Movie Review: Paheli (2005)

Paheli (2005) a.k.a The Dilemma
Red Chillies Entertainment, India, 2005.

Based on Vijayadan Detha's novel and 1973 movie "Duvidha."

Beautiful Lachchi (Rani Mukerji) is getting married in ancient India. In the first song there is both playful anticipation of the wedding night and sadness of leaving behind family and childhood's friends. The wedding procession has to stop at a place that is said to be haunted. There a shapeshifting ghost falls in love with Lachchi. Husband Kishanlal (Shah Rukh Khan) is a trader and only interested in business. He is leaving for a business trip for five years (!) and has no time for even a wedding night, so Lachchi feels lonely and sad. The women in the family seem to be have unhappy fates as also Kishanlal's brother Sunderlal (Sunil Shetty) left his family and wife Gajrobai (Juhi Chawla) after losing a bet in camel races. 

Lachchi

Kishanlal

Gajrobai

The Ghost disguises as Kishanlal and returns home. He tells Kishanlal's father Bhanwarlal (Anupam Kher) that he is now blessed and earns five magic coins per day.  Lachchi is happy but the Ghost reveals that he is not the real husband. Sneaky Uncle Kanwarlal (Dilip Prabhavalkar) wants to know where the gold comes from, however this subplot never comes to any conclusion. 

Supernatural romance!

Bhanwarlal

Kanwarlal

Confusing situation arises when servant Bhoja (Rajpal Yadav) comes to bring letter from Kishanlal - only to be greeted by Kishanlal. The Ghost is generally a nice guy and a benefactor of his society - however the real Kishanlal still has fondness for his wife. And to make it clear, he is not a bad guy, just a man pressed by the expectations of his father. Later when the real Kishanpal returns, wiseman The Shepherd (Amitabh Bachchan) arranges a group of tests to decide who is the real Kishanpal. How will the Dilemma be solved and will Lachchi be united with her ghost lover or her work-obsessed husband?

The Shepherd

The musical numbers alternate between playful teasing and longing passion. The gigantic turban worn by Kishanlal in the DVD cover gives a comical impression, but this is mainly an exotic romantic fantasy. However there are some amusing side characters and the story is narrated by two puppets. Supernatural identity theft contrasts the reality vs Lachichis dream man where Kishanlal is the sense and Ghost Kishanlal is the sensitivity. It is beautifully filmed and colourful with nicely choreographed music numbers. Although it was generally pleasant, the acting and chemistry of the charismatic main stars, who are two megastars in India, was great and the film praised by Western critics, I didn't find it the best Bollywood can offer.

Puppets

Dance now!

Then the bad. The simple story feels overlong (the film's duration is 134 minutes) making poor use of the subplots. For me the handling of real Kishanlal's story felt clumsy and the solution to the awkward situation felt forced, making shortcuts to arrive at the happy ending. And indeed, what I found out from teh Internets is that the original 1973 film had a sad ending with the romantic ghost being trapped forever and the true feelings of Lachchi ignored. This modernization seems to water down the original 1973 version's critique of the Indian social traditions and the point about woman's position in Indian society (i.e what the woman wants vs what is socially acceptable). Having a more audience pleasing happy end, the new version cuts away the stronger points that the 1973 had. Maybe I have to find the original 1973 film for comparison if I can buy it somewhere. Despite all the good things, for me "Paheli" didn't leave an Oomph-effect that the best Asian films make. But then again I'm an old crank so what do I know.  

Rating: Average

Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Anupam Kher, Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah, Sunil Shetty, Juhi Chawla, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Nina Kulkarni, Padma Rani, Sharvari Jamenis, Aditi Govitrikar, Advait Trivedi, Palak Jain, Ratna Pathak, Rajpal Yadav, Somesh Agarwal, Mohan Bhandari, Rishi Deshpande, A.K. Hangal, Vijay Mishra, Surendra Rajan, Nikhil Ratnaparkhi, Aashif Sheikh, Lekh Tandon, Anita Wahi 

Director: Amol Palekar

Movie Review: Barbie A Perfect Christmas

Barbie A Perfect Christmas 

Barbie Entertainment, Technicolor, USA, 2011. 

Christmas is coming and Barbie, Skipper, Stacie and Chelsea are going to a rock concert in New York. In the spirit of modern times Skipper is a blogger. She also composes songs and wants that some band would play them but she will not let Barbie help. Stormy weather causes trouble and their flight has to land at Rochester. They have continue the trip by car. They get lost and end up in small Tannenbaum Inn. Perky Inn keeper Christie Clauson welcomes them to Christmas party. 

Skipper & Barbie

Going to Tannenbaum Inn

Christie Clauson

There are also elves, well not actually. There are just neighbours named the Elifs. They are strangely lot interested in wrapping gifts though. The girls play with dogs, play snow games and arrange a concert. 

Awww

This is not going to end well

Barbie tries to be optimistic but can she promise a perfect Christmas to her sisters if they can't get to New York? There is also rivalry between the sisters, as Skipper wants to be as perfect as Barbie and Chelsea is being overlooked by Stacie. 

It is a cutesy Christmas movie. Cheesy too, but that comes with the premise. This Barbie-story comes with a message about being together with close ones on Christmas. Extra cuteness points are given to doggies with antlers! And... A SQUIRREL! It's fun for kids probably, cute and nice Christmas entertainment for them. But for an older viewer the story is too mild to rise above an average Barbie film.

There is also a short film "Barbie: A Camping We Will Go." Barbie and her sisters go to forest and their dog Taffy makes friends with a skunk.

But where is Ken? He wasn't mentioned in either of Barbie's Christmas movies.

Rating: Average

Voice actors: Diana Kaarina, Jennifer Waris, Rachel Harrison, Nevada Brandt, Lauren Lavoie, Danielle Bessler, Ashlyn Drummond, Lucia Vecchio, Maryke Hendrikse, Allie Feder, Aidan Drummond, Alistair Abell, Patricia Drake, Chiara Zanni

Movie Review: Barbie in A Christmas Carol

Barbie in A Christmas Carol a.k.a Barbie: A Christmas Carol
Mattel Entertainment, Rainmaker Entertainment, USA, Canada, 2008. 

Free adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. 

Barbie and her little sister Shelly are going to charity dance ball but Shelly (Kelly in American version) doesn't want to go. Barbie tells a story about selfish singer Eden Starling who lived in the Victorian Era England. She had a goofy cat Chuzzlewit. Barbie performs the role of Eden, which is a bit more unusual role as usually her characters are nicer. Eden is a pompous diva who mistreats her best friend Catherine (played by Barbie's friend Nikki) and cancels her staff's Christmas vacation. At night his ghost aunt Marie appears and proclaims that she should learn to be unselfish or else. 

Barbie and Shelly

Eden Starling

Catherine Beadnell

Spirit Of Christmas Past shows that Eden had a harsh childhood. Spirit Of Christmas Present shows what her workers think about her and Spirit Of Christmas Future shows what will happen if Eden continues with her selfish ways.

Christmas is canceled

Chuzzlewit

The ever so cheery Spirit Of Christmas Past made Eden show a Meh face:

Here I am again outside of the main target audience, reviewing a movie for little girls. But why not. "A Christmas Carol" is an often filmed classic story, the 1936 version is reviewed here, the modern version with Bill Murray here and the Muppets version here. The character played by Barbie is edgier than usually, so the character gains a bit more dimension. It is also explored why she became like the way she is. Some darker parts of the original story have been softened and some comedy has been added. The cat has funny scenes and Eden's workers and Christmas Spirits are quite fun too. The songs have some prettily sung carols. Barbie's version retains the original heart-warming message although some details are changed and there are some adorable orphans too. For the target audience it is a nice first introduction to Dickens' classic tale.

Adorable orphans

Friends again

Rating: Good

Voice actors: Kelly Sheridan, Morwenna Banks, Melissa Lyons, Prudence Edwards, Leanne Araya, Kandyse McClure, Shauntia Fleming, Kathleen Barr, Pam Hyatt, abitha St. Germain, Lisa Roth, Gwynyth Walsh, Kelly Bixby, Amelia Henderson, Michael Ann Angone, Fabrice Grover, Tim Fett, Shannon Chan-Kent, Luke Smith, Anthony Fett, Melissa Lloyd, Morgan Roff, Terry Klassen, Chicago Children's Choir
Director: William Lau

Movie Review: The Littlest Angel (1969)

The Littlest Angel (1969) a.k.a Hallmark Hall of Fame: The Littlest Angel 

Osterman/O'Kun Productions, USA, 1969. 

From Mill Creek's Family Holiday 20 Film Collection. 

Based on Charles Tazewell's book. He also wrote the story for Disney's "The Small One" (directed by Don Bluth), best known for Finnish from "From All of Us to All of You" a.k.a "Jiminy Cricket's Christmas" special.

Shepherd boy Michael (Johnny Whitaker) collects treasures, old junk really. When he follows a white dove he falls of a cliff an dies. He arrives in Heaven. Boss angel Gabriel (Jazz legend Cab Calloway) welcomes him and goofy angel Patience (Fred Gwynne) is assigned as his guardian angel. The Flying Mistress (Connie Stevens) gives him wings. But Michael does not want to be an angel and wants to return home. When the first Christmas is coming Michael must decide what to give to baby Christ. No gift is worthless if it comes from the heart.

Michael

Mike's parents (Evelyn Russell and James Coco)

Gabriel

Musical numbers are numerous but easy to listen to. In one of them Democritus (Tony Randall) has a philosophical debate that he is only having a dream and not really in Heaven. The special effects are dated (bad blue screen background effects all around) but the story is nice and has charm. Johnny Whitaker makes a good role as an energetic little boy. As it is a perkily told tale it is one of the least traumatizing films to teach kids about death (from the Christian point of view). Best of all it gives a warm Christmas feeling.

Patience

The Flying Mistress

God (E.G. Marshall)

Rating: Good

Starring: Johnny Whitaker, Fred Gwynne, Cab Calloway, E.G. Marshall, John McGiver, Tony Randall, George Rose, Connie Stevens, James Coco, Evelyn Russell, Cris Alexander, George Blackwell, Mary Jo Catlett, Lu Leonard, Christine Spencer 

Director: Joe Layton

Movie Review: The City That Forgot About Christmas

The City That Forgot About Christmas 

Lutheran Television, Screen Images, Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, International Lutheran Laymen's League, USA, 1974.

Part of Mill Creek's Family Holiday 20 Film Collection. 

Based on Mary Warren's book.

Benji is trying to wrap Christmas gift boxes but his parents are too busy to help. Waldo the dog ruins the Christmas tree, and gets thrown out. Benji gets frustrated with all the fussing. Grandpa tells a story about city where people forgot about Christmas. Everyone was rude and selfish. Carpenter Matthew and his dog Gabriel arrive to the city. He begins to help people and tells about Jesus and soon the people feel happy. But naughty Mayor and his clumsy henchmen want to ruin the Christmas party by stealing doll Jesus.

Benji and Waldo

Matthew makes the people happy

The Mayor

24 minute Christian animation tells a Christmas tale about the deeper meaning of Christmas. There are some songs and some humour too to lighten up the story. It is something that could be watched in Sunday school. Take it either as a recommendation or a warning depending on your stance on religious subjects. Benji and Waldo also appeared in other religious animations and comic books. 

Rating: Subjective.

Voice actors: Sebastian Cabot, Charles Nelson Reilly, Louis Nye, Casey Kasem, Robie Lester, Don Messick, Joan Gardner, David Kelley, Phil Morris, Dina Lynn, Gary Shapiro, Sonny Melendrez 

Production director: Leonard L. Gray

Movie Review: Bratz the Movie

Bratz the Movie 

Lionsgate, Avi Arad & Associates, Crystal Sky Pictures, MGA Entertainment, USA, 2007. 

Bratz is a doll merchandise by MGA Entertainment. On film they have appeared in computer animations (never seen any of those) but with the success of the dolls the live action film was inevitable. Just wait for Monster High and Barbie live action films that are coming in 2016-2017!

Kudos must be given to the makers of the film. They had the guts to use Comic Sans in the opening titles. It is just a funny looking font, get over it!

Mexican girl Yasmin (Nathalia Ramos) lives with her guardian Bubbie (Lainie Kazan), annoying little brother Manny (William May) and a Mariachi band because why not. Black girl Sasha's (Logan Browning) parents are separated. She is good in gymnastics. Asian girl Jade's (Janel Parrish) mom is a real Tiger mother. Therefore Jade is good in math & sciences. White girl Cloe (Skyler Shaye) is a bit clumsy but sporty. Her mother (Kim Morgan Greene) works in temporary jobs. All of them love fashion and together they are BFFs, yay! The girls enter Carry Nation high school together and everything seems fab.

Cloe, Jade, Yasmin and Sasha

Manny

The school is ruled using Divide et Impera- principle so the Principal's (fake-nosed Jon Voight) daughter Meredith (Chelsea Kane) assigns the newcomers to separated cliques. There are Dino-Students, Mimes, Emos, Disco-Dorks an many more. Jade joins the Science Team, Sasha joins the Cheerleaders, Cloe the Soccer Team and Yasmin would like to join the Choir but she is too shy so she chooses Journalists instead. At first they prefer not to be cliqued and that's what annoys Meredith. However the different hobbies cause them to drift apart naturally. So it is the end of BFFs. Tear.

The Principal and Meredith

Dino-Students

Typical high school chemistry class.

Two years later...
A spaghetti incident strains what is left of the friendship of Bratz even further. However they settle their disagreements to help Cloe who is poor and they decide to help cliques mingle. Meredith retaliates with having a birthday party - for cliques only. Cloe needs new clothes so enter the shopping montage. The only way the girls  can bring the cliques together is by winning the school's Talent contest. Luckily they have new friends: a deaf DJ (not as far-fetched as it sounds, see DJ Robbie Wilde for example) Dylan (Ian Nelson), Meredith's former underling Cameron (Stephen Ford) and science geek Dexter (Chet Hanks).

Sad clowns

Maybe the target audience (preteen girls) finds it street-credible representation of the Bratz-girls. Kids would probably be entertained by the cheery characters, bright colours and fancy clothes. The message is that main characters value their friendship over the social hierarchy and choose to be themselves despite what is expected from them. Also it has some messages about social pigeonholing and bullying. The main girls stand their ground and show talents in science, sports and fashion arts (in caricaturish ways of course). However it is a high school film for kids based on plastic dolls and in no way meant to be a realistic depiction of teen life. For the adult (male) viewer this goes to the "So bad it is good" territory. There is enough cheese for at least a dozen Quarter Pounders. Lots of open-mouthed overacting and shrill-voiced dialogue (OMG, Fabulous!). It is as all the actors were told to overact as much as possible except Jon Voight who underacts. Strangely after the terrible first half the second half got slightly more tolerable when the main plot materialized. The music was okay teen pop, similar music you could find in Disney's teen movies. The Nordic DVD contains also a Finnish dub but my head exploded when I turned it on so approach with caution. 

Skyler Shaye looks a lot like Finnish pop singer Krista Siegfrids (known also for Eurovision 2013):

Trivia: Sam Raimi's daughter Emma appears as Little Girl. Kadeem Hardison performs Sasha's dad.

Rating: Good (if you are a little girl) /So bad it is good (if you are an adult)

Starring: Logan Browning, Janel Parrish, Nathalia Ramos, Skyler Shaye, Chelsea Kane (as Chelsea Staub), Anneliese van der Pol, Malese Jow, Ian Nelson, Stephen Ford (as Stephen Lunsford), Jon Voight, Lainie Kazan, William May, Emily Rose Everhard, Chet Hanks, Carl Rux, Kim Morgan Greene, Sasha Cohen, Andrea Edwards, Constance Hsu, Tami-Adrian George, Kadeem Hardison, Sean McNamara, Lee Reherman, Daniel Booko, Zach Cumer, Jerad Anderson, Madison Riley, Scot Nery, Brando Murphy, Sarah Hernandez, Rick Adams, Jackie Kreisler, Joe Damian Daly, Kelly Crean, Steven Anthony Lawrence, Michael Stellman, Nira Luna, Susie Singer Carter, Paula Froelich, Haley Busch, Jordan Benedict, Emma Raimi
Director: Sean McNamara