ramsri007 Reviews

Jawan (2023)

Really? Earned 1000 crore for this nonsense?

[2/10 · 4 November 2023]

Sorry srk fans. This was such a terriblly put together unnecessary extravaganza. The story took a walk, the screenplay was poor, style took the lead and logic took a back seat. This was a mishmash of money heist and several other Indian movies. Absolute dissapointment. The songs were ill placed and the movie could have done without it. The dialogues were so Cheesy, wondered if it was off chatgpt. Can't believe this halfbaked grandure-enriched movie raked in 1000 crores. Feel bad for the makers of Tumbad. Serious introspection required. Watch ONLY if you are a hardcore srk fan. Watch with remote in hand.

The Tashkent Files (2019)

A Gem that should not be callously disregarded

[10/10 · 11 May 2019]

The Tashkent Files, a movie that was highly panned by the critics just got my attention. It is a style that is fresh, pacy and intriguing all once. Although this movie does not offer a definitive answer to the question 'who killed Shastri?', it does manage to raise valid questions and canvases our right to know about this casually forgotten moment in history, as a citizen of india. The callous attitude shown by the then government in not diligently investigating into the mysterious demise of India's 2nd prime minister seems vile. The debate scenes in the movie do take you back to the classic movie, 12 angry men. That said, these scenes stand their own and offer a quaint perspective about every character in the debate in the midst of an enquiry about Shastri's death. Must say, the content is well researched and is sure to raise a few eyebrows on viewing. This movie had some powerful dialogues and moments that is sure to push you towards finding out what happened and why. Went to watch it along with my mom, expecting it to be drab but, was pleasantly proved wrong. It is indeed appalling to know how India's 2nd prime minister just faded into oblivion. I, as a child had tons of pages to study about Gandhi, nehru, the ahimsa movement, the freedom struggle but, just had a line or 2 about Shastri. A pity that Shastri, who was instrumental in putting india on road to recovery, post independence, is forgotten in the pages of Indian history. Watch the movie with an open mind. A real gem in the midst of movies like SOTY 2 and Kalank. Movies like The Tashkent Files, struggle to stand their own against the movies backed by huge production houses that hijack movie screens. Do grab the opportunity to watch, before the Tashkent Files is pulled out of the theatres. #righttotruth

Kudos to Vivek Agnihotri's effort in bringing this taboo topic to the young generation in india. My daughter is as intrigued as in am.

Restoration (1995)

Engrossing journey into the renewal of the lost talent

[8/10 · 22 October 2015]

Restoration is a period drama adapted from a novel by Rose Tremain and is directed by Micheal Hoffman. This probably is one of the most overlooked gems in period movies. This movie is visually enchanting replete with lavish costumes and is therefore not surprising to know that this movie had won 2 Oscars – Art direction & Costume Design.

Restoration focuses on the gloomy aspects of the era life poverty, illness, medicine and the way of living during those times. This is a movie where you need to listen and absorb. You would enjoy it better watching it alone or with like-minded people.

The story revolves around Robert Merivel, (Robert Downey Jr) who is a doctor during the reign of King Charles II (Sam Neil). He longs for the good life at the King's court and achieves it after successfully treating & saving His Majesty's royal dog. On gaining the King's favour Merival gives in completely to the rich life and all that it brings with it. This until he make a deal with the King and is married off to His mistress on the condition that Merivel is not to fall in fall with her. However he does do the one thing that is forbidden of him and ends up losing the King's favour. We are taken on a journey to two worlds; one of luxury another modest. We see how Downey lives in both of them.

He returns to work with his Quaker friend John Pearce, (David Thewlis) at a mental institution where he meets and impregnates an Irish cuckold (Meg Ryan). However, when she gives in childbirth, he takes it upon himself to help cure London of the plague. He gets caught in the Great Fire of 1666 where he is left to believe that all is lost. Fate, however, has other plans.

Downey has pulled off the English accent very proficiently. He looks foppish in curls and his short trousers & pulled off the transformation in Merival's outlook with élan. It most certainly was a moving performance and strikes a chord within you. This was the time when Downey was in war with his own personal demons in substance abuse. He does not look healthy but, the role fits his worn-down appearance and brings to life Merivel. I can't imagine any other actor playing Merivel. The rest of the cast slid into their roles perfectly.

Game 6 (2005)

Get ready for a zany journey with the characters

[7/10 · 22 October 2015]

Game 6 is harks back images of Birdman another of Michael Keaton's gems. The movie belongs to him and he has done complete justice to his part. The movie touches upon topics of superstition, faith, and hope.The story takes place in New York in 1986. It takes allegories from the famous world series between Mets & Boston Red Sox game, that took place the same year.

Game 6 is based on a story by acclaimed author Don DeLillo (who adapted the screenplay), Nick (Keaton) is a playwright who has a new drama opening the same night as the big playoff between Red Sox & Mets. Nick life squirms with demons that he has created for himself. He has a mistress, a dissatisfied wife a daughter who wishes he could pay more attention and last but not the least a constant doubt of success and win in his career. He is warned by his friends about how badly a review from Schwimmer could effect his career. Nick is in a way, scared of the review that the harsh 'phantom' critic, Schwimmer, (Downey) may give for his life's work. Although Downey has little screen time, he is effective as the most dreaded Broadway critic. The face-off between Downey & Keaton is electric and sort of funny at the time time.

My favorite line in the movie –

Toyota Moseby - Life is good!

And these lines hold true for any critic. Have a heart! Truth is tough to hear but it can definitely be told in a gentler way.

Paisley Porter: I didn't understand until today how much pain and anxiety you've been causing everybody with your reviews. Steven, it's completely unfair.

Steven Schwimmer: It's unfair?

Paisley Porter: Yes.

Steven Schwimmer: The truth is always unfair. Paisley Porter: Well, it doesn't have to be. Steven Schwimmer: Why do you think I live this way? Why do you think I'm, I'm taking electricity from the lamp-post (gesturing outdoors) and hiding out? Why?

Paisley Porter: Because you choose to.

Steven Schwimmer: No. Because people who write the truth are the outcasts of society. I can't live openly. I can't live in a nice door-man building, with my name on the mailbox, because they'd, they'd come after me in packs!

Paisley Porter: Not if you wrote the truth gently.

Steven Schwimmer: But the truth is never gentle!

Black & White (I) (1999)

Lost in translation

[5/10 · 21 October 2015]

This James Toback movie is about Hip Hop culture & the influence it has on the American Kids while growing up. The way Black & White panned out, it seems to me that the scrip was written extemporaneously. Many parts felt disjointed and just did not gel well with the overall story. Or was there a story? Toback touches on a lot of issues and topics but he failed to fit them well into the story and therefore the final feel of the movie is more documentary like. He tries a little too hard to be cutting edge.

There are quite a few cameos in this movie - Mike Tyson, Brooke Sheilds, Joe Pantoliano, Jared Leto Robert Downey Jr. Had Toback worked more on the script and the screenplay, we would have had a great film about teens, race relations and cultural impact.

Although I loathe the pace of the movie and the story, I would surely watch it just for Downey Jr. He plays a documentary film maker, Terry who along with his wife, Brooke Shields, follow a group of rich white kids who are desperate to match their black hip-hop heroes.

The best moments in the movie belong to Downey Jr and his interactions with the characters. He hits on every guy in the movie including Mike Tyson! In the movie, a visibly nervous Downey sidles up to Tyson and mentions a dream he had about him that involved Tyson 'holding' him. At which moment Tyson, in pure rage, slaps Downey and grabs his throat. One can see the terror in Downey's eyes. This exchange is definitely electrifying and funny in a sense. Another moment is when Downey Jr confesses to his wife that he is gay towards the end of the movie & also his exchange with Jerad Leto at the club.

Charlie Bartlett (2007)

Don't overlook this Gem

[8/10 · 20 October 2015]

Charlie Bartlett is one of those movies that is usually overlooked for the very simple reason that it is a teen movie. I am guilty of this. But, it is so much more than this. The one thing that drove me to watch this movie is Robert Downey Jr. And I am glad I did. This is not one of those mushy teen movies. This one is smart, comical and has a profound message. Situations dealt with in the movie are real, relatable and gullible.

Becoming a father in reel-life is a big deal for any actor. Charlie Bartlett is probably the first time Downey got a role where the interactions with kids was critical to the story. In contract to the 80s teen movie roles that he was a part of, this one had him playing an embittered, booze-loving principle who finds himself pitted against Charlie.

The brash & affluent Charlie is expelled from various establishments before landing himself in a regular school. This is where he starts a business selling prescription drugs to the students thereby attracting the attention of the principal and his head-strong daughter. Personally, I feel that, if Downey had age by his side, he may well have been best suited to play Charlie.

Charlie is not your usual troubled kid. There are deep seated family issues that he needs to deal with. The same is the case with the principal's daughter. Both are in situations that need them to act more mature than adults in their lives even though they really need them.

My favourite part in the movie is the face-off between Downey (Principal) and Yelchin (Charlie) have. This movie is definitely worth a watch.

Air America (1990)

Watch It for the Cracking Chemistry between Downey & Gibson

[6/10 · 17 October 2015]

This movie is an adaptation from the book written by Cristopher Robbins. This is a light take on the Vietnam War that speaks of the covert & corrupt American air force that operated in Laos during the war. This movie came at a time when Downey was still at the nascent stages of his career & Mel was riding high on his popularity for his role in Lethal Weapon.

Mel Gibson (Gene & Robert Downey Jr. (Billy) make a good pair & have a cracking chemistry. After reading Downey's biography & getting to know him, I find that there is a slight since of detachment in the way Downey looks and acts in the movie. He probably did not have the best of time. The line spoken by Billy resonates this aspect perfectly - 'I'm used to being the weirdest guy in the room and now I'm not even in the running.'

Billy gets a gig as a pilot in Vietnam when he loses his licence to fly after a dangerous stunt he pulls while at work. He meets Gene and his team and Gene slips into the role of a mentor for Billy. Billy and Gene find themselves involved in a drug smuggling scheme run by corrupt CIA officials. Billy and Gene work to avoid being framed. The rest of the movie is about how they deal with the situation.

What probably kills this movie is the disjointed script and one dimensional characters. In my opinion the director probably was not really sure if this was to be a comedy or drama or a complete action movie. It is definitely not a terrible movie but it fails to go a step ahead to make it memorable for you.

Hugo Pool (1997)

Mishmash of strange characters

[6/10 · 16 October 2015]

Hugo Pool is most definitely a movie that you would probably want to watch alone. Not because it is explicit with sex or foul language, there is none, but because it is just too quirky with a strange mix of characters. These movies hardly even get mentioned in conversations so it is difficult to be led to it. This is the second movie of Robert Downey Sr's that I saw. His style is so unusual that you got to be in a mind frame to accept what is on before you, with an open mind. The film is dedicated to Downey's wife and co-writer Laura Ernst. She died of the same terrible disease that the character played by Patrick Dempsey has in the movie.

I decided to watch it, simply because it was mentioned in Robert Downey Jr's biography. Downey's performance as Franz, is pretty garish, so much so that it feels like a crazy man is playing the character. He is deliberately eccentric and sports a muddled accent. This movie came at a time when Downey was at his lowest, personally & it is difficult not to notice his unhealthy, lean physique.

The plot revolves around a day in the life of Hugo (Alyssa Milano), as a beautiful young girl who makes her living running a pool cleaning business. While at work, on one hectic day, she deals with her feckless dad & gambling addicted mom, deftly played by Malcom McDowell & Cathy Moriarty & a host of other clients including Franz, who owes her money (Downey Jr). As the day goes by, she befriends one of her clients (Patrick Dempsey) who suffers from ALS (Lou Gehrig's) disease and is attracted to him because of his kindness and his positive outlook towards life.

Gothika (2003)

Delve into the other world

[7/10 · 5 October 2015]

Supernatural occurrences, a feeling of déjà vu, dreams, co- incidences, intuition, there are lot of things in the world that happen and there is no straight explanation for them. Gothika delves into this aspect in a way that keeps you intrigued.

With a trail of troubled past it is miraculous that Downey landed in roles for Gothika & The Singing Detective as it was incredibly difficult to insure him on the set. Probably the fact that he art personified is something that has been his biggest asset. This movie belongs to Halle Berry but she gets ample support from Penelope Cruz & Downey Jr.

Halle Berry plays Dr Miranda Grey a psychiatrist who works in a female asylum with her husband. She believes in a coherent expressions due to which she sometimes cannot connect with her patients. One night, while she drives back home during a heavy rain, she gets involved in an accident. This one incident turns her life upside down. The next thing she knows is that she wakes up in the same asylum that she works in, as a patient as the prime accused in the murder of her husband. The story is about how she works her way out of this mess with the help of a vision of a girl & her friend, Downey.

This movie may not score a perfect 10 but it keeps you entertained never the less. Worth a watch.

The Singing Detective (2003)

Difficult but watch it for Downey

[5/10 · 4 October 2015]

The Singing Detective is surely not an easy movie to watch. Downey's cracked up skin makes it all the more difficult visually. Robert Downey Jr. plays the main character, Dan Dark. Dan is a writer of cheap, lurid detective novels, who is hospitalized for a severe case of psoriasis. He is shown to be in immense pain and is almost disabled from going about his normal routine due to the painful lesions. In the process he hallucinates to an extent that he cannot decipher the real from illusion due to which he is almost on the verge of losing his mind. He often lapses into a fantasy world in which he is the main character in his own novel. But soon the characters from the novel start to appear in the real world. We are taken on a journey into Dan Dark's dark & unpleasant mind? Downey, as always leaves his imprint as an actor par excellence.

We meet Dan's wife, played by Robin Wright. Mel Gibson plays a rather strange psychologist who may well be able to help Dan if only Dan actually wanted to be helped. Doctor Gibbon helps Dan Dark deal with his bitterness that seems to have consumed him since he fell ill. Gibbon gets an insight into Mr Dark by reading his book, he then uses this to help Mr Dark on the road to his mental recovery. The movie is about how Dan Dark fights the demons he has created for himself and overcomes them to go on with his life.

The Martian (2015)

You will surely Gravitate to The Martian

[9/10 · 4 October 2015]

I have been eagerly waiting for this movie to his the screens. I sure was not disappointed. Being left out & all alone in an inhospitable planet surely sounds like the worst predicament, however the mood the pace and the thought is positive and happy. The protagonist learns to accept the situation, make the best of what he has got and move on with hope. This is one of the best power of mind movies I have seen.

Often, when we are hit a bad patch, we have 2 choices, either we move on or we give up. This movie is about survival at its best. Matt Damon adds life to the character Mark Watney. You just cannot not like him and go on a journey with him. His advice to the future group of budding astronauts is practical and valuable.

This is one of those movies where there is no right or wrong, no villains, no monsters, just nature, man and his emotions.

From a technical point of view - visual, cinematography, acting, direction, and score – I'm pretty sure this movie will be an Oscar contender. The cast is awesome and support each other seamlessly.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

Racy. Interesting. Intriguing

[9/10 · 4 October 2015]

As a Holmes fan, I couldn't have asked for a better take on the stories and the character of Holmes & Dr. Watson. Robert Downey Jr & Jude Law make their roles come alive with such élan that you just refuse to believe that anyone else could take on these roles. The only cast member who I felt was out of place was Jared Harris who acted as Professor James Moriarty. Somehow, I felt the role need someone more cold, calm yet menacing, and deep. Holmes' relationship with Watson is highlighted in this film. Their chemistry is hilariously funny as there are a few scenes involving Holmes dressed as a woman that brings the comedy to its peak with the lines "lie with me Watson". The action scenes were awesomely backed by beautiful cinematography. Some of the scenes help build a connection between the character and audience. For instance, when Holmes's sees everything as he says his curse; it engages the viewer on his personal thoughts. The train ride to Watson's honeymoon & the one with face-off between Moriarty & Holmes are my favourites. The movie ends with a hint of the next sequel. It has been some time since the game of shadows has released. I really am looking forward to the next Sherlock Holmes movie in this series.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Blown Away!

[9/10 · 3 October 2015]

This is the 2nd time that I revisited this movie. I have been a big fan of Arthur Conan Doyle's creation, Holmes. This movie is an amazing reprise of this character. I quiet love the choice of actors to play the lead & sidekick – Downey (Holmes) & Jude Law (Dr. Watson). There are quite a few parallels between their lives and the character itself. Casting Downey as Holmes was a masterstroke! I appreciate this more after reading his biography. I must call out the excellent sets, costumes & music. Although these lurk in the background these add to the mood & pace of the movie. The end of the movie clearly gives a hint of a 2nd part, which indeed was released in 2011, equally exciting! Set in 1891, Sherlock Holmes & his colleague, Dr. Watson successfully arrest the aristocratic serial killer & occult practitioner Lord Blackwood to close their latest case. But when Blackwood supposedly walks out of his grave, all hell breaks loose. Holmes is hired by a secret society to investigate into the matter, only to discover that his nemesis has been planning a more sinister plot all along. Downey's role as Tony Stark in 2008 gave him the much awaited blockbuster & Holmes gave him an opportunity to cement his position, the following year, as an actor to reckon with in mainstream cinema.

The Gingerbread Man (1998)

A dim thriller

[5/10 · 3 October 2015]

For starters, I cannot fathom why Downey accepted this role of Clyde Pell, a private detective. Granted, those were troubled times for him on a personal front but roles like this do no justice to his immense active gift. This movie, although being claimed as a thriller, does not give you a feel of one.

The story is about how a lawyer, who has everything going for him, is played by an unassuming woman into taking his case. From there on his life turns upside down. The story is about how he gets out of this mess and pieces it back again.

A lot more could have been done to make it interesting and gripping but the movie shows the lack of direction & interest.

Home for the Holidays (1995)

A gem peeps out

[8/10 · 3 October 2015]

Home For Holidays is probably one of those movies that could be easily overlooked as just another holiday movie. This one is a gem. You can easily relate to it at various levels. be it the brother sister bond, be it a mom's anxiousness about the welfare of her children, the sibling rivalry, feeling left out, secrets, to feel lost even among family, to fail to read your kin although you've spent a lifetime with them.

I personally do not quiet enjoy the family gatherings however as shown in the movie, once they are over there is a sense of warmth that sneaks in when you keep aside the negatives & realize, why we love the people that are present, what makes them the people that they are, and what is truly important in this life.

We all grow older in life, so does your family. With time, people change, people in families change, what once bonded you may not now. The world sees you as an adult with children of your own, problems that are real, concerns that completely outside and removed from this group you have known since infancy. However, curiously, your family sees you as the kid who fought with your sister, and dated the class loser. And when you get together, you are faced with a 'not fitting anymore' crisis.

My favorites are Robert Downey jr & Holly Hunter who play brother (Tommy) & sister (Claudia). Downey sizzles, entices and completely captures your attention.

The movie opens with Claudia at the Museum, where she is informed that she is fired, after which, in a moment of spontaneity, she tries to make out with her boss. As she prepares to leave for a family get together at her parent's place, her teen daughter announces that she is going to make out with her boy friend. Claudia who is in a fragile mental state leaves a message at her brother Tommy's answering machine asking for emotional help. Tommy comes home for the holidays unexpectedly because he finds out his sister has just had a really bad day and dealing alone with the family would be unthinkable. He arrives in style with a male friend, Leo Fish, and proves to be excellent moral support for Hunter. Tommy ends up taking the inevitable flack for his being gay but lets things be and chooses to enjoy Claudia's company. He is also a catalyst, & helps ignite something between Leo & Claudia. There are many scenes where Hunter & Downey just speak with their eyes to each other. These are class & depict the deep bond they share as siblings. The movie has an open ending.

This was the movie where Downey acknowledged the use of heroine while filming. What with the impeccable acting of his, you would not get a hint of this fact.

Rented Lips (1987)

Rent a Brain!

[4/10 · 16 September 2015]

I saw Rented Lips only cause it was on Robert Downey's list of movies that he appeared in. It is definitely not Downey's best. This movie is so rare to find! I saw this movie with a Russian voice over. This is one the strangest Downey movies. I wonder what made him choose this! A little too difficult to sit through even for a hard core Downey fan.

All said, there are a few genuinely fun moments. However this is not enough to mitigate the disastrous pace of the movie. The story seems so disjointed that you get a feeling that this is some in-house production for fun.

Martin Mull and Dick Shawn act as documentary makers who get the chance to make their dream picture, but this has a hitch. They also have to make a porno movie, and then have to protect it from a fanatical clergyman. The humor is a little crass. Downey Jr has some of the best scenes as the porno movie's star with a volatile ego.

Only You (1994)

Fluffy Tale of Love

[8/10 · 12 September 2015]

Only You is all fluff, romance, hope, destiny and about a happy ending. This is Downey & Tomei's second outing together in a movie. Although this movie is all Tomei, it starts picking up steam only after Downey enters. He gains entry only after 45 mins into the movie. But once in, he hogs the limelight. For all the imprudent personal choices he's made, you have to admit that Robert Downey Jr. is one hell of an actor & this is something that nobody can take away from him. I only wish the director had brought him on a little earlier in this movie. He makes his character impossible to not fall in love with.

This story is very hypothetical. Faith believes in the concept of a soul- mate. Eager to know the name of her soul mate, she & her brother find that the name of her soul mate is Damon Bradley. Later, at a carnival, the fortune teller too confirms this. 14 years on, Faith is engaged to be married to a podiatrist. While busy with the preparations, she gets a call from one of his classmates who is on his way to Venice, Italy. The classmate is called Damon Bradley. This strikes a cord with Faith and she leaves that instant to the airport to find out the face behind the name. Faith and her sister-in-law Kate both board the next plane for Italy hoping to find her destiny.

The visuals in the movie look stunning & en-captivating with beautiful settings. This movie is quiet predictable but, enjoyable never the less. This one is a perfect date movie. Leave your logical senses behind & just flow with the story.

Soapdish (1991)

It dished out laughs in heaps

[9/10 · 8 September 2015]

Excellent cast, amazing comic timing, hilarious situations yet humane emotions. Couldn't stop chucking and giggling throughout. I've always seen this movie in bits and pieces. Today, I got the chance to see the complete movie. What a gem! :D I revisited this movie mainly for Downey. Although he is a support character, he holds his own among the other heavyweights in the movie.

The plot is simple, an ambitious supporting actress wants to bump off the TV soaps long-time star. She comes up with a conniving plan and takes the help of the show's producer to execute her plan. But, she is in for a surprise when nothing goes as planned. "Soapdish" gives a glimpse of the personal dramas and life of the people in the TV world, and how easily the line between the reel & real can blur.

Nothing in this movie is remotely vulgar or obscene. It played safe yet the comedy is highly effective in evoking laughs. Brownie points for the actors to be able to pull this off with élan.

Heart and Souls (1993)

There sure is good heart in Heart & Souls

[9/10 · 4 September 2015]

This fantasy romantic com kept me in splits. Wow! what a lovely feeling. I never even knew this movie existed until I read Downey's biography.

Downey plays Thomas whose head is spins from the realization that he can see 4 souls around him. For him they are real but, not for others. This leads to comic & absurd situations. He realizes that to get things back to way there were, he's going to have to bend a little to make room for the souls around him . The movie is about how the souls fulfill their last unfinished business by using Thomas as their medium & how Thomas reconciles with his true love.

This one should not have been a big deal for Downey to pull off. It's a fun movie with almost no costume change or change in his look. All he had to do was act and give his best and sure he did. His comic timing is terrific. It is a character-driven film about sacrifice, about making things right, to live life and find happiness.

This one is a family movie, yes, you can watch it with no qualms! Message: Follow your heart and live your life.

Chances Are (1989)

Feel Good RomCom

[8/10 · 3 September 2015]

Chances are is a light movie with rebirth of souls as a premise. It kind of gives you a Mills & Boons kind of feel.

I have come to really adore Downey. He looks really angelic and cutely irresistible in this role. He shows a more mature comic flair than many of his previous movies before this movie . For example - like Weird Science, 1969, Rented Lips & Back to School.

The cast is pretty much bang on in their portrayals. Overall, the story is well tied and makes a comic connection.

Just keep in mind that when you sit to watch this movie, just loose yourself. Let your brain rest, sit back and enjoy.

Weird Science (1985)

The 80s fun-fare

[6/10 · 3 September 2015]

This sci-fi movie makes me nostalgic. I belong to the 80's brigade. We are probably the only age group to have witnessed the change the technology first hand. Floppies, monitors, those 2d line graphics to the cutting edge technology we see today. I came across this movie while reading Robert Downey Jr's biography.

Weird Science is over the top, yes, but in a quirky way. The film captures the 80's geeks, fashion, class rivalry & classic fun. The plot is simple. 2 geeks wish they could fit in and rise one up above their rivals. They use technology to create a woman of their dreams. Things are going their way and in the process they are transformed by her . The jokes are crude however some parts of the movie are genuinely funny.

Bottom-line, don't think too much while watching this movie. Just go with the flow. travel back in time and revel in memories that flood you!

Friends & Lovers (1999)

Chuckles, Splits, Happy

[6/10 · 2 September 2015]

'Friends & lovers' is not all that bad to deserve this low a rating. It may not be iconic but it manages to make you chuckle throughout. I probably would have given this movie a miss had I not been reading Downey's biography. I just got curious to see the pre-Iron Man movies of Downey & I am not disappointed.

The plot is simple. Friends decide to go skiing when one of their dads invites them over. In this journey they find their partners and mend their bonds. Finally all is well that ends well.

Robert Downey Jr's role, although brief, keeps your eyes glued to him. This is probably one of his most sassiest yet cheesy performance. I guess the role required him to be that. His German accent is quiet funny. The highlight of the movie is when Downey reveals that he is from New Jersey & not Germany. That explains the fake accent I guess. I quiet fell for his funky hairdo.

Worth a watch. You will enjoy it better with like minded friends.

The Soloist (2009)

The music must go on...

[9/10 · 2 September 2015]

'The Soloist' is one of those movies that pieces you together. I came across this title on reading Robert Downey Jr's biography. This is one of his most sincere portrayals.

This is based on a book written by Steve Lopez. Downey plays Steve Lopez. The chemistry between Downey & Foxx is mystical. Both come together in the most unusual way.

The movie explores one of the most debated topic; does a mentally ill person need medications to get better, is love and emotional support not way more powerful? Both characters feed off each other's friendship, making each a better person.

The film puts forth a pertinent question; how many other Nathaniel Ayers lurk around, clueless and lost? Life is unpredictable. We may never truly know the answer to this question. However this movie is all about a gem found after being hidden for ever so long. This is by no means a fairy tale movie. Ayers does not get better in a jiffy. However his find, road to recovery & his attempt to refit into the society, not just helps him but Lopez too.

Worth a watch. Does your heart a great good! :)

Eros (2004)

Stretched

[5/10 · 2 September 2015]

3 shorts, 3 directors, 3 stories, 3 cultures, 3 streams of consciousness, 1 theme - love

I guess the story between Wong Kar Wai & Gong Li, although dark and sad, hits the bulls eye. It is about a tailor and a courtesan & the bond that develops between them. The setting, the photography and the mood gets to you and is engrossing.

Steven Soderberg's section has Downey, who features as an ad man and Alan Arkin who is his therapist. Downey is in therapy to explore his recurrent his recurrent sensual dream. Most part of this section is in B&W. Downey & Arkin do give their best but the story is not crisp and fails to make the connection.

Antonioni has recreated the love life filled with spats and distractions. This one has the most nudity that is on your face. This is the most messed up part. I wish there were more emphasis on the story too.

A lot could have been done here. after all Eros has 3 very good, capable directors at the helm. I was left wondering why they did not make the best of a lovely theme.

Due Date (2010)

Get your Popcorn ready

[8/10 · 2 September 2015]

I must be frank. This is the second time I am watching Due Date. The first time, I hated it. The 2nd time I found myself chuckling. Odd, I know but, I guess the movie sort of grows on you.

The plot is reminiscent of 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' But this is a fresh take. This is probably one of Downey's most laid back performances. Zack & Downey do make for an odd pairing. But, both are witty & engaging none the less.

The plot is uncomplicated. Downey Jr. as an uptight architect who likes order in life. However on his flight back home, he is offloaded due to a set of misunderstandings and is stuck with Zack. With no luggage, No money, out of options, Downey is forced to embark on a road trip with Zack, to head home. With a crazy character like Zack, troubles follow.

Some parts of the movie especially the prison part is kind of hard to digest. But with a crazy, wacky person like Zack, I guess we can take it with a pinch of salt !