eminent-archit Reviews

Brothers (I) (2015)

Movie Review: Brothers

[6/10 · 14 August 2015]

For starters, brothers is the official remake of the critically acclaimed American sports drama Warrior. The good thing is that the remake retains some of the key scenes from the original but fails to create the same impact. Like the one where Garson gets drunk and Monty puts him to sleep. The same scene in the original had great emotional value but same cannot be said over here. Brothers takes a 'beating' (pun intended) due to its languid pace. The first half indulges itself into establishing the characters and their back story. It could've been well short by 20 minutes. Director Karan Malhotra does a good job with the back story. The first half also includes a meaningless item number which is only there to show that there can be a sequel to Chikni Chameli too.

The films picks up pace in the second half when the championship starts. The fights are well choreographed and chances are that you'll be clapping at some points while David is fighting. As far as the performances are concerned, Siddharth Malhotra does not quite sport the physique Tom Hardy had and also fails to express that vexation. He does do well in a few scenes. Jackie Shroff is good in his role but again nowhere close to Nick Nolte's nuanced performance which earned him an Oscar Nomination. His dialogues become inaudible sometimes, and his mannerism get repetitive. Jacqueline Fernandez is adequate in a de glam look and the supporting cast also is okay barring A very annoying Raj Zutshi. But the film rests on the shoulders of Akshay Kumar. The actor looks the part with a dashing salt pepper look and gives an excellently restrained performance. He owns the film. He exudes such warmth and helplessness in The final bout with his Brother. Although the final bout could've been better. A special mention for the background score for infusing life into the proceedings.

I'm going with 2 out of 5 for director Karan Malhotra's Brothers. The film lacks tear jerking moments and is a bit too long. Watch it for Akshay Kumar's sincere performance.

The Villain (2014)

Movie Review - Ek Villain

[7/10 · 27 June 2014]

Mohit Suri's EK VILLAIN is till now the most anticipated movie of the year, especially because of the spectacle he delivered last year.

EK VILLAIN is a pure revenge saga which is CTRL+C and CTRL+V of the Korean Film AKMAREUL BOATDA(I SAW THE DEVIL). It is very disappointing for a Bollywood Fan to watch movies which are shameless rip-offs of other gems from the World Cinema.

The thing that works for EK VILLAIN is the performance by its lead cast. Sidharth Malhotra gives his career best performance. He has very few dialogues but his eyes do the talking. He stand outs with his portrayal of a man battling his inner demons. Shraddha Kapoor plays the part of an enthusiastic, happy-go-lucky girl with ease. Riteish Deshmukh gives a fantastic performance and its refreshing to see him to something apart from Comedy.

Another Thing that works for the movie and that too big time is its music. From Galliyan to Humdard, from Banjaara to Zarurat, they keep playing in your mind long after the lights have come on. The best thing is, they don't slow down the pace of the film, they help it proceed.

EK VILLAIN will be a disappointment for people who have watched AKMAREUL BOATDA(I SAW THE DEVIL) but for those who haven't It will be a revenge saga worth cherishing!

Holiday (2014)

Movie Review - Holiday: A soldier is never off duty

[8/10 · 6 June 2014]

Akshay Kumar is back after his last dud "Boss" and back with the two genres he does best, Action and Comedy.

"Holiday: A soldier is never off duty" is an interesting take on the unexplored subject of Sleeper Cells. The plot is interesting and is executed well by the director. It is a refreshing dispatch from the usual films made on The Indian Army. The film is triggered when Captain Virat Bakshi played by Akshay Kumar, intelligently stops 12 serial blasts with his team. Thus ensues a cat and mouse game between the sleeper cell head played by Freddy Daruwala and Captain Virat Bakshi.

The music is not up to the mark and the romance between Akshay and Sonakshi gives a few light moments. The chemistry between Sumeet Raghavan and Akshay Kumar is better than that between Akshay and Sonakshi. Sumeet Raghavan gives a good performance among the cast. Freddy Daruwala as the antagonist fails to leave an impression but the film is carried beautifully by Akshay Kumar who gives a superlative performance. He throws himself into the action sequences and performs them excellently, he has spot on comic timing and also gives a restrained performance when he is needed to. The actor is in top form here. Sonakshi Sinha doesn't have much scope.

Overall, "Holiday: A soldier is never off duty" is worth a watch for its novel concept and makes one stand and salute the Indian Army. Go Watch IT!

Dhoom 3 (2013)

Movie Review: Dhoom 3

[21 December 2013]

The year's biggie is here. The third installment of The Most Selling Franchise of Indian Cinema.

Dhoom 3 is the story of Sahir, played marvelously by Aamir Khan who decides to avenge his father's death from a bank owner who shuts down their family circus. What ensures are a series of robberies which baffle the Chicago Police Department and urges them to bring in Our Indian Cop and his goofy side kick. Also, the reason being that the robber leaves a joker mask and a note in Hindi after every robbery. This triggers a cat and mouse game filled with logic defying chases.

In the acting department, Abhishek Bachchan is at ease was has done in the previous films. Nothing different. Uday Chopra is good and provides comic relief whenever needed. Katrina Kaif is okay. Her appearance on screen is a signal that a song is on its way. But the film belongs and what it is, because of Aamir Khan. He boggles you with his chiseled body and even more crafted performance. He tugs your heart strings.He makes you clap. He makes you hate him. He delivers a towering performance.

The songs are okay with only Malang staying with you after the movie ends. Bande Hain Hum Uske is the soul of the proceedings.

On the whole, Dhoom 3 is a very entertaining provided you don't look for logic in it. It is better than the recent films which abused cinema in the name of entertainment. There are two problems with it - It never shows any of the robberies but only the escape and it's running time.

I'm going with three and half for Dhoom 3. It gives you enough bang for the buck. It's pure entertainment. Courtesy: Aamir Khan, Some beautifully executed twists and action set pieces.

Merry Christmas!

Krrish 3 (2013)

Movie Review: Krrish 3

[8/10 · 10 November 2013]

Bollywood may not have evolved in technology as much as Hollywood has, but its not far behind. Even if the technology isn't developed Bollywood still can put up a great fight. This has been clearly proved by Rakesh Roshan and the entire team of Krrish 3. Krrish 3 is a benchmark in Indian Cinem. Both in terms of technology and film making. There have been dozens of sequels in Bollywood but none of them were actually sequels. Making a sequel needs great detailing because you need to connect the dots to make a bridge between the prequel and the sequel. Krrish was a true sequel and Krrish 3 is no less. It has the connection.

Krrish 3 has all the important ingredients. Action, Message, Emotions, Technique. It doesn't miss a mark anywhere. It is logical and doesn't challenge your intelligence. The only loop hole in the movie is the twist with Kaya. Its way too predictable.

Now talking about the performances, Priyanka Chopra does good with whatever she is given. Viveik Oberoi, who had become the King of Cringe Cinema, breaks the shackles here. He delivers a performance worth appreciating. His Kaal truly leaves a deep impression in comparison to Krrish. But the film belongs to Hrithik Roshan! Be it as the genius man child Rohit or the superhero Krrish. He takes the film to an entirely different level. The smile, the intensity. He wins you over with every thing a million of times. The final fight between Krrish and Kaal in every aspect. Hrithik Roshan is the main reason.

I am going with three and half out five for "Krrish 3". Hollywood superhero films are adapted comic characters, but the character Krrish is original. There are many chances you will find yourself whistling, clapping and cheering, such is the power possessed by the film and the message it delivers. Go for IT!

Shuddh Desi Romance (2013)

Stay Away!

[2/10 · 22 October 2013]

If trailers were anything to go by, Shuddh Desi Romance seemed to be a winner. But it ultimately falls in the category of THE FILMS WITH MISLEADING TRAILERS. SDR touches on the current trend of live-in relationships which was first explored by the delightful rom-com Salaam Namaste, of the same production banner. But this one is not even half the fun, Salaam Namaste was.

As for the plot, it is so convoluted and repetitive that you feel the director had run out of ideas while making the film. The characters are so dumb that you never ever believe in them neither do you connect with them. The only saving grace is the music of the movie. The songs are filmed nicely and give an ethnic feel to the film.

Director Maneesh Sharma who had earlier given the refreshing youth love story Band Baaja Baraat fails to re create that magic here. The performances too add to the misery of the film. Parineeti Chopra's character is not well written and the actor get very little scope to do anything with it. Debutante Vaani Kapoor is confident but doesn't do something which would make you sit up and take notice. Sushant Singh Rajput, who sparkled as Ishan in Kai Po Che, is the limp here. He seems too confused and uncomfortable on screen and delivers an underwhelming performance. The film also lacks the witty dialogues and good punchlines which usually saves a film of this genre.

I am going with 1 out of 5 for Shuddh Desi Romance. It's better to watch Salaam Namaste on DVD instead!

The Way Way Back (2013)

A Beautifully Made Movie!

[8/10 · 22 October 2013]

Many movies are such that despite having the feel good factor right up there, fall prey to predictability. This is what directors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash avoid skillfully. The film takes the viewers in the direction of being predictable, but takes a U-Turn at the last moment.

The film is about a timid 14 year old, Duncan, who is reluctant to spend his summer with his Mother's new boyfriend but he is forced to, at his mother's boyfriend's beach house. What starts off as a reluctant journey ends up to be a life changing experience for Duncan. Now, the plot of The Way Way Back is no extraordinary storyline yet it leaves an impression as deep as a Shawshank Redemption or an Inception would.

The film benefits from the terrific performances pitched in by its three male leads. Liam James as Duncan delivers a restrained performance as the shy teenager. It is a refreshing change to watch Steve Carell play a character with negative shades with as much ease and finesse as he plays the comic roles. But the star of the movie is Sam Rockwell, as the carefree Water Park Manager, who brings life to the proceedings and makes you fall in love with his careless attitude.

I am going with 4 out of 5 for THE WAY WAY BACK. The film has its heart in the right place. Don't Miss IT!!!