Now playing in Pattaya
Shambhala: Thai, Drama – An interesting and unusual Thai
film starring two Thai actors of considerable note: Lao-Australian superstar
Ananda Everingham, and Thai-French heart-throb Sunny Suwanmetanon. They play
brothers on a pilgrimage to Tibet in search of Shambhala, a fabled kingdom that
most consider to be located in Tibet, and is thought of as a sort of heaven on
Earth in Tibetan and Indian Buddhist traditions. Actually shot in the expansive
scenery of that country, and the project, written and directed by Panchapong
Kongkanoi, took three years to complete. A 2D film, with English subtitles at
all locations.
Ted: US, Comedy/ Fantasy – This American comedy film is
co-written, produced, and directed by Seth MacFarlane, who stars in it along
with Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis. In 1985, in the city of Swampscott,
Massachusetts, John Bennett was a lonely child, who dearly wished for his new
Christmas gift, a large teddy bear he names Teddy to come to life to be his
friend. The wish succeeds with a falling star and Ted became a fully mobile
sentient being. John’s parents (Alex Borstein and Ralph Garman) got over the
shock, word of the miracle spreads, and Ted was briefly a celebrity. Now an
adult, John has a problem with the bear: he refuses to leave his side.
Rated R in the US for crude and sexual content, pervasive
language, and some drug use. Generally favorable reviews, saying that even
though Ted’s “romance versus bromance” plot is familiar, the film is held aloft
by the high-concept central premise and a very funny (albeit inconsistent)
script. Warning: It’s utter raunchiness, so don’t bring the kiddies, however
much they might want to see a talking teddy bear.
The Dinosaur Project: UK, Adventure – Explorers go in
search of a lost world with high-tech video cameras. Their target: a Loch Ness
monster-like creature lurking in the depths of the Congo. This is an
eccentrically British attempt to paste together two very different genres:
stupendous dinosaur epic, like Jurassic Park, and found-footage fake
documentary, like The Blair Witch Project. Mixed or average reviews. A 2D
film, with English subtitles except Thai-dubbed at Big C.
The Expendables 2: US, Action/ Thriller – The Expendables
are reunited for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is
murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory
and up against an unexpected threat. Stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis,
Jason Statham, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jet Li, and Sylvester Stallone; directed
by Simon West. Mixed or average reviews. Rated R in the US for strong bloody
violence throughout. In 2D (English) at Pattaya Beach and Major, 2D
(Thai-dubbed) at Big C.
The Bourne Legacy: US, Action/ Adventure/ Thriller –
Jason Bourne (played in the three previous films by Matt Damon), the cause of
all the mayhem, is not in fact in this film. It retains the name Bourne
to identify it as a continuation of the franchise. The protagonist here is
played by Jeremy Renner, in yet another CIA black ops program that the CIA
decides to terminate after the disastrous events depicted in the first three
films. Generally favorable reviews, saying in general that It isn’t quite as
compelling as the earlier trilogy, but nevertheless proves the franchise has
stories left to tell — and benefits from Jeremy Renner’s magnetic work in the
starring role. In 2D (English) at Pattaya Beach and Major, 2D (Thai-dubbed) at
Big C.
Echo Planet: Thai, Animation/ Family – A rather brilliant
Thai animated feature by the studio that gave us the hit film Khan Kluay
six years ago. It’s about three youngsters determined to save the world from
global warming, and how traditional folk wisdom can do more to tackle world-wide
problems than high-tech devices. I like this film very much and wish I could
induce more people to see it. It has much to offer. The animation is quite
superb, and the Thai-ness of the film is delightful. I found it a quite
entertaining tale with an environmental message, and a historic triumph for Thai
animation. Now it’s at Big C only (in 2D), and in a Thai-dubbed version – as of
Wednesday.
Brave: US, Animation/ Action/ Adventure/ Comedy/ Family/
Fantasy – Set in Scotland in a rugged and mythical time, about an impetuous
daughter of royalty. Generally favorable reviews, saying it offers young
audiences and fairy tale fans a rousing, funny fantasy-adventure with a strong
female protagonist, and surprising depth. In 3D (English) at Pattaya Beach, as
of Wednesday.
Yes or No 2: Thai, Drama/ Romance – The sequel to Yes
or No, the romance between Pie and Kim, two girls who fall in love with each
other. Now, Pie and Kim have been in a relationship for three years, but an
internship during their fourth year forces them to stay in different places for
a while. However, their long distance love only strengthens their devotion. 2D
with English subtitles; no longer at Major.
Total Recall: US/ Canada, Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi –
This is a remake of the 1990 science fiction film which starred Arnold
Schwarzenegger. This one stars Colin Farrell, with Kate Beckinsale and Jessica
Biel. It’s set in 2084, and the plot involves a factory worker who suffers from
violent nightmares, and takes advantage of the services of a corporation that
provides its clients with implanted artificial memories of the lives they would
like to have. Mixed or average reviews, saying that it has some impressive
action sequences but lacks the intricate plotting, wry humor, and fleshed out
characters that made the original a sci-fi classic. In 2D (English) at Pattaya
Beach and Major; not at Big C.
Step Up 4 / Step Up Revolution: US, Drama/ Music/ Romance
– If you like the Step Up films, there’s no reason you won’t enjoy this
one. Lots in Thailand do: it’s one of the hits of the year. The dance sequences
are lively and spectacular, and there is something endearing about the series:
they know that they aren’t high art, don’t take themselves too seriously, and
simply enjoy themselves. Their predictable and moronic story lines are only an
excuse to showcase some truly mad dance moves that you’d never get to see in
real life. Mixed or average reviews, but on the low side. In 3D (English) at
Pattaya Beach; 2D (English) at Major; no longer at Big C.
Sat2Mon / Kuen Won Sao: Thai, Comedy/ Romance – A
love-stricken young man is seeking help to date his dream girl from the girl’s
best friend. It’s said to have some cute and endearing moments along the way to
a predictable ending. With English subtitles at all locations.
