Me, myself, and my blog...

This week, I watched...

2008-11-30T10:13:00.003+05:30

Dasvidaniya: a good movie, nice acting, with many heart touching sequences.

Inside Man: a nice thriller with a brilliant plot.

Human Character

2008-11-22T01:30:00.006+05:30

Moulded by the environment's effect on one's reaction to it: a feedback loop?!
And, the weightages on these variables are also functions of both?!

This could make an interesting control model!!

Friends

2008-11-22T01:05:00.003+05:30

This is the popular english tv serial. Got the 10 seasons as a gift from my friend. Great fun, too addictive :P I had sat through many nights, glued to the pc screen for hours together. Each character speaks out for itself. Although almost all episodes are about someone making out / breaking up with someone else, they never bored me. Good mix of emotions with humor. Made me feel that friends are some of the greatest things that can happen in life (this time, not the serial :P)

And more movies...

2008-11-22T00:56:00.003+05:30

After the last post, I got to watch the following movies..

Quantum Of Solace: Nice action movie, but not the usual 'Bond' style..

Vaaranam Aayiram: The story of a father and a son. Surya at his best, with roles at 16 to 60 years of age. Music & songs picturisation - simply superb. Most dialogues are in english, as opposed to the pure tamil title :P The second half is a bit lengthy, the journalist scenes breaks the sentimental build-up. Glitches aside, it was a great movie I had waited and watched, bunking work :P

Dostana: A good movie with big stars and good humour. I really enjoyed the film.

Ali Baba: Good screenplay, nice movie, must watch.

Dhaam Dhoom: Promising storyline, could have been done better. Songs are really good.

Saroja: A really good movie, great screenplay, lots of fun. Must watch.

Aegan: An unfaithful remake of 'main hoon na'. The second half sags, with a really blunt ending. Okay for a Diwali blockbuster.

Righteous Kill

2008-09-13T01:50:00.002+05:30

If you havnt seen any serial killer movies before, this movie would be really thrilling. Else, you easily predict the story, with just 30 mins into the film. Atleast, I did that. So, started concentrating on how i finish the 600ml pepsi i bought :P

Al Pacino and Robert De Niro not at their best. But, a good movie. Nice thriller for a Friday nite.

A Wednesday

2008-09-07T20:25:00.004+05:30

Nice, crisp, fast thriller. I did not notice the 100 minutes passing by. No deliberate interruptions to the screenplay. Good entertainment.

Rock on!!!

2008-09-04T20:52:00.002+05:30

The story is about a dis-banded music group's reunion after 10 yrs. Good effort has been put into presenting the change of the guys over 10 yrs. Nice screen play. A feel-good movie. And the music rocks...

August movies..

2008-08-24T08:35:00.004+05:30

Subramanyapuram: a really good movie, so realistic and simple.

Death at a funeral: a nice comedy

Meet the spartans: an okay spoof on the '300' movie

Wall-E: a great movie from pixar. A proof that a great movie can be presented with just emotions and not many words.

Kung Fu Panda: cute comedy and action. I loved every moment of it.

Wanted: the next level to shoot-em up. the creativity of the stunt-director at its extreme. Curving bullets, headshots from miles apart: a good action movie.

Jaane tu ya jaane na: a feel good romantic movie.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-21T12:15:00.002+05:30

The best batman movie made so far. Beats "Batman Begins". The movie world would miss one of the best onscreen villains in Heath Ledger.

The story is engrossing from the start till the end. Stunts are great, the plot even better. And the IMAX experience made this much more enjoyable.

The Dark Knight rules.

Dasavatharam

2008-06-24T15:46:00.001+05:30

Kamal's back, with a bang. And, in 10 characters. Wowwww!!! Different voice, different walking styles, different backgrounds : each character speaks out for itself. In every frame, there are atleast 3 Kamals!!! Lots of effort put into each character, and the awe of watching them overthrows all flaws.

Although most characters are well enacted and leave a mark, a few seem to be there just for reaching the magic number 10. The visual effects have greatly aided the film. The ending action sequence is cool. But, the romance at the end amidst the dreadful aftereffects of Tsunami is not charming.

Chaos theory and Butterfly effect are applied in the movie, as a sound explanation for the not so believable screenplay across centuries. Only Kamal can think of, and dare to enact such a story. Hats off to the great actor.

This can very well be one of the masterpieces of the world of cinema.

Personal Finance ?!

2008-05-24T06:47:00.003+05:30

I had been neglecting this subject thinking it is too trivial to be one. But, I realized during one of my training sessions that it is the one of most important part of the materialistic world, and i am in one. One should know atleast the basics of finance, so that one does not end up complaining later. Markets, Economies, Inflation : these sound so alien, but affect the day to day life in one way or the other. I am wondering why this is not taught in the schools or college, in a meaningful way.

A thought from Rajni's 'Muthu' : dont let money control you, you should control money. For that you need to know how money works, and thats what basic finance is all about. Learn the basics , plan your personal finance, and bingo : you can see happily every movie that gets screened until your end. Thats the lesson i learnt 8)

Knock knock...

2008-05-24T06:11:00.009+05:30

After a long time, thought of writing a post. Of course, about movies. What else can i think about ?

Parugu - a goodie, from Allu Arjun & Prakash Raj. Although i dont understand Telugu, the movie was a delite.

Iron Man : a really good superhero movie, next only to Batman begins. The hero is so cool, graphics fantastic, action too good : a fantastic film. Even my not-so-crazy-about-comic-heroes friends like it :) Me ? lovvved it :D

Thank you for smoking : All about the art of talking. Lots of ideas to learn from here. Seriously..

American Gangster : nice movie. A bit slow, but good acting.

Cloverfield : a different monster movie. Filmed by the victims of a monster attack, in a handycam. If u can stay through the first 30 minutes, you will have a good experience.

Knocked Up : emotions, the american way. 2 different people forced to get together due to an accidental pregnancy.

Juno : In the same lines as Knocked Up, but more abt the high school girl. Cute girl, lite humor, good experience.

Jalsa : my un-lucky cousin slept through it ?! He missed the test of patience.

Room no 305-il God : If you were god, what would you do ? In the lines of Bruce Almighty, but a good attempt. Prakash Raj shines again.

Santosh Subramanyam : faithful remake of Bommarillu. Too good that even my i-dont-watch-movies friend watched it thrice 8)

Amidst these, same old me, working on weekdays and sleeping on weekends. Ofcourse, having fantastic food 8) Wondering if someone would take up my story, and I would be writing about it like this. The extent of imagination : u cannot even dream 8)

Ratatouille

2008-02-26T06:01:00.002+05:30

Another cute movie from Pixar. The story of a rat which realizes its dream to become a chef. A nice story, cute animation, interesting screenplay, and a happy ending. What else would one want from a movie?

Greening of Paris

2008-02-19T11:50:00.003+05:30

A good article by 'The Hindu' on how the Paris Governance has literally greened Paris. We should try this sometime here.

Rambo (IV)

2008-01-29T21:37:00.000+05:30

Rambo's back, after nearly 2 decades. Another rescue operation, teaming with some 'young' military lads, against a small battallion of enemy soldiers. Ofcourse, he swipes the enemies off the earth!!!

The movie has some great combat scenes, which are so realistically picturised that you sit with your eyes closed most of the time : violence at its peak, and blood flowing through the screen all the time. Stallone is amazing : agile and fit even at an age of 60. The scene near the end where he creeps into the scene when hope eludes the captives, is cool.

Watch this, if you love war-action, and not allergic to blood.

Bheema

2008-01-24T21:02:00.000+05:30

Yet another gangster movie. The film does not live upto its hype ( 2 yrs in the making, Vikram at its best, etc..) : there is nothing different in this movie than other gangster movies that have come recently. There is nothing much for Vikram to do here: he just bashes thugs and roams around. Trisha is cute. Prakash Raj adds one more feather to his cap. The songs are good, especially OruMugamo and RanguRangamma.

The movie can be watched for some good stunts.

Pirivom Sandhippom

2008-01-18T12:17:00.000+05:30

A story about a newly wed couple, and their separation from a really large family. Although a bit long, the movie is good, and delivers what it intends to. The characters are portrayed naturally, the sequences develop spontaneously, and the movie ends happily. Dedicated to all home-makers, who spend most of their time in solitude at home. No fights, no dance numbers, no heroic feats. Worth a watch for the family ethics the movie displays.

Billa

2008-01-12T22:13:00.004+05:30

A stylish hero in the lead, sleek picturisation and some good stunts : Billa is a big hit for Ajith. Ajith fits perfectly in the macho, cunning, daredevil role of Billa. Had he talked more than he had walked, the movie would have been better. Nayantara is awesome 8). Prabhu has given a great performance. Santhanam rocks, eventhough he appears in just 2 scenes. The songs are good in picturisation but dance (???!!!) is scarce : all song-sequences are more like photo-shoots and ramp-walks. The theme music is simply superbbbb, and the background score is great at many places!!!

Maybe, I had big expectations for the movie because this is a remake of one of Rajni's biggest hits, and not everything was fulfilled. But, the movie is definitely worth a watch for its style.

I am legend

2008-01-12T22:13:00.003+05:30

Wow!! A fantastic performance by Will Smith. The first scene where he hunts down a deer on a sports car in the roads of NYC is really awesome. Although the story is well known (zombie fighting), this doesn't end in the usual way, and that makes it different. The sound effects are really good (I watched it at PVR). My friends had a bad night, due to the after-effects of the movie ( I am really brave, ofcourse !!!).

A great One-man-show by Smith...

The colour Blue

2008-01-12T22:13:00.002+05:30

My favourite colour is blue. All my friends will agree to this (with a biiiggg yawn!!!). Most of my t-shirts are blue, all my jeans are blue, my shoes are blue, my blog's layout is blue. Blue is appealing, soft, majestic, simple, easy and everywhere. The sky is blue, the seas are blue ( and more blah blah blah to support my 'blue' thoughts.. )

I am so obsessed with this colour, that I haven't figured out the reason yet !!!

Happy New Year

2008-01-12T22:13:00.001+05:30

Let all your wishes come true, goals get completed, and happiness blessed aplenty. If you truly realize what you are, and do what you really want, everything said earlier will surely be yours.

Happy new year...

Taare Zameen Par

2008-01-12T22:13:00.000+05:30

An excellent movie, that can move every person who sees it. A must-watch for everyone who loves children (and for who don't, too). This is a good example of "how a movie can effectively create social awareness, better then any other means of media". One more reason for me to love movies 8)

I now know that I have a lot to learn, a lot to change and a lot to do...

Movie experience at Vellore - WOW!!!

2007-11-29T22:26:00.000+05:30

Being a movie buff, I was always dissappointed when it comes to watching a movie in Vellore: not many theatres are good here. I was hoping for a breakthrough : Reliance Adlabs has acquired 2 theatres in vellore (Lakshmi and Alankar) and renovated them to a great extent.

This, i heard from my brother and my cousin. I was waiting for a chance to visit those theatres, and, the area's power system went down for maintainence. So, I immediately prompted my parents to go to a movie at one of those theatres (although i had already watched that movie). The moment i entered the theatre premises, i sensed the changes: computerised ticketing, advance booking over the web / phone, well furnished seatings, good sound systems, completely darkened environment such that the only source of light is the screen, at-seat service during the break... The tickets were affordable : 5 / 25 /40, but the refreshments were a bit over-charged. Of, course only half compared to the peers in Chennai and Hyderabad :) A really great effort / investment by Reliance...

Am looking forward to watch my favourite movie in the second theatre, today!!! And, everytime i visit home, i'll try to visit those theatres atleast once, whatever the movie might be. Coz, nothing elates me better than a good movie experience, and that too, in my hometown :)

Beowulf

2007-11-29T22:07:00.000+05:30

The story of a hero, who falls victim of his own faults, and later redeems himself by ending what he started. My friend said, this was the oldest english tale. But, the movie was just another story, not very captivating. But, the IMAX 3d experience overrode everything!!! The animation was really good, especially of Angelina Jolie's 8). The action sequences (only 2) were beautifully picturised. I was awed at the skills of the animators.

The film is worth a watch for the IMAX experience.

Bourne Ultimatum

2007-11-20T10:27:00.000+05:30

One of the best action-thrillers of the year. The movie is engaging from the start to the finish. Most of the time, u r at the edge of the seat, biting ur nails, wondering what might happen next. I loved every moment watching the movie. The sad part is that, the 'bourne' legacy ends here. And, what a way to end!!!

At all costs, watch the movie atleast once...

Shoot em up

2007-11-01T21:35:00.000+05:30

The title says it all : its all abt guns, stunts and the bad guys falling. All that was required was a plot to kick off the action, and that begins right at the first frame. A group of gangsters try to murder a pregnant lady and in comes the hero. You will get the maximum possible stunts using a gun (and a carrot) from the hero. He delivers the baby from its mother amidst a gun fight and defeats numerous gun-slingers while running, jumping, driving, sky-diving, sliding, on bed with the lady-love, etc... He finally unravels the mystery about the baby-killers, and wraps them all up. There is a comic touch to the hero's character: he always uses a carrot : munches it, kills people with it, and finally when his fingers are damaged, uses the carrot to operate guns!!!

Most of the stunts are preposterous: either you are awed by them, or have a good laugh at them. Either way, the movie is a good entertainer.

Rich Dad Poor Dad

2007-09-28T12:15:00.000+05:30

In this book, Robert T Kiyosaki gives a different opinion on the way one handles his/her finances in everyday life. If open-minded, reading this book could change one's perspective of financial freedom, independence, and life.

The next most expected...

2007-09-25T20:49:00.000+05:30

Bourne Ultimatum

http://youtube.com/watch?v=y2xUywzizJo

cool....

Shivaji

2007-07-19T22:26:00.000+05:30

Rajni...
How the movie magic unleashed by this single man mesmerizes an unimaginable volume of people, was evident at all the theatres wherever this movie got released worldwide. I heard some news that the frst day - frst show tickets were priced at 1500 rs - 3000 rs : I was worried, coz i didnt get one :( . Anyways, i managed to see the movie twice, although late...

The movie is all abt Rajni : u can really count the scenes where he is not present :) . He makes you feel his majestic presence in each and every scene. You see him in many different and effective make-ups, and all leave you amazed. In fact, almost every scene in the movie is grandiose : Shankar and AVM have made that sure.

Vivek is back to form too : he's the guy who gives out all the punch dialogues, and does it good. Shreya's beautiful 8) . The music and Background scores are awesome : none beats ARR. All the songs are great, especially Athiradee and Style : these were made jst for Rajni, and the memories live long. The fight sequences are cool. There are some sequences where Rajni simply walks around : but, those are simply the best moments in the movie :)

The theme of the movie is repetitive, and the suggestions of a private govt are a bit misleading. The first half is a bit lengthy, the villain doesnt match our superstar in 'gethu', and, Rajni does not speak any Punch dialogues!!! But, who cares ? this is Rajni's movie and all odds get evened out.

This could be the greatest movie ever made for Rajni, and that sums 'em all.

Ocean's 13

2007-06-24T00:24:00.000+05:30

The gang is back. This time, the motto is not just a heist, but taking revenge on an equally cunning Casino/Hotel owner, who double-crosses one of the gang-members. And, of course, they succeed...

There are no character introductions, who is who, and stuff like that. The movie is paced fast from the start to the end. Everything here is about the plot, and its execution. The story is not centered on a single guy (yeah, no lady is part of the gang this time, oh ho!!! ), everyone has a part to play, and does it well.

The movie is as good as the first, and nothing else to add...

Food I would love to have...

2007-06-17T23:17:00.000+05:30

Brownie Sundae @ KFC, Somajiguda; F9, Banjara Hills Hyd
Parotta + Salna @ Airways, Chromepet Chn
Garlic Bread @ PizzaHut, Central Hyd
Hot Fudge Sundae @ Marriott, Hyd; Darling Restaurant, Vellore
Paneer Dishes + Phulka @ Ohri's Jiva, Somajiguda Hyd
Pani Puri @ PG Road Corner Shop, Secunderabad
Cashew Masala @ Annapurna, Ameerpet Hyd
Tomato Omlette + Coffee @ the NaturalGas DrillingCrew's Canteen, somewhere in Mahendragad, Maharashtra
Egg Dosa @ Rajam Mess, besides Vetri Theatre, Chromepet Chn
American Chopsuey @ Noodles Shop, Spencer's Plaza Chn
French Fries @ McDonalds, Prasadz Hyd
Rava Dosa @ Shanti Sagar, Somajiguda Hyd
Hot n Sour Soup @ Hub, Somajiguda Hyd
Rava Idli @ Kanna, Vellore
Tea @ Paradise, Secunderabad
Coffee @ Minerva Coffee Shop, Somajiguda Hyd
Spicy Veggie @ SubWays, LifeStyle Hyd
Pudina Paratha @ Naivedhiyam, Ameerpet Hyd
Paneer Butter Masala @ Rewa Hotel, Shahdol Maharashtra
Kadai Paneer @ HyderabadHouse, GreenLands Hyd
Deluxe Veggie Pizza (Medium) + Coke @ Dominoes
Bajji + Vada + Tea @ the second tea shop in Station Road, Chromepet Chn
Dosa + Chicken Kurma @ Malgudi, LifeStyle Hyd
American Sweet Corn @ CityCentre, Banjara Hills Hyd
Lichee Soda @ EatStreet Hyd
Full Meals @ SaravanaBhavan, TNagar Chn
Chilli Paneer @ the restaurant in BigBazaar, Abids Hyd
Dosas (I make) @ my room
Lassi @ SaravanBhavan, Secunderabad
Cashew Puffs @ Iyengar Bakery, Vellore

Hide n Seek Biscuits, 5 star Crunchy : anytime, anywhere...

And, evvvvvrything at my mom's hands :)

Why should i be posing this question?

2007-06-12T06:35:00.000+05:30

so that, it doesnt stand unanswered :)

Pirates Of Carribean : At the world's end

2007-06-10T01:12:00.000+05:30

The first version was really good: it was a really entertaining movie, with a different plot, fantastic visuals, humorous sequences, and captivating storyline. Next came the second sequel : it wasnt exactly the same. The plot grew a bit complex, the characters got a bit serious, but ultimately, it was good. The third: the complexity of the plot is too high.

Most sequences look weird, many unexplained. Characters act unpredictably, myths and legends unfold out of nothing, things go out of control, and finally the movie ends. I did have a tough time following the story, but i love solving puzzles. So, i almost made it to the end.

The visuals are fantastic: better than the first two. The action sequences are also good. And Johnny Depp is cool : you feel his presence whenever he appears. But, he made me crazy whenever his alter-egos (or whatever they call themselves) appeared. To add, the language is too tough to follow. Aaarghhh...

I wont strongly recommend this movie, but, if you want a really different experience (and dont mind how weird it is), give it a try.

Shivaji Trailer

2007-05-30T18:09:00.000+05:30

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFyD4M3CZYk

SpiderMan 3

2007-05-27T21:23:00.000+05:30

Spidey 3 is a goooood movie. Its different from the previous 2 versions : Its actually a action/drama, displaying more of human emotions than being simply action-oriented. You would love the action sequences: fantastic graphics and fast action that keeps u on the edge of the seat. It has a lot of characters moving around, but the movie manages them all. The sad part is that u have to bear seeing your super-hero breaking down and crying, more than jst once.

I saw it on IMAX : that made the movie experience much more wonderful.

Go watch it if you want 2 hrs of good entertainment. Dont look deep into the logic: this is a comics based movie.

PS: I am a spidey fan. So, take my words with caution :)

The Last King of Scotland

2007-05-25T21:28:00.000+05:30

The movie narrates the experiences of a Scottish Doctor with Idi Amin, the Uganda general well known for his genocide of 300000 of his own country men.

Forest Whitaker plays the role of the general. But the truth is that u jst cant find Whitaker here : all u see is Idi Amin. U laugh at his wits. U get inspired by his intelligent speech. U admire his commanding powers. U are moved by his friendliness. U are attracted to his charms. U pity him when he gets into danger. U cringe whenever he barks out orders. At the end, u hate and fear him for whatever he is. The guy is simply superb.

The doctor does all that are said above. And when he panics realising his mistake, all hell breaks loose on him. What happens next is the ending.

Watch it if you want a very different potrayal of a man who once shook the whole world with his actions. It is effective, engaging and definitely intimidating.

Chennai 600028

2007-05-22T20:49:00.000+05:30

"This movie is about a local gully cricket team preparing for a cricket tournament to defeat their arch rival team and the events in their lives through the year to the tournament." This is wat SPB announces in the frst scene. The team does make it to the end of the tournament, defeating their rivals in a very interesting semi-final match, but the ending has a twist, and you are sure to walk out laughing.

The main catch of the film is that in its cast, almost all are fresh faces to the field, and all act casually, giving the film a realistic feel. The comedy lines are really good: that is the backbone of the film. Especially the guy, who never really catches a throw throughout the film, and comes up with the famous 'enna koduma sir ithu' dialogue wherever applicable, arouses laughter throughout the crowd. And finally he does catch a throw, and thats another comic sequence.

Almost all characters have a significant part in the film, contributing to the laughter atleast in one sequence. The music by Yuvan is another plus point: almost all songs are good. Some sequences use old movie songs to arouse some more rounds of laughter.

The film suffers a few notable glitches: The main motto of the heroes (all the 11 members of the team are the heroes here), next to playing cricket, seems to be drinking and smoking. Heroines (only 2, thank God!!!) live upto the kollywood formula: appear to say 2 words, jst before a song unfolds. And you a have a song that can surely be telecasted in tv in the late hours.

Forget the logic (who has ever heard abt a cricket tournament in a tennis ball), then u have a very entertaining movie to keep ur mind relaxed for over 2.5 hrs.

Frst entry

2007-05-21T21:09:00.000+05:30

hurray...