Movie Review: Gangs of Wasseypur..waise not so special

Gangs of Wasseypur could have been special. It had all the ingredients – a nice long plotline spanning multiple generations, multiple characters, stellar performance by a not so A-grade star cast, contextualized music and songs that would pipe in every now and then and add meaning to the scenes being shown and finally, original and thoughtful direction in the masterful hands of Anurag Kashyap. Yet, it ultimately falls short.
The beginning of this movie is solid. Right from the first scene, the stage gets set and you gear up for a nice long (oh yes its long..180 minutes) drama with adequate thrills and chills all the way through. The narrative is crisp and the voice over keeps you posted especially in times when the movie practically gallops in between. The language is crude and very authentic to the setting of the movie and the visual display also matches the tone.
The big issue with Gangs..is that after the initial focus on character development, it becomes very evident to the viewer that this is going to be one long drawn and sometimes tedious ride. Initially one is able to follow the main characters, their complexities and shades..then one begins to get lost in a myriad of under-developed characters suddenly popping up from nowhere. Some scenes are unusually long when they give no additional message or meaning to the script and story and one gets the feeling the maybe the director got just too carried away with the saga he wanted to tell and the canvas he had for it.
Further, there is no sense of urgency, especially in the second half and there is no telling when one can expect a climax or if at all, there will be one. The initial tension that was built up in the air, just dissipates and one is just waiting for it all to be over, irrespective of who wins or loses
This is really a pity because there is otherwise a lot of good work that Gangs..has to offer. Music and sound has been used exquisitely with slight undertones to every melody/ lyrics one gets treated to. As the movie progresses, however, that too becomes one song too many and one practically cringes towards the final music sequences. The performances of the entire cast are noteworthy and probably what really lifts the movie despite the long runtime. Scenes are also masterfully shot and despite their rustic setting, sport a distinct sheen
At the end of it all, what Gangs of Wasseypur offers is fine cinema per se, but gets too long lost in telling its story. To think, that is only half of the saga and there is another 3 hours of this mafia family to expect..unfortunately doesn’t generate much excitement especially if its going to be like its first instalment. That said, I missed the trailer of part 2 which I believe, comes after the credits of part1 (wish I'd known earlier :(..and from what I've heard, it really sets expectations from part 2 of the movie..so who knows..the Gangs..may have kept the best for the last
As for the verdict on part 1 - Go for Gangs..if you are a huge Anurag Kashyap fan, have a genuine appreciation of good cinema and are willing to spend a visibly long time in the theatre.

Movie Review: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted..are definitely worth catching

I think I can safely say that the animation movie series can teach a thing or two on how to make sequels. As was the case with Toy Story 3 and Kung Fu Panda 2, Madagascar 3 again manages to raise the bar and significantly at that.
This time back in 3D, our favourite zoo animals are in fine form and clearly a lot of work and effort has gone into making this 3rd and probably final edition. Its almost as if they surveyed what we loved about the first instalments and made that the centrepiece of this movie. In fact, its harder to write a review for such a movie without sounding like a broken record since everything is just great; just how you want it to be in a Madagascar kind of movie
I think I should stop commenting on the quality of animation because that’s almost becoming a hygiene factor these days, no longer deserving special mention. The 3D is also clearly emphasized though it could do with a little more depth in some scenes (I know, I am being greedy) There are plenty of laughs to be had and for the familiar fans watching this one after having seen the first two movies there are some moments of pure delight. A single line from King Julian will have you guffawing while the unfamiliar crowd would wonder what was so funny about that line. Still there’s plenty of new laughs too so even if you haven’t seen the earlier editions, you should be fine
The movie isn’t just plain fun. The writing is intelligent and there are many references to cult movies, places and cultures for those who can catch them. Finally, the movie brings joie de vivre to the circus, a dying form of entertainment today, and some might even reminisce their younger days when they watched the glorious act of the circus
All in all, the movie is arguably the best in the Madagascar Series and your only regret would probably be seeing the ending credits while wishing that the fun could last a little longer

Movie Review: Prometheus..an expedition best left unexplored

Prometheus, for the uninitiated, is the Greek legend of a titan who practically created Man and then stole Fire from the Gods to make him an equal. He was caught and punished, since when Prometheus has stood for the quest of knowledge and finding answers. Somewhere in the movie, there is a remark of bringing back Prometheus. In my opinion, Prometheus is an expedition that should have been abandoned in the first place
As you emerge from the IMAX theatre (that’s the only way it can be worth your while, believe me) there is but one question that you want answers to – what was the point of what you just saw!!
Prometheus starts with promise. The visuals are breath-taking and exquisitely detailed. The first half of the movie almost moves like you are part of a documentary on a scientific space expedition yet with a sense of foreboding that keeps you consistently engaged. You are waiting for things to fall apart and for confusion and pandemonium to reign. Well, things do fall apart but not in the manner you’d have liked to imagine
To put it simply, there is very little action in Prometheus. All that build-up virtually amounts to nothing at the end of it all and while you see all the indications of a sequel in the works, disappointment looms large on what this first instalment manages in the end.
The 3D of the movie is a bit of a mixed bag. There is much talk of comparing this movie to the likes of Avatar in the 3D department though personally, I think it doesn’t even come close. In fact, most of the movie seems to have been shot in 2D, with some specific scenes having a visual third dimension, which to be fair are pretty well done
As far as the performances go, you’ll probably not even recognize Noomi Rapace (the original Girl in the Dragon Tattoo) in this new avatar though she does a pretty convincing job. However, the real scene stealer is Micheal Fassbender with his perfect portrayal of an android
However, I still don’t believe that is reason enough for you to waste your money on this show. Prometheus, on the whole disappoints and unless the scientific expedition and breath-taking visuals are a draw enough for you, I’d suggest you’d best not book a berth on this expedition

Movie Review: Shanghai..the trailer impressed more than the movie

The trailer of Shanghai was an instant draw. Hats off to whoever made it. It had irony painted all over and one anticipated a nail biting political thriller, keeping you at the edge of your seat at all times, with startling revelations that would shock and enthrall you at the same time. The movie though, isn’t quite the same

That isn’t to say that the movie is bad, by any right. Let’s just say that what one finally got though wasn’t quite the treat that the trailer promised

The fault, if I had to find one, lies largely with the not-so-intricate plot that the movie manages in the end. Once you emerge from the theaters you feel that this story has already been told, many times over, in different avatars and some even managing a better impact than the current movie. Another issue is the pacing of the movie. While it adds to the realism of the events that unfold on screen, sometimes it just makes the proceedings a little too dull. Given that this is a political thriller, the film lacks the grand scale and presentation of a Raajneeti and then again, isn’t the subtle presentation of a Peepli [Live] but rather something in between.

However, what Shanghai does offer you is some wonderfully executed scenes…scenes that shock you and thrill you not so much with the unravelling plot but the timing and presentation of the scenes, themselves. There is also some noteworthy acting with Abhay Deol’s perfectly trained Madrasi accent and restrained performance, surprisingly well enacted performance by Emraan Hashmi. The songs are a pure accompaniment and the lyrics of the songs provide a hard hitting message and mesh well with the presentation

All in all, clocking at approximately two hours, Shanghai is a fairly predictable, yet very well presented movie with great performances that may be well worth your time spent, even if it doesn’t succeed in meeting all your expectations

Movie Review: Snow White and the Huntsman…doesn’t serve great game

When you make a movie titled Snow White and the Huntsman you are already treading on thin ice. Such a movie brings back memories of the Grimms fairy tale and therefore, needs to have a storyline that is radically opposite to the children’s classic to hold your attention, else it simply falls flat. Alas, that is the fate of this dark take on the story that we are all too familiar with

Spell binding special effects and amazing cinematography in the movie try their utmost to create a connect – ageing that happens before your very eyes, almost in a single frame, horses riding into battle captured majestically and aerial views of large expanses with the central characters moving across the scenery - all make for very pleasurable viewing. The sharp contrast between dark and light/ good and bad is also very strikingly depicted. However, knowing what’s about to happen just throws a spanner in the works. Where there are surprises, the movie rises and one wishes to applaud what is presented but unfortunately such instances are few and far between.

The other issue with the movie is that it lacks humour. There are plenty of instances where the audience could’ve chuckled and warmed up to the characters but that just doesn’t seem to happen. Some scenes create anticipation of something to follow but then the movie just moves to the next sequence leaving the audience bewildered in the process

In such a scenario, amazing performances from the star cast can significantly lift the movie but that isn’t really the case here. A lot has been said about Kristen Stewart’s blank expressionless look across other films. For Snow White though she does a decent job, probably because the character itself is supposed to be pretty restrained, at least initially. In the few scenes that require significant expression, she doesn’t pull it off convincingly. Chris Hemsworth on the other hand, plays a very convincing huntsman and the role seems right up his alley. Surprisingly, Charlize Theron ends up disappointing, shouting and screaming more than acting and doesn’t strike the kind of terror her character is meant to, despite screaming her lungs out. The dwarfs (yes, this is Snow White after all) almost seem to be added as an after thought for all the value they serve in the movie which is a pity because they could have really added to the ‘fun’ element in the movie.

At the end of it all, while one can clearly see the intent of the director and glimpses of what he wished to present, the movie just doesn’t quite hit the bulls eye. In fact, it ends up far from the intended mark and one gets the feeling that getting in this hunt really wasn’t quite worth it

Movie Review: The Cabin in the Woods…may well be better left alone

I’ll say it plain and straight..if you are looking for a true horror movie The Cabin in the Woods should definitely not be on your list. This, coming from someone who has practically never seen a horror film earlier in his life ever so it can’t be more obvious..this is not a horror film. Then again, is it worth going for? That answer is anything but straight forward

The Cabin in the Woods is a nice mish-mash of comedy with horror and I am not talking about the Scary Movie variety. Its not a spoof, yet it’ll make you laugh out loud every now and then and especially, when you start feeling the creeps – hardly something you would associate with a horror film. Yet, in most cases, it works

What brings down this movie is finally the story once you get to know it. Remember the TV Series ‘lost’? All that anticipation for 9 whole seasons only to end in bitter disappointment. While not to that magnitude but The Cabin in the Woods also suffers a similar fate. The premise is interesting, the build up is also good but what you get served by the end of it all isn’t quite that convincing.

As far as the acting goes, given the plenty of screaming and shouting involved, one really isn’t looking for emoting or great dialogue delivery, so that kinda takes a back seat. Of the cast, the only notable actor is Chris Hemsworth and he has a simple role that he executes well. Great performance by little known actor Fran Kranz who probably has the best lines in the pack.

After much thought, I am still at a loss whether or not I think one should see this movie. Its got Joss Whedon’s brilliant writing, generous doses of good humour but then its also got all the weirdness and quirks you can think of. Its got some elements of horror but just when the going gets good (or bad), you burst out laughing.

So this one’s really up to you. If you are willing to watch a weird comedic horror movie, then the Cabin in the Woods may be worth visiting, otherwise you should firmly stay on the familiar road