Reviews

55 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
The Wire (2002–2008)
10/10
wow, Wow, WOW!!!!!!!
16 November 2010
The Wire is probably one of the most ambitious shows to ever have been produced for American TV.

Lost, 24 and even the X-files have all been called ambitious, but the Wire succeeds because it is unrelenting, uncompromising and a hell of a television series.

I am about to start the penultimate episode and then the FINAL episode of this emotional, intellectual, challenging and of course ambitious series.

I don't think we will ever see another show like this one. It was ignored by audiences (although it is very successful on DVD), ignored by the awards circuit (who needs em anyway) and of course lauded by critics.

It is one of the greatest TV series that strives to be more than entertainment.

Just WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Thief (1981)
8/10
A thrilling, underrated gem ahead of its time
23 October 2010
I've always been impressed by Micheal Mann's films. Starting with The Insider, I was intrigued by his camera-work and the use of music to compliment a scene.

With Thief, his directorial debut, he shows what movie fans will be in store for over the 30 years. Of course some of the techniques to steal are dated, but I loved the glossy, yet gritty atmosphere of the film. Tuesday Weld, was also quite good as Caan's love interest. It has an amazing ending as well.

The film is Waaaaaaay ahead of its time. And I was genuinely impressed with James Caans performance. This film is an underrated gem and should be viewed by Mann fans who liked Heat and Collateral.

8/10
48 out of 57 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Adventureland (2009)
7/10
A great low key teen dramedy
5 September 2009
I was given a recommendation by a friend to view this film as he found it to be a great dramedy. I thoroughly enjoyed the film as I could really relate to the lead character and trials and tribulations post graduation from University/College.

His disillusionment and ultimate sacrifice of going to Europe by getting a low paying job at Adventureland probably echoes with a lot of lost souls who graduate without a real direction in life or career.

But at the same time the movie also illustrates the fact that we all have ups and downs in life and we will eventually overcome many of the challenges we face.

Also, the fact that the movie is set in the late 80's allows the director to add a great soundtrack to many of scenes in the background.

The film is more of a drama with some comedic relief thrown in by way of a few quirky characters (Freego anyone?).

I good film without the usual teen garbage of gross out, overtly sexual humor which seems to permeate most comedies today.

7/10
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Body of Lies (2008)
7/10
A strong political thriller
24 May 2009
I found this film to be quite a strong political/action thriller. The story/script was a bit weak but Ridley Scotts direction and execution of said script was quite good.

It was obvious that Leonardo carried the entire movie. And his performance as also very strong, along the lines of maybe Blood Diamond, which is another of his films I immensely enjoyed.

Russel Crowe was simply lost in the movie, and has very few scenes which have an impact on the viewer. He could have been played by any second or third tier actor. I could even see Chris Cooper in the role.

The action scenes were intense and spaced out thru out the film. I hate when movies are just one long action scene and would rather watch an intelligent thriller with some character development.

Overall a very good film to watch.

7/10
1 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
A great story of an underdog!!!
30 January 2009
Warning: Spoilers
SM is a genuinely rousing film about the plight of a young boy who lives in poverty and rises to become a millionaire on a game show. His use of street smarts as opposed to book smarts should a reminder to the many that are uneducated that hopes and dreams can come true. Dev Patel was excellent in his role along with all of the younger actors.

I found the film to be immensely enjoyable, with the performances of all involved to be quite three dimensional and believable. The soundtrack to the film by AR Rahman is amazing and he will surely win the Oscar.

I read the book prior to watching the film, and it has a lot more details and subplots which were left out of the movie. Although I enjoyed the book, the movie has an emotional punch which leaves you with a smile at the end.

A great recommend for those movie lovers who enjoy location filming as well. Danny Boyle did a phenomenal job surreptitiously filming in Mumbai and getting such an authentic film.

POST Oscars WIN COMMENTS- Wow it won...amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
0 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Give Heath the Oscar already!
18 July 2008
This is one of the few sequels that joins that rare pantheon of film which surpasses the original. Terminator 2, Aliens and The Godfather II come to mind. TDK joins that illustrious rank.

Christian Bale IS Batman. No other actor before him has been able to portray the character as he has been able to. Not to mention he does an excellent job with the playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne.

Gary Oldman has a great supporting role as Batman's only ally. Aron Eckhart is also good as Dent, but I felt the FX for Two-Face did not fit in with the realistic vision Nolan created. But only a minor complaint.

Finally, Heath Ledger. HE IS THE JOKER!!!! The mannerisms, the inflections in his face, his walk, his talk, his look, his dialogs. Everything is perfect. Every detail has been studied by Ledger to create one of the most terrifying villains to ever grace the screen. Without a doubt, Heath will posthumously win the Oscar for best supporting actor. Without him this movie cannot be elevated to the great sequels of all time.

I just hope that the inevitable third film can live up to this amazing sequel. Nolan will have to work extremely hard to top this magnificent film.
4 out of 10 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
4/10
Horrid Mess....
21 December 2007
Orignally David Fincher was set to tackle this intriguing topic of the Black Dhalia murders....he would have done a phenomenal job....

I could not finish this movie...i stopped halfway thru...thankfully i only paid nothing for the rental...free....there is no plot, horrible acting, and no discernible storyline....

Brian De Palma has lost his touch and should just retire....Sorry.

Avoid at all costs.

do not rent.

do not buy

don not watch on TV....

just stay away
0 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
A surprisingly effective sports flick
23 November 2007
I did not know much about this film before watching it a few days ago. I try to watch SRK films mainly because they are usually well made and I grew up watching his flicks thru the 90's.

So this film performance by SRK is on par with one of his best performances from Swades. It is an understated performance and shows that the man can be a very good "actor" when the role is suitable. Another first for SRK was there was no heroine in the film for him to sing songs to. I was quite surprised that the producers decided to put artistic merit over sticking out of place songs thru out the film.

The performances by all of the girls playing on the team were effective. Although the outcome is predictable, it is still an exciting finish to the movie and should stand as one of the best sports movies to come out of India since Lagaan.

Here is hoping that the Indian film industry begins to take notice that unique cinema can still reap huge financial benefits while enlightening the audience.

And SRK should continue to strive for more demanding roles that test his skills as an actor. I am sure he still has a few surprises left in terms of his acting that we will witness over the coming years.

Chak De India!!!
3 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Nip/Tuck (2003–2010)
9/10
This Show Belongs to Christian Troy
1 July 2007
I've been hooked on this show for the past 2 months. I've watched the first 3 seasons on DVD (im writing this review right before watching the season 3 finale).

Season 1 and 2 are great with some interesting story arcs. But season 3 is the darkest thus far and the one I've enjoyed immensely. The Carver storyline is just phenomenal.

Plus, Christian Troy is the heart of this show. He is such a complex character with impeccable taste in wardrobe.

I cannot wait to find out who the Carver is and look forward to viewing Season 4 on DVD.

Excellent Show!!!!!!!!
3 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Borat (2006)
10/10
I Lika!!!!!!! High Fiva!!!!!
5 November 2006
Jagshamesh!!! I wish i could give this movie a 1,000,000 rating on IMDb. This movie is FUNNY, OFFENSIVE, SATIRICAL, Poignant, ABSURD, & Hilarious!!!! Sacha Baron Cohen of Ali G fame has gone out and made "reality movie". I don't want to give out any spoilers, as I stayed away from them for many months before this epic comedy came out in theaters, but suffice to say you will be SHOCKED by Borat.

At the screening I attended, parents (you idiots) brought their 8-9 year olds to the the flick. This is not a movie for kids, nor is it a movie for those who don't understand satire. Sure, there were a few chuckles during the toilet humor (mostly by the dunderheads who did not really understand Borat) but the real gut-inducing laughter came when Borat did or said something politically insensitive/incorrect. I noticed, the people who did not laugh during these parts, were most probably at the screening due to the all the hype the flick generated pre-release. Sacha thanks them for filling his pockets with $$$$ though.

I'll have to re-watch this comedic gem again (multiple times) because at times the laughter was too much and I could not hear all the subtle jokes by Borat.

The two major highlights of the movie are the wrestling match with Azamat and the dinner with the southern socialite. Get ready to have aching stomachs after those two scenes.

I cannot wait until Sacha Baron Cohen makes the follow up the Borat, Bruno. Another one of his creations, that tests the morality of Americans and their so called democratic and freedom of speech values. I'm certain the Bruno movie will have less toilet humor and the Dunderheads will keep their kids at home.

Only watch this movie if you value intellectual satirical comedy. Otherwise stick with garbage like Wedding Crashers.

ChinKoee!
5 out of 18 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Don (I) (2006)
8/10
Don Thrills!
29 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The new Don is a thrilling action adventure from Bollywood. Finally, SRK is given something to do besides dance and romance the ladies. He got his start as a villain in Darr and Baazigar and some 12 years later, returns to the type of role that made him into the super-star that he is today.

The new Don has amazing stunts. Sure a few are ripped off of Hollywood films such as Eraser, The Matrix and Con Air, but I'll give the director credit for pulling them off with great technical finesse. The scene that occurs on an airplane, with Don jumping out to retrieve a parachute is amazingly filmed. The film is slick and fast paced with a bunch of twists and turns.

I've not seen the old Don with AB so I'll reserve my comparisons until I have. But i believe both films should be viewed independently. The old flick was made in 1978 and the new one 28 years later.

Many have complained that SRK would not be up to the task to play a mafioso role. But once again his larger than life persona (similar to Tom Cruise) plays well with the meglo-maniacal role that is required for the Don character.

Finally, a note about the big twist at the end. SPOILER ALERT!!!!!! Vijay being revealed as the Don during the final minutes of film is a brave decision by the filmmaker. At times I wondered how "Vijay" was able to learn English, martial-arts and all those cool moves with the ladies in such a short period of time. The final reveal makes all of the above make sense.

I highly recommend this high-tech, high-octane action thriller. A rare gem from Bollywood.
3 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Miami Vice (2006)
7/10
Miami Vice = Semi Cool
6 August 2006
I've been a Michael Mann fan since Russell Crowe starred in the directors best movie The Insider. Having re-visited Heat and watched Mann transform Tom Cruise into a villain in Colateral, I was keenly awaiting the movie adaptation of the TV series, Miami Vice.

I saw the teaser trailer a few months ago and was instantly draw in to Manns camera-work and cinematography. Nothing was said about the plot during the trailer. I though both Farell and Foxx looked like they would be able to pull of looking cool in the flick. As well i'd read that Mann was going to make the movie darker than the pastel coated TV series (of which i'd watched maybe one episode in my life).

Unfortunately, Mann achieves only average success in following up his other crime capers involving cops and robbers. The film does not have a coherent plot for the average viewer. I believe Mann deliberately chose a style of editing which was choppy and unlinked. But Mann cannot be entirely blamed for this as the budget ran over due to hurricanes in the South, which led to a ballooning budget (over $135 Million). I am certain the suits made him cut out significant parts of the film. There are rumours that Mann filmed a boat race sequence that was canned.

I don't think the film entirely fails though. The film is an exercise in style. There is no doubt that Mann has a great eye for framing a shot. (million times better than that hack Michael Bay). In addition, there are 3 gun battles which will send your ears ringing due to Mann's attention to authenticity.

It can be said that Collin Farell has more screen time than Foxx. If Farell had more of a story to work with and more action to partake in, this film could have been the one that catapulted him into super-star status which has eluded him ever since his stunning debut in Tigerland.

But i do think this film will be appreciated as time goes on. Almost all of Mann's films age like a fine wine. Heat was considered an average cops and robbers story 10 years ago. Yet, now both critics and audiences say that it is a masterpiece and one of the best films of the 90's. As well as The Insider, which is IMHO, Crowe and Manns finest hour.

I enjoyed Miami Vice even though i expected a lot more from Mann in terms of a storyline. I do hope that there is an extended cut of this film on DVD. Maybe closer to 3 hours in order to fill in a plot and a few more action sets.
3 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Naveen Andrews shines
1 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Having read the novel almost a decade ago and not quite understanding it (probably too young), I finally decided to pick up this BBC series on video. I think i understood it better being 10 years wiser.

The series is firmly cemented on the wonderful actor Naveen Andrews (now best known for the ABC series "Lost"). Taking place over a span of a decade, the early 70's to the 80's, when Thatcher came to power, the series is epic in scope. Showcasing the rising tide of the new young Indo-Brits and their dreams, aspirations and longing to belong to a culture of their own (instead of the tradition bound or anglo majority).

The series is filled with race relations, morality, social issues and political comment. The character of Karim is in almost every frame of the series. And all of the other characters are seen interplaying with Karim.

The most interesting storyline is the at times comical, but ultimately bitter subplot involving the Indian groom Changez and his reluctant British bride Jamila. Wonderful performance by Harish Patel.

At times the series does start to meander into meaningless territory, such as the plot involving Charly and the punk rock band. But again, the great acting by Andrews pulls the story back to the forefront.

I can compare this series to a very long movie...an excellent 4 hours spent on a great British serial.

And one more thing, the soundtrack is a major highlight. Great tunes from the 70's. Not to be missed by Naveen Andrews fans.
4 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
One of the Worst!
20 August 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Here is a list of all the things wrong with this mess;

-the bat credit card? Visa or Mastercard? -Batman skates...so does a small version of the batmobile -why is everything filmed in gharish primary colors? -plastic lips on robin. -nipples and cod pieces and six packs on the bat suit -a non sensical storyline involving freezing the city. huh? -Alicia Silverstone's wooden acting -Alicia Silverstones breast plate and lack of a cod piece. She's a man right? voice is deep enough -Joel Shumacher and his tendencies to make the entire movie one big Broadway musical, without the songs...it's just so GAY! -Alfred is just so pathetic. -set design, CGI, acting, lighting direction, Craft services...everything about this turd is a mess....

please for the love of humanity, rate this garbage a 1 on IMDb.
8 out of 17 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Mangal Pandey (2005)
8/10
A magnum epic 4 years in the making
15 August 2005
Kudos to Aamir Khan for the dedication he put into the production of The Rising, an unfairly over-hyped film, that sets out to deliver the story of Mangal Pandey.

The fact that Aamir took 4 years to make this film complete with growing his locks and that awesome moustache along with tons of research is an anomaly in the Bollywood film industry. Films are churned out 3/day at the last estimate, but Aamir being the professional he is, waited years to make this movie after the unprecedented success of his Oscar nominated Lagaan.

Without a doubt Aamir carries the film on his shoulders. There were many naysayers about the fact that Aamir may have been a bit lacking in the height department for the role of a freedom fighter, but when you see his towering performance on screen, his small frame is all but forgotten.

The man is Indian Cinmas answer to Edward Norton from Hollywood. A great actor for his generation who is going to continue to bring Indian cinema (not bollywood masala flicks) to the international audience....i think it's his calling. Amitabh Bachchan seems to have chickened out of this task of elevating Indian cinema to an art rather than a mockery that it usually is.

Without a doubt another actor who comes close to stealing the film away from Aamir is British actor Toby Stephens... i was under the impression that his role would be quite small. Instead he has a fully fledged three dimensional character who is in the entire movie. And on top of that, he acts the entire movie in Hindi. A best supporting actor nod is in order.

This film could theoretically get an Oscar nod (unfortunately a win maybe a hard sell). The songs are probably distracting for a Western audience, but they'll have to live with them.

The film does fall short of being an all time classic. But i think we may have to wait for the initial hype to settle down, because the movie is without a doubt the best one of 2005.

The film is slow to start, with the first half being an introduction of all the characters. But pre-interval, the story and Aamir Khan rev into the 6th gear, getting ready for the inevitable Rising post interval.

Get this. I think the movie could have been a bit longer. A little more development was needed with some of the glossed over aspects of British rule.

But, all in all, a magnificent effort from all involved, especially Aamir Khan and Toby Stephens.

8/10
21 out of 27 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Swades (2004)
8/10
The best film of 2004!!!
20 March 2005
Finally Bollywood makes a serious film and one with social commentary. After Lagaan, AG has proved once again that he can make thought provoking films for the masses.

And,...

Welcome Back SRK. After years of prancing around in designer duds (of course making tons of $ and breaking numerous records) the actual actor shines through. Undoubtedly, SRK is one of the best actors to ever grace the Indian screen. He just needs roles like this one to showcase his immense talents.

A great movie, that despite the lukewarm box office in India, was well received overseas and is destined to extremely well on DVD. A must see for everyone yearning for the Motherland.
2 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
If the remake is this bad, i don't wanna see the original
27 December 2004
Warning: Spoilers
This movie really wasted my time....all the critics are so gung ho on the on the original film, so i decided to rent this one....boy is it bad..sure the acting is on par (not great)...but the subject is so old, BRAIN WASHING. its just so dated....look at all of the USA. they were brainwashed into voting for BUSH/Cheney... so this stuff is nothing new...

i just wish i had not wasted $4.99 plus taxes for this Denzel Washington crapfest (who cannot play "unhinged, and psyco" to save his life).

Seriously, if you are looking for a serious thriller, just stay away from this total turd of a flick and rent something else...
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Nana Patekar steals another movie
2 September 2004
Nana Patekar once again proves that he is the best actor working in Bombay without a doubt. His recent movies involved shouting his lines that does not bode well for the theater trained thespian. One wonders why he is always not given his accolades during awards season.

"Shakti-The Power" was one of his flicks that was an utter disapointment along with Kohram (a missed oppurtunity to create screen magic with Amitabh Bachchan).

But Patekar exudes a cool calm in this film playing a cop on a sort of social justice journey. Ridding the streets of Bombay of underworld dons in fake encounters, Patekars character takes control of the screen (and the viewers attention) and never lets go. The editing is tightly paced and there are no annoying songs to distract from the story.

Along the same lines as the modern day cult classic "Company", the movie is well acted, directed and should have a long shelf life on DVD.

The final ten minutes that see Nana and the main villain talk at his offshore haven are bound to be part of Hindi cinema classics. Won't be dissapointed with this cops and robbers flick.
12 out of 13 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Surprisingly effective thriller!
29 August 2004
Warning: Spoilers
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!

The Butterfly Effect is a really good thriller. It has a fantasy/sci-fi/time travel theme that works well with the premise of the film.

Surprisingly, Ashton Kutcher did a commendable job of playing the confused twenty something trying to set things right. Normally, most cannot stand his childish prank behaviour, but the guy may have a career in the movies if he picks the right scripts. As he did so in the Butterfly Effect.

Don't expect a teen movie...the material in this flick is dark yet engaging. The R rating is well deserved....The directors cut on the DVD is very bold and stays true to the theme of the flick...I would definitely recommend the directors cut.

Plot holes aside, the movie does grip you after the first 30 minutes of back story which involves the atrocities perpetrated by and against the stars of the film as youngsters....AFter Ashton begins his blackouts the film does not let up (save for the college scenes)....A great play on time travel, psycho-analysis and chaos theory....and again the end on the directors cut is one of the best endings to a thriller in years.

Would highly recommend a DVD rental.
1 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
A great movie that showcases some extraordinary battles
27 January 2004
I am commenting on this movie after I have noticed that it received very few Oscar nominations. That is quite a shame, as the film is quite powerful and dramatic. I beleive it is one of Tom Cruise's best performances. Unfortunately the academy is not interested in this sweeping, epic drama which has a great score and excellent battle sequences. I am sure much of the audience found this movie to be intelligent and thought prevoking. It was certainly not your run of the mill action flicks.

I think this movie will find an appreciative audience when it is release on dvd.

9/10
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
An above average action flick that embarrasses the franchise
11 November 2003
T3 is a pretty good action movie with enough destruction to sustain the movie. But, the movie falls much short of the epic scope which was provided by T1 and T2. Jonathon Mostow does a commendable job of keeping the pacing tight and action high, but does very little with the story line. It is essentially a retread of T2.

In addition, I can forgive Mostow for using way too many absurd jokes at the expense of the Terminator in order to get a few chuckles from the audience.(Talk to the hand?!! Elton John glasses?!!)

I don't think there could have been a better action movie made than T2. The only man who could have attempted to undertake T3 and make it as good as its predecessors would have to be James Cameron. But I believe Cameron opted out because he knew himself he could not do it and did not want to dissapoint the audience.

On the plus side, the movie does seem to get better and better as you progress to the end. The crane action stunt is absolutely amazing. And we have to mention Arnie. The man is and forever will be remembered as the Terminator. The TX again is a passable advesary, but Robert Patrick's T1000 will be remembered as the best villian from the Terminator series.

I think this movie is definitely a rental. Not much on the DVD and the flick does not warrant multilple viewings ala T2. I am sure there will be some sort of triple deluxe super edition in a couple of years just in time for Governor Arnie to make a come back in T4 fresh in his Golden years.

6/10 /mb
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Office Space (1999)
8/10
Cubicle world Cult Classic
25 October 2003
If you have ever worked in an office, you must watch this movie. It is true to life and depicts a true picture of the mundane work life of working for a faceless corporation.

Some of the best lines: "looks like you have a case of the Monday's" "Just what is it that you do here?" "Yeah.. I'm gonna have to get you to come in on Saturday" and the classic Red Stapler bit.

Watch this flick if you need a great big laugh and are sick of your job. Its good to see that many others feel the same way.
0 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
Martin Scorcese and Nic Cage need 911 for thier careers!
13 October 2003
I only rented this movie because I am a fan of Scorceses earlier films. I don't really find Nic Cage to be a good actor, but he is passable in action fare such as Face Off and The Rock. This movie is a weak attempt to try to bring back the atmosphere and story of Travis Bickle. Unfortunately the movie is a long bore, with no story or backstory. Cage is depressed because he cant save anyone. Ok, so quit. Why won't his boss let him quit, he's killing everyone he responds to.

This film was pathetic. Along with Gangs of New York, you can tell Martin Scorcese has a new penchant for box office bombs. Another great auteur has fallen from grace.

Don't waste 2 hours with this flick. Rent Goodfellas instead!
4 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
James Cameron's masterpiece!
5 July 2003
Terminator 2 is not only a mind blowing movie with spectacular special effects and unbeleivable action, but cultural phenomenon akin to capturing lightening in a bottle.

Never will such a perfect action/sci fi movie ever be made in the history of filmdom.

The casting of Arnold is perfect beyond belief. He was born only to play the role of The Terminator. His minimal dialogue enhances the roles mechanical robotic qualities.

James Cameron is certainly a dedicated filmaker who cares about his work and the expectations of the audience. The only other film that comes close to T2 is Aliens, also directed by Cameron. His use of computer effects to augment and supplment the storyline is rarely ever used in todays overblown blockbusters. In fact the special effects in T2 are so good that today's effects PALE in comparison.

Robert Patrick is perfect as the predatory T-1000, and will be forever be remebered as the guy who gave Arnold a run for his money, as he definately attempts to steal the movie in some scenes.

I am appalled that a T3 has been made without James Cameron. T3 may be a decent action flick, but it looks embarrasingly juvenille from the trailers and TV spots. Whats with all the sunlight??? Arnold even stated a few years ago he would not do T3 without Cameron. After Arnolds diasasters such as End of Days (not bad flick) he needed a hit and the only way was to bring the Terminator out of retirement, with or without Cameron. Thats Loyalty for you.

T2 is the best action movie ever made, and if you have not seen it yet, you have probably seen paradies, ripoffs, and copies of the movie.

But watching the original will give an appreciation as to how this movie shaped future action movies, as it is groundbreaking.

I wished James Cameron had made T3, but I doubt he could have topped the perfection of T2, and that may be one of the reasons he decided to opt out of T3.
6 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Kaun? (1999)
8/10
Great thriller from RGV
3 June 2003
Ram Gopal Varma is definitley my favourite indian film director. His movies are now highly anticipated in India similar to a Spielberg or Kubrick flick.

Kaun is only 90 minutes long, has no songs, only three characters and takes place entirely in one house. All Indian movie conventions are thrown out the door. But, Kaun may be one of the best cult movies to come out of India. (RGV also directed the amazing modern gangster classic Company in 2002)

Kaun could easily be made into a Hollywood ala the recent horror flick The Ring. I will not give away the ending, but suffice to say it will catch you off guard, blow you away but still leave your head scratching.

If RGV had added a few songs, some additional characters and a love story into the mix, Kaun may have had better recognition. But it would have also been a film much weaker in narrative scope. RGV has said many times that, he will only place songs in his movies if the situation warrants it (thats the reason for almost 7 songs in his film Rangeela, a story about a girl making it as a star in Bollywood)

If you have not seen Kaun, do yourself a favour and rent it, then watch all of RGV's films and see a true talented Indian filmaker, trying to elevate Bollywood commercial cinema to a new level
11 out of 13 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
An error has occured. Please try again.

Recently Viewed