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Bus 657 backdrop

Bus 657

18 March 2016English1h 33m
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 5 scored reviews · 3 not rated

A brisk but hollow heist thriller that never builds real tension.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: brisk pace and editing
  • Criticised: predictable generic plot

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Critic consensus

What 8 critics are saying

Critical reception for Bus 657 is largely negative to mixed, with most reviewers finding it a generic, predictable thriller that fails to generate genuine tension or suspense. Where some credit is given, it goes to the film's brisk pacing and editing, and a handful of critics acknowledge it as passable, undemanding entertainment for less demanding audiences. Common criticisms include a derivative and lazily constructed plot, lack of distinguishable stakes between characters, and a refusal to embrace self-awareness despite its implausible material. At least one reviewer found it outright unwatchable, while the more charitable assessments still stop short of a recommendation.

How the 5 scores spread

3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (8)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    There is only one vehicle of consequence in the film, though several give it chase. That is the bus, route no. 657. Shot, teargassed, spray-painted, crashed, almost burnt, bloodied. It never leaves our sight.
  2. Top critic

    Firstpost

    Film review ·

    The film's other fatal flaw is that it takes itself very seriously – this is a distraction when you're aware that everything that's happening in the film is either improbable or stupid. Even a wee bit of self awareness would probably have made Heist passable as a movie that is so bad it is fun, unfortunately as things stand this is a movie that is so bad that it is unwatchable.
  3. CatchNews

    Film review ·

    You probably haven't had this much fun with a modern B- grade movie in a while. And Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Need I say more?
  4. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Working in this film's favor is the aforementioned brisk pace and the taut editing. It somehow adds to the sense of desperation and urgency that the lead pair feels. Overall, a passable action potboiler.
  5. DNA India

    Film review ·

    We've been in this 'situations' in previous films of the genre. We know how it's going to end. That's never a good thing. What starts out promisingly, ends up quite middling. It's a lazily made film. It might work in the matinee slot. But as a thriller feature, it could have done so much better! Disappointed.
  6. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    It's quite confusing when there's no clear cut difference between the good and the bad. Most of the events play out in predictable fashion. The chase is reasonably gripping and the twists that account for the escape and safety from apprehension border on humanitarian and ethical premises. There's no real tension to draw you in and the suspense is a little too vapid to make a difference in engagement.
  7. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    The film has made a good attempt to make a mark as a fast-paced suspense film that keeps the audience fixated but its dissonant plot is leaves you wanting more. The praiseworthy acting by the star cast coupled with the high intensity action scenes make the film a fun one-time watch.
  8. The Hindu

    Film review ·

    The film, thankfully, isn't too long. To be fair, it might even work for an audience okay with spending 1 hour 30 minutes of their life watching a 'timepass' level generic thriller. But for the more serious moviegoer, Bus 657 is one they should be happy to miss.

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