nshah07 Reviews

The Prestige (2006)

Wheres the Tricky?????????

[10/10 · 6 November 2006]

OK so I have to admit that I am a big fan of Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale and well Scarlette Johanssan isn't all that bad to look at either. Oddly enough this movie just sort of crept up on me, hadn't heard much about it till release was right around the corner.

Moved to Pakistan a while back so couldn't catch it in the theater and so had to wait till I could land a decent print of the movie on DVD (yes piracy is pretty common in these parts of the world). And let me tell you what a Movie!!!!!!!!!! Although I have to admit that I was able to predict certain key plot points in the movie, how Nolan manages to bring them to the surface is really where this movie stands out.

The rivalry is set up well with the accidental death of Perabo's character and then its easy to see how Jackman's quest for revenge soon turns into an obsession with the trick.

Its a rivalry of Kane and Able proportions, where although both characters are at a stage where confrontation is no longer necessary, but yet have feel this inexplicable need to hurt the other. Brilliant! Now moving on as soon as you know the multiplication aspect of the trick you know that Jackman's looking to pull a coupe by sending his arch nemesis to the gallows and taking two things most precious to him -his trick and his daughter - in descending order of importance.

Alhthough I caught on a bit early into the movie I still was hooked because i was curious to know how everything would play out. There was enough in the movie to keep me entertained until the end, and then it becomes all the More apparent that this is no mere pop-corn entertainer... this is more...so much more...

Another thing that stands out is the fact that you really find it hard to sympathize with either character... its tough to pick sides... perhaps Jackman in the initial stages... but over time his character degrades to such an extent to find any justification for his actions is impossible...as is demonstrated by his camp follower Michael Caine's eventual turning.

And then the final scene... right at the end when you think its all over... and think that they both got what they deserved... well one of the Bale's anyways... you get a glimpse of something in the box and you leave the theater in my case the home theater in awe and then you put another pack of popcorn in the microwave and head back to the front row seats so a repeat...

Paheli (2005)

At last a movie that doesn't look to the west for inspiration...

[10/10 · 28 June 2005]

I am a bit sick of all the movies that Bollywood that has been churning out recently with an emphasis on skin show and a story line that follows a course of some not so great to begin with Hollywood movie. With that in mind, movies like Swades, Black and now Paheli at least leave some hope that not all film-makers are out of ideas. Paheli as many may know is based on an Indian novel 'Duvidha' by Vijay Detha. The novel centers on a love story between a ghost and a woman whose husband leaves her on the night of their marriage to go on a business trip. Amol Palekar took over the reigns for this telling, which is the novels second bow on the big screen. I must admit this is the first time that I have seen a movie directed by Palekar, and he has left me with a good taste so I'm sure to rummage through some movie store looking for more of his work. The story is a might unbelievable, but it is told in a simple way and no attempt is made to make the viewer believe such things actually happen. I think thats what really helps here, there is no painful drawn out explanation of why things are so, the story is just presented and the audience is allowed to believe what they may. And judging from the reaction I saw most people in the theater really enjoyed the movie. The performances are really strong. Rani is great first a rejected bride and then a woman who finds true love with a ghost. Also for me Anupam Kher as the greedy family patriarch really stands out with his comedic act, had me cracking up at regular intervals. SRK, well I already said I was a big fan, and this performance is just another one to add to win column. Where I don't think this is one of the finest performances of his career, it should at least appease those who are always accusing him of lacking versatility. Yeah I mean really every other actor has won an award for Best Villain, a Critics Award and a plethora of Best Actor awards for their monotonous work. A great movie, something different and definitely one well worth the watch.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Darth Vader Rising....

[10/10 · 20 May 2005]

OK now for all these people giving it a 1/10 and going on and on about how much better the original trilogy was. Sure it was great and it was what got us hooked on the Saga to begin with but come on to say that ROTS pails in comparison to those and go so far as to rate is 1/10 (not even Maid in Manhatten is ratted that bad) is really something. It does show something is going down, and no its the films quality its the IQ of these people. Seriously what are you on??? Sure the dialog isn't that great and sometimes the acting isn't too much to talk about, but even the original trilogy had its downsides. Come on one seconds the Ewoks are cannibals about to cook Hans, Leia and Luke and the next they are Saviors of the Galaxy. Seriously thats always been the beauty of these movies, they have their lapses but they make up for it and much much more with all the fights, the talk of the greater good and the sacrifices we witness. And really even Empire's "... I am your father..." scene doesn't come close to the rise of Vader and Padmi's death. The chills you feel as Vader dons the back suit, and Luke it held by him Aunt and Uncle in Tatooine is really really something special, and if you were really a true fan of the original trilogy you would go unmoved by it. So please if you just nostalgic about the 70s and want to recreate some magic from those times, just go to the disco, don't go bad mouthing one of the best work of our generation.

Veer-Zaara (2004)

More than a love legend

[10/10 · 12 November 2004]

Left work early so I could catch the 5:30 show, and I tell you my boss wasn't too happy about why I had to leave. I had really high expectations going into this movie. A really bug fan of Shahrukh Khan, and don't think there is a YashRaj Film I don't love. Plus the songs have really grown on me and was also really into the whole Pakistan-India background for the movie. Will try not to give any spoilers. The story is really refreshing and where there is a certain tendency to follow the DDLJ plot line, the different treatment is extremely refreshing. The movie may seem a tad bit predictable in the beginning but trust me for the largest part it is anything but. Shahrukh Khan further cements himself as the tear-jerker maestro, Preity has me in love with Zaara's character and Rani Mukherjee really shines as a lawyer looking for some justice. The movie never seems to lag, and where it doesn't have the flashiness of Yash Chopra's last work, Dil tu Pagal Hai, it has a lot more soul. Coming at a time where the norm has become the run of the mill skin flicks, this movie serves as a breath of fresh air. The dialogues can be cheesy at times, but there cheesy for a cause. For the large part though, they reach for the heart and leave a lasting impression. This is truly in my opinion Yash Chopra's best, in league with DDLJ, although set in a much more mature tone. A must see for those who just love the feeling that comes with the so called mush mush Indian flicks, and for anyone else that appreciates good theatre.

Man on Fire (2004)

finding a reason to live

[10/10 · 30 April 2004]

Ok ... maybe im just bowled over by this movie a bit right now ... maybe its just cause it was terrificly paced... maybe its just that I found Denzel Washington so believable as this guy whose just obsessed with revenge... maybe its just the charm that Dakota Fanning has... or just the way the whole movie unfolds... just cant explain it... all I know is that as far as revenge movies go... this one takes the cake... and yes Ive seen both volumes of Kill Bill and yes I loved them both... and yes I know that some people are gonna be thinking this guy is nutts for even putting these movie in the same equation... but hey its my opinion and Im sticking to it...

So see it for yourself... and then talk about it...