SYNOPSIS: Atlas Shepherd (Jennifer Lopez), a brilliant but misanthropic data analyst with a deep distrust of artificial intelligence, joins a mission to capture a renegade robot with whom she shares a mysterious past. But when plans go awry, her only hope of saving the future of humanity from AI is to trust it.
MOVIE REVIEW:
When it comes to artificial intelligence and robots gone rogue, the Will Smith’s sci-fi actioner, I Robot (2004) comes to mind. Now it’s Jennifer Lopez’s turn to tackle the subject matter in Atlas.
Directed by Brad Peyton (Rampage) and produced by Lopez, Atlas is set in the future whereby Lopez’s character, Atlas Shepherd, an AI hating counterterrorism analyst is on a mission to capture Harlan (Simu Liu), an android who lead an uprising that claimed a million lives before fleeing the planet 28 years ago.
The movie also boasts a supporting cast consisting of Mark Strong as General Boothe and Sterling K. Brown as Colonel Banks, it’s yet another big budget, ambitious Netflix sci-fi that has more star power, visual effects than a good entertaining story.
Aside from the clumsily setup prologue showcasing Atlas as a multitasking and smart lady tracking down Harlan’s whereabouts in an instant, the rest of the movie is mostly focused on Atlas and the artificial intelligence being, Smith (Gregory James Cohan). Atlas hates AI but in order to survive on a stranded planet, she has to sync with Smith in her mech suit to get to the rescue pod. And why she is the only one left? Because her team never survive an enemy attack earlier on.
Even though Jennifer Lopez is the star here, she is not given a lot of chances to flex her acting muscles except looking sad and desperate and vice versa. Got to admit the scene where Smith nursed Atlas’s broken leg is kind of funny though. While Harlan is being portrayed as some sort of clever diabolical villain, unfortunately the very reason why he wants to destroy humanity isn’t that new or clever after all.
Despite a promised affair of AI vs humans, there isn’t a satisfying exploration of that. Atlas is generally a huge CGI fest that pulls and mix ideas from Aliens, Terminator, Avatar and probably shot in a studio full of green screen and created by the wizards at ILM. Strictly speaking, the premise is so generic, loud and forgettable, we are befuddled why J.Lo is even interested in making this instead of one with better written material.
MOVIE RATING:
Review by Linus Tee
Genre: Comedy/Horror
Director: “Est” Komgrit Triwimol
Cast: “Bow” Maylada Susri, “Jee” Sutthirak Subvijitra, “Time” Dharmthai Plangsilp, Chaleumpol Tikumpornteerawong, Tatchaya Supatanyasatit, Punyawee Jungcharoen
Runtime: 2 hrs 5 mins
Rating: NC16 (Some violence and disturbing scenes)
Released By: Golden Village Pictures
Official Website:
Opening Day: 6 June 2024
Synopsis: "Joe", a young gamer, inherits a haunted house, along with its resident ghosts. However, neither the human nor the ghosts want to leave. Soon, Joe and the ghosts decide to join hands in operating a haunted house to attract visitors for income. As the days passed, Joe finds the resident ghosts endearing, especially Anong, whom he becomes attracted to…
Movie Review:
Some of the scariest horror movies we’ve seen are from Thailand, and they do a fine job of sending chills down our spines with their foreboding narratives, atmospheric tension and supernatural elements rooted in traditional beliefs. Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom’s phenomenal success Shutter (2004) made us never to underestimate shoulder pains again, while anthology film 4bia (2008) delivered four times the scares in one sitting. There are many other examples of commendable Thair horror flicks, and this title by “Est” Komgrit Triwimol definitely isn’t one of them – just look at the two pretty faces on the movie poster.
We are not dissing the movie, because it is a great romantic comedy that you’ll want to bring your date to watch. The premise is unbelievably sweet, and while there are many aspects of the storyline that defy logic, it is ultimately a moving tale of how a (handsome) guy and a (pretty) girl are brought together despite supernatural obstacles.
We first meet Joe (“Jee” Sutthirak Subvijitra), a carefree gamer with no responsibilities and ambitions. In a funny sequence, the poor guy realises he doesn’t inherit any of his deceased grandfather’s properties but thanks to his cousin, he is given the opportunity to take over a dilapidated (and haunted, of course) house located in a rural area. There is a trio of ghosts living in the house led by the former owner Anong (“Bow” Maylada Susri), who died a tragic death with her two servants. When they first appear on screen, the funny way of how one ghost’s head drops and the other ghost’s intestines flow out of her body is a sign that this isn’t going to be a frightening movie.
Soon, Joe gets acquainted with the three ghosts living in the house in no time, and even convinces them to be part of a business plan to make money from people who like scaring themselves in haunted house tourist attractions. This setup allows for some comedy, and there are some good natured laughs. The fun lasts for a while, and Joe and Anong naturally become close. For the viewers, it is about seeing how this romance between a human being and a ghost is going to end.
With a 125 minute runtime, the movie focuses quite substantially on the romantic bits, with the protagonists spending time together (there is a hilarious sequence where Anong has to possess the body of Joe’s male friend to go on a date), admiring fireworks and exchanging longing looks. Audiences who are looking forward to horror and comedy may feel that the movie is moving slowly at times, but the saccharinely pure love between Joe and Anong will move fans of the romance genre.
Just when you wonder how the leads will find resolution in this impossible relationship, the filmmakers throw in a supposed twist as the movie approaches its ending that will win the approval of die hard romantics. Regardless of whether it is a possibility in real life, the happy ending will make you smile.
Movie Rating:
(The extremely sweet premise of this Thai supernatural rom-com will win the approval of die-hard romantics)
Review by John Li
Genre: Action/Fantasy
Director: Stanley Tong
Cast: Jackie Chan, Lay Zhang, Gulnazar, Aarif Rahman Lee, Li Chen, Peng Xiaoran, Shawn Dou, Zheng Yecheng
Runtime: 2 hr 9 mins
Rating: PG13 (Some Violence)
Released By: mm2 Entertainment
Official Website:
Opening Day: 1 August 2024
Synopsis: Professor Fang (Jackie Chan), an archaeology expert, notices that the texture of the artifacts discovered by his students during a glacier expedition is strikingly similar to a jade pendant he had seen in his dreams. It seems as if the pendant is connecting dreams to reality. Filled with curiosity, Professor Fang leads the research team on a journey deep into the Glacier Temple, searching for the truth behind his dreams, and embarking on a fantastical adventure together.
Movie Review:
Hong Kong director Stanley Tong’s The Myth was released almost 20 years ago in 2005. Our review of the movie praised the majestic battle sequences involving hundreds of extras and horses, as well as the breathtaking shots showcasing some of China’s most exotic locations. But we weren’t too impressed with the movie’s attempt to tackle romance while having leading man Jackie Chan execute some action sequences, and it didn’t help that there weren’t enough to please fans of the genre.
Tong and Chan are back in this supposed sequel, and the movie isn’t going to be just any fantasy romance action flick. Thanks to the use of AI, the movie made 70 year old Chan appear like a 27 year old version of himself. While the concept sounds perturbing, this is something Harrison Ford said yes to in Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny (2023), and also what Robert De Niro and Al Pacino went through in The Irishman (2019).
Truth be told, this writer didn’t realise he was looking at a de-aged Chan when the younger character first appeared on screen. In fact, he was wondering whether it was Taiwanese star Nicky Wu making a cameo appearance.
We won’t discuss how filmmakers are turning to AI, because it will be a never ending argument. But seeing how Tong has leveraged the technology for the story, you’d think it is a legitimate reason. Chan takes on the role of an archaeology professor who finds the artefacts discovered by his students (played Lay Zhang from No More Bets and Peng Xiaoran) mysteriously similar to what he sees in recurring dreams.
In these dream sequences, we see a de-aged Chan (look ma, no wrinkles!) and Zhang as generals crossing paths with a beautiful female lead (expect nothing less from a Jackie Chan movie) played by Gulnazar (Dynasty Warriors). Hot on their heels is a baddie played by Aarif Lee (Kung Fu Yoga). These moments provide the perfect opportunity for the cast members to don bulky outfits to engage in exhilarating horseback battles against scenic backdrops. These scenes are the best parts of the 129 minute movie, and you watch in awe as the animals gallop across the vast lands. It must have been quite a logistical challenge to film the parts involving hundreds of extras and horses.
A Jackie Chan movie is only complete when you have action sequences that see the Hong Kong star fumbling in a comic routine, but ultimately managing to defeat the bad guy. We get this in the finale of the movie that takes place in a glacier palace. We know that this location is probably a combination of a movie set and CGI magic, and while nothing beats the thrill of seeing Chan jump from high buildings, we need to be understanding and realistic here.
This won’t be the best action flick you’ll see, but if you enjoyed The Myth co starring Chan and Korean star Kim Hee Seon (we smiled when the tune of the beloved theme song was played), this lavish production with a reported budget of US50 million will remind you of a simpler time when you stepped into the cinema to enjoy the sheer spectacle of a Jackie Chan movie.
Movie Rating:
(Don't get distracted by a de-aged Jackie Chan and enjoy the sheer spectacle of horseback battles set against breathtaking backdrops)
Review by John Li
Genre: CG Animation
Director: Kelsey Mann
Cast: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke , Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Ayo Edebiri, Lilimar, Grace Lu, Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paul Walter Hauser, Yvette Nicole Brown
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins
Rating: PG
Released By: Walt Disney
Official Website: https://www.facebook.com/Pixar
Opening Day: 13 June 2024
Synopsis: Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as Headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment show up.
Movie Review:
We knew it. Life isn’t as straightforward as having five basic emotions, but you have to admit that Pete Doctor’s Inside Out (2015) is one of the greatest animated film ever made, and a brilliant way of explaining how and why we feel, behave and react – especially to the younger crowd.
Nine years after the 88th Academy Awards’ Best Animated Feature winner introduced us to Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust, we are treated to a sequel which acknowledges the other emotions in our heads. A quick recap: the original five emotions are the inner workings of the mind of the human protagonist, a young girl named Riley. In this movie, they are joined by Envy, Ennui (that’s boredom in French!), Embarrassment, and their leader, Anxiety. And how timely it is, because Riley is experiencing puberty.
Riley has turned 13 and is looking forward to spending time with her two best friends at hockey camp. On the way to the campsite, Riley learns that her friends are going to a different high school, and that throws her balance for a bit. At the camp, she meets a group of cool and popular senior hockey players, and she tries blend in, with some disastrous results.
This is where the fun begins, because we see what’s happening in Riley’s head with the original and new emotions going through a ton of things. Joy and her team become literally suppressed (kudos to the filmmakers for coming up with the idea of flinging the five characters into a glass jar, and then into a vault), while Anxiety takes over the control panel with her mates. Without revealing too much, every minute of what goes on in Riley’s mind is superbly executed. With the eye catching visuals and the voice cast’s committed performance, kids will enjoy the zaniness while adults will appreciate the clever approach of presenting adolescence.
We are also impressed with how the 96 minute movie directed by Kelsey Mann (in his feature directorial debut) introduces new concepts. There is the “Sense of Self”, which is a section in the mind that holds memories and feelings that make up a person’s core personality. There is also a tube that conveniently launches bad memories to the back of the mind – imagine all the negativities that are piled up there, which is essentially a catastrophe waiting to explode. It is really refreshing to watch a show under two hours that is intelligent and entertaining.
Speaking of humour, one of the greatest moments is when the original emotions meet Bloofy, a 2D character from a preschool show (from Riley’s toddler days), and Lance Slashblade an overly dramatic and supposedly dashing Playstation style character from a video game (which Riley used to play). These scenes are easily the most hilarious bits in the movie. Amidst the many Easter eggs scattered through the film, it’s cool to know that Lance Slashblade is voiced by Yong Yea, a professional video game voice actor who has contributed his voice in the popular Final Fantasy video game series.
While this sequel may not make you cry buckets like the first movie (we miss you, Bing Bong), it is a worthy follow up with beautiful animation that packs an emotional punch.
Movie Rating:
(A worthy sequel to one of the greatest animated films of all time, this trip to Riley's mind tells an intelligent and entertaining story of the many emotions we have)
Review by John Li
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MORGAN SPURLOCK (1970 - 2024)Posted on 25 May 2024 |
SYNOPSIS: The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.
MOVIE REVIEW:
Zac Efron has come a long way since his teeny idol days in the hugely popular High School Musical series. In recent years, he has been trying to transit to more dramatic roles such as the little seen Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Indeed, it takes time and some luck for an acclaimed script, just ask Leonardo DiCaprio.
Then comes The Iron Claw, a biographical sports drama film written and directed by Sean Durkin about the professional wrestling America family, the Von Erichs.
Efron plays Kevin, the second oldest of the Von Erich brothers. Together with David (Harris Dickinson), Kevin wrestles for the World Class Championship Wrestling company (WCCW) owned by their domineering father, Fritz (Holt McCallany), a retired professional wrestler. The other two brothers, Kerry (Jeremy Allen White) is a discus thrower and Mike (Stanley Simons), a talented musician.
The Von Erichs especially Kevin believes their family is “cursed”. But the family’s patriarch toxic masculinity believes otherwise. As the movie slowly progresses, we get to learn about the siblings premature deaths- tragic, severely dark and emotional. Strong traits The Iron Claw surprisingly show.
Despite that, Durkin did made some changes to the details on the deaths of the Von Erich siblings, still it doesn’t take away the fact that suicide is not something even a close family member can comprehend or forget. The character of Kevin faces the impossible reality that all his siblings have suffered the same fate of dying young. Tragedy or misfortune? It’s a tough pill to swallow for Kevin and the audiences.
Though set in the world of wrestling, the irony of The Iron Claw is that it’s more of a human drama than a sports movie. It really doesn’t matter if the movie portrays wrestling as a sports or a calculated affair between the wrestlers. Deep down it’s a heartbreaking movie about the Von Erichs and also an authentic display of in-ring fight choreography.
Efron is clearly the star here, putting in a solid, believable performance as the tortured Von Erich brother. Kevin Von Erich is the role Efron is born to play and not just merely a showing of his well-toned biceps. The rest of the supporting cast liked Jeremy Allen White, Lily James playing Mrs Kevin Von Erich and Holt McCallany delivered dramatic gravitas as well.
For fans and non-fans of wrestling alike, The Iron Claw is a mesmerising tale from start to finish. It’s not perfect but definitely contains more heart than muscles.
MOVIE RATING:
Review by Linus Tee
SYNOPSIS: In postwar Japan, a new terror rises; Godzilla. Will the devastated people be able to survive... let alone fight back?
MOVIE REVIEW:
Godzilla Minus One finally comes to the small screen though it’s a huge pity consider it won the best visual effects awards at the 96th Academy Awards. And to start it off, the effects certainly matches or surpassed their Hollywood counterparts. Ironically, the effects were done by a small group of 35 artists given the epic scale, effects heavy of it.
To top it off, it’s one hell of a movie whereby the human characters finally deserve to be in the same league as Godzilla as compare to Godzilla Vs King Kong or even Transformers whereby the humans are almost negligible. Simply put for the first time, we care as much for Godzilla and the humans.
The story begins with a kamikaze pilot, Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki) who first encountered the monster on Odo Island. After the end of World War II, Shikishima returns to the mainland and lives with a woman, Noriko (Minami Hamabe) and a child she adopted. Times were tough and everything seems normal on the surface for Shikishima but in fact he still suffered from PTSD presuming from survivor’s guilt.
Naturally, Godzilla appears again and this time it’s headed to the mainland for more destruction duties. Shikishima then teams up with a technical officer/scientist, Noda (Hidetaka Yoshioka), Akitsu (Kuranosuke Sasaki), a Captain and a young crewman, Mizushima (Yuki Yamada) to take on Godzilla through science, wits and bravery.
Credit must go to director and writer Takashi Yamazaki for breathing (pardon the pun) new life to a flagging property. Honestly, who cares about Shin Godzilla and the talky bureaucrats? Godzilla Minus One is by far a worthy tale on post-war Japan, the atrocities of it and many other subtle chastise of the then government. By doing so, Yamazaki injects flesh and blood into the main characters making them believable and emotionally rich for audiences to relate to especially Shikishima and other colourful characters liked Noda and a talented air force mechanic, Tachibana (Munetaka Aoki).
Despite the character building, Yamazaki never forgets about the stomping giant lizard which is always lurking somewhere in the ocean waiting to leave cities in ruin and thousands dead. The scale of it is massive and even if you know the destructions, thrilling set pieces are mostly CG rendered, for some strange reason, it’s genuinely meaner and exhilarating in an era in which visual effects are almost taken for granted.
There is a reason why Godzilla Minus One is so popular and sought after. Now we know. Believe us, the hype is real. If there is only one Godzilla movie to watch, this is the one. So much heart, so much kaiju action.
MOVIE RATING:
Review by Linus Tee
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Director: Sorawit Muangkaew, Aussada Likitboonma, Nontawat Numbenchapol, Aroonakorn Pick
Cast: Chatchai Chinsri, Isaya Horsuwan, Awat Ratanapintha, Pisitphol Ekapongpisit, Jutawut ‘March’ Pattarakampol, Nichapat ‘Pearwah’ Chatchaipholrat, Siwat ‘Mark’ Jamlongkul
Runtime: 1 hr 59 mins
Rating: NC16 (Violence and Horror)
Released By: Shaw Organisation
Official Website:
Opening Day: 20 June 2024
Synopsis: Dive into the chilling depths of fear with ‘Haunted Universities 3’, a spine-tingling cinematic experience that draws inspiration from the untold secrets of the top three urban legends - The Procession, The Caretaker and The Invisible Shrine. Unveiling a haunting omnibus of tales, this film is meticulously crafted to send shivers down your spine, evoke tears and ignite a symphony of screams blending both terror and excitement.
Movie Review:
It’s a known fact that Thailand serves up really good horror movies. And when we say good, it does not mean that these flicks are so scary that keep you awake for countless nights. Besides the horror elements, the movies often explore emotional themes, such as loss, guilt, and revenge. Some are surprisingly funny (like Banjong Pisanthanakun’s Pee Mak), while others are extremely sweet (like “Est” Komgrit Triwimol’s My Boo). The success and positive reviews of notable titles like Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom’s Shutter and Sophon Sakdaphisit’s Laddaland have built a reputation for Thai horror cinema over the years.
The concept of the Haunted Universities franchise is simple yet spot on – the last two movies, including the one released in 2022, are horror anthology films featuring stories of students dealing with paranormal entities. In this third instalment, we get three stories of varying scare levels. The three segments also offer different viewing experiences, depending of what kind of horror movies you ‘enjoy’ most.
“The Procession” gets things going and it wastes no time by telling you a folklore where a princess who was wrongly killed. She does not rest in peace and as a result, people who are up to no good may be brutally beheaded by her (or her servants). Enter two good friends played by Chatchai Chinsri and Isaya Horsuwan, who are preparing for a religious procession as part of their school activity. There is also a scholarship that only one of them can get.
It's not hard to imagine what happens along the way as the duo incurs the wrath of the undead princess, and the tragic consequences that follow. This is a straightforward story that reminds you not to make deals with the supernatural elements, because you may not be prepared for the price you have to pay.
“The Caretaker” is the second segment and it is a memorably atmospheric piece. Awat Ratanapintha plays an art student who is starting the new school year by participating in a series of freshman orientation activities, where each new student has a dedicated ‘caregiver’. Things become unpleasant when his ‘caregiver’ (played by Pisitphol Ekapongpisit) becomes difficult because he is thinks that the activities are silly and refuses to take part. Things become creepy when mysterious art history books tied with red strings start showing up.
This is an interesting story which looks at the dynamics between a senior and junior in school, where the more experienced one is supposed to provide guidance and make the new kid on the block feel at home. It’s made even more interesting considering both the characters are guys. The scene where the ‘caregivers’ are revealed at a ceremony is particularly striking, with an almost cult like feel and a pulsating soundtrack.
The 119 minute movie saved the best for last. “The Invisible Shrine” takes place during a school’s Halloween party, and students take part in a singing contest (while dressed in their best costume) where popularity votes are cast in the form of garlands. When Nichapat ‘Pearwah’ Chatchaipholrat’s character realises she isn’t going to get any garlands, she asks her friend (Jutawut ‘March’ Pattarakampol) to go get one outside campus. Driven by circumstances, he takes one from a shrine spirits start showing up in the school compound.
There are many laugh out loud moments in this segment, as we find out that the duo will forever be haunted unless the curse is broken by someone who hasn’t heard of the shrine’s backstory. This is almost impossible because a public announcement about the shrine was made at the party. Along comes a loner student (Siwat ‘Mark’ Jamlongkul) who may be the key to saving the day. Credit goes to the writers of this segment, as it is a truly fun ride (with the occasional jump scares) through the dark corridors and dilapidated toilets while the trio try to get rid of the spirits. This is also where we are reminded why Thai horror movies are so good.
Movie Rating:
(Amidst the bittersweet, forboding and funny moments, we're oreminded why we love Thai horror movies)
Review by John Li
SYNOPSIS: Behind the spectacle and danger of 1950’s Formula 1, ex-racer Enzo Ferrari is in crisis. Bankruptcy stalks the company he and his wife, Laura, built from nothing ten years earlier.
MOVIE REVIEW:
Apparently, Ferrari is filmmaker Michael Mann’s long-gestating passion project, one that took more than two decades to reach the big screen. While it is billed as a biography of Enzo Ferrari, founder of one of the most recognisable supercar brands in the world, it’s not exactly the type of biography you might expect.
The drama is heavily stripped down, though it’s unclear how faithful it is to the 1991 biography Enzo Ferrari: The Man, the Cars, the Races, the Machine by motorsport journalist Brock Yates, which serves as the film’s source material.
Rather than delivering a straightforward life story, Mann approaches it in the style of Ali, focusing on a single year of Ferrari’s life — 1957 — during which Enzo grapples with both personal and professional crises. His relationship with wife and business associate Laura Domenica Garello (Penélope Cruz) is rocky at best, still haunted by the death of their beloved son, Dino. Meanwhile, he seeks solace in his mistress Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley) and their illegitimate son, Piero.
Ferrari’s finances are precarious, as he spends more on racing than on selling cars. He is consumed with car mechanics, selecting racers, and preparing for the cross-country Mille Miglia, leaving little room for mundane concerns. The film portrays him as a super-busy man, and the screenplay mirrors that chaos: every scene outside Laura’s bedroom or Lina’s kitchen is a whirlwind, an automobile circus of sorts.
Yet, the biography fails to capture the “real” Enzo Ferrari and his legendary business acumen. Much of the screen time is devoted to Enzo circling the grieving Laura, who controls the majority of the business shares, and his inner torment over Piero’s lack of acknowledgement. In short, the film leans more toward domestic melodrama than offering insight into the complexities and drive of the famed car mogul.
For auto racing enthusiasts, there are some moments of interest, though apart from a harrowing crash toward the end, Mann struggles to deliver a truly thrilling race sequence. The performances are strong especially Cruz, who shines as the long-suffering wife. Adam Driver, portraying another famous Italian after House of Gucci, is serviceable but rarely compelling.
After an eight-year hiatus, Mann’s latest big-screen effort sputters like a worn-out Ford, given the potential of the material. The narrative feels old-school, the production values are uneven, and the film, despite its prestige pedigree, ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression. For all the anticipation, Ferrari ends up as just another forgettable entry in Michael Mann’s filmography.
MOVIE RATING:
Review by Linus Tee
SYNOPSIS: Sophia, a brilliant scientist comes to know that a large shark is swimming deep in the river.
MOVIE REVIEW:
Another month, another shark-related thriller and this time it comes from French filmmaker Xavier Gens who helmed the horrible 2007 Hitman. Just to be clear, Under Paris is not a bad shark movie consider the bar is pretty low at this point since the B-movie enterprise is filled to the brim with lousy inconsequential shark thrillers.
So here’s the story, a shark scientist or perhaps oceanographer, Sophia (Bérénice Bejo) is still trying to get over the death of her husband and her team members who lost their lives to a deadly shark attack three years ago in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a real place where marine debris ends up. Got to admit it’s the best trivia you learnt in this entire movie.
In the meantime, the shark dubbed Lilith which presumably killed Sophia’s loved ones is back on the radar and she is busy swimming up and down the famous Seine river looking for her next target. With the Olympics triathlon coming, the smug Mayor of Paris, Angèle (Aurélia Petit) refuses to cancel the event thus Sophia has to team up with Adil (Nassim Lyes), a river policeman to hunt down the creature.
With the Eiffel Tower and other prominent tourist spots often in the background, Under Paris truly wants to remind audiences that all these shark mayhem are indeed taking place here and not behind some green screen or the volume. There are a couple of well-staged, gruesome attacks from Lilith with Gens making good use of the location settings. Worth to mention is the exhilarating climatic attack scene happening in the Catacombs might well be the bloodiest in shark movies history.
On top of the more than decent CGI and practical effects, Gens and his writers threw in a couple of environmental, ecological messages in a frail attempt to acknowledge our dying planet and ocean. He also introduces a naive S.O.S. Sharks activist Mika (Léa Léviant) that complicates matters more than achieving her goal of luring Lilith back into the open sea. The humans with the exception of Sophia and Adil are mainly baits for that matter.
Even if Gens dials back on the ridiculous bombastic ending which hints of a sequel we still wouldn’t say Under Paris is a solid aquatic shark thriller in the league of Jaws. Nevertheless it’s entertaining enough for a single watch, not as campy as Sharknado but not on the escapism level of The Meg and Deep Blue Sea.
MOVIE RATING:
Review by Linus Tee
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