This is an obligatory december post, to make sure the month doesn't go by without any posting.
Many great live changing things have happened since my last post. I can't write any of them here yet. But it will be here soon.
So, overall 2007 seems like any other year mostly, except for the major live changing event said above. So, actually it's been a great year. Hopefully 2008 will live up to it.
Next, more detailed reflections and the usual new year's resolutions.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
good day to blog
My friend Ivan who also happens to be a famous youtube pianist (under alias "honouredman") has just posted his latest masterpiece: an interpretation of Rihanna's Umbrella
I'd just say wow, it's one of the best one I've heard. Umbrella is a very popular song and I like it because it's so unashamedly cheesy, it's good. I've heard many interpretations of it and I don't like many of them, especially the acoustic ones like Mandy Moore's or Jamie Digby's because they become serious, they totally miss the point (you cannot sing the "Ella, Ella, Ella" part to a serious effect). For a good interpretation, search in youtube for Gerard Way/ My Chemical Romance short performance of the song in youtube. Anyway, yeah, I was surprised that Ivan pulled it off beautifully, making the song sad and melancholic. Perhaps it helps that it was a piano rendition without lyrics, but it's a successful piece nonetheless.
Lastly, I was referred to this video by Liam, who said it makes him ashamed to be singaporean:
WOW. OMG. I'm speechless. I totally understand Liam's feelings. Normally, I would say something here about Singapore government. But I think the video speaks for itself.
Btw, it also reminded me of a similar infamous rap video last year: the Hong Kong CPA (ie accountants)rap video:
If you ask me, I think the MDA rap made the the HK CPA one looks like Tupac (and no, MDA is no notorious).
I'd just say wow, it's one of the best one I've heard. Umbrella is a very popular song and I like it because it's so unashamedly cheesy, it's good. I've heard many interpretations of it and I don't like many of them, especially the acoustic ones like Mandy Moore's or Jamie Digby's because they become serious, they totally miss the point (you cannot sing the "Ella, Ella, Ella" part to a serious effect). For a good interpretation, search in youtube for Gerard Way/ My Chemical Romance short performance of the song in youtube. Anyway, yeah, I was surprised that Ivan pulled it off beautifully, making the song sad and melancholic. Perhaps it helps that it was a piano rendition without lyrics, but it's a successful piece nonetheless.
Lastly, I was referred to this video by Liam, who said it makes him ashamed to be singaporean:
WOW. OMG. I'm speechless. I totally understand Liam's feelings. Normally, I would say something here about Singapore government. But I think the video speaks for itself.
Btw, it also reminded me of a similar infamous rap video last year: the Hong Kong CPA (ie accountants)rap video:
If you ask me, I think the MDA rap made the the HK CPA one looks like Tupac (and no, MDA is no notorious).
Monday, November 26, 2007
as thanksgiving ends, work starts again
So last week was thanksgiving. I went to Las Vegas, Ventura and Solvang with some friends. Overall, it was an okay trip, nothing much happened. I was awed by Vegas when I first went there 3 years ago, but on my 2nd trip now, i'm not that impressed anymore, just like New York. I remembered Solvang from the movie Sideways; I really wanted to do some wine tasting there, just like the movie. But the rest of the group just wanted to walk around in a short time. So, no luck. Beautiful town, though.
So, it was an okay-ish vacation. But for others in the group, it was a good break. Natm and Karina dreaded to go back to work on Monday. I didn't. It's not like I loved work or anything, but I'm just apathetic. I don't care, it's just work.
Right now, I'm finishing my workday. I have to say I definitely missed the trip already.
No, it's not because it was a holiday. It was still an okay-ish trip
No, it's not because work sucks.
It's because some things that don't happen often, some things you wish that would not end, happened.
It was not just an okay-ish trip. It was a memorable and meaningful one too. =)
So, it was an okay-ish vacation. But for others in the group, it was a good break. Natm and Karina dreaded to go back to work on Monday. I didn't. It's not like I loved work or anything, but I'm just apathetic. I don't care, it's just work.
Right now, I'm finishing my workday. I have to say I definitely missed the trip already.
No, it's not because it was a holiday. It was still an okay-ish trip
No, it's not because work sucks.
It's because some things that don't happen often, some things you wish that would not end, happened.
It was not just an okay-ish trip. It was a memorable and meaningful one too. =)
Friday, November 9, 2007
Cloudy, Gloomy San Jose
Entries that usually start by talking about the weather might sound boring. But I digress.
Gray clouds have been hovering San Jose for a couple of days. But it doesn't rain. I am used to this kind of fall weather in bay area already, but some rain would be nice. I love rain. and if the sky is gray it doesn't rain, I feel gloomy. I described the San Jose weather - to a friend - "is like watching someone who wants to cry, but instead the person holds back so much, he/she appears gloomy." My friend said I'm too dramatic. all right, the weather made me do that.
I never talked about work, but now I'm just going to mention something trivial or even silly. One task that my group is in charge on is chip testing. I was recently being introduced to that. Apparently, the department has been testing on ELMO boards and they're switching to OSCAR next year. When I learnt that, I can't help but wonder who came up with the "Sesame Street"-inspired naming scheme. Elmo? Oscar? anyone?
Now, for something disgusting. I really mean disgusting. For the past 3 weeks or so, every time I shit, my ass bleeds. It's frightening me, I thought I got cancer or something. According to WebMD, I have to drink more water and eat more fibre. I am reluctant to drink more because I think I have drink enough water and drinking more will result in more unnecessary toilet visits. As for fibre, I think I have eaten enough as I eat vegetable everyday. But just to be safe than sorry, I'm drinking more and eating fruits like bananas for the next few days. If it doesn't improve, doctor it is then.
Wedding Blues:
Couple of days ago, when I was in a taiwanese restaurant, I saw a poster advertising Jay Chou's concert in LA on Christmas eve. Damn, I was so disappointed. I'd be in Indonesia for the last 2 weeks of December for my cousin's wedding. So, I definitely can't attend that. I am a big fan of Jay Chou and I've known for some time that he's going on a world tour soon, but I didn't expect it to be on Christmas. The last time Jay Chou was here was in 2004. 3 years ago. Maybe I have to wait until I eventually go back to asia for good before I can attend his concert.
That's not the only thing I have to skip. Novie asked if I'd be interested to go to Seattle at the last few days of 2007. I'd be glad, even if I have been there 4 years ago. At least it Rains in Seattle, unlike San Jose. But alas, I can't go.
Why was the wedding chosen in December? why not next year? The year 2008 sounds good in chinese, especially due to the year ending with the chinese lucky number 8. Not to mention the sure to be fully crowded, and dreaded by the sharks and abalone population around the world, date of 08-08-08 (8 August 2008). But my grandma consulted the chinese calendar and determined that next year is a bad year for wedding, so it has to be done asap. So here we are.
I am happy for my cousin and future cousin-in-law and I will definitely come for the big occasion. But for making me miss Jay Chou's concert and a trip to Seattle, Thanks Grandma.
Gray clouds have been hovering San Jose for a couple of days. But it doesn't rain. I am used to this kind of fall weather in bay area already, but some rain would be nice. I love rain. and if the sky is gray it doesn't rain, I feel gloomy. I described the San Jose weather - to a friend - "is like watching someone who wants to cry, but instead the person holds back so much, he/she appears gloomy." My friend said I'm too dramatic. all right, the weather made me do that.
I never talked about work, but now I'm just going to mention something trivial or even silly. One task that my group is in charge on is chip testing. I was recently being introduced to that. Apparently, the department has been testing on ELMO boards and they're switching to OSCAR next year. When I learnt that, I can't help but wonder who came up with the "Sesame Street"-inspired naming scheme. Elmo? Oscar? anyone?
Now, for something disgusting. I really mean disgusting. For the past 3 weeks or so, every time I shit, my ass bleeds. It's frightening me, I thought I got cancer or something. According to WebMD, I have to drink more water and eat more fibre. I am reluctant to drink more because I think I have drink enough water and drinking more will result in more unnecessary toilet visits. As for fibre, I think I have eaten enough as I eat vegetable everyday. But just to be safe than sorry, I'm drinking more and eating fruits like bananas for the next few days. If it doesn't improve, doctor it is then.
Wedding Blues:
Couple of days ago, when I was in a taiwanese restaurant, I saw a poster advertising Jay Chou's concert in LA on Christmas eve. Damn, I was so disappointed. I'd be in Indonesia for the last 2 weeks of December for my cousin's wedding. So, I definitely can't attend that. I am a big fan of Jay Chou and I've known for some time that he's going on a world tour soon, but I didn't expect it to be on Christmas. The last time Jay Chou was here was in 2004. 3 years ago. Maybe I have to wait until I eventually go back to asia for good before I can attend his concert.
That's not the only thing I have to skip. Novie asked if I'd be interested to go to Seattle at the last few days of 2007. I'd be glad, even if I have been there 4 years ago. At least it Rains in Seattle, unlike San Jose. But alas, I can't go.
Why was the wedding chosen in December? why not next year? The year 2008 sounds good in chinese, especially due to the year ending with the chinese lucky number 8. Not to mention the sure to be fully crowded, and dreaded by the sharks and abalone population around the world, date of 08-08-08 (8 August 2008). But my grandma consulted the chinese calendar and determined that next year is a bad year for wedding, so it has to be done asap. So here we are.
I am happy for my cousin and future cousin-in-law and I will definitely come for the big occasion. But for making me miss Jay Chou's concert and a trip to Seattle, Thanks Grandma.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Back to Blog
Okay, I know it's been way too long since I wrote something. I'm really sorry, I admit I've been too lazy and I have to drag myself back here. But, since i'm already here, what the hell.
What has happened since my last entry? well, a lot, and a lot of them occured on my 2 months vacation in indonesia (jkt, bandung, pontianak, yogyakarta) and singapore. So does that mean I can blog regularly now since I have stories to tell? Well, I don't know. Firstly, my vacation ended 1 month ago, not sure if I still remember many things though. But most importantly - I'll use a recent event to show it: recently, I had dinner with a friend when I just came back. During the dinner, there was an awkward moment when both of us don't speak. My friend said, "why are you so quiet?" and I replied something like, and I think it was my first time ever replying with that, "I'm quiet because I have so many things I want to say, but I don't know where to start (or 'what to say')". Same thing applies to this blog. To some people/bloggers, words flow easily but not for me.
Speaking of people who has stopped blogging until now, 2 of my friends (tin and willtio) and my sister has not blogged for ages. So, I guess I'm not alone.
===
Popular Taiwanese multi-hyphenate singer-songwriter-actor-film director Jay Chou, whose directorial film debut Secret is surprisingly decent, has a new album coming out (or already coming out) on Nov 2. It's called On The Run in English, but its real title is Wo Hen Mang (lit. I'm Very Busy). Now, Jay Chou normally releases one album per year (which quality never improve one after another) and for the last 3 albums, I have never been exactly impressed by the first single released from each album. But for this album, I was actually amused and enjoyed the first single, Niu Zai Hen Mang (Cowboy is very busy). It's the first time, I think, Jay attempted a country-inspired cowboy song and adds humour to it. It's not a great song by any means, but it's really fun and it breaks the usual ballad/rap/rock trend of his first album song, giving me some optimism for this album. You can find the music video easily in youtube. As for the album, I'm probably going to listen to it this weekend. Review? who knows.
I haven't told a lot of people about this, but I have a huge crush on actress Emmy Rossum since I saw her in The Day After Tomorrow 3 years ago. I even braved through the rather terrible The Phantom of The Opera movie just to see her. She hasn't made any movie since last year's Poseidon (which I haven't watched). So, I was surprised that she is actually a recording artist and she has a new album and song already out now in store. Her first single is called "Slow Me Down". Here's the youtube video.
The song sounds like a cross between Frou Frou/Imogen Heap and Enya, which is surprising coming from someone who hit high notes as Christine in Phantom. According to wikipedia, she said this about her album, "I was inspired to cut this album because I'm so frustrated listening to the radio these days." While I'm heartened that she has the right intentions for her music and that she isn't following other young female pop singers by attempting something different, I still must say that "Slow Me Down" isn't really good and doesn't even reach the best of the aforementioned artists that inspired it. So, Emmy darling, try harder. Oh, please make movies again, good and interesting ones at least.
Lastly, let's move on to movies, the X-Files 2 movie is now official and it's coming next July. I used to treat each X-Files 2 movie rumors with a grain of salt since it's been too long and the series' complicated plot can probably never be resolved. But now that it's confirmed, all I can say is, Hell Yeah, Bring it on! Man, this brings back a lot of nostalgia. Remember the days when shows like X-Files and Friends ruled the air? I really can't wait to stand in line and see this. I hope they do this movie like The Simpsons; Please bring everybody back: Agent Skinner, Cigarrette Smoking Man, Alex Krycek, and even The Lone Gunmen from the dead. Please, Please do so and you'll make me a very happy X-Files fan. But that probably won't happen since it's reported that the movie won't focus on the conspiracy/mythology storyline. Meanwhile, I'll probably have to start revisiting the series too while waiting until July.
So that's all for today folks, I think I've already written plenty for a comeback entry, no?
What has happened since my last entry? well, a lot, and a lot of them occured on my 2 months vacation in indonesia (jkt, bandung, pontianak, yogyakarta) and singapore. So does that mean I can blog regularly now since I have stories to tell? Well, I don't know. Firstly, my vacation ended 1 month ago, not sure if I still remember many things though. But most importantly - I'll use a recent event to show it: recently, I had dinner with a friend when I just came back. During the dinner, there was an awkward moment when both of us don't speak. My friend said, "why are you so quiet?" and I replied something like, and I think it was my first time ever replying with that, "I'm quiet because I have so many things I want to say, but I don't know where to start (or 'what to say')". Same thing applies to this blog. To some people/bloggers, words flow easily but not for me.
Speaking of people who has stopped blogging until now, 2 of my friends (tin and willtio) and my sister has not blogged for ages. So, I guess I'm not alone.
===
Popular Taiwanese multi-hyphenate singer-songwriter-actor-film director Jay Chou, whose directorial film debut Secret is surprisingly decent, has a new album coming out (or already coming out) on Nov 2. It's called On The Run in English, but its real title is Wo Hen Mang (lit. I'm Very Busy). Now, Jay Chou normally releases one album per year (which quality never improve one after another) and for the last 3 albums, I have never been exactly impressed by the first single released from each album. But for this album, I was actually amused and enjoyed the first single, Niu Zai Hen Mang (Cowboy is very busy). It's the first time, I think, Jay attempted a country-inspired cowboy song and adds humour to it. It's not a great song by any means, but it's really fun and it breaks the usual ballad/rap/rock trend of his first album song, giving me some optimism for this album. You can find the music video easily in youtube. As for the album, I'm probably going to listen to it this weekend. Review? who knows.
I haven't told a lot of people about this, but I have a huge crush on actress Emmy Rossum since I saw her in The Day After Tomorrow 3 years ago. I even braved through the rather terrible The Phantom of The Opera movie just to see her. She hasn't made any movie since last year's Poseidon (which I haven't watched). So, I was surprised that she is actually a recording artist and she has a new album and song already out now in store. Her first single is called "Slow Me Down". Here's the youtube video.
The song sounds like a cross between Frou Frou/Imogen Heap and Enya, which is surprising coming from someone who hit high notes as Christine in Phantom. According to wikipedia, she said this about her album, "I was inspired to cut this album because I'm so frustrated listening to the radio these days." While I'm heartened that she has the right intentions for her music and that she isn't following other young female pop singers by attempting something different, I still must say that "Slow Me Down" isn't really good and doesn't even reach the best of the aforementioned artists that inspired it. So, Emmy darling, try harder. Oh, please make movies again, good and interesting ones at least.
Lastly, let's move on to movies, the X-Files 2 movie is now official and it's coming next July. I used to treat each X-Files 2 movie rumors with a grain of salt since it's been too long and the series' complicated plot can probably never be resolved. But now that it's confirmed, all I can say is, Hell Yeah, Bring it on! Man, this brings back a lot of nostalgia. Remember the days when shows like X-Files and Friends ruled the air? I really can't wait to stand in line and see this. I hope they do this movie like The Simpsons; Please bring everybody back: Agent Skinner, Cigarrette Smoking Man, Alex Krycek, and even The Lone Gunmen from the dead. Please, Please do so and you'll make me a very happy X-Files fan. But that probably won't happen since it's reported that the movie won't focus on the conspiracy/mythology storyline. Meanwhile, I'll probably have to start revisiting the series too while waiting until July.
So that's all for today folks, I think I've already written plenty for a comeback entry, no?
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Last Day At Work
Today is my last day at work. My OPT has expired. I will be back working on Oct 1 (which in a neat coincidence happen to be on Monday) when my H1 starts.
I don't know what else to write. I wouldn't comment on my work life because I don't want to risk it. But then again, I should do some reflection. I like my company, my director and supervisor and my coworkers, couldn't have asked for a better place to start your first job. But I wish for more challenge, like a development job. But I haven't really worked that hard at my current job too. So I have to do something before I can get it. That's about it for my job now. Hopefully I can come back fresher than ever.
I'm going back to Singapore on Aug 1. Hopefully to Jakarta the next week to settle the H1B visa as early as possible. I will be all over the place in Jakarta, Singapore and Pontianak and maybe more because I want to visit many places too. Until then, I'll be here waiting for the Simpsons on July 27. That's the reason why I don't go back immediately.
I don't know what else to write. I wouldn't comment on my work life because I don't want to risk it. But then again, I should do some reflection. I like my company, my director and supervisor and my coworkers, couldn't have asked for a better place to start your first job. But I wish for more challenge, like a development job. But I haven't really worked that hard at my current job too. So I have to do something before I can get it. That's about it for my job now. Hopefully I can come back fresher than ever.
I'm going back to Singapore on Aug 1. Hopefully to Jakarta the next week to settle the H1B visa as early as possible. I will be all over the place in Jakarta, Singapore and Pontianak and maybe more because I want to visit many places too. Until then, I'll be here waiting for the Simpsons on July 27. That's the reason why I don't go back immediately.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Transformer Review and other stuffs
Last week, Independence Day night, I watched Transformers.
If there's such thing as Scariest Four Words to me, it would be "A Michael Bay Film".
Michael Bay is a talented and perhaps the best action film director today. However, he also carries with him a lot of baggages and contempt for the audience. Watching a Michael Bay film tend to be a painful Experience, especially since Pearl Harbor.
Thankfully, I am not a big Transformers fan in the first place. I didn't grow up watching the cartoons (although I did watch Beast Wars briefly). So, I won't be affected if Michael Bay bastardizes the property.
However, it's still a Michael Bay film and I still enter the Theater with fear...
Fortunately, the movie turns out all right, it was an enjoyable experience.
But make no mistake, this is still a Michael Bay film and he shows no sign of changing his trademark annoying filmmaking characteristics:
- Overly bright orangey sun in the background "cinematography". Check.
- Sweaty characters. Check.
- Strongly positive representation of US military. Check.
- Macho and manly US soldiers. Check.
- Camera that moves around so quickly as if it's nobody's business. Check.
- Fast cutting for ADD people. Check
and of course,
- Kickass action scenes that will blow away everyone else
and for this movie:
- Kickass special effects for the Transformation that has to be seen to be believed. I expect, no I insist, this film win the Best Special Effects for next year's Oscars. Pirates of the Carribean be damned.
Why do I enjoy this movie? Well, maybe after being familiar with Bay's idiosyncrasies, I am no longer annoyed much by it. Also, the premise itself is very corny and thankfully the film never tries to hide it and Michael Bay's bigger, flashier, louder is better approach actually works for the film. It's like there's so many things going on but you probably won't care and just sit down and marvel at the whole thing.
Problems with the movie? Excluding Bay's problems, the story is really too overly complicated (including Spider-Man 3 and Pirates, is 2007 the year of summer blockbusters with complex stories?), the integration of US military participation could probably be taken out (but perhaps the support of the military could be lost too). At times, the movie feel like a long commercial for the following products, if I recall correctly: The Hasbro Transformers toys, Nokia, XBOX, Ebay, Mountain Dew, GM Cars, etc. Worst of all, as exciting as the action scenes are when it comes to the robots fighting each other, things get so hectic that we never really know who's fighting who; depending on your tolerance for such thing that could be bad.
So verdict for what is essentially a robot movie, a US military recruitment, a long commercials and a Michael bay film rolled into one?
===================================
Miscellaneous Stuffs:
If you want to watch Transformers in US, make sure you get there early. You will see what is perhaps the best teaser trailer ever made:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/11808/
The film is still untitled. It's currently known as Untitled JJ Abrams Project or its fake title (Cloverfield). I really can't wait for this one.
After over 60 hours of Gameplay, I finally finished Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess on my Gamecube. Final boss battle wasn't that hard but it was quite frustating. For being the 1st Zelda game that I have ever played, I think it was a great but wasn't That Great experience. Now, as promised, it's finally time to sell the Gamecube and get a Wii.
I have contacted US Embassy in Jakarta for appointment for My H-1B visa. I was hoping to get 6-10 August appointment. They said it's too early now and they'll let me know.
Next? a short review of what I think is perhaps the best, if not the most important, film of the year.
If there's such thing as Scariest Four Words to me, it would be "A Michael Bay Film".
Michael Bay is a talented and perhaps the best action film director today. However, he also carries with him a lot of baggages and contempt for the audience. Watching a Michael Bay film tend to be a painful Experience, especially since Pearl Harbor.
Thankfully, I am not a big Transformers fan in the first place. I didn't grow up watching the cartoons (although I did watch Beast Wars briefly). So, I won't be affected if Michael Bay bastardizes the property.
However, it's still a Michael Bay film and I still enter the Theater with fear...
Fortunately, the movie turns out all right, it was an enjoyable experience.
But make no mistake, this is still a Michael Bay film and he shows no sign of changing his trademark annoying filmmaking characteristics:
- Overly bright orangey sun in the background "cinematography". Check.
- Sweaty characters. Check.
- Strongly positive representation of US military. Check.
- Macho and manly US soldiers. Check.
- Camera that moves around so quickly as if it's nobody's business. Check.
- Fast cutting for ADD people. Check
and of course,
- Kickass action scenes that will blow away everyone else
and for this movie:
- Kickass special effects for the Transformation that has to be seen to be believed. I expect, no I insist, this film win the Best Special Effects for next year's Oscars. Pirates of the Carribean be damned.
Why do I enjoy this movie? Well, maybe after being familiar with Bay's idiosyncrasies, I am no longer annoyed much by it. Also, the premise itself is very corny and thankfully the film never tries to hide it and Michael Bay's bigger, flashier, louder is better approach actually works for the film. It's like there's so many things going on but you probably won't care and just sit down and marvel at the whole thing.
Problems with the movie? Excluding Bay's problems, the story is really too overly complicated (including Spider-Man 3 and Pirates, is 2007 the year of summer blockbusters with complex stories?), the integration of US military participation could probably be taken out (but perhaps the support of the military could be lost too). At times, the movie feel like a long commercial for the following products, if I recall correctly: The Hasbro Transformers toys, Nokia, XBOX, Ebay, Mountain Dew, GM Cars, etc. Worst of all, as exciting as the action scenes are when it comes to the robots fighting each other, things get so hectic that we never really know who's fighting who; depending on your tolerance for such thing that could be bad.
So verdict for what is essentially a robot movie, a US military recruitment, a long commercials and a Michael bay film rolled into one?
===================================
Miscellaneous Stuffs:
If you want to watch Transformers in US, make sure you get there early. You will see what is perhaps the best teaser trailer ever made:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/11808/
The film is still untitled. It's currently known as Untitled JJ Abrams Project or its fake title (Cloverfield). I really can't wait for this one.
After over 60 hours of Gameplay, I finally finished Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess on my Gamecube. Final boss battle wasn't that hard but it was quite frustating. For being the 1st Zelda game that I have ever played, I think it was a great but wasn't That Great experience. Now, as promised, it's finally time to sell the Gamecube and get a Wii.
I have contacted US Embassy in Jakarta for appointment for My H-1B visa. I was hoping to get 6-10 August appointment. They said it's too early now and they'll let me know.
Next? a short review of what I think is perhaps the best, if not the most important, film of the year.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Yippee Kee Yay Mother-*BANG!*-er
Yep, that's the way the iconic line is heard in this 4th installment of Die Hard. and you thought Melon Farmer is really creative censoring.
I really wanted to love the movie, I really do, especially since I saw the kickass trailer. For the most part, the movie seems to have everything a Die Hard movie should have: great action set pieces and Bruce Willis as the cool badass John McClane. However, in the end - maybe I was just expecting a great action movie, something that could kick Michael Bay and his robots' ass the next week - Live Free or Die Hard is just a so-so action movie.
Problems with the movie:
Story - The story is really ambitious and set up well. What if the whole technology infrastructure of the United States could be taken down within hours. It's definitely a thriller story worth exploring, except when it's a huge problem that could be solved by John McClane and his sidekick. That's really unbelievable and it requires a huge leap of faith from the audience. This story would work better if it was incorporated into a season of 24 where a team environment like CTU could handle the situation. A better story for this movie would be like the first one where the location is more confined.
Action, Directing and Editing - The movie had great action set pieces that are decently executed and done old school, but we should expect more. I never thought I'd say this but I think those action scenes were screaming for Michael Bay to come and make them more exciting. Len Wiseman had only directed Underworld movies and it shows; here, he's merely copying and following his preceding Die Hard directors. This is probably isn't much of a problem, but some of the exposition scenes are handled lazily too, it's like ok, here's the plot, get it? move along.
John McClane - I'll quote James Berardinelli in his review when he said it best: "John McClane is back - sort of. For, although this guy looks like McClane, sounds like McClane, cracks wise like McClane, says "Yippee kiyay" like McClane, and gets bloody like McClane, he doesn't always seem like McClane. Instead of an everyday guy getting the crap kicked out of him as he soldiers on to save his family, this guy is a superhero without the costume. "
... and just when I thought they saved the best for last, they mangled the iconic line at the very last scene. Yippee Kee Yay Motherfucker to everyone in the production indeed.
In some ways this film reminded me of Jackie Chan's New Police Story - an old action franchise getting reactivated one last time. Unlike that horrible film where its attempt to reinvent the main character failed spectacularly, at least this movie still knows what makes the franchise great. However it just never finds its greatness even if it had all the elements. Would there be another Die Hard? perhaps the last redeeming one like Rocky Balboa? One can only hope, but maybe by then Bruce Willis would be too old for that shit again.
Live Free or Die Hard (aka Die Hard 4.0)
Rating: 3 out of 5
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
End of F/TV 20 Spring 2007: My Film Sucks
So last monday night was the last night of the F/TV 20 - Introduction to Filmmaking class in De Anza College that I have been attending for the last 12 weeks. As expected, since it's the last day, it's the day where everyone shows their film.
Wow, was I blown away by everyone's works. This is an intro film class, and yet I see my classmates films, are full of bright ideas and brave attempts and excellent acting that forgive whatever rough quality the film have. There's a funny one about a doll which chases its owner who threw it away, there's a slapstick comedy about poker players who cheated and fought with each other, there's also another sitcom-ish story about a couple who's getting married, but one of them has a dark side, there's a sci-fi time loop story, there's even a code monkey video adaptation, and lastly a film about how an old man spends his time waiting for his wife to finish his bathroom that would perhaps make Godard or Hou Hsiau Sien or Yasuziro Ozu proud.
The best one, however goes to the story about a parent who's trying to kill a clone of his daughter, that story is very ambitious sci-fi drama for a short film. The production value was high too, it uses real actors and they could even film in downtown San Francisco and CalTrain. Wow, the only complain I have about it would be that it would be so much better if it's longer.
but what did I have to show for the night? The same old zombie flick. Yep, the now 3 years old flick since I couldn't shoot anything in the past few weeks. It's truly depressing.
Watching my classmates' films made me feel depressed. To be fair, my instructor actually singled out my film and praised its coverage. However, for me that thing is 3 years old and since then, I haven't made anything substantial. Sure my zombie flick might look "good", but my classmates' film made me feel much creatively inferior. I had always told myself to prioritize creativity above production values. But the thing is 1 reason why I haven't made anything for the past few years is because I'm so afraid of poor looking film. It's really the ultimate irony.
But besides that I also have problem (that also applies to other aspects of life besides filmmaking, e.g blogging?) getting motivated, committed and organized. I have been having some ideas kicking around and yet I'm so lazy/afraid of writing them down. My lack of social skills is also not getting me any new friends, let alone actors.
So what now? I don't know. Part of me, after watching my classmates' work and thinking of my weaknesses above, I got scared and I think I might just give up my dream of becoming a filmmaker. But another part of me knows that it's just fear and another obstacle, that is big, but has to be overcome and it won't be the last one too (parents, realities of life, etc). Besides, instead of being fearful, I should thank my classmates for reminding me again what it meant to be creative (even that zombie flick was once conceived out of a creative urge of making a good adaptation of Resident Evil). So yeah, I will not give up my filmmaking dreams. In fact, I don't want to hide in the closet anymore (no, not That closet), and I seriously want to be a film director, or at least seriously attempt it. This maybe my first open public announcement about this and to anyone who read this, please hold it back to me in the future if I, for whatever reason, still hasn't made it yet.
So what's next?
Immediately:
The Roomies (tentative title) - A "The Office" knock-off about the life of my friends who live in the same apartment. It was originally suggested by Kasim (who played the zombie) and I hope to have some complete scripts by end of October when everyone is back in states.
Untitled project - The indonesian embassy here is holding an amateur film festival to celebrate the Indonesian Independence Day. Deadline is July 21 and winner will be announced Aug 17. I still don't know what to do and not even sure if this project can be done given that I couldn't even make my last project.
So with that I say adieu. Btw, this weekend, watch Live Free or Die Hard
Wow, was I blown away by everyone's works. This is an intro film class, and yet I see my classmates films, are full of bright ideas and brave attempts and excellent acting that forgive whatever rough quality the film have. There's a funny one about a doll which chases its owner who threw it away, there's a slapstick comedy about poker players who cheated and fought with each other, there's also another sitcom-ish story about a couple who's getting married, but one of them has a dark side, there's a sci-fi time loop story, there's even a code monkey video adaptation, and lastly a film about how an old man spends his time waiting for his wife to finish his bathroom that would perhaps make Godard or Hou Hsiau Sien or Yasuziro Ozu proud.
The best one, however goes to the story about a parent who's trying to kill a clone of his daughter, that story is very ambitious sci-fi drama for a short film. The production value was high too, it uses real actors and they could even film in downtown San Francisco and CalTrain. Wow, the only complain I have about it would be that it would be so much better if it's longer.
but what did I have to show for the night? The same old zombie flick. Yep, the now 3 years old flick since I couldn't shoot anything in the past few weeks. It's truly depressing.
Watching my classmates' films made me feel depressed. To be fair, my instructor actually singled out my film and praised its coverage. However, for me that thing is 3 years old and since then, I haven't made anything substantial. Sure my zombie flick might look "good", but my classmates' film made me feel much creatively inferior. I had always told myself to prioritize creativity above production values. But the thing is 1 reason why I haven't made anything for the past few years is because I'm so afraid of poor looking film. It's really the ultimate irony.
But besides that I also have problem (that also applies to other aspects of life besides filmmaking, e.g blogging?) getting motivated, committed and organized. I have been having some ideas kicking around and yet I'm so lazy/afraid of writing them down. My lack of social skills is also not getting me any new friends, let alone actors.
So what now? I don't know. Part of me, after watching my classmates' work and thinking of my weaknesses above, I got scared and I think I might just give up my dream of becoming a filmmaker. But another part of me knows that it's just fear and another obstacle, that is big, but has to be overcome and it won't be the last one too (parents, realities of life, etc). Besides, instead of being fearful, I should thank my classmates for reminding me again what it meant to be creative (even that zombie flick was once conceived out of a creative urge of making a good adaptation of Resident Evil). So yeah, I will not give up my filmmaking dreams. In fact, I don't want to hide in the closet anymore (no, not That closet), and I seriously want to be a film director, or at least seriously attempt it. This maybe my first open public announcement about this and to anyone who read this, please hold it back to me in the future if I, for whatever reason, still hasn't made it yet.
So what's next?
Immediately:
The Roomies (tentative title) - A "The Office" knock-off about the life of my friends who live in the same apartment. It was originally suggested by Kasim (who played the zombie) and I hope to have some complete scripts by end of October when everyone is back in states.
Untitled project - The indonesian embassy here is holding an amateur film festival to celebrate the Indonesian Independence Day. Deadline is July 21 and winner will be announced Aug 17. I still don't know what to do and not even sure if this project can be done given that I couldn't even make my last project.
So with that I say adieu. Btw, this weekend, watch Live Free or Die Hard
Back to Indo
After over 1 and a 1/2 year here, I am going back to Indo, this August.
On August 1, I will fly to Singapore. I hope to go back to Indo the following week to sort out my Visa. I also would very much like (although seems unlikely) to have a road trip around Java to visit places like Borobudur, Jogja and Surabaya. I'd prefer much if it's like a trip with friends rather than a tour. But it's very unlikely since I can't think of anyone who might be able to go. If you're interested, let me know.
I'll be back to US on Sept 27.
But i'll be back to Jakarta again on Dec 18, for my cousin's wedding.
On August 1, I will fly to Singapore. I hope to go back to Indo the following week to sort out my Visa. I also would very much like (although seems unlikely) to have a road trip around Java to visit places like Borobudur, Jogja and Surabaya. I'd prefer much if it's like a trip with friends rather than a tour. But it's very unlikely since I can't think of anyone who might be able to go. If you're interested, let me know.
I'll be back to US on Sept 27.
But i'll be back to Jakarta again on Dec 18, for my cousin's wedding.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Late Reviews
This post has been sitting idle for a month, it's time to release them
Reviews of the recent stuffs I've seen on screen. The first two I watched in the recent San Francisco International Film Festival
1. Opera Jawa (directed by Garin Nugroho)
Once in a while comes a film that makes you think you're watching not just a film, but a piece of art. Not an art film, but a real piece of art. Opera Jawa is one such film. It's not a surprise to see Garin Nugroho's name on it, considering he's perhaps the closest thing Indonesian cinema ever have to an auteur.
Opera Jawa is essentially a loose retelling of the famous epic story Ramayana set in a modern time java village, focusing on the love triangle between the "Rama", "Sita" and "Rahwana" characters. The whole film is a musical done in Traditional Javanese dance and singing (hence the title, literally: Javanese Opera). There's almost no dialogue, in fact, the language is hardly Indonesian and mostly Javanese. This suits me just fine because this is the kind of musical that I like, where they create a world where it's believable to see people singing and dancing to each other. I have never watched Javanese dance before and words fail me to describe how beautiful the whole dance and songs in the films are. You have to watch it to really appreciate it. If there's any complain I have it's that the film feels too long. Javanese Dance is a beautiful art, but it's also quite slow and watching the whole thing in almost 2 hours really taxed my patience. That's what prevented me from giving this movie a perfect score. Otherwise, if you are a Javanese Art enthusiast or fanatic, you will see the masterpiece for what it truly is.
Score: 4 out of 5
There was Q&A after the screening with actor Eko Suprianto in attendance. According to him, this movie has been screened only once in Indonesia. I don't know why, but this is a real travesty.
2. Singapore Dreaming (directed by Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen)
Singapore Dreaming is a hard film to watch and review. Not because it's bad, mind you, but because I really (and painfully) identify with what the characters in the film is going through. I'm not singaporean, although I lived and studied for 4 years there. But anyone who is part of a dysfunctional chinese family, has ever lived with weight of expectations on you, and has ever lived in singapore should definitely be able to identify with this film.
This film is both a heavy drama and dark comedy that reflects on the singaporeans' inherent (and somewhat "no choice") obsession with material wealth and elitism through the story of a singaporean family who won a lottery and its aftermath. It's heavier on the drama than on the comedy. The subtlety of this film reminds me of 2006 oscar winner Crash (definitely not afraid to use the sledgehammer) - just imagine if Crash is about race relations in america, Singapore Dreaming is about Singaporeans worst nightmare, or something like that. Thankfully, directors Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen don't sugar coat their story, unlike fellow countryman Jack Neo.
I'm sorry if I can't really do a proper review of this film, feel free to talk to me about it when you have watched it.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
PS: I was very shocked and glad when director Colin Goh was present for post-screeening Q&A. He created the Singapore satirical website www.talkingcock.com and it used to fill me with a lot of laughter every week. It was definitely a real treat to see him in person, especially when you least expect it.
An interesting tidbit that pretty much tells you something about Singapore government: The movie is mostly in Hokkien and Singlish. When Colin previewed the film to the censors/film commission (forgot which one), they asked Colin if he can show the film in Mandarin in Singapore but he can show it in its original language anywhere else. Colin said his "brain just imploded right there". Eventually it was shown in its original language in Singapore, BUT, the first trailer for the film was pulled out because it feature some hokkien dialogue... hmmm.
3. Fracture (directed by Gregory Hoblit)
Hannibal Lecter goes to court, where he faces off with a talented but cocky prosecutor played by Ryan Gosling. The prosecutor thought he had the case in his hand but anybody else who has seen Anthony Hopkins in any of his Hannibal Lecter-like characters know that he is dangerously smart. When the case goes to trial, both go on a game of cat and mouse to outsmart each other.
One thing that strikes me is the cinematography, Hollywood doesn't make films like this anymore: a movie in which city of LA is shot in a noirish, glamorous, beautiful style where the sky is clear of pollution and the sunrise is so beautiful as if it's a very nice luxurious place to live in (unlike the urban LA in Training Day, Crash or Collateral). Cinematography aside, Hollywood also doesn't make a reasonably smart cat and mouse thriller that's actually engaging like this anymore. The game of upmanship between Hannibal Lecter and the cocky prosecutor itself is fun to watch, but truth is the Hannibal Lecter character here isn't really very smart, he's just surrounded by stupid people and predictable situations that he could take advantage of. Screenwriters could have tried harder. However, it's really quite forgivable since it's still an enjoyable game of cat and mouse and a chance to see another Anthony Hopkins' Lecter-like performance and even if the script isn't smart, at least it's got its characters right and consistent (why does the cocky prosecutor drive the old brown bmw?). After all, Hollywood doesn't make movies like this anymore.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
4. In The Land of Women (directed by Jon Kasdan)
Check this out: so we have Seth Cohen from The O.C, except he's called Carter Webb and he's a screenwriter. Whatever. But anyway, the Seth Cohen guy broke up with his girlfriend who happens to be this famous actress with a sexy european accent. So what does he do? Exactly what every screenwriter who looks like Seth Cohen from The O.C who had just broken up with a famous actress with a sexy european accent would do: go to Michigan to take care of his dying grandmother (well, the grandmother who thinks she is dying). Along the way, he meets two "women" in his neighbors: an unhappy housewife (Meg Ryan) and her teenage daughter with the regular teenage issues (Kirsten Stewart). along the way, their life is supposedly changed by their interaction with each other. Could you see where this is going?
Despite of the poster and the synopsis, this is not a love story between the Seth Cohen and any of the "women". In fact, there's hardly any romance that matters in the movie. In fact, there's almost nothing going on at all in the movie. It's just about Seth Cohen talking about life's issues with the women and bonding with them. There's an occasional hint of developing romance but nothing ever materializes. But that's not really the point, it's just about how the life of these 3 characters and through their conversations and reflections on their life, they change. Wow, if that's your type of movie, you'll probably love it.
There's nothing wrong with a movie in which nothing happens and it's just about people talking and sharing about their life. But ITLOW's (the 'cool' acronym for the movie - check out www.myspace.com/itlow - how cool) characters and their life situations/problems are either not really interesting or in the filmmaker's attempt to be low key, couldn't become interesting. Plus, the actors (except one) couldn't really help much: Adam Brody acts like he's still Seth Cohen from The O.C. Meg Ryan is mixed in this serious role, sometimes she's effective and sometimes she just goes into her typical rom-com mode. If there's a shining light in this movie, it's Kirsten Stewart whose performance was really good and very convincing, her character feels like a real teenage girl with a lot of vulnerability and confusion. If there's one reason to watch this movie, Kirsten is. She was in Panic Room and earlier this year, The Messengers. She got much talent and potential, unlike the movie which is ultimately just fluffy and inconsequential.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Reviews of the recent stuffs I've seen on screen. The first two I watched in the recent San Francisco International Film Festival
1. Opera Jawa (directed by Garin Nugroho)
Once in a while comes a film that makes you think you're watching not just a film, but a piece of art. Not an art film, but a real piece of art. Opera Jawa is one such film. It's not a surprise to see Garin Nugroho's name on it, considering he's perhaps the closest thing Indonesian cinema ever have to an auteur.
Opera Jawa is essentially a loose retelling of the famous epic story Ramayana set in a modern time java village, focusing on the love triangle between the "Rama", "Sita" and "Rahwana" characters. The whole film is a musical done in Traditional Javanese dance and singing (hence the title, literally: Javanese Opera). There's almost no dialogue, in fact, the language is hardly Indonesian and mostly Javanese. This suits me just fine because this is the kind of musical that I like, where they create a world where it's believable to see people singing and dancing to each other. I have never watched Javanese dance before and words fail me to describe how beautiful the whole dance and songs in the films are. You have to watch it to really appreciate it. If there's any complain I have it's that the film feels too long. Javanese Dance is a beautiful art, but it's also quite slow and watching the whole thing in almost 2 hours really taxed my patience. That's what prevented me from giving this movie a perfect score. Otherwise, if you are a Javanese Art enthusiast or fanatic, you will see the masterpiece for what it truly is.
Score: 4 out of 5
There was Q&A after the screening with actor Eko Suprianto in attendance. According to him, this movie has been screened only once in Indonesia. I don't know why, but this is a real travesty.
2. Singapore Dreaming (directed by Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen)
Singapore Dreaming is a hard film to watch and review. Not because it's bad, mind you, but because I really (and painfully) identify with what the characters in the film is going through. I'm not singaporean, although I lived and studied for 4 years there. But anyone who is part of a dysfunctional chinese family, has ever lived with weight of expectations on you, and has ever lived in singapore should definitely be able to identify with this film.
This film is both a heavy drama and dark comedy that reflects on the singaporeans' inherent (and somewhat "no choice") obsession with material wealth and elitism through the story of a singaporean family who won a lottery and its aftermath. It's heavier on the drama than on the comedy. The subtlety of this film reminds me of 2006 oscar winner Crash (definitely not afraid to use the sledgehammer) - just imagine if Crash is about race relations in america, Singapore Dreaming is about Singaporeans worst nightmare, or something like that. Thankfully, directors Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen don't sugar coat their story, unlike fellow countryman Jack Neo.
I'm sorry if I can't really do a proper review of this film, feel free to talk to me about it when you have watched it.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
PS: I was very shocked and glad when director Colin Goh was present for post-screeening Q&A. He created the Singapore satirical website www.talkingcock.com and it used to fill me with a lot of laughter every week. It was definitely a real treat to see him in person, especially when you least expect it.
An interesting tidbit that pretty much tells you something about Singapore government: The movie is mostly in Hokkien and Singlish. When Colin previewed the film to the censors/film commission (forgot which one), they asked Colin if he can show the film in Mandarin in Singapore but he can show it in its original language anywhere else. Colin said his "brain just imploded right there". Eventually it was shown in its original language in Singapore, BUT, the first trailer for the film was pulled out because it feature some hokkien dialogue... hmmm.
3. Fracture (directed by Gregory Hoblit)
Hannibal Lecter goes to court, where he faces off with a talented but cocky prosecutor played by Ryan Gosling. The prosecutor thought he had the case in his hand but anybody else who has seen Anthony Hopkins in any of his Hannibal Lecter-like characters know that he is dangerously smart. When the case goes to trial, both go on a game of cat and mouse to outsmart each other.
One thing that strikes me is the cinematography, Hollywood doesn't make films like this anymore: a movie in which city of LA is shot in a noirish, glamorous, beautiful style where the sky is clear of pollution and the sunrise is so beautiful as if it's a very nice luxurious place to live in (unlike the urban LA in Training Day, Crash or Collateral). Cinematography aside, Hollywood also doesn't make a reasonably smart cat and mouse thriller that's actually engaging like this anymore. The game of upmanship between Hannibal Lecter and the cocky prosecutor itself is fun to watch, but truth is the Hannibal Lecter character here isn't really very smart, he's just surrounded by stupid people and predictable situations that he could take advantage of. Screenwriters could have tried harder. However, it's really quite forgivable since it's still an enjoyable game of cat and mouse and a chance to see another Anthony Hopkins' Lecter-like performance and even if the script isn't smart, at least it's got its characters right and consistent (why does the cocky prosecutor drive the old brown bmw?). After all, Hollywood doesn't make movies like this anymore.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
4. In The Land of Women (directed by Jon Kasdan)
Check this out: so we have Seth Cohen from The O.C, except he's called Carter Webb and he's a screenwriter. Whatever. But anyway, the Seth Cohen guy broke up with his girlfriend who happens to be this famous actress with a sexy european accent. So what does he do? Exactly what every screenwriter who looks like Seth Cohen from The O.C who had just broken up with a famous actress with a sexy european accent would do: go to Michigan to take care of his dying grandmother (well, the grandmother who thinks she is dying). Along the way, he meets two "women" in his neighbors: an unhappy housewife (Meg Ryan) and her teenage daughter with the regular teenage issues (Kirsten Stewart). along the way, their life is supposedly changed by their interaction with each other. Could you see where this is going?
Despite of the poster and the synopsis, this is not a love story between the Seth Cohen and any of the "women". In fact, there's hardly any romance that matters in the movie. In fact, there's almost nothing going on at all in the movie. It's just about Seth Cohen talking about life's issues with the women and bonding with them. There's an occasional hint of developing romance but nothing ever materializes. But that's not really the point, it's just about how the life of these 3 characters and through their conversations and reflections on their life, they change. Wow, if that's your type of movie, you'll probably love it.
There's nothing wrong with a movie in which nothing happens and it's just about people talking and sharing about their life. But ITLOW's (the 'cool' acronym for the movie - check out www.myspace.com/itlow - how cool) characters and their life situations/problems are either not really interesting or in the filmmaker's attempt to be low key, couldn't become interesting. Plus, the actors (except one) couldn't really help much: Adam Brody acts like he's still Seth Cohen from The O.C. Meg Ryan is mixed in this serious role, sometimes she's effective and sometimes she just goes into her typical rom-com mode. If there's a shining light in this movie, it's Kirsten Stewart whose performance was really good and very convincing, her character feels like a real teenage girl with a lot of vulnerability and confusion. If there's one reason to watch this movie, Kirsten is. She was in Panic Room and earlier this year, The Messengers. She got much talent and potential, unlike the movie which is ultimately just fluffy and inconsequential.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Friday, June 1, 2007
My version of Pursuit of Happyness
I'm so tired. I've been busy moving my stuffs from my place to my temporary joint at culun's place in San Jose. I've just cleaned the restroom and throw a lot of rubbish around 1-2 am!!
I feel kind of homeless, sorta, since I have no permanent address right now. Still looking for one, hopefully will find a good one by next week.
by the way, Culun is in for a Nice surprise waiting in the living room in August when he returns =)
I feel kind of homeless, sorta, since I have no permanent address right now. Still looking for one, hopefully will find a good one by next week.
by the way, Culun is in for a Nice surprise waiting in the living room in August when he returns =)
Saturday, May 26, 2007
POTC3: At World's Ends - a few words
and I do mean a few. This is after all, a film trilogy event based on a theme park.
I actually have 2-3 drafts of blogs waiting to be finished and published, but since this won't take long, I'll just get it out. And while at it, I'll review the first 2 movies in the trilogy as well.
Pirates of the Carribean : Curse of The Black Pearl (2003) - is a fun movie with a convoluted and needless story whose purpose is just to let Johnny Depp be Jack Sparrow - and boy did he deliver one helluva fun role (and truly deserve that Academy Award Best Actor Nomination). - 3.5 / 5
Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) - surprisingly, Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow is subdued here. However, the story, still convoluted, but is shockingly quite good as it makes many creative uses of pirates mythology to create its own universe. Action sequences are a blast and really fun, including the highlight when Jack, Will and the commodore from the first movie had a fight in a giant rolling wheel. A great story rescues a subdued Jack. 4 / 5
Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End (2007) - If you thought Spiderman 3 is too ambitious, you ain't see nothing yet. This movie surprisingly eturns to be like the first movie. Story continues well until Jack is rescued, after which it becomes a complicated excuse again for Jack to do his stuffs. Boy does he deliver, and this time, even Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbosa provides a perfect foil as his "partner" - this is almost like a buddy movie between Jack Sparrow and Capt Barbosa. Action Sequences are better than the 1st but doesn't reach the heights of the 2nd movie. Love story arc has a VERY CORNY ENDING - be warned. Since this is like the 1st movie where the story sucks and Jack/Johnny Depp rocks, it gets the same rating: 3.5 / 5
PS: there's a scene after end credits, it's not worth sitting through the credits
I actually have 2-3 drafts of blogs waiting to be finished and published, but since this won't take long, I'll just get it out. And while at it, I'll review the first 2 movies in the trilogy as well.
Pirates of the Carribean : Curse of The Black Pearl (2003) - is a fun movie with a convoluted and needless story whose purpose is just to let Johnny Depp be Jack Sparrow - and boy did he deliver one helluva fun role (and truly deserve that Academy Award Best Actor Nomination). - 3.5 / 5
Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) - surprisingly, Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow is subdued here. However, the story, still convoluted, but is shockingly quite good as it makes many creative uses of pirates mythology to create its own universe. Action sequences are a blast and really fun, including the highlight when Jack, Will and the commodore from the first movie had a fight in a giant rolling wheel. A great story rescues a subdued Jack. 4 / 5
Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End (2007) - If you thought Spiderman 3 is too ambitious, you ain't see nothing yet. This movie surprisingly eturns to be like the first movie. Story continues well until Jack is rescued, after which it becomes a complicated excuse again for Jack to do his stuffs. Boy does he deliver, and this time, even Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbosa provides a perfect foil as his "partner" - this is almost like a buddy movie between Jack Sparrow and Capt Barbosa. Action Sequences are better than the 1st but doesn't reach the heights of the 2nd movie. Love story arc has a VERY CORNY ENDING - be warned. Since this is like the 1st movie where the story sucks and Jack/Johnny Depp rocks, it gets the same rating: 3.5 / 5
PS: there's a scene after end credits, it's not worth sitting through the credits
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Independence, growing up and an unfinished business
It's hard to believe how fast time flies and some of the people closest have grown up and sort of become independent.
Last week, Darwin quit his job in Singapore, he told me his job and employer didn't give him any opportunity for growth and he felt like a slave. Knowing Darwin, I wouldn't expect anything less but seeing him quit, I was like wow, this guy really sticks it to the man. Tin also caught the entrepreneurial bug and wanted to start business on her own in Indo, without her aunt help even. Today, I just got the news that my cousin Wilson is getting married.
2 close friends going independent and a relative getting married. wow time flies really fast. I have never felt so behind. I should do a lot of stuffs to catch up too but there's some unfinished business here.
One of the unfinished business is an introduction to filmmaking class that I took 3 years ago in 2004 in De Anza College before I came to berkeley. I was forced to drop the class halfway through to go back to indonesia. The zombie movie that I made was supposed to be for that class. Right now I have come to finish what I have started. For the past 4 weeks, I've actually been taking the same class again in De Anza, with the same teacher! My friend Alex Kasim who appeared in my zombie flick have agreed to appear in my projects again. But now, I'm really short on ideas for my final project. I have a groundhog day/Craig David's "7 days" video spoof, a drug movie, a short student/roommate version of "The Office", but I need more good and feasible ideas. Hopefully it will all turn out well, on the meantime, I might turn this blog into some kind of production diary of my film class, if I have time and energy to update the blog, of course.
Last week, Darwin quit his job in Singapore, he told me his job and employer didn't give him any opportunity for growth and he felt like a slave. Knowing Darwin, I wouldn't expect anything less but seeing him quit, I was like wow, this guy really sticks it to the man. Tin also caught the entrepreneurial bug and wanted to start business on her own in Indo, without her aunt help even. Today, I just got the news that my cousin Wilson is getting married.
2 close friends going independent and a relative getting married. wow time flies really fast. I have never felt so behind. I should do a lot of stuffs to catch up too but there's some unfinished business here.
One of the unfinished business is an introduction to filmmaking class that I took 3 years ago in 2004 in De Anza College before I came to berkeley. I was forced to drop the class halfway through to go back to indonesia. The zombie movie that I made was supposed to be for that class. Right now I have come to finish what I have started. For the past 4 weeks, I've actually been taking the same class again in De Anza, with the same teacher! My friend Alex Kasim who appeared in my zombie flick have agreed to appear in my projects again. But now, I'm really short on ideas for my final project. I have a groundhog day/Craig David's "7 days" video spoof, a drug movie, a short student/roommate version of "The Office", but I need more good and feasible ideas. Hopefully it will all turn out well, on the meantime, I might turn this blog into some kind of production diary of my film class, if I have time and energy to update the blog, of course.
Free Paris Hilton fan letter rebuttal
Paris Hilton is going to jail for 45 Days.
It's one of those days when you know that God exist and he is fair.
But of course, Paris fans aren't taking it and they're actually trying to send Gov Arnold Schwarzenneger with a letter, which can be seen in Paris' myspace page. The content is just ridiculous and I just can't resist taking a dig:
I grew up on Arnold movies too. But really, stop trying to kiss ass here. Seriously, did you watch Batman & Robin? and a great job in the great state of California? whoa, kiss ass hyperbole here.
Precisely, since all these celebrities have walked away scot free, it's time to put a stop to it and if Paris Hilton would be the first to be punished, then SO BE IT.
Besides, let's look at some names there: Nick Nolte is an acclaimed Academy Award Nominated actor. Mel Gibson, as regrettable as his recent racist outbursts may be, is one of the finest oscar winning actor/filmmaker working today with quality and well-known works ranging from Mad Max, Lethal Weapon, Braveheart and Passion of the Christ. Even Brandy has won a Grammy and besides, Brandy is actually currently liable for vehicular manslaughter charges, which is worse than what Paris is facing.
and what is Paris' achievements? One night in Paris? "Worst Supporting Actress" Razzie for "House of Wax"?
I'm not saying some drunk drivers should be excused. but if you can excuse any of the names above, who would you choose? you decide.
I won't argue with this one. it speaks for itself. however, I just want to remind Paris fans that Arnold is the governor who wouldn't pardon Stan "Tookie" Williams last year despite the popular calls to do so. What makes you think he would pardon Paris? and what would the state of California think if he does that?
To Arnold, I just have one request, please put back funding to education. Maybe if more californians are educated, you won't receive these kind of silly letters ever again.
It's one of those days when you know that God exist and he is fair.
But of course, Paris fans aren't taking it and they're actually trying to send Gov Arnold Schwarzenneger with a letter, which can be seen in Paris' myspace page. The content is just ridiculous and I just can't resist taking a dig:
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:
Let me first begin by saying that I grew up as a child enjoying all of your wonderful films. You really are the truly great action hero for our time. You are doing a great job in the great state of California.
I grew up on Arnold movies too. But really, stop trying to kiss ass here. Seriously, did you watch Batman & Robin? and a great job in the great state of California? whoa, kiss ass hyperbole here.
Hilton is notable for her leading roles on the FOX reality series The Simple Life and in the remake of the Vincent Price horror classic “House of Wax”. In addition to her work as an actress, she has achieved some recognition as a model, celebrity spokesperson, singer, and writer.Well, let's see... a sleazy reality TV show, an attempt to hide the sucky horror remake by referring to the original. Most importantly, let's not forget the immortal internet Sex Video tape appropriately titled "One Night in Paris" which has inspired many internet porn thespians.
... countless celebrities have been “slapped on the wrist” for similar incidents recently. Nick Nolte, Mel Gibson, Tracy Morgan, Wynonna Judd, to name a few, were arrested and never did a day in jail after their initial arrests for drunk driving /DUI /DWI charges. ... Singer/actress Brandy Norwood’s California Highway accident, although no proof of DUI was evidenced in her accident, resulted in the death of a young wife and mother in California, yet Brandy walks free as of today, never doing any time and a woman is now dead possibly due to her reckless driving.
Precisely, since all these celebrities have walked away scot free, it's time to put a stop to it and if Paris Hilton would be the first to be punished, then SO BE IT.
Besides, let's look at some names there: Nick Nolte is an acclaimed Academy Award Nominated actor. Mel Gibson, as regrettable as his recent racist outbursts may be, is one of the finest oscar winning actor/filmmaker working today with quality and well-known works ranging from Mad Max, Lethal Weapon, Braveheart and Passion of the Christ. Even Brandy has won a Grammy and besides, Brandy is actually currently liable for vehicular manslaughter charges, which is worse than what Paris is facing.
and what is Paris' achievements? One night in Paris? "Worst Supporting Actress" Razzie for "House of Wax"?
I'm not saying some drunk drivers should be excused. but if you can excuse any of the names above, who would you choose? you decide.
In my humble opinion, if the late Former President Gerald Ford could find it in his heart to pardon the late Former President Richard Nixon after his mistake(s), we as compassionate human beings can undeniably support Paris Hilton being pardoned for her honest mistake as well.
I won't argue with this one. it speaks for itself. however, I just want to remind Paris fans that Arnold is the governor who wouldn't pardon Stan "Tookie" Williams last year despite the popular calls to do so. What makes you think he would pardon Paris? and what would the state of California think if he does that?
To Arnold, I just have one request, please put back funding to education. Maybe if more californians are educated, you won't receive these kind of silly letters ever again.
Monday, May 7, 2007
First Week of May
Happenings of last week:
I lost my integrity. I finally voted for a contestant in American Idol for the first time since its inception 5 years ago. I broke my long held vow not to ever vote, even for a contestant that I like. It's all my sister's fault really. She begged and pleaded me like hell to vote for Chris Richardson. I finally gave in and felt really bad about it. Thank goodness that Chris Richardson got booted out. Damn u, sister. another funny thing about this is that I put "I lost my integrity" as my nickname and a friend said something like "damn, I thought you lose your virginity"
San Francisco International Film Festival is going on now. Watch any good film if you'd like. I have watched Opera Jawa and Singapore Dreaming. Both are worth the visit to SF and admission. I also tried for Paprika by Satoshi Kon. but boy, that film had its rush tickets queue just as long as the Spider-Man 3 line. So I didn't get it either. Novie said she downloaded it, so I might just get it from her.
I was browsing facebook and I found out that one of my favourite professor in Berkeley, Randy Katz, who teaches Logic Design Class (CS 150), have a facebook profile. I visited my class newsgroup and found out that he indeed announced it there, so it's not fake. one of the wonders of facebook.
My roommate didn't get his H1, so does my friend. It's really sad and ironic because now that I'm the only person I know among me who get the H1, I'd become lonely. I don't know if this H1 thing is a blessing or a curse.
As a consequence of my roommate not getting H1, we have to move out separately. I'm now looking for new place to stay around Bay Area beginning next month. I'm also complicated by the situation that my cousin Raymond is likely to come to De Anza next January and my uncle would request me to stay with him. Now, I'd pretty much like to live on my own because I've started to cherish my newfound freedom and I think letting my cousin live on his own and start learning how to live independently might be the best solution. It's not that I don't want to live with my cousin, it's just I know what my uncle's intentions are and i'm pretty much supposed to be his guardian. But I have already learned enough from the time my sister was in De Anza. I'm always unwittingly stuck between the conflict of parent and child where I'm the middle man guardian. Sigh. But my uncle is one of the best person in the family to me, so I'm trying to think of a long term housing solution for this solution. One which might involve my old roommate Lawrence and a De Anza (and ex Monk's Hill) friend, Indra.
Lastly, couple of weeks ago, I was hit by a cupid. I was quick enough to react and pluck out the arrow. I realized it was an old arrow that hit me before. But it was too late, the effect of being hit by the arrow has started to manifest itself. But with enough preserverance and concentration, the effect should disappear within a few weeks.
I lost my integrity. I finally voted for a contestant in American Idol for the first time since its inception 5 years ago. I broke my long held vow not to ever vote, even for a contestant that I like. It's all my sister's fault really. She begged and pleaded me like hell to vote for Chris Richardson. I finally gave in and felt really bad about it. Thank goodness that Chris Richardson got booted out. Damn u, sister. another funny thing about this is that I put "I lost my integrity" as my nickname and a friend said something like "damn, I thought you lose your virginity"
San Francisco International Film Festival is going on now. Watch any good film if you'd like. I have watched Opera Jawa and Singapore Dreaming. Both are worth the visit to SF and admission. I also tried for Paprika by Satoshi Kon. but boy, that film had its rush tickets queue just as long as the Spider-Man 3 line. So I didn't get it either. Novie said she downloaded it, so I might just get it from her.
I was browsing facebook and I found out that one of my favourite professor in Berkeley, Randy Katz, who teaches Logic Design Class (CS 150), have a facebook profile. I visited my class newsgroup and found out that he indeed announced it there, so it's not fake. one of the wonders of facebook.
My roommate didn't get his H1, so does my friend. It's really sad and ironic because now that I'm the only person I know among me who get the H1, I'd become lonely. I don't know if this H1 thing is a blessing or a curse.
As a consequence of my roommate not getting H1, we have to move out separately. I'm now looking for new place to stay around Bay Area beginning next month. I'm also complicated by the situation that my cousin Raymond is likely to come to De Anza next January and my uncle would request me to stay with him. Now, I'd pretty much like to live on my own because I've started to cherish my newfound freedom and I think letting my cousin live on his own and start learning how to live independently might be the best solution. It's not that I don't want to live with my cousin, it's just I know what my uncle's intentions are and i'm pretty much supposed to be his guardian. But I have already learned enough from the time my sister was in De Anza. I'm always unwittingly stuck between the conflict of parent and child where I'm the middle man guardian. Sigh. But my uncle is one of the best person in the family to me, so I'm trying to think of a long term housing solution for this solution. One which might involve my old roommate Lawrence and a De Anza (and ex Monk's Hill) friend, Indra.
Lastly, couple of weeks ago, I was hit by a cupid. I was quick enough to react and pluck out the arrow. I realized it was an old arrow that hit me before. But it was too late, the effect of being hit by the arrow has started to manifest itself. But with enough preserverance and concentration, the effect should disappear within a few weeks.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Spider-Man 3 - A few words
I just got back from a midnight screening of Spider-Man 3 and here's my quick, and perhaps only review about it.
I guess I could write a few paragraphs lampooning the movie, pointing out every faults and unintentional moments of hilarity, making the movie sounds more like a comedy. But I won't. This movie is flawed. I expected it. It tried to do a lot of things, as shown by having 3 villains (including Venom who truly deserves a stint on his own). I disagreed with a lot of choices the filmmakers made about this. I came in with low expectations. However, in the end, I thought Sam Raimi and co have made a courageous and worthy effort to achieve their lofty ambitions and completed a trilogy quite successfully. The story is very complicated (it could be Babel of comic book films). Plus the movie also have to show their obligatory exciting summer movie action sequences and tell their story well. There have been summer films like this before like Van Helsing and last year's X-Men: The Last Stand that fell short. For Spider-Man 3, the filmmakers are barely able to pull it off, but in the end, I am quite satisfied with their efforts.
This film is also quite emotional. However, it really tries to coax a lot of emotions from the audience through a lot of complicated story in a short time as such many emotional moments actually feels forced. If the movie earns your emotion, it owes a lot of debt to the great performance of actors Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco (although Franco does have his moments of camp). It's just a summer movie, but they played their hearts out for this one. However, there are also scenes of camp and unintentional hilarity from Tobey and James, but that probably can't be helped given the nature of the story, and they're quite entertaining and easy to overlook (unless... see next paragraph).
Now, I believe the reviews are out and they're mostly mixed to negative (I have a feeling this film will show up undeservedly in many worst of 2007 lists and also my most underrated film of 2007 list). I understand the reactions. It's a very ambitious movie, and it is undeniably flawed. It's easy to criticize a flawed movie. If your tolarence for needlessly convoluted plotlines and forced emotional moments are low, then you're probably gonna hate this movie. For comic book fans, it really depends on how fanatic you are to the comic, I think the more fanatic you are, the more likely you're going to hate it (especially if you're a venom fan). However, when I look from the context of the first 2 films and see how this film fits in the trilogy, I think this movie has earned its place to successfully complete the trilogy despite of its flaws. This film could probably be The Godfather III of the comic book films. I've always thought that Godfather III, no matter how flawed, is overly maligned but it was still a great film that greatly completed the trilogy. Spider-Man 3 is like that, but for me, Sam Raimi has done a good job given the ambition and scope of the movie and gave a good closure to a movie trilogy. Here's hoping there won't be a Spider-Man 4, unless it starts afresh.
Final Rating: a solid 3.5 out of 5
PS: SPOILER
In my previous summer movie preview entry, I predicted that Mary Jane, played by Kirsten Dunst would die. I have been proven wrong. Mary Jane does not die in the movie. But one important character die. I told you this is an emotional movie, or at least a movie that tries to be one.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Take A Stand! - 09-F9-11-02-9D-74-E3-5B-D8-41-56-C5-63-56-88-C0
I originally have some other things to write about, but this cannot wait.
My friends and fellow readers, it's time to take a stand, for we could probably be in a watershed moment in internet history?
A few days ago, some dude post the code to decrypt and hack most HD-DVD movies so that they can be played in linux (or pretty much everywhere). The code pretty much spread everywhere. I noticed it on Sunday night, on the top page of Digg. At first, I didn't react much since I'm not into this whole HD movie experience anyway. But this morning, naturally, the AACS (Advanced Access Content System), the group who made the standard for DRM (Digital Rights Management)/encryption for HD-DVD and Blu-Ray has sent cease and desist letters to almost everyone (including Google!). At first, it appears the stories are disappearing and even digg chose to remove the stories. However, people keep putting the code back through re-submitting stories and putting them on comments, and digging those stories and comments, etc. So much until almost all front page stories on digg contain the code.
and having seen the reaction of its readers, digg and its founder, Kevin Rose, has taken a stand. a very bold one. (and in this case, the immortal star trek slogan "where no man has boldly gone before" rings true). Kevin Rose and digg, a major web 2.0 website has defied the powers that be and posted the code, even at the risk of having the site taken down. This could have unforseen circumstances, digg could be taken down and that would be the worst website takedown since Napster or Pirate Bay. But, AACS could also accept their fates, seeing that once the pandora's box is open, it cannot be closed.
Now, I'm not doing this to watch HD-DVD. But I'm doing this to take a stand against the powers-that-be. Against DRM and shove it up their arses. and never has the stand felt so strong until digg took its stand. If digg is brave enough to go for it, why don't we post it?
What happens next? who knows? (although I believe that AACS will generate a new code) will digg stay around? will this pointless post or blog stay around? who knows, but I really feel that the time has never been more right to do something brave, something stupid, something foolish, something unknown, something rebellious like this, and all it has to do is just post some magic number:
09-F9-11-02-9D-74-E3-5B-D8-41-56-C5-63-56-88-C0
this number is probably the most beautiful number since pi, it probably contain the answer to all questions in life and everything, maybe jesus even. but most of all, it plays hd-dvd =)
So, my fellow friends and reader, if you do share my sentiment, take a stand, and post that number.
- R
My friends and fellow readers, it's time to take a stand, for we could probably be in a watershed moment in internet history?
A few days ago, some dude post the code to decrypt and hack most HD-DVD movies so that they can be played in linux (or pretty much everywhere). The code pretty much spread everywhere. I noticed it on Sunday night, on the top page of Digg. At first, I didn't react much since I'm not into this whole HD movie experience anyway. But this morning, naturally, the AACS (Advanced Access Content System), the group who made the standard for DRM (Digital Rights Management)/encryption for HD-DVD and Blu-Ray has sent cease and desist letters to almost everyone (including Google!). At first, it appears the stories are disappearing and even digg chose to remove the stories. However, people keep putting the code back through re-submitting stories and putting them on comments, and digging those stories and comments, etc. So much until almost all front page stories on digg contain the code.
and having seen the reaction of its readers, digg and its founder, Kevin Rose, has taken a stand. a very bold one. (and in this case, the immortal star trek slogan "where no man has boldly gone before" rings true). Kevin Rose and digg, a major web 2.0 website has defied the powers that be and posted the code, even at the risk of having the site taken down. This could have unforseen circumstances, digg could be taken down and that would be the worst website takedown since Napster or Pirate Bay. But, AACS could also accept their fates, seeing that once the pandora's box is open, it cannot be closed.
Now, I'm not doing this to watch HD-DVD. But I'm doing this to take a stand against the powers-that-be. Against DRM and shove it up their arses. and never has the stand felt so strong until digg took its stand. If digg is brave enough to go for it, why don't we post it?
What happens next? who knows? (although I believe that AACS will generate a new code) will digg stay around? will this pointless post or blog stay around? who knows, but I really feel that the time has never been more right to do something brave, something stupid, something foolish, something unknown, something rebellious like this, and all it has to do is just post some magic number:
09-F9-11-02-9D-74-E3-5B-D8-41-56-C5-63-56-88-C0
this number is probably the most beautiful number since pi, it probably contain the answer to all questions in life and everything, maybe jesus even. but most of all, it plays hd-dvd =)
So, my fellow friends and reader, if you do share my sentiment, take a stand, and post that number.
- R
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Best Week Ever
This is the best week ever for me in terms of news.
First news: Ken Kutaragi, the man behind the Sony Playstation has retired.
First of all, let give this man his dues. He brought you Playstation, PS2 and PS3. Playstation has grown into a significant resource of Sony's revenue. Without those systems, there wouldn't be FF7, Metal Gear Solid, Grand Theft Auto, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Tekken, God of War and many other great games.
But having put all that aside, let me just say I have very little respect for this guy. I dislike him a lot. This guy steals idea, overpromises, lie, boast, and ignores reality a lot. His retirement supposedly is like a gesture to acknowledge PS3's failure (honestly, PS3 hasn't really failed yet, there's still a long way to go). But I think the relative 'failure' of PS3 really shows that Karma has finally caught up with Kutaragi. I hope he has time to reflect on all the bad things and mistakes he have made. Who knows he could come out of retirement and make something again.
Btw, 2 years ago, I read an article on Wired about Microsoft's J Allard, the man who made XBox 360. What supposedly motivated him was a potential letter of resignation from Ken Kutaragi. I suppose J has finally got his wish fulfilled now.
Second news, and this is a great one. I got the H-1B visa. Yep, it has been selected and approved, the HR informs me. So looks like I'm gonna be around for another 3 years. But I won't celebrate unless my friends and roomate got it too.
Some not so good news, but doesn't affect me. The Wii will be released in Singapore for (GASP) SGD 649 (about US$ 428). It includes the Wii console and a Sonic and the Secret Rings Game. Wow, what a price. Give me a poke if you'd like me to get a Wii for you. It only cost $250 here. But supply remains low though.
First news: Ken Kutaragi, the man behind the Sony Playstation has retired.
First of all, let give this man his dues. He brought you Playstation, PS2 and PS3. Playstation has grown into a significant resource of Sony's revenue. Without those systems, there wouldn't be FF7, Metal Gear Solid, Grand Theft Auto, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Tekken, God of War and many other great games.
But having put all that aside, let me just say I have very little respect for this guy. I dislike him a lot. This guy steals idea, overpromises, lie, boast, and ignores reality a lot. His retirement supposedly is like a gesture to acknowledge PS3's failure (honestly, PS3 hasn't really failed yet, there's still a long way to go). But I think the relative 'failure' of PS3 really shows that Karma has finally caught up with Kutaragi. I hope he has time to reflect on all the bad things and mistakes he have made. Who knows he could come out of retirement and make something again.
Btw, 2 years ago, I read an article on Wired about Microsoft's J Allard, the man who made XBox 360. What supposedly motivated him was a potential letter of resignation from Ken Kutaragi. I suppose J has finally got his wish fulfilled now.
Second news, and this is a great one. I got the H-1B visa. Yep, it has been selected and approved, the HR informs me. So looks like I'm gonna be around for another 3 years. But I won't celebrate unless my friends and roomate got it too.
Some not so good news, but doesn't affect me. The Wii will be released in Singapore for (GASP) SGD 649 (about US$ 428). It includes the Wii console and a Sonic and the Secret Rings Game. Wow, what a price. Give me a poke if you'd like me to get a Wii for you. It only cost $250 here. But supply remains low though.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Upcoming 2007 Movies (previews and opinions)
PREFACE: I am not kidding when I put my blog tagline as "I blog late". This entry should have been posted long ago. Since then, 2007 has passed by, many movies have been screened and my initial list had to be modified. I put off the list because i'm too lazy/busy/distracted and there's just so many interesting movies this year that I have to carefully edit the list. So here's my opinions on the movies this year. Just treat this as my summer movie previews at least. The list is very long, just keep in mind of that. It could be my longest blog entry ever until next year's list comes. heheheehhe. Keep in mind some of the schedule of these movies are tentative, some of them might be delayed till next year. Also, a few of them have been screened already. So without further ado, I present you the list of upcoming 2007 movies, organized by my "anticipation level" from highest to lowest, enjoy:
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Want To See Badly:
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Knocked Up
- A guy and a girl had a one night stand. Girl gets pregnant. Both had to make a choice on what to do with their life. Sounds familiar? Despite of the familiar premise, this romantic comedy drama from the makers of 40 Years Old Virgin, which stars Seth Rogen (Cal, the big dude in Virgin) and Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy), has attracted a surprisingly strong online buzz. Considering how surprisingly good and funny 40 Years old Virgin was, maybe it wasn't a surprise. Expect a hilarious, dirty comedy and yet a touching, affecting story.
Ratatouille
- First of all, I am getting sick and tired of a lot of 3D animated films. I have not been excited to see any Pixar films in recent years since Finding Nemo since they're pretty similar to each other in terms of the story. But this one is made by Brad Bird who made The Incredibles (the only memorable recent Pixar film to me) and the teaser is great. Count me in.
Kala
- If there's one Indonesian filmmaker who knows how to make good commercial film that wouldn't embarass the country, he is Joko Anwar. His debut movie, Janji Joni, while no masterpiece, made me laugh my ass off - it was a good movie relative to the crap being churned out in Indonesia. For his somophore film, he is making this noir thriller. I have no idea what it's about, I don't know any of the actors. But the pictures and teasers look great. and I have faith in Joko Anwar. Film is already playing in Indonesia since April 19. I might catch it in DVD instead.
Movie blog: deadtimethemovie.blogspot.com
Director Joko Anwar's Multiply page: jokoanwar.multiply.com (check out his short stories!)
Protege
- Hong Kong's version/loose remake of drug movie Traffic. Stars Andy Lau as the drug baron, Daniel Wu as his 'protege', Louis Koo as a drug addict, and Anita Yuen. Film is made by Derek Yee, one of the best director in the fading HK film industry, who made the fantastic One Nite In Mongkok 2 years ago. It's already playing in Asia during the Chinese New Year.
Beowulf
- There has been many versions of Beowulf made before. But this one looks like to be the best yet. This is an unlikely collaboration of Director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Back To The Future series) and Writers Neil Gaiman (highly acclaimed comic book writer) and Roger Avary (Pulp Fiction). This is not a live action film, but rather a CGI film using the motion capture technique used by Zemeckis in his previous film, The Polar Express. At its best, it might make people forget about 300. Release date is still unknown, might be screened next year instead.
Sunshine
- Sci-Fi, Horror-Thriller about human's attempt to jump start the dying sun before it's too late. The film has an interesting and diverse all star cast including Asians Hiroyuki Sanada and Michelle Yeoh. Talented British director Danny Boyle maybe best known for Trainspotting and 28 Days Later, but I also loved his "failures": A Life Less Ordinary and The Beach. Let's recap: Sci-fi thriller, interesting diverse cast, talented (esp visually) director. Looks like a winner. Worldwide release dates is April. But US release date is still unknown.
Live Free or Die Hard
- For over a decade, Bruce Willis has denied time and again that he's through with Die Hard. However, 20th Century Fox keeps asking him and there he is now. I'm not really interested in this movie until I saw the trailers. Wow!. John McClane is back! I originally doubted if director Len Wiseman can deliver since he's only made Underworld movies. However, the action scenes in the trailer just wowed me. It looks like it could be a great action movie with Michael Bay style action without the excesses that he usually brings and ruin his movies. Even the title is cool. Yippeekeeyay, Mother fucker.
The Warlords
- Chinese film directed by Peter Chan Ho-Sun, starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau and Jet Li. Set in the taiping rebellion era. The 3 play sworn brothers who go to war and that's when betrayal happens. Director Peter Chan (Comrades, A Love Story) promises this won't be like other recent wuxia films such as The Promise and Curse of the Golden Flower. It will be more brutal, realistic. Can't wait, It will be shown end of the year in Asia.
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Excited about it:
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Lucky You
- This film was made during the height of popularity of Texas Hold'em Poker in US. Yet it has been postponed many times until this summer. Still, the trailers look good and the talent involved here can't be denied: Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore, Robert Duvall and director Curtis Hanson (LA Confidential, 8 Mile). Hollywood hasn't done many card game movies (Casino Royale doesn't count) and here's hoping they get it right.
Ocean's 13
- To be honest, I am not that excited about this franchise, which is just a chance for Clooney and Soderbergh and co to have fun and make a commercial movie. Heck, I haven't even watched Ocean's 12. However, I must say the trailer and the poster for the film looks really promising. I might just watch Ocean's 12 for this.
Across The Universe
Very interesting concepts for a musical: Imagina Moulin Rouge or Chicago. But only with music and songs by The Beatles. Trailer looks good and visually trippy.
Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix
- it's not the best book of the series. The director David Yates' record is unproven. and Harry had a haircut? wtf? But the new trailer really impresses. Regardless on how the film will perform, I only hope the producers will bring back Alfonso Cuaron for the final film.
Stardust
- wtf is this? A fantasy written by Neil Gaiman, directed by Matthew Vaughn who had only produced and directed british gangster films before. But look at the cast: Robert De Niro, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sienna Miller, Ricky Gervais, Rupert Everett, Peter O' Toole. The odd combination of talent and cast involved is intriguing and might just make this film surprisingly good.
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Cautiously Optimistic:
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Hot Fuzz
- Shaun of the Dead had a lot of buzz. I loved the extremely funny trailers. However, the end results just disappoints. It might be just because I don't know enough about the zombie horror film they're trying to pay tribute to. Hot Fuzz comes with similarly big buzz and expectation. This time around, the makers are aiming for violent action movies - a genre which I practically grew up on. However, given how disappointing SotD was, I'm trying to avoid they hype and see.
Spider-Man 3
- is perhaps the biggest hyped summer movie of the year. Coming off Spider-Man 2 which is perhaps one of the best comic book film ever made, this sequel has a lot to live up to. I put this in cautiously optimistic category because I'm disappointed in some choices that the producers/directors have made, including but not limited to: not using the original black spider-man costume, having 3 villains in one movie (venom, sandman, and harry osborn goblin). Venom is my favourite Spider-Man villain ever because of the hatred between the symbiote/eddie brock and spiderman/peter parker. I believe the venom story should be done right and the only way to do that is to only have him as villain. Having 3 villains + many subplots (marriage to MJ, getting the symbiote) the movie might be too ambitious for its own good. I'm not really optimistic about this film, but I'm still hoping for the best.
PS: I somehow have a feeling that MJ's gonna die in this movie. Due to the fact that Kirsten Dunst had said before (but long ago, she may have changed now) that she wished the character just die (not willing to reprise it perhaps) and the inclusion of Gwen Stacy in this movie as a possible love interest (played by Bryce Dallas Howard)
Shrek 3
- Dreamworks Picture's once every few years cash cow. Like Saw, as long people come, they will make it. However, I do enjoy the previous 2 films a lot for their gorgeous animation and great sense of humor and pop culture references ("I need a hero" scene in Shrek 2 was just marvelous). I'm expecting more of the same.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End
- I'm actually really excited about this film because of how surprisingly good the second movie was. The second movie had turned what is essentially a manufactured story for johnny depp into a worthy tale of its own. With the cliffhanger ending and Chow Yun Fatt coming, I can't wait. I really hope that this movie can combine the great story and sense of adventure of the second film and bring back the real, funny Jack Sparrow (he's rather subdued in the 2nd film) to deliver the best film of the trilogy. However, given the rather less than satisfatory history of third film in trilogies (Return of the Jedi, The Matrix Revolutions, and Return of the King [yes, i think the last film of LotR is the worst of them all]), I have to be cautiously optimistic about this.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
- the first Fantastic Four is an either you hate it / like it film. Unlike Spider-Man, I'm actually not a big fan of the Fantastic Four. So I'm not really upset by many changes made to the film. I actually thought that the first F4 film was a lot of fun. For the 2nd one, the makers are actually trying their best to make the film stay true to the fantasy sci-fi spirits of the comic books by bringing Silver Surver and Galactus. Like Shrek 3, I'm expecting more of the same. However, I only have one request for the filmmaker: please do justice to Dr Doom.
Hairspray: The Musical
- I have watched the musical live. It was good for the first half and it kinda went down in the 2nd half. However, this film had perhaps the greatest ensemble cast this year going for it: John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, Brittany Snow Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, and newcomer Nikki Blonsky as the protagonist. A sign of trouble is director Adam Shankman, who has only made stinkers like Cheaper by The Dozen 2 and The Wedding Planner.
The Simpsons Movie
- one of the most beloved TV series and animated show ever. Expectations is really high for this one. I really wonder if they can pull it off.
The Bourne Ultimatum
- I'm not a fan of the bourne series. The first one had its moments but the ending really disappoints me. I haven't watched the 2nd one. Maybe I'll watch the 2nd one and then this.
Transformers
- 2 words: Michael Bay. Be worried, be very worried. Like Fantastic Four, I'm not a fan of Transformers, so fortunately, I don't care if Michael Bay screw up this or not. However, everything made by Michael Bay since Pearl Harbor isn't good, so that's a sign that the movie might suck. A sign of optimism is that Steven Spielberg is taking a rather active executive producer role on this one - he appears in many promotional materials - it's as if he's giving a sign not to worry, as he is keeping an eye on that kid michael bay. As long as Michael Bay doesn't go overboard with his extremely fast cuts and overdone slo-mo action scene montages. this film should be fine.
Rush Hour 3
- I know some people don't like the Rush Hour movies. But hey, I'm not one of them. Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan are funny as hell when they're together. Plus this time, they're joined by Hiroyuki Sanada, Max Von Sydow and Roman Polanski (wtf?!?!) and even Su Young, the girl kidnapped in the first movie returns. I am expecting more of the same, which shouldn't disappoint.
Fanboys
- about a group of Star Wars fans who embark on a road trip to meet george lucas and to become the first people to watch Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace to fulfil the dying wish of one of them. I hope the movie will not shy away from the fact that the second trilogy kind of sucks. Trailer has scenes where they met and fight with Star Trek fans. that might be worth the price of admission alone. Gosh, I hate star trek.
Mr Bean's Holiday
- I have a confession to make. I always have a soft spot for Mr Bean. This film might look bad and I probably will still go and watch it. It already plays overseas.
Shoot 'Em Up
- Story behind this film: Director Michael Davis has worked in Hollywood in years. Frustrated by the lack of success, he made a "killer" demo reel for his next action film, "Shoot 'Em Up" and it impressed the hell out of many studios. It became talk of the town and he made the deal with New Line. Now, it's a movie starring Clive Owen, Monica Belluci and Paul Giamatti. I'm really curious to see if it's really a "killer" action shoot 'em up movie that it promises to be.
His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass
- Supposedly based on an acclaimed fantasy series of books by Phillip Pullman. Directed by Chris Weitz (American Pie, About A Boy). The biggest seller in the movie for me is the star studded cast: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and Eva Green.
The Golden Age
- Sequel to the critically acclaimed Elizabeth (1998) about the rise of Queen Elizabeth I, which launched the career of Cate Blanchett. Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, and director Shekar Kapur returns. Joining them is Clive Owen, playing explorer Sir Walter Raleigh (who established the first English colony in America, presently in North Carolina) and Samantha Morton as Mary - Queen of Scots. This film will cover the so called "golden age" period of the british empire under Queen Elizabeth I. I am normally not excited by sequels, but since this one is based on true historical events + the original film was great. I can't wait.
1408
- Horror film based on Stephen King story. It had John Cusack and Samuel L Jackson in it. I normally avoid horror movies. But the last time John Cusack was in horror, it was a damn good one (Identity). This looks like it could be a quality horror film.
My Blueberry Nights
- famous HK director Wong Kar Wai's first english film. Starring Norah Jones (yes, that Norah Jones), Jude Law, Ed Harris, Natalie Portman, Rachel Weisz. It will debut in Cannes. We'll see what the reviews will be. But if it's Wong Kar Wai, expect non linear, beautifully heart breaking and emotional love story. Unless the Wongster decide to do something entirely different.
=====================================
Not that impressed but will probably check it out: =====================================
I Pronounce You Chuck and Larry
- comedy about Adam Sandler and Kevin James pretending to be gay couple to get some domestic partnership benefits. I actually don't care about this movie until the trailer comes out. It isn't about this movie, it's about Jessica Biel in panties and saying "touch it, these are real" (referring to her boobs) - that might just make me watch it. Might
Surf's Up
- just another animated movie this summer.
The Kingdom
- FBI goes to middle east to investigate an american murder - expect a typical political thriller. Lead by Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner. Rumor has it it has been push back to fall because of how good the test screening went.
====================================
What The Hell/I have a bad feeling about these: ====================================
Evan Almighty
- Bruce Almighty is one of the lesser Jim Carrey movies. Now they're making the sequel about the Steve Carell character becoming the 21st century Noah to build an arc for an impending arc. Trailer looks bad, it looks like it's gonna waste Steve Carell's talent. and what's up with making Steve Carell growing facial hairs and becoming moses-like? is this Santa Clause rip-off? yucks.
Balls of Fury
- Concept is interesting, about a Ping Pong competition with wacky and weird characters. But the trailer looks really bad.
Southland Tales
- Richard Kelly's follow up to his critically acclaimed Donnie Darko starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Seann William Scott and The Rock, supported by many others including Justin Timberlake and Mandy Moore. Supposedly about a post-apocalyptic LA, It has been screened in Cannes to mixed reviews last year and is still unreleased. Looks like the movie is too weird for release.
The Invasion
- Yet another remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. With Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig. The Wachowski Brothers of The Matrix apparently did some uncredited work on this film. But I still think it's unnecessary.
I Am Legend
- Richard Matheson's I Am Legend - about the last man on earth in a world populated by vampires - is one of the best and scariest sci-fi horror book ever. That's why I'm really wary about this adaptation starring Will Smith as the last man on earth occupied by vampires. I hope it doesn't stray from the books where it's really about one man alone, and change it to a film about Will Smith and co vs Vampires, or even worse, rip off 28 Days Later.
Sicko
- Michael Moore's latest documentary on the US health system. By now, Michael Moore has lost a lot of credibility so his documentary can't be taken seriously. Hopefully, his sense of humour is still intact.
The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
- Cowboy movie starring Brad Pitt as Jesse James. I think the title already gives away the whole story. It has been postponed for so long - a sign of bad movie perhaps?
============
Will Not See:
============
The Eye
- another asian horror remake. Jessica Alba is in it. Hooray! Urgh.
28 Weeks Later
- Didn't watch 28 Days Later. Not interested. Buzz has it that this is better than average film. Still not interested.
Underdog
- Dog version of Garfield?
Resident Evil: Extinction
- by this time, the movie version of RE doesn't have anything to do with the games anymore
30 Days of Night
- the comic book is overrated in my opinion. It has great drawings, but storywise, it's just a typical vampire monster attack a small town story
Alien VS Predator 2
- I didn't watch the first one. Heard it sucks. I probably won't even bother with this one. Just remember the tagline of the first movie. Whoever wins, we lose.
==========================================
"Prestige" Films that I will watch regardless of interest
==========================================
Lust, Caution
- Ang Lee directs it. Tony Leung Chiu Wai stars. supposedly an espionage drama set in 1940s Shanghai
American Gangster
- Gangster film. Ridley Scott directs. Stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. That should be enough
Charlie Wilson's War
- Mike Nichols directs. Stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. About a senator who in the 1980s help taliban in afghanistan to fight the soviets. The rest, as they say, is history.
3:10 to Yuma
- a western remake starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. Looks more interesting than The Career Assasination of Brad Pitt in Another Western Movie With A Ridiculously Blatant and Long Title.
The Other Boleyn Girl
- stars Eric Bana, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson. It's about King Henry VIII relationship with the Boleyn sisters. Part of the recent trend of shows on medieval england including mini series The Tudors and the aforementioned The Golden Age.
===============
Phew that was really long. Thank you for wasting your time. J/k. Well, I hope you enjoy the picture though.
==================
Want To See Badly:
==================
Knocked Up
- A guy and a girl had a one night stand. Girl gets pregnant. Both had to make a choice on what to do with their life. Sounds familiar? Despite of the familiar premise, this romantic comedy drama from the makers of 40 Years Old Virgin, which stars Seth Rogen (Cal, the big dude in Virgin) and Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy), has attracted a surprisingly strong online buzz. Considering how surprisingly good and funny 40 Years old Virgin was, maybe it wasn't a surprise. Expect a hilarious, dirty comedy and yet a touching, affecting story.
Ratatouille
- First of all, I am getting sick and tired of a lot of 3D animated films. I have not been excited to see any Pixar films in recent years since Finding Nemo since they're pretty similar to each other in terms of the story. But this one is made by Brad Bird who made The Incredibles (the only memorable recent Pixar film to me) and the teaser is great. Count me in.
Kala
- If there's one Indonesian filmmaker who knows how to make good commercial film that wouldn't embarass the country, he is Joko Anwar. His debut movie, Janji Joni, while no masterpiece, made me laugh my ass off - it was a good movie relative to the crap being churned out in Indonesia. For his somophore film, he is making this noir thriller. I have no idea what it's about, I don't know any of the actors. But the pictures and teasers look great. and I have faith in Joko Anwar. Film is already playing in Indonesia since April 19. I might catch it in DVD instead.
Movie blog: deadtimethemovie.blogspot.com
Director Joko Anwar's Multiply page: jokoanwar.multiply.com (check out his short stories!)
Protege
- Hong Kong's version/loose remake of drug movie Traffic. Stars Andy Lau as the drug baron, Daniel Wu as his 'protege', Louis Koo as a drug addict, and Anita Yuen. Film is made by Derek Yee, one of the best director in the fading HK film industry, who made the fantastic One Nite In Mongkok 2 years ago. It's already playing in Asia during the Chinese New Year.
Beowulf
- There has been many versions of Beowulf made before. But this one looks like to be the best yet. This is an unlikely collaboration of Director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Back To The Future series) and Writers Neil Gaiman (highly acclaimed comic book writer) and Roger Avary (Pulp Fiction). This is not a live action film, but rather a CGI film using the motion capture technique used by Zemeckis in his previous film, The Polar Express. At its best, it might make people forget about 300. Release date is still unknown, might be screened next year instead.
Sunshine
- Sci-Fi, Horror-Thriller about human's attempt to jump start the dying sun before it's too late. The film has an interesting and diverse all star cast including Asians Hiroyuki Sanada and Michelle Yeoh. Talented British director Danny Boyle maybe best known for Trainspotting and 28 Days Later, but I also loved his "failures": A Life Less Ordinary and The Beach. Let's recap: Sci-fi thriller, interesting diverse cast, talented (esp visually) director. Looks like a winner. Worldwide release dates is April. But US release date is still unknown.
Live Free or Die Hard
- For over a decade, Bruce Willis has denied time and again that he's through with Die Hard. However, 20th Century Fox keeps asking him and there he is now. I'm not really interested in this movie until I saw the trailers. Wow!. John McClane is back! I originally doubted if director Len Wiseman can deliver since he's only made Underworld movies. However, the action scenes in the trailer just wowed me. It looks like it could be a great action movie with Michael Bay style action without the excesses that he usually brings and ruin his movies. Even the title is cool. Yippeekeeyay, Mother fucker.
The Warlords
- Chinese film directed by Peter Chan Ho-Sun, starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau and Jet Li. Set in the taiping rebellion era. The 3 play sworn brothers who go to war and that's when betrayal happens. Director Peter Chan (Comrades, A Love Story) promises this won't be like other recent wuxia films such as The Promise and Curse of the Golden Flower. It will be more brutal, realistic. Can't wait, It will be shown end of the year in Asia.
=================
Excited about it:
=================
Lucky You
- This film was made during the height of popularity of Texas Hold'em Poker in US. Yet it has been postponed many times until this summer. Still, the trailers look good and the talent involved here can't be denied: Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore, Robert Duvall and director Curtis Hanson (LA Confidential, 8 Mile). Hollywood hasn't done many card game movies (Casino Royale doesn't count) and here's hoping they get it right.
Ocean's 13
- To be honest, I am not that excited about this franchise, which is just a chance for Clooney and Soderbergh and co to have fun and make a commercial movie. Heck, I haven't even watched Ocean's 12. However, I must say the trailer and the poster for the film looks really promising. I might just watch Ocean's 12 for this.
Across The Universe
Very interesting concepts for a musical: Imagina Moulin Rouge or Chicago. But only with music and songs by The Beatles. Trailer looks good and visually trippy.
Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix
- it's not the best book of the series. The director David Yates' record is unproven. and Harry had a haircut? wtf? But the new trailer really impresses. Regardless on how the film will perform, I only hope the producers will bring back Alfonso Cuaron for the final film.
Stardust
- wtf is this? A fantasy written by Neil Gaiman, directed by Matthew Vaughn who had only produced and directed british gangster films before. But look at the cast: Robert De Niro, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sienna Miller, Ricky Gervais, Rupert Everett, Peter O' Toole. The odd combination of talent and cast involved is intriguing and might just make this film surprisingly good.
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Cautiously Optimistic:
==================
Hot Fuzz
- Shaun of the Dead had a lot of buzz. I loved the extremely funny trailers. However, the end results just disappoints. It might be just because I don't know enough about the zombie horror film they're trying to pay tribute to. Hot Fuzz comes with similarly big buzz and expectation. This time around, the makers are aiming for violent action movies - a genre which I practically grew up on. However, given how disappointing SotD was, I'm trying to avoid they hype and see.
Spider-Man 3
- is perhaps the biggest hyped summer movie of the year. Coming off Spider-Man 2 which is perhaps one of the best comic book film ever made, this sequel has a lot to live up to. I put this in cautiously optimistic category because I'm disappointed in some choices that the producers/directors have made, including but not limited to: not using the original black spider-man costume, having 3 villains in one movie (venom, sandman, and harry osborn goblin). Venom is my favourite Spider-Man villain ever because of the hatred between the symbiote/eddie brock and spiderman/peter parker. I believe the venom story should be done right and the only way to do that is to only have him as villain. Having 3 villains + many subplots (marriage to MJ, getting the symbiote) the movie might be too ambitious for its own good. I'm not really optimistic about this film, but I'm still hoping for the best.
PS: I somehow have a feeling that MJ's gonna die in this movie. Due to the fact that Kirsten Dunst had said before (but long ago, she may have changed now) that she wished the character just die (not willing to reprise it perhaps) and the inclusion of Gwen Stacy in this movie as a possible love interest (played by Bryce Dallas Howard)
Shrek 3
- Dreamworks Picture's once every few years cash cow. Like Saw, as long people come, they will make it. However, I do enjoy the previous 2 films a lot for their gorgeous animation and great sense of humor and pop culture references ("I need a hero" scene in Shrek 2 was just marvelous). I'm expecting more of the same.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End
- I'm actually really excited about this film because of how surprisingly good the second movie was. The second movie had turned what is essentially a manufactured story for johnny depp into a worthy tale of its own. With the cliffhanger ending and Chow Yun Fatt coming, I can't wait. I really hope that this movie can combine the great story and sense of adventure of the second film and bring back the real, funny Jack Sparrow (he's rather subdued in the 2nd film) to deliver the best film of the trilogy. However, given the rather less than satisfatory history of third film in trilogies (Return of the Jedi, The Matrix Revolutions, and Return of the King [yes, i think the last film of LotR is the worst of them all]), I have to be cautiously optimistic about this.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
- the first Fantastic Four is an either you hate it / like it film. Unlike Spider-Man, I'm actually not a big fan of the Fantastic Four. So I'm not really upset by many changes made to the film. I actually thought that the first F4 film was a lot of fun. For the 2nd one, the makers are actually trying their best to make the film stay true to the fantasy sci-fi spirits of the comic books by bringing Silver Surver and Galactus. Like Shrek 3, I'm expecting more of the same. However, I only have one request for the filmmaker: please do justice to Dr Doom.
Hairspray: The Musical
- I have watched the musical live. It was good for the first half and it kinda went down in the 2nd half. However, this film had perhaps the greatest ensemble cast this year going for it: John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, Brittany Snow Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, and newcomer Nikki Blonsky as the protagonist. A sign of trouble is director Adam Shankman, who has only made stinkers like Cheaper by The Dozen 2 and The Wedding Planner.
The Simpsons Movie
- one of the most beloved TV series and animated show ever. Expectations is really high for this one. I really wonder if they can pull it off.
The Bourne Ultimatum
- I'm not a fan of the bourne series. The first one had its moments but the ending really disappoints me. I haven't watched the 2nd one. Maybe I'll watch the 2nd one and then this.
Transformers
- 2 words: Michael Bay. Be worried, be very worried. Like Fantastic Four, I'm not a fan of Transformers, so fortunately, I don't care if Michael Bay screw up this or not. However, everything made by Michael Bay since Pearl Harbor isn't good, so that's a sign that the movie might suck. A sign of optimism is that Steven Spielberg is taking a rather active executive producer role on this one - he appears in many promotional materials - it's as if he's giving a sign not to worry, as he is keeping an eye on that kid michael bay. As long as Michael Bay doesn't go overboard with his extremely fast cuts and overdone slo-mo action scene montages. this film should be fine.
Rush Hour 3
- I know some people don't like the Rush Hour movies. But hey, I'm not one of them. Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan are funny as hell when they're together. Plus this time, they're joined by Hiroyuki Sanada, Max Von Sydow and Roman Polanski (wtf?!?!) and even Su Young, the girl kidnapped in the first movie returns. I am expecting more of the same, which shouldn't disappoint.
Fanboys
- about a group of Star Wars fans who embark on a road trip to meet george lucas and to become the first people to watch Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace to fulfil the dying wish of one of them. I hope the movie will not shy away from the fact that the second trilogy kind of sucks. Trailer has scenes where they met and fight with Star Trek fans. that might be worth the price of admission alone. Gosh, I hate star trek.
Mr Bean's Holiday
- I have a confession to make. I always have a soft spot for Mr Bean. This film might look bad and I probably will still go and watch it. It already plays overseas.
Shoot 'Em Up
- Story behind this film: Director Michael Davis has worked in Hollywood in years. Frustrated by the lack of success, he made a "killer" demo reel for his next action film, "Shoot 'Em Up" and it impressed the hell out of many studios. It became talk of the town and he made the deal with New Line. Now, it's a movie starring Clive Owen, Monica Belluci and Paul Giamatti. I'm really curious to see if it's really a "killer" action shoot 'em up movie that it promises to be.
His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass
- Supposedly based on an acclaimed fantasy series of books by Phillip Pullman. Directed by Chris Weitz (American Pie, About A Boy). The biggest seller in the movie for me is the star studded cast: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and Eva Green.
The Golden Age
- Sequel to the critically acclaimed Elizabeth (1998) about the rise of Queen Elizabeth I, which launched the career of Cate Blanchett. Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, and director Shekar Kapur returns. Joining them is Clive Owen, playing explorer Sir Walter Raleigh (who established the first English colony in America, presently in North Carolina) and Samantha Morton as Mary - Queen of Scots. This film will cover the so called "golden age" period of the british empire under Queen Elizabeth I. I am normally not excited by sequels, but since this one is based on true historical events + the original film was great. I can't wait.
1408
- Horror film based on Stephen King story. It had John Cusack and Samuel L Jackson in it. I normally avoid horror movies. But the last time John Cusack was in horror, it was a damn good one (Identity). This looks like it could be a quality horror film.
My Blueberry Nights
- famous HK director Wong Kar Wai's first english film. Starring Norah Jones (yes, that Norah Jones), Jude Law, Ed Harris, Natalie Portman, Rachel Weisz. It will debut in Cannes. We'll see what the reviews will be. But if it's Wong Kar Wai, expect non linear, beautifully heart breaking and emotional love story. Unless the Wongster decide to do something entirely different.
=====================================
Not that impressed but will probably check it out: =====================================
I Pronounce You Chuck and Larry
- comedy about Adam Sandler and Kevin James pretending to be gay couple to get some domestic partnership benefits. I actually don't care about this movie until the trailer comes out. It isn't about this movie, it's about Jessica Biel in panties and saying "touch it, these are real" (referring to her boobs) - that might just make me watch it. Might
Surf's Up
- just another animated movie this summer.
The Kingdom
- FBI goes to middle east to investigate an american murder - expect a typical political thriller. Lead by Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner. Rumor has it it has been push back to fall because of how good the test screening went.
====================================
What The Hell/I have a bad feeling about these: ====================================
Evan Almighty
- Bruce Almighty is one of the lesser Jim Carrey movies. Now they're making the sequel about the Steve Carell character becoming the 21st century Noah to build an arc for an impending arc. Trailer looks bad, it looks like it's gonna waste Steve Carell's talent. and what's up with making Steve Carell growing facial hairs and becoming moses-like? is this Santa Clause rip-off? yucks.
Balls of Fury
- Concept is interesting, about a Ping Pong competition with wacky and weird characters. But the trailer looks really bad.
Southland Tales
- Richard Kelly's follow up to his critically acclaimed Donnie Darko starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Seann William Scott and The Rock, supported by many others including Justin Timberlake and Mandy Moore. Supposedly about a post-apocalyptic LA, It has been screened in Cannes to mixed reviews last year and is still unreleased. Looks like the movie is too weird for release.
The Invasion
- Yet another remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. With Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig. The Wachowski Brothers of The Matrix apparently did some uncredited work on this film. But I still think it's unnecessary.
I Am Legend
- Richard Matheson's I Am Legend - about the last man on earth in a world populated by vampires - is one of the best and scariest sci-fi horror book ever. That's why I'm really wary about this adaptation starring Will Smith as the last man on earth occupied by vampires. I hope it doesn't stray from the books where it's really about one man alone, and change it to a film about Will Smith and co vs Vampires, or even worse, rip off 28 Days Later.
Sicko
- Michael Moore's latest documentary on the US health system. By now, Michael Moore has lost a lot of credibility so his documentary can't be taken seriously. Hopefully, his sense of humour is still intact.
The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
- Cowboy movie starring Brad Pitt as Jesse James. I think the title already gives away the whole story. It has been postponed for so long - a sign of bad movie perhaps?
============
Will Not See:
============
The Eye
- another asian horror remake. Jessica Alba is in it. Hooray! Urgh.
28 Weeks Later
- Didn't watch 28 Days Later. Not interested. Buzz has it that this is better than average film. Still not interested.
Underdog
- Dog version of Garfield?
Resident Evil: Extinction
- by this time, the movie version of RE doesn't have anything to do with the games anymore
30 Days of Night
- the comic book is overrated in my opinion. It has great drawings, but storywise, it's just a typical vampire monster attack a small town story
Alien VS Predator 2
- I didn't watch the first one. Heard it sucks. I probably won't even bother with this one. Just remember the tagline of the first movie. Whoever wins, we lose.
==========================================
"Prestige" Films that I will watch regardless of interest
==========================================
Lust, Caution
- Ang Lee directs it. Tony Leung Chiu Wai stars. supposedly an espionage drama set in 1940s Shanghai
American Gangster
- Gangster film. Ridley Scott directs. Stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. That should be enough
Charlie Wilson's War
- Mike Nichols directs. Stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. About a senator who in the 1980s help taliban in afghanistan to fight the soviets. The rest, as they say, is history.
3:10 to Yuma
- a western remake starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. Looks more interesting than The Career Assasination of Brad Pitt in Another Western Movie With A Ridiculously Blatant and Long Title.
The Other Boleyn Girl
- stars Eric Bana, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson. It's about King Henry VIII relationship with the Boleyn sisters. Part of the recent trend of shows on medieval england including mini series The Tudors and the aforementioned The Golden Age.
===============
Phew that was really long. Thank you for wasting your time. J/k. Well, I hope you enjoy the picture though.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Comeback Musicians and A Crazy election candidate
It's Friday (the 13th even!), let's have some fun entry.
In the last 2 weeks, there are new materials from 2 bands that I heard a lot in 2003/04 - Maroon 5 and Linkin Park. I like their stuffs a lot, used to listen to them until I get sick of them. There hasn't been anything new from them for over 2 years until now, so let's see what they've got:
Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder
I'm a big fan of Maroon 5 since I heard "This Love". It was followed by "She Will Be Loved" and "Sunday Morning" - one great song after another. Even if they had their generic-rock-song hit - "Harder To Breathe", I didn't mind. After "Sunday Morning", I did something I rarely do: buy their album - Songs About Jane. Maroon 5 had this nice blending of soul, a little jazz and rock into their songs and Adam Levine's lazy falsetto focals makes them stand out.
I've really been anticipating their new stuffs greatly. So when I heard their new song, Makes Me Wonder, I can't help but getting a little disappointed. This Love, She Will Be Loved, Sunday Morning - I fell in love with those songs the first time I heard it. Makes Me Wonder - not so. Maybe it's not really fair to have such a high expectation - it's actually quite a nice disco/dance inspired song, but it's still not as good as their best stuffs.
Linkin Park - What I've Done
I used to hate Linkin Park when I saw their video for Crawling - eww, those stuffs are so dark and bleak and those screaming are too hard to stand. But when I started to listen to their stuffs, I changed my mind. I have been waiting for their next song since "Breaking the Habit" and "Faint". Their new song, "What I've Done" is all right, sounds like a typical Linkin Park song - with a few differences. Mike Shinoda isn't rapping and Chester isn't screaming anymore (maybe those vocal surgeries have taken its toll). Furthermore, in the video, the band looks like they're U2 wannabe, with Chester being a cheap man's Bono. Linkin Park has gone on record saying that they're going into different direction with their new album and they won't do their old stuffs anymore. Until I hear more, it remains to be seen if it's a good thing or not. Their latest album, Minutes To Midnight, comes out on May 14/15.
Speaking of musicians with new albums this year, I actually didn't want to pose this embarassing stuffs but I have some strong feelings about this:
Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend
I confess I once liked Avril Lavigne. There was a time in early 2000s when she and Michelle Branch, Nelly Furtado, Pink came on to the scene and challenged the bubblegum pop princesses like Britney Spears. "Complicated", "Sk8ter Boi" aren't really great songs, but their pseudo-punk rock sounds are fresh during that time. In fact, I still listen to "Sk8ter Boi" as a guilty pleasure song (Lyrics: "He was a boy, she was a girl, can i make it anymore obvious." - is a case study of lazy songwriting). But flash forward till now, I watched this video of her latest song, Girlfriend. I didn't even finish it and I thought, isn't she too old for this shit? Seriously, she's married now and she is still doing the punk rock high school girl stuffs like her first album on the video? She's even worse than Ashlee Simpson in that video. Really embarassing stuffs and I don't think I will listen to any of her juvenile crap like this anymore.
======================================================
This has almost nothing to do with music. But I found this extremely funny stuffs yesterday. Apparently, in Tokyo, Japan, each candidate for the gubernatorial election can have a 5 minute video where they can speak their mind and basically convince people why they should vote for him/her. Last year, Tokyo just had one and along comes a left wing musician candidate with a mission. a video.
Damn, his candidacy video is just one of the most hilarious thing I've seen recently. Please watch it all the way to the end. If you think Ralph Nader or some 2003 California Governor recall election candidates (like Gary Coleman) are crazy, you ain't see nothing yet. Without much further ado, I present you: Koichi Toyama for Governor
They even made the South Park version:
... and apparently, he isn't the first one to do it. Years ago, another musician did a similarly strange video too:
I would seriously consider voting for any of these guys, especially Koichi, whose immortal awesome last words are "If I win, the majority will be freaked out, I will be freaked out too! Vote for me!". Now, that's a candidate worth voting for.
In the last 2 weeks, there are new materials from 2 bands that I heard a lot in 2003/04 - Maroon 5 and Linkin Park. I like their stuffs a lot, used to listen to them until I get sick of them. There hasn't been anything new from them for over 2 years until now, so let's see what they've got:
Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder
I'm a big fan of Maroon 5 since I heard "This Love". It was followed by "She Will Be Loved" and "Sunday Morning" - one great song after another. Even if they had their generic-rock-song hit - "Harder To Breathe", I didn't mind. After "Sunday Morning", I did something I rarely do: buy their album - Songs About Jane. Maroon 5 had this nice blending of soul, a little jazz and rock into their songs and Adam Levine's lazy falsetto focals makes them stand out.
I've really been anticipating their new stuffs greatly. So when I heard their new song, Makes Me Wonder, I can't help but getting a little disappointed. This Love, She Will Be Loved, Sunday Morning - I fell in love with those songs the first time I heard it. Makes Me Wonder - not so. Maybe it's not really fair to have such a high expectation - it's actually quite a nice disco/dance inspired song, but it's still not as good as their best stuffs.
Linkin Park - What I've Done
I used to hate Linkin Park when I saw their video for Crawling - eww, those stuffs are so dark and bleak and those screaming are too hard to stand. But when I started to listen to their stuffs, I changed my mind. I have been waiting for their next song since "Breaking the Habit" and "Faint". Their new song, "What I've Done" is all right, sounds like a typical Linkin Park song - with a few differences. Mike Shinoda isn't rapping and Chester isn't screaming anymore (maybe those vocal surgeries have taken its toll). Furthermore, in the video, the band looks like they're U2 wannabe, with Chester being a cheap man's Bono. Linkin Park has gone on record saying that they're going into different direction with their new album and they won't do their old stuffs anymore. Until I hear more, it remains to be seen if it's a good thing or not. Their latest album, Minutes To Midnight, comes out on May 14/15.
Speaking of musicians with new albums this year, I actually didn't want to pose this embarassing stuffs but I have some strong feelings about this:
Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend
I confess I once liked Avril Lavigne. There was a time in early 2000s when she and Michelle Branch, Nelly Furtado, Pink came on to the scene and challenged the bubblegum pop princesses like Britney Spears. "Complicated", "Sk8ter Boi" aren't really great songs, but their pseudo-punk rock sounds are fresh during that time. In fact, I still listen to "Sk8ter Boi" as a guilty pleasure song (Lyrics: "He was a boy, she was a girl, can i make it anymore obvious." - is a case study of lazy songwriting). But flash forward till now, I watched this video of her latest song, Girlfriend. I didn't even finish it and I thought, isn't she too old for this shit? Seriously, she's married now and she is still doing the punk rock high school girl stuffs like her first album on the video? She's even worse than Ashlee Simpson in that video. Really embarassing stuffs and I don't think I will listen to any of her juvenile crap like this anymore.
======================================================
This has almost nothing to do with music. But I found this extremely funny stuffs yesterday. Apparently, in Tokyo, Japan, each candidate for the gubernatorial election can have a 5 minute video where they can speak their mind and basically convince people why they should vote for him/her. Last year, Tokyo just had one and along comes a left wing musician candidate with a mission. a video.
Damn, his candidacy video is just one of the most hilarious thing I've seen recently. Please watch it all the way to the end. If you think Ralph Nader or some 2003 California Governor recall election candidates (like Gary Coleman) are crazy, you ain't see nothing yet. Without much further ado, I present you: Koichi Toyama for Governor
They even made the South Park version:
... and apparently, he isn't the first one to do it. Years ago, another musician did a similarly strange video too:
I would seriously consider voting for any of these guys, especially Koichi, whose immortal awesome last words are "If I win, the majority will be freaked out, I will be freaked out too! Vote for me!". Now, that's a candidate worth voting for.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
The H-1B Situation
This post is 1 week late.
So last Monday, April 2, was the first day for filing the H-1B visa petition. I need this visa to work here in US for another 3 years. Every year, there's 65000 spots for filing and another 20 000 for people with Master degree or higher. Now, for the last 3 years or so, the spots have been filled up faster and faster; last year, the spots were filled by May. I was expecting that it would disappear even faster this year. But never would I expect it would disappear so quickly. 150 000 applications within 1 day! (the final number now is about 120000 for 65000 spots)
News source : http://www.visalaw.com/2007_04_01_blogarchive.html (scroll down to the bottom)
As a result, all applications filed on the 1st and 2nd day (April 2 and 3) will be put in a random computer generated lottery. This will take several weeks to find out the results.
However, this has really hit many people, including me, hard. I couldn't sleep on the night I found out. I talked to many people about this and found so many reactions. Some people who panicked so hard on the thought of having to get out of the US permanently. Some people seemed to accept their fate come what may. Few come up with "clever" scheme to stay here. As for me, I am preparing for the worst, the day I have to go back for good, and never has the days feel so numbered.
After the first day of panic, I am actually quite calm about the whole thing. There's really nothing much I can do since it's entirely up to luck. Right now, I'm just preparing for the worst - if I my petition isn't selected, and if that happens I will surely go back - to either Singapore or Jakarta.
I'm actually cool to the idea of going back. Over the years, my good friends have gone back one by one and they are doing okay, so it's kind of inevitable too that I will go back.
It's just I have a plan here in US and some "unfinished business". I will not elaborate on the "unfinished business" part. But I love my job and way of life now. I can save up and enjoy a reasonably good life. After 3 years when my visa expire, I can go to a grad school and study something I really like without parents interference. But if I have to go back, I guess I would have to work much harder.
For now, I haven't told my parents yet about this. I have only told my sister, for if the worst happen, she will be alone without relatives here in US until my cousin comes next year. I don't want to leave my sister alone either, but if the worst happened, she has to be prepared.
What am I going to do from now on? I have had some thoughts on what to do immediately after my OPT ends mid July. After the H-1 news hit, I felt like I have to do some of them. There are still some cities I haven't visited that I would like to visit: Boston, Chicago, Miami, Hawaii, somewhere nice in Texas and the south, etc and I'd like to travel around end of July. Then, I'd like to attend the San Diego Comic Con at the end of July. After that, I probably will go back for good from LAX, flying the Airbus Singapore Airlines non-stop flight from LA to Singapore ... and never look back?
I really hope for the best, but I also have to prepare for the worst. Pray for me (and some of my friends too, including my roommate).
So last Monday, April 2, was the first day for filing the H-1B visa petition. I need this visa to work here in US for another 3 years. Every year, there's 65000 spots for filing and another 20 000 for people with Master degree or higher. Now, for the last 3 years or so, the spots have been filled up faster and faster; last year, the spots were filled by May. I was expecting that it would disappear even faster this year. But never would I expect it would disappear so quickly. 150 000 applications within 1 day! (the final number now is about 120000 for 65000 spots)
News source : http://www.visalaw.com/2007_04_01_blogarchive.html (scroll down to the bottom)
As a result, all applications filed on the 1st and 2nd day (April 2 and 3) will be put in a random computer generated lottery. This will take several weeks to find out the results.
However, this has really hit many people, including me, hard. I couldn't sleep on the night I found out. I talked to many people about this and found so many reactions. Some people who panicked so hard on the thought of having to get out of the US permanently. Some people seemed to accept their fate come what may. Few come up with "clever" scheme to stay here. As for me, I am preparing for the worst, the day I have to go back for good, and never has the days feel so numbered.
After the first day of panic, I am actually quite calm about the whole thing. There's really nothing much I can do since it's entirely up to luck. Right now, I'm just preparing for the worst - if I my petition isn't selected, and if that happens I will surely go back - to either Singapore or Jakarta.
I'm actually cool to the idea of going back. Over the years, my good friends have gone back one by one and they are doing okay, so it's kind of inevitable too that I will go back.
It's just I have a plan here in US and some "unfinished business". I will not elaborate on the "unfinished business" part. But I love my job and way of life now. I can save up and enjoy a reasonably good life. After 3 years when my visa expire, I can go to a grad school and study something I really like without parents interference. But if I have to go back, I guess I would have to work much harder.
For now, I haven't told my parents yet about this. I have only told my sister, for if the worst happen, she will be alone without relatives here in US until my cousin comes next year. I don't want to leave my sister alone either, but if the worst happened, she has to be prepared.
What am I going to do from now on? I have had some thoughts on what to do immediately after my OPT ends mid July. After the H-1 news hit, I felt like I have to do some of them. There are still some cities I haven't visited that I would like to visit: Boston, Chicago, Miami, Hawaii, somewhere nice in Texas and the south, etc and I'd like to travel around end of July. Then, I'd like to attend the San Diego Comic Con at the end of July. After that, I probably will go back for good from LAX, flying the Airbus Singapore Airlines non-stop flight from LA to Singapore ... and never look back?
I really hope for the best, but I also have to prepare for the worst. Pray for me (and some of my friends too, including my roommate).
Friday, April 6, 2007
The Post Mortem of an April Fools Joke
So, last sunday, April 1, was April Fools' day (Duh!). I made some jokes, including the lame ass fake newspaper article and game secret below. But my most powerful joke was putting on my MSN nickname, something like "omg, tornado hit Surabaya"!. I started it around 12 AM on April 1 and planned to keep my MSN on throughout the day to see who would get tricked. By getting tricked, I mean if whoever message me to ask about my nick without mentioning "april's fools", he/she gets tricked.
and boy did I not expect the outcome. In the end, there's a total of 12 people who get tricked with 10 on April 1 and 2 who came forward the next day. On the other hand, 2 people called my bluff perfectly, in fact, one of them actually copied my joke with my blessing and tricked another 3 people on his MSN. As for demographics, all but one are indonesians (not surprisingly), the other one is a Singaporean (surprisingly) whom I haven't spoken with for quite long. The indonesians who fell for it include 2 from Malang* and surprisingly, only 2 from Surabaya - considering that their hometown is part of the joke. Some people had to check CNN/BBC first before msg-ing me, and a few of them is currently in Indo! I only take into account the people who responded to my nick as well as a couple whom I approach; I have no idea of people who chose to stay silent. It was a successful prank as I didn't expect this many people would fall for it.
However, I must explain my rationale behind my joke and offer proper apologies. Some people, like Tin express in her blog, has been quite hurt by the joke, or the fact that they harmlessly fell for it. In fact, a friend of mine was in Jakarta starting his work when he saw my nick and he immediately had to call his family in Surabaya. I apologize to those people. It's never my intention to hurt any people or feelings.
That said, let me explain my joke. I thought long and hard about my joke. It has to be quite unbelievable but not too much so that it won't be immediately obvious. It has to be funny without being lame. So I've been thinking about the recent disasters that's happening in Indonesia (flood, earthquakes, plane crashes), and I thought to myself, what else could happen? I also happened to be reading about the mud flow incident in Surabaya. So I picked Surabaya as the target place - I am aware I might offend some people. Then the disaster - Blizzard? Sandstorm? Nah ... too unbelievable or lame. I thought about US and one nature's wrath came to mind: Tornado. I laughed inside, pleased that I have found the perfect storm for the joke. Hence, the april fools' joke was born.
I hope this explanation would satisfy a few people whom I have upset either because they got tricked or I pick Surabaya as the target. I have definitely had some "interesting" and "insightful" MSN conversations on those. Well, overall, it's an April Fools' Day, we're allowed to make jokes and pranks, so it's okay if you got tricked. I have been tricked and upset too in the past, but I think we need to learn to have a laugh at ourselves sometimes and April Fools provide a great opportunity to do that. Secondly, I don't want to be viewed as insensitive to Indonesians because of my jokes, I'm aware that I might offend people because I'm deriving my joke from the recent, unfortunate string of disasters that had befallen Indonesia. I have made sure that my joke is as tasteful as possible by not mentioning any death or damages and thinking of a very unlikely disaster. Lastly, again I apologize to anyone who is greatly offended by the joke, one way or another.
But it was fun, and I will definitely come up with something next year.
* you might know who they are. Hint: they go to same school as me.
PS: Some jokes I consider but rejected, as MSN nickname or fake news:
- A Hong Kong remake of Brokeback Mountain. The movie will be called Shaolin Mountain - it's about 2 shaolin monks who fell in love while practicing kung fu together. It will star Andy Lau and Tony Leung as the monks (and maybe Anthony Wong as the Shi Fu) and directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak, reuniting everyone from Infernal Affairs.
- An Indonesia cigarette tycoon takes over a big Italian Football club (I was considering either AC Milan, Inter Milan or Juventus)
... next, I will write about the gloomy H1-B visa situation
EDIT (April 10, 2007): I don't know if it's just strange coincidences or that my guilty conscience has caught up with me, but for some reason, I dreamt that my hometown was hit by an earthquake last night.
and boy did I not expect the outcome. In the end, there's a total of 12 people who get tricked with 10 on April 1 and 2 who came forward the next day. On the other hand, 2 people called my bluff perfectly, in fact, one of them actually copied my joke with my blessing and tricked another 3 people on his MSN. As for demographics, all but one are indonesians (not surprisingly), the other one is a Singaporean (surprisingly) whom I haven't spoken with for quite long. The indonesians who fell for it include 2 from Malang* and surprisingly, only 2 from Surabaya - considering that their hometown is part of the joke. Some people had to check CNN/BBC first before msg-ing me, and a few of them is currently in Indo! I only take into account the people who responded to my nick as well as a couple whom I approach; I have no idea of people who chose to stay silent. It was a successful prank as I didn't expect this many people would fall for it.
However, I must explain my rationale behind my joke and offer proper apologies. Some people, like Tin express in her blog, has been quite hurt by the joke, or the fact that they harmlessly fell for it. In fact, a friend of mine was in Jakarta starting his work when he saw my nick and he immediately had to call his family in Surabaya. I apologize to those people. It's never my intention to hurt any people or feelings.
That said, let me explain my joke. I thought long and hard about my joke. It has to be quite unbelievable but not too much so that it won't be immediately obvious. It has to be funny without being lame. So I've been thinking about the recent disasters that's happening in Indonesia (flood, earthquakes, plane crashes), and I thought to myself, what else could happen? I also happened to be reading about the mud flow incident in Surabaya. So I picked Surabaya as the target place - I am aware I might offend some people. Then the disaster - Blizzard? Sandstorm? Nah ... too unbelievable or lame. I thought about US and one nature's wrath came to mind: Tornado. I laughed inside, pleased that I have found the perfect storm for the joke. Hence, the april fools' joke was born.
I hope this explanation would satisfy a few people whom I have upset either because they got tricked or I pick Surabaya as the target. I have definitely had some "interesting" and "insightful" MSN conversations on those. Well, overall, it's an April Fools' Day, we're allowed to make jokes and pranks, so it's okay if you got tricked. I have been tricked and upset too in the past, but I think we need to learn to have a laugh at ourselves sometimes and April Fools provide a great opportunity to do that. Secondly, I don't want to be viewed as insensitive to Indonesians because of my jokes, I'm aware that I might offend people because I'm deriving my joke from the recent, unfortunate string of disasters that had befallen Indonesia. I have made sure that my joke is as tasteful as possible by not mentioning any death or damages and thinking of a very unlikely disaster. Lastly, again I apologize to anyone who is greatly offended by the joke, one way or another.
But it was fun, and I will definitely come up with something next year.
* you might know who they are. Hint: they go to same school as me.
PS: Some jokes I consider but rejected, as MSN nickname or fake news:
- A Hong Kong remake of Brokeback Mountain. The movie will be called Shaolin Mountain - it's about 2 shaolin monks who fell in love while practicing kung fu together. It will star Andy Lau and Tony Leung as the monks (and maybe Anthony Wong as the Shi Fu) and directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak, reuniting everyone from Infernal Affairs.
- An Indonesia cigarette tycoon takes over a big Italian Football club (I was considering either AC Milan, Inter Milan or Juventus)
... next, I will write about the gloomy H1-B visa situation
EDIT (April 10, 2007): I don't know if it's just strange coincidences or that my guilty conscience has caught up with me, but for some reason, I dreamt that my hometown was hit by an earthquake last night.
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