what3v3r Reviews

Match Point (2005)

Don't believe in luck?? Lets see if "Match Point" can change that.

[9/10 · 13 February 2006]

The movie really went from disaster to masterpiece within the last five minutes. It makes its case with the whole "luck" factor being an integral part of everyone' life and makes it well. Although the script is definitely not any more believable than a spruced up sci-fi, "awesome" is the word for this movie. However, it's not exactly the same as space shuttles docked on meteors planting nukes. "Match Point" makes it case about life and luck from the word GO and successfully nails it in with a wedding ring saving families, careers and feigned innocence.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers, playing Chris Wilton, does an incredible job playing a small time tennis instructor who gets involved with a wealthy conglomerate's daughter and soon bowls her over. Her parents decide to groom the young man ordering roasted chicken instead of soaked caviar towards becoming their son-in-law. Understandably, Chris is doing a great job running his father-in-law's business while scaling the corporate ladder. The movie does not explain however, if Chris got his MBA from Harvard or Kelloggs !! Soon he falls prey to Nola's(played by Scarlett) drop dead gorgeousness who incidentally happens to have been engaged to his wife's brother but only to break up soon. Chris nurses his affair while his wife nurses her obsession to get pregnant repeatedly albeit a slow starter. What follows is a bunch of credible and not so credible romanticizing. Chris soon gets torn apart with his affair and his career centric marriage and decides to do something radical and drastic. Chris' actions however, although seemingly adroit wouldn't really fit into a professional's handbook. Well, "Fortune does Favour Brave Chris" in the end. I really got Lost in Translation with Scarlett and have been watching out for her ever since and she definitely doesn't disappoint with this one either. Soundtrack predominantly has an operatic allure and it somehow seems to fit.

All in all, "Match Point" is definitely worth all the "dead presidents" and if you already believe in luck get ready for some reinforcements.

9 on 10

A History of Violence (2005)

Turn of the lights and let the "violence" unfurl.

[9/10 · 6 February 2006]

I decided to come up with this writeup a week after I saw the movie. It definitely sticks and lingers on. David Cronenberg's direction is responsible for everything that this movie offers from "on your face" violence to "smirk inducing" dialog. A movie such as this is purely based on viewer perception as it hinges on non-conventional type of portrayals. Halfway into the movie, it matures into a decent thriller with sex and gore poignantly placed to fulfill Cornengbergs motive of delivering the tag-line successfully. The awesome camera-work(its really thriller-centric!!) and the "Shore" soundtrack really capture the gravity of the moments. In the wrong hands, the movie could have turned into a disaster crafting learning societies across censor boards. This movie demands its viewer to think and I would prefer to watch this movie alone on a silent night when my gray cells wont fail to capture everything to do with Tom Stall' or his alter ego's life. "History of Violence" had got three pillars a couple of them with gunshots and an another which by my terms is one of the best placed(in terms of movie context) sex scenes.

Acting, particularly Mortensen and Bello adds all the required ingredients into the movie - innocence, fear, trauma, violence, love passion and more. The real celebration of the movie' spirit unfurls when Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) is accepted back into his family led by his little daughter notwithstanding Tom's dark and grotesque hidden past. All the killings and deceit just seem forgivable and there is an air or warmth and mushiness before the credits show up.

Armageddon (1998)

Its worth its meat ! Definitely !

[8/10 · 5 January 2006]

Liv Tyler is so pretty. By my terms, I am the biggest fan of her looks. Thats not really what Armageddon is all about. Armageddon is a high budget science fiction with an ensemble cast mostly playing the best deep drillers of the world to save the plight of this planet from the impending meteoric....well....."Armageddon". Its got all three ingredients of most movies - action, laughter and emotion - although each in their own capricious quantities. Michael Bay doesn't need an introduction and neither does his work. He is one of the best action movie directors who can really pack a punch behind his action. This movie is definitely up there with "The Rock" and "Face/Off". No character development or depth in the storyline, but why would one need it in a Michael Bay action production? Armageddon has got some astonishing special effects, edge of the seat action, is funny at times, a talented star cast, mushy emotions, moneys worth and well ... space shuttles too! What it also inexplicably has is a low rating on IMDb.

Analyze This (1999)

Hehehehe ! This was funny !

[8/10 · 5 January 2006]

I have always wondered and wanted to know how an underworld don would interact with normal people such as doctors, mechanics, etc. Doctors definitely are gonna be a necessity. Analyze This movie to get a clue. Billy Crystal and Robert De Niro strike stunning on-screen chemistry. De Niro doesn't need any extra labels for his already well studded acting career and he doesn't stop short of pulling a winner off this one either playing Paul Vitti, a top of the line non-compliant gangster. Billy Crystal is the highlight of the movie however, playing Vitti's unfortunate psychiatrist assisting New Yorks most powerful gangster with his whimsical eccentricity. Analyze This is one of the better comedies I have watched which leaves little room for ponderous thoughts to fill up the void that most comedies leave you with. The movie is fast paced, compact and intelligently made with timely quirks and laughs. De Niro must be given an Oscar for that one scene alone where Crystal's shoulders play host to his gangster patient river of tears(Wow! Really!). Joe Viterelli plays Vittis hilarious right-hand man keeping a steady watch on his boss. The only out-of place cast is Lisa Kudrow playing our psychiatrists wife. I just cant place Lisa anywhere else outside "Friends". However, being one of the better gangster style comedies made of late, "Analyze This!" definitely keeps you entertained till the very end.

In Good Company (2004)

Nice Laid Back Drama !

[7/10 · 4 January 2006]

I have been watching out for Scarlett since I got lost in translation. She does a good job in looking good (I am not sure if it takes her any effort). Anyway, "In good company" is just a simple laid back drama with an odd and original storyline tailored with a bunch of smiles, laughs and quiddities. "Donna Pinciatis skinny boyfriend" plays the love interest of Scarlett and incidentally happens to be her dads boss at work (Woah!). Although it is not as ridiculous as it sounds, the whole plot is awfully shallow and the director makes a last ditch to outrightly impress you with the ending. Well, frankly he manages to a bit.

Topher Grace plays Carter Duryea, a 20 something divorcée with a high flying career which boasts of sub-ordinates more than twice his age. The down-slide however in the form of his dead personal life forces him to spend nights at the office lounge under the blanket of his suit coat. Soon a revival steps in, in the form of Alex Foreman(played by Scarlett) who he courts amidst her hectic double major anthropology classes. Incidentally, Alex happens to be the daughter of Dan Foreman(played by Dennis Quaid), a 40 something employee under Carter himself. (Voila!) Concocted with a good deal of heart rending lay-offs, father-daughter situations and some intra-company politics, the movie soon gives way to correct the "young-boss" abnormality leading to Caters eventual realization and maybe Dan's redemption.

It is however a nice way to spend a couple of hours and reflect on any thoughts that might prop up during the course of the movie.

Starsky & Hutch (2004)

Owen "Starsky" Wilson & Ben "Hutch" Stiller ! Neat !

[8/10 · 4 January 2006]

We knew that these two could work well. But how well? Watch Starsky & Hutch to find out. Todd Philips scores most his points with the well working cast of Wilson & Stiller. The two, playing cops while also paying tribute to the 1970s TV show, embark on a hilarious attempt to bust a hi-fi drug deal set to hit their beloved town. Wilson plays a laid back "hippy" style cop not afraid to venture towards the other side of the law if need be while Stiller plays a by-the-book strict ass cop who lets the strobes do most the talking . Fabulous entertainment all through the 100+ minutes with bonny dames, curvaceous allures, some not so k-9-friendly dope, a headlong drug trafficker played by Vince Vaughn , 70s style comedy and some seasoning. The seasoning however is worth an extra mention which comes in the form of Huggy Bear played by Snoop Dogg and played very much in the "Snoop" style.

Although based on a previous TV show, it definitely is not an odd parody. Instead one could deem this a fitting tribute to to that very TV show. However, this movie is definitely a lot more laughs if you haven't watched the TV show or if you wouldn't relate to it. Thats pretty much the case with all adaptations. The movie is never good as the book , the movie is never as good as the real thing, blah blah blah . End of the day, Starsky & Hutch is definitely worth the greenbacks.

Face/Off (1997)

Fantastic Sci-Fi Thriller.

[9/10 · 26 September 2005]

First, bravo with the concept. Even my dreams couldn't fathom an exchange of faces as such. Agreed that it explains my plebeian stature, but the point is that this sci-fi thriller had the one most important thing of all sci-fi thrillers, the Sci-Fi, bang on target. This is my second favourite action movie after "The Rock". I'm a huge fan of Nicolas Cage. And Cage perfectly redeems that faith inside me. Every Cage movie for me seems to have the smartest punch-lines. This one again was no less.

Cage and Travolta do an exchange of faces(literally!) after the former, a high profile con-man falls prey to a super cop's(Travolta) vengeance who seeks to unveil the con-mans diabolical machinations. How they exchange faces is something that the movie alone can enunciate ! Both Cage and Travolta do an immensely pleasing job with their respective characters and even with the exchanged boots. One of the greatest action movie directors of our time, John Woo certainly needs no more labels. From the Learjet to the Oil Steamer, its quality action all way long. The drugs and women seem a little left behind !

If you're a fan of action movies, you most certainly do not want to miss this one. Even if you're not, you wanna be one after Face/Off !

Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)

Of Cars and Rubber !

[7/10 · 26 September 2005]

I'm a huge fan of Cage. An even bigger fan of cars. And by my terms , the biggest fan of Jolie. Whaddayaknow! Gone in 60 seconds was one heck of a good movie. They have some awesome lines in this car thriller. To quote a few,

"The cars are on the boat or your brothers in the coffin."

"Metals cold , ugly. Woods warm provided by nature. Watching a piece of furniture take shape is like watching a child grow."

"You have 60 seconds to consider your options. .................. ......................... be a big brother."

"Then bring me his brother. One Raines is as good as the other. It never rains but it pours." .......and so many more.

I understand that IMDb has a database of these quotes. But it was worth mentioning them cause that is what makes up this movie apart from cars. They have such awesome cars and lines, you wouldn't care about character development, really. Although, you must give it to Cage for having dug out an awesome performance for his character "Memphis" Raines. A thought for the soundtrack too: I fell in love with "The Cult" after I heard "Painted on my Heart" play swan song to a beautiful Lamborghini.

I frankly don't understand why people are giving this movie a hard time ! What did they expect? An aria boosting 50 top end cars at the Sydney Opera House?

Smile (I) (2005)

Emotive and Touching.

[8/10 · 26 September 2005]

This movie isn't about the character makeover that Katie has or the facial makeover that Lindsay has. I kept on wondering why they would call the movie Smile ! I had my answer. "Smile" is about the ability to genuinely smile, to smile for something that doesn't go through you, to smile with mushy emotions inside, to smile with tears in your eyes, to smile at the happiness of someone besides yourself ! Its what you would do while you watched "Smile". They have also probably chosen the perfect tag-line for this movie. Watch the movie and you will find out why !

I give this movie all its rating because of Lindsay and her dad and everything that revolves around them. Very very touching to watch a father sacrifice everything for the love of an adopted child. Cinematography too was excellent. The scenic countryside holding hands with the pleasant music score adds to the feel good touch of brilliantly done scenes such as the father and child dancing etc.

The initial chunk of the movie is a lil overdone potpourri of characters. Character development was essential, but it spills over into more of a striking contrasting difference between the lives of two girls born on the same day. It puts forth a wrong perspective which could well and truly stand in line with the archaic stereotype of lives in developing countries. They could also have gone easy on the last set of photo stills to don the movie screen. It tends to give a lil bit of the "true story" thing away !

Given its pros and cons, I would certainly recommend this movie even if its a date movie !

Dead Poets Society (1989)

A celebration of Individualism !

[9/10 · 25 September 2005]

In a sense, this movie was indeed the celebration of Dead Poets the world over!

Dead Poets Society! I am guessing a large number of you, like me, were expecting a bunch of spooky irregular events at the mutter of that name. Certainly wasn't to be, it is an inspirational odyssey which will make you pounce upon time and reclaim your life. Carpe Diem and the spirit that John Keating (played by Robin Williams) stands for could easily be misinterpreted by the turn of events in the movie, especially Neils poignant death. To do so is to completely miss the point. The spirit of Carpe Diem lies in the painstaking eventualities which one will have to brave to follow the lead of passion and fervour.

Robin Williams plays a professor of poetry, John Keating at the prestigious Welton School, with a management making sufficient hay with the schools continual academic shine. His particularly unorthodox methods of teaching soon make one realize that poetry is not something to do with rhyming words or fantasy lands, but that poetry is in effect a direct means to ones disposition in life, a disposition which would ring success in all avenues. His students soon change their very outlook towards life indulging in activities much to the displeasure of the academically unbending deans of the school. Harvesting discontent against Keating, the deans soon latch on to the one opportunity(or mis-opportunity I must say) that comes their way in the form of Neils death to see the removal of Keating from the school and the teaching profession.

The last few minutes celebrate every individualistic spirit to let you segue into a illusive reality. A young Ethan Hawke playing an even younger student redeems his professors every drop of sweat with "Oh Captain! My Captain!" . Watch the movie and you will see why! At least for half an hour after I watched this movie, I managed to drive mans favorite cliché "Life Sucks!" into oblivion. I suppose the students at Welton were not the only ones Professor John Keating inspired.

Crash (I) (2004)

If only people would learn before they erred...........

[10/10 · 14 September 2005]

I hated the initial chunk of the movie as purely racist only to gradually segue to grow with it and become an extra 113 minutes older chronologically and maybe a 113 years mentally. They should prescribe "Crash" as textbook for learners from all disciplines. A pleasantly composed soundtrack helps keep the heat on the harrowing travails of a bunch of irregular characters mapped together by co-incidence. This movie is fitting testimony to the fact that a stereotyped image clouds all perception albeit unprejudiced. You couldn't influence a head in a coin toss, neither can you influence the manifestation of your better side.

If only people would learn earlier........ Ah well ! "To err is human" wouldn't exist no more then I reckon ! Some food for thought ! Don't miss the movie.

Mangal Pandey (2005)

Truly Inspiring !

[8/10 · 12 August 2005]

I watched this movie on the first day of its worldwide release. The theaters were full and understandably so. There has been much publicity done for the movie besides scheduling a worldwide simultaneous release and bringing back a "new look" Aamir Khan after a long sabbatical. And the 18 months Aamir spent growing his hair , has come to full fruition with an acting performance like the one in this movie.

The sedition of 1857 which signaled the inception of the Indian Independence process and the eventual exaltation of Mangal Pandey is a much sought after theme in mainstream Indian cinema. There have been a couple of very good adaptations of this theme in the past. What distincts this one from the rest is probably the inspiring presence of Aamir Khan. Aamir Khan's acting is stupendous. Classically portraying the unnerving bravado known to have been a distinct possession of Mangal Pandey in Indian history books, Aamir Khan sports long hair and a lengthy moustache , while he abuts cannons, crafts uprisings and inspires the audiences. Although adhering a lot to the quotes of history, Ketan Mehta has exercised some freedom. In fact, Aamir Khan himself was found quoting something to this effect in an interview to a certain magazine.

The movies shortcomings come from a vain effort to include the quintessence of Bollywood cinema in this movie - song , dance and color. Also , there is the superfluous sleaze. Ketan Mehta seems to have had a itching inclination towards resorting to song and dance at the turn of every climax. This movie could have been a masterpiece if only they would have lost the couple of female "leads" to oblivion and lessened some of the "color".

Gladiator (2000)

Now Thats what I call Screen Magic !

[10/10 · 3 August 2005]

I used to mumble "Afterlife' a Joke" till Gladiator happened. Now I start to wonder if my actions will in fact echo in my Afterlife ! Set in Ancient Rome, The Gladiator is everything spectacular that you can imagine about a movie of such epic proportions. Breathtaking visuals of the amphitheaters and of Rome itself will segue you into an ancient Roman realm. The grandeur of the "games" will just etch itself in your mind. And the afterlife concept and its depiction was really mind-blowing.

USP 1: Dialogue! The Dialogue is everything that can be. It is Awe-Inspiring. It is Heart-Rending. It sends your Pulse-Racing and your hackles springing. I have watched this movie a zillion times now and have memorized every bit of verbal legerdemain that it has to offer. It is clearly exemplary in buttressing the already superior climaxes.

USP 2: Russel Crowe - Welcoming you into a cesarean time , is a stubbled Russel Crowe breathtakingly wielding his sword first in battle as a reputed general ,then in the amphitheater as a slave and finally in the Collosuem as the Gladiator. Although the entire cast have a splendid acting performance, Crowe in particular is terrific. Makes it all the more challenging, as his character traverses a wide variety of emotions and situations. He also command a certain air of unnerving chivalry throughout the movie. His English accent goes really well with the movie and its resounding dialog.

USP 3 : Hans Zimmer - Soundtrack! Hmm! How many times has it resonated in my ears ! Its brings the Afterlife to ...well ...life. It sets a super cadence to which you would pound your feat , drool your way through Elysiums and colloseums , enliven your emotions and indulge your senses. You could rerun the entire movie in your head with the soundtrack alone ! The sound track for the most part has a tinge of "Gregorian" and fittingly so too.

USP 4 : Cinematography and Special Effects - Cinematography and Special effects are so outstanding, that without the aforementioned USP's the Colosseum scenes would have comprehensively eclipsed the rest of the movie. And the Academy certainly didn't disagree either. Of particular significance, is the portrayal of Afterlife which although is a complete human conception , tends to inculcate into the movie a sense of mysticism. This is exactly where the Cinematography is a huge success.

It was really pleasing to witness "The Gladiator" make all the big snatches at the Academy Awards even against such stern competition as "Traffic" and "Erin Brokovich". The Gladiator doesn't fall short to make it to the established pedestals of movie making on any front. All in all, a "Screen Magic"!

Sarkar (2005)

Angry Young Men !

[9/10 · 13 July 2005]

Apparently ...this ones been deemed as the Indian Version of The Godfather. I'll tell you what , it doesn't matter ! This movie exudes sheer class. Its Almost like drastically changing lanes from the usual Bollywood trite made up of the quintessential love story spruced up with a bundle of songs. It also deviates from the usual Bollywood crap where everything is laid out stereotypically for continuity of the story.

Acting is top notch. I read a couple of reviews about Kay Kay Menon stealing the show . Not Really , he does a brilliant job , yes . But it was Abhishek Bhachan delivering the goods with the punch. This guy with the "Khandaani" look does a brilliant job. Cinematography is also worth a mention. Some powerful camera movements make for a kick ass gangster thriller.

This movie could also boast an awesome soundtrack which is very much In keeping with "The Godfather" motif.

Don't miss the movie. Catch it at the cinema before Ram Gopal Verma could catch up with say....Sarkar 2 !

The Notebook (2004)

Of Halcyon Days and Love-Lorn Emotions ! Brilliant !

[10/10 · 11 July 2005]

No matter how indifferent and self-absorbed you are , you will be moved ! Truly Sensational ! If you have been wanting to break down and cry and let it all out for a long time , this movie is tailor made for you. The movie at some point of time, will most certainly let you relate to events within your life. A simple love story, superbly portrayed with an impeccable soundtrack in the backdrop of some breathtaking sceneries will suck you towards itself in an almost maudlin experience. Sometimes you could just feel all that love populating the story. Personally, the unforgettable experience that this movie is probably wont fade itself to oblivion for quite some years to come. If you wanna rent a DVD for Valentines, look no further.

Ryan Gosling plays Noah , the young love-struck go-getter while Rachel McAdams plays his love interest, young Ali. The pleasant soundtrack and the wonderful cinematography leaves you in one of those halcyon days of peace and tranquility. You will go totally immersed in the movie as the two go crazy in love with each other , not able to keep their hands of one another. Just when you expect the typical love story to unfold, it hits you with a wonderful twist leaving you guessing all over again. One wonderful aspect of this movie was the absence of the usual stereotypical clichés of movies in this genre.

Gosling brings an almost incredible innocence to the role of Noah. Even with the beard, the innocence doesn't hide itself. Rachel on the other hand brings a lil bit of "Mean Girls" into this movie, only for the good of it, which helps in keeping with her character in the movie. Joan Allen also puts in a pretty decent performance while she contributes to the movies emotional allure.

The final sequence of events although believed to be the climax of the movie, isn't quite. The movie all over is the climax. From the moment it immerses you into itself it is a climax. I could re-run the entire movie in my mind after having watched it once.

10 on 10 ....my first 10 for this genre !

War of the Worlds (2005)

Striking Story !

[6/10 · 7 July 2005]

War of the Worlds was really Entertaining. The tripod mammoths, the underlying concept , superior special effects, mastermind creativity and some real good acting all make for a thrilling blockbuster. The abrupt "happy" ending although does go a begging. Personally, I am sick and tired of those happy ending movies that these sci-fi thrillers have. Why cant humanity be destroyed once , that too in the face of such humongous opposition ! Anyway watch the movie without a predilection and there are some wonderful messages that the movie subtly suggests. Creavitiy is a hallmark of this movie. I for one haven't read HG Wells composition . Hats off to him if the reproduction was in fact "the novel". Particualry the 'plane crash' and the 'ghost' train were just immensely heart-rending displays of creativity. Lots of Questions go unanswered and unexplained through the course of the movie. That is probably where the movie is attracting all the "hated it" reviews.

Tom Cruise redeems his established "intense actor" image after "Minority Report". He is very good at portraying the Human frailty and Desperation. Tim robbins looks like the psycho prima facie. But its a gruelling revelation of how the common man might react in the face of a catastrophe . Working his farms , paying his taxes far off from his "military" school ,he is just trying to put in his own humble little effort to make a difference. All too Humble and All too little.

Bottom Line : They really should consider alternative endings for such movies.

Phone Booth (2002)

Gosh! And 10 days was all it took to be filmed!!

[9/10 · 19 April 2005]

Colin Farrell is a self-professed star publicist with an attitude to boot. Watch 81 minutes of gut-wrenching nerve-wracking dialog reduce a pretentious "kiss my ass" punk into an enervated and regretful reprobate. Farrell is simply awesome in portraying the gravity of the situation. "The Caller"'s voice is absolutely worth a mention. Calm, creepy and authoritative! Something different and the movie would have fallen flat on its 'flab less' anterior. Sutherland plays 'The Caller', manning a high profile sniper rifle, while he thrusts honesty upon Stu Shephard (Colin Farrell). Frankly, I couldn't keep my eyes off the screen for a second.

Ebert himself was marvelled by the creativity of "Phone Booth". Why! It wasn't without good reason! A gaudy character stuck inside a phone booth in a busy locale, some good camera work, bunch of apartment windows, a psycho sniper and 10 days of excellent filming supported by a 'worth a mention' cast easily will manage to get into a good bundle of "top ten" lists. Fabulous entertainment and a good display of creativity. Graham Bell is still aiding marvels, I guess!

Seabiscuit (2003)

Sea of emotion!

[9/10 · 28 March 2005]

"Sea Biscuit" is a story about a long shot horse and a man who discover each other on the road to equestrian glory. An extremely rewarding journey though the lives of man and beast. Every aspect of human emotion, bonding and courage is explored with an "equine" tinge. Set in a time when horse racing is more passion than business, Seabiscuit glorifies the positive appeal of horse racing. Every derby event is an emotional doorway which lifts your spirits. Be it the Santa Anita or the Pimilco, you are just just hanging on the edge of your seat praying, vying and hoping for a Seabiscuit win. Such is the emotional grasp and visual brilliance of Gary Ross's direction and Scwartzman's cinematography. Being a thoroughbred race horse by birth, Seabiscuit treads the race track under the watchful eyes of trainer Tom Smith (played by Chris Cooper) and jockey Red Poddard (played by Tobey Mcguire). What follows is a sequence of predictable vicissitudes. Why! This movie wasn't advertised in the mystery genre either!

A frail looking (really) Tobey manages to deeply bond with the horse at least on screen, kudos indeed. Nobody else could have possibly fit into his role as well as he did, physically too. Chris Cooper is the silent marvel. There is a completely subtle tinge to his acting which lays low, yet beautifully exuberates class. Seabiscuit is simply one of those "silent' movies which just hurtles you beyond imaginable frontiers. Sit back and relax and let the long shot consume you.

The Village (2004)

A must watch , although only once

[10/10 · 24 March 2005]

Mind Boggling plot twists are undoubtedly Shyamlans prerogative. The entire span of the movie is basically a contrivance aimed at involving the viewer in a mindset which would warrant all sorts of "sighs"and "wows". Although the movie does have a few shortcomings, the contrivance itself has been very well crafted. The ending truly does baffle you. However, with repeated viewings , a bunch of incoherencies do tend to crop up. But that is the case with almost every movie in this genre.

That sense of originality which is the quintessence of Shymalans movies, is very much present in "The Village". And as ever, the final sequence of event will leave you guessing and contemplating. This movie is somewhat chillingly creepy and tends to send pulses up and down your spine at times. The Village beats The Sixth Sense in the race for "Shyamalan' masterpiece". Personally, "The Sixth Sense" was more predictable than this one. With this movie, he does live up to every expectation warranted by his previous works.

Bryce Dallas Howard irrevocably deserves more laurels for her performance in this movie. Playing a blind woman, she is the epicenter of all emotion and thought that this movie extols.

In the Name of the Father (1993)

An injustice that still reverberates

[10/10 · 16 March 2005]

"In the Name of Father" is the one of the greatest movies ever to be filmed. It is based on a true story about an injustice of mammoth proportions committed against four innocent individuals. The corrupt roots of the law enforcement poison the lives and psyches of Paul Hill, Gerry Conlon, Paddy Armstrong, Carole Richardson popularly known as 'The Guildford Four'. Among others including Gerry' father , The Guildford Four are sentenced to imprisonment for a crime they didn't commit. The movie is a painful journey through the lives of these four until their kith and kin manage to garner sufficient public voice and evidence leading to their eventual release. Gerry loses his father to the cruelties of prison life which poignantly portrays the resignation of innocence. A determined lawyer , energetically played by Emma Thompsonm, finally manages to secure the release of the four after 15 years of suffering and trauma. But 15 years is a behemoth of a price for a little indiscretion on part of the judicial system.

Although I will confess to being a self-absorbed individual , this movie made me wanna fight for The Guilford Four cause. Apparently, the events have been doctored only slightly to suit move making. The fact that a British Prime Minister offered an apology is but an epitome as to how entrenched the tragedy was. The bearing that the 15 years might have had on the psyche of the individuals is unfathomable. After I watched the movie , I spent hours contemplating on Gerry Conlon and the loss he suffered.

Daniel Day Lewis is simply stunning . Not only does he carry the film, he makes it the masterpiece that it is. The supporting cast aren't far behind either. And Emma Thompson just bursts into the scene with great fervor. The soundtrack was pretty impressive too , particularly the score by Sinead 'O Connor. With all this behind such a stunning piece of art , the Academy' move in 1993 puzzled me. Schindler's List , however, I guess solves the puzzle.

10/10 really

Closer (I) (2004)

Sure as hell Not about relationships !!

[5/10 · 16 March 2005]

The entire movie hinges on that one high-voltage altercation between Anna and Larry. While the first half of the movie is just a build-up to this word flinging extravaganza , the rest of it just a cheap attempt at making whores out of the characters . Reality ? What reality ? Swapping partners at Cupid's every unpredictable turn ? or Border-Line Personality Disorder ? The movie's nothing too great. I wouldn't bother with these lines if it wasn't for the rating that this movie has managed to garner. God! How did the quartet of recklessly sketched characters manage to populate 100 whole minutes before the credits decided to show up ?

Natalie Portman's performance however, is outstanding. The rest of the cast too have turned out decent performances. The movie does have a very mature soundtrack which is probably the savior lobbying her into the 7-7.5 range . Apart from this , the movie can offer you some clever mentions of the "F" word . Overall, it's just "Zebra Lounge" where the amoral sleaze has an honest purpose called Love.

This movie is strictly not suitable to watch with your parents. Apart from that I am guessing a present day 16 year old has handled more offensive language than this movie does offer.

Notting Hill (1999)

Very Very Pretty .

[8/10 · 12 March 2005]

Watch the movie for its sweet, Love is just across the street.

I don't really enjoy this genre, But Notting Hill so does differ.

The writing is just on the wall, Stars are humans in the mall.

Craving for love like them all, Money does help them in the ball.

The two main characters in the flick, Are so pretty and do click.

She is such a big celeb, He is just a simple pleb.

Money can barely make his life, But for Julie money' a rife.

The sun is down in the park, Ronan does light up the spark.

Julie says she's just a girl, As you will watch love unfurl.

The British accent was so right, Or this movie would have been a fright.

Julie shines a 1000 Watt, Maybe her life is the Scott.

There is depth in the plot , Although love is what is sought.

Oh and "My Best Friends Wedding" NOTTING does outdo your screening.

And this poet me inside, Your time he will no more bide.

Vanilla Sky (2001)

How "good looking " can your happiness be !!!

[10/10 · 12 March 2005]

The invigorating experience, that this movie is , simply propels you into a different dimension . Movie like these are clearly destined to bear a lasting impression on the mind .

Cameron Crowe chooses to involve the viewer in a deserted Times Square (literally) in the opening sequence . Kudos to this move , it probably was the perfect precursor which speaks volumes about the intellectual capacity and the psychological allure of this movie .

The movie centers around David Aames(Cruise) , a highly conceited playboy whose father has managed to amass inordinate wealth , not to mention his good looks , and his exploits with Sofia(Cruz) and a suicidal ex-lover(Diaz) . A freak accident which results in the disfigurement of David's face changes the course of his entire life . Spurned by his friends , with all his confidence shattered , David , turns to hide himself behind a latex mask . Technological advances and a flurry of plot twists dictate the movie' destiny.

The course of the movie, before it gives way to David's rendezvous with mortality , traverses a bunch of hard hitting realities which are ever so prevalent in this callous world . Its really no surprise that Davids Subconscious had to envisage happiness as a synergy of money and good looks , given the present state of affairs on this merciless planet .

After you are done watching Vanilla Sky , you might , like me want to have the cryogenic suspension technique , as impractical as it might be , instituted upon yourself , so that you can personally experience exactly what your subconscious might have in store for yourself . Vanilla Sky is quite arguably in a different league in which probably Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is the only other presence .

10/10

Open Water (2003)

Bravo ! The brilliance of shallow pockets .

[9/10 · 12 March 2005]

Open the gates . There is still room for marvels in Hollywood . What I cant comprehend is why this movie is so underrated . Its clearly up there in the 7.5-8.0 . This movie entertains you more than any other Friday night crap including spidey 2 and the like.

Open water is just based on a simple adaptation . There isn't too much of an acting performance in any of the cast but they still did a good job . And direction too was just normal . But this movie is like a magic potion , a synergy of mundane ingredients to produce something miraculously spectacular . The movie is basically a low budget attempt which blooms into a chillingly creepy and a completely involving experience . There is some astonishing photography which captures the chill in the air surprisingly well . Personally , the movie didn't fail to involve me one single minute along its course . Its remarkable how such a simple low budget film can have so much force and effect and can give the viewer so much to think about .

Roger Ebert might have goofed up "Gladiator" worse than my board exams , but with "Open Water" he is definitely right .

"Rarely but sometimes , a movie can have an actual physical effect on you . It gets under you and sidesteps the "Its only a movie." reflex and creates a visceral feeling that might as well be real . 'Open Water' had that effect on me ." - Roger Ebert

Watch the movie and don't expect flying Lamborghinis or space bound fireballs or even monstrous "Jaws" .

Basic Instinct (1992)

Okay ! Nice raunchy eroticism ..err.......Lovemaking !

[5/10 · 10 March 2005]

While Douglas is busy "handling" his women , Verhoeven is probably already picturing another disaster "Show Girls" . Makes you feel , Verhoeven has tried to hinge himself onto a echelon somewhere between pornography and typical Hollywood sleaze . The Result ! A stupid potpourri with some "Stony" seasoning . Lose the sleaze and the wisecracks and you will lose every instinct to watch this ridiculous concoction . The plot itself is lacking in depth . There is nothing to this highly predictable mystery than an ice pick and some Deja-Vu ! The characters are not explored at all . You are just served with Catherine Trummel and Nick Curran on a platter . Dig yourself into them and skin is as far as the movie lets you go . Snickering teenagers were the target audience I am guessing .

Verhoeven makes a valiant effort to lift this movie with a bunch of birthday suits which probably explains how this movie even got to 6.7 . A movie is only as good as its direction . The cast cannot really work out wonders if all the characters do is develop obsessive drives while they author books or solve mysteries . Soundtrack is possibly one distinction this movie does possess . All said and done , the movie does not totally fail to entertain you . But by no means is this movie an experience !