This is It: Movie Review

This post is long overdue! Been a couple of weeks since I’ve seen it. Thanks very much to Sony Malaysia and Kel Li for the tickets!

Now I may not be the biggest Michael Jackson fan around, but I definitely enjoyed his music while he was alive, and – like the trends suggested – more so when he passed.

The movie kicked off with interviews of the dancers who got chosen to perform with him, each and every one of them feeling ecstatic and proud that they’ve been given the chance of a lifetime – to be on stage with the King of Pop himself.

Was in agreement with Mike, however, when he said that it sounded very scripted. Brought Pinky along, because I felt bad that I blew her off that day – totally forgot, I went for the UiTM Lions match that day instead.

Pretty psyched up when he came on stage, and started performing. The atmosphere was electric, as every person in the cinema sat in silence, admiring the man that was.

The 50 year old still had the moves he had when he first made it big. Still as crisp as ever, commanding the attention of everyone he was working with. He donned the same clothes he always did – blazers, hats, shiny sequined vests, and those leather shoes he was never without.

You could see how dedicated he was to putting on a good show – he knew every beat, every word of every song, and could identify pieces of the song that he felt was not good enough, not right. I guess it just goes to show that he was a man of his art.

He still had some humour in him, and never failed to spread good vibes, always saying the occasional God Bless You, and thanking everyone for their hard work. Off the top of my head, I can’t remember much of the movie, probably due to the selective dumping of memory whilst cramming for my finals that ended just two days ago.

The song I featured in my post to win those tickets, They Don’t Care About Us, was on the line up for the show! And I was really happy when they showed the shooting of the backdrop that was to be played at the concert, and the awesome dance moves that followed.

Kenny Ortega, who ran the concert, was hell bent on making sure that he met every one of Jackson’s whims. It’s one thing to be full of respect for MJ, but another to look as if you were his man slave. lol. No offence :)

For anyone who’s ever heard a Michael Jackson song and fell in love with it, run out and catch this movie now. You will not be disappointed! After all, it is, as I’ve said before, the closest we’re ever going to get to one of his concerts.

Do note however, if you’re heading towards the theaters for the movie, that you’re not going to be there for a story, you’re going there for a big bad, “The Making Of”. :)

my rating: 4/5 stars

-----

Now, I should probably clean my room – oh what’s this? Movies to watch? :)

500 Days of Summer: Movie Review

Just done watching the movie like one minute ago, and I am currently listening to its wonderful soundtrack :)

Some formalities, a Marc Webb film, looked up his credits on IMDB, apparently this is his first big fictional movie, and I have to say, that it was wicked. Starring, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (G.I. Joe, voiced Jim Hawkins in Treasure Planet, undoubtedly one of my Disney favorites) and Zooey Deschanel (Yes Man, also a fantastic movie I loved, first saw her in Almost Famous) as the leads, with Geoffrey Arend and Matthew Gubler (Criminal Minds).

Been hearing really good stuff about the movie, ravings from the American sites as well as the few people who have caught the movie locally – they only screened it in Sunway Pyramid, last I heard it was in KLCC, but not anywhere else, what’s up with that??

Do try and catch it, while its still running.

Tom Hansen (Levitt) is your everyday, average guy, the kind of person who still believes in fate, love and meeting the right one when the time is right. Summer Finn (Deschanel), on the other hand, is the total opposite, and could never keep a serious relationship for long; she always wanted to know what love really was.

And of course, they meet, and fall in love. Undoubtedly.

500 days of Summer – not the season, but her. They eventually break up, and Hansen has a horrid time getting over her: he becomes a mess. Summer on the other hand; I guess you could say she made it clear when she said that she just wanted something casual.

She eventually gets married to someone else, and on the 500th day, he officially gets over her.

Simple enough, right? Simple to follow, and I think any guy who’s ever dated someone who weren’t as into them as they were would emphatically be able to relate.

It started off as predictable as any other soppy love story, and I didn’t really think much of it at first. ut somehow, there was just something about the movie that really well, blew me away. The movie jumps to the past and to the future, just like the Time Traveler’s Wife (which I am currently halfway through, it is a brilliant book. Thank you Cinema Online and Audrey Niffenegger for making me enjoy reading again.), but much simpler.

Probably to do with it’s music selection, one of the best mixes of current songs that I’ve heard in a movie. From Carla Bruni to Simon and Garfunkel and Black Lips, it was an audiophile's dream, my favorite of the lot being You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oates.

The duo’s on screen chemistry was awesome, their acting close to perfect for a couple so in love.

Finding themselves, understanding what they really wanted out of life – that was the movie to me. I loved it how Hansen picked himself up, set things straight in his life, in his job, and went on living life after days of just moping around. I guess it’s just a sign that life has to go on, no matter what has happened, and the present and the time to come is what you make of it, and shouldn’t be influenced by your past, unless it is a lesson you are taking from it.

That people can still be friends after their breakup.

I really, really loved this movie, and I’m so glad I took the time and effort to watch it.

Truly a gem in its genre. Although I’m sure many would probably brush it off as another love story, it got me hook, line and sinker.

My rating: 5/5 stars (never thought I’d give a love story this rating!)

-----

Now that I am entertained and content, I shall happily go back to studying for Economics.

Man on The Side

His voice was husky; he croaked out the words to his favorite song with the dim lights shining on his black pleated vest. Little white lies were told to get him here, away from his wife and kids. Honey, I'm going out to get some work done on the car. It's not like he was doing anything wrong, it was just that he needed some alone time, away from the hustle of work, from the constant bickering of his 10 year old twins.

As he strummed his last note, he took a short bow, and absorbed the appreciative applause. He placed his Spanish guitar back into it's velvet lined case, and polished it's neck. "John that was brilliant, do drop by whenever you can!" The manager came to shake his hand, although his voice didn't sound very grateful at all. Probably the only act that comes to play in this place. "No, it wasn't anything good, thanks for having me."

Took a sip of his margarita, and looked around. The usual crowd; teenagers, probably college kids, still oblivious to the worries of adulthood awaiting them. "Hey, you looking for some company?"

A leggy brunette sat down beside him, her frail forefinger trailing down his spine. He knew her type very well, and replied coldly, "No, but I'm sure that fella over there does." I could use some company, it's gonna be a long night.

She frowned, and walked away, her red heels clicking off the marble floor. He gulped down the remainder of his drink, and left the aged bar behind.

-----

John Mayer's Man on the Side

six numbers, one more to dial
before I'm before you
I tried to call
been busy all night
gave up waiting at daylight

excuse me Mrs. Busybody
could you pencil me in when you can
though we both know that the worst part about it
is I would be free when you wanted me
if you wanted me

ohhhhh...
I am the man on the side
hoping you'll make up your mind
I am the one who will swallow his pride
life as the man on the side

one of the many
one of the few
to stand back and wait for you

excuse me Mrs. Busybody
could you pencil me in when you can
though we both know that the worst part about it
is I would be free when you wanted me
if you wanted me, if you wanted me

ohhhh...
I am the man on the side
hoping you'll make up your mind
I am the one who will swallow his pride
Life as the man on the side
Life as the man on the side

I fell in love with the dream that I built of you
playing the part of the queen
taking my own advice
I'm giving up tonight
good luck to you and the king

excuse me Mrs. Busybody
could you pencil me in
though we both know that the worst part about it
is I would be free when you wanted me
if you wanted me, if you wanted me

ohhhhh....
I am the man on the side
hoping you'll make up your mind
I am the one who will swallow his pride
life as the man
you know life as the man
living life as the man on the side

ihateaccounts

27 hours away from one of the toughest things he was to encounter on a piece of paper, there he was, content, atop his little seat. There was a fleeting moment of silence, broken only by the whispers of other students, probably as ready to pounce on the next noisemaker as he was.

The white walls of the hall of books reminded him of his obligations: to himself and to his education. There was little to be said. Cups of coffee all around; not a soul making a sound.

It was a beautiful day out, the suns rays beating ever so violently as it always did. Certain showers were to be expected in the evening, it has been the norm the past few days. The usual chatter and noise on campus was absent, stacks of papers, pens and bright luminous ink in its place.

A certain restlessness shook within him. Calm down; there is no time for horsing around. Not within the next week anyway. There was a certain someone haunting his thoughts, and despite constant repression and tribulations, removable: it was not.

Sometimes he wondered how life would be like had he been one of those guys who made their fortune overnight? Studying would then be an option. Not an obligation.

it was terrible

stupid axems

In the midst of my exams. Two papers down, two to go. Marketing and psychology are probably going to carry the better marks compared to accounts and economics, and even so, it won't be any good. Hope I don't fail anything.

Shit. Scared. Fault is my own eh. Don't slack in uni unless you're an A-Class crammer! or mugger, or whatever fancy shmancy term you want to call it.

Or you're super smart and reading everything once just goes in, and reproducing that during an exam takes next to no effort at all.

Whatever floats your boat, you know.

I'm not feeling too well again, and it started right before my marketing paper. Like the night before! What's up with that!

Talk about bad luck. Caught Michael Jackson's This Is It the night before also. Closest I'm ever going to get to being at one of his concerts. :(

Such a brilliant performer. I'm supposed to write about it for Kel Li. hmm.

10 more days to blend up my brain, 11 more days to a break for my senses! I'mma go have some food now. Hope it'll make me feel better. Although it is fast food. :(

drama shrama. i don't need any of this! it's uni. aiyo.

ps. being a platonic friend to a girl who draws a lot of boys' attention is a bad idea

pps. I hate exams. I am missing 2 parties tonight, the All American Rejects concert and a birthday party next weekend. !!!

smaxE. ):

been busy studying for my finals which start this Thursday ! Can’t wait for them to end – 9th. Sigh. some pictures from what I’ve been up to:

Carebears Friendly with UITM Lions.

Lunch with Ashikin, Dila, Raymond, Ken, Chris and Weng in Pyramid.

and lunch with Nadia and Cherry:

can’t remember what else i’ve been up to. probably because i haven’t been doing anything ! FML.

lifeless. i want to watch Inglorious Basterds, 500 Days of Summer, and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs!!

:(

see you on the flipside

This Is It

listening to Bad – Michael Jackson, bassline is wicked man.

The name of a song, as well as of a movie.

For those of you who’ve been living in the dark for the past few decades, the passing of the King of Pop has certainly proven to be a tough time for his fans.

With the release of This Is It, a movie compiled from footage of MJ, us fans are gaining a valuable look into the last moments of his life, and quite possibly the only chance most of us will ever get to being in one his concerts.

-----

Kellster is giving out passes to the screening of his movie, alongside buddy of mine MikeCampton and NigelAis plus other bloggers via Sony Malaysia!

Since Nigel has already closed entries for the contest on his blog, here’s mine for Kel Li ‘s ! My favorite MJ song and why,

this is the second time the video was shot it seems, but it’s still as good as the first.
first one was controversial, not too sure why, was shot on the streets of Rio De Janeiro.
many claimed it was anti semitic, ie anti-jews, which lead to the second shot.

They Don’t Care About Us

Skinhead,deadhead
Everybody gone bad
Situation aggravation
Everybody allegation

in the suite, on the news
everybody dogfood
Bang bang shot dead
Everybody’s gone mad

All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us
All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us

Beat me, hate me
You can never break me
Will me, thrill me
You can never kill me

Chew me, sue me
Everybody do me
Kick me kike me
Don’t you black or
white me!

All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us
All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us

Tell me what has
become of my life
I have a wife and two
children who love me

I am the victim of police
brutality,now
Im tired of bein the
victim of hate,youre rapin
me of my pride
Oh for Gods sake
I look to heaven to ful-
fill its prophecy...
Set me free

Skinhead,deadhead
Everybody gone bad
Trepidation,speculation
Everybody allegation
In the suite on the news
Everybody dogfood
Black man black male
Throw the brother
in jail

All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us
All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us

Tell me what has become
of my rights
Am I invisible 'cause you
ignore me?
Your proclamation
promised me free liberty now

I’m tired of bein the victim
of shame
They're throwin me in a
class with a bad name
I cant believe this is the
land from which I came

You know I really do hate to say it,
The government dont
wanna see, but if
Roosevelt was livin he
wouldt let this be, no,no

Skinhead,deadhead
Everybody gone bad
Situation,specultaion
Everybody litigation
Beat me,bash me
You can never trash me
Hit me,kick me
You can never get me

All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us
All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us

Some things in life they
just dont wanna see
But if Martin Luther was
livin,he wouldnt let
this be no,no

Skinhead,deadhead
Everybodys gone bad
Situation Segregation
Everybody allegation
In the suite on the news
Everybody dogfood
kick me,Kike me
Dont you wrong or
right me

All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us
All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us
All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us
All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us
All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us
All I wanna say is that
They dont really care
about us

Gotta be one of the most truthful lyrics to describe mankind. I’m a realist, and the lyrics in the video are very much applicable to the things that have been and still are going on in and around the world, even in Malaysia, and they go to show that Michael truly understood this.

I love that the song, and MJ of course, was bold enough to state what is going on, to tell it to the world, and hope that someone takes notice of it. Freedom of speech in its purest form. If you were an artist, would you dare write or perform something like this? Despite all the criticism that might ensue? This is a song that every major world leader should listen to, they should take in the lyrics and realize what they can do with the power trusted in them.

Having grown listening to MJ, I've always wondered how he must have felt when he was writing all these songs. Remains til this day, one of the most socially responsible lyrics (albeit his actions might not have been). Having said that, I think the re-shot video is highly appropriate the song. Why? Simply because it was shot in a prison, and those places are notoriously known for mistreating their inmates.

For example! Since I've been learning so much pysch, Zimbardo's prison experiment. Not even a real prison, and they're already messing up their supposed prisoners. Also the Abu Ghraib prison torture stories. Haunting stuff.

There's still hope I suppose. Probably why songs like I'll Be There and Ben were written. Think optimistic!

Popular music these days are either, catch tunes with bad lyrics, or sappy songs with corny ones.

Who even writes this kind of songs anymore? It is a dying breed, the most recent song I’ve heard about the world, was Peter Gabriel’s Down To Earth, which was also, very subtle.

Here’s to winning those tickets!

Surrogates: Movie Review

Finally caught a decent movie after so long, was at OU with my dad this morning for the early show.

 

Director: Jonathan Mostow (Terminator 3)
Been a while since I’ve seen a Bruce Willis film, always did like the guy. Last one was Ocean’s Twelve, where he played himself haha. Gotta love Die Hard and Tears of the Sun though! And he was pretty damn good in this film!

Radha Mitchell was his female lead,  no idea who she is, haven’t seen any of her movies, but she reminded very strongly of Elizabeth Mitchell, who plays Juliet in LOST, if you are a fan, although I’m sure you are not, our kind is very rare *pushes nerdy specs upwards*

Ah no, they are not related, I checked. :D

extras include Rosamund Pike (Die Another Day), and James Cromwell (The Longest Yard). Don’t really know the rest of the people.

The story, based on a comic book series,  takes place in the not too distant future, where mankind no longer lives lives as themselves – they plug in to a machine at home, and a surrogate lives their life for them. ie they have mechanical body walking around as themselves. Tom Greer (Willis) is a detective in charge of investigating a death of a surrogate – the first one that leads to the death of it’s operator, ie it’s human controller.

Shall not spoil it further eh. Suffice to say though, the movie reminds me of a combination of District 9 (segregation), Wall E, Terminator, and Die Hard! Yes. Recipe for a good movie quite possibly.

So anyway, acting was pretty good, storyline + suspense very well written and shot i must say. Action was moderately low considering it is a sci-fi movie, but not so bad nonetheless. Loved all the little detail that they put in – how emotionless the surrogates act, how there are literal print advertisements promoting surrys and its endless possibilities.

Raises some really interesting thoughts though! Living your life – without the possibility of EVER getting physically hurt. Experiencing bungee jumping, skydiving, anything dangerous at all without any risk of getting injured.

But where’s the fun in that ??

Also, living your life as someone else, in the movie, a fat guy controlled a hot blonde surrogate! Everyone would be, technically, perfect, and could be anyone they wanted to be, because there were no laws stating that your surrogate had to look like you.

Ah, the wonders of storytelling. GMH. :)

My rating: 4/5 stars.

-----

I also caught Just Follow Law last night, on YouTube lol.

It is pretty alright! Singaporean Movie.

-----

One U’s Levi’s and Docker’s is having a sale , nothing for me to buy though! :(

Gymming: What’s with the hype?

Yesterday, in class, I overheard two buff guys talking behind me. Either they were talking too loud or I’m just a very good eavesdropper. Their topic of conversation: another guy who “failed” because he has wide shoulders but does not have any chest – it is flat and the second guy asks him to beat him up.

=,= what an excuse to beat someone up. Because he wasn’t buff enough?

I get how gym junkies operate, I mean after one month of Fitness First, i understand why gymming is so addictive. For people who feel good when they exercise (myself included), the gym is the perfect place to go to just cheer up, zone out and work out.

It is probably also really rewarding for one’s self esteem when they post up how far they’ve run (yes i am kutuking myself) or how many kilos they have lifted. Helps them feel they accomplished something today, and that hey, they’re on the road to their gym goals.

Whether it’s to lose some weight – seems to be the case for almost everyone I know,
to bulk up – yes I think this is every guy’s dream,
to check out girls (Even the salesman at Celebrity Fitness in ou was using this as a selling point for his membership – no joke.),
or for the hardcore athletes, to gain stamina and strength for whatever sport they play (probably the rarest breed of gym goers).

Gym has become a part and parcel of everyday life – for those who can afford it of course, it is not cheap, and the long term contracts that come with these kind of gyms mean that it is a long term commitment. Haha, I remember after the run with the Nike+ runners that day – Rudy, Ean, Amanda Choe, Niki Cheong and Franksw, we were having drinks, and Niki said that he’s bought 3 year memberships twice, but barely used them at all!

Anyway, I have to say that the one-month membership thing was positive for me. It meant I could exercise whenever I wanted, and for however long I wanted. The free drinks was a big plus too! Not too sure if my stamina did improve, was such a short period of time. The bike was good – could do 10km on that easy, whilst watching tv ! Star World! Which I do not have at home. Yes it is a sad truth along with the sports channels. FML FML.

But the treadmill is incredibly boring ! Franksw, the insane marathon runner on Niki’s team, was a personal trainer at Fitness First too, and I was talking to him about how I’m not too keen on running, because I like running for a cause – ie for the ball, after the disc, with friends etc. His answer? Yes, few people have the mental strength to run alone! Which makes sense really.

Ah I have strayed off topic way too far. Point being – why are people gymming so much these days? And more importantly, why do they judge others who do not, and go around parading themselves in teeny tiny t-shirts, whilst telling everyone about how many reps they did etc etc? and taking lots of powdered protein? What’s up with that?

Not that I have anything against gym freaks, heck I’d be one if I had the time, money and energy! But why patronize people who don’t? Is there anything wrong being skinny?

Although it’s probably easier to pick up girls when you’re buff innit. LOL!

My question to you – would you rather be buff ? Or fit? Or both for that matter. Very rare! How about lean? Ask climbers, they’re probably stronger than lots of gym goers, and apply their muscles better – at a sport instead of pulling 100kg with a pully.

So – gym all you want, but accept the fact that not everyone does it and not everyone is interested in hearing about your reps and watch you touch your muscles.

Peace :D

ps. this is a good read that popped up on my twitter, related to this! The Modern Man is A Wimp

Whiteout: Movie Review

Last movie I caught was The Ugly Truth, courtesy of Sony Pictures and Davidclicks. Been a while since I’ve been to the cinemas! Nuffnang was kind enough to hook me up with some tickets for the premier – which just ended an hour ago,

Went with Mae Yan from Sunway, since she said she wanted to catch it, and at the time I was still wondering who to ask lol. Directed by Dominic Sena, only movie i recognized off him was Swordfish.

Anyway, the movie tells the tale of Carrie Stetko, (Kate Beckinsale), a US Marshall posted in Antartica, who starts to investigate a gruesome string of murders. With a whiteout approaching – a massive storm of all proportions, time is running out on Stetko, as an evacuation is called on her base.

spoiler: the killers were after diamonds found in a 50 year old russian aircraft.

yes sorry for the no-warning condition. shit too much psych.

So anyway! I thought Beckinsale’s acting was so-so. Movie also stars Gabriel Macht as Robert Pryce – of his work, I think Behind Enemy Lines was the best, although he didn’t play a major part really - who’s pretty much a stoner, Columbus Short of Stomp The Yard fame, plays pilot Delfy, very small boring role! and finally Tom Skerritt – of his work, I liked Tears of The Sun best – lol, he plays Dr. John Fury (what a name!). He was alright.

Story was boring. And predictable. Fight scenes were done in the snow. I couldn’t tell who was who, or who was winning. Music was alright, normal fight scene and suspense music.

No wonder it wound up on the Rotten Tomatoes list!

my rating, 2 stars. One for uber hot Kate Beckinsale,

and two for the awesome leg space that GSC Tropicana Mall offers!

:)

-----

was also out for lunch with cherry and nadia today!