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saranyavalsarajan
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Gravity (2013)
You end up counting your breath!!!
When I first saw the trailer of GRAVITY, there was just one thought that was running in my mind; I am not going to miss this movie at any cost. Well, and I did keep my word and finally today I went and watched the much awaited movie of the year (at least for me it was). For people who think that a movie should have an ensemble cast, try this one! You are sure to be in short of words and you are sure to redefine cinema. GRAVITY begins with the magnificent and the breathtaking (literally) view of the mind boggling space that we have seen only on NASA footage and other documentaries. The view positively gives you the wish to join a space research organization. The silence will make you fall in love with it and the darkness will make you fall in love with the loneliness. You are introduced to Matt (George Clooney), Ryan (Sandra Bullock) and Shariff (Phaldut Sharma) physically. As an Indian I also liked the Hindi song Shariff hums for a moment.
It is all going well until a Russian missile gets released and the entire mission and their Hubble Telescope are hit and thrashed into pieces. Will all the three survive? Do they have a way for survival when the three are not even etched to each other? Will Ryan make it when her oxygen levels are falling rapidly?
GRAVITY is surely one of the best movies made in the year. For a common man who does not understand the technical or the scientific aspects of the real astronomical world, this is a real breathtaking adventure. When Sandra Bullock counts each of her breath, we realize the importance of the air and the amount of oxygen we 'take for granted'. When George Clooney says 'sip like a wine and not beer', you are drawn into a reality wherein we realize that we are privileged of many things. As we progress with the film the fact sinks in that there is not much of a conversation in the movie (the script writers have definitely saved some papers regarding that) which makes it even more special. The close up shots take us through the journey of Ryan so closely that we start seeing everything being her. There is not a moment in the movie where you feel drifted away from the story or take your eyes off from the screen.
With less dialogues and more to convey through actions, I give it to the entire cast and crew of the movie. And specially take a bow, Alfonso Cuaron, the director of the movie for making this master piece look so real and believable. What shall I say about Sandra Bullock and and George Clooney! Can I put all the affirmative adjectives for their brilliant performances?
As I write this I still have a heavy lump in my throat. I am not that much of an emotional person when it comes to movies. But this I must say, is a definitely not-a-miss movie.
If you had not watched it yet, do not make any plans for this weekend and just go for it. You will not regret this one.
Iron Man Three (2013)
A slight disappointment!!!
After the thunderous evolution and the ultimate heart pounding battle in the first and the second part, a heroic and expanded third part was expected from the Marvel's marvellous superhero IRON MAN. But hard to say but the truth it is, the third instalment of the franchise is comparatively a disappointment, content wise.
Starting from the start, the earth shattering promos are amazingly wonderful and it did indeed create an urge in the minds of the viewers to watch the movie. The painful dialogues of Tony Stark of how he cannot relax even after having an amazing life and how he has to fight for Pepper, whom he loves the most, have been sentimental enough to bounce up the eagerness in our hearts. Of course, these elements are more than enough for a faithful Iron Man fan to watch its third part.
Coming to the movie, Iron Man 3 starts with the year 1999 when Stark (Robert Downey) was the arrogant and the self obsessed 'machine maestro'. The small prequel shows how he urged some people to be the bad and the destructive. The movie then jumps straight to 2013 when he is a changed man with feelings and love in his heart and of course with his new identity of that of the Iron Man. But what done cannot be undone in life and that is what exactly happens in Stark's life. The past haunts him and this time in the form of a hell named MANDARINE and it breaks him nearly in a way that it almost takes his life. But Stark is Stark! The man comes back and this time with his automatic, ultra magnificent and highly developed suit. Oh! Correction; SUITS. Yes he has back up this time. Stark, Pepper and Rhodes showcase their action best and well, Pepper can become a big surprise for you.
After all said and done, unlike the promos, the movie does not show up to as much as expected when it came to the storyline. The first and the second instalments indeed gave us a breakthrough to action heroes and their stories, but this time, there are certain disappointments. Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadale and Guy Pierce have portrayed their best in the movie. In fact Pierce might even surprise you. But more than them, the actor whom everyone was looking forward to was the Mandarin played by none other than the one of the most versatile actors of Hollywood, Sir Ben Kingsley. But alas, the character has not been much utilised and the actor has not been exploited much. His short and kicking appearance in the movie will be remembered though.
There is no doubt about the technical aspects of the movie as the suits have been improved and also the action packed sequences will take you off the edge. The action sequence in the air when Iron Man saves 14 inmates of a plane is one of the best sequences of the movie; the next one to be the climax action sequence. There are fireworks and fire blasts in the sequence that will make you scream for more. The sets are magnanimous and the Stark mansion is one to look forward to.
If you are an Iron Man lover, then there is no way that you are going to miss this third part. Go for it this weekend.
Sadma (1983)
Intriguing performances by Kamal Hassan and Sridevi create the magical Sadma
It is heart wrenching for anyone who watches Sadma. The movie will leave you with nothing but an indescribable pain that lasts for a long time. Balu Mahendra's Sadma is an incredibly made movie for the masses who will easily relate to the characters and the plot.
Sadma narrates the story of Nehalata/Reshmi and Somu. Nehalata becomes Reshmi after she meets with an accident which leaves her with a head injury which regress her into childhood. Circumstances lead her into a brothel from where she is rescued by the kind hearted teacher Somu. Somu takes care of her and will eventually fall in love with her. He decides to treat her to bring back her memory. The treatment brings her memory back only to make us realize that she does not remember anything after her accident, including Somu. The movie ends up leaving us devastated with the fact that Nehalata has left her entire past with Somu and she has headed towards her hometown.
Sadma is a beautifully narrated movie that will leave you with just one thought; Somu should not have treated her. The script and direction by Balu leaves you in tears by the end of the movie and emotionally awed.
Kamal Haasan was already a terrific actor and he proved it again being Somu. Scenes wherein he enacts monkey for Reshmi and the whole song of Surumaee Akhiyon Mein will leave your heart completely fallen for Somu. Kamal's performance in the final scene deserves a special mention as that is the scene that leaves any viewer totally crashed. Kamal proved to be an ultimate actor and the movie, in Tamil, won him his first National Award.
Sridevi is equally flawless in the movie and her situations will make you empathize with the character. Her character cannot be hated even at the end of the movie as you realize that she is not at fault. Her transformation as the matured Nehalata to the five year old minded Reshmi is not really an easy task. But Sridevi portrayed it as a cake walk for her as she smoothly transforms into both the roles.
The music of the movie, by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja, is an all time treasure. Surumayee Akhiyon Mein will make your heart sulk even today when you listen. Aye Zindagi, Yeh Hawa Yeh Fiza and others are still in the list of classics.
If you have not watched Sadma, you are missing the experience of watching one of the best movies of Indian cinema.
Brave (2012)
cheers to girl power
Girls of the 21st century will definitely be able to connect to Merida, the protagonist of Disney Pixar's new offer, Brave. Merida is a princess, even if she likes it or not. She is an excellent archer and a head strong girl and most importantly there are no qualities in her that can make her an absolute Princess. That's what her mother thinks. Merida is no simpering beauty nor she follows the etiquette of a princess, yet you end up liking her character. Brave narrates the story of Merida who loves to live her life to the fullest according to her heart. And for this, she is even ready to break the traditions of her family. But she ends up doing something for which she has only less time to amend it. With movies like Toy Story, WALL-E, Finding Nemo in the hit list, Brave is a slight disappointment from Disney Pixar. The producers always had something new to offer, but this time, they gave us what was already told which resembles to Little Mermaid. It also tells the tale of a girl who likes to live life on her terms. Brave has great technicality and beautiful visuals. But that does not seem to be enough to impress. The music is not really impressive and the dialogues are plain. This is the first time that Pixar showcased female as the protagonist and indeed she is convincing and also an inspiration to growing girls to choose what they like. But at the same having their bond attached to the family. After all said and done, the movie offers a message for growing kids. And hence, let them take that message with this red haired beauty.
Ferrari Ki Sawaari (2012)
Take a humorous and emotional ride with the Ferrari...
An aspiring cricketer son Kayo (Ritwik Sahore) and his completely pessimist grandfather Deboo (Boman Irani); Rustam (Sharman Joshi) lives in a small world with a big dream that he and his son have seen together; to send Kayo to Lords, London, for cricket-training and finally get him into the Indian cricket team. The only hurdle in front of him is the 1.5 lac rupees that he has to collect for his son's trip. Here, comes the 'Ferrari' into picture as the most unexpected and the best ever help. But with it, comes another grand adventure in the life of Rustam.
Rajkumar Hirani's latest offer Ferrari Ki Sawaari is a must watch this season. The simple yet powerful storyline, the strong characters (even the supporting actors are commendable), and of course, the dashing and the dazzling red beauty Ferrari; the Vidhu-Raju magic has worked again.
Sharman Joshi as the simpleton and the clean hearted widower becomes the show stealer of the movie with his stupendous performance. He perfectly fitted into the middle class family scenario wherein he is the only bread winner. He entirely carried the movie in the best way possible and he could finally say that this is his solo lead.
Boman Irani, as the totally pessimist father who later turns out to be the soft hearted grandpa, showcased another of his commendable performances.
Young Ritwik gave an impressive performance as the mature and understanding son, Kayo. Paresh Rawal shined in his small yet intense role.
Director Rajesh Mapuskar did a great job by introducing a different story that actually moves you. The father-son relations between two different generations and the level of understanding, really grip you throughout the movie. Though certain scenes seem to be a little unwanted, they are soon overshadowed by the brillinat scenes later. Sachin Tendulkar's invisible importance in the movie is unavoidable.
Though the music does not play much of an importance in the movie, it is enjoyable. You might even forget that Vidya had made a friendly appearance in the movie.
Watch Ferrari Ki Sawaari for Sharman Joshi and his adventurous ride with the Ferrari.
Dark Shadows (2012)
Classy, creepy and 'draggy'
'How can we ever not enjoy a movie coming from Johnny Depp and Tim Burton?' would be the thought when we head to see Dark Shadows. But it's time we change that thought.
Dark Shadows is the 2012 flavour by Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. Posing their earlier masterpieces like Sweeny Tood, Sleepy Hollow and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in mind, Dark Shadows is a letdown. Though the movie is given a Sweeny Todd and Sleepy Hollow feel, it doesn't match the perfection.
Dark Shadows is the adaption of the 60's/70's television series of the same name. But not to worry; you are not required to see the 1200 episodes to understand the movie.
The story is leapt from the 17th century to the 20th century with a flawless narration by Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp) himself about his cursed life. He speaks about his love for Rosette (Bella Heathcote) and his physical relation with the maid-witch Angelique (Eva Green). He also explains about the vengeance she craves after changing him to an immortal blood sucking vampire and about burying him alive. All are told in the most precise and the most convincing manner.
The flow is smooth even after the 200 years when Barnabis is returned after spending his eternity inside the iron coffin. Thanks to the distinguished screenplay. But probably they could have offered a more fascinating script to keep the movie lovers intact.
The impeccable sets of Collinwood and the costumes give us no room to find a fault in the execution of the movie. However, the fun element fades as the movie proceeds and gradually looses the audience attention. Never the less, the open ended closing of the movie hints us a part 2 might be in progress very soon.
Johnny Depp's perfect execution of Barnabas and Eva green as the seductive Angelique are without doubt, gripping. But they are not just enough as the ingredients of a perfect enjoyment piece. Helena Bonham Carter, is not really exploited. The movie takes you through a boring ride frequently.
The one who needs another special mention is Danny Elfman. He has done it again with his magical score.
Dark Shadows, with an ensemble cast like Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green and Michelle Pfiefer, is not really another path breaking movie from Tim. However, making a 1200 episodic series into a 100 min movie is not a joke.
Johnny Depp lovers are sure to have a merry time admiring him. So if you are his fan, do catch this movie this weekend !!!
Men in Black³ (2012)
A must watch for the MIB followers
Are you still confused on why Agent K recruited Agent J knowing his dumb wittiness? Get the answer in Men In Black III.
The dashing duo, Will Smith and Tomy Lee Jones are black in their pristinely cut Men In Black suit for their third 'alienistic' adventure to protect the planet. But no talking dog in this one and you will probably miss him. What more? The viewers will see the emotional bond strengthen between Agent K and Agent J.
Boris The Animal (Jemaine Clement) and Agent K has a dark past as a result of which the demon was locked up in a prison on the Moon. Years later, he escapes with vengeance over K and kills him by time travelling to the past.
Men In Black III leaps back in time to 1969 just before the launch of the Appolo where Agent J (Will Smith) has to save the life of Agent K (Tomy Lee Jones) from the spidery hands of Boris by killing him from the past. There is time travelling several times that makes you confused. But you will not get messed up rethinking about it. And you guys are sure to enjoy watching the younger K back in 1969 who is wittier. You need not keep a track on the previous films to understand MIB 3.
Will Smith, just like in the earlier parts, takes up the centre stage and rocks as Agent J. His spontaneous dialogues and witty jokes never get you bored. Compared to the earlier movies, Tomy has a not much of screen space this time as his younger version takes up the role as J's partner, portrayed by Josh Brolin.
Josh Brolin has taken the special effort to be the young K. His impersonation of Tomy's character is flawless and the most convincing. Well, with a little wit of course. No wonder J keeps asking 'what happened to you?'
The movie has less action and adventure with no high-tech machines compared to previous movies which might disappoint some of the MIB followers. Well, you can't expect 'neuralizer' and specialized guns way back in 1969 which K himself had invented later.
The screenplay by Etan Kohen and direction by Barry Sonnenfield stands out and the 3D works for the movie. But the Stephen Spielberg touch is missed as he is not produced it this time. Danny Elfman complemented the movie with great music.
The movie is a must watch for the loyal Men In Black followers and watch it for Will, Tom and Josh.