Step Up Revolution

Yet another Step Up franchise.

This time set in the gorgeous, sunny Miami. *Sings* I'M IN MIAMI, BITCHHHHHH

Many familiar faces in the show from #SYTYCD - Katherine McCormick, Twitch.. Even regular guest judge of the popular dance show on Fox, Adam Shankman co-produced this 4th installation.

Don't expect the show to have a plot. I mean, what for? People go to the theaters for its choreography and good looking cast.

In a nutshell, the show opens with The Mob, an underground dance crew, competing to win $100,000 prize money on an online flash mob popularity contest. The story unfolds with a property developer wanting to take away a piece of land to redevelop that belong to the locals for years now, leaving people possibly homeless. The Mob then take matters in their own hands to stop them by sending the world a message through flash mobs at public places leaving their audience mysterious about who they actually are. (well, because they jolly well can go to jail for such an act o__O)

I enjoyed the choreography thoroughly, some of them came up unexpected however the show loses its charm once the cast starts speaking. Katherine McCormick is KNOWN for her high pitch voice and girlie ways when she was first spotted on SYTYCD Season 6 and lands herself 3rd place - it shows through and through in the show. Which was highly annoying but bearable. I had to keep telling myself I'm not here for her.

I enjoyed Step Up 3 alot, because the plot didn't seem that shallow. Step Up Revolution for me fell short with its plot and less than perfect cast. Cute guys though...?

Movie Review: Chronicle

(out of the many theatrical powers they've, I like this one the best)

**SPOILERS ALERT**

While deciding whether we should catch Jack & Jill or Chronicles last night, we went ahead with the latter cos the seats was selling fast at the counters assuming everyone's gushing to watch it. I've also recently read a review on the Rolling Stone by Peter Travers (one of my favourite reviewers!) about the movie and allow me to cite him, he said the film 'spring surprises'.

In a nutshell, (major spoilers ahead because the plot is simple) Andrew who's a loner at school with a alcoholic dad and sickly bed ridden mother, decided that chronicling his life with a camcorder will open up his world. One day, his cousin Matt and popular school jock friend, Steve, discovered an alien-liked object in a hole. Whatever that they found remained unexplained throughout the film but whatever it is, after touching 'it', they were gifted with special powers they thought would ONLY happen in the movies.

With every new power, it started small. At first, they could hold things in mid air and consequently their powers enabled them to do absurd things such as flying (playing football in the skies, among the clouds, how's that??).

I'm sure you can predict the rest.. as usual Andrew the loner thought his new-found power made him powerful and abused it to hurt people who has hurt him like bullies in school, his drunk father and even innocents. He lost sight of reality and how he's really hurting people around him, his attitude and behavior took a dip after the death of Steve who was struck my lightning while trying to save him in mid-air. All these unfortunate events happened chronicling and was documented on the camcorder. Of course, the ending wasn't unexpected and it was a tragedy.

Some people walked out of the theatre half way because they thought it was boring or something (I mean, if you watched my life in chronicle on video, you'd be bored too.) but I felt that the film was sending a strong message to young and old alike; like how Spiderman would say it "With great power comes great responsibility".

It's true. Of course the film used unimaginable super powers as a metaphor for money, power and fame. When one has them, it's so easy to lose sight of what's real and eventually you lose yourself. Was researching and saw this article about powers and responsibilities, read it. What the author said is true, we all have the power to influence. Good or bad, it's up to you.


You can watch Chronicle's trailer here:



On another piece of saaaaaaaad news, I'm stuck on this song lah. It began with a guy calling his friend saying he's on his way to pick him up on A YACHT and a few bad hot lady dancers #dayum #loserisme

The Dark Knight Rises

There are so much talk about Anne Hathaway scoring villain role in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster film - The Dark Knight Rises. Read the Alleycaat's take here.

I was a little shocked at first with Nolan's pick. Hathaway has always been the Princess Diaries girl in my head. In my impression, she's that doe-eyed brunette with the winning smile who would nail every chick flick. But recently, she started taking on serious roles in films such as Rachel gets Married and the most recent Love & other drugs. I'm mesmerized a little and I'm supportive of the change in career directions but can she really nail Catwoman? First of all there will be running tongues of comparison between her and Michelle Pfeiffer. There's almost NO comparison because Pfeiffer brought the cat alive.

So.. I'm not sure. However pictures of Hathaway in her kitty costume for The Dark Knight Rises is kinda hot. She actually looks different! I almost couldn't see shadows of Princess diaries! Well, till we finally catch the film we won't know how she fares. Do you think she can be the purrrrr-fect fit?

We'll see.

Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows (Part 1)

I won't be able to write a proper review for this movie because I haven't read any of the books or followed very closely to the movies but as for the 7th installation, I've to say that I like it very much.

One of the many reasons why the past 6 installations didn't really spark any interest in me to pick up the books and read it because the movies were quite dreadful. The last 6 was kind of slow and they were ALWAYS speaking in riddles. Like a cult. Like if you don't read the books you'll never get what they're saying and I always have this evil image in my head where a group of crazy HP groupies would point their fingers at me and snigger.

However to my surprise, The Deathly Hollows (Part 1) was entertaining, fast paced, action packed and (gasps) witty. The characters had so much chemistry together and they evolved into different persons over the years. I could see how Harry, Ron and Hermoine grew up significantly from movie to movie.

There were parts where they had scary effects like of a horror film, the sort that would scare you suddenly leaving you breathless and I least expect that out of a Harry Potter film. I appreciate the fact that this installation didn't bring non-fans round in circles. The execution was precise and understandable.

I actually am kind of happy that the HP series is coming to an end because it got quite tiresome to watch after awhile. I could see the main cast holding it back letting the cat out of the bag. I'm also looking forward to see how the series will end and whether Evil will ever triumph Good.

Can't wait for Part 2!

Movie: You again

Do you remember how you were like when you back in school? Were those memories you swore never to talk about again? I was lucky, my school days treated me pretty well. I may not be the prettiest girl but I made it up for being the school head counselor (I know, proud moments..) and president for my school's voluntary club. But the truth is, for most of us no matter how old you are, you never get over high school.

"You Again" - typically began with Kristin Bell (voice of Gossip girl, xoxo!) narrating how bad her life was in high school, being the geekiest geek and very much bullied by the cheerleaders of the school. So after she left school, removed her braces and got a swanky PR job - her life changed. She's no longer than geeky girl she used to be but someone who found a confidence back and........... her nightmare has only just begun.

Bell was going back home to attend her brother's wedding only to realise the mean cheerleader who ruined her life in highschool was going to be her sister-in-law. It got a lot more fun when Bell's mother Gail (Jamie Lee-curtis) met her high school rivalry at the wedding too.

Too much high school drama? Fret not. "You Again" was highly entertaining with the funniest lines and almost every scene was funny. Don't think too much of this film because it's really one of those films where you get to relax and enjoy.

Director Andy Fickman trots out American Granny, Betty White as well, which was really endearing imo. There's no reason why anybody wouldn't laugh with Granny Betty White. I felt that "You Again" carried great messages about second chances - making mistakes is part of life, “how we fix them is what matters.”

I'm just not so sure if Kristin Bell is going to be our next Disney American Sweetheart.

Movie: The Social Network

"The Social Network" - A story about the founders of the social-networking website, Facebook.

Mark Zuckerberg is one of those "Accidental Millionaires". He probably knew his creation was going help him earn big bucks but didn't know how many zeros was he talking about right there.

Frankly, Facebook is a life savior in so many ways to me. In so many ways that I couldn't explain. But I'm sure you know how this magic works. How did I wind up with 1000 over friends (some I don't even know but I thought was good to have LOL) and how cyber stalking became one of my favourite things to do? Well, I gotta thank Mark Zuckerberg.

First of all, I've to tell you that the characters portrayed in the show are all real people, and the events depicted in the film are all, within reason, real events that actually happened. If I didn't watch this film, I wouldn't have known that the Facebook's past is littered with lawsuits and conflicts.

I felt the whole film was very smoothly played. It was a little confusing at the beginning because the scenes switched from past and present so quickly but eventually I got the hang of it. Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg was awkward and surprisingly very believable. Hey, he may not be the next Shia Lebauf but I like this dude. There's something interesting about his delivery and performance that exude a unique sense of star quality. Justin Timberlake was suave Sean Parker, who in a way was a conman at some degree, was quite a delight to watch. (forget his role in The Love Guru, he should have NEVER accepted that role)

The Social Network was witty, funny, highly entertaining with a dark sense of pessimism. Well, at the end of the day the hard truth stares at you hard in the face - it's lonely being on top. If there was a 'like' button to this movie, I'm so likin' it.

Movie: Eat Pray Love

Hmmm... Mixed feelings about this one.

I was smitten by the book and the author, still am but the movie just didn't quite did it for me. But it does sound like an impossible feat to pack Liz Gilbert's journey in 3 countries in a 2.5hours movie. So this shall pass too. *grin*

The movie failed to bring out the real essence of the book of how the Real Gilbert walked out of her old self and rediscovered her world a different way. The movie also failed to make us feel the pain she went through during her failed marriage with her first husband and estranged relationship with a younger man. She went through so many heartaches in her life and which everyone of them was a classic but the movie failed to portray any of it.

You can watch the film for a visual feast though, if you haven't been to Italy, India or Bali.

1 thing for sure, there was no one better to play Elizabeth Gilbert other than Julia Roberts. Some people hate her because she's always playing these self-discovery roles which can get a little sick of watching but as a matter of fact, I love her. I can rewatch Pretty Woman 10 times a year and not get sick of it. It's a fact - Julia Roberts will always be that actress to be remembered by her unwavering star quality (having a huge mouth was just an added distinctive feature to remember by). Many starlets tried to study her and wish they could be half as romantic on screen the Julia Roberts way but failed. Why? Frankly, there can only be 1 Pretty woman.

Movie: The Town

Just caught The Town over the weekend and I thought Ben Affleck directed his ass off this one ;)

The film started with a solemn typography introduction of the dark side of Boston - Charlestown, and it escalates with a bank robbery where Affleck and gang held the bank manager (played by Rebecca Hall, Vicky Christina Barcelona) as hostage letting her off without killing her and the tragedy slowly unfolds...

Bank robberies and car chases were definitely the highlights of the film, showing elements of Grand theft auto. The plot was rather predictable but don't hold against it - The Town was highly entertaining, exciting, filled with solid performances (Jon Hamm from Mad Men, Jeremy Renner from The Hurt locker), funny at some points (super gangsta humor) and relatively charming. I felt the film was genuine from start to end. No dirty tricks, no gimmicks or make believe.

Side note: Blake Lively (Gossip Girl) is definitely a rising star. Despite the fact that sometimes I can't make out what she's saying but she's always smokin' hot even with badly drawn eye make-up. Can't wait to see her in The Green Lantern.

Favorites

Everyone has a favorite. You're my current flavor. Ok, back to favorites.

"Across the Universe" has to be one of my favorite, favorite films.



Learn to live without rules and love without fear.



On a side note, just food for thought: A key that open many locks is a Master key. A lock that could be opened by many keys is a lousy lock.

Movie Picks: This is it

I told a friend of mine last week that I booked tickets to Michael Jackson's documentary movie "This is it" because it is only going to be screened for 2 weeks.

His replied was, "Haha, that guy just doesn't die ain't it?"

Truth be told, I think MJ will continue to live on forever in our minds, ears, and hearts.

There isn't much to tell you about the movie because they're just clips captured during MJ's London concert rehearsals. He was so energetic, he was hands on throughout production and was truly excited about the show. What is so bizarre about his death is - how could it happen? How could such an energetic and enthusiastic person die so suddenly just before the concert?

Michael Jackson is such an icon, people judge him, people label him.. people love and hate him.. I guess this is what they mean by "It is lonely on top".

I grew up listening to his hits. I was never really a fan. I enjoyed a couple of his tracks and find him a joy to watch on TV when I was little. As I grew older and new generation of pop stars take over the scene, MJ's still talked about but only in the bad light. The media talked about his lifestyle, his spendthrift shopping habits, his impossible skin and face, his everything, his life.. People just couldn't stop judging him but he still remained as the King of Pop, as the idol of many.

After his death, I paid more attention to his music and music videos. I'm sure there are many others who only started to listen more to his music after his death, though that is a shame on us. I discovered that not only is he a true performer, he is also a genius. I am convinced why so many people out there made him their idol because he is truly original and unique. You can never find someone so special else where. His passion for music deserves more than just respect. I can watch any of his videos at any time and still feel awed by his talent and originality.

I believe even after 50 years, MJ will still be talked about. His good and his bad. The media and press will still be writing about his achievements and his wacko moments. He will be living amongst our memories. His death is not the end of his legacy. It is only the beginning.

Michael Jackson, you'll always be remembered and loved.
For all the wonderful memories you created and left behind, Thank You.

Movie Picks: My Sister's Keeper

"You don't love someone because they're perfect. You love them in spite of the fact that they're not." - Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper.

I remember when I first read the book, I knew from the first few pages, I was going to feel extremely sad about life and it was almost definite that I'd cry; which was why I walked into the theatre prepared with kleenex.

Anyway, the plot in a nutshell: Anna Ftizgerald was born to save her sister, Kate's life. Kate was diagnose with Leukemia, a very rare cancer disease and the doctor decided that maybe if her parents gave birth to another sibling, Kate might have a chance to live. This was how Anna came about. After 11 years, Anna decided that she couldn't do it anymore (trust me, there were complications...), so she filed for medical emancipation against her parents.

I've read reviews and saw clips of the movie before watching it. And also read an interview 8days did with Cameron Diaz last week. (She looks amazing on the cover, btw!) And I must comment, for once, Diaz is not making you laugh. She is making you cry. She must have not slept for days for the show to get those crazy eye bags!

Sorry, I digress. In the interview, Cameron made a very interesting statement which even myself couldn't have agreed more, "I think that we're all warriors. The passion that we have is the thing that feeds our ability to be a warrior." It is true. Too darn true. Everyone in the Fitzgerald family is constantly fighting. Fight against their fears. Fear of losing someone close, fear of death, fear of giving up... But being as a family, they've learned to sacrifice for one another to keep the family from falling apart. They're warriors. True warriors.

Sofia Vassilieva, who acted as sickly Kate, is an upcoming rising star. She does not possess sweet, cute looks but she has a certain charm in her that makes her shine throughout the movie. I look forward to her future gigs. Abigail Breslin is as usual, being at her best in every film she decides to partake. From "Little Miss Sunshine", "Definitely Maybe", to "No Reservation", Breslin is a young starlet I find hard to resist. She's like an adult trapped in a young child's body and at the same time looking as cute as a button.

Of course, the Movie is nothing like the book because the book is 100 times sadder. But at least the movie followed very closely to the book without changing much details. Readers who enjoyed the book will most likely enjoy the movie. I'm not going to spoil it for you because I want you to watch it and tell me how you feel about it.

The movie is definitely not a feel-good movie. I teared so much, I feel embarrassed. However, go watch the movie and you'll realize how blessed you are sitting right where you are munching on that popcorn where there are many other people who's suffering and wondering when's their last day of sunshine. Oh yeah, bring your kleenex, you will need them.

Goodnight.

Next Movie Review: (500) days of Summer

Upcoming Movies: New york, I love you

There are so many great movies coming this fall. And I personally can't wait for this one.

:)

Movie Picks: Julie & Julia

It was a last minute decision, Lala and I decided to go a late night Movie (Sarah joined us too). Lala get to pick the venue and I get to pick the Movie. My mind was fixed on watching "Julie & Julia".

Right after Devil's wear Prada, Meryl Streep still surprises me every time I see her on the big screen. She never fails to make her audience laugh, cry and think. This time as Julia, Streep is a huge bundle of joy. I know, I know - it is hard to imagine her that way but she totally is. She was extremely theatrical in this one, it was a little hard to watch at the beginning because she was laughing too much (and often) and so easily excitable - hardly even how I imagined her to be; but as we watched on, she becomes so irritatingly adorable.. she grows on you. And without surprises, Streep has outdone herself. Again.

Both Streep and Adams were 2 women in different times and place, sharing many similarities they're facing in their lives. They both needed something to do. Though, Adams being in a more recent era, needed something to do with her mundane and almost failing life. Both started a regime with cooking. Cooking opened up both their eyes and heart to things they could have never encountered. Like what they said, "The first step is always difficult".

However both of them were fearless women with so much determination to make it happen. And they did.

Like most things, we all need courage (a lot of it, in fact) to make something that seemed impossible to master, happen. So, with a little love, faith and some imagination, anything is possible. I enjoyed how I was so engaged in both their lives (felt like I was time-traveling every 5 minutes!) and feasting my eyes with french delicacies. Sometimes the movies just make everything seem so easy.

I say, follow your heart... Make the best out of your life. Bon appétit!

how I long for you to sing beneath the clear blue skies

I love rerun of old movies! But anyway, right now Channel 5 is screening Runaway bride starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

I remembered back then when I watched it on DVD, I enjoyed it so much although I know it's not a sequeal to Pretty Woman but it's still great. It got me thinking, you know, marriage is such.. a big thing. It's such a big thing to a man, it's an even bigger thing to a woman. It has to be perfect. It doesnt have to be with the perfect person, but the wedding has. to. be. perfect.

I loved the part where Maggie (Roberts) was anxiously thinking if Graham would run away instead of her, how she constantly reminded herself about the wedding.. how she really can do this on her own. But she still couldn't anyway. Sometimes you're just scared. You're just afraid to do the right thing.


Maggie Carpenter: I love you, Homer Eisenhower Graham.
Will you marry me?
Ike Graham: I... I've got to think about this a little bit.
Maggie Carpenter: Good. I was hoping you'd say that.
Ike Graham: [laughing] You were not!
Maggie Carpenter: I was, because if you said "yes" right away, then I wouldn't get to say this next part, and I've been practicing. [Maggie sits down, clears her throat]
Maggie Carpenter: Ready?
Ike Graham: I'm listening.
Maggie Carpenter: I guarantee there'll be tough times. I guarantee that at some point, one or both of us is going to want get out. But I also guarantee... [starts to cry]
Maggie Carpenter: ...that if I don't ask you to be mine, I'll regret it for the rest of my life. Because I know in my heart... you're the only one for me.


At my future wedding, I know I'd be happy and scared at the same time. And I know sometimes I run away from things because I'm messed up. But I hope, the person I'll be marrying would love me for me and want to be with me for the rest of his life.. and of course, love all my bestfriends, be ok with them sleeping over sometimes, we'll probably be talking till 3am.. But I can be very sure, I won't run away unless you're running away with me.

I've a feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night

UP



You can always trust Pixar to come up with something good, each time they deliver. The short wordless prelude to the movie about how Carl and Ellie fell in love, got married, keep the house, had a miscarriage and till Ellie had her last breath, you can't help but feel the pain of lost the same way Carl did.

The adventure of Russel, Carl, Doug and Kevin (the sniper) brought us all on an adventure like never before. I admire Russel's Never-say-die Attitude as a Wilderness Scout, he reminded me how we lost this childliked-ness along the way while growing up.


I laughed and I cried. I don't remember when was the last time I felt this good stepping out of the Theatre.


Go watch it if you haven't. It's out this week!