The Grey

The Grey

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

(Premiered Mar 1)

Although the trailer might have viewers believe they're going to be watching Liam Neeson try to beat up some animals, holy sh*t! There's some intense survival drama going on here. A team of oil-rig drillers are stranded in the freezing wilderness of Alaska. But it's not Sarah Palin tracking them down that they're worried about. It's a bunch of ferocious wolves that are out to get them. Neeson's performance is outstanding as he tries to lead the group to shelter while fighting the menacing beasts and merciless weather. Their desperate attempts to survive provide action, but the mental anguish of grappling with death is the emotional heart of the story. Also starring Dermot Mulroney and Frank Grillo. Directed by Joe Carnahan.       

ACT OF VALOR

(Premiered Mar 1)

Cool, here's another Hollywood action war film. What's the twist? It's that directors Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh cast actual, active-duty Navy Seals in the roles and even use live ammunition during some of the battle scenes. Man, we hope no one showed up on set hungover because that could have ended badly. Although the story is fictional, the Navy Seals recreate what their real-life operations are like when they track down a kidnapped CIA agent. In the process, they discover a global terror plot which they must thwart. Audiences should buckle up for some guns, military missions, obligatory shaky camera shots and lots of "U-S-A!, U-S-A!" patriotism. Starring Alex Veadov, Roselyn Sanchez and Nestor Serrano.       

CHRONICLE  

(Premiered Mar 1)

Sure, a movie about teen superheroes might not exactly drive you to camp out in front of a cinema to score tickets. But with its originality, Chronicle seems poised to entertain a variety of audiences. When three high school friends gain superhero powers, they struggle to stay in control of their newly acquired talents as the dark side of their powers begin to emerge. The fast-paced and unique story gives a new twist to the kids with superpowers genre. Despite being a fun watch, the film's usage of the "found footage" mockumentary technique is confusing, as it doesn't do anything to heighten the action. Starring Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell and Michael B. Jordan. Directed by Josh Trank.     

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED

(Premiered Mar 1)

Back for its third chapter, the chipper Chipmunks and chirping Chipettes are vacationing on a luxury chip when they become chipwrecked, holy chip! Say that sentence 20 times fast and the mess it turns into pretty much reflects this lame film. The furry rodents end up lost on a tropical island that isn't as deserted as they thought. They get caught up with their usual squeaky schemes, yet still find time to make pop culture references and groan-worthy jokes. Perhaps hyperactive kids or those who haven't learned how to eat solid food may enjoy this. Starring the voices of Justin Long and Jason Lee. Directed by Mike Mitchell. Limited release at SF Cinemas.    

MAE NAK 3D

(Premiered Mar 1)

You can perform all the ghost-repelling rituals in the world or do as many anti-spirit dances as you want, but Mae Nak is never going to stop haunting you. In the legend's umpteenth cinematic remake, the female spirit is set to terrify viewers - this time in three dimensions! That means audiences should be prepared to graphically see how Mae Nak (Bongkot Kongmalai) dies while giving birth, and comes back to live with her husband as a ghost. Of course, he doesn't realise his beloved is dead since he was off at war... well, you already know how the story goes, but that doesn't mean it's any less interesting. Directed by Pichai Noirod and Chotipan Nitiwat.    

RAK SUD TEEN

(Premiered Mar 1)

It's love at first sight when a rebellious bad boy meets a sweet girl. However the path to a happy ending is marred by the usual nonsense littering Thai romcoms. From crude homosexual "jokes" to slapstick characters, we only wonder why the conservative ministries that be don't crack down on this sort of lowbrow stuff. It doesn't do the viewer any favours to hear clashing cymbals and other annoying sound effects in every scene! The romance between the bad boy and sweet girl is entertaining and watchable enough, but the addition of the other ridiculousness leaves us with a headache. Starring Mario Maurer. Directed by Paripan Watcharanon.      

LUCKY NUMBER NINE

Call for Entries: AIS Presents Amazing Thailand 9FilmFest, Through May 7

Back in its second instalment, 9FilmFest offers emerging film-makers a chance to submit original short movies that are less than nine minutes in length. While there are no restrictions in content, this year's theme is "heart", and each film must somehow include the lovey-dovey symbol. Nine films will be shortlisted to compete for coveted awards including a B600,000 grand prize at the Amazing Thailand 9FilmFest Contest on Jun 17. Deadline for early submissions is Apr 23 (B400 entry fee) and regular entries must be made before May 7 (B450 entry fee). For more details, see contact.

C  www.9filmfest.com, facebook.com/9filmfest.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT