Sunday, May 28, 2006
Movie Review - 1. X-Men 3, 2. Da Vinci Code

X-men 3 - The Last Stand

I am not a X-men fan. In fact, I have never read any of the comics before. But, I have never missed any of the X-men trilogy. It has never failed or disappointed me so far, X-men 3 is no exception. I simply loved it!

It was more than i expected! I thought with the new director in charge wont be the same as the other two but hey it kept me locked in my seat and my eyes open wide not to lose any action! I never have much faith in trilogies...somehow the 2nd or 3rd sequel can never measure up (except for the Indiana Jones series!). Not for X-men...it just keeps getting better.




Brilliant special effects! The special effects came to a climax during a huge faceoff staged at Alcatraz with both the bad and good mutants pitting their powers against each other. Most important addition to the X-Men's ranks is the peaceable Dr. Hank McCoy, aka Beast (Kelsey Grammer), whose physical actions are as nimble as his intellect. New characters emerge as well, for example Angel (played by Ben Foster) whose body and wings are both equally beautiful and Jimmy (Cameron Bright), a boy with the ability to dispel mutant powers. Jean is also transformed into The Phoenix... Didn't really liked her though, she look nothing like a bright beautiful Phoenix...looked more like a monster. Arrgghh....











My only regret is probably that the movie seems rather short as compared to the previous 2 X-men series. Many of the characters are not given much screen time (many of Magneto's lackeys seem rather interesting) and the emotional discharge of the entire movie is rather choppy (scenes between Rogue and Bobby aka Ice-man).

I won't say more about the story now but let me me just give you a little tip - give the people behind this movie a little credit and stay through the entire movie. There is a little epilogue at the end which most people actually missed! ;-)

Hopefully there is gonna be a 4th in this trilogy! That would be fantastic! I rate this movie 8/10!

Da Vinci Code


Before I begin, I must admit that I am a fan of Dan Brown. I think he is absolutely brilliant. Don't get me wrong...I am not professing that I believe in his theories but I think he is brilliant to be able to spin such an exciting and controversial yarn. The way he pieces together his findings and subsequently coming up with all the riddles, codings and symbols really intrigued me. I wish to remind everyone that this book is listed under fiction, NOT theology, so it's pretty stupid to be upset by some of the questions it raises about Christ. Secondly, many hated the story because of its historical inaccuracy, again, READ MY LIPS.....FICTION! Alamak...so much fuss over this story...actually, it's probably just playing into Dan Brown's ploy...the more controversy...the better the book sells...*haaa* Yes, I am a fan of the Da Vinci Code. When I heard that they are making the Da Vinci Code into a movie, I was pretty excited. Tom Hanks and Ron Howard? 2 of the best in the movie world! I couldn't wait.

Alas, before going to see this movie, the reviews I read screamed at me "AWFUL! BORING! PUT ME TO SLEEP!" I went in with some misgivings. The truth is, most movies never measured up to the book.

After watching it yesterday, I thought it wasn't that bad. It was probably only the beginning of the movie which emerged rather murky with little explanation so it is a quite difficult to comprehend. I sorta pitied those who didn't read the book. Problem with making this movie is that there are just too many details to contend with. The rest of the movie was pretty enjoyable though but if you are expecting some hard core action, this is not the movie for you. This movie does not strive to swoon you with an epic love story either. It only makes you want to see the truth behind the story, it makes you wanna think a little harder....(which is not necessary a bad thing)

This movie also boasts of a star-studded cast and some of the performances are outstanding. Most notably, Sir Ian McKellan brought a real flair as the eccentric English historian, Sir Leigh Teabing. Paul Bettany as Silas, the deadly albino monk, was also skillfully performed. The only person who probably disappointed me in the acting was Hanks. I thought he lacks the dashing and charismatic qualities which Robert Langdon.

I would recommend that you watch the movie before reading the book. You will probably enjoy the suspense a little more.

I rate this movie 6.5/10.

Saturday, May 27, 2006
GSS!

Yippee!

It's the Great Singapore Sale again...this is the time when I stocked up on everybody's Christmas/Birthday presents. Through experience, I know I actually saved at least 30% of the cost when i shopped for presents during the GSS.

Will keep this blog updated on the great places/bargains if I do come across....

Meanwhile, I have updated my online shopping sites as well. Was introduced to 3 websites selling korean fashion/clothing. The price is very reasonable (in the range of $20 - 50) Comes with free postage as well if you purchase above a certain amount. And believe it or not, they are also participants of the GSS so you can get about 20% off the listed price!

Here are some samples of the clothing they have...it's so pretty!











Btw, if anybody has good websites to purchase handbags, please let me know...am looking for one (leather / trendy / of a good size)

My Fave XXL Chicken

Went down to town today to catch X-Men III and have dinner with my other half. I had my favorite Oyster Mee Sua (for me, minus the oysters cos' I wanna puke once they get into my mouth) and of course the XXL Crispy Chicken. These outlets should be working like a franchise correct (which means the quality of the food should be consisent across all the different outlets)? But somehow, the one I had today was a little disappointing...first of all it wasn't crispy...and secondly, there weren't enough of chili powder...

I remember that I first "fell in love" with the XXL Chicken when i first tried it at the IMM stall. It was super hot (both in temperature & on the taste buds)! But it was really good....got standard man....

To make matters worse, the sales girl at the stall was really rude. I had completed my orders with her and was just waiting for my food. She seemed available as well (I mean, she wasn't cooking or frying anything then) Another customer was next to me then and he tried to place his orders. The girl simply told him "WAIT", continue to ignore him and stood there waiting for her colleagues to pack my orders. It was only after I have taken my food that she turned to him and asked for his orders. Come to think of it....she offered no smiles or greetings at all to any customers while I was there. Talk about GEMS (Go an Extra Mile for Service)....

"Bad Day"

I simply loved this song by Daniel Powter...it's just so catchy and fun to sing as well.

I bought his CD just a couple of days ago. I have this strange nasty habit of buying an entire disk solely because of 1 song that I liked so I was pretty prepared that I would be just replaying this song over and over again and ignoring the rest of the ablum...To my surprise, the CD turned out to be pretty good overall and I liked quite a number of them like "Jimmy Gets High", "Song 6", "Free Loop" and "Lie to Me"

His vocals remind me of the artistes in the Bee Gees era....kinda old-fashioned with the 'catty' shrills for the high notes. The rhythm and music feel of his songs also feels somewhat retro but it has a modern taste to it as well.....Can't put my finger to it...Listen to him and see his music video at http://www.danielpowter.com/














I rate this album 7.5/10!