Girls (TV show) Review

When I wrote this post about which girly TV shows to watch, fellow bloggers Marlen and Jamie recommend saying I should watch Girls.

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The reason why it was not included in my list was because I had seen the pilot episode but somehow I was little grossed out by the in your face sex scenes,foul language etc. But then Gossip Girl ended and New girl season 2 was getting kinda boring so I thought why not give it a second chance. And boy! was I hooked. I finished watching 2 seasons in flat three days. The reason why I have still not seen the season 3 is that it is still in the making. So here's more about the show and what I like/dislike about it..

The Plot

When the Pilot was first aired a lot of publications thought it is this generation's Sex and the City. If you think about it you can't really blame them, there are indeed many common points. 4 single 20 something ladies, best friends, New york city as the backdrop, based on love, sex and relationships, protagonist is a budding writer and the list goes on. The Sex and the City comparison basically summarises the plot. I would actually call it a prelude to the actual Sex and the City as the girls here are still maturing.

Here's the trailer to give you a better idea of the storyline.

The characters

The characterization is the highlight of the show. The 4 girls although best friends couldn't have been more different from each other. Each character is so uniquely crafted.

Marnie - Perfect in everyway. Hot bod, smart, miss goody two shoes, likes the securities in life

Jessa - Bohemian by natures, dresses to reinforce that, mysterious, beautiful in an exotic way, British accented, follows her heart and as she calls herself - adventurous

Hannah - Whimsical, aspiring writer, chubby has lost some fat trying to lose some more, mostly unemployed, spunky, humorous (her character will touch you the most. She is also the writer, director of the show. No wonder she kept the best role for herself :p)

Soshana - The youngest of the lot but preaches the most, still a student, innocent, comical, pristine

Out of the male leads the character that will grew on me the most was Adam. There's something about that guy. Unconventional, crazy, but then turns into someone so sweet and caring. So somewhere from finding him hot you'll start finding him cute! I'm not putting up a picture of his because I just googled and his pics don't do justice to him!

What I liked/disliked about the show

First of all if you are an Indian, you will be shocked..culturally SHOCKED. Even if you an Indian like me who is used to watching American shows you will be Shocked, probably grossed out with the every 2 minute -there's a sex scene in your face. I for one just do not understand how is it humanly possible to have sex so randomly. But once you get over this, then you will slowly start feeling for the characters. I love Jessa's character she's so intriguing. She got pregnant last year (off screen) which is why you will see lesser of her in season 2. The fact that one sees lesser of her want's one to know her more. There are some very real moments like peeing behind the bushes while your friend is watching for you, or wanting your ex to suffer for atleast 6 long years after a breakup or even feeling betrayed by your parents when they no longer want to support you.

The show has it's humour intact, but as Marlen and Jamie would call it - it's a different side of humour, not dark, not in your face, not subtle, just different!

So go ahead and watch it and don't judge it by the pilot episode like me!

Kai Po Che - Movie review

I have been totally missing from the blogging scene and the only reason I have is things got a lil busy at work with some travel also involved. But I am back with a lot of ideas for my next few blog posts. To begin with here's a review of one of the latest movies I saw.

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The plot ( No spoilers I promise)

Based on the book "3 mistakes of my life" by Chetan Bhagat, this film revolves around the stories of three best friends Omi (Amit Sadh), Govind (Raj Kumar) and Ishaan (Sushant Singh) who live in Gujarat. The good for nothing friends decide to start a cricket shop and dream of making it big someday. The film then takes you through their life struggles and how the various crisis that Gujrat faced impacted their lives.

The cast

I read somewhere that the director Abhishek Kapoor was planning to cast established stars but sadly no one was interested. But that in my opinion is one of the best things that couldve happened to the movie. Since, all three are actors are relatively not so known you forget that they are actually actors in the middle of the movie as they blend so well into their characters. The casting is perfect. The camaraderie is so good that one starts believing that the actors are actually good friends. Amrita Puri as Vidya, Isaan's sister plays a stereo typical role, but provides the right amount of freshness in a male dominated film.

The music

Unlike many other movies, the songs here do not stall the story. The music here is used to establish the characters, set the pace and not just as music videos. Amit Trivedi scores high yet again with some very memorable numbers. The song I particularly liked is Manjha. So beautifully written and inspirational.

What I thought

To begin with I never really liked the book for a lot of reasons, like its got an all male protagonists  it is centered around politics and cricket. Two topics that are not really close to my heart. But the promos of the movie looked really promising.And it is also very interesting to see how well a movie is adapted from a book. Even though  the movie has everything that it takes to be a good movie, somehow all these things don't come along well.

The first half is just too and drags. The last half an hour is the only time you feel that the movie grabs your attention. Also, the story in the book is well paced. But since, the director has tried to include everything in the 2 hours of the movie it comes across as a bit of a hotch potch. 

My Rating
Oh hmm .. you know, you can watch it once

Rating - o - meter
Fultoo paisa vasool
You must must watch this one
Oh hmm .. you know, you can watch it once
Time pass it is..not great
What a waste of time..couldn't sit through

Did any of you watch it? What did you'll think? Would love to hear your take. Do write back to me in comments box.

Special 26 - Movie Review

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I know most you must have already seen the movie but I had started writing this post and then just left it mid way because I felt lazy. So thought I should complete it and post it anyways.Better late than never right?

The plot (no spoilers I promise)

Ajay (Akshay Kumar) and Sharma (Anupam Kher) along with their gang pose as CBI officials and raid businessmen and politicians (Based on some real life incidents). In order to prevent such fake raids and arrest them the original CBI (Manoj Bajpai) and Jimmy Shergill and team try to plot a consipracy against them. The whole movie is about this cat and mouse chase between the two teams

The cast

Since, the story is the hero here, all the characters get almost the same footage. Neeraj Pandey (the director) has been aptly able to extract good performances from each every member of his cast. Akshay Kumar in a serious role is like a fresh breath of air. Manoj Bajpai looks and enacts his part to the tee. Anupam Kher is his dependable self. Jimmy Shergill, Divya Dutta and Kaajal Aggarwal ably support them.

The music

Nothing note worthy here infact heard that Akshay Kumar has sung one song. But didn't realise it while watching the movie.

What I thought

There are a certain things that I felt were lacking. For example there is no build up to how Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher build this gang and meet the rest of the characters in this gang. Also, the reason given for Akshay Kumar to start these crimes is a little frivolous. 

But overall the film is good watch with a great story and maintains a racy pace throughout, except for the romance scenes between Akshay and Kajaal (Yes, a lot of people felt that this track was not needed at all, but I feel it was needed to provide a background to Akshay's character, however the 2 songs could easily be cut from the movie). Do watch it for some good acting skills, direction and the fun thrills that the chase between the police and thieves gives.

My Rating
You must must watch this one.

Rating - o - meter
Fultoo paisa vasool
You must must watch this one
Oh hmm .. you know, you can watch it once
Time pass it is..not great
What a waste of time..couldn't sit through

Did any of you watch it? What did you'll think? Would love to hear your take. lease write back to me in comments box.

TV shows for the girly girl!

I am really having withdrawal symptoms as my favourite show Bigg Boss ended yesterday. The makers ensured that season was Alag che as they had promised it to be. Even the most dullest of the characters came alive because of the twist and turns the show had this time. Those who didn't watch it really missed an Indian show being as interesting in terms of the format as any other American\English show. 

Now that it has ended I've stocked up on a lot of other non Indian shows that I need to catch up on. I;m not much of a thriller/action of a person. Though I like watching thriller/suspense movies. But when it comes to TV shows i like my dose of drama (should i say teen drama *embarassed*) and comedy. yes, I'm one of those girly girls. Thought will share my list with you'll :

New Girl Season 2

Jess a twenty something school teacher, rents a place with 3 bachelors after breaking up with her boyfriend. The show trails the dynamics between the 4 of them. 

What I like it for

Jess's quirkiness and the chemistry between her and Nick (oooh).

IMDB ranking
7.9/10

Gossip girl Season 6
I know I'm too late for this and thanks to twitter I already know the climax and who Gossip girl finally is but what the heck who cares I never saw the show for its plot but only for the clothes and the makeup. Being a girl didn't stop me from drooling over serena's long legs or Blair's oh so cute face!

What I like it for

Serena & Blair. Need I say more?

IMDB ranking
7/10

Modern family Season 4
A family that is normal but yet unusual.I feel this is one of those rare shows that improve season after season. This gets funnier and better with season 4.

What I like it for

Gloria for her spanish accent. (Whatever she says sounds funny). Manny for his over matured talks. Cam (he's adorable).Luke for being so smartly dumb!

IMDB ranking
8.7/10

2 broke girls season 2

2 broke girls Max and Caroline meet while waitressing at a diner and decide to stay together and start a cupcake business and become BFFs on their way. 

What I like it for
Max's spunk and Caroline's worldliness.


IMDB ranking
7/10

Have you seen any of these shows? Do let me know what do you'll think? Also, please add to my list. 

Matru ki Bijlee ka Mandola - Review

The plot (no spoilers I promise)
Mandola (Pankaj Kapoor) has made a pact with Minister\politician (Shabana Azmi) to marry off his daughter Bijlee(Anushka Sharma) to her son Badal (Aryan Babbar). Through this pact Mandola seeks clearance for his dream factory plan much against the farmers wishes and the politician eyes his wealth.
Matru played by Imran Khan is a character that plays Mandola's help and is also pivotal in creating some twists in the movie.

The cast
Pankaj Kapoor delivers an excellent performance although his drunken Haryanvi accent gets a little difficult to understand at times. Anushka sharma does not have much to do but gives her best in all her scenes and is remarkably good in her druken scene (yes there's a lot of alcohol involved in the movie). As for Imran Khan, clearly this is the best role that he has got till date in terms of exploring his potential.

Shabana Azmi and Aryan Babbar are successful in playing their evil and dumb characters respectively.They are all ably supported by the rest of the cast.

The music
Except for the peppy title track Oh Boy Charlie is the only one that manages to catch one's attention.

What I thought
The movie has been marketed as a dark comedy. However there's not much of humour and at times it falls flat. Mainly because most of the jokes and punchlines were revealed in the promos only.The movie takes a lot of time to pick up pace and once it is set we are already almost towards the end. Somehow the story comes across as loose and the impact of the social message is lost.
But it has its plus points in terms of the fabulous art direction and Vishal Bharadwaj's efforts to keep it rustic and true to life.

My Rating
time pass it is..not great

Rating - o - meter
Fultoo paisa vasool
You must must watch this one
Oh hmm .. you know, you can watch it once
Time pass it is..not great
What a waste of time..couldn't sit through

Did any of you watch it? What did you'll think? Would love to hear your take. lease write back to me in comments box.