IT begins with a group of rowdy kids who take part in illegal street racing in the heart of the city.
As they speed through the streets of Kuala Lumpur, weaving in and out of traffic, with scant concern for their safety or that of other road users, they are stopped by the police who demand to see some identification.
As the underaged kids do not have valid licences, they have to spend a night in the police lock-up. The parents are informed of the misdemeanour but instead of reprimanding the kids for their actions, the latter are sent home and told to reflect on their mistakes.
With a hint of a road safety clip, plus catchy soundtrack, there’s promise in Ahmad Idham’s latest cinematic effort, Mat Moto Otai. While the film is surprisingly full of wit and wisdom, spot-on social and familial observations as well as an interesting approach to the illegal bike racing, the film suffers from a flimsy narrative and clunky dialogue.
Shot entirely in the Klang Valley in under 20 days, the RM1.2 million film is about Iskandar (Ahmad Idham), Sulaiman (Datuk Eizlan Yusof), Amir (Opie Zami) and Macha (Cat Farish) who meet and form an unlikely friendship after their children are involved in illegal racing.
The four decide to create a WhatsApp group to share ideas on how to discipline their kids. While the kids perform community service in lieu of jail time, the dads get to know more about one another. They also share apassion for vintage motorbikes.
One day, feeling pensive after he is accused of rape, Sulaiman suggests that they ride around the city on their motorbikes.
There are some nicely choreographed bike stunts and a lensing technique that is seldom seen in local films. But for all the positive messages that the film tries to get across, these feel forced. It also falls short in delving into the subjects raised: Drugs, snatch thieves and free sex.
On the narrative level, Idham fails to establish a coherent plot. The parents make little effort in nurturing the kids andthe dads are busy with their motorbike club. What’s more absurd is that the dads take on the challenge to race against a rival gang and even set a motorbike on fire.
It also doesn’t help that the dramatic scenes only come at the end and in the form of flashbacks. They don’t do well to strike an emotional chord. However, some scenes are well-edited.
The film picks up momentum but it’s over way too soon. As the filmmaker tries to milk his story, it proves very tiring to sit through the film.
However, the cast, particularly Opie Zami, give incredible performances. Opie’s character, Amir, offers many hilarious moments with his natural acting. A rocker at heart, Amir has a soft spot for his fierce wife and almost uncontrollable 17-year-old son.
Idham is to be commended for tackling the issue of illegal racing but the film is in dire need of a better script.
NOW SHOWING
• MAT MOTO OTAI (MALAY)
• DIRECTED BY: Ahmad Idham
• STARRING: Ahmad Idham, Datuk Eizlan Yusof, Opie Zami, Cat Farish
• DURATION: 93 minutes
• RATING: P13