Warkop DKI Reborn: Jangkrik Boss! Part 1 - Reboot of the Famous Iconic Trio Indonesian Comedian

This movie had been buzzing for a while and created a very great excitement among the Indonesian movie goers. My wife and I were also interested in seeing the reboot of these 3 very iconic comedians called Warkop DKI. The trailer that was shown in the theaters were showing several scenes where they referred to some of the titles of Warkop DKI's earlier movies. So the plot of the movie itself was not truly shown. Nevertheless, it did not hold our enthusiasm to watch the movie on its premiere day. When my wife went to the cinema to buy the tickets 10 minutes before 12PM, the queues were already so long despite the selling did not even start until 12PM. Lucky she still got the tickets for 9 PM (could not get our usual 7 PM schedule). Anyway, let's get started, shall we?

Brief Story Line

The movie started with introduction of three good friends were working in a private community force dressed similar to police force called CHIPS, Dono (Abimana Aryasatya - Negeri Van Oranje, Sabtu Bersama Bapak etc), Kasino (Vino G. Bastian - 30 Hari Mencari Cinta, Bangkit etc) and Indro (Tora Sudiro - Arisan!, 3 Dara etc). These 3 were shown to be trying their best in helping police in several matters such as helping kids whose soccer ball stuck in a tree, warning car that went through the bus way lane and even ticketing motor cyclist who was driving against the proper flow. 

However, while trying to help, Kasino mistakenly identified as a provocator and captured by police. After CHIPS boss (Ence Bagus - Comic 8, The Wedding & Bebek Betutu etc) apologize to the police chief, Kasino was released and the 3 of them could continue to work. When Kasino accidentally saw something improper done by the boss, he was able to "blackmail" him using the code: Jangkrik (cricket). Later on we could also see that these 3 were having financial problems and were buying stuffs using credit but unable to pay. 

Meanwhile following the recent robberies in Jakarta, the boss wanted CHIPS to assist police in capturing these robbers called "begal". However, knowing that Dono, Kasino and Indro were incompetent, he enlisted the help from a CHIPS officer from France called Sophie (Hannah Al Rashid - Comic 8: Kasino Kings). She was a professional and experienced in capturing bad guys. Seeing how pretty Sophie was, the 3 of them started to compete and get her attention.

Without adding too much detail on the story, I believe it would be just nice if you continue to watch the film by yourself to find out what crazy things would happen when Dono, Kasino and Indro joined forces with Sophie and trying to capture those begal.

End of Brief Story Line

This movie was very satisfying in term of providing us much laughter. My wife and I laughed throughout the whole film with I think the rest of the audience who flooded the theater (btw it was completely full house which I believe was happening in most theaters in Jakarta). There were few people who were very noisy before the movie started but fortunately with so many funny scenes, those disturbing noises were covered under the voice of our laughter. It had been such a long time since we had this kind of laugh in a movie.

For those of us lucky enough to watch Warkop DKI movies, we would be having the nostalgic feeling of seeing Abimana, Vino and Tora literally re-live our memories of the original Dono, Kasino and Indro. It was like they stopped being themselves and transformed into the late Dono, Kasino and into Indro. I believe they really did a wonderful job on this. Two thumbs up!

The film was also filled with the cameos of Indro, the only remaining actor of original Warkop DKI. There were also some quite well known stars in various smaller scenes such as the senior Hengky Solaiman, Inggrid Widjanarko, Ari Tulang, Nikita Mirzani and few others. However, one performance that really caught our attention was definitely the famous Tarzan from Srimulat. The scene involving him and the trio was my most favorite and memorable moment (among so many others).

For those who love to see the slapstick humor that were like trademark of Warkop DKI movies, you would be satisfied watching this one. It had all those ingredients. Meanwhile for those who are not familiar, can probably relate to smart satire remarks of politicians, parliament and police & quite upto date jokes or meme circling around in social medias. There were very minor vulgar humor, but since Indonesian censorship did not cut it, I guess it's still ok for teens but may not be suitable for children below 13 (hence the rating of R13+)

I realize that movies are really subjective type of entertainment. Some people may find this movie awesome but others may find it awful. However, I am not sure if people could not be entertained with this movie. I truly cannot wait to see 2nd part of this movie. (Yes this movie is 1st part and it had a cliffhanger ending). 

Anyway, this movie is really recommended. If you have time to watch it, please do so. You can watch it with your spouse, your boyfriend/girlfriend, your friends, your colleagues, your families, just do it. It's entertaining even if you are watching by yourself. I personally think this one would be a great hit and I would not be surprised if it would break some records in Indonesian cinemas. Updated Jan 2017, the movie did go on to become the most watched Indonesian movie of all time with > 6 million audience. Great Job to all the team!

Happy watching!

Mike's movie moments rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Note:

As mentioned earlier, Warkop DKI was originally consisting of the late Wahyu Sardono (shortened to Dono), the late Kasino Hadiwibowo (shortened to Kasino) and Indrodjojo Kusumonegoro (shortened to Indro. These 3 and other personnels named Nanu Mulyono and Rudy Badil filled a comedy talkshow in Prambors radio during the 1970s. The show was called Warung Kopi (Coffee shop) as the format was supposed to be like when people were having conversation & chit chatting in a coffee shop. Since the show was aired in that radio, they were later on called as Warkop Prambors (Warkop shortened for Warung Kopi). The comedy program was a success and they started to be invited filling in various shows and became famous. Subsequently they changed the group's name to Warkop DKI (referring to Jakarta's identity and also shorten of their 3 remaining personnels Dono Kasino and Indro). Warkop DKI also made numerous films that were very successful in the 1980s and 1990s. After Kasino passed away and later Dono, Indro was the only one left from the group. So it was very cool of him to recreate the new Warkop DKI and his talent for spotting these 3 as the perfect actors filling in their big shoes.