The Offence

Arguably, Sean Connery's finest performance ever - which was a surprise really, considering I hadn't heard of the movie. The film begins with an eerie scene of a child being rescued by Sean Connery & his police colleagues in a cold London suburb. At the outset one does figure that Connery - a heavy drinking, hot headed detective (Johnson) - would be the kind to track down the paedophile and tear his guts out. But the plot then sidesteps the viewer and violently turns inward into the tortured psyche of Detective Johnson. Easily the best of Sidney Lumet that I have seen thus far. Brilliant.

Rating: * * * +

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Hank (Ethan Hawke) and Andy (Philip Seymour Hoffman) think they have a safe and simple heist at hand . The plan is to rob their parent's jewellery store at a strip mall. But when it goes horribly wrong, the lives of the brothers start to unravel. Not that it was going well in the first place. Andy's wife Gina, played with aplomb by Marisa Tomei, is sleeping with Hank. That only adds to gut wrench that this film directed by Sidney Lumet induces. A very tight crime drama that completely hides the fact that Lumet was 82 when he directed it.

Rating: * * +

Deathtrap

Had heard a lot about this Sidney Lumet directed thriller starring Michael Caine - half expecting it to be as good as Sleuth. It wasnt, but keeps you going till the end as the plot takes a series of unexpected turns. Besides the presence of Michael Caine, the use of just one room for the entire movie will naturally draw comparisons with Sleuth. Caine plays a once famous playwright struggling to come up with something original - and then comes with up a wicked scheme to kickstart his career again, and enlists his wife's reluctant services. Christopher Reeves makes his appearance as an innocent stranger and the catalyst for the action to follow. I suppose for viewers who have not watched Sleuth, this should make a thrilling watch.

Rating: * * +

Power

Very disappointing movie. Considering it was about a 'spin doctor' and directed by Sidney Lumet, was looking forward to this one. But it just kind of kills itself with the intense script thats horribly muddled - even the actors look confused at times.

Rating: *

Courtroom Trilogy: Anatomy of a Murder, 12 Angry Men and Find Me Guilty

I have had this fascination for courtroom dramas for a while now - and it doesnt seem to wane. All the compulsive watching prompts me to second guess every time I see a new one - which doesnt bother me.

The most recent one being 'Anatomy of a Murder', starring James Stewart. The movie is based on a very successful novel and is quite an elaborate court room trial. James Stewart, as ever, provides an ore the soulful performance. Tight and strangely enough, its quite witty in parts. Theres good bit of 'tooty frooty' jazz of Duke Ellington thrown into the film as well, with the man making a bit appearance as well. It marks the debut of one George Scott as Mr. Dancer (the cruel prosecutor) - impressive. This Scott fellow went on to perform in the TV series of '12 Angry Men' years later.

Rating: * * +

Which brings us to '12 Angry Men' - another classic. This movie begins with the jurors adjourning to come a decision - Henry Fonda as the rebel juror. But the truth is, I have come across various parts of the movie (evidence related stuff) in hoardes of hindi, malayalam and tamil movies. The whole movie was one Deja-vu trip, which did indicate that it is a bible of sorts when it comes to this genre.
Rating: * *

The '12 Angry Men' was directed by Sidney Lumet in 1957. And nearly 50 years later, Vin Diesel appeared in his latest venture, 'Find Me Guilty'. A true story apparently - but not that exciting or gripping. Was impressed by Vin Diesel though - a la Sly Stallone in 'Oscar' - muscle men who can make you laugh.

Rating: * *