Malay Movie Review

Lately, I've watched 2 Malaysian movies. Congkak and Duyung. 2 different genres but I'm going to compare them anyway.

A super brief synopsis of Congkak

A family bought a holiday house in the middle of nowhere and was disturbed by a haunted congkak board. All the females in the family was 'disturbed' by the guardian of the congkak board. Written by Pierre Andre. Directed by Ahmad Idham. Shooting location is in Perlis.






Super brief synopsis of Duyung

Jimmy was convinced that mermaids exist, made a pledge to keep his environment clean so that he can see one. His determination has won the heart of the beautiful Aspalela. Produced by KRU. Written by Azhari Zain. Directed by Assoc Prof A Razak Mohaideen. Shooting location, Pulai Sipadan, Sabah.





Storyline/Script comparison:
Congkak has a more serious storyline (duh) so it makes more sense. I prefer Congkak's storyline as compared to Jangan Pandang Belakang. However, there are parts that don't make sense. The connection between the makcik at the bus stop and the entire story. They should place the younger version of Mak Mah (the penunggu congkak) instead. Plus there are many loopholes like when the older daughter was possessed by a spirit which is not connected to the congkak spirit. Why add unnecessary details? Concentrate on the topic in hand to make the storyline stronger. Also they did not answer the question, Who is Pak Man? It's like a bad composition.
Duyung has the more comedic storyline which can irritate audiences especially when audiences do not understand the current Malaysian colloquialism. However, they have a very strong message behind the entire movie, which is being pro-Earth. Even the lead character was vegetarian.

Cast:
The cast of Congkak is super duper power. The little girl, Erynne Erynna is the Asian Dakota Fanning. If she keeps this up, she'll be in high demand in the future. She look oh-so-adorable. I'm however, a little puzzled over Riezman Khusaimi's acting. Was his character supposed to be on Prozac overdose, he had Botox overdose or he acted poorly in this movie? I've seen his work and he was a good actor. Hmm... ???
Ok, Duyung... They have great supporting actors like Abu Bakar Omar, Rosnah Mat Aris. However, Maya Karin needs a little bit more work on her facial expressions. Judging from the story, she's supposed to be friendly. Sometimes her expression looks more like her Pontianak persona. However, I would give her a standing ovation for her swimming and breathing underwater scenes. She looked so natural. Plus, she's so beautiful. Saiful Apek as the hero is so wrong that he's perfect for the role. Naturally funny, he delivered his lines as easily as breathing. She followed Daryl Hannah's Splash character a lil bit. I won't be surprised if she used Splash as her research movie. The only character that I don't understand is Awie and his nail biting, Jack Sparrow hip swaying acting. But then again.... it's Awie.

Visual Effect:
Film school might fail Congkak. The scene when the mom was floating in midair, there is big big difference in pixel and lighting. The last part whereby the congkak spirit was trapped in the huge sphere and "swollowed" in the Earth. I almost screamed "CRAP!" Oh ya, and Mak Mah's makeup was too much. They dun have to make her so deformed.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Duyung's underwater shot. It looked like those documentary. So beautiful I feel like crying.

Sound Effect:
Too much for Congkak. The suspense music was done too often that by the end of the movie, where the climax is, audiences were already desensitised. Plus it's so damn loud.
As for Duyung, certain parts of the movie which involved extra's talking crap and the lead actors are talking.... they are supposed to faint out the extra's voices. They are just as loud and the attention is divided. One thing similar though, they both have unnecessary sound effects like in Duyung, the cartoon-like kwa-kwa-kwaaaa....

I caught a blooper in Congkak... They used a resort for the house. And the unit number can be seen! Haiyo. For goodness sake, if you can't take it out, Just use a deco to cover it lah.

What can be improved:
I was expecting Nang Nak like effect.... you know... when the owners saw the house, it looked new but when another person see it, it looks old and dilapidated.
Duyung.... I would prefer if the lead character's name is not a Mat Salleh's name. What's wrong with a local name?

Overall.... valiant effort on both parties. However, after so many years, it's a wonder why they just can't make good movies?

On the same but different note (what am I saying? Hehe), Singapore's Suria dramas are getting really really good. Hey! I'm an avid CSI, House, Prison Break etc etc fan... my standards are really high and the latest brood of Suria's drama is superb.

I still miss Gol & Gincu.... when are they coming up with the next season???