| Written by Kor Shu Yen,
on Tuesday, 29 July 2008
|
Published in : Culture, Flicks |
Ten years after Money No Enough, Jack Neo and his team return with Money No Enough 2.
The
spotlight once again falls on the lives of the everyman in Singapore
while poking fun at our uniquely Singaporean mentality and our
government policies. At the same time, the movie hits home on common
predicaments faced by families while addressing our eroding virtues.
Along with computer graphics (abeit tackily done), the movie presents
snippets of local life in outrageously hilarious scenarios envisioned
by Jack Neo, before reality seeps right back in. Why? Because
Singaporeans are essentially only capable of complaining but yet afraid
to challenge the status quo and face the consequences.
Jack Neo, Henry Thia and Mark Lee are cast as brothers, effectively
representing the low, middle and high income groups in Singapore with
their varying income levels. In turn, they reflect just how varied
their mentalities and attitudes towards money can be.
Yet they all share a common trait: the belief that money is never enough.
In fact, this even extends to making the film itself. Of note were the shamelessly numerous product placements peppered throughout the movie. Ironically,
this kills two birds with one stone: getting funding from sponsors,
while making the very telling statement that money is indeed not enough
when it comes to making films in Singapore.
THREE MEN, ONE VOID DECK, AND NO MONEY. SOB.
Money No Enough 2 focuses as much, if not more screen time on
families, sending us a strong reminder to check our bearings on the
moral compass. True colours surface in crises, and the film's strong
underlying message is that money is not everything. One's true wealth
is in having the company of his loved ones - a perfectly contrasting
rebuttal to the government's ceaseless push for economic advancement.
The surprisingly poignant plot also brings out what could arguably be
the best performances (though methodical) by Henry Thia and Mark Lee to
date. Jack's turn as the rich, vain, calculative, risk-taking second
brother, in contrast, felt disconnected and gratuitous, intentional or
otherwise.
As the eldest brother, Henry brings out a realistic performance as
an endearing, yet gullible and filial pushover. The on-screen chemistry
between him and reel wife Lin Ru Ping was heartwarming and sincere.
Mark's selfish, irresponsible, hot-tempered and loose-tongued youngest
brother's repentance for his wife's forgiveness on his past mistakes
was moving, even if a tad conveniently scripted.
Additionally, Lai Ming's brilliant turn as the mother to the three
brothers was bittersweet and heart wrenching. Victim of the Alzheimer's
disease, with her ever-worsening condition, her character's readiness
to shower unconditional love despite her circumstances effortlessly
tugged at heartstrings and served as a touching tribute to all mothers.
My only disappointment was perhaps a lack of stronger resolution
and call for action. The sense of optimism was so briefly preached by
the most improbable and maybe inappropriate of characters. The message
of sufficiency and thanksgiving was almost mistaken as resignation to
fate.
There are even unmistakable hints of gahmen-style preaching.
Still, Money No Enough 2 is undoubtedly a must-see for all
in this season as we celebrate the nation's 43rd birthday. It will
bring the much needed prescription of laughter and perhaps some tears.
Don't forget to also look out for the dead ringers for a certain amiable health minister and a Member of Parliament.
Money No Enough screens islandwide from Jul 31.
TEXT: KOR SHU YEN
ELSEWHERE IN THIS WEEK'S POP TUESDAY
The Voice of Travis Speaks
Free vs mio TV
Daughtry rocks the streets
Fishtank’s swimmingly good
Paul van Dyk drops by
THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF JUL 28-AUG 3 :: The Light Issue
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(0 vote)
too. i give a 2 popcorn:worth your money $. 
