Reviews

Being an Indian, I am always baffled by the ignorance of Bollywood film makers about the globalization of cinema. I really really want to like these films and have refrained from commenting negatively on ANY of them just out of respect... but this one was the the straw that broke the camel's back. I apologize in advance for the scathing and sarcastic nature of this commentary and the sure-to-follow tirade about Bollywood film makers.

Re: The filmmakers. Do they really think Indians don't watch American films? (You reading this Mr. Mahesh Bhatt?) Do they really think that we can't tell when scenes are plain STOLEN from American films? There are at least three scenes in "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi" that borrow liberally from "Anger Management" starring Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler. The film also samples scenes from "Meet the Parents" starring Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro. Their two roles are portrayed in this film by Mr. Salman "Do I take my shirt off yet" Khan and Mr. Amrish "Yet another film where I play a retired Punjabi Army General/Colonel who disapproves of my daughter's choice of spouse" Puri.

While the story is not an exact duplicate of either "Parents" or "Management", the characters in this film are so derivative, formulaic and clichéd that you could have thrown them in any Hindi romantic comedy. I wonder if the producers throw darts at a list of character attributes for "HERO ROLE" and "HEROINE ROLE" when coming up with plots. This film even has the overacting sidekick thrown in for comic relief... although I guess Johnny Lever had a scheduling conflict. Instead, they cast some other guy in a clever "double" role as twin brothers - An astrologer and his "twin"... uh... well... a thuggish motorcycle gang leader. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

Nothing "new" in this film - the usual sacharine acting which keeps the glycerine stock high in Mumbai... Those pathetic song-dance numbers which make one thankful for the existence of the Fast Forward button... and your garden variety soulless love-triangle storyline. I think the script would have had better use if they printed it on toilet paper. I can't believe some of these lines were said with a straight face by the actors.

Here's a question for you educated viewers: Is it any more irritating when a film soundtrack has to cue you how to feel? Every time Akshay Kumar does something slimy we are treated to the whispers of "Wicked Sunny!!" over and over (with another horrible attempt at "copying" 50-Cent's music from his hit "At the Club"). It made my teeth itch!!

I wish more films like the novel "Dil Chahta Hai" were made. At least the predictability factor is a little subdued in that film! Bollywood is the most prolific film producing industry - but it is evident that quantity is DEFINITELY not indicative of quality. And please, my Bollywood friends... stop copying formulaic American films and scenes. I think M. Night Shyamalan and Gurinder Chadha have demonstrated that Indians can be creative without "borrowing". This applies to film plots as well as soundtracks! I wonder if Roy Orbison is getting royalties for "Pretty Woman" from the "Kal Ho Naa Ho" songwriters.

To summarize, I would rather drink a quart of paint thinner than see this film again. It's disgusting, devoid of any true emotion and worst of all - it's "humor" is just artificial and derivative. I wanted to throw things at the screen and didn't laugh once. (I groaned plenty though).

Yes, perhaps I take some if this too seriously... I know the movie is just supposed to be "fun". It tries hard to be that... I know it's just a romantic comedy but I am beginning to loathe the complacence and mediocrity turned out by the Bollywood film industry which consistently underestimates the intelligence of its audience. I just had to write this. I refuse to hold Indian films to a different standard simply because they are Indian.

I'm really cheering for all of you in Bollywood to get it together and make something worthy of international notice. They should be making American versions of OUR films, not the other way around! Turn off MTV for new ideas and realize that the lead actress' navel is not a crucial plot device. Adapt some novels to the screen... scan our history and tell some of the truly endearing human stories.

Niki Caro's "Whale Rider" is beautifully written and directed motion picture. It captures conflict on many levels - the ancient ways vs. the modern, familial love vs. tradition and female empowerment vs. male patriarchy. The film contains lyrical cinematography, and the passion for the project is palpable and evident in each shot. This is visual storytelling at its finest.

The heart and soul of the movie lies in the protagonist, played by startling newcomer Keisha Castle-Hughes, age 12. Her performance is subtle, yet she conveys so much compassion and emotion in every scene it is impossible not to empathize and root for her. Even in heartripping scenes when her grandfather Koro admonishes her, making it clear that "everything went wrong" when she was born, she never relinquishes her love for him. She even defends him because she so passionately believes in the ancient ways, and in her view he is only doing his duty... even in his cruelest moments.

The climax and conclusion of this film never caters to obligatory emotional manipulation. The soundtrack is a character in itself - Lisa Gerrard's score is ethereal and haunting, simultaneously evoking the magical spirit of whalesong and the Maori tribal culture.

A great film, truly deserving of all the superlatives bestowed on it.

I honestly believe the intentions of this movie were honorable and it sought to appeal to those of us who are 2nd generation Indians here in the US...

I was excited to see how we'd be portrayed, whether our complexities would be outlined, the duality of our upbringing explored and highlighted, etc...

Unfortunately the plot centers around silly stereotypical caricatures instead of 3-dimensional characters. Any potential for serious, compelling drama is overshadowed by ridiculous American Pie-esquire humor mixed with culture-clash comic situations. Moreover, it wouldn't hurt to do a bit more research with the subject matter to present a realistic portrayal of Muslim cultural practices. (I've never known ANY of my Muslim friends to interrupt their prayers/namaaz for a conversation.)

Nice try though guys... You probably got a few laughs. We can't all be Mira Nair though can we?

Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical "Almost Famous" is probably the most moving coming of age portrayal I've ever seen. The film is filled with amazing performances from a young cast. Kate Hudson, Patrick Fugit and Billy Crudup (in a role intended for Brad Pitt) are particularly memorable as they channel unbelievable energy and meaning to Crowe's words. I can't say enough about Crowe's film-making... It's so real and personal. He has absolute affection for all of his characters and it shows through in the writing. There is a disarming innocence to this film (despite all the turbulence and decadence surrounding its setting) that can't be placed.

See this film. It's guaranteed to garner Academy attention. Critics need only pick 9 more films for their top 10 lists. I know I left the theater with a big one plastered ear-to-ear.

The concept of the grim reaper taking human form on Earth presents many potential dark moments. Rather than focus on such things, director Martin Brest and screenwriters Kevin Wade and Bo Goldman ("Scent of a Woman") chose to focus on the life-affirming aspects of the concept.

And what a ride it is - three hours of some truly touching scenes. Imagine a nether-worldly presence that looks at the world through detached eyes, not knowing what or why humans feel. Death breathes down everyone's neck and people concern themselves with trivial worldly matters.

This film has a wonderful spiritual theme. Enjoy your life. Wake up knowing that you need nothing more - that when it's time to leave for the next world, that's ALL that needs to be done. No regrets. There are not many films that give people a sense of calm about leaving this life. I think "The Sixth Sense" is the last one that did that for me.

See this one with someone you love. Laugh with them, cry with them and hold their hand tight through all three hours. When the credits roll, look at each other and smile. No regrets.

This question resonated in my mind as the credits rolled. The release of this movie came at a high point in India's history - 50 years after independence from the British.

As an Indian-born American this film had an intense emotional impact on me, as it did with my best friends sitting to my right and left - a Muslim and a Sikh. It seems melodramatic but we sat in our seats, tears in our eyes, stunned.

One of the things I look forward to after every movie going experience is the inevitable discussion that follows. All three of us were silent for almost half an hour. It dawned on us that we could have been the group of friends who were so close at the beginning only to be divided by our demons in the name of religion at the end.

As an aspiring film-maker, I would like to congratulate Deepa Mehta for her courage and determination in presenting such amazing human stories. In an industry where Bollywood sachharine seems to prevail, it is reassuring to see a true artistic voice strike a lyrical chord with the world.

She makes me proud to be Indian first and foremost.

This story documenting the rise of China's first emperor and his efforts to unify the empire was the most expensive movie production in Chinese history.

It's worth every penny. Visually dazzling cinematography, a sweeping score and outstanding characters make this one of the finest epics ever put on film (foreign or otherwise.) Please do not miss the opportunity to see this on the big screen.

Anytime I'm not giving 150% to my dreams or my goals I think of Mark Borchardt, the real-life subject of "American Movie". Mark's dogged persistence at having his first feature film produced and shot is so captivating that it will have you laughing, shaking your head with sadness and rooting for him.

I haven't seen a documentary this honest since the movie on R. Crumb. The supporting "cast" (Mark's real-life family and friends) are all great. Give this movie a chance and you'll see a great film and a wonderful portrait of the stuff that the American dream is made of.

M. Night Shyamalan has outdone himself. The script is sensitive in its subject matter and intricate in its plotting. Outstanding direction and visually engrossing cinematography (- the mood is established from the first shot). I was so enraptured by the storytelling and pace that I didn't see where the plot was headed. Each scene has definite purpose and gives us further insight into the characters.

Simply the best movie I've seen this year (1999). Haley Joel Osment deserves an Oscar nomination. This is not an easy role for a kid to play and he holds his own in every scene w/Mr. Willis. Little Haley Joel supposedly made the director cry while delivering his lines. That is powerful acting. I would rate his performance among the best by a young actor, ranking close to Leonardo Dicaprio in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and Anna Paquin in "The Piano."

If you haven't seen this film, and I suspect there will be a few that decide not to go, I urge you to go see it even if you are averse to the "horror genre". While the thrills are plenty, there are also moving human stories beneath the surface.

"Flirting" was the first movie that I saw when I came to college in 1992 and it was a landmark film for me. The characters, particularly Noah Taylor's portrayal of Danny Embling and Thandie Newton's Thandiwe, were extremely appealing and likable. For me, this stands as one of the best "coming-of-age" dramas ever.

John Duigan's script is a fine example of dramatic writing that is both funny and warm. He clearly has affection for his characters and all their subtleties. The writing and acting captures the awkwardness of adolescence in a way that few other films have.

This is an inspirational, poetic work of film-making. I urge you to see this film as well as its predecessor "The Year my Voice Broke".