Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic

This should have been a pleasant family film. Unfortunately, some adult content including bikini clad babes preclude it from being suitable for young children, while adults will be bored by the tedious storytelling and listless acting. Both Amisha Patel and Saif Ali Khan phone in their performances. Rani makes a game effort and is indeed watchable. The kids are decent, but a tad too polished in their dialog delivery. Some of their emotions felt plastic. The film drags on and on including an unnecessary sojourn to the America. Watchable for kids and bored adults with nothing else to do.

Overall 4/10

The last film from Yashraj, "Tashan," had sent shivers down my spine and made me think that this company had finally run out of good ideas – result was that it was a massive flop. But with this one, I have managed to regain some faith in the films that Yashraj is now releasing.

The country's top industrialist and loner (not his will as he loses everyone he loves), causes a car accident in which parents of four children are killed. At the end of the hearing, the judge, instead of sentencing the industrialist, orders him to take care of the dead couple's children. However, the four children have other plans in mind.

Directed and written by the "Hum Tum" director, Kunal Kohli, the movie stars Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Amisha Patel and Rishi Kapoor and is produced by Aditya Chopra.

The story, though well written and directed, does have echoes of Walt Disney's "Mary Poppins," which starred Julie Andrews in a similar but not quite the same, role as the one portrayed by Rani Mukherjee. There are chances that she will probably receive an award for this role, if not then, she is in a very good position for a nominee. Saif, on the other hand, has also handled his role very well. But I must say that it was a change to see Rishi Kapoor in a complete different role.

Conclusion: A good family entertainer that can be watched with kids.

Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic is similar to films like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and Marry Poppins. The film basically offers nothing new unless you didn't watch these two films you could go ahead and give Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic a try.

After films like Hum Tum and Fanaa, it was quite disappointing from Kunal Kohli to come up with an ordinary product. Although he manages to extract good performances from the child artistes, he could've come up with a better storyline since its nothing new.

The songs are just about average; Lazy Lamhe stands out amongst the rest of the songs and the music video is well-shot, although too sensual for a kids film.

Saif Ali Khan is good and fits the part perfectly. Rani Mukerji is cute as the angel, but her role is not very demanding. Ameesha Patel is remarkable as the airhead bimbo. She looks sizzling in Lazy Lamhe. Rishi Kapoor is good, but his role is not very demanding, again, for an actor of his seniority. The child artistes are excellent, especially Rachit Sidana.

All in all, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic mainly belongs to the four kids. A decent entertainer! Kids will probably love it.

Disney's Marry Poppins copy Disney's Marry Poppins copy Disney's Marry Poppins copy Disney's Marry Poppins copy

The film started off really interesting but gets more boring as it continues. The simple story was told well at the first 20 minutes but dragged very badly until the end. The whole movie was so predictable that it felt like that I've already seen it about 10 times although I've only seen it once. It reminded me of 3 films: Mary Poppins, Nanny McPhee and Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Ke staring Aamir Khan. So it also lacks originality. The music isn't even good and the only catchy song is Lazy Lamhe. It is directed by Kunal Kohli and all of his films are rubbish except Fanaa. He is definitely overrated and I'm glad that Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic flopped at box office. The Lazy Lamhe song was so daft because Amisha Patel was singing underwater.