Writer: Janak

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Watch this if you liked: “Stepmom”, “Kal Ho Na Ho” & “Ta Ra Rum Pum”

Karan Johar, the successful producer who has written and directed many films about relationships, has gone one step further by producing an original story taken from Hollywood and turning into a cliched Bollywood melodrama. "We Are Family" is also solely based on an adaptation of Hollywood's "Stepmom" (1998).

Unlike his previous work "Kal Ho Na Ho" (2003), which tells the story of a guy in his final days, trying to pair up the girl he loved with her best male friend, "We Are Family" is a completely opposite affair, where a single mother with three kids who also happens to be on the verge of death, tries to get a replacement mother aka stepmom in her ex-husband's current girlfriend. Not letting away any spoilers, go watch this film to find out if the replacement does really takes place in the end. Can two mothers make a home?

For its cast, a mention to Arjun Rampal's character is really a waste. It would be unfair to call him a bad actor in this movie. But in the reviewer's opinion, his performance was quite dull, which might leave many of his fans devastated. The Kareena-Kajol combo is explosive and definitely the highlight of the film. One wishes that there was more scenes like those in the movie! As a recap, both actors have done a film together titled 'Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham" (2001) but more scenes are injected between the two in "We Are Family".

The plot has really nothing new to offer. It does have its serious moments but not an all-out solemn film. In fact, it also has some generous humour and light moments along the way. The first hour was quite dull as it does not explain much; the audience might get confused. The film also tends to be stagnant in the middle of the second hour with not much elaboration. Thankfully, the film picks up wonderfully towards the end.

Mohanan's cinematography is eye-catching and the locales of Australia enhance the setting of the film. For its song and music, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is a complete letdown. The same team, who gave some powerful vocals in "My Name Is Khan" earlier this year, did not hit the note right this time around. The only redeeming track is 'Let's Rock', which is high on energy. Funnily, the song's tune is also heavily borrowed from Elvis Presley's song!

With or without your loved ones, you still can watch this melodramatic family film as it does has its fair share of emotions and joy, all put together into one movie. With some family values added together, do keep your tissues on hand as it could get emotional. A good recommendation for the ladies and kids.

Cinema Online, 06 September 2010