Promised Land Israel through the eyes of surfers

Israel is a country that is loved, hated, and often misunderstood by much of the world. Who really belongs there? Why is Jerusalem so important? Why do some believe in a messiah who will put things right?

Amidst this seemingly endless battle over land and religion, surfing has emerged as an escape from the controversy.Promised Land is a unique look at this ancient place through the lives of two friends from different faiths, brought together by their love of the oceans that separate them.

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Transformers: The Dark of the Moon

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Junglee Kannada Movie review

Cast: Vijay, Andrita Ray, Rangayana Raghu, Adhi Lokesh, Sureschandra, Megabhagavatar, Kashi, Jaidev, Balu, Naveen

Director: Soori

Producer: Rockline Venkatesh

Soori directed Junglee has an assemblage of many top technicians of the Kannada film industry. Duniya Vijay who earlier got his first break as a hero under Soori has acted in the title role of this film. Since the audio of the film had become a chart buster and the songs had a popular appeal, many film industry personalities had expected this much expected film to revive the depleting fortunes of the Kannada film industry. However the film ends up as an ordinary fare thanks to a confusing script and crude narration by Soori.

Despite excellent song sequences, Andrita`s glamour and a few action sequences featuring Vijay, Junglee has nothing else to write about. Soori`s writing ability which had excelled in his earlier films has gone for a toss in this film. .



Though Vijay enjoys good screen chemistry with Rangayana Raghu, some of the dialogues written for them are in poor taste. And too many sequences look repetitive and irritating. And even the love sequences between the hero and heroine lacks subtlety which lessens the impact. Soori has depended more on the commercial aspects in Junglee than following the pattern seen of presenting harsh realities on screen.

Another weak point Junglee is that film lacks authentic touch. The characters in the film do not represent the characters that we often see in our midst.



The highlight of the film is certainly the songs. The composition and lyrics are good. Yogaraj Bhatt`s lyrics in Hale Paathre and Powder Haakkollo are mass oriented while Jayanth Kaikini writes one brilliant song Neenendhare Nannolage. Andrita Ray looks sensuous and glamorous on screen in all the three songs.



Here is the brief description of the story. Junglee Prabhakar wants to become an actor and takes the help of Gudde Narasimha, a good for nothing person who however is very influential. Gudde takes him to a retired Don Guruswamy for getting him a film offer. Meanwhile, Junglee falls in love with a college girl Padma and tries his best to please her. During one of the inter gang fights between rival groups, Junglee saves Guruswamy. But Padma`s father is killed in the process. Padma wants Junglee to severe his connections with the gang. And there is a big story later told in straight and flash back narration which could be best seen on screen.



Performance wise, Vijay shows his mettle in a few sequences. Rangayana Raghu irritates in a few sequences. Andrita is good in dance sequences. Aadi Lokesh has nothing much to do in the Villain`s role. Nanjunda and Sureshchandra are good in their respective roles. Hari Krishna`s music and Sathya Hegde`s camera work are really good.

Junglee is a mixed bag. It could have been a better film if Soori had worked a little more on the script.

source: onlinekannada blog

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Dostana Movie Review

Recall the `Kantaben` episode in Karan Johar`s Kal Ho Naa Ho. The episode is alive even today, in skits, on stage, amongst friends. That was a mere trailer. Picture abhi baaki hain. Dostana takes `Kantaben` episode to another level altogether.

Dostana is no BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. It`s not a serious take on homosexuality either. On the contrary, it`s a madcap comedy where two straight men pretend to be gays. Although Dostana is a mainstream commercial film, it dares to push the envelope in its own way. It brings homosexuality out of the closet, gives it respect and dignity and doesn`t treat gays as `abnormal`.

Love triangle in Hindi movies often centre around two guys falling in love with the same girl, or two girls choosing to love the same guy. But Dostana is a first. It`s the first Hindi film that, at the core, is a rectangle [three men loving the same woman], but two of them, guys in this case, pretend to be a couple.

Sure, Dostana has ample shock-value since what has been witnessed in its promos is barely a fraction of what you`d get to watch in the movie. But more than shock-value, the film offers loads of fun-n-laughter and dollops of entertainment in those 14 reels.

A word of appreciation! It requires courage to fund a project like Dostana. Karan Johar, the producer, deserves to be lauded for treading the untrodden path. It requires courage and conviction to swim against the tide in your directorial debut. Tarun Mansukhani, the debutante, deserves a few brownie points extra for not thinking straight. It requires courage for two A-list actors to go all out and risk their professional [and personal] lives. Abhishek and John deserve an ovation for not only agreeing to play these characters, but also infusing life in them, without making a mockery of the gay community.

To cut a long story short, Dostana is not to be missed. Dharma Productions, the late Yash Johar and Karan Johar`s film production outfit, has produced several significant films in the past. Add Dostana to the list!

Miami is the setting for Dostana. When Sameer [Abhishek Bachchan] and Kunal [John Abraham] are turned down for an apartment because the landlady [Sushmita Mukherjee] doesn`t want two strapping young men to corrupt her young sexy niece Neha [Priyanka Chopra], they hatch a plan: they pretend to be gay to secure the apartment.

Over a period of time, Sameer, Kunal and Neha become buddies. When Neha`s boss Abhimanyu [Bobby Deol] enters the fray as the third contender for her affections, it gets even hotter...

Dostana shocks you all the while and that is its biggest USP. Don`t expect stereotypical situations or characters all through this film. Watch Abhishek cook up a romantic story between John and him in Venice. Watch Boman Irani`s interaction with Abhishek and John. Watch Kirron Kher`s dramatic entry at this point. Howlarious scenes all, they`re sure to bring the house down.

If the first hour is laced with crackling chemistry between the guys and terrific humour, things get serious towards the second half since there`s one more person vying for Priyanka`s attention -- Bobby Deol. There`s humour in this hour too, but the focus is mainly on who`d get Priyanka in the end.

The length is a slight deterrent in the second half and the editor could`ve easily cut the unwanted flab to make the narration in shape. But the film works as a package! Also, the film has a shocking end and people are bound to raise eyebrows. It would have its share of advocates and adversaries. A debatable culmination, for sure!

Director Tarun Mansukhani is here to stay. He deserves kudos for choosing an offbeat story, then making a foolproof screenplay and most importantly, executing it with flourish. Dostana merges form and content beautifully, since the film is, technically speaking, sound. Ayananka Bose`s cinematography is top notch. The locales of Miami are a feast for your eyes. Costumes and styling are very upmarket.

Vishal-Shekhar`s music goes well with the mood of the film. It`s young, peppy and energetic. `Desi Girl` and `Maa Da Laadla Bigad Gaya` are foot-tapping compositions. The latter is bound to be a rage!

Both Abhishek and John are fantabulous! Abhishek pulls out all the stops and delivers one of the finest performances of his career. His comic timing is superb! John will make guys and girls drool over his amazing physique. But, most importantly, people will sit up and notice how fine an actor John is. Both Abhishek and John compliment each other so well. In fact, had the chemistry and camaraderie been missing, the story would`ve failed to look convincing. Two thumbs up for these two guys!

Priyanka looks stunning and delivers a first-rate performance. First FASHION, now Dostana, Priyanka is back with a bang. Bobby Deol lends the required class to his role. No other actor would`ve looked so real while underplaying this character.

Boman Irani is sure to bring the house down, the auditorium is sure to resonate with laughter in his sequences. Kirron Kher is superb as the Punjabi mom. Watch her throw a fit when she learns that her son [Abhishek] is gay and much later, when she accepts John as family. She`s remarkable! Sushmita Mukherjee, as Priyanka`s aunt, is fantastic. She`s so, so funny. Shilpa Shetty sizzles in the opening track.

On the whole, Dostana is a winner all the way. In terms of content, it might just prove to be a trendsetter. In terms of business, the film holds tremendous appeal for the youth. The 16 to 25 age-group would go into raptures and bonkers over this film. Its business at multiplexes mainly will be amazing. In Overseas too, the film should emerge amongst the biggest draws of 2008. Dostana rocks... have a blast!

Source : oneIndia

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Hellboy 2: The Golden Army Trailer

After taking up the mighty supernatural powers before Hellboy and his crew is hitting the screens again. The trailer looks promissing for all the hellboy additcts. bepenfriends movie blogs brings you the Hell boy II the golden army Trailer

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Vellithirai - Review

Starring: Prithviraj, Prakash Raj, Gopika, Lakshmi Rai, M.S. Bhaskar, Sampath, Srikanth and others.

Direction: Viji

Music: G V Prakash

Cinematography: Panneerselvam

Production: Prakash Raj

A witty satire of the perils of stardom in Indian cinema. Though Vellithriai, the Tamil remake of Malayalam’s Udayananu Tharam, lacks the original’s brilliant touches, it is still entertaining to an extent. Vellithirai brings back the successful duo of Prakash Raj – Prithviraj together and the combination works well, if not as superbly as the legendary Mohan Lal - Srinivasan combo in `Udhayananu Tharam`. Saravanan (Prithviraj) is a struggling assistant director. He lives in Kodambakam, where there are several other hopefuls and wannabes: friends and rivals struggling together. Saravanan’s dream is to make his own film and he has a foolproof scheme to achieve this goal: write a sure-fire script and insist on directing it himself. His roommate, Kannayan (Prakash Raj) a sly, struggling and untalented actor hatches a plot to steal the script, pass it off on his own, and insist on being the star of the film. One day Saravanan pitches his story to Trisha (playing herself) and is shocked to discover that Trisha already knows the story. His dreams shattered, he turns to the famous actress Mythili (Gopika), for help. Can Saravanan outwit Kannayan who has now become a big star?

We won’t elaborate more on the plot that takes interesting turns except to say that the climax borrows from the Hollywood satire about moviemaking, Bowfinger. Prakash Raj in an interview to The Hindu said, “Don’t call it a remake. Call it an inspiration.” The Tamil keeps the outline of the original’s plot but changes many details, including the dialogue, which is written with an eye to a Tamil audience. Vellitherai deftly satirizes commercial cinema: and in the process indicting Indian stars and their nearly fascistic behavior on and off a film set. The most pointed dialogue is when Prakash Raj says to his friend, `Mustafa turning into Hanuman is possible only in tinsel town`. The satirical portions in the film have been crafted deftly, especially the scene between director and star about the absurd age factor of Indian movie heroes. Prithviraj is wonderful in this role. He doesn’t stereotype the struggling artist but gives the character doubt, integrity, and compassion. Prakash Raj is flamboyant and complex as the bad actor who has to act to save his life. A challenge for any actor: how does a good actor play a bad one? His over the top stylish makeover as the star in the second half may make him look funny, but that is the point: to make fun of this pompous man. Gopika as expected is quite natural. Though the film’s focus on the personal problems of a heroine makes for good viewing, her extended mushy act does get a bit tiresome.

Everyone in Vellitherai has worked hard to make this resemble a movie about a movie as much as possible. M.S. Bhaskar playing the manager’s role, and Charlie as production manager illustrate this best. Cinematography by Paneerselvam is top notch. One of G.V.Praskash’s melodies is really foot tapping: `Kanavugal` canned at several beautiful locations is a visual treat. But his background score does leave lot to be desired.

The choreography and sets for the songs are tasteful, even ironic. They are at once mocking and sincere, suggesting that commercial cinema is always a compromise: something a serious filmmaker like Saravanan is forced to contend with on his road to success. Viji, the debuting director, who had earlier scored handsomely for his dialogues in movies like Mozhi and Azhagiya Theeya, seems to be learning the ropes in the direction front. Climax for one could have been shaped up better. Overall, movies about movies are rare enough in Tamil cinema and a new addition to the genre is always welcome and the attempt is much appreciated.

Verdict: Good, but not as good as the original

Source : http://www.tamilcinenews.blogspot.com/2008/03/vellithirai-review.html

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SPECIES - THE AWAKENING

The origin of the SPECIES - and I'm not talking Darwinism here…or maybe I am - began with a new, nubile and nude Natasha Henstridge rousing every male genre fan's unanswered libido as Sil, the Sexual Terrestrial who made first contact, second contact and then some with various human males. Sil had some very close encounters of the coitus kind searching for the perfect mate to copulate with - and kill. Talk about your one-night stands. Speaking of Darwin, I can't help but make reference to his survival of the fittest theory - for that is not only every female alien's desire in the resulting movie series, but it actually applies to these films. This sexual SF saga should have ended after the original, which I actually enjoyed: Ben (Call Me "Sir") Kingsley and breasts in an alien-on-the-rampage flick - you had me at Kingsley! But its box-office success spawned (no pun intended) a big-screen follow-up with Henstridge, then a direct-to-DVD sequel with Sunny Mabrey taking over the lead role. Both were unnecessary, and followed the template of the first film, with the redeeming element of excessive nudity drawing horny genre fans like a bra-less Jeri Ryan at an SF convention.

The SPECIES franchise is basically softcore, Cinemax-After-Dark genre porn. I'm a genre fan myself, but there's something weird about getting your rocks off while watching chicks turning into aliens, ample cleavage or not. SPECIES - THE AWAKENING's Helena Mattsson is the latest blonde bombshell to essay another alien on the hunt for a mate and some murder, but at this point in time, I'm so fatigued by the formula that I wish these horny hybrids would try Internet dating and just cut to the chase. The verse-chorus-verse of hot alien babe eager to do the horizontal bop with a guy in order to produce a child is so old by now that the filmmakers should start looking for COCOON-esque pods in pools to rejuvenate the series. I'll give them Wilfred Brimley's number.

There's one reason why SPECIES films are still made, and that's because they make money. Gordon Gekko may believe that greed is good, but that doesn't translate to good filmmaking. While Mattsson is easy on the eyes and the movie was made with a certain degree of competency, SPECIES - THE AWAKENING (debuting on the Sci Fi Channel this Saturday, September 29 ahead of its DVD release next Tuesday, October 2) is day-old bread. Give me something fresh, please! I will grant director Nick Lyon and scripter Ben Ripley (who also penned the third installment) some credit, and recognize that they tried to take the series in a different and more sympathetic direction, but there's only so much you can do when you're dealing with a mimeograph machine.

The story this time around has University professor Miranda (Mattsson) discovering that she's an alien after metamorphosing, murdering a dude and waking up naked the next day (haven't we all had nights like that?). Her uncle Tom (no Harriet Beecher Stowe jokes, please) explains to her that he's not so avuncular (I love that word, but is there one for aunt-like qualities?), and actually created her as an extraterrestrial hybrid with some of his scientific buddies. Ben Cross plays Tom, and is miscast in the role; he's supposed to be essaying a remorseful, caring man who wants to help Miranda, but his performance comes across as distant and cold. I've seen more emotion in Al Gore.

There isn't as much nudity this time out, which might cause some science friction with fans who want more skin and less sci-fi, or horror enthusiasts who crave more breasts than blood. But Mattsson does a nice job with her role - she's not just some foreign supermodel with a pretty face spitting out dialogue. This entry is more about angst than anger, which is one of its redeeming qualities. Miranda wants to quell her instincts, not pursue them. Another attraction is the addition of Marlene Favela as the villainous hybrid who serves as Miranda's antagonist. Come the third act, there's some serious girl-on-girl action - but this being a SPECIES film, that involves hot-chicks-turned-aliens getting it on in violent fashion, fighting more viciously than Rosie O'Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck on THE VIEW.

If you're an SF-horror fan who's a sucker for sequels, you'll watch this on Sci Fi. If you're an SF-horror fan who's a sucker for sequels with celebrity skin, you'll rent the unrated DVD (on which the movie looks and sounds very slick, though there are no special features). There are many more films worse than SPECIES - THE AWAKENING, but there are many more that are better. I would suggest skipping this AWAKENING and instead reading Kate Chopin's THE AWAKENING, which is also about a woman looking for the perfect mate. There aren't any aliens or graphic sex scenes in that story, but I expect you'll enjoy it more.

From Fangoria

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Trailer

Yet another feather on Harry Potter's triology, Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix is releasing on July 13 2007. Just another 8 days from today. it will be great fun for all harry potter fans and all kids will be delighted to view Harry Potter and his friends Ron andHermonie gringer on screen fighting evils. Warner Bros. again produced this movie with more CGI effects with lots of money poured into it.

Watch the trailer of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Movie

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Ocean's 13 Trailer

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Sivaji The Boss - Review

It can't get bigger than this – Rajnikanth, the real superstar and style king, and Shankar the showman of Tamil cinema, coming together for the first time in Sivaji. The good news is that this awesome combo is able to whip up an entertainment extravaganza that is delicious and good to savour.

The moot question is: does the Rajnikanth-Shankar combination measure up to the stratospheric expectation of their fans? The answer is that it does - to a very large extent, as it has the freshness and novelty in the coming together of two giants of the industry. As a film, it acts as the vital bridge between the old Rajni films and new commercial packaging that makes Shankar tick with the generation next audience.

Rajnikanth has never looked so good on screen with his stylised look and presentation, body language, mannerisms and dialogue delivery. Shankar has been able to get the right balance in a tightrope walk between Rajni's larger-than-life image and the changing taste of today's mass multiplex audience without losing his famous touch. In short, Shankar has given us a more peppy and upmarket Rajni that is sure to work with today's youth audience.

There is only one hero here, as in all Rajnikanth films- Rajni himself. Such is the overpowering screen presence of his cinematic charisma in every frame of the film. The film works big time as Shankar has made the film on a grand scale, in a riot of colours, lavish song picturisation, which is a visual treat with superbly choreographed action scenes. All this comes with top-of-the line techno-finesse, perhaps the best ever in Tamil cinema.

Sivaji (Rajnikanth) comes back from US with big dreams of doing something good for his fellowmen, mainly free education and medical care. He wants to set up `Sivaji University` but our corrupt system, greedy politicians and red tapism stand in his way. Sivaji’s right-hand man is his Mama (Vivek) who not only helps him with his dream project but also finds him a perfect match in Tamilselvi (Shriya).

Sivaji faces opposition from Adhiseshan (Suman), a kingmaker, businessman and educationist who runs a successful medical college and hospital. After realising that nothing works in our corrupt system, Sivaji succumbs to pressure and bribes the entire bureaucracy to start his pet project. Adhi crosses swords with Sivaji and is determined to sabotage the project and he succeeds in bringing our hero to the street. Now it is the turn of our superman hero to strike back. How he does it with just one rupee forms the rest of the story.

Technically, ‘Sivaji’ is a revelation. In case you feel that it has a predictable story, then there are stunning visuals, which is paisa vasool. K.V.Anand's cinematography is top class. Art director Thotta Tharani work is enticing, especially the sets in songs. Musically the film is a treat, as Rahman has given his best in recent times. Song picturisation, like in all Shankar films, is out-of-the world and what really keeps the viewer hooked, is the packaging and the way it is picturised.

Every song is a visual treat, with Vaaji … and Sahaana… adding glitz to the proceedings. The Style song shot in Spain with where Rajni is shown as a white man is mesmerising, though the much hyped Ballelakka.. number reminds you of the manner in which Andankakka in Anniyan was shot. Thotta Tharani's sets enrich the proceedings. Manish Malhotra’s costumes, especially the suits and denims suit Rajni to the T.

On the downside, there is nothing new story-wise. Shankar has rehashed his pet theme of a one-man crusader who cleans the society of the scum of the earth, which was seen in his earlier socio-commercial fantasies like Gentleman and Muthalvan. There is a sense of déjà vu- as you have seen similar plots too often from his stable. The script is too thin on logic. There are far too many banal dialogues and familiar homilies and messages, associated with a Shankar film, are thrust in and at times the pace is too sluggish, especially in the first half.

The action scenes are well choreographed by Peter Hayne. The two fights in the first half are done in typical Jackie Chan style with the emphasis being to provide light hearted comedy. The climax fight between 'Motta' Sivaji and Adhi is adrenaline pumping with gravity defying 'Matrix' style visual effects. The graphic work in Style and Athiradi songs is mind-boggling.

Shriya has given an outstanding performance. Body language, glances, expression.... you name it and she has it all. She looks bewitching and has enough scope to perform. Suman’s new look as the suave, polished Adhi is perfect foil for Rajni as he does not go overboard and utters only a few words. Vivek has equal footage with Rajni and some of his one-liners are really whacky and hilarious, especially when he takes a dig at young heroes who have taken a leaf out of the superstar by mouthing punch lines and aping his mannerisms.

Though this is a film without any punch lines associated with Rajni films, a “Pera ketta chumma Adhirudhilla.. or “Cool” could drive his fans into a frenzy. Please note that for the first time, there are a lot of English dialogues for Rajni, keeping the global audiences in mind. The comedy in the first half is rollicking and the surprise packet is the ‘Motta’ Rajni who comes in the climax.

Go for it… It is entertainment guaranteed.

MovieBuzz

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