Writer: Siti Munawirah Mustaffa

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Watch this if you liked: "Adnan Sempit" and “Hantu Bonceng”

Save that facepalm-inducing moment when watching embarrassingly failed scenes that are usually found in most local films. Instead, trust the reviewer in saying that "Mael Lambong" indeed brings you a refreshing humour that not only sends you in a series of guffaws; in fact, it actually contains a little something called wit.

Under the direction of Ahmad Idham, the film centers on a well-known car transporter named Mael Lambong (Zizan Razak), whose life comes to a quick turn when Maria (Juliana Evans) suddenly appears and seeks his help to escape from the story's antagonists. This is due to the reason of Maria having attained a microchip that contains sensitive information regarding the government's projects. Their run to save themselves has brought the both of them to a village in Terengganu, which also happens to be Mael's hometown which he left five years back due to his past.

True enough, the film's idea is nothing sort of new and the reviewer admits that this film suffers the flaw of cliche, regardless of whether it is the lines uttered or the plot. The scenes and romantic dialogues that appear in this film are not that much different from other films, as can be referred to the part whereby Mael and Rozi (Shenthy Feliziana) are having their telepathic conversation. The film's ending is pretty much predictable but the reviewer does not feel the need to elaborate on this matter.

As for the special effects, there is nothing spectacular in this film and so, do not expect the drifting actions done by Mael Lambong to be in comparison with "Tokyo Drift" because they simply aren't. Apart from that, the reviewer feels a little distracted by the 'scar' that appears on Mael's face which is badly done and urges the makeup artists to do a better job next time in other upcoming films for the sake of making the characters appear more... realistic.

However, despite the apparent weaknesses that this film seems to suffer from, this film does stand out as compared to other local comedies due to the strength of its casts (although, undeniably, there are some actors who tend to overact) to the point that it actually wins the crowd's attention. Extra credits should be given to Zizan Razak for being able to improvise Mael Lambong's character and also for the snappy remarks that are being said at the right time and situation. Not forgetting Juliana Evans for being able to break out of the pretty girl stereotype that usually takes the role of a bimbo or I'm-too-pretty-to-have-a-personality-type by playing the feisty Maria who does know how to kick ass.

Whether or not the film intends to mock society, is completely depending on the filmmaker's intention itself, but the reviewer enjoys the subtly inserted irony as can be seen in several scenes whereby the characters are worried to have their private lives Tweeted or blogged. A stark portrayal of the society that can't seem to mind their own business, perhaps? Who knows?

Clearly, "Mael Lambong" is not just an empty vessel that solely contains failed, pathetic attempts of slapstick jokes. It's not only suitable for all ages, but it's even more suitable for those who love satire and words that are just spot-on!

Cinema Online, 26 June 2012