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3 idiots — film review.

Three brainy misfits -- Farhan (R. Madhavan), Raju (Sharman Joshi) and Rancho (Aamir Khan) -- find a common bond when they realize that their futures aren't exactly inscribed in a mathematics book.

By Lisa Tsering , The Associated Press December 29, 2009 11:45am

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OAKLAND — “Life is a race: If you’re not fast enough, you’ll get trampled,” booms engineering college dean Viru Sahastrabudhhe (Boman Irani). The stakes are high: in India 2.0, students whose parents have sacrificed everything for their education are expected to reach the top. But three brainy misfits — Farhan (R. Madhavan), Raju (Sharman Joshi) and Rancho (Aamir Khan) — find a common bond when they realize that their futures aren’t exactly inscribed in a mathematics book.

Written and directed by Rajkumar Hirani, whose two previous films also tweaked Indian sensibilities with great commercial and critical success, “3 Idiots” has dominated at the boxoffice this holiday season. In India, the Reliance Big Pictures release collected more than 1 billion rupees ($21.3 million) in its first four days of release.

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A great part of the film’s appeal is Aamir Khan, who has come to specialize in heroic iconoclasts, such as a rebellious villager in “Lagaan” or a visionary teacher of special-needs kids in “Taare Zameen Par.” As Rancho, a young engineer of dazzling inventiveness, Khan conveys smarts, mischief and, finally, compassion, as he spurs his friends on to greatness before he mysteriously disappears.

The film’s good points, though, are marred by a slow start and a nerve-jangling soundtrack (except for the charming “Aal Izz Well”). Perceptive, subtle acting work by Khan, Madhavan and Joshi also clashes with buffoonish performances by Omi Vaidya, as an odious school rival, and veteran character actor Irani, whose character is cursed with an unnecessary — and unfunny — lisp.

Hirani’s screenplay also jumps back and forth in time over a 10-year period with limited success, leaving the viewer often wondering whether we’re seeing scenes set in the present or the past.

Despite its flaws, “3 Idiots” conveys a powerful message about how valuable your friends can be when they push you toward reaching your own highest potential.

Opened: Wednesday, Dec. 23 (BIG Pictures) Cast: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani, Omi Vaidya, Mona Singh, Jaaved Jaaferi Director: Rajkumar Hirani Screenwriters: Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani Producer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra Director of photography: Muraleedharan C.K. Music: Shantanu Moitra Choreographers: Bosco-Ceasar, Avit Dias Editor: Rajkumar Hirani Not rated, 173 minutes

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Director : Rajkumar Hirani

Writer(s) : Abhijit Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani

Country : India

Year : 2009

When “3 Idiots” hit the big screens in India, it broke all the box office records, and became the highest-grossing Bollywood film. It did very well home as well as overseas. In fact, it did so well it became the highest-grossing Bollywood film ever released in overseas markets. (Source: Wikipedia ) This big-time hit was an introduction to Bollywood movies and to Aamir Khan for me. I can honestly say that “3 Idiots” swept me off my feet. I consider it one of the most surprising and rewarding cinematic experiences I have had, and I give it my highest recommendation.

The movie begins in an almost thriller-like manner: a character receives a mysterious call while his plane is taking-off. He stands up, and then falls immediately, presumably having a heart attack. The plane lands, and then all turns into comedy from there. The character, Farhan (Madhavan), stands up and runs away from surprised airport workers trying to aid him. Apparently he received a call from a former college classmate, Chatur (Omi Vaidya), who claims he found their long lost friend, Rancho (Aamir Khan). Farhan calls the other best friend, Raju (Sharman Joshi), and they rush to meet Rancho. He is not there, however, and Chatur has in fact gathered them only to gloat about his own achievements. He reveals that he really did find Rancho in Shimla. While the characters are driving through stunning landscapes, Farhan remembers the college years, and we get a glimpse of how the whole story started.

They all met at the Imperial College of Engineering, the number one university in the engineering field in India. Farhan’s fate as an engineer had been decided by his parents the day he was born. Raju always had good grades, and though he loves engineering, his main goal of studying is to get his family out of poverty. Because of this burden, he is always worried and in fear. They are both assigned to the same dorm room with Rancho. He is passionate about engineering, cheerful, and has very unconventional ideas and behavior.

“We were robots blindly following our professors’ commands. He was the only one who was not a machine,” Farhan muses.

Professors did not like Rancho’s “system-challenging” ideas. They much prefer students like Chatur, who crammed blindly and obeyed their authority. Due to his free-minded outbreaks, Rancho became nemesis to the college dean, Professor Viru Sahastrabudhhe, or “Virus” (Boman Irani) as students call him. Farhan is fascinated by Rancho from the beginning. Raju also warms up to him after a few dramatic events where they develop a very strong emotional bond (with each other and the audience). Meanwhile, a love story starts developing between Rancho and Pia (Kareena Kapoor), who to make things more complicated, is the daughter of Professor Virus. Both stories, the present and the past, develop with fast pacing, and are filled with surprise plot twists and events. It is hard to believe that the movie takes only three hours with all the things that happen there. Eventually, all works out well for our protagonists, and Rancho’s statement is proven right:

“Do not chase the success, follow the excellence and success will chase you, pants down”.

“3 Idiots” is a very straightforward jab at India’s higher education system. There is a lot in this film that students in India (and not only there) can relate to. It also addresses other very serious issues, like the student suicide rate fueled by all the pressure from studies and parent’s expectations that they are trying to fulfill. While the movie attacks the system, it is very much pro-education. On one hand, we can see it from Rancho’s story. I cannot go into details without revealing spoilers, but it is pretty much self-evident. On the other hand, there is a side story about Millimeter. He is from a poor family background, and cannot afford school, though he wants to get an education. He supports himself by running errands for students on campus – doing laundry, ironing, getting groceries, etc. At this point, his future seems to be destined to end something like Govind’s, Professor Viru’s valet, treated in an almost slave-like manner by the professor. This subplot addresses the issue of caste system and poverty. It shows that through education, people from different backgrounds can be empowered and get themselves and their families out of poverty.

A very interesting cultural reflection in the movie is how involved the family is in different decisions and problem-solving for students. When Professor Virus wanted to break up Farhan’s and Raju’s friendship with Rancho, he wrote letters to their parents. To solve the issue, the parents invited all the friends to their homes, and tried to convince Rancho to change his ways. The importance of family, and the deep respect of parents are shown throughout the film. Following the parents’ directions is a duty, and following duty is something rooted in Hindu tradition. The entire Bhagavad Gita discusses dharma, the cast duty that every individual must fulfill, no matter what the circumstances are. In the Bhagavad Gita story, the great hero Arjuna, legendary archer, is faced with the dilemma whether to go into battle or not. On one hand, he must do it, as he is of the kshatriya, or warrior cast. On the other hand, he would then fight against his uncles, aunts and beloved ones. He consults his chariot driver, who happens to be an incarnation of the god Krishna, as to what he should do in this situation. Krishna persuades him that his dharma is more important than anything else, and he must pursue it without question. Though the legend does not talk about family duty directly, it shows how important duty is in Hindu culture. The movie embraces the importance of family, but also shows limitations, and even danger in solely relying on traditional ways. It challenges the notion of listening to authority, like parents and professors, without question. It tries to bring a more modern worldview, leaning towards individualism associated with the Western thought. In this sense, it is a very pro-Western culture movie.

There are admittedly some flaws in the film. The major one for me was that when they found Rancho in Ladakh, five years after they finished studies, he had not married, nor had any relationship. Seemingly, he had not even kissed before Pia “attacks” him joyfully. The same goes for Pia, but waiting five years seems quite a long time, especially in a more traditional family in India, where “unwed” girls are a “burden” for family. (Nitpicking – in the end scene: where did Farhan and Raju come from? Pia came by scooter, Chatur by car, and they just appeared from nowhere) All characters had pretty clearly defined characteristics of “good” and “bad.” The movie is very categorical about it, though it does work out well in this case.

However, these minor details have no influence on the overall impact of the movie, and the impact is significant. It’s a wonderful cinematic experience, very well shot, with beautiful colors, amazing landscapes, and a very smooth experience for viewers (movies that use flashbacks often stumble on this aspect). The soundtrack is superb, from the soft “Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh” in the beginning, the super fun “All Izz Well” song and dance sequence, the emotional “Give Me Some Sunshine,” and the “Jaane Nahin Denge Tujhe” that makes me cry every time. “Zoobi Doobi” is also a very fun song and dance sequence that mocks Bollywood clichés (with, I assume, intended soft self-irony, using such a clip to mock Bollywood in a Bollywood movie). Acting is great from all main characters, and the emotional connection with the audience is guaranteed. I have to admit, I have never cried during a film as much as I did watching this one. It has very universal appeal, and anyone can find a favorite part or message for them. Especially for those who have not seen any Bollywood films before, it is a good one to start with.

The movie has already been remade in Tamil as “Nanban.” There might be a remake in Hong Kong with Stephen Chow (“Shaolin Soccer”, “Kung Fu Hustle”), a Hollywood remake (of course), and even an Italian remake. (Source: Wikipedia ) If they do come through, it will be very interesting to watch and compare the approaches that the different cultures will take with this film.

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3 Idiots Movie Review: 3 Idiots Movie

3 idiots review 4.5/5 & rating. watch 3 idiots official trailer video, listen songs, movie news updates, movie review and checkout public movie reviews soon., 3 idiots review {4.5/5} & review rating.

Life is all about listening to your heart and chasing your dreams. That's the essence of 3 IDIOTS, directed by the supremely talented Rajkumar Hirani. Let me come to the point right away. There are films and there are more films. And then there's 3 IDIOTS.

Come to think of it, 3 IDIOTS carries a huge 'burden' on its shoulders: The 'burden' of humungous expectations. And it's not without reasons...

• 3 IDIOTS is Aamir's next release after the record-breaker GHAJINI.
• 3 IDIOTS is Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra's third film together, after MUNNABHAI MBBS and LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI, landmark films.
• Three actors from the path-breaking RANG DE BASANTI team - Aamir, Madhavan and Sharman - team up yet again. Plus, Aamir's teaming up with Hirani. It couldn't get bigger!

3 IDIOTS is over-hyped and that could be dangerous for any film since it's the expectations which kill a film if the content doesn't match up to the hype. In this case, all izz well!

Now let's demystify the myths... 3 IDIOTS is not about idiots or nincompoops. It's about three engineering students who believe in ' I 'll D o I t O n my T erms' and that's what the three characters achieve in life and that's what Hirani, Chopra, Aamir eventually achieve at the end of the movie. Making a movie on their terms!

One more thing! You cannot draw parallels with any other film, past or present, successful or unsuccessful. And though people may draw parallels with GHAJINI or the MUNNABHAI series, it would be sacrilege to do so. 3 IDIOTS [based on a novel 'Five Point Someone' by Chetan Bhagat] doesn't tilt, it stands tall.

Here's yet another illusion: 3 IDIOTS belongs to Aamir Khan. Yes, it does, but also to R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani, Kareena Kapoor and Omi, the entrant in Hindi movies, who delivers an equally sterling performance. The film would be incomplete without any of these characters.

To cut a long story short, all you'd like to say about the film is, All izz very, very, very, very, very well. Watch this film to know what it means!

Two friends [R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi] embark on a quest for a lost buddy. As they make their way through the perilous landscape [Shimla, Manali, Ladakh], another journey begins: their inner journey through memory lane and the story of their friend - the irrepressible free-thinker Rancho [Aamir Khan], who, in his unique way, touched and changed their lives.

It's a story of their hostel days that swings between Rancho's romance with the spirited Pia [Kareena Kapoor] and his clash with and oppressive mentor, Viru Sahastrabudhhe [Boman Irani]. And then one day, suddenly, Rancho vanishes...

Who was he? Where did he come from? Why did he leave? The friend who influenced and inspired them to think creatively and independently, even as the conformist world called them three idiots. Where is the original idiot now?

Hirani is a genius and that has been proved twice in the past. He proves it for the third time with 3 IDIOTS. Screenplay writers Hirani and Abhijat Joshi and screenplay associate Vidhu Vinod Chopra narrate a story that's straight out of life. A story that each one of us can relate to or identify with.

Very often, we've read news-reports of students committing suicides because they've to live up to the family's pressure/expectations. This film depicts it at the very start, when a student commits suicide. But the issue doesn't end there, for 3 IDIOTS raises a pertinent question: Was it suicide or murder?

Hirani balances the rough and smooth incidents in their lives beautifully. The sequences in the campus, right from the ragging sequence at the start, to Omi's speech when the word 'chamatkaar' is changed to 'balatkaar' [superb; will bring the house down], to the trio getting caught in an embarrassing situation at the reception of Kareena's sister [Mona Singh], to the dinner sequence at Sharman's house, to Kareena and Aamir driving Sharman's seriously ill father on their bike to the hospital... the funny moments would make your jaws ache.

The interval point is a shocker. The point at which the first half ends will leave you stunned. Now what was that? Kahani mein twist!

The mystery is solved soon after the intermission ends and a new journey begins. That's one of the USPs of the film. Just when you think that the story would be solved, a new story begins. Of course, the pace dips slightly in its second hour, especially during the delivery sequence of Mona [which may appear filmy to a few], but the immediate sequence, when the baby boy is born and also the subsequent sequence between Boman and Aamir bring the film back on track. The culmination to the film is novel and yes, it's a master stroke from the writing point of view!

Every person behind the camera gives his/her best to the film. Hirani and Joshi's screenplay is the mainstay of the film. If you fondly recall 'Gandhigiri' from their previous film LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI, you'd have a new phrase to chew on this time: 'All Izz Well'. Muraleedharan C.K.'s cinematography is awesome. Note the aerial view at the very start, when Madhavan and Sharman begin the journey to Shimla or the picture perfect look of Ladakh... the DoP does a magnificent job.

Shantanu Moitra's music may sound plain ordinary to ears, but when viewed on screen, the score is just perfect. 'Give Me Some Sunshine', 'All Is Well', 'Zoobie Doobie' are three tracks that would grow on you after you've watched the film. The choreography of 'All Izz Well' [Avit Dias] and 'Zoobie Doobie' [Bosco-Caesar] are eye-catching. The background score [Sanjay Wandrekar, Atul Raninga, Shantanu Moitra] is right.

3 IDIOTS belongs to everyone. But, yes, there's no denying that Aamir makes you forget all his past achievements as you watch the amazing actor play Rancho. To state that this ranks amongst his finest works would be an understatement. Madhavan is incredible, especially in the sequence when he explains his point of view to his father [Pareekshit Sahani]. Sharman is outstanding from start to end. This was a difficult role to portray and only an actor of calibre could've pulled it off. Boman is superb as the vicious head of the institute. The scenes between Aamir and Boman are extra-ordinary and it's a treat to watch these two powerful actors clash on the big screen, without getting overdramatic. Boman's appearance, mannerisms and dialogue delivery are exemplary.

The length of Kareena's role may not be as much as Aamir, Madhavan and Sharman, but she registers a strong impact nonetheless. Omi is excellent and the viewers are sure to love his acidic tongue and gestures in the movie. Mona Singh doesn't get much scope. Jaaved Jaffery is competent. Pareekshit Sahani is decent.

On the whole, 3 IDIOTS easily ranks amongst Aamir, Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra's finest films. Do yourself and your family a favour: Watch 3 IDIOTS. It's emotional, it's entertaining, it's enlightening. The film has tremendous youth appeal and feel-good factor to work in a big way.

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“Viru Sahastra Buddhe is inspired by Vidhu Vinod Chopra,” declares Vikrant Massey; reveals 3 Idiots' inspiration behind director’s quirky habits

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Movie Review: 3 Idiots (2009)

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The comedy film genre encompasses a wide range of styles, from slapstick to romantic comedy. Hindi comedies are frequently either mindlessly wacky or overly sentimental. 3 Idiots is funny and perfectly balanced: silly but not frantic, poignant but not sappy.

The movie begins as Farhan (R. Madhavan) and Raju (Sharman Joshi) get a lead on the whereabouts of their friend, Rancho (Aamir Khan), who vanished after their college graduation ceremony, five years earlier. The source of the lead is Rancho’s old university nemesis, Chatur — known as “The Silencer” for his chronic, quiet flatulence — who’s eager to verify that he’s become a bigger success than Rancho.

As Farhan, Raju and The Silencer hit the road, the movie flashes back to their first days at a prestigious engineering school. Rancho seems to be the only freshman not afflicted by the neuroses crippling his classmates: fear of disappointing his parents (Farhan), the burden of being the family breadwinner (Raju) and greed (Silencer). Rather, Rancho is at school because he likes creating machines.

Rancho doesn’t agree with the school director’s motto: “Life is a race. If you don’t run fast, you’ll get trampled.” This earns him the respect of Farhan and Raju, and the ire of the school director, Viru (Boman Irani), nicknamed “Virus” by his students.

During a prank, Rancho meets pretty medical student Pia (Kareena Kapoor). Unfortunately for Rancho, her father is Virus. But Pia succumbs to Rancho’s charms and helps him and his friends during a crisis.

The movie transitions between flashbacks and the modern day, as Farhan and Raju close in on their missing pal’s location. The reason behind Rancho’s disappearance — which is explained halfway through the movie — isn’t the focus, the friendship is.

3 Idiots is a smart comedy. Jokes are well-written, with plenty of call-backs to prior jokes and meticulous continuity. The material is well-acted, proving why it made sense to cast 44-year-old Aamir Khan as a college freshman.

The material is also universal, with few regional or culture-specific jokes. Non-Hindi speakers who stumble into the theater expecting an English-language film needn’t worry about not understanding the jokes. In fact, 3 Idiots is a great Bollywood starter film.

There are a few melodramatic moments, but they’re not overdone, as in typical masala movies. Those maudlin movies are lampooned, as when a trip to Raju’s family home is shown in black & white with a dramatic score, his poor mother and unwed sister slaving over dinner next to his paralyzed father’s cot.

By skipping teary-eyed speeches in favor of funny dialogues, 3 Idiots provides better insight into the nature of friendship and the importance of following your dreams than most dramas. Yet it’s funny throughout, making 3 Idiots perhaps the best Hindi comedy I’ve ever seen.

Note: The movie’s runtime is listed as 2 hrs. 15 min. It’s actually closer to 3 hours long.

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28 thoughts on “ movie review: 3 idiots (2009) ”.

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Hey.. There’s another movie from the same director based on med school.. I don’t know if you have seen it already, it’s a comedy titled ‘Munnabhai M.B.B.S’ .. Maybe you could check it out sometime.

I haven’t seen Munna Bhai yet. It’s an important piece that’s missing from my Bollywood education.

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I don’t know wheather you have watched Tare zameen par (Like stars on earth) or not. I don’t find your review there. If you haven’t I think you should go for that. It’s a good movie…

Here you go, Rohit: http://accessbollywood.net/2008/09/20/movie-review-taare-zameen-par-2007/

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Common sense media reviewers.

Bollywood comedy about friendship has suicide and drinking.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Life is not a race. Unhealthy competition in the e

Rancho is carefree, unbothered, and honest. He doe

The film centers around three male friends. All ch

A character pretends to be unwell and causes an ai

There is romance, flirting, and some kissing. Adul

"Idiots," "jackass," "get out," "shut up," "donkey

Characters get drunk on multiple occasions, some l

Parents need to know that 3 Idiots is a Bollywood comedy-drama that has a number of positive messages about friendship, but also features themes around suicide and problematic humor. It follows three friends, Rancho (Aamir Khan), Farhan (R. Madhavan), and Raju (Sharman Joshi), during their college years and…

Positive Messages

Life is not a race. Unhealthy competition in the education sphere has dangerous impacts on students. Good friendships must be valued. One must follow their passions and find their own identity to be truly happy. Iffy humor.

Positive Role Models

Rancho is carefree, unbothered, and honest. He doesn't care for social obligations, petty rules, and accolades. He helps his friends, Farhan and Raju, tremendously throughout the film and enables them to find their own identity. Raju overcomes his fear-ridden way of living and starts believing in himself. Farhan chooses his passion over an unhappy life as an engineer.

Diverse Representations

The film centers around three male friends. All characters are Indian; the film pans across Shimla and Ladakh. A character has paralysis and their role is limited to their condition. Themes around suicide and what can lead people to having such thoughts. There are multiple conversations and jokes made about dowry. Men are shown laughing during a speech that makes countless references to rape.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

A character pretends to be unwell and causes an airplane to land in emergency. There is an elaborate sequence where people are humiliated and made to strip down to their underwear. Multiple characters are given electric shocks. There is a long childbirth scene where a character in labor continually screams in pain. Someone jumps off a building attempting suicide; there is severe blood, injury, and prolonged hospitalization with surgery scenes. Another character commits suicide by hanging themselves. There are intense arguments and conversation about someone committing suicide by jumping off a train. In multiple scenes, characters smash alcohol bottles on the ground aggressively. Threats of physical violence are made; characters are slapped, kicked, beaten with umbrellas, and their heads are banged. Someone is tied up in a car. There are jokes made about missiles and mass destruction. An individual holds various people at gunpoint. A character with paralysis is rushed to the hospital. Rape "jokes" are present as are jokes about nuclear destruction.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

There is romance, flirting, and some kissing. Adult magazines are briefly shown but no nudity seen. A character talks about posters that have naked women on them. Sexual innuendo and double-meaning jokes. A character elopes.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

"Idiots," "jackass," "get out," "shut up," "donkey," "hell," "get lost," "rascals," "stupid," "swine," "ass," "piss," "mad," "damn." "God" is used as an exclamation. The film has a lot of recurring jokes about sexual violence.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Characters get drunk on multiple occasions, some leading to fights and arguments. In one elaborate sequence, characters trespass on, and vandalize, private property after drinking.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that 3 Idiots is a Bollywood comedy-drama that has a number of positive messages about friendship, but also features themes around suicide and problematic humor. It follows three friends, Rancho ( Aamir Khan ), Farhan ( R. Madhavan ), and Raju (Sharman Joshi), during their college years and beyond. There are intense arguments and some violence including slapping, head smashing, kicking, and someone being repeatedly hit with an umbrella. Bottles are smashed on the ground, threats of beatings and gun violence are made, and someone is tied up in a moving car. Themes of suicide run throughout. A character jumps off a building and is severely injured; blood and gore. In another, someone hangs themselves. People talk elaborately about a person who killed themselves by jumping off a train. In one scene, seniors rag and bully their juniors in college by making them do humiliating things while only dressed in their underwear. There is a prolonged labour sequence where a character cries in pain and distress. Characters drink throughout, getting drunk on multiple occasions, which leads to acts of trespassing and vandalism. Language is fairly mild, with "ass" and "piss" about as extreme as it gets. However, there are a number of rape "jokes" made throughout. The film is in Hindi with English subtitles. A Mexican remake called 3 Idiotas was released in 2017. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (1)

Based on 1 parent review

What's the Story?

3 IDIOTS follows college best friends, Farhan ( R. Madhavan ) and Raju (Sharman Joshi), who drive down to Shimla in search for Rancho ( Aamir Khan ), their long-lost buddy. During their journey, they recall the times they shared together, the mischief they got up to, and all that they learned from Rancho.

Is It Any Good?

This comic drama directed by Rajkumar Hirani is a fun-filled entertainer that simultaneously dissects the educational system for its darkest flaws. 3 Idiots dives deep into the world of engineering and college life, tackling various aspects of how alienating student life can be. Refreshing in his ability to break rules at every nook and corner, Khan's Rancho is a mischievous yet lovable lead who shines throughout. The way the film handles themes around suicide is also as pertinent as it is poignant given the devastating reality behind such events. However, where 3 Idiots fails is in its blatant obsession over seriously problematic rape jokes that continually punctuate the film. The exploitative and unnecessary use of such derogatory humor is extremely disappointing in an otherwise well-constructed film.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how 3 Idiots dealt with suicide. How did mental and emotional stress caused by education and society impact the character's well-being? What can be done to help with stress?

How did the film represent drinking ? Did you think any of the characters drank too much? What are some of the real-life consequences of drinking?

What made Rancho, Farhan, and Raju's friendship so honest and genuine? How were they different from a character like Chatur?

Which characters displayed traits of courage , empathy , and teamwork in the film? Why are they such important character strengths to have?

Did you find any of the humor problematic? If so, what was it and why?

Movie Details

• In theaters : December 23, 2009
• On DVD or streaming : November 29, 2016
• Cast : Aamir Khan , R. Madhavan , Sharman Joshi
• Director : Rajkumar Hirani
• Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian actors
• Studio : Reliance Big Pictures
• Genre : Comedy
• Topics : Friendship , Music and Sing-Along
• Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
• Run time : 170 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG-13
• MPAA explanation : thematic material, some disturbing images and crude humor
• Last updated : September 26, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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“3 Idiots” an Excellent Introduction to Bollywood Cinema

Welcome to Bollywood Gems, a series where I, an experienced Bollywood film viewer, review Bollywood films for quality and beginner friendliness. 

Sanket Makkar , Staff Writer | October 25, 2021

Today, I will be reviewing 3 Idiots , a comic drama that follows two friends as they chase their arrogant but talented college roommate and recall their days together while learning more about his mysterious and inspiring past. 

3 Idiots stands out among its Bollywood peers for its unique plot and emotionally compelling characters, both of which advance its powerful message that life should be about chasing excellence, even when it is not quantifiable. 

Director Rajkumar Hirani makes masterful use of his unique stars and intelligent casting to deliver the film’s message while also giving the audience a good laugh. 

Though it does have flaws, Hirani’s film tells a story that inspires rewatch after rewatch regardless of whether or not you speak Hindi. Therefore, I strongly recommend this film as an introduction for Bollywood beginners.

Although appreciating the film does not require any pre-requisite knowledge of Indian cinema or culture, it would help to keep a few things in mind. The first is that Bollywood movies tend to feature at least three songs in order to transition between themes or plot points. In the case of 3 Idiots , there are five songs. 

The other thing to remember is that, in India, grades are the most important part of student life. Because India has a population of nearly 1.38 billion people, colleges focus almost entirely on grades for admission. In the U.S. grades play a large role in college admissions decisions, but in India they are college admissions decisions. In order to get into a competitive college, students typically have to have grades that outpace hundreds of millions of people.

Aside from these few issues, this movie serves as a fantastic introduction to Indian culture and cinema, even for someone with no cultural context. Its humor, message and plot are universally appealing. For these reasons I would give 3 Idiots 4.5 stars in beginner friendliness. 

3 Idiots focuses on the stories of Raju Rastogi, Farhan Quareshi, Chatur Ramalingam and most importantly Ranchoddas S. Chanchad, or Rancho for short. As the movie begins, the audience is introduced to Farhan, Raju and Chatur who, ten years later, have begun their journey across India to find their college friend and Chatur’s rival, Rancho. 

All four characters attended ICE (the Imperial College of Engineering), a fictional top college in India notorious for its intense competition. It is there that the real story is told. 

The movie spends most of its time cutting between Farhan and Raju’s recollections of Rancho in college and their journey to find him after a decade. Through these flashbacks, the movie reveals Rancho’s college antics, profound friendship with Farhan and Raju, personal philosophy and rivalry with Chatur.  

In the late 2000’s, Bollywood college movies focused mostly on college love stories. Although 3 Idiots does have some romance, it focuses more on the deeper lessons learned by its flawed characters. While the film is predictable at times, its unique focus stands out even today. 

A large part of this movie’s success is owed to its incredible cast. Aamir Khan, who plays Rancho, makes an overconfident smart guy endearing. R. Madhavan, who plays Farhan, shows the struggles of a dispassionate engineering student coping with life’s pressures. Sharman Joshi, who plays Raju, dives into his role as a student held back by his own caution. Omi Vaidya, who plays Chatur, becomes a competitive and dislikable antagonist. 

Finally, Boman Irani, who plays the College Dean Viru Sahastrabuddhe, exemplifies the comic absurdity of a strict college dean. I could go on about the intelligent casting of even insignificant roles, or about how each actor played a vital part in bringing this movie together, but I would be writing all day. 

Overall, I give 4.5 stars in beginner friendliness and 4 stars in movie quality..

Casting is one of the strongest aspects in this movie, and I recommend watching this movie to see how it all comes together. Even though you are watching a comedy, it really does feel like a peek into a tense, high-performing college environment. 

The biggest drawback of the movie is that Rancho suffers from, what I call, Perfect Character Syndrome. He is usually the smartest person in the room; he hardly ever loses, and even when he does struggle it doesn’t seem like he, personally, is going to suffer. 

The reason for this is his unnatural confidence and competence. In almost every instance where a problem between him and some authority arises, he finds a way out of it. 

To get around this, Hirani makes use of Rancho’s friends, Farhan and Raju. The plot’s tension doesn’t come from Rancho’s potential failure, but rather the possibility that his friends might get in trouble too. If Rancho gets in trouble with authorities, the audience knows that his friends will suffer too. Thus the tension of the film isn’t sacrificed to Rancho’s perfection. 

Ultimately, 3 Idiots is a fantastic movie and a great way to get started in Bollywood Cinema. I strongly recommend that both newcomers and Bollywood veterans watch it. 

Overall, I would give 4.5 stars in beginner friendliness and 4 stars in movie quality.

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Sanket Makkar began writing for the Beachcomber in the fall of 2021. He is interested in covering Bollywood cinema and emerging technologies with a potentially...

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Movie reviews: Hollywood and Indie, specializing in independent comedies, dramas, thrillers and romance.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

3 idiots: movie review, similar titles:.

Essay on 3 Idiots Movie Review

Students are often asked to write an essay on 3 Idiots Movie Review in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on 3 Idiots Movie Review

Introduction.

“3 Idiots” is a Bollywood film that has won hearts worldwide. It’s a blend of comedy, drama, and life lessons.

The story revolves around three engineering students and their college life. It highlights their struggles, friendship, and aspirations.

Performances

The film stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi. Their performances are commendable, making the characters relatable.

“3 Idiots” promotes the idea of following one’s passion rather than succumbing to societal pressures. It’s a must-watch for students.

In conclusion, “3 Idiots” is an engaging movie with a powerful message.

250 Words Essay on 3 Idiots Movie Review

The Indian film “3 Idiots”, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is a potent blend of humor, drama, and enlightenment, making it a must-watch for any cinema enthusiast. The film is based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel “Five Point Someone”, but it transcends the book’s confines to deliver a poignant message about the educational system.

Plot and Characters

The narrative revolves around three engineering students – Rancho, Farhan, and Raju, played by Aamir Khan, Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi respectively. Rancho challenges the traditional education system, advocating for passion over rote learning. His philosophy clashes with the college director, Viru Sahastrabuddhe (Boman Irani), who epitomizes the rigid educational system.

Cinematic Techniques

The film employs a non-linear narrative, interspersing present events with flashbacks, keeping viewers engaged. The cinematography captures the scenic beauty of Ladakh and the hustle of Delhi, adding depth to the narrative.

Themes and Messages

“3 Idiots” explores themes of friendship, love, parental pressure, and the pitfalls of rote learning. It underscores the importance of understanding over memorization, and following one’s passion, encapsulated in Rancho’s mantra, “Pursue excellence, and success will follow.”

In conclusion, “3 Idiots” is a compelling critique of the Indian educational system, wrapped in the garb of a buddy film. It is a masterpiece that entertains, enlightens, and leaves viewers with food for thought about their educational journeys.

500 Words Essay on 3 Idiots Movie Review

3 Idiots, a Bollywood film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is a delightful blend of comedy, drama, and romance, all while tackling the serious issues of the Indian education system. The film, released in 2009, stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, who play the roles of three engineering students at the prestigious Imperial College of Engineering.

The film revolves around the lives of Farhan Qureshi (Madhavan), Raju Rastogi (Joshi), and Ranchoddas ‘Rancho’ Shamaldas Chanchad (Khan). The narrative unfolds through Farhan’s perspective, who, pressured by his parents, is pursuing an engineering degree despite his passion for wildlife photography. Raju, coming from a poverty-stricken family, views education as a way out of his economic hardships. Rancho, the ‘idiot’ who questions conventional wisdom and the education system, encourages his friends to follow their passions.

Themes and Symbolism

3 Idiots is not just a film about friendship and love; it delves deeper into the societal pressure faced by students in India. It criticizes the rote-learning system, which stifles creativity and encourages competition over understanding. Rancho, the heart of the movie, symbolizes rebellion against this system. He believes in understanding concepts rather than memorizing textbooks, a philosophy that is reflected in his famous dialogue, “Don’t chase success; chase excellence, and success will follow.”

Performances and Direction

The performances by the lead actors are commendable. Aamir Khan, as Rancho, steals the show with his charismatic and convincing portrayal. Madhavan and Joshi deliver solid performances, successfully capturing the essence of their characters. The supporting cast, including Kareena Kapoor and Boman Irani, also contribute significantly to the narrative.

Rajkumar Hirani’s direction is top-notch. He successfully manages to blend humor with serious issues, creating a film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. The screenplay is tight, with each scene contributing to the overall narrative.

Impact and Conclusion

3 Idiots is more than a movie; it’s a critique of the Indian education system and a call for change. It encourages students to break free from societal norms and pursue their passions. The film’s impact was such that it sparked debates about the need for education reform in India.

In conclusion, 3 Idiots is a must-watch film that beautifully encapsulates the struggles of Indian students. It’s a brilliant mix of humor, drama, and social commentary, making it a cinematic masterpiece that resonates with audiences even today.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Film Review Writing of 3 Idiots For Students Examples

Film Review Writing of 3 Idiots For Students Example PDF. 3 Idiots Movie Review Essay PDF.  Movie Review Writing Class 11, 12 3 Idiots.

Film Review

A film review refers to a feature article analyzing the quality of the film strategically. It is a process of providing an opinion based on the strengths and weaknesses of the film. The film review is the most common type of feature writing , followed by the travelogue, how-to, and personal feature story.

The film review statement is formed based on the film’s plot, dialogue, acting, theme, location, sound, music, and more. Hence, a film review is a process of analyzing a film thoroughly and critically. The 3 Idiots is the most famous Indian film for writing a film review feature story .

Film Review of 3 Idiots For Students

Description of the 3 idiots film.

The 3 Idiots is a 2009 Indian comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani. It has managed to secure a position in the top Bollywood movie list. It is one of the best motivational blockbuster films in the history of Bollywood. The 3 Idiots film has become the highest-grossing opening-day collection film. It has also become the highest opening weekend collection film in India’s history of Bollywood films. It is one of the first Indian films that earn Rs 200 Crores net at the box office. Finally, it earned Rs 395 crores globally.

The most famous Indian actor Aamir Khan played the leading role in the film 3 Idiots. Apart from Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, and Omi Vaidya acted in the lead roles. They are also very familiar faces in the Bollywood world. The 3 Idiots film is directed by Rajkumar Hirani and Produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film director offered Actor Shah Rukh Khan the character of Rancho. He declined the offer citing date issues, and the role went to Aamir Khan .

The three essential roles of the 3 Idiots film are Aamir Khan as Rancchoddas "Rancho" Shyamaldas Chanchad or Phunsukh Wangdu, R. Madhavan as Farhan Qureshi, Sharman Joshi as Raju Rastogi. They studied engineering at the Imperial College of Engineering and shared a room in a hostel. Apart from them, the additional stars are Kareena Kapoor as Pia, Omi Vaidya as Chatur Ramalingam (Silencer), Boman Irani as Viru Sahastrebuddhe (Virus), Parikshit Sahni as Mr. Qureshi,  and Mona Singh as Mona Sahastrebuddhe (pia’s sister).

The Imperial College of Engineering is one of India's best colleges for engineering studies. Rancho got admission as a rich man's son in India, while Farhan and Raju are from an average family. Farhan dreamed of being a wildlife photographer, but his father insisted he study engineering because it had his wish. Indeed, Rancho was the son of a gardener.

Raju has come to study to uplift his family's fortunes because he is from an impoverished family. Rancho's passion is earning knowledge rather than the conventional obsession of the other students with exam ranks. With his different approach, Rancho suffers the wrath of the dean of the college, Professor Viru Sahastrabudhhe (ViruS) (Boman Irani). Rancho terms the dean as ViruS.

He irritates his lecturers by giving creative and unique answers. Joy was also a student of the Imperial College of Engineering. She had requested the dean to extend his major project on the compassionate grounds that his father had suffered a stroke. But, Virus refused, saying he was utterly unmoved by his son's accidental death after being hit by a train. Rancho condemns the learning system of the institution, blaming it for Lobo's death.

Threatened by Rancho's talent and free spirit, ViruS labels him an "idiot," and he attempts to destroy his friendship with Raju and Farhan. In contrast, (Omi Vaidya) Chatur Ramalingam, or "Silencer," is the model student in the eyes of ViruS, who always wants to get high marks through memorizing rather than understanding.

Finally, Rancho comes first, and he was awarded ViruS's pen that he had been keeping for a few decades to gift to the most brilliant student.

3 Idiots Film Review- Opinions

The 3 Idiots Bollywood film is a great film to motivate students. It has come up with an excellent message for university students. Three Idiots film teaches us to be more creative rather than only memorizing books. Every student should watch this film to understand better how to study well at University without remembering books.

The 3 Idiots film will help differentiate between the students who like to memorize only without understanding and those who want to understand topics rather than memorize. The audience will get a clear concept of the duties and responsibilities of a successful student. I immensely enjoyed this film for its fantastic story, casting, dialogue, and music.

Strengths of the 3 Idiots Film

This film teaches us that we should focus on what we like to do and stop doing what people suggest doing us, just like Farhan. From a personal or professional perspective, calm and motivate yourself when you face difficulties or critical situations. It results in positive things in our lives. We should not be just confined to bookish Knowledge. Only getting higher ranks won’t help you succeed, but you will surely succeed if you get excellent at your work.

Don't run behind the success; achieve excellence first; the success will automatically come looking for you. Be always creative in your answers, work, & things, which helps you become more capable of your own life.

Believing in our own is very much important. If you want to achieve something, you must think you can fully achieve it. It will surely get easier to achieve your goal. If you're going to succeed, you can't just race with others; instead, you will have to think more advanced than them, more significantly, and more efficiently.

Based on the 348,000 responses in IMBD,  the 3 Idiots film obtained a rating of 8.4/10.

Weaknesses of the 3 Idiots Film

This film has many pranking scenes, such as pranking teachers and mocking professors. Moreover, the prank with Chatur was too terrible; it could tear up any student’s self-confidence and push them towards depression. There are a few scenes where students drink alcohol, which badly impacts students' psychology and questions the engineering college system. Students are died of suicide instead of solving problems.

Additionally, in this film, the audience can see the delivery of a baby with a suction pipe, giving exams after times up, and just fleeing quickly by mixing their papers with other papers.

We think the filmmakers haven't done enough research on baby delivery. Otherwise, they would have known that the placenta was also delivered after the baby's delivery. Doctors can find such mistakes in the film.

The leading role in this film is Aamir Khan, who did not struggle enough to achieve success. But it is a fact that struggle and handwork are inevitable for success.

Additionally, the writer Chetan Bhagat claimed that the story of the 3 Idiots film has taken from his novel "Five Point Someone." This controversy came up just after released the movie. However, Rajkumar Hirani explained that he had taken permission from Chetan Bhagat while writing the script.

3 Idiots Film Evaluation with Evidence

Based on the evidence, it is safe to say that this is one of the most successful films in Bollywood history. The 3 Idiots film earned around US$90 million, making it the highest-grossing Bollywood film. Additionally, the film has won six Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, and three National Film Awards. It has won overseas awards, such as Japan's Videoyasan Awards Grand Prize. Further, the 3 Idiots film has been nominated for Best Outstanding Foreign Language Film at the Japan Academy Awards and Best Foreign Film at China's Beijing International Film Festival. The 3 Idiot film was a hit in China, and they were even interested in remaking it.

 Lessons from the 3 Idiots Film

Raju: I have learned to stand up on my feet after breaking my legs.

Rancho: Follow your passion. Don't study something you know you are not interested in or are bad at.

Rancho: Learning is not memorizing the exact words from the textbook. Learning means understanding the topic and describing it in your own words with your ideas.

Recommendations to Watch 3 Idiots Film

I want to recommend people to watch this motivational film. Firstly, It is a family-friendly film. So, all family members, from the eldest to the youngest, can sit together to watch this film. There is no intimate sexual scene except a kissing scene. In addition, this film story is appropriate to student life so that students will enjoy it very much. Students can get motivation from this film to study well. Finally, it is a motivational film and gives positive thoughts to acquire success in life.

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Author: M M Kobiruzzaman

M M Kobiruzzaman, Content Writer View all posts by M M Kobiruzzaman

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In Theaters: December 23, 2009

Two friends (R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi) embark on a quest for a lost buddy. On this journey, they encounter a long-forgotten bet, a wedding they must crash, and a funeral that goes impossibly out of control. As they make their way through the perilous landscape, another journey begins: their inner journey through memory lane and the story of their friend—the irrepressible free-thinker Rancho (Aamir Khan), who in his unique way, touched and changed their lives. It's a story of their hostel days that swings between Rancho's romance with the spirited Pia (Kareena Kapoor), and his clash with an oppressive mentor, Viru Sahastrabudhhe (Boman Irani). And then one day, suddenly, Rancho vanishes...

Who was he? Where did he come from? Why did he leave?

3 Idiots is a comedy of ideas that is as provocative as it is funny, as wildly entertaining as it is insightful. A laugh-riot that talks about the most important of human pursuits: self-actualization.

Screen Rant

Eric review: a fierce benedict cumberbatch & stellar supporting cast narrowly save overstuffed show.

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The Night Agent Season 2 Has A Big Challenge After Season 1 Came So Close To A 1 Billion Netflix Views Record

Young sheldon caltech sequel series hopes gets a disappointing update from producer, house’s most divisive episode aired 12 years ago & continues to be debated about to this day.

• The engaging missing persons story Eric struggles to balance its surreal puppet concept with its intertwining storylines.
• Stellar performances by Benedict Cumberbatch, Gaby Hoffman and McKinley Belcher III only somewhat keep the show's overstuffed plot afloat.
• The show addresses timely social issues like the rise in homelessness and police corruption, but much of it feels like a distraction from the central mystery driving the plot.

Crafting an engaging missing persons story is no easy feat, particularly one meant to extend across six hour-long episodes, as is the case with Netflix's Eric . That said, while the show seeks to subvert expectations of its central concept with a surreal manifestation of the titular puppet monster and an ensemble of intriguing characters, it finds itself a little too weighed down by these competing elements to make for a fully engrossing watch.

Eric follows Vincent, a talented puppeteer whose life is shattered by the mysterious disappearance of his son, Edgar. As Vincent spirals into a world of despair and obsession, he channels his anguish into his puppet, Eric.

• Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a superb manic performance.
• The supporting cast are just as engrossing in their roles, namely Gaby Hoffman and McKinley Belcher III.
• The show meaningfully parallels the modern rise in homelessness and troublesome police.
• The focus is too low on its central catalyst of the missing child.
• Some characters feel underdeveloped with unresolved arcs.
• The attempts to veer into levity feel out of place.

Hailing from Shame co-writer Abi Morgan, Eric primarily revolves around Benedict Cumberbatch's Vincent , the co-creator and star of a children's puppet TV show in the '80s. Vincent's home life is anything but bright as his narcissistic personality frequently conflicts with his wife, Cassie (Gaby Hoffman), and young son, Edgar (Ivan Morris Howe), as well as his coworkers.

When his son goes missing, Vincent's worst traits become all the more prevalent, eventually manifesting into a delusional hallucination of the titular monster puppet created by his son whom he tries to get onto the show in the hopes of convincing him to come home. But with so many other characters and storylines happening, the show ultimately feels overstuffed.

Eric Never Finds The Right Balance Between Its Central Story & Characters

Despite having a roster of well-rounded characters, the focus feels too sporadic..

Beyond Vincent, Eric utilizes its six-episode story to explore a large roster of characters with their own individual narratives. Cassie only stays married to Cumberbatch's volatile character for her son; McKinley Belcher III's Detective Ledroit struggles between his reassignment to the Missing Persons unit and caring for his partner dying of AIDS; and Dan Fogler's Lennie is stuck between a rock and a hard place as he tries to comfort his best friend amid his son's disappearance, while also grappling with his endlessly toxic behavior and the strain it's putting on their show.

Though these intertwining plots do come to a head in the later chapters of the show, the overall build-up feels a little too sporadic for its pacing.

But even as Eric looks to explore these characters, it finds itself grappling with a variety of intertwining stories, including a rise in homelessness in New York at the time, political corruption masquerading as healthy growth for the city and the police sweeping some cases under the rug in favor of others. While these are all certainly compelling, they ultimately feel both out of place and a distraction from the main crux of the show.

Where shows like True Detective have thrived in slowly meting out answers to their central mystery while focusing on character development, Eric can't find the right rhythm to do that. In some episodes, the focus on other characters and stories is so prominent that the desire to find Edgar, or tell us who or what is behind his disappearance, is practically non-existent. Though these intertwining plots do come to a head in the later chapters of the show, the overall build-up feels a little too sporadic for its pacing.

Eric's Puppet-Based Concept Does Provide Some Unique (If Uneven) Twists

The cumberbatch-voiced monster works well for vincent's growth, but leads to odd tonal jumbles..

The biggest selling point for Eric — beyond Cumberbatch in the lead role — is that of the titular monster puppet, whom Vincent begins hallucinating as his desperation to find Edgar increases. In any other show, this concept would be utilized for a more comedic effect, leaning into surreal situations and awkward conversations of the human character having to explain away his seemingly unhinged conversations with a non-existent figure to those around him.

With the Netflix show , Morgan attempts to not only lean into the humorous possibilities of such a dynamic, but also uses Eric as a parallel for Vincent's overall growth. Though she certainly succeeds in both parts, it ultimately feels a bit too jumbled when it comes to Eric 's overall tonal balance. The majority of the series takes a definitively dark path with its story, showing the traumatic impact Vincent's behavior has left on his family and friends, as well as himself, as he deals with alcoholism and various drug addictions.

While the inclusion of Eric could be seen as a welcome reprieve from this darkness, and it offers moments of levity, it ultimately makes parts of the show feel a bit too uneven in their tone. Moments in which we want to feel energized by Vincent's steady change into a determined father searching for his son, or even a man nearing rock bottom with his vices, are more undermined than engaging as his goofy antics and foul-mouthed quips cut through these potentially moving moments rather than adding to them.

Eric (2024)

Eric's stellar cast & fierce timely themes narrowly save the show, it's one of cumberbatch's best performances to date and modern social parallels keep everything afloat..

In spite of some of its shortcomings, there are a few key factors that keep Eric from being a complete disappointment, with the cast being the biggest one. In his central turns as both Vincent and the titular monster puppet, Cumberbatch absolutely dominates his performance , believably tapping into the former's darker tendencies, while also making Eric feel like both a completely separate character and extension of his flawed protagonist. Hoffman and Belcher III similarly shine in their respective roles, layering them with their own unique emotional arcs that make them fascinating to watch.

Eric is a show with a lot to say and many characters it wants to explore, but lacks the benefit of time.

Another major benefit is the timely social commentary Morgan explores throughout the show's interweaving storylines. The government's shady handling of an increasing homeless population feels ripped right out of current headlines from major US cities, with local governments similarly struggling to find a meaningful solution, albeit the corrupt route the show takes is a little less reported on. Similarly, the show's frequent highlighting of news coverage for a missing white child being greater than that of one of color rings true as the Black Lives Matter movement remains just as prevalent as ever.

Ultimately, Eric is a show with a lot to say and many characters it wants to explore, but lacks the benefit of time. Though it could be argued that spreading a missing persons story across multiple seasons could lead to even further issues regarding proper narrative focus, it would have at least allowed Morgan more room to better explore the various themes and well-rounded characters. That said, thanks to the stellar performances of her incredible cast and some very powerful moments, the show does just narrowly avoid crumbling under the weight of its various plots.

Eric begins streaming on Netflix on May 30.

Shane Gillis Netflix Sitcom ‘Tires’ Is a Self-Funded Showcase That Spins Its Wheels: TV Review

By Alison Herman

Alison Herman

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At this month’s Cannes Film Festival, Francis Ford Coppola and Kevin Costner each unveiled passion projects they opted to finance themselves after institutional backers initially passed. This week, three auteurs make a trend — except instead of putting his own funds toward a deeply personal, sweeping epic, comedian Shane Gillis has made a lewd, bro-y workplace comedy set at a Pennsylvania tire shop.

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The “Tires” setup recalls a version of “The Bear” stripped of racial diversity and any shred of romanticism. Two cousins, hapless manager Will (co-creator Steven Gerben) and gleeful shit-stirrer Shane (Gillis), struggle to keep the family blue-collar business afloat. Entrusted by his father, a looming offscreen presence, with a location of his local chain of Valley Forge auto shops, Will runs through a succession of harebrained schemes designed to boost sales. Like Gillis’ stage act, “Tires” indulges the fratty, puerile humor of bored young men while also making it the butt of the joke. The season starts with Will launching a cringey initiative aimed at empowering female customers — “You’ll go, girl!” — and ends with Shane strong-arming him into hosting a bikini carwash.

“Tires” keeps Gillis’ longtime crew of collaborators intact. “Gilly and Keeves” partner John McKeever, credited only by his surname, directs all six episodes and serves as Gerben and Gillis’ third co-creator. The cast remains unchanged from the original pilot, casting fellow veterans of the Philadelphia comedy scene Chris O’Connor and Kilah Fox as Will and Shane’s coworkers. Besides Gillis, the best-known series regular is likely stand-up Stavros Halkias, who plays district manager Dave and rose to prominence on the now-defunct podcast Cum Town. The origins of “Tires” may recall “Horace and Pete,” the grim drama Louis CK bankrolled himself prior to his own exile from the spotlight, but it lacks that show’s highbrow cachet of having an Edie Falco or a Jessica Lange in its cast.

In both locations and length — or rather, lack of either — “Tires” shows its bootstrapped roots. Gillis’ pockets may be deep, but it’s still clear less than two hours of total material taking place in a handful of rooms didn’t arise from a Netflix level of resources, even if that’s where viewers can find the finished product. The style isn’t full mockumentary, but McKeever favors hand-held camerawork and close-up shots that (accurately) invoke the wince factor of early episodes of “The Office.” The stakes are microscopic: Will’s big, potentially business-saving idea is offering a discount on tires to upsell customers on other services after they’ve agreed to the lower price. The wistful piano theme music hints at a sentimentality that largely isn’t there, and indeed falls flat when it arrives. We’re here to watch these people dunk on each other, not because we care about how many brake pads they need to move until Will’s dad approves of him.

But when refracted through an ensemble and a fictional narrative, Gillis can’t be as precise in toying with the line between offensive and insightful as he is onstage. The classic Gillis joke deploys his meathead energy — his favorite filler word is “dude” — to toy with audience expectations about his beliefs. (He opens “Beautiful Dogs” by turning an applause line about American exceptionalism into a bit about mass shootings.) “Tires” is less adroit and more straightforward. If anything, the blink-and-it’s-over season is an audition for a second, Netflix-funded round of episodes — and, sure enough, the company announced a renewal before the first had even aired. Perhaps an extended run could develop the rhythms of a long-running sitcom, be more artful in its risk-taking and more fully differentiate the characters beyond Shane and Will. For now, “Tires” is a step forward, but not a full one.

All six episodes of “Tires” are now streaming on Netflix.

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The Watchers

A young artist gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatur... Read all A young artist gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night. A young artist gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night.

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• Connections Referenced in All About: All About Horror in 2024 (2023)

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