Jack Neo's films have two signature traits: Corny jokes, and in-your-face symbolism. In films like 'I Not Stupid', 'Homerun' or 'Just Follow Law', these traits serve as powerful punchlines of a strong core message, and they end up being memorable. This was not the case in 'Ah Long Pte Ltd', which was a 'light-hearted black comedy' that turned out to be incoherent, exhausting, and ultimately forgettable.I did get a few good laughs out of the movie, but as a whole, the plot seemed exceedingly thin. I did spot a lot of strong plot points, which could have been great if the director had just elaborated on any one of them. But Jack seemed confused, shifting the focus from one point to another amidst long-drawn fight scenes and dance sequences.The acting, however, was very enjoyable, and was what prevented the movie from being terrible. 'Bad boy' Mark Lee played a very convincing 'ah gua' and Singaporean Fann Wong spoke passable Cantonese. It was also a joy to see familiar Singaporean actors like Richard Low, and veteran Malaysian actress Lai Meng. On the other hand, the primitive and tacky SFX felt out of place.Overall, the movie was entertaining, but as you watch the credits roll, you can't help but to feel unsatisfied.Things to watch: Creative use of durians. Things not to watch: The initial shock of Mark Lee as an effeminate dance school teacher. What has been seen, cannot be unseen.
... View MoreA change of scenery. Just Follow Law succinctly presented images of sterile Singapore in her most grandest splendor. Ah Long Pte Ltd (ALPL) however, is a conscious effort to honestly portray the grounds on which opposing parties with an ironic interdependence between them tread on.The back alleys of downtown KL - the rough and rugged terrain; the cold, fearsome, almost savage-like disposition of its inhabitants - all these are characteristics of the major roles depicted in this film. Yet, a pack of individuals bonded by a sense of brotherhood far surpasses all those that are gloomy. These individuals are collectively known as the Ah Long (s).Sultry Fann Wong helms up the protagonist role, aided by a group of fiercely loyal subalterns. Swept up by a reformist ardor, Fann willingly puts her own limbs on the line, only to be yielded with a series of gradually catatonic outcomes.Mark Lee conveniently enters the picture as the complementary, yet essential role. Much of the laughters effected on the viewers are the results of his deeds. Often than not though, the intentional and in-your-face faux pas could actually become a potent, continued source of irritant.Perhaps, for his future installments, Jack could further refine his ideas, and refrain from giving in too much to forceful comedic skits.My final verdict as regards ALPL: A fresh production out of Singapore; it serves its role in linking the two sides of the Causeway in more ways than one. The whitewashing attempt at humanizing the loan sharks may not sit well with certain quarters of the society. Nonetheless, this film is never meant to address the issue with a sight on a viable working solution. Rather, ALPL compels us to let loose and willingly take jibes at ourselves. Pun intended.
... View MoreJack Neo uses his leading lady from Just Follow Law (Wo Zai Zheng Fu Bu Men De Re Zhi) aka. the beautiful Fann Wong once again to helm his latest kongfu cum comedy cum underworld traid flick ... as expected from a Jack Neo's typical fare, there must be a theme for his every master piece and putting aside education, politics or whateva current national issues, he has chosen to focus on the oldest profession of the world instead... *ahem* Loan Sharks (illegal money lenders)...*might be spoilers ahead* Fann Wong, fresh out of her role from Just Follow Law (as a man trap in a pretty office executive body), has once again taken up the challenge to don on the offensive by acting as a cigar chewing, knife wielding leader of an underworld gang specializing in money lending business in Malaysia ... being a newly annointed "lady boss" (after the previous leader sudden retirement), the fiesty lady decided that violence would not be the key in recovering bad debts and thus decide engages unwilling (at first) husand aka. Mark Lee, a sissy dance instructor to contribute his hilarious but creative new ideas to change the gang policies and steer them to the "right path" ... but of course, nothing will comes easy for the mismatched couple who finds themselves in all sorts of wacky situations ...*end of plot* As with every Jack Neo's movies, each one has its goods & bads and the man tends to focus way too much on certain issues and neglect some equally important details... as much as we can never see Loan Sharks change their antics in real life, its refreshing to see how Neo attempt to make the impossible happen with a bit of fun & silliness throw in... there was even a touch of sympathy for these so-call "rogues" helming from the world of illegal money lending business ... don't criticize this movie for the sake of just putting it down... its all in the name of good fun & laughter & nothing is really to be taken too seriously, so just sit back, relax & enjoy
... View MoreThis movie has received negative comments on various reviews,therefore I didn't entertain much hope.However, from the moment the narrate sets in, I just can't stop laughing. Mark Lee was cast as a feminine aerobic instructor, heavily Johore accented, wedded Fann Wong,leader of a lone shark syndicate.It's a cliché combination, boyish female lead and girlish male. Mark, a versatile actor, whose rogue image has deeply etch in our memory, delivers a convincing estrogen raging role. Very delightful, one of his best role so far.Fann, on the other hand,with her ominous voice and stoic facial expressions give the movie a sense of balance, though could be easily duplicated.This movie induce such poor commentary mainly due to bad graphic effects. The power-point effects,which is so last century, are indeed offensive. Also, the "durian" soccer scene gives rise to a sense of Deja Vu.All in all, it's worth one's $$ and time. If you fancy a good laugh, why not?
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