angels & demons

english movie
cast: tom hanks

Antimatter, catholic mysteries, science vs faith, Dan Brown, Tom Hanks, the team of Da Vinci Code, release of a “big” film after a long hiatus… so many things surrounding the film, reasons were aplenty for expectations to be high. But man…! does the film shatters most of those…

The film falls flat on most accounts. The screenplay is lousy. They try to create the “edge of the seat” excitement, but by the end you just might end up sleeping in cozy couch rather than being on the edge of the seat. The editors and director were so concerned to make the narrative fast paced that they forgot that audience might actually be interested in knowing some logic of what’s going on the screen. You do try to keep up for some time, but eventually give up.

The movie is amalgamation of a promising plotline, a time-proven cast, a best-seller novel’s pre-release hype and loosely bound clues, week narration, shabby direction, tacky editing and lots of confusion. And what’s more, the film is not honest to the book it’s based on, as well. There are significant tweaks in the story, which only make it weaker.

If you are looking for interesting confrontations of generations of faith and modern day thinking, better go and watch Da Vinci Code again. And if you are looking for some thriller, some clue deciphers, go and watch National Treasure again.

This one is a disappointment, or a good opportunity missed I would say.

Rating: * ½

Silence! The Court is in Session.

english play
troupe: version one dot oh. bangalore

Based on Vijay Tendulkar's Marathi play, Silence! The Court is in Session is a social satire. Aimed at self appointed moral police of the society and extremist view on women’s freedom. The play starts on a lighter note with some laughable characters and slowly intensifies with those characters taking shape of real life social elements.

The lead character of the play, Benare, is a sexually abused lady. She is cast as the lead in a community play. The character she plays in the community play has striking similarities with her own life. She breaks down during the rehearsals, revealing her past life and plight. Then the play deals with some real life big issues prevailing in the society, and how more often than not, the woman is held guilty. The play holds you to your seats, and goes into serious issues slowly, making sure you are not overloaded with intense social drama.

The play has a strong plot and the way the real life of the Benare unfolds is gripping, taking you in and out of reality and play rehearsals. The performances by all the actors are solid with the leading lady being stand out. Only the plight of the lady is not as strong as it could have been. You somehow don’t strongly feel that she’s been cheated, though you do agree that she is mistreated. The lighting was also tacky at places.

But overall, the play entertains and invokes thought effortlessly. You do come out of the theater thinking, but you all feel entertained. If you have nothing better to do in the evening or weekends, and this play is in you town, give it a shot.

Rating: * * * ½ (3 ½ / 5)

99

hindi movie
cast: kunal khemu. soha ali khan. cyrus brocha. boman irani. vinod khanna
release date: 15 may 09
date watched: 16 may 09

The film looks interesting from the outset, when the makers claim that they believe the incidents in film are real. And an interesting way of opening credits only adds to curiosity.

Film starts with a funny chase and kunal khemu starts to narrate the story. A story of 2 small time crooks and how they get into big time troubles. The film traverses a unique genre of comedy thriller. It keeps you at the edge of the seats, but at the same time makes sure that the edge never hurts, with enough humor spread all over.

The storyline is spread over 2 cities of Bombay and Delhi in the year 1999. The film uses a real life scandalous case as the backdrop. (Though it no suspense, still its best left untold what scandal they’ve used). Director has taken care of minute details to make the story set in year 1999, like mobile incoming was charged, Clinton’s India visit, 20-20 cricket still being a wild idea and even the dollar exchange rates. Also the essence of 2 cities is intact. Watch out the scene when Cyrus and Kunal describe why they don’t want to go to Delhi. It’s simply hilarious.

Kunal Khemu is slowly coming to its own. Cyrus could have had a few more lines to say, though he is great in whatever he is doing. Soha Ali is under utilized. Vinod Khanna is neat and Boman Irani is in form as ever.

It’s a refreshing break, both from some unimaginative comedies we’ve seen in recent past and the hiatus caused in release of hindi films in cinemas.

Its sweet little comedy, thriller, romantic, fun film. Go refresh yourselves. Have some good time.

Rating: * * * * (4/5)