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Reviews
Ghajini (2008)
The good, the bad and the ridiculous
I saw the trailer for the movie and a review on TV, showing Aamir's new physic and bit of the storyline. I knew straight away that the film was a copy of Christopher Nolan's, excellent movie called, 'Memento'. I like Aamir Khan movies because not only is he a good actor (Lagaan, Dil Chahtha Hain, Rang De Basanti), but an excellent director too (Taare Zameen Par).
I was surprised that he would sign a film which is a copy, but I reserved my judgement until I saw the film because normally his films are refreshing.
The Good: Although Aamir Khan is 40+ he was still able to work out and display a great physic, giving me hope I can too get fit with a lot of hard work as I'm only 29. Asin (Kalpana) was a breath of fresh air, her character seemed so natural even I fell in love with her and her comic timing was fabulous.
The Bad: The story was a bad imitation from a well known movie, it works perfectly with Christopher Nolans Memento, but I just couldn't get interested, unrealistic circumstances spoil ed the movie. Ghahini tries to incorporate a love story and thriller into one and I don't think there was enough time to build either one. The script was horrible and should have been torched.
The ridiculous: Jia Khan's acting was very annoying, I just wished the Director could have found a way to get her killed. The action sequences was awful, the very reason I have stopped watching Sunny Deol movies, I don't care how strong Aamir looks, he just cannot a throw a bigger and heavier man the way he did in this movie.
I would only watch this movie for Aamir and Asin, other than that avoid it if it just for the story. 5/10.
Ek Vivaah... Aisa Bhi (2008)
Good film, even in this modern age
I have read the positive and negative comments made about this movie and some majority are too extreme.
I agree the film does have flaws especially in the beginning and the age factor where both leading leading actors don't seem to have aged a single bit although 12 years have elapsed.
I also read comments regarding the story being stolen from past hit movies such as Tapasya made in the 1970's. A film I probably wouldn't watch because it is too old, and thank the director for making an updated version of it.
I would say this generation of people engrossed in this materialistic world need a break from reality and witness the type of sacrifices are made in this movie by Chandni and Prem. Although in reality it might not happen, notice I didn't say never, by viewing it on the screen it gave me hope that there could still be people in this world who care about others more than themselves.
I watched this movie for what it is, not looking for realism, but to feel good about humanity. People always complaining about films not being real but also write good reviews about Batman, Spiderman and The Incredible Hulk.
Please watch the movie for what it is, a feel good factor, and you will not be disappointed.
7/10
Main, Meri Patni... Aur Woh! (2005)
A pleasant surprise
I must say if I had seen the cover of this film and saw Rajpal Yadav and Ritupama Sengupta as the leading cast, I would have avoided the movie altogether. Luckily I was really bored and this film was showing on Star Gold, there was nothing else on so I thought I'll give it a go.
I was pleasantly surprised, from the first moment when Nasiruddin Shah was doing the commentary, I couldn't look away.
Although, Rajpal Yadav deosn't have the qualities of our megastars in terms of looks, dancing ability and fighting, he was the perfect guy for this role. His performance was great, his facial expression reflected his feelings perfectly.
His opposite, Ritupama Sengupta, also provided a great performance. The realism was great and I'm sure like myself audiences will be able to relate to some aspects of the story.
The best thing about it was I genuinely connected with the characters and was wishing Rajpal to do the right thing.
You will not be disappointed. Watch it.
Raja Hindustani (1996)
Some good and some bad points
I remember watching this film in the theatres and coming out confused whether I liked the film or not.
There were good points and bad points in the film.
Good: Finally Karishma Kapoor has transformed from a childish and annoying girl from prem qaidi (debut film) to Sapoot (last film before Raja Hindustani) to a very beautiful and mature women. She moved away from those pink flowery frocks to stylish dresses and sari's.
The songs were fantastic and very catchy, especially "Pardesi, Pardesi".
The kiss Although the kiss has been tried before in Vardi (Madhuri and Jackie) and Dayavan (Madhuri and Vinod), this one is something special.
Bad: The story is the same old rich boy/girl falls in love with poor girl/boy and rich family is against and conspire to separate them, etc, etc, etc.
I didn't feel any chemistry between Raja and Aarti and the story moved quickly to them getting married. It was obvious to see that Raja adored Aarti, but she thought of him as a very close friend and there was no indication that she loves him until they kiss.
I'm a huge fan of Aamir Khan, however, I don't believe this film did anything for him, like his earlier films such as Baazi, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander and Rangeela.
All in all I will have to say you watch this film for the music and Karishma Kapoor only, nothing else.
5/10.
Kaun? (1999)
A masterpiece
I was never fond of Urmilla's acting, therefore, comfortably avoided watching 'Kaun' for a very long time. It was not well publicised and the director and the cast was not very appealing at the time.
On a very lonely and quiet Sunday night, Channel 4, broad casted this film, as I had nothing better to do or watch, I decided to watch it hoping it would bore me to sleep.
The first 20-25 minutes the plan was starting to take affect, watching a home alone scared and annoying little girl (Urmilla) prance around; my eyelids were feeling heavy and then suddenly Sameer A. Purnavale (Manoj Bajpai) knocks on the door. Man, after that my plan failed horribly and it's the first time I was glad it did.
The intensity in which Urmilla, Manoj Bajpai and the débutant Shushant Singh played their characters were superb. I couldn't take my eyes of the telly. The direction by RGV was fantastic and the eerie atmosphere created by him was never experienced by me from any Bollywood movies.
I have always rated the movies which have great ending and 'Kaun' certainly doesn't disappoint in that department.
I will have to say this is the best Bollywood movie in this genre. I will put it up there with the likes of 'The Ring' Japanese version.
If you have not seen it yet, what heck have you been doing? Don't be stupid as I have or else you will miss a classic Bollywood thriller.
10/10.
Om Shanti Om (2007)
Entertaining but predictable.
One thing you would expect from an SRK film is that you will be entertained and with his side kick in this film, SRK and Shrevas delivered just that. They both bounced off each other perfectly and the timing was excellent. I wouldn't mind seeing them together again in future just like Sanjay Dutt (Munna Bhai) and Arshad Warsi (Circuit).
Kirron Kher played her role as the filmi maa with perfection. She worked really well with SRK and Shrevas and she was really funny.
The debutant Deepika had a very small role and didn't do too badly, however, I'll have to watch more movies of hers before passing judgement.
Most of the entertainment was in the first half of the movie. The second half lost the sense of realism and also became predictable.
The only good thing I really enjoyed in the second half of the movie was watching all the different actors and actresses at the awards and dancing away at the party.
But I would recommend people to watch it for the entertainment value and laughs in the first half of the movie.
I'll give it a 6/10.
Swarg (1990)
Govinda is fantastic
I must have watched Swarg a hundred time without getting bored. Rajesh Khannas performance as usual fantastic, however I think Govinda stole the show for me. The scene where Govinda is accused of robbery and told to leave, has left an everlasting memory which I can't forget. And I haven't seen the film since 1993. I don't know, it maybe just me but I had a tear in my eye. Govinda has since been one of my favourite actors; however, his recent films have not done justice to his acting ability.
The overall story will not be remembered as a classic as this type of stories have been done a lot of times before, nevertheless I'd still watch it for Govinda's and Rejesh Khanna's performances.
6/10
Karan Arjun (1995)
A great performance by Salman
The concept of the story depends on your faith, as it is to do with re-incarnation, and geared more towards the Hindu religion.
The story did not appeal to me much; however, I watched the film for performances given by the actors and to see what the hype was all about.
I think the film was stolen by Rakhee's persuasive dialogues and Salman's macho, don't give a crap, character. Over the recent years Salman has really impressed me with his different roles. SRK like his early movies overacted too much, the fighting scenes were unconvincing and the dialogues were as they say very filmy. Kajol, unlike her recent films, was very annoying. Mamta, although very short, but gave one of her better performances.
All in all it's an over-hyped movie which won't be recognised as a classic. 5/10.
Vacancy (2007)
Out dated and predictable
I watched the film last night, at the end of it I thought the story was out dated. The film starts with David (Luke Wilson) with his soon to be divorced wife, Amy (Kate Beckinsale) driving down a dark country road and the engine of their BMW starts making funny noises. De Javu anyone, (Breakdown, Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Hills Have Eyes, etc, etc, etc).
Just then, miraculously a garage appears next to a creepy motel. Luckily for the couple they caught a very friendly yet a novice mechanic before closing up for the day. He takes a look at the engine and also advises them that the car should take them to their destination 30 miles down the road.
Surprise, surprise a couple of miles later the car totally breaks down. And the courageous David decides to walk down to the garage, even though the clever Amy reminds him that the mechanic has gone home for the day and it would be safer just to spend the night in the car. David is having none of it and the couple walk back to find the garage closed and go to the motel for help. They are greeted with a woman screaming, while Amy's intuition was on red alert and begging David to walk away, the ever so brave David hits the buzzer and a creepy looking pops out. The manager apologises for the screaming which was coming from a tape convinces David to spend the night and offer them the Honeymoon Suite for a discounted price.
The rest of the film is very predictable. It's a cat and mouse chase between the two couple and 3 sick men who have brutally beaten people to death, as shown on the films which was on display for the couple's entertainment. The couple now must find a way to escape.
5/10.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
Very Interesting
Bhool Bhulaiyaa is a suspense thriller with a humour. It is not as tense as the great 1996 movie "Kaun" directed by Ram Gopal Varma. However, it does have it's moments and all characters played their role very well.
A newly married couple Siddharth (Shiney Ahuja) and Avni (Vidya Balan) came back from America to live in Siddharth's inherited Palace, which is known to be haunted. There is a room on the third floor which was kept locked and tied with a holy string to keep the evil spirits from coming out.
The news of the marriage left Radha (Amisha Patel) with a broken heart as she was in love with siddharth.
Both Siddharth and Avni are educated and do not believe in ghosts. One day Avni's curiosity got the better of her and with the permission from her husband she opened the door.
Since then, series of calamities and accidents have occurred. The locals blame the Avni for their misfortune, however, Siddharth thinks it Radha who has concocted these accidents to make Avni look bad and eventually be a threat to Avni's life.
Siddharth thinks Radha is mentally ill and asks his friend Dr Aditya Shrivastav (Akshay Kumar) to investigate and help Radha.
You will have to see the film for the rest and I'll tell you, it is very interesting.
Akshay Kumar was a very mediocre actor during his early movies and has slowly blossomed into a great actor. He's very good to watch whether it be in a comedy role or a more serious role. This brings out the best of both these roles from Akshay.
7/10.
Chak De! India (2007)
Excellent
Like other sporting movie such as Apne, I find bollywood always rush things to accommodate different stories in one film along with unnecessary songs.
Shimit Amin must have read my mind; CDI has everything you look for in a sporting movie. The whole film is based around the love for the game of hockey. The time provided in the build up, SRK missing the penalty in a world cup final and being branded a traitor to his country, only for him to come back to the game he loves so much, even if it meant to become the coach of a bunch of undisciplined girls branded hopeless by their families and the hockey board.
He challenges himself to instill patriotism and team spirit even if it means making unpopular decisions against individuals who think they are a one man team.
The time given to the actual competition is very good as the audience gets to feel the emotions of the players as if they were right there on the pitch as a member of the team.
Performances were fantastic all the way through and hats off to the direction of the film.
All in all a great entertainer, don't miss it.
9/10 from me.
Frailty (2001)
Good movie
I hadn't watched this film until it had been recommended by a friend. I'm so glad he did as this is a really good movie I would have regretted to have missed.
It's a break from the norm and the young actors Adam (Jeremy Sumpter) and Fenton (Matt O'Leary) played the characters excellently. Bill Paxton direction was fantastic, there wasn't a dull moment in the film which made me want to take a break from.
Like my friend did with me I would strongly recommend this film to anyone.
I still fail to understand how can people rate a good movie as this one less than 5, never mind 1. Anyway don't let these silly raters put you off this excellent movie. I'm not saying its a classic, but well worth a viewing. 8/10.
Sleepers (1996)
I can't believe this film only got 7.2/10
I don't know about everybody else, I thought this film was excellent. Every actor from the new bunch of kids and the big names De Niro, Hoffman, Bacon, Pitt and co. played their respective characters superbly.
When I watched the film I could feel the emotions the characters were going through.
The story was great, it wasn't slow or very fast paced, it was just right. This way I was able to digest what was happening and why it was happening.
The courtroom drama wasn't as intense as other films such as "Time to Kill" or "A Few Good Men" to name a few, however it was different. I don't want to give the story away for those who haven't seen it yet, therefore won't go much into detail.
I was shocked to see that approximately 3000 people rated this film 5 or below. I think people do that on purpose so the films which they think should be at the top will stay there.
I'm not saying this film should be in the top 250, however I fail to see why any one would rate this film with 1.