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All reviews - Movies (206) - TV Shows (1) - Music (24)

Pan's Labyrinth review

Posted : 12 years ago on 27 March 2012 04:41 (A review of Pan's Labyrinth)

Guillermo Del Toro has a directed a surprisingly low of number of movies but great ones (Hellboy, Cronos, Devil's Backbone, Mimic) and Pan's Labyrinth beats them all. Gone are the days when fairy-tales were colourful and exciting. This one is dark, violent, gritty and top of all, disturbing. This is a stunning piece of work, with fluid, smooth CGI and great performances by almost everyone, a rarity in fantasy films. I liked the dark & unpredictable mood of the film and the life-and-death message. Since he had directed Hellboy before, I definitely saw few similarities between these two, ex: the spiral ground, officers, beasts and of course, Doug Jones.

Pan's Labyrinth unfolds like a torn old book recently uncovered from a long forgotten cupboard. It's so gripping and enchanting that the viewer is given no reason to press the pause button. The music is enthralling and the visuals are gorgeous. All the forest scenes are my favourite. It's so greatly choreographed and excellently detailed, especially the whole shoot-out sequence.Guillermo Del Toro should really direct more films like this and he should bring back most of the cast because they were, simply put, perfect!

Speaking of which, the number 1 best performance was by Maribel Verdú as Mercedes. I liked her performance and now I'm definitely seeing Y tu mamá también. Then the others I liked were Ivana Baquero as the lead role as Ofelia, one of the best child-performances I've seen, Sergi Lopez as the primary antagonist, Captain Vidal, one of the damn effective performances ever and Doug Jones as The Pale Man & Faun, with the former being a recent disturbing icon and he only appears for 5-6 minutes. The whole scene is so scary and intense.

All in all, strictly for Del Toro fans and/or fans of dark fantasy. A modern classic and won't disappoint you one bit, at least not the last quarter.

8.8/10


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Bicycle Thieves review

Posted : 12 years ago on 25 March 2012 09:43 (A review of Bicycle Thieves)


Neo-realism is one my favourite genres right now and The Bicycle Thieves is like the poster-film of the mentioned genre. It's a true classic and one of the greatest in simple storytelling. It's not too complicated nor does it have the characters traveling from country to country. Its so simple that a kid with a Mac could've easily written the script and it's damn effective, I tell you. It has one of the best father-son relationship ever shown in a movie and the Antonio Ricci character is, I think, one of the earliest sympathetic characters and still remains as one of the most human, most realistic, just like the film.

Right, now my mother, a lover of slow, deliberate movies, asked me to download the film when I told her of the synopsis and the iconic scene of them sitting on the sidewalk. This also happens to be one of the only few films which she actually sat down to see it with me, a rarity. From the first 2-3 minutes into the film she was intrigued and she loved it. The ending had her in tears, another rarity, and she now claims The Bicycle Thieves as one of the best films she has seen (she's not a movie-lover, nowhere close, and has barely seen 20-25 and she hardly remembers all), so this coming from her was quite high praise. As for me? I've seen countless of movies and this film is indeed one of the most realistic, emotional and grabbing film I've seen in my life. I think I saw a coloured version somewhere (maybe I imagined it) but it was nothing to the black & white original. I guess some films are best left two-tone and they're better fleshed out like that.

Even for a vastly unknown actor in his debut, Lamberto Maggiorani wasn't bad at all. In fact, it's one of the greatest performances I've ever seen. Accompanying him in the hunt is Enzo Staiola as his son, Bruno, who I think of as "the little grown-up" due to his mannerisms. One of the best child-performances ever. The supporting were not bad either, especially Gino Saltamerenda as Baiocco which my mom thought was the best in the film.

One thing I ask of you in these sort of films is that do not, and I repeat do not watch just because everyone thinks they're the best thing. If its not your genre or your type, just ignore and watch another because your views will be obscured and you will be compelled, like many others, to write only good things about this film. I recommend it yes but to us, the 'modern' audience who have gotten so used to seeing actors who resemble their Madame Tussaud counterparts and less of themselves, will kinda find it boring and long. I guess I wasn't one of them because I LOVED it.
-cue snigger-

9.7/10


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Kuch Kuch Hota Hai review

Posted : 12 years ago on 23 March 2012 04:22 (A review of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai)

My god, has it really been 10 years since I've been watching this film? I'm gonna turn 19 in a few months and I vividly remember when I first saw it when I was 9. I was playing Need for Speed II and I was somewhere in-between the North Country track when my elder sister hooked up the VCR cassette (nostalgia to the max!!). I remember pausing the game and asking my sister "is that Shah Rukh Khan?", because I used to like him when I was a kid but then again, kids are bound to like almost anything (LOL) and that's when I saw the film, the first of many times that would follow throughout the years. It surely was not the first Bollywood film I'd seen but it surely was the first college-themed film I'd seen and I liked the storyline. It was quite fresh back then (at least in Bollywood) and the jokes were funny and when it was time to be dramatic, it was good. The songs were OK, as most of them are, although the Koi Mil Gaya song/dance sequence is considered memorable.

Anyway, on to the film: (English translation: Something Happens). Shah Rukh Khan's role in this film is not unique. He has played this countless times but in this one he seemed kinda fresh. This is a frame narrative and the first half of the film is shown in flashbacks, occasionally punctuated with present-time. Then the second half is played in present-time. The first half is funny with little drama whereas the second half is more dramatic but offers comic relief through Salman Khan's character. I basically liked most performances, especially by Farida Jalal, Johnny Lever, Anupam Kher and Kajol, in one her best screen roles to date. I won't lie but I never really did like Rani Mukherji's performances. Not that I hate them, I just find them above average, that's all. Anyway, I've seen 3 of director Karan Johar's films and this is his second best (second to Kabhi Khushie Kabhie Gham)

I think this is a must-watch for you all out there and it remains as one of Bollywood's best known cult films. I suggest seeing this in single viewing!

8.5/10


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The Fugitive review

Posted : 12 years ago on 22 March 2012 02:36 (A review of The Fugitive)

Frankly speaking, The Fugitive is one of the only two films I like of Harrison Ford, performance-wise (the other is Blade Runner) He may be best known for Indiana Jones and Han Solo but I think in terms of performance-wise, he should be best known for Dr. Richard Kimble in this film. It was a performance well suited for an Oscar. Speaking of Oscars, how in the Hell did Tommy Lee Jones win The Best Supporting Actor? I don't get it. I mean, he is a great actor and all but nah! he has done better roles than that (No Country, The Three Burials, Coal Miner's Daughter) and it should've gone to Ralph Fiennes for Schindler's List as it was much more deserving. But it was a great performance anyhow.

Anyway, just like most thrillers of the 90's, The Fugitive was very nail-biting and exciting with a gripping focus on the dialogues and scenes. The train-wreck sequence near the starting was very toe-curling and brilliantly executed. The look on Mr. Ford's face is classic. Furthermore, the storyline and setting is great with a rather good cameo by Julianne Moore as the nurse. I enjoy her small scenes here & there and she really was good. Then from the supporting we have Joe Pantoliano as Cosmo. I tell you he is one of the damn under-rated actors alive today. Forget lead, he is great in supporting (The Matrix, Memento) and he was quite funny here and his chemistry with Tommy Lee Jones was good.

All in all, I hope Harrison Ford had played more roles like these and it certainly was one of his better screen-moments. The pace of the film is great and this is a must-watch!

8.0/10


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To Each His Own review

Posted : 12 years ago on 21 March 2012 07:22 (A review of To Each His Own)

This is Indian comedy at its most highest. The absolute zenith. The comedy that makes all the others look as if they're trying too hard. Two of Bollywood's greatest comedians, Shakti Kapoor and Paresh Rawal, appear in this film as villains with the former being one of the most recognizable villain in Bollywood history and the latter being one of his best screen roles to date. What's better than one Paresh Rawal?: Two Paresh Rawal's. That's right. If he tickles your funny bone in other movies (Hera Pheri, Bhagam Bhag), then he completely shatters it in this film. Believe me, you don't know 100% comedy until you see this. His facial expressions, hand movements and perfect line delivery will make you wanna forget your other comedy heroes for a-while. But of course, the main two really steal the show for the first half: Aamir Khan, in my opinion should be titled King Khan instead of SRK, plays Amar and Salman Khan, one of his only 2 performances I liked, as Prem. Both are street-wise characters who set off to woo a wealthy rich girl. The storyline is not unique, and the climax is not shocking either, but it makes up for that by it's rib-cackling humor. It's not dirty or sick as you would see in a Judd Apatow movie or the recent Bollywood movies. It's funny, smart and very well written. The supporting cast is not bad either. In fact, they make the film with their little scenes and subplots.

It has so many memorable scenes (the bus sequence, the rescue, the dance, the Vasco De Gama gun scene) that it will make you reach for the rewind button many times and even after when you've finished watching it, you will still rewind to that particular favourite moment, which I bet would be many. It's also one of Bollywood's few cult films and I can understand why. This is highly recommended and believe me, they don't make comedy movies like this anymore, at least not in Bollywood. Now all I see is the same old tried-and-tested 'funny' scenes which are hardly amusing. A bitter chuckle here and there but that's it. Also, it's an unofficial rule of thumb that any film that has Paresh Rawal cannot be 100% bad or boring. You may not like the film but you surely cannot deny his performances. His aim is to make people laugh and that's exactly what he does, no more no less and his character(s) in this film is so utterly quotable that you will find yourself quoting to some of his lines in real-life or at least in your head. I guess this is why the director, Rajkumar Santoshi, kept him in his next film, China Gate, which was very dark but the tone was occasionally punctuated by his appearances.

A must watch for all out there and nary a second waste! 10/10 for everything!

10/10


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Belle de Jour review

Posted : 12 years ago on 21 March 2012 06:30 (A review of Belle de Jour)

The titular character is a mix between a Hitchcock icy blonde, a Bond Girl and someone from a Tinto Brass movie. Soft, sensual and erotic: these are the three things Belle de Jour is made up of. This is my first time viewing of Catherine Deneuve and I must say, her performance was rather impressive. The supporting were just decent but I enjoyed Genevieve Page as Madame Anais and, to a little extend, Michel Piccoli as Henri Husson.

Since this is directed by Luis Bunuel, it cannot be interpreted in 10 minutes flat. You have to have a notepad ready to keep a track of the notes and even then you will only understand like 50% of it. What's the significance of cats' meow? What do the carriages represent? What the hell was the ending all about? I guess, the intro, which is shown as a dream, is actually the event that happens after when the film ends... that's my thought... oh well, forget it!

Anyhow, Severine's (the titular character) dark looks and easy on the eye figure will leave you transfixed but you might find it a little boring. I liked her performance but I think I will pass off the film...

7.0/10


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The Departed review

Posted : 12 years ago on 20 March 2012 08:30 (A review of The Departed)

Martin Scorsese combines some of the greatest stars to emerge in the 90's in this one slick, thrill of a ride. Remake may be a word widely thrown and widely feared nowadays but back when remakes actually worked, Scorsese jumped on the train and impressed all the passengers with The Departed, a remake of Infernal Affairs (it's on my queue). Never have I been so thoroughly impressed by a movie from the first take itself. I mean, this is a modern-classic. It has a solid cast and the storyline is superb but it was the cinematography that had me on the edge of my seat. Martin Scorsese deserved the Oscar. The 3rd collaboration between Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, The Departed wasn't as bold as Gangs of New York nor was it as sleek as The Aviator. It was sharp and precise, with focus on the little things, just like any David Cronenberg film. Each and every cast member did a great job and this film is also notable for introducing me to Jack Nicholson and Martin Sheen (yea, first film I saw of them. surprised?) However, I do have one complaint: Was it me or did the blood look laughingly fake and cartoonish? (check out when Queenan falls from the roof)

For true fans, this just another great flick from Ol' Scorsese. Also, I've read somewhere that The Departed matches up as the 2000's answer to the 70's Taxi Driver, the 80's Raging Bull and the 90's GoodFellas but I, being the Mr. Disagree that is, disagree with that. I think it's Gangs of New York... for more information, check out the review for that film!

8.9/10


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The Godfather review

Posted : 12 years ago on 19 March 2012 05:45 (A review of The Godfather)

What do you get when you mix a few oranges and a few great actors? You get The Godfather. The God among insects. The Lord of the flies. The king of kings. When Francis Ford Coppola took on this once-in-a-lifetime job, he knew exactly what he was getting into and delivered exactly what he promised. Considered as the greatest mob film ever made and subsequently the greatest film ever, one cannot fail to see why. The storyline is perfect, the performances are miles beyond and the mood, especially that, is perfectly captured and is actually more nittier & grittier than it is on the surface. Everything has been said about this film and my review would only seem another "been there, done that" but I'm still gonna ramble on. This is cinema at its summit. Such dignity, such power, such awesomeness, it can only be The Godfather and, to an even greater extend, Ben-Hur, the only film I consider better than this one. Surprised? Hate to tell you this but I'm kinda tired seeing The Godfather hog the No. 1 spotlight while Ben-Hur virtually gets ignored by the higher critics and almost every Listal member here. I personally think Ben-Hur is times better but that's just my personal opinion. So, this film is officially No. 2 in my book. HA! suck on that, wimps!

Overall, this is one of the few films you have to watch nomadder what condition you're in. Sick in bed? I don't care. In a coma? I don't care. Stranded in the middle of the f*** desert? I friggin' don't care... WATCH!

10/10


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Snow White: A Tale of Terror review

Posted : 12 years ago on 19 March 2012 03:34 (A review of Snow White: A Tale of Terror)

Having grown up watching Disney, I had absolutely no idea that many were based on actual stories which were far from pretty, colourful or dreamy. This one, which resembles the original Grimm Brothers version, is dark and scary with that hollow and isolated feeling all over it. Unlike the Disney Snow White we all grew up watching, this Michael Cohn directed flick will leave you stunned by its graphic content. I really feel cheated now!!

Performance-wise, almost everyone is quite OK but it's Sigourney Weaver as Lady Claudia that steals the show. Her performance is arguably one of her top 5 best. Following her close is Monica Keena as the titular character although she is never called by that title. I don't know why but I kinda enjoy her performances (Freddy vs. Jason, Man of the House) and over here also she was quite good. Damn under-rated if you ask me. Speaking of under-rated, we also have Sam Neill as Fredric Hoffman in one of his more better roles. In some places it may seem as if he is forcing to say his lines, it nevertheless was quite good.

Story-wise, the film is very dark, grim and like I said, hollow. The distinct dreaded-layer is present. The dwarfs are replaced by miners, which I think was a wise step, and are as nowhere cute or cuddly as seen in the cartoon. Not a 100% recommended flick but if you're in the mood for something unusual, then give it a try!

7.1/10


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Rashomon review

Posted : 12 years ago on 19 March 2012 12:03 (A review of Rashomon)

Second film I saw on YouTube and the first by Akira Kurosawa, Rashomon is a fine example of mixed feelings. I mean, I liked it but, after hearing all the hype, it could've done way better. I also liked the originality but too bad I'd already seen it before in Reservoir Dogs, The Usual Suspects and Hero, so the effect wasn't as effective as it should've been.

Anyway, Toshiro Mifune was arguably one of the best Japanese actor of his time and his performance in this film as the Bandit was the best. In fact, it was the only best performance. All the others, in their respective characters, were quite good. Not too dull, not too great, just OK. Although the film wasn't too tedious, it still was too much for a 88 minute feature and that is rather surprising because I consider 88-100 minutes to be perfect. Maybe it was because of the crying woman? At times it looked too much like a Greek tragedy or a melo-drama stage play.

All in all, I won't add it in my greatest movies just yet (I have to see it a second time) but I will say that it was entertaining and is far from dull, worst, boring or any of the in-between words. The dialogues are well-scripted but you will be left a teensy-weensy disappointed!

8.6/10


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