I Not Stupid Too

Infobox_Film
name = I Not Stupid Too 2


caption =
imdb_id = 0475179
producer = Chan Pui Yin
Seah Saw Yam
director = Jack Neo
distributor = MediaCorp Raintree Pictures
released = Singapore:
26 January 2006
runtime = 122 minutes
language = English, Mandarin, Hokkien
budget =
writer = Jack Neo
starring = Jack Neo
Huang Yiliang
Xiang Yun
Ashley Leong
Shawn Lee
Joshua Ang| preceded_by = "I Not Stupid" (2002)

"I Not Stupid Too" (Chinese: 小孩不笨二 Pinyin: xiǎohái bù bèn èr) is a Singaporean film that was written and directed by Jack Neo and released on 26 January 2006.cite web| url = http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/inotstupid2/inotstupidtoo.htm | title = I Not Stupid Too (2006) | publisher = movieXclusive.com | date = 2006-01-26] It stars Jack Neo, Xiang Yun, Huang Yiliang, Shawn Lee, Ashley Leong and Joshua Ang.

"I Not Stupid Too" is the sequel of "I Not Stupid" (2002). Earning over $4,000,000, it outstripped the original movie's earnings and has become the second-highest grossing Singaporean movie of all time, surpassed only by "Money No Enough".

The film is about the lives of the 15-year-old Tom, his 8-year old brother Jerry, and their friend, the 15-year-old Chengcai. This satirical comedy touches on various issues facing Singaporean teens today, particularly the lack of communication between parents and children, and the lack of appreciation for good deeds. cite news | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/188795/1/.html | title = "I Not Stupid Too" tackles communication problems in families | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = 2006-01-18 | author = Ng Bao Ying]

Production

Screenwriter and Director Jack Neo was inspired to write "I Not Stupid Too" after reading a book about appreciation education, a method of teaching developed by the Chinese educator Zhou Hong cite news | title = Educator who inspired "I Not Stupid Too" in town to give talk" | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = 4 February 2006] . In response to criticisms that "I Not Stupid Too" lacks his trademark political satire, Jack Neo has said, "I'm not anti-government. I'm making films as a Singaporean. This is my way of contributing to society. If I feel strongly about something, I won't keep quiet."cite news | author = Andrea Ong | title = Those stupid tears | publisher = The Straits Times | date = 20 January 2006 ]

"I Not Stupid Too" was produced by MediaCorp Raintree Pictures. Besides writing and directing, Neo starred as Mr. Yeo, and composed the theme song which Hong Junyang sang. [cite web | url = http://www.inotstupid.com.sg/inotstupid2/themesong/themesong.asp | title = I Not Stupid Too, Theme Song | publisher = INotStupid.com | accessdate = 2007-05-14] The production crew included Executive Producer Daniel Yun, Producers Chan Pui Yin and Seah Saw Yam, Cinematographer Ardy Lam and Music and Sound Director Mo Ju Li [ cite web | url = http://www.mediacorpraintree.com/instoo/main_instoo.htm | title = Story Outline - I Not Stupid Too | publisher = MediaCorp Raintree | accessdate = 2007-05-14]

Filming took place during the school holidays in June, at Saint Hilda's Primary School, Presbyterian High School and various other locations.

Child actors Shawn Lee and Joshua Ang stated that they relished the challenge of playing roles quite distinct from those they played in the first film.cite news| title = Young stars of I Not Stupid Too spend holidays filming in school | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = 12 June 2005] The entire film crew was reduced to tears while shooting a scene where Mr Lim beats Chengcai up because he is unable to express his love for him.

Dissatisfied with the extras in several scenes involving gangsters, Jack Neo hired real gangsters to act the parts instead. Neo claims that, despite initial problems of communication, he gave the men simple instructions and praised them for a good take, after which they were more responsive. Working with gangsters, he has said, was a revelation -- his interactions with them highlighted the message of "I Not Stupid Too". Shawn Lee added, "I think they're really misunderstood. They can be very good friends." cite news | title = SCREEN TEST | publisher = South China Morning Post | date = 18 June 2006]

Plot

The plot revolves around the lives of Tom Yeo (Shawn Lee), his younger brother Jerry (Ashley Leong) and their friend Lim Chengcai (Joshua Ang). 15-year-old Tom is technologically inclined and a talented blogger, while 8-year-old Jerry enjoys the performing arts and has the lead role in his school concert. Their parents' (Jack Neo and Xiang Yun) busy schedules give them little time to spend with their children, leading to a strained relationship. His mother absent, Chengcai was raised by his ex-convict father (Huang Yiliang), whose fighting skills he inherited.

The story goes on, revolving around the common errors many people (mainly parents and teachers) see on the younger generations. One example is when Mr. Fu, the Chinese teacher of Tom and Chengcai's class, tells off three students from the same class (especially at the boys' crush Jingjing) of their poor performance in a recent Chinese test. Another teacher enters, telling Mr. Fu that much of his teachings weren't the way to get the desired result he wants.

Meanwhile Jerry has been doing well for his lead acting role for a school performance, in a silly moment one time a 'love' situation happens, in which starts off a thought of how humans came to this world. Jerry was thought to have had his partner Xiaoxi pregnant with a child (since he had held hands, kissed and 'slept' with; in which the actions correspond to what he thought was how a couple had a child), Jerry goes on trying to find answers, but to no avail. Jerry additionally has a bigger problem; getting his parents to come and see his performance. He keeps on delaying his teacher's call on the ticket sales as he had no chance to get any moment with his parents to listen to him. Until he thought that if he raised money and paid his father to spend one hour with him, he could get no response.

Tom and Jerry's family get into a fight after the incident where Xiaoxi was thought to have been pregnant and Jerry tried to find ways to abort the baby (by eating pineapples). This then led on to the family growing further apart, until Jerry's innovative thought to SMS both his parents an apology message using their phones and sending to one another brought the parents back together.

Tom, by accident gets into a fight with a group of gangsters, in which Chengcai steps in and saves him. This results in a conversation with the school principal on the issue.

Chengcai's father, after learning from his female friend (Lao Ban Niang; Lady Boss) at a coffeshop, tries to reconcile with his son using absurd ways (like trying to make his son feel love from him), in which backfires.

Mr. Fu one day tries to teach his class, even providing them with Chinese dictionaries which his students did not know how to use. It is then he finds out that generations have changed and he indeed needs to change his ways.

During a school check for mobile phones, Tom is caught with a pornographic VCD. As his teacher confiscates it, Chengcai makes a cheeky remark that provokes the teacher into slapping him, leading to an exchange of blows that escalates into a massive scuffle. After another parent-to-principal conversation, the principal decides to expel Chengcai and sentence Tom to public caning for their parts in the scuffle.

The events from the school soon erupts into a nationwide controversy, sparking off much discontent and arguements between sides (over the use of corporal punishment in schools). This became so serious that, Mr. Fu, after seeing much reports of his infamy in the mass media, decides to resign from his position in school. However, he is stopped by the principal and staff of the school, in which he thus stays.

Tom and Chengcai join a local street gang, after the gang leader offers a truce which allows them to become part of the gang. The two agree, and then one occasion Mr. Yeo angrily disgraces his son after he disobeyed him. They end up in the police station for assaulting one another, and after much pressure Mr. Yeo decides to learn his son and follow his actions, which seem worse than it seems.

As Tom and Chengcai's initiation, they are made to shoplift an iPod. However, they are caught by two conmen (also from the gang) posing as police offers, who demand that they pay $2000 within two days or be arrested. Just as well Jerry steals money from a canteen vendor in school, much to his parents disappointment. Tom becomes desperate, even searching Jerry's piggy bank (filled with the stolen cash). He confesses to Jerry of his plight, which Jerry willingly gave his steals to his brother. When Jerry is punished for his crime at home, he then confesses his purpose; he wanted to buy time from his father, following what he knew. He tried to save up, even helping to do work for others and selling off his collecting cards, but it was still not enough, which made him resort to stealing.

Mr. and Mrs Yeo realise their failure as parents, after hearing Jerry's plight and reading Tom's blog. Jerry, through the sorrow, cheers his parents up, but then confesses of his brother's predicament.

Still unable to raise the money themselves even with Jerry's funds, the boys decide to rob an old lady of her necklace, but regret their action after remembering thoughts from their elders and return it to her. In the ensuing struggle, the public is dragged in of their crime, which results in a fight to stop Tom and Chengcai as robbers. Chengcai gets into a heated fight, while Tom's mobile phone falls out of his pocket. The fall iniates a 3G call to Tom's father, in which he sacrificed his job to save his son. Chengcai's father, passing by, sees his son in the fight and rushes in to defend his son. Though injured, he manages to prevent his son from getting hurt, but he himself gets fatally wounded.

A scuffle with the police goes, with Mr. Yeo arriving at the scene just in time to explain the matter. He begs the old lady to make it seem that he robbed her, but Tom and Changcai try to prove that they did it as well. Fortunately, the old lady decides to make up a story and save Tom and Chengcai. The Yeo family reconciles happily.

While his father in hospital, Chengcai finally realises, after a tearful lecture from Lady Boss over his father's story, that he had misunderstood his father, and they were separated from one another of misunderstandings.

Chengcai tries to fulfill his father's final wish to accept Chengcai back, which the principal lied to Chengcai's father but he finds out and tells that he just hopes that Chengcai gets a bright future. Before he is seen passed away, he confesses his love to Chengcai.

Jerry's concert becomes a huge success, while Chengcai goes on further with his fighting abilities and wins a worldwide tournament representing Singapore, now as seen to be a person, previously thought to be hopeless, now filled with the ability to show his capability.

Cast

The main characters of the movie were played by the following actors: [ [http://web.archive.org/web/20060511234013/http://su.ntu.edu.sg/tribune/article.php?id=240 Nanyang Technological University Students' Union E-Tribune ] ]

Reception

With earnings of $1,414,496 in the first six days, "I Not Stupid Too" broke "" 's previous opening record of $1,387,118.cite news | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/191140/1/.html | title = 'I Not Stupid Too' rakes in biggest box office opening for local film | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = 2006-02-01 ] By its eleventh day in theaters, the film grossed over $2,000,000 and topped the local box office ahead of Jet Li's "Fearless". cite news | title = MediaCorp Raintree Pictures' "I Not Stupid Too" beats Jet Li's "Fearless" | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = 2006-02-06 | authoer = Joanne Leow | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/191889/1/.html] In total, "I Not Stupid Too" grossed over $4,000,000, surpassing the original film's takings of $3,800,000. Following its success in Singapore, the film was screened in Malaysia (starting 9 March) and Hong Kong (starting 22 June). [ [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475179/releaseinfo Xiaohai bu ben 2 (2006) - Release dates ] ]

Besides being showcased at the Cannes World Cinema and 2006 Shanghai International Film Festival, [cite web | url = http://www.mediacorpraintree.com/about_us/corp_profile.htm | title = Corporate Profile - MediaCorp Raintree Pictures | publisher = MediaCorp |accessdate = 2007-05-14 ] the film was nominated for Best Asian Film at the 2007 Hong Kong Film Awards, [cite news | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/264222/1/.html | title = Singapore music, media firms to showcase at HK entertainment expo | publisher =Channel NewsAsia | authoer = Valarie Tan | date = 2007-03-15] but lost to Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles. [cite news | url = http://english.sina.com/taiwan_hk/p/1/2007/0415/109593.html | title = 26th Hong Kong Film Awards Ceremony held | date = 2007-04-15 | publisher = Xinhua]

Critics have praised the film for touching on important issues such as parent-child communication. movieXclusive.com reviewer Jolene Tan described "I Not Stupid Too" as "a good local movie that will have [its audience] laughing in stitches and crying at certain points" and "one that all Singaporeans should go see", giving the film an overall rating of 4/5. However, she criticised the movie's use of digital animation, arguing that it "ruined the 'genuine' feel of the film." Like most of Neo’s other films, "I Not Stupid Too" highlights many of Singapore’s most topical issues. It "touches on corporal punishment in schools, the much criticised ‘Speak Mandarin’ campaign and the lack of quality time that parents give to their children, thus adversely affecting their education", wrote a review for Bite the Mango. [cite news| url = http://www.nmpft.org.uk/btm/2006/filmdetail.asp?ida=6293 | title = Film Details - I Not Stupid Too | date = 2006-09-22 | accessdate = 2007-05-14 | publisher = Bite the Mango 2006 ] Nie Peng of Shenzhen Daily commented that "I Not Stupid Too" "captured the emotional depth and effectively conveyed the underlying theme of generation gaps" and "made the audience laugh and cry along with the three young actors". [ cite news | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-10/30/content_5265565.htm | publisher = Shenzhen Daily | date = 2006-10-30 | title = I Not Stupid Too 2 shines at film festival ] In contrast, a reviewer for The Hindu found "I Not Stupid" overly preachy, and said that the film "feels like a public service program written by Singapore's social welfare department". [cite news | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/holnus/009200607140324.htm | title ='I Not Stupid Too' disappointing sequel to biting social commentary | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-07-14 ]

equels

The original I Not Stupid was released on 15 February 2002 and grossed $3,800,000. With a different story and characters from its sequel, it touched on issues such as Singapore's education system and social values. When released, "I Not Stupid" was Singapore's all-time second-highest grossing movie, but has since been overtaken by "I Not Stupid Too". With the success of the two "I Not Stupid" films, Jack Neo has announced plans to make more films in the series. cite news | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/196454/1/.html | title = 'I Not Stupid Too' crosses $4m mark in box office takings | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = 2006-03-06]

As with the original film, a TV version of "I Not Stupid Too", consisting of 13 30-minute episodes, was broadcast on Channel 8 every Saturday from 9 to 9:30 p.m., from 23 September 2006 to 16 December 2006. However, while the TV version of "I Not Stupid" was a longer retelling of the film, the televised version of the sequel continued from where the film left off. [cite news | url =http://ch8.mediacorptv.com/shows/sitcom/view/775/1/.html | title = I Not Stupid Too, Every Sat, 9pm | publisher = Channel 8 - Mediacorp TV | accessdate = 2007-05-14] Unlike the movie, which was a satirical comedy, the TV series was more of a comedy sitcom, and Jerry Yeo was played by a new actor who portrayed him as a happier, more curious and more talkative child than the Jerry Yeo of the films. The beginning of the series is narrated by him as a boy who is reaching puberty and suffering from the absence of his father. "I Not Stupid Forum", a talk show hosted by Jack Neo, was broadcast on Channel 8 every Saturday from 10:30 to 11 p.m., starting 6 February 2007. In each of the eight episodes, issues regarding teenagers were explored and views from both professors and psychologists, as well as those of children and teens, were presented.

References

* [http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/189319/1/.html "600 underprivileged children attend "I Not Stupid Too" charity movie premiere"] , "Channel NewsAsia"

External links

* [http://www.mediacorpraintree.com/instoo/ Official website]
*imdb title|id=0475179|title=I Not Stupid Too