Movie Review: Joker..new origins

Did I ever tell you how I got these scars?". The Joker tells many different stories in The Dark Knight to reveal how psychotic and deranged he really is. You never know, which of those stories is true and reassure yourself that hopefully none of them are. When you watch this origin movie though, its a chilling realization, that while the stories may still be false, the scars are real.

Welcome to Todd Phillips' version of The Joker. He isn't flashy, he isn't full of himself, he isn't the master planner..this isn't the Joker that was immortalized by Heath Ledger. In fact, the Joker character itself doesn't have a definite origin storyline and this one spins a yarn of its own.

Even though its set in the fictional city of Gotham, every bit of Joker feels real. His loneliness, his pathetic existence, the gulf between him and society. The fact that there's no Batman makes the reality even more stark. Its not about cops and robbers - there are no good guys. Just when you feel things couldn't get worse and maybe this is a sadist's idea of humor, there is relief - not the kind you'd expect, but relief nonetheless.

Its disappointing, relatively, that the Joker laugh is put down as a condition. While it gives a plausibility to the storyline and also Joaquin Phoenix much more room to perform, it feels like an escape and a disservice to the iconic villain. Then there's the climax, which feels like a wet blanket after all that build up. Thankfully, there's a shining moment post that which more than redeems the character. There's also the whole societal angle to it as well - there is no good that can come of making a movie like Joker - it gives a Godlike status to a cold blooded killer, worships a psychopath who means no good - to anybody.

But then there's also the direction and the performance. Its hard to believe, that this is the same man who helmed the hilarious The Hangover because there's not a single laughing moment in The Joker, not even a chuckle, not even wry humor. Its stark irony that the protagonist considers himself a stand up comedian. Todd Phillips keeps the camera squarely focused on the protagonist and Joaquin Phoenix doesn't disappoint.

Heath Ledger's Joker is one of the hardest acts to follow. Anything would feel like a disservice. Yet, this Joker does come close. Joaquin Phoenix gives his heart and soul to the character. His laugh due to his condition, shows a thousand emotions every time and he pulls them off perfectly. His rage, is believable - you feel for his condition. Even his hunched back - is explained and apparent. And then, there's the transformation - which takes things to another level.

Todd Phillips' Joker is not for everyone. Even as a character, this isn't the Joker you saw in the Dark Knight. His reasons are different, his motivations are different. But if you are willing to put that aside, its a masterful act nonetheless.

P.S: The original title of this review was Joker..true origins..but as a friend helped me realize, this isn't the story of the Joker we met in the Dark Knight..hence, the new title.

Movie Review: Dream Girl..pretty in patches

Ayushmann Khurrana has carved out his own niche with offbeat comedies. Am sure though, even he would admit, that this is probably his most offbeat movie yet. Its also the one that gives him the maximum room to perform and he seizes it with both hands. While he may not look like a dream, his performance is probably the best reason to watch this one.

The premise itself is extremely weird. Kudos to the director to take up such a concept and build on it so creatively. In its treatment, Dream Girl is sure to remind viewers of Vicky Doner (that still being the better movie and by a mile). The hit pair of Ayushmann and Anu Kapoor also returns - though they don't sparkle as much this time around.

There are wonderfully quirky characters that build the side act - not just as a filler, but a complement to our protagonist. Sure they are all totally one-dimensional, but its a clever selection, being a subtle commentary on many issues that plague our society. Unfortunately, its the main message where the movie falters. There is so much potential but that is frittered away in a forced lesson that gets talked about only in its beginning and end and doesn't feel real. Especially the second half and the climax is where it gets terribly uneven.

The laughs are more due to the writing than the situations the characters find themselves in. At times, it even feels that the scene is added to serve the writing alone. You'll laugh and then you'll wonder  why that scene was necessary. Some twists get a bit much and teeter dangerously at the edge. Fortunately, the performances remain true in both the side and the main act, which makes this one still an enjoyable watch.

As the Dreamgirl himself/herself is the guy who has been having a dream run at the box office and only seems to get better and stronger with every performance. He embraces his character without a hint of embarrassment or hesitation though the nature of this character would have prompted both. He is completely in his element in both male/ female avatars and keeps the audience interested throughout. Nushrath Bharucha's character though in sharp contrast is woefully inadequate - looking  more like a pretty face rather than being fully fleshed out. Its the side act that comes to the rescue - with veterans like Vijay Raaz, Annu Kapoor in fine touch and having decently defined characters as well.

This Dreamgirl needed one final check in the mirror before she presented herself. That would've cleaned some extra make up, dabbed a few patches here and there and got her to showcase her inner beauty as well. As it stands though, you can still go see her, but don't expect to be captivated - you've probably seen better.

Movie Review: Chhichhore..shares a worthy message

Contrary to my own expectations, my biggest takeaway from Chhichhore which I had billed as a wannabe and possibly worthless 3 Idiots aspirant even before entering the movie hall, wasn't its jokes or comedy.While it has ample of those too, Chhichhore, shares a beautiful and pertinent message, especially in today's rat race and pressure cooker environment that I would consider its real draw.

How much you would relate to the humor and jokes of the movie, is highly dependent on one simple factor - have you at all experienced hostel life? If so, you will rejoice at the literal tribute to hostel life that Nitesh Tiwari manages - showcasing all the elements of the not-so-glorious but wonderfully carefree life. You'll probably reminisce back to your own experience - finding parallels of your own to the quirky characters the movie spends ample time introducing us to. If not, you'll still have the laughs, they may just not connect as deep.

To tell its story though, the movie does a juggle between the past and present which isn't all that convincing and sometimes feels outright jarring - especially with events that are happening. In the present, the movie takes some brave calls and makes a rather poignant start. The past, in sharp contrast, is light and fresh. However, the comparison between past and present doesn't always fit and it feels like a forced connect at times, especially at the intermission stage. The movie takes some weird turns while still telling a predictable story. At one point, it even starts feeling like a version of Student of the year, with better actors and performances, but in the end, it all feels okay - simply because at its heart, the movie's message is genuine and much valuable.

Chhichhore is also helped by an earnest performance by its entire cast. Sushant Singh Rajput isn't all that convincing in the present, but his college days have him in fine form. Shraddha Kapoor has a simpler character - well its either that - or she approaches her past and present the same way and looks exactly the same. However, the real scene stealer is the erstwhile Chucha, now Sexa (which I suspect will soon become his new household name). Varun Sharma is in fine form, with the best lines and expressions, that has the audience in splits for most of the time. One can argue that his character is similar to that of his Chucha avatar from Fukrey fame - but there is no denying that in pulling off this kind of character, Varun truly excels. 

Chhichhore's songs aren't all that melodious but don't slow down the narrative beyond a point. The laughs keep on coming even when the mood is sombre. A lot of the movie prefers to keep the canvas as black and white rather than shades of grey, which is closer to real life. The climax, even though painfully obvious (well, almost so) is also slowed down considerably. However, the ultimate message of the movie is a winner all the way and highly pertinent for today's generation of kids as well as parents.

Chhichhore then is definitely worthy of a visit to the theater. While some of the execution can feel a bit lame, its laughs are genuine - you are bound to have a good time - and its message sets a shining example that I hope many take inspiration from.

Movie Review: Avengers End-game...a grand if not fitting finale

By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59301815

How I yearned to start with the lines that the Russo brothers have done it yet again. After the magic they accomplished with Infinity War they out-did themselves with the grandest send-off they could've mustered for Earth's Mightiest Heroes. But alas! That wouldn't be the truth. The send -off is grand, but all things put together, the Avengers deserved a better swan song.

Things start off in spectacular fashion - and I don't mean high octane action with the superheroes showing off. No. After the events of Infinity War (and I dearly hope you've already seen that one) there could be no celebration and the start is a chilling reminder of that fact, in the most subtle of ways. However, once that initially shock wears off, its hard to follow the logic of what our heroes are up to. They are disoriented and distraught - sure. They are seething for revenge - again, I get that. But, what they do next - just feels off and you wonder how things will proceed thereon.

With Infinity war, the Russo brothers wove a tight narrative - that was gut-wrenching and spell-binding at the same time - you couldn't move from your seat. You were footing for your heroes all through. Avengers End-game, and its extra long runtime doesn't do it any favors, lacks that very tightness. It almost feels like the Russo brothers were creatively worn out after they achieved Infinity War and then just put some stuff together to close things out. There are a few good ideas - for sure. The homage to the previous movies with the cameos, being amongst the coolest of them. However, the execution has you scratching your head. A lot of it just doesn't seem to fit and looks to be more of fan-boy pandering than service to a script.

The stakes are higher than they ever were for our heroes, but it doesn't feel like it. There isn't a sense of foreboding or dread. There is no sense of progression. You don't know who the villain is, what he/she is up to, what are their motives - and when you do discover - it feels distinctly unconvincing.

No doubt that the finale is thrilling. The vision for action that is characteristic of the Russo brothers, is on full display and anything less than an IMAX screen would be a disservice to watch it on - but that's all from an action perspective. The surprises, if we can even call them that, don't deliver the same punch. There is no shock and awe. There is precisely one scene in the finale, where the guns change their position and fire at an unknown target, where it truly delivers some thrills. Everything else is Avenger-esque but not quite there. To say more, I'd have to spoil a few things so let's stop here.

While some of the characters are done a lot of dis-service the actors still step up to the plate and after 22 films and 11 years they may well be their characters. The trailers again have red herrings - the events in the movie are slightly different but it doesn't have the same impact as was the case with Infinity War. This time the changes look gimmicky and are off-putting. There are few, if any, rabbit out of the hat or rather Thanos gauntlet snap moments that genuinely take you aback. It all feels very predictable and no fun at all.

End-game then, is a grand finale - the culmination of 22 Marvel movies that put together the greatest ensemble possible and should best be remembered for that purpose. Its not Ultron thankfully, but its not even better than the original Avengers, which was at least whole lot of more fun and Infinity War by comparison is simply in a different league. If you are one of those Marvel fanboys who wish the directors would at least listen to them some time and play along with the more popular theories and ideas they come up with, you may well be in for a treat. But if you were looking for the Russo brothers to do one-better and dream up a script that nobody would've thought of - this time that hasn't happened. Go with the right expectations but go nonetheless - after all, it is the end of an era.

Movie Review: Shazam..magic n monsters..of the stranger kind

Shazam is a strange movie. In fact, if I didn't know better - I would've assumed that a lot of it is inspired from the hit Netflix series - Stranger Things. Don't worry its not scary or horror or anything like that. But it sure has a lot of kids playing the role of getting the better of the bad guys, while one of them is a superhero..well let's just stop here.

Shazam is a fun watch that is fun in bits and parts. It starts off slow and many scenes are pointless, tired even. There's no sense of flow, nothing links to anything and the weakest of storylines is put together just to make our guy the superhero. At this point, you wonder what the big hullabaloo is all about - taking a page from Marvel and going the humor route, making this a lighter watch and all that talk. That's when Zachary Levi steps in and the character goes into a whole different mode.

Some parts post this are hilarious. Other parts tend to drag and that's a pity because they really could've been much quicker and snappier. Even the action, that is thrilling at one point, seems to stretch on and on towards the climax. DC can clearly take a lot more pages from the Marvel playbook but at least this is a start. Better editing and a more coherent flow to the storyline would've certainly helped. A little more intelligence in the dialogues, witty exchange between characters would've really made this one stand out.

More than Zachary Levi's performance, its what his character can do that's more fun to watch. Despite being a superhero movie, it manages to preserve the innocence of its child protagonist and his coming of age journey. Levi is no Ryan Reynolds and Shazam isn't Deadpool but he does manage to catch your attention. The movie also has an endearing theme of family and some well thought lines that are surprisingly its better moments.

Seen as a standalone children's movie albeit with some ugly and scary looking creatures, Shazam would mostly fit the bill. However, as competition to the Marvel juggernaut, it doesn't pose much of a threat. Still, its a better bet than some of the other drivel DC has been dishing out and it does try to take things on the lighter side rather than being brooding and unnecessarily dark. A step in the right direction but still a long way to go for DC.

Movie Review: Badla..brilliant but unoriginal

 


For those who missed the facebook update, I saw this movie on Friday itself and the intention was to put the review shortly after. Since then, though, I've been procrastinating.

To clarify, Badla is what would have otherwise been a brilliant watch - it has a great plot, good progression and twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end. The performances by the leads, Amitabh Bacchan and Tapsee Pannu are really good as well. The problem then? Only the little matter that this is an 'official re-make' of a Spanish movie - The Invisible Guest. And so much of a re-make this is - that the entire setting, plot, dialogues, characters, even screenplay and props - everything is simply the same as the original. I hope you see now where the frustration and hence procrastination came from. Add to it the fact, that this is now the second time a classy director like Sujoy Ghosh has done this (he did it first with Te3n) and its a worrying trend.

At this point, I am not sure what to praise - because all the appreciation I have is actually deserved by The Invisible Guest. So while this review will still be about Badla - the real credit for most of the good stuff goes to the Spanish original - which by the way, is readily available on Netflix.

Those who have seen the trailer of the movie need not fret - you don't know everything that happens and there are plenty of surprises in store. In fact, the opening moments of Badla cover most of what you've seen in the trailer. The story is king here and it will hold your attention throughout the runtime.  In fact, this is one of those where the plot gets so convoluted that you have a tough time keeping up with what's happened and why, while still watching. In fact, in the second half, there are multiple points where you feel you now finally understand what happened and yet, the script has more tricks up its sleeve.

In terms of the act, Amitabh Bacchan is too much of a veteran to find this kind of role challenging. That said, he seems a little too smug and patronizing given the character he plays. He could really have played it down a lot more. Taapsee Pannu on the other hand, is surprisingly emotive, standing her own even in the same frame as Amitabh in some scenes. Still she doesn't really sink into her character. An inspired though short performance is that of Amrita Singh who comes across as really genuine.

I would've really liked to praise the direction. The presentation is tight and slick. There are some  scenes that would've been a great directorial touch. Unfortunately, its all simply picked up from the original. There are some sad attempts at forced humor that slows down proceedings at the wrong time, but these moments are thankfully brief.

To clarify on my stance though, I have no issues with 'official re-makes' of such brilliant plots being made - in fact, I'd encourage it. But to get this from a stalwart director like Sujoy Ghosh - is just distressing. You expect him to make the next Kahaani - not make these kind of re-makes instead - we already have Abbas Mastaan for that.

As an unusual case then, while I really liked the movie and would highly recommend a watch, I do so with a lot lesser enthusiasm. Of course, if you know Spanish or are okay with subtitles, I'd much more highly recommend The Invisible Guest.

Movie Review: Luka Chuppi...hides a few good laughs

Yet another case where the movie's biggest enemy is its own trailer. If you've seen the trailer of this simple, fun and light hearted comedy you know exactly what to expect and that's a pity because it would be so much more fun if you didn't. While the trailer's jokes felt forced and out of place, the movie does manage to hide a few laugh simply by how the plot progresses, the situation's develop and how its characters react.
Its to its credit that Luka Chuppi never takes itself too seriously. While it deals with a contentious matter, it does so in a light hearted, almost casual manner. There is more focus on the setting, the backdrop, the background chatter and the side acts. The writing is both good and bad. The good bits simply sparkle and the bad could be worse enough to make you cringe. Its like that little kid you don't expect much from and just when you are about to give up on them - they turn around and surprise you. You'll hardly expect to do so, but you'll be roaring with laughter in a few scenes and its those moments that make this one more enjoyable than you would expect.

If the movie doesn't do a lot more than it could, its because of its leads and under-written characters. Karthik Aryan and Kriti Sanon are average - their chemistry never really sparks and it doesn't help that their characters aren't well developed either. Most of Kriti Sanon's dialogue delivery seems put on and an effort save for one emotional scene where she appears a different actress altogether. Karthik Aryan may be doing well, but he's always seen as 'acting' and never a natural for the part. Its the side acts that make this movie more fun - especially Pankaj Tripathi who showcases amazing versatility in his rather colorful character (both literally as well as figuratively). Aparshakti Khurana is the other bright spark - he has all the best lines and plays his part particularly well.

The songs are just about average and a hindrance at most times. It helps that they are short, few in number and don't slow down the progression. Of special mention though, is the clever use of music from old comedies as background music to the more comic moments in this one. There is a bit of understated, social commentary - but it also, especially the treatment of the movie's climax, seems all in service of the plotline and the laughs than in terms of sharing a message or being preachy.

Despite a wafer thin plotline, average performance by its leads and an underwhelming climax, Luka Chuppi does end up being more fun that you'd expect it to.Its not a must watch like a Badhaai Ho or a Bareilly ki Barfi but also not a bad way to spend time at the theaters this weekend.

Movie Review: Gully Boy...hard, bahut hard

By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59541095

If you are wondering about the title - its inspired from the film - to describe great rap that is truly worthy of appreciation. I couldn't think of a better line to describe this movie. Much like the supreme writing of Ranveer Singh's rap content - writing a review for a movie like Gully Boy requires careful thought. Its not something you can simply pen down and be done with. You need to do it justice. It needs to make its mark. The world needs to see it for what it is - no frills, just raw emotion. Its not just a rags to riches story - its something more. Its not just the struggle of an artist - it goes deeper than that. At the surface, sure that's that the movie. But when you linger, when you see a lead actor pull off near perfect, inner turmoil - with just the right amount of restraint. And then - simply unleash on that mic - well, that's Gully Boy for you.

Its time for the apple to fall - Gully Boy isn't the greatest movie ever to grace the silver screen ever, as everybody at Berlinale is touting it to be. But yes, its pretty damn good. Undoubtedly, amongst the best movies of 2019 (which to be fair, has just begun) and arguably amongst the best you'll get to see this year. So book your tickets right away if that's the verdict you've been waiting for. However, be cautioned - its not simply a thrill ride - at 148 minutes its a deliberate slow burn, not in a haste to tell its fairly predictable story. Also, it has some pedestrian side plots and a bold choice for an ending. But I'd still put it very much in the must-watch category.

A lot of what Gully Boy is, is to do with the man at its center - Ranveer Singh. Though his appearance, still doesn't make him look like the Dharavi residing, slumdog who can't even fathom being a millionaire, in spirit he is exactly that. His circumstances, the insults, the deep scars on his psyche, his day to day struggles are all very real. And Ranveer pulls it off like a veteran. Playing a rapper itself is no mean feat but playing such a character with complex emotions and a boiling rage within showcases his talent. Its not only the rap, which he pulls off particularly well, but in his more quieter moments - the quiet determination, confidence and even retaliation where he wins over hearts. While the camera doesn't focus on him nearly as much as he deserves it, debutante Siddhant Chaturvedi is one of the most natural acts you'll get to watch. Its astonishing that this is a debut - it really is - Mc Sher kills it. Its hard to believe this guy is the scrawny teenager who plays the child prodigy in the Amazon Prime series Inside Edge. Alia Bhatt isn't particularly challenged with this kind of role, given what she has pulled off in the past, but she is more than noticeable. Her child like quality is in full bloom here and given her particularly maverick character - it adds particular dimension to it. Her struggle is understated but still very much present.

Zoya Akhtar is in fine form and the directorial touches are subtle yet very much there. The background chatter, the scenes where the sounds fade out and the silence is deafening as the message hits home are all very well done indeed. A lot of thought has gone into the side act as well, especially their characters and their own struggles. As the audience, Zoya makes it easy for us to be judgmental from a distance, but doesn't leave it at that. No she takes the camera into their lives, their homes and their grim realities, eventually forcing us to reflect and ponder, be more thoughtful about our perceptions. One can argue that the movie could've been shorter on runtime but I don't think it should've been at the cost of those slower, lingering moments.

The music, all rap and there is plenty of it, plays its beats really well. Its the sign that something's about to give, a revelation is about to happen and in its element, when things are in full aplomb. As much the background score as the songs - the music is as much a character as Ranveer himself. Its not all great beats though. There are a few side turns that the film could've and should've completely avoided. In a world full of struggles there are too many good Samaritans - not sure how true to life that is. And then there's the ending - which am sure will have its critics. But those are niggles.

In a world of pretentious, over the top cinema - Gully Boy is something real. From the markedly unglamorous introduction of its protagonist(s) to the slums of Mumbai, to the rap itself - its all sincere, original and very fresh. Hats off to Zoya Akhtar to have taken up such content and given it such careful treatment. Gully Boy makes his mark and leaves something with you.