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.
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