REVIEW: TANDA PUTERA - Malaysia

This would be my second movie review of a local Malaysian film this week. The film has been long awaited by many in the entertainment industry and various political figures due to its sensitive nature of the content. The film's name is called Tanda Putera. The English translation for the title is Mark of Prince.

Tanda Putera is directed by renowned award-winning Malaysian director Shuhaimi Baba. She is known for directing critically acclaimed and period pieces type of films. Just like her previous films, she assembles a star-studded cast; Rusdi Ramli, Zizan Nin, Faezah Elai, Linda Hashim, Kavitha Sidhu, Nazril Idrus, and many more cameos. The film is written by Shuhaimi Baba herself.

As mentioned earlier, the anticipation of the film is immense due to the content of the film. The reason being the story explores certain events in Malaysian history which involves racial clashes and the actors portraying real-life political figures whom some are still alive today. The film was initially slated to release last year on 12th September but was pushed backed to 29th August 2013.

So, will controversy sell this film?

Trailer:

SYNOPSIS:
Set against the backdrop of the racial and political tension in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the film chronicles the life of Malaysia's first Deputy Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak and how he came to power as the country's second Prime Minister. The film also explores Razak's relationship with his then deputy Tun Dr. Ismail and how both of them struggle to bring peace to the nation while juggling personal problems among them.

Tun Abdul Razak (Rusdi Ramli) and his governance

SCRIPT:
Being a some-what of a semi biographical film, attention is usually paid on historical accuracy rather than dialogue. There is actually quite a good attempt at making a good story structure where several stories intertwined and connected into one. However, it needed more strength to this story structure to make it convincing. Some sub-plots were not developed well but the main plot was quite good.

A scene where the Prime Minister visits the villages

ACTING:
As an audience, evaluating acting is based on how I feel from an actor's performance on screen. I felt the acting in this film was pretty stale as a whole with the exception of the two leads (Rusdi Ramli and Zizan Nin) who did well.

Rusdi Ramli and Zizan Nin who plays Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Dr Ismail respectively

FILMING:
A production involving historical scenarios would certainly be difficult for many directors and producers. However, I feel this film did pretty okay in establishing a look during the said period of time from costumes to sets. There was a little excessive use of green screen chroma key which was pretty obvious. There were some nice shots too. I applaud the use of mixing actual historical footage into the film which is rarely seen in Malaysian cinemas.

Tun Abdul Razak (Rusdi Ramli) contemplating the future

PACING:
The movie started pretty well by throwing 'tension' into the story. The editing cuts were fast and interesting. However, the cuts became too fast and ended up being hard to follow. In the middle of the film, the pacing slowed down we are pulled backed into the story.

TONE (MOOD):
To a certain extent, it is a 'period' piece which focuses on patriotism and the fight to be politically powerful.

Tun Abdul Razak flanked by his wife Toh Puan Rahah (Faezah Elai) and his personal physician

DOWNSIDE:
The multiple sub-plots might being a turn-off and some visual effects looks amateurish. Please note that the film goes deep into racial issues and might be offensive to some.

UPSIDE:
A good historical lesson for those who do not know or have less knowledge of Malaysian history. Underlying themes of patriotism and sacrifice.

Zizan Nin (on the left) share a scene with Rusdi Ramli

OVERALL:
A good, daring, and bold attempt at portraying Malaysian history but lacked sustaining interest only until late in the film.

RATING:
7 out of 10

REVIEW: KL ZOMBI - Malaysia

Two months ago in June this year, I reviewed a local Malaysian film titled Pecah. The film was adapted from a novel published by Buku Fixi. It is quite rare to see Malaysian films adapting material from novels. For the second time this year, Buku Fixi has another novel being adapted to the big screens. The film title is KL Zombi adapted from the novel titled Zombijaya which was written by Adib Zaini.

KL Zombi is produced by Grand Brilliance and Light Bulb Pictures. The film is directed by M.J. Woo. This comedy stars well-known comedian Zizan Raja Lawak, Siti Saleha, Iedil Putra, Zain Hamid, Izara Aishah, and many more. Before I begin my review, here is the trailer:-

SYNOPSIS:
A young teenager is accidentally bitten by an animal which causes him to get sick. Little did he know that after a trip to the hospital, his infection would cause a zombie outbreak in Kuala Lumpur. Now, it is up to pizza delivery/hockey player named Nipis to stop the zombie outbreak.

SCRIPT:
KL Zombi bound to be drawn comparisons to other zombie-comedy films from Hollywood. In this case, it will be compared to Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Zombieland. The storyline is a no-brainer and predictable. The dialogue is cheesy but to certain degree, it works for the storyline.

Zizan Raja Lawak as the lead character Nipis

ACTING:
The film has a star-studded cast but the lead character Nipis played by Zizan Raja Lawak steals the show. Although some supporting characters did do well, it always goes back to Zizan. I would love to have seen more screen time for the leading lady played by Siti Saleha,

Zizan fighting Izara Aishah who plays his sister

FILMING:
Some of the shots were pretty nice in terms of colour and angles. The highest commendation has to go to the make-up effects department which did a good job for a local zombie film.

A behind the scenes photo of an actor in zombie make-up

PACING:
Just the right pacing for a comedy. Doesn't get too boring and has enough laughs to control the pace.

TONE (MOOD):
Comedy and gore with a light-hearted feel. (Is there such a thing?)

Actor Zain Hamid after being turned into a zombie

DOWNSIDE:
Major plot-holes in storyline but this has been sacrificed (I think) in favour of the action, make-up effects, and stunts.

UPSIDE:
The comedic performance of Zizan Raja Lawak which drew a lot of laughs. I could tell that he ad-libbed some lines.

Zizan Raja Lawak one-man show

OVERALL:
Its a long way to go for Malaysian films to make a good zombie film but this one is light-hearted and popcorn fun for the audience.

RATING:
6.5 out of 10

REVIEW: ELYSIUM

In 2009, I watched this critically acclaimed film titled District 9. Directed by South African Neill Blomkamp, the movie caught my eye as one of the few science-fiction films worth the watch. Blomkamp returns with a follow-up to his critically acclaimed film but this time he has a bigger budget to spend.

Elysium stars Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Shartlo Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna and William Fichtner. Aside from directing duties, Blomkamp also wrote the screenplay. The film reunites Blomkamp with actor Shartlo Copley and many of his crew from District 9.

Will Elysium live up to the expectations of Neill Blomkamp's previous Oscar nominated film District 9? Do read on...

Matt Damon in the lead role of Max Da Costa

SYNOPSIS:
Set in the not too distant future, Earth is now somewhat a barren wasteland infested with humans who are unhealthy and poverty stricken. However, there are some privileged enough to afford a healthy lifestyle stays in Elysium, a very high-tech satellite station orbiting Earth. Among the humans on Earth, Max Da Costa (Damon) aims to get to Elysium so that he can cure a sickness which he suffered at work. In his attempts to find a cure on Elysium, he must first fulfill an obligation to an old friend and at the same time face challenges by a power hungry minister on Elysium, Jessica Delacourt (Foster) who will foil any attempts by humans on Earth to get to Elysium.

SCRIPT:
An original premise and concept for a science-fiction film. Well written but in my opinion had some flaws. There were too many sub-plots which sent the film into a slight disarray. Despite that, the script manage to glue all the plots towards the end. Good establishment in main characters.

Jodie Foster as the female lead Jessica Delacourt

ACTING:
Matt Damon shone in his lead as the role. Although Jodie Foster is billed as the main villain, I would loved to have seen more screen time of her. The supporting cast did fairly to hold up the film, in particular Shartlo Copely as a bounty hunter.

Shartlo Copely as Kruger, a bounty hunter

FILMING:
It retains very much of Blomkamp's old style from District 9. The setting is 'apocalyptic' and his trademark shaky camera work is clearly evident. Great sets and top-notch visual effects from companies Industrial Light & Magic and Weta Workshop.



Director Neill Blomkamp directing Copely on the set of Elysium

PACING:
The film started of really well. It went straight into the purpose of the film. Got a little draggy in the middle but had a good climax in the end.

TONE (MOOD):
Action futuristic with lots of violence and swear words.

Some sacrifices Matt Damon has to fulfill to find a cure for his sickness

DOWNSIDE:
The overused of shaky camerawork might 'disorientate' the audience into feeling nauseous. Heavy use of swear words and advisable not for children.

UPSIDE:
Original storyline, interesting premise, and feel-good ending.

Max Da Costa (Damon) ready to do battle.

OVERALL:
This film has the elements of an enjoyable film but falls a little short of Neill Blomkamp's previous directorial effort District 9.

RATING:
7 out of 10


NOTE:
A special thanks to KLIPS Malaysia for the tickets to the press screening. Click the link KLIPS for more info.

REVIEW: LEMAK KAMPUNG SANTAN - Malaysia

Here I am again reviewing a local film. This time is a film called Lemak Kampung Santan which has one of Malaysia's biggest stars Neelofa headlining the film. The male lead is Hans Isaac who also directs.

 

Hans Isaac comes of the successful film Cuci (2008) which he also directed. Cuci was a hit and even adapted to a stage musical of the same name several years after that. His follow-up Lemak Kampung Santan is anticipated by many in the industry since the success of Cuci.

 

SYNOPSIS:

A property development company based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia intends to build a 72-hole golf course in the countryside. However, the village named Kampung Santan poses an obstacle in the company's plans to develop landscape for the golf course. After being served an eviction notice, the villagers of Kampung Santan refuses to leave no matter the circumstances. The company's project manager Ridzuan (Hans Isaac) must find a way to solve his employer's problem. In his quest, he unexpectedly falls in love with the popular village girl Tiqa (Neelofa). He then faces a dillemma between his professional integrity and the feelings of the heart. Along the way, he discovers more secrets in Kampung Santan that would eventually shape his outlook on life.
SCRIPT:

From an idea by Hans Isaac, I applaud the originality of the idea. It is a storyline not usually seen in Malaysian cinemas. However, the story structure got lost amidst the films attempt to balance between drama and comedy. There is an interesting motif written in the film which was surprising but lacked development.



Actor / director Hans Isaac playing the role of Ridzuan

ACTING:

Besides Isaac and Neelofa, the film is supported by an established cast of great actors, notably Harun Salim Bachik and Awie. Their scenes were memorable when they appear, however, there was too little and should have had more of them. Neelofa did well with her performance.

Actress Neelofa playing the role of Tiqa.

FILMING:

Its a romantic drama comedy, therefore the shots were pretty much basic and do not belong a certain directing style. The look and sets were alright and I liked the attempt of the production company to film on top KL Tower.

A scene from the film shot on top of famous landmark KL Tower.

PACING:

Slow and uneven. It had a good start and then it felt draggy. This resulted from the multiple sub-plots being explained throughout the film.
TONE (MOOD):

Light hearted love story set against the backdrop of corporate greediness.

Awie and Hans Isaac in a scene from the film.

DOWNSIDE:

An attempt at creating a romantic comedy which was slightly anti-climactic. 
UPSIDE:

Neelofa's dramatic acting performance. Awie and Harun Salim Bachik providing comedic moments.

Actor Harun Salim Bachik plays Pak Wan, Tiqa's father.

 OVERALL:

The film is okay. Original idea but the multiple plots were too scattered. If you are into light-hearted films with a happy ending, this movie is for you. Despite some pitfalls, I try to watch local films as much as I can in support of the industry's growth.

Ridzuan (Hans Isaac) and Tiqa (Neelofa) speaking matters of the heart.

 RATING:

5.5 out of 10

REVIEW: R.I.P.D.

I like buddy-cop type of films. Throughout film history, there has been many examples such as the Lethal Weapon film series starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, and the Men In Black film series starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. Combine this two classic film series, you will get the film I am about to review.

The film is called R.I.P.D. which is an abbreviation of Rest In Peace Department. It is adapted from the comic book of the same name which is published by Dark Horse Comics. R.I.P.D. is directed by Robert Schwentke (Red, The Time Traveler's Wife, Flightplan) and stars Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds in the lead roles. Rounding up the supporting cast is Mary-Louise Parker and Kevin Bacon. With such a strong line-up, will the movie be on par with the previous classics?

SYNOPSIS:
A Boston police sergeant Nick Walker (Ryan Reynolds) suffers a fatal tragedy during a police bust and is immediately transported to the heavens above. Based on his good track record in law enforcement, he is recruited by the 'angels' to join the Rest In Peace Department (R.I.P.D.) to battle the undead. Walker is assigned a partner named Roy Pulsipher (Jeff Bridges) who personifies an olden-day cowboy. On an assignment, they both discover that Walker's loved ones, wife and former partner, are involved in a plot which may unleash hell on Earth with the undead. It is up to them to save the world.

SCRIPT:
Based on a comic book, the lines is expectedly cheesy. However, the storyline does not attract any intrigue to the plot the heroes are trying to solve. Character development is minimal and need to know more. Same formula from scene after scene. The establishment of an antagonist was not strong enough. The jokes were just okay.

Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds in the leading roles.

ACTING:
The film is spearheaded by Bridges and Reynolds. The both acted well. Kevin Bacon as former partner of Reynolds' character also did good.

FILMING:
Director Robert Schwentke tries to establish a style but did not work. Some nice shots but were just okay at best. The visual effects is done by the company Rhythm & Hues which used to have a satellite office here in Malaysia. Some of the visual effects are done here and is evident with familiar names in the credits. Sadly, the visual effects was nothing to shout about.

Robert Schwentke on the film set with Jeff Bridges

PACING:
Started well but went downhill towards the end. It was boring in the middle and the ending was not as climactic as I hoped for.

TONE (MOOD):
Action adventure aimed at younger audience with a comedic mood.

Kevin Bacon has a chat with Jeff Bridges while Ryan Reynolds looks on

DOWNSIDE:
Boring, weak script, and scenes that were the least exciting.

UPSIDE:
Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds actually has really good chemistry on screen.

Ryan Reynolds, Mary-Louise Parker, and Jeff Bridges sharing a scene

OVERALL:
A big-budget bomb which tries to hard and bound to draw comparisons to the Men In Black film series.

RATING:
4.5 out of 10

REVIEW: THE CONJURING

Not many people know that during my free time, I would go ghost hunting. I am not a full fledged ghost hunter but the world of the paranormal fascinates me to a certain extent. Therefore, a film about the paranormal or specifically the horror genre, always intrigues me.

The film is called The Conjuring. It is directed by James Wan (Saw, Insidious), a Malaysian-Australian who is plying his trade in the world of film-making. Over the past years, Wan has distinguished himself as a director 'specializing' in the horror genre. The film stars Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ron Livingston, and Lili Taylor. The film is written by brothers Chad and Carey Hayes,

Clockwise from left: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Lili Taylor, and Ron Livingston

This film documents a case from a group of famous ghost hunters who happens to be husband and wife. Their names are Ed and Lorraine Warren. Before I continue with my review, check out the video below. A famous case investigated by them but not related to the film. You might have seen it on YouTube:-

This investigation took place in the United States and deals with poltergeist, entities that have the ability to move objects. The Conjuring is based on a true story which the Warrens have kept secret for a long time. Lorraine Warren served as a consultant on the film. Unfortunately, Ed Warren has passed on many years ago. Now on with the review.

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren respectively

SYNOPSIS:
A family moves into a new home in Harrisville, Rhode Island. They seem like a normal family, both parents and five lovely daughters, until strange paranormal occurrences begin to disturb the family. Having had enough torment, the mother of the family approaches demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren who agrees to take the case. As the Warrens begin the investigate, they began to discover supernatural forces that is beyond their control.

The Perron family who is tormented by unseen forces.

SCRIPT:
Simple, straight-forward, and effective. Very well structured and very minimal (maybe none) plot-holes. Characterization of each role is ironed out and there's just enough backstory for the audience to connect with the actors. The dialogue was alright but what is more interesting, the script became somewhat of an educational tool for those unfamiliar with the world of paranormal research and ghost hunting. This gives the opportunity for horror fans to learn the basics of ghost hunting methods.

ACTING:

Excellent performance from the four main cast, in particular Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren and Lili Taylor as the distraught mother of the family. Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren was an equal opposite of Farmiga's role. The child actors in the film were pretty good too.

Farmiga (Lorraine) and Wilson (Ed) conducting an investigation

FILMING:

This is by far James Wan's best work to-date. He pays tribute to old style horror film-making of yesteryears. It seems fitting too as the film is set in the early 1970s. I applaud the use of minimal visual effects and concentrating on practical effects. The shots were beautifully crafted and evoked feelings of being transported to that era. The editing was just nice and the make-up effects was superb. Kudos to James Wan.

Director James Wan on set with Vera Farmiga.

PACING:

In my opinion, it is almost perfect. It gets engaging in the first 10 minutes and slowly escalates to a great finale. It does not feel boring because at every turn of a scene, there is something new. The scare moments is well build and greatly distributed throughout the film.

TONE (MOOD):
Ghost and demons which will definitely scare you. Problem-solving mystery that gets the audience reacting to the story. I found myself telling one of the characters "Why do you have to do that?" out loud.

Does this music box hold the key to everything? Watch the film and find out.

DOWNSIDE:
Not suitable for kids. Those with a weak heart or pregnant women should not watch this film.

UPSIDE:
If you are a fan of horror films, this is one of the best. The scare moments could make you gripping to your seat and feel uneasy but that is what horror films are all about.

OVERALL:
In my opinion, this is one of the best films I have seen in the horror genre. Not only it is a good horror film, it also has a strong script which translates to a well-crafted piece of filmmaking. For those unfamiliar with the world of ghost hunting and paranormal research, you might learn a thing or two. The strength of this film is the simple storyline that doesn't require audience to figure out the plot too much and its suspense scene after scene until the end. Highly recommended.

RATING:
9 out of 10