Do all hospital workers have to wear a songkok? (Image courtesy of iluminasi.com) The Yusof Haslam family has long been making waves in the local Malaysian cinematic environment. The patriarch, Datuk Dr. Yusof Haslam, successfully cemented himself in the annals of local 90's movies and television with hits like Sembilu, Maria Mariana and Gerak Khas, before taking a step back and collecting producer fees on trash projects like Bohsia: Jangan Pilih Jalan Hitam and KL Wangan. Which to his credit, is a genius move, btw - unofficially retire from directing with your list of box office hits and let others destroy the quality of local cinema.  Following in his footsteps is prodigal son (literally), Shamsul Yusof, who has proven that nepotism can get you far in this country. But also to his credit, Munafik and Munafik 2 were pretty phenomenal.  Now enter Syafiq Yusof, the third installation in the Yusof Haslam movie franchise. A new name to carry on the family brand of "if I ma...

  It was a good effort by M.S Prem Nath (Image courtesy of youtube.com) With Kuman Pictures squeezing out horror movie after horror movie, we're always delighted when they announce their next project as it means more quality horror in the Malaysian market. Done are we with half-assed plots, casting for the sake of creating awareness for social media influencers or movies released just so some top executive somewhere can live off the kickbacks (you know what I'm talking about).  Kuman Pictures delivers another satisfying project in the form of Irul: Ghost Hotel (Irul). Directed by Prem Nath Pillai or M.S Prem Nath, Irul tells the story of a production team filming a documentary about the Crag Hotel in Penang. They've also hired a team of paranormal investigators called The Seekers to help them investigate the site. Along with their guide Raju, a heavy-set, grouchy man, the three parties embark on the area to uncover the mysteries within. Unbeknownst to everyone, both Punitah...

  An original script that loses its way by the end of the first season. (Image courtesy of Power of Pop) If there ever was a horror series that could be equated to a Pokémon, this would be it. 30 Coins is a Spanish horror series from HBO Europe that was created, written and directed by Alex de la Iglesia. It features a stellar cast of talents including Eduard Fernandez, Miguel Angel Silvestre, Megan Montaner, Macarena Gomez, Pepon Nieto and Manolo Solo.  30 Coins, or 30 Monedas tells the story of Father Miguel Vergara, an exorcist, ex-con priest that was stationed in Pedraza, a sleepy little town somewhere in Spain. The first episode lays the foundation for the series moving forward, although it was probably written as a standalone episode seeing as there were only small mentions of the antagonists from the pilot peppered throughout the series.  Two other notable characters that carry the story towards the end is local veterinarian Elena and town Mayor Paco.  You cou...

Overall a misleading poster since the movie doesn't revolve around the kid. (Image courtesy of dubbingfandom.com) A Spanish language, Netflix exclusive horror movie, Don't Listen is a slow burn from the beginning before picking up its pace closer towards the end.  The movie is directed by Angel Gomez Hernandez and stars Rodolfo Sancho, Ana Fernandez, Ramon Barea, Belen Fabra, Lucas Blas and Nerea Barros. The vision of the movie from the casting, to the camera angles and the script were pretty mediocre and typical of any mid-budget, slow burn Netflix horror movie, but the storyline was pretty satisfying.  (Image courtesy of thecinemaholic.com) The story revolves around a family of three, Daniel, his wife Sara and their son Eric who move into a new house somewhere in the countryside. The movie begins with Eric meeting a child psychiatrist to discuss the voices he hears at night. Shortly after the appointment, the psychiatrist crashes her car into a tree, impaling herself to deat...