First day First show

First day First show

Dollar Dreams
Rating: * * *
This is everybody's story, well, at least the story of everybody who dreams of studying or working in the US of A. First time director and national award winner Shekhar Kammula's debut film captures the aspirations and struggles of US bound Indians.

Taking the brain drain issue very seriously, Kammula tells the story of six friends who dream about the dollar. While some will do anything to get there, others are not so sure. Ravi (Ravi Raju), the brighter guy of the lot, makes the long journey to the US, leaving behind friends who debate the merits and demerits of the whole thing.

Sardar is happy doing business in India, while Phani is in two minds about getting his visa done. Srini (Anish Yohan Kuruvilla) is the one who knows he doesn't want to go but not everyone, including his father, understands why. And while the friends discuss things, budding journalist Usha (Priyanka Vir) runs around compiling a project on the US bug.

All the different issues are brought out during adda sessions and when Usha is quizzing college students about why the urge to go. The film also explores why people find it difficult to come back even though they want to.By the way, in case you get confused about the presence of a woman who pops in and out of the screen, she is the conscience of the group. She advices the group, helps them make up their minds and is just there. The conscience thing doesn't work very well because for better part of the film even the group is trying to figure out who she is. And then suddenly this total stranger becomes a part of the group. But now that you have read this you know. Cast in the mould of Hyderabad Blues, this is basically a small film about a big issue made on a tiny budget. The result is that all through you will feel that you are watching a home video. And home videos are always sweet, so is the film.

Here On Earth
Rating: * *
This is going to be short. First, the film falls in the mush category, where pretty girls fall in love with good looking boys, breaking the heart of other boys who are also in love. Second, if you prioritise your agenda for the weekend this film should figure somewhere at the bottom of the list.And finally, what the film is really about. The story is set in a regular small American town, where everybody knows everybody and life is beautiful.

Enter a stranger -- a rich man's son who announces his arrival by being involved in an accident that brings down a motel. Put on probation, Kelly (Chris Klein) and hometown boy Jasper (Josh Hartnett) are instructed to help build the motel back. A grumpy Kelly moves in to live with Jasper and goes about doing his job in a sullen manner.

Completing the triangle is Samantha (Leelee Sobieski), Jasper's girlfriend who falls heads over heel in love with Kelly. The script now takes on a predictable course. The mystery about Samantha and her frequent visits to the doctor is solved by the end, which is sad.

The last word about the cast. They are all good looking and the script doesn't really demand Oscar winning performances. But they are competent.

-- ANURADHA NAGARAJ