| |
RATING:   
SINGAPORE : Based on the movie title, Jack Neo's latest movie "Being Human" stands out as a possible socio-political movie preaching the moral dilemmas that mankind face.
Unfortunately, it isn't what the film is about and after 105 minutes in the cinema, it leaves a feeling of emptiness in your heart.
Neo returns with his annual film - albeit a little late this year- "Being Human" and surprisingly, he deviates from the latest social topics and opts for an outdated one – the slimming industry.
In "Being Human", he dwells on the rivalries and the unethical practices engaged by those in the industry (do not expect a Michael Moore-inspired documentary though) and how karma works it wonders.
Mark Lee plays the film's protagonist Mai Wei, an unscrupulous slimming centre employee who is hell bent on revenge against his previous company for dismissing him. He goes on to set up a rival company and resorts to devious means to draw customers.
However, what goes around comes around as his child-loving wife Zoe (Yeo Yann Yann) laments about their inability to conceive and wonders if it's got anything to do with her husband's dishonest business dealings.
His fraudulent business tactics also cause harm to the innocent Yao Yao (Tay Yin Yin) whose health takes a drastic turn after heeding Mai's advice.
Sounds like the Slim 10 saga that dogged the nation back in 2002, you say? Well, I thought so too.
Based on the double Mandarin interpretation of the movie's title - it can mean procreation or character development - Neo decided to include these two elements in the film to bring across a message - you reap what you sow.
It is a noble attempt but unfortunately, the message was lost somewhere in between the patchy storyline which lacked depth and the bland dialogue.
The movie becomes predictable and leaves little to the imagination, and it is obvious that the director's tried-and-tested storytelling formula is in danger of over repetition.
Neo's trademark political digs were also strangely missing. Apart from a reference to our Minister Mentor and a sarcastic remark about a certain venerable monk’s organisation, it appeared as if the filmmaker had gotten weary of taking jibes at the government.
Though predictable, movie goers can expect a couple of twists to the plot which, in my opinion, were totally unnecessary.
Acting wise, Lee and Yeo had great chemistry as a married couple but once again, the storyline gave them little room to stretch their acting skills.
The guest appearance of Taiwanese comedian No No was a letdown. It was a pity that the funnyman's talent was wasted on a script that only required him to pull off funny faces and silly antics repeatedly.
Getai singer Wang Lei deserves special mention for his portrayal as a down-to-earth father-figure, a far cry from the usual wacky characters he plays.
J-Team regulars, the hefty Tay Yin Yin, and newcomer Jeremy Chan make up the supporting cast and expect guest appearances by Ng Hui, Brandon Wong and Mei Xin.
"Being Human" is a typical Jack Neo movie that we have come to expect over the years. The slapstick humour and the colourful dialects draw the occasional laugh but they do not leave you in stitches. Slapstick gags like Chan's saliva spraying provide some hilarious moments at the beginning but become a mild irritation towards the end.
And despite the attempt to touch on the topic of morality, "Being Human" falls short of becoming one of those inspirational movies that will make a difference in one's life.
Instead, it is more likely to remind movie-goers of the 'uniquely Singapore' traits rather than the importance of becoming a better human being. - CNA
|
