Watched Predators at dubai mall. Entertaining film but then I have sweet spot for Sci-fi Fantasy type films. Does justice to the original Predator film, and I believe shall be start of a successful franchise. I watched Alien versus Predators too, but it was like virgin mary, as compared to drinking bloody mary this time. Not the same thing. In my opinion, Predators is excellently made movie and I would rate it at 3.5 out of 5. I liked Adrian Brody - although 'The thin red line' and 'The Pianist' did him more justice, Alice Braga was not believable as a hardend super soldier ~ I'd seen her earlier in 'I am the Legend', but other Cast - specially Laurence fishburne were simply awesome. I think the action sequences and story could have been done a bit tighter as overall the sense of being preyed upon and the urgency and the horror of it is missing in this one. It wins on concept, storyline, special effects and awesome cast.
One of the memorable scenes which really floored me was the image of the sky with multiple planets hovering around the skyline. Awesome. Reminded me of 'Nightfall' an Issac Asimov short story that had impressed me a long time ago. Later I was to learn, that it had been voted best Science Fiction Story ever written by American Sci-Fi writers in 1968. Now a days I often find myself searching for the likes of Asimov, Herbert and Tolkiens. When I walk into a book store usually I despair at the available fare in Sci-fi section.
Peepli Live is more of a downer. Excellent idea for a movie and important one at that. But I think the movie was in shambles. Story was all over the place and director failed to create an emotional connect between Natha and the audience. The plight of the farmer, the gravity of loss of land and livelihood all were paid lip service to, but the message was verbal rather then an emotional one. I think the writer and director couldn't decide what would draw in the audiences - Farmer suicide issue, Media circus issue, the Political issue or just some funny parts and hence tried to capitalise on all aspects and delivered non particularly well. Yes performance of Omkar Das was excellent, Raghuvir Yadav shined as he did not over act as sometimes I feel he does, and even other casts like Shalini Vatsa as Natha's wife, and Farrukh Jaffer as Amma (my favorite), and Nowaz as Rakesh were excellent. However inspite of Aamir's production, good concept and excellent cast I came away feeling that the film was an excellent opportunity wasted. It has Aamir's name attached to it, but not much of his magic. Nasuruddin Shah was wasted in the movie. If he is caricature of some politician that they wanted to portray, its all well and good, but for me he added no value. A huge loss I believe when I think of Ishqiya and 'Dil to baccha hai ji'. I'd give it 3 at the most, entirely due to good show by cast. I am saddened by the lost potential of this important issue, that could have made such a great film!
No comments:
Post a Comment