Tuesday, December 29, 2009

3 Idiots


The story revolves around three friends studying in India's most prestigious Engineering College. From my understanding, it's loosely based on Chetan Bhagat's novel, 'Five Point Someone' (just a small portion, the rest is all original).

Ten years after finished their studies, Farhan (Madhavan) and Raju (Sharman) try to find their long lost ex-room mate, Ranchoddas Shamaldas Chanchad aka Rancho (Aamir) who just vanished silently on the graduation day.

The story switches from present to flashback mode often. Rancho being the life of the college, believes that life is not about getting the grades but living the moment and being true to one's self. He always have difference of opinions from the strict head of the college, Viru Sahastrabuddhe (Boman) which leads to lots of clashes between them throughout the college episode. Despite his fun and frolic, Rancho always surprises everyone by topping the class.

At the same time, he encourages his fellow friends to look beyond the ordinary and effects their lifes deeply - eventually earns the wrath of the college head. But Rancho's greatest contribution lies is making his friends realise their true calling.
In the meantime, Rancho wins the affections of Pia (Kareena), daughter of the college head.

Before leaving, Rancho brings a major change in almost every person's life he come close to. How Farhan and Raju meet Rancho from Delhi moving on to a few places like Shimla, Manali and Ladakh forms the climax of the film.


If you are wondering whether this film lives up to the expectations since it's from Rajkumar Hirani, (the man behind the masterpieces like Munna Bhai MBBS and Lago Raho Munna Bhai) then, yes it does. The director cleverly comes up with a story that everyone can relate to in a very unique story-telling, laugh-riot with funny dialogues and without a doubt, carries messages to society.

Unsurprisingly, Aamir is the sole of this flick with both Madhavan and Joshi have their own moments of pure genius. Ameer proved himself as he can very well excell in comedy too. Just check the way he successfully carries out the role of a 22 year old despite being 44 years older. There is a scene when Boman drags him out of his cabin and the body language which Aamir displays then, deserves applause.

Madhavan is incredible, delivering his most retrained act ever. Like a backbone to the story, he takes the film back and forth with his narrative. His acting is just awesome especially when he tries to explain his stand to his father. Sharman is quite good too. He pulls off his dilemma with ease (when he's given choices between his friendship with Rancho and his studies).
Kareena's performance is satisfactory as she does her part well.

As the vicious head of the college, Boman is superb. Boman's appearence, mannerisms and dialogue delivery are exemplary. It's just a treat to watch the scenes between Aamir and Boman where two powerful actors clash on the big screen.

At the sametime, another character who really leaves a mark is the always-chasing-after-success Chatur, the southie nerd played by newcomer Omi. He deserves a pat on his back.

The film is no exception from minuses. Look wise, all three of them - Aamer, Madhavan and Sharman never quite passes off as a 20-something-year old. It's a bit draggy in later half. For example, the child delivery sequence in the pre climax has been unnecessarily over streched.


Do yourself and your family a favour: Watch 3 Idiots. A must-watch especially for fans of Aamir Khan and R.Madhavan. The film has tremendous youth appeal and feel-good factor to work in a big way. This emotional, entertaining and enlightening movie is guaranted to make you laugh. Even if you don't understand the language, you will come out of the cinema hall with one thought - "Aal Izz Well"

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

கருப்பொருள் : பூக்கள்/தாவரம்

பூக்கள், கடவுளின் படைப்புகளில் வியக்கவைக்கும் ஓர் அதிசயம். பிறப்பு, இறப்பு, காதல், கல்யாணம் என அன்றாட மனித வாழ்க்கையில் வேரூன்றி, ஒன்றினைந்து இருக்கும் பூக்களையும் செடிக்கொடிகளையும் ரசித்துக் கொண்டே இருக்கலாம்.

என் வீட்டு தோட்டத்தில் பூத்துக் குலுங்கிய பூக்களை படம் எடுத்துள்ளேன். நான் எதிர்ப்பார்த்த அளவுக்கு வரவில்லை. பூக்களை தெளிவாகவும், பின்னோட்டதை சற்று மங்களாகவும் எடுக்க முயர்ச்சித்தேன். ஆனால், எல்லா படங்களும் எதிர்மாறாக பதிவாகின. மன்னிக்கவும். இதோ உங்களுக்காக...





















உங்கள் கருத்துக்களைப் பகிர்ந்து கொள்ளவும். அப்படியே, இந்த படங்களை எப்படி இன்னும் அழகான முறையில் பதிவு செய்யலாம் என்ற துனுக்குகள் எதேனும் தெரிந்தால் சொல்லுங்களேன்...

Monday, November 2, 2009

Law Abiding Citizen



Law Abiding Citizen - one of the recent movies that I enjoyed thoroughly for it's thrilling screenplay. As far as the core story concerns, it's beaten to death theme:-a-man-against-the-system.

Clyde Shelton (gerard Butler), a devoted husband and dad lives his normal life. One fine day, two thugs invade Clyde's happy household, tie him up and brutally murder his wife and daugher.

Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), is an assistant district attorney and he takes up the Clyde's murder case. Nick cuts a deal with one of the accused murderers in order to get the death penalty for the second. Why? Because Nick doesn't want to mess up or damage his success ratio with an unseccessful trial. Clyde wants everyone invloved to face punishment as any other husband or father would do. Nick convinces Clyde who is emotionally agitated that nothing can be done. Clyde is furious and glowers at Nick from a distance while Nick goes back to his beatiful family.

Clyde fades away and Time flies. Aften 10 years, Clyde reaapears with vengence. By now, Clyde has learnt and mastered his torture methods and acquiring weapons. It's time for the punishment for one of the killers. Clyde botches the electrical-chair punishment unusual and cruel, using lethal injection. He then cleverly kidnaps the other killer, drives to an abondoned warehouse and executes him to death in a barbarous way one can ever imagine.

Clyde's real vengence and anger starts there. He's not just content to take an eye for an eye. He prepares himself to destroy the entire criminal justice system to make up foe the fact that justice sometimes fails. He targets one by one with anyone involved in his murder trial and eventually spread his wings to entire city.

So, the first thing he does is to turn himself in to police who come after him, willingly (and nakedly) right after Clyde kills the kidnaped killer.



The incarcerated Clyde plays few more cards, from kidnapping the killers' criminal attorney, booby-tarpping of various cars and cell phones belonging to people in his case. As things blow up right and left, Nick tries to figure out how Clyde is waging a war on the district attorney's office from behind bars - especially since the last ones on Clyde’s list seem to be Nick’s wife and young daughter.

It will be an interesting thrilling mystery on how Clyde orchestrates all this from within his jail cell. Note that he will be locked up behind bars nearly the entire times, making wild demands and taunting Nick.

Regarding the cast, Gerard gives us a memorable potrayal of an intelligent angry man who can plays cat-and-mouse games with Nick and the rest of the legal system. Foxx turns in solid performance as the mouse to Butler’s cat, but the character of Nick never shows the charisma that Clyde does.

Director F. Gary Gray (“The Italian Job,” “Set It Off”) gets points for some adrenaline-packed action sequences and explosions.

As it is, I was actually pretty entertained throughout. The movie clips along at a swift pace, and there are a few tense and surprising moments. This is not one of the best thrillers of all time, but it was a solid bit of cat and mouse story telling. The character of Shelton I found to be riveting, even if he was a bit gruesome at times. Still, the movie is worth a viewing in the theatre if you want to enjoy the explosions, but a viewing on Blu-ray at home would be a pretty
good way to watch it as well.

P.S This year can be safely said as Gerrard Butler's year. He has got three releases - "The Ugly Truth", "Gamer" and "Law Abiding Citizen".
For the 5 years, he has given us variety of roles like the Phantom in "The Phantom of the Opera", awesome King Lionidas in "300", "P.S I love you" and now this. Personally, I will say Gerard Butler is in my favourite actors list after watching "Law Abiding Citizen". Looking forward for his next venture, "The Bounty Hunter" releasing 2010.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Dev D

Dev D - for new generation


Being son of a rich industrialist, the hero (Dev) sent to London when he was at young age. After several years, he returns home and to his childhood sweetheart (Paro). Misunderstanding happens and Paro is married off to an older man, a widower and a father of two. Dipressed Dev starts on different salvation methods - drugs and alcohol.

Thats when Lenny get introduced. A rich student who becomes an embarassment for her parents and later alienated by her family because of a MMS scandal. She runs away and Chunni, a pimp, gives her shelter. She transforms into Chanda (short forms of Chandramukhi). As Chanda, she becomes hooker at night and continue her studies at daytime as Lenny. Thats when Dev enters her life. Chanda eventually falls in love with Dev who is drowning his pain in Vodka.

Performances in the film are top notch. Abhay Deol is turning out to be quite a revelation. He hardly hams or overacts. Nor is he as muted and underplayed as he otherwise is. His is a balanced performance. Mahi Gill has the intoxicating eyes that can make a guy kick the bottle. On top of it, she acts wonderfully. Kalki does impressively fine for a newcomer.

Dev D will be talked for it's crispy, witty and straight-out-of-life dialogues. And the dozen or more songs that play out in the background during the course of the film give ‘Dev D’ the feel of a musical. The cinematography is mind boggling at times. The music is catchy.

Now, does the core plot seems to be familiar? ‘Dev D’ gives a new hue and tone to ‘Devdas’.
Infact, Dev D is an adaptation of Sarat chandra's novel Devdas and how Anurag brilliantly adopts the novel and also breaks it in his own ways...

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Shoot On Sight


Shoot On Sight appears a sincerely decent effort by Jagmohan Mundhra whose last film was the Aishwarya Rai starrer Provoked.
it is a fictional story based on London Police order to shoot suspected terrorists after the July 7th 2005 London bombings.

Tariq Ali (Naseer) is a Muslim police officer at Scotland Yard Commander. Ali, born in Pakistan, is married to an English woman, Susan (Greta Scacchi) and with two kids. He is tasked to investigate the police shooting of a suspected Muslim terrorist on the London Underground. Distrusted by both his British superiors in the London police, and his fellow Muslims, he finds his inquiry hampered from all sides.

As Tariq digs deeper in the case, he sees two faces of the world around him. On the one hand are those who view the Muslim community (Tariq included) with suspicion, those who base their rigid opinion about an entire Muslim community on the basis of the actions of just a few. The second face is that of the Muslim community itself, with liberal minded Muslims and fanatic maulvis who hold sway to brainwash the young impressionable minds to the holy war.



As the plot progress, Tariq realizes the existence of a terrorist cell operating in his own backyard, his nephew played by debutant Mikaal Zulfikar.

Throughout the film, Mundhra has tried to retain a neutral stance, neither hailing one as right, nor denouncing the other as wrong. He brings forth the view that the wrongdoings of a certain section of the Muslim community have resulted in all the members being viewed in a negative light. However, not at a single point, there has been an effort to gain sympathy votes. 'Shoot On Sight' let you see a different aspect of London, unlike the glamorized version that is usually showed in Bollywood movies. The movie is more of a social drama than a thriller.

Carl Austin’s screenplay does proper justice to the subject by showing view points of both the sides aptly. The family interplay surrounding Tariq and his clash of values with Westerners, and his patient but increasingly torn wife, who is an outsider to their culture trying to blend in has come out superbly.


As usual Naseeruddin Shah at his best. He looks totally credible and manages to carry off the role with élan. Om Puri, as the hatred-filled radical, fanatic preacher and dangerous Jihadist is impressive, while Greta Scacchi puts a remarkable act. After a long time, we got to see Gulshan Grover in a decent role. At the same time, there was Laila Rouass, doing something more than just looking beautiful. Even Mikaal Zulfikar managed to play his part well.

It is a courageous and bold effort made by the entire movie crew, to bring forth an understanding as to why Islamic terrorists and suicide bombers find reason in what they do. The contemporary topic moves at gripping pace to voice a social message that shocks and teaches at the same time. “Shoot on Sight” very well may fall under the genre of a thriller but it offers an extremely balanced opinion with understanding of all view points concerned.

This isn’t a film that’s in a hurry to get there. But it knows how to value the audiences’ time.

So despite powerful performances from Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri, ‘Shoot On Sight’ turns out to be a film that’s strictly average, and even slow at times. It might, however, appeal to those who haven’t watched Mumbai Meri Jaan or A Wednesday.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Anandha Thandavam

Story in short:

As usual Thamizh movie, hero falls for the heroine (love-at-first-sight). Heroine's side is rich and hero is just from a middle-class family. They mingle and get to know each other. Engagement happens in a fraction of seconds but later hero will be rejected for a US maapilai.
Hero tries to attempt suicide but saved. He then, off to US for higher studies. In the meantime, heroine will get married to the US maapilai and settled in US. Of course, they meet there. Another girl falls for the hero and wants to return to India to lead a simple life. Sad climax ends this triangular love story.

Casting and Acting

Tamannah is the first plus point in this movie I would say. She carries herself beautifully as a happy-go-lucky teenager with kid-like behaviour. There was beauty in everything she does - be it innocence, angry, cry, miserable etc etc. She looked awesome in some frames, especially in sarees. :noteeth:
Rukmini in the other hand is decent. Kitty as the hero's father commendable. The rest of the cast is just ok.
The hero fails miserably, I don't think audience will be impressed with his acting. He is yet to attain perfection but on a whole he is ok in submissive role. Being a newbie, lets give him a break. :)

Technical Aspects

I loved the cinematography which is very good in the first half but turns a little bit bad on the second half (when the story moves to US). Good camerawork for all songs especially for the last song with creative work and backdrop, thanks to the art director. Background score is impressive but songs didn't stay in mind eventhough choreography deserves good marks. There is not even a single hounting tune.
The film suffered huge joits from editor. For me, the tempo of the first half spoiled here and there by the disturbing scene cuts. I have no complaints on dialogues. Passing Malaysia like New York in some scenes is bad. For instance, the accident scene and the climax at airport.

Direction

Faithful adaptation of the movie can sometime be an issue, that too, a story from a famous writer. Besides, two hour and 30 minutes for this movie is too long. Direction is a bit pale in first half but picked up little momentum in the second. Lack of crispness I would say. He messed up the Mudhumitha's character. what is she? She was shown as a blend of naughty, stupid, puppet, unstable, weak and rootless...

The climax is not that predictable but a sign was conveyed in the beginning of second half. Speaking about climax, it's definately and totally outdated. I was moved by the sad ending but overall, it just fails. A R Gandhi Krishna as a film maker could have sharpened his screenplay.

My Analysis

I really liked the core story which indirectly sends a message to youth not to simply carry away by infatuation in the name of love and ignore parents and others those spell true love. On a whole the movie stands for class audiences and masses cannot relish this at all. The fate of this film is purely dependant on class audiences who can bear more pathos and drama.

P.S For those who have read the novel, let me say this again. Anything is possible in writing form. Most of the times, the authors leave the readers to imagine/interpret on their own. But, in a movie, we are shown things the way director understands or how he looks at it. So, it won't necessarily appeal to all. So, lets see this movie as it is and not as an adaption from a famous novel. :)

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Prevent PC/Laptop from virus

Computers/Laptops normally infected by virus because of pen drives or USB devices (even they are not connected to network/Internet).
Viruses like Ravmon (virus) or Heap41a (worm) that are failed to be detected by anti virus softwares easily spread through by pen drives or USB devices most of the time. Here is a tip to prevent your computer/laptop from being infected by viruses.

Just follow the simple steps below which will not take much time:

  • Connect your Pen Drive or USB drive to your computer.
  • A dialogue window will pop up asking you to choose among the options as shown in the screenshot below:
  • Do not choose any of them. Click Cancel.
  • Now, go to Start -> Run and type cmd to open the Command Prompt.
  • Go to My Computer to check the Drive letter of your pen drive/USB device.
    (Ex:- As shown in the screen shot below, it's Kingston (I:), so I: will be the drive letter)
  • In the command prompt, type the drive letter: and hit Enter.
    (Ex:- Type I:)
  • Now, type dir/w/o/a/p and press Enter.
  • You will get a list of files. In the list, search if anyone of the following exist.

  • 1. Autorun.inf
    2. New Folder.exe
    3. Bha.vbs
    4. Iexplore.vbs
    5. Info.exe
    6. New_Folder.exe
    7. Ravmon.exe
    8. RVHost.exe or any other files with .exe Extension

  • If you see any of the files above appear, run the command attrib -h -r -s -a *.* and hit Enter.
  • Now, delete each file using the following command, del filename (Ex:- del autorun.inf).
  • Thats it. Just scan your pen drive/USB device with the Anti Virus you have to ensure that your device is free of virus.
  • Unplug your pen drive/USB device and plug it again to your computer/laptop.

  • Tip! Before removing your pen drive/USB device from other computer, don't forget to search for .exe files using the windows search and remove them.

    Saturday, March 28, 2009

    Task Manager Without Tabs & Menus

    Can't view the task manager with tabs and menus? Nothing to worry.



    Just double-click the area as shown in the screenshot below.



    Now, you can view the task manager with tabs and menus on it.



    Additional Info: You may call Task Manager from Command Promt using 'taskmgr' command.

    Monday, March 23, 2009

    Avoid Virus From Spreading Through USB Drive

    *** Don't get panic about the virus, try to avoid ***
    • Virus & worms are easily spread by carrying it on a removable medium such as USB Drive, I-Pod, CD and Floppy.
    • USB Drive is otherwise called as “Flash Drive”, ”Thumb Drive”, ”Memory stick”, ”External USB Hard Disk”.
    • Even though we have very good Antivirus, new Viruses are one step ahead than Antivirus.
    • We cannot restrict USB Drive, but we can avoid spreading of virus & worms through USB Drive.
    • So we have to be little bit careful while working with USB Drive, some precautionary steps are follows.

    Step 1:
    • Don’t allow the USB Drive to Auto Play after plug in, cancel it.


    Step 2:
    • Go to My computer
    • Devices with removable storage
    • Do not double click the USB Drive
    • Note the drive letter assigned to USB Drive as mentioned in the screen shot
    • Here E:


    Step 3:
    • Go to --> Start --> Run -->Type E:


    • Now you can view the contents of your USB Drive
    • Copy the necessary files
    • Repeat the process while using USB Drive
    • Now your Laptop is free from viruses & worms
    • It is a time consuming process, but no other way to avoid the virus



    *** How to find USB drive affected with Virus? ***

    • After inserted USB drive
    • Enable Hidden files & folders
    • The screen shot below shows the USB drive which is affected with virus



    *** How to Enable Hidden files & folders? ***

    • Goto Tools -->Folder options --> click view tab
    • Under view tab goto --> Advanced settings --> Hidden files and folders
    • Click radio button “show hidden files and folders”
    • Remove check mark “Hide extension for known file types”
    • “Hide protected operating system files”
    • Click Apply, ok
    • Below is the screen shot



    After Enabled the hidden files you can view the virus in the USB drive.


    *** What is inside the Autorun.inf? ***

    Autorun.inf script:

    ;2wKsL0qj9D5s91DaJdDkiakaaq22ww
    [AutoRun]
    ;jU3wwLJ34ik9roLjds8ra21SdLsSwiDI2qijKpKKjq0
    s03okaSDafSskKDKDrswaLa81l4
    open=p83gjy.exe
    ;wkkLKi8sSdkL24
    shell\open\Command=p83gjy.exe
    ;Ld4faAj21fw2lss0aasasA6pJooskL9
    shell\open\Default=1
    ;dO4ias5k3rHkwscwr
    shell\explore\Command=p83gjy.exe
    ;aL0Hd8rZdaiU4qwaaJr1ojAowini32o321s4

    NOTE: Script & exe files may vary

    Thanks to : CHENNAI OSS TEAM, INDIA

    Sunday, March 22, 2009

    Gone Baby Gone

    Not only did Ben Affleck have to sweat out making his directing debut by adapting a Dennis Lehane novel (Clint Eastwood already set the bar on Lehane's Mystic River), he also cast his brother Casey in the leading role. Nepotism would be the least of Affleck's problems if Gone Baby Gone flatlined onscreen. No worries. The brothers Affleck both emerge triumphant in this mesmerizing thriller. As Boston private detective Patrick Kenzie, taking on small-time cases with his girlfriend, Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan), Casey -- just off a standout turn gunning down Brad Pitt's Jesse James -- grabs his breakthrough role and runs with it. Patrick is so green that cops call him Harry Potter. And it doesn't take long to figure he's in over his head investigating the case of a missing four-year-old girl who has a crackhead mother (Amy Ryan is a sensation). Note to Oscar: Get Ryan on the nomination list pronto. Affleck and co-writer Aaron Stockard know that Lehane's novels are only mysteries on the surface. It's underneath that emotions simmer.

    Affleck's first time at bat as a filmmaker is more than promising, it's strikingly assured, showing a keen eye for the exact moment when action defines character. With the help of camera master John Toll (Braveheart), he brings alive the Boston neighborhood (both Afflecks are natives) where cocaine, kidnapping, pedophilia and murder lurk in the everyday shadows. And he gets richly detailed work from an outstanding cast, slyly twisting the magisterial image of Morgan Freeman as a police captain and giving full vent to the explosive Ed Harris -- is this guy ever bad? -- playing another cop with something to hide. Gone Baby Gone is full of dark secrets, and how they unravel will keep you glued.

    Thursday, March 19, 2009

    Tribute to All Mothers

    Theeyil Vizhuntha
    Nilalinai Nijamum
    Kaalayil Thinamum

    Ammanaa Summa Illa



    Note: Amma EndrazhaikkAtha

    Curious Case of Benjamin Button



    With a running time of almost three slow-going hours, the movie made me feel as though I'm aging forward... No wonder they won the award for make-up.

    Gran Torino



    Gran Torino, named after a solid, elegant, uber gorgeous and precious 1972 Ford guarded very closely by the protagonist. It is indeed a striking drama directed by the same man who played the lead role, Clint Eastwood.

    Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) served his time in the military and paid his dues at the auto plant. This retired autoworker alienated by his ignorant, oafish grown sons and their selfish children. He just want to spend his days as a widower in peace with 'Daisy' (his dog), the only companion he has.

    If you think Walt is just another sweet, happy and loveable old man, then you are wrong. Simply put, he is a bitter, cantankerous and crusty man who thinks peopls stink. He's obnoxiously rude to a baby-faced Catholic priest (Christopher Carley) who, fulfilling the dying request of Walt's late wife, urges Walt to go to confession.

    He certailnly against a world that's changed and won't change back no matter how hard he glares. Change has certainly come to his run-down Detroit neighborhood. A fatherless, multigenerational Hmong family moved into his blue-collar Detroit suburb. The family includes a quick-witted daughter, Sue(Ahney Her) and an uneasy younger teenage son Thao (Bee Vang). He hates them to the core and often adresses them as "eggroll," "fish-head" and "Charlie Chans".

    Walt's worst nightmare comes true one evening when Thao tries to boost the old man's vintage Gran Torino. To be specific, he was forced to do so as part of a gang (local Hmong gangbangers) initiation. Walt catches Thao in the act who is considered bringing shame to the family.

    Walt then, met Sue and the rest of her family in the neighborhood. Being a lonely old man in a traditional American way, he began to feel the contrast. His neighbourhood filled with people who spoke some weird Asian language gather most of the times with family members cared for their elderly. What a contarst indeed!

    Thao's try-to-steal attempt was somehow comes to the knowledge of his sister and mom. They pressures him to work for Walt to pay off the debt. So, at the instigation of his sister Sue and his mom, too, Thao begins working for Walt. He did not only atone for his attempt, he also found a role model and a father figure who would go to great lengths to teach him and initiate him in the ways of men.

    This odd-pair develops a relatioship eventually, during Thao's paying-off-debt process, to be specific. Thao accepts more responsibility and Walt grows less intolerant. The old man who was once hate the current set of teenagers starts to look atleast Thou and his sister in a different perspective altogether. The plot grows as Walt tries to find Thao a job, lending him his tool kits and molding him to be a fine man.

    Everything is smooth until the Hmong gang hurt Sue. It is to revenge Walt (and Thou who struggles to steer clear of them since the beginning) who warned and beat one of the gang members to leave Thao alone.

    In the end, Thao becomes the redemption of Walt. He willingly lays down his life so the gang members who hurt Sue and Thao could be arrested by the police.

    ¤¤¤ Great Points ¤¤¤

    The movie's plot is simply superb. To tell the truth, I couldn't predict what Walt would do at the end eventhough he was shown buying coat and haircut. He even went to confession! When he planned and calculated his plans so well,I thought he will finish off the Hmong gangbangers with his weapon. Unfortunately, no. That was not the climax.
    He attacked the gang's household with his cigarette and the lighter he had since 1951.The peak of this movie really touching and powerful. At first I thought it was going to be a drama, Well, it was. But, it was more than that. Walt became more amiable and likable enough towards the end of the movie.

    ¤¤¤ Bad Points ¤¤¤

    It is, decidedly, was about Clint Eastwood and the way he carried his role with perfection. I would say his potrayal overshadowed the rest of the cast. Without Eastwood this film would be nothing more than a manipulative Lifetime channel made-for-TV movie, but his involvement elevates it - somewhat. I think acting of the rest of the cast in the story were not up to standards. They could make use of additional acting workshops. (That’s rather harsh, I know.)
    Besides, the dialogues come with swearing words more often is undoubtfully not suitable for children.

    ¤¤¤ On the whole ¤¤¤

    Gran Torino aims and hits its target pretty darn well. If you ask me, I’ll tell you to watch it! Gran Torino is definately worth your money and your time.

    My Rating: * * * *

    Red Cliff 2



    The movie unfolds with a rather helpful and stylishly executed recap of the events of part one. Then, we are thrown immediately back into the thick of the action. The story progress as each troop planning to bring down the other by ancient war tactics.
    Arrows, typhoid, fish oil, wind etc etc played very big role. Gripping stunt sequences with fantastic back drop and music wil keep one glued to the seat wondering what would happen next.
    John Woo deserves a pat.

    "RED CLIFF 2 smashes past Chinese B.O. milestone." - Variety Asia Online

    Changeling



    Clint Eastwood’s mastery as a director, established over the past decade and a half with Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, Letters from Iwo Jima, and others, continues with Changeling, a 2008 offering based on a shocking but all-too-true story about child abduction and police corruption in 1920s Los Angeles.

    Sat on the edge of my seat... and cried for Christine Collins and what she had gone through. After seeing many movies this year, this is no doubt an Oscar winner, both for "Best Picture" and "Best Actress". Angelina Jolie was superb! Only a mother, could have played this part and she was amazing. She really captured how a mother might feel in such a devastating situation. I will keep my fingers crossed for her.

    It is nothing short of enthralling. Clint Eastwood is the master storyteller of our time. Additionally, he's unique in that his movies always offer more in terms of unexpected plot twists. He leaves the moviegoer with the feeling they've watched MORE than just one film. His films are multi-layered. "Million Dollar Baby" turned out to be a different movie than most people thought it would be at face value. Likewise, "Changeling" falls into the same category.

    Thank you, Clint, for bringing this gruesomely fascinating case to life. It's as complex as the Black Dahlia ever was. Powerful stuff.

    <- Otherwood ->

    Chinese/Korean/Japanese Movies I watched this year (2009)

  • Shinjuku Incident

  • Ong Bak 2

  • Red Cliff 2

  • Ip Man
  • <- Kollywood ->

    Thamizh Movies I watched this year (2009)


  • KandEn KAthalai

  • Muthal ThEthi (Old Movie)

  • Peranmai

  • Vaalmiki

  • Pokkisham

  • Unnai Pol Oruvan

  • Eeram

  • Malai Malai

  • Vamanan

  • Achamundu Achamundu

  • NAdOdigaL

  • Kungguma Poovum Konjum PurAvum

  • Pasangga

  • Sarwam

  • Guru En Aalu

  • Yaavarum Nalam

  • Pattalam

  • Poo

  • Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu

  • 4777

  • Laadam

  • BommalAttam
  • <- Bollywood ->

    Hindi Movies I watched this year (2009)

  • 3 Idiots

  • Paa

  • Life Partner

  • London Dreams

  • Wake Up Sid!

  • What's Your Rashee?

  • New York

  • Daddy Cool

  • Kaminey

  • Dev D

  • Love Aaj Kaal

  • Ek Chalis Ki Last Local

  • Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!

  • Lucky By Chance

  • Kambakth Ishq

  • Slumdog Millionaire

  • Shoot On Sight

  • Ghajini

  • Billu Barber

  • Delhi 6

  • Dasvidaniya

  • Dostana

  • Mumbai Meri Jaan

  • A Wednesday

  • Jaane Tu ya JaanE Na
  • <- Hollywood ->

    English Movies I watched this year (2009)

  • Avatar (Normal Print & 3D)

  • Couples' Retreat

  • Zombieland

  • Twilight - New Moon

  • Love Happens

  • I Love You, Man

  • The Management

  • Push

  • Inglorious Basterds

  • Time Traveller's Wife

  • Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (normal print)

  • Law Abiding Citizen

  • Whiteout

  • Surrogates

  • Hangover

  • A Perfect Getaway

  • Sorority Row

  • Labor Pains

  • Aliens In The Attic

  • The Taking of Pelhem 123

  • Jumper

  • P2

  • The Ugly Truth

  • Gamer

  • Imagine That

  • Final Destination 4

  • Up (3D)

  • I love you Beth Cooper

  • G.I.Joe

  • Aliens In The Attic

  • Public Enemies

  • Ice Age

  • Transformers 2

  • 17 Again

  • Drag Me To Hell

  • State of Play

  • Terminator 4

  • Angels & Demons

  • My Bloody Valentine

  • Eagle Eye

  • X-Men Origins

  • Star Trek

  • Sweeney Todd

  • Knowing

  • The international

  • Australia

  • Underworld 3: The Rise of the Lycans

  • Inkheart

  • Street Fighter: Legend of Chun Li

  • Watchmen

  • Punisher

  • Bangkok Dangerous

  • Gran Torino

  • City of Amber

  • Race to Witch Mountain

  • Seven Pounds

  • Curious case of benjamin Button

  • Changeling

  • Revolutionary Road

  • The day the earth stood still

  • Outlander

  • Gone Baby Gone
  • Tuesday, February 24, 2009

    Ideal Couple - Ajith & Shalini

    Ajith Kumar who is also called as 'Thala' affectionately by his beloved fans is one of the big names to reckon with in Kollywood.





    Shalini was an actress from her childhood days who had almost 97 movies to her kitty.






    It was 1999 and a memorable year for the couple. During the shooting of Amarkalam directed by his friend SARAN, Ajith fell in love with the co actress Shalini.




    They got married in 2000 in Chennai, where they invited many other Kollywood actors and actresses including Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay, Surya and R. Madhavan. As both were of different religions, Ajith being a Hindu and Shalini being Catholic, they were married together under the customs of both religions.


    After their marriage in the year 2000, Shalini retired as an actress and became a full time housewife. However she did accompany Ajith to the sets of his films as moral support.




    On January 3, 2008, the couple were blessed with a baby girl, Anoushka Kumar.





    Ajith – Shalini love and marriage was one of the most talked about news over the period and the star couple are still known for their love and affection for each other.