Writer: Ng Suzhen

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Watch this if you liked: “Ah Beng The Movie: Three Wishes”

If you have been a loyal follower of this well-known skit on MY FM as well as their DJs, there will be no doubt at all that you will enjoy the huge number of cameos in this Jack Lim production, which has now become quite the norm in his movies.

Going back 6,000 years into prehistoric times to the land of "Ah Wah li Wah Li Ha Mo Ni Pat Si Fu Lan", which is just a very direct translation from "A Very Very Harmonious and Peaceful Land", the story focuses on Jack Lim's role as the emperor along with his loyal subjects - servant girl Yu-Fa (Gan Mei Yan) and Eunuch Tok (Vivian Tok). In a land where the emperor prospers and the people suffer, it comes as a surprise that his subjects are still willing to risk themselves for him.

In his quest to seek immortality, the Emperor comes across a unique Rubik's cube made out of Chinese characters handed to him by a mysterious man in black, claiming that it will give the Emperor what he seeks for. Instead of granting his wish to be immortal in the current timeline, the cube transports him along with Yu-Fa and Eunuch Tok into present Kuala Lumpur, where they are granted with immortality and the power to heal almost immediately.

The biggest flaw in the movie, which is usually the downfall of any film, is its weak plot. An ambitious attempt has been placed into the script to get the message of strong values across to audience that unfortunately does not really work. The flow of the movie seems a bit halted at times, with more emphasis being placed in trying to fit in all the cameos. It would have done the movie much good to cut down on the number of characters and focus on the main stars.

The appearance of the characters of Royce and Bernard taking in the three out-of-place time-travelers seem to happen too conveniently. Just as you think the two of them are in it for the long-haul, they disappear halfway through the film, which makes the audience experience a bit of a let-down, considering we were already starting to warm up to them. Audiences would be thrilled though to see Ah Beng making a cameo, but other than that, affection for the characters can be quite subjective based on your status as either a fan or non-fan of the DJs.

It would have been better if their cameos are cut down majorly with more focus on the beggar group that the emperor would soon meet as his rapport with the little beggar boy could have been a more effective heart-tugger, given the extra screen time. Jack Lim should really consider making a movie focuses on the roles he takes on, especially since the guy is really quite a good actor.

Special mention should be given to Rosyam Nor, who cameos as one of the beggars and has a small yet effective scene with his 'father and mother 'philosophy. Like many of the characters, we would have loved to see a little more of him but the time with the character has been brutally cut short.

It is really a pity though that the characters failed to make a lasting impression considering the impressive work put into building the prehistoric palace.

The set and the period costumes are a remarkable feat rarely seen in local productions. However, coupled with acting that is constantly undermined by the script, it really does feel that the movie has not done enough to fully bank in on the good work used to build up a completely believable setting.

But if you love the usual antics of MY FM DJs, this is a movie that you would want to look out for, otherwise there is a big chance you will not enjoy this.

Cinema Online, 25 January 2013