Movie Review: How to train your dragon 2..not the masterclass it ought to be

When I first saw the trailer of this sequel way back in July last year, I could clearly see that this movie would be a masterclass in animation quality and proof that ‘great’ could still become even better. After having seen it, I can confirm it as well. Perhaps the fact that I saw this gorgeous looking adventure in IMAX had something to do with it, but the animation quality of the sequel is superlative and makes for an adrenalin pumping, sky soaring adventure

While animation is usually top notch in most such movies, there are two other departments where animation movies hit the mark more often than not – a coherent and consistent plot with good pacing and great doses of humor every now and then. While every bit the master class in animation quality, surprisingly this new adventure with Toothless and his dragon rider lacks firepower in both these areas.

To be fair, the story is ambitious and the content covers enough material to be spread across more than one sequel. It starts off with a bang and you almost feel as if you are flying atop Toothless yourself in a couple of scenes. However it soon slows down to a practical halt and while it makes the mood poignant and emotional, the timing of it seems all wrong and dulls the initial thrill

Unfortunately, this fits and starts approach continues through the length of the movie and while it is brilliant in parts, it makes you weary in others. Part of the blame for that weariness also goes to the distinct lack of humor that this grandiose scaled adventure offers. When they are repeating jokes, you know they don’t have much to offer. Still by the time you’ll emerge from the hall – you won’t feel as if you didn’t have fun. Just don’t expect to be moved and thrilled like say, the Kung Fu Panda sequel would’ve made you feel.

Instead, prepare to take in the gorgeous sights and sounds. The cloudy skies, rippled waters, giant icicles, even the enormous beard of Stoic, all look enhanced in their quality and presentation. The voice acting is good and boasts known names like Gerard Butler and Cate Blanchett, though no character really stands out. However, Toothless looks adorable as ever (never thought I’d call a dragon ‘adorable’..) and towards the climax, shows just why he is the heart and soul of the movie

The way it started, this sequel promised  a high quality lesson in how to take a story forward. While it flounders during its course, it is still every bit a pretty, fun, adventure. If you loved Toothless the first time around, you certainly aren’t going to feel disappointed with his second showing – just don’t go expecting an all-round masterclass

Movie Review: Filmistaan…is a film everyone should see!!

Quite recently, 4 noted names in the Bollywood industry came together for what they called a tribute to Indian Cinema with Bombay Talkies. They didn’t even come close. If you want to see the real tribute to Bollywood and its impact, intentional or otherwise, you should see this shiny bright gem by debutante director Nitin Kakkar

A remarkably fresh story line and plot development with very intelligent writing will have you in guffaws one moment and poignantly reflecting in the next. Filmistaan proves that you don’t need big names, a big banner, medley of songs, item numbers or anything of the sort to treat your audience. All you need is a good story and a good manner in which it is told. The rest takes care of itself

While it could have continued in its comfort zone of a Bollywood tribute, which it is pretty much through the first half, Filmistaan chooses to explore deeper themes and melds the craze for Bollywood, cricket and even our understanding of our cross border neighbors and how much/ how little we have in common all into a less than 2 hour package. Not only that the film even manages its own argo-esque adventure in the middle of it all. Not giving away anything further..

While it doesn’t boast any big names, Sharib Hashmi and Innamul Haq provide a solid natural act and their camaraderie creates some of the best moments in the film. Add to the fact that Sharib has also written the dialogues for this movie and further praise can be heaped on him. As for the direction - much of it can pass unnoticed – the song playing in the background when a particular scene is being shown, the dialogue said in a particular situation that only hits deep if you reflect and connect, the choice of movies, dialogues – everything has a reason (reminded me of the intelligent film-making of Peepli Live). Sure it gets a little awry and disjointed towards its more-serious second half – but at a shade less than two hours you’ll hardly realize it

Too many movies these days are self indulgent – reveling in their own supposed glory. Filmistaan has been made with a lot of heart - for its audience and to celebrate cinema itself. You owe it to yourself to pay your respects to cine-maa (as the trailer calls it) – I could scarcely put it better myself. Go watch Filmistaan and see Bollywood masala being given not the expectedly cheap but rather a high quality tadka – Nitin Kakkar seems to be one to watch out for

Movie Review: Citylights..dazzles in the darkness

Citylights is not meant to be a ‘light’ movie. It makes its intentions clear right from the opening sequence and stays true to them pretty much through the course of the entire 126 minutes it runs. It comes across as dark, hard hitting and sometimes deeply disturbing as well. But despite the darkness, it casts a brilliant ray of hope for those looking for a good movie watching experience

Most of the praise that Citylights deserves actually should go to the original mind behind it – Sean Ellis. For the uninitiated, this movie is an adaptation of Metro Manila which was directed by Sean Ellis. I haven’t seen the original yet but plan on correcting that quite soon. Getting back to Citylights, while it has a tendency of slowing down, especially during the first half and tends towards an over-reliance on songs to deliver the mood – the story development is gripping enough to keep you interested till the very end

A simple slice of hard life of the not so fortunate takes on an unexpected turn and becomes a gripping thriller. Much of this is achieved by a high quality and effortless portrayal by Rajkummar Rao yet again showcasing his versatility, this time as a poor Rajasthani (with impeccable accent). Ably supported in a praiseworthy debut by his real life better half, Anwita Paul (screen name: Patralekha, who looks like a young Divya Dutta) – the couple make the movie and the characters connect much more deeply. You feel for them, cringe at their helplessness and desperation, celebrate their little successes and get dismayed at their defeat

Am not sure why the movie has been called Citylights though, while the reference is obvious, post the opening sequences – very little has been done to make the city at the center of it all. Rather you get invested in the life of the protagonist and what he undergoes, which could really have happened in any city. There was much potential to exploit the city itself which is squandered – seeing as it is set in the city of dreams for the haves which turns to the city of nightmare for the less privileged, on a daily basis

Still, the plot development and high quality performances means that the Citylights make this a road well worth a drive by