If Let Me In shows up, see it. A real coming-of-age story, even if one is
a vampire.
Now playing in Pattaya
The Social Network: US, Biography/ Drama/ History – By David Fincher.
It’s a vastly entertaining account of Mark Zuckerberg and his founding of the
social-networking website, Facebook. A stellar film, impeccably scripted,
beautifully directed, and filled with fine performances. You definitely must see
it. Headed for Oscar contention for sure. Reviews: Universal acclaim. “A
riveting, ambitious example of modern filmmaking at its finest.” Not at Big C.
In
only a few short years, Facebook has morphed from a campus-wide phenomenon to
revolutionizing the way that we communicate with each other, and has half a
billion users. How accurate is the movie? Aaron Sorkin, the screenwriter, and
David Fincher, the director, insist that the film is very accurate. Sorkin has
even said that it is not fictional at all, merely dramatized. Much of the film
is based on testimony given at a number of depositions related to the lawsuits
brought by several people against Zuckerberg. To this extent, the film might be
considered very accurate. However, as the character Mark points out in the film,
people do lie in depositions.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: US, Adventure/
Family/ Fantasy – Adventures aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. If you’ve
enjoyed the series so far, you and/or your kids should enjoy this as well, with
its assortment of dragons, dwarves, and merfolk. In 2D generally, and Big C has
a Thai-dubbed version as well, but Pattaya Beach has a 3D version which
apparently is of just passing quality, being another of those post-production
conversions of a 2D film to something resembling a 3D film, with somewhat blurry
images. Mixed or average reviews.
Kapi: Thai, Comedy/ Drama – Story of an orphan boy who lives with a
mischievous monkey in his coconut field by the sea, playing on the tradition of
the coconut growers who use trained monkeys to harvest coconuts. When his field
is invaded by a rich developer who wants to build wind turbines, the boy and his
monkey team up to compete in a monkey contest to save their land. With Mum
Jokmok.
Cool Gel Attacks / Kra Deub: Thai, Comedy/ Sci-Fi – When an unidentified
gel-like object falls from the sky, two neighbors who have hated each other for
a long time team up to get rid of the alien one-eyed slug. With its usual
assortment of TV comedians talking dirty, the movie has been called one of the
worst films of the year.
Samurai Ayothaya / Yamada: Thai, History/ Action – Such incredible
violence! Even in the previews you see the horrible breaking of bones of men in
battle, with amplified crunching sounds from the soundtrack! Continually. Way
too violent for me, and should be for you. Not at Major.
Unstoppable:
US, Action/ Drama/ Thriller – Exciting thriller starring Denzel Washington
taming a runaway train, and it might just be the most entertaining movie you
will see this year. Seems everybody is enjoying this one, I certainly did.
Denzel is a real talent, and it’s comforting and a pleasure to see him act. Just
fun all the way through – if you’re in the mood for a runaway train movie, and
who isn’t now and then? Generally favorable reviews, and I say, “See it!” Not at
Big C.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I: UK/ US, Adventure/ Fantasy/
Mystery – The first of the two-part conclusion to the series, and a superbly
told tale, with some of the finest British character actors. Generally favorable
reviews. Remember, they gave up on the 3D conversion a few weeks ago, not
wanting it to end up with a so-so 3D product like the Narnia film, so what you
have on display is a 2D film. Not at Big C.
In large part it’s a preparation for the next film and the final confrontation
between good and evil, but it is a good deal more as well. Best of all is the
menacing and meditative mood of the film, which is full of darkness and
foreboding.
Skyline: US, Sci-Fi/ Thriller – The technical aspects of this film are
superb, setting a new level of special-effects work. But the dialogue and the
plotting are really bad – probably the worst I’ve ever experienced. An
otherworldly force begins to kill off the entire human population. Generally
unfavorable reviews. Only at Pattaya Beach, if at all.
Let Me In: (perhaps) UK/ US, Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror/ Romance – A
bullied young boy befriends a young female vampire who lives in secrecy with her
guardian. Rated R in the US for strong bloody horror violence, language, and a
brief sexual situation. Generally favorable reviews, but I say don’t miss it!
Fair Game: (perhaps) US, Biography/ Drama/ Thriller – Director
Doug Liman’s fact-based drama of former US ambassador Joseph Wilson; his wife,
Valerie Plame Wilson; and the events of 2003, when her identity as a CIA
operative was leaked in retaliation by the White House after her husband wrote
an op-ed piece criticizing the US invasion of Iraq. Generally favorable reviews.
Lulla Man / Lunla Man / Poo Chai Lunlla: Thai, Comedy/ Romance – Three
fun-loving married guys always sneaking off to cheat on their wives. Just an
extended TV comedy show, with Mum Jokmok and the usual Thai comedians.
Due 23 Dec.
Tron: Legacy: US, Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – The original 1982
Tron was not too good as a movie about people, but it’s visuals were
memorable, and its motorcycles – “light cycles” – were out of this world! I
remember it fondly: a great creepy feeling but utterly confusing. It is
remembered vividly by apparently a great number of people, has become a sort of
cult film, and has influenced the look and feel of many movies ever since. Now,
Disney is trying to build on that feeling of residual good will with what they
hope is not only another technically innovative and visually startling film, but
a good movie in other respects as well – like, a good story. With Jeff Bridges
again as the lead character, with a couple of surprises up his sleeve. So far,
mixed or average reviews.
