Seen on 31-7-2009 - HBO movie
Cast: Jim Carrey (Truman Burbank), Laura Liney (Meryl), Natascha McElhone (Mary), Ed
Harris (Christof)
Dir.: Peter Weir
Truman the common man happy working as a salesman for an insurance company suddenly begins to suspect that the social context in which he works and lives is all set up and that all the people around, including his wife, are play acting. Little did he know that for nearly 30 years, 24X7, since his birth, he had been on a popular reality tv show. When he tries to run away, say to Fijii islands, his paths are all blocked and he starts to feel trapped. To boot, all sense of privacy and spontaneity are lost when he knows he is being watched on tv. The apparently real world suddenly starts to look unreal and controlled from outside by the producer of the "Truman Show", Christof.
This experimental film make a difference with this new idea of life being a stage set-up and therefore unreal.
This is Peter Weir's dystopian cautionary fable. It's prophetic about the insidious effects of technological society.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Preacher's Wife (1996)**
Seen on 31-7-2009 - HBO movie
Cast:Courtney B. Vance (Henry Biggs, Pastor), Whitney Houston (Julia Biggs),
Denzel Washington (Dudley, angel)
Dir.:Penny Marshall
Redeemed by Whitney Houston's songs, this film isn't as good as Roger Ebert's fullsome liberal three-star praise.
Unaccountably the good Pastor's troubles disappear and his own confusions are overcome thanks to the angel Dudley's influence. The Black congregation's spirituality was too corny on the film's showing.
I wouldn't give more than two stars.
Cast:Courtney B. Vance (Henry Biggs, Pastor), Whitney Houston (Julia Biggs),
Denzel Washington (Dudley, angel)
Dir.:Penny Marshall
Redeemed by Whitney Houston's songs, this film isn't as good as Roger Ebert's fullsome liberal three-star praise.
Unaccountably the good Pastor's troubles disappear and his own confusions are overcome thanks to the angel Dudley's influence. The Black congregation's spirituality was too corny on the film's showing.
I wouldn't give more than two stars.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Killer: A Journal of Murder (1996)***
Seen on 30-7-2009 - HBO movie
Cast: James Wood (Carl Panzram), Robert Sean Leonard (Henry Lesser)
Dir.: Tim Metcalfe
Exec. Producer: OLIVER STONE
Said to be based on a true story written into a book, this film tracks the violent suicidal journey of an unrepentant criminal who yet tuns out to be not all that bad especially when comes in contact with otherwise shympathetic jailer or a prison guard.
The film shows how the most hated and dreaded criminal Carl Panzram is drawn to a prison guard Henry Lesser who gives him the forbidden paper and pencil to write down his unbelievable story of burglary, rape, multiple murders. Lesser discovers that Panzram is well read, intelligent and has fine feelings like anyone else, but has turned abominable because of what people did to him. He desperately tries to have him declared insane so that he could be rescued from death penalty, but Panzram, surprisingly, does everything possible to court death penalty. Unable to bear the prospect of the death penalty, Lesser finally quits the prison job.
Cast: James Wood (Carl Panzram), Robert Sean Leonard (Henry Lesser)
Dir.: Tim Metcalfe
Exec. Producer: OLIVER STONE
Said to be based on a true story written into a book, this film tracks the violent suicidal journey of an unrepentant criminal who yet tuns out to be not all that bad especially when comes in contact with otherwise shympathetic jailer or a prison guard.
The film shows how the most hated and dreaded criminal Carl Panzram is drawn to a prison guard Henry Lesser who gives him the forbidden paper and pencil to write down his unbelievable story of burglary, rape, multiple murders. Lesser discovers that Panzram is well read, intelligent and has fine feelings like anyone else, but has turned abominable because of what people did to him. He desperately tries to have him declared insane so that he could be rescued from death penalty, but Panzram, surprisingly, does everything possible to court death penalty. Unable to bear the prospect of the death penalty, Lesser finally quits the prison job.
The Last Kiss (2006)***
Seen on 30-7-2009 - HBO
Cast: Zach Braff (Michael), Jenna (Jacinda Barrett), Casey Aflect (Chris)
Dir.: Tony Goldwyn
ScPl: Paul Haggis ("Million Dollar Baby', "Crash")
This is about the fear of commitment, of a sense of finality about settling down to a life of responsibilities, of cessation of pleasures of freedom associated with bachelorhood, etc. The couple who are about to marry after three years of love must face up to these fears and must realize that they really care for each other.
Memorable Scene: At the end of the movie, the contrite Michael desperately sleeps on the steps of his own house for two days and two nights in an effort to win back Jenna's love. He braves the cold, starves himself for the duration and is completely unmindful of public embarrassment and humiliation of self-abasement he is reaping in the act.
Screenplay being by Paul Haggis (famous for two Oscar winners) does deliver on the promise in certain moments of the film.
Cast: Zach Braff (Michael), Jenna (Jacinda Barrett), Casey Aflect (Chris)
Dir.: Tony Goldwyn
ScPl: Paul Haggis ("Million Dollar Baby', "Crash")
This is about the fear of commitment, of a sense of finality about settling down to a life of responsibilities, of cessation of pleasures of freedom associated with bachelorhood, etc. The couple who are about to marry after three years of love must face up to these fears and must realize that they really care for each other.
Memorable Scene: At the end of the movie, the contrite Michael desperately sleeps on the steps of his own house for two days and two nights in an effort to win back Jenna's love. He braves the cold, starves himself for the duration and is completely unmindful of public embarrassment and humiliation of self-abasement he is reaping in the act.
Screenplay being by Paul Haggis (famous for two Oscar winners) does deliver on the promise in certain moments of the film.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Other Boleyn Girl (2003)
Seen on 27-7-2009 - HBO movie
Cast: Jodhi May (Anne Boleyn)
Natascha McElhone (Mary Boleyn)
Jared Harris (Henry VIII)
Dir.: Philippa Lawthorpe
Writer: Philippa Gregory'best-selling novel
This 2003 BBC production, based on Philippa Gregory's novel, is said to be vastly superior to the 2008 version in spite of the later's opulent production values. This is because of its documentary format.
The story of Anne Bolyen (1507-1536), the mother of future Elizabeth I, has seized popular imagination as the one with whom English Reformation began, for it was because of her that Henry VIII boldly defied Rome in order to divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon so he could marry Anne who, unlike her sister Mary refused to be the King's mistress. Anne was subsequently beheaded for adultery and incest, of which she is said to be guilty on the novel's showing, although some historians dispute this.
The film reconstructs the sequence of events that lead to the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn and highlights the strength of her character in winning the king's attention and in refusing to be her mistress. Giving birth to a girl child, Elizabeth (the future queen of England), she falls out of favor with the King. Consequently in her desperation and boldness she commits incest with her brother in order to secretly produce a male heir to the throne. The film also captures the events of her sister Mary's unhappiness in her love of the King who cast her aside in favor of her sister Anne. The circumstances that lead her subsequently to settle for the love of a nondescript courtier are convincingly portrayed. The final scenes of Anne's execution put her in a sympathetic light.
The film is convincing.
Cast: Jodhi May (Anne Boleyn)
Natascha McElhone (Mary Boleyn)
Jared Harris (Henry VIII)
Dir.: Philippa Lawthorpe
Writer: Philippa Gregory'best-selling novel
This 2003 BBC production, based on Philippa Gregory's novel, is said to be vastly superior to the 2008 version in spite of the later's opulent production values. This is because of its documentary format.
The story of Anne Bolyen (1507-1536), the mother of future Elizabeth I, has seized popular imagination as the one with whom English Reformation began, for it was because of her that Henry VIII boldly defied Rome in order to divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon so he could marry Anne who, unlike her sister Mary refused to be the King's mistress. Anne was subsequently beheaded for adultery and incest, of which she is said to be guilty on the novel's showing, although some historians dispute this.
The film reconstructs the sequence of events that lead to the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn and highlights the strength of her character in winning the king's attention and in refusing to be her mistress. Giving birth to a girl child, Elizabeth (the future queen of England), she falls out of favor with the King. Consequently in her desperation and boldness she commits incest with her brother in order to secretly produce a male heir to the throne. The film also captures the events of her sister Mary's unhappiness in her love of the King who cast her aside in favor of her sister Anne. The circumstances that lead her subsequently to settle for the love of a nondescript courtier are convincingly portrayed. The final scenes of Anne's execution put her in a sympathetic light.
The film is convincing.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Sideways (2004)
Seen on 23-7-2009 - A Netflix dvd
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sandra Oh
Dir.: Alexander Payne
It's about two friends who start out on a wine country road trip in California and have fun along the way, two weeks before one of them gets married. One of these is a budding writer on the point of being published, the other one a tv actor. In a series of comic escapades with girls they pick up on the way while on wine tasting excursion, the two bachelors are devastated by their experiences.
Ok fun film. Not my kind though
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sandra Oh
Dir.: Alexander Payne
It's about two friends who start out on a wine country road trip in California and have fun along the way, two weeks before one of them gets married. One of these is a budding writer on the point of being published, the other one a tv actor. In a series of comic escapades with girls they pick up on the way while on wine tasting excursion, the two bachelors are devastated by their experiences.
Ok fun film. Not my kind though
The Secret Life of Words (2005)
Seen on 22-7-2009 - A Netflix dvd
Cast: Sarah Polley (Hannah), Tim Robbins (Josef)
Dir.: Isabel Coixet
An Eastern European war survivor, traumatized by her experiences in the war, is dumbstruck and turns mournful and taciturn for the rest of her life. But she slowly begins to warm up to Josef, her patient who was burn victim in an oil rig accident. Otherwise sad and silent, she reveals to him her horrifying story of rape and torture during the war. But soon she recedes into her shell and disappears to her work in a British factory, away from Josef, who after recovery seeks her out to bring cheer into her life.
This movie holds but cannot be rated highly for some reason.
Cast: Sarah Polley (Hannah), Tim Robbins (Josef)
Dir.: Isabel Coixet
An Eastern European war survivor, traumatized by her experiences in the war, is dumbstruck and turns mournful and taciturn for the rest of her life. But she slowly begins to warm up to Josef, her patient who was burn victim in an oil rig accident. Otherwise sad and silent, she reveals to him her horrifying story of rape and torture during the war. But soon she recedes into her shell and disappears to her work in a British factory, away from Josef, who after recovery seeks her out to bring cheer into her life.
This movie holds but cannot be rated highly for some reason.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Seven (1995)
Seen on 22-7-2009 - A Netflix dvd
Cast: Brad Pitt (Mills), Gwyneth Paltro (Tracy), Morgan Freeman (Sommerset), Kevin Spacey (John Doe, the serial killer)
Dir.: David Fincher ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button")
Trying to hunt down a horrifying serial killer who has been killing innocent people because they are each guilty of one of the seven deadly sins, the two homicide detectives, young Mills and old Sommerset finally decode the clever clues left behind by the murderer. They reach the door steps of the killer who makes good his escape in the ensuing gunfire, while even saving the life of Mills. When at the end the killer surrenders of his own accord, he could have easily escaped the law by pleading insanity, but instead he takes them to a remote place to show the last victim (who happens to be Mills' wife herself). Provoked to extreme anger, Mills now shoots him dead by thus making him guilty of another of the seven deadly sins. Smart Sommerset sees through the game the murderer is playing and tries in vain to keep the younger man in check.
Here the perverted murderer is staging each of the seven murders to preach a sermon on each of the seven deadly sins because he is frankly disgusted that the world is hopelessly given over to these vices. He elaborately plans these grisly murders because he wants to force the world to take note and absorb the meaning of his sermons on the sins. He is clearly the cinematic kin to Hannibal Hector of "Silence of the Lambs".
As if to emphasize the dark underside of this grisly world, as if to underline that the world is shrouded under these sinister sins, David Fincher is said to have used a "film-processing technique that deepens the tonal qualities and makes harsher and brighter."
Well, I wouldn't rate highly this peek into the psychology of a pervert. It may be riveting alright.
Cast: Brad Pitt (Mills), Gwyneth Paltro (Tracy), Morgan Freeman (Sommerset), Kevin Spacey (John Doe, the serial killer)
Dir.: David Fincher ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button")
Trying to hunt down a horrifying serial killer who has been killing innocent people because they are each guilty of one of the seven deadly sins, the two homicide detectives, young Mills and old Sommerset finally decode the clever clues left behind by the murderer. They reach the door steps of the killer who makes good his escape in the ensuing gunfire, while even saving the life of Mills. When at the end the killer surrenders of his own accord, he could have easily escaped the law by pleading insanity, but instead he takes them to a remote place to show the last victim (who happens to be Mills' wife herself). Provoked to extreme anger, Mills now shoots him dead by thus making him guilty of another of the seven deadly sins. Smart Sommerset sees through the game the murderer is playing and tries in vain to keep the younger man in check.
Here the perverted murderer is staging each of the seven murders to preach a sermon on each of the seven deadly sins because he is frankly disgusted that the world is hopelessly given over to these vices. He elaborately plans these grisly murders because he wants to force the world to take note and absorb the meaning of his sermons on the sins. He is clearly the cinematic kin to Hannibal Hector of "Silence of the Lambs".
As if to emphasize the dark underside of this grisly world, as if to underline that the world is shrouded under these sinister sins, David Fincher is said to have used a "film-processing technique that deepens the tonal qualities and makes harsher and brighter."
Well, I wouldn't rate highly this peek into the psychology of a pervert. It may be riveting alright.
3:10 to Yuma
Seen on 22-7-2009 - A Netflix dvd
Cast: Russell Crowe (Ben Wade), Christian Bale (Dan Evans)
Dir.: James Mangold ("Walk the Line," "Identity," "Girl Interrupted,")
Original: Based on a story by Elmor Leonard
Cast in a Western genre, this movie falls short of reaching the heights of an Eastwooder ("The Unforgiven") which used to be essentially like a morality play castigating the lawless anarchy of the frontier and the thugs and outlaws who reigned the day.
Dan Evans, the rancher in Arizona loses his leg in Civil War and is burdened with debt. Badly needing money to redeem his ranch, he enlists for $200 to join a small posse of men who dare to escort the dreaded outlaw, Ben Wade to the remote rail station and put him on the train to the prison in Yuma where he would be hanged by law. But the group disintegrates along the way in course of attacks from Ben Wade's gang who try to get him freed until the end. Incidentally Ben Wade turns out to be a Bible quoting artist who reads, draws, philosophizes and who, after all, is not such a bad man; he is impressed with Dan's nobility of purpose, his attachment to his family, and his steadfast devotion to his duty against the irresistible offer of $1000 if he, like the others of his group, only allows Ben Wade to go. Now, reaching the rail station, surrounded by armed men, Ben Wade not only saves the life of Dan but, against the ruthless attacks of his gang to free him, he even follows him to the train. He could have easily escaped to freedom in the last scene of relentless gun-fire by his men and other by hired locals, but he simply plays the ball with Dan and fulfills his sense of duty by jumping on to the train himself while Dan himself is hit in the shooting. What's surprising, however, is that Ben Wade even kills his men who have risked their all to free him before he embarks the train. His embarkation of the train, however, is only a token tribute to dying Dan, because in the last scene, he whistles to his horse to follow the moving train so he could get away.
I couldn't take the boy-scout morality of the ruthless thug used to killing people mercilessly. To me the movie seems to lapse into sentimentality by showing such a human outlaw.
Cast: Russell Crowe (Ben Wade), Christian Bale (Dan Evans)
Dir.: James Mangold ("Walk the Line," "Identity," "Girl Interrupted,")
Original: Based on a story by Elmor Leonard
Cast in a Western genre, this movie falls short of reaching the heights of an Eastwooder ("The Unforgiven") which used to be essentially like a morality play castigating the lawless anarchy of the frontier and the thugs and outlaws who reigned the day.
Dan Evans, the rancher in Arizona loses his leg in Civil War and is burdened with debt. Badly needing money to redeem his ranch, he enlists for $200 to join a small posse of men who dare to escort the dreaded outlaw, Ben Wade to the remote rail station and put him on the train to the prison in Yuma where he would be hanged by law. But the group disintegrates along the way in course of attacks from Ben Wade's gang who try to get him freed until the end. Incidentally Ben Wade turns out to be a Bible quoting artist who reads, draws, philosophizes and who, after all, is not such a bad man; he is impressed with Dan's nobility of purpose, his attachment to his family, and his steadfast devotion to his duty against the irresistible offer of $1000 if he, like the others of his group, only allows Ben Wade to go. Now, reaching the rail station, surrounded by armed men, Ben Wade not only saves the life of Dan but, against the ruthless attacks of his gang to free him, he even follows him to the train. He could have easily escaped to freedom in the last scene of relentless gun-fire by his men and other by hired locals, but he simply plays the ball with Dan and fulfills his sense of duty by jumping on to the train himself while Dan himself is hit in the shooting. What's surprising, however, is that Ben Wade even kills his men who have risked their all to free him before he embarks the train. His embarkation of the train, however, is only a token tribute to dying Dan, because in the last scene, he whistles to his horse to follow the moving train so he could get away.
I couldn't take the boy-scout morality of the ruthless thug used to killing people mercilessly. To me the movie seems to lapse into sentimentality by showing such a human outlaw.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
An Unfinished Life (2005)
Seen on 21-7-2009 - A Netflix dvd
Cast: Jennifer Lopez (Jean), Robert Redford (Einar), Becca Gardner (Griff), Morgan Freeman (Mitch)
Dir.: Lasse Hallstrom ("Shipping News," "Chacolate")
Escaping from her violent abusive boyfriend, Jean returns with her daughter to the Wyoming ranch of her estranged disgruntled unsympathetic father-in-law who holds her responsible for the death of his son. He reluctantly puts her up and her daughter [by his dead son]. His gruff exterior, however, seems to show chinks of love and care when we discover that he is taking care of his ranch assistant, Mitch. Eventually he thaws, takes to his grand-daughter first and then to Jean who, in course of her stay here, has taken up with the local Sheriff.
The movie is quietly engaging in its own way although I wouldn't rate it highly.
Cast: Jennifer Lopez (Jean), Robert Redford (Einar), Becca Gardner (Griff), Morgan Freeman (Mitch)
Dir.: Lasse Hallstrom ("Shipping News," "Chacolate")
Escaping from her violent abusive boyfriend, Jean returns with her daughter to the Wyoming ranch of her estranged disgruntled unsympathetic father-in-law who holds her responsible for the death of his son. He reluctantly puts her up and her daughter [by his dead son]. His gruff exterior, however, seems to show chinks of love and care when we discover that he is taking care of his ranch assistant, Mitch. Eventually he thaws, takes to his grand-daughter first and then to Jean who, in course of her stay here, has taken up with the local Sheriff.
The movie is quietly engaging in its own way although I wouldn't rate it highly.
Revolutionary Road (2008)
Seen on 20-7-2009 - A Netflix dvd - ****
Cast: Leonardo DeCaprio (Frank Wheeler), Kate Winslet (April), Michael Shannon (John Givings)
Dir.: Sam Mendes
Writer: Richard Yates
The just married couple, Frank Wheeler and April, settle down to a comfortable life with a cushy job for him, a beautiful house for her, and two kids. But they are soon bored and unhappy. They discover that they need to chuck job, sell house and escape to Paris for a time. Their problem is that he is wearied by his mechanical meaningless routine of work, home, kids, silly gossiping friends, etc. and she by her suburban housewife's drudgery of keeping home and raising children. When they announce their decision to move to Paris to friends they frankly are surprised that they should opt for a life of instability by quitting on something as comfortable as his situation.
Even as they are preparing to make this big move, Frank is offered a big jump in job, a promotion as well as a substantial raise--an offer he finds extremely difficult to refuse. For a time he is in two minds, badly divided between the two options. Meanwhile he finds his wife 6-weeks pregnant and that she intends to abort--a situation clearly unacceptable to him. These developments lead to arguments, mutual recriminations and accusations. At this juncture the visit of John Givings, a mentally unstable person, precipitate matters. John Givings has a disease which makes it difficult for him to keep down truth and he is very astute in his observations. He knocks down their facade of love and brutally peels away the layers pretensions and delusions. As Ebert puts, John "strips away [for them] their denials [and make them]." Now, the ferocious fights of Wheelers lay bare their latent intentions, frustrations (which earlier had lead them to occasional extramarital flings--"an expression of deep despair") and desperation. Sam Mendes is brilliant in handling these scenes. April finally commits suicide after making one last gesture of giving what her husband prefers: a nice breakfast, a smiling wife sending him off to his work, and giving him a sense of stable home, etc.--banal things she wants to escape from, a routine she thinks she hates and is forced to accept.Also, she is a failed stage actress and is deeply frustrated. She prefers death.
The film is said to be not half as effective as the novel. I don't know, since I haven't read the novel.
Cast: Leonardo DeCaprio (Frank Wheeler), Kate Winslet (April), Michael Shannon (John Givings)
Dir.: Sam Mendes
Writer: Richard Yates
The just married couple, Frank Wheeler and April, settle down to a comfortable life with a cushy job for him, a beautiful house for her, and two kids. But they are soon bored and unhappy. They discover that they need to chuck job, sell house and escape to Paris for a time. Their problem is that he is wearied by his mechanical meaningless routine of work, home, kids, silly gossiping friends, etc. and she by her suburban housewife's drudgery of keeping home and raising children. When they announce their decision to move to Paris to friends they frankly are surprised that they should opt for a life of instability by quitting on something as comfortable as his situation.
Even as they are preparing to make this big move, Frank is offered a big jump in job, a promotion as well as a substantial raise--an offer he finds extremely difficult to refuse. For a time he is in two minds, badly divided between the two options. Meanwhile he finds his wife 6-weeks pregnant and that she intends to abort--a situation clearly unacceptable to him. These developments lead to arguments, mutual recriminations and accusations. At this juncture the visit of John Givings, a mentally unstable person, precipitate matters. John Givings has a disease which makes it difficult for him to keep down truth and he is very astute in his observations. He knocks down their facade of love and brutally peels away the layers pretensions and delusions. As Ebert puts, John "strips away [for them] their denials [and make them]." Now, the ferocious fights of Wheelers lay bare their latent intentions, frustrations (which earlier had lead them to occasional extramarital flings--"an expression of deep despair") and desperation. Sam Mendes is brilliant in handling these scenes. April finally commits suicide after making one last gesture of giving what her husband prefers: a nice breakfast, a smiling wife sending him off to his work, and giving him a sense of stable home, etc.--banal things she wants to escape from, a routine she thinks she hates and is forced to accept.Also, she is a failed stage actress and is deeply frustrated. She prefers death.
The film is said to be not half as effective as the novel. I don't know, since I haven't read the novel.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Holes (2003)
Seen on 17-7-2009 - HBO
Director: Andre Davis
Although the movie has a weird story line, we decided to watch it anyway on account of our familiarity Andrew Davis' films ("The Fugitive," "A Perfect Murder", "The Guardian," "Collatoral Damage" we enjoyed earlier)
But as it turns out, this one is not as enjoyable and, if anything, it was disappointing.
Based on Louis Sachar's novel, this film starts innocently by sending a boy (falsely accused of stealing sneakers of a celebrity sportsman) to a correction center in Texas, where he is forced to dig holes as a measure of character building exercise, and leads us to a weird mysterious buried treasure theme. As critic Roger Ebert puts it "it tells a story that's not funny ha-ha but funny peculiar." But the movie it seems has a Harry Potter-like penetration into youth culture!!
Whatever, the movie might be interesting for thirteen year olds and this is because it leads us to stories of buried treasure in legendary past. It falls to Stanley Yelnats IV (read family name in reverse to see what's funny about it) to lift the curse on his family, dig up and find in the holes the treasure chest buried there by one of his great-great grandfathers. Along the way this story is linked to another flash back story about a run-away bandit queen. The fugitive boys at the correction center decode the signs that they stumble upon in order to reach the buried chest and also, in the process, get evil the wardens of the correction center caught by the police.
Director: Andre Davis
Although the movie has a weird story line, we decided to watch it anyway on account of our familiarity Andrew Davis' films ("The Fugitive," "A Perfect Murder", "The Guardian," "Collatoral Damage" we enjoyed earlier)
But as it turns out, this one is not as enjoyable and, if anything, it was disappointing.
Based on Louis Sachar's novel, this film starts innocently by sending a boy (falsely accused of stealing sneakers of a celebrity sportsman) to a correction center in Texas, where he is forced to dig holes as a measure of character building exercise, and leads us to a weird mysterious buried treasure theme. As critic Roger Ebert puts it "it tells a story that's not funny ha-ha but funny peculiar." But the movie it seems has a Harry Potter-like penetration into youth culture!!
Whatever, the movie might be interesting for thirteen year olds and this is because it leads us to stories of buried treasure in legendary past. It falls to Stanley Yelnats IV (read family name in reverse to see what's funny about it) to lift the curse on his family, dig up and find in the holes the treasure chest buried there by one of his great-great grandfathers. Along the way this story is linked to another flash back story about a run-away bandit queen. The fugitive boys at the correction center decode the signs that they stumble upon in order to reach the buried chest and also, in the process, get evil the wardens of the correction center caught by the police.
The Saint
Seen on 16-7-2009 - HBO
Simon Templar has had a difficult childhood in a Catholic Seminary which transforms him into a clever thief; he grows to be a smart debonair high-flying slick operator who can break any lock in the world, change into any disguise that puts him beyond recognition by even the best of the sleuths, and escape any difficult situation. Incidentally, he is fond of assuming the names of Catholic saints for every one of his disguises. This gives a recipe for an exciting action hero and a bond-style action flick. So it turns out indeed!
He is short of a few millions to hit 50 in his Swiss bank account and from the Russian mafia he accepts the impossible and risky assignment of stealing the formula of cold fusion energy invented by a pretty lady scientist. In the process he falls in love with her and, needless to add, so does she. Together they now fight to outwit the Russian mafia who are after them. With his help and after a series of breath-taking acts of daring they succeed in destroying the Russian goons who were also on the verge of overthrowing the reigning government. They finally gift away this valuable formula to the world free.
Interesting though it is, it naturally gets low rating.
Simon Templar has had a difficult childhood in a Catholic Seminary which transforms him into a clever thief; he grows to be a smart debonair high-flying slick operator who can break any lock in the world, change into any disguise that puts him beyond recognition by even the best of the sleuths, and escape any difficult situation. Incidentally, he is fond of assuming the names of Catholic saints for every one of his disguises. This gives a recipe for an exciting action hero and a bond-style action flick. So it turns out indeed!
He is short of a few millions to hit 50 in his Swiss bank account and from the Russian mafia he accepts the impossible and risky assignment of stealing the formula of cold fusion energy invented by a pretty lady scientist. In the process he falls in love with her and, needless to add, so does she. Together they now fight to outwit the Russian mafia who are after them. With his help and after a series of breath-taking acts of daring they succeed in destroying the Russian goons who were also on the verge of overthrowing the reigning government. They finally gift away this valuable formula to the world free.
Interesting though it is, it naturally gets low rating.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Since You've Been Gone (1998)
Seen on 15-7-2009 - HBO
The whole film is set on class reunion of middle-aging men and women who have left school ten years ago and have now by and large settled in life. It's a brilliant mise en scene portraying in a comedic genre their pretended successes, their actual frustrations, their vengeful pranks on those they had grudge in school, etc. Lara Flynn Boyle who stars as a wild jokester is in her mischievous best with her acts of annoyance sticking chewing gum in a woman's hair, short-circuiting power and blowing up the audio speakers, raising false alarm through an anonymous call, spilling wine on a woman's clothes, etc. These border on slapstic, but are meant to be funny, I suppose. One also wonders if people are like this in a class reunion!
The whole film is set on class reunion of middle-aging men and women who have left school ten years ago and have now by and large settled in life. It's a brilliant mise en scene portraying in a comedic genre their pretended successes, their actual frustrations, their vengeful pranks on those they had grudge in school, etc. Lara Flynn Boyle who stars as a wild jokester is in her mischievous best with her acts of annoyance sticking chewing gum in a woman's hair, short-circuiting power and blowing up the audio speakers, raising false alarm through an anonymous call, spilling wine on a woman's clothes, etc. These border on slapstic, but are meant to be funny, I suppose. One also wonders if people are like this in a class reunion!
Atonement
Seen on 14-7-2009 - HBO
Cast: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy
Dir.: Joe Wright
Based on Ian McEvan's best-selling novel this film explores the lasting consequences of a motivated half-truth for the victims of the falsehood.
It's about a 13-year old girl (played by Ronan) who witnesses falsely, out of jealousy, to the charge of molestation against her older sister's lover (McAvoy) and sends him to punitive service in the World War II. This results in misery for her sister (Keira Knightley) who joins the war service as a nurse. The young girl has to live with unmitigated remorse and guilt for the rest of her life; five years after when she meets them during the war she desperately wants to atone for her tragic error but couldn't undo the damage wreaked in their lives. Soon they die a tragic death in the war before they could find fulfillment in their love. Briony lives on to ripe old age (played by Vanessa) with unrequited remorse.
Cast: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy
Dir.: Joe Wright
Based on Ian McEvan's best-selling novel this film explores the lasting consequences of a motivated half-truth for the victims of the falsehood.
It's about a 13-year old girl (played by Ronan) who witnesses falsely, out of jealousy, to the charge of molestation against her older sister's lover (McAvoy) and sends him to punitive service in the World War II. This results in misery for her sister (Keira Knightley) who joins the war service as a nurse. The young girl has to live with unmitigated remorse and guilt for the rest of her life; five years after when she meets them during the war she desperately wants to atone for her tragic error but couldn't undo the damage wreaked in their lives. Soon they die a tragic death in the war before they could find fulfillment in their love. Briony lives on to ripe old age (played by Vanessa) with unrequited remorse.
Freedom Writers (2007)
Seen on 13-7-2009 - HBO
Cast: Hillary Swank; Patrick Dempsey
Dir.: Richard LaGravenese
LaGravenese is said to have won a place in the screenwriters' hall of fame a dozen years ago for his great achievement in "Bridges of Madison County." In this film he achieves something similar from a true heartbreaking stories of disadvantaged people published in the form of "Freedom Writers'Diary."
Cast: Hillary Swank; Patrick Dempsey
Dir.: Richard LaGravenese
LaGravenese is said to have won a place in the screenwriters' hall of fame a dozen years ago for his great achievement in "Bridges of Madison County." In this film he achieves something similar from a true heartbreaking stories of disadvantaged people published in the form of "Freedom Writers'Diary."
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Things We Lost in Fire (2007)
Seen on 12-7-09 - HB0
Cast: Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro
Dir.: Susanne Bier (Known for her poignant screenplay for "After the Wedding")
Drug addict Del Toro is invited to stay with Halle Berry, the recently widowed wife of his dear friend. Del Toro is struggling to overcome his addiction while Berry is trying to heal after the loss of her husband. In the process Berry's two children come to love him, but Berry herself can't accept him taking her husband's place (which he definitely is not trying to do, much less intend it). At one stage when Berry finds that he is stealing her husband's place with children, she asks him to leave not knowing the consequences. This causes his relapse and deterioration, while children miss him badly. Contrite Berry brings him back to put him on the path of recovery. He, however, realizes he must leave soon to achieve complete recovery. His struggle is heart-rending.
The screenplay, direction and action attain an unusual poignancy. Del Toro's action is especially memorable. Claudia Puig of "USA Today" said Del Toro is "hypnotically watchable."
Cast: Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro
Dir.: Susanne Bier (Known for her poignant screenplay for "After the Wedding")
Drug addict Del Toro is invited to stay with Halle Berry, the recently widowed wife of his dear friend. Del Toro is struggling to overcome his addiction while Berry is trying to heal after the loss of her husband. In the process Berry's two children come to love him, but Berry herself can't accept him taking her husband's place (which he definitely is not trying to do, much less intend it). At one stage when Berry finds that he is stealing her husband's place with children, she asks him to leave not knowing the consequences. This causes his relapse and deterioration, while children miss him badly. Contrite Berry brings him back to put him on the path of recovery. He, however, realizes he must leave soon to achieve complete recovery. His struggle is heart-rending.
The screenplay, direction and action attain an unusual poignancy. Del Toro's action is especially memorable. Claudia Puig of "USA Today" said Del Toro is "hypnotically watchable."
Into the Wild
Seen on 9-7-2009 - HBO
We were tempted to see it only because its direction as well as screenplay are by Sean Penn. The cynical derisiveness and shunning of man's company, escape into the wilderness of nature, Thoreau-like experiment with total self-reliance and solitude are, in the final analysis, meant to make a point and not to be embraced as a viable way of life. Sean Penn is probably trying to dramatize the failure of Thoreausque vision in this movie. Trapped in the wilderness of Alaska the 23-year old young man meets with a tragic end when it doesn't seem at all necessary.
We sat through the film only because we hoped for something better.
We were tempted to see it only because its direction as well as screenplay are by Sean Penn. The cynical derisiveness and shunning of man's company, escape into the wilderness of nature, Thoreau-like experiment with total self-reliance and solitude are, in the final analysis, meant to make a point and not to be embraced as a viable way of life. Sean Penn is probably trying to dramatize the failure of Thoreausque vision in this movie. Trapped in the wilderness of Alaska the 23-year old young man meets with a tragic end when it doesn't seem at all necessary.
We sat through the film only because we hoped for something better.
Licensed to Wed
Seen on 8-7-2009 - HBO
Although critics like Roger Ebert (of Chicago Sun-Times) trashed this movie, we loved it for its concept of putting through lovers in a hurry through the necessary steps and prepare them for marriage. The Priest's lateral innovative thinking in devising tests that force the couple to introspect about their commitment, their willingness to be accommodative, their patience with each other and their love is unfunny, extremely unconvention and, in the final analysis, wise.
Although critics like Roger Ebert (of Chicago Sun-Times) trashed this movie, we loved it for its concept of putting through lovers in a hurry through the necessary steps and prepare them for marriage. The Priest's lateral innovative thinking in devising tests that force the couple to introspect about their commitment, their willingness to be accommodative, their patience with each other and their love is unfunny, extremely unconvention and, in the final analysis, wise.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Long Lost Son (2006)
Seen on 6-7-2009 - St. Mov.
Interesting movie about a Californian mother who for 14 years sorrows believing that her son was drowned in a storm, suddenly discovers that he is alive and living in one of the obscure Caribbean islands. She sets out alone to find him. Her husband 14 years ago faked death in the storm and kept her believing that he as well as her son were lost in storm. Her tragic plight and desperate efforts to reclaim the son are touching.
Interesting movie about a Californian mother who for 14 years sorrows believing that her son was drowned in a storm, suddenly discovers that he is alive and living in one of the obscure Caribbean islands. She sets out alone to find him. Her husband 14 years ago faked death in the storm and kept her believing that he as well as her son were lost in storm. Her tragic plight and desperate efforts to reclaim the son are touching.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Seen during May 5-July 5, 2009
1. Last Tango in Paris (5/5) - Netflix dvd
2. Mandingo (6/5) - Netflix dvd
3. Razor's Edge (15/4) - HBO
4. Maid in Manhattan (15/5) HBO
5. Enough (16/5) - tv
6. Delirious (18/5) - St. Movies
7. Keeping the Faith (19/5) - St. Movies
8. Shipping News (20/5) - St. Movies
9. Mirror Has Two Faces (21/5) - Zee Stud.
10.Shall We Dance (22/5) - Zee Stud.
11.Sisters (22/5) - St. Movies
12.Renegade Justice (25/5) - tv
13.Until Death (28/5) - tv
14.Sleuth (29/5) - tv
15.10 Things I Hate About You - 30/5) -tv
16.Walking Tall (30/5) - tv
17.Local Color (3/6) - tv
18.Marvin's Room (3/6) - tv
19.Ever After: Cinderalla Story (6/6) - tv
20.School for Life (7/6) - HBO
21.Perfect Day (7/6) - St. Movies
22.The Grocer's Son (9/6) - Netflix dvd
23.Love's Abiding Joy (9/6)- Netflix dvd
24.Changeling (10/6)- Netflix dvd
25.No Reservations (11/6) - Netflix dvd
26.Flawless (11/6) - Netflix dvd
27.Killshot (12/6) - Netflix dvd
28.Bandidas (12/6) - TV
29.Love in the Time of Cholera (13/6) - Netflix dvd
30.Doubt (13/6) - Netflix xvd
31.A Shortcut to Happiness (16/6) - St.Movies
32.America's Sweethearts (17/6) - HBO
33.The Temp (19/6) - HBO
34.Mr.Deeds (19/6) - HBO
35.The Tailor of Panama (20/6) - Zee Stud.
36.Never Been Kissed (20/6) - St.Mov.
37.The Break-up (23/6) - HBO
39.Keeping Up With Steins (23/6) - St.Mov.
40.Door to Door (23/6) - HBO
41.Father of the Bride (23/6) - TV
42.Definitely, Maybe (24/6) - HBO
43.Mail Order Bride (25/6)- HBO
44.Music and Lyrics (26/6) - HBO
45.Vantage Point (26/6) - HBO
46.Dreaming With Fishes (3/7) - TV
47.My Mom's New Boyfriend (4/7) - TV
48.Under the Tuscan Sun (5/7) - St.Movies
2. Mandingo (6/5) - Netflix dvd
3. Razor's Edge (15/4) - HBO
4. Maid in Manhattan (15/5) HBO
5. Enough (16/5) - tv
6. Delirious (18/5) - St. Movies
7. Keeping the Faith (19/5) - St. Movies
8. Shipping News (20/5) - St. Movies
9. Mirror Has Two Faces (21/5) - Zee Stud.
10.Shall We Dance (22/5) - Zee Stud.
11.Sisters (22/5) - St. Movies
12.Renegade Justice (25/5) - tv
13.Until Death (28/5) - tv
14.Sleuth (29/5) - tv
15.10 Things I Hate About You - 30/5) -tv
16.Walking Tall (30/5) - tv
17.Local Color (3/6) - tv
18.Marvin's Room (3/6) - tv
19.Ever After: Cinderalla Story (6/6) - tv
20.School for Life (7/6) - HBO
21.Perfect Day (7/6) - St. Movies
22.The Grocer's Son (9/6) - Netflix dvd
23.Love's Abiding Joy (9/6)- Netflix dvd
24.Changeling (10/6)- Netflix dvd
25.No Reservations (11/6) - Netflix dvd
26.Flawless (11/6) - Netflix dvd
27.Killshot (12/6) - Netflix dvd
28.Bandidas (12/6) - TV
29.Love in the Time of Cholera (13/6) - Netflix dvd
30.Doubt (13/6) - Netflix xvd
31.A Shortcut to Happiness (16/6) - St.Movies
32.America's Sweethearts (17/6) - HBO
33.The Temp (19/6) - HBO
34.Mr.Deeds (19/6) - HBO
35.The Tailor of Panama (20/6) - Zee Stud.
36.Never Been Kissed (20/6) - St.Mov.
37.The Break-up (23/6) - HBO
39.Keeping Up With Steins (23/6) - St.Mov.
40.Door to Door (23/6) - HBO
41.Father of the Bride (23/6) - TV
42.Definitely, Maybe (24/6) - HBO
43.Mail Order Bride (25/6)- HBO
44.Music and Lyrics (26/6) - HBO
45.Vantage Point (26/6) - HBO
46.Dreaming With Fishes (3/7) - TV
47.My Mom's New Boyfriend (4/7) - TV
48.Under the Tuscan Sun (5/7) - St.Movies
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