Now playing in Pattaya
Ladda
Land: Thai, Horror/ Mystery – A family moves into a new house in a Chiang
Mai housing development where they gradually begin to encounter paranormal and
horrifying events. It’s the creation of the Thai filmmaker I think is the top of
the list for horror and spookiness at this time, 30-year-old Sophon Sakdaphisit.
He’s the man responsible for some of the most enjoyable parts of recent
anthology films (like 4Bia and Phobia 2) and as writer and/or
director for some of my favorite Thai films: Alone (the identical twin
caper), Coming Soon (people sucked into a movie), and the iconic
Shutter. That last was picked up by Hollywood and remade, into a film that
didn’t hold a candle to the original. This time, in addition to the spookiness,
he seems to have added a level of social commentary, as this family is beguiled
into accepting the lures of the middle-class lifestyle to which they are not
accustomed. It is said, but I can’t prove it, that the tale behind this film is
based on fact – a housing development in Chiang Mai was eventually abandoned
after a series of unexplained deaths. Rated 18+.
Thor 3D: US, Action/ Fantasy – Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior, is
sent down to Earth as punishment for reigniting a reckless war. But after a
dangerous villain from his world sends dark forces to invade Earth, the
hammer-wielding Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero. Directed by the top
Shakespearian director of our time, Kenneth Branagh – slumming, as it were.
Shown in both 2D and converted 3D versions, it’s heightening the 3D controversy.
Filming started in true 3D but was quickly abandoned, after one day, in favor of
post-production 3D conversion, with complaints that the 3D cameras and
accessories were too cumbersome and unwieldy. The studio and director are happy
with the 3D conversion, but many viewers hold that the 3D is unimpressive, and
claim that the 2D version is sharper and brighter, and thus superior. The 3D
version is at Pattaya Beach, 2D versions at all locations, with Big C showing
only a Thai-dubbed version. Mixed or average reviews, but for sure a sight for
Thor eyes.
Rio 3D: US, Animation/ Adventure/ Comedy – A simple and charming movie,
big and bright. Set in the city of Rio de Janeiro and the lush rainforest of
Brazil, this comedy-adventure about Blu, a rare macaw who thinks he is the last
of his kind. From the makers of the Ice Age series. Generally favorable
reviews. Now at Major only, in digital 3D. I really enjoyed this one.
Fast & Furious 5: US, Action/ Crime/ Drama – Dominic (Vin Diesel) and his
crew find themselves on the wrong side of the law once again as they try to
switch lanes between a ruthless drug lord and a relentless federal agent. It’s a
movie that’s proud of its brainless action thrills – sleek, loud, and over the
top, and the most exciting of the series. Generally favorable reviews. At Big C
it’s Thai-dubbed only.
Priest: (Scheduled) US, Action/ Horror/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – Much as
I like its star, Paul Bettany, the word on this film is decidedly not kind – in
summary, visually interesting but dramatically inert. It sort of continues the
feel and style of the previous collaboration of star Bettany and director Scott
Stewart, Legion. This story takes place is an alternate universe where
vicious vampires have been a war with mankind for centuries, and the Church has
become all-powerful due to its ability to keep the vampires at bay by their
crack teams of tattooed vampire-hunting warrior priests. If shown in 3D it will
be conversion 3D, which in this case has been called “shoddy” by one reviewer,
and that seems to be the consensus.
Drive Angry: US, Action/ Thriller – Nicolas Cage as a hardened felon who
has broken out of Hell for one last chance at redemption. That’s literally Hell
– underscored by his character’s name: John Milton. Intent on stopping a vicious
cult who murdered his daughter, he has three days to stop them before they
sacrifice her baby beneath a full moon. Has been described as an exercise in
deliberate vulgarity, gross excess, potty-mouth monologues, and the pornography
of violence. Created in 3D rather than a post production conversion, the 3D is
thus better than most. Rated R in the US for strong brutal violence throughout,
grisly images, some graphic sexual content, nudity, and pervasive language; 18+
here. Mixed or average reviews. In 3D at Major, and 2D (so far) at Pattaya
Beach. Not at Big C.
World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles: US, Action/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – Here
the invaders are aliens, and the movie I think is designed to show how Marines
would likely handle an attack from extra-terrestrials, if it were all up to
them. I enjoyed Aaron Eckhart in this film – felt he gave a very good
performance indeed. And I thought it was overall a fair action film. Generally
unfavorable reviews. No longer at Big C, and may have left town entirely by now.
Jakkalan: Thai, Action/ Comedy – ‘Jeeja’ (Chocolate and Raging
Phoenix) is back in a new action comedy directed by an acclaimed director
Petchtai Wongkamlao, aka Mum Jokmok. The lives of an uncle and his niece
Jakkalan turn into chaos after she is hired to transport smuggled goods to
ruthless gangsters.
E Nang / I Love Farang / White Buffalo: (Scheduled) Thai, Comedy/
Romance – Set in the northeast of Thailand or “E San” (as this film would have
it) where, they say, some girls are fond of dating western guys, and for some
families having a Western son-in-law is now trendy.
Kob Khun Tee Rak Kan: (Scheduled) Thai, Drama/ Romance – Love in
three different Thai families.
