[SPOILER-FREE REVIEW] Abang Long Fadil 3: Comedic Espionage Film Is Absolutely Bonkers

Abang Long Fadil is no ordinary gangster. First appeared in KL Gangster 1 as Malek’s sidekick, Fadil went through quite the roller coaster ride from low-level grunt to a member of the mafia in the second film. Director Syafiq Yusof had different plans for Fadil in the third movie - one that has defined the versatility of the character, the franchise and Zizan Razak himself.

The third instalment of the Abang Long Fadil franchise kicked off with a bang at Suria KLCC, after thousands of fans showed up for the meet and greet session with the fans at the Esplanade. Lucky ones received free tickets to watch the movie two weeks before the first day of screening.

In the hall, fans were already buzzing before the movie started. The grand reception is reminiscent of Polis Evo 2 and maybe KL Gangster 2 as well. Beyond the excitement surrounding the franchise, fans were fidgeting with enthusiasm as they witnessed the long-awaited reunion of Jozan - which is probably the biggest name in comedy since the legendary Senario (this is debatable but bear with me).

The film pits Fadil against Chow Han, a Nusantaran Chinese crimeboss who’s obsessed with taking over the country. Played by Johan, Chow Han eagerly intends to seize a mind-control machine as part of his nationwide takeover plan. Fresh from state prison, Fadil is dragged into working under the National Secret Service (NSS) and partners with Alice (Elizabeth Tan) for his missions.

Alongside Jozan and Elizabeth Tan, the movie features a stellar roster of actors including AC Mizal, Kazar Saisi, Khir Rahman, Tania Hudson, Maya Karin, Daniella Sya and many more.

The movie starts out fast and hard: guns blazing, houses on fire; the full package. The reintroduction of Fadil’s world is unique, especially given that he came all the way from KL Gangster 1. Goodbye baseball bats and hello MI6-level gadgets as Fadil are given quirky Kingsman-esque spy weapons to play around with - so expect complete mayhem.

Premise aside, the film’s strongest aspect is the humorous scriptwriting. Syafiq Yusof was clever in managing two of the biggest names in Malaysian comedy as he carefully balances between trusting the two with their humour and realising his own vision for the film. Most of the jokes will leave you cackling for sure, because the cinema erupted in every few minutes.

However, not all of the jokes worked out well, which is a common case in comedic movies (Even MCU doesn’t have a 100% record). A few of them were done before, some can be misinterpreted but thankfully, most of them left us rolling on the floor.

Abang Long Fadil 3 is part Kingsman, part Fast & Furious and whole lot of fun. Come in, expect absolutely nothing and you might just enjoy the ride.

Abang Long Fadil 3 will be available in cinemas nationwide this 5th of September.