Inception Movie Review | The Critique

Rating: 5/5

Some movies are simply a big mind game with its audiences. Whatever they call such movies; Chris Nolan is a pioneer of that genre. Hugely acclaimed Memento and The Dark Knight’s maker raise the cinematic experience of his movies to a higher level. Inception in one word is awesome.

Inception is about dreams and a hypothetical theory that we can influence some one’s dreams (I hope its hypothetical). Dom (Leonardo) is one such manipulator. With his friends and aides he plays with dreams of people to earn money. Dom wants to return to his children but he cannot, as he is wanted in his country. He wants to live in present but his past echoes in his psyche. He gets an offer to insert a thought into some one’s mind and in lieu he everything will be arranged. How he does it is the crux of the movie. Will he be ever able to forget his past? Will he be able to return home? Will inception be successful?

Strolling brilliantly between the different levels of dreams during inception, direction, cinematography, concept and performances; everything falls into right places like a big jigsaw. You will be simply awestruck by the development of the inception theory and the way everything is arranged. The movie itself is a maze and you need to be hyper-alert o understand it fully. The story and the concept deserve a big round of applause.

Inception has some amazing scenes. One, Ariadne, the architect of dreams folds the city and then weaves the bridge out of nothing. The personal dream world of Dom. The car being chased in a particular level of dream. And the classic one; paradoxes. Leonardo, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Arthus and Ellen Page as Ariadne did justice to their roles but the delight of acting was provided by Ken Watanabe as the businessmen who gives the assignment. He was really good.

Watch this movie. Highly recommended… And get with an answer. There is a slight indirect reference to Citizen Kane (intentional of not; I don’t know). What is it?

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Last Few Days Before Its Over | Editor’s Pen

I have read it somewhere that if in three attempts, you are successful even a one-third time, you should consider yourself three-times lucky. I don't know how much of it did I grabbed out of it, I noted one thing for sure. Success depends on luck but bad-luck should not be allowed to deter you from your targets.


Some people not only believe, rather follow this rule pretty diligently. We believe in it...

Before I signoff, I remind you that voting for Uttkrishtt will close on 31st of July, evening. Vote. It’s your call after all...

Regards

Sujoy Ghosh

Pankaj Kapoor | Movie Career |Statesman

Pankaj Kapoor, one of the finest actors amongst the present lot of character actors. He can easily be put in the list right up there with Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri. Alas, he never got the same fame as the other two. Pankaj Kapoor is a qualified engineer, but his passion for films lead him to join National School of Drama.


6 years later, in 1982 he acted in his first movie 'Arohan'. In 1983 came 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro' which is the first movie that had him in a prominent role. Thereafter he starred in another comedy 'Chameli ki Shaadi' co-starring Anil Kapoor. Both films were critically acclaimed but Pankaj Kapoor had only minor roles in them.

In one of his lesser known works is 'Ek Ruka Hua Faisla'(1986) displays the caliber of his acting skills. It was adaptation of hollywood classic '12 Angry Men' with Pankaj Kapoor in a vital role.

Early 90's saw him starring in two important films 'Ek Doctor ki Maut' and 'Roja'. 'Ek Doctor ki Maut' was very highly acclaimed by critics and he won National Award for Best Actor. In 'Roja' he played Kashmiri Terrorist where he got to work with Mani Ratnam.

In 2003, just when most people had started to think that his career was over came 'Maqbool' with him reprising the role of Abbaji. Abbaji was modern take on Shekespeare's Macbeth. He played his role somewhat similar to Marlon Brando's role in Godfather. His performance is easily one of the best by any Indian actor in last 10 years.
Recently an interviewer asked him about his works in progress to which he replied "I am out of work". How such a great actor is out of work is beyond comprehension. This has been tragedy with him all through his career. His talent is under utilized. Hopefully he will keep giving us gems like Abbaji in coming future.
PS- He is directing his son Shahid Kapoor in upcoming film Mausam. Hope both father and son deliver a hit big time!!

Written By Ali Naqvi

Marley And Me | Flash Review

Marley is an uncontrollable dog who runs like hell and has energy of ten wild bison. Still, sweet Mr. and Mrs. Grogan tames him and soon he becomes a part of their life; literally inseparable. Marley And Me is a sweet beautiful movie about a dog and his masters that climaxes with his death and Mr. Grogan realizing that his journey with Marley make him understand what he wants in his life. Owen Wilson and Jen Aniston bring life into a story with their genuine performances. Watch it.

My Take: Rampal On Killing Spree In Rajneeti | Under Lens

Arjun Rampal is one of those few actors who are improving with every movie. In Rajneeti, he was really good in a few scenes. My take is the one in which he decides to kill corrupt cop in guesthouse. Considering Michael’s role in Godfather, it’s expected that Ranbeer would be killing him to take the revenge of that one tight slap. But, when I saw the rage in eyes of Arjun in that slap-scene; I realized that it’s going to be the other way this time. Sonny will go for the kill.

Now, cut to scene where Arjun comes to know about the whereabouts of the cop. He is infuriated and the image of his brother with injury on face comes to his mind, what else is expected from a hot blooded person like Prithvi. The character instantly decides to kill the cop as he promised his Uncle (Nana Patekar). His people gherao the guesthouse and he enters with a vicious grin and lyrics of a popular song of 90’s- ‘Kabhi Ankhiyan Ladaun…’ The cop is killed in cold blood and it is followed by murder of the women worker who changed her loyalty. Rampal simply lives the character with a high level of success.

Prakash Jha is a genius when we think about such scenes. It’s interesting to note that the way he created the character of Prithvi; it became the most memorable one in the lot. Samar has a greater parallel in Michael. For Prithvi… I need to think a lot.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Salman Khan: Amidst Troubles | Hammers High | Part 1

When Tere Naam was released, it was an instant blockbuster. Even today, masses love his movies. Salman is such a darling phenomenon. Industry loves him for his goodness. People watch his movies with great enthusiasm. They whistle for him and according to a poll, a majority believe that he is unnecessarily framed into cases just because he is a celebrity.

Why I started with Tere Naam. This blockbuster showcased a love story of a violent person who falls in love and in process gets ruined. Promos, tagline and songs along with the central theme of the story lead people believe that the movie was loosely based on his romance and after break-up woes with Aishwarya Rai. This was a wrong notion that brought public to theatre and a brilliant performance mesmerized them. Tere Naam had nothing to do with Salman-Aishwarya story.

During shooting of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Salman and Aishwarya came closer and were allegedly in a relation for some time. The relation suffered an end due to Salman's possessiveness and alleged harassment. However, even after breakup, both stars never spoke anything to explain that. So, most of the things in news can be considered to be inauthentic only. Interestingly, Viveik Oberoi (who claimed to be Ash's beau; something she never recognized on record) called up a press-conference and claimed that Salman constantly called him and verbally abused him. Salman kept mum on this issue. However, this didn't go well with other members of Bollywood fraternity and his career suffered a steep downfall.

Despite of his issues with Aishwarya, relation with Bachchan family has been cordial. That speaks volumes about him and his goodwill.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Raakh Movie Review | Critique

(shooting of Raakh)

Pankaj Kapoor, Aamir Khan and Santosh Sivan are icons today. The first one is a brilliant actor who can simply eat co-actors on screen like he chews carrot. The second one is one of the outstanding actors of our times who has established himself as a superstar. And the last name is of one of the finest cinematographers of this country. In 1989 they were just names.

In 1989, after stupendous success of Qyamat Se Qyamat Tak, Raakh was released. This was Aamir's second venture that flopped badly. However, like wine, it gained popularity over years and today is widely studied by students of cinema. Directed by Aditya Bhattacharya, son of Basu Bhattacharya, Raakh is an interesting movie and a must watch for cine-lovers.

Aamir (Aamir Khan) is a rich boy who loves a much mature girl, Neeta (Supriya Pathak). One night, a local goon rapes her. He witnesses that but is not able to do anything. He seeks help from a sub-inspector (Pankaj Kapoor) who has taken a stand against the goon in past. However, he is suspended. Now, what can he do? What will Aamir do? Will Neeta's wrongdoers meet their fate? Raakh symbolizes all the answers.

Raakh is not regular cinema. Its hard-hitting and deserves a standing applause. That time, in 1989, this movie might have failed to catch the imagination of masses. But, I guess this happens to every movie that tends to think beyond time. Doesn't it?

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Laws of attraction Movie Review | Critique

Rating-3/5 stars I recently caught up with the movie 'Laws of attraction' on TV, which i had frankly forgotten after i first saw it. I higly recommend this movie for - (1) The crackling chemistry of Pierce Brosnan and Julliane Moore. (2) A very likeable Non-James Bond movie starring Pierce Brosnan. The plot involves two competeting DIVORCE lawyers who are at loggerheads all the time. Brosnan's character has never lost a case , but on the surface he is very unorganised. Where as Julliane's character is upcoming divorce Lawyer.

They eventually land up representing opposite sides of a divorce case which involves philandering rockstar and his designer punk-inspired wife. They fight and shout at each each other on and off the court. It is in these parts that the chemistry is amazing, You can easily see that they are actually attracted to each other in a wild way. What comprises the rest of the story is indeed very catching.

Coming to performances, this is easily one of better performances of Pierce Brosnan, where he clearly prooves that he can very well play lovable, likable, romantic and unorganised characters other than his poker face performance as agent 007. Julliane Moore is as good as always. She is the one who breathes all the heat into the chemistry. Lovely performance to say the least.

One of the strong points of 'Laws of Attraction' is that all supporting characters also performed exceptionally. Julliane's Mom's chararcter has been played excellently well. So is the character of Rockstar and his Wife. Trust me if you have a liking for romantic comedies you will definetly like this one.

Written by Ali Naqvi

UTTKRISHTT 2010 : POLL FOR THE GREATEST HINDI MOVIES

VOTING CLOSED... THANKS FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION

RESULTS WILL BE DECLARED ON 16TH AUGUST EDITION

James Cameron Special | Editor's Pen

Once in a while, in every industry there comes a person who envision things so differently that his vision decides the direction of future of that industry. James Cameron is one of them.


TheReelMag is proud to present an exclusive edition on the gentleman. A director whose knowledge and vision are examples to follow, whose penchant to achieve perfection can be placed pretty close to Da Vinci and who is perceived as a person who saw the future of cinema quater a century back.

Uttkrishtt is doing not much good. We are expecting more votes from our readers. Please, find some time to vote for Hindi Cinema. Your little support and few minutes off your surfing time will mean a lot for us.

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Sujoy Ghosh

Insight into the Megalomaniac | Statesmen

Titanic $200 Million and Avatar $237 Million are considered to be two most expensive movies of all time. But just the adjective expensive is not sufficient. These two are opus magnum of not only the people involved but to a large extent Hollywood on a whole.
He is temperamental. His movies are over-budget. He tries too hard to be perfectionist. His movies are iconic. He is none other than James Cameron. The director of movies like Terminator 1 & 2, True Lies, Aliens and the two mentioned above, Cameron is known for his dedication and pursuit of excellence.

When you see a movie like Titanic, a great amount of special effects is involved. However, the ship is also real. Its no fake created in some Hollywood studio. The penchant for perfection made him wait for 12 years before coming out with Avatar. Another movie that marked a giant jump of technology in cinema.

When you see, a Cameron Movie, you see a work of art created by maniacal labor of a perfectionist for whom money is a factor but not a constraint. Currently, Cameron is exploring new vistas of 3-D technology he has pioneered over years. With Titanic in 3D to be released in 2012 marking centenary of the tragedy, a lot more is to come.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Titanic | Critique

When I think about this movie, two different aspects of this opus magnum come to my mind: first, the sweet love story and second, the exceptional special effects. I guess, a lot has been told about both. But, still I would like to talk about the story only. Special effect might have helped them earn big collections, but it was the love story that gave Titanic a cult status.

Rose is a high society girl engaged with a rich snob, Caledon. This relation is more to smooth out stressed financial conditions of her family. Then, a young guy who wins the ticket of Titanic in a game; enters her life. He is a third-class passenger of a free soul and this attracts Rose towards him. Both fall in love with each other much to the wrath of Caledon. Cliché... a big one. Rich girl in love with poor guy is one of the most repeated plot. Still, it worked. At this point the unsinkable Titanic crashes into an iceberg and starts sinking. Jack ensures that Rose is safe and dies in process. Another cliché. Again worked brilliantly. Clichés add up to make a brilliant though too-oft repeated story set in a period of 1910-1915 (exactly 1912) when the world was too orthodox. The background of failure of human intellect (as titanic sinks) and the foreground of success of human emotions (love between Rose and Jack) makes the experience mesmerizing.

Titanic would have not been such a success without two characters- Rose and Jack, and their immortal love. Kudos to the entire team for creating such an experience on celluloid.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Personal Battles | Hammers High

James Cameron, creator of extremely ambitious movies like Titanic, Aliens, Abyss, Titanic and Avatar, is known for his capabilities as director and scientific temperament. However, his obsession for perfection has earned some bad name as well.

Orson Scott Card worked with him during making of The Abyss and had a lot of negative feelings for him. He felt that Cameron was unnecessary cruel to people under him. This added no value to their performances and infact had negative impact. He could be more considerate and reap better output out of them. But he chose to be selfish and cruel.

Kate Winslet, his lead actress in Titanic, also criticized him for his hot temper though remarked that he is generally a nice person. She has allegedly decided that she won't work with him ever unless the offer is very lucrative financially. His temper is really an issue for people around him on sets.

Many legends are attributed to Cameron. Example: he uses nail-guns to nail mobile phones that buzz on set. Well, most of such stories are blown out of proportion making him look like a devil. However, the underlying fact is that James Cameron is an extremely dedicated movie maker with some whims and issues, who know his trade well and nobody can point a finger on that. Period.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Kathryn Bigelow and James Cameroon | Cine Talk

Year 2010 Oscars witnessed an amazing co-incidence. Avatar and Hurt Locker were leading the race of Best Movie category. The directors were also in a battle of Best Director award. But this was not the co-incidence. The co-incidence was that the competitors were ex-spouses. Yes. They were ex-spouses.

Well, Agony Aunts may dream of bitching and cat-fights, James Cameron and his third wife Kathryn Bigelow maintain a very amiable and friendly relationship. Under patronage of Cameron, Bigelow honed her skills and the divorce that ended their two years married life in '91 didn't hamper their friendship. A beautiful relationship that flourished over hard times.

Cameron expressed his happiness when Bigelow was awarded the Oscar as he always believed in her capabilities and finally her capabilities got its due. Quite a sport, Cameron and Bigelow are examples to look up to.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Amazing Cameron | Mighty Six | Cine Talk

1) As young Cameron did odd jobs like that of a truck driver and miniature model maker.

2) Cameron was a co-founder and former CEO of Digital Domain. It is a visual effects technology company.

3) Basic script of Avatar was written in 1995 but he waited as technology was inferior at that time.

4) He tend to repeat his actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton, William Wisher Jr. etc.

5) Will be making a 3D movie with group Black Eyed Peas. Sequel of Avatar is also in pipeline.

6) Married five times and had fathered four children.

Terminator 2 – The Judgment Day | Flash Review

T2 escalated the level of The Terminator. Set in 1995, eleven years after the first episode, Skynet (in future) sends an advanced cyborg T1000 to kill Sara (the mother) and John (the resistance fighter of future). John (in future) sends a reprogrammed cyborg T800 to save his past-self and mother. The battle starts and ends with T800 beating an advanced T1000. The action is alluring and the movie simply immortalized director James Cameron in the pages of Cinema.

The Terminator | Flash Review

Terminator is a sci-fi movie of 80's that became a milestone in its genre. An AI network of future, Skynet, sends a cyborg to kill a woman who is going to mother (Sara) the son (John) who will fight Skynet. Son, in future, sends a resistance fighter to save his mother. The battle begins. Terminator is a brilliant movie not only by the standard of 80's but even by that of today. Must watch.