Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Value for money: Rs.100 for a Rs.200 ticket
Recommendation: Second half has some glimpses of drama and worth. But otherwise avoidable.
SPOILER ALERT: Please do not read any further as I discuss the story. If you plan to see the film, reading further may SPOIL your experience.
Strange, but true. I am sure many go to the theater and want to pass some time. All the movies are equally untempting (or you have seen it already). The same old lousy movies are still playing, trying to get a few more alms. Déja vu experience? This week the two Hindi releases are small time films -- one of which is Life Express. I was eager to see it as it is based on a Marathi play. (Also, I had already seen all the third-rate movies that are still playing!)
This film is about surrogate motherhood. The strangest thing being that the couple goes in for surrogacy because the wife wants to pursue her career.
The second half of the film has glimpses of drama and worth. The first half is yawn! Rituparna is a big yawn and so also whoever is cast opposite her. Divya Dutta is adequate and is fairly effective -- but my expectations from her are higher. Her hubby too does a wonderful job and fits the role to the T!
There is a big twist in the end -- which is highly unsatisfactory.
I do not know about the original Marathi play, but I wonder whether the movie got lost in translation and direction. The script is not powerful enough. The first half is a dead bore. I think this could have been a hard hitting film with better direction, scripting, and acting.
Recommendation: Avoid. Not really worth the money or the time.
Friday, September 17, 2010
For Real -- Really Slow Movie
Spoiler Alert -- Please do not read after the next 4 lines lines as I am discussing part of the story.
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Value for money: Rs.90 value for /Rs.90 ticket.
Recommendation: Avoid. (As if, you are going to listen to me!)
Indian English Movie
Marital discord has been done to death in Hindi films and films all over. The effect of marital discord on children again has been attempted several times. This time we have a slow 86 minutes film using the sort of slice of life technique.
The film is fairly well directed and has some very interesting cinematography. The script and story do not live up to make an effective impact. Acting by the young girl is superb. I am never, never happy with the way our psychiatrists are portrayed in Indian cinema.
The film has won several awards and it seems to be an out and out festival film. But the pace of the movie is unnervingly slow and confusing.
This is one of the movies where everything seems to be good, but when all are added up, the result is not good, but average.
Recommendation: Avoid. It is neither entertaining or englightening.
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Value for money: Rs.90 value for /Rs.90 ticket.
Recommendation: Avoid. (As if, you are going to listen to me!)
Indian English Movie
Marital discord has been done to death in Hindi films and films all over. The effect of marital discord on children again has been attempted several times. This time we have a slow 86 minutes film using the sort of slice of life technique.
The film is fairly well directed and has some very interesting cinematography. The script and story do not live up to make an effective impact. Acting by the young girl is superb. I am never, never happy with the way our psychiatrists are portrayed in Indian cinema.
The film has won several awards and it seems to be an out and out festival film. But the pace of the movie is unnervingly slow and confusing.
This is one of the movies where everything seems to be good, but when all are added up, the result is not good, but average.
Recommendation: Avoid. It is neither entertaining or englightening.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Mallika -- Horror back with a bang!
Rating: 2.25/5 stars
Value: Rs.100 value for Rs.130 ticket
Recommendation: Definitely worth a watch, specially for those who love the horror genre.
Prediction: Definitely, a decent hit (will recover money).
SPOILER ALERT: Normally, I do not tell any part of the story. Here again I do not include the story, however, be warned some idea of the genre is provided. So do not read the review, if you feel it may SPOIL your experience.
Facebook Status: MALLIKA, 2.25/5 stars, Rs.100 value for Rs.130! Looks like the horror genre is back with a bang. Woh bhooli dastaan, woh phir yaad agayi! Wilson Louis has indeed done a good job with special effects. Story, special effects, direction and acting are reasonably good. Definitely worth a watch, if you are a horror fan!
As Mallika is by first time director Wilson Louis, I am tempted to give 2.5/5 stars, but still, I have been strict as usual and give it 2.25! For a first effort, the film is pretty good. I loved the first half an hour, where Wilson shows his masterly touches. (He is a first time director, but he has YEARS of experience in special effects!)
Indian films have a fairly decent horror heritage. We have our cliches -- the lady in white saree, a haunting melodious song, creaking swings (I don't understand the fascination for these swings.), and of course scary music. Wilson updates all this quite a bit: we have a lady in white gown, Woh bhooli dastaan, who phir aagayi makes a come back, the creaking swing is very much there.
Of course, as in all supernatural stories we have the typical clichés: atma (spirit) which comes back to take revenge, someone who is there to tame the atma, blood and gore, flying objects, frightening music. While these are there, Wilson tries to take it to a higher level, gives it a different twist, and succeeds to a great extent.
Plus points: About half the story is well crafted, and the other half is really jumbled. It is really difficult to understand the jumble. The first half an hour specially has some really good scares, so also the first half of the movie. The second half becomes sort of routine, using the age-old chichés.
Suresh Nair as the investigating Inspector and his side-kick provide comic relief. Sheena Nair does a Mallika Sherawat (wondering whether the script/title was written with her in mind) and provides a lot of sex appeal. Sameer Dattani is competent.
Special effects are by and large good. Music and sound effects are OK. Direction is by and large effective and good. Listening to Woh bhooli dastaan is a treat.
Minus points: Story drags a bit in the first half. The second half is cramped, and the climax is stretched a bit. It has become very filmy, although Wilson does try to add his touches and make it interesting.The freshness of story shown in most parts of the movie is lost in the climax. Climax is crafted differently and well, but using the same old ingredients and theories.
Summary: The film is pretty satisfying. It does keep you guessing, it does keep you entertained. It does keep you scared, specially in the first half. I never thought horror could be entertaining. Believe me, it is!
Recommendation: Definitely worth a watch, specially if you are a horror film buff.
Value: Rs.100 value for Rs.130 ticket
Recommendation: Definitely worth a watch, specially for those who love the horror genre.
Prediction: Definitely, a decent hit (will recover money).
SPOILER ALERT: Normally, I do not tell any part of the story. Here again I do not include the story, however, be warned some idea of the genre is provided. So do not read the review, if you feel it may SPOIL your experience.
Facebook Status: MALLIKA, 2.25/5 stars, Rs.100 value for Rs.130! Looks like the horror genre is back with a bang. Woh bhooli dastaan, woh phir yaad agayi! Wilson Louis has indeed done a good job with special effects. Story, special effects, direction and acting are reasonably good. Definitely worth a watch, if you are a horror fan!
As Mallika is by first time director Wilson Louis, I am tempted to give 2.5/5 stars, but still, I have been strict as usual and give it 2.25! For a first effort, the film is pretty good. I loved the first half an hour, where Wilson shows his masterly touches. (He is a first time director, but he has YEARS of experience in special effects!)
Indian films have a fairly decent horror heritage. We have our cliches -- the lady in white saree, a haunting melodious song, creaking swings (I don't understand the fascination for these swings.), and of course scary music. Wilson updates all this quite a bit: we have a lady in white gown, Woh bhooli dastaan, who phir aagayi makes a come back, the creaking swing is very much there.
Of course, as in all supernatural stories we have the typical clichés: atma (spirit) which comes back to take revenge, someone who is there to tame the atma, blood and gore, flying objects, frightening music. While these are there, Wilson tries to take it to a higher level, gives it a different twist, and succeeds to a great extent.
Plus points: About half the story is well crafted, and the other half is really jumbled. It is really difficult to understand the jumble. The first half an hour specially has some really good scares, so also the first half of the movie. The second half becomes sort of routine, using the age-old chichés.
Suresh Nair as the investigating Inspector and his side-kick provide comic relief. Sheena Nair does a Mallika Sherawat (wondering whether the script/title was written with her in mind) and provides a lot of sex appeal. Sameer Dattani is competent.
Special effects are by and large good. Music and sound effects are OK. Direction is by and large effective and good. Listening to Woh bhooli dastaan is a treat.
Minus points: Story drags a bit in the first half. The second half is cramped, and the climax is stretched a bit. It has become very filmy, although Wilson does try to add his touches and make it interesting.The freshness of story shown in most parts of the movie is lost in the climax. Climax is crafted differently and well, but using the same old ingredients and theories.
Summary: The film is pretty satisfying. It does keep you guessing, it does keep you entertained. It does keep you scared, specially in the first half. I never thought horror could be entertaining. Believe me, it is!
Recommendation: Definitely worth a watch, specially if you are a horror film buff.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
We are Family - Excruciatingly Boring and Old Hat!
Rating: 2.25/5 stars
Value: Rs.75 value for Rs.150 ticket.
Recommendation: Avoid. Women and those who love Kajol may like (find it OK?) it. Similarly, don't think children should watch it or they will find it entertaining.
Facebook status: WE ARE FAMILY-- 2.25/5 stars, Rs.75 value for Rs.150 ticket. First half is EXTREMELY boring. 2nd half is rehash of Kuch Kuch, Kal Ho Na Ho, etc. Karan Johar should grow up! He is stuck with the same formula and emotions. Pathetic story and direction. The usual acting by the trio and the kids! Reco: AVOID. Women and those who like Kajol will not listen to me and still go! OK with me! (Go to Aashayein instead!)
The first half of the movie was excruciatingly boring. So to say there was nothing, or nothing new in it. The second half reminded you of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kal Ho Na Ho. I do not know why Karan Johar has stuck to such a tired, oft repeated formula. OK, you have done some mixing and matching, but the result is boring mostly.
The story and the direction is pathetic. The trio and the kids do their standard routines. Of course, perhaps, the acting saves the film to some extent. Kajol and Kareena trying to outdo each other as actors and characters does take the film up one level from rock bottom.
Unfortunately, I have not seen Step Mom. But I would say that Karan Johar has just used this as a camouflage to hide his repetitive story telling (as mentioned earlier this is just a rehash of his formulaic films). Coming to think of it, Sharukh Khan, perhaps, would have done wonders for this film. Sharukh Khan acting as Sharukh Khan works. But Arjun Ramphal as Arjun Ramphal (he is excruciatingly boring in this film, like in most of his films.) just does not work!
For me, the only saving grace of the film is the song Jail House Rock, ops, I mean its Hindi version. I think Kajol and Kareena are fabulous in it. Choreography is excellent. Arjun Ramphal too rocks! You can watch this song on TV!
This film is definitely NOT for the family, not for kids! I am not too sure whether children will enjoy any part of this film. One or two scenes they are cute and truant! Also, they should not worry as Uncle Karan will still be using the same formula when they grow up! This time the Step Mom is in USA, when the kids grow up, they can see the same film with Step Mom (K and K themselves or their kids!) on the Moon or some planet!
Recommendation: Avoid this movie! Women, fans of Kajol, Kareena, Karan Johar will still make a beeline -- as they may like or tolerate this movie. Personally, I wish I had spent my money on seeing AASHAYEIN again, rather than watch this nonsensical, formulaic film.
Value: Rs.75 value for Rs.150 ticket.
Recommendation: Avoid. Women and those who love Kajol may like (find it OK?) it. Similarly, don't think children should watch it or they will find it entertaining.
Facebook status: WE ARE FAMILY-- 2.25/5 stars, Rs.75 value for Rs.150 ticket. First half is EXTREMELY boring. 2nd half is rehash of Kuch Kuch, Kal Ho Na Ho, etc. Karan Johar should grow up! He is stuck with the same formula and emotions. Pathetic story and direction. The usual acting by the trio and the kids! Reco: AVOID. Women and those who like Kajol will not listen to me and still go! OK with me! (Go to Aashayein instead!)
The first half of the movie was excruciatingly boring. So to say there was nothing, or nothing new in it. The second half reminded you of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kal Ho Na Ho. I do not know why Karan Johar has stuck to such a tired, oft repeated formula. OK, you have done some mixing and matching, but the result is boring mostly.
The story and the direction is pathetic. The trio and the kids do their standard routines. Of course, perhaps, the acting saves the film to some extent. Kajol and Kareena trying to outdo each other as actors and characters does take the film up one level from rock bottom.
Unfortunately, I have not seen Step Mom. But I would say that Karan Johar has just used this as a camouflage to hide his repetitive story telling (as mentioned earlier this is just a rehash of his formulaic films). Coming to think of it, Sharukh Khan, perhaps, would have done wonders for this film. Sharukh Khan acting as Sharukh Khan works. But Arjun Ramphal as Arjun Ramphal (he is excruciatingly boring in this film, like in most of his films.) just does not work!
For me, the only saving grace of the film is the song Jail House Rock, ops, I mean its Hindi version. I think Kajol and Kareena are fabulous in it. Choreography is excellent. Arjun Ramphal too rocks! You can watch this song on TV!
This film is definitely NOT for the family, not for kids! I am not too sure whether children will enjoy any part of this film. One or two scenes they are cute and truant! Also, they should not worry as Uncle Karan will still be using the same formula when they grow up! This time the Step Mom is in USA, when the kids grow up, they can see the same film with Step Mom (K and K themselves or their kids!) on the Moon or some planet!
Recommendation: Avoid this movie! Women, fans of Kajol, Kareena, Karan Johar will still make a beeline -- as they may like or tolerate this movie. Personally, I wish I had spent my money on seeing AASHAYEIN again, rather than watch this nonsensical, formulaic film.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Lafengey Parindey -- full of surprises
Rating: 3.25/5 stars
Value for money: Rs.100 value for a Rs.50 ticket! Double paisa vasool.
One word review: Entertaining
Prediction: Will be a hit. May also become a cult film, with cult dialogs.
This film truly surprised me. I was expecting one of the same old forumula gangster cum romance film; but, surprise, it takes pot shots at life! It is definitely one of the most entertaining films of the year. Gopi Puthran the story/screenplay/dailogue writer is truly a great find and we will certainly hear more about him.
In the acting department, the entire cast surprises you by giving very competent performances. I really loved the Bhai, KK Menon makes a good guest appearance. Both Deepika and Neil surprised me with their performance! All the other goofily named characters were also good.
The story is extremely well written and the film is well directed. The dialogs are memorable and strong! Mumbaiya and tapori language rules! This film reminds you of the good old day films where story and entertainment was paramount. Basically, that formula has been worked out for today's audience.
BTW, the morning 10 am show (Rs.50 ticket) was nearly HOUSEFULL! (the next audi had ONLY 8 people watching Peepli Live! Compare this with 300 people watching Lafengey Parindey!)
The songs and music are quite good. The photography too is quite good.
What is outstanding is the skating choreography (Sandro Guerro)! Deepika and Neil really shine in the skating scenes!
The end is a little bit abrupt and predictable!
Will I watch it again? Yes, of course. There is a bit of violence and gangsterism is the backdrop, but this film is about life and love. Definitely worth a watch, if not more. Go for it! Finally, a truly entertaining film.
Value for money: Rs.100 value for a Rs.50 ticket! Double paisa vasool.
One word review: Entertaining
Prediction: Will be a hit. May also become a cult film, with cult dialogs.
This film truly surprised me. I was expecting one of the same old forumula gangster cum romance film; but, surprise, it takes pot shots at life! It is definitely one of the most entertaining films of the year. Gopi Puthran the story/screenplay/dailogue writer is truly a great find and we will certainly hear more about him.
In the acting department, the entire cast surprises you by giving very competent performances. I really loved the Bhai, KK Menon makes a good guest appearance. Both Deepika and Neil surprised me with their performance! All the other goofily named characters were also good.
The story is extremely well written and the film is well directed. The dialogs are memorable and strong! Mumbaiya and tapori language rules! This film reminds you of the good old day films where story and entertainment was paramount. Basically, that formula has been worked out for today's audience.
BTW, the morning 10 am show (Rs.50 ticket) was nearly HOUSEFULL! (the next audi had ONLY 8 people watching Peepli Live! Compare this with 300 people watching Lafengey Parindey!)
The songs and music are quite good. The photography too is quite good.
What is outstanding is the skating choreography (Sandro Guerro)! Deepika and Neil really shine in the skating scenes!
The end is a little bit abrupt and predictable!
Will I watch it again? Yes, of course. There is a bit of violence and gangsterism is the backdrop, but this film is about life and love. Definitely worth a watch, if not more. Go for it! Finally, a truly entertaining film.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Aisha
Rating: 2/5
Value: Rs.50/Rs.100
One word review: Boring
Prediction: Film will recover its money.
Recommendation: Worth avoiding.
Aisha is a fairly boring film as it deals with the standard subjects of marriage, love triangles, and match making. There is no freshness in the film. It is a stale subject filmed in a very boring manner.
Sonam, Miss Dube and Cyrus are unbearable. Amrita Puri as the behenji was quite good. Abhay Deol is totally wasted. Abhay what were you thinking when you signed the film? Arunoday Singh makes a fine debut (assuming it is a debut). Anand Tiwari too which watchable.
The Gal Mithi Mithi bol song comes at the very end. This I think is the only good part of the film.
I cannot understand why we need to adapt a classic like Emma. I have not seen Clueless, but most probably it is an adaptation of Clueless. Even when we do, why can't we make it snazzy, interesting, entertaining.
I feel we can term this an out and out multiplex film -- with quite a bit of English dialogues. It is a very quaint film, with horse polo and river rafting. I think the film is based in Delhi -- and one of the biggest lacuna of the film is that we do not even get a whiff of Delhi.
Value: Rs.50/Rs.100
One word review: Boring
Prediction: Film will recover its money.
Recommendation: Worth avoiding.
Aisha is a fairly boring film as it deals with the standard subjects of marriage, love triangles, and match making. There is no freshness in the film. It is a stale subject filmed in a very boring manner.
Sonam, Miss Dube and Cyrus are unbearable. Amrita Puri as the behenji was quite good. Abhay Deol is totally wasted. Abhay what were you thinking when you signed the film? Arunoday Singh makes a fine debut (assuming it is a debut). Anand Tiwari too which watchable.
The Gal Mithi Mithi bol song comes at the very end. This I think is the only good part of the film.
I cannot understand why we need to adapt a classic like Emma. I have not seen Clueless, but most probably it is an adaptation of Clueless. Even when we do, why can't we make it snazzy, interesting, entertaining.
I feel we can term this an out and out multiplex film -- with quite a bit of English dialogues. It is a very quaint film, with horse polo and river rafting. I think the film is based in Delhi -- and one of the biggest lacuna of the film is that we do not even get a whiff of Delhi.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
I hate Luv Storys -- You will hate films!
Rating: 2/5
Value: Rs.100/Rs.225
In a tweet:
You will hate films after you see this one! Extremely puerile attempt with hardly any story or anything new! Most boring! Stay, far far away!
Seeing the promos I was sure that I did not want to see this film. I find Imran Khan very irritating. Another person, whom I find quite boring is Sonam. I do not hate love stories, but I know all these new directors can hardly come up with a good, interesting film. At best they can come up with a very average film and thanks to money power, advertisement power, loyalties, and a very obedient/compliant media/film reviewers some of these movies are touted as good films and worth watching. Some even manage to get 3 stars -- despite the review saying that the movie has no story and several other faults.
Well, this review will be seedhi baat, no bakwaas! Just like in most Hindi films, I was banging my head against the nice cosy recliner sofa, in the first half an hour! Please, please, please get on with the story. No voice overs please! Can the Film ministry or the Censor board not ban such boring voice overs! BTW, this continues throughout the film!
The first half is extremely boring, puerile, and confusing. Second, half -- ditto!
On the music front, nothing great to write home about. However, the song Bin tere is quite hummable.
I hate making comments on acting (see how easily the word has come into our vocabulary thanks to a stupid film)! Honestly, very rarely do I see any acting, any actor fitting into the role of a character. Most of the acting in this film is of the same calibre! Ketki Dave -- whose ARAARARAA I loved in the TV serial -- is miscast as a Gujarati lady! I would fault the direction for the inability to make a Gujju lady get into the character of a Gujju lady! Sameer Soni as the Director is pathetic!
I think the script writing and the dialog writing department should be fired. This is one of the most pathetic scripts. (Mind you, I write as an audience without any knowledge about film making.) The story, if at all there is any, just meanders without any purpose or direction.
Why did I go and see the film? Well, I am interested in film making and thought that a spoof on film making would be worth watching.
Do our film makers not watch good cinema? If they do, how come they come up with such terrible movies?
Should you watch this movie? Of course not! It is an extremely boring film. Do not be misled by reviews (including this one!) Make your own judgement. Stay far, far away.
Value: Rs.100/Rs.225
In a tweet:
You will hate films after you see this one! Extremely puerile attempt with hardly any story or anything new! Most boring! Stay, far far away!
Seeing the promos I was sure that I did not want to see this film. I find Imran Khan very irritating. Another person, whom I find quite boring is Sonam. I do not hate love stories, but I know all these new directors can hardly come up with a good, interesting film. At best they can come up with a very average film and thanks to money power, advertisement power, loyalties, and a very obedient/compliant media/film reviewers some of these movies are touted as good films and worth watching. Some even manage to get 3 stars -- despite the review saying that the movie has no story and several other faults.
Well, this review will be seedhi baat, no bakwaas! Just like in most Hindi films, I was banging my head against the nice cosy recliner sofa, in the first half an hour! Please, please, please get on with the story. No voice overs please! Can the Film ministry or the Censor board not ban such boring voice overs! BTW, this continues throughout the film!
The first half is extremely boring, puerile, and confusing. Second, half -- ditto!
On the music front, nothing great to write home about. However, the song Bin tere is quite hummable.
I hate making comments on acting (see how easily the word has come into our vocabulary thanks to a stupid film)! Honestly, very rarely do I see any acting, any actor fitting into the role of a character. Most of the acting in this film is of the same calibre! Ketki Dave -- whose ARAARARAA I loved in the TV serial -- is miscast as a Gujarati lady! I would fault the direction for the inability to make a Gujju lady get into the character of a Gujju lady! Sameer Soni as the Director is pathetic!
I think the script writing and the dialog writing department should be fired. This is one of the most pathetic scripts. (Mind you, I write as an audience without any knowledge about film making.) The story, if at all there is any, just meanders without any purpose or direction.
Why did I go and see the film? Well, I am interested in film making and thought that a spoof on film making would be worth watching.
Do our film makers not watch good cinema? If they do, how come they come up with such terrible movies?
Should you watch this movie? Of course not! It is an extremely boring film. Do not be misled by reviews (including this one!) Make your own judgement. Stay far, far away.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Floored by Bengaloored!
Rating: 3/5
Value for money: Rs.100/Rs.100
Note: This is an Indian English movie!
Available only in select cinemas and shows in Mumbai, Delhi, mainly in PVR. Thanks, PVR.
Check out http://www.bengaloored.com for promos, music clips, caller tunes and more info.
In a tweet:
One of the best low-budget films of recent times. Bengaloored is a film with a lot of substance. Though anchored in Bengalooru, it is a film about life and change.
I have already seen it twice! This is one of the films which you can see again and again and try to understand it and get richer nuances and ideas from the film. Undoubltedly, this is going to be one of the most memorable films of the year. In fact, but for a few of its flaws, I am tempted to put this film in my list of top 10 films. Believe me, it has got its foot in the door in my list of top 10 films.
Let me be honest. I may be biased. I am biased towards good cinema. I hate movies which are flimsy and have earned crores purely on marketing and hype. This film in contrast is a well-made film. The fact that it has got a release is in fact a wonder. PVR cinemas should be complimented for promoting good cinema. Imagine a terrible movie like Raavan (the most boring movie of the year definitely) hogs all the theatre spaces because of sheer star power! Enough rants, let me come to the film.
The film is a sort of coming of age movie. We have the hero returning to Bengalooru (interestingly the name is not mentioned in the movie at all!) where all his friends and family have disappeared. He is a novelist searching for an end for his novel. His quest for the answer provides us some answers to life. Or, even if there is no real answer to the question, the question itself leads to more questions, and maybe the question itself is the answer.
According to me this will be a cult classic. With a little bit of word of mouth publicity or some guerilla marketing, this movie is a sure fire sleeper hit! (On a side note -- imagine a crap movie like Paranormal Activity goes on to make millions thanks to some fantastic hype! I do not know why good films cannot create that buzz and hype.) Wish reviewers like Khalid Mohamed, Mayank Shekar, Rajeev Masand and Anupama Chopra created a positive buzz about the film to encourage a young, new film maker.
This film is a fresh look at life. What is life today? Has it changed? How has it changed? Is life really worth it? Are poetry, art, music worth it? What motivates a person to live and love? What is love? How can one be happy? Who is a happy person?
The music by Vasu Dixit of Swarathma (Indian fusion band) is absolutely delightful. I loved the Kannada song, Elli hogi Shivanayana. Well, here is a taste of it:
Ellhogali Shivanayana --Click to watch and enjoy!
Unfortunately, I do not follow Kannada too well, but still I enjoyed the song. All the other songs too are good -- I think some of them are in Hindi and some in English! Rangmahal is a nice Hindi folk song based on Sant Kabir Das's composition. (Ouch -- I am still to understand it!) After listening to just the promos on You Tube -- I wanted to rush and get the CD! Yes, the music is superb!
On the acting front, Swaroop Kanchi (the writer-director) is mind-blowing. All the others are quite adequate. Swaroop's direction is really interesting. He is the writer and editor of the film too, so he has really controlled the film too well.
On the negative side, the film is a bit slow in parts. I personally did not like the open ending of the film.
I think Swaroop Kanchi is a fantastic film maker. Sadly, I think he has not got his due. I am really looking forward to more wonderful films from this brilliant and sensitive director.
Will I watch it again? Honestly, I can watch this film, again and again and again! Loved the film! If you love life, you cannot but love this film!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Ravanan (Tamil) -- Worth a Watch
Ravanan (Tamil version, with English subtitles)
Rating: 2.5/5.00
Worth Rs.70/Rs. 70 (reduced rate of Rs.70 as it was morning show and apparently no one is coming for the movie) However, there were some 15 of us! 14 tamilians and me.
After the ear shattering experience of Abhishek as Ravan in Hindi, I wanted to check out how Vikram has done the role. Indeed, Vikram fits the Ravan character better. Of course, he does not come out as a menacing villain, but his love for Ash comes out clearly. In the Hindi version, this was just guess work and one was not sure.
Surprisingly, I found the Tamil version, pretty OK and watchable. In fact to recall, I had called the Hindi version the most boring movie I have seen in recent times. Thanks to the subtitles I could follow the meaning in the songs and the voiceovers. Mani has in fact loaded the songs and voiceover with deep meanings.
As I went through the first half, I could make out why Mani had failed in the Hindi version. In the Tamil version too the same failings would apply. Basically, the movie has a lot of loose ends. One keeps asking why is this so, this is not normal. For instance, there is a face-off between the brigands and the police. The brigands just disappear, with Dev capturing and beating one of them. What meaning or value is this sequence adding to the movie?
While Vikram overshadows Abhishek in the acting department, it is Govinda overshadowing his counterpart. Aishwarya seems competent or at least she has made a good effort to act in the Tamil version. Why the emotions cannot be seen in the Hindi version is a mystery to me. The Dev in both versions are cardboard characters and are dull as cardboard. I personally feel that if Abhishek had done the Dev role, it would have worked better.
I think Mani had started with a great movie outline and a movie with the potential of a Sholay or a Rajneeti. But somehow he lacks the killer instinct to do a great film. His Yuva, Sathiya, Anjali were movies with a spark and some dum. Dil se was a dud according to me, but for the fantastic song (chaiya chaiya). I think he should stick to Tamil movies -- because Ravan has proved to be a unmitigated disaster.
AR Rahman seems more tolerable and appropriate in the Tamil version.
The twist in the end is interesting -- however, not interesting enough to sustain interest. We do not have a cliff-hanger. Mani just takes us to the cliff and drops us -- just like Ravan in the first scene (he did warn us, did'nt he).
I always gauge a reaction to the film from the smiles on the faces of the audience while coming out. There were 6 tamil girls who came out -- all of them had smiles, which seemed to say, we liked the movie. A few others too had the same look. I too had a positive experience.
Perhaps, we can believe Amitabh Bachchan when he tweeted: .gather lot of merited film edited out, causing inconsistent performance and narrative, but what presentation!
In none of the reviews I have noticed this idea -- that perhaps Mani was trying to say that there is a Ravan in Ram and a Ram in Ravan or Ram has turned Ravan and Ravan has turned into a Ram. If this was his original idea -- I think he has truly failed to make this idea clear. I only got an inkling of this idea. That would have made a great film.
Should you watch the Tamil version? Honestly, the Tamil version (albeit in my case via subtitles) was more intelligible and seemed to make some sense. The Hindi version, I think got messed up due to Abhishek or was it the editing or was it Ash? Mani? Of course not! He is God, yaar! (not to me, I am an agnostic or atheist). I am sure you will not get a headache in the Tamil version. Hindi version -- well, it is all bak-bak-bak-bak! And dude -- stick to Dostana type of films.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Raavan -- Most Boring Movie To Date!
Rating: 1/5
Value for money: Rs.20/100
FaceBook Status:
RAAVAN :most boring movie. First half it felt like Mani Sir was hitting me with a hammer on my Sir (Now I know why they call him Sir). AR Rahman helping out with his grating sound! In the climax, there is some whiff of a story. Er Mani-ji, you will get many awards for the films, but here is one from me: Most Boring Film of the Year. Rating 1/5 Value: Rs.20/100. Stay far away!
There is hardly any story in the first half of the movie. You have the forest and you have Beera and you have the screeching and screaming Ragini. Ragini is appropriately named -- one fails to keep count of the numerous raagaas she cries out throughout the movie. Beera played by Abhishek Bacchan is so boring and stale and repeated that one wants to go out and have a Beer-ah! The forest or the locale is in some grey and dark shades and is really frightening. As a member of the audience said, Ram Gopal Verma ka movie lagta hai. (You are still reading this nonsense that I am writing. Well, OK, it is much more interesting than the film!)
I fail to understand why the name Raavan and why all the hungama about being based on the Ramayana. Honestly, it is a great insult to a great, epic story.
Cop chasing a criminal has been done to death in hundreds of movies. Here we have one more attempt. That too by a very boring copy, Vikram as Inspector Dev (notice our award winning director's creativity). An extremely boring criminal Beera -- whose antics are most childish and pathetic. At one level, we have Gabbar at 100 and we have Beera at 1 or 0. In fact, we are confused whether he is a villain at all at times. It appears more like someone pretending to be a villain. I cannot even say Abhishek disappoints, as I hardly have any expectations from him. He is another one of our non-acting actors. Ditto -- Aishwarya Rai. Ditto -- Vikram. Govinda does his comic capers and routines -- and fails. Kishen-wa should stick to Bhojpuri films.
The music score throughout the movie is grating and really makes the movie even more worse! The song sequences are idiotic. This is from a musician whom I love to hate -- AR Rahman. Jai ho!
The problem with this movie is that it has a very weak story. Basically, it is a tiny short story stretched into a novel. The cinematography is good, the locales are terrific. The pace and the direction in the movie is uneven. The stunts are awful and nothing new in here. Old wine in new bottle. In how many movies have we seen these same old stunts, bridges giving away, steep fall, and the hero and villain come back to the top unscathed.
Why do we make such bad movies? Why do reviewers like Nkhat Kazmi give it 3.5 stars? Is Times of India influenced by Reliance Big Films? Imagine all the revenue from full-page ads carrying all these stars.
Should you see this movie? Yes, definitely see it if you want to get a free headache! It is one of the worst movies that I have seen in recent times. It is one of the most boring movies that I have seen. Stay far, far away from this movie.
Despite all this, I am sure the film will take many awards. I do not know how Mani Ratnam does it and how come he has such a big following when all he does is make such boring films. Average films that are highly overrated. Well, here is one award from me, in fact the first one to be awarded: Most Boring Film of the Year.
Value for money: Rs.20/100
FaceBook Status:
RAAVAN :most boring movie. First half it felt like Mani Sir was hitting me with a hammer on my Sir (Now I know why they call him Sir). AR Rahman helping out with his grating sound! In the climax, there is some whiff of a story. Er Mani-ji, you will get many awards for the films, but here is one from me: Most Boring Film of the Year. Rating 1/5 Value: Rs.20/100. Stay far away!
There is hardly any story in the first half of the movie. You have the forest and you have Beera and you have the screeching and screaming Ragini. Ragini is appropriately named -- one fails to keep count of the numerous raagaas she cries out throughout the movie. Beera played by Abhishek Bacchan is so boring and stale and repeated that one wants to go out and have a Beer-ah! The forest or the locale is in some grey and dark shades and is really frightening. As a member of the audience said, Ram Gopal Verma ka movie lagta hai. (You are still reading this nonsense that I am writing. Well, OK, it is much more interesting than the film!)
I fail to understand why the name Raavan and why all the hungama about being based on the Ramayana. Honestly, it is a great insult to a great, epic story.
Cop chasing a criminal has been done to death in hundreds of movies. Here we have one more attempt. That too by a very boring copy, Vikram as Inspector Dev (notice our award winning director's creativity). An extremely boring criminal Beera -- whose antics are most childish and pathetic. At one level, we have Gabbar at 100 and we have Beera at 1 or 0. In fact, we are confused whether he is a villain at all at times. It appears more like someone pretending to be a villain. I cannot even say Abhishek disappoints, as I hardly have any expectations from him. He is another one of our non-acting actors. Ditto -- Aishwarya Rai. Ditto -- Vikram. Govinda does his comic capers and routines -- and fails. Kishen-wa should stick to Bhojpuri films.
The music score throughout the movie is grating and really makes the movie even more worse! The song sequences are idiotic. This is from a musician whom I love to hate -- AR Rahman. Jai ho!
The problem with this movie is that it has a very weak story. Basically, it is a tiny short story stretched into a novel. The cinematography is good, the locales are terrific. The pace and the direction in the movie is uneven. The stunts are awful and nothing new in here. Old wine in new bottle. In how many movies have we seen these same old stunts, bridges giving away, steep fall, and the hero and villain come back to the top unscathed.
Why do we make such bad movies? Why do reviewers like Nkhat Kazmi give it 3.5 stars? Is Times of India influenced by Reliance Big Films? Imagine all the revenue from full-page ads carrying all these stars.
Should you see this movie? Yes, definitely see it if you want to get a free headache! It is one of the worst movies that I have seen in recent times. It is one of the most boring movies that I have seen. Stay far, far away from this movie.
Despite all this, I am sure the film will take many awards. I do not know how Mani Ratnam does it and how come he has such a big following when all he does is make such boring films. Average films that are highly overrated. Well, here is one award from me, in fact the first one to be awarded: Most Boring Film of the Year.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Rajneeti -- Best Indian Political Thriller in Decades
Rating 3/5 (some reviewers have given it 3.5 (Minty Tejpal) and 4 (Nikhat Kazmi) -- I can understand why they did so.)
Value for money: 100/90 (I got Rs.100 value for a Rs.90 ticket. In other words, more than paisa vasool.)
My Facebook status:
RAJNEETI -- 3/5 -- One of the best movies I have seen in decades. Definitely, India's best political thriller to date! A bit too political, a bit long, a bit gory! This film goes directly into my Top 10 film list, and is No.2 after Sholay. If you are looking for laughs -- avoid! Want a behind the scenes account of politics -- go for it!
In a tweet:
Rajneeti is one of the best if not the best Indian political thriller in decades. Definitely, Prakash Jha's best movie till date.
There is much hullaballo about it being based on Gandhi parivar and also it being based on the Mahabharat. Preposterous to associate it with Sonia Gandhi -- except that both Sonia and Katrina speak very poor Hindi. Of course, Sonia has improved over the years. the Mahabharat connection too is very loose -- and one would realize it only because it has been touted so much. Else, it is infact difficult to see the connection.
Good Points
It takes a good 30-45 minutes to get started. Then another 45 minutes to understand the threads. Interval. After the interval -- it is a total political thriller. The machinations of politicians is clearly brought out like never before. Out of a total of 3 hours -- 2 hours is pure thriller entertainment. You never know what is coming next -- neither the characters nor you know where the film is heading.
Bad Points
At 3 hours, it is too long, the start is pretty slow. It is a rather ponderous story -- I think Prakash Jha put in too much of effort trying to base it on Mahabharat. There are far too many characters and it is really difficult to keep track of who is who's brother, father, uncle, etc. There is too much of violence and gore in some parts of the film. Actually, what stops me from calling this a great film is that it has copied many scenes and ideas from Godfather (so must compliment both Anjum Rajabali and Prakash Jha for hoodwinking us by adding touches of Mahabharat to fool us from understanding that it is essentially a Godfather Indian version, set in the political mileu instead of mafia.)
Acting
Ranbir's performance is not exactly award winning -- but very nearly there! In fact, I would not be surprised if he won a few awards. Nana Patekar could have done better. Katrina -- the lesser said the better. Arjun Ramphal -- ditto. Ajay Devgan is good. Naseeruddin Shah has only a cameo part -- and he is there only to add his name. Manoj Vajpai disappoints as many have high expectations of him.
Will I watch it again? Most probably, YES -- despite its length and its problems.
This will indeed be a super hit film! Prakash Jha at his best, entertainment at its best.
Value for money: 100/90 (I got Rs.100 value for a Rs.90 ticket. In other words, more than paisa vasool.)
My Facebook status:
RAJNEETI -- 3/5 -- One of the best movies I have seen in decades. Definitely, India's best political thriller to date! A bit too political, a bit long, a bit gory! This film goes directly into my Top 10 film list, and is No.2 after Sholay. If you are looking for laughs -- avoid! Want a behind the scenes account of politics -- go for it!
In a tweet:
Rajneeti is one of the best if not the best Indian political thriller in decades. Definitely, Prakash Jha's best movie till date.
There is much hullaballo about it being based on Gandhi parivar and also it being based on the Mahabharat. Preposterous to associate it with Sonia Gandhi -- except that both Sonia and Katrina speak very poor Hindi. Of course, Sonia has improved over the years. the Mahabharat connection too is very loose -- and one would realize it only because it has been touted so much. Else, it is infact difficult to see the connection.
Good Points
It takes a good 30-45 minutes to get started. Then another 45 minutes to understand the threads. Interval. After the interval -- it is a total political thriller. The machinations of politicians is clearly brought out like never before. Out of a total of 3 hours -- 2 hours is pure thriller entertainment. You never know what is coming next -- neither the characters nor you know where the film is heading.
Bad Points
At 3 hours, it is too long, the start is pretty slow. It is a rather ponderous story -- I think Prakash Jha put in too much of effort trying to base it on Mahabharat. There are far too many characters and it is really difficult to keep track of who is who's brother, father, uncle, etc. There is too much of violence and gore in some parts of the film. Actually, what stops me from calling this a great film is that it has copied many scenes and ideas from Godfather (so must compliment both Anjum Rajabali and Prakash Jha for hoodwinking us by adding touches of Mahabharat to fool us from understanding that it is essentially a Godfather Indian version, set in the political mileu instead of mafia.)
Acting
Ranbir's performance is not exactly award winning -- but very nearly there! In fact, I would not be surprised if he won a few awards. Nana Patekar could have done better. Katrina -- the lesser said the better. Arjun Ramphal -- ditto. Ajay Devgan is good. Naseeruddin Shah has only a cameo part -- and he is there only to add his name. Manoj Vajpai disappoints as many have high expectations of him.
Will I watch it again? Most probably, YES -- despite its length and its problems.
This will indeed be a super hit film! Prakash Jha at his best, entertainment at its best.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Kites -- Kati Patang!
Rating 2.25/5.00
Value for money Rs.60/100
Should you watch it: Only if you have nothing better to do!
Prediction: Will recover its money with difficulty.
Brief review
This is a promotional video for Hrithik to enter into Hollywood. Papa Roshan goes all out to promote him by creating a script just for the purpose. The story is neither original nor interesting. This is a typical, brain-dead, movie where nothing is supposed to be real. It is a Bollywood tries to be Hollywood. Yes, the production values are high, but the story and the script is low. Not entertaining at all.
Fuller review
Kati Patang -- that is how Khalid Mohamed's friend called it on Facebook. I think it is well said. Instead of Kites flying high and remaining there, it gets cut and just meanders along to its end.
There is no originality in the story or script, unless you think that the heroine knowing only Spanish is something new. Apdiya? Jaise ki tum sub samaj gaye? In Ek Duje Ke Liye, Kamal Hassan knows only Tamil!
Most of the movie is totally clichéd. The car chases, cop cars turning somersault, violent scenes, and even the love scenes. In fact, one would not be wrong to think that this movie is a pastiche (jumble) of good scenes from old movies. At such a time, one feels that are we good only at plagiarism? Take Munnabhai and Chachi 420 (here I would call them inspired movies and not plagiarized ones) -- it is an organic rebuilt for the Indian audience. But Kites is a poor imitation.
Most of the movie is convoluted -- starts somewhere, goes somewhere, comes back somewhere, again forward, backward, sideways. Really tough to really keep track.
Music is lack lustre. There are a few songs in the Indian version, which do not add any value at all.
In case you plan to see the movie (despite being warned), then go directly after the interval. Because before the interval, there is nothing -- just a false built-up of the story. The movie in fact gets moving only a little after the interval.
On the acting front, Hrithik hardly does anything more than what he has done before. Hollywood actor Nicholas Brown as Toni, I think, was outstanding. As regards Barbara Mori, nothing to write home about. I think she was adequate.
In other words, there is hardly anything in the movie to attract you to it. Why should someone pay Rs.250 for a promotional video of Hrithik? Good looks do not an actor make!
You have been warned -- the movie is not at all entertaining, even a wee bit! Go watch two Marathi movies instead for the price -- they will provide you more entertainment!
Value for money Rs.60/100
Should you watch it: Only if you have nothing better to do!
Prediction: Will recover its money with difficulty.
Brief review
This is a promotional video for Hrithik to enter into Hollywood. Papa Roshan goes all out to promote him by creating a script just for the purpose. The story is neither original nor interesting. This is a typical, brain-dead, movie where nothing is supposed to be real. It is a Bollywood tries to be Hollywood. Yes, the production values are high, but the story and the script is low. Not entertaining at all.
Fuller review
Kati Patang -- that is how Khalid Mohamed's friend called it on Facebook. I think it is well said. Instead of Kites flying high and remaining there, it gets cut and just meanders along to its end.
There is no originality in the story or script, unless you think that the heroine knowing only Spanish is something new. Apdiya? Jaise ki tum sub samaj gaye? In Ek Duje Ke Liye, Kamal Hassan knows only Tamil!
Most of the movie is totally clichéd. The car chases, cop cars turning somersault, violent scenes, and even the love scenes. In fact, one would not be wrong to think that this movie is a pastiche (jumble) of good scenes from old movies. At such a time, one feels that are we good only at plagiarism? Take Munnabhai and Chachi 420 (here I would call them inspired movies and not plagiarized ones) -- it is an organic rebuilt for the Indian audience. But Kites is a poor imitation.
Most of the movie is convoluted -- starts somewhere, goes somewhere, comes back somewhere, again forward, backward, sideways. Really tough to really keep track.
Music is lack lustre. There are a few songs in the Indian version, which do not add any value at all.
In case you plan to see the movie (despite being warned), then go directly after the interval. Because before the interval, there is nothing -- just a false built-up of the story. The movie in fact gets moving only a little after the interval.
On the acting front, Hrithik hardly does anything more than what he has done before. Hollywood actor Nicholas Brown as Toni, I think, was outstanding. As regards Barbara Mori, nothing to write home about. I think she was adequate.
In other words, there is hardly anything in the movie to attract you to it. Why should someone pay Rs.250 for a promotional video of Hrithik? Good looks do not an actor make!
You have been warned -- the movie is not at all entertaining, even a wee bit! Go watch two Marathi movies instead for the price -- they will provide you more entertainment!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Badma$h Company - Time Pass Movie
Rating: 2.5/5.0
Value for Money: Rs.80/100
Prediction: Average hit in multiplexes. Will recover money.
Genre: Crime thriller
Not a bad movie! You can watch it at least once. New ideas or new twists throughout the movie. Wish these twists and turns were sharper and more hard-hitting! Then we would have had a hit. I think PS's inexperience, interference, average acting, let him down.
A director is born -- Parmeet Sethi. I think the poor chap is condemned to be known as Archana Puran Singh's husband. Similarly, his acting past is hardly remembered. I know he is/was an actor -- but I don't remember a single role of his. I think this movie is a good first attempt. He definitely deserves another chance.
I don't know why our directors start with big monologues and histories. Why don't they get on to the story directly? In most Hindi movies, the first 30 minutes are painful -- one is begging, where is the story, where is the story. In this film, the real meat of the story begins much after the interval. The last 40% of the movie I think is well done and interesting.
What I like about the story is that it is rich -- not the flimsy, short story stretched into a film. There is meat in lots of portions, fat in lots of portion, and, er, gas, quite a bit.
This movie has an interesting story -- even though most of the players are card-board, cliched characters. Full marks to Parmeet for the story. Dialogues too are good in parts -- er, very few parts. One may have to watch the movie a few times to remember the good dialogues.
Anoushka disappoints after her good performance in Rab Ne Bana di Jodi. Shahid Kapoor is his usual self. Meiyang Chang, I thought, was very good. He looked familiar, but I did not realize that he was the singer from Indian Idol and then its host. Vir Das is good looking and makes some effort, but he is sort of miscast. Anupam Kher does the strict father act once again in his competent way. Kiran Joneja is again adequate -- but I don't know why she is looking so scared throughout the movie. (to me at least she came out to be someone who has been beaten by her husband) Pavan Malhotra was good, but I think he could have been better. I think he was hamming too much.
There were stories of interference from Shahid and Adi(tya Chopra). One is likely to believe this when one sees the film. One minute, you have an excellent scene, and the next minute it goes haywire. The story is going smoothly, it jars now and then, now and then. It looks as if the story is being told on a pot-holed street -- full of thuds.
Music is OK. Songs are chalta hai.
Best moment for me: when Manmohan Singh is shown on TV reading out the budget! Here is a salute from Parmeet to the new, liberalised world.
Should you watch the movie? Yes, why not? It is a worthwhile watch. It is just like the pop corn you had -- nothing memorable or gourmet -- just a small, little, time pass snack!
Value for Money: Rs.80/100
Prediction: Average hit in multiplexes. Will recover money.
Genre: Crime thriller
Not a bad movie! You can watch it at least once. New ideas or new twists throughout the movie. Wish these twists and turns were sharper and more hard-hitting! Then we would have had a hit. I think PS's inexperience, interference, average acting, let him down.
A director is born -- Parmeet Sethi. I think the poor chap is condemned to be known as Archana Puran Singh's husband. Similarly, his acting past is hardly remembered. I know he is/was an actor -- but I don't remember a single role of his. I think this movie is a good first attempt. He definitely deserves another chance.
I don't know why our directors start with big monologues and histories. Why don't they get on to the story directly? In most Hindi movies, the first 30 minutes are painful -- one is begging, where is the story, where is the story. In this film, the real meat of the story begins much after the interval. The last 40% of the movie I think is well done and interesting.
What I like about the story is that it is rich -- not the flimsy, short story stretched into a film. There is meat in lots of portions, fat in lots of portion, and, er, gas, quite a bit.
This movie has an interesting story -- even though most of the players are card-board, cliched characters. Full marks to Parmeet for the story. Dialogues too are good in parts -- er, very few parts. One may have to watch the movie a few times to remember the good dialogues.
Anoushka disappoints after her good performance in Rab Ne Bana di Jodi. Shahid Kapoor is his usual self. Meiyang Chang, I thought, was very good. He looked familiar, but I did not realize that he was the singer from Indian Idol and then its host. Vir Das is good looking and makes some effort, but he is sort of miscast. Anupam Kher does the strict father act once again in his competent way. Kiran Joneja is again adequate -- but I don't know why she is looking so scared throughout the movie. (to me at least she came out to be someone who has been beaten by her husband) Pavan Malhotra was good, but I think he could have been better. I think he was hamming too much.
There were stories of interference from Shahid and Adi(tya Chopra). One is likely to believe this when one sees the film. One minute, you have an excellent scene, and the next minute it goes haywire. The story is going smoothly, it jars now and then, now and then. It looks as if the story is being told on a pot-holed street -- full of thuds.
Music is OK. Songs are chalta hai.
Best moment for me: when Manmohan Singh is shown on TV reading out the budget! Here is a salute from Parmeet to the new, liberalised world.
Should you watch the movie? Yes, why not? It is a worthwhile watch. It is just like the pop corn you had -- nothing memorable or gourmet -- just a small, little, time pass snack!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
It's a Wonderful Afterlife -- Preview
A friend has asked me to review this film. As we wait for the film to release here, I said why not do a preview review!
The one trailer that I saw is pretty average and not at all interesting. Absolutely stale jokes on marriage and women! All those ghosts in the movies are not really looking very scary with the prop knives stuck in all odd places.
Bend it Like Beckham was an overrated movie, so was Bride and Prejudice (assuming that it was rated at all!) Both these films are totally for the NRI audience. I have a feeling that if you are an NRI -- you would be eager to know about the lives of other NRI's. Both these films explored that angle. IAWA will also perhaps appeal to the NRI crowd. It is being released in Hindi also as Hai Marjawan!
Gurinder Chadha is a competent director and she knows her craft. Her script writer too knows his stuff! But both are not too appealing for me.
What is interesting is that GC has explored what might be a new genre -- Comedy Horror or is it Horror Comedy, whatever it may be. I think at least for this novelty angle, people might watch this film.
Would I like to watch this movie? Frankly, NO! I know what boring stuff the movie will have! Shabana seems too dreadfull to watch.
My advance ratings for this film is 2.25/5.0 and Movie Worth Rs.60/100. In other words, watch it only if you have nothing better to do!
The one trailer that I saw is pretty average and not at all interesting. Absolutely stale jokes on marriage and women! All those ghosts in the movies are not really looking very scary with the prop knives stuck in all odd places.
Bend it Like Beckham was an overrated movie, so was Bride and Prejudice (assuming that it was rated at all!) Both these films are totally for the NRI audience. I have a feeling that if you are an NRI -- you would be eager to know about the lives of other NRI's. Both these films explored that angle. IAWA will also perhaps appeal to the NRI crowd. It is being released in Hindi also as Hai Marjawan!
Gurinder Chadha is a competent director and she knows her craft. Her script writer too knows his stuff! But both are not too appealing for me.
What is interesting is that GC has explored what might be a new genre -- Comedy Horror or is it Horror Comedy, whatever it may be. I think at least for this novelty angle, people might watch this film.
Would I like to watch this movie? Frankly, NO! I know what boring stuff the movie will have! Shabana seems too dreadfull to watch.
My advance ratings for this film is 2.25/5.0 and Movie Worth Rs.60/100. In other words, watch it only if you have nothing better to do!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Housefull
Rating: 2.25/5.0
Money worth: Rs.70 out of Rs.100
Housefull was rather empty! I must admit it is not a bad film but then it is neither a good film. Most of the comedy is slap stick or very luke warm. Rating 2.25/5 and 70/100 worth 70 out of 100 rupees). If you can tolerate innane comedies, plus Akshay Kumar, Riteish, Jiah (ugh). Boman and Chunky are surprisingly good in a poorly directed film. To be fair -- there were quite a few good, fun movements.
If you are a sane person and you saw the promos of Housefull, you would not dare to see this movie. However, if you have nothing better to do, and you stepped in -- maybe you will not regret it.
The movie starts of in a very promising note. I am not sure whether we have ever had a hero like this one! Most of my reviews will be deliberately vague as I do not want to spoil anyone's enjoyment of the movie. (BTW, I never read reviews before seeing a movie -- as most reviewers tell you the whole story and ruin everything.)
BTW, the promos/interviews are giving a misleading idea that the hero has three wives or women in his life. This is far from truth! In Bachana e Hasino this thing about multiple relationships was done very well and rather sadly in Love Aaj Kal.
But after the interesting start, change of scene and we have the usual slap-stick or dhoom-dhadam! Marriage, break-ups, people being mistaken for gays, gujarathi humour (Boman does a fine gujju act even in an inane, madcap comedy). I might quickly add that Chunky does a fine Italian act -- er, I am just joking! Thanks to Sajjid, we have a new element animal humour. The tiger scene in promos does not make sense, but in the movie it is fun! The monkey act is nothing but monkeying around. Wish Sajjid did not stoop to such crass humour (in case you can call it that). Absolutely, stupid stuff!
Interval
Most of the post interval part is about assumed identity or I don't know what to call it. Here again, Sajid pulls our leg too much. Just imagine, the imagined couple need to have an imaginary baby -- and who the baby turns out to be! BTW, this theme of getting a show wife/husband/child has been done to death. In fact, in some movies the take has been hilarious where two supposed husbands or wives turn up!
This movie is for the multiplex audience -- mostly college kids who have bunked classes and thought this was an interesting way to spend their time. We have Queen Victoria speaking Marathi! I am sure this movie will recover money from the multiplexes -- in fact they may also claim it as a hit or average hit! Needless to add -- watch out for those made so many crores ads!
Sajid Khan at the start has a notice saying that this is a tribute to the masters of yore -- Manmohan Desai, Prakash Mehra, Hrishkesh Mukerjee, et al. Sadly, it is not a worthy tribute. Cannot say it is an insult, but I would say it is a massively failed attempt. Those guys were geniuses and masters -- and here is an apprentice trying to cash in on their name. There movies, songs, humour you can watch again and again and again. Sajid's movie -- you see it once with great difficulty and out of charity!
Should you see this film? Only, if you have nothing better to do!
Money worth: Rs.70 out of Rs.100
Housefull was rather empty! I must admit it is not a bad film but then it is neither a good film. Most of the comedy is slap stick or very luke warm. Rating 2.25/5 and 70/100 worth 70 out of 100 rupees). If you can tolerate innane comedies, plus Akshay Kumar, Riteish, Jiah (ugh). Boman and Chunky are surprisingly good in a poorly directed film. To be fair -- there were quite a few good, fun movements.
If you are a sane person and you saw the promos of Housefull, you would not dare to see this movie. However, if you have nothing better to do, and you stepped in -- maybe you will not regret it.
The movie starts of in a very promising note. I am not sure whether we have ever had a hero like this one! Most of my reviews will be deliberately vague as I do not want to spoil anyone's enjoyment of the movie. (BTW, I never read reviews before seeing a movie -- as most reviewers tell you the whole story and ruin everything.)
BTW, the promos/interviews are giving a misleading idea that the hero has three wives or women in his life. This is far from truth! In Bachana e Hasino this thing about multiple relationships was done very well and rather sadly in Love Aaj Kal.
But after the interesting start, change of scene and we have the usual slap-stick or dhoom-dhadam! Marriage, break-ups, people being mistaken for gays, gujarathi humour (Boman does a fine gujju act even in an inane, madcap comedy). I might quickly add that Chunky does a fine Italian act -- er, I am just joking! Thanks to Sajjid, we have a new element animal humour. The tiger scene in promos does not make sense, but in the movie it is fun! The monkey act is nothing but monkeying around. Wish Sajjid did not stoop to such crass humour (in case you can call it that). Absolutely, stupid stuff!
Interval
Most of the post interval part is about assumed identity or I don't know what to call it. Here again, Sajid pulls our leg too much. Just imagine, the imagined couple need to have an imaginary baby -- and who the baby turns out to be! BTW, this theme of getting a show wife/husband/child has been done to death. In fact, in some movies the take has been hilarious where two supposed husbands or wives turn up!
This movie is for the multiplex audience -- mostly college kids who have bunked classes and thought this was an interesting way to spend their time. We have Queen Victoria speaking Marathi! I am sure this movie will recover money from the multiplexes -- in fact they may also claim it as a hit or average hit! Needless to add -- watch out for those made so many crores ads!
Sajid Khan at the start has a notice saying that this is a tribute to the masters of yore -- Manmohan Desai, Prakash Mehra, Hrishkesh Mukerjee, et al. Sadly, it is not a worthy tribute. Cannot say it is an insult, but I would say it is a massively failed attempt. Those guys were geniuses and masters -- and here is an apprentice trying to cash in on their name. There movies, songs, humour you can watch again and again and again. Sajid's movie -- you see it once with great difficulty and out of charity!
Should you see this film? Only, if you have nothing better to do!
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