HP7 is finally here

Listen up All Muggles! This is it, y'all!

Be ready for the ultimate end of the journey. I'm beyond excited. To think back when I was introduced and read the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone many many years ago. I still remember that I would stop at Kinokuniya after work and flipped through the pages and then left a ticket stub (instead of earmarking the pages!) and come back again the next day to continue reading it for free. I know, what a cheapskate i was! haha

And suffice to say that I'm a loyal follower ever since and never tired of reading the rest of books in the series (my personal favourite is Prisoner of Azkaban) and enjoyed all HP movies very much. It's kinda sad that now we've reach the end of story with the release of Harry Potter and Deathly Hallow pt 2 movie but nevertheless, it was a helluva great broom ride! Long live The Order of Phoenix!!

p/s: ok, I'm off to book the ticket for the show. Will update y'all once I watched the film.

Nur Kasih

Sometime last year in 2010, a tv series titled Nur Kasih literally blew the small screen in Malaysia and became such a big hit in a lot of household. Obviously, the next step for the production team is to churn out the movie based on its popularity. But then, after I went to watch the film recently, I was left a bit frustrated. Admittedly, the main characters were good and in certain scenes they were almost excellent. They feel real to me and it was good to see Adam, Aidil & Nur Amina in action again. But the storyline? honestly, nothing much to shout about. It feels like the writer tried to crammed as much bits and pieces to make the storyline plausible without clear flow of what was they trying to convey. Oh well, there are some good bits in the film like, how you would fight and do everything you can for the person you love. But, some sub-plot were given too much time like, realistically, how many man would go back to the scene of train wreck in the desert and try to find their wife's lost wedding ring there? I suppose, as compared to watching the tv series every week; the series felf more crisp, less-nonsense and the suspense gave much stronger impact to viewer. Even when they only run for much shorter (1 hr/week), but each week you were left wanting more. And in the series, there were many additional characters whom had gave impact to the story and also shaped the main characters to what became of them in the end (Remember Sarah? Nur Amina's spoilt & wicked little sister). Where as, the movie was basically revolved around the 3 main characters (4, if you count their mother). And beside their good acting, you were left wondering, is that all the story is about?

However, don't let my opinion stopping you from going to watch Nur Kasih the movie. For all i know, you might disagree with all i said above. But, nothing makes me happier knowing you can now can sleep better after had your dose of that Malay hunk actor; Remy Ishak.

Listen : Nur Kasih OST - Tiz Zaqyah & Yassin

Musical

I have not been entertained by a film with Musical genre for a long time since 2007’ Hairspray. It was fun and very colorful with a not bad storyline too. But I might be bias. Because to me, any film with John Travolta in it couldn’t do wrong. Even though, Travolta played Mrs. Turnblad, a lady and a mother but he did it superbly. A sexy one too!

2009’ Nine was touted as supposedly to be a super sexy and cool but I found it just so-so albeit it’s very dark and somber-mood lighting throughout and the storyline? pffht! it was nothing much to shout about except the glittering list of female actress on it.

During my childhood, what with limited opportunity to catch movies at cinemas, I would say most musicals films that I watched were what is on television at that time and like (most) other childrens who have penchant for anything musical, I was transported to a dreamy and what could be an exciting life with a nanny of my own as in 1965’ Sound of Music and 1964’ Mary Poppins. Julie Andrew rocks! I heart her for a long long time.

Then, I remember a time when everybody are going crazy over 1977’ Saturday Night Fever and 1978’ Grease. And when I got to watched it (many years after it was first released) oh boy! Travolta is really hot, man! And that’s it. I’ve officially fallen for him.


Of recent years, there are few remakes that left lasting impression to me like 1996’ Evita with Madonna played the role of Eva Duarte who was married to Juan Peron, one of Argentina President. I watched the movie with college friends out of boredom and because nothing else playing at that lousy cinema in Kuantan and ended up loving it. For a while, I’ve also gone crazy over the glamour & glitz of Bohemian culture at Montmatre district, Paris as shown in 2001’ Moulin Rouge! and needless to say, Christian (Ewan McGregor) and Satine (Nicole Kidman) are one of my favourite couple on screen. Ever.

And then, of course there was 2002’ Chicago. A musical film adapted from the satirical stage musical that featured Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly, Renee Zellweger as Roxie Hart and Richard Gere as the delectable Billy Flynn. Queen Latifah and Taye Diggs are also in the movie. I swooned over many excellent tracks from the movie, seriously.

And come on, of course the fantastic songs and dance pieces are the attraction in a musical, right? You could see they did some cool moves and perfectly-executed routines, sang their hearts out and basically, telling the stories through the songs. Like when you’re watching 2006’ Dreamgirls. It was such a joy to see Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx performed the songs in the movie because you know there are singers/performers in real life and they did something different but not entirely strange thing in the film (acting and singing). Not all actors and actresses can sing and that’s a fact. But when an actor or actress took upon the challenge and did musical and executed it well (or at least half decently), I applaud them.

In the case of 2008’ Mamma Mia! I was quite skeptical and wondering how Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth’s performances in the film, but I think they did well. The film was based on ABBA famous songs and needless to say, there are all excellent sing-along tracks. As proven by my nephew and niece who belted ‘Honey, Honey’ and ‘Money, Money, Money’ at the top of their lungs every time we were in the car. For 3 months straight. I died.

So do you like or watch musical-type of movie? At all? Which is your favourite? And tomorrow I’ll let you know what my current favourite is. I have not been as excited like this for musical for a long time!

Millenium Trilogy

Hello.

Have you read these books? or have you even heard of these super cool, excellent, thrilling and wonderful books that form a 'Millenium Trilogy' created by a swedish author Stieg larsson? If yes, Yeay! and if you dont, Owh man! go get your copies now.

1st book

This is where it all started. We'll get to know Millenium magazine - Journalist, Mikael Blomkvist and also the heroine (and coolest character ever, i think!) - Lisbeth Salander. You might want to read this, if you would like to roughly get some ideas, or glimpse of the story. But I tell you, you'll get hooked to the story. I promise, you'll not regret it :P

2nd book

Ahh..in the 2nd book, the plot gets thicker. Mikael 'Kalle' Blomkvist' path again crossed with Lisbeth Salander's in a most unexpected and suspense-filling story-line. (I think I sounded like a promo trailer clip haha!)

3rd book

And in 3rd book, the story revolve around how Blomkvist is trying to rally up Lisbeth' believers and supporters to help her clean her name from the triple-murders accusation. While, doing that, we get to know more and more secrets of Lisbeth's life and how she became what she is.

Apparently, the books were already adapted into movies with character of Blomkvist played by actor Michael Nyqvist and Lisbeth's was potrayed by Noomi Rapace. However, not to be outdone, Hollywood is also interested to churned out their version of Blomkvist & Lisbeth with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara (although there were earlier rumors of Kristin Stewart and Natalie Portman were interested/considered for the role too!) signed on as the main characters! I have not watched any of the movie (the Craig/Mara version is not yet out, I think), so i'm very looking forward to that. In fact I would like to see ANY of the movie that I can get my hands on.

or this..
or this..

Now where are my Trilogy books? Nothing beats reading your favourite book and chill out at home during raining days. Perfect.

Listen : If I die Young - The Band Perry

Salt

Right, so we're well into first few days of fasting. Hope all is well with you.

I had recently went to watch the movie ' Salt' . Unless you are a die hard fan of Angelina Jolie and her kick-ass moves, you'll find this a bit of stereotype and almost similar to her previous action flicks (re: Tomb Raider, Mr& Mrs. Smith & Wanted) Having said that, in all fairness the story lines are all different, but seeing her in all too familiar moves and super cool capabilities kind of make you appreciate her more in film like Changeling. In the film, Jolie is Evelyn Salt who is CIA Agent and accused of being a KGB sleeper agent and on the run to clear her name. More can be read here

Ok. Have a great day!

Listen : Bad Romance - lady Gaga

Gerhana (english : Eclipse)

I finally went to watch the Eclipse. 3rd part of Twilight Saga. And to tell you the truth; It was pretty awesome! I like the facts that they're telling background stories of some vampires in Cullen coven ( Rosalie & Jasper ). Edward (Rob Pattinson) & Bella (Kristin Stewart) are convincing enough but Jacob (Taylor Lautner).. oh wow! he is a hunk! total heart breaker and he got such amazing body. I don't understand why some critics said that 'Eclipse' kind of boring and gave quite bad review, where as I think, if you read all Twilight books and knows the storyline & characters - you will appreciate whatever effort they made to bring the story to life. I know of course that, an adapted film could never be 100% or exact blow by blow as detailed out in the book, but as a fan, you go and just enjoy the movie whole heartedly especially when the characters were saying their dialogues exactly like what was written in the book.

Crazy Hearts

Hi Y'all..

By this time, I’m sure you’ve heard that Jeff Bridges won the Oscar for Best actor award this year, right? Well, I’d say he deserved it! And the film ‘Crazy Hearts’ has left me feeling poignant and reminded me how much I love country music. Not that I like it less now, but the country music that I listen to nowadays are mostly by crossover artists of country/pop genre like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and most recently Lady Antebellum. There are definitely influences or sounds of Country in their music, but they also more appealed and reachable to much younger generation of crowd, I suppose.

“The film was written and directed by Scott Cooper and based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Thomas Cobb. Jeff Bridges plays Bad Blake, a down-and-out country music singer-songwriter who tries to turn his life around after beginning a relationship with a young journalist named Jean, portrayed by Maggie Gyllenhaal..” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Heart

Somehow, I feel deeply moved by this movie and can’t write much about it here. You have to see it for yourself. All I know is that; watching this made me feel lonely and sad, but more importantly, it taught me not to give up on your life. Other people can only do as much, but it’s the heart within that can really make the change and turn things around. And yeah! We have to forgive ourselves too. Even if it’s one of most difficult things to do.

Listen : The weary kind - Ryan Bingham (soundtrack of Crazy Hearts)

Nobody here but us servantless American cooks..

I heart films by Nora Ephron so much. Among of her hits are such as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and you’ve got mail. For a sucker of sappy romantic comedies like me, these are hands down; the best and sure winner on any of my movies nights. Her latest work is Julie & Julia starred Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Both have worked together in a movie called ‘Doubt’ but that’s totally different story altogether and lets save it for another day. But Julie & Julia is so much fun! I like how the director/writer made the scenes from 2 different women life’s seamlessly goes back and forth in telling their stories. It is as if you’re watching and following 2 different stories or characters being developed in the same movie but not being annoyed with it, because you know they are somehow bound by the same passion; French Culinaire!

Well, According to Wikipedia ;

“…The film depicts events in the life of chef Julia Child in the early years in her culinary career, contrasting her life with Julie Powell, who aspires to cook all 524 recipes from Child's cookbook during a single year, a challenge she described on her popular blog that would make her a published author. Ephron's screenplay is adapted from two books: My Life in France, Child's autobiography, written with Alex Prud'homme, and a memoir by Julie Powell. In August 2002, Powell started documenting online her daily experiences cooking each of the 524 recipes in Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and she later began reworking that blog, The Julie/Julia Project. Both of these books were written and published in the same time frame of 2004 to 2006. The film is the first major motion picture based on a blog…”

If you have not watch the movie, go and get the dvd.Honestly, reading the blog and watching the movie made me want to learn the French Cooking as well! Bon Appetit!

Listen: Aku bukan Untuk mu - Rossa

Are You The Real Alice?

For the most times whenever I’m at cinema last year, catching movies with friends or by myself; I’ve been so excited to see the promo posters and trailers of ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Aside from the fact there is one hot man named Johnny Depp in it, this is the works of Tim Burton, man. I think his films are quirky, enigmatic and perhaps like the man himself, bit kind of eccentrics.

Anyway, if you have not watch ‘Alice’; go to the nearest cinema and oh! Get these; watching in 3D is so enjoyable & satisfying. But sometimes, you get tired of actually trying to squash the bugs away from your sight. They kind of jumped out the screen, you see. Besides, the places and the characters are brilliantly colorful and the make-believe underworld looks awesome albeit with gloomy and brooding feel. I can’t however tell you whether I like the book or the film more because I’m yet to read the book. (Hah! That’s another one to add to my must-read book list for this year) but regardless, I think I enjoyed it very much. Worth the money spent. The story itself, if you’re non-reader (not yet read the book) like me, some info from Wikipedia said;

“Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (commonly shortened to Alice in Wonderland) is an 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll.[1] It tells the story of a girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar and anthropomorphic creatures…The journey had started at Folly Bridge near Oxford and ended five miles away in the village of Godstow. To while away time the Reverend Dodgson told the girls a story that, not so coincidentally, featured a bored little girl named Alice who goes looking for an adventure….” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice

Listen : It's my Life - Bon Jovi

I'm Not The right Kind Of Monster For You

I suppose if you have not read the Twilight Saga books, you will still can make sense or get the gist of the whole human/vampire/Warewolf love story by watching the New Moon film. But it’s not the same if you have read all the books first. Read the books and went to see the movie is much more satisfying, I think. For me, the characters from the book came alive and saying exactly (and more) than what was written in the book and the emotion displayed by the actors are more believable and convincing to me, well, you know how painful the looks on Edward’s face and exactly why was he acting that way (if you read the book). And like what my friend (who, obviously had not read any of the book) commented during the movie,” why Edward looks so excruciatingly in pain all the time?” hmm..Come to think of it, yeah.. his expression is kinda annoying, but I like Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) this time! She is much more relaxed and her acting is so much better than in ‘Twilight’. Overall, I think if you are Twilight saga fan, ahem, (Like Moi) then you’ll enjoying the movie very much, thank you. But then, if you aren’t, well, it’s your money and you can say whatever you want. By the way, I am soo in Team Edward – why you asked? He got the coveted girl! Need I say more? Haha

State of Play

Hi there.

Have you watched the movie 'State Of Play' ? This is another Political Conspiracy story from The Capitol Hill, DC. The main characters are a reporter named Cal McAffey (played by overweight Russell Crowe, but still brilliant!) who is a college friend of congressman Rep. Stephen Collins (played by Ben Affleck! Not so convincing to me, but oh well, I’m probably so used to congressman being portrayed as old-almost-senile type). 2 murders and 1 near fatal shooting opened the story at the beginning and from then on, the motives and linkages unravel to a more complex conspiracy surrounding the congressman, his sex scandal and more profound reason of all the madness, money (of course). In between all that, there seems to be old wound or history in the friendships between Cal, Stephen and Stephen’s wife Annie (played by Robin Wright). As a friend, Cal seems unrelentlessly trying to protect Stephen, but at the same time he is also a true journo at heart and chasing the scoop of news and bringing out the truth is what he does best. It is also fun to see the dynamic between Cal and his sidekick, a dewy-eye cub-reporter name Della Frye. (Played by Rachel McAdams – I love her!) I feel the movie is refreshing as we are also been thrust to look at things from a newspaper/reporter’s point of view and how things work in a news room. And yeah! Helen Mirren rocks as the tough cookie Editor of the Washington Globe.

Twilight Newborn

Owh..I am soo sucked into this Twilight saga. Yesterday, I finished the 3rd book, 'Eclipse' and seriously, I can't wait to get my fangs on the next one ' Breaking Dawn'. (see, I'm good at Vampire-talk now! haha)

The stories is so interesting. I know it's a fiction, but still..just to come up with that kinda idea, developed it and wrote it down beautifully like that. Wow! a writer never cease to amaze me. They have such strong conviction of their ideas and all challenges aside, I know they thinks it's worthwhile. A good publisher do help, I think. Anyway, I'm enjoying the twilight saga very much and the next movie ' New Moon' is ready to roll out soon.

In the mean time, let me think whether I should ;

1) go spent my money and buy the 'Breaking Dawn'

2) wait until E finished reading hers and borrow it

3) or I should.. slowly throwing my charm and try to coerce an unsuspecting victim to give me their copy, cause if not then I'll turn into one angry vampire & start kissing their neck and sucking their blood! Ew! Gross!

Taa..

Listen : My Love - Justin Timberlake

People From Forks

Since I'm still in the Twilight mode..here goes some pictures to enjoy;





New Moon and Twilight Pictures



New Moon and Twilight Pictures




New Moon and Twilight Pictures




New Moon and Twilight Pictures



New Moon and Twilight Pictures




New Moon and Twilight Pictures


How 'bout that? Nice pics eh.

Btw, I finished reading 'New Moon' and just borrowed next book ' Eclipse' from my friend, Eva.

Listen : I'm me once more - Zee Avi

Edward Cullen & Isabella Swan

erm.. you know who are they right? no? well, nevermind. I myself just started reading about them. And to tell you the truth, it's kinda fascinating story to me. The whole idea that vampires are living and mingling with us, mere mortal, is mind blowing! But I broke my own rule; always read the book first, then go watch the movie/dvd. In this case, I bought the dvd way back early this year and already watched 'em. The film ' Twilight' was a major hit last year and needless to say so is the book sales. Only recently, I got to borrow the book from a friend, KC and got hooked on the series.

Today I bought the second book, New Moon. And knowing myself, I would prefer to read it in a single sitting. I can't really focus on the story if I got distracted, stop and then continue reading a novel. I just don't have the patience.

And oh yeah, I think Stephanie Meyer is an awesome writer. Have a nice weekend y'all.

Listen : Stay – Lisa Loeb

Ne le dis a` personne..

.. or Tell No One is the title of a French film I caught last night after I check into the Everly Hotel Miri . And the movie is so endearing and quite action-packed at the same time. Imagine what you'll do when there is mystery surrounding the tragedy that took your wife's life 8 years ago. And after all the depression and healing process only to discover that she's not dead but in hiding for fear of her safety (and his live) Owh! so sad.But in the end they got together again and that's what matter, right. Yeay! to a happy ending.

And I'm so sleepy to start work this morning. Miri, as predicted is hot!

Listen : You belong with me - Taylor Swift

Spritzer Girl!

Have you watched a film titled ‘The Women’? okay, first off, I knew I was late/outdated/fall off the bandwagon or call it what you want. I only came across the DVD yesterday and watched it last night. My immediate reaction after the final credit roll is to hit the ‘Play’ button again! It was that Awesome! Owh man, I knew I already read the interview on Meg Ryan in the Oct 2008 InStyle Magazine (The same interview piece where she told that her ex- Dennis Quaid cheated on her during their marriage) and of course there are stories of her latest project – ‘The Women’. Anyway, let me tell you why I found this film is brilliant.

1) The casts
Look the cast member folks! Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Eva Mendes, Candice Bergen, Debi Mazar, Cloris Leachman (most hilarious of all!) etc. If that doesn’t impress you, I don’t know what will.

2) The story
Although this is a remake from original movie of same title from 1930s, this latest/renewed version was done with superb themes (still on issues related to women but ‘twas time/generation-appropriate to current world), great story telling, excellent style of flow and deliciously witty. I laughed so hard especially by those funny lines by Edie Cohen (Debra Messing), Alex Fisher (Jada Pinkett-Smith) and Maggie the housekeeper (Cloris Leachman). The director of film, Diane English has done a superb job!

3) It’s an all women characters

How refreshing. (considering I have not watch the original 1930s one)

4) Gorgeous clothes

From the collection of Mary Haines (Meg Ryan) - Woho! yummy! It was designed originally by Narciso Rodriguez. How talented!

As much I would like to blab here more about the film, I think you should go get a copy/download and watch it (if you haven’t already.) I seriously think this is a heart-warming, empowering and insanely hilarious film!

*Spritzer Girl a.k.a Crystal Allen- the girl who works at Saks selling perfumes behind counter. Played by Eva Mendes in the movie.