“Seeing a movie in which three other actors play the Stooges is akin to watching an Elvis impersonator. Sure, it looks like a duck and it quacks like a duck, but it most certainly is not a duck.” Mike McGranaghan, Aisle Seat

“I hope this is the start of a franchise, but not of feature-length sequels. Just three-minute-long shorts that play as prologues to real comedies.” Phil Villarreal, OK! Magazine

“The movie provides its own answer as to why the original Stooges’ earlier projects were confined to two-reelers and shorts. Sometimes Moe is less.” Kimberly Gadette, Doddle

“You would think that after a quarter-century in development at four different studios, somebody would have figured out how to make a funny movie about the Three Stooges.” Lou Lumenick, New York Post

“Trust me, you’d rather be poked in the eyes, slapped or pounded on the head repeatedly than sit through this travesty.” Jim Judy, Screen It!

Dubberfield

Label: Siam Pai Rock
Who: M (vocals), Mos (guitar), Aui (drums), Sutas (bass), Champ (violin) and DJ Warah
What: When the original guitarist of alternative rock band Sillyfool and owner of Nunglen Pub, Toey Kobpop Baiyam, decided to launch his Siam Pai Rock label, he chose to do so by signing Dubberfield, random collection of journeymen of musicians who regularly played his venue and decided to join forces.
Why: All the members have done serious time on the music scene. Aui was a member of all-female rock group Pure (first album released in 2004), Sutas played in Saturday Seiko (2002-2008) while Champ has appeared in the Teddy Ska Band and made waves with two of his own projects, BeforeChamp and Walrus. Despite these diverse backgrounds, Dubberfield boast a cohesive, dynamic sound. Lead single “Up Chill” is smooth electronic pop, but innovative follow-up “Shoes” finds the band really hitting their stride, with M’s powerful Thai vocals sitting atop a pulsating dubstep-influenced beat, pointing to an interesting future for Thailand’s dancefloors.
Sounds like: A sweet, lady-fronted Skrillex.  
Catch them at: www.facebook.com/DubberfieldBand

Electric Neon Lamp

Label: Sony Music Thailand
Who: Jen (vocals), Ton (guitar), Tae (bass), Tan (guitar) and Pak (drums)
What: Four of the members played together while in high-school in Lampang but things really got serious when they started attending Chiang Mai University and Tan joined the fold. In-the-know indie fans might remember their single “Because of You” from the Believe Records Compilation 01 released in 2007. After that they recorded an EP and released their debut album Bright Side (2009), as well as performed at Fat Festival in both 2010 and 2011. And you can expect to hear a lot more from Electric Neon Lamp now that they’ve signed with big label, Sony Music Thailand.    
Why: New single “Pawinee” is instantly likeable and shows off the band’s signature sound with its soaring melodies and sensitive vocals.
Sounds like: A slicker, more doe-eyed version of US indie faves The Drums.
Catch them at: www.facebook.com/electric.neon.lamp.band

Spoonfulz

Label: Smallroom
Who: Seph (guitar and vocals), Toon (bass), Art (drums) and Tok (guitar)
What: When Seph won the Love Is Music competition back in 2010, he enlisted two friends to record a single, “Mai Wa Tee Dai.” After those two members quit, he got to know Toon through the Siam Bass website and they then invited Art and Tok to form Spoonfulz. They sent their demo to Smallroom last year, after which label honcho and bassist for 90s band Crub, Rungroj Uptampotiwat, called them in for an audition and then signed them.    
Why: They draw from varied musical influences: Tok is heavy metal-inspired (think Iron Maiden and Megadeth) while Seph is into rock like Sillyfool and blues like Willie Dixon (this is who Spoonfulz got their name came from). This merging of tastes certainly makes for an intriguing listen.      
Sounds like: The band is still finding their feet. Their first single, “Yin Dee Ton Rub,” sounds a little too much like Tattoo Color, which is understandable given Rath (Tattoo Color’s guitarist) has produced some of their songs.   
Catch them at: www.facebook.com/Spoonfulz

Lunar

Label: Comet Records
Who: Nam-Oun
What: The latest signing to the brand new indie label run by singer, producer and songwriter Tung Jakchai Panchanon, better known as Casinotone. The label launched two months ago with Tung’s single “Journey,” before he met pretty young thing and Le Cordon Bleu student Nam-oun via Instagram (is there anything Instagram can’t do?). “I saw Nam-Oun’s profile and I thought she’s cool, confident and got good taste in music. So, I ended up writing a song for her,” explains Tung.
Why: Just when it seems every pretty face is picking up a ukulele and fronting a full band, Nam-Oun’s debut single “Got to do it” evokes a very different 90s electronic vibe. And it’s got all the right credentials: not only was the song written by Casinotone, the sound was arranged by Funky Wah Wah – two acts who helped define the Thai electronic music scene in the late 90s and early 00s.
Sounds like: Very much a younger, hipper version of Australian songstress Kylie Minogue.    
Catch them at: www.facebook.com/lunarbkk

Time Travel

Fancy a day spent cycling past Chedi Chet Yot or up the steps of Preah Vihear but don’t actually have the time to head there? Why not just jump in a cab and visit Muang Boran, the Ancient City (02-709-1644. Open daily 8am-5pm. www.ancientcity.com). This cultural park, about 30 minutes past On Nut BTS, features 3/4 size replicas of most of the Kingdom’s historical sites set in gorgeous parkland laid out in the shape of Thailand. You can rent bikes there—B50/B150 (single/three-speed) or bring your own and pay B50 to cycle round the Kingdom in an afternoon.

Historically Geared

Best known for its cute floating market and fire flies, Ampawa, the small town in Samut Songkram, is also a great place for a bike trip. As well as offering bikes to rent, Thai Theeb @ Ampawa (2/1, Prachasret Rd., Ampawa, Samut Songkram 082-777-5999. Mon, Wed, Thu 10am-8pm/Fri-Sun 10am-9pm) provide maps to places of interest and historical sites in the area so you can explore on your own. Cost: free for rides under 30 min, B50 for 60min, B300 for a day.

Park and Pedal

Wachirabenchatat Park (Suan Rot Fai) is a great picnic and cycling spot. You don’t even need a bike here, with rentals available for just B20-30 each, depending on the bike model or your negotiation skills. They’ll take your ID so you don’t cycle off into the sunset with their precious ride. There’s also a butterfly park and a faux urban environment (complete with traffic lights) for kids to practice riding their bikes.

Chesa

5 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-261-6650. www.chesa-swiss.com. Brunch every Sun 11am-3pm

The deal: B1,350 for the all-you-can-eat a la carte menu and B1,980 with free-flow wines (and Bloody Marys). All dishes are brought to your table, which is convenient, but a bit intimidating when you order oysters for the sixth time. The dishes are tapas-sized, so you can sample a lot more things without getting full.
The selection: You have nearly 30 dishes to choose from, many of which rotate (check their website for the current menu). It goes from Swiss dishes you won’t find elsewhere, like the capuns dumpling, to brunch favorites like Sydney rock oysters, depending on the season and the chef’s whim. Our fave though is the raclette, if you can handle copious amounts of molten cheese on top of potatoes.
The vibe: Located in a standalone house at the end of a quiet, leafy alley, Chesa isn’t particularly fancy but it is homey, rustic and warm, with the chef and manager making regular appearances.
Who is it for: Apart from the obvious draw for raclette lovers (an addiction that only all-you-can-eat can satisfy), Chesa is cheaper and more intimate than the behemoth hotel buffets.

China House

Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave., 02-659-9000. www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok Brunch every Sun 11:30am-2:30pm
The deal: B1,154 or B1,625 with free-flow wine. The selection includes a small buffet and an all-you-can-eat a la carte menu.
The selection: The food here is, you guessed it, Chinese, making for a welcome break for the usual global-orientated buffets. And thanks to the a la carte menu, many dishes are prepared a la minute and served at your table. Choose from some 40 elaborate recipes ranging from steamed scallop and minced shrimp dumplings wrapped in spinach wheat dough to Teochew-style steamed crystal dumplings with peanuts. Mains are equally ambitious, with dishes like soy glazed snowfish fillet served with salad and minced duck in shacha paste wrapped in salted egg and dough. Our faves: suckling pig, hot and sour soup with fresh lobster in Szechuan style, moo dang (honey glazed pork slices) and tung po steamed pork belly—totally scrumptious.
The vibe: Intimate, sexy and luxurious, this affordable brunch comes pretty close to a fine dining experience thanks to the tiny aquamarine bar, the deep red and black lacquers and shelves of Mariage Frères teas. Expect expats and more mature couples.
Who is it for: Those who are ready to trade in the variety and casual vibe of a big buffet brunch for some Shanghai chic.

Napa on 26

2/F, Nihonmachi, 115 Sukhumvit Soi 26. 02-258-2622. www.napaon26.com. Brunch every Sun 11:30am-2pm
The deal: B950 or B1,500 with free-flow wines or B2,500 with a premium wine selection. After an all-you-can-eat buffet of appetizers, you can then have the soup of the day, followed by as many a la carte dishes as you’d like. You then return to the buffet for cheese and dessert.
The selection: The buffet is quite small. You’ve got cold cuts on one end of the bar, seafood (very fresh rock lobster, shrimp and scallops) at the other end, and salad in the middle. A soup and a selection of eight mains are then served at your table—that’s where Napa shines. These range from a light pan-seared sea bass on capsicum and coriander sauce to the comforting braised lamb shank with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Portions are a tad smaller than usual but we were full after two orders, although we’re sure some could manage more. More importantly, this is very well-executed a-la-minute cooking, not stuff sitting in trays under heating lamps. Then it’s back to the buffet for cheese (a stellar selection of pungent French ones on our last visit), and desserts, such as the excellent creme brulee.
The vibe: The space is really gorgeous, you’re served at your table, the stemware and cutlery are top-notch—a very refined atmosphere.
Who is it for: Napa tends to attract either groups planning on maxing out on the free-flow, or savvy couples who realize that this is a sit-down brunch experience that’s pretty close to a fine-dining one—although it’s also the cheapest one in our roundup.

The Seafood Bar

41/2 Somerset Lake Point, Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-8863. www.theseafoodbar.info. Brunch every Sun noon-2:30pm
The deal: B1,500 for all you-can-eat a la carte and one free glass of prosecco. All dishes are brought to your table.
The selection: They’ll start you off with a seafood platter with oysters, clams, wild tiger prawns and Alaskan sea scallops depending on what’s fresh. Appetizers include an incredibly fragrant lobster bisque and the light, crispy mixed salad with bay shrimp. As for the mains, the Thai-influenced paella is to die for, while you can expect perfectly cooked fish in every single dish. If you’re planning on just stuffing yourself with oysters, you can order extra trays. Note that the restaurant belongs to a major seafood importer, so products here tend to be a notch above what you’d find at buffet spreads across town.
The vibe: With its grey and blue color tones, the décor feels pretty neutral. But the staff, and particularly the owner, are a warm and jovial bunch. Guests include affluent Thais and the occasional expat.
Who is it for: For those of you who usually just head to the seafood buffet at a brunch, this is a more civilized option—and one which offers better produce, too. Note, you must make a reservation or you’ll only be allowed to order a la carte.

Tables

2/F, Grand Hyatt Erawan, 494 Ploenchit Rd., 02-254-1234. BTS Chit Lom. www.bangkok.grand.hyatt.com. Brunch every Sun noon-2:30pm
The deal: B1,600 with free-flow soft drinks or B1,980 with free-flow wines.
The selection: Even though it’s a hotel Sunday brunch, the concept here is all about chefs sauntering over to your table to put some final touches to your beef Bourguignon, risotto with black truffles or stir-fried scallops with garlic. Key ingredients stay on but recipes rotate, so that means lobster thermidor one week and a lobster salad the next. There is a buffet, with a serious seafood station (with Fine de Claire oysters and Norwegian salmon), cold cuts and small portion dishes of duck liver terrine with fig and seared tuna with potato salad. Desserts have their own room, so that there’s a slight Charlie and the Chocolate Factory effect when you step into this fantasy world of towering macarons and chocolate. Don’t miss the cherry jubilee with kirsch and vanilla ice cream.
The vibe: Tables has this darker, Southern European meets gentlemen’s club vibe that doesn’t exactly feel like a fresh Sunday morning—but it’s definitely elegant. Stained mirrors, lots of mahogany-colored wood, oversized furniture and plenty of space make for an atmosphere that’s miles from the boisterous canteen-style brunches at most affordable hotel buffets.
Who is it for: Hi-sos, of course.

Bargain Buffets

Want a classic spread? Here are four hotel options under B1,500

Atelier (Grand Millennium)

Grand Millennium, 30 Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke) Road, 02-204-4161. Brunch Sun noon-3pm
The deal: B1,400 for the buffet and free-flow booze including sparkling wine. Come as a group of four and only pay for two.
The selection: The buffet is pretty standard with the usual mix of seafood, Thai, Chinese, Italian and Indian dishes. However, they have good live stations and the Spanish options from Tapas Y Vino restaurant are a nice touch.
The vibe: There’s an imposing bridge as you enter and plenty of light from all the windows. The prices and a sizeable kids corner mean it’s obvioulsy popular with families and big groups of expats looking to make the most of the affordable free flow.
Who is it for: Families who want the brunch experience for less and something to occupy their kids while they get tipsy.

Latest Recipe (Meriden Surwaong)

Le Meridien, 40/5 Surawong Rd., 02-232-8888. www.lemeridienbangkoksurawong.com. Brunch Sun noon-2:30pm
The deal: B1,200 for a buffet.
The selection: The buffet is pretty safe and simple. However, the seafood is very fresh and there’s a focus on live cooking stations. In the buffet line, there are dishes like tuna tartar, beef carpaccio, Chinese food and pizza. The best part? Their teppan ice cream where you can add your own toppings.
The vibe: It’s a very handsome space, thanks to a generous use of marble and soaring mezzanine. Plus, this buffet seems to be flying under the radar, offering a quieter atmosphere than most.
Who is it for: It’s the cheapest option, so it could be one for bargain hunters.

Vie Wine & Grill

11/F, VIE Hotel, 117/39-40 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-309-3939. BTS Ratchatewi. www.viehotelbangkok.com. Brunch Sun 11:30am-3pm
The deal: B900 or B1,300 with free flow.
The selection: Another standard hotel buffet spread with sashimi, seafood (including Alaskan king crab, oyster and shrimp eggs) and barbeque stations. The cooking station is quite popular for its pan-fried sirloin, John Dory fillet and foie gras. For dessert, there’s crepe suzette, cakes and chocolate fondue.
The vibe: Couches decorated with silk cushions and lights crafted from hundreds of silkworm cocoons add to the restaurant’s fashionable ambience.
Who is it for: Vie attracts fewer families than Centara, with young couples and group of friends, instead.

The World and Ginger (Centara Grand)

24/F, Centara Grand, 999/99 Rama Rd., 02-100-1234. www.centarahotelsresorts.com/bangkok.asp. Brunch Sun 11:30am-3pm
The deal: B1,401 or B1,701 with free-flow.
The selection: Roam through two restaurants—The World and Ginger—for the price of one. Ginger is more focused on Asian cuisine, from Chinese to teppanyaki and sashimi. At The World, explore classic Thai, Indian and Euro dishes: foie gras, roast meat and seafood.
The vibe: Both restaurants have sushi counters and cooking stations, making the place pretty lively. It’s not intimate, but the views almost make up for the lack of romance. Packed with families and younger kids, you may also come elbow to elbow with queue-cutting aunties. Our tip: avoid the brawling families at The World and book at Ginger instead; it’s more peaceful and closer to the yum suckling pig.