Housefull
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Riteish Deshmukh, Lara Dutta, Jiah Khan and Arjun Rampal. Directed by Sajid Khan. Rating: **
If you like mindless, slapstick comedy then Housefull is for you! If you are like me and find The Three Stooges mildly humorous, Housefull is for you as well! I couldn't help but chuckle out loud at some scenes - especially the African dance performed by Akshay, the Italian portion with "Akhri Pasta" and any scene with Boman Irani.
There isn't much of a climax but the plot starts off well: Akshay's character Arush is portrayed as such a loser (the background song verifies this in the event you have forgotten). He loses his girlfriend, messes up his best friend's marriage, is abandoned on his honeymoon and finally finds true love. Can this loser manage to impress his new love's brother? And there the fun begins …
Don't get me wrong, there are many things wrong with this film; especially the use of the term "homo" quite a few times. Certain scenes with Akshay and Riteish are inspired by the "Kantaben" scenes from KHNH. The background score is very annoying - every character doesn't need their theme music blaring each time they appear on screen. There is lack of consistency in the story: why doesn't Pappa ask where the baby went? If Jiah Khan is so rich, why is she staying at that horrible hotel in Italy?
All of these negative points are forgiven as soon as Arjun Rampal hits the screen. He saves the film by adding a touch of class to this otherwise senseless (yet funny) film - definite eye candy for the ladies in the audience. Arjun dances up a storm with Akshay and Riteish in the "Apni to Jaise Taise" remix. The song is the highlight of the film - I wish they had gotten someone else for the item number. Newcomer Jacqueline Fernandez doesn't quite make the mark. The song called for Kareena, Ash or Katrina - even a Mallika Sherawat would have been better. However, it was still a good watch!