Archives on reviews of 'older' films including my favourites of all time, and some hit TV shows.

Guide:

= Excellent movie/tv show, don't miss it	= Try to find the time to watch it
= Watch only if you have nothing else to do	= Don't watch it at all!
= My favourite movie/tv show of all time

Anti Trust

A film that is fast-paced and full of surprises that will keep you guessing till the end. With the likes of Tim Robbins, Ryan Phillippe and Rachel Leigh Cook, it is likely that you won't regret watching this movie. Okay, it's a bit technical but the plot is still easily understood (and enjoyed). Anyhow, Tim Robbins looks a little bit like Bill Gates in this film. Not sure whether it is intentional or just a coincidence.

Bedazzled

The script is funny and witty and you get to see Brendan Fraser in different characters. The British babe - Elizabeth Hurley is so gorgeous and sexy, you will definitely be dazzled by her. A good way to pass the time and have a few laughs.

Blair Witch 2

It's scarier than the first installment and you won't feel dizzy or want to puke since the movie is filmed using "normal" camera techniques (those who have watched part one would know what I am talking about). Anyway, the "witch craft" is still not shown in this sequal, but her dark influences are more sinister and confusing, well, at least to her victims. This time around, a group of teens are having hallucinations and possessed into committing crimes against other people and each other. Despite relatively unknown, the young actors are surprisingly talented and beautiful.

Cast Away

This is a gripping and splendid movie. You might think that movies about someone who is stranded on a deserted island have been made before. But this particular movie, I guarantee you, is somewhat different. Although it runs for 2 1/2 hours, you wouldn't feel that the time has passed you by. You'd feel like you yourself are in the movie or experiencing the real thing, especially during the scenes when Tom Hanks is drifted alone and all scared in the middle of the ocean; when he can hear nothing but the waves splashing on the beach while he calls out for help on the island; the loneliness he feels when he is hiding in the cave; how deeply he misses his girlfriend (Helen Hunt) and his encounter with the whale during his survival attempt. The final scene when Tom pours his heart out to his friend about how he still loves Helen Hunt is also heart-wrenching. His words just break my heart. A movie not to be missed, I would say!

Charlie's Angels

A movie that has received so much publicity. The story line is o.k. but the ending is rather disappointing. Overall, the movie can make guys drool (in one scene, you get to see Drew Barrymore butt-naked!) and girls scream 'Girl Power!'

Coyote Ugly

A feel good movie. Lead by young and new actresses with some feel good songs in it, this movie should appeal to most teens and young adults.

Dinosaur

Disney done it again! Although the graphics are top notch, the storyline is still 'ancient' i.e. it is typical for a Disney's story. With impressive special effects and cute characters (despite the fact that they are dinosaurs), it is a must see for kids and adults.

Enemy At the Gates

This is one of those movies which portray the suffering of the people and the brutalities during World War 2. In this one, it centers around two conflicting parties, i.e. the German Nazis and the Russians (specifically the city Stalingrad).

The Germans have enormous strengths in terms of their batallions and probably their tactics. The Russians are overmatched. In the opening scene, the movie shows how Soviet officers hand guns to every other soldier, telling them, "When the one with the rifle gets killed, the one following picks up the rifle and shoots." Imagin yourself in that position... honestly, I would not want to be in either one! Also, the scenes show how the Soviet officers are not hesitant to shoot to death, those who try to flee from the battlegrounds. The most horrific scenes of war after Saving Private Ryan, I must say...

There is this young political officer named Danilov (Joseph Fiennes) who witnesses how a soldier wipes out five German soldiers, each with a single shot. The soldier's name is Vassily Zaitsev (Jude Law). Danilov's propaganda in his circular, makes Zaitsev the sniper, a hero to the people in Stalingrad. Zaitsev becomes a living legend at that time.

Then, comes a 'conflict' between the two best buddies when they both fall in love with a beautiful soldier, Tania (Rachel Weisz). Also, there is Tania's neighbour, a young boy named Sasha, who admires Zaitsev so much and feels happy seeing him with Tania. He also believes so highly in Zaitsev, that the boy voluntarily becomes a 'spy' for Zaitsev.

There is a German sniper, Major Koenig (Ed Harris), who is out to get Zaitsev. And Sasha has been helping Zaitsev by informing him about the German's movements, although not to the approval of Zaitsev.

Much is covered in this movie - friendship, love, jealousy, brotherhood, fatherhood and 'a war between two nations that becomes a war between two men'. One of my favourites of all time; I've watched it for a number of times...

Erin Brockovich

This is not a chick flick as some might think. The movie is based on a true story on how a single mother brings a big company to justice after the company violates some laws on environmental issues and as a result, affects the health of a small town community. The script is cleverly done and good directing too. Julia Roberts manages to carry her leading role flawlessly.

� Copyright Abdun Nizar Ahmad