TRAILER WATCH - VENOM Posted on 09 Feb 2018 We all have our own problems, as Tom Hardy intones over this new teaser trailer for Venom. Our own issues. Our own…demons. “You used to be one thing,” Hardy’s narration continues, “now you’re something else.”The teaser doesn’t show us what that something else will look like, but the build-up is pretty intense. We see, in flashbacks, that some ... more

TRAILER WATCH - LIFE OF THE PARTY Posted on 09 Feb 2018 in the same vein as the 1986 Rodney Dangerfield classic Back to School, Life of the Party follows recently dumped housewife Deanna (Melissa McCarthy), who is looking for a new lease on life by going back to college — and it just so happens it’s the same college her daughter attends. Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna — now Dee Rock ... more

TRAILER WATCH - I FEEL PRETTY Posted on 09 Feb 2018 After last summer's dud 'Snatched', Amy Schumer is backas an ordinary woman who struggles with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy on a daily basis and wakes from a fall believing she is suddenly the most beautiful and capable woman on the planet. “I’ve always wondered what it would feel to be undeniably pretty,” Schumer ponders in the trailer. Cut to a fall ... more

Genre: Comedy/Animation
Director: Will Gluck
Cast: Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, Sam Neill, Daisy Ridley, Elizabeth Debicki, Margot Robbie, James Corden
Runtime: 1 hr 33 mins
Rating: PG13
Released By: Sony Pictures Releasing International
Official Website: http://www.peterrabbit-movie.com

Opening Day: 1 March 2018

Synopsis: Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. In the film, Peter's feud with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne). James Corden voices the character of Peter with playful spirit and wild charm, with Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Daisy Ridley performing the voice roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail.

Movie Review:

Just by looking at the original artwork of English writer Beatrix Potter’s children book The Tale of Peter Rabbit, you wouldn’t think the titular character is a mischievous and disobedient rabbit. On the contrary, you’ll think that he is docile, gentle, kind and polite. With the lovely hand drawn illustrations, Peter Rabbit could easily be a character from the world of Winnie the Pooh, another well loved talking animal living in a world set against pastel coloured backdrops.  

Imagine our slight shock when Peter Rabbit was introduced as an animal who wears a shirt and no pants. It doesn’t stop there - you also get singing birds rudely interrupted by a rushing Peter Rabbit, as well as a human being who wants to blow up Peter Rabbit and his siblings for being a nuisance.

Not that we are complaining, because the 93 minute movie is sometimes clever, mostly funny and moves at a much appreciated brisk pace to satisfy everyone in the family.

Directed by Will Gluck (Annie) and based on the series of books created by Potter, the screenplay written by Gluck and Rob Lieber adds a modern touch (many movies based on classics are taking this approach now) and visualise the series of (mis)adventures Peter and his friends go through.

Essentially, the movie is about Peter Rabbit's ongoing dispute with the human ‘antagonists’. There is an old man who drops dead after being shell shocked by Peter Rabbit, as well as distant relative who is ambitiously obnoxious. Things change when a charming animal lover comes into the picture, but it seems like there is some sort of rivalry for the girl – will man or rabbit prevail?

Yes, this definitely doesn’t sound like a story based on children books (there is a death!), and we aren’t really sure whether the message will go down well with the young ones (there is rivalry between a man and an animal over a woman!) – but this is what you get when you have a movie marketed as an “irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude”.

It’s not a bad thing though, because adults can also be entertained by the cynical jokes while kids go gaga over the cute animals. Thanks to technology, the CG animation is perfectly executed too. Of course, it helps that popular talk show host James Corden (The Emoji Movie) lends star power by headlining the production by voicing Peter Rabbit. His fellow voice actors include Margot Robbie (I, Tonya), Elizabeth Debicki (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2), Daisy Ridley (Murder on the Orient Express) and singer songwriter Sia.

Naturally, human actors leave a deeper impression. Domhnall Gleeson (Goodbye Christopher Robin) experiences great pain to play the man who gets tortured (physically and mentally) by the rabbit, while Rose Byrne (Bad Neighbours 2) plays the sweet female protagonist based on Potter’s real life character. After the hilarious cameo appearance in Thor: Ragnarok, Sam Neill is unrecognisable again as a grumpy old man.

Is this a comedy meant for suitable for family bonding over the weekend? Yes. But is it a heartwarming movie filled with positivity and encouraging messages? Parents will probably have to do some explaining.  

Movie Rating:

(The visually appealing comedy features a very funny but sympathetic Domhnall Gleeson, and a cute but occasionally offensive CGI bunny voiced by James Corden)

Review by John Li

SYNOPSIS: Using a magical photo booth that sends him back in time, Noah relives the night he met Avery over and over, trying to persuade her to fall for him. 

MOVIE REVIEW:

With Valentine’s Day round the corner, Netflix’s latest original rom-com, When We First Met is Groundhog Day meets Back to the Future although the time-travelling part is not exactly discerning. It’s basically a nonsensical comedy about laying your hands on your dream girl instead of life consequences in case you are wondering.

The movie opens with Noah (Adam Devine from Pitch Perfect and Mike and Adam Need Wedding Dates) starring blankly at his crush, Avery (Alexandra Daddario from Baywatch) getting engaged to hunky Ethan (Robbie Amell). It turned out that Noah has a shot at being Avery’s boyfriend at a Halloween party three years ago. However, the night ended when Avery declared Noah as her best guy friend thus instantly crushing Noah’s dream.  

When Noah accidentally discover an old photo booth in the jazz club he is working at has the ability to send him back in time, Noah decides to win back Avery from the clutches of Ethan by continuously sending himself back after every failed attempt.

For the record, there’s nothing inventive or original about When We First Met. The entire story is clobber together from nearly every time travel movies from the past years, there’s even a Big homage if you are old enough to be familiar with the 80’s Tom Hanks comedy. Still, leading man Adam Devine is such a smooth operator that you wouldn’t mind tagging along with this goofball. Watching him being smashed by a tree, sing and play jazz and being an asshole is far more entertaining than the whole premise.  

Despite being a middling effort, there’s a sweet, endearing turn around for Noah in the last act. Real-life relationships don’t always have a perfect ending, don’t they? When We First Met is the sort of perfect movie for Netflix. It’s too expensive to screen this budgeted title on the big screen plus no one will bother to pick this one on DVD thus streaming is the only best way especially for those who wish to spend Valentine’s Day on a budget.

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee

Genre: Animation
Director: Eisaku Kawanami
Cast: Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Tsubasa Yonaga, Daisuke Hirakawa, Mamoru Miyano
Runtime: 1 hr 35 mins
Rating: PG
Released By: Encore Films 
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 22 February 2018

Synopsis: In the last summer before graduation, Haruka Nanase (voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki), a third-year student at Iwatobi High School, finds himself lost and uncertain about his future after graduation. An extraordinary freestyle swimmer, Haruka; however, deliberates from becoming a professional competitive swimmer, because it goes against his beliefs. Haruka sets his mind on swimming the relay at the Nationals for one final time with his teammates Makoto Tachibana (voiced by Tatsuhisa Suzuki), Nagisa Hazuki (voiced by Tsubasa Yonaga) and Rei Ryugazaki (voiced by Daisuke Hirakawa) of the Iwatobi Swim Club. His teammates notice a change in him, as he seems to have given up on individual freestyle swimming, which he loved. Makoto, especially, is worried about Haruka, but a misunderstanding arises between them, as they draw closer to the Nationals.

Movie Review:

Free! - Timeless Medley - The Bond is a Japanese sports anime movie, based on a light novel, High Speed. The Free! series started off with the television anime in 2013, grew its popularity and the second season was released in 2014. The third season is also in the pipeline, targeted for release this summer.

The sports anime category is quite a popular genre in Japan. Other than Free!, a few other anime series such as Kuroko’s Basket and Haikyuu!! are also well received. Unlike sports anime in the past like Slam Dunk, recent sports anime no longerly solely focus on the sports itself. While sports is still the threading theme, it is really more about the passion towards the sports and the relationship built over sports. That’s exactly the premise of the movie, Free! - Timeless Medley - The Bond.

For the uninitiated, it will probably surprise you to be caught in an audience that squeals at the appearance and ‘cute’ gestures of the well sculptured animated swimmers. That’s the popularity and fan following the series has gained, even in Singapore. While each of the characters from Iwatobi Swim Club has a distinct character and are nicely designed, the narrative for the movie lacks depth. Not only was it a clear ‘fan service’ session with many flashbacks and references to earlier Free! series, the secondary story arc was also a clear steer to give airtime to the second lead of the movie, Makoto.

The primary story arc talks about Haruka and his struggle to continuing swimming. He entered a phase of uncertainty and frustration, otherwise as growing up, as they enter the last year of high school (equivalent to our JC2 or Polytechnic Year 3). When made to think about the future, he doesn’t see himself swimming competitively as he never believes in swimming to win. Having realized Haruka’s struggles, Rin brought him on a spontaneous journey just days before the nationals to help Haruka re-discover his true passion and aspiration. What happens after is then fairly predictable…

While the interactions between the boys are indeed ‘cute’ and ‘adorable’, overall it felt cheesy and the excitement derived from the competitive sports was missing. Success of a sports anime these days is not only measured by how infectious the passion for the sports is, it’s also important to be entertaining. Comparing to animes in the same category like Haikyuu!! and Kuroko’s Basketball, Free! wasn’t as humouring. Even some parts in the movie felt awkward; for example, the English voiceovers (the accent for the setting was wrong and the voice acting felt unnatural).

All in all, Free! - Timeless Medley - The Bond doesn’t hit at the sweet spot. While the popularity of the series is backed by the animation awards and fans following, the movie is perhaps not the right starting point.

Movie Rating:

(Fans will love it! But for the rest of us, no loss in passing on it)

Review by Tho Shu Ling

Genre: Romance/Erotic
Director: David Foley
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Eric Johnson, Rita Ora, Luke Grimes, Eloise Mumford, Marcia Gay Harden, Bruce Altman
Runtime: 1 hr 46 mins
Rating: R21 (Sexual Content)
Released By: UIP
Official Website: http://www.fiftyshadesmovieintl.com/index.php

Opening Day: 8 February 2018

Synopsis: Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades Freed, the climactic chapter based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon. Bringing to a shocking conclusion events set in motion in 2015 and 2017’s blockbuster films that grossed almost $950 million globally, the film arrives for Valentine’s Day 2018.Believing they have left behind shadowy figures from their past, newlyweds Christian and Ana fully embrace an inextricable connection and shared life of luxury. But just as she steps into her role as Mrs. Grey and he relaxes into an unfamiliar stability, new threats could jeopardize their happy ending before it even begins.

Movie Review:

You’d probably be able to find more than 50 reasons to criticise the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ trilogy, but then again, why even bother if you intend to catch this final chapter of E.L. James’s erotic romance series?

True to its title, returning director James Foley (who shot this back-to-back with the earlier instalment ‘Fifty Shades Darker) and screenwriter Niall Leonard have approached this sequel completely unshackled from the bounds of critical opinion. This one is for the fans, for the ones who have followed Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) and Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) through their on-off-and-on relationship, and for the ones who simply want to see them have that happily-ever-after which James smartly and duly accorded his readers at the close of the third book.

No wonder then that their backstory in the first two movies is found right at the end of this movie, but in case anyone needs a refresher, Anastasia had accepted Christian’s marriage proposal after his near-death experience hatched by her vengeful former boss Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson). So appropriately, the opening credits chronicle their wedding ceremony as well as their subsequent jet-setting honeymoon in Paris and Cote d’Azur, culminating in one of the more sexually titillating sequences involving a yellow bikini and two pairs of handcuffs. Notwithstanding, Christian decides to cut short their holiday when he is informed by building security that someone had broken into his company and detonated an explosive device in the server room – and to no surprise, Anastasia recognizes from the CCTV footage that the person is none other than Jack himself.

As much as the whole kerfuffle with Jack inserts a heretofore unseen element of danger, ‘Fifty Shades Freed’ is still very much about Christian and Anastasia’s evolving romance. Whereas the earlier films were about their struggle between domination and submission, this one sees them navigate much more conventional territory as they get used to life as husband-and-wife – whether is it fighting over whether Anastasia should retain her maiden name at work, or thinking about if and when to have kids, or even seeing one’s close friends a lot less often than before. While Anastasia still very much lives in a fantasy of luxury cars, private jets and overseas holiday homes that most of us can only dream about, it is somewhat heartening to see her and Christian wrestling with the type of issues that us mortal newly married couples grapple with.

Even if you haven’t read the book, it’s not difficult to guess that their seemingly trivial disagreements will eventually boil over, but find their resolution when Jack makes a dramatic return to threaten their lives. Truth be told, the whole thriller subplot is rather laughable, given how Jack manages to evade Christian’s three-man security detail (played by Max Martini, Brant Daugherty and Kirsten Alter) to break into his apartment but come up with some hare-brained kidnapping ploy that Anastasia manages to outsmart in the blink of an eye. At least then the build-up remains bearably convincing, illustrating how couples tend to get back at each other in self-destructive ways or revert to their individualistic past selves that only further undermine the fundamental basis of trust that binds any and every marriage. Oh yes, beneath its (ahem) skin-deep pleasures, there are relatable lessons one can draw from Christian and Anastasia’s marriage dynamics, which makes for an unexpectedly riveting watch.

As in its predecessors, Johnson is very much the emotional centre of the whole film, perfectly balancing strength, vulnerability and resilience in her performance. Dornan may appear a lot less expressive but there is no doubting the rapport, even chemistry, between him and Johnson that’s been built up over the course of three movies – and it shows in the many physically intimate scenes that they share. Although the story belongs to them and them alone, it is nonetheless lamentable that none of the other supporting characters and consequently their actors matter much, so much so that even the likes of Marcia Gay Harden and Jennifer Ehle have little to do.

But like we alluded to at the start, such gripes are likely inconsequential to fans of the series, who will certainly be pleased that this adaptation remains faithful to the book. They are also the reason why ‘Freed’ seems unfettered from the demands of critics (who, if they haven’t fallen in love with ‘Grey’ by now, probably aren’t going to) or cynical viewers (who take pleasure in scoffing and sniggering at the proceedings). Much as we didn’t love it as much as the fans probably do, we don’t think it deserves some of the vitriol that’s been thrown at it. This is through and through a modern-day wish-fulfilment fantasy romance (how many of us can even smell wealth like Christian’s?), with some occasional skin and S&M thrown in for good measure – and if that’s your poison, well then go ahead and fall under its spell. 

Movie Rating:

(You should know by now what you're in for - romance, sex, and domination/ submission - and if you free yourself to enjoy it on its terms, you'll find this a satisfying climax)

Review by Gabriel Chong

Genre: Horror/Thriller
Director: Sergio G. Sanchez
Cast: George MacKay, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Mia Goth, Matthew Stagg, Nicola Harrison, Kyle Soller, Tom Fisher
Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins
Rating: PG13 (Some Violence)
Released By: Golden Village Pictures 
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 22 February 2018

Synopsis: After their mother's death, Jack and his siblings struggle to survive on their own, hiding from the world and with no other place to go, when a threatening presence begins to haunt the old house.

Movie Review:

In a crumbling old house, at the top of the stairs, a mother (Nicola Harrison) draws a line in the dusty floor and announces, “our story starts here”. As her four children step over the boundary, the audience also gets pulled into a narrative that’s inventive and original, but also bewildering and occasionally frustrating.

Former screenwriter of The Orphanage Sergio G. Sanchez shifts gear into the director’s chair, and his debut effort Marrowbone is similarly drenched in brutal human tragedies, unfortunate alignments and psychological horror. While the surface story is one of a family escaping their dark past, the Spanish director soon introduces the strains of human confinement and supernatural suspicions into the plot, adding layers of conflict and unease into Marrowbone.

This begins when the matriarch dies from a mysterious ailment early in the movie, and the eldest son Jack (George MacKay) rallies his second brother Billy (Charlie Heaton), only sister, Jane (Mia Goth) and his youngest sibling, Sam (Matthew Stagg). The group vows to be together forever, and we can already feel the ominous implications.

They agree to stay confined in the house to avoid discovery, at least until Jack turns 21 and can become legal custodian. But history has a habit of making its presence known. Their father whom their escaping from is a cruel person, and in shocking fashion, announces his arrival with a warning bullet through the window. At this point, the film fades away and we return to a seemingly normal routine, with parent oddly absent and some rather peculiar new behaviour from the children.

All would seem well, except a frightened Sam would often complain of ghostly noises, but a friendship with their charismatic and open-hearted neighbour Allie (Anya Taylor-Joy) lends some warmth to the going-ons.

When assigned lawyer Tom Porter (Kyle Soller) makes some discoveries, especially about the vicious history and hauntings, that’s when things spiral out of control for the family.

Marrowbone flits from topic to topic, and genre to genre, usually strongly handled with Sanchez’s deliberate pace and clues. However, the film does suffer from having too many balls in the air at times, which may annoy some audience members who prefer their stories linear. Remember the fade-to-black earlier after the jarring entrance of the father? The reveal only comes near to the end.

The movie serves up adequate payout, so will no doubt keep goers happy, but Marrowbone’s strongest play comes from the namesake cast.

MacKay holds the fort as he struggles to be the new guardian of the family, clearly sacrificing both physical and mental resources to keep the family safe from harm. Heaton’s Billy may be a little flat, but is luckily bolstered by Goth who comes on tenderly as a voice of reason for the brothers. But it is the unfiltered innocence of Stagg that steals the show.

Clearly this clique of Spanish horror film makers know a thing or two about casting young uns. In a film where all of the characters seem to be under a curse, Stagg’s Sam is disarmingly authentic and lovable. And it is this that makes for some of the film’s best scenes, when he comes face to face with the spectres of the house. With his glittering blue eyes and naive voice and questions, Sam’s lines felt incredibly unscripted, and played up the emotional investment when the family was in trouble.

The film’s luscious cinematography is also a clear treat. Coastal scenes and golden hues dominate the magical and few great outings, while colours, textures and sounds close in for a claustrophobic effect whenever we’re in the house.

Marrowbone clearly cuts a new path with its visual and story narrative, but can benefit with less deliberation and just a wee bit more scares. But Sanchez is definitely one to watch. 

Movie Rating:

(Gorgeous period horror mystery is laden with painful circumstances and a few calculated twists, but offers some refreshing narrative choices and performances to win the day)

Review by Morgan Awyong

Genre: Horror/Thriller
Director: Preedee Veeratum, Nuttachai Jiraanont
Cast: Sarunthorn Klaiudom, Pitt Karchai, Chicha Amattayakul, Patara Eksangkul, James Fagerlund
Runtime: 1 hr 24 mins
Rating: NC-16 (Horror)
Released By: mm2 Entertainment & Cathay Cineplexes
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 22 March 2018

Synopsis: It’s been a year since the mysterious death of renowned Net Idol Monica (CHICHA AMATTAYAKUL). A video of her death surfaces online and immediately goes viral. But most horrifying of all are the names of multiple Net Idols tagged in the video. These Idols begin dying one by one. One of the idols, Malisa (SARUNTHORN KLAIUDOM) begins encountering strange incidents, leading her boyfriend Jak (PITT KARCHAI) to investigate the truth behind the deaths. But time is against both Malisa and Jak...

Movie Review:

In Net I Die, directors Preedee Veeratum and Nuttachai Jiraanont wanted to highlight the ills of social media fame, by creating a revenge tale emerging after the death of a “net idol” - an online influencer. What comes out instead, is a cardboard cliche of a story, filled with simple-minded characters and desperate post-production efforts. Net I Die aims for social cause, but is really an amateur product and a film uninvested.

The film starts off strong. Munkaw is seen doing a live stream of a product recommendation - in this case, a flashlight. The satire is evident. Munkaw adopts suggestive poses with the fleshlight, then complains about comments focusing on her boobs or being lascivious - it’s a humblebrag that most people have experienced or are familiar with.

The telecast turns violent when Monica (Chicha Amattayakul) appears with death threats. The problem? Monica passed away a year ago. Munkaw opts to block the “prankster” but winds up twisted by an invisible force.

Next to appear is Malisa (Sarunthorn Klaiudom) and her boyfriend Jak (Pitt Karchai). As they start loading their top-selling skin care cream into a van, Sa receives a tagged post with Monica’s suicide video. As more spooky events occur, she enlists the help of Jak to stop the angry spirit, as she eliminates the tagged persons.

At 86 minutes, Net I Die is already an hour too long for its simplistic plot. It’s a straightforward trip-to-the-grocery-and-back kind of story - a moral tale of how one shouldn’t bully, be unethical, cruel and unkind. It’s Aesop’s fable at a car-show - dressed up with abundant bosoms and pathetic spins.

On top of the uninspiring material, you can also easily feel how the editor is delaying the cuts to meet some timeline quota. There’s so many empty moments with actors standing around aimlessly, that you almost expect to hear the directors’ shout of “cut!” It’s so awkward that you start feeling sympathetic to the hapless performers, as their body language indicate restlessness.

With plenty of film school basics thrown in for good measure - insert long pauses for dread, close-up on eyes for anticipation and fear, crashing sounds for scares - Net I Die is a predictable offering and would have been bearable if it had not also been bogged down by three other recurring failures.

The soundtrack is spare and alternates between awkward silences and cacophonic clashes. The contrived addition is at best, annoying.

From the bimbotic Ay and greedy Dewey, to the jerk of a boyfriend Sun, the victims are one-dimensional and boring, so their deaths are almost a non-event. With Sa and Jak being the central figures, their own limp performances are reduced to mainly listless expressions and surface fright. In fact, only Amattayakul sports any acting effort, and is believable as the tortured victim, but frequently appears behind a heavy layer of grotesque make-up (most of which I suspect, is not even her - that’s how obviously inconsistent the make-up was).

Last of all, is the lazy option to fade-to-black at every turn. A victim just got seized by an invisible force? Fade-to-black. Sa just got a shock? Fade-to-black. Jak just had a confrontation with Sun? Fade-to-black. After a while, you start wondering if your lids are causing the effect, as you doze off from boredom.

Movie Rating:

(An updated moralistic tale becomes a mockery of a film, with amateur production values and clearly nothing else to offer besides buxomy actor appearances)

Review by Morgan Awyong

Genre: Drama
Director: Sean Baker
Cast: Brooklynn Prince, Bria Vinaite, Willem Dafoe, Aiden Malik, Christopher Rivera, Valeria Cotto
Runtime: 1 hr 52 mins
Rating: NC16 (Coarse Language And Some Sexual References)
Released By: Shaw Organisation
Official Website: https://a24films.com/films/the-florida-project

Opening Day: 1 March 2018

Synopsis: The Florida Project tells the story of Moonee (Brooklynn Prince), a precocious six-year-old and her ragtag group of friends. The children’s summer break is filled with wonder, mischief and adventure while the adults around them struggle with hard times. Our story takes place just outside of Orlando, the vacation capital of the world and home to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Along the main highway that runs through the land of theme parks and resorts, budget motels that once attracted tourists by exploiting the Disney mystique, now house homeless families. Moonee and her twenty-two year old mother, Halley (Bria Vinaite), live at one such establishment — The Magic Castle Motel. The closest thing Moonee has to a father is Bobby (Oscar nominee William Dafoe), the motel’s manager, a guarded and diligent man who is taunted by the children’s antics. Halley has lost her job and a new girl the same age as Moonee has moved in at the motel next door - it's going to be an eventful summer.

Movie Review:

It somewhat bothers this reviewer that he hasn’t stepped into Walt Disney World located in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The popular entertainment complex, which includes four theme parks, two water parks, 27 themed resort hotels amongst others, is the most visited vacation resort in the world. And yet, this writer hasn’t contributed to the average annual attendance of over 52 million.

Now that he is past his mid thirties, would this property known as "The Florida Project" when it developed by Walt Disney in the 1960s still bring promise of being the happiest place on earth?

Thanks to independent filmmaker Sean Baker, there is now a chance to revisit what it felt like to be a kid pinning hopes to visit Walt Disney World. Is the film going to paint a pretty picture of magical fun and happily ever afters? We’re afraid not.

Baker, together with writer Chris Bergoch, pen a story about life in a motel in Florida cleverly named The Magic Castle due to its assumedly proximity to Walt Disney World. The protagonist is six year old Moonee, who lives with her young mother Halley in the motel. With the burden of having to pay rent to continue having a roof over their heads, Halley gets involved in selling perfume to tourists illegally, eating stolen food from a restaurant’s kitchen and sadly, prostitution.

Amidst her mother’s shady activities, Moonee finds joy playing with her friends who also reside in motels. The unsupervised children go about their carefree days, being naughty and a nuisance to others. We can imagine most viewers thinking to themselves: “Sure, their mischievous pranks are cute but if that unfortunate incident happens to me, I’ll be very pissed.”

Therein lies the power of this film. While most of us have lived a comfortable life, there is this group of people in the society who are less advantaged. The 111 minute chronicles their day to day activities without resorting to melodrama. You also do not feel that they should be sympathised. It is just a slight melancholic feeling that these children will grow up having ‘inconsequential’ memories instead of what we in this part of the world is used to – bragging rights. “I owned all the latest toys”, “My parents brought me to Europe when I was six”, “I invited my friends to my 10^th birthday party at a theme park” – you get the idea.

In the dark theatre, you watch the story unfold (albeit from afar). Thanks to a child’s imagination, a grass patch behind the motel becomes Disney’s Animal Kingdom and blocks of abandoned condominiums become the Haunted Mansion. The filmmakers have effectively captured the essence of the kids’ pure innocence, and the motel walls’ gorgeous shades of pink and purple add to the experience.

When the sequence of events lead to the movie’s final scene shot secretly using an iPhone 6S Plus without the Walt Disney World’s knowledge, you hear your heart break.

Willem Dafoe (Murder on the Orient Express) delivers a muted performance as a manager who is protective of his motel residents. The 62 year old actor has been receiving accolades from countless film awards, and is nominated by the Academy for a time for Best Supporting Actor. Elsewhere, Bria Vinaite and Mela Murder do a heartfelt job playing mothers trying to make ends meet.

The stars to look out for are the child actors, especially eight year old Broolkynn Price who plays Moonee. Together with Valeria Cotto, Christopher Rivera and Aiden Malik, they remind us what it means to be a child, and embrace the world through their eyes. 

Movie Rating:

(A heartfelt and honest film that captures the worldview from a child’s wondrous perspective)

Review by John Li