Age of Kill (2015)

 A black ops sniper is blackmailed by a psychotic international terrorist into killing 6 unrelated people in 6 hours... but there is more to the victims than meets the eye.

Director: Neil Jones
Writer: Simon Cluett
Stars: Martin Kemp, Patrick Bergin, April Pearson | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

A black ops sniper is blackmailed by a psychotic international terrorist into killing 6 unrelated people in 6 hours... but there is more to the victims than meets the eye.
 

Movie Reviews

Well, I have now seen the film so its time to share my thoughts with you about the film.

I've seen many 'reviews' and quotes that are comparing the film to a movie version of the Kiefer Sutherland series '24' and whilst I can kinda see that being applicable. Age Of Kill is Age Of Kill. yes it does have a military man Sam Blake (played by Martin Kemp) whose daughter (played by Dani Dyer) is snatched to be used as a blackmail tool against Sam Blake. Its not set in real time. Isn't 18 and a half hours long (that's how long 24 was without adverts) and isn't an insane over the top super agent action series. (By the way I'm a huge fan of '24')

Age Of Kill is an hour and a half journey into Sam Blake's life, as well as that of his past and his present. Himself and his family. The action set pieces work well with no issue. Gun battles, explosions and such like do exactly what they need to do and what they promise to do. Martin Kemp is on form as more action star than some roles he has previously done and I can see him with a future in the action genre. Martin Kemp has always been a watchable, charismatic guy from his early days, and even when watching him on television being interviewed, He is always someone you find interesting to listen to. So its with no shock that his scenes in Age Of Kill are of course - watchable and engaging.

For me the highlights of the film though are easily the scenes he shares with some of the other cast. When Martin Kemp and Phil Davis share the screen, they are wonderful and you do want to see more of that. More so with the scenes involving Martin Kemp and Dani Dyer which just has wonderful chemistry to it, and once again, l wanted to see the scenes play out longer and see Dani in more scenes. She has a fantastic future ahead in film and shes definitely an actress to keep an eye on.

But those aren't complaints against the film or the story. I cant fault a film for not including more scenes, that's just a preference. All praise goes to the cast, and of course to writer Simon Cluett for creating this world of Sam Blake, and Director Neil Jones for putting these characters together for us, the viewer. Does Age Of Kill give us anything totally unique that we haven't seen before in film. No, but it doesn't try to.

It gives us an hour and a half of entertainment with a great cast. That's what I need from a film and a story. One that engages me with characters that I enjoy watching. Job well done. There is a plot line involving somewhat radical politicians which did feel like the sort of storyline that I have seen in several other films of late and which did sort of feel a little out of place in Age Of Kill, but putting that small detail aside. I really enjoyed Age Of Kill and look forward to not only the next film that Neil Jones directs, but also other scripts created by Mr Simon Cluett.(Bonded by Blood 2)

 

Categories: Age of Kill (2015)

The Sunshine Boys (I) (1975)

 A vaudeville duo agree to reunite for a TV special, but it turns out that they can't stand each other.

Director: Herbert Ross
Writer: Neil Simon (screenplay)
Stars: Walter Matthau, George Burns, Richard Benjamin | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

Lewis and Clark were famous comedians during the vaudeville era; off-stage, though, they couldn't stand each other and haven't spoken in over 20 years. Ben, Willy Clark's nephew, is the producer of a variety show that wants to feature a reunion of the classic duo. How will Ben convince the crotchety old comedians to put aside their differences before the big show?

Movie Reviews

Superb version of the early 1970's comedy by Neil Simon about two aging comics, who hate each other, who try to patch up their relationship for a comedy tribute. Matthau is right on, but it's Burns who steals scene after scene. Just watching all that talent makes the picture! Richard Benjamin is also very good as Matthau's agent and nephew. Keep an eye out for F. Murray Abraham and Howard Hessemen.

Categories: The Sunshine Boys (I) (1975)

The Good Lie (2014)

 A group of Sudanese refugees given the chance to resettle in America arrive in Kansas City, Missouri, where their encounter with an employment agency counselor forever changes all of their lives.

Director: Philippe Falardeau
Writer: Margaret Nagle
Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Arnold Oceng, Ger Duany | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

Four Sudanese children are orphaned after their village is massacred in the Second Sudanese Civil War. Consequently, they make an arduous and dangerous trek through the plains, enduring hardship, death and sacrifice all the way until they reach safety in a refugee camp in Ethiopia. Years later, these youths are among 3600 selected for resettlement in America, only to have the one girl among them sent to Boston, while the three boys must to make a new life in Kansas City. Together, these young men must adjust to an alien culture even as the emotional baggage of their past haunts them. However, these newcomers, and their new friends like employment counselor Carrie Davis, strive to understand each other in this new home, as they make peace with their histories in a challenge that will change all their lives.

Movie Reviews

This movie had so much potential, but a series of stereotypes ruined it. When one of the characters says, "I heard something new today. It's called a joke" I rolled my eye for the 100th time (because of course they don't have jokes in Africa). Or "they won't care; they're from Africa!" I'm pretty sure that whoever wrote the screenplay googled "African Stereotypes," and worked it into the script. If you can get past this nonsense, the story is pretty good. You get to see how difficult it may be for someone to try and acclimate to a new culture. I also think Reese Witherspoon has come a long way from her Legally Blonde days and has been embracing these more complex roles!

Categories: The Good Lie (2014)

Another Thin Man (1939)

 An explosives manufacturer suspects a young man is out to kill him. He calls in Nick and Nora (with new baby) to sort things out.

Director: W.S. Van Dyke (as W.S. Van Dyke II)
Writers: Frances Goodrich (screen play), Albert Hackett (screen play), 2 more credits »
Stars: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Virginia Grey | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

In this adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's "The Farewell Murder", Nick and Nora (and their dog Asta) visit the estate of Col. MacFay, who is being threatened by a mysterious man wanting revenge for a past injustice. When MacFay is murdered, that man is the obvious suspect- maybe too obvious...

Movie Reviews

This is my favorite of the Thin Man series, although Shadow of the Thin Man and the original Thin Man are also very good. This is the only one of the sequels that uses a story from Dashiell Hammett. The story isn't quite as complicated as the original, which is why I liked it more than the original. This movie is what movies should be. It is built around characters and a story, something that is lacking in many of today's films. William Powell and Myrna Loy have a magical chemistry that could not have been manufactured by some studio executive. Although Nick is the detective, Nora and Asta provide invaluable assistance along with plenty of laughs. No matter how many times I see these movies, I still think they are funny. Don't wait for these movies to show up on television, because they rarely do. Don't waste your money renting them, because you will want to see them again and again. I bought the whole set, and while I can't really recommend the Song of the Thin Man or the Thin Man Goes Home, the others are all really good and Another Thin Man would be the one I would choose as my very favorite!

Categories: Another Thin Man (1939)

After the Thin Man(1936)

 Nick investigates the case of a missing man and later a murder that is connected to Nora's family.

Director: W.S. Van Dyke
Writers: Frances Goodrich (screen play), Albert Hackett (screen play), 1 more credit »
Stars: William Powell, Myrna Loy, James Stewart | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

Now back in San Francisco after their holiday in New York, Nick and Nora find themselves trying to solve another mystery. It's New Year's Eve and they are summoned to dinner at Nora's elderly, and very aristocratic, family. There they find that cousin Selma's husband Robert has been missing for three days. Nick reluctantly agrees to look for him but the case takes a twist when Robert is shot and Selma is accused of murder. Several other murders occur but eventually Nick gathers everyone into the same room to reveal the identity of the killer.

Movie Reviews

Alluding to her 1950s screen personna, Oscar Levant once wisecracked about Doris Day: "Hey, I knew her BEFORE she was a virgin!" Well, no, Ms. Day isn't in this film, but one of the (many) treats offered up by "After The Thin Man" is a chance to get to know James Stewart BEFORE he was James Stewart. Appearing here in a supporting role, he gets to show off some acting chops he didn't always get a chance to display in his later career.

Add to the mix a topnotch screenplay, the chemistry between William Powell and Myrna Loy that is so strong you find yourself believing that only a week has lapsed since their previous outing (rather than two years), at least one sight gag worthy of Groucho Marx (Nick when he and Nora go to visit her stuffed-shirt relatives), and -- oh, yes -- some vintage location footage shot in San Francisco back in the days when "the city that knows how" still knew. (Yep, that really is the old 3rd and Townsend depot, and yes, as a matter of fact, that really is Lotta's Fountain on lower Market Street, and how about that driveway leading up to their palatial home, complete with the breathtaking view? None other than the approach to Coit Tower!)

If the storyline's a bit thinner than the original, the fun is no less. The madcap drinking (sheesh!) and the razor-sharp banter continue on their merry way. As do Nick and Nora. And oh, yes, not that it probably matters that much, but there is a mystery and it does get solved.

Categories: After the Thin Man(1936)

Song of the Thin Man (1947)

 Nick, Nora, and Nick Jr. investigate the murder of a band leader in New York.

Director: Edward Buzzell
Writers: Steve Fisher (screen play), Nat Perrin (screen play), 4 more credits »
Stars: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Keenan Wynn | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

Nick and Nora Charles are asked by Phil Brant and Janet Thayar, who have just eloped, to help them after band leader Tommy Drake is killed at a society dance which Nick and Nora also attended. The police are looking to arrest Brant for the murder and while he claims he's innocent, Nick isn't too keen on having him in the house and turns him over to the police. As they look into the case, Nick and Nora learn that Drake wasn't very well liked and there are actually several people who benefited from his death. Drake owed money to loan shark Al Amboy, and Janet's father disliked Brant and may have set him up. Drake's girlfriend may have been having a fling with clarinetist Buddy Hollis, and he and Drake had a fist fight on stage during the festivities. Nick arranges for another party on the same boat where Nora notices something quite peculiar about one of the guest's jewelry.

Movie Reviews

For the past year, I have looked towards each new instalment of the 'Thin Man' adventures with great enthusiasm. The original film, released in 1934, took me completely by surprise, a hard-boiled detective story that turned out of be a remarkably witty mystery/comedy, with William Powell and Myrna Loy as a husband-and-wife detective team who never fail to solve even the most baffling of murders. Though 'The Thin Man (1934),' followed closely by 'After The Thin Man (1936),' are undoubtedly the best of the lot, what struck me most is how incredibly consistent the series has proved to be, never anything less than entertaining despite consisting of an epic six films released over a thirteen-year period. 'Song of the Thin Man (1947)' is the sixth and final film, and, though regrettably the least of the series, the comedy still packs a punch when it is required, and the chemistry between Powell and Loy shows no sign of slowing down, despite the pair noticeably beginning to show their respective ages (Powell was 55 years of age, and Loy was 42).

'Song of the Thin Man' sees Nick and Nora Charles semi-retired from detective work, caring for their growing son Nick Charles, Jr. (played by a young Dean Stockwell). There is a clever and amusing scene near the beginning of the scene when Nora orders her husband to spank young Nicky, as punishment for trying to escape piano lessons in favour of baseball. As a reluctant Nick, Sr. tries to assemble his courage, he imagines memories of young Nicky being born and growing up, reinforcing his unwillingness to punish the boy. However, after recollecting the moment when he crashed a bicycle to Nicky's great amusement, Nick unleashes a wallop of beatings that would undoubtedly have left the boy with an aching behind had he not mischievously hidden a baseball glove in his trousers. Asta the dog remains a prominent character in the film, though noticeably played by a different canine actor {the original Asta, a.k.a. Skippy, seemingly retired after 'The Thin Man Goes Home (1944)'}.

This time around, Nick and Nora decide to investigate the mysterious murder of Tommy Drake (Phillip Reed), an unpopular jazz band-leader. In order to fully understand the motives and identity of the killer, the pair must descend into the ultra-hip world of jazz musicians, led by an enthusiastic guide in Clarence "Clinker" Krause (Keenan Wynn), who makes a perfect comedic sidekick. Though the ending of the film, particularly the revalation, is disappointingly weak, 'Song of the Thin Man' mostly stays true to the tried-and-tested formula of the previous films, producing a solid and entertaining murder mystery with no great shortage of amusing wise-cracks. Now that I've completed Nick and Nora's adventures, I can now rank the films as such: 1) The Thin Man; 2) After the Thin Man; 3) Shadow of the Thin Man; 4) The Thin Man Goes Home; 5) Another Thin Man; 6) Song of the Thin Man… So help yourself to another martini, and then enjoy the entire series again!

Categories: Song of the Thin Man (1947)

The Thin Man Goes Home (1945)

 Nick and Nora go on holiday, and end up involved in a murder.

Director: Richard Thorpe
Writers: Robert Riskin (screen play), Dwight Taylor (screen play), 3 more credits »
Stars: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Lucile Watson | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

Nick and Nora head to Nick's hometown of Sycamore Springs to spend some time with his parents. His father, a prominent local physician, was always a bit disappointed with Nick's choice of profession in particular and his lifestyle in general. With Nick's arrival however the towns folk, including several of the local criminal element, are convinced that he must be there on a case despite his protestations that he's just there for rest and relaxation. When someone is shot dead on his doorstep however, Nick finds himself working on a case whether he wants to or not.

Movie Reviews

Everybody has at least one skeleton in their closet, and Nick Charles is the man who can bring them out into the daylight. The fifth film in the excellent 'Thin Man' series sees our favourite married detectives, Nick and Nora Charles (William Powell and Myrna Loy), visiting Nick's parents in the small town of Sycamore Springs, a sleepy locale where everybody knows everybody and crime is practically non-existent… or so they thought! The famous detective's arrival is greeted with a wave of controversy, despite his own insistence that the visit is merely a quiet vacation. With everybody under the impression that Nick is investigating an important case, long-forgotten skeletons begin to emerge from their hiding-places, a young artist is shot dead on the doorstep and an ordinary-looking painting of a windmill becomes a vital clue in identifying his murderer.

'The Thin Man Goes Home' was the first film in the series not directed by W.S. Van Dyke, after he committed suicide in February 1943. Nonetheless, Richard Thorpe does a good job of recreating the mystery and good humour of the previous instalments, working off a script from Robert Riskin, Harry Kurnitz and Dwight Taylor. There are also a few notable adjustments to the usual formula: the action takes place in a small town rather than the city, and Nick Charles has gone completely teetotal {no doubt a consequence of the WWII liquor rationing}. Aside from obviously solving the mystery and apprehending the killer, the film has another important sub-plot concerning Nick and his disapproving father. Nora makes it her goal to convince Dr. Charles (Harry Davenport) that his son is, indeed, a detective genius, and fuels the rumours – in a not-so-subtle fashion – that he is here on a case. However, his father won't believe that Nick has gone off drinking, and various unfortunate moments of bad-timing do little to prove him otherwise.

Of course, the main reason we watch 'The Thin Man' movies is to enjoy the witty banter and playful rivalry between husband and wife, and a lot of it is still here, even if it takes a back-seat to the murder mystery itself. Just like the audience, Nora believes that she understands Nick's mystery-solving tactics to the letter, and she enthusiastically narrates his technique to the attentive Dr. Charles, occasionally tossing in her own opinion of the identity of the killer. Of course, she's almost always wrong. This mystery is a muddled affair, with seemingly everyone guilty for at least something, but it's the killer's name that proves a real surprise.

Categories: The Thin Man Goes Home (1945)

Grey Owl (1999)

 The story of the life and work of the Canadian fur trapper-turned-conservationist who claimed to be an aboriginal North American.

Director: Richard Attenborough
Writer: William Nicholson (screenplay)
Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Stewart Bick, Vlasta Vrana | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

Archie Grey Owl is a trapper in Canada in the early 1930s when a young Iroquois woman from town asks him to teach her Indian ways. They live in the woods, where she is appalled at how trapped animals die. She adopts two orphaned beaver kits and helps Archie see his way to stop trapping. Instead, he works as a guide, a naturalist writer, and then the Canadian government hires him to save the beaver in a conserve by Lake Ajawaan in Prince Albert National Park. He writes a biography, which brings him attention in Canada and invitations to lecture in England. Before he leaves, he and Anahareo (Pony) marry. In England, his secret is revealed. Will Anahareo continue to love him?

Movie Reviews

Richard Attenborough who already given us magnific films as "A Chorus Line" and "Gandhi", once more surprise us making a beautiful hymn to the Nature. Indeed, the vast and (in that time) unexplored territory of Canada helps to compose the stunning beauty of the landscapes picked up by the motion picture camera. If the movie is really based on a true story, once more becomes evidente that "men of vision" are, in truth, men that lives beyond their time, with a historical perspective that only the Time will give them reason. The cinematography is magnificient, such as the cast lead by Pierce Brosnan, whose performance is due to Attenborough's master hands. A pleasing surprise is the appearance of Annie Galipeau in the role of Archie's beloved. Movie that must appears in a list of those who really loves the Nature...

Categories: Grey Owl (1999)

Instinct (1999)

 When a noted anthropologist who left society to live in the jungle is imprisoned for murder, it's up to a young psychiatrist to get through to him.

Director: Jon Turteltaub
Writers: Gerald Di Pego (screenplay) (as Gerald DiPego) , Gerald Di Pego (screen story) (as Gerald DiPego) , 1 more credit »
Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Cuba Gooding Jr., Donald Sutherland | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

Nearly two years after having gone amiss in Africa, renowned anthropologist Dr. Ethan Powell is caught committing a crime and subsequently imprisoned in a Florida mental institution, where aspiring psychiatrist Dr. Theo Calder takes over his important case. Dr. Powell, who has been with a group of gorillas during all that time, is not talking at all and seems to be living in a dreamworld. Very slowly, Dr. Calder manages to reach Ethan Powell and starts finding out why Ethan killed two of the poachers. Yet Theo's case is not just about why the murders have happened, but also about how Dr. Powell became the being he is in the first place. With Ethan's silence broken, Theo is introduced into a world beyond common human comprehension: The true nature of being. He learns that mankind's control of everything is a mere illusion and that the true values of existence can't be found so easily. Ethan changes Theo's view of things forever.

Movie Reviews

This is another great movie that the critics overlooked. This is getting old! Sure, all the crap is getting praised while movie of this caliber aren't even given a second thought. This was an excellent movie, I mean it was really good! This shouldn't have gotten the boot so fast. Oh well, what are ya gonna do?

Anthony Hopkins, once again, gave an outstanding performance as Ethan Powell, and especially Cuba Gooding Junior, who I thought gave his best performance in this movie.

It's a great movie, it's not really violent, there's a little to keep the viewer on his/her feet, but nothing to leave the room about. The performances by Anthony Hopkins, Cuba Gooding, Donald Sutherland, and Maura Tierney (who I especially liked) is reason enough to watch this, but the plot is also a very good reason to check this one out. 10/10

Categories: Instinct (1999)

Standby (I) (2014)

 Twenty-something Alan (Gleeson) is down on his luck. Stood up at the altar and recently fired from his banking job, he finds himself working with his mother as a part-time tourist advisor ... See full summary »

Directors: Rob Burke, Ronan Burke
Writer: Pierce Ryan
Stars: Jessica Paré, Brian Gleeson, Stanley Townsend | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

Twenty-something Alan (Gleeson) is down on his luck. Stood up at the altar and recently fired from his banking job, he finds himself working with his mother as a part-time tourist advisor at Dublin Airport. It's there he comes face to face with first love Alice (Paré), stuck on standby for a flight home to New York. Their summer romance ended eight years previously with Alan promising to return to the US one day. He never did, and they haven't spoken since. Seizing his chance, Alan convinces a reluctant Alice to stay one more night in Dublin. Over the course of an unforgettable evening, they may just realise that they are more compatible than ever. But time is running out on this brief encounter. When does an unexpected second chance, become the one you've always been looking for?

Movie Reviews

Alan is at a bit of a low point in his life. He was jilted at the altar, he works in Tourist Information at Dublin Airport – with his mum

• and he still lives with his divorced father. He is in a band that is

so unsuccessful that they are considering giving up music altogether and just being a Weddings band.

Then on Valentine's Day a beautiful American rocks up to his desk looking for a hotel as her flight to the Big Apple has been held up and she is now on a stand by for the next flight home. He has always held a soft spot for her and so chances his arm and invites her out for a 'night to remember' in the fair city of Dublin.

Now this ticks all the boxes in terms of plot ingredients and we have a very inclusive night of entertainment with as much thrown into the mix as is humanly possible- to say what that is though would spoil all the surprises. There are quite a few laughs here but some are a tad too bleedin' obvious and haters of stereo types will point at the far too many on show here making this a bit of a cliché central. However, it is still a really nice film and Brian Gleeson (son of Brendan) is really likable as the down at luck Alan. His muse in the shape of Jessica Pare ('Mad Men') is both enchanting and vulnerable in equal measure. I really like Dublin and as a backdrop it works really well, but this keeps itself firmly in the realm of rom com, so if you like that you will not be disappointed; if you yearn for gritty realism and despise clichés then do not even consider this one – I for one quite enjoyed it.

Categories: Standby (I) (2014)

Biggles: Adventures in Time (1986)

 Daring British WWI fighter pilot James "Biggles" Bigglesworth and 1980s low-level business executive Jim Ferguson discover that they can time travel to each other's eras. They try to stop the Germans from changing the outcome of WWI.

Director: John Hough
Writers: W.E. Johns (characters) (as Capt. W.E. Johns) , John Groves (screenplay), 1 more credit »
Stars: Neil Dickson, Alex Hyde-White, Fiona Hutchison | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

One minute the New Yorker advertising expert Jim Ferguson is at a business party -- the next he finds himself way back in 1917 in a plane fight during World War I. Mr. Raymond explains to him that he has a time-twin, to whom he's relocated in space and time whenever one of them is in trouble. So he has to help his twin, biplane pilot Biggles, in his attempt to destroy a German super weapon, that could win their war. Of course it's hard for Jim to explain his sudden disappearances to his fiance, Debbie.

Movie Reviews

This is a great movie. It might be silly and simplistic, but I will always be fond of this movie. The story is great, the special effects are good for the time, the soundtrack matches the mood of the movie perfectly. It is funny and it is a great example of a science fiction/action movie. Perhaps you would get the best impression of this movie if you first see it at a young age... it is really a lot like a sci-fi fairy tale.

Categories: Biggles: Adventures in Time (1986)

The Gunman (2015)

 A sniper on a mercenary assassination team, kills the minister of mines of the Congo. Terrier's successful kill shot forces him into hiding. Returning to the Congo years later, he becomes the target of a hit squad himself.

Director: Pierre Morel
Writers: Jean-Patrick Manchette (novel), Don MacPherson (screenplay), 2 more credits »
Stars: Sean Penn, Idris Elba, Jasmine Trinca | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

A sniper on a mercenary assassination team, working for an unknown client, kills the minister of mines of the Congo. Terrier's (Sean Penn's) successful kill shot forces him to go into hiding to protect himself and the members of the team from retribution. This includes abruptly abandoning his girlfriend who has no idea what is going on. The assassination, paid for by a foreign mining company, triggers wide spread chaos and death in an already inflamed Congo. Terrier returns to the Congo years later working for an NGO, but eventually finds himself to be the target of a paid hit squad somehow connected to the ministers assassination. This leads to immediate deaths and the endangerment of the people working around him, and forces him back into hiding. In trying to discover who has put a price on his head, he begins to reconnect to the members of his old assassination team, including his old girlfriend. Always aware there is no path to redemption for his crimes, he is also periodically ...

Movie Reviews

Boring, predictable and not much to see. Penn, comes across as an old guy who would be very unlikely to pull off 1/2 of the movies plot. Very disappointed. If you nothing else to do and feel like throwing your money away, you might consider seeing it. Just another rehashed shoot um up bang bang special effects looser. How many times are they going to take the same plot, add different names and characters and call it a new movie? The same plot has been done to death. No creativity here folks, move on to something else. The cast ties their best, but there isn't much to work with here. I would have preferred to stay home and get some rest.

Categories: The Gunman (2015)

Delhi 6 (2009)

 A story about love, hope and self-discovery set in the walled city of Delhi (zip code 6) and its chaotic but touching life that forces us to ask questions about ourselves.

Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (as Rakesh Omprakash Mehra)
Writers: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (story) (as Rakesh Omprakash Mehra) , Prasoon Joshi (story), 1 more credit »
Stars: Waheeda Rehman, Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor | See full cast and crew »

Storyline

U.S.-based Roshan Mehra's mother, Fatima, is Muslim, while his dad is Hindu. When his ailing grandmother, Annapurna, wants to re-locate to Delhi to spend her last days, he accompanies her. Upon arrival, they are greeted by Ali Beg, who wanted to marry Fatima, but was not able to disclose his feelings to her. He also gets to meet the Sharma family, who hope that he will wed Rama, the daughter of Madan, who is busy looking for a groom for his other rather rebellious daughter, Bittu, who wants to be the next Indian Idol. He also gets to meet assorted Muslim and Hindus, who welcome him with open arms, and he gets to witness that lower caste Indians are still being shunned despite of modern technology and the launching of satellites. When reports of a Kala Bandhar terrorizing the community increases, Hindus start to suspect that it may be a Muslim terrorist, while the Muslims fear that it may be a Hindu political ploy to demolish a mosque.

Movie Reviews

Abhishek Bachchan's character Roshan made a remark relatively early in the movie that made me laugh out loud. While watching a stage play, and not totally well versed in the history nor story, he commented that it was the one about a "golden deer", and to a certain extent, it was true, but of course totally taken out of context. It reminded me of a personal anecdote many years ago, where a Caucasian couple was standing next to me and watching a lion dance performance. Not knowing what they were, the wife asked the husband, who proudly replied "They're dogs, but they're good dogs!". I was chuckling too hard inside to want to enlighten them.

And personal stories of life is what Delhi 6 contains, being reportedly somewhat semi- autobiographical of director-co-writer Rakesh Omprakash Mehra's growing up years in Delhi. The film is set against the backdrop of Old Delhi with the postal code of 110006, hence the title, and for the wide-eyed boy like me who has never been to India (yet), it's quite an eye opener that the film captures plenty of the sights, sounds, food and you can imagine the smells, as seen through the eyes of Abhishek's Roshan.

An American citizen, he volunteers to accompany his aged grandmother (Waheeda Rehman) back to her hometown in Delhi 6 out of duty and curiosity as to hie ancestry, and for the first half, he's floored by plenty of new experiences formed from interaction with his extended family and friends of his parents and grandparents. From starting out wondering why his grandmother would want to pass away in Delhi 6, he soon realizes that it's the community spirit that is so strong within the town, that he too fell head over heels with it. And of course, getting to know the neighbouring beauty Bittu (Sonam Kapoor) helped too, even though it got off the wrong footing to begin with.

This is Rakesh Omprakash Mehra's ode to Old Delhi, filled with plenty of montage, with special effects no less, squeezing all things memorable that he had to say and pay homage to, on all things quirky like the community stage plays, superstition and rites, and down to the negatives like the rampant corruption of those in uniform, as well as the inane media news reporting and the caste issue, as seen through the eyes of an NRI - Non Resident Indian.

While the first half may be more touristy in spirit, with the filmmakers opting to showcase plenty of romanticized shots of streets and everyday life courtesy of Roshan's Motorola mobile phone, the tone of the film got more serious after the intermission, exploring base feelings, primal instincts and intolerant mob mentality coupled with sectarian violence. From the onset there's a kind of supernatural/mystery feel to the narrative with the strange hypothesis and theories of a "Black Monkey" being in the midst of and terrorizing residents, and surprisingly I actually appreciated how this angle was eventually treated and wrapped.

Sonam Kapoor had her debut in the feature Saawariya which I had enjoyed but unfortunately many didn't and the film tanked at the box office. While Saawariya co-star Ranbir Kapoor had already gone on to make his second film Bachna Ae Haseeno released last year, Delhi 6 marks the second film for Sonam, and I felt that while the role here didn't give her many opportunities to shine, given that it's the usual small town girl with big dreams, and very much more modern than the culture and tradition she is brought up in, again she lights up the screen with plenty of genuine vivaciousness that it actually became quite infectious for you not to fall in love with the character. Like the pet dove, her Bittu too has her wings clipped and tied by the father, preventing her from soaring to fulfill her dreams of becoming an Indian Idol. John Woo would've wondered why he didn't think of a dove-inspired dance!

While Sonam Kapoor was the first choice as the lead actress, surprisingly the lead actor role was bounced around and rejected by many, before Abhishek Bachchan gave the nod. I thought he brought out the role of Roshan quite convincingly, and his ability to single- handedly journey the viewer and navigate the new land was never doubted, bringing his big town tendencies to a small town he doesn't quite understand. And as bonus, no prizes for who was featured as an additional lending of gravitas to the film.

I particularly liked how the film inserted many plot devices and elements which were addressed and closed for the most parts, albeit some being done in quite an abrupt manner, such as how the grandmother's intent in the first half got forgotten immediately after the intermission. It did feel quite rushed toward the finale, but all is forgiven for the presence of A.R. Rahman's music. Again he provides some majestic tunes to highlight the key moments in the film, and while I had enjoyed every single one of it, one that I truly liked best was Makahali, which in the film was the name of the clipped dove. It had this really catchy tune that sticks, and picturized very effectively in the film, bringing out emotions of the moment wonderfully.

Delhi 6 preaches (yes it did feel that way, for the lack of time and very obvious ranting in the last act) about community, how as one people standing united with love for one another, that despite the frequent chaos, no obstacle cannot be overcome. But this balance is ever fragile, and it takes so little of a catalyst of fearing the unknown and unfounded superstition and suspicion to break it all down for the worst. It's a lesson for all of us, to open our minds and not fall prey to negative emotions, especially those that cause more harm to the greater good.

Categories: Delhi 6 (2009)