Now playing in Pattaya
he Green Hornet: US, Action/ Comedy/ Crime – A strange piece, designed to be
nothing but a thoughtless piece of fluff. As such, it’s okay. Seth Rogen as the
Hornet is an unlikely and uncomfortable super-hero, and rather a distasteful
gent. Cameron Diaz serves up the romantic interest nicely, and the unrestrained
pleasure is the arch-villain played by Christoph Waltz, the Austrian actor who
took the film world by storm by his marvelous portrayal of a Nazi officer in
Inglourious Basterds. Of special interest to Asians is the role of the
hero’s sidekick Cato, played by Taiwanese superstar Jay Chou. He does acquit
himself well in this – his slight acting skills and his shaky use of English is
underplayed, and to cover we are served a number of funny sight gags and some
impressive martial arts. The whole thing is a bit of a mish-mash and slight, but
if you approach it with a relaxed and uncritical frame-of-mind, you will find it
entertaining enough. Generally unfavorable reviews. In 2D everywhere, and at
Pattaya Beach there’s also a 3D version (but it’s nothing exceptional); the Big
C version is Thai-dubbed only.
The Rite: (scheduled) US, Drama/ Horror/ Thriller – Anthony
Hopkins looks to be at his spooky best again as the filmmakers trot out the
well-worn possessed/ exorcism/ priest scenario. If one can believe such things,
this is “inspired by true events.” We follow a skeptical seminary student (Colin
O’Donoghue) as he reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican, and while
in Rome, he meets an unorthodox priest (Hopkins) who introduces him to the
darker side of his faith. Generally unfavorable reviews.
No
Strings Attached: (scheduled) US, Comedy/ Romance – To gauge
from the previews, this film is likely to get the blatant smut award of the
year, but at least the raunch is clever and cheerful. Starring Natalie Portman,
Ashton Kutcher, and Kevin Kline. Rated R in the US for sexual content, language,
and some drug material. Mixed or average reviews.
The Fighter: (scheduled) US, Biography/ Drama/ Sport – Highly
praised film up for Oscar best picture, director (David O. Russell), actor in a
supporting role (Christian Bale), two actresses in a supporting role (Amy Adams
and Melissa Leo), best adapted screenplay, and best editing. 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. Apparently at Major Cineplex only, if it shows.
Shaolin / New Shaolin Temple: Hong Kong/ China, Action/ Drama – A story
of Shaolin monks who protect and shelter civilians during war, this is a
beautifully photographed, finely acted big budget spectacle that doesn’t rely on
star power and action to deliver the goods, but actually is a thinking man’s
film on the philosophical aspects of Buddhism. Unfortunately, it’s shown in
Thailand only in a Thai-dubbed version. Starring Jackie Chan and Andy Lau.
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 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. Not
at Big C.
Teng Nong Jiwon Bin: Thai, Action/ Comedy – A comedy about a pilgrim and
a wealthy jeweller whose destiny has brought them to meet on a plane and then
encounter unexpected events. The formula for your run-of-the-mill Thai comedy –
of which this looks to be a prime example – seems to be: Assemble a cast of
popular TV and cafe comics, have a grain of an idea for a plot or a genre
(horror, romance, or farcical action, or all three), and then say “action!”
Bangkon Care: Thai, Drama/ Romance – A girl is separated from her first
true love, and then desperately tries to find him again using today’s modern
tools: Facebook and Twitter. In Thai only; not at Major Cineplex.
Meet the Parents: Little Fockers: US, Comedy/ Family – These people are
still around, and I still don’t want to meet them. In this third installment of
the series, the test of wills between Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller escalates
to new heights – or would that be depths? Generally unfavorable reviews. Not at
Big C.
Sud Khet Saled Ped: Thai, Comedy – Kohtee Aramboy and Tukkie are among
the ever-present Thai comedians in this film with an untranslatable title,
engaged in comic antics much like all that has gone before in Thai comedies.
Except that it seems to be exactly what a great segment of the population wants
to see. It’s been a phenomenal hit, but now at Major Cineplex only.
Maybe?
