Finding old video tapes I made when TCM was doing a series showing Bollywood films all night once a week, usually with a guest director, I watched two recently:
Awaara (1951/India) D. Raj Kapoor. Black & White Bollywood film has lots of music but also more story than usual. The title translates to 'aimless jerk' which is what the main character becomes because of the circumstances of his birth, and the actions of a bad judge. But in the style of these films, there are generous helpings of music, singing and dancing throughout the film. The central and longest segment is a dream sequence, beautifully shot, elaborate and enchanting. The director is also the lead and is a good comedian as well as doing the drama. His own father plays the Judge who turns out to be his real father. All in all, interesting and worth seeing, but at almost 3 hours, I had to have an intermission. Over two days. 7/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043306/
Junglee (1961/India) Early Bollywood style film shot in color. Interesting scenes of the main characters playing in the snow, sledding etc. The plot is not that important. It is the usual - troubles between the generations and who marries who. The songs, costumes and dancing are all good but like so many Bollywood films, Junglee is overlong. I'm afraid I dosed off near the end. I think the fans in India certainly get their money's worth. 6/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055035/
The Game Plan (2007) Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Madison Pettis. Cute little girl shows up at big football stars penthouse door saying she is his daughter. As long as the two are interacting the film is fun and not too awful. When other characters get in the picture, it bogs down. 7/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0492956/
Sex & The City (2008) Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrell, Chris Noth, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Jennifer Hudson. The girls are living and lovin' and wearing outrageous styles, and OMG! shoes with 5 in heels! Also having man troubles. And babies. How will it all end? Not a serious moment in the film -- well -- Mr Big going all wimp and chicken about the wedding day - yeah that was pretty serious. But! As Mr. Shakespeare wrote "All's well that ends well." 9/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1000774/
The Proposal (2009) Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds. In this one our Sandy is a high-powered something or other in a publishing company (I think) and is a real 'meany', screaming at underlings and doing all kinds of things that make you dislike her. Her gofer, Reynolds, takes the hateful stuff because see, he wants to be a powerful editor or something and thinks it will happen somehow or other. Why is she so mean? Dunno. But before long it becomes necessary for her to be married so she won't be deported (she is Canadian) so she tells her boss she and the Ryan person are getting married. Then she forces doofus to take her home to his families place in Alaska, where it turns out his family is Fabulously Wealthy. Got all that? How will it end? You must buy or rent or look it up and find out. Sandy needs to get a new character - she's done this one to death. Beautiful scenery. 7/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1041829/
Raining and chilly and good to have the fireplace on and something hot to drink. Turkey day coming up. Gobble, gobble.
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