THE DARJEELING LIMITED

THE DARJEELING LIMITED IS A TRAIN NOT TO BE MISSED
There are two kinds of people in this world; those who love Wes Anderson's work (The Royal Tenenbaums, Bottle Rocket, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou) and those who hate it. The DVD has a short "featurette" before the film officially starts, Hotel Chevalier, starring Natalie Portman and Jason Schwartzman (Jack).It offers some insight about Jack that comes up later during the film and is a nice short little added extra. After meeting Jack in the featurette, we are then introduced to his other brothers, Francis (Owen Wilson) and Peter (Adrian Brody). Francis has pulled his brothers together for a "spiritual journey" in India. "The past has happened, but it's over isn't it? Not for us." They haven't seen each other since their father's funeral and they start to re-bond before getting kicked off the train. Soon it is revealed that Francis has ulterior motives for their quest, despite his daily itinerary. Wes Anderson's films are magic to me. They are all about family and relationships and their complications and this film is no different. Some of the story is literate and some is unknowingly beautiful. It seems that the train if forever in motion and to get on it they must run after it. The film begins with this and ends with this practise. Bill Murray, a veteran Anderson cast member, gives an appearance as a business man who misses the train. When the brothers catch the train after literally loosing their baggage the effect comes full circle. Angelica Houston also a veteran "Andersonite", also makes a brief, but valuable part in the film. Although mostly humorous, this film has it's serious moments too. In my mind, movies, at the end of the day, are always about life and/or death. This movie is about both. Anderson's work is not for everyone, but I adore him and his vision and adored this film.

PICK: While not for everyone, I loved this film, both in subject matter and execution thereof.

THE NAMESAKE

THE NAMESAKE EMIGRATES EXQUISITELY

This beautiful film, both visually and spiritually, lets us join on the path taken by an Indian man, Ashoke Ganguli (Irrfan Khan) from New York, where is currently lives, back to his birthplace in Calcutta, where he agrees upon an arranged marriage with the enchanting, Ashima (Tabu). Once they move back to New York they spend time getting to know each other while Ashima adjusts to American life. They have two children; Gogol (Cal Penn) and Sonia (Sahira Nair). The movie grows as the characters grow and develop. Gogol wants nothing to do with his heritage until his family returns home to Calcutta and he is forcibly immersed in tradition. Throughout the film we are presented with explanations about the origin of Gogol's name, which he changes to sound more American. He also dates a white, upper-crust girl, Maxine, which his family is less than delighted to meet. Then Gogol's world turns upside down. He finds the importance in his heritage and is able to find a way to balance both worlds. It is then that he understands what his name means and how important it is. This film is simply remarkable. It is heartfelt and you care about the characters and their trials and tribulations. I found myself smiling with their joy and tearing up in their sorrow. Amazingly the time span during this film is great and the characters look and act realistically. (Some films do not handle such transitions well and it can detract so much from the movie.) Penn (who is well known for 'Harold and Kumar go to White Castle') does an amazing job transitioning from a disrespectful, ungrateful boy to a responsible, sensitive and strong man of character. As an actor who has done many "teen/comedy" movies, he proves that really can act in this film. This movie was a joy to watch and touched my heart.
Pick: Amazing and beautiful film; a definite must see