The Dark Knight Rises : A Grand Finale

infinity

noun /inˈfinitē/  A point in space or time that is or seems infinitely distant. Have you ever imagined what lies beyond the point where our mind stops thinking? Has it ever occurred to you  that mind is very fragile and that it can withstand pressure to some certain extent? And have you ever thought what Cinema can do to you? Cinema holds the capacity to motivate the generations, to change minds and do not take me wrong it holds the capacity to manipulate masses. We are living in a world where we have to derive pleasure out of what we believe in. Cinema has earned itself beliefs and faiths of mankind over a century and so and there are some demigods who make sure that this string of faith and belief never breaks. Christopher Nolan is one such demigod who has never failed his followers. Movie to movie he has outdone himself. He has been pushing the viewers closer to experience of infinite level every time and this time he has hit the infinity with The Dark Knight Rises. We do not know where infinity is but he has surely achieved it. Such presentation, such grandeur, such chaos - who would have ever thought to experience this much? I never had and nor the whole fraternity did ever. The Dark Knight Rises is a cinematic phenomenon which could have never been imagined. Nolan has a great vision. A gift from Nolan to all who believe in cinema. Simply epic.   The movie had some great breath-taking performances. Christian Bale has done every bit of justice to the Batman role. The Catwoman was simply fabulous. She though initially seems an unnecessary character but has a great role to play. The movie saw the birth of the greatest villain in the history of cinema - Bane. So so powerful. Such a terrifying character. He will shatter your every expectation. Let's not compare him to the Joker, but I can certainly say no one else could play the Bane's role better. With a haunting creepy voice and great build-up his character has threatened Batman too much. And Hans Zimmer is a God himself. Music is one of most important aspect of this movie. Zimmer has given his best shot with this one. The music will keep you pumping every time.  This movie is a perfect masterpiece which contains every element of a great movie-making. No flaws whatsoever. It will keep you connected with the characters, with the story and puzzling your mind about what's going to happen next. For the entire time you will feel like you are taking a ride to some world else. You will be stunned-  moment to moment, time to time. You can not complain about your mind's inability to not to grasp what all you are dished out on the screen. Eventually the movie will have you wholly satisfied and relaxed leaving no doubts at all. What a perfect way to finish what he had started in 2005 with Batman Begins! I can just go on and on and talk about this movie for my whole life. Nolan has set a perfect example for all other film-makers. Let's see what future has in it for us. But it would seriously take a lot of potential to beat this legend Nolan has created. Nolan, you shall ever be blamed for the chaos that you have injecteded in the minds of millions.

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Killing Of A Hope

I followed the news channels and newspapers over 3-4 days and there were numerous of news which left me miffed. I do not generally involve myself in going through what's all happening in my country because my heart is afraid of and can't take anymore these descriptions of rapes, murders, fraud and vandalism. But they come to you anyhow to annoy you, disturb you, haunt you and leave your mind in a state of paranoia. No one knows whats happening out here. You are never sure about the things which may happen to you.  Look around yourself and see what this world has turned into. Never a peaceful place was this world, it has gone more clamorous.

I remember this instance from my childhood. My father used to read newspaper very minutely. He would read every peace of news every time. And when he would finish, I would grab it and check what was so important out there which kept him so indulged. I would find only useless rubbish things -  partly because I kept myself off from politics and big write-ups and partly because I used to find the small news interesting. One day I asked him -
"What do you read the newspaper for?"
"To know whats all happening."
"But I only find news of theft and fraud and land disputes. They disturb me a lot. Don't you get disturbed? What else do you find there which I do not?"
"Did you check out about the new Dam Project? The central government has approved it and soon it is going to do wonders to many people. Won't they be happy? Do not you think it's a great news?"
"No. I think I missed it. I shall check it again."
"I knew you would never read those things or let me rephrase my words - you would never find such things interesting. Son, there are always some bad things happening around you, creating frictions in your mind, deviating you from real pleasures of this world. But that does not mean you start loosing hope. Hope is what drives this world, will always be the most important factor for the mankind to sustain. Whenever you are surrounded by the clouds of grief and dismay, hope is the only thing you can count on."
"But does not hope weaken you?"
"How can it do so?"
"Let's say you only hope and hope for something to get better, for example - this society to get better. And you know it never is going to be. In that case your hope is bringing you nothing. Is it?"
"What would say about those poor villagers who got today the news about Dam Project approval? They were also hoping. They were hoping that if something be done and the floods never strike. They were hoping if they were not turned to homeless refugees by the flood. Hoping that their crops were never destroyed. Hoping that they would even for once get to see what electricity looks like. Now did this hope weaken them? "
"No. Not at all."
"You know many people take this hope thing wrongly. Hope is not presuming that a thing is going to happen for sure. It is rather convincing the heart that the thing may happen and be prepared for it. You may have to celebrate or may have to feel bad. But you never win or lose when you hope. Do you try doing something when you hope for something? No, because you have tried doing all you could and now it's the time to just sit and wait. So there stands no chances of winning or losing. You write an exam and then you hope that you get good grades. You do not appear for the same exam for many a times to get good grades, that would be a such a flop case."
"Yes, I get it."


Do I hope for anything now? Do I ever convince my heart that things are going to get better? Not at all. This country of mine has turned into a rat-hole. But it used to be something different till when I was a child. Now when I compare today's condition with that of 12-13 years old, I find myself very tormented. This ain't the same world which my father had then promised me it would be. Everything is totally preposterous. There is this air of angst in which I am suffocating. Nothing can be done now. No reform, no rebel, no riot nothing can help. You can not do anything but just sit back and rue the day you were born and let this whole craziness eat you up.

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Serj Tankian's New Album : Harakiri

The third solo album- Harakiri, by Serj Tankian has released to mixed reviews by the fans and critics. Serj is quite a hard-working person, never remaining out of the limelight - continuously dropping off albums, be it solo or with the System. This time he returns to rock. Harakiri is quite a different approach this multifaceted guy has taken this time. One would certainly miss all the skull splitting growls and heavy metal riffs, nonetheless there are a lot of other things the album has to be provide.

The album kicks off with Cornucopia. The song talks about how we treat the Earth/nature and how sweetly it takes revenge in form of calamities. The second song Figure It Out  - targets upon the economic unbalance in the society by condemning the CEOs and how they murder freedom. The song has got a pace and is punkish. Ching Chime, the third song, is a totally different song. Melodic and rhythmic in every sense, the song has been given an Arabic touch - may be Armenian it is, but that makes the song so amazing. Probable the best song on the album. The next song Butterfly speaks about how the humans fall prey to their own deeds. Harakiri, the next song talks about the death of birds which Tankian had witnessed in New Zealand - which inspired him to write songs for this album. Both Butterfly and Harakiri fall in same category, nice treat for the ears they both are.


Occupied Tears, Deafening Silence and Forget me Knot are next three songs which are rather sung on a serious and sober note. Reality TV targets the dramatic lies of reality TV shows which in a way are insinuating us to believe all the bullshit they offer. The next one, Uneducated Democracy has got a signature style of Serj mixed with some punk elements. The song tells that democracy in hands of all illiterates is useless. Weave On is the last song on the album which speaks of the endurance and tolerance of the ladies who lost their families in the name of wars.

The album is a nice experimentation of hard rock and punk. The topical thoughtful songs will surely cheer the fans aloud. Ching Chime, Butterfly and Harakiri are among the best songs on the album. Other songs are also very much capable of giving enough aural pleasure. There are a number of projects lined up in future for Serj including a Jazz record, tour with System and some other albums too. He has certainly taken an onus to keep his fans busy.

My Ratings - 3.5/5

Song List -

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Cornucopia"	4:28
2.	"Figure It Out"	2:52
3.	"Ching Chime"	4:05
4.	"Butterfly"	4:10
5.	"Harakiri"	4:19
6.	"Occupied Tears"	4:22
7.	"Deafening Silence"	4:16
8.	"Forget Me Knot"	4:26
9.	"Reality TV"	4:09
10.	"Uneducated Democracy"	3:59
11.	"Weave On"	4:07

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The [V] Spot Cafe Bar - Setting Trends

The [V] Spot Cafe Bar

G-02, Salcon Ras Vilas Mall, District Centre, Behind Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi

If foodie's heaven at all exists in Delhi-NCR, it is situated behind Select City Mall - the area around Salcon Ras Vilas Mall. This area has seriously got some top notch restaurants and hang-outs. Among them is the [V] Spot Cafe Bar. It is simply fantastic place with some exciting dishes and drinks on the menu.

We went on a Saturday and had to do a little bit of searching for the place. We found the place in less than a couple of minutes though. Warmly greeted by the staffs at the entrance we entered in a full mood. We got ourselves comfortable on stylish cushioned chairs. Quite a funky place with some groovalicious music to kick your mood higher than the sky. In very short time we were attended by a staff with smile on his face. He presented us the bright and expressive menu. The best part about the menu is that it has got a wide variety and whatever you'd look for - it has surely got. Pizza, pasta, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, soups, desserts and everything else you can find on the menu. 

For the food we ordered the famous items on the menu - Chickibum Bum, Butter Chicken Pizza and From Russia With Love (Pasta). Suggestion on a serious note for the people who are going there - please do try these three things and then go for anything else. These are the trademark dishes of this place. Butter Chicken Pizza was simply ambrosial. A different kind of pizza with ocean of white butter on the top giving it a great look and amazing taste. The pasta was also quite delicious. Chickibum Bum is a great successful coupling done between Chicken and Spinach. A dish one of its kind. We enjoyed it a lot. Foods here say it that they are cooked by people of some high culinary merit.

Let's talk about other things. The crowd was nice with young people humming to each other's ears and singing to the songs they played. Very less noise this place has got except the music they play. The service was really good. I did not find any issue anywhere. They were right there whenever we asked for anything and always carried a smile. Never served any item late or cold. The price is a really pleasant factor which leaves a smile on your face in the last. When you compare what all you had to what you paid, you'd certainly be very happy and make a promise to yourself that you'd certainly visit the place very soon. I am surely going to visit this place once again, may be more times or may be even countless visits I will have.

My Ratings - 
Food - 5/5
Service - 4/5
Ambience - 4/5
Overall - 4/5

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Veda - An Utter Disappointment

Veda

307 & 308, DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

The place if extraordinarily decorated and designed by the whosoever will not help you until you get what you pay for. You do not pay for viewing the interiors, for that purpose we have places like some art houses, galleries and museums. In a restaurant its the food and only the food that can keep you happy. And if there are some issues along with the food itself then the place is a hell. That's what sums up my visit to Veda, the excessively hoaxed restaurant in the capital.

The very limited numbers of dishes on the menu was the first thing that disturbed me. I ordered a starter - a creamy Kebab, which was not that great. For the main course I had Handi Laziz Chicken Curry as suggested by the staff, was such a basic Chicken curry. Nothing great, just basic. A nan and a fresh lime soda- all costing me Rs. 1600. Money is never an issue but it still hurts. I now rethink and blame myself for being such a jerk for wasting my money. I should have chosen some other place.

If I start complaining about this place it will be an endless list. First of all, the AC was not working. A few people even complained and they left away, but who cares. The main door was open all the time which was seriously ruining the inner's calmness. The whole presentation was if the place were not being maintained at all. And that's a truth. If this is a scene they show you on a Saturday when they expect a good decent crowd I wonder what would be the scenes on weekdays.

I do not complain about the service. I found it rather okay. The staff, though pretending not to listen to my calls, were not that bad. I was not there to befriend them. Just some service I required and I was contented with that. They did advise me about the food but the food itself was not that great. What worse would happen?

Thanks to my all who created such hocus pocus about this place. And it turned out that this place is not worth visiting twice. There are a lot of other great places. So, I would suggest my friends not to brag about this place or some other as if Rohit Bal or some chef were your close friend or something. Give a clear picture of what you feel. Nothing more and nothing less.

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Nothing Amazing In 'The Amazing Spider-Man'

Run-time: 136 min
Director: Marc Webb
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Martin Sheen, Sally Field
Rating: 7/10

Mr. Director ! You are such a noob and you have proved it very well. Who in the world would make a movie with such ludicrous script? When you are creating a movie, a Super-hero movie, then you should very well keep in mind that there are others as Iron Man, Bat Man and The Avengers against whom you have to stand. Every thing needs to be fantabulous. No flaws whatsoever. And this is what you came up with.

The most distinguishing difference between Sam Raimi, the director of earlier Spider-man movies and Marc Webb, director of the new one is that the later one is fresh out of college of direction and has a lot to areas to work upon. Sam Raimi has proved a lot by offering a wide range of genre of cinema. And that's exactly why a monstrous challenge for Webb grew up. The Amazing Spider-Man was a great onus that was put on, let's say, an immature shoulders of Webb and there's where everything faltered. In the world where we have Nolan and Joss Whedon, this guy did not find a perfect spot even to stand up.

Let's talk about the movie. All characters played their parts very well. A great justice to all the characters has been done. No one could be a better choice than Garfield for the lead role. He is intense, smart and  a genuine charm he carries with himself. He brings a perfectionist's touch to the Spider-man's character. The girl, Emma Stone, has done a great job. I have always adored her. I was never fond of  Mary Jane who would always cry and carry a rather shabby personality. The then Peter-Jane love story was all just stupid. Here is a brand new genial love story with a girl you'd always dream of. She is smart, sassy and a perfect fit for Mr. Parker. Other characters - Parker's uncle, his aunt, the doctor and the girl's father, everyone did well.

The direction was not that great and the poor script extinguished all the fire the director thought of putting in the movie. The movie were meant to be grand one considering its superb characterization and some breath-taking effects but the script ruined it all. The expectations from this movie were bit higher. Spider-man 4 was scrapped because Raimi could not find a great plot. And this time also the script is to be blamed. Five years' wait and we thought we would get some great kicks but sadly nothing much was dished out. 


Watch the movie for the effects and the fresh new characters. Do not expect anything extraordinary otherwise you will end up disappointing yourself as I did.

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Welcome To Wasseypur

I am a great movie buff, one of the greatest around. A great proclivity for cinema I have got.  I have been a sincere fan of Martin Scorsese's works, all of them. I believe that a great director can put all the elements of greatness in a movie and make it reach the epitome of cinema. He can set fire to water if there is a natural demand for it. Not the actors, but the directors have always given cinema a turnaround whenever required.

Now, this guy - Anurag Kashyap, is heavily influenced by Scorsese, and may be some other directors too. Being influenced and then delivering beyond imagination is a gargantuan task, only few blessed people can do. The film style and  techniques which he carries with himself are rare, almost rare in the Bollywood where some quacks in the name of cinema produce utter rubbish stuffs and beguile the audience of real dimensions of cinema. 

Let's quickly talk about the movie. Every dimension of cinema has been given full respect. Everyone's performance is quite commendable. The cinematography is simply amazing. The dialogues are such a bliss to any Bihari ears. Thanks to the God, I have got a pair. A great music to spice up the situations. You know, the music will remind you of Kill Bill. Music has been Tarantino's one of the greatest weapons. Tarantino has also influenced Kashyap. The direction of the movie- let's not talk about that. I have talked a lot already about the director.

One thing I want to mention particularly. Many directors tried to get into gang-wars, mafia and other stories involving Bihar and U.P. But the level to which this movie takes you has never been achieved earlier. I was just flabbergasted. How could the director boil down to such intricacies? That's the job of a genius, ain't it?  

There were few things I did not like about the movie. The movie needed a little bit more work on editing. The narrator should have been a better one. A powerful voice was what I thought lacked. Also if the movie were little bit peaceful in the first half, it would have been a legend. Remember Taxi Driver. That calmness and that peace. And one thing particularly- it should have been released in one piece despite of any length it had got. But bad things come in twos and here is Bollywood's baddie my friend.

Do not listen to what one says. Just go for it. It will satisfy the voracious you. A perfect roller-coaster ride. And those who follow the quacks I mentioned - please avoid this movie. We do not want such slumps despising something heavenly.

P.S.- Do not watch this movie with your girl otherwise you will end up answering the one and only question throughout the movie. "What does that mean"?

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