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david_makinster
Reviews
Hamlet (1990)
Horrible, horrible, most horrible.
Well, to each his own, but I thought Gibson's Hamlet was the most god-awful rendition I had ever witnessed... as subtly nuanced as a paper bag, and as inspired as a telemarketing call. The only reason I watched the movie through to the end was that I held out hope that either it would get better or become unintentionally funny. No luck.
No disrespect for the supporting cast or for Zefferelli's staging, but nothing can make up for the bungling of the main character. I have seen Hamlet well-portrayed as an African prince, as an animated lion, as a rough-and-tumble warrior, as a romantic poet, etc. etc. etc. . But IMHO this portrayal was just a plentiful lack of wit together with most weak hams.
Aitraaz (2004)
More than just a Bollycat
The only thing I have to add to the other reviews is that you may be fooled into thinking you know what will happen next -- more than once, in fact -- but just when you think this is just a Bollycat version of DISCLOSURE, there are a few plot twists remaining. Actually, the film starts off as though it is going to be a goofy romantic comedy, but there are many changes in store.
The performances are good all around. I thought Kareena (the most gorgeous woman on the planet) Kapoor was wasted, until the final scenes when she steps forward to do battle. Her character's closing arguments are actually more balanced than the message of DISCLOSURE, which I thought simply demonized Demi Moore's character. And the bad girl, Sonia (Priyanka Chopra) ends up seeming pathetic, not simply evil. Can it be that justice is not the same as revenge?
My only complaint is that the music and dance numbers are less than memorable, although not bad by any means. If you like Bollywood, definitely see this one.
Khushi (2003)
Goofy, funny, film starring the most beautiful woman in Bollywood
OK, so this film is not a profound riff on human nature or a dazzling innovation in movie making, but so what? It is consistently funny in a dare-to-be-goofy way. Kareena Kapoor is clearly the most beautiful woman in the world (sorry, Aishwarya), and can be silly on camera without coming off as dim or unappealing. Fardeen Kahn is the perfect romantic and comedic foil for Bebo in this off-beat story. Amrish Puri is as good as you would expect, and he and Fardeen play off each other beautifully. The musical numbers are fun, sometimes sexy and sometimes too weird for words, but always entertaining. And isn't entertainment what Bollywood does so well? Lighten up! Have a little Kushi!