Movie Mania

Summer is here and movie makers are in a frenzy to release a plethora of movies from the comedies, thrillers, horror, sci-fi and the like. There are free matinee movies just so parents can keep the kids out of their houses and hair. I've synched up to their enthusiasm and it started with Da Vinci Code. I read the book back in 2003 when it was published and had forgotten quite a few details, except for the conclusion that it was a decently written "fictional" piece. The controversy that served as a curtain raiser for what was to come with this movie sure kicked a lot of dust, some of which travelled to religious-strife-loving India, where it is yet to settle.

On the day of the release, with tickets getting sold out in no time, we managed to get through for a 10PM show , much to our delight.
My take : its a movie based on a fictional piece of writing - I give it a 7/10- a mediocre effort. It would definitely have been difficult, if not impossible to cram the contents of the entire book into the movie. I probably expected a lot more, but given the plot, the book definitely would be a better choice(no wonder it sold 60 million copies!).

I skipped XMen-3 but did manage to catch MI-3(one of 'em sequels). Baaah to Tom Cruise and the Mission Impossible trliogy- its just getting impossible to watch the sequels without having to stifle a yawn.

This past weekend, was release of The Break-up. All I can say is if you seen the trailer, you've watched the movie. Thats all there was to it. The first 30 - 45 mins was worth the effort, time and money. The rest was literally the break-up. Its refreshing though to watch Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. Chemistry- there is aplenty between the two.

The movies I am looking forward to are "Devil wears Prada" and "Pirates of the Caribbean - Part Deux"

Now going back to old movies(not exactly "old" in the true sense of the word), I got a chance to revisit "Its a beautiful life". I remember the first time I rented this movie. I had heard very good reviews and was all set to be taken on a sentimental ride. Its obvious I had not, at that point of time, read detailed reviews about the movie. As minutes rolled by, I was taken in by the humor and charm of Roberto Benigni. I loved his comic timing and wit. For a while, I couldnt understand how this could be a serious, thought-provoking, award winning movie. Cos you see, award winning movies are never funny, never humorous and definitely never light-hearted. All of which, this one was. I even wondered if I had the right movie. I trudged along, determined to go all the way since it was worth the watch. As more minutes went by and during the latter half of the movie was when it struck me. Robert Benigni had brilliantly woven a masterpiece of depicting the Nazi angle with undertones of humor and comedy. It was simply superb. It was so touching that I felt a wetness in my eyes. And lo and behold! it was a tear. And it happened again tonight. One of my all-time favorites. Goes alongwith "My cousin Vinny" and my long list of evergreen hits.

Footnote : With summer, come summer concerts in our neighborhood marketplace. Out come the lawn chairs and foldable squatters. A quick stop at the nearest Smoothie junction and one is all set for an enjoyable evening accompanied by live bands playing a different genre every weekend. Be it the Beatles or jazz or salsa or hip-hop, under the clear blue skies with a drink in hand, summer sure has everyone on their toes. Watching the impulsive dancers and seated at a favorite restaurant alongside the pets and kids and young and old alike, one cannot help soaking up the warmth of a lazy weekend evening coupled with some food for the soul and stomach.