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Aloha (2015)
The Critics Got This One Wrong!
I feel compelled to write a review after seeing the bad press and negative reviews this movie received from the critics.
In regards to controversies surrounding the Emma Stone character, she states multiple times in the movie that she is a Quarter Hawaiian, Yes she has Asian descendants, but give it to her, she excelled in the role. I don't think she was miscast. In fact all the actors bring on their A game. I found all their performances terrific especially young Danielle Rose Russell.
In regards to all of those moaning about how Cameron Crowe is no longer the director he used to be let me tell you that the movie indeed has certain flaws but it also has three standout scenes that make up for the movie's deficiencies. This was top notch direction.
First is when Bradley Cooper confirms he celebrates Father's Day.
Next is the silent thing exchange between John Krasinki and Bradley Cooper with the subtitles.
Last but not least, the final scene which in itself is a masterpiece.
All in all Aloha is a fine film which I'm definitely buying on Bluray just for the joy of re-watching that final scene. Don't listen to the critics on this one cause this movie is special.
Baby (2015)
Bollywood Action Movie in Hollywood Sauce
Baby is the code name given to an elite group of soldiers post 26/11 tasked into carrying out the most dangerous missions for India. After surprising us with A Wednesday and impressing us with Special 26, Neeraj Pandey takes it a level further and delivers what can be described as the best action thriller Bollywood has yet to offer till date.
Pace of the movie is good with excellent editing and good screenplay. No scene feels too long. The fact that there is no song added boosts the movie and should serve as a note to other directors that song insertion can be a real hindrance in movies. Actingwise; Akshay Kumar is excellent as usual, Anupam Kher shines in a small role and Tapsee Pannu is a revelation.
My problem with Baby and this is my personal point of view is that it feels too much Hollywood especially the final 45min. I couldn't watch the movie at this point without thinking this is going to end up like Argo. The extraction process up till the plane take off moment. As an avid Hollywood movie fan this was one aspect that I couldn't overlook.
Nonetheless Baby is a solid action movie and film makers of India should be encouraged to produce more of these professional kind of films.
Ishaqzaade (2012)
Another Old Wine in New Bottle Formula
Ishaqzaade is the latest romantic movie release of the Yash Raj Films banner,and this time instead of being rom-com, they delivered us with a rom-action. Yes, Ishaqzaade reprises the classic formula of hindu boy falling in love with Muslim girl(although in the movie it's the opposite). Needless to say, expect big time trouble with this time around lots of bullets flying around with not a single policeman in view.
Parma Chauhan is the grandson of opposition leader Surya Chauhan, whilst Zoya Qureshi is the daughter of the actual leader in power. While campaigning for her father in college, she gets involved in a clash, resulting in her slapping Parma. The latter decides to exact revenge by seducing her and then dumping her. He succeeds, but then things goes awry.
Ishaqzaade brings back memories from the past where lovers fighted for their love. Despite being almost formulaic, the movie has many saving graces. Arjun Kapoor makes an eye catching debut, Gauhar Khan fits in her role as a glove and the chemistry between the lead actors is fantastic. They complement each other. Also the songs are superb, especially Pareshaan.
Last but not least, Parineeti Chopra is fantabulous. She is the soul of the film, her portrayal of Zoya Qureshi is nothing short of brilliant. She impressed in Ladies vs Ricky Behl, and this time she performs on another level, being ferociously beautiful.
All in all,Ishaqzaade is a decent fare, despite its needless violence and swearing. Watch it for the songs and Parineeti, she might be the next big thing.
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012)
Not Enjoyable
EMAET is another movie in a long line of bollywood rom-coms. At the end of the day it's just like any of the above genre movie with the only difference being that you don't get the ending you were expecting.
Kareena Kapoor stars as Riana Braganza, a character which unfortunately reminded me a lot of a similar role she portrayed as Geet Kaur Dhillon in Jab We Met. That's the main problem of EMAET. Over-hyped girl meeting uptight boy, who wants to avoid her, but similarly due to certain situations end up being (married) together. Only this time the setting is Las Vegas.
The filmmakers could have done much much better, but this one is a disappointing experience. The only redeeming quality of the movie is Boman Irani and Ratna Pathak as Rahul's parents and to a lesser degree Ram Kapoor as Mr Bulani. They at least made me smile. Unfortunately they have little time screen.
Delhi Belly (2011)
What a S@!T Ride
Minutes before the movie started in the theater, a friend of mine who rarely watches bollywood movies told me that if the movie is s***, he'll be kicking my @** later. I told him it's an Aamir Khan production, it's bound to be good. After the movie ended he couldn't stop smiling. Boy what a ride it was. It's no American pie but it's the closest bollywood movie you'll find containing crude and sexual humour. Delhi Belly is the kind of film that comes every decade, one you'll never get tired of talking. No wonder it was produced by Aamir Khan, the guy is a genius. The film moves at a good pace with practically no dull moments, with jokes and situational comedy every two minutes. It's new age cinema from bollywood with stuff you've never witnessed. Brilliant job by the actors makes it a more enjoyable ride. Kudos to the writer and director. Bottom line, do not miss this one!