Happy Diwali! - A very different Diwali

How was this Diwali different from the others?

• I did not shop at all. (If thats not simply shocking - you do not know me at all. Seriously!! A nice opportunity to shop also came up but I managed to side-step it).
• I did not buy shoes. (Even when an aboslutely tempting one sat right there - begging me to buy it.  I may buy it next week, I am sure :D)
• Did not burst a single cracker. (I do not usually -- but I am around when ppl burst crackers.  This time, it happened during the small time interval when I was not around.)
• Did not gorge on sweets and savouries as I usually do. (So so tough)
• My Diwali dress was not ready in time for Diwali (I will get it this week -- Talk of the busy tailor - thats him for sure).
• Did not visit my in-laws. (Shocking!! I was so caught-up with my relatives, I simply had no energy to visit anyone after coming back each day)
• Received some amazing news from my sis in the US (Yes, she is engaged.)
• We watched a movie (Argo - yet to write that review - be patient, you guys). 
• We visited Innovative Fim City (Most of the clan with the expected drop-outs.) 

So, how was your Diwali? Write in so we can share notes :)

Skyfall -- Movie Review

The Arien was not ready to listen to any excuses - he told me I could join him or he would go alone to this movie. What he did not know was that I was definitely not planning on missing this one :) I was reasonably thrilled at the prospect of catching my first ever Bond movie in the theatre. It was quite ironic then that this movie was quite unlike the usual Bond movies. What do I mean?

• There was exactly 1 big stunt right at the beginning of the movie which actually reminded me of the Bourne series. (It was a fantastic stunt btw).
• Not too many funky gadgets or women walking around in skimpy wear. (Was expecting my eyes to pop - sadly did not happen)
• Scenes where Bond is shown as a man with very human vulnerabilities, can be unfit at times, cannot always shoot perfectly (this was soo unexpected)

I actually quite liked the movie. Maybe it was because of the missing Bond stuff. It had an emotional quotient which made Bond more likeable. The Arien on the other hand was not too impressed - he whispered "This movie will go on record for being the lowest budget bond movie".  But, he liked the movie. In fact, he mentioned that Bond is always shown to be 100% fit, cannot miss a shot, etc. but he is never shown going to the Gym or working out. He added that this movie makes Bond believable because otherwise he would be robocop!

This pic is from his bike stunt that was simply fantastic.

Image Courtesy: http://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/skyfall-trailer-2-sneak-peek/

While the movie was not quite what we expected it was pretty good nevertheless. Catch it!

 

English Vinglish -- Movie Review

When our trip to Chennai got cancelled due to the Nilam cyclone, we decided to catch English Vinglish at home. Too many ppl had given a beeg Thumbs Up for the movie for us to ignore the movie. Most ppl gushed 'bout the movie, Sri's performance, the story etc etc.


A stay-at-home wife, Sridevi, has a small home-run business making ladoos and sweets. The folks who buy her sweets sing her praises but her family, especially her hubby and daughter do not appreciate her or her efforts. Her son loves her unconditionally and her mother-in-law is quite supportive. When she is invited to her niece's wedding in the US, her husband asks her to go a month in advance to hep her sister while the rest of the family will join her close to the date of the wedding. While this makes Sridevi very uncomfortable, she goes ahead. After the initial gup-shup she feels a little left out and wonders how she will manage till her family joins her. After a particularly embarrassing episode at a road-side cafe that reduces her to tears, she opts to take up English classes without letting anyone know. The class helps her pick up English and builds confidence. With her simple, understanding, and sweet nature, she becomes quite popular in her class. The movie ends on a nice note.

The story is simple and touches your heart. Sridevi was not sridevi but the stay-at-home, unappreciated woman, Shashi. And you sympathise with and root for Shashi/Sridevi as she drives home her message of equality and respect without theatrics or melodrama.

While I would like to say Sridevi looks good for her age, I also thought she looked very plasticy in some angles. Her nose may not survive any more surgeries - her nose reminded me of Michael Jackson's nose and I wish she had left her nose as is.

A nice movie to watch on a lazy Thursday afternoon while having yummy lunch at home.