The Straight Story (1999) - Drama

I love movies made out of real stories and this one was exceptionally good as its Directed by one of my all time favorite Directors – David Lynch. And let me tell you this – up front that this is one David Lynch movie which stands out from all of his others works in such a way that you would not be able to tell if it belongs to him, unless you already know that it is. You are going to love it – if you have a sibling and you are going to love it more if you have differences in between. You are going to love it more – if you are a born roadie like me – who wants to drive anywhere he goes and not like being driven. This one is based on the life of Alvin Straight, a World War II veteran; his estranged brother suffers a stroke and Alvin goes to meet him one final time to amend their differences before it’s too late. Unfortunately because of his age and bad health – he couldn’t get a drivers license hence he does one final road trip on a Lawnmower (a baby tractor made in 1966), how his journey goes is the movie all about – the ending is one heartwarming stuff – it’s a must watch for all serious movie lovers especially by those who love drama’s in real life. This will blow you out of your minds like it did to me to plan those road trips I’ve been postponing for years thinking whether I would be able to do them or not – if he can do it on a lawnmower – I definitely can do better than that in my car. Do not miss it guys at any cost – it deserves a watch by everyone, teaches you damn good lessons as it goes on.

The Movie: Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) stays in Laurens, Iowa with his daughter Rose (Sissy Spacek) who is mental disability. He is a very simple down to earth guy who is surviving on his Social Security Check. He has a gang of friends who hang out every day at a bar in town – one fine day when he doesn’t turn up to the bar – a friend visits him and to his horror realizes that he has crashed on the floor and couldn’t get up on his own for hours. With some help they drag him to a hospital and doctor advices to take good rest and do not move much or smoke or drink at all, to which he pays no heed as he is a hard nut to crack anyways. One fine day he gets the news that his brother had a stroke – now he hasn’t met or spoken to him in like last ten years. To mend their differences and meet him one last time – he plans a road trip to Mt Zion, Wisconsin which is 250 miles from his place – that too on his Lawnmower as he has no other vehicle and a driving license to do the trip. He is too stubborn to be driven, doesn’t likes flying or any other mode of transport. His lawnmower goes as far as a couple of miles before finally conking off – what he does with that is a scene to watch out on screen – let me tell you in advance – you will be shocked and will be in splits too watching it happen. Next day – he ends up buying another lawnmower this time a 1966 John Deere Mini Tractor – tows his home made travel trailer with it. How he walks with the help of those two sticks and how he gets down every time from his tractor is something you’ve got to see it to believe it – yet he was determined to do the whole trip on his own without bothering or taking anybody else’s help.

On his way to Mt Zion he meets a lot of people on the way and goes through a lot of hardship but its commendable to see his determination to do the trip and meet his brother one last time before it’s too late. On his way he helps a young girl hitchhiking her way to the next town – she sleeps over in his trailer for the night before going off early in the morning and as a token of thanks – she collects wood sticks and leaves them near his trailer – it was such a heart warming gesture on her part and the way he helps and talks to her is another highlight of the movie. Its gives you quite an insight on his own life with his daughter. He faces quite a tuff time going on the freeway with big trucks moving at fast speed, with rains coming in between – he takes shed at a couple of places before reaching the next town where his motor develops some technical snag and he had to take a break. The people that he meets in the next town too are shocked and amazed by his determination – they all help him repair his tractor, he pays them too with his Social Security check and goes off to meet his brother. The final scene of the movie is another highlight – it had me in tears big time. I missed my own brother who I haven’t met in years – seeing this scene.

I myself have done quite a lot of road trips in last one decade and plan to do so much in very near future. This movie indeed touched me inside out and made my determination stronger for the trip we’ve been postponing for quite a while now – I guess the time has come for me to do it now. Such was the impact of this one – do not miss it any cost – I am sure you will love it – as it has so much to learn from it. Let me know if you have seen this already – what you feel about it.

Cyrus (2010) - Drama

What do you do when you come across a movie with John C Reilly, Jonah Hill and Cute Marisa Tomei in one movie? You do nothing but get a DVD and watch it as you are sure – you’re going to love it – come what may as these guys have played so many characters in the past that we all loved big time. In the recent times - I haven’t still forgotten John in “Carnage”, neither I can even forget Marisa in “The Wrestler” or Jonah from “Superbad” or “Moneyball” to say the least about these guys. This one turns out to be quite a good movie to watch as they all almost play themselves even in the movie. This one too had the backing of great Scott brothers and I was shocked to see the simplicity behind it all. It actually feels like someone picked up a decent hand held camera and shot the whole movie in one go. Still its quite a decent watch and has those laugh out loud moments too. It did made me think hard about those characters too – they are so real life like and the handling is so damn good that I actually felt as if it was all happening in front of me rather than me watching a movie. Watch it – if you like simple movies out of everyday ordinary life. I totally liked it. 

John C Reilly & Marisa Tomei

The Movie: It’s a very simple story of a guy John (John C Reilly) separated from his wife Jamie (Catherine Keener) who stays right across the road from his place and how he meets Molly (Marisa Tomei) in a party he was forced to go by his Ex wife. He meets Molly’s son Cyrus (Jonah Hill) too and his life goes for a toss from falling in love again to breaking up – it all happens so fast and in such a good manner that you actually end up falling in love with him as well as other characters. Even the opening scene of the movie is hilarious as John is alone in his house masturbating and his ex wife walks in on him only to be shocked – later breaking his heart further with the news that she is getting married soon. He is forced to go a party with her where he comes across a lot of people who have no interest in him whatsoever till he meets Molly out of a sheer accident – even that scene is hilarious and they fall for each other in no time. Time and again both the leads – John Reilly and Marisa Tomei have shocked and impressed me big time in the roles they have played in so many movies. As I mentioned earlier – they are actually too good and convincing in their respective roles. Both fit in so well in their characters so much so that its hard to tell if they are acting or just sleep walking their daily lives on screen – I am amazed with Marisa specially even at this age – she is hitting 50 – looks so damn good.

Marisa Tomei

Story moves forward with John moving in Molly to her house and meets her talented son Cyrus who wants to be a musician and has already composed some songs – its fantastic to see him perform live in front of John – the music was too good – you’ve got to see that scene to believe it. Cyrus shares a special bond with his mother and is insecure of her past and present relationships hence he ends up screwing them all big time and you realize that’s the reason why she is still a single mother. He again tries to screw it up for John and Molly – what happens next is the rest of the movie. Another thing that I loved about this movie was its simplicity and the way its all shot. As other critics too pointed out – its too amateurish direction – even the camera work is so simple and subtle that all the time you feel like a guy with a handy cam shot it all – even those zoom ins and zoom outs are so life like as we do in all our handheld shot personal videos. The highlight of the movie is the performances by its cast, the three leads and even the support cast was too good. John plays his character so well that he feels like the guy next door yet so good still his life is screwed. I totally loved it and will recommend it to everyone as it will make you think hard, yet will make you smile and laugh out loud on their simplicity, honesty and hilarious situations – and a perfect subtle ending.

Red Lights (2012) - Thriller

While watching a French movie of the same name – I came across this one and was shocked to a movie with two of my favorite actors – Robert De Niro and Sigourney Weaver totally went unnoticed by me for so long. I must praise Cillian Murphy for an outstanding performance as Assistant to Sigourney Weaver in the movie, this must be his career best performance and would definitely get noticed big time by people. A damn good movie which I would put somewhere in between a perfect thriller and horror, it has those shocking “Jump out of your seat” moments too with solid background score thrown in. Robert De Niro again in a terrific role although not too impressive from his standards but still quite a good to say the least. I am sure the two scenes of him taking off his dark glasses will give you Goosebumps like they did to me. I wonder how dashing Sigourney looks in this one – she is one of those females who impress me with every movie she does. Last we saw her was in a damn good role in “Avatar” and now in this one – she has an equally good role – unfortunately how I craved to see both of them together in one shot but guess that wasn’t the agenda with the Director. Check it out guys – it’s a must watch for De Niro fans for sure and Cillian Murphy is sure to impress you big time in this one. Even otherwise it works as a damn good thriller at least if nothing else. Surely not to be missed.

The Movie: It has a very interesting premise – the one that I totally love with Sigourney Weaver as a University Academic also working as a Paranormal Investigator assisted by a superb Cillian Murphy in both the areas. They are highly against the idea of someone with super or paranormal healing powers and all. How they keep uncovering those people in the initial opening of the movie is too good, it give you a pretty good idea of what you should be looking forward to in coming hour or so. Sigourney is too good – even at that age – she does everything in a style that you just can’t help but love her totally – she still looks damn good to me at least. They keep investigating all the psychics and paranormal activities but she isn’t interested in investigating only one man and his powers and that happens to be Simon Silver (Robert De Niro) as they have a past – because of that she tells Cillian Murphy that the guy is dangerous and they should not be investigating his case. Simon Silver vanishes from public performances for decades before he hits back and as the day of his another public appearance comes close – the audience are totally hooked and look forward to uncover the truth behind his so called powers – right then the story takes an awesome turn by suspicious death of Sigourney Weaver. I felt so sad as I was actually looking forward to some action between them but what happens next and how Cillian Murphy takes it all on himself to uncover Simon Silver is simply outstanding and superb action.

Elizabeth Olsen and Sigourney Weaver

Robert De Niro – He comes in the movie almost after the half time but the little snippets of him here and there with those dangerous eyes are too good to keep your interest alive in the movie – he looks terrific – I am sure I will never forget those dangerous looks of him ever. The antics that he does in the movie are simply stunning and mind-blowing. How the investigation proceeds and Cillian uncovers the truth behind is powers are a thrilling ride. I have never seen this guy in that kind of a character ever – here and there he had impressed me in small roles as a villain but none comes close to the one he has done in this one – totally superb. I am sure he is going to get his due with this movie and will definitely get noticed for his superb work. I love those shocks that the movie gives you – this one reminded me of “I know what you did last summer” a lot as every now and then you get a shock. Like those typical sudden knocking on the car window, weird looking people, terrific background score, car screeching to a halt right before hitting another vehicle, dark rooms, calling ghosts and spirits – it had everything to make it a perfect thriller. Unfortunately, I am sure it did not do too well on the box office as it never came to my notice for last six months of its release. Anyways, I found it pretty good and will definitely recommend it to everyone who likes thrillers.

What to expect, when you're expecting (2012) - Drama

 

It may not be the best on the subject but it certainly was a heart warming experience for us. Worked big time like a time machine and sent us back by 7 years when we were expecting our daughter. We smiled, laughed, agreed, disagreed and enjoyed those moments lived on screen with a couple of our own favorite actors. I wasn't looking forward to this one after reading quite a few negative reviews but still couldn't resist the movie with Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Brooklyn Decker (Battleship), Chris Rock and Dennis Quaid. Also, it is full of cameos from a lot of other lesser known celebrities from TV and stuff. As a parent of a 6 year old kid – it was all been there done that stuff for us but can be a great learning experience and eye opener for would be parents. A funny take on how life changes but for good once you become a parent or on the verge of becoming one. It was a great time pass and a fundoo one time watch for sure. 

Jennifer Lopez

The Movie: As the name suggests – story revolves around the lives of 5 couple expecting their first babies. They are all related to each in one way or the other and its hilarious to see the situations change so fast and how it all ends – its quite comically timed. Our favorite will always be the story of Jennifer Lopez as Holly the photographer with a husband in music business and her emotional story, since she couldn't conceive in normal circumstances. They have no option but to adopt a kid and even to do that – they have to prepare themselves for the baby's arrival with new house etc. The second best was obviously Cameron Diaz as a celebrity dance show contestant and a host of a fitness weight loss show with her husband. I guess Cameron is a good dance and she always looks forward to a dance item in all her movies – here too it starts with a small dance number from her and its hilarious to see how it ends. The third great one was Elizabeth Banks who was Wendy Cooper wife of Gary played by Ben Falcone. As they break their story of expecting a baby to his father – they get shocking news that even his father played by my favorite Dennis Quaid and his wife hottie Brooklyn Decker too were expecting their first kid. The father and son relationship is too good and their scenes are one of the high points of the movie. Super Rich dad with a mansion and a golf course of his own, simply superb, Dennis Quaid at his hilarious best.

Brooklyn Decker

The Mothers

The Gang of Guys: Walking in the part with their babies in the strollers is too good. I mean it's amazing to see how life changes for a couple after marriage first and then after they become parents. How every one adjusts into their new roles without panicking and you see every new guy who is yet to be a parent having those panic attacks. It reminded us of our own memories not so long ago when one fine Sunday morning my wife broke the news that she was pregnant. I can never forget the way I reacted “What??? Are you serious? How could that be? I mean, are you sure???” It was great news yet we weren’t expecting it that sooner and we are way too glad today to have a baby like the one that we have, it’s a blessed feeling to have a kid at the end of the day. All the couples have their own ups and downs too like the way Jennifer loses her contract because of cost cutting and goes job less. Cameron Diaz’s husband couldn’t continue his dance show anymore because she is alone at home and he needs to be there with her, the way he sacrifices his positions by faking a fall on the dance floor, is totally awesome. There is another story of a young couple, the girl becomes pregnant right after a one night stand with a guy and they part ways because of confusion, although she loses the baby too, yet she loves the guy and looks forward to be with him, how their story moves and ends is heart warming. We found the movie pretty good than an average fare, it was hilarious in parts but all in all a nice one time watch for sure.

The Good, The Bad and The Weird (2008) - Korean Comedy / Action

Korea’s reply to western “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” and what a movie it was – I must say. Although no ways – it can be compared with Sergio Leone’s original but it stands out on its own in being a damn good entertainer. Like all the other Korean movies are – over the top and fully loaded with mind blowing action, comedy, drama and lots of blood / gore too. This movie’s USP big time is its cinematography – I mean – I must have seen close to 250 movies this year and none comes close to this one’s camera work – totally OUTSTANDING. You’ve got to see it to believe it and if you have already seen it – I am sure you will agree with me. Right from the very first shot till the very end – it’s an amazing visual treat, almost 2 hours and a little longer – it’s a total treat. If you know what Korean movies stand for – you can’t miss this one at any cost. I am going with a good 3 thumbs up for this one. It’s certainly a great one time watch at least.

The Good

The Movie: As I mentioned earlier and if you have seen the original – you exactly know where this movie is going and how it all is going to end. But the question is again how? And that’s the best part about this movie – the way they have shot the whole story with so many characters thrown in between all fighting first for the same map and then to locate the treasure and dig it out. Visually it’s a stunning movie right from the very start – we were hooked to its cinematography right from the first aerial shot of a flying eagle picking up a dead bird from a train track as the train passes by – totally awesome shot. Then the camera shifts first to the left then to the right of the track before entering inside with a train robbery by two different groups being attempted. Here we are introduced to the good (Jung Woo-sung) and the weird (Song Kang-ho) followed by the final and the best character of the movie the bad (Lee Byung-hun). The fighting sequences and the robbery is shot in such a fiery pace that its just amazing to see so much going in such a short span of time. Before even you realize where it’s going and how its going to end the bad guy takes over.

The Bad

The fighting sequences are done so well and are so stunning that I have not seen something like that this year. So many laugh out loud moments with the weird guy doing all kinds of weird stuff as he is famous for. Even the guy that they picked up I guess is a master of comedy in Korean movies – I remember I saw another movie with him in lead couple of weeks back and there too – he did a commendable job of making us laugh big time with his histrionics. Although the good guy never comes close to our own Clint Eastwood in Sergio Leone’s movie but still he holds it pretty good. As per me – the full credit goes to the guy who plays “The Bad” – he is damn good, in his facial expressions, fighting sequences, his hair style, the way he does all his stunts etc. His best movie to date will be “I Saw the Devil” and he was excellent in that one. Initial one hour the fight is for the Map between the good, bad and the weird. Once the map is set with good and weird joining hands for a joint operation followed by bad, we are up for a thrilling chase between all the gangs.

And The Weird

The Finale: Between The Good, The Weird, followed by further more Manchurian Bandits, Japanese army and The Bad man’s gang – is an awesome watch, totally hooking stuff with so much of going on that too in such a style that its hard to keep a track yet its simply outstanding job on screen. The ending as we already know is classic too with the treasure and final fights between all of them. That’s one movie which deserves a proper Blue Ray viewing with a good home theater to say the least. I am up for a damn good print and couple of more future viewings for sure.