REVIEW OF P.K.

An alien struggles to accustom to human tradition while searching for his stolen remote.

PK- a movie in making for close to five years has overwhelmingly satisfied all its expectations. Gems like these are rare and whether or not it is considered Oscar-worthy, the movie should be preserved as a case study for future film makers.

Just like his production house's logo (puppet show), Raj Kumar Hirani's films are simple in theme yet very attractive by means of its presentation. He has a magical lens that peers into the Indian Diaspora and tears down its misbeliefs elegantly, no matter how high it is held. It wouldn't be an overstatement when I say, " he is one of the very few in the business who consistently satisfies both producers and (global) audience."

Hope was seeded in me during the movie. Every time a religious belief was opposed there was claps and whistles from all around the screen, a clear sign that the general population is becoming increasingly logical rather than being superstitial. With several close-up shots (especially in the Belgium episode), Anushka's pout was hard to miss. Don't be surprised if she wins the Best Pout Award.

From a broader perspective it's not just an alien who would struggle in this world. For the sake of argument, imagine bringing back one of the early humans to the present world. He would face the same dilemma that Aamir does in this movie. Clearly it's our evolution (with plenty of revolutions in it) that is to be blamed (or praised).

Despite being a sci-fi "based" movie with love and emotion it is humour that persists till the end. Be it the dancing cars that act as Aamir's ATM cum wardrobe, his search for God, the slipper that he steals when his own are missing, his questions to god-men, all of them no matter how serious an issue, are presented in a humorous enjoyable way. But irrespective of  how much the movie takes upon god-men it doesn't hurt the basic ideology of religion.

Various modulations of accha ("Good"), I love Chicken, Anushka'a analogy of PK with child are worth mentioning among many such beautiful lines.

But tell us Aamir, why did you settle for an outdated transistor radio when there were plenty of other cool devices.

AAA: Despite being a U-rated movie, three A's ruled the movie. Aamir,Alien,Atheism. Enough said.

PS: A surprise cameo awaits you at the end.

REVIEW OF HOBBIT: BATTLE OF FIVE ARMIES

After rescuing Erebor from Smaug, it’s now upto Thorin and Company to defend it, come what may.

Where the battle was lost:
1.      Bilbo throwing stones at Orcs and stopping them.
2.   Thorin Oakenshield becomes Middle Earth’s second psychiatric patient (first being his grandfather). 
3.   The end which never ends. Jack Nicholson quoted after the LOTR trilogy, “What happened at the end?” referring to the lengthy end. There’s something similar here but not as long as the former.
4.     Despite being a battle it was uncomfortable looking at the bleeding face of Tauriel who went left and right through the same set of Orcs a few days ago (as per the movie).
5.      Lack of a scenic change (battle ground throughout) is another low note in this finale.
6.    I am not in for spoilers. So, here’s the thing. It’s a pity that something like this should happen to someone so big, so soon (Go figure).

Where the battle was won:
1.      CGI stands apart, be it when Smaug ravages Dale, or when elves gather outside Erebor in their shining golden armor, or when Galadriel and co fight shadow monsters it’s CGI that makes the 3D glasses worth its while.
2.    Unlike its predecessors this one goes easy on the viewers with a runtime of just 131 minutes (excluding the credits). 
3.      Legolas’ duel stands apart for its choreography while Thorin’s physical balance act with Azoc is another memorable moment.
4.      Most impressive of all is how the Hobbit was placed in the middle of all this mess. He is, after all that he has been through, still a hobbit and not a hero. Peter Jackson could have just given him a blade (not the letter opener that he already has) and made him fight orcs. But rather the Hobbit is moving between camps, using the ring to the fullest and playing a vital part in the battle without actually fighting and thus justifying the title.

Having presented the pros and cons of the battle, I leave it to your better judgement to decide whether or not this battle is worth fighting (watching).

PS: People die, People with a capital P (duh it’s a battle, what do you expect?).