saadamanindia Reviews

Sooryavanshi (2021)

The weakest yet in the franchise

[6/10 · 21 December 2021]

2011's Ajay-Devgn starrer "Singham" and 2018's Ranveer Singh Bhavnani affair "Simmba" were also commercialist, somewhat preachy movies. The dividing line were the characters. While Bajirao Singham portrays a gritty, no-nonsense, somewhat too-violent cop, Simmba is an endearing, somewhat idiosyncratic corrupt cop. Sooryavanshi has neither flaws. He is an honest, upright cop who puts nation first. That makes him an incredibly bland character compared to both his predecessors. Add to that the Hindu-Muslim angle (yes, the bomb drill part was stellar, but everything else was either preachy or communalist towards the more marginalized communities), and it is simply not that good.

Score: 5.6/10 (C+)

Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Not so moving.

[4/10 · 21 December 2021]

As somebody who has watched Hayao Miyazaki's other film "Kiki's Delivery Service", I am severely underwhelmed by how unstructured and scattershot "Howl's Moving Castle" is. As a film, it is weak and feeble, with glorious visuals and a single endearing character holding it up.

The characters are terribly selfish, and overall, it is not really the best film from Studio Ghibli. That's all.

Parents' guide: A disgruntled Howl comes out the bathroom with just a towel; characters kiss; a ton of mild, fantasy violence; some minced profanity - would rate TV-PG or PG (ages 10 and up).

Score: 3.7/10 (D-, barely passes)

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

Delivers to the best of its abilities

[8/10 · 21 December 2021]

"Kiki's Delivery Service", is a film by the acclaimed Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki, with the brilliant crew at his infamous studio, Studio Ghibli.

Set in presumably the 60s or 70s, the film is all about Kiki, a thirteen-year-old witch who must go a rite of passage and live independently for a year. The film sets a solid emotional tone with a heartfelt yet grounded farewell for Kiki from her parents, friends and neighbors. She then goes to a Western city (modelled after Stockholm, Sweden according to some) and lives with pregnant baker Osona (who is very kind). She, there, uses her flying abilities to deliver things, and gets a small fee for the same. At the same time, she is pursued by a young boy, Tombo, who is a nerd smitten with her and all things aviation. Later, she falls ill after doing a delivery in the rain, and suddenly loses the ability to fly. In the meantime, she is accompanied by a black sarcastic cat, Jiji (voiced by the late Phil Hartman), and meets the young painter Ursula. In the end, she spends a day with Ursula, and later gets her flying abilities back. In the climax, Kiki flies high, snatching the young Tombo from a disastrous Zeppelin. The story seems complicated, but it is really simple, and as a result, a bit predictable. However, that is not to spoil the fun.

Kiki is endearing yet a bit irritable, as she constantly avoids Tombo for the first two acts of the movie. She is an uniquely independent character, which was rare in the eighties for a girl character who is animated, and even now! And her voice acting is splendid with a cute but angsty demeanor.

The baker woman, Jiji and Ursula constantly support young Kiki, and the three conflicting personas make a good supporting cast. Osona, the baker, is kind and motherly, while Jiji is like a gentle bodyguard. Finally, Ursula is youthful and bold, and gives some of the most humorous moments of the movie. Tombo is a young, relatable character to me, and is simply misjudged a whole lot of times. Having no villain was a brave decision on part of Miyazaki and the writers.

There are however, some flaws. There are precisely two story flaws here. First, is the lack of stakes. The elevated stakes of the first act and climax don't translate into the movie, and feels like one of those CBS sitcoms about single, independent women in big cities figuring out their lives, but give no incentive to empathize for the character. Yet, as a slice of life, it is a lighter-than-air adventure, which can discount stakes (then why bother having them in the first act and final act, though?). There is also the other problem, that being the humor. Kiki herself is a very unfunny character, and Tombo, Jiji and Ursula are the only ones giving some humor, but apart from Jiji (who transitions from a speaking role to animal sounds role in the later part of the second act), none are too active. In fact, there's few jokes that land from our protagonist.

Needless to say, there is exceeding visual merit in this movie for the sheer reason that it is Studio Ghibli, from monumental architecture in the "big town" to the picturesque skies and hills of the village and near Ursula's home, it is still splendid and scenic as hell.

Despite all odds, it is a boldly simple movie that you can stream on Netflix in the summer with all of the family. Reminiscent of Disney's "Moana" (2016), it is about adolescent girls being bold and seeking independence - and while on visual splendor by virtue of being Hayao Miyazaki this one excels, the intensity is scattershot at best.

Parents' Guide: The film contains some scattered shots of Kiki without her dress, but no nudity. There are certain inappropriate jokes (although those are few and far), and finally, there is a lot of intense, frightening, and somewhat violent scenes, especially in the climax. Would rate it TV-Y7, or G (for ages 7 and up).

Score: 8.4/10 (A-)

The Baby-Sitters Club (2020–2021)

My favourite Netflix Series (like GOAT)

[9/10 · 8 September 2021]

A highly grasping and emotional show with a retro aesthetic, proper representation. With great young talents and superb loyalty to the original, the show tackles heavy topics with ease and care. Standing out in a world where tween shows that are gritty like PEN15 and Never Have I Ever, This show reminds you of a time when everybody loved the Sprouse twins and The Best of Both Worlds played many times a day.

The InBESTigators (2019–2020)

Decent watch for a sunny afternoon

[7/10 · 7 August 2021]

Gonna be quick. From the creators of Little Lunch is another mockumentary dramedy about a group of fifth-graders.

Ezra, Maudie, Ava and Kyle are the main characters, although the series does disservice by introducing Ezra as the main character/sidekick at the start but as it scraped through, making Ava kind of that person. Although each of them narrates mysteries, the focal character is Maudie, a Sherlock Holmes-like observant, silent and socially awkward character. She is obnoxious sometimes and she covers more than she should of doing the inBESTigating, I will forgive that. Ezra is good but is underused and is just shown as another Steve Jobs/Sundar Pichai wannabe by the end of season one. Kyle is dumber than he should be, but the comedy sits well with him. Overall, it is an average cast of characters which might need you to slot away Kyle for somebody else. Also, Ava is kind of Kyle but also Maudie, so, its a polarizing character.

I think they could tackle bigger mysteries to not just be a buddy dramedy and be seen seriously (even though they would be unrealistic and not fit in sometimes) and just work on plotting it before a bit. Apart from that, I don't have quips with the writing.

I agree with the U rating (United Kingdom) and will recommend for ages 8 and up.

Just Add Magic (2015–2019)

A totally awesome show

[10/10 · 7 August 2021]

Gonna be quick, this is a delight. It falls in the same vein as Gortimer Gibbons and other awesome magical realism made in the earlier days of streaming TV.

Kelly Quinn, Hannah Parker-Kent and Darbie O'Brien are all enjoyable characters, and so are the others. The only characters that annoyed me a bit were Ida and Becky, who were slightly irritating in parts.

The CGI or visual effects are not overused, and with a stellar score, this is probably the most feel-good, clean show on Amazon.

I'd recommend this to anybody who needs something fun and snappy; and something they can enjoy with the little ones. I agree with the TV-Y rating, I personally would consider this appropriate for ages 6 and above, and would recommend it to the same age group.

Project Mc² (2015–2017)

Faltered in the execution and the first season is a mess

[6/10 · 9 June 2021]

I streamed it on Netflix - until around the start of the fifth season (or Part - I'd say arc?). I will continue soon, but here are my thoughts -

Let's begin with the worst season per se - the first season. It has three episodes (which, are not enough. At least 10 or so would make sense). The story revolves around Prince Charles-Prince Harry hybrid Crown Prince Xander, who is an immature social influencer and is happening to go to Maywood Glen (which from later references I believe to be a Silicon Valley commuter town or something). It is cringe and a pain to get through. McKellar does well, but the other characters are sloppy and painfully un-agent-like and un-likeable. 3/10 for the first season. No good story - or execution.

The second season has a different storyline - this time it is about anarcho-primitivism. A person called "Retro" is setting up a scheme to end technology up to the 1980s. It is not that scheme, but a carefully planned data-harvesting scheme on NOV-8, the elite organization that the girls are purported to be part of. It ups the story a bit - makes interesting characters - and sets up an interesting narrative but still falls flat. Both supporting characters (and future agents) Devon DeMarco and Ember Evergreen are introduced as recurring characters in the last two of the six. Would give it 6/10, not bad.

The third season revolves around technology a lot - and while still very poor in scientific accuracy - actually looks geeky. Zuckerberg wannabe Simon Temple and his dad (the Havoc founder Kragen Vexx) are the main villains. This story is all about deception and has likeable twists, although McKayla returns to being annoying and not understanding. Over-all, my favorite season so far. Easy 8.5/10.

The fourth season is essentially a DCOM or NOM (Netflix Original Movie), and revolves around Xander once again. The story is just PG-rated "King Charles III (watch it" and Wendell is like William (while Xander like Charles). While it was thin, I liked this one decently. Also, Kyle playing a big role is also fun. Hard, but 7/10 at least.

Finally we have the first few minutes of Season 5. Seem like an odd mishmash of S1 & S5. Jumbled and too many A. D. I. S. N. Stuff going on. But still, 6.5/10.

McKayla is not removable but can do with a character aggrandization decontaminator. A. D. I. S. N. Takes getting used to. Remove Bryden Bandweth, even with her IT skills, she is the most cringe. Camryn Coyle is okay I'd guess, but has less science more presentation skills (think Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, still skilled but a better presenter per se). Adrienne Attoms is fun with her Española, but also too fashion-focused. Devon should have some kind of science to her. Amber and Maddie are okay, but can get toned down. Justin is far too generic.

6.20 points out of ten - roughly 3 stars out of 5. You have to watch the first season - and it is hard to get through, but it'll be far easier out going forward. Ages 7 through 13. High school onwards this might be a tad too cheesy.

Feel the Beat (2020)

Formulaic dramedy entertains and gets you dancing

[8/10 · 23 May 2021]

Needless to say, this flick was pretty formulaic and surface level. I believe it was the acting and the characters that truly made this film entertaining.

The Sarah character could be perceived as a jerk, until you understand the fleshed-out story about her. April was a little too much, but entertaining nonetheless. I'd have to say though, Dicky (the young boy) and Barb were my favorites.

The music and dancing was well-done, and set the tone really well. Broadway was pretty realistic apart from the Welly Wong parts, appreciate that. Sets were beautiful and the drama and comedy were OK.

My concerns with this particular film would be its laid-back attitude to story; and a very slow-bump start. Honestly, the transition between all the levels could've upped the drama.

If you have kids and you in quarantine, this might be just the family flick for all three, four or more of you.

Wagle Ki Duniya (2021– )

The best remastering and reboot of a Hindi television show

[8/10 · 14 April 2021]

When old Hindi television shows get revived, they are incredibly bland, have cringe self references or aren't sucessful enough to last for more than a few paltry weeks. Wagle kiDuniay.

Big City Greens (2018– )

Phenomenal ; stands out from the crowd

[10/10 · 11 February 2021]

There's so much innovation happening in the cartoon space with animation for grown-ups, darker animation for kids, etc.

After all this, you need to take a little break. And the little break is this show. This show can be described in three words - simple, fun and relaxing.

The story revolves around a very thin plot of a family from the rural South trying to fit in to the hustle and bustle of the "Big City" (most probably New York or Chicago) - the Greens. (I believe there's some metaphor for this show adapting into a heavily innovative space with such a simple outlook.)

The main character is one of the most mischievous yet lovable characters I've seen - Cricket Green, a 10-year-old boy. Cricket might be mischievous and playful, but he is as lovable a little kid in a cartoon can get. Tilly Green, Cricket's 12-year-old sister, seems strange at first, but her caring and daring persona makes her a fan favorite.

Then comes possibly the best cartoon dad - Bill Green. Bill is extremely caring and loves his crops and family. He might have problems adopting to the city landscape, but, he is a fresh breath of air within deplorable cartoon dads of the past few years.

Then, there is my favorite character - Gramma Alice. Grandma is a brave soul with a soft side for her family. Her punchlines hit hard, and I do see a parallel forming with the Grandma from Young Sheldon - brave women who are also incredibly soft hearted to their family.

The side characters are all extremely well-written : The likes of Gloria (Cricket's co-worker and aspiring to go to Paris), Cricket's Mom (who was jailed unfairly) and such.

But, of them all - the most lovable is Remy - a sheltered kid who dreams to play freely, but can't fend for himself. It takes a long time for his literal "helicopter parents" (the pop culture phrase for distant parenting, and actually doing that from a real helicopter) to allow him some independence.

The animation is fluid and smooth, the art is colorful and it seems organic and is relaxing to look at. It seems clean enough to have an aesthetic goodness, but it has enough uniqueness to feel natural.

I mean, it's a fresh breath of air with a simple plot, a relaxing show and has tons of good slapstick and dry humor.

If you like the Simpsons or Phineas and Ferb, you're bound to enjoy it. This is something you can watch with your kids before going to bed and it is literally very relaxing.

Simply put : Phenomenal ; stands out from the crowd

Housefull 4 (2019)

Inexplicable pain and nothing else

[2/10 · 30 January 2021]

From the very title of Housefull 4, I knew this was going to be an utter disaster. Come on, four films in the same franchise with the same idea but no fixed storyline that gets continued? It's just Akshay, Riteish and one crumbling, unpopular A- actor being gold diggers for 160 minutes paired with the dad who is also kind of a gold digger, the gangster who looks like he 'boutta sing "babbyyy cause we got bad blood" and finally - songs and the rich girls who know nothing but the fakest 19th-century-British accents of Hindi and oh, it's in London. There - I summarized all four films for you.

But, seriously? The humor is a cross between the censor board and wannabe PewDiePie pop culture experts - the screenplay writing duo Farhad/Samji. Now, agreed, they come out very well in certain films - but, they decide to dump all their rejected jokes and put them here for the sake of it? The four films are filled with a ton of self-reference and euphemism.

Now, back to actually talkin' 'bout the film. So - Harry, Roy and Max. Firstly, how do they know Hindi and look like you picked someone from their fourty-floor high-rise from upscale Bandra? But, okay, the characters.

Harry looks 43 when he's supposed to be 24, and well - he's a total pure soul, except he wasn't. He is a naive gold digger, most likely a cheap rip-off of Prem (potrayed by Salman Khan) from Andaaz Apna Apna. He has amnesia for some reason (cue the "e Ghajini" chants) and he is opposite his past.

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (2008– )

Long Show with Several Phases

[5/10 · 5 January 2021]

Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma, translating literally into "Taarak Mehta's Upside Down Glasses" and figuratively into "Taarak Mehta's Upside Down World" or "Taarak Mehta's Live-Action Milo Murphy -" ok I'll stop.

Just like The Simpsons, the early episodes were comedy gold and realistic portrayals of middle-class people, but now, they've moved into a dead horse and literally the only thing on the Hindi version of Comedy Central - Sony SAB.

For that, you have to look at the timeline of the development of this show. It all starts in 1971, when Late Taarak Mehta started doing a little story in his columns for a Gujarati magazine - Chitralekha. He continued, and with regional success, turned these small comics into full-fledged graphic novels.

Years later, Asit Kumar Modi, a young producer in Mumbai gets the option for this comic and starts touring networks, asking them to make the show.

Most networks rejected it, and the reason was as such - "a comedy with social commentary is way more developed, improvised or boring than soap operas. Soap operas run on the drama and dramatic conflict, and, so, people give us ratings more if we're getting the sweet drama to them."

After a long time, sometime around late 2006 or 2007, Mr. Asit Kumar Modi met the higher-ups at Sony. The team at Sony agreed to make this show for their secondary, youth-focused comedy channel they'd acquired from the Sri Adhikari Brothers - Sony SAB.

The show started out with a strong, but not numerous fans. The first five hundred or so episodes saw character development, well-placed plots and witty commentary.

The show got widespread success in the third and fourth year of premiere (2011-2012) and had support from almost everyone. Films came for promotion, and it developed into a musical comedy. The citizens had massive collaboration. The character development and consistency in pacing began to diminish with the end of this era. By the end of this era, the show had A THOUSAND EPISODES and had become a household name throughout India.

A short while after the thousandth episode of TMKOC, it became a very mediocre show. This time, they played around with the whole "social commentary" aspect of the show, turning quickly into a propaganda show with the fourth or fifth narrative in a row of, say, ten narratives, dedicated to some form of government activity or the other. . By two thousand and two hundred and fifty episodes, the show became a bland propaganda show with no character development and lackluster plots.

And then, the dark age of TMKOC happened. Sets were renovated and the production became HD. The editing became cringey with almost three hundred individual instances of a sound effect being played in a single episode on average. Disha Vakani, who portrays the iconic role of the Ahmedabadi housewife "Dayaben Gada" departed from the show, and was not replaced.

The actor for Sonalika Bhide, Tipendra Gada, Anjali Mehta and Roshan Singh Sodhi all changed at least once in this time period. All of these are iconic characters.

By characters, let's talk about the characters.

It might give you the impression of an ensemble cast with almost everyone getting equal coverage, but it isn't.

At its core, this show has six main characters, who play an important role in every storyline.

These are - Taarak Mehta (potrayed by Shailesh Lodha), Jethalal Gada (potrayed by Dilip Joshi), Aatmaram Bhide (potrayed by Mandar Chandwadkar), Babita Iyer (potrayed by Munmun Datta), Tipendra Gada (portrayed by Raj Anadkat) and Roshan Singh Sodhi (potrayed by Balvinder Singh Sodhi).

My complaints as below about these characters' present incarnation :

• Overly dramatic

My concern for the Tapu Sena is their maturity. They have all graduated with a Bachelor's degree for sure, but their acting is as if their personality development stopped right before peak puberty (somewhat 12-13).

They are always busy with festive and cultural programmes being put up (is this place a theatre? Also isn't Aatmaram the secretary? He's supposed to do cultural programmes right?) Or singing cringey songs.

So, in the end, what's my thought?

Three line summary : + the show has a simple premise, good execution at the start, but only goes downhill from there. +

Logline that features what's bad with it : + A housing society spews propaganda. +

Three words description : + Bland as heck. +

Rating : 2 stars (**) Points : 11/20

Kaun Banega Crorepati? (2000– )

It's not downright painful, but would not recommend

[4/10 · 5 January 2021]

This is the Indian adaptation of "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire", the illustrious British-American game-show media franchise.

It's nothing like the two I mentioned. So, a quick comparison to give you somewhat of a glimpse to what exactly are the differences between the O.G. and the Indian version.

• Rules simpler

Rules are simplified; rules such as 'stocking remaining time' and 'Plus One' are short lived or removed, probably due to ads not fitting in time-slot.

• Host marketing

Heavy marketing of Amitabh Bachchan (legendary Bollywood actor) in show indents, compared to the contestants.

The positives of Kaun Banega Crorepati :

• the "threshold" system more fine-tuned
• Somewhat charismatic feel
• Contestants somewhat diverse (even though it's a TRP exhibit half the time)

The negatives :

• Too much time given to advertisements
• Contestant sob stories over-glorified
• Unnecessary sponsor tie-ins
• Lifelines are predictable as they're extremely effective almost every daggum time

Score : 9/20 Thoughts : It's not painful or unwatchable, but not a recommendation. Watch the American or British version for a better version of the same concept.

No Point with Slayy Point (2019– )

No Point With Slayy Point Is A Great Show

[9/10 · 5 January 2021]

The dialogues are humorous and honest, the hosts are witty. The guests act humble, and the overall structure is good. Should watch.