Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014): UK, Germany, South Africa, Canada

Chase your life (dream), don't let it chase you away.

Genre:

Adventure, Comedy, Drama.

Tagline:

"Sometimes to find yourself, you need to get a little lost."

What's in:

On-topic, Off-topic, Spoilers, Dialogues, Comparison, Revealing my theory on unexplained.

Length:

Approximately 4-minute read.

Review:

     A multinationally produced film product. The story as well won't take place in one place, but travels around the different continents. It is when 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' meets 'The Ultimate Gift'. A very inspiring theme, made by 'Serendipity' director which is his first film since last five years. Looks like it is his career best, at least in my perspective it is. The film talks about the different human moods, especially about the search for happiness as the title suggest.

     Being I am a movie fanatic, I won't watch great flicks every day. It is not easy to come by, sometimes I have to go through 5 movies, sometimes 10 and sometimes a month long wait. In my recent watch I liked so many flicks, but never considered them as my favourites until this one. Like I said its been months and I am super excited with this film.

     As usual, my nemesis, the critics led it to the box office flop. I am saying the same thing that it's definitely not suit for critics, but families (excluding kids) and mainly middle-aged people. It will be too early for children to understand the movie and there is a nudity, but no sex scenes. The old people can enjoy watching it, but won't inspire them like 'The Bucket List' did.

 Do you have any children, doctor? My husband and I, it was our only regret. We couldn't. But, you know what? It was bloody good fun trying.

     Usually for the western countries, self-discover means visiting India. We have seen movies like 'The Darjeeling Limited', 'Eat Pray Love' and many more that focuses on the similar subjects. This film gets rid of that so called cliche and goes ahead with different locations. The title character Hector goes for a such mission looking for happiness through self-discovery, meets different people and their cultures. Even he undergoes several life threatening situations and also meets his past (people) only to clear his head.

     Hector was a very fond of Tintin comic books, he kind of imagines that he's Tintin and his dog as Snowy, but there's no confirmation in this regard in the movie. The adventure he takes exactly depicts what Tintin stories do. Looks his mood was kind of affect since his childhood. In the opening scene, he loses his dog which represented his 'Happiness'. Also, where the 'Unhappiness' (probably his girlfriend in his real world) rose above and tailed him since. These are simply my theory considering unexplained things or trying to crack down the hidden messages.

     I won't deny that some of the ideas were borrowed from the other flicks. It might not be as fancy as 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty', but it had some of its own great momentum like, laughs, craziness, emotions, romance and adventures. I have not seen Simon Pegg's all the movies, but in this he was never seen before avatar. I'll definitely remember it for him as long as I'll be in this film watching business. I was expecting his usual comedy, but I was absolutely blown away for witnessing an uplifting movie. If you focus deeply on the narration, you could virtually experience passing through all those provinces shown in the film. Definitely one of the top 10 films from the year 2014. I highly recommend it, certainly a must watch.

Similar movies:
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Ultimate Gift, The Darjeeling Limited, The Bucket List.


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):
   

Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015) UK

Losing that you love makes you realise its value.

Genre:

Stop-Motion Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family.

Tagline:

"Small sheep, big movie."

What's in:

Largely on-topic, There are some off-topic, Very less spoilers.

Length:

Approximately 4-minute read.

Review:

     The only reason to I go to Nick is to watch 'Shaun the Sheep'. This show was watched by many adults as well, a popular one among all the ages. As the fan of this series, we have been waiting very long to get a movie version. I was excited to see it and of course enjoyed it completely. Its impossible one to get disappointed with the movie/show when the narration is led by one of the awesome characters, Shaun. The promotional posters were also created some extra curiosity that imitated the famous Hollywood films like 'Boyhood', 'Wild', 'Birdman' and many others.

     Stop-motion is a very-very hard and outdated concept of the animation format, but still loved by many. Every year only one or two get released, sometimes none. The technical sides were upgraded, including bluescreens for backgrounds and other special effects. Still the hard work remains, but qualities are improved. It made significant contributions to the live-shot movies in the old days when there was no CGI. So when we see a movie like this, the product reveals in each and every frames the real vision from the artist and writer's perspective. Every detail, every corner of the screen tells the story.

     It was so good as a television show, because of short and sweetness. The filmmaker intended to create the same magic, except the credits its just a below 80 minute movie. Had a good storyline and couple of new characters were introduced. Because the new adventure extended its area volume and so the antagonist was needed. Shaun and his buddies set foot outside their barn to find their lost farmer. The journey begins towards the big city and the movie discloses their risky and dangerous undertaking. They go pass lots of stages to accomplish their quest and only the last quarter reveals result with a thrilling chase scene.

     Unlike the series, it was not completely a fun movie. There are some emotions involved, and I was amazed by those exhibitions. Because of some kind of childhood connection between Shaun and Co and their owner. That was unexpected, but was really very nice to see the other side of them. We know Shaun is a curious character, he always wants to learn and try new things. So when he has to make an unexpected decision, it does not go as planned and the fun begins with their mischievous adventure in an unfamiliar territory.

     As usual without the dialogues, that can be understandable by everyone without a language barrier. A true family movie, from grandparents to grandchildren together watchable flick. Almost a masterpiece, offers a lot of great moments to give ourselves to it. And for the fans its a celebration time for sure. Definitely this movie would get into the final shortlist for the upcoming (2016) Oscars, if not, that would be a shame for the entire ceremony. But for winning, we have to wait till how good 'The Good Dinosaur' going to be. In the meantime, don't miss this little cute flick.



Similar movies:
The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Chicken Run, Frankenweenie, The Boxtrolls, ParaNorman.


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):
      

The 7.39 (2014) United Kingdom

Sometimes the quarrels are the game changer in the life.

Genre:

Drama, Romance.

What's in:

On-topic, Off-topic, Spoilers, Dialogues.

Length:

Approximately 5-minute read.

Review:

     A British television movie, splits into two parts of each 60 minutes long. From the writer of 'One Day' who once again wrote a beautiful screenplay. Portrayal of the romantic drama from the perspective of the middle-aged people. Indeed, specially made movie for them, it explores the midlife crises in the marriage and spiritless mechanical life that follows the day after the day. Now, you guys have to switch your mind to google map mode: The story told between the two points of life's map, one is where the home and the family is, dot, and the other one is an office and the job, dot. To describe it mathematically, between these points there comes a line which is practically a boring journey.

     The majority won't enjoy leaving home for the work, especially on the Monday morning. The bad day begins with shouting for someone who come across your car front, or fight for a seat in the train and bus. The same way this story appear to have a life where two odd people meet. Carl married with two children and Sally engaged to marry soon. So the days follow everything changes and the journey turns more cheerful than ever. Their little friendship ends in flirtation, but well realising they won't accept the truth. Can they remain good friends, or ready to face the consequences and how their families affect by this is the rest of the riddle.

 It just seems... Futile. 

     After seeing the first quarter of the movie, it reminded me James Siegel's 'Derailed'. I thought I was an inch closer to predict the second part, but the story was smartly moved to the other way. An interesting story development followed further going towards the end of the first half. In the second part, everything slowdowns, but still gripping because it was a crucial stage in the storytelling to solve the puzzle that created in the earlier. Not an over melodramatic or the sexual exploration, but the point is very clear to give us a fair bit amount of everything with the realistic outlook as much possible.

     With the sense of awareness of our responsibility in life we know that cheating in a marriage is morally wrong, but it depends what type of life we're leading. There's nothing specialty in this film compared to other movies of the same theme, but the portrayal makes the poetic rendering. Maybe the actors were too good with the excellent chemistry. Yep, you can't just keep silent, these guys filled the souls to their characters, certainly appreciation follows after a watch. While a watch, all my thinking was on the end part, how it's going to happen. A simple and usual, but definitely a very good solution, highly satisfying, makes the overall movie is the best piece of carving. Simply wondered how this movie can't fit to be a silver-screen product.



Similar movies:
Little Children, Derailed, The Good Girl, The Bridges of Madison County, Chloe, Unfaithful.


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):
  

Melody (1971) United Kingdom

Who knows where and to whom the love bug bite.

Genre:

Comedy, Drama, Romance.

Tagline:

"They said they were too young to fall in love."

What's in:

On-topic, Off-topic, Spoilers, Musics, Dialogues.

Length:

Approximately 4-minute read.

Review:

      It was originally known as 'S.W.A.L.K.', which means 'Sealed With A Loving Kiss', but for the foreign markets changed to as it's now. A pleasant surprise. Really. That I did not expect. Sometimes some movies are not meant to go and get as much it can, I mean I'm talking about the revenue. Yes, this movie had kind of disappointing domestic box office, though did fairly well outside. I am glad for seeing this wonderful film.

     I have seen 'A Little Romance', 'My Girl' and many more (find them in 'Similar movies' on below), I really love them, but this one was, just wow, made me speechless. When I want to remember or to suggest if somebody asks about children romance themes to watch with their children, nephew and niece, this one would definitely pop-out first for sure. Worth spending time together for this.

     The cast was so good. Everyone was excellent, from teachers, principle to parents and co-stars. Especially top three character performance leaves a mark to remember. No doubt why people created cult classic concept, so this movie will live on forever in fans unlike box office giants that comes with so big and fades away so fast. I already saw it a couple of times, mainly because of the clean blend between performance, music and innocent story theme.

‘‘When is the wedding, Danny lover boy?’’

     The music was another plus point. All the soundtracks were very catchy and melodic like the title. The Bee Gees have done an exceptional job. Now I got another half a dozen of music tracks for my 'film songs' collection. I sometime hum 'Daaa dee da dee da da dah' and 'Melody fair' without my knowledge. Who doesn't love the 70s music, come on.

     Many had liked the film because it brings their childhood memories. And so it did to me. Makes how much we miss those days what we did when we were lack of awareness about the real world. Such concept was this movie where two preteen kids fall in love, but in a result the story takes an unorthodox, quirky twist. Initially it starts off with a friendship theory and slowly marks its destination to advance in that direction.

     Apart from the leading two, Melody and Daniel, the third character called Ornshaw was equally good who is a troublesome which makes one of our favorite. His masterplans and chewing gum are the highlight of that role and the movie. In one of the scenes where parents try to convince  their children about the love and life was very touching.

     The way it ends is what I love the most and I don't want to know what is going to happen next. Like a fairy tale 'happily ever after' or maybe opposite, but we know there's a lot we are not going to know what they do the rest of their life till death comes. hehehe. I have not said the 'a must watch' for a long time, so here it goes that you must try this one.


Similar movies:
A Little Romance, Little Manhattan, Moonrise Kingdom, My Girl, Gomen, Flipped.


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):
    

India's Daughter (2015) India, UK

It's BBC's, that doesn't mean everything is so right.

Genre:

Documentary, Crime.

What's in:

On-topic, Off-topic, Spoilers, Dialogues.

Length:

Approximately 8-minute read.

Review:

     When British Raj banned martial arts in India thinking which might go against them that was totally abolished from the Indian system forever. And before that when Mughal invaded India, a large portion of India's culture was submerged together with Islam, especially in the northern region and that made women exclusively home tool.

     I'm saying it because one of the convict in this documentary film accused his victim and all the women for the incident by saying "A girl is far more responsible for rape than a boy... A decent girl won't roam around at 9 o'clock night... Housework and housekeeping are for girls, not roaming discos and bars at night doing wrong things, wearing wrong cloths."

     My first reaction was he deserved to be killed on the spot when these words came out of his filthy mouth. I thought the defense lawyer was doing his job, but then what he said was a low-class comment than what the convict said that was totally disgusting. I better not to write it here those dirty things.

     How come someone right to decide 'what to do' and 'do not' for others, and also involve in private affairs. In India, people won't mind their own business. Pissing and littering on the roadside is not an issue to solve, but showing concern over others' personal matters due to jealousy is. I bet if you were born in India, the first thing you do on your 18th birthday is to get a visa, passport and fly away.

     The most disgusting documentary film I've seen recently, probably after 'The Act of Killing'. Not because of the way it was shot and presented, but the contents it exposes to us are. Some are saying it was not cent per cent true, but the thing is whatever the percentage is, somewhat it uncovers the real incident. Yes, the experts' interviews in the film were not that great (even the policeman gives a pathetic statement) and everything that revealed was the story from a convict's perspective. There is no balance in narration from both the end, except the parents of the victim.

     Looks like it was shot in a tight circumstances, failed to get more people who are related to the incident. Especially the victim's companion on the incident night should have been in it. The Indian government also must accept the facts than thinking it hurts the nation's image. The Indian home minister said the filmmaker using the event for commercial benefits, I don't see Shah Rukh's romance, Akshay's stunts or Hrithik's dance moves. The viewers must keep in their mind before a watch, that BBC movie means it does not so right and perfect. The directed had no experience in making documentaries, it should have been someone professional.

     They should have come up with more resources which is what lacked in this feature. Something was missing, well almost because it was a small slice in a whole portion, so what about the remaining? Who's going to unfold, definitely no one after the huge oppose and surrounded controversies. Like what the male victim said, only he and she know what happened that fateful night, but one else.

‘‘16th December 2012, New Delhi’’

     Ancient Hinduism recognized 'sex' is a very important asset for human life. Not gold, silver or diamond that might lose its value some day, but not men and women coming together are. So the rule for desire was invented and it became the 'Kama Sutra'. Like I said Islam is against openly speaking it. If you visit ancient temples in India there are evidences that damaged sculptures you would see are represented sexual contents.

     So in the land of Kama Sutra everything is misguided in the modern world while passing through the art and culture to next generations, due to collision of religion. Thus India is a messed up state compared to a thousand years ago. Diversity is not a proud word to say, it is only a confusion between the things for those who are neglected.

     The only solution is, to educate people, which is a great issue in the lower class Indians who live a life which is not worth living for ('Slumdog Millionaire' is a good example), and science must take over from here on from everything. The over population is the first thing the Indian government must take an immediate measure to control it like their neighbor, China. I'm saying it because if the Indian justice court tolerate against harsh punishments then they must correct it from its root cause.



Similar movies:
Fruitvale Station, The Act of Killing, The Imposter, Taxi to the Dark Side.


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):