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ManuMan17
Reviews
The Happening (2008)
Old Roger Corman + Ed Wood= M. Night Shyamalan
* out of ****
Is he really the next Orson Welles?
This movie had potential in being something great but like MOST of Shyamalan's movies, they have this massive buildup that falls short. I gave this film the benefit of the doubt despite the already negative buzz. Not to sound like every movie critic in America, but there's not really much "happening" in The Happening. Words can't describe the poor over-the-top acting and corny dialog. This film was just horrible and thank god it was only an hour and a half. Save your money and watch The Incredible Hulk.
Baazigar (1993)
Hamlet remake..?
******************************************** REVIEW- 8/10 This movie has several elements of Hamlet. Probably Shah Rukh's best performance even though I don't think it was the greatest in the world. I don't consider overacting great acting. Music and Kajol are the reason i give it a good score. For it's time, it was a good movie. I remember when the movie came out in the early 90s and how much controversy it stirred. People in India went crazy over the violence. I got to give Shah Rukh credit for taking a risk on this type of movie early in his career. It was a make or break movie for him and it paid off well for him. Rent Darr if you liked this movie.
Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006)
Overstylized or trying WAY too hard...
*****/10
I'm only giving it a 5 because I did enjoy almost half of the movie before it started getting too ridiculous. The movie had more style than substance. The story was going all over the place and it was turning into a really bad Akshay Kumar movie from the early 90s. I loved all the actors in the movie but it was the most unrealistic police story I've seen in a long time. It had a lot of potential in being something great. I don't know why so many indians are phrasing this movie as one of the greatest movies. What is wrong with people? I went into the movie expecting that my views would change about recent Indian cinema but it's still stayed the same. If you want to watch a good Tamil action movie watch Kaaka Kaaka.
Swades: We, the People (2004)
Much better than Veer-Zaara....
Swades is a film that hopefully will set the standard on what Indian cinema should really be all about. We see soo much crap these days and soo many Hollywood rip-offs, its great to see some originality. I must admit i wasn't a big fan of Laagan but however i knew this director was going to bring something different to the film unlike most bollywood directors who have NO talent what so ever. The person who really stole the show was Gayatri Joshi who you would never think was her debut role. Shah Rukh naturally played himself, although performance wise i thought he did an outstanding job in Veer-Zaara. This film explores culture, values, and tradition which are the main elements of India. I wasn't a big fan of Veer Zaara. I think Yash Chopra is overrated. I was pleased to have watched Swades following Veer Zaara just to so i know that there's still hope for Indian cinema.
Ladder 49 (2004)
Better than Backdraft.....
SPOILER: Although this movie is better than Backdraft..that doesn't really say much. This film is clearly a TV movie. Performances by Phoenix and Travolta were great. I must say...the fact that Travolta got second billing behind Phoenix made me think he wasn't gonna be around long in the movie. My issue with the film wasn't the actors but with the underdeveloped story. I thought it was great that it was one big flashback on the career of a dedicated fireman (Phoenix) but I would have told the story through the point of view of Travolta or even Phoenix's wife. It made it obvious that Phoenix wasn't going to make it alive. Phoenix is practically in every scene so whats the point of having the story told through him also? The ending just got too cheesy with the whole.."tell my wife i love her.." line..Don't get me wrong...its still a watchable movie but i wouldn't say its one of the best pictures of the year...