Remember 'Madu Tiga'?

The Other Woman (2014)
Director: Nick Cassavetes

One cannot help but compare this movie to 'Madu Tiga' (1964), one of P. Ramlee's classics. Both are comedies and hover on the topic of polyamory. The crux of the story is how the aggrieved parties learn about each other's existence. They meet up and go full-throttle to avenge the philandering Romeo. The climax is seeing Romeo fall flat on his face, down and out. Sweet revenge is having Romeo squirm in helplessness.

Unfortunately, the comparison ends there. This film is a perfect example of how big names (of directors and stars) mean nothing if the story is not fresh and the plot has many holes. No amount of flashy displays of flesh and senseless giggling labelled female bonding will change viewers' perception of what entertainment is. Even a mighty name like Nick Cassavetes for the director, who carries the aura of his famous director father, John Cassavetes, can save the day. 

The two 'Other Women' conspire with Wifey.

In this 2014 movie, a successful lawyer thinks she has found a perfect match after all these years, worried much about her ticking biological clock. The lawyer decides to surprise her lover at his home only to find another lady, identifying as his wife, answering the door. It becomes more complicated as a third woman, a model, is also around seen spreading her love. All three scorned ladies cook a perfect plan to outsmart Romeo. Meanwhile, Romeo has his own agenda up his sleeves. 

Can give it a skip, but it helps viewers appreciate the richness and unforgettable experience of watching P. Ramlee's 'Madu Tiga'. Despite being made in black-and-white and dated, its still shots stay much longer in our imagination than this forgettable Hollywood cheap flick.

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