1 of the worst movies I ever watched - Jack Neo's I want to be boss (AI 拼才会赢）

[idolcritic]

Give me free or top up $100 I also won't watch

 

[yperic]

'Pride is worthless': Jack Neo's CNY movie reflects on 'saving face' culture and conquering AI​

Jack Neo (centre, in grey jacket) shared that one of the main themes in his new movie I Want To Be Boss is about pride and he wants the audience to reflect after watching it. PHOTO: Golden Village

Local director Jack Neo was feeling very stressed after the release of his films Money No Enough 3 and I Not Stupid 3 — both box-office successes — in 2024.

"I was facing difficulties thinking of new ideas for a movie. Those who had worked on scriptwriting with me would know that we went through many ideas and rounds of editing. At some point I thought, 'Maybe I won't release a movie this year'," the 64-year-old said at the press conference for his new movie I Want To Be Boss yesterday (Jan 22).

However, those around Jack told him they are anticipating watching his new movie during the Chinese New Year season and that encouraged him to continue.

He added: "I think as filmmakers, what we are most afraid of is not having anyone looking forward to our movies anymore."

So while sourcing for ideas, one of the most frequent topics that showed up on his social media feeds was artificial intelligence (AI) and robots. Some of the images looked so realistic that he wondered if it was real and that sparked the concept for his new movie.

To ensure that audiences are able to relate to this, Jack combined family drama with AI technology to show how it affects family and relationships.

He also hopes for the audience to reflect on the 'saving face' culture, one of the movie's themes, adding: "Don't make life difficult for yourself because of pride, because you may end up losing what matters most to you, such as family. Is that worth it?"

I Want To Be Boss tells the story of Ong Dongnan (Henry Thia), who partners with food critic-influencer Douyin Jie (Dawn Yeoh) to open a Chinese restaurant after being forced into retirement, and takes his ex-colleague Steven (Zhang Shuifa) as his culinary apprentice.

Dongnan also owns an AI robot Ling Ling (Patricia Mok), which helps to ease household pressures and serves as a mediator for him and his wife Mrs Ong (Aileen Tan). However, AI technology becomes Dongnan's downfall, after Douyin Jie and Steven steal his secret recipe and frame him for it. Through a series of events, including a family crisis, Dongnan learns the importance of hard work, honesty and forgiveness.

'Losing face won't cause you to die'​

Speaking to AsiaOne in a separate interview, Jack, who plays Dongnan's friend Ah Kiong in the movie, told us that the inspiration for the betrayal plot comes from various events in life, including war.

He shared: "I just want the audience to know that there's no purpose in an argument. There are many times when arguments arise because of people's own pride. Having lived for nearly 65 years, I have come to realise that sometimes, pride is worthless.

"It all depends on perspectives; some people feel that pride is an important part of their lives and argue for it, but if they lose more important aspects of their life in the process, is that worth it?

"When it comes to a point where the main concern is pride, we should be able to make our decision immediately. Losing face won't cause you to die, and there are more crucial things such as death and family tragedy, so in that case, why should one still choose their pride, which is not a big deal?"

Using AI in filmmaking​

Jack Neo said that while he used AI technology in making music and the end credits of his new movie, he has no intention of using it to direct and write scripts. PHOTO: Golden Village

The movie also marks Jack's first attempt in using AI technology in filmmaking; out of the nine songs in the movie soundtrack, eight were sung by AI.

"Such technology is earth-shattering and subversive to creative thinking, but for someone like me who likes music but can't compose, it's suitable for me," he shared at the press conference.

Jack also said that 95 per cent of the music video seen in the end credits is created by AI.

He said: "I want to take this opportunity to let the audience know more about AI and expand their perspectives about it. We shouldn't be afraid of AI and should instead learn more about them, understand them fully and conquer them, so that we are able to utilise them."

Despite that, he has no intentions of using AI to write and direct his movies: "I think it's impossible for AI to do scriptwriting [at this point in time]. There are many details in human relationships which I believe AI wouldn't be able to capture. After all, human beings are complex."

Dawn contributed her voice to one of the soundtracks in the film, titled Wo Men Shi Ji Qi Ren (We are Robots) and this marks her second song release after two decades.

"I recorded a single when I first joined showbiz as I was supposed to debut as a singer. I am thankful to Jack for giving me this opportunity. To be able to step into the recording studio again, I felt that my dream was fulfilled," the 38-year-old said.

Laughter and celebration at the press conference​

The actors of I Want To Be Boss gave Jack Neo a birthday surprise at the press conference on Jan 22, 2025. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Yeo Shu Hui

Henry revealed at the event yesterday that the movie was one of his most difficult to film.

"Jack and I quarrelled and I told him it's my last movie," he said.

Jack then asked him whether he was sure about what he said, which the 72-year-old confirmed, adding: "It's my last for 2024."

Henry Thia revealed his challenges of playing a male lead at his age in Jack Neo's new movie I Want To Be Boss. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Yeo Shu Hui

In a separate interview, Henry shared that he and Jack have had their differences all along.

Patricia, 53, explained that Henry's anger was actually not directed at Jack, but at himself: "He had his own pressures as the male lead and also meeting Jack's high standards, so when he can't meet them, he would be angry at himself."

Henry added there were many times when he had to deliver long lines but fumbled towards the end, resulting in an NG (no-good shot).

Towards the end of the press conference, Jack was also given a surprise, as his birthday falls on Jan 24 — the same day I Want To Be Boss opens in Singapore cinemas.

As a cake was brought out for him — with a sparkler candle — everyone erupted into a Cantonese birthday song for Jack.

Later, a plate of longevity buns was also presented to Jack and as a show of friendship, Jack and Henry crossed their arms while taking a bite.

I Want To Be Boss, which also stars Terence Cao, Jae Liew, Yang Guang Ke Le and Shawn Thia, opens in Singapore cinemas on Jan 24.

mm2 Entertainment’s Chief Content Officer Ng Say Yong (left), Jack Neo (right) and the actors of I Want To Be Boss toss yusheng at the press conference on Jan 22, 2025. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Yeo Shu Hui

 

[John0316]

lol I really enjoyed reading your movie review and trying to imagine how bad it is lolol. My fam and I watch most of jack neo’s movies and I do think many of the recent ones are really quite bad… for eg there was a Liang Ximei movie that I can really rank as one of the all time bad.

Musang King and Money No Enough 3 I also thought were quite bad actually, I Not Stupid 3 not as bad but also erm not what I was looking for.

This AI robot one don’t think I’ll watch it at the cinema lolol but can imagine how bad it can be.

Is it as bad as the Liang Ximei movie?

Thanks thanks for your compliment.

I honestly nv watch Liang xi mei movie but I thought Money No Enough 3 was okay la, not bad at least quite funny.

This one is really kana sai, like seriously no new ideas.
Not funny, very draggy, acting cui and CGI is terrible; nothing is at stake and really sitting through it is a torture - you don't even feel curious about what is gonna happen / ending etc; very cringe and slow burn 2hrs+ movie..

 

[John0316]

All of Jack Neo's movies qualify to be worst movies you ever watched.

For me - no chance.

I will NOT watch any of the rubbish movies produced/directed by Jack Neo. Quality very low.

Free then I go de, but I really didn't expect it to be so terrible. Like worse than mediacorp drama.

Like if it was on TV for free, ppl might also switch channel. I not kidding... it is that bad.

 

[purplewave]

ok not watching then

 

[Thoma5]

Today his birthday.. just wish him happy birthday nia

 

[John0316]

Today his birthday.. just wish him happy birthday nia

Every time near CNY his birthday, at the shoeing they also sign HBD to him. Haha.

Then he use this bday thing to tell every1 watch his movie on CNY as a present for him.

Smart guy. Haha

 

[Thoma5]

Every time near CNY his birthday, at the shoeing they also sign HBD to him. Haha.

Then he use this bday thing to tell every1 watch his movie on CNY as a present for him.

Smart guy. Haha

Actually normal lah… tbh this cny very early which kind of crash tio his bdae… to me,he really a ok person but just tat some ppl bside him hmmm…

 

[John0316]

Actually normal lah… tbh this cny very early which kind of crash tio his bdae… to me,he really a ok person but just tat some ppl bside him hmmm…

I watch movie based on quality and entertainment, don't care character of the filmmakers..
Like we also know how bad Brad Pitt is to Angelina Jolie, how Aaron Kwok betrayed Lynn Hung or how Jackie Chan super tikopek.. I also watch their movies.

But this Jack Neo movie is really terrible and doesn't matter what his character is a saint or not..

 

[Jurong640]

Is there a lot product placements?

 

[John0316]

Is there a lot product placements?

Got some bank app, some drink etc.
Not alot la but even if alot doesn't matter if movie is good, but the movie is terrible. Lol

 

[VEF888]

waste money never mind, but who the heck can tahan wasting time watching such stuff?

 

[Lifetime warranty]

Still got people willing to waste money on him?

 

[John0316]

Still got people willing to waste money on him?

A lot of corporates, insurance companies, banks mass book halls and giving tickets to their clients and employees leh..

 

[runny yolk]

Recently I watched one of JN’s more highly rated movie on Netflix. Can only tahan 10 mins.
TS should not sabo JN’s movie, let sinkies go support him during CNY.

Sinkies really need to see 1 absolutely terrible jack neo movie to stop supporting his rubbish forever.

 

[shodan99]

Usually, JN movies have some messages.

Ya, messages about his sponsors.

 

[eAtNeAt]

I need to be paid to watch these.
It's like watching advertisements.
Can't even weave in endorsements subtly.

 

[lightningflash]

Think all are trying hard to make fast profit from the hot trend

 

[eAtNeAt]

That is how he scam box office for many yrs.

But yes ppl should go watch and come tell me if their views differ, cause honestly if anyone watched the same movie as what I saw last night.. wah, really KNS terrible movie. Haha. No one can touch their heart and say it is good...

Now that makes me curious. Lol

 

[s-ghost]

need @s-ghost to comment... i trust his review on Jack Neo movie

first of all, i declare i am jack neo fan

every year, edmwers will start thread and denounce his latest movie to be the worst movies ever seen (yes haters gonna bash anyway, with or without watching)

my fair review, i don't think this latest one is the worst movie of jack neo (try ah girls go army or wonderful liang xi mei), but it's pretty average and not memorable or worthy of a mention

and true, it's not funny as well like his previous

you want to know what's worst, go watch 被逼英雄