Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes–Game of Shadows–is an enthralling affair

No prizes for guessing this one. Probably one of the best Hollywood movies to hit the theatres this season, Game of Shadows should be right up there on your ‘must-watch’ list. Re-inventing one of the most memorable characters of the yore, is no mean feat and if Guy Ritchie had left something to be desired in the debut of this franchise, he more than makes up for it with a thrilling sequel

Borrowing elements from the fine works of Arthur Conan Doyle, the movie builds up beautifully and one is breathless trying to keep pace with the genius of Sherlock right from the word go. Razor sharp editing only adds to the challenge as you try and catch each frame to make sure you can figure out the solution the way Holmes has. Slow motion action is back as it was in the debut but only, its better this time.

While the build up is strong, the overall plot perhaps may seems a bit of a let down considering that this time Holmes is confronted with his greatest enemy of all time, a mind as sharp as his own, if not sharper.

However, the way it is presented and especially the climax are true moments of joy. As for the acting, both Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are in sparkling form. As for the villain, perhaps they could’ve gone in with somebody that looked a little more menacing, especially given the larger-than-life character he plays, but that’ll be nit-picking. Superlatively written and packed with wit and humour (British humour primarily, so you need to be a fan of that) there is little one can complain of in this enthralling sequel. There is many a masterstroke that Holmes has to offer and I am quite convinced that you won’t be disappointed – assuming of course you are a fan of Sherlock to begin with.

So its elementary, my dear Watson…just go and grab the next tickets

Movie Review: Don 2….twice is not as nice

Okay so maybe that title makes it look really bad which would have probably been apt for most part of the movie. As you exit the hall though, your final notion is..it wasn’t all that bad
So what changes things? I wish I could tell you but then you’ll have absolutely no reason to go and watch this movie in the hall, so I’ll refrain. I wish I could also say that this is one movie where style meets substance but it wouldn’t be the whole truth. The style is definitely there, no doubt about it. Its the substance that we miss, especially given that this comes to us from Farhan Akhtar.
Classy packaging, nice and sometimes riveting action (mostly in the second half) are probably the hallmark of this movie. Beautifully shot, the movie spans a multitude of international locations. The plot isn’t a great one but there could be some minor surprises to keep you interested. However, there is some downright amateurish stuff as well which was a pity since its not expected from Farhan Akhtar. Most of the action though is tightly packaged, save for the unnecessary romantic angles thrown here and there.
No offence to die hard Shahrukh fans but I just don’t see him in the Don character. Probably the same issue one faces in identifying with the ideal James Bond as well. In fact, by giving the original classic the twist that he did, Farhan in one moment, transformed the character of Don into a more complex and extremely strong character. While Khan portrays him quite well, he just doesn’t look the part, at the end of the day. In fact, his characteristic laughter is the only thing that comes close to associating him with such a character. So while the King may be back..I am not sure if he should be looking at a third outing as well
As for the others, well they are all incidental. Priyanka looks lovely, plays her part as expected but her character has become too plain and simple in Don 2. Veteran actor Om Puri is completely wasted in a character that may well have been played by an extra for all the acting talent it required. Lara Dutta has too fleeting an appearance to be of notice. The guest appearance (sorry, can’t say who) though illogical, is a nice addition and adds a new dimension to that particular sequence, also portraying the brilliance of the director to add that part.
One mistake I made is to watch this movie in 3D – bad idea…there is nothing 3D worthy in the movie and there are many instances where you wish you could follow the action better without those infernal glasses on. This one’s a no brainer – don’t watch it in 3D!!
So if you do go to watch this one, go in with ordinary expectations ( not Farhan Akhtar’s best by far) and the master planner’s masterful plan might well catch your fancy

Movie Review: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol..delivers some thrills

The stakes were pretty high on this one. The Mission Impossible franchise is one that has showed some consistency in maintaining the thrill, the pace, awesome action and amazing stunts in a classy yet enjoyable format. Each instalment thus is confronted with its own impossible mission - to up the ante on the previous one. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol was no different. Question is, does it deliver?

Well, to be completely honest it certainly delivers some thrills. Just when you start thinking that its all been done before, Ghost Protocol delivers some awe-inspiring action and takes it to the next level. Some of the stunts are to be seen to be believed. They are brilliantly edited and don’t be surprised if you actually hold your breath during some of the action

If I am not sounding completely gaga about the movie, its because I can’t say that the entire movie is great. Upto what can be regarded as the first half, it is exactly that. However, the second half just doesn’t deliver as much. The movie slows down way too much, for a Mission Impossible kind of package, where the hits should just keep on coming and that becomes its undoing. Nothing really tops what you have already seen in the first hour of the movie and thus, the lack of euphoria.

The franchise itself has matured. MI 2 was all about Ethan Hunt and the super agent he was and that nothing was impossible for him. After that the game went beyond just him and that’s how it goes in Ghost Protocol as well. However, the movie has an ordinary and predictable plotline and its obvious that all the thinking and hard work has gone only into the action – that too, the first half

An interesting development is the generous dose of humor that has been added to this instalment. An element generally lacking in the franchise overall. I have mixed feelings about it. While it takes away from the sense of tension and excitement of the mission itself, it definitely adds to the fun in the movie hall, so you’ll have to take your own view on that

As far as the acting goes, Cruise still looks good as Ethan Hunt but age definitely shows on him, in this instalment. The other actors all do a good job and Jeremy Runnels is particularly noteworthy as Brent. Simon Clegg as the tech guy provides most of the humour and plays his part well

Another thing is that I couldn’t watch this movie in 3D and if its anything close to the good stuff we got to watch in Avatar then I’d certainly recommend it. At any rate, watch it in the best quality hall that you can because the panoramic shots and awesome action is really what this movie is all about

As I close this review, I still can’t get over that scene - Ethan Hunt climbing the Burj Khalifa and what follows thereafter..that alone takes your breath away and is worthy of the movie ticket

Movie Review: Rockstar..didn’t rock

Well at least it didn’t for me. Going in what can be regarded as late in the week to watch this much-awaited flick, one comes out pretty unsatisfied with what is offered

The movie’s got spirit, I’ll give it that. Some of the music will actually have you rocking and swaying for a while but it doesn’t last for long. The songs are as usual, one too many and it becomes tiring after awhile. Most of the music is good (wouldn’t expect anything less from AR Rahman) but not particularly hummable. The track Saada Haq has the true rockstar feel to it though and will probably stay with you long after the movie is over

Rockstar addresses some issues in a typical Imtiaz Ali’sh no-nonsense, straight talk manner. Jordan (character played by Ranbir) is a terrific character that has been well handled for the most part. However, the love story in the movie doesn’t seem to fit in well and a lot of aspects seem unconvincing or rather, confusing. In fact, one of the major issues is that it almost seems as if the director had two separate scripts in mind - one that dealt with the spirit of the artist and the journey of his life, the other being a true blue love story and he ended up trying to meld the two. One wonders if this would have been a better flick without the love story thrown in altogether, or at least presented in a different manner. As it stands though, the love story is supposed to be at the heart of all that happens and you’ll just have to convince yourself about that

If you watch Rockstar, watch it for Ranbir Kapoor. Rockstar gives him the perfect canvas and he makes the movie his own. If he was impressive in Rajneeti, Ranbir acquires a whole new level with Rockstar and executes a complex character to perfection. Jordan’s anguish, confusion, frustration and anger all come across perfectly well and Ranbir looks the part all through. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the female lead, Nargis Fakhri and that becomes a problem in such a movie. The female lead has an important role to play but it becomes too much for Nargis to pull off. Her dialogue delivery is not up there and while she looks pretty all throughout, she isn’t able to do justice to scenes that need her to emote and express herself.

The biggest issue of them all is the runtime. Clocking at 2 hours 50 minutes you reach a stage where you almost grimace seeing Ranbir in a concert, because you believe that this will lead to music, a song, some melody where again time is lost but the plot doesn’t move forward. Editing seems to be a key concern here

One of the highlights is the appearance of the Late Shammi Kapoor and one is reminded of the loss of a true legend. There are some scenes of directorial brilliance especially when Imtiaz lets us peek into Jordan’s true state of mind and shows the invisible bond between the two leads but the movie lacks the tight packaging that say, a Jab we Met had. At the end of the show, while we rejoice at Ranbir’s fabulous performance and the equally spirited music, one doesn’t feel that they’ve been given quite their due – the wait for a good movie continues…

Movie Review: Azaan….na hi aazmaana…

I guess the writing was already on the wall for this one…please don’t ask me why I still decided to check it out..am still trying to provide myself with a reasonable explanation

To be fair though, Azaan does very much give you a glimpse of the standards that Bollywood is beginning to reach – from a cinematography and even action point of view. In fact, the first 10 minutes of the movie, were so impressive, I almost believed I had actually made the right decision by spending that money for the ticket to the movie hall. Watch the first 10 minutes and you can comfortably compare it to Hollywood action flicks (read Vantage Point etc). After that, however, you get introduced to Azaan and that’s where the bubble bursts..at least the first time

The character of Azaan is meant to be that of a (pardon the comparison) James Bond or a Jason Bourne. And when you get Sachiin Joshi to fill those shoes…well let’s just say it doesn’t paint a pretty picture. The first few minutes of close up scenes where Azaan is getting ‘introduced’ extinguish the little interest that the movie generates in the beginning. Add to that some very confusing direction and you’ve got yourself a real mess. A friend of mine while watching the movie commented – it seems as if 2 separate people have directed the movie….I couldn’t have put it better myself. Some scenes are right up there (like the opening scenes of the movie) and some are downright amateurish stuff wherein the audience wonders what message did the director wish to convey with the scene they just saw.

Don’t get taken in with all the talk of Hollywoodish action that you would get to hear from people. Blatantly copying frames from Bourne Ultimatum and the plot from Mission Impossible II is not Hollywoodish action..it just feels sad that they couldn’t come up with their own action/ plot. On the bright side though, the background score is just right for an action movie and Salim Sulaiman have done justice to the requirement – though, it was a little sad to see that some of the background score was remarkably similar to Bourne Ultimatum. This was especially disappointing, given that this is by Salim Sulaiman, a duo that I have immense respect for and are known for very good original background score (read Hamesha, Dhoom etc).

All that apart, the action is pretty impressive and camerawork is simply breath-taking given Bollywood standards. They have clearly lifted the game. As for the acting, well there isn’t any..apart from the support cast that have put in a decent performance. The female lead is more of a guest appearance so I wouldn’t put too much stock on her either. As for her role, amidst all the confusion, there’s also supposed to be a love story of some sort in there..you figure it out if you watch it…I couldn’t

Towards the end you get pretty much tired of all the action and you wish the movie could end somehow..the director obliges with an abrupt ending when you least expect it.

There, I think I’ve given you all the warnings I could…the rest is up to you..

Movie Review: Saheb Biwi aur Gangster…all three keep you interested

While it doesn’t boast any big names, Saheb Biwi aur Gangster does manage to hold your attention pretty much all through out the 2 hour period of its runtime. The start of the movie is particularly impressive and despite the unfamiliar and fairly dated period that the movie seems to be set up in one gets quite interested as the plot begins to build up

You get introduced to the three central characters one after the other and most of your time goes in trying to understand these characters, unravelling their many layers and complexities.

Then, just when things seem to be getting interesting, the thread is broken with a completely unnecessary song. Unfortunately, this happens five times in a two hour movie. I have till date been unable to understand or relate to the need to have songs in a movie that just doesn’t seem to require them. The answers don’t seem to be in the offing any time soon either.

Anyways, in this case it just spoils otherwise decent movie fare and at a time when the plot should actually gather pace, it only slows down further. The movie intervals at the worst possible juncture, leaving the audience bewildered as to whether it got ill-timed altogether and wondering if there’s anything in the movie worth returning to.

Thankfully, there is and in spite of the songs, the second half keeps you engaged. As the action heats up towards what might be presumed to be a predictable climax, little twists keep you guessing. The writing and dialogues are also better than average and lend a distinct sheen to the movie. Overall the package offered is quite satisfactory and you come out of the hall, satisfied, though wishing that it could have been even better. There are shades of Omkara to this movie, what with a similar setting and very distinct characters. However, don’t even think of comparing this to that masterpiece of a movie…it would just be unfair

No complaints in terms of acting and all three leads have put in a commendable performance. Though Mahie Gill is unconvincing in some scenes, she’s equally overwhelming in others so that balances out. Jimmy Shergill could’ve probably done more since his character has perhaps the maximum airtime but its not a bad performance per se. That said, one wonders what the real stalwarts could’ve done with a movie like this (I am thinking, Irrfan Khan, Saif in a Landa Tyagi kind of avatar etc.)

Still, as it stands Saheb Biwi aur Gangster is definitely watchable movie fare…now if only you can figure out a way to fast forward songs in a movie theater…

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.