Frost/Nixon (2008)

Following the resignation of US President Richard Nixon in 1974 due to the Watergate scandal, British TV host David Frost plans to interview him on a variety of issues including inciting a possible confession for his role in letting down the American people.

Frost struggles to setup the interview as the networks and consequently the ad agencies are not interested. He finally assembles his own team of researchers and his good friend as the producer and gets the show started. He spends around 2 million USD in the process

The interviews are spread across 4 days with the topics clearly planned out. It is literally like a boxing bout as both the camps have so much preparation, planning and researches going on.

Nixon negotiates the first 3 days pretty easily and Frost's camp is frustrated at the impending doom. But the final day brings about a dramatic change in fortunes as Nixon breaks down following a relentless attack by Frost. Nixon confesses to his part in the whole scandal and asks for forgiveness from the American people.

The whole interview becomes a great success. In the end, there are no ill feelings between the 2 camps and Nixon takes it sportingly and retires form public life.

Very gripping and intense movie. Never loses pace. The tension is there throughout. The interviews, the research process and the way the 2 lead characters have performed is terrific. Hats off to Frank Langella as Nixon and Michael Sheen as Frost. Nixon's voice in particular is majestic. Sheen overdoes the charm part at times but is first class most of the way. Sheen looks very similar to Jack Nicholson in his younger days.

The 3 researchers and Frost's girlfriend also have small yet substantial parts. Hans Zimmer's music doesn't spoilt the tense mood. It adds to the effect. The pre-production and the process of producing a TV program have also been showed very well. The film has a heavy docu feel.

VERDICT: A gripping interview on a notorious scandal. Great performances. 

Classic Revisited: Batman Begins (2005)

The Plot
Gotham City is filled with petty criminals and other anti social elements who are all under the purview of Falcone. Falcone is the kingpin of all shady activities in Gotham. There are a few officials in Gotham like the DA Rachel and Sergeant Gordon who still believe in Gotham and want the city back in order.

Bruce Wayne is the only son of Thomas Wayne who is the biggest hot shot in Gotham. Thomas is murdered on the streets by a petty thief. Bruce witnesses this incident as a young boy, and he is frequently haunted by this incident. He also has a fear for bats.

After growing up and shooting his father's murderer named Chill, Bruce travels the world to understand the psychology of criminals. He is trained by Ducard (Ra's Al Ghul) to overcome his fears and become a part of the "League of Shadows".

Bruce doesn't believe their philosophy and leaves that place after his training. He develops a mysterious superhuman alter-ego called the Batman and he begins cleaning the scum off Gotham's streets. Batman takes the services of Gordon whenever needed. Bruce's guardian and well-wisher Alfred and Lucius Fox from Wayne Enterprises provide Bruce with the technology and support to become Batman.

The "League of Shadows" wants to destroy Gotham because they believe Gotham has become too rotten. They plan to vaporize Gotham's water supply through the main train line and to spread a poisonous toxin that would drive the citizens of Gotham mad and ultimately to death.  Dr. Crane is used as a pawn for this purpose.

In the end Batman saves Gotham City from the League of Shadows. He prevents the toxin from spreading across the entire city. He kills Ducard and salvages the hope in Gotham. The movie ends with Batman coming to know of his next notorious target, The Joker. The premise for "The Dark Knight" is hence set

Hits

• Awe-inspiring film making by Christopher Nolan. So intriguing and engaging. Never a dull moment
• Christian Bale is beefed up for his Batman avatar. His hoarse voice for the Batman is also quite apt
• The technology that goes into the making of the Batman suit is well brought out. The Batman's suit, symbol and his tank are all iconic
• The dramatic BG score by Hans Zimmer that reaches a crescendo, is another turn-on
• The cinematography by Wally Pfister particularly the aerial shots of Batman hanging onto the city's skyscrapers is truly awesome. 
• Good support roles for Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman. The way these veterans speak their dialogues with punch and in typical style is very entertaining. 
• Katie Holmes as Rachel is a cute addition to the movie. Gary Oldman as Gordon impresses with his sincerity and awkwardness at using the Batman's tank in the climax. Liam Neeson as Ducard impresses in the initial scenes when he trains Bruce. 
• The climax train sequence is executed in a terrific manner. Great concept. 

VERDICT

One of the very best superhero blockbusters. 

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. 

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Whats it about
A stylish depiction of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his assistant John Watson in eliminating the dreaded black magic exponent Lord Blackwood. Holmes nabs Blackwood in his 6th act after 5 murders, and succeeds in getting a death sentence for him. But Blackwood returns from the dead and plans to take over the entire world through some shady plans that involves many murders based on some maps, directions and signs (man,ox,eagle, lion)
          Holmes' former sweetheart Irene also gets involved through another professor Moriarty who employs her to get some details through Holmes. Holmes and John have their share of differences over many matters including John's fiancée Mary but, they stick on for friendship's sake and for their sheer brilliance and succeed in putting an end to Blackwood before his final act at the Parliament.
       Finally Holmes proves that Blackwood's schemes and plans were all based on pure science, logic, the fear that he instilled among people and that there was no magic involved

                                                                        
Hits

• Robert Downey Jr. Perfectly cast. As the always rational, logical detective with absolute attention to detail, Downey rocks with his elegant and nonchalant style
• Guy Ritchie's touches. The sequences when Holmes visualizes in his mind what he intends to do before he actually attacks his opponents are mind blowing examples of innovation. 
• Jude Law as Watson is majestic and classic with his manly style and western looks. 
• Hans Zimmer's soundtrack is quite repetitive but ear-pleasing nevertheless. 
• The art direction is terrific. Many scenes look just like paintings. The color schemes make the London of old look absolutely gorgeous. 
• Mark Strong's solid voice is his biggest plus in his portrayal of Lord Blackwood.  

VERDICT

New age style and some surreal visuals/visual effects make the action set in London of 1890 look absolutely stunning. The lead male cast's contribution is no less either.