Silver Linings Playbook

Bit too much of the silver linings stuff. Though David O. Russell puts together a compelling cute comedy, it falls way short of other films that he has done. Oscar for Jennifer Lawrence for this? Talent certainly, but give her time man.  Bradley Cooper shrugs off his good lucks to strike it out and which he carries through in the American Hustle. I was kind of glad when it ended - but dont get me wrong, it was cute.  

Rating: * *

Being Flynn

I felt this whole pressure being lifted as I walked out the cinema. Of wondering if they actually do show good shit in the theatres these days. All I knew about 'Being Flynn' were the 2 solid actors in it - Robert De Niro and Paul Dano. Rememeber that I was quite impressed by the latter in his turn as an evangelical priest who had then matched Daniel Day Lewis every inch of the way. 

Being Flynn is a story of a father and son who eventually meet each other in unforseen and unfortunate circumstances. The elder, played quite brilliantly by Robert De Niro, maniacally trying to understand the legacy he is going to leave behind in this world where he finds himself isolated. While the son engaged in trying to understand the legacy that he inherited - from a dead mother and an invisible father. "We're all works in progress" -a lofty idea to be deconstructed over 90 minutes, but a fine film.

Rating : * * *

Killer Elite

Jason Statham can keep making Transporter like films until kingdom come. This one is an addition to the list. Robert De Niro must be facing hard times to be playing Statham’s character Danny’s mentor Hunter in the film. When Hunter is taken captive, Danny is forced to hunt former British agents down in return for Hunter. This puts the mysterious Spike (Clive Owen) on his tail. Ensemble cast aside there is very little in the film as it winds down predictable roads in a boring terrain.

Rating: * +

Righteous Kill

I remember the time when one, finally, got to watch the much awaited De Niro vs Al Pacino on screen face off - brilliantly captured by Michael Mann in the Heat. There was much brouhaha around it then and rightly so. So when there arises another such opportunity, one would have expected similar hype - but there wasn't. Did you notice? No? And rightly so. The 2 heroes play police officers attempting to unlock some major crime syndicate - at least that's what I think it was about. I don't quite remember. And rightly so. 

Incidentally, made by the same fellow who made this disaster as well. 

Rating: *

The Bridge of San Luis Rey

Based on Thornton Wilder's 1929 novel, its an interesting story about 5 individuals who die when a bridge collapses. Set in Lima, Peru - a priest is intrigued by the occurance, and to the chagrin of the viceroy and archbishop decides to investigate the reasons behind. His findings takes one through the lives of the various individuals. While shot well, it clearly appears that the book would be better than the movie. Impressive cast does well, but dont know if they are the best choice for a movie like this. Interesting, nevertheless.

Rating: * * +

Hide and Seek

A father and a daughter move to the middle of nowhere to recover from a tragedy - an apt strategy to further spook themselves. A spooky movie it is and much of it is down to very credible 'spooked out' performances from Dakota Fanning and De Niro. I suppose it is a problem with such type of thrillers that it seldom becomes anything but a middle-of-the-path thriller - where all the focus is on making you jump - though this one does make you jump occasionally.

Rating: * * +

The Good Shepherd

A spy thriller made with the elaborateness as this one, will always be a delight. Serious relief watching a movie which is engaging at various levels - does provide hope that there are Hollywood film makers who are keen on making truly worthwhile films.

Robert De Niro's second major directorial venture is one fascinating film of a man who slowly (though seemingly destined) is groomed to become a spy. Also depicts the genesis of Counter-Intelligence as a concept & CIA - with the end of WWII and beginning of the Cold War.

Fantastic cast - starting with Matt Damon, who has settled down well into his own. Then some favourites - Alec Baldwin, Timothy Hutton, William Hurt and De Niro himself - all in bit roles.

A beauty.

Rating: * * * *

Mad Dog and Glory

A Martin Scorsese produced movie staring two of the prime artists of our time and a beauty. The tagline of the movie describes it best:

A cop who'd rather be an artist. A mobster who'd rather be a comic. And a woman who'd rather be anywhere but between them.

Witty clever interplay between 2 characters who are accidentally brought together. The friendship is cut-short on an inevitable face-off over a woman. Quite funny and amusing.

David Caruso appears in a bit role. A pity that we havent seen more of the fellow.

Rating: * * +