Barfi (2012)

Director: Anurag Basu

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Ileana D’cruz, Priyanka Chopra

Cinematography is the clear winner in Barfi—each and every frame is soothingly mesmerizing. Be it the fireflies in soap bubble, Jhilmil trailing Barfi mimicking his moves or the simple motion of lilliputian Darjeeling train, it is all sheer perfection—work of pure art. Music compliments the camera work equally, though, slight influence of 'Amelie' in it can’t be denied. Through some of the scenes, director seem to be paying homage to some great works of cinema, e.g., 'City Lights'.  

Ileana couldn't have wished for a better launch pad in Bollywood (I believe it is her first). Priyanka Chopra's research/effort for portraying the character of an autistic is quite evident in her body language. And, best of them all is indeed Ranbir Kapoor with his Chaplinesque antics!

First half is fantastic imparting loads of vitality and energy, but second half seemed a bit dragging with slight overdose of music and abstract shots. The length of the film and little too much melodrama, for my liking, will keep me from a re-watch. All in all, a must watch experience.

7.5/10

Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Cast: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone

Plot: Midlife crisis for a longtime couple.

“Crazy, Stupid, Love.” is delightful film—like a breath of fresh air of late. Steve Carell has become one of the best of current actors when it comes to romantic comedies. He simply lights up the screen with his presence. 

The film won’t offer you anything new but there are humorous, little family-twists that keep it ‘fun’ all the way. Carell and Ryan Gosling form up a dashing wingman combo. Julianne Moore is well familiar with the genre and gives a neat performance along with all the other actors. She looked beautiful as ever, and even young and sensational Emma Stone doesn’t overshadow her on-screen. As always, Marisa Tomei is loud and cheerful and poses up nicely for the film’s poster! She seem to have come an altogether different route since ‘Untamed Heart’ with Christian Slater, looked so promising and pretty there; but now it seems she’ll only play the second leads. Kevin Bacon, after the intense villainy in X-Men First Class, enjoys the film in a short role as a punching bag!

Overall, "Crazy, Stupid, Love." is a kind of film that will brighten your day even when down in the dumps.

7.8/10

A Christmas Story (1983)

Director: Bob Clark

Genre: Comedy

Plot: "just like the one your Dad had!"

One of the best Christmas movies you'll see and it is nothing like Clark’s bummer ‘Baby Geniuses’!

‘Christmas Story’ is a hell of a joyride where you get to feel the ultimate high of revisiting your own childhood. It’s like...Clark turned into a kid himself to direct this movie. In every aspect this film is near perfect—immaculate cast, stupendous role-play by everyone (mother, father, kids, teacher, bully etc!), and a lighthearted, perfect for Christmas, script based on some short stories.

Few scenes are simply unmatchable examples of top notch direction that required Clark to not only have a good understanding of situation but also a connection from his own past at an emotional level.

• Case in point - the ‘soap-poisoning’ scene where the protagonist Ralphie fantasizes (like most kids do!) an entire sequence that shows how he makes his parents feel guilty for punishing him! He drifts-off into his little, routine fantasy in a sad mood with tears on face but by its end, he has a smile/satisfaction on face.

• Another scene, that is perfection personified in terms of acting too, is Ralphie’s fight with the big bully—watch out for Ralphie’s expressions while he turns from a near cry-baby to a ferocious, raging bull! Kind of reminded me of a 'young me' at some point of time ;)  

Each and every character emanate the vibes that make you believe as if you are watching a real-life family caught on hidden cameras. You feel yourself being a part of it and enjoy the day-to-day laughs with the family.           

To top it all, engrossing and hilarious narration by an adult Ralphie keeps you glued into the movie throughout!

What more! I want a Red Ryder BB gun right now ;)

8.2/10

Going My Way (1944)

Director: Leo McCarey

Cast: Bing Crosby

Genre: Musical Comedy

A lovely and adorable Musical, perhaps an inspiration for "West Side Story" and other classic musicals. This movie somewhat reminds of good ol', short & sweet "Marty" as well!

Plot: Father Chuck (Bing Crosby) is a face of progressive Church. He is young, flamboyant, caring person who has left behind a life of fun and frolic to join the Parish. He wins the heart of young and old alike without exercising any harsh discipline or preaching, rather playfully and musically. 

Bing Crosby's act is like a soothing symphony. He is very rhythmic and it is topnotch cinematic art to see how he deals with the aging father whom he is supposed to replace, eventually.

I don't know who that young blond was but she was hot!!

A complete joyride.

8.2/10

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Director: Marc Forster

Cast: Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah

Genre: Drama-Comedy

Writer: Zach Helm

Plot: Stranger than fiction—indeed!

A delightful movie that exemplifies top notch direction and a perfect script. Zach Helm's writing is the real showstopper; he conceived a brilliantly writing film. "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" would be the obvious next choice for me where he directs too—it’s already tempting with Portman in it!

Marc Forster is another young director to look out for. He already boasts of successful films like Monster's Ball, Finding Neverland, The Kite Runner (need to watch this beauty asap!), Quantum of Solace and none of them are similar. Even his latest “Machine Gun Preacher” has a very strong plot. 

What can be said of Ferrell? Not surprisingly, he wasn’t even nominated for any major awards. It’s is high time these Awards recognize comedians—in addition to perfect timing, maintaining the same intensity with multiple retakes is more difficult in a comic act—and give them their dues. Actors like Ferrell, Jim Carrey, etc have been branded as comedian and anything they are associated with, is branded as comedy—doesn’t matter how meaningful and deep it is. Almost same is the case with negative roles.I just hope awards grow up soon and stupendous acts like “Joker/Ledger”—arguably the best ever—don’t have to settle down with “Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role”!!

As for the movie, I’ll just quote Forster: “It's not the exact accurate story, but for me the film really isn't about reality. It's about the transformation of imagination, about creativity, about belief. That basically, if you believe, you can make anything happen.” 

This was his take on “Finding Neverland” which, for me, holds true for Stranger than Fiction!

 8.3/10

P.S., loved Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium too!