Sinbad: “The Fifth Voyage”: the venture begins again….

Sinbad: “The Fifth Voyage”

Reviewed by Sab Khan

The very title of the movie is enough to take you back to the ancient Eastern fairy tales like Aladdin, Ali Baba and the forty thieves, and of course Sinbad. And from there, your journey alongside the world-famous sailor begins.

Shahin Sean Solimon plays the lead role of Sinbad; Patrick Stewart joins in as the narrator, Lorna Raver has appeared as Zoreh and Said Faraj as “The Deev”.

In his fourth voyage, Sinbad was shown merry-making and frolicking. As this movie starts, he mentions being “tired and weary” from his routine, and his need to depart towards the seas and oceans for the sake of “ADVENTURE”. And, almost immediately, he gets sent on the journey in which he is to traverse the scorching hot deserts and the wild, untamed oceans to rescue a girl.

The movie does a good job in getting an eastern look with its sets. There are scores of breathtaking and magnificent special effects in the movie which are unique in their own way. Usually in such stories, before reaching the target, the protagonist has to cross many difficulties. This voyage has plenty of them. The vivacious gigantic figures, jinns and freaky creatures that confront Sinbad, the shipwreck, and then the enslavement by the old man of the sea and his subsequent riding of Sinbad (on his shoulders) are amazing portrayals of cinematography and animation. The riding scene reminded me of the story of “Vikram and Betaal” from Hindu mythology.

The director has done a great job in terms of locations and setting. You do feel breathless as the scenes are flamboyant and captivating. The most attractive act in the movie is Patrick Stewart as the narrator. His voice in the background lends a particular singularity to the movie. The Persian born Solimon was perfect in his role as Sinbad. Altogether, this is one engaging, full-on adventure movie.

Rating: 4/5

127 Hours: fine moviemaking

127 Hours

Reviewed by Adam Minor

Danny Boyle’s latest film, “127 Hours” starring James Franco not only furthers Boyle’s stellar career, but the minimalist movement as well. 

This past year, we were hit with two major minimalist films. “Buried” takes the movement to a whole new level, but “127 Hours” is a perfect complement; as well as a case study in fine writing, acting and directing.

It’s not easy to keep today’s ADHD-diagnosed audience’s attention when majority of your movie contains one actor in one setting. To accomplish this, you have to be creative, which is hard to come by in Hollywood today. Unique camera movements, a strong balance between funny and dramatic writing and dialogue, and great acting are all required in synchronisation to achieve this, and this film has it all.

The film follows the real-life crisis of Aron Ralston who, while hiking in the southwest, comes to have his arm trapped by a fallen boulder. Caught, literally, between a rock and a hard place, with no one knowing his location, Aron slowly succumbs to the frightening realisation that he may never get out alive.

Franco, who hasn’t necessarily impressed us in years past, (with the exception of “Pineapple Express” and “Milk”) really demonstrates his acting chops. Aron’s gradual decline into temporary insanity is brought to life by Franco’s performance. Franco makes you believe that the incredulous ideas for freedom that Aron thinks up are completely viable options.

Boyle’s direction is the glue that holds everything together. Using beautiful shots of the surrounding area, unique camera movements and interspersing between Boyle’s camera and Aron’s camera that he brings along, keeps the audiences attention extremely well.

With exceptional acting, directing, writing and cinematography, “127 Hours” is simply a film done well.

Rating: 4/5

Clash of Clash of the Titans

Clash Of The Titans

Reviewed by Adam Minor

You may be thinking that the original “Clash of the Titans” was campy, awful fun. And you’d be right. You may also be thinking that, worst case scenario, Louis Leterrier’s 2010 remake would at least provide that same awful, but fun campiness that morphed its predecessor into a cult classic; however, you’d be wrong.

“Clash of the Titans” was a disappointment on every level of moviemaking. I’ll be the first to admit that when the teasers and trailers made their way onto the Internet, I was at an Olympic level of excitement. But seeing the stoic acting, occasionally lackluster CGI, and a plot that left me confused from opening to closing credits, ultimately left me as crumbled and dejected as the original Kraken.

This film isn’t so much about the people revolting against the Gods as it is about actor’s revolting against their trade. With Liam Neeson as Zeus, Ralph Fiennes as Hades, Gemma Arterton as Io and Mads Mikkelsen as Draco, you’d think this film would display unheralded acting performances, but none of them really seem to have shown up to work. I found myself worried that all the characters of the movie had already been turned to stone by Medusa. 

One thing you can say about the movie, though, it’s pretty. Assuming you don’t see it in 2D. The CGI rarely disappoints. I’ll admit that it’s pretty awesome to watch a wooden magic man fight several giant scorpions, a black Pegasus and the Gods' Throne Room, but even it has its drawbacks. The climax of the movie, the fight with the Kraken, is marred by a bland looking sea-monster. Even the clay-mation version from 1981 had more personality than this giant sea snail. 

The common criticism of this film is its blockbuster appeal. They say, “It’s just a fun escape to a land with giant scorpions and demons.” I submit that we should have standards for ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with a thin-plotted cinematic escape, but it doesn’t give the film an excuse to use a hackneyed and ultimately, nonsensical plot.

Rating: 1/5