Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? If you watched the previous Iron Ladies movies, yes!
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes.
Secret ending? No, but the entire credits has several bloopers and extras.
Running time: 120 minutes (2 hours)
“Iron Ladies Roar” is the next instalment in the “Iron Ladies” series of movies, and is a Thai comedy that follows the adventures of a group of transvestite volleyball players as they reunite to play the sport they all love. It stars Rattapoom Tokongsup (Mui), Parunyu Rojanawatitham (Kan Tok), Sudarat Budporm (Coach Bee), Padung Songsang (Katharthep-Noinhar, or just Noin), Chaiwat Thongsaeng (Nu), Weeradit Srimalai (Man), Wongsapat Tangniyom (Parn), Patdanai Satesuwan (Tom), Kittipat Samantrakulchai (Dao), Worachai Sirikongsuwan (Jung), Arussaman Jittasiri and (Chart). It is rated M-18.
It’s been a while since the last “Iron Ladies” movie, but “Iron Ladies Roar” continues to entertain with the zany antics of its madcap members and random plots. Where it fits into the timeline of the “Iron Ladies” movies is a little suspect, since there are several flashback scenes within flashback scenes, and characters who should have known each other already seem to re-introduce themselves. Then again, it might be all for the best since it acts as a good primer for new viewers to the series.
Highlights
Slapstick humour that actually works
I’m not a fan of slapstick humour, but in this case it fits perfectly into the style and setting of the movie. It’s not overused, and is employed to great effect to highlight certain characteristics or emphasise critical plot points. In fact, the visual humour grows on you after awhile, becoming as loveable as one of the main characters.
Fast-paced
The film zips along at a chipper pace, taking you on a roller-coaster of adventure as they travel from towns to competitions, all while dealing with their own tumultuous personal lives. It helps that the scenes and plot digressions are so diverse, as the movie never belabours any one point or character, but moves between perspectives effortlessly to tell you a tale about a team from different backgrounds.
Colourful characters
The ensemble cast continues to work its magic, as the Iron Ladies are best when they’re a team and given the chance to play off each other’s energy. It’s their group scenes which are the most memorable – alone, their antics can get a little over the top, but together their actions may seem overdramatic, but still plausible within the context of their environment.
Hilarious costumes
A lot of the visual humour comes from the costume design – or rather, seeing brawny men squeeze into unflattering tight tops and cringingly short pants. They’re completely oblivious to how terribly groan-inducing their clothes are, which adds to their charm – they’re so dedicated to the path that they’ve taken, that no amount of ridicule will get them down.
Sudarat Budporm entertains as Coach Bee
Coach Bee plays both the straight man and commentator on the situation, switching between both roles with ease. That’s not to say that she doesn’t have her fair share of wacky plots, but it’s her baffled and aghast reactions to the Iron Ladies that really ramps up the funnies. She may be a strange character, but compared to the team that’s even stranger, Coach Bee comes out as the unlikely Everyman.
Letdowns
Unfocused plot
Unfortunately, with such a sprawling cast and a tendency to give each character the spotlight, the plot becomes a gigantic mess of ideas that goes every which way. It’s hard to keep track of what’s happening, and cutting down on one or two plot threads would have helped unify the plot and keep it tighter and more coherent.
“Iron Ladies Roar” is a wonderful comedy diversion, especially if you’re tired of the usual Hollywood fare. It’s distinctly Asian flavour lends it a special sort of appeal that sends entire cinemas guffawing with laughter, and if you know what you’re in for (what with the title and poster, how could you not?), this is a great after work flick to catch.
“Iron Ladies Roar” opens in cinemas 9 April, 2015 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo Singapore.
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