Alan Phua – Google

Doesn't deserve the brickbats it gets from "critics" 91% positive google reviews is proof that the regular viewer enjoyed the movie. I'll much rather read the reviews here. Yes, sure its not your Marvel of DC comics action film, but it does a very fine job at being entertaining not just for kids but for adults. Its almost like watching a Marvel action film, with a Christmas theme to it. Action sequences were entertaining, pockets of funny plots and quips and overall i think its well executed. I left the cinema feeling that it was 2 hours well spent. Just take off the critical hats, enjoy the movie for what it is and discover the inner child inside enjoying it as would the adults. A good effort! PS : A pity about the hefty 250m price tag though - I do hope they at least breakeven and make a small profit.

Frustrating and unsatisfying ending. I'll start off by saying the acting is great and I enjoyed the various nuanced acting by the main and supporting casts. I was captivated by the raw brutality of the first Platform so when I saw that Platform 2 was due for release, I jumped in right away to watch. The film started off well with a good development and the twist that this is in fact a prequel. I liked the movie as being an analogy to religious extremism and a social commentary on cults or organisations that take extreme paths to maintain control over their flock. Running parralel to themes of communism vs capitalism. References to Christianity is obvious throughout the movie with the Anointed One (Daging Babi) even resembling an image we are familiar with. However from the second part onwards things just got messy. Plotholes like how the Loyalists are seemingly able to traverse the different levels with ease leaves people new to this movie baffled. For those who have watched the first, we all know that once you go down, you can't go up. But in the Platform 2, it seems the loyalists could - though in actual fact, they can't. And don't get me started on those cutscenes of kids running around in order then gradually descending into a free for all, all out brawl to get to the top.I understand its supposed to be an analogy of social order, but I felt it did not do much to advance the story nor add any value to the film other than being a "huh? What's that's about" moment in the film. The ending just got brutally messy and confusing, leaving viewers scratching their heads asking unnecessary and frustrating questions that does not really add to the enjoyment of a movie. I do get that the movie is supposed to be a subtle film with many read-between-the-lines moments but come on, this film is brutal, gory at times and lots of actions. Its hard to decipher these hidden messages under such circumstances. Overall, I still enjoyed the film but the ending - man it's just too frustrating. You'll need to watch the first part to understand the Platform 2's ending. Fun fact - Just like the first film, the main character names are actually malay words. The anointed One (Daging Babi), literally means Pork Meat. Just like how Goreng in part 1 means... Fried.

Very rarely a film comes along that grips you with the storyline and while watching you kinda have the sense that this is all happening in real life and more. No doubt it's a movie, but it is one grounded in reality albeit with some drama thrown in - but with the dark underbelly world of these crime syndicate, who is to know what's real or not and who's to say that these events never happened. This movie offers an inside peek to the inner, complex and highly organised workings of such criminal organisations. Acting is superb, the nuanced acting of the criminal headboss as well as the main characters in their gradual but obvious retreat from rebellion, to acceptance and eventually compliance to what was happening around them for the sake of survival is truly great as well. A great 2 hours spent!

Really a stellar effort. I'm usually one who does not watch series on Netflix as I do not like being tied to a show on Netflix. Intrigued by the preview of Mr. Midnight (and having some recollection reading some of his books in primary school) I gave it a shot simply based on the preview provided by Netflix. Curiosity also took over as I was initially confused if this was a Singaporean series or an Indonesian/Malaysian production. Turns out it's a Singaporean production filmed in Indonesia. Honestly, it's one of those shows you just sit back and enjoy the show - take note it's meant for pre-teens and teens so don't expect any adult level horrors or a complex script. Script is well developed in my opinion and actually benefits from a rather high production value. Ghouls and creatures are what you'll expect of a film targeted a a young audience, scary enough to make an impression but not overly done to give nightmares. I found myself chuckling at the awkward acting at the first episodes but from 2nd episode onwards it actually surprisingly got better with each episode. Visuals were vivid and imaginative, VFX were thoughtful and well implemented. Prop sets were also very well curated and done. Favorite episode was actually the second one about the haunted hotel - it was in the preview Netflix served up as well as the episode where Tyar got trapped in the cinema. Other episodes I felt got better and better as the story progressed. I personally don't find the acting bad - certain lines were awkward and cringe, but again - this is targeted for younger audiences who will relate to it better than adults. Overall one of the more memorable series I've watched on Netflix and bearing in mind that it's meant again for younger audiences, put any ideas aside, have an open mind and watch it at its own merit - it's quite a fun series to watch and enjoy without much thinking involved. Enjoyable and the twists and turns make the story interesting. Looking forward to the 2nd season!