bhatia Reviews

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

A Magical Fantasy for all

[25 March 2001]

An outstanding foreign language film. Unlike LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, this movie is complete with excitement, fantasy, romance, and action. Despite its questionable violence in most of the scenes and its sexual themes, the movie still kept its cool and never lost its touch. I didn't really remember any of the character's names, but the movie was understandable enough to view as a classic. Do I think it'll win Best Picture at the Oscars? No. The reason is not because its a foreign film, but because of the teenage based audience and its style. I admit that Director Ang Lee did a good job but I believe he kind of overdid it- the flying, lazy sword battles, poison arrows- this movie kind of reminded me of Mulan. So in other words, this movie is basically Mulan that is not animated- nominated for Best Picture in the Academy Awards.

Out of a rating of 1-10- I give it a 7

Traffic (2000)

'The Godfather' of New Generation Films

[24 March 2001]

A great storyline and intersecting stories which kept me interested throughout the whole film. Great performance by Benicio Del Toro as Javier and Michael Douglas as the Drug Czar for America. I think if Douglas had gotten a couple more scenes in- he would've been nominated for best supporting actor too. Ah, anyways- Del Toro changed a lot throughout the whole film- speaking spanish for a little, then english, then spanish- no, actually, Del Toro changed a lot because of the tragic occurences that happened because of drug wars and his inability to stay alive and worry about what could happen to him. Del Toro played the role as a cop well and in my opinion, deserves an oscar. Unfortunately for me, I'm posting this a day before the Oscars so I can get my point across. I promise this movie will get BEST PICTURE- why? Because not only does it have Godfather traits to it but its the most realistic film in the category and does not really have an ending- for drug wars still continue even today. This movie also shows the hardships for teenagers and drugs and what it does to families. Frankly, I think drugs should just be eliminated- but if the government makes money from it, why take away something that kills humans each day?

As for Steve S- the director of this nominated film and Erin Brockovich- he did an outstanding job. The reason why was because the two films were entirely different and so was the editing and effects. You have to give this guy an award or *two* for best director. If he doesn't get it this year in 2001- trust me, he'll get it later on in his life.

Great movie and there is nothing in the movie that won't get your attention. Rating out of 10- 9

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

'Make it a bad, bad thing'

[9 March 2001]

Stanley Kubrick's last film turned out to probably be his worst. But this movie wasn't bad overall. Its slow beat, almost haunting, draws a lot of suspense and mystery to the film. Hect, that was what Kubrick will always be remembered for. Unfortunately for this film- it didn't do too well at the box office, let alone with the critics. But I don't have to be a professional critic to say that this movie wasn't interesting or very nasty. Of course- It does have some explicit sexual content mainly stretched out to suit the men's needs, not the women. In complete honesty, this movie did not lose a beat, nor really lose any momentum 'til the very end. Although this movie doesn't answer all the questions that the audience really wants to know- people has to understand, that *is* the message Kubrick is trying to send. Out of ten stars, I give it an 8. ********

Will there ever be another like Kubrick? Hopefully. For not only was his work unique, but it was something that no other director has ever had like him- Silent vision. We will miss you Kubrick.

Gladiator (2000)

Exciting to the Max-imus

[20 February 2001]

Gladiator after watching on DVD deserved what has been 12 Oscar Nominations. It had great picture quality, sound, music, special effects, background, storyline, screenplay, and much more. The story of Maximus related closely to the 1995 BEST PICTURE Of Braveheart. It was about a man's courage and will to enter his way to his main goal- Revenge. Unfortunately- Gladiator was a movie of Hollywood while William Wallace of Braveheart was based strictly on historical events. However, there was Roman Gladiators back before christ and after christ, and they did shed bloodshed and life for the Emperors of Rome. Sit back and enjoy this feature film and remember that this movie is almost like your there- GREAT ACTION SEQUENCES!

A ***3/4 out of ****

What Lies Beneath (2000)

Scared the Hell Out Of Me

[20 February 2001]

This movie gave me all the chills of a horror film. It surprised me and scared me like no other movie has before. I watched this movie on a Friday night with a lot of my friends- still it scared the wiggins out of me. Two words- MUST SEE

Every human needs to be scared once in their lives and this movie will certainly do it.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

The Aftermath is Unimaginable

[7/10 · 30 December 2000]

I'm overwhelmed by the work of Jim Carrey. I keep on getting this movie stuck in my head. The Grinch liking Martha May, Cindy Lou(who's very annoying; her sweet innocence) who tries to get the Grinch in the Christmas spirit, the childhood of the Grinch (very funny!), and moreover the weak obvious ending with- Christmas isn't all about presents. I have to say, I felt stupid walking out of the theater with a bunch of babies and toddlers laughing and so forth, but this movie was a good full-lengthed adaption of Dr.Seuss's short film and IS for all ages.

Charlie's Angels (2000)

Bunch of Eye Candy and Sweet Action

[5/10 · 30 December 2000]

I must admit the three Angels- Liu, Diaz, and Barrymore were not bad choices. But looking at the classic 1970s and 1980s TV show, you have to say that this movie was strictly made for movie gross and money. It has little resemblance to the TV show and is more of a mockery instead of a movie. I hope this doesn't foreshadow to more silly movies based on TV shows because I hope NYPD Blue nor The Practice have such poor followings. It has good action and a good choice for a Friday Night Movie, but the only thing really sweet is the Movie Trailer and Destiny's Child's music theme song "All The Women."

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

Brosnan puts away the AK-47 and hugs onto his Wather PPK (Spoilers)

[30 December 2000]

This movie was great. I mean, great. With Brosnan's two previous Bond Movies- Goldeneye and Tomorrow Never Dies- exploding with Roger Moore action, this movie retreats to 007's creator- Sean Connery. Meaning Bond will not use the AK-47 which was first used in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, and brought a new statement, but this movie actually uses Bond's favorite gun- The Wather PPK. Based upon On Her Majesty's Secret Service name for Bond's family motto, the movie has a HUGE storyline which surprised me and got me interested through the whole movie. One thing about THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, it doesn't spoil viewers with action or sex appeal. It maintains the realism that Bond was losing in the past. If you like this movie, think about watching other great 007 movies that relate to this film- License To Kill, You Only Live Twice, and Live and Let Die. If you think Bond is dead or losing his touch, your wrong. Brosnan keeps Bond in tact and launches himself into action- from Water, To Land, and Air- The World Is Not Enough should be on your shelf whether on DVD or VHS.

Face/Off (1997)

John Woo's Masterpiece

[30 December 2000]

Greatest Action Movie ever. This movie defines Action in the Video Stores and I have seen it over a hundred times. Why? Its that good. I'm in love with action and when I first saw it at the theaters, the crowd inside the theater was shocked and amazed at how much action can be displayed with so meaningful storylines. Two popular actors- Travolta and Cage- gear up against eachother and to this day, makes 007, Rambo, Arnold S., Mad Max, and so forth look pathetic. This movie launched JOHN WOO'S (director) career. If you wanna see near better movies that deal with action, see Goldeneye and Terminator 2.

The World Is Not Enough (2000 Video Game)

The Ultimate 007 Video Game

[10/10 · 9 December 2000]

This game contains gadgets, high-tech weapons, exotic levels, face-to-face villains, and excellent allies. This game contains all characters from the movie and sets standards for more games to come. Just like its shadow GOLDENEYE for 64. I recommend that this game would be bought for N64, not playstation. Reason is, N64 owns Bond, and Playstation (noting Tomorrow Never Dies) does not represent Bond in an exciting way.

1-10 GAMEPLAY- 8 GRAPHICS- 9 FUN FACTOR- 7 VILLAINS- 5

The Beach (I) (2000)

You'll be Surprised

[9 October 2000]

Hands down, the best movie I've ever seen. The background, music, themes, plot, climax, and everything meshes together beautifully. The movie had all of the genres and elements to it also. Leo, did the best acting for this part, and well deserved.

Out of 10 stars, I give it a ten. NOTE: For months, I underestimated this movie, but when I watched it, I realized how dumb I was.

Psycho Beach Party (2000)

Very Good Movie. PERIOD.

[10/10 · 6 August 2000]

A great movie with a lot of great performances by the cast. Especially Lauren Ambrose (Florence/Chicklet), who after seeing this movie, definitely deserves a lot more recognition. Recognition, I hope, that comes soon. Same goes to the whole cast also, who really made this low budget beach movie into my eyes, a hit. So please, if you have time, and live in New York, stop by to watch this great movie. You won't be disappointed.