There are some movies which stay in our hearts, months and years after we've seen them. Movies like Dilwale Dulhaniya..., Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, and so on, are memorable movies which we dont mind watching over and over again. Well, I would like to add one more name to the list. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.
I'll first take shots at the critics of the movie, the fellows who say it's boring and a drag. Firstly, this isnt a typical action movie. There is no suspense, no thrilling sequences, no mystery. Any movie without these elements, cannot be interesting throughout its running time (there are a few exceptions, but I'm talking in general).
Therefore, please do excuse Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na for not being your normal thriller. In fact, I loved the way it weaved the story line, trying to make a normal love story as funny, and as heart warming as possible.
Most of you must have seen the movie. So I'll talk about why I liked it so much.
Narrative Technique: If I were to say that Jaane Tu is an original script, I wouldnt be able to continue reviewing movies much longer. I know that Jaane Tu is at heart, one of the most simplest and done to death topics in Bollywood. But have you noticed the different plot elements? Why was the character of Naseeruddin Shah kept in a picture frame? Why were Sohail and Arbaaz Khan shown travelling on horses? Why were the three requirements to become a Rathore so emphasised? Think about this, and you'll see that the director took an ordinary story, and told it in a not-so-ordinary way. That's the beauty of it all.
Music: No one will argue that the music of Jaane Tu isnt good. The songs are all excellent, but what's more, the sound track is amazing as well (especially when Jai stares at the inspector, or rides a horse to the airport).
Simplicity: I think we should all appreciate a simple story when we see it. At a time when audiences are getting tired of senseless action, over the top acting, and ridiculous melodrama, Jaane Tu is a change in every sense of the word.
All in all, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is a movie which was a blockbuster (it grossed over 50 crore rupees till date), as well as movie that was critically praised (not acclaimed, just praised. Not every critic, unfortunately, is like me!). What's more, the fan base of this movie is between 16 and 24 years of age.
If you havent seen the movie, please do see it. Maybe you'll like it. Maybe you wont. But I assure you, it's worth the gamble.
Scorecard (Out of 5):
Acting: 3.5
Script: 4
Music: 4.5
Direction: 4
Choreography: 3.5
Overall: 4
Repeat Viewing Value: 1 - 3
17 August 2008
The Dark Knight - Movie Review
I wasn't too excited about seeing The Dark Knight. The only reason I did, was because I had a lot of time on my hands. But one thing is clear. I don't regret the decision.
To say The Dark Knight is the best movie that I've seen, is a bit of a lie. To say that it's an awesome movie, would be true. In fact, it's one of the few movies which I liked more and more, with every passing day after I had seen it.
It's too boring to tell you the plot, or the name of all the characters and actors. I'll dive right into why I liked the movie.
The story, is about how Batman begins to question whether he is the ideal hero for Gotham, or whether Harvey Dent - the District Attorney (played by Aaron Eckhart) could do a better job. That's when the menace of the Joker appears. As shown in the opening scenes, the Joker plans the robbery of a bank which was holding the Mob's money. Later, the Joker strikes a deal with the Mob. He will kill the Batman for them, in return for half their money.
What follows is an action packed movie, filled with menace, suspense and thrill. I don't want to give away any more plot details, so I'll talk about the best reason to watch The Dark Knight. One word. Joker.
Heath Ledger is an amazing actor, at least in the role of the Joker. Few villains can actually do more than produce an evil laugh. Heath Ledger can make even the most seasoned movie goer shudder. And he does it with style.
The catch phrase, "Why so serious?" and "Let's put a smile on your face", will stay in my mind for a long time.
If you're wondering whether or not to watch this movie, let me help you out. Watch it. Watch it, even if you're not a fan of Batman. Watch it even if you don't like action movies. Because, its worth it all when you see the Joker utter those heart stopping words.
"Why So Serious....?"
Scorecard (Out of 5):
Acting: 4
Direction: 4
Story: 3.5
Overall: 4
Repeat Viewing Value: 2 - 4
To say The Dark Knight is the best movie that I've seen, is a bit of a lie. To say that it's an awesome movie, would be true. In fact, it's one of the few movies which I liked more and more, with every passing day after I had seen it.
It's too boring to tell you the plot, or the name of all the characters and actors. I'll dive right into why I liked the movie.
The story, is about how Batman begins to question whether he is the ideal hero for Gotham, or whether Harvey Dent - the District Attorney (played by Aaron Eckhart) could do a better job. That's when the menace of the Joker appears. As shown in the opening scenes, the Joker plans the robbery of a bank which was holding the Mob's money. Later, the Joker strikes a deal with the Mob. He will kill the Batman for them, in return for half their money.
What follows is an action packed movie, filled with menace, suspense and thrill. I don't want to give away any more plot details, so I'll talk about the best reason to watch The Dark Knight. One word. Joker.
Heath Ledger is an amazing actor, at least in the role of the Joker. Few villains can actually do more than produce an evil laugh. Heath Ledger can make even the most seasoned movie goer shudder. And he does it with style.
The catch phrase, "Why so serious?" and "Let's put a smile on your face", will stay in my mind for a long time.
If you're wondering whether or not to watch this movie, let me help you out. Watch it. Watch it, even if you're not a fan of Batman. Watch it even if you don't like action movies. Because, its worth it all when you see the Joker utter those heart stopping words.
"Why So Serious....?"
Scorecard (Out of 5):
Acting: 4
Direction: 4
Story: 3.5
Overall: 4
Repeat Viewing Value: 2 - 4
16 August 2008
Introducing Laptop Diary
Dear Reader,
I've finally cracked it. After months and months of thinking, I finally figured out how to write a blog of my own. This blog wont have stories, or poems, or serialized novels. All its going to have, is lots and lots of my ramblings (most of you should press Alt + F4 now...). For the rest of you, I'd like to share how exactly I got the name of this blog.
Writing a diary had always seemed like a cool idea. However, using pen and paper to do it, didn't seem so cool. Besides, I could type faster than I could write. Therefore, one day while I was brushing my teeth (I'm not trying to make this melodramatic, this actually happened), I realized that if I combined my desire to write a diary, with my ease of using a laptop, I could get the perfect blog. And viola! Introducing Laptop Diary.
Most of you will think it's a cheesy name. After I finished brushing that day, even I thought so. Still, I couldn't think of any other name to use. So from now on, whenever I get time, I'll be updating this blog with my thoughts. Whether you read it or not, will depend on how bored you are at that time (which is why I get the most traffic during the summer holidays!).
But let me tell you one thing. Don't ever read my blog, and NOT comment on it. And don't you dare comment on it in Orkut. I hate that.
Will be back for more. Till then.....go do something worthwhile....
Over and Out.
I've finally cracked it. After months and months of thinking, I finally figured out how to write a blog of my own. This blog wont have stories, or poems, or serialized novels. All its going to have, is lots and lots of my ramblings (most of you should press Alt + F4 now...). For the rest of you, I'd like to share how exactly I got the name of this blog.
Writing a diary had always seemed like a cool idea. However, using pen and paper to do it, didn't seem so cool. Besides, I could type faster than I could write. Therefore, one day while I was brushing my teeth (I'm not trying to make this melodramatic, this actually happened), I realized that if I combined my desire to write a diary, with my ease of using a laptop, I could get the perfect blog. And viola! Introducing Laptop Diary.
Most of you will think it's a cheesy name. After I finished brushing that day, even I thought so. Still, I couldn't think of any other name to use. So from now on, whenever I get time, I'll be updating this blog with my thoughts. Whether you read it or not, will depend on how bored you are at that time (which is why I get the most traffic during the summer holidays!).
But let me tell you one thing. Don't ever read my blog, and NOT comment on it. And don't you dare comment on it in Orkut. I hate that.
Will be back for more. Till then.....go do something worthwhile....
Over and Out.
15 August 2008
A Blogger - Mind of a Visionary, Heart of a Wannabe
Dear Whoever,
I've finally got my first comment. Wow, this blog is just 4 hours old, and one guy's already commented on one of my posts ( the rest of you should be ashamed of yourselves!). It's good to know atleast someone's reading....
By the way, all comments are welcome. Even criticism, though it's better to stay anonymous if you're giving any. Which brings me to my topic.
Blogger.
Almost any idiot can blog (how do you think I ended up here?). And again, almost every blogger wants his blog to be the most popular one. Now, I wish the NDTV reporter would, for once atleast, say, "...For more on those news and all our latest updates, please visit www.laptopdiary.blogspot.com - Oops, sorry!"
That five second publicity would be enough! Alright, back to reality. Most people who blog have a lot to say (I didnt include my name in the list.) But the problem is, how do you get people to read what you've written?
I got a few ideas of my own. I scream about my blog in my Orkut display name. Even paste it in my MSN Messenger Name. When that wasnt enough, I wrote a scrap to myself (yuck, how much cheaper can I get!), in which I said to the whole world where to find my blog.
I'm thinking of convincing my dad to get us an answering machine. Hopefully, without him knowing, I can record the message, "Hello, you have reached Azeez residence. After leaving your message, please do visit www.criesofateenager.blogspot.com. Thank you. And by the way, please comment!"
Sigh....I dont think my Dad's going to allow that. Which just proves my point. At heart, every blogger is a Wannabe. Including me. (Hey! That rhymed!)
And as per Rejin's advice, I've decided to drop the military style 'Over and Out'. Hmm....let's see...
"Adios Amigoes"(?)
I've finally got my first comment. Wow, this blog is just 4 hours old, and one guy's already commented on one of my posts ( the rest of you should be ashamed of yourselves!). It's good to know atleast someone's reading....
By the way, all comments are welcome. Even criticism, though it's better to stay anonymous if you're giving any. Which brings me to my topic.
Blogger.
Almost any idiot can blog (how do you think I ended up here?). And again, almost every blogger wants his blog to be the most popular one. Now, I wish the NDTV reporter would, for once atleast, say, "...For more on those news and all our latest updates, please visit www.laptopdiary.blogspot.com - Oops, sorry!"
That five second publicity would be enough! Alright, back to reality. Most people who blog have a lot to say (I didnt include my name in the list.) But the problem is, how do you get people to read what you've written?
I got a few ideas of my own. I scream about my blog in my Orkut display name. Even paste it in my MSN Messenger Name. When that wasnt enough, I wrote a scrap to myself (yuck, how much cheaper can I get!), in which I said to the whole world where to find my blog.
I'm thinking of convincing my dad to get us an answering machine. Hopefully, without him knowing, I can record the message, "Hello, you have reached Azeez residence. After leaving your message, please do visit www.criesofateenager.blogspot.com. Thank you. And by the way, please comment!"
Sigh....I dont think my Dad's going to allow that. Which just proves my point. At heart, every blogger is a Wannabe. Including me. (Hey! That rhymed!)
And as per Rejin's advice, I've decided to drop the military style 'Over and Out'. Hmm....let's see...
"Adios Amigoes"(?)
Meeting Mummy (For the Third Time...)
Dear Reader (Do I always have to start like that?)
A few days ago, me and my friends went to see the third instalment of The Mummy. Although a much better movie, The Dark Knight was playing, we decided to watch the Mummy, since some of us had watched the crazy Joker's antics already.
We all went into the theatre, fully aware that Jet Li's Mummy act was panned by the critics. I have a nasty behaviour of checking Rottentomatoes.com (a movie review site), and they gave the movie a very poor rating. In fact, while the trailor was going on, I could mentally picturise the entire review that I read the day before.
And guess what? The movie wasnt bad. It wasnt the all time greatest movie. But it wasnt bad. It had action, romance, comedy, hell a lot of special effects. It was what we Indians call, 'time - pass' movie. Still, the time passed very qucikly.
I realised something as I came out of the theatre. If you have a really low expectation of a movie, you'll somehow end up being surprised. Which brings me to my next theory. I'm thinking of spending about a week reading the most critical reviews of Love Story 2050. After that, perhaps the movie will seem less horrible than it actually is?
I can hear you all say..."Nah!". I agree. Some movies, are just horrible. No matter how less your expectations are....
Over and Out.
A few days ago, me and my friends went to see the third instalment of The Mummy. Although a much better movie, The Dark Knight was playing, we decided to watch the Mummy, since some of us had watched the crazy Joker's antics already.
We all went into the theatre, fully aware that Jet Li's Mummy act was panned by the critics. I have a nasty behaviour of checking Rottentomatoes.com (a movie review site), and they gave the movie a very poor rating. In fact, while the trailor was going on, I could mentally picturise the entire review that I read the day before.
And guess what? The movie wasnt bad. It wasnt the all time greatest movie. But it wasnt bad. It had action, romance, comedy, hell a lot of special effects. It was what we Indians call, 'time - pass' movie. Still, the time passed very qucikly.
I realised something as I came out of the theatre. If you have a really low expectation of a movie, you'll somehow end up being surprised. Which brings me to my next theory. I'm thinking of spending about a week reading the most critical reviews of Love Story 2050. After that, perhaps the movie will seem less horrible than it actually is?
I can hear you all say..."Nah!". I agree. Some movies, are just horrible. No matter how less your expectations are....
Over and Out.
11 June 2008
Your Faithful Guide
Dear Reader,
Just as I've done with my poems, I've decided to give you a synopsis of my short stories (since I'm perfectly aware that not even the most loyal reader of mine would want to waste their time reading some ridiculous stories...)
In Memory Of : One of my best short stories, as per my readers observation, this is the story that fetched me the first place in Young Times story writing competition. May not be all that great, still worth a read....
The King of Exams : A fast paced, merely entertaining read, about 20 students who decide to cheat in an examination. Their aim is to become 'The King of Exams'...
Heart Signed Out : Especially dedicated to friends of mine, who have been caught in the web of chatting...
A Train Ride : A story that is different from my usual style, this is quite more sentimental and emotional. Save it for the last, if you plan on listening to me.
An Airport Story : The first story of mine to be published, the story that made my friends and family realise that I was - or in the process of - being a budding author.
Brain Box : A science fiction story, which I didnt actually like after I wrote it...
The Party At Ten : My attempt at writing an Agatha Christie style story....failed miserably!
The Victory Bridge : This one is a kind of 'Oceans Eleven' story, without all the star cast involved. I liked the idea of it, but dont think its written properly enough...
Just as I've done with my poems, I've decided to give you a synopsis of my short stories (since I'm perfectly aware that not even the most loyal reader of mine would want to waste their time reading some ridiculous stories...)
In Memory Of : One of my best short stories, as per my readers observation, this is the story that fetched me the first place in Young Times story writing competition. May not be all that great, still worth a read....
The King of Exams : A fast paced, merely entertaining read, about 20 students who decide to cheat in an examination. Their aim is to become 'The King of Exams'...
Heart Signed Out : Especially dedicated to friends of mine, who have been caught in the web of chatting...
A Train Ride : A story that is different from my usual style, this is quite more sentimental and emotional. Save it for the last, if you plan on listening to me.
An Airport Story : The first story of mine to be published, the story that made my friends and family realise that I was - or in the process of - being a budding author.
Brain Box : A science fiction story, which I didnt actually like after I wrote it...
The Party At Ten : My attempt at writing an Agatha Christie style story....failed miserably!
The Victory Bridge : This one is a kind of 'Oceans Eleven' story, without all the star cast involved. I liked the idea of it, but dont think its written properly enough...
04 March 2008
Top Rated Posts
This is a list of the Top Rated Posts of Laptop Diary, as chosen by the Author (meaning me!). If you would like to add any other post to this list, or remove a certain post that's not so deserving, leave a comment here. And this list will be continuosly updated, as and when I write a Top Rated Post.
One more thing...please do comment, or subscribe to the blog.
One more thing...please do comment, or subscribe to the blog.
#1 - A Handful Of Olives
#2 - My Card House
#4 - Julius Caesar 1.5
#5 - The Mallu Who Lived
#6 - You Had A Bad Day?
#8 - How I Got My Dimples
#9 - My Family Pack
#10 - Think Of Ajay
#14 - Me And My Decisions
#15 - What's Wrong With My Hello?
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