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Film

Review: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water

Watch this film only if you’re a SpongeBob fan who doesn’t mind a slightly weird storyline and tonnes of hamming.
by Ravi Shet

This week sees the release of the SpongeBob cartoon series famous on the Nickelodeon cartoon network turned into a full-fledged movie. At the outset, let me warn you that this film will leave you cold if you’re not a fan of silliness or SpongeBob.

SpongeBob (voiced by Tom Kenny) works as a cook at The Krusty Krab, a burger joint famed for its yummy Krabby Patties owned by Mr. Krabs (voiced by Clancy Brown) in the underwater town of Bikini Bottom. Squidward, Patrick and Sandy are SpongeBob’s buddies. Residents of Bikini Bottom are always in high spirits while gorging on yummy Krabby Patties, except for Plankton (voiced by Doug Lawrence) who tries every trick to steal their secret recipe. During one of his attempts he tries to steal the secret recipe, it vanishes entirely, leaving Plankton and SpongeBob clueless.

Deprived of their yummy Krabby Patties, the residents of Bikini Bottom go crazy and the fun loving place turns into a site of utter chaos. SpongeBob teams up with Plankton to find the secret recipe and get to the bottom of the disaster at Bikini Bottom. Through their team work, they build a photo booth time machine to travel back in time and get hold of the secret recipe.

 

It turns out that bad tempered and crazy pirate Burger Beard (Antonio Banderas) has stolen the secret recipe; he plans to retire from piracy and run a food truck business. The yummy Krabby Patties which were the most-wanted food item underwater at Bikini Bottom, score an instant hit with people above the water. SpongeBob and the gang soon realise that the person having the secret recipe is not only huge in size as compared to their miniscule selves, but he also has a magical book that has the tale of Bikini Bottom written in it – and he can rewrite the ending. Luckily, SpongeBob gets hold of the last page which helps him to rewrite the story – he adds superpowers and a huge size to himself and his gang friends.

These superpowers help SpongeBob blow powerful bubbles, while Sandy becomes a huge sized squirrel. Patrick is able to attract all the ice cream cones – this one makes you laugh out loud. Mr. Krabs’ retractable claws remind you of Marvel’s Iron Man, while Plankton develops a massive green-coloured body (like The Hulk) with a tiny head.

The film is strictly okay, with very few genuinely funny moments. I frankly thought the entire film should have been an animation instead of this weird mish-mash. However, there are a few trademark SpongeBob silly scenes which will crack you up – but only if you’re a kid and a fan of the Nickelodeon series.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

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Read

Review: ‘A Gathering of Friends’, by Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond’s latest collection of short stories is culled from his earlier works of fiction and makes for pleasant reading.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Ruskin Bond exerts a rare fascination for the Indian reader. His British roots, his stories set in the soil of India, his simple plots and the elegance with which he pens his prose, all contribute to the enduring fan following he has in the country. There is hardly any bibliophile in India who does not like Ruskin Bond’s works, and many of his stories continue to ignite the imagination even today.

A Gathering of Friends-coverHis latest collection of short stories, A Gathering of Friends – My Favourite Stories is put together by the writer himself, and are his favourite works. This is a special collection, including such wonderful writings as ‘The Blue Umbrella’, ‘Panther’s Moon’, ‘Rusty plays Holi’, ‘Susanna’s Seven Husbands’ and ‘The Eyes Have it’. There are 21 short stories in all.

This book is special not just because its stories are written by a gifted pen, but because they remind us of our childhood and all its sweet joys and sorrows. The stories hark back to a simpler time without the Internet, mobile phones and even colour television, and to today’s readers, they may be somewhat unsettling in their simplicity. For instance, a reader born in the digital age will simply shake his head at the author not keeping in touch with Sushila (‘Love is a sad song’) despite a fateful meeting several years later, or the repeated marrying (and supposed murdering) of seven husbands without being caught (‘Susanna’s Seven Husbands). Nor will he be satisfied with such short works as ‘The Tunnel’ and ‘The Cherry Tree’, which might seem like they lack sensationalist drama.

Nevertheless, the stories shine a light on life in India under the British Raj, or the first years of independence when some British people preferred to stay back in India and die on its soil. Probably because the stories were written at a time when life was relatively uncomplicated do they seem so pure and heartfelt in today’s times.

We recommend this collection for lazy summer afternoons.

Rating: 3.5/5

 (Author picture courtesy blog.ixigo.com)

Categories
Eat

5 must-visit Maharashtrian eateries in Mumbai

Maharashtrian cuisine is beyond awesome but not very well represented. Here’s presenting five eateries serving authentic Maharashtrian fare in Mumbai.
by Ravi Shet

Maharashtrian food is not restricted just to vada pav; there are lots of delicious foods which are gastronomical delights and won’t burn a hole in your pockets, either. Sadly, there are very few restaurants serving authentic Maharashtrian food in our city. Of these, we’ve picked the best ones. Read on…

Aram, Fort

Zunka Bhakari_Aram FortLocated opposite the GPO, this small place is one of the branches of Aram owned by Kaustubh Tambe, where patrons can come and have their food in the standing area. This branch has been open for past six years and it is operational from 9 am to 8 pm, except for Sundays when the outlet is closed.

The thalipeeth (Rs 40) and kothimbir vadi (Rs 40) served with green chutney are definitely worth your money. Also, you can go for zunka bhakari (Rs 50) in which bhakari is made from rice flour and zunka is spicy and tasty. Kokam sharbat (Rs 20) and piyush (Rs 35) are equally good. The kothimbir vadi and piyush are hot selling items throughout the day.

Must try: Thalipeeth and piyush.

 

Girgaon Katta, Borivali West

At walkable distance from Borivali railway station, this place is really a paradise for food lovers who are looking for authentic Maharashtrian dishes. If you Kokam, Panna, Piyush_Girgaon Kattahappen to visit, then do try their kothimbir vadi (Rs 45), zunka bhakari (Rs 85) and thalipeeth (Rs 55) served with green chutney and dollop of butter (prepared at the outlet) on it are really delicious! Do try their aam panha (Rs 25) available during summer season.

Pradeep Malankar, owner of the eatery, says that Girgaon Katta was established in 2007 and was in the same vicinity; however they had to shift from that location. After a lot of struggle, they set up the new outlet in the current place last year. He adds, “I never gave up because I wanted to serve authentic Maharashtrian food which is not easily available in this part of the city.” He says that once the outlet’s airconditioned section is up and running, he will keep it open every day of the year from 7 am to 11 pm.

Must try: Thalipeeth and zunka bhakar.

Kolhapuri Chivda, Girgaon

Green Peas Pattice_Kolhapuri ChivdaThis place has been serving authentic Maharashtrian foods for more than nine decades and still continues to do so. It is easily walkable from Charni Road railway station. Kaju usal (Rs 125), made from fresh and wet cashews and green peas patties (Rs 55) served with creamy white coconut chutney along with tomato sauce are my best picks here. Also, you can try thalipeeth (Rs 50) served with yoghurt and creamy white coconut chutney along with piyush (Rs 30) will definitely make your day. Pradeep Velankar, co-owner of the place says, “We have been running this place from 1922 and it is open to customers from 8 am to 10 pm, except for Friday which is a weekly-off. Today’s generation is happy with burgers and pizzas rather than our traditional foods, which affects our business. But our old clients still come to us, even if they’ve shifted far away.”

Must try: Kaju usal and thalipeeth.

Prakash Shakahari Upahaar Kendra, Dadar West

Looking for authentic Maharashtrian food with no frills? This is the place to visit. Situated near Shiv Sena Bhavan, it has been serving people from the year 1971. Their sabudana wada (Rs 50) served here is crispy and yummy along with the delicious chutney made from peanuts and thalipeeth (Rs 45) served with green chutney and yoghurt along with piyush (Rs 38) are really worth the money. Also try their awesome misal (Rs 45) loaded with pulses and chivda (made at the outlet), not like the typical one where there’s a lot of liquid gravy.

Co-owner Ashutosh Joglekar says that he has been managing the show for past 10 years. “You won’t find aerated drinks or ice creams or other food here; we just serve authentic Maharashtrian dishes. My grandfather Shivram Govind Joglekar started the restaurant in 1946 at Girgaon and later we shifted to Dadar in 1971.” Manager Rahul Paranjape says that all their masalas are prepared in-house.

Must try: Sabudana wada and missal.

Tambe Arogya Bhuvan, Dadar West

Opposite Roop Sangam Sari Centre, this place really gives you home-like feel in each and every food you eat here. Established in 1944 by Sadashiv Shankar Piyush_Tambe Arogya BhuvanTambe, it serves yummy kothimbir vadi (Rs 40) which just melts inside your mouth. It is served with a fantastic garlic chutney. Also try their kande pohe (Rs 30) and zunka bhakari (Rs 60) where the bhakari is worth every penny.

Don’t miss the piyush (Rs 36) here; it really soothes you on a hot summer day. Hemamalini V Tambe, manager and daughter-in-law of Sadashiv Shankar Tambe is a graceful Maharashtrian lady who can be seen actively involved in all the work related to this place with a sweet smile on her face. She says, “I have been managing the business for the past 25 years and people call me Tambe Bhabhi.”

Must try: Kothimbir vadi and piyush.

Categories
Film

Attend: 20th European Film Festival comes to Mumbai

21 award-winning European films will be showcased at two south Mumbai venues starting today, courtesy the 20th European Film Festival.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

The 20th European Union Film Festival starts in Mumbai today, and everyone’s invited.

The Age of CannibalsHead to the NCPA and Alliance Francaise Auditorium to watch the films of your choice. As many as 21 award-winning latest European films will showcase different genres of European cinema over 10 days. The event is presented by the Delegation of the European Union to India, embassies of member states of the European Union, presented in Mumbai by the German Consulate, Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai and Alliance Fracaise.

The festival will open today at the Little Theatre at NCPA, in collaboration with NCPA. Refer to the schedule below for timings and films.

Film schedule: Little Theatre, NCPA (May 8, 2015 to May 12, 2015)

8.5.2015 5.00 pm – 5.45 pm
Reception and Opening		 5.45 pm
Germany – The Age of Cannibals (Zeit der Kannibalen) (93 min)		 8.00 pm
Latvia-Pizzas(63 m)
9.5.2015 3.30 pm
Greece-A Palace Called Home (108  m)		 6.00 pm
Bulgaria-The Foreigner (94 m)		 8.00 pm
Cyprus-Committed (85 m)
10.5.2015 3.30 pm
Belgium-Go, Eddy!  (97 m)		 6.00 pm
Czech-The Don Juans (102 m)		 8.00 pm
Finland-The Boy Upside Down (130 m)
11.5.2015 6.00 pm
Denmark-The Keeper of Lost Causes (100 m)		 8.00 pm
Croatia-Vis-A-Vis (77 m)
12.5.2015 6.00 pm
Portugal-A Woman’s revenge (140 m)

Alliance Francaise Auditorium (May 13 to May 17, 2015)

13.5.2015 6.30 pm
France- Jappeloup (130 m)
14.5.2015 6.30 pm
Estonia – Living Images (135 m)
15.5.2015 3.30 pm
Sweden-The Last Sentence (124 m)		 6.30 pm
Poland  – Ida – (82 m)
16.5.2015 12.00 pm
Republic of Slovakia:  Candidate (106 m)		 3.00 pm
Hungary-The Ambassador To Bern (76 m)		 6.00 pm
Spain: Balcanieves(Snowhite)(105 m)
17.5.2015 12.00 pm
Luxembourg-The Symmetry of Butterfly(100 m)		 3.00 pm
Slovenia-Shanghai Gypsy (124 m)		 6.00 pm
Netherlands-Soof (96 m)

All films are in original language with English subtitles. Entry is free, first-come-first-served.

(Pictures courtesy

Categories
Do

Engage your child this summer

The NCPA hosts a range of activities for children in Mumbai to spend their vacations learning various arts and crafts.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Wondering what to do with your restless, bored child this summer? Channel his or her inner creativity through a series of fun activities at the NCPA.

Since 2010, the NCPA decided to initiate a ‘Summer Fiesta’ as a means to reach out to children and offer them an exciting way to spend their vacations.
Over the years, children have enjoyed a series of plays and films picked for them, as well as a range of engaging and creativity-enhancing workshops in theatre, dance, photography, puppetry, art, craft, creative writing, poetry, animation film-making and many others with masters in their fields.

This year…

The 2015 edition of Summer Fiesta offers children an exciting way to spend their holidays. It is a month long festival that encourages their development through the performing arts. (See the event schedule here).

Children can look forward to workshops on acting, photography and craft, among others, apart from participating in singing, dancing and debate contests.

Look up booking details here. The fiesta has started on May 1, 2015.

(Picture courtesy NCPA, Mumbai. Image used is a file picture)

Categories
Event

Attend: Kiran Nagarkar presents ‘Bedtime Story’

Noted author of ‘Ravan and Eddie’ will read his famous story, and screenplay ‘Black Tulip’ this evening at Kala Ghoda.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

If you like writer Kiran Nagarkar’s work, you will certainly want to be at Max Mueller Bhavan, Kala Ghoda, this evening.

Nagarkar will launch and read out excerpts from his controversial play Bedtime Story, which, playwrights say is “a very disturbing play – and that in an era of theatre when it is very hard to disturb audiences.” The play was written in 1982 and Nagarkar found it extremely hard to get it staged because of its controversial, experimental content. The story of the play is a retelling of the Mahabharata, in which the reader is presented with the Pandavas as flawed heroes with follies, and the Kauravas as only marginally worse. The choice, then, is between what is dark and what is darker. After the play’s content was censored and actors became afraid to be a part of the project, it was first performed in 1995 in Mumbai.

The writer will also launch the screenplay of Black Tulip, at the same event. He will be in conversation with senior journalist Srinivasan Jain about the many issues his two works raise.

Head to Gallerie, Max Mueller Bhavan, Kala Ghoda, this evening at 6 pm. Entry is free.

(Picture courtesy livemint.com. Image is a file picture)

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