(Premiered Feb 2)
In the unofficial competition taking place between human versus animal actors, this epic adventure scores for our fine-hooved friends. Set in the midst of World War I, a horse named Joey and his trainer Albert (Jeremy Irvine) are forcefully parted. As a result, the mane man gallops through the war, nuzzling his way into the hearts of everyone he meets. From the British cavalry to German soldiers, there's no horsing around when it comes to the sentimentality of this movie. With gorgeous cinematography adding to the beautiful tale, this is a moving and heartwarming cinematic ride. Directed by Steven Spielberg.
JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND
(Premiered Feb 2)
The follow-up to Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008), this imaginative tale provides escapism. However, viewers who learned how to eat solid food long ago won't be able to escape the subpar story. Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) and his stepfather Hank (Dwayne Johnson) venture to a mysterious island after intercepting a coded distress call. The island is filled with magical and mythical things, and while this lends itself to dazzling visual effects, the story speeds along without substance. Kids will be entertained, but adults may be left with the mystery of how such a shallow movie came to be. Also starring Michael Caine. Directed by Brad Peyton.
MAN ON A LEDGE
(Premiered Feb 2)
If you were expecting a drama about a man on a pavement, in the middle of the road or on top of a train, you're in for disappointment. There's no false advertising here - it really is about a man on a ledge. So how exciting can it be to watch someone standing on a high-rise building? Err, well, it has its lofty moments, but ultimately becomes more convoluted than its straightforward title. Sam Worthington plays an ex-cop and wanted fugitive who takes a (literal) stand to prove his innocence after being wrongfully convicted of a crime. Some stunts are cool, but the cliched plot falls flatter than someone jumping off a ledge. Directed by Asger Leth.
THE LADY
(Premiered Feb 2)
While much of Aung San Suu Kyi's real-life drama has inspired, shocked and evoked the sympathies of the world, this attempt to honour the living legend doesn't achieve the star status of its leading lady. Although the biopic has its poignant moments, director Luc Besson attempts to cram in too many details, from Suu Kyi's volatile political career to the effect it has on her bittersweet personal life. While Michelle Yeoh offers a wonderful and sophisticated performance as the pro-democracy icon, the two-plus-hours of footage seems more worthy of a documentary than an emotionally-moving watch.
AN ORDINARY LOVE STORY (RAK)
(Premiered Feb 2)
Focusing on the love stories between four couples, this Thai romantic comedy may be heartwarming to fans of this genre. Sure, rom-coms often are cliched and contrived, but that doesn't mean that they can't inspire and/or make single people feel horrible. The movie centres on a wedding where various tales of romance ensue, ranging from light-hearted to dramatic. The interesting cast, including rock singer Billy Ogan and model Sonia Couling, add some diversity. You probably won't walk away discovering the meaning of love, but this could keep you entertained. Directed by Chatchawan Siwabumrungchai.
RAK LEAW FEAW (LOVE IS)
(Premiered Feb 2)
Isn't it fun when people who seem to have it all crash and burn? No? OK then, maybe we're just bitter. But that doesn't mean watching someone cry boo-hoo about his problems makes for a good movie either. This trite story centres on Korn (Louis Scott), who apparently has a more complex life than his highly-educated, wealthy, good-looking self indicates. Instead of throwing money at his issues, he ventures out to various rural towns to clear his mind. There are some funny moments, but it overshadows the superficial and simplistic plot. Also starring Joni Anwar. Directed by Pongsakorn Jareunrat.
LEGEND OF A RABBIT
(Premiered Feb 2)
If you've seen Kung Fu Panda, just replace the furry black-and-white bear with a rabbit and you've basically got this whole animation figured out. It also doesn't help that this movie's title is also known as Kung Fu Rabbit. Despite being China's first 3D animation film, this may not score any marks given its shameless similarities to the ass-kicking panda. The plot is the same - set in ancient China, a fat rabbit is trained by a kung fu master to use his cool moves to uphold peace and justice. Pandas are way cuter than rabbits anyway, so save yourself the trouble of watching this. Directed by Sun Lijun. Limited release at Apex, Siam Square.
UP IN THE AIR
Pattaya Rooftop Film Festival, Sunset Lounge @ dusitD2 baraquda pattaya, Feb 3-Mar 30
Touted as Southeast Asia's first rooftop film festival, this honours 150 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Germany. In collaboration with the Goethe-Institut and the Embassy of Germany, renowned German films will be screened during the nine-week event. Highlights include Good Bye Lenin! (Fri, Feb 3) a must-see tragicomedy about how a devoted son attempts to restore his ailing mother back to health in the midst of the Cold War. Run Lola Run (Fri, Mar 16) is a thriller about a woman who needs to come up with some cash to save her boyfriend's life. Screenings take place every Friday night. Search "dusitD2 baraquda pattaya" for their Facebook page, or see contact to get more info.
V Every Fri. Sunset Lounge, dusitD2 baraquda pattaya, 485/1 Moo 10, Pattaya 2 Road, Chon Buri.
C 038-769-999, d2pa@dusit.com.
P Free admission. Red carpet package B900 per person (all-you-can-eat canapes and free-flow selected beverages; available from 6-8pm). Blue carpet package B400 per person.
