Predictable yet undeniably entertaining, “Rio 2” is not a bad way at all to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Watch it if you must for its catchy songs, a few good laughs, and a leading man who really tries.

It delivers enough bang for your buck, and then some.

In keeping with Marvel tradition, there’s a steady stream of clever one-liners and witticisms, including Black Widow’s repeated teasing of our earnest superhero. But the film’s real strength is Chris Evans’ robust performance as Captain America, who finally emerges a fully realized character, worthy of his place in the Marvel universe.

Too shrill, too convoluted and too dumb, O Teri is an excruciating test of your patience. The first thing I did on leaving the cinema was pop a pill for my throbbing headache. Even Salman Khan’s item song in the end can’t soften the blow.

By the end, Youngistaan spirals into an abyss of predictable plotting, as Abhimanyu learns the tricks of how to succeed in politics. It’s all unnecessarily stretched out, and co-writer/director Syed Ahmad Afzal brings nothing by way of original treatment or even radical resolution. There was potential here, but it’s wasted.

It’s a flight of fancy that I recommend you do not miss. The family drama plays out before the entire neighborhood, and it’s through scenes like these that Kapoor skillfully offers you an India that you recognize and love.

Although unsettling and horrific, the film is weighed down by its ‘standard-issue’ treatment. Lakshmi addresses a serious issue and forces us to confront a bitter reality, even offering hope in the end through the protagonist’s courageous fight for justice. But let’s not confuse the issue with the film, which is well-intentioned yet typical.

It’s not all bad, there are a handful of inspired moments. But there’s no excuse why it isn’t more fun.

Despite three likeable actors in principal roles, ‘Bewakoofiyaan’ feels lightweight instead of lighthearted. Asthana directs with an easy hand, but she’s saddled with a dead duck of a script that simply can’t be saved.

It’ an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, and Rani stays in your heart.
Ultimately, it’s Kangana Ranaut who makes you root for Rani from the word go. The best way to describe her fabulous performance is by confessing that I forgot I was watching Kangana. It’s a raw, nuanced, delicately comical performance, and Bahl rightfully builds his film around his fearless, quirky heroine.