Xiaohai bu ben

OK, I admit that the reason why I'm watching this - it's homework for the upcoming sequel which I intend to watch when it's released in the local theaters. Therefore I needed to be acquainted with the source material other than bits and pieces from the extended television serial.

Jack Neo has made movies which have been box-office successes locally, grossing millions, starting with the very popular, but very raw, Money No Enough. It captured the attention and appealed to the heart-landers, who gave him a resounding vote of confidence at the box office. Following that are many social dramadies like That One No Enough, Liang Po Po, and the likes.

But perhaps none struck the chord so closely, as that jab at the typical Singaporean kiasu-parents, school administrators who are fearful of their rankings, the much criticized EM1-2-3 streaming in primary schools, and the introduction of perceived foreign talent on our shores.

And that's what I Not Stupid is about, and more. Compared to his previous movies, I Not Stupid has matured in refining its story telling techniques, having social issues subtly weaved into its dialog, and giving the audience the ability to draw chuckles out of caricatures of the government in its characters (Selena Tan as the big-momma, dressed in all white, all the time, anyone?) The casting also took some major changes, without having J-Team members as lead characters here. The 3 child leads did quite OK, given that they have veterans actors as their parents helped a lot too.

The plot did seem to wear on as it seemed to drag to make it 2 hours, which contributed to quite a bit of plot holes. Also, some subplots seemed unnecessary too, or if retained in the film, wasn't succinct to the point, like the kidnapping subplot.

However, if you've been following Jack Neo's movies, then it is marked improvement. The jokes are less slapstick, though it was kinda strange to have characters telling jokes, and everyone around laughing. Not that it was bad, just quite unnaturally acted.

So am I ready for I Not Stupid Too? Frankly, yes. Though the trailer did not reveal too much except for the public caning scene, I'm silently geared up for more social issues being taken to the stand, and awaiting to see how Jack Neo spins them together for another ride.

Special Edition Code 3 DVD contains 2 music videos from the movie, song lyrics, packaged into a pictorial book containing the synopsis and cast and crew interviews and biographies.

I urge all parents to watch this with their children and/or teenagers if possible. This movie is based in Singapore and is mostly targeted against the Singaporean society and government (no chewing gum, etc.), but the struggle between parents and youngsters are universal -- "I'm doing this for your own good", "Why do adults always say I'm wrong?". The defects of an education system that stresses on English and Mathematics are common to most Asian countries as well. Watch it -- and you will certainly find something sweet or bitter you've been through. The message is brought out in a much better way than the government promotions to "lend your child an ear".

Honestly, as a student in Malaysia, this movie is one of the best to come out in South-East Asia targeted for the family audience. As someone who's spent a good chunk of his life in Singapore, and subjected to similar pressures in Malaysian schools, I can greatly identify with much in the film. The shame of being considered "stupid" is one I know and understand, and yet there is also much to keep parents preoccupied with, especially those living on both sides of the Causeway, such as the idea of Caucasian superiority, the behaviour of the Singaporean government, etc.

It has been argued that much of Terry's narration is unnecessary, especially his explanation of the Mrs. Khoo - Singaporean government analogy. However, I think this is an artistic thing done to reflect Terry's simple-mindedness, as well as for the benefit of International audiences.

If you live in South-East Asia, give this movie a go. You most likely won't regret it.

10/10

This is a great movie.

I urge you to buy a legit copy if you're a Singaporean. I've been guilty of buying pirated intellectual property in the past but this time it's really a test of "the Singaporean character".

Singapore is the only country I know of where Singaporeans do not support Singaporeans. It is time to change that.

Jack Neo has done a good job in putting subtle yet clear messages in every corner. I'm pleased to hear that he survived the censors and hope he did not antagonize the government. I heard that this movie also has gotten the attention of the media and our government.

The issues brought up in this movie are all real and reasons why I chose to leave Singapore. This movie made me homesick instantly.

I want to congratulate Jack Neo and his team for their courage to pursue this film. You have the courage that I didn't have. Press on.

If you're a Singaporean and you've not watched it yet, please do.

If you're a parent, please re-think about what "best for your kid".

If you're an executive, ang-moh's are not superior.

If a guy litters, you're not being kay poh to ask him to pick it up.

Living in America, it is not my ability in the English language that make me proud. It is my ability in the Chinese language, culture & history that sets me apart from the rest. Don't forget your roots.

I wish all of us, Singaporeans, luck.

Sincerely, Hokkien Peng

Reviewer's background: a nearly 40 mum of 2 girls (8 and 3) from Hong Kong.

At first, I wasn't keen to watch, because this was touted as a kid flick in Hong Kong, and also "must be seen by all parents with their children" -- to me, this sounded hard-sell.

My elder daughter had earlier watched it (English version), and hadn't commented on it, so this added to my speculation that it must be boring.

I was recently recommended to watch it by an un-married female ex-classmate, which was surprising, considering she doesn't have kids of her own.

Her reason -- if you have Singaporean colleagues, please watch it, it's funny.

So I finally watched it (Mandarin version) on video -- and yes, it's well worth a watch.

Here's why -

1. for parents (especially Asians) -- tune in to the hardship of trying to get your kids excel academically (after I watched this, I stopped forcing my elder to get 100% in Chinese dictation ... only asked her to do her best, and enjoy what she's learning ...)

2. for people with Singaporean friends, colleagues, relatives -- you'd understand how / why / what Singies act the way dey do, and why dey dalk like dat ...

3. for people who are wondering / interested to know how Singapore is governed -- an eye-opener that this movie was censored by the local, since it had so many obvious jabs at the government!

4. for Singaporeans -- enjoy your home-grown movie, a well documented dramatic piece

5. for movie-goers -- the kids CAN act! Better than the majors on Potter movie, especially Shawn Lee, he really acts hurt when whipped by his mum

Since I was watching a video version, I was able to pause (and have to pause) many times during the show to attend to kids, so didn't find the themes choppy, tho there are some gaps and the cohesion could be better improved. Maybe Neo was trying to cram as much information in the film, so many parts might had been edited out.

I give this a 6.5 out of 10. (My 10's are for pieces like LOTR, 6th sense...)