Destined to Doom Movies of 2017, Which were Surprisingly Great or Decent or Maybe Just About Average
Every year we predict certain films as turkeys because they simply stink in all departments right from the day they were conceived on the drawing board. But, there's no more an exhilarating felling than when these type of films shockingly end up being really good. While some just about make the cut, few others, and very few others, might ultimately achieve cult-classic status too.
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- DirectorSanjay GuptaStarsHrithik RoshanYami GautamRonit RoyA blind dubbing artist seeks revenge against a corrupt politician and his brother, after his wife is raped and killed.An A-class Hrithik Roshan in an A-grade film, both aspects that come together after a considerable period, which makes Kaabil indeed a treat to savor. That it achieves this feat while keeping you hooked, tensed, excited, thoroughly entertained, and perpetually on your toes to the very end, without ever resorting to cheap gimmicks or hasty plot contrivances, speaks volumes of the film's quality and its commitment to serve as a brilliant throwback to Bollywood's bygone era of revenge thrillers.
4.5/5 stars - DirectorAditya SarpotdarStarsAmey WaghGirish KulkarniParna PetheBanesh Fene, a charming, witty and extremely sharp guy with daring nature and an uncanny knack for investigation who comes to Pune for a medical exam, witnesses a shocking incident. He suspects foul play and with the help of his friends Aajoba, Aboli, and Bhubhu, Banesh decides to investigate more about the incident. Soon, he realizes that he has walked himself into trouble as he has to face off against Appa, a cruel criminal.An endearing thriller, and I say endearing thriller even though it has loads of suspense, mystery, twists, and tense moments, because the movie just fills you with amazement, a sense of adventure, and leaves you on a high after watching it. Faster Fene is a perfect example of how creativity can be juiced to its last drop when you don't have a big budget to play around with, highlighting just about everything that's right about Marathi cinema at the moment. The screenplay, direction, performances, cinematography, and editing are all spot on and combine to draw you further into the narrative as the plot unfolds. Also, a special mention for the dialogues, some of which stay with you long after the credits roll. In short, a simple suspense thriller that gets full marks for never having a dull or unnecessary moment and keeping you engaged right through.
4.5/5 stars - DirectorVishal FuriaStarsPooja SawantUsha NaikVikram GaikwadA new-born Indian baby... An age-old horror practice and the fact how evil are certain human practicesNot just one-of-the-best psychological horror films produced in Indian cinema (there are as is very few of them), but a brilliantly concealed commentary on misogyny and our deeply rooted societal patriarchy, which doesn't raise its head till the very end, and when it does, it hits you as brutally as all the scary parts. The seamlessness with which debutante Vishal Furia weaves a complex, topical narrative, without once losing grip on his primary job of creeping us out, deserves the highest praise, and he's backed by some wonderful performances, particularly by Pooja Samant and Usha Naik. Lapachhapi preys on your innermost fears as much as it reminds you that there's an entire world just beyond our privileged demarcations, where life is as hellish as the ghosts on screen.
4.4/5 stars - DirectorChris PeckoverStarsOlivia DeJongeLevi MillerEd OxenbouldOn a quiet suburban street, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it's far from a normal home invasion.Right up there with such twisted Christmas-movie gems like Gremlins, Black Christmas, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, yet what sets it apart is how writer/Director Chris Peckover and cowriter Zack Kahn showcase an absorbing character study of how psychosis can take route despite the best of upbringings and environments, proving once again that some evil beings are such because they're just born evil. Nevertheless, it's the subtlety with which this commentary is made, where Peckover and Kahn never once lose sight of their first and foremost objective – to entertain and draw us to the edge of our seats with a thrilling slasher film, filled with tantalizing twists and turns – that makes Better Watch Out a dark, twisted, unpredictable, but, ultimately, fun-filled Christmas classic.
4.2/5 stars - DirectorPatrick HughesStarsRyan ReynoldsSamuel L. JacksonGary OldmanOne of the world's top bodyguards gets a new client, a world class hitman who must testify at the International Criminal Court. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial alive and on time.You'd be hard pressed to find action comedies in the modern age that are cooler, funnier, more action-packed or, simply, as goddamn, balls-out entertaining as The Hitman's Bodyguard. 'MoFo' Samuel L. Jackson and 'Deadpool' Ryan Reynolds were born to do this together, with their charismatic charm and witty banter overflowing in gleeful abandon. Plus, extra points to the film for boasting three of the best one-liners you'll ever hear in an action movie.
4/5 stars - DirectorLiam O'DonnellStarsFrank GrilloBojana NovakovicJonny WestonA tough-as-nails detective embarks on a relentless pursuit to free his son from a nightmarish alien warship.How does a sequel manage to not only be an upgrade to a crappy first instalment, but also stand out as a kickass sci-fi movie on its own? Well, for starters it just takes the premise of that crappy first part and leaves everything else behind; reinvents the entire plot and turns the narrative on its head; hires a badass, extremely dependable leading man in Frank Grillo; stacks up the supporting cast with martial-arts stars like Iko Uwaisi; gives us menacing-looking aliens, with an even more-menacing alien spaceship; and infuses the proceedings with never-before-seen action like martial artists and tough guys laying roundhouse kicks and deadly hooks on giant alien robots. When you have a movie this cool, it doesn't matter if it's believable sci-fi or not, and that's exactly where Beyond Skyline manages to carve a niche for itself not just as a rare sequel that's infinitely better than the original, but also as a totally awesome standalone sci-fi movie.
4/5 stars - DirectorK.S. RavindraStarsN.T. Rama Rao Jr.Raashi KhannaNivetha ThomasSidelined at a very young age due to stammering, the eldest of identical triplets develops hatred for his younger brothers and creates havoc in their lives as they all reunite as adults.JaiLavaKusa is easily one-of-the-best family entertainers ever; a complete package of action, emotions, family bonding, drama, music, heroism, villainy, and full-blown, no-holds-barred entertainment. It's ManmohanDesai masala entertainment meets #Ramayana for modern times, and reminds us what's being missing from big-budget #Bollywood entertainers. And Jr NTR's reminds us how a star should please all his fans; both the classes and masses – if his swag and larger-than-life persona is infectious, then his layered performance where he impeccably distinguishes all three of his characters is absorbing to the core. Bollywood filmmakers and its stars need to wake up. This is the kind of universally appealing entertainment package that the Hindi film audience has been missing for some time now, and which the South audience is being spoilt with.
If one were to nitpick and find faults with the film, then they would be the slightly weak romantic tracks, the slightly underwhelming climax, and the fact that it’ll certainly not go down as a highly artistic movie or one that highlights a topical subject. But, should we really care that it doesn’t? After all, movies like Jai Lava Kusa, which celebrate big stars and remind us what massy Indian family entertainer are all about, are also needed. And this is a celebration that needs to be experienced on the big screen. So, regardless if you're a movie-buff or not, irrespective if you’re into regional cinema or not, do yourselves a favor and watch Jai Lava Kusa at a theater near you ASAP.
4/5 stars - DirectorJames FrancoStarsJames FrancoDave FrancoAri GraynorWhen aspiring actor Greg Sestero meets the weird and mysterious Tommy Wiseau in an acting class, they form a unique friendship and travel to Hollywood to make their dreams come true.A great movie with absorbing dialogues, memorable scenes, and captivating performances (especially a career-defining act by James Franco as the eponymous Disaster Artist) about a really shitty movie, with lousy dialogues, cringe-worthy scenes, and some of the worst acting ever witnessed on screen. But will this film achieve the same cult status as the celluloid trainwreck it's based on? Well, that's a topic for another day.
4/5 stars - DirectorDennis BartokStarsShauna MacdonaldSteve WallLeah McNamaraRecovering after a terrible accident, Dana struggles to regain her life and family when she encounters a malevolent ghost in her hospital room.Irish horror film, Nails, swaps a haunted house for a haunted hospital (more specifically, a haunted hospital room), but the atmosphere, scares, and overall execution are just as chilling as any of the better entries in the supernatural horror genre, primarily because of how effectively Dennis Bartok plays with the ghost and our protagonist's backstory while extracting some clever, if not always unique, spooky moments along the way.
3.9/5 stars - DirectorDavid SorenStarsKevin HartThomas MiddleditchEd HelmsTwo overly imaginative pranksters named George and Harold hypnotize their grumpy principal into thinking he's a ridiculously enthusiastic, incredibly dimwitted superhero named Captain Underpants.If there ever was a candidate that lives up to the adage, 'fun for the entire family', then Captain Underpants surely has to figure somewhere in the upper echelons of the list. The fact that it fits the bill in the most unassuming manner, with jokes that fly fast and funny, and a touch of zaniness to boot; make it an unbridled joyride that could easily find a place on your shelf in years to come for repeated viewings.
3.9/5 stars - DirectorAlain DesrochersStarsAntonio BanderasBen KingsleyLiam McIntyreA security guard protects an eleven year-old girl who is being targeted by a gang for participating as a trial witness.Playing out like a hardcore Home Alone movie for adults, Security embodies all the tension, thrill, toughness, and adrenaline-pumping moments, which action buffs used to love in the '80s and '90s, when brawny men did the dirty work before costumed heroes took over. It's also a welcome reminder than Antonio Banderas has still got it and that Ben Kingsley can unleash his deliciously evil side at the drop of a hat.
3.9/5 stars - DirectorMichael CuestaStarsDylan O'BrienMichael KeatonSanaa LathanAfter the death of his girlfriend at the hands of terrorists, Mitch Rapp is drawn into the world of counterterrorism, mentored by tough-as-nails former U.S. Navy S.E.A.L. Stan Hurley.Slick, gritty, and raw – in a world of CGI-driven, superhero action movie, American Assassin stands out for its realism and a kind of hands-on approach, where otherworldly perils solved by superpowers are skipped for real-life threats tackled by real men with no powers, but equipped with loads of training, skill, and ingenuity. Plus, it's headlined by ab A-list cast, including Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, and Taylor Kitsch, who're at the top of their game, and surrender wholeheartedly to the script and Director Michael Cuesta's vision. But, the real revelation is the star of the show, Dylan O'Brien, who's the most-unassuming of action heroes, thrust suddenly into a situation not by design, but one he willingly accepts with all the vigor, zeal, and cognition needed to substitute his lack of brawn and machismo. If the film does well at the box-office, then Mitch Rapp certainly has a future as the new-age thinking action hero now that Jason Bourne is all but on his last legs. However, regardless of its box-office collection, American Assassin demands your attention (its handful of flaws notwithstanding) if you're on the lookout for a realistic and raw action film in a milieu that seldom deals them any more.
3.8/5 stars - DirectorAli Abbas ZafarStarsSalman KhanKatrina KaifParesh RawalInspired by real events, Tiger Zinda Hai is a sequel to the blockbuster Ek Tha Tiger, and an espionage action drama that follows a daring rescue mission in Iraq.Tiger Zinda Hai has some flaws and a few factual fallacies, but, on the whole, it's damn exciting. Poora paisa-vasool entertainment in the league of the bygone era of Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis action movies albeit, peppered with full-on desi masala that'll appeal to anyone who isn't possessed with a compulsive need to boast how intellectual they are. Salman Khan does a desi Rambo and how while Katrina Kaif steals the entire show in some of her action scenes. There are smart action movies, and then they're balls-out, bat-shit crazy action movie like TZH, which are meant to pump your adrenaline and take you on a fun-filled romp, the loopholes in the screenplay notwithstanding.
3.75/5 stars - DirectorBharathanStarsJoseph VijayKeerthy SureshJagapathi BabuBairavaa, a gallant debt collector, takes on a violent criminal masquerading as a philanthropist in the education field.A Thalapathy Vijay show from start to finish, and boy, does he pull it off with aplomb and joie de vivre, ably backed by a vile Jagapati babu, a perfectly serviceable masala plot by Bharathan, and some whistle-worthy action scenes and dialogues, which combine to make Bairavaa a wholesome family entertainer. Vijay fans will love it like anything; neutral moviegoers, too, will lap it up for its sheer entertainment value.
3.75/5 stars - DirectorMichael SpierigPeter SpierigStarsMatt PassmoreTobin BellCallum Keith RennieBodies are turning up around the city, each having met a uniquely gruesome demise. As the investigation proceeds, evidence points to one suspect: John Kramer, the man known as Jigsaw, who has been dead for over 10 years.The best edition to the Saw franchise since Saw 2, embodying all the vile traits that made the film eponymous serial killer worthy of his pedestal among the pantheon of deranged cinematic psychopaths. And as bloodcurdlingly grotesque as Jigsaw is, it's also a tantalizingly twisted, deliciously devious, and stupefyingly shocking ride that's certain to keep fans of gory thrillers on edge while keeping other viewers engrossed to the very end.
3.75/5 stars - DirectorRohin VenkatesanStarsR. AravindrajRitu ChaudharyAbishek Joseph GeorgeWhat begins as a love triangle morphs into a thriller, following an accident - and an abduction.3.6/5 stars
- DirectorChristopher LandonStarsJessica RotheIsrael BroussardRuby ModineA college student must relive the day of her murder over and over again, in a loop that will end only when she discovers her killer's identity.3.6/5 stars
- DirectorAvinash DasStarsPankaj TripathiSanjay MishraSwara BhaskerA village dancer is harassed by a local politician and is ridiculed by the police, but ends up plotting revenge to clear her name.With its heart in the right place and a reformist vision as its center of focus, Anaarkali of Aarah delves deep into the hinterlands of India to come up with a telling yet entertaining statement on feminism, patriarchy, and the importance to defend one's respect regardless the odds. It may not fall in the league of a Pink, but you never get the feeling that debutant Director Avinash Das was aiming for such high peaks. What he does do well though is ease you into the film’s rustic narrative, replete with vivid colors and plenty of oomph, and then, when you least expect it, he take a sudden U-turn, and hits you, with what can only be described, as a strong, inspirational, and rooted portrayal of feminism.
Admittedly, in its quest to deliver its message, the screenplay loses out on a bit of realism, and though you go along with it because of its hopeful nature, the nagging question still remains at the back of your mind that it would be virtually impossible for a street dancer to go to such lengths in a place like Bihar before being hacked to pieces and being strewn across a river. Technically, too, the film is quite an underachiever, and the lack of budget sticks out like a sore thumb in certain shots and sets. Even, the editing could have been crisper; case in point being the Delhi track, which was far too stretched out. Nevertheless, this is a film that needs to be watched for a budding Director’s obvious talent, the pertinent message delivered with heart, and, above all, a virtuoso Swara Bhasker at her vivacious best.
3.6/5 stars - DirectorJay.kStarsPrithviraj SukumaranPriya AnandTovino ThomasA newly married woman brings an antique Jewish box into her home, unaware that the box contains the ghost of Abraham Ezra.Malayalam horror has arrived and how. Ezra is proof that regional Indian filmmakers can rub shoulders with the best in the world when it comes to dishing out commercially viable fare that doesn't skim on proper research, a sound foundation, and well-executed plans. There's plenty of chills and a frighteningly good time to be had with Ezra.
3.6/5 stars - DirectorLokesh KanagarajStarsSundeep KishanSriRegina CassandraFour youngsters arrive in a big city and their lives become interlinked.3.5/5 stars
- DirectorYimou ZhangStarsMatt DamonTian JingWillem DafoeIn ancient China, a group of European mercenaries encounters a secret army that maintains and defends the Great Wall of China against a horde of monstrous creatures.3.5/5 stars
- DirectorMichael ShowalterStarsKumail NanjianiZoe KazanHolly HunterPakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and grad student Emily Gardner fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family's expectations, and his true feelings.3.4/5 stars
- DirectorCarlos SaldanhaStarsJohn CenaKate McKinnonBobby CannavaleAfter Ferdinand, a bull with a big heart, is mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure.3.35/5 stars
- DirectorAnees BazmeeStarsAnil KapoorArjun KapoorIleana D'CruzSingleton Kartar Singh is left with the responsibility of raising his 2 orphaned nephews. He asks his brother to raise Charan and his sister in London to raise Karan. When the twins cross continents, they leave behind a trail of confusion.Madcap elements coupled with constant punchlines and slapstick humor, set against good-looking locations and carrying a pulsating energy – that’s the template Director Anees Bazmee follows for Mubarakan; a template he has followed to good effect in most of his previous outings, and which he gets right once again in his latest effort.
Bazmee is a past-master at threading slapstick comedies from goof-ups and misconceptions, and he’s once again in his elements with Mubarakan. It may not be a laugh riot like No Entry or Welcome, but it has enough of fun moments to keep you oscillating between chuckles, broad smiles, and bellyful of laughs for its entire runtime. Most of the punchlines hit the mark, and more than half of the slapstick moments set you in a humorous mood. Yes, there are a few regressive moments and dialogues involving Binkle’s (Athiya Shetty) character, and a few scenes may make you roll your eyes and say, ‘what the fu*k?’, but, on the whole, Mubarakan gets the job done of being a clean, clear-cut, genuinely funny masala entertainer that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Admittedly, the film could have been trimmed by 15-20 minutes, and the music should have been way better as that’s one of the hallmarks of family entertainers. But all said and done, Mubarakan is very clear in what it sets out to do, and, more or less, accomplishes its task with hysterical results. There’s absolutely nothing to take away from the film, and if you try to analyze it too much, you’ll never enjoy it. But if you’re one of those who has missed laughing in the theaters at silly moments and simplistic fun, then the film is right up your alley. Mind you, the script if far from nonsensical, and just as with most of Bazmee’s film, there’s a method to the madness. (You’re not required to leave your brains behind with this one.) So, do yourself a favor by packing your troubles for two and a half hours, and surrender yourself to the quintessential Bollywood masala family entertainer done right after a long time.
3.3/5 stars - DirectorPhil VolkenStarsEion BaileyBethany Joy LenzMauricio AlemañyWhen a Caribbean family vacation takes a disastrous turn, a father finds himself at the mercy of a cold-blooded fisherman, and a desperate race against the clock to save his wife and son.3.3/5 stars
- DirectorSean ByrneStarsEthan EmbryShiri ApplebyPruitt Taylor VinceA struggling painter's possessed by dark forces after he and his young family move into their dream home in rural Texas, in this creepy haunted-house tale.3.25/5 stars
- DirectorMcGStarsJudah LewisSamara WeavingRobbie AmellWhen Cole stays up past his bedtime, he discovers that his hot baby sitter belongs to a satanic cult that will stop at nothing to keep him quiet.3.2/5 stars
- DirectorJeremy RushStarsFrank GrilloCaitlin CarmichaelGarret DillahuntA getaway driver for a bank robbery realizes he has been double crossed and races to find out who betrayed him.3.2/5 stars
- DirectorMadhur BhandarkarStarsKirti KulhariTota Roy ChowdhuryNeil Nitin MukeshIndu Sarkar is set during the emergency period between 1975 to 1977 declared by Prime Minister Indra Gandhi.Indu Sarkar is not without its deficiencies, and, certainly, more could have been done with its burning topic. But, whatever it serves up is more than palatable, and, most importantly, it makes you sit up and be thankful for not having been made to survive those horrifying nineteen months of Indian history. Though not quite up there with a Chandni Bar or Page 3, or even a Fashion or Corporate, it’s still a welcome return to form for Bhandarkar, and makes for a perfectly hard-hitting watch at the movies.
3.2/5 stars - DirectorBlake FreemanStarsEddie GriffinBlake FreemanCasper Van DienA guy gets his two friends on a plane to Colombia, telling them it's a vacation, but he plans to catch a drug lord and collect the $25M reward. They don't speak Spanish and think Colombia is a city in Mexico.3.1/5 stars
- DirectorJonathan MilottCary MurnionStarsDave BautistaBrittany SnowAngelic ZambranaWhen a U.S. based military force invades their Brooklyn neighborhood, 20-year-old Lucy and war veteran Stupe must depend on each other to survive.An extended and intermittently exciting, but ultimately formulaic, chase movie, albeit on foot, told through a familiar dystopian milieu, with a surprisingly subdued Dave Bautista displaying his improved acting chops.
3.1/5 stars - DirectorMike MendezStarsDolph LundgrenKristina KlebeTony BentleyAn ancient demon terrorizes a tiny Mississippi town.An uber-cool Dolph Lundgren in a campy horror film that offers dollops of smart one-liners, gore, machismo, and. above all, trashy fun. What more could one ask for to spend a breezy 90 minutes?
3/5 stars - DirectorAshwiny Iyer TiwariStarsAyushmann KhurranaKriti SanonRajkummar RaoSet in the small-town of Bareilly, Bitti is a free-spirited young girl who lives life on her own terms and refuses to be pressured into getting married. Her life takes a shift when she meets Chirag Dubey and Pritam Vidrohi.The best way to describe Bareilly Ki Barfi would be to call lit a movie of two halves – everything about it is split in two. The film goes from a meandering, partly drab first half to a frequently amusing, intermittently humorous second half. The overall standard of performance is raised from a going-through-the-motion act pre-interval to a display filled with verve-and-vitality post-interval. And the script, which was quite shallow in the first part of the film, acquires much-needed depth once you return after filling your popcorn tub. The reason for all this – one man and one man alone; Rajkummar Rao.
Here’s an actor who’s at the top of his game, and shows us how a terrific performance can inject life into even the most routine of films. The way he transforms from a mild-mannered youth to a ballsy thug needs to be seen to be believed. Every scenes and dialogue of his cracks you up, and even the emotional tracks start connecting with you. Heck, even Ayushmann and Kriti start feeding of his performance to become infinitely more watchable. Thankfully, Bareilly is kept short, and the other technical aspects like the cinematography and production design, too, merge well with the film. The music is nothing to write home about, but neither does it damage your ears.
Bareilly Ki Barfi is a classic case of how an actor can completely transcend a script, his dialogues, and the entire film solely on the might of his performance and presence. It’s also a fantastic reminder that if a film has only one good half, it should be the second one because that’s what remains with the audience.
3/5 stars - DirectorM. Night ShyamalanStarsJames McAvoyAnya Taylor-JoyHaley Lu RichardsonThree girls are kidnapped by a man with a diagnosed 23 distinct personalities. They must try to escape before the apparent emergence of a frightful new 24th.Though it moves along at a snail's pace at times, Split does manage to keep you engrossed and interested in what could happen next, which says more about James McAvoy's gonzo performance(s), and M. Night Shyamalan's script rather than his direction. That being said, the film is not half as smart as it's being made out to be, and the finale more 'crazy absurd' than 'crazy good'. Still, it does merit your time, if for no other reason, then just to see how Shyamalan can keep pushing the boundaries of his imagination and extract terrific performances.
3/5 stars - DirectorImtiaz AliStarsShah Rukh KhanAnushka SharmaBjörn FreibergA depressed middle-aged tour guide who lives in his own bubble gets another chance to experience and face reality through a chirpy girl.Both Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma are a sizzling treat together in Jab Harry Met Sejal. They breathe more life into the narrative than what most other actors could have dreamed to, even in some banal scenes, and if it wasn’t for their vivacious dual act, the film could have fallen flat, particularly in the second half, for it’s here that Director Imtiaz Ali loses his grip over proceedings. The energetic banter is replaced by serious monologues between our lead pair, and while some of the lines and scenes still leave an indelible mark, a sizeable proportion of them fail to leave an impact. Quite a surprising slide for a film that was flowing so seamlessly before the intermission. You also get the feeling that the screenplay drags too much towards the end, not to mention the unnecessary clichéd final act.
Still, SRK and Anushka make this vacation quite a pleasant trip, and even when the film lags, their finely balanced vibrancy and subtlety ensure that you don’t fidget too much. K.U. Mohanan’s cinematography and Pritam’s music are also major plus points, with both facets perfectly complementing the story. Sadly, Aarti Bajaj’s editing leaves a lot to be desired (the film could have easily been half an hour shorter). This though is as much Imtiaz’s fault as it is Bajaj’s because of how much his direction dips in the second half. To be fair to him tough, there are still plenty of Imtiaz-esque moments in the second half – the hug between SRK and Anushka in the train; SRK shouting at an open sea-face; SRK losing his cool when Anushka gets too close to him after a friend’s wedding. You just wish there were more of them.
All things considered, Jab Harry Met Sejal is still a perfectly decent watch, one of Bollywood’s better love stories in recent times, and, certainly, Shah Rukh Khan’s best romantic film in ages. Watching it just to see the ‘King of Romance’ sweep you off your feet once more is alone worth the trip to your nearest theater.
2.9/5 stars - DirectorPrawaal RamanStarsAdil HussainHuma QureshiMadalina Bellariu IonSiblings Natasha and Kabir Merchant investigate an allegedly haunted mirror in their parents' home in this official adaption of 'Oculus'.A haunted mirror rather than a haunted house forms the crux for all the spectral manifestations in Dobaara: See Your Evil, and for the most part it works by virtue of building a chilling atmosphere and keeping you intrigued to reach the outcome of this mystery. It stays mostly true to its original Hollywood source, Oculus, while also adding a nice Indian flavor and tweaking the story just enough to keep those who’ve watched Oculus interested. However, had it been scary instead of just being spooky, Dobaara could have sent shivers down your spine instead of being content with holding your attention.
Director Prawaal Raman does a commendable job of adapting a Hollywood film – that wasn’t so scary to begin with – to an Indian milieu, shaking things up enough to keep both those who’ve watched the original film and those who’re primarily used to Indian storytelling styles engaged. The best part about Dobaara has got to be its production design and cinematography, which aid the Director’s vision in creating a chilling world that draws the audience in. Huma Qureshi and Adil Hussain's performances also elevate the narrative beyond where it has any right to be.
Some genuinely eerie moments bring you to the edge of your seat. Unfortunately, they are few and far between, and when they do crop us, they aren’t scary enough to leave you gasping with fright. The background score also does little to add to the spook factor. Make no mistake; Dobaara is a decent film that boasts enough good psychological twists and a generally spooky undercurrent. The problem is that it never really transcends those elements to be considered a truly scary film.
In short, Dobaara: See Your Evil hits all the right notes as far as hooking you into its chilling world is concerned. The only drawback is that when you wish to move beyond the chills of this world explore it for its thrills, the films has precious little to offer.
2.9/5 stars - DirectorDeven BhojaniStarsVidyut JammwalAdah SharmaEsha GuptaCommando Karan uses his combat skills to eradicate black money, which has been siphoned to banks abroad.Commando 2 keeps you engaged and is enjoyable as a breezy action entertainer. Certain highlights in the film, like Vidyut effortlessly squeezing his huge frame through a miniscule window; a chase scene on the streets of Bangkok; and the final combat scene between him and Thakur Anoop Singh are alone worth the price of admission. Adah Sharma's cute Hyderabadi accent and humorous turnover is another plus point. However, the overdone sentimentality in some portions; sci-fi style hacking; and overriding of other countries' law enforcement by Indian officials is a bit much to digest. Also, many of the twists are just plain laughable But if you can overlook such things and other plot loopholes, then Commando 2 does make for a passably fun trip.
2.9/5 stars - DirectorMrighdeep LambaStarsPulkit SamratVarun SharmaAli FazalJust out of jail, a don is ready to get back at the four friends who conned her.2.8/5 stars