Amid the endless sewage stream of trashy movies (both Indian and Ingleesh), it’s sometimes easy to miss the few good ones.
Recently, we had the good sense, and the blessed good fortune, to watch two nice English movies – Main Street and Page Eight on DVD (both via Netflix).
* Main Street – This well enacted 2010 film features British actor Colin Firth of King’s Speech fame as a Texan corporate executive Gus Leroy disposing off hazardous waste at one of those countless dying American towns (Durham, NC in this instance). Three decades after we first saw her in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, we got a chance to see the fine Ellen Burstyn on screen again. She plays an impoverished old woman who unknowingly rents her warehouse to store hazardous waste. The movie also features Amber Tamblyn, Orlando Bloom and Patricia Clarkson. There’s a sub-plot involving a romance between Orlando Bloom’s cop character and Amber Tamblyn’s too ambitious for the small town Mary Saunders.
Viewers who want dramatic developments in every movie or insist on neat endings will be disappointed with Main Street. But we were not because much of most people’s lives go on without any drama or fanfare. And rarely are there neat endings in life.
* Page Eight – A fine thriller involving a veteran MI5 spy who uncovers disturbing information about high-level political operatives in UK.
A top political leader had prior information about terrorist incidents in London from the Americans but does not share it with the MI5 spooks causing the death of many Britons in the attack.
Made for the BBC, this movie features a Who’s Who of talent including Bill Nighy as the spy, Rachel Weisz as his neighbor anguished over the killing of her activist brother by the Israelis and Michael Gambon as the MI5 chief.
Ralph Fiennes makes a brief appearance as the British Prime Minister.
Page Eight is proof that a spy thriller need not have guns firing every three seconds or the protagonist jumping up and down tall buildings a la Jason Bourne to delight the audience.
Main Street, Page Eight – Decent Movies added by SearchIndia.com on
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You guys planning to watch Dirty Pictures?
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Seen far too many to be interested in the Bollywood version. 😉
The movies we’re tickled about lately are Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (based on John Le Carre’s eponymous 1974 spy novel), Oscar contenders The Descendants (George Clooney) and The Artist (a silent movie) and, maybe, Tintin.
LOL!!! You guys!!
Its a biopic on Silk Smitha and Vidya Balan nailed the role…she’s so good. I really cannot imagine anyone playing that role
Ghost Protocol apparently is one of the best in the MI release
I watched Immortals last but can’t wait for 2012’s release – Battleship, Avengers, Batman
The Artist is the one that has received good reviews on Cannes rite?
SearchIndia.com Responds:
1. Yes, The Artist is a Black & White film that won accolades at Cannes with Jean Dujardin picking up the Best Actor award for his role in the movie. We watched the trailer when we went to see the superb Korean film The Yellow Sea.
The Artist has snagged six Golden Globe nominations and is a hot Oscar contender. Unfortunately, it’s not playing anywhere in a 100-mile radius.
2. The SI reviewer slammed Ghost Protocol.
3. From your 2012 list, Battleship and Batman look interesting. Getting tired of Robert Downey’s antics.
Read your review on Ghost Protocol and missed the plot entirely cuz I was too busy ROFL. Your description on Anil’s role in the movie got me in stitches!!!
Your sarcasm is just crazy, kick ass, good source of entertainment
Not a fan of Sherlock Holmes or Robert Downey?
You are rite, Artist is not coming here, will have to get the pirated DVD now 😛
SearchIndia.com Responds:
1. We liked Robert Downey in Iron Man & Sherlock Holmes but the sequels of both films left us disappointed. The new Sherlock Holmes film Game of Shadows has not done well at the BO here.
2. Ghost Protocol was reviewed by Naveen.
@Deepa – If that clown Anil Kapoor visits anywhere near you then slowly pick up one of your slippers, take careful aim, rotate your arms 2 times to gain momentum and fling it swiftly at his face.
Don’t worry. If MI4 is anything to do by then he will smile at you after getting hit. At this point pick up your other shoe and…
Firstly, I doubt Anil would make a visit to Malaysia….no one does 😛
Secondly, by the time I aim and hit him with my sneaks, I might get killed by his adoring fans….no joke …..indians are indians in any parts of the world
Btw, Sherlock has already played over there? Ours starts today, will let you know how it goes
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Yes, watched Mr.Holmes & Dr.Watson last week.
BTW, have you seen Friends with Benefits & Captain America: The First Avenger?
I watched No Strings Attached but heard Friends with Benefits is waaaay better. Gotta catch up on that.
Watched Captain America and it had some moments but it was my least preferred movie compared to the other Avenger solo movies.
Most disappointing, Norton wont be joining Avenger as Hulk……major 🙁
Another 2012 lookout – Hobbits!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjgTRh_Bq9w
new the dark knight rises trailer,missing heath ledger’s force,but still an exciting trailer
I hate this song but I count not resist posting this version here and needling SI for comments 😉
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-Rz5wQFv158
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Now, you know why it’s important to treat Rabies early! 🙁
SI – Forget decent movies like Page Street and Main Eight.
Does it have have SRK? tell me! or does it have STR? tell me?
No? then what use?
Do you plan to review Don 2?
SearchIndia.com Responds:
We sent you two e-mails on Don 2.
Please check.
Off topic:
Have you heard this very nice song from the movie Parijatham??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJKh1dHuM34
Listen and give your take!! 🙂
SearchIndia.com Responds:
The song is alright but the dancing is atrocious.