Now playing in Pattaya
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 3D and 2D at Pattaya Beach, 3D at
Major, and 2D (Thai-dubbed) at Big C. Mixed or average reviews, saying in
general there’s more vapid action and less story in this installment, which
makes the whole affair feel inconsequential. And it does and gets little with
the 3-D.
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.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: US/ Sweden/ UK/ Germany,
Crime/ Drama/ Mystery/ Thriller – There are some decidedly good aspects to this
brutal and captivating film. Quite good acting, some scenes quite gripping.
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 impressive 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. And the
digital cinematography is endlessly captivating. 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. Generally favorable
reviews. At Pattaya Beach only (as of Wednesday), and in Digital (not 3D).
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 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 a nice
town look quite ominous. English subtitles at all locations.
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. Not at Big C. Mixed or average reviews,
saying that, as mindless action capers go, this is a little less mindless than
some.
Ruk Vei Hei / Rak Woei Hoei: 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. English subtitles at all
locations.
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, saying it has a dead screenplay and not
even a single compelling character. Shown in 2D at Pattaya Beach, and
2D-Thai-dubbed at Big C (as of this last Wednesday).
The Adventures of Tintin: US/ New Zealand, Animation/ Action/
Adventure/ Family/ Mystery – Based on the series of classic comic books created
by Belgian artist Herg้. 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.
Generally favorable reviews. Only at Pattaya Beach, in Digital 3D, as of
Wednesday.
Real Steel: US/ India, Action/ Drama/ Sci-Fi/ Sport – A
future-set story where robot boxing is a popular sport. Despite the outlandish
premise the movie proves that, yes, audiences can root for robots in boxing
matches, and get emotionally involved. The story about a 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. 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, in English at Pattaya
Beach and Thai-dubbed at Big C.
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. Thai soundtrack only all 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. Mixed or average reviews. Pattaya Beach
only, as of Wednesday.
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 whole film is a lot of fun. Not at Big C. Generally favorable
reviews.
