Ek Villain (2014)

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Once again Sidharth Malhotra has done a film where he plays a supporting actor in the guise of the lead. What’s worse is this story is clearly about the ‘villain’, which he is not. The true villain in this film is the script, who can’t decide which genre it wants to fall into. Jumping from romance, to serial killer, to cop drama, to gangster, it leaves the viewer with a half-baked taste of all.

Shraddha Kapoor is different from her docile ways in her earlier film, bordering on annoying but still screeches her way through an act that needed more convincing. Sidharth has been pitched as ‘the angry young man’ but wasn’t angry enough. Neither was he bitter or sad enough. The intensity the role required was perhaps a bit too mature for his talents. He did his best though.

The show stopper and stealer was Riteish Deshmukh, a psychotic middle class man who was true to his character. Sadly none of the three leads were supported by director Mohit Suri or the script to perform in a logical manner. They went with a story that asked for the entire patience threshold of the audience, a bit too much with very little respite. Gaping flaws and loopholes in motive and plot make it a very difficult watch.

The last 10 minutes of the film were the best, but to ask you to watch all of it for that would be unfair.

1.5/5

30 second relationship

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If you live in Mumbai, you will inadvertently know which traffic signals are going to have hawkers and where you will expect not to encounter them. It was one calm sunny afternoon where I matched eyes with a young, energetic lad at a busy junction. He must be a teenager, trying to forge a connection by making me see my need for his wares, more than his need to make a sale. Time was limited, any movement from my side would be seen as a positive sign towards my wallet and a sale would be initiated. I, on the other hand, was just staring into his eyes, transfixed, as if I was getting a mental relay of his story. His and many others who share his plight, of how difficult life is but he is still making an honest living by selling something. Alas, the connection was broken, the signal turned green and before I could even buy something to support him, or contemplate what he was selling in the first place, the moment was over. We had moved.  

How to train your dragon 2 (2014)

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Much awaited sequel to the 2010 film that grossed almost 500 million dollars, the adorable toothless and boar-headed hiccup are back with an adventure very grand in scale but sincere to the story. Loosely inspired by Cressida Cowell’s book, the characters are original, fleshed out and lovable.

Director Dean DeBlois does not waste any time, engaging the audience from the first frame. Life has changed in Berk, where the once feared dragons are now very much part of the landscape. An attempt to map neighbouring lands leads them to a mysterious cave and an alpha dragon called the ‘Bewilderbeast’. What ensues are reunions, battles, the good old power angle and A-class animation that would rival the CGI of any block buster you have seen in recent times.

Besides being technically brilliant, the music, background score, and characterisation make this film rich in every way. A veritable gold mine for the viewer and a tough challenge as a sequel, the cast and crew have succeeded on every front.

Non-stop mythical entertainment!

3.5/5

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

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Tom Cruise romances the audiences into reliving his death, over and over, for this apocalyptic film. Time manipulation is quickly explained until we settle into a comfortable ‘video game like’ routine, where we watch the events unfold, desperately hoping he finds a way to move forward.

It’s an unusual set of circumstances, so either ‘you enjoy the loop’ or you curse your choice of cinema viewing. I fell in the former group, not appreciating the 3D, but liked the editing. To keep such a plot fresh and linked is not easy, but James Herbert was up to the task.

Director Doug Liman has a repertoire of work which makes this subject right up his alley. Emily Blunt is the object of Tom’s ’50 first dates’, barring the romance of course.

The aliens are menacing and the destruction is grand. Mad Eye Moody makes a cameo, a cherry on the top of this entertaining pie.

3/5

Filmistaan (2014)

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Like trying to grow something in the desert, this film dared to do a comic take on being held hostage in very serious circumstances, but pulled it off well.

An Indian is mistakenly abducted from Rajasthan by extremists. His acting, mimicry, passion for films keep him sane, and the village folk entertained, while he plans various escapes from Pakistan.

The beauty lies in passing moments, which explore deep ties and similarities between our cultures, the celebration of humanity, friendships, and of course bizarre situations which are again given an unbelievable comic twist.

The film could be shorter, but it’s heart is in the right place. The solace of a familiar film or song is given a whole new meaning here.

Debut director Nitin Kakkar and principal actor Sharib Hashmi, who has also penned the dialogues bring alive on screen a very grim silver lining.

3.5/5

Blended (2014)

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A mature ‘from-com’ (family romantic comedy), this film provided far more laughs than expected.

Though the characters seemed like caricatures, the comedy wasn’t compromised. We have 5 kids, 2 single parents and what was obviously a South African government sponsored promotion camouflaged as a holiday.

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore look and act their parts well, but it works because of the ensemble, the exotic setting, the not so predictable scenes and of course, the very expected ones.

Though the cinema was sparsely occupied, everybody seemed in the mood to be ‘blended’. A comedy film works well if you are not the only person laughing (which I sometimes was), but most of the time we all seemed to enjoy the humour.

Fun in Sun City and beyond!

3/5

Maleficent (2014)

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Debut director Robert Stromberg presents us with the back story of the antagonist in ‘Sleeping Beauty’, portrayed by the multi-faceted Angelina Jolie.

It was a tricky role, she could have easily gone over the top or fallen flat. Angelina constantly walks the tight rope in this regard, slowly showing her journey from a loving trusting fairy to a heart broken, angry victim. Her vindictive actions are not evil for the sake of being evil, but clearly a result of hurt and pain. To achieve that balance was perhaps even more difficult than the brilliant special effects. Her minimal expressions and steely presence communicate volumes, her slight intonation of voice giving it the ‘fairy tale’ feel.

The story presents us with natural human emotions and the learning: ‘never say never’. True love, parenting, pursuit of power, being a guardian are all shown in a fresh, humane light.

Watch to see a new hero and a new villain in an old enchanting tale.

3/5

X-Men: Days of Future Past

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When a super hero film doesn’t try too hard to impress, this is the result. It was easy to watch, the characterisation was strong, the effects were excellent (a standard these days) supported by a decent plot. You settle into the film pretty quick after its dramatic beginning, knowing exactly how it will end, but the action, drama and visual sequences are engaging till its timely conclusion.

An ensemble cast comprising of Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Ellen Page, Nicholas Hoult, Shawn Ashmore, Peter Dinklage, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart are surprisingly given important and appropriate footage, except Halle Berry who has very little presence.

Bryan Singer has directed X-Men, X2, Superman Returns, produced X-Men: First Class, amongst many others, so is no stranger to the genre, which shows in his film making. He builds the right tone and feel quickly, taking you on a mixed paced ride with enough thrills and mutant theories to await the next one. Watch out for a 10 second glimpse after the end credits have completely finished.

3/5

Me, Myself and I

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Have a seat, grab a snack, because this three- way chat will confuse you at best, with hopes of entertaining you.

Here’s how a typical conversation in my head goes:

Me: I think that everything should be perfect in my world, though I may not be. Everyone should know what I want, think, like, dislike. People should conform to my beliefs.

Myself: I know that I am a part of this ever-evolving, ever-changing universe. I attract my own lessons and the people in my life are there for a purpose, the events that occur, do so for my own growth.

I: A conscious part of me that watches the debate between the above two, my resident jury of aging brain cells. It knows that the ego needs taming, that I am a soul that is aware of its place in the scheme of things. It hopes that I can achieve a reasonable thought process which can be both world-wise and true to itself. It doesn’t question me, though it sees me falter, or make a complete a** of myself, but it stays put, like a loyal vigilante who will not leave me, or judge, or sing ‘I told you so’.

Our mind is usually reasoning our thoughts and actions, juggling many dialogues at once. Some acknowledge this, while others continue (maybe blissfully) unaware, simply working from one action/reaction to the next.

What I have learned is that we usually play tricks with ourselves. We go through a conversation where “Me” usually gets the first say. Once “Me” is done making its point, “Myself” starts shedding light on some important aspects that may have been missed out. It goes to and fro, until of course, the larger part (either your ego or your awareness) let’s you express yourself. “I” remains as it always did, a silent supporter and a gentle reminder of your actions/decisions past and present.

The future is of course, full of infinite possibilities. Experience teaches us that let “I” guide you, while the other two indulge in banter which may or may not be entirely fruitful. You will always be known as the outcome of your internal battle, let it be who you really are and not masked by your version of your ‘ideal’ or ‘perfect’ self.

And above all, let love, compassion and kindness be your guide, because if they are, you will never go wrong.

Fading Gigolo (2013)

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John Turturro is the main lead in this insightful film, which he has also written and directed. The story is about the oldest profession, but the twist is sensitive. His chemistry with Woody Allen is perhaps the best, who acts as his ‘agent’. Beneficiaries include Sharon Stone, Sofia Vergara and Vanessa Paradis. Liev Schreiber provides the complication in the end.

The writing of the film makes it unique, where we are not concerned about ‘the act’ itself, but the lead up to it. We wonder of course, why the likes of Sharon Stone, for example, would ever require such services. It goes to show that everyone is struggling with their own reality and being attractive isn’t a confirmed ticket to ‘mating’.

Watch this otherwise mild concoction for a very strong subject, which entertains and enlightens.

2.5/5