Cicakman 2: Planet Hitam
Yusry Abdul Halim


This plays like an episode of the cheesy 1960s Japanese superhero TV show Ultraman, only with less subtle acting.
It is up to Cicakman (Saiful Apek), or Lizardman, to save the day when the evil Professor Klon (Aznil Nawawi) hatches a plot to turn the world’s water supply black.
Lurking in this Malaysian film is the interesting premise of a superhero struggling to earn his keep in the regular world. But this is something that director Yusry Abdul Halim is not interested in exploring.
Clearly the movie is not meant to be taken seriously when the arch-villain Klon first appears looking like an overgrown and unwashed hobbit.
But what little irreverent charm there is is simply overwhelmed by baddies who cackle incessantly, a noisy soundtrack and acting so exaggerated that this could be an invaluable how-not-to guide.
(ST)