Race 2 (2013)

Directed  By - Abbas Mustan

Starring - Saif Ali Khan , John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, Ameesha Patel, Aditya Pancholi

A trailer of a Sajid Khan film (Himmatwala) welcomed us as we entered the hall. It was let's just say - sad. I was reminded of the familiar saying ' morning shows the day' but chose to shrug it off. Roughly 2 and a half hours later, morning did show the day

Abbas Mustan (the iconic white wearing brothers) have come up with yet another stylish multistarrer and it has all the standard ingredients of their brand of films  - scenic locations, thrilling chases, twists and turns and scintillating women. But much like their previous venture 'Players', Race 2 lacks sense and seems like a mish mash of too many hollywood action flicks. The thrills are old school, you can see the twists from a mile away and some parts are really very childish.

Race 2 starts off like its predecessor -  a car blast and in textbook Abbas Mustan style you are kept glued and clueless about the proceedings for the first half an hour. New characters are introduced like Armaan Mallik (Abraham) a streetfighting mafioso turned casino magnate whose obsession with money is stuff of legends. His step sister Alina (Padukone) who can be equally ruthless when it comes to cash. And his girlfriend Omeesha (Jacqueline) an ex thief turned archery, fencing enthusiast. In the midst of all this is Saif Ali khan resuming the character of Ranveer who offers Malik a chance for a huge profit but has a hidden agenda and his partner from the earlier flick RD ( Kapoor) and his dim witted and horny new assistant Cherry (Patel).

As sides change and betrayal and survival turn synonymous, how Ranveer wins the race is what the film is about. 

One of the best things about Race was you were truly impressed by the twists. Its not like they were unfathomable but they were unexpected on some level. Apart from that competent performances from the lead actors also helped. The biggest problem with Race 2 is that it just tries to rehash the old idea and most of the twists seem forced and illogical. Why is it that when indian filmmakers find a hit idea they do not want to let go and reinvent?. Revenge is best served cold says Saif ali khan in the film, well Ideas arent best served stale. 

In its defence Race 2 has that odd gripping scene. For example a heist that Ranveer pulls off while Abraham fights a life or death wrestling match in the cage. The heist for one has surprising attention to detail and what can i say about Abraham and an action scene. With that sculpted physique its like they are made for each other.  But such moments are few and far in between. The humour is the film is pretty good. A special mention for Anil Kapoor and Ameesha Patel, they are genuinely funny and Kapoor's sick jokes do make you laugh. There is enough body show to extract a million wolf whistles from a single screen crowd. The actions sequences have been there seen that feel and as i said the twists can be caught by a 5 year old with a basic knowledge of secret seven. The film also has smart one liners. One particular favourite - Ranveer and Omeesha have an impromptu fencing bout, which Ranveer seemingly loses. After gaining a promise from the lady that she'll meet him for drinks later that night, he says ' Main abhi jaata hoon aur palat ke nahi dekhunga varna tum sharma jaogi'. As soon as he starts walking off her dress strips open and you see a ghost of a smirk on his face. Rest assured, the crowd went wild (and no, you dont get a  peek). 

Of the cast, Saif Ali Khan does well as the steely Ranveer, he has the charm and the intelligence of the earilier film. No complains. Anil Kapoor actually does better this time, you wait for his scenes with Ameesha. Jacqueline and Deepika are good as far as the oomph goes but have nothing to do otherwise. John Abraham is disapponting. Well, that body is worth a salute. It takes determination to pull that off for 10 years. But his biceps and facial muscles seem to have no difference - hard and tight. He has screen presence and also the potential to do better. 

Abbas Mustan serve yet another 'thriller' but it seems to have been made alongside their previous dismal ventures from the past 2-3 years. You wonder where have the days of 'Baazigar' and "Daraar'  gone. Agreed all their films are rip offs but at least they were enjoyable.

 As far as Race 2 goes, its a thumbs down

Rating - 6.5/10 

Lincoln (2012)

Directed By - Steven Spielberg

Starring - Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones,  David Straitham, Joseph Gordon Levitt

Spielberg's 'Lincoln" is not your everyday biopic. Its not about a man's struggle to reach the ultimate pinnacle of American Politics. Its not about his philosophy and best of all its not preachy. Its the tale of an iconic President's last four months in the White House. What's most striking about the film is its relevance. Its a film about man's vision. His vision for a broader future, his vision for a truly 'United' states of America and in textbook Spielberg style its simple. For people like me (and i am sure there are very few) obsessed with the American Presidency, its just what you needed.

'Lincoln" traces the last four months of the President's term. From mid 1865 to his assassination. A time when America was torn apart by Civil War and one of the biggest challenges - slavery. The film starts of with Lincoln (Day-Lewis) visiting a battalion which comprises of 'colored folks' who seem to be proud of serving the nation despite their inferior status. Lincoln a strong advocate of equality finds the perfect oppurtunity to rid the country of racist issues and proposes to bring forward The 13th Amendment which abolishes slavery. As is the case, Lincoln meets severe criticism not only from the House of representatives but from his cabinet too. What heightens the situation is his wife who has been brought to the brink of insanity owing to the death of her young son and also the pressures of handling the white house in such critical times. Lincoln nevertheless marches forward aided by fellow republican and black-sympathiser Thaddeus Stevens (Jones). Along with his cabinet he shrewdly forges the House towards passing the bill. How he achieves this herculean feat is what the film traces.

Spielberg always does period films well. But with this one he has almost touched the benchmark that he set with cult film Schindler's list. The film flows smoothly, not once boring you and he depicts the inner and outer struggle of Abraham Lincoln with finesse. Spielberg's greatest weapon is his screenplay. Although not about lincoln's complete life story, you feel that its the best summary of the 16th President's life. Spielberg infuses humour and light moments to help show Lincoln's personality. One of the best scenes in the film is one featuring a war room meeting. While the entire room is brimming with tension about a renewed rebel attack, Lincoln starts off on a war joke to lighten the mood. Its classic. Lincoln also features one of the best castings in recent times. from Day-Lewis to Jones everyone fits in like a jigsaw puzzle. The debate scenes are beautifully filmed and avid debaters will find it particularly interesting. For a man who shifted from genres like sci-fi, to socio-dramas to biopic with ease, Lincoln is something top be proud of. Spielberg's genius is once again on display.

Of the cast, Sally field is commendable as the distraught First Lady. David straitham is pitch perfect as Secretary of State Seward. Jones delivers one of his most powerful portrayal's since 'The Fugitive', one could say his like a Robin to Day-Lewis's Batman. Jones is simply breathtaking as the liberal republican and his debating scenes in the parliament are awe inspiring. Talking about 'robin's', Joseph Gordon Levitt too chips in with an able performance. But the film undoubtedly belongs to amazingly versatile Day-Lewis. If you have read up on Lincoln extensively you'll know its a stellar performance. From the voice to crouched demanour to the easy attitude Day- Lewis seems like he was born to the role. Effortless in his execution and measured in potrayal. This should (definitely) fetch him his third Oscar,

In all, LIncoln is an interesting film backed by brilliant performances and most importantly the vision of one of the most visionary directors. Please, please, please dont miss this.

P.S - if you have ever read the Gettysburg Address, you should look forward to Day Lewis' rendition of it.

Rating - 9.4/10