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Archive for the ‘Movie Reviews’ Category


Posted on April 18, 2008 - by Reema

Movie Review: U Me Aur Hum

*contains spoilers*

First off, that title. Come on now, is it that hard to spell out ‘you’? It’s a sign of laziness when you can’t type two extra letters. U know?

Ajay Devgan’s the director for this one. A little note to him. Ajay, the first half of the movie is really the most important. If by intermission, people are bored out of their minds, there’s little hope for you. Many may just walk out at intermission. You need to start off great, or there will be nobody left to watch the second half, no matter how good it is.

That said, the first half was horrible. It starts out with an older Ajay/Kajol, but when it goes back in time, Ajay looks just as old. He introduces us to his friends, who I couldn’t care less about. Then comes the love story. Just your basic love story, nothing special about it. It’s the few moments before intermission where the movie actually starts going somewhere.

So, boy gets girl.

Then, something happens to girl. She is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It’s an issue that really hasn’t been dealt with. I guess this is where the comparisons to Taare Zameen Par lie. Though I’m sure TZP was handled much better. Not to say UMAH handled it bad. Some scenes are very sad, but very real. Especially the scene with the baby. I couldn’t even watch that, I closed my eyes.

Kajol is just brilliant. She brings alive her character, and you really see what can really happen when having Alzheimer’s. Ajay is basically just there. It’s Kajol’s movie all the way, at least the second half is.

The songs come out of nowhere, it would be better if they were chopped out. And the camera guy had an obsession with his zoom lens. I do not want to see every little detail of Kajol’s face. And when Ajay first meets Kajol, the camera keeps going back and forth between them. How bout zooming out a bit so we can see both of them at one time? What a concept.

Though I did like the ending. I thought it worked, and it’s the kind of ending I wanted, because while watching, you don’t see how it could possibly turn out well.

If there’s one good thing about UMAH, it’s how gorgeous Kajol looked. Wow. Even better than in Fanaa. Kajol, please keep making movies. Bollywood needs you.

The first half of UMAH really brings down the movie. The movie could have been so much better had the first down been cut down considerably, or maybe just something different done with it. I can’t give the movie a high rating because I don’t know how many people would keep watching past the intermission. It’s that bad. The second half kind of makes up for it, especially because of Kajol. So, keep watching. ;)

Rating: ★★½☆☆


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Posted on March 29, 2008 - by Reema

Movie Review: Race

I still don’t understand why this movie is called Race. Sure, there’s horse racing in it, but it’s not much. In fact, that whole angle disappears about half an hour into the movie. Nobody’s racing in cars, on bikes, nothing. Hell, Tara Rum Pum should have been named Race, not this. If it’s supposed to go with that line in the movie, something about winning at the race of life, then that’s just corny.

But moving on, about the movie. Where to begin? And where to go from there? It seems the director/script writer had the same thought, because this movie starts in one direction, goes somewhere else from there, and as if that wasn’t enough, it takes about two or three more turns after that. My head was spinning as I neared the end, hoping that I wouldn’t be taken in another totally opposite direction.


Hellloooo Saifu.

There are a few good things about Race. One being him. Saif’s hotness really helps the movie, because when things get boring, I can just stare at him.

The movie had potential. It’s a good murder mystery, and it has good twists. But it has too many of them. They needed to pick one or two, and go from there. After a while, it just gets annoying, and you get everything jumbled in your head.

The songs are all ridiculous. Pehli Nazar is wasted, Race Saanson Ki has too much skin, as do the rest of the songs. And the choreography? Who let Saif dance? Please realize that he can’t. Even the ladies couldn’t get it together. When the people you’re working with cannot dance, you don’t let them. You make up something incredibly simple, or you figure something else out.


Akshaye, trying to look all intimidating.

‘What about the performances?’ you ask? Well, in a movie like this, they’re usually bad. And this movie does not fail to deliver on that. Even seasoned actors like Saif and Akshaye seem to mail their performances in. They look completely uninterested. Don’t even ask about the girls. Bipasha sounds monotone throughout every single dialogue, Sameera’s character was completely dumbed down, so she didn’t have much to do, and Katrina just needs to go away.


Eww. This scene is disturbing.

Anil Kapoor is supposedly the saving grace of this movie. Though it’s quite sad when Anil Kapoor is the saving grace of your film, especially when you already have Saif and Akshaye. He was funny at the beginning, but it was the same thing over and over.

Also, in no world should Akshaye Khanna play Saif Ali Khan’s younger brother. Where’s the logic in that? You have to switch their roles around, or get another actor. It’s ridiculous.

Overall, the movie had potential, but when your head starts spinning from all the twists, you know something’s wrong.

Rating: ★★½☆☆


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Posted on January 23, 2008 - by Reema

Movie Review: Aaja Nachle

Movie 3 of 4 on my ‘must see before I make my top 10 list of 07′ list. Only TZP is left now.

As soon as this movie came out, I kept saying “I’ll see it soon, I’ll see it soon”. I’m glad I finally did.

I LOVED IT.

It’s not groundbreaking cinema, there’s tons of plot holes, lots I would change, but it’s just so much FUN. Watching Madz dance like that after so many years was just such a joy. I was happy throughout the movie, just seeing her light up my screen again.

Madhuri is just a treat to watch. She’s a great actress, has amazing screen presence. She’s like a female SRK. When you’re watching her, you can’t take your eyes off of her. I really hope that the fact that Aaja Nachle flopped won’t discourage her on making another movie. Just imagine a love story with her and SRK. OMG.

But yes, there are other stars in Aaja Nachle, and what makes it better is the other three main people are favorites of mine as well. Konkona is my newly-minted favorite actress, and Kunal Kapoor is just hot. They have such a great chemistry between them. It was cute how once Kunal became interested in Koko, and she turns the other way.Akshaye Khanna was wonderful and cute in a small role. I really like his line about not being the bad guy. I thought that was how he would turn out, but he gave Madz a fair chance.

The other characters were good as well. It was nice seeing Vinay Pathak in a role like this after just seeing Johnny Gaddar. Divya Dutta’s role was too tiny. Ranvir Shorey was so adorable. Poor guy, he still loved her even after what happened. And Irfan Khan, I didn’t even know he was in the movie, I was surprised to see him.

Things I didn’t like:

- Irfan’s sudden change of heart. And I mean sudden. A little more conflict there would have been better.
- The whole Steve plot. It could have been totally done away with, and I wish it had been. Made Madz’s character look like just another one of those stupid girls who runs off thinking she’s in love.

There are big plotholes, like how a few of the characters learned the steps in the play so fast, and how Madz would finance everything. But I didn’t care. Didn’t even think about those things.

And, on to the dancing. I didn’t know Vaibhavi Merchant was so awesome. The choreography in the title song was just too good. And every other song as well. She even got non-dancers like Vinay Pathak, Koko, and Kunal to dance, and dance well. I’m impressed.

The songs are much better after seeing the movie as well. The title song has always been great, but Ishq Hua is beautiful, Show Me Your Jalwa is fun, O Re Piya and Is Pal are also really good.

Overall, it’s not a perfect movie, but it entertained me, and that’s all I’m looking for. Madz, pleaseee make another movie.

And, just because:

She’s just so gorgeous. Even at 40+. I’m so jealous.

Rating: ★★★★½


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Posted on January 16, 2008 - by Reema

Movie Review: Johnny Gaddar

I forgot about this one. I’m glad I remembered.
Spoilers included

Johnny Gaddar introduces Neil Nitin Mukesh, son of singer Nitin Mukesh. No acting background. And for a first film, he’s pretty good. I prefer this debut over Ranbir Kapoor’s debut. Neil doesn’t play it safe and start out with a sappy love story. No, he opts for the gangster film. He took the chance, and yes, he was barely noticed. But he did a fine job, and JG should have fared better at the box office, because it’s a great film.

It starts off with someone being shot to death. We don’t see the shooter, we don’t see the victim. Then starts the backstory. Make sure you keep watching, because it starts out slow. But when it picks up, you can’t wait to see what happens next. Once our main character makes his decision, we see one thing coming out of another, and as you see the chain of events start to unfold, you start trying to guess how it’s going to go.

All the characters are perfectly cast. Dharmendra has a short but good role, though I would have liked to see more of him. Vinay Pathak and Zakir Hussain also fit right in. Rimi Sen is wasted, anyone could have done her role (as it seems is the case in all of her movies), and Ashwini Kalsekar does a great job, leaves a lasting impression. I hope she gets more roles in Bollywood.

I skipped the songs, so nothing to say there. Also skimmed through some of the space filler parts, and there are a lot of those. Scenes where nothing really happens. But the scenes where the story progresses are well done. The ways Vikram tries to explain his way out of things, how the others figure out what happen, how lucky Vikram gets at times. The guy really had someone watching over him it seemed, for a while at least.

It does get a bit brutal. Especially when Mr. Corrupt Cop breaks a nurse’s wrist. And then cuts off her finger. Two parts where I closed my eyes. I’m so not watching that. Also, when Vikram’s hand gets pushed up into a full speed ceiling fan. Ouch. Good thing it was only a dream.

Overall, Johnny G is a must watch. Once it gets going, the story moves right along, and keeps you guessing. And the ending is surprising. And justified. A classic case of what goes around comes around.

Hopefully Neil gets more quality movies. I hope he can make a positive name for himself in Bollywood. He has the looks, and the talent is there.

Rating: ★★★★☆


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Posted on January 12, 2008 - by Reema

Movie Review: Welcome

I know I said I’d be making more top 10 lists, but I feel that I can’t make a top 10 movies of 2007 list without seeing Aaja Nachle, Welcome, and Taare Zameen Par. I start my journey towards a top 10 list with Welcome. Maybe I got the worst one out of the way.

Welcome is the third biggest hit of the year (or something around that). So, wouldn’t you figure it’s a pretty darn good movie? I tell you, those viewers in India are a confusing bunch. An awesome movie like Chak De India is universally accepted. You get some hope, that they know what’s good. Then, they make Welcome a blockbuster as well. Where’s the logic? Where’s the smart Indian audience?

The film stars Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, and of course, Akshay Kumar (what movie is he NOT in these days?). The girls consist of Katrina Kaif and Mallika Sherawat. Guess their first choice couldn’t make it.

Nana and Anil are gangsters, Kat is Nana’s sister, Anil is Nana’s best buddy. Akki falls for Kat, finds out she’s a gangsters sister, and the rest is history. And supposed to be funny. But when a comedy isn’t funny, you know something’s wrong.

Nana and Anil do their job. They make you laugh, and they’re just overall really good. Nana especially. The guy is great at comedy. Paresh is completely wasted. He has nothing to do, which is crazy, because Paresh is one of the best comedians we have these days. Akshay’s role is suprisingly kinda small, but of course he ends up the hero at the end. I don’t like the way he speaks in English. Just sounds weird. Firoz Khan scares me. For some reason, they have him swear in English. No idea why, because they had to have known that it would have been censored. Katrina, I haven’t liked her in any movie I’ve seen her in. She’s just…there. I actually preferred Mallika in this movie.

The movie does have its moments. Part of the ending is really funny, but then it drags on and on and you just want the movie to end. And sometimes the coincidences are just too hard to believe.

And I’ve come to a conclusion. I’m tired of Akshay. I just want him to get off my screen now. Four movies in one year is one movie too many. And he’s got another two lined up for the beginning of this year. Please Akshay, take a break. I like you, but I’m damn sick of you.

Same for Katrina. Come back when you can act.

Rating: ★½☆☆☆


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Posted on December 5, 2007 - by Reema

Movie Review: Saawariya

I watched this one quite a while ago. But never felt motivated to write up a review. So I guess that’s a bit of foreshadowing on how this review is going to go. No pictures, no lists, just an overall opinion.

Saawariya had potential. Ranbir Kapoor, great genes. Sonam Kapoor? Great genes. And Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji as backups. Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the helm. What could go wrong? Everything.

I didn’t feel for the characters. Ranbir was just a hyperactive guy who sees a girl one time and falls in love. Yes, it happens in Bollywood all the time. And I don’t believe it those times either. Sonam was so completely wasted it’s not even funny. I read that she was mad at how her role turned out at the end, and I sure don’t blame her. All she does is giggle and run. Like someone’s chasing her. Oh wait, Ranbir is.

Rani is really just inserted for star power. Her character is completely useless, and could easily be edited right out. As for Sallu, he’s really the best thing about the movie. Yes, you can read over that about 10 times. It’s really ME saying it. Honestly, I liked him in this one. When his shirt stays stuck to his body, he seems to act better. The only time I was even remotely interested in the movie was during his and Sonam’s scenes. I spoiled the ending for myself, so I knew he’d be back, but when he left, I was bored again.

Overall, SLB pitted Saawariya up against OSO for some unknown reason, and he paid for it. It hyped his movie for quite a while, but in the end, quality matters. And Saawariya is not quality.

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆


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Posted on November 11, 2007 - by Reema

Movie Review: Om Shanti Om

***CONTAINS SPOILERS!***
And it’s absurdly long. Sorry. I just couldn’t stop typing.

Farah Khan’s hilarious. There’s no denying that. Main Hoon Na was one of the best movies I had seen in a long time when it came out. The dramatic scenes left a bit to be desired, but she really excelled in the comedy portions. Going into Om Shanti Om, I expected the same kind of hilarity. But what I didn’t expect was how well the dramatic scenes were handled. I was really expecting a full out comedy, so when the dramatic scenes hit, I was a bit surprised, but I was completely engaged.

Om Shanti Om is not one of those movies where you leave your brain at home. Sure, it’s a Bollywood spoof, and a great one at that, even if you don’t pick up all the references, but there’s also a coherent storyline. And it all comes together at the end, and you sometimes forget you’re watching a Farah Khan movie.

The first half the movie is just brilliant. Spoof after spoof, and you’re laughing throughout. The opening scene just makes the movie. Rishi dancing to Om Shanti Om, and all of a sudden, you see SRK spinning around on the record, crazy hair and all. Perfect beginning to the movie.

Be it the Manoj Kumar reference, the Tamil movie spoofing, a young Sooraj Barjatya standing outside the tent swiping a line, Om talking to the billboard of Shanti, or Om jumping into the frame yelling “Bhaago!” at every opprotunity, the first half keeping you laughing. One of the best scenes in the first half is when Om is trying to tell Shanti how he feels, you hear his thoughts, yet he can’t for the life of him get them out into words.

One of the highlights of the first half is the great friendship between Om and Pappu. SRK and Shreyas share a good chemistry, and they worked very well together. Another highlight is Kirron Kher as Om’s mother. Especially the scene in their home, talking about how she had to give up her dream of being in Mughal-E-Azam because she was pregnant with Om. The overacting in that scene was hilarious.

Deepika also shines in the first half. She’s got a real charm about her, and her smile just lights up the screen. She holds her own among two great actors. She’s a great find, and Farah should take full credit. Casting a new face in a movie this big takes guts.

Admist all the comedy, an actual story does creep in. The drama builds up, and then all of a sudden, it hits you. You feel Om’s pain when he’s standing there, hearing that his love is already taken. You see that Mukesh doesn’t care for Shanti as he should, it’s all about the money and fame. And you see the hurt in Shanti’s face, being rejected by her own husband.

And then the real story takes over. You can’t imagine a man being so cruel, especially to his own wife. You see the events unfold on screen, and simply can’t believe them. You hope and pray that Om will get to Shanti in time, that they’ll both live, that they’ll be happy together. But as intermission comes, you know this won’t be the case.

And the second half starts, not as well as the first, but still with comedy. Now you see Om the superstar, being pampered just as Om the junior artist had dreamed of. The second half does have it’s comedic moments, like the whole Filmfare sequence. It’s nice to see that Subhash Ghai, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and Shabana Azmi were good enough sports to make fun of themselves. I really appreciated that.

But the second half is where all the drama happens. Om finds out that he’s been reincarnated, he reunites with his mother and his best friend, he sees the man who killed his love, and he vows for revenge. Yes, his plan was flawed, but it was the only way he could think of to get “Mike” to confess. I loved his reaction when seeing Sandy for the first time. I was actually hoping that Shanti would be reincarnated as well, so this disappointed me a bit, but I’ll explain that a bit later (which needs to be soon. Wow, this is getting long.).

Sandy disappeared a lot in the second half, which I didn’t like. A bit more character development for her would have been ideal. We don’t know where she came from, how she feels, anything. We see her at the beginning of the second half, then at the end, where Deepika just shines, once again. You would never imagine that this is a newcomer, not a seasoned vet. Her last scene as the ghost was just brilliant.

Quite a few people have said the second half disappoints, compared to the first. I agree, the first half is much better, but I still enjoyed the second half. We’re still treated to the comedy, we get Dard-E-Disco and Deewangi, and for me, the movie doesn’t drag just because it’s dramatic. I’m glued to the screen the whole time.

The songs are weaved in really well. The soundtrack by Vishal and Shekhar is top notch, and the visuals are just as good. I didn’t like the fact that Ajab Si was chopped up, but I don’t know if there would have been an ideal place for a picturisation. Dhoom Taana is hilarious, with Deepika first dancing with a 70s actor, then Shah Rukh jumping in to take over. I especially enjoyed the badminton scene.

Main Agar Kahoon was sweet, but I had already seen too much in the promos for anything to be new. Same with Dard-E-Disco. I’m glad I didn’t watch the promos for Deewangi, because I really enjoyed that one, though it could have been trimmed a bit. The same music over and over got a bit annoying. Daastan was the one song I didn’t really listen to, but it’s picturisation is wonderful. Very dramatic. Jag Soona Soona Laga was nicely done as well.

Performance-wise, SRK takes the cake again. He’s brilliant in the first half as Om Makhija, and just as great in the second, as the spoiled superstar Om Kapoor. This movie really shows his versatility, especially with Chak De India coming only a few months ago. And he looks absolutely gorgeous in the movie, especially in the second half, with his floppy hair. Shreyas is great in his limited role, I really hope this movie gets him recognized by mainstream fans, because he does have a lot to offer. Arjun is competent in his role, though he could have been better. Kirron Kher was great as well as the over the top mother.

And what can I say about Deepika? I love this girl. She did such a wonderful job even though she was up against the biggest superstar in the world. She’s quite a find, and I know she’ll go far in this industry.

Some of my favorite scenes include the one where Om can’t get his feelings out, the “Bhaago” scene, Abhishek and Akshay’s best actor nominations, Om Kapoor saying he’s interested in older women, Om Kapoor playing the cripple, and asking for another take, Sandy sticking up her middle finger when Om’s back was turned. Even some of the dramatic scenes were great, especially when Om Kapoor is talking to Mike, about making the movie. How he would take a shot now and then. SRK was amazingly good in that scene. Also loved the Gone With The Wind reference. “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

There were a few things I didn’t like. The first one is my fault, I went in expecting Om and Shanti to be reincarnated. I’m still very sad that Om lost his love, but I am glad he got justice for her. The Deewangi song lasted too long, with the same music being played over and over. Got a bit annoying after a while, though I loved seeing all the stars. Also, the end credits, I liked it much more in Main Hoon Na than here. Things got monotnous after a while. But Farah’s part was brilliant. Also, in DED, SRK had his shirt buttoned in one scene, and a tank top on in another. I paid 10 dollars for 5 minutes of shirtless SRK.

My crowd in Dallas is always non-existent, so nothing to comment about there. It was half full for the first showing at 6 pm, but as we walked out at 9, the theater was packed and the line long for the 10 pm showing.

Overall, as you can probably tell by how long this is, I absolutely loved this movie. It’s so nice to see SRK in a complete masala entertainer again. And did I mention how HOT he looked? *swoooon*

Rating: ★★★★★ - best movie of the year, with CDI a smidge behind it.


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Posted on November 3, 2007 - by Reema

Movie Review: Jab We Met

I love Shahid Kapoor. He’s incredibly cute, has a nice voice, and whew, can he dance. And on top of all that, he’s a good actor. He has to be, having Pankaj Kapur’s genes and all. But he hasn’t gotten that one movie that shows everything he can do. Until now of course.

Kareena is also a pleasant surprise. Her character doesn’t shut up in the first half, but you love her. She annoys you as much as she annoys Aditya, but you still don’t mind her.

The story is typical. Almost DDLJ-ish. But it’s the dialogues and performances that make this movie. The two characters talk like two normal people in real life would talk. It doesn’t seem like much, but these days, I think writers try too hard to make it sound real, so it comes out horrible.

In the first half, you see Geet helping out Adi, getting him away from his suicidal thoughts, helping him be happy again, leaving the past behind him. I like that in the second half, you see a reversal of the roles. Adi is a new man, and he finds Geet in the same situation he was. She evens comments to him how much he’s changed, which is actually because of her.

The scenes with Geet’s family are fun. The grandfather who always says ‘I knew that was going to happen’, the uncle who yells at Adi after seeing him on TV, then greets him with open arms after Adi brings her back, and Geet’s cousin, Roop, who seems to see the relationship forming between the two even before they see it themselves.

Even the whole scene with Anshuman, him rejecting Geet, Adi finding him and getting mad at him for betraying her, and Anshuman wanting Geet back after seeing that Adi has an interest in her. He doesn’t deserve her, and you hate Kareena for even considering taking him back, when the perfect guy is right in front of her.

I love the end, Geet realizing who she really wants, and the way she replays a scene that happened earlier in the movie. And I liked the kiss. I thought it was well done, and necessary.

The songs are so much better after seeing the movie. Aao Milo Chale is beautifully sung by Shaan, and picturized well. Nagada is helped by the picturization, watching Shahid dance is so enjoyable. Tum Se Hi is also nice, with Adi imagining Geet everywhere. Yeh Ishq is fun, and Mauja Hi Mauja is the best of all.

Acting is top notch by everyone, beginning with Shahid and Kareena. They are simply brilliant, perfect in their roles. By far, this is Shahid’s best performance. As for Kareena, I loved her in Asoka, and I love her in Jab We Met. I just don’t know what’s gone wrong in between. The supporting characters are all great as well.

It’s too bad that Shahid and Kareena have broken up. This is the first time I’ve seen chemistry between them in a movie. They played off each other so well, they were perfect together.

I’ve heard all about Socha Na Tha, how good a movie it is. After seeing JWM, I’ll have to give it a watch. Imtiaz Ali seems to know how to make a movie.

There’s really not any flaws I can think of. Yes, the second half drags a bit, but there’s not really much you can cut out. I think the problem with the second half is that the first half was so good, that the second half struggles to keep up.

All in all, as you can probably tell, I loved this movie. Everything about it. The story, the dialogues, the characters, the songs, everything. Highly recommended.

Rating: ★★★★½


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Posted on October 29, 2007 - by Reema

Movie Review: Laaga Chunari Mein Daag

The thrashing this movie got surprised me. I couldn’t believe that a movie making machine like YRF could churn out so many consecutive bad films (minus CDI of course). After watching, I guess I kind of agree with the critics.

We all know the story by now. So I’ll just do a ‘good points vs. bad points’ type of review.

Good points:
- Rani and Konkona are fabulous actors, and they don’t disappoint here at all, even with a weak script. They shine throughout the movie, especially Konkona. She’s just such a joy to watch on screen.

- Kunal and Konkona’s chemistry. They’re very cute and comfortable with each other. Their scenes were the highlight of the movie (except for Kunal’s scene eating a burger. A big turnoff.)

- Jaya’s performance. She’s great as always. All the women in this one dominated.

Bad points:
- Abhishek. He was completely unnecessary. Thrown in just as a love angle for Rani, which wasn’t needed at all. You don’t understand how he falls in love so quickly, how he immediately accepts what Badki does for a living, etc.

- Badki’s friends in Mumbai. At least the lady. She pushes Badki towards the profession, rather than helping her get a good job. What kind of a friend is that?

- The songs. Each and every one of them was boring, and half of them were unnecessary. Especially the Kunal/Konkona and Abhishek/Rani songs. The last one at the party was a big enjoyable, but then ruined by the English.

- Rohan being Vivaan’s brother. Really, if Chutki and Vivaan are ready to get married, wouldn’t she have met his brother by now? It’s too convenient.

- Anupam’s reaction to Badki’s profession is too calm. An outburst would be the norm, which is what should have happened, even if he did understand why she did it.

- The evil brother and nephew. How does the cousin find out so quickly what Badki does, how much she charges, etc. Also, their backstory is resolved too quickly, with Rohan and Vivaan threatening them. They back down too quickly.

- The manager at the hotel Badki is at. He so willingly gives information to Chutki.

- The ending is too clichéd. Rohan accepting Badki so quickly, both couples getting married together.

The movie could have been much better. Badki’s new profession is just skimmed over, and barely shown. The bright spots in an otherwise dull movie are Konkona, Rani, and Jaya’s performances. We’ve come to expect more from Yash Raj. I wonder what’s happening. Maybe churning out movie after movie isn’t working for them anymore.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆


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Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Reema

Movie Review: Bhool Bhulaiya

Before I begin my review on Bhool Bhulaiya, let me ask one thing. What genius decided that using half naked, booty shaking girls would be a good idea for a video of a title song that includes the words “hare ram hare ram, hare krishna hare ram”? I can’t understand what idiot would think it was in good taste.

Ok, getting that out of the way, BB could have been a great movie. It was touted as a comedy/thriller. I understand the thriller part, but the comedy part must have gotten lost somewhere in the mix. I didn’t see anything laughworthy. And if I did, I had already seen it in all the trailors.

Our main character is Akshay, of course. But amazingly, he doesn’t appear until an hour into the movie. An hour. I was shocked. But as you know it, once he’s on the scene, he never leaves. Completely in your face for the next hour and a half. I think I preferred the first hour.

The first half consists of the story with Shiney, Vidya, and the family. Not getting into details, because they’re all boring. Shiney and Vidya are married, and the mansion Shiney owns is supposedly haunted. But they insist on living there, so the whole family moves in with them. Ehh?

I must admit. Shiney and Vidya are very cute together. Though I still don’t see Shiney’s appeal. To me, he’s not all that goodlooking, and in this movie, he seemed to be high on something, especially when he first made his entrance. Too many Red Bulls?

The songs are nothing to write home about. I can’t even remember any of them.

The problem with the movie is it moves too slow. You get bored watching, waiting for something to happen. There are too many moments where you see someone walking down a hall or towards a door or something, and it seems like it takes them half an hour to get there.

And yes, believe it or not, Amisha is actually in this film. Though you wouldn’t believe it while watching it. She pops in here and there, and is gone again before you know it. Poor girl got her song cut out, which was rather nice. Guess all that non-acting caught up to her. Anyone else could have done her role.

The role players were quite good. Paresh Rawal is always great, Rajpal seemed wasted in his role. The others were good as well.

The end isn’t satisfying either. Akki’s suddenly fallen in love with Amisha, and Vidya doesn’t question anything about what’s happened to her, she just simply accepts it. No reaction, no nothing.

Say all you want about Akki, but the real star of this show is the one and only Vidya Balan. Sure, she glides through the three-fourths of the movie, but that last quarter belongs solely to her. She’s simply amazing. Scary even. Major props to her for saving this bland, boring movie.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆


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