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)