Writer: Nur Safina Othman

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “Scary Movie” quadrilogy

Many would assume that "Jangan Pandang Belakang Congkak" (JPBC) is just another ordinary horror film produced by Metrowealth. However, "JPBC" is not the typical horror film one would expect - it is a horror comedy! The film's title is a merger between two different horror films directed by Ahmad Idham, which are "Jangan Pandang Belakang" (2007) and "Congkak" (2008).

This horror comedy tells a story of three siblings who inherit a supernatural force under the guardian of their late grandfather by accident and it has caused a stir in their village. The storyline of "JPBC" is predictable, but nonetheless will still capture a number of people's attention with its elements of humour. Despite its comic relief, this film contains a number of terrifying scenes.

Main casts are comedian Mazlan Pet Pet (Punai), Shaiheizy Sam (Johan) and not forgetting Cat Farish (Asmat). The threesome succeeds in playing out their role even though at times the role of Asmat is a little intimidating. Lisa Surihani who acted the role of Mustika on the other hand, somehow plays more with her facial expressions than her speech. The rest of the cast like Zarina Zainoordin, Mas Muharni and also Dina, who makes her acting debut, is in need of much improvement due to their stiff acting.

The film contains a few scenes where the sound dialogues were inconsistent with the movement of the actor's mouths. It was exceptionally obvious during the scene outside a cave where Zarina Zainoordin, Dina and Mas Muharni were singing.

The special effects make-up that was created for the role of Johan and Asmat when they turn into Hantu Raya and Toyol was indeed horrifying and at times it is somewhat intriguing. However, there was nothing extraorfinary for the role of Punai as Orang Minyak.

For those who love a bit of humour and laughter in the horror genre, "JPBC" is an appropriate film to check out.

Cinema Online, 02 June 2009