Hot Air Cold Love

Movie Review: The Rum Diary

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 09:30:00 +0000

* * * * * / 5

In a class of his own

When this movie came out, everyone read the names "Hunter S Thompson" and "Johnny Depp" and immediately expected a wild fun adventure such as "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". Well, it isn't. It is a better movie. Though it is cruel to compare the two movies, both brilliant in their own genres, this one is a better mainstream cinema.

The movie begins with the protagonist played by Depp waking up with a hangover in Puerto Rico hotel. He is there for a job as a journalist and he is late. He is habitually late throughout the movie which could be taken as a metaphor in its own way. The decadence of a nation, while the rich get richer and tear down more truths to establish a mafia of real estate barons.

Depp's character is brilliant as always. Like all his films he brings a lot to this one too. Makes the character living breathing personality that will make you stand and cheer. He is in a new job in an old newspaper which seems to be on the verge of going out of business. Depp meets interesting people. The photographer and the crime reporter are brilliantly played by talented actors. The whole atmosphere of dread and celebration is there for you to witness. Dread and desperation for many poverty stricken bitter people. Celebrations for a handful of rich elite. Enter Eckhart as the big player making things possible for his criminal associates. He wants to hire Depp's skills. Helps out Depp when he is in trouble. Depp follows the events as if in a daze. He just goes with the flow. Even falls hard for Eckhart's girl. Yet he is a gentleman throughout. He single-handedly keeps the flame of righteous journalism burning. Alas, no one gives a damn.

The movie is a lot closer to the chaos of "The Tailor of Panama" than to Depp's previous turn as a junkie journalist in "Fear and Loathing...", and you have to enjoy the story rather than compare things with Hunter S Thompson's original works.

Apart from the leading cast, the best thing to look forward to is the music by Christopher Young. If you bought this DVD and liked it, I am sure you will be tempted to go out and buy the Original Sound Track of this motion picture too.

There is not a single dull moment in the lives of these mesmerising characters. The rum, the locals, the beatup car, the woman, the job, the jail, the parties, the cockfights, the drunken dialogue, the entire set and visuals, it is all a thrill to watch.

Keep an open mind and beware not to compare it to other movies/books and you will surely enjoy this product. An immensely satisfying story and magnificently crafted movie. Johnny Depp proves yet again, he is in a class of his own.

Movie Review: See No Evil

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:00:00 +0000

* * * * / 5

Eye Candy for the Horror Fans

LOLz. If you like blood and gore horror flicks, this is a must watch. And yes, I came to watch WWE Pro Kane in a movie, but admired the film instead. It takes a life of its own. Like a spawn of the gutter that you stare at irrespective of how awful stench and foul shape it possesses. This is a good horror movie.

We begin with a good scare. The first ten minutes have you hooked completely. Then the real cast shows up. And we get the routine which is so well practiced in horror movies, yet we see something new and disturbing everytime.

Its got everything you need in a horror movie:
1. A scary beginning
2. A cop who loses almost everything as he tries to kill the beast
3. Fast-forward to 4 years later
4. The surviving cop is in a new job
5. There are teenagers, an essential commodity of a blood and gore fest
6. The teenagers are convicts from a detention center being taken to a trip to do some social work to help an old lady covert a rundown hotel into a homeless shelter
7. The teenagers are criminals to the core. They have other plans.
8. There is the essential trapped inside a madhouse feeling. These teens and the cop accompanying them can't leave this hotel. It is locked down till the job gets done. So no escape for the bad criminal teens
9. And of course something goes wrong. There is the beast inside the hotel. And he is out for a killing rampage
10. Conflicts. Conflicts among the teens. Conflicts within the beast.
11. Raging hormones in the teens. Some mischief. Some investigation by the cop.
12. And murder and mayhem.

Can these teens survive the ordeal? What's with the senile old lady who thinks all is well? Does the cop get the beast this time around? There are hot ladies with guns, but is that enough to stop KANE?

Have a blast. Have a beer. Add some rum. Watch this on a lonely night. I watched it on Friday the 13th April 2012.

Movie Review: The Marine

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:44:00 +0000

* * * * * / 5

Action, Thrills and some good FUN!!!

Firstly, let me tell you that if you are an elite critic and watched this movie, ask yourself why. Do you even like the action-movie genre? No? Then don't waste our time by writing reviews about stuff you don't enjoy. We like it here and we like Hollywood. So astalavistababy.

For all WWE Fans and those who have come to see John Cena blow things up by more than just his fist - this is an awesome action flick. I too came to see this movie because I am a fan of WWF now known as WWE and because I admire John Cena as a person and not just as what we see him do inside the squared ring.

The first 5 to 10 minutes of the movie needs to be passed over. To be forgiven. It is not the best start to an action movie. And this is an out and out thriller of an action movie. But then Robert Patrick shows up and everything rocks and everything is cool again. Yes, I came to see Cena and got bowled over by Robert Patrick. Patrick carries this movie. I would say he saved the movie. Cena is great. He is our hero. And we cheer for him throughout the movie as he gets beat while trying to rescue his dear wife. But you can't help fall for Robert Patrick. He waltzes in all bad-a$$ and mean. He is ultra, uber-cool. He makes the badguy role come alive and give meaning to the whole story. As in any story, for the hero to be a hero, you need a strong adversary. We get that in the form of a team of criminals led by Robert Patrick.

The action is non-stop. As soon as the villain has done his first job in the movie - the action keeps up the tempo and we get big gunfights and bigger explosions. The crazy black dude routine is well played here by a henchman of Patrick. I was a bit disappointed with the truth behind the "rock candy story" - they should have made it as big as it sounded. But there is plenty of more fun in the movie. Some dark humour and Cena is incredible as he chases down the bad guys in the mandatory car chase sequence and then on in the swamps. This is thrilling from there till the very end. Some good hand-to-hand fights. Cena gets punished and he triumphs. The deviation with the 2 other crooks in the same swamp thinking Cena is a cop looking for them is also brilliant turn of events. More action. More a$$-kicking. The scenes with the explosion are very well shot.

The two big ones with Cena at the petrol pump explosion and him at the shack in the swamp exploding are incredibly well captured. You could feel Cena getting the fury of the fire. Awesome stuff. And Patrick is unstoppable too. He is determined and he has the wife as a leverage and hostage. There is the essential bad girl accompanying the villain, Patrick. She does a great job, better I think than the actress who plays Cena's wife. In all I would rate high the casting as the team of Patrick is well picked bunch of actors doing what they do best. These bad guys are worth cheering for.

Cena of course makes it to the climax. An epic one it is, involving a truck, a motorboat, explosions, fistfights, splattering of blood and the suspense of whether Cena's wife will survive this ordeal or not.

Watch this one and make sure you reload the popcorn.

Movie Review: Agent Vinod (2012)

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:09:00 +0000

RAW Agent and a raw movie
* * * * * / 5

Stunning! Spectacular! The movie is made in epic proportions. No expense is spared to make the story live out large on the big silver screen. Non-stop action from the word go. It is a delight to watch. Finally, you can say Indian cinema, and I mean mainstream cinema, is catching up with Hollywood's best action thrillers. And also, finally you can cheer for India while seeing awesome stunts and controlled explosions.

After Don 2, this is only the second Bollywood movie to stun me with an out and out action story set in India and international territories. While Don 2 had the brilliant camerawork for a 3D movie and a few international locales, in Agent Vinod we literally trot the world and hoop through amazing locations and deadly terrorist fronts to end up back where the climax is set - INDIA!

The movie starts in a deathly desert in Afghanistan. Agend Vinod is partnered with a guest appearance from Ravi Kishen, the Bhojpuri superstar who already thrilled us this year in Naseeruddin Shah starrer "Chaalis Chauraasi". If you thought he was good in that role, you have to see it to believe it here. In the brief appearance Ravi Kishen has done a memorable job as a fellow RAW Agent. Then on action hits non-stop from Russia to Pakistan to Morocco to Somalia and so many amazing scenes and characters.

My favourite old gentleman from Indian cinema, Prem Chopra does an important role in this movie. Yes, he is back here and interrogating Agent Vinod with the help of a mysterious Doctor played by Kareena Kapoor. Finally after Omkara (brilliant adaptation of Othello), Kareena and Saif are back in a big movie together and this time paired as a leading couple. Kareena shines as a demure girl trapped in a big bad world of politics and terrorism. She is stuck and Agent Vinod doesn't trust her at all.

More action and more gunfights. Streets filled with people running - not in India mind you - these extras in foreign countries have done a brilliant believable job as witness to the mayhem caused by jihadi terrorism.

But beware, this ain't no lame storyline of another Jihadi-terror group out to blow up India. There is a secret organisation. A shadow group of power-mongers out to control the world and they are orchestrating a grand scheme to cause nuclear war between India and Pakistan.

Hints are given openly without naming the group which is obviously the all-powerful - The Bilderberg Group. This group http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilderberg_Group has always created sensation in media and lot of crazy conspiracy theories surround it. Last time they invited a calm black gentleman to their annual conference in Europe and the man became the first black President of USA. That is Barrack Obama of course. Many wealthy industrialists, politicians and celebrities are in on their clique's agenda.

Anyways, that is not a spoiler because most people in India are not aware of The Bilderberg Group. I just hope this great plot and sentiment doesn't go a bouncer over the heads of audiences who are rather used to seeing and cheering an anti-Pakistan or anti-Jihad style of cinema.

Now the question you all are wondering about - yes Saif Ali Khan ROCKS in this movie. He plays it cool. Looks believable in the role. No over-the-top antics. Everything flows smoothly and there is a reason and scene and dialogue explaining every turn and twist in the plot. So go out there and watch him knock out the bad guys with punches and kicks and with a bullet when he finally finds a gun in his hand - not that he needs one - the unarmed combat is spectacular and convincing.

Enjoy your three-day weekend. This is a movie worthy of the rumoured 3D sequel.
http://www.followagentvinod.com/

Movie Review: Conan the Barbarian (2011)

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:25:00 +0000

See it to believe it. Naysayers are only fooling themselves.

* * * * * / 5

I didn't watch this in the cinemas because I was not at all impressed with the previews and trailers. Watched it in regular DVD today. I actually liked it. There is good reason why.

This one has no connection nor shared mythology with the wonderful Arnold Schwarzenegger movies of the 80s - this one is a good followup though it failed to reboot the franchise at the box office. It is a good pulp action movie. Everything you would expect from a costume-sword-sorcery-legend. I didn't like the the first few minutes with the narration, they should have worked it into the plot. But I guess if they did that, they would have to make long drawn out boring trilogy like The Lord of the Rings which is still not as worse as the boring snoozefest written by Tolkien. But after that brief narration, when this movie starts, it starts in amazing style and drama. You have to watch it to realise it.

This is an engaging remake of the original Conan the Barbarian movies. Much better production of course, thanks to improvement in technology and design. I don't understand the criticisms of this movie. Sure, it is a predictable pulp fiction plot. But that is why I am watching it, no? A real pulp no-holds-barred thrill.

The pace is good. The story doesn't rush forward. It unfolds its plot well. The action is on a grand scale. Real war. Million times better than watching a bunch of dwarf kids running around with a magical ring in Middle Earth. Conan rises. He is the prodigal son born out of war and death. His father raises him under due discipline. But Conan has wild barbarian blood in him. The child actor playing the young Conan, Leo Howard is brilliant. He does a good job showing the cold-blooded brutality and harsh reality of a savage world of an ancient era. The man playing his father is also a very good character actor here. The son grows up alone and he seeks revenge. He slays and pillages and loots. He has comrades. But the man he seeks, he shall fight him alone. This raw energy is well portrayed by the actor Jason Momoa. He is a fresh change from Arnold Schwarzenegger. Of course the image of Arnold as Conan the Barbarian shall be imprinted on our minds forever. But see this movie as a new one, a fresh narration. Actor Jason Momoa is an athletic, intelligent and impressive man, not the bulging angry hulk that Arnold portrayed. Jason Momoa is also quite handsome and delivers his lines well with good amount of emotion and strength in his voice. That dialogue delivery alone takes him up a few notches to match up with the legend that is Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is a more realistic depiction of an ancient warrior.

During the making of the Arnold version of Conan, many scenes were cut on the editing table because of graphic violence. This 2011 version doesn't suffer that fate. Here the savagery is naked and startling. But the Arnold version was true to the sword and sorcery genre. This 2011 remake is more mainstream and seeks more "realistic" depiction of ancient warfare, chaos and belief systems. I like both. I can't pick one over the other. Both as they stand alone are beautifully made and well directed. The 2011 version is in epic proportions, a lot more money having been spent on making this one. The cinematography and lighting is very complimentary to the storyline as it progresses.

Jason Momoa is a great find. I haven't seen any other movies of his. I would like to. I hope his career isn't affected by the boxoffice results of this Conan adventure. He has great potential as an action hero in any type of movie, period or modern. His talent shines here and carries the movie on his broad scarred shoulders as he rampages against an evil warlord. He is one good reason to go watch this movie. The other is the costumes. It is not overdone like in Gladiator or The Lord of the Rings. Here the costume doesn't steal the limelight and attention from the actors playing their vicious roles. In Conan 2011, the costumes blend in and become an essential accessory of the storyline. We don't get distracted. It just makes everything more real.

The franchise has a real chance of surviving. It needs better brand management among other things. Such as a whole new storyline, updating the ancient Robert E. Howard texts by making it more attractive to modern day sword-sorcery-fantasy fans. This would mean a real reboot of the series. There is so much that can be done. I hope a serious director takes up this project in the near future and rebuilds it as it deserves to.

The sets and location of Conan 2011 is spectacular. It overshadows any compliment you could give to the 1982 movie. The climax especially is in epic proportions and righly so. Lot of good work has gone into this movie and this is apparent as it progresses through the second half.

Among other memorable characters, there is a real talent in the actress playing the evil daughter-witch - Rose McGowan. She exudes evil and she lives it in the role of Marique. Stunning! The other villains also steal the show. They are more memorable than say Conan's allies such as his pirate-friend or the master-thief. Stephen Lang does justice to his role as a warlord. He is not overtly evil. He is patient and wise and calculating. Well portrayed to bring a worthy adversary to Conan. And of course there is the incredibly recognisable and impressive narrative voice of Morgan Freeman retelling the legend of Conan.

Actually, the movie needed better marketing effort. I now wish I had seen this on the big silver screen in 3D as it was meant to be. Never mind! Watch it, you won't be disappointed - it is a entertainer and awe-inspiring effort too. I am giving this 5 stars. The Oscar winners don't know what fun they are missing!

Those who are complaining about this movie saying it is a travesty or saying that they liked the 1982 film but this one is horrible - you know, these are the same people who would have given bad reviews to the 1982 film if we were living in 1982. But now, they call that a great movie and call this poor. LOL.

Movie Review: John Carter (3D)

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:34:00 +0000

Epic Science Fiction!!!

* * * * * / 5

Wow! This is easily the best movie to come out from Hollywood in 2012. The 3D effects aside, the movie itself is brilliant. All you Avatar fans can go to hell. This is how you make memorable characters, memorable story and an epic science fiction. Not since Star Wars hit cinemas 30 odd years ago has there been a space saga so beautifully been made and (re)told.

Yes, this is the retelling of the cult pulp story by Edgar Rice Burroughs titled "A Princess of Mars". And all you naysayers who think a big budget special effects thriller can't have a good story - I got two words for you - "Michael Chabon". Yes, the Pulitzer Prize winning novelist has co-written and reviewed the script of this movie. The movie itself is made by Oscar winning writer-director Andrew Stanton who has given us "Finding Nemo" and "Wall-E" in the recent past. This grand movie is rightly dedicated to the memory of Steve Jobs (Apple). For decades this movie couldn't be made. But with technical visionaries such as Steve Jobs, these ancient heroes have come to life on the big silver screen.

The post-intermission half is easily the best part. The action, suspense, thrill escalates to epic proportions here. But to those imbeciles who criticise the movie by saying it is "imcomprehensible", well why don't you stick to watching paint dry - that's all you can understand in your limited intellect.

The first half sets the tone and style for this grand adventure. Who is John Carter? Why does Uncle Sam want him? Why does a strange man shadow him and wants him? Why do the warring aliens on Planet Mars want him? Why do the elite race of Therns who play God with various civilisations want him?

The movie has a brisk pace. Every scene hints at a strong and tight plot. We move from Virginia to the action against Red Indians, then suddenly John Carter is no longer on Earth. He has reached Barsoom - the name given to the red planet by its natives, what us on Earth call Mars.

As the story unfolds we are revealed the backdrop as well. It seems John Carter is a rich uncle of Edgar Rice Burroughs. Young Edgar has just inherited the estate of John Carter after the latter had passed away. The tomb of John Carter holds much intrigue and mystery too as it cannot be opened from outside. It only opens from the inside.

What was John Carter planning for his young nephew Edgar? What secrets does Carter conceal in his private notes. Why has the wealthy John Carter explored every corner of Earth excavating ancient mysteries? What is John Carter looking for?

Well, all you need to look for is a prized ticket for the HouseFull screening of John Carter in 3D. All will be revealed. This is a science fiction you will remember pleasantly for a long time. Not since the reboot of the Star Trek TOS has there been so much excitement about a scifi movie. And you won't be disappointed. This is better than the forgettable characters and premise of Avatar. This is more engaging and thrilling than Star Trek reboot. This movie is a thrilling biography of John Carter, a Civil War veteran, a Warrior, a man just and honorable, a man in love and a man who will fight for the survival of an entire planet.

The special effects are judiciously done, bringing life into the fantastic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The characters and alien species are beautifully crafted and entirely realistic. The movement, the cinematography, the lighting, the sets, the locations - it all adds up to making the story come alive on the big screen. The drama, the dialogues, the suspense will keep you glued to your seat. The most exciting part of the movie is that it is loyal to its original author - Edgar Rice Burroughs. So the ancient 1912 vision of this famous pulp fiction author is honored and glorified on celluloid by the brilliant cast and crew of John Carter. Walt Disney has a new winning franchise here after the successful "Pirates of the Caribbean" series. All of you who thought that this ancient production company is dated and brings nothing new to the box-office - well, check out the trailers and if it makes you curious, it's because this movie is irresistible.

There are 3 novels in the original novel series: "A Princess of Mars", "The Gods of Mars", and "The Warlord of Mars". This movie is an adaptation of the very first novel in the John Carter series. I gladly look forward to a sequel and an adaptation of the remaining books in the series.

As a bonus feature for reading this blog, please have a look at some classic images of "John Carter of Mars" from legendary illustrator Frank Frazetta.
And as an added bonus in honour of this first visionary, here is http://frankfrazetta.org/
Cheers!!!

Movie Review: My Week With Marilyn

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The Ultimate Dreamgirl
* * * */ 5
The movie is about a third assistant director who remembers his time with Marilyn Monroe when she shot the movie The Prince and the Showgirl in England for Sir Laurence Olivier.

I had high hopes of the movie so was of course disappointed. Based on the memoirs of the third assistant written as a book in the nineties, it is an engaging yet unsatisfying movie.

Yes, you get some insight into Marilyn Monroe's lifestyle during the height of her success and how she dealt with the attention and how people regarded her despite her obvious talent. She was a pinup for most, not a real celebrity, not a real Hollywood royalty.

But it is not much of a story. Maybe the editor in me is dissatisfied with the plotline. But what plot? This is a memoir, not a fiction story.

So it is an engaging movie. Entertaining, revealing, emotionally fragile, intense and wild. Marilyn Monroe comes alive on the big screen again. I caught the last day last show at 11:05 PM and had a good time.

The girl from Harry Potter movies makes a good small supporting role in the movie. The actor playing Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne), the third assistant is brilliant. Kenneth Branagh shines as a out-of-patience Laurence Olivier. Michelle Williams is most comfortable as Marilyn Monroe. No complaints regarding the movie as such - it keeps you glued to your seat - just that it is a BBC made memoir and hence not fictionalised the way Hollywood makes The Aviator, Catch Me If You Can or other such biopics. It is a very real movie, which should be a good thing, but kind of leaves you feeling something is missing. Yes, Ms Monroe left us all too early in real life and that's how you feel after this movie is over.

Colin sums up the tension on the sets with the simple explanation...

Colin Clark: "It's agony because he's a great actor who wants to be a film star, and you're a film star who wants to be a great actress. This film won't help either of you."

http://myweekwithmarilynmovie.com/

http://www.myweekwithmarilynbook.com/

Worth catching and reminiscing.

Movie Review: The Green Hornet (2011)

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:05:00 +0000

Appallingly Entertaining

* * * */ 5

It is not the most memorable film of 2011 but it is very entertaining nonetheless. I did not see it on IMAX 3D version but it is spectacular still. The film starts with the young son of a successful newspaper baron getting himself put down by his father for being a useless person - that he really is. The father dies and the boy is now a grown up useless man. All he can do is party, get drunk, get laid and wonder why his coffee tastes like shite.

Enter Kato. The man entrusted by the newspaper baron to maintain his expensive collection of cars. It seems the young man-boy-son is not really a jerk. The father was indeed a pain in the ass. But he was an upright man and still respected by society at large. The man-boy-son understands nothing of the responsibility to run an independent newspaper (The Daily Sentinel). He has a friend in Kato but their relationship is not as solid as you would expect out of seeing the talent that Kato is. Because after all he is paired up with an idiot - the man-boy-son.

In a public act of desecration the man-boy-son accidentally becomes a hero in his own eyes and a criminal in the eyes of the law. He decides to fight crime, but with a twist. He will not be known as a hero. He will fight crime from within by appearing to be a criminal. Kato who has already proved himself as a one man army develops the car Black Beauty and the gizmos. And the duo are ready to take the law in their own hands.

This movie is a gem in the hands of Seth Rogen (The Green Hornet) and Jay Chou (Kato). I didn't miss Bruce Lee. This is a very different take on the epic TV series. And fun too. Kato is Kato's real name and there is some good humour in trying to decide his alternate name. Seth Rogen co-wrote this movie and he is a good comedian. The humour brings alive the relationship between these two friends.

Enter Cameron Diaz. She is hot. When is she not? Anyways, she is put to good use and is not a useless prop in this movie. She is employed at The Daily Sentinel and covers the news on the crimes of The Green Hornet with the blessings of her boss, the man-boy-son who inherited the newspaper business.

The villain is played incredibly well by Cristoph Waltz. Only he could make a villainous name of "Chudnofsky" memorable and worthy of inducing fear.

This movie should have done better at the box office. There is good action, camerawork, script, acting, humour and an overall good plot. I guess fans were expecting more serious caper in line with the TV series and so this didn't go as big as it should have.

A fun movie to catch, even family entertainment.

Silly Cow found on Marilyn Monroe's lap

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:18:00 +0000

Web-exclusive! Read all about it. Marilyn Monroe sighted romancing my pet cow. Check out my Project365 Photoblog at: http://www.photoblog.com/2write/

Ah! Finally I printed out a bunch of posters that the idiots at allposters.com didn't want to deliver. Those idiots deliver poster prints to Iraq & Afghanistan but apparently India is not on their economic map. I asked an American friend MikeDo to take delivery of the posters in USA and then mail it to me. But allposters.com rejected my credit card because the billing address was in India. I have an international Visa credit card. God knows what kind of online business these idiots do.

Anyways, this pic is a thanks to MikeDo for his support and efforts.

I searched and trawled the internet and found not just the 3 images I was looking to buy but 5 more images that I love.

I have got these 8 photos printed on an A4 size metallic paper - waterproof and tearproof and can be printed glossy or matt finish. I will frame it locally here. The cost of all this only Rupees 250 per photo framed. That means for Rs. 2000, I will have 8 beautiful images framed in non-reflective glass which is still cheaper than the paper posters I was trying to order from allposters.com JEEZ!!! Only paper print of 3 posters costing more than 8 metallic photo print in non-reflective glass framed.

See, that's why India is so progressive, so well placed in world economy. I have half a mind to start a poster print business of my own to outdo the idiots at allposters.com who really need to relook their business methods.

The other 2 posters I was trying to buy there was the movie "Rocky" poster which says his whole life was a million to one shot and a painting by Chris Consani titled "Classic Interlude" starring James Dean, Elvis Presley, Humphrey Bogart with Marilyn Monroe at a movie theatre.

Movie Review: The Descendants

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:01:00 +0000

* * * * * / 5

Saw this on Thursday evening. My friend had to drag me to it. Basically, it can be safely assumed that if a movie is getting too many award nominations and especially up for an Oscar win - the movie is boring shite artsy crap. I want entertainment for the price of the ticket which is a ridiculous Rs 300/-.

So anyway, I went with an open mind and I like George Clooney. In this movie he shines. His age is no factor - he is perfect in this role - even though in real life he never wants to marry and never wants to make little Clooneys.

The movie beginning, middle and end - all are engaging. The first half is as involving as the second half.

My favourite scene was when Clooney tells his elder daughter about her mother's condition. That scene is imprinted in my head. The girl is in the pool and Clooney is trying to talk to this teenage girl who is clearly rebellious and has no respect for most elders. She is brilliant in that scene and this movie. Wish I knew those child actors names - they are the ones to keep an eye on - trust me they will be big - they are BIG. They will grow up to be shining Superstars of Hollywood.

Yes, both the child actors in this movie - Clooney's two daughters are brilliant actors.

There are various other emotionally engaging scenes and vivid cinematography. I loved the camerawork - the director and his cameraman surely deserve some recognition in the upcoming Oscars.

The script is average when it comes to dialogue but very real - very realistic. The other kid actor playing Clooney's elder daughter's boyfriend is also a good actor and provides great comic relief in this emotionally draining story of a family falling apart and the father trying to pull it together. He has great comic timing. Hope to see him in some college caper or road movie in future. Cool kid and philosophical too.

To admit it - yes I loved the movie. It is beautiful and shows a new side of Hawaii - makes it all REAL! You would enjoy it. It is indeed a mainstream movie. Not some artsy crap. It is a good storyline, interesting turns and a nice tight plot. The ending is open to interpretation. I thought all the lead actors and supporting cast did a great job.

A good movie to catch.

Thanks be to the Lord

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:31:00 +0000

My amateur translation of Pankaj Udhas' ghazal titled "Khuda ka Shukr Hai"

http://youtu.be/BnHb72Lx4Pg

Thanks be to the Lord
translated by Ujjwal Dey

Thank the Lord
there is wine and whiskey
Thank the Lord
how else would we spend the evening
Whoever invented wine and whiskey
my salutations to you Sir!

Thank you Lord
there is wine and whiskey

It takes us to Heaven
while we are still alive
Maybe that's why drinking they call a sin!
Whoever invented wine and whiskey
my salutations to you Sir!

Thank you Lord
there is wine and whiskey

This is a pub folks
the rules here are topsy-turvy
The one who couldn't stumble after a drink
is now infamous and shamed
Whoever invented wine and whiskey
my salutations to you Sir!

Thank you Lord
there is wine and whiskey
how else would we spend the evening
Thank you Lord
there is wine and whiskey
how else would we spend the evening

Wine and whiskey is so honorable a thing
that a drunk speaks only the truth morning to evening
Whoever invented wine and whiskey
my salutations to you Sir!

Thank the Lord
there is wine and whiskey
how else would we spend the evening

:-)

Book Review: A Wasted Death

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:03:00 +0000

A Wasted Death - the rise and fall of Rajan Pillai
by J Rajmohan Pillai with K Govindan Kutty

* * * * */ 5

Humiliation and Defeat of a successful, flamboyant businessman

This is a sad story of government and administrative apathy and perversion of judicial process. It is also a sad account of best friends turning into bitter foes. Rajan Pillai was destined to be a big businessman. Coming from a business family, he ventured beyond the family trade in cashew products. Rajan Pillai was smart, intelligent, savvy and ambitious. A small rural hometown would never have sufficed to quench his quest for greatness and fame. This story about his life comes from a close family member and protégé - his younger brother Rajmohan Pillai writing in collaboration with journalist Govindan Kutty.

The story starts from the very beginning. The humble origins of Rajan Pillai's grandfather, the established cashew trade business of his father and the birth of the eldest son - Rajan Pillai. The story starts with the memories of younger brother Rajmohan, of all the praises his mother mentioned for Rajan, the anecdotes from school and growing up years. Praise and admiration from friends, family, teachers, everyone. He is a prodigal son. He has big ideas and plans. He goes forth. Fails at a few intial business ventures. Then Rajan's father guides his son toward expanding the family business. Political and legal options suggest Rajan to be based outside India for making international operations of the family business a success. Rajan finally selects and sets forth for Singapore. At the time Singapore was growing, establishing itself in the international community of commerce and industry - but they were not quite there. Strict laws and harsh punishments were a must at that time in Singapore to make itself a small powerhouse in international trade.

But things finally went well financially for Rajan Pillai. His business in Singapore grew. His ambitions grew higher still. He wanted more. He wished the best and the wishes were granted. He indulged in the best of luxuries and comforts money can buy. He was successful and well known. Rajan Pillai had arrived!

So begins the rise and rise of Rajan Pillai. From Singapore he expands West to South American industry and USA for business collaborations. To Australia for a grand scheme of many hectares of cashew farms. His ambitions are as grand as his generosity. Ask and ye shall receive with best regards from Rajan Pillai.

Many were possibly envious. But such extravagant and flamboyant display of wealth often draws negative attention from people in its company. Owning the best homes and residences, setting up the first Taj hotel in Goa, a private space in Wimbledon during season - all points to a successful man enjoying the liberties his income offers.

Yet things went wrong... horribly wrong. His friendship with RJR Nabisco head Ross Johnson for one was a big turning point. From being best of friends and investing partners, the American stabbed at Rajan Pillai when Rajan was down and stabbed him hard. There were other signals. At his height of success, Rajan Pillai had bought ownership of Brittania Biscuit Company - a first time an Indian was owning this old Indian company. A very prestigious deal and fame and media praise was instant. But the Board at Brittania alleged misuse of company money. That Rajan was spending too much and too frivolously.

At home, Rajan's father advised his son to go slow. To take smaller steps. To be more careful with the business deals and ambitions and the expenses. But Rajan was on a roll. He had made big money in a small time and had the capacity to go on for a lot bigger catch. He aimed at dominating not just the Indian market as the "Biscuit King" but to venture and capture the South Asian food and beverage market. He went ahead and brought back Coca Cola to India (Coca Cola was thrown out by communist parties earlier in Indian political history). This was a big coup. He was praised not just in media but by peers and superiors in business and industry.

He was for all his faults a gem of a guy - at least in the words of his younger brother and author of this book - Rajmohan Pillai.

What and why and how would anyone wish to harm such a generous and successful man. The man who helped Rajan negotiate Indian legal system to bring back Coca Cola stabbed him in the back and told Coca Cola to venture into India alone. And Rajan was left holding hefty bills on his personal venture's personal investment - unrecovered from Coca Cola. Then Britannia Board made him pay all his pending personal expenses made during official trips. Then his best friend Ross Johnson demanded return on his investment in Rajan's company. In Singapore court of law, Ross alleged misappropriation of funds, fraud, cheating, etc and this led to the Singapore government enacting its arcane barbaric laws to prosecute Rajan Pillai. They seized the businessman's passport and threatened him with 14 years harsh imprisonment. The bail during court procedure itself was a ridiculous USD 4 million. Rajan Pillai hired the best lawyer in the world of course, he always got the best - he hired the Queen's counsel from Britain. The British lawyer was appalled at the ridiculous nature of allegations and how the Singapore court admitted such charges. Ross Johnson and Rajan Pillai settled the matter out of court. Rajan had to sell his stake in Britannia to his French partner and lost the prized company. But he paid his debt to his friend Ross Johnson who was anything but understanding nor grateful.

The Singapore court continued the prosecution of Rajan Pillai even though Ross Johnson had settled his claim outside court legally. They wanted to make an example of Rajan Pillai. Among such crisis, the British famed lawyer suggested to Pillai that his presence would only help the crazy Singapore lawmakers prove the validity of the court proceedings. Ross Johnson had not appeared for a cross-examination yet the Singapore court accepted his allegations. This was humiliation, torture and senseless misuse of judicial process. They had already taken Rajan's passport. And a day before the expected negative ruling Rajan was left with no choice but to flee Singapore. He landed in Mumbai.

The chaos only gets worse. Rajan Pillai held a press conference in Mumbai after he landed to explain the ridiculous nature of the legal proceedings against him in Singapore. But the media focussed now only on his past expensive lifestyle, his court hearings, the allegations, the business failures, the escape from law. They wanted to know how he fled from the law rather than the more critical, important question of why he had to flee from the law.

A few months of such mental stress would break anyone. But Rajan Pillai was still planning ahead, planning future business endeavours. He even sent his younger brother Rajmohan Pillai to establish their food business in Thailand. Courts in India refused anticipatory bail. There was no warrant but Singapore was preparing extradition proceeding papers. All the hype later, just when Rajan Pillai agreed to surrender in Delhi, he was arrested by the CBI, denying him the honour of presenting himself before the Indian judiciary. Here on, the story is heartbreaking.

The associations with the best friends in business, politics, law, the Godman Chandraswami - all narrowed down to one thing - loneliness in his struggle for justice. How CBI and the criminally-idiot Judge M L Mehta denied a visibly and documented sick person immediate medical care is horrifying. If you thought Singapore has bad laws, consider the worst law-keepers that India and India's judicial system nurtures. The denial of serious medical care, the refusal admit verifiable evidence, the insults to injury - it only proves that people can go to any extremes to prosecute a person who is seeking justice from his homeland.

The last 3 chapters are very sad indeed, very depressing, especially the chapter titled "A Wasted Death" which is also the title of the book. It was a wasted death of an inspiring man indeed.

This is a good fast read and very important book in the business history of resurgent India. Do take time to read this book and question the system that questions you.

Book Review: Diary Of A Wimpy Kid

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:23:00 +0000

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid
by Jeff Kinney

* * * * * / 5

Certainly not Wimpy

This is a unique piece of literature. It's not a traditional novel. It's not a graphic novel. It certainly isn't a comic book. The front cover description "a novel in cartoons" is fitting though. This is an engaging journal of a middle school kid. New to his environment, he doesn't hesitate in attempting to make things go his way.

Neither the book nor this kid Greg is "Wimpy" - the word defined by my dictionary as "weak and ineffectual". The book is funny and witty and clever. It links all the characters and back stories very well. The narration is brisk and I flipped through it twice to appreciate the cartoons along with the storyline. Greg ain't wimpy. If anything, he seems almost as bad as his elder brother Rodrick. Of course, Greg has good intentions for all his misdeeds (unlike Rodrick).

This is a good gift for child or adult and I am 32 years old as I read and write this review. The "novel" started as author Jeff's gift to funbrain.com website, a children's site that educates in math and science and other subjects. You can read the original "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" at that website and is worth re-reading because the original is slightly different at parts with some cartoons and scenes not appearing in the published book you find in bookstores. That can be found here: http://www.funbrain.com/journal/Journal.html?ThisJournalDay=1&ThisPage=2 so enjoy that as a bonus from author Jeff. He certainly is talented and makes you wonder of his adventures as a child in school.

My favourite part of the book is of course Greg's friendship with his best friend Rowley and the ups and downs in it. Greg certainly ain't mature though all his intentions seem noble and beyond his age. His schemes and plans always backfire and the irony of these situations are visually delivered in simple and attractive cartoons.

All the various characters of the novel standout well and are definitely attractive parts of Wimpy Kid's World. I would recommend this book to anyone who has read graphic novels and kids above 10 years of age will appreciate the humour the most. Pick it up at any bookstore, all of them have it showcased prominently, flip through a few days of Greg's adventures and I am sure you will be tempted to buy it.

Wilbur Smith in Mumbai

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 08:09:00 +0000

I was privileged to meet legendary historical adventure author Wilbur Smith on his book tour in India. He visited Landmark Bookstore at Infiniti Mall, Mumbai on 03-Dec-2011. He is 78 years young and has fans from multiple generations. A rich career and life that everyone should take inspiration from. He arrived to a standing welcome from the crowd gathered to meet and listen to him just past 7pm. Many eager faces were awaiting him, young and old, a true mix of age-groups which his fiction has conquered.

Wilbur Smith mentioned that he was supposed to read from his latest novel "Those In Peril", but he would rather just talk with the gathered audience. Everyone listened with rapt attention as Wilbur Smith recounted many anecdotes from past book signings he had attended in various countries. He also mentioned that he has been to India quite a few times before as well but that this was the first time he was here for promoting his novels.

His website: http://www.wilbursmithbooks.com/

So Mr. Smith recalled his very first book signing and how no one showed up to buy and get his novel signed. Another author on the floor was without any fans but busy signing books so Mr. Smith walked over to him and asked for whom the books are being signed. "Sign them, once signed the bookstore cannot return it to the publisher and we get our royalty" was the answer he got. He also narrated how once a lady in an Australian bookstore mentioned that she had travelled far from the Northern territories to get a book signed by him as a birthday gift to her husband. To Mr. Smith's surprise the book was a Jeffrey Archer novel and he mentioned that he was not Mr. Archer. The lady demanded that he sign the book - so taking this in stride, Mr. Smith wrote on the book: "In the absence of Lord Archer, signed by Wilbur Smith". LOL. Once Wilbur Smith was visiting England and found that no one was buying his books. This was his initial years as an author. While at the airport to take a flight back home to Africa, he saw a lady reading his novel. He was delighted and intrigued and tried to see if the lady had any emotional expression while reading his book. He also went around behind her pretending to go to the washroom so that he could see which page she was on. Finally he couldn't resist and interrupted her - "Madam, that is my book you are reading." The lady looked surprised and answered handing over the novel to him, "Sorry, I just found it lying around and started to read it." LOL!

Many other funny anecdotes were narrated and the crowd lapped it up with laughter and applause. He also recounted the incidents of die hard fans. One lady sent him a letter saying that her husband loved Smith's novels and wished to be buried with them; there was an accompanying photograph showing her husband in a coffin with all of Wilbur Smith's novels arranged with the dead body in the coffin. That Smith mentioned was a great compliment. Another such fan was a man who appeared in a hotel lobby requesting the staff to please allow him to meet Wilbur Smith. As luck would have it, Mr. Smith was passing by and introduced himself. The man had an amputated leg and mentioned that he fell off from the top of a train onto the tracks when he was travelling with friends. He said that he had given up all hope in life and the only thing he could do was read Wilbur Smith's novels and one character in one of Smith's novels had an amputated leg - and that fictional character went on despite his disabilities to achieve great success. So the young amputee thanked Wilbur Smith saying that his fiction gave him new hope to live and succeed in life. These he said were moments that he cherished about his fans.

He mentioned that though he is on a book tour in India, he is desperately trying to arrange to visit Jim Corbett National Park and glimpse the famous tiger conservation there.

Soon it was time to take questions from the audience and every one of the persons who asked him anything started by thanking him for taking them to the rich land of Africa through the descriptive words of his novels. I asked him a question too. I said: "Your website has a biography of you which mentions how your mother encouraged you while reading fiction as a child and that you had an encouraging teacher in school who liked Smith's writings and said it is admirable to be a bookworm - so what advice would you give to a struggling author?" He said that this was a very serious question which he cannot take lightly. He recalled how an editor friend of his thought writing a novel was easy and that he could write it in a 6 month break from work. "After one month, he was back in office" said Smith. LOL. Smith added, "It takes much effort and discipline and like all good things you have to continue with determination against odds to be a writer or succeed in any other profession as well."

He also answered a question regarding future of Africa, when a person from the audience asked that after Asia, is Africa the big boom economic centre. Mr. Smith said that Asia was very different and far more developed. That Africa is still in infancy in terms of growth and stabilization. He mentioned that India will grow further because he observed that Indians are intelligent and hard-working and hence like other countries in Asia, is growing fast. He also said that the leaders in India had done well to keep Indian states together after the British rule ended, otherwise the olden times when Maharajas fought each other and lived without unity would have kept India just as Africa is today - divided and lacking direction. He also said that Lincoln had done a great job when he allowed war to keep the 50 states of America together and that is the reason why USA is a great global leader it is today.

So a great evening wrapped up with the hostess announcing that Mr. Wilbur Smith would sign books. A very well organised event by Landmark Bookstore, culminating with an organised linup by fans to get their books signed. Very entertaining and enlightening evening indeed.

Catch Wilbur Smith on tour in India in various cities at Landmark Bookstores near you. I got 7 of his novels signed by him in person. :-)

Below are some photos from my mobile phone camera.

Best Wishes,
Ujjwal Dey (Editor)

Book Review: 7 Secrets Of Shiva

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 04:58:00 +0000

7 Secrets Of Shiva
by Devdutt Pattanaik

* * * * * / 5

The Greatest God Made Accessible

Shiva is a God that has truly transcended time and space. He is Mahadeva - greatest of Gods. His legends exist and have survived since eons ago. This book is a treat for all who find mythologies and ancient legends fascinating. In the must-read introduction, the author Devdutt explains his approach. A reconcilliation between East and West. He mentions how Western scholars look at Hindu mythology through the lens of western thought and philosophy, often referring to Western stream of understanding and analysis. And Indians are shy of the explicit exploits of their Gods, a result of Victorian colonial propriety. In this book Devdutt explores the myth through research of Vedas, Puranas, legends and temples. He goes to the basic philosophy of Hinduism to explain and interpret the mythology in its more accurate meaning.

For example, there are many Gods in Hindu mythology and many demons and a heaven and hell, but there is no equivalent of Satan. Lord Shiva is an ascetic and he also is a householder. He is worshiped in these 2 forms as well as a host of other forms - angry Rudra, united Ardhanareshwara, simpleton Bholenath, vengeful Kaal Bhairava, etc. So not only do we have more than one God, the God's themselves have myriad versions and avatars.

Shiva is eternal with no beginning and no end, he is infinite, no before no after, he grants boons and blessings to all who worship him. So even demons pray to him for benefiting from his benevolence. This is a unique thought process of a God who differentiates between no one and nothing. He has angry form, he has a compassionate form, he is a lover and husband, he is a father too, and he is formless divine. He can revive the dead, he can take away all fear of death. He provides for all his devotees and protects them from predation.

This book is insightful and at the same time simplified text of the vast pantheon and rich ancient culture of India. I was hooked from page one and read it within 2 days. It pulls you in with indepth interpretation of symbols, stories and rituals. It is a must have for any beginner or professional who wishes to unravel the mysteries of Shiva and understand Hindu thought process. Apart from all this there are many images from paintings and temples and excavations and sculptures that illustrate the book along with the image's descriptions.

Other books by Devdutt I look forward to reading are "7 Secrets of Vishnu" and "Myth = Mithya". Hope these books entertain and educate you all and brings understanding and order out of chaos.

Book Review: Red Sun

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:48:00 +0000

Red Sun
Travels In Naxalite Country
By Sudeep Chakravarti

* * * * */ 5

India Unleashed!

This is a must-read book. Actually it should be compulsory reading in all high schools and colleges in India. A real eye-opener as well as a page-turner. If you believed for a moment that now is India's moment in the sun, believed the "India Shining" campaigns, thought India is soon to be a global superpower - well you are wrong, misinformed and unrealistic. India, most of it, is in absolute misery. Great pain and destitution is the common factor for half the population of the nation we are so proud of.

Firstly let's clarify about Naxalites - they like to be called "Maoists" And no they are in no way interested in Chinese occupation of India. Maoists of India are patriots by default - they love their nation of India more than anything else, hence they have taken up desperate measures to bring India's citizens their birthrights, their constitutional rights, their right to be free from oppression, right to justice and equality, right to be a human.

This book is an easy read in terms of language but a really thought-provoking, insightful and many times painful read in terms of content. If it doesn't make your blood boil at the inequities in this "modern India" then you are not even alive. Any sane educated citizen would be depressed and agitated at the wrongs of our civil society, our industrialised nation, our global pacts - because these things are not what we believed them to be - they are means of repression and exploitation.

The book takes us to the remotest parts of rural India. The author has travelled and contacted people at great risks. He has explored the grounds were revolt takes hold. The people who have suffered at the hands of either the Government, the police, the administration, the landlords or the moneylenders. These are real people and the book chronicles real conversations of real lives. These are people who have known nothing but struggle and obstructions in their life and finally turned to Maoism as a final solution to their problems. No man, woman or child takes up armed struggle out of choice, they have been pushed and they have been beaten and they have had no option left but to fight back against a corrupt administration and cruel society.

The book takes us through the known strongholds of the Maoists and has views and opinions of not just Maoist leaders but also bureaucrats, senior police officers (including KPS Gill), politicians and local villagers. This is a book of the common man for the common man. It is a book that will keep you awake long after you have turned the last page. The injustices of corporate India, the desperation of rural India, the corruption of every single one in power, these are bitter truths that we as Indians need to face. It is high time we face these harsh realities instead of ignoring their proximity and growth. This is a revolution for the common man. A book that mirrors the true face of 21st century India.

If there is only one book you would bother reading on the subject of Maoist Revolutionaries (not the lay terminology of Naxalites) make it this one. It will show you and prove to you that these revolutionaries are fighting for you and me and not for any petty cause.

Jai Hind!!!

Book Review: The Mountain Between Us

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 12:33:00 +0000

The Mountain Between Us
by Charles Martin

* * * * */ 5

Warm Love Letters and icy wilderness

At the outset, reading the back cover blurb, you would wonder how engaging can a book about 2 stranded people be? Well it's no Robinson Crusoe. The stranded people are 2 good characters, successful male doctor and successful female journalist. On a chartered plane outracing a storm, the doctor - Ben is looking forward to going home and the journalist - Ashley is going to her wedding. But the plane crashes. A brave pilot managed to land them as safely as possible, but on a snowy mountain in a vast stretch of wilderness.

It's not this adventure of survival that is the selling point of this book. So if you are looking for Crusoe and his man Friday then you may not enjoy the novel in its entirety. These two primary protagonists have a choice - lay down and die or fight for a chance to survive. They both are injured but they keep their spirits up. And the pilot's dog who also survived the crash keeps them good company.

There is a good deal of the novel describing their painful efforts to survive in icy wilderness far from any civilization, but that's the less interesting part. What keeps you engaged and entertained is these 2 lives exchanging their history and reciting their intriguing memories.

Dr. Ben has a recorder he uses for medical transcription. Many stranded nights he records messages in it for his estranged wife. These messages read like beautiful love letters. You almost look forward to 'hearing' more of these messages and unfold the brave yet loving and caring character of Dr. Ben. Ashley brings her own background, awaiting her first wedding, anxious and yet hopeful of the concept of everlasting love.

The author Charles Martin must be a die-hard romantic because this is a love story with a bunch of romantics. The pilot had a long lasting love for his old lady. Dr. Ben reminisces his separated wife's young love since school till present. Ashley looks forward to being in eternal love.

Read this not as an adventure novel but as a romance novel and you will be more than satisfied with it. For a moment in the climax I thought it would be a sad ending, but there is a nice twist to the tale and a very surprising and satisfying happy ending.

Book Review: Red Dragon

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:12:00 +0000

Red Dragon
by Thomas Harris

* * * * */5

Wonder and Awe for the Great Red Dragon

This is an amazingly well written book. The plot is tight, good paced narration, spectacular characters and brilliant descriptions.

The book is advertised as 'the novel that created Hannibal Lecter' but the book is neither about Lecter nor the special agent Will Graham. It is about the Red Dragon. The serial killer is the real protagonist for me. The novel starts off with the FBI wanting Will back for a new case. Will had left the bureau after apprehending Dr Lecter. FBI wants him back and soon the manhunt for the new psycho killer starts.

We are taken through Will's unique procedures as he recreates the crime scene in his mind, his imagination and projection helping him get inside the killer's perspective. He is creating the killer's profile and also profiles of likely victims. As the next full moon approaches, the cops are working out all possible leads to stop the Red Dragon.

Other characters in the novel are also well filled out. FBI man Crawford, the tabloid irritant Lounds, Will's wife, Dollarhyde's love interest and many others who are an intrinsic part of this unique story - not to mention Dr Lecter and his asylum's incharge.

The first meeting with Lecter is memorable. The descriptions of the crime scenes are close and horrific. You could picture yourself standing there with Will Graham. The family background and childhood atrocities on Francis Dollarhyde are cruel and will touch any reader's heart. The pain and humiliation and cruelty that finally created the Red Dragon almost makes you understand that the survival through such trauma could only happen by the creation of a monster.

The story is also about strong men. Men who have survived great odds - Will, his stepson, Dollarhyde, all strong characters who stay in the fight against the problems and dilemmas they face.

There are some memorable moments in the novel - some of it will shock you and others will keep your eyes burning into the pages - such as the death of the tabloid reporter, Reba the blind girl feeling the unconsciouss tiger in the zoo, the moment Dollarhyde accepts that he is completely alone in this world, etc are moments that will haunt you and amaze you.

You would never guess what's coming and it is a shocking climax in the last few chapters.

Book Review: Moonraker

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:33:00 +0000

Book Review: James Bond series by Ian Fleming
See previous books' reviews

Moonraker
by Ian Fleming

* * * * */5

007 in UK

The first thought that comes to you as you begin reading this novel is that its nothing like the movie of the same name. The movie was a success with even a nomination for Best Visual Effects at the Oscars. The novel doesn't disappoint either. It goes off with a slow start with a commonplace investigation of cheating at cards at M's favourite club known as Blades. Then on the intrgue and unanswered questions pile up and before long you are submerged in a thrilling game of deception and discovery.

Interestingly, in this novel, James Bond doesn't leave United Kingdom, the entire adventure unfolding on homeground. 007 starts off dreading Monday office blues but by the end of the week he will be striving for his life and put all his skill and determination in saving England from a disaster of unimaginable proportions. There are guns, fast cars, gambling and a lovely lady to keep you hooked till the very end. The villain is unique, a national hero who is actually working against the nation that celebrates him. After the initial chapters depicting Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, you are caught into a climbing rocket of thrills and suspense. Its a "nail-biting" (haha, read the book and you will know) dash to save England and Bond will persevere through incredible hardships and danger (including gigantic rolls of newsprint) to save the day (or his weekend, eh?). A week in the life of 007 but only a few days for you as an addicted reader of this small novel.

A great follow-up to the second novel and surprising twists of fate.

Book Review: On Writing

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:17:00 +0000

On Writing
by Stephen King

* * * * */ 5

The King: Wisdom and a one-on-one session

This is an awesomely magnificent book. Whatever opinions you may have regarding his fiction novels, suspend them all and read this as if peeping into the life of a professional writer. Stephen King is an all-time bestselling novelist and some beautiful movies have been made from his books too (The Green Mile, The Shawshank Redemption, The Shining, come to mind immediately). I can understand that genre fiction is looked down upon by some elitists and reading horror stories may not be everyone's fare. But this book has got nothing to do with any of that. This book proves that Stephen King is an immensely great, accomplished and successful storyteller.

There are good forewords to this book, 3 of them actually, where King (I will call him King because he is one) explains how he came to write this book. Nothing to do with his own success in the craft but because he needs to clarify the art and craft of storytelling.

The book is not an autobiography. It is full of entertaining anecdotes that lead up to how he became who he is. I love anecdotal books (such as Surely you are joking Mr. Feynman! By Richard Feynman and At Ease stories I tell to friends by Dwight D Eisenhower) and this one is a treasure. Starting from his earliest memories as a toddler to mischief with his partner - elder brother, to high school days, college and marriage, we are taken on a fantastic voyage as King discovers the world around him and explores the talent within him. It is written in casual, conversational style, with great style! You can't help but picture him in the situations he mentions. It is not just entertaining but a lesson in living with his wise conclusions and mentions of turning points that led him to a fulfilling career as a writer.

Not everything is funny. Many of the anecdotes stand out and make you wonder at the complexities of life. Raised by a single parent - his mother, the tough jobs King did even after passing out from college, how King related to the creation of his breakthrough novel "Carrie" where he recounts his memory of 2 unfortunate girls in his school, etc are moving and emotionally impactful. The support he received from his dedicated loving wife is also quite heart-warming to read. His was not an easy life growing up or as a father and husband - but he remembers it fondly and has endured it in great spirits. He even recounts the very personal account of his struggle with alcoholism and drug abuse. He overcame those addictions and gave up cigarette smoking as well.

But all this is just a background, a buildup toward how he became a professional writer and maintained his success.

The book continues and reveals his thoughts on the process of writing. This reveals his process of writing based on his ideas that come to him from paying attention to the story when the story presents itself. He says the story is not made, the story makes itself. He mentions how he comes up with a unique situation and lets his characters thrive in the situation, thus surprising himself with a story which he discovers as a writer transcribing the goings on in the situation and the characters in them. He likens this process to unravelling a fossil in the ground. He does not approve plotting and writing to the plots restrictions. He compares the plot to a jackhammer being used to excavate a fossil, preferring instead to take time with a writers basic tools to excavate the delicate fossil which is the story idea. He doesn't know how his stories will end until he writes the final word.

He discusses and gives examples of various stages of writing and getting it published. This may not be a comprehensive guide on everything there is to know about writing but it paints for us a clear picture through his vast experience in the field of the craft.

In the last few chapters King shares his painful experience of getting hit by a van. Serious injuries he sustained and his thought process at the time are mentioned in detail. The description is powerful and emotional and makes you feel as if you are witnessing it all right in front of you.

There is more than enough positivity and encouragement and wisdom in this book - it should get you started and motivated to pen your own epic. You can even see this book as a fine non-fiction to enrich your life, not just a book on the art of writing.

Book Review: The Bourne Identity

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 06:46:00 +0000

The Bourne Identity
by Robert Ludlum

* * * * */5

An espionage novel that thrills from start to end.

If there is ever a novel worth labelling thriller, this is it. A real page turner from the word go - from first page to last and everything in between. This is the second Ludlum novel I have read, first being The Matarese Countdown which was quite average. This so much more infinitely better, well researched, well plotted, planned, characterised, thought out and with a fastpaced action packed narrative. If anyone thinks NYT bestsellers are not literature then they have never come across such masterpiece storytelling and probably live in a remote cave with their loathsome copies of Shakespeare or John Updike.

The Bourne Identity is a gripping tale of a man, his origins, his uncertain present and conspiracies that entangle a range of ruthless or unsuspecting people somehow associated with the man they dont really know. The movie version is set in a modern setting and far different from this novel but both are definitely greatly enjoyable taken individually. The book set quite a few decades ago (when it was written) deals with the enigma known globally as Carlos the jackal. Bourne and Carlos drive this story with each proving their worth without which they could be dead. A race against time across varying locations in differing situations that make you glued to the book you hold closer and closer as plans unfold, dead bodies discovered, news and its targets manipulated and an ever changing landscape for the protagonist with an unknown past and bleak future.

The beginning is the end and the end is the beginning. There is a covert mission for Jason Bourne but unexpected circumstances have made him lose his memory. His mind throws glimpses of images, some words stand out and he has not lost his ability for being a highly talented operative. The man is plagued by these things, not knowing where it comes from and what it means. Only one thing is clear - there are people out to get him, kill him and he needs to solve the puzzle that is his mind. To uncover where he comes from and why he has talents that are so unusual.

The novel is an exploration of not just the man's mind but the unexpected possibilities of covert missions, deception and the dangerous world of terrorism. This book does work as a standalone but of course Ludlum wrote 2 more of Bourne adventures. The thrill of the first ignites a passion to read on. Pick this up and forget the movie version for the time being. Both are great in their uniqueness. There are no cell phones or other gadgetry in this old novel but the novel isn't dated. If anything it proves how effective a trained person can be when dealt with uncertain and life-threatening circumstances. A real masterpiece from Ludlum.

Book Review: Blood Lines

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:55:00 +0000

Blood Lines
by Kathryn Casey

* * * / 5

Not bloody at all

The protagonist is a Texas Ranger but the book is not a Western. The Texas Ranger here is a female, with a kid, with a Mom living in, with a dead husband, with an estranged lover, with an eager boss and her own haunting past. Sarah Armstrong is a good character; flawed, fighting and fearless. She loves her family but wants to keep her occupation which sometimes brings trouble too close to home.

We have 2 unsolved crimes in here. An elusive stalker and an unsolved murder. The characters are realistic though the caricature of the teen pop star Cassidy Collins and her staff is very cliched and stereotyped. The tension and action in the novel are there to keep you reading till the end. Apart from her investigation and profiling for these 2 cases, she also has to deal with a birthing horse and a reunion with a 'distant' lover.

The book first disappointed me with its dual perspective. Casey first writes in third person perspective and then switches to first person narrative of Texas Ranger Sarah Armstrong for most of the book and in between we again get third person perspective. This is distracting and to me as an editor it is very irritating. The first person view brings us close to Sarah and this is a well-written perspective, making us feel and sympathise with Sarah. The third person view is needed to deal with all the places/ instances Sarah is not present, so that's really frustrating.

Casey also uses a lot of I'd, we'd, he'd and doesn't differentiate between "had" and "would" while using - 'd - though both are interchangeable. This was a constant hiccup for me.

Casey came to write fiction after writing true crime for 20 years, covering crime in news, magazines and non-fiction novels. So its not surprising that she chose her fiction foray in crime. She seems comfortable and natural at writing since the book is an easy smooth sailing till the end. But the plot relating to the murder and the stalking seemed average to me. I don't want to post any spoilers so I will leave it at saying that I expected much more intrigue and realism from a book written by a lady with 20 years of true crime writing.

Overall, the book is entertaining. I haven't read the first one in the series but don't mind reading more from Casey's impressive catalogue of books.

Book Review: Where The Shadows Lie

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:40:00 +0000

Where The Shadows Lie
by Michael Ridpath

* * * * */5

Where Surprises Lie

This is a surprisingly good read. I just picked it up randomly and was hooked since the first chapter. We have a solid protagonist in Magnus. He is a tough cop at the receiving end of a drug cartel. A thorough American, he is reunited to his origins in Iceland as he needs to be alive as a witness in a case. The run-in with an assassin in the initial few pages itself had me admire the work of author Michael Ridpath. I read his brief interview and though he is no Icelander, he has painted a fantastic image of the nation. His research shines through in this novel.

I loved discovering new and newer things about Iceland in here. With Michael's prose it all comes alive. The protagonist is at once interesting with an enemy gunning for him in the first few chapters. Then on he is working for Iceland's police force which is drastically different because cops there don't carry firearms, forget about civilians shooting anything. There is plenty of mystery in Iceland and no small portion comes from the murder of a professor being investigated by the local police with consultation from Magnus.

Here too Magnus faces obstacles with the local police head not being too cheery on having help from an American cop. No cop likes their domain encroached upon by anyone no matter how experienced or qualified they be.

Of course with the rare crimes in Iceland the police there have little experience in following leads and investigating into a murder. So Magnus is to be there with the local chief grudgingly keeping him informed.

Then there is the pretty girl who is involved in the mess over ancient sagas being sold off to raise money. She is too good to have been involved in anything illegal, yet all clues seem to have her involved somehow. The sagas itself is fascinating and Tolkien had clearly taken great liberty in making the stories his own with "The Lord of the Rings". There is the familiar friendly but dull cop eager to be a partner to Magnus. There is a mysterious pastor of a church that was swallowed up by hell. There is information that leads to other possible murders. There is a lot of action and suspense with each chapter satisfactorily leading us to a thrilling finale.

The descriptions of the landscape, the sky, the waterfall, the simmering mountains of lava is simply marvelous.

It is a very rewarding novel to read and this is the first novel on Magnus. I can't wait to see how Michael Ridpath comes back to this cop in a sequel.

Book Launch: Amitav Ghosh's River of Smoke

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 04:47:00 +0000

Crossword Bookstores have again held a delightful event for all of us bibliophiles in Mumbai. So on 22 June 2011, we were honoured with the presence of Amitav Ghosh. He was here to launch and promote his second book in the Ibis trilogy - "River Of Smoke". The first one in the trilogy was "Sea Of Poppies" which was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize in 2008.

I reached the Kemps Corner Crossword store an hour and half early, he was to arrive at 7 pm. The stage was set with 2 microphones and 2 chairs as we were to be entertained with a Q & A between Amitav Ghosh and Anil Dharker. The two arrived to an applauding audience. An introduction was given by Penguin publisher's representative and then Amitav Ghosh opened a copy of "River Of Smoke" to more applause.

Amitav Ghosh read from his new book and then a Q & A with Anil Dharker began. Apparently, Amitav Ghosh has many drafts before he comes out with a final product. He writes with a mechanical pencil, then with a pen and then finally onto the computer. He mentioned how writing can be a physically exhausting undertaking. He has his rituals before he can write, as obsessive as any author. He spends most of his time now in Goa. Anil queried about the research that goes into the book and Amitav held us spellbind with his answer. The book traces the Opium Wars and how China and India were forever changed at the hands of the British trading in opium.

Amitav mentioned how one Parsi character in the book took a life of its own and elaborated that it wasn't just the Parsis of India who became rich with opium trade. He cut to the present day when he mentioned the aluminium microphone stand and how Orissa is suffering through mining. He said that all of us benefit and lose through the devastation in other regions of the nation or world.

Anil was all praise for Amitav, going as far as to say that anytime soon Amitav would win the Nobel Prize in Literature ("if Nobel Committee know what they are doing").

Then the audience were allowed to ask questions. One person mentioned how reading is a lost habit in USA and same trend is appearing in India. Amitav Ghosh disagreed and said things have changed drastically in India. When he started out, selling 200 copies would be considered a success. There were no bookstores other than a small corner with a pile of old books. Now, he says, there are so many new writers, more publishers and a range of bookstores and books for the readers.

One old gentleman was very interested in Amitav's mention of a mechanical pencil. He quizzed the author about what it is and where to get it. Amitav entertained him and mentioned it's not available everywhere. Another person mentioned Amitav's fascination with the sea and how it appears in his novels with poetic descriptions. Amitav admitted he is a "sea person", that he has lived among mountains but prefers the sea - "the mountains divide locations while the sea brings us together".

Another fan asked that since his books are so picturesque, why hasn't a movie been made based on them. Amitav mentioned that an Italian producer was interested in adapting "The Calcutta Chromosome" into a movie. He also mentioned that one of his friends is adapting "The Hungry Tide" into a feature film.

I asked him why Indian authors and publishers don't seem to accept Science Fiction. Amitav had won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for his SciFi "The Calcutta Chromosome". I also asked him if he will write one more SciFi. Amitav mentioned a couple of Indian authors who have written SciFi and said that his own historical fiction takes as much effort as a SciFi, to create the fictional world and everything within it.

Soon it was time for the book signing and people queued up. I got 3 of his books signed by him, namely - Sea of Poppies, River of Smoke and The Hungry Tide.

Few snaps from my lousy mobile phone:

Amitav Ghosh with Anil Dharker

The book launch

Amitav reads from his new book, River Of Smoke

The Q & A session

One of the Signed First Editions

Movie Review: Green Lantern 3D

noreply@blogger.com (2write) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 11:36:00 +0000

Awwesomeness !!! Now awesome in 3D !!!

Just saw this wonderful movie in 3D glory. It is a thrilling movie with just the right mix of action, humour, visual effects and drama.

I immediately regretted not seeing Avatar in 3D. But this will have to do for now.

We find our hero in a rebel without a cause. An extraordinary test pilot who is chosen by the ring - the ring of the Green Lantern Corps' most celebrated hero Abin Sur.

The background to the Green Lantern Corps is given very well without breaking the pace of the movie. We find a reluctant hero in the test pilot who is the first human to wear the ring. On Earth he faces his demons about his past and on the other side of the Universe, an evil awakes and consumes the very essence of the living beings - feeding to strengthen its evil powers.

There are 2 things that I thought of immediately - of course the other powerful ring, the ring from Lord of the Rings which itself is based on the Icelandic saga of the One Ring. But this green ring is good and it channels the will of the wearer to do justice and defend the universe.

The other thought more clearly showed inspiration - the evil feeding on the essence of living beings - just like Imoteph rising from the dead in The Mummy. So while the ring and lantern idea may be original, the feeding part seems to have already been done in one blockbuster - which may have its source in ancient tales of vampires (somebody tell me if there is some other source of inspiration).

But back to the movie and the perfect blend of all things that make a blockbuster. Totally awesome choice of actors and characters. Yes, not only the cast is great, but also the fictional characters they portray.

There is love lost and found. There is estrangement between father and son/s. There is power and greed for more power. There is vulnerability and the human force of rising against odds - being irrational to surpass obstacles. There is spectacular special effects; in 3D. And there is a satisfying ending. With scope for a sequel, wink wink.

The reason why the first Spiderman movie was a big hit and why the Star Trek reboot was a big hit is why Green Lantern will be a big hit. It adds the human touch to the hero. Aspects of him that we can relate to. To find comfort in knowing that adversity can be defeated with righteousness.

A good movie to watch again, and I will next weekend in IMAX 3D.