Now playing in Pattaya
Hugo: US, Adventure/ Drama/ Family – I hope it’s still on so
you can see it, if you haven’t already. It’s a brilliant and magical film, which
was nominated for eleven Oscars and won five. I think it’s the best use of 3D
I’ve seen, which is fitting for a film which celebrates film innovation and the
magic of the whole process. It’s many things: a story of early filmmaking in
France, a boy’s adventure story, a glowing homage to the wonder of ticking
things and gears and automatons. Directed by Martin Scorsese, who won the Golden
Globes directing award this year for the film, and with excellent performances
by Asa Butterfield, Chlo๋ Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen,
Christopher Lee, and Jude Law. Whatever qualms one might have about the film,
and I have a couple, the stupendous achievements in so many area – and the
exquisite attention to detail – makes it really a film not under any
circumstances to be missed.
Truly amazing set design and cinematography, for which it won
Oscars. Reviews: Universal acclaim. In Digital 3D, and at Pattaya Beach only.
(Hopefully.) See it!
The Grey: US, Action/ Adventure/ Drama/ Thriller – A surprise
of a film – spiritual, frightening, heartfelt, and thrilling. I highly recommend
this. Are you a wolf therian? If so, you will truly enjoy this film. For the
rest of us, it’s an exciting tale of survival, populated with fleshed-out
characters, and a surprising philosophical framework. I was truly frightened at
several points, with my heart (what’s left of it) pounding. Full of astonishing
sequences, spectacular cinematography, excellent performances, and heartfelt
ruminations on mortality, faith, masculinity, hope, family, and existence. It
also has really cool wolves. Stars Liam Neeson. Rated R in the US for violence/
disturbing content, including bloody images, and for pervasive language; 13+ in
Thailand. Generally favorable reviews, some of which have been extraordinary in
their philosophical reflections. In English; not showing at Big C. (Warning:
It’s essential that you sit all the way through the closing credits. There’s one
more shot at the very end.)
John Carter: (Scheduled.) US, Action/ Adventure/
Fantasy/ Sci-Fi – A richly imagined and often spectacular realization of a
classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Transplanted to Mars, a Civil War vet
discovers a lush planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself a
prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in
desperate need of a savior. Directed by Pixar director Andrew Stanton
(Finding Nemo, WALLทE) in his first live-action film.
Chronicle: UK/ US, Action/ Drama/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – Three
high school students make an incredible discovery, leading to their developing
uncanny powers beyond their understanding. As they learn to control their
abilities and use them to their advantage, their lives start to spin out of
control, and their darker sides begin to take over. Rated R in the US for some
violence; 13+ in Thailand. Generally favorable reviews, saying that though it
arrives during a glut of found-footage films, this film transcends its gimmicks
with a smart script, fast-paced direction, and engaging performances from its
young, talented cast. In 2D and English everywhere, but shown Digitally at Major
(not 3D).
Rak Sud Teen / The End of Teen Love (?): Thai, Comedy/
Romance – (That’s my attempt at an English title.) A handsome playboy in a bike
rider gang runs a jeans stall at the night market under Put Bridge. He’s a
womanizer (a new role for star Mario Maurer) and swears not to fall in love. But
– guess what? Destiny has other plans and has him meet a beautiful girl, and
despite his bravado, it’s love at first sight. Mario Maurer is probably
Thailand’s Number One heartthrob. Here he’s pretty rough for a change, and not
very polite. English subtitles, except Thai-only at Pattaya Beach.
Haywire: US/ Ireland, Action/ Thriller – A beautiful
freelance covert operative is hired out to perform jobs which governments can’t
authorize and heads of state would rather not know about. When an operation in
Dublin goes awry and she finds herself victim of a double cross, she needs all
of her skills, tricks, and abilities to escape an international manhunt, make it
back to the United States, protect her family, and exact revenge on those who
betrayed her. Newcomer Gina Carano in the starring role is one tough cookie. She
is an American actress, television personality, fitness model, and retired mixed
martial arts fighter. Here she does her own stunts, and she has tremendous
presence as an intriguing mix of muscular power and eye-catching femininity.
Also starring Ewan McGregor and Michael Fassbender, but all the males in the
film are merely fodder for her kicks. Directed by Steven Soderbergh. Rated R in
the US for some violence; 18+ in Thailand. Generally favorable reviews. Not at
Big C.
Act of Valor: US, Action/ Adventure/ Thriller – When a
mission to recover a kidnapped CIA operative unexpectedly results in the
discovery of an imminent, terrifying global threat, an elite team of highly
trained Navy SEALs must immediately embark on a heart-stopping secret operation.
It’s an impressive film about professional warriors in the age of global
terrorism. Directors Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh collaborated with the US Navy
and actual Navy SEALs to give the film an accurate sense of battle tactics and
environment. Though the SEALs’ lack something in the way of acting skills, this
is more than made up for by honest performances from men who actually do this
stuff for a living. Rated R in the US for strong violence, including some
torture, and for language. Mixed or average reviews. In English except
Thai-dubbed at Big C.
Ghost Day: Thai, Comedy/ Horror – After watching a clip of
two supposed exorcists performing an exorcism on YouTube, an unprincipled TV
producer invites them on his program hoping to raise the show’s ratings. Though
assumed to be tricksters, the two put on a show that turns out to be more real
than anyone expected. Starring Joey Boy, directed by Thanit Jintanukul. With
English subtitles; not playing at Major.
Safe House: US/ South Africa, Action/ Crime/ Mystery/
Thriller – A young CIA agent is tasked with looking after a fugitive in a safe
house, but when the house is attacked he finds himself on the run with his
charge. With Denzel Washington, Robert Patrick, and Ryan Reynolds. Rated R in
the US for strong violence throughout and some language; 15+ in Thailand. Mixed
or average reviews, saying there are strong performances from Denzel and Ryan
Reynolds. Now only at Pattaya Beach.
Jack and Jill: US, Comedy/ Junk – Adam Sandler is back again
in yet another stupid flick which will probably again make an obscene amount of
money. I saw this, to find out how really bad it could be. It is, and I ask you
please don’t encourage films like this. Supposedly a comedy, it features Adam
Sandler and his twin sister, also Adam Sandler. Now only at Pattaya Beach, if at
all. Reviews: Utter disgust.
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance: US, Action/ Fantasy/
Thriller – Don’t underestimate the appeal of Nicolas Cage! Here he is back again
as the Ghost Rider in yet another impossible outing, and the film has been the
top draw in Thailand both weeks it’s been playing. This time the Ghost Rider is
in Eastern Europe and must stop the devil, who is trying to take human form.
Generally unfavorable reviews, saying it has a weak script and uneven CG work,
with Cage giving another loony performance that’s no longer much fun – except
for your average moviegoer, who thinks he’s great. In 3D (English) at Pattaya
Beach and Major, and 2D (Thai-dubbed) at Big C.
The Melody: Thai, Comedy/ Drama – Thai multi-talented
pop-star “Dan” Worrawech Danuwong plays a famous but depressed pop singer who
goes into hiding in Mae Hong Son after his career goes down the tubes. There, he
meets a talented pianist and his life takes a turn for the better. Now only at
Major.