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Reviews
Saawariya (2007)
If you hate this world...Go into Sanjay's magical world and experience beauty and purity.
Before I start my review I would like to state a few things:
1) Saawariya was my most awaited film of the year. 2) I'm in love with Sonam Kapoor. 3) I loved all of Sanjay's past movies.
I had to state these three facts before writing my review. So if you think my review will be bias
please just don't read it.
Saawariya is a movie which makes you think. What does Saawariya really mean. Saawariya is a word used by Krishna. We all know Krishna's tale. In Saawariya Krishna's tale is told through Ranbir Raj's character. Firstly, I'd like to say that the film is slow paced. There is a lot of cheeky humor here and there. The visuals are magical. If you don't like fairy-tales then stay away from this movie. The film does not offer anything new when it comes to the storyline. The dialogues are good. There are a few phrases here and there that will definitely stay with you after viewing the film. This so called Hollywood project is pure bollywood. The dances, the romance, the dialogues, the background music, the I-see-a-girl-for-the-first-time-and-then-fall-in-love, it's all hear (100% bollywood). It's just the setting that changes the whole film around. Cinematography (Ravi K. Chandran) and art direction (Omung Kumar) can't get any better than this. In Sanjay's world we get to see blue and green throughout the whole film and it doesn't bore you. That's the look of the film and it's an eye-catching look. What doesn't click is the characterization. Salman and Sonam's character aren't well developed. I'm not saying that they didn't perform well. But if they had stronger characters I think they would of stood out more. While Ranbir and Rani's characters are well sketched and you instantly fall in love with them. As for the screenplay, it's very simple and clean and to the point. Boy see's a girl, falls in love with a girl, tries to win the girl's heart, girl loves someone else and is confused with the relationship she has with the boy. For a Sanjay Leela movie I would expect stronger screenplay, stronger scenes. There are many songs in the film but it doesn't affect the movie in a negative way. The songs actually elevate the movie just like back in the days where the songs played a very major role in films. Jab Se Tere Naina, Masha Allah, Yoon Shabnami and the title track are all well picturized. There aren't many side characters but if there was no Zhora Sehgal, there wouldn't be any light moments in the film. Zohra is witty and cute. She brings the jokes and laughter. Para Behgum is wasted. Salman Khan is very serious in this film. There isn't one scene in which he act's like Salman Khan. I didn't like his character and I'm still wondering why Sakina fell for Imaan. Rani is a delight to watch. She's controls the screen and shares great chemistry with Ranbir. Her character rocks. I hope she wins best supporting actress. She deserves it. Sonam as I said doesn't have the strongest character, but that doesn't take away from her performance. There is one scene where her aunt tells her the truth about Imaan and she ends up laughing it off. The way this young girl controls that scene is just amazing. One of the hardest scenes to perform and she does it with eaze. With that scene you can tell how obsessed her character is for Imaan and how deeply in love she is with Imaan. Good job Sonam, great debut. Now to the man who holds this movie together. If Ranbir didn't deliver in this film, Sanjay's film would have been in big trouble. Ranbir carries the film on his shoulder. He makes you laugh, he makes you cry. The man has shades of Rishi and shades or Raj Kapoor. The climax is all about Ranbir. He steals it. The way he puts his hand up and waves to Sonam reminds you of Raj Kapoor. What I loved the most about him is that he's trying to create his own style his own persona. He doesn't go all out and try to act like his father or mimic Raj Kapoor's style. Ranbir your here to stay. I think it's time to welcome the new superstar of tomorrow. Now coming to the captain of the ship, Mr. Bhansali doesn't give you a classic. He doesn't give you a masterpiece. He gives you a good movie that you will remember 5 or 10 years down the line. A simple movie, a fairy-tale that takes you beyond this world. If you don't like the world your living in, go to Sanjay's world, go watch this movie and for 2 hours you will be living in a magical place that's so beautiful and pure. Many people will not like it, many people will say it's OK, some people may think it's an instant classic. I say it's just a good movie that should only be seen on big screen. So go watch the film guys
OKAY-BYE.
7/10
Talk to Me (2007)
Talk To Me Petey....Over N Over Again
Petey will be talking to me a few more times this year...I will buy this movie and watch it many times...its inspiring, comedic, emotional, dramatic...basically its a movie that you can sit back and enjoy. It has all the elements a good movie needs. Don Cheadle is the man who carries the movie on this back. His spontaneous ways, his charm, his comedic timing, his voice-tone are all worth praising. I don't know much about the real Petey Greene but after watching this movie I know I wouldn't mind youtubing him up or googling him up. The Martin Luther King angle in the film is so well handled. You can feel the pain the city and the brothas n sistas felt during that period. Director Kasi has done a marvelous job handling this movie. She did her research and didn't try portraying Petey as an icon nor a god. The screenplay is excellent in this movie. Chiwetel also gives an good performance here. He has a meaty role and he sinks his teeth right into it. The man is very good in the dramatic, emotional scenes. Taranji is electrifying. I think she should get lead roles just like Halle Berry's and Hilary Swank's. I'm not comparing here, but with her talent I think Taranji deserves more. As for now she is really doing good in her smaller roles. Once again...this movie is off the hook...its black...but it doesn't have to be...it depends how you view the subject...but Petey's story should not be missed...so it don't matter what color you are...just go and see the damn movie man.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Will Smith deserves an Oscar Nomination for his uplifting and emotional performance
Set in 1981, Pursuit of Happiness is a movie about a father raising his young child at the most critical and toughest time of his life.Pursuit of Happiness is based on the life of a real-life man named Chris Gardner.Will Smith brings this man's real-life saga onto big screen. Will is amazing here. Oscar worthy performance
a nomination PLZ. The man iselectrifying in his emotional scenes. HE'S ALL EMO in this film
thats for sure
but you cheer and root for Will's character throughout the film. The movie is predictable definitely but you sit in your seat and even await these predictable incidents or moments to occur. The film is inspiring
it teaches you to rise even in situations that you believe have NO WAY OUT. People who have seen the film would understand what I mean. The scene where Will and his son are in the Subway Station Mens Bathroom is just heart-wrenching. Also the climax scene where Will sheds a tear after knowing that finally what he worked for has worked out for him. The movie does somewhat send the message that HAPPINESS COMES FROM WEALTH AND HAVING A DECENT JOB
BUT IT ALSO SHOWS THAT CHASE AFTER YOUR DREAMS EVEN IF OTHERS SAY THAT YOU WONT BE ABLE TO REACH THAT DREAM
JUST Don't LET YOUR DREAM OR HOPES GO. I was really moved and touched
and I know that many of you Bollywood fans would be too. The direction is decent. First-time director Gabrielle Muccino handles his actors very well
but sometimes his films slows down
sometimes the films seems like its not on a normal pace. THe cinematography and editing are both good. Jayden Smith is a natural
I think hes going to be the NEXT FRESH PRINCE hahahaha. Anyways, give this film a watch if your a Will Smith or if you believe that Will cant act
just watch this and get proved wrong. This is Will's best performance of his career (tops Ali BIGTIME).
8/10
The Power of One (1992)
Below My Expectations...
I expected a lot from this film but it just did not live up to my expectations. I remember Morgan Freeman once said that he was disappointed with the final cut. He was expecting much more because the screenplay/script was very strong. N one here gets the blame except for the director. He has a classic script in his hand but he goofed up. The movie gets tiring and boring at many stages. One wishes that there were more screen time for Freeman who shows that the lenght of the role does not matter. He had a terrific role and put in an nomination worthy performance. Gil Piet was my favorite character in this film so it was hard for me to see him exit the movie so far. I just wished that the director could have focused more on PK's childhood, because when the movie covers his adult years it slows down. Overall, it has some powerful scenes with good performances. But if there was a better director on board the movie would have turned out to be a classic.
Street Smart (1987)
Morgan Morgan Morgan...Ain't No One Like You
Freeman gives his most powerful performance here. I've seen almost all of Morgan's films but I think this is his most outstanding performance. Fast Black is one juicy character and Morgan brings life into it. Christopher Reeve, god bless his sole, is a pretty bad actor. I only seen him in his Superman roles, which I wasn't much a fan of. But here his character gets a lot of screen time and Reeve just can't live up to it. He makes the movie boring. Kathy Baker excels in her role. Mimi Rogers does her part well. The film has an amazing storyline here, but screenplay is 50/50. If Morgan had more scenes the movie would have been way better. Yes there are some really strong scenes, but all of them involved Freeman. The direction wasn't great, if this movie was handled by a better director it would of been memorable. Many people probably don't even know about this movie and that's a shame because Freeman's performance must be watched. Freeman's outburst scene where he puts a bottle up to Reeve's face and gives him a 20 second stare is WOW. And not to forget the scissor scene where he threatens to poke Kathy's eye out...MARVELLOUS. What disappoints me the most, regardless of the many flaws in direction, is that Freeman didn't have a last scene in the climax. In a movie where Morgan kept everyone in their seats, the director/screenwriter didn't hook him up with a proper climax scene. I was expecting something huge, but instead the ending was the same old same old. Overall, the movie is OK, but Freeman's performance is great.
My Wife's Murder (2005)
Give the man an award...
Director Jijy Philip impresses with his debut thriller. People who were expecting a suspense film would be disappointed. The makers from the start said that the film goes into Ravi's mind. It's more psychological then thrilling. It's great to see that movies like these are being made these days. No outdoor shootings, no actors dancing around trees, just simply good film-making and performances. Anil Kapoor is beyond great. He lives Ravi, he breathes Ravi. His facial expressions are amongst the best in Bollywood (Amitabh is good at this too). But this role was made for Anil and only Anil. The climax scene you get to see how great of an actor Anil is. He just shines in the climax, that will certainly bring tears in your eyes. The situation this character was in is just amazing, and that is due to the great screenplay and storyline. Editing and cinematography are ace, while background score is praise-worthy. Suchitra in her short role leaves an impact, while Nandana Sen lives up to her character. Boman shines in his well-written role. The film is gripping throughout, but it's the climax that should be talked about over and over again. I watched the climax scene about 5 times, I just can't get enough of Anil's performance. I would rate this as his second best performance in his career. Eeshwar being first, My Wife's Murder being second, and Pukar being third. Two people who deserve awards are Jijy Philip and Anil Kapoor, if these two go empty handed this year it would be really sad.
Arjun Pandit (1976)
Mukherjee's Most Underrated Film...
This movie is amazing from start to end. It's mainly about relationships. Sajneev Kumar gives an award winning performance in this flick as Arjun Pandit. While Ashok Kumar supports him magnificently. The movie also stars Vinod Mehra who suits his role very well. The film needs to be watched at least once...I don't think many people have viewed this film yet. Its not on DVD, but do look for it at on VHS. The chemistry between Sanjeev and Ashok Kumar is what makes the film worth watching. The storyline is good, while the editing is crisp. This movie will make you cry in some parts because that's how good of an actor Sanjeev is and thats how good of a director Hrishikesh is.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Million Dollar Baby = Classic
When Clint directed Mystic River, I was amazed. When Clint directs Mystic River, he leaves me stunned for life. The movie which everyone must of thought is another Rocky movie, is not much about boxing, but about Life and Relationships. Clint reaches for your hear this time around. His direction is just tremendous. I know his Oscar is awaiting. Acting-wise I think this was Clint's best performance. He rips the screen apart in every scene. He can be very humorous at times, and then he can be the total opposite, "Stubborn-Old-Man". His plays his role with ease. While best supporting actor award should be reserved for Morgan, cause damn he surely deserves it. He voice, his voice, his voice.There is absolutely no actor like him. He's just too natural. The show -stealer Hilary Swank gives a top notch performance. I know she worked day and night for this role to get in shape and learn boxing, but her role demanded way more than a few punches here n there, and she delivered. And boy did she deliver a "knock-out" performance. Screenplay by Paul Haggis is amazing. Editing is crisp. Its a pure classic. A Movie that will make you think for days and days.
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Hotel Rwanda Is FLAWLESS
I consider this film my most favourite film of all time now. Terry George is magnificent. His direction is amazing. Give the award to this man cause he surely amazes you. This film can change your life, if not change, it will affect/impact your life. It's something that should have been made in the 1990's. Thank You George for bringing us such a film. Don Cheadle should get best actor for this film. I haven't seen an actor like Denzel even give a greater performance than what Cheadle has done in this film. Cheadle rocks in every scene. Sophia is amazing as Cheadle's wife, so natural. While Pheonix is OK, doesn't get a meaty role here. Nick Nolte is good too, in a well written role. The screenplay is outstanding. The Editing is sharp. This movie is FLAWLESS. Mark my words. This film will shock you. It's very emotional at times, so if you going to go see it, make sure to take tissues. Everyone in the theatre was crying in many scenes. This film is POWERFUL. It will knock you off your feet. It gives you outstanding performances, amazing screenplay, off the hook direction, crisp editing, astonishing cinetography.
Ray (2004)
Jamie carries the film on his back...
Ray lies on the great performance of Jamie Fox. Fox lives Ray. He talks Ray. He walks Ray. His emotions all Ray, his expressions all Ray. Not in one scene did Jamie loose touch of his Ray act. Jamie surprises me with his best performance till date. Oscar worthy? Yes. But right now lets wish that he gets nominated, cause he certainly deserves a nomination no doubt. The movie lacks in many departments. When it comes Acting, everyone delivers. Kerry Washington is at her best, Regina King is outstanding, Tate gets wasted though. The movie focuses on the other characters too much and that leads too wastage of time (ex: The ring announcer who introduces Ray at his concerts). The movie is at least 2:45 minutes. Which is just too long. The film does cover many incidents that happens to Charles during his life time. Director does a good job on the little details and symbolisms in the film. The good thing here is the movie isn't by any chance trying to state that Charles was god or the greatest of all time. They go deep into his life to cover all the negative incidents that took place and all the negative things he has done. This film is much better than Ali for sure. There are scenes that will always be remember no doubt. If your a fan of Charles or Jamie, watch this film for sure. Charles fans will get to learn so much about Ray from this film. Things that they probably never even knew. And Jamie fans should watch it for his Oscar nomination worthy performance. Overall, the film does drag in parts and should of been cut down on the editing table but it also unleashes an actor (Jamie) with so much talent that was hidden for such a long time.
Ray (2004)
Jamie carries the film on his back...
Ray lies on the great performance of Jamie Fox. Fox lives Ray. He talks Ray. He walks Ray. His emotions all Ray, his expressions all Ray. Not in one scene did Jamie loose touch of his Ray act. Jamie surprises me with his best performance till date. Oscar worthy? Yes. But right now lets wish that he gets nominated, cause he certainly deserves a nomination no doubt. The movie lacks in many departments. When it comes Acting, everyone delivers. Kerry Washington is at her best, Regina King is outstanding, Tate gets wasted though. The movie focuses on the other characters too much and that leads too wastage of time (ex: The ring announcer who introduces Ray at his concerts). The movie is at least 2:45 minutes. Which is just too long. The film does cover many incidents that happens to Charles during his life time. Director does a good job on the little details and symbolisms in the film. The good thing here is the movie isn't by any chance trying to state that Charles was god or the greatest of all time. They go deep into his life to cover all the negative incidents that took place and all the negative things he has done. This film is much better than Ali for sure. There are scenes that will always be remember no doubt. If your a fan of Charles or Jamie, watch this film for sure. Charles fans will get to learn so much about Ray from this film. Things that they probably never even knew. And Jamie fans should watch it for his Oscar nomination worthy performance. Overall, the film does drag in parts and should of been cut down on the editing table but it also unleashes an actor (Jamie) with so much talent that was hidden for such a long time.