Movies from that long rainy weekend - Take 2

As I had said in my previous post, this is about the movies from other languages. I happened to watch a Tamil, a Hindi and a couple of Spanish movies that particular weekend.

So, here we go...

Vaaranam Aayiram [2008]

As I had already said above, it was very slow and not very engaging. But I have mixed feelings for this movie. It was between OK and good. Menon had wonderfully brought out the relation between a father n a son. Surya was awesome.. His sincere acting was essential in carrying the movie till the very end. One can know he wanted to give something special to this movie from his efforts towards his 6 packs. Great job!! Sameera was pretty in parts and Simran (one of my personal all time favourite) was aptly cast. But sad that she doesn't play the lead anymore. She has grown old :( Songs were obviously excellent. The way they were choreographed only did justice to Harris's efforts. My personal favs were 'Anjala' and 'Anal meley' songs. I particularly liked Surya's chest thumping in that song :)

My Rating: 3/5

Dostana [2008]

I usually watch Hindi movies based on Rajeev Masand's recommendations. He had quoted this as a laugh riot. It seemed to be at the beginning, but then it was like an average Bollywood movie with all the ready made masala. Even the genuine funny moments in the movie were to do with John and Abhishek being gay. It wasn't very funny later. It was OK. May b u can sit n watch with friends on a rainy day when u cant go out anywhere.

By the way, here is a trivia: Aishwarya Rai was originally offered the role of Neha, but she refused because she felt that her real-life marriage to Abhishek Bachchan would ruin the whole idea of the movie.

Could Ash have been as hot at Piggy chops!? We could only speculate!

My Rating: 3/5

Orfanato, El [Spanish] [2007]

Wanted to watch this movie for long. n this long weekend provided a perfect opportunity to do so. And when I did, I was happy that I had watched it. Its not your typical horror movie with cheap thrills (tho' it had a few). I had to see the ending again as I felt that there was a loose thread hanging somewhere. But then I realised that it was tightly tied up.. A mom's affection to her son (even tho he was adopted) and things she would do were neatly portrayed. This is a movie not to be missed.

My Rating: 4/5

Laberinto del fauno, El [Spanish] [2007]

More popularly known as 'Pan's Labyrinth'. It is a top 250 movie in IMDB. It was a little disappointing, but not bad at the same time. I watched this movie because of its high rating and it being a part of my favourite genre 'Fantasy /Mystery'. It was good in parts especially for those who love fantasies and fairy tales. It had a bit of drama as well, a little bit of action even based on an autocratic leader trying to suppress rebellion guerrillas in his jurisdiction. You can watch it once.

My Rating: 3.5/5

On a finishing note, a special mention of two short movies that were based on two of the widely acclaimed animation movies

Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Furious Five [2008]

I really loved Kungfu Panda and its characters, that this small film was a must-watch. It was ass-kicking was the original movie was. This short film is about how the 'Furious Five' came into being. Kungfu Panda finds himself being confronted by a bunch of enthusiastic kids who are newbies in learning kungfu panda. He faces a tough task of teaching them, thats there much more to the art of 'Kung fu' than breaking jaw bones. I was thinking that this might be coming with the original DVD as an additional feature but sadly it didnt. So may be you can grab one from the good old peer to peer.

My Rating: 4/5

Shrek the Halls [2008]

I shall keep this one short. It was a good complement to the main movie. Shrek is as unfriendly as ever and the donkey does his best in guaranteeing just that. It was fun to watch as Shrek prepares for a nice family Christmas with his ladylove and kids. But, he could only hope that all goes well :-)

My Rating: 3.5/5

Merry Christmas & a Happy New year to all readers! Have fun !!

Movies from that long rainy weekend - Take 1

I have been wanting to write this post for long. This is just a roundup of movies I had watched few weeks back. Yes during that rain lashed weekend when Chennai almost came to a halt.

The post is in two parts. One for the English movies and the second includes other language ones.

The Others [2001]

I watched this in between Vaaranam Aayiram as it gave me a few yawns. This was good. Gave a few good scares. And was pretty entertaining till the end. It was a reco from one of my friends, who said it was pretty engaging. The kids were cute and I was very sad for them at the end. The way the twist in the story unfolded was excellent. It makes a good evening watch with ur family. Nicole's acting was commendable.

My Rating: 4/5

Rope [1948]

It was too good. This was my first Alfred Hitchcock's movie. I had wanted to watch one (particularly Psycho) for very long. I finally ended up watching this as this movie was very short. It was less than 90mins and it was supposed to be in 'real time'. It was a very good watch. John Dall's (as Brandon) acting was fabulous. I read in a forum where one of the buff was wondering why had he not won the oscar that year, even I was made to think so. James Stewart's performance was commendable as well. It was not like a movie. It was very short n was more like a drama or a play. I think its even 'movie with the least no of takes' (some 4 or so, not sure). This is a movie not to be missed. Even in any case you think it would be waste of time, you won't be wasting much.

My Rating: 4/5

2001, a space odyssey [1968]

I accept. I never understood this movie. To me this was the most complicated movie I have ever seen. It was one of those movies were music played a vital role, more than the protagonists and their dialogues. You need to have the patience to sit through the whole film and let it unfold to completely get the story. Believe me, I skimmed through most parts of the movie and that could might have added to the complexity. I got a bit of what actually the film is about only when I had read a few discussions about the film and a few more explanations and then I was like ''Oh.. ya.." So get this movie, when you have too much time at hand and when u are ready to interpret and analyse what you actually see on the screen.
There is an official site where this movie is explained.

Pitch Black [2000]

It was a good action film. I wasnt expecting too much from this film as I had seen its sequel [ The Chronicles of Riddick (2004) ]. It was much of an average entertainer. But I was pleasantly surprised as this movie made a good watch. Here a group of space travellers get stuck in a seemingly lifeless sun-scorched planet. What they soon realise is that thrs more to their problems than being abandoned in the middle of nowhere. Vin Diesel was doing what he does best 'Action'. He acts out his character with amazing ease, that u start feeling he is the man for the job. His noctornal blue eyes are really cool and menacing.

My Rating: 3.5/5

The Ugly face of terror

Once again, our dear country has to wake up to a day of te(HO)rror. First thing that comes up in my mind.. What exactly (WTF, to be precise) do these ppl want?
What are they trying to tell the world by killing all these innocent people. I wud call this pure sadism at its best. People who have missed living their life and cherish its varied colours are out there to ensure that others don't do it too. They just ve to paint it in different colours, giving a more stupid reason each time.

As threatening as it may seem, all these attacks, must not hinder the spirit in us. The more divided we are, the greater we fall.  Coz, these are the times when people must realise that there is much more to life than just family or work or friends. There is humanity, which is why we are after all called human. So what do we call these AHs who derive pleasure from sufferings of others? Blood sucking parasites !? Even parasite would be ashamed as they do it coz they don't have an option.

And its really sick to learn that the master minds behind these are actually one of the most intelligent lot. An engineer or a doctor by profession who feels that life has not treated him fairly enough. So all these acts are going to balance it out!!? Must really be out of their minds. God help them.

But they just fail to realise that they are not getting anywhere with all these. The more you stress n trouble people, greater they unite and stand tall against this absolute madness. In a way this might be helpful, as it makes people forget their cultural/regional/religional differences and stand as one... a true Indian and a sane human being in every sense.

Toonz all de way!

Toons n animations av never ceased to impress me, may it be the good old Popeye or the Tom n Jerry duo

So I thot I ll pay my tribute to these ever lasting characters, by listing down a few of them who will always find a place close to my heart!

Tom n Jerry

Tom and Jerry is a series of theatrical short subjects created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer that centered on a never-ending rivalry between a housecat (Tom) and a brown mouse (Jerry) whose chases and battles often involved comic violence. Hanna and Barbera ultimately wrote and directed one hundred and fourteen Tom and Jerry cartoons at the MGM cartoon studio in Hollywood, California between 1940 and 1957, when the animation unit was closed down. The original series is notable for having won the Academy Awards for Best Short Subject (Cartoons) seven times, tying it with Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies as the most-awarded theatrical animated series. (Thanks Wiki)

They sort of changed the toon genre. When animators made the toons talk, this cute little pair brought smiles upon us with their action. Its slapstick comedy, and pretty good at that, but surely is within limits. I never missed out any of their episodes when this wretched CAS was not in place. Even now whenever I could lay my eyes on them, I just don't bother to look away. In simple words, always have been n will be my all time favorite.

Tintin

Tintin and Snowy (original French language names: Tintin et Milou), a journalist and his canine companion, are a pair of adventurers who travel around the world in The Adventures of Tintin, a series of comic books drawn and written by the Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi, better known as Hergé. The series is one of the most popular comic book series in Europe and the world, especially in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands.

Tintin was kind of a role model to me. I always wanted to be someone like him. His curiosity for adventure and tendency to go way out to help others always landed him in a messy soup. Yet he intelligently manages to creep out free of trouble with his amazing common sense n presence of mind. It all started when my sister used to bring the illustrated version (Hergé) from the school library. I even used to photocopy the books so that I can have them forever. Then came the animated series. But it used to be a shortened version trying to cover an entire book in about half n hour. But it was a wonderful experience to c my frnd Tintin n the cute snowy alive n kicking ;). My favourite adventures are ‘Destination moon’ and its sequel ‘Explorers on the moon’.. Good sci-fi adventures. Soon we ll get to see him in big screens. Steven Spielberg has already acquired the rights for the movie. Its set to release sometime in 2009.. Awaitin eagerly :D

Mickey

Mickey Mouse is a comic animal cartoon character who has become an icon for The Walt Disney Company. Mickey Mouse was created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks^[1] and voiced by Walt Disney. The Walt Disney Company celebrates his birth as November 18, 1928 upon the release of Steamboat Willie.^[2] The anthropomorphic mouse has evolved from being simply a character in animated cartoons and comic strips to become one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.

Can u find me one person who doesn’t like this tiny weeny mouse :) ?!? It’s the oldest and the most adorable masterpiece of Walt Disney. All his adventures have been enjoyable. He is usually accompanied by his close knit of friends Goofy, Minnie mouse, Donald and Daisy duck. His part in Fantasia is sweet as the magician’s assistant where so many things go wrong, yet he escapes them all with his sheer innocence. Hats off Walt Disney for giving us such a wonderful friend.

Pingu

Pingu is a Swiss animated television series created by Otmar Gutman, about a family of penguins who live at the South Pole. The main character is their son and title character, Pingu.

The programme is set in Antarctica, where the penguin families and businesses live and work in igloos.

One reason for Pingu's international success is its lack of dialogue per se. All dialogue is in a honking "penguin language" (called Penguinese), and was initially performed without script by Carlo Bonomi.

This was one of the most addictive series I have ever seen. It had only a few episodes (of course I av them all in my private collection). Penguins are always cute particularly if they are as naughty and witty like this little Pingu. He s very playful and his usual partners in crime are ‘Pinga’ (his little sister) and Robby the seal (Pingu’s best friend). Pingu maybe playful but often helps his mom with pancakes and his father in delivering his posts. I never used to miss them as a kid. Whenever u feel bored or got nothing to do, jus watch this n allow Pingu to take u on a wonderful trip to a world of snow. U av my word that it ll b one unforgettable journey. I honestly hope that some day the series will b continued n that we get to see more of this naughty brat.

Noddy

Noddy is a character created by British children's author Enid Blyton, originally published between 1949 and 1963. The television show based on the character is the longest running show in British television since 1955, and continues to appear to this day. Noddy is a little wooden toy who lives in his own little House-for-One in Toyland.

Noddy is that sweet little boy next door, always providing u a wonderful company. He s really sweet, kind n helpful. He gets his name from his unusual head which starts nodding (with the jingle of the bell on his blue hat) when someone bumps into him and he needs help to stop it. He s so funny and a few toys like the Goblins (sly and Gobo) take advantage and lands him in trouble (usually with the pot-bellied local policeman ‘Mr. Plod’). But he usually has his good friend God fatherly like ‘Big Ears’ who advises him often on the way the things to be done.

Noddy loves driving his friends around Toyland in his little red and yellow taxi. The other toys can hear him coming by the distinctive "Parp, Parp" sound of his taxi's horn.

I used to regularly watch his adventures during my college days (ya.. u read it correct. nt school but college :P) When I used to return home early during the semester exams and other holidays, he used to be my lunch time partner :). I always used to have a good laugh and it was so relaxing. Av not watched any of his episodes for a long time now. Hope to catch up with it soooooon….

There are many more memorable ones. May b I’l come back some day n continue..

so long..

Why not a common ground? - The reservation debate

One must understand that reservation is like giving crutches to the disabled when he can be treated by physiotherapy....
Reservation will not take this nation anywhere..

1. The reservation must be for economically backward people and not caste wise

2. If u need to help them, don't reserve seats, instead provide them monetary benefits, or improve their standard of life.

3. Reservation will only make them more complacent.

4. Provide them the means and not the solution

Give them a common ground as others. Think about this.

P.S. This is not intended to hurt anyone. The aim is to take a neutralized and informed stand on this issue.

The Green Mile [1999] - A wonderful portrayal

Movie: The Green Mile [1999]

My rating: 4/5

Director: Frank Darabont

Release Date: 10 December 1999 (USA)

Genre: Crime | Drama | Fantasy

Plot: The story about the lives of guards on death row leading up to the execution of black man accused of child murder & rape, who has the power of faith healing

Cast (Major): Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan

Review:

Had been long waiting to see this movie. At last when it happened, it was really worth the wait. One of the few beautiful movies i have seen. Hanks comes up with yet another splendid performance and adds crisp to the good cast. Particularly Michael Clarke Duncan as John Coffey, Wow! He, his size, his innocence surely can't go unnoticed. Every scene creates an expectation on what's going to happen next and satisfies pretty nicely too. It makes a good watch. It may not be a feel good movie, but definitely makes you think a lot about humanity and human values. I am waiting to read the book from which it has been adapted.

P.S. This review of mine was approved and posted at IMDB :)

Lost in the dark

The roads are lonely dark n deep

I can hear low noises as creatures creep

I see a glimmering light at the end

Hoping its not a foe bt just a friend.

Adios Amigo

Here I am to share my thotz...

I thot its time to pen down er... 'key' down my views, thougts, ideas n wtever that comes across that little thing in my head

B kind enuf to let me know wt u think of them!

More abt me

Thanks for ur time

so long...