Driven: Let the “GAMING SPIRIT” win!!!!

Directed by: Renny Harlin
Release date: April 27, 2001

The interesting part of the movie (I believe) is starring Sylvester Stallone as a Formula 1 driver. I haven’t seen a single movie in which he didn’t hit a punch to the villain. But as they say – there is always a first time in everything (it’s for me this time). Watching Sylvester in a balanced manner is like watching Nana Patekar in the movie – Ab tak Chappan. I was waiting to watch a fight sequence by Sylvester but that wait never ended.

About the Story – Sylvester (who is a well known personality in racing) comes back to the racing track on the request of his old friend to mentor a NEW driver of his team. As expected, because of our HERO’s mentoring the new driver starts winning the race. The opponent driver (we can take him as the villain component) is also very near in winning the World Championship. Sylvester job is to make sure that our NEW driver should win the championship in any given condition. NO SURPRISE – Sylvester completes what ever task is given to him (he himself is enough for the whole Army, what’s big in winning a Formula 1 race).

Though my wait for a mind blowing fight scene never ended but still I had seen something which changes my perspective to watch movies.   

Ø  It’s not a rule that HERO should win all the races and when he comes back from the exile he will (for sure) hit the bull’s eye. When no one else can do it, wake up the hero from his dreams and he will do it for you like he is playing a video game. This is not the case here – Sylvester comes back with the bang (must watch – the scene where he drops 3 pennies on the race track and drift over them), However he didn’t win any race and he makes sure that the NEW driver wins. He is there for support not for winning.

Ø  It’s also not the case that the villains are always born with the cruel intensions. In the movie when another supportive driver met with an clash – Our NEW driver and the villain, both stop the race in between and saves the crashed driver’s life. Its not personal guys – It’s professional. They are opposite to each other due to their game. The movie gives a very clear message – It’s the Gaming spirit which makes your good or bad, looser or winner.

I liked both these facts very much. We have a tendency to watch the villain’s role with a bitter eye. We always think that if he is going something good there must be a conspiracy behind it. The movie says that it’s not able the positive or negative role – It’s about the GAME.

The movie does not have superb special affects or it has a very interesting stories. Everything is just ok types. Racing scenes are also just presentable, but nothing to cheer about. The most important thing is the message given by the movie - Let the “GAMING SPIRIT” win!!!!

Hellboy (movie): “Man” in RED!!!

Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Release date: April 2, 2004

Hellboy, the name suggests that the movie is related to hell or some underworld (if it’s actually there); some people may also refer it to a horror movie. But this is not the case; the movie is about our world. The world, where if you want to live, you may need to kill someone, the world where people judge you by your looks and not by your decisions, where people will forget all your goods but can’t ignore a simple mistake made by you.

The movie is ugly, in fact the HERO is ugly, his skin color is RED, he has a long tail and moreover he never does what he is asked to do. He blow things in air, when are need to deal nicely. Moreover he likes cats, cigars, dirty rooms and disobeys orders etc. He also believes that he can not die. He knows that he is the son of Evil and he was born to destroy this world. But his up bringing was done by the Professor "Broom" and he made him a “HUMAN”. He always guides him that though he was born to kill but he can be a good protector (It’s a choice which he needs to make).

As he is the “hero”, he always makes the correct choice, which seems to be difficult but always works. He saves our world every time at the end moment when he only was about to destroy it. His attitude while fighting with other deadly creatures (I mentioned other deadly creatures because Hellboy himself is one) is awesome. Its like he is playing video games and he knows he is going to win in the end. No hiding, no plans. He kills the creature in a style and relax manner. TRUST ME – you will like it. As the movie progress you will start liking this hero. He is different – in style, looks, action, decisions, comic behavior etc and all these things make him lovable. If this is not enough for you – our hero has girl friend as well and when he is not saving this world he is spying on his girlfriend.

The pace of the movie is good, there are so many events happening now and than. Screenplay is again awesome. The makeup of Hellboy is “ugly” but director makes sure that audience like it. As the movie was based on a comic book, the director has all the liberty for imagination and he uses this freedom in a balanced manner.

It’s a GUY thing!!!

The A- Team: Old team with the BANG!!!!

Directed by: Joe Carnahan
Release date: June, 2010

Watched The A team (movie) today and I must say that I recall the days of Arnold and Stallone. I guess we all remember those days of manly action movies with bang. No high tech stuff but still you cannot remove your eyes from the screen. Where the hero alone is equal to an army and his plan always works.
Movie started in a stylish manner of all times. Main lead is caught by the bad guys (in this case its Mexican corrupt police), they beat him to death but he didn’t utter a word. Once they left him for dying he fights back. Their own people ditch them and after giving everything to the system, that same system sends them to prison. As expected they find a way out from the prison and start searching the guy how set them up. Its include agencies like CIA, NSA and their own army people as well. But you don’t worry this A-team will find their way out as there is no plan –B.
The A-team is of 4 members. One is planner, another is muscle man, one is mad and the last one is a lover boy. Each of them is master in whatever they do. They blow thing in air, they fly the helicopter like a fighter plane and a huge army carrier plane like a helicopter. When they are bored of doing all these daily work they fly a TANK. Yes, you read it correctly – they fly a tank in the movie. I don’t know whose concept it was, but trust me it is worth watching. The enthusiasm created by the actors (by the close up shots, dialogues and the energy level) in this particular scene is a delight to watch.
As I mentioned earlier, it’s a movie shot in a style in which action movies of 80’s and 90’s used to be shot. You will find huge bomb blasts, cars flying in air after a hit, big punch and mind blowing dialogues before every fight scene. Before every plan (while discussing the course of action) everyone is always in such a light mood that they are planning to watch a movie with other guys. You will not find this attitude irritating because the actors did a perfect job in meeting the characters requirements. Instead you will love them for their attitude.
Story line is OK, enough for an action movie of such canvas. Cinematography is usual (nothing to be noticed) in regular shots but when supported by the special affects in fight scenes is more presentable. I think the director didn’t want such integrands when he is playing his game on the hardcore action scenes and moreover that too in old style.
Do watch it on a free weekend with your old friends.

Clash of the Titans : Not a single clash to cheer !!!

Yesterday I watched Clash of the Titans and after that I was not able to recall a single fight scene which I enjoyed to the maximum. After watching movies like - 300, Troy and Gladiator, we have very high expectations with any historical epic. 300 raised our expectations even higher due to the dept and intensity in the dialogues. We consider historical movies to be filled with mind blowing fight sequences, old monuments and a Stone Age feeling. But 300 add another aspect to it – DIALOGUES and slow motion fight sequences.
When the movie started I didn’t expect it to be 300 but I was expecting something what we call eye opening. It starts normally (nothing stunning to offer) and same continue in the whole movie. Most of the facts look illogical. We can not relate to them in any given conditions. The editing part was also not approachable. Fight between GOD and MAN is seems to be un-realistic, unless it is presented in an appropriate manner with evidence and examples to which audience can relate. Moreover in the whole movie GOD seems to be most afraid among all others and seeks help from anyone who offers (very hard to digest). The fight sequence between the ruler of HELL and Perseus (main lead) is the most disappointing. In the whole movie everyone is talking about the Kraken (a very giant creature of underworld). Everyone believes that on one can defeat him. We are waiting for that creature to arrive on the screen. Surprisingly, our hero kills him in couple of seconds without even a single punchJ.      
 

I don’t have much to write, as the movie doesn’t have much to offer!!!

Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai : Where was mumbai in it

I believe we all have some expectations before watching a movie. When it meets it - we say it’s GOOD... else bakwaas... My point is when we went to watch OUATIM what were our expectations. Frankly -- I didn’t have much (as it was directed by Milan Luthria). 

But my expectation was that I will re-live the era smuggling / music / cabre / close fight scene / heavy dialogue  / main zabaan de chukka hu / maa – bhai etc. Some others things which I expected – a different look of Mumbai, camera which just shows face of the actor saying the dialogue, long scenes (no hyper editing stuff), a unique music while all fight scenes (though one tune was there and it was quite good), a very close to heart & strong drama.

I only find few things which I liked (as mentioned not much expectations).

Ajay is all time favorite and he proved me correct again (don’t try to compare his performance from Company). The role he played needs a HERO and he is the one. His favorite line - dua me yaad rakhna and Patrick muhje shahar saaf chahiye are awesome. When he says them you can feel it in your blood. That ajay …. He will make you jump from your seat just from his eyes and if he said it you are not on earth. Other good thing about the movie was Kangana Ranaut … she is looking beautiful. I am sure they need some one like her to relate with Madhubala (though I know you can not compare madhu with any of the present actress).

My opinion – don’t have much expectations from the movie. Its just one time watch and if you missed it don’t worry J

Peepli [Live] Movie: It’s not a BREAKING NEWS

I am not writing a story review (you will not find the movie story here); I will only share my feeling after watching the movie.

It’s an Aamir Khan’s production on a very sensitive subject of present INDIA. Moreover from the trailers we are aware that it is presented in a different style (humor). Before the movie was released everyone around me was talking about it and the same continues after it’s released as well.

I don’t know why but I feel that the Aamir’s magic was missing in this one. The movie was ok types (one time watch) and there was nothing which you can relate to perfection. When we know that Sachin is batting, we will not compromise on 25 or 40 runs… we need a century. That’s the magic Aamir is capable of.

When the movie started – for the next 15 mins only the abusing language used by the characters were able to make you laugh. You will not find more than 2-3 instances where you laughed on the act done by the actors. Was abusing language the only option left with Anusha to make people laugh? Though the expectation from the movie was that the situation and the acts performed will make people laugh (not the abusing language). We understand that director shows the real picture of the daily life of villagers and hence such language was a crucial part of the movie. We also understand that people in small villages use their language to entertain people around them. But we are not dealing with the villager only. We are dealing with the people who are known as perfectionist. Is that all they have to offer to us.

Not even once in the movie I felt sad for Natha or I was not forced to think that what I am watching is actually happening in my Shinning India. We are symbolizing our currency and claiming our position in between the worlds most developed nations and farmers are committing suicide due to hunger / heavy loans etc.

Neither I laughed nor cried. I was not able to find out what is happening. The media section which was shown was also not new to anyone in the picture hall. We knew this is what Media do and watch everyday. The remaining was done by couple of movies released in past on the same subject. The only out of the box act done by the media team was the last one when the one journalist took a close up shot of the stool of Naatha and says – “manuchikasak kaa manna hai ki aap kisi ke mal ka rang dekh kar uski mansik istithi ka andaja laga sakta hai” I don’t know what was that but I was shocked after hearing it.

If Aamir khan was not associated with the movie, I am afraid people will not show much interest in it. Many people just went to the theater to watch it because Aamir is there.

NOTE: I am not making any comment on the technical side (like – direction/cinematography/editing etc).

Dabangg (movie review): It’s Fearless SALMAN

Everyone was waiting for this movie to hit theaters. Not only the Salman’s fan club but people of every age group were aware that something electrifying is going to release this Friday. From the day one, when the first trailer came out, it was clear that Salman is going to set the 70 mm screen on fire this time. Believe me he actually did.

It’s a total masala picture with every integrants required. Fight scenes, songs, dance, dialogues, comedy and Romance everything is present at a right proportion. I will try my best to describe them in sequence. Before that let’s have the story –

 Salman is a corrupt but fearless (Dabangg) police officer in lalgunj district of UP. He does not have a very good relationship with his step father (Vinod Khana) and half brother (Arbaaz Khan). He does not arrest criminals/thieves but beat them and took their money. He is not the one who is cleaning the society and protecting people. He only wants his needs to be fulfilled. One day he finds a girl, who brings romance in his life and he marries to her. Local youth leader Cheddi Singh (Sonu Sood) is after his life as Salman is the only police officer who is beating his men and takes away money from them. In the end Salman manages everything and we have a happy ending.

That’s on the story side; let’s have some light on the dramatic and awesome performance by Salman.

Fight Scenes – I will not say they are superb but yes they are presentable. You will enjoy seeing Salman breaking bones and he will keep doing it through out the movie. Introduction scene (inspired by Transporter movie) and the climax is the high light of the movie (it’s a surprise package for the audience). Moreover the climax scene where the screen turns red and salman hits Sonu Sood is awesome. The fight sequence on the railway station is also worth watching. The best part in the fight scene is the Jalwa (song) caller tune from one of the vilan’s phone (do notice it).

Songs – There are 4 songs in the movie and all are delight to ears. Need not to mention that Munni and Tere mast mast do naine are top on the charts.

Dance – I am searching those choreographers who once said that Salman is the worst dancer in the Industry. We watched him in “Wanted” and in Dabangg he breaks his own records. Watch him dancing in Munni and humka peeni hai and you will forget everyone. He is mind blowing in these two songs. Heads off to this dancer!!

Dialogues – Other strong point of the movie. Kamini se yaad aaya pandey ji aap ki biwi ab kaisi hai..

This will be repeated (with different situations) at least 4 times in the movie and all of them are awesome. You will be out of your seat after hearing them, Superb job done. The bonus is – Hum tum me itne cheid karenge ke ……

Comedy and Romance – Salman again proved that his timing in comedy is worth watching. He is looking cute and loveable while romancing with Rajo (Sonakshi).

Do not expect a meaning full cinema. Movie dose not have any thing new or unique to offer. But YES, it offers a true hero to the silver screen again – SALMAN KHAN.

Over all it’s a paisa vasool picture. Plan it with your friends or family. Try to watch it in group. It will multiply your entertainment. Leave everything this Friday and MUST WATCH IT!!!!

SALT (movie): One woman army !!!

SALT (movie): One woman army !!!

I just want to share my feeling after watching the movie SALT.

When the movie started its looks promising and the director (Phillip Noyce) keep that promise for next 30 minutes. YES, I said 30 minutes because after that you will realize that you are not in the theater just to watch Angelina Jolie. You are here to watch a movie which is supposed to be one among the most promising movie of the year. Also after watching movies like SPY GAME and THE BOURNE Series, you have more expectations from any other film made on such subjects. 

 For the first 30 minutes which includes the interview scene with the Russian man, after that the escape from the CIA office than, the chase on the road are Awesome. The best part is that the movie does not loose the story and move on a straight line. The escape and chase scene is for 20 minutes and they are worth watching. You will feel the tension and intensity. It’s not like most of the movie - once you escape from somewhere and you catch a BUS/TRAIN and than land up to a hotel and starts your investigation/search to find that person who set you up. (Though Angelina does it, but after the long chase).   

The action scenes which were performed by Angelina are delight to a fan. I must salute her for doing all these stunts in this age. If you just want to see Angelina than you must watch it.

The concept to train children in Russia and than move them to America and than make sure that they join some government job (with higher ranks) and than strike when asked, is really surprising. You will study, live, marry, work do everything in America and than one day asked to destroy it. But the bitterness in YOU is so strong that you will do it. Because you were sent here so many years ago so that you can strike when asked. You need to be in government jobs so that the impact will be worst. It will question any nations policy to have official in there team which are from other countries. 

Some scenes which will disappoint are – whatever things a spy needs to escape from a place are easily available at that place. Like ONE - when Angelina comes out to the road she finds a HAT seller there and she covers her head so that she can’t be indentified easily. TWO – when she enters the hotel she steal clothes from a laundry girl. THIRD – the climax scene where the room is made up of bulletproof glass and you can’t break it with your pistol and machine gun. But you can dig the wall of that room from the bullets (surprisingly NSA don’t make walls with steel rods and concrete). 

The only constructive scene I find is the escape scene where though she finds all the material to make a rocket launcher from the fire extinguisher. But at least in this scene she collected things and make something of it. But again how easily she came out from the CIA office is again surprising. 

At last I just want to say its good to see Angelina back in action and she again proved that she can still kill with her looks.