mianaliilyas786 Reviews

Blackbeard's Ghost (1968)

The cursed Captain's ghost meander around looking for redemption!

[8/10 · 11 June 2011]

Disney have a great share of making joyous movies for a long time, every little movie they make shares laugh over my face, and BlackBeard's Ghost is no exception too. The movie with all its dainties is an awesome treat to watch. Actually I wasn't a kid when I first saw this movie in fact I was in late twenties and I enjoyed that movie a lot. There are many pirate movies but the way Peter Ustinov played Captain BlackBeard was not just hilarious; it was utter treat to watch him playing treacherous captain gone good. The movie is very funny and I love it any time I watch it. The movie is highly recommended for those who wanna have nostalgic attack!

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

Lunacy runs in the family,,,,,,,,,,

[9/10 · 11 December 2010]

Well it's quite true that they don't make the movies the way they use to.30 and 40's was defining era for comedies and movies made in those years don't have any par nowadays. Frank Capra was master when it come to make comedies. Arsenic and Old Lace is one of the most entertaining movie in his credit. The movie is about drama critic who goes against his convictions about matrimony and marries the girl he loves and on the way to his honeymoon he finds out that his two adorable aunts are insane murders who likes to kill old pathetic loner and bury them in their cellar.

Though the start is bit a slow but after some while the movie takes a roller coaster ride. Often movies revolves around one or two characters but in this movie every character is unique and has its own domain; whether it's mentally delusional Teddy Roosevelt (John Alexander), who in my opinion was the brightest and most funniest impersonation ever done on cinema or whether its Jonathan Brewster (Raymond Massey), maniacal murderer who with the help of his friend Dr. Einstein (played superbly by Peter Lorre) gets a new face resembling Boris Karloff, every one was hilarious in the movie. In my opinion one who loves pure comedy won't regret seeing this masterpiece.

Inception (2010)

An idea can define you or destroy you !

[10/10 · 11 December 2010]

The most important thing I adore about Hollywood movies is that they never die out of ideas. Inception is no exception; the concept presented in inception is very unique and refreshing. And it's not only the idea but how Christopher Nolan has presented it was epitome of direction. Though the story is very complicated and everything is happening in hustle and bustle but still you are glued to your seats. The way movie unrolls it self is immaculate work of A class director. All the cast did justice to their roles. Leonardo DiCaprio was very convincing as guilty stricken husband and desperate father to meet his children again. I had never doubted the capabilities of Leonardo and he didn't disappoint me. Oscar veteran Marion Cotillard was very promising as perplexed wife who was the first victim of inception. I think inception is one of the finest works by Nolan till now.

A Shock to the System (1990)

Murders happen when you don't promote someone deserving.

[8/10 · 22 October 2010]

Micheal Caine is one of my favorite actor, and its very seldom when he don't do the justice to the role he plays. This movie is no exception. Anyone who had or is been working for corporate business can understand the dirty politics and immoral working ethics, and the depiction of this dilemma in this movie was immaculately pictured. Well the movie goes smoothly, but the only thing which boggles mind is the easy escape provided to Micheal Caine. But overall idea depicts how these corporate firms sucks the all humanly characteristics out and left you with selfish desires. But i don't know why through out the movie all my sympathies were with Caine!

Around the World in 80 Days (1956)

Best imitation of one of the finest work by Jules Verne.

[8/10 · 2 May 2007]

Well before ditching in this movie I had a glimpse of the book and I feel very delighted about the extraordinary vision of Jules Verne. He had predicted many inventions and innovations before the time, but I felt more delighted after seeing this movie. The true essence of Jules Verne's literal work is flawlessly captured by director Michael Anderson. This movie is true extravaganza with some special acting by veteran actor David Niven. His portrayal of arrogant, time-table stricken rich innovator was immaculate. This movie also has handful of cameos played by great actors like Frank Sinatra and others. Only one thing that can bother viewers is its immense length where some scenes are monotonous and make you feel loitered. Over all it's a great movie and best motional version of Jules Verne's finest work. The movie won five Oscars including best picture of 1956.

High Noon (1952)

Redefining the word Classic, probably one of the finest western movie ever made.

[10/10 · 2 May 2007]

I am not much into Western movies. I was under the impression that western movies are filled with violence, bloodshed and protagonist killing as many as he can, but after seeing this movie I felt a bit embarrassed about my prior perception. This movie is no doubt a class; it's about revenge of a criminal from the person who was behind putting him in the bars. The ex-lawman (Gary Cooper) who is finally settling gets news that his nemesis escapes from the prison, on his wedding day. The worried Gary Cooper tries to gather some resistance but of no avail, he soon realizes that he had to face the music all by himself. The direction by Fred Zinnemann is outstanding and after so many years this movie haven't lost any of its class. Gary Cooper swept another Oscar for best actor. Grace Kelly was also very enchanting as his new wedded wife. Over all, entire movie got everything, it's highly recommended to watch!

It Happened One Night (1934)

One of the best comedy ever produced by Hollywood .!

[10/10 · 1 May 2007]

It's a true call that they don't make the movies as they used to. There are very less movies coming near to the brilliance of "It Happened One Night". This movie is about a rich brat running from her home to get married with her lover, accompanied with struggling free lancer reporter in her journey. And in the journey they fall for each other. The romance building between two of them is nicely depicted and the blend of Peter Warne (Gables) arrogant personality gives it a nice stir. The story of the movie is very interesting and the comic attribute added by both Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert is sufficed to make anyone laugh. The perfect direction from the master of his domain Frank Capra takes the movie on highest level; because of this it's the first movie to be honored with all major five Oscars (Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Movie, Best Director and Best Screenplay).

12 Angry Men (1957)

From guilty to no guilty,,,,,,,this movie is true masterpiece.

[10/10 · 1 May 2007]

Some movies are not for certain period of time but are eternal because of there perpetual topic. Murder is one of the oldest crimes in this world but murder of your own father is something astonishing. The movie is about a teenager accused of murdering his own father in an open case where all the indictments and witnesses are against him. The jury is called for verdict, and all of them are unanimously agreed on conviction. But one of the juror thinks to contemplate a bit on witnesses before giving a verdict as a life of teenager is on line, and from there the true brilliance of this movie begins as the way juror # 8 (Henry Fonda) unfolds all the witnesses are based on assumptions and anticipations . The way he demonstrates the happening of incident based on accusation is one of the true essence of this movie and in the end all jurors are convinced that "No guilty" is right verdict to be passed. The way story moves is marvelous ostentation of director Sidney Lumet's true brilliance. The movie is nicely written by Reginald Rose and is beautifully portrayed by all the actors especially Henry Fonda and Lee J Cobbs. This movie is truly a masterpiece and its impression will not be easy to diminish.

A Trip to the Moon (1902)

A special movie by the father of special effects!

[10/10 · 22 October 2006]

The face of cinema has been changed drastically, and the expectations from the viewers have also been changed. Nowadays we have a bunch of options before choosing a movie, from realistic dinosaurs to computer generated images and from mind throttling actions to terrifying stunts, we have them all but in this era of technology nobody can ignore the true genius of George Melies, as I had seen 'A Trip to The Moon' I was amazed that what he had done in 1902 with all his limitations. The 14 min of this short movie captivates you and the vision of Jules Verne was precisely conveyed. The editing, photography, and special effects created by Melies are immaculate. And the way he showed the landing of a rocket on the moon was very much humorous as the rocket landed on the eye of personified moon and how the native of moon threatened the astronomers to leave. These types of movies are the edifice of today's fantasy movies .In the end it's the best work by Melies and worth a watch

On the Waterfront (1954)

I could a been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am.

[10/10 · 13 October 2006]

This is the movie which is very close to my heart as I am very much infatuated by Brando's spotless acting and in this movie he has done some legendary work. This is one of the classics which I feel much honored to watch as this movie swiped 8 Oscars including best picture of 1954 and Brando got the golden trophy first time for best actor in leading role. The movie is about a guilty stricken ex boxer (Terry played by Brando) who is involved in the murder of a guy who's sister captivates him and then he redeems that by going against the underworld boss (Johnny by Lee J Cobb) and by doing that he lost his beloved brother Charley (Rod Steiger). This is a highly classed drama in which human emotions are that there very best and some finest work by the entire cast as Eva Marie Saint also got her Oscar for supporting actress in her very first movie.Elia Kazan's direction was also very gripping. This movie is one of the finest produce by Hollywood ever.

Strangers on a Train (1951)

One of the most critical work of Alfred Hitchcock!

[9/10 · 13 October 2006]

Once Alfred Hitchcock said that good movie requires three things, good script, good script and good script. Surely this thing is very much depicted in this movie. The movie is about a tennis player (Fraley Granger) who has an unfaithful wife and a beautiful girlfriend. In the train he meets with a stranger (Robert Walker) who is infatuated to kill his father. Farley tells him about his chronics and casually stranger offers a very compelling proposal that I kill yours and you kill mine. And that the point where Hitchcock captivates his audience. Hitchcock had handled the neurotic sense of the movie immaculately and it mesmerizes you till the end of the movie. All the cast performed very well and the plot was very persuasive. No doubt its one of the best works of Hitchcock and for Hitchcock fans it's very much indulging.

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

One of the most thrilling and thought provoking movie of all times

[10/10 · 9 October 2006]

I have always been fond of Stanley Kramer's work , but this movie proved to be quite extraordinary and exceptional .The movie has every thing you can desire and human sentiments are at there level best. The plot is written by Abby Mann who won best screenplay Oscar from that and quite deserving one. The story based on Nuremberg trials held after fall of Nazi's in Germany but this movie is nice blend of history with fiction as the major characters were fictional but the evidences and indictments presented in the trial ever authentic and truly depicts the conditions of Nazi occupied Germany. The most intriguing thing of the movie was the true representation of aftermaths of Nazi's occupation in Germany and the feeling of German toward the trial and immaculate direction of Kramer made possible to convey these types of sentiment on cinema for the very first time. The cast was also fascinating with big names like Tracy and surely he did justice with his role as he was very compelling and humble as Judge Haywood. Maximilian Schell was at his best as a compassionate enthusiastic zealous and patriotic attorney to defend the dignity of Nation. He won best actor Oscar for his role. Montgomery Clift was also the one who made this movie special as he played a role of feeble minded sterile man who was nominated for best actor in supporting role though he only played for 9 min in the movie. Burt Lancaster gave one of the most extraordinary cinematic performances as Ernst Janning. This is one of those movies which provokes our mentality and also our morality and is a treat to watch.

Notorious (1946)

Alfred Hitchcock's trademark blends of love, betrayal and suspense!

[10/10 · 20 April 2006]

Notorious is one movie that do justice in every aspect .this movie grippes you from the start to the end .its a typical love story coated with extravagant specialty of Hitchcock's suspense and mystery but its for sure a mile high from Hitchcock's other triumphs , the script is magnificently written by Ben Hecht and the stardom cast really makes this movie something beyond legacy . Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant deliver one of the most prolific cinematic performances as Bergman was very much convincing as adorable young American agent and Grant was also exceptional. This movie is honored to be enlisted in criterion collection and is really a treat to watch for all but especially for Hitchcock fans!

Vertigo (1958)

Sensation of Vertigo is hard to overcome, really a masterpiece!

[10/10 · 19 April 2006]

This movie is a trademark specialty of Hitchcock. Again his movie hero (Jimmy Stewart) is not a normal person but is haunted by height phobia and is about to enter into the most bizarre experience of his life. As the name suggest the movie throttles your mind at its best. Due to nature of the script the movie is slow tempered from the first half but its sure that it will mesmerizes you. The most significant aspect of the movie is that it keeps you continuously in the whirlpool of tension and ambiguity .You never know how the movie will end and this is the best part! Jimmy Stewart is once more very much convincing and Kim Novak also delivers her best performance, and no words to adjudicate Alfred Hitchcock's immaculate direction .The movie is 10/10

Straw Dogs (1971)

American mathematician settles in the countryside of Middlesex with his wife where he faces most crucial phase of his life!

[10/10 · 9 April 2006]

After seeing this movie I was not the same person I used to be, yup this movie definitely put some impact on you really you can not resist its influence. One of the best work of Sam Peckinpah this movie deals with the true humanitarian phenomena, human nature for sexual orientation and needs and the most human seduction and temptation. This movie thrills you from the start to the end and the most magnificent aspect of the movie is its ambiguity and confusing nature of climax .Its truly nail biting and mind teasing movie .Dustin Hoffman portrayal of cowardice stricken husband was the most disturbing character ever played by any actor and the character of his stubborn, childish wife Amy was also performed outstandingly well by Susan George.

The most prolific part of this movie is its climax and its so confusing that even I cant make my mind clear (whether Amy reveals completely about her rape and does Hoffman leaves her at the end) In the end this movie deals with human psyche at its level best and its must seen movie at least for Sam Peckinpah fans

Spellbound (1945)

Dr. Murchison head of Green Manors mental hospital is retiring to be replaced by Dr. Edwards, a famous psychiatrist... and he is not happy about that!

[8 April 2006]

This movie is for sure one of the best directorial work from Hitchcock as he introduces his audience first time with amnesia .The story line is perfect for another mystical work from Hitchcock. Gregory Peck has been compelling as young Dr Edwards and he steels the heart of young Dr. Constance Petersen (Ingrid Bergman) Then the young Dr. Constance took the role of detective to prove her love innocent from the stigma of murder. There is no doubt that this movie is a treat to watch and it mesmerizes audiences till the end. This movie has been nominated for best picture Oscar and is also been added in criterion collection (shares the honor along with 39 Steps, and Notorious).

The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

A compelling story of a family trying to survive the hardship of great depression era.

[10/10 · 4 April 2006]

One of the best movies Hollywood ever produced and yes it's true that "The Grapes of Wrath" is one of those movies which don't loose their lust in many years. Released in 1940 and till now this movie is as fresh as it can be. John Ford directorial version of John Steinbeck's finest work really worth a watch.As from the release of the book "Grapes of Wrath" has been seiged with controversies as the book was banned in many states but the book is great proponent of hardship. This movie mesmerizes you from the start as the characters are indulged with true humanitarian instincts, you won't feel any thing irrelevant.Henry Fonda is very much compelling in the role of young Todd and Jane Darwell won best supporting actress in magnificent portrayal of Mama Todd. All the other cast was fine and convincing in their roles .John Ford won another best director award from this and its no doubt the best deserving from his other achievements .In the end it's a treat and you wont be able to forget its impact for a long time.

Maula Jat (1979)

violence violence violence(awful)be aware of it

[1/10 · 23 March 2006]

There is no word so violent, no phrase so full of anguish to describe this horrible and brutal movie of Pakistani cinema. the movie which was ought to set new standards for the edifice of our cinema, completely murders it. The movie is about fictional characters living in some rural area of Punjab with murder and violence on their mind. The movie has nothing to offer and is complete waste of time as it depiction is truly base on violence. The movie interprets the wrong side of our culture and is a great blob on our industry which can't be watch out. I was amazed to know that this movie set a new records for box office,till Churiyan broke the record .

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

A semi psycho is been send to mental state hospital for analysis and soon his outspoken tongue and contagious sense of disorder ness runs up against the freezing routine ..

[10/10 · 4 February 2006]

One of the most mind blowing spell bounding and tragic movie ever made. There is no exaggeration that One flew over cuckoo nest is one of the best movie Hollywood ever produced. As Kirk Douglas read the story and wasted no time in buying it He was so exhilarated from the story that he produced a play of One flew over cuckoo nest, but it didn't get that appreciation but it was his young son who fulfilled his dream of turning this story into movie after 9years .The stage was set and the project was given to not so famous Czech native director Milos Forman. The role of semi psychotic outspoken agitating Randle P Mcmurphy was given to Jack Nicholson. Personally I think no one could perform that role so perfectly than Jack had done. He was marvelous and outstanding and very much convincing .All the cast consisted of reputed actors as Danny Devito, Brad Dourif and Christopher Lloyds (debutant) as Jack's psychotic mates Nurse Ratched is considered most coldly monstrous villains in film history. Louise Fletcher intelligently acted as a soft spoken villainous nurse Ratched .No doubt that the movie kept you stimulating throughout and it's hard to forget the impression that it makes on your minds for a long time. One of its kind and must see movie…………. Won five major category Oscars including best picture, best actor, best actress, best director and best adopted screenplay. Second movie of its time to achieve this distinguished honor after "It happened one night" Silence of the lambs" is the third movie to be given this honor.

King Kong (2005)

25 feet gorilla falls for an actress and is been shifted from his isolated home (Skull Island) to New York During show he frees himself and is been killed brutally

[1 February 2006]

Before seeing King Kong I had an impression of Peter Jackson as a director who only knows how to create graphical movies which does not encompasses a great deal of room for acting. But when I saw King Kong I was thrilled and spell bounded as the movie has all the aspects (adventure, thrill, drama) in it. . As every body knows the story of the movie as it was first screened in 1933 and had lost all the lust in all these years and every body was anticipating what is going to happen and there was a tough task for director to make audiences fasten their seat belts till end and no doubt he has done that. Having a great deal of computer effects everything looks real. The most exceptional thing was Kong himself. No one can say it's a graphical ape as it looks so real .The Skull island is so beautifully created that one can feel the thrill of been there and the pre historic look in the dwellers of the island is beautifully created .The most stimulating scene of the movie was when three predators (dinosaurs) are behind Naomi Watts and gorilla comes for rescue .The whole sequel between gorilla and dinosaur is excellent .No one can ever imagine gorilla versus dinosaurs. Another brilliancy of Peter Jackson was Kong .The study behind creating 25 feet long gorilla was phenomenal and the expression and attitude created in him was exceptional .Andy Serkis (Kong) had done a great job. Naomi looked beautiful than ever and Jack Black was also OK. Adrein Brody was also OK as a play writer. The climax of the movie was heart throbbing when gorilla climbs the Empire State Building and bangs his chest standing on the top was real feast to watch and when he dies in the front of Naomi was real heart breaker and the agonized and painful expression given by the gorilla really made me sad. No doubt the movie worth's a watch on the big screen and is the best version of Kong ever made but the only disadvantage is that its too lengthy.