I Not Stupid Too

I Not Stupid Too is a 2006 Singaporean satirical comedy film directed by Jack Neo. It stars Shawn Lee, Ashley Leong, and Joshua Ang. A sequel to the 2002 movie "I Not Stupid," the film delves into the often turbulent, yet humorous, relationship between parents and their children. Despite being based on a uniquely Singaporean backdrop, the film resonates universally as it encapsulates the quintessential generation gap trouble so prevalent in modern societies today.

The story pivots around a family unit consisting of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lim, and their two children, Jerry Lim and Tom Lim. In the family, Jerry (Shawn Lee) exudes perfection and is a high achiever, always placating his parents' wishes. On the other hand, Tom (Joshua Ang) struggles with academic success, often disappointing his traditional parents who believe heavily in the dictum of "study hard, work hard, and success will follow." The parents try to reinforce this adage through strict disciplining that incites frequent disobedient behavior from the kids.

Everything takes an unexpected turn for the worse when Mr. Lim, played by Richard Low, loses his job due to corporate downsizing but, in his pride, conceals the news from his family. On the other hand, the mother, Mrs. Lim (Xiang Yun), who is a disciplined school teacher, struggles to balance her rigid professional life with her softer motherly role at home.

Meanwhile, their children Jerry and Tom are dealing with their own sets of challenges. Jerry is the stereotypical overachieving older brother who resents his parents' overbearing expectations and pressures of excellence, while Tom is the frustrating underachiever - artistically inclined and street smart but academically challenged. Interactions between the children and the parents often culminate in arguments, tantrums, and acts of rebellion, which are humorously depicted in Jack Neo's typical satirical style.

However, the process of dealing with the ups and downs together gradually makes them realize the importance of communication, understanding, love, and respect. The film thus brilliantly uses humor to highlight the deep-rooted problems in families caused by lack of communication resulting from generational differences.

The subplot of the movie involves a foreign family – The Chengs, comprising of the authoritarian father led Mr. Cheng (played by Huang Yiliang), his submissive wife and gadget-geek son Cheng Cao (Ashley Leong). The Chengs, initially perceived as perfect, slowly reveal their own series of familial flaws. The contrast between these two families provides an entertaining juxtaposition that seeks to emphasize the importance of parent-child relationships, differing parenting styles, and communication in a modern Asian society.

The film is not just a comedy but also a sociopolitical satire that outlines the prevalent dogma of meritocracy in Singapore. Through its story, I Not Stupid Too offers a powerful critique on the education system of Singapore and indirectly begins to challenge dominant perspectives and societal norms about success. In the film, Neo not only depicts the dichotomy between academic and non-academic paths but also explores many other themes such as parent-child relationships, generational conflicts, societal pressures, and more.

Overall, I Not Stupid Too is a heartwarming and hilarious film that seamlessly blends comedy and drama to deliver a poignant message about the importance of understanding and mutual respect between parents and their children. Directed by Jack Neo, a maestro in the realm of Singaporean cinema, the film skillfully intertwines multiple aspects of Singaporean family and social life, providing viewers with a vibrant image of contemporary Singapore, effortlessly resonating with audiences, both local and international.