The Graduate movie review

The Plot

Benjamin is a brilliant student who comes home to a great welcome. But, he doesn’t enjoy all the attention. He finds some solace in an illicit relationship with his parents’ business partner Mrs. Robinson. This lasts for a month or so. Mrs. Robinson doesn’t want Benjamin seeing her daughter Elaine.

But Benjamin sees Elaine reluctantly at first and falls madly in love with her. Elaine comes to know of this illicit relationship and she as expected leaves Ben. She hears a different version of the actual story from her mother. But, her love is intact.

In the end, in spite of parental opposition Ben wins Elaine over at her marriage function. They elope as the rest of the marriage party looks on helplessly. 

                                                                        

Hits

• A total Dustin Hoffman film. Initially he is nervous with Mrs. Robinson, later he starts opening up and in the end he becomes a complete romantic as he falls head over heels in love with Elaine
• Some of the pranks that Ben does are enjoyable particularly the desperation he shows in the climax to marry Elaine

VERDICT

Starts off as an illicit relationship movie and then turns into a classic template for the romantic movie that keeps releasing at such regular intervals in recent years. 

Kung Fu Panda 2 - 3d (2011)

What's it about:
'Dragon Warrior' Po and his 'Furious Five' team have to save China from the shackles of Shen, the peacock. Shen has a huge machine that spits out metal balls and there are a pack of wolves who are always around Shen to protect.
   Po also comes to know that he is an adopted son to his goose father. Po is advised by his master Shifu to find his inner peace but Po is haunted by images of his past when his parents had to abandon him in a radish basket due to Shen's evil machinations.
   Shen underestimates Po's prowess and ignores the astrologer's warnings. Po finally finds his inner peace and eliminates Shen and all the metal fireballs. He finally reunites with his father who is very enthusiastic to use his son's fame to promote his tofu and noodles, in the form of "Po saves China" posters.

                                                                         

Hits

• Everything that is expected out of a DreamWorks animation film is there. Top class animation, modelling, rendering and the characters are so expressive.
• The stunt choreography is just too awesome. Such creativity and pace in the fights. Reminds us of the legendary Jackie Chan's action feasts. A mixture of comedy and fights.  
• The 3d effects are as expected. Not extra-ordinary but. 
• Witty dialogs for Po, that are philosophical as well. Leave the past baggage and focus on the present is the message. 
• Great BG score by Hans Zimmer and John Powell. The percussion drums stand out amidst the other general goose bumps inducing instruments. 
• The idea to use a peacock as the villain is very novel indeed

Misses

• The villain, Shen could have been characterized more powerfully. In the end it is all too easy for Po. Given the initial buildup, a greater resistance from Shen was expected

VERDICT

Kung Fu Panda 2 re-emphasizes the escapist quality of cinema. Just forget all earthly worries and plunge into this fantasy world for a short and sweet adventure ride along with Po and his team. 

Classic: Rain Man (1988)

Whats it about

After the death of his father, Charlie Babbitt comes to know that he will be inheriting only an old car and some rose bushes. The remaining 3 million $ is going to a beneficiary at a trust in Wallbrook, Cincinnati. Charlie goes there and finds out that this beneficiary is none other than his autistic brother Raymond. Charlie is a totally money minded person and is least bothered about human emotions. He is very irritated by the sight of Ray

            Charlie takes Ray away with the motive of getting at least his half of the share. When Charlie is about to take Ray on a flight back to L.A, Ray gets perturbed by the sight of flights and throws a scene. So, the 2 brothers have to now reach L.A by road. What follows is how beautifully the bond develops between the 2 brothers.

           Ray has a terrific memory power, is astounding with numbers, has to always see his favorite TV programs on TV and is even obsessed with the 'KMart' under-wears that he uses. He funnily intrudes his brother and his girl friend’s love making at an inopportune time. 

          Charlie loses heavily in his car business due to this road trip and he uses his brother’s astounding memory power to win a lot of riches at a Vegas Casino.Charlie teaches Ray how to dance and Ray also has his first date and kiss with Charlie's girl friend Susanna. 

          Charlie comes to know of his brother’s sad past when he actually realizes that his brother Raymond is his imaginary ‘Rainman’ (both the words pronounced in a similar way). The photo of the 2 brothers really leaves a big impact.

        Charlie now no longer is after the money and has really made a connect with his brother over the course of 1 week and is Ray's 'Mainman' now. He fights for Ray's custody with his equally concerned doctor and finally gives up Ray to the very same hospital, considering his well being and health. The 2 brothers part in the end with the promise of meeting up regularly. 

A BIG LUMP IN OUR THROAT AND TEARS IN OUR EYES

                                                                       

Hits

• A masterclass from Dustin Hoffman as the autistic Ray. All the superlative words in the dictionary are dedicated to him. Dumbfounded by his performance 
• Tom Cruise more than holds his own against the genius of Dustin. Initially irritable and later caring, he stands as a true hero in the end. He looks damn trim and handsome. 
• Hans Zimmer is as usual classy with his soul stirring BGM tracks. Was very surprised to see his name on the credits. 
• Great photography. All the barren roads and the clear blue sky leave a beautiful impact. 
• Wonderful brotherly bonding. A very engaging screenplay

VERDICT

A classic. No doubts over this fact. A film about brotherly bonding is a sure shot winner, any day. This one also has superlative performances that can melt even a stone.