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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Leading lizard
Still the man: Saiful Apek reprises his role as superhero Cicakman in Cicakman 2 – Planet Hitam.
Superhero shows another side to his character in technically improved sequel.
THE first Cicakman burst onto our big screens in 2006 and caught everyone by surprise when it raked in RM5.2mil at the box office. So when the sequel Cicakman 2 – Planet Hitam hits cinemas next month, expectations will understandably be higher.
A co-production of KRU Studios and Grand Brilliance Sdn Bhd, the film reacquaints us with Hairi and his alter-ego Cicakman. Professor Klon, his old nemesis, is also back and this time, threatens to pollute the world’s water if he is not made world president.
The movie showcases the enhanced use of CGI (computer generated imagery), not to mention having more action-packed scenes.
In Cicakman 2, Saiful Apek reprises his role as the title hero. Others in the movie include Aznil Nawawi as Professor Klon, Sharifah Amani as Iman, Fasha Sandha as Tania, AC Mizal and Adlin Aman Ramli as Ginger Ghosts, Louisa Chong as Miss Cheef and Indonesian star Tamara Blaszensky as Rrama. There are also cameo appearances by big names, such as director Aziz M. Osman, Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan and Azwan Ali.
“In Cicakman 2, we decided to tone down the comical scenes and highlight more human feelings, especially for the main character,” explained director Yusry Abdul Halim when contacted by phone recently.
“One feedback we got about Cicakman was that we overplayed the comedy element and downplayed the action scenes. In the sequel, we have balanced these elements,” he explained.
After working non-stop for several months in the studio (completing the CGI process), Yusry will leave it to the audience to judge his work.
“But what we did was we took in all the comments about Cicakman from the public and critics. We tried our best to improve the costumes and to tone down the comedy,” said Yusry.
“I have done my best with Cicakman 2. And personally I think it is better that the first film.
Face-off: Cicakman confronting Rrama (Tamara Blaszensky).
“I also realise that there are always risks working on superhero movies. But I also believe that if I don’t try new things, I will not learn anything.”
Yusry hoped that the public would not compare Cicakman 2 to Hollywood superhero movies which use more advanced technical facilities.
“In the original Cicakman, we relied on the technology that was already available in the market then and played it safe.
“But in the sequel we decided to work on the story and script in advance, not to mention the safety of the stunts,” said Yusry, adding that in Cicakman 2, about 100 stunt scenes were specially created on CGI.
KRU Studio is serious about making a better movie and put more money into the sequel (it had a RM2.5mil budget) for better special effects and a stronger story line – all with an eye on breaking into the international market.
“I’m happy to say that all the actors gave us their full commitment during filming.
“In ‘normal’ schedules, it would have taken about 60 days to film but I’m happy to say that we shot Cicakman 2 in only 35 days.”
After the first movie, there was also criticism that the superhero wasn’t serious enough, and so a new and improved character was created.
“Saiful Apek is a well-known comedian but in Cicakman 2 we wanted to show another side of him,” said Yusry.
Saiful was glad that his character was given a lot more emotions to play with this time round, something that he was comfortable doing.
“I’m happy with Hairi’s new character as he is more mature and responsible in the sequel compared to the original.
Freeze frame: Director Yusry Abdul Halim (left) and Saiful Apek during the filming of Cicakman 2.
“Hairi is more emotional in Cicakman 2 as he has lost his best friend Danny and at the same time he has to take care of Danny’s mother and blind sister.”
Even Cicakman’s costume gets an expensive makeover. It reportedly cost RM150,000.
Cicakman 2 has received international recognition and had its world premiere screening at the prestigious 13th Pusan International Film Festival in South Korea last month under the Asian Super Heroes segment.
Apart from Malaysia, Cicakman 2 will be theatrically released in Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia.
Cicakman 2 – Planet Hitam will be screened in more than 60 cinemas nationwide from Dec 11.
credits: the Star online(Malaysia)
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Yay!! Another KRU Studios Productions...Cicakman is back... Be sure to support Cicakman in the theatres this coming December...
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