Reel deal

A week at the movies.

It's the weekend again and the usual string of calls has kept my cell phone busy. It's also the standard queries that come flying my way. 'So what's the plan, Josh? Where are we going? What time should I turn up at your place? Can I ride pillion? Should I get my rain gear?'

Yes, I usually hit the road every weekend "" a long ride on Sunday mornings, yet short enough to have me and the gang back home in time for the big Sunday lunch.

But this weekend the guys are in for a surprise. Blame it all on the hectic week at work. Or the cinema near the office that had me come up with the perfect way to keep the boys busy.

On Tuesday, I watched a movie called The World's Fastest Indian (no, it wasn't a PT Usha starrer), Thursday was spent at the premier of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and then Friday gave me an opportunity to watch Cars "" a cute animated film from the makers of Toy Story and The Incredibles.

Tokyo Drift is the least interesting of the trio, but it's a must watch just for the eye candy. Well, the film features a lot of scantily clad women, but surprisingly it's the carburettors that take centre stage.

The film is about a rebellious American kid, Sean (Lucas Black) who's just moved in with his estranged father and is trying hard to find his own space in Japanese society.

While doing so, he finds a sidekick in Twinkie (played by rapper Bow Wow), a girlfriend Neela (Nathalie Kelly) and makes an enemy of DK (Brian Tee). The movie has a face off between Sean and DK and the winners gets a chance to take part in the race of all races, against a guy making a secret cameo appearance at the end of the film.

Watch it if you enjoy sideways action and need a few cues about sprucing up your ride. As for the inane plot, you'll just have to ignore it.

Cars, on the other hand, is a movie that's like one of those weekend drives where your wife's driving the back-up car (of her choice) and the little one is enjoying the view from the back seat. It's a movie that the whole family will enjoy.

The film takes place in a world of automobiles, where Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is the lead character who's a NASCAR in his rookie season and is struggling to win the Piston Cup.

At the end of the season, he's tied for points with Chief Hicks (Michael Keaton) and The King (Richard Petty). He sets off for a showdown in California but soon finds himself lost in a small town called Radiator Springs in Carburettor County, on the famous Route 66. McQueen gets arrested for traffic violations and is befriended by tow truck Mater and Doc Hudson, a retired race car champ.

He also falls in love with Sally, the motel owner. Will McQueen make it to California in time for the race? The answer is obvious, but its fun watching the drama unfold. Amazing animation and jokes for both the young and old makes Cars another must-see.

But no guesses as to which movie the vintage buff and enthusiast in me enjoyed the most. The World's Fastest Indian is a film that's based on the true story of Kiwi land-speed record holder Burt Munro. And what a story it is! The film revolves around Munro's dream journey to the Salt flats at Bonneville and his efforts to increase the 86 kph top speed of his 1920 Indian scout on a shoestring budget.

Complete with humorous one-liners and a heartwarming bond that Munro shares with his adolescent neighbour, this movie evokes emotions and is full of character. An inspiring film for everyone, not just auto buffs.

I'm going to watch these three movies this Sunday in one big movie marathon "" for the second time. I'm sure it'll be as much fun as the usual Sunday ride. What say, guys?