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.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
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:
==================
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.
==================
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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
==================
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.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Today's News
Indonesian government bans productions and screenings of local teenage romance movies
By RP, Associated Press Writer
April 1, 07
Jakarta, Indonesia - In an unprecedented move, the Indonesian government has announced an immediate ban to production and screenings of local teenage romance movies. The ban was initiated with the hope that the indonesian youth would be protected from negative moral values often associated with such movies.
"The recent slate of local teenage romance movies contain scenes that do not reflect the values of ideal indonesian teenagers. These movies contain scenes of holding hands, hugging, kissing, sweet talks and rebellious dialogues, and even worse, display of unrealistic wealth such as big house, expensive sports cars and exotic foreign locations such as America", said Jero Wacik, Minister for Culture and Tourism in a statement about the ban. "We hope that this ban will protect the indonesian children and viewers from the false and negative values shown by these movies"
Teenage romance movies have been popular with the local audiences ever since the local film "Ada Apa Dengan Cinta" (lit. What's Up With Love) was screened in 2002 to an unexpected but rousing success - grossing over 4 billion rupiahs (US$400 000) locally - and sparking a revival in Indonesian cinema. The number of indonesian movies produced have increased since 2002, many of which are teenage romance and horror. While the movies have done well in box office, they have also created controversies with religious politicians who see the movies as morally dangerous to the youth, hence encouraging the ban. This ban has been viewed by many as an attempt by the government to make the country more religious, in the light of the recent public kissing ban as well as the Playboy magazine controversy.
This ban has also sparked fierce opposition from many people in the film industry, including producers, directors and actors who threatened to strike and put the film industry in a stand still. Masyarakat Film Indonesia (Indonesian Film Society) has already arranged a public demonstration to be carried out in front of the People Legislative Council building tomorrow. "Banning teenage romance movies will only destroy the film industry which will destroy the indonesian economy", commented Sunil Soraya, director of a recent teenage romance movie called "Apa Artinya Cinta" (lit. What's The Meaning of Love), on the ban.
Despite the great controversy over this ban, many people on the streets seem unaffected. A local high school student said, "Those teen movies are so bad, it doesn't matter if we don't see them anymore."
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Video Games Secrets (spoiler warning):
Game: God of War II (PS2)
Secrets: Fighting Hercules as the Final Boss
How to get it: Complete the game in The Titan Mode (the hardest difficulty) without saving and game over. After you defeated the final boss, Zeus, you will be treated to a different cutscene/alternate ending. As Kratos is about to deliver the final blow to Zeus, Hercules (awesomely voiced by Kevin Sorbo, star of Hercules: Legendary Journey) appear to stop you, after which, the battle begins. Enjoy.
By RP, Associated Press Writer
April 1, 07
Jakarta, Indonesia - In an unprecedented move, the Indonesian government has announced an immediate ban to production and screenings of local teenage romance movies. The ban was initiated with the hope that the indonesian youth would be protected from negative moral values often associated with such movies.
"The recent slate of local teenage romance movies contain scenes that do not reflect the values of ideal indonesian teenagers. These movies contain scenes of holding hands, hugging, kissing, sweet talks and rebellious dialogues, and even worse, display of unrealistic wealth such as big house, expensive sports cars and exotic foreign locations such as America", said Jero Wacik, Minister for Culture and Tourism in a statement about the ban. "We hope that this ban will protect the indonesian children and viewers from the false and negative values shown by these movies"
Teenage romance movies have been popular with the local audiences ever since the local film "Ada Apa Dengan Cinta" (lit. What's Up With Love) was screened in 2002 to an unexpected but rousing success - grossing over 4 billion rupiahs (US$400 000) locally - and sparking a revival in Indonesian cinema. The number of indonesian movies produced have increased since 2002, many of which are teenage romance and horror. While the movies have done well in box office, they have also created controversies with religious politicians who see the movies as morally dangerous to the youth, hence encouraging the ban. This ban has been viewed by many as an attempt by the government to make the country more religious, in the light of the recent public kissing ban as well as the Playboy magazine controversy.
This ban has also sparked fierce opposition from many people in the film industry, including producers, directors and actors who threatened to strike and put the film industry in a stand still. Masyarakat Film Indonesia (Indonesian Film Society) has already arranged a public demonstration to be carried out in front of the People Legislative Council building tomorrow. "Banning teenage romance movies will only destroy the film industry which will destroy the indonesian economy", commented Sunil Soraya, director of a recent teenage romance movie called "Apa Artinya Cinta" (lit. What's The Meaning of Love), on the ban.
Despite the great controversy over this ban, many people on the streets seem unaffected. A local high school student said, "Those teen movies are so bad, it doesn't matter if we don't see them anymore."
==============================
Video Games Secrets (spoiler warning):
Game: God of War II (PS2)
Secrets: Fighting Hercules as the Final Boss
How to get it: Complete the game in The Titan Mode (the hardest difficulty) without saving and game over. After you defeated the final boss, Zeus, you will be treated to a different cutscene/alternate ending. As Kratos is about to deliver the final blow to Zeus, Hercules (awesomely voiced by Kevin Sorbo, star of Hercules: Legendary Journey) appear to stop you, after which, the battle begins. Enjoy.
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