Danny Boyle's reputation took a bit of a hammering when he went to Thailand to make "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio. But that hasn't stopped first-time writer-director Kaprice Kea making his debut with another Thailand-based caper.
Unfortunately, Kea has proved no better than Boyle at marrying exotic locations to a compelling storyline.
Stuart Laing (recently seen in British ensemble drama "The Lawless Heart") plays Adam, an English backpacker who is dumped by girlfriend Kate (Mitchell) on his first night in Bangkok.
Fleeing to a remote island paradise, Adam falls for Em (Nakprasitte), a beautiful Thai masseuse employed by Irish bar owner Joey (Magee).
Penniless and lovestruck, Adam is persuaded to courier some forged passports to a neighbouring island.
What he doesn't realise is that he's now part of a seedy human trafficking scam cooked up by Joey and his dissolute American partner-in-crime (O'Herlihy).
Enterprising producer Tom Waller, who made a creditable directorial debut himself with 1997's "Monk Dawson", ensures his flick makes the most of its sultry, picturesque locations.
And Kea, now living as an ex-pat in Bangkok, displays an admirable respect for the customs and culture of the Thai people.
But this good-looking melodrama is nonetheless let down by a dreary script, Laing's inexpressive central performance, and a midpoint shift from travelogue to thriller that's as jarring as it is preposterous.
It may be a triumph of logistics, but no amount of pretty scenery and scantily-clad females will suffice if you don't give a Phuk about the characters.
Butterfly Man (2002)
