The cinema chain was established in 2000 and is the second-largest in China, with 2,936 screens in 191 locations throughout the country. And here’s a fun fact: the name is derived from “Da Di”, a song by Hong Kong band Beyond.
Both branches offer Instagrammable backdrops, and are perfect for those who also appreciate factors such as food, ambience, seating and aesthetics.
The USJ branch has gone for a busy street feel, complete with a runaway car that has “crashed” into a wall and a vintage pick-up truck smackdab in the middle of the foyer.
The child-friendly “Lil Star” cinema halls offer playgrounds and colourful children’s seating just below the area reserved for adults. Now parents can worry less and enjoy the movie while keeping a close eye on their kids.
And if you aren’t a big fan of lugging around power banks and phone chargers, every seat at Dadi Cinema comes with USB ports.
This was a major selling point for the FMT team who were invited to a weeknight screening of the latest James Bond instalment, “No Time to Die”.
No time to die, but time to retire
The 25th movie in the Bond franchise is a classic example of an ambitious film gone wrong.
After the misfire that was “Spectre”, “No Time to Die” was the opposite: too much action and too long, without tying up loose ends that the former movie left unanswered.
Fans of the franchise will likely be let down once again, especially since this is Daniel Craig’s final outing as the iconic Bond. The film tries to tug at the heartstrings – going against the spy’s famously stoic demeanour – way too late in the game.
Despite the movie lasting an almost-interminable 163 minutes, there is nothing outstanding for fans to take away. The constant action scenes make it easy to forget there is even a plot.
There are, however, good things to be said. Far from being overshadowed by Bond, Lashana Lynch’s new Agent 007 and Lea Seydoux’s Dr Madeleine Swann stand out despite their limited roles.
Craig is far from a bad actor, but his depiction of the broody Bond – coupled with mistimed “witty” remarks – will make you cringe so hard, you’ll start rooting for the bad guy with the accent who doesn’t resort to dad jokes every five minutes.
The new Agent 007, on the other hand, promises a more human depiction, showcasing a depth and personality lacking in Craig’s Bond.
For someone seemingly hot-headed and feisty, the new double-oh-seven makes scarily decisive and accurate choices at even the most nerve-racking moments.
Understandably the spotlight remains on Craig’s moody agent, who, by the end of the film, reinforces in viewers the notion that he needs to retire for good.
Bond fans can now look forward to a much-needed change to the main character, even if future films still manage to stick to their chauvinistic roots.
‘No Time to Die’ is now playing in cinemas nationwide. To purchase tickets for a viewing at Dadi Cinema, click here.