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Let's Go To The Movies
by Mark Gernpy |
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through Feb 1.
Reminder 1!
Lifescapes, a film series of Payap University, runs from
February 2 to 5, with the final showing being held at Vista on February 5 at
7 pm – the film Hi-So by Aditya Assarat, followed by a discussion with the
director and lead actors Ananda Everingham and Sajee Apiwong. Other films
show at Payap, exploring by means of contemporary dramatic or documentary
films some regional issues within mainland Southeast Asia: All have English
subtitles; free admission. For information, check their website
http://filmfestival.payap.ac.th/.
Reminder 2!
For the second year, the Alliance Française is presenting La
Fete, a festival of five French films, running from February 13 to 17 at the
Alliance. Two showings a day, at 6 pm and 8 pm. All have English subtitles;
free admission. For information:
http://www.lafete-bangkok.com/en/province/chiang-mai/
The Phantom of the Opera:
US, Action/ Fantasy/ Horror – A special video showing of The
Phantom of the Opera once a day at 8 pm at Major Cineplex, Airport Plaza,
now through February 1. This is the same presentation that has been showing
in Bangkok the last few weeks. It shows off the capabilities of Major’s
Digital system to present live events from around the world. Strictly
speaking, of course, this is not a live event, but a delayed broadcast of a
live event that took place on October 2, 2011, and was simulcast live
throughout Europe. We get what was actually presented to the audience on
that night, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the gala 25th Anniversary
fully-staged presentation of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s worldwide musical hit.
Most viewers think this is as accurate a staging of the original show as
could be done in that place, and much more accurate than the 2004 movie.
Shown in Digital (but not 3D). Only at Airport Plaza.
Panya Raenu 2:
Thai, Comedy/ Drama – The sequel to Panya Raenu, continuing
the story of friendship between Panya and Raenu. This time they’ve added the
almost too-popular Petchtai Wongkamlao (Mum Jokmok), and Tukkie to the cast.
English subtitles at Airport Plaza, Thai-only at Vista.
The Devil Inside:
US, Horror/ Thriller – In Italy, a woman becomes involved in a
series of unauthorized exorcisms during her mission to discover what
happened to her mother, who allegedly murdered three people during her own
exorcism. It is in the genre of documentary-style "found footage" and so is
a movie with a fictional story that tries to give the impression that it has
filmed actual occurrences. Rated R in the US for disturbing violent content
and grisly images, and for language – including some sexual references.
Reviews: Overwhelming dislike, in general calling it a cheap, choppy unscary
mess, featuring one of the worst endings in recent memory. And “It's a
pestilence of infectious claptrap.” Apparently a sizeable percentage of
audiences regularly boo at the end of the film, and there are reports of
numerous walkouts. There’s a movement afoot to dub this film the one with
the worst ending in film history. Shown in Digital (but not 3D); at Major
only.
First Kiss / Rak Sud Tai
Pai Na: Thai, Drama/ Romance – In this romantic comedy, a
single girl, 25, meets a grade-12 boy student on a bus. Fate plays trick
with them when, minutes after they met, they accidentally kiss as they both
try to stick their heads out the same window to watch a roadside accident.
He is now determined to win her heart, despite his inexperience and the age
difference. Can a high-schooler court an office girl? Will the boy have
enough romantic tricks in his bag to win the heart of the older woman? Will
this movie give you the answer? Only at Airport Plaza; English subtitles.
Always / Only You:
South Korea, Drama/ Romance – A tragic love story centered on
an ex-boxer and a telemarketer slowly losing her vision. Written and
directed by the popular Korean director Song Il-gon. This was the opening
film of the 2011 Busan International Film Festival, and the 2,000 available
tickets for it sold out in a record seven seconds! Thai dubbed only; no
English subtitles; at Major only.
ATM Er Rak Error:
Thai, Comedy – This Thai Romantic Comedy features a wayward
ATM machine that gives out too much cash. Number one in Thailand, and a big
hit. English subtitles at Airport Plaza, Thai-only at Vista.
Underworld 4: Awakening:
US, Action/ Fantasy/ Horror – To gauge from the previews, it
seems to be more of the same, so if you’ve been enthralled by the epic
battle between Vampires and Lycans, as delineated so noisily and violently
in the first three episodes, then this is for you. Kate Beckinsale, star of
the first two films, returns in the lead role as the vampire warrioress
Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans
have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are
conducting an all-out war to eradicate both species. Rated R in the US for
strong violence and gore, and for some language. In 2D here, English at
Major, Thai-dubbed at Vista. No reviews yet.
Meung Gu: Thai,
Action/ Drama – A transfer student at Chiang Mai University becomes friends
with another student, the leader of the Sperm Gang, and gets drawn into gang
warfare, learns about the dangers of life, and thereby achieves manhood.
It’s apparently based on a true story about a fight between a gang called
the Sperm Gang and another called The Night Bazaar Gang, which terrorized
Chiang Mai some 40 years ago, although this film takes place in the present.
Heartthrob Mario Maurer (The Love of Siam), is the gang leader. But,
so I’m told, he's a gang leader filled with virtue: Loyalty, love of his
friends, respectful treatment of girls. "The Sperm Gang is stronger than all
the other millions of sperm," he says. "We're fighters, not gangsters."
Well-known spots in Chiang Mai are darkly photographed, making our town look
quite ominous. Now only at Vista, Thai soundtrack only.
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through Jan 25.
Alert 1! Major Cineplex at Airport Plaza is scheduling a special video
showing of The Phantom of the Opera once a day at 8 pm from January 26
through February 1. This is the same presentation that has been showing in
Bangkok the last few weeks. It shows off the capabilities of Major’s Digital
system to present live events from around the world. Strictly speaking, of
course, this is not a live event, but a delayed broadcast of a live event
that took place on October 2, 2011, and was simulcast live throughout
Europe. We get what was actually presented to the audience on that night, at
the Royal Albert Hall in London, the gala 25th Anniversary fully-staged
presentation of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s worldwide musical hit. Most viewers
think this is as accurate a staging of the original show as could be done in
that place, and much more accurate than the 2004 movie.
Alert 2! Lifescapes, a film series of Payap University, runs from February 2
to 5, with the final showing being held at Vista on February 5 at 7 pm – the
film Hi-So by Aditya Assarat, followed by a discussion with the director and
lead actors Ananda Everingham and Sajee Apiwong. Other films show at Payap,
exploring by means of contemporary dramatic or documentary films some
regional issues within mainland Southeast Asia: All have English subtitles;
free admission. For information, check their website
http://filmfestival.payap.ac.th/.
Alert 3! The Alliance Française is presenting La Fete, a festival of five
French films, for the second year, running from February 13 to 17 at the
Alliance. Two showings a day, at 6 pm and 8 pm. All have English subtitles;
free admission. For information:
http://www.lafete-bangkok.com/en/province/chiang-mai/
Midnight in Paris: US, Comedy/ Fantasy/ Romance – Ah, now, here we go, a
fine film by one of the most solid directors around, the consistently
entertaining Woody Allen. Of far more interest than most current films, it
is naturally not very popular here, and is in fact only being shown
(grudgingly, it seems) by Major once a day (on weekdays), in the early
evening. A playful look at the Paris everyone at one time in their life
wants to go to. Not now, but back in the 20’s – or even earlier. See it and
play the game of “Spot the Famous Parisian Personage.” Check with cinema for
weekend showings. With Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, and Kathy Bates.
Reviews: Universal acclaim. Airport Plaza only.
Underworld 4: Awakening: US, Action/ Fantasy/ Horror – To gauge from the
previews, it’s more of the same, so if you’ve been enthralled by the epic
battle between Vampires and Lycans, as delineated so noisily and violently
in the first three episodes, why this is for you. Kate Beckinsale, star of
the first two films, returns in the lead role as the vampire warrioress
Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans
have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are
conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species. Rated R in the
US for strong violence and gore, and for some language. In 2D here, English
at Major, Thai-dubbed at Vista. No reviews yet.
ATM Er Rak Error: Thai, Comedy – The latest Romantic Comedy to grace
Thailand’s screens has to do with a wayward ATM machine that gives out too
much cash. English subtitles at Airport Plaza, Thai-only at Vista.
Meung Gu: Thai, Action/ Drama – A story of friendship between two friends
that leads people to think they’re involved with gangsters – and teenaged
gangsters at that. And in – of all places – Chiang Mai! It’s apparently
based on a true story about a fight between a gang called the Sperm Gang and
another called The Night Bazaar Gang, which terrorized Chiang Mai some 40
years ago, although this film takes place in the present. Heartthrob Mario
Maurer (The Love of Siam), is the gang leader. But, so I’m told by a
Thai-speaker, he's a gang leader filled with virtue: Loyalty, love of his
friends, respectful treatment of girls. Never looks for trouble; trouble
looks for him. "The Sperm Gang is stronger than all the other millions of
sperm," he says. "We're fighters, not gangsters." Well-known spots in Chiang
Mai are photographed digitally and not brightly, making our town look quite
ominous. Thai soundtrack only at Vista, English subtitles at Airport Plaza.
Ruk Vei Hei: Thai, Comedy/ Romance – A clumsy computer programmer has a
crush on an attractive girl DJ, but he knows that with his clumsiness he
wouldn’t have a chance to win her heart. But, luckily for him, he finds an
idiotic love guru who helps him accomplish his mission. Looks like your
average Thai comedy with your average stereotypes. Thai soundtrack only (no
English subtitles) at both locations.
Real Steel: US/ India, Action/ Drama/ Sci-Fi/ Sport – A future-set story
where robot boxing is a popular sport. Yes, boxing matches between robots.
And the plot: A struggling promoter – no other than Hugh Jackman – feels
he's found a champion in a discarded robot. During his hopeful rise to the
top, his barely acknowledged 11-year-old son (Dakota Goyo) comes into his
life. But don’t dismiss it all quite yet, and continue reading, for despite
the outlandish premise the movie proves that, yes, audiences can root for
robots in boxing matches, and get emotionally involved. I’ve seen this film,
and I’m telling you it works. The story about the rejected son is nicely
played and will bring a tear to your eye. And there is some truly thrilling
and exciting action, done very well indeed, as you would expect from a
Steven Spielberg production; the film uses motion capture technology of
actual boxers for accuracy during the robot fights, supervised by no less
than Sugar Ray Leonard. I have to say that overall it is an amazingly
entertaining film, with a thoroughly satisfying performance by the young
boy, and the robots. Mixed or average reviews; much better than you would
think. It’s a 2D film. English at Airport Plaza, Thai-dubbed at Vista.
Contraband: US/ UK, Action/ Crime/ Drama/ Thriller – To protect his
brother-in-law from a drug lord, a former smuggler heads to Panama to score
millions of dollars in counterfeit bills. With Mark Wahlberg, Giovanni
Ribisi, and Kate Beckinsale. Rated R in the US for violence, pervasive
language, and brief drug use; 18+ in Thailand. Airport Plaza only, and the
process is Digital (but not 3D). Mixed or average reviews, saying that, as
mindless action capers go, this is a little less mindless than some.
The Darkest Hour: US, Action/ Horror/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – Stranded in Moscow,
five young people lead the charge against an alien race who have attacked
Earth via our power supply. Reviews: Overwhelming dislike. Shown in 2D, at
Vista, and Thai-dubbed.
Sor Kor Sor Sweety / Bangkok Sweety: Thailand, Comedy/ Romance – For the
third year in a row now, in the last week of the year, the studio
M-Thirtynine has released an absolute bottom of the barrel Thai RomCom that
has been savaged by the press and hailed by the customers, with plenty of
young Thai stars, and music and dancing. They’ve all been hugely popular,
and made a lot of money, so here we are again. The movie is in Thai only at
both locations.
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through Jan 18.
Contraband: US/ UK, Action/ Crime/ Drama/ Thriller – To protect his
brother-in-law from a drug lord, a former smuggler heads to Panama to score
millions of dollars in counterfeit bills. With Mark Wahlberg, Giovanni Ribisi,
and Kate Beckinsale. Rated R in the US for violence, pervasive language, and
brief drug use; 18+ in Thailand. Airport Plaza only, and the process is Digital
(but not 3D). Mixed or average reviews, saying that, as mindless action capers
go, this is a little less mindless than some.
Rak Wei Hei: Thai, Comedy/ Romance – A clumsy computer programmer has a crush on an
attractive girl DJ, but he knows that with his clumsiness he wouldn’t have a
chance to win her heart. But, luckily for him, he finds a love guru who
helps him accomplish his mission. Looks like your average Thai comedy.
English subtitles at Airport Plaza, Thai soundtrack only at Vista.
Meung Gu: Thai, Action/ Drama – A story of friendship between two friends that leads
people to think they’re involved with gangsters – and teenaged gangsters at
that. And in – of all places – Chiang Mai! With heartthrob Mario Maurer
(The Love of Siam), having a tough time of it. Shown with Thai
soundtrack only at both locations.
The Girl with the
Dragon Tattoo: US/ Sweden/ UK/ Germany, Crime/ Drama/ Mystery/
Thriller – I am quite fond of the stunning Swedish original, so was
skeptical of this English remake. And the film started out terribly for me,
with a short prologue scene with its dialogue muttered to such a degree that
I didn’t understand a word of it. Then the titles began – the worst titles
sequence I have ever witnessed. Visually it was appalling with images
impossible to grasp, presented so contortedly that I got a headache, and the
soundtrack was the most dreadful cacophony I’ve ever heard in a film. I was
in a state of anger and exhaustion when the film proper began, hardly the
state you would think a director would want. Then the film starts out like a
strung-out product placement/ advertisement for a certain specific brand of
American cigarettes, which I didn’t appreciate. Then it got into an
unnecessarily confusing presentation of the back-story of how it is that
this Swedish journalist, played by Daniel Craig, is disgraced and free to
take on the particular investigation that is the core of the story – the
solving of a forty-year-old murder case.
Nevertheless, as time went on, I was
very slowly won over by the decidedly good aspects of this brutal and
captivating film. Quite good acting, some scenes quite gripping, others
though kind of sloppy. Rooney Mara is in general quite good as the young
computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, who has to be one of the most unique and
vivid female protagonists ever created, first in the highly popular series
of novels by Stieg Larsson, then in the trio of Swedish films made from
them, and now here. Also with Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgard, Steven
Berkoff, and Robin Wright. The film is directed with increasing intensity by
David Fincher (The Social Network, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button).
On my second viewing I was particularly
struck by the music (or sound design; the distinction is blurred here).
Though loathsome during the opening titles, it is fascinating and inventive
most of the time, but with some sections I found immensely irritating. And
the digital cinematography is endlessly captivating. I was able to better
appreciate, second time around, the subtle use of the digital medium. There
are some distinctive and positive qualities in digital, and it is in the
exploiting of these strengths that the film truly excels.
Rated R in the US for brutal violent
content including rape and torture, strong sexuality, graphic nudity, and
language; 18+ here. Generally favorable reviews. At Airport Plaza only, and
in Digital (not 3D).
The Darkest Hour:US, Action/ Horror/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – Stranded in Moscow, five young people
lead the charge against an alien race who have attacked Earth via our power
supply. Starring Emile Hirsch and Olivia Thirlby. Reviews: Overwhelming
dislike. Nevertheless, shown in Digital 3D and English at Airport Plaza –
and 2D at Vista, Thai-dubbed.
Flying Swords of
Dragon Gate:China, Action/ Adventure – At the time of the
story in the Ming Dynasty, the bad guys are the eunuchs of the Imperial
Court, who have created their own unaccountable secret police, armed with
bizarre weapons, who are utterly ruthless in their quest for power and
wealth. Starring Jet Li and directed by the innovative Tsui Hark. Heavily
promoted as a Chinese 3D film, nevertheless shown in 2D here, and only at
Airport Plaza, and only in a Thai-dubbed version.
The Adventures of
Tintin: US/ New Zealand, Animation/ Action/ Adventure/ Family/
Mystery – Based on the series of classic comic books created by Belgian
artist Hergé. The series is one of the most popular European comics of the
20th century, with translations published in more than 50 languages. Steven
Spielberg, as director and producer, has once again crafted what I think is
a spirited, thrilling adventure using the latest motion-capture technology
and wedding it to tried and true Spielberg story elements. It keeps close to
the original tone and intent, so those who are fond of the books will be
enthralled. Whether it will capture the imagination of those not brought up
on the books is uncertain. The film has not had a very lucrative run here in
Thailand. I enjoyed it well enough, but I think the character and his
distinctive style has to be, in the main, an acquired taste. The story has
the intrepid young reporter Tintin discovering directions to a sunken ship
commanded by an ancestor of the brash and cynical (and alcoholic) Captain
Haddock, and the two go off on a treasure hunt. Generally favorable reviews.
Now only at Vista, and Thai-dubbed.
Real Steel: US/ India, Action/ Drama/ Sci-Fi/ Sport – A future-set story where robot
boxing is a popular sport. Yes, boxing matches between robots. And the plot:
A struggling promoter – no other than Hugh Jackman – feels he's found a
champion in a discarded robot. During his hopeful rise to the top, his
barely acknowledged 11-year-old son (Dakota Goyo) comes into his life. But
don’t dismiss it all quite yet, and continue reading, for despite the
outlandish premise the movie proves that, yes, audiences can root for robots
in boxing matches, and get emotionally involved. I’ve seen this film, and
I’m telling you it works. The story about the rejected son is nicely played
and will bring a tear to your eye. And there is some truly thrilling and
exciting action, done very well indeed, as you would expect from a Steven
Spielberg production; the film uses motion capture technology of actual
boxers for accuracy during the robot fights, supervised by no less than
Sugar Ray Leonard. I have to say that overall it is an amazingly
entertaining film, with a thoroughly satisfying performance by the young
boy, and the robots. Mixed or average reviews; much better than you would
think. It’s a 2D film. English at Airport Plaza, Thai-dubbed at Vista.
Sor Kor Sor Sweety /
Bangkok Sweety: Thailand, Comedy/ Romance – For the third year
in a row now, in the last week of the year, the studio M-Thirtynine has
released an absolute bottom of the barrel Thai RomCom that has been savaged
by the press and hailed by the customers, with plenty of young Thai stars,
and music and dancing. They’ve all been hugely popular, and made a lot of
money, so here we are again. The movie is in Thai only at both locations.
Sherlock Holmes: A
Game of Shadows: US, Action/ Adventure/ Crime/ Mystery/
Thriller – Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit
and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty. Once again
starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Face it, there’s no way there’s
going to be a legitimate Holmes movie coming out these days – surely not
when the 2009 film made so much money. This sequel has just as many
explosions, anachronisms, quick cuts, and all the rest of the attributes of
an action movie. But the dialogue is a little sharper and more refined, and
the action really quite inventive. In forty or eighty years from now when
the confusingly-edited action sequences in all our current films will be
re-edited, as surely they must, this will turn out to be a wholly delightful
film. Mixed or average reviews. Now only at Vista, Thai dubbed.
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through Jan 11.
The Girl with
the Dragon Tattoo: US/ Sweden/ UK/ Germany, Crime/ Drama/ Mystery/ Thriller – I
am quite fond of the stunning Swedish original, so was skeptical of this English
remake. And the film started out terribly for me, with a short prologue scene
with its dialogue muttered to such a degree that I didn’t understand a word of
it. Then the titles began – the worst titles sequence I have ever witnessed.
Visually it was appalling with images impossible to grasp, presented so
contortedly that I got a headache, and the soundtrack was the most dreadful
cacophony I’ve ever heard in a film. I was in a state of anger and exhaustion
when the film proper began, hardly the state you would think a director would
want. Then the film starts out like a strung-out product placement or
advertisement for a certain specific brand of American cigarettes, which I
didn’t appreciate. Then it got into an unnecessarily confusing presentation of
the back-story of how it is that this Swedish journalist, played by Daniel
Craig, is disgraced and free to take on the particular investigation that is the
core of the story – the solving of a forty-year-old murder case.
Nevertheless, as time went on, I was very slowly won over by the decidedly good
aspects of this brutal and captivating film. Quite good acting, some scenes
quite gripping, others though kind of sloppy. Rooney Mara is in general quite
good as the young computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, who has to be one of the
most unique and vivid female protagonists ever created, first in the highly
popular series of novels by Stieg Larsson, then in the trio of Swedish films
made from them, and now here. Also with Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgard,
Steven Berkoff, and Robin Wright. The film is directed with increasing intensity
by David Fincher (The Social Network, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button).
Rated R in the US for brutal violent content including rape and torture, strong
sexuality, graphic nudity, and language. Generally favorable reviews. At Airport
Plaza only, and in Digital (not 3D).
The Darkest Hour: US, Action/ Horror/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – Stranded in Moscow,
five young people lead the charge against an alien race who have attacked Earth
via our power supply. Starring Emile Hirsch and Olivia Thirlby. Reviews:
Overwhelming dislike. Nevertheless, shown in Digital 3D at Airport Plaza – and
2D at Vista, Thai-dubbed.
Flying Swords of Dragon Gate: China, Action/ Adventure – At the time of the
story in the Ming Dynasty, the bad guys are the eunuchs of the Imperial Court,
who have created their own unaccountable secret police, armed with bizarre
weapons and who are utterly ruthless in their quest for power and wealth.
Starring Jet Li and directed by the innovative Tsui Hark. A 3D film, heavily
promoted as such, but in 2D here, and only at Airport Plaza, and only in a
Thai-dubbed version.
The Adventures of Tintin: US/ New Zealand, Animation/ Action/ Adventure/ Family/
Mystery – Based on the series of classic comic books created by Belgian artist
Georges Remi, who wrote under the pen name of Hergé. The series is one of the
most popular European comics of the 20th century, with translations published in
more than 50 languages and more than 200 million copies of the books sold.
Steven Spielberg, as director and producer, has once again crafted what I think
is a spirited, thrilling adventure using the latest motion-capture technology
and wedding it to tried and true Spielberg story elements. It keeps close to the
original tone and intent, so those who are fond of the books will be enthralled.
Whether it will capture the imagination of those not brought up on the books is
a little uncertain. I enjoyed it well enough. The story has the intrepid young
reporter Tintin discovering directions to a sunken ship commanded by an ancestor
of the brash and cynical Captain Haddock, and the two go off on a treasure hunt.
Generally favorable reviews. In Digital 3D and English at Airport Plaza, 2D and
Thai-dubbed at Vista.
Real Steel: US/ India, Action/ Drama/ Sci-Fi/ Sport – A future-set story where
robot boxing is a popular sport. Yes, you read that right – boxing matches
between robots. And the plot: A struggling promoter – no other than Hugh Jackman
– feels he's found a champion in a discarded robot. (Are your heartstrings
pulled yet?) During his hopeful rise to the top, his barely acknowledged
11-year-old son (Dakota Goyo) comes into his life. Ah, you’re saying, now you’re
grabbed! Well, despite the outlandish premise, the movie proves that yes,
audiences can root for robots in boxing matches, and get emotionally involved.
I’ve seen this film, and the story about the rejected son is nicely played
indeed and will bring a tear to your eye. And there is some thrilling and
exciting action, done very well indeed, as you would expect from a Steven
Spielberg production; the film uses motion capture technology of actual boxers
for accuracy during the robot fights, supervised by no less than Sugar Ray
Leonard. I have to say that overall it is an amazingly entertaining film, with a
thoroughly satisfying performance by the young boy, and the robots. Mixed or
average reviews; much better than you would think. English at Airport Plaza,
Thai-dubbed at Vista.
New Year's Eve: US, Comedy/ Romance – A film which had hopes of celebrating
love, forgiveness, second chances, and fresh starts, in intertwining stories
told amidst the pulse and promise of New York City on its most frenetic night of
the year. What it turned out to be was a sentimental ode to Times Square at
midnight on New Year’s Eve, the last place on earth I would want to be after
doing it four times. It’s a sort of a sugary promotional tourist advertisement.
Starring Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel, and Sarah Jessica Parker and a huge
selection of stars and semi-stars. Generally unfavorable reviews, calling it
such things as shallow, sappy, and dull. Airport Plaza only.
Sor Kor Sor Sweety / Bangkok Sweety: Thailand, Comedy/ Romance – Much like a
Thai version of the above (New Year’s Eve), except the stories extend from New
Year’s to Valentine’s Day. For the third year in a row now, in the last week of
the year, the studio M-Thirtynine has released an absolute bottom of the barrel
Thai RomCom that has been savaged by the press and hailed by the customers, with
plenty of young Thai stars, and music and dancing. They’ve all been hugely
popular, and made a lot of money, so here we are again. The movie is in Thai
only at both locations.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows: US, Action/ Adventure/ Crime/ Mystery/
Thriller – Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and
bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty. Once again starring
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Face it, there’s no way there’s going to be a
legitimate Holmes movie coming out these days. Surely not when the 2009 film
made so much money. This sequel has just as many explosions, anachronisms, quick
cuts, and all the rest of the attributes of an action movie. But for all that,
the dialogue is a little sharper and more refined, the action really quite
inventive, and at least Holmes gets a worthy opponent in Professor Moriarty.
It’s mostly enjoyable to watch due to its well-matched leading men. In forty or
eighty years from now when the confusingly-edited action sequences in all our
current films will be re-edited, as surely they must, this will turn out to be a
wholly delightful film. Mixed or average reviews. Thai-dubbed-only at Vista, in
English at Airport Plaza.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol: US, Action/ Adventure/ Thriller – I found
this to be an exciting and intense action thriller, and of that kind of thing,
very well-done indeed. This, the fourth film in the popular series, again stars
Tom Cruise, and he still exhibits his undeniable star-quality. The IMF is shut
down when it is implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and
his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name. It’s a 2D film,
with some parts filmed in super high-definition Digital IMAX. When shown in an
IMAX cinema (in Bangkok only) these sections are reputedly really something to
see, with the high point being the scaling of the Burj Dubai, now the world’s
tallest building at 2,723 ft. Tom Cruise is insisting that all the
height-defying stunt work on the building was done by him personally. Even
without an IMAX projector, the high definition of these scenes are impressive
and spectacular. But the whole film is a lot of fun. A Thai-dubbed version at
Vista; English at Airport Plaza. Generally favorable reviews.
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through Jan 4.
The Adventures
of Tintin: US/ New Zealand, Animation/ Action/ Adventure/ Family/ Mystery –
Based on the series of classic comic books created by Belgian artist Georges
Remi, who wrote under the pen name of Hergé. The series is one of the most
popular European comics of the 20th century, with translations published in more
than 50 languages and more than 200 million copies of the books sold. Steven
Spielberg, as director and producer, has once again crafted what I think is a
spirited, thrilling adventure using the latest motion-capture technology and
wedding it to tried and true Spielberg story elements. It keeps close to the
original tone and intent, so those who are fond of the books will be enthralled.
Whether it will capture the imagination of those not brought up on the books is
a little uncertain. I enjoyed it well enough. The story has the intrepid young
reporter Tintin discovering directions to a sunken ship commanded by an ancestor
of the brash and cynical Captain Haddock, and the two go off on a treasure hunt.
Generally favorable reviews. In Digital 3D and English at Airport Plaza, 2D and
Thai-dubbed at Vista.
Real Steel: US/ India, Action/ Drama/ Sci-Fi/ Sport – A future-set story where
robot boxing is a popular sport. Yes, you read that right – boxing matches
between robots. And the plot: A struggling promoter – no other than Hugh Jackman
– feels he's found a champion in a discarded robot. (Are your heartstrings
pulled yet?) During his hopeful rise to the top, his barely acknowledged
11-year-old son (Dakota Goyo) comes into his life. Ah, you’re saying, now you’re
grabbed! Well, despite the outlandish premise, the movie proves that yes,
audiences can root for robots in boxing matches, and get emotionally involved.
I’ve seen this film, and the story about the rejected son is nicely played
indeed and will bring a tear to your eye. And there is some thrilling and
exciting action, done very well indeed, as you would expect from a Steven
Spielberg production; the film uses motion capture technology of actual boxers
for accuracy during the robot fights, supervised by no less than Sugar Ray
Leonard. I have to say that overall it is an amazingly entertaining film, with a
thoroughly satisfying performance by the young boy, and the robots. Mixed or
average reviews; much better than you would think. English at Airport Plaza,
Thai-dubbed at Vista.
New Year's Eve: US, Comedy/ Romance – A film which had hopes of celebrating
love, forgiveness, second chances, and fresh starts, in intertwining stories
told amidst the pulse and promise of New York City on its most frenetic night of
the year. What it turned out to be was a sentimental ode to Times Square at
midnight on New Year’s Eve, the last place on earth I would want to be after
doing it four times. It’s a sort of a sugary promotional tourist advertisement.
Starring Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel, and Sarah Jessica Parker and a huge
selection of stars and semi-stars. Generally unfavorable reviews, calling it
such things as shallow, sappy, and dull. Airport Plaza only.
Sor Kor Sor Sweety / Bangkok Sweety: Thailand, Comedy/ Romance – Much like a
Thai version of the above (New Year’s Eve), except the stories extend from New
Year’s to Valentine’s Day. For the third year in a row now, in the last week of
the year, the studio M-Thirtynine has released an absolute bottom of the barrel
Thai RomCom that has been savaged by the press and hailed by the customers, with
plenty of young Thai stars, and music and dancing. They’ve all been hugely
popular, and made a lot of money, so here we are again. The movie is in Thai
only at both locations.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows: US, Action/ Adventure/ Crime/ Mystery/
Thriller – Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and
bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty. Once again starring
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Face it, there’s no way there’s going to be a
legitimate Holmes movie coming out these days. Surely not when the 2009 film
made so much money. This sequel has just as many explosions, anachronisms, quick
cuts, and all the rest of the attributes of an action movie. But for all that,
the dialogue is a little sharper and more refined, the action really quite
inventive, and at least Holmes gets a worthy opponent in Professor Moriarty.
It’s mostly enjoyable to watch due to its well-matched leading men. In forty or
eighty years from now when the confusingly-edited action sequences in all our
current films will be re-edited, as surely they must, this will turn out to be a
wholly delightful film. Mixed or average reviews. Thai-dubbed-only at Vista, in
English at Airport Plaza.
Arthur Christmas: UK/ US, Animation/ Comedy/ Drama/ Family – Reveals the
incredible, never-before seen answer to every child's question: “So how does
Santa deliver all those presents in one night?” The answer: Santa has an
exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation, hidden beneath the North Pole.
Delivering two billion presents in one night, it’s run very much like a military
operation. But at the center of the film is a story about a family in a state of
comic dysfunction, so it says here. And the family is Santa’s! Generally
favorable reviews, saying that it’s a clever and earnest holiday film with
surprising emotional strength. From the British studio that brought us the
Wallace and Gromit tales, in conjunction with Sony Animation. In Digital 3D, and
at Major only.
The Kick / Won Don Tae: Thailand/ South Korea, Action/ Adventure/ Thriller – A
South Korean-Thai co-production about a Korean family in Bangkok who join with a
pair of Thai friends to battle gangsters. Mom and Pop, former Korean Taekwondo
champs, settle down in Thailand and open a Korean restaurant and Taekwondo
school. Their three kids, though, are interested in different things; the
teenage boy is crazy about K-pop, the girl loves football and Thai dance, and
only the youngest boy shows any interest in Taekwondo. Soon the family makes
friends with Mum Jokmok – who else? – and his niece, a talented Muay Thai boxer,
played by Thailand’s favorite female fighter, Jeeja Yanin. Everything changes
when the family and their friends become involved with Korean mobsters who've
stolen some ancient daggers. This film premiered at the Busan Film Festival and
already has been released theatrically in South Korea. Directed by Prachya
Pinkaew. Thai-only at Vista, with English subtitles at Airport Plaza (and the
Korean speeches Thai-dubbed).
Headshot / Fon Tok Kuen Fa: Thai, Action/ Thriller – A film By Pen-ek
Ratanaruang, director of Last Life in the Universe, this is a modern film noir
about a man trying to forget his past – but his past and his karma won't forget
him. Premiered in September at the Toronto International Film Festival, then was
shown at the Tokyo and Vancouver festivals; has created a bit of interest and
anticipation. Rated 18+ in Thailand. At Vista only, and in Thai only.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol: US, Action/ Adventure/ Thriller – I found
this to be an exciting and intense action thriller, and of that kind of thing,
very well-done indeed. This, the fourth film in the popular series, again stars
Tom Cruise, and he still exhibits his undeniable star-quality. The IMF is shut
down when it is implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and
his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name. It’s a 2D film,
with some parts filmed in super high-definition Digital IMAX. When shown in an
IMAX cinema (in Bangkok only) these sections are reputedly really something to
see, with the high point being the scaling of the Burj Dubai, now the world’s
tallest building at 2,723 ft. Tom Cruise is insisting that all the
height-defying stunt work on the building was done by him personally. Even
without an IMAX projector, the high definition of these scenes are impressive
and spectacular. But the whole film is a lot of fun. Both an English and a
Thai-dubbed version at Vista; English at Airport Plaza. Generally favorable
reviews.
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