30 DAYS OF NIGHT: Town Under Siege

30 DAYS OF NIGHT (horror thriller)

Cast: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston and Ben Foster Director: David Slade

Time: 115 mins

Rating: * * (out of 4)

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? It's Halloween season and if your idea of a celebratory night of fright is to watch blood splatter all over the screen in a mindless drivel of a movie, "30 Days Of Night" is right up your alley. However, if you are looking for a plot that will chill your spine, stay away from this effort based on a comic book by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? The movie is ostensibly set in Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost town of the US that never sees the sun for 30 days each year. On the eve of the countdown to this long 'night', strange things start happening. All the sleigh dogs in the outpost are brutally slaughtered, cell phones are mysteriously destroyed and the power station goes on the blink. Most of the townsfolk fly south to spend the winter, except for about 150 or so who are forced to stay put - including the town sheriff (Josh Hartnett as Eben Olsen) and his estranged wife Stella (Melissa George).
As soon as the sun sets, the terror starts, predicated by an obnoxious stranger (Ben Foster) who warns: "That cold ain't the weather, that's Death approaching." Sure enough, the people are savagely attacked, bitten and eaten alive by hordes of visitors who look and act like a cross between vampire and zombies. Where do they come from, and why do they pick Barrow as their diner? Nobody knows, and after a while, nobody cares.

BOOS! & BOO-BOOs: The most part of the movie deals with the fight-or-flight options open to Sheriff Eben and the survivors - and they mostly choose to hide from the bloodsucking monsters that could not be killed by bullets (silver or otherwise). Knowing that they have 30 days of feasting, these vampires take their own sweet time to decimate the town.
Unlike most vampire movies that offer 'rules' on vanquishing the villains (usually driving a stake through the heart), there seems to be none here. The monsters only fear sunlight - so we are guaranteed lots of blood-splattering sequences alternating with scenes of panic and grief. Yes, Eben and Stella get to settle their differences while clobbering the monsters but most of the time, they seem helpless against the fanged hordes led by Marlow (Danny Huston, playing a hybrid of Christopher Lee and Freddy Krueger, and sprouting gibberish).

For movies like this to work, the audience need to root for a hero. The closest we get to one here is Eben but he seems to be more of a wimp than a champ, offering few workable solutions except the ultimate (but irrational) twist at the climax. Still, Hartnett, George and most of the cast put up solid performances despite a screenplay full of plot-holes and loose ends.

THE LOWDOWN: If you are looking to getting trapped in a blood-soaked nightmare for a couple of hours, this is it. However, if you need something more intelligent to scare you out of your wits, check into Room "1408".

EXODUS: An Unmitigated Bore

EXODUS (HK drama in Cantonese)

Cast: Simon Yam (pic), Nick Cheung, Maggie Siu and Irene Wan

Director: Pang Ho-Cheung

Time: 95 mins

Rating: * 1/2 (out of 4)

PREAMBLE: Hong Kong writer-director Pang Ho Cheung is known for black comedies and satirical thrillers, especially last year's "Isabella" that won him the Best Director awards from the Portugal Film Festival and the Hong Kong Film Critics Association. The movie also propelled HK singer Isabella Leong to critical fame as its lead. "Exodus", Pang's sixth movie, however, is a huge mistake and an unmitigated bore. The movie smacks of self-indulgence with little consideration for its audience. It may please some of the art-house crowd but commercial appeal looks dismal.

THE PLOT: Sergeant Tsim Kin Yip (Simon Yam) is a 20-year veteran of the HK police who finds his career stalled after a failed attempt to uncover a case of police brutality in his department. Transferred to a desk job, Tsim's mundane life is dedicated to taking care of his young wife, Ann (Annie Liu).One night, Tsim gets a call from a colleague, requesting him to take down a report from a guy (Nick Cheung as Kwan Ping Man) caught peeping and recording a video in a women's toilet. Kwan, however, claims that he has inadvertently uncovered a conspiracy by a group of women to eliminate all the men on Earth! Tsim thinks little of it - until the report disappears from the evidence room and the suspect changes his story after a visit from a senior woman officer (Maggie Siu). Then, when Kwan's body is found floating in a pond, Tsim starts to realise that there may be some truth to his claims...

THE REVIEW: This set-up sounds a lot like a spy fantasy-comedy but Pang plays it straight throughout the movie. Worse, instead of having Tsim actively investigating the claim, we see him brooding at home, eating his meals and having an affair with Kwan's beautiful widow Pun (Irene Wan). If the conspiracy is meant to be a joke, no one is laughing as Pang provides little humour in his scenes of boring everyday life. Veteran actor Simon Yam is largely wasted in an undemanding script that has him contemplating and slouching with the female stars. What's worse, we feel nothing at all for his protagonist.Camerawork (by Lam Chi Kin) is static and lazy. The few distractions come with lingering eye-candy shots of Irene Wan and Annie Liu in intimate positions with Yam. Then, when we get the feeling that plot is about to be developed at last, the movie ends abruptly.

THE LOWDOWN: There were rumours of troubles during the production of "Exodus" but these were summarily dismissed by Pang. One thing we can be sure is that this movie, with such a misnomer of a title, is heading for trouble at the box-office.

LANTAI 13: Indon Thriller for Couples

LANTAI 13 (Indon horror thriller)

Cast: Widi Mulia, Virnie Ismail, Lukman Hakim and Bella Esperance

Director: Helfi Kardit

Time: 105 mins

Rating: * * (out of 4)

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? Here we go again, another thriller about the horrors on the 13th floor of a building. However, unlike Stephen King's "1408", the plot of this Indonesian effort is rather predictable - with only a handful of genuine scares thrown in.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? "Lantai 13" opens with jobseeker Luna (Widi Mulia of the Indon singing trio AB Three) arriving for an interview with a posh company. There, she is met by a representative, Laras (Virnie Ismail), who takes her to the 13th floor office of the building for a written test. However, even before she agrees to take up the secretarial post, Luna gets her first fright when she envisions a room with a dozen dead women - the ghosts of applicants like her. Other scary omens include a stench in the lift, and the 'missing' button to the 13th floor.
Now, would Luna run for her life and look for another job like any normal girl would do? Nah, she reports for work the next day, despite pleas from her boyfriend Rafael (Ariyo Wahab) not to take up the job. So what is it that makes her so eager to work in a haunted building? Is it the charmingly handsome boss Albert, or the mesmerising pull of his mysterious henchman Kuntara (Tio Pakusodewo)? The answer is neither.

HITS & MISSES: It is simply a case of careless, illogical plotting that also suggests the practice of human sacrifices for the sake of business prosperity - in this day and age! Writer-director Helfi Kardit however, does a good job at creating an eerie atmosphere, especially at the stairways and corridors, and even a few comical scenes which we may call 'pseudo-scares'. The movie also makes liberal use of loud, screeching sounds to jolt us, or to prepare us for the frights ahead.
There is potential for human drama in Luna's relationship with her caring boyfriend Rafael but this is not properly developed. The same goes for other interesting characters like the enigmatic Ibu Siska (Bella Esperance) and villainous-looking Kuntara. Instead, Kardit goes for the jugular - using cliched devices from other horror thrillers in the hope that some would work. Well, some of these 'boo' moments actually do - in a low-brow, physical way. It would have helped a bit if we had credible performances from the cast. However, none of them gave us anything memorable or outstanding.

THE LOWDOWN: It is obvious that Kardit has done his homework before writing the script. He has provided what most viewers want from horror films: enough scary moments to lure dating couples to the cinema. And with a few humorous and eye-candy sequences thrown in, "Lantai 13" should satisfy the young dating crowd.

WEEKEND PIC Oct 26 - 28 2007

Your Guide To The Weekend Viewing:

1. 1408 (horror thriller with John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson) Rated: * * * 1/2 (out of 4): Arguably the scariest flick of 2007, this adaptation of Stephen King's short story is also intelligent - and comes with a double ending. Ya, you interprete its close. (Reviewed below)

2. SHOOT 'EM UP (actioner with Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti and Monica Bellucci) Rated * * * (3 stars): This is a spoof of the action-thriller genre, and it has shoot-outs and chases piling up on each other - each with even more carnage and mayhem. And like in Children Of Men, Owen is protecting a baby again!

3. BROTHERS (actioner with Andy Lau, Michael Mui and Eason Chan) Rated: * * * (3 stars): This triad action thriller has the requisite fight scenes and dark humour - plus a reunion of four of the five HK TVB buddies.

4. TRIANGLE (crime thriller with Simon Yam, Louis Koo and Kelly Lyn) Rated: * * * (3 stars): Helmed by three of HK's cult movie directors, Tsui Hark, Ringo Lan and Johnny To, we have an offbeat story of a trio of friends in search of buried treasure. (Reviewed below)

5. THE LAST LEGION (medieval adventure with Colin Firth, Aishwarya Rai and Ben Kingsley) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): Even with Bollywood heart-throb Aishwarya, this sword-and-sandal fantasy fails to generate much heat or interest. (Reviewed below)

6. THE MAGIC GOURD (Cantonese fantasy filck with Zhu Qilong & Gigi Leung) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): This Disney effort in Mandarin (the first joint-venture with China) is about the value of hard work. Strictly for young children. (Reviewed below)

7. APARTMENT 1303 (J-horror with Noriko Nakagoshi, Arata Furuta and Eriko Hatsune) Rated: * 1/2 (1.5 stars): Unscary and derivative tale about a haunted apartment and a young girl who investigates its history. (Reviewed below)

8. ART MUSEUM BY THE ZOO (Korean love story in the Korean Film Fest) Rated * * (2 stars): Slow and draggy tale about a guy (Lee Sung-jae) on army leave squatting in an apartment with a wedding photographer (Shim Eun-ha). It's all 'meet-cute' but not much romance. (Reviewed below)

STARDUST: Fantasy Flick That Sparkles

STARDUST (fantasy adventure)

Cast: Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer & Sienna Miller

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Time: 122 mins

Rating: * * * (out of 4)

(Pic: Danes, De Niro & Cox)
WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? Movie-goers who love the fantasy adventure in "The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe" would definitely be thrilled by "Stardust", a whimsical effort adapted from the 1997 illustrated novel by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess. However, unlike "Narnia" which is mainly aimed at younger children, "Stardust" is a more mature treat, catering to fairytale lovers of all ages.Instead of having to go through a wardrobe to cross over to its magical world, the protagonists of "Stardust" must cross a wall to reach the mystical land of Stormhold where witches live, ships fly and stars come alive...

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? Tristan (Charlie Cox) is a young Englishman who is desperately in love with the village beauty, Victoria (Sienna Miller). He makes a bargain with her: If he brings her a shooting star fallen to Earth, she must marry him and reject her other suitor, Humphrey (Henry Cavill). Thus Tristan begins his journey into the realm of Stormhold, where he meets fallen star Yvaine (Claire Danes) who isn't too happy about being cast into Stormhold. Tristan promises to find her a way home if she will accompany him to Victoria.
However, others are also after Yvaine. Lamia the witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) wants to cut out her heart so that she can have eternal youth; and Septimus (Mark Strong), the heir to Stormhold's throne, needs a necklace that Yvaine wears to clinch his coronation. With such enemies and obstacles to navigate through, Tristan and Yvaine find a friend in Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro), who commands an airship that collects electrical power from lightning.

HIGHS & LOWS: As a magical romance, "Stardust" has all the requisite elements: true love, fairytale creatures, treacherous witches, shape-changing animals, and an engaging quest. What is important, however, is that it has a good dose of comedy. This is provided by the bickering ghost brothers of Septimus, the antics of a man-turned-goat, and, above all, by De Niro's Captain Shakespeare who likes to dress and dance in women's clothes. Here, we can't help but wonder if De Niro is trying to give Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow (of "Pirates Of The Caribbean") a run for the money.
There are darker elements as well, including its message about the irrational quest of youth and beauty that is obviously aimed at women in the audience. In this department, Pfeiffer shines and she seems to carry the movie, going for broke as the vile and villainous Lamia, the embodiment of female vanity. Other top stars in the cast include Peter O'Toole as the dying king of Stormhold, and Kate Magowan as Una, the slave princess.
Cast among such veteran show-stealers, the delectable Claire Danes and newcomer Charlie Cox seem to be having a tough time holding their own. Still, they manage to get our sympathy as the 'star-crossed' couple destined to fall in love with each other. Director Matthew Vaughn, who helmed the British gangster flick "Layer Cake", keeps the pace fast and hot, providing each sequence with enough magical wonders to enthrall us.

THE LOWDOWN: "Stardust" may not have the box-office lure of blockbusters like the "Lord Of The Rings" and "Harry Potter" series but it certainly works as a one-off fantasy ride for all in the family.

1408: Horror Flick of 2007

1408 (horror thriller)

Cast: John Cusack, Mary McCormack and Samuel L. Jackson

Director: Mikael Hafstrom

Time: 94 mins

Rating: * * * 1/2 (out of 4)

WARNING: This supernatural thriller is not for people who have to stay in hotel rooms all by themselves. Adapted from Stephen King’s short story, the horrors of “1408” are bound to stay with you for a while – and they will come back to terrify you the minute you feel alone in a strange hotel room…

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? Mike Enslin (John Cusack, pictured) writes books about haunted houses and graveyards, mostly debunking their paranormal claims. Having lost a daughter to illness, Mike does not believe in what he cannot see or feel. So when he gets a mysterious postcard warning him of Room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel in New York, he decides that it would make a great closing chapter for his new book.
The hotel manager (Samuel L. Jackson as Gerald Olin), however, would not let Mike have 1408, telling him that more than 50 people had died there – and that no one has lasted more than an hour inside. Instead, he offers to upgrade him to a penthouse, and even makes him a gift of his prized bottle of whiskey. Mike is adamant. When Mike threatens a lawsuit, the manager has no choice but to take him up to the room – on the 13th floor.

Room 1408 looks ordinary enough but just when Mike starts to feel a tad disappointed with it, the room takes on a life of its own, beginning with the Carpenters song, ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ suddenly coming up on the bedside radio. By the time Mike decides that he has had enough and wants to check out, that option is no longer available to him!

HITS & MISSES: “1408” works as a seat-gripping horror because of Cusack’s performance. Cusack goes through a wide range of emotions in this film and all of them are believable. Like his laidback Mike, we too are initially sceptical about the room. Someone must be playing tricks, we think. However, director Mikael Hafstrom not only creates an eerie sense of menace, he also provides several ‘boo’ moments that come from both the ghosts in the room and Mike’s own inner demons. Soon, we get so drawn into them that we keep rooting for Mike to find a way out of his self-made predicament…
When we arrive at the ‘third act’ (the segment where the haunting mystery is seemingly unravelled), we take a much-needed breather but Hafstrom still has a card or two to play. “1408”, scripted by Matt Greenberg and Scott Alexander, offers an ending that is open to interpretation. Some may find it clever, some may be confused, while others may feel cheated. Still, the movie accomplishes what it sets out to do: scare the hell out of us the old-fashioned way. It does so without resorting to tired devices like sudden loud noises, bloody gore and cheap jolts.

THE LOWDOWN: "1408" is the most intelligent horror flick of the year – and definitely the scariest. Now, when is the next time you check into that grand ole hotel all by yourself?

ART MUSEUM BY THE ZOO: 'Meet Cute' Drag

ART MUSEUM BY THE ZOO (Korean romantic drama for Korean Film Fest)

Cast: Shim Eun-ha, Lee Sung-jae, Ahn Sung-kee and Song Seon-mi

Director: Lee Jeong-hyang

Time: 108 mins

Rating: * * (out of 4)

(Pic: Lee Sung-jae & Shim)
WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? The term 'meet cute' is often used by movie reviewers to describe the funny way would-be lovers meet in romantic comedies. These 'meet cute' scenes are usually done to set up the romance between the leads. However, in "Art Museum By The Zoo" (a movie for the Korean Film Fest in Malaysia) the 'meet cute' sequences take up the whole movie, dragging on the inevitable conclusion that audiences would have drawn within the first few minutes...

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? Chul-su (Lee Sung-jae), who is on leave from the Army, arrives at his fiancee's apartment, planning to surprise Da-hye (Song Seon-mi). However, it is Chul-su who is surprised when he discovers that Da-hye has moved out, leaving the apartment to Chun-hee (Shim Eun-ha), a wedding photographer and aspiring screenwriter. More bad news follows when Da-hye tells Chul-su that she is getting married to one of his friends!
With nowhere to go, Chul-su is forced to accept Chun-hee's invitation to bunk in with her for the duration of his leave. This, however, is not that Chun-hee is in need of the soldier's company; it is because he has paid the rent for the month as he had thought Da-hye was living there. Another reason may be that she needs his help with a movie script that she is writing for a contest. Anyway, it soon becomes clear that the reluctant flat-mates are falling in love with each other - but neither would realise it, much less admit it.

HIGHS & LOWS: We have to sit through more than an hour of 'meet cute' banter about the way the script should be written, about Chung-hee's one-sided love for a Senator's aide, and over his preference for the zoo instead of the art museum next door. Running parallel to the main plot is a sequence of the love story they are co-writing - the one-sided love a museum staff (also named Da-hye) has for a zoo officer named In-Gong (Ahn Sung-kee). This subplot lends a dream-like fantasy to the movie but it also slows down the pace some times.
The one factor that makes this effort by writer-director Lee Jeong-hyang tolerable is the performance of Shim Eun-ha, the South Korean equivalent of Meg Ryan. She has an easy chemistry with Lee Sung-jae, and has the audience eating out of her hand whenever she is on-screen. However, as we readily adore her, we can't help wondering why it is taking such a long time for Chul-su to make his move for her. Does he have ice water in his veins?

THE LOWDOWN: This takes us back to the whimsical love story script written by the reluctant lovers. It is obvious that they know little about romance in the real world. And from the tone of this movie, neither does director Lee.

WEEKEND PIC Oct 19 - 21 2007

Your Guide To The Weekend Viewing:

1. BOURNE ULTIMATUM (action sequel with Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen and David Strathairn) Rated * * * 1/2 (out of 4): It's non-stop action all the way in this closing instalment of Robert Ludlum's 'Bourne Trilogy'. The camera shake may give you a headache but the stunts will keep you on the edge of your seats. (Reviewed below)

2. BROTHERS (actioner with Andy Lau, Michael Mui and Eason Chan) Rated: * * * (3 stars): This triad action thriller has the requisite fight scenes and dark humour - plus a reunion of four of the five HK TVB buddies.

3. TRIANGLE (crime thriller with Simon Yam, Louis Koo and Kelly Lyn) Rated: * * * (3 stars): Helmed by three of HK's cult movie directors, Tsui Hark, Ringo Lan and Johnny To, we have an offbeat story of a trio of friends in search of buried treasure. (Reviewed below)

4. THE LAST LEGION (medieval adventure with Colin Firth, Aishwarya Rai and Ben Kingsley) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): Even with Bollywood heart-throb Aishwarya, this sword-and-sandal fantasy fails to generate much heat or interest. (Reviewed below)

5. THE MAGIC GOURD (fantasy filck with Zhu Qilong & Gigi Leung) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): This Disney effort in Mandarin (the first joint-venture with China) is about the value of hard work. Strictly for young children. (Reviewed below)

6. BUDAK LAPOK (local animated biopic with voices of Datuk Aziz Sattar, S. Shamsudin, Nasir P. Ramlee and Dian P Ramlee) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): A cartoon take about P. Ramlee's adventures in a kampung with his pals Ajis and Sudin. The graphics looks rudimentary but the idyllic tone and mood are intact. (Reviewed)

7. APARTMENT 1303 (J-horror with Noriko Nakagoshi, Arata Furuta and Eriko Hatsune) Rated: * 1/2 (1.5 stars): Unscary and derivative tale about a haunted apartment and a young girl who investigates its history. (Reviewed below)

APARTMENT 1303: Lame J-Horror Bid

APARTMENT 1303 (horror thriller)

Cast: Noriko Nakagoshi (pic), Arata Furuta, Eriko Hatsune, Yuka Itaya and Naoko Otani

Director: Ataru Oikawa

Time: 99 mins

Rating: * 1/2 (out of 4)

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? "Apartment 1303" is what we get when film-makers run out of ideas but feel the need to get on the Japanese-horror bandwagon that has been rolling on in international cinemas for a while. J-horror flicks like Hideo Nagata's "Ringu" (1998) and Takashi Shimizu's "Ju-on: The Grudge" (2003) have been bought over and recycled by Hollywood - and we can forgive director Ataru Oikawa for trying to take a crack at international fame with this uninspired and formulaic effort.
In "Apartment 1303", Oikawa not only rehashes the elements of J-horror flicks, he throws in something extra as well: eye-candy youngsters. This, however, is not going to matter much in his quest considering that Hollywood horrors come with their own quota of eye candy girls.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? The generic plot kicks off with a young girl named Sayaka leaping to her death from her 13th floor apartment during a house-warming party with a bunch of her friends. Although the friends have witnessed the event, they would not believe that Sayaka would commit suicide. Neither would her sister Mariko (Noriko Nakagoshi). They all conclude that the apartment is haunted and that she must have been 'forced' off the balcony. After all, Mariko soon discovers that four other young women have died in similar fashion over the years.

HITS & MISSES: Of course, the apartment is haunted. It takes a whole hour of repetitious sequences and some very irrational plotting by Oikawa to unravel the story of the mother-and-daughter ghosts behind it. Yes, it is the tried and tired tale of mentally-deranged folks who leave bodies inside walls and closets. What we cannot understand is why would Mariko move into the apartment ALONE, knowing that it is haunted! Oikawa could have overcome this irrational plotting by having a friend of Mariko accompanying her. Also, the investigating cop (played by Arata Furuta) could have been put to better use besides just providing the history of the apartment.
We are thankful that Oikawa has not revived the 'panda-eyed' ghost kid (from "Ju-on") in this movie. Instead, we have the 'long-haired lady' apparition but this has lost its effect over the years. The one jolt viewers may get here comes early in the movie when one of the characters tells a story about a demonic woman with no eyes. After that, it is just a long and dreary wade through familiar waters, waiting for the movie to end.

THE LOWDOWN: It is doubtful that this movie will be recycled by Hollywood, not when there is a similar flick called "1408" which is adapted from Stephen King's short story. It is also about a haunted room on the 13th floor of a hotel...

TRIANGLE: A 3-in-One Experiment

TRIANGLE (crime thriller)

Cast: Simon Yam, Louis Koo, Kelly Lin and Sun Honglei

Directors: Tsui Hark, Ringo Lam and Johnny To

Time: 95 mins

Rating: * * 1/2 (out of 4)

(Pic: Yam, Sun and Koo)
WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? Some time ago, Hong Kong film-maker Tsui Hark came up with an interesting idea for a movie: How about doing a crime thriller and having it helmed separately by three famous directors, each putting his own stamp on his segment? For this, Tsui Hark called upon his buddies, Ringo Lam and Johnny To (from the old TVB days 30 years ago) and the result is "Triangle", a dark comic-thriller that fans of "Kill Bill" movies can relate to.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? Tsui Hark set the ball rolling late last summer, opening his segment with a story about three down-and-out friends meeting at a pub to plan a jewellery heist for the triads. Cabbie Fai (played by Louis Koo) needs money to pay off his mother's debts; former rally driver Boo Sam (Simon Lam) and antiques dealer Mok (Sun Honglei) are also deeply in debt themselves. One hit and all their money troubles will be history, the trio figure. However, before they can get down to the nitty-gritty, a mysterious guy offers them another deal: to retrieve some Tang dynasty 'treasure' buried in the HK Legislative Council toilet - and make much more for themselves in terms of loot.
Of course, Tsui Hark throws in some plot complications for the two directors: Boo Sam's wife (Kelly Lin) is having an affair with a cop named Wen (Lam Ka-tung) and they are both stalking Boo Sam and his friends; and Fai may be in cahoots with Wen, or he may have been forced to do the cop's bidding. Whatever they are, the chief ingredients like greed, passion, adultery and betrayal are all in play.
The second segment, reportedly helmed by Ringo Lam, concentrates on the humour and action, including a crazy car ride and an offbeat unravelling of Wen's affair with Boo Sam's wife. However, instead of fleshing out the characters properly, Lam makes them even more enigmatic and complex. He also sets up a few twists in the plot for the third act.
Then it is up to Johnny To to wrap things up. However, if you are expecting him to tie up all the loose ends, you have another thing coming. To throws in a comedy of errors - mostly played out at a ramshackle seaside restaurant where all the characters congregate for the grand finale, including a wayside mechanic high on Ecstasy pills. Yes, in typical To fashion, bullets fly in the dark, the gold treasure gets passed from one to another, and the lights come on and off, all in a bewildering, surrealistic climax.

HITS & MISSES: Does this three-in-one experiment work? Do we leave the cineplex feeling satisfied with the cinematic style and substance provided by Hong Kong's maverick directors? Well, it all depends on what you want from this movie. It is certainly a novelty - something different from what you usually get from each of the directors if they were to do the movie entirely by themselves.

THE LOWDOWN: I am no fan of all the three, so I would rather see "Triangle" as a spoof on pulp fiction thrillers. That way, I would feel sane laughing at the silly twists and turns - and look upon the narrative as a seamless tale, not some rotten broth made by three chefs.

THE LAST LEGION: 'Swordplay' for Foreplay?

THE LAST LEGION (medieval adventure)

Cast: Colin Firth, Ben Kingsley, Aishwarya Rai, Kevin McKidd and Thomas Sangster

Director: Russell Mulcahy

Time: 103 mins

Rating: * * (out of 4)

(Pic: Aishwarya & Firth at 'foreplay')
WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? For Malaysian audiences, the most compelling reason to watch "The Last Legion" is the eye-candy lure of Bollywood heartthrob Aishwarya Rai in its main cast. Aishwarya plays fearless Indian warrior Mira in this sword-and-sandal adventure set in AD 476. The much-touted 'introduction' scene of Aishwarya emerging dripping wet from the river turns out to be a bit of a washout, and fans should not expect any sequence of her prancing around the trees with lead star Colin Firth either.
Instead, we have the two lovers seemingly locked in a mock swordplay - a medieval version of foreplay to their inevitable bed romp in this 'pulp epic'. And while Aishwarya provides the much-needed distraction to the fighting sequences, Firth looks perpetually gloomy and dour, as if he had accidentally wandered into the "Last Legion" movie set from another "Bridget Jones"-type production. We can only hope that the producers docked a part of his salary for such conduct.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? "The Last Legion" is a 'rojak' (or hodgepodge) mix of Roman and Arthurian legends that must be taken with the proverbial pinch of salt. It is about the young emperor, Romulus Augustus Caesar (Thomas Sangster), who is in dire need of protection from the vile, rampaging Goths led by Odoacer (Peter Mullan). Swearing allegiance - 'to the last breath', no less - to Romulus are Commander Aurelius (Firth) and the wise-cracking Ambrosinus (Ben Kingsley), the boy's guardian and tutor.
A surprise attack by Odoacer's henchman Wulfila (Kevin McKidd of HBO's "Rome") puts the Roman legionnaires on the run, and they are joined by Mira, the maiden warrior from Constantinople who is initially disguised by a mail veil. Romulus' mission is to retrieve the sword of Julius Caesar (read: Excalibur) which is supposed to be the key to uniting Rome. After a twist or two in the plot, we find our heroes in Britannia where they must prepare for the climactic battle against the forces of Vortgyn (Harry Van Gorkum).

HITS & MISSES: Director Doug Lefler, a veteran of small-screen sword-and-sorcery efforts like "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" and "Xena: Warrior Princess", seems unsure of what to do with a feature movie and his cast of accomplished stars. So he just alternates talking sequences with fighting scenes. Both are rather trite and clichéd. The fighting scenes are so badly done that they make those in HBO's "Rome" look like classic efforts. The one face-saving factor is that the movie does not take itself seriously. The story is narrated by Kingsley's Ambrosinus, who, we are told, is famous for making up tall tales. He also goes by many names, including 'Merlin' (get it?). Now, audiences have the right to expect proper action and stunt choreography - and what we get here is lame stuff.

THE LOWDOWN: Aishwarya notwithstanding, this one just makes us want to dig up our DVDs of "300" and "Gladiator" to satisfy our adrenaline cravings.

Malaysian 'Flower' Blooms in Pusan

13 Oct - Congratulations to Liew Seng Tat for his double win at the Pusan International Film Festival last Friday (Oct 12). His debut movie, “Flower In The Pocket”, won the KNN Audience Award and shares the New Currents Award with two other films – “Life Track” (by Jin Guang Hao, China/Korea) and “Wonderful Town” (Aditya Assarat, Thailand).

The award means ‘US$30,000 in the pocket’ for Liew – the prize money each of the winners will receive. The number of New Currents Award was increased from one to three this year - to encourage efforts by emerging film-makers in Asia.

The KNN award is given to the most popular film chosen by festival audiences from New Currents section. The festival, the 12th of its kind, set a record for attendance – of nearly 200,000 people over its 10 days, during which it screened 271 films from around the world.

"Flower In The Pocket" will be released in Malaysia at GSC's International Screens on Dec 20. It was produced by Tan Chui Mui, whose "Love Conquers All" won the New Currents Award last year. Tan's US$30K winning for "Love Conquers All" was reportedly used to fund "Flower". This is really Malaysia Boleh for you!

'Mukhsin' To Be Screened in France, S. Korea

OCT 11, 2007 - At a time when the country is celebrating its first Malaysian in outer space, the local cinema industry can also rejoice in having its first movie to make a foray into France and South Korea.

The rights of director Yasmin Ahmad's "Mukhsin" has been acquired by FRench Film distributor Les Films du Preau for screening in cinema, video, and television in France next year. The deal was concluded by the film's producer-distributor Grand Brilliance and its foreign representative, Delphis Films of Canada.

Meanwhile, Kim Media of South Korea has also acquired the television rights to air "Mukhsin" in South Korea, marking another first for the Malaysian-made film.

"Yes, I'm very happy about it," said Yasmin, who received the news on Tuesday (9 Oct). "When watching other films, such as Bollywood films, Malaysians can identify with them. For French and Koreans to understand and identify with the humanity in this film shows that we are capable of making films for the world cinema," she added.

"Mukhsin", a tale about the budding love between two children in a typical Malay village, was released last year. It was Yasmin's third movie

after "Sepet" and "Gubra". Yasmin's fourth effort, "Mualaf", is currently in post-production.

RAYA HOLIDAY PIC: Oct 12 - 15 2007

Your Guide To The Raya Weekend Viewing:

1. BOURNE ULTIMATUM (action sequel with Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen and David Strathairn) Rated * * * 1/2 (out of 4): It's non-stop action all the way in this closing instalment of Robert Ludlum's 'Bourne Trilogy'. The camera shake may give you a headache but the stunts will keep you on the edge of your seats. (Reviewed below)

2. LUST, CAUTION (with Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Tang Wei, Joan Chen and Wang LeeHom) Rated: * * * (3 stars): With almost all the steamy bits taken out, this Ang Lee effort is more Caution than Lust. Still, it is a compelling watch if only to get the tone and flavour of his controversial epic. (Reviewed below)

3. SHANGHAI DREAMS (drama in Mandarin with Gaio Yuanyuan, Li Bin, Tang Yang, Wang Xueyang and Yao Anlian) Rated: * * * (3 stars): Set in Guizhou province in 1983, this drama explores the effects of the Cultural Revolution on a teenage girl and her father who only dreams of going back to Shanghai. With interesting insights into rural China. (Reviewed below)

4. RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION (action sequel with Milla Jovovich, Oded Fehr, Mike Epps and Ali Larter ): Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): An 'Alice In Zombieland' flick that's strictly for action fans and Jovovich admirers. This third instalment gives us more of the same kick-ass action as Alice (Jovovich) confronts her nemesis at the Umbrella Corp HQ. (Reviewed below)

5. THE MAGIC GOURD (fantasy filck with Zhu Qilong & Gigi Leung) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): This Disney effort in Mandarin (the first joint-venture with China) is about the value of hard work. Strictly for young children. (Reviewed below)

6. BUDAK LAPOK (local animated biopic with voices of Datuk Aziz Sattar, S. Shamsudin, Nasir P. Ramlee and Dian P Ramlee) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): A cartoon take about P. Ramlee's adventures in a kampung with his pals Ajis and Sudin. The graphics looks rudimentary but the idyllic tone and mood are intact. (Reviewed in September, see Archives)

7. NEVERWAS (drama with Aaron Eckhart, Ian McKellen, Brittany Murphy, William Hurt and Nick Nolte) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): Made in 2005, this movie went straight to DVD in the US. However, the story about a psychiatrist uncovering his father's secrets combines issues of fantasy and stark reality. (Reviewed below)

8. I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK & LARRY (comedy with Adam Sandler, Kevin James and Jessica Biel): Rating * * (2 stars): This story about two heterosexual firefighters getting into a 'gay' marriage of convenience is too over-the-top and cringe-inducing to be funny. Only for those who like crude and crass humour.

THE MAGIC GOURD: A Kiddie Treat

THE MAGIC GOURD (fantasy adventure) Cast: Zhu Qilong (pic) and Gigi Leung

Director: John Chu and Frankie Chung Time: 82 mins

Rating: * * 1/2 (out of 4)

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? We have often heard the lament that today's generation of children are so pampered that they do not know the value of hard work and perseverance. With society getting more and more affluent, and having fewer children (especially in China), children of today usually get more than they need - the result of parental guilt at not spending quality time with their kids.This problem is reflected in "The Magic Gourd", the first Disney production in China, in collaboration with China Film Group Corporation and Centro Digital Pictures. It is adapted from the 1958 novel by the late Zhang Tianyi, one of the most celebrated children's authors in China. The novel was first adapted (in black and white) for the big screen in 1963, and it became an instant hit among children.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? Ten-year-old Wang Bao (Zhu Qilong) is a dreamy, unmotivated student who spends most of his time fishing at a nearby river and neglecting his homework. He is often late for school, forgets his assignments and scores the lowest in his class. As such, he is the laughing stock of his peers and a constant worry for his teacher, Miss Liu (Gigi Leung).

Things change when Wang Bao finds the mythical 'Bao Hu Lu' or Magic Gourd while fishing at the river one day. The talking Gourd promises to grant him everything his heart desires! The boy gets a taste of his good fortune when Bao Hu Lu materialises all sorts of yummy junk food out of thin air. However, while the Gourd manages to help him with his swimming training and science projects - and puts him at the top of his class - Wang Bao soon learns that he cannot rely on it to fulfil all his whims. For example, a request for all the toys in the store results in mayhem at his house, and a wish for a seat in a packed cinema sees Wang Bao being part of the movie about dinosaurs. Soon, the boy realises that to accomplish something meaningful, he must do it himself.

HIGHS & LOWS: With its message about hard work and self-reliance, this 'remake' is primarily aimed at children below 12. Older ones may find the going rather childish, despite its 'cool' special effects (like those of fish swimming in mid-air) and contemporary setting. Kids who had experienced the fun and thrills of "The Incredibles" may find this Chinese version of 'Aladdin' rather bland. The animation for Bao Hu Lu may look cute to the younger kids (thanks to the amusing voice-over by Lau Ching-Wan) but it lacks the defining charms of, say, the Donkey in "Shrek". Another setback is the performance of Zhu Qilong whose range of expressions and acting ability seem limited. Bao Hu Lu and the young supporting cast easily upstage him. Gigi Leung supports considerably as the understanding and caring teacher.Also, note that the end credits come with some crazy 'out-takes' of Bao Hu Lu's 'filming mistakes', giving us a few more chuckles for the road.

THE LOWDOWN: As far as kiddie movies go, "The Magic Gourd" gets passing grade. For the adults, it is also tolerable - at only 82 minutes.

NEVERWAS: An Adult 'Terabithia'

NEVERWAS (drama)

Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Ian McKellen, Brittany Murphy, William Hurt, Nick Nolte & Alan Cumming

Director: Joshua Michael Stern

Time: 108 mins

Rating: * * 1/2 (out of 4)

(Pic: Eckhart & McKellen)
WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? If you have never heard of "Neverwas" before, it is because this 2005 movie never was released in cinemas in the US or other major countries despite an accomplished cast. The movie was shown at the 2005 Toronto Film Festival and later released on DVD. If you are wondering why the producers got 'cold feet' about the box-office potential of the movie, it could be due to the whimsical and personal nature of its plot - a sort of adult version of "The Bridge To Terabithia" - sans the imaginary CGI monsters.
Still, "Neverwas" has a few pluses going for it - an impressive cast putting up first class performances, the charm of its small town location, and some twists and surprises. These are actually more than what many so-called blockbusters of today have to offer...

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? The movie opens with Dr Zachary Riley (Aaron Eckhart) reporting for duty at Millwood Psychiatric Hospital - the very institution where his late father, T.L. Pierson (Nick Nolte) was treated before he committed suicide. Zachary's official reason for coming to Millwood - instead of remaining at Cornell University - is to provide better care for Milwood's patients. His real reason, however, is to investigate his father's death.
Zachary's dad, we soon learn, was the author of the famous children's book, 'Neverwas', in which young Zachary was featured as the hero of its imaginary kingdom. Further confirmation of his role comes from the schizophrenic Gabriel Finch (Ian McKellen), a reclusive patient who seems to respond only to Zachary. Gabriel, who imagines himself as the king of 'Neverwas', looks upon Zachary as his saviour! Now, is Gabriel for real, or is he really the resident Mad Hatter of Millwood?

HIGHS & LOWS: Writer-director Joshua Michael Stern imbues the movie with a sombre and disturbing tone, providing bits and pieces of the narrative puzzle just to keep up our curiosity. Having immersed himself in his quest, Zachary is forced to face the issues that he has been avoiding for years. These include memories of a late night trip into the woods - and confronting his alcoholic mother (played with panache by Jessica Lange). Even the delight of starting a romance with his old friend Ally (Brittany Murphy) is fraught with pain and suspicions of betrayal.
Are we watching Zachary's return to his childhood nightmare - or is there really some light at the end of the tunnel? As the pieces slowly fall into place, and fantasy melds with reality, we discover that "Neverwas" is a simple and sometimes touching story about a father's love and hopes for his son.And yes, it is also about a man's version of reality - the one that allows him to see himself in his own light.

THE LOWDOWN: For those who like mind games and fantasy. (Showing at Cathay Damansara PictureHouse)

RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION: Here We Go Again...

RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION (sci-fi actioner)

Cast: Milla Jovovich, Oded Fehr, Ali Larter, Iain Glen and Ashanti

Director: Russell Mulcahy

Time: 95 mins

Rating: * * 1/2 (out of 4)

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? Here we go again. Alice is back in Zombieland and it is 'kick-ass' time again for fans of this videogame-to-movie franchise.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? For those who are new to its 'game plan', let's just say that Alice (Milla Jovovich), the heroine, is a human guinea pig in the nefarious Umbrella Corporation's experiments to create a vaccine to counter the 'T-virus' that turns civilisations of humans into zombies. Yes, earlier movies have shown Alice inheriting superhuman powers from the experiments - not to mention the kick-ass attitude that comes along with the fiasco. Since then, she has become a fugitive, now being sought for her precious blood that may provide others immunity to the virus.
When this third instalment opens, we see the evil Dr Isaacs (Iain Glen) trying out and discarding clones of Alice in his race to develop the vaccine. Meanwhile, the future for mankind is bleak in a dog-eat-man world (literally!) where food and fuel are scarce - and survivors travel in "Mad Max"-styled convoys to protect themselves against both zombies and other desperate humans.
Did I say dogs eat man? Well, throw in ravens too because we find huge flocks of these zombie birds swarming down on a bunch of travellers outside Las Vegas that's now buried in sand, treating them as fast food. Only the timely arrival of Alice helps to save the day for this motley convoy led by Claire (Ali Larter) and "Apocalypse" survivors, Carlos (Oded Fehr) and L.J. (Mike Epps).

THE GOOD, THE BAD & CHEESY: Since this is the 'defining' part of the "Resident Evil" trilogy, you can expect Alice to confront her nemesis, Dr Isaacs, in the movie's climax. Director Russell Mulcahy (of "Highlander") provides a genre mix of horror and action, mining the film's post-apocalyptic desert setting for its sweeping vistas and enhancing its chase-and-kill sequences.
The characters are surprisingly engaging, with the fight and terror sequences spaced out in between plot turns. Alice's encounter with the convoy, however, is just a device for the zombie-slashing scenes and her ultimate battle with the chief corporate goon. As expected, Jovovich looks fetching in her role as Alice, the immaculate Guardian Angel whose hair and make-up are never out of place even after a vigorous brawl.

THE LOWDOWN: Indeed, the sultry Jovovich is the main attraction of this franchise - and her fans need not worry about not seeing anymore of Alice. "Extinction" ends with the Umbrella Corp brass setting up shop in an Asian country, almost guaranteeing its sequel...

WEEKEND PIC: Oct 4 - 6 2007

Your Guide To The Weekend Viewing:

1. BOURNE ULTIMATUM (action sequel with Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen and David Strathairn) Rated * * * 1/2 (out of 4): It's non-stop action all the way in this closing instalment of Robert Ludlum's 'Bourne Trilogy'. The camera shake may give you a headache but the stunts will keep you on the edge of your seats. (Reviewed below)

2. LUST, CAUTION (with Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Tang Wei, Joan Chen and Wang LeeHom) Rated: * * * (3 stars): With almost all the steamy bits taken out, this Ang Lee effort is more Caution than Lust. Still, it is a compelling watch if only to get the tone and flavour of his controversial epic. (Reviewed below)

3. SHANGHAI DREAMS (drama in Mandarin with Gaio Yuanyuan, Li Bin, Tang Yang, Wang Xueyang and Yao Anlian) Rated: * * * (3 stars): Set in China's Guizhou province in 1983, this drama explores the effects of the Cultural Revolution on a teenage girl and her father who only dreams of going back to Shanghai. With interesting insights into rural China. (Reviewed below)

4. NEVERWAS (drama with Aaron Eckhart, Ian McKellen, Brittany Murphy, William Hurt and Nick Nolte) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): Made in 2005, this movie went straight to DVD in the US. However, the story about a psychiatrist uncovering his father's secrets combines issues of fantasy and stark reality.

5. RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION (action sequel with Milla Jovovich, Oded Fehr, Mike Epps and Ali Larter ): Rated: * * (2 stars): An 'Alice In Zombieland' sequel that's strictly for action fans and Jovovich admirers. This third instalment gives us more of the same kick-ass action as Alice (Jovovich, pictured) finally confronts her nemesis at the Umbrella Corp HQ.

6. I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK & LARRY (comedy with Adam Sandler, Kevin James and Jessica Biel): Rating * * (2 stars): This story about two heterosexual firefighters getting into a 'gay' marriage of convenience is too over-the-top and cringe-inducing to be funny. Only for those who like crude and crass humour.

BOURNE ULTIMATUM: Non-stop Action

THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM (action sequel)

Cast: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn and Joan Allen

Director: Paul Greengrass

Time: 110 mins

Rating: * * * 1/2 (out of 4)

(Pic: Matt Damon & Julia Stiles)
WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? This third instalment of the Bourne franchise jumps right into the action from the opening scene, picking up from where "The Bourne Supremacy" left off. From then on, there is no let-up in the pace as we follow Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) in his quest to uncover his real identity. If you are prone to sweaty hands when you are tensed, make sure you bring along extra hankies.
The "Bourne" series has a built-in sympathy factor for the protagonist - particularly in his bid for survival and in the loss of his German girlfriend (Franka Potente) in the second movie. Here, it comes into play again when we find the CIA top brass crying out for blood - Bourne's and anyone who comes into contact with him. So, as CIA director Ezra Kramer (Scott Glenn) and division chief Noah Vosen (David Strathairn), try to cover up a potentially embarrassing experiment, they opt for the easy way out: terminate on sight.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? As usual, the movie globe-trots with Bourne and he is constantly on the move - from Moscow and Paris to London where he tries to meet up with a British journalist (Paddy Considine as Simon Ross) to discover the reporter's source who may lead him to his real identity. The stakeout and subsequent cat-and-mouse game at the crowded Waterloo station are bound to leave us breathless. The sequences are significantly tensed because Bourne not only has to look out for himself, but also for the safety of his contact. As he outwits his pursuers, we marvel at his observation skills and knowledge of his surroundings.
Next, we find Bourne in Madrid, Spain, and Tangier, Morocco, where he meets up with old flame Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles) and tries to intercept another contact. Here, the action takes place precariously over the rooftops of tenement houses and narrow streets.

HIGHS & LOWS: Throughout the movie, the action scenes appear rather blurry as the hand-held camera shakes a lot - even more than in the previous movie. Looking back, we now appreciate the clarity with which director Doug Liman helmed "The Bourne Identity", arguably the best of the series. Paul Greengrass, who also directed "Supremacy", is more into action and he does not seem to bother with pedestrian details like how an embattled Bourne can manage to move around the world so easily and quickly.
As expected, Bourne always goes 'full circle', returning to New York for the 'final encounter' with his old CIA colleague, Pam Landy (Joan Allen), and 'new' enemies. Here again, Greengrass does his sleight-of-hand tricks, making Bourne appear and disappear mysteriously in high-security buildings and offices. Yes, the "Bourne" espionage series works in the same 'gung-ho' way as the Bond outings - only that the action in "Bourne" is grittier and dirtier than Bond. However, the latter is also catching up in this department, as we have seen in last year's "Casino Royale".

As the closing credits roll, one thought comes to our mind: Will there be a fourth movie? Well, "The Bourne Ultimatum" is the last of Robert Ludlum's so-called 'Bourne Trilogy'. Ludlum died in March 2001 but his 'Bourne' stories were continued by Eric Van Lustbader in "The Bourne Legacy" (2004) and "The Bourne Betrayal" (2007).

THE LOWDOWN: Yes, it is safe to say that we will be seeing more of Bourne. Hollywood never lets its box-office heroes fade away.

HVO: The Condemned; Illusionist, The Prestige, Nomad & Sweeney Todd

MORE DVD movies for your Home Viewing Options:

THE CONDEMNED (DVD 2007, action thriller)
Cast: Steve Austin, Vinnie Jones, Robert Mammone, Rick Hoffman
Director: Scott Viper
Time: 113 mins
Rating: * *

THE tagline is ‘10 People Will Fight. 9 Will Die. You Get to Watch!’ Consider this a grittier version of duel flick “D.O.A” where instead of nubile chicks battling men and each other, we have 10 Death Row convicts sourced from all over the world – including Malaysia – and taken to a remote island for their fight of their lives. Yes, the winner goes free and there are cameras all over to record the action for pay-per-view on the Internet.

This is the brainchild of evil genius Ian Breckel (Robert Mammone) and invariably you will root for Jack Conrad (Steve Austin), an ex-Special Services agent in his confrontation with McStarley (Vinnie Jones), a sadist who loves to maim and kill. Treat this as a porno Fight Club with a message about people who like to watch blood and gore. Yes, it is talking about you, if you go for this flick!
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THE ILLUSIONIST (DVD 2006, drama)
Cast: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell
Director: Neil Burger
Time: 110 mins
Rating: * * * 1/2

THERE were two movies about maverick magicians in 2006 – this one, and “The Prestige”. There is no doubt that “The Illusionist” is far superior and that it will satisfy both the art house and mainstream crowds.

Set in Vienna in 1900, it is basically a story about a pair of childhood lovers. Eisenheim the Illusionist (Norton) is so famous that some of his fans believe he is actually manipulating the supernatural. Among his doubters are Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti) and Crown Prince Leopold (Sewell), heir to the throne of the Austria-Hungarian empire. Leopold is so determined to expose Eisenheim's fakery that, at a performance, he sends his fiancée, Princess Sophie (Biel), to the stage as a volunteer. Eisenheim recognizes Sophie as a girl with whom he was madly in love years earlier. They rekindle their romance - much to the anger of Leopold who orders Inspector Uhl to shut down Eisenheim's show. Now, can Eisenheim’s magic save the day? Of course, you will be awed by the ‘illusion of his lifetime’.
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THE PRESTIGE (DVD 2006, drama)
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, and Piper Perabo
Director: Christopher Nolan
Time: 134 mins
Rating: * * *

ALSO set in the 1900s, “The Prestige” unfolds during three time periods. In the earliest, we meet Rupert Angier (Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) who, along with Rupert's wife, Julia (Perabo), are assistants to a magician. When a trick goes wrong and Julia dies, Rupert blames Alfred for it. The two become bitter rivals, not only attempting to out-do each other on stage but instigating acts of physical vengeance against each other. In the second time line, Rupert is in Colorado Springs consulting with Nikola Tesla about a machine the scientist built that became an integral part of Alfred's show. Finally, the film fast-forwards to the fateful night when Alfred is seen to be involved in Rupert's death. He is tried, convicted, and sentenced to death.

Unlike “The Illusionist” which has a linear plot, this one gets bogged down with vengeance and the mechanics of the trade, lacking heart. Johansson is wasted and Caine seems to be the only one enjoying himself as a designer of magic tricks.

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NOMAD: THE WARRIOR (DVD 2005, war drama in Kazakh language)
Cast: Kuno Becker, Jay Hernandez, Jason Scott Lee and Mark Dacascos Director: Sergei Bodrov and Ivan Passer
Time: 112 mins
Rating: * *

REMINISCENT of “Taras Bulba” and “300”, this Kazakh-language ‘epic’, set in the 18th Century, is about a young man (Becker as Mansur) who is destined to unite Kazakhstan’s three warring tribes against the invading Mongols, or Jungars. Jason Scott Lee is unintentionally comical as the warrior-trainer Oraz who turns young boys into great fighters. Very little time is spent developing the characters or their relationships (especially the triangle love tangle), and in an effort to get to the emotional high points quickly, the movie forfeits its depth and power.

Made in 2004/05 and released in 2007, the film-makers could not have foreseen that the real enemy of Kazakhstan is ‘Borat’. Still, “Nomad” may clear up some of Borat’s nonsense about Kazakh culture.
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SWEENEY TODD (DVD 2006, BBC period drama)
Cast: Ray Winstone, Essie Davis, Tom Hardy and David Warner
Director: Dave Moore
Time: 90 mins
Rating: * * ½

IN case you don’t know who Sweeney Todd is, he is the 18th Century demon barber of London’s Fleet Street who cuts the throats of his customers as well as their hair. There have been many movies and musicals made about good ole Sweeney – and the latest, by Tim Burton, is due in December this year (starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter).

This one, however, is a BBC adaptation of the classic tale and it should whet your appetite while you wait for Burton’s movie! Winstone's performance is emotionally powerful despite his understated take of the title character. Davis gives her Mrs Lovett a sympathetic charm and there seems to be a strong (and even surreal) sexual charge between the two. Watch out for Warner as Sir John Fielding, who is also Todd’s customer, and Tom Hardy as an up-and-coming police officer. Moore captures London in all its dark and dank glory and the musical score enhances the brooding nature of the movie. There are some nude but unerotic scenes in the offing.

SHANGHAI DREAMS: A Glimpse of Rural China

SHANGHAI DREAMS (drama in Mandarin)

Cast: Gaio Yuanyuan, Li Bin, Tang Yang, Wang Xueyang and Yao Anlian

Director: Wang Xiaoshuai

Time: 119 mins

Rating: * * * (out of 4)

(PIC: Gao Yuanyuan and Wang Xueyang)

PREAMBLE: Parents of teenagers would know that the dreams they have for their children are always at odds with the youngsters' own plans. This universal problem is explored in "Shanghai Dreams" (2005), a semi-autobiographical movie by Wang Xiaoshuai, one of China's most prolific film directors. What is interesting about "Shanghai Dreams" is that it is set in rural China during the infamous Cultural Revolution that started in the Sixties...

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? Wu Zemin (Yan Anlian) and his wife Mei Fen (Tang Yang) are moved from Shanghai to rural Guizhou province to form an industrial 'third line of defence' against attack from the Soviet Union in the late 1960s. In 1983, when the movie opens, the Wus find themselves still stuck in the backwaters of China - longing desperately to return to Shanghai where they can resume their former lives and allow their children to have a better education.

Their daughter, 19-year-old Qing Hong (Gao Yuanyuan), and son (Wang Xiaofan) do not share this dream, having grown up in the village and spending all their lives there. Qing Hong even has a boyfriend in Fan Hong Gen (Li Bin), a local boy who works in the same factory as her father. This conflict of interests manifests itself in the father-daughter relationship - with Qing Hong quietly rebelling against her father, sneaking out to meet Hong Gen and to dance parties with her best friend Xiao Zhen (Wang Xueyang). Daddy is especially opposed to her relationship with Hong Gen, whom he considers a country bumpkin destined to be a labourer. Things come to a boil one night when Zemin and his friends are planning their escape to Shanghai - and Qing Hong's goodbye rendezvous with Hong Gen turns into a disaster...

UPS AND DOWNS: "Shanghai Dreams" is a poignant melodrama based on writer-director Wang's own experiences. The family strife should be familiar to anyone who has seen TV series like "The OC" and "One Tree Hill" but the repercussions go way beyond what we find in those shows. Zemin's control over his daughter may seem harsh but in the context of the period, when the 'displaced' town folks look down on the rural people, it is quite understandable.

Wang seems to take a long time to tell the story and develop his characters, but he also includes interesting scenes of how western pop culture has influenced the village youths, like their dancing to songs of Boney M - and how thrilled the village adults are to get imported cigarettes from the US. The dance party sequence, with the girls acting coy, is particularly reflective of the mood of the times. All these help to colour our experience of life in Guiyang village - complete with its old stone houses, muddy roads and shaky bridges. Well, the movie could have been further edited to a crisp 100 minutes or so, but it is never boring. Wang loads each seemingly mundane sequence with twists and surprises - and keeps us engrossed, if not awed.

THE LOWDOWN: If you have not seen rural China before, give this one a try. You won't regret it.