Thursday 14 December 2023

The Archies movie- nostalgia meets nepotism

The Archies- Sugary, mushy, curated to perfection, brewed to elitist taste flick. It possesses an old world charm despite its under-whelming, under-performing young crop of actors. The nepo kids have very big shoes to fill and fail abysmally. One wishes Zoya Akhtar had chosen newbies with talent over the ones with lineage.

If we move the critical lens away from the overshadowing nepotism debate, this rendition of the iconic comic book characters does have its moments, notably with Agastya Nanda’s promising performance in the titular role. However, the weight of legacy seems to burden the young actors, particularly Khushi and Suhana, as they struggle to embody their characters convincingly.  

Reggie is portrayed as more virtuous than his original persona, Jughead's gluttony seems forced and the rest are all passable; Goodfellas with their hearts in good place, bonding against the force threatening their sacrosanct Riverdale, picturesque with exceptionally built sets.

 The film opts for a safe route, lacking the thrill or audacity to push boundaries, yet the essence of the beloved Archies universe remains intact, adorned with love, romance, songs, and dances, creating an endearingly nostalgic experience. 

 Appreciating it is easier when viewed independently, detached from the colossal standards set by the original Archies series. Despite the misgivings and the subpar performances, it manages to carve its own space as a light, enjoyable watch. 



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