You don't need to watch the first two films to understand the film (For I myself did watch these two but it faded in my memory like dust). They reset the movie to a new character, a new era, and a new direction. The filmmakers sought to bring a gritty, added realism into the film which the first two lacks (its a satire spoof, come on). What they bring us is a story of a troubled father on the verge of divorce and he was given the chance to prove himself as he became the new Cicakman.
**SPOILER ALERT** Click to read more...at your own willingness to be spoiled!
One dark and stormy evening, Silvy decided to embark on a harrowing annoyed trip to e@Curve for a movie premier. The journey was as slow as a tortoise, filled with a multitude of curses and dark, stormy skies. But fortunately for her she had arrived to the destination with some extra time to spare (phew!). As to why it was an annoyed trip, well. Flash floods everywhere caused traffic to be practically on standstill almost everywhere on that day.
Okay so lame introduction aside, I was invited to attend a KRU Production movie premier: Dendam Orang M4ti. Sounds scary, doesn't it? To be frightfully honest, I don't think it is a scary movie per say, but more of a case of psychological instability. But let me take things slow before I take a step further :)
Before attending the movie premier, I had decided to run a quick search on the synopsis of this movie. This was what I discovered:
Produced by KRU Studios, this psycho thriller follows the story of Lena, who awakens from a coma with a shakey memory and various unanswered questions. Movie Release Date: 23 October 2014 Language: Malay Subtitle: Chinese / English Genre: Thriller Running Time: 81 minutes Director: Jason Chong Main Cast: Lisa Surihani, Fizz Fairuz, Miera Leyana
*****
For the heck of it, here's the movie ticket =P
Malaysian sweetheart, Lisa Surihan i, being interviewed after the movie
Press Conference in session
Fizz sharing his filming experience with the audience
The celebs, along with the row of 'zombies' for the night. Those zombies gave me a shock of my life when they started slithering in the movie hall during the movie and touched my arm. I think I both startled and amused the crowd with my ear-splitting scream LOL.
Okay, so that sounds pretty vague with a lot of possibilities of what's about to happen...right? Promising, but not so much for me. I'm not exactly the greatest fan when it comes to horror/thriller movies so for this movie review, I brought a friend along. Movie review will be done by him and not me (seeing that I kept my eyes closed ALMOST throughout the entire movie) but you'll see some of my comments interjecting his review in blue :) P/S: Friend's also into filming so his review is pretty much on the technical side.
What happens when a frog dislikes water and definitely doesn't enjoy jumping about in the forest? You get one heck of a confused amphibian with an identity crisis!
You guessed it right, I'm talking about the one and only "Ribbit".
A few nights ago, I was invited to attend the movie premier for this local animation at TGV One Utama. Needless to say the air was filled with excitement as Mr. Norman Abd Halim, the Executive Producer and the director of Ribbit, Mr. Chuck Powers arrived.
Mr.Norman (left) giving a speech as Mr Chuck Powers (right) looks on
We were not only introduced to the main voice actor of the movie, but also to several other casts that night including the adorable trio, The Glam Girls. Not only that, the audience was serenaded with the main song from "Ribbit" titled "Dikau Saja" which was sung by a local group called Forteen. Interestingly enough, this Malay song is actually an adaptation from the original hit "Magical Moment" sung by Jaclyn Victor and Az Yet. Both songs sounded really good, that I can tell you for sure! :D
Pop sensation Forteen serenaded the crowd with "Dikau Saja"
A little background about "Ribbit" was shared with us that nigh by Mr. Norman and Mr. Chuck. Here's a brief snippet of how "Ribbit" had surfaced from the animation world of wonders.
Ta-daaaaaaaaaahh~!!!
Directed and written by Chuck Powers, "Ribbit" features well-known voice talents such as Sean Astin (from Lord of the Rings), Tim Curry (from The Hunt for Red October), Russel Peters (oh c'mon, don't tell me you don't know who that is!) and Cherami Leigh (from Fast Food Nation), and was recorded in LA, California. Now here's an interesting tidbit we had gleaned that night: The development and post-production works was entirely completed in Cyberjaya (Malaysia), while the animation production took place in Cyberjaya (Malaysia) and Mumbai (India). [Score for the Malaysian team woo-hoo! :D ]. Most of the rendering work was done in Hong Kong, making this movie a truly global project (it travels everywhere to be done whoa!) which is fitting for a story set against the backdrop of the Amazon forest (will get to you about that later!).
According to Mr.Norman, "Ribbit"" has been pre-sold to more than 80 countries worldwide (think UK, Australia, Japan, China South Korea...etc). Of course, since we're already at this premier, you'll know for a fact that the movie will definitely be coming to you real soon in a cinema near you!
Course, what is an animation if we don't have dual language to choose from? Hahaha! Ribbit will have its own Bahasa Melayu adaptation that's directed by none other than Mamat Khalid! Not to forget the long array of talented voice actors such as Johan Raja Lawak, Elfira Loy, Awie, Datuk Aznil Hj Nawawi, Izzue Islan, AR Badul, Sharifah Sakinah, and so much more. Jam packed with a variety of talents, you'll love the swirl of local slangs and slurs infused in this movie.
Ooooh, let's not forget the awesome songs cause let's face it: what's a movie without a splendid soundtrack am I right?
This film features two soundtracks namely "Destiny" and "Magical Moment".
"Destiny" - DJ Motiv8 Feat. Supreme i-Self and Felice LaZae (Official MTV)
Bragging rights: The MTV for Destiny was shot in LA. The post-production (CGI and animation) was completed entirely in Malaysia.
Magical Moment: Jaclyn Victor & Az Yet
Bragging rights: Magical Moment was sung to life by none other than Jaclyn Victor with the famous R&B group, Az Yet.
Bonus: It was love at first sight for Jaclyn and Shawn Rivera (member of Az Yet and lyricist for Magical Moment) and (jeng jeng jeng) they just tied the love knot last month!! :D :D :D Talk about a Happily Ever After ending for these two lovebirds x3
Ribbit Official Trailer (BM Version)
Ribbit (Official Trailer) English Version
Movie Synopsis:
Ribbit tells the tale of a frog named "Ribbit" with an identity crisis. Unlike other frogs, Ribbit hates hopping and has a strong aversion to water (and flies, apparently). Feeling like a misfit, he began questioning his true destiny. Thus began a soul-searching adventure with his best friend, a flying squirrel with some flying issues, to find his rightful place in Life. Watch the story unfold as the poor misguided frog falls into one crisis after another...before discovering the true purpose of his life.
Caught your attention yet?
Ribbit will be out in the cinemas on 4th September 2014 onwards. And guess what? It will also be in 3D! So grab some popcorns and make your way to the big screen near you with family for a Family Movie Night outing :D
