Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 –A fitting finale

The wait is over and its finally here. After keeping the audience impatient for more than a year, part 2 of the final instalment is finally out. Part I had played out near perfectly, raising expectations for the next one. After all, this is the one with most of the action, the grandiose scale at which events occur and hence, where the maximum opportunity lies. Question is, does it deliver?

Early on in the movie, one begins to feel that something seems to have gone off track. The events are happening faster than normal, the movie seems rushed and the familiar flow is missing. Significant departures from and new additions to what the book offers, further throws you off course.

However, as we move towards the second half the pace begins to even out, the connect with the characters and the situation, re-develops and the climax is enthralling as it ought to be. Looking back one can say that the first 40 minutes of the movie could’ve probably been given more attention, but the rest of the movie more than makes up for its flaws.

Snape’s memories (and those who have read the book know exactly where this comes in) and onwards is beautifully re-created and the flow of events is just right – probably just as you would imagine it while reading the book.

Disappointingly though, while you get the chance to ‘complete the journey in 3D’, its hardly ever there. There are probably one or two scenes in the whole movie where the 3D effect is truly felt. And this, when there was immense potential. What could have been a perilous and adventurous journey through the eyes of Harry Potter and his friends, continues to be in a third person format, as if you viewed from a distance – which is a let down

Other than that and the shaky first half, there are few complaints. The actors are all now top of their form and do justice to their roles. The special effects are right up there and the quality of presentation has just gotten better with every instalment.

But like I’ve always maintained, its the story that’s the real hero of this series. One still marvels at the incredible journey that a single mind has created and salutes the sheer depths of creativity and imagination that are the soul of this saga.

However, as the train leaves King’s Cross Station for one final time and the credits roll in, it is a sad reminder that all good things must come to an end and the saga, however great it was, is now finally over

Movie Review: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara–Go Reclaim Your Life!!

At the minor risk of being sued or at least frowned upon by Mahindra & Mahindra (for having used the tagline of their Mahindra Scorpio car, in the title of my blog), I still continue to keep it there because nothing else is a better descriptor

A fresh and light presentation, with decent humour, just the right amount of emotion and good performances makes Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara a definite watch in this week’s line up. What may seem as a run-of-the-mill and predictable plot is very well woven, expertly paced and presented.

The movie is a celebration of life, what it stands for or rather what it ought to stand for. It is also a wonderful celebration of true friendship, what it means in the true sense of the word. In fact, if its possible try to take your best chums along to see this one

The humor is good and clean (proof that you don’t always need toilet humour – read Delhi Belly, to make the audience laugh). The writing is brilliant, some of the dialogues stand out and especially the voice over poetry one gets to listen to at different points in the movie is simply sublime

The movie is also perhaps the perfect advertisement for Spanish tourism. Don’t be surprised if after watching this movie you end up choosing your next holiday destination to be Spain. Spectacular landscapes and natural beauty are exquisitely shot and displayed.

One may complain of the predictability of the plot – so much so that you can almost predict the next scene accurately in most cases. However, doing it any other way would not have worked as well, and I have no complaints.

In terms of performances, Hritik puts in a sincere but stereotypical performance for a character that he doesn’t look the part one bit. Abhay Deol’s dialogue delivery is noticeable for the wrong reasons, though other than that he gives a credible performance. But Farhan Akhtar easily steals the show in this one and seems to only get better with every movie. His acting is near-perfect and he seems completely at ease portraying his character as well as doing complete justice to some emotional scenes. Katrina looks lovely throughout the movie and that’s probably all that matters from that standpoint. Kalki on other hand does not, and neither is her performance too great.

The title track is melodious but the other songs, not so much. The movie could have easily done with one song lesser but the good news is that for a change, it doesn’t drag or bore you. In fact, the feel-good factor is pretty strong in this movie and you tend to come out of the theater quite refreshed and rejuvenated.

So without further ado, you’ve lost on enough time already, go book your tickets and reclaim your life!!

Movie Review: Delhi Belly–hate it or love it?

This one’s hard. Its a decent movie, but its definitely not what all the hype is making it out to be. Yes, it is outrageous. Yes, it is ground-breaking and outrightly bold. Yes, it seems more like Hollywood than Bollywood. But is it that much fun? Well, yes and no…maybe in parts.

The movie is a good situational comedy, a dark comic caper but its not your rib-tickling stuff. The movie, interestingly, shows some shades of Kaminey (and before you get excited, only some shades…), but lacks the directorial brilliance and tight plot that Kaminey had. Rather, it relies on language that today’s youth uses and a dose, rather over-dose, of potty humor to woo its audience which succeeds to some extent. In terms of boldness, some of the scenes even seem to be purposefully put, some dialogues deliberately written – to justify the ‘A’ certificate this movie has, as well as generate the current hype. To the plot, script etc. they add absolutely nothing and could have been easily omitted. So is the case with the absolutely useless last number with ‘Aamir Khan’ as ‘Disco Fighter’!! Aamir can pull off practically anything, any role..but I think we just figured what he ‘shouldn’t’ attempt

However, on the bright side the movie has an original script, is well presented. There are a few hilarious scenes (mostly because of the acting) and some really good one-liners which won’t be forgotten easily. Imran, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapoor all do a good job though the best act is by Vijay Raaz. While the character of the villain himself is not that well etched out, Raaz delivers it to a T. The plot build up is good and there is a definite flow to the movie right up to the climax, along with the racy soundtrack running in the background.

All that said, once you’ve seen Delhi Belly, I’ve got a feeling that you’ll not be able to hate it or love it, but rather something in the middle. Something just seems amiss from making it a must-watch and I can’t really pinpoint what it is…

So go watch and find out for yourself. A word to the wise, though – this movie has been released in both Hinglish and Hindi. Please catch the Hinglish version – the Hindi version is a dubbed one and most of the offensive language has been translated quite faithfully, making for a rather crude viewing, am told. So make sure you book the right tickets!

That’ s the verdict then – Delhi Belly, in Hinglish..bhaag..dk bose bhaag!!