This rom com (based on the memoir of the same title by Chetan Bhagat) came out in Spring 2014; I saw it two weeks back. This is a fun, yet realistic film, that’s NOT only concerned w/ two MBA students falling in love, BUT what comes after (getting to know each other’s families and the drama that ensues). To add a twist usually NOT seen in mainstream Indian films- Ananya (Alia Bhatt) is from the South; Krish (Arjun Kapoor) hails from the North.
So, what’s the biggie here- they’re BOTH Hindu, right? Yes, WE American desis MAY feel that way! BUT their families who speak different languages and follow different customs, along w/ ALL the typical baggage (which you’d see in a film like Meet the Parents).
Chetan and Anusha Bhagat- the real couple behind this film
When they first meet in grad school, Ananya is annoyed that there is no beer at the local café. Krish explains: “Gujarat is a dry state.” He gets interested in her first, BUT thinks she’s “out of my league.” Krish offers to help Ananya w/ Economics (which is her weak subject). Their friendship quickly grows into love after he declares one night that he doesn’t ONLY want to be her buddy.
Ananya (Alia Bhatt) and Krish (Arjun Kapoor)
There are only a FEW songs in this film (which are quite good); you can get them from iTunes. The music blends pretty well into the actions/emotions. The students/dancers in the background actually look like real/average people, NOT models. The run time could’ve been shorter. I recommend it for ALL of you who wouldn’t usually give Bollywood a chance!
Disney’s “MALEFICENT” Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) Photo Credit: Film Frame Disney 2014
If you liked Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (1959), then this may or may NOT be up your alley. In that animated movie, I liked the different personalities and caring displayed by the 3 good fairies (Flora, Fauna, and Meriweather). BUT in this tale, they are portrayed as clueless (esp. re taking care of a baby) and bickering among themselves- I didn’t enjoy that. These fairies are Flittle (Leslie Manville from BBC’s North & South), Knotgrass (veteran actress Imelda Staunton), and Thisletwit (Juno Temple, all grown-up from Atonement). These actresses are underused and in certain scenes- just annoying!
The first third of the story, which focuses on the child, then teenaged Maleficent, is VERY well-done. We see the fairy as happy, flying (she was born w/ wings), and becoming friends w/ Stefan, a human boy (who accidentally strays into her forest kingdom). Maleficent falls deeply in love w/ Stefan, and we think that he feels the same way. However, he betrays her trust in order to fulfill his ambition one night.
Angelina Jolie (who I haven’t seen in MANY things) does a really good job w/ the main role. And I can definitely see how little girls would think her costume was a cool choice for Halloween. Diaval (Sam Riley) is a refreshing new twist on the sidekick. However, Maleficent is NOT a black and white villain in this story.
Ghostbusters (2016)
I FINALLY saw this film, which was much talked about this Spring/Summer, last week On Demand! I esp. liked the special effects, as well as Melissa McCarthy and Kate McKinnon (BOTH ladies are SO naturally funny). The hate that was thrown toward the all-female lead cast is even addressed in one scene (clever move).
The cameos by the earlier Ghostbusters were pretty cool; wait for the end credits to see Sigourney Weaver. This is an alternate universe film, so it exists in a world of its own (NOT a sequel). Yet another reason that some fanboys were pissed off!
As MANY critics noted, Kristen Wiig’s outfits seem like out of another era (and NOT in a cool, retro way). Chris Hemsworth plays it straight as a Kevin, the himbo secretary. This actually makes him seem VERY natural and funny! Overall, it was an enjoyable film, and there is a sequel planned.
NOTES: This is a SPOILER-FREE review. If you go see this film, wait to see the mid credits scene (which I caught), as well as the end credits scene (which I missed).
One of the first things I learned re: this film (via social media outlets) was re: the casting controversy of Tilda Swinton, which drew accusations of whitewashing, as the character is portrayed as a Tibetan man in the source material. Director/writer Scott Derrickson wanted the Ancient One to be an Asian woman, but felt that it would be perceived as exploiting Asian fetish and “a fanboy’s dream girl.” He decided to cast a non-Asian actor in the role, but to still take the opportunity to cast “an amazing actress in a male role.” He thus wrote the role of the Ancient One especially for Swinton, feeling that she was the obvious choice for such a mystical and mysterious role. One proposed reason for the change is that a movie featuring a Tibetan character will not be acceptable in China (a very important foreign market). Hmmm… What do YOU think about this?
I’m very excited about that spiritual dimension. It’s something that’s been a huge part of my life. I meditate a lot, that’s a huge tool in trying to calm myself, get away from the crazy circus of it all, have a focused mind as well as be a kinder, considerate person in the world. –Benedict Cumberbatch
The Batch was the MAIN draw for me (as well as other non-comic book or regular Marvel fans)! I was VERY interested when I found out he was cast. It was cool to see Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo), as well as Benjamin Bratt (Jonathan Pangborn) from Law & Order. Cumberbatch has an American accent for this role (which is quite good); his voice is deeper and his physicality is different (from what we’re used to seeing in previous roles). He embarked on a strict training regimen by working w/ a personal trainer, drinking protein shakes and eating double his usual amount of calories. Yes, there is a shirtless scene where we see the result. On Jimmy Kimmell Live, Cumberbatch exclaimed: “I worked out for seven months!”
…the humour comes from the fact Strange thinks he can crack one liners but can’t. It was meant to be awkward. The audience I saw it with got that and were laughing away. -IMDB reviewer
He tries to make a joke that almost intentionally falls flat, and the comedy is in the awkwardness (the non-reaction that he gets from people). -Charlie, Emergency Awesome
It has a very psychedelic grounding, and most of the work is about other dimensions. –Ben Davis, cinematographer, re: Disney’s Fantasia (1940)- one of the visual influences for this film
In a time when special effects usually cover up for weak screenwriting, I think this is a film where the SFX are another character and actually help tell the story.-IMDB reviewer
Doctor Strange is “a solo origin story” (as Charlie, host of YouTube’s Emergency Awesome channel says in his review.) I agree w/ him that there is “an underdeveloped villain” (Kaecilius, played by Mads Mikkelson), but “a great set-up.” If you’re NOT a comic book fan, do go see it anyway, b/c ALL the actor’s performances are great! Even though Rachel McAdams doesn’t have a BIG role, she does a good job here as Dr. Christine Palmer (who has a complicated relationship w/ Dr. Stephen Strange). As for Asian representation, that comes mainly in the form of British-Chinese actor Benedict Wong (recently seen in The Martian). He is a librarian/warrior who is NOT amused by Strange’s jokes.
In the 2012 biography “Barack Obama: The Story” by Davis Maraniss, the author reports that Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann Dunham Obama Soetoro, was named “Stanley” not after her own father, Stanley Dunham, but after Bette Davis’ character in this film. Maraniss says that Obama’s maternal grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, saw the movie while pregnant with Obama’s mother, and she thought the name sounded sophisticated for a girl.
Roy (Olivia de Havilland) speaks with Parry (Ernest Anderson)- a clerk at her family’s store.
Warner Bros. was named to the Honor Roll of Race Relations of 1942 because of its dignified portrayal of African-Americans in this film. However, scenes in which Ernest Anderson’s character was treated in a friendly fashion were cut for showings in the strictly segregated American South to avoid offending those viewers.
Impetuous Stanley (Bette Davis) is a stark contrast to her calm older sister Roy (Olivia de Havilland)
This (ahead of its time in MANY regards) film focuses on the Timberlakes, a prominent family based in Richmond, Virginia. The laid-back patriarch, Asa (Frank Craven), is not as clever or ambitious as his gregarious brother-in-law, William (Charles Coburn). Asa’s wife, Lavinia (Billie Burke), is in a fragile state, so she keeps to her room most of the time. However, we’re not told what exactly is the physical issue. William is head of the Fitzroy lumber business, while Asa is the manager and owner of some shares. Best Supporting Actress winner for Gone with the Wind, Hattie McDaniel, plays their long-time housekeeper- Minerva.
Peter (Dennis Morgan) and Roy (Olivia de Havilland) embrace before he leaves home… for good!
The Timberlake girls (Roy and Stanley) are front and center in this tale; Davis plays the younger sister though she was 8 years older than de Havilland. Asa complains that Stanley drives too fast. Minerva is sure that THIS time, Stanley will finally go through w/ her planned marriage, though Roy doesn’t look too hopeful. Uncle William doesn’t fully approve of her fiancé, who gives legal aid to the poor.
Craig (George Brent) gets a polite little kiss goodbye from Stanley (Bette Davis).
Without any warning, Stanley and Roy’s handsome surgeon husband, Peter (Dennis Morgan) run away together. Roy and Stanley’s lawyer fiance, Craig (George Brent) are left behind to deal w/ the shock and scandal. (Brent and Davis made MANY movies together over the years.) However, the honeymoon is VERY short for Stanley and Peter; we see that they are ill-suited to live together.
Stanley considers herself to be beautiful, though the way Davis is dressed and made-up give off a different image. While live tweeting (@TCMParty) last week w/ some viewers, many noticed that Davis’ mouth was drawn differently than usual and a few of her dresses had loud patterns. But de Havilland looks lovely and is dressed in demure (yet graceful) styles. I’m sure this was done purposefully by director John Huston, who was having an affair with de Havilland during this time. Jack Warner (head of Warner Bros) said: “Anyone could see that . . . it was Valentine’s Day on the set . . . When I saw the rushes I said to myself, ‘Oh-oh, Bette has the lines, but Livvy is getting the best camera shots’.” Seriously, Davis DOES have the best lines!
Chris Larabee Adams (Yul Brynner) drives the hearse while Vin Tanner (Steve McQueen) provides cover.
I’m not of the can-kicking, shovel-carrying, ear-scratching, torn T-shirt school of acting. There are very few real men in the movies these days. Yet being a real man is the most important quality an actor can offer on the screen. -Yul Brynner
I saw this movie for the second time a few days ago; the first time, I didn’t pay much close attention. The large ensemble cast is lead by Yul Brynner, undoubtedly one of the first leading men in Hollywood to transcend race. Though his famed bald head is covered here, his unflinching gaze and deep authoritative voice (w/ its hard-to-place accent) are on full display. In The Magnificent Seven, Chris is referred to as a “Cajun” by his old friend, Harry Luck (Brad Dexter). It turns out that Yul’s paternal grandfather was of Swiss-German origin; his paternal grandmother was Russian, and was said to be of part Mongolian/Buryat ancestry.
Calvera (Eli Wallach, one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors) is the ruthless Mexican bandit leader.
I’ve never lost my appetite for acting; it’s innovative and challenging. -Eli Wallach
Speaking of “exotic” men, the main villain in this story is played by Eli Wallach, the Brooklyn-born son of Jewish immigrants from Poland. He grew up in an Italian neighborhood; he would go on to play Italian and Mexican characters in his six-decade career.
Eli Wallach is the main reason you should watch “The Holiday” (2006).
My wife says that stage acting is like being on a tightrope with no net, and being in the movies, there is a net – because you stop and go over it again. It’s very technical and mechanical. On stage you’re on your own. -Eli Wallach on film vs. theater acting
Wallach (who died in 2014 at age 98) studied “The Method” alongside Marlon Brando at The Actor’s Studio; this style would’ve differentiated him from several of his co-stars in The Magnificent Seven. He learned to ride a horse for this role, w/ help from the Mexican stuntmen.
Bernardo O’Reilly (Charles Bronson) is a Mexican/Irish gunfighter becomes a hero to 3 young boys of the village.
Acting is the easiest thing I’ve done, I guess that’s why I’m stuck with it. -Charles Bronson
Speaking of 1st gen Americans, Charles Bronson (best known for his tough guy roles in Westerns) was the son of Lithuanian parents who settled in Pennsylvania. You probably don’t recall seeing him as a young man, since he was a latecomer to Hollywood. Bronson worked in the coal mines at age 16 to help support his family, then served in the Army as a young adult, then used the GI bill to study art- VERY cool!
In this film, Bronson has a rare good guy role. Three boys in the village grow close to him, much to his surprise and bemusement. These kids admire his skills, but (in one pivotal scene) Bernardo explains that gunfighting is NOT what makes a man “brave.”
Britt (James Coburn) is skilled w/ a knife AND gun. Catch him in “The Great Escape” (also w/ McQueen & Bronson).
I came from dust bowl folk — ordinary people who were stultified by the American Dream.
I’m a jazz kind of actor, not rock’n’roll.
-James Coburn
Tall and lanky character actor, James Coburn (who hailed from Nebraska), is here more for his presence. He has only a FEW lines on dialogue, and his usual big grin doesn’t come out (NOT apropos for his quiet, no-nonsense character).
Lee (Robert Vaughn) suffers from PTSD as a runaway from the Civil War.
With a modest amount of looks and talent and more than a modicum of serendipity, I’ve managed to stretch my 15 minutes of fame into more than half a century of good fortune. -Robert Vaughn
The relatively-unknown Vaughn was suggested for his role thanks to college buddy, Coburn. There was an actors’ strike going on also, so director (James Sturges) was open to the idea. He’s more known for TV than film; you’ve probably seen him in commercials for law firms (all over the US).
They youngest of the bunch- Chico (Horst Buchholz)- attempts to motivate the frightened farmers.Chico discovers that the young unmarried women of the village are hiding in the woods.Chico watches for Calvera’s gang while Petra (Rosenda Monteros) admires him.
The one member of the seven that provides some humor (as well as romance) is Chico, a young/inexperienced Mexican man who has something to prove. Chris recognizes this, as well as his fast reflexes, and he joins in protecting the village. Horst Buchholz is the German actor who was sought after to play this role. The film was a hit, first in Europe, then was re-distributed in the US (earning high profits). His accent does NOT match w/ that of the Mexican-origin actors, BUT that’s just something you have to ignore to enjoy this film.
Hmmm… what to say re: Vin (Steve McQueen)? He’s got that trademark tan, gorgeous blue-gray eyes, and GREAT skills on a horse. The way he gets on and off his horse is even cool! I liked this role for him, as it has hints of humor. However, I think he shines even more in The Great Escape (which I saw a few weeks ago for the first time). You can’t deny that this actor has screen presence!
The Mexican farmers await the arrival of Calvera’s gang.
Donald Trump (ugh) would NOT like this film! Why is that? The Mexican villagers in it are portrayed like REAL people- they venture out to another town to hire gunmen, show kindness and hospitality, and (eventually) take up arms to stand up for themselves. Being border people, they speak English VERY well, too (gasp)! The three leaders of the village decide that they won’t be victims anymore, then convince everyone else to join in the effort to get rid of the bandits.
Knightleyemma 