Weekend Movies
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Watched 2 good movies last weekend. Both of them low budget and very well made. The first one was a Hollywood comedy flick "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle " and other one was apna Bollywood's "Raghu Romeo". Both of them hilarious in their own way.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (English)
Harlod & Kumar is about two roommates -one a Korean American investment banker; the other an Indian American medical school candidate - go through a life changing journey, as they spend a night roaming the state of New Jersey in search of White Castle hamburgers. The movie is in same genre of American Slapstick comedies as "American Pie". It’s the first time I have seen characters who are usually relegated to stereotypical supporting roles like "Patel from a motel or a geeky Doctor or a Martial art expert " are finally allowed to carry the entire picture. Surprisingly this is totally a white-bashing movie but in a funny way. I don't think the directors set out to make a really "intelligent," thought-provoking, provocative movie. Its very silly and wacky movie.
This movie will be a hot seller/rental once it hits the DVD stands at Blockbuster. But please make sure you see this movie with those who are not uncomfortable taking gross and some embarrassing stuff (a total no-no with family).
BTW, I have seen how the word "family" is being perceived as you, your spouse and kids in USA(basically you have a "family" if you are married ) where as the same word in Indian sense has everyone above and also includes parents, relatives etc etc.
Some tit-bits from the movie
Dr. Woodruff: Do you actually believe that after the way you've just behaved that I would even consider recommending you for admission?
Kumar: No. I'm gonna be honest with you. The only reason I'm applying is so my dad will keep paying for my apartment. I don't have any desire to go to med school.
Dr. Woodruff: But you have perfect MCAT scores!
Kumar: Yeeeah, just cause you're hung like a moose doesn't mean you gotta do porn.
Kumar: Dad, come on.
Kumar's Father (with thick Indain accent): Daddy is not coming on anything!
Harold: [to Maria in elevator, after seeing luggage at her feet] You've certainly got a lot of baggage...
Harold: So what did they arrest you for?
Tarik: For being black...
And the rest are here.
Raghu Romeo (Hindi)
Raghu Romeo is about a man who takes television serials(trash like Kusum,Saas bhi kabhi bahu thi crap types) too seriously. I really loved watching this entertainer. On later googling I found out that Raghu Romeo won awards at film festivals and got some serious critic acclaims. This crossover film falls somewhere between masala and alternative/art cinema with an ability to touch your heart in a humorous way.
I loved the music(by Pritam). Its very peppy and goes well with the movie. The screenplay is slick, grabs your attention all the while and the way it breaks into a song in the middle of a serious conversation is very refreshing and a novelty. If a stupid, unreal and ridiculous yet entertaining movie like "Mujshe Shaadi Karoge" can be a hit why not Raghu Romeo which is funny, thought provoking.
It’s a must see.
