Apna Mithunda

Yesterday, along with the hyped I Hate Luv Storys, another movie released which surprisingly got more coverage than expected. I say "surprisingly" because it is a Bengali movie, and usually non-hindi movies that release do not get much coverage.
This one's called "Shukno Lanka" or "Dry red chillies". Till now, I have only heard/read good things about it, including good performances.....

Take a look here:

http://www.washingtonbanglaradio.com/content/7913910-shukno-lanka-2010-bengali-movie-review-aditya-chakrabarty

or here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1ObCvqK-Kc

TOI says "For those who still remember Mithun Chakraborty's sterling act in Buddhadeb Dasgupta's Tahader Katha, here's another chance to discover the true colours of the thespian actor who has the ability to grab eyeballs with something more than his disco dancing abilities."

The trailer does not say much...but with the praise as above...I would like to go watch it (let's see if I can make it).

Of Brilliant Actors, Directors and Story-tellers

Very recently I went and watched Shutter Island in theaters. It was a good movie. The setting, the background score, the acting, the effect on the audience...it was all there. All-in-all...a really good watch. And then I went home and watched Mystic River. Another riveting plot, acting and screenplay.

What's common between the two movies?

Well...firstly, both are based on novels written by Dennis Lehane. I am sure, the novels on their own would be awesome...this I can say based on the strength of the plot portrayed on screen. The emotional turmoil, scary in the former and distressing in the latter....it is there in both.
Secondly, both novels were picked by the "Awsomest" directors ;) Shutter Island boasts of Martin Scorsese and Mystic River of Clint Eastwood. They may not necessarily be the best works of each directors but then, they are nothing short of being really commendable.
Thirdly, the choice of actors has been great and they have respectively, done great justice to their roles.
I am no great critic or observer..... but both movies successfully evoke the right responses and feeling from audience at the appropriate places with the combined effect of music/acting/direction/camera/screenplay.

Highly recommended by me :)

Iron Man 2

"I am Iron Man" :D Tony Stark....as conceited, egoistic and narcissistic as ever! A really good movie, or rather, a deserving sequel. I would still rate the first one higher, but this is not bad....not bad at all :) and thank god I did go for it......saw a nice movie in theater after a loooooooong time! Scarlet Johanessen is looking hot and sexy....and you can't help but smile when Tony tells Pepper "I want one" :P Good graphics, some cool action and lots of attitude....it's all there. Not without its loopholes and some unbelievable stuff...but all the good things override that. Definitely worth a watch.

Shrek-Forever After

Being a big fan of Shrek and Donkey, I was disappointed :( I knew the reviews weren't that great (as was the case with Shrek 3), but on the spur of the moment decided to go for it. It does have its good moments....but that's about it....they are just moments....the story is average as is the screenplay.
Shrek 1 and 2, however, will always be among my favorites :)

I am Sam

Incredible acting, especially by the father-daughter duo!! and high on emotions...... lovable movie :)
But of course there are loopholes that you can point out to and say .... "hmmm....that wasn't necessary". I would still recommend it!

An Education

A wonderful movie and beautifully enacted!!!
Loved Carey Mulligan in the role of Jenny. She was brilliant, very alive and perfect. She makes you feel the joys of a teenager exploring the adult world secretly, shares the excitement with lights in her eyes and a radiant smile, makes you feel her agony when the sophisticated world around her breaks down and makes your heart go out to her when in spite of everything she stands up to face her future.

The story is a simple one (and the plot nothing new), but the great screenplay and minimal melodrama (as one would expect in such a story worked upon in bollywood) make it a wonderful experience. All characters have done a great job, be it the loving, protective, bored parents of Jenny who fall into the charms of David too, the charming and graceful David, the sophisticated and happening Helen and Danny, the naive boyfriend from school the giggly girlfriends, the strict, dreary and ambitious school teacher or Jenny herself. And importantly, in the end, the message does go home.

Here's the trailer:



Enjoy!!

How to train your dragon

Very cute and well made, ain't as great as Kungfu Panda but gooooooood nevertheless :)
Or maybe that's because I have not seen it as many times as KP...while KP scored high due to its really awesome dialogues this one scores in its visuals and Hiccup-Toothless friendship. Maybe if I watch this a few more times (which I hope I will) I'll find it equally great!

Definitely worth a watch :)

Oceans

Just came across this trailer of Disney Nature's Osceans on Apple trailers (watch it on Apple here).
And I was simply awed by it. Its magnificent, its beautiful, its superb!!!!!!
It may have been the combined effect of a) being a water baby myself, b) watching it on HD, c)watching it 6-inches away from the screen creating an "eye-max" effect and d) high volume on cool headphones :P
Watch the Youtube version here....
I wish I could catch it in theatres... :(




Watching awesome stuff like this sometimes makes me wish I were an explorer or had a job in a field or place which involved such amazing exploration, adventure, travel and fun. Of course I understand that it would have its own share of hardships and problems.....but that doesn't stop wishful thinking... :)

La vita è bella

Buongiorno Principessa ............. :)

Watched Life is Beautiful after a long long time today........it is one masterpiece!! Roberto Benigni is simply awesome, both as a director and as an actor in this gem of a movie. Not a single dull or over-dramatic moment.....you simply glide with the flow of the story. Great screenplay and wonderful enactment. If I ever list out my all-time favorite movies this one definitely has a spot in there :)
Those who have not watched it, go rent/buy it today...definitely worth more than a single watch and most certainly worth a keep :)

The Japanese Wife

I remember, in 2008, when the book first released, I wanted to read it....had heard so much about the author from my friend Sharmistha. After hearing me tirelessly ranting about the author, his up-coming book and how much i wanted to buy it.....Smita and OKD obliged by gifting it to me on my Birthday :) I was thrilled...... and it did turn out to be a nice read. But, I had not expected it to be a short story and a part of a series of short stories in the book......nevertheless it was good. Then I heard that Aparna Sen was so intrigued by this simple and beautiful tale of two lovers that she had decided to make a movie on it which was due to be released in late 2008. Well, I was curious how she would play with the story to make a full fledged movie out of it....and was disappointed to hear that the release has been delayed. Very recently when I found out that it is finally going to release I secretly hoped that it would go down well with critics :P Any small hint that it is worth a watch and I would definitely do so.....and thus I end the movie spree of last week (5 in a row....two reviewed already plus The Hurt Locker and Good bye Lenin).
I must say....it was definitely worth it......a beautiful movie, wonderful cinematography, lovely and soulful background score and great performances. Though there were two places where I thought things went a little awry.....the kite flying scene (a bit vague and stretched) and the fleeting flirtation between the widow and the protagonist (the transition in characters was not smooth).
Some scenes are just fabulously shot..you have to see it to find out.
I watched it with two bong friends and they are of the opinion that some witticism was lost in translation from Bengali to English.... but that's true for any movie in a language other than what you are well versed with. One point though.....I wasn't too happy with the person who did the voice-over for Miyagi, the Japanese wife, but maybe that's because I have not heard any Japanese people speak in English at close quarters. Snehamoy's Bangla accented English however is superb :)

Here's the trailer:

Saturday Night Fever

Ok......another dance movie......FINALLY got to watch it....I don't know why i chose Dirty Dancing over Saturday Night Fever yesterday....no regrets or anything...just wondering because this one is the more famous of the two and i can say after watching it....for good reason too... :)
John Travolta rocks!!!! or should I say boogies! :P :D
Right from the first shot (Tony walking down the street in his shiny shoes and prim dress in-sync with Stayin' Alive) till the end the movie is engrossing....unlike the story of DD. DD had a simple story true to the early 60's kind of girl-boy relationships.....on the other hand SNF's story is based in late-70's and in some ways still relates to the kind of dilemma young boys and girls go through even today. It is a more mature story with small sub-plots to it that move together. Certain scenes also very subtly leave things to your imagination. And of course....how can I not say anything about the dances........they are great...as is the music. The solo piece by John Travolta is awesome. I would have liked the dance competition part to be a bit more lengthy than it was.... but it was good nevertheless......especially the small piece by the Puerto Rican couple.... I wish i could dance as well as these people!!!! I wish i wish i wish i wish...... :)
This movie takes you through more ups and downs emotionally as compared to DD .... you can feel the joy, the sadness, the dilemma, the frustration and the helplessness of the characters......a well made movie I must say. Great dances.... great music..... :)

Dirty Dancing

Just watched Dirty Dancing.....was one of the movies in the long queue of "have but need to see yet" :D I guess the dvd just got lucky that i was in a mood for a light, up-lifting movie!!
As far as any serious critic would probably go to say....the movie in itself, the plot is a drag....typical cliched stuff. There is this predictability about the whole movie which is very disappointing.The individual performances of the two lead actors in the movie are however worthwhile.
The biggest plus point of the movie....which makes me go as far as saying that i can probably watch this movie again......are the wonderful dance sequences and lovely music :) Thankfully, they make a large chunk of the entire movie!!!
The scene where Patrick teaches Jennifer the dance moves in the wild and in the water are very cute and so is the scene where finally they get together as a couple......aaaaahhhhh i know i'm being a romantic here ....looking on with dreamy eyes :P but then thats the way it is :)
Favorite songs: Be my baby, The time of my life, Hungry eyes and She's like the wind
Overall the entire album is worth a hearing in my opinion.
So anyone who loves dancing and would love to see some good sequences....go watch it!