Inherit the wind (1960)

The right to think and to express ones opinion is on trial in a state where teaching anything against The Bible is a punishable offense. This is the premise of our movie “Inherit the wind.” The movie is an adaption of the play of the same name, and the title comes from the bible verse “He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind…” Proverbs 11:29. The main setting of the movie is in the courtroom where two notable lawyers fight for the case. There are some great scenes in the movie, acted out superbly by all the actors. The tension and the thoughts of the common folk on the matter are clearly depicted in the movie.

It happens to all of us, we start believing in our thoughts so firmly that regardless of the validity of the facts presented in front of us against our believe we hold on to it and fight for it. We believe that people should be able to see our point and should think like we do. But that is not the case, we all have our own thoughts and we have the capability to think. This makes us unique and different from each other. Then how can we expect others to think and be like us. It takes courage to admit when one is wrong and move on in life, to be open to new ideas and thoughts. As Aristotle said it “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” Regardless of what you believe in remember that everyone has the right to believe in what they want to, forcing someone to accept something unwillingly or punishing them for thinking differently doesn’t quite feel like living our life for the truth.

 

The movie is entertaining on its own right as a courtroom drama; the bonus is the topic in debate. “Inherit the wind” is a movie worth watching.

Regards,

TracerBullet

Release date: October 12, 1960

Running time: 128 minutes

Directed by: Stanley Kramer 

Ustad Hotel: Delicious Old Sulaimani in New Cup !

I had been to Kozhikode last weekend and ordered for a "Sulaimani Chaya" in a modest hotel and was immediately floored by the difference in that tea. I couldn't tell what it was, but the tea in Kozhikode is unlike anything I've tasted elsewhere.

What makes a good movie and what separates one from an ordinary one ? It is exactly like making a "Sulaimani Chaya". It requires a certain amount of "Mohabbat" in it. The grand-father transfers some old world wisdom to his wonder-struck grandson as he serves him a Kozhikode special Sulaimani Chaya with that additional Mohabbat.

Anwar Rasheed arrived on the Malayalam cinema scene with the bombastic "Raja Manikyam" and followed it up with pretty ordinary "Chota Mumbai" and "Annan Thambi". He was also a part of the multi-cuisine "Kerala Cafe" where he constructed "The Bridge".

In "Ustad Hotel" he serves up some time-tested Kozhikode Biriyani and Sulaimani Chaya with same old ingredients but with a better packaging. Anjali Menon’s story of a grandchild coming to live with grand-father due to differences with his father isn't exactly new. The concept of an old, respected institution coming under attack of expansionist / capitalist forces and how the under-dog manages to survive the onslaught against all odds isn't exactly new to us either.

But what is new is Dulqar Salman's refreshing screen presence and his confident yet endearing approach. Veteran actor Thilakan lives another role as the righteous and generous grandfather Kareem-ikka like only he could have managed. Siddique as his ambitious son Razzack is efficient as always.

Nitya Menon has that permanently cute look about her and she sails through the movie with flying colors. Mamu Koya who also narrates the story of Faizal aka Faizee is in his own territory speaking a language he is most comfortable with. Lena, Sija Rose and co deliver decent performances as Faizee's elder sisters in limited scope. Overall the entire cast, including the band has done extremely nice job.

The movie is garnished with numerous one-liners and light-hearted moments that keep it flowing without ever becoming heavy or melodramatic. Asif Ali's "Alla, Amitabh Bachchan" is one such moment. Then there is a moment where a large family with countless children is shown with tongue in cheek humor without ridiculing anyone.

The movie begins with a man's obsession for a son shown with deft humorous touch narrated by the inimitable Mamu Koya. It has a blend of old and new symbolized by Thilakan and Dulqar respectively. Anjali Menon has also borrowed from a real life story of a man who feeds the poor and downtrodden.

There is a moment of genuine beauty when the grandson asks Karim, "Grandpa, why did my father become like this ?". A wistful Karim says, "Because his father didn't bring him up properly". It is both the lament of a father who realizes his own failure in life and the generosity not to blame his son for what he is today.

The story drives home the message with extreme subtlety, that change and progress are inevitable. Your product might be time-honored and good. But unless you change with times and reinvent yourself, you run the risk of becoming obsolete. So the respected yet shabby "Ustad Hotel" gets a face-lift and interiors done to suit the modern times but retains the same old Mohabbat in the Sulaimani Chaya and Karim-ikka's Biriyani as the new generation inherits the hotel.

Music is nice on the ears without being memorable, though "Ammayi Vattaayi poyi" is a rage with the youth. Technically and aesthetically the movie is top notch.

My verdict: Without delving too much into the story anymore, I would say, "Ustad Hotel is a delicious old Sulaimani Tea in a brand new cup served hot and hygienic". Go for it !

Father Goose

A man who ran away from society because society wanted him to appear as everyone else did, in bow tie, coat and suit, but not him. Oh no! not our hero, Walter (Cary Grant) call name "Father Goose". You see for him he thought all that mattered was what was in your head.

The movie is set during the world war 2. Japanese invasion is going on and Walter is roped in to voluteer against his wish to be a lookout for enemy ship and airship movements and report them in to the Allies. 

A drunk, reminded me of Captain Archibald Haddock, but one who knows his way around the group of small islands like no one else. As movie progresses he rescues a lady and 7 female students who are stranded on an island. The plot thickens as the lady and our hero fall for each other and the kids start liking him.

Eventually of course the Japanese find them, of course I won't spoil the climax. A totally entertaining movie. 

Unfortunately I don't have a link for this one either. However, if you do come across it take some time off to watch it and enjoy it.

Regards,

TracerBullet

Holiday

What is important to you in life? What makes you jump up in joy and thank God for this life? There must be something that you see in this world that makes you keep on living. Is it money? Really?

The movie "Holiday" showcases the perspective of a free-spirited man tempted by wealth and riches to compromise his life and his principles. This man happens to be our hero Mr. Case (Cary Grant) who believes in amassing just enough money to go on a long vacation and live his life and ponder on what is important for him. No not when he is old but right now when he is young and able. His fiancee on the other hand a very rich woman believes in stability, wealth, and a comfortable life. This leads to a clash of ideals and philosophies. New characters, some free-spirited and some with strong sense of wealth and money join in and we have an entertaining movie.

I don't know if you get the time to ponder on your life, your wishes, ambitions, the meaning of life, etc. If you don't I would highly recommend finding some time for yourself. Nevertheless, this movie is a classic example of cinema at its finest with characters playing more than their part and a story well written. Sadly I don't have a link for you. But if you every come across this movie do take some time and watch it.

Regards,

TracerBullet

PS: Here is a link where you can read more about the movie if you want to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030241/

Penny Serenade

There are only a few movies out there that really grow on you as the movie develops. This is one of those movies - slow, well-paced, thoughtful and touching. The movie works in flashbacks with each record (gramophone record-playing classic songs) forming a basis for a memorable memory in the lives of our leads.

The movie is about love, marriage, friendship, kindness and most importantly about a child. There are scenes that are very well acted and captured in the movie. The supporting actors are a gem and brings the movie to a whole different level of engagement and intimacy.

This is a classic and a gem at it. Here is a link where you can view it on YouTube.

Regards,

TracerBullet 

The Bishop's Wife

The beauty and complications of life makes everyone want for a miracle and sometimes angels do come down to help us through. We know life is beautiful but we spend a lot of our time thinking about it rather than living it. In my view we worry too much and we complain too much, and in the midst of all this we forget to live our life and be happy.

We can live our life and dedicate it to so many causes, we can believe in so many things but to me living for others, having their worries as our priorities and helping selflessly without the need for an acknowledgement is what makes life beautiful, worth living and dying for.

The Bishop's Wife is a movie that makes one ponder what is really important in life. The theme of an angel helping out in the form of a human has been depicted in many movies with great success, this movie is not an exception to this genre. The movie is brilliant and a classic. The movie makes the point that life is meant to be enjoyed, lived to help others and understand them, and above all to trust yourself to be a good person deep inside.

Cary Grant, plays the part of the angel in the movie. The story revolves around a Bishop and his wife. The bishop wishes to build a cathedral but seems to reach nowhere with his wish. The worry turns him into a different person, this makes him pray for guidance and an angel appears, from there on the story develops into a beautiful tale.

The movie was released in 1947 and can be viewed at YouTube

Have a great life, all of you.

Regards.

The Amazing Spider-Man

Before stating my views, let me tell you that I have been a spidey fan since time immemorial, it was only after coming under the evil influence of Tracer Bullet that I got interested in The Dark Knight and his broodings!

Synopsis:  Peter  Parker is a high school teenager, who lost his parents at a very young age.  He has been raised by uncle Ben and aunt May who dot on him.  One day, he comes across a briefcase (that belonged to his father) in the attic, which leads him to Oscorp and Dr. Curtis Conners, who was his father’s partner.  He visits Oscorp to get in touch with Dr. Curtis Conners.  While loitering around prohibited part of the research lab, Peter is bitten by a genetically enhanced spider.  Slowly, Peter Parker starts developing great physical power, along with superb reflexes and agility.  Like a spider, he can cling to any surface.  Being a brilliant science student, he develops inorganic webs that he can shoot from the bands that he wears in his wrist.  Uncle Ben is shot dead by a thug and Peter makes it his mission to catch the culprit.  Along the way, he realizes that his great powers are not just instruments for personal vendetta, but must be used carefully for the greater good of humanity.  He starts to help the police but is not trusted by the captain of NYPD, who also happens to be his sweet heart’s (Gwen Stacy) father.  Meanwhile, Dr. Curtis Conners transmits himself to a giant lizard with super strength and Spiderman must stop him at all costs.  This forms the crux of story.

I was surprised with Andrew Garfield’s emoting skills.  He is really good, better than Tobey in the first installment of Spiderman.  In order to make the rebooted series different, the script has brought in Peter Parker’s parent’s here,  Peter himself is seen reflecting about his parents at the start and at different times of the movie, somewhat reminiscent of Dark Knight Begins, but still the movie does not have the dark mood of Batman.  It retains the sunny spidey spirit.  The stunts and actions of this Spiderman are more in line with the comic version.

Gwen Stacy is also cool, her character is better defined than MJ in the Tobey version.  I did not like this MJ character in the earlier series.  She seemed to love PP because he was Spider-man.  That is not the case with Gwen.  She is quite intelligent and she likes Peter even when he is a normal guy and his being Spider-man perhaps makes him more adorable to her.

Dr. Curtis Conners is not  a run-of-the mill villain here.  It looks like he got addicted to the potion he developed as a part of his research and on becoming the lizard, he was unable to control his animal instincts.

Uncle Ben and Aunt May are good, with many meaningful and witty dialogues between them, but I guess I loved the earlier Aunt  May in Tobey’s Spider-Man more…..

This was the first time I was watching a 3-Dmovie and I was busy analyzing the difference by removing my glasses during the start of the movie.  I guess 3-D effects made the screen seem not limited by the boundary and things seem to pop out of the screen, it was good, but perhaps my expectation was more, so I was not that much impressed…..

Overall, it was a good experience watching the new spidey  and if you are a spidey fan, then do not miss this one for anything……………..