 |
JAN DARA 2(Premiered Feb 7) Prepare for erotica galore in the conclusion to this Thai drama. Adapted from a controversial 1966 Thai novel of the same name, it's the continuation of Jan Dara (Mario Maurer)'s tragic existence, as he attempts to exact revenge on the wicked stepfather who ruined his family's life. But besides Jan Dara's daddy issues, it's the world of sex and desire that he lives in that will definitely get a few tongues (and other things) wagging. From compromising positions to firm asses flashing on the screen, this may come as quite a shock to (supposedly) conservative Thais. However the story is so intriguing and the cinematography is so well done that it's definitely worth putting aside any prudishness and watching it. Also starring Bongkot Kongmalai and Chaiyapol "New" Julien Poupart. Directed by ML Bhandevanop Devakul. |
 |
BULLET TO THE HEAD(Premiered Feb 7) As you probably surmised, Bullet to the Head is about humanity's existential journey to find meaning in nothingness. Just kidding, it's about tons of bullets going straight to the head, obviously! The hardcore action comes from hitman Jimmy Bobo (Sylvester Stallone) and detective Taylor Kwon (Sung Kang), who join forces to take down the people who murdered their respective partners. With scene after scene of brawls, those who miss the blatant violence that only action films in the 80s could get away with will enjoy this in-your-face entertainment. Stallone is also in fine form as a macho tough guy, and delivers his classic one-liners. However, if you're not a fan of this trashy kind of violence, then watching this may make you want to put a punch to the head. Directed by Walter Hill. |
 |
MAMA(Premiered Feb 7) It's not even close to Halloween but this art-house horror could keep you awake until October 31. The supernatural thriller centres on two young sisters who go missing after their mother is brutally murdered. However when the girls are miraculously found alive years later by their Uncle Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and his girlfriend Annabel (Jessica Chastain), it appears some freaky spirits are also in their presence. Although the story itself isn't very original, the thrills are enhanced with the use of old-fashioned terrifying tactics, complete with a suspenseful score. If you're looking for an excuse to hold on tight to someone in the cinema, and are sooooo over vampires/werewolves/zombies, this could be scarily satisfying. Directed by Andres Muschietti. |
 |
LOST IN THAILAND(Premiered Feb 7) Apparently watching businessmen get lost in Thailand is what China's film industry has been lacking because this low-budget comedy has broken all sorts of records since opening in Dec. It currently holds the title of China's most profitable film and has pulled in more viewers than foreign hits such as Avatar (which holds the record for China's highest-grossing film). So what's the hype about? Well, the slapstick premise that has been compared to The Hangover Part II focuses on two colleagues who brave the stereotypical obstacles of Thailand - traffic, gangsters, snakes and the like - to find their boss in a remote monastery. The prize at the end of the journey is the rights to an invention called Super Gas, which creates large quantities of gasoline. Although the depiction of Thailand isn't as vulgar as one might expect (much to the delight of the Culture Ministry, we're sure) it's a relatively ridiculous film with some lighthearted and fun moments. Starring and directed by Xu Zheng. |
