Lesser Known Movies you must watch - 29

Coherence

Cast: No big star-cast to mention here, even budget of the movie is USD 50,000 but you are in for a treat

 

When I started writing this blog, I thought I will introduce you to those movies that must be watched not only because they didn’t get the sheer credit but also to give appreciations to some of the genius ideas that are not getting saleable even if they are presented so subtly. This is one of those movies which even though I have watched recently but have become a huge fan and will surely rate it amongst the top movies that I have seen. Now, before I jump further, please note that this movie is made with a mere budget of 50 K in the year 2013 which means you cannot expect too much of visual effect’s from this but when I tell you that this is truly one of the best presented science fiction thriller , I mean each and every word of it.

Coherence in English dictionary means quality of being logical and consistent which will be subtly presented in this move with the help of a fictional miller’s comet (Similar to Haley’s comet) that is passing over California with a group of Eight friends reunited after a long time to have dinner. Now, you guys would have to go through the concept of Schrodinger Cat which is a paradoxical experiment devised by Erwin Schrodinger in mid-19 century to understand a little bit of what will happen in the movie , although you can avoid it as the reference will be given in the movie as well. Now, coming back to the plot, as these friends have their dinner discussing about what’s going on within their lives a power cut occurs which starts unfolding things as the power cut occurs everywhere except one house that is two blocks down the street. One of the character Hugh whose brother is a scientist warned him to contact him immediately if any uncertain events happens during Comet passing by. But, due to power cut, no phones (they are broken due to the comet phenomenon), no internet and only one house at the end of the street having electricity , Hugh decide to take help of them so that he can call his brother story starts getting messy from here. Be prepared to find some untidy camera work as it’s a very low budget movie but the concept itself will keep you to the edge of your seat for full 85 minutes.

In the end I can say, you don’t need a big budget to present an idea that is strong an powerful and Hollywood really does that by bringing in such movies once in a while. Do watch this and share your reviews comments.

 

 

SM MOVIE GEEKS

 

Lesser Known Movies you must watch - 28

Monsieur Verdoux (One murder makes a villain; millions, a hero)
 

Cast: Charlie Chaplin (Director, Producer, Screenplay writer, Actor – One Man Show)

Monsieur Verdoux (1947) is one of the movies close to my heart as it is one of the movies where Charlie Chaplin not only enacted (silent movie) but actually spoke (There are other movies also in which he spoke like Limelight, Great Dictator and boy he spoke well in these). Most of us knows about Great Dictator although I would surely write a review of that movie as well in coming days but Monsieur Verdoux is one of the big time unknown movies as everybody relates Charlie Chaplin with either Modern Times or Circus or Gold Rush but the interesting part is that this is one of those movies for which he received Academy Nomination for Best Screenplay. Now why Monsieur Verdoux is one of the finest Black n White sound film is because Charlie Chaplin himself played a cynical man that supports his family by trying to lure rich women for their money and murdering them (this story is loosely based on serial killer Henri Landru if you are interested in reading about). This is a complete end to end entertaining black comedy and you will find the range of Charlie Chaplin who although is known for his comic timing will show the other side of his i.e. dark, raunchy side.

Also, Mr. Chaplin has made much better movies in his later years of acting carrier although those movies were not recognized this being one of them. Movie begin with Henry Verdoux being Bank-teller is being laid off and to support his family he turns on the ruinous path of marrying and murdering wealthy widows. One of the family becomes suspicious of this in the very beginning but doesn’t have any identity of Monsieur Verdoux. Throughout the 120 minutes of screen time you will see Mr. Chaplin running around and trying to lure some more girls. He will also try to create a drug that can help him killing the person without raising any suspicion of the them being murdered but them dying of natural causes.

Monsieur Verdoux will meet a girl who has just lost her husband and has been released from prison on whom he will try to use the poison but realizing that she had been a devoted wife during the time her husband was helpless, he will help her with money and food showing his good side. During the next 30-40 minutes final sequence which I will leave for you to watch , once Verdoux is captured finally and is being sentenced in the courtroom , the final speech of his about comparing the murder’s with the ones that happens during wars ,is stunning and will change your perspective. Enjoy the movie and share your comments and reviews.

 

SM Movie Geeks

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.

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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

Lesser Known Movies you must watch - 24

My Left Foot

Cast: Daniel Day Lewis (his first Oscar), Fiona Shaw, Ryan McAnally, Brenda Fricker

This movie is a biography of a person named Christy Brown, who was born with Cerebral Palsy (Permanent Movement Disorder) and can control only his left foot. It takes us to a beautiful journey of how we should keep thanking God for what we have is more than sufficient and if we use it to our best of potential, we can bring wonders. This story is also one of the great stories which showcases human courage and determination. We personally feel that this would be amongst the top or most inspiring movies of all time.

Also, I don’t think anyone other than the great Daniel Day Lewis would have done the justice to the role of Christy brown, his mannerism , intelligence, sense of humor and courage. Mr. Lewis will lead to fall in love with this person.

The movie begin in some 1932 , taking us through the journey of Christy who was born in a big family and was discovered to have movement disorder. Being neglected by most of his family members except his mother, one day when his mother falls of the stairs, he was able to alert the neighbors by using his left foot to write the word “mother” with a piece of chalk which also made his father believe in him and his so called upcoming potential.

Christy started seeking hobby of painting with the only limb that works. He becomes popular in his neighborhood and is included in the activities. He paints lot of amazing pictures, is funny and full of life. His mother is able to save some money and get him a wheelchair. He meets a girl who helps in setting up an art exhibition for all his amazing work whom later he fell in love and comes to know that she is engaged and to be married soon. This pace of movie is not too fast , not too slow but just the right amount to keep audience engaged for 100 odd minutes. Do watch this movie and you will know why Mr. Lewis is the greatest living actor of all time and his three Best Actor Oscars have not come as a fluke. This movie will show that anyone can be gifted and inspiring and all we need is to discover and nurture that gift and inspire others.

SM MOVIE GEEKS

Lesser Known Movies you must watch -23

EYE IN THE SKY

Cast: Alan Rickman, Helen Mirren, Monica Dolan, Ian Glen, Phoebe Fox, Barkhad Abdi

We are back with some more unknown movies that you may have not seen and if not , you are surely going to appreciate them post seeing them via the review’s we would give. Today movie actually is really good due to multiple reasons, one of those reason is that it’s Alan’s Rickman (Severus Snape-Harry Potter Movies) last movie before his untimely death and he has again shown why his dialogue delivery , screen acting is still one of the most power-filled , awe-inspiring things that our generation has seen. The other reason to watch this movie is to see the ethics involved i.e. even if you are at war with someone , you will leave no stones unturned to ensure that its played according to the rules both legally and politically. The movie is full of power packed performances from Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Ian Glen (Game of Thrones- Sir Jorah), Monica Dolan, Phoebe Fox and most importantly the queen herself – Helen Mirren.

The entire movie plot/flow is happening on the same day and the interactions between the characters is at a whole different level. The movie will also showcase the technology that is available with developed nations using which they can take any necessary action without you realizing the same. The storyline is to catch top most terrorist in East Africa (Nairobi, Kenya)  using Surveillance via drones and help of local undercover agents. The Defence team sitting across different location is following the order of lieutenant General Frank (Rickman) of British Intelligence who is sitting with Government Ministers and controlling the proceedings legally and ethically. The entire mission goes wayward when they realize that instead of two top terrorist there are more terrorist hiding in the same location and are planning for a suicide attack in different places. This is where Frank and his deputy Colonel Katherine Powell (Mirren) has to convince the ministry to change their decision of capturing the terrorist to killing them. But the problem is that there is a civilian population particularly, a young girl selling bread, who will also die if the missile attack is launched to eliminate those terrorists. The rest of the movie is about whether they should save 1 life and risk the 80-100 other’s who will get killed in that suicide attack or the other way around. “Never tell a soldier that he doesn’t now the cost of war” is the message of the movie which is both thunderous and inspiring. So ,there you go. That’s the movie we suggest for you to watch this week. Do let us know in comments if you liked the movie.

SM Movie Geeks