Merry Christmas!!!

Perfume : The Story of a Murderer

I found the movie very interesting and engaging. While the theme is grim, the presentation is artistic and captivating so that you feel like watching till the end. The scene in which the priest proclaims the murderer as excommunicated is quite funny. Ben Whishaw, Dusting Hoffman and Alan Rickman stay in your minds long after the movie is over. The narration by John Hurt also adds to the general mood of suspense of the film. The movie has been directed by Tom Tykwer.

Must Watch Video for Mallus All Over the world

This vlogger nagaspm has posted this extremely funny video. It's a Russian song. How does it sound to a malayalee?? Play the video above.

Movie Review: Quantum Of Solace

I went to see Dostana but ended up viewing Quantum of Solace. This is its'second week and so the Balcony was only 1/3rd full. But I must say I was a tad bit disappointed from the start. It seems to have departed from the essence of Bond.
A Bond movie starts right from the title track. This song cannot be compared to Goldeneye, Diamonds Are Forever or Nobody Does It Better. Even though I saw the movie only yesterday I cannot remember anything of the song except that it was performed by Alicia Keys and it was a lot of screaming. The visuals along with the song is another thing you look forward too. I still remember the visuals of Casino Royale. It was so impressive!!! Eventhough the girls were missing. The cards not only went with the "casino "theme very well. Casino Royale had a new feel about it. It was more macho. Still very Bond. Well suffice to say the visuals were not what you expected. Bond villains are different from usual villains. They are sauve, sophisticated and have something classy about them. So the villain was also a let down. Again comparisons come to mind. Mads Mikkelson as Le Chiffre and Michael Lonsdale as Sir Hugo Drax.
Bond 22 was a good action flick. I have nothing against Daniel Craig as Bond. Still if you see Quantum of Solace as a good action movie, then you won't be disappointed!!!

Movie Review: Hum Aapke Hai Kaun

If you have not watched Hum Aapke Hai Kaun till now. Please do so ASAP!!! It's a lovely relaxing tension free movie. No wonder it didi so well. You will find yourself smiling throughout the movie. There is nothing in the movie to make yr mood go down. It's just one fun thing after another and I for one throughly enjoyed myself. Wondering why I hadn't seen it all these years!!! Madhuri & Salman are really cute. Salman is a lisp of a laddie with his innocent face. Mdhuri is real cute too. She has always been a graceful dancer. I could not but help notice her hip movements. Very very graceful and effortless. I guess the credit should go to Sooraj Bharjatiya and the Rajshree production house.You can see a snippet here.
If you already have watched the movie. Watch it again I say!!!

Thriller's Killer version

I think Chiranjeevi has not done a bad job. Still I found it highly entertaining if I may say so....

Inspired by Thriller

You can find loads of MJ's Thriller inspired videos on U tube. I just found this particlualr one hilarious.

Movie Review: Sex and the City

This is a real chick flick with romance and heartburn. It's also about clothes and fashion. The story revolves around 4 independent women portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon,Kim Cattral and Kristin Davies. Jennifer Hudson makes an impact as the secretary of Sarah's character Carrie Bradshaw. The movie is funny and interesting. However it is not meant for kids.

Movie Review of "Kusselan"

Yeah, that's right. It's Kuselan and not Kuchelan. This was totally unplanned & suffice it to say that I ended up watching "Kuselan" in the theater. It's the Tamil version of Kadhaparayumbol. Meena and the kids are from the original cast. Rajni is the star and has a larger role than Mammoootty had. ( That's only expected). But I am happy that he did have a larger than life role. Rajni's entrance was definitely a defining moment as far as I was concerned, since I don't follow Tamil that well. He offered spectacle and drama. Isn't that what we want? He has his own charm. No denying that. But you may wonder about some of the happenings for instance in one of the scenes or rather songs, he kind of cuts his head off and it reminded me of Banquo from Macbeth. then the rest of the body slowly runs in a nice flowing gown. The head follows and finally joins the torso. But that's the best part. No worries. You know the movie will end well. And what did i make of that scene??? Well, I had a good laugh. Don't think too much. Laugh whenever you can. I almost forgot Nayanthara. The superstar. She brings in dollops of glamour.

Movie Review: Erin Brokovich

I don't know if I am one of the last people to watch it, but finally I did. And it's a great movie. Directed by Erin Brokovich, it's based on the true life story of Erin Brokovich a legal clerk. Julia Roberts portrays Erin and she is a really good actress as she does not overshadow the character. Albert Finney is also impressive as the head of Masry. Mind you or rather " Mind It" as Rajni would say, these are real life people. Aaron Eckhart plays Erin's biker boyfriend and portrays a rather sweet biker. The movie is how a young single mother of 3 takes on a huge corporate and comes out winner. It's a socially conscious movie which brings a smile to your face.

The movie got at least 5 Oscar nominations and a win for Julia for Best Actress

Rating: ****

Movie Review: Jaane tu Ya Jaane Na

I enjoyed the movie. It has a different plot since the eternal theme of love, we cannot do away with. ( What's wrong with love stories anyway?). I thought Sohail and Arbaaz Khan were funny and did their roles well. Imraan Khaan is good too. But he does not look like Aamir. A college love story, the difference lies in the telling. Nazarudeen Shah, Genilea and all the other young stars are good and cute.

The music by Rahman is good. Music plays a large role in the commercial success of an Indian film. The movie is co - produced by Aamir Khan.

Movie Review: Catch Me if You Can

The movie begins kind of slowly. But I like the title music:). It's the true story of a conman. Leonardo is in the leading role with Tom hanks in a supporting role. What I like about the movie is the ending. It is positive. Directed by Steven Spielberg, Martin Sheen and Christopher Walken also make an appearance. Amy Adams is real cute as the nursling ( fresh out of nursing college).

Movie Review: Dasaavathaaram

I saw the much awaited and much hyped Dasaavathaaram over the weekend. The theatre was full. It is entertaining and not at all boring. Action packed. The make up of Kamal Hassan is good. You don't think of him when u see Balram Naidu or Teri Fletcher ( think that's what he is called). But you do wonder why some of the characters have so much pancake on their faces. It does look slightly unnatural. But then again you don't have too much time to think.
Mallika Sherawat does justice to her role.
The music is by Himesh Reshammiyya. I do like some of Himesh's songs. But feel that probably Rahman, Sankar Ehsan & Loy or Ilaiyaraja could have done the music for this movie.
Kids below 14 may find it violent. Lots of killing..that's needed I guess to allow Kamal to don 10 different roles,aye? But would I see it again. Maybe not.

Rating: ***

Update: I asked a 13 yr old why he could watch a superhero movie where people die, but closed his eyes when he saw people dying in Dasaavathaaram.
A: He said he did not like the " violence", the way the people were getting killed was a bit too much.

Ilayarajas Cheeni Kum

My friend and fellow blogger Joseph has rendered the song Cheeni Kum so well that I listened to the song several times. Infact listening to it right now. The music is by Ilayaraja. His music really takes you to another world. It soo melodious. Alot of Ilayarajas songs sung by SP are so soulful and take u to a new height altogether. When u hear this kind of music you realize that music has no language or barriers. Shreya Ghosal sings in the movie which has Amitabh Bachan and Tabu in the lead.

Movie Review: Love Story 2050

Starring Priyanka Chopra and the Jr baweja, Harman Baweja. Piggy's clothes are great and she looks picture perfect in every frame. Harman looks like Hrithik. But not as lean. He dances well too. I kinda liked the first part coz that's all I saw. I heard most of the second part and opened my eyes occassionally to see Piggy's clothes. I had a headache which started before I came in. From what I saw, I think it's a light entertainer. Nothing serious. The second part looked like a mish mash of Bicential man, Star Wars, Fifth element and HG Well's Time Machine. Still no complaints as they did not commit the greatest of crimes. Boredom!! It was not boring...so all can be forgiven. Boman Irani and Archana Puran Singh are in it as well...
I was accomanied by a 13yr old and 7 yr old. Their verdict??? They liked it alot. The 7 yr old said she wanted to see it again with her mamma. And the 13yr old kept repeating Archana's dialogues...

Rating: ***

Reviewing Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull

Well yesterday I saw Indiana Jones. The last time I saw Indy was ages ago. So I cannot compare . Here it's an older Harrison Ford. I saw it in New theatres and was beginning to wonder whether they did not have Dolby or what the first 20 minutes or so...the sound was not that good. But suddenly they fixed it or it came alive and the difference was ...well ...audible. It's entertainment- funny action movie with a whiff of romance. I can't say it's one of those movies which stay in yr mind or something. But definitely worth seeing once. No harm done. After all it's made by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. I almost forgot Cate Blanchett. She made a very good Russian spy. She does bring alot to her character.

Don't Know Why by Norah Jones on Sesame Street

This rendition of Don't Know Why by Norah Jones is cute. It was made for Sesame street and makes it so easy to see why "Y" is indispensable. Good for lil kids....

Chronicles of Narnia: The lion, The witch and The wardrobe

Yesterday I saw the Chronicles of Narnia...after a long wait to discover it was the lion, the witch & the wardrobe. I had seen the lion... ages ago and remember the witches' enticing scream of Turkish Delight. It kind of remianed etched in my memory. So I was very happy to see it again. But it's only now that I realize this was written by CS Lewis. And it's magnificent. I think all the children act very well. I especially liked Georgie Henley as Lucy & William Moseley as Peter, the youngest & oldest of the 4 children who accidently enter a wardrobe and find themselves in a fantasy land. It's a movie I would love to watch again.

Movie Review: Lagaan

Well probably my review comes a bit late, but Lagaan is a movie worth reviewing. Over the weekend I saw 2 movies taken by Aamir and u have to hand it to him. His movies are really a class apart. In Lagaan you can see the efforts taken to capture all details. They really re-created a place far away....a Rajasthani village during the British Raj era. The clothes, the huts, the finer nuances of speech, the characters- all have come out so well. The story and screen play by Ashutosh Gowrikar is different. A good story well told. I think the actors were also very good- the villain played by British Blackthorn, Aamir as Bhuvan, Gracy Sigh as Gowri, the crazy looking villager with a beard, the mute drum beater.....
The song and dance sequences are also superb. But then the music is by AR Rahman and Sivamani is just too good on the drums. Cinematography, location, cast, crew, evrything is just too good.
Rating: *****

A Review of Taare Zamin Par

Yesterday I saw Taare Zamin Par. Although many people told me it was a good movie, I thought I did not want to go. They also mentioned it was sad. They were right on both accounts. It is a very well taken movie & it is also very very sad. I feel it should definitely be taken the Oscars. The story is different. I have read somewhere that Aamir Khan is a perfectionist. It shows. The music by Shankar, Ehsan, Loy adds to the feeling. I think everyone acts well, the young boy as Ishant Sharma, the main character, his father mother and brother. They all are just too real. One never gets the feeling that Ishant is acting. Through a large part of the movie, my eyes were moist. But then it does throw light on the plight of kids with dyslexia. It also makes you realize what happens to even "normal" kids who can't do as well as older or younger siblings.
I guess we can't solve all the world's problems, but probably all teachers for primary school need some special training. And back to the movie. Watch it. It's worth the tears.

The Spy who Loved Me

This is one of my favourite Bond songs performed by Carly Simon. You can listen to Nobody Does it Better from the Spy Who Loved Me here.

Seal: Crazy, Killer, Kiss from a Rose

I've always liked seal ever since listening to his crazy. My favourites are:Crazy, Killer and Kiss from a Rose. There is something very soothing about his songs...

Photos of Karishma & Kareena as kids

Guess who these chubby girls are?

Yes that's Karishma & Kareena as children.

*Picture sourced from internet

Review: Kadhaparayumbol

Yesterday I got to see the movie Kadha parayumbol. It's a Sreenivasan movie- yes it's funny and it's a different story. Mammootty, Salim Kumar,Mukesh, Meena , Jagadish & KPAC Lalitha are also in it. Meena acts very well as the wife of Sreenivasan- a man with good intentions, but not much progress in his life. Salim Kumar is his usual funny self. The movie is scattered with humourous dialogues which keep the audience in splits. It's a movie definitely worth watching.

Rating:****

Amazing Race Asia comes to an end

Guess what!!! The Amazing race finally came to an end. Even though the three teams are really good, I'm sure everyone thought that Marc & Rovilson would go home with the 100, 000 US dollars. It was a tight & exciting race with a twist. The ending was a surprise for most. Adrian & Collin came first and the girls a close second. I felt very happy when Adrian & Colin won, coz one of them has a hearing disability or rather he is differently abled. As the last test proved. Their team was the last to reach the final stop where they had to put the flags of countries visited in good order. And he was fast and real quick. I felt so happy and excited to see that last leg of the race. Wow!!!!

Tribute to Heath Ledger & Bharath Gopi

I was shocked when I heard of Heath Ledgers death. So young and so talented. I remember him in A Knight's Tale which was a comedy. The movie was enjoyable and he stood out as the knight. Brokeback Mountain was also a very well made but a serious movie. The movie got several nominations and Heath was nominated for the best actor award too. He also acted as Sonny Grotowski in Monster's Ball. This was a minor role, but memorable none the less. His role in the The Patriot will also be remembered. You can see more details here:http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005132/bio

The malayali actor Bharat Gopi also passed away. If you have seen him in Yavanika or Chidambaram, you will never be able to forget him. In Yavanika as the drunk tabla artist, he surpasses acting at all levels. It's like they actually picked someone like that from someplace. It's very real. He was given a state funeral which he truly deserved.

Amazing Race Asia Contest

I continue watching AXN on Thursady nights with a bated breath. The race goes on. Terri & henri are out. They really did liven up the show with their natural exuberance. But what I really want to share with anyone else out there who watches it is this:
There are prizes to be won, cameras, Nokias and the like. So u can take part in the race without actually going to places:) Go to this link and try yr luck:

http://amazing-race-asia.axn-asia.com/season2/promotions/

Om Shanti Om

I must say that OSO is an entertainer & I would recommend it to anybody who just wants to "chill out ". The story is different for a Hindi Movie Still, different parts reminded me of bits n pieces of English movies...I am not going into which sections since then the surprise will be lost. The songs are all great & it's really funny at times. Shah Rukh & Deepika Padukone are in the lead with Arjun Rampal, Kiron Kher & Bindu in supporting roles. With Manikantan & Sabu Cyril to take care of cinematography & art direction, Farah & Shah Rukh couldn't have asked for more. F directs & SR produces under the Red Chillies banner.