12 years after they first shared the screen together in Michael Mann's sublime Heat, it's a shame that De Niro and Pacino's much-anticipated reunion vehicle had to be this lazy, boring piece of dreck. There's absolutely nothing of worth in Righteous Kill in terms of substance. The screenplay does pull a clever little trick at the end, but it's rather cheap and makes the whole movie a tedious slog just to reach that point. The story itself offers no consolations either and is devoid of any meat whatsoever. This film is such an exercise in indolence it's insulting to the audience. It's only wise move is to keep De Niro and Pacino together on screen as much as possible and just letting them do their thing. Watching the two thespians play off each other alone is worth the price of admission.

Their characters, though pretty much stock, nevertheless put them right at home turf. De Niro is Turk and Pacino is Rooster. The ridiculous nicknames notwithstanding, they are hard-boiled New York cops who've been partners, as their captain jokes, 'for a hundred years', and as De Niro quips back, 'hundred and twenty'. What a joy it is to see these two geezers, in their slick, black leather jackets and sunglasses, still cool, still bonafide badasses, throwing f-bombs and cracking wise like nobody's business. They're clearly having a blast working together and it's evident in their effortless chemistry. The script thankfully provides them with some snappy dialogue that they toss between them with playful camaraderie and little knowing smiles and chuckles. Their act together is truly a winning, delicious performance. Both are electrifying in their individual scenes too, which is quite refreshing as for some years now, both De Niro and Pacino have taken to sleepwalking through one thankless role upon another, just to collect the fat paycheck at the end of the day. Not that great art is being created here either, but at least they're having fun making the green and it looks like they're at work.

As far as the plot goes, the department is on the trail of a serial killer who's offing lowlifes and scum (a child molester, a pimp, a pedophile priest etc.) that somehow escaped the law and roam free. The killer also leaves a crude rhyme (hilarious in their cheesiness) at every crime scene. There is reason to believe, and it is never made clear or convincing enough, that the killer is a cop. And just because of his general hard line attitude, the hotheaded Turk becomes the prime suspect. As another, younger duo of cops, played efficiently by John Laguazamo and Donnie Wahlberg, sets out to prove him guilty.

The listless screenplay is packed with whodunit-thriller and cop movie clichés. Everything, right down to the identity of the culprit is visible from miles. No loopholes, however glaring, are bothered to be covered up. Had it not been for its two stars, this film would've been straight-to-dvd fare. The whole script is just a lame excuse to bring De Niro and Pacino together. The direction by Jon Avnet is serviceable, purely in terms of technical proficiency and keeping the overall look glossy and 'hip'. His storytelling skills however are nonexistent. In more capable hands, the film could've been a bit more energetic and less plodded. Avent also tends to forget that his protagonists are in their late 60's and shows them like young hotshots who've just joined the force, rather than the seasoned veterans they really are. They practice target-shooting with sub-machineguns (sub-machine guns??!) and work out with guys half their age in the gym. De Niro even has a girlfriend (a delectable Carla Gugino) who must be a little older than his daughter-in-law and has a taste for some rough lovin'. I especially could do without the shot of him getting it on with her, in rear-entry position no less. (Point of note: Avnet also directed Pacino in last year's atrocious 88 Minutes. This time around however, it was De Niro who signed on to Righteous Kill first and was instrumental in bringing Pacino on board.)

On the whole, Righteous Kill is thoroughly mediocre fare in terms of story and direction. You'll be sorely disappointed if you're looking for a solid cop-thriller/whodunit. For fans of De Niro and Pacino however, and of those there are plenty, the film is a welcome treat. One only wishes the two old warhorses had a better movie around them.

-- Faraz Malik

After creating monster television hits like Hannah Montana and High School Musical 1 and 2, the team of Disney Channel is back with its latest, music-driven project, Camp Rock.

With hot teen idols of the moment, The Jonas Brothers mixed with a young, talented musical cast, and an incredibly foot-tapping soundtrack, Camp Rock lives up to the hype.

There is Mitchie (Demi Lovato) a young girl with an incredible voice who dreams of going to Camp Rock - a place where anyone who wants to be in music will spend at least a summer there - but can't afford to go. Her parents pull some strings to get her in but there is a condition. She has to help mommy in the kitchen.

On the other side of the world, the members of super popular band Connect 3 (The Jonas Brothers) send their lead singer Shane Grey (Joe Jonas) as a guest instructor to Camp Rock to counter his bad boy image in the press.

Land at the camp and it's an extraordinary scenario. This isn't just some camp where kids sit around bonfires. These are kids with musical ambitions. Dancers, hip-hop shakers, guitar wizards, keyboard and turntable experts and more, it's the school of music with a laid back guideline and a trophy to give in the most anticipated night of the summer - final jam.

Now of course, like every high school movie, musical, comedy or otherwise, there is always a mean girl who is, typically, a popular chick with a little clan of her own.

This mean chick is Tess Tyler (Meaghan Jette Martin), the daughter of pop star T.J. Tyler and she, somehow, manages to intimidate Mitchie. Soon Mitchie lies her way in to be in this clique.
On the other side of the camp, Shane hears a girl sing an original tune, which reminds him of what inspired him as a musician and sets out to find her. And so begins the summer at Camp Rock.
Like most high school meets musical films, there are clichés spread all over the place. Mitchie turning into the clone of Tess Tyler, lying about her true self, the rocker Shane Grey being this really 'nice' guy, Tess being the ultimate diva in the house… it goes on.

Another low point is no one really comes out admitting their issues. Mitchie admits to her cooked up stories about her mom being the president of Hot Tunes in China only after she is cornered while Tess loosens up only after fumbling onstage.

But despite the clichés, the film works.
Firstly because the music is so good, even if a tad cheesy. It's the music that carries the film forward. The number, 'Who Will I Be' plays as a duet, acoustic and a full-fledged poppy tune on three different scenes and works every time.

'Hasta La Vista' is the thumpy, dance number that is a must-hear. Pretty much everything on the soundtrack plays well into the theme of the film.

Secondly, it's the cast. Demi Lovato as the brilliant but intimidated underdog is one everyone roots for. It's like a natural reaction because her character is so lovable. Plus she has a beautiful voice and it is a delight to watch her song.

Then there are the stars of the moment: The Jonas Brothers. While Kevin and Nick Jonas make appearances time and again, its Joe Jonas who is the other star of the film. Disney's favourite boy acts well, probably because it's the story of his life in many ways. The young boys who recently picked up awards at MTV Video Music Awards as well as American Music Awards are all the rage, especially with their vow to celibacy in the world of rock 'n' roll.

In the end, Camp Rock is a film that should be seen for its addictive music and for all those who love The Jonas Brothers.