Thank God It's Thursday, 01.12.2011

I'm sorry that I didn't post anything last tuesday; I was very busy with school and other things.

Indian Releases

I Am Singh - Bollywood seems to have an affection for producing seemingly poor 9/11-films at the time. I also wonder how smart it is to name a film that is situated in New York and that revolves around survival etc. "I Am Singh". I think people will rather re-watch the Will Smith version of that.

Thank God It's Thursday, 17.11.2011

Mentionable German Releases

 

Arthur Christmas - Mentionable only because of James McAvoy (who made out an important part of my previous post discussing my currently-in-production Top 100 list). The trailer looks rotten. Not even really cute... I'll stick with THE POLAR EXPRESS, HOME ALONE 1 & 2 and LITTLE LORD FOUNDLEROY, like every christmas. Anyhow, I'd bet my LOTR 6 Disc collector's Edition that this is going to be the family-christmas-fun-in-cinema 2011.

The Thing - Had expected more since the reviews have been quite positive. Apparently this is a film that has been remade various times, or at least various films have had this name. The trailer doens't promise anything new.

Thank God It's Thursday, 09.11.2011

Indian Hindi Releases

Project 11 - It was hard to find anything about this film, indiafm has almost nothing about it. One of the most interesting experiments in film I've heard of this year, so look out. I don't get the "Coming to a computer near you", though. Is it going to be released online? However, you should read the facebook site, it's pretty interesting... There's also a short trailer. 

Thank God It's Thursday - Both sides of the medal

Yes, it's still Thursday where I am.

Mentionable German releases

Cave of Forgotten Dreams - Werner Herzog is one of the finest German directors, and this latest project of his surely sounds intriguing. I'm not that much of a 3D-fan, so I hope it'll come in 2D as well.

One Day - I haven't seen AN EDUCATION yet, but it's very high on my watch-list, especially because Scherfig is a Danish director. I don't know about this one though, I mean, it doesn't look very special to me.

Paranormal Activity 3 - A friend of mine went to watch the preview of this one and said it was really good. I'm going to watch the first parts before this one, though.

Indian Hindi Releases

   

Loot - I'm not even going to watch the trailer... a look at the cast and the poster is enough.

Miley Naa Miley Hum - Looks a little better (also the cast), but still... I wouldn't have high expectations for this one.

Na Jaane Kabse... - Director of MUMMY PUNJABI...? No thanks, that trailer was enough of the good.

Tension Doooor - Really? Nothing better this Friday? Thank God I'm not in India.

Releases at the local repertory

 

Über uns das All - The trailer looks funny and sad at the same time, a mixture that pleases me. It's supposed to be a true insider tip from the Berlinale.

The Guard - Haven't seen the trailer or read the synopsis, but I've read some very positive opinions on this one. If only I had some money left...

Thank God It's Thursday - Diwali

A few of you have told me they appreciated this feature, which has convinced me to keep it.
Here we go...

Indian Hindi Releases

Ra.One (Anubhav Sinha) - That the mind behind this latest Shahrukh Diwali biggie would be the maker of DUS, CASH and similar trash-bashes, doesn't make me feel very comfortable. At least I know what to expect: Shahrukh, action, trash and Kareena (who, as I've heard, doesn't play a helpless heroine). It's going to be okay, I think. Nothing grand, no masterpiece, still an entertaining soon-to-be-blockbuster.

Damadamm! (Swapna Waghmare) - What the... I had to shut this off. Don't watch this trailer except you want your ears to bleed. I've always liked Himesh's singing voice, and even some of his soundtracks, but didn't bother to watch his acting debut Awarapan. So now the king of churned-out film music returns to Bollywood - the question is if anyone is going to watch his film. I wouldn't.

Mentionable German releases

 

Tintin (Steven Spielberg) - There's no way I'll ever watch this film. I've had nightmares as a kid, after watching a Tintin film. He's the only cartoon/ animated character I can't stand, I maybe even hate. He's scary! He doesn't... Well, I'll stop it in order to not loose any followers. I don't mean to offend you. Urrrgh... And why Spielberg?

The Future (Miranda July) - Am I being stupid, or why don't I get this trailer? What's this about? Actually, it's so confusing that I want to watch it. There's some ballet in it too.

Der letzte Angestellte (Alexander Adolph) - Looks like a very small production, the trailer is promising. Very simple, but effective. The title means "The Last Employee". 

Releases at the local repertory

 

La solitudine dei numeri primi (2010, Saverio Constanzo) - I've heard that the book is fantastic, and the story sounds very interesting, but according to my research the film isn't really worth watching.

Midnight in Paris (2011, Woody Allen) - Yes! Finally! I've been waiting for this so long, and tonight is going to be the night... Even people who normally don't like Woody Allen's latest films liked this one, and I haven't read a single negative review on it yet. Even though I don't remember Paris being as romantic as it looks in the trailer, the city has a magic atmosphere to it, and I'm eager to see the places I've been to in the film. 

Thank God It's Thursday - Brandnew

Previously named "The Weekual Thursday PP", this feature has been adjusted a little. As I'm not only interested in Indian releases, I will from now on also mention the official German cinematic releases. Well, at least those coming to a cinema near me and those that interest me (mentioning each and every release would take ages)

Furthermore, I won't write as much about every film as I used to.

Another announcement is that I've changed the rating system, slash destroyed a part of it, namely the Lime Star. Yes, it's time to say goodbye. It has always been hard for me to rate a film - I'm not God, after all -, so I'll go with the most precise option available, namely the out-of-10 one. Professional and precise. 

I was also thinking about something with pictures, but we'll see, however the out-of-10 one is hear to stay. I mean, it's always been here. But... yeah. Confused.

Be-Careful (India) - I don't even want to show you a still or poster or anything. Try anything to forego it - even though it's the only Indian release for this week.

Contagion (USA) - Top-notch cast and director, praising reviews until now - what could possibly be wrong with this one. If only I had some money left...

La Piel Que Habito (Spain) - Didn't know anything about the film until now, but knew I had to watch it since I saw the poster. As you might know, I introduced myself to Señor Almodóvar last week, and can already call myself a fan. Sadly, it looks like it won't come to my theatre... gr.

Footloose (USA) - I haven't even seen the original, but the trailer of this one seems kind of bland. After all, most dance films are quite unoriginal and mostly about dancing, which is okay for a one-time-watch, but not more. There are some exceptions, though.

That's it, then. Do you like the adjustments I've made to the feature? 

And have you seen any of these films yet?

The Weekual Thursday PP: Biggie, maybe, nay

Hello my fellow bloggers and readers,
I'd like to have some more films to put on the list of what I've seen this month, but times are stressful. Well, they're quite good however, and I'm having a lot of fun at the time. Whatever.
Tonight I'll be watching The Infidel (2010) at the indie cinema, I'm a little excited... It doesn't sound like the best film ever, but it still might be a lot of fun.

New Hindi releases of the week:

Mausam
Director: Pankaj Kapoor (debuting as director)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

This is the second time I watched the trailer, and I must say I'm not as impressed as the first time.
It's just this feeling, you know, as if the trailer is supposed to blow us away, and like, really impress us.

Reminds of the times I watched the Avatar trailer (which was every time I went to the cinemas half a year before the release) - I hated the trailer. It was so in love with itself, do you know what I mean?
Well, I still like Avatar (though not as much as those people who watch nothing else but big blockbuster), so yes, I think I'll like Mausam, too.
It's also cool that the girl is a ballet dancer, though on the other hand, I hope they made something new out of it, and don't just copy The Curious Case of Benjamin Button or maybe parts of Black Swan.

Verdict: No one should miss this - but make sure not to have too high expectations.

The Weekual Thursday PP: Meh

A quick post before my guests are arriving.
Btw, the reviews on MBKD are rather optimistic, it sounds like a lot of fun.

This week's Hindi releases:

Jaana Pehchana
Director: Sachin Pilgaonkar (actor who also directed some rather unknown films)

NO TRAILER FOUND


Poster looks cheesy and reminds me of a telenovela. That woman has a lot of bad make-up on her, and both she and the guy are awfully photoshopped.

Also, I don't understand the title. "To go, to discover"?

Verdict: Looks boring

The Weekual Thursday PP: Monopoly

Most of my week has gone by fast as the wind, but I'm happy I still found time to update you (and me) on the latest Bollywood releases.

Not that there's a lot going on, with only one single film releasing.

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar (debuting)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

I'm starting to like this film. After hearing the name, reading the story, even seeing the first pictures - believe me, I had some serious issues with this film.

The release-timing is obviously perfect - starting a weekend without competition? That's the good old Yash Raj monopoly. Doesn't mean I'll watch the film without being a little critic, but I do sense some masala fun in the way I like it (much more attractive than Bodyguard, this one).

And if it turns out Katrina's acting skills haven't improved? - We always have Imran and Ali!

Verdict: Kinda do-watch 


Official Site - Mere Brother Ki Dulhan








At the end of this post, I'd like to ask you if you're still interested in this feature - always like to hear some good or bad criticism.

(If there's no response, I'll take that as a yes, hehe).

The Weekual Thursday PP: "Bol"ing about yellow Doc Martens plus the usual trash

This week's Indian releases are a little different "unusual", as 4 films are set to release on a wednesday (that's today), and only one of them on friday. Makes me wonder... but they must have their reasons. We all know that Indian release dates can be weird. Or postponed.

Let's see, if this week is having some better things ready for us than last time:

Bas Ek Tamanna
Director: Rahul Kapoor (debuting with a whole bunch of films this year)

That's odd... there's nothing I can find about this film except for the poster and cast/crew.

Really: nada, niente.

The Weekual Thursday PP: One out of Five

I'm pretty stressed out at the moment because of various... things... but that's not what I wanted to tell you. There it is: this week is what I (very creatively) call the "how-i-met-your-mother-week", so I haven't watched anything but HIMYM. The new season will be released on September 19 and I need to have finished watching the last two seasons until then. I can already tell you: it's fun! It's fun to watch a series all day long (except when you're stressed out there is no "all day long", but...). You don't have to think a lot (doesn't mean HIMYM isn't intelligent, though), you can just relax and be... be a series-fanatic instead of a film-fanatic.
However, I'll be making an exception today and go watch The Tree of Life in the theatre, one of my most anticipated films this year.

Speaking of theatre - what's coming up in India for tomorrow?

Chitkabrey - Shades of Grey
Director: Suneet Arora (debuting - though he looks rather old!)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Never heard of this film before? Me neither.

Muhahahha... what's going here?
Are they even allowed to call that a film and not a over-lenghth soap-opera episode?

The actors are the worst I've ever seen, the effects, editing and direction (of the trailer) is the worst I've ever seen... and the story? A very bad copy of Saw, I believe.

Also looks a bit like Game, just with a strong note of B-film.

Even the poster looks embarrassing. Ugh.

Verdict: Rather-do-not watch (but then again... it might be fun)

The Weekual Thursday PP is back

I know that it's Saturday, but this first week of school was quite stressful, so I had no time at all to write this.

There was also some complication with my DVD-order, so I don't have any 2011-Bollywood-DVDs yet, and I also don't have any money (almost). It's just enough to go to the indie-cinema about once a week for 3€, which means I'll be watching "The Tree of Life" next week, but I'll still have to wait for "Super 8" and "Planet of The Apes". Anyways, I have a lot of other DVDs to watch.

It's nice to really be back again, I always love writing this feature.

Not A Love Story

Director: Ram Gopal Varma (Rann, Rakht Charitra)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Ram Gopal Varma is Bollywoods go-to man if you want to chock the whole industry/ country. He has his very own film-making style, and he has both failed greatly and succeeded greatly with his films. 

I dare say we can expect something new and chocking from his latest film.

Mahie Gill has already left a quite good impression on me in "Dev.D", and I'm eager to see, whether she can live up to the expectations I have.

The male lead is a newcomer, and I'm also interested in watching how good he is, but it's also important that this is a female-centered film. At least I hope so.

"Not A Love Story" is one of the films to keep an eye on...

Verdict: Do-watch

The Weekual Thursday PP: Summer Break Edition

THE 9TH WEEKUAL THURSDAY PP

Lime Reviews will have a summer break from next week on (I'll write more on that later - there'll be a bye-post, too), so of course, I won't be able to keep this feature during the next 8 weeks.

Therefore, I decided to create a summer break edition, where I'll present to you the films releasing until third week in August (at least the ones that are announced until now).

Something I also wanted to mention: I'm not trying to decide what you should watch and what not, I'm just giving my personal advice - so you can follow it or not, that's all up to you.

However, we'll skip the "first introduction posters", how I like to call them, the pictures or posters I usually post at the start of each post.

17. June

Always Kabhi Kabhi

Director: Roshan Abbas (debuting)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Let's start with some things I hate about the film until now:

- the voice of the first girl we see in the trailer

- Shahrukh using his commercial voice, as if he was selling a car or something... no emotions...

- the song at the end of the trailer

- the first look poster - everyone's looking very wax statue-y

We all know, that this isn't the next 3 Idiots or Main Hoon Na.

But. The film does have potential. To  entertain us, at least.

I hope that it's not all as bad as it looks like, even though I doubt that Shahrukh is more than an ambassador for this film.

Verdict: Maybe-watch

Bheja Fry 2

Director: Sagar Ballary (Bheja Fry)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

If Vinay Pathak as Bharat Bhushan is some kind of Indian counterpart of Zach Galfianakis as Alan in Hangover, then one could say that Bheja Fry 2 is some kind of Indian  counterpart of Hangover 2. I myself am a big fan of the Hangover-films, and also liked the second film, and I really liked Bheja Fry as well (read my mini review here). 

But will a second part work? It is, of course, without Rajat Kapoor (my love), but Kay Kay Menon is a good compensation. However, it will probably be quite senseless - but Hangover is not better regarding this factor.

Setting the story on a cruise, and later on an island, is a good idea though, as the film probably won't grow boring because of that.

Hm, my mind is split about this one, I don't really know what to think of it.

Verdict: Maybe-watch

Bhindi Baazaar Inc

Director: Ankush Bhatt (debuting)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Warning: The theatrical trailer is longer than 4 minutes, but you can watch half of it only, if you want to. I only watched half of it - I'm always scared to get to know more about a film, than I want to.

That aside, Bhindi Baazaar Inc looks really good. They've made a lot of posters, by the way... 

I just read an interview with Shilpa Shukla in the latest edition of ISHQ (a great Bollywood mag), and it was very interesting. I hope she'll be recognized more after this one.

I also already mentioned Kay Kay Menon, who will be playing a major role in BBI, and I'm excited for that, too.

In a whole, the film looks pretty interesting.

Verdict: Do-watch

Bin Bulaye Baarati

Director: Chandrakant Singh (Rama Rama Kya Hai Dramaaa)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Ugh... eye cancer. 

(...)

Even more after watching the trailer!

If you want bad comedy, discrimination of homosexuals, nonsense, eye cancer and an item number by Mallika Sherawat in one film - watch Bin Bulaye Baraati.

If you don't want any of these, then don't watch it.

Verdict: Rather-do-not-watch

My Husband's Wife/ Mere Pati Ki Patni

Director: Vinod Chhabra (Mysteries - Shaque (???))

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Even more eye cancer... What, are we back in the 90s? No, this is even worse.

A mixture of soft porn, soap opera and... well, the worst 90s' Bollywood films, and a trailer seeming to be made on Windows Movie Maker.

And the poster...

Verdict: Rather-do-not-watch












24. June


Double Dhamaal
Director: Indra Kumar (Dil/ Mann/ Masti/ Pyare Mohan)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Indian slapstick... Always an issue. Sometimes, when in the right mood, I'm able to actually enjoy a film like this, but mostly I don't.

No Entry and Bhagam Bhag were two films like this, for instance, that I was able to enjoy.

Double Dhamaal doesn't look like the worst thing I've ever seen, nor the worst film Arshad ever wasted his talent in, so it might get a chance to convince me.

Verdict: Maybe-watch

1. July


Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap
Director: Poori Jagannath (Shart, Pokiri)

TEASER 1

I don't know if either Double Dhamaal or Bbuddah will be successful, or even both (neither being successful is not to be suspected), but I do know for sure, that big can't-see-through sun glasses in neon colours will be THE new accessory amongst Bollywood-lers.

I might buy some myself... That'd be fun. I could do a post on them...

Oh, sorry, I was just rambling... Well, you can look through all the teasers, I didn't want to do that myself, but I'm more optimistic concerning Bbuddah, than DD.

One explanation might be Amitabh, who is able to act in the worst films (*cough aag*), but still never looses his dignity, somehow... Another one might be that poster and trailer are more cool. Whatever.

Verdict: Do-watch




Delhi Belly
Director: Abhinay Deo (Game)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Wauw! I didn't know it was looking this good, as I've only seen the very first teaser some months ago...

I didn't even know Imran was in it. He finally gets the opportunity to show a new side of himself - the new styling is also very helpful. I am so seeing the JTYJN-talent back again (ok, I haven't seen any other Imran-film, but I've heard about them).

Did I ever mention I love Aamir Khan (which includes his company Aamir Khan Productions)? I think so. He is incredible. Everything he touches turns to gold (and I know you've heard that before, but it is true, d.i.!).

Sooooooooooooooooooo excited!
(By the way: when - is - Dhobi Ghat - releasing - on - DVD????)

Verdict: Watch, watch, watch it!!! (And feel pity for me for one second).






8. July


A Classic Story
Director: Pankaj Yadav (debuting)

So, it's hard to find anything about this one, other than the crew, which is unknown to me, so here are some links that might help the research-loving reader:

Pankaj Yadav's IMDB page  (the film doesn't have one yet)


Cast & Crew on indiafm


Saadat Hasan Manto on wikipedia (the one whose "Jaanki" the film is based on)

Verdict: Do-watch, because I'm curious








Chillar Party
Directors: Vikas Bahl (debuting as a dir.) & Nitesh Tiwari (debuting)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Okay, if you make a film, you seem to be having the option to give it a stupid name, create a couple of stereotype characters (here children) and invent a stupid plot that's even stupider than the things I mentioned before.

Then you have a film.

A good one? No. Can you know that without having seen the film? Yes.

Verdict: Rather-do-not-watch












Murder 2
Director: Mohit Suri (Zeher/ Kalyug/ Raaz 2)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

I know that the Bhatt films are very sex-sells and like to "borrow" ideas from other film industries. I also know that Murder was very sex-sells and the idea was "borrowed".
But nevertheless, I like most of the Bhatt films, and there are many reasons for that (not only the fabulous soundtracks) - and Murder is one of the very best Bhatt films I know.

However, Murder 2 seems to be having more than one little flaw - here's a list of some things I'm not looking forward in it:
- Emraan's ugly hair style
- "Jaqueline Fernandez" (never heard of) instead of Mallika...
- the posters (ew...)
- No good songs until now (at least in the trailer)
- No chemistry, no good plot, no originality, no entertainment...
But: It's Murder 2. And it's the Bhatts. So who knows...

Verdict: Maybe-watch






15. July


Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Director: Zoya Akhtar (Luck By Chance) - FEMALE DIRECTOR!!!

THEATRICAL TRAILER

I love Zoya Akhtar. Not only because she's one of the few Indian female directors, but also because her films are wonderful.
Well... at least the only one she's made until now. Already one of my favorites.

The trailer of this one certainly also looks great (didn't watch it another time now, but I remember it) - three hotties, Europe, summer, sun... Perfect.
There can only be one big summer hit a year, and I think I can already tell for sure, that This Is It.
Yes, it's inspired by The Hangover. So what? It certainly looks better than Bheja Fry 2. And I love The Hangover. And I love Zoya, Abhay, Hrithik, Farhan... even Kalki.
Ok, some plot lines are a bit annoying (having fun before marriage - after that life's "over" (though I don't intend on marrying myself) and the annoying dominating female fiancé), but otherwise: Sooooooo excited!

Verdict: Do-watch






22. July


Singham
Director: Rohit Shetty (Golmaal-series/ Sunday/ All the Best)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Oops... I think I'm having a déja-Dabangg right now. Or is it a Dabangg-vu? Hm....

No, honestly. He's been training. There's a small love story, but he almost immediately gets the girl. He's corrupt. And: I almost forgot, he's a police officer. In a small village.

Yawn... I think I'll re-watch Dabangg instead.

... Or the Lion King hahaha....

Verdict: Rather-do-not-watch










29. July 


Khap
Director: Ajai Sinha


I don't think I want to say anything about a film that doesn't even have a poster yet.

5. August


Chala Mussaddi - Office Office
Director: Rajiv Mehra (Ek Jaan Hai Hum/ Chamatkar / Ram Jaane (...you're kidding?!))

... ... Sorry... ... Oh my gosh, this is really the guy who directed Ram Jaane (bursting with laughter)... I can't believe it! I have to watch this film!
Ram Jaane! "Pump up da bhangra"... Hehe.
He directed his first film in 1983! And the last one in 1995! ... I was born in that year.

Verdict: Do-watch


Chitkabrey - The Shades of Grey
Director: Suneet Arora (debuting - but check out his IMDB, there are pictures (!))

"The relationships of seven couples are put to a stress test. Whether they break or get stronger?".


That's all I can find about this film - but I'm not going to be mad, I mean, were out in the late releases now.








12. August


Aarakshan
Director: Prakash Jha (Mrityudand / Apaharan/ Raajneeti)

THEATRICAL TRAILER


Wow, I'm surprised there's already a trailer and everything...
I'm really looking forward to this one, and there are various reasons for that (yeah, list):


- Prakash Jha is a great director, and one of the best to make films about Indian politics - Raajneeti was superb
- We have a ensemble cast of good, but very different actors (yes, I'm starting to like Deepika even...)
- The trailer and first look seem promising


The film doesn't look as spectacular as my other favorite-releases, but I like that... It looks very Prakash Jha.


Verdict: Do-watch
















Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge
Director: Nupur Ashtana (debuting in dir.)

Ugh, I'm breaking out in a rash when hearing that title... Much worse than Luv Ka the End.
Otherwise, I like the idea of Yash Raj's new banner, Y-films, but... Hm. Would I be able to like a film with that title?


Verdict: Maybe-watch










Phhir 
Director: Girish Dhamija (Yakeen, and also releasing this year Dial M for Marriage (hehe))

So, it's a thriller, and I also read the plot.


However, it's hard to say anything without having seen the trailer or something... The poster looks kind of trashy, though. And I heard that Yakeen is terrible. 


Oh, and Dial M for Marriage? Honestly?


Verdict: Maybe-watch






























Soundtrack
Director: Neerav Ghosh (debuting)

Wooooow, I like that poster!


Okay, the "What the F!" might be a little over-the-top... but maybe it isn't... I don't know.


Judging from the poster, this film is good.


Yeah, I think it'll be good. I know for sure.


Verdict: Do-watch

Sorry for the weird formation of the last films - blogger fail...

Thank you for reading,

Mette M. K.