#SHOWBIZ: 'Gantung' reboot impresses
REMAKES often disappoint viewers, especially those featuring iconic characters and actors.
'Gantung: Musketeer Code', fortunately, defies this trend.
Based on the 2018 series 'Gantung' (adapted from Nadia Khan's novel), it largely retains its original protagonists.
The replacement actor is just as good, if not more "macho" than his predecessor.
Make no mistake, while Indonesian heart-throb Randy Pangalila did great as the moody young man Gibbs, his successor Ben Amir's growling voice adds a significantly more "jantan" feel, surpassing many A-list actors.
'Gantung: Musketeer Code' returns to an elite Kuala Lumpur school, where friends Gibbs (Ben Amir), Ray (Ikmal Amry), Troll (Hafreez Adam) and KJ (Brandon Salim) are under suspicion of causing the death of their schoolmate, Ratna (Gita Sucia).
They are blamed by many for Ratna's suicide, especially since three of them (excluding Ray) were known to be at odds with her.
However, there is more than meets the eye.
Despite their common source, viewers can watch the movie independently of the series.
Director Nadia's fresh approach tells the story mostly through flashbacks, seen from the perspective of a now-graduated and successful Ray.
Ray takes viewers back to the tragic episode at his alma mater wit the help of Farah, who is Gibbs's former girlfriend and a passionate feminist despite her past relationship with a male chauvinist.
This movie is the first of Nadia's three 'Gantung' novels, penned over a decade ago, clearly setting up sequels for Ray, Gibbs, KJ and Troll.
Nadia's youth-oriented story, a blend of whodunit, horror, and teen soap opera, can be confusing due to its blurred lines between reality, and Ray and Farah's perceptions or past events.
Both are traumatised by Ratna's death, with Ray still suffering hallucinations.
Nonetheless, these "cool" plot twists enhance the movie's watchability.
This time, Ikmal Amry, praised earlier this year for his villainous role in Syafiq Yusof's 'Soloz', plays a hero still grappling with anger and family issues.
Such intense characters suit this young actor perfectly.
The story effectively anchors itself in Ray's unwavering loyalty to his childhood and college friends, even when they break the law or harm others.
Their mutual "Musketeer Code" means they always have each other's backs.
Ray acts as their moral compass, constantly trying to stop Gibbs, Troll, and KJ from objectifying women or cyberbullying those who mock them online.
Farah is an interesting character due to her contradictory lifestyle, and while Shazia Rozaini is convincing in the role, she needs to show more emotion as her acting can be stiff.
The film features important cameos by household names like Datin Sofia Jane, Chew Kin Wah and Sangeeta Krishnasamy as college teachers; Bront Palarae as the deceased Ratna's brother demanding justice; and Amanda Ang as a concerned parent.
Taufiq Hanafi returns to a sportsman role, a decade after his acclaimed portrayal of footballer Abu in 'Ola Bola The Movie' and 'Ola Bola The Musical'.
Taufiq excels as Sofil, a brash, arrogant basketball player, proving his versatility with both villainous and comedic roles.
'Gantung' is not a simple narrative, rather it explores each character's individual story and personal demons.
At its core, it delivers the timeless message of self-honesty and true friendship amidst life's challenges.
Friendships will inevitably be tested and experience occasional conflicts, but time and truthfulness ultimately heal them.
NOW SHOWING
GANTUNG: MUSKETEER CODE
DIRECTOR Nadia Khan
STARRING Ikmal Amry, Ben Amir, Hafreez Adam, Brandon Salim, Shaziya Rozaini, Gita Sucia, Taufiq Hanafi, Nelissa Nizam, Bront Palarae, Datin Sofia Jane, Chew Kin Wah, Sangeeta Krishnasamy, Sharifah Sofia, Amanda Ang, Anas Ridzuan, Nadiya Nisaa and Siti Saleha Baharom
RATING 16
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