''Come September'' (1961 movie)- Short review

Directed by: Robert Mulligan 
Released: 1961
Country: United States

Genre: Romantic comedy

Stars: Rock Hudson, Gina Lollobrigida, Sandra Dee, Walter Slezak, Bobby Deran

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review

Robert Mulligan's ''Come September'' is a thoroughly entertaining rom-com that deserves a watch from any person who likes romantic comedy films. It is a wittily-written and cleverly crafted film that is enjoyable from the first moment to the last. The story is about the wealthy American industrialist Robert Talbot (played by Rock Hudson), who owns a luxurious house in Italy. He comes to Italy every September- and stay there for a month- only for a month- spending time with his girlfriend Lisa (Gina Lollobrigida). But his ''faithful'' servant Maurice (Walter Slezak), during Talbot's eleven-month absences, turns the house into a hotel, without the consent or knowledge of Talbot, and earns money by that. But this year, Talbot arrives in Italy in July- instead of September. Maurice is in trouble. On the other hand, Lisa has decided to marry another man (which Talbot doesn't know). When Talbot comes to know about Maurice's unfaithfulness, he also comes to know that several girls are staying in his house (or hotel), and he and Lisa have to act like guests in front of them. Several American boy, attracted by the girls, set up tents in front of the hotel/house. Talbot gets protective of the girls, and while guarding them so that the boy couldn't hurt them, a splendid comedy spins up. 

Performances of Lollobrigida and Hudson are great, and Sandra Dee, as Sandy, also gives a very memorable performance. Bobby Darin with his handsome looks, is splendid. Walter Slezak as the cunning Maurice is wonderful. The screenplay is wonderful, and the dialogues are very witty and the most mentionable. This romantic comedy may not be a great film, but it provides perfect entertainment from the beginning to the end.

3.5 out of 5

''Inception'' (2010 movie)- Review

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Released: 2010
Country: United States, United Kingdom

Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Main cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Lewitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Wantabe, Dileep Rao, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Marion Cotillard

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

I have just finished watching Christopher Nolan's ''Inception'', and it would be rather difficult for me to put in words how much I liked the movie. Seriously, I loved it. Action is never a genre fine with me, but Christopher Nolan presents a conception so unforgettable, and also presents it to us with a very sharply brilliant screenplay and direction- Inception is without a doubt one of the best films from 2010.

The conception is excellent. Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) can learn about other people's thoughts and ideas by entering their dreams. Now, he is given an extremely difficult and almost impossible task of imposing a new idea on a person by means of controlling and designing his dream. This task is known as ''inception''. He is asked to plant the idea to Robert Fischer, whose father is in his deathbed, of breaking his father's company. If Robert takes over the company, then within a short time he would be taking over half of the world's energy. Because of it's difficulty, Cobb initially denies to do this, but he is said that if he manages to do this task, he can return to his two children, to whom he is prevented to return because it is suspected that he had killed his wife. Desperate to reconcile with his two children, Cobb agrees to this plan, and, along with some people, gets on to work on the idea. Their plan is to build layers of dreams- dream within dream within dream, to plant the idea on Robert's mind.

Ariadne (Ellen Page), the architect who is in charge of designing the dream, soon comes to know that Dom still makes himself dream about his late wife, Mal (Marion Cotillard), and that he has many past secrets that are later revealed, in course of the film. Meanwhile, they go on with their plan, but the dead Mal haunts Cobb, bringing a conflict between dream and reality, and the past flashed, guilt revealed, obstacles and...

Christopher Nolan's screenplay and direction are both extraordinary. The only other Nolan film that I've seen is ''The Prestige'', which I found to be extremely irritating. ''The Prestige'' was filled with so much complicated elements that it made me lose my interest in the subject matter and feel no interest in knowing the climax. Anyways, ''Inception'' is brilliant, far too better from ''The Prestige''. ''Inception'' also deals with a complicated- in fact very complicated subject matter- but the presentation is so brilliant that it kept me engrossed and interested in it.

Leonardo DiCaprio's acting as Cobb, a cool-headed man with a past, secret, and guilt, is beyond remarks. Joseph Gordon-Lewitt is excellent. Ellen Page gives an excellent performance, as usual. Cillian Murphy, as Robert Fischer, is really good. 

Technically, the cinematography and editing are two other memorable elements of this film. The action scenes are well-constructed and well-written, and nothing crosses limit, which is one of the thing which makes an action film better. Continuous action scenes without art gives me headaches- I had hated ''Transformers''. Well, it's funny that I'm mentioning ''Transformers'', since there is no resemblance between ''Transformers'' and ''Inception''. But, I have not seen too many action films and I need something to compare it with! Anyways, getting back to the topic, the fight scenes in ''Inception'' are well-written and well-made. The background music is pleasant but not memorable.

Inception makes us enter in the world of dreams,  demanding our complete attention so that we can understand the overall subject matter. It's not a film to be missed.

4.5 out of 5

 

''Juno'' and ''Chicago''- Reviews

Juno (2007 movie)

Directed by: Jason Reitman
Released: 2007
Country: Canada, United States

Genres: Comedy-drama

Stars: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Allison Janney, J. K. Simmons, Olivia Thirlby

Rating: 4 out of 5

 Juno, directed by Jason Reitman, is not certainly a great movie. But there can be no denying that it is a funny, emotional film that leaves you with a very good feeling, and is one of the best films of 2007: it is entertaining, enjoyable, hilarious and emotional. The story is about 16-year-old high school student Juno (Ellen Page), who suddenly discovers that she is pregnant, and the father of her child is her boyfriend Paulie (Michael Cera). What will she do now? Initially deciding to have an abortion, she then makes up her mind to give birth to the baby and then give the baby to a childless couple. She informs this to her father and stepmother, who support her in her decision. She finds a couple, Mark and Vanessa. Vanessa have always wanted to be a mother, and it is clear from her behavior how she loves children. Juno will be happy to give her baby to such nice people.

Ellen Page and Michael Cera in ''Juno''

The film is very funny, the script is very witty, and the dialogues are delightful. The jokes about the baby having fingernails were very funny, among others. But however, as an emotional journey it is no less remarkable. It also has an emotional depth. Paulie, the father of Juno's unborn child, a girl, and Juno tells him: "Are you ashamed we did it because at least you don't have the evidence under your sweater...'' Isn't it such a touching line? Throughout the movie, the incidences and experiences that Juno goes through are quite enough. Thankfully, they are shown in a lighthearted and witty manner that makes us have a smile in our face almost throughout the movie. Of course, there are exceptions, for example Juno's quarrel with Mark when he tells her that he is going to leave Vanessa. That quarrel scene was very, what will I say, emotional. Also, Vanessa's love for the unborn baby is also very touching.

Jason Reitman's direction is amazing. Ellen Page, as Juno, rightly deserved the Oscar nomination which she got for her role in this film. Michael Cera is no less remarkable, as the nerdy boyfriend of Juno. This character looks awkward and shy every time we see him. And oh, the beautiful Jennifer Garner as Vanessa! She gave such a superb and touching performance. In short, all the actors were well-cast in their roles. The screenplay and the wonderful dialogues also deserve special praise.

Overall, this bittersweet comedy-drama is a wonderful film. Not a masterpiece, but certainly a very feel-good movie.




Chicago (2002 movie)

Directed by: Rob Marshall
Released: 2002
Country: United States

Cast: Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly

Genres: Musical crime comedy

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

Rod Marshall's ''Chicago'' is, in a word, superb. It is one of the best, and even possibly the best musical film from the 2000s. This funny, musically astounding, technically wonderful film takes us back to the 1920s Chicago. Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is a famous jazz singer who performs with her sister Veronica. Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger) is an ambitious and fame hungry woman. Their happy lives come to a pause when Velma kills her husband and her sister upon discovering them together in bed. Roxie kills her boyfriend when she realizes that she is not going to make her a famous star. Both are sent to prison, and may be hanged.

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, and Renee Zellweger in ''Chicago''

The corrupted matron of the prison, played by the amazing Queen Latifah, contacts the successful lawyer, Billy Flynn, for the prisoners, in exchange of money. Both Roxie and Velma pay the matron, known as ''Mama'', for Billy. Initially, Billy pays little importance to Roxie, but then they work out a plan by which Roxie can escape a death sentence: Roxie will make the public have sympathy on her. Through lies, deceiving and coquettish smiles, Roxie not only makes the public sympathize her, but she becomes something of a celebrity, with the newspapers filled with her pictures and articles about her.

This is an astounding, superb film. I LOVED it. The music is extremely pleasant. The songs are... amazing. My favorite songs in this film are ''When You're Good to Mama'' and ''We Both Reached For the Gun''. Renee Zellweger gives a praiseworthy performance as the cunning Roxie. The character is too difficult to analyze. Do we like or dislike her? Surely, she is a cunning, deceiving person, yet Roxie is sweet, and, umm, coquettish. Catherine Zeta-Jones's Velma is also quite remarkable and hugely memorable. Queen Latifah, oh, what a wonder! Seriously, Queen Latifah astounded me. As the corrupt matron, she gives such a highlighting performance. Her character's most memorable scenes in this film were when she sang the song ''When You're Good to Mama''.

Cinematography and editing are wonderful. I liked it when a character is talking, suddenly, in the background, we see her singing and dancing and expressing her emotions in a musical way. It was as if they were performing instead of talking. And the credits go to the actors, directors, cinematographer and the editors.

On the whole, I really loved ''Chicago'' and I'd recommend it to anybody who would like a light and crazy musical comedy. 



 
  

''Casablanca'' (1942 movie)- Review

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in ''Casablanca''

Directed by: Michael Curtiz
Released: 1942
Country: United States

Main cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Dooley Wilson

Genres: Romantic drama, War

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review

I don't have enough words to describe how I felt about ''Casablanca''. I loved it? No. It was more than that. It was much, much more than that! I absolutely fell in love with ''Casablanca''. Seriously, it's one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. The compelling film has one of the best screenplays of the 1940s, some of the most memorable dialogues, some extremely memorable characters, a wonderful direction by Michael Curtiz, and last but not the least, wonderful acting from such stars as Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains.

The film is set in French Morocco. During the World War II, many people have escaped from Europe to Casablanca, French Morocco, from where they are waiting for exit visa to America. Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a man with a past revealed in course of the film, runs a nightclub and gambling dean. News reaches that two German couriers have been murdered. A man named Ugarte tells Rick to keep letters of transit, which has apparently been obtained by murdering the couriers. However, soon Ugarte is arrested and later dies mysteriously.

German Major Strasser (Conrad Veidt) arrives in Casablanca. It is known that Victor Laszlo, a Czech Resistance leader, will be arriving in Casablanca in order to go to America. Strasser orders to make sure that Laszlo cannot leave America.

Laszlo (Paul Heinrid) arrives, and with a twist, brings his wife, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), with him. It is revealed that while Rick had been in Paris, Ilsa and Rick had had an affair, and Rick didn't even have the slightest idea that Ilsa was married. They were supposed to go to Casablanca together, but on the date when they were going to leave, Ilsa left for him a short letter, informing him that she can't go with him- and that she can't explain the reason. Why hadn't Ilsa, during their short affair, let Rick know that she was married? Why, why, why, did she make a promise and then broke it? Why did it all happen?

But meanwhile there are other problems as well. Laszlo HAS TO leave Casablanca for the safety of Ilsa and himself. And the way he can get out are the Letter of Transit, which were originally intended to be sold to him. On the other hand, the Gestapos are also after Laszlo.

The film has got some very compelling performances. Humphrey Bogart, for example, listed as the greatest American male star of all time by the American Film Institute (AFI), brings the character of Rick to life. We feel a lot of sympathy for the character. Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa, oh, how very amazing! These two amazing stars bring the sweetness between the relationships to life. Paul Heinrid as Victor Laszlo is no less remarkable. Oh, Claude Rains! Playing the very odd Captain Louis Renault (and being nominated for an Oscar for this role), he gives another great performance.

The screenplay, based on the unpublished stage play Everybody Comes to Rick's, is absolutely fascinating and filled with lots of memorable dialogues. For example, ''We'll always have Paris.'' is such a very memorable dialogue. 

One of the main themes of ''Casablanca'' is that many things happen in our life, that remains in our memories forever. Many beautiful things happen in our life, and many of those beautiful moments we will lose. But yet, life goes on. And we often can't go back to the past. We have to live, if we want, sometimes looking back at those memories.

Wonderful movie, a great masterpiece, a favorite film! :)

5 out of 5

''My Fair Lady'' and ''Run Lola Run''

My Fair Lady (1964 movie)

Directed by: George Cukor 
Released: 1964
Country: United States

Main cast: Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Wilfrid Hyde-White,  Stanley Holloway, Jeremy Brett, Theodore Bikel, Gladys Cooper, Mona Washbourne

Genres: Musical, Drama, Romantic, Comedy

Rating: 5 out of 5

Short review

One of the many things I love about musical films are their musical charm- how emotions, feelings, nostalgia, are reflected though songs and music. As of now, my favorite musical film of all time is ''The Sound of Music'', but I think now ''My Fair Lady'' is competing with ''The Sound of Music'' to be my favorite musical film! I absolutely loved George Cukor's ''My Fair Lady''; it's a wonderfully touching film with a powerful musical charm. The film is set in the Edwardian Era. Henry Higgins, an expert in phonetics, one day meets flower seller Eliza Doolittle, a poor young woman who speaks with a Cockney accent. Higgins challenges that he can improve Eliza's accent within six weeks and can present her as a Duchess at the embassy ball. Eliza decides to take phonetics lessons from him so that she can have a status in the society and run a florist shop.  Within weeks, after hard and intense lessons and practices, Eliza's accent improves, and she quite looks aristocratic. At the ball, everybody praises her, some even mistaking that she is a foreign Princess. After the ball, Eliza assumes that Higgins did all these just to win his bet, and leaves his house. Only then the arrogant Higgins realizes how much he has grown accustomed to Eliza.

I simply loved ''My Fair Lady''. Audrey Hepburn gives one of the finest performances of her career. It is a surprising thing that Audrey wasn't nominated for the Oscar for this role. Rex Harrison, as Higgins, is also fascinating. The musical charm of this film is beyond remarks. So many memorable songs are present. My favorite song is ''Wouldn't it be Loverly?'' Oh, such a beautiful song! The script is great. The cinematography is charming. Overall, it is one of the most memorable films I have seen recently.

Run Lola Run (1998 movie)

Directed by: Tom Tykwer
Released: 1998
Country: Germany

Main cast: Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup

Genres: Crime Action-thriller, Drama

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

Oh, ''Run Lola Run'' is one of the most technically astounding films I have seen recently. What will I say? It's an amazing, excellently written, directed, and edited film. The story is simply. Lola's boyfriend Manni has lost a lot of money that belonged to his criminal boss. Now, Lola must get that much money before Manni robs a store. She starts running to her father, who might help her. This is shown in three ways, and in each story, there are different results to the incidence and characters. The film's major charm is it's technical aspects. The editing is simply awesome. The sudden fast paces, occasional use of animation, speeding up, and the marvelous musics playing at the background makes it something of a technical achievement. The story is also touching, and the screenplay is, oh, wonderful! Franka Potente as Lola gives a superb acting. ''Run Lola Run'' is nothing short of a technical masterpiece! 

4.5 out of 5

4.5 out of 5 
  

''On the Waterfront'' (1954 movie)- Review

Directed by: Elia Kazan
Released: 1954
Country: United States

Main cast: Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Leo J. Cobb, Karl Malden, Rod Steiger, Pat Henning, Ben Wagner
 
Genres: Crime drama

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review

Elia Kazan's ''On the Waterfront'' is a wonderful film for any reasons. Firstly, maybe because of the performance by Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint (both Oscar winners for their roles in this film). Secondly, because it's a moving and intense film. However, it is not really a film to fall in love with, yet the intensity it has is powerful, the direction by Kazan is excellent, the script is brilliant, some of the dialogues are completely unforgettable.

Corrupted union boss Johnny Friendly (played by Leo J. Cobb) kills Joey Doyle, who was going to testify against him. Terry (Marlon Brando) the brother of Johnny's right hand man Charley, is indirectly used in this crime. Terry is not pleased with what he has done, and does not like the work that his brother and Johnny Friendly does.

Terry develops a bond with Edie (Eva Marie Saint), the sister of the late Joey Doyle. Then there is Father Barry (played by Karl Malden), who, along with Edie, insists Terry to testify. Will Terry do it? Terry hesitates, as the people involved with the murder are his ''friends''; Charley is his brother, and Johnny Friendly has also played roles in his life. On the other hand, there is a humanistic and noble side in him, a side which is against the injustice and crimes committed by the corrupted union boss. 

The screenplay (by Budd Schulberg) is very powerful; it is brilliant, and rightly deserved the Oscar which it won. The film has some very unforgettable dialogues. One memorable dialogue ''You lost a battle, but you have a chance to win the war''. The dialogues are made more powerful and efficient by the way that the actors deliver them. Indeed, the film has excellent performances, most remarkably from Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint.

Eva Marie Saint and Marlon Brando in ''On the Waterfront''

Brando brings the character Terry to life. The character itself is memorable. Take a look at his background. This dialogue that the character gives give us some insight to the life of this character: ''You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody instead of a bum, which is what I am'' The character is not shown as perfect. He has done a lot of wrong and bad things. Yet, there is a soft and humanistic, memorable side in him, that being one of the reasons making this film so memorable.

Eva Marie Saint gives a yet another powerful. She and Brando make the bondage between the two characters sweeter. Her expressions  and overall acting- oh so wonderful. Near the beginning of the film, just after Joey Doyle is killed, the character shouts, '' "I want to know who killed my brother!" The way Eva Marie Saint says this, we understand that she is a great actress. Several years later she gave another memorable performance in Alfred Hitchcock's comedic thriller ''North by Northwest''.

The other actors, remarkably Leo J. Cobb and Karl Malden, all give excellent performance.

Overall, this is a brilliant film, that is rather simple, but with a script so powerful and performances so brilliant, a presentation so memorable- so sublime!

5 out of 5!


 
 
 

''Suspicion'' (1941 movie)- Review

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Released: 1941
Country: United States

Genres: Romantic-drama, Mystery, Psychological Thriller

Cast: Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, Nigel Bruce, Cedric Hardwicke, May Whitty, Heather Angel, Auriol Lee, Leo G. Carroll

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review

Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine star in Hitchcock's romantic thriller ''Suspicion'', which, with little humor and comparatively limited thrills, may not one of the most memorable Hitchcock films, but it is an emotional journey. Just like Hitchcock's earlier ''Rebecca'' (also starring Fontaine), ''Suspicion'' depends on the emotions of the main character. We have Lina, a woman who, after marrying a wonderful man, Johnny Aysgarth, slowly comes to learn that her husband may not be the wonderful, charming man she thought he was.

Based on the novel ''Before the Fact'' by Francis Iles, ''Suspicion'' tells the story of Lina (Joan Fontaine), who, after meeting the handsome Johnny Aysgarth (Cary Grant), falls in love with him, and despite her father's disapproval (as Johnny seems not to have a very innocent past), they marry. Slowly, she comes to learn that her husband is not the person she thought. He is under huge debts, attends races, and sells two precious chairs that her father had given her as a wedding gift. Gradually, more vices and faults of Johnny are learned by Lina, and among them, there might even be a murder.

''Suspicion'' is quite an above-average entertainer that can keep the viewer's attention till the end. But however, the climax didn't quite please me. The climax scene should have been more well-written. But other than this, it can be said that the entire film is quite well-written and has an emotional depth. Excellent performances are given by Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine (who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this film) and Nigel Bruce. Bruce plays Beaky, a friend of Johnny who knows quite a lot about Johnny's history and plays a very significant role in the film. The score is not unforgettable, and the cinematography is alright. Overall, this is not certainly one of the best Hitchcock films, but certainly a good film.

3.5 out of 5!

  

''Taxi Driver'' (1976 movie)- Review

Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Released: 1976
Country: United States

Genres: Crime, Drama, Psychological thriller

Main cast: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, Cybill Shephard, Albert Brooks, Leonard Harris

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review

Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a Vietnam War veteran, has insomnia. To spend his night, he takes a job, driving a taxi during night. Life may seem smooth, but inside Travis, there is a desire to clean the social indiscipline of the city: to make it a clean city with peace and sanity. But his desire is something dark, he is clearly mentally unstable, yet so gentle, yet so violent.

Like many other great films, ''Taxi Driver'' is another film whose greatness can't be explained in a few words. This, certainly, will not be one of my favorite films- but no one can deny it's greatness, it's accomplishment. The disturbing theme of the film is artistically played on screen, so engrossing and a wonder to look at.

Travis Bickle wants to clean the social indiscipline of the city. Driving taxis at night, he keeps a diary where he describes how he's passing his life. He becomes attracted to a woman named Betsy (Cybill Shephard), takes her to dates, form a relationship with her, a relation that ultimately comes to an end when he takes her to a see a pornographic film. Why did he start a relation with Betsy? Because he thinks that Betsy is a lonely person. And he knows very well what loneliness means.

Jodie Foster and Robert De Niro in ''Taxi Driver''

Travis buys guns, does exercises, to become more physically fit, that will help him to ''clean up'' the city. He comes across child prostitute Iris (Jodie Foster), and becomes desperate to save her. To return to her the normal childhood.

Loneliness plays a major role throughout the film.  Travis Bickle is certainly a lonely man, and umm... it'll be really very difficult to describe him. Really.

It is an extremely well-written and well-directed film. The screenplay is wonderful. It is filled with wonderful dialogues (the most memorable dialogue: ''You talkin' to me?'' which Travis asks himself, looking into the mirror). The acting, mentionably that of Robert De Niro, is wonderful. Jodie Foster has importance only in some 20 minutes (or even less than that), but the young actress played her role perfectly in a wonderful way. Cybill Shephard's Betsy will also remain a memorable character. Actually, none of the characters, other than Travis, actually gets that much importance in the film. Sure, they are all important, they are all connected to Travis, and we don't feel that they are missing. Yet, the screen presence of most of these characters, compared to that of Travis, is quite less.

The film actually gets shocking and disturbing at it's climax. Sure, the audience expected a certain violence at the climax, but it is so disturbing, compared to the rest of the film. The ending is also excellent, but let's not go into details.

Overall, Martin Scorsese's ''Taxi Driver'' is one of the best works in the careers of both Scorsese and Robert De Niro. An excellently-made film, ''Taxi Driver'' is one of the films that should not be missed.

5 out of 5

''Amarcord'' (1973 movie)- Review

Directed by: Federico Fellini
Released: 1973
Country: Italy

Main cast: Bruno Zanin, Magali Noël, Puppela Maggio, Armando Brancia, Giuseppe Ianigro, Ciccio Ingrassia, Donatella Gambini

Genres: Coming-of-age Comedy-drama

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

Federico Fellini's ''Amarcord'', considered to be one of his best works, is a pleasure indeed. It is cheerful, bizarre, eccentric and funny. What is noteworthy is that showing the daily life and eccentricities of the eccentric people in a village, through humor, drama, and art, ''Amarcord'' succeeds in making the audience sit 2 hours looking at the screen, guessing what will happen next. No, it's not a film with a story, a problem, a solution. It is just a 2 hour of journey showing us the days of the protagonist, teenager Titta, and the people around him.

Titta recalls his days as an adolescent in the particular village, filled with eccentric but mostly goodhearted people. We meet a wide variety of characters: there is Titta's short tempered father, then there is the beautiful Gradisca (upon whom many teenagers have a strong crush on), there is Titta's mentally ill uncle, there is nymphomaniac Volpina. And so many other people, to name but a few.

The film starts as people of the village cheerfully welcome spring. And oh, this actually kept me gazing at the screen. So cheerful and carefree the characters were looking! Actually, I can't give a proper plot summary; it seems really difficult. But just remember that Titta recalls his days of his adolescene, in a village, in Fascist Italy.

The screenplay is brilliant, cheerful. The score is absolutely amazing. Cinematography deserves special praise. It is a delight to look at the film. Overall, this is a well-written, well-made, and oh, an excellent film by Federico Fellini! :)
  

''Mama'' (2013 movie)- Short review

Directed by: Andres Muschietti
Released: 2013
Country: Spain, Canada

Genres: Horror, Mystery

Main cast: Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Megan Charpentier, Isabelle Nelisse, Daniel Kash, Javier Boter, Jane Moffet

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Short review

''Mama'', directed by Andres Muschietti, is a excellently photographed and well made film, and it is a scary, enjoyable, and entertaining journey.  It is a well-acted film, and most remarkably, the performances of young Megan Charpentier and Isabelle Nelisse are worth mentioning. The story: A man left his two daughters, Victoria and Lily, in a cabin in the woods. He thinks of killing his daughters before committing suicide, but then a mysterious figure kills him. Five years later, the girls' uncle, Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who has been searching for the girls for a long time, and his girlfriend Annabel (Jessica Chastain), finally find the girls. The girls, especially Lily, are animal-like in their behaviors. How did they survive in the woods during the last five years? Victoria says that a particular ''Mama'' had taken care of them. It is initially thought that Mama is an imaginary figure, but we soon come to know that Mama is not imaginary; she still visits Victoria and Lily... 

The actors are well-cast in their roles. Jessica Chastain, in the particular hairstyle, looks quite unrecognizable. Also, the kids give a remarkable performance. It is a beautifully photographed film, and sometimes it looks quite Tim Burtonish. The score is also quite good. Makeup and effects are good. On the whole, it is quite a good film, and it is touching and pretty, and at the last scene, I was almost in tears because it was so moving.

3.5 out of 5 

''Jane Eyre'' (2011 movie)- Review

Directed: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Released: 2011
Country: United Kingdom, United States

Main cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins, Holliday Grainger, Tamzin Merchant, Imogen Poots, Sophie Ward, Jayne Wisener, Harry Lloyd

Genres: Romantic Drama, Mystery

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review

I'm a big fan of the Bronte sisters. I can spend hours after hours  reading Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights. So, you can guess that I am very enthusiastic about the adaptations of ''Jane Eyre''. I have seen two Jane Eyre adaptations, a made-for-TV movie, and this 2011 adaptation of the novel. This adaptation, directed by Cary Joji Fukanga, is a slightly flawed film, but overall, it is a good film.

But it has several problems. First of all, it might be a little tough for those who haven't read the novel, to understand the film. That's a problem, and then there are some problems with the characters. Young Jane Eyre was supposed to be smart, but, though there is smartness shown in this film, the characters lacks the original depth found in the novel.

But more of that later. First, the storyline. Jane Eyre, an orphan, had been raised by her widowed aunt, Mrs Reed. Mrs Reed is cruel, spoils her children, and treats Jane with no affection. She sends Jane to the Lowood School, a harsh boarding school, and there, Jane spends several troublesome and sad years. After becoming an adult, Jane is appointed as a governess in Thornfield Hall, a big, grand and ancient house. Her student is Adele Varens, a French ward of Edward Rochester, owner of the house. Mr Rochester rarely comes to Thornfield Hall.

Mr Rochester (Michael Fassbender), though somewhat cold, gradually becomes good friends with Jane. Jane slowly falls in love with him. There is something strange and mysterious going on in Thornfield Hall (I won't reveal it here!).

It seems to Jane that Mr Rochester loves the beautiful Miss Ingram. After some times, Mr Rochester reveals that he doesn't love Miss Ingram; he loves Jane. They spend some happy days, and then they are to be married. But there is an obstacle, an unknown mystery, a shocking revelation, that changes their lives. 

If you ask me about what I felt about this film, I really liked it. The beautiful and memorable background score is still ringing in my ears. It is a subtle, lyrical picture. It is extremely well made. The production design deserves special praises. The green sceneries are extremely beautiful. Cinematography is wonderful. The acting, mentionably that of Mia Wasikowska, is wonderful.

But it has lots of problems as well, for example, though it is would be a good treat for any person who liked the original novel, it might be slightly difficult for those who haven't read the novel yet. It lacks much of the depth of the original novel. Some characters are not very well-developed, for example, young Jane (Amelia Clarkson). Young Jane was supposed to be more smart, wasn't she? Mrs Reed (Sally Hawkins) should have been more nastier. Mrs Fairfax (Judi Dench), Thornfield's housekeeper, wasn't very warm, but near the end of the novel, she showed a memorable warmth. 

Other than these, it is a good and memorable film. To me, the most memorable thing about this film is the scenic beauty and the score, both of which are extremely beautiful. The film itself is good, and I think, as an adaptation, it is more than okay. A subtle, yet lyrical journey.

3.5 out of 5!
 

The 85th Academy Awards

Now that we know who the winner of the 85th Academy Awards are, I'm going to blog about it, and mention the winners along with some personal opinions.

Best Picture
Winner: Argo

Best Director
Winner: Ang Lee (for Life of Pi)

Best Actress
Winner: Jennifer Lawrence (for Silver Linings Playbook)

Best Actor
Winner: Daniel Day-Lewis (for Lincoln)


Best Supporting Actress
Winner: Anne Hathaway (for Les Miserables)

Best Supporting Actor
Winner: Christoph Waltz (for Django Unchained)

Best Writing- Original Screenplay
Winner: Django Unchained- Quentin Tarantino

Best Writing- Adapted Screenplay
Winner: Argo- Chris Terrio from The Master of Disguise by Anthony J. Mendez & The Great Escape by Joshuah Bearman

Best Animated Feature
Winner: Brave- Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman

Best Foreign Language Film
Winner: Amour (Austria)

Best Documentary- Feature
Winner: Searching for Sugar Man- Malik Bendjelloul and Simon Chinn

Best Documentary- Short Subject
Winner: Innocente- Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine 

Best Live Action Short Film
Winner: Curfew- Shawn Christensen

Best Animated Short Film
Winner: Paperman - John Kahrs

Best Original Score
Winner: Life of Pi - Mychael Danna

Best Original Song
Winner: ''Skyfall'' from Skyfall- Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth

Best Sound Editing
Winners:
* Skyfall- Paul Hallberg and Karen Baker Landers 
* Zero Dark Thirty- Paul N. J. Ottosson

Best Sound Mixing
Winner: Les Miserables- Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson, and Simon Hayes

Best Production Design
Winner: Lincoln- Rick Carter and Jim Erickson

Best Cinematography
Winner: Life of Pi- Claudio Miranda

Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Winner: Les Miserables- Lisa Westcott and Julie Dartnell

Best Costume Design
Winner: Anna Karenina- Jacqueline Durran

Best Film Editing
Winner: Argo - William Goldenberg

Best Visual Effects
Winner: Life of Pi- Bill Westenhofer, Guillaume Rocheron, Erik-Jan de Boer, and Donald R. Elliott

(Note: I haven't listed the other nominees because it would have taken a lot of time).

Personal opinions:

I haven't yet seen Argo. Among the Best Picture nominees, I have seen Life of Pi, Silver Linings Playbook, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Les Miserables, and Lincoln. My favorites among these are Lincoln and Silver Linings Playbook, and the least favorite is Life of Pi.

I didn't like Life of Pi very much, but it was a VERY well-directed film, and I am quite glad that Ang Lee has won the Best Director Award.

Two winners who were highly predictable were: Daniel Day-Lewis (Best Actor) and Amour (Best Foreign Language Film). It wasn't a surprise when they won.

I was extremely delighted when Jennifer Lawrence (Best Actress) and Anne Hathaway (Best Supporting Actress) won the awards. Jennifer Lawrence is one of my favorite actresses, and I think she is one of the most talented young actresses ever. She gave an amazingly brilliant performance in ''Silver Linings Playbook''.

Anne Hathaway isn't one of my favorites, yet she is a brilliant actress, and I like her a lot. She was excellent in Les Miserables. I was very happy when she won the awards.

I haven't yet watched Django Unchained, so I can't give my opinion about Christoph Waltz. The only Best Supporting Actor nominated films I've seen are ''Lincoln'' and ''Silver Linings Playbook''.

I am very happy about the 85th Academy Awards, and the winners all did a great job in the films for which they won the awards.
 
 
 

''The Haunting'' (1963 movie)- Review

Directed by: Robert Wise
Released: 1963
Country: United Kingdom

Cast: Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson, Russ Tamblyn, Rosalie Crutchley, Lois Maxwell

Genre: Psychological Horror

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

I would begin this review simply by saying what I felt about this movie: ''The Haunting'' is an excellent film, and a brilliant example in the horror genre. No, it has no cheap scares filled with gore that today's cliched ''slasher'' films have. Instead, it has real shocks, it has art and sophistication that is in no way similar to the slasher film cliches.

The plot centers around the Hill House, which, at a look at it's history, can be described as a haunted house. It has had a tragic and scary history filled with mysterious deaths. Dr John Markway (Richard Johnson), originally an anthropologist, is now, with full enthusiasm, researching about the existence of ghosts. He decides to research about the haunted Hill House, and earns the permission of the owner. The heir of the owner, Luke (played by Russ Tamblyn) has to accompany Dr Marway. Markway asks two women to accompany him, Theo (Claire Bloom) and Eleanor (Julie Harris), both of whom are connected with something paranormal. Soon after they arrive there, haunting and creepy things start happening.

But this is not just a haunting house film. The film is more about Eleanor. Eleanor had cared for her mother all her adult life, and feels guilty at the death of her mother. Life for Eleanor has been a troubled one. She has waited all her life for ''something'' to happen, and she thinks Hill House is the perfect place where she belongs. We hear Eleanor's narration of her feelings throughout the film, adding a strange lyric in the overall film.There is often a question whether something is really happening, or is it just Eleanor's hallucination. She thinks that the house knows her, and is trying to get to her.

I also found the relation between Eleanor and Theo touching. They become friends at their first meeting, and several times Theo tries to drive away Eleanor's fears by bullying her. The two quarrel bitterly a few times as Theo constantly bullies Eleanor, but their friendship remains something special throughout the film.

The four lead actors are all excellently cast in their roles, and the two people who really gets your attention are Julie Harris and Claire Bloom (Bloom is the actress who played Queen Mary in The King's Speech). Harris brings the character of Eleanor to life, and Claire Bloom is memorable for her portrayal of Theo, also a very memorable character.

Robert Wise (also the director of The Sound of Music) does an excellent job. Nelson Gidding's screenplay, adapted from the novel ''The Haunting of Hill House'' by Shirley Jackson, is pretty brilliant. The sounds are pretty brilliant: musical effects can be extremely scary at times and the score is awesome. 

There is no blood shown in ''The Haunting'', but it is scary, very scary. And moreoverm what is it, it is an artistic film, extremely well-written and well-acted, something of a masterpiece.

I can't just call it excellent. I think ''horror classic'' is a better word to explain this film.

4.5 out of 5

''The Kids Are All Right'' (2010 movie)- Review

 

Directed by: Lisa Cholodenko
Released: 2010
Country: United States

Genre: Comedy-drama

Cast: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson, Yaya DaCosta, Zosia Mamet, Kunal Sharma, Eddie Hassell

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review

''The Kids Are All Right'' is a comedy-drama film that remains quite light and at the end, it gives you a simple ending, not something fairytalish. It is an enjoyable, quite charming film, that may not touch your emotions, but remains a movie highly worth watching.

It is about a lesbian couple, Jules (Julianne Moore) and Nic (Annette Bening), and their happy family. They have two children, Laser (Josh Hutcherson) and Joni (Mia Wasikowska, ''Alice in Wonderland''). They were given birth using the same sperm donor. Joni is the elder, a sweet, charming, and intelligent girl who is to start college soon. Laser is the younger, sensitive, athletic and soft-spoken.

Now, Laser wants to get in touch with the sperm donor. But he can't do so as he's not 18 yet. Joni agrees to do so, and soon, they get in touch with their sperm donor. The person is Paul, played by the charming and handsome Mark Ruffalo. He runs a restaurant, and is a very likeable person.

Laser and Joni decide not to tell anything to their Moms. But however, soon they come to know about it, and they decide to meet Paul as well. Soon, Laser and Joni get very close to Paul, and Jules decides to design Paul's garden, as she has decided to start a business of landscape designing.  While Nic's relation with Paul remains distant, Nic and Paul start an affair. Soon, this starts bringing problems and tensions to the family.

No, it is not a love triangle film. It is far from that. Instead, it is rather a film about them, about Nic, Jules, Paul and their children.  Julianne Moore, Annette Bening, Mark Ruffalo, and the kids, Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson, are well-cast in their roles, and give quite excellent performances. The screenplay is witty and good. Cinematography is VERY praiseworthy. 

And overall, ''The Kids Are All Right'' may not be an excellent film, yet it is a smart, good, and enjoyable one.

3.5 out of 5