Chillar Party

Movie Name: Chillar Party
Language: Hindi
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Slice of Life

This movie was produced by Salman Khan. I was surprised to see Salman advertising so passionately for his home production movie. I got a chance to watch the movie recently.

This movie is about a group of kids who live in a society. A new kid with his dog enters the society as the person responsible of washing cars. The group makes friendship with the kid and the dog after some initial tussle. Later when a minister makes a law to confiscate street dogs due to his personal vendetta against the dog staying within the same society, the group does all in its power to save the dog. The story is simple but it is stretched to 135 minutes. The story is about friendship and passion. It makes us realize that as adults people re forgetting what is important in life.

The script is well written. Dialogues are funny. I will not say that acting is superb but considering the low budget and acting experience of kids, the movie delivers acceptable performance to its level. I liked Naman Jain who has portrayed Balwan aka Jhangiya. The music score is good and helps in the flow of movie. Direction is good. There are some negative points also. First of all movie is a bit long for such a simple story. Then, main antagonist fails to deliver commendable performance. But overall, movie is worth watching. One more thing is worth mentioning here, item number by Ranbeer Kapoor.

Overall, movie is good watch for a soothing weekend. It forces us to think that we generally avoid the path of righteousness thinking that it is full of difficulties. But kids never leave the path they think is right. So never take kids lightly. Considering this I will rate the movie as 3.0/5.0 :-)

Largo Winch

Movie Name : Largo Winch
Language : English, French
Genre : Action, Drama

I watched this movie last weekend. I have seen French movies mostly with Drama as central theme. This was the first time watching an action French film. The action sequences were not as exciting as Hollywood movies, yet movie was impressive and left a good impression.

The story is about Largo Winch, played by Tomer Sisley, who is adopted and thus becomes an heir to a large group. His father has kept his identity secret to save him from undue risk. After the untimely death of his father, Largo faces various threats and conspiracies in order to gain his rightful inheritance. The movie has some nice twists and turns. The movie is all about the acceptance of Largo as the rightful owner of the wealth and responsibilities left behind by his father. The script is tightly written without any loopholes. The ending is open with a possibility of sequel, which was released later. The movie shows us the glimpses of flip side of being an heir to a wealthy person. Largo himself states in the movie that he is not after money, he is after his father's murderer.

The acting by all the main casts is great. Tomer has done well in his acting showing various emotions, needed as per script. Miki Manojlovic has done impressionable job as a ruthless businessman and a father. The father-son relationship was depicted with various small flashbacks. As stated earlier, the movie is not at par with Hollywood action movies but I liked the action sequences for Largo as those are used to depict a prodigal son of wealthy businessman, not a professional or hit-man. The story keeps you on your toes. The film has used varied locations to follow the script. The background music is worth mentioning. Cinematography, dialogues and direction are seasoned as expected from a French movie.

Taking all the pros and cons, the movie was great in his unique genre of action packed drama. The movie had right combination of drama mixed with action restricted within suitable time frame. I will rate this movie as 3.5/5.0

Singham

Movie Name: Singham
Genre: Action, Romance, Drama
Language: Hindi

I have been a fan of Ajay Devgn from his early days in film industry. I was waiting for the movie as I already watched “Singam” in Tamil in which Suriya was the protagonist. I was hopeful that Ajay could do justice with the role as he started his career as an action hero.

The movie is about an honest police inspector who is posted in his own village. He works according to his own definition of justice and law. He is the local hero. On the other side there is a city goon who has influence with Police and politicians. The story is about the confrontation and subsequent fighting between them. The plot is not innovative but the way story turns and twists, is interesting.

Ajay is looking great with his perfect physique and impressive voice. The movie is all about action sequences and dialogues. Ajay has done well in both the fields. The dialogues as well as the action scenes are funny. Prakash Raj has become stereotype in his villainous role. Actress Kajal Aggarwal has nothing to do in the movie. This movie is not for critics; rather it is for the movie buffs who believe in pure entertainment. The ending is a bit nonsensical. I will not compare Ajay with Suriya as both have their own styles. I liked both the movies. There is nothing to do for others. Music is good but the songs do not help the plot in any way. In short the movie is about action scenes, dialogues and Ajay Devgn.

My ratings are 3.5/5.0

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Movie Name: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Genre: Romance, Drama, Slice of life
Language: Hindi

I always appreciated movies made by Farhan Akthar, as they go beyond singing and dancing and seek some answers, which challenge the life of common men. This movie also succeeded in keeping up to my expectations.

The movie is about three friends who embark on a road trip, as a bachelor party for one of the friends. The friends come from different segments of society. They have their own fears and reservations. Together they face these fears and come out as winners. They learn to their callings in life and decide to act upon them. The movie gives message that life is all about choices, which are to be acted upon without fear to live to the fullest. The movie is a bit long (2.5 hours) but still has ability to keep the audience tied to their chairs.

The acting by Hritik is great as he portrays the transition from money minded Financial Trader to a free person who believes in living life in present. Farhan and Abhay have also done well in their roles. Katrina was not that impressive, but it is okay as her role was only to increase glam points. The locations in Spain are beautiful. Music and songs are not great but keeps with the flow of the movie. The end seemed a bit arbitrary as ending song was not aligned to the choices made by the trio.

My ratings are 3.5/5.0

Naruto Shippuden: Bonds

Movie Name: Naruto Shippuden - Bonds
Genre: Action, Drama, Slice of life
Language: Japanese

I like animation movies and Naruto is among my most favorite characters. I was planning to watch the movies for long and finally last night I was able to spare time to watch this movie. I always believed that Naruto is not just about action; it is about the life in general. Naruto always inspires me to fight with all my might for the things I believe in.

The story of the movie is about Sky Country ninjas, considered extinct during the Great War, who attack Konoha, hometown of Naruto. Naruto is sent on a mission to save one fire village from the Sky ninjas. He there meets with his long lost friend Sasuke and eliminates the threat of Sky ninjas. The story is not about the fights; it is about the bonds between people – bonds between friends and bonds between teachers and their students. I felt that there could have been more to the story as most of the movie is devoted to development of plot and lesser attention is given to relationship between Naruto and Sasuke. This might have happened to keep the movie aligned to the main series.

The action sequences and dialogues are the main selling points of the movie. There are not much to do for other characters as this movie solely belongs to Naruto and his bond with Sasuke. The animation is great as always. The music score is not that impressive as with other Naruto franchise. I will recommend this movie all anime fans even if they have not seen other Naruto movies/ series.

My ratings are 3.5/5.0

Romantic Heaven

Movie Name: Romantic Heaven
Genre: Romance, Drama, Slice of life
Language: Korean

I watched this movie yesterday night. I was in a mood for some light movie and from its name movie seemed a typical romantic comedy. But I was mistaken as the movie was much more than the wide spread rom-com. It made me to think about love and everything related to it.

The story is divided in four parts: A mother, A wife, A Girl and Romantic Heaven. The parts are strictly separate stories; rather they provide glimpses of life of various people whose lives meet at a single point. One can easily connect with these people as they are facing the life, as one knows it. That point is heaven, which is connected to everyone’s life. The movie is not just another feel good movie but it gives message to seek for the most important companion for the journey called life.

The acting was not as important as the story was. It questions the religious facts such as are there separate places named hell and heaven, and did god took a rest on the seventh day. The answers are also provided in the movie itself. The locations used are great and make one believe in existence of heaven. It is must for the people who prefer drama and slice-of-life genre.

My ratings are 3.5/5.0

Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows II

Movie Name: Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows II
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Action
Language: English

I was waiting very eagerly for the last installment of Harry Potter series. I was expecting a lot from the movie and it did not fail me. I may not be totally impartial in reviewing the movie as I consider myself a great fan of Harry Potter franchise.

The story of the movie revolved around finding remaining Horcruxes and finishing the story of Voldemort for once and all. There is nothing to comment about the plot, as the greatness is evident from the success of the book. The movie was more about visual treat for the fans. The graphics and 3D experience were great. The fighting scenes were done beautifully without showing much bloodshed or gore. I personally felt that movie would have been better if more time was spared for climax. It is currently 2 hours long, which could have been extended to 2.5 to 3 hours.

The acting by Daniel and Emma Watson was particularly good. The scenes, which revealed the true nature of Snape, were beautifully filmed. The last scene was a bit comic, as the actors were looking funny in adult roles. Overall it was among the best in the series. This movie is a must for all movie lovers.

My ratings are 4.5/5.0