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Archive for March 2015
Have you read the exclusive fan's first review of Cicakman 3? Click here while it's still fresh!
Social commentary in Malaysian films have been very annoying lately. It seems like it's the only way they can make the film more critical or witty. But when I really think about it though, it's not the extensive use of social commentary that bugs me but, rather, the absence of substance. Terbaik dari Langit does have tons of subtle criticism towards the local film industry but it didn't forget the core essence of storytelling.
Character driven
I can finally say that I remember the character's name from a local movie. The industry still seems oblivious that it's characters that sell. Audiences find it more easy to identify themselves with the characters. Relatable characters are ones that make mistakes for reasons that the audiences can relate to. Berg, Ijam, Toyu and Ali had their own wants and goals; each affecting one another. The plot moves according to their respective individuality and not the writer's 'common sense'. Often times, the local industry writes stories based on cliches; pop culture, trends and common sense. They don't explore the complexity of what the story's substance can be. Redza Minhat, the writer, utilized the story's core; friendship. And with friendship, you have many individuals with respective desire and weaknesses. Sounds very basic but you'd be surprised how often this cannot be done.
Visually daring
Most local films are either undeveloped or shallow (Half ass or terrible is a more harsh way to put it). Terbaik dari Langit is one of few films that's innovative and manage to execute them well. Despite having friendship as it's theme, Nik Amir Mustapha (Director) managed to remind Malaysians that film is a visual medium. Often times, drama is--somewhat--of Malaysia's 'forte' and they are executed with heavy dialogues with uncalled for emotional blunder. Berg's hallucination scenes are tools to describe his point of view. This tool also had a pay-off at the ending; making it full circle and giving it a purpose instead of just simply using it. I also noticed the Hong Kong-esque settings in a few scenes; adding more depths visually.
State of the Malaysian film Industry
The story wittingly uses the plot as a tool to comment on the industry but not too much until it's the theme. Ironic though, the theme also complimented the commentary. Instead of leaving the criticism to mere cynicism, the friendship was the answer. Despite the hardships of the Berg and his friends filming, it's their friendship that matters most. People in the film industry can work as hard as they can but in the end, it's the substance that counts.
Verdict
Did I mentioned that the score and music were awesome? It just brought some familiar emotional ride when one watches a film. But this time, I was watching a local film. I just hope Astro Shaw will continue investing on films like this and give more opportunities to new talents. There's only so much that the current Industry people can do. While they figure out what the youngsters and even people their generation want, give the young people a shot too. Terbaik dari langit earns a 4/5!
Alhamdulillah, local films have been booming lately with promising possibilities for the future. Of course, audience will always compare local content with international ones (Especially with Hollywood) but, if you really look at these films within our country's film history...it's an achievement by itself.
So, this is, sort of, a two part review regarding recent local films. Each exploring local films in terms of Critically and Commercially. As you can see the poster above, I'll be reviewing Cicakman 3!
A franchise that has aged well
....so far
The first thing I noticed when watching through the 2nd act, the storytelling aspect is more mature; really focusing on the character and a theme that they were going for. Through my observation (and limited education in film making), there is a formula for telling a commercial story and it varies according to country, culture, economy, politics and many more. The formula, in a sense, is more or less the same in every country but Cicakman 3 follows Hollywood's narrative structure quite closely. But the story was a very, very, very safe.
Even the directing seems better as the scenes are controlled well; making sure that the mood and emotions of every scenes are apparent, relatable and powerful. The action scenes, however, needed some more work. Most actions were small scaled; no buildings or cities were destroyed. Though, to me, this is fine as long as the story is there but it could have been better if it was implemented in the climax scenes; nothing big...just give it some more stakes.
Yes, even the CGI has been improved. It still has some flaw in making the models and textures more photo realistic. But they finally understand that, like many other aspects of film making, CGI should support the theme and not become the center of attention. There were no gimmicky CGI scenes; scenes that don't rely on elaborate punchlines or an epic spectacle of fighting, explosions and so on.
Westernization
I mentioned that the film followed Hollywood's narrative structure. The decision could have brought better impact as the structure is universal; it's a matter of the story's pace (A very subjective opinion by the way). But Cicakman 3's basic tool for exploring its theme was an ideology that's more familiar in Western countries; having an underdog trope that utilizes symbolism of the human spirit. This is the fundamental ideology of most western movies nowadays. Of course, Malaysia has a firm ideology for itself; that's both unique and familiar with most Asian countries. This is a step backwards as we have our own strong beliefs and film--among many other mediums--is a powerful tool that can showcase it. How to do it? Well, I'm still learning and I think the industry is still learning as well. The Japanese creative industry is a great example for exploring how to express our culture in films. South Korea is also another great example as it's creative industry has been booming in recent years. Their films still have some American box office trope going on but they manage to balance it out with their own culture and ideology.
The Hero
Acting, as always, aren't my forte and I would usually accept whoever is presented (Unless he/she is really terrible). Zizan proves that he's not just a name for KRU Studios to use for gaining publicity. Fizz Fairuz did a swell job portraying the simple villain and Lisa Surihani delivered fairly well.
Kudos to the child actor who delivered a heavy role for a kid. What grabs the audience into the film is definitely the grounded story of family.
Watchable
Ouch, haha. Yes, Malaysians will be harsh with local films and I'm glad to say it's watchable. In fact, it's fairly comprehensive and not painfully shallow as most local films usually produce. The comedy hit its mark very well and the story really sticks inside of you. Funny how I mentioned the franchised has matured when in fact, the new Cicakman is a father. Oops, spoilers.
Westernization
I mentioned that the film followed Hollywood's narrative structure. The decision could have brought better impact as the structure is universal; it's a matter of the story's pace (A very subjective opinion by the way). But Cicakman 3's basic tool for exploring its theme was an ideology that's more familiar in Western countries; having an underdog trope that utilizes symbolism of the human spirit. This is the fundamental ideology of most western movies nowadays. Of course, Malaysia has a firm ideology for itself; that's both unique and familiar with most Asian countries. This is a step backwards as we have our own strong beliefs and film--among many other mediums--is a powerful tool that can showcase it. How to do it? Well, I'm still learning and I think the industry is still learning as well. The Japanese creative industry is a great example for exploring how to express our culture in films. South Korea is also another great example as it's creative industry has been booming in recent years. Their films still have some American box office trope going on but they manage to balance it out with their own culture and ideology.
The Hero
Acting, as always, aren't my forte and I would usually accept whoever is presented (Unless he/she is really terrible). Zizan proves that he's not just a name for KRU Studios to use for gaining publicity. Fizz Fairuz did a swell job portraying the simple villain and Lisa Surihani delivered fairly well.
Kudos to the child actor who delivered a heavy role for a kid. What grabs the audience into the film is definitely the grounded story of family.
Watchable
Ouch, haha. Yes, Malaysians will be harsh with local films and I'm glad to say it's watchable. In fact, it's fairly comprehensive and not painfully shallow as most local films usually produce. The comedy hit its mark very well and the story really sticks inside of you. Funny how I mentioned the franchised has matured when in fact, the new Cicakman is a father. Oops, spoilers.
Verdict
With all honesty, I predict that this will be a box office hit locally. I've seen Malaysians invests themselves on other pathetic and sad content before (Viral videos, dramas, films). Fortunately, Cicakman 3 does not belong in that list. While the story can definitely be more daring, Cicakman 3 showcases promises in the commercial aspect of the film industry; with it's maturity in storytelling, script and direction. I give it a 3.5/5 ! Keep an eye out for the next local film review, Terbaik Dari Langit! This is long over due! Bila kucing enkau sayang tersesat dia Jalanan!!!
