Boasting some of the biggest names in local comedy including Boris Boo, Mark Lee and Chua En Lai, this “hor-medy” (horror-cum-comedy) flick produced by filmmaker Jack Neo comprises two stories—The Day Off directed by Boo and Ghost Bride by Lee, in his directorial debut. Working the crowd with the usual Singlish-, Mandarin- and Hokkien-laden slapstick humor, The Day Off revolves around two reservist officers who get punished with a few hair-raising encounters in their bid to escape the annual in-camp training; the latter chronicles the repercussions of having dealings with the underworld.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JTEAM |
While the production value did not make the mark (the effects, especially the hell scene, with fire and overflowing lava, were rather fake), several other aspects deserve brownie points, such as Chua starring as a Mandarin/Hokkien-spouting army officer—for those familiar with his previous work on the stage and screen, it was an interesting departure from his usual roles.
Then there were Lee and Henry Thia playing opposite each other as a couple—yes, you read right. I will leave it to you to guess who had the cross-dressing role, but the chemistry between the duo was amazing; the endless banter and intimate scenes were also hilarious.
The movie ended with a meaningful take-home message—if you choose to associate with the devil, be prepared to pay a hefty price.
Rating: |