Lesser Known Movies you must watch - 27

Death at the Funeral – Last Rites…and Wrongs (Yes that’s the tagline)

Cast: Rupert Greeves, Matthew Macfadyen, Keely Hawes, Daisy Donnavan, Kris Marshall (All British Cast except…Peter Dinklage)

Now, just to be clear, there are two Death at the Funeral and the only commonality amongst them is Peter Dinklage but this is the Original one that I am giving review of (as this is better than the American Death at the Funeral- Even though their star cast is much bigger and well known). Even a Hindi Remake (Daddy Cool) has been made on this movie. This is a black comedy where a funeral can be a perfect setting to create a silly and hysterical situation. Plus believe it, put Mr. Dinklage in anything and everyone is going to watch it without any reviews. But since, you have read it this far, let me write a review anyhow.

Movie begins with a husband Daniel (Mcfadyen) and wife Jane (Hawes), arranging their Father Funeral without Daniel Brother Robert (Graves) helping him in any of the finances. Along with bunch of cousins who themselves are in kind of awkward situation creates a chaotic situation all around. As, the story further unfolds a series of events and take a rapid turn when a Man named Peter (Mr. Dinklage) comes up and tells the family that he was a secret lover of their dead father and even bring photographs as a proofs and threaten them to pay 15000 Pound to save grace (Multiple things have already happened which will make the situation even more intricate). Now ,with all the panic and chaos Peter is been gagged and been forced with what is imagined as a drug (for muscle relaxation) but in that chaos but he dies while freeing himself. Now what should the family do , as they are in catch-22 kind of situation which is unsolvable. The situation leads to kind of comic actions that you cannot afford to miss. Do watch this 90 mins of end to end comedy and share your reviews and comments.

SM MOVIE GEEKS

Lesser Known Movies you must watch - 26

The Experiment

Cast: Adrian Broody (The Pianist), Forest Whitaker (The last king of Scotland), Maggie Grace, Fisher Stevens

(90 Mins running time , easily available on you-tube as well)

There is an advantage if you have done regular MBA, the case studies that you read or go through to understand the perspective in different fields of Management i.e. Marketing, Human Resource, Organizational Behavior etc. I came across a concept one of my OB class which led to me watching this movie. The concept is based upon an experiment that was conducted by Professor Zimbardo in Standford Prison with a research group of Standford university in 1971. This was conducted to understand the psychological effect of perceived power if given to anyone.

The movie is loosely based on the same experiment (hence the name) and is actually a remake of German film (Das Experiment). Movie begins with a group of volunteers arriving for a Phycological study that will be conducted on them where these groups will be divided into two subgroups of prison guards and criminals i.e. inmates. Travis (Brody) who is an anti-war protestor becomes one of the inmates and Michael Barris (Whittaker) who still lives with his mother who is dominating becomes one of the guards. Basic rules of the prison are aligned for them where they will get 3 meals a day, 30 minutes of recreation and other rules like staying within your cell or using designated areas. The experiment is being told to go on for 15 days and if they are able to manage to the same they will be given 14000 USD.

Now what do you think should happen? Task is pretty simple right, just act as per your roles and responsibilities and make the easy money. But things are never simple as they seems. Also, when you are given some power , even if you don’t want to use it , you will use it as its yours whereas on the other-hand when you are powerless , even if you are the strongest person you will find yourself unable to offer any help when needed. Just watch the movie and realize if human beings really are the higher in the chain of evolution than monkeys. Do share and leave your comments

SM Movie Geeks

Lesser Known Movies you must watch - 25

FREEWAY

Cast: Reese Witherspoon (Very young and beautiful Reese I should say), Kiefer Sutherland, Brooke Shields

This week movie is one of my personal favorite because of the actor in it i.e. Reese. This was 5^th Movie of Reese but the first critical acclaimed movie where she actually not only played a lead role but dominated the entire 100 minutes with her acting. This movie showed a star in the making which was proven later at so many other iconic roles, most recent being Madeline Mackenzie in Big Little lies. Alongside Reese, we have a very short but powerful role of Mr. Sutherland who most of you know from 24 (that’s right- Jack Bauer). Now this movie is a dark comedy and is about exploitation of rich and how the underlying crime takes place.

Movie is about a 16 year old girl  named Vanessa Lutz (Reese) who is illiterate and live in a shady environment with her Mother (who is a prostitute) and Stepfather (Who is a child abuser). When they both get arrested , she decides to run away and live with her Grandmother in the West USA who is not even aware of her existence. But destiny had other plans for her , as her car breaks down and she is picked by Bob (Kiefer) who is a psychology teacher who decides to help her to drop to LA. Now comes, 20 mins of dialogue delivery which you would fascinate you and keep you at the edge of your seats. But believe me , movie doesn’t end here as Vanessa get’s arrested for attacking/attempting to kill Bob who reveals himself to be a child abuser’s / molester /serial killer to her. Although this doesn’t’ get proven in court which results in Vanessa going to jail and be tried in Adult court for the horrendous attack she made on Bob. Well, I will leave you here to go and watch the movie to see the fate of Vanessa and if Bob actually get’s caught or not in this entire facade.

One thing , I can guarantee is you will not get bored and you will see how amazing Reese was playing this character who was foul mouthed , short tempered but still lovable and kind, also not to forgot that her timing in the entire movie was spot on. Full marks to the supporting character’s as well in them movie. Do watch and share!!!

SM MOVIE GEEKS