Day 14, 17 Movies so far

The Terminator

I first saw Terminator when I was 8 years old. I remember it blowing my mind – it was unlike anything I’d seen before. It’s been a while since I’ve watched this, and I only had one question in my mind – had it aged well?
The answer is yes and no. The franchise now seems infused with Schwarzenegger. His performance drives the myth surrounding the film. The good news is that, this still works. Lets face it – he’s no Brando, but who else could’ve played a robot with this much sincerity & fun? I can’t think of anyone else in this role. It’s really his quirkiness and unpredictability that gives the movie its legs. The other thing that still works is the plot – it’s still surprising, and I’m sure that had this story not been told already, it would make a great film today.
Other than that, the film is filled with cheesy dialogue, a labored love story and wooden performances. But the biggest revelation was the special effects. Ironically, the big ticket when the film first released, was the climactic reveal of the Terminator, for what he truly is. Unfortunately, this just seems clumsy now, with the stop motion T 800 chasing Sarah & Kyle through the factory. Similarly, a scene I remember vividly was where Arnold pulls out his eye to repair it. But on this viewing, I noticed that the close ups use an animatronics face. The result is jarring and takes you out of the experience.
So, watch it to relive the sense of awe you felt, when you first watched it. Just don’t expect it run the entire run time of the film.

Twilight

Maybe, I’m too old for this kind of film, but I don’t see what the big deal is all about. While it turned teenagers the world over, into raging lunatics, it did absolutely nothing for me. Truth be told, I couldn’t sit through the entire film, stopping it around the point, where Edward Cullen finally tells Bella what the rest of the world knew already – he’s a vampire! But isn’t he the ‘undead’? Kirsten Stewart’s pretty, but she wears 2 expressions throughout the film – sullen and depressed. Occasionally, she’ll throw a little ‘dour’ in there, just to give the scene more depth. Get over yourself! Robert Pattinson’s got charisma – I’ll give him that. But even that will only take the film so far. For teenagers, they seem pretty labored in their love for each other, and after an hour or so of watching the leads take themselves so seriously, you can’t bring yourself to do the same for the film.

A Good Year

Its taken me a while to get to this film. I dismissed it as fluff (without watching it), when it first came out, and never got around to watching it. Having finally seen it, I really regret my earlier decision.

The story is a bit of a cliche - a snobby trader who has no redeeming qualities about himself, returns to the idyllic setting of his childhood, to rediscover the joy of simpler things and eventually - love. But the film is more than just that. Russel Crowe has a penchant for taking flat characters and breathing life into them. This is no different. His Max Skinner is someone you can't help but hate and root for, in equal measure. The subtleties in this quite performance are wonderful. The same goes for Albert Finney. I wonder if it was really as it looked. Playing the mentor to Max, he feeds the role with enough warmth, humor and love to make him real - like someone you'd know (or wish you did) in your family. Similalry, the cast is rounded out with good turns from Marion Cotillard, Tom Hollander and Didier Bourdon.

The other heroes of this piece are Ridley Scott and his cinematographer, Philip Le sourd. Its rare to see a film that looks this beautiful. Everything about the vineyard is warm and brown, as apposed to the grey, depressing, London. Everything has a heightened sense of aesthetic - a used wine glass, a half smoked cigar, a dinner in an outdoor cafe, even an ink bottle is somehow removed from ordinary life. It works beautifully in making Max's transition not only believable, but aspirational.

Like the analogy in the title, the film is sweet, unhurried and calm. Its definitely a film I will be checking out again.

Good

I hate it when films like this don’t work. Well… to be fair, don’t work entirely.
The film follows John Halder, played by Viggo Mortensen. His character begins as a devout family man and idealist scholar. Set in the times of the Nazi rise to power in Germany, he staunchly apposes the party and everything it stands for. Overtime, he is gradually drawn into the party and rises through the ranks to become a senior party member, finally realizing the results of his action, but being too late to do anything about it.

Viggo Mortensen and Jason Issac offer stellar performances as John and his Jewish friend, Maurice. The dinner scene, where Issac’s character begs for an exit permit is fantastic. Likewise, the amazing finale where John finally realizes what his actions have led to. Scenes like this, prove Viggo’s skill. His performance is heart breaking and infuriating, all at the same time, and is one that will remain with you long after the film is over.

Unfortunately, the film seems satisfied in painting John Halder as an individual, who is happy to go with the flow. His transition from committed academician to adulterer to Nazi party member is rushed, and in to some degree, unfounded. Is the yearning for freedom from his family, so great that he is willing to submit to a new, wholly different life – one that goes against everything he believes in? Well, the film offers not reflection from his character on this subject – maybe this is the film’s undoing. It concentrates far more on his spiral to hell, than on what triggered this, in the first place. And one can’t help but believe that that would have made a far more interesting film.

A Chump at Oxford

When I was 10, I caught chicken pox. The only good thing about that was that I got to stay out of school for a couple of weeks and watch movies all day long. I did a whole Laurel & hardy marathon, and I loved it.

A Chump at Oxford is so much fun, it should be illegal. Like most comedies of the time, the story is episodic and more like brief vignettes strung together to make a film. It follows the familiar Stan & Ollie recipe which is always a good thing. The real departure is Stan Laurel playing a character other than Stanley. On being hit on the head, he recalls being Lord Paddington who is impeccably cultured, well read and impossibly strong – in short, nothing like anything he’s played before. It’s a hoot! If you’re in the mood for a few belly laughs and all round good times, this definitely worth a revisit.

Transformers – The Revenge of the Fallen

I wasn’t disappointed by this film, because I had limited expectation from it anyway.
I must be one of the few people who thought the first film was pretty average. Sure, ILM did a fantastic job with the special effects, but unfortunately there’s more to a film than just that. Transformers (I), was a really good ‘Giant Robot’ film, but it wasn’t the Transformers as I remembered them. I don’t remember Optimus being such a wuss, Megatron sounding like Agent Smith and the other Transformers shaped like things that come out of a metal compacter. Most importantly, I thought it was plain dull. In fact, I thought that Shia Le Boeuf was one of the better things in the film – he really held it together, and gave the story some context and more importantly – character and humanity.

Now, coming to the 2nd film, if your thing is watching cars, planes & bikes turn into robots and beat the living crap out of each other, boy! Are you in luck. The film delivers huge, jaw dropping action set pieces – and never lets up. Seriously, Michael bay has an explosion fetish – there’s no other way to put it. The action in this film (particularly the China and the forest scenes), are unbelievable. I was also pleased to see some of the more important Autobots and Decepticons show some more depth (?). Optimus is back to being the noble, fearless leader, Bumble Bee is the ever loyal friend, Soundwave sounds exactly like he did in the cartoon, Starscream is a sniveling, backstabbing goon & Jetfire, the cranky, geriatric Decepticon, turned good . If the film was left to just this, it might’ve succeeded in spades.

Unfortunately, Bay does several things to ruin this for us. Firstly, he dreams up a weird story that involves a beaten villain called, ‘The Fallen’ and a plot to destroy the Sun, using the Giza Pyramids which are half an hour away from the monastery at Petra – yes, its THAT lame. The 2nd thing he does is, seemingly lacking confidence in what is an otherwise efficient summer event film, he litters the film with enough toilet humor and sex jokes to make even 13 year olds, roll their eyes. Really – a robot that wants to get it with Megan Fox!? Really – a robot with testicles!? Really – a Decepticon that can disguise it self as a hot college student?! Really – gay dogs?!?! And finally, I’m not an African American, but I was offended by ‘The Twins’ – talk about racial stereotyping. Another thing that didn’t work for me, was the human character arcs. With the robots bashing each other in, and the world about to end, did I really care if Sam tells Mikaela that he loves her, or that Sam’s folks make it alive through the climactic battle or if Major Lenox gets his command back? Apparently not. But, who does? They’re just getting in the way of all the fun. In fact, if anything, these subplots serve no other purpose than to slow the pace of the film, and increase the run time by another 45 minutes. One notable human character is John Turturro’s Agent Simmons.

Transformers 2, is a very strange cocktail. While the action is super fun, it gets weighed down with unnecessary melodrama and humor. While it’s marginally better than its predecessor, it’s no where near as great as it has the potential to be. So entertaining, but impossibly dumb.

Day 8, 9 movies so far

“The Hangover”

On the surface, ‘The Hangover’, looks like a run of the mill, average, ‘guy-comedy’. We’ve seen this stuff a million

times before and there’s no way, anyone’s going to show us anything new…. Boy, was I wrong!

You HAVE to watch this movie. Todd Philips, whose career highlights include Road Trip and Old School, shows a return to form with this film. I haven’t laughed so loud, & so long, in a long time. The movie is outrageous, irreverent and most importantly – insanely fun

ny! Its one of those films where you think you know what’s going to happen next, but you never see what’s coming next. The cast, including Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms & Zack Galifianikis are great and play well off each other. Zack, particularly really reminded me of John Belushi. The film is also peppered throughout with cameos – Ken Joeng, specifically, is hilarious. All in all, the movie was a hoot – remember the first time you saw Animal House? Expect something close to that.

“Munnabhai MBBS”

I was switching channels the other day and caught this again. I love this film. Raju Hirani’s film belongs in the 50’s. It harks back to the simple emotions, values & tastes that we as Indians, seem nostalgic about, but have sadly lost. Sanjay Dutt, who I normally avoid, was born to play this role. Maybe it’s the regret in his life, coupled with his roguish exterior, but he is Munnabhai. He plays him as a lovable, mischievous and naïve hood & given his stature and build, that’s a stellar achievement. There’s sweetness at his core, and I’m still puzzled about that. He is

also fortunate, in that, he surrounded by other able actors. Particular stand outs include Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani and the late, Sunil Dutt. Sanjay Dutt’s scenes with his father are tinged with just enough irony, not to make it exploitative. Well directed, well written and well acted – you can’t go wrong with this movie.

“Thuruppu Gulan”

Listen – I’m no elitist but this movie was just the pits! I get it – there are those who like these kinds of movies. The over the top, crass, action filled, ‘masala’ films. I am, on occasion, one of those people. But this film fails on multiple levels. Mammootty’s performance borders on buffoonery – his single hook being the Kozhikode accent. Something has to be said for cinematography and styling in this film – its as if, someone ate a dozen bananas, a box of strawberries & drank buckets of Gelusil and threw up all over the set and actors! The plot too, is riddled with inconsistencies, and it doesn’t help that a major location in the film, meant to be a 5 star hotel, looks like any bungalow in Kerala.

To be fair, the film has a few good moments, but the film hardly rises to the standards of the kind of film it aspires to be. Say what you will about this particular brand of film, but when made well, they have an element of social commentary, are immensely entertaining and warrant repeat viewing. Ironically, ‘Thuruppu Gulan’, reminds you of a time when Malayalam films were great – they had something to say about the lives of average Malayaless, and did so, in a sophisticated and non-condescending manner. How the mighty have fallen.

“Vettam”

Priyadarshan, once made some of the best Malayalam films – I wonder what happened to him. Off late, he’s been reduced to a hack, remaking every mildly successful film he can get his hands on. His whole Hindi movie career is testament to this, and I can’t help but resent him for this.

Vettam is perhaps a step in the right direction. I don’t think it completely achieves what it set out to, but it’s a pretty good effort. Vaguely reminiscent of ‘French Kiss’ and Priyadarshan’s debut, ‘Poochakkoru Mookuthi’, the film follows a myriad of interconnected storylines, involving a jilted lover, a stolen necklace and a wedding in progress (amongst numerous others). While the plot can be a little confusing, the pay off is pretty cool. Priyadarshan’s eye for comedy framing too, is back in some sense & performances are consistent.

So, why am I not going to be watching this again any time soon? I’ve been thinking about that & I think it boils down to potential. With so many subplots running through the film, you’d think that at least one would have you rolling on the floor, breathless & hugging your sides. No such luck. The movie’s amusing in parts. But, you’d expect to be rewarded for following its break neck pacing, and this is where this film falters. Secondly, Malayalam comedies are becoming more and more ‘packaged’, with the same set of actors, servicing similar plots, time and again. There’s a certain sense of déjà vu that I couldn’t shake off. So, a good film no doubt, but no where as good as I wanted it to be.

Day 4, 5 Movies so far

"Dark City"

Dark City, released back in the 90's, heralded the arrival of Alex Proyas. It was widely acclaimed and has developed a cult following since its release. Well ... I didn't think it was that great. Sure, its visually unique, & features some really cool fx, but overall it was pretty average.

The biggest issue I had with the film is that its never equal to or greater than the sum of its parts. Individual scenes are great, but there's little holding the film together. The pace too, is rushed, jumping between scenes constantly, without really letting you get to know the characters. Speaking about characters, the performances are horribly marred by the editing. (wait till you watch Kiefer Sutherland in this - the guy is a ham factory!) The film also has a naivete about it, reminiscent of sci fi films form the 50's - when the Strangers (watch the film to find out more) 'tune' their reality, the director actually shows them doing it, as if you wouldn't believe it otherwise! The third act ends well though, with a spectacular conclusion - in some ways, this redeemed the film for me.

All in all, the film has a unique visual style and some interesting themes & ideas but little else that I could recommend.

"Best in Show"

Christopher Guest is a genius. No question. He makes a particular kind of film, but makes it extremely well.

This one's almost as good as his previous effort, 'Waiting for Guffman'. What, it lacks in the over the top quality of the latter, 'Best in Show' makes up in subtlety. This mocumentary, based on contestants at a dog show, in insightful, hilarious & touching all at the same time. Each of the key characters are memorable - stand outs being Micheal Hitchcock and Parker Posey's high strung and continuously squabbling couple. The film also has a free wheeling style, every scene seeming ad-libbed and improved. It's to the director's credit that he's able to keep context to the proceedings, while keeping it really entertaining. You have to watch this, and while you're at, why not get a Christopher Guest triple bill going, with 'This is Spinal Tap' and 'Waiting for Guffman'.

Day 2, 3 movies so far

"Sólo con tu pareja"

Few things are more exciting to me, than discovering a great movie by myself. Before you read about them, and before anyone else, said they were great - you discovered this for yourself!

"Sólo con tu pareja", is one such example. I'd never heard about it before, but it's directed by Alfonso Cuaron and that's never a bad thing. This is his directorial debut, and he then went on to make awesome films like Y tu mama tambien and Children of Men. Compared to his later work, this film's much more light hearted - its an out and out comedy (like Woody Allen's earlier films) and features a Lothario, who suddenly has the tables turned on him. The pace, like the dialogue is frenetic. The film never takes it self seriously, gives you little time to breathe & leaves you in stitches right through. Each frame is lovingly shot and displays Alfonso's eccentric sense of composition.

If you're in the mood for a fun (and racy) film of considerable quality, to unwind after a stressful day at work, this is a movie, I'd really recommend.

Day 1, 2 Movies so far

"The Devil's Backbone"

Ok, so I'm beginning with an awesome film. Guillermo Del Toro's probably one of the most imaginative directors out there - a real autre, who's films drip with the love of cinema. There aren't enough good things to say about this movie. The performances are fantastic - especially from Eduardo Noreiga, FedericoLuppi and Fernando Tielve. The cinematography reflects the mood swings in the film beautifully and the CGI is so subtle it only enhances the viewing experience. (Mr. Lucas - please take note).

All in all, I can't recommend this film strongly enough. Its rare to find a simple story, told with so much depth and sensitivity & that's saying a lot about a horror film.

"Heavy Metal"

For the uninitiated, Heavy Metal was a fantasy/sci fi comic book from the mid '70's. It featured outrageous stories, ultra violent action & nude, boxum women - in short, good times! The film based on the comic was produced by Ivan Rietman and has developed into a cult classic over the years. Its not surprising why - while this animated film barely manages to string together 4 or 5 stories, it is purely escapist fun, and feeds the geek fantasy in all of us. The animation too, isn't bad. In fact, each story features a different animation style, and is mildly entertaining in themselves. The voice acting is patchy, but features the talents of John Candy, Harold Ramis & Eugene Levy, amongst others. So, it isn't really up there with the greats, but its really fun. Just don't let the 'animated' tag fool you - this definitely, isn't for kids.