The debate on this remake of Paul Verhoeven's cult classic is hot (with the recent Total Recall unfortunately fresh in most minds): some say it's a refreshing take, but these critics beg to differ.

Directed by José Padilha and starring Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Abbie Cornish and Samuel L. Jackson.

“The real problem with this remake is its lack of big, brass, robo-balls.” Chris Tilly, IGN

“Throughout, one character refers to the new RoboCop as ‘Tin Man’ and to the film’s credit, it desperately wants to have a heart. Oh, if it only had a brain.” Chris Hewitt, Empire

“Context is the name of the game when it comes to Robocop in 2014, and instead of having something decent to say about modern America, Padilla is obsessed with detonating scenery.” Cameron Williams, The Popcorn Junkie

“The shocking body horror, cutting satire and emotional impact of the original have been ruthlessly stripped away, leaving a soulless metallic carcass designed by committee to amplify external gloss and maximise commercial profit.” Ben Rawson-Jones, Digital Spy

“Ultimately, despite Padilha’s admirable efforts to put a human face to this story, the film misses both opportunity and the point. It’s perfectly enjoyable, but nothing special.” Cat Collins, SciFiNow

Robocop is out in cinemas islandwide now. Book your tickets at Cathay Cineplexes, Filmgarde Cineplex, Golden Village or Shaw Theatres.

Advertisement

Leave a Comment

Opening in cinemas on Feb 20, George Clooney's latest directorial piece seems to have missed the mark for some. Here we round up their critical opinions.

Directed by and starring George Clooney, with Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville and Cate Blanchett.

“It’s like a men-on-a-mission movie tailor-made for audiences who found “Inglourious Basterds” too irreverent.” Scott Foundas, Variety

“Something less than monumental, The Monuments Men wears its noble purpose on its sleeve when either greater grit or more irreverence could have spun the same tale to modern audiences with more punch and no loss of import.” Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter

“If some cataclysmic event were threatening the cultural legacy of America, it's hard to imagine anyone would make an attempt to save "The Monuments Men" from the flames of war.” Drew Taylor, Indiewire

“It’s one of those movies where you think, “Okay, when is this story going to start?” then you check your watch and realize you are forty-five minutes in.” Jordan Hoffman, Screen Crush

“Perhaps The Monuments Men should have been, ironically, even bigger: not a two-hour movie in which the filmmakers try to cram in too much information, too many emotions and too many incidents, but a 10-or-12-hour cable miniseries, with each episode focused on finding a different work of art and the whole thing giving the story and characters room to breathe and develop.” Don Kaye, Den of Geek

The Monuments Men will be out in cinemas islandwide on Feb 20. Book your tickets at Cathay Cineplexes, Filmgarde Cineplex, Golden Village or Shaw Theatres.

Advertisement

Leave a Comment

With Chinese New Year just round the corner, we round up the ten best things around the island for you to experience in the upcoming Year of the Horse.

1. Visit Chinatown

Chinatown is a must-visit during the Chinese New Year season. The festive street bazaar (Jan 30) is the best place to soak in the lively atmosphere, with over 300 stalls hawking Chinese New Year goods, while the Chinese New Year countdown (Jan 30) is also a must-see event complete with a fireworks display and performances by dance troupes and lion dancers. At night, Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road are lit up and festooned with stunning decorations in line with the auspicious horse theme (through Feb 28).

2. Snack your way through Chinese New Year

People rush to stock up on festive snacks and goodies every year, so expect snaking queues at some of the most renowned establishments around town.  An especially popular item is bak kwa—get your hands on some at famous stores such as Kim Hock Guan, Singapore’s first and oldest bak kwa brand, and Lim Chee Guan, which many say are the best in town. Otherwise, head to one of the 30 Bee Cheng Hiang outlets, which offers different versions of bak kwa in chicken and beef.

Traditional Chinese pastries are a must-have in any home celebrating the festive season. Tong Heng has legions of fans swearing by its delicious pineapple tarts and crumbly egg rolls, but while you’re there, be sure to also pick up a box of their famous diamond-shaped egg tarts. For freshly made nian gao (glutinous rice cakes), Tai Chong Kok is a favorite, so pick them up as early as you can, for they can sell out in a blink. Another hotspot to shop for New Year cakes and pastries is Tai Thong Cake Shop (35 Mosque St., 6223-2905).

Pack in some Chinese tea from Kwong Chen Beverage (22 Sago St., 6223-6927), Pek Sin Choon (36 Mosque St., 6323-3238) or Wang San Yang Tea Merchant to wash down all those festive snacks.

3. Go for gold

Gold is thought to be particularly auspicious during Chinese New Year. Shop for gold accessories from heritage brands like On Cheong Jewellery and Poh Seng Jewellers, known for their timeless and well-made jewelry.

4. Celebrate at River Hongbao (Jan 29-Feb 8)

Welcome the Year of the Horse at Marina Bay as the promenade turns into a carnivalesque spring festival with larger-than-life lantern displays, intricate handicrafts and traditional delicacies from Singapore and China. Visitors will also be entertained by a myriad of amusement rides, games and nightly performances by performers all across Asia.

5. Visit temples for New Year blessings

Locals give their thanks to the gods at Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple during Chinese New Year. Tradition has it that the first person who places joss sticks (which can be bought at the temple) on the urns on the first day will be blessed throughout the year—an activity which visitors can partake in as well.

6. Toss yu sheng for prosperity

If you want to savor a plate of authentic, old-fashioned yu sheng, head to Lai Wah Restaurant, the first in Singapore to serve the dish during Chinese New Year in 1964. Another place not to be missed is Spring Court, one of Singapore’s oldest Chinese restaurants, which serves traditional fare like roasted deboned suckling pig and steamed chicken with mashed ginger to complete your reunion meal.

7. See the zodiac at the zoo

Join in the Chinese New Year festivities as Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari present a variety of fun-filled activities. To commemorate the Year of the Horse, there will also be special exhibits where visitors can learn all about horses.

8. Watch the Chingay Parade (Feb 7-8)

For over 40 years, Singapore has marked Chinese New Year with this massive annual festival of floats, featuring a visual spectacle of live local and international performances and fireworks over two unforgettable days. Be dazzled by this colorful, multi-cultural street parade full of exciting acts, exquisite costumes and grand float displays.

9. Learn about Chinese culture

Enjoy Chinese culture in its diverse styles and forms through Esplanade’s signature Chinese New Year series, Huayi - Chinese Festival of Arts, which showcases works ranging from traditional to contemporary and mainstream to cutting-edge, embracing individualism and diversity in artistic expression. Look out for both ticketed and free programs featuring art forms like theatre, dance, visual arts, music and more.

10. Wind down with herbal remedies

If you need any restoratives after all that eating, shopping and reveling in the festivities, stop by Eu Yan Sang and pick up herbal remedies. Aching muscles, meanwhile, will benefit from Chop Wah On’s range of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) products.

Advertisement

Leave a Comment