Thursday, October 1, 2009

Summer (2008)


















Summer is a 2008 film directed by Kenneth Glenaan and starring Robert Carlyle and Rachael Blake. It tells the story of a lively and wayward spirit coming to terms with the realities of age and death.


Plot : Shaun and Daz are vibrant kids, wasted by their experience of education. All they have is their friendship and for Shaun his first love Katy. From the moment Shaun steps into our world he is bound to lose. Labelled as a violent bully he destroys himself and takes Daz with him. Shaun has twelve years to reflect on an intense summer of love, sex and loyalty. But Daz's imminent death forces Shaun to go on a journey to confront his past. This is the story of a man full of intelligence and promise struggling to reclaim his life. Written by Sixteen Films





"Robert Carlyle said in an interview that he might decide to stop doing British films due to their lack of popularity. As he claimed his last two films " I know you know" & "Summer" are two films with his best emotional performance he has ever put on screen in his lifetime. And it is disappointing that there might be just a handful of people who has actually heard or seen it."

Now to all Robert Carlyle fans, so when you think of him you think of (Begbie from Trainspotting) or (Hitler from Rise of Evil). But i guarantee you that these two films ( "I know you know" & " Summer") will re imprint the memories you might have of his characters in films. Summer is a heart warming, moving, realistic film about life, friendship & how time passes by before you know it. And the only thing we are left with eventually are those memories of the best summer or moments in your life. It is a beautiful, beautiful film & it would be a loss to you if you dont watch it. Robert Carlyle is a Legend in the making.


Director :
Kenneth Glenaan

Actors :
Robert Carlyle - Shaun
Rachael Blake - Katy


RATE : 8.5\10

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Running Scared (2006)



















Running Scared is a 2006 crime film directed by Wayne Kramer. The film stars Paul Walker, Cameron Bright, Vera Farmiga, Chazz Palminteri, Alex Neuberger (in his film debut) and Johnny Messner.


Plot : Joey Gazelle is a low level mob flanker who gets told to dispose of a gun used for killing some dirty cops. Joey however, hides the gun in the drywall of his basement instead of tossing them in the river. When Joey's 10 year-old son and his best friend, Oleg, witness Joey hiding some guns from a botched drug deal, Oleg steals the gun -- a snub-nosed .38 -- and shoots his abusive stepfather with it. Things would be bad enough if the stepfather didn't happen to be the nephew of a psychotic Russian mob boss... who happens to be in business with Joey's crew on a gasoline scam. But now Joey's also got the surviving dirty cop from the botched drug deal on his case... and that hot .38 out there on the street, changing hands in an underworld of freaks, pimps, hookers and pedophiles. As well as Oleg, who can connect Joey to the gun. And even if Joey can make it through the night, he's still got to answer to his wife... Written by Dan McDonald





Ok i never thought Paul Walker did any great films ( yeah fast & furious was enhanced by the vast amount of excellent cars) but damn this film went wayyyyyyyyy beyond my expectations. I had turned this movie on twice & decided to flip to another film instead judging it from the title & the first few mins, assuming its just going to be another high car speed chase, guns blazing film. And today i decided to get it over with & give it a shot. This is no ordinary, predictable crime film, just when you thought you had things figured out you are wrong again. And Cameron Bright who plays the russian kid ( Oleg Yugorsky) stole the show, at least in my opinion that was whats worth watching it for. I am a fan of that kid as of now. I cant say too much or it will ruin the film for those interested in watching it but let me tell you this. Its definetly worth watching if you are into Crime & Action films. And there is a scene where Elizabeth Mitchell ( who plays Dr. Juliet Burke in the tv series Lost) acts as a child killing psycho. And once again i have to say that these russians are fucking crazy. I love it!


Memorable Quotes :
Joey Gazelle: You know... I used to know this kid. His old man was a real fucking piece of shit. Always drunk. Always smacking him and his mom around. This kid... he takes his licks and he waits this old fucking prick out. And on the morning of his fourteenth birthday, he walks into his old man's room with a baseball bat and he Mark McGwires the fucking living shit out of him. After that, the old man... he can't even hold a spoon without shaking. He don't remember things too good, either. He's neutralized. Which is a good thing.


Director :
Wayne Kramer

Actors :
Paul Walker - Joey Gazelle
Cameron Bright - Oleg Yugorsky
Vera Farmiga - Teresa Gazelle
Chazz Palminteri - Detective Dydell


RATE : 8\10

Monday, September 28, 2009

The Rules Of Attraction (2002)




























The Rules of Attraction is a dark satirical film directed by Roger Avary, based on the novel of the same name by Bret Eastern Ellis.
It stars James Van Der Beek, Shannyn Sossamon, Ian Somerhalder & Jessica Biel.


Plot : This is a twisted story about sex, drugs, and college. Three disturbed students at Camden college get involved in a love triangle. Sean Bateman is a womanizing drug dealer who falls in love with virginal Lauren (not to be confused with her slutty roommate Lara,) because he inspects that she is his secret admirer, who is leaving notes in his box. Although Lauren does like Sean, she is still infatuated with Victor (her shallow ex boyfriend) who is in Europe for a semester. Lauren used to date Paul before he came out of the closet, and now Paul has his eyes on Sean when he mistakes him for bisexual. Things get more complicated since all the side characters (including the mentioned Lara and Victor) are deeply disturbed as well. Everybody is only looking out for themselves. ( Written by Heather Marik).





If you are a fan of Bret Eastern Ellis novels, you might be a little disappointed at the adaptation of the film. Books always do a better job in such cases. But for a film that is based on teenagers, college & love triangles, ill say its worth watching just for the way the story is told & how the film was directed. The way the characters & their lifes connected to one another without even realizing it, would make us wonder who are we not paying attention too in reality. If that does not do it for you, well here is even better news. Jessica Biel as the college slut, fucking every guy she has a chance ( That did interest you dudes a little more now didnt it?) And personally for me, I just wanted to watch Shannyn Sossamon but as i watched the film i realized the similarities i had with Sean Bateman ( Interest in the weirdest girls in school & choosing pot over sex etc etc). Oh well, have fun watching it!



Memorable Quotes :
Mrs. Mimi Jared
: And what classes are you taking... Dick?
Dick: Ummm, Gangbang 101, Freebase Tutorial, and Oral Sex Workshop.


Director :
Roger Avary

Actors :
James Van Der Beek - Sean Bateman
Shannyn Sossamon - Lauren Hynde
Jessica Biel - Lara
Ian Somerhalder - Paul Denton


RATE : 6.5\10

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Kalifornia (1993)
























Kalifornia
is a 1993 Thriller film, directed by Dominic Sena and starring Brad Pitt, Juliette Lewis, David Duchovny and Michelle Forbes.

Plot : The film focuses on a psychology student and his girlfriend who are traveling cross-country to research serial killers; unbeknownst to them, a man who ends up tagging along with them on their trip (accompanied by his mentally-childlike girlfriend) is a serial killer himself.

Roger Ebert applauded the film, especially its performances by Pitt and Lewis, giving it four stars, and compared it to such hailed masterpieces as Badlands and Taxi Driver. Ebert named it the sixth best film of 1993.

In his review of this film, Ebert wrote:

"Kalifornia is such a film - terrifying and horrifying, yes, but also unflinchingly honest, and so well acted that for most of the film I abandoned any detachment and just watched it as if I were observing the lives of real people."


For more information : ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalifornia)





Ok so this movie came out in 1993 & i probably must have been drunk, high & wasted somewhere outside that i actually missed this film. All this while Brad Pitt is an actor i wish i hated (along with Leonardo Di Caprio) but they have made it impossible with their excellent acting & potrayal of roles & wise choices in movies. And all this while i figured Brad Pitts psychotic behaviour in Fightclub was his best but nope i was wrong. His performance in Kalifornia was outstanding & brilliant. From his accent to his body movement & behaviour, everything was perfect. Plus he had Juliette Lewis ( Who has a natural talent in acting as the sidekick of any psycho or mentally retarded) by his side, The combination of this two into one was disturbingly beautiful. Just beautiful. I am glad that i found this movie even though it took me over a decade. So if you are around my age & was busy enjoying your youth while this film aired & missed it. Do catch it so you can kick yourself for missing it like i did!



Memorable Quote: Brian Kessler: I'll never know why Early Grayce became a killer. I don' know why any of them did. When I looked into his eyes I felt nothing, nothing. That day I learned any one of us is capable of taking another human life. But I also learned there is a difference between us and them: it's feeling remorse. Dealing with it. Confronting a conscience. Early never did.

Director :
Dominic Sena

Actors :
Brad Pitt - Early Grayce
Juliette Lewis - Adele Corners
David Duchovny - Brian Kessler
Michelle Forbes - Carrie Laughlin


RATE : 8.5\10

Monday, September 21, 2009

The Most Evil Men in History - Rasputin

Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin aka The Black Monk, The Mad Monk
Click here for more information on Rasputin


Part 1




Part 2



Part 3

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

I Know You Know (2008)
























I Know You Know is a feature film written & directed by Justin Kerrigan in dedication to his father Frankie Kerrigan. This is his first major work since his debut with Human Traffic (1999).

Plot : (The storyline is closely based on the director/writer's own childhood.)
A man living in Wales with his young son starts behaving as if he is involved in some secret plot, perhaps criminal. He moves into a delapidated flat, keeps in regular contact with an important-seeming man called Mr Fisher, has minders apparently keeping him under protection, and lives in increasing fear of his life. The plot seems to be connected to a growing satellite TV company. His son discovers that he also has a gun.

The father reveals that once the mysterious job is over, they will be paid £2 million and emigrate to America. However, when he goes to a bar to collect the money from Mr Fisher, he doesn't show up.

The father becomes increasingly paranoid and dangerous (e.g. he burns out one of the satellite TV company's vans), and the son suspects that the plot may all be a figment of his imagination. The son goes to Mr Fisher's house, where Mr Fisher - merely a council official - tells him that his father had been a successful travel agent who went out of business when the satellite TV company forced his company out of its premises.

The son persuades his father to go to the police, who have him sent to a psychiatric hospital; he died 12 years later. (Article from IMDB).


Simple, tragic storyline. Powerful performances by Robert Carlyle (Charlie) as always & an impressive performance by Aaron Fuller ( Jamie). The performances are the real reason to watch this movie. I don't know where they found young Fuller, but for a newcomer he has substantial acting skills. This film surprised me by making me sad at the end of the film. I dont easily feel sad or happy or any sense of emotions that easily. Especially after realizing that this story was closely based on the director/writer's own childhood, I felt a pinch in my heart. Hope you guys give this film a chance. Two amazing actors from different generations , with two outstanding performances that will break your heart.

Memorable Quotes :

(While jamie is swinging high on the swings)
Charlie : Bet you couldnt jump from that height

Jamie : I'll hurt myself

Charlie :Are you gonna be scared all your life jamie or are u going to be a tough fuckin cookie.

Jamie : A tough fuckin cookie!!

Charlie : Thats right! Now Jump!

Jamie
: Catch me?

Charlie
: I cant! I cant!, I wont be able to catch you when you're older! Its ok to be afraid, Just as long as you do it!

(Last Scene)

(The last conversation between Charlie & Jamie before the cops take Charlie away)
Charlie : Dont worry about me, just concentrate on you. All part of the training. Its time to show the world what a character you are. Whatever you want, whatever you want, keep at it till you get it & dont let no one put you off. Understand? Listen to the voice inside, you can do it all Jamie.

Director :
Justin Kerrigan

Actors :
Robert Carlyle - Charlie
Arron Fuller - Jamie

RATE : 8.5\10

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

P.S. I Love You (2007)




























P.S. I Love You is a 2007 American drama film directed by Richard LaGravenese. The screenplay by LaGravenese and Steven Rogers is based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Cecelia Ahern. The film is dedicated to the memory of producer Molly Smith's sister Windland Smith Rice.

Plot : Holly ( Hilary Swank) and Gerry ( Gerard Butler) are a happily married couple living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan until Gerry dies of a brain tumor. Deeply distraught, Holly withdraws from her family and friends until they descend upon her on her 30th birthday. They are determined to force the young widow to face the future and decide what her next career move should be. As they rally around Holly and help organize her apartment, a cake is delivered, and on it is a message from Gerry. It proves to be the first of several — all ending with the sign-off P.S. I Love You — he arranged to have delivered to her after his death. As the seasons pass, each new message fills her with encouragement and sends her on a new adventure. While Holly's mother Patricia and her best friends Denise and Sharon are concerned Gerry's letters are keeping Holly tied to the past, they are in fact pushing her into the future. With Gerry's words as her guide, Holly slowly embarks on a journey of rediscovery.

Gerry pre-arranged for Holly, Denise, and Sharon to travel to his homeland of Ireland, and while there they meet William, a singer who strongly reminds Holly of her deceased husband and coincidentally was his childhood friend. During the vacation, Denise announces she's engaged and Sharon reveals she's pregnant, and the news causes Holly to relapse emotionally and once again withdraw into herself.

Holly eventually enrolls in a fashion course and discovers she has a flair for designing women's shoes. A newfound self-confidence allows her to emerge from her solitude and embrace her friends' happiness. She decides to take her mother on a trip to Ireland, and as the film ends the audience is left with the notion that Holly has opened herself up to the journey that the rest of her life will be, and wherever it takes her; she finally abandons her fear of falling in love.

( From Wikipedia )



If the trailer does not appeal to you, then you might want to check the link by clicking HERE! . ( This got my attention)

Well let me put it this way, as much as i love both the actors in the film. I am not a fan of mushy love stories. But the soundtrack by The Pogues got me to watch the whole film & i must admit i was moved. I learned a lot from this film about appreciating the ones u love while u have the chance. I watched it more then once & it is a really beautiful movie. This movie shows what true love actually means. And we all can learn something from this film. That aside, Hilary Swank did an amazing job in her role & though Gerard Butler wasnt around for too long, His narrative accent is enough to charm anyone. Do watch it!

Director :
Richard LaGravenese

Actors :
Gerard Butler - Gerry
Hilary Swank - Holly
Lisa Kudrow - Denise
Gina Gershon - Sharon

RATE : 9\10

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Basketball Diaries (1995)




























The Basketball Diaries is a 1995 drama film, directed by Scott Kalvert, starring Leonardo Di Caprio, Mark Wahlberg, Lorraine Bracco & James Madio. It is based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Jim Caroll.

Plot : Film adaptation of street tough Jim Caroll's epistle about his kaleidoscopic free fall into the harrowing world of drug addiction. As a member of a seemingly unbeatable high school basketball squad, Jim's life centers around the basketball court and the court becomes a metaphor for the world in his mind. A best friend who is dying of leukemia, a coach ("Swifty") who takes unacceptable liberties with the boys on his team, teenage sexual angst, and an unhealthy appetite for heroin—all of these begin to encroach on young Jim's dream of becoming a basketball star. Soon, the dark streets of New York become a refuge from his mother's mounting concern for her son. He can't go home and his only escape from the reality of the streets is heroin for which he steals, robs and prostitutes himself. Only with the help of Reggie, an older neighborhood friend with whom Jim "picked up a game" now and then, is he able to begin the long journey back to sanity.


Ok so i had my doubts about this film judging from the title of the movie & the fact that Leonardo Di Caprio was in it ( I dont hate him, i do enjoy his later films). Well anyway after keeping this movie in my folder for a mth i took a chance & decided to give it a shot, especially after realising its based on a true story. Well what can i say ? I loved it enough to watch it twice. People from my generation and before would definetly enjoy how the film takes you back in time in your life where there were no internet & all these new technology we have these days for kids. All we had those days on our hands were loads of fun created by creativity boredom.

This film really brought back memories of the good old days ( Ofcourse there are pros & cons, but trust me.....nothing beats good old fashion fooling around). As much as i appreciate the creation of the World Wide Web, it also did kill the good old fashion human connections we use to have then. The simpler things in life that made us happy. Instead of sitting at our computer half our teenage / adult lifes , we spent them living. Which many of these generations are not given a chance to do so. Well i might seem like im blabbering to some of you but for those who do understand those days & come from my generation & before will get my drift.

That aside, the movie was deep, intense & artistic. All the actors did an excellent role portraying their characters. Leonardo played his junky role really well & from this film i have come to understand why he has grown to have become such a great actor. Some talent are just inborn. Plus i Loveeeeee Lorraine Bracco (mmm yummy)! It also shows the battle Jim Caroll went through in his life to get where he is now. So do give it a shot, It is worth your time!

Memorable Quote :

Jim: Know this: there's different types of users of junk. You got your rich, dilettante square ass who dabbles now and then, but always has enough money to run off to the Riviera if he feels he's fuckin' around to the danger point. Street junkies hate these pricks. But they're always suckers and their money makes 'em tolerable. Then you got your upper-middle class Westchester preppies. Same as the others basically, but what they're good for is opening their mommy and daddy's eyes to the social virus, and puttin' pressure on the government to do somethin' about it. Then there's us street kids. Start fuckin' around very young...13 or so. Think we all got it under control...won't get strung out. This rarely works. I'm living proof. But in the end, you've just gotta see the junk as another 9-5 gig, the hours are just a bit more inclined to shadows.

Director :
Scott Kalvert

Actors :
Leonardo Di Caprio - Jim Caroll
Mark Walhberg - Pedro
James Madio - Laura Porter
Lorraine Bracco - Mrs. Caroll


RATE : 8.5\10

Friday, August 28, 2009

Gran Torino (2009)


This film shows how an angry man develops a relationship with a family from the Hmong origin. Like every other film involving angry men, Walt, acted by Clint Eastwood, who by the way did a really perfect job here, instills many sarcasm making the whole film really enjoyable. The film captures how an american handled cultural clash with his neighbour, eventually showing the humanity of his soul, helping his new found friend in times of trouble.


The film bears some similarity to Scent of a Woman, where both older characters in the movie provide invaluable lessons of life to the younger characters indirectly, with their own experiences gained in their lifes.

Director:
Clint Eastwood

Monday, August 24, 2009

Felon (2008)




























Felon is a 2008 drama/prison film based on events that took place in the 1990s at the notorious California State Prison, Corcoran. It stars Val Kilmer alongside Stephen Dorff.

Plot : Wade Porter (Stephen Dorff) is a decent, family loving man on the verge of opening his own business & getting married. One night he awakens to an intruder & chases the intruder out of his house with a baseball bat. Assuming the intruder was reaching for a gun from his pocket, Wade swings the bat aiming for his shoulder but as the intruder ducks it hits him on his head, killing him. Claiming that the intruder was of no longer threat to him outside the vicinity of his home, he has to be tried for murder. The courts, while sympathetic to Wade's case, are nevertheless compelled by the evidence to reject his plea of self-defence and convict him of manslaughter. He is sentenced to 3 years incarceration & steps into a world he never knew existed. There are no more society or court laws, only cop laws & gang laws. He then meets a lifer ( an infamous multiple murderer) John Smith (Val Kilmer) who becomes his cell mate. As he struggles to survive inside, Wade discovers two things—the humanity of his cellmate and the growing sadistic nature of the prison wardens.



WOW!!!!!!!! The trailer does not do justice for this film. Even reading the plot made me assume its another American History X rip off ( With the whole killing an intruder running out of your house bit). But I must repeat WOW!!!! Fucking beautiful movie! This film puts American History X to shame & will want to make you want back your 119 mins, if not for Edward Norton starring in it. Anyway i gave this movie a chance because Val Kilmer did Jim Morrison proud in the movie The Doors (1991). Plus like many i myself am an ex felon who is a sucker for prison flicks. And boy am i glad i watched it. They captured the basic rules of prison life to perfection. Families tend not to understand that there is no more court law or logical thinking in there. Its surviving in a whole different world & sometimes you've just got to do what you've got to do to survive. Corrupt wardens, Good wardens, Prison gangs fights, snitches etc etc. Everytime Val Kilmer speaks, he kept my ears close to the speakers. Just as Oscar wilde has told us not to hide our past ( as criminals or watever) but to embrace it & grow from it. John Smith (Val Kilmer) says its beautifully at the end of the film.

Memorable Quote :

John Smith: Usually I'm quoting someone else's words. The least I can do is give you some John Smith originals. They won't be poetic. But they'll be the truth. Yes, prison desensitizes you. But it also forces you to see what's most important. Family. And loyalty. Because a con like you knows neither exists in this place. So don't run from who you've become, felon. Embrace it. Grow from it. And you'll never lose sight of what truly matters. That's my final piece of advice, Wade Porter. You protect your family at all costs. Even if you're forced to kill again. Because if i had to, I’d wipe out the whole planet to get mine back. So long, friend.

He just grows better as an actor as he ages. Stephen Dorff did a good job portraying his role as well. Both of them did a great job carrying their roles with the right amount of emotions to move you inside & keep you fix onto your seats. I Loved it & i definetly recommend this movie to everybody!!! Watch it asap!!!

Director :
Ric Roman Waugh

Actors :
John Smith - Val Kilmer
Wade Porter - Stephen Dorff
Marisol Nichols - Laura Porter
Lt.Jackson - Harold Perrineau



RATE : 8.5\10

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Harsh Times (2005)























Harsh Times
is an American crime film set in South Los Angeles. The film stars Christian Bale & Freddy Rodriguez, and was written and directed by David Ayer. Ayer says that the film's characters are greatly based on the people he knew when he lived in South Central.

Plot
: Jim Davis ( Christian Bale) an ex Army Ranger who was recently honorably discharged and suffering from extreme PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) over the killing and horrors of his combat tours in which he took part with a savage aggressiveness towards the enemy. He has a beautiful girlfriend in Mexico who he falls in love with & plans to marry. He then returns to Los Angeles hoping to get into the LAPD , so he can bring Martha over from Mexico & marry her. When he returns to Los Angeles he meets up with his only true friend Mike Alonzo ( Freddy Rodriguez) who at that time was being pressured by his girlfriend Sylvia (Eva Longoria) to find a job. When Jim is refused by the police department, he becomes furious and begins a series of violent actions and finds himself slipping back into his old life of petty crime & his inner demons while dragging his friend Mike along with him. Until he is called by the Federal agency and assigned to work in Colombia. Meanwhile, Mike gets a dream job, making Sylvia happy. Jim invites the weak Mike and their friend Toussant to spend the weekend in Mexico for one last time before he heads to Georgia. After some incidents, Jim returns bringing 20 kg of marijuana to Los Angeles, leading to a tragic end.



It is impossible for me to explain how great this movie is because its one of those shows where you assume you know how its going to go but it takes a very different twist & leaves you astonished. This is definetly one of Christian Bales best performance hands down. The way he fights his inner demons is so realistic that you can for a second forget that he is merely acting. I watched this film a year ago & wasnt able to pay much attention to it. But even then there was somthing about this film that made me want to watch it again. And now a year later i am so glad i took the time to watch this film. Amazing, beautiful, funny, sad, tragic all wrapped up in 116mins. Please do watch this film. You will not regret it.

Memorable Quote :

Jim Davis: Fuck you, God! You ain't got the fuckin' balls to take my ass!

Director :
David Ayer

Actors :
Christian Bale - Jim Davis
Freddy Rodriguez - Mike Alonzo
Eva Longoria - Sylvia


RATE : 8.5\10

Bronson ( 2009)















BRONSON is the evolutionary journey of Mickey Peterson into Britain’s most notorious and dangerous living prisoner CHARLES BRONSON. Originally sentenced to 7 years in prison for burglary, Charles Bronson has been behind bars for 34 years, 30 of which have been spent in solitary confinement. Charlie has forged an outrageous reputation through violence, hostage taking and rooftop protests to become a notorious figure in the British public’s conscious.

Plot : In 1974, a hot-headed 19 year old named Michael Peterson decided he wanted to make a name for himself and so, with a homemade sawn-off shotgun and a head full of dreams he attempted to rob a post office. Swiftly apprehended and originally sentenced to 7 years in jail, Peterson has subsequently been behind bars for 34 years, 30 of which have been spent in solitary confinement. During that time, Michael Petersen, the boy, faded away and 'Charles Bronson,' his superstar alter ego, took center stage.



Ok so i saw this trailer on youtube & was very intrigued. Had to watch it! So then what do i do??? RSLINKS ofcourse :P Its been considered the 21st century clockwork orange. Other then its certain directing & story telling style, its not even close to Clockwork Orange. Thats a Classic! Well anyway Bronson the movie shows two sides of him. One of himself as the prisoner & the other of him dressed in a suit with a clown face on a stage reciting the story of his life in the most unique way. The actor did a brilliant job. No doubt abt that. DO WATCH IT!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Pineapple Express (2008)


























Pineapple Express is a 2008 American comedy film directed by David Gordon Green, written by Seth Rogan & Evan Goldberg. The film was released on August 6, 2008. Franco was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance.

Plot : Dale Denton (Seth Rogan) is a 25-year-old Process server who, in delivering a subpoena to drug lord Ted Jones witnesses Jones and his girlfriend, a corrupt police officer, Carol Brazier commit murder. Dale panics & throws his joint ( A special kind of weed call pineapple express) out of his car window & fleds the scene. Ted Jones rushes out to find the joint on the road & realises it is a joint containing the rare "Pineapple Express" who he had only sold to one dealer. Ted Jones then sends two henchmen to hunt down Dale Denton (Seth Rogan) & his supplier Saul Silver ( James Franco).

This movie is by far the best bud movie of 2008, It is filled with Marijuana, humour, explosive action, insane car chases & best of all James Francos innovative invention of the "cross joint".

Saul: This. Is. The future, this is like the apex of the vortex of joint engineering. It's rumored that M. M. O'Shaughnessy designed the first one - the guy who, uh, designed the Golden Gate Bridge. My second favorite civil engineer behind Hannskarl Bandel: Madison Square Garden... What you do is you light all three ends at the same time...
Dale Denton: Really?
Saul: - and then the smoke converges, creating a TRIFECTA of joint-smoking power. This is it, man. This is what your grandchildren are gonna be smoking. Future. That - future...




I had a blast watching this ( Though i have my pee test in two days & cant afford to smoke a fucking blunt!), James Franco did an excellent job coming out of his usual crappy Harry Osborn role from Spiderman. But remember kids, you'll need to score some weed before watching this film!!!


Director :
David Gordon Green

Actors :
Seth Rogan - Dale Denton
James Franco - Saul Silver
Amber Head - Angie Anderson
Gary Cole - Ted Jones


RATE : 7.5\10

Monday, August 3, 2009

A Life Less Ordinary (1997)


























A Life Less Ordinary
is a 1997 romantic/comedy directed by one of my favourite director of all time, Mr Danny Boyle! Originally written by Boyle & John Hodge. Following the international success of Trainspotting, Hodge and Boyle sought to use funding from Channel 4 to make a film that would appeal to a U.S. audience.

I was never a fan of Cameron Diaz ( There is something about her face that bothers me) but being a fan of Ewan Mcgregor, i had to give this movie a chance. Realizing it was directed by Danny Boyle was an even bigger boost to watch it. I must say it is one of the most interesting, funny, unique romantic comedy i have ever seen. Danny Boyle just never fails to disappoint. If only the world had more directors like him.

The Plot : In Heaven the "Captain" is upset at reviewing the files of partner angels played by Holly Hunter & Delroy Lindo all of whose recent cases have ended in divorce or misery. Gabriel is being pressed for results, so he introduces a radical new incentive: if their latest case isn't "cracked" - meaning, if the pair in question do not fall, and stay, in love, Jackson and O'Reilly must stay on Earth forever. Shocked and scared, Jackson and O'Reilly open the case file. And their mission was to get Robert (MacGregor) a janitor & a nobody to fall in love with Celine (Diaz) a spoiled twenty-something daughter of a wealthy businessman. Robert (MacGregor) who works as a janitor at celina (Diaz) fathers company finds out he is being replaced by a cleaning machine on the same day his girlfriend leaves him for an aerobics instructor. He confronts celines dad which ends up in a nasty fight with the security guards. Robert then kidnaps celine & drives her to a remote cabin in the California woods. Not realising what a kidnapper should do, he takes lessons from celine herself. And the two go through a hilarious, emotional, disastrous trail, while at the same time being chased down by the angels in their own mission to force them to fall in love with one another.



Well, i did not expect much from this movie being biased about Cameron Diaz but she did an excellent job in her role in this film. So did Mr Ewan Mcgregor as always. It was one of the most funniest, weirdest most unique romantic comedies i have seen so far. But then again, who else could have come up with such a great & unique story line other then Danny Boyle himself. I definetly recommend watching this!!!

Memorable Quote :

Jackson: What the hell did you do to her?
Robert: I punched her in the face.
Jackson: Oh, you punched her in the face. She's half your size and you punch her in the face?
Robert: She had a gun!
Jackson: Oh, she had a gun! So that makes everything all right, does it?
Robert: No, I'm not saying it makes everything all right. I'm just trying to explain to you that for all I knew, she could have been a karate expert or something.
Jackson: With a broken arm? WITH A BROKEN ARM?
Robert: O.K., I'm sorry.

Director :
Danny Boyle

Actors :
Ewan Mcgregor - Robert Lewis
Cameron Diaz - Celine Naville
Holly Hunter - O'Reilly
Delroy Lindo - Jackson


RATE : 7.5\10

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)























Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a 1998 film adaptation of Hunter S. Thomson 1971 novel Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas : A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream. The film, directed by Terry Gilliam, stars Johnny Depp as Raoul Duke and Benicio Del Toro as Dr. Gonzo.

Though the film was a box office failure, It has since become a cult classic due in large part to its release on DVD, including a Special Edition released by The Criterion Collection.

I had to watch this movie more then once before i could fully understand the details of the story. And i had came to the conclusion that it had no meaning & that was the beauty of it. It takes an aquired taste to appreciate this film. The plot being an oddball journalist and his psychopathic lawyer traveling to Las Vegas for a series of psychadelic escapades. Unlike other drug films, this was not only taken through the viewers eyes but also through the eyes of the junkies. Massive hallucinations, Paranoia etc etc. Its tough to go into details about this movie without wrecking it for those who have not seen it. But rest assured that once again Mr Johnny Depp has far exceeded his talent in impersonating the character to perfection. This is a must watch for all Hunter S. Thompson fans. If you have read the book you will know that this movie captures the same excitement and mayhem created within it's pages.



And i shall leave you with my favourite line by Raoul Duke: "We had two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high-powered blotter acid, a saltshaker half-full of cocaine, and a whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers... Also, a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of beer, a pint of raw ether, and two dozen amyls. Not that we needed all that for the trip, but once you get into locked a serious drug collection, the tendency is to push it as far as you can. The only thing that really worried me was the ether. There is nothing in the world more helpless and irresponsible and depraved than a man in the depths of an ether binge, and I knew we'd get into that rotten stuff pretty soon."

Gothic band Choir Of Agony had a track titled Methampetamine released in their 6 track EP dedicated to the film.


Director :
Terry Gilliam

Actors :
Johnny Depp - Raoul Duke
Benicio Del Toro - Dr. Gonzo
Tobey Maguire - Hitchhiker
Christina Ricci - Lucy


RATE : 8.5\10

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Spun (2002)

























Spun is an independent film direct by Jonas Åkerlund. This is Åkerlund's début as a film Director. Spun is a slang for the way users feel after going multiple days without sleep while on a Meth trip. This film was shot in 22 days.

This movie is a straight up Methampetamine movie with not much of any dramatic tales or twist that you can expect from "My Requeim for a Dream". An out-of-control speed freak (Schwartzman) is introduced his drug of choice's creator (Rourke) by his dealer (Leguizamo). A massive three-day adventure ensues (with Fugit, Murphy, and Suvari in tow).

For a film that was shot in 22 dats there is not much i can say about this film other then its worth a watch for all Meth freaks & for those who are curious about Meth trips. Though some scenes are slightly exaggerated but most of it stays true to the effects of Meth. So Enjoy!


Memorable Quote :


The Cook: [telling a story to Ross, whose asleep in the passenger seat] I tell ya, I remember a time when I was about... I was little, I don't know... 4, 5 something like that. We had this old dog that had a litter of puppies. And I walked in the bathroom one day and my Mother was standing there, kneeling down... Dog had a litter of about 8, and my Mother was bending over killing each one of these little puppies in the bathtub. I remember I said 'why?'... She said 'Im just killing what I can't take care of' - Then my momma said to me, she looked at me and she said 'I wish I could do that to you'. - Maybe she, maybe she shoulda.

Director :
Jonas Åkerlund

Actors :
Jason Schwartzman - Ross
Mickey Rourke - The Cook
Brittany Murphy - Nikki
John Leguizamo - Spider Mike
Patrick Fugit - Frisbee
Mena Suvari - Cookie

RATE : 6.5\10

Another Day In Paradise (1998)
























Another Day in Paradise
is a 1998 drama film directed by Larry Clark, and released by Trimark Pictures. It is based on the novel Another Day In Paradise written by Eddie Little.

I was never a big fan of James Woods ( go ahead, hate me) but realising Melanie Griffith ( Oh yea baby! ) was in this film made me tolerate watching James Wood for 101 mins. The movie was about a teenage junkie couple (Vincent Kartheiser & Natasha Gregson Wagner) taken under the wings of two robbers (James Woods & Melanie Griffith) in the hope of a big score. They showed the teenagers the good, rich side of the crime & also the usual dark side of the career. Especially when their various drug robberies go disastrously wrong leading to dissent, violence and murder. Which was a waking point for the teenager (Vincent Kartheiser) who had already lost his child due to a miscarriage & then his girlfriend herself to an overdose in the midst of the robbing spree.



Overall i enjoyed the film & even James Woods acting. The whole show had a very realistic vibe to it, which allows you to feel sympathetic for the characters involved. I would definetly recommend watching it!

Memorable Quotes : Cosmo Carboni: Do you know how many men could've been sitting on top of the world, but they let a dame tell them what to do and the only thing they ended up sitting on top of was a toilet.


Director :
Larry Clark

Actors :
James Woods - Mel
Melanie Griffith - Sid
Vincent Kartheiser - Bobby
Natasha Gregson Wagner - Rosie

RATE : 7.5\10

Monday, July 27, 2009

Trainspotting (1996)

Trainspotting is a 1996 British film directed by Danny Boyle based on the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh. It is by far the best "Junkie Movie" to have ever graced the screens. I remember watching this when i was merely 17 & was going through the usual downward spiral teen phase. I must say Danny Boyle & his great cast of actors did a tremendous job ruining my life. But dont get me wrong here, I am not complaining about it. It was the best disaster that could have happened to me.

The story is based on four drugged up, fucked up kids speeding down an inevitable road to destruction. Having the world on its knees with merely a syringe & every possible misery & happiness melted onto a spoon.

The writers amazing ability to capture the very essence of the junkies mind & lingo was beyond perfection. The need to score, the need to quit right after a fix, the very last hit, one for the road, the junkie limbo.
The well said & most infamous paragraph "Choose your future. Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that? I chose not to choose life. I chose somethin' else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?"



No film up to date has captured the very minor details of how the mind works when you are on junk except for Trainspotting.

But dont by any chance be fooled into thinking that this is merely a movie about drugs. This is a movie with deeper meanings, especially if you come from a lifestyle of that sort. The betrayal among partner in crimes, the back stabbings, the need to put another down just to rationalize your mind into fooling yourself to think that you are better even just for a second. The need to resort to escapism due to lack of self appreciation. The hatred of oneself & the will to change vs the demons of what you once were & the temptation of the forbidden fruit you once tasted.

Oh well with great pleasure comes great consequences! I could go on & on about this movie but there isnt enough word in the English dictionary for me to emphasize the beautiful detailed capturing of the chemical sons. Well done Danny Boyle & we thank you!

Memorable Quote :

Mark "Rent-boy" Renton: What's on the menu this evening, Sir?
Swanney: Your favorite dish.
Mark "Rent-boy" Renton: Excellent.
Swanney: Your usual table, Sir.
Mark "Rent-boy" Renton: Oh, why thank you.
Swanney: Would Sir care to pay for his bill in advance?
Mark "Rent-boy" Renton: No. Stick it on my tab.
Swanney: Ah, regret to inform, sir, credit limit was reached and breached quite some time ago.
Mark "Rent-boy" Renton: Oh, well in that case...
[hands him some cash]
Swanney: Ah, hard currency. Thank you, Sir. Can't be too careful these days. Would Sir care for a starter of some garlic bread perhaps?
Mark "Rent-boy" Renton: No, thank you. I will proceed directly to the intravenous injection of hard drugs, please.

Director :
Danny Boyle

Writers :

Irvine Welsh (Novel)
John Holdge (Screenplay)

Actors :

Ewan McGregor - Renton
Ewen Bremner - Spud
Jonny Lee Miller - Sickboy
Kevin McKidd - Tommy
Robert Carlyle - Begbie

RATE : 9\10