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INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS ( ENGLISH , 2009 )

Director : Quentin Tarantino

Cast : Brad Pitt, Eli Roth , Diane Kruger , Christoph Waltz , Melanie Laurent , Daniel Bruhl

A character says " when the military history of tonight is written , it shall be recorded that I was a part of ...... " . This pretty much sums up the crux of Inglourious Basterds . It is history , conceived , conceptualized and executed through the lens and vision of maverick filmmaker Quentin Tarantino.

Inglourious Basterds revolves around a series of events which unfolded ( fictionally ) during World War 2 , in France. France was under the control of the Nazis , and a group of merciless American soldiers called the Inglourious Basterds , led by the ruthless Aldo Raine ( Brad Pitt ) are hell-bent upon killing as many Nazis as possible , when they land in France. Few years ago , Shosanna Dreyfus , a young Jewish girl , is made to witness the gruesome murder of her family , by Colonel Hans Landa ( Christoph Waltz ) , however she manages to escape from the ordeal , and few years down the line , she is in charge of a Cinema Theatre in Paris. Shosanna Dreyfus ( Melaine Laurent ) still holds a grudge against the Nazis and we realize a golden opportunity to take her revenge falls into her lap , literally. It is here that the motives of the Basterds and Shosanna intersect , setting up a " blazing " finale.

Along the way , we see quite a few characters . The German Soldier , Fredrick Zoller ( Daniel Bruhl ) who turns into a movie star thanks to his exploits in real life , the German Actress Bridget Von Hammersmark ( Diane Kruger ) , who at some point helps the Basterds in their cause , and few more interesting characters. Of course , not to forget the imposing figure of Adolf Hitler , who in Tarantino's bizarre style is immaculately characterized , asking his soldiers for Chewing Gum in the middle of a movie screening.

This movie has many classic Tarantino touches . The long , lengthy dialogues are highly interesting , even though for the bulk of the movie , all people do is talk talk and talk. The conversations are animated , and you never feel bored . The discussion about rats in the opening sequences between Hans Landa and a French Peasant who harbors Jews , is a typical Tarantino effect. It is reminiscent of many of his movies , where he tends to bring up seemingly ridiculous subjects into his dialogues , but it adds to the mood as always.

As with most Tarantino movies , there is no central character , in this one too. Even though the ridiculously named title suggests this is going to be a blood bath , with ruthless soldiers baying for blood , the Basterds themselves are by no means the central element of the movie. The movie gives more importance to the other characters , very similar to his other movies where there is no protagonist per se , and everything else just happens to fall into place. this is more about Shosanna , more about her theatre and her revenge plans , more about Hitler's whims , the Nazi ideology , than just about the Basterds bashing up Nazis alone.

Characterization as always the strong point of any Tarantino movie , in the absence of an actual strong plot as a foundation , is top-notch. And added to it , the screenplay , even though it runs at around 2 and half hours , is as good as ever . Not much visual action on screen , but more of dialogues is what makes this movie beautiful. Tarantino's movies have always had cheeky , adorable dialogues , laced with a small element of sarcasm , and this one is no exception. Very few Directors can make a card movie-character game interesting , and Tarantino executes this to perfection . The sequences in the basement tavern , where the Basterds first meet Bridget Von Hammersmark are easily the best written ones I have seen for a long time.

The characters are immensely adorable and likable instantly. Even a seemingly ruthless Hans Landa " The Jew-Hunter " , will be received by audiences with warmth , as Christoph Waltz infuses humor and charm into the character. Watch out for the scenes where he interacts with the Basterds face to face . Eli Roth as Donny Donowitz , is brilliant in his portrayal as the "Bear Jew " who uses his baseball bat to make a bloody mess out of the Nazi's heads. Diane Kruger is elegant and graceful in her role as the German actress who helps the Basterds. Melanie Laurent comes up with a fine performance as the orphaned Shosanna who plots her revenge on the Nazis , in her own backyard , her Cinema.

However Brad Pitt is the best among the lot. We have seen numerous actors portraying American Officers in War movies , all unique in their own right. And Aldo Raine is no different. Aldo "Apache " Raine means business , and you understand this , the moment Pitt's character is introduced on-screen. He is easily delectable , in that dodgy rough American accent of his mouthing dialogues like " Nazi ain't got no humanity " . " " Every man under my command owes me a 100 Nazi scalps ". A feast for the eyes , Pitt brings in so much humor into his portrayal , and the dialogue need not necessarily be funny , for you to smile gleefully at him . I loved him , especially in a sequence where he poses as Bridget von Hammersmark's Italian accomplice , with minimal knowledge of Italian , and Hans Landa , confronts him and converses with him and his 2 fellow Basterds in fluent Italian .

Even the secondary characters bring in so much energy to the movie , and add value to the proceedings. The German Minister , the young soldier in the tavern who has just become a father , the Dark projectionist in the theatre and many more such personalities make this an even more delightful movie experience.

Technically , this is as good as any Tarantino movie.

Quentin Tarantino has given a truly outstanding and enriching movie experience. But , there has been a lot of talk about how this is better than Pulp Fiction . I beg to differ.

I ain't no authority on movies , nor am am I an authority on Quentin either. But I definitely feel this is not better than Pulp Fiction . These are 2 entirely different films , and Pulp Fiction is more of a Tarantino-ish movie than this one. Yes , like I said earlier this does have the signature Tarantino touch , w.r.t dialogues , characterization etc. But observe the differences too. Especially in the screenplay. Inglourious Basterds has a largely linear screenplay , whereas Pulp Fiction easily remains one of the best non-linear movies till date. There is something new to observe and learn from Pulp Fiction everytime I watch it. Inglourious Basterds too deserves multiple viewings to fully appreciate it's beauty . But , Pulp fiction.. I have seen it umpteen times and even if I were to watch it right now again , am sure I would observe something new. And Pulp fiction had more memorable characters than IB ( even though IB's characters are remarkable ). Even visualizing " Ezekiel 25 : 17 " would give me goosebumps now. Two completely different films , each remarkable in it's own right , and should never be compared. But just for the record , with all due respect to the Basterds , I would choose Pulp Fiction anyday.

I will go with 4.5 out of 5 for this brilliant film . Towards the end , ALdo Raine says " I think this just might be my masterpiece . ". I feel this was a statement from Tarantino himself. But I would say this ain't his masterpiece yet . The best is yet to come , and am eagerly waiting for his next movie. As for Inglourious Basterds .. Well , as Aldo Raine himself would put it "Damn good deal"

VERDICT : 4.5 / 5 ( Uber )

THIS IS IT ( ENGLISH , 2009 )

Director : Kenny Ortega

Cast : Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson , the King of Pop , was supposed to perform a series of concerts in London , but 3 weeks prior to the kick-off , passed away unfortunately.

This is It , chronicles MJ's preparations and rehearsals for what would have been one of the most spectacular concerts ever in history . Footage shot during the preparations from all stages , from conception , to auditions , to design etc has been used to make this special feature.

I was never a serious MJ fan , and at best can be termed a casual MJ fan. But after his death , I was more intrigued by his nature and performances and the man behind the music. And that's what led me to watch THIS IS IT , on it's opening night at the Theatre.

This is easily one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Extremely pleasing to the eye , this movie is not just for die-hard fans , but for all music lovers. A wide array of MJ's most famous hits will keep the viewer entertained throughout the film's duration.

It shows the preparations for the path-breaking concert , right from the dancers audition stages , goes on to show the set design , the music setting , the sound-checks , and the actual rehearsals. MJ is omnipresent in all stages , and is very much an integral part of all the work that has gone into setting up the concert. Every care has been taken to ensure no stone is left unturned in making this a once in a lifetime experience.

MJ's music has countless fans , who would just do literally anything to just be close to him. And this love and passion for the man and his music , is reflected in the faces of the dancers who rehearse with him. The opening sequences consist of a series of small interviews with the dancers , and everyone seems truly blessed to be up close and personal with the King of Pop. Ecstatic , is an understatement , especially when quite a few dancers grew up dancing to his tunes.

The film is visually stunning in every sense of the word , right from the opening minutes till the very end. Actual videos which were made , to be shown in the backdrop during the concerts , left me spell bound. Especially the Thriller track , which re-created the Ghosts and Zombies magic of yesteryear 's iconic music video , and this was apparently conceived as a 3D version . Smooth Criminal's prelude has MJ in the middle of an old Black and White Hollywood film , and sets the tone perfectly for the song which remains one of his most electrifying pieces.

The actual music , is truly breath-taking . A team of highly talented musicians all come together and join hands with MJ to give us a stunning display of musical intensity . And MJ being the energetic chap that he is , makes it a point to improvise in all ways possible. Just watching him make suggestions to the Keyboard Artist , proves his dedication and commitment to give his fans the best. And MJ does what he does best .. sing and dance.

The dance movements are beautiful and every song's brilliance is increased manifold , by the steps which the dancers perform . Everyone just seems to be so overwhelmed dancing alongside MJ , and just perform with so much intensity and energy , its almost infectious.

And MJ as always goes that extra bit to ensure his fans are satisfied . He seems to be perfectly at ease , climbing onto a manually operated crane , which would zoom onto the crowd and MJ would be amidst hordes of screaming fans .. I only wish this happened. But nevertheless , we get to see MJ starting off " Beat It " atop this crane.

Michael Jackson's image just seems to keep you hooked onto the screen. Whether it be sitting with his team and selecting dancers from the auditions , or giving suggestions to his artists , or grooving to music in aplomb , there is that characteristic MJ style all through the movie.

His singing is more or less the same as the MJ we know , belting out hit after hit . And his dance moves which have kept fans enthralled for years , appear to be as graceful and unbelievable as ever.

Michael Jackson has always been a top-notch stage performer , and he seems to have enjoyed himself to the core , during the preparations and rehearsals for " This is It " . He looks to be possessed with some supernatural energy , and it was just amazing to see him groove to the sounds of the electric guitar , alongside a stunning Orianthi Panagris who just rips the guitar to shreds in a dazzling musical storm , especially during " Beat It ". MJ prolongs the ending of " I just cant stop loving you " , and if any other artist were to prolong a song for so long , I would have felt irritated . But MJ , oh gosh , just prolongs it with so much passion and the final " you " is directed at his audience , which in this case , would be his staff , technicians and the dancers.

The setting for the concert is what people call a feast for the eyes . It varies from a robot whose exterior is made of Video Screens , from which MJ would have made his grand entrance , the 3D version of Thriller's dead creatures , the Jackson 5 backdrop and many more stunning pieces.

The touching video for "Earth Song " , specially made for the concert , will strike a chord for sure. MJ's love for the planet and it's people and all creatures , is reflected in this moving piece.

Towards the end of the film ,we see all the dancers and staff standing in a circle with MJ , thanking everyone for their efforts . This would be a tear jerker for any die-hard MJ fan , especially the shot of him hugging everyone involved with him.

I see absolutely no negatives in this movie at all. Maybe it could have been a wee bit shorter , but am sure no one would notice as you would be too engrossed with the music and the man and his dance.

Please do not exit the Theatre when the credits start rolling out. It is probably the first time in my life , I have seen people still unmoved from their seats when the credits start rolling. I am just crazy about " Heal the World " , and this is one reason I was waiting even after credits came and was blessed to hear it play loud and clear .. Finally , the girl from the " Earth Song " video , comes hugging the Earth , and the screen displays " Heal the World " , and an autograph from MJ , saying " I love you " sent the audience crazy into rapturous applause .

Like I said , I was never a true MJ fan and it was only after his death I started realizing more and more about him . His charity work is beyond words . He had done so much to help the poor and the needy and Africa especially had always been his concern. No wonder people all over the world mourned his death , as if they had lost a family member. And Michael says " We are all family " when he stands in a circle with his staff and crew towards the end . Indeed a very moving moment.

It is highly unfortunate this concert never materialized . If the preparations were so grand , I cannot even imagine how the actual concert would have been. London must have gone crazy when MJ would rise above wild screaming fans crooning " Beat It " from atop that crane.

MJ had always advocated the need to Heal the World , through love , peace and harmony . Peace is what his music stood for. Harmony echoes in his every intention , and love.... Here is a man who loved the entire world , even though the media always hounded him as if he was a criminal. For someone who was tortured a lot by the media , he never vented his anger much . He always hit back , doing what he did best .. sing and dance. And his songs and dance shall continue to live on forever.

MJ performed in India only once , and this was an initiative by the Thackeray led politicians in Mumbai/Bombay , India. Michael Jackson always stood for peace and love. And ironically , a certain Thackeray does the exact opposite now . Such is life :( C'est la vie.

I will go with 4.5 out of 5 for this phenomenal film .

This is It. The final show from the greatest performer we have ever had. I just wish i was a bigger MJ fan , after watching this film. Michael Jackson has passed away , and we have to move on. Michael , wherever you are , I know you must be smiling down at us , the people of the world , and I know that even though you are mortal no more , you shall still love this world always. The world is in turmoil now , as you know very well MJ .. but Michael , your music is immortal , your dance is never-ending... and I just pray and hope that one day , even if ONE person is moved and touched by your music ,and gives up violence and turns over a new leaf after being inspired by you and your work for humanity , that will be your biggest success. We might not have 50 sold out concerts .. London will never witness you live .. The world shall never go mad again when you sing or dance live .. But... I know you had a far more important goal in life than money , fame and sold out concerts . One fine day , your spirit shall be content , when we people unite and Heal the World. Thank you MJ for everything.. the music , the dance and above all for making an effort to make this a better place , for you and for me and the entire human race.

R.I.P Brother ... God Bless you...

VERDICT : 4.5 / 5 ( UBER )

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

Director : David Fincher

Cast : Brad Pitt , Cate Blanchett

Life... something which we all take for granted. Little do we realize , how blessed we are , for this wonderful gift.

" The curious case of Benjamin Button " takes up this brilliant concept of life , and changes it into a spectacular portrayal of the life of a man. not an ordinary man... An extraordinary being in every sense of the word.

Benjamin Button ( Brad Pitt) is born on the day America wins the War , to wealthy parents , but is abandoned , as he is unique.. not in a positive way , but in a seemingly gruesome manner. He is born as an old man , and ages in reverse. He is taken care of , by a kind African-American family.

What follows , is the extraordinary life of this man. shot across varying periods , this movie holds you till the last minute.

There is every possibility that many things could go awfully wrong , with such a complex subject like this one. but thankfully , there are hardly any flaws in the movie.

Brilliantly crafted by the Director , with help from some superb special effects , "The curious case of Benjamin Button" is an unique movie , as unique as its protagonist.

There is a brilliant sequence in the first few minutes of the movie. An expert clock maker installs a clock in the Railway Station ... and this clock runs backwards , in reverse. This pretty much sums up Button's life.

The movie has its share of comedy,drama,romance and even action , in a brief war sequence.

Traversing through the life of Benjamin Button , the film shows him as an old man , a middle aged person , a ship helper , a young man , and a kid all in a brilliant fashion.

The romantic interlude between Benjamin and Daisy ( Cate Blanchett ) are the best parts of the movie , with some amazing dialogues.

Screenplay is not exactly fast , but at a running length of 2 Hours 43 Minutes , you still wont feel bored , once you start realizing and experiencing the magic unfolding in front of you.

Acting by Cate Blanchett as Daisy , is superb and this movie is yet another example of her versatility. Brad Pitt is an absolute treat to watch. Although he was a bit of a let down in the middle-aged sequences , the places where he plays an old man , and later on a young person , are examples of Pitt's brilliant acting. His subtle expressions in the scene where he voices his concern about taking care of his kid , will melt any heart.

But the real stars of the movie , have to be the supporting cast members , whose lives collide with Button , during his extraordinary journey . The kind Queenie who adopts Benjamin , the old man who has been struck 7 times by lightning , the ship captain and many more lively characters , all add special value to the movie.

I will go with 4 out of 5 , for this superb movie , which I never believed would be this interesting considering its length.

The last frame , showing the backwards running clock , is a stark reminder of Button's life , which is definitely curious , to say the least.

VERDICT : 4 / 5 ( Superb !! Highly recommended)

FROST / NIXON - MOVIE REVIEW

FROST / NIXON – (English,2008)

Director : Ron Howard

Cast : Frank Langella , Michael Sheen , Kevin Bacon , Sam Rockwell

Frost / Nixon is Director Ron Howard's portrayal of the aftermath of the Watergate Scandal , which rocked America in the 70's . President Richard Nixon was forced to resign following a series of allegations against him.

The film focuses on a series of interviews , by David Frost (Michael Sheen) , a British TV presenter , with Richard Nixon ( Frank Langella) . The President had never apologized even after his resignation , for his misdeeds. Now Frost is on a mission... to force an apology from America's first ever President to resign from Office.

The initial stages of the movie deal with the Watergate Scandal itself , and slowly moves on to the setting up of the Interviews. It is only towards the latter stages of the film that we actually get to see these Interviews between Frost and Nixon.

A lot of time has been spent in establishing the characters. We realize that Frost is a maverick TV host , with a flair for impeccable timing. He is a very well established name in the Industry , and is always on the lookout for better things. We also get to know about the Watergate Scandal in parallel , and one fine day Frost decides to grill Nixon.

Howard uses a lot of archival footage , across the movie , probably to give the audience a feel of what really transpired during Watergate. The actual political controversy is underplayed , and the movie focuses more on the interviews.

Even though the movie is 2 hours long , and is what some people call a “talking film” , sans any action or comedy , it keeps you gripped. Frost tries to assemble a team to help him and is desperate for funding. After all that he has gone through to setup the interview , the audience is always in a state of suspense .

Shot in an almost documentary manner , with the supporting cast members expressing their views about the Interviews , at regular intervals, this is a rather unique method of storytelling. And juxtaposed with the Archival footage especially in the initial sequences , the viewer can be pardoned for thinking he has stepped into a documentary movie. But the actual action is really worth the wait.

Acting is the strongest point of the film. Michael Sheen as the flamboyant presenter Frost is a treat to watch. His attitude and determination to force an apology from Nixon can be contagious. We also have excellent performances from the support cast , like Sam Rockwell's portrayal of James Reston , whose sole agenda is to defame Nixon as much as possible. Kevin Bacon is as reliable as ever playing the role of Jack Brennan , who is Nixon's Man Friday.

However the best aspect of the movie has to be Frank Langella. His brilliant portrayal of Richard Nixon , the man who has lost everything and is still determined not to admit his failures , is a class act. Langella never really resorts to theatrics and blends into the character of Nixon impeccably. There is a close up frame of Langella towards the end , which will haunt movie-goers for sometime , not really for the role of Nixon , but for the sheer caliber of acting.

The movie has a lot of bright moments , like the mind-games which both camps play before the Interviews and also Frost's determination to find sponsors for the Interview. But the piece de resistance has to be the final Interviews , which are truly worth every minute which the Director spends liberally in establishing the characters and their purpose .

The movie definitely reminded me of a boxing duel. The mind games played by both Frost and Nixon , the attempts at modifying the contract clauses are all synonymous with any modern day big boxing duels. And the Final Interviews are definitely synonymous with a boxing match , with both sides trying to hit where it hurts the most. But eventually there is only one victor.. and your guess is as good as mine...

The movie is definitely yet another masterpiece from the Director who gave us that absolute gem of a movie “A Beautiful Mind”. Ron Howard has done it yet again.

I will go with 4.5 out of 5 for this excellent movie. This movie will surely not go down well with the “American Pie” and “Fast and Furious” loving movie-goers. But for those interested in serious cinema , this is a must watch.

VERDICT : 4.5 / 5 (Uber)

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE ( English,2008)

Director : Danny Boyle

Cast : Dev Patel,Freida Pinto, Irrfan Khan,Anil Kapoor

This one has been making waves all across the world , thanks to the 4 Golden Globes and 10 Oscar nominations. I had to resist the temptation to download and watch the movie for a long time , just to watch it on the big screen , as I knew this one was something special.. and boy, was I correct...

This is a classic story , which revolves around Jamal ( Dev Patel) , who makes a huge fortune , answering questions on " Who wants to be a Millionaire ?" . Now , Jamal is from the slums of Mumbai and is just a coffee boy in a call centre. Suspecting that he has resorted to unfair means , the Police interrogate him . What happens during the course of the interrogation , is what the bulk of the movie is all about ..

There have been many movies made in the past few years in the "East meets West " genre.. But this one overtakes them all by a huge margin.. The packaging and storytelling is definitely Hollywood . But under Danny Boyle's brilliant handling , lies a beautiful love story.. A heart warming tale of regaining a "lost love"..

The movie shows us the sorry state of affairs , through the eyes of the slum kids from Mumbai.. Begging , prostitution , unhygienic lives are all portrayed in the most sensible manner possible. It does not aim to showcase the hardships of the people living in the slums.. all it does is showcase to us , how a "Slumdog" can live his dreams.. dreams of love and affection , like all of us.

The movie has its flaws no doubt , but all these are camouflaged under Boyle's highly compelling storyline. This is one movie which takes you for a ride across varying emotions . It makes you laugh , feel bad , guilty , proud , and even makes you watch with disgust , in that scene in the opening stages in which a young Jamal jumps into a pile of excreta , just to chase , well... his dreams....

Jamal's search for his childhood love Latika (Freida Pinto) is what the movie is all about. Characterization is another strong point of the movie. The older Jamal has been enacted brilliantly , albeit with a dodgy accent for a "slumdog" , by Dev Patel. Freida Pinto's character of Latika forms the crux of the story and has come up with a decent act . However , it is the earlier sequences , with the young Jamal and his brother Salim in their childhood days , which form the best part of the movie. It is the acting by these young kids , which really makes you sit up and take notice. There is a beautiful sequence in which the young Jamal takes a couple of foreign tourists for a ride posing as a guide at the Taj Mahal. It is scenes like these which form the best parts of the film.

The support cast is another plus point for the film. Irrfan Khan as the Police Inspector is a class act. Anil Kapoor as the game show host is brilliant , but only in parts . He was a bit of a letdown in very few shots , to be honest. Mahesh Manjrekar shines as Javed Bhai , the don , in a brief role.

Technically this movie has a lot to offer. Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy is impeccable. I could not recall getting bored for even a moment . However the biggest attraction , apart from the visual magic on-screen , has to be A.R.Rahman's music score. For those of you wondering why his music for this film is getting all the hype , please do listen to the OST. Some amazing music , which Boyle has used as the background score , blends so well with the imagery , it is truly a magical experience. The song "O Saya" , which shows the slum kids running across the narrow lanes of the Dharavi slum , in gay abandon , trying to give the pink slip to the police , is easily the most brilliant piece.

Like I mentioned before , there are flaws in the film . Everyone has been talking about how "Kaun Banega Crorepati" was never a live TV show. Yes , agreed there are some very few scenes which appear too good to be true. But Danny Boyle's treatment of such a delicate love story , in the form of a Police Interrogation , is brilliant.

I strongly recommend that this movie be watched on the big screen , to feel the magic . After all , when you get a Director of Boyle's caliber , with a beautiful story , and music by the Mozart of Madras , it deserves to be seen in the theaters .

This is not what I would call a great movie .But this simple story of a boy searching for his childhood love , braving all odds , is simply overwhelming. This is a movie about hope and chasing your dreams. And Hope like The Shawshank Redemption says "... is a very good thing , maybe the very best of the things. And no good thing ever dies.." . Jamal's never ending love for Latika , even after knowing that she has been with his brother Salim and Javed Bhai , is truly a heart warming tale... of hope , and believing in your dreams.

This movie , in spite of its very few weaknesses , deserves to be seen. And comes as a whiff of fresh air , in these troubled times . The core concept of the movie , Hope and Love , is meant for all of us to truly appreciate and really overwhelmed me. And there could have not been a better time to release the movie , in this "Yes, We Can ! " phase which we are going through.

I will go with 4.5 out of 5 for this little beautiful movie , with a very big heart , and an even bigger message. Danny Boyle , take a bow Sir.

As for the Oscars , there is still some time. And if " Slumdog Millionaire " manages to sweep the Oscars like it did at the Golden Globes , all I can say is "IT IS WRITTEN " . Jai Ho !!!!

VERDICT : 4.5 / 5 (Uber)

21 GRAMS - MOVIE REVIEW

21 Grams ( English , 2003)

Director : Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

Cast : Sean Penn , Benicio Del Toro , Naomi Watts

Now , with a star cast like this one , you dont have any other option , but to load yourself with heavy expectations from this movie. And the best thing is , you are not let down... not one bit...

I will not get into the story , as it is best left for you to discover. The movie revolves around three individuals Paul Rivers ( Sean Penn) , Jack Jordan ( Del Toro) and Cristina Peck ( Naomi Watts). It deals with how a series of events combine to make their lives meet.

The movie follows a non-linear approach to the storyline , much like the Director's " Babel" , another fine movie which came out 3 years after " 21 Grams " . The characters are established , and the events which made their lives meet are uncovered only later on in the movie.

Non-linear movies can get on your nerves a bit , if you dont pay enough attention to the proceedings. This one is no exception . They say a good movie is one which makes you think , and this one makes you think quite a bit. Initially you do feel a sense of " What the hell is happening ?" , but later on you realize the beauty of the film once the story unfolds.

The movie makes you come across a lot of emotions - affection,hate,compassion,anger et al , through the course of the story. All beautifully brought out by the amazing star cast. These actors are among the best in the league , and they come up with superb performances.

Sean Penn , as the sick patient is a treat to watch . Subtle expressions are his forte in this movie and his acting is something to be truly admired.

Naomi Watts as the widow is at the top of her game . Do watch out for the scene in which she changes her emotions when Penn visits her house at 2 in the morning.

However , the strongest point of the movie has to be Benicio Del Toro , as the God fearing Jack Jordan. In fact the actual series of events which are responsible for making the three lives collide , can be attributed to his character , something which you will realize only later on the movie.

Such a powerful performance from Del Toro , makes this movie even more memorable. His character is something which reeks of philosophy , and a strong conviction in God. The best scene in the movie has to be the one in which Del Toro and his friend have an argument about God's will. This is acting at its best, in its purest form...

Screenplay is not exactly the fastest I have seen , but it does not let you off the hook so easily. The non-linear approach might not go down well with many people , but I feel the movie would not have been this good , if the Director had used the conventional linear technique.

Human emotions have always managed to strike a chord inside me. And especially Del Toro's character, Jack Jordan, who carries a sense of guilt throughout the movie , is simply a treat to watch.

This movie is definitely one of the best non-linear films I have come across. I find it really tough to find any flaws in this movie. I will go with 4 out of 5 for this brilliant movie , which almost makes it to the "Masterpiece" league , but for reasons unknown to myself , it falls one step short.

VERDICT : Brilliant ( 4/5 )

DONNIE BRASCO - REVIEW

DONNIE BRASCO ( English,1997)

Director : Mike Newell

Cast : Al Pacino , Johnny Depp,Michael Madsen

I have always wanted to watch this one for a long time , but never really had the opportunity to sit down and watch it , for some reason or the other. But last night I finally put an end to this procrastination , and decided to watch it.

Joseph Pistone ( Johnny Depp) , is an undercover FBI agent , who has to infiltrate the New York Mafia , posing as Donnie Brasco , a jewelery man. He then meets Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero , an experienced gangster , who works for one of New York's gangs. Lefty then decides to take Brasco under his wings , and help him out in his initial days in the Mob. How Brasco manages to lead a double life , and what happens when he gets too involved in the Mob , forms the rest of the story.

Set in New York in 1978 , the film gives an insight into the organized crime scene of that era. But this one is a bit different from the other gangster movies I have seen. It does not really have too many scenes portraying violence and shoot-outs , but instead focuses on the politics and ego-clashes within the mob. There are factions within the Mob , and Brasco is unsure if he has to stick with Lefty , or follow the orders of the bigger boss Sonny Black ( Madsen) .

The movie is very interesting and keeps you hooked for the most part , thanks to some brilliant performances by Pacino and Depp. Lefty tries to be a father-figure to Donnie , and keeps giving him advice all the time. Donnie , on the other hand has to lead a double life , and has to deal with a wife and 3 daughters when he gets home.

Depp has come up with a really fine performance , and plays a subdued character , as Brasco , and a family man with a bad temper , as Pistone. He does not get to spend time with his family and is away from home most of the time , leading to various problems with his wife.

Pacino is as reliable as ever , as "Lefty" Ruggiero , and his portrayal was a treat to watch. Not as overwhelming as his other gangster characters in movies like "Scarface" , " Carlito's way" , and the biggest one of' em all " The Godfather " , Lefty is a different character . He is a very experienced mobster , but has to put up with lesser deserving colleagues being "upped" , the term used when a member is promoted within the Mob.

Being a mafia based movie , it has its fair share of backstabbing , and ego-clashes , but without succumbing to cliches. The best scene in the movie has to be the one in which Depp questions Pacino , about a suspected mole , and tries to prick his conscience , by making him utter the name of a gang member , whom Lefty had just shot dead.

If there is one thing about the movie which could have been altered , it has to be the Screenplay. The movie , like I said is not a typical gangster movie and focuses more on human feelings and emotions like ego-clashes and so on. So we don't really get to see a lot of "Action" as such , which is perfectly fine with me. But the Screenplay could have been a wee bit faster , I felt. No issues however. Its because of some fine acting by biggies like Pacino and Depp , that the slow pace does not really bother you much except in a few instances.

My verdict for this movie will be 3.5 out of 5 . Please do watch it for some superb acting , and its different portrayal of the 70's crime scene. However , if you are the type of person who expects a lot of foolish fights and mindless action from gangster movies , stay away cos there is nothing in it for you. This is for more patient and sensible viewers.

VERDICT : VERY GOOD . ( 3.5 / 5)

THE DESCENT - REVIEW

THE DESCENT ( English,2005)

Director : Neil Marshall

Cast : Shauna Macdonald , Natalie Jackson Mendoza , Nora-Jane Noone

I was initially apprehensive about watching the movie , as the promo had a lot of blood and looked gory , and I generally avoid those kind of movies. But this one was a surprise exception to the rule.

The movie is about a group of 6 adventurous friends , Sarah,Beth,Holly,Juno,Sam and Betty who re-unite after a gap of one year. Sarah had lost her child Jessica and husband Paul , in a gruesome accident the previous time they had all met. So , Juno decides to have a small re-union with all the young girls , at her place somewhere in the forests , mainly to bring Sarah back to normal.

Juno then tells them that they would trek to a place called Boreham Caves and explore it , as a reminder of their adventurous days. Little do they know that there are some dangerous creatures inside their eventual exploration spot. What happens to them during the exploration is what the movie is all about.

The movie is definitely among the most thrilling ones I have come across. There were a few scenes in the beginning , especially the ones showing the ladies gossiping , which made me wonder if I had got stuck in a chick- flick. But it picked up very well , and makes quite a good watch.

The caves are dark and deep. And the creatures inside are blood thirsty. We don't really get to see the creatures for a long time , but when they do appear , the movie keeps you hooked. The gang of girls try to escape from the cave , but they have no clue how to go about doing it.

This sounds like another run-of-the-mill horror movie , but believe me , it isn't. The thrills will keep turning up at regular intervals and will make you sit up and take notice. The movie has been shot really well and the caves appear so natural.

The characters are distinct. Sarah is often filled with the thoughts of her dead child Jessica. Juno tries to play the part of team leader and keeps the group under control. Holly is the rebel of the group and keeps making risky decisions at will. The ego-clash between all the characters has been portrayed really well.

The creatures look like a bigger and much deadlier version of Gollum from "Lord Of The Rings" , and keep turning up to provide the thrills , and this movie has loads of it. The movie is not gory at all , except for one particular scene in which Holly gets injured. Am sure that a sizable amount of money has been spent on the artificial blood. There is SO much of it , especially towards the later parts of the movie.

This could easily have been another ordinary horror film , but the director makes it very thrilling , and you will keep guessing what's gonna happen . It is definitely unpredictable , and hardly has any cliches. The movie will keep you glued to your seats once the real action starts.

I will go with 3.5 out of 5 , for this movie , which managed to keep someone like me who detests blood and gore in movies , sit up and take notice.

VERDICT : A very good thriller ( 3.5 /5 )

FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL - REVIEW

FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL ( English,2008)

Director : Nicholas Stoller

Cast : Jason Segel , Kristen Bell , Mila Kunis , Russell Brand , Jonah Hill

Am not really a fan of the romantic comedy genre ,but decided to give this a try , as there was a fair amount of talk going on about the movie.

The story is nothing special. Peter Bretter (Segel) a not-so-famous musician is in a relationship with a famous TV actress Sarah Marshall ( Bell) . One day ,Sarah decides to end the bond and walks out on him,saying that she is involved with another man. This devastates Peter , who then decides to take a trip to Hawaii to relax and calm down. Ironically he ends up at the same resort where Sarah and her new boy-friend , a rock star Aldous Snow( Russell Brand) are put up.

Peter badly wants to get over his break-up with Sarah and feels lonely in the resort , and has to put up with the sight of Sarah and Snow having fun together. He then falls for a beautiful receptionist , Rachel ( Kunis ) and they end up having an affair.

The movie is essentially a comedy , centered around Peter who wants to forget his relationship with Sarah. Fortunately, we don't get to see exaggerated drama , as is expected in "breaking-up" movies. However there are some scenes which make you feel bad for the couple who have just split up.

The comedy is mainly dialogue based , but we do get to see a lot of raunchy humor in the movie. It does not portray anything vulgar , but treads the thin line between raunchy and obscene humor. The humor has to be taken light heartedly , as sometimes it looks a wee bit out of place in the movie. However , it is certainly quite funny at large.

The acting is fairly decent by the lead pair. The other actors too chip in with decent performances. It was nice to see Jonah Hill of "Superbad" in the movie. He is involved in some really funny scenes. However the surprise package in the movie has to be the character of Aldous Snow. He is such an eccentric character , with a rather bizarre sense of humor.

The imagery is very beautiful , as the movie is entirely set in Hawaii. The scene in which Rachel and Peter decide to go hiking is shot beautifully. The movie is not meant for people who want to watch crude humor on-screen. The humor is really good and even the seemingly raunchy jokes are well intended. The best scene in the movie has to be the one in which the two couples Rachel-Peter and Sarah-Aldous have dinner together . It had me rolling with laughter.

Screenplay is fairly decent and you don't get bored much as the humor keeps you occupied for the bulk of the movie. There are other small but interesting characters like a Surfer , a bar-tender , and a newly wed couple on their honeymoon , who definitely add value to the movie as a whole.

Overall , this is a pretty good movie , if you are able to stand the humor. You will surely appreciate the well intended humor , if you are a little open-minded. However , it does not really come across a romantic movie , except in a few parts. It is a blend of raunchy humor and breaking-up emotions , and also tries to give us a look at how tough it is to get over a relationship gone sour.

Not one of the best movies I have come across , especially in the Romantic Comedy genre. The story initially reminded me of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", in which Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet try to get over their break up . The similarity of this movie with that masterpiece ends there.

I will go with 3 out of 5 for this comedy , which manages to keep you interested in it , thanks to some funny sequences and almost over-the-top humor.

VERDICT : Pretty Good . ( 3 / 5)

THE STING- REVIEW

THE STING (English,1973)

Director : George Roy Hill

Cast : Paul Newman , Robert Redford

This classic , had been on my list of "Yet to watch" movies for a long time . I finally got to watch it , and what an experience it turned out to be.

The story is set in 1936 Illinois , and is about a con artist , Hooker(Redford) , who is among the best grifters in town. Hooker and his mentor , Luther , con a guy , and make a lot of money. Sadly , Luther gets murdered , as the guy they had conned , happens to work for a dangerous mobster , Doyle Lonnegan, who seeks revenge.

Luther had just decided to quit the game , and had asked Hooker to meet a certain Henry Gondorff (Newman), in Chicago, before his untimely death. Hooker and Gondorff then decide to pull off one of the biggest cons of all times . And the target ? You guessed it.. Lonnegan.

This is undoubtedly one of the best con movies I have come across . And when it has legends like Newman and Redford , expectations are bound to be high.

The movie is essentially about the crime rackets in the 1930's , and is supposed to fit into the Crime genre. But thanks to some really well shot scenes , it manages to keep you laughing and at least smiling , most of the time.

The screenplay is aptly divided into various parts - The Players,The Set-up, The Tale,The Wire,The Shut-out and The Sting. Each part is equally engrossing and you are never given the opportunity to get bored. The dialogues are very witty and keep you laughing. The con sequences are top-notch. Newman and Redford simply shine as the con artists.

Of particular mention , are the con scenes in the Western Union Office , and the poker game on the train , in which Gondorff makes a walking joke out of Lonnegan.

Apart from the con scenes , there are many others which stand out. For instance the relationship between Hooker and Loretta , a coffee shop attendant , will shock you, for reasons best left unrevealed. The other cast members have all done well. However , Newman and Redford steal the show.

If you are expecting chemistry between the two , like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", you will be let down. Both the characters get their own share of the cake , and there are hardly any scenes , which remind you of the wonderful bond these actors shared , in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". Nevertheless , it is still a treat to watch these legends together again.

I don't find any flaw in the movie . In fact , I feel that today's industry which has given similar movies , like the Ocean's series , which are very good movies in their own right , have simply failed to meet the standards set by this movie , which I feel has to be considered as the perfect example of the word "CON".

Please do watch this movie , for Robert Redford and Paul Newman . I write this review , as a mark of respect for Paul Newman , who succumbed to cancer , a few days ago , at the age of 83. Watch this movie and the image of Henry Gondorff , will remain with you for a long time. Paul Newman fits perfectly into the character. May his soul Rest In Peace.

I will give this movie 4 out of 5 . Please do watch it to experience the Paul Newman effect. They don't make actors like him anymore. Butch Cassidy lives on in the hearts of film-lovers like me forever.

VERDICT : Timeless Classic . 4 / 5

KRAMER V/S KRAMER - REVIEW

Kramer v/s Kramer (English,1979)

Director: Robert Benton

Cast: Dustin Hoffman , Meryl Streep, Justin Henry

This is one of the all-time classics and I decided to give it a try. What I thought would be cliched drama , surpassed all expectations .

The story revolves around Ted Kramer(Hoffman) and Joanna (Streep) , a dysfunctional couple in New York, and their 7 year old son , Billy(Justin Henry). Ted is a completely work oriented person and loves his job , and is always focused towards it. But he hardly listens to what his wife has to say. And he does not even know in which grade his son is studying in. Over a period of time , Joanna feels that there is nothing else remaining in the relationship and walks out , leaving Ted to look after their son. She does this because she is not confident of being a good mother to Billy .

Ted then takes care of Billy for 18 months and then Joanna resurfaces , seeking custody. They then decide on a lawsuit for Billy's custody.

The story is very simple and has been executed in the most brilliant manner. The director definitely deserves credit for his work. It's tough to start off with a simple story , and turn it into an absolute gem of a movie. The acting is the best thing about the movie,and drives the storyline. Dustin Hoffman , as Ted , is simply awesome. This brilliant actor shows why he is considered to be the best in the business. Meryll Streep , as Joanna is a class act . The character does not get much screen space , but she simply stuns you in the court scenes.

The role of the young kid ,Billy, is played very convincingly by Justin Henry. One scene almost moved me to tears . There is this scene in which he falls down and has to endure 10 stitches in the hospital. Simply brilliant....

There are some scenes which are very simple , but are shot in the most subtle manner. The Ice cream sequence between Hoffman and his son , is possibly the most touching scene of them all. And the scene in which Hoffman reads out a letter sent by Joanna to his son , is superb.

Technically , this movie has nothing much to talk about. The storyline does not require anything special in this department. The acting , and the dialogues are enough to drive the delicate storyline forward.

This is by far one of the best movies I have come across. I am a sucker for drama , and this one made a huge impact on me. I would highly recommend this movie for any single father. And the screenplay is rather pacy for a family drama. Not one scene bores you.

The movie deserves to be seen , for its amazing portrayal of such a delicate issue like Single parenthood. The court scenes , towards the end , are extraordinary. And Meryll Streep 's complex characterization is one of the movies many plus points.

Dustin Hoffman's performance is one among the best ever. Many people consider "Rainman" to be his best. His act in this one is not as overwhelming as the role of Raymond Babbitt in"Rainman" , but is amazing nonetheless.

This movie clearly deserves the 5 Academy Awards it won. The acting simply blew me away. This is what I call "Oscar material".

I will give it 4.5 out of 5 . Gems like these are hard to come by these days. Please do watch it.

Verdict: Uber(Ultimate) 4.5 /5