Eulogy to an undead blog...

Well, for all practical reasons, this poor blog is dead. Well, kind of living undead or some like that, actually... I update it far too infrequently for the blog to be categorized as active, and the occasional updates like this here post prevent the poor blog from quietly slipping into oblivion. So, the unfortunate blog is caught in a strange dimension between life and death. Well enough philosophizing I suppose. This post is a summary on my thoughts on three movies I had watched in quick succession late December. And do remember that these are just my personal views, which you might totally not agree with... and I'm cool with that [except that you're wrong!! :)]

Avatar

The good: The visuals are absolutely brilliant. The color and richness of Pandora is a sight to behold. I watched the movie in 2-D, which is such a pity since I really think I missed a sneak-peek at the technology of the future.

The bad: Kudos to Cameron and team on the groundbreaking work done for Avatar, but dude where's the story? As I watched the movie, I got the distinct feeling that Cameron had spend all the movie budget on the effects and skimped on inconsequential stuff like story and plot. Also, the movie was (regrettably, in my opinion) more Titanic than Aliens. Pity...

In conclusion: A good movie, but could have been so much more... Falls well short of being a true masterpiece, IMHO.

Sherlock Holmes

The good: The action-oriented makeover of the Holmes franchise was a nice touch. It might have riled the purists a bit, but I think the overall effect achieved was creditable. And Jude Law as the trusty Watson was brilliant. A little too brilliant at times, if you ask me.

The bad: What surprised me most about the movie was that I got considerably lesser joy from what I was most looking forward to in the movie: Guy Ritchie's direction and Robert Downey Jr's Holmes. After RDJ's star turns in Iron Man and Tropic Thunder, I was expecting the man to totally reinvent Holmes. And given his ability for theatrics and pompous air, he was ideally placed to do so. But RDJ appeared very subdued as Holmes. And this is where my disappointment with Ritchie comes in... An essential ingredient of the original Sherlock Holmes stories is the dynamics between Holmes and Watson. Holmes views Watson as a trusted ally and friend, but has no particular regard for his intellectual capabilities. Watson on the other hand, is totally devoted to Holmes and is in awe of his friend's deductive skills. The movie gives Holmes and Watson more or less equal screen time and stage presence. This destroys the original interpersonal dynamics between the lead characters, and ruins it a bit for me. While Jude Law makes the most of Watson's magnified role, RDJ is wasted in a diminished role as Holmes.

In conclusion: The movie promised much, but couldn't quite deliver on the expectations. A decent watch, but not much else...

3 Idiots

The good: The movie is a hugely entertaining watch, moves along smoothly and is your quintessential feel good movie. The movie doesn't take itself too seriously, and doesn't expect you to take it too seriously either. Ideal fare for a lazy sunday afternoon or anytime you need something to pick you up...

The bad: As a crowd pleaser, the movie lacks the sophistication and sincerity of Dil Chahta Hai and the unbridled goofiness of Andaaz Apna Apna. And it's a little too Aamir-centric. Agreed the dude is an absolute scene stealer, but at times it appears the remainder of the cast only exists to serve as props to Aamir's character. And what's with all the bad blood between Chetan Bhagat and the makers of the movie. The book "Five Point Someone" was a very average read in the first place, and the scriptwriters' contributions are even more ridiculous (the delivery scene, anyone).

In conclusion: A funny and enjoyably nostalgic trip down memory lane to the carefree college days...

Well, that's all folks. No promises on the next post. Sorry about that, my blog... you're just going to have to live with my limitations. I know, life's a bitch... :-)