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Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi (2012)
A real entertainer that will keep you laughing the entire movie
I laughed through this one the entire movie. It contains a well written script that will appeal to young folks and even older couples in love. Siddarth and Amala pull off their rolls as a confused couple as they work to sort things through. There is plenty of good advice given here as well and makes you step back and realize just how things can easily go wrong at times. This is a nice family friendly flick. The music is a bit boring, but the lyrics are more important than the tunes themselves. A super nice change where a lot of Tamil films have great music but terrible story lines and acting. Though it is a romance-comedy, there is a bit more comedy in this one so even guys will like it. I recommend watching with your special loved one.
Singh Saab the Great (2013)
Yawn.....pass....
This is an action flick through and through, but it gets old watching nothing but anger and fighting every 5 minutes through the whole movie. Sunny Deol and Prakash Raj play their parts well a contrasting good and evil, but that is lost when it's played out over and over. The three leading ladies basically over act killing any hope of at least adding some interesting parts. They just seem to have been added for eye candy. Johnny Lever's and Sanjay Mishra's characters are out of whack and I wasn't sure why there were even in the movie unless someone thought that would be the comical part (they are not most of the time). The music is decent and the dance scenes are good, but they fail to revive the boredom. There is an underlying message, but it seems like it took 2 hrs and 20 minutes to get to it in the end. If all you want is impossible action scenes of super human feats, then maybe it's worth a watch, but if you want an action flick with substance and decent story that helps move things along, then this one will not do.
Aiyyaa (2012)
A goofy film
OK, this is a goofy movie (the tag line is: Go Wakda (wacky)) so if you are expecting superb entertainment, you are out of luck. But, Rani Mukerji really shines as a nut job and really makes this movie laughable fun. I vote for her to star in the next Houseful 3 as her wackiness would work well in that series. You need to appreciate the wacky humor that comes with the Golmaal, Houseful, or Masti/Grand Masti series to enjoy his one. If that is not your style of humor, look elsewhere. Meenakshi's family is truly dysfunctional and adds to the humor. Meenaski's friend and co-worker Mynah comes across as an Indian Lady Gaga and is somewhat funny, but a little annoying at times. When Meenakshi dreams about being her favorite actresses is probably the funniest parts, so it helps to have a good background on some older Bollywood hits and veteran actresses to get a laugh at those scenes. The music is catchy, though some of the dance sequences are a bit risqué which is slightly unusual for Rani. Nothing terrible, but slightly not family safe for younger members. Prithviraj's character is played well especially in the end. Not a hit, but good goofy fun if you are looking for a good laugh.
Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)
A sleeper hit
I bought this because I am a huge fan of Deepika Padukone and ended up loving it for the work that Farhan Akhtar brings to it. I never heard much about this flick, and was pleasantly surprised how well crafted the story line is. Basic descriptions make you think it's another Bollywood romance, and romance is there, but it's not overtly gushing as some films have nowadays. The crafting comes with the small props like the Rubik's Cube that pops up in several scenes, the sound of Karthik's heartbeat when the scene is intense, the camera angles that make you feel like you are part of the scene, or the music playing that is just right for the moment. As you watch the movie the plot becomes believable and you start to feel for Karthik. Deepika's character, Shonali, is portrayed perfect. Not as some way out of reach girlfriend, but as someone approachable, even someone without any social skills. All the side characters play their rolls perfect and contribute to the story without stealing the thunder from Farhan and Deepika. It's has a perfect mix of romance, drama and mystery thrown all together in a beautiful mix.
Raanjhanaa (2013)
A movie with a great story to tell
This turned out out to be a surprise hit for me. This is a love story throughout, but nothing terribly mushy or boring and certainly nothing typical of a Hindi romance. There is substance and a great story line here that keeps you engaged with the characters (even the side characters are hugely entertaining). There are some really funny moments and a few sad ones all combined to make a great story with no one over all mood. Dhanush plays his role very well and is destined for great things down the road. He sets a great example of putting your mind to something and tolerance towards being wronged. This is one of Sonam Kapoor's better movies and her role is excellent. The sets are real looking and it's refreshing to see no CGI, fake sets or green screened scenes. There is lots of color here and very real looking extras. The struggles between caste, religious differences and class divide are presented well with nothing glossed over. There are no super hero antics and no weird breakout dance scenes out of whack with the story. The music is excellent and goes well with each scene. An excellent movie that stands above the typical Bollywood stuff that is cranked out year after year.
Cocktail (2012)
A great romantic comedy
The first half of the movie is hilarious and Gautam (Saif Ali Khan) will keep you laughing with his antics. Deepika (as Veronica) and Diana (as Meera) each play their rolls perfectly. The cast of side characters adds the perfect touch to the movie. The plot builds at a perfect pace and you are never let in on which way Gautam's feelings are going to go and how Veronica and Meera cope. The love-hate balance between the three lends itself well keeping you stuck to the movie until the big reveal right in the final moments of the movie. The tie up at the end is perfect and leaves you satisfied. The music is excellent with the appropriate genres played when needed (though disappointed some of the great club tunes never made it to the official soundtrack CD). There are no full out Hindi dance scenes here (except the ending credits). The party/club scenes are what you get, but work for this film. Deepika excels in romantic comedy films and this is one of her finest. Diana is a newcomer, but doesn't show any signs of being a rookie. Her roll as the shy Meera who blossoms through the movie is perfect. The story line and perfect acting make this a must see adult movie.
Pyaar Impossible! (2010)
Beauty and the geek done right
First, this is a warm feel good movie much like pictures of kittens and puppies. If that is not your cup of tea, then skip it. The story of the geek winning over the girl has been done before, but the humor in this movie makes it a winner. Abhay's (Uday Chopra) social awkwardness is a winner here and Alisha's (Priyanka Chopra) roll as a sexy socialite oblivious to Abhay's geek world is perfect. The antics Uday goes through to win her and her monster daughter over is funny and the turn in the end is sweet and awesome. Some of the humor is dumb (including the bad wig on Anupam Kher's head), but fits right in. The music is catchy and keeps you taping your feet. There is a small underlying story of being able to see the world differently from another point of view and it is well done (Priyanka makes a hot geek!). Some of the dialog is a little boring and almost seems like the actors are ad-libbing some lines at times, but it is saved by the humor in the story. I will watch this again and again and is one of my favorites. A perfect family film for all ages.
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela (2013)
A visual and aural feast for the eyes
One of Bansali's best pictures so far. It is loosely based on Romeo and Juliet so you already know the premise of the story here so no surprises really. What makes this different from other Romeo and Juliet based pictures is the visual styles and soundtrack. Bansali uses color in his movies to convey meanings in his films. Blues during sadness, reds during fighting or festivals, greens in neutral scenes and this film contains all those. The sets are elaborate lending even more of a feast for the eyes. There is excellent use of humor and seriousness at the right times. The chemistry between Deepika and Ranveer is spot on. The music and dance scenes are very elaborate and appropriate. Even the item number with Priyanka Chopra added some entertainment value though if left out would not make any difference to the movie. There are a few times where it is hard to keep up with some of the supporting characters. Sometimes you have to look for visual clues to figure out who is who quickly (a tattoo or a Tilak). It's not enough to detract from the movie, but lends a small amount of confusion. Watching it a second time I didn't have this feeling. Even though you know the overall plot, there is enough here to keep you engaged. A small amount of content may not be appropriate for small kids, but is OK the for rest of the family. The only issue I had is the hype leading up to the movie was a bit over the top. I would watch this again and again, but I only give it an 8 on a scale of 10 which is good still. Just not in my top 10. It will be a classic Hindi movie and certainly a must see.
Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007)
A fun rom-com that shows it doesn't pay to lie.
This is a funny romp through romance as Rikki, played by Abhishek, and Alvira, played by Preity, cook up a great story to tell each other in an attempt to ward each other off. The only problem is it has the opposite affect of making them attracted to each other. At that point they have to figure a way out of the lies. The side character of Huffy Bhai, played by Piyush Mishra, is awesome as he plays a cool level headed mentor for Rikki. Laura Dutta and Bobby Deol are excellent side characters pulled into the lies adding more zaniness to the story line. The dance competition is hilarious with Abhishek leading the way in his usual goofy style and Bobby hot on his heals. The music is catchy and will have you humming it well after the movie is over. Special appearances of Amitabh Bachchan throughout as a mysterious minstrel add to the music scenes, though his creepy laugh at the big reveal is a bit weird in the end. If you have caught the movie Bunty Aur Babli then every time Rikki's phone rings you will be in stitches. Especially since it is his real wife's voice in the recording. Little funny nuances like this keep the movie amusing throughout.
Fanaa (2006)
A great story line that entertains all the way through
Kajol and Aamir have to be the absolute best choices for the main characters of this movie as their acting is spot on and they make a great pair together in the story line. Not your typical Hindi love story where the guy and girl are annoyed with each other at first. They hit is off in the beginning but the story takes a radical twist in the middle and is non-stop on the edge mystery and drama to the end from there. Supporting rolls by Rishi Kapoor and Kirron Kher are spot on (who doesn't love their acting?). Tabu's roll is a bit mediocre and doesn't add much to the story, but it is a smaller role anyways so there is no time to develop her character. A quick pop in by Laura Dutta doesn't add much either and is a bit weird feeling like a quick add to the script. The ending is a surprise and ties up the story nice and neat. The music is pretty good, though the only dance scene that stands out is by Kajol as she performs on stage for an audience (brilliant song and brilliant lyrics). Though not exactly a dude movie, there is a good story to keep any guy enjoying this flick. A good couples movie and a must see classic for any Hindi film fan.
Son of Sardaar (2012)
A true Masala Flick that is roaringly funny
This movie has all the elements of a great Masala flick that will have you laughing all the way to the end. Ajay Devgn as Jassi is on top of his game in this movie keeping you laughing at his antics as he tries to escape the clutches of Billu played by Sanjay Dutt. The pillow scene is howlingly funny. It's is refreshing to see Sanjay play the usual gangster type roll, but with humor toning down his usual evil muscle bad boy image. Sonakshi as Meet brings her usual freshness to the screen and Juhi as Pammi will keep you giggling as she tries in vane to get Billu to marry her. Both females add depth and beauty to the story line. The musical parts are brilliantly composed and a cameo with Salman Khan in the end just sums up the whole goofiness of the film.
Saawariya (2007)
An art film that has all the elements that work like a drug to keep you watching
This is not a film for everyone. It is done more for the art and has weird dreaminess about it, though the story holds up well. This is not a typical Bollywood love story (guy and girl irritate each other, then fall in love and then there is some remake of DDLJ in there). Love is the warm feeling this movie gives you even though the entire movie is cast in blue colors. Ranbir Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, and Sonam Kapoor are outstanding. I cannot think of anyone better suited for their parts. It's hard to really judge Salman Khan's role since it is a short part without much dialog. All other supporting characters are perfect. I loved Zohra Segal as "Lilipop". She made me want her as my own adopted grandmother! I read the user reviews and was set for a great Bollywood movie, but came away with mixed feelings. On one hand, I'm not into art films, and I wanted to not love this when I started watching it, but there is some sort of trance this movie keeps you in and while you want to hate it, you just can't seem to get there and you stay for more. The feel, the music, the set and the characters all work as a drug to keep you on board. My choice of 5 out of 10 is more because I don't get into art films, but yet I liked this one. Like I said, mixed feelings about it. If you love art films, it will probably be closer to a 10. If you love the typical Bollywood romances, it will be less for you.
Barfi! (2012)
A beautifully intoxicating movie
One of my all time favorites I can watch over and over again. I love this story and it is so well told. Both Ranbir (as Barfi) and Priyanka (as Jhilmil) show off their best performances yet and do so without hardly uttering a single word. Upcoming Illena D'Cruz plays her part very well and is destined for a great future. Every detail of this movie is very well done from the lighting (including glare from the sunlight in certain scenes) to each and every expression on the actors/actresses faces. Pay close attention to each and every move because just about anything that seems random at the time will be important later. The music score is outstanding and really lends itself well to the scenes which is applied. The filming locations are beautiful.
A few folks accuse of blatant ripoffs of other movies and it does seem to borrow a lot of elements of other movies, but not enough from any that the whole movie seems a remake of another. It stands well on it's own and pays tribute to the best parts of other movies. Many scenes involve tribute scenes to silent film stars like Charlie Chaplain and Buster Keaton which I feel is great since Barfi cannot speak and it adds a comical sense to his character. It lends a new take to a group of new movie goers of the magic of silent films of past. Others seem to say that Priyanka does not represent someone with autism well. It would be hard for anyone to play that part and I didn't feel that was the case. Her actions are believable to get the point across. I applaud her for taking this tough role and doing so beautifully. It was also refreshing to see her in a role that didn't play on her beauty for once.
My only gripe is the movie jumps around eras a bit too much and too soon. Make sure to catch the dates shown so you keep up with the details. It all pans out in the end. I found the second time I watched it, this was no longer an issue.
I highly recommend you watch this movie again and again and soak yourself in the beauty of it. I also recommend this for anyone wanting to get into watching foreign films with subtitles as it is a little easier to get into since Barfi and Jhilmil do not need as many subtitles for their parts. Just enjoy their acting prowess.
English Vinglish (2012)
What a fantastic movie about respect!
The director did a great job at making you feel a part of the group trying to learn English. This movie really teaches you a great deal about the importance of respect. It will make you happy at times and sad the next, but most of all it will at least make you empathize with others struggles especially as we realize each others differences. I loved all the characters in the movie and they all play their parts really well, but Sridevi steals the screen and her talent for acting really shows through. The plot is excellent as she decides to learn English and goes about reaching that goal. There will be tears of sadness, but also tears of joy. Bravo and a great movie to watch. Highly recommended.
Veer-Zaara (2004)
A surprise top movie!
I was fully prepared to see a typical Bollywood romantic musical, but came blow away at the sheer awesomeness of this movie! Yes, it is a romantic musical with great music, but the underlying themes are so much more keeping you engaged during the entire movie. Be prepared to see a sense romance, courage, honor and humanity that will heighten your senses. You will feel love, spirituality, anger, sadness and happiness all throughout. The scenery is beautiful and the actors all play their roles well. Veer's speech in court towards the end is something that will be remembered as it should be a basis of all humanity's dealings with differences. It is awesome in a world filled with hatred towards differences that a story like this can rise above and see the common thread in all humanity. A must see, even if you don't enjoy romantic musicals
Lafangey Parindey (2010)
Great love story without the mushy stuff
Aditya Chopra pulls off another great love story, but this one is a bit different than his usual. Though the story line is somewhat predictable, it is still entertaining watching Pinky achieve her dreams despite the odds and Nandu change his whole attitude towards life. The supporting cast all play their roles well. The film achieves a form of grittiness through excellent use of cool colors, gritty music and scenery. But even through that, the underlying love story is not lost. The soundtrack is excellent with weird bits of Celtic, gypsy and classical all thrown in and used at the most appropriate times. This story will have you bobbing around happy at the appropriate times and sad the next when things don't always go as expected. You will enjoy the triumph of the human spirit in this movie. Good for guys as well as gals