RAM LEELA IS OUT AND I AM GOING TO SEE IT TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So of course, here's Priyanka Chopra in her role as an avatar. The director calls this a very "western" number. Thoughts?
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
Movie Review: Krrish 3
When I found out that Krrish 3 was going to be playing at my local theater, I was really, really excited. This is one of the most anticipated films of the year and I was over the moon to get a chance to see it in the first week of release.
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| Because everyone in India looks this good |
This is one of the most-hyped sequels being released this year (DHOOM 3, OMG) and I watched Koy... Mil Gaya and Krrish in the previous month to get ready. I took my Mom (who has minimal exposure to Bollywood) along and was accompanied by Ellie, who probably knows Bollywood better than I do, but hadn't seen this franchise yet.
For those not completely ensconced in modern B-wood lore, Krrish is the name of the alter-ego of a mild manner by supernaturally-talented young man played by Hrithik Roshan. He's now married to the lovely Priya (Priyanka Chopra) and they live in Mumbai with his elderly father (Hrithik Roshan). If you haven't seen the first two movies, don't worry--there is a brief intro that covers enough of the lore to make it all make sense. It certainly adds a little fun to have seen all the movies, but it isn't necessary.
In what I would say is perhaps the best bit of acting I've seen from the oh-so-talented Hrithik, he plays the daily life of a kind-hearted man who is more concerned with helping the public and promoting public good will than he is with advancing himself. Instead of hiding away in a giant mansion, he lives and works among the people of Mumbai. He takes a little time to get to know the people he helps while in the guise of Krrish, but it takes an incredible toll on his personal life--his wife has to compete for time with him and and he can't hold down a job.
He's even forced to listen to other people bragging about being Krrish and he can't say a word without risking danger to his family. I think a less skillful actor would have overplayed this role and come off as a pompous ass, but Hrithik keeps him down-to-earth and loveable, possibly the most cute and cuddly a super hero has ever been.
An evil power rises and attacks the very heart of Mumbai. Krrish, Priya, and will she/won't she frenemy have to make incredible sacrifices and learn to trust each other while they fight against the evil Kaal. An odd plot point here--Kaal discovers that he is the cloned (I think) son of Krrish' father. Aside from some obvious timeline issues (he was cloned after Krrish was born, but appears to be older than Krrish?), there is the funny fact that Krrish himself never actually learns of their relationship. His father knows, but doesn't end up communicating that information.
I thought this movie was set up well and the actors carried the story along. The special effects were strikingly good and the visuals were stunning. The plot was a little more engaging and thought-out than I expect from Bollywood, which is good, because this movie has one incredibly glaring flaw:
The song and dance scenes.
There are two.
Literally. Only two. One is the high energy Raghupati Raghav that we saw in the promos. The other is a love song that isn't very catchy and is really only notable for the striking number of douchey shirts that the designers stuck Hrithik in. I absolutely refuse to believe he picked out those atrocities for himself, wow.
All things considered, I really did enjoy Krrish 3. It isn't the edgy, modern high-energy Dhoom franxhise that I love so much, but it has it's own feel and the characters are far better developed than I expected.
Dance Numbers: 2.5/5
Costar Chemistry: Krrish/Krishna with Priya 5/5, Krrish/his dad 4/5, Krrish/Kaal 4/5
Entertainment Value: 4/5
SFX/Production Value: 5/5
Subtitle Accuracy: 4/5
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| Basically all you need to know |
In what I would say is perhaps the best bit of acting I've seen from the oh-so-talented Hrithik, he plays the daily life of a kind-hearted man who is more concerned with helping the public and promoting public good will than he is with advancing himself. Instead of hiding away in a giant mansion, he lives and works among the people of Mumbai. He takes a little time to get to know the people he helps while in the guise of Krrish, but it takes an incredible toll on his personal life--his wife has to compete for time with him and and he can't hold down a job.
He's even forced to listen to other people bragging about being Krrish and he can't say a word without risking danger to his family. I think a less skillful actor would have overplayed this role and come off as a pompous ass, but Hrithik keeps him down-to-earth and loveable, possibly the most cute and cuddly a super hero has ever been.
 |
| "will she" in regards to bad hair |
An evil power rises and attacks the very heart of Mumbai. Krrish, Priya, and will she/won't she frenemy have to make incredible sacrifices and learn to trust each other while they fight against the evil Kaal. An odd plot point here--Kaal discovers that he is the cloned (I think) son of Krrish' father. Aside from some obvious timeline issues (he was cloned after Krrish was born, but appears to be older than Krrish?), there is the funny fact that Krrish himself never actually learns of their relationship. His father knows, but doesn't end up communicating that information.
I thought this movie was set up well and the actors carried the story along. The special effects were strikingly good and the visuals were stunning. The plot was a little more engaging and thought-out than I expect from Bollywood, which is good, because this movie has one incredibly glaring flaw:
The song and dance scenes.
There are two.
 |
| needed more of this |
Literally. Only two. One is the high energy Raghupati Raghav that we saw in the promos. The other is a love song that isn't very catchy and is really only notable for the striking number of douchey shirts that the designers stuck Hrithik in. I absolutely refuse to believe he picked out those atrocities for himself, wow.
All things considered, I really did enjoy Krrish 3. It isn't the edgy, modern high-energy Dhoom franxhise that I love so much, but it has it's own feel and the characters are far better developed than I expected.
Dance Numbers: 2.5/5
Costar Chemistry: Krrish/Krishna with Priya 5/5, Krrish/his dad 4/5, Krrish/Kaal 4/5
Entertainment Value: 4/5
SFX/Production Value: 5/5
Subtitle Accuracy: 4/5
Thursday, November 7, 2013
BollyBest: Music Video of the Week #6
We all love to see our stars at different points in their careers. Here we have Hrithik Roshan, Rani Mukerji, and Kareena Kapoor in the flick "Mujhse Dosti Karoge".
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
BollyWelcome: What to Watch
If you've been tracking with this series, then you've already been introduced to Bollywood cinema in four easy steps. If you missed out, here's a link to part one.
Once you know you want to watch Bollywood movies, you have to find some that you like. Just like any other art forms, some parts will appeal to you and others will not. How do you find what you like when you're searching for movies in a different language?
Either you learn Hindi (Ellie's all over it) or you find another way. I started out the hard way--I just googled for top ten lists and perused brief write ups, then tried to decide whether the movie would appeal to me based on a paragraph or two.
Let's just say it's very hit and miss. Mostly miss. As your taste develops, you will find some elements of Bollywood more gripping than others. I really love the East/West interactions of modern Bollywood. I like to see the traditional culture dealing with the outside influences. It makes me sad to see Bollywood grow Westernized at times--I love to see my films embrace their traditional ethic and be blatantly non-Western.
As such, I tend to spend more time with modern Bollywood with the slick production values and more complex storylines.
Ellie is all about classic Bollywood. Aside from the magnetism of Big B (we love you Amitabh!!), it is a completely distinct vibe. The costumes are more traditional, the stories are a bit scattered, and the energy is just as high and fun as the modern stuff, though the music tends to be more traditional.
Again, there's a really easy answer here. Check out Amazon! Not only do they have great prices on new and used DVDs and Blue-Rays, there is free Super Saver shipping on orders over $25. If you're a Prime member, it's free all the time, but I'm not. Regardless. Toss 3 or 4 in your cart and they'll be at your door in a few days.
It's a bit of a risk, especially as you're starting out, so I try to pay less than $10/DVD. As I get more comfortable with my choices and learn what actors, directors, and (most importantly) song writers I like, I'm willing to spend more.
There are other options--Eros Now runs an instant video service with an assortment of titles available for $7.99 a month. There is a 14 day free trial available. I haven't gone this route yet, but I'll be strongly considering it this winter when it's cold and miserable.
Netflix also has a lively online selection. I may be the only person in the US who doesn't currently subscribe, but the library looks fun.
We'll talk about cool local options and how to watch current releases soon!
**Also** In doing research, I ran across the soon-to-be-released "Ram-Leela" ERMERGERD!!!!!!!!!! I cannot even say how excited I am for this movie. Watch the trailer here!!
What to Watch
Once you know you want to watch Bollywood movies, you have to find some that you like. Just like any other art forms, some parts will appeal to you and others will not. How do you find what you like when you're searching for movies in a different language?
 |
| From "Cocktail" |
Let's just say it's very hit and miss. Mostly miss. As your taste develops, you will find some elements of Bollywood more gripping than others. I really love the East/West interactions of modern Bollywood. I like to see the traditional culture dealing with the outside influences. It makes me sad to see Bollywood grow Westernized at times--I love to see my films embrace their traditional ethic and be blatantly non-Western.
As such, I tend to spend more time with modern Bollywood with the slick production values and more complex storylines.
Ellie is all about classic Bollywood. Aside from the magnetism of Big B (we love you Amitabh!!), it is a completely distinct vibe. The costumes are more traditional, the stories are a bit scattered, and the energy is just as high and fun as the modern stuff, though the music tends to be more traditional.
How to Find It
Once you know what "it" is for you, there is a very simple way to find it. Really. You don't even have to learn Hindi (yet).
YouTube.
Really.
Search for something you like.
Watch music videos. Look at the recommended videos. Watch those. Find the songs you like, then purchase the whole movie. No more relying on reviews of strangers with a different set of interests and values!! It's amazing. Depending on where your interests lie, you can subscribe to different channels. A favorite of mine is YRF Songs. There are plenty of others.
Where to Buy It
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| Does this even need a caption? |
It's a bit of a risk, especially as you're starting out, so I try to pay less than $10/DVD. As I get more comfortable with my choices and learn what actors, directors, and (most importantly) song writers I like, I'm willing to spend more.
There are other options--Eros Now runs an instant video service with an assortment of titles available for $7.99 a month. There is a 14 day free trial available. I haven't gone this route yet, but I'll be strongly considering it this winter when it's cold and miserable.
Netflix also has a lively online selection. I may be the only person in the US who doesn't currently subscribe, but the library looks fun.
We'll talk about cool local options and how to watch current releases soon!
**Also** In doing research, I ran across the soon-to-be-released "Ram-Leela" ERMERGERD!!!!!!!!!! I cannot even say how excited I am for this movie. Watch the trailer here!!
Monday, September 30, 2013
BollyWeekly Report (Week of September 30th)
Here's the excitement for this week:
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| Hrithik Roshan in a new still from Krrish 3. How does that mask stay on? |
The Krrish 3 release date has been moved up to November 1st. A new video has been released of the song "Dil Tu Hi Bataa," which will appear in the film. Watch it here. We at Bollywest love the song, but wonder.... Hrithik, when it comes to your Krrish hairstyles, what are you thinking?
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| Ranveer Singh |
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| Irrfan Khan |
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| Rani Mukerji the 2013 GQ Men of the Year Awards |
In romance gossip, actress Pooja Bedi is totally enamored with her boyfriend, Askashdeep Saigal... and says that as far as his love for her is concerned, all the proof she needs is written on his...arm? Over a year ago, Saigal got Pooja's name tattooed on his arm. Perhaps this couple has never heard of the curse of the name tattoo? All kidding aside, we wish the happy couple the very best.
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| Pooja and "Sky" |
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| New poster for Dhoom 3 |
"I am used to people whistling at my wife... see my wife then you will know why I am saying this. I have never whistled at her to woo her... I don't think its the right thing to do. I courted her through my gesture, emotions and words."Aish remarks:
"That's why I married him."Awwww... just another example of why AB and Aish are one of our favorite Bollywood couples. Their love and respect for each other is obvious. Plus, they have a pretty adorable kid.
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| Abhishek, Aaradhya, and Aishwarya Bachchan |
Until next week!
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