Friday, June 21, 2013

Now You See Me, Abracadabra

A very fast paced movie. Thoroughly enjoyable. Lots of twists and turns till the very end, a bit dramatic.

Four magicians come together to perform acts before large audiences. And instead of audiences paying for the show, they get awarded. For they are not just performing magic tricks, they are working on a mission set by the "Eye".

On their trail is cop who tries to bring them to justice but keeps failing miserably. To support him, there is an Interpol officer from France, and an ex-magician.

The movie is intelligently made. At times reminding me of Breaking the Magician's Code, the TV series.

Very entertaining.  

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Man of Steel, Little Brittle!



The movie wasn't that bad.


But couple of things really irked me.
  1. American Superhero or World Savior: Right from the start we are led to believe by Superman's biological father (Russell Crowe) and adopted father (Kevin Costner) that Superman is destined for something really big. He is proclaimed as the one who will save humanity (we the earthlings). Then at the end, Superman claims to be as American as anyone else in the US of A. And more importantly he promises that he will act in the best interest of America, at all times. 
  2. Why was Lois Lane summoned by Zod? Beats me. Why was the Daily Planet reporter and the love interest of Superman summoned by Zod? Probably Zod wanted her to play the spoilsport and jeopardise his plans to recreate Krypton on Earth? 
Isn't it nice to know that we have so many saviors? The Avengers and, now, the Justice League! These guys save us from aliens all the time. After watching a series of movies on Earth savers, I felt little bored. They all have almost similar story lines, amazing graphics, some human emotions.

Wish there could a superhero who could help us deal with with road rage, rape, urinating in public, spitting...The problems from within and not outside Earth. 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Barfi, Very Sweet


I know it would be stupid if I write a review on Barfi, now. But then I happened to watch it only now.

Here is a single, though complex, sentence review. A love triangle revolving around Ranbir who is deaf and dumb, Priyanka who is autistic and Ileana who is normal. One of the best movies that I have watched.

While I wouldn't get into further details, the moral of the story is if you are in love then just follow your heart.

There is an important scene in the movie where a concerned but understanding Rupa Ganguli, mother of Ileana, narrates how she dealt with her own love story. She says that despite being in love she chose to marry a different person because that was the practical thing to do. Ileana takes her mother's advice seriously and gets married to the practical choice.

This made me think of my own life, the "love" life. Did I follow my heart or head? "Love" happened more than once in my life and my mother also had at least two Rupa Ganguli moments with me. In one case I listened to her advice and in the other I didn't resulting in the end of my "love" life. I mean I got married to the girl of my choice, finally.

While the movie enthralled me, I was left with two disturbing thoughts.

  1. Considering our heart falls in love often and at times early on in life, this movie can send wrong signals. Looking back, I do feel that my mother's Rupa Ganguli moments definitely saved me at least once from a marriage that would have turned out to be disaster. But then, in another case Rupa Ganguli did not win. So, when should you follow your head and when should you follow your heart. I presume heart takes the precedence and but one shouldn't lose head. After all, love before marriage and love after marriage are two different species. Married friends might know this better. 
  2. Just because you have chosen to heed to Rupa Ganguli advice doesn't mean your life has to be bereft of any romance with the practical choice. I didn't like this portrayal in the movie. How can it be that both Rupa Ganguli and Illeana can't get over their puppy love? As the Titan ad says - Move On! 

But then it is a movie and it is Anurag Basu's take. While Ranbir is a natural talent, I did like Priyanka's performance a lot. 

Theeya Velai Sayaanum Kumaru, fiery comedy


It was a laugh riot!

These are good times for Tamil cinema, especially for the comedy genre.

Except for the songs, Sunday C has given a great entertainer and there is never dull moment in the movie.

Sidharth is software professional who has had some bad experience with women(unkind) in his childhood. But having been born in the family where love marriage is the norm he is expected to woo a girl and get married.

He loses his heart to Hansika who joins as a Trainee in the same organization he works for. He faces intensive competition not only from others in the company but also from himself as he is clueless in the matters of heart. Upon his brother-in-law's suggestion he seeks Santhanam's (the hitch doctor) tutelage.

The part where he manages to win over Hansika's love is as interesting as the twist in the story where Santhanam turns against the affair will keep you entertained till the end.

Don't miss it. 

Monday, June 3, 2013

Sudu Kavvum, honest lessons




It has never been so good for Tamil movies. Marina, Pizza, Neer Paravai, Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanum (NKPK). All relatively low budget movies that have excelled in entertaining. Unlike Alex Pandian sort of movie that have a big stars and bigger budgets with pathetic script and storyline, these movies are very intelligently made.


Vijay Sethupathi seems to be really doing a good job in choosing his movies. After Pizza and NKPK, he is back with Sudu Kavvum. But I must say that he is not the only hero of the movie. Everyone in the movie have been given a chance and none of them have failed.

A group of youngsters join Vijay Sethupathi who runs a kidnapping racket. But he has strict principles of "kednapping".

Then there is an upright Minister who has a wayward son.

Due to an enmity with a Minister, a businessman commissions Vijay and his team to kidnap Minister's son. And then a laugh riot ensues.

The Police Inspector, Vijay's Doctor Rowdy brother, Vijay's girlfriend, and Radha Ravi are as impressive as the others.

But the winner in the movie is the Minister's son. Especially, in the climax scenes where he interacts with Radha Ravi.

The movie is a great dark comedy that portrays the current affairs. Loved it. Kudos to the entire team.