Now playing in Pattaya
The
Tourist: US, Action/ Drama/ Thriller – A thoroughly enjoyable espionage
caper/ romance. Highly recommended, if you don’t go expecting an action-packed
film with Jolie kicking butt. Here Angelina Jolie is demure, however deadly, and
we don’t see her tattoos. She and Johnny Depp come on as two stars having a bit
of fun together in an absolutely enchanting story and script, deceptive on
several levels. Depp plays an American tourist whose playful dalliance with a
stranger leads to a web of intrigue, romance, and danger. 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. See it! Generally unfavorable reviews.
Thai-dubbed at Big C, English elsewhere.
Burlesque: US, Drama/ Musical/ Romance – A big, bold, brassy retelling of
the old show-business story: A small-town girl ventures to Hollywood to become a
star. She finds herself starting off in a burlesque club run by a former dancer.
With star turns by Cher and Christina Aguilera, refereed by the stable and sane
Stanley Tucci. Terrific music and dancing, and if that’s what you’re in the mood
for, this will do very nicely indeed. Rated R in the US for language throughout,
drug content, some violence, and sexuality. Mixed or average reviews. Not at Big
C.
Megamind: US, Animation/ Action/ Comedy – I found this rather cute and
funny, and at times hilarious. But you do have to like animation. About the
unhappiness of a most brilliant but unsuccessful supervillain who over the years
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. In 3D, and only at Pattaya Beach
The Child’s Eye: (perhaps) Hong Kong, Horror – By the Pang twins,
Danny and Oxide, and touted as Asia’s first digital 3D horror film! Stranded in
Thailand by the political uprising and airport closure (surely not in
Thailand!), a group of friends are unable to return home. Unwillingly, they stay
in a shabby hotel (the film was shot in Bangkok), and come across three odd
children and a puppy, and the beginnings of supernatural encounters.
A scene from “The Child’s
Eye”.
The Warrior’s Way: New Zealand, Action/ Fantasy/ Western – Now here’s a
shame: This film, admittedly weird, is being shown in Pattaya only in a
Thai-dubbed version. I’ve seen the English version here in Thailand, and loved
it! Maybe they’ll eventually come around to showing the English version here.
Certainly not for everyone, but for sure it will be either a delight or a
torture, depending on how you react to surreal and over-the-top filmmaking. It
is visually stunning, and extraordinarily violent, with the violence lovingly
photographed and choreographed. This modern martial arts western stars Korean
actor Dong-gun Jang playing an Asian warrior-assassin forced to hide in a small
town in the American Badlands. With Geoffrey Rush, Kate Bosworth, and Danny
Huston. Rated R in the US for strong bloody violence. Mixed or average reviews.
I say: fantastical! Not at Major.
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. The three
owners face a new wave of horror and horrible comedy when they visit a
mysterious fraternity house and meet a handsome vampire and a werewolf. Another
Poj Arnon directorial effort focusing on cross-dressing and gay characters and
the laughs that can be got from them.
Tron: Legacy: US, Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – A rebellious
27-year-old is 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.
Unfortunately, 3D is an integral part of the experience of this film, yet it’s
no longer being shown in 3D, except in Bangkok. That would be a better bet,
because the 3D is spectacular and cutting-edge. Bridges is simply sensational.
Mixed or average reviews. Thai-dubbed at Big C, English elsewhere.
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, engaged in comic antics much like
all that has gone before in Thai comedies.
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.
Gulliver’s Travels (3D): US, Adventure/ Comedy/ Fantasy – A dreadful film
in my opinion, one of the worst I’ve ever seen. If you truly love Jack Black’s
comedy, then you might be amused by this, otherwise stay away. Only the remotest
relation to the famous book. Live action, not animated. Generally unfavorable
reviews. In 3D, and only at Pattaya Beach, if still around.
Maybe?
If either of the following arrives, grab the chance and see
it:
Hereafter: US, Drama/ Fantasy – Clint Eastwood’s
latest directorial effort, and it’s a good one. Matt Damon is one of three
people Eastwood studies, each with a different experience of an aspect of life
after death. What do these people believe, what causes them to think that way,
and what is the truth? Fascinating dramas on the topic, well done. Mixed or
average reviews.
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 27 Jan.
The Fighter: (scheduled) US, Biography/ Drama/
Sport – Highly praised film likely to be a serious contender for many Oscar
honors. A drama about boxer “Irish” Micky Ward’s unlikely road to the world
light welterweight title. His Rocky-like rise was shepherded by half-brother
Dickie, a boxer-turned-trainer who rebounded in life after nearly being KO’d by
drugs and crime. With Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, giving two outstanding
performances. Rated R in the US for language throughout, drug content, some
violence, and sexuality. Generally favorable reviews. Major Cineplex only.