SYNOPSIS: The eagerly awaited follow-up to 2020’s action comedy, My Spy The Eternal City reunites a beloved cast led by Dave Bautista and Chloe Coleman in a feel-good family adventure set in some of Europe’s most storied destinations. When Sophie’s (Coleman) high school choir is selected for an Italian tour culminating in a performance for the Pope in Vatican City, JJ (Bautista) sees this as an opportunity to bond with his new stepdaughter, so he volunteers to help chaperone the group through the Venetian canals, across Florence’s renowned bridges and into Rome’s most historic sites. Instead he finds that he and Sophie have become unwitting pawns in a terrorist plot that could end the world as we know it. 

MOVIE REVIEW:

Dave Bautista, Chloe Coleman and director Peter Segal returns in My Spy: The Eternal City, the unnecessary follow up to the 2020 original.

Since the events of the last movie, JJ (Bautista) has married the mother of Sophie (Coleman) and has officially stepped into the shoes of a stepdad. But Sophie has grown from a precocious ten year old to a fourteen year old teenager. While JJ prefers to work as a backend, 9 to 5 agent, remotely oversee missions in the CIA office, Sophie wants her freedom not working out in the dojo or aim to be a spy anymore.

And when Sophie’s school choir is selected to perform at the G7 summit in Italy, JJ volunteers to help chaperone not knowing a terrorist plot is unfolding. The busy plotting involves a nuclear bomb waiting to be detonated in the Vatican and the son of the head of CIA convert operations, David (Ken Jeong) being kidnapped. Obviously all the busy shenanigans isn’t going to make things more interesting than it is.

The first half of The Eternal City feels like a prolonged showcase of family dynamics that worked better in the original than here. Sophie is more into crushing on boys and ignoring the presence of her BFF, Collin (Taeho K) who secretly pins for her and the antics of JJ being the overprotective stepdad. Honestly, all the drama proves to be a drag, not a single charm or comedy is spotted even if the chemistry between Bautista and Coleman is still there.

CIA techie Bobbi (Kristen Schaal) is also back and Ken Jeong has a bigger part in the sequel. Unfortunately none of the jokes and gags ever land despite the efforts of Segal, writers Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber. Probably the only funny gag in the nearly two hour movie is the attack birds sequence which at least result in a chuckle or two.

Because the movie can’t decide if JJ is a competent action hero or a clumsy rusty agent, Bautista is often thrown into some absurd situations opposite resident German bad guy, Crane (Flula Borg). As you know, there’s always Sophie to save the day, Kim Possible style. And who can forget the movie’s main antagonist, Nancy played by Anna Faris. In actual fact, no one can remember exactly what happened and what is Nancy’s motive in blowing up half the continent.

My Spy: The Eternal City fares like a cheap Mission Impossible instalment which features a handful of Italy’s famous places, landmarks and a few clumsily shot action scenes. The comedy is painful and the long running time doesn’t help either. We hope there isn’t a three.

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee

SYNOPSIS: In a remote Irish village, a damaged Finbar is forced to fight for redemption after a lifetime of sins, but what price is he willing to pay? In the land of saints and sinners, some sins can't be buried. 

MOVIE REVIEW:

Set in the 1970s during the violent IRA conflicts, In the Land of Saints and Sinners marks the reunion of American director Robert Lorenz and Liam Neeson after The Marksman. It’s a Neeson action vehicle all right but a much better one.

Neeson plays Finbar Murphy, a contract killer disguising as a book seller that lives in a small Irish town where everybody knows everybody. His small circle of friends consist of the local constable, Vincent (Ciarán Hinds), his lady neighbour, Rita (Niamh Cusack) and his handler, Robert (Colm Meaney).

Things seem to be fine until a group of IRA terrorists came hiding in the small town after carrying out a car explosion days before. Taking matters to his own hands, Finbar decides to rid the goons once and for all with the help of another young hitman, Kevin (Jack Gleeson).

Even though Lorenz is an American, In the Land of Saints and Sinners is set and filmed entirely with an Irish cast and in the lush, beautiful County Donegal. For his part, Lorenz infuses the action thriller with genuine Western elements liked barren rugged landscapes and the occasional shootouts and heroism.

Strictly speaking, the movie is not about the political conflicts and the motives of the IRA. It’s more about the fierce loyalty and beliefs of Finbar and the main antagonist, Doireann McCann (Kerry Condon) that ignites the riveting collision of these two individuals. The former is a lonely suffering hitman who craves for redemption while the latter truly believes in her actions and fighting for what is right for her country.

Intentional or not, there’s a dark sense of comedy littered throughout. Before Finbar shoots his victims, they have to dug their own grave and his favourite tactic seems to be throwing his victim into the boot of his car. Neeson might be doing his same shtick for years but his performance as the suffering Finbar Murphy is far more enjoyable and relatable than his average outings as an aged action hero.

Balancing a good amount of drama and action sets, In the Land of Saints and Sinners is an indie action movie that is surprisingly immersive and well-executed. The excellent cast performances is a bonus as well.

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee

SYNOPSIS: Daisy Ridley stars as the accomplished swimmer who was born to immigrant parents in New York City in 1905. Through the steadfast support of her older sister and supportive trainers, she overcame adversity and the animosity of a patriarchal society to rise through the ranks of the Olympic swimming team and complete the staggering achievement – a 21-mile trek from France to England. 

MOVIE REVIEW:

Young Woman and the Sea belongs to the category of old-fashioned sports cliched drama that Disney often churned out in the past. While indeed old school, it’s nevertheless an inspiring effort from director Joachim Rønning (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), producer and star Daisy Ridley and Jerry Bruckheimer.

Based on the book “Young Woman and the Sea: How Trudy Ederle Conquered the English Channel and Inspired the World” by Glenn Stout and adapted to the screen by Jeff Nathanson (Catch Me If You Can), the drama tells the story of Trudy Ederle who famously made history as the first woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926.

Having nearly succumb to measles at a young age, Trudy manages to convince her mother, Gertrude (Jeanette Hain) and her German immigrant butcher father, Henry (Kim Bodnia) to allow her to take up swimming. Under the guidance of Charlotte Epstein (Sian Clifford), Trudy soon impresses everyone by winning local swimming competitions, breaking records and that including participating in the 1924 Paris Olympics.

However, the 19 year old isn’t resting on her laurels as she is committed to swim across the English Channel from France despite the dangers involved.

Family dynamics is largely the main theme here given Trudy is supported by her various family members throughout her arduous journey. Her mother, Gertrude is the first in the family to voice her support in learning swimming. Her elder sister, Meg (Tilda Cobham-Hervey), a more than competent swimmer herself jumps into the cold oceanic water to encourage the tired Trudy and her father who initially is against her idea accompanies her all the way on the English Channel swim as well.

Despite everyone knowing the ending, Rønning manages to keep things tight, rousing and authentic with obstacles littered throughout Ederle’s swim. The sabotage by a jealous coach, the dangerous jellyfishes and the dark, choppy ocean are just a few things to keep the movie going.

Daisy Ridley delivers an impressive performance as the determined Trudy Ederle. It’s a bit tricky consider Annette Bening just received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of swimmer Diana Nyad in Nyad. While both dramas featured a rather similar theme, there’s still a lot to like about Young Woman and the Sea with topics liked sexism and hurdles being tackled. Ridley for her part unquestionably channels the spirit and enthusiasm of Trudy.

Adding to the exceptional casting, Brit actors Stephen Graham stars as Bill Burgess, the second person to successfully complete a swim of the English Channel and Christopher Eccleston as long distance swimmer Jabez Wolffe.

Young Woman and the Sea is the perfect movie for the entire family. Despite being too predictable, the messages and themes are solid and uplifting. Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle deserves to be remembered for her outstanding achievement.

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee

Genre: Animation
Director: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Cast: Yumi Kawai, Mizuki Yoshida 
Runtime: 58 mins
Rating: PG
Released By: Encore Films
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 8 August 2024

Synopsis: Based on award-winning manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, creator of Chainsaw Man. The overly confident Fujino and the Shut-in Kyomoto couldn’t be more different. Their love of drawing manga is the one thing connecting these contrary girls. One day, however, something happens to them that shatters everything… A heart-wrenching and impactful story of growing up.

Movie Review:

This coming of age anime film has a runtime of 58 minutes. Yet, in about an hour, it packs an emotional punch that can last a lifetime, especially if you have gone through a similar episode as the film’s protagonist.

Based on the one shot web manga of the same name written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the story first sees Ayumu Fujino drawing really funny manga for her school’s weekly newspaper. Her creativity is quirkily funny, considering there is death in the work we see.

Fujino basks in the glory of her popularity, until she finds herself challenged by Kyomoto, another who has been submitting her works from home because her social anxiety condition prevents her from attending classes in person. It is clear that Kyomoto’s skills are superior, and Fujino is not pleased about that.

Circumstances then brings Ayumu to Kyomoto’s residence, where the two girls eventually finding themselves working on a manga together. It also turns out that Kyomoto has always been a fan of Fujino’s offbeat humour. All’s good up to this point with this tale of how two individuals forming a heartwarming friendship, and we didn’t know that what follows will shake our senses.

Without giving away too much, we see the Fujino and Kyomoto transiting into adulthood, and as we already know by living life, this journey comes with both uplifting and heartbreaking experiences that may leave a lasting impact, or a lingering melancholy that never goes away.

This anime film adaptation is directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, who is also credited for the screenplay and character designs. The animation style is pleasing to the eyes, and while it doesn’t blow you away with dazzling effects, there is a sense of honesty in how the film is visualised. Fujino and Kyomoto feel like real people you know – Fujino is the good natured and confident classmate that is always fun to have around, while Kyomoto is that person in your phone book that you wish you could get to know better. When Kyomoto first appears on screen, you can sense with her jitteriness, thanks to Oshiyama’s superb character design.

Yumi Kawai and Mizuki Yoshida are the two main credited voice cast for delivering fine performances as Fujino and Kyomoto respectively. The heartrending score composed by Haruka Nakamura complements the story, and the end credit tune "Light Song" composed by Nakamura and performed by Urara is a fitting close to the film, and it will leave you in your seat till the screen goes black.

This writer hasn’t read the original manga, but he is guessing that fans will embrace the film adaptation, judging from the number of people who were holding to official memorabilia at the screening. Like other critically acclaimed anime productions like Your Name (2016), Mirai (2018) and Weathering With You (2019), there is a fantastical element that involves time travelling in this movie. It is treated with absolute elegance and when this part of the story unfolds on screen, you will feel a slight heartache and think about what life could also have been if you had made a different choice.

Movie Rating:

(A poignant anime film that tells a beautifully melancholic story about growing up)

Review by John Li

Genre: Crime/Thriller
Director: Sam Quah
Cast: Wang Chuanjun, Ning Chang, Francis Ng, Wang Sheng Di, Chin Shih-chieh, Xu Jiao
Runtime: 1 hr 59 mins
Rating: NC16 (Mature Theme & Violence)
Released By: mm2 Entertainment
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 15 August 2024

Synopsis: A middle school girl named Huijun falls to her death after being bullied, leading to a series of mysterious deaths among the bullies, and violence towards Huijun’s best friend at school, Xiaotong. As the investigation progresses, old secrets of concealment and corruption are about to be revealed.

Movie Review:

This movie directed by Malaysian born Sam Quah is difficult to watch. Don’t get us wrong, we mean this in a good way, because the crime thriller forces audiences to see up close the horrors of bullying.

In particular, there is a scene in the 119 minute movie which can be extremely disturbing for some viewers. It involves a girl with special needs (Xu Jiao) getting bullied by a group of cruel schoolmates. The sequence goes on for quite a while, and it makes you think about the tremendous physical and mental pain the victim has to go through should this happen in real life. Expectedly, this incident ends in tragedy.

Based on a news article about a mother's efforts to find her murdered daughter which Quah came across while pursuing his master’s degree, the movie wastes no time in gripping your senses. In an early scene, we see a group of mean girls messing up a mute girl named Xiaotong (Wang Sheng Di) with glue. The victim is the daughter of the school cleaner Li Han (Ning Chang), who gave up her well paying accountant job to spend time with her child. It also turns out that one of the bullies is the daughter of the school principal, which explains why these misdeeds have not been reported.

The bullies begin to disappear, as if they have been gotten rid of for their sins. Through a series of flashback sequences and ultra violent scenes, the story begins uncovering the truth to what really happened, with a number of red herrings thrown in.

Like any other movies of the similar genre (Ko Chien-Nien The Silent Forest comes to mind), there are other characters that will have audiences guessing who the killer is. There is a mysterious man (Wang Chuanjun) working for a charity foundation, a world weary police detective (Francis Ng) assigned to the case, and a shady young man (Huang Minghao) who has been showing up at the crime scenes. Elsewhere, there is a bossy landlady (Cai Ming) and a wise educator (Chin Shih-Chieh). Oh, did we mention that Li Han has a history of abusing Xiaotong?

The movie isn’t subtle by any means, and emotions are on full display as the ensemble cast go all out to express their anger, sadness, anguish, regret and desperation as they each experience different episodes. Viewers are brought along for the ride and charged sensations are felt throughout the movie.

Bullying is an issue that audiences can easily feel for, and even if the story goes over the top, one feels for the characters. Coupled with stylishly shot scenes, impressive setups against a fictitious Southeast Asian backdrop (the movie was primarily shot in Penang), and plot twists that keep you at the edge of your seats, this is an engaging watch from beginning to end.

After the success of Sheep Without a Shepherd (2019), Quah has proven himself to be a competent filmmaker. It is also interesting to note that this is a remake of Quah’s own 2022 movie of the same title and premise. He recast the actors after the original male lead Jag Huang was embroiled in a #MeToo scandal, which prevented the film’s release in China. This remake opened in China earlier in July, and was ranked second for the highest box office takings for the summer season. It sure looks like the efforts paid off, and in a grander scheme of things, there is increased awareness of bullying and the heartbreaks that follow.

Movie Rating:

(This emotionally-charged drama thriller forces you to look at the horrors of bullying and the tragedies that follow)

Review by John Li

Genre: Crime/Thriller
Director: Lee Yo-sup
Cast: Gang Dong-won, Lee Mi-sook, Lee Hyun-wook, Tang Jun-sang
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins
Rating: NC16 (Some Violence)
Released By: Shaw Organisation
Official Website:

Opening Day: 8 August 2024

Synopsis: A thriller about the boss of a contract murder organisation facing with unexpected accident. There is a company that has been killing for contracts as their business. One day, Young-il (GANG Dong-won) gets an offer to kill the most potential candidate for attorney general. After a neat and specific planning, his team finally takes action to kill the target. However, an unexpected accident happens and leads to a big one. The Client, the client’s insurance company and other crew members of his own… there is no one who Young-il could believe!

Movie Review:

In 2009, Hong Kong filmmaker Soi Cheang directed a lean action thriller titled Accident, and the critically acclaimed movie produced by Johnnie To featured a protagonist (Louis Koo) whose expertise was making murders look like accidents. Fifteen years later, we get an adaption from helmed by Lee Yo-sup, with the premise transplanted to South Korea, where sinister political and financial conspiracies are running aplenty.

It almost seemed like we can expect an exciting thriller to keep us at the edge of our seats, but there is something unsatisfying about the movie that left us wondering whether there’s more than what we saw on screen.

Gang Dong-won (Dr Cheon and the Lost Talisman) plays Young-il, the leader of a criminal group which designs murders to appear as accidents. He is joined by a veteran planner (Lee Mi-sook) whose age and health is taking a toll on her, a gay man (Lee Hyun-wook) who often cross dresses as a woman during the execution of their plans, and a young rookie (Tang Jun-sang) who is getting the hang of things. These people have no official records in the government’s system, which makes it difficult to track them down for their misdeeds.

While continuing with their crime capers, the team is also grieving the recent death of another member (Lee Jong-suk) who lost his life in a supposed accident – everyone feels heavy hearted and down. But life has to go on and we see the team go about planning the accident of a prosecutor general nominee. Things get increasingly murkier, and Young-il becomes obsessed that there is another group of people manipulating things at a higher level that is beyond his control.

The 100 minute movie starts off with a fascinating execution of how an accident at a construction site is more than what it seems, while we get ourselves ready for a thrill ride to uncover all the dark secrets of seemingly straightforward freak accidents. However, the story takes a few meanderings and cannot decide what it wants to focus on. We get it that each of the characters have his or her own demon to fight, but we do not feel convinced and these slower moving sequences drag down the movie’s pacing instead. Also, we aren’t exactly sure why the plot included the cross dressing character. There seems to be something that the screenwriters want to say whenever he appears on screen, but the result feels half baked.

The performances from the ensemble cast are fine, and Gang does a great job at playing a man who gets drowned in his own mind. There is absolutely no cheer in the protagonist, and we hope it didn’t affect him on a personal level as we can imagine how mentally draining it can be to play a character like that. The series of planned accidents are conveyed effectively on screen, but the movie feels stalled at several junctures. When the story eventually progresses and an ending is in sight, we feel that this is a missed opportunity to deliver an exhilarating popcorn thriller. 

Movie Rating:

(Gang Dong-won delivers a committed performance as a criminal who is consumed by his own mind in this South Korean adpataion of a superior Hong Kong production)

Review by John Li

Genre: Action/Adventure
Director: Eli Roth
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Edgar Ramirez, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, Jamie Lee Curtis
Runtime: 1 hr 41 mins
Rating: PG13 (Some Violence)
Released By: Encore Films
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 8 August 2024

Synopsis: Based on one of the best-selling videogame franchises of all time, welcome to Borderlands. Lilith (Blanchett), an infamous treasure hunter with a mysterious past, reluctantly returns to her home planet of Pandora to find the missing daughter of Atlas (Ramirez), the universe’s most powerful S.O.B. She forms an unexpected alliance with a ragtag team of misfits – Roland (Hart), once a highly respected soldier, but now desperate for redemption; Tiny Tina (Greenblatt), a feral pre-teen demolitionist; Krieg (Munteanu), Tina’s musclebound, rhetorically challenged protector; Tannis (Curtis), the scientist who’s seen it all; and Claptrap (Black), a persistently wiseass robot. These unlikely heroes must battle alien monsters and dangerous bandits to find and protect the missing girl, who may hold the key to unimaginable power. The fate of the universe could be in their hands – but they’ll be fighting for something more: each other. 

Movie Review:

We’ve never played the 2009 sci-fi shooter RPG on which this movie is supposedly based on, so pardon us for not knowing how or what certain characters or situations from the game should be. What we were instead looking forward to was an off-kilter, wacky adventure comedy, not quite unlike Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ – and despite what others might think, we wouldn’t have minded if it turned out looking much like ‘GotG’ as long as it were similarly be filled with wit and heart.

Unfortunately, this messy and unexciting video-game adaptation hardly lives up to any sort of expectation. It offers only snatches of crude enjoyment that do not justify a somewhat interminable one-and-a-half hours – like how Kevin Hart’s rogue soldier Roland quickly discards the gothy Stormtrooper get-up that he first appears in, sneering, ‘What a stupid helmet’; or how Cate Blanchett’s bounty hunter Lilith cannot quite care to let a new prospective employer or his goons finish talking before shooting them; or how Ariana Greenblatt’s unhinged teenager Tiny Tina seems to have an endless store of exploding stuffed bunny dolls.

Aside from these occasional bits of anarchist humour though, ‘Borderlands’ is busy but ultimately boring. The MacGuffin here is a vault hidden on the planet of Pandora, which contains valuable technology left behind by an extinct alien race called the Eridians; no thanks to the vault, Pandora is now overrun by corporations, criminals and treasure hunters. One such corporation is Atlas, whose founder of the same name (Edgar Ramirez) hires Lilith to find Tiny Tina, believing her to be one of three keys needed to open the vault. Long story short, despite her initial reservations at returning to Pandora, Lilith finds Atlas’ monetary offer too good to pass up, and upon landing on the planet, quickly forms a ragtag alliance with Tiny, Roland, their hulking partner Krieg (Florian Munteanu) and a sassy robot Claptrap (voiced by Jack Black).

What ensues is a chaotic road trip that takes the unlikely band of heroes across the planet, from a flatland called Piss Wash Gully (take that literally) to a bustling city called Sanctuary to a vast underground maze known as the Caustic Caverns and lastly to none other than the Great Vault itself. Each of these is a set-piece in and of itself, but there is little inspiration in any of these loud, frenetic sequences; other than a whole lot of pew-pew-pew gunplay in equally grungy settings, there really isn’t much to distinguish one from the other, and for that matter, for any of our heroes to truly flex their respective strengths in combat. Not even the needle-drops can enliven the action, or for that matter, the energy that Blanchett tries to inject into the leaden proceedings.

Oh yes, say what you will about how the Oscar winner is slumming here, but Blanchett carries her role with much pizazz – and we’re not just talking about how cool she looks with holsters strapped across her hips ready for some lightning-fast gunslinging. Her fellow Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis also acquits herself well in a smaller role, playing an eccentric xeno-archeologist named Tannis. Alas, the same cannot be said of the rest of the storied cast; in particular, Hart barely registers after the aforementioned quippy start, with his natural humour oddly tamped down, and Black is stuck with unfunny wisecracks that are not much better than a visual gag of Claptrap expelling bullets in a crude torrent after taking fire in a gunfight.

To be frank, we’re not even sure if the blame should fall on director Eli Roth, notwithstanding that both the movie and the story are credited to him. While he is no James Gunn, Roth is more than capable of pulling together a delightfully gonzo adventure, and it is indeed surprisingly this cluttered caper is the best that he and co-writer Joe Crombie (whom we suspect is a pseudonym for someone who did not want his real name on this project) could have come up with, especially given the rich source material available through the bestselling video game series. As it stands, this final product is sloppily assembled, and smacks of too many cooks post-production, so much so that Craig Mazin (co-creator and co-writer of HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’) reportedly chose to remove his name from the project.

That said, it doesn’t take familiarity with the games to know that ‘Borderlands’ won’t satisfy that core audience, or we dare say, any audience. It isn’t utterly unwatchable, but what made it onscreen is hardly worthy of the amount of talent involved – and that is a pity, considering the number of years it purportedly took for a big-screen adaptation of the series to come to fruition, hopes which were further raised by the pedigree of the likes of Blanchett, Hart, Black and Curtis. The only silver lining is that it leaves the door wide open for a reboot some time down the road, one that would truly channel the gleefully perverse and graphic nature of the games into an R-rated anarchy that could very well give ‘Deadpool’ a run for his money.

Movie Rating:

(Barely borderline watchable, this cluttered, uninspired and unexciting adaptation of the bestselling video games is hardly worthy of the pedigree involved, or for that time, your time in the cinema)

Review by Gabriel Chong

Genre: Sci-fi/Horror
Director: Fede Alvarez
Cast: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu
Runtime: 1 hr 59 mins
Rating: NC16 (Gore & Violence)
Released By: Walt Disney
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 15 August 2024

Synopsis: A truly terrifying cinematic experience from producer Ridley Scott and director/writer Fede Alvarez, 20th Century Studios’ “Alien: Romulus” opens in theaters nationwide August 16, 2024. The sci-fi/horror-thriller takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.

Movie Review:

This reviewer doesn’t recall how he got to watch Alien (1979) on VHS when he was a kid, but what he remembers is how the Ridley Scott’s science fiction horror movie scared the hell out of him. And that was an age when he thought aliens are cute creatures from space – turns out that the Xenomorph is a terrifying creature that you pray never to come across. The elongated skeletal frame and dripping maw are what nightmares are made of.

The movie turned out to be a hit with a total worldwide gross of $143 million, and it took home the Best Visual Effects prize at the 52nd Academy Awards. It also made a star out of Sigourney Weaver, who portrayed the no nonsense and independent Ellen Ripley.

More than four decades have the passed, and fans have been anticipating the seventh instalment in the Alien franchise. We are pleased to report that the movie is one daunting roller coaster ride that will make your heart race.

The story takes place between the events of Scott’s Alien (1979) and James Cameron’s Aliens (1986). There’s nothing to shout about the plot as it sees a group of teenagers trying to seek out a better life by escaping a planet controlled by a corporation. Amongst them are Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaney), a female protagonist who manages to leave an impression, as well as Andy (David Jonsson), an android companion that you will find yourself empathising with. Together with other supporting characters, the young space colonists find themselves in an abandoned space station and no prizes for guessing what creatures are lurking in the corner.

Directed by Fede Álvarez (Evil Dead, Don’t Breathe), this movie is essentially a back to basics horror flick set in space. The characters are killed off one by one, and it is not difficult to know who will be offed next. What makes it extremely fun (or distressing for some) is how the human beings are hunted by the aggressive extraterrestrial species. Depending on what kind of movie goer you are, you will scream, gasp or watch in shock when a Facehugger grips someone’s head, or when a Chestburster pops through someone’s ribcage, or when a Xenomorph ends someone’s life very, very violently.

If it’s the first time you are hearing about the abovementioned creatures, it probably means that you are unfamiliar with the franchise. It is nothing to worry about though, because this movie works splendidly as a standalone movie – it may even make you go hunt down the previous titles. If you are short of time, you may want to skip Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), although it did seem like a cool idea to bring two of cinema’s most fearsome creatures together.

Back to Álvarez’s movie – the Uruguayan filmmaker has delivered a science fiction horror masterpiece for today’s audiences. As a viewer, you feel like you are frantically navigating through a haunted house with an overwhelming sense of dread. Thanks to the use of practical effects, the tension throughout the 119 minute movie is exhilaratingly suffocating, and the engine of terror is running at full throttle. Yet, when the camera exits the claustrophobic interiors, there is an unspeakable awe when you see the vehicles glide through space, especially when you the movie on an IMAX screen.

The movie also scores with its bonkers finale, where you will see a truly grotesque creature which we believe is introduced to the franchise for the first time. Because no one can hear you scream in space, you definitely do not want to mess around with this frightening mess of a being.

Movie Rating:

(The latest entry to the Alien franchise is horrifyingly good - you will scream, gasp or watch in shock as the Facehuggers, Chestbursters and Xenomorphs unleash slimy and gory terror upon the helpless humans)

Review by John Li

Genre: Drama
Director: Oliver Parker
Cast: Michael Caine, Glenda Jackson, John Standing, Danielle Vitalis, Will Fletcher, Laura Marcus
Runtime: 1 hr 37 mins
Rating: PG13 (Some Coarse Language and Scene of Intimacy)
Released By: Shaw Organisation
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 8 August 2024

Synopsis: In the summer of 2014, Bernard Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He had staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day Landings 70th anniversary. Bernie’s adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene (Glenda Jackson) - THE GREAT ESCAPER celebrates their enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation.

Movie Review:

The title, The Great Escaper sounds like a mindless action movie starring probably Dwayne Johnson in the lead role. In reality, it’s a small Brit drama starring the 91 year old, Sir Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson.

The story written by William Ivory is based on the true story of 89-year-old Bernie Jordan who left unannounced from his nursing home and set out to attend the 70th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day Landings in France. While he did let his wife, Rene (Jackson) know of his little outing, his disappearance did cause a minor panic with the nursing home staff and local police.

Bernie Jordan for one has been suffering from PTSD for decades after the death of his close friend, Douglas Bennett, who was killed at the Normandy landing on D-Day. Bernie has been living in guilt since then and his motive for this trip is to visit his grave. Director Oliver Parker relies on frequent flashbacks to expose audiences to Bernie’s terrifying ordeals as a navy man. While the execution is commendable, the entire treatment feels clunky and cheap owing to the limited funds.

The flashbacks also apply to the romance between Bernie and Rene as we are shown their loving relationship that spanned decades. In present day, Rene is diagnosed to be suffering from a deadly illness. Her days are numbered but the plucky old lady is still dispensing jokes to her care worker Adele (Danielle Vitalis) and doctor on a daily basis. Rene is the supportive spouse who covers up for her husband’s disappearance and despite their old age, love and affection for each other is the main core of the story.

With the passing of Jackson in June 2023 and Caine publicly announcing his retirement (unless Christopher Nolan manages to coax him out for a little adventure), The Great Escaper marks the poignant, bittersweet “escape” of two remarkable actors. Caine of course is excellent as his character embarked on an emotional journey to commemorate his late friend and not for the booze. Jackson brought life to Rene with the occasional naughty glint and charm. In some ways, Jackson even upstaged Caine in her last onscreen appearance.

There’s no doubt that The Great Escaper is a drama that is tailored for selected or the senior audiences. It’s a tribute to those who sacrificed for their country and all those untold romance, struggles behind their reunion and marriages especially those that survived the horrific war. So young people out there should take the chance to appreciate the efforts of the past generations simultaneously a farewell to acting legends, Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson.

Movie Rating:

(An old fashioned love story that carries weight and affection)

Review by Linus Tee

Genre: Comedy
Director: Yan Fei, Peng Damo
Cast: Shen Teng, Ma Li, Shi Pengyuan, Rina Sa, Wei Xiang, Jia Bing
Runtime: 2 hrs 14 mins
Rating: PG
Released By: Shaw Organisation
Official Website:

Opening Day: 8 August 2024

Synopsis: Poor dad, hardworking mom, dilapidated yard, broken son. How did the Ma family fall behind on the road to prosperity in Slinky Town? Ma Chenggang (Shen Teng) and Chunlan (Ma Li) ride their donkey to work, living in poverty. Their son, Ma Jiye, is their only hope of turning their fates around. Ma Jiye is very promising, excelling academically every year, tough and determined. But as Ma Jiye grows up, he gradually perceives that the people around him are becoming more and more strange…

Movie Review:

The literal translation of this movie’s Chinese title is “catching dolls”, and the first image that comes to this writer’s mind is a group of kids gathering around a claw machine and squealing in excitement while one tries to catch a doll.

But what we get on the movie poster are popular actors Shen Teng and Ma Li, who have headlined many titles from established Chinese comedy film and stage play production company Mahua FunAge. And it sure doesn’t look like the two comedians are having fun catching dolls. In fact, they look a little worried.

Nothing seems wrong when the movie begins. We see Chengang (Shen) and Chunlan (Ma) raising their son Jiye in a small house. While it is not a life of riches, the family leads a life that is simple and grounded – they have friendly neighbours, Jiye’s wise grandmother (Rina Sa) dishes worldly advice, and it looks like the boy is on his way to pursue great things in life.

So where’s the catch of the story? It is not too long into the 133 minute movie we realise that this scenario is carefully set up by Chengang and Chunlan, who are actually an extravagantly rich couple. The husband and wife might have taken the idea from Peter Weir’s The Truman Show (1998), where Jim Carrey’s character lived his life on a soundstage, while the world watched his every move in a reality TV show.

In this story, Chengang and Chunlan have created a lifestyle that subjects Jiye to poverty and hardship, so that he can learn the right values to be the next CEO of his father’s company. The meticulous setup is driven by a renowned educator (who also takes on the role of Jiye’s bedbound grandmother), and there is an entourage of teachers, security team and extras who appear seamlessly in Jiye’s everyday life.

Years pass and we see Jiye grow from a boy (Xiao Bochen) to a teenager (Shi Pengyuan). Expectedly, Jiye goes through what a normal young man would encounter in his life, including meeting a young girl who can potentially be a love interest. But everything’s still under control, thanks to his parents who are ensuring that the progress in in accordance to the painstakingly planned journey. After several comedic episodes where the truth almost got exposed, we wonder what direction the story is heading towards.

The defining incident finally happens, and the movie helmed by Yan Fei and Peng Damo moves into a dramatic mode, and viewers will reflect on more serious themes like parenting and the extent of what parents would do to ensure a bright future for their children. While the movie ends on a somewhat oversimplistic note, audiences will still be entertained by the performances of Shen and Ma, who effortlessly deliver humourous yet heartfelt performances as over zealous parents who are trying a little too hard for the good of their son.

And as to why the Chinese title of this production which swept China’s box office is as such, one can read it as how the foundation of education needs to be ‘caught on’ when the individual is a child (when he or she is like a baby doll), and if parents fail, they can always try to ‘catch on’ until they are satisfied. And this is why the movie does a fine job at entertaining viewers while exploring a social issue.

Movie Rating: 

(Trust comedic duo Shen Teng and Ma Li to deliver hilarious and heartfelt performances that anchor this entertaining movie)

Review by John Li