The Good Shepherd | The Critique

First thing a viewer should know about this directorial venture of Robert De Niro is that it is not a conventional spy movie. It’s a biopic of a fictional character build around real men and real incidents. It might not give you the thrills, it is closest you can go to life of a real spy. With Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Robert De Niro, William Hurt, Alec Baldwin and Joe Pesci - The Good Shepherd presents an impressive ensemble of actors.

 

Movie is about life of a spy - Edward - and how he progresses in his career. In a pre-World War - II era, Edward is asked to spy on his professor. His knack for spying is noted and he is given a bigger assignment. On personal front, he struggles through a muddle relationships and marries a girl under special circumstances. After initial jerks, he establishes himself. However, his professional life has a haunting shadow on his personal life. How does he survives and rise through the ranks is the impressive story of Edward Wilson played by Matt Damon.

 

Story is interesting however due to lack of drama often fail to keep audience interested. It is one of those movie which could have been great. Actors have done a good job, especially Damon, but the script failed them. Too much is added and in the end the biblical reference used fails to make any impact. A great opportunity thus wasted too some extent. In short, you might like it as a one-time watch but it will hardly have any mark on your memory. Watch it if you want to know how CIA and other spy agency works. Avoid if you want to see a Jason Bourne.

 

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Ocean Thus Stole| Cine Talk

When you talk about movies that aim at one big steal with a team- a proper heist film, one name can’t escape your mind. Yes, Ocean’s Series. When you think of the movie, one face can’t escape your mind. Yes, George Clooney as Danny Ocean. Well, about 50 years ago, in 1960, Frank Sinatra donned the role of Danny Ocean in the original Ocean’s 11. 2001 blockbuster was a remake of the original and it followed with almost equally successful sequels Ocean’s 12 and Ocean’s 13.

Ocean’s 11 (both 1960 and 2001 editions) saw Ocean forming a group of 11 professionals and robbing casinos in Las Vegas. In content the remake was very close to the original. Propelled by the success of 2001’s Ocean’s 11 (earnings over $450 million), the makers decide to follow up with sequel Ocean’s 12. Ocean’s 12 saw another heist to escape from clutches of Terry Benedict (a character form prequel). It was not as big hit as its prequel, but still fared very well on box office prompting another sequel Ocean’s 13. It was also a big hit but since the revenues fell short of expectations, in all probabilities, there won’t be another sequel. This trilogy boasts of stars like Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Andy Garcia and Al Pacino. 

Ocean’s 11 (1960) has a cult status in this genre. It is still considered to be one of the perfect torch-bearers of this genre. The story telling in this movie set a bench mark and inspired many movie makers since then. Quentin Tarantino who made Reservoir Dogs was heavily inspired by this movie and shades are easily visible.

What make Ocean’s Series and the original so popular? First, experts join hands to do something that seems to be next to impossible. These experts have issues and they need to sort them as well. Second, the way of presentation is extremely high paced making you so involved that you don’t even care to raise your bum to fart. You simply watch with eyes, ears and brain open. Third, some good performances. Frank Sinatra portrayal of Danny Ocean is simply legendary. Similarly, charming Clooney puts a decent show…  Four… there are innumerous reasons to fall in love with Ocean and his gang… Just watch it.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh