It's back, with a different sponsor. This time Nokia's name is splash all over the place. They took the apportunity to exhibit their new N90 phone. In comparison, last year's event organised by Stella Artois was better. Bigger crowd, better location, better food, better value for money, better movies, better everything. I think beer industry makes more money then electronics.
Yesterday was the first day of this 2 week event. Location is at the Padang. Convenient and interesting atmosphere with the city skyline as the backdrop. However, Fort Canning is still my preferred location for its gentle slope to provide a better view of the screen when sitting on the ground. Surrounded by trees and shrubs in dim lighting makes the outdoor movie viewing exciting, romantic, lay-back and cozy. You'll forget you are in Singapore whereas the Padang is very Singaporean. I remembered seeing lotsa more people and ang-mohs. Yesterday's turn out was rather small.
Last year, we had 2 movies in one night. This year, only 1 movie on wkdays, 2 movies on Sat. For $15, it is certainly not worth it. Thursdays are lady's night so I bought a ticket and brought a gal friend. It also happen that they screen romance comedy on Thurdsays. Last night was "A lot like love" and next week is "Hitch". That probably explains why I don't see families.
This year they made things a little more interesting by letting anyone in free if they come dressed like characters from Batman or Fantastic 4, on the days they are screening the movie. Madagascar is screening on 19th and its free for all but people are encouraged to donate to the Children Cancer Society. I reckon they could sechdule that on a "family-Sunday" which will definitely attract a lot of people. Then again, that'll hit them on the ticket sales and knowing S'poreans, they probably will donate either 0, or $2.
The nokia people had a "Nokia louge" with bean bags and inflatable tatami-mattresses. For who? I don't know. At the end of the night, I don't see anyone at the Nokia Louge, or the VIP area (which also had dinner catering.) Why let it go to waste when they could turn those into Quiz prizes. Anyone who gets it right, you'll get to sit in the lounge or VIP area. (Singapore business is always so inflexible and uncreative.)
This year's isn't great. One good thing I could think of is I didn't get any mosquito bites.
Last year's Starlight Cinema post
Official Website
Friday, September 16, 2005
Monday, September 12, 2005
Be with me
An artsy film (with very little dialog, 1 or 2) by local director, Eric Khoo which also earned him some best director award.
3 stories about love, and wanting to be with their beloved.
1, an old grocery shop keeper losing his life long partner wasn't able to lead his usual life until someone special came along. A true story of a deaf and blind lady learning to speak and live on her own at a very young age was injected into this segment. The strength and optimism of the old lady woke the old man from his grieve. One way or another, there's meaning to life again. The story about the deaf and blind lady was very aspiring. Imagine a Cantonese learning English when she is deaf and blind. How would it be possible? This first story is so real that it touches many hearts. You will empathise and realise his lost, his grieve, his lonliness and his satifaction when his life is back on track again.
2, a middle age, bot-bellied, security guard falling for a pretty executive in the office building he worked in. His appearance and passion for food are totally unattractive. Small shifty eyes, beard, fat, balding, eats non-stop (Lor mee, chicken chop, orh-luah, roast pork ribs, tiger beer for dinner). He started to stalk her, eventually decided to write her a letter to express himself. Although unattractive in many ways, the audience will grow to pity him for his good (fat covered) heart and ill-treatment from his family. Somehow, he felt like a mistake.
3, two female teenagers getting involved after chatting online. 1 was deeply enchanted and in loved with the other, while the prettier one is just enjoying her teenage life and fooling around. They had a great time together but the prettier one changed her taste shortly. She decided to go out with a guy instead. When the first gal found out, she didn't scold or confront her or showed any anger to her but was patiently trying to reach her, just to talk it over. The prettier one, avoided at all cost. (They say, pretty girls have the meanest heart.) Anguished and disappointed, losing her meaning of life, she decided to end her life.
In the end, no one end up with their beloved.
This is a good movie for some, boring and draggy for others. It was a great experience following the foot steps of the characters. The story provoke your emotions appropriately if you are attentive to the movie. The quietness makes you appreciate the picture more. Every sight, wrinkles, touch, sound seems louder then words. Awesome work of a master.
3 stories about love, and wanting to be with their beloved.
1, an old grocery shop keeper losing his life long partner wasn't able to lead his usual life until someone special came along. A true story of a deaf and blind lady learning to speak and live on her own at a very young age was injected into this segment. The strength and optimism of the old lady woke the old man from his grieve. One way or another, there's meaning to life again. The story about the deaf and blind lady was very aspiring. Imagine a Cantonese learning English when she is deaf and blind. How would it be possible? This first story is so real that it touches many hearts. You will empathise and realise his lost, his grieve, his lonliness and his satifaction when his life is back on track again.
2, a middle age, bot-bellied, security guard falling for a pretty executive in the office building he worked in. His appearance and passion for food are totally unattractive. Small shifty eyes, beard, fat, balding, eats non-stop (Lor mee, chicken chop, orh-luah, roast pork ribs, tiger beer for dinner). He started to stalk her, eventually decided to write her a letter to express himself. Although unattractive in many ways, the audience will grow to pity him for his good (fat covered) heart and ill-treatment from his family. Somehow, he felt like a mistake.
3, two female teenagers getting involved after chatting online. 1 was deeply enchanted and in loved with the other, while the prettier one is just enjoying her teenage life and fooling around. They had a great time together but the prettier one changed her taste shortly. She decided to go out with a guy instead. When the first gal found out, she didn't scold or confront her or showed any anger to her but was patiently trying to reach her, just to talk it over. The prettier one, avoided at all cost. (They say, pretty girls have the meanest heart.) Anguished and disappointed, losing her meaning of life, she decided to end her life.
In the end, no one end up with their beloved.
This is a good movie for some, boring and draggy for others. It was a great experience following the foot steps of the characters. The story provoke your emotions appropriately if you are attentive to the movie. The quietness makes you appreciate the picture more. Every sight, wrinkles, touch, sound seems louder then words. Awesome work of a master.
Monday, July 25, 2005
The Island
The story of 2 clones finding out their purpose in life and escaping their fate. If only life was that simple. A rather expectable plot but it is still an entertaining movie. A lot of action since they started escaping rather early in the show. That's good for me since the story is about the clones escaping.
Althou I had enjoyed the movie, there's little I can say abt it other then the gorgeous lead actor and actress. The effects is not bad too. The idea is cool.
Value for money? Not worth the $9.50 I'd say. But it is certainly a rather good show. ST rated 2/5, guess it was boring for the critic. I think it deserves a 3-3.5 stars. Exciting enough to keep watching.
Althou I had enjoyed the movie, there's little I can say abt it other then the gorgeous lead actor and actress. The effects is not bad too. The idea is cool.
Value for money? Not worth the $9.50 I'd say. But it is certainly a rather good show. ST rated 2/5, guess it was boring for the critic. I think it deserves a 3-3.5 stars. Exciting enough to keep watching.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Sin City
With so many big names like Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, and guest director Quentin Tarrantino, this movie is very much looked forward to.
However, it turn out to be not what I had imagined. It is adapted from a comic and the whole movie was in monochrome or black/white. Occasionally there'll be red or yellow to emphasize the significance of the colour. This effect is rather refreshing and interesting. The occasional colours really grabs your attention, and it kinda stayed in my head for quite some time, which can be rather disturbing when one of the "colour" is rather "disgusting".
With Quentin, you can expect 'artistic' movie like his previous Kill Bill trilogy. I enjoyed Kill Bill but not this one. Its rather gruesome. Even thou you can't see the blood (since red has been replaced by either white or black) but the sound effect, the image, the idea, the method, are good enough to make you want to leave the theater. No wonder it is rated R(21). (The ticketing boy was so sweet to ask me for my ID. =>)
Apart from the gruesome killings, it was a dark movie following 4 narrating guys through their life in Basin City. (Basin, just reminded me of the bowl and the sewage) If you stop paying attention to the story, you might get lost among the stories. It is rather intense and thrilling that really get you wanting to find out the ending.
At the end, "geez!" "oh man!" "what a show!" "I need to chill." "I need to pee." Not that it is good, it is too dark, too heavy, too gruesome, too much. And it was close to 3 hrs. Too tiring.
But since it is a 'comic', it is easy to just forget about it. Haha.. It is not a bad movie, just not my cup of tea. Ratings, 3/5. Watch if you want violence, gorgeous naked bodies and artistic comic movie.
However, it turn out to be not what I had imagined. It is adapted from a comic and the whole movie was in monochrome or black/white. Occasionally there'll be red or yellow to emphasize the significance of the colour. This effect is rather refreshing and interesting. The occasional colours really grabs your attention, and it kinda stayed in my head for quite some time, which can be rather disturbing when one of the "colour" is rather "disgusting".
With Quentin, you can expect 'artistic' movie like his previous Kill Bill trilogy. I enjoyed Kill Bill but not this one. Its rather gruesome. Even thou you can't see the blood (since red has been replaced by either white or black) but the sound effect, the image, the idea, the method, are good enough to make you want to leave the theater. No wonder it is rated R(21). (The ticketing boy was so sweet to ask me for my ID. =>)
Apart from the gruesome killings, it was a dark movie following 4 narrating guys through their life in Basin City. (Basin, just reminded me of the bowl and the sewage) If you stop paying attention to the story, you might get lost among the stories. It is rather intense and thrilling that really get you wanting to find out the ending.
At the end, "geez!" "oh man!" "what a show!" "I need to chill." "I need to pee." Not that it is good, it is too dark, too heavy, too gruesome, too much. And it was close to 3 hrs. Too tiring.
But since it is a 'comic', it is easy to just forget about it. Haha.. It is not a bad movie, just not my cup of tea. Ratings, 3/5. Watch if you want violence, gorgeous naked bodies and artistic comic movie.
Monday, July 11, 2005
F4
Caught the marvel movie at Cathay. I still prefers that cinema theatres. Roomy, comfortable seats and good sound system.
The movie is rather entertaining. I try not to have high hopes so as not to be disappointed like in WOW. The storyline is very expectable. (Actually, so predicatable that it is kinda boring.) It's entertaining to watch how each of them discovered their powers, and to control it. It's just a pity the villian did not get to do greater evil/damage to really see how powerful he can be.
Among the marvel movies, this one won't make it to the blockbuster. It lacks the punch. I guess it's worth 2.5 / 5 stars.
The movie is rather entertaining. I try not to have high hopes so as not to be disappointed like in WOW. The storyline is very expectable. (Actually, so predicatable that it is kinda boring.) It's entertaining to watch how each of them discovered their powers, and to control it. It's just a pity the villian did not get to do greater evil/damage to really see how powerful he can be.
Among the marvel movies, this one won't make it to the blockbuster. It lacks the punch. I guess it's worth 2.5 / 5 stars.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
War of the World. Huh?
The lights were turned up as I went "Huh?". What a disappointment for a Steven Spielberg's production. The story is so incomplete. Don't understand why do they have to bring God in for such Sci Fi show. I sat thru the movie, waiting and anticipating the climax. And I went "Huh?", I probably missed it or it was chopped at the editor's room. I don't know why the aliens want to attack Earth. I don't really know why they fail. And for a smart, technically advanced alien, their way of attack isn't really impressive or sophiticated. I was reminded of Mars Attack.
Loop holes everywhere. Sigh.. such a disappointment. [-( Stars? 1 for the effort. 1 for the actors. 1 for the director.
Give me H2G2 anytime!
Loop holes everywhere. Sigh.. such a disappointment. [-( Stars? 1 for the effort. 1 for the actors. 1 for the director.
Give me H2G2 anytime!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Batman Begins
It's a great fantasy movie made so far. It is very realistic that it almost didn't feel like a marvel movie. The new batman acts pretty well too. Looks better then his predecessors (except George Clooney but he was a flop).
Finally we know what made Bruce Wyane into Batman. The movie did not leave a ? or any unexplained details. (I think.) It is exciting as well. And it feels good to see righteous deeds. This is definitely a must-see. I gives it 6 out of 5 stars.
Finally we know what made Bruce Wyane into Batman. The movie did not leave a ? or any unexplained details. (I think.) It is exciting as well. And it feels good to see righteous deeds. This is definitely a must-see. I gives it 6 out of 5 stars.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Caught the show yesterday (my birthday :D ) night, mainly cos my wife kept asking me what I wanted to do on for bday (we were both on leave) and I couldn;t think of anything I really wanted to do.
Ok, anyway back to the show, I've had the book for like a gazillion years but never got around to finishing it. I stopped roughly around the part where the president steals the heart of gold.
The show was funny (to me at least) with the typical british wit but I found it kinda...compressed, for lack of a better word. It almost feels like the script was too long and they cut stuff out at random... or maybe I'm just getting slow.
I think I'll go finish reading the book so I know whats happening.
All in all, 3 out of 5 stars just for the laughs.
Ok, anyway back to the show, I've had the book for like a gazillion years but never got around to finishing it. I stopped roughly around the part where the president steals the heart of gold.
The show was funny (to me at least) with the typical british wit but I found it kinda...compressed, for lack of a better word. It almost feels like the script was too long and they cut stuff out at random... or maybe I'm just getting slow.
I think I'll go finish reading the book so I know whats happening.
All in all, 3 out of 5 stars just for the laughs.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Time to clean the dust and cob webs
It has been almost 5mths. I wonder if anyone would notice this.
Kingdom of Heaven
------------------
I went for the Director not the Bloom. The screen play, cinematography and story telling was entertaining. Story is quite flaccid. But watching the movie as a movie is good enough.
Orlando is a Black smith, who turned into a Knight and saved the citizens of Juresalum. Fell in love with the Queen, made her drop her throne and join him back at his hometown.
Such a simple story, I don't know what else I can say. Hmmm...
I enjoy the movie directions, rather then the story or the actor/actresses. The ONLY kissing / sex scene was also quite.. flaccid/boring. But it's still a good watch. It's worth 3.5/5.
I'm more excited about Sin City, Batman Prelude and STAAARR WARSSSS!!! (dem dem dem da de dem da de dem...)
Kingdom of Heaven
------------------
I went for the Director not the Bloom. The screen play, cinematography and story telling was entertaining. Story is quite flaccid. But watching the movie as a movie is good enough.
Orlando is a Black smith, who turned into a Knight and saved the citizens of Juresalum. Fell in love with the Queen, made her drop her throne and join him back at his hometown.
Such a simple story, I don't know what else I can say. Hmmm...
I enjoy the movie directions, rather then the story or the actor/actresses. The ONLY kissing / sex scene was also quite.. flaccid/boring. But it's still a good watch. It's worth 3.5/5.
I'm more excited about Sin City, Batman Prelude and STAAARR WARSSSS!!! (dem dem dem da de dem da de dem...)
Monday, December 27, 2004
Kung Fu Hustle
Couldn't resist this and ended up catching the 11.45pm show.
Basically it's your typical Stephen Chow slapstick mou lei tou (no meaning) comedy about a group of kung fu experts living incognito/in-retirement in pig sty alley. Stephen Chow plays a small time hoodlum pretending to be a member of the Axe Gang (Fu Tow Pang) and trying to extort money from these guys...... but I guess most of you would have read that from the numerous reviews already.
Halfway through the movie, my wife commented that the story line seems quite similar to the matrix and indeed there are many similar scenes (Chow beats up a whole bunch of lack suited guys who fly into the sky when kicked etc). However for pure entertainment value, this is classis Stephen Chow, like Shaolin Soccer but with much more/better effects.
Story line's not that great and if you pay attention there should be quite a few inconsistencies but nonetheless it's a truly enjoyable movie..
Rating: 5/5 if you like mou lei tou or 4/5 otherwise.
Basically it's your typical Stephen Chow slapstick mou lei tou (no meaning) comedy about a group of kung fu experts living incognito/in-retirement in pig sty alley. Stephen Chow plays a small time hoodlum pretending to be a member of the Axe Gang (Fu Tow Pang) and trying to extort money from these guys...... but I guess most of you would have read that from the numerous reviews already.
Halfway through the movie, my wife commented that the story line seems quite similar to the matrix and indeed there are many similar scenes (Chow beats up a whole bunch of lack suited guys who fly into the sky when kicked etc). However for pure entertainment value, this is classis Stephen Chow, like Shaolin Soccer but with much more/better effects.
Story line's not that great and if you pay attention there should be quite a few inconsistencies but nonetheless it's a truly enjoyable movie..
Rating: 5/5 if you like mou lei tou or 4/5 otherwise.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Birth (Spoilers!! Be warned)
Much controversial movie starred by Nicole Kidman about her role (almost) getting involved with a 10yrs old boy. The boy claimed to be her dead husband (reincarnated in him) and persuaded her to not marry her current fiance. The scene that sparked a lot of arguement in the industry is when the Nicole and the boy shared a bath. As simple as that, she was emotionally shaken when the boy claimed to be his dead husband. She believed him, and even thot of ways to be with him.
(Spoilers!! Be warned)
For some reason, the boy realised he may not be the dead husband and told Nicole that he was not him. And so Nicole went back to her finace and got married, and the boy went back to school to be a normal boy. Final scene has Nicole having some sort of emotional break down at her wedding as she cried at the ocean, looking like she's looking for someone or she's going to drown herself. Apparently, she still can't get over her dead husband (who died 10 yrs ago). And the recent incident with the boy left her grieving again, and almost yearning. Realising the dead husband can't be back, can't be with her, it is so painful. I guess that demonstrated the love she had for him. But damn the dead husband cos he cheated on her when he was alive. She's so gorgeous, how can he do that!??!
Anyway, it's a stupid movie. I dont want to rate it to be respectful for Nicole.
(Spoilers!! Be warned)
For some reason, the boy realised he may not be the dead husband and told Nicole that he was not him. And so Nicole went back to her finace and got married, and the boy went back to school to be a normal boy. Final scene has Nicole having some sort of emotional break down at her wedding as she cried at the ocean, looking like she's looking for someone or she's going to drown herself. Apparently, she still can't get over her dead husband (who died 10 yrs ago). And the recent incident with the boy left her grieving again, and almost yearning. Realising the dead husband can't be back, can't be with her, it is so painful. I guess that demonstrated the love she had for him. But damn the dead husband cos he cheated on her when he was alive. She's so gorgeous, how can he do that!??!
Anyway, it's a stupid movie. I dont want to rate it to be respectful for Nicole.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Much neglected
Each of us has been busy with our own duties and hobbies. What's up with everyone these days? (Other then PaD? ;) )
I'm still watching movies and some theater acts until I realise the hole in my pocket is expanding too fast.
Last movie: The Incredibles. Awesome! Very enjoyable and entertaining movie. I'm a fan of Pixar, wouldn't miss any one of their movie. And I've fell prey to the Golden M's Incredibles toys.
Last theaterical act: Chestnuts. Local 2 men act, doing singing, dancing and spoofing of movies and other theater acts. It was funny, but not hilarious enough, thou good enough. Too many gay jokes thou. Too much of something isn't that good any more. Hossan took part this yr, and you can certainly see how popular he is in his community just by looking at how many gays there are in the jubilee hall.
I'm still learning golf. On top of that, I'm picking up archery. I'm thoroughly broke. And that list of X'mas gifts isn't helping.
I'm still watching movies and some theater acts until I realise the hole in my pocket is expanding too fast.
Last movie: The Incredibles. Awesome! Very enjoyable and entertaining movie. I'm a fan of Pixar, wouldn't miss any one of their movie. And I've fell prey to the Golden M's Incredibles toys.
Last theaterical act: Chestnuts. Local 2 men act, doing singing, dancing and spoofing of movies and other theater acts. It was funny, but not hilarious enough, thou good enough. Too many gay jokes thou. Too much of something isn't that good any more. Hossan took part this yr, and you can certainly see how popular he is in his community just by looking at how many gays there are in the jubilee hall.
I'm still learning golf. On top of that, I'm picking up archery. I'm thoroughly broke. And that list of X'mas gifts isn't helping.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Arty Farty
The Visit of the Tai Tai
------------------------
Saw this couple of weeks back. Directed and starred by Ivan Heng (as the Tai Tai), this play is originally written in Swiss and has been staged across the globe. Ivan Heng had adapted and localised it.
The story revolves around this poor kampong/town called Sai Tang (shit hole). The villagers were all excited and preparing for the visit by the multi billionaire Tai Tai - Claire to her hometown. They were hopping Claire would make a generous donation for the town, to relieve it from its poverty. When Claire arrived, she arrived in style, with 2 MIB guards, 2 blind wierdos, a butler and a coffin. For who? We don't know. Apparently, she wanted to fulfil her dream and her wish. Her dream to marry at the Sai Tan chapel, and her wish to get her justice. Apparently, she was falsely accused by her childhood old flame who inpregnanted her before she had to leave Sai Tang in shame. She vowed revenge, and revenge was what she was here for. She laid down her condition for the generous donation. This got her old flame all paraniod. Will the villagers give up the life of a man for the few millions?
It's a rather morbid storyline dont u think? Money for someone's life. It exactly depicts real life issues on how people can be manipulated for money. However, I dont understand what the story is trying to say. I was dumbfounded at the end of the play.
Actings were great. Seriously, the actors that night were fantastic. This changed my opinion of local stage actors. Stage act, set up, props, lightings, sound, all the techni stuff were of top quality too. It's apparent what difference it can make with the amount of sponsorship they received.
Vienna Boys Choir
-----------------
Isn't this the famous Vienna Boys Choir? This, I had got to see.. so I went. It was a one night performance at the Esplanade. People in the same concert halls were mainly retirees, ang moh retirees, high flyers, music students and working class. I haven't seen people dressing up for concerts or theatrical performance in S'pore. So i thot these uncles and aunties must have received some free tix to participate in this 'gala' affair. Maybe the Austrian embassy. Haha. Why would they be interested w a bunch of young boys? And dress up in sequins and suits? Maybe I have been going to performances that appeal more to the younger crowd who tends to dress down (in comparison) for such event.
Anyhow, the choir wasn't as great as I thot. It is good.. they are good, no doubt. Maybe choir isn't really my cuppa tea unless its X'mas carols. :D hehe. Oh, probably also I dont understand what they are singing, or what the conductor is saying in his Austrian-accented English. (It's worst then Arnold.) But their performance on "Chan Mali Chan" was awesome. Wonder if any school choirs here can achieve such standard.
I'm planning to see The Vagina Monologues. Looks good. :) Oh, and I'm going to see "Chestnut: Private (Partly) - House of Flying Chestnuts". This one is going to be hilarious. It's a 2 men local act. Stand up comedies, singing, dancing, acting, spoofing (lotsa). Went to last yr's chestnut event.. it certainly got me wanting to go back again.
------------------------
Saw this couple of weeks back. Directed and starred by Ivan Heng (as the Tai Tai), this play is originally written in Swiss and has been staged across the globe. Ivan Heng had adapted and localised it.
The story revolves around this poor kampong/town called Sai Tang (shit hole). The villagers were all excited and preparing for the visit by the multi billionaire Tai Tai - Claire to her hometown. They were hopping Claire would make a generous donation for the town, to relieve it from its poverty. When Claire arrived, she arrived in style, with 2 MIB guards, 2 blind wierdos, a butler and a coffin. For who? We don't know. Apparently, she wanted to fulfil her dream and her wish. Her dream to marry at the Sai Tan chapel, and her wish to get her justice. Apparently, she was falsely accused by her childhood old flame who inpregnanted her before she had to leave Sai Tang in shame. She vowed revenge, and revenge was what she was here for. She laid down her condition for the generous donation. This got her old flame all paraniod. Will the villagers give up the life of a man for the few millions?
It's a rather morbid storyline dont u think? Money for someone's life. It exactly depicts real life issues on how people can be manipulated for money. However, I dont understand what the story is trying to say. I was dumbfounded at the end of the play.
Actings were great. Seriously, the actors that night were fantastic. This changed my opinion of local stage actors. Stage act, set up, props, lightings, sound, all the techni stuff were of top quality too. It's apparent what difference it can make with the amount of sponsorship they received.
Vienna Boys Choir
-----------------
Isn't this the famous Vienna Boys Choir? This, I had got to see.. so I went. It was a one night performance at the Esplanade. People in the same concert halls were mainly retirees, ang moh retirees, high flyers, music students and working class. I haven't seen people dressing up for concerts or theatrical performance in S'pore. So i thot these uncles and aunties must have received some free tix to participate in this 'gala' affair. Maybe the Austrian embassy. Haha. Why would they be interested w a bunch of young boys? And dress up in sequins and suits? Maybe I have been going to performances that appeal more to the younger crowd who tends to dress down (in comparison) for such event.
Anyhow, the choir wasn't as great as I thot. It is good.. they are good, no doubt. Maybe choir isn't really my cuppa tea unless its X'mas carols. :D hehe. Oh, probably also I dont understand what they are singing, or what the conductor is saying in his Austrian-accented English. (It's worst then Arnold.) But their performance on "Chan Mali Chan" was awesome. Wonder if any school choirs here can achieve such standard.
I'm planning to see The Vagina Monologues. Looks good. :) Oh, and I'm going to see "Chestnut: Private (Partly) - House of Flying Chestnuts". This one is going to be hilarious. It's a 2 men local act. Stand up comedies, singing, dancing, acting, spoofing (lotsa). Went to last yr's chestnut event.. it certainly got me wanting to go back again.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
TAXI
Another free movie, another movie review.
Billed as an action/comedy/thriller genre in IMDB but don't be fooled. This show is all comedy. Stars Queen Latifah, Jimmy Fallon, Henry Simmons, Jennifer Esposito and Gisele Bundchen. Not exactly big names unless you're a victorias secrets fan.
Plot outline: Hopeless driver cop (fallon) teams up with car crazy taxi driver (latifah) to foil a group of brazilian super model bank robbers (led by gisele)(yeah right) after being fired by his lt/ex girlfriend (Esposito) for taking a taxi to a bank robbery and starting a high speed car chase in said taxi. Basically your run-of-the-mill mismatched pair story.
Favourite scene, when gisele frisks esposito before taking her hostage.
Rating: Probably 2/5 for the entertainment value (3/5 if you dig gisele/victorias secrets/any long limbed model type).
P.S. It's weird seeing gisele in so much clothes but I swear she's made up of 4/5 legs.
Billed as an action/comedy/thriller genre in IMDB but don't be fooled. This show is all comedy. Stars Queen Latifah, Jimmy Fallon, Henry Simmons, Jennifer Esposito and Gisele Bundchen. Not exactly big names unless you're a victorias secrets fan.
Plot outline: Hopeless driver cop (fallon) teams up with car crazy taxi driver (latifah) to foil a group of brazilian super model bank robbers (led by gisele)(yeah right) after being fired by his lt/ex girlfriend (Esposito) for taking a taxi to a bank robbery and starting a high speed car chase in said taxi. Basically your run-of-the-mill mismatched pair story.
Favourite scene, when gisele frisks esposito before taking her hostage.
Rating: Probably 2/5 for the entertainment value (3/5 if you dig gisele/victorias secrets/any long limbed model type).
P.S. It's weird seeing gisele in so much clothes but I swear she's made up of 4/5 legs.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Resident Evil 2
Everyone seems to be posting movie reviews here so I thought I'd jump on the band wagon as well.
Caught this show sometime back as I had free tickets from some magazine promotion in borders. For those of you who watched part I, this installment continues from where it left off. Alice (Milla Jovovich(sp?) )is captured, brought to racoon city and wakes up to an empty city (well, not really empty, more like empty except for zombies) and new found genetically enhanced superpowers. Anyway long story short, the movie plays out like the game, namely see zombie, shoot zombie and try to escape the city. Along the way she meets up with Jill Valentine (the original heroine in the Resident Evil game) who is an unlikely police officer (miniskirt and knee high boots? She looks more like a hooker or stripper.)
Enemies inclue zombie humans, zombie childern, zombie dogs ... you get the idea and Nemesis, Alice's friend from part 1, super modifed to scare the bejeezes out of those not dead yet.
Minus points - the plot is really lame and full of holes. Like why do the zombies eat only the living people? You mean they stop eating the moment the victim dies?
Plus points - you get to see Milla semi/half naked ... again. In fact in one of the scenes near the end of the movie, can see her nnp :P
Rating 3/5 for brainless violence and nnps
Oh yeah, the ending is similar to the first one, in that they are preparing you for part 3.
Caught this show sometime back as I had free tickets from some magazine promotion in borders. For those of you who watched part I, this installment continues from where it left off. Alice (Milla Jovovich(sp?) )is captured, brought to racoon city and wakes up to an empty city (well, not really empty, more like empty except for zombies) and new found genetically enhanced superpowers. Anyway long story short, the movie plays out like the game, namely see zombie, shoot zombie and try to escape the city. Along the way she meets up with Jill Valentine (the original heroine in the Resident Evil game) who is an unlikely police officer (miniskirt and knee high boots? She looks more like a hooker or stripper.)
Enemies inclue zombie humans, zombie childern, zombie dogs ... you get the idea and Nemesis, Alice's friend from part 1, super modifed to scare the bejeezes out of those not dead yet.
Minus points - the plot is really lame and full of holes. Like why do the zombies eat only the living people? You mean they stop eating the moment the victim dies?
Plus points - you get to see Milla semi/half naked ... again. In fact in one of the scenes near the end of the movie, can see her nnp :P
Rating 3/5 for brainless violence and nnps
Oh yeah, the ending is similar to the first one, in that they are preparing you for part 3.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Spy Bound - Spellbound it wasn't
caught this french movie last friday because my movie producer wasn't able to make it to the preview. saw a few tv personas like guo liang from channel u and timothy from channel news asia. the gv theatre at plaza singapura was so small that it reminded me of school ava rooms. anyway, let's get on with the movie.
we went in expecting to test our reading skills since its a french movie with english subtitles. fortunately or unfortunately, there's no much subtitles to talk about. its a movie with very little dialogue and that's not the only thing that was lacking. there wasn't many action scenes which you will expect in a spy movie. the only big hooha scene i can recall is that of a very nice peugeot flipping on a highway. but even that was done with CGI. so what else was lacking? i would say the script was not fantastic but passable. it did makes me wonder what happen to spies who want to opt out. anyway, if the job comes with the kinda of babes that james bond get, who wants to quit? :p
so what's left of the movie that's good? the cast of course!. the two leading actors, namely monica bellucci and vincent cassel, are just....can't find a word for it...excellent. me going ga ga over monica is not surprising since she's got the looks and .....just put it as too-delectable. i was also pleasantly impressed with vincent's performance which i will say is only hampered by the script.
so would i recommend the movie? yes but not for the split second nude scene. instead for a different kind of spy movie and for vincent and lastly....monicaaaaaaa. =P~
rating: 3/5 (for fans of monica & vincent) : 2.6/5 (for non fans)
we went in expecting to test our reading skills since its a french movie with english subtitles. fortunately or unfortunately, there's no much subtitles to talk about. its a movie with very little dialogue and that's not the only thing that was lacking. there wasn't many action scenes which you will expect in a spy movie. the only big hooha scene i can recall is that of a very nice peugeot flipping on a highway. but even that was done with CGI. so what else was lacking? i would say the script was not fantastic but passable. it did makes me wonder what happen to spies who want to opt out. anyway, if the job comes with the kinda of babes that james bond get, who wants to quit? :p
so what's left of the movie that's good? the cast of course!. the two leading actors, namely monica bellucci and vincent cassel, are just....can't find a word for it...excellent. me going ga ga over monica is not surprising since she's got the looks and .....just put it as too-delectable. i was also pleasantly impressed with vincent's performance which i will say is only hampered by the script.
so would i recommend the movie? yes but not for the split second nude scene. instead for a different kind of spy movie and for vincent and lastly....monicaaaaaaa. =P~
rating: 3/5 (for fans of monica & vincent) : 2.6/5 (for non fans)
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Motocyle Diaries & Saved!
Two movies that are quite highly rated this week. Both had some notion or meaning to life and people.
Motocyle Diary is in Spanish, is based on diaries of 2 argentines; of which one was "Che" Guevara, the guerilla leader who started the Cuba revolution. It depicts how this 8 mth journey around Latin (South) America had changed their life and perception later.
(Read more here.)
An interesting movie, and realistic look at life. It addressed the same emotion I had when I was studying Latin American culture in Uni. Disgust at how the Spaniards invade, conquer and eliminate the indigenious community. Sad to see how the "original land owners" are chased out, made homeless and jobless. No wonder Guevara revolted. It'll take a lot of courage, wisdom and perserverance to stand up for something you truely believe in. No wonder he is so so admired and remembered in Latin America and esp Cuba.
Saved! is not quite the typical college-high-school story. Borrowed from http://www.cathay.com.sg/cineplex/plexsub_NowShowing.html
"Good girl" Mary (Jena Malone) and her domineering best friend, Hilary Faye (Mandy Moore), are starting their senior year at the top of the social food chain at American Eagle Christian High School – that is until Mary’s boyfriend tells her he thinks he might be gay. When Jesus appears to her in a vision, she heeds his message to do everything she can to help him and, to her horror, she ends up pregnant. Suddenly, Mary begins to question everything she’s believed in, and Hilary Faye and her devoted disciples (including Heather Matarazzo) turn against her as an outcast. Mary finds herself alone until she’s befriended by the school’s other pariahs: Hilary Faye’s cynical, wheelchair-bound brother, Roland (Macaulay Culkin) the principal’s skater heartthrob son, Patrick (Patrick Fugit); and the high school’s lone Jew, an exuberant rebel named Cassandra (Eva Amurri). In this sweetly subversive comedy, a group of outsiders band together to navigate the treacherous halls of high school and make it to graduation, ultimately learning more about themselves, finding faith in unexpected places, and realizing what it truly means to be Saved! "
In some way, people tend to sterotype. We all have our standard and expectation of ourselves and others. The society too has its way of moulding what fit in or not. Nothing is absolutely black and white. There will always be exceptions. If only mankind can be lenient, open minded, flexible, and forgiving. (Easier said than done.) "Do what you want others to do to you" doesn't work anymore. (Maybe I lost the motivation cos so many had disappoint me.) My expectation of others is certainly too high. At this point, I look at mankind and understood why God had flooded the world then (when he was so pissed off). He said he won't do it again. I guess that day may come again, looking around.
Motorcyle diaries is worth 5/5, Saved! 3/5.
Motocyle Diary is in Spanish, is based on diaries of 2 argentines; of which one was "Che" Guevara, the guerilla leader who started the Cuba revolution. It depicts how this 8 mth journey around Latin (South) America had changed their life and perception later.
(Read more here.)
An interesting movie, and realistic look at life. It addressed the same emotion I had when I was studying Latin American culture in Uni. Disgust at how the Spaniards invade, conquer and eliminate the indigenious community. Sad to see how the "original land owners" are chased out, made homeless and jobless. No wonder Guevara revolted. It'll take a lot of courage, wisdom and perserverance to stand up for something you truely believe in. No wonder he is so so admired and remembered in Latin America and esp Cuba.
Saved! is not quite the typical college-high-school story. Borrowed from http://www.cathay.com.sg/cineplex/plexsub_NowShowing.html
"Good girl" Mary (Jena Malone) and her domineering best friend, Hilary Faye (Mandy Moore), are starting their senior year at the top of the social food chain at American Eagle Christian High School – that is until Mary’s boyfriend tells her he thinks he might be gay. When Jesus appears to her in a vision, she heeds his message to do everything she can to help him and, to her horror, she ends up pregnant. Suddenly, Mary begins to question everything she’s believed in, and Hilary Faye and her devoted disciples (including Heather Matarazzo) turn against her as an outcast. Mary finds herself alone until she’s befriended by the school’s other pariahs: Hilary Faye’s cynical, wheelchair-bound brother, Roland (Macaulay Culkin) the principal’s skater heartthrob son, Patrick (Patrick Fugit); and the high school’s lone Jew, an exuberant rebel named Cassandra (Eva Amurri). In this sweetly subversive comedy, a group of outsiders band together to navigate the treacherous halls of high school and make it to graduation, ultimately learning more about themselves, finding faith in unexpected places, and realizing what it truly means to be Saved! "
In some way, people tend to sterotype. We all have our standard and expectation of ourselves and others. The society too has its way of moulding what fit in or not. Nothing is absolutely black and white. There will always be exceptions. If only mankind can be lenient, open minded, flexible, and forgiving. (Easier said than done.) "Do what you want others to do to you" doesn't work anymore. (Maybe I lost the motivation cos so many had disappoint me.) My expectation of others is certainly too high. At this point, I look at mankind and understood why God had flooded the world then (when he was so pissed off). He said he won't do it again. I guess that day may come again, looking around.
Motorcyle diaries is worth 5/5, Saved! 3/5.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Wicker Park
Extracted from gv.com.sg (again) --
"Intricately moving back and forth in time and revealing the story from each character's perspective, Wicker Park is an intense psychological drama about a man (Josh Hartnett) caught in an obsessive search for a woman he fell deeply in love with - a woman who then vanished without a trace. Two years after her disappearance, he catches a fleeting glimpse of her in a local bar and begins a twisting search to find her and discover what really happened."
It felt like a romance thriller as Matt (Josh) uncovers clues as he traces Lisa (that gal in Troy who kissed Orlando). It is frustrating to watch how the lovers keep missing each other. (Sound like the chinese - Turn left, Turn right). I thot it's going to be a senseless-near-miss-romance story that Josh always acts in. But the way the film was presented got me sitting straight up through out the movie. It keep you guessing as you uncovers pieces of the puzzle. And slowly piece them up for the whole picture. And the whole movie builds up to the final scene that I felt was pretty full of impact even thou no words were exchanged.
It's worth, 3.5-4/5 stars.
"Intricately moving back and forth in time and revealing the story from each character's perspective, Wicker Park is an intense psychological drama about a man (Josh Hartnett) caught in an obsessive search for a woman he fell deeply in love with - a woman who then vanished without a trace. Two years after her disappearance, he catches a fleeting glimpse of her in a local bar and begins a twisting search to find her and discover what really happened."
It felt like a romance thriller as Matt (Josh) uncovers clues as he traces Lisa (that gal in Troy who kissed Orlando). It is frustrating to watch how the lovers keep missing each other. (Sound like the chinese - Turn left, Turn right). I thot it's going to be a senseless-near-miss-romance story that Josh always acts in. But the way the film was presented got me sitting straight up through out the movie. It keep you guessing as you uncovers pieces of the puzzle. And slowly piece them up for the whole picture. And the whole movie builds up to the final scene that I felt was pretty full of impact even thou no words were exchanged.
It's worth, 3.5-4/5 stars.
The Terminal
Extracted from gv.com.sg --
"Academy Award® winners Tom Hanks ("Philadelphia," "Forrest Gump") and Catherine Zeta-Jones ("Chicago") star in "The Terminal," under the direction of Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg ("Schindler’s List," "Saving Private Ryan").
"The Terminal" tells the story of Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), a visitor to New York from Eastern Europe, whose homeland erupts in a fiery coup while he is in the air en route to America. Stranded at Kennedy Airport with a passport from nowhere, he is unauthorized to actually enter the United States and must improvise his days and nights in the terminal’s international transit lounge until the war at home is over.
As the weeks and months stretch on, Viktor finds the compressed universe of the terminal to be a richly complex world of absurdity, generosity, ambition, amusement, status, serendipity and even romance with a beautiful flight attendant named Amelia (Catherine Zeta-Jones). But Viktor has long worn out his welcome with airport official Frank Dixon, who considers him a bureaucratic glitch, a problem he cannot control but wants desperately to erase."
Very funny movie. Undeniable acting from Tom Hanks again. I think the romance part isn't the main focus of the movie. We see more of how Viktor survive in a foreign land, making friends and later wooing Amelia. It is not a fairy tale story, and that's what I like about it. It is realistic.
It is worth 4/5 of my stars.
"Academy Award® winners Tom Hanks ("Philadelphia," "Forrest Gump") and Catherine Zeta-Jones ("Chicago") star in "The Terminal," under the direction of Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg ("Schindler’s List," "Saving Private Ryan").
"The Terminal" tells the story of Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), a visitor to New York from Eastern Europe, whose homeland erupts in a fiery coup while he is in the air en route to America. Stranded at Kennedy Airport with a passport from nowhere, he is unauthorized to actually enter the United States and must improvise his days and nights in the terminal’s international transit lounge until the war at home is over.
As the weeks and months stretch on, Viktor finds the compressed universe of the terminal to be a richly complex world of absurdity, generosity, ambition, amusement, status, serendipity and even romance with a beautiful flight attendant named Amelia (Catherine Zeta-Jones). But Viktor has long worn out his welcome with airport official Frank Dixon, who considers him a bureaucratic glitch, a problem he cannot control but wants desperately to erase."
Very funny movie. Undeniable acting from Tom Hanks again. I think the romance part isn't the main focus of the movie. We see more of how Viktor survive in a foreign land, making friends and later wooing Amelia. It is not a fairy tale story, and that's what I like about it. It is realistic.
It is worth 4/5 of my stars.
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