Congratulations to SRK and the team who made such a great film. If you are going to watch this movie, see past the comparisons to Hollywood productions and enjoy this Indian twist on a super hero story. The soundtrack is wonderful and the characters and family values within this movie are exactly in my opinion and are much needed. Some scenes are very touching and the visual effects are excellent. I enjoyed the humour as well and it is appropriate for the whole family to watch. It is great fun to watch. I would watch this again and would enjoy it just as much as watching it the first time. Give this movie a chance and applaud the advances that are being made in Indian cinema. Thank you Shah Rukh and everybody who made this film.
Reviews
18 Reviews
Super 8
(2011)
Good, but not great.
6 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
If your going to watch this movie for a storyline, then forget it.
If you like action and some romance than definitely watch this. It just didn't live up to my expectations. The whole "war of the worlds" theme combined with "ET", just didn't do the actors in this movie any justice to their abilities. Its a very predictable movie and one of bad taste.
The action scenes are very good, but not anything special. I also felt the touching moments went over the top also and maybe creating a horror aspect to this movie might have saved it. Soundtrack was very good and a reflection of the period. This movie will definitely be overshadowed by Captain America and Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
If you like action and some romance than definitely watch this. It just didn't live up to my expectations. The whole "war of the worlds" theme combined with "ET", just didn't do the actors in this movie any justice to their abilities. Its a very predictable movie and one of bad taste.
The action scenes are very good, but not anything special. I also felt the touching moments went over the top also and maybe creating a horror aspect to this movie might have saved it. Soundtrack was very good and a reflection of the period. This movie will definitely be overshadowed by Captain America and Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
Glory
(1989)
Equal Opportunities
17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I am fond of historical films, and with a cast as such, this film was simply unmissable for me.
The film is about the first all black regiment, whom contributed to the American Civil War.
The film deals with racism and bridging gaps and divides. This films requires to be mature and some background reading of the 54th Regiment may aid the viewing if you have a genuine interest in the subject.
The action is fantastic for the age of the film and the acting is superb.
Enjoy and pay your respects.
The film is about the first all black regiment, whom contributed to the American Civil War.
The film deals with racism and bridging gaps and divides. This films requires to be mature and some background reading of the 54th Regiment may aid the viewing if you have a genuine interest in the subject.
The action is fantastic for the age of the film and the acting is superb.
Enjoy and pay your respects.
Amistad
(1997)
Don't ignore this film.
17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Steven Spielberg directed this movie and it is clear from the opening. Stunning, smooth and clean choreography.
This film is a true story about the issue of Slavery. Anthony Hopkins also stars as well as Morgan Freeman. This is a great cast and the acting is not forgettable by the end of the movie.
As this topic is sensitive, the film is emotional, tragic and chilling. It gives a fair overview of the events and demonstrates the feelings of both parties.
It is an educational journey and has many lessons that can be learnt from this.
I do not want to add any more, but ask you to remember this and pay respect to those involved in such an inhumane trade.
This film is a true story about the issue of Slavery. Anthony Hopkins also stars as well as Morgan Freeman. This is a great cast and the acting is not forgettable by the end of the movie.
As this topic is sensitive, the film is emotional, tragic and chilling. It gives a fair overview of the events and demonstrates the feelings of both parties.
It is an educational journey and has many lessons that can be learnt from this.
I do not want to add any more, but ask you to remember this and pay respect to those involved in such an inhumane trade.
Amadeus
(1984)
A lesson in History
17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
To enjoy this movie, you do not have to like classical music or opera.
I wasn't aware of some of the musical masterpieces we hear everyday in commercials or on background scores had been produced by Mozart, until after watching this film.
Having never studied Mozart as a person or his music, this piece of film allows you to learn about the person whom is globally famous. The character of Mozart develops in age as the film unfolds and the viewer is able to see his genius, accomplishments and downfalls.
It is overall a great character study and the decadence of the period is grand and realistic. His rivals are also portrayed in the movie and I learnt a great deal about these figures also.
It has moments of charm and sophistication and by the end of it, I was astonished at how much of the music I enjoyed and began to understand its meaning.
It is a fairly long film, but it pays off once completed.
10/10
I wasn't aware of some of the musical masterpieces we hear everyday in commercials or on background scores had been produced by Mozart, until after watching this film.
Having never studied Mozart as a person or his music, this piece of film allows you to learn about the person whom is globally famous. The character of Mozart develops in age as the film unfolds and the viewer is able to see his genius, accomplishments and downfalls.
It is overall a great character study and the decadence of the period is grand and realistic. His rivals are also portrayed in the movie and I learnt a great deal about these figures also.
It has moments of charm and sophistication and by the end of it, I was astonished at how much of the music I enjoyed and began to understand its meaning.
It is a fairly long film, but it pays off once completed.
10/10
This is entertainment
17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Really great trilogy of movies. This one being the first one in the set of three. The Girl who Played with Fire and The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest are equally as good.
I really enjoyed this series of movies, one following on from the other and giving the viewer the trials and tribulations of Lisbeth, the main character.
The stories, originally adapted from the novels, have been excellently put on film and the detail is great if one hasn't time to read.
The characters and very cool, exciting and different. Each character is likable and bring the stories together. Each most importantly has a purpose in the film and so does each scene - unlike most modern films.
The plot of the movie is different and I'm just waiting for a Hollywood production company to snap up the rights to this film - and I for one hope this doesn't happen.
Swedish it is and it should remain as it is a cornerstone in great film making for the country. Yes - it is in Swedish, do not let that put you off.
Try to watch the trilogy all together if possible, as once the first one is over you will be wanting to know what happens with Lisbeth and her new friend Mikael.
Highly recommended film that has seen success even after the Swedish film Lat Den Ratte Komma In.
I really enjoyed this series of movies, one following on from the other and giving the viewer the trials and tribulations of Lisbeth, the main character.
The stories, originally adapted from the novels, have been excellently put on film and the detail is great if one hasn't time to read.
The characters and very cool, exciting and different. Each character is likable and bring the stories together. Each most importantly has a purpose in the film and so does each scene - unlike most modern films.
The plot of the movie is different and I'm just waiting for a Hollywood production company to snap up the rights to this film - and I for one hope this doesn't happen.
Swedish it is and it should remain as it is a cornerstone in great film making for the country. Yes - it is in Swedish, do not let that put you off.
Try to watch the trilogy all together if possible, as once the first one is over you will be wanting to know what happens with Lisbeth and her new friend Mikael.
Highly recommended film that has seen success even after the Swedish film Lat Den Ratte Komma In.
Fermat's Room
(2007)
Very watchable
17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
With Hollywood and Bollywood movies being churned out daily, we seem to overlook the great achievements of other countries and their movies.
Spain has a great pool of talented actors, directors and very unique stories that have now entered in the playing field as a vital contender.
Fermat's Room (English Title), should be watched and should not be turned away due to its complete Spanish dialect. It is a masterful piece of cinema that once started it very difficult to turn off.
The concept is unique, and the script is engaging. I enjoy movies that allow the audience is guess and solve clues. This is a fantastic riddle of a film and I would say largely a thriller.
Put yourself out of your comfort zone and watch Fermats Room, have a new cinema experience.
Spain has a great pool of talented actors, directors and very unique stories that have now entered in the playing field as a vital contender.
Fermat's Room (English Title), should be watched and should not be turned away due to its complete Spanish dialect. It is a masterful piece of cinema that once started it very difficult to turn off.
The concept is unique, and the script is engaging. I enjoy movies that allow the audience is guess and solve clues. This is a fantastic riddle of a film and I would say largely a thriller.
Put yourself out of your comfort zone and watch Fermats Room, have a new cinema experience.
Cape Fear
(1991)
Classic
17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Scorsese strikes again.
Cape Fear is a movie about a convict whom's purpose is revenge on his attorney. De Niro is the obvious choice and his eyes, body movement and dialogues in the film match his skills as an actor.
The story itself maybe basic, but the great script is what delivers a powerful drama that will bring fear to the audience.
I love how the portrayal of De Niro's character is executed and we are aloud an insight into his life and his mental state. His character is genuinely frightening and concerning.
I particularly enjoyed Scorsese's direction and camera movements - It is a vital part of an audience enjoying the movie and being part of its flow.
This film has been copied many times since then and if you have watched 'Lakeside Terrace' there are resemblances.
If you have the opportunity, do watch!
Cape Fear is a movie about a convict whom's purpose is revenge on his attorney. De Niro is the obvious choice and his eyes, body movement and dialogues in the film match his skills as an actor.
The story itself maybe basic, but the great script is what delivers a powerful drama that will bring fear to the audience.
I love how the portrayal of De Niro's character is executed and we are aloud an insight into his life and his mental state. His character is genuinely frightening and concerning.
I particularly enjoyed Scorsese's direction and camera movements - It is a vital part of an audience enjoying the movie and being part of its flow.
This film has been copied many times since then and if you have watched 'Lakeside Terrace' there are resemblances.
If you have the opportunity, do watch!
Arlington Road
(1999)
Knock, Knock...
17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I had never heard of this movie and I'm glad I discovered it.
If you enjoy suspense thrillers this is a great choice.
It is a movie which is about a man's paranoia regarding his neighbours activities and background.
His obsession becomes uncontrollable and can be terrifying to the viewers. There is also a feeling of honour and patriotism. Many lessons can be learnt from this - such as how not to jump to conclusions or to judge someone to quickly.
This type of conspiracy theory, political film is ideal for anyone with an interest in these subjects.
9/10 for acting, script and subject.
If you enjoy suspense thrillers this is a great choice.
It is a movie which is about a man's paranoia regarding his neighbours activities and background.
His obsession becomes uncontrollable and can be terrifying to the viewers. There is also a feeling of honour and patriotism. Many lessons can be learnt from this - such as how not to jump to conclusions or to judge someone to quickly.
This type of conspiracy theory, political film is ideal for anyone with an interest in these subjects.
9/10 for acting, script and subject.
Charlie St. Cloud
(2010)
Family Values.
17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
If you are family orientated person, whom believes in putting the family first and going the extra miles, this is for you.
Zac Efron's performance is excellent and I can't find any faults.
The story is of a brothers commitment to preserve his younger brothers memory by becoming a cemetery caretaker. By doing so, he takes care of his brothers grave and others and makes it his purpose to visit his brother everyday at the same place for many years regardless of his own ambitions.
The interaction between the characters is emotional.
It is also a thinking movie and allows you to learn coping with the loss of a loved one and how the process of letting go occurs. This was very well handled.
Thumbs up!
Zac Efron's performance is excellent and I can't find any faults.
The story is of a brothers commitment to preserve his younger brothers memory by becoming a cemetery caretaker. By doing so, he takes care of his brothers grave and others and makes it his purpose to visit his brother everyday at the same place for many years regardless of his own ambitions.
The interaction between the characters is emotional.
It is also a thinking movie and allows you to learn coping with the loss of a loved one and how the process of letting go occurs. This was very well handled.
Thumbs up!
Before the Rains
(2007)
Wow
17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Bose, Das and the production team have produced a epic feast not just for your eyes, but your brain. I enjoyed this film and the suspense was incredible.
Das's acting is wow and Bose delivers, but we already know this. These are fine actors, with much talent. I am a keen fan of Nandita Das and enjoy her work.
The period of the film is typical of that associated with India - colonial and historic.
The scenery is beautiful - one of the highlights of this movie.
It is a story of following your heart and making decisions. It is also a story about a woman - the pressure and expectations faced by them.
I would highly recommend.
Das's acting is wow and Bose delivers, but we already know this. These are fine actors, with much talent. I am a keen fan of Nandita Das and enjoy her work.
The period of the film is typical of that associated with India - colonial and historic.
The scenery is beautiful - one of the highlights of this movie.
It is a story of following your heart and making decisions. It is also a story about a woman - the pressure and expectations faced by them.
I would highly recommend.
Salaam Bombay!
(1988)
Real cinema, poetic and symbolic.
17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This is your gritty, eye opening, edge of your seat film. If you want to know what the life of the slum is about, then watch this movie.
Danny Boyle's commercialisation take on this issue took away the real hardship faced everyday by the people in the slums.
The grainy, in your face approach of this film is what makes it genuine to its purpose. This is the real deal and there isn't a big budget in sight.
I have always enjoyed Mira Nair's work, having watched Mississippi Masala, The Namesake, Monsoon Wedding and this, her work is poetic in execution and flow. The objective set out to be explained is true to its soul and always believable plots are used.
It is not a quirky, forgetful film, but a film that is different and yet can hold your attention.
Danny Boyle's commercialisation take on this issue took away the real hardship faced everyday by the people in the slums.
The grainy, in your face approach of this film is what makes it genuine to its purpose. This is the real deal and there isn't a big budget in sight.
I have always enjoyed Mira Nair's work, having watched Mississippi Masala, The Namesake, Monsoon Wedding and this, her work is poetic in execution and flow. The objective set out to be explained is true to its soul and always believable plots are used.
It is not a quirky, forgetful film, but a film that is different and yet can hold your attention.
Bound by Honor
(1993)
Missed Gem
16 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoy the crime/thriller genre and this really hit the spot. It had action, moral dilemmas, suspense, twists and drama. There is even emotion in this movie and not just a typical gangster movie.
After watching this, It opened up my eyes to the life of Spanish/Mexican gangs and the troublesome lives they live. It is a story of innocence, revenge and betrayal. It is also a story of coming of age and learning. Most importantly it is a movie that can deliver powerful messages to the audience whom feels gangsterism is a symbol or status.
I applaud the writer, the director and all the actors for producing such a accomplished piece of cinema.
The acting is very genuine and all actors feel comfortable in their roles and helps the movies progression. The authenticity is also there and much research has gone into this. Although this is a lengthy film, over 2 hours long, it is well worth the time to watch the story unfold as it would in the real world.
Viewers of the movie should be aware some scenes are not for the faint hearted and may cause you to gasp in shock. At one point I even shouted at the screen, but I wont divulge which scene this was.
Please watch this movie, if you are thirsty for something different and not commercial, this is the pick.
After watching this, It opened up my eyes to the life of Spanish/Mexican gangs and the troublesome lives they live. It is a story of innocence, revenge and betrayal. It is also a story of coming of age and learning. Most importantly it is a movie that can deliver powerful messages to the audience whom feels gangsterism is a symbol or status.
I applaud the writer, the director and all the actors for producing such a accomplished piece of cinema.
The acting is very genuine and all actors feel comfortable in their roles and helps the movies progression. The authenticity is also there and much research has gone into this. Although this is a lengthy film, over 2 hours long, it is well worth the time to watch the story unfold as it would in the real world.
Viewers of the movie should be aware some scenes are not for the faint hearted and may cause you to gasp in shock. At one point I even shouted at the screen, but I wont divulge which scene this was.
Please watch this movie, if you are thirsty for something different and not commercial, this is the pick.
Boy A
(2007)
Intelligent British drama
16 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
A British drama not about Royalty or Blair is rare these days. But this film delivers everything you would expect from a master class in film making and I feel more in some ways than Danny Boyle's 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
A film that will appeal to the youth of today and with valuable lessons to be learnt. I also think this movie can raise questions on justice and reform and also will emotionally strike chords with parents.
The acting is not amateur but professional and direction is picture perfect. The language is also understandable and would work as well if promoted in other countries and across the waters in Hollywood. I'm not sure on the budget this movie had and I have never heard of the lead actor until this movie - it has created such a great first impression with me and I know many other people.
This is a must watch and much support and recognition is needed, Potter move over.
A film that will appeal to the youth of today and with valuable lessons to be learnt. I also think this movie can raise questions on justice and reform and also will emotionally strike chords with parents.
The acting is not amateur but professional and direction is picture perfect. The language is also understandable and would work as well if promoted in other countries and across the waters in Hollywood. I'm not sure on the budget this movie had and I have never heard of the lead actor until this movie - it has created such a great first impression with me and I know many other people.
This is a must watch and much support and recognition is needed, Potter move over.
Udaan
(2010)
Karan, watch out.
16 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I've been watching Hindi movies all my life, and I can confidently recommend this to my non-Indian friends.
This movies poetry, especially the park bench scene and hospital scene, are my favourite.
The actors are top-notch, the story unique, the direction stunning and my experience forever.
If you enjoy thought provoking, gripping emotional stories with a real down to earth feel, this is for you. No masala, no item numbers and no silly dialogues. Instead what we get is real people, in a believable situations with real opinions.
The pace of this movie is not slow and it is not a black comedy or a art movie, this is a simple film and a simple script, which is what makes this movie honest.
The youth and parents could relate this to this movie. If you enjoy movies such as '3 Idiots', 'Swami' or 'Bhagban' this is for you.
Karan, Yash, Aditya take note!
This movies poetry, especially the park bench scene and hospital scene, are my favourite.
The actors are top-notch, the story unique, the direction stunning and my experience forever.
If you enjoy thought provoking, gripping emotional stories with a real down to earth feel, this is for you. No masala, no item numbers and no silly dialogues. Instead what we get is real people, in a believable situations with real opinions.
The pace of this movie is not slow and it is not a black comedy or a art movie, this is a simple film and a simple script, which is what makes this movie honest.
The youth and parents could relate this to this movie. If you enjoy movies such as '3 Idiots', 'Swami' or 'Bhagban' this is for you.
Karan, Yash, Aditya take note!
The Rite
(2011)
Powerful, Disturbing, Thrilling and.....
16 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I walked out of the cinema, feeling I'd been in Rome and felt the story was being unfolded in front of my eyes, or in this case the screen.
It was believable, enjoyable and thought provoking. The so called 'exorcism school' allowed a different angle on the other exorcism movies that have been produced. Especially after 'The Fourth Kind' or 'A Nightmare on Elm Street', this movie steps up to the mark of classics and goes beyond the angle of just spooks, scares and possession.
The movies portrayal of a priests life, something which even 'The Exorcist' didn't emphasis enough, is what made me feel this movie deserved its 8/10 rating.
Hopkins acting is up to par as usual and the Italian dialect makes you feel part of the surroundings. It is not too much and not too little, just the right amount.
This movie leaves you with questions at the end - this is definitely worth a good debate and reflects the power of this movie, especially in an era where political correctness and religion is in the media.
I would recommend this movie as a great late Saturday night flick or mid week scare.
It was believable, enjoyable and thought provoking. The so called 'exorcism school' allowed a different angle on the other exorcism movies that have been produced. Especially after 'The Fourth Kind' or 'A Nightmare on Elm Street', this movie steps up to the mark of classics and goes beyond the angle of just spooks, scares and possession.
The movies portrayal of a priests life, something which even 'The Exorcist' didn't emphasis enough, is what made me feel this movie deserved its 8/10 rating.
Hopkins acting is up to par as usual and the Italian dialect makes you feel part of the surroundings. It is not too much and not too little, just the right amount.
This movie leaves you with questions at the end - this is definitely worth a good debate and reflects the power of this movie, especially in an era where political correctness and religion is in the media.
I would recommend this movie as a great late Saturday night flick or mid week scare.
Tangled
(2010)
Hip Hip Hooray
14 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
After seeing this movie, I felt relieved. After a string of animations, this movie was an example to all those flops of master story telling, animation and script. This movie isn't just for its target group, but for the whole family. Disney has integrated all elements of a pure and honest story. There is action, romance, mystery and all important lessons to be learnt that are of great value to everyone.
The pace of the movie is perfect and the direction allows a glimpse into a fantasy world without being over the top. It keeps the viewers attention and wants you wanting more by the end of it. The main character, Rapunzel, is lovable and a strong contender of great animated characters.
This movie was universal and if you want to see something that will leave you inspired and talking about to your friends - than definitely go watch this.
The pace of the movie is perfect and the direction allows a glimpse into a fantasy world without being over the top. It keeps the viewers attention and wants you wanting more by the end of it. The main character, Rapunzel, is lovable and a strong contender of great animated characters.
This movie was universal and if you want to see something that will leave you inspired and talking about to your friends - than definitely go watch this.
Rango
(2011)
Please no sequel!
14 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Rango, a lovable character let down by the story. Rango needs much improvement if they are thinking about a sequel. If you are looking for humour like that of Ice Age, Kung Fu Panda, Flushed Away or even Over the Hedge, then this would not appeal. The story line is basic; Majority of it slow and leaves you waiting for a punch line. Johnny Depp is excellent at his expressive tones of the character and I would hope he continues to do animation voice overs. For me, it just didn't appeal. I wanted more humour and more purpose to the story. I even felt a moral lesson could have been learnt, if the producers had thought of one, I for one didn't pick up on it. The movie doesn't leave you wanting to see more and each scene you feel let down you didn't get the full value of the time spent on the animation due to the weak script. There is also some singing in the movie, sort of a narration - totally unnecessary and made me question whether they had a decent story to tell and if so, then just let it be told naturally. If you have some spare time watch this movie only after a heavy lunch or Sunday dinner, not after a night out, as the thought of sleep is tempting.
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