Hotel Mumbai, by John Collee and Anthony Maras - 8 out of 10

Hotel Mumbai, by John Collee and Anthony Maras
8 out of 10


To some extent, it is difficult to evaluate this motion picture.

It certainly delivers on some levels, for the true story is more than compelling, it is devastating and the many clashes, 'the action' of the narrative is packed and there seem to be very few moments when we have no calamity unfolding on the screen.
And yet, something is amiss.

For this cinephile, the acting was flawed.
With the exception of Armie Hammer perhaps, who was more temperate, reneging on excessive, pathetic gesturing, the rest of the cast seemed bent on the ultimate Lamentations.

Yes, I must admit that there is an argument for that.
And it is very possible, actually  it is likely that I am wrong.

First, the circumstances are as bad as can be imagined and depending on the ability we have, it could be seen as worse.
Second, as we have it in a brilliant Monty Python sketch. That of the Indian Restaurant, it could be a cultural thing.

In the Monty Python rendition, this waiter would literally kick himself, bang his head against the wall, do all kinds of penance for the most insignificant mistake made in arranging the table or whatever it was that happened.

Therefore, if Dev Patel is pathetic in the role of Arjun who has no shoes, it may be because he overplayed his hand to nausea, or, he has the perfect touch and we see an exhausting personage just as he really was or is.
Truth is, even if the actor made the perfect choice, i still find it annoying, but must confess that I am no great fan, I find his work rather amateurish and I am not just talking for this ultimate horror movie.

Having said that, one must say clearly that the film is more than watchable.
It is as compelling as any other  movie and the terror, tragedy is ever more compelling when we consider that it all happened!