moviesaremypassion Reviews

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Not a bad film, but if you've read the book, there's no point

[7/10 · 21 May 2006]

Poor Ron Howard...if he hadn't followed the storyline, he would have been criticized, and now he's being criticized because he has followed the storyline.

The film is not a bad one. I'm sure I would have liked it more if I hadn't already known what was going to happen. And that's the problem. EVERYONE has read the book, so we didn't need the movie.

In a love story, even if you know the ending, a well-made movie can still make you feel a lot of emotion. But with a mystery story, once the suspense is gone, there is no other emotion a viewer can feel. I was bored watching it even though I really wanted to have an emotional response.

The acting is fine. Hanks isn't "stiff". He's playing a scientist who uses his brain, not a lover who uses his body. The on-location shots are great. I really like how they used other languages in the film to make it feel more authentic.

In conclusion, see the movie if you haven't read the book, but don't see it if you have read the book.

Mangal Pandey (2005)

not worth seeing at all

[3/10 · 11 September 2005]

This is a difficult movie to watch because after all the wait and hype, it's simply not a story well-told. At the interval, I had absolutely no interest in any of the characters, and I really didn't even want to see the second half of the film.

Yes, the cinematography is good, and the acting is good, but somewhere in the editing room enough of the movie was cut out that what is left doesn't flow. Even the songs suddenly appear for no reason or with no connection to the previous scene.

To whatever extent it will instill Indian pride, I applaud the film. But talks of an Oscar are utter nonsense as this movie has no international appeal. To compare it to Lagaan is absurd. We westerners are clueless about cricket, but we were totally drawn into that story and its characters. The Rising bombs on that front.

Lucky: No Time for Love (2005)

dreadful..............contains one spoiler

[1/10 · 8 May 2005]

I'm amazed that so many people have liked this film. It opens with a huge disclaimer that any character bearing any resemblance to a real person is purely coincidental. Since such words are normally placed at the end of a film, it's pretty obvious that there is no coincidence at all. Sneha looks just like Aishwaria Rai, and since she can't act at all, she must have been chosen for her looks. And we all know why....

Although the views of St. Petersburg are stunning, the plot is stupid and completely unbelievable. *SPOILER* In one scene, Adi (Salman Khan) asks a stranger for help. The stranger insists on payment. Adi gives him all his money, but the stranger wants more. The stranger wants the expensive sports car too, so Adi gives him the keys. Then the stranger takes Adi and Lucky (Sheha) to his father who is a doctor. No attempt is made to get the car back even though it would have been easy to do so...

This film was made for young girls who fancy Salman Khan and to give them the fantasy that SK could go for a girl half his age. For anyone else, this film is a huge waste of time....

Elaan (2005)

a sleek, almost Hollywood-style, good vs evil movie

[7/10 · 20 February 2005]

Fortunately, I haven't seen any of the other movies that many reviewers state have had bits copied from them in Elaan. So, I didn't think this was a bad film. The multiple location approach made for great scenery (although I had to laugh when they gave the impression that Venice and the Swiss Alps are around the corner from each other) and gave a bit of a 007 air to the story.

What drew me to the movie was the cast. I hadn't seen much of their earlier work, so this was a good chance to see what they could do. Rahul Khanna holds his own as does Arjun Rampal, so hopefully this will lead to more films for both of them. Amisha Patel and Lara Dutta are good enough. It's not their faults if some of their dialog is lame. John Abraham is good at being angry, fighting, and looking sexy in songs, but other than that, he's not believable. Even his voice seemed monotone at times as if he was just reading the lines in the playback. It's really Mithun Chakraborthy who is the star of this film. He nailed his role as the bad guy by showing that fear can be generated without shouting at people all the time. I really believed his character's evil mind. Thank goodness they didn't make him sing and dance...

The Mother (2003)

Bold, honest, and intriguing........

[10/10 · 31 January 2005]

Although at one point I thought this was going to turn into The Graduate, I have to say that The Mother does an excellent job of explaining the sexual desires of an older woman.

I'm so glad this is a British film because Hollywood never would have done it, and even if they had, they would have ruined it by not taking the time to develop the characters.

The story is revealed slowly and realistically. The acting is superb, the characters are believably flawed, and the dialogue is sensitive. I tried many times to predict what was going to happen, and I was always wrong, so I was very intrigued by the story.

I highly recommend this movie. And I must confess, I'll forever look at my mom in a different light!

Raincoat (2004)

Simply sublime.........

[10/10 · 18 January 2005]

I bought the soundtrack in India last month and fell in love with the music. And I finally saw the movie today........wow. I can't believe this is an Indian movie! Don't get me wrong, I love many Bollywood films, but let's face it, there's a formula. There's no formula in Raincoat. To explain in more detail: There's no dancing. Ashwarya looks pale and sullen not her usual drop-dead gorgeous. Most of the movie takes place in one room, so if feels like it was written as a play. And lastly, the pace and style seems very French in that the plot is deep and is revealed slowly.

Because an Indian film managed to do all this, I have to give it a 10. It's definitely in a league with great European films. But it's not better than great European films. The only weak point is Ajay Devgan's lack of expression in certain scenes. His dialogue reveals a man who is at times innocent and gullible, yet at other times he's an adroit liar. His facial expression only fit the latter. Annu Kapoor almost steals the movie away from him.

Ashwarya proves she can act in this film, and I applaud the director for giving her this role. Could any other young star have done any better? No. (But wouldn't Shabana Azmi have been magnificent?) See this movie if you love great films. Don't see it if you want to see a typical Bollywood film.

Hungama (2003)

intricate plot delivers the laughs

[9/10 · 5 December 2004]

I watched this movie because I'm an Akshaye Khanna nut. Although I was sad to see he wasn't in more scenes, clearly it's better to have a supporting role (with top billing!) in a good film than the lead in a bad one.

The plot of this story has so many twists and turns that whomever wrote it should get a literary award. The way the characters are linked together is truly clever and hilarious. I think this movie is 10 times funnier than Hera Pheri.

And, none of the actors disappoint! How great is that?

Very entertaining. 9 out of 10

Veer-Zaara (2004)

great entertainment

[10/10 · 5 December 2004]

Often it's the much-anticipated films that disappoint the most, but Veer Zaara lives up to the pre-release hype.

Just when you think you know where the story is going, you are pleasantly surprised and therefore enthralled as the story unveils.

People either love SRK or hate him, but I think he delivers what is necessary for this role without going over the top.

The surprise appearances are great, and Priety Zinta is getting better with every role.

Last, but certainly not least, the music is superb. If you have no other reason to see this movie, see it to know the story that was finally told with these beautiful songs.

10 out of 10

Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000)

OK, he's gorgeous, but the movie tanks..

[3/10 · 5 December 2004]

I totally understand how this movie launched Hrithik Roshan into the stratosphere because he's a hunk and he can truly dance.

But the film should be judged separately from the sensation that it caused. The film is annoying because the song is bad. Half way through the movie, my friends and I all shouted "Get a new song!" We just needed to hear the first few notes, and we would hit the mute.

Amisha Patel is OK in her role, but not brilliant, and the plot is too sugary to be believed. I will say there were some scenes with excellent cinematography.

All in all, see Hrithik in something else. 4 out of 10

In Your Name (2003)

I'll be darned! Salman Khan can act!!

[8/10 · 24 July 2004]

You have to get through the first half of the movie (with the awful hair, nasty attitude, and scared girl) to appreciate the second half, for it's in the second half that Salman Khan proves he can act.

And I must confess, this was a pleasant surprise! I'm used to Salman Khan playing men you love to hate (or is it just him?) He always seems to be looking for an excuse to take off his shirt. But in the second half of Tere Naam, his character's pain is palpable, and you genuinely care what happens.

Now, let's hope Salman Khan will begin to get more mature scripts, so he can show his acting skills all through a movie.

The female lead (Bhumika)does a very good job of playing the shy, obiedient girl.

All in all, 7 out of 10. Worth seeing.

Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

I absolutely loved it!

[10/10 · 24 July 2004]

Although at times corny and too melodramatic, I don't care - I love this film!

Shah Rukh Khan's charm got me hook, line and sinker, and he had great chemistry with Saif Ali Khan. I bet these two are good friends in real life. The repeating thread with Saif's maid is hilarious.

Preity Zinta is excellent as the tightly-clenched Naina who learns to loosen up and love.

Jaya Bachchan is such a great actress, I wish she'd make more movies.

Wonderful can't-get-them-out-of-my-head songs, very clever writing, very skilled cinematography (love the opening bit) and great acting make Kal Ho Naa Ho superb entertainment.

10 out of 10. A must see.

Main Hoon Na (2004)

Obviously directed by a choreographer...

[4/10 · 17 July 2004]

After SRK's big hit Kal Ho Na Ho, I anxiously awaited the release of Main Hoon Na. What a disappointment...

Although I have admired Farah Khan's work in other movies, she has put so much singing and dancing into this film that the plot takes a back seat. After a while, I just lost interest in the story. Sushmita Sen, albeit stunning, has little dialog and undulates her way through the movie. I can't say that's bad acting (she undulates well) but rather bad directing/writing. And all those circular camera motions with the Matrix moves just don't seem to fit.

I realize this is Ms. Khan's first directing job, but I'd just like to say she'd be a better director if she were as original in her story and cinematography ideas as she is in her choreography. 4 out of 10

Hey Ram (2000)

WOW.. a very powerful film

[9/10 · 17 July 2004]

I had heard that Kamal Hassan was a good actor, so I decided to check out Hey Ram. I knew nothing of the plot (best way to see a movie; no expectations...) and I must admit I was emotionally overwhelmed by the end of it.

Kamal Hassan is an amazing actor who is not only passionate about his work but also about his country. And what a pleasure to see Shah Rukh in a minor part.

Hey Ram is a film that every American actor, writer, and director should study. Few American films have had such an effect on me. I highly recommend it.