Sorry Poh for putting ur post behind. but check this out.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
My Review
Awake and alone in the middle of the night, it has dawned upon me that doing blog entries when your eyelids are closing can take away alot of one's inspiration and creativity. Nevertheless, I will strive ahead and try to bring the magic of the silverscreen to this entry.
It has been a summer of blockbuster movies. The secret in having a successful movie is a secret no more. There's no need for a good plot, great acting nor originality. All you need to is either a re-make, a sequel or copying the original. Tried and tested methods guaranteed to bring success to the studios. Just look at what bagged Martion Scoresse his Oscar after so long... a REMAKE of Infernal Affairs.
Onto the reviews. First up is one of my favourite franchises, John McClane is back in Die Hard 4.0! Now everyone remembers Bruce Willis and his one-liners in the Die Hard franchise. Well, it's all here in the latest installment, sans the cigarette smoking. Apparently censors in the States are considering giving movies which tout chain-smoking characters an R rating so as not to influence young minds. Oh yeah, it's the smoking that influences young minds and nothing to do with the body count that just piles up in the action movies these days... Anyway, get ready for more one-liners like "yipee-ki-yay, motherfucker!" and "that's enough of this kung-fun shit" in this adrenaline-packed film. In my books, it definitely matches up to Die Hard with a Vengenace, and agruably better. Bruce Willis still excels in the type of role most suited for him; the reluctant hero who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The time round the danger is world domination and the weapon of destruction is computers. Thankfully the geek-speak is kept to a minmum and what we appreciate most about the series is hyped up, ie John McClane killing everyone who gets in his way. Special mention to Justin Long, who always seems to play the perenial nerd/geek in every movie that requires one. Fellow geeks might recognise him as the nerd in the Apple commercials. And also Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who plays John McClane's daughter. A fiesty little hotty whom some may have caught as the female lead in Final Destination 3. Needless to say the IT girl of the moment, Maggie Q deserves all the screen time she gets in this movie. The movie wouldn't be as good with this foxy lady. My verdict: This is one not to be missed.
It has been a summer of blockbuster movies. The secret in having a successful movie is a secret no more. There's no need for a good plot, great acting nor originality. All you need to is either a re-make, a sequel or copying the original. Tried and tested methods guaranteed to bring success to the studios. Just look at what bagged Martion Scoresse his Oscar after so long... a REMAKE of Infernal Affairs.
Onto the reviews. First up is one of my favourite franchises, John McClane is back in Die Hard 4.0! Now everyone remembers Bruce Willis and his one-liners in the Die Hard franchise. Well, it's all here in the latest installment, sans the cigarette smoking. Apparently censors in the States are considering giving movies which tout chain-smoking characters an R rating so as not to influence young minds. Oh yeah, it's the smoking that influences young minds and nothing to do with the body count that just piles up in the action movies these days... Anyway, get ready for more one-liners like "yipee-ki-yay, motherfucker!" and "that's enough of this kung-fun shit" in this adrenaline-packed film. In my books, it definitely matches up to Die Hard with a Vengenace, and agruably better. Bruce Willis still excels in the type of role most suited for him; the reluctant hero who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The time round the danger is world domination and the weapon of destruction is computers. Thankfully the geek-speak is kept to a minmum and what we appreciate most about the series is hyped up, ie John McClane killing everyone who gets in his way. Special mention to Justin Long, who always seems to play the perenial nerd/geek in every movie that requires one. Fellow geeks might recognise him as the nerd in the Apple commercials. And also Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who plays John McClane's daughter. A fiesty little hotty whom some may have caught as the female lead in Final Destination 3. Needless to say the IT girl of the moment, Maggie Q deserves all the screen time she gets in this movie. The movie wouldn't be as good with this foxy lady. My verdict: This is one not to be missed.
Moving on we have the Micheal Bay summer vehicle, Transformers! Needless to say, everyone and anyone who grew up in the 80's will recall the cartoon who had everyone shouting "Transformers, more than meets the eye!" This re-creation of the timeless classic of the Autobots versus Decepticons tries to stay true to it's form however old-fashion fans may find that the CGI depictions of the Transformers do not look at all like the originals. Optimus Prime retains his original look (minus the red flames on his hood), however the rest of the "robots in disguise" don't look recognisable at all. But bearing in mind that Michael Bay was trying to add in a layer of logic that the original cartoons sometimes missed (haven't you ever wondered where the container that Prime lugs around goes after he transformed?), this is for me a pretty good rendition. The scene is set for the battle between good and evil for the All Sparks, a cube that contains the power to rule the universe. And that pretty much is the whole story line. Lousy plot? Maybe, but the action sequences will leave you wanting more. Another difference I've noticed is that there are considerably more humans than robots in this movie. If I'm not mistaken, there are only like a total of 13 robots in the film whereas the human characters are everywhere. Not that I'm complaining as this must be the break-through film of Megan Fox, who is my summer hottie of the year. For me, this is the must-see show of the summer. Watch this if nothing else! Fans of the original, here's a treat for you.
The latest and final Harry Potter book became the fastest selling book over the weekend with close to 8.6 million copies sold on the first day. And yes, I am one of those 8.6 million that bought the book. And yes I could tell you everyone that dies in this final installment. But I will not, for the sake of those that chance upon this blog who haven't read the book. But it's not the book we're talking about here, it's the fifth installment in the Harry Potter franchise, Order of the Pheonix. Hugely popular among the teens and tweens, all the pre-screening hype had promised a darker and more sinister movie. This the film delivered. However someone must have forgotten to inform the producers that darker doesn't necessary equate better. It was as if David Yates couldn't make up his mind if he wanted to make a serious adult film or a film for kids. The film shuttles between issues of the self-antagonism and internal struggles of Harry and teenage issues of friendship and love. And ends up developing neither. The story line does stay true to the book. Ardent fans may insist that many details were missing, but do note that this is the longest Harry Potter book by far and the director has done justice to the book in my opinion. Whilst I'm impressed by the solid acting of Daniel Radcliffe, the break-out performance must go to Emma Watson. The coming of age of Hermoine has me enthralled in more ways than one. From a young and slightly awkward kid, she has blossomed into a woman that is definitely on her way to great foxiness. Compare:
Conclusion: read the book if you're not a big fan. However if you're a pimple-popping male teen, go watch Emma. Let's end things with a spoof:
This entry took up shit-loads of my time. Everyone please leave a comment saying how awesome my reviews up. I'm thinking of book reviews next. Nominate some books and if I like the title I'll go buy it and review it.
P.S. Did I lend anyone my Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? It appears to be missing from my collection.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
As some of you may or may not know, the NEW list of seven wonders of the world is out. Well... there was a need for the new list as the old one consisted of six which no longer exist.
£1 million Question : Which is the only one from the first list of seven wonders to have survived?
Remember, you have no more life lines left.
Anyway, here is my five pence. A shame to say ... I have never been to any of the new seven before. I am putting it on the list to do before I die.
Taj Mahal. An Indian Emperor built this for his favourite wife and the marble structure has stood the test of time (and British invasion).
Nothing unfamiliar to many of our brothers here. I am not a hao han.
I heard that ... Maximus once fought there as a slave. Hopefully I can get to visit this soon.
Given the problems Rio de Janiero now faces, maybe this majestic structure can provide solutions.
I have to admit .. there are three things I know about Mayans.
1)They are one of the race in Age of Empire
2) They are poorly portrayed in Acapolypto. Read: Human sacrifice is an Aztec thing, not really Mayan.
3)Their calendar predicts end of the world in 2012.
I have a few mates who have been to Macchu Picchu and have said that it is absolutely amazing. But dont forget, Tevez has already annihilated them.
This is a shame for me. I have not heard of Petra before the results came out. Conclusion: A good effort, but a real shame Angkor Wat is not on the list. I have been there TWICE.
BBC news Update:
A weekend of furious sports action around the globe had prompted this update.
And of the persistent whining of the man they call poh.
Venus (above) Williams sealed her fourth Wimbledon title in straight sets. She was seeded 23 before the competition but really lifted her game to win the title. Her expression of sheer joy in the picture above reminds us that even sportswoman are human afterall.
Federer won the men's title. No real surprises there, but his record of five in a row matched that of the legendary Bjorn Bork. Let's not forget the man is only still 25.
Liverpool has reportedly made a £10m bid for Ryan Babel (above). I have not seen this youngster play before, but I do know that he is highly rated. His pace is what we need. For your information, Liverpool submitted squad numbers yesterday, with Torres getting the number 9 and Voronin the number 10. What surprised me was that only two goalies had numbers - David Martin as our second choice? Oh God ... please...
A weekend of furious sports action around the globe had prompted this update.
And of the persistent whining of the man they call poh.
Venus (above) Williams sealed her fourth Wimbledon title in straight sets. She was seeded 23 before the competition but really lifted her game to win the title. Her expression of sheer joy in the picture above reminds us that even sportswoman are human afterall.
Federer won the men's title. No real surprises there, but his record of five in a row matched that of the legendary Bjorn Bork. Let's not forget the man is only still 25.
Kimi Raikkonen eclipsed Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone as Ferrari upped the ante for this year's title race. Next up, German Grand Prix. I fancy Nick Hiedfeld for the victory there.
The man they (I) call the beast is in the headlines much this week. Against Peru in the Copa America, he came in as a 2nd half substitute to annihilate the Peruvians (allusion to next article). I like him as a player and think he is fabulous. Please don't go to United, Tevez. It is Anfield where you can join Mascherano and be Kop legends.
Liverpool has reportedly made a £10m bid for Ryan Babel (above). I have not seen this youngster play before, but I do know that he is highly rated. His pace is what we need. For your information, Liverpool submitted squad numbers yesterday, with Torres getting the number 9 and Voronin the number 10. What surprised me was that only two goalies had numbers - David Martin as our second choice? Oh God ... please...
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
The Week in Review
I don't really have much of an idea for an entry. But considering the lack of contributions from the rest of the editors, I guess anything will do.
The last week of June started rather uneventfully, nothing exceptional to mention except perhaps the start of Wimbledon 2007, where we see Federer trying to win a record fifth consecutive title. The rest of the week progressed on just like Federer, expectedly and without complications.
A 3-0 loss to Australia signalled the end of an era at the National Stadium. I'm sure many of us have fond memories of the grand old dame, since we grew up in the days of the Malaysian Cup. Despite the praise-laden reports submitted by the local media for the closing ceremony, there was apparently quite a fair bit of critisim about the lack of organisation.
More local news. A new book Australian reporter Rodney King, "The Singapore Miracle - Myth or Reality", casts doubts on our little island's success. A little review of the book here. Chances are no one in Singapore will be getting their hands on the book. I have a strong suspicion that our local bookstores will not be stocking up on this book.
As the last day of June crept slowly upon us, the sinking feeling smokers island-wide felt in their stomachs instensified. At the stroke of midnight on a Saturday night, the ash-trays were faithfully kept away for the last time at pubs and clubs country-wide. The end of an era and the beginning of martial law (at least when it comes to smoking and drinking). I was there to witness it all, enjoying my cigarette both before and after the ban, defiant till death.
The 1st of July brought about much joy for Chinese of the world. The 10th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to China was heralded in with much fanfare. Concerts, variety shows and fireworks showcasing the brightest and biggest stars were broadcasted all day long. Here's to another 10 years of progress for Hong Kong.
The last week of June started rather uneventfully, nothing exceptional to mention except perhaps the start of Wimbledon 2007, where we see Federer trying to win a record fifth consecutive title. The rest of the week progressed on just like Federer, expectedly and without complications.
A 3-0 loss to Australia signalled the end of an era at the National Stadium. I'm sure many of us have fond memories of the grand old dame, since we grew up in the days of the Malaysian Cup. Despite the praise-laden reports submitted by the local media for the closing ceremony, there was apparently quite a fair bit of critisim about the lack of organisation.
More local news. A new book Australian reporter Rodney King, "The Singapore Miracle - Myth or Reality", casts doubts on our little island's success. A little review of the book here. Chances are no one in Singapore will be getting their hands on the book. I have a strong suspicion that our local bookstores will not be stocking up on this book.
As the last day of June crept slowly upon us, the sinking feeling smokers island-wide felt in their stomachs instensified. At the stroke of midnight on a Saturday night, the ash-trays were faithfully kept away for the last time at pubs and clubs country-wide. The end of an era and the beginning of martial law (at least when it comes to smoking and drinking). I was there to witness it all, enjoying my cigarette both before and after the ban, defiant till death.
The 1st of July brought about much joy for Chinese of the world. The 10th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to China was heralded in with much fanfare. Concerts, variety shows and fireworks showcasing the brightest and biggest stars were broadcasted all day long. Here's to another 10 years of progress for Hong Kong.That wasn't the only reason Chinese had to celebrate. The 1st also saw GYFC grind out another 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Weihao and Poh. GYOM went to Poh who turned up at the match late, half-drunk and reeking of alcohol but still managing to head in the winning goal. Many now suspect being half-drunk actually helps Poh's game.
Onto movies. Two of the biggest summer blockbusters are out in theatres. I've been the biggest fan of the Die Hard series every since John McClane decided to kill everyone in an airport for fun. Hence I will be trying to catch the show this weekend no matter how much the critics say it sucks. Your negativity will not affect me! Next up is the ultimate boyhood cartoon, Transformers. Needless to say, all those growing up in the 80's will definitely be heading to the theatres for this. Here's a light-hearted article to remind you of the good old days where cartoons were still hand drawn.
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