The Whole Town's Talking(1935)-(Movies To See Before You Die-Comedy)

Another under-rated gem from the master film-maker John Ford. Though this time he goes more into character details and long interaction scenes in the first half, but in the later, he is in form again. Movies based on dual role and mistaken identity are always fun to watch since they have excitement and comedy as their key ingredients. And here too John Ford comes up with a well directed movie on crime and comedy theme, inspired by a best seller story “Jail Break”

It’s about  a law-abiding man who bears a striking resemblance to a killer,  with promising surprises in the end. There are entertaining moments of a meek milquetoast of a clerk is mistaken for Public Enemy #1, and the notorious killer takes advantage of the situation. Each character adds his contribution to the movie as pure diamonds in a beautiful bracelet. The opening sequence sets the mood in with ordinary man-in-the-street Arthur Ferguson Jones leads a very straightforward life.  And then, the rest of the cast is introduced with some very interesting dialogues. Both Edward G.Robinson and Jean Arthur have given splendid performances. Edward G.Robinson is simply superb, with his short dialogues in a double role. And also worth watching is the interaction between Arthur Freguson Jones &killer Mannion  at his house in their first scene itself. 

The movie may be a bit slow for some viewers since the the usual trademark styles of John Ford, are not there. But it grows on you slowly and leaves you impressed as it ends. The interesting characterization of every individual in the story demands many repeated views of this John Ford masterpiece. In few words, it is not a usual pacy comedy, but a very good choice for students of cinema to study different aspects of movie making. In fact the movie is a fine example to teach character building in a story. Don’t expect an action packed, fast moving crime movie with great chase sequences, but instead see this movie to experience perfect scripting, brilliant direction and superb acting, all in one.

Directed By John Ford

Starring : Edward G.Robinson, Jean Arthur, Arthur Hohl, James Doulan & Others

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)