Category Archives: Movies

1-By Laksh, ET, Movies

Robin Williams and Nathan Lane Shine in This Classic Comedy: A Review of ‘The Birdcage’

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“The Birdcage” is a 1996 American comedy film directed by Mike Nichols, starring Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, and Dianne Wiest. The movie is a remake of the 1978 French-Italian film “La Cage aux Folles.”

The film follows a gay couple, Armand (Robin Williams) and Albert (Nathan Lane), who run a drag nightclub in Miami Beach. When their son, Val (Dan Futterman), announces that he’s getting married to the daughter of a conservative politician, they are forced to hide their lifestyle and pretend to be straight. Chaos ensues when the conservative family decides to visit their home.

The movie is a delightful comedy that touches on the themes of love, family, acceptance, and identity. The performances by Robin Williams and Nathan Lane are top-notch, and they bring a lot of humor and heart to the film. Their chemistry on screen is fantastic, and they play off each other’s strengths beautifully. The supporting cast, including Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, and Christine Baranski, are all excellent and add to the film’s comedic charm.

The movie’s direction by Mike Nichols is solid, and he does a great job of balancing the humor with the more emotional moments. The script, written by Elaine May, is smart and witty, with some great one-liners and hilarious moments that will make you laugh out loud.

Overall, “The Birdcage” is a fantastic comedy film that still holds up well today. It’s an excellent showcase of Robin Williams and Nathan Lane’s talent and a great reminder of the importance of acceptance and love. If you’re looking for a fun and heartwarming movie to watch, “The Birdcage” is definitely worth checking out.

1-By Laksh, ET, Movies

Michael Crichton’s Classic Tale Brought to Life: A Review of ‘The Great Train Robbery’

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“The Great Train Robbery” is a 1978 film directed by Michael Crichton and based on his novel. The movie is set in Victorian England in 1855 and follows a group of robbers who plan and execute a heist of a train carrying gold bullion. Here is an analysis of the movie:

Plot: The plot of “The Great Train Robbery” is well-crafted and engaging. The movie follows the intricate planning and execution of a daring heist, and the audience is kept on the edge of their seats wondering if the robbers will succeed or be caught. The plot twists and turns, with unexpected developments adding to the tension and suspense.

Characters: The characters in the movie are well-developed and interesting. The main characters are the leader of the robbers, played by Sean Connery, and his accomplices, played by Donald Sutherland and Lesley-Anne Down. The characters are not one-dimensional, and the audience gets to know their motivations and personalities through the course of the movie.

Cinematography by Geoffrey Unsworth: The cinematography in the movie is excellent. The movie was shot on location in Ireland and the UK, and the scenery and landscapes are breathtaking. The cinematography also helps to build tension and suspense during the heist scenes.

Music by Jerry Goldsmith : The music in the movie is well-suited to the Victorian setting and helps to set the mood for the different scenes. The music adds to the tension and suspense during the heist scenes and helps to create a sense of urgency.

Overall, “The Great Train Robbery” is an entertaining and well-made movie that will keep the audience engaged from start to finish. Michael Crichton has done an excellent job of adapting the novel into a movie and bringing the Victorian era to life. The movie is recommended for anyone who enjoys heist movies or historical dramas

1-By Laksh, ET, Movies

Freedom and Punishment: Midnight Express

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Now Streaming on Netflix

“Midnight Express,” a gripping drama film released in 1978, has been the subject of controversy since its release due to its depiction of Turkish prisons and the country’s justice system. The Turkish government criticized the film, calling it anti-Turkish and inaccurate, and requested that it be banned in several countries.

Despite the controversy, the film was received positively at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for Palme d’Or, the festival’s top prize.The film gained critical acclaim, receiving six Oscar nominations and winning two, including Best Original Screenplay (Oliver Stone).

From a critical standpoint, “Midnight Express” is a powerful film that highlights the harsh realities of prison life and the treatment of inmates in Turkey. The movie is a testament to the power of filmmaking to raise awareness of social and political issues and spark meaningful discussions. The film’s unapologetic portrayal of the Turkish justice system and the treatment of foreign prisoners is a reflection of the real-life situation at the time.

As for regular moviegoers, “Midnight Express” is a compelling and emotional movie that can engage and captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances. The movie’s message about the importance of justice and freedom is universal and resonates with viewers across cultures and backgrounds.

“Midnight Express” stands the test of time, despite the controversy it generated and is in the watch list of many. “Midnight Express” portrays the loss of freedom and basic human rights that imprisonment entails. The character of Billy Hayes serves as a powerful embodiment of this reality as he endures the physical and emotional tolls of confinement in Turkish prisons or for that matter anywhere in the world. Through his personal transformation and evolving views on crime and punishment, Hayes challenges the very notion of severe punishment as a means of rehabilitation.

The film also highlights the small pleasures we often take for granted, and how they become a luxury that is often denied to prisoners. This theme forces us to reflect on the value of our own liberty and to appreciate the many small joys in life that we may otherwise overlook. In the end, “Midnight Express” is a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving human dignity and individual rights, and challenges us to rethink our assumptions about crime and punishment.

Tailpiece (Source: Wikipedia)

The quote ‘Have you ever been in a Turkish prison?’, in the American comedy film Airplane! (1980), is a reference to Midnight Express.
Susan’s prison visit was spoofed in the 1996 film The Cable Guy, where Jim Carrey opens his shirt, presses his naked breast against the glass, and cries, ‘Oh, Billy!’