FILM REVIEW: ATM (2015), And the 27th February MALAYSIAN PRESS CONFERENCE.
At a recent media screening of this film, this Reviewer was tickled pink to espy two critics debating a floating opinion. The consensus? “ATM is a heartwarming movie that everybody whose aged parents are still living should watch, that FILIAL PIETY is an everyday’s affair. It is not just about “balek kampong” for the annual REUNION DINNER, it’s more than just that. But to tag a secondary plot revolving a hunt for an ATM machine which was fradulently stolen and then clumsily lost is silly though.”How would it be possible for an ATM machine with stacks of dollar notes simply disappear without a trace with nobody even asking for the return?”
PRETTY GIRL and the SENIOR CITIZENS SHARING LIGHTER MOMENTS. There are always FUN TIMES and CAMARADERIE in the old age home. Who dare assert that friendship cannot be forged here?
RICKETY TREASURE HUNT for the long lost ATM Machine, the finding would mean a new lease of LIFE for the incumbents. Provided unreported findings of treasures can be waived.
CHA CHA CHA performed in AEROBICS by an energetic senior citizen.
Former Mob sifu brother FEI PENG falls in love with widow SISTER MUI adding a welcome respite of a blossoming old-school romance to the story.
LIFE can be daunting, but if you seek, you will find.
LOVE WILL ALWAYS BE AROUND YOU.
SMILING FACES signifying A HAPPY ENDING …
OR MAYBE NOT, as the inmates are seen packing to leave the old age home in the final phase …
At least UNCLE JIN CHENG finds closure in a loving god daughter before the entire group gets disbanded.
SYNOPSIS
Ah-Lok (Kelvin Kwan), Bo Zai (C. Kwan) and Ming Ming (Joanna Yew) have been inseparable buddies since university days. Ah-Lok harbors a dream of becoming a musician, but in reality how can anyone make a decent living busking on the streets?
Ming Ming wants to break off with Ah Lok as she cannot accept a life of insecurity, confident that he will never be able to afford a house of his own.
Having grown up in a single-parent household after her parents divorced, Ming Ming comes to equate security with money.
Despite their best efforts, all three friends remain unemployed.
As fate would have it, they become entangled in an ATM robbery.
Ah Lok, Ming Ming and Bo Zai used to believe the “no money, no talk” doctrine. To the trio, MONEY IS EVERYTHING.
However in the old age home, all of them are basking in sunshine days, understanding and support from the senior citizens.
With the old age home facing a fate of being sold, it is therefore a race against time to locate the missing ATM machine in order to save the home.
Will they succeed in the task?
Rating: 4 out of 5
Local Distributor: GSC Movies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jth2zhYkv6A
FOOTNOTE:
In this movie, Ha Yu serves as producer and actor.
Producer Ha Yu eyed Joanne Yew from the very beginning as he sees great potential in fielding her to be a Malaysian export.
As a veteran actor Ha Yu is game to try anything to improve the quality of the movie. A fine example would be on how he tackled dementia when his screen character is already in the throes of Alzheimer disease as he tackles the plight of an urgent need to use the toilet. Unable to control his bowels, he poops in his pants.
Then he bawled like a baby.
Press Photos courtesy of BENJAMIN LO for K-TEAM PRODUCTIONS.
JOANNA YEW WAS THE FEMALE LEAD of the immensely popular Malaysian film THE JOURNEY, which is why HA YU scouted her for his ATM without much ado.
HA YU : “This is the first time I am doubling as a Producer cum Actor. And I am grateful that award winning actress PAW HEE-CHING has agreed to be part of this project.
THE LADIES SHARE A LAUGH.
From left are HA YU, LO HOI PANG and KELVIN KWAN
ALL THE ACTORS who have flown down specially from HONG KONG wish EVERYONE a SAFE GOAT YEAR.
KONG HEI FAT CHOI 2015!
