Movie reviews: Jejak Warriors

Saturday 12 September 2015
Posted by Faqihin



This, to me, is a fascinating movie.  Not because of the story but because of it's commercial value.  It seems that local producers are beginning to adapt to modern commercialization.  Instead of making short ads, why not a whole movie?! No, no, no, it's premise didn't turned me off, it really did intrigued me.  Besides, I enjoyed Google's The Internship and that movie has been labeled as a huge Sell Out by most American critics.  Hey, it starred Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn so of course it would be a simple fun movie.  Thus, with tons of sponsorship from big companies, let's review Jejak Warriors. 

KELANTAN AT HEART  

Coming from a Kelantan family, the dialect really hit me; it was very engaging and natural.  The rhythm and poetic lingo of Kelantan dialect put me in a good mood and I wished I could've watched it with my family (Alas, I was watching it alone).  We're straight away introduced to the Red Warrior's history through a Dikir Barat (A traditional singing performance from Kelantan).  Of course, that is expected and it didn't bothered me much. 


...AND THEN IT WENT DOWNHILL

 We're introduced to a young boy with a deceased mother and a conservative father.  The father detest his fandom of football by forcing him to burn his posters and magazines.  Whoa, harsh.  A few minutes later, his father died.

WHAT?! ...why?

There were just a lot of sudden dramatic beats in this film.

PRODUCT PLACEMENTS

Sigh. It's a simple movie.  A boy travels across states to meet his dream football team.  How could you screw that up? Then again, how could you not? It's an absurd corporate movie so expect them to screw it up.  The product placement definitely drives the Plot and story.  In every turn where the product highlights aren't needed, they put it there anyway.  They've build up to such a simple, good and engaging character.  I'd assume that they, at least the cast and crew, would know better.  There was also this absurd JDT and Red Warriors rivalry backstory that's ridiculously shallow; as if it was written by an angry RD fan that haven't been outside of Kelantan his entire life.

COMMERCIAL VALUE

Alright, so I can poke fun at this movie scene by scene but let's cut to the chase.  So, does this movie, at least, lived up to it's hype as a 1 hour ad for RD, Hotlink, Air Asia, UniKL..etc? Well, it didn't performed well in the box office nor did it made an impact at their niche audience (Yes, I do count it as a niche based film).  How could they? Kelantan doesn't even allow cinemas in their state.  But to be honest though, film marketing in Malaysia is confusing and sad (With all of the shallow mainstream media and all).  So, to a certain extent, I think it's unfair to blame it's marketing.  I hoped that this movie could have made a big commercial impact (Since that's what it's going for) but it didn't.  It's mind boggling, if you ask me.  With such a simple premise, how could some Malaysians not be all over this? Well, it did made JDT hire Ahmad Idham to make their own movie. Wonder how that would turn out? -_-

VERDICT

Yep, I'm being optimistic in this review.  But no matter how much sympathy I give, it all comes down to the story.  Maybe if the story had actually been written passionately about Malaysia's football then it could've made a good impression; critically.  Fret not though, next year, we're gonna get Ola Bola! Directed by Chiu Keng Guan, the guy who brought us The Journey! And his pairing up with Astro Shaw again. Yeah! Moneyh! :p 

I, with much weariness, give Jejak Warriors a sad 2/5.  But I'm not giving up on it just yet.  I still feel like I should watch it with my family. Again, Salam and thanks for reading! 



So, there's rumors and 'news' about film production companies wanting to make a Keluang Man movie; even claiming that it's confirmed (At this stage? I highly doubt it).  The reactions have been positive reactions so far though I wouldn't call it a solid demand in the local film market.  If it ever gets made (I sure wish it doesn't or I wouldn't even care if it did), I'm absolute positive that it will fail critically and financially. 



WHO THE HELL IS KELUANG MAN?

No, it's not that I've never heard of him before.  I did watch a handful--though my memories a bit hazy about it--of Keluang Man episodes.  What I meant is that both audience and filmmakers have no idea who Keluang Man really is; what he represents and what are his aesthetics.  We're all blinded by nostalgia and childhood innocence.  It's hard enough that filmmakers have to figure out the story but it makes it twice as hard when the audience themselves cannot identify with Keluang Man with a proper aesthetic besides Batman Malaysia, Superhero Malaysia and nostalgic values.  Do you make a Western Superhero Parody? I think local movie-buffs would be turned off.  Do you make it fun and action-packed? Well, did you liked Cicakman or KL Gangster? What about a serious story? Keluang Man doesn't even have a proper mythology that's decently unique or engaging.

Please, for the love of god, watch it again and with an open, mature mind! I've revisited a few episodes.  It had a more fluid animation compared to Anak-anak Sidek.  But the filler dialogues and Batman villain rip-off shows that is still needs to age longer before it can turn into a movie. Now that I've revisited him, Borhan (Keluang Man) now reminds me of Goku.  He's fun, oblivious to the nature of his surroundings and villains always want to challenge him.




IS THERE HOPE?

I'm up for it if there's passion involved.  Perhaps, it's not the source material that I lack faith in.  And I always like to think of myself as the guy who fights for the audience :P
But as stated above, both filmmakers and audience still lack identification with Keluang Man.  Dare I say, even the hardcore fans.  We always need more content regardless if it's old.  So, I can see Keluang Man being revived as a new animated series and definitely as an ongoing comic book.  If it was up to me for the reboot, I'd get rid of the Batman villains.  Johan Hitam and that Samurai Guy (I forgot his name) would definitely stay.  Borhan's fun nature will still stay the same but I'd give him more backstory as to why he's in a mental institution in the first place.  But he's definitely not a symbol of a serious Malaysian superhero.

Salam and thanks for reading! 







I love learning about the progress of storytelling in all mediums; books, comics, TV and films.  While the latest generation (or people in general) will always complain the lack of originality with the constant adaptations of books in films, I believe it is the life cycle of every story; from story to history, legend or mythology.  So, in this article, let’s highlight the current growing evolution of storytelling in Malaysia, Maple Comics.


Serious doh, aku tunggu title nih sejak Sekolah Menengah...bapak ah, mcm tk logik jugak dengar XD
So much has changed since then :P 


Yeah, they’re still new and with barely enough content to get noticed. But they’re growing! And that’s super exciting to me, to be able to observe and support this huge possible success. But why and how did this company started? What are the primary reasons? Well, you can basically Google that information; reading interviews of the founders.  But here, I’d like to point out the answers by relating it to Malaysia’s history of storytelling (Of course, limited to my observation and opinions...but feel free to share yours too!)

FIXI

From the Harry Potter books to a major film franchise and now even a theme park! Every influential story has to start somewhere whether directly or indirectly.  I believe Maple Comics was inspired by the bold and daring FIXI; a novel publishing company that is known for its Urban and taboo themes.  Of course, I believe the company itself just wanted genuine good stories but this trend compliments just what Malaysians are facing and yearning for; hence forth the generalization of fans and re-occurrence of themes from writers.  FIXI continues to grow but slowly.  They started out by popping out in events and conventions; opening up a small stall for their books.  Now they have their own bookstore with a strong fan base of their own.  Indeed, FIXI is now a niche, a cult following and this compliments another side of Malaysians.  But will Maple Comics follow their footsteps or trend in terms of content?

Haven't had a chance to visit their shop 


CONTENT

Here’s where it get hazy and highly opinionated but dang it! I just got to share this fan theory of mine! The titles that are available now under the Maple Comics publishing are Invasi (I’ve waited for this since High School!), Kuala Terengganu in 7 days, Taubat Si Tanggang and 5 days in Beijing.  There’s a pattern here, it is very clear they have a specific target audience.  Trust me, it’s very hard to find an audience at first and you can only make assumptions of what the masses will respond to.  And according to these titles, Maple Comics are targeting mature audiences; most likely from 18 to 25-ish, 30 max.  Titles such as Invasi, a Sci-fy action comic, and Taubat Si Tanggang, a re-imagined folktale of Malay values, are very easy to identify as I can personally say I’m intrigued by them; being a fan of stories that are imaginative and escapism in nature.  However, it’s the other two that I’m hoping to kick-off a new trend in storytelling.  I believe these two light and easy titles really compliment Malaysians as a whole.  We like our local content light and you can definitely see that in our film industry; with comedy constantly being slapped into any possible serious stories. This is different and more honest.  Both book plays around with travelling, a very universal topic for youths (Hence my confidence with their target audience) and with proper marketing, it can go big.  This little hope of mine doesn’t stops here as more facts come to mind with their future projects.


Their current books on sell, check it out here: http://maplecomics.com.my/



FUTURE CONTENT

First and for most, you should really follow their Facebook page.  They are constantly updating with up-coming projects.  You can know if they’re attending any events or having any important meetings with talented artists.  One of those projects is an original comic from Malaysia’s own Marvel Comics artist, Alan Quah.  Famous among higher ranks of Malaysia’s comic book fans, Alan Quah is working on a short comic that centers his personal life as an artist, husband and father.  Again, this type of content compliments the light and easy print.  Haha...they should label that in the future.  Another title, which was recently announced, is Paradigma Guru.  This comic is a continuation from its short comic online.  It was published for free under Supreme Comics, an online platform for up and coming local comic book artist.  It’s interface works just as those pirated manga websites.  The move was very bold and innovative, finally bringing new talents from fresh sources; something that people in the film industry seems to fail at.  Of course, like Alan Quah’s title, Paradigma Guru is also light but with a strong influence of Anime and Manga (Which is always a welcomed style if done right).  Paradigma Guru tells the story of a young teacher who’s coping to find purpose while teaching in school; with a woman as the main character (A very attractive one at that) and it’s adaptation of manga’s quirky and fun style of character expressions, I believe many will be able to relate to reading a story that takes us back to high school.   
   

SIGNATURE PRINT/GENRE FOR MALAYSIAN COMICS

 



General audience in Malaysia (And even Americans) think that the U.S only offers superhero with their comics.  That’s sad because there’s tons of innovative, vulgar and unique title that exists now.  But that’s the nature of an ongoing business and franchises; overflowing with the same genres and titles.  I’m hoping that Malaysian comics can build their own genre.  I hope that the light and easy print can become a big thing because of its cultural value and nostalgic engagement.  People from around the world can learn more about Malaysia’s culture.  I really wish it can be lucrative too because, of course, this can give birth to more opportunities.  That's not to say I ignore other genres.  Of course, I hope there would be more room for artists and audience to produce their desired content. 

Here's hoping for better days in Malaysia's Creative Industry! Thank you for reading.    






I've watched it in the first weekend release and I've already come up with a few pointers for my review.  However, you could say it was ego that kept me from writing as I wanted to fill up this blog with a few more different topics before I dwell into movie reviews again; just for my self satisfaction.  Oh well, better now or never.

It is as Advertised 

I'm, sort of, done with my bashing movie days.  That little space of anger is reserved for local movies.  From the get-go, Avengers 2 was promoted as a box office hit you cannot miss.  So, to expect great engaging storytelling would be silly.  Plus, I've been updating myself with recent Marvel comics and seriously, this movie really embodies today's capitalized spectacle of Marvel Comics; setting up premises for multiple characters while showcasing dynamic imagery.  Hey, it is what it is and it was fun.  It definitely has some effort in story rather than majority of Box Office Spectacles. 

Visual Characterization 

Unlike the first one, Age of Ultron showcases more of the Avenger's background and interestingly, it was done visually.  The character's fears and weakness was shown through hallucinations of the past, present and future; indicating much effort and love for storytelling.  Yes, this is the way of directing a box office movie; show don't tell.  Better yet, they were shown with basic but essential action-based scenes; of the characters doing and reacting towards their hallucinations and not just talk.  I feel like this needs to be justified as a few of reviews I've read lately really didn't understand this.  Heck, I'm not even sure if they were real Marvel Fans (Excuse my fanboy rage)

Set Ups

Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for their stingers and set ups for other titles.  Believe it or not, it's been 4 years since the first Avengers...wow.  And since then, most post Avengers titles didn't lived up to it's hype.  Yep, this is the down side of the movie.  There were too many set ups and too many characters to juggle.  It didn't click into one theme.  It felt like it was suppose to be about Artificial Beings who transcends to God-like entities (Ultron and The Vision).  But the respective Avenger's screen time really didn't compliment this as much.  Obviously, Tony Stark is the main man and his weakness, yet again, sparks the conflict of the story.  If it was really Iron Man vs Ultron, the theme may have seemed more bright.  But with Hawkeye's family, Black Widow's past, Bruce Banner's insecurities, Thor's responsibilities and Steve Roger's man out of time story...it didn't shine enough.  All of these character stories are awesome--with Hulk being my favorite in the movie--but they just didn't focus on the potential theme.  Sadly, this also applies to their respective titles with Captain America being most unfaithful to his theme.  C'mon, a man out of time sounds like an awesome story! 

Cartoon-ish

When the Avengers were in their jet, I was like "Oh, just like in the cartoons"; a subtle hint of what can you expect from the movie.  Then, Stark's towers has officially turned to Avenger's tower; officially making the team a brand both in the movie and outside.  Then, Ultron's birth from A.I to physical form just confirms it.  The movie is cartoon-ish; solving events that questions science and sanity quickly and without grounded explanation.  But I understood how The Avengers were never The X-Men; engaging themes that have some significant weight was never their forte.  At least, they maintained Hulk's character.  It has been a bother for me when the cartoons decides to conveniently make Hulk smart enough to talk and willingly able to change back to Bruce Banner.  Hence, why his story was my favorite in the movie.

Other Geeky-moments

The scene at Wakanda was awesome! Not just the fight between Veronica and Hulk but also the awesome set up for Black Panther's home.  Yes, this is one build up that sparked excitement.  I love the ideology behind Wakanda; a fictional country that answers "What would happen if third world countries was never conquered by the West for their resources?"  Wakandan's attire is an awesome visual representation of this ideology; clothes that are untouched by western clothes.  But the movie didn't highlight this as much.  First, the country looks like any other African countries (Reminded me of Neil Blomkamp's films) and most importantly, there were illegal Vibranium refineries.  Vibranium is much sacred and much protected by Wakanda.  I do hope they maintain the theme of Black Panther in his movie.

Verdict

The final set up, though seem interesting, didn't excited me as I'm tired of being let down with their movies.  Plus, the Maximoff's acting was just terrible and I'm very easy to be satisfied with acting.  Avengers Age of Ultron earns an okay 3/5 for it's care towards the characters but falls victim to the box-office demands which I don't think they'll change anytime soon.  And that's fine by me.  Joss Whedon, you truly are a comic book geek.  Thank you. 

Jared Leto as The Joker

Friday 24 April 2015
Posted by Faqihin



Here's a quick 'reaction' article for the latest reveal of David Ayer's Suicide Squad, Jared Leto as The Joker.

DC fanboy's disappointment aside (I'm a huge fanboy too), it's important to understand two things; the director, David Ayer, and the character himself.  I've recently bought a Joker action figure and ever since then, I've been obsessing and writing a few fanfiction of the Clown Prince of Crime.  So, it seems convenient to whip up a quick one with this latest reveal.


David Ayer 



To understand his style is to understand his background.  Ayer was in the United States Navy so most of his films explores the brotherhood bond, drama and authenticity of serving your country.  This has proven to be very apparent as most of his films superbly invites you to feel with the characters; away from the average empty but loud gun fights in most police or crime dramas.

End Of Watch, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena. I urge you to give this one a try.


With a down to earth script and suspenseful simple action, End Of Watch is one of the best example to showcase Ayer's talent.  But don't worry, he has directed a few big action sequences before (As to what fans will expect from Suicide Squad)


One of his recent films, Fury.  Again, you can see the imagery of brotherhood bond but this time, with unique tank battle action!


The Joker 



Pretentious fans aside (Those who only judge the character from ONE movie), you need to understand the The Joker is a difficult character to write; let alone bringing him to the big screen...again.  What makes the agent of Chaos so intriguing in comics (And in The Dark Knight) is that he is purely symbolic and not human.  Sounds scary, doesn't it? Haha. What makes an appealing character? His humanity, of course, but within this context, it's specifically motivation and weakness.  This, by the choice of the writer/director, can be interpret through many ways.  But for a narrative structure like comics of movies, it's often interpret through relationships.  

Joker's motivation is purely symbolic as in he strives to prove a point through insane theatrical crimes.  It is not motivated through relationships or emotional interests whatsoever.  He's not driven by friends or family or even a dark past (Which remains to be a mystery throughout most incarnations).

He has no humanly weaknesses; an internal struggle of morality or emotional trait.  For example, Tony Stark is self destructive and though he fights with villains, it is his internal weakness that prevents him from achieving victory with a snap of a finger.  That makes audience sympathize and even empathize more with the character.  This is shown well in Iron man 3.  The Joker is focused and is often 2 steps ahead of Batman and Jim Gordon. 


Conclusion   

So, within the context of Joker in the Suicide Squad, it's obvious we won't be seeing the symbolic Joker we know and love.  Perhaps, Joker will be given more back story and emotional weight? Whether it works for the fans, I'm not entirely sure.  But I'm more interested in seeing Ayer's rendition of Suicide Squad.  If it helps the films's theme then I don't think that will be an issue.  Plus, the cast is so interesting.  Will Smith as Deadshot?! Wow!  So, to end this quick article, here's a pic of my Joker. 

  




There's been many articles regarding this matter and most of them tackles from a producer's perspective; of how this phenomenon is changing the industry and adding more revenue to big companies.  Even though this is very important (And exciting, if you ask me), I'd like to tackle from a fan's perspective as it is more engaging; to remind myself that it's all about the audience.

World Building, to put it simply, is telling stories of characters (Through multiple protagonists) in one single universe.  The best examples are DC comics and Marvel; before their recent movie franchises.  In fact, it is because of these two companies that this phenomenon has become popular and favored among big movie companies.  They've simply used their formula of marketing and storytelling  with their comics and adapted it in the movie making business.  It has even been used in Video games; another growing industry in recent years.  In this article though, we'll be focusing more on Malaysia's IP's and you'd be surprised how local talents have creatively utilize this (Despite the negativity the industry is receiving from fans).  More importantly, they were mostly done out of the spirit as fans, not as greedy and clueless producers.

The Cheesy-ness of this title card was intended...to reflect to franchise itself :p


 Mamat Khalid's Zomba franchise (At least, that's what I like to call it) has spun to sequels and even a spin-off.  It started with Zombi Kampung Pisang; a survival horror comedy with social satire.  A few years later, a sequel but with a different title was produced; Hantu Kak Limah Balik rumah which was more financially successful.  This time, it was simply a horror comedy; having a mysterious ghost instead of hoards of Zombies.

Though it was never confirmed if the director or even the producers had World Building in mind, the storytelling and marketing method was still similar as the characters from the first two would go on separate adventures (Facing other famous supernatural creatures) in Zombi Kilang Biskut and Husin, Mon dan Jin Pakai Toncit. It was even more apparent in Werewolf dari Bangladesh as it didn't starred the main character from past films.  Instead it was another famous comedic character, Usop Wilcha, who met a werewolf from Bangladesh.

This is not the best example of World Building in Malaysia but I say it's worth mentioning as it is one of few successful (At least, financially) efforts in the local movie industry.  It still caters to typical sequels; still relying on the same characters but with outrages genres that's inconsistent.



With excellent marketing and skillful storytelling, Les' Copaque has grown to be one of the most influential production company in Malaysia.  You wanna know how big their Upin and Ipin has become? Imagine growing up in an Asian country but surrounded with Western characters like Mickey Mouse or Power Puff Girls on pre-school murals.  As a kid, that's something normal at the time.  Now, schools everywhere are filled with Upin Ipin and Boiboiboy murals! When you've reached to kid's hearts, that's when you know you've created something more than just an Intellectual Property.

While I think I should write more on Upin Ipin's skillful storytelling method that surpasses most live action films (Debatable, I know), I'll try my best to focus more on their World Building methods.  Starting from the twins, the company has now expanded to two more shows; Pada Zaman Dahulu and the recent Puteri.  But in between these stories, Les' Copaque has adapted the Easter Egg method (Mostly used in Pixar films, Marvel and Video Games) to (not only promote their shows) hint possible and subtle connections between shows.  This is something that most film productions or producers in Malaysia don't understand, a method that diminishes the line between marketing and storytelling; making it more seamless and exciting.  Yes, while the method has been criticized by some for it's hard selling ways, the method has been proved to be effective if done in the right amount and with heavy care towards the story.  In fact, storytelling-wise, the Les' Copaque Universe (That should be a wikipedia page by itself there!) has hinted the possible existence of Ultraman! Malaysia's very own Ultraman and not a fan made one! 


With Tsuburaya's and Les' Copaque's joined projects (Due to Japan's recent effort in promoting their own content with other countries...check out Bima Satria Garuda for more examples), Malaysia was blessed not only with the live show of Ultramen but also our very own official Ultraman! 

Being brutally honest, this could have been another huge marketing stunt but with half ass execution of the end product.  Despite how far Malaysia has come with the marketing and event itself, never settle for less as you know Malaysia can do better.  I'm passionately happy to say that Upin, Ipin adn Ultraman Ribut was awesome! Nodding to the very well established fans of the series in Malaysia while maintaining their credibility with their own stories.  




To be more precise with Les' Copaque Universe, here's a quick explanation of possible facts based on the easter eggs. 





Pada Zaman Dahulu is the story of Sang Kancil and his witty and mischievous adventures; told through Tok Aki as he gives advice to his two grandchildren, Ara and Aris.  In the above still, Sang Kancil exists as a comic book and a TV show within Upin Ipin's universe.  



However, in Ultraman Ribut special, it is hinted that Ara (And possibly the other human characters of Pada Zaman Dahulu) exists in Upin Ipin's world as well.  To ad more speculation though, the ending of Ultraman Ribut's special ended with the twins dreaming of the event instead.  However, they woke up by having the transformation device on their wrists.  Confusing, no? But exciting nonetheless!


Even though Upin Ipin has grown to an establishment that's highly loved and creative, it's not enough as Malaysia needs more IP's and production companies that's up to date.  Things are looking bright in the Animation Industry as Boiboiboy is releasing their first movie this year.  Not to mention, their future projects in theme parks and collaboration with a Japanese company; Takara Tomy toys.  It's unsure about the live action industry though as you can see, the example above isn't exactly the best.  Malaysia is very far behind in marketing and, sadly, even storytelling.  What's best to do now--next to producing more IP's--is supporting it hence the writing of this article.

Here's hoping for better days ahead; In Shaa Allah.



Movie reviews: Papadom 2

Saturday 4 April 2015
Posted by Faqihin




One of the best things about storytelling is that it invites you to empathize the character or plot; opening up ourselves and recall a similar emotion or predicament.  For Papadom 2, directed by Afdlin Shauki, it was one of few local films that managed to make me open up myself; tearing up and being able to put myself in that situation.  To be frank though, it was more to the director rather than the fictional characters.  That statement has some critical weight to it in both positive and negative ways.

The opening scene is one of the most creative, thought provoking and comedic in recent years of local films (Maybe, the only one).  Meant to be the ending of a film that's being filmed in the movie, the opening scene summarize Papadom 2's overall theme while at the same time expresses how the local industry is trying to film such genres.  Opening scenes are very important as it establishes the genre, character, style, theme and even a hint of the character's needs.  Local films has overlook this and went on to show a general 'explanation' or misleading opening scenes.  The best example is the recent local movie, Cicakman 3.  The film's opening scene--though I'm confident that wasn't the attention--was a bit, and unnecessarily, homophobic but it did established the villain well.

Commercial value? 

While I detest quick cash grabs in films (Even in video games), I cannot deny the importance of audience's reaction.  But this is not to be confused with sales and box office.  The best stories are the ones that tries to communicate with their audience well; not trying to sugarcoat it or dumb-ing it down.  Like a lecturer trying to teach her students, how well the students understand is how much consideration, knowledge, experience and passion is put into her material.  Papadom 2 indirectly speaks to the people of the film industry (As what most local films do nowadays).  But the center is family in general.  Layers in stories compliment each other thus creating solid storytelling.  Even though family values are, indeed, general, the film still caters to its critic to the industry.  I believe the majority of the audience aren't able to relate to this because--well, they're not filmmakers nor do they ever care to be one in Malaysia (Considering how the masses see local films).  This is the reality that I see as the film didn't do well at the box office and it's very disappointing.  But this means something more to me, personally.


Great Script

I empathize more towards the director rather than the story itself which is, its in own right, an achievement itself for the film.  I'm a film student and Papadom 2 tells the story of Malaysian filmmakers through Saadom's daughter.  She's an assistant director to a very angry and nonsensical director.  Through her, Saadom merely observes the hustle and bustle of a film set; much like the general audience! But why didn't it made it big in theaters?! Argghhhh! 

*Clears throat* Sorry

All of the tiny details of the set; the work ethics, the mentality...all spoke to me very well because it's frightening to me, as a student, to know that I'm going to go through all of this.  I believe there's no sugarcoated happy ending when it comes to the film making part but the film ended with what the director felt most important; family.  And this is where it hit me, emotionally.  Why I empathized more with the director is because I've been following his social network posts and his latest activities at the time.  This reflected very well in this movie; sort of diminishing it's fictional nature and encouraging you to self reflect.  That's a great achievement in storytelling.

Verdict

Papadom 2 put me into one of those self reflecting moments when one watches films; being in my list of favorite stories like Up, Brave, Legend of Aang, Legend of Korra, Walter Mitty and many more.  Local titles are limited but its growing.  Papadom 2 earns a solid 4/5 for it's honest storytelling and great script.