9 - 5 - 1980 ***

I've always got the impression that Dolly Parton was very annoying, and after seeing her in '9 to 5' I think my opinion is justified. Not as annoying however as Jane Fonda, whose whimpish, no backbone spouse portrayal had me fuming at the nostrils.
The three women meet at work, and become close, especially when they find out that they all despise their boss for different reasons, but mainly because he is an egotistical, chauvinistic pig who uses each woman to his advantage in his power game at 'the top'. When they decide to pay him back for his behaviour you can see all women watching the film jumping up in their chairs.
I started off not having much respect for any of these women who let themselves get trampled on by a man, but by midway I was warming up to them, and by the end I really liked them.
The theme tune is a belter, so you can't really stop yourself singing along. As one of the 'standout' comedies of the 80s, I think this film could be a lot worse.

Heroine - 2012 ***

'Heroine' is an ironically bittersweet movie about the highs and lows of celebrity.
A young actress at the peak of her profession gradually becomes overshadowed by newer talent, causing her to take up low budget and independent films that hurt her career. She is also in the middle of a messy relationship with a co-star, who soon replaces her for someone else.
At the start she is a diva, and towards the end she is at her lowest ebb.
It's fascinating to watch really, as I'm sure film stars do have to deal with this sort of thing constantly. Always watching their back for the 'newer model' and knowing that one wrong word or picture can leave them with nothing.
Filming was marred for a time when one a rising star ( Meenakshi Thapar )who had a bit part in the film was kidnapped and murdered by 2 colleagues she met on the set. This, and the story matter, makes the film seem all the more gritty and real. Very sad what people will do for celebrity and money.
Worth a watch if you love Bollywood, beautiful dresses and catchy tunes however.