Mark Gernpy
Now playing in Pattaya
Green Lantern: US, Action/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – A test pilot is
granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well
as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within
the universe. The personable and pleasing Ryan Reynolds becomes one of the six
Green Lanterns patrolling Sector 2814, which includes Earth. Also starring Mark
Strong and a delightfully evil Peter Sarsgaard. Much action on another world,
which is nicely detailed visually. The film does everything right for a hero
that is not exactly the world’s favorite (not even well-known), but he has a
sizable fan base, and they should be pleased at this realization. It’s good
comic-book fun. Hidden in the closing credits is a scene from the sequel (in
which a surprising character turns out to be evil!). I guess they’re assuming
this story will continue through at least one more film. The use of 3D has
gotten some high praise, especially for the space scenes and the alien
landscapes. I saw it in 2D. Mixed or average reviews. In both 2D and 3D versions
at all locations (yes, even Big C has 3D now!); the 3D version at Big C is
Thai-dubbed.
Kung Fu Panda 2: US, Animation/ Action/ Adventure/ Comedy/
Family – Having seen this yet again, I feel I must emphasize that I think this
is one of the finest animated films ever. I’m astounded at the emotion it’s able
to elicit, as well as the amount of exhilarating fun throughout. The animation
is great, in a couple of distinct styles, including shadow puppets. And it’s
funny. Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, and Jackie Chan are among others in a stellar
cast who lend their voices to the characters in this sequel. Really, it’s an
awesome film, as much a hoot as the first film, but with a dark and adult side
to it as well, dealing with serious personal issues, and a resolution that’s
genuinely emotional and satisfying. See it! Generally favorable reviews. The 3D
version is only at Pattaya Beach, 2D and Thai-dubbed at Big C. The 3D is
reportedly a solid and impressive job; I saw it in 2D.
Super 8: US, Mystery/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – This is a true
delight. It’s like discovering an unknown but classic early Spielberg film, in
the vein of E.T. or The Goonies. In the summer of 1979, a group of childhood
friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a
Super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after,
unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and
the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth - something more terrifying than any
of them could have imagined. The kids in the movie act like kids, there’s a
plot, the action sequences are old fashioned in that you can follow them,
there’s depth of emotion, and it’s just a fine experience. Finally there’s a
fantastic train wreck! See it if you at all like this sort of thing. Steven
Spielberg is producer, and the director J.J. Abrams apprenticed under Spielberg
in a number of classic Spielbergiens. Not in 3D – it’s not needed or wanted.
Generally favorable reviews. Thai-dubbed at Big C.
Dylan Dog: Dead of Night: (Scheduled) US, Comedy/ Horror/
Thriller – Brandon Routh stars as Dylan Dog, world famous private investigator
specializing in affairs of the undead. His PI business card reads “No Pulse? No
Problem.” Dylan seeks out the monsters in the backstreets of New Orleans, a city
with a long and storied history with the supernatural. Generally unfavorable
reviews.
Small Rule / Small Ru: Thai, Comedy/ Musical – Typical Thai
comedy. English subtitles except at Major .
X-Men: First Class: US, Action/ Adventure/ Drama/ Sci-Fi/
Thriller – Smart, spectacular, often thrilling, always incredibly entertaining –
they did everything right with this one. Following the classic Marvel mythology,
the film charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga. Before Charles Xavier and
Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men –
beautifully realized by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender – discovering their
extraordinary mutant powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies,
they were the closest of friends, working together with other Mutants (some
familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world had ever known.
Includes the gifted actor (in my opinion) Kevin Bacon in one of his too-rare
film appearances – and note how brilliantly but casually he tosses off the
dialogue in German and Russian! Also features President John F. Kennedy and the
Cuban Missile Crisis, in a re-imagining of that near-catastrophic standoff.
Generally favorable reviews. Film was never planned for 3D; the director,
Matthew Vaughn, prefers 2D. Thai-dubbed at Big C.
The Lincoln Lawyer: US, Crime/ Drama/ Thriller – Very good!
Matthew McConaughey as a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who operates out
of the back of his Lincoln sedan. He has spent most of his career defending
garden-variety criminals, until he lands the case of his career: defending a
Beverly Hills playboy accused of rape and attempted murder. The seemingly
straightforward case suddenly develops into a deadly and twisting game of
survival. I thought it a dandy thriller and a rock-solid entertainment, made
with much care and given much personality. Rated R in the US for some violence,
sexual content, and language. 13+ in Thailand. Generally favorable reviews. At
Major only.
Sex and Zen 3D: Extreme Ecstasy: Hong Kong, Drama/ Comedy/
Romance – This is more comic than erotic to most reviewers, and with a
disturbing violent streak that unpleasantly mixes the erotic with the painful,
such as rape, and even death. Three minutes have been cut by Thai censors,
though mainly through “trims” rather that “cuts.” The director says that even in
Hong Kong, three minutes were trimmed. Key female protagonists are played by
recognizable Japanese porn stars, and great rivers of pulsing flesh are
apparently on view throughout. Rated 20 in Thailand, which means you must
actually have ID with you that shows you are over 20. The 3D is judged to be
fairly good; presented only in a Thai-dubbed version, and now only at Pattaya
Beach.
The Hangover Part II: US, Comedy – Wheeo! Don’t know about
this. You might find it amusing, but I didn’t like it at all, even though I have
to admit I laughed a few times. In general I thought it just too crass to be
fun. In this follow-up to the record-breaking The Hangover, Phil (Bradley
Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis – whose “acting” I am beginning
to hate), and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel here to “exotic” Thailand for Stu’s
wedding. Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued pre-wedding
brunch. However, things don’t always go as planned, and they have another
alcoholic blackout and come to in Bangkok. They only slowly find out what they
did. Rated R in the US for pervasive language, strong sexual content, including
graphic nudity, drug use, and brief violent images; 18+ in Thailand. Mixed or
average reviews, but the Bangkok Post’s reviewer, Kong Rithdee, is really angry
over this film, calling it “vulgar and stupid, cinematically, geographically,
and culturally.” I concur. Not at Big C.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: US, Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy –
The latest in this great pop series, with a shipful of grand scenery-chewing
British star swashbucklers. Now only at Big C, 2D and Thai-dubbed.
