Movie Review: Warrior..almost kicks ass

This is probably amongst the strangest titles I would’ve given a review post in a long time. I would’ve loved to say that the movie truly kicks ass but that would be over-stating the case. To be fair, the movie does try very hard though

Watch the first half and you feel you are in for a real treat. The build up is so wonderful, the pacing so correct, that you gear up for an enthralling second half. So many conflicts, simmering emotions ever so restrained, a moving storyline in the making - the concoction is served just right. The only hitch is..it doesn’t deliver as much. The climax is probably the most disappointing amidst it all and this, when its not a bad climax per se. In fact, I think the movie falls prey to its own expectations.

There are two things that would have made this movie an absolute knock out..a bit more of the story telling and a better climax. I don’t know who slipped up – the director or the editor but someone definitely did, in this otherwise masterfully presented flick

Other than that, you get treated to some of the best acting from all the leads, that you would have seen in some time now, very good fight scenes, exquisitely shot and presented..it sets the adrenalin flowing, the blood rushing and you don’t want to budge from your seat till the fight is over. The background score also does justice and blends in well with the action.

All in all, Warrior qualifies as a must-watch in this movie season but don’t be surprised if you feel a trifle disappointed by the time the credits roll in. Definitely not cheated…but maybe just a trifle disappointed

So go get a piece of the action and judge for yourself.

Movie Review: Contagion…best not to come in contact with it

Its been a long hiatus from the halls and I was hoping that once it was finally over, the movie I’d have watched would have been worth the wait. Alas, I can’t say that for Contagion, not in the least.

If you are really curious, watch the trailer and leave it at that. When I saw the trailer this one was instantly notched up as one of the ‘must-watch’ movies this season. I wish I could sound less disappointed than I do, because the plot definitely had potential. It could’ve been so much more, with such a ‘killer’ (quite literally) concept and storyline. In fact, it ought to be so compelling that your first instinct, once you come home ought to be that you wash your hands. But, it isn’t..far from it.

I wish I could go, scene by scene on where all it went wrong, but that would give the story away so I'll have to with a generic description: Where there ought to have been a journey from the origin of the ‘problem’ to its rampant spread like wildfire, the slowly increasing tension, the smooth pacing culminating in widespread panic, frenetic public, absolute mayhem etc., what you get is a near-documentary, which just seems dull and tired. Only in the second half do things look more like the grim, desolate and desperate canvas the movie ought to be painted on but by then, you’ve already lost interest and are just waiting for the credits to roll in. The background score is such a misfit that you could be watching another movie altogether for all you know. Don’t go by the impressive cast of characters either. Each and every one of them is thoroughly wasted in the movie, save for maybe Lawrence Fishburne and Jude Law. For the record though, it also has Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard and Gwyneth Paltrow..go figure!!

I wish there was something I could praise about the movie (other than the concept) because I am quite a fan of the Ocean series, brought to us by the same director. But a movie like Contagion just doesn’t seem up his alley. I’d rather this kind of a movie was directed by the kinds of Roland Emmerich who may over-use CGI but at least is able to give a good pacing and direction to such epic disaster movies

So, the drought continues…With movies like Bodyguard, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan being the current offerings…its going to be a long wait to watch a worthwhile movie this season…though I’ve heard good things about Devil’s Double and Bol is seen to have potential. Still, its a poor season for the average cinegoer..

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!!

Movie Review: X-Men First Class…is truly First Class!!

I think I ‘ve practically given it away in the title itself this time…go book your tickets right now. To be frank, I wasn’t overly optimistic. Though a big fan of the franchise I wasn’t sure if there was much ‘meat’ to pull off the sequel. Plus a look at the poster made me even less hopeful..they look like little kids wearing their superhero costumes…but all doubts were expelled and out the window once I emerged from the theater a full 2 hours 20 minutes only wishing that there was even more

With Kung Fu Panda II and now X-Men First Class, I am beginning to appreciate even more what ‘a complete package’ can deliver. That’s exactly what X-Men First Class is…decent plot…excellent build up…awesome special effects coupled with an inspired background score..there isn’t too much more you could ask for. Top that up with commendable performances from all, especially the leads James McAvoy (Charles) and Michael Fassbender (Eric) and you have a truly First Class package.

Though the base storyline is fairly average, the way it is delivered, each character is carved out and the pieces put together is really a class act. Great direction from Matthew Vaughn (who hasn’t made any of the X-Men movies incidentally) It is evident that time and effort has been put into defining each scene in the movie. What’s more one gets the impression that the storyteller is one who has deep understanding and love for each of the X-Men Characters and the franchise. One always was intrigued about the history between Charles and Eric and their curious relationship...and it couldn't have been portrayed better.

My only regret, if any, was that this movie was not made in 3D. Given the astounding special effects, this would have been a larger than life spectacle, worth watching many times over

As it stands though, X-Men: First Class delivers well and truly and must be at the top of your ‘must-watch’ list this weekend.

Mutant...and proud :)

Movie Review: Hangover II: The same stuff all over again..

I know what you are thinking! If its the same stuff it should be great, right? I mean, looking at how awesome Hangover was, this should be a sure winner. Well, not exactly…

One of the major reasons the first instalment was that great, was that the audience, at the time, did not know what to expect. We were just eager to watch on how much messier it got, before it all came right. Plus we had no idea who Phil, Stu and Alan were, so getting to know their quirky characters was fun. As Hangover II, that becomes the base expectation. So when that’s all you get served, the second time round, it isn’t that great.

What would have done it for Hangover II would have been some freshness..a new wacky way to get Phil, Stu and Alan in a whole new mess, with probably another new way more wackier character thrown in!! But no, there is nothing new!! The picturization, presentation, characters, everything is the same, apart from the background music which is actually more eerie and doesn’t sound much better

But then, am not saying that its bad a movie either. If you haven't seen the first one (though chances are remote), then you should love it...If you have seen the first part, you'll still have fun - the characters are all top of their form, the dialogues are good, some situations are the typical laugh out loud types and you’ll definitely enjoy the show, just don’t watch it with too many expectations.