Movie Review: TRON: Legacy…there’s no legacy

Welcome to the world of TRON – or rather, ‘the Grid’..where there are only two neon lights to guide your path – blue and orange. Surprised? Confused? Well dats TRON for you.

Now I haven’t seen the original (for the uninitiated, this movie is a sequel, the original released in 1982) but the creators of TRON Legacy thankfully realized that there would be many more like me and provide every explanation during the course of the movie. The only issue is that the explanation comes at a painfully slow rate and there is nothing exciting or mysterious about the TRON Universe itself.

Interestingly, the movie starts in 2D (so don’t shouting at the hall attendents if you can’t use your glasses right away) because that’s the real world. Its only once you enter the TRON Universe do the glasses come in handy and then there’s an instant transformation; one is almost reminiscent of the stalwart, Avatar.

Reminiscent I say, because any real comparison to that movie, is a farce. It doesn’t even come close. In Avatar, Pandora itself was a wonder. The millions of colours, beauty of nature and imaginative creatures brought it to life. TRON in comparison looks desolate, dark and dreary

I can’t even blame the creators of TRON because all they had at their disposal was a criss cross of lines and circles, (circuit diagrams if I may) and like I said, only two colours – blue and orange, to paint an entire picture. Given those constraints, they seem to have done a pretty decent job.

The action sequences are racy and neatly done but again perhaps a little too quick for the eye to catch. The movie has too much of a video-game feel to it and in a game you want to be the one in control. Not helplessly watching proceedings with no inkling what can happen next.

The background score is quite good but one gets the feeling once too often that it creates much ado about nothing. There would be a resounding rhythm, increasing with every beat to a loud crescendo but all the screen will show is a train crossing by, or some doors closing. Hardly the right effect.

Unfortunately, I can’t criticize the movie too much because I doubt if there’s any other way to show what they wanted to. And you have to marvel at the idea. Creating a digital universe, a perfect world of sorts, and basing a storyline on the same takes a good amount of imagination.

However, TRON Legacy gets too convoluted for its own good. Its only when the movie is drawing towards its closing scenes that all the pieces begin to fall in place and one understands what this movie is about. Kinda like the Matrix (though that took a few repeat viewings to get the hang of) but the difference was that while in Matrix you were intrigued and excited to understand the world of the Matrix better, with TRON you are just waiting for it all to end and your world to be restored to Technicolour again

All in all, the movie looks more like a brilliantly displayed laser show with thumping sounds and beats to go with, rather than a fully fleshed out movie with characters and a plotline. Legacy or no, if they are making a third edition to this there’s a lot of that needs to be added to the current offering to qualify it as a worthy watch

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Can’t wait for Part 2!!

I know this is a review for Part 1 of this Mega Franchise but I can’t help myself. The movie so wonderfully sets the stage for Part 2 that July 2011 is just too far away yet (that’s when the next and final edition releases).

However, Part I itself offers you quite the cinematic experience to justify a movie hall ticket. With no Dumbledore to guide him and several Horcruxes to destroy, Harry has his task cut out for him. Meanwhile, the Dark Lord has taken over completely and Death Eaters appear to be everywhere. I wish I could explain scenario by scenario how wonderfully the book has been adapted in the movie but alas! I shall be giving too much away. Not that it is a really faithful adaptation, though. In fact, the way the movie starts you almost wonder if they came up with their own version to this masterpiece, but then the familiar scenes set in and you start connecting with the book a lot better

What you get at the end of it all is a visually stunning treat, with breath taking effects and brilliant set pieces. Of course, the grand storyline created by the genius herself, is undoubtedly the real hero in this movie. Still, it is heartening to see that justice has been done to what is probably the finest book in the series. Superlative performances by the entire cast with Emma Watson (who’s gotten prettier with every installment of the series) delivering a particularly noteworthy performance. Ralph Fiennes as Voldermort, looks sinister as ever and you’ll probably hate Bellatrix Lestrange even more, a testament to the performance of Helena Bonham Carter. The director David Yates has clearly dug deeper to the essence of the storyline and some sequences have that touch of class about them. This installment is probably the darkest of the lot and the director faithfully re-creates the same – with great success

On the flipside though, since the book is split across two parts and the first edition clocks around 2 hours 30 minutes, the movie seems to have been stretched a tad bit longer especially the scenes nearing the end of first half. However, the movie more than makes up for it with exemplary action sequences that follow up just after that.

The much talked about kiss between Radcliffe and Watson was completely uncalled for and almost strikes a jarring note to that particular scene

Other than that, there aren’t too many hiccups in this breath-taking adventure and it probably ends at the best possible note – giving the audience a chilling realization and having them just raring for more.

However, as the credits roll in one does feel like giving a tribute to that great artist, the creator of this wonderful saga who has single-handedly given us one of the greatest series of all time

Movie Review: The Social Network – Go Get Connected!!

The drought of sad, disappointing films has finally ended. While I have been frequently accused of not showing enough concern for my fellow followers @ anitalks. I knew I had to wait for the right moment, the right movie to deliver a review that actually raised hopes and expectations

One look at the trailer of The Social Network and I knew that moment had arrived. My only regret is that this review comes 3 days after the movie released

The Social Network is all about Mark Zuckerberg (the founder of Facebook, or was it The Facebook ;)) his fortunes and misfortunes after he created this phenomenon that captured the imagination of millions across the globe and that’s really all there is to it. However, the beauty of the film lies in the way it is presented.

Packed with smart dialogues and witty humor, The Social Network is a tribute to the Genius. It isn’t apologetic about the arrogance or pompous attitude of its protagonist, Mark. Rather, it celebrates his sheer brilliance and intelligence at every opportunity.

What is probably the hallmark of this movie is that none of its characters are stereotypes. There isn’t a single character you can completely love/ hate. There are shades of grey in each and every one of them and that is how they are presented. So a word of advice, don’t be judgemental of any of the characters while watching the movie. The sheer believability of the characters are the real treat in this movie

Jesse Eisenberg does complete justice to Mark Zuckerberg, portraying him as a stuck up yet brilliant nerd who thinks the rest of the population to be inferior. His dismissive remarks and smart aleck replies provide the lighter moments in this otherwise gripping drama. The other side characters too do a remarkable job, noticeably Andrew Garfield (who portrays Eduardo Saveron, co-founder of Facebook).

The director, David Fincher, does a brilliant job with some scenes being absolute masterpieces and never does the movie get dull or boring. Considering its an almost factual account of a couple of nerds, writing code and making millions, this movie could have easily become dull and dreary but thankfully, its not. The ending (don’t worry, am not giving anything away) may be regarded as tame by some but I thought it was quite apt given the way the movie progresses.

Final verdict, the movies haven’t added too many ‘friends’ to their network (neither Hollywood nor Bollywood) off late but I think one finally has reason to spend that money, buy that ticket and ‘Get Connected’!!

Movie Review: Anjaana Anjaani….ajab prem ki ‘not so gazab’ kahani

Its wild…its whacky..its fresh..these were the adjectives in one’s mind while watching this movie…but that was before one reached the interval stage..and after having completed the movie..dismay, dejection and disappointment loomed

Its too uncanny to be a coincidence. Of the last few Bollywood outings I have gone for, each of them has had the same problem..a promising premise but poorly dealt with. Alas, Anjaana Anjaani too suffers the same fate.

The movie starts off almost Hollywoodish..running at a brisk pace with the story of both leads being unfolded bit by bit. Though, rather depressing due to the premise its built on, especially in the first half, the only complaint one can make is the lack of laughter/ funny situations/ humor that is an essential element of such movies. Its the second half of the movie though that’s the real dampener. Apart from one hilarious sequence (which again takes you to the land of ‘what could have been’), the movie drags unnecessarily beyond limits and gets tedious and irritating. The message the movie tries to portray is also blatant and in-your-face whereas it ought to have been implied and subtle.

The only reason why Anjaana Anjaani works to some degree is due to its two leads. Easily the hottest property in B-Town today, both Ranbir and Priyanka do justice to their roles and while there’s not too much to emote or portray..the pair look so good on screen that it makes the movie seem almost worthwhile

The music is good but far too many songs are packed into the movie, especially in the second half. Had it been half an hour shorter and with a few more funny sequences thrown in and a little less melodrama, this flick would’ve been a blast, but as it stands, I wouldn’t bet my money on it if I were you. Play it safe and catch the DVD when it comes out..it would be time and money well saved.

Movie Review: Robot….Nooooo!!!!

The Robot in the movie ‘Robot’ is named ‘Chitty’. (Don’t ask me why they couldn’t come up with a better name). During the interval one of my friends cried out in sheer frustration: ‘Chitty nahi yaar yeh toh cheating ho gayee….’. One couldn’t have summed it up better.

Over the past few weeks, I am beginning to realize the true meaning of the term ‘occupational hazard’ having to review movies like these.If Robot is what director Shankar could come up with spending an insane amount of money, I think that money would have been much better spent in charity instead. Meaningless, frustrating, irritating, agonizing would be the popular adjectives in the movie hall if you make the mistake of watching it there.

To be fair, Robot starts with a lot of promise. There seems to be a decent build up and the story seems to be in place. I thought it was a brilliant ploy- knowing that Rajni movies are supposed to have that larger than life feel about them, what better than to portray him as a Robot. It would make every feat seem plausible…every impossible stunt or action, doable. Come to think of it, isn’t that what the Wachowski Brothers did in the Matrix? – create the world of the matrix where all these gravity defying stunts are justified. (Sorry, I shouldn’t insult a masterpiece like the matrix by comparing it here).

Anyway, the second half proved me wrong…and way off the mark. Forget gravity defying…completely idiotic scenes put together with God knows what purpose. Silly action scenes which become just plain irritating as the film progresses. I heard some people called the last hour as the most ‘entertaining’ part of the movie. Suffice it to say that it is heart breaking what some of our film-makers get away with these days..in the name of entertainment.

In terms of the acting, don’t bother your head over why an actress like Ash agreed to sign up for such a movie especially given the role she played. She doesn’t have much to do other than play a glam doll which I don’t think is her forte anyway, though she does look gorgeous all throughout. Superstar Rajni on the other hand, does justice to his role, though he tends to go over the top at times.

Don’t even get me started on the song and dance routine. By the time the last song comes, you’ll be ready to tear your hair out. Though the music has been directed by the Maestro A R Rahman, its a rare ever disappointing offering by him.

There is pretty much nothing that is unmissable in this movie so I can’t think of any reason why I should push you to waste your cash. Unless, of course, you are part of the Rajni fan following, in which case no amount of convincing will keep you away from the silver screen.

In any case, I’ve lost a few precious hours and got a headache in the process..if you want to suffer the same fate be my guest and go ahead and watch it.

Movie Review: Dabangg…exercise caution

India is a wondrous country… If a movie like Dabangg can break the record for opening weekend of a movie like 3 Idiots..that’s the only conclusion I can come to. I know you already know better, but just for record..don’t even for a moment believe that Dabangg can be compared to a stalwart like 3 Idiots.

Should you then be Dabangg (which means ‘fearless, for the uninitiated) about spending your precious bucks and catching this flick in the hall? Well, I would recommend you exercise some caution. Unless you are a hopeless Salman fan, absolutely loved his last offering, ‘Wanted’, absolutely adore insanely mindless action and have no regard for plot, script etc in which case it qualifies as a ‘must-watch’ for you. To be fair though, Dabangg isn’t as bad as Wanted (now there’s a comparison one can make)…in fact, in the second half one actually begins to take interest in the movie. The first half is quite a bummer though, with another 4-5 songs (I lost count..) and a handful of cheesy dialogues, most of which you would’ve already seen in the promos.

What makes Dabangg mildly interesting is its lead character Chulbul Pandey. He’s not Mr. Good Cop, not by a long shot..but he’s got facets that make him quite intriguing. In fact, most of the movie spends time on exploring various aspects of Chulbul’s character. A lot has been said about Salman’s acting and that its his best ever etc…I would say that it is certainly one of his better performances but wouldn’t go ga-ga over it. Sonakshi Sinha makes a quiet debut because the poor girl has hardly any dialogues in the movie. The other noteworthy performance is that of Sonu Sood (who plays the character of Chhedi Singh). He pulls of a convincing villain and thankfully, doesn’t go over the top while delivering his dialogues. Another noteworthy appearance is that of Malaika who delivers the scorcher ‘Munni Badnam Hui’ and lights up the screen for a few brief moments.

The good thing about Dabangg and which is the only explanation I have of its recent success is that the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously. There are no scenes meant to particular stir you or move you..the director believes that you have just come to have fun so the heavier moments in the movie are also glossed over. Even when Salman is beating villains to a pulp he delivers the odd cheesy dialogue to remind the audience that none of this should be taken too seriously.

So final verdict? If you are going, go with a gang of friends with absolutely no expectations and the intention of having a good time.. otherwise give the silver screen a miss for this flick.

Movie Review: Lafangey Parindey….stay away

Have you seen the trailer of Lafangey Parindey? (She was born to fly..etc)..Well, if you have, that’s the movie for you..Walk into the movie hall and though it clocks an annoying 2 and a half hours, I doubt you would have seen anything more, other than perhaps the biggest advertisement for the TV show, ‘India’s Got Talent’

YRF has clearly lost the plot. There was a time that a YRF production, though not always spectacular, could at least be counted upon as dependable movie fare..Well, the times have certainly changed

The ‘Tashan’ of making the big bucks have clearly made YRF a ‘Badmaash Company’ and they are now using advertising and endorsements to rake in the moolah rather than the audience’s ticket fare. What else would explain taking a promising script that may have had potential and presenting it in such a flat manner. The character of Pinky Palkar, could have been such a strong force so as to blow the audience away with her resolve and commitment (read movies like Iqbal) but despite Deepika Padukone’s best efforts, Pinky fails to move you. In fact, there is precisely one scene that would really stir some emotion and is quite beautifully presented but that’s where the joy ends

Neil Nitin Mukesh, in his trademark style, remains blank and expressionless throughout the movie and One Shot Nandu ends up being a one-dimensional character (even though that wouldn’t have been the intention). The only one who deserves mention is probably Deepika, who has definitely raised her own performance bar. Not only does she look beautiful (which she does in all her movies) but she quite literally, puts her best foot forward and tries to breathe life into the character of Pinky

Unfortunately, since the plot is woefully predictable (especially after the elaborate trailers) and there is little else to save the script, her performance is not enough to make this a hall-worthy experience. One would think that the ‘ringa ringa’ score that would have many humming away during the trailers, would be well exploited, but since that too comes only at the beginning of the movie, by the time you come out of the hall, you have no recollection of that either.

To sum it up, I have absolutely no reason whatsoever to recommend that you waste money and go to the halls for this flick…Just watch the trailer and you can tick Lafangey Parindey off your list…