Writer: Dzamira Dzafri

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Watch this if you liked: "American Dreamz" and "The Rocker"

There is no doubt that the director and star of "Kara King" Namewee has a good amount of talent and creativity that no one can learn. The direction and story of "Kara King" is something that only Namewee could have created.

For a Malaysian film, the humour, cinematography, art and characters of "Kara King" stood out and it was these four factors that made the film worthwhile to watch, so, it exceeded expectations.

The first thing you would have to notice first is the unusual but rather beautiful way that Namewee has directed the film. He not only shot the film in weird but appealing angles at times, but he had also designed and created his own world based on his vision. The costumes were outrageous and flamboyant and the sets were pretty and bold.

The style and art direction gave us the impression that the film wants to be known as something that we shouldn't take too seriously, but it also gave us the impression that the film didn't want to give in to the norm of how Malaysian films are usually made.

The next thing you'll notice after the art, are the characters. The characters are as flamboyant, loud and colourful as the tone of the film, and they were given a light-hearted tone to things that can be considered taboo like a pansexual boss or drug-addicted rocker dudes.

But a factor that should be picked on about "Kara King" is the rather generic storyline of a man who feels like he's destined to become a rock star and uses his amazing musical talents to save the day... if he chooses to do so. At times the storyline and conversations can be quite dull and it's such a shame because most things about the film were interesting and refreshing to see.

The generic storyline can be defended as apparently this film is meant for a good family night out at the movies. But there are things in the film that felt like it needed a lot of parental guidance and warning beforehand like the scene with the flowers that literally looked like private parts (how the hell did that get through Malaysian censorship boards?). But other than that it's probably fine to show your kids the film.

The humour at times also needs to be picked on because although the movie can be funny throughout its entirety, there will be parts of the film that feels like the characters are trying too hard to be funny. The one was the most irritating was the guy who was mostly in his pants.

Not all characters are try-hards, because most of the main characters were outstanding and it feels like their roles fit the actors like gloves. The comedy trio of the rockers including Bo Amir and Epy Raja Lawak, though were not as well acted as the main characters Namewee and Frankie Gao, still stood out and gave us light-hearted humour that was not too irritating, which is difficult for people to do when they play pure comedy roles.

There is one thing throughout the whole film that we wanted answers to, but never got, and it was the girl who was at the background of every scene Namewee's character was in, with no dialogue, and is always stood or sat straight with her face at a distance. She was almost like a ghost, and she could be a ghost. We just don't know. We understand that it is probably the result of Namewee's strange sense of humour, but it can also be pretty creepy and confusing.

It is encouraged for readers to try and give this film a go, especially those who seek local films with an edge. It might not be the best film you have ever watched, but the film is still has a lot of heart and charm that some films lack. If you are a karaoke nut and expect something heavily about karaoke, you might be a little startled.

Cinema Online, 29 July 2013