Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Smiley’s world beckoned and I shuddered. After an extended tryst with Sir Alec I was not sure if this world needed to be explored again through different lenses. I am glad I did. Gary Oldman plays Smiley with hint of Sir Alec and John Hurt takes on the mantle of Control. Benedict Cumberbatch effortlessly slips out of his Sherlock persona and in to the shoes of Peter Guillam as the hunt for the mole within the Circus (Britain’s MI6) is kicked off.

Comparisons with the BBC mini series is inevitable though hardly any movie reviews mention it. The BBC series gives the viewer time to dwell in this world and take in the events at a more leisurely pace. The film interestingly recreates the atmosphere much better as you find yourself transported to the Cold War era. The film packs in events and you are held tautly as you follow Smiley’s machinations to discover the mole.  

Rating: * * * +

The Limits of Control

A shadowy man (Isaach De Bankolé) wanders around Europe drinking two cups of espresso (not a double) and exchanging match boxes for mysterious reasons. A myriad of interesting characters venture on to the screen in quirky settings, muttering profound dialogs. Unfortunately the purpose of this endeavor is elusive and you are left lamenting the misuse and wastage of the assembled talent.

Rating: *

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

The legendary prof is back and running after this crystal skull along with the Russians. There is also his possible successor in tow - in the form of Shia LaBeouf. Found it a bit of an ask to enjoy the movie whole heartedly - action sequences were imaginative & fine, but it wasnt as funny as I remembered these movies to be.

Rating: * *

The Proposition

The Proposition is a fascinating watch; good old-styled western movie about revenge and dealing with the natives. However, its set in the great, barren Australian outback. Guy Pearce is part of a splinter group of outlaw brothers who is caught but needs to hunt down his brother, to save another.
Finely shot and with the script written by the enigmatic Nick Cave, throws up a relatively simple yet interesting story - and a haunting soundtrack. Superb performance by Ray Winstone and everyone around (Guy Pearce appropriately stoic). It also shows how the aborigines were dealt with by the colonialists in their attempt to induct civilisation. A movie that stays in your mind well after the credits roll.

Rating: * * *