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Simmba (2018)
Sign me up for IPCU (Indian Police Cinematic Universe) - may contain spoilers
I usually don't like masala movies and don't think they are worth writing reviews, good or bad. I did enjoy Singham some but I liked Simmba more because of what case it was addressing. I too feel very strongly about such victims. Direction and acting is nothing to write home about. Direction follows the same formula as earlier movies that villains are getting swatted away in slow motion. Movie includes couple of romantic songs. Ranveer is being his usual brash self, nothing new to see there. Despite all its' flaws, it was exciting to see Singham join Simmba to kick ass and then to top it all off, Akshay Kumar's surprise appearance at the end. It would be great if Chulbul Pandey joins them.
Tomb Raider (2018)
Wanted to leave theater half way through it
I wanted to watch this movie since I usually like action/thriller movies. Some of my favorite movies include Bourne, Bond, Taken, etc. I was looking forward to see a female do the kicking for a change and look good while doing it. I am not entirely familiar with the video games and previous films so I didn't know whole lot. I was also excited to see "James McNulty" on the big screen. I took my wife to see this who didn't really want to see it. I fear she might be filing for divorce as I write this review because I made her watch this. There was nothing interesting about this film, not a single thing you can get excited about. As lot of other folks have said, Lara seems to be Terminator. Nothing affects her, nothing. You just met your father after 7 years who you thought was dead but after few hugs, you are ready to leave him to die again. Are you kidding me? This personally offended me. This franchise deserves to stay dead based on this movie. If you haven't seen it, please don't. With movie pass, you don't pay for movie tickets sort of. This movie isn't worth the gas I used in my car to get to theater and the steps I took from parking lot to the seat. This is one of those movies where I wish we could ask for our money back. If someone paid me to watch this movie, I wouldn't watch it. Please stay away.
Secret Superstar (2017)
Who is the actual secret superstar?
You can say the movie's title is misleading. It leads you to believe that there is one secret superstar but you can argue that actually number of secret superstars is 3 in this movie.
1. Insia/Zaira Wasim, the one you see: This is essentially promoted as story of a Muslim girl from Baroda who dreams of being a superstar singer. Insia is an intelligent girl who has talent as a singer that is recognized by her mother and her friends at school. She has one big obstacle in her road to freedom, her father. Her father is abusive towards her mother, does not seem to acknowledge Insia's existence (notice that he only ever asks about son's well being), and is determined to marry Insia off as soon as possible without thinking of her and her dreams. Zaira is cute at times, spoiled, and determined in her portrayal.
2. Najma/Meher Vij, the one who is talked about: While Insia's story is what you see on big screen, Najma's story starts long before Insia's. Characters including Najma talk about her life. She is suppressed and led by everyone else in her life's decisions. Despite all the difficulties she faces, she makes sure that her daughter has better life than her. Meher was excellent as someone who is illiterate and has been led in life by others but above all, as a mother who is fighting for her daughter's dreams against all odds.
3. Meghna Mishra, the one you hear: Meghna is the actual voice behind Insia's character. She rightfully won the best playback singer filmfare award. She shows her talent through the variety of songs in this film. She sings a sad song (O Re Manwa), a soul searching song (Main Kaun Hoon), a dedication song (Pyaari Ammi), a hopeful song (Sapne Re), and a love song (Nachdi Phira, the best of all).
Story - While Insia's journey to stardom is important, equally critical element of story is domestic abuse and how some women are resigned to their lives. As a Muslim from India, I am too embarrassed to admit that this type of abuse is far too common in our community. The only unbelievable part of story was mother teasing her teenage daughter about possible boyfriend.
Characters - Besides the two leading ladies, everyone else provided ample support. Husband was pretty good as an abusive guy. Badi Aapa was very sage like in her old fashioned ways. Guddu will go far if he continues such cute roles. Chintan was good as friend who knows her secret/boyfriend who helps her. Aamir did his role justice as a music director who helps Insia for his own benefit but has a good heart despite all misunderstandings.
This is a Hindi movie so expect it to be very emotional but understand that subjects handled here are very much true in today's Indian society (male kids over female kids, domestic abuse, lack of eduction among Muslim women). This is very well worth a watch.
Karzzzz (2008)
Tandoori Nights
That's the name of a restaurant close to my place that I was intending to try. After watching this movie and listening to a song titled 'Tandoori Nights' in this movie, I have decided not to. I am not even sure I will look at tandoori food the same way again. Please avoid this movie at all cost if you want to keep enjoying tandoori chicken, tandoori prawns, tandoori malai kabob, and other tandoori items.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
At times I felt like I was watching Transformers
It is hard for me to justify 4 out of 10 for this movie. I thought part one was refreshing and different from other superhero movies. However, this one felt forced at everything that part one excelled at. I thought there was just too much music, visuals reminded me of transformers, and story-telling was just that story-telling. It also felt like they tried cramming in too many characters' and their back stories. You get Yondu, Mantis, Nebula, Ego. I would advise waiting for DVD.