DesertTalkies Film Reviews!

  Funny Face [1957] Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Kay Thompson Direction by Stanley Donen Language: English Why I watched this movie, you ask? I'm a Gilmore Girls addict. I sound super uncultured saying that, but I found out about this musical from the couple of times it was mentioned on the show. I know that as someone who loves watching film, finding out about a successful film starring Audrey Hepburn through a television show is blasphemous. But if it is any consolation, I did really enjoy this.  Firstly, how could anybody say that Audrey Hepburn has a 'funny face': calling her 'plain'. That, to me, is the real blasphemous thing. Everything about Hepburn in this is incredible. From her makeup and hairstyling, to her wardrobe (which was, by the way, astounding). From her general suitability to the role (her ability to oscillate between being humourous and jolly to being stiff and mannered), to her ability to carry out all the long, awkward dance sequence...

  The Sound of Music [1965] Starring: Julie Andrews, Cristopher Plummer, Charmain Carr Direction by Robert Wise, Screenplay by Maria Von Trapp Language: English Sometimes I dream that I am Maria: gallivanting around the hills of the Austrian countryside. Sounds peaceful, doesn't it? Everyone, even those who haven't watched this movie, have some link to it. Everyone has heard 'my favourite things' somewhere - I'm sure of that. The last time I watched this was a good thirteen years ago, when I was sick with a cold. A cold of similar severity has struck me down again, and so naturally I thought that it was time for a rewatch.  There is no musical without the music (it goes without saying), and it was glorious. Timeless classics hit the viewer left and right. I miss the simplicity of movie music: where simple and strong melodies were the norm. There's a reason that, after watching this movie, I have caught myself singing some of the big songs - several times. My fav...

 Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani [2023] Starring: Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi Direction by Karan Johar Language: Hindi Normally, I don't think recently released Bollywood movies are worth reviews. I really do think that the industry has deteriorated, and so I prefer to look at older Hindi films, or movies in other languages. I was watching this movie, never expecting that I would review it. The poster for the movie is very colourful and bright: all the trademarks of a 'cheap' Indian movie. Most contemporary Hindi movies are quite 'cheap': and I was expecting this to be the same way. However, this movie packed an unexpected emotional punch, addressing pressing issues of modern Indian society in a way that none of its predecessors have.  Let's first talk about the acting, because I actually have a lot to say about that one. Let me start with the negatives. Ranveer Singh was absolutely awful. He performed horribly: and his role was incredib...