A Movie Review show for the Movie Buffs

'Now showing' is a movie review show on CNN-IBN tv channel aired on Fridays at 10.30 pm which review latest movies released that same week and as well as new DVD releases. Both the host and the movie critic on this show is Mr. Rajeev Masand known for his outright blatant expression of views in his movie reviews. I still recall how he famously threw an egg at the camera after reviewing the utterly hopeless movie 'RamGopalVarma ki Aag'.

The most enjoyable part, for me personally, is that his reviews irrespective of whether or not I agree with it, I like how well he articulates his views, his awesome command on the language, how cogent his arguments are, and lastly his signature style delivery of reviews in a fast paced manner.

There are couple of positives that I would like to highlight. In his reviews no consideration whatsoever are given to the movie stars acting in the film. For instance, many of Akshay Kumar movies that release these days, though hare-brained in story/script, do appeal to a certain section of sizeable audience who, I suppose, are the kind of junta who don't expect much out of a movie in the first place or huge fans of Akshay Kumar. Given the kind of performance that such movies generate at the box office, one might be tempted to watch it only to realize how the heck did the film do so well and worst part to have spent money on it..! I wouldn't name those films but I guess you do recall some of them?

Show Host Mr.Rajeev Masand

One another point about his reviews that I notice is that no leverage is given for movies that are either directly (Studio18 production) or indirectly associated with Network18 (parent company of the TV channel CNN-IBN). Neither for the movies that are heavily promoted on the channel, like exclusive pre-release interviews given in this very show before its release. Now that is a tough call when your business interest conflicts with the review that they have to give. However, Masand is smart to realize that the popularity of the show is at stake if he sides with the badly made movie just because it was promoted on the channel. I can recall movie 'Raavan' for instance, there are others as well.

So the main consideration that is given in his reviews is to the value of the movie, its story and experience that it provides for the audience. At least I don't have any proof that suggests other wise! And I feel that is how a review should be.

However, I would like to see a couple of changes in his reviews. First, I can note his particular dislike for  movies that are remade without acknowledging the original ones, especially if they are flicked from a classic. Agreed, it is unethical and his dislike is justified, but could he atleast once forget that aspect and give his views. For instance, 'Bheja Fry' (unofficial remake of 'The dinner game') was such a good laugh but it didn't earn his approval as much as it deserved, just for this very reason.

The other point is to do with how I wish he reasons out his ratings for the movies, especially when I see sometimes that the review does not exactly match upto the ratings that he gives. Do you also agree Or is it just me? Lastly, I felt that his ratings for hindi films are given on the same scale as the hollywood movies, thus earning lower ratings. I feel he should give due consideration to the fact that it is not right to expect hindi films to match hollywood movies in the technical aspects of film making though a right aspiration to have for him, being connected to the film industry. This point however is resolved to a good extent, but I still wanted to mention it in case you happen to read his reviews of older bollywood movies.

Do share your thoughts on this show or any other movie review show.
And good luck at the movies...!