Streaming on Netflix
Last week, I had rated, Marriage Story as the best film of 2019.
Sorry, The Two Popes just got better.
This could just one of the greatest Christmas gifts you could get.
A story of great honesty, these pope's represent hope for humanity.
Hope to write a detailed post on this.
For those interested in great content and film making, you may want to catch up on the weekend.!!!
Cleansing the Sins of Kaala and Kabali
After the brilliant Pariyerum Perumal, comes the thought provoking IUKG.
While Pa Ranjith themes are consistent and resonant with his past films, I love Pa Ranjith, the patron of arts.
Two things stood out for me.
I have great pleasure in sharing the Lyric video of 'Iruchi'. Exhilarating. Listen to the 'Udukkai'. The foot tapped unconsciously. When we have patrons and artists like Ranjith, I am sure, the art form of 'Therukoothu' will indeed survive.
I think about the way, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was shown, not very sure if it was an animation or a sequence of stills, the creative process was heartwarming. I guess old clips of the bombings may have not had the necessary impact on a tragic retelling of the event.
In some ways the movie could remind you of Babel at a concept level but it is an interesting and important film coming from the heart. I am sure there are bound to be conversations on the impact of war, empathy, communism, casteism and Arts.
In easily digestible commercial template, I guess the movie has the propensity to reach a broad cross section of people.
A nerve wracking drama that plays out like an edge of the seat thriller
I am inclined to rate Marriage Story, as the best movie, that I have seen in 2019.
This is supremely relevant content, served in great style by extraordinary writing.
The opening and the ending sequence are to be seen to be believed, those are painters brush strokes, conjuring up magic from nowhere.
The climax reminded me of the Sunrise in Kanyakumari, when you patiently wait for the sunrise and the Sun arises suddenly from nowhere. As the events unfold and when Adam Driver's single strand of facial muscle twitches, winces and speaks a thousand words and when Scarlett Johansson slowly approaches, Driver from behind, initially as a blur and then slowly emerging into focus, I can guarantee, if you are film lover, you are ordained to have goosebumps.
There is no messaging but there are messages all over. Tonnes of introspection.
People spend extraordinary money for a few days of wedding. Why don't the boy and girl, before their wedding, make an earnest attempt to understand one another's expectation and aspiration.
This is a mandatory watch for all adults.
GVM: An incurable romantic who is obsessed with voice overs
A clean shaven Dhanush is suave. Not really sure if he looked ever this way. He has got all the acting skills to pull it off. The dainty Megha Akash is a perfect foil. Their tender romance is accentuated by those warm hugs, soft kisses and those glorious close up shots. Boy and in one of those lovely shots where the camera caresses her face and the lighting that lights up her radiant face in extreme close up, you cannot but help being transfixed.
GVM can spend his lifetime like Mani ratnam making love stories. His song picturisations are a sheer delight.
The selection of shots is definitely worthy of mention.The narrative was taut. It worked for me,
But I guess GVM, probably gets done in by those interminably long voice overs. GVM will do well to shed some of the narcissism. I believe the voice overs are a reflection of that.
BY the way, Sasikumar is in some great urge to emulate Kamal. He pays his respects to the Americans with his twirl and twang. Sundara 'American'?
P.S:
On the ECR, enroute to Pondicherry after Markakannam are those beautiful fields where Salt is processed, not sure, by what name they are actually referred.
IN Maruvarthai, GVM, has picturised the lead pair, dancing in these salt field in the dark and the contrast is a sight to behold. That is imagination running riot.
Strictly for the patient, the discerning and lovers of Pure Cinema
In 'SIlences', you had to be jolted out on the very last scene, The Irishman tests your patience a bit more than 'Pather Panchali', but the last 30 minutes is worth the wait of three hours of viewing.
While the movie is set in 1960s, this is a timeless tale, exploring the sanctity of relationships.
Given the last 30 minutes, I just thought that this was the most spiritual gangster movie ever made!!!
Somehow, I was reminded of Ben Hur. But Scorsese will not have us rejoice,but leave us with very important questions about life itself.
Thought provoking!!!
A perfect Christmas gift served on the eve of Thanksgiving!!!.
P.S: Robert De Niro, will be a very strong contender for the Best Actor, with Al Pacino and Joe pesci vying for the best Support Actor roles.
The best entertainer of the year is all Style, Swag and Substance
Over the last several years, Hollywood films in India have been essentially restricted to Super Hero Movies, Horror movies, Kids movies, Action flicks like the Bond/Mission Impossible movies or probably a few weeks of Oscar probables. A lot of good mainstream Hollywood do not make it.
Thankfully, Ford Vs Ferrari makes it to the Indian markets. Easily the best entertainer of the year. The conflict between Ford and Ferrari, and their fight for supremacy at the 24 hours of Leman's( world's oldest active sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since 1923 near the town of Le Mans, France. It is considered one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world and has been called the "Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency") , is narrated in an most elegant manner, without any clutter.
The story telling is fascinating, keeping the right balance between the human drama and the sporting spectacle. A generous dose of engineering and design gets easily ingested in a narrative that has its heart in the right place.
Christain Bale, reminds you so much of Robert Shaw. The body language and intensity of Bale makes Ken Miles come alive.
I particularly liked the poignant ending. I have several times wondered, how the wooden faced Matt Damon emotes. Damon dazzles in the climax, choking the audience, without an iota of sentimentality.
Do yourself a favour, Catch Ford V Ferrari on Imax!!!!!
A very important, relevant and well made film. Must watch for all adult audiences. A classic example of how Cinema can be exploited to have meaningful conversations in the society at large
Conversations on Identity, Ideology and the triumph of human spirit
This movie is strictly for patient, discerning and those who enjoy solid film making skills
22 July is a 2018 Norwegian-American crime drama film about the 2011 Norway attacks and their aftermath, based on the book One of Us: The Story of a Massacre in Norway — and Its Aftermath by Åsne Seierstad.[
This attack can happen anywhere in the world and is therefore relevant to all.
But the interesting aspect, is the angle of how the victim fights back. While the physical fightback is a major effort, the fightback at the mental level happens to be the major challenge.
For a man, who directed the racy Bourne supremacy and Captain Philips, with those frenetic cuts, the man departs to sit down to narrate a solid, slow burn, a delight to the discerning movie goer.
Should be on your watch list
When Sholay meets Operation Daybreak, it's wolf whistle all the way.
Remember Sanjeev Kumar, in the opening scene with a handcuffed Amitabh and Dharmender, taking on the attack of the dacoits. You cannot help observing the similarity with Naren taking an army of goons with the help of Karthi, the 'Kaidi'.
Remember the two young soldiers holed up in the cellar of Church ( if my memory serves me right), taking on the entire German army. What a wonderful adaptation of this situation in Kaidi.
Lokesh Kanagaraj, in his second directorial venture beautifully demonstrates the absence of Revenge as a motive, enables a joyous viewing.
Sentimentality is an essential ingredient in the right measure, like salt, to keep the Masala quotient at the right level.
I believe that Lokesh planned this movie with Mansoor Ali Khan in mind as the lorry driver. Well Karthi, brings in charisma and a finesse that does the movie a world of good.
Lokesh, always seems to be constantly concerned about how the audience will react. I could not help smiling at the mischievous choice of the weapon in the climax.
There seems to be a prequel to this movie and I do not seem to be in a mood to complain
Forget all your worries, watch this fun filled ride and have a glorious Deepavali.
Happy Deepavali to all of you.
Magical film making constrained by the burden of a hackneyed plot
At the end of the first half, I just thought I had scaled Mount Everest and then all of a sudden I felt somebody had pushed me of the edge, post interval.
In fact, in a telephonic conversation, during interval, when I was in a temporary state of euphoria, I just mentioned, that even if I walked out after the interval, It would have still been an extraordinary experience. Alas, all the good work in the first half had to be weighed down by the compulsions of film makers to be socially conscious and the burden of messaging.. These new age messiahs are the protectors of the downtrodden,
The good news is that Vetrimaran's craft is completely in tact..
He must have been a formula one car driver in his previous birth. He shifts gears in fraction of seconds and you are in top speed even before you realize. All that pace is cloaked in such great leisure that it is almost, as if, Vetri and we are taking a stroll in the park. This is a stroll that is an adrenaline rush to be savoured to your heart's content.
Vetri, why do you have to be confused. None of the messiah's have been able to do much. There was a great man, Mahatma Gandhi, born about 150 years, who completely dedicated his life for the downtrodden, he practised and preached restraint, non-violence and drove an empire out. When such great acts do not seem to reach the general masses, why burden the viewer with the message of getting educated. That message of Dhanush, would never reach the ears of the audience, what will remain in the mind is the stark visual of a headless body on the screen, for a generous few minutes. I really would like to understand how all of you get away with a U/A certification for such graphic violence. I did make an observation, all the expletives had been muted, so that an A certification was avoided. But just imagine children watching a headless body for several minutes. I just wonder if a censor board really exists. I am just wondering, why not somebody make a movie on the Censor board. A comedy would be ideal.
Vetri, I look forward to your next film with Soori. Your nerves must be jaded. You certainly need to do a relaxing subject. Having said, that, I would love Vetri to do a simple action movie. I am sure it would set our hearts ablaze.
While I am happy that Vetri's craft is still in tact, I am equally glad that Dhanush the actor and GV Prakash, the music director are in top form.
The movie has a high quotient of violence, May be avoided by those who do not approve of violence and certainly not for children
I would still see this film a half a dozen times until interval.
Two Incredibly handsome hulks let down by 'Tasteless direction' and a 'famine' of imagination.
Among the many handsome men, I personally admire and envy, Chris Helmsworth and Hrithik Roshan,
In a recent interview, Hrithink Roshan, confesses that Tiger Shroff inspired him to reduce his waist size(38) (during the filming of Super 30) to 30.
I was just curious as how, Hrithik's 30 waist size would look like. You have to see it to believe it. Man, he is so cool, when he dances and those chests, would actually have Arnold's approval. Not that Arnold, would disapprove of those bulging biceps.
Tiger Shroff, is probably a 'French version' of Hrithik. More Sleek, he is quick on his feet and stings like a bee. Jackie Chan would have certainly loved his speed and elegance.There is a certain pleasantness, a tenderness in his eyes, his body language and few more undefinable qualities that add up to a star quality. I hope he does a purely romantic role. A million hearts are likely to swoon.
Hrithink and Tiger, together on screen pack a punch.
This movie will earn in excess of 200 crores!!!
However, you could still save your precious bucks and headache and catch up, with the flick, on Prime.
It requires some intelligence to make a an action film without any intrigue and suspense.
Pick and choose a stunt randomly, from Bond, Bourne and MI, a boat chase, buick chase, a car chase, mix it up with guns blazing, and toss it up with the loudest music. As arbitrary and vague as it can be.
When the movie comes from Yashraj Films, how the can the Background Music and Music be so bad!!!, especially the Background music
It is an insult to Yash Chopra.
Reimagining "Mullum Malarum"
Not an instant classic, but requires considerable craft, to strip the finesse, and reconstruct a satisfying Masala film, that can reach the common man in the nook and corner.
While there are a lot of enjoyable sequences, Siddarth is a standout performance. Wow. He has redefined what a ramrod erect posture can mean. Considerable hard work, including the toning of the body, to make an extraordinary impact.
For me the greatest takeaway, is that, no matter how boring a job can be, if the person is significantly invested he can meaningfully contribute to the job. Siddarth on screen makes your Traffic inspector's job, breathe with meaningfulness and possibilities.
For Monday morning motivation, you could just dwell on the this fact: There is no job which is boring. A job just gets defined by the way you go about applying yourself.
Thanks, Sasi, for pearls of wisdom. By the way, what is the great sense of pleasure in the mindless violence. Just helps you walk out with a headache despite watching a good film.
The not so saintly 'Muni'
Somewhere after Paruthiveeran, 2007 until sometime before Lingaa, Dec 2014, probably marked the golden period of Tamil Cinema.
We saw the brilliant Subramaniyapuram, Mynaa, Aadukalam, Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai, Vazhakku En 18/9, Thanga Meenkal, to name a few, We also saw the rise of Karthik Subburaj, Nalan Kumarasamy, Ram, Thiagarajan Kumara raja, Ram Kumar, Balaji Tharaneetharan, Santhakumar again to name a few.
God only knows when Balaji Sakthivel will make his next film or we never knew what happened directors like Deepen Chakravarthy, who made the most stylish Pizza 2. I am sure there are several other unsung heroes.
I really hope that we relieve ourselves of our "Mass" hysteria. For an insignificant portion of the big budget films, world class small budgets can be made.
I am so glad that Santhakumar has returned.
His craft is intact. This slow burn narrative is narrated without any clutter. The characters are so well written. I think the narrative would have been more effective with pauses and silence. The lighting patterns of 'Mouna Guru" return to haunt you in some portions. Thamam's BGM, I felt was fairly obtrusive to the narrative. Brings down the viewing pleasure by several notches.There seems to be a lot of references to 'Magamuni' as World Class. World Class movies, uses BGM very sparsely and effectively.
There is a most interesting discussion on God, on Chitragupta's Kannanku and on Karma.
I do have differences with the content, though. There is an underlying lament about the social disorder. There is the lament about the plastics, there is the lament about the caste system, there is a lament about the lack of trust... well nothing wrong Mr. " Ashanthakumar", but is revenge not a bit more thicker than a lot of the woes that were discussed in the film.
When commerce weighs heavy on the mind, even if you take a break, cut loose to be a traveler for long years, the baggage still seems to have accompanied you.
You can experience an undercurrent of Christ in Santhakumar's movies, but the Tale of Christ has been about forgiveness.
If only Santhakumar can transcend themes of revenge, there are great treasures waiting for us!!!
A meta movie, reminded you of Kamal's 'Uthama Villain' in some ways and Sujatha's novel, 'Kanavu Thozirsalai' wirtten in early 80s or late 70s.
This well made movie, will earn Di Caprio another best actor nomination.
The movie is a bit lengthy and has a few of Tarentino's quirky sequences. The genius of Tarentino surfaces, especially in the DiCaprio's interaction with the precocious 8 year old actor.
The vulnerable DiCaprio is a treat to watch, and is a reflection of DiCaprio's guts and Tarentino's integrity.
The uber cool Brad Pitt was most agreeable. Again the character has been so beautifully carved.
I strongly believe that Tarentino must have been a sculptor in his previous birth.
He 'sculpts' his movie with great diligence.
Having said, this movie is a disappointment.
The movie was marketed as a movie based on Mansion Housed Murders and then there where characters thrown in to reconfirm the initial marketing. This seems to be a gimmick, which works tangentially to the core theme of the movie and therefore the climax( enjoyable as a separate module) is major let down.
Misdirecting the audience and taking the audience for granted is something, I would not expect a respected film maker like Tarentino to do.
But the most disappointing portion of the movie, has to be, depicting Bruce Lee like a caricature. Absolutely unacceptable.
Here is hoping that Tarentino finishes his tenth movie with a flourish.
An interesting assortment of voices
Ajit's booming voice is a revelation, Wondering if his voice has been so effectively used till date. The voice seems to linger for the better part of the second half. It was clear and had an unmistakable authority about it. Just so fascinating hearing him all along.
Then there was the judge who had a fascinating voice that reminded so much of Sivaji Ganesan, except that I did not like the certain nasal tone that accompanied that voice.
Then there was of course the most interesting voice, the dissent of 'NO', " No, means, No"
A faithful version of 'Pink',
There is no point in discussing which version was better. In any case, these are important movies which must be seen and discussed by all the sections of the society
Thanks to Vinoth, for adapting, and making it interesting
WHAT A SHAM(E)
I guess some movies help in winning elections, that does not automatically make it the best picture.
Let is just sample one award, the best sound designer award.
If Ee maa Yu, with its 'heart stopping' sound design cannot be awarded, film lovers like me will be crest fallen.
If Sudani from Nigeria does not even get a mention for its universal appeal and nobility in intent, what can I say. A consolation award for Special Jury award for the supporting actress is probably not good enough.
I saw about 5 Malayalam movies recently, they seem to be several notches ahead of the national average. I do not see many Malayalam movies in the list. A great tribute to our sensibilities!!!
I think it is high time that we stop making a mockery of ourselves.!!!!
PS: Since Tamil Nadu will not vote for BJP even for several Janmas, it is not surprising that Tamil Fims will get an award. I do not know if 'Peranbu' was certified last year. If it was so, it is again a shame.
Two Sensational Bonuses
Needed a midweek unwind. All other options seemed to be heavy. Dear Comrade was a natural choice
The only expectation was to just savour, Vijay Deverakonda, the star. The energy, the screen presence and warmth that he exudes was there to be experienced, and hopefully will be leveraged into diverse roles in the future.
The quaint Rashmika Mandanna, part playful, part mischievous, part vulnerable, part timid and wholly enigmatic, tosses up a kaleidoscope of emotions, firing up, even the most minuscule muscle on her face to conjure a magical performance. Wow.
Justin Prabhakaran, sensational score, the songs and the BGM, lifts the movie up several notches. Ilayaraja would have approved of some of those lovely violin pieces in the background score. Some segments were so good, that I wanted to close my eyes and listen just to the music.
The story within the story could have been leveraged with a better screenplay. The beauty of the love story is marred by excessive violence.
Vijay Devarakonda, will have to learn to grow out of Arjun Reddy image, and not commit mistakes like Vikram, who did not choose roles well. He could take a lesson or two from Vijay Sethupathi.
Alexander the Comic Alexander Babu Arulanthu
An overwhelming experience
Thanks to two Ganesh's, Ganesh Nerur for his post in November 2018 on the show and then Ganesh Krishnamoorthy for surprising me with the ticket for almost the last show or is it the last?
The good news for all the fans is that Come September!, Alex's Wonderland is coming on Amazon Prime.
The last time, I had experienced, the entire audience on their feet was 2005, Summer, Minskoff theatre, Broadway, Fiddler on the Roof. A standing ovation by 1621 people at the end of each and every scene, is something, that is something that I can never forget.
Alex's show did not have a provision to stand up after every sequence, and, therefore the long standing ovation at the end of the show. It is such a liberating experience to clap with happiness and all the energy you have.
Alex's Wonderland, is our wonderland, far more significant, then Alex or ourselves. There is no doubt about Alex's comedic abilities, I thought the Wonderland, of the Tamil Film Music, he opened up, far outweighs those fleeting laughs we had yesterday.
While I have been hearing Ilayaraja or Rahman or Viswanathan all these years, after this show, I will start listening to them with a little more attention. Alex's love for music and musicians's is one of divinity.
In 2006(I think), Ilayaraja, sang "Naan Thedum Sevanthi Poo Ithu" at a concert. We had been hearing that song for about 17 years, but what happened on that day, was an indescribable experience, I was just wondering how I had missed the magic of this song all these years. The rendition was magical on that night and Raja went to on sing that song once more.
Alex did something similar to me yesterday, as he unraveled an appreciation course on the specialties of important contributions of notable Tamil Film musicians. Alex the comic is a 'Rasika' at heart, a connoisseur. He just so beautifully mixed it with wit, sarcasm and an underlying lament. I could not help but choke at this references to Malaysia Vasudevan.
The most frustrating part of the show had to be those lovely introductions to the wonderful songs had to be cut short for those comic interludes. You really wished those songs were all completed and you just started yearning, if this could be converted to a music concert!!!
Well, Ilayaraja, Malaysia Vasudevan, Seerakazhi Govindarajan, MS Viswanthan, Kamal hassan, SPB, Yesudas and Rahman will never be the same for me again.
As Alex, non nonchalantly removed his shoes, and put on an artistically designed Islamic cap and rendered, "Khawaja Re Khwaja', the universe approved of it.
Alexander the Comic, we were all blessed.
Looking forward to your new shows..
Driving away the demons, within
A teacher, is a teacher, is a teacher.
Are we really good at a subject or do we assume we are not good at it? The latter is a significant possibility.
Good teacher's kindle your interest, get you involved, and help you experience goosebumps as you start understanding and expand your understanding of the subject. They invoke curiosity and enable a framework of learning, sometimes perpetually, for the rest of your life.
Super 30, a biopic, based on Anand Kumar, a teacher, a true torch bearer of the downtrodden, makes you wish there were innumerable teachers replicated like him.
I think the magic of Anand Kumar, did not lie in Mathematics, but a Himalayan empathy, that helps him understand the student's psyche and drive away the demon's within.
In a knock out ' Masala' sequence or moment, a high point, the student's rise to the occasion to dispel their doubts within and conquer their minds. I hope this sequence is played out in every education institution and corporate outfit. As a recruiter and somebody who has inducted a significant number of students from Premier institutions(Tier 1), Self Doubts tend to linger despite stamp of premier institutions.
Anand Kumar's experiment is very important in a country which is obsessed with reservations. Anand Kumar, empowered students from the economically backward, with knowledge and armed them to be the first amongst equals. Reservations encourages a culture of entitlement, which does not foster competence.
How about a huge network of schools for the underprivileged, early on in their life, and unleashing them into the open competition without reservations. The true objective of making them competent and self reliant would have been achieved.
More importantly a significant quotient of self respect is induced into the person and the system.
Would I want a free lunch, Probably Not!!!
This is a must watch for every one from all walks of life. The movie is made in an easily understandable format which can be enjoyed by everybody. Go for it.
Thanks to Sridhar Sattiraju and Baradwaj Rangan for their reviews. I may have just missed watching this.
A MUST WATCH DOCUMENTARY, on the TRUMP, CAMBRIDGE ANALYTICA, FACEBOOK collaboration. Discover for yourself, if you are a 'PERSUADABLE', what would be a WEAPONS GRADE COMMUNICATION STRATEGY, How an election campaign can leverage FEAR and ANGER. It was fascinating to know that Donald Trump used 5.9 million visuals against only 66000 visual used by Hillary Clinton in her campaign. The swing in the last US presidential may have been caused by just 70000 voters ('persuadables') in key states. Streaming on Netflix.
An interesting thriller that you do not want to miss
You could be tight on budget, low on resources, but content will always remain king.
About 25 minutes to warm up, this engaging thriller keeps you guessing till the end.
NO violence, no gore, no blood shed, no action sequence, and the criminal and the detective are one and the same!!!.
Wish they had a budget and they could afford an actor like Karthi!!!
Essential Conversations needed in a democracy
Anubhav Sinha seems to be born again, as a film maker, after his important 'Mulk'.
I went about 20-30 minutes late. Anubhav's craft seems to have improved by leaps and bounds. As I took my seat, the camera seems to be moving in a suspension of mist towards two young girls, hanging from under a tree, against the vast expansiveness of the fields, with silent villagers and a stunned audience, cliched as it may sound, in a pall of gloom. The framing was so beautiful, that the sadness seemed to be drowned by the beauty of that shot. In a few shots later, as the father's collects the body, they return back to cremate on the banks of a river, against the backdrop of a melancholic elegy or dirge or an "Oppari"(In Tamil) or whatever you may call. The lament doused in its rusticity caresses your soul and seeks to squeeze it.
So much for Anubhav's craft. Most of the movie is about Anubhav's heart.
Not sure if there is anything new about it. But these are essential conversations that are needed in a democracy.
The Caste divide in big Indian cities, seems to be certainly on the wane. However the caste divide in villages still exists. Should we bothered about it in the cities, Yes, I guess. Does it affect us? Most certainly, yes.
I guess it is important for the city bred youngsters to recognize the impact of the caste-divide in the villages. There are states which not only not create wealth, contribute to migrant labourer's, but also stake for equality in the name of democracy, by virtue of the seats that contribute to the election of our government.
If people can be killed, for claiming an increase of Rs. 3/- per day in wages, we can easily understand why people like to migrate. Migrant labourer's are most welcome, but there is a thin line between 'moving' and being 'displaced'.
There were a few painters, from the eastern part of UP, a few years ago, who did such a fantastic job of painting our house, discuss how it was so peaceful to live in Chennai, without fear.
Article 15 is from the heart and and a clarion call for, EQUALITY, an aspiration that all human's clamor for.
PS:
We are thankful to UP for all the Prime Ministers that they have given to this country, it is time for UP, to search its conscience and seriously see how they contribute to the overall well being of this country.
The Quizzical eyes of 'Forky'
'Forky' to me represents the most adorable toy conjured by Pixar. Take a fork and fit it with two eyes devoid of symmetry and allow those eyeballs to toggle within the boundaries of the eyes in innumerable directions. A lovable lip that seems to take any shape aligned with the movement of the eyeballs. An ice cream wooden spoon broken into two that enables a Chaplinesque walk and the coarse woolen thread that serves as those hands dangling in the middle of nowhere.
Forky sees itself as trash, devoid of self worth.
A slice of Forky's self worth as he flies out in search of becoming a part of the trash.
"I am not a toy. I was made for soup, salad, maybe chili, and then the trash"
Here is Woody's perspective as Forky questions as to why he is alive
"You’re Bonnie’s toy. You are going to help create happy memories that will last for the rest of her life."
Toy Story 4, can as well, pass of as a Kids story for all adults. A fascinating story of rejection, acceptance self worth, identity, loyalty, sacrifice, friendship, team effort and above all the miracle of our very existence.
If you stay long enough after the end credits start rolling in( not sure if remember the exact words), you could catch up with these pearls
We are trash
We are toys.
How are we alive?
No temptation...I could not resist replacing Toys with Humans... and think about the miracle of our existence.
A mandatory watch. Allow yourself to indulge into the sheer joy of creativity and savour the wisdom of the toys.
Sir,
To my mind there have been greater celebrities, when they passed away, I felt sad, but when a friend called up to inform me about your demise, I snapped and tears welled up in my eyes as spontaneously as your wit. I did not really understand why it happened, but it feels like you were a part of something that all of us cherish so much.
For a man who made us smile, laugh and bring extraordinary happiness, the grief that abounds us, is surreal. We soak in it to relish the happiness that you served us all these years.
Men may come and Men may go, But dear Sir, you and your brand of wit forever will be enshrined in our hearts.
Love.
Aeons to get started....But does it get started at all??
I declare that I am not entirely alien to Marvel Comic characters and enjoy Iron Man, his swagger and quirks. I certainly enjoyed the last installment of the Amazing Spiderman,his energy, curiosity, innocence and sense of adventure. I admire at the charm of Chris Evans, Captain America, the brooding eyes of Mark Ruffalo, Hulk, the ever attractive Scarlett Johansson and the domineering presence of Josh Brolin, Thanos.
My cousin clamoured for the Avengers and it was a joy accompanying a Marvel fan. The childlike enthusiasm spurred me on to watch the End Game ASAP.
We thought we were a few minutes late, but no harm seems to have been done, as, I had all the time in the world to catch up with my mails, surf around the internet, whatsapp, all for a good 60 minutes before any action began.
Significant time was spent on educating us about the difference between Time Travel and Time Heist, and for whatever reason, the makers took a repetitive swipes at 'Back to the Future'. Had they learnt something from it, they could have at least made a movie, half as entertaining as 'Back to the Future'.
For all the imagination spent on the Marketing blitz, could there have been an effort to surprise the audience to some measure?
Avenger's single interesting and pleasant sequence, happens to be, Tony Stark travelling in time to meeting his father almost at the time when he was born. It reminded me of the protagonist in 'Indru Netru Nalai', a Tamil Film, where the protagonist travels in time , and is almost present there(if my memory serves right) to assist in his girl friend's birth.
And as with the other Avenger series, there are half a dozen profound dialogues that are peppered.
The fans where very much in love with the avenger's, the kind of reception that each of the character's got as they became alive, brought the entire theatre alive. The hooting and shouting, are a part of the pleasure of watching movies in the hall.
But Alas!!, nothing seemed unpredictable, not sure if there were any mind boggling action blocks, the music seemed louder pointing to some action, which seemed to be invisible, and I am not sure if my understanding is correct, there could have been some gnawing gaps in the plot, as I thought Loki had disappeared with his loot somewhere in between never to surface again!!!
The climactic battle is cluttered and is a free for all. I am not really sure if there is any underlying logic or tension.
When the fans love the franchise so much, I guess there has to be atleast a shred of responsibility.
I can understand the fans going crazy about the franchise, but I am not able to comprehend the rating by the critics, I am a bit confused, if I have lost my ability to process a film.
I guess we do not need superheros to save the world, we probably just need normal human beings with good old integrity.
I do not believe much in the rating system. But for a change I will rate Avenger's End games with a single Star.
A slick and smart thriller
Vivek reinvents himself as a hero, solving a case in Scenic Seattle.
IN 1979, when 'Ore Vanam Ore Bhumi', the first movie shot in the US, was released, there was so much hype surrounding its release. In 2019, US is our backyard.
Thanks to directors like Vetrimaran, Selvaraghavan and the likes, Tamil films have been localized, with the grime and dust of North Madras, the preferred environment for any criminal story. Madurai comes a close second. Our ears tingle as we are hit hard by the rusticity of the Madurai landlords, drug lords and 'manal' mafia. Mumbai is the third preferred choice. Dharavi is the centre of the universe, with all its nook, corner and crevices, bubbling with criminal activity. And of course the messiah, no Moses, also lives with them!
Give me a break. Aha!!! Thanks to Vivek Elangovan, transports us to the scenic Seattle. Lot of lung spaces, punctuated by those lovely buildings, scenic drives, eyes filled with flora and fauna of delightful hues!!!
Against this backdrop, is an intricately weaved investigative thriller. The movie is dedicated to the love of Tamils and Tamil Cinema. True to its word, the thriller, includes spaces for Indian(Tamil) Sensibilities, family, relationships, and a subtle touch of melodrama. In some ways, I felt despite its tension, a charming pleasantness about it.
There are quite a few people who compare Vellai Pookal with Vettaiyadu Vilayadu, since it is set in the United States. I liked the first forty minutes of Vettaiyadu Vilayadu, but did not subscribe to the violence and gore of the film and found the movie repulsive. The biggest drawback of vettaiyadu Vilayadu, was that the conversations between Kamal and his partner were dull and drab bereft of humour.
In VellaiPookal, The verbal chatter between Vivek and Charlie is a delight with an undercurrent of humour, tongue in cheek retorts, the subtle sarcasm all blending seamlessly with the narrative.
Mercifully there is not much of violence and gore!!!
How about Chinna Kalaivanar, Vivek? Well since he has reinvented himself as a hero, he does an about turn and becomes:
CHINNA NADIGAR THILAGAM
Yes, when a whole generation of stars have been influenced by Sivaji Ganesan,. why not Vivek
I thought specifically, Thanga Pathakkam Sivaji, surfaced, time and again. Given the fact that vivek himself has taken swipes at Sivaji, in many of his previous films, in a most serious sequence, when Vivek, calls out for the OFFICERS, I could not help SMILING.
Vivek's eyes are noteworthy, and they do talk a little more than his verbal chatter.
Charlie don's the role normally what Vivek would and he makes your smile.
Watch it and be prepared to be surprised and deceived.
Will always be remembered as the film maker, who helped Tamil Cinema, change its grammar irreversibly.
Those visually alluring frames, that left you in wonderment, forever changed the way cinema was processed in Tamil Nadu.
Action spoke louder than words. The Silence had suddenly become sensational, relegating the verbal diarrhea to the background.
The camera caressed the background lovingly and captured the emotions of the actors with a precision that left an indelible mark in your mind. The frames captured so much life, the temple tank and its fishes, those undulating pathways on the mountain ranges, the fluttering wind!!!, those uncluttered villages filled with simpletons, and damsels with their large lovely 'bindis' bathed in innocence.
If K. Balachandar can pride himself with introducing Rajinikanth, it is Mahendran who has distinction of firmly imprinting Rajini in 'Tamil consciousness'. Forty years later, we do not have a movie that showcases Rajini's talent as well as Mahendran did.
When Uthiripookal released in 1979 with a A certificate with almost no known faces, a running time of 2 hours, on Diwali day. Nobody expected the movie to be a silver jubilee.
Forty years later, Uthiripookal feels so fresh, making you yearn for the lovely little village and its villagers.
We will remember Mahendran for not only introducing the brevity in communication, but also ache for a portion of ourselves that we may have forever lost.
Thank you, Sir for enriching our lives beyond measure.
Profound and Stunning
Five star film making, that teases, tickles and at the same time sets you thinking about the travails of human existence and journey.
While many of the stories may be have been borrowed and adapted, the movie raises the bar, and is a much needed social commentary, that is bound to trigger a lot of conversations.
I am not really bothered that the film may have been influenced by other works of art, but to me, the movie questions the quintessential HYPOCRISY that engulfs our society.
Rajajgopalachari, would have been mighty pleased, that his short story "Hunchback Sundari", has been adapted beautifully, into the Vijay Sethupathi segment. Sundari's daughter always saw the mother as beautiful. the form(her hunchback), was not significant. Here the Hunchback has been mapped to a transgender. The profoundness of the concept needed be retold and I am so glad somebody adapted it this well.
While I enjoy Vijay Sethupathi, I always though he has a knack of making an impact, despite being repetitive. The look and feel would change, but we would end up seeing only Vijay Sethupathy. Mercifully, he has an opportunity to get to play the role of his life time, making our hearts melt.
While all acting performances are near perfect, Bags, Bagavathy perumal sizzles. His eyes are menacing, villainous and lecherous. The swag adds to the sizzle.
The technical quotient of the film is top class and so is the music
Hats off, to the entire team to put this together for a common man to savour and ultimately be able to think on the most profound philosophies of life.
Watch it with ADULT FRIENDS and ADULT family members and indulge in conversations, that are very much needed.
The Acceptance of Super Deluxe is also an indication whether Tamil Nadu/India is evolving.
A great seven part series on 'Nirbhaya', 2012. Extraordinary insights into how the system works despite its constraints. It is just not the story of the Delhi police but also the story of the unsung heroes in our nation, who take us forward despite all the odds.
A mandatory watch, especially, for working professionals and students to understand the fine aspects of execution, team dynamics, courage and more importantly understand that all of us are inextricably linked together.
Murthi had been following up with me for nearly a week to catch up with Petta. I was quite disinterested in watching Petta again. After about half hour I decided to disengage myself and indulge in a quiet nap.
But then slowly and steadily the Rajini phenomena started to take control of me and I was left completely astonished at how much of happiness that Rajini could infuse into you.
Petta, to me will always be a Masterclass in Body Language. Some of those ramrod erect postures of Rajini, accentuated by the angles, are truly mind boggling.
IN terms of sheer style, I would probably rate Uttam Kumar as the most stylish actor that India has produced. While Rajini is a close second in terms of style, Rajini's mixes up style with swagger lnto a heady mix, sending you into a tizzy and helps you experience the goosebumps, as always. You could be in awe of Daniel Day Lewis's acting, but it is only Rajini that can deliver the goosebumps.
Petta Velan's signals the entry of an unusually 'grey' Rajini, makes you think how sub-optimally the Indian Industry has used such a great star/actor.
Here is hoping that Rajini treats us to 'Petta' class performances. I hope he chooses his scripts carefully and enthrall us in times to come.
Tribute to the teacher.
You cannot but be reminded of 'Moonram Pirai' while watching Peranbu.
But the pupil's reality connect, in this emotionally exhausting, must see film, is an opportunity to build a conversation around the traumatic lives of caregiver's, who are wilting around us.
While 'Empathy' is becoming the rarest of commodities, Ram's Peranbu, underlines the hope, that lies amidst hopelessness and delivers a rare GEM of Indian Cinema.
There always is an undercurrent of anger that runs below all of Ram's narrative and in his previous outings, it looked a bit imposed. Peranbu is not one of those easy watches. There is no sugar coating. It is tense, restless and suspenseful, Ram's genuineness in this heart warming tale is something his teacher, Balu Mahendra, would have approved of.
The helplessness of the caregiver is real. She or He, is almost fighting a lone battle. They live very much among us, but isolated. It is compassion that helps overpower helplessness to execute their responsibility.
I seriously wish and recommend that all the educational institutions make, Peranbu, a mandatory watch.
I guess it may be difficult for most of us to do something about it, but the least we could is to become conscious of the plight of, 'Children of the Lesser God' and the caregiver's.
To borrow the words of the narrator
Is it not important, that we realize, how blessed our lives are?
Take a bow, Ram, I wish I could give you a warm hug!!!.
To Laugh or not to laugh?
In a suburb of Chennai, the audience erupted in approval to the jingoism, It was at times hilarious and at times shocking to hear the loud consistent applause throughout the film. The film ended to a standing ovation
We have seen Hollywood consistently use Cinema as an effective medium for propaganda.
While the Indian's are getting ready for the elections, the whole world has an opportunity to understand the capability of the strength of the Indian government, its leaders, India's military capability and their commitment to protect the lives of our countrymen.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to leverage cinema to propagate. But Bollywood which I thought was learning in recent times, seems to never forget its revenge mantra. It looks like the entire objective of a surgical strike, is to settle some personal scores. Forty five years after Zanjeer, Yaadon ki Baraat, and a zillion other revenge drama's, our mental state probably needs a surgical strike!!!
That we decided to showcase our military might, the only notable innovation that is worthy of our military might is a drone built by an intern. All the other R & D work is found to be irrelevant and unusable for the surgical strike.
I understand that drones have been used from 2014, to hit ground targets by US. Naive as it may sound, I am a bit confused if in Sep 2016, if we did not have the capability to build a drone that could travel about 10 kms and detonate a target. Not sure why that it was not an alternative in a surgical strike, given that it was alright for humans to cross the LOC. Strange that we are able to send a mission to mars, but we may not have drones that can perform a surgical strike just a few kilometers across the LOC.
A straight forward plot, completely predictable, with no element of suspense or surprise can make for dull viewing if not for the fascinating audience response that erupted for every Pakistani terrorist that was being killed and the cries of Jai Hind.
The film is dedicated to the New india. The Uri Surgical strike signifies the the New Indian thinking. We shall not be taken for granted.
But to me, at the end of it all, I was just left wondering, if we were making mountains out of molehills.
For a propaganda film, with elections in mind, the film could have swayed the minds of Indian voters a bit, but we may have belittled ourselves as a nation, in front of the bigger powers and especially China.
A not to be missed marvel
All these years, Ardh Sadhya lingered in your memory. The helplessness of the protagonist gnawed you. It was also reflection of our own helplessness about reconciling to the equations of power, often reconciling to passively accepting unacceptable situations.
After nearly 35 years, comes a version, that offers hope. It is just not the police officers who have challenges, it is just not that the women alone who have challenges, it is just not that Delhi alone has challenges. All of us fellow travelers seem to be affected in some way or the other by an exacerbated sense of power of minuscule few and a lack of empathy that seems to engulf us with a feverish speed leading to disrespectfully treating fellow humans resulting in a very cynical and skeptical society.
I liked the conflict, the confusion and the ensuing resolve. I loved the introduction of Amritha Preetham and her book Revenue stamp towards the end and leveraging it to invoke the necessary resolve.
The ending is not an idealistic ending, but a realistic one, a path that we may either chose now or may be compelled to choose at some point of time.
We may need tonnes of the idealist Soni, but we may need more Kalpana's to mentor and support Soni's.
There have been so many Soni's in the past, but Kalpana, is probably one of the loveliest woman that you could come across on the screen.
Soni proves once again that strong characterization makes the narrative all the more credible and compelling.
There so much of debate on Netflix's role. Would we ever get to watch a movie like Soni, if Netflix, was not there.
Even if this may qualify as Art house, this is highly recommended for everyone.
By a Fan for the Fan
It’s been a while since Rajini spread so much of happiness for the fans.
Forget the logic. Allow Rajini to take control over you and reverberate in each and every cell, delight you and indulge in those lovely smiles all along till the last frame.
The festivities have begun. Do yourself a favour. Get Rajinified.
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