Movie Review - Rock On

I have never been a fan of Hindi movies (Bollywood movies, should I say). During my college days, I once jeered my friends so much for going to watch one that they picked me up and carried me to the bus. That movie was called 'Mann', starring Aamir Khan and Manisha Koirala. It was so bad that we walked out even before the intermission. Such a traumatic incident was enough to reinforce my belief that Hindi movies and I should stay away from each other. After this, I have seen very few Bollywood flicks, mostly to keep my friends company.

However, it is my firm belief that the quality of Hindi movies has improved. It may not be a drastic improvement but they are more watchable. With this belief, I went to check out Rock On. The movie is about four friends who have a rock band ergo they are rock lovers. The characters are Aditya (Farhan Akhtar), Joe (Arjun Rampal), KD (Purab Kohli), Rob (Luke Kenny) and Sakshi (Prachi Desai). They get along very well and so do their girlfriends till a bit of fame come along. Bam, the problems come tumbling like an avalanche and they split up. About ten years later, each of them are living separate lives, successful in their professions except for Joe. Despite this, they aren’t very happy and something seems to be missing in their lives. A chance encounter between KD and Sakshi gets the two talking and then they try to get the others together. Will the group get together (hurrah) or will the old problems compounded by egos keep them apart (gasp gasp gasp - last two were echoes, Bollywood ishtyle)? That is what the rest of the movie is about.

Now this is a typical rock band story, in real and reel life. However, full marks to Abhishek Kapoor for using the theme in a Bollywood flick where this is not an old overused theme. Although the movie is produced by Farhan Akhtar and not written by him, it seems to have his influence. I mean this is the guy who gave us Dil Chahta Hai and Lakshya (I enjoyed both thoroughly). He sings pretty well too, most of the songs in the movie are sung by him. What I also liked about Rock On is the way the movie switches between their past and present lives. Purab Kohli has done a great hob, very entertaining. What I didn't like about movie is that the rock band didn't have the chemistry you would expect. The camaraderie and the jamming sessions didn't feel right. Arjun Rampal just doesn't have the cool attitude that lead guitarists inherently seem to possess. Also, the plot slows down and kinda loses its way just before the end but it rights itself at the end. Overall rating on the Mathew Rate-O-Meter 3.25 out of 5 stars.

Batman - The Dark Knight

I saw The Dark Knight over the weekend. All the reviews that say it is a 'must watch' are absolutely true.

The story is pretty fast-paced and gripping. Heath Ledger as Joker is truly amazing. Unlike Jack Nicholson's Joker who was like a caricature, this guy truly sends chills down your spine. There is also a lot of balance between all the main characters, each having a significant part to play. Joker has a lot of tricks up his sleeve which keeps you guessing. It also means that Batman has to come with a lot of stunts to counter them. Good stuff too. I guess the only thing missing is a bit of romance.

I don't want to say much more except that the Overall rating on the Mathew Rate-O-Meter 4 out of 5 stars. So just go for it asap and have a great time.

Movie Review – Jumper and Untraceable

Last weekend, I took the DVDs of Jumper and Untraceable. Both were recommended by the owner of the DVD store and I trust him to a certain point. I am happy to tell you that yes both can be watched and enjoyed.

I asked for a good action movie and I got Jumper. The main characters, other than Samuel L Jackson are not your typical action heroes - Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson. Diane Lane is in it too but has a very small role. The story is basically about Jumpers and Paladins. Jumpers (read good guys) can teleport around the world in a flash and Paladins aka bad dudes are out to kill ‘em. This is not a new thing, but has been happening from time immemorial. The plot starts moving fast from the beginning and keeps the pace throughout. The highlights are decent twists in the plot, good action scenes and some shots of world-famous monuments like Big Ben, The Sphinx etc. The ending is apt but kinda abrupt, setting the stage for a sequel. I don’t think I will be going for that though. The movie will keep you hooked but if someone pauses it to use the loo, you won’t be yelling for them to haul ass back ASAP.
Overall rating on the Mathew Rate-O-Meter 2.75 out of 5 stars.

Untraceable was the other movie I picked up and surprise surprise, it too has Diane Lane in it. What are the odds on that?? Here she is one of the main characters though. The other actors are Billy Burke and Colin Hanks (don’t scratch your head, click on the hyperlink to figure out who these gentlemen are, please). The plot is set around a serial killer who captures victims, sets up elaborate devices to kill them and broadcasts the whole show on the net via video and chat. The devices are set in such a way that more people log on to the site to watch the faster the person dies. At first, the victims seem to be picked up without motivation but later it gets more personal. The plot moves from one killing to another without time for anybody to even get a clue on why this is happening. Very gripping and not too gory with a final twist in the plot, it is a good watch that will keep you guessing.
Overall rating on the Mathew Rate-O-Meter 3.25 out of 5 stars.