Movies to watch this 2016 Chinese New Year

Writer: Florey DM

Catch these movies this CNY.

As we usher in the Monkey Year this February, why not also enjoy some fun movies at the cinemas? As is the norm, Chinese New Year releases are mostly of the comedic genre, to match the festive happiness of the holidays.

Without further ado, here we list down five movies to watch this Chinese New Year.

"Long Long Time Ago" (Mandarin)

First up is director Jack Neo, who takes a break from his highly successful "Ah Boys to Men" franchise to make a drama movie that portrays Singapore in its growing years. Set in 1965 to the early '70s, "Long Long Time Ago" tells of a heavily pregnant woman named Zhao Di who was kicked out of her house by her husband's family. Together she and her daughters must persevere and continue living their lives. The family's journey accompanies every step of the nation`s growth in its early years.

Release date: 4 February

"Let's Eat" (Mandarin)

What is CNY without the abundance of delectable food? It is only appropriate then to welcome the New Year with a food-themed movie. Bite into Hong Kong actor Chapman To's directorial debut "Let's Eat", a comedy about a chef who has to work together with the café owner's daughter, whom he doesn't get along with, to save the café. Also starring in the movie are Daphne Low, Aimee Chan, C-Kwan, Lo Hoi-pang and more.

Release date: 5 February

"From Vegas to Macau 3" (Mandarin)

Wong Jing's sequel to his highly successful 2015 action comedy sees the return of Chow Yun-Fat and Nick Cheung in their respective roles, with special appearances by Jack Cheung and Carina Lau. This time, the main cast is joined by superstar Andy Lau and singer-actress Li Yuchun. With a cast this star-studded, it may not be a gamble to say "From Vegas to Macau 3" is shaping up to be another great hit for the franchise. It just may collect more than its predecessors' USD156.85 million ("From Vegas to Macau II") and USD95.9 million ("From Vegas to Macau") worldwide gross.

Release date: 5 February

" The Monkey King 2" (Mandarin)

Here's another sequel to a highly successful movie. Though the titular monkey king was played by Donnie Yen in the 2014 movie, which made USD181.9 million worldwide, in "Monkey King 2" Aaron Kwok is stepping up to play the lead. Sun Wukong won't be monkeying around as this time he has to battle the Skeleton Demon, Baigujing (Gong Li).

Release date: 5 February

" The Mermaid" (Mandarin)

Comedy auteur Stephen Chow returns as a director once again with his upcoming fantasy-themed movie, "The Mermaid". Starring newcomer Lin Yun in the titular role, with the rest of the cast made up of Show Luo, Kitty Zhang, Deng Chao and more, the story tells of a man who falls in love with the mermaid that saves him from a boat crash. One's argument doesn't hold water if they were to say the movie promises no laughs, as judging by the trailers and posters alone, it is safe to say laughter will be abundant this Chinese New Year with this comedy.

Release date: 8 February