Not dancing with the stars, although the performances are star-worthy. Good story, with several layers underneath all the disco dancing, which is very good. Singapore store clerk trying to win a local dance contest that will give him enough money to buy the motorbike of his longtime dreams. His family life is falling apart, and he attracts the attention of a dance rival, who'll stop at nothing to win the contest. This is not a new story, but the cultural differences and the Singapore location are enough to make it feel fresher. There's even a bit of a shout-out to Bollywood in the form of a dance instructor. If you like disco, or any kind of dance music, and 'Saturday Night Fever' has a special place in your heart, you will love this movie.

It's hard to believe that its been almost ten years since this movie came out. I fondly remember watching it in the theaters in Singapore with my sister, and what an experience that was: That's the Way I Like It (as it is also known) was one of the few movies so far to elicit loud laughs and cheers there, and subsequently get picked up for international distribution. A great feat for a film industry that is still quite young! I'm hoping that a ten year anniversary DVD with special features is on the horizon. Despite being a "foreign film", Forever Fever is remarkably accessible to audiences of every type. (Even though I grew up in Singapore, I write this now from my current home of New York City). Sure, a knowledge of regional slang and mannerisms make up a good part of the pleasure of watching this film -- it's unique cultural slant ensured that it was a hit among Singaporean audiences. But the broad quality of Forever Fever (and the mark of good, entertaining film-making) is it's ability to resonate emotionally with audiences of all different cultures, and in different time periods. By setting his film during the peak of disco fever, director Glen Goei establishes a common focal point for the international market. In turn, although most viewers will not be accustomed to Singapore of the 1970's and all it's Asian nuances, the story of lead character Hock (Adrian Pang) and friends translates excellently, even through the occasional Singlish or Hokkien. Particular praise to the team as well for tastefully (and somewhat daringly) incorporating the story of Hock's brother Leslie.On that subject of 'translation', I will say that the distributor could've done a better job with the subtitles in this particular DVD release. When Hock's grandmother gets her line in (and a punchline, to boot), we are only offered a maddening "Speaking Chinese" to explain. This also happens during certain easily translatable Singlish phrases; either that, or it doesn't quite hit the mark (for instance, "shiok" means 'good', not 'sure'). I am also glad that they dropped the idea of re-dubbing the actor's voices as Americans. This is demonstrated in the international trailer on the disc, and it would've paradoxically undermined the international appeal and uniqueness of the movie.Put that minor point aside, though. You won't be disappointed with this DVD, and it is all the more reason to call for a jam-packed re-release, too. Forever Fever is a benchmark of Singaporean cinema and a highly enjoyable film. Glen Goei comments on love, dance, family, and Asian values through the prism of disco's import into Singapore and the universally relevant stories of his endearing characters -- consequently, he and his team have created a film that charmingly exports a nostalgic slice of the country's past and ubiquitous ideals to the world.

"That's the Way I Like It" is a flick which would never work on paper but manages to be thoroughly enjoyable on the silver screen. It's all about Hock (Pang), a Singapore store clerk who wants no more than to kick butt like Bruce Lee and own a motorcycle but meets a disco dancing hottie who convinces him there are better things to get into than motorbikes. Always fun, upbeat, and good natured, this little English language flick out of Singapore is a kind of "Enter the Dragon" meets "Saturday Night Fever" meets "All in the Family" colorful comedy drenched in nostalgic hit disco tunes. Fun stuff especially for anyone who has ever done the Hustle. (B)

"That's the Way I Like it" or "Forever Fever" is a movie that makes me smile. It plays a lot like Saturday Night Fever, the music, the disco dance competition, and the hero changes dance partners along the way. But it isn't a parody of the movie just based in Singapore, instead I think it's just paying homage to the great film. This is really a feel good movie that makes you laugh, want to dance, and smile throughout ... except for this really moving and well acted scene with Hock's brother Leslie and his father. By the end you will be glad you saw a movie that made you smile... and find yourself saying, "Thats the way I like it." This movie is a simple story, that ask you to , 'Don't think ... feeeeeel' "Enter the Dragon. 1974"