It sort of feels like Malaysian action cinema isn’t getting a lot of acknowledgmemt on a broader scale…Either that, or I just need to surf the internet more often. But I hope to see some news of global distribution of a few previous films from the folks over at Skop Productions, particularly the 2011 martial arts crime thriller, KL Gangster, and its explosive 2013 prequel, KL Gangster 2.
This time, the franchise is earning more praise with last week’s theatrical native premiere of action/comedy spin-off/sequel, Abang Long Fadil, directed by Shafiq Yusof, son of producer Datuk Yusof Haslam and younger brother of franchise helmer and co-star Syamsul Yusof. Actor and comedian Zizan Rizak reprises the title role from the franchise joining a mix of new and returning cast members, including Yusof and franchise lead, actor Aaron Aziz.
The younger Yusof also applied his growing expertise in editing and designing the sound, as well as working the necessary CG graphics for certain parts of the film. And, for what it’s worth, if this is the end result, one can only ask, and then keep asking just why it is we aren’t seeing these films reach farther corners of the globe at a better pace? It looks very crisp, lively and perfectly suited for the worldwide action fanbase who can always use a good couple of hours to enjoy quality entertainment, loaded kicks, fisticuffs, laughs and pure martial arts awesomeness in any language!
I need a hug.
Watch the trailer and cross your fingers in the hopes that this one comes stateside soon enough!
SYNOPSIS:
Zizan Razak plays Abang Long Fadil, a man who constantly dreams that his life is that of a gangster. But when his best friend, Malik goes to prison, then more chaos ensues and daydreaming may not be too far off from reality.
Native New Yorker. Lover of all things pizza, chocolate, pets, and good friends. Karaoke hero. Left of center. Survivor. Fond supporter of cult, obscure and independent cinema - especially fond of Asian movies and global action cinema. Author of the bi-weekly Hit List. Founder and editor of Film Combat Syndicate. Still, very much, only human.
June 15, 2014 @ 11:41 pm
how many Yusof do we have here?
is the director the same guy who directed KL Gangster 1 and 2? the guy also starred in KL Gangster 1 as main villain.
this movie looks alright but i don't like the joke. I can understand they didn't want it to be too serious. But the over-the-top makes it feel silly.
August 2, 2014 @ 11:12 am
This movie suffers from an ailment that all Malaysian action movies suffer, erratic camera shots. Besides that, I like the CGI, looks on par as its source of inspiration, Kungfu Hustle.