Movie Review: Hangover II: The same stuff all over again..

I know what you are thinking! If its the same stuff it should be great, right? I mean, looking at how awesome Hangover was, this should be a sure winner. Well, not exactly…

One of the major reasons the first instalment was that great, was that the audience, at the time, did not know what to expect. We were just eager to watch on how much messier it got, before it all came right. Plus we had no idea who Phil, Stu and Alan were, so getting to know their quirky characters was fun. As Hangover II, that becomes the base expectation. So when that’s all you get served, the second time round, it isn’t that great.

What would have done it for Hangover II would have been some freshness..a new wacky way to get Phil, Stu and Alan in a whole new mess, with probably another new way more wackier character thrown in!! But no, there is nothing new!! The picturization, presentation, characters, everything is the same, apart from the background music which is actually more eerie and doesn’t sound much better

But then, am not saying that its bad a movie either. If you haven't seen the first one (though chances are remote), then you should love it...If you have seen the first part, you'll still have fun - the characters are all top of their form, the dialogues are good, some situations are the typical laugh out loud types and you’ll definitely enjoy the show, just don’t watch it with too many expectations.

Movie Review: Kung Fu Panda 2–Not twice, but plenty of awesomeness!!

Most sequels tend to fail and I think a key factor is that not enough thought goes into making the next one..the first one does so brilliantly well that the second one wants to just ride that wave..and that’s where a promising series is dealt a deathblow

Kung Fu Panda 2 does not fall into that category

Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, your favourite Dragon Warrior is back and even if he isn’t as awesome as his debut, his awesomeness is not the only reason that you should be rushing to the theaters to catch this one

Awesome 3D!! That’s the first thought that strikes you once you are leaving the hall…Kung Fu Panda 2 comes to life, especially during the action sequences which are aplenty. Probably the best 3D effects I have ever seen in an animation film, this one wouldn’t be half the film it is without the 3D glasses. 15 minutes into the movie and you can see how the makers have spent time and effort thinking of everything that was lovable and enjoyable in the first one and given a whole new dimension to it

And that’s a real savior, especially since the plot line itself is wafer thin, While there was a lot more depth and interest in the unfolding of the plot, in Kung Fu Panda (part I), there is precious little to expect from a story point of view. However, its the whole package, the fight sequences, the 3D, the equally appropriate background score and of course, the familiar old characters, that make part 2 of this series worth a watch

The Furious 5 are back, as is Master Shifu and though they individually have even lesser air-time than last time (a pity though, would’ve liked a little more of them) they still make their presence felt. Po is now the Dragon Warrior but that doesn’t stop him from being Po, if you know what I mean..and hence, all the laughs.

The animation, well the animation keeps getting better with every movie and this one is no different

But now..I think it is time to tell you what I should have told you a looong time ago….

Naah! Am not giving it away..just go watch the movie!!

Movie Review: Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides– Stranger No More..

Well, if the title doesn’t give you clear direction, let me make it simple – Captain Jack Sparrow is Back!!! And while he doesn’t get any better than the first edition of this roller coaster of a series (which has been on the down-turn for its last two installments), he does get as close as he can

The real dilemma for you, my good people, is not whether to watch it or not but more so that you should watch this movie in 3D or not…let me explain: Most of the movie is better enjoyed without those troublesome and heavy plastic glasses weighing down your nose..however, there are some spectacular sequences close to the interval and the climax that would be best enjoyed if those creatures were to jump out of the screen and hit you in the face than just be pasted on the screen…and really, I have no clear answers.

I myself saw it in 3D and if you were to take my opinion alone, I’d say you’re better off going in for the 2D version, the action sequences aren’t gonna get better than what you saw in Avatar, anyway. But, let’s get back to the movie, itself.

The movie is an honest attempt to recreate the magic of the 1st edition and you have to laud the effort. The story is simpler, much less convoluted, more focus on the dialogues and taking the plot in the right direction, all the good elements. As for the changes in the star cast, Cruz is a welcome addition to the crew and her character itself, presents exciting possibilities..These are yet to be explored in their fullest, and one would hope that happens in the next editions that are to follow. As for the missing people (Knightley and Bloom), you do miss them in parts, but all the others (Barbossa, Mr. Gibbs) are there so you get used to it

Captain Jack Sparrow, is back and he is in fine form…Even though we are familiar with his ways, he still manages to keep you interested in what he is up to, throughout the movie and Johnny Depp is truly in his element, portraying Sparrow. The character is legendary, and reason alone for this series to have another episode

To cut a rather long story short, the gist is that this movie is a resurrection-of-sorts of a promising series that had lost its way in the middle. With Stranger Tides, Pirates..has moved back to its more ‘familiar’ ways and is a ‘stranger’ no more

Now, bring me that horizon…and catch that movie yo ho!