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Reviews
American Desi (2001)
Fun times!
You know, I wasn't sure if this was going to be good. Watching movies like East is East and Bend It Like Beckham has made my expectations high.
Now, this isn't a perfect movie. Typical stereotype problems involved that others here have mentioned were an issue. Mostly though, it was funny and enjoyable.
Particularly of note is Kal Penn as the "Hindu homeboy", Ajay. I liked him and he made me laugh, mostly b/c I know THAT guy. I am related to a couple of THAT guy and I went to school with a bunch of THAT guy. Very funny. Penn totally made Ajay a mockery that we actually care about.
Velvet Goldmine (1998)
Beautiful to look at
I walked into this film a large Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Ewan M. and Christian Bale fan. Honestly, I would watch any of these three read from the phonebook. That said, I was very happy with the film.
Haynes is an artistic director trying to explore many of his own issues. He make this film so colorful and vivid, that you can't help but being drawn into the situation.
The music plays a large part in the film. I'm not into glam at all, but I found myself really feeling the music. Found it very cool that Ewan and Jonathan really sang for the film. Talented!
Bale's Arthur has such a naivete to him. He just wants to belong to something and relate to something. 10 years later, how ironic that Brian Slade is his newsstory. Always, Ewan brings himself fully into the role. It kind of freaked me out that he looked so much like Kurt Cobain, but I liked crazy, electrotherapy Kurt Wilde. I don't think I would have in a lesser actor's hands. The same goes for Brain Slade and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. He really has to find the humanity in a character that is extremely fake and product. You see beyond the drugged out, self-absorbed rocker and instead see a boy who wants acceptance and love.
In this film, the acting and look of the picture kind of overshadow the message, but what you get is a beautiful film to look at.
The Disappearance of Finbar (1996)
Interesting Film
I initially saw this movie b/c I am a Jonathan Rhys-Meyers fan and had not seen the film. The start of the film was a tad slow for my tastes, but as it got on, I got more into it. When Finbar actually disappears (preluded with very smart, energetic gut acting by Rhys-Meyers) and Danny decides to look for him, I really started paying attention. It was an interesting trip. The music was great, the scenery shots were gorgeous, and I thought Danny was doing good detective work. There is an element of humor in the film that really got me. I wasn't expecting it, but it was there, though subtle.
Griffin does a fine job as Danny. He is understated and very likable. Rhys-Meyers' Finbar is very interesting. He is a mysterious figure that we never get the real deal on. We get a look here and there of real emotion and feeling, but I don't know Finbar. The energy Jonathan gave the role was a little unexpected (I expected him to be more subdued), but it was a perfect foil for Danny.
All in all, I thought it was a good film, worth the time to see.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Smart and Sweet....A Fun Trip
SLIGHT SPOILER REFERENCES!!!!!!!!
I am of East Indian lineage of Trinidad, so watching this film was a flashback to countless times in my own life (e.g. I can't count the number of times I have been told that if I put in as much effort with my curry chicken skills as I do with going out with my friends, I would be a brilliant cook).
I loved Jess. Parminder Nagra is a wonderful, expressive actress and her work here, showing a sense of familial duty while craving independence, is well done. Beautiful and expressive. Can't wait to see her in other projects.
The surprise for me was Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. I'd never seen him before. I'd never known he even existed, but by the end of it all, I was an instant fan. Since, I have seen everything I can get my hands on (Velvet Goldmine is amazing, The Governess is thought provoking, Titus is a scary, scary journey into a Shakespeare that I hadn't known existed etc. The man is beautiful and brilliant).
The remaining supporting cast was also fantastic. The families were well-rounded and fun to watch. The airport scene.....LONG IN COMING. I was screaming for that "action" the entire bloody film. And my fav was the final scene. The cricket match. A perfect (maybe too perfect, though I am not complaining) tie up of all the things we would have been left worrying about.
The Mummy Returns (2001)
Popcorn, a coke, and an understanding date
Ok people. I loved the original and I loved the sequel. Why? Was this Oscar caliber material? NO! NO! NO! This was a fun summer movie! You wait until fall/spring for the real Oscar contenders. This is the summer. Time to kick back and relax. Go to the movies and CHILL OUT! As I said in the heading. Grab some popcorn and a coke and (in my case) an understanding date. The understanding date shall be explained later.
I am an egyptology buff. Was I stunned and appalled at the work done here? NO! NO! NO! It is good mythology. May not be a real occurance in the mythology of ancient Egypt, but it could have very well been. There are many interesting myths and legends connected with that culture. This fits in. It uses a real god (Anubis)and has a fair understanding of the ancient afterlife beliefs. For a summer movie, good enough for me. Now if they said Apollo (a Greek god) comes riding through the desert in a chariot, then I'd have been put out!
The writing was not as up to par as with the last movie. The original was somewhat funnier in certain aspects. And some of the CGI was not that great. But look beyond that nit picking and you have a great movie here. Lots of fun. They fixed my 2 main problems with the last movie: Wimpy chicks and not enough Oded Fehr. Evelyn has grown into her own woman, she is smart and brave. And Meela/Anuck (well, you know who I am referring to)had a meatier part. Both of the actresses were very good. And I was motivated to pick up sai fighting myself if I could do that stuff! And Oded. Well, this is where the understanding date comes in. I was ooohhhing and ahhhhing and squealing and screaming for his Ardeth Bay the whole film. He had much more script and (sigh) that fight scene with the Anubis warriors at the climax was incredible. He is soooooo talented and a damn good looking man. They should give Ardeth his own film. A nude scene would only help (just kidding, sort of). What I wouldn't give to be in the saddle with Ardeth, hearing him yell "Yallah, imshe"!! You ladies know you were thinking the same thing, don't lie to me!! Oh dear, but I digress. So, to summarize: Oded Fehr = WONDERFUL! Brendan Fraser is really a good actor, but his character was much more utilized last film. I still like the guy though, I mean it is Brendan Fraser. John Hannah is the funniest man ever! I adore the dry Brit humor. Vosloo is also a striking man and plays his evil character really well. The Rock is well, he was there for 2 seconds and look mighty good in the loin cloth. I can't comment on his acting abilities because to be honest, I have yet to see any real acting. He was on screen for 2 minutes. Not worth all that hype. I say wait to hand down judgement until the Scorpian King comes out. The man who played Lok-nah was very good. Scared the hell out of me, but I have to say he is awful cute too. Though, he lost points with me for trying to hurt Ardeth. And Freddie Boath (Alex) was alright. To be honest, he is Evie and Rick's son for sure with his ways.
Overall, I don't think it is even fair to compare this to Star Wars or Indie. Come on people. Just roll to the theater (brain optional) and have a little bit of fun. I love the Mummy Returns. It was great and I enjoyed myself. Isn't that what a good summer movie is suppose to do? YES! YES! YES!
White Squall (1996)
Oh, the adventure!
Wow, what an adventurous film. I admit the first time I saw the film, after getting over the initial shock of those cuties, I realized how beautiful the picture itself was. Such wonderful place and things to see. The entire thing was well done. I also have to confess that I did cry during the storm. Overall, this was a good film with a smart cast. Wolf's narration is hard to beat.
Newsies (1992)
I Love this Pic!
This has to be one of my personal favorite films! I think Christian Bale is an incredible talent and isn't bad to look at either. I love musicals and this is a good one. The talented MMC did a good job the dancing Newsies. If you have not seen the film, I suggest you go rent it. If you want to hear about what has happened to the actors since, bloopers, and lyrics to the song, check out all the great web sites out there. What can I say: "Carryin' the banner!"