talaash तलाश (2012) (5/10)

talaash तलाश is a Aamir Khan movie in which he seems to hang the principles people seem to suppose he possesses. Some spoilers after this sentence completes, so don't read beyond the fullstop if you plan to watch the movie but just be warned that it is not worth watching anyway. The acting is good, the story seems good initially but then it starts clinging to supernatural stuff, the last thing the Indian masses need from someone like Aamir. The movie is slow in the middle though it keeps moving. Some inexplicable bits are interspersed and some mysterious ones, essentially deliberate wrong leads.

The dog right at the start suggests something supernatural but it seemed more alien like - but I guess that is a bit too much to expect. Mediums, and ghosts, and opening car doors inside water despite the large pressure. This is not what one has come to expect from Aamir. But he is a showman, said someone. Really? Isn't he in idol? The review may be a bit misdirected, but somewhat on purpose. तलाश - द लाश.

Changeling (2008) (8/10)

A movie that grabs your attention with good acting and a believable plot. (Well, some would say it is based on a true story - but then that is not enough. You have to make it watchable). Its about a woman who tries to stand up against LAPD (of the 1930s) since she thinks they have made a mistake which they wont own up to. It helps that a couple of people readily come to her aid. In a couple places the scenes are unnecessarily dark, and one sequence towards the end may have been unnecessary. But may be that is why Eastwood made the movie. Some gory scenes. Some snipets don't seem to connect too well. But overall it makes sense.

Changeling (2008) (8/10)

LA Confidential (1997) (6/10)

A fast paced movie (except for a small interval near the middle) where 5 types of cops are shown (with overlaps). How an organization has a life of its own, and how values related to morality etc. generally take a back seat. There are too many twists though. You can follow them as they are mostly linear. For some of them you feel that you should have seen it coming.

Its a bit black and white, but thats understandable. Violent as police movies can be. Not much of LA itself comes in, except for the unique glamour of Hollywood of course.

L.A. Confidential (1997) (6/10)