Now playing in Pattaya
Megamind: US, Animation/ Action/ Comedy – Actually, believe it or not, I
found this rather cute and funny. But you do have to like animation. About the
unhappiness of the most brilliant supervillain the world has ever known ... and
the least successful. Over the years, he has tried to conquer Metro City in
every imaginable way. Each attempt, a colossal failure, thanks to the caped
superhero known as “Metro Man,” until the day one of Megamind’s evil plans
actually defeats him. Generally favorable reviews.
Hereafter:
(perhaps) US, Drama/ Fantasy – Matt Damon in a film by Clint Eastwood,
which investigates what three people know about the afterlife. What do people
believe, and what is the truth? Mixed or average reviews. But it sounds
fascinating to me.
Hor Taew Taek 3: Thai, Comedy/ Horror – More of this dreadful story that
is so popular here, about the haunted dorm and its unfortunate owners. After
defeating the wicked ghost in Part 2, the three owners face a new wave of horror
and horrible comedy when they visit a mysterious fraternity house and meet a
handsome vampire. Oh, and werewolf. Another Poj Arnon directorial effort
focusing on cross-dressing and gay characters and the laughs that can be got
from them. Both the title and the advertising posters have run afoul of the Thai
censors at the Ministry of Culture, and have been toned down.
Tron: Legacy: US, Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – Garrett Hedlund
as a rebellious 27-year-old, haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his
father, played by Jeff Bridges, a man once known as the world’s leading
video-game developer. Looking into his father’s disappearance, he finds himself
pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his
father has been living for 20 years. Father and son embark on a life-and-death
journey across a visually stunning cyber universe that has become far more
advanced and exceedingly dangerous.
In this film, 3D is an integral part of the experience, so yes, see it in 3D if
you have a choice. They used an updated version of the 3D camera system that
James Cameron used to make Avatar, and by all reports, the 3D is
spectacular and cutting-edge. Bridges, say the reports, is simply sensational.
Mixed or average reviews. 3D only at Pattaya Beach, also 2D there and elsewhere,
Thai-dubbed at Big C.
The Tourist: US, Action/ Drama/ Thriller – Johnny Depp stars as an
American tourist whose playful dalliance with a stranger leads to a web of
intrigue, romance, and danger. With Angelina Jolie, directed by Florian Henckel
von Donnersmarck (The Lives of Others – a very fine film!). This one is
delicious, sensual, and light in a way that mainstream entertainments almost
never are these days. It’s one of those movies that will leave some viewers
scratching their heads, wondering why there isn’t more action, more snazzy
editing, more obvious crackle between its stars. But the people who get
it will simply adore it: It’s a kind of espionage caper that’s visually
sensuous, made with tender attention to detail, and an elegant, understated
sense of humor. In style and construction, it’s the offspring of Stanley Donen’s
Charade. Generally unfavorable reviews. Thai-dubbed at Big C.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: US, Adventure/
Family/ Fantasy – I found this an excellently crafted movie, and quite
superlative of its type. It’s a detailed fantasy about a magical land, and if
you like that sort of thing, or your kids do, then you will love this. Overall,
the special effects and the magic were just exceedingly well done, and the
animated characters excellent. Only in 2D now, and not at Big C; information as
of last Wednesday. Mixed or average reviews.
Yes or No: Thai, Comedy/ Romance – A sweet girl off to college finds her
roommate to be somewhat of a guy-looking and guy-acting tomboy, and very
different from her. As they get to be friends, they get to be very close
friends, and the question is whether it’s friendship or something more fun.
Probably not, because the film is only rated 15+, but the filmmakers play around
with the idea.
Saranae Hen Pee: Thai, Comedy – Ghosts, mayhem, and Mario Maurer. Two
guys run afoul of a mobster and hide out at a Buddhist temple, which, wouldn’t
you know, turns out to be haunted.
Sud Khet Saled Ped: Thai, Comedy – Kohtee Aramboy and Tukkie are among
the ever-present Thai comedians in this film, which film, would imagine, is not
handling sexual matters with very much delicacy, to gauge from 1,412 past
examples.
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. 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!” Pattaya Beach only, but may have left by now.
Pu Chai Lulla: 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. Not at Major.
Maybe?
If the following arrives, grab the chance and see it:
Fair Game: 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.
Due 13 Jan
Burlesque: US, Drama/ Musical/ Romance – A small-town girl ventures to
Los Angeles and finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by a former dancer.
With Cher, Christina Aguilera, and Stanley Tucci. It seems to be an attempt at a
hybrid between Cabaret and Chicago, with mixed results. Rated R in
the US for language throughout, drug content, some violence, and sexuality.
Mixed or average reviews.
