Xiaohai bu ben 2

We are often typified by the similar fact of reality TV shows from all around the world, but such as this one brought up by Jack Neo is one of which that typify our daily routine living which we have not one second thought of it. We often would not have thought of how our lives were, not until we come across by actually visualizing it.

This movie, I Not Stupid 2 is not a sequel to its prequel which was screened some time ago. Its different in terms of continuity, but the set of moral values and the objective of this movie stays almost the same.

Filled with good humor from the common Singlish and Mandarin language plus additional dramatic moments and good moral values, this movie is definitely one of its kind that notifies us not for the sole fact of entertainment, but also to shake us up and reveal to us the reality of the lives Singaporean and perhaps even Malaysian lives in.

This movie centers around two rich and successful parents and their kids Tom and Jerry who live around a life, though wealth but not a bed of roses. This brings us to understand how hard it can be to actually communicate with parents who sticks up their priority of career in hand. On the other extreme, yet, Cheng Cai, Tom's friend who lives in a meager situation with his father faces a hard time of learning things the harsh way. Growing up from a violent and rude background, he finds nothing much of good virtue to learn from his father. He certainly projects a character of confusion and notoriety towards his circle of friends, but one good value of his is loyalty to his friends.

The movie also never fails to project onto the characters of the teachers, inclusive of one which strictly goes by the rule, one who dwells in the living of 'when I was your age, this was what I get, and yet another one who finds the importance of his students by looking at their good values. We understandably get a grasp of how the modern society clashes with the ones of previous generations. Such understandably brings about a good standard, yet unwittingly an entertaining time for all of those who wishes to laugh (on the Singlish) and cry (on the moral values) at the same time.

The actors did a good job for this movie and the credit should not center around Jack Neo alone, but towards all the younger cast especially for producing such an impact in this movie. A job well done!

Jack Neo continues to bring up issues on Singaporean neglecting Mandarin and the society's perception towards students not performing well (or those already performing well but 'can do better'). Surprisingly, Jack finishes some issues on sex education with a promising sense of humour. However, I feel that some of those parts can be compacted , or shortened, to further expose the main theme of this movie. While the approach of communicating parents negligence towards their children with lack of sex education is undeniably innovative, too many issues (i.e. gangsterism, pick-pocketing etc) overall spoils the flavour of the ingredients. However, I would like to dedicate a bonus of 3 points to this movie as it truthfully tells how bored and 'lame' parents can be when 'educating' their children. Parents not becoming role models are indeed the major problem for child delinquency. Generation gap also cleverly dealt with in this movie. We look forward to your next movie, and in the meantime keep up the good work in reigniting the passion for Mandarin among Singaporeans.

No, you need not have watched the original I Not Stupid to figure out what's going on. Gone are the major Khoo Family (with the Hokkien-swearing Richard Low) and the main narrator, Terry Khoo. Instead, newcomer Ashley Leong takes over the narrator's role, as Jerry, the new addition to the Liu Family, with Jack Neo himself, TV actress Xiang Yun, and Shawn Lee as Tom.

Then again, forget that this is a direct sequel in terms of characters, as Joshua Ang (who played the rebellious schoolboy in the 1st installment) returns, sans mother and kid brother, but with the introduction of an abusive dad played by TV actor Huang Yi Liang. I Not Stupid Too is a standalone movie, with much of the hallmarks of a Jack Neo movie splattered in it.

Gone are the much identified and constantly played out political satire and comedy from the first movie, although Selena Tan also returns here, she plays a totally different character from the much disguised political party figure in the first, to a school principal who uses "according to the law" like a crutch. But Neo still injects ample social and topical issues here.

On the school front, we see the much criticized Speak Mandarin campaign take a hit, as well as a swipe at the arcane teaching methods of the language. Those who hated the process of learning the language, will probably smile with glee as we're presented with the need to evolve the teaching methods of yesterday. Topical issues and debates like the teacher hitting student in class and the media splashing the news everywhere, and public caning also get discussed, but it's somewhat lacking that only both sides of the spectrum of views are presented, without any deeper exploration from the basic coffee-shop talk.

In trying to up the topical hip quotient, smacks of the mention of blogs and the use of it as a narrative tool seemed OK, until you realize it's a blatant Singtel advertisement. Product placements galore in this movie, ranging from Nokia, to in-your-face New Moon abalone cans, and even the UOB bank.

While the actors put up commendable effort in bringing to life their characters, you can't help but to think you know much of them. They're like characters common in television drama serials, with their melo-dramatic moments. Surprisingly, much of the comedy and satire left in this movie is confined to the 1st third. The remainder of the movie focused on the other 2 children leads as they mix with bad company and ended up being blackmailed. You might think it's absurd given today's savvy kids, but these are things that are happening - savvy kids can also be gullible too. And you'll never expect that it actually turned out to be one heck of a weepy - many sniffles were head amongst the audience, so those with a weak emotional heart, bring along some tissues.

Some might not appreciate that this movie has plenty of sub plots introduced which gets resolved hurriedly, and the length of over 2 hours might make some gawk. There are only certain points in time that you would twiddle your thumbs at the slow moments of the film.

But kudos to Neo for highlighting an important plot running throughout, and it's the strong message to parents that they must always remember they bear primary responsibility on the upbringing of their children. He seemed to hit the nail on the head in the portrayal of the current family climate, that neglect and the lack of communication are prevailing, which much be stemmed.

Not bad for a commercial film, with a moral of the story that the showing of appreciation is always much lacking in our society, amongst family members, colleagues and even friends. Certainly this movie has legs to be in the running for film awards.

OOHHHH!! The most fantastic Asian movie I have ever seen. I Not Stupid was really good but I enjoyed the second one better. After I watched it, I rushed back home to watch the first one. I was amazed to see how young they all looked in the first movie. I especially enjoyed the parts of Tom and Chengcai. My sister went on a different day and she told me when Joshua Ang(who plays Chengccai) took off his shirt, she and her friend screamed!! LOLX. But it also has sad movies, and I cried almost a bucket of tears....=)) I also laughed like hell when Jerry thought he had made his friend pregnant!! But I could not enjoy it very much because the people behind me were so noisy!! GRRRRRR. As a conclusion, I think this film is a must see for everyone in the world!! I also laughed when Jerry tried to ask his brother where do babies come from!!Enjoy the movie!!

This is considered Jack Neo's best movie because it consists of natural good actors and a clear and strong storyline that locks audience in for 2 hours. Jack Neo's attempt to address the education problem or family issues in singapore is done well as he tells the story through the characters, rather than simply stating it like in Diam diam era 3. The audiences then realises the problem through the emotions and attachment they feel for the characters such as filial piety. Shawn Lee and Joshua Ang are valuable actors in Singapore and it is a shame they are not as active as before despite Neo's attempts. The set of moral values stays consistent in Neo's movies and when it comes to humour, it is entertaining and natural. Music wise, is perfect.