sports for ALL!!

We talk about equality of sexes almost all the time and there has been a constant battle for woman empowerment, many are fought and some are hard won. The recent passing of legislation to increase the representation of women in parliament was one such hard won battle, that bought to focus the growing desire and necessity to have the fairer sex in the forefront of developement. Nehru said ' A nations progress can be judged by the status of its women'. This made me think, if this is true, what does this say about INDIA? How will we be judged? Definitely, we will be taken more seriously if we were to indeed create some unique opportunities for women.

The movie CHAK DE gave us an insight into how the world looks at women in sports. There are huge problems: be it funding, sponsors or infrastructure, it was clear as day that they are at a serious disadvantage. Some argue that sports is more of a gentleman's game because of the amount of stamina required. But at the end of the day it is a test of endurance and skill. So why is that women in sports are not as popular as the men? Why are they not given a level playing field with the men or the same amount of recognition and support? Why is that people feel that watching men's cricket is a lot more exciting than womens cricket? I would say all this is because of the lack of exposure and awareness or maybe even ignorance on our part. Ask any ardent cricket fan, even a woman 'who the captain of the Women's Indian cricket team is'? They will definitely draw a blank.

Take the IPL for example, Underneath the corporate exploiting the event for marketing gimmicks and many other such agendas, the BCCI insists that at the heart of it, IPL was created to find some fresh talent and give them a once in a lifetime opportunity to play alongside the best. If this is their mission, shouldn't their vision also include women? Why not have one or two women players in the team. They have ceiling limits and rules on almost everything right from the number of international players. Why not give women an opportunity to prove themselves? If we are truly equals this should be no problem. Even tennis has a concept of mixed doubles and this is also a game that's not just about skill but endurance as well. Women are just as talented if not more than men and all they need is someone need to open doors for them and give them a voice. As a developing nation our voice is loud, but as we all know actions speak louder than words. By adding women to the equation you not only intrigue the audience but the anticipation of seeing how well they fair will increase your TRP. It will be a win-win situation for all involved and India will be viewed in a completely different and positive light. The BCCI should seriously consider opening up the IPL to women as well because there is incredible talent there just waiting to be discovered and show the world what they are made of

The IPL with its enormous success should pave way to newer ideas and maintain the spirit of the game in the truest sense.

the bounty hunter - review

MOVIE: THE BOUNTY HUNTER

CAST: Jenifer Aniston, Gerard Butler

The movie is directed by Andy Tennant who is well-known for some truly wonderful movies like Hitch and Sweet Home Alabama. Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler), a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, gets his dream job when he is assigned to track down his bail-jumping ex-wife, reporter Nicole Hurly (Jenifer Aniston). Milo is hoping to cash in on an easy opportunity, embarrassing his ex-wife seems to be an added bonus. But things get a little complicated when Nicole gives him the slip so she can chase a lead on a murder cover-up. But she seems to have taken a wrong turn with the investigation and things go from bad to worse, when a hit is ordered to shut her up permanently. The exes continually one-up each other - until they find themselves on the run for their lives.

Little high and too low!

One would have high expectations because the cast and crew are known to be some of the best in the business. The only positives that are evident in the movie is Jenifer Aniston’s hot body that will make you want to eat your heart out and Gerard Butlers cute smile. The movie suffers mainly because the script is just pain horrible. There can be no other word to describe this disaster. Frankly, I love Aniston and Butler, but this movie is so wrong on so many levels I do not know where to begin. The wardrobe for Butler was so hideous! Even my fat cousin has better taste in clothes!! The comedy and romance which are essential to a ROM-COM are totally absent. There seems to be no chemistry what so ever between the two lead actors!! It is just a mindless watch I would say, If u wanna just go to the movies and neck then this would be the movie to pick.

Siobhan Fallon Hogan as Teresa the bondsman's secretary, seem to the only one who could muster up a good performance. Overall a bad script, bad acting, bad comedy, no romance, bad action sequences, some clichéd scenes all add up to a truly atrocious movie that is not worth your time,money or energy. Lots of hammy faces, hollow jokes and property damage make this movie a truly regrettable experience.

Bottomline:

Watch it at your own risk. If you blow your brains out afterward atleast I can say ‘I told you so’.

IT's Complicated Movie review

ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR!

MOVIE: It’s Complicated

CAST: Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin

This Romantic-comedy was written and directed by Nancy Meyers, known for films such as The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give, and Father of the Bride. The movie revolves around Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) who have been divorced for a decade, but have learned to get along. Seems simple enough, but not for long as a steamy night between the two leads to a totally different kind of hangover! Jake is married to a woman half his age and Jane now finds herself being the other woman. Though her conscience plagues her, Jane cannot think past Jake and finds herself with conflicting emotions. But things get even more interesting when Adam (Steve Martin) enters the scene, unwittingly forming a love triangle.

Get high & low:

Jane owns a successful bakery and the onslaught of all the pastries and food is cause for all kinds of cravings. But this movie is not for the faint hearted, as seeing Alec Baldwin without clothes takes some serious courage. The cast with the exception of Lake Bell (Agnes) was well picked, as one feels an instant connection with Jane’s Children and the sense of family comes across. John Krasinski as Hurley leaves a lasting impression with his comic timing. The story is sometimes predictable and the constant giggling will get on your nerves. Steve Martin is not that great but his performance is effective to the say the least.

Age is just a number:

Anyone other than Meryl would have come off as tacky and cheap, but she looks fabulous and her acting almost flawless. And this comes as no surprise, has she ever done a bad movie?? If you’re a fan of 30 Rock, then you’ll definitely love Alec in this one, as he's blossomed into a terrific comic actor, a wickedly self-mocking satyr. Jake and Adam are hooked onto Jane, Who win finally win her over?

Bottomline:

An entertaining and fun ride which gives us a chance to escape into a world where everything is beautiful, even advancing middle age.