Agak Laen

The story of this comedy film was done very well and succeeded in combining comedy, horror, sadness, love, conflict and satire. The transitions between story segments flow very neatly, for me the concept and story style of this film is reminiscent of the style of Coen Brothers films.

In several scenes, the audience can be sad and smile and even laugh at the same time. The director and writer, Mukladi Acho, was very successful in packaging and mixing all the scene transitions very well.

Another thing that I think is extraordinary is the cast, almost all of whom have stand-up comedian backgrounds. Their roles and acting are so good and very natural.

This film has succeeded in making a new breakthrough in the style of comedy films in Indonesia, the challenge now is to maintain the continuity of the subsequent films.

Muhadkly Acho's most impressive work to date is undoubtedly "Agak Laen." This film stands out as an unexpectedly powerful piece that adeptly blends multiple genres while maintaining a well-balanced mix of humor and heartfelt moments. It represents a rare breed of comedy that consistently delivers laughs throughout its runtime, thanks in large part to the remarkable chemistry among its four lead actors. Acho brings boundless energy to the project, crafting a comedy that resonates with genuine humor and enthusiasm. Although the film does include some noticeable product placements that might be off-putting to some, this minor flaw does not detract from its overall success. "Agak Laen" is a film that is both smart and silly, courageous and conceptual, satirical and irreverent, yet deeply rooted in its character development. It's another standout entry from Imajinari that truly deserves a greater level of attention and appreciation.

I think Indonesian comedy movies are saturated with stand-up talents with one-liner jokes that spread throughout a simple, nice backdrop for the main story. This caused a string of box office hits but no substance that could differentiate one movie from the others. Agak Laen proved that the formula could be fresh if brought by a really amazing story backdrop and sense of realism.

The movie has a perfect sitcom setup. A haunted house attraction becomes viral after a real person died there. It's full of great scenes with cool comedic timings, they know how to turn between drama and funny scenes well. I feel like the four characters are too many since their traits seem to be similar, hence it's blurry to remember who's who. The plot tries to give nuance with more chemistry and personal issues, and it works!

The climax is one of the best I've ever seen. It goes realistic and does not ignore basic logic even though it's comedy. I am still hugely disappointed by how they keep making blunt advertisements throughout the movie, which I think could be better. Still, watching Agak Laen gives me hope that Indonesia comedy movies do have great future.

Agak Laen is a refreshing take on the comedy genre, offering a unique storyline that blends humor with thought-provoking social commentary. The film stands out for its clever script and an eccentric cast of characters who add depth to the narrative, each bringing their own quirks to the story. This balance between lighthearted comedy and moments of introspection gives the film an enjoyable, layered quality.

The humor in Agak Laen often leans on witty dialogue and situational comedy, making it relatable and enjoyable for a wide audience. The film's ability to highlight everyday experiences with a comedic twist keeps viewers engaged while also encouraging them to think about larger themes. The performances are authentic, with each actor adding a unique charm to their roles, and the direction brings out both the fun and sincerity in each scene.

While it might not aim to be a blockbuster, Agak Laen shines with its fresh approach, creative storytelling, and entertaining mix of humor and social insight. It's a film that will leave audiences smiling and reflecting on its messages.

To be honest, I don't like Indonesian comedy films, which usually consist of empty jokes that have no content and are just weird.

But this time was a little different, I and the audience at the cinema were made to laugh with jokes that strangely made me laugh.

As for the plot, actually the plot in a comedy film doesn't really matter, because comedy films aim to entertain the audience.

But the plot in this film is arguably unpredictable, all the plot in this film always contains elements of jokes and there is even a bit of scathing criticism of the Indonesian government that can be said to be brave. And the most annoying thing is that there are several sponsors in the story in this film.

8/10 A film that made me interested in Indonesian comedy films again.