North by Nothwest (1959)

This was my first Hitchcock movie, although I have great respect for the guy even without having watched any of his movies. He's not known as the master of suspense for nothing. Classic tale of mistaken identity & undercover-spies. Plus a suave Cary Grant, & I'm really enjoying the show.

The thing that attracted me most, is the humour and debonair characters. I saw the colored version of this movie, a 50th anniversary special edition. But, I can easily imagine the effect of the movie and its character would have had in its time. The death-defying stunts, Roger Thornhill's pickup lines, the beautifully written conversations. I remember reading somewhere - Cary Grant is one of those actors that a filmgoer either falls in love with or deeply envies. & I deeply envy his handsomeness.

There were certain things that didn't make sense. Like why did Vandamm want Kaplan to be blamed for Townsend's murder? & Vandamm's sister address Roger as Roger, not Kaplan... which was confusing. I don't see any logic there.

Favourite scenes include: The entire Train ride, the auction scene, the cropdusting plane, mother-son scenes, the sarcastic dialogues throughout the movie. "the way some people use a flyswatter."

Alternate Ending: The Rushmore monument ending was a bit too exaggerated, it could have been trimmed down a bit. Also, I would like to clear up the Kaplan investigation a bit more.

First Viewed: Alone at home in Doha.

Rating-3.5

From Paris with Love (2010)

It was there on my to-watch list ever since I read about the people associated with the movie. Travolta's new look; Action in Paris; Luc Besson's ideas.

But in terms of the story, I didn't expect anything from this movie. Coz most of Luc Besson's movies are based on flash-fiction, ideas people get while picking up oranges in a supermarket. Intended for people with short attention spans. But I was at least expecting a repeat of 'Taken'.

& that's not exactly what I get. Excessive plotless action, a string of clichés & a roller-coaster ride of nonsense. It was probably one of the lamest endings I've seen. & the entire movie shows a very racist potrayal of Parisian inhabitants. No compromise whatsoever with political correctness.

The only reason my movie rating is 5, is that I was entertained thoroughly by Travolta, & the action scenes were really nicely done. & I have to thank the Dolby System at my cinema for those thrills. it may not play out the same way on DVD.

Favourite scenes include: Charlie Wax's intro, The shootout at the chinese restaurant, Travolta's body-double jumping & running across rooftops, The clearing-out of the terrorist cell, the dinner shootout.

Alternate Ending: Why force an emotional ending to a fast-paced action movie? & what's with the blatantly open terrorist activities? & hamming can certainly be cut down.

First Viewed: with friends at a cinema theatre in Doha.

Rating-3