The Holiday (2006)

Time for a holiday

Yes, the holiday season is here! It is a time to feast on turkeys (they have it easier than chickens, we only eat them once a year), give/receive presents, decorate your Christmas tree, do last minute shopping and most importantly to take a break from the bullshit world of work, school and, uh, work. Go for a holiday! You mean you don't know where to go? How about a home exchange that involves Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black (Oh yeah, I can feel your heart pumping real fast)? Well, its cheaper than a real holiday.

The story evolves around 2 women who are poles apart. Woman at L.A. is Amanda, who has a 'tear duct' problem (Cameron Diaz). Amanda is a successful career woman who has it all: a big house, loads of money and a company that produces movie trailers. No such luck in love instead. She finds that her boyfriend is cheating on her and promptly breaks up with him.

Meanwhile on the other side of the globe is Iris, woman at London. She is a journalist (with a problem with controlling her tears) at the Telegraph, and is head over heels for her ex husband, Jasper (Rufus Sewell) and still bears hope that one day they will reconcile. All hopes vanish when Jasper announces his marriage to another woman and to do it in front of her, now thats what i call a double whammy.

Question time. How do lonely souls spend Christmas? Answer: Go for a holiday! Not the normal kind of holiday, mind you, but a home exchange. Amanda moves to London and Iris flies to L.A. The rest of the story revolves around the people they meet, ie: Iris's brother, Graham (Jude Law) and Miles (Jack Black) and how they subsequently fall in love.

Notice that the focus is not on the male stars of this show. The real leads are Diaz and Winslet as this is a female orientated show. How? Firstly, the plot discusses on how women can be strong and live their own lives, sans men. Secondly, why do you think Jude Law is in it? To Act (Pardon me, he can act but this show requires him to just turn on his charm)? No! To sell tickets. Jack Black is here to cater for women with different taste (funny, chubby) for men. The guys here are the eye candies not the gals.

The Holiday is definitely not in the class of Love Actually. At best, it is just an above average movie. Metaphorically speaking, if The Holiday is like a trip from Singapore to Thailand, then Love Actually will be from Singapore to Europe.

3
txq

Death Note 2: The Last Name (2006)

Don't write my name please!

I'm not perfect. Yes, the dreaded prefects, more often than not, have caught me, during my secondary school days. From improper attire to getting my hair highlighted (yah I'm ah beng, but who wasn't one during those turbulent days?), I've done it all. My name is always on the prefect's little black book. The notion of seeing my name on that book irks me and thats what motorists feel when their names end up in traffic police's own little black book. A sense of helplessness will surge into our minds. And that's exactly how you will feel after you have watched Death Note 2: The Last Name; a sense of helplessness for those who died.

Picking up where Death Note ends, Death Note 2 resumes the battle of wits between Light (Tatsuya Fujiwara) and L (Ken'ichi Matsuyama). Now, another Death Notebook has fallen into the hands of another person and she is Misa (Erika Toda), a pop idol we last seen vaguely in Death Note. She is a fervent fan of Kira (Kira is the alias of Light in the cyberworld) and she proclaims herself as the 2nd Kira. However, she has something that Light doesn't have. Shinigami (Death God) eyes. Now, as there are 2 notebooks, will that mean? Yes, 2 Shinigamis, Ryuk and Remu (Ryuk is a very funny and surprisingly lovable Shinigami). Things, now, become more complicated (And I mean real complicated) when a 3rd Kira appears. Can the Kiras plot the downfall of L, or will L triumph? Will anyone discover the identity of Light? And the million dollar question: Who will be the Last name on that Death Notebook?

Well, I'm not sympathizing with those criminals. However, after seeing what Light did to them, I felt helpless and began to think who is Light to take their lives (You might think this way too I'm sure). Once again, human nature is in the spotlight. Power can corrupt even the most pristine state of any person's mind. The hunger for power is too overwhelming to resist. A Death Notebook is not only a weapon that can take lives but also a temptation (Think the snake in the garden of Eden); A temptation that will test your morality. And now for the billion dollar question. What will you do when you gain possession of a Death Notebook? If i have that, I will probably write down the prefect's names (Haha just kidding, I don't remember them anyway)! Will you do something like what Light did? Killing all the criminals and make it a criminal free world? Or do you think that Light is already a criminal himself? Seriously, I might just plan how I die, when I will die and whom I die with. I don't dare to think of any date but I will want to die with my loved ones. What will you do?

P.S: Thank you, moviesonspace.com
4
txq

A Battle of Wits (2006)

Defend, well, is still the best form of attack

You must be thinking: this guy simply cannot get enough of war films, right? For the past month, I have watch thousands of soldiers battling it out in Iwo Jima, a handful of Lafayette Escadrille and now we have ONE man slugging his guts out during China's Warring States period. And that man is, who else but Andy Lau ?

This movies is based on a popular Japanese Manga, Bokku. Set during the China's Warring States period, this story is about Ge Li (Andy Lau), who is from the Mozi Clan, helping Liang City fend off enemies and a very certain invasion from the nation, Zhao. People from the Mozi Clan are famed for their unorthodox war fare. As they are a peace loving clan, they main forte, obviously, is to defend. There is only so much a person can do, can Ge Li successfully defend the fortress?

Scenes in this movie are beautiful and grandiose. The battle sequences, though cannot be compared to LOTR, still hold the film pretty well. Nothing spectacular about the acting here as the characters are somehow one dimensional. Lau tries to keep the cast tight but the only chemistry he has is with Fan Bing Bing who plays Yi Yue, a Hua Mulan kind of figure. Director Jacob Cheung emphasizes on the complexity of the human nature. How gratefulness can turn to jealousy and how trust can bring about betrayal. It is saddening to see that the we humans can be such selfish creatures. The greatest irony of man, I'm sad to say, is man himself.

3.5
txq

Fly Boys (2006)

Battle of the skies

Another war movie! Fret not, this movie takes a different approach altogether. It is about a group of volunteers in the French Air Service, the Lafayette Escadrille and how they start as relatively unknowns and end as heroes of World War I.

As usual there is a leader of the pack, and he is non other than the-cooler-than-thou-and-the-green-goblin's-son James Franco. He stars as Rawlings, a suave guy who packs plenty of ambitions in his 5' 11" frame. And typical of many movies, there is the guy with a history, a guy who wants to change his destiny, a mommy's boy and several weird characters. I know it is Cliched but we still watch it nevertheless.

Few surprises here as we see this bunch of amateurs become world class pilots and eventually winning against the Germans. I think i miss out on a love story but well, it is insignificant in the end. A tad too draggy though, if the film makers can take out the love story, the movie will surely be more enjoyable. The flight sequences will keep you glue to your seats and after observing how easy pilots die during those turbulent days, their balls , i mean wings , are really made of steel.

3
txq

Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

WARNING: Multiple viewings are required

War movies, haven't we watch them umpteen times? From the horror of Apocalypse Now to the D-Day of Saving Private Ryan, we've watched them all. So, what's new? Isn't it going to be the same? Bodies blown up, the lives-so-worthless scenes (think the opening sequence of Saving Private Ryan) and the 1001 ways soldiers die. Hold your guns soldiers, because Flags of Our Fathers is not your typical war movie.

This story traces back to World War 2 and evolves around the photograph that turns the war around: 6 marines erecting the USA flag atop Mount Suribachi. Upon seeing the impact of the picture, the remaining 3 marines who raised the flag then were recalled back to the States (the other 3 were killed). Their mission was to stir the patriotism of the citizens and in turn persuade them to buy more war bonds. Upon arrival, John "Doc" Bradley (Ryan Phillippe), Rene Gagnon (Jesse Bradford) and Ira Hayes (Adam Beach) were immediately named heroes of the war. They went 'on tour' around the country and soon were disillusioned and, to a certain extent, disgusted by the fanfare and the overwhelming attention on who raised the flag (except Gagnon that is). Just to use an anecdote to illustrate my point, the entire bond raising drive is almost like a PR campaign. The packaging of the heroes, the countless flag planting drills and the fabricated speech that they were forced to speak of. Meanwhile, the real heroes were back there on the island. Bleeding and dying for their country. Yet no one spoke of them. The real heroes were forgotten.

Instead of intense action throughout the movie, we get fragments of the war and some part of the bond raising drive. Flashbacks are used extensively by director, Clint Eastwood. His story plays around with time and sometimes it might get to you. You might need to be very alert to understand the movie and the point he is driving at. I especially took a liking for one quote in the movie, it goes like this: "They may have fought for their country but they died for their friends, for the man in front and for the man beside." Every man for himself does not apply here.

3.5
txq

www.moviesonspaces.com

www.moviesonspaces.com

By the time you are reading this, my picture is already on www.moviesonspaces.com. No I am not wanted by the police, I want you to vote for me (insane laughter). If you guys think I'm good, please vote for me. If not, tell me where I can improve and I will jolly well pull up my stinking socks. All comments are welcome; criticisms, praises, expletives, I-wish-you-lose and the list goes on. Just keep it coming, keep my spirit alive. Hope I didn't disappoint you people for the past year or so. Show me the money! Or rather, show me the love.

P.S. : To vote, sms: MOS(Space)NRIC(Space)Gender(Space)5 to 73300. For your information, I'm contestant 5. Each sms cost 20 cents.

Your friendly moviephile,
txq

Coming Soon!

Greetings fellow movie-philes! As you can see from your calender, we are nearing the end of the year again! Holy cow, time flies and an eventful year is about to end real soon. Hold on, before we end 2006 with a bang, let us see what are the movies coming to a screen near you this month.

1. After This Our Exile (7 Dec)
This big winner in the Golden Horse Awards this year stars Best Actor, Aaron Kwok, and the youngest Best Supporting Actor, Goum Ian Iskandar. Not only that, this movie also won the Best Picture award. Expect some serious and stellar performances by the star-studded cast. And remember to carry a pack of tissue paper.

2. Eragon (13 Dec)
Are you having The LOTR hangover? Need some fantasy to boost your mundane life? Fret not. Eragon, the dragon rider is here. This film is based on a novel by Christopher Paolini and aims to carry on the fantasy genre. Will Eragon emulate LOTR? The jury is still out.

3. Confessions of Pain (14 Dec)
Girls, stop gushing! Book your tickets for this film now! This movie stars two of Asia's hottest guys: the brooding Tony Leung and the picture perfect Takeshi Kaneshiro. Personally, I am anticipating this show for a long time because it is from the makers of Infernal Affairs (Andrew Lau and Alan Mak). As a fan of Infernal Affairs, I expect some quality work being churned out here!

4. A Night At The Museum (21 Dec)
Ben Stiller is back! Brace yourself for more laughs and gags from Hollywood's funniest man ( Some of you might not agree). Just in time for the festive season and this is one perfect family movie.

5. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (28 Dec)
Expect many crude jokes here as Ali G stars as Borat, a reporter from Kazakhstan who is trying to marry Pamela Anderson (crazy stuff). A mad cap movie of enormous proportion (no pun intended), I must say.

6. Blood Diamond (28 Dec)
After a successful outing in The Departed, Leonardo Dicaprio is back in Blood Diamond. Blood Diamond is about the chaos in 1990's Sierra Leone and how a diamond can transform the lives of the people. Jennifer Connelly also stars in this politcal charged film.

Happy Feet (2006)

Its not all fun and games

Penguins attack! After the success of last year's March of the Penguins, the flightless birds are back and they are cuter, smarter and funnier. Heck, I think they are the new g spot for girls. Can you imagine how many girls go gaga over these birds? These birds are lucky they can't fly. Why? Because girls can't fly neither!

The story here is pretty easy. Weird penguin can't sing and is the odd one out. Weird penguin loves tap dancing but dancing ain't a penguin thing. Thus, weird penguin is ostracized and can only stand aside as other penguins woo weird penguin's dream girl. Meanwhile, the entire penguin population is having some sort of famine. Weird penguin sets out to investigate and , yes, save the population.

Alright, this movie is commendable because it is not all play and fooling around. Environment issues are discussed in this movie. ( I seriously doubt any kid can understand the theme of this show. Well the kids are here to bring in the crowd.) Pollution and overfishing are seriously causing harming these birds. I hope you guys feel bad after watching the show because we are murdering these harmless birds. Have any of these birds cause harm to us? There is no point in thinking how cute these fellas are when we are indirectly killing them. Come on dudes and babes, we can make a difference. Save the wild and preserve the environment. And remember these words, what you reap is what you sow.

3.5/5
txq

Saw 3 (2006)

It's a SAWry show.

Finally, it has arrived. Saw 3- the latest offering from James Wan and Leigh Whannell. Expectations are sky high after the huge success of Saw 1 (i agree) and 2 (i don't agree), can Saw 3 live up to expectations? Can director, Darren Lynn Bousman, redeem himself after the dismal Saw 2? Let us find out.

This time, our grand daddy of s&m, Jigsaw, is dying. And it is a slow and painful one. However, being the wily and naughty old fox he is, he wants to play a game. Yes, even though he's dying he still want to play a game. Game is simple. Catch a doctor, fix a bomb on her head and if old fox's heart rate becomes zero. BLAM! You know. Like a watermelon. Meanwhile, another guy gets to play the game! Yeah, i'm happy for him. (Not everyone can participate in Jiggy's game, you know?) Who is this guy? Is he related to anyone? Can he survive the game(s)? Wait! What happen to that cop in Saw 2? Ooohhh. Answers and all in the show!

First things first, this installment is the worst of the franchise. (That's my 2 cents, you sick mofos can disagree!) Saw 3 is like a link that bonds the Saw franchise together. It provides all the answers to the unanswered questions in Saw 1 & 2. This is where the problem lies. You see, Saw 3 tries so hard to hold everything together, that it has no identity at all. The new story is so-so and who cares about the history? Fans want a hardcore new story with twists, more blood and more stomach churning gore! Give that man a saw! With that said and done, I just want to say that Saw is history. And hey Mr. Jigsaw. Please, just die. Spare us your games.

P.S: Sorry BM. She's Amanda not Shannon.
txq
(3/5)

Casino Royale (2006)

Yes, considerably

The headline will be my answer if you ask me the following questions: Can the new James Bond act? Is the movie too long for a Bond movie? Is it worth the ticket price? I have been hearing a lot of negative remarks on Daniel Craig recently. Plenty of expletive remarks about his face and erm his face. And, not surprisingly, majority of the criticisms come from the ladies. I know you girls miss Pierce Brosnan. But hey, you all can see him at the Visa ad. You mean the ad is not showing anymore? Damn, I will miss the Tuk Tuk driver. "Mr. Brosnan?"

Back to Craig. Well, for once, Bond gets his hands dirty. I mean, look at all the bad ass stunts he executes in the show. Not bad for a blonde Bond eh? And hey, look who's looking good with that baby blue swimming trunks. Bet that Brosman can't beat that swagger from Craig when he walks out of the water. Ok i am sounding a bit gay. Back to serious business. This Bond can act and for once, the Bond franchise looks serious and not corny. Q is not even in the show so you can forget about the out of this world gadgets and the weapons. This is the Bond staring down at you with his fists somewhere between your eyes. A gritty and almost insane Bond. A Bond that thinks being tortured is equivalent to getting his balls scratched. His name is Craig, Daniel Craig.

Well i do not like to spoil the fun. Hence, I'm not writing any sypnosis here. No I'm not being lazy. I just want you to experience the new Bond yourself. Just remember: Never Say Never Again, otherwise you will find Thunderball beating The Living Daylights out of you. If The World Is Not Enough for you, you can Die Another Day. With A View To Kill, Casino Royale hits the jackpot.

From Russia With Love,
txq (3.5/5)
PS: And remember, You Only Live Twice.

==========For Your Eyes Only============

The Prestige (2006)

Feel the repercussion

Magic. Don't you guys love magic? Be it watching the act or being involved in the magic act itself, there is always some kind of magnetic pull that glues us towards magic. Come on, who doesn't love watching the likes of David Copperfield, David Blaine or Criss Angel performing their tricks? If these guys are synonymous with magic, then The Prestige must be synonymous with, yes, The Oscars.

The Prestige is a period thriller starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Micheal Caine and Scarlett Johansson. (Excellent cast, isn't it?) Angier (Jackman) and Borden (Bale) are both young and budding magicians. They are good friends and they are from the same magic troop. However, a freak accident makes them then their backs on each other. A fierce rivary is thus formed. As they try to outwit each other and create more new tricks, it is Borden who has the ultimate trick: The Transporter. Angier trys to emulate this trick but only to a certain success. Driven with rage and jealousy, he sets out on a destructive war path that will threaten to uncover Borden's trick and destroy the world surrounding these 2 feuding magicians.

Directed by the talented Christopher Nolan (Memento, Batman Begins), this picture again showcases the masterful storytelling technique of Nolan. Plenty of flashbacks and twists and turns make watching this movie a mind bending experience. True to his usual style, he will have the audience guessing right up to the credits. It is the questions you ask yourself, or discuss with your fellow movie goers, after the movie that make this film world class. This might also be Christian Bale's carrer defining moment. His portrayal of Borden is suspenseful and intense. Kudos to the rest of the cast, they are also nothing short of superb. This is one picture that the other movies must watch out for. Because, Abracadabra, The Prestige might just be the best show in 2006.

4.5/5
txq

The Oh in Ohio (2006)

The Oh in OH-NO!

Finally a Lido ticket in my blog. Its been some time since i caught a movie there. I still remember the rocking seats and the reknowned i-don't-give-a-damn attitude of the box office aunties. Not forgeting that you can bring absolutely anything inside to eat. That's how movie going should be! Sorry i think i am saying irrelevant stuff but hey this is what the movie is about. Irrelevance!

Parker Posey is Priscilla Chase, a beautiful and successful woman. She is married, has a beautiful car and a nice house. What she lacks is, to put it explicitly, an orgasm. Yes, she is suffering from sexual dysfunction. However, she does not think it is a big deal. Only if she knows that kind of torment she is putting on her husband, Jack Chase ( Paul Rudd of The 40 year old virgin fame).

As you see, Jack is hell bent on giving his wife the orgasm. His inability to give his wife one is making him sink deeper into depression and just to quote what he says: "No dick, no life." Thats how important to him and everyday he goes to school teaching lifelessly. Thats when Kristen Taylor (Mischa Barton) comes in. She can see that he is having a tough time and offers help. What kind of help? Can she help him discover the finishing touch, so that his wife can achieve a climax?

Truth to be told, some of the jokes in this movies are actually quite funny. However as time goes by, the movie seems to run out of steam (and i thought it is suppose to be steamy) and although the cast is not bad, the story betrays the effort of the cast. The final scene of the movie is like a low blow of epic proportions. How should i describe it? Well, it can be compared with premature ejaculation. The ending came at a wrong time.

2/5
txq

The Sinking of Japan (2006)

My heart sinks, not Japan

This is like a masterpiece in the making. Wonderful CGI, crazy plot (sinking of Japan! Come on who would have thought of this?) and its one of one of our favourite genre, the-end-of-the-world-but-hey-someone-is-going-to-save-it kind of movie. However, surprisingly, Sinking of Japan falls flat. Be warned, it is flatter than Thomas Friedman's flat world.

It is estimated that Japan has around 40 years to stay afloat as a country. However, a rather mad looking scientist, has a shocking revelation! Japan has less than a year and the clock is ticking. He explains that the magna or the earth's plates will move and because of some geographical theory, the plates will be dragged into the deep blue. And what is standing on top of the plate? Yes, the 109 plaza. To save Japan from sinking, the Japanese have to split the still floating land from the sinking, which is dragging it down. And you guessed it, a certain hero, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi of SMAP fame, has to venture into the sea and blow up the land. Hold on, no blowing up before some melodramatic love struggle between him and Kou Shibasaki. Will he leave his lover? Can he do it? Your guess is as good as mine.

A good movie, in my opinion, must have a engaging storyline. Perhaps the maker of this movie is too obsessed with the CGI and neglects the story. Thus resulting in excellent, breathtaking CGI but poor, choppy and a bad breath story line. Alright, enough said. I must save my heart from sinking. Why is it sinking you say? Because i paid $9.50 for this movie.

(2.5/5)
txq

Crank (2006)

So give me epinephrine

I have to tell you the truth. Crank is out of this way. Crank its like a video game (think GTA) and (not to be sexist) Crank is not for women. Its for men with raging hormones and pumped up testosterone. Crank is simply 2 words: Non stop.

Jason Statham is Chev Chelios. Cood blooded hitman with an attitude to boot. He made his name as a hitman for mob boss, Carlitos (Carlos Sanz). Life's been good until he screwed up on one particular job. And in return, he is bring injected poison by Verona (Jose Pablo Cantillo). This venom can slow down one heart rate. As the minute goes by, the heart gets weaker and weaker. To survive, Chev needs plenty of adrenalin; and this movie is all about adrenalin, tons of it. We then follow him fighting, killing, making love (yes, i'm not kidding) and creating mayhem on the streets of Los Angeles.

Like a video game, it sucks you into its gameplay and like every game fanatic, my eyes stay glued onto the screen. To keep this post short, to the nature of this movie, this is the fast and the furious for the video game junkie.

3.5/5
txq

The Guardian (2006)

HELP! Save me from being punk'd!




Hello folks I'm back again. Man its been fun writing (don't worry I will keep on writing) and maybe its time to post my review on this film.

The Guardian stars Kevin Costner (the eternal Kevin Costner, look this dude don't age!) and the next eternal-dude-in-the-making, Ashton Kutcher. Costner is one hell of a coast guard. In fact, he's a legend. However, after a freak accident that left his crew dead and himself injured, he find himself back into A school. This school is where all the coast guards are trained. Where the next heroes are born and where only the fittest survive. Enter Kutcher. Kutcher is among the new recruits and aims to break all the records Costner set in the past. Of course, Costner teaches Kutcher the true meaning of being a coast guard; to save lives, not to break records. The rest of the story? Watch it yourself!

Well, you no need to be Einstein to understand the rest of the story. This is a typical movie about the greater good. Personally, i feel that this show is too predictable and it really didn't work out for me. But, if you like the two dudes, you might like it. Oh, the training regime at the school was tough but the F word is used only once in the entire show, so much for a school of elites. Then again, who says vulgarities can inculcate? After all those dudes are the ones who saved lives during Katrina. They deserve a salute.

ps: sorry if the above post has full of grammatical errors, I just finished watching Crank. Heart is pumping too damn fast. Stay tuned for Crank.

3/5
txq

The Departed (2006)

The arrival of the departed (duh)

Martin Scorsese is finally back to his best but will this be is ticket to the elusive Oscars?

For starters, this movie is adapted from the blockbuster Hongkong flick, Infernal Affairs. While the main gist of Infernal Affairs remains, The Departed is not identical to Infernal Affairs. New plot and style are being introduced. So don't worry if you have watched Infernal Affairs, The Departed is a different ball game.

Jack Nicholson stars as Frank Costello, the kingpin of Boston. To gain an upperhand on the police, he plants a rat with the police. This rat is Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) and his job is to tip Costello when and where the next police operation will be. Think Costello is genius? Think again. Unknown to him, there is a rat in his gang of Irishmen too. Rat number 2 is Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio). As he is from a complicated and shady background, he is the perfect candidate for the job. Captain Oliver Queenan (Martin Sheen) and sergeant Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) are the only people in this world who know about Costigan identity. Both rats lead almost parallel lives and to make things worse, they both fall for a smart and beautiful psychiatrist, Madolyn (Vera Farmiga). Who will win this rat race or just survive this rat race?

Jack Nicholson has to be the scene stealer for The Departed. With his mad and savage way of potraying Costello, he is devil in the flesh or to put it in his own words: " the ultimate incarnation of evil". His psychotic performance makes me shift uncomfortable in my seat. His portrayal of Costello is so volatile that you can't figure out his next step. His emotions change so fast that you will not know what hit you. His character complements DiCaprio's Costigan. When Costello's outbreak occurs, you will just feel worried for Costigan.

DiCaprio's character is different from Tony Leung's one. Costigan seems more edgy and somehow inexperienced than the original character from Infernal Affairs. No doubt Costigan is a strong guy but again, he is working for Costello. Maybe Tony Leung might crack under pressure too. Eric Tsang's mob boss character just seems to pale in comparison. Another stellar performance from DiCaprio and proves to critics that he can act, yes i can repeat myself again, he can act. This might just be his break through role.

When I look at Matt Damon, I can only see a nice goody 2 shoes kind of guy. But boy, he proves me wrong. This is the first time I've seen him act like this. His character Sullivan just stinks. Sullivan is one big fat rat and when I see him on screen, I just cannot help but squirm. He is definitely more cunning than Andy Lau's character. Damon is not the Will Hunting i know of anymore.

While Infernal Affairs preaches on style, The Departed is more graphic and straight forward. Fashion wise, you can forget about the nice suits in Infernal Affairs, T shirts and baseball caps are the way to go here. Superb dialogue and impeccable acting might push this Scorsese vehicle to Oscar glory. Will the Oscar arrive or will it depart? We wait with bated breath.
Infernally yours,
txq
(4/5)

World Trade Center (2006)

Not a masterpiece, not a disaster either.

World Trade Center (WTC) focuses on the emotional point-of-view rather than hatred.

9/11, a date when the world saw evil. What were you doing then when the planes struck the WTC? I could still remember what i did that day. I was hanging out at my friend's house. We were watching Roma vs some other team (Sorry i forgot). Before the match started, we noticed the players and fans observing a minute of silence. Sensing something amiss, we switched to Channel News Asia. The image of the WTC crumbling down like a house of cards was mind blowing.

Mind blowing, however, is not an adjective in this new Oliver Stone motion picture. WTC starts fairly well for the first 20 minutes. The building up is spectacular and tasteful. You cannot see the planes crashing into the buildings but imagination can do wonders. The remaining of the movie is a slow burning affair, like how officer John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno (Micheal Pena) fighting to stay alive and escape a slow torturous death.

The story unfolds around the PAPD. Officer John McLoughlin (Nicholas Cage) led a team into WTC. Before they could start their rescue mission, the tower collapsed and the team were trapped under tons of rubble. McLoughlin and Jimeno survived. They began their fight for survival and talked with each other to stay alive. The cameras then focused to their women in their lives. Oliver Stone alternates the story line to add a feminine side to the movie.

The movie ends with a nice heart warming note. Again focusing on not revenge but on the good in human. A comfortable movie but don't expect sparks to fly. For once, Oliver Stone steers clear of controversy. But is it really a good idea?
3/5

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Get ready for the road trip of your life

Truth to be said, Little Miss Sunshine (LMS) is a gem. There are not many motion pictures this year that can make you feel so many emotions in 2 hours. While you get sad or happy or frustrated, LMS takes on several social issues. LMS is not really a family movie you see.

The story starts when Frank (Steve Carell) gets discharged from a hospital. Frank is a gay and the reason why he ended up in the hospital? He broke up with his boyfriend and got sacked from his job. Thus, he chose the easy way out, slitting his wrists. But, alas, its not to be. He survived and moved in to his sister's (Toni Collete) place.

Sheryl, Frank's sister, is married to Richard Hoover (Greg Kinnear) and have two kids, Dwayne (Paul Dano) and Olive (Abigail Breslin). The family jigsaw is completed by grandpa, Edwin Hoover (Alan Arkin ). To say this family is disfunctional is an understatement. Let's see what do we have? We have Richard a stuggling motivation guru, who kept emphasizing on the 9 steps to become a winner. Oh and theres Dawyne, who did not speak a sentence for more than half of the movie. (He had a vow on silence) He's a pretty angsty lad and he hated everyone. Well i guess his only friends are the notebook and the pen. Grandpa Hoover is a trash talking and full-of-life-stories-to-tell old man. He preached orgy and drugs to Dwayne and thinks that you don't fuck 1 woman in your life time. You fuck a lot of women. Rounding the family up is Little Olive. She is a beauty queen wannabe and she had a chance to participate in Little Miss Sunshine, an annual beauty pageant for kids. In order to participate, the entire Hoover family, including the suicidal Frank, had to take a road trip via a bus to California. Thats where all the fun begins.

The movie effortlessly blends humour and sadness together. You can be sad for this minute and laughing along the next. One of the funniest scene in the movie involves the entire Hoover family pushing their bus. Funny scenes aside, this picture touches on the social issues that families are having. This is one touching movie that can warm your battered heart. Don't be a loser, be a winner. Watch LMS.

(4.5/5)

Miami Vice (2006)

Qn: Where do you find FBI agents with nice facial hair, powerful cars and kick-ass attitude? Ans: Only in the movies!

Hmmm. What do we have here? Yes? Did i hear someone say another oddball detective pairing? Well, not really. They are quite similar here. No Starsky & Hutch and no Jackie Chan & Chris Tucker. Cooler-than-cool is their middle name and they like to work and live on the edge. Welcome to the world of Det. James 'Sonny' Crockett & Det. Ricardo 'Rico' Tubbs. Welcome to Miami, and remember to rev up your ferraris.

The plot is actually quite long and a bit confusing if you don't pay attention. Basically, the 2 detectives, Sonny (Colin Farrell) and Rico (Jamie Foxx), are FBI agents. To bust a influential and big druglord, they must go undercover. We all know that going undercover is tough. Just ask Tony Leung. But hey these guys go undercover like its their part time job, slithering inside the organisation with ease. One particular interview scene even sees them turn the tables on the druglord. When they were being suspected, the 2 cooler-than-cool detectives pointed their fingers at the boss and asking whether was he working for the FBI! Their so confident that i burst out laughing (not in a bad sense). They are just too good to be true, isn't it?

And along the way, Sonny picks up Isabella (Gong Li). I need to confess. At first, I wanted to have this particular headline for this entry: Gong Li put a gong tao (hex) on me. However after watching I think I will stick to my boring line as above. Gong Li looked tired and kind of old in the show but nevertheless, she still have the curves. Just look at the sexy salsa dance she had with Sonny. (That son of a bitch haha just jealous)

The rest of the story is up to your imagination. You no need to be a rocket scientist to comprehend how the story is going to end. Bad editing and sound marred the movie. Maybe its MDA? Finally I got something to say about the Numb/Encore song that Miami Vice is using. This is to Chester Bennington and Jay Z respectively: Yes I feel numb and no I don't want an encore.
PS: To quote what Miss Scatterbrain said:" I think I have a good tolerance for bad movies." Kinda sums it all.
(3/5)

The Host (2006)

This is one unfriendly host

All right, i know what you guys are thinking about. All of you must be crucifying me by now. Thought number 1: "WHAT!?. He doesn't know what the title 'The Host' meant?!" and maybe,just maybe, thought number 2: "What took him so long to write another movie?" (I kinda hope you guys miss my reviews hAha)
First and foremost, i do understand what the title meant. The Host is actually a monster hosting some virus and not welcome-to-my-place-and make-yourself-at-home that kinda host.Capisci? Well, secondly, i'm not part of the Shaw brothers and i can't go for every single movie screening without paying. Hope I clarify your thoughts and CAN I JUST GET ON WITH THE MOVIE? THANKS!

Phew, that was a mouthful isn't it. I tell you, you don't know whats a mouthful until you see the bad ass host with mouthfuls of tender and salty (the sweat!) humans. Woah watching that big ass lizard gobbling up people makes me hungry. Really, how hungry can that thing get? I guess its metabolism is sky high. Or perhaps its those fat burning kickass swings that make it hungry? I don't know. Lets find out.

Me: Hi Mr. Host, how are you feeling today?
Host: Mind your gender boy. I'm a missus and i feel the same everyday; HUNGRY.

M: Erm... I'm sorry erm Ms. Host. Why are you always hungry?
H: (Sobbing) I've a story to tell that can answer your questions. I was once a lizard. I lived happily with my childhood sweetheart at a sewer near the Han River. One fine day, when my love was out hunting for flies, the sewer was suddenly filled with smoke. I thought it was the pest busters so i ignored it. Then out of a sudden, some acidic liquid burnt my skin! It was so painful that i passed out. When I came to, I discovered that I developed a long and huge tail. There are fins all over and I my mouth was full of teeth! I became bigger and I had this hunger pang. At the corner of my eye, I saw something moving. I immediately went for it. Little did i know that it was my sweetheart... (Burst out crying)

M: I'm sorry to hear that. My condolences. Did you know an American scientist caused this to happen? He poured chemical into the Han River and... (Interrupt by Ms.Host)

H: Of course I do! I wanna say a big FUCK YOU to him. Now the government is spraying all these nonsense chemical into the river, just to get rid of a virus. They claimed that I am a host of some virus just because some people developed some rashes when i touched them. Come on, its not because of me. Its because they don't observe personal hygiene! Virus my tail (she has no ass, thus tail)! There's no virus!

M: Wow. Now thats a piece of news. Anyway a man, Park Kang-du, claimed that his daughter is still alive even though you already capture her. I thought you always feel hungry? Why didn't you eat her?
H: Oh, you mean Park Hyun-seo? She's so adorable. I can't bear to eat her. Besides there's still so many bodies in my storage. I just want a companion.

M: Er ok. You intend to free her?
H: See how my mood goes.

M: Do you know that her father and family are going to the sewer to kill you and save her?
H: HAHA. Don't make me laugh. The stupid government has already cordoned of the area. Its like Area 51 now. They cannot get through. I feel like a princess living in a heavily guarded palace! Now the government is using the tax payers money on some stupid agent call Agent Yellow. Duh name.

M: Thanks Ms. Host thats all for today. Thank you for your valuable time!
H: Wait wait.. You looked kinda delicious too, besides, I'm kinda hungry now... (Smiles at me)

Then I started to run. You better run too.

(4/5)

Singapore Dreaming (2006)

Kah kin la, my review starting soon!

Singapore Dreaming is really a movie you can relate to.

What is your dream? Dreaming of becoming a footballer? An artist? It is good to have a vision in life, but can you afford to dream in this sunny island?

Singapore Dreaming is the second film by Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen. Their first movie, Talking Cock the movie, was full of crude and slapstick jokes. Perhaps it was just the fun of filming a local movie then. However, this time round, things started to get more serious.

Why more serious? Perhaps its the cast the directors have assembled. And what an impressive cast it is. You got channel 8 veteran, Richard Low, Lim Yu Beng and one of Singapore's best MC, Alice Lim. Considering this is an independent film, the cast is pretty solid. (Of course, not forgetting Dick Su, Yeo Yann Yann and Serene Chan.)

Well, the story evolves around the Loh family. Pa (Richard Low) hates living in a HDB all his life. He yearns for a comfortable retirement. And he pins his hope on Seng (Dick Su), who just graduated from the States. Seng's study is paid for by Pa and his girlfriend, Irene (Serene Chan). Seng finally returns home after 2 years of education. Ma (Alice Lim) is delighted but Mei (Yeo Yann Yann) remains skeptical. (Ma apparently digs brewing liang teh for the family.)Rounding off is Lim Yu Beng who stars as C.K, Mei's Army regular turned insurance agent. One day, out of the blue, Pa strike the 2 million lottery pot. Is this a sign that finally they can live the Singapore dream?

A typical Singapore family isn't it? These characters are so real that midway through the movie you might find that they resemble your mother, father, uncle or even yourself. Well, I've got a soft spot for C.K. He is the character that has the ambition but instead decided to work for money. (A familiar case eh?) C.K is a character that sums up the movie. He dares to dream but eventually succumbs to his fate. Well, this is Singapore and dreaming is for losers.

4/5

Lucky Number Slevin (2006)

Goodkat, Bad dog.

Twists and turns galore as Lucky Number Slevin tries to be Pulp Fiction.

How many times have you encounter cases of mistaken identities? Not much for me. People move on after realising I'm not the person they thought I am. Slevin doesn't have that kind of luck. A case of mistaken identity throws him into a mob war. Wrong place, wrong number. Or is it?

The feud between The Boss (Morgan Freeman) and The Rabbi (Sir Ben Kingsley) reminds me of the eternal hostility of Romeo & Juliet. Although just a block away, tension runs so high that once either The Boss or The Rabbi leave their stronghold, they will be shot immediately. Capitalizing on the bad blood, Goodkat (Bruce Willis) offer to help the both of them to finish their unfinished business. How? Well of course I'm not telling you. Goodkat is a phantom character. You will never know which side he is on until the last moment. He is cool and sophisicated. A professional hitman.

Slevin (Josh Hartnett), on the other hand, is a bummer who just had a very unlucky day. And the day got worse when both The Boss and The Rabbi accuse him to be Nick Fisher. Plot thickens eh? Well you guys just have to catch the movie on your own. Can't reveal too much here. Don't want to spoil the mood.

Overall an interesting movie with a convoluted plot. However, it can cut down on the dialogue. Trying too hard and for a period of time I thought I was watching a comedy. Let's end this review with a clever dialogue rather than a corny one; "I bet it was that mouth that got you that nose. "
Well and I can say that :"I bet it was what you did that got you in this shit. Cheers, its Karma."

XXXx (3.5)

Click (2006)

Where the hell is rewind?!

Think Click as a Back To The Future with Kate Beckinsale.

Yes, Adam Sandler is back on the big screen and with a movie that might just teach you a lesson or two on life.

Sick with the different remote controls for different appliances, Michael Newman (Sandler) went on a trip to find a universal remote control. He stumbled into a store named BedBath and Beyond (you will know the reason for this name) and met Morty (Christopher Walken). Newman asked for a universal remote control but instead was given a remote control that controlled his universe.

So for the rest of the movie, Newman was playing with the remote until something grave happened. Sandler is still Sandler, acting out the role of Michael with ease. Kate Beckinsale finally provides the eye candy that is surprisingly missing for the last few Adam Sandler movies.

Not bad a movie, can be a bit better though. Just remember one thing, life is not about rewind, it is only about one mode of function- continuous play.
(3Xs = 3/5. I've got a new system)

Crazy Stone (2006)

Will the real crazy stone please stand up?

It is been a week since my last entry. As you might notice, there are not a lot of good movies for the past week (or should i say, those movies aren't my cup of tea). However, a certain movie stands out among the rest. Yes, its a chinese movie. Yes, it doesn't command a lot of time slots (only like 3 per day?) And yes, its Crazy Stone. (thats the name of the movie, not some reason i'm conjuring)

At the helm of the movie is 28 year old director, Ning Hao. And surprise surprise, Crazy Stone is his first movie! The movie certainly did not show any signs of inexperience from him. The pace is tight and the plot keeps the audience engaged. Ok, ok. I can see that you guys are dying to know the story. Just give me some more writing space to express my expertise. No? Ok here goes...

A very expensive piece of Jade was found and 3 groups want a piece of the action. Lets name the security party as B, the 3-crazy-robbers group as A and the professional thief master as C. B protects the jade and A and C want to steal the jade. A,B and C keep surveillance near the jade. C in a BMW (don't touch me. You will the meaning after watching) and A and B in a hotel. Coincidentally, A and B not only stay in the same hotel, they are neighbours. B has a hard job as both A and C take turns to steal the jade. B has to devise of a plan with limited resources.......

Still with me? I might not convey the whole story as accurrately as the main plot and sub plot intertwine like a vine. Go watch it. This is definitely worth the ticket price. The dialect itself is enough to justify the ticket price. I hereby lay my crazy balls for those who think this movie sucks, oops i mean crazy stones.

4.5/5

Hard Candy (2005)

Don't try to be too hard, it might be painful.
"Wah i think this movie is kinda disturbing." I overheard someone saying this after the end of this movie. And i was thinking, "Hmm, these guys haven't watch Irreversible yet!"

The story is like this: Girl meets man after hooking online for god knows how long. Girl follows man home. After a couple of cups of screwdrivers, someone gets knocked out. (Psst: Never drink something that someone mixes behind your back.)

Surprise suprise, its the man who is knocked out. Man is bound on a chair and let the games begin...

The movie picks up speed from here, twisting and turning with every close up scene. Leaving me in awe and keeping at the edge. Especially the surgical operation part. Damn! She is good. However be warned that this movie is full of dialogues. So if you are not the listening kind of person, i suggest you skip this and watch the bengish Long Hu Men instead. But i am sure that Hard Candy will leave your ball dangling, literally.

4/5

Nacho Libre (2006)

I am, I am, I think I am... a real religous man.

If you are wondering what that line is about, let me tell you. It is a line from a song in the movie. It is pretty catchy and i find myself humming it every 5 mins after leaving the theatre. Alright back to the movie proper. I like this movie because of three main reasons.
Reason number 1. This movie makes me laugh and i mean laugh hard enough. Though it is a pretty slapstick kind of humour. I enjoyed it. I laugh myself silly whenever i see Esqueleto, the guy with the high riding pants you see in the picture. He is totally hilarious, comical, amusing and blah blah blah. I'm running out of superlatives here.

Number 2. The underdog story. Well, i think i no need to explain the meaning. OK, OK. It's about Nacho's rise to fame to be the best wrestler. Something like that.

Number 3. 25/7 is a special day and i enjoyed it very much. Don't cha?

3.5/5

Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Jack is back, savvy?

Pirates 2 is back and bringing a whole new world of mystic and supernatural aura with it.

The cast remains intact, with Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightly and the crew reprising their original roles. Coming on board is Bill Nighly as the damned Davy Jones.

The story begins with a foiled wedding and both Elizabeth and Will being captured by the East India Trading Company for helping Capt. Jack Sparrow escape.
To free Elizabeth and himself from the gallows, Will has to get back the "faulty" and trusted compass Capt. Jack has been using. The compass supposedly holds the key to the sea and the EITC needs it to kill off piracy in the sea.

And so, Will set out on a journey to find Jack. Realising along the way that Davy Jones had a debt to settle with Jack and Davy Jones, though seeminly invincible, had a flaw that is waiting to be revealed.

Though lengthy, this movie has all the elements of a summer block buster hit. Full of action, laughter and impecable acting. Please note that as this is a 2 part movie, the ending will leave you with a sour taste. Do wait for the third instalment coming out next year. I can't really give ratings to half a movie, can I? Oh bugger...

4:30 (2006)

Two shadows sat side by side,
their souls seemed to intertwine.
Pain is hard for one to bear,
loneliness is hard for him to share.
Time for one to wake up,
time for one to sleep.
Zones might have differ,
but both hearts bleed the same.


This is Royston Tan latest movie. 4:30 is a follow up to the success of 15. Although both movies are numerically titled, the atmosphere of both movies are different. Gone are the graphic and loudness of 15. 4:30 is the complete opposite. Peaceful and tranquil.

The movie revolves around a boy, who at 4:30 am, peeping into his Korean tenant room. As days go by, he gets more attracted to his tenant and soon the tenant becomes a part of his daily life.

You might argue that the boy is a voyeur but to me he is just praying for someone he can turn to. The loneliness of the boy is hard to bear. The music and songs played are made for the movie, slow and tinged with sadness. This movie is a haunting one.

(4/5)

Silent Hill (2006)

Evil should always be this twisted.

Ok, this is not really a very new movie but oh well, continue reading if you don't want to miss a solid hellish movie.

Based on a successful video game, Silent Hill, the plot revolves around a mum and her seemingly disturbed daughter. Apparently, the daughter, Sharon, is sick and always sleepwalks. Sharon often murmured out a place called Silent Hill and our Rose, mummy knows best, decided to send her there and find some kind of 'cure'. (I don't understand it very well, as I did not play the game. Sorry guys.) Pardon me for being a nuisance. Why go there? Isn't Silent Hill a deserted, haunted town? Maybe the ripper can help, maybe just maybe.

Upon arriving at Silent Hill, damn its really quiet....., strange things started to happen and hell is unleashed whenver there's a siren. I am really fascinated by the siren, it is like our civil defence siren. Kinda annoying but extremely useful. So whenever you hear this siren, Silent Hill isn't silent anymore. No, or should i say it has become Silent Hell. This is the time when all the twisted, wicked mother f***ers come out to play. And it is also the time when i began to rub my hands with glee. There is Mr. Pyramid head (kinda kinky though haha), our lovable nurses doing a nicely choreograph Britney Spears dance and my favourite janitor, Mr. Colin. I love his taste for barb wires.

I will leave the rest for you guys. (Shhh its because i don't quite understand the ending haha.) Silent Hill is not a scary movie. It merely rips my skin off and nobody does it better than Mr. Pyramid

(4/5)

Scary Movie 4 (2006)

Only if you want to waste your $$$...

Another installment of the Scary Movie franchise, Scary Movie 4 continues to be the King of Parodies. Spoofing everything from Brokeback Mountain to War of the Worlds.

However this movie still pales in comparison with the previous Scary Movies (1 &2). The plot is too loose and the movie lacks flow. Humour is kind of low class and crude but hey, this is Scary Movie after all.

Do take note of the opening sequence featuring Shaq O'Neal and Dr. McGraw. And oh, don't forget the fake Micheal Jackson. That's really scary.

(2/5)

The Omen (2006)

666? Please call 999 instead.

Here comes the overly hyped show of the year, The Omen. It is a remake of the 1976 horror classic and it is released on, yup that's right, 6-6-06. I have to admit that the marketing gimmick of the movie is good, showing The Omen on 6-6-06, supposedly the end of the world.

This movie uses the usual sudden increase in volume and the sudden "hooded monsters". I was bored through out. In fact, I don't think this movie is worth writing for. It was HELL.

2/5

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

So dark the con of Ron

As the headline suggests, 'Ron' refers to Ron Howard, the director of this eagerly anticipated movie. And when i was typing 'the con of Ron' i certainly felt cheated.

This is the most anticipated film of the year. Millions had read the book. They love it. Religious groups had read the book. They loath it. You can see the impact of the book on us. Imagine what can a movie do. But sad to say, this film falls flat.

Howard tries to take the short way out. I was appalled when i see Tom Hanks decipher the anagrams by just looking at the sentences. Aren't there more trial and error? The entire scene at the Lourve seems fast fowarded and lacks the punch. Since its a some how like a scavenger hunt, there should be more excitement injected into it. The pacing of the movie is a bit slow and there seems to be no climax at all.

Well at least the cast is well essembled. Tom hanks looks himself (less the hair), Audrey Tautou is very lovable, Silas (Paul Bettany) loves S&M and last but not least we have Sir Ian Mckellen, the scene stealer.

All in all its a OK movie but if you are a fan of the book, prepare to be disappointed. And now we know why they cover the mouth of Mona Lisa in this poster. She is not smiling.

txq
3/5

Paradise Now (2005)

Will there be a paradise?

This film is about the last days of 2 Palestinian guys, Said and Khaled. Well this is no 25th hour (Spike Lee's movie), because we are not talking about just jail terms here. We are talking about their last days on earth.

Sick and tired but the 'occupation' of the Israelis, they are both 'chosen by god' for a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. Seeing it as a chance to join God in paradise, they are overjoyed by it. However, things get out of hand when they reach the border and things get a little complicated. Both now have the chance to think whether carrying out the operation is good and whether the bombing will end the animosity between the Israelis and the Arabs.

I personally think this is a interesting movie, as it is a take on the Palestinian point of view. Like Munich, it forces you to think hard and again demonstrates that violence will not change anything. As for Said's point of view, he hopes his life will erase the wrong doing of his father and that God will lift them to paradise.

This Israel and Palestine conflict, from my view, can only be stop by peace. And peace, is paradise.

txq

Poseidon (2006)

Oh that sinking feeling...

I am going to try to make this review as exciting as possible.(I know i cannot) So hold your breath and let's go... "under the sea under the sea"

Poseidon is in a class of her own. Enormous, luxurious and enough safety boats to prevent a titanic 2. BUT this is a disaster show. The disaster is going to come so how. This time it is in the form of a tsunami. (Damn those script writers, they always have something up their sleeves.)

So there you have it, the ship capsizes and all hell break loose. See how Kurt Russell, Josh Lucas and others escape from the underwater hell. Well, for once, hell is freezing not burning.

Mission Impossibe 3 (2006)

Classic soundtrack, classic Cruise and classic mission.

Okay, after watching this show, i proclaimed that JJ Abrams is my favourite M.I director. He keeps the movie tight and tries to keep us LOST with Tom Cruise ALIAS Ethan Hunt being smash in the first scene. (Sorry folks, i have to include these 2 cult series.) When can you see the invincible Hunt being bash? I think a lot of people is thanking Abrams for that scene. HAHA.

Back to the story. Well this is a mindless summer block buster, so do not expect too much. After all this is mission impossibe, so try to digest the implausible. Hunt gets a call, off to the mission and safe the day. That is the typical routine in the M:I franchise. Throw in some twists and turns and some "awkward" sex scene in the hospital and the movie will get more interesting. A particular scene of Julia (Michelle Monaghan) giving CPR to Hunt is a reminiscence of LOST (Jack saving Charlie).

Oh i almost forgot about the eye candies of the show. Guys get ready to be mesmerised by Maggie Q and girls, you can choose between Cruise and newcomer Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Mature ladies, you can definitely go for Lawrence Fishburne. (Fishburne's every line sounds like Morpheus and that's sexy)

Gadgets? Checked. Eye candies? Checked. Mission? Checked. Movie tickets? Unchecked? What the hell are you waiting for? This message will self destruct in 5 seconds.

Election 2 (2006)

Do you honour your blood or money?

This is the sequel to the 2005 sleeper hit, Election. Johnnie To remains as the director and the characters are left untouch and the story picks up where it left.

2 years had passed and Lok's (Simon Yam) era as the Wo Shing Triad's boss is coming to an end. It is the time for another election. Of all candidates, Jimmy (Louis Koo) has the highest chance of being the next kingpin. However he is more interested in the business world than the secret society's internal struggle of power. Things change when Jimmy realise that if he is the triad boss of Wo Shing, the Chinese police will give him more leeway in his business in China. To be the next boss, Jimmy must fight against Lok, who wants to compete for a 2nd term. This is where things get nasty, as both sides began an all out war.

Johnnie To again uses human weaknesses in this film. The weakness over power and money. The lure of both is too hard to reject. Once someone possesses them, he will do anything to hold on to them. This is what happen to Lok in the first film and Jimmy in the second. One defining scene sees Jimmy hacked one of Lok's assistants into pieces and fed them to the dogs. Though brutal, the pure determination in Jimmy's eyes cannot be hidden. Just to get things done, just to prove a point and just to be the the boss. One particular scene shows wads of money stained with blood on the floor. What is the director trying to say? Money is earned the hard way. Blood shed is inevitable.

txq
4/5

Hostel (2005)

Moral of the story....?

To be honest, i wanted to watch this movie because of that name on the top left corner. That's right Quentin Tarantino. Although Hostel is not directed by him, it sure makes me pay attention.

Alright, to be honest, the first 40 mins of the show is pretty graphic. Graphic as in there are always boobies bouncing around. Wow it is almost soft porn. But behind every boob, there lies a booby trap. ( Corny, i know)

3 backpackers, Paxton, Josh and Oli, were on a backpacking vacation. Both Paxton and Oli wanted Josh to get laid but the innocent Josh kept pushing away their advances. Until one night when they were locked out of their own hostel, they met a guy who told them that girls at a Slovakian city are beautiful and they dig Americans. The guy showed them the pictures he took with them and my oh my, seeing is believing.

Without any thoughts they immediately headed to Slovakia and stayed in a hostel. True enough the girls were friendly and they finally got laid but like the old saying: there is no free f**k in this world.

The next moment, Josh woke up in a dirty old cell. Feet and hands chained to the chair. I think the following quote will help me explain better: "I always wanted to be a surgeon. But the boards would not pass me. Can you guess why? You see? So I went into business. But business is so boring. You buy things you sell them, you make money you spend money. What kind of life is that? A surgeon, he holds the very essence of life in his hands - your life. He touches it." Your guess is as good as mine. Josh is so dead.

The pretty babes are part of the organization and they act as the bait for unwilling backpackers. Josh and Oli are dead. Can Paxton survive? Catch it before the blood dries up... It is quite a mindless movie and i hope you can see the punt in the headline.
txq
3/5

Singapore GaGa

A video about the unsung heroes of Singapore.

This video, directed by Tan Pin Pin is a reflection of the unseen life in Singapore. These colourful characters are seen at nearly every corner of Singapore. Busking and enjoying their time.

But do we Singaporeans stop and enjoy their performance? The pace of our life is zooming so fast, that we forgot to stop and appreciate the very performance decipting Singapore life. Even with the advancement of our technology, our roots are not meant to be forgotten. Give them a chance to show you what life really is. And perhaps what one of the Miss Singapore finalist said was true: We are going so fast that we never stop and appreciate busking. I think we need speeding tickets to keep us in check."

txq

Inside Man (2006)

Take me to the inside, man

So you think this is a heist movie or just a normal crime flick. You are so wrong.

Everything points towards a bank robbery. 4 robbers dress as painters, a bank and many hostages. The gang leader is the charismatic Clive Owen (a very intense actor, Ms Lucky would certainly agree). As Dalton Russell, Mr Owen is his usual self. Brooding, sexy and is simply oozing with confidence. His prologue of the film, narrated in a monotonous manner (and you thought monotonous is not sexy!) simply emits coolness. Check this classic line and imagine it spoken in a deep monotonous manner:"My name is Dalton Russell. Pay strict attention to what I say because I choose my words carefully and I never repeat myself. " Plus imagine Clive Owen shooting his mouth off while staring straight in your eyes. Even though he appears in most of the scene being masked. Girls, prepare to be blown away.

Ok, enough of Mr Owen. ( I know i sound so gay) Back to the robbery. The band of "Steves" (you will understand after watching) is in total control. They demand the usual stuff from the cops: a getway bus and a plane etc. And as usual, a bullshitter ( negotiator) is being sent. Insert Denzel Washington. He plays Detective Keith Frazier, a negotiator with problems of his own. After a few rounds of negotiation with Dalton, he realises that this case is more than what it seems. It gets more complicated when Ms. White (Jodie Foster) is being called in. Ms White is a 'fixer' of some sort and can promise Det. Frazier a pay raise and a promotion to a top notch detective. But, they are only applicable if she can go into the bank and strikes a compromise with Dalton. What compromise i will not say. I don't like to be a spoiler.

Spike Lee directs this flick and you can expect some pot shots on racism, government issues and sexism. Check out the scene when a Sikh is being caught. The dialogue is superb. There are no cheesy one- liners. Perhaps its because they way the leading actors talk is simply so engaging. It keeps me on the edge of my seat. Not to mention the interrogation scenes where Denzel Washington is at his best. However the bad part is that most of the vulgarities are blanked out. Thats kind of annoying. Why censor when it is obviously an adult show? Only god knows. However do pay attention to the words of Dalton Russell carefully because they hold the key. As Dalton mentions, the why of the robbery is not half as interesting as the how.

(4.5/5)

txq

Keeping Mum (2005)

Mum's the word

Fans of Mr Bean beware! Although this movie is starring Rowan Atkinson, this is not the typical Bean episode you see on TV.

For a start, this is not exactly a very funny film. This is humor taken to another level and not the usual kind of jokes you often hear on Mr Bean. What kind of humor do you expect when the movie is about murder, adultery and sex? Not very pleasant, i supposed.

Pastor Walter Goodfella (Rowan Atkinson) and family reside in this small quiet village by the name of Little Wallop. All seems well until the arrival of Grace Hawkins (Maggie Smith) the family's new housekeeper. Upon the arrival of Grace, all the annoying people and animal (the dog who cannot stop barking) seem to disappear. No awards for guessing who is the mastermind. Why is Grace so good to the Goodfella family? Is she up to no good? Or are there any dark secrets that lie beneath the family? You decide.

Although this film portrays murders and adultery in a light fashioned manner, several virtues are also seen throughout the show. The importance of the family, friendship and kin ship are several virtues mentioned in the movie. One important lesson learned though: "You can't just kill people because it's convenient!"
(3/5)

txq

Blue Velvet (1986)

Its a strange strange world...

Caught this film on 31st March 2006 at the Arts House. One of the 3 films being offered at the Arts House. The others being Gozu (Japan) and Old Boy (Korean). These 3 films are part of he Arts House's second anniversary's celebrations titled VOLUME II: BIZARRE.

Well this film is really bizarre. It is different from the mainstream movies we see in the commercial cinemas.

Blue Velvet is twisted and provocative. But it also comprises of a tinge of sadness and artistic beauty. This movie is like an abstract drawing. Only those who can appreciate will enjoy. David Lynch's (the director) vision of this movie is lucid. That everything is not what it seems. Underneath a small and peaceful town lies something hideous and dangerous.


Kyle Maclachlan stars as Jeffrey Beaumont. One day, while taking a stroll, he discovers a human ear at a grass patch. Curious by his discovery, he makes his way to report his discovery to Inspector Williams. As he is not given an opportunity to explore the case, he trys to find his way around the case and gets more than he asked for. Jeffery is being entangled in a web of drugs, s&m and violence. The people he met while investigating the crime will change his life, especially from Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper).

Frank is the epitome of evil. His presence just reeks of evil. From his expression to his mannerism. Dennis Hopper has done an excellent job and can be compared with Joe Pesci (of Goodfellas and Casino fame). No wonder he won several acting awards for this role.

With the bright and refreshing colours used in this movie, i think David Lynch is trying to say that the world is a facade. Beneath these wonderful colours, lies something dark. And the medium to the dark world is thru this velvet, Blue Velvet.
(4/5)

txq

The Arts House

The Arts House is built in 1827 and is situated at 1 Old Parliament Lane. As the road name suggests, the arts house is formerly the parliament house. After the parliament vacated the building, it reinvented itself into the arts house in March 2004. It now stands as the only government building to be gazetted as an arts centre.

Today, the arts house is the home of art films, visual and performing arts. Do not be put off by the house's grandiose look, the house yearns for visitors and performers, all for the name of art.

I hope i can create awareness of this historical building thru my blog. You guys next time can stop complaining of having no where to go on a weekend. The Arts House is the place to visit and be prepared to be overwhelmed by the ambience. (For more info visit: www.theartshouse.com.sg)

Hot new releases

Behold the gorgeous Milla Jovovich in Ultra Violet (opening 30th March 2006)! Prepare for some butt-kicking entertainment. Looks like Milla Jovovich is going to be the next bone breaking heroine!

Opening next week (6th April 2006) is Spike Lee's latest movie: Inside Man. Starring Denzel Washington (Academy Award Winner: Best Actor for Training Day ), Clive Owen (Academy Award Nominee) and Jodie Foster (Academy Award Winner: Best Actress for The Silence of The Lambs). What a cast! 3 very intense and superb actors lock horns in this thriller. Expect some marvelous acting in this crime thriller.

Transamerica (2005)

Forget about the outside, look from the inside.

First and foremost, i would like to thank 'Ms Lucky' for dragging me to watch this film. As the word 'dragging' suggests, I am not actually keen on watching this film. I just feel that this is just not my kind of movie. I mean who would like to watch the usually sexy Felicity Huffman to grunt? (If you are an avid desperate housewives fan, well you have been warned.) Ironically, i think the performance of Felicity Huffman is amazing and sometimes flawless.

Huffman stars as the transexual, Bree. 'He' is about to undergo a sex change operation when he receives a phone call from a New York police station. Apparently a 17 year old boy is in lock up and is identified as her son, Toby. Bree is of course bemused by that. She tells her therapist about it and is strongly encouraged to face her past before undergoing the operation. Reluctantly, she agreed and set out to bail his son, Toby. Kevin Zegers stars as the sexually confused Toby. Bree poses as some christian missionary and together they undertake a roadtrip from the east to the west and begin to discover each other.

Are some of us comfortable with our own sex? Is it what we really want? Many of us are confined to the walls of society and are afraid to break thru it . Bree demonstrates here that you do not have to care of what other people feel about you. It is your life and yours only. No one can teach you how to obtain happiness. Only you have the key to unlock the heaviest door in your life. I like the tagline of the show: " Life is a journey. Bring an open mind." Yes we really need an open mind. (3.5/5)

txq

V for Vendetta (2006)

Liberate your mind, liberate your soul and lose your locks!

Okay so i nearly doze off in the first 20 mins BUT, and i mean BUT, that does not make it a bad movie. To be honest, the first 20 mins were pretty draggy (Ms Em will agree) and the lead characters were quoting shakespearean lingo. Evey (played by Natalie Portman) was nearly raped by 3 fingermen (some secret agents) when she was caught breaking the curfew. Enter V (acted out excellently by Hugo Weaving). The charismatic anti government hero who had a penchant to string long sentences with V words in it. Who is V?Versatile, Vivacious, Villan or Victim? Who is the man behind the Guy Fawkes mask?

As expected, V rescued Evey from the evil fingermen and subsequently changes her life.

The year is 2020. England is the super power of the world. United States has become the 'new third world'. So whats there to frown about? Super power, booming economy and safe country. England has it all. Or so it seems...

England is in a crisis , proclaimed V. Citizens are under the rule of a dictator, totally ignorant of what is happening in England and are stuck in a totalitarian state. They need to see the truth, see beyond Adam Sutler (the irritating chancellor played to perfection by John Hurt) and see beyond the lies.

I shall not reveal too much of the movie. I can only say that it's a conspiracy stuck in another conspiracy. Oh yes, lets not forget about the pivotal scene when Evey got her mane shaved.The movie makes me think hard. Question marks filled my mind and it makes me ponder. Are ideas really bulletproof? (4 out of 5 stars)

txq

Scarface (1983)

Al Pacino's defining moment through 3 hours of mayhem.

"In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women," so said Tony Montana. And what a spectacular surge of power indeed. You got to give it to Al Pacino. His acting skills are being stretch to the limit. From his heavy Cuban accent to the occasional habit of pulling up of trousers he imparts to Tony Montana, every single movement and mannerism is painfully being acted out in detail. A certain manly charisma is projected on Montana. The way he speaks, walks and swears just oozes out a certain charm. Ruthless and his archaic way of handling matters make him a 'one-man army vs. the rest of the world' and how accurate it turns out to be.

Arriving as a part of the Cuban 'political refugees', Tony Montana and Manny Ribera (the charming Steven Bauer) are in search of freedom and, of course, to make it in the land they describe as a 'great big pussy just waiting to get fucked.' They see limitless opportunities to make it big. However it appears that the only way out of poverty fast is to take the criminal route. A route laden with violence, blood and drugs.

Kudos to Brian De Palma, the director, for showing us a different side of Miami. For his direction and his casting of actors make Scarface a truly memorable film. This film will always be known for its wild and provocative style. And true to its grandiose style, I will end this review with one of my favourate quote:" What you think I am? HUH? What you think, I a fuckin' worm, like you? I told you, mayne, I told you, don't fuck with me!"

txq