Wednesday, March 30, 2005

The Woodsman (M18)

Rating:★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Drama
After twelve years in prison, Walter (Kevin Bacon) moves into a small apartment across the street from an elementary school, and tries to fit into society. Gets a job at a lumberyard, and mostly keeps to himself. He finds unexpected comfort & companionship from fellow worker Vicki (Kyra Sedgwick, aka Mrs Bacon), a tough-talking woman who promises not to judge him for his history. But Walter cannot escape his past. A convicted pedophiliac sex offender, Walter is shunned by his sister, lives in fear of being discovered at work, and is hounded by a suspicious police detective, Sgt Lucas (Mos Def). After befriending a young girl in a neighborhood park, Walter must also grapple with the terrible prospect of his own reawakened demon.

Touching on an extremely sensitive subject of pedophilia. Though this movie merely scratches on the surface of this social & moral predicament, it still managed to bring to our attention that it's a real & serious problem that many avoid bringing it into the light & discuss it.

Much as I like this sort of movie that opens up cans of worms, I'm a bit disappointed by it's slow pace, repetitiveness & shortage of characters background development. Despite the flaws, there's one scene that I like very much. It is the scene showing how Walter faces up to the burning demonic desire, fought it, and rises from the ashes armed with a shining axe as the victorious "Woodsman".

Kevin Bacon is the soul of this movie. He alone carries the viewers through the entire film. An Oscar worthy performance...but I guess the movie pulled him down.

Director: Nicole Kassell
Writer(s): Steven Fechter, Nicole Kassell
Cast: Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Mos Def, Eve, David Alan Grier, Hannah Pilkes, Benjamin Bratt

1 star for Kevin Bacon & 1 for the subject.

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Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Beauty Shop (PG)

Rating:★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Comedy
A spin-off from "Barbershop", "Beauty Shop" lets the women get their own chance to style, shampoo, shine, and speak their minds. Gina Norris (Queen Latifah) was working for Jorge Christophe (Kevin Bacon), trying to make a name for herself and her cutting-edge hairstyles. But when her flamboyant, egotistical & unappreciative boss, Jorge, takes it out on her too far, she quits & open a shop of her own, taking the shampoo girl Lynn (Alicia Silverstone) and a few key clients with her. Gina risks it all to buy a rundown beauty shop. Inheriting a group of headstrong stylists, a colorful clientele, and a hunky electrician Joe (Djimon Hounsou) that lives upstairs. The road to achieving her dreams is no walk in the park, especially when Jorge does his best to ruin her business.

A really "homie" movie, y'all noe wat I'm sayin'. A "Sistah" movie with lots of black (nop...not horror) humor, shakin' the head while swayin' the finger from left to right. And a feel g'ud movie which deliver messages telling all the sistahs to be & stand up for who they are, believe in friendship & be daring to take that 1st step.

Though the plot is a little too simple (eg. relationship between Gina & Joe not well developed), the shopful of outrageous women speaking their minds make this film more than interesting. All the bitchin' & slammin' turn this into a "Chicken Hawk" flick amongst the "Chick" flicks. Also not forgetting Kevin Bacon's super supporting role which captures alot of attention.

An enjoyable movie if y'all haven't the problem understandin' the homies talk dat is!

Director: Bille Woodruff
Writer(S): Elizabeth Hunter, Kate Lanier, Norman Vance, Jr, Audrey Wells
Cast: Queen Latifah, Alicia Silverstone, Andie MacDowell, Alfre Woodard, Mena Suvari, Kevin Bacon, Djimon Hounsou

1 stars for all the bitchin' & humor, 1 for Kevin Bacon & 1 for makin' me feel like I'm one of the homies during the show.

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Monday, March 28, 2005

Colour Blossoms 桃色 (R21)

Rating:
Category:Movies
Genre: Romance
Bad acting! Bad Editing! Bad Script! Bad Photography! Bad Lighting! Bad Directing!

An Art film wannabe but nowhere near except for the music! Don't watch!!!

I watched because I wanted to find out for myself if the rumors were true: Ex-Mrs Kenny Bee - Teresa Chiang's 章小蕙 brea...I mean Eyes are really BIG!

Director: Yon Fan 楊凡
Writer: Yon Fan 楊凡
Cast: Teresa Chiang 章小蕙, Ha Ri Su 河利秀, Matsusaka Keiko 松板慶子, Carl Ng 吳嘉龍

1 star for the Cantonese dialogues!

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Swing Girls (PG)

Rating:★★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Comedy
From the makers of "Shall We Dance?" and "Waterboys" comes "Swing Girls", an inspirational zero-to-hero tale about a group of girls who didn't have a direction & a sense of belonging, until they discover the rhythm within them.

Stuck in remedial summer math class, Tomoko (Ueno Juri) saw an opportunity to lead her fellow remedial classmates to ditch their boring teacher (Takenaka Naoto) by delivering lunch boxes to the school brass band. But instead of doing good, these irresponsible girls cause food poisoning to the entire brass band but Takuo (Hiraoka Yuto).

Out of desperation, Takuo tried to recruit new band members. But all he can get are 2 guitarists, Sekiguchi (Motokariya Yuika), as well as Tomoko & her girls in compensation for causing the entire band to get sick. Beside the fact that nobody knows how to play a wind or brass instrument, there weren't enough members to form a brass band. By chance, Takuo came across a Bing Band record & proposes that the girls form swing band, and take their act all the way to a battle-of-the-bands finale!

In the tradition of "Waterboys", "Swing Girls" is a feel-good movie that shows how people achieve their goal with determination & passion. Also not forgetting the importance of inspiration.

A truly energetic cast of young, cute Japanese girls added sunshine to this fun filled movie. Like the characters they play, many of them were strangers to their instruments when filming began, and learned to play as filming went on.

A great cinema experience that exercise you from head to toes. - The Jap babes in school uniform will keep your eyes busy, the humor will leave your jaw restless, & you'll find yourself toe-tapping to the wonderful Swing music.

A great movie after a stressful day...or after watching a fuck-up movie like - Colour Blossoms!

Director: Shinobu Yaguchi 矢口史靖
Writer: Shinobu Yaguchi 矢口史靖
Cast: Ueno Juri 上野樹里, Motokariya Yuika 本仮屋ユイカ, Takenaka Naoto 竹中直人, Shiraishi Miho 白石美帆, Kanjiya Shihori 貫地谷しほり, Hiraoka Yuta 平岡裕太

2 stars for the Bejean 美人, 1 for making me feel good & 1 for the Swing Band Jazz!

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Saturday, March 26, 2005

iFix



When it comes to fixing stuff, needles & threads are no longer feminine. I took'em up today & performed a stitching operation on my beloved Jopej bag. This bag has been with me for more than 8 years. 2 weeks ago, its zipper gave way...I hate to loose it because there isn't any other bag better in spore...So I lay it out on the operating table, took out my surgical needle & black thread, then started the rescue mission with my little helper "Vega". Turned out, it was a piece of cake! Now my Jopej bag is Alive & Kickin' again! Yay!!!

You can throw anything at a me & I'll be more than happy to try fixing it for you (& by you, I mean ladies only! Dudes fix your own damn thingies). But if you want me to clean the house or do up the dishes..."Kill Me!"~*kiddin'~* I'll just "Knock My Own Lights Out!" BAM!!! ~*

Friday, March 25, 2005

Fagots & Dykes!

Aren't fagots & dykes the most messed up living things on earth? You know What makes things worst? Is that they think that they are normal!


You know, when you see a man on the street talking to air (take note, no hand-free ok!), first thing that came to your mind is, "he's crazy"! When you see a lady walking down orchard road in nothing but her skin, likewise, "she's crazy"! Now, what do you make of a man who screws a dog, & a lady who blows a cow? *repeat after me~* "Crazy"!


Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying all fagots & dykes are crazy. They are very different, very special, they are "handicap"! Fagots are "mentally" handicapped, & dykes are "physically" handicapped.


Please note that I'll be referring fagot & dyke as "it". I'm not saying that they are animals, but I can't think of a better term...they're neither "he" nor "she", so "it" came in naturally.


A fagot, born as a boy, puberty like a guy, but thinks that it's a girl & the anus is its vaginal. No matter how obvious the vital signs are, the fagot's mind can't be set back on track. One more thing, will all you straight guys stick your dick into a pile of shit? No? Good! Fagots do...they live for it!


A dyke, born without the vital organ - penis. Growing up like boy without its manhood. Can't pee standing up, can't have proper sexual intercourse with a lady without the help of prosthetic parts like a strap-on, dildo or vibrators (fingering or fisting are just heavy petting, so not counted).


I've nothing against love, it's their sexual relationships that's turning my stomach upside down...It's like you love your parents, siblings, children, pets, cars, jobs or hobbies, but will you fuck them?! I think not...I hope not!


I know it's not your fault if you're born with this defect, but try to be more discreet about it. Don't ask to be treated the same way as everybody else because you're "not" like everybody else! What really pisses me off is that alot of fagots & dykes thinks that the society owes them something. Always demanding for this, asking for that! For example, recently, an application for a gay party was being turned down by the Home Affairs, and the "fruit cakes" were making all kinds of protest & complaints! Argued why their activities were not being stopped during Zouk Out & Countdown Parties, but gay party wasn't allowed. Well, *boohoo~*, the answer is simple - Zouk Out & Countdown Parties are for everybody in the society, be it straight or crooked. Leeways were given. If I was doing to my girlfriend in public what gays were doing to each other at Zouk Out, my face may have a very close encounter with a baton. So don't take things for granted.


Another thing that I can't stand is that some stupid girls actually think that being a dyke is hip & trendy. As a result, you'll see a lot of little dykes on the streets who haven't even finished puberty yet. Schools are very aware of this situation, especially girls schools. But they are not really doing anything because some "ass for a brain" educators think that this will solve teen pregnancy problem, what will become of their future is not the schools' worry anymore!


It came to me as a surprise that spore & Hong Kong officials are not seeing fagots & dykes as a threat to our birth rate problem. The maths is simple - fagots' fuck can only result in cleared bowels, & dykes' hand jobs...well...they are just hand jobs, slippery hands are all they can produce. Singles like me may have "shot gun" accidents *gasp~!* As for gays...all they'll ever have are cheap "water pistols".


Some gay couples even wanted to rise a child together! Can you dig that?! Does anybody actually think about the innocent kid...*unless, the kid is already~* "twisted"! How will the kid do during biology class...? And what kind of sex education can the gay couple offer the kid? They should settle for a dog or cat, turn it into a gay pet for all I care! SPCA will be happy too! Save'm the trouble of sterilizing the animals!


Another piece of interesting fagot news happened around the AIDS Awareness Day. A doctor mentioned that fagots are considered high risk because many engaged in unsafe sexual activities (during secret gay parties). That gave some fagots the opportunity to stand up (like a "sistah" in a drag show) & make all sort of claims. C'mon! Who're you trying to kid? To most "dick" owners, condoms were used as a form of birth control rather than STD prevention. Since ass fuck won't giv'em babies, why bother to use them?


There are hypocrites who claimed that they're very open to gay activities, but if they have a gay son or daughter, they'll probably either hang themselves or their gay kid. Unlike them, I'm flat out against it. I dislike them because they make me sick, just like when someone felt sick at the sight of blood. Some people are saying that gays are fine, only because they think that it's the right thing to say! They feared if they differ they maybe labeled as old fashioned or square...This is why as much as I'm against it, I think they're here to stay because most people won't see it as a problem, so nothing will be done to set the records "straight"...


Check out them fags jokes by Eddie!!!


Thursday, March 24, 2005

Fagots & Dykes!

Aren't fagots & dykes the most messed up living things on earth? You know What makes things worst? Is that they think that they are normal!


You know, when you see a man on the street talking to air (take note, no hand-free ok!), first thing that came to your mind is, "he's crazy"! When you see a lady walking down orchard road in nothing but her skin, likewise, "she's crazy"! Now, what do you make of a man who screws a dog, & a lady who blows a cow? *repeat after me~* "Crazy"!


Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying all fagots & dykes are crazy. They are very different, very special, they are "handicap"! Fagots are "mentally" handicapped, & dykes are "physically" handicapped.


Please note that I'll be referring fagot & dyke as "it". I'm not saying that they are animals, but I can't think of a better term...they're neither "he" nor "she", so "it" came in naturally.


A fagot, born as a boy, puberty like a guy, but thinks that it's a girl & the anus is its vaginal. No matter how obvious the vital signs are, the fagot's mind can't be set back on track. One more thing, will all you straight guys stick your dick into a pile of shit? No? Good! Fagots do...they live for it!


A dyke, born without the vital organ - penis. Growing up like boy without its manhood. Can't pee standing up, can't have proper sexual intercourse with a lady without the help of prosthetic parts like a strap-on, dildo or vibrators (fingering or fisting are just heavy petting, so not counted).


I've nothing against love, it's their sexual relationships that's turning my stomach upside down...It's like you love your parents, siblings, children, pets, cars, jobs or hobbies, but will you fuck them?! I think not...I hope not!


I know it's not your fault if you're born with this defect, but try to be more discreet about it. Don't ask to be treated the same way as everybody else because you're "not" like everybody else! What really pisses me off is that alot of fagots & dykes thinks that the society owes them something. Always demanding for this, asking for that! For example, recently, an application for a gay party was being turned down by the Home Affairs, and the "fruit cakes" were making all kinds of protest & complaints! Argued why their activities were not being stopped during Zouk Out & Countdown Parties, but gay party wasn't allowed. Well, *boohoo~*, the answer is simple - Zouk Out & Countdown Parties are for everybody in the society, be it straight or crooked. Leeways were given. If I was doing to my girlfriend in public what gays were doing to each other at Zouk Out, my face may have a very close encounter with a baton. So don't take things for granted.


Another thing that I can't stand is that some stupid girls actually think that being a dyke is hip & trendy. As a result, you'll see a lot of little dykes on the streets who haven't even finished puberty yet. Schools are very aware of this situation, especially girls schools. But they are not really doing anything because some "ass for a brain" educators think that this will solve teen pregnancy problem, what will become of their future is not the schools' worry anymore!


It came to me as a surprise that spore & Hong Kong officials are not seeing fagots & dykes as a threat to our birth rate problem. The maths is simple - fagots' fuck can only result in cleared bowels, & dykes' hand jobs...well...they are just hand jobs, slippery hands are all they can produce. Singles like me may have "shot gun" accidents *gasp~!* As for gays...all they'll ever have are cheap "water pistols".


Some gay couples even wanted to rise a child together! Can you dig that?! Does anybody actually think about the innocent kid...*unless, the kid is already~* "twisted"! How will the kid do during biology class...? And what kind of sex education can the gay couple offer the kid? They should settle for a dog or cat, turn it into a gay pet for all I care! SPCA will be happy too! Save'm the trouble of sterilizing the animals!


Another piece of interesting fagot news happened around the AIDS Awareness Day. A doctor mentioned that fagots are considered high risk because many engaged in unsafe sexual activities (during secret gay parties). That gave some fagots the opportunity to stand up (like a "sistah" in a drag show) & make all sort of claims. C'mon! Who're you trying to kid? To most "dick" owners, condoms were used as a form of birth control rather than STD prevention. Since ass fuck won't giv'em babies, why bother to use them?


There are hypocrites who claimed that they're very open to gay activities, but if they have a gay son or daughter, they'll probably either hang themselves or their gay kid. Unlike them, I'm flat out against it. I dislike them because they make me sick, just like when someone felt sick at the sight of blood. Some people are saying that gays are fine, only because they think that it's the right thing to say! They feared if they differ they maybe labeled as old fashioned or square...This is why as much as I'm against it, I think they're here to stay because most people won't see it as a problem, so nothing will be done to set the records "straight"...


Check out them fags jokes by Eddie!!!


 

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

預o左o架啦!

"預o左o架啦!" is cantonese for something like "expected""foreseeable" or "see it coming". Usually, it's used after something bad had happened, quite negative. To me, I like to see it in another angle & make it a joyous phrase to use.


For instance, when some stinkin' teens break their bones while trying to show off their skateboarding stunts, they'll scream & shout in pain, curse & swear in embarrassment; that's my que to say, "Skateboarding without proper skills & protective gear, 預o左o架啦!" *evil grin~*


Or when a kid is badly hurt by escalator or lift's door due to the lazy, ugly, "fat-ass" mother's ignorance; I'll stand next to the scene & narrate, "Know how to fuck & produce but don't know how to take care, 預o左o架啦!" *evil smile~*


Now the best part, if a rich man's son who's doing 120km/h on orchard in his shiny ferrari, seat belt not buckled, left hand on the wheel & right hand on the phone with one of his bimbo-tic girlfriends, lost control, crashed into a tree, smashed through the windscreen, broke every bone, & brain spread-ed all over the sidewalk; I'll cheer, "僕你個臭街!!! 死X仔!!! 預o左o架啦!!!" *evil laughters~*


I know I'm so~ fuckin' evil, but do take note that all their misfortune were their own doings. I didn't lay a finger to it. I'm just trying to make myself feel better because I hate it here for as long as I've lived..., & all I can say to myself is..., "Born into this hell hole, 預o左o架啦!" *sigh~* Damn Karma...

Monday, March 21, 2005

Million Dollar Baby (PG)

Rating:★★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Drama
A boxing trainer & a rundown gym owner Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) suffers the painful estrangement from his daughter. Due to past guilt, he's over protective towards his fighter which caused his fighter to leave. Then Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) came into his gym. In a life of constant struggle, Maggie's a natural fighter, unshakable focus and a tremendous force of will. But more than anything, she wants someone to believe in her. The last thing Frankie needs is that kind of responsibility, let alone that kind of risk, but won over by Maggie's determination & Scrap's (Morgan Freeman) subtle pushings, he begrudgingly agrees to take her on. In turns exasperating and inspiring each other, the two come to discover that they share a common spirit that transcends the pain and loss of their pasts, and they find in each other a sense of family they lost long ago. Yet, they will both face a battle that will demand more heart and courage than any they've ever known.

A brilliant movie in the sense of good acting, great directing & excellent story telling.

Clint Eastwood has over the years proven that he's more than just a six-shot cowboy. I've enjoyed most of his gun sling flicks, but it's his directorial works that really heighten his status in Hollywood.

This movie is like a piece of Fine Art. Nothing fancy, very down to earth. The littlest flaws, slightest tint of innocence & faintest sign of caring gave the characters flesh & blood. As they grow on you, Morgan Freeman's narrations helped further the development. Soon you'll find yourself smiling with them & feeling their pain.

Truly outstanding performances by Morgan Freeman & Hilary Swank. Ever since his big break in Glory, Morgan Freeman often out shine his co-star in various movies. I'm not familiar with Hilary Swank's works but she has delivered more than I expect for this movie.

Director: Clint Eastwood
Writer(s): Paul Haggis
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Hilary Swank, Anthony Mackie, Jay Baruchel, Christina Cox, Kimberly Estrada

Sweeping 4 Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director (Clint Eastwood), Best Actress (Hilary Swank) & Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman). These are the 4 stars!

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Saturday, March 19, 2005

Beauty & the Bitch~

Bitches! Everybody is familiar with this term; not talkin' about the four legged version y'all.

Beauty & the Bitch is but a thin line difference. She may have all the nice vital features of a goddess but she will never be a beauty if her heart is full of filth. A bitch, a stinkin' bitch (depends on the amount of shit her heart holds) she will be.

I have came across alot of such "animals", but none fused me up as much as this. This tall, thin, slightly above average face, titless, running around without a leash bitch lives in my block.

I don't like neighbors, especially those nosy muthafarkars with noisy kidz! Still, I won't give them shit unless...

A few Sundays ago, when I was takin' the lift down, "it" came in on the 7th floor. I've seen it around before but being me, I didn't give a shit about neighbors, no matter they're easy on the eyes or not. Ok back to the story, it came in & it stood back facin' me. It slinged a backpack on her shoulder. As you all know, HDB lifts are small, hence it was quite closed-up. I noticed its backpack's zip was down, & the contents were about to fall off. "Excuse me, your backpack is unzipped." so I said. It heard me, but being a dog, it just pull the backpack to its front, zipped it up & kept quiet.

Hello!!! I'm not your butler, servant or slave, & I'm NOT interested in you!!! You flat chested piece of dog pooh!!! A little sign of appreciation won't hurt! Even when I pet a dog, it'll return by wagging its tail!

Ever since then, when ever the lift stops on the 7th floor, I won't lay a finger on the door open button. If it enters, I'll just fold my arms & lean back. I'm not its lift operator either.

It's also a party bitch. I knew because I'd often seen it leaving when I was coming home late. With super thick makeup on, party dresses & late Wednesday nites, Mambo & ladies' nite were natural links! Call me evil or petty but I really wanna see when its "party" ends!

Friday, March 18, 2005

iBored

o1. what song are you listening to rite now?
Gundam Seed theme song by Vivian Hsu & Kazuma!

o2. what shirt colour you are wearing now?
naked...

o3. have you showered?
last nite...

o4. who is on your mind now?
她...

o5. now,whose lyrics do you like so much?
黃耀明 - 身外情
Julian Lennon - Salt Water
劉德華 - 常言道

o6. now, where do you feel like going?
Hong Kong...but have to settle for orchard 1st...

o7. what movie do you want to watch in the cinema?
Kung Fu Hustle (in cantonese)!

o8. now, what do you want most?
MacBook...*to buy or not to by...*

o9. now, what are you eating and drinking?
Coke! My daily dosage of caffeine!

10. current mood right now?
lazy~

11. when was your birthday?
14 Oct

12. where did you buy your school bag? how much? colour?
school bag?!? Only have 4 black & a brown leather bags from Jopej HK! (best bags in the world)!

13. where did you buy your pencilbox?
Huh~! what the...?

14. how was work/school today?
No work! *5 day week~wee~!!!

15. shampoo?
anything on the shelf..

16. shower cream/soap?
soap! nvr like cream!

+STUDIES

o1. best subject?

Chinese...naturally

o2. worst subject?
geography! *why the fuck do sporean need to learn about volcano & cattle farm!?!

o3. for your last exam,what was your position in class?
no position...just a piece of paper call dip...

o4.for your last exam, what was your level position?
no idea..

+ LAST TIME

o1. last time you fall in love?

...

o2. last movie you watched?
X III

o3. last shirt you wore before this shirt?
office wear...

o4. last thing you held?
dic...eh...Mouse!

o5. last time you cried?
history...

o6. last place you went?
Office

o7. last call u received?
Mok

o9. last testimonial you got?
my sis

10. last message you got (friendster)?
none...nobody care...

11. last email?
Work

12.last thing you did?
watched PPG

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (PG)

Rating:★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Comedy
Jim Carrey stars as Count Olaf, a wily villain with clever disguises and outrageous schemes, who is bent on swindling the Baudelaire orphans out of their family fortune. Featuring the unique blend of intelligence, irony and irreverence that readers of all ages have discovered in Lemony Snicket's best-selling books.

Right after the diversion at the opening sequence, the real, very Tim Burton"ish" dark, twisted, wicked, distorted & funny world appeared; that was when my tiny eyes were opened the widest. Trying to capture as much details of the Production Design before the next set, & the next set, & the next set... Rick Heinrichs is the man responsible for my strenuous eyes. He has been working with Tim Burton like..."forever"! Just like his previous work, The Nightmare Before Christmas & Sleepy Hollow, this movie fed me so well visually.

The Baudelaire orphans Violet (Emily Browning), Klaus (Liam Aiken) & Sunny (Kara & Shelby Hoffman) were very Nickelodeon; very real & not trying to "act cute"! At some point, Carrey is the only one trying to "act cute"...His slapstick performances are funny, but in certain scenes, he'd overdone them.

The story left me hanging in so many ways. Like what's the real story behind the "spy glass", how did Count Olaf survive all his sentences & the whereabout of Olaf? I like the show... but it made me feel like I was being left alone on my bed in the midst of sexual intercourse... naked... erected... without an orgasm... by a gorgeous babe. I wish someone can conclude it, because I don't see the possibility of them making a sequel in the future.

ILM visual EFX is still good, but I find that the CG "friendly python" is a little off...

Director: Brad Silberling
Writer(s): Robert Gordon, Daniel Handler
Cast: Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep, Billy Connolly, Jennifer Coolidge, Liam Aiken, Emily Browning, Timothy Spall, Luis Guzman, Craig Ferguson, Cedric the Entertainer, Catherine O'Hara, Jude Law

2 stars for Rick Heinrichs.

Saturday, March 12, 2005

iSleep...

For a few years, I've been having a bad relationship with someone that I spend every night with...I love our time together, but things just didn't really worked out between us.

I've only myself to blame. Always busy with work, entertainment, friends & girlfriends. I'm just really reluctant to spend quality time together. But when I did, I didn't want it to end too soon. Dreaded every moment when parting...because nobody can make me as relax, as comfortable & let me find peace of mind. Occasionally, we had little quickies in the office, cinema or on public transports.

Sometime we don't see each other at all, and when this happened, I'll feel sick, body temperature rises, & looses concentration. Still, I'll put my work & interest ahead.

I didn't realized how important it is for us to be together until two days ago...I was comin' down with some virus attack, so I went to the clinic where the doctor told me to "get the hell off work immediately" & go home to her, my dear, my lovely  "SLEEP" ! And so I did!

I have to say, the time I had with her that afternoon was marvelous! She regenerates my whole system to fight the virus. Now, we are working on a plan to recover our ailing relationship. I think we'll work out fine.

My colleague has invited me to her wedding next week. She asked me to bring my date. I think, I'll bring her.

*yawnnnn~* Yup! That's she calling me! Gotta go! Good nite y'all!

Friday, March 11, 2005

Robots (G)

Rating:★★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Animation
Academy Award winning director Chris Wedge brings his innovative film making magic to Robots, taking the animated feature film genre to a new, exciting level. For the first time ever, an animated feature presents a unique, totally imagined world – a wondrous universe populated solely by mechanical beings. And never has such a star studded cast of Oscar winners, as well as Emmy and Tony honorees -- been brought together for an animated feature. In the film you'll meet memorable 'bots Rodney Copperbottom (Ewan McGregor), a young genius inventor who dreams of making the world a better place; Cappy (Halle Berry), a beautiful executive 'bot with whom Rodney is instantly smitten; the nefarious corporate tyrant Ratchet (Greg Kinnear) who locks horns with Rodney; Bigweld (Mel Brooks), a master inventor who has lost his way; and a group of misfit 'bots known as the Rusties, led by Fender (Robin Williams) and Piper Pinwheeler (Amanda Bynes).

A Colourful & Fun filled Roller-coaster Ride is what I felt after watching Robots. The jokes never stop as you try to catch the details of every scene which passes your eyes in split seconds. The pace is so fast that it makes "Fast & Furious" looking more like "Rest & Relax"!

An Extremely Entertaining Movie with a simple storyline of believing in oneself & never give up on dreams. What makes Robots funny is that you have to take everything they say literally. From making robot babies to repairing the misfit bots. Do take note that some jokes don't just end there, they'll bring you to another level of unexpected bust of laughters! On that note, try not to drink during the show, unless you are prepared to laugh so hard that Coke comes out from your nose...or shower the poor guy in front of you with it.

The funny moments in Robots maybe good for one time only, so don't spoil it for any of your friends who haven't watched it. The animation is far, far,far better than "Ice Age"; and the design of Robots City...WOW~! To get a better look at the Robots world is a good enough reason to catch it again.

A small let down is Ewan McGregor's voice over for Rodney. He is totally unnoticeable compare to other cast members, especially Robin Williams!

If a good laugh is what you need? You must see Robots!

Director: Chris Wedge, Carlos Saldanha
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, Greg Kinnear, Mel Brooks, Drew Carey, Jim Broadbent, Amanda Bynes, Jennifer Coolidge and Robin Williams

1 stars for the Animation, 1 for the Design & 2 for the Jokes!

*Star Wars fans take note...erm...not gonna tell...

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Sideways (M18)

Rating:★★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Drama
The story of Miles (Paul Giamatti), a eighth grade teacher, wine connoisseur & failed novelist, and his soon-to-be married friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church), a washed-up soap opera actor. To salute the remains of their youth, the two men take one last road trip in the week before Jack's wedding. A serious wine enthusiast, Miles is determined to educate his friend on the region's beloved Pinot Noir wines before the week is out. Jack indulges his best friend's passion for the grape but is mainly interested in living his last week of bachelorhood to the hilt. Trouble ensues with wine and women - Maya (Virginia Madsen) and Stephanie (Sandra Oh), as the duo comes to some profound realizations as they come to terms with maturity.

A simple & down to earth piece of work is what makes this movie so likable. No fancy design, visual EFX or glamorous stars. Just plain good acting & story telling. Most people in their late 20s' & above can somehow find pieces of themselves at certain point of the movie. A bit "Woody Allenish" though...but better.

There were funny as well as depressing moments, but the Director Alexander Payne managed not to over do any of them & made this a well balanced story. The smooth flow of this movie also helped audiences to follow at ease. Winning an Oscar for "Writing (Adapted Screenplay)" is easily justified.

Every main character were given enough space to express themselves, which I think is a big break for Paul Giamatti. Thomas Haden Church was nominated for "Best Supporting Actor" at the Oscar, & that was a big bonus!

Another reason why I like this movie so much is the musical score. Rolfe Kent's Jazz score set the exact mood this movie required. His relaxing score also goes well when you are in a nice wine bar or cafe.

Director: Alexander Payne
Writer(s): Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Patrick Gallagher, Alex Kalognomos, Virginia Madsen, Joe Marinelli, Sandra Oh, Alysia Reiner

2 stars for Alexander Payne, 1 for Paul Giamatti & 1 for the Rolfe Kent.

*Wine lovers should not miss it!

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A Very Long Engagement (M18)

Rating:★★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Romance
A French movie from the director and star of "Amelie" (Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Audrey Tautou) "A Very Long Engagement," is a very different love story based on the acclaimed novel by Sebastien Japrisot. Screenplay adaptation by Jean-Pierre Jeunet & Guillaume Laurant. As World War I draws to an end, a young French woman's greatest fight is about to begin. Mathilde receives word that her fiancé Manech is one of five soldiers who have been court-martialed and pushed out of an Allied trench into no-man's land... and almost certain death. But if Manech were dead, Mathilde would know. Summoning the courage, will and strength that only the heart can inspire, she embarks on an extraordinary journey to discover the fate of her lover. What follows is an investigation into the absurdity of war, the beauty of hope and the tenacity of the human heart.

Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet & his Director of Photography are great at setting the right colour for this film. Every scene is so easy on the eyes & they can send you into the exact era intended. It was so beautifully shot that one can just play this movie on the wall of a photo exhibition.

What I also enjoy are the Art Direction for this movie, background stories of the littlest characters (which makes everybody a somebody), & all the subtle humor, like the casual comments between Mathilde's uncle & the mail man.

Through Mithilde's investigation, everybody is giving their bit of the puzzle to the story. Sorta like "Courage Under Fire", only not so tragic. One clue leads to another, but I find that all she had gathered only helped her to hold on a little longer. In the end, it wasn't really the clues that helped her find Manech.


Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Writer(s): Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Guillaume Laurant
Cast: Audrey Tautou, Gaspard Ulliel, Jerome Kircher, Dominique Bettenfeld, Jean Pierre Darroussin, Denis Lavant, Clovis Cornillac, Albert Dupontel, Chantal Neuwirth, Dominique Pinon, Marion Cotillard, Andre Dussollier, Ticky Holgado, Jodie Foster, Jean Paul Rouve, Julie Depardieu, Tcheky Karyo, Michel Vuillermoz, Jean Claude Dreyfus

1 star for Director, 2 for Photography & 1 for Art Direction.

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Hitch (PG)

Rating:★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Will Smith), is a low profile professional Date Doctor/Love Guru who secretly advises sincere men from all walks of life to meet & woe the woman of their dreams. Most men have difficulty finding love because it's hard to be yourself when your "self" thinks you should be someone else. That's where Hitch comes in. As a tactical adviser who specializes in first impressions – he customizes and orchestrates a client's first three dates. After a chance meeting with his last client Albert (Kevin James), Albert's super rich love interest, Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta) & Sara (Eva Mendes), a gossip reporter for a daily tabloid, Hitch was taught to throw all his love tips out of the window & let nature takes its course.

After watching this enjoyable movie, I can foresee a lot of single guys will go see it again just to take down the tips Hitch gave on getting dream girl.

Will Smith & Kevin James made a great on screen duo since...err...Batman & Ro...nah~, more like Bad Boys' Will Smith & Martin Lawrence! Good chemistry between them helped to enhance the humor of the simplest joke; eg, the dance lesson.

What I particularly like is a flashback scene about Hitch in high school, which explain how the Date Doctor thingy came about. And also Hitch's "sea food allergy" sequence, I can relate to that because I'm allergic to sea food too...but not to his extend. *phew~!

Will Smith, being a ladies' man fit the role of Hitch like a glove! Kevin James "heavy weight" comical appearance also made his character believable. Eva Mendes' Sara is a little conflicting, one moment she's a strong, hard headed career woman with a rather high EQ, the next you see her throwing broccolis at Hitch like a rabid bitch...love/hate changes everything?

Director: Andy Tennant
Writer(s): Kevin Bisch, Jessica Bendinger, Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel
Cast: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta

1 star for Will Smith, 1 for Kevin James & 1 for the Humor.

*Now I know, if I wanna find out about a gal, I can "Google" her. Hee~

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Sunday, March 06, 2005

iGot New Thingies!


Been rottin' @ hom the whole Saturday...Juz gota stretch & dust my rottin' corpse on Sunday!

Actually, Mok & I planned to take a trip to MacRitchie suspended bridge thingy. I woke up @ 10am, looked @ the rain clouds, called Mok to tell'em it's a bad idea to go today & went back to snoozzzzz...We went to Cina Square flea mart with Sherm in the afternoon instead.

Managed to get quite alot of good stuff today!

  • Taniguchi Mihiro みひろ DVD!!! Yay! My 1st Original JAV DVD! Sherm bought it in Japan Kinokuniya @ 3800yen!!! Thnx Dude!

  • The Untouchables code 1 DVD for S$28.95! Classic Goodness!

  • Passion of Christ movie score CD! @ S$9.95!? Won't go wrong!

  • Sony Erricson T-630! $0! Woohoo! I like FREE phones!

  • Mushasi - Mononofu 武 - もののふ series V! 1/6 scale die-cast weapons!

  • An Aloha Stitch
  • Saturday, March 05, 2005

    Howl's Moving Castle ハウルの動く城 (G)

    Rating:★★★
    Category:Movies
    Genre: Animation
    From acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki 宮崎駿 ("Spirited Away"). Based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones. Sophie, a plain eighteen-year-old girl, who out of obligation, helps out at her late father's hat shop. Living a boring life. Until she encountered an evil Witch of the Wasteland who transformed her into an old lady. Unable to face her family in such a condition, Sophie runs away in search of a way to become young again. Along the way, Sophie helps a turnip headed scarecrow, who repays her by leading her to the moving castle owned by the dreaded wizard Howl. There she befriends Howl's apprentice Markl, Howl's fire demon Calcifer, and eventually, Howl himself. Sophie then becomes the castle's cleaning lady in an effort to not only find the solution to her problem but to save Howl from his own terrible secrets as well.

    It was a total let down...Having watched & love Spirited Away 千と千尋の神隠し so much, Howl's magic is a yawn...Unlike some of his previous characters, Sophie & Howl is a mess. He either left most of the characters development out, or he left the job to us...Well, it could be the novel's fault...Like many other directors, he spent too much time delivering anti-war messages..."ENOUGH Already"! First man to describe beautiful ladies as roses is a genius! The rest are just monkeys!

    There were some really great moments in Spirited Away which I don't find here. This is his 3rd "last movie". 1st was Princess Mononoke もののけ姫, followed by Spirited Away. We'll see...

    As usual, an animation has to include a couple of lovable supporting characters. Hayao Miyazaki had done so with the Fire Demon - Calcifer & the Scarecrow. In fact, they sorta stole the show.

    Music Score by Joe Hisaishi 久石譲! Good as ever! Art direction is too similar to Laputa - Castle in the sky 天空の城ラピュタ & Kiki's Delivery Service 魔女の宅急便. Not as good as Spirited Away, but nice enough.

    Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki 宮崎駿
    Cast: Chieko Baisho 倍賞千恵子, Takuya Kimura 木村拓哉, Akihiro Miwa 美輪明宏, Tatsuya Gashuin 内藤剛志
    Studio: Walt Disney

    1 star for Joe Hisaishi, 1 for Calcifer & 1 for Art Direction...I think Disney screwed him up...

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    Friday, March 04, 2005

    Closer (M18)

    Rating:★★★
    Category:Movies
    Genre: Drama
    Four extremely beautiful people do extremely horrible things to one another. Closer is Director Mike Nichols' adaptation of Patrick Marber's play. Alice/Jane (Natalie Portman) is an American stripper freshly arrived in London after a bad relationship; Dan (Jude Law) is an obituary writer struggling to become a novelist; Anna (Julia Roberts) is a photographer who specializes in portraits of strangers; and Larry (Clive Owen) is a dermatologist who finds love under the most unlikely of circumstances. When their paths cross it's a splendor display of various permutations of passion, heartbreak, anger, sadness, vengeance, pleading, deception, and most importantly, brutal honesty.

    "When you believe in love at first sight...you never stop looking." I think it's true.

    2 American Gals & 2 London Boys, all tossed up in a bowl of sex, love, hate & lust salad. Riding on their good looks the 2 couples - Alice/Jane & Daniel, Anna & Larry crossover to play with fire that eventually left eternal burnt marks on them.

    The script is well written, lots of lines that will set your mind thinking about your life. You've gotta pay attention to their dialogs, as they explained the time-line that's not shown as captions.

    Loves & relationships are told here as an abstract painting that can't have one too many or one too little stroke. You may never understand the artist truly, if from the beginning, you only look at how pretty her painting is.

    Julia Roberts is like an extra on the set when compared to the other 3. Hmm...maybe pregnancy & acting don't mix well. Clive Owen did well, especially so when facing Natalie's beaver. Jude played as though this is a sad sequel to Alfie. I think the biggest winner for Closer has to be Natalie. She is no longer the boring Amidala who delivered hair raising, mushy love statements from Star Wars but a sexy NY striper. She has shaken the crown off & I must say, that's good for her career...but there seems to be a slight image of Mathilda (Leon - The Professional) in her performance...Oh, did I mentioned that she put on a little? Bad? Nah~! It actually helped make her tities more visible.

    Natalie & Clive deserved their Oscar nominations. Not good enough to win, but it's a great first step!

    Director: Mike Nichols
    Writer: Patrick Marber
    Cast: Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Clive Owen, Julia Roberts

    1 star for Natalie Portman, 1 for the script & 1 for Clive Owen!

    *I was told that Mike Nichols kept some of Natalie's juicier scenes for himself! Damn him!!!*

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    iEvil? iKind? iDon't Care!

    "More than 100 container loads of tsunami aid go waste at the Colombo port as NGOs, to which they were consigned, are not clearing them because of heavy duties, other charges and bureaucratic procedures imposed by the government.
    The Customs officials said that if the containers were not cleared within a stipulated period the goods would be auctioned by the government to private buyers -- meaning that desperate tsunami victims would not get these urgently needed items worth more than 100 million rupees but they would go for commercial purposes.
    NGO officials said they had no option but to forego the consignments (including clothes, wheelchairs, crutches, sleeping bags and blankets) because of the new government regulations though they felt sad that much needed items were not going to the thousands of tsunami victims. They said just because of misuse or abuse by a few groups, the government seemed to be imposing collective punishment on all including tsunami victims.
    [Daily Mirror] http://www.tamilmedianz.com/tamilaffairs.shtml"


    Now, ask yourselves, was it worth while? Are they worthy of our help? Most of the victims were living in poverty. A burden to some societies. With officials like above mentioned, in some dark ways, they were better off dead.

    Youse people will probably say that I'm a horrible person. Indeed I am! Especially towards people who don't even wanna help themselves, or a certain foundation that uses donations for their Biz class air tickets.

    Late last night, after watching Closer (iReview tomorrow), I was taking a walk from cineleisure to Peace Centre where I caught my ride home. Somewhere along the walk, an Indian man came to me. In a very friendly tone, he asked me if I could spare him some $$$ for food. I took a quick look at him, "Nah~ I'm sorry.", I said & we walked our separate ways. He then approached the next guy.

    He was quite well dressed, in 40s maybe, carrying a sling bag, a big fella (belly as big as Mars) & chest hair that'd formed an alliance with his chin. I didn't wanna give him $$$ simply because firstly, I think he could have easily help himself. Secondly, I won't know what will my $$$ end up for; part payment for booze, crack, 4D, whore? (If he had asked me outside 7-11, I may buy him a loaf of bread. Food - maybe. $$$ - Fuck'off!).

    I remember there was once an old lady came to me, askin' for 50cts so that she can get a drink. She told me that she was thirsty because she was locked out of the house without her purse since morning. I gave her a few $$$ instead. With her joyous face she said, "Thank you so much! This is wonderful! Now I can even get myself some food for lunch!". I knew she was for real when she happily walked towards the food stall. Her gratitude paid off her debt to me. I'm still buying cat food to feed the strays & I'm rewarded with their trust. They are whom I think needed help.

    I'm an Atheist. I don't need to buy my way into heaven. I decide on who I wanna help without answering to any being, & I feel good about it.

    Not all tsunami victims were worthless. I salute the fishermen who asked for nothing but new fishing nets; so that they can start a living again, which will help to rebuild their homes.

    I'm also proud of the Ah Po around my office. In her 80s, she's still making a living on her own, by collecting papers & sell'em for recycling. If she ever need my help, I'll never turn her down.

    On another disgusting note, our medias are full of fuckin' shit! One end, they trashed & bashed people who made & sell the tsunami disaster vcds. On the other, they tell people that their tsunami special is a must see tv programme. A$$Hole$!!!

    Thursday, March 03, 2005

    iHave Done That~

    Mark an X on the things you've done!

    (x) snuck out of the house
    ( ) gotten lost in your city
    (x) seen a shooting star
    (x) had a serious surgery
    (x) gone out in public in your pajamas
    ( ) kissed a stranger
    ( ) hugged a stranger
    (x) been in a fist fight
    ( ) been arrested
    ( ) laughed and had milk/coke come out of your nose
    (x) pushed all the buttons on an elevator
    ( ) swore at your parents
    (x) been in love
    (x) been close to love
    (x) been to a casino
    ( ) been skydiving
    (x) broken a bone
    (x) been high
    ( ) skinny-dipped
    (x) skipped school
    (x) flashed someone
    ( ) saw a therapist
    (x) played spin the bottle
    (x) gotten stitches
    ( ) drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour--or water
    (x) bitten someone
    (x) been to Disneyland
    (x) gotten the chicken pox
    ( ) kissed a member of the same sex
    ( ) crashed into a friend's car
    (x) been to Japan
    (x) ridden in a taxi
    ( ) shoplifted
    ( ) been fired
    ( ) had a crush on someone of the same sex
    (x) had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
    ( ) stolen something from your job
    ( ) gone on a blind date
    (x) lied to a friend
    ( ) had a crush on a teacher
    ( ) celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans
    (x) been to Europe
    (x) slept with a co-worker
    ( ) been married
    ( ) gotten divorced
    ( ) had children
    ( ) seen someone die
    ( ) had a close friend die
    ( ) been to Africa
    ( ) Driven over 400 miles in one day
    ( ) Been to Canada
    ( ) Been to Mexico
    (x) Been on a plane
    ( ) Seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show
    (x) Thrown up in a bar
    ( ) Purposely set a part of myself on fire
    (x) Eaten Sushi
    ( ) Been snowboarding
    (x) Met someone in person from the internet
    ( ) lost a child
    (x) gone to college
    ( ) graduated college
    ( ) done hard drugs
    ( ) tried killing yourself
    (x) fired a gun
    ( ) purposely hurt yourself
    (x) taken painkillers
    (x) miss someone right now
    (x) A LOT???

    Tuesday, March 01, 2005

    iLuv?

    Me!? A+!? Huh!?







    How Love-Smart are you?
    Young Einstein!
    When it comes to love you know your stuff. It's obvious that you understand how the opposite sex think, what they like and how you can make them happy. Hey why don't you rewrite the book of love!

    How Love-Smart are you? Find out at DatingTips.ws