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02/14/2013
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Film, Reviews

Movie Buzz : Upside Down

set

I was just watching the trailer of this movie 2 days before meeting my friend who randomly decided that we are watching a movie (lol). So off we went to catch “Upside Down” which was directed by Juan Diego Solanas. Will keep this short since I wasn’t intending to review movies any more but since I was getting bored from my thesis, why not? (haha)

I would say it is a romance film about Adam(Jim Sturgess) and Eden(Kirsten Dunst) that is separated by the social class and gravity. I won’t go into the details over the story since you will be left with nothing to watch, but pretty much you can easily predict what is happening in the next scene while watching this movie.

Personally I felt that the script was the weakest aspect of the film. The whole upside down universe concept and twinned worlds with opposite gravity was interesting but man, the plot and script certainly needs polishing. As much as I think it’s refreshing how they tried to portray the injustice between the social classes, the character development was lacking throughout the movie.

jim sturgess

The CGI and effects were stunning and  I really adored the mountain+restaurant sets which were magnificently beautiful even if it’s over used. I gotta say, half the time I’m turning to my friend and going “that’s ridiculous!” when I know very well that it can’t be get any more realistic (duh, I mean like..really? what am I expecting from an upside down world?) As much as I can con myself into believing that this is a romantic flick that tells a “gravity defying love”, the story just fails to be compelling. Perhaps it’s just me, growing up and whatnot. haha

At least there’s Jim Sturgess whose character (and looks) grows on you after awhile, Kirsten Dunst caught my attention only during the Tango scene. I’d say I’ll give this movie a 3/5 for its visuals. Watch if you’re a fan of sci-fi/fantasy films or just to admire the sets/effects.

“Up-top, they always win, And down-below, we always fail.” – Adam

Watch the trailer here:

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10/14/2012
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Love, Reviews, TeeVee

Lifelong Treasure of Destiny

After a few weeks of missing out proper TV time, it was a refreshing change when I finally catch up on HIMYM S8 to see the change with not having the kids at the start of the premiere I must say, perhaps they have given up on that component. “Farhampton” was certainly lower on the humor but it got me questioning if Barney and Robin will really end up together and we finally see the yellow umbrella lady aka the mother appearing at the end of the episode. A real cliffhanger for the past seven seasons eh? A nice touch to the ending with Band Of Horses’s The Funeral playing at the background too, love it!

I liked especially how Klaus described that Victoria was almost the right girl and not the right girl for him which is why he couldn’t go through with the wedding. It triggers the question whether Ted (or almost every one watching the show, just like me) is in love with the person he’s meant to be with because he will feel it in his heart and whole body. “If you have to think about it, you have not felt it.”

I’d ask the same question as many others would…”How do you know?” Well, like what Klaus said..eventually you will.

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03/09/2011
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Film, Reviews

Movie Buzz : Rango

Mayor: “You see Mr Ringo, people need to believe in something.Pick it up your destiny waits.”

Anyone who knows me would know that I’m a HUGE Johnny Depp fangirl – you won’t be surprised if I said I loved the movie, just because Johnny Depp is involved.

Rango is the story of a lonely chameleon who got separated with its owner and off he entered the desert to become a great asset to the town of Dirt. I would say Rango belongs to more of an adult story rather than a simple animation meant for children.  Without a doubt, Johnny Depp delivers almost perfectly that quirky, slightly unstable yet confident personality that is almost natural from him. In fact, I think the voiceovers were very well done, including Jake the Rattlesnake, who is actually Bill Nighy, whom you may recognize as Davy Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Rango: “So you want something to believe in? [points at the "Sheriff" sign] Believe in that there sign. For as long as it hangs there we’ve got hope.”

I thought the story took off on a rather slow pace as it was a pretty good introduction to the characters but personally there were certain details that can be left out for me. One thing about animated films is that the suspense is often lost as the audience usually is able to predict the next scene but I thought Rango built up to the climax pretty well. Fine, I still thought it was predictable but at least it was a satisfying conclusion to the film.

Humor? It is definitely there. The animation looks fantastic and overall, it was a captivating animated film. I could almost see bits of Captain Jack Sparrow somehow, just in a lizard form. As much as I dislike lizards, I would say Rango hit all the notes in the right key.

If you like the whole western cowboy feel and Johnny Depp, you are sure to enjoy the story of Rango.  I’ll give it 4/5.

Opening in cinemas on 10th March (TOMORROW!)

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03/04/2011
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Love, Reviews, TeeVee

A Change Of Heart

Couldn’t resist putting this picture of Marshall up – he looks so funny with the mustache! (credit tvfanatic)

In Season 6 Episode 18 of ‘How I Met Your Mother’, we see that Barney starts to have feelings for Nora and worries that there’s something wrong with his heart. It was probably not the best episode, or even possibly being one of the worst episode in HIMYM history, with the lame recurring jokes and weak plot. However, I adore the start of the show with Ted narrating that one never knows what’s going on with one’s heart and it was a heartfelt story about Barney falling in love with Nora – or as how he puts it ‘I want to be confused with you.’

People spend so much time being confused about love. There do not seem to be any rules of what to do when you meet that special someone or even if you have not met him/her. And when you do meet that special someone, you most often choose to deny the feelings as you’re afraid of changes or what is to come. That’s a hard truth because no one wants to admit that they have a ‘problem’ – people tend to ignore such matters and let the confusion continues. Let’s just say that both parties suffer in the end.

Love should not be confusing. Of course, it is bound to have problems that will arise in a relationship, be it just dating or in a marriage. But for it to work, you can’t be confused over 50% of the time as when a relationship becomes too confusing – it is time to take a step back and work things out together or leave it. Unfortunately, there are more cowards out there leaving their relationships instead of working things out together. Broken hearts can be found everywhere – just because one (or both parties) was/were confused at certain points of a relationship. A change of heart, with a whole new meaning?

Honestly, the overwhelming fear that comes with desire to be with someone special resonated deeply with me.  However, the emotional undercurrents are worlds apart. -cues emo background song- (lol) On a lighter note, I thought the subplot with Robin’s new boyfriend ‘Scooby’ was quite amusing, reminded me of others used to tell me that I need a dog in my life and not a boyfriend too ! (I kinda agree with that now. Haha!)

Looking forward to see the finale despite this is the last season of ‘How I Met Your Mother’. Until then, I hope you all find that someone special to be confused with.

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03/03/2011
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Events, Food, Fun, IMO, Music, Reviews, SMUBE

TAB Singapore – All-in-One Live Entertainment Venue

I have been swamped with work recently (What’s new?) but if you have been following me closely on twitter, you’ll see TAB as my latest favorite hangout.

Located at Orchard hotel, which is at the head of Orchard Road (Opposite The Forum),  TAB is the ‘not-so-new-anymore’ kid on the block of the local nightlife scene. Where else can you experience live music with good food and drinks without sitting uncomfortably under the horrible Singapore weather? The kitchen sure knows how to cook up a storm and you’ll be spoiled for choice. I personally love the TAB burger, Fries (which my friends and I all agreed that the fries have this nice slightly sweet taste to it!) and the Chicken Caesar Salad totally won my heart with its freshness.

TAB is probably a dream come true for music lovers like me as they truly support original music! Not only do they provide a platform but they also showcase the talents of local and foreign artists alike in an intimate, relaxing and cozy setting. Last week I had the opportunity to catch the Lenka private showcase that was held at TAB and it was wonderful – the reason being that Lenka was just an arm’s length away and the space allows you to swing along to the music. I have also watched Oak and Gorski‘s gig when they were down in Singapore, it was wonderful to have such great overseas acts being invited and introduced to the locals who may not have come across them on their own. In fact, SMUBE is now playing TAB artists’ songs on Campus Radio apart from our usual YouTube covers artists!

Singaporeans love promotions, don’t they? TAB is clever enough to have a  free flow steak sandwiches & fries during Happy Hours from Mon to Fri 5pm – 8pm for all paying customers. Or if you’re a student like me, you can check out the TAB burger deal that comes with a TAB burger, fries and 1 alcoholic/2 soft drinks for just $12.75++ ! What a deal !

So if you are looking for a place to hang out which allows you to satisfy both your tummy and music crave, TAB is definitely worth checking out. Pssst…you know where to find me when I’m not at work/in school ! Hehs.

For more information, you can check out their official site (the gigs, promotions and location etc): www.tab.com.sg

Disclaimer: This is not a paid ad post ! I am simply just infatuated with the place recently..hur (plus SMU Campus Radio loves them!)

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01/09/2011
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Film, Reviews, Uncategorized

Movie Buzz : Saw 3D – The Final Chapter 


source : firstshowing.net

The supposed finale of this never-ending SAW saga, probably one of the most recognised horror thriller movie series in film history. As much as I hate horror films, I totally enjoy the gore in the SAW series and that made me a fan. Jigsaw has the most interesting twisted ideas and it is the mystery and twists that make the series genius. SAW 3D has ambitious ideas which reveals the backstory,connecting the little jigsaw pieces together but lack the means to pull them off.

In SAW 3D, I really love the concept of this Jigsaw support group and getting to see some of our favorite characters once again. But the story isn’t getting any deeper and we can tell that the writers have ran out of characters to create and it is merely the basic elements of SAW that pulled this movie together. In other words,it’s time to wrap up.

The subplot was uninteresting and I feel that the subplot has gotten more screen time than the main story which should be the main focus instead. I didn’t feel any connection to the characters and Chad Donella, who played Detective Gibson, was unconvincing. I wished the story focused more on the relationship between Jill and Hoffman that was more interesting. Perhaps I’m biased as I think Jigsaw was killed too early in the sequels and Hoffman was merely a murderer rather than a replacement.

On the flip side, the traps were good. Some had me gripping the edge of my seat in anticipation to see if the victims will manage to escape in time.  Plenty of blood and gore with the effects that was up to the past 6 movies’ standard. Might just be best among all. Watch it as a summary of the SAW series but don’t expect it as a stand-alone movie. Not sure if this is really the end of SAW saga but I find myself leaving with even more questions than answers.

I’ll give this a 2.5/5 – watch if you’re a SAW fan or if you really like gory scenes. People with a weak bladder,forget it.

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01/08/2011
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Reviews, TeeVee

Watching Episodes

Just caught the first episode of the new Showtime series “Episodes”. The reason ? Matt LeBlanc. Come on, how can you resist TV’s Joey….even if he’s already 43 ! Has it been that long since we saw him as Joey in Friends? Gee.

Created by David Crane,co-creator of Friends and Jeffrey Klarik, a writer for Mad About You, Episodes is basically a TV show about the television industry – all the glam and whatnots behind it. Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan plays a Brits couple  (love their accent) who has to survive the absurdity in showbiz, with LeBlanc being the wedge that comes between them. Love how he spoofs himself in the show. Episodes provide an fascinating insight to the showbiz industry but in all honesty, it’s just a good TV show in reality about a bad TV show on screen with nothing much to wow about it except for the fact that Joey is back on screen and it was a good comeback.

First episode of Episodes (sorry, can’t help it) was average, not so much of LeBlanc as the main focus was on Greig and Mangan and how they moved to LA. A few laughs here and there but in general it wasn’t exactly up to my initial expectation of the show from the trailer. Then again, it’s a 7 episodes serie so I’m hoping it gets better! We shall see !

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01/04/2011
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IMO, Reviews, TeeVee

HIMYM : Bad News

**mild spoilers**

This week’s How I Met Your Mother (S06E13 ‘Bad News’ ) was interesting – who would have thought this comedy can get fans tearing up at the end of the show ! I almost thought ‘Bad News’ referred to the couple’s pregnancy results but surprise!  The ending was a gloomy scene that came as a surprise to most of the viewers, it was a loss that everyone would feel for. I think this episode was one of Jason Segel (Marshall)’s best performance.

Marshall: “We’ve had unprotected sex 203 times in the past four months. Obviously, I’m the problem.”
Barney: “Problem? That’s the dream. I’d give my first born to not be able to have children.“

Finally we see Barney’s doppleganger ! It was quite a funny scene to see paranoid Lily and Marshall refusing to believe that the fertility specialist doppleganger isn’t Barney himself. Though I must say the second visit to ‘Dr. Stangel’ the doppleganger, Barney really got Marshall and many of us fooled when he impersonated him (the doctor) ! NPH can really pull off the beard and dark hair eh ? I love how Lily and Marshall high-fived over the number of times they tried to conceive and places they have been doing it (coughs..ideas ? haha) The part where Marshall’s parents were interrupting his ‘hair drying’ moment was really funny too.

Marshall: “I’ll give my dad a call after Dr. Stengal gives me the thumbs up.”
Ted: “Ew! He has to do that?“

Robin’s subplot wasn’t too interesting but I love her thumb-down moments. Enjoyed the short snippets of her embarrassing moments, Robin Sparkles rocks! I thought it was sweet of Ted to pay a visit to Sandy Rivers’s house as well but the main plot and the distracting countdown stole the attention. I honestly thought that the countdown was for a special ‘New Year’ gimmick but apparently it’s meant for counting down to the sad ending. I would have thought that it was rather attention-seeking since I noticed the numbers right from the start but I actually enjoyed looking out of the next number during the show. In conclusion,I appreciate the sudden seriousness in the comedy and Jason Segel’s brilliant acting. Oh, not forgetting Ted’s “Sensory Deprivator 5000″ from S02E14 ‘Monday Night Football’ !

If you missed the countdown in the show, here’s a nice HIMYM countdown recap I found !

So how did you find this episode ?  I’m looking forward to the lasertag game that Barney is bugging everyone about !

[UPDATE] You can also view my bff’s review here at The Picture Radio ! That’s right, his blog is full of reviews on TV shows that you might have missed out! So check it out !]

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12/30/2010
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Film, Reviews

Movie Buzz : The Tourist

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Tourist‘ which is a remake of this 2005 French Film ‘Anthony Zimmer‘. It gives me the impression of a reminiscent of an old Hitchcock film with Angelina Jolie with this ‘Audrey Hepburn glow’ – beautiful gowns, elegant looking with not a single hair out of place. Classy but I thought it was ridiculous to have the camera lingering on her for a good 10-15 seconds too long at every other shot. Perhaps Jolie’s fans will appreciate it more.

Johnny Depp stars as maths teacher Frank Tupelo, an American tourist who meets a beautiful British woman, Elise (Angelina Jolie) on a train to Venice and finds himself being pursued by Interpol agent (Paul Bettany) and a badass gangster (Steven Berkoff). Elise is acting under the orders of Alexander Pearce, her mysterious fugitive lover, who instructed her to board the train and pick someone bearing resemblances in order to throw Interpol off. However, as the pair fall unexpectedly in love with each other…..and you get the drift.

Depp is without a doubt the sexy man extraordinaire. Terrific performance despite the fact that this is not his usual eccentric on-screen characters. I love how he can portray subtle emotions across his facial expression, though his character seems to be alil over-infatuated with Angelina Jolie, that makes him look as though he has never seen a woman before in his life. You might observe the peculiar side of him as he runs across the roofs at one of the chase, in his pyjamas. Rather refreshing to see him in his ‘normal’ state I must say (and oh so charming in his suits!)

Top notch actors though I’m actually alil surprised that this film gave them the Golden Globe nods. The secondary characters in the story was well casted too. Beautiful scenery – How to resist the charm of France and Venice ? Gentle romance with elements of humor and intrigue thrown in despite the rather implausible plot and weak script. Satisfying ending that is a pleasant well-written twist (perhaps predictable to some but I loved how it ended).

Not nearly as clever or sexy as I wished it would be but enjoyable. I’ll give it a 4/5 since I’m biased and that extra +1 is for Johnny Depp solely. (Why would I say no to watching 103 minutes of Johnny Depp?!) Win-win situation if you’re a fan of Johnny Depp like me or in love with the views of France/Venice. Guilty Pleasures - Just don’t expect too much from this underwhelmed blockbuster.

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12/29/2010
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IMO, Reviews, TeeVee, Uncategorized

2010 in Moving Images

TV has taken my life over like an imperialistic regime, let’s just say I spent at least 8 hours in a week catching up on TV shows. Let’s see some of my personal favorites of this year.

1) How I Met Your Mother – This comedy is like a huge mystery to us fans – WHO IS TED’S WIFE ?! This season has its basic humor and a little surrealism to elevate it above the past seasons. New schticks and the usual awesome Barneyism. Looking forward to the end to find out  (I) who is the wife ? (II) will Robin and Barney end up together eventually ? (III) Will Lily and Marshall have tons of kids? – but not quite looking forward to the last episode as well since this is apparently the last season.

2) The Big Bang Theory – Needless to say, these 4 brainiacs are as adorable as ever since the past 3 seasons. Interesting addition to the group is Amy Farrah Fowler, a girl who is a friend, but not Sheldon’s ‘girlfriend’. I love how she’s the female version of Sheldon. Sadly I find that Leonard’s story is dying down alil but always good to see Raj and Howard getting more lines. Will be interesting to see how Amy and Sheldon gets into a relationship and whether Leonard and Penny will get back together.

3) The Walking Dead – Rise of the zombies ! For those of you who have yet to read the comics (Neither have I, but soon!) will most likely to find it convincing, both visually and emotionally. I love how realistic and established the scenes were and it is definitely one of the most intriguing shows this season. Looking forward to more brains, guts, hearts and the undead.

4) Lie To Me – Tim Roth is really magnetic and charming as  Cal Lightman, the soul of the story. I enjoy the acting of the cast but not quite the plot which tends to digress into not-so-important details. It is still fascinating to watch how the Lightman group solves these crimes nonetheless.

5) Community – Meta-sitcom structure aside, Community has wonderfully drawn characters and remarkable cast. I totally love Abed and Troy, they never fail to bring a blast to the end of the show which happens to be the best last few minutes of each episode. Not sure how long can they last in college but will be looking forward to more.

6) Raising Hope – Very similar to ‘My Name Is Earl’ as they are both created by Greg Garcia. I like how it is built around the working class and how ‘screwed up’ life can be. Likable characters (The grandma character is hilarious), fun plot and you really can’t resist the charm of the baby. A simple yet very homely off-beat comedy.

7) Running Wilde - Slapstick humor, another way to describe the style would be ‘Arrested Development’ as it is co-created by its producers. There are flaws but some episodes get the humor. I like Kerri Russel enough to watch the show and I’m still amused by how shiny and ‘plastic’ Will Arnett’s forehead is.

8) The Office – This season has been  funny so far and probably it’s all thanks to a good cast. Steve Carell has his ways when it comes to ‘mockumentary’ – of course, clever writing helps. I am still lovin’ it.

9) Nikita – After Alias, I think this gotta be the best female kickass show on screen after a long time. Maggie Q is ever so hot and seductive in her character and I’m glad the plot gets better. A fair balance between sub-plots and action, what more can I ask for ?

10) The Vampire Diaries – Guilty pleasure. I really think Damon (on the right) is the hottest vampire around, who really gives a damn about sparkling Edward. Plot aside, gorgeous cast and excellent OST.

Not forgetting I’m always a fan of Saturday Night Live, Family Guy, singing from Glee (not so for the plot), Tower Prep (I know, it’s aired on Cartoon Network and I’m way overage for that..but Drew Van Acker is too cute to resist and anything with supernatural powers is pretty awesome to watch).  Hellcats is another guilty pleasure as the story really sucks but the cast is worth watching, based on looks that is. Criminal Minds and NCIS have been interesting but it gets just alil boring after episodes and episodes of similar predictable endings. I catch a glimpse of Parenthood once in awhile but it gets too sappy for me. Not forgetting the ‘to-catch-up-on’ list of Modern Family,Weed, Futurama and Mad Men.

Oh boy, I sure need more time for TV in 2011. Looking forward to Jan when all my shows return !

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