interesting. The characters are loosely based on NDTV’s Pranay Roy (AB) and his ex-employee CNN IBN’s Rajdeep Sardesai (Mohnish Bahl) and their dark secrets. The first half is slow taking time to establish the characters. Post interval the setting picks the speed as the plot thickens. The monologue in the climax for nearly 10 minutes by AB given in a single take is commendable. An undercurrent tension maintained throughout makes Rann a gripping watch.
The script fails in some divisions which is aptly compensated by stupendous performances by Big B and Paresh Rawal. But it is Sudeep who stands tall among these great actors and steals the show along with Mohnish Bahl. Both of them bite well into the meaty role offered. Riteish, Rajat Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav do justice to their roles.
Revenge is sweet, Truth is bitter and the hunter has been hunted. News Channels for once have been exposed and they have been whining about the way media has been presented in the movie. C’mon –All is fair in love and war. You guys slapped his reputation, and now he slaps yours.
I have to admit that this is not the best work of the video library owner turned director (one of my favorite), but still Rann is worth a watch and surely provides a lesson or two on taking vengeance.
No glamour, no over the board emotions, no jhatkas, no matkas, just pure serious cinema and definitely worth a watch.
3 of India’s best directors created a cult movie “Satya” (RGV, Anurag Kashyap and Vishal Bharadwaj). What if Sarkar and Omkara met on a Black Friday? :Think about it.
MNIK-Review
The controversy between Balasaheb and SRK is just an eye-wash. Actual conversation and controversy between Balasaheb and KJ was:
Balasaheb: This story was written by me- “Mazha Naav Kamble ahey”, Story of an Ordinary man and his Ordinary Journey (one-way from Thane to CST for 2.5 hours) and you have copied it.
Karan Johar: Sorry Sir, But I have tried to take your story to the whole world with some changes.
Balasaheb: With “Some changes”, the title is not in “Marathi” and “Khans” are nowhere close to being a “Manoos”… …Kamble has become Khan and Kalina has become California….its an insult to Marathi Manoos…I will not allow its release till you change the title to “Mazha Naav Kamble ahey”,
Karan Johar: But sir, distribution rights for rest of India is with Smita Thackerey.
Balasaheb: Then I will allow screening only in rest of India and not in Bombay….oops Mumbai
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Finally after these many years, Shahrukh and KJ realized that Shahrukh’s name is “Khan” and not “Rahul”.
KJ said in an interview with Pranay Roy that he got bored of the huge sets and larger than life characters while shooting for KANK and hence he decided to make a ”different” movie called “My Name is Khan”. But nothing has changed, he was bored then and I am bored now (after watching the movie). It is the same KJ with only one difference, no huge sets and no disco number. Only time I laughed was when Shahrukh mentions about the book “Intercourse guide for Dumbos”
Over the board emotions is a thing of past. But who listens, definitely not Shibani Bathija and KJ. After scripting for candy floss movies like KANK and Fanaa, this one’s no different. I think diseases as a subject to attract attention and sympathy through a movie must be the in thing (Eg:Paa). Khan suffers from Autism and but he is no match to Dustin Hoffman’s acting in “Rainman” or Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump”. The story has got nothing to do with terrorism or muslim community…."Its just about loving Shahrukh Khan”.
Maybe it was easy for the director to find a good look alike of George Bush but not of Barack Obama for the movie because fools are easy to find than geniuses, just like finding an idiot who loves movies like “MNIK” is easy and not a real movie buff.
Music is fine. Tere Naina is good and I just hoped Kajol did not wear designer eye lens for this song.
Even after producing some good movies like” Wake up Sid”, KJ is yet to wake up. This movie is definitely not worth watching on Big Screen. But I am sure this will be a big hit as most movie goers and almost all the females in India just love unrealistic emotions and unrealistic characters.
Think About It: What would Balasaheb and Uddhav do when the movie is premiered on cable in another few months? Will they attack Sony / Colors channel?
For the record-My name is Chikku-Movie buff
Balasaheb: This story was written by me- “Mazha Naav Kamble ahey”, Story of an Ordinary man and his Ordinary Journey (one-way from Thane to CST for 2.5 hours) and you have copied it.
Karan Johar: Sorry Sir, But I have tried to take your story to the whole world with some changes.
Balasaheb: With “Some changes”, the title is not in “Marathi” and “Khans” are nowhere close to being a “Manoos”… …Kamble has become Khan and Kalina has become California….its an insult to Marathi Manoos…I will not allow its release till you change the title to “Mazha Naav Kamble ahey”,
Karan Johar: But sir, distribution rights for rest of India is with Smita Thackerey.
Balasaheb: Then I will allow screening only in rest of India and not in Bombay….oops Mumbai
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Finally after these many years, Shahrukh and KJ realized that Shahrukh’s name is “Khan” and not “Rahul”.
KJ said in an interview with Pranay Roy that he got bored of the huge sets and larger than life characters while shooting for KANK and hence he decided to make a ”different” movie called “My Name is Khan”. But nothing has changed, he was bored then and I am bored now (after watching the movie). It is the same KJ with only one difference, no huge sets and no disco number. Only time I laughed was when Shahrukh mentions about the book “Intercourse guide for Dumbos”
Over the board emotions is a thing of past. But who listens, definitely not Shibani Bathija and KJ. After scripting for candy floss movies like KANK and Fanaa, this one’s no different. I think diseases as a subject to attract attention and sympathy through a movie must be the in thing (Eg:Paa). Khan suffers from Autism and but he is no match to Dustin Hoffman’s acting in “Rainman” or Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump”. The story has got nothing to do with terrorism or muslim community…."Its just about loving Shahrukh Khan”.
Maybe it was easy for the director to find a good look alike of George Bush but not of Barack Obama for the movie because fools are easy to find than geniuses, just like finding an idiot who loves movies like “MNIK” is easy and not a real movie buff.
Music is fine. Tere Naina is good and I just hoped Kajol did not wear designer eye lens for this song.
Even after producing some good movies like” Wake up Sid”, KJ is yet to wake up. This movie is definitely not worth watching on Big Screen. But I am sure this will be a big hit as most movie goers and almost all the females in India just love unrealistic emotions and unrealistic characters.
Think About It: What would Balasaheb and Uddhav do when the movie is premiered on cable in another few months? Will they attack Sony / Colors channel?
For the record-My name is Chikku-Movie buff
KCK Review - Wrong number dialed
’Galat cheez banaya hain telephone, udhar se aadmi sochta kuchh hain, bolta kuchh hain..aur karta kuchh hain’
-Vijay Dinanath Chauhan (Pura naam)
A mysterious caller who calls himself Karthik helps Karthik (Farhan) to woo Shonali (Deepika), impress his boss and hit back at his house owner. Farhan enjoys his new life and promises to maintain the mysterious caller’s identity as his best kept secret. The worst vice is advice and more so when it is taken from the female partner. To take their relationship forward Karthik is forced (advised) by Shonali to reveal all his secrets (all men fall for this trap) and that’s the beginning of the end of Karthik’s fun life.
A svelte chic and a talented actor were let down by an unconvincing slow paced storyline by debutante director Vijay Lalwani. First half has lighter moments and is fun to watch Farhan romancing Deepika. Second half starts with a promising note but the grip and tension is lost and ends up being a slow paced drama than a thriller. I could unravel the mystery in the very first 20 minutes of the movie. The only thing I enjoyed was to watch the svelte figure and long legs of Deepika, she is a treat to your eyes. Apart from this there is never a moment which enthralls you.
Two movies with two mysterious callers in two days. Both are not worth your collection but this one is a better bet than Teen Patti and you can watch this on your cable instead of the movie hall. In the meanwhile borrow “Primal Fear” or “Usual Suspects” from you video library to enjoy a real thriller.
-Vijay Dinanath Chauhan (Pura naam)
A mysterious caller who calls himself Karthik helps Karthik (Farhan) to woo Shonali (Deepika), impress his boss and hit back at his house owner. Farhan enjoys his new life and promises to maintain the mysterious caller’s identity as his best kept secret. The worst vice is advice and more so when it is taken from the female partner. To take their relationship forward Karthik is forced (advised) by Shonali to reveal all his secrets (all men fall for this trap) and that’s the beginning of the end of Karthik’s fun life.
A svelte chic and a talented actor were let down by an unconvincing slow paced storyline by debutante director Vijay Lalwani. First half has lighter moments and is fun to watch Farhan romancing Deepika. Second half starts with a promising note but the grip and tension is lost and ends up being a slow paced drama than a thriller. I could unravel the mystery in the very first 20 minutes of the movie. The only thing I enjoyed was to watch the svelte figure and long legs of Deepika, she is a treat to your eyes. Apart from this there is never a moment which enthralls you.
Two movies with two mysterious callers in two days. Both are not worth your collection but this one is a better bet than Teen Patti and you can watch this on your cable instead of the movie hall. In the meanwhile borrow “Primal Fear” or “Usual Suspects” from you video library to enjoy a real thriller.
Teen Patti-Wrong Cards dealt
Last month I proposed to a very beautiful girl I have known from some time now. I asked her about the chances of me and her ending up together. She said “The chances are not that good. The chance of it working is more like One out of a Million”. And I am super excited coz it means I still have a chance.
That’s Probability for you.
The probability of 2 ladies making a thriller and hitting the right chord is also One out of a million (all female readers- if you refute this, name a good thriller directed by a female). Both Leena Yadav (Director) and Ambika Hinduja (Producer) should have realized it by now that they should just stick to chic flicks and give competition to their female counter-part called Karan Johar. Leena Yadav has been saying in her defense that Teen Patti is not a rip off of the Hollywood movie “21”. Of course it is not a rip-off but it is a very bad rip-off.
First half is filled with algebraic equations floating on the screen. Second half is really not worth mentioning except for the Mexican babe’s item number – Neeyat Kharaab hai. Venkat Subramaniam (AB), a mathematics genius, and Ben Kingsley meet in London to discuss AB’s research paper on Probability. Earlier in India, AB’s research paper on probability theory is rejected and he decides to use it on the card game “Flush” or “Teen Patti” with the help of his students and his lecturer friend (Madhavan). Money starts flowing in till they are blackmailed by a mysterious phone call. This is where Leena falters and makes a hotchpotch of what could have been a great thriller. I wish that the call was from “Karthik” from Screen No.2. It would have been a much better plot.
Big names like Big B and Bald B (Ben Kingsley) alone cannot sell the movie. 90% of the job was already done if the original script had been retained. At the end of the movie all I could say was “What cr@p was that?”
I have a suggestion to the director. Just follow these simple steps while copying a thriller:
Step 1: Stick to the original script.
Step 2: Strictly no philosophy lessons to be included.
Step 3: Bad guys always win in the end.
Step 4: If you cannot follow the above 3 steps, then start taking coaching classes from Sanjay Gupta (Maker of Kaante, Zinda and Musafir copied from Reservior Dogs, Oldboy and U turn).
Teen Patti is definitely not worth watching on big screen or even on the small screen. If you still want to watch the movie, pay only for first half of the movie. The probability of movie halls coming up with scheme is very high.
Think about it: Have you wondered why it’s always a South Indian who is a mathematics genius in all Hindi movies? That’s because in West, MNS and ShivSainiks can count only Yadavs and Khans, in North maths is restricted to counting number of Mayawati’s statues and in East counting doesn’t even exist (MNS would count them anyway).
That’s Probability for you.
The probability of 2 ladies making a thriller and hitting the right chord is also One out of a million (all female readers- if you refute this, name a good thriller directed by a female). Both Leena Yadav (Director) and Ambika Hinduja (Producer) should have realized it by now that they should just stick to chic flicks and give competition to their female counter-part called Karan Johar. Leena Yadav has been saying in her defense that Teen Patti is not a rip off of the Hollywood movie “21”. Of course it is not a rip-off but it is a very bad rip-off.
First half is filled with algebraic equations floating on the screen. Second half is really not worth mentioning except for the Mexican babe’s item number – Neeyat Kharaab hai. Venkat Subramaniam (AB), a mathematics genius, and Ben Kingsley meet in London to discuss AB’s research paper on Probability. Earlier in India, AB’s research paper on probability theory is rejected and he decides to use it on the card game “Flush” or “Teen Patti” with the help of his students and his lecturer friend (Madhavan). Money starts flowing in till they are blackmailed by a mysterious phone call. This is where Leena falters and makes a hotchpotch of what could have been a great thriller. I wish that the call was from “Karthik” from Screen No.2. It would have been a much better plot.
Big names like Big B and Bald B (Ben Kingsley) alone cannot sell the movie. 90% of the job was already done if the original script had been retained. At the end of the movie all I could say was “What cr@p was that?”
I have a suggestion to the director. Just follow these simple steps while copying a thriller:
Step 1: Stick to the original script.
Step 2: Strictly no philosophy lessons to be included.
Step 3: Bad guys always win in the end.
Step 4: If you cannot follow the above 3 steps, then start taking coaching classes from Sanjay Gupta (Maker of Kaante, Zinda and Musafir copied from Reservior Dogs, Oldboy and U turn).
Teen Patti is definitely not worth watching on big screen or even on the small screen. If you still want to watch the movie, pay only for first half of the movie. The probability of movie halls coming up with scheme is very high.
Think about it: Have you wondered why it’s always a South Indian who is a mathematics genius in all Hindi movies? That’s because in West, MNS and ShivSainiks can count only Yadavs and Khans, in North maths is restricted to counting number of Mayawati’s statues and in East counting doesn’t even exist (MNS would count them anyway).
The Departed - Review
It will not be an overstatement if I say that this is the most gripping, most intelligent and entertaining movie I have ever seen.
Every character is perfect and each performance is better than the next. Matt Damon has come a long way from “Goodwill Hunting” to ”Talented Mr.Ripley’” to “Bourne series” and provides a tremendous performance as the “bad guy” between the cops. Living legend Jack Nicholson steals every scene he is in and creates another classic role to add to his matchless resume. The biggest surprise comes from Leonardo DeCaprio’s performance. And if this was not enough, you have other legends like Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, and Mark Wahlberg.
The background music is excellent. The plot builds to such dynamic proportions rarely seen on film which only Martin Scorsese can create. Here’s your chance to experience storytelling so clever and transcendent that it changes the way you view cinema. If you're a Scorsese fan, you will appreciate this film. If you are not his fan yet…I am sure you will become one after watching this thriller.
Don’t miss this movie on Warner Bros (WB) channel. I recommend this movie to all who have seen this earlier and even to others who are yet to experience this spectacular thriller. Trust me, you are in for a treat.
Think about it : What if Robert DeNiro also had been cast in the movie who gave spectacular performances in Scorsese’s previous masterpieces “Taxi Driver”, “Raging Bull” and “Goodfellas”?
Every character is perfect and each performance is better than the next. Matt Damon has come a long way from “Goodwill Hunting” to ”Talented Mr.Ripley’” to “Bourne series” and provides a tremendous performance as the “bad guy” between the cops. Living legend Jack Nicholson steals every scene he is in and creates another classic role to add to his matchless resume. The biggest surprise comes from Leonardo DeCaprio’s performance. And if this was not enough, you have other legends like Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, and Mark Wahlberg.
The background music is excellent. The plot builds to such dynamic proportions rarely seen on film which only Martin Scorsese can create. Here’s your chance to experience storytelling so clever and transcendent that it changes the way you view cinema. If you're a Scorsese fan, you will appreciate this film. If you are not his fan yet…I am sure you will become one after watching this thriller.
Don’t miss this movie on Warner Bros (WB) channel. I recommend this movie to all who have seen this earlier and even to others who are yet to experience this spectacular thriller. Trust me, you are in for a treat.
Think about it : What if Robert DeNiro also had been cast in the movie who gave spectacular performances in Scorsese’s previous masterpieces “Taxi Driver”, “Raging Bull” and “Goodfellas”?
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