Lao shi jia lao da

A change of scenery. Just Follow Law succinctly presented images of sterile Singapore in her most grandest splendor. Ah Long Pte Ltd (ALPL) however, is a conscious effort to honestly portray the grounds on which opposing parties with an ironic interdependence between them tread on.

The back alleys of downtown KL - the rough and rugged terrain; the cold, fearsome, almost savage-like disposition of its inhabitants - all these are characteristics of the major roles depicted in this film. Yet, a pack of individuals bonded by a sense of brotherhood far surpasses all those that are gloomy. These individuals are collectively known as the Ah Long (s).

Sultry Fann Wong helms up the protagonist role, aided by a group of fiercely loyal subalterns. Swept up by a reformist ardor, Fann willingly puts her own limbs on the line, only to be yielded with a series of gradually catatonic outcomes.

Mark Lee conveniently enters the picture as the complementary, yet essential role. Much of the laughters effected on the viewers are the results of his deeds. Often than not though, the intentional and in-your-face faux pas could actually become a potent, continued source of irritant.

Perhaps, for his future installments, Jack could further refine his ideas, and refrain from giving in too much to forceful comedic skits.

My final verdict as regards ALPL: A fresh production out of Singapore; it serves its role in linking the two sides of the Causeway in more ways than one. The whitewashing attempt at humanizing the loan sharks may not sit well with certain quarters of the society. Nonetheless, this film is never meant to address the issue with a sight on a viable working solution. Rather, ALPL compels us to let loose and willingly take jibes at ourselves. Pun intended.