SelvarajanK

IMDb member since November 2004
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    Lifetime Filmo
    5+
    IMDb Member
    19 years

Reviews

Superman Returns
(2006)

More Super(Hu)man
WOW... The first Superman Movie i am seeing in the theater. So went inside the hall half-an-hour before it starts, First-Day First-Show and as expected the hall was full. The movie started with John Williams original theme music from the first part and then John Ottman(original music) takes full control after that. This film is set to take place where Superman II ends. But they confuse with the time period the film is actually set against. The news paper deceit it as 70's while we have people carrying cell phones and LCD TV hanging around. This edition of superman has taken lot of twists to make it to the big screen after 2 decades. Bryan Singer, has done a commendable job, making superman more HUMAN than SUPERHUMAN. Superman (Brandon Routh) love for Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) takes the driver seat of the screenplay than fighting against Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey). Brandon looks good in the suit, but he looks too young to fill in Christopher Reeve, still manages to convince in the role. Kate was apt as Lois. Kevin Spacey was great as usual, now after the mind blowing performance from Gene Hackman it has take some like Spacey to repeat it, and he does it with ease. He was a lovable villain in the movie. The movie wanders from place to place in terms of screenplay, thought it really stretched towards the end, but then it did require such an ending to keep hopes for few more in this series. The Visual Effects are nice, and the stunts are mind blowing but too short. We actually don't get to see lot the relationship between Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Superman Returns has its moments through the film and small tear-jerks as you get to see the Human side of "SuperMan"

X-Men: The Last Stand
(2006)

X-citement Short Lived
X-citment was the word that i was looking out in this movie and a X-Men fan will not no disappointed (at least to an extent) out of the hall. The film opens in a nice manner builds up beautifully and a emotional ending. There is something for every one in the movie. But the only disappointment is the scarcity of the stock. I mean the story had every bit to make it a 3hr saga, but i don't know why the final episode is so short that you are left with a feeling that literally every character looks like they are making a guest appearance. Brett Ratner has done a good job with almost all the character, but still the rush to finish the movie could have been avoided. May be its blessing as well cause the movie is short and right on the money you don't feel lost or start comparing the earlier episodes with this one. The special effects is beautiful as usual, even though the characters are short lived they are well crafted to fit in the right proportion. Hugh Jackman had a big role to play and he does it with ease, his actions is well crafted specially the one in the jungle. Halle Berry looks pretty and i like her style of walk in the movie. Ian McKellen is beyond word as he does the job with so ease that you can't even think of some one else playing this character. Juggernaut, Angel and the Boy who is the cure has been used more than little in the movie, while they had lot of potential to be used more. I liked the Mystique in the movie (specially after the cure ;-) The final fight with Famke Janssen as Phoenix and Magneto and others were excellent and nicely choreographed. I enjoyed X-III very much only disappointment was the length of the movie and scarcity of the action sequences. Hope they reconsider the title "The Last Stand" cause i think we need few more in this series. To me this movies is X-citement short lived (lenght of the movie)

Krrish
(2006)

A Super-Hero is Born
Rakesh Roshan had a tough task ahead with krrish being a super-hero subject and no previous material to refer to. We should appreciate him because he is making a movie from scratch which is not based upon any comic book. Another way its also a blessing to him because he can be true to his imagination. Rakesh on the other hand gone in reference with some Hollywood films. Rakesh has done a wonderful job with Krrish. The story, well its neither concentrated on the superpowers, nor on good vs evil but full and fully on his son Hrithik Roshan and he lives up to to his dads expectation. The viewer should have a knowledge on Koi Mil Gaya (KMG) its prequel, oh oh don't worry if you have not seen it Rekha takes that responsibility in the movie to explain you whats happened so far, quite quickly of course. So how Krrish realizes his powers and uses it to save the worl.. wait a min no more saving the world, Rakesh gives a break to saving a world formula rather he adds family drama to it and pulls off a convincing entertainer out of it. The most app laudable aspect of the movie is the stunt sequence, Hrithik gets 5/5 for the stunts that he has performed on his own with out any dummies. The stunt choreographer has done an excellent job with the movie. Unlike any Indian movie so far this by far the best stunts that you can see which involves ropes, pulling and flying. Hardly you see any rope or even a hint of it in the movie, at least i didn't see it. The next aspect is the cinematography, music and above all the visual effects team. The music is good, if not the greatest background score Salim-Suleiman has done a decent job. The visual effects team along with the cinematographer has pulled of some exotic locations and some beautiful stunt sequence. Hrithik looks cool with his new hair style, and Priyanka Chopra does her doll role pretty well. If you loved KMG the for sure you will love this even more than that, if don't like the first one better keep away then complaining. In fact i felt this was even more technically advanced than KMG. Spider-Man, Superman, Batman, etc... because the list of movies which you have seen over and over the years, you will be forced to compare this movie with all those movies. I think is not fair to compare it with them. Even though you could see some shots similar to the movies mentioned you have to give Rakesh Roshan that much extra amount of space because of the budget constraint and the lack of the comic book hero that India has. Yes its technically the best Indian Super-Hero film I have ever seen, and A Super-Hero is Born.

Phir Hera Pheri
(2006)

Comedy Without Laughter
Phir Hera Pheri stands separate among the so called comedy films with single meaning Sex dialogs. Because of the huge success of the earlier movie(Hera Peri), this might have to take a beating. The director does not have a strong story line to build on, But Niraj's brilliance is visible in patches. All he need is a good script where he can Improvise. He tries very hard to Improvise a script which has no base unlike Hera Peri, that why you get frustrated as the movie goes on. If not the perfect comedy movie its a decent movie for the entire family which is rare to see now a days. Among the actors "Baburao" & "Thotla" steals the show when ever you see them on screen. One problem with the movie I thought was it doesn't leave any impact on you that you can think of and laugh even for a brief period of your walk back to the parking area to fetch your vehicle.

Mission: Impossible III
(2006)

Mission Accomplished
Its a mindless(w.r.t MI-1) styles(w.r.t MI-2) action movie. But is it fair to compare, a Big NO. JJ Adams has got every thing in a perfect blend (story!?). A movie which is overflowing with action from the first frame to the credits. The stunts are choreographed brilliant and fast paced. Too much of every thing might also go wrong but you will never get that feeling throughout the movie. Its a perfect action movie. M:I-3 is a neat film when it stands alone in the action gene. But if seen as a part of trilogy surely something is missing.

Tom has done a neat job, though he looks old on screen he is apt for the role. I liked Villain was the most adorable in the movie apart from the Orange care which was blown away. A must watch movie for every action buff. Heard that China has cut down the violent scenes from the movie, I don't know what will remain after this censor Title or Credit?

Darna Zaroori Hai
(2006)

Darna Option Hai
Darna Zaroori Hai the sequel to Darna Mana Hai starts off with a brilliance and ends in not so brilliant way. The theme is the same as before, so one can easily come to a conclusion how it will end even before getting the ticket to the film, So no complaint the way it ended. If Manoj Pahwa's was brilliant in portraying horror, Amithab's episode touched the peak with the background-score, if Arjun Rampal's was do with beautiful horror, then Rajpal yadav's was to do with fear, if Anil Kapoor's was to do with bluffing, then Randeep Hooda's was on revenge. So we had all the flavors of POSSIBLE horror in the film with excellent performance from all most all the people in the lead. The Maturity of each actors helps the film to reach at least half-way where it was heading. Did it deliver that good at the right content, well that of course depends on how much you were horrified. After the film i started counting at how many instance i felt a Shock/Tremor/Horror. When i finished counting it wasn't even two digit number but it wasn't zero either. The film does at least triggers a small shake in your body, for me it was with the episode with Amithab Bachan, the others where tilted towards the comic side but the lesson in those stories to learn was don't play too much with others when you don't know how much they can handle. As far this film goes except few scenes you can handle most of them. You cant expect every frame with blood on it to say its a horror film, this film will horrify you provided you see the film without expecting when will you be horrified meaning concentrate on the drink and pop-corn rather on the story and at the end count the pop-corn on the floor that's the number of time you where horrified.

Zus & zo
(2001)

Complicated, Yet Convincing
Zuz & Zo, is by far the complicated film that i can remember seeing. The story is not something that you will come across every house you peep in, yet the way in which the movie was conceived was great. The director was so mature in handling certain issues in the film. Its not glorifying any sex, its a film that you can feel for for the honesty each character shows on their lives. The climax was perfect. The reason for the sister to stop the marriage wasn't too strong, neither is Nino's reason to get married to a girl. Apart from this, the music, comedy, cinematography every thing was excellent. If not hilarious for the people who don't understand the language it was funny enough by the expressions on the faces and the situations itself. Its kind of a film you might not fall in love with but you will not regret for seeing it also.

Kolja
(1996)

Piece Of Cake
Kolya, they story was very simple, and has emotion in the right content. The characters didn't over play, the little boy was excellent, specially the scene where he talks in the bathtub to his his grandma over the phone was heart pounding. He was so matured for his age, only few come to my mind doing something like this. The locations was great, the way certain shorts were taken was absolutely beautiful. The music in the film is good, and i like the way the comedy was placed through the movie. I have to admit that i don't know the language, i managed it with the subtitle but still the movie was hilarious. I really kicked my self for not knowing more language to feel certain films like this.

A Costa dos Murmúrios
(2004)

I didn't hear the Murmúrios
The film is shot in exotic locations, the characters are strong but they don't leave any impact on me. The director i think was little confused between a documentary and film. The story is weak, not so gripping or sentimental as it could have been. It had all the potential to be a good love story but lost in the waves. The way the characters were handled is good, right from the lady in the kitchen to the leading lady. The theme is also fine, but its not so clear about the marriage which actually is very important in the context of the film. I really liked the climax of the movie it was so shuttle and cheers to the director for not dramatizing it.

Saw
(2004)

A smooth Saw
I saw saw and i couldn't believe what i saw in saw. Well, the film was also similar to what i just said now, it was clear in what it was trying to say yet lot tweaks. Its great because the suspense in the movie is revealed only when the credits roll. Excellent in the way the whole movie moves, right from the beginning. The sets was apt and the ideas of the story writer was truly psychic. The make-up was good and the background score was apt. I liked the way the characters getting revealed in scene after scene. The concept was good, fresh and new. Performance was fine by all. One among the best suspense/thriller movie i have ever seen, saw gets 8 stars cause most of the film now a days fail to thrill you sparing few of them. Nobody is a stranger any more after you see this film, thats is the world is too small for the other person to be a stranger. This SAW is too smooth still you will love it.

Von Ryan's Express
(1965)

The Train not to be missed
The movie opens in wide angle and most of the way through, it remains the same. The camera has tried to capture all the beauty of Italy and borders of Swiss. One the great classic i have seen, and the perfect one for my collection. All the actors, where good in the film and each of them have a brief role to play. Themusic was great and the Graphics was good too. The train sequences was filmed beautifully and the dialogs was right on the nail. Even though the train moves slowly the film catches speed in every frame till the end. I agree with the director with the end, and also for not making it too dramatic. I liked the character of Frank because of the way he played it, I really cant imagine somebody else playing this character so powerfully. The final combat with the aircraft was taken beautifully. One more character which i liked is that of the priest. The film has a small ray of comic sense in each and every character which is a great plus to the movie. A classic(train) which should not be missed.

Being Cyrus
(2005)

Being Honest
Homi Adajania misses the century by few runs, but no worries even Dravid missed one on his debut. Yes, its a brilliant start for him as a story teller. I remember seeing sixth sense, it wasn't too great a movie(every one will agree me on that) till I saw the climax, that's where the brilliance lies. Its the package of the film that's makes directors GREAT. Well, Homi can pat himself for his honest original attempt and not trying to remake any of classic English thrillers in Hindi.

I thought the first half was little too long in describing things which weren't related to the title. I felt a lot of attention should have been given to Cyrus which i think lacked except the dream scene. Unfortunately you actually cant really draw the outline for Cyrus, which you do with other character. The cinematographer and editor make you eyes busy with colors and cuts. I thought Salim-Sulaiman still has a hangover of Booth, cause the music in the first half was little loud for the way the movie opens and proceeds till interval, but they did make up in the second half with the sound. All characters where apt in their roles, but i still think the director ran out of wine when feeding Saif and Shah.

If not the best movie i ever saw, its a brilliant and a honest movie from AN India for which i can be proud of. For me the hero is Homi Adajania, HATS OFF.

Goal!
(2005)

Work for A Living < Die for A Dream
With Germany 2006 world Cup around the corner, this might be the exact kick-off film to all the soccer/football fans around the world. The bonus, you get to see your favorite players in the big screen Alan Shearer, David Beckham, Raul Gonzalez, Zinédine Zidane, Milan Baros, Kieron Dyer and Steven Gerrard. The film is about the small boys dream to make it big in life, unlike his father who is struck in the system thinking work for living the boy believes in die for the dream.

Goal, i thought took some extra time towards the end might have been better if it was kept short might have made much more grip on viewers. Its worth watching, for the way Kuno Becker plays with the ball. You will feel your heart goes out for him when ever you see him on the green mat with the ball. The movie has lot of emotions, a small romance, sprinkled comedy and it couldn't get better with a winning moment. Though you can guess the climax of the movie, you can still leave the hall with a satisfaction in the heart like watching the world cup from the first row.

Passionate film on football, which i thought didn't fade away from the title. Cheers to the director Danny Cannon for keeping the story simple if not logical and the narration was perfect.

Just Like Heaven
(2005)

It's Heaven on Earth
I and my friends went to watch the movie, he wasn't totally convinced about seeing this film, cause he thought its going to be another stupid movie with lots of butter pop corn. Well, of course its a pop corn stuff but hey wait a minute the film was really good. He did change his mind after the film saying that it was nice movie. It has humor and romance in the perfect blend to keep you warm for about and hour. Reese Witherspoon, is of course very cute in the movie (now don't remind me that she is married and has kids) and she by far holds the entire movie together. She is good with her expressions along with Mark Ruffalo who has done a decent job. Well even though certain logic questions arise about the film, I just loved the ending. Even though you can guess the climax its the perfect one and three cheers to Mark Waters the director (remember Freaky Friday) has done a decent job. I really liked the apartment in the movie, wish i had one like that. Totally its heaven on earth.

Crash
(2004)

Crashed in the Right Spot
Racism, that's always been a problem in America. Its no more a secret, every body knows it and Crash makes sure it brings out the exact feel and the mood of the situation. It does not over play it neither it is under played. The screenplay is perfect it has a brilliance in it to stand out and even though i have not seen the rest of the film that's was in contention for the Oscar i feel this deserve one and go with the jury. It has a big star-cast in it starting from Sandra Bullock to Arnold(in a photo), everybody is apt in their role the casting is perfect.

Matt Dillon who was nominated for Supporting Actor, even though his performance is too good in the film i don't think he deserves a nomination. His role was so short in the movie that you don't even feel he is there in the movie, this is not for his character alone but every other character in the movie is treated the same way. Some scenes are very intense in the movie that even you are not part of the system you feel the pain and specially the scene when the Persian guy shoots the little girl.

The film moves smoothly from the title to the credit, the shifting of one shot/scene to the other is really well handled. The editor might deserve it for his work but still i have not seen the others to conclude but his work is neat. The question if this film deserves an Oscar, well i think the jury might have gone with the issue that has been dealt in the film rather than the box office collection, which is a good thing and will be leading to the making of more meaning full film. So Crash of course had crashed in the right spot.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
(2002)

My Confessions about Dangerous Mind
My Confessions About the Dangerous Mind * i hatted George Clooney before seeing this film * i began to see this movie half-heartedly

Boy-O-Boy didn't he surprise me, the movie was a off-beat thriller which becomes comically tragic. Mind, its a beautiful thing wonderfully crafted from title to credit. He didn't leave the impression that it was a documentary though it seemed i was getting the feeling sometime through the film.

Sam was APT if not brilliant (i have not seen Chuck's Show). The cinematography was crystal clear, among the two beautiful women the like Barrymore very much for the attitude and the positiveness she carried through out the film. I like the style of the film and the way it was presented. It wasn't boring and it was my kinda stuff. Clooney rocks better behind the came than before it. Since he is from the show business family i was not surprised to see his first film being made on a man from his genre.

9/10 - reason - George Clooney

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
(2005)

What's done is done
After getting his hand green with Shrek Andrew Adamson(director) this time comes up with an adventure which is so pounding in emotion and cheer. C.S.Lewis's book has been adapted on the screen, i haven't read the book but the movie looks flawless. So much is there for the kids. Since the backdrop is taken as the World War II, the story also reflects the situation that England went through in that period of the time. The children look cute and brave in the movie. Those who enjoyed the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter will surely enjoy the movie.

Without taking credit away from the cinematographer, the Visual Effects are stunning in the movie. The Lion looks magnificent, one thing to note here is no actual Lion was used in the film but it looked so real the the actual one. What about the movie as the whole? In the words of Aslan(the name of the Lion) what's done is done. Don't forget to get ready for the next one The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Fun with Dick and Jane
(2005)

Fun-o-Fun
The movie lives up to the name. Jim is hilarious in all means. Leoni is cute and apt in the movie. The movie is good, there is nothing great in the story but you hardly need one in a comedy movie.

Unlike other Carrey movie here he does not pester you with his crazy facial expressions. The comedy in the movie is situational so even if you cant follow Jim's tongue you can enjoy the movie. The movie has good message and its been told in a convincing manner. Every one has done a decent job in the film and that does include Alec Baldwin who plays a small but important role.

All together it's a good movie that you can enjoy with your family.

The Day After Tomorrow
(2004)

Father Vs. Mother Nature for his Son
The movie begins in Antarctic where a huge crack occurs whats surprising is the there is no water below that ice. Then at the global warming meeting in NEW DELHI our hero Dr.Hall (Dennis Quaid) explains his theory about the changing climate and says that an ICE AGE can be seen in another 100 yrs. But what happens next is what the film is all about. The predictions made by him takes effect immediately and the result is multiple hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tidal waves, floods and the beginning of the next Ice Age.

The result of this is the entire northern hemisphere is turned in to ice up to the head of the statute of liberty and ships coming into Manhattan city is captured beautifully on camera. Between this is a small sentimental touch (INDIAN STYLE) between the son Sam (Gyllenhaal) and the father (Dennis). Sam is in N.Y and hall is in D.C and the journey of a father to rescue his son is the rest of the story.

Directed by Roland Emmerich the director who gave us THE INDEPENDENCE DAY decides to choose the biggest villain nature. The fight of a FATHER Dennis quaid against the MOTHER nature for rescuing his SON gyllenhaal is a family action adventure.

Another important man to notice is ueli steiger the man behind the camera and the visual effects crew.

I saw the film with my friend and when we left the theater guess what it was RAINING !!!!!!!!!!!!

The Village
(2004)

Horror w/o Devil, Suspense w/o Secret and Killing w/o Blood
Hello friends this is the 6th film from M.N.Shayamalan(MNS)(namma ooru karan - hails from India) as you know?! this time also you don't find a particular thing in his movie STO.....RY?! that's what my friend said after seeing the movie.

But hey guys this is MNS movie you don't go for story. The way of narrating the entire film while having a thin line of story is his brilliance. Though not as THE SIXTH SENSE he has done a reasonably good job.

There is HORROR with out a PAYE (devil), There is SUSPENSE with out SECRET, and KILLING with out BLOOD. The master (MNS) has shown his brilliance all the way, to the extent that he is movie but you cannot spot him. I am not going to tell the story that's for you to check out.

But I suggest you to see the film in the theater because you have to feel the movie as it is. other than this is has a good CINEMATOGRAPHY, BACKGROUND SCORE and some good performance from PHOEINEX, ADRIAN BRODDY and WEAVER (the alien girl? women!).

Van Helsing
(2004)

Van Hell Raising
Van Helsing is the new super hero in the series of many who have made it to the big screen, who fights against the evil in the name of god. The title role played by Huge Jackman (x-men) is really fitting wile Kate Beckinsale (pearl harbor) also matches him in every step, fist and kick.

The story is pretty simple BAD vs GOOD. But, here the good and the bad both are admirable. The director Steven Sommers (the mummy & mummy returns) has done a excellent job of making all the evil characters as cousins to each other and the way the director has conceived and taken the fight sequence is actually SUPERB.

The phase of the movie is on the mercury rise from the frame it starts to the end. The special effects is also an important aspect of the film as you will find in the previous movies of Sommers.

Completely an action film which can be seen along with your family, well as a matter of fact all super heroes film can be seen along with your family isn't.

The Passion of the Christ
(2004)

Man's love towards Mankind
This film tells the story of the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus (Caviezel), on the day of his crucifixion in Jerusalem. This film's script is based upon several sources, including the diaries of St. Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) as collected in the book, "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ", "The Mystical City of God" by St. Mary of Agreda, and the New Testament books of John, Luke, Mark and Matthew.

Beautifully narrated by the multi-talented Mel Gibson (director) this is a must see film. The film moves really slow from the opening frame, but its that what makes the movie heavy in the end. Did Gibson had a blood bank near by when he shot the film? well, i thought there was too much of blood shed that some times it makes you close your eyes but the impact pours right through the veins of your heart.

I really thought what difference can Mel Gibson can do with story, but at the end you have to give a standing ovation to Mel. I really liked the climax where a drop of water falls from heaven, which depicts the tear of the father of the Lord Jesus was really amazing and heard pounding.

The film stands apart from Christianity, it's about one mans love towards his own mankind.

50 First Dates
(2004)

Oops! I for got the title of the movie
This is one popcorn chewing movie where you can relax without any great attention of whats going in the film. Adam Sandler plays the lead role with the pretty Drew Barrymore.

What will you do if the girl you proposed is suffering from a temporary memory problem, that is she forgets every thing that happens on that day after she goes to the bed.

That's what Adam goes through in the film with Drew. He repeatedly make her fall in love with him every day. The film has nice comedy but not a trademark Adam Sandler movie. The location looks exotic. Still it makes you smile and cry at the end of the film.

+ drew & Adam and comedy

  • story is weak and sometimes it is frustrating

Bringing Down the House
(2003)

Bring Down the House (cinema hall)
It took all most a year to get released in India. The producers from India Ashok Amritraj who produced the movie came back to the limelight with this movie.Steve Martin co-stars with Queen Latiffa in this movie. This is a typical Martin movie, you will love him in this movie. Queen Latiffa steels the show with some lively comedy.

Steve is a Lawyer who is divorced and has two children a girl & a boy. He chats in the internet with Latifa thinking she is a very pretty girl. But the cinema hall comes down in laughter when Steve meets Latifa and there after. She is been trapped by someone and was behind the bars. Now she wants Steve to take her case and wants to prove that she is Innocent. The rest of the story is how he proved her innocence and won back his wife and children.

This is a must watch film which will surely get you relieved from all your worry. A totally funny film which by title surely "bring down the house(cinema hall)" by the laughter.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
(2005)

Harry Potter and Fill in the Blanks
After the disappointing prisoner of Azkaban (Harry's earlier version) The Goblet of fire is a welcome sign taking the fact the installment from JKR (the author) is still spending. All credit to the director for making it a perfect entertainer. The cinema hall was filled with children from all age group, one that remembered me of my school days. The 2 best in the series so far after the Sorcerer's Stone.

From the opening frame the director had made it very clear to keep it very simple and look exotic, well he has achieved it. Even though there was a lot of opportunity for making it as suspense, thriller with the (Brendan Gleeson) Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Mood character, the director has taken a safe route of comedy with all the character. Probably this version of Harry is the darkest and the funniest so far.

As far as the story is concerned (except for those who have read the book) is a mere fill in the blank till we get the final episode. This will fall in the series of The Matrix Reloaded (part 2) were every thing in the movie looks good to enjoy but ultimately they turn out to be just for making it a 2hr film (sorry for being so rude).

Three things in the movie that needs to appreciated are the cinematography and special effects as usual and the third thing is of course the dialog for keeping it simple and funny. For those who don't read the books (that's a big crime – and I am the first accused) the film will definitely be a perfect entertainer.

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