Thursday, July 20, 2006

Basic Instinct 2 - Risk Addiction (2006)

(3.5/5)

Everything interesting begins in the mind

It is all about manipulation and seduction. The basic instincts are powerful, aren’t they? But I think this time it is more of playing than plays! If you were looking for getting entertained by some sleazy shots, you are mistaken. If you like to get intellectually stimulated, you got hope.

Sharon still looks good. Actually I was put off by her looks in the trailer, but she isn’t bad in the movie. At 47, she embarrasses the so called 27 year old booties! She is no more Miss. Innocent though; she has grown more mature, artful and alluring. I always liked the first part of the movie which came in 92, which was nominated for 2 Oscars and bagged another 5 wins & 16 nominations. I liked it more for the tight dialogues, tricky screenplay and brilliant performances, more that the tickling shots. Of course, they blend well with the story and did what they were intended to do!

I didn’t start the movie with much expectation. Perhaps I was prejudiced with bad reviews and comments it got when it came to the theatres. But I must admit, it was interesting! Don’t be too judgmental and let the story play on you. The performances were above par and the screenplay succeeds in manipulating your mind, or as they say mind-fucking!

The film was delayed several times in pre-production in 2000 and 2001. Some of the largest problems were finding the right director and the right male lead. At one time even the production was dropped and the movie canceled.


Quotes:

Catherine Tramell: You know what I like about you? You enjoy being in control. Like me.

Dr. Michael Glass: I'm not the one on trial for murder.
Catherine Tramell: Not yet.

Investigator: Did you try to help him get free
Catherine Tramell: Briefly
Investigator: Briefly?
Catherine Tramell: When it came down to it, my life was more important to me than his. Selfish, Huh?

Dr. Michael Glass: Well I see that you're a writer. What do you write about?
Catherine Tramell: Murder, sex, violence.
Dr. Michael Glass: Do you ever write about yourself?
Catherine Tramell: Not into autobiography.
Dr. Michael Glass: Really, why not?
Catherine Tramell: Maybe I like to just sit back and get other people to reveal themselves. For instance, you look a little divorced.
Dr. Michael Glass: What makes you think I'm divorced?
Catherine Tramell: The ring line hasn't faded.
Dr. Michael Glass: You're very observant.
Catherine Tramell: Yeah, but am I wrong?
Dr. Michael Glass: Would it bother you if you were wrong?
Catherine Tramell: Would it bother you if I was right?
Dr. Michael Glass:Tell me something you are afraid of.
Catherine Tramell: Boredom.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

The Notebook (2004)

(4.5/5)

Behind every great love is a great story.


The old man reads a story to an old lady. She has got amnesia, so she doesn’t remember anything for long and her past is lost. The story he is reading is about a city girl and a country boy who had a summer love, which went on for many summers. How he won her, lost her and finally won again. Touching, you can feel it… and most of the times quite unpredictable, still so simple and straight!

I think this is one of the loveliest love stories I know. The story has the power to pull you into the screen and live in it. Don’t be surprised if your eyes get a little wet once in a while. Well, that is a good sign that your heart is still sensitive…

They say mind is very powerful and can do miracles. So if you love with all your mind, may be love can also do miracles. Isn’t that a reasonable logic?


Awards: 11 wins & 7 nominations
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332280/awards

Quotes:
Young Noah: The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever. I love you.

Noah: I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who's ever lived: I've loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.

Duke: That's my sweetheart in there. Wherever she is, that's where my home is.

Young Noah: What am I gonna do in New York?
Young Allie: ...Be with me.