For Alaa, life is a meticulously organized affair. He's a reserved individual, deeply invested in excelling in his career. In every aspect, he embodies the quintessential introvert. Yet, beneath his composed exterior, there's a quietly simmering affection for Nadine, a sentiment subtly conveyed throughout the movie. Living a solitary existence, he nevertheless radiates goodness and kindness.
However, the equilibrium of Alaa's life is abruptly shattered when his father falls gravely ill, his body ravaged to the point where 95% of it ceases to function. In a poignant twist of fate, his father expresses a fervent desire to reconcile with both his estranged sons.
Enter Bahaa, Alaa's identical twin brother, accompanied by his girlfriend Colette. Returning from the United States, Bahaa is the antithesis of Alaa in every manner. He's boisterous, harboring a singular desire for their father's demise to claim his inheritance. Presenting himself as affluent, Bahaa's facade starts to unravel when his supposed wealth fails to materialize, evident in his reluctance to relocate to a hotel due to his and his girlfriend's declined credit cards.
The dichotomy between Bahaa and Alaa sets the stage for the movie's premise—a tale of two brothers, diametrically opposed yet linked by blood. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into the complexities of their relationship, exploring themes of family, identity, and the masks we wear in the face of adversity.
Everything about this movie falls short. It's overly flashy, resembling a live-action attempt at "Despicable Me 3.” Almost everything seems to be borrowed from the animated movie- the way Bahaa speaks, his dressing style, his way of speaking, and most importantly, a bit of the premise also seems to be taken from there.
However, it lacks the charm and depth of the animated film. Bahaa's performance, in particular, becomes grating after a while, bordering on annoying. Even the narratives of Bahaa and Colette, his girlfriend, come off as irritating, failing to engage the audience effectively.
The acting across the board from all cast members is mediocre at best, failing to elevate the weak storyline or bring depth to the characters. The film seems to rely too heavily on superficial elements, neglecting to build a compelling narrative or create meaningful character development. Overall, it's a disappointing effort that pales in comparison to its animated counterpart.
If you're seeking a breezy viewing experience, this film might suffice, albeit with reservations. However, even in its attempt to offer light entertainment, the plot feels shallow and lacks substance. Moreover, the pacing drags, making it a challenge to maintain interest throughout.
While the film may serve as a makeshift watch for a lazy afternoon, it fails to captivate with its lackluster storyline and sluggish tempo. Viewers hoping for engaging content or meaningful storytelling may find themselves disappointed by its lack of depth and slow progression.
Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times