The Jungle Book - DD's review

The JUNGLE Book - DD's review

Category: Animation
Language: English - 2D
Released: April 8th, 2016

Story of the movie is not new to Indian viewers. Kids of 90's grew up by watching jungle book. It is an adaptation of a Rudyard Kipling's novel. Story is about a kid named Mowgli, raised by pack of wolves, led by Akela. Raksha, a female wolf  is his known mother. After threatened by dangerous Shere khan (tiger), Bagheera (Panther), friend of Mowgli decides to take him to the man-village. But Shere khan has other plans. During the journey, Baloo (bear) helps Mowgli to take him to man-village. Has he reached man-village safely? What are Shere khan's plans to eliminate Mowgli? Questions to these answers form the rest of the story.

CG work is best in class. Minute emotions of animals are captured in a finest possible way. Full credits to Neel Sethi (Mowgli). It is very difficult for a 12 year old to act, seeing no one, assuming everyone is there talking to him. He has stolen the show with his innocent expressions and acting. Ben kingsley's (Bagheera) voice is fantastic as perfect companion to Mowgli. Baloo is funny and entertaining. His song "the bear necessities" is no less than monumental. The scenes between Mowgli and Raksha are heart touching. Shere khan's voice is terrifying and perfect as a villain. I love Gray's voice and her characterization. she adores Mowgli. Kaa (the snake) has only scene. I expected little screen space for Kaa.

Best moments:

1. Mowgli consoling Raksha.
2. Sherekhan terrifying Raksha by telling a story to her children.
3. Escape of Mowgli with the help of Wild buffaloes.
4. Concept of red flower.
5. Scene between Baloo and Mowgli.

Overall the movie is exciting, funny, adventurous and dramatic.

On the flip side, there is something missing. I did not get what is missing. May be I have raised my expectations high.

My Rating: 3.5/5

Last words: Don't miss it. Revive your childhood memories.

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Sardaar Gabbar Singh - DD's review

Sardaar Gabbar Singh - DD's review

Category: Action
Language: Telugu
Released: March 8th, 2016

First half of the movie is average and the second half is a disaster. I went to watch this movie amid low expectations. Pawan kalyan excelled as an actor but failed miserably as a writer. As a writer, PK is still stuck in 80's. Screenplay is good in bits and pieces. Just to remind you joker's dialogue "if you good at something, never do it for free. If you are not good at something, never try".

Gabbar singh (PK) is an orphan raised by Tanikella bharani. He is transferred to Rattanpur to help Hari narayan(Mukesh Rukesh), saviour of princess (Kajal) and her village from the agonies of Bhairav singh (Sharad kelkar). How Gabbar singh stands against him and saves princess and people of Rattanpur? forms of the rest.

PK drove the complete movie with mannerisms, sarcasms, dances especially in the first half. Craziness went over board in the second half. Kajal is elegant and beautiful. After Anushka, I feel Kajal best suits as princess. Chemistry between PK and Kajal is cute. Sharad kelkar's acting is good but his character is not elevated properly as antagonist. Mukesh Rishi is good. Ali, Brahmi and Jabardasth team is not used properly. Director's presence is not felt even in one scene. 

RGV tweeted yesterday "what is the difference between Gabbar singh and Sardaar Gabbar Singh". Entertainment is the answer. Entertainment is missing in this movie. 

Clap moments:

1. Pawan's entrance scene.
2. Pawan mega moves (only Veena step) in second half.
3. Tauba Tauba and Subanallah songs.

Thumbs down:

1. Length.
2. Lag.
3. Editing in few scenes.
4. Interval song.
5. "Khakee chokka" song is shot exactly like "Pilla nuvu leni jivitham" in Gabbar singh.
6. Sangeeth scene.
7. Lots of gun fights.

My Rating: 2.75/5

Last words: Strictly for Pawan fans. Others - watch at your own risk.

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Zootopia - DD's review

Zootopia - DD's review

Category: Animation
Language: English
Released: March,2016

In a city of Zootopia, where predators and mammals live in peace. Young rabbit (Judy Hopps) aspires to become a police officer, the first bunny to become from a mammal race. She gets selected as a police officer, but only gets parking duty in allocations. After a series of events, she gets a missing mammal case. Hopps, with the help of Fox(Nick wilde) uncovers the truth behind the missing mammals.

This movie is released only in 3D. The plot of the movie is no less than a proper thriller movie of Hollywood. In some scenes, I didn't feel like watching an animated movie. The graphics are rich and world class. The city of Zootopia with BG song of Shakira, is a visual treat. The graphics of water and forest are sooo real. This is the best animated movie, I watched in recent times. The comedy scenes with sloths are very hilarious.

My rating: 4.25/5

Last words: Judy Hopps in action. Don't miss it.

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