Already Famous

Michelle Chong

Michelle Chong is one hilarious actress. We know that from the MediaCorp news spoof programme The Noose in which she fearlessly pulls off accents and switches personalities at the drop of a hat. Unfortunately, the writer-director-star is just stuck in one role here – as the starstruck Malaysian girl Ah Kiao who comes to Singapore in search of fame.

The story is threadbare and familiar, and Ah Kiao is just not interesting enough as a character to hold the movie together, though Chong does slip in some snarky observations about the entertainment scene including the strict hierarchy of actors, extras and make-up artists.

As a neophyte film-maker, she has trouble with pacing and the use of music. There are scenes which go on for too long without a worthwhile pay-off and the writing is not sharp enough – fellow Noose actor Chua Enlai, known for his comedic talent, is largely wasted as a bitchy sales assistant.

And the repeated use of the theme song in which Chong wails “Don’t give up, never give up” is grating rather than charming.

There is not much for Taiwanese singer-actor Alien Huang to do here as the improbable kopitiam boy who falls in love with Ah Kiao but smile and look sweet. Instead, it is Ah Kiao’s friend, a plump little boy who dreams of dancing ballet (played by Singaporean Tan Jun Sheng), who makes the bigger impression.

(ST)