Hmong chick who loves Indian cinema: January 2009

Warning - Lots of images!!

A few days ago, I finally saw Rock On. I know many people have seen it and put it on their favorite movies from 2008. I have yet to see a handful of 2008 movies so I won't make my list yet -- it's pretty hard since I have been putting in movie time for many films as well. Too much to do, so little time!

Rock On is definitely a well-made film. However, it doesn't replace my current favorite film of 2008 -- Jodhaa Akbar. The first half was dragging a bit. The songs are good, but not one of my favorites. Maybe I'm being too hard on it because I expected more. Now, don't get me wrong. I did enjoy it overall. It's just that I wasn't wowed and call it brilliant. For me, it's the same feeling when I saw Aaja Nachle -- overall, I enjoyed it but felt it was lacking something.

Rock On followed the Dil Chahta Hai formula - tale of male friends who are living their lives now, but for some reason, they are no longer friends and think back to their past. The rock super stars theme was good to see. Not many Bollywood films portray it. I am not a huge fan of rock music but I like music overall and listen to music all over the world. Funny that I say that since when I was a little girl, I've always wanted to be in a rock band. I even took guitar lessons but that didn't last long at all.

To watch the struggles of the rock band coming together to make it big in flashbacks was good. When the band performed live, I was feeling the "majik" of being there. Very Hollywood-like. In my opinion, I think most people's dreams are to be in the entertainment industry, whether it's a singer, dancer, model, you name it. Not trying to say if you are good at it or not, just that as little kids, we dream of being on top of the world.

Aditya is the lead singer for the former rock band, "Majik." Now, he is married to Sakshi and is a successful business man.

Farhan Akhtar's debut acting role. You know, he has a lot to live up to what people have expected. I mean, come on, his directorial debut film, Dil Chahta Hai, was awesome! One of my favorites, which I had always had a great experience with recommending newbies watch it. By the way, unlike most people, I enjoyed Lakshya as well. Plus Farhan is good-looking, which helps too. We all know he has been a director, producer, lyricist, and is good-looking, but can he act? Yes, he can!

Joe, the lead guitarist for former rock band, "Majik." Now, he is married to Debbie, the love of his life. He is still struggling rock star to make end meet to provide for his wife and son.

What impresses me most about Joe is his heart is still in being a rock star. That's his dream and he doesn't give up.

Since he was the only guy still trying to live his dream, he kept his rock star look.

Although Farhan has been praised for Rock On for his performance, it is Arjun who I remember. Thank you for sticking it in there and showing everyone your acting abilities! I am so happy for Arjun!! Getting recognition for his acting! The only sad thing is he's being more appreciated for his supporting side roles. Maybe it's a good formula for him. But for those who have not seen him in Moksha, go watch it!! Definitely under-appreciated!

Rob (Luke Kenny), the lead guitarist, and KD (Purab Kohli), the drummer, from the former band, "Majik." Now, Rob composes jingles and KD works with his father's jewelry business.

Sakshi (Prachi Desai) is Aditya's wife. Unfortunately, she has no idea of Aditya in a former rock band. Although they are married, she doesn't feel close to him. To me, I didn't care for Prachi, as an actress. She was just okay, looked very boring to me. Plus she looked too much like Penelope Cruz, who I am not a fan of.

Sakshi's best friend, Devika (Koel Purie), who Sakshi confides in.

Tanya (Nicholette Bird) is Aditya's ex-flame, and used to hang out with the band.

Debbie is Joe's wife. Back during the band days, she wanted to be a fashion designer. Now, she is working for a fish company just to pay the bills.

Shahana Goswami deserves another praise cause I simply loooooooved her! She reminded me a bit of Sameera Reddy in the looks department. Her strong character of being the loyal wife who only wants the best for her family. For me, I can say I'm like Debbie. Even though my hubby has many dreams, you want to support him, yet you want to be realistic. Love don't pay the bills! Just thinking about it now, I liked her character, Debbie, more than Joe. I know some people may find her annoying because some may feel that she doesn't want her hubby to live his dream. But come on, be realistic. You fool me once, shame on you. You fool me twice, shame on me.

Definitely were a lot of songs in the film. Some, I didn't realize flow right into the next one. Farhan sings all the songs to the soundtrack (thanks veracious for the info)