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Let's Go To The Movies
by Mark Gernpy |
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through May 30.
Men in Black III: US, Action/ Comedy/ Sci-Fi – I saw the 2D version,
and I enjoyed it all. The writers and director and actors were having a lot
of fun with it, and the fun was infectious. There’s a truly enjoyable
chemistry between Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, and as things develop in
the story, the same chemistry works just as well between Smith and a younger
version of Jones, played by Josh Brolin. The story has an alien and
thoroughly disgusting criminal killing the young Agent K in 1969, which
naturally alters the timeline, changes the Agency, and places the Earth in
danger. Will Smith as Agent J must travel back in time to 1969 to before the
murder and work with the young Agent K to save him, the Agency, the Earth,
and humanity itself. Some amusing comments on the year 1969 for those who
can remember. Mixed or average reviews, saying it does justice to the fun
and whimsy of the original, and gives a surprisingly emotional insight into
the characters; a solid creature-feature filled with memorable performances
and remarkable visual effects. Converted to 3D in post-production. In 3D
(English), 3D (Thai-dubbed), and 2D (English) at Airport Plaza; Digital 2D
(English) and 2D (Thai-dubbed) at Vista.
Iron
Sky: US, Comedy/ Fantasy – When I first heard about this, my impulse
was to tell you all to please don’t see it. The very idea gave me the
shivers. Nazi’s hiding out on the far side of the moon since 1945, preparing
a triumphant return to Earth.
But . . .the Nazi stuff really isn’t
all that repellant, and in fact the people who will dislike the movie the
most will be Sarah Palin supporters, because she really gets it. She’s the
US President, you see, when the Nazis attack. (It’s the year 2018.) She’s
totally comfortable with this state of affairs, because she knows that every
president who had a war in the first term was reelected. (Sarah has
redecorated the Oval Office with taxidermied specimens of endangered
species, and one gigantic polar bear.) “Of course we lied to you,” she tells
the UN. “This is the United States, people. That’s what we do.”
I found the film quite funny and
imaginative, and the visuals – the CGI and the model-building – rather
spectacular for a low-budget film. It comes from a team of self-taught
Finnish independent film makers led by Timo Vuorensola as the director. He
built a web following with his previous culty sci-fi parody Star Wreck.
Using that following, the filmmakers allowed anyone who wanted to help with
the film. People could ask for a screening in their home town, help
collaborate in the film's creation, and invest in the movie. In fact, 10% of
the film's budget was generated by fans, and the donors are listed in the
credits. It was featured, believe it or not, in this year’s Berlin Film
Festival in February, and turned out to be rather a hit. Yes, for a crazy
comedy, I recommend it. Mixed or average reviews. Not rated in the US; 18+
in Thailand. In Digital 2D, and only at Airport Plaza.
Distortion / Kon Loke Jit: Thai, Drama/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – I found
Nonzee Nimibutr's seventh movie extraordinarily violent and bloody, with a
number of victims getting beaten to death with a hammer at great length and
in great detail. Pretty strong stuff – repulsive, in fact. It’s a
psycho-thriller which explores the inner lives of four characters: a
psychologist, a scientist, a businessman, and a student – all haunted by
nightmares, repressed memories, and the darkest of pasts. The characters are
involved in a case of grisly serial murders – truly grisly. Nimibutr has
never been one to shy away from complex stories and themes and this is no
different in that regard. He is also one of the most gifted visual directors
in Asia and one uncommonly willing to trust in the intelligence of his
audience which makes every new Nimibutr project well worth paying attention
to. Sorry, Nonzee; you have great skill as a director, but this was too
dark, bloody, and cruel for me – and panders to a person’s basest instincts.
Please try something a bit more civilized next time. Rated 18+ in Thailand.
In 2D; with English subtitles at Airport Plaza, Thai only at Vista.
StreetDance 2 (3D): UK/ Germany, Drama/ Music/ Romance – A follow-up
to the popular StreetDance 3D of 2010 with mostly new dancers in a
European-set dance contest spectacular. It’s all about dancing, and in that
it shines – you shouldn’t pay much attention to the story. Again with the
2008 winner of Britain’s Got Talent, George Sampson.. After a top street
dancer (Falk Hentschel) is humiliated and laughed off stage, beaten by an
American dance crew, he sets off to gather the best dancers from around the
world to take them on in a rematch. With landmark locations, a spectacular
fusion of dance styles, and an unparalleled vibrancy, this sequel sees our
hero fall in love with a beautiful dancer as he discovers the magic, power,
and passion of salsa. Has all the charms a dance movie ought to have, and
sensational high-energy routines to some great pop hits. Mixed or average
reviews. Now showing in 2D only (Digital) and English at Airport Plaza; not
at Vista.
Dark
Shadows: US, Comedy/ Fantasy – I hated the pop music on the
soundtrack – way too loud and insistent, and it grated on my nerves. But
other than that, the film was fun, and I really enjoyed myself. It’s a
gothic-horror tale centering on the life of a vampire (played by Johnny
Depp) and his run-ins with various monsters, witches, werewolves, and
ghosts; a reworking of the TV shows which ran from 1966 to 1971. Mixed or
average reviews, saying director Tim Burton, as usual, is great on
atmosphere and comic timing (these are his weirdest moments since Ed
Wood), but less so at reining in an overcomplicated plot and dimly lit
action scenes. I found it a bizarre combination of comedy, campy horror, and
gothic melodrama, and the lead vampire, blood dripping from his chin, is a
great role for the chameleon Johnny Depp. Relax and enjoy its light, spoofy
tone. If you do, you might find it a ghoulish joy. 2D; in English at Airport
Plaza, Thai-dubbed at Vista.
American Pie: Reunion: US, Comedy/ Raunch – I was really bored with
this. The script was terrible – profoundly unfunny and uninteresting, and
with attempts at treacly sentimentality on friendship and sex that sometimes
reach the depths of such atrocities as Adam Sandler’s Grown Ups. All
the American Pie characters we met a little more than a decade ago are
returning to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion. In one long
weekend they reminisce about the memories of their hormonal teen selves,
who once upon a time launched this disgusting comedy legend. Have they grown
up? What do you think. Rated R in the US for crude and sexual content
throughout, nudity, language, brief drug use, and teen drinking; 18+ in
Thailand. Mixed or average reviews, saying in general that it will provide
sweetly nostalgic comfort food for fans of the franchise, but fails to do
anything truly new or interesting -- or even very funny -- with the
characters. The movie's message: the way to face impeding maturity is to
embrace your inner teen idiot. Now at Vista only, in English.
Marvel’s The Avengers 3D: US, Action/ Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi –
Marvel Comics brings its greatest superheroes together in this film, hoping
they’ll be enough to smash the evil super-villain Loki (and attract you to
the cinema by strength of sheer numbers). Looks like their strategy is
working, as the film had the biggest opening in the world ever, and in
Thailand as well. Already it’s made more money here than any movie this year
or indeed the last four years, except for Transformers 3 in 2011 and Avatar
in 2009. That’s even including the Naresuans!
It’s really quite terrific for this
type of film, and you may enjoy it quite a bit. Generally favorable reviews,
saying the film lives up to its hype with a script that never forgets its
heroes' humanity. And that there aren't many writer-directors around as
talented as Joss Whedon. That indeed it's the writing that sets this film
apart from the crowd, in harmony with perfect casting, first-rate visual
effects, and other key ingredients. Now only in regular 2D; English at
Airport Plaza, Thai-dubbed at Vista.
Chob Kod Like Chai Kod Love:
Thai, Drama/ Romance – They describe it this way: “A romantic story of a
perfect guy who lacks courage to approach girls, a new flight attendant who
has high standard for boys, and two friends who make a living by setting up
a love confession business on the internet.” Directed by Pakpoom Wongjinda,
known so far for horror flicks (Scared). At Vista only and in Thai
only.
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through May 23.
Iron Sky: US, Comedy/ Fantasy – When I first heard about this, my
impulse was to tell you all to please don’t see it. The very idea gave me
the shivers. Nazi’s hiding out on the far side of the moon since 1945,
preparing a triumphant return to Earth.
But . . .the Nazi stuff really isn’t
all that repellant, and in fact the people who will dislike the movie the
most will be Sarah Palin supporters, because she really gets it. She’s the
US President, you see, when the Nazis attack. (It’s the year 2018.) She’s
totally comfortable with this state of affairs, because she knows that every
president who had a war in the first term was reelected. (Sarah has
redecorated the Oval Office with taxidermied specimens of endangered
species, and one gigantic polar bear.) “Of course we lied to you,” she tells
the UN. “This is the United States, people. That’s what we do.”
I found the film quite funny and
imaginative, and the visuals – the CGI and the model-building – rather
spectacular for a low-budget film. It comes from a team of self-taught
Finnish independent film makers lead by Timo Vuorensola as the director. He
built a web following with his previous culty sci-fi parody Star Wreck.
Using that following, the filmmakers allowed anyone who wanted to help with
the film. People could ask for a screening in their home town, help
collaborate in the film's creation, and invest in the movie. In fact, 10% of
the film's budget was generated by fans, and the donors are listed in the
credits. It was featured, believe it or not, in this year’s Berlin Film
Festival in February, and turned out to be rather a hit. Yes, for a crazy
comedy, I recommend it. Mixed or average reviews. In Digital 2D, and only at
Airport Plaza.
Distortion / Kon Loke Jit: Thai, Drama/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – Nonzee
Nimibutr's seventh movie, a psycho-thriller which explores the inner lives
of four characters: a psychologist, a scientist, a businessman, and a
student – all haunted by nightmares, repressed memories, and the darkest of
pasts. The characters are involved in a case of grisly serial murders.
Nonzee was director of Nang Nak and Jan Dara, among others.
2D; with English subtitles at Airport Plaza, Thai only at Vista.
StreetDance 2 (3D): UK/ Germany, Drama/ Music/ Romance – A follow-up
to the popular StreetDance 3D of 2010 with mostly new dancers in a
European-set dance contest spectacular. It’s all about dancing, and in that
it shines – you shouldn’t pay much attention to the story. Again with the
2008 winner of Britain’s Got Talent, George Sampson.. After a top street
dancer (Falk Hentschel) is humiliated and laughed off stage, beaten by an
American dance crew, he sets off to gather the best dancers from around the
world to take them on in a rematch. With landmark locations, a spectacular
fusion of dance styles, and an unparalleled vibrancy, this sequel sees our
hero fall in love with a beautiful dancer as he discovers the magic, power,
and passion of salsa. Has all the charms a dance movie ought to have, and
sensational high-energy routines to some great pop hits. Now shooting: the
next in the series – StreetDance Juniors, featuring 12-14 year-olds. Mixed
or average reviews. In 3D and English at Airport Plaza; not at Vista.
The Cabin
in the Woods: US, Horror/ Thriller – I loved it! It’s a remarkably
complicated and richly-layered play on the whole of the horror film
literature. Five teenagers head off for a weekend at a secluded cabin in the
woods, as per usual. They arrive to find they are quite isolated with no
means of communicating with the outside world. Per usual. When the cellar
door flings itself open, they of course go down to investigate. They find an
odd assortment of relics and curios, and when one of the women reads from a
book she awakens a family of deadly zombie killers. Then the film really
takes off into numerous horror universes. There's far more going on than
meets the eye – because the five campers are all under observation. Written
and produced by Joss Whedon, who wrote and directed the current The
Avengers as well. The film was completed in 2009 and has been withheld
since then. Commentators say it got trapped in the studio vault when MGM
went bankrupt, and became lost in the shuffle. Rated R in the US for strong
bloody horror violence and gore, language, drug use, and some
sexuality/nudity; 18+ here. Definitely not a movie for children, nor the
squeamish or faint of heart. Generally favorable reviews, which praise it as
an astonishing meta-feat, capable of being funny, strange, and scary --
frequently all at the same time. It’s been described as “a final exam” for
fans of the horror genre in the guise of a puzzle. At Airport Plaza only.
Dark
Shadows: US, Comedy/ Fantasy – I hated the pop music on the
soundtrack – way too loud and insistent, and it grated on my nerves. But
other than that, the film was fun, and I really enjoyed myself. It’s a
gothic-horror tale centering on the life of a vampire (played by Johnny
Depp) and his run-ins with various monsters, witches, werewolves, and
ghosts; a reworking of the TV shows which ran from 1966 to 1971. Mixed or
average reviews, saying director Tim Burton, as usual, is great on
atmosphere and comic timing (these are his weirdest moments since Ed
Wood), but less so at reining in an overcomplicated plot and dimly lit
action scenes. I found it a bizarre combination of comedy, campy horror, and
gothic melodrama, and the lead vampire, blood dripping from his chin, is a
great role for the chameleon Johnny Depp. Relax and enjoy its light, spoofy
tone. If you do, you might find it a ghoulish joy. 2D; in English at Airport
Plaza, Thai-dubbed at Vista.
American
Pie: Reunion: US, Comedy/ Raunch – I was really bored with this. The
script was just terrible – profoundly unfunny and uninteresting, and with
attempts at treacly sentimentality on friendship and sex that sometimes
reach the depths of such atrocities as Adam Sandler’s Grown Ups. All
the American Pie characters we met a little more than a decade ago are
returning to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion. In one long
weekend they will discover what has changed, and who hasn't. They reminisce
about – and get inspired by – the memories of their hormonal teen selves,
who once upon a time launched this disgusting comedy legend. Have they grown
up? What do you think. Rated R in the US for crude and sexual content
throughout, nudity, language, brief drug use, and teen drinking; 18+ in
Thailand. Mixed or average reviews, saying in general that it will provide
sweetly nostalgic comfort food for fans of the franchise, but fails to do
anything truly new or interesting -- or even very funny -- with the
characters. The movie's message is that the way to face impeding maturity is
to embrace your inner teen idiot. In English at both locations; shown in
Digital at Major (Airport Plaza), which means it’s more expensive.
Marvel’s
The Avengers 3D: US, Action/ Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi – Marvel
Comics brings its greatest superheroes together in this film, hoping they’ll
be enough to smash the evil super-villain Loki (and attract you to the
cinema by strength of sheer numbers). Looks like their strategy is working,
as the film had the biggest opening in the world ever, and in Thailand as
well. Already it’s made more money here than any movie this year or indeed
the last four years, except for Transformers 3 in 2011 and Avatar in 2009.
That’s even including the Naresuans!
It’s really quite terrific for this
type of film, and you may enjoy it quite a bit. Generally favorable reviews,
saying the film lives up to its hype with a script that never forgets its
heroes' humanity. And that there aren't many writer-directors around as
talented as Joss Whedon. That indeed it's the writing that sets this film
apart from the crowd, in harmony with perfect casting, first-rate visual
effects, and other key ingredients.
The film was converted to 3D during
post-production, and along with most reviewers I think that it’s quite well
done. It seems clear the film was planned for 3D from the beginning, even if
not shot with 3D cameras. Nevertheless, the things that are really good
about this film are not related to 3D – things like the dialogue. You
remember dialogue? People talking to each other. At Airport Plaza it’s being
shown in 3D (English), and 2D (English). At Vista it’s in 2D, both regular
(Thai-dubbed) and Digital (English).
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through May 16.
The Cabin in the
Woods: US, Horror/ Thriller – A remarkably complicated and
richly-layered play on the whole of the horror film literature. Already
there’s a fair-sized cult following, and for them and all of us there’s a
beautiful and informative 176-page guide to the film which illustrate all of
the film’s possibilities, and which contains the entire script as well as
explanatory essays. Five teenagers head off for a weekend at a secluded
cabin in the woods, as per usual. They arrive to find they are quite
isolated with no means of communicating with the outside world. Per usual.
When the cellar door flings itself open, they of course go down to
investigate. They find an odd assortment of relics and curios, and when one
of the women reads from a book she awakens a family of deadly zombie
killers. Then the film really takes off into numerous horror universes.
There's far more going on than meets the eye – because the five campers are
all under observation. Written and produced by Joss Whedon, who wrote and
directed the current The Avengers as well. Strangely, the film was
completed in 2009 and has been withheld since then. Rated R in the US for
strong bloody horror violence and gore, language, drug use, and some
sexuality/nudity; 18+ here. Definitely not a movie for children, nor the
squeamish or faint of heart. Generally favorable reviews, which praise it as
an astonishing meta-feat, capable of being funny, strange, and scary --
frequently all at the same time. It’s been described as “a final exam” for
fans of the horror genre in the guise of a puzzle. At Airport Plaza only.
Dark Shadows:
US, Comedy/ Fantasy – A gothic-horror tale centering on the life of a
vampire (played by Johnny Depp) and his run-ins with various monsters,
witches, werewolves, and ghosts; a reworking of the TV shows which ran from
1966 to 1971. Early reviews: mixed or average, saying director Tim Burton,
as usual, is great on atmosphere and comic timing (these are his weirdest
moments since Ed Wood), but less so at reining in an overcomplicated
plot and dimly lit action scenes. And as a result, Dark Shadows is a mess,
unclear whether its bizarre recipe of comedy, campy horror, and gothic
melodrama will satisfy anyone, regardless of their familiarity with the
source material. However, the clownish vampire with unique hairdo and blood
dripping from his chin is a great role for the chameleon Johnny Depp. You
don't have to know the 60's afternoon soap to fall for this funny pop
confection, but you do need to appreciate its light, spoofy tone. If you do,
you might find it a ghoulish joy. 2D; in English at Airport Plaza,
Thai-dubbed at Vista.
American Pie:
Reunion: US, Comedy/ Raunch – All the American Pie characters
we met a little more than a decade ago are returning to East Great Falls for
their high-school reunion. In one long weekend they will discover what has
changed, who hasn't, and that time and distance can't break the bonds of
what they call friendship. And to think it all started in the summer of 1999
when four small-town Michigan boys began a quest to lose their virginity.
Now they reminisce about – and get inspired by – the memories of their
hormonal teen selves, who once upon a time launched a disgusting comedy
legend. Have they grown up? What do you think? Rated R in the US for crude
and sexual content throughout, nudity, language, brief drug use, and teen
drinking; 18+ in Thailand. Mixed or average reviews, saying in general that
it will provide sweetly nostalgic comfort food for fans of the franchise,
but fails to do anything truly new or interesting -- or even very funny --
with the characters. At Major only (Airport Plaza); shown in Digital.
Chob Kod Like Chai
Kod Love: Thai, Drama/ Romance – They describe it this way: “A
romantic story of a perfect guy who lacks courage to approach girls, a new
flight attendant who has high standard for boys, and two friends who make a
living by setting up a love confession business on the internet.” Directed
by Pakpoom Wongjinda, known so far for horror flicks (Scared). At
Major only and in Thai only.
Marvel’s The Avengers
3D: US, Action/ Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi – Marvel Comics
brings its greatest superheroes together in this film, hoping they’ll be
enough to smash the evil super-villain Loki (and attract you to the cinema
by strength of sheer numbers). Looks like their strategy is working, as the
film had the biggest opening in the world ever, and in Thailand as well.
Already it’s made as much in one week here as the previous super-hit
Battleship made in four.
Loki is a really terrific villain in my
mind, the very role-model a kid needs who wants to turn out evil.
Deliciously evil, and frightening! Generally favorable reviews, saying the
film lives up to its hype with a script that never forgets its heroes'
humanity. And that there aren't many writer-directors around as talented as
Joss Whedon. That indeed it's the writing that sets this film apart from the
crowd, in harmony with perfect casting, first-rate visual effects, and other
key ingredients.
And as for the heroes, they include all
(or maybe most) of your favorites: Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The
Incredible Hulk (Bruce Banner), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America
(Chris Evans), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson).
It’s a well-nigh perfect comic-book movie, and if you were ever a fan,
you’ll love it.
The film was converted to 3D during
post-production, and along with most reviewers I think that it’s quite well
done, especially in the tricky area known as the sunglasses effect. Here, I
think the brightness is fine even with the glasses on (if projected
properly, of course), but others still claim the glasses cause muddiness on
the screen. It seems clear the film was planned for 3D from the beginning,
even if not shot with 3D cameras. Nevertheless, the things that are really
good about this film are not related to 3D – things like the dialogue. You
remember dialogue? People talking to each other. At Airport Plaza it’s being
shown in 3D (English), 3D (Thai-dubbed), and 2D (English). At Vista it’s in
2D, both regular (Thai-dubbed) and Digital (English).
Note: Following tradition,
there’s an extra scene during the ending credits (apparently two scenes in
other parts of the world) which allows everyone to puzzle out what the next
film will be like. (To really appreciate this movie, you need to have seen
the previous Marvel Studios films (Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron
Man 2, Thor, and Captain America). There are little things
brought to this film from each of the stand-alone movies that would have
someone who hasn’t seen them scratching their heads. Of course, you don’t
have to have seen those films to enjoy this one.).
Home:
Thai, Comedy/ Drama – All three of this film’s stories take place in and
around Chiang Mai, the home town of director Chookiat Sakveerakul. Viewers
who were moved by the puppy-love relationship of the two boys in the
world-wide hit of the director’s Love of Siam will appreciate the
first story in this trio, which is entirely a wide-ranging conversation
between two boys as they wander lonely high school grounds at night while
one of them shoots pictures of the deserted buildings. Certainly a
worthwhile watch by one of the best of the Thai directors, but now only
shown in Thai and only at Vista. Rated 18+.
Battleship:
US, Action/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – A true blockbuster in Thailand, raking in
much money for three weeks as number one at the Thai box office, finally
replaced this last weekend by the even bigger blockbuster, The Avengers.
A fleet of ships is forced to do battle with an armada of unknown origins in
order to discover and thwart their destructive goals. It’s based on the
Hasbro classic naval combat game. Just as the Hasbro game Transformers
brought those toys to the screen, so this time the popular board game is
realized onscreen, with hopes that you will want to see sequel after sequel.
Viewers who fancy lots of pyrotechnics will have their money's worth here –
the flying yoyos are particularly spectacular – and on that level you can
find it fun. Really though, it’s a terrible movie. Nice nostalgia for Navy
vets. Early reviews: mixed or average – the film has not yet opened in the
US. It’s a 2D film, now non-Digital, at Vista only, Thai-dubbed.
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through May 9.
Marvel’s The Avengers
3D: US, Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi – Marvel Comics brings its
greatest superheroes together in this film, hoping they’ll be enough to
smash the evil super-villain Loki (and attract you to the cinema by strength
of sheer numbers). Includes all (or maybe most) of your favorites: Iron Man
(Robert Downey Jr.), The Incredible Hulk (Bruce Banner), Thor (Chris
Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black
Widow (Scarlett Johansson). Generally favorable reviews, saying it lives up
to its hype with a script that never forgets its heroes' humanity. And that
there aren't many writer-directors around as talented as Joss Whedon. That
indeed it's the writing that sets this film apart from the crowd, in harmony
with perfect casting, first-rate visual effects, and other key ingredients.
The film was converted to 3D during
post-production, and the consensus is that it’s quite well done, especially
in the tricky area known as the sunglasses effect. Here, they say the
brightness is fine even with the glasses on (if projected properly). Also it
seems clear the film was planned for 3D from the beginning, even if not shot
with 3D cameras. Nevertheless, the things that are really good about this
film are not related to 3D – things like the dialogue. You remember
dialogue? People talking to each other. Shown in 3D at Airport Plaza and
also in 2D, with an additional 2D version that’s Thai-dubbed. At Vista it’s
in 2D, both regular (Thai-dubbed) and Digital (English).
Home:
Thai, Comedy/ Drama – Viewers who were moved by the puppy-love relationship
of the two boys in the world-wide hit Love of Siam will appreciate
the first story in this trio, which is entirely a wide-ranging conversation
between two boys as they wander lonely high school grounds at night while
one of them shoots pictures of the deserted buildings. A tentative wisp of a
relationship begins to develop in fits and starts, with neither knowing
where it’s headed. A marvelous mood-piece, delicately told by director
Chookiat Sakveerakul. All three stories take place in and around his home
town of Chiang Mai. In one story you’ll be able to see firsthand what
happens at a Thai wedding, perhaps leaving you puzzling at how strange are
mankind’s courting rituals, with none so strange as those of Northern
Thailand. Certainly a worthwhile watch by one of the best of the Thai
directors. Rated 18+. English subtitles at Airport Plaza; Thai only at
Vista.
Lockout:
France, Action/ Thriller/ Sci-Fi – From French writer-producer Luc Besson. A
man wrongly convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage against the U.S. is
offered his freedom if he can rescue the president's daughter from an outer
space prison taken over by violent inmates. Stars Guy Pearce. Rated 18+ in
Thailand for intense sequences of violence and action, and language
including some sexual references; only PG 13 in the US. Mixed or average
reviews. English at Airport Plaza; Thai-dubbed at Vista.
Safe:
US, Action/ Crime/ Thriller – Stars Jason Statham as a second-rate fighter
on the mixed martial arts circuit who lives a numbing life of routine
beatings and chump change, until the day he blows a rigged fight. Wanting to
make an example of him, the Russian Mafia murders his family and banishes
him from his life forever, leaving him to wander the streets of New York
tormented by the knowledge that he will always be watched, and anyone he
develops a relationship with will be killed. But when he witnesses a
frightened twelve-year-old Chinese girl being pursued by the same gangsters
who killed his wife, he impulsively jumps to action and straight into the
heart of a deadly high-stakes war. It's the imposing Statham's badass
grimace and combat acumen that primarily elevate the film above your average
direct-to-video genre work, with every flying punch and snapped wrist
reconfirming the star's status as this era's Charles Bronson-style angel of
righteous death. Rated R in the US for strong violence throughout, and for
language; 18+ here. Mixed or average reviews. English at Airport Plaza; Thai-dubbed at
Vista.
Battleship:
US, Action/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – A true blockbuster in Thailand, raking in
much money for three weeks now. A fleet of ships is forced to do battle with
an armada of unknown origins in order to discover and thwart their
destructive goals. It’s based on the Hasbro classic naval combat game. Just
as the Hasbro game Transformers brought those toys to the screen, so
this time the popular board game is realized onscreen, with hopes that you
will want to see sequel after sequel. Stars Liam Neeson and the star of
John Carter, Taylor Kitsch. Viewers who fancy lots of pyrotechnics will
have their money's worth here. Early reviews: mixed or average – the film
has not yet opened in the US. There’s a short scene after the closing
credits which bring tidings of the first sequel. It’s a 2D film, now
non-Digital at both locations, with the Vista version Thai-dubbed.
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through May 2.
Lockout:
France, Action/ Thriller/ Sci-Fi – From French writer-producer Luc Besson,
another actioner. A man wrongly convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage
against the U.S. is offered his freedom if he can rescue the president's
daughter from an outer space prison taken over by violent inmates. Stars Guy
Pearce. Rated 18+ in Thailand for intense sequences of violence and action,
and language including some sexual references; only PG 13 in the US. Mixed
or average reviews. English at Airport Plaza; Thai-dubbed at Vista.
Safe:
US, Action/ Crime/ Thriller – Stars Jason Statham as a second-rate cage
fighter on the mixed martial arts circuit, who lives a numbing life of
routine beatings and chump change, until the day he blows a rigged fight.
Wanting to make an example of him, the Russian Mafia murders his family and
banishes him from his life forever, leaving him to wander the streets of New
York tormented by the knowledge that he will always be watched, and anyone
he develops a relationship with will also be killed. But when he witnesses a
frightened twelve-year-old Chinese girl, being pursued by the same gangsters
who killed his wife, he impulsively jumps to action and straight into the
heart of a deadly high-stakes war. It's the imposing Statham's badass
grimace and combat acumen that primarily elevate the film above your average
direct-to-video genre work, with every flying punch and snapped wrist
reconfirming the star's status as this era's Charles Bronson-style angel of
righteous death. Rated R in the US for strong violence throughout, and for
language; 18+ here. Early reviews: Mixed or average.
English at Airport Plaza; Thai-dubbed at Vista.
Home:
Thai, Comedy/ Drama – Viewers who were moved by the puppy-love relationship
of the two boys in the world-wide hit Love of Siam will appreciate
the first story in this trio, which is entirely a wide-ranging conversation
between two boys as they wander lonely high school grounds at night while
one of them shoots pictures of the deserted buildings. A tentative wisp of a
relationship begins to develop in fits and starts, with neither knowing
where it’s headed. A marvelous mood-piece, delicately told by director
Chookiat Sakveerakul. All three stories take place in and around his home
town of Chiang Mai. In one story you’ll be able to see firsthand what
happens at a Thai wedding, perhaps leaving you puzzling at how strange are
mankind’s courting rituals, with none so strange as those of Northern
Thailand. Certainly a worthwhile watch by one of the best of the Thai
directors. Rated 18+. English subtitles at Airport Plaza; Thai only at
Vista.
Marvel’s The Avengers
3D: (Scheduled for next Tuesday, May 1) US, Action/
Adventure/ Sci-Fi – Marvel Comics brings its greatest superheroes together
in this film, hoping they’ll be enough to smash the evil super-villain Loki
(and attract you to the cinema by strength of sheer numbers). Includes all
(or most?) of your favorites: Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Incredible
Hulk (Bruce Banner), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans),
Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). Early reviews:
Universal acclaim. The film was converted to 3D during post-production.
The Raven:
US/ Hungary/ Spain, Mystery/ Thriller – When a madman begins committing
horrific murders inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's works, a young detective
joins forces with Poe to stop him from making his stories a reality. With
John Cusack, Alice Eve, and Luke Evans. Screenplay by Shakespeare*. Rated R
in the US for bloody violence and grisly images; 18+ here. Mixed or average
reviews. It’s a 2D film, at Airport Plaza only – but off at the moment; may
return any day. *(Hannah Shakespeare, that is).
Battleship:
US, Action/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – A fleet of ships is forced to do battle with
an armada of unknown origins in order to discover and thwart their
destructive goals. It’s based on the Hasbro classic naval combat game. Just
as the Hasbro game Transformers brought those toys to the screen, so
this time the popular board game is realized onscreen, with hopes that you
will want to see sequel after sequel. Stars Liam Neeson and the star of
John Carter, Taylor Kitsch. Viewers who fancy lots of pyrotechnics will
have their money's worth here. Early reviews: mixed or average. There’s a
short scene after the closing credits which bring tidings of the first
sequel. It’s a 2D film, both regular and Digital at both locations. The
regular 2D version at Vista is Thai-dubbed.
Ma Mha 2:
Thai, Comedy/ Family – A sequel to 2007’s popular Mid-Road Gang,
about a cute pack of soi dogs (if packs of dogs in Thailand can ever be
considered cute). Here, an adorable pooch has been adopted by a nice family
and turns would-be hero when the family baby is kidnapped and the dog takes
it as his duty to catch the kidnappers and return the kid. The dogs speak,
but only in Thai, and without English subtitles; now at Airport Plaza only.
Plon Naya 2:
Thai, Action/ Comedy – Poj Arnon at it again, continuing the farce of his
2004 bank-robbery film Spicy Beauty Queens in Bangkok. Colorful
transgender cabaret dancers robbed a bank to pay for sex-change operations,
and now they’re back so the ringleader can finally get his change. But
before that can happen, the hospital is stormed by a radical student group.
Only in Thai, only at Vista.
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