Movie Review: Danger Close - The Battle of Long Tan

 

Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan

After a long time, Saturday night was reserved for movie. "The Battle of Long Tan" was an Australian war film that was on the table. I admit that I have stopped watching war films since the most of them appear to be propaganda with little content and historical authenticity. This is when the film really shines out.

The shocking aspect is the Australian government's appreciation of troops' gallantry after 42 years long years. Yup, you read it right, red tape exists everywhere. Anyways lets get back to movie.

So, how does this sound? This film makes a real attempt to depict the battle scene without gimmicks or false bravado. The Australian soldiers were outnumbered, inexperienced, and with an average age of 20 years facing their worst nightmare - The Vietnamese Army.

This historical war picture will have you on the edge of your seat as we discuss its film summary, historical accuracy, similarities to other war films, and, of course, the all-important overall rating and recommendation. So grab some popcorn and let's get started! 

Film Synopsis and Background

Set during the Vietnam War, "Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan" is a gripping tour through one of the most ferocious fights in Australian military history.

Starting at base camp Nui Dat, Major Smith (Fimmel), an ex-Special Forces soldier, is fed up with babysitting green conscripts, the most of whom are under the age of 21.

Soon, the story took a critical turn when Smith quickly divided the force into roaming platoons. As one advanced party was nearly overrun by the enemy, Smith, who was heading the second party along with the third section of the 11th platoon, was forced to dash to save the surviving advanced party men. Racing against time and well-entrenched Viet Cong fighters, the true spirit of combat emerges. As bullets fly and explosions rock the screen, we see the troops' genuine grit and tenacity as they battle for their lives and one another.

The film captures the harsh realities of war with stunning visual effects and attention to historical accuracy. The audience is transported back in time to the humid jungles of Vietnam. The cinematography beautifully depicts the tension and chaos of the battlefield, immersing viewers in the heart-pounding experience of combat. 

The film pays tribute to the sacrifices and heroism of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Tan, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of Australian military history.

Historical Accuracy and Context

The film is meticulously researched and expertly crafted to transport viewers back to the intense and harrowing Vietnam War era. From the authentic costumes to the realistic battle sequences, every detail feels genuine and true to history. You'll feel like you're right there in the muddy trenches!

The honesty with which the film was made allow viewers to to truly immerse themselves in the story and connect with the characters on a more personal level.

Comparisons to Other War Films

Now, let's talk about how "Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan" stacks up against other war films. 

When delving deeper into the realm of war films, it's fascinating to draw parallels between "Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan" and iconic movies like "Saving Private Ryan" and "Black Hawk Down." While each film has its own unique narrative and style, they all share a common thread of showcasing the harrowing realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

I am happy to include this film on the legendary list of films because of its basic storytelling style and realistic representation of military tactics. This keeps the viewers engaged until the final frame.

My Take

The emotional depth of the characters and the exploration of themes such as solidarity, leadership, and resilience elevate "Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan" beyond a mere action flick. It serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and camaraderie that can emerge in the face of adversity, leaving a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits roll.

So, what's the final verdict on "Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan"? Drumroll, please! With its powerful storytelling, jaw-dropping action sequences, and balanced mix of drama and humor, this film earns a solid 9 out of 10. It's a must-watch for any war film enthusiast or anyone looking for a thrilling cinematic experience.

You may write back at garv560@gmail.com

Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny - Movie Review

Before hanging his boots, Indiana seems to be on his last quest to make magic, as he usually does, and to discover something unthinkable from the jaws of death and defeat. 

Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny

Expect The Unexpected

The movie review here will be a little different from what you've come to expect from my prior work. Perhaps it is my approach of communicating with you and sharing my thoughts. So brace yourselves.

The first thing I realised after watching the film was that my hero had been defeated. No, it wasn't his favourite villain-Nazis who got him; it was his age. Our hero Indy has aged, not that he has acknowledged it as his true self, who will fight until the last trick and always wins, but, come on, it is apparent. Everything you remember from earlier films is missing: the punch, the wit, the charishma. And, despite your best attempts to enjoy the film, you must concede to the inevitable.

Why So Serious?

The film seems to be a farewell episode for all the fantastic things we've come to associate with Indana Jones, until a new team with gadgets and passion arrives. However, the former allure of an exciting adventure will not return. It is gone, and we must prepare to let go of our old flame. But again, it's only a movie, and all of the male action heroes we grew up with are on their way out, and the new ones are either too plastic or not to my liking. They appear to be overly artificial and unreal. However, the universe itself is in a different state these days. 

 

Ok, have said enough, let us get back to reviewing the movie for which we all came for… Isn’t it? 

The film is packed with traditional Indiana Jones action and terrific entertaining chase moments that we've come to expect from the Indiana franchise. The story line tells us of ancient unfinished stories that have regained momentum as if their time has come. Here, too, the adventure is for the missing artefact and the race to find it first. That may sound monotonous, but we're all used to chase sequences.

The only difference here is that the gun violence related action appeared to be a little more intense. Several key characters, including Renaldo (Antonio Banderas) and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), have said their final goodbyes and gone, leaving you with a melancholy feeling. 

And The Plot Is…

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY begins with a scene set at the end of WWII, with Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and his buddy Basil (Toby Jones) attempting to save an ancient religious artefact from the Nazis. Instead, they discover half of Archimedes' Antikythera mechanism, a mechanical device supposed to bestow unfathomable power on whoever has and masters it. Indy gets into a fight with the evil Nazi scientist Voller (Mads Mikkelsen), but he and Basil escape with the dial. 

Years later, in 1969, Dr. Jones has just retired from teaching, as the US lands on the moon in the backdrop. This was a time when people were more interested in the future and had little appetite in ancient legends. However, things became interesting when he is visited by Basil's daughter, Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), who is desperate to get her hands on the dial. But why is this so? Indy soon becomes engrossed in a thrilling journey to seek the relic as the truth unfolds.

The Final Verdict

Despite shortcomings in many new performers' acting abilities and the story's flow, the film is a one-time wonder that you may enjoy viewing. This picture will be remembered for Harrison Ford's terrific performance, the cutting-edge spectacular effects, and the plot, which is still better than a lot of alien nonsense. So, watch it and let me know what you think. 

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EXTRACTION 2 sees Chris Hemsworth reprise his role as Tyler Rake. The tough guy mercenary and his squad go on another risky mission: freeing a vicious gangster's imprisoned family.

 Extraction 2

This isn't just any regular movie review. Oh no, it's a brutally honest, humor-infused rendezvous through the labyrinthine plot (or lack thereof) of Extraction 2. Buckle up, folks, because this is going to be a crazy ride.

Extraction 2 has Spectacular Action With No Story!

I mean, come on, who are we kidding? The title tells us what we should expect (hint: nothing beyond intense action). It's like ordering a pizza and getting only the crust but no toppings.

But let's dive deeper into this lack of story and explore the implications. In a world where narratives drive our entertainment, Extraction 2 dares to defy conventions. It challenges the essence of storytelling, asking us to question our expectations and embrace the raw power of visceral action.

Despite this almost comical lack of a story, the action sequences rival the likes of a Marvel or a Bond movie. It's like they took all the punches, gunshots, and explosions cut from other films and shoved them into Extraction 2. Every frame bursts with adrenaline, leaving you breathless and on the edge of your seat.

But let's not overlook the underlying brilliance of this mind-boggling absence of narrative. Extraction 2 creates a blank canvas for the action to take centre stage by stripping away the complexities of plot and character development. The action was spectacular, yes, but did it make sense? About as much as buying a ticket for a cruise ship only to discover it's a submarine. It turns out to be an underwater adventure. That wasn't what you signed up for, but hey, you're already on board!

And just like that unexpected underwater adventure, Extraction 2 takes you on a wild ride through a maze of heart-pounding sequences that defy logic and reason. It's a rollercoaster of pure adrenaline, where the only rule is to hold on tight and let the action wash over you.

Chris Needs to Work on Acting Skills

Oh, Chris! Our hapless hero. I have a theory that the original script involved Chris Hemsworth playing an emotionless robot. However, somewhere down the line, they forgot to mention that he was supposed to be human.

His acting skills actually put the 'wood' in Hemsworth - stiff as a log and just as expressive. If you ever wanted to see Thor without his hammer, charm, or charisma, here you go!

But let's give credit where credit's due. Nobody, and I mean nobody, could make repeatedly walking into gunfire and achieving absolutely nothing look so... well, pointless.

As the camera pans across the set, we can't help but notice the lack of life in Chris's eyes. It's as if he's lost in a perpetual daydream, wholly disconnected from the world around him. Perhaps he's envisioning a future where he can finally master the art of emoting.

Every line he delivers feels forced and unnatural as if he's reading from a teleprompter for the first time. It's almost comical how he struggles to convey even the simplest emotions. One can't help but wonder if he attended the Nicolas Cage School of Overacting. At times I believe he has watched Rocky 4 too many times, and you get a glimpse of it here.

But remember the action scenes where Chris truly shines in his mediocrity. With each gunshot and explosion, he valiantly charges into danger, only to achieve absolutely nothing. It's almost poetic how he makes even the most intense action sequences feel utterly pointless.

As the film progresses, I root for Chris, not because of his acting prowess, but because I desperately hope to witness a breakthrough moment. We yearn for the day when he finally discovers the key to unlocking his emotions and delivering a performance that will leave me speechless.

Until then, I can only marvel at Chris Hemsworth's ability to consistently deliver a performance that falls flat. 

Relax, Russians Aren't That Bad

The ‘Russians are the bad guys’ trope in Hollywood is as outdated as high-waist bell-bottom trousers. Oh, Hollywood! Where’s your creativity? 

The funny part is that Russian villains in this film have an almost supernatural ability to miss all their shots. You could stand still in the middle of a FIFA football stadium, and they'd still manage to miss. It's like the Bullets had a restraining order against Hemsworth!

If the Russians were really this ineffective, then I guess we've nothing to worry about. I mean, if they can't manage to hit a single man who’s perpetually in their line of sight, global security’s pretty much sorted, right?

Why Extraction 2 is a Funny Movie With Foolish Action Sequences?

There's an undeniable talent for crafting elegant nonsense, which Extraction 2 has in spades. The action sequences are high-octane yet absurdly hilarious.

At one point, Chris was hanging from a skyscraper and took a bullet in his hand to save Golshifteh Farahani, who was dangling from the same place. Guess what? In the next frame, he was applying an antiseptic and was fit to take a shot. There's a suspension of disbelief, and then there's shamelessly catapulting it into another dimension.

All said Extraction 2 is less of a movie and more of a cinematic roller coaster, a non-stop thrill ride of senseless, albeit entertaining, action. If you leave your common sense at the door and bask in the flurry of fists, bullets, and random jumping-off-cliff scenes, it's fun.

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Infinite is billed as a sci-fi thriller, but it turns out to be a disappointment with an amazing cast, exciting visual arts, and no story.

 Infinite

Have you seen a movie that made you angry? You feel so disgusted that you start crying in rage. I am sure you have had your share of the list, while Infinite is recently added to mine. That's right, we're diving headfirst into the Infinite enigma. So, brace yourselves, folks, because I have some strong opinions to share!

Why Infinite Is a Stupid Movie?

Alright, let's address the "elephant in the theatre" immediately. Infinite falls flat in the brainpower department. It's like they took all the logic and rationality of a goldfish and decided to base an entire movie on it. I mean, come on, folks! I'm all for suspending disbelief, but this movie takes it to a new level of ridiculousness. It's like watching a monkey try to solve a Rubik's Cube - you know it won't end well.

But let's dig deeper into why Infinite is such a disappointment. One of the main issues is that the makers don't understand "reincarnation". Yup, you read it right. This movie is based on the "Hindu" principle of reincarnation. The makers had some vague ideas and decided to make a movie hoping that the theme would stick and they would come up with sequels.

 

Truth is, they are fools and would be better off talking to some expert before exploring the idea of making a movie. I won't reveal much, but trust me, the entire story is so twisted you feel amazed by the stupidity.  

The second reason is the need for more character development. We are introduced to many characters who seem to have no purpose but to fill the screen. Their motivations are unclear, their actions are inconsistent, and it's hard to feel any connection to them. It's as if the writers threw random ideas into a blender and hoped for the best.  

Furthermore, the plot holes in Infinite are so vast and numerous that they could swallow an entire city. The writers didn't bother to think through the story's logic, resulting in twists and turns that make no sense. Characters make decisions that defy all reason, and events unfold in a way that leaves the audience confused. It's as if the filmmakers were more interested in creating flashy visuals than crafting a coherent narrative.

One Bright Spot

Let's talk about the special effects in Infinite. While they may be visually stunning at times, they often feel like a distraction from the lacklustre story. It's as if the filmmakers relied on flashy explosions and CGI to compensate for the weak plot and underdeveloped characters. Sure, the action sequences may be thrilling at the moment. Still, they ultimately feel hollow and devoid of any real substance.

Should Mark Wahlberg Be More Selective?

Now, I must address the green room elephant - Mark Wahlberg. What were you thinking, my guy? Infinite reminds me of another Mark movie, "The Great Wall". I respect your career choices, but Infinite, like the other one, feels like a step in the wrong direction. Is it really too much to ask Wahlberg to pick movies with a tad more substance? Maybe something that doesn't leave us scratching our heads and wondering if he lost a bet or something. Come on, Mark, you're better than this!

Why Infinite Is a Total Time Waste?

Picture this: you're sitting in a dark movie theatre, popcorn in hand, ready to be whisked away into a world of excitement and wonder. But instead, you find yourself transported into the never-ending abyss of boredom with Infinite. It's like watching paint dry, but somehow even more tedious. 

 

With Infinite, there are moments where you think the story might actually take off, but nope - it crashes and burns like a bird that forgot how to fly. And don't even get me started on the dialogue. It's as if the scriptwriter dropped their thesaurus and settled for the first words that came to mind. Talk about a snoozefest!

 

I can delve deeper into why Infinite is such a time waste, but letting it off. 

In conclusion, Infinite is a total time waste for anyone seeking an engaging and thrilling cinematic experience. Its lacklustre plot, one-dimensional characters, uninspired visuals, and lacklustre performances make it a forgettable and tedious watch. Save yourself the agony and choose a different movie to spend your time on.

Why I Cried Watching Infinite?

Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking. How on earth could anyone shed a single tear while watching Infinite? Believe me, I'm just as surprised as you are. But hear me out - it wasn't tears of joy or sadness. Nope, it was tears of sheer frustration!

Now, I'm not one to judge people's tastes, but when a movie drags you through its silly, predictable plot twists and turns for an eternity, it starts to chip away at your soul. But hey, maybe that's just me. Perhaps you'll watch Infinite and be swept away by its nonsensical charm. Who am I to rain on your parade? All I can say is, don't say I didn't warn you!

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Two British acting titans have teamed up to amaze audiences in The Good Liar, a thriller about filthy secrets and shady intentions.

 A Good Liar

Who doesn't vouch for the acting credentials of Helen Mirrer? The seductive lady charmed young hearts with her performances in films such as Body of Work or The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, and many others. The actress can simply dazzle the audience with her talent in any part, and one such film is "A Good Liar".

Given the choice between Enola Homes and A Good Liar on Saturday night, I chose the former. The decision was self-evident. My favoured pick was a film with a detective theme, the promise of action (violence), and the expectation of a thriller that would refresh my senses. However, 30 minutes into the film, I realized my error. I won't go into greater detail or review it because it was simply not my cup of tea; therefore, I gave up halfway through.

 

"A Good Liar" was the next one on the list. A terrific decision, and I'm about to explain. Why?

 

Before I go any further, I must commend the charismatic Ian McKellen on his amazing performance. But, of course, we're all familiar with his work, which, in my opinion, is a Holy Grail for aspiring actors. And he made the film truly memorable. However, if you're wondering why I didn't include his name and work in the same sentence as Helen. Because I am a feminist, and this is my only support for "Feminism" (and it ends here)😀

Now, enough of a pep talk; let's return to the topic. So buckle up, amigos and get ready for a wild ride as we unravel the secrets of 'A Good Liar'!

Brief Synopsis of the Movie

A complicated web of deception and deceit lies at the heart of "A Good Liar." The film follows the lives of seasoned con artist Roy Courtnay, played by the charismatic Ian McKellen, and his prey, the affluent widow Betty McLeish, played by the ever-talented Helen Mirren. So, prepare yourself to be enthralled from the first scene!

 

Roy Courtnay, a charming conman with a lifetime of experience, sets his sights on Betty McLeish, a retired "Oxford" teacher who appears to be the ideal victim. What begins as a basic case of deception quickly escalates into a cat-and-mouse game that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

As the plot thickens, we meet a cast of supporting characters that bring depth and complexity to the drama. Vincent, Roy's longtime associate, is performed by the outstanding Jim Carter. His unshakable devotion to Roy gives a sense of camaraderie to the pandemonium. We also meet Betty's grandson, Stephen, who is played by Russell Tovey. Stephen's scepticism about Roy's motives adds tension and raises the stakes. 

  

The film puts us on an emotional rollercoaster as we see the lengths Roy will go to manipulate Betty. His web of lies becomes increasingly sophisticated as he forges documents and fabricates elaborate backstories. We are forced to question our capacity to tell the difference between fact and fiction with each twist and turn.  

McKellen and Mirren play their roles in a compelling and terrifying way. Roy and Betty's power dynamics continually shift, leaving me wondering who has the upper hand. 

The Intriguing Premise

 The movie immerses us in the world of Roy and Betty, exploring the depths of their characters and the motives that drive them. As Roy's schemes become more audacious, Betty's intentions remain mysterious. Is she a victim or a fellow mastermind? I question every action and word, eagerly awaiting the next revelation. 

Plot Twists and Turns                                        

'A Good Liar' is a film that challenges our perceptions and keeps us on the edge of our seats until the very end. Prepare to be enthralled by the intricate plot, stellar performances, and constant unease. This movie will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about trust and deceit. 

If you thought you had this movie figured out, think again! Just when you feel you have unravelled the mystery, another layer of deception is unveiled. This movie kept me guessing until the end, a testament to its brilliant storytelling.

Final Touches 

Are you in the mood for a mind-boggling thriller that will keep you guessing until the end? Look no further than 'A Good Liar,' a gripping tale of deception and betrayal. So gather your popcorn, turn off the lights, and embark on a journey filled with deception, betrayal, and surprising revelations. You won't want to miss this!

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Based on Romain Puertolas' novel, the film follows an Indian street magician on an extraordinary voyage to Paris in quest of his father.

 The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir

If movies are supposed to take you on a whimsical journey, then you are in for a surprise with a beautifully executed simple story of 'The extraordinary journey of the Fakir'. The storyline and the flow act as glue and binds you to your place.  The remarkable performance of Fakir aka Dhanush is intoxicating and makes you wonder, what confines him to South movies? Aren't we short of 'actors/performers' in Bollywood?

The 109-minute movie depicts Dhanush's life moments starting from his poverty-ridden yet funny childhood to becoming a street performer busy with tricks to dupe foreigners. As the story progresses, Dhanush's main ambition in life - travel to Paris and visit the IKEA store and Eiffel tower to search for his father came to the fore. As the luck favours the protagonist, We are taken on a joy ride full of adventures with a touch of global problems sprinkled in-between to make it intriguing.

'The extraordinary journey of the Fakir' is one roller coaster ride with light-hearted moments. A fun-filled entertaining story with beautiful life moments perfectly weaved to give a magical emotional touch, you will be submerged into. A simple story with brilliant narration makes the movie a pleasurable and relaxing experience. 

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21 Bridges is an action-packed film that explores an unsettling plot uncovered by a righteous and fearless detective while leading an extensive manhunt for a pair of cop-killers.

21 Bridges (Review)  

21 Bridges is a hard-hitting movie with fast-paced action. It is intriguing, surprising, and thought-provoking, bundled into one for each of us to make our own exposed inferences. 

One thing I can vouch for is the movie sucks you in with disturbing stories of multiple characters woven around, which makes the movie deserving of your time.

Even though disturbing for some, this movie captivates your thoughts for some time. As mentioned, there are multiple characters, most with grey shades, making it difficult to differentiate between the good and the bad; however, in the end, the right, however loaded, is triumphant. 

Storyline

The movie starts with a drug robbery that turns out badly as the two hitters thumped down Seven police officers at a bar where a drug consignment was stashed for distribution in the city. 

The two hitters (later revealed) were dishonourably discharged army personnel and were now on the run from city police, specifically Chadwick Boseman, the protagonist (detective). He was the son of an officer who died on duty and is under internal investigation for being trigger-happy. 

As the story advances, one develops sympathy for the shooters who were gunned down after a long chase; however, not before providing evidence to Boseman through a USB drive. It contained proof of the nexus between the drug cartel and a section of the police department now unravelled by the detective.  

In the end, one was dumbfounded when police chief J. K. Simmons spoke about the monetary problems a policeman faces while sacrificing their lives in the line of duty, yet their sacrifices are scoffed at and ignored. He tries to win over Boseman by justifying his act that money does buy happiness. In the final shootout, the chief, along with a few tainted cops, was killed.

My Verdict

Despite some flaws, 21 Bridges’ is watchable because of the action combined with its competent cast and their performances. 

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Housesitter (Review)

               Steve Martin is an incredibly talented actor who has a huge fan following across generations. Although with time, one gets acquainted with his style of acting but still his capacity to mesmerize with his comic timings and punches fascinate the audience. The movie "House Sitters" has an adequate ingredient for audiences and gives a glimpse of perfect comical prowess of Steve before the "Pink Panther" series re-introduced Steve and raised his stature universally.  

        Steve who plays an architect in the movie, designs a dream house for his childhood crush Dana Delany(during the proposal) which she declined, tormenting the life of the young architect who in the meantime accidentally met a waitress at the local bar. The waitress 'Goldie Hawn' was a hitchhiker and was fascinated by the reason behind the house and manages to track it down(town & house). Once there, she introduced herself as Steve's wife and befriends locals including his parents and Dana. By the time Steve figured out the truth he was himself seduced by the idea of using Hawn to get a job promotion and get back his lost love(Dana). What follows thereafter was a web of lies and stories loaded with comic twists and turns. 

          As the movie flows one can't stop oneself from admiring the performances of Steve and more specifically Goldie Hawn who has performed with zest and is a delight to watch. The light-hearted comedy despite some flaws is a good comic relief for movie buffs.

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Hotel Mumbai (Review)

                 As one would have inferred, the movie presents some graphic violent scenes and narrates the true story of the heinous terror strike at Mumbai in 2011. The story is about the heroic deeds of the staff of Hotel Taj, who valiantly and selflessly sacrificed their lives, in exchange for the safety of their guests. The zombies of terror who carried out the dastardly act were inspired and guided by their handlers from Pakistan were shown dramatically was both agonizing and shocking to watch. The scourge of terror, emanating from  Pakistan is the center-piece of the movie and is showcased brilliantly and realistically, for the whole world to watch and understand.

            There aren't many movies available that focuses on the plight of terror victims and this is where this movie stands out. It presented the facts without any provocative undertone for the audience to draw a conclusion. Dev Patel has performed with honesty and one is infatuated with his skills, Anupam Kher is an old hand who can mesmerize you with his performance every time. The movie has been banned in some countries which is ironic and sad, but then, hypocrisy suits the narrative of few and hence should be another reason for people to go out and watch. The movie is a painful reminder of what India has confronted for long and bares naked the ugly face of Pakistan sponsored and abated terrorism in the world. 

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Stir Crazy (Movie Review)

             Stir Crazy is a comedy thriller where two of my favorite actors Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor have teamed up again to create a fun-filled experience for viewers. Here I would like to suggest my readers to also watch another brilliant work by these two wonderful actors 'See No Evil, Hear No Evil'. These two super-talented actors have many feathers in their cap and Stir Crazy is a glittering one. The movie starts with a bank robbery where the two were wrongly framed for it. They are sent to prison for a bank robbery they didn't commit. In jail, their attempts to impersonate as rowdies to ward of anti-soc characters, while the truth was different was ingeniously funny. The conduct of the two in jail has many situational comic moments and finally, the execution of the escape plan which capitalizes on the warden's choice of Wilder to be their "main man" in a rodeo competition was interesting.

           Stir Crazy is a light-hearted comedy with bountiful moments of fun. Richard Pryor's pragmatic approach to circumstances while Wilder's over-optimism had been tested at times providing barrelful of laughter. It's a great movie and fun to watch. 

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Last Summer - Review

                        Firstly this movie is only for those who knows the pleasure of wandering aimlessly, in the adulation of nature, exploring the wilderness during childhood. This story is about the adventurous journey of four friends which took an unprecedented turn testing their bond of friendship. The tumultuous chain of events tested the nerves of friends while some buckled under pressure but the efforts and perseverance of one challenged the misfortune eventually getting a favorable outcome. That feeling of putting life on track despite all the upheavals was gratifying and reassuring. It was the aphrodisiac to otherwise a somber tale that is well narrated and makes one nostalgic.

                       The movie starts with four young boys exploring the wonders of the rural hinterland oblivious to the events of the outside world. While they were absorbed in their small happy world an untoward incident in the family of two boys shook and threatened the very existence of their way of life. As the family was ravaged so was the future of this small band of boys. The boy's initial shock to the tragic unprecedented scenario was magnified with unfolding events. Withstanding the family pressure, one boy went to extremes stretching the limits and eventually succeeding in unifying the group is what makes this simple yet entertaining story remarkable. It is important that it may not be appealing to some as the storyline is distinct devoid of masala that we are accustomed to and needs discretion.

Smilla's Sense of Snow

The movie is a murder mystery and the plot is an enigma slowly unfolding itself. There are different shades of people in the movie, some portrayed beautifully while others were not fully explained and left much to be desired. The protagonist Smilla (Julia Ormond) did justice to her character and successfully discerned different emotions. At times the movie seems to have lost its plot and went wayward but soon recaptured the plot and viewers' attention. This movie, I must admit without any extraordinary script, consumes you, maybe because of its perfect direction, thus keeps you hitched for a fairly decent time period. Even though the last 30 minutes were forgetful, yet the film has built up so much momentum that somehow this movie works.

Smilla who was nursing a grudge since childhood towards society had developed a special bond with a young boy. The death of boy due to accident (fall from the roof) as declared officially was confronted by Smilla who had reasons to believe that the boy was murdered. The circumstances and Smilla's resolve to unearth the truth behind the unfortunate death of the child makes this movie worth a watch. Julia Ormond and (murky charter role played by) Gabriel Byrne were impressive and despite certain flaws in story, this movie is definitely a one time watch.

Movie - Pretty Woman

   I am sure most of my readers have already watched and admired Pretty Woman and don't need my views, but there's something magical about it that made me pen it. This movie makes you fall in love from the first frame itself, its honesty, lucid execution is admirable. Writing about the two wonderful actors Julia Roberts, who enchants you with her eyes and through her infectious smile and Richard Gere, the handsome hunk of the '90s is a perfect recipe for Romantic drama. This movie, however, is more than Romance, it soaks up your negativity, the hollowness of heart and rekindles the desire to be hopeful, the desire to be kind. It makes you believe good often happens miracles do happen.

This movie is a sweet reminder to believe in good and be good, an antidote for an unpredictable world. The story can be summarized as a millionaire hires a prostitute while on a business trip for one night but decides to encash her beauty for improving his public appearance, but in the end, he couldn't stop himself from falling in love with her. A perfect evening watch with or without your partner, a must-watch for Romantic-Comedy genre fans.

Movie - Cold Pursuit (Review)

                Cold Pursuit drew my attention because of Liam Neeson, his awe-inspiring performance in many action flicks, made me admire his movies. But, this was one of the most disappointing, distasteful movie, a complete waste of time for Liam fans like me. I fail to understand if it was a revenge drama or child custody drama of a narcotics lord who's surrounded by gay bodyguards or gang war based where gangsters play with ice or something else as there were few more plots interwoven making it truly bizarre. After 15 minutes, one can only wonder, how a trailer can entice you into wasting your precious time and money on watching dog-shit. 

  It was stupid and arrogant for makers to make such a movie and expect people to watch it. To begin with, it was a revenge drama the only problem was without a script and poor execution. I have always enjoyed Liam Neesom, but this movie is two hours of torture and would not divulge anything more about plot, performance, etc. My advice is, one should avoid this movie. 

Movie - My Cousin Vinny (Review)

                            "My Cousin Vinny" is a court-comedy starring Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei in lead characters along with Ralph Macchio of "Karate Kid" fame and Mitchell Whitfield, but the story is successfully carried by the stupendous ability and skills portrayed by Joe Pesci. Once in awhile, there's a film that you seem to enjoy for its content and execution, "My Cousin Vinny" is such a rare film for me, that I watched with no real expectation, yet it was a truly enjoyable experience. The film begins with the accusations on two young men (Ralph and Mitchell) who were mistaken for the murderer of a store clerk in small-town Alabama. Their family sends Bill's (Ralph) cousin, Vinny(Joe Pesci), to defend them. Vinny arrives with his girlfriend Marisa, the only problem is, he is clearly unqualified and out of place for the job(his first case).

                         The situations and related dialogues are so smooth with perfect timing, it tickles one effortlessly. Joe Pesci puts in an enjoyable underdog performance who's battling to prove himself as a lawyer with too much at stake for him. His unique acting style is commendable, moreover, he is efficiently complemented by pretty Marisa Tomei. This movie is truly a pleasure to watch with engaging script and performances by leading characters.

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