izzy520i Reviews

Laksamana Do Re Mi (1972)

Poor Ending to the P Ramlee Legacy

[3/10 · 2 November 2012]

The story revolves around the Do Re Mi group saving a princess of a far-away land. Why that wooden princess was kidnapped in the first place, and why she needs to be saved, I don't know and don't care.

This is a poor ending to the P Ramlee legacy. Poor storyline, $exploitation, poor special effects, wooden acting especially by the 'heroine', needless violence (the eye gouging scene was unnecessary), I can go on.

To those who want to see P Ramlee at his comedic best are advised to steer clear away from this film. It is not fitting that this serves as the book-end to the great P Ramlee legacy.

Ali Baba Bujang Lapok (1961)

Ali Baba & 40 Thieves Tale Given the P Ramlee Magic Touch

[9/10 · 4 September 2010]

In my opinion the best of the Bujang Lapok Series. P Ramlee in the uncommon role playing the villain; Aziz Sattar as the simple and slightly dimwitted Ali Baba, and S Samsuddin in probably one of his best roles, playing the miser brother of Ali Baba, Kassim Baba, and clearly steals most scenes with his miserly presence.

The vision P Ramlee had in extending a should-be short story into a film is something to be proud of. The cast are natural and clearly having fun, and you can see the closeness the cast were amongst themselves. The ad-lib just gives the film that extra touch.

The scene of Kassim Baba stealing every single item in the cave, including the light bulb will remain one of the most memorable highlights in the Malay comedy film moments. The way in which P Ramlee relates to everyday life is brilliant- for example the thieves have a union to ensure that they do not act out of line amongst the other thieves!!

This film also marked the debut of the then 18 year old Sarimah.

Ibu mertuaku (1962)

P Ramlee's Citizen Kane

[8/10 · 4 September 2010]

Arguably P Ramlee's best effort amongst all his films. Ibu Mertuaku (My Mother-in-law) in summary is the story of Kassim Selamat, a talented musician, who falls in love with Sabariah. Life however does not go smoothly and Kassim's mother-in-law Nyonya Mansor opposes the relationship, and has no respect for the musician, due to his background and occupation and forces Sabariah to go for Nyonya Mansor's preferred companion, the MD Dr Ismadi. Kassim's grief causes him to go blind, and what follows next is a story of more grief for Kassim.

P Ramlee is as usual brilliant, Sarimah has really matured with a few films under her nose, and Mak Dara does a good job of playing the hated Nyonya Mansor.

The Thin Red Line (1998)

Movie Saved Only By The Excellent Acting Performances

[5/10 · 30 April 2007]

I saw this film in 2000 and remember finding it confusing. As I had watched it in 10/15 minute snippets, I attributed this to be the primary reason and promised myself to watch it again in one go, to have a more fairer impression. Although the film was considered commercially a box-office failure, it divided critics and moviegoers into a hate-it-or-love-it situation, and until today remains so.

I eventually had the chance to see this all in one go last night, and the end conclusion was that the film was not only confusing, it was also overlong and had no particular direction.

My feeling is that the Director could have taken it in a better direction, especially with the Capt Staros demotion and the death of Pvt Witt. The demotion could have had more repercussions, especially onto Lt Col Tall, as from the Capts, troops, and moviegoers opinion, the disobey of orders was the right decision. Witt's death was a testament of his own personal battle and his eventual escape from the horrors of war, and his ultimate sacrifice for his troops, and should therefore have been better handled, if not been made the ending of the film itself.

The confusing and numerous narrations also deserves question, as we all know the proverb 'too many cooks spoil the broth'.

What ultimately saved the film for me were the excellent performances of the actors, in spite of the sometimes short appearances. I wish I had seen this film properly those last few years back, as I would have noticed Caviezel earlier than the 'snuff film' Passion of the Christ.

Battle of the Planets (1978–1980)

Nostalgia Is Sometimes Best Left As Memories

[7/10 · 19 April 2007]

Brings back nostalgia. I remember when I was a little boy and couldn't wait to get back from afternoon school to see my favourite cartoon- Battle of the Planets. I remember after watching it I would use my towel as a cape and put on a toy helmet, and for the next few hours, I was in my own little world saving the planet from evil forces (mostly as Jason, my favourite G-Force). I also remember vividly being disappointed as to why I still couldn't transmute into Jason even after performing the Transmute process to perfection time and time again.

I also recall back then that I found it strange that 7-Zark-7 always told the story from his base, something that was never done in other cartoons. I even found it stranger that whenever 7-Zark-7 had physical contact with G-Force, Mark, Princess et al always seem to be very wooden and out of proportion. Nowadays of course, we all know the reason for this as they were in fact 2 separate cartoons with 7-Zark-7 only acting as a filler due to the many cuts from the original Gatchaman.

Back to the real world though and a few years back, I was very happy to find that BOTP was released on DVD (at quite a high price I must add), of which I bought both seasons 1 & 2, hoping to relive back my childhood days. It was however a case of Must-Watch-Because-Buy syndrome. Whilst the first few episodes were good such as Attack of the Space Terrapin, and whilst the Phoenix transformation was (still) cool, in summary BOTP has unfortunately aged with time. And I only realized how the 7-Zark-7 scenes disturbed the flow of the show- G-Force was busy saving the world, and what is Zark busy with? - How to get into bed with Susan.

Since buying those BOTP DVDs I have also since purchased Gatchaman, and whilst it has aged (as with BOTP), it is IMO a much better prospect than Battle of the Planets with a more stronger storyline.

So in conclusion, if there are any middle-aged people out there wanting to relive their youth and watch what was arguably the best programme during their childhood days, I would recommend watching a few episodes of BOTP to get your adrenaline going and relive fond memories, but don't overdo it, and then proceed to watching the original Gatchaman.

P.S. Even after 20 years of not watching BoTP, I still found that I had the same excitement and lust I had for Princess whenever she was on-screen.

Madu Tiga (1964)

Polygamy With A Twist- the Father-In-Law Supports You!!!

[9/10 · 17 March 2007]

Trivia fans will notice that this movie is different from previous P Ramlee movies whereby apart from Ahmad Nisfu, it does not have his usual supporting actors. Instead P Ramlee carries the movie by himself and successfully does so, proving the (then) critics wrong that it was his supporting actors that were responsible for his comedies being very successful, and not himself.

In a quick summary, the film revolves around Jamil bin Abu (P Ramlee) juggling his everyday life to accommodate his new conquest of having a second wife (and eventually a third!!!), without each wife knowing the real truth of the polygamy situation. Unsurprisingly, the climax involves all 3 wives going after Jamil after having discovered that they were not the only women in his life. I won't spoil the readers as to who eventually gets Jamil, although presumably, if you're reading this, you would have already known anyway.

As correctly noted by several IMDb members, the storyline is theoretically impossible. IMO however this is what makes this film a success. Whereas other previous P Ramlee comedies relies heavily on slapstick or comedic elements from the actors themselves, Madu Tiga's success is based on having a very strong (although unlikely) storyline. The actors/ actresses play their roles seriously and do not resort to slapstick, making the formula very successful. The storyline is based on an unlikely situation, and this is even made better (and thus even more unlikely) with the twist of having a father-in-law taking your side and not the daughter's!! Special mention should go to Ahmad Nisfu (as always) who plays Jamil's father-in-law, Haji Latiff. Married men can only dream of the scenario of having Haji Latiff as their father-in-law. Note the Company's Name- {{Haji Latiff & Menantu}} (menantu translated is son-in-law)- this fact tells all of where his allegiance lies. Jah Haji Mahadi also does an excellent performance as Latifah, the long-suffering first wife of 12 years, as does M Rafee as P Ramlee's dependable assistant. The scene where Rafee does not waste any time with small-talk when proposing Jamil's third wife-to-be is just pure classic!

I also agree with the the IMDb submitter Mad_Janssen that Zera Agus's overacting performance was weak. It unfortunately was the slight weak point of the film, as I found it hard to understand how Jamil would be attracted to her in the first place.

All in all another P Ramlee classic!

Nasib Si Labu Labi (1963)

Good Continuation to Labu & Labi

[8/10 · 18 January 2007]

Nasib Si Labu Labi is the continuation to the other popular film (in the Malay speaking region anyway) Labu & Labi. The film's general theme is the passing away of Haji Bakhil's wife. For those not in the know, this is the heroes' Labu & Labi's boss, lord-and-master, and also father to (secret) love of their lives.

The film is basically sub-divided into two parts. The first part concentrates on the story of the feuding of Labu & Labi after discovering that they have been lusting for none other than the same woman in Manisah, daughter of Haji Bakhil. The feud culminates in the boxing scene between Labu & Labi. Surprisingly they make up after the boxing scene and do not lust after Manisah anymore.

The second part of the film focuses on the now-widower Haji Bakhil undergoing a (all-too common) mid-life crisis and falling in love with a teacher from the local orphan school, Cikgu (i.e. Teacher) Murni.

As with Labu & Labi in the Nightclub modelling scene, the film could have been made shorter by about 15-20 minutes without the unnecessary modelling sketch (again??), but apart from that this is pure P Ramlee comedy.

Mohd Zain again illustrates (as he did in Labu & Labi) the great chemistry with P Ramlee with his over the top style and voice, to counteract P Ramlee's more relaxed nature. The film also would not succeed without Udo Omar's Haji Bakhil, who magically transforms from sad widower losing his wife, to a man (wearing shorts even!) with a new lease of life.

Brilliant cameos from the Bujang Lapok gang of S Shamsuddin and Aziz Sattar, plus the unforgettable scene with Cikgu Murni's father (in Labu's own words) 'Pak Haji Kementot', played by the excellent Ibrahim Pendek. How often have we been in that situation where the elderly just babble on and on without giving us a chance to speak, and out of respect, we have to just remain quiet? A good continuation to Labu & Labi, and a good ending to the Labu & Labi series.

Pendekar Bujang Lapok (1959)

P Ramlee Comedy Masterpiece Which Still Stands the Test of Time

[8/10 · 31 December 2006]

Out of all the P Ramlee comedy series (Do Re Mi, Bujang Lapok, Labu Labi), the Bujang Lapok series is probably considered the best with the Legend P Ramlee being paired against two talented actors in the Ad-Lib genre in S Shamsuddin and Aziz Satar.

Pendekar Bujang Lapok is also arguably the best of the Bujang Lapok series in terms of a comedy with a proper story-line (In my opinion, Bujang Lapok was an excellent drama story with comedy elements being thrown in very sensibly and appropriately, Ali Baba Bujang Lapok on a similar level with Pendekar and can be argued which of the two was better, whereas Seniman Bujang Lapok was more melodramatic and taught us all lessons in life, although it has to be said had the best sketches within all the films put together in the acting auditions sketch).

Pendekar Bujang Lapok in a quick summary is where the bachelor trio are on a mission to learn the art of 'penchak silat' (traditional art of fighting) from Pendekar Mustar of Kampong Pinang Sebatang, after having seen (or at least seen the after-effects) of his talent at a local jetty. What follows within the film are the antics of the trio which include them learning how to read and write, after it was revealed that they were illiterate, and also the infamous 'godaan' scenes where they had to endure scary moments as part of their training. As with all P Ramlee films, there is also included the part of them going after a woman, in this case Cikgu Rose played by the very beautiful Allayarhamah Roseyatimah. No prizes for guessing who gets her in the end! All in all, an excellent film, and the fact that the film was made in 1959 and still stands today justifiably shows the quality of the film and the tremendous talent of P Ramlee.

'Hai Mambang Tanah' 'Godaan!!!'

Dark Water (2002)

Hollywood Version Better

[5/10 · 22 December 2006]

In one of the rare occurrences of the Asian/Foreign --> Hollywood remakes (e.g. The Ring, Grudge, Sommersby), I thought the Hollywood version was actually much better.

The storyline was acceptable, although the need for scaring audiences every few minutes has become something of a cliché and the 'scare your heart out' music is sometimes unnecessary.

The characters however lacked depth, and with this I could not seem to feel any pity for the Yoshimi (the mom) and Ikuko (the daughter). Walter Salles in the remake managed to take the framework of the story and add more depth to the characters, even the minor ones such as the building caretaker, the estate agent and the lawyer.

There were also some unanswered questions, such as the reasons why Mitsuko was abandoned. Again this subject was more covered by Salles' remake.

My advice is to watch the remake version first, so you get a better understanding of the original. However be prepared to be scared in typical 'Asian Movie' style!

Labu dan Labi (1962)

90 minutes of a classic comedy which doesn't take itself seriously

[8/10 · 21 December 2006]

Trivia fans will note that this film (along with Nasib Labu Labi) was actually made to support P Ramlee's bigger Ibu Mertuaku project, made approximately during the same period. With that fact known, this film is actually much better than it actually is (and it's very good in the first place).

P Ramlee and Mohd Zain are Labu & Labi who are 2 servants working for the rich but stingy Haji Bakhil. Their life is basically hell, with Haji Bakhil showing no respect for them, being shouted at constantly, being made to sleep in the outside balcony, and eating scraps. We later learn the main reason for them still in their menial jobs is because of their undying love for Haji Bakhil's daughter Manisah (played slightly woodenly by Mariani, coincidentally P Ramlee's sister-in-law). Both Labu and Labi though do not realize that they are in love with the same person. Not surprisingly Manisah also does not realize that her father's servants are madly in love with her.

What follows is thus the day-dreaming (or more appropriately night-dreaming) of the 2 servants in various sketches where they are the main characters chasing after the heroine Manisah and includes Western, Tarzan, Cabaret sketches. Unsurprisingly Haji Bakhil plays unimportant and low-down roles in their day-dreams, being shouted at by the 2 day-dreamers.

Whilst the film may be about 20 minutes overlong with the unnecessary Modelling part within the Cabaret sketch, it is pure P Ramlee comedy and probably ranks in the top 5 of his comedy films. The chemistry between P Ramlee and Mohd Zain is good with Mohd Zain taking full opportunity of the seldom big roles given to him. Mohd Zain complements P Ramlee perfectly, and I'm surprised he was not given more primary roles. What probably sets it on a different scale is the obvious fact that the film doesn't really take itself seriously. I've probably seen this film a hundred times and can still manage to laugh at their antics.

'Tok Ketampiii!!!!!'

Dark Water (2005)

Don't Expect A Horror And You Will Not Be Disappointed

[7/10 · 21 December 2006]

My VERY first post on a film watched last night so be gentle.

Thankfully, I have not seen the original version, which I will do after seeing this film last night. With that in mind, I watched Dark Water with an open mind and have to say was not disappointed.

It shouldn't be viewed as a horror story, instead should be viewed as a drama with a slight twist of horror included. Sure some questions will be raised, such as how anyone can be brave enough to go into someone else's apartment, but with that aside, the actors and actresses do a decent job of holding the film together. Connely was at her fragile best. Ariel Gade played her character without the usual overacting child actors/actresses tend to do nowadays to get noticed. Reilly, Roth and Scott also were commendable.

Somehow this film reminded me of The Village, which if you neglect all the trailers and critic's comments becomes a beautiful story of innocence instead of the hype that it is a horror story in the Shayamalam (sp?) tradition.