Reviews

Somewhere down the line especially after viewing the Theri trailer, I knew that even though this Vijay film had a very sensible director like Atlee of Raja Rani fame, that Theri would still be a fan pleasing masala affair. However that is not such a bad thing because after the disastrous Puli, Superstar Vijay probably just wanted to be attached to a safe, but prosperous project. Knowing all this beforehand however did not make me have low expectations for Theri, because when a formula film is done right, with some added new content and is presented in a fresh way, then entertainment is 100% guaranteed. Theri in short is popcorn entertainment at its best, but what makes this film above the average is director's Atlee's sensibilities (he added the right amount of family and class thinking scenes), and Vijay's killer performance.

Story wise Vijay is leading a happy life in Kerala with Nivi, who is his daughter that studies in kindergarten, and he is running a bakery with Rajendra his friend.He meets Annie, Nivi's class teacher, and both become good friends. Annie soon finds out about that Joseph is none other than the "late" Vijay Kumar after seeing him beat up some local goons who tried to kill Nivi, but Vijay warns her not to tell Nivi about his past. What is Joseph's past, and who is Vijay Kumar, is what forms the crux of the plot.

Acting wise Vijay is exceptional playing dual characters in Theri. He is at his best playing Joseph, because he underplays the father role perfectly. The scenes with his daughter, and the play on the word,"Baby" melts ones heart. The father daughter chemistry is heartwarming, and the highlight of the film. As police officer Vijay Kumar, Vijay is at home portraying a massy hero, however there is a Jilla hangover to this character at times. But as Vijay his action scenes are first rate, the post interval action scene at the coffee house was awesome. I'd also like to highlight the scene when in the climax Vijay is explaining to the villain that one has to raise to kids properly, and that if one doesn't and they go one wrong path of crime and its then the parents fault for the wrong guidance.That speech was awe inspiring, and it was by the far the films best scene. Mahendran as the villain is menacing to the core, his confrontation scenes with Vijay are great to watch on screen, as they exchange some good dialogue. Samantha and Amy Jackson add good glamor , but do nothing in the acting department. Baby Nainika is adorable on screen, and acts like a pro as Vijay's daughter. Her dialogues on screen will leave a smile on your face.

Like I mentioned before Theri does adhere to a regular revenge drama formula but why the film works is because of director Atlee's sensibilities. He makes sure the film speaks of real world problems plaguing India today, and peppers them perfectly in the film to get a huge impact on the viewer. Rape, corruption, lack of education, poverty are all highlighted in Theri, and the director speaks of improving the system too, which is through proper guidance of India's youth, which starts at home (with the parents), and in the climax speech that is main topic of discussion. Atlee also makes sure that Theri has a great mix of family sentiment in the film, and the scenes between Vijay and his daughter are the films ace, together they are just to cute, on screen. Hats off to director Atlee for encompassing so much in a mass film properly. The films action is another highlight the massy stunts are combined well with a sleek/ stylish look. The films music is bad as the title track is the only good track. The songs production value is also very tacky. In general the production values are just okay. The films pace is great in the 1st half but the second half lags until the climax, the film could have been trimmed by 15 min. I did not like the whole ghost Vijay Kumar track, something more creative needed to be thought for that episode. These mentioned above and the formula story are the minor blemishes in the film.

Overall Theri is a good mass entertainer, that encompasses some good class, and family sensibilities. The film is something that not only Vijay fans will lap but so will the regular going audience. Its a hit guaranteed.

3.5/5* Grade 75% B

The Jungle Book made me feel like a child again, the nostalgia was so strong it was as though i was transported to the age of 8, and I was now Mowgali, having the time of my life in the jungle. In short Jungle Book was just pure fun. The film was a visual spectacle, with some breath taking visuals of a jungle that never looked so beautiful ( waterfalls,landscape etc), the animals though done mostly through VFX/CGI looked extremely real, there attention to detail was amazing. The films tempo was perfect, and even though a predictable tale of a child/man not welcome in the jungle anymore because of a fear from a tiger was being told, one was never bored, this is because the adventures never end in the film. There is always action, adventure, and laughter in abundance. Its a film that not only the kids, but adults will lap also. The main character Mowgali was portrayed but the child actor Neel Seethi, who was fabulous, the time he put into the role can be seen on the screen beautifully, all the tree climbing etc was done like a pro. Hats off kid. All the voice dubbing was great but, Bill Murray as Baloo, and Ben Kingsley as Bagheera were at a another level of perfection. The only problem I had with the film was the predictability and clichéd manner of the plot but its a Disney film so that real isn't a issue. Though I really enjoyed the whole monkey temple, and wild flower aspect in the film, it was a novel good idea.Overall The Jungle Book is great fun for everyone in the family, its a film worth watching because it lets the inner child of all unleash regardless of any age.

3.75/5* Grade: 78% B+

A film like Fan can only be made on a few actors around the world, and in India there are a hand full of actors who amass such a huge fan following, and Shahrukh Khan is one such actor, who's fans will do anything to catch a glimpse of the star. Fan in short is about an obsession with an actor to the an extent your whole life is just that one person. And in the film's context Gaurav, slept, breathed, and literally ate everything to do with Aryan Khanna. But when an obsession crosses a limit the price that is paid is what Fan is all about. Coming from the Yash Raj stable, and with Aditya Chopra the mastero himself the producer, with a great director like Maneesh Sharma ( of Band Baaja Baraat Fame) a lot of expectations come with this film. The SRK and Yash Raj Jodi is golden to say the least ( DDLJ, Chak De etc), and especially after viewing the trailer one was even more excited because after ages SRK was breaking his starry image, and actually acting in a film and that too in a double role. But did the film live up to such humongous expectations, well lets analyze.

Fan is not your regular film, where a story summary is needed because the story is know and in the forefront since the films inception, its about an obsession with a movie star, and what happens when the obsession turns unhealthy. Even when one talks about the films acting, there is only one actor who leaves his thundering impression in Fan, and that is SRK as Garuav and Aryan. Without a doubt I can say that in the last couple of years, and that after Om Shanti Om this is SRK's best performance. SRK plays both roles so wonderfully, that one believes that Gaurav is played by a another actor, and not SRK. They are that dramatically different at times, in looks, and in acting. He totally owns the film and hits it out of the park with this film. SRK is at his acting best. Watch out for his climax chase and speech its some of the best acting I have seen SRK do. He is back to Daar and Baazigar days.He had me in tears almost in the climax.

Fan is not a perfect film, the film has its blemishes, but its a very powerful watch, its a film that will move . You will be able to feel the pain of an obsessed fan, and his sorrow.The film takes you into the life of a star, and into the life of a common Delhi Boy, who is a crazy fan of a actor. We see a realistic side to both sides. I honestly really enjoyed the film because I could relate to Gaurav the character in bits, while I am not obsessed with any actor and his life, I did grow up on films, and there are some actors I have looked up to my whole life, and idolized, so I do understand his character at times. As a viewer I could relate to his pain at times, and thats a huge positive for the director, to make the film relatable for the viewers (or some of them like me, who grew up on films). The film has no music and is was not needed, kudos to YRF for being brave to do this in a Hindi film. The VFX is top notch, and SRK was transformed into Gaurav perfectly. The action, and chase sequences were shot sleekly, and the stunts were first rate. The production vaules in general were top notch, and beautiful countries in Europe were highlighted. Now to the films blemishes, well the only problem I had with Fan was that at times the story was way to over the top and unbelievable. Like how does one just beat up a movie star to meet another movie star is it that easy, and how is one able to enter such a huge movie stars house so easily, these examples and more such make fan really unbelievable and not realistic at times. The film has such a good realistic follow going until these hitches, but I must say with such a fast paced film even the over top scenes were entertaining, its just that the film had a chance to be a masterpiece if not for these blemishes. But a lot of the blemishes were made up for me in the appropriate and heartfelt climax.

Overall if want a watch a good SRK film after ages, and want to encourage India's stop stars to do worthy films, watch Fan and make it gross 200CR +, rather than encouraging garbage films like Dilwale. And this is coming from a non SRK fan.

3.5/5* Grade : 75% B

Hardcore Henry redefines the action film genre, and one doesn't have to go into detail to talk about the film, because the film has no real story, and acting/ emoting take a huge back seat in this film, because the whole film is about explosions,gory violence, and intense gun play. There is even harry potterisque magical action involved. The action just never stops, the film is a adrenaline filled roller coaster. The film is like a video game, its the first film to be filmed in first person. Its like playing call of duty, except everything is unpredictable and one is at the edge of there seat because of constant thrilling action . The action is truly awe inspiring, the film has some best stunts I have ever seen on the screen. Hardcore Henry's only downfalls are that the camera angles for the first person filming makes one pretty dizzy at first, it takes at least half an hour of the hour and thirty min runtime to get used to the crazy camera angles. Its almost seizure inducing at times. And the films biggest flaw is that there is no real story at all in the film. Its just mindless action pretty much. However overall I recommend Hardcore Henry to be watched by action film lovers at least once because the film is truly a new cinematic experience.

3.5/5* Grade: 73% B

Approximately 9 days after Ki and Ka released I finally watched the film ,well better late then never right ( I was ill so give me a break). Ki and Ka is made by the famously schizophrenic director R Balki, who on one side has made gems like Paa, and Cheeni Kum, and he is the same man who made last years disastrous Shamitabh. Balki always comes up with unique and out of the box ideas for all his films and Ki and Ka is not any different .Ki and Ka is a film about squashing gender stereotypes, a film where there is a house husband, and a working businesswoman wife, I was impressed with the basic idea, but I had my expectations in check, especially after watching the just okay trailer. However the film is not nearly as bad as Shamitabh, but its not as good as a Paa either, this film hits a middle ground and ends up being a watchable good effort. I will now go into a more of in depth analysis of Ki and Ka.

Story wise Kia aims to become a successful business woman and also wishes other women to work instead of managing the house-hold and just becoming the support system of her husband. On her flight to Delhi from Chandigarh, she meets Kabir . The two get along very nicely and start meeting quite often. Kia discovers Kabir wants to be a house "wife" like his mother and does not want to get caught in the race of progress by becoming of business man. Kia also learns that Kabir is the son of a highly successful building constructor but does not want to inherit his immense wealth.Kia and Kabir gradually fall in love and decide to marry where Kabir would handle the household stuff while Kia would be the bread earner. They convince their parents for this marriage and get married in a court. What happens next forms the crux plot.

Acting wise Arjun Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor have a crackling chemistry on screen, and look very compatible on screen. Arjun Kapoor gives what is one of his career best acts in Ki and Ka. Its a very unconventional role, and he handles it with maturity and is restrained on screen. Its funny to watch him on screen in such a different avatar then usual. Kareena Kapoor is at her ever dependable best, and she owns her de glam business woman role. Both of there play on gender stereotype ideas on screen is hilarious.

Ki and Ka works for two reasons, one as mentioned above the great chemistry of the leads, who look like a real couple on screen, there acting is extremely believable. The second reason is that films core idea is very fresh, and the need of the moment in India especially. In a time were rape, and abuse against women is at its all time in India a film like Ki and Ka is very important to challenge the male patriarchal thinking in India.Don't get me wrong Ki and Ka is not a preachy film, but its still a feel good film/ romcom but it talks about a important issue, and its a start even if the tone of the film is not serious but light (and a steer in the right direction). Now where the film falters is in the stories predictability and very clichéd story arc. You know there is going to be a happy ending right from the first frame, and all the conflicts in the film are those we see in any romantic comedy drama etc. On top of that the film has some not so great production values, as the whole film is shot on sets. And the dialogues of the film and the play on gender stereotyping at times is hilarious, but some dialogues are cringe worthy. The way how first Kia becomes ultra successful and then does Kabir is very unbelievable and not necessary to show in the film (in my opinion).However what makes the film enjoyable throughout despite any flaws is the films light feel good tone, that keeps a smile on your face at all times. I really enjoyed the whole train idea, how the train brings food etc, it was nice catch in the script (You will understand what I mean when you watch the film). The music , and especially the high heels song was enjoyable. The film had a tight edit, and was told at a nice breezy 2hrs.

Overall while Ki and Ka is not a must watch film, its a nice predictable feel good watch, and its fresh core idea make for some good laughs on screen. Just don't go into the theatres excepting a film that will change gender norms,because the film is far from that. But its a start.

3.25/5* Grade: 67% C+

Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice doesn't really warrant a in depth review, and me not being a huge superhero comic fan I don't wanna get into the nitty gritty, but watching this film last night at 10:30 pm turned out to be the perfect cure for my insomnia. The film is by far one of the slowest paced films I have seen in awhile, and there are so many subplots that divert from the stories main crux that the main plot is actually rushed and insignificant. The whole Batman hating Superman problem is solved in 5 mins, and instead time is wasted showing insignificant characters like Aqua Man, Flash, and Cyborg which is obviously DC's way of promoting new superhero pictures coming up. Like I feel Batman and Superman fans were cheated out. The whole Bruce Wayne parents angle was also not convincing, and would it kill Clark Kent to smile once he is Superman. Zack Snyder the director should have token a lesson from Chris Nolan before trying to make a proper good superhero flick if compare both the Batman's there is no comparison. The whole Superman on trial thing was ridiculous too.And honestly Zack Snyder couldn't pick another Lex Luthor Jesse Eisenberg was overacting the whole time.Ben Affleck was okay as batman and Henry Cavill is adequate as superman. Amy Adams has nothing much to do as Lois Lane.The films only saving grace is the amazing action and CGI which was highlighted in the climax, especially when the films real star wonder woman starts kicking ass. Those last 30 min when things like the Bat mobile etc were highlighted I actual woke up and stood up in my seat in awe. Some of the best action scenes of the year for sure were in this film. The films scale and production values were mammoth top notch. However those last sequences don't make up for one the weakest films of the year, do yourself a favour and wait till Captain America Civil War to watch a good superhero film.

2.25/5* Grade: 48% D

I honestly want to know what Dheraaj Ratan was thinking when he wrote the story of Ambarsariya, even Director Mandeep Kumar of Jinhe Mere Dil Luteya fame must have lost all of his senses when accepting this script to direct. The films main core crux is pathetic, the whole raw agent angle, and especially the films climax is cringe worthy bad, and laughable. The story had potential but was translated on screen in a childish manner (literally).The films only saving grace is Punjab's rising superstar Diljit Donsaj,he saves the film to an extent with his impeccable comic timing, but that wasn't enough this time around. A film like Ambarsariya had mammoth expectations,Dosanj is at his peak ( his fame singing wise and acting wise is huge worldwide at the moment),and Kumar is a hit director and was working with a hit punjabi script writer Dheraaj Ratan. I just don't understand with so much potential how did things go so haywire in the writing department. But more in depth analysis on that later.

Story wise the film is about Jatt Ambarsariya who lives dual life as a RAW agent and insurance agent. He is put on a mission to save the honest and idealistic Home Minister of Punjab from a drug mafia who is plotting the minister's murder. During the course of the mission, Jatt Ambarsariya also meets Jasleen Kaur, his boss at the insurance company and Kirat his landlord. How he balances his love triangle with the two mentioned above, and how he saves the home minister is what forms the films crux.

Acting wise Diljit Dosanj is at his comic best again, one just wishes he would expand his acting profile a bit, and show more layers in his act especially when he is supposed to play a RAW agent. Being a little more serious, and working on his action would have gone a long way in this film for him. If he keeps treading the same path he will be the Indian Kevin Hart, no will take his acting seriously people will just laugh at me till he is trending, that is until they find the next scapegoat. Navneet Kaur Dhillion, Laureen Gottlieb, and Monica Gill just add glamour. Rest of the casts special appearances were adequate.

What works for Ambarsariya is the film has the signature Diljit humour, where his one liners, and gags will keep the audience laughing throughout the film at different junctures. Diljit and his great music is the only saving grace of the film. However I did like the way Diljit investigated the 3 Jaspreet's it was a novel concept and a very funny series of sequences. But even Diljit's humour is losing its novelty because he is repeating himself in every film. He needs to reinvent himself. Now to the bad part,the films core concept, and script is a huge letdown. The whole raw agent, and assassination angle was not presented properly therefore everything to do with this subplot looked pathetic. Especially the climax, were the missing link aka the killer was revealed,that whole scene needed to be edited out and shot again with a new killer, what was shown on screen was damn stupid. And the whole layer cake rip off of not revealing the hero's name is again a pathetic move by the makers, because they are trying to rip off a classic.

Overall while I wont lie I did laugh quite a few times during the films duration, but it just wasn't enough to make Ambarsariya a good film this is because expectations were high from Diljit, Director Mandeep Kumar and writer Dheraaj Ratan, and they have failed with dumb concept in this film which had potential, but nothing was too see on screen. This film is a DVD watch, you will probably enjoy it more at home then at theatres unless your a die hard Diljit fan then a theatre watch is warranted.... I guess.

2.5/5* Grade: 56% C-

Rocky Handsome brings together the combo of John Abraham and Nishikant Kamat after there last hit action film Force which released in 2011. Nishikant Kamat has now become the remake king with films like Force, Drishyam, and now Rocky Handsome all being remakes of hit films. And rightful so he is the remake king, because as they say why mess up formula you have perfected. John Abraham has also now molded himself into a action hero of sorts, and literally resembles a dumbbell (with his huge monstrous physique) if you ask me, so with Rocky Handsome both filmmaker, and actor are in familiar terrain. However the real the question is that, is the film successful in its endeavor of making a emotional high octane action drama, that the trailer so highly portrays. Well if your looking for some kick ass action, and don't mind shedding a tear or two then, then this film is for you, just don't go into the film seeking intelligence, and I will explain this analysis in a in depth review further.

Story wise the film revolves around Kabir Ahlawat/Rocky Handsome who sets out to take revenge against Goa's drug mafia after they kidnapped an eight-year old girl who is his neighbor with whom he shares a special bond. Who is Rocky Handsome whats his past, and does he save the girl forms the rest of films crux.

Acting wise John Abraham is the soul of the film, and while he doesn't have much acting to do ( he literally mouths two lines in the film) he does display some awe inspiring, hair raising action. The training he went through to master certain fighting styles is truly applaud worthy. Nishikant Kamat the films director debuts as the films villain, and he totally kills his role. His menacing, crazy act is totally believable and he never once hits that over acting note (unlike his brother in the film). A great debut indeed. The little girl Diya Chalwad is cute, but her act feels fake at times, but she does a adequate job.

Rocky Handsome's story is so average, and its screenplay is so full of loopholes that one might think the film is bad, but the films director Nishikant Kamat makes sure that despite, all the shortcomings, that Rocky Handsome is still a good film, and honestly its a film I personally couldn't despise. However I do wonder could they not have found a better story to remake. The films loopholes do warrant that at times the viewers should just switch of there brain and just enjoy the proceedings.For example why do gangsters carry around axes instead of guns at a club, and in the climax where does the girl magically appear from, and how does the Thai body guard turn good all of the sudden, scenes like these did leave me dumbfounded at times. But all was forgiven.This is because Rocky Handsome never bores for a single moment, and doesn't really let its viewers think with such a breezy pace. The film is sleek, and shot in a very stylized manner that catches the eye at the films beginning. The background score is superb, while the music is just okay. But the film has two major aces which is the mind blowing action, and the great emotional depth in the two main characters. The action in the film is simply superb, and the best I have seen in a Indian film in awhile, the hand to hand combat scenes in the club, and climax scene will leave you gasping for breathe. Its Hollywood level action. For a film with action at its fore front, it surprised me that it had nice emotional depth, the scenes involving the little girl, and John are heart warming and very endearing. The climax had me in tears , with the whole eye scene and hug. Another surprising factor for me was how finally things like drug trafficking and forced child labor was shown in a more accurate portrayal then most Hindi films ( most films a make mockery out of the subject).

Overall honestly I throughly enjoyed Rocky Handsome its exactly what I excepted it to be a kick ass action film with a hint of emotion. Its not the most intelligent film but who cares, it pure unadulterated fun.

3.5/5* Grade: 73% B

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is a film I truly wanted to like, its a got a great ensemble cast with the likes of Tina Fey, Martin Freeman, Margot Robbie and Bill Bob Thornton in the film, it has a novel story of making a comedy/drama set in Afghanistan wartime ( cause god knows another serious film on terrorism would have just been too much) so what goes wrong. Well a lot does, but the film does salvage some good comic moments, and good acting, but its just a lot was left to be desired with WTFT. It just feels the film was not researched well enough, like the film was a comedy not a parody on the war on terrorism in AFG. Like the parties that news reporters were having, and the way people walked so freely around AFG in the early 2000's, just didn't give the feeling of a war zone that AGF was then. And this is just the surface for some of the flaws of WTFT, but let me get into a in-depth analysis now.

Story wise in 2002, cable news producer Kim Barker decides to shake up her routine by taking a daring new assignment in Kabul, Afghanistan. Dislodged from her comfortable American lifestyle, Barker finds herself in the middle of an out-of-control war zone. Luckily, she meets Tanya Vanderpoel, a fellow journalist who takes the shell shocked reporter under her wing. Amid the militants, warlords and nighttime partying, Barker discovers the key to becoming a successful correspondent.

Acting wise Tina Fey is just a one track actor, and I can never takes her performances seriously and the same happens in WTFT. Whether the film be Sisters or this film she pitches the same act, with the same comic punches. And when she tries to act seriously (in many instances in this film), its unconvincing. She needs to up her game soon, before she starts to get typecast. Martin Freeman is good, but he doesn't get much screen time, all we get see him do is work his new Scottish accent. The same goes for Margot Robbie as mentioned for Freeman instead she uses a British accent. Bill Bob Thornton is the best of the lot, but he has a special appearance of sorts, so there is nothing to gloat about here either. Together however its a nice ensemble to see on screen.

WTFT could have been a great film, its just that so much just went haywire for the film. Makers trying to make a film on journalism or news reporters need to watch Spotlight as reference. I know the film is a comedy drama but still showing news reporters doing cocaine at parties daily after a hard day at work in a war zone, is just stupid. The whole war zone angle of meeting political figures, and terrorists is just to easy for the news reporters in WTFT, real reporters wait for years for a phone call interview of wanted terrorist, and in WTFT your local terrorist is just one phone call away. These are just some of the obvious flaws the film had, its almost as though the makers did no research. Film has no realism for a film that supposed to be.The screenplay and script is muddled ( there is no coherent arc), and there is no character depth or real emotional depth in the characters in the film. The films pace in the 2nd hour is very snail like. The positives though few are enough to salvage some of the film. The films production values are amazing, AFG looked beautiful and the sets/locales accurately depicted a war zone.The film also had some nice action scenes especially the drone attack sequence, which looked very realistic. The comic moments are the films biggest ace as there are many comical moments that had me chuckling. For example the scene when Tina Fey's character realizes that the women keep destroying the water well ( and not terrorists), that the US soldiers keep fixing is hilarious. The films tone of taking war time lightly was very novel, and nice to see.

Overall Whiskey Tango Foxtrot leaves a lot to be desired it a flawed film, but for films runtime ( well for most of the runtime) I was entertained with the comic moments/ idiotic moments, its a serious film to be taken lightly, but this a film you will enjoy more if watched at home, because then you won't complain you didn't get your tickets worth.

3/5* Grade : 62%,C

10 Cloverfield Lane,is what I classify as a film about the unknown (aliens)its a film where the world is (sort of) coming to the end. And let me tell you weekly now Hollywood comes out with films, about aliens, and the end of the world, so with that one liner 10CL probably seems like yet another gimmicky, VFX heavy film, were the whole world is being destroyed, and everyone is dying until there is one saviour etc. But luckily 10CL separates its self from that mess, this film rather than relying on gimmicks builds tension through its characters,its more about surviving than fighting the unknown. Its an old fashioned thriller, that rather than scaring its audience, creates a paranoiac, cluster phobic eerie feeling in the audience. Its a realistic take on what the mynas predicted. But is the film worth a watch in theatres, well lets analyze.

Story wise Michelle packs her things and leaves her apartment, angry over a dispute with her partner Ben.While driving away she turns on the radio,it claims that there are numerous blackouts in major cities. Michelle becomes distracted after Ben calls her, and her car crashes and goes off the road from the distraction, flipping upside down. When she awakens, she discovers she is chained to the wall in an unknown location. After reaching her phone only to receive no signal, a man named Howard enters the room and tells her he saved her life and the world outside is now uninhabitable due to the nuclear or chemical fallout from "an attack." What happens next forms the films main crux.

Acting wise John Goodman is at his crazy maniac best. His act draws comparison to me to Christian Bale in American Psycho, and Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs, but to a lesser a extent obviously. Its a iconic role, of a crazy old man who will go to any extent to keep things as they are. Watch out for scene when he gets burned by acid, and his reaction. This might be his career best act. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is helpless, and in sorrow, and she conveys her emotions well with a pale look, and with her distraught eyes. In the climax when she escapes, and fights the unknown one roots for her to win, and thats how one knows she has succeed in her act. These above mentioned main characters are the main reason why 10CL is so enjoyable. John Gallagher Jr gives great comic relief.

10 Cloverfield Lane is not a sequel to Cloverfield, its more of a franchise film I presume, with more films to come in the series with such a open ending. At a runtime of 1hr 45 min 10CL never gets slow or bores, the film builds tension perfectly, and the films first time director Dan Trachtenberg makes sure that films main set "the bunker" gives the audience a very cluster phobic feeling, and therefore the film gets your heart racing in panic at every thrilling instance. A example of this is the scene when Michelle steals the keys and tries to escape, but instead sees, a lady die in front of her due to the contaminated air. Its a scary thrilling moment.The film has a very dark, and eerie setting that works well with the films content. The films story and screenplay is not very novel, however the films presentation is very different than the usual world vs alien film. Here there is not many gimmicky effects or cheap graphic thrills, rather 10CL is a psychological thriller. The film is also greatly supported by the performances of the leads both John Goodman, and Mary Elizabeth are both extraordinary. I am usually am not a fan of films about the end of world but I quite enjoyed myself here. On the flip side, while 10CL is good and thrilling, the film just couldn't elevate itself from being good to extra ordinary till the pre climax/climax. And even the climax is rather unconvincing and leaves a sour taste in ones mouth. The film technically and production value wise is average, but this film is not supposed to be a very glossy film, so its adequate.

Overall 10 Cloverfield Lane is a good psychological thriller, that offers genuine scares. Great performances, and some thrilling moments make this film a recommended watch in theatres this week. Its a patch above the ordinary, and will definitely leave you with palpation's.

3.5/5* Grade: 74% B

Jai Gangaajal is exactly what I excepted the film would be after viewing the films trailer. Its a film that doesn't break any new ground, its has the typical been there, done that story, its almost a remake of the 2003 Gangaajal (its prequel but the films story doesn't continue) , it follows the same template of being a cop drama where there is some type of oppression against the "aam admi"and the public take things in there own hands. Some topical issues of farmers committing suicide etc are highlighted in the film which makes Jai Gangaajal a very relatable, film about today times( there still is a 90s bollywood cop drama hangover feeling though). There is enough hard hitting massy dialogues, and action to keep one engaged. Also the film springs a surprise in the acting department.But is JG worth your hard earned cash, well lets analyze.

Story wise Bankepur is just another town in Central India that is plagued with corruption, land grabbing, rape and farmer suicides. Amidst all this is Bhole Nath Singh , a cop who has made an empire by selling his conscience and duties towards the people. He is the right hand of Bablu Pandey who is running for elections and his younger brother Dablu.While BN Singh is quite happy being a servant of corruption than being a public servant, his outlook changes when Abha Mathur takes over as the DSP.She means business and is all set to bring law and order in a town that has forgotten it. Will she be able to bring peace to a town that is being ravaged by its own politicians?

Acting wise the newcomer/veteran director ( director of this film) Prakash Jha, is a revelation in the film. I never knew PJ could be such a spectacular actor, the way he transforms from bad guy to good guy in the film is really surprising, his act is so nuanced for a first time actor( he is in his 60s). Watchout for the scene when he beats up Dablu, and channels his inner Amitabh Bachchan from Zanjeer. Priyanka Chopra gives a very realistic, and subtle performance. She makes one believe she is a real cop. Its another job well done for the amazing actress. She needed to mellow down on the makeup for a cop role though. Manav Kaul is at ease as the typical villainous politician. Ninad Kamat is loud, and over acts at times but is passable as the MLA's land grabbing brother.

Honestly I have been a huge fan of Prakash Jha, and his brand of cinema. Raajneeti, Apharan etc are some of my all time favourite Hindi films, and honestly till date I have never disliked any of films, so I had decent expectations with Jai Gangaajal. But I must say this is his weakest film, but thats not saying much because JG is far from being a bad film, its a decent watch still. JG will appeal to the mass audiences more than the class audiences because the film has a rustic vibe, and the massy dialogues in the film are made to appeal to the back benchers who love to whistle and clap on such scenes. The film does hold ones attention, and the films topical issues like farmers committing suicide due to poverty, rape, and land grabbing make for grim riveting, realisticish watch. The true India, the India which excludes the privileged elite metropolitan area(Bombay,Delhi, Bangalore, etc) is shown well in the film. The common man just has no power, no money, no anything pretty much and that is shown well in the film. JG is a good mix of, realistic cinema, plus the added spice of masala dialogues and action. The films highlight is when the public takes things into there own hands and do public made up suicides. And when Prakash Jha turns good and wreck havocs( when the kid takes revenge for his sister). However JG is way over the top at times, for example people die so easily without any repercussions, and people grab land like there M&M's, the cops and Indian democratic system is not that impotent as shown in the film. The films story also is very routine, and Prakash himself has rehashed this kind of story before (in Gangaajaal). The film has no novelty. The films music is average, the background score is okay, and the production values are okay, they suit the rustic vibe of the film but there could have been more real locations rather than sets.

Overall Jai Gangaajal is not a must watch, but its a one time watch for sure. The great performances, the enjoyable political story, and punchy dialogues make for a good watch.People going in excepting a Priyanka Chopra show all the way will in for some of disappointment/surprise its a Prakash Jha film all the way acting and directing.

3.25/5* 66% C+

People who have watched Olympus has Fallen do not need to read a review of London has Fallen, its pretty much the same film with different action set pieces. And honestly thats really not a bad thing, because one goes into a film like London has Fallen to just sit down,relax and destress for the 1hr 30 min + runtime, its logic less popcorn entertainment at its best. Its what I call leave your brains at home cinema, and for a film like London has Fallen, everyone knows what there getting into before viewing the film, so do not except anything meaningful, or some cinematic moment in the film, LHF is just kickass fun. Gerard Butler is the new, Bruce Willis, and LHF is the new Die Hard 2.0.

Story wise after the British Prime Minister passes away, his funeral becomes a target of a terrorist organization to destroy some of the world's most powerful leaders, devastate the British capital, and unleash a terrifying vision of the future. The only hope of stopping it rests on the shoulders of the President of the United States (Aaron Eckhart) and his formidable Secret Service head (Gerard Butler), but there is one hitch the middle eastern terrorists want American Presidents head on a platter, otherwise they wont stop the blood shed.

Acting wise Gerard Butler is at his action best. He totally kicks ass on screen, and one can see the hard work he puts into his stunts.He is a killing machine in the film. Watch out for his climax fight scene he goes into COD mode. He also has some comical hard hitting dialogues which are corny, and awesome at the same time. Aaron Eckhart serves more as a henchman to Gerard rather than acting like the President, but he is adequate in his role. Morgan Freeman is good as always, in his brief role as Vice President.

London has Fallen really has no story to gloat about, its a rehash of any clichéd action film were they try to save the world. While the prequel talked about North Korean terrorists,here we see Muslim terrorist, so the makers try to be a little up to date to todays times I guess. Action wise the film gets full marks because this is were the film is gripping and thrilling as hell. The explosions, the car chases, the gun fights, are all first rate, and give a sense of a "bang for you buck,"type of feeling(meaning your money was well spent with this film). The CGI, and VFX that were showing, London bridges,buildings, explode were good. LHF however though made to be a completely logic less film ( the whole main premise is laughable, and extremely impossible)has some cringe worthy scenes that are too over the top its hard to unnotice them. For example, how the heck do the President and his body guard survive a helicopter crash without even one scratch.How does the President have Olympic medal aim with a gun when he says again and again its first time using a gun. Also the whole stereotypical Muslim terrorist angle is getting really old in films now, show some novelty at at least in the film somewhere.However people who relished 90s Hollywood action films like Die Hard will lap LHF. The films production values were great, and one can see that a lot of money was put into this film,there is beautiful scenery at every blink. The films highlight scene is the climax action scene when Gerard Butler goes into full Call Of Duty mode, and is killing with a SMG, and jumping into buildings.

Overall watch London has Fallen if your looking to watch a complete de stressing film, that has kickass action, just remember too switch of your brain before the beginning of the film and enjoy the most over the top film of the year. Its not a great film, but its enjoyable and a bang for your buck. Its nice to see a light film after seeing such heavy films week after week.

3.25/5* 66% C+

Eddie the Eagle (the film and real person)is a triumph of the human spirit. Its a inspirational film, which will leave you with smile on your face. Based on a true story, ETE is a yet another sports biopic, which is about a underdog, but this film is notches above the ordinary. ETE is the feel good film of the year till now, and Its a film I throughly enjoyed. The film almost doesn't have a false not, the acting, the 80s production values, the script, is all top notch. You know if your rooting for the main protagonist by the end of the film, the film has succeed. But is the film really worth a watch in the cinema halls,well lets analyze.

Story wise this film is a true story about Michael "Eddie" Edwards an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach,Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

Acting wise Taron Egerton is a revelation, he has made massive strides in the acting department since his last performances in Kingsman and Legend. He totally lives the role, and gives a knock out performance. Hugh Jackman is a complete bad ass in the film, and is on his A game as always. He starts off as a wild drunk, but by the end of the film he pitches in a mature restraint act. Watch out for the scene when he does the 90m ski jump, its a totally bad ass scene.

ETE is not just your regular feel good sports film about a underdog, its pitches itself as being more nuanced than that, even as we know the films end result. The film has a huge relatable factor that works in its favor, the film is about a common man who dreamed, and as a viewer I was easily able to put myself in the main protagonists shoes. ETE also evokes all the right emotions at the most opportune time, and this is because of the solid screenplay and script. We laugh, snicker, and cheer in the film in abundance. ETE is paced perfectly, and there is never even close to a boring sequence in the film. The 80s Europe milieu is captured well in the film, because of great production values(the proper 80s clothing,cars etc).ETE honestly has many great moments in the film, which are full of laughter, and inspiring moments, I mean every ski jumping scene is exhilarating (and amazingly shot), but the pre climax 90m jump in the 1988 Calgary winter Olympics was a heart pounding, literally goose bump arising scene. I literally felt like cheering on for Eddie and clapping while I was seated in the cinema hall. Its one best film sequences I have seen in 2016.ETE is just so inspiring and motivating at times, it makes viewers believe that anything is literally possible if we try(I know that sounds cheesy,but thats ETE for you). We just don't see sports films done right anymore like ETE, for example Saala Khadoos a Hindi movie of the same genre, strived to be like a ETE but fell way short. The only thing that bogs down ETE a bit is that the film is not very novel, as many sports films have treaded a similar path, predictability seeps into the film. But these are minor blemishes.

Overall I highly recommend this feel good sports biopic, its simply put a great inspiring and motivating film. Its the 2nd really good Hollywood/English film of 2016 after Hail Caesar (Its overall better than HC).

Grade: 82% B+ 4/5*

Tere Bin Laden Dead Or Alive, is not a bad film, nor is it a great sequel to the hugely popular Tere Bin Laden the 2010 cult classic comedy. I honestly feel that makers and Director Abhisek Sharma should have waited till they got a better story before making part 2, because TBL 2's biggest problems is that it has a poor script. However the film is completely crazy and zany, and some comic punches/ ideas do hold the viewers attention. The actors especially Sikandar Kher and Piyush Mishira do there bit well. But will this over the top spoof comedy hold the audiences attention,lets analyze.

Story wise Sharma wants to become a film director and escapes from the clutches of his Halwai father to Bollywood. He meets Paddi Singh who has an uncanny similarity with Osama Bin Laden and the germ of an idea pops up in his mind. He narrates a story idea to the silent producers Shetty sisters. 'Tere Bin Laden' starring Ali Zafar and Paddi goes on to become a big hit and a sequel is being planned. Scheming CIA agent David turns into slimy Bollywood film Producer David Chaddha with a sexy assistant in Junior in tow. He is on the lookout for Paddi Singh. The dreaded Mujahid Khalil is also on the lookout for Paddi as well. Mayhem follows and even President Obama joins the cast too.

Acting wise Sikandar gives a standout performance in TBL 2. The way he does the American, and Punjabi accent is amazing (its very authentic), and with extensive makeup job he is unrecognizable.His character will have you in splits (probably the only time you really laugh). Piyush Mishra has the best dialogues to mouth, and his whole angle of terrorists being poor after the death Osama, is funny. If only his character got more substantial screen time. Manish Paul is wasted, his comic talent is not used properly, he just does the same thing he does on TV. Pradhuman Singh's character of Osama loses a lot of novelty during the course of the film because his role is to redundant. There is nothing new to offer, other than same jokes.

TBL 2 is a spoof film, the film spoofs the prequel, they spoof bollywood,they even spoof the killing of Bin Laden, and the way the American government works. While with these ideas a great comedy could have been made, but TBL 2, ends up being a muddled attempt. The film hardly soars above mediocrity.For me I just couldn't believe the extremely over the top premise, things were just way too illogical even for a Bollywood film. The films editor, tried editing the film in such a way that the film was so fast moving that the viewers would overlook the dumb plot errors, but that does not happen unfortunately. For example is it really that easy to make a Bollywood film, or convince someone to make a Hollywood film, like come on don't think your audience is that dumbfound. However some of the films zany ideas do provide laughs, and not all is lost because of the films fast pacing, one is really never bored cause of the fast proceedings.The whole terrorist Olympics scene had me roaring in laughter, the way the American government played drone attacks was hilarious too and those scenes are the films highlight. Even the films actors Sikandar and Piyush make sure they give there all to the film, which makes TBL 2, more enjoyable. But the films jokes, and comic punches fall flat more often then not, the whole Obama angle just didn't work for me, and needed to be edited out.Technically speaking the films music was bad the six pack abs song was ear bleeding bad, the vfx was okay, but the whole helicopter scenes were amateurish. The cinematography was nice, and dessert scenes looked good.

Overall TBL 2 is a average film at best, and really doesn't live up to the cult classic prequel. Watch the film if you are bored this weekend, otherwise you will enjoy it more on DVD. While it was funny at times its still a disappointing watch for me.

55% C- grade 2.5/5*

Let me state on the onset that The Witch carries a beware tag, for most people going into this film excepting a full blown horror film, that offers cheap thrills like the regular released Hollywood horror films ex. Saw or Paranormal Activity you will be disappointed.The Witch offers more of an art-house film with the films setting being horrorish. The Witch is a niche film made for people who relish artistic cinema, its not really made for the regular cinema going audience who indulge in escapist cinema. The film has certain milieu, that caught my attention right away, I was sucked into 1600's New England. The clothing, the way the people talked with heavy accents, the houses made of wood/hay, the farms filled with animals, everything was genuine and authentic of those times. The films attention to detail was something to marvel at, the cinematography was impeccable, it helped create the eerie dark feeling the film had from the first frame. But the film has its flaws but more on that later.

Story wise in the 16th century, the deeply religious William leaves a New England plantation alongside his family (wife Katherine, daughter Thomasin, son Caleb, and twins Mercy and Jonas) due to a disagreement of beliefs. After a day's travel, the family finds a spot of land to start their new life. Several months later, the family has built a house and farm on the land and Katherine has given birth to her fifth child, Samuel. Thomasin looks after the infant Samuel one day but, while Thomasin is playing peek-a-boo with him, Samuel is abducted by a witch who lives in the surrounding forest. What happens next forms the crux of the film.

Acting wise the cast was full of newcomers/ newer(unknown actors) actors who performed exceeding well. Anya-Taylor Joy has a cute innocence about her which she conveys well on screen, but when the dust settles especially in the climax/pre climax she turns too the dark side and shows her devilish side well. Ralph Ineson shows a helpless side of himself as a father stuck between his family and religion, he is great. Katie Dickie is schizophrenic on screen as the mother who cant cope with the loss of her child and turns semi-crazy. The younger kids have more of a comical role, and provide some nice light moments.

The most important part of The Witch is the films whole aura, which is pitch perfect. Like I stated before the 1600s is perfectly depicted. The whole family being extremely religious is spot on for those times. The films director Robert Eggers makes sure that the audience has been encapsulated back in time. With the extraordinary camera-work the whole dark eerie, unsettling theme is fleshed out well. I must say I have never really seen a horror film like The Witch before, were most of horror comes through the silences, and from a artistic landscape, its a film that makes the mind think . There is no gimmicky fake cheap thrills, there is some gore, but its rather justified, and not overdone. The music creates a big impact on the film, and creates a tension filled screen. This film is more about creating a dark atmosphere, rather than trying to scare the audience. Which can be a bad thing or a good thing, here its a mix both. The films pace is very sluggish and a 1hr 30 min films feels more like 2hr + plus film. The Witch sometimes is to art-house for my liking, and more thrills were needed to keep the audience engaged, as I could see audience members getting tireless while watching this film. Finally The Witch is at its best in the films last 30 min when all hell breaks loose , and the scene when the brother has a exorcism of sorts, and when the sister heads to jungle with a black goat are the films highlight.

Overall as I could gauge from the audience I was watching The Witch with, this film is not everyones cup of tea. The Witch is for more of a niche audience, who enjoy all types of cinema, and hone films as a artistic form, more than just escapist entertainment. Its a Sundance winner, and I can see why, there's a lot to love here, and I throughly enjoyed myself, but I feel bad for the audience going in excepting a full blown horror film, the film is misleading. Watch at your on caution you have been warned.

3.5/5* or 7/10

Bravery has a new name and its Neerja. Neerja Bhanot saved the lives of 350+ passengers when a Pan AM flight was hijacked in Karachi Pakistan,by Libyan terrorists.She gave her life to save the lives of everyone on that flight and she was just a 22 year old, air hostess. The courage she showed, is something very special especially at such a tender age, she could have saved her own life first, but she did not.Neerja is a real hero, a real life superhero. Honestly words cant describe her bravery.India, Pakistan, and USA all gave there bravery awards to Neerja Bhanot. After watching Neerja, the date September.5/1986 will haunt me forever, but I will always feel a sense of pride for India's true daughter Neerja Bhanot. Neerja is close to a flawless film, the film is a realistic drama about a true event. A horrific event which is depicted in the film without any commercial trapping, the film grips you from the first frame, and Neerja doesn't let you go till the tear jerking climax. Neerja is a film which is taunt, thrilling, its shocking, its grim, and its a film with some flawless performances. But above all its one of the most heroic films I have ever seen.

Story wise the film is based on the life of Neerja Bhanot who was shot dead by terrorists when trying to save 3 children who hijacked Pan Am flight 73 in Karachi on 5 September 1986. The aircraft was carrying 361 passengers and 19 crew members. What happened on the flight during the 17+ hr hijack is what the film is about.

Acting wise Sonam Kapoor is a revelation, she is not Sonam, but she completely transforms into Neerja. The way she displays her vulnerability, and bravery on screen is completely awe inspiring. Has she already won the best actress award in February, well it seems like it. Its her career best act. Watch out for the scene, when she hides the American passports fearlessly. Shabana Azmi plays the relentless mother role to perfection. She plays the typical punjabi mother, but the way Azmi handles the role its something to marvel at. Her last monologue in Neerja will give you in goosebumps, and have you in tears. Yogendra Tiku was good. All the characters playing the terrorists were good and portrayed well, they weren't clichéd. The man playing Khalil was menacing to core and the best of the lot by far.

Neerja is a great film, and I don't have to hesitate even once before saying this. The film is shot so one feels a suffocated feeling as if the viewers are apart of the plane. Every character, every sequence feels realistic to the core nothing is commercialized, no cinematic liberties are taken. Neerja is very gripping from the first frame to the last, one never feels bored. What we are served up as viewers is a taunt, thrilling drama, which leaves one shocked and eventually in tears. The film has a dark tone, and some of the scenes will be hard to stomach for some viewers because of violence etc.The films last 30 min is when film is at its best, during the pre climax evacuation, and climax monologue. Bring tissues because you will surely cry in the last 30 mins of the film. I also loved how the film would overshadow the past and Neerja's character got strength from her past divorce, parents etc to handle the terrorists.The films music was average. The pace in 2nd half starts to slow down a bit. But these are minor flaws. One might call the film melo dramatic, but these melo dramatic emotions are real raw emotions one feels in a situation of this type that is shown in Neerja.

Overall I wont so much more other than go watch Neerja because its story about a real Indian hero, and because Neerja is a great film. This film will be remembered for a long time. Finally Salute to Neeraj Bhanot, thank you for being brave, when every one else was scared, you are a true hero.

4/5* or 8/10

Fitoor is one such film were the reviews were so mixed that I couldn't make out before watching the film in theaters, that should I have a high or low expectations of Fitoor. Some called the film bad, some called it average, and some called it great. Well for me this adaption of Charles Dickson's Great Expectations was a good film. And I found that surprising because unlike the majority of Indian cine goers who liked Abhishek Kapoor's previous films Kai Po Che, and Rock On, I though both were just okay films. But with Fitoor Gattu (Kapoor's nickname) has made his best film yet in my opinion. Fitoor is a nuanced, perfectly layered, mature love story. On the outside the film seems like a a regular clichéd love story, of two people falling in love, that are separated because of the same predictable reason shown in every other love story such as class differences, one person is poor one rich etc. But the underlying layers to this love story is where Fitoor won my praise. Fitoor does start off as a innocent sweet (clichéd) love story (which honestly I also enjoyed), but by the end of the film, Fitoor ends up being a story of deception, and about having no identity, all because of love. Its a classical love story, which won't appeal to a pan India audience, but for a certain section of audience ( the classes) Fitoor is a winner. Fitoor's biggest strength is in its cinematography, and I say this honestly that I may have not seen a film as beautiful as Fitoor.But Fitoor also has its blemishes but more on that later.

Story wise Noor a thirteen year old Kashmiri boy who belongs to poor upbringings meets and is deeply infatuated with Firdaus who belongs to a rich elite family in Kashmir. Her mother who is referred to Begum was left heart broken in her younger age and is against the love especially with the social divide. She splits the teenagers and insults Noor about his social status. What happens next forms the crux of the plot.

Acting wise Aditya Roy Kapoor is completely spellbinding.One feels his emotions through his act, the angst, the longing, the sadness he feels for his love, is all emoted well on screen. Katrina Kaif, looks absolutely stunning on screen, its hard to take your eyes of her when she is in a frame. She acts well, but needs to work on expressing, and emoting more on screen. Her chemistry with Aditya is okay. Tabu steals the show whenever on screen, she acts very dignified, and full of"Tezaab".She exudes her royal personality well.

Fitoor worked for me because I was able invest my time into the story, the whole milieu of Fitoor caught my attention right away and I was arrested in. The film never bored me, and I didn't feel the slow pace that other critics said was a downer for them.I loved the sweet innocent love story of the first half with all its clichés, and when things got serious (in the 2nd half)I was bowled over by the pre climax plot twists. The whole Begum love story was beautiful intertwined into Noor's love story, how the Begum wanted revenge, makes the viewers feel for Tabu's character. The whole Ajay Devgn angle in the film worked, perfectly in the film and was justified. Fitoor has a lot of emotional depth especially when it comes to Noor's character, which is beautiful written, his character in the whole film just longs for love, and the way Aditya was able to convey that on screen was just fire, for that I applaud Director Gattu who exuded the performance. The scene when Noor finds out that his whole life has been a deceit and lie, is the films highlight for me.The films ultimate highlight though is the cinematography which is done by Anay Goswany. The cinematography is truly breathtaking and beyond words. Fitoor is just such a beautiful film to look at on screen, its actually awe inspiring, the leafs, the snow, the Kashmiri fall has all been captured so beautifully you have to see it believe it. The films music is also a huge asset, and Amit Tridevi completely hit it out of the park with this album. Pashmina for example is a classic song in my opinion, which I am addicted to, and keeps on playing on loop in my head. However what bogs down the film is the clichéd manner the love story is dealt with. And even though I didn't mind the clichéd plot points at times, some of the stuff was too much.The whole class divide issue, the way forbidden love angle is shown in Fitoor, it's very commonplace in all love stories these. For example after Noor and Firdadus make love, how Firdadus just leaves a letter after that fact saying our love won't work out is something I have seen happen in films since the 60s, like come on be a little novel. Aditya's and Katrina's chemistry needed to be a little more crackling also.The whole drunk Aditya Roy Kapoor gives a deja vu feeling of A2, which isn't very good either. The ending was rushed too.But for me these are minor blemishes.

Overall I loved Fitoor, and if it was totally up to me I would give the film full marks, but I have to be true to my job,and with the films blemishes its far from a perfect film. But I will say this again that Fitoor is a nuanced, perfectly layered, mature love story. Its a classical love story, but its a film only a certain section of the Indian audience will like, and thats the classes. And for them this a highly recommended watch, heck even I will watch the film again too enjoy the beauty of Fitoor.

3.5/5* or 7/10

Superhero films are not really my thing, for me films like the Avengers, Transformers etc are comparable to Indian masala films, where the hero punches a guy and he goes flying in the air. It's what I call junk food cinema, it satisfies ones taste buds, but we all know junk food in excess just causes diarrhea. However with this weeks released Deadpool my expectations were a little higher than I would have from a Avenger film, this is because the trailer of Deadpool was kickass fun, and novel. Deadpool looked hilarious, and he seemed like a anti-hero who didn't want to save the world for the millionth time in the films trailer. Well in eventuality Deadpool was a little underwhelming than I thought it would be, but it was still great fun, and miles ahead of all the other superhero films I have seen except Guardians of Galaxy which I enjoyed slightly more. Deadpool is quirky, zany, and the humour is downright raunchy, and thats something you probably have not seen before in a superhero film. Deadpool is a satire of sorts on superhero films, but were the film should have broke the clichés it was making fun of, it in the end gets caught in the same rut . Deadpool works mainly because of the films badass hero Deadpool aka Ryan Reynolds who I have never liked in a film before ( acting wise) Deadpool,but more on that later.

Story wise a former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being diagnosed with cancer in the final stage, he is then subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

Acting wise honestly other than Ryan Reynolds nobody is really noticeable on screen, and that's a great thing for all Deadpool fans, because Ryan owns the screen. He is hilarious, he kickass like never before, and Deadpool doesn't want to save the world(thankfully). This is the first Ryan Reynold's performance I have enjoyed, and it's a bloody good one. Keep up the good work.

Deadpool has a clichéd villain, there is a clichéd love angle, and there is a climax fight sequence were the superhero has to save something( luckily this time it's not the world) so the film is not really novel. But everything is done a quirky, zany satirical way, were everything is being made fun of,so one enjoys the proceedings, but I won't lie I excepted something a little more badass at times. For example the whole love angle in Deadpool could have been done with, the film would have worked without it in my opinion. However everything is being satired like I mentioned before, so even the cheesiest scene brings a laugh. Like the scene when the girlfriend is about to say will you give it to me in the a$$,and Wade says I love you ( he thought she wanted him to say that). Scenes like that evoke a huge amount of laughter. The films biggest plus is the raunchy, over the top humour. The films action sequences are top notch, and the bridge, and climax action sequences are feast for a action film lovers eyes. The added gore was nice touch too.The production values were good, but there eerily similar to Antman, but both are marvel films so it's expected I guess. I must say my favourite scene was when Deadpool, and the Xmen characters ( who I have never heard of)walkout in the climax fight with Dmx playing,that was badass. A special mention to the films Director for using Raj Kapoor's Classic song Mera Jhoota Hai Japani in Deadpool, that felt like a proud moment being a Indian, however the brown taxi driver character was too clichéd.Was also nice to see my hometown Vancouver BC as the main shooting location in the film.Deadpool's story and screenplay needed a bit of work because the character Deadpool gave scope to make a even better/bigger film, but the lacklustre predictable story bogged the film down.

Overall after Guardians of Galaxy, Deadpool is the only superhero film I enjoyed. It's a film that never bores, and is great kickass fun. Minor blemishes aside for the regular cine goer this film could be a enjoyable prospect. For all you freaks who are superhero cinema fans( I am joking) you have already either the watched film, or reserved your tickets, so you don't need my recommendation.

3.25/5* or 6.5/10

The Coen brothers don't make bad films,they actually either make classics like Fargo, No Country For Old Men etc or they make near classics like the superbly entertaining film Hail Caesar which I viewed today. I mean these brothers have dabbled in making thrillers, biopics, gory films, comedies, they are masters of all genres. There is a reason why there name is listed with some of the best filmmakers of the world. And with Hail Caesar they strength there status, and make a comedic film on Hollywood and the studio system /rise of communism in Hollywood.While the film was not no extraordinary piece of cinema I would call pathbreaking as maybe you thought was in the offering from the Coen brothers, they actually make there most commercial film till date, and make sure the audience is fully entertained with the extravagant world they create. Hail Cesar is easily the most entertaining film I have seen in this new year of 2016. The film never has a dull moment, here we get see the hilarious insides and outs of Hollywood in the year 1950. The way films are made, how they are casted, all have such a hilarious truthful tone. Even the films main crux a kidnapping is done in a comedic manner. The film has no serious bone, but still Hail Caesar speaks volumes. However what makes Hail Caesar a great film is the casting, and the amazing performances, mainly speaking of Josh Brolin who just lights the screen on fire. Hail Caesar is the most fun I have had in theatres in 2016, however the film has a hangover of Trumbo which released last year, but more on that later.

Story wise Slick Hollywood fixer Eddie Mannix is pressed into action when superstar actor Baird Whitlock is kidnapped and held for ransom by a communist group. Mannix races to quietly collect the ransom money without gossip columnist Thora Thacker catching wind of the scandal.

Acting wise Josh Brolin as Eddie Mannix is the life of the film, he gives one of the best performances of 2016 till now in Hail Ceasar. He shows such variation in his character it's amazing, when he needs to underplay he does it beautiful, at times he is at his comedic best, and at times he is menacing as a Hollywood fixer. The scene when he is slapping George Clooney, and at the end says your a star, that scene was cinema at its best. George Clooney is good as the goof ball actor. Alden Ehrenreich is hilarious as the cowboy actor who can't even say a line proper, at times he steals the show with his comedic act, watch out for his conformation with Ralph Fiennes while shooting a scene in a film. Thora was great in a double role. Ralph Fiennes, Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, and Scarlett Johansson all have cameos but they all add great weight age to the film. Hail Caesar has a beautiful ensemble to say the least.

Hail Caesar gets the whole aura of 1950s Hollywood down to perfection. The type of actors there where back then ( there attitudes, mannerisms)the type of films that were being made, how the politics behind everything worked, etc was very well researched, and presented lavishly. The production values were superb, the sets, the costumes are first rate. An example of this is the introduction to Scarlett Johansson's characters, that scene is lavishly and beautifully done in the water.The Coen brothers make sure they even get the nitty gritty aspects of the film to perfection. The films main crux however is eerily similar to Trumbo were they speak about communism in Hollywood and the rights of writers etc, however while some novelty is lost here, the mood and the presentation of both films is polls apart. While Trumbo is a political film and speaks in favour of writers, Hail Caesar takes no stance at all, and just waves a comedy around the premise. Honestly the film is more of a day in life of a Hollywood fixer, rather than anything else. Hail Caesar is a hilarious entertaining comedy like I mentioned earlier,but the best thing is it's a sensible comedy, it's not your regular no brainer, it respects its audiences intelligence,and the film even has a good twist or turn. Two scenes in particular had me laughing my guts out and are the films highlight.The Laurence and Hobie scene when Fiennes is trying to teach the other to act. The other scene is when Brolin slaps,Coolney multiple times, and his reaction is priceless. Hail Caesar is just a entertaining film all around, it might not be a classic you were hoping from the Coens, it might not even win a Oscar( definitely will get a nomination or two), but in hindsight's does it matter, it's a smart comedy, and just think how many films can you say that about.

Overall Hail Caesar is a highly recommended watch, it's hilarious and highly entertaining, and the films cast puts on a clinic of acting. The Coens brothers must applauded for making Hail Caesar, because like I have stated many times it was just such a fun film. Hail Caesar is the best English language film I have seen so far of 2016.

4/5* or 8/10

Sunny Deol is back with Ghayal Once Again the sequel to the ionic blockbuster Ghayal which released almost 26 years back. Ghayal is what we can term as a landmark film in the Hindi film industry,it gave birth to India's original action hero, it won accolades and audiences hearts all over. The film left a lasting hard hitting impression on all its viewers, it's a film which is considered a cult classic, I can still remember all the riveting dialogues from the original. So Ghayal Once Again carries a lot of baggage, it's got huge except actions to live up to, but honestly the moviegoers today, and especially the youth probably don't remember the former because it's been so many years since it release ( many people my age have probably not seen the film), so the makers get a fresh slate of sorts. And honestly myself and most audience members (I presume)most likely entered the theaters to see the original action hero of India Sunny Paji go crazy, and reck havoc like he usually does,it's been years since a proper Sunny Deol film has released, and me being a fan of the original HeMan wanted to see him kick ass on screen, and scream some riveting dialogues. Unlike most Bollywood sequels which are made to cash on the formers glory, and are not actually directly linked to the former in story, Ghayal Once Again is. Ghayal Once Again picks up were the film left off,Ajay Mehra is released from jail after he has served his sentence of murdering Balwant Rai, here rather than seeing the same Ajay Mehra we saw in Ghayal, we see a similar Ajay who still fights injustice, but he is not the same person after going to jail and after facing so much emotional turmoil. Therefore this film can be termed as an "Emotional" Ghayal story of sorts, which is good at times because Ajay's character like others in the film have a lot of emotional depth, the film talks about relevant society issues, and because Sunny Deol's kick ass action scenes give you a reason to clap and whistle. However over melodramatic scenes and a outdated story play spoil sport at times but more on that later.

Story wise Ajay runs an investigative newspaper that seeks truth not business. Which is why four college kids strive to handover a murder footage to him, accidentally recorded by them. However, it's not as easy as it sounds since influential people are involved. He has to bring down India's most powerful shrewd businessman Bansal who has all the power at his feet.

Acting wise Sunny Deol is the film and he owns the screen whenever he unleashes his wrath. The screen misses him when the story deviates for him, it's an absolute pleasure to see Sunny Deol kick ass on screen still, and when he yells "I will destroy Bansal's Empire",one gets goosebumps. I wish there were more scenes like this. And even though the train and helicopter sequences had below average vfx, they were still great action sequences to watch Sunny Paji do the impossible,because the viewers except that from the Indian Chuck Norris. All four newcomers were okay, but they were very amateurish at times. Soha Ali Khan was wasted in a minor role, and when she was crying it looked too fake. Sanjay Jha was a mediocre Villain, he wasn't menacing enough.

Ghayal Once Again works essentially because of Sunny Deol, and his great action scenes. He eats up the screen like wish to water. He acts, and emotes amazingly. His character depth is great, he is a one man show/army. He makes the film a hard hitting action drama.Watch out for the mall, train, and climax helicopter action scenes which are the highlight of the film, were Sunny kick ass. Sunny Deol also succeeds as a director in giving his villain ( and some other characters) a lot of character depth. Unlike most films were the villain kills people senselessly,here we see him actually thinking about the repercussions. It was a nice touch. Dan Bradley the Hollywood action director needs to applauded for coming up with some good action scenes in Ghayal Once Again. Sunny even makes sure his film talks about issues relevant society issues like women equality which is a burning issue in India today, the whole Satyakam newspaper angle was also nice(but needed to be elaborated more) . However Ghayal Once Again's story in totality even though it was gripping for the most part and talked about 2016 relevant issues, it's still outdated. It's seems like any other Sunny Deol film story from the 90s, it has serious case of Deja Vu. Ghayal Once Again also is sometimes highly melodramatic and as a Sunny Deol fan it was almost cringe worthy to see Ajay Mehra cry when he was faced with any problem, what happened to the hot headed Ajay, he couldn't have been completely lost no, I mean character depth is great, but at what cost. The whole Ajay Mehra daughter angle is a perfect example of a scene/subplot being way too melodramatic. The films VFX needed more work, and at times especially in the climax it looked tacky. However a lot of people, like me came to see a Sunny Deol fest don't care about the story, etc, those viewers won't be disappointed for the most part, the film is pasia vasool.

Overall even though I excepted more from Ghayal Once Again, it was still a satisfying to watch one of my favorite action hero's pull a Die Hard on screen, Sunny's action scenes make the film a one time watch for all masala film lovers. The film is a struggle between being a realistic film , and a over the top mass entertainer. But don't get tricked by the films trailer, it's a mass entertainer.

3/5* or 6/10

Sports film are a niche genre in India, and when we talk about boxing, then there is only a few films ever made on the sport. In recent times Mary Kom was a boxing film that made the cash registers ring, however I wasn't a huge fan of the film(while most of India was going gaga for the film). However with this weeks release Saala Khadoos, I can't say the same. Thats because Sale Khadoos is an endearing, heartwarming , and inspirational film. The film even promotes women boxing. Coming from the Raj Kumar Hirani stable (he produced it) one can also see the great social message a film like 3 Idiots, Munna Bhai gave in a film like Saala Khadoos, this Bi-Lingual (Hindi and Tamil) film is destined to win the hearts of its audience, but to a certain extent. While the former films mentioned were classics, Saala Khadoos is far from being in that league, as things such as predictability, being over melo dramatic bog the film down. However when watching the leads Madhavan and Ritika Singh perform one feels goosebumps from there awe inspiring acts. But more on that later.

Story wise Adi Tomar had a dream to win the boxing gold for India. Instead, he languished in a nightmare for a decade after his gloves were spiked during a match by his own coach, blinding him in the arena and handing the match to his undeserving opponent. Shattered by his loss, Adi turned to a life of cynical self-destruction. Loyal friends somehow bring him back to boxing as the coach of the low-rated Indian women's boxing team. Adi continues to dream - this time for a fiery young woman. Adi spots in her a champion. So begins a partnership between a man who loves his sport and a girl who loves her freedom. It is the beginning of a beautiful friendship and a journey towards an impossible dream.

Acting wise Madhavan gives his career best act as the crazy, angry boxing coach. One can feel his pain and anguish in the film, Maddy has lived the role, and this can be seen in the climax scene when he is fighting his way into the arena, and coaching Madhi from far away. When he says "Merri Muhammad Ali", its a tear jerking, great cinematic moment. Ritika Singh performance is a revelation, her raw energy makes her act so believable.She is a talent to lookout for, and she has the best debut awards already locked for next years awards. Nassar is good, and Zakir Hussain plays the clichéd villain but is still menacing.

Saala Khadoos is everything a sports film should be the story is endearing, one feels for the characters, its inspirational because its a story of an underdog, its heartwarming because the girl is from a poor family, and the film has great social message of promoting women in boxing. The film even goes into the nitty gritty and talks about boxing and the politics, the sexual exploitation that come with the game. The director Sudha Kongara Prasad must be applauded for making a detailed, good movie on boxing in India, one can see the great effort. Even the films runtime at 1hr 50 min is perfect as the film never lags, its very fast paced and right to the point, however the film still has its negatives. Saala Khadoos is a very predictable film,from when the film starts till the end you knows going to happen, especially if you have seen the trailer. The film also is way too melo dramatic, and at any given moment someone is yelling, crying, and even falling in love. There is no normalcy at times.The whole love track was also not needed.Maybe the director tried to commercialize the film, which is not a good idea for a realistic boxing film. And for a film about a underdog in sports, the film has no novelty, the story gives a deja vu film because a story like this has been seen many times on screen.However all minuses withstanding, what makes one forget any negatives are the films leads chemistry which is absolutely lethal. The coach and boxer, act like fish to water together, together on screen the are just so entertaining to watch together. There bickering, and battering is hilarious, Like they said in the film one is mental, and one is full of anger lets see what happens.Amazing happens. The films action scenes are also to be applauded because they are very realistic, and well choreographed especially the climax action sequence which is a goosebumps inducing fight. Technical aspect wise the production values, the way the film is shot is all very average. The films music is good with the title track being the best.

Overall Saala Khadoos is a good watch, and what makes the film a above average watch is Madhavan's and Ritika Singh's performance together they light the screen on fire. Its a honest attempt at highlighting and presenting a good story that should be told.

3.25/5* or 6.5/10

India needs serious help when it comes to making sex comedies, in a country that churns out thousands of films a year (the most films any country in the world makes)I literally can count on my fingers how many decent Indian sex comedies I have seen, and frankly speaking that's hugely disappointing. Last week I saw the very below average sex comedy Kya Kool Hain Hum 3, the same makers pretty much (the same dialogue writers, and script writers) are back this week with Mastizaade. When it comes to sex comedies Milap Zaveri is a pro of sorts, he has written the highly enjoyable Masti series and Kya Kool series (except the the third one) so I went in with some decent expectations while entering the cinema hall to watch Mastizaade, because Zaveri is not only the story writer here,he is also directing the film( his second film, the first was the flop Jaane Kahan Se Aayi). Milap churns out hits as a writer, films like Main Tera Hero, Grand Masti, etc have been written by him, but sadly he delivers a very below average film with Mastizaade. Rather than making a novel hilarious sex comedy, Mastizaade is follows the same path as Kya Kool Hain Hum 3 path of having cheap, cringe worthy double meaning dialogues and thats it.The film has almost no story, and the film relies on one liners, and some skin show. The films only upside is that it's better than last weeks Kya Kool Hain Hum 3 in production values,and that actors ham there way through,like professionals in the film unlike the former film. Honestly I would be lying if I said said I didn't chuckle a bit here and there but more on that later.

Story wise sex addicts Sunny Kele and Aditya Chotia cannot get 'enough of it'. When the two of them fall for identical twins, Lily and Laila Lele, their lives become an adventure.

Acting wise Tushaar is decent and hams well. Vir Das is the better of the two, and shows a lot of spunk. Sunny Leone is in the film to provide a skin show, and she looked extremely sexy throughout the film. Shaad Randhawa was funny, a veteran like Asrani was wasted, and should be have never done this film. Ritesh Deshmukh in a cameo was wasted.Suresh Menon needs to retire from acting he was that bad.

Mastizaade is a film made on cheap, cringe inducing one liners and double meaning dialogues. At one point in the film while making a ad film,the films main leads kept on telling the buyers that they will play with there balls, and make sure there balls our in the right hands, like come on seriously, how old are the makers. At a another moment a girls breasts are so large that they stop a lift door, and here name is Titly. I mean jokes like these would make a teen thats 13-14 laugh perhaps,and sadly with A certificate only people 18 or older can watch the film in India aka 18+ viewers have a sex life,so jokes like these just won't cut it. Anyways we get jokes like these filled in Whatsapp messages today so Mastizaade loses any novelty if any. This film is not a patch on the 100 cr grosser Grand Masti . And with a film like Mastizaade I don't even even really except much of a story because the genre doesn't really warrant one, it's just the jokes are so over the top and plain silly. Like it's literally a leave your brains at home film. It's outlandish at times. I am no pseudo intellectual critic, but don't assume I have no brains Mastizaade. However the film isn't all that bad I guess, especially when one looks at the technical aspects of the film. It's shot nicely in Thailand in the 2nd half, the music is humble with rom rom romantic, and hor nach being called chartbusters. The films biggest ace however is Sunny Leone, who can't act if her life depended on it, but in a double role seeing her in a Bikini twice in the same frame is a sight for sore eyes. But honestly she is a porn star do we need to see her in this film to enjoy her beauty if you get my drift. Jokes aside the 2nd half does have a couple of enjoyable laughter moments that help the film from being a complete disaster.

Over while Mastizaade is a huge disappointment,but if your in the mood to watch a naughty film this weekend watch Mastizaade rather than Kya Kool Hain Hum 3, actually you know what I'll better that, just stay at home and watch a Sunny Leone porno because that's only reason you wanted to watch Mastizaade in the first place no? Not a recommended watch at all.

2/5* or 4/10

Airlift is an amazing film and I like to state that in the beginning. Airlift evokes a sense of patriotism that is so real, and not gimmicky as we see with other Indian films. Here everything is extremely sharp, real, gritty and raw. One feels as they have been thrown into a war zone, its a very film authentic. Hence its a very brutal, and sometimes hard to stomach, but its exhilarating. We rarely (if ever) get to see a film like this made in India which is made on such a huge scale, and talks of a real story of how 1,70,000 Indians were stuck in Kuwait during the time Iraq and Saddam Hussain attacked Kuwait in 1990. Its of international standards. What ones sees in the film will leave you teary eyed, you will be left gasping, and finally all Indians will feel proud of Airlift. This film is a gem that should be watched by all Indians, it left me speechless because we rarely get to see good cinema nowadays but Airlift is what we categorize as a classic. The human emotions, the amazing camera work, the great visual effects, the thrilling screenplay, and above all the best acting I have seen in a film for awhile by Akshay Kumar. Akshay Kumar deserves a national award for this film, the man is the film, he has given his all to Airlift. His act has a goose bump arising affect.

Story wise Ranjit Katyal is a shrewd businessman who liked enjoying the high society life of Kuwait. His wife Amrita Katyal is happy in her own world with her little daughter. Their world is turned upside down as Iraq invades Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Circumstances get the best or worst out of people. Ranjit who was a selfish businessman turns a new leaf as he watches his driver murdered in front of his own eyes. He along with a group of rich friends organizes a camp for 1, 70, 000 Indians. The subsequent days are a glorious account of his powerful negotiating skills with enemies as well as friends.

Acting wise Airlift probably has one of the best ensembles seen in a Hindi film after a long time. Akshay Kumar like stated before is MINDBLOWING. He is completely restraint, but what he conveys in his eyes, is what you call acting. I cant single out one scene,but he is outstanding in the whole film. Give him all the Indian film awards he deserves them. Nimrat Kaur character is completely real and she stands out in her monologue just after the interval when Tipu Sultan the ship is sent back. She is at her fiery best in that speech.Kumud Mishra is a revelation,this mans relentless act will leave you in awe. Prakash Belawadi is first rate as the annoying, but eager helpless south Indian wanting to go back home. Purab Kohli is good. Inaamulhaq is the only miscast, and is a caricature of a Iraqi general, his accent was horrible.

Airlift shows the true grim side of war, the stuff news channels don't want to cover, the reality of how thousands of Indians were left stranded in Kuwait during the 1990s in a oil war with Iraq. Within 24 hours all Indians rich or poor were left to beg on the streets, and Kuwaitis were being killed with no regard. When this is shown 15 min into the film, one knows an amazing film is coming and that Airlift shows all this in a extremely honest and true light. Nothing has been commercialized, or shown out of perspective. And thats the film biggest strength, being truthful, and not taking cinematic liberties. The film is gritty, raw, and real. Airlift is also very thrilling, and will leave you at the edge of your seat with your heat pounding at many instances. You cant move your eyes from the screen for even a second, its that gripping.The camera-work is amazing, and has shown war time Kuwait amazingly, everything just looks so real, and grim. The sets, the clothing, the cars, the production values in general are of international standards. The visual affects are first rate. The film has almost no negatives.The only thing that bothered me was the slow pace at times and the casting of Inaamulhaq as the general he was a complete miscast, and annoying. But were Airlift wins your heart is in the films true message of how brave India, and Indians are, we are responsible for the biggest evacuation in the history of the world. Its truly inspiring to think India actually airlifted 1, 70, 000 people out of a war zone. Its truly a bravo moment. The film is a classic piece of cinema for India. If America has saving private Ryan, Argo etc We have Airlift. We can proudly say that, thanks to Director Raja Menon who made such a inspiring true tale about India. He created such a huge canvas its truly applaud worthy. He made sure the film was of international standards in all aspects. The dialogues also standout especially my favourite " Aadmi ki fitrat hi aisi hai Ibrahim,Jab chot lagti hai tab ma ma hi chillata hai."That dialogue gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. The song tu bhoola jise is going to be the new Indian anthem, its a beautiful patriotic song. Finally the films biggest highlight is the last 20-30 min, and when you see the first flight take off, you will be left in tears. Once again bravo Mr. Akshay Kumar, what you did with this film, has made sure I am a fan forever.

Finally I will not preach anymore just go watch Airlift this republic day, and do yourself a favor. Its a must watch for all Indians, not because its a film that will make you feel patriotic, because its a cinematic masterpiece. Vande Mataram!!!

5/5* or 10/10

There is no real reason to talk about Dirty Grandpa in depth, the film is exactly what you see in the trailer, its raunchy, its wacky, its a hilarious sex comedy. It also is extremely clichéd, predictable, over the top, and the film has the most thin story line ever. But you excepted that already, the film provides however what it was mainly made for laughs . Its a stress buster film, and yes there are many things that bog down the film occasionally but at the end you enjoy yourself while watching Dirty Grandpa.Its also a film you feel that you have watched before, because while the jokes are not really new, what makes the film maybe a notch better then most sex comedies is Robert De Niro. This man is by the far the youngest man in the film, and he is outlandishly awesome, who knew the master of acting could play a wacky sexy manic grandpa to perfection, but more on that later.

Story wise right before Jason Kelly's wedding, he being a uptight guy is tricked into driving his grandfather, a perverted former Army general, to Florida for spring break. What happens when Jason finds out his Grandpa just wants to get laid, and how he joins the party is what forms the rest of the plot of Dirty Grandpa.

Acting wise Robert De Niro, is a revelation of sorts, who knew this man could play such a wacky, outlandish, and over the top character. We know he is one of the best actors ever, but he goes no holds bar for this film. He is so filthy its awesome, truly this man can do anything the acting sphere Watch out for his scene when he sings it was a good day by Ice Cube, that scene and many more scenes with De Niro had me laughing out loud. Zac Efron is passable as the pretty boy, when it comes to acting he has nothing much to do, other than show his body off, maybe he should try going to acting school.

Critics have completely destroyed this film, its already being called one of the worst films of 2016, but I don't understand all the hate. Its way better than the fore night released " Sisters" which was accepted with open arms by critics. I don't know its beyond me why the film is getting such high hater. I mean the film is clichéd, predictable, has no real amazing story, its a low IQ comedy, as I stated before, but is that not what you excepted from the film after the viewing the trailer. Moreover the film entertains, and however many the negatives like having a dumb love track, the familiarity issue etc, for me De Niro's wacky act rises above anything. It was so entertaining watching him go full retard in a good way. And honestly I enjoyed the raunchiness, the low IQ, outlandish jokes. Its also never a bad sight when the film is crawling of beautiful women the whole time, and thats huge plus for male audience who want to watch the film. Tech wise the film has nothing knew you haven't seen before, its production values like the camera-work, the clothing, the cars, location etc are those seen in numerous other films. However the audience need to give the film a chance in my opinion if your a fan of wacky sex comedies.

Overall Dirty Grandpa is no cinematic gem, honestly its a joke of a film, but I guarantee you will laugh in this raunchy sex comedy, and thats only criteria this film holds. Enjoyment is almost guaranteed.

3/5* or 6/10

Nannaku Prematho brings together in my opinion the best Telugu actor in the industry at the moment and easily one of the best directors in Tollywood. The NTR and Sukumar combo is deadly on paper, this is because neither has Sukumar ever came close to making a bad film neither has NTR ever given a bad performance. So they fit like a glove on a hand.So as you can see like others I also had mammoth expectations with Nannaku Prematho. And for the most part I was satisfied with this stylish family/revenge drama. Sukumar as he is know for now,made sure the film was up to international standards. The sets, the locations, the clothing, cars etc all the production values were top notch. The film was made as a intelligent thriller/ family revenge drama, Sukumar didn't get trapped in the whole regular mass commercial film genre, nothing was put in the film to distract the viewers from a well thought out story. The films biggest asset however is the films hero NTR, who is shown in a completely new light,he totally commands the film, Sukumar made this ultra massy hero into a sophisticated man convincingly on screen. But the films not without its blemishes which I will get into later.

Story wise Abhiram,whose father is in deathbed and has only 30 days of life left, takes the revenge on Krishnamurthy,who cheated his father in the past. He gives him a run for of his money by trapping his daughter Divyanka.To take a look into the flashback, Krishnamurthy cheats his close friend and Abhiram's father, Ramesh Chandra Prasad, due to which Ramesh Chandra Prasad changes his name and identity and lives a normal life, away from his people. The last wish Ramesh asks his son is to get back his lost identity and that's when Abhiram decided to give nightmares to Krishnamurthy. How Abhiram frames Krishnamurthy, who is a brainy, forms the rest of the story.

Acting wise you get to see NTR in a completely different light all together. It was already know he is a amazing actor but with Nannaku Prematho NTR shows he can do any role. He is classy, sophisticated, and his whole aura is very class appealing.He plays the intelligent Abhi masterfully, he is one the hugest reasons why NP is enjoyable. Rakul Preet Singh adds nice glamour, she looks amazing, and it was nice to see her dub her own telugu lines. Jagapati Babu is completely menacing and savvy, and he is slowly becoming the best villain in Tollywood. Rajendra Prasad is ever dependable, the veteran shows some good emotional depth.

To get straight to the point were Nannaku Prematho falters is in having such a lengthy love story that takes up most the first half, its enjoyable but bogs down the intelligent revenge drama at times. It needed to be edited out a bit, and the films pacing for a thriller is too slow at times. The film needs more of a slick pace, were things move extremely fast. For example I am able to point out that Abhi being extremely intelligent is not really explained in the film except that he was a supposed chest master, so the whole sciencing things in slow mo in a fight felt far fetched. The viewers would not he able to pick up these faults if the pace is fast. But this is were the minuses end, and the applauding starts. Week after week every Telugu film had started to seem the same, either it was the same comedy, same love story, or same mass entertainer with the same template story. Therefore Nannaku Prematho came like a breeze of fresh air. Like I stated before its a film made without any commercial trappings, its made with honesty by Director Sukumar. And one excepts nothing less from the filmmaker who made classics like Arya, 100% love etc.The production values are on par with international films. The way the films shot, the stylish action, the great music especially the "follow follow you"song will leave you in awe. London seemed extra beautiful because of the great camera-work. The films biggest assets are NPs intelligent screenplay were Jagapathi Babu and NTR play there intelligent cat and mouse game. I guessed one of the films twists, but even a twist or two left me surprised, and that speaks high of the films intelligence. The film also presents a revenge drama in a very new uncliched novel way unlike most telugu films, which was very entertaining. For example the villain in most telugu films is shown very unintelligent, however here the hero and villain are on par with each other. What else works really well for the film is the family emotions in NP, the scenes between NTR and Rajendra Prasad well leave you in tears. Finally the films last 30 min is were film is at its spectacular best.The Jagapathi Babu and NTR pre climax confrontation, the climax NTR emotional out burst, and funeral are the films highlight scenes.

Overall Nannaku Prematho is not a perfect film, but its still a great one. Its a film that deserves to be watched, because its something different than what gets churned out weekly from Tollywood. Sukumar and NTR need to be applauded for not taking the audience for granted, and thinking that they are intelligent. Films like Nannaku Prematho need to be encouraged, and even though the regular mass audience might give this film a skip because it doesn't appeal to them (those who hero worship NTR), they shouldn't because mass hero/young tiger has given one of his best performance in Nannaku Prematho.

3.5/5* or 7/10