Post-Tokyo Shopping!

Well...I'm supposed to cut back on my shopping after returning from Tokyo. It has been two weeks...and I'm still missing it, badly.

This feathery. glittery, stylo hat is not one of my purchases. It's kinda outdated...haha! But it has to see the light of my blog. It's from Jeremy's 21st birthday party. And glamourous is an understatement. Haha!

Just as I came back from Tokyo...a week later, New Urban Male came out with the Japanese series of classic tees. How to resist man?! Of course, I would love to grab every design that embodies the places that I have visited. But no money la! So I settled for two pieces. Harajuku is the place where cosplay is made famous. Its name translates to old "ku" (I guess it means district?)

Shinjuku translates to new "ku". That is where all the high-rise office buildings are. Come weekend, the nightlife explodes with screaming-in-your-face signboards and your typical Japanese young adults (those with the explosive hairstyle which you see in movies) hanging out outside clubs and pubs. Well, stay tuned a little more longer as I post the photos and do a recap. It's gonna take prob till August before I can find the time to upload the photos. Sigh...been a hectic July.

Calvin Klein's limited edition fragrance...it's called Pop. But I never heard it before. Haha!

This is my first foray into online shopping...with the Black Dog Store. Ooh...I love their collections. So for this July collection series, I bought a shirt with a unique looking design where the pockets are located on the shoulder area.

I also bought a wristband which is damn nice! Omg!! Haha...I got my purchases today and am terribly satisfied. Haha! Yeps...can't wait for their August collection. The model in the last two photos is Derrick. Cool yeah. Haha!

And to end off this update, I'll be heading to the sunny (hopefully) beaches of Pulau Tioman, Malaysia tomorrow. I want to get a nice glowing tan there (hopefully). Haha! But the primary purpose is for my field studies module. So got to do a field project in the intertidal zone. Busy! After that, there will be a presentation and report to do too. Deadline: a week after. By the way, I will probably not update till when I return on 20 July, next Monday. So yeah...with more photos to upload. Lol! Take care everyone :)

REEL BYTES '09 week 29

LOVE OF SIAM
[romance, drama]
high-priority

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
[fantasy, adventure]
high-priority

HIGH VOLTAGE
[action, thriller]
mid-priority

iPhone = ivan's phone

Yeah! I've got my iPhone 3G S since friday night...but to be more exact the time read 1.30am, so that's early Saturday morning. The queue was crazy at comcentre. But fortunately, my tenacity pulled me through. I was there at 6.30pm, with an empty stomach, till 1.30am! Honestly, I don't think I will do what I did again. But that will make me treasure my iPhone more too. So yeah...i'm so loving it. Oh actually Singtel did provide some refreshments like small cakes and Ben & Jerry's ice-cream. Haha!

P.S. Singtel's coffers are overflowing like crazy...lol!

Busy Week...Busier Month

Ever since my holiday in Japan, it has been crazy. Yes, crazily missing Tokyo. And riding through a crazy schedule. The photos are almost done...lots of scenery and architectural shots. But somehow the photos seemed restrictive. The vastness of the place and the atmosphere is not really well-reflected in the photos apparently.

Anyhow, I'm heading off to Pulau Tioman, Malaysia, next Tuesday for a field trip. As such, it comes with a report and presentation thereafter. Following that, more local field trips to the intertidal zones locally to hunt for sea anemones with the expert professor Dr. Daphne Fautin who will be visiting.

Yeah...but I'm still not going to forsake my movies! Haha...quite a number of good films coming up so I shall catch up with them when I return from Tioman. Oh and I'm looking forward to my iPhone 3GS this evening!! Whoo...that's something exciting for me to look forward to later in the night. As for now...probable going back to the museum to check on my anemones and then to lecture. Sigh...I'm hungry and tired.

DUPLICITY ~ 3/5

[romance, thriller]

This romantic thriller is smart and hence for smart people. Haha! If you are expecting any in-your-face action, then forget it. But it's not all silent. The excessive dialogue, in place of the action, apparently is needed to move the plot. However, too much of it makes this film a little tiring to follow. Clive Owen and Julia Roberts clearly are the crowd-pullers and indeed, they deserve full plaudits for pulling the narrative (and of course the crowd).

I LOVE YOU, MAN ~ 3.5/5

[comedy, romance]

Hilarious to a certain point, and then the concept of the jokes kept repeating. But still, there are a couple of sudden laugh-out-loud moments. And indeed, the big man-small man combo Jason Segel and Paul Rudd plays out really well. Anyway, this film is ending its run in cinemas here soon and I'm glad I didn't miss it.

REEL BYTES '09 week 28

SUNSHINE CLEANING
[drama, comedy]
high-priority

THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT

[horror, thriller]

high-priority

FIFTY DEAD MEN WALKING
[crime, thriller, drama]
mid-priority

OBSESSED

[thriller]

mid-priority

20TH CENTURY BOYS 2
[sci-fi, action]
low-priority

FIFTY DEAD MEN WALKING ~ 3/5

[crime, thriller, drama]

Faced with a decision between joining the British or the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the time of the IRA conflict, which choice will be the right one?

Twenty-year-old Martin McGartland (Jim Sturgess) is caught in such a situation in 1988 Belfast. He and his mate Sean (Kevin Zegers) struggle to survive in the terribly-repressed catholic community of west Belfast where British police patrols regularly stop and search young Catholics while the IRA punishment squads rule the estates with threats of knee-capping – shooting bullets through the back of knees. Sean, who is enamoured by the lifestyle IRA can offer, introduces Martin to it. He accepts the offer to be a driver for Micky Adams (Tom Collins), a superior in the IRA. One of Martin’s first missions is to drive to a hotel to deliver a package. After which, he takes his girlfriend Lara (Natalie Press) for a hot night out. On his way back, they witness the aftermath of a massive bomb at the hotel where he delivered the package. He gets into contact with Fergus (Sir Ben Kingsley) and becomes a “tout”, an informant for the British against the IRA.

Against the backdrop of a historical conflict, this film tries to spice up a spy story with love and an internal struggle of the main character. However, it fails to fulfil the potential of delivering both the thrills and the emotional baggage of the narrative…until the very last part. Prior to the credits roll, a series of sentences describing the factual state of the heroic deeds of Martin McGartland and the consequences that he suffers brings a good closure to a lacklustre film.

One interesting visual theme running in the film is in relation to the door. Pivotal moments show Martin closing one door and moving on to the next stage of his life, both physically and metaphorically. Another instance is the positioning of the characters at the door where each of them will be on opposite sides of it, symbolising Martin’s current situation with his girlfriend Lara and his family.

What makes this film work is the convincing Irish accent of Jim Sturgess who plays Martin. His voice brings out the personality and attitudes of the character living in Belfast during the time of the IRA conflict.

“When two sides start a conflict, right and wrong gets very murky. People lose sight of what they’re fighting for or where they started or where they’re going to end up.” – Kari Skogland, director of Fifty Dead Men Walking

Thank You for Vote F3!

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Vote F3!

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REEL BYTES '09 week 27

DUPLICITY

[romance, thriller]

high-priority

ICE AGE 3 DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS

[animation]

mid-priority

Having a GREAT time!

Very tiring, but absolutely great. The Japanese culture is simply so cool. Well... I will do a photos recap when I'm back. Too tired to blog... heading to bed now. Goodnite!

Checked-In

Woohoo... Here's Ivan reporting from Changi International Airport Terminal 3. We went window shopping around and visited the Butterfly Park. Haha! Yeah...waiting to enter the gate now. Catch all my readers when I'm at Tokyo! Seeya :))

Liberation @ TOKYO!

I'm leaving my house now for Changi International Airport Terminal 3, boarding a flight on United Airlines to Narita Tokyo Airport. Damn excited man! This is only my third time flying out of Singapore, my second time using my passport and my first time using the new biometric passport. Haha!

Why is it liberating then? Well... there are many firsts in this trip. It is my first time flying out with a friend. And he is Noel, my jc classmate. Amazingly, it is his birthday today, the day we are leaving. It will be my first time staying in a hotel. My first time bathing in a bath tub. Lol! Basically, first for everything. I'm on my own... yes I am!! And the thing is my parents didn't even object violently...knowing their pattern. Haha! So yes, I'm feeling very blessed indeed.

For the record, I actually won this trip from MTV Asia. So yes, flights and accomodation settled. Amazing yeah. :)) I'm excited, delighted and omg-ed. Lol! Stay tuned for daily updates (I try to) and photos when I'm back. Cheers!!

TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN ~ 3.5/5

[sci-fi, action, adventure]

The effects are superb, the action is relentless. But this film just isn't my cup of tea. Even when it transits to Egypt, a place I like. It's basically action, action, action... which gets a little tiring after awhile seeing the transformers fight. Visually stunning, but a standard Hollywood-styled plot.

GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST ~ 3/5

[comedy, romance]

It's all about the meaning of love and marriage. This comedy mirrors A Christmas Carol where three ghosts past, present and future appears in the protagonist's dreams to provide enlightenment. In this case, it is about the true meaning of love and marriage. The three ghosts left the deepest impression in different sense. Ghost past is bubbly and abit weird. Ghost present has the Indian accent so strong that it is hilarious. Ghost future speaks zilch but she is simply gorgeous! An enjoyable film with your loved ones.

REEL BYTES '09 week 26

TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN

[sci-fi, action, adventure]

high-priority

THREADS OF DESTINY

[drama, romance]

high-priority

HERE

[drama]

mid-priority

AUTOPSY

[horror, thriller]

low-priority

THREADS OF DESTINY ~ 5/5

[drama, romance]

I have never walked out of the theatre so tired before. With a tear-drenched face and puffy eyes, this film is indeed an emotional rollercoaster ride. The Japanese really know how to milk tears from my glands.

Inspired by the success of the mobile phone novel Koizora (Sky Of Love), Akai Ito (Threads Of Destiny) took root as an online novel over mobile networks through a portal site. It relates the love life of middle school student Mei Takemiya (Nao Minamisawa). Destiny brought her and Atsushi Nishino (Junpei Mizobata) together. They share many things in common including being born on the same day of a leap year. Just as destiny brings them together, fate cruelly pulls them apart in an instant. Mei’s life is transformed into a living hell as waves of misfortune befall on her and those around. She hangs on dearly to the fine thread of destiny, keeping the faith that reunion is not far away.

This heart wrenching tale of Mei’s transition from a teenager to a young adult captured the hearts and minds of millions of wired-in teens. It really tugs at the heartstrings with the exploration of various types of relationships that we experience. As parent-child relationship, boy-girl entanglements and friendships collide, a cataclysmic stage is in place for the explosion of tears.

There are many different scenes that aim to work the tear glands and lubricate the tear ducts. And will resonate with different groups of people. I was able to relate certain scenes to facets of my life and I’m sure all viewers will too.

For the record, I actually enjoyed being sad for the on-screen characters. It really allows one to relate to the circumstances that are happening around Mei and “share” the burden with her. Just remember to bring lots of tissues and drink more water prior to the show. Fluids will be lost via the eyes.

“If we are destined to be together, even if out love fails now, we will have another chance.”

AUTOPSY ~ 2/5

[horror, thriller]

If blood and gore is fascinates you and if you are above 21 years of age, then this film is tailored for your morbid viewing pleasure.

A group of five friends who recently graduated from college are driving along a deserted Louisiana road when they got into an accident. As if by telepathy, an ambulance arrives and takes them to the nearby Mercy Hospital to treat their superficial injuries. A feisty nurse (Jenette Goldstein) at the reception table attends to them before sending Bobby (Ross Kohn) up to Dr. Benway (Robert Patrick) for further examination. Meanwhile, the two other hospital workers begin their sadistic routine. As Bobby’s girlfriend Emily (Jessica Lowndes) swings into action and mount a rescue operation, will anyone survive the night?

This traditional horror gore fest uses no computer graphics animation. The scenes remain realistic but are very disturbing. Of course, there are cheap scares with the effective soundtrack. But what strikes me the most is the climax scene which is extremely sadistic in nature. How could someone even envision such a sick concept?!

Unsurprisingly, the plot is terribly thin. There is no reason for the audience to connect with the plight of the victims. They resemble insignificant meat bags that are attempting to escape from the butchers. On the contrary, villains like Dr. Benway, the feisty nurse and the two psycho hospital workers leave a much deeper impact.

Blood, gore and organs aside, there is nothing much left in this film for appreciation. This film is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

4 MONTH 3 WEEKS 2 DAYS ~ 2.5/5

[drama]

Romania, during the final days of Communism. Otilia and Gabita are students who share a room in a residence hall in Bucharest. Gabita is pregnant. The girls arrange to meet a certain Mr. Bebe in a cheap hotel. He will perform Gabita’s illegal abortion. But Mr. Bebe refuses their money and demands to be paid in kind. What follows is a gripping, heart-stopping drama about friendship, sacrifice and desperation.

Nice shots that encompasses Eastern European cinema flavour. Since this is a social commentary of sorts, don't expect any boom or bang. But that came in the last cut of the film, concluding it abruptly, snapping the viewer out of the "imaginary" world. Not too bad, but I don't think it will garner mass appeal.

LE FEMME ~ Alison Lohman

Her serious, pale face has been used to great effect for emoting in drama pieces. But in a change of pace and genre, Alison Lohman enters the world of horror as Christine Brown, a young woman whose idyllic life becomes a living hell when she's placed under a merciless curse. Fortunately for Lohman, this initiation to the macabre comes under the guidance of horror maestro and acclaimed director Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead, Spider-Man). The film, thanks to Lohman's performance, is already generating considerable buzz. A child actor since the age of 9, Lohman first made her mark in Hollywood in 2002 with the drama White Oleander, opposite Michelle Pfeiffer and Renee Zellweger. She went on to star opposite other big names, such as Nicolas Cage in Matchstick Men, Halle Berry in Things We Lost In The Fire and Ewan McGregor in Big Fish.

Courtesy of FiRST, The New Paper.

LE HOMME ~ Matthew McConaughey

In his latest movie, Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past, Hollywood hunk Matthew McConaughey plays an incorrigible playboy. But in real life, despite his reputation for being a ladies' man, the actor insists that he'salways a gentleman when it comes to the fairer sex. Speaking to The New Paper at the posh SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, the 39-year-old said confidently: 'I'm happy to say that most girlfriends of my past aren't as pissed off at me as a lot of the women in this film.' Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past tells the story of Connor Mead (McConaughey), a philanderer who believes that commitment is for wash-ups and marriage is a pointless institution. At his brother's wedding, Connor is warned by the ghost of his dead uncle, played by Michael Douglas, that three ghosts will visit him. Hoping to change this commitment-wary emotional scrooge, the ghosts take Connor on a Christmas Carol-esque journey to visit his relationships past, present and future. Jennifer Garner co-stars as the romantic female lead. McConaughey's real life ghosts of girlfriends past include actresses Penelope Cruz, Ashley Judd and Sandra Bullock. But the Texas-born actor, who just had a son last year with his Brazilian girlfriend Camila Alves, claims he has had good sense when it comes to women.

Courtesy of FiRST, The New Paper.

IFF: ALLEGRO NON TROPPO ~ 4/5

[animation]

This Italian animation film is outstanding and unique. It fuses black and white drama with animated sequences that are accompanied by orchestra music. Amazing! But the animator seems interested in boobies. Haha! The first animation is totally overloaded with boobs and that's why the M18-rating. The animation about evolution from a coke bottle is simply awsome. And the finale, which they apparently have trouble coming up with one (in the narrative), is a fusion of short works that prove to be hilarious! What a way to end a unique and memorable film experience.

MAN ON WIRE ~ 4/5

[documentary]

A deserving winner of the Academy Award. This documentary about Philippe Petit, a French wirewalker who dreams of walking across the Twin Towers. The process is laid out in detail from the people who helped him and the setting up of the logistics. The scene that capture the walk is breathtaking and you can feel for Philippe. His passion immense. But what if you have conquered your dreams? The concluding scenes left a bitter taste in the film, but that emotional scene also shows the reality of what's happening.

REEL BYTES '09 week 25

I LOVE YOU, MAN
[comedy, romance]
high-priority

TRAIL OF THE PANDA
[drama, adventure]
mid-priority

IFF: QUO VADIS, BABY? ~ 2.5/5

[thriller]

The movie follows the efforts of Giorgia, a spicy, single, forty something private investigator, to unravel the suspicious suicide of her aspirant actress sister some 15 years earlier. The film works, initially, as psychological drama, as Giorgia’s detective work rakes over aspects of her own unexamined past and she forms closer bonds with her assistant and new lover.

This thriller is rather drama, in the sense that the "thrill" is in the story that unfolds. Nothing too interesting for me. I felt detached from the narrative, hence... yawnsss.

IFF: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLANGE? ~ 4/5

[thriller]

Italian teacher Enrico Rosseni is having an affair with one of his lovely young students. While on an afternoon outing the two lovers learn that a fellow student is brutally murdered mere yards from them. Now other female students are being targeted by a killer with a sinister vendetta and Rosseni is looking like a suspect. The film is loosely based on the Edgar Wallace mystery novel The Clue of the New Pin. Moody and gruesome, with a number of shocking twists, and bolstered by a superb Ennio Morricone score, this film ranks among the best “giallos” of the 1970s.

When the truth is revealed, the entire sequence is indeed disturbing. This investigative thriller paints many characters as suspects as the deaths continue. The audience acts like the investigator who tries to crack the murders. Very engaging and keeps you at the edge of your seat. You can't believe the horrible things that girls are capable of.

IFF: ALMOST BLUE ~ 3/5

[thriller]

Simone is blind. By means of a police scanner he listens to the night life of his city Bologna. Grazia Negro is a young policewoman who is fragile and strong at the same time and who is determined to reopen some old unsolved murder cases. Bologna is a city in fear of an unknown serial killer called the Iguana who could be anyone or no one and who removes one the identity of each of his victims. He operates at night and always wears a personal stereo turned up high. Simone has often heard his voice: it is unforgettable. Simone decides to help Grazia find the Iguana by tracing his bloody prints and the noises he leaves behind.

Gruesome and disturbing scenes. This psychological trailer can be a little draggy, but the repetition of the Almost Blue soundtrack helps in keeping the film in perspective. Enjoyable but a little disturbing... and with no end in sight.

IFF: PLAN 17 ~ 5/5

[thriller]

A young man named Mancini is charged by a shady character to place a bomb in a bank to destroy some important documents. Disguised as a cleaner, with the bomb’s timer already counting down, he gets stuck in the lift together with two employees. Outside the building two of his accomplices, Pittana and Borgia, are keeping an eye on the situation, waiting for their colleague to complete his mission. In a race against time, Mancini starts to realise that his colleagues may not be helping as they should.

Brilliant! I really don't understand why this is not shown in mainstream cinemas. This thriller is pretty non-action but it fits the thriller bill like a glove. In the freezing Screening Room of The Arts House, my heart was pumping damn fast and I was literally shivering during the climax scenes. Blame it on the temperature and what's going on screen. The build-up is slow as each character's background is flushed out before the real thrill begins. But the hilarious parts keep coming when you least expected... the obese jokes are funny. I had a good laugh, and left with a thumping heart. Haha! Totally rocks man!!

LONG LIVE THE WIFE (太太万岁) ~ 3.5/5

[comedy, drama]

The film is centred on the figure of Chen Sizhen (Jiang Tianliu) whose marriage to Tang Zhiyuan (Zhang Fa), an ambitious bank clerk and a typical Shanghai xiao shi min (petty urbanite), is dull. Their relationship is unromantic and she fails to bear him a son. Nonetheless she tries to be a good housewife. Their universe spins into turmoil when Tang starts an affair with a glamorous woman, Zhu Mimi (Shangguan Yunzhu), who cares for nothing but his money. A crisis ensues.
Long Live the Wife reveals the impending collapse of patriarchal authority and women’s attempts at extricating themselves from this social predicament. Chang’s screenplay also radically underlines the ambiguity of moral choices.

Extravagant acting that brings much laughter. This 1947 film, shot in black & white is an enjoyable classic. The social problems then seem all too familiar in the modern day context. Really entertaining film despite the strongly-accented Chinese. Haha!

DARG ME TO HELL ~ 4.5/5

[horror, thriller]

Move aside Spidey, as Director Sam Raimi returns with a devilish flick that dragged me to hell… and back. Fortunately, I survived to tell the tale.

Setting the tone right from the start, the establishing scene involves a young boy who has stolen a necklace from a gypsy and is helplessly sucked into hell. A pleasing artwork sequence for the opening credits, coupled with eerie music, lays the perfect foundation for what is to follow.

Ambitious loan officer Christine Brown (Alison Lohman) is vying for the position of assistant manager. One day, she encounters an elderly Mrs. Ganush (Lorna Raver) requesting help with delaying payments on her house. Christine has to make a tough decision. Should she follow her heart to grant the delay and risk her promotion or follow her head by turning Mrs. Ganush’s request down? Christine executes the latter and humiliates the elderly in the process. Mrs. Ganush vows revenge and places the curse of the Lamia on Christine. The rollercoaster ride is set in motion.

From humour to horror, the audience is lured into moments of false security as laughter turns into screams. The scene revolving around Christine’s car is a true horror tour-de-force. The elements that constitute that scene are terrifying, disturbing, disgusting and hilarious all-in-one. A harmless handkerchief is able to send shivers down one’s spine while a flying set of dentures cranks up the humour. Such spectacles are littered throughout the film with comedic moments complementing horrific scares seamlessly. Prepare attacks from flies, maggots, flying eyeballs and a talking goat.

Mrs. Ganush might just go down the record books as another horror icon. Lorna Raver played the part to great aplomb. Her appearance on screen, even as a corpse, ironically infuses life to the proceedings. As the victim of the curse, Lohan Alison connects well with the audience as her character transformed from a pleasant loan officer to a desperate victim.

There is no denying that Sam Raimi is back to his best. This is one of the best horror fares on offering this year. It is indeed a hell of a rollercoaster ride, as I left the theatre with my stomach churning and images of Mrs. Ganush flashing before me. Be warned; I’ve been to hell… and back.

REEL BYTES '09 week 24

THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3
[action, thriller, crime]
high-priority

NOBODY TO WATCH OVER ME
[drama]
high-priority

DRAG ME TO HELL
[horror, thriller]
high-priority

GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST
[comedy, romance]
mid-priority

LAND OF THE LOST
[comedy, adventure]
mid-priority

FASHICON ~ Bryce Dallas Howard & Moon Bloodgood

Terminator Salvation is all about the war between man and machine. But on the red carpet, we're seeing actresses Moon Bloodgood and Bryce Dallas Howard battle it out as they promote their new film around the world. Half-Korean, half-Dutch-Irish Bloodgood, 34, plays a tough-as-nails resistance fighter pilot. New mummy Howard, 28, scored the more passive role as the wife of the movie's hero John Connor.

Howard took an early lead in Los Angeles by turning up in something totally unexpected and totally fearless. Her futuristic Marios Schwab multi-coloured mini-dress is miles away from her usual demure style. It's a space-age marriage of tulle, clear sequins and patterns, and really sets off her red hair, alabaster complexion and curvy figure. She accessorised with a matching beaded clutch and nude Christian Louboutin peep-toes.

Bloodgood sparkled in her sexy strapless black Reem Acra gown, and the red belt is a playful touch. But minus points for the sheer panel of the skirt which exposes - gasp! - what looks like lace-trimmed Spanx underneath. What a way to cheapen the almost-elegant look.

Yes, nude is the colour du jour this season - just not THAT nude. At the Paris premiere, Howard wastes whatever goodwill from Los Angeles in this flowy tiered halter gown from Sonia Rykiel which makes her appear quite naked. She'd look completely washed out if not for the Azzedine Alaia python flat sandals and outstanding red lips.

Courtesy of FiRST, The New Paper.

Howard's multi-coloured, futuristic mini-dress is awesome. So colourful, so bling! Bloodgood's outfit is simply stunning! Damn hot and full of sex appeal. I totally agree tha the second Howard dress falls flat. Her pale complexion makes the overall appearance ghostly and anaemic.

THE BAADER MEINHOF COMPLEX ~ 4/5

[drama]

The poster shows so many faces, faces of terrorists in post-Nazi Germany. Their violent history and what drives them are the result of a multitude of factors, one of them being American imperialism. If this is sounding like a history lesson, you are absolutely right. But of course, an exciting one as the first half of this 2.5-hour film relates the struggles, rebellions, protests, and violent terrorist acts of the first generation. The second half of the film focuses on their time in prison after being arrested. But their roots have been established. The second and third generation of terrorists are out there continuing where they left off. At different points of the film, I feel aligned to either side of both warring camps. The tension is heavy while what drives terrorism is attempted to be explained here. And it applies to our situation today too. The first generation characters are vividly explored while the later generations are left unknown, probably showing the infiltration of the ideological theories to the masses, without them even fully understanding the real purpose of the struggle in the first place. Just like what it is today again...

Photoshoot @ Capella Singapore, Sentosa

More photos can be viewed HERE!

TERMINATOR SALVATION ~ 3.5/5

[sci-fi, action]

The T-800 Terminators are awsome. And with Mr. "I'll be back" having a cameo role, it is really exciting. There are bangs and booms with debris flying all over. Explosions are as normal as it seems. The brooding Christian Bale looks out of place though, and as most critics noted, was outshone by a certain Sam Worthington as the cyborg Marcus Wright. Totally enjoyed the action, explosions and termination. Haha! But the fragile plot leaves much room for improvement.

St. John's Island

I didn't know there was life at St. John's Island (SJI)... until I visited it this morning. Together with my supervisor and two Iranian visitors, we ventured on to a fast craft which travelled through the choppy waters. Upon arrival, it started to drizzle. We made our way to the Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) which was a long steep walk in from the jetty. After a dialogue session, we went down to the coastline to search for a certain species of sea anemones. Unfortunately, we ended up empty-handed. We headed back to mainland and had lunch at some coffeeshop nearby. The pig's organ soup was delicious. Haha! Not really a fruitful trip, but certainly an eye-opener. We'll be back!

Photoshoot @ Singapore Flyer, Sinema Old School

More photos can be viewed HERE!

3D Shopping

The past week has been rather hectic... but fun and satisfying. Started preliminary field training by going to Marina East and digging for sea anemones. Also, exam results are released and am pretty satisfied. Alrights, here are the outdated photos that's worth exposing.

This was at the 3D gala premiere of Monsters Vs Aliens. See the sparkle in my eyes? Hah!

The following shopping are done post-exam, pre-Great Singapore Sale. Die! I've spent about $300 even before the sale begin. Gasp! Shorts from Topman.

Hot pink tee with yummy donuts! The photo doesn't really do justice to the hot pink though... And for the record, I'm not a fan of donuts. Lol! I just love the colours on this tee.

I got my jeans collection updated with two purchases from Jean Pierre. This is the more formal jeans that has a little shine to it...

while this pair is has a more rugged look with its creases.

To match my plain shirts, I decided to get this chain from Metallurgy. I love the titanium-plated pendent with its black and metallic design. Classic!

And this is the black-silver-chrome designed ring I bought from Metallurgy too.

Now for the Great Singapore Sale... Lol!

REEL BYTES '09 week 23

STATE OF PLAY

[drama, thriller]

mid-priority

HANNAH MONTANA THE MOVIE

[musical, family]

mid-priority

MAN ON WIRE

[documentary]

mid-priority

BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE

[action]

low-priority

ALICE IN THE CITIES ~ 0.5/5

[drama]

Phillip is a roving German reporter who, after a chance encounter with an elusive American woman, reluctantly accepts temporary custody of little Alice. Their friendship grows while traveling through various European cities on a search for the girl´s grandmother. Inventive and witty, Alice in the Cities reflects on the influences of American pop culture on postwar Europe. The film that cemented Wim Wenders' reputation and is an essential part of the German New Wave.

Road trips that have a reflective nature is a tad boring for me, especially when there is also no comedic moments. Shot in black and white, it gives me a very depressing feeling as Phillip's search for the purpose of his existence seems neverending. This film is part of the Singapore Film Society Talkies series.

STATE OF PLAY ~ 3/5

[drama, thriller]

“Journalism has a more rigorous standard: What is printed is believed to be true, not merely unsuspected of being false. The first rule of journalism is don’t invent.” - Martin Arnold, The New York Times, 12 November 1988.

The symbiotic relationship between politics and journalism is evident in this thriller. When one side decides to step out of line, the other will inadvertently suffer.

An up and coming US congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck), representing the future of the US leadership, is embroiled in a scandal when his attractive young assistant is found dead at a subway station. A series of seemingly unrelated assassination plots that infiltrate the pressroom catches the attention of veteran investigative reporter Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe). Partnering rookie reporter Della Frye (Rachel McAdams), he sets out to uncover the truth. However, McAffrey’s friendship with Collins and his uneasy relationship with Collins’ wife Anne (Robin Wright Penn) begin to complicate his task. With tough-as-nails editor Cameron Lynne (Helen Mirren) hounding him to meet the deadline for printing, time is running out on McAffrey’s quest for the truth.

As journalism and politics clash head-on and relationships crisscross one another, dirty secrets are slowly being exposed. Apart from that, this film also explores the proliferation of new media, represented by the rookie reporter. Traditional reporter McAffrey is initially sceptical of working with Frye who is a blogger. While Frye will do most of her research online, McAffrey will skip the computer research and dive straight into getting his hands dirty. Both parties cooperated eventually and this can be seen as the reconciliation between traditional journalism and the new media.

This film is based on Paul Abbott’s 2003 BBC TV series. It is quite similar to most political thrillers in that it is intellectual with little action. The standout of this film is the strong performance by the cast, especially Russell Crowe and Helen Mirren. Crowe’s body language and stance speaks volumes about the attitude of his character. Though having limited screen time, Mirren makes up for it with a powerful and impressionable performance.

“Good reporters don’t have friends, only sources.”

HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE ~ 3.5/5

[musical, family]

I've never watched an episode of Hannah Montana on TV, so I stepped into the theatre with expectations that it's gonna be another teeny-weeny movie. And yes it is. But it has some values in it which gives the film a refreshing touch. I took away an inspirational quote from the film... "Life is a climb, but the view's great!" And then the song The Climb is played. As my friend commented, this "musical" is actually not a musical but a film with songs. And they are sung by Miley Cyrus (or Hannah Montana, if you like) of course. There are also touching moments in the film so get ready a piece of tissue, a small one will do. Haha! As the guys swoon over Miley, the girls have their eye-candy in Lucas Till whose smile melts hearts. Look out for the cameo appearances of Tyra Banks and Taylor Swift. Hot!

BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE ~ 2/5

[action]

The power of the katana or “samurai sword” as it is commonly known, is exhibited in this film by the protagonist Saya (Gianna Jun), which forms the core of this anime adaptation. There are three major action scenes to get the adrenalin pumping while the rest of the time is spent waiting for these fight sequences to come on.

Saya is a “halfling”, a human-vampire hybrid that feeds on blood. Her weapon of choice is the katana which she wields to great effect in eliminating vampires from the world. How ironic! Her work for a clandestine organisation leads her to an American military base in Tokyo. And that is where she forms a friendship with Alice (Allison Miller), the general’s daughter. Saya’s ultimate aim is to confront Onigen (Koyuki), the evil patriarch of all vampires, for a final showdown of vengeance.

The main talking point of this film must be the action sequences. The exaggerated and overloaded combat is hardly convincing. No doubt that Saya possesses the power of vampires, but the fighting just did not cut it for me. The extended sequences do not help either, dragging on similar action moves while hampering the development of the narrative.

By the way, this is Korean actress Gianna’s (who shot to fame in My Sassy Girl) first foray into Hollywood. Her fighting moves are commendable but her facial appearance looks too cute and demure to portray the sword-wielding Saya. She also did not convince in the contemplative scenes, thus greatly reducing the emotional quotient of the film.

With renowned action choreographer Cory Yuen at the helm, you can be sure of spectacular action scenes. And if you fancy a sword-wielding cutie dressed in a Japanese schoolgirl’s uniform, then you probably will have a fun time ogling at Saya.