Movie Reviews 23
The LORD Of The RINGS (2001-2003).
(Platinum Series Special Extended Edition).
Runtime.
11 hrs 30 mins.
Starring.
Elijah Wood
Sean Astin
Viggo Mortensen
Orlando Bloom
Ian McKellen
John Rhys-Davies
Sean Bean
Billy Boyd
Dominic Monaghan
Ian Holm
Liv Tyler
Hugo Weaving
Cate Blanchett
Christopher Lee
Miranda Otto
David Wenham
Karl Urban
Bernard Hill
Andy Serkis.
Written By.
Fran Walsh
Philippa Boyens
Peter Jackson.
Music Composed By.
Howard Shore.
Directed By.
Peter Jackson.
The Greatest Fantasy Film of all time... The highest grossing motion picture trilogy worldwide of all time (~ $ 3 Billion)... Winner of 17 Academy Awards (a record for any movie trilogy)... The Lord of the Rings is, indeed, the lord of all movies... a crowning achievement in epic film-making... The Greatest Movie Ever Made.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is actually a one giant movie (theatrical version - 9 hrs long, extended version - nearly 12 hrs) which was shot at once & later edited into 3 separate parts n released over a span of 3 yrs. The 3 separate parts are... The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers & The Return of the King. The Lord of the Rings motion picture trilogy is adapted from the novel of the same name by J.R.R.Tolkien which also was released in 3 parts named just like the movie is. Today, regarded as one of the most finely tuned n cinematically perfect films ever made, not only by moviegoers but critics as well. This is the Movie of a Lifetime.
Peter Jackson directed a film that was considered, for a very long time, impossible to make, n not only for technical reasons. The narrative roots are incredibly long n detailed, n the storyline is deeply connected with the creation of a fantastic continent from a time unknown called 'Middle Earth'. Peter Jackson went out to achieve the impossible & came out with a recreation of the original tht is pure n true to the story in every detail. He has given a film for which he'll be remembered for a long long time. He showed everyone tht he is a man with a sweeping cinematic vision. Being a fan of LOTR novels himself, he knew exactly how to make this project big n he didnt disappoint. Instead, he exceeded all expectations. The Fellowship of the Ring was a faithful adaptation of the novel by him, The Two Towers, which was the hardest part to make according to him, coz of no proper start or end, but still.. he managed to do a hell of a great job. But, he saved his best for… The Return of the King. The last part showed what a great storyteller he is. His vision, imagination, presentation & the breathtaking amount of detail with which he showed this story is no less than perfection. Nobody could've made The Lord of the Rings as great as it deserved to be other than Peter Jackson.
The Academy Award winning music of the The Lord of the Rings film trilogy was composed, orchestrated, conducted n produced by Howard Shore. It is today, the most successful composition of Shore's career n is one of the most popular orchestral film scores of all time. Just like the film, the music too is... A Masterpiece. The music gets better n better as we move from The Fellowship of the Ring to The Two Towers & finally to The Return of the King... n so was the trend of the movies. The score has contributed a lot to the scenes n presenting Middle-Earth on the big screen. Easily one of my all time fav soundtracks .
The cast is simply stunning. You couldn't have asked for a better cast. Every actor has done justice to his/her role. Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins was simply fabulous n he gets better n more mature as the story goes on. Infact, a slight error in The Return of the King would've ruined everything, but he carried this character flawlessly. Sean Astin gives a stunning supporting role as Samwise Gamgee which gets better n better with each instalment. Ian McKellen brings his experience n gives an Oscar nominated Supporting role as Gandalf. Viggo Mortensen was another lead actor in the film, playing Aragorn.. the heir of Kings n he didnt disappoint. Orlando Bloom has always done great as a supporting cast, be it Pirates of the Caribbean, Troy etc. But, the surprise package here was... Andy Serkis portrayal of the character Gollum/Smeagol. It was simply the most amazing performance in the whole trilogy. Andy Serkis gave it everything he could. Even though the character was CGI (computer generated imagery) but Andy Serkis provides such brilliant emotions to it tht it left me amazed. Gollum is profoundly disturbing, amusing, almost lovable all coz of Serkis. And after watching the making of The Lord of the Rings, I appreciate Andy Serkis work even more. Andy Serkis has made Gollum one of the most memorable characters, all by his brilliant performance.
The Visual Effects in this epic is far beyond any comparisons. The perfection in the special effects area achieved by this movie is yet to be surpassed. Peter Jackson has used the visual effects to the maximum amount but still well controlled. Visually stunning n amazingly well done camerawork makes this film, a complete visual treat. Every part was filmed with extreme care to the details tht the books actually deserved. This film has set a new standard for visual effects, which will not be easy to surpass sooner, if not ever. Middle-Earth comes alive... in breathtaking detail, thanks to the Visual Effects n classic Cinematography.
The Lord of the Rings is set in a fictional world of Middle Earth, its 3 parts follow the young Hobbit Frodo Baggins as he & a Fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring, thus ensuring the destruction of its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron.
The Fellowship of the Ring is the most faithful adaptation of the 3 parts. It shows the formation of the Fellowship n the beginning of the quest. Frodo n his 3 Hobbit friends Merry (Dominic Monaghan), Pippin (Billy Boyd) n Samwise (Sean Astin) are joined by the great wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Legolas the elf (Orlando Bloom), Gimli the dwarf (John Rhys-Davies), Aragorn the heir of Kings (Viggo Mortensen) n the brave warrior Boromir (Sean Bean). The movie ends with the breaking of the Fellowship.
The Two Towers starts where The Fellowship of the Ring ended. It follows three separate storylines... one of Frodo n Sam, on their path to destroy the One Ring, guided by Gollum/Smeagol (Andy Serkis), other of Merry n Pippin, n the final one of Aragorn, Gimli n Legolas who are now aided by more allies. No doubt, the movie, though not completely faithful to the book like the 1st part, is better than The Fellowship of the Ring. The acting, the visual effects, the music etc, it just gets better. Best part in the film is the end... The Battle of Helm's Deep.
The Return of the King is the final chapter n easily, the best of the three. Its even better than 1st n 2nd parts combined. The direction, the performances, the action, the cinematography, the visual effects, the musical score... everything... is at its peak here. Since it is the climax n resolution of the epic journey, it has a little more intensity n urgency than the previous installments. The Beginning, Minas Tirith, Lighting of Beacons, The Battle of Pelennor Fields, Shelob's Liar, the Final Battle, Ring taking over Frodo in the end & the end of all things... are some scenes to watch out for. Truly a masterpiece. Its the final chapter tht makes this trilogy, the greatest ever.
You dont have to be a fan of The Lord of the Rings novel or Fantasy genre to determine the greatness of this epic... you will still find it gripping even if you have no idea about Elves, Dwarves, Wizards, Orcs, Nazguls etc ... Infact, this is the only film in the fantasy genre tht I admire, appreciate n respect very much.
The Lord of the Rings... is, indeed, my all time fav film.
Awards n Nominations at Oscars :-
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Nominations - 13, Won - 4.
Best Cinematography
Best Make-Up
Best Music (Original Score)
Best Visual Effects
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
Nominations - 6, Won - 2
Best Sound Editing
Best Visual Effects
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
Nominations - 11, Won - 11.
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Music (Original Score)
Best Music (Original Song)
Best Art Direction
Best Film Editing
Best Make-Up
Best Costume Design
Best Sound Mixing
Best Visual Effects
Rating - Far Beyond It
LOST IN TRANSLATION(2003)
sometimes we cant understand our surroundings and sometimes we cant read our own mind. Sometimes we cant answer the odd questions about our entities...this movie is for that bored,slow paced,depressed lives where loneliness is the only shelter but not a blessed friend. An American actor and a philosophy graduate become friend in Tokyo and feel love there after is not a new story but wonder lies on that fact that the movie peels of the psychology of human minds....the story between just teenage crossed newly married girl and a mid 50's man does not contain much physical stuff(Scarlett johansson only showed her hips and there is not much intimate scene between her and bill murry)...just all our blues and feelings those get lost in translation!...brilliant acting by johansson and murry.
RATING: 8/10
Defiance(2008)
casting:
Daniel Craig as Tuvia Bielski
Liev Schreiber as Zus Bielski
Jamie Bell as Asael Bielski
A war movie dipicting the plight and the struggles of the jews during the ww2 .
The film is an adaption of Nechama Tec's novel ''Defiance: The Bielski Partisans'', which is based on the true story of the Bielski partisans which tells how Polish Jews came together for common protection and to oppose the German occupation of their homeland.
A movie worth watching...Daniel Craig lives up to his Casino Royale stature....a movie about courage,determination and working for a great common cause.
7.5/10
Daniel Craig as Tuvia Bielski
Liev Schreiber as Zus Bielski
Jamie Bell as Asael Bielski
A war movie dipicting the plight and the struggles of the jews during the ww2 .
The film is an adaption of Nechama Tec's novel ''Defiance: The Bielski Partisans'', which is based on the true story of the Bielski partisans which tells how Polish Jews came together for common protection and to oppose the German occupation of their homeland.
A movie worth watching...Daniel Craig lives up to his Casino Royale stature....a movie about courage,determination and working for a great common cause.
7.5/10
Never Back Down(2008)
@ ravi kanth.....yep,Steve McQueen is a class of his own....a great actor.
Cast:
Sean Farris as Jack tyler
Djimon Hounsou as Jean Roqua
Amber Heard as Baja Miller
Cam Gigandet as Ryan McCarthy
A movie depicting American college brawls.....fight among students.....someone should be there to show the so-called-tough guys a way to behave.....has very amazing sound track....some very damn good songs like
"Anthem for the Underdog" by 12 Stones
"Teenagers" by My Chemical Romance
"Someday" by Flipsyde.....makes the movie worth watching.
7/10
Cast:
Sean Farris as Jack tyler
Djimon Hounsou as Jean Roqua
Amber Heard as Baja Miller
Cam Gigandet as Ryan McCarthy
A movie depicting American college brawls.....fight among students.....someone should be there to show the so-called-tough guys a way to behave.....has very amazing sound track....some very damn good songs like
"Anthem for the Underdog" by 12 Stones
"Teenagers" by My Chemical Romance
"Someday" by Flipsyde.....makes the movie worth watching.
7/10
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (2008).
Runtime - 2 hrs
Starring - Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan & Freida Pinto
Music by - A.R.Rahman
Written by - Simon Beaufoy
Directed by - Danny Boyle & Loveleen Tandan.
One of the best films of 2008, Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of Jamal, a young man from the slums of Mumbai who appears on the game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' & exceeds all expectations, arousing the suspicions of the game show host, played superbly by Anil Kapoor & of law enforcement officials.
This is Danny Boyle's one of the best, if not his best, direction. The performance he brought out from the cast is really impressive. The technical execution is even better. Be it the editing, cinematography, the raw style or the locations.. this film scores in all. This definitely is among the year's top 5 films & many times better than any Bollywood film released in 2008.
The cast is almost perfect. Every cast has done justice to his/her characters. Dev Patel impresses as Jamal. Anil Kapoor as the host of the game show was amazing. Irrfan Khan was as consistent as ever. But, the real show stealers here are the performances of the younger casts. Touching, Gripping, Realistic, Innocent... few words to describe their performance.
The great A.R.Rahman gives yet another great n classic soundtrack tht perfectly accompanies the action on screen. Perfectly suiting the film's theme, this is one of Rahman's best work. Loved the 'Jai Ho' song... the instrumental music in tht song is too good. He might have given better music in Indian films (acc to many) but this is 1 film tht is providing him all the honors n recognition around the world tht he so truly deserves, much more than any other Indian. The world will now see more of Rahman n will discover tht he is no less than the great John Williams, Howard Shore or Hans Zimmer.
Wasn't expecting much from this film, but it turned out to be good,... Really Good .
Rating - 8/10
Runtime - 2 hrs
Starring - Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan & Freida Pinto
Music by - A.R.Rahman
Written by - Simon Beaufoy
Directed by - Danny Boyle & Loveleen Tandan.
One of the best films of 2008, Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of Jamal, a young man from the slums of Mumbai who appears on the game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' & exceeds all expectations, arousing the suspicions of the game show host, played superbly by Anil Kapoor & of law enforcement officials.
This is Danny Boyle's one of the best, if not his best, direction. The performance he brought out from the cast is really impressive. The technical execution is even better. Be it the editing, cinematography, the raw style or the locations.. this film scores in all. This definitely is among the year's top 5 films & many times better than any Bollywood film released in 2008.
The cast is almost perfect. Every cast has done justice to his/her characters. Dev Patel impresses as Jamal. Anil Kapoor as the host of the game show was amazing. Irrfan Khan was as consistent as ever. But, the real show stealers here are the performances of the younger casts. Touching, Gripping, Realistic, Innocent... few words to describe their performance.
The great A.R.Rahman gives yet another great n classic soundtrack tht perfectly accompanies the action on screen. Perfectly suiting the film's theme, this is one of Rahman's best work. Loved the 'Jai Ho' song... the instrumental music in tht song is too good. He might have given better music in Indian films (acc to many) but this is 1 film tht is providing him all the honors n recognition around the world tht he so truly deserves, much more than any other Indian. The world will now see more of Rahman n will discover tht he is no less than the great John Williams, Howard Shore or Hans Zimmer.
Wasn't expecting much from this film, but it turned out to be good,... Really Good .
Rating - 8/10
Slumdog millionaire
2 hr movie
1 hr gr8 .....9/10
next 30 min.........5/10
last 30 min....7/10
only DARK side of india shown
one of the worst scene ever saw was:
a driver beats the hero(a kid).... in front of 2 americans(husband and wife).
KID (to americans): u wanted 2 see REAL INDIA ....here it is.
AMERICAN WOMAN(HUGS the kid):this is the real AMERICA
well if i was the director this scene would have been ........
AMERICAN MAN(FUCKING the kid):this is REAL AMERICA(we can have sex anyone ,with a male child as well )
1 hr gr8 .....9/10
next 30 min.........5/10
last 30 min....7/10
only DARK side of india shown
one of the worst scene ever saw was:
a driver beats the hero(a kid).... in front of 2 americans(husband and wife).
KID (to americans): u wanted 2 see REAL INDIA ....here it is.
AMERICAN WOMAN(HUGS the kid):this is the real AMERICA
well if i was the director this scene would have been ........
AMERICAN MAN(FUCKING the kid):this is REAL AMERICA(we can have sex anyone ,with a male child as well )
The curious case of Benjamin Button...
Casting:
Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button – apparent adult
Spencer Daniels as Benjamin Button – apparent age 12
Cate Blanchett as Daisy Fuller – adult
Elle Fanning as Daisy Fuller – age 6
Its a very good movie......a compelling story of a small child who is born with the physique of an 80 year old!!!.....as time moves on we all become old.....but this is the curious case of Benjamin Button,he becomes younger and younger as time moves on!!!
Brad Pitt is impressive but not that much.....very good story.Nominated for this year's Oscar.
8/10
Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button – apparent adult
Spencer Daniels as Benjamin Button – apparent age 12
Cate Blanchett as Daisy Fuller – adult
Elle Fanning as Daisy Fuller – age 6
Its a very good movie......a compelling story of a small child who is born with the physique of an 80 year old!!!.....as time moves on we all become old.....but this is the curious case of Benjamin Button,he becomes younger and younger as time moves on!!!
Brad Pitt is impressive but not that much.....very good story.Nominated for this year's Oscar.
8/10
The Usual Suspects
Cast: Kevin Spacey,Gabriel Byrne,Benecio Del Toro
Plot: Story of five criminals,one of them under interrogation flashes back to their rendezvous...their adventure.........and how it all came to an end............very very mental....and complex
Review: a great direction.equipped wid some marvellous actors.........such a movie is made once in a decade....
9.5/10
Plot: Story of five criminals,one of them under interrogation flashes back to their rendezvous...their adventure.........and how it all came to an end............very very mental....and complex
Review: a great direction.equipped wid some marvellous actors.........such a movie is made once in a decade....
9.5/10
Husbands & wives!
1992 Woody Allen film ....evrything presented in a documentary fashion was interesting. The crude hand held camera movements and the large amateur cuts workd wonders. Story is all abt a bunch of married couples and thr issues both marital and extra marital.
Woody Allen's normal dose of interestin comments both laughable and thought provoking was thr at its best in this too. "the only time married couples get a simultaneous orgasm is when the judge sanctions the divorce." or "You use sex to express every emotion except love." or the rather simpler one "It's the Second Law of Thermodynamics: sooner or later everything turns to shit. That's my phrasing, not the Encyclopedia Britannica." to give a few egs.
Nicely sketchd out the film really grows on you. Very gud watch.The recent release Dil Kabadi was the hindi version of this.
Rating - 6/10
Woody Allen's normal dose of interestin comments both laughable and thought provoking was thr at its best in this too. "the only time married couples get a simultaneous orgasm is when the judge sanctions the divorce." or "You use sex to express every emotion except love." or the rather simpler one "It's the Second Law of Thermodynamics: sooner or later everything turns to shit. That's my phrasing, not the Encyclopedia Britannica." to give a few egs.
Nicely sketchd out the film really grows on you. Very gud watch.The recent release Dil Kabadi was the hindi version of this.
Rating - 6/10
Conspiracy Theory
Mel Gibson,Julia Roberts
the best cast..............yet a poorly executed film.........at least not upto the standards........u keep jiving wid the background score.................I love you baby......and Mel's anecdotes............but the storyline isnt thick.........and direction shallow............
7.5/10
the best cast..............yet a poorly executed film.........at least not upto the standards........u keep jiving wid the background score.................I love you baby......and Mel's anecdotes............but the storyline isnt thick.........and direction shallow............
7.5/10
HEAT
Cast:Al Pacino,Robert De Niro,Val Kilmer
same old topic of catch me if u can police and goon game....but here it is done wid elaborate distinction......sophisticated robberies,no stuntshow.........powerpacked performances.............Pacino seemed a bit better,but beyound doubt the camera was biased to him.........he wins for the justice in the story as well........
8/10
same old topic of catch me if u can police and goon game....but here it is done wid elaborate distinction......sophisticated robberies,no stuntshow.........powerpacked performances.............Pacino seemed a bit better,but beyound doubt the camera was biased to him.........he wins for the justice in the story as well........
8/10
Little Miss Sunshine
8/10
Screenplay of the film is simply great & the problems associated with each of the characters are well depicted
The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two: Best Original Screenplay for Michael Arndt and Best Supporting Actor for Alan Arkin.
Screenplay of the film is simply great & the problems associated with each of the characters are well depicted
The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two: Best Original Screenplay for Michael Arndt and Best Supporting Actor for Alan Arkin.
Tom yum goong
This is a Thai movie, which i saw with English subs. Its a movie showing a lot of awesome fights. Those who love martial art movies should never miss this one.
The hero Kham(Tony Jaa) goes chasing the gang that stole his elephants from Thailand to Sydney. Lots of fights from beginning to end.
8/10
The eternal sunshine of the spotless mind
Thanx to the members of this forum, I got a chance to watch this lovely movie which i might have otherwise missed! AWESOME is the only word to describe this! Jim Carrey has done a wonderful job! Actually I never understood anything for the first half an hour! But then the plot started unwinding! Im not posting any more spoilers here coz this movie ought to be watched and enjoyed!
My rating wud be 9.5/10!
schindler's list(10\10)
director:steven spielberg
run time:3hrs
oscars for best director & other catagories
i also like gladiator,forrest gump,beautiful mind,gone with the wind,troy,munich,dark knight,the terminal.......phew ........my list is tooooooooo lonng.
run time:3hrs
oscars for best director & other catagories
i also like gladiator,forrest gump,beautiful mind,gone with the wind,troy,munich,dark knight,the terminal.......phew ........my list is tooooooooo lonng.
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