Now playing in Pattaya
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. Mixed or average reviews.
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. See this mesmerizing
film for its portrayal of the type of person you apparently have to be to make
it in the world of internet marketing. You won’t be pleased, but you will be
gratified at some of the turn of events. Excellent performances, and a very
unsettling one from the lead. Headed for Oscar contention for sure. Reviews:
Universal acclaim. “A riveting, ambitious example of modern filmmaking at its
finest.” Not 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 for 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. And I
have to say that I could find no fault with the 3D processing, which was of the
post production conversion type. I will have to re-think my stand on
post-production conversion, because this was quite okay. Overall, the special
effects and the magic were just exceedingly well done, and the animated
characters excellent. In 2D generally, and Big C has a Thai-dubbed version as
well, but Pattaya Beach has the 3D version. 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 unlike
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. Not at Major.
BKO: Bangkok Knockout / Kod Su Kod So: Thai, Action/ Drama – Probably the
top director of action sequences in Thai martial arts movies, Panna Rittikrai,
is directing this, using mostly the stunt actors he has worked with over the
years, in an attempt to create the last word in Thai martial arts movies. It’s
the story of a college “fight club” whose members are together for a reunion
when one of them is kidnapped; they have to combine all their skills to rescue
their friend. The film features a whole range of different martial art
disciplines (Muay Thai, Capoeira, Kung Fu, Tai Chi). Stunt-master Panna is the
mentor of Tony Jaa, and was the director of Born to Fight and the fight
coordinator for Ong-bak and Chocolate.
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. 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. 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. Generally
favorable reviews. Not at Big C.
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.
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! Way too violent for
me, and should be for you. Not at Major.
Maybe on the way
If the following show up, grab the chance and see them:
Let Me In: 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: 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 30 Dec.
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 and Paul Bettany. Directed by
Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (The Lives of Others). Generally
unfavorable reviews.
