The third installment in the "I Not Stupid" series takes a disappointing turn with a sluggish pace and a lackluster storyline, failing to live up to the standards set by its predecessors. Unlike its predecessors, which managed to blend humor with poignant social commentary seamlessly, this installment struggles to find its footing.
One of the most glaring issues is the film's tempo, which moves at an excruciatingly slow pace. This deliberate slowness does little to enhance the storytelling and instead contributes to a sense of dragging monotony throughout. Scenes that could have been engaging and dynamic fall flat due to the drawn-out pacing, making it difficult for the audience to stay invested in the narrative.
Moreover, the storyline itself fails to capture the essence of what made the previous movies successful. While the first two films tackled issues of education, family dynamics, and societal pressures with wit and insight, this third installment lacks a cohesive narrative thread. The plot feels disjointed, jumping from one subplot to another without fully developing any of them. This fragmentation leaves the audience feeling disconnected from the characters and their journeys.
Another disappointing aspect is the quality of the humor, which is described by many as "kinda shit" compared to the sharp wit of its predecessors. The jokes often fall flat, relying on tired clichés and predictable punchlines rather than the clever satire that defined the earlier films. This lack of effective humor further contributes to the overall sense of disappointment surrounding the movie.
In addition to its pacing and storyline issues, the third "I Not Stupid" movie also struggles with character development. Unlike the well-rounded characters of the previous installments, the characters in this film feel underdeveloped and one-dimensional. They lack depth and complexity, making it difficult for the audience to empathize with their struggles or celebrate their victories.
On a positive note, the film does attempt to address some relevant social issues, such as modern-day challenges faced by youth and families in Singapore. However, these attempts are overshadowed by the film's other shortcomings, preventing it from effectively resonating with its audience on a meaningful level.
From a technical standpoint, the cinematography and production design maintain a certain level of competence, though they do little to elevate the overall viewing experience. The visual aesthetics, while polished, cannot compensate for the fundamental flaws in pacing, storytelling, and character development.
Ultimately, the third installment of the "I Not Stupid" series disappoints on multiple fronts. Its slow pace, weak storyline, and lack of compelling characters undermine what could have been a worthy successor to its predecessors. Fans of the earlier films may find themselves let down by this installment's inability to recapture the magic that made the series beloved in the first place.
In conclusion, while the first two "I Not Stupid" movies succeeded in blending humor with social commentary in a meaningful way, the third installment falls short. Its very slow pace and poorly developed storyline fail to engage the audience, resulting in a lackluster viewing experience. Fans of the series hoping for a triumphant return to form may be left feeling disappointed and underwhelmed by this latest entry.
