Sleuth'

Plot Outline:
Remake of a 1972 film of the same title, written by Anthony Shaffer that was incidentally also later turned into a play. It's the story of two people.

On the one hand we have an aging writer (Michael Caine) who matches wits with the other who is a struggling actor (Jude Law) who has stolen his wife's heart and comes to him requesting him to divorce her.

Overall Impressions:
Having not seen the original (which is in IMDB's top 250 list), no comparisons are going to be made, except perhaps that since Michael Caine was in the original & has now reversed his role, he looks older. Now since that's done with onto the film.

I like short sweet films that're under 90 minutes, it gives me a preconceived hope that they knew from the very outset what the progressive structure of the film would be & haven't wasted time making up lethargic situations so that they can get from A to B. This film throws this concept out of the window. Why? because getting from A to B could have been a 10, maybe 20 minute journey. I don't mean it would make an interesting short film. What I mean is, this film entirely focusses on that verbose tension between point A and B. It's strength lies within it.

Considering there were only 2 people in the frame for pretty much it's entire duration, it was strangely gripping, the first hour just flew by, just like that. Even the very end was impressive, but that 30 odd minutes before the climax was a bit of a strain on the patience, which is a shame since it had pulled it off upto this point so well. I think partly this is due to the character in charge of the scene. Without giving anything away, I felt I understood the climax, but didn't understand the pre-climax, I'd go to the extent to say nor did they.

The performances were as expected of the cast, nothing spectacular, but they pulled it off. What was interesting & allowed them to oull it off was the situation & the dialogue. At points it did get a bit full of itself with its intelligent vocabulary, but hey, the guy was a writer, there we go, explained, forgiven.

Hitman'

Plot Outline:
A gun-for-hire known only as Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant) is ensnared in a political conspiracy, which finds him pursued by both Interpol and the Russian FSB (The successor of the KGB).When one of his assassinations is botched, 47 sets out to find out who set him up. Along the way he encounters numerous other hitmen assigned to take him out.

Overall Impressions:
Being a fan of films about assasins, it seems a little strange that I've never played the games that this film is based on, alas it is the truth & so I have no comparisons to make and am simple perceiving this as the film that it is. A film that appeared by most of the news surrounding it (and to an extent the trailer) to be a horrid mess.

As a pleasant surprise it's not. The concept is pretty simple and even so there are loopholes almost as large as me, but even factoring these in, there is no denying that it holds up as an above average entertainer. The character is ultra-cool and Timothy Olyphant does a good job of keeping it that way. A lot of people I know have been telling me he doesn't look the part, but this for me was a non-issue. Whether it be that I didn't know the character well enough to judge is another story.

Another surprise was that in a film centred upon the main lead role of Agent 47, a couple of others also leave an impact too. Firstly, (Dougray Scott) the interpol agent who has been tracking Agent 47 for years now. He is like the one agent who tracked the Incredible Hulk in the TV Series, totoally a believer and he knows how the man thinks, only ever one step behind. I think there was much scope for developing this aspect further. Secondly the character of Olga Kurylenko, in honesty this was one of my main concerns surrounding this flick originally: the potential 'love interest'. By my books, assasins and love interests don't mix. I'm glad to report this factor has been handled neatly. There is chemistry there but it's only pursued subtly, it happens to also add a dry humour about the flick.

The action is as expected pretty fast-paced, there were even occasions where they blatantly prioritised the 'looking cool' over logically choosing an optimal fighting strategy, but I totally approve. It kept things interesting & looking cool. I guess this is where the 'game' factor also comes in. Though I'm not certain, I imagine that in the games too you would have this option of choosing an optimal, discreet way of handling certain situations or alternatively going in guns blazing, just for fun.

One standout sore-point would definitely have to be dialogue. Not all through -- just at certain points the dialogue just went into retard-mode. The sort of dialogue that made you wonder if the film was based on that text-based game Zork rather than a modern day game about Assasins.

August Rush'

Plot Outline:
Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell) is a brilliant cellist who has just finished performing a concert in New York City. Lyla goes out on the town with her girlfriend and ends up isolated at a party near New Yorks Washington Square. This is where she meets Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) an Irish guitar player. They share the love of music and end up truly falling in love together that night.

Lyla promised to meet Louis again but her father forces her not to. They are like two ships that pass in the night, never to see each other again, except for the fact that Lyla is now pregnant with a child. Sadly, Lyla is in a car accident and the unborn child is lost.

August Rush (Freddie Highmore) is that lost child, born with the gift to hear music in all things around him. A music that he believes will bring his parents together to him. This is the story of his journey. His journey from an adoption home, leading him to the city & the very place that this all began.

Overall Impressions:
I know a bunch of people that won't watch a film unless they have a vague idea what it's all about. Sometimes that approach means you really miss out. I knew nothing about this except Keri Russell was in it. The lovely waitress that makes a pie for every occasion.

From the very first scene which starts with the boy, feeling the notes in the air as he hears the wind, I was totally dragged into this, as the plot develops, we learn about how the present situation has come about in a number of flashbacks and this works spectacularly well for the narrative.

It's like a number of different aspects of the story that lead to one specific ending & I really liked that. It reminds me of how people are brought together from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life, everyday under some strange coincidence, but sometimes that collision means something more.

The music throughout matched the mood too, which is obviously more crucial when it's a film about music & musicians. What surprising was also how good the kid was, he wasn't annoying, I mean really what are the odds?

Beowulf 3D'

About the film:
Beowulf is based on an Old English heroic epic poem of anonymous authorship. Its creation dates to between the 8th and the 11th century, the only surviving manuscript dating to circa 1010. At 3183 lines, it is notable for its length. It has risen to national epic status in England.

In the poem, Beowulf (Ray Winstone) a hero of the Geats, battles three antagonists: Grendel, the monster who is attacking the Danish mead hall called Heorot and its inhabitants; Grendel's mother; and some years later in life, an unnamed dragon.The film makes some creative changes but is in essence the same plot. Hero comes to rescue town & fights some monsters.

Created through motion capture, a technique similar to that used by Zemeckis previously in The Polar Express (which I haven't seen). So as you can tell by the poster, it looks interesting visually. I was intrigued and so I went along to see it.

Overall Impressions:
Firstly I should say the 3D stuff, as gimicky as it is worked well, very well. Thinking back I can't imagine this in 2D, so much of it would go wasted in 2D it seems, that said I'm not going back to see how it compares. No way. As you all probably know by now, this whole fantasy, dragons, monsters & lark is just not very me. Even that isn't the reason that I wouldn't watch this again -- the reason is the words I uttered to my friend just as the end credits rolled: "Oh, dear".

The whole motion capture thing was pretty cool for the first few minutes. Afterwards, I wouldn't say the novelty wore off but I guess you get used to it and start seeing the characters for the characters rather than the effects -- which is good. That said all through the film I found myself chuckling for the wrong reasons, it just felt lost in itself, trying to be 300 or some other epic hero, rather than its own individual self. The only saving graces were the amazing visuals & Ray Winstone saying "Monster" in his cockney accent.

Dhan Dhana Dhan .. Goal'

Plot Outline:
Southall United Football Club is facing its deepest crisis ever. Bankrupt, with no stars, no coach, no sponsors, no takers, no spectators and most importantly no owner. After the city council sends an eviction notice, it’s the last chance to save the ground, the club and their honor. Now, Southall United must win the Combined Counties Football League in their otherwise last season. One man's dream takes the team on a remarkable journey in this football-themed drama. Shaan (Arshad Warsi) takes up the challenge to save the club from extinction. After a disesteemed ex-player, Tony Singh (Boman Irani) joins them as the coach, in spite of the being sniggered, and laughed at, he and Shaan, work to gather the worn out team. Its hard work as they approach their first game.

Enter Sunny Bhasin (John Abraham). He dreams to play for an England team, but when his club does not select him, his dream shatters. Sunny himself had always laughed at his own community and Southall United. Sunny and Shaan could not ever see eye to eye, but things are about to change.

Overall Impressions:
It seems sports is in fashion this year when it comes to the Bollywood world, In April we had Ta Ra Rum Pum (Car Racing), June we had Apne (Boxing), Chak De! India (Hockey) and now Dhan Dhana Dhan .. Goal. So how does it hold up?

For most of the main cast I'd say these roles were a strange casting decision, but they all fortunately exceeded my expectations of them. So tick off the box for performances as they were all spot on, in fact I should say they've all excelled. The music was passible, none stood out as repeat value except ofcourse the anthem of the team (also used in the trailer for the film). Since the USP of the film is Sport, I personally would have skipped out the other 2 songs entirely, but it's a minor thing that I'm willing to forgive.

What I can not forgive is the half-baked script. I'll elaborate on the term "half-baked": When a flour & yeast based recipe is removed from the overn & served, before it is done rising to it's true potential. This is precisely the sentiment I have for the film. Reasons? Well, since you ask so nicely.. :) the ingredients are all there. We have the team rivalry, the coach trying to redeem himself, the team outcast, racism issues, the father figure, the evil council trying to take the grounds away thus raising the stakes. What they've done here is shook it all up & gone ahead with it. It feels like a bit of shuffling of scenes, justification and a bit more care with individual scenes ensuring they don't appear forcefully placed really could have helped this turn out a lot lot better.

Spoiler alert: One example: the father son relationship with Sunny, even the introduction to this was coincidental, he bumps into his father in a shop of all places, refreshing to see I suppose --sure we can forgive, but skipping the details & jumping right to the end. We're informed that the father has had issues with football since the incident and hadn't been involved with matches for over a decade & now all of a sudden he's in the crowd? and on TV? Why? Unforgivable.

This isn't the only such example, there are numerous co-incidences that just go beyond the realm of believable, which is okay if it was a brain-dead action or comedy film, I mean I'm all for cinematic liberties but we give that to the overall result & the matches of a sports film surely, adding it to every other aspect of the story just makes cheering on the team a difficult task. The actors help, but there's only so much they can do.

Good Luck Chuck'

Plot Outline:
Based on a ahort story by Steve Glenn, it's the story of a young man named Charlie Logan a.k.a Luck Charm Chuck (Dane Cook), as a young child, a woman scorned left him with a curse. Love shall rain all around him but will never be his. Since the curse as made him wildly popular with single women: "Sleep with Charlie once, and the next man you meet will be your true love", little did he know how true this was, until he finds the one he wants to keep (Jessica Alba).

Overall Impressions:
It's a silly little film just as the synopsis suggests. The thing with silly little films is they need to entertain. This one does but only in parts. It has the feel of something like Super Bad or Knocked Up, but frankly lacks the laugh a minute punch that's really needed for it to work (the mentioned are far superior films). Don't get me wrong, it has a number of moments, but some parts are just plain weird, (even for me) and so, as a whole it's just not upto the bar that it's trying to reach.

Stardust'

Plot Outline:
Based on a novel by Neil Gaiman it's the story of a young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox) trying to win the heart of Victoria (Sienna Miller), by going on a quest to retrieve a fallen star to prove his love. His journey takes him to a mysterious and forbidden land beyond the walls of his village. On his odyssey, Tristan finds the star, which has transformed into a striking girl named Yvaine (Claire Danes). However, Tristan is not the only one seeking the star.

Lord Stormhold's (Peter O'Toole) three living sons (and the gosts of the dead ones), and an the evil witch Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer) too seek the star, each for their own reasons. As Tristan battles to survive these threats he encounters new friends Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro) and his crew and new foe (above mentioned + more). Somewhere along the way, his quest changes to now win the heart of the star for himself, as he discovers the meaning of true love.

Overall Impressions:
Well, the whole fantasy world thing doesn't appeal to me all that much, that said once in a while I'll find one I feel the urge to go see & enjoy, the last one was funnily enough about a year ago -- Pan's Labyrinth. Since then I haven't come across any that I felt I 'must' watch, Stardust inclusive. The only reason I went to go see it was that I had heard good things, plus it was conveniently showing soon after a meal I had with a friend this saturday afternoon.

Now that I've seen it, I'll say it's a 'nice' film. One of the cosy films I could see myself watching when it's raining out with a cup of cocoa. Still no patch on PL but even so it falls under the better fantasy films I've seen. It has all the ingredients of a romantic fantasy flick requires and it holds together pretty well.

The only negative I could attach to it is perhaps that it doesn't go any further beyond the expected. Now I might just be fussy here, but looking back at it, you can almost see the number of checkboxes being ticked off. Characters: Evil Witches, Pirates, Competition to Royal Heritage, Boy, Damsel in Distress, Spare Girl for Boy to think he loves before he meets DID ... Storylines: Getting to the Star, Character Developing, Learning about True Love, Freeing Mother, Defeating Witch .. I'll stop before I fill this with spoilers -- you get the idea. The Robert De Niro track was pleasant & the ghosts integrated into the background too was a good touch, otherwise, a bit same same.

After Hairspray, it's yet again great to see Michelle Pfieffer on screen -- she's still got it :), Charlie Cox as Tristan was plain okay, he kinda almost got on my nerves, but thankfully Clare Danes was there to divert my attention in most scenes & she and her 'glowing' personality is what I think I took away with me.

Planet Terror'

Plot Outline:
After an experimental bio-nerve gas is accidentally released at a remote U.S. military base in Texas, those exposed to the gas turn into flesh-eating, mutating zombies. An assortment of various people including a stripper Cherry (Rose McGowan), her shady mechanic ex-boyfriend Wray (Freddy Rodriguez), a strong-willed doctor, the local sheriff, and a whole bunch of local misfits must join forces to survive the night as the infected threaten to take over the whole town or worse -- the planet.

Overall Impressions:
As everybody I know had suggested, this was a notch above the other Grindhouse film (Death Proof). I enjoyed the trailor for Machete too, but that's the only 'one' trailer we got. The plot is just as silly as it sounds, but it's good fun to watch. In contrast to Death Proof, what certainly worked for this is they don't waste any time & get straight on with the story. Enter the zombies, it gets worse, and worse, to the point you didn't think they could go. (When you see Quentin's last scene you'll know what I mean).

The mayhem that this film is reflects quite easily by the sheriff in the lines: "Don't shoot yourself. Don't shoot each other. And especially...*pause* Don't shoot me." It gets gutsy gorey, but not in a sick twisted way like Hostel, or Saw, or those types of horrors, this one goes back to Rodriguez old-skool. Its more reminiscent of films like From Dusk Til Dawn.

Om Shanti Om'

Plot Outline:
This is the story of 'Om' (Shah Rukh Khan) and 'Shanti' (Deepika Padukone). He was a junior artist (an extra) in the 70's. She was the Superstar of the 70's. He was her biggest fan. He was madly in love, then they die. ...and then started the saga of 'Om Shanti Om'. For some love stories one lifetime is not enough.

Some 30 years after the death of Om Prakash Makhija, we meet Om Kapoor in 2007. The same face, the same name, the same person. As his previous life starts returning to his memory, he must face how he died & what he died for, resulting in a vendetta to seek out the murderer and bring him to justice.

Review:
From the very first introduction, where we meet Om as an extra in the crowd dreaming away that he was Monty (Rishi Kapoor) singing Om Shanti Om in the 70's classic Karz, Om becomes the character you will relate to for the next 3 hours or 30 years whichever way you see it. As soon as I saw this impressive introduction, I though, boy they're in trouble if they don't keep this level of comedy up, fortunately they did. In fact they surpassed it. What follows is on one hand a mockery of the star system that film industries have, yet on the other hand it's such a laugh-a-thon it seems strange that nobody has taken it to this extent before.

The whole first half is pretty much a total golden comedy. You are gripped by the witty dialogue to such an extent that the subtle underlying seeds that buildup to the events that will reflect in the latter half are seeded without your noticing. The award ceremony on the street is a good example of this. The attempt at a south-indian film will be loved by all, kids will be sure to pickup lines from this film "Mind it. Raaskalo" and "Atti Katti Patti" are sure to be heard in the streets for the following weeks for sure.

As the interval point comes so fast, you are given a jolting shock, even if you knew the story as most of the crowd did, the way it is executed raises a chill down your spine. The latter half doesn't waste time. There is no re-introducing Om Kapoor in depth. It just gets on with it, if I was seeking a flaw this would be it. The entire re-incarnation track is somewhat secondary. I'll comment very little on it as that's the more predictable part of the film. This could have done with some more detail, but if I'm honest I don't think this was their highest priority when they set out to make this.

What comes as a pleasant surprise is what they have focussed on - The film industry. The level of effort put into incorporating the industry as a whole is perfect. I'm not even talking about the 31 track song that's had so much hype around it. I'm talking about the details: how surnames matter if you're out there trying to become a star, a Kapoor or a Khan is more likely to make it, the award ceremonies and their own politics, the trade-marked gestures that can make a star, the way one actor can try to take over the story and direction of an entire film, the way some conniving producers make their profits, the way a married star loses market value, the way ideas are stolen, the way one actor can be nominated for multiple awards for what seems like almost the very same film, it's all in there. The whole film is taking real examples of things we've seen & known about the film industry and making it an enjoyable experience.

So you may be thinking, it's all about the in-jokes and what's it like for an outsider? Someone who knows little to nothing of the Bollywood industry?
Well, I'd say it still holds up as a terrific comedy entertainer, you don't need to know each actor who happens to be playing themselves in the film to know their role. It's made pretty obvious who is playing who in the film, which is what matters.

Music:
Ajab Si begins the story as 'boy meets girl'. It seems to have been cut short and blends soon into Dhoom Taana which progresses the story of the superstar and the extra working together, so close yet so far. What is fantastic about this whole montage is the usage of original 70's footage blended in with the actors. The visual effects deserve special mention here for being so utterly convincing. Seeing young 70's stars in their prime, interacting with a starlet from today is a visual treat. It's sure to start a trend for sure. Naturally they've incorporated dream sequences where the hero is replaced by Om such that the on-screen pair get to bust a groove together in nostalgic 70's fashion.

Main Agar Kahoon progresses the relationship that has now developed between Om and Shanti, It shows you around the sets, while showing you how much he loves her, through the efforts he puts into this date & the poetry surrounding it. All the above said songs have a sound that is in synch with the theme and they're certainly a treat. When Om learns that his love is one-sided his world falls apart with Jag Soona Soona Laage. It's a required song that fits the mood but probably is seen as the weakest on the soundtrack if one had to be picked, bringing us nicely to the intermission point.

Since they're spoofing the film industry throughout the film, Dard-e-Disco mimics the item number variety of song, there's no real need for it as far as plot is concerned, but it's there & will be the one the girls will take home with them. This type of song is usually a glamour quotient picturised on some stunning woman. Here they've turned it around and made SRK the centre piece. Showing off his new found six-pack abs, it's the chartbuster song that has had all the media hype around it.

The post Filmfare award ceremony song 'Deewanagi' boasting of 31 movie stars in one song and reminiscing the 'John Jani Janardan' track from the timeless classic 'Naseeb', is the one that stands as seeming too long. After the first few wow's and whistles from the crowd, the novelty does fizz away a little. Though it's a spectacular song, arguably the best on the whole soundtrack, it could have been more of an impact if shortened. If I recall correctly, even in the song from Naseeb, they chose to have this star-studded entrance to begin and swiftly moved onto the principal character of the waiter (played by Big B), something of this sort could have worked better, but then this would have been in line with the post-award party theme. The song will still be a sure crowd pleaser none-the-less, by this stage in the film, after much melancholy, a thumping cheerful song is just what was needed to rejuvinate the crowd's spirits before reacquainting themselves with the villain..

The final pre-climax song Dastan-e-Om-Shanti is my personal favourite, in essence it replays the whole story for the one man that hadn't seen the larger picture. If you listen to the song, in essence it covers the entire film. In the screenplay it's been nicely integrated with the making of a film called 'Om Shanti Om' thus allowing the viewer to relive the issues in a short pungent five minute track, visually as well as the sound of this song is very theatrical, it oozes grandeur and importance.

Performances:
Deepika Padukole looks stunning and seems extremely confident with herself. She does a great job for a first-timer, you really wouldn't think it's her first film. That said, the scope of her character doesn't allow her any extreme strain, so we'll keep an eye out for her future films before beginning to have any huge expectations from her.

Arjun Rampal as the vilain of the film, is a complete surprise. This guy has totally turned around his playboy image into quite something else. If I'm honest I had my concerns about how his character would play out after a 30 year gap, but the actor and the make-up guys deserve a pat on the back there, they nailed it. It would have been a little disturbing seeing an old frail man, who looks as though he's on his deathbed, getting a can of whoop-ass. Could have been funny though :)

Shreyas Talpade is probably the one sensible character in the whole film, in both halves he leaves an impact, which is quite something bearing in mind he's a 'junior artist' sharing space with the biggest star of this era. Kirron Kher as the melodramatic mother couldn't have been any more melodramatic.

Shah Rukh Khan -- It's fair to say that the film totally belongs to him. (After all he is the producer ..lol). He returns to the popcorn flick genre with a bang. Whether it be the simpleton Om Prakash of the 70's or arrogant Om Kapoor of today, this man makes it look easy. Comparing it to Chak De! would just be inappropriate due to the huge difference in style, but it has to be said seeing him manage both sides of the scale in a span of months is a simply a reminder to all that he has earnt his stature & he's here to stay.

Overall Impressions:
I could break this film into 2 parts, one part is about the film industry of India, the other about re-incarnation. What comes through as stronger of the two is the highest budget spoofing of the industry that I've ever seen. To say nothing of this magnitude has been done before would be an under statement. The re-incarnation track though functional seemed to be more a tool to make the film about the industry span into the current years. To be honest I was slightly disappointed by this as I've yet to find a film on re-incarnation that I feel justifies me giving it full marks. I was hoping that would be this one. What they've done here is give me something else entirely. That said, I can't complain for what we are served is in itself quite an impressive package.

Though not the film I was expecting, it still holds as the "MUST SEE" Bollywood film of the year.

Lookout, The

Plot Outline:
An admired high school hockey player (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) foolishly takes a drive in the night with his girlfriend and two others with his headlights off with devastating results. Left with a brain injury that prevents him from remembering many things for extended periods of time, he compensates by keeping notes in a small notebook to aid him with his routine.

Obviously, with the mental incapacitation, he is unable to have a meaningful job. He works by night as a cleaner in a bank. A blast from his past (Matthew Goode) re-befriends him and gets him involved with a young woman (Isla Fisher). Only after they all get close do their true intentions unfold.

Overall Impressions:
Once in a while you get a film enter the horizon that manages to surprise you. This one fits the bill. It's an interesting little flick, leaving you wondering what's going on & how it will pan out while watching it. Thankfully it doesn't leave you disappointed with the result either.

It kinda reminded me of Memento and The Score in it's story but the way it's been handled is novel, it also maintains a sense of mystery after the show is over. Being a pretty small-time film, it may not be one you 'look out' for, but one you'll enjoy if & when you do catch it.

Rendition

Plot Outline:
When an Egyptian terrorism suspect (Omar Metwally) "disappears" on a flight from Africa to Washington DC, his American wife (Reese Witherspoon) and a CIA analyst (Jake Gyllenhaal) find themselves caught up in a struggle to secure his release from a secret detention facility somewhere outside the US.

Overall Impressions:
Simply put, it's not bad, but I went in expecting far more than I got. I came out feeling somewhat unfulfilled. As per numerous reviews I have read, there are some nice surprises, backed by some great performances, showing that a freshness in the industry is still there, when they put in the effort, but all great intent & jazz put aside, on the grand scale of things I saw it as rather a pointless film. The subject just didn't click with me. The big bad government can make people disappear. Whoopee-doo. The enemies are strong and well organised, they even blow stuff up, yawn. Sometimes people get stuck in the middle, okay, got it, seems logical. Oh that's it.

A: So you must've heard SRK turned 42 today..
B: Isn't that the supposed answer to life, the universe, and everything else?
C: What .. 42?
A: Nope, he meant SRK ... and he's right!
B: I'm always right!