REVIEW: KISAH PALING GENGSTER - Malaysia

Local Malaysian films has lately been criticized for recycling story ideas. This is true. However, when these stories are retold in a different fashion, the execution seems to garner disinterest in the movie-going audience. The movie I am about to review is a common genre but its execution impressed me.

The title of the film is Kisah Paling Gengster. The title is loosely translated into English translation as, The Greatest Gangster Story Ever. The movie poster has the subtitled Gangster Wars and shouldn't be confused with the translation of the movie title. The film is directed by Brando Lee. The film stars award-winning actor Shaheizy Sam in the lead role. Rounding up the supporting cast are Zul Suphian, Wan Hanafi Su, Mikail Andre, Wawa Zainal, Rock Chai, Khatijah Tan, Epy Raja Lawak, Fyza Kadir and many more. The film is released by B&L Kreatif and Lightbulb Pictures. Here is the trailer.

 

 

 

How good of a Malaysian gangster movie is this? Do read on...

 

Shaheizy Sam in the lead role as Remy

SYNOPSIS:

A down and out loser name Remy is going about his usual job as an ambulance driver when he stumbles upon a gun battle between two rival mafia gangs. After surviving this and successfully treating a godfather from injuries, Remy reluctantly joins the mafia gang and is absorbed into its illegal activities.

 

L-R: Fyza Kadir as Sofea, Wan Hanafi Su as Ayah Megat, and Shaheizy Sam as Remy

SCRIPT:

Solid and simple. Good story structure from start to finish. The storyline is not too complicated and it does showcase some positive values despite its violent themes. I liked the fact that there were two plot twists in the film. Reasonably well-written script. Love the intro. The reasonable amount of balance between action and comedy is what I liked.

 

Don't mess with Remy

ACTING:

Kudos to Shaheizy Sam for his performance as the lead. Great supporting performances all around too especially from Zul Suphian, Wan Hanafi Su, and Wawa Zainal.

 

Shaheizy Sam and Wawa Zainal sharing a scene

FILMING:

I think the direction was tight, meaning just concise and nice. Though I felt the film could be better with more stunts, I can't blame the filmmakers for it feels like it was under-budget. Editing could be tighter but this opinion is subjective. Nice choice of camera angles.

 

Behind the scenes photo during filming

 

PACING:

A good start. I was intrigued and interested from the start. Got a little slow in the middle but not to a point that I lost interest. The ending is a bit cliché but it is common for movies with this sort of story genre.

 

TONE (MOOD):

Action, redemption, revenge, and violence all in one with some elements of self-discovery thrown in the mix.

Gangster initiation process. Zul Suphian on the right as Ringo and Huang Qi Ming as Chin on the left.

DOWNSIDE:

Not for kids. A little violent for local cinema standards. I felt the movie should be more longer and too short. Many avenues of storytelling not explored.

 

UPSIDE:

Good moral values despite its many violent sequences. It is a tale of loyalty, respect, family, honour, and whatever else associated in a mafia gangster type of movie.

 

Mikael Andre as Romeo, the chief villain pointing the gun at Zul Suphian as Ringo

OVERALL:

This is a good movie. Good for adults. A sleeper hit, which is a movie not successful at the box-office but might just make it from word-of-mouth and reviews.

 

RATING:

7 out of 10.

REVIEW: THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE

Yet another movie sequel hits the big screen in the form of a book adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel trilogy The Hunger Games. Catching Fire is the second book in the trilogy, preceded by the self-titled The Hunger Games and followed by Mockingjay. The film adaptation of The Hunger Games received generally positive reviews when released in 2012.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire reunites all the cast members from the previous film but this time under the helm of a new director Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend) who replaces Gary Ross. The film reunites stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, and Donald Sutherland. Rounding up the supporting casts are additional actors in Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, and Amanda Plummer. I have to say, this is such a mouth-watering list of cast members assembled. For the record, Jennifer Lawrence and director Francis Lawrence has no relation whatsoever.

I watched the first film last year but will the sequel live up to my expectations? Do read on...

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark

SYNOPSIS:
After the events of The Hunger Games in which Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence)and Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson) emerged victorious, they returned to their hometown of District 12 and live their own separate lives. To both their surprise, the country's President Snow (Sutherland) threatens their lives and their families since they inspired rebellious citizen movements after winning the last games. Both Katniss and Peeta are forced to pretend to live a blissful relationship and brought through a tour across the country including the capital. Once reaching the capital, they are forced to compete in another Hunger Games competition where the loser will die and only the strong will live.

Both the leads are 'Catching Fire'

SCRIPT:
Just like the previous film, the script mostly follows the lives of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark all the way. For a movie that is set in the not too distant future, it seems pretty understandable as to what is at stake in the story. The strong themes of courage, sacrifice, and teamwork from the previous film is also evident again in this film. Those who watch this MUST watch the previous film for a better understanding.

Jennifer Lawrence has really grown as an actress.

ACTING:
Actress Jennifer Lawrence outshone mostly the ensemble cast. This Oscar-winning actress of Silver Linings Playbook managed to hold her own against the big established stars surrounding her. I liked the inclusion of another Oscar-winning actor, Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Best Actor for 2005's Capote) as the villain. Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks performed well to make the acting ensemble look solid. Josh Hutcherson who plays Peeta Mellark and partner to Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen has grown maturely as an actor.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch and Woody Harrelson as Haymitch in supporting roles

FILMING:
Director Francis Lawrence brought a refreshing direction to the film. The sequel feels like it has more budget when you can see elaborate sets and visual effects. Both production design and visual effects were well executed. Francis Lawrence used his usual filming style technique which were more interesting the Gary Ross' slightly boring feel in the first film. I liked the cinematography which managed to capture this bleak look of a dystopian future.

Francis Lawrence (center) directing Liam Hemsworth and Jennifer Lawrence on set.

PACING:
Slightly slow in beginning as it tries to establish some backstories. Pretty moderate pace in the middle. Good third act towards the end when it was engaging in terms of action sequences.

TONE (MOOD):
A dark future where only strong and brave survive, and those who try to lie and be deceitful will go out to harm the heroes.

Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket being flanked by Hutcherson and Lawrence

DOWNSIDE:
I had a problem with the pacing. Could have been better and more interesting. The dark and bleak mood might be a turn off to some.

UPSIDE:
Good build up towards the end. Nice action shots.

Jennifer Lawrence in the lead role as Katniss Everdeen

OVERALL:
It is a good movie sequel. It is not better than the first film but slightly on par with the first film. Remember, you MUST watch the first film to understand this one.

RATING:
7.5 out of 10.

REVIEW: ENDER'S GAME

The science-fiction genre in films is my favourite to review. As a kid, my love for movies is very much influenced by science-fiction films such as the Star Wars and Back to the Future film series. I also liked to read science-fiction books as a kid, and one of them is Ender's Game. I vaguely remember the contents of what I read but I do remember how the central character of the story had strong moral values which taught a thing or two to me about life.

Ender's Game is a series of books written by Orson Scott Card. It has now been adapted to film by producers Alex Kurtzman ad Roberto Orci. Ender's Game is written and directed by Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine). The film stars Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Viola Davis, Abigail Breslin, and Ben Kingsley.

Will this novel adaptation satisfy someone like me who has read the book? Do read on...

Harrison Ford as Colonel Graff facing off Asa Butterfiled as Ender

SYNOPSIS:
During the late 21st century, there was an attempted invasion of Earth from an alien race called the Formics. Earth forces managed to defeat the invaders and resulted in taking precautionary measures by establishing the International Fleet in case the aliens return. Fast forward a few years, a young cadet named Andrew 'Ender' Wiggin (Asa Butterfield) is singled out as the chosen who could possibly lead a battle against the Formics. Ender's superiors put him through various rigorous training and battle situations in order to mold him into becoming a commander.

Ender (Butterfield) and Colonel Gruff (Ford) before a training simulation

SCRIPT:
In my opinion (and as I have mentioned in previous blog postings), science fiction film writing can contain a lot of scientific jargon which I feel might disinterest the audience. For this film, it is a bit of both. At some parts, there were some technical jargons that we need to follow but it was not overdone and kept to a minimal. Other dialogues were easy to understand. Good characterization of the main leads Butterfield and Ford. Very-well told stories of positive moral values within the script.

Asa Butterfield in the lead role as Andrew 'Ender' Wiggin

ACTING:
Strong performance from Asa Butterfield (that boy from Martin Scorsese's Hugo) as the lead character Ender. Pretty good performance from Harrison Ford too, especially during scenes when it was intense. The supporting cast fared well. This film reunites Asa Butterfield and his Hugo co-star Ben Kingsley.

Director Gavin Hood on the set with Asa Butterfield

FILMING:
Nice work by director Gavin Hood. Though the book as I remembered it had more violence and action, this was toned down a little bit to aim to younger viewers. He utilized the visual effects well as a good support to the story. The visual effects was pretty well done, I mean of course it is, the main visual effects company is the renowned Digital Domain. There's a decent amount of action but only towards the end.

Part of the simulation training room in the film

PACING:
The movie gets straight into the motif the very first 10 minutes. It was good and garnered interest. It got a little draggy in the middle. However, it did make it up with a decent climactic ending.

TONE (MOOD):
A young teenage boy who is believed to be a 'chosen one' learns how to become a military leader while discovering himself in the process.

Hailee Steinfeld as Petra Arkanian during a scene in the film

DOWSIDE:
Might not be the cup of tea for non science-fiction fans. Quite a lot of talk in the middle.

UPSIDE:
Pretty good underlying themes of leadership, courage, and teamwork. These themes are strongly evident in the film.

Part of Ender's colleagues in the film.

OVERALL:
Enjoyable and a good popcorn film. Should be fun for adults and kids alike.

RATING:
7.5 out of 10

REVIEW: CARRIE (2013)

When it comes to movie remakes in Hollywood, expectations are always very high. There have been many movie remakes over the years and the majority of it were failures at the box office. The movie I am going to review is a remake of a cult classic from the 1970s.

World renowned best-selling author Stephen King is famous over the years for writing suspense thriller stories. One of his earliest novels, Carrie, was adapted for the screen under the direction of famed director Brian De Palma. The film was released in 1976 and starred Sissy Spacek in the title role. Rounding up the supporting cast were Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, William Katt, and a very young John Travolta. I did watch this film adaptation many years ago.

The remake this time around is directed by Kimberly Peirce. Carrie (2013) stars Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass, Kick-Ass 2, Hugo) in the title role. Other cast members include Julianne Moore, Judy Greer, Gabrielle Wilde, Ansel Elgort, Portia Doubleday, and Alex Russell.

Will this remake live up to expectations? I will review this film as though I am watching it for the first time and not compare to the original film. Do read on...

Chloe Grace Moretz as Carrie and Julianne Moore as her mother Margaret

SYNOPSIS:
Carrie White (Chloe Moretz) is in her senior year in high school and will soon graduate. Despite being a student for so many years, she still has the difficulty of adapting with fellow students and constantly bullied. This is attributed partly to being brought up by an overbearing religious mother who controls her. One day, she discovers that he has the ability to move objects known as telekinesis. She uses this ability to her advantage towards the people around her with unexpected consequences.

Chloe Grace Moretz as Carrie

SCRIPT:Weak and lack imagination. The plots were scattered and the dialogue was uninteresting. The motif was not clearly outlined and were not engaging enough for the audience.

ACTING:
Despite a lame script, there was some fine acting. Chloe Moretz did very well as Carrie and so did Julianne Moore as Carrie's mother. The supporting cast were relative newcomers in acting. Their roles were uninteresting though some played critical parts towards the plot. I would have preferred some prominent actors fill in the supporting cold.

Carrie's nemesis Chris Hargensen (right) played by Portia Doubleday

FILMING:
Mediocre and lack of style. Kimberly Peirce, who directed the award winning Boys Don't Cry (1999) which garnered Hilary Swank her Best Actress Oscar, should have done better. I do understand the need for the director to distinguish herself from the previous film but even if she did, the movie felt boring. The visual effects were mediocre too.

Julianne Moore as Margaret

PACING:
Draggy and boring from the start until the end. Even the climax was uninteresting.

TONE (MOOD):
A teenager fueled with vengeance who has temptations to destroy things while juggling learning the meaning of being a teenager.

Moretz and Moore in a scene from the film

DOWNSIDE:
Poor script and poor pacing.

UPSIDE:
Very good acting from Chloe Grace Moretz.

Carrie gets angry.

OVERALL:
This not the best of movie remakes but if you are a fan of Chloe Grace Moretz, this film might interest you.

RATING:
4.5 out of 10

REVIEW: HIGHLAND TOWER - Malaysia

As revealed in some of my previous blog postings, I do amateur ghost hunting. I am not an expert but I do have some knowledge in the field. Therefore, when it comes to horror flicks being shown in cinemas, I always look forward to it. My review of this film will be particular interesting because it is based in-part (not storyline) by an actual incident in Malaysia.

The film is called Highland Tower. It is directed by Pierre Andre. It stars Mikael Andre, Niezam Zaidi, Eddy Rauf, Atikah Suhaime, Shima Anuar, Adibah Yunus, dan Zairi Zainal. It is produced by Metrowealth Pictures and produced by famed local producer, David Teo. Here's the trailer:-

Will this film scare me and the audience? Do read on...

SYNOPSIS:
In December 1993, a luxury condominium tower block collapse after ground erosion from the neighbouring hillside. About 50 people lost their lives and to this day has become one of the darkest and saddest tragic incidents in Malaysian history. Twenty years later in 2013, a group of documentary filmmakers venture into the remaining two blocks that is left standing to do a ghost hunting expedition. What they discovered is not for the faint-hearted.

SCRIPT:
The film's plotline is pretty straight forward. Investigate a supposedly haunted place and get some footage. Understandable but even the most straight forward plotline films need a good structure. This one had its script all over the place and it felt messy. 80% of the film feels like it is unscripted or ad-libbed which I am okay with it since it fits with the concept. More thoughts on this in the 'FILMING' section of my review.

ACTING:
Stagnant and unconvincing with the exception of one or two actors. I liked the actress Shima Anuar's performance in this film. I do applaud the casting of relative unknowns in this film but I felt the producers could cast totally unknowns. This would have made the film sweeter.

FILMING:
The shooting method for Highland Tower is done in a 'found footage' style. This style was first brought to prominence in The Blair Witch Project (1999), an awesome award winning horror flick. This style has slowly influenced other genres besides horror films, notably Cloverfield (2008) which involved an alien monster from outer space. I don't mind local filmmakers adapting this over-used 'found footage' style for Malaysian cinemas. I think it is creative. However, even a messy style of film-making has its structure in some form of paperwork. This film felt like it had no preparation. The editing was not too bad but the visual effects was pretty poor. Some nice scare moments but could have been more.

PACING:
For a film that is rooted in fast cuts, scare moments, and short duration time, this film was draggy as hell! (Pun intended)

TONE (MOOD):
Scaring audience during unexpected moments while characters experience intense panic situations.

DOWNSIDE:
Draggy and poor visual effects. Predictable storyline. I may be biased since I am an amateur ghost hunter but my friends who are not into ghost hunting also found this film horrible.

UPSIDE:
A new breath of fresh air with a different concept (rather than the regular ones) when it comes to Malaysian horror flicks.

OVERALL:
Quite a poor film and mildly satisfying with the plot. Go watch it if you like being scare at unexpected moments. If you want to know more about ghost hunting at Highland Towers (I feel the title should be plural instead of singular like the film since there are two towers still standing), you can read the 'NOTE' section below.

RATING:
5.5 out of 10


NOTE:
If you are interested to read an ACTUAL ghost hunt at Highland Towers, you can read my friend Adam's blog by clicking here. Some nice photo evidence in this posting. Also some more photo postings in a ghost investigation which Adam participated in by clicking here.

For more on the Highland Towers incident, you can click here.

I apologize of lack of photo stills as the movie company only released a few which were too small in resolution. Will update from time to time.

 

REVIEW: THOR: THE DARK WORLD

My first movie review on this blog was Iron Man 3, the sequel to the massively popular comic book hero of the same name. Therefore, I am pretty looking forward to reviewing this film.

 The Norse God of Thunder, Thor, thunders into theatres in the movie Thor: The Dark World, a sequel to the box-office hit Thor (2011). This film is part of the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe we have come to know and is highly anticipated by comic book fans alike.

This time around, the responsibility of directing falls onto Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones TV series). Thor: The Dark World reunites the casts from the first film; Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Idris Elba, Ray Stevenson, Jaimie Alexander, Stellan Skarsgaard, Kat Dennings, and many more. Christopher Eccleston and Zachary Levi (who replaces Josh Dallas as Fandrall) rounds up the casts. The films is distributed by Walt Disney Pictures (instead of Paramount Pictures) and Marvel Studios.

How will this sequel fair up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Do read on...

Chris Hemsworth the lead role as Thor.

SYNOPSIS:
It has been two years since Jane Foster (Portman) has seen Thor (Hemsworth) and both are longing for each other. During this period, it is discovered that a universal cosmic event would occur and there are some powers that be want to control it, notably Malekith, the Dark Elf. Foster stumbles onto this event and as a result of it, is reunited with Thor. Little did they know that now Foster holds the key to saving the universe and this forces Thor to seek out help from his imprisoned adopted brother Loki (Hiddleston) for help.

Natalie Portman as Jane Foster and Chris Hemsworth as Thor

SCRIPT:
The script was okay but it was quite overly fantasized. Then, it is a movie about the 'gods'. Interestingly enough, it was well understood. Good plot outline and not complicated. I liked the fact that character dynamics are switched because we see more Jane Foster on Thor's home Asgard and Loki playing the good guy. It is well documented on the internet that writer and director of The Avengers, Joss Whedon, did some uncredited rewrites on the script. This is clearly evident with the witty jokes in the film which made it enjoyable to watch. Take the jokes out of the equation and it could have been a lame script.

Natalie Portman and Rene Russo as Frigga, Thor's mother

ACTING:
Hemsworth was just being Thor from the previous film. As usual, Hiddleston shines as Loki as he did in Thor (2011) and The Avengers (2012). I liked the fact that the supporting characters were given more prominence compared to the first film.

Hemsworth as Thor sharing a scene with Anthony Hopkins as Allfather Odin

FILMING:
Since the film is a sequel, it would be no surprise that it is given a bigger budget by the studio. Alan Taylor utilized it well with more visual effects, costumes, and elaborate sets. He did well in this and I have to give high commendation to Taylor since he is known more for TV work rather than film work. However at times, the visual effects became more of trying to showcase a 3D effect rather than help the story.

Director Alan Taylor directs Chris Hemsworth on the set of Thor.

PACING:
Not too draggy. Good start, good middle, but the ending was a little draggy. I felt that the movie took a bit long to find a resolution as it already had a good build-up.

TONE (MOOD):
Heroes attempt to rescue the universe before plunging into darkness.

Christopher Eccleston as Malekith was outstanding, me thinks.

DOWNSIDE:
Despite its massive production, the ending lacked a little Marvel 'oomph', so to speak. It was not good a sequel as Iron Man 3 when it was released earlier this year. I was a little disappointed with the ending.

UPSIDE:
Good visual effects and some great acting from its supporting characters.

Tom Hiddleston as the evil adopted brother Loki.

OVERALL:
It is not the best of sequels but it is enjoyable. Stay tune for some extra scenes. There are two. One midway through the credits and one at the end of all the credits.

RATING:
7.5 out of 10