Independence Day (1996) - (Movies To See Before You Die - Military / Science fiction)

Some movies can be termed as military science fiction a subgenre of science fiction for which the principal characters are members of a military service using futuristic technology, mainly weapons, and involved in armed conflict; occurring sometimes in outer space or on a different planet or planets . “Independence Day” is also one of those unconventional movies which enlighten you about an alien invasion of Earth.

The movie is about a disparate group of people who converge in the Nevada desert and, along with the rest of the human population, participate in a last-chance counterattack on July 4, the same date as the Independence Day holiday in the United States . 

 

Will Smith plays the role of the person who An assured U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot with VMFA-314. The confrontation scenes between him and his superiors are just perfect.  The shot of the White House's destruction has been declared a milestone in visual effects and one of the most memorable scenes of the 1990s. A bold and impactful movie, strongly recommended for intense movie lovers.

 

Directed By Roland Emmerich
Starring : Will Smith & Bill Pullman

Basic Instinct (1992) - (Movies To See Before You Die - Thriller)

A movie representing the world famous Paul Verhoven kind of cinema with different script, unusual links, unexpected breaks and unconventional camera angles. “Basic Instinct” needs to be seen to know the difference Paul Verhoeven has made to the world of movie making. You will find this movie placed in the list of highest grossing films of 1992, anywhere in the print, net or film-making institutions. Even the entire star-cast of the movie includes it in their Top 10 movies list.

The movie is about  a police detective, Nick Curran (Douglas), who is investigating the brutal murder of a wealthy rock star. During the investigation Curran becomes involved in a torrid and intense relationship with the prime suspect, the beautiful, mysterious Catherine Tramell (Stone). The well written script has many highly entertaining twists and turns, to bowl you over. The action is violent and the language is bold, which on the contrary helps in generating the uncanny feel in the movie. In few words, it is innovative cinema at its best and a real treat to watch. Go for it if you still haven’t seen this - asap.

 

Directed By Paul Verhoeven 

Starring :Michael  Douglas , Sharon  Stone, George Dzundza & More.

Oru Sinthoorappottinte Ormmaykku (1987) & its inspiration

“Oru Sinthoorappottinte Ormmaykku” is a pure mass entertainer from Kochin Haneefa, with all the right ingredients of a average entertainer. Though it has a long list of inspirations and similar themes but here it's his own film.

“Oru Sinthoorappottinte Ormmaykku” is more or less based on the same theme of “Moonnu Maasanghalkku Munpu” (1986) . The basic storyline and the climax sequence with a twist, is all quite similar to the kochin haneefa’s 1986 hit.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - (Movies To See Before You Die - Science fiction)

I still remember the experience after watching “E.T.the Extra-Terrestrial”. It was a new feeling of contentment as I was not expecting such a movie . Only Steven Spilberg could have thought of making this blockbuster movie with his unique passion and sincerity. A Movie of its own kind, talking about the extra terrestrial from a completely different angle. I would like to congratulate, Steven Spilberg for even trying it and bringing this enlightening topic in front of the new generation. Spielberg's powerful and remarkable film about a boy and his unusual befriendment of an extra terrestrial. Possibly his finest film, E.T. captures a piece of childhood, and reminds the rest of us of a time long since past. It excites a story adults often forget, and a powerful remembrance of a childhood friendship during difficult periods of development. Adult criticism of the movie loses its youthful bond, and fails to appreciate growing up in the 80's. This is the pinnacle of Spielberg's childhood movies. Few other films capture as powerful a message of childhood emotion.Along with Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace keeps lingering in your mind long after the movie finishes.   A special mention for the music of maestro musician, John Williams. His melodious compositions are complimentary to the theme of the movie. Though some songs could be avoided in the narration, as it’s an intense film, but still you enjoy the selective notes being played along with the tense scenes in the background. Special Effects are also incorporated beautifully in the movie, in a symbolic way.Other films which attempt to do so dive so deep into childhood memories they lose their connection with adults, and degrade to brief interludes of "dumb" comic relief to keep grown ups from falling asleep.  Though the movie is criticized a lot for plagiarism in content but as I see it, it is a piece of art, simply not to be missed.   Directed BySteven  Spielberg  Starring :Peter Coyote ,Dee Wallace  &Henry  Thomas  Music ByJohn  Williams

No. 1 Snehatheeram Bangalore North (1995) & its inspirations.

The basic storyline of "No 1.Snehatheeram Bangalore North" is very much on the same grounds of Fazil's movie "Pappayude Swantham Appoos" (1992) which had mega star Mammootty who is a widower,busy officer with his child.

In “Pappayude Swantham Appoos” story - It revolves around the relationship between Appus(Master Bahudshah)and his papa(Mammooty), a widower. Into their life comes a girl Meenakshi (Seena dadi) and the rest of the movie revolves on these three characters.

Chek out at : http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0215031/
And also the treatment & some sequences were quite similar to a few scenes in the movie "Kunjattakilikal" (1986), though it’s on a different subject all together.

More Inspirations in "F" Category (5)

1. F.I.R (1999) -The Untouchables (1987)2. Finger Print (2005) - Famous Five(1990)
3. Four the People (2004) - Gentleman (1993)
4. Flash (2007) – Based on the same plot as in “Manichithrathazhu” (1993)& “Aptha Mithra” (2004)
5. Four Friends(2010) – Takes its references from the film with the  title “The Bucket List” (2007)

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) - (Movies To See Before You Die - Epic)

A movie on a well thought novel theme about  a group of freedom fighters known as the Rebel Alliance as they plot to destroy the powerful Death Star space station, a devastating weapon created by the evil Galactic Empire. The story is about Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.

It is one of the rare movies about star wars. In fact it is a film that changed the world. In simple words, Star wars made epic fantasy real. The director needs to be applauded specially for a particular sequence in the movie in the climax. For a generation of people it has defined what the cinema experience is meant to be. Today it is probable that pc games will offer a deeper and more satisfying entertainment solution, but for pure visual and aural pleasure, mixed with basic emotional manipulation, there has never and will never be a better example of cinema than when star wars appeared over 25 years ago. One of the best scenes I have seen, having the power of bringing a change.

 

So, “Star Wars” can be rated as an important movie for all youngsters. An intelligent and thought provoking movie about the star wars. And every young science student and movie lover got to watch it.

 

Directed ByGeorge  Lucas 

Starring :Mark  Hamill  & Others

House of Wax (1953) - (Movies To See Before You Die - Horror)

A widely appreciated and a blockbuster movie about An associate burns down a wax museum with the owner inside, but he survives only to become vengeful and murderous. Vincent Price as proffesor Hentry Jarrod, having a command over wax figure sculpture is simply superb and leaves an everlasting impression on the viewer. Frank Lovejoy as Lt.Tom Brennan is also a treat to watch. They have a worth watching on-screen chemistry which makes you cheerful at times and even makes you feel emotionally sad in the last few minutes.

 Their scenes together and the climax sequences are well written, well acted and intelligently conceived. The best part of the movie is regarding its name. In the climax when the hidden meaning of “House of Wax” is revealed, it really reaches your heart straight away. A must see for students of acting and cinema as there is a lot to learn from Vincent Price’s brilliant act in the movie. A true masterpiece performance from the veteran.

 

Directed ByAndré de Toth 

Starring :Vincent  Price  &Frank Lovejoy 

Spanish Masala - In simple words - THAT'S CINEMA IN ITS AVERAGE FORM (Movie Review By Yoonus Mohyudhin)

Words fell short as I start writing about this unimpressive overemotional movie from the director - Lal Jose & his team. Unarguably the film deserves a better rank in worst films for its usual content and for its  imperfect execution which scene many times in the Indian Cinema. In fact the impact I felt after viewing it was quite similar to that of watching films of  Indian film makers like Santhosh Pandit and T.Rajender.

Lal Jose delivers oposite what was being expected from him, a routine,over emotional, forgetable and dark film which is uncapable of bringing changes in the lives of many families. The film revolves around Dileep who comes to Spain with a group of artists wants to live a new life, so he runs away from the group to find another job. Later, under some circumstances, his talent for cooking gets him the job of a chef for the Spanish ambassador. Spain had been a happening country in our filmdom these days with few Bollywood hits shot in the picturesque country.

Lal Jose is a thinking brain with a heart of gold but here he is failed miserably. He couldn't reach to the level that of expectations that he makes with his past. And if Bollywood can do magic with films like 'Zindagi Na mile Dobara', few from Mollywood including Laljose could have thought, why can't we make a similar attempt. After giving the title with that masala flavour and teaming up with Benny P Nayarambalam, they would have started off with the title character who could be a chef, successfully making Indian masalas at Spain.

And how to fill in the rest is somewhere the entire crew falters making this love'- masala devoid of any big taste.The writer , though attempting his first film to be shot overseas, had but created one story that could be planted on anywhere in the country. Like the recent Thenkasi and Thevar films in Mollywood, all the characters and plot follows that well trodden path and the melodrama takes the 'eighties' way.

In the acting side Dileep looks good and manages to bring in an occasional laugh with is characteristic(?) numbers. But Daniela is asked to behave just like any other Indian girl in the given situations, which looks awkward and unbelievable. Kunchakko Boban's bearded looks and the character is fine while Biju Menon, and others doesn't have anything better to do than to be in their regular roles. The only actor who surprises us is Nelson, who impresses in many sequences, and proves that he will be finding more takers in the coming films  in roles ala Salimkumar ( Though his character in the movie  is a ditto of what the later has done in 'Pokiriraja').    The lyrics of R.Venugopal are even above than the melodious score given by Vidyasagar. And they both are more impressive while watching the movie.

The movie opens with the return of a Spanish embassy officer to his homeland, after years of service in India. He is going back with sweet memories about India, along with his only daughter and the Indian caretaker who teachers the little girl to sing the lullaby.  'Omanathinkal Kidaavo..'. The movie thus seems to take off to a perfect start, suggesting spaces that will later help the heroine to converse in Malayalam fluently.

Rating2/5.

Padmasree Bharat Dr. Saroj Kumar - A comic of jokes edited together. (Movie Review By Yoonus Fathima)

The latest in the sequel comedy series is this laugh riot which is full of stars. The basic plot is sequel to the Mohan Lal movie “Udhayananu Tharam” (2005). Even the hero’s profession is kept same as a mega star. But then the script takes on contemporary plots and tries to make you laugh through comic sequences. No doubt the promotional packaging was superb which surely gave the movie a big initial draw at the cinema houses. But the content is rather not impressive and its like several comedy sequences joined together. The focus of the screenplay keeps shifting from one plot to another.

The biggest disappointment is that it has less of Shreenivasan and the viewer keeps waiting for the scenes with his brilliant timing. There is more of Vineeth Shreenivasan & Fahadh Fazil as two newgenerations. Vineeth is kind of same with his expected mannerisms but Fahadh is superb and acts like he is enjoying every minute of his act. He even looks a lot maturiety than his age. Jagathi Shreekumar looks graceful but is loud at some scenes. He has more scenes in the climax of the movie and is also introduced after the interval. The heroines are only there for the glamour quotient of the movie and could not ask for more in this heavy star cast movie.

The first half of the movie has many unwanted sequences which are only inserted to create laughter and have nothing to do with the screenplay. But the film gains momentum in the second half when Suraj Venjharammoodu enters as a hardcore megastar fan. Infact in my opinion this plot of mocking the current mollywood should have been the highlight of the movie, which could create more laughter’s in the cinema. The songs are all inserted as usual and only few are hummable.

The best part of the movie comes towards the beginning after the indroduction scene of shreenivasan. The satire of superstars afterwards is surely hilarious. It is the main highlight of the movie as you get to see some quality comedy scenes and timing in this.

In all the film is not as expected but still will brings audiences to the cinemas due to the superb promotional packaging, immensely popular catchy title song “Keshu” and due to the current hot thing in Mollywood – Shreenivasan.

Rating : 1 / 5

The Wizard of Oz (1939) - (Movies To See Before You Die - Musical)

It is one of it's own kind and famous all over the world in children and adults equally. The incomparable, famous funny heroine of the evergreen hit novel 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'.

One of the most cherished fantasy films to evergrace the screen'The Wizard Of Oz' stands as a crowning achievement in 1930's film making.The special effects are highly impressive considering the limited technology available at the time,not to mention they are infinetely endearing that most CGI effects presents in today's films.The climax is highly entertaining.

The lavish sets,impeccable costume design and glowing techni colour help to create a convincing and enchanding land of oz.

And though,obviously filmed on a sound stage,the sets never seen confining,thanks largely in part to the meticulous backdrop paintings used to add depth to the foreground.

 

The movie is  pure fun for all in the family. Musical, at its best with Miss.Dorothy Gale.

 

Director : Victor  Fleming

Starring : The One & Only Judy Garland with others.

More Inspirations in "L" Category (6)

1. Laila Majnu (1962) - References of “Laila Majnu” (1953)
2. Laava (1980) - Loosely based on "Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behthi Hein" (1960).3. Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flash Back (1983) - Uses the same plot of "Frances" (1982)4. Loos Loos Arappiri Loos (1988) - Basic Storyline close to "It's A Mad,Mad,Mad World" (1963)5. Layanam (1989) - Takes its main plot from “Summer Of'42” (1971)6. Laal Americayil (1989) - References of “Ithihasam”  (1981)

Hip Hip Hurray (1984) - (Movies To See Before You Die - Sports)

This is one of those rare realistic movies, which is considered a cult classic bollywood film about soccer. Though very few youngsters from the current generation would be interested in watching anything made on this particular subject but if they can really find time to watch “Hip Hip Hurray”, then I can bet that it would be a real eye opener for all. In few words, this is the first film by the thinking director, Prakash Jha.

 

In all possibilities, after viewing “Hip Hip Hurray”, you will be remember the flick 'Chakde India',even though it has a different story.The movie takes us to the good old college days . So, as I see, this movie along with “Escape To Victory” by John Huston should be made mandatory to be shown in all the schools of soccer. And I am sure it will change the viewpoint of at least 25% of the current young brigade towards a Positive mark.

 

Along with its thoughtful direction by Prakash Jha, the movie reaches more commendable heights through an impeccable performance by Raj Kiran, playing Sandeep Choudary with his own strong conviction and style. Undoubtedly it has to be there in the list of his 5 Best movies till date. So if you are really interested in soccer or rather SPORTS FILM HISTORY of India, then HIP HIP HURRAY is a must watch for you. To sum up, I can easily say that if HIP HIP HURRAY would not have been there, then the BOLLYWOOD SPORTS FILM History would have been different. And that should make you run to know more about Soccer .

 

Directed By Prakash Jha
Starring : Raj Kiran & Others