VALKYRIE

Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Eddie Izzard, Thomas Kretschmann

"Many saw evil. They dared to stop it."

Star Movies

This film based on actual events unveils a plot to assassinate Hitler at the height of the second World War. It is a gripping suspenseful thriller about an operation hatched by top ranking members of Hitler's Third Reich.

The movie delved straight into the rigors of the operation. It showed the intricate planning, the roles each character played in the plot, the actual execution of Operation Valkyrie as well as the aftermath after its dismal failure. Although it is teeming with too many characters for my coherent comprehension and most of them portrayed by British actors with British accents, it still succeeded in narrating a chapter in history not often told. It still conveyed through dramatic sequences along with loud blaring music for maximum effect, the main aim of the plot - to kill Hitler.

Before this film, I didn't know that there were several attempts to kill one of the most hated men in history. Then to find out through this film that a plot was orchestrated by disgruntled members of his inner circle was quite a revelation. It completely changed my view about the Germans. For years I've often wondered how the citizens of Germany could tolerate such atrocities to be committed against the Jews, now I know better.

One of the central characters involved in the plot uttered: "We have to show the world that not all of us are like him. Otherwise, this will always be Hitler's Germany." So this film restored my firm belief in the good nature of mankind. In particular, that not all Germans wholeheartedly and blindly supported the Fuhrer and what he vilely stood for as documented in the annals of history books.

THE WRESTLER

Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood

"Love. Pain. Glory"

Mickey Rourke has always been one of those actors you hardly notice in films or maybe you did but for his 'bad boy' image. Except for a few 'lead' roles, he would usually portray supporting parts as some villain out to get the main star. But he would essay these roles in such convincing manner that you tend to believe that he was indeed a bad person in real life. So I was really glad that he was given a meatier role for his comeback film. For someone whose career has spanned for decades now, it is about time he proved himself in a role that I believe was tailor made to fit his personality.

In this poignant film, he is Randy "The Ram" Robinson who is an aging professional wrestler. After he is suddenly forced to retire (for health reasons) from the wrestling world, Randy struggles to come to terms to a life outside the ring. With hardly any savings, no meaningful social relationships, it is a pretty lonely and sad existence.

I admit it was painful to watch, sometimes. This film really tugged at my heart strings. It was filled with really miserably sad scenes of a man's painful attempt at rebuilding his life. As well as desperately trying to reconnect with people who mattered to him like his estranged daughter and his 'love interest'.

But the film also gave interesting insights into the world of wrestling. Of course, we all know that most of the 'stunts' are rehearsed or scripted yet it doesn't mean the wrestlers don't get hurt. I actually cringed during those violent wrestling sequences.

Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei were brilliant in their roles as they both convincingly perform down on their luck individuals past their prime. A film that is buoyed on with a soundtrack of mostly 80s tunes with the likes of Guns n Roses blaring out loud, it serves as an excellent comeback vehicle for Mickey Rourke.

No wonder it got noticed by critics, it is a simple film but quite soulful in its presentation of the harsh reality in the life of an aging wrestler.

Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical the shop that offers $8 Prescription Zenni Glasses is pleased to present their New Arrivals. Their Holiday Fun Eyeglasses are just in time for the merriest of all seasons. They are modern, funky and trendy eyewear that caters to everyone's taste.

Personally, I prefer my glasses to be basic, functional and trimmings free. I wonder if an eye wear with a funkier design like this would suit me?