Clue on crack: Hungama

There are some people who maintain that Clue is one of the funniest, cleverest movies ever made. I respect that opinion, but I am not one of those people. Sure, it's definitely a good time, but, like, stop running around. Anyhoo, Hungama reminded me a lot of that, but even more so, because, believe it or not, I'm pretty sure there are even more people involved.

For those who haven't seen it, I cannot stress enough that you should not bother trying to find a plot summary, because I can't imagine anyone could actually write one that makes any sense. Basically a bunch of people, who have all done something morally/ethically suspect or questionable (usually lying, but also stealing, price gouging, adultering, being really rude to spouses, etc.), have oodles of mishaps and wacky misunderstandings that are all interrelated in some way. (I guess there are two or three characters who haven't done anything wrong, but they are all involved with people who have.*) At one point I thought it would be an interesting exercise to try to draw the plot, putting characters' names on a piece of paper and then connecting them with color-coded plot-element lines. But then I realized that I don't have that many colored pencils.

I was really excited to watch this - I came home from work so incredibly tired today and was thrilled to find that a new DVD had unexpectedly arrived in my mailbox, so I ran upstairs, put on my jammies, and popped this in while eating a caramel apple (with peanuts! numma!). I laughed some but more often had a simple feeling of general, low-level, consistent amuseument. Nothin' wrong with that. I would really like to see this with Abby because I think she would be falling off her chair, which would make it funnier for me as well.

Also, I have great respect for a film that seems to have taken its title font andvthe design of its opening credits from Yellow Submarine, despite not being related in any other way.

One of my favorite parts was trying to catch all the other movie references. The characters flat out mention Lagaan and Shahrukh, but I also heard "Woh Ladki Hai Kaha" from DCH in the background at one point, which was funny becuase it came shortly after the scene in which the two male romantic leads, sitting in a movie theater with the girl they both like, imagine themselves with the girl in a movie that they are all watching. A nice nod to what is surely the best picturization ever made. I also liked that someone insulted Akshaye Khanna with "baldie," because he really does seem to be having some haircut issues. I'm sure this movie is a few years old, but there's no way it was as old as the caesar fad.

Aside to Akshaye: this blog is sure to establish, beyond any doubt, how much I adore you, but why did you let the costume person put you in the classically ugly combination of short-sleeved shirt with tie?

If we blame Salman for taking off his clothes, it's only fair to hold you a little responsible for the ones you had on. But you can wear - or not - whatever you want when you come to visit me, 'kay?

* I'm thinking of the friend who puts up Anjali in her apartment, although she helps with the fake-pretend marriage; Anjali's actual intended fiance, although he is only in the story becuase his father is trying to get him a bride through financial blackmail; and Jeetu's mom. Is there anyone else?

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