Masakali Matakalli.......... Absolutely in love with this song of Dilli 6 from the very first time I heard it. This number is so coooooool and catchy! Each time I listen to song, I am liking it bit more than before. This song sung by Mohit chauhan is full of positive and happy vibes. Sonam Kapoor is looking so cute in this song.
A R Rahman is getting better with each and every movie. After rocking the world with his score for Slumdog Millionaire by winning a Golden Globe award and 3 nominations for Oscar, ARR has come up with fresh and soulful music for Dilli6. Yuvvraaj movie was another great movie composition from ARR in 2008.
The song 'Rehna Tu' from Dill6 sung by ARR and Benny, is a slow romantic number and is very good too.
Thursday 29 January 2009
My swimming endeavors
One fine day during my 7th standard days, I got into a well in my uncle's farm with my uncle, with a lot of zeal to learn swimming. Seconds after I stepped into the water, I was holding my uncle so tightly in fear that he was almost drowning and he couldn't even swim! That was the day I developed fear about swimming,deep waters and drowning.
After a bad wrist sprain in gym while lifting weights, I was advised by doctor not to touch weights for another 2 to 3 months. Just when I was wondering what to do, I was convinced by my colleague (Niranjan) that swimming will be best thing to do during my couple of months break from gym, considering the peak winter time. After so many years, finally I learnt swimming. As a matter of fact, I am able to swim better than I expected. Now don't ask me what was my expectation about swimming :-) I always used to think that floating in water without drowning itself is a big thing :).
Thanks to Niranjan, Saji, Manish and his wife who helped me to learn swimming and break all my myths and fears about drowning and deep waters. The 3 big enclosed and well maintained warm water swimming pools of Ipswich Borough Council are worth every penny of the membership fee. To my surprise, I was able to float and swim little bit on the day 1 itself. Convinced and motivated by this, I was practising more and more and I could swim well in a week. After a month, I am able to do breakstroke and free style swimming very well though I am still learning backward swimming and yet to attempt butterfly stroke. Watching and getting valuable tips from fellow swimmers and practising along with some great professional swimmers of UK, is a real pleasure.
I am now able to clock 8 laps (1 lap=50metres) in 22-24 minutes in the competition pool. It may not be a great thing for regular or good swimmers. But for a guy who feared water a lot, it really is a big achievement. I am totally enjoying each and every minute spent in the swimming pool. During my process of learning I came across very good swimming tutorials on youtube which I want to share with all, as I found them to be very useful and effective. Jimmy D Shea- Many thanks for uploading your tutorial videos on Youtube.
FreeStyle
Breast stroke
After a bad wrist sprain in gym while lifting weights, I was advised by doctor not to touch weights for another 2 to 3 months. Just when I was wondering what to do, I was convinced by my colleague (Niranjan) that swimming will be best thing to do during my couple of months break from gym, considering the peak winter time. After so many years, finally I learnt swimming. As a matter of fact, I am able to swim better than I expected. Now don't ask me what was my expectation about swimming :-) I always used to think that floating in water without drowning itself is a big thing :).
Thanks to Niranjan, Saji, Manish and his wife who helped me to learn swimming and break all my myths and fears about drowning and deep waters. The 3 big enclosed and well maintained warm water swimming pools of Ipswich Borough Council are worth every penny of the membership fee. To my surprise, I was able to float and swim little bit on the day 1 itself. Convinced and motivated by this, I was practising more and more and I could swim well in a week. After a month, I am able to do breakstroke and free style swimming very well though I am still learning backward swimming and yet to attempt butterfly stroke. Watching and getting valuable tips from fellow swimmers and practising along with some great professional swimmers of UK, is a real pleasure.
I am now able to clock 8 laps (1 lap=50metres) in 22-24 minutes in the competition pool. It may not be a great thing for regular or good swimmers. But for a guy who feared water a lot, it really is a big achievement. I am totally enjoying each and every minute spent in the swimming pool. During my process of learning I came across very good swimming tutorials on youtube which I want to share with all, as I found them to be very useful and effective. Jimmy D Shea- Many thanks for uploading your tutorial videos on Youtube.
FreeStyle
Breast stroke
Tuesday 27 January 2009
Gran Torino
Genra: Drama
Clint Eastwood is a widower, grumpy, tough-minded, and an unhappy old man who can't get along with either his kids or his neighbours. All he is left with is his house and his prized possession of a 1973 Gran Torino car which is in mint condition. When his neighbor Tao, a young Hmong teenager, tries to steal his Gran Torino, Clint sets out to reform the youth. Drawn against his will into the life of Tao's family, Kowalski is soon taking steps to protect them form the gangs that foul their neighborhood.
I am surprised by the multiple talents of Client Eastwood. He directs movies! He acts so well! He composes music so well! His score for Changelling is nominated for Oscar 2008. His acting in this movie should have got a nod too for the Oscar. Coming back to the movie, this one is a slow paced and carries one or two messages for the teenagers especially the ones in the developed countries. No guns! No racism and no fighting! The ending of the movie is well crafted. If you don't like slow paced movies, this one is not for you.
My rating: 8/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Clint Eastwood is a widower, grumpy, tough-minded, and an unhappy old man who can't get along with either his kids or his neighbours. All he is left with is his house and his prized possession of a 1973 Gran Torino car which is in mint condition. When his neighbor Tao, a young Hmong teenager, tries to steal his Gran Torino, Clint sets out to reform the youth. Drawn against his will into the life of Tao's family, Kowalski is soon taking steps to protect them form the gangs that foul their neighborhood.
I am surprised by the multiple talents of Client Eastwood. He directs movies! He acts so well! He composes music so well! His score for Changelling is nominated for Oscar 2008. His acting in this movie should have got a nod too for the Oscar. Coming back to the movie, this one is a slow paced and carries one or two messages for the teenagers especially the ones in the developed countries. No guns! No racism and no fighting! The ending of the movie is well crafted. If you don't like slow paced movies, this one is not for you.
My rating: 8/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Sunday 25 January 2009
The Curious case of Benjamin Button
Genre: Fantasy/Drama
The movie is about Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) who is born in his eighties and ages backwards.This is traveler's tale of the people and places he bumps into along the way, the loves he loses and finds, the joys of life and the sadness of death, and what lasts beyond time. A man, like any of us, unable to stop time. The story set in 1918 and goes into the twenty-first century, following Brad pitt's journey that is as unusual as any man's life can be.
First of all, I watched this movie after seeing the rating and 13 Oscar nominations for this movie and I wasn't let down. I liked the creativity of story of a man who ages backwards. I never knew that Brad Pitt could act so well till I watched this movie. The make up in the movie is so natural and awesome. Though the movie is very long (2hrs 30 minutes) and gets bit boring at times, this movie is worth a watch. I am sure that this movie will bag 3 to 4 Oscars atleast including 1 for Best actor and another one for make up.
My rating: 9/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
The movie is about Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) who is born in his eighties and ages backwards.This is traveler's tale of the people and places he bumps into along the way, the loves he loses and finds, the joys of life and the sadness of death, and what lasts beyond time. A man, like any of us, unable to stop time. The story set in 1918 and goes into the twenty-first century, following Brad pitt's journey that is as unusual as any man's life can be.
First of all, I watched this movie after seeing the rating and 13 Oscar nominations for this movie and I wasn't let down. I liked the creativity of story of a man who ages backwards. I never knew that Brad Pitt could act so well till I watched this movie. The make up in the movie is so natural and awesome. Though the movie is very long (2hrs 30 minutes) and gets bit boring at times, this movie is worth a watch. I am sure that this movie will bag 3 to 4 Oscars atleast including 1 for Best actor and another one for make up.
My rating: 9/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Revolutionary Road
Genre: Drama
April (Kate Winslet) and Frank (Leonardo Di caprio) are a young, thriving couple living with their two children in a Connecticut suburb in the mid-1950s. Frank is mired in a well-paying but boring office job, and April is a housewife still mourning the demise of her hoped-for acting career. As their relationship deteriorates into an endless cycle of squabbling, jealousy and recriminations, their trip and their dreams of self-fulfillment are thrown into jeopardy.
Revolutionary road is a great movie about a life of a normal middle class husband and wife's life and how sometimes people don't know what they want. The ending will leave you disturbed for really long time. Kate Winslet and Leonardo have given their best performances ever. It is good to see them together after Titanic, though both have lost their old charming looks. I am still surprised why Kate didn't get an oscar nomiation for 'Best acress' such a wonderful acting in this movie. After 5 disappointments for Oscar, I seriously wish that she gets a well deserved Oscar atleast this time for her movie 'Reader'.
My rating: 9/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
April (Kate Winslet) and Frank (Leonardo Di caprio) are a young, thriving couple living with their two children in a Connecticut suburb in the mid-1950s. Frank is mired in a well-paying but boring office job, and April is a housewife still mourning the demise of her hoped-for acting career. As their relationship deteriorates into an endless cycle of squabbling, jealousy and recriminations, their trip and their dreams of self-fulfillment are thrown into jeopardy.
Revolutionary road is a great movie about a life of a normal middle class husband and wife's life and how sometimes people don't know what they want. The ending will leave you disturbed for really long time. Kate Winslet and Leonardo have given their best performances ever. It is good to see them together after Titanic, though both have lost their old charming looks. I am still surprised why Kate didn't get an oscar nomiation for 'Best acress' such a wonderful acting in this movie. After 5 disappointments for Oscar, I seriously wish that she gets a well deserved Oscar atleast this time for her movie 'Reader'.
My rating: 9/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Shoot on sight
Genre: Drama/ActionShoot on sight is an 'American World Pictures' movies and is about a Muslim family in London linked to terror activities directly or indirectly. The movie casts lots of great indian actors like Nasrudeen shah, Om puri and Gulshan grover.
Though the movie plot is not great, the movie very well enacts about how muslims being treated racially and considered as terrorists just because they are born as muslims. It is a short movie but you won't get bored anywhere.
My rating: 8/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Eden Lake
Genre: Thriller/Horror
Heroine goes for a relaxing weekend outing with her boyfriend unaware of a romantic surprise her boyfriend has in store for her. The lake located next to a wood is a perfect romantic spot. But before the happy couple can enjoy the retreat, their peace is shattered by a gang of violent youths. What begins is a shocking and unrelenting game of cat-and-mouse, as the heroine is forced to fight back against her aggressors.
Though horror is not my favourite genre of movies, I kind of liked this movie for the suspense it creates in the second half and the unexpected ending. Unless you like horror/thriller movies, you can skip this movie.
My rating: 7.5/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Heroine goes for a relaxing weekend outing with her boyfriend unaware of a romantic surprise her boyfriend has in store for her. The lake located next to a wood is a perfect romantic spot. But before the happy couple can enjoy the retreat, their peace is shattered by a gang of violent youths. What begins is a shocking and unrelenting game of cat-and-mouse, as the heroine is forced to fight back against her aggressors.
Though horror is not my favourite genre of movies, I kind of liked this movie for the suspense it creates in the second half and the unexpected ending. Unless you like horror/thriller movies, you can skip this movie.
My rating: 7.5/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Sunday 18 January 2009
The Irony of the media
In November 2008, after lot of research and thought process, I wrote an article about the traffic situation in Bangalore (India) with facts and statistics along with lots of solutions (old and my own) to reduce the traffic. The article was written out of concern and was intended to create awareness. I have also personally experienced the Bangalore traffic for so long. Hence I wanted to publish my article in any newspaper so that there will be wider reach to bring awareness.
http://chocosss.blogspot.com/2008/11/possible-solutions-to-bangalore-traffic.html
When I approached Bangalore Mirror newspaper about my article, the initial person who was responsible for web section of Bangalore Mirror told me 'Your article is pretty good'. He also told that he is interested in publishing my article in both web and prints sections but asked me to wait for some more time as their columns were full with Mumbai terror attacks that time.
After some long wait, when I approached again, the same person told that he has sent my article to the print section editor for review. After a week or so, when I approached the same person again, I was told that editor does not want to publish my article in print as he wants 'lighter stuff for the readers' but he can publish your article atleast in the web section. I was literally taken aback to hear that from a media person. Don't readers want to read heavy or factual stuff too? I understand that a newspaper can't publish all articles written by everyone but then even when they know and acknowledged my article to be very good and relevant to Bangalore!
After some thought, I said 'Yes' to the Bangalore mirror person to get my article published atleast in the websection. When my article appeared in the website, I could see only portion of my article (only 7 out of 15 solutions were published). Even in the 7 ideas published there, the content about the Bangalore traffic police were moderated and removed.
http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?page=article§id=21&contentid=2009010820090108182346527258c5851§xslt=
The irony is that media is the face of the public which has to highlight the reality. I am shocked to learn that the media does not want to show the reality to the public and is interested only in commercial news which generates more profit for them. As long these sort of things goes on, there are less chances that the country's gruelling problems will get resolved soon.
http://chocosss.blogspot.com/2008/11/possible-solutions-to-bangalore-traffic.html
When I approached Bangalore Mirror newspaper about my article, the initial person who was responsible for web section of Bangalore Mirror told me 'Your article is pretty good'. He also told that he is interested in publishing my article in both web and prints sections but asked me to wait for some more time as their columns were full with Mumbai terror attacks that time.
After some long wait, when I approached again, the same person told that he has sent my article to the print section editor for review. After a week or so, when I approached the same person again, I was told that editor does not want to publish my article in print as he wants 'lighter stuff for the readers' but he can publish your article atleast in the web section. I was literally taken aback to hear that from a media person. Don't readers want to read heavy or factual stuff too? I understand that a newspaper can't publish all articles written by everyone but then even when they know and acknowledged my article to be very good and relevant to Bangalore!
After some thought, I said 'Yes' to the Bangalore mirror person to get my article published atleast in the websection. When my article appeared in the website, I could see only portion of my article (only 7 out of 15 solutions were published). Even in the 7 ideas published there, the content about the Bangalore traffic police were moderated and removed.
http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?page=article§id=21&contentid=2009010820090108182346527258c5851§xslt=
The irony is that media is the face of the public which has to highlight the reality. I am shocked to learn that the media does not want to show the reality to the public and is interested only in commercial news which generates more profit for them. As long these sort of things goes on, there are less chances that the country's gruelling problems will get resolved soon.
Saturday 17 January 2009
My new year celebrations in London
First of all, I wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2009. I just felt like sharing my 2009 new year celebrations through this blog. Well, way before the new year itself, we guys started planning for new year. Plan 1 to go to Dublin (Ireland) had to be dropped as Dublin is in Republic of Ireland and we need a separate visa for Dublin. Plan 2 was to go to Belfast (Ireland) which is in Northern Ireland and our UK visas are sufficient for that. We dropped the plan 2 as well as Belfast turns out to be a sad place to celebrate new year. Plan 3 to go to Blackpool (UK) didn't even kick start.Finally me,my roomies (Niranjan and Sudeep) and Deepak (colleague) decided to go to London on new year eve to watch the famous London eye fireworks. I was very keen to go to London as I was not sure whether I will get another chance to watch the London eye new year fireworks again. As planned all of us left early from work, packed our bags with warm clothes and started by train to London by 5pm on 31st Dec evening.
Once we reached Liverpool station at 6.30pm, all of us took the tube (London metro rail system) tickets. I started to Paddington from there to meet Raj (friend from my native place in India) as I had plans to watch London eye fireworks with Raj and his friends and stay overnight at his place. My other friends went to their hotel. I met Raj and his friends at his place. I was kind of shocked when I learnt from Raj about how much people pay for rent in Central london. Rent for a 1BHK apartment in Central London is more than double of a what we guys were paying for a 3BHK independant house in Ipswich. After some chit chat of sometime, we guys had dinner and a small new year bash before the new year. For a moment I felt as though I was back to my old college days.
We lost track of the time and ended up starting around 11AM from Raj's place to watch the fireworks. I was my like 'Oh! my god' when I saw the madrush in the tube stations and unfortunately some of the tube stations nearby to the 'London eye' were closed. After getting down in Picadilly circus tube station, we guys had to walk a bit. By the time we reached the Trafalgar square from where we could see the London eye fireworks, it was 12AM and the fireworks had just started with a bang. We couldn't move even an inch further from there as all the roads around were blocked due to the crowd. I was told that the actual crowd was easily more than 7 lakhs. Finally we guys had to view the fireworks on the giant screens and the restricted view of the actual fireworks, available from that crowded area.
The fireworks were spectacular and went on for 12 to 15 minutes after which we guys started wishing each other a 'Happy New year'. There was one british guy who go onto to the top of the big horse statue there and was waving to everyone. Interesting the crowd was absolutely loving it. There were few drunken brawls and frenzy fights too in that crowd. After some time, we guys had to walk almost 2 miles or so till we got an open tube station, as all the other tube stations nearby to London eye were closed and people were swarming everywhere. After small party again at Raj place later, I slept with a feeling that my new year started with a bang.
I got up at 10.30 am the next day after couple of snoozes to my mobile alarm and gave a buzz to Niran. After thanking Raj, I started from Raj's place to East ham station to meet Niran, sudeep, dinesh and deepak at 1.30pm. The moment we stepped in East ham, we felt as though we were in Aamchi Mumbai. East ham is full of Indians (mostly tamilians) and Srilankans and one can see shops with vegetables and other groceries kept in and out of the shop just like what we see in the local Indian bazaars. After few enquiries with the people around, we found the way and reached the only Murugan temple in London. I was happy to see so many Indians around in the temple. After my prayers and offerings in the temple, we guys waited for almost 45 minutes in a big queue to get the prasadham in the temple.
After tasting the delicious prasadham, we guys headed to the famous Saravana Bhavan restaurant in East ham around 4pm. I was damn hungry by that time as I didn't have my breakfast. After another long wait amongst the frenzy crowd in the restaurant, we guys got seats. I ordered for a kichidi, a rava dosa and spicy fried idlis. The food turned out be yummy and was of authentic indian taste. How can i forget the famous filter coffee of Saravana Bhavan? I had one filter coffee too. Later all of us took the tube again and headed to Tower hill to try ice skating.
When I got my chance to try ice skating in Edinburgh (Scotland) during the 2008 new year time, I could not try due to lack of time. So I was really excited to try ice skating at last but had small jitters too about falling down before I learn the skating rhythm. Though I was damn scared initially when I stepped into the skating zone with the ice skating shoes on, I could manage to skate a bit after first two rounds with the support of the walls. After falling down couple of times and 40 minutes of practice, I was delighted that I could skate around better though not in the fast rhythm. Then after spending some time on the river side bridge with the beautiful night view of the London Bridge, we guys started back to Ipswich.Show All
Book: A Thousand splendid suns
I recently read this book and found it to be very good and thought of sharing my reading experience with all. This book is better than the author Khaled hosseini's previous book called 'The Kite runner'. As usual the author has portrayed a touching story by weaving the actual story with the facts of the actual happenings in Afghanisthan.
The story is about two girls called 'Mariam' and 'Laila' whose troubled lives goes through darker phase after their marriage and how they find solace in each other as Mother-Daughter and as elder and younger sisters. Though the story gets darker towards the mid story, I was actually moved by way the author unfolds the events next to next. Only a stone heart won't be moved by this book.
Poem 10: A Train Journey
This poem is an imaginary work about a guy and a girl who meet as strangers during a train journey but fall for each other with a dramatic end to their love tale. As this is an imaginary work, the poem may or may not be close to reality.
A Train journey
Guy's version:
Eyes wander through the train window
Forlorn moments, I wish could change
My attention turn! An unheralded beauty
seated opposite to me
Careful glimpses of her adjusting her hair
Rays of light fill the milieu
Tinkles in my ear and symphony of love
Is it love at first sight?
Ineffable! I am not able to talk to her
Will be she respond if i talk?
Sunk in the ripples in the puddles of my thoughts
I relish the short glimpses of her grace
Girl's version:
Seated opposite to me! Handsome but shy!
He is just a stranger, I keep saying to myself
Why am I still attracted by his aura?
Bombarded by myriads of thoughts!
Careful glimpses of him
Enthralled but unable to resist
Pondering whether i should talk to him first
Or wait for him to break the ice?
I get down at my station with sadness
Convicted by his silence, my heart feels heavy !
Ending:
From the train chugging along,I watch her disappear
In disbelief, my heart breaks like a bridge less chasm
Seven pounds
Genre: Drama
Seven pounds is the latest movie from the director of the masterpiece 'Pursuit of Happiness'. Ben (Will Smith) is an IRS agent who is depressed and guilt-ridden about mistakes from his past. He sets out to make amends by helping seven strangers. When he meets Emily with a heart condition, he falls in love with her, thereby complicating his plans.
I went to watch this movie with lot of expectations after seeing the trailer and also because of the fact that seven pounds is the from the director of the masterpiece 'Pursuit of Happiness'. I must say I wasn't disappointed. This movie is good in its own way. Though the ending is predictable and the second half of the movie is slight dragged, the overall movie is good and is worth watching once.
My rating: 8.5/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Seven pounds is the latest movie from the director of the masterpiece 'Pursuit of Happiness'. Ben (Will Smith) is an IRS agent who is depressed and guilt-ridden about mistakes from his past. He sets out to make amends by helping seven strangers. When he meets Emily with a heart condition, he falls in love with her, thereby complicating his plans.
I went to watch this movie with lot of expectations after seeing the trailer and also because of the fact that seven pounds is the from the director of the masterpiece 'Pursuit of Happiness'. I must say I wasn't disappointed. This movie is good in its own way. Though the ending is predictable and the second half of the movie is slight dragged, the overall movie is good and is worth watching once.
My rating: 8.5/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
The Wrestler
Genre: Drama / Action
Back in the late '80s, Randy "The Ram Robinson" (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler. Now, twenty years later, he gives a living performing for handfuls of die hard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey.
This movie portrait of a battered dreamer, who despite himself and the odds stacked against him, lives to be a hero once again in the only place he considers home inside the ring. I watched this movie after seeing the Golden globe nomination for the best actor for Mickey rourke but was let down by the overall movie.The movie could have been directed and shot even better. Though Mickey Rourke has acted amazingly, I still felt the overall movie is still way below the hollywood standards. Except for the father-daughter story and battered life of the protagonist, there is nothing captivating in this movie.
My rating: 6/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Back in the late '80s, Randy "The Ram Robinson" (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler. Now, twenty years later, he gives a living performing for handfuls of die hard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey.
This movie portrait of a battered dreamer, who despite himself and the odds stacked against him, lives to be a hero once again in the only place he considers home inside the ring. I watched this movie after seeing the Golden globe nomination for the best actor for Mickey rourke but was let down by the overall movie.The movie could have been directed and shot even better. Though Mickey Rourke has acted amazingly, I still felt the overall movie is still way below the hollywood standards. Except for the father-daughter story and battered life of the protagonist, there is nothing captivating in this movie.
My rating: 6/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Tuesday 13 January 2009
Changeling
Genre: Drama/Mystery/Suspense
Clint Eastwood directs Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich in a provocative thriller based on actual events: Changeling. In the film, Christine Collins' (Jolie) prayers are met when her kidnapped son is returned. But amidst the frenzy of the photo-op reunion, she realizes this child is not hers. Facing corrupt police and a skeptical public, she desperately hunts for answers, only to be confronted by a truth that will change her forever.
Well, this movie is a based on a true story and is set in 1928 in Los Angeles. Though the movie is slow and dark, Angelina Jolie's performance shines and is outstanding. No wonder she is nominated for so many 'Best Actress' awards. Over all this movie is worth watching once if you can bear the slow pace drama movies.
My rating: 8.25/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Clint Eastwood directs Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich in a provocative thriller based on actual events: Changeling. In the film, Christine Collins' (Jolie) prayers are met when her kidnapped son is returned. But amidst the frenzy of the photo-op reunion, she realizes this child is not hers. Facing corrupt police and a skeptical public, she desperately hunts for answers, only to be confronted by a truth that will change her forever.
Well, this movie is a based on a true story and is set in 1928 in Los Angeles. Though the movie is slow and dark, Angelina Jolie's performance shines and is outstanding. No wonder she is nominated for so many 'Best Actress' awards. Over all this movie is worth watching once if you can bear the slow pace drama movies.
My rating: 8.25/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Sunday 11 January 2009
Role Models
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Danny and Wheeler, two salesmen who trash a company truck onto a school property because of a terrible day and a bender. Upon their arrest, the court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 hours with a mentorship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn't look half bad. Once the center's director gives them an ultimatum, Danny and Wheeler are forced to tailor their brand of immature wisdom to their charges by being assigned a kid to take care of as part of their community service. What happens after that is the rest of the story!
This movie is a different attempt at comedy which don't go completely right. The second half looks very kiddish by dwelling too much into the kid's fantasy world and it doesn't appeal as comedy to me.I am still wondering why is this movie highly rated by others!.
My rating: 7/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
This movie is a different attempt at comedy which don't go completely right. The second half looks very kiddish by dwelling too much into the kid's fantasy world and it doesn't appeal as comedy to me.I am still wondering why is this movie highly rated by others!.
My rating: 7/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Sex Drive
Genre: Comedy/Romance
18 Rating
Eighteen-year-old Ian Lafferty sets out on a cross country drive with his best friends Lance and Felicia in order to lose his virginity to a red-hot babe he met on the Internet. But the journey, filled with hilarious misadventures and raunchy escapades, teaches all three more than they expected about life and love. Randy, raucous and unexpectedly romantic, Sex Drive follows three friends on the road trip of a lifetime!
If you loved the American pie, Euro trip, Super bad kind of adult comedy movies, this one is a must watch. This movie is an absolute entertainer and you will be laughing all over the movie. Best comedy movie I have seen in a long time.
My rating: 8.75/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
18 Rating
Eighteen-year-old Ian Lafferty sets out on a cross country drive with his best friends Lance and Felicia in order to lose his virginity to a red-hot babe he met on the Internet. But the journey, filled with hilarious misadventures and raunchy escapades, teaches all three more than they expected about life and love. Randy, raucous and unexpectedly romantic, Sex Drive follows three friends on the road trip of a lifetime!
If you loved the American pie, Euro trip, Super bad kind of adult comedy movies, this one is a must watch. This movie is an absolute entertainer and you will be laughing all over the movie. Best comedy movie I have seen in a long time.
My rating: 8.75/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Oh My God
Genre: Fantasy/Comedy/DramaAnother decent film from 'Vinay Pathak' but nowhere near to his previous film 'Dasvidaniya'. Rajendra (Vinay pathak) is a common man who has got nice job, nice and loving wife (Divya dutta) , house etc but is still in search of happiness through money through his money schemes.
God(Saurabh Shukla) works his magic in Rajendra's life to teach him lessons so that he realises what real happiness is about. The film carries a very nice moral for everyone but the direction and screen play could have been better. Personally I did not like Saurabh Shukla as God as he does not have the appeal of character of God like Amitabh in 'God tussi great ho' or any other god characters for that matter. First half is a real dragger. I am still surprised how can the full film is shot in just 19 days by a new director with good quality.
My rating: 7.5/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Saturday 10 January 2009
Bride wars
Genre: Comedy / Romance
Bride wars is a tale of two best friends (Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway) whose live go happily until they find out that they are both getting married on the same day. Their life dream is to get married at the grand plaza hotel but when they find out that both have to get married on same day, bride wars continues between both to push one of their wedding to a different date. In the act of bridezillas do they realise the reality of the relationships in their lives and do they get beyond beyond this and save their friendship? Well that's the rest of the story.
First of all, the movie is more girlish and except for one or two scenes this movie fails to tickle the funny bones. I think only girls might enjoy this movie more. I was looking at my watch often for the movie to get over. I felt Anne Hathaway was beautiful in 'Get Smart' movie. Still I felt had they casted two other beautiful actresses in this movie, it would have been interesting atleast :)
My rating: 6/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Bride wars is a tale of two best friends (Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway) whose live go happily until they find out that they are both getting married on the same day. Their life dream is to get married at the grand plaza hotel but when they find out that both have to get married on same day, bride wars continues between both to push one of their wedding to a different date. In the act of bridezillas do they realise the reality of the relationships in their lives and do they get beyond beyond this and save their friendship? Well that's the rest of the story.
First of all, the movie is more girlish and except for one or two scenes this movie fails to tickle the funny bones. I think only girls might enjoy this movie more. I was looking at my watch often for the movie to get over. I felt Anne Hathaway was beautiful in 'Get Smart' movie. Still I felt had they casted two other beautiful actresses in this movie, it would have been interesting atleast :)
My rating: 6/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Defiance
Genre: Action / War / History
Defiance is a brilliant film about a true story which happened during the World War II when Jews were being hunted, tortured and killed mercilessly by Germans. The film follows the Bielski brothers ( Daniel Craig and his brothers) who are Jewish and must escape Nazi-occupied Poland during WWII. They are forced to leave and end up in a remote forest where the brothers join the Russian resistance fighters to help fight the Nazis. Defiance is a story of a family, revenge, salvation and survival of a community.
This is a action packed film and looks like one than a war film though it portrays the history nicely. The way the jews survived and in the woods for years away from Nazis by forming a community there with ammunition, shelter and food is moving. You will never get bored at any part of the film. I felt that movie got over so soon but the fact was it was a 2 plus hours movie. This one is a must watch. Defiance is in the league of the best and my favourite war movies like Behind the enemy lines, Enemy at the gates and U-571.
My rating: 9/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Defiance is a brilliant film about a true story which happened during the World War II when Jews were being hunted, tortured and killed mercilessly by Germans. The film follows the Bielski brothers ( Daniel Craig and his brothers) who are Jewish and must escape Nazi-occupied Poland during WWII. They are forced to leave and end up in a remote forest where the brothers join the Russian resistance fighters to help fight the Nazis. Defiance is a story of a family, revenge, salvation and survival of a community.
This is a action packed film and looks like one than a war film though it portrays the history nicely. The way the jews survived and in the woods for years away from Nazis by forming a community there with ammunition, shelter and food is moving. You will never get bored at any part of the film. I felt that movie got over so soon but the fact was it was a 2 plus hours movie. This one is a must watch. Defiance is in the league of the best and my favourite war movies like Behind the enemy lines, Enemy at the gates and U-571.
My rating: 9/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Thursday 8 January 2009
Best medicine for common cough and cold problems
The old saying about common cold is that "When you take tablets, you recover in 7 days and if you don't take tablets, you recover in a week". Fortunately, our great ancestors who introduced Ayurveda to the world, have found out simple and effective remedies for most of the common health problems.
I was down with severe cold, cough and fever few days back due to the sudden change in weather here in UK. It was snowing with temperature around -7C. Luckily I got to know to a simple and effective remedy to cold and cough and I was completely back to normal in just 2 days after using the remedy. The remedy worked liked a wonder. I felt better after the first day itself and i was back to normal after 2 days. Thanks to my colleague. Definitely I feel that this remedy should be shared with all.
Remedy 1:
Required: 1 inch of ginger, pinch of turmeric powder, 3 black pepper or pinch of black pepper powder and milk.
Preparation: Cut ginger into smallest pieces as possible. Boil a glass of milk with the ginger pieces and add a pinch of turmeric powder and black peppers/pepper powder. Add sugar if required for taste and drink the preparation.
Dosage: You can have it upto 3 to 4 times as required and there are no side effects. I used it twice a day
Remedy 2:
Required: 1 inch of ginger, half teaspoon of honey, 3 black pepper or pinch of black pepper powder.
Preparation: Cut ginger into smallest pieces as possible. Boil a glass of water with the ginger pieces and and black pepper/pepper powder. Once boiled contents have cooled to be luke warm, add half tsp of honey and drink the preparation.
Dosage: You can have it 3 to 4 times as required and there are no side effects.
Medicinal values of Turmeric,Ginger and Pepper:
Turmeric - Magical Herb: Turmeric in India was always considered a magical herb. Turmeric is a blood purifier, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and skin tonic. It is also used to treat measles, cough, sprains, and scabies. A pinch of turmeric powder added in the Indian curries is the best antidote.
Ginger - Maha aushadhi or Great Medicine: Ginger is used internally as a stimulant and carminative and is used externally as a rubefacient that is, counter-irritant for relief of muscular pain. Ginger is useful in the treatment of flatulence, colic, vomiting, spasms and other painful affections of the stomach. This herb is an excellent remedy for coughs and colds.
Pepper: Black pepper is stimulant, pungent, aromatic, digestive and nervine tonic. Black pepper is very useful in in relieving flatulence. Pepper has a stimulating effect on the digestive organs and produces an increased flow of salvia and gastric juices. Pepper is beneficial in the treatment of cold and fever and very effective remedy for cough caused due to throat irritation.
I was down with severe cold, cough and fever few days back due to the sudden change in weather here in UK. It was snowing with temperature around -7C. Luckily I got to know to a simple and effective remedy to cold and cough and I was completely back to normal in just 2 days after using the remedy. The remedy worked liked a wonder. I felt better after the first day itself and i was back to normal after 2 days. Thanks to my colleague. Definitely I feel that this remedy should be shared with all.
Remedy 1:
Required: 1 inch of ginger, pinch of turmeric powder, 3 black pepper or pinch of black pepper powder and milk.
Preparation: Cut ginger into smallest pieces as possible. Boil a glass of milk with the ginger pieces and add a pinch of turmeric powder and black peppers/pepper powder. Add sugar if required for taste and drink the preparation.
Dosage: You can have it upto 3 to 4 times as required and there are no side effects. I used it twice a day
Remedy 2:
Required: 1 inch of ginger, half teaspoon of honey, 3 black pepper or pinch of black pepper powder.
Preparation: Cut ginger into smallest pieces as possible. Boil a glass of water with the ginger pieces and and black pepper/pepper powder. Once boiled contents have cooled to be luke warm, add half tsp of honey and drink the preparation.
Dosage: You can have it 3 to 4 times as required and there are no side effects.
Medicinal values of Turmeric,Ginger and Pepper:
Turmeric - Magical Herb: Turmeric in India was always considered a magical herb. Turmeric is a blood purifier, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and skin tonic. It is also used to treat measles, cough, sprains, and scabies. A pinch of turmeric powder added in the Indian curries is the best antidote.
Ginger - Maha aushadhi or Great Medicine: Ginger is used internally as a stimulant and carminative and is used externally as a rubefacient that is, counter-irritant for relief of muscular pain. Ginger is useful in the treatment of flatulence, colic, vomiting, spasms and other painful affections of the stomach. This herb is an excellent remedy for coughs and colds.
Pepper: Black pepper is stimulant, pungent, aromatic, digestive and nervine tonic. Black pepper is very useful in in relieving flatulence. Pepper has a stimulating effect on the digestive organs and produces an increased flow of salvia and gastric juices. Pepper is beneficial in the treatment of cold and fever and very effective remedy for cough caused due to throat irritation.
Tuesday 6 January 2009
God Tussi Great Ho
Genre: Comedy / Fantasy / DramaGod Tussi Great Ho is a fantasy comedy movie starring Amitabh Bacchan as God. Salman khan, Sohail khan and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles and all of them work as anchors in a TV channel and are aspiring for great success in their careers.
Luck plays the spoilt sport in Salman's luck and his cribbings and prayers are answered one day when the God (Amitabh) appears in front of him and grant him great powers and what happens after that is the rest of the story.
My rating: 7/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Sunday 4 January 2009
Mumbai Meri Jaan
Genre: Drama / CrimeOne liner for this movie would be 'Good film and good effort'. This movie really leaves a strong impact on you once the movie is over. The movie revolves around 6 characters and how their lives are affected after the mumbai bomb blasts.
The characters are sketched wonderfully and acted equally well. Maddy (R.Madhavan) is a patriotic professional. K.K.Menon is an extermist person and is jobless. Paresh Rawal is a retiring police officer who hasn't done anything good in his career where as his subordinate police officer wants to abide by the laws and wants to do justice to his police job.Irfan khan is a road side tea shop wala. Soha ali khan is a TV reporter.
The movie beautifully portrays the psychological impacts of bomb blasts on people's lives and doesn't get into detective and terror stuff. This movie is a must watch.
My rating: 8.75/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 and above- OK types, 8 and above- worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
Saturday 3 January 2009
Australia
Baz Luhrmann's Australia which is set in northern Australia prior to World War II and centers on an English aristocrat (Kidman) who inherits a small cattle station. When English cattle barons plot to take her land, she reluctantly joins forces with a rough local stock man (Hugh Jackman) to drive 2,000 head of cattle across hundreds of miles only to face hell lot of hurdles. Nicole kidman goes on to adopt the small boy called Nullah and what happens after that is the rest of the story.
The lanky Nicole Kidman has acted beautifully. The movie is pictured well covering the old Australian territory and country side culture. I am still wondering whether the old australian tribe people are really into sprituality and possessed some magical powers! Atleast that is what the movie portrays. This is a long movie (almost 165 minutes) and if you have some patience you will enjoy this movie and its story line. If you are impatient kinds, this movie is not for you. Overall this movie is worth watching once.
My rating: 8/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 t0 8 - OK types, 8 to 9 - worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
The lanky Nicole Kidman has acted beautifully. The movie is pictured well covering the old Australian territory and country side culture. I am still wondering whether the old australian tribe people are really into sprituality and possessed some magical powers! Atleast that is what the movie portrays. This is a long movie (almost 165 minutes) and if you have some patience you will enjoy this movie and its story line. If you are impatient kinds, this movie is not for you. Overall this movie is worth watching once.
My rating: 8/10. (6 or less- Avoid, 6 t0 8 - OK types, 8 to 9 - worth watching once, 9 and above- very good and must watch)
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