Whats On starting August 6

The “Joes” arrive!

 

Pattaya movies beginning Thursday, August 6, 2009

 

… through Tuesday, August 11

 

by Thomas Ohlson

 

Best Bets: Harry Potter.  Pelham 1 2 3.  Public Enemies.  Sam Chuk.

 

 

Here is the 103rd editionof my weekly compilations of movie times and comments for Pattaya! And the 16th online edition!

 

Here are my comments for the films playing in Pattaya for the week as of Thursday, August 6, for Pattaya Major Cineplex (at Villa Supermarket Center), for the SF Multiplex at Central Plaza (Big C), and for the spanking new SFX Cinema Pattaya Beach on the 6th Floor of Central Festival Pattaya Beach, the new huge and beautiful mall located between Sois 9 and 10 and running the length of the soi from Beach Road to 2nd Road.

 

Programs are scheduled to change next Wednesday, August 12, which is a holiday, the Queen’s Birthday/ Mother’s Day.

Now playing in Pattaya    * = new this week

 

* G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra: US, Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – 107 mins – From Hasbro the toy-makers we get another action-adventure film based on toys, very much like Transformers: Nonsensical mayhem, and very loud, but stylish. I actually found it more enjoyable than Transformers, which I guess might not be saying much. With Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans. Directed by Stephen Sommers. Early reviews: Mixed or average: 59 out of 100.

 

Empire, Dan Jolin: The trick with Stephen Sommers is not to take him too seriously. His Deep Rising (giant squid-monster attacks hijacked luxury cruiser) was immensely daft, but huge fun. Same goes for The Mummy. And there is a level on which GI Joe, his brash, loud take on the long-lived Hasbro toy line, is enjoyable. The way, for example, it embraces cliché. In one scene, chumpy hero Duke expresses his anguish by riding a motorbike through a military graveyard in the rain. Wearing sunglasses. In another, the token team ice-queen (Rachel Nichols’ laserbow-wielding Scarlet) announces to horny-dog Ripcord (Marlon Wayans, whose spoof credentials fit well) that she doesn’t believe in emotions because they aren’t scientifically provable. Even if they are.

The script is almost wilfully stupid, throwing out such anti-zingers as, “Damn, that ninja’s fast!”, “dead guys don’t breakdance”, and one gloriously random comment from The Baronness (Sienna Miller, slumming it) to a shrieking bystander she’s just threatened with a gun: “Nice shoes”. Hugging the dumb and making it fun is Sommers’ strength.

 

Joblo.com: G.I. Joe may not be a great movie, but it sure is a hoot and a half, just make sure to find that inner child in you that still likes to play pretend. GO JOE!

* Sam Chuk / สามชุก: Thai, Drama – 115 mins – [Picture at very top of this newsletter.] Based on a true story, this is a rarity for Thailand: a thoughtful, well-done social issues film, exploring the lives of seven teenagers who are entangled with and devastated by drug use in a small province called Sam Chuk. Their local teacher tries to teach them to cope with their problems. Affecting performances, choppy storytelling style, a bit sentimental at times, but overall a heart-rending document. Directed by Thanit Jintanukul [Tanit Jitnukul / ธนิตย์ จิตนุกูล].

 

About the director:

 

Wikipedia: Tanit was born in 1956 in Songkhla Province. He made his name doing historical battle epics, directing a string of them: Bang Rajan, Legend of the Warlord and Sema: Warrior of Ayutthaya. However, he's worked in many genres, including horror (Art of the Devil and Narok), crime-action (102 Bangkok Robbery) and comedy (Andaman Girl).

 

He won best director honors at the Thailand National Film Awards for Bang Rajan. The film was also screened at the 2000 Fantasia Festival, where it placed second in the international competition. Bang Rajan was later "presented" by Oliver Stone in a theatrical release in the United States.

 

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3: US/ UK, Crime/Drama/ Thriller – 121 mins – I found it a thoroughly engrossing and exciting film, and a satisfying dramatic experience – everything Public Enemies tried for and failed to achieve. In my opinion. Denzel Washington plays a New York City subway dispatcher who’s day is thrown into chaos by an audacious crime: the hijacking of a subway train. The criminal mastermind, beautifully played by John Travolta [picture at right], is the leader of a highly-armed gang of four who threatens to execute the train’s passengers unless a large ransom is paid within one hour. As the tension mounts beneath his feet, the dispatcher employs his vast knowledge of the subway system in a battle to outwit the criminals and save the hostages. But there’s one riddle about it all: even if the criminals get the money, how can they possibly escape? A reworking of the 1974 film. Rated R in the US for violence and pervasive language. Mixed or average reviews: 55/56 out of 100.

 

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: US/ UK, Adventure/ Fantasy/ Mystery/ Romance – 153 mins – This, the latest and darkest Harry Potter episode, set a new worldwide opening day box office record, with an astounding one-day global box office gross of more than $104 million. Generally favorable reviews: 78/73 out of 100.

I think it’s a dazzling film with brilliant cinematography, fantastic effects, and moments of emotional power. But I think you’ll find it incoherent unless you’re a close follower of the previous films, or have immersed yourself in the books. If not, large sections of the film will make absolutely no sense whatsoever. If you've read the book, you can plug the plot holes with what you know. Otherwise, all the characters seem to know things the audience is never privy to.

 

Worth seeing for the great art direction and scenic design alone. But for all the rest as well. It’s really well directed, with excellent performances, and an exciting story. 

 

Public Enemies: US, Action/ Crime/ Drama/ History/ Thriller – 140 min – With Johnny Depp as the criminal John Dillinger and Christian Bale as G-man Melvin Purvis in this Great Depression-era drama about the FBI’s attempts to stop a gangster crime wave. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Billy Crudup, Channing Tatum, Giovanni Ribisi, Stephen Dorff, Rory Cochrane, and Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard (for her role as Edith Piaf in the 2007 La môme /La vie en rose). Rated R in the US for gangster violence and some language. Generally favorable reviews: 70/63 out of 100.

 

I think it’s a mess, albeit a brilliant mess, but I don’t want to unnecessarily discourage you from seeing it, because it offers many pleasures. It’s an impeccably crafted film, with some fine performances, vast attention to period detail, an innovative use of high-definition video instead of film, and a fascinating era recreated. Still, it’s a hodge-podge in my opinion, and doesn’t gel into anything coherent.

 

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs: US, Animation/ Action/ Adventure/ Comedy/ Family/ Romance – 94 mins – Manny, Sid, Diego, and Ellie are back in some extraordinary animation in this third film in the computer-animated Ice Age series. With those creatures in starring roles, we hear again the vocal talents of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and Queen Latifah – and newcomer Simon Pegg, in a star turn as a crazed weasel. Mixed or average reviews: 50/52 out of 100.

 

Dear Galileo / หนีตามกาลิเลโอ: Thai, Comedy/ Drama – 90 mins – A pleasant enough outing about girls on their own in Europe – low-keyed and low-powered, slow and meandering. From Nithiwat Tharathorn, one of the famed “Fan Chan Six,” who continues his examination of students in love as two teenage Thai girls backpack for a year in London, Paris, and Rome, working in Thai restaurants when they run short of money. Filmed on location, and based on the director's own experiences of living and working abroad.

 

Wise Kwai’s review:  3 out of 5 - Just okay.

 

Two young women do a bit of growing up in Dear Galileo - the overwhelmingly light travel drama by GMM Tai Hub and director Nithiwat Tharatorn.

 

6:66 Death Happens / 6:66 Die Not Die / tai mai dai tai / 6:66 dtaai mai dai dtaai / ตายไม่ได้ตาย: Thai, Horror –  90 mins – Susie-Susira plays a crime reporter who starts seeing weird and scary things after someone who was supposed to die doesn't die, causing a rip in the fabric between life and death, or something like that. A dreadful movie, to gauge from the previews and posters. I choose not to see it.

 

Wise Kwai’s review:  2 out of 5 - Barely watchable.

 

A couple or three decent gore-worthy moments and a satisfying twist ending make 6:66 Tai Mai Dai Tai worth a look, if only just barely. Mostly though, 6:66 Tai Mai Dai Tai is aggravating because it frequently doesn't make any sense. … It's a bit odd for Thai horror in that it's rooted in Christian, rather than Buddhist mythology, with God invoked as the ultimate decider of when someone dies, and the 6:66 in the title referencing the mark of the beast or Satan.

 

Scheduled for Pattaya cineplexes on Wednesday, August 12

 

Trail of the Panda / Xiong mao hui jia lu: China, Family – 87 mins – A Disney live action film directed by Chinese director Yu Zhong and shot in the wilderness of Wolong, Sichuan (the area that was destroyed during the massive earthquake of May 2008). Trail Of The Pandais the story of a little panda cub who is separated from its mother and subsequently rescued by an orphaned boy after going through a series of hardships and dangers in the forest.

 

In Country & Melody 2 (E-Som Somwang) / อีส้มสมหวัง ชะชะช่า: Thai, Comedy/ Musical – 90 mins – Som and Somwang from the first episode abandon their musical band to pursue their dreams in Bangkok. Somwang gets a job as a singer in a night cafe, and is soon allured by the night life, girls, and fame. The change in Somwang makes Som heartbroken, but the news of Som’s pregnancy seems to reconcile the two.

 

Jija - Raging Phoenix / จีจ้า ดื้อ สวย ดุ: Thai, Action/ Romance– 90 mins – Martial arts film starring the amazing girl from Chocolate, Jija Yanin, a true female action icon, who here combines a stunning martial art style with a love story. Focused specifically to Jija''s skills and personality, the film fuses her martial arts skills with break dancing.

 

And looking forward:

 

Aug 20 – Inglourious Basterds: US/ Germany, Action/ Adventure/ War – Quentin Tarantino's long-awaited tale of Jewish-American troops on the hunt for Nazi scalps in WWII France. Early reviews: Mixed or average: 56 out of 100.    

 

 

 

New website for Major Cineplex

 

Here you go:  Schedule on Major Cineplex Website or http://www.majorcineplex.com/showtimepage.php

 

It’s basically a mixture of Thai and English, and this is how you work it: The link above gets you to the “Showtime” page. On the right two-thirds of the screen you will see two lists: movies, and theaters. At the top of the list of movies, click “Select All Movie” unless you’re really only interested in one movie. On the list of theaters, click “Pattaya.” This is one of four cities in the “Zone UPC-South-East” section, which is the 7th region down, or the 3rd from the bottom. Then hit “go” either at the top or the bottom of the lists, and almost immediately you will get at the very bottom of the page a list of the movies, the cinemas (โรง) they are in, and their remaining times (เวลา) for the day. If you do this after midnight and in the early morning, you will get a blank. Times are posted later in the morning. You have no way at the moment for getting any times except for the current day, and only the remaining times.

 

The new website redesign for MovieSeer

 

Major Cineplex - Pattaya

At Villa Supermarket Center

Opposite Soi 13 on 2nd Road.

“At The Avenue!”

 

Schedule on MovieSeer  (newly redesigned; not working too well)

   [In the large form on the right side, select in the center box first

    Major Cineplex, and then Pattaya. On the next line, make

    sure “By Theater Group” is checked. Then click “Search”.]

 

SFX Cinema Pattaya Beach

6th Floor of Central Festival Pattaya Beach

 

Schedule on MovieSeer  (newly redesigned; not working too well)

   [In the large form on the right side, select in the center box

    SF Cinema City, SFX Pattaya Beach. On the next line, make

    sure “By Theater Group” is checked. Then click “Search”.]

 

SF Multiplex / Cinemacity-Pattaya

At Big C

3rd Floor, Central Festival Department Store

[Central Plaza] Pattaya 2 Road, T. Nog Prue

A. Banglamoong, Chonburi

 

Schedule on MovieSeer  (newly redesigned; not working too well)

   [In the large form on the right side, select in the center box

    SF Cinema City, Central Pattaya. On the next line, make

    sure “By Theater Group” is checked. Then click “Search”.

    Ignore the fact that it says it’s Central Festival Pattaya Beach.

    It’s not. It’s Big C.]

Whats On starting July 30

Drama underground in New York City!

 

Pattaya movies beginning Thursday, July 30, 2009

 

… through Wednesday, August 5

 

by Thomas Ohlson

 

Best Bets: Harry Potter.  Pelham 1 2 3.  Public Enemies.

 

Here is the 102nd edition of my weekly compilations of movie times and comments for Pattaya! And the 15th online edition!

 

These are my comments for the films playing in Pattaya for the week as of Thursday, July 30, for Pattaya Major Cineplex (at Villa Supermarket Center), for the SF Multiplex at Central Plaza (Big C), and for the spanking new SFX Cinema Pattaya Beach on the 6th Floor of Central Festival Pattaya Beach, the new huge and beautiful mall located between Sois 9 and 10 and running the length of the soi from Beach Road to 2nd Road.

 

Programs are scheduled to change next Thursday, August 6.

Now playing in Pattaya    * = new this week

 

* The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3: US/UK, Crime/ Drama/ Thriller – 121 mins – I found it a thoroughly engrossing and exciting film, and a satisfying dramatic experience – everything Public Enemies tried for and failed to achieve. In my opinion. Denzel Washington plays a New York City subway dispatcher whose day is thrown into chaos by an audacious crime: the hijacking of a subway train. The criminal mastermind, played by John Travolta, is the leader of a highly-armed gang of four who threatens to execute the train’s passengers unless a large ransom is paid within one hour. As the tension mounts beneath his feet, the dispatcher employs his vast knowledge of the subway system in a battle to outwit the criminals and save the hostages. But there’s one riddle about it all: even if the criminals get the money, how can they possibly escape? A reworking of the 1974 film. Rated R in the US for violence and pervasive language. Mixed or average reviews: 55/56 out of 100.

 

StageAndCinema, Kevin Bowen: There are two going theories about the director, TonyScott.

 

The first is that he’s the world’s most offensive hack action director, polluting the cinema with shallow flash and dismal MTV tendencies only to produce generic action drivel. The second view – held by approximately nine of us, warmed at night only by the virtue of being right – is that Scott has evolved into a classical auteur, a director who uses the dominant studio visual language of his age to express his artistry.

 

In the latter view, two of his last three films (Man on Fire, Domino, Déjà Vu) are unfairly condemned acts of genius (although the nine of us never agree which two). This theory mainly leads to Internet message board clashes, usually ending in intense disagreements over whether the brilliantly anarchic Domino is a misunderstood masterpiece or completely unwatchable.

 

… I don’t expect this film to settle the enigma of Tony Scott. While it toys with some of the themes he has been exploring in recent films – time, chance, cultural dystrophy, technologically fractured perspectives – it seems much more straightforward than his most recent work. …

 

* 6:66 Death Happens / 6:66 Die Not Die / tai mai dai tai / 6:66 dtaai mai dai dtaai / ตายไม่ได้ตาย: Thai, Horror –  90 mins – Susie-Susira plays a crime reporter who starts seeing weird and scary things after someone who was supposed to die doesn't die, causing a rip in the fabric between life and death, or something. A dreadful movie, to gauge from the previews and posters.

 

Public Enemies: US, Action/ Crime/ Drama/ History/ Thriller – 140 min – With Johnny Depp as the criminal John Dillinger and Christian Bale as G-man Melvin Purvis in this Great Depression-era drama about the FBI’s attempts to stop a gangster crime wave. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Billy Crudup, Channing Tatum, Giovanni Ribisi, Stephen Dorff, Rory Cochrane, and Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard (for her role as Edith Piaf in the 2007 La môme /La vie en rose). Rated R in the US for gangster violence and some language. Generally favorable reviews: 70/63 out of 100.

 

I think it’s a mess, albeit a brilliant mess, but I don’t want to unnecessarily discourage you from seeing it, because it offers many pleasures. It’s an impeccably crafted film, with some fine performances, vast attention to period detail, an innovative use of high-definition video instead of film, and a fascinating era recreated. Still, it’s a hodge-podge in my opinion, and doesn’t gel into anything coherent.

 

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: US/ UK, Adventure/ Fantasy/ Mystery/ Romance – 153 mins – This, the latest and darkest Harry Potter episode, set a new worldwide opening day box office record, with an astounding one-day global box office gross of more than $104 million. Generally favorable reviews: 78/73 out of 100.

 

I think it’s a dazzling film with brilliant cinematography, fantastic effects, and moments of emotional power. But I think you’ll find it incoherent unless you’re a close follower of the previous films, or have immersed yourself in the books. If not, large sections of the film will make absolutely no sense whatsoever. If you've read the book, you can plug the plot holes with what you know. Otherwise, all the characters seem to know things the audience is never privy to.

 

Worth seeing for the great art direction and scenic design alone. But for all the rest as well. It’s really well directed, with excellent performances, and an exciting story. 

 

Rotten Tomatoes:The Harry Potter franchise has maintained a level of quality nearly unmatched in recent times. And the latest, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is no exception. The production design is moody and impeccable, the tension is palpable, and there's a welcome strain of humor to the proceedings. In addition, the three principal actors –Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson – have grown into their roles, and the supporting players are outstanding.

 

Dear Galileo / หนีตามกาลิเลโอ: Thai, Comedy/ Drama – 90 mins – A pleasant enough outing about girls on their own in Europe – low-keyed and low-powered, slow and meandering. From Nithiwat Tharathorn, one of the famed “Fan Chan Six,” who continues his examination of students in love as two teenage girls backpack for a year in London, Paris, and Rome, working in Thai restaurants when they run short of money. Filmed on location. Based on the director's own experiences of living and working abroad. “People dream of a happy life in London or Paris with lots of spare time to travel around, but it's not like that,” he says.“When you work in a restaurant, you spend most of your time indoors and you stay in a small space to save money.”

 

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs: US, Animation/ Action/ Adventure/ Comedy/ Family/ Romance – 94 mins – Manny, Sid, Diego, and Ellie are back in some extraordinary animation in this third film in the computer-animated Ice Age series. With those creatures in starring roles, we hear again the vocal talents of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and Queen Latifah – and newcomer Simon Pegg, in a star turn as a crazed weasel. Mixed or average reviews: 50/52 out of 100.

 

Wongkamlao / Wong-Kum-Lao / วงษ์คำเหลา: Thai, Comedy/ Family – 90 mins – Popular comedian turned director Mum Jokmok both directs and stars in this quite well-received romantic comedy in which Mum plays the heir of the Wongkamlao Family, an extremely wealthy family that runs a jewelry business. He falls in love with the poor English tutor of his younger brother, over the objections of his class-conscious family.

 

D13-Ultimatum / District 13: Ultimatum / Banlieue 13 - Ultimatum:  France, Action – 95 mins – District B13 Ultimatum is the English language title of the 2009 French action film, Banlieue 13 Ultimatum. Directed by Patrick Alessandrin, it’s the sequel to the acclaimed 2004 French action film Banlieue 13 which was a notable success worldwide and is now something of a cult classic. The original film was notable for its depiction of parkour in a number of stunt sequences that were completed without the use of wires or computer generated effects and because of this some critics drew comparisons to the popular Thai film Ong-Bak. Thai dubbed only/ no English subtitles.

 

Thick as Thieves / The Code: US/ Germany, Crime – 104 mins – A master thief recruits a younger crook to help him steal two famous Faberge eggs from an impenetrable vault in an effort to pull off one final job and repay his debt to the Russian mob. Supposedly set in New York City, but it’s mostly Bulgaria. With Morgan Freeman and Antonio Banderas. Generally savagely poor reviews with a few which say it’s an OK time-waster. In the rest of the world this went straight to DVD. Rated R in the US for sexuality, language, and some nudity.

 

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: US, Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi – 150 mins – Super-intense! This film has a high noise level, smashing images, a loud and relentless score, and everyone yelling their lines at high speed – if this is your idea of fun, go. Generally negative reviews: 35/41 out of 100, but that doesn’t seem to matter. It’s hugely popular.

 

 

Scheduled for Pattaya cineplexes on Thursday, August 6

 

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra: US, Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller – 107 mins – Paramount Pictures and Hasbro give us another action-adventure based on toys, like Transformers. “From the Egyptian desert to deep below the polar ice caps, the elite G.I. Joe team uses the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment to fight the corrupt arms dealer Destro and the growing threat of the mysterious Cobra organization to prevent them from plunging the world into chaos.” Although the term "G.I.Joe" was a generic term given to the general infantrymen of the United States Army during World War II, it here refers to a Hasbro-created military-themed line of action figures and toys which lasted from 1982 to 1994, and included well over 500 different figures and 250 vehicles and playsets. A series of comics were printed as part of the promotion package. With Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans.

 

Sam Chuk: Thai, Drama – 90 mins – Based on a true story, the film exposes the lives of seven teenagers who are entangled with and devastated by drug use in a small province called Sam Chuk. Their local teacher tries to teach them to cope with their problems.

 

And looking forward:

 

Aug 20 – Inglourious Basterds: US/ Germany, Action/ Adventure/ War – Quentin Tarantino's long-awaited tale of Jewish-American troops on the hunt for Nazi scalps in WWII France is unlikely to get usurped as the most bad-ass movie of 2009, thanks to the fact that, well, it's a Quentin Tarantino film. Inglourious Basterds stars Brad Pitt as Lt. Aldo Raine, leader of the titular squadron that includes Samm Levine, Eli Roth, and B.J. Novak; along with German actress and Allied agent Bridget von Hammersmark (Diane Kruger), they attempt to bring down the Nazis -- in the bloodiest way possible. Mike Myers, Cloris Leachman, and Samuel L. Jackson also star in the exploitation throwback, so look forward to a star-studded (and gore-filled) good time. Early reviews: Mixed or average: 56 out of 100.    

 

 

New website for Major Cineplex

 

Here you go:  Schedule on Major Cineplex Website or http://www.majorcineplex.com/showtimepage.php

 

It’s basically a mixture of Thai and English, and this is how you work it: The link above gets you to the “Showtime” page. On the right two-thirds of the screen you will see two lists: movies, and theaters. At the top of the list of movies, click “Select All Movie” unless you’re really only interested in one movie. On the list of theaters, click “Pattaya.” This is one of four cities in the “Zone UPC-South-East” section, which is the 7th region down, or the 3rd from the bottom. Then hit “go” either at the top or the bottom of the lists, and almost immediately you will get at the very bottom of the page a list of the movies, the cinemas (โรง) they are in, and their remaining times (เวลา) for the day. If you do this after midnight and in the early morning, you will get a blank. Times are posted later in the morning. You have no way at the moment for getting any times except for the current day, and only the remaining times.

 

The new website redesign for MovieSeer

 

Major Cineplex - Pattaya

At Villa Supermarket Center

Opposite Soi 13 on 2nd Road.

“At The Avenue!”

 

Schedule on MovieSeer  (newly redesigned; not working too well)

   [In the large form on the right side, select in the center box first

    Major Cineplex, and then Pattaya. On the next line, make

    sure “By Theater Group” is checked. Then click “Search”.]

 

SFX Cinema Pattaya Beach 

6th Floor of CentralFestivalPattayaBeach

 

Schedule on MovieSeer  (newly redesigned; not working too well)

   [In the large form on the right side, select in the center box

    SF CinemaCity, SFX Pattaya Beach. On the next line, make

    sure “By Theater Group” is checked. Then click “Search”.]

 

SF Multiplex / Cinemacity-Pattaya

At Big C

3rd Floor, Central Festival Department Store

[CentralPlaza] Pattaya 2 Road, T. Nog Prue

A. Banglamoong, Chonburi

 

Schedule on MovieSeer  (newly redesigned; not working too well)

   [In the large form on the right side, select in the center box

    SF CinemaCity, Central Pattaya. On the next line, make

    sure “By Theater Group” is checked. Then click “Search”.

    Ignore the fact that it says it’s Central Festival Pattaya Beach.

    It’s not. It’s Big C.]