ankitmirinseth Reviews

The Devil's Double (2011)

Pure madness

[8/10 · 19 November 2011]

Hitler, Stalin, Saddam……. Modern history is full of notorious dictators having body doubles to shield them from assassination attempts. This movie revolves around the life of Latif Yahia, a man with a curse. His curse was his uncanny resemblance to Uday Hussain, Saddam's crazy son.

As political tensions pile-up with the onset of Iraq-Iran war a military officer,Latif is summoned to become Uday's fedai (body double). He is forced to take up the life of a psychopath, a life of lunacy and fanaticism, a life he abhors. His only hope is that one this when all this is over, he will be set free.

Dominic Cooper gives a captivating performance as Uday and is very convincing as his double Latif. But the most enthralling aspect of the film is the insight into a dictator's lifestyle. Consumed by his desires (Brioni, Versace, Armani,he owns it all) and sexual pleasures, Uday's considers himself nothing less than an immortal god.

The music and sets truly compliment the script and lure you to the plot.

What seems missing is a more dramatic ending, but hey, don't forget it's based on a true story. Certainly one of the best flicks of the year.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

A Masterpiece

[8/10 · 22 September 2009]

Stanley Kubrick always tries something new. This time he is with one of the best dark comedies ever made . Set up in the cold war era with US and Russia in neck to neck race in every sphere be it arms, space or any technology .It shows the tragic incident of a US general going berserk and ordering the nuking of the Soviet Union while at the same time high tension prevails in pentagon in order to stop this. The movie never loses its class and the plot still seems so fresh. If it would not have been presented as a satire it would definitely have caused a major panic all around the globe. Peter Sellers who plays three different roles: Dr. Strangelove, President Merkin Muffley and Group Captain Lionel Mandrake along with slim pickens give a amazing performance. Its a milestone in the history of cinema.

The Shining (1980)

Most spectacular camera work ever

[8/10 · 17 September 2009]

This is one of the masterpieces of one of the greatest directors. Based on Stephen king's novel of the same name it tells the story of the family of the caretaker of overlook hotel. The Overlook hotel, built on an Indian burial ground during its ling history has seen a lot and has a lot to tell. The hotel is closed during winter . Now Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) and his family must fight loneliness and its effects in this huge hotel . The story is not told through narration or dialogues but progresses through moving camera . The camera moves across the long corridors of the hotel revealing step by step what gruesome history lies buried in those empty rooms of the hotel . The eerie music just carries along this effect with it. Time slowly drives jack Torrance crazy and his psychotic son starts having visions. The sets are amazing and needless to say HUGE . One of the most technically sound movie of all times

The Lady Vanishes (1938)

The best of Hitchcock's British films

[9/10 · 30 June 2009]

A young English woman traveling in a train realizes that an old lady who accompanied her is missing and the problem is that everyone insists that there was no such lady and she is merely imagining things. what makes this film unforgettable are the vivid characters and their performances which make it all seem so real. And the pure and classic humor , a typical of Hitchcock. The cast is perfect,Iris Henderson is a playgirl who is about to get married, Gilbert a musician,a doctor,a magician,a newly wed couple,two Englishmen who seem to be interested only in cricket.You cannot have a better cast. Most of the film has been filmed on a train which i assume must have been a challenge and the 'difficult to shoot' camera angles make the film comparable even to today's Hollywood flicks.the plot still seems fresh. This one is surely a timeless classic.

Rebecca (1940)

One of Hitchcock's finest works

[9/10 · 16 June 2009]

This was Hitchcock first American masterpiece which marked the beginning of a new era for Hitchcock. It was the first among the string of hits he directed during 40's and 50's. And moreover this is is so different from his other movies which generally revolve around some guy trying to clear his name and someone discussing a perfect murder. I cannot understand why academy didn't award Hitchcock an Oscar for this(though the movie got one) This is the story of a young simple woman played by Joan Fontaine who falls in love and marries a widower Maxim De Winter who is the lord of Manderly . She finds herself in a awkward position of the employer in their mansion with a fleet of servants to her disposal . But she finds that everyone is still in awe with with maxim's ex-wife Rebecca and no matter what she does she cannot fill her shoes. Maxim played by Laurence Olivier is a loving husband who loses his mind easily and bursts into violent anger sometimes. He is quite convincing as a man trying to forget his dead wife and trying to move on. But the most memorable role is that of Mrs. Danvers the housekeeper.She represents Rebecca in the movie and cannot accept new Mrs. DE winter as Rebbecca's replacement. She creates a mesmerizing atmosphere with her icy looks and fearlessness.

The strength of movie lies in the impeccable performances by everyone especially the scenes the new Mrs. DE winter share with Mrs. Denver's. And to compliment this is the chilly music score by Franz Waxman.Finally, one has to mention the cinematography, which is magnificent Ultimately this is a must watch for everyone.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

another movie made legendary by Depp

[8/10 · 1 June 2009]

First things first , this movie would have been an average horror if it were not for Depp . He mas made it a classic with his mesmerizing performance. He yet again proves that he's one of the finest actors we have in Hollywood. He plays the character of detective Ichabod Crane who believes that ghosts are just myths is sent to a place called sleepy hollow haunted by a headless warrior who chops off the heads of his victims . Whats special about depp's character is that he displays bravery and at the same time succumbs to fear . This results in classic gallows humor . The locations are classy . Costumes are truly Victorian and the the background music gives a creepy touch . On the other hand Christina ricci proves to be the perfect cast as katrina in this movie based on Washington Irving's novel. But ultimately its Depp who steals the show

The Lookout (2007)

Memento revisited? Nah this is different

[7/10 · 1 June 2009]

The movie begins on a high note giving you a feel of memento. Chris(Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a brain damaged student who needs a notepad to tell him to take shower and eat breakfast. But within 5 minutes you realize this one's different . The plot takes a while to develop so the first half is quite boring except for the flashbacks which tell us that Chris was a promising teenager with a perfect life before a tragic accident changed everything. Now he lives with his blind friend Lewis who is a wannabe entrepreneur . they share a good chemistry with light humor . He works as a night janitor in a bank and because of his condition is approached by a gang who is gonna use him to steal some cash. The climax is fine making the film worth watching once.

Kalifornia (1993)

A hard hitting and disturbing thriller with a nicely done climax

[7/10 · 29 May 2009]

when i saw the trailer of this movie i was really interested in watching it . It seemed perfect . The plot sounded amazing, seemed like a promising psychological thriller and it had Brad Pitt in it. But the only thing that works for this film is Pitt . He is simply terrific playing a cold blooded serial killer who lives in a world of his own and has little concern about other people. His creepy look is superb. A writer(Brian) investigating the lives of serial killer for his new book with his girlfriend(Carrie) ends up with serial killer Early Grace(Brad Pitt) and Early's girlfriend Adele(Juliette Lewis) who is a retard. They are on a road trip to California , a place where all dreams come true , through the places where Americas infamous murders took place by century's most prominent serial killers. The film begins on a very promising note with a nice narration but somehow loses it during course of the movie. It strives to capture the mindset of a killer but sadly isn't very successful there too.It has a lot of nudity and some very disturbing scenes . It gets quite boring at parts where you start wondering what went wrong. But to compensate for all this it as a beautifully done climax. Watch it for Brad Pitt and his mind blowing performance.

Suicide Kings (1997)

A classic thriller

[9/10 · 27 May 2009]

When was the last time you saw a movie where the director actually had the power to show his creativity. What works for this movie is the fact that it has no hero or villains, there are only characters. This is what makes it so real. Five college kids kidnap a supposed to be mafia Charlie(Christopher Walken) because they need help to get their sister back who has been kidnapped.Whole drama takes place in a deserted house where Charlie is held hostage.Secrets are revealed and twists follow . Walken lends a charisma to his role . As the tag line says their plan was perfect they weren't. Its a small budget thriller which does keep you glued to screen nothing less nothing more

Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

Just an average Hitchcock thriller , not a masterpiece

[7/10 · 26 May 2009]

Hitchcock considered this film as his personal favorite among his own works . Its a story of a guy named Charlie who comes to visit his sister and her family. His niece Charlie named after him is very fond of him. But things become strange when she starts suspecting her uncle as a murderer .The movie has typical Hitchcock elements such as a pace, gallows humor and thrilling music and one typical thing seen in most Hitchcock movies light discussions over heavy topics such as murder . This may have been a masterpiece back then or may even have been the genre leader. But sadly it has lost its charm over the period of time .The camera work is beautifully done with the director going for difficult and unseen shots .Its not a time resistant classic like psycho or rope but does manage to keep your attention for its 100 minutes duration.

Son of Rambow (2007)

A heart touching tale of friendship and family values

[8/10 · 23 May 2009]

Set up in a small town in England the story revolves around two 12-13 year boys. What brings these boys together is their love for the movie "Rambo first blood" even though they are from very different background. While one boy is from very conservative orthodox family other is totally rogue and notorious. They set out make a film titled son of Rambow for a movie making competition conducted by BBC. During the filming process they develop a bond of friendship. Things get complicated when some french children arrive as a part of student exchange program and trouble begins when the school comes to know about it and all of a sudden everyone wants to be a part of the movie. But ultimately the boys stick around for each other. What works for the movie is its innovative concept and the boy's innocence even though it has no big stars.Though the film is hilarious at moments but it lacks pace a certain points. Ultimately it highlights family values and friendship.

Spy Game (2001)

Clever plot , nicely told

[8/10 · 22 May 2009]

When a well planned mission goes wrong and Tom Bishop(Brad Pitt) is held prisoner in a Chinese prison , CIA calls Nathan D. Muir(Robert Redford) on a day before he is to retire ,to throw some light into the situation. Muir had been bishops mentor and had trained him as a spy. So the story is told by Redford as a narrative. He narrates how they came together, carried out missions together and ultimately parted their ways. Twists and turns assured in this cleverly written movie . The part where Redford trains Pitt is simply superb. The chemistry between the actors is great.The movie is a two hour entertainment nothing more nothing less

I Am Legend (2007)

a decent sci-fi thriller

[7/10 · 22 May 2009]

The cure for cancer has been discovered and a genetically modified virus is the solution for our problems but it turns out that this virus is turning humans into man eating zombies and Robert Neville(will smith) is the lone survivor . Now its upto him and his dog Sam to find the cure for this disease and save mankind from extension. So we have Will Smith driving Shelby Mustang GT500 on the 'empty' streets of NYC hunting deers. We get well constructed shots of deserted NYC. The bond between Robert and his dog is amazing. The strength of the movie is its pace with well inserted flashbacks that explain the plot.Will smith is as usual good. But the script has some loose ends and is not very convincing at parts especially when the is a hint of god's intervention to save mankind. Its a worth watching once affair.

Rocks (2001)

Oscar deserving

[10/10 · 21 May 2009]

This short animation shows evolution of mankind from the perspective of rocks(stones). This is about how rocks witness our progress. This point is highlighted that time moves slowly for rocks. Early man takes inspiration from a circular rock and discovers wheel which becomes the vehicle of modernization and buoyed by its success mankind forgets that its damaging the nature. European cinema has always been much more thought provoking than Hollywood and this is no different. And the animation is done tastefully. This short film really makes me wonder that whether our own success will turn a disaster for us. Truly an Oscar animation

Vantage Point (2008)

a thriller that keep you glued to screen

[9/10 · 20 May 2009]

This movie is set in Spain where potus is expected to address the crowd .what puts this thriller apart is the way the story is told.The incident is shown from different perspectives, from different point of views of different people which creates a whole new mesmerizing effect .Its like a jigsaw puzzle, putting together information about what exactly happened from different people. From each perspective the movie moves towards the grand finale And to supplement this we have the action of a bond/Bourne movie. The film has a certain pace and flow which keeps you glued as the thrills and frills unveil themselves.Camera work is tastefully done. The soundtrack lends the thriller pace to movie. The movie delivers what it promises and must be considered among the best thrillers of the year. Its clearly a big budget movie so the larger than life effect is assured.A must watch for everyone