Matchstick Men

Cast : Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell

Director : Ridley Scot

Iv never really been a huge fan of Nicolas Cage but he surprised me here.. Watching Matchstick Men, I was brutally reminded of an Indian Movie Bluffmaster which seemed very much inspired by it. You gotta watch both to understand the similarities though.

Nicolas Cage plays Roy, a con man (or, as he likes to say, a Con Artist!) who has a lot of problems. For one, he's a compulsive cleaner, he hates the outdoors and he has lot of ticks Roy needs medication to keep him sane.

One day he knocks his pills into the sink and when he calls his doctor to get more he finds out that his doctor is no longer in town! This provides one of the funnier/saddest part of the movie. I'm not sure if it was suppose to be played up for laughs or not, the tone was kind of hard to tell, but Roy spend the next day and a half cleaning his house, his ticks got worst and well it made me feel kind of bad for him.

His partner Frank, played by Sam Rockwell provides him with the number for another psychologist who can help. Roy goes to the psychologist thinking that it'll be easy, to just ask for the pills and he'll get them. No, this guy wants to help Roy and will not give him any pills until he talks. Which, I must say, shows two things. One, Nick Cage is great when he plays these type of rolls, and two, he's damn funny. What he tells the psychologist was both funny and sad. During that time though it's reviled that Roy was married at one time, and when his wife left she was pregnant and he doesn't know what happen to the child who would be 14 by now.

After getting the pills (only a weeks worth mind you) Roy decides to find out about his daughter, but he can't because he's too scared, so after getting the number of his ex wife he asks his psychologist to make the call when he can. Later that night he gets a call from him and finds out that he has a daughter who wants to meet him.

That's as far as I'll go with the plot because the movie really picks up from there as he bonds with his new daughter and sets up a really complex and dangerous con.

Like I said, Nick Cage is great in the movie, but I also want to point out that his daughter, Angela (played by Alison Lohman) was just fantastic to watch. She really lit up the screen when she smiled and it looked like Alison Lohman was just having a ball playing her. She was your typical 14 year old (only, and this shocked me when I found out, Alison Lohman is 24 years old! If you watch it, keep that in mind and tell me she doesn't look like a 14 year old.) who knew just how to work her dad! Some of the funnier moments came after he would yell at her, then she'd start to cry and Roy would just completely collapse and start apologizing for what he said, even if he was completely right! It was just really funny.

Matchstick Men isn't a fast paced movie, it's more of a character study between Roy and Angela and how she changes his life and makes him reprioritizes his values and the way he runs his life.

Rating : * * *

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

Cast : Jason Statham, Jason Flemying, Nick Moran, Dexter Fletcher

Director : Guy Ritchie

I was a total and complete sucker for this film.

This is Definatley one of the coolest movie iv seen ever. Though iv heard enough praises abt it bt i took my time to watch it. By now i am quite familiar with Guy Ritchi style of film making (I have seen his movies like Rock N Rolla, Snatch nd now Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels. Even our home grown Kaminey was heavily inspired by this style of film making).

It will be hard for me and even unfair me to tell you story of the movie so i would just give u an outline about it

A bunch of British lads combine their money and enter a high stakes, illegal card game with a vicious criminal. They lose and must pay all the money within a week...or they lose their fingers--one for every day missed.

The rest of the film is about their search for the money. It involves their far more dangerous neighbours, naïve university dropouts who sell marijuana, a drug dealer described as "a madman with an afro" and, of course, the Harry and his men, most memorably Big Chris, the debt collector. Whether the characters are two-dimensional or just trying to live up to certain underground stereotypes I do not know, but it doesn't matter. They are parodies, but good ones.

If I were to write and direct a movie about gangsters or crime, this would be it. I wouldn't change one damn thing. Not a thing. Everything in this film was, to my eye, perfect - casting, the camerawork, the excellent dialogue

This film oozes with style, class, dark humor, plot twists and turns, and doesn't drag one bit. The casting and characterization is perfect, and Ritchie isn't afraid to move the cameras around; no pretense is really made here at "realism" - Ritchie doesn't mask the fact that it's a film and he runs with it.

A Must.

And there's one more thing...............it's been emotional'

Rating :

* * * *

10 Things I Hate About You

Cast : Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles

Director: Gil Junger

It's kinda weird that people say this story was based off of a Shakespeare story, yet no one ever mentions what this was based on. But 10 Things I Hate About You is one of the classic teen movies that came out of the 90's that was actually good. It had a great cast, the story was original and a lot of fun, and the whole movie made you laugh and feel good. This was the movie that really sky rocketed Heath Ledger's career in America. This movie captured a great amount of what most teens go through in their world, wither it's just wanting to be different, popular, having an over protective parent, dealing with sex and rejection, this movie just worked on so many levels. (I am sure evertythin is not relatable to an Indian Teen because the amount of pressure and level of expectations are more different here)

Cameron James (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a shy, somewhat dorky, but good-hearted new guy at Padua High School in Washington State. He falls head over heels for Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik), a somewhat vapid popular girl who is not allowed to date by her father (Larry Miller) until her older sister Katarina (Julia Stiles) does. Sadly for Bianca - who is also the target of sleazy jock Joey's (Andrew Keegan), er, affection - Kat is a man-hating feminist rebel, so there's no way in hell of that happening, right? However, Joey, Cameron, and popularity-craving Michael (David Krumholz) hatch a scheme to convince the school "bad boy" Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) to date Kat - and of course, things don't go quite according to plan.

If you do have the opportunity to see 10 Things I Hate About You I do recommend that you take the chance. It's a good movie and doesn't push you around or play games with you, and that's why everyone loved it, because it was just honest. Plus you just have to love the adorable scene where Heath Ledger sang to Julia Styles on the bleachers and got chased around by security, if that's not love and commitment, then I don't know what is. It has a great happy ending and just makes you feel good.

Rating :

* * *

Unbreakable

Cast : Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson

Director : M. Night Shyamalan

After his success with THE SIXTH SENSE, M. Night Shyamalan's name became a brand of sorts. In a day when director's rarely get the top billing for their films, M. Night Shyamalan has managed to build up a following strong enough to have all his films labeled "An M. Night Shyamalan Film". In today's day, when cinema in general has seemed kind of stagnant, it is refreshing to see a director with such a clear strong vision getting recognition. Though his films since THE SIXTH SENSE have yet to receive the unanimous praise bestowed on that thriller, they have all had the signature stamp of Shyamalan's eye.

Ironically, Shyamalan's film that seemed to make the slightest dent on the public radar was his first follow-up to THE SIXTH SENSE... UNBREAKABLE. It takes his typical formula of a slowly revealed secret that is given a huge shift in the final moments of the film, and frames it as an ode to comic books. It tells the story of David Dunn (played by Bruce Willis), a man who miraculously survived a disastrous train accident unharmed while all the other passengers died.

There appears to be no explanation for David's survival, and the experience cuts a huge rift in David's life. Already estranged from his wife (played by Robin Wright Penn), David seems to become even more removed from his family as he struggles to come to terms with the situation. It seems no one can provide him answers, except a man named Elijah (Samuel L. Jackson). Elijah is a man obsessed with the legacy of comic books as pieces of art, and he also suffers from a protein deficiency that causes his bones to break like glass. Elijah believes that David is a modern day "superhero".

In his attempts to relay this belief to David, Elijah comes across as a man who has lost his mind. Yet he persistently approaches David with justification for his theory. Turns out David is not only "unbreakable"... he also has super-strength, a desire to protect people, and impeccable instincts. Elijah continually challenges David to develop these talents and challenge himself... but David is torn between his assumption that Elijah is crazy, the promise he made his wife, and the destiny he might hold.

UNBREAKABLE came out one-year after the phenomenon of THE SIXTH SENSE and although it did respectable business at the box office... it never truly caught on with the public. I can only assume it is because of how impersonal the film feels. All the characters are so incredibly introverted that the film feels lifeless at times. It is very slow moving in it's pursuit of the truth... and when David learns new things about his capabilities it is not filmed in a grand way. Everything is kept very subtle, and while that suits the realistic tone of the entire film, it hurts the films pacing.

I think in this follow-up, Shyamalan showed many of the skills that made THE SIXTH SENSE so successful. There are some shots in particular that are rather captivating. For example, the opening sequence on the train is filmed in a very interesting manner that works very well as an introduction to David's character and his struggles. In addition, there is a sequence in which David's son holds him at gunpoint that is done very well. Finally, in the last moments when David finally learns to use his powers, there is a particularly chilling shot of a flowing window curtain. However, Shyamalan also becomes over-indulgent at times.

and this exactly which has harmed shyamlan over the years.. after Unbreakable he’s been giving one forgettable movie after another, like The Village, Signs, Lady In The Water and The Happening. All of em had his trademark style of direction which has harmed Shyamlan More than benefitted him.

But this Unbreakable is Recommended.
Rating :

* * * & 1/2

Spy Game

Cast : Brad Pitt, Robert Redford

Director : Tony Scott

My favorite kinds of films are the intellectual thrillers where you have to run, mentally, to keep up with the pace of the plot, lest you be left behind. The kind of movie where you park yourself in your seat and skip the concession counter or bathroom visits. The Usual Suspects is one such example. "Spy Game" is another. There is no melodramatic stupidity, no would-be witty one-liners, no unrealistic "deus ex machina" scenarios to insult the intelligence of the viewer. Instead, we're treated to a brilliantly intricate series of events woven together by a very talented cast.

The film begins with the capture of Tom Bishop (Pitt). He was on a mission, which remains unknown for the most part of the film, and is held in a chinese prison with 24 hours left he is executed. After those first 7 minutes i was sold on the rest of the film. I love spy films, although I have to admit I've never been a fan of the 007 films, but was always keen to the theme. What's cooler than being a spy? Batman?.. but thats a whole other story. So the opening sequence... it's quickly paced like most Tony Scott films, and is very slick. Even in the most dirty environments this film looks great. That's one thing that you just can't help in this film, there is plenty of style. Does it work? Sure.

We then cut to an asleep Robert Redford. He is awakened by a call filling him in on Bishop's capture. Today is Nathan's (Redford) last day at the CIA, but this situation is going to stir things up. You see, Nathan Muir was the one that brought Tom Bishop into the CIA. He taught him everything he needed to know. We learn this through a series of flashbacks as Nathan is asked to discribe his relationship and events that took place while knowing Tom. There are some heavy political issues at hand here, and so the CIA is willing to have the Chinese do as they wish with Tom. Do we ever really get a feel of these politics? Not really. But it doesn't matter. What does matter is the realtionship between Tom and Nathan. What matters is that the clock is ticking and that throughout the film, you want to see what happens.

Redford was great in this film and carried it completely. I've never been a big fan of his, but I loved his performance in this. His relationship and chemistry with Pitt was great and completely believable. It's a good thing too because otherwise the film just wouldn't have worked. The scenes are pretty tight and have a nice weight to them. The blend of past and present could not have worked better, although the characters just don't show the periods well as they never seem to age. But it's a minor detail.


I sometimes feel a story that is unbelievable looks more believable if it's told in a more realistic style. I'm sure I would have liked that more in this case, but I certainly didn't mind the style.

I recommend the movie.

Rating :

* * *

Schindler's List

Cast : Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fieness

Director: Steven Spielberg

Schindler's List is not only a pure masterpiece but, for me, it is one of the greatest films ever made in the world. I feel like kicking myself why i waited this long to watch this movie.

It's difficult for any one person to pick ONE movie by Spielberg that stands above all his others. However, if i had to choose his greatest movie when it came to sentimental value, and pure power, Schindler's List is THAT movie.

The film starts off to reveal a womanizing, Nazi business man who profited off of slave labor. The Nazi business man is of course Oskar Schindler. Oskar is just like most men. He has a love for good wine, beautiful women, and pursues happiness through the success of his business. But on his journey to a successful business, millions of Jews were being killed during a time which most label as one of the darkest periods of human history. As Oskar made money, innocent people were being murdered. That's when the self-centered, often money hungry Oskar steps in and gives up his goal of having a successful business to save the lives of over 1,000 Jews.
This film is about redemption and was beautifully photographed in black and white by Janusz Kaminski (cinematographer). At the helm is no one other than Steven Spielberg, who brilliantly called non-pretentious shots and brought back to life a time and period most want to forget, but shouldn't.

If you haven't watched it yet, you better get it! I watched the uncut version. It is a very sad movie, but uplifting at the same time. Who cares about special affects, and all the really extreme graphics movies have now days. This movie doesn't even have any of that except for the one red colored item in the whole entire movie. It is everything a movie should be. I recommend this movie to watch, but it is not for the faint of heart. The horror it reveals of the actual holocaust is something the faint of heart would most certainly be torn from. It's true. This is what happened. And this is a movie that truly reveals it exactly how it went.

An especially emotional scene where the music is at its best is of course, the finale when the war in Germany has officially been declared finished. Oskar notifies the 1,100 Jews he had saved from Auschwitz by taking them to work in his factory that the Allies will come looking for him and most likely kill him. Perlman's violin score is almost able to send goosebumps up your spine as Schindler leaves for his car and is given a solid gold ring made from one of his Jews' golden teeth as a token of gratitude, and he breaks down crying, while lamenting that he didn't save more. Truly, this is Liam Neeson at his best.

Anyone who couldn't find any good points for this film, would either have some very strong Nazi beliefs, or not truly appreciate what a good film really is. For any Spielberg devotees like myself, this is a film that I strongly recommend. Let it be known lastly, that this is a very emotional movie, and it was just the same backstage too, as Spielberg has noted that he was actually crying while behind the camera on multiple occasions while filming Schindler's List.

This is one of the greatest movies ever made, and should always be recognized as such.

Rating :

* * * * & 1/2

The Last Kiss

Cast : Zach Braff , Jacinda Barrett , Casey Affleck, Tom Wilkinson

Director : Tony Goldwyn

Hey guys.. (m talking as if iv 200 people following my blog and atleast 50 comments m getting for my reviews.. (sic)).. been really long time saw any movie and actually been long time since i saw some romantic flick..(i quite like this genre but surprisingly i dnt hv too many romantic movies in my library.. aren’t they making good ones or wat.. ?? heylow.. anyone listening)..

Khair, the title sounded ultimate romantic types so prepared myself for some nostalgic stuff. Well it was rather OK..

Michael (Braff) is a young man who is in love with Jenna (Barrett). The two are engaged and are expecting their first child…but Michael has many anxieties about settling down. He feels as though his old life will end when he is married…and what if he isn't ready to close the book on that part of his life? He happens upon a beautiful young college student named Kim (Bilson) and the two begin an innocent relationship. They are just friends…but Michael refuses to tell Jenna, wanting to keep the relationship a secret. At the same time, Jenna's parents are going through a spot of trouble. Her mother, Anna (Danner), is sick of feeling unloved and leaves Jenna's father, Stephen (Wilkinson). Michael's friends, all in various stages of relationships, also begin to have many problems with their loved ones. "The Last Kiss" tells of the drama that can exist between any couple in any stage of their relationship and that, ultimately, love is a leap of faith that must be made between two people together…or not at all.

If you're looking for a moderate movie -- nothing too serious, but then nothing too fluffy -- something that you can watch, maybe chuckle a few times, or maybe something that might get you to think more deeply about relationship (and in particular if you're considering getting into a long-term relationship, or if you're not sure a long-term relationship you're in), then this would be just the ticket. You get into the minds of the characters, and there are quite a few that you can get to know, which lets you empathize with them. Some questions that I pondered watching this: is avoidance an option in life? Is truth always the best policy?

Go Find Out Your Answers.. !

Rating :

* * *