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His Dark Materials (2019)
Hoping for better
The first book and the first season are a match for splendid imagination and magic. Book 2 was somewhat lacking and unfulfilling, while book 3 was truly a boring and unimaginative one after which I felt physical nauseated to having such a wonderful story ending so boringly. Sure some parts, very few were good but the scientist's world and the boring details really put me off. For once I hope that the series does not stick to the books and take exciting and interesting artistic liberties to give this story its proper extension and end. I really do hope so, as you see by my rating (9/10) I really liked the first season for the story, acting and cinematography/CGI. Give it a try but be warned some disappointment ahead.
Manifest (2018)
Had something
Season 1 was great the plot was interesting and how social lives of passengers were affected. Season two not so much at all with mash ups and mini-plots and the last episode was avoiding being a real drama and going for miraculous recovery, seriously! If a season 3 ii in play please bring a genetics consultant. The so called "Genetic anomaly" looking like a dent in a pipe and a swab on a slide showing the DNA damage instantly!!! and the answer being in exons is an insult to geneticists everywhere (myself included). Seriously for a so called great scientist "Sanvi" she is looking dumb and dumber every episode using such a script!
Frozen II (2019)
Greatly disappointed
I am a Disney fan but in this one they disappointed me. For animation 5/5 superb as always, for music 0/5, too many songs, not enough rhythm or proper lyrics, too many bad songs misplaced and crowded the movie, even my 8 yrs old niece was bored of it. The story seemed rushed and too many scenes reminded me of Bollywood movies, so thin so amplified to point of loss of meaning. And enough with the make-up, too much make up distorts young girl's image of beauty, and Elsa's make up is so heavy she looks like a disco queen! This story is set in Nordic times (1839) yet this movie makes it set in 2019! Sure it is a visual feast but very little substance or intellect that my 14 yr old other niece found it to be unnecessary compared to the original.
Blue Bloods (2010)
As good as old times
Really this show reminds me of my favorite teenage time police shows but in a good way. I mean I tried watching some of my old police shows but was less than impressed, but this show is class all the way through and through. Even the opening music is very catchy and reminiscent of good police shows of old. Maybe because I grew up in a time when Magnum was big, New kids on the block were a hit, and will Estes had a guest appearances on my favorite shows and I still keep his pin ups. Collectively this show is trip down memory lane for me, but it really grew over the season and now is as interesting as it gets. The stories are so good they barely fir the 40 so minutes of the show. The acting is awesome most of the time, and the characters are well defined but not predictable much. I hope it lasts for many seasons, we need a police show when other shows have lost the grips on their themes. Keep up the great work, I am being entertained properly.
2012 (2009)
At least go out in style
I have to say I wasn't looking forward to watching this, but given the hype I went for it. John Cusack isn't even on my least favorite list, I find his acting bland and emotionless. The script and poor editing here just made things worse. You can hardly connect with anyone, and their personalities if any don't come coherent at all. At times I thought the director was making a mock of the whole thing, especially the scene where Sasha thought he was going to live then dies head down, that reminded me of the 80s comedies, as if he was making a mockery of death!!. Again so many clichés, specially the Arab rich themed clip, oh and i am an Arab and we don't dress like that anymore, give it up that ended 1930s. This is only worn for traditional gatherings. Besides, so am I to understand Arab contribution is ZERO to world civilization and culture?. Aside from that I think the lead scientist was the only act holding up, and Danny Glover is such a family movie household name that when i saw him I felt as if I was watching one. I do like him, but i think he is too soft for the role given. Overall, can't recommend this movie to anyone, unless you want to see how you think about it. The idea is nice, so is the geography, and the inclusion of international feel rather than US focused heroism. But seriously not worth the hype, time (too long, and editing was poor which means there was more to it left out), and it is remotely thought provoking.
What's Your Raashee? (2009)
Could have been better
The lead actor needs serious acting lessons, he might have the looks, somewhat the dance moves too. But his acting is a mess and very hard to stomach. This movie rests solely on the lead actress, which is seriously impressive. The story is not bad at all with minor tackles of serious issues like child marriage. A very enjoyable movie if you are willing to ignore the previously mentioned let downs. I wonder though how much research was put in actual personalities of each rashee. A lot of the characteristics were missing that are hallmarks of each horoscope personality. Again Priyanka did a phenomenal job, while Mr Baweja failed.
Drop Dead Diva: What If? (2009)
Good show
THis was a good episode. More of a mother's day special but never the less Jane impresses. But we saw less of Stacy's goofiness which is always nice. My GOD why can't we keep FRED. I really want Fred to stay. He brings a lot into the show, his presence is what makes the show hip and normal. THe rest are all suave or emotionally serious. I think the show lost a lot the first time he was gone and now i think its going even worse with Jane getting over Greyson's obsession. Please keep FRED on, or at least bring him a new search, i mean why is he just searching for love?? he is an angel make him grow into a human being, want to discover career choices. And please help Jane get more strong cases that are not so feminine, that challenge the DEB in her. Broaden your horizon.
Dil Bole Hadippa! (2009)
Fun filled entertainment
I was surprised to how a typical tried out story actually entertained me and made me happy!. Great to see Rani back, her absence was felt and her return is ever so glamorous. Its great to see someone who can really dance match up with Shahid. Shahid is his usual serious self, and doesn't come through much in contact with the viewers, but his acting was tip top and enjoyable. The story was so colorful that i was laughing unexpectedly at times. The make up for Rani as a male was realistic, i actually know someone that looks like that. My only comment is the case of the disappearing and re-appearing eye shadow and make-up. As soon as she throws everything male off she checks in for seconds into invisible beauty salon and re-appears fully beautified :D. More or less very enjoyable and will own it on DVD, the music is lively and makes you want to dance the bhangra. And for you all women rights hater males who voted poor for the movie, let me tell you its not that she was a girl its that she played better than men (in the movie) so the image of weaker sex can't play with guys was abolished and nullified to the zennith.. thats why everyone with a sane mind clapped at the end.
Billu (2009)
Second time
First time i watched the movie it lacked subtitles so i depended on my poor Hindi and emotional body and facial expression. The movie lacked depth to me in its first parts. Till it reached the climax the quality of emotions got some depth. Second time i viewed it my impression got better. The first part was classic Priyadrashan movie which i don't like AT ALL. Most of his films don't leave any mark on me and they slip out of my mind. I was surprised that SRK chose him for such a story that depicts a moral and values we are in desperate need in these days. However, the shooting and photography is brilliant and eye catching. I am a fan of Irrfan and Shahrukh so i got my fill of both. But the last part of the movie meant much more with adequate understanding. I actually cried a lot, especially parts where Sahir recites similar stories of his youth that overlap with shahrukh's himself. I still feel more Irrfan was required, more passionate and sorrowful but i guess its a priyadrashan movie anyway. watch it for the scenery, watch it for Irrfan and SHahrukh.. Lara dutta does a good job too. for once two hours are not enough for the story.
Oh Darling Yeh Hai India (1995)
Oh darling yeh HAI India.. abhi
This movie is an ambitious daring film for its time. Although the whole story and dialog is reminiscent with a theatrical (broadway like) play where costumes, symbolic acts, and singing dialogs reveal the story. It must have been extremely hard to orchestrate into a film, and unfortunately with little success. The nice thing about this film is that symbolism is well crafted and touch upon relevant issues in every country but mostly India. I started noticing the symbolism in simple things attributed in the movie which shows the director's appeal for an intellectual audience. Another nice thing is that the film makes use of Shah Rukh Khan's exuberant energy in a satisfying manner. The acting was well for the genre of the film, but very theatrical like and at times you feel the un comfortable switch between screen and theater actors which makes it hard to move through scenes. The songs are bad but its inevitable when many critical story and thematic words are being used. Deepa Sahi is not the perfect choice to pair with Shah Rukh. She constantly looks like his mother rather than his love interest. She can't carry the character at all and over-does it many times. Their pairing in the two movies they did together must have been of the worst i have ever seen for Shah Rukh.. and i have seen them all. But i guess she is the director's favorite (or upper hand) and i can't think of another actress for the film, but i know any younger, more Indian girl would have been better. Many actors in this movie are recognizable as supporting role actors, so this film must have been a break in their struggling period. This is a somewhat black comedy but it is not a comedy. Its an over dramatized to fantastical measures to fit the critical issues it is addressing. Overall, it is worth a watch if you like Shah Rukh Khan, symbolic films, or a brief encounter with India's struggle for life is an artistic way.
Shanghai Knights (2003)
Fantastical
Fantastic in the full meaning of the word. Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson have such natural chemistry, you feel as if they could be you and your buddy. I have been a Jackie Chan fan for 15 years now, but since he started making Hollywood movies i haven't been following up much on his movies. His talent is amazing but he no longer wins duels, or saves the day, or is the hardest fighter among all. He is constantly being saved by a side kick or the female lead, which is rather disappointing for me. I don't mind it much, it sends good messages to the youth about martial arts being for defense not inflict harm, as well as the meaning of being a team. But come on its Mr. Chan the guy can do sooo much, i would love to see him in a good role, along with Owen again or other stars if Hollywood thinks Jackie on his own won't sell. This movie was a fantastic journey that exploited every aspect of the English :D making sure not to miss any chance of recycling names and historical events. It was hilarious and really fun to watch, a good follow up to Noon.
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
Splendid
The movie is beautifully done. The direction, photography, the story and acting is superb. The novel itself is dense, true masterpiece and a must read. This movie is NOT the novel and the movie writer acknowledges that. Nevertheless the story in the movie is wonderful, and the adaptation even though distant from the actual holds true to the lessons learned. James Caviezel is a great, amazing actor.. he deserves high recognition in Hollywood and i can't understand why he hasn't got it so far. Its probably because he is not blonde, too tall or has real good morals .. I just would like to see him in more movies. He is a wonderful actor by all standards. The cast in this movie are well chosen and although some characters you can feel lack true emotions like the female lead, the rest however display authenticity fairly well. After all they are not infallible, but actors.. Worth watching by an un-biased, willing to explore alternative story twists in a classical novel.
Children of Men (2006)
Thought provoking
Its a great movie to watch, but the story was dense i think and was fragmented into many pieces to fit this movie. Many things in the story did not make much sense, for example whats with the Muslim march?. And was it that other terrains so over ridden with war or water (floods)? that everyone fled to UK?. Many things were left loose.. but i think it feels like you have wandered into someone's life by chance in year 2027 and you have to deal with whats around you rather than on what it is based. Clive is outstanding as usual. The basis of this movie is the value of innocence in the world, and how children make the world worth living in. Yet the world only remembers what is lost, and takes the presence of innocence for granted and looks for ways to abolish it. The movie made me think of millions of unborn and born children dying every day in every war torn country, and how would the leaders of armies like it if they were handed a bloody corpse of their own child, because that is what a parent receives wherever there is a war that randomly takes lives. How do we set the price on a child's life, how do we report it as casualty of war, or as losses for greater purpose when these children don't even know what life is!. This movie is thought provoking, and the fact it trans-locates you into the near future 2027 makes more effective in positioning you into that state of mind. Michael Caine in his last 20 years seems to have enhanced mastered the art of selecting great movies, his presence is Golden (as his hair once was :D).
Roswell (1999)
Addictive
I remember the first time i saw this show back in 2000. I was into X-files and Sci-Fi but weren't into anything other than X-files. When i saw Roswell first episode i thought yeah.. it seems like a fantastic spin-off the old crash site thing. But when i saw the connection that forms between Liz and Max my heart was captivated. This is not just a Sci-Fi its pure, innocent romance (very heart warming). I only caught up with like 9 episodes then they never showed it again. Iwaited and waited for it to air back, it never did. In 2004, some other channel aired back the first season i was so very excited, but then i had to leave to study abroad. Roswell captivated me, now i got the full three seasons and i am going through them 5 episodes a day. Its more than Sci-Fi I love it really, its addictive and captivates your heart. A nice sweet love story, plus adventure beyond your imagination. Sure its sad it got canceled but i think a show like this has to go on top and leave a little behind for it to linger in our memories.. unless Tess worbs us :D. Have fun and watch it. Oh and the cast is great.. the harmony between them transmits on-screen (or so i hope there was harmony!).
One Night with the King (2006)
fifty percent
I must say outstanding performance by Luke Goss, he came a long way from his BROS years. It would have been best if the cast were given classes to unify their accents. Tiffany's American dialect takes out the historic credibility of the character. The story is true but hardly concurrent with today's reality as one person commented. Its actually reversed against other races. The essence of the story holds true in which all must be held equal and no races discriminated. Very few were there moments in history when such equilibrium was reached. The majority of the cast were from India, their accents and wardrobe too, this sort of took out the Persian identity (of Persian origin myself). However, all in all the photography, direction and script were wonderful except for some dull and slow tempo scenes in-which the actress herself made them even seem longer. Pretty face indeed but acting skill is a lot of acting and less real, unfortunately. Overall a worthy watch once.. twice if you want to see Peter O'toole for more than a few seconds :). Omar Sharif was exquisite too.
Apocalypto (2006)
Exceptional
It kept me on my nerves, anticipating every move. This movie really engulfed me in its world, took me back years when my imagination was vivid when i read about ancient civilizations in South America. It depicts what might have been, could have been based on current psychological assessments of man. It relates to current politics and wars in away that it captures the essence of it and simple basics of it. Its a story that is meant to present a perspective and i think it has brilliantly done so, novel in every way, and i don't care about the controversy behind it or its creator. He is an artist and he does it greatly, Mr. Gibson thank you for this masterpiece.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Will Smith Prince of Hollywood
A movie that sticks true to its story and fully serves its purpose. The cast beautifully delivers, Will Smith exudes Jiggyness (or is it spelled with an i :). Worth watching and touches deep to similar situations in anybody's past either directly or indirectly. I rejoiced when i saw the influence this movie had on the spirits of many in Christmas 2006 i hope it sticks. We all need a kind hand every now and then either from our family, friends, strangers, or God himself. I personally think the relationship portrayal of father and son was beautifully captured and couldn't be done better. The music sits well and does everything. The movie collectively builds up to one perfect gift of artistic happiness.
Blood Diamond (2006)
Balance
Finally a movie that depicts the truth. The characters were human, the actions were true to story and all in all perfect. The journey was great, minor clichés couldn't mask the brilliance of this movie. I have anticipated a movie such as this one that tells the story of war and natural resource depletion and the thousands that die in both processes and villages that get wiped, children lost, families separated and cruelty holds power. The issues remain for other open cases such as the tantalite and Niobium trade in guerrilla war ridden Congo's. I hope this great movie makes the Oscars, and Leo proves he can act and actually get a little dirty although its a hard job for make-up to soil his German authentic clean-face. The African cast are superb and their acting was outstanding. I have met individuals who have lived through such times and the depiction is real. This movie is true art, plus a dozen of return to being human pleas, i loved it.
The Departed (2006)
Honestly !!
If this movie makes a win at the Oscars then this entire business is becoming disgustingly lost for art or entertainment. This movie was predictable, story was lost for reality or credibility, characters were shallow and of course, the violence was too much for nothing. Only couple of scenes were really worth it in the entire two hours. The only real good performance was by Alec Baldwin !!. Leo really is getting better but the voice doesn't help much. Somehow every leo character in black leather and a white T brings to mind one of my teenage stretched pin ups of Brad Pitt the resemblance scary. Anyway, really guys come on the violence was made so easy and with such a star stud cast everyone will vote for guns as a house hold consumable. Good luck cleaning zero self minded people after this. Anyway.. glad i didn't pay a penny to see this movie if you can do the same by all means do it. Thank God most of these good actors already proved they can act before this movie.
Eragon (2006)
Thin soup
Very unfortunate, many movies can do so much with very little, this movie had so much and ended up very very lacking. Jeremy Irons who is one of my favorite actors came up very short, all characters lack heart and depth. Many inconsistent emotions, and acting that doesn't match the era or time this movie was set to be in. Highly unfortunate, the newcomer lead actor had the face and bravery but yet the two third foolishness was contributed by the screenplay, dialog and editing people who worked their black magic on this movie. And am tired of seeing John Malkovich in such a type casted role.. i just saw the Libertine!!. Very sad really i had hoped and hungered for this movie but ended up with thin soup with a lot of water and no flavor :(.