The Book of Eli

So... this is my first post of 2010. Bla bla bla the same reasons of not having the time etc. I'd rather get down to business. I've not watched many movies since coming to Penang due to the non-ability to get a few people together to watch 1 (working on shifts). Well we have watched a movie now and it is "The Book of Eli".

This one appears to be a relatively low budget production although I admit I have no idea if it is.. it just has that B-movie vibe about it. It is what I will describe as a Denzel Washington 1-man show. While not appearing in the typical Denzel acting as Denzel role, I felt he did a good job as an ass-kicking badass "templar" of sorts. Also appearing are Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis, both of which, while not spectacular, pull through solidly, in particular Gary Oldman as the antagonist.

To those who haven't heard of the movie or what it's about, it's about a post nuclear-war world where everything is scarce and it's sort of gone back to the olden times wild west. This guy, whose name is Eli, is tracking across the world to bring this "book" to where ever it's meant to be. There is a fair amount of action, and it is filmed in a really cool gritty way, almost as if the cameraman is in the midst of the action. The movie's strength is the religion-themed plot that is the undercurrent through-out. Some of the issues that are shone upon are glaring truths of the world today. This one might not be for everyone but it's worth a watch, if at the very least for the cool action scenes.

Verdict: Something slightly different and under the radar, but worth a watch.

7.5/10

Movies and more Movies

Right, so the past week and a half have been pretty "hectic" for me. I guess I can call it that, being on holiday, watching movies etc. You know, stressful stuff. I've been wanting to do a proper movie review for awhile now but I keep watching new movies and then with the holiday, I didn't have much time to sit down and get to it.

Well, today is not any different, I'll just pretty much summarize all the movies I've watched in the recent past, be it on DVD or in the Cinemas. I will do more in-depth reviews once I'm in Penang as I presume (or rather pray/hope) that I'll have more time there and doubt I'll have as many distractions.

This month has been an awesome month for movies. Every movie I've been to the cinema to watch has been worth every penny (from here you should know that I did not watch New Moon) and I'm glad I've watched them. I'll start with movies I've watched in the cinema as it may sway your decision to go out and watch it instead of sitting at home and waiting for Mr. Pirate to sell it.


James Cameron's Avatar
Alright, just let me tell you, if you have not watched this movie yet. Go out and watch it now, turn off your pc and try to get tickets. I think this movie was already in the making by James Cameron 10 years ago but back then the technology did not live up to his vision. Now that he has found out a satisfactory way, and boy is it satisfactory, to make it, he has brought the world of Pandora to life.
The movie is about humans, as usual, going to another planet, in this movie, Pandora, to mine their minerals. (Sound familiar anyone? *coughUSinthemiddleeastcough*) Sam Worthington plays the role of this guy who pilots an "Avatar". An Avatar is one of those blue things, which is sort of a clone of the local people.
The plot is really simple, which leaves us the time to really admire the world of Pandora, and the amazing CGI on display. I watched both the normal and 3D version and I can tell you that 3D makes a whole lot of difference. This is not a movie that just puts lots of floating stuff in there as a 3D gimmick. It's very different watching it in 3D and I suggest you do the same.
Amazing execution of this movie, even if it's a bit long and the plot a little thin and predictable. If you're one those people that feel the journey is more important than the end. This movie is right up your alley. Even if you're not, watch this, cause this could pave the way for a new era of movies with animation. Lastly, this is NOT an animated movie, the actors actually played all the parts, with sensors on their bodies ala Gollum in Lord of the Rings.

9/10
Verdict: Cancel your other plans, go out and watch this before it is removed from Cinemas.



Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes, a name that is known worldwide, even if people don't actually KNOW who he is, I assume most of us know that he is a detective and a very smart one. The latest incarnation of Mr. Holmes reintroduces us to him, getting the Guy Ritchie treatment. This one is fast paced, full of hard hitting action, whilst still remaining witty and intelligent. Robert Downey nails the role perfectly, a mix of wit, intelligence and zaniness. In some ways a cross between Jack Sparrow and Jason Bourne if you will. Jude Law is also superb here in his role as Dr. Watson. He is the opposite to Holmes and gives us a sort of "control" character. Down to earth but every bit as intelligent as Sherlock. Then we have the beautiful Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, and Mark Strong who is brilliant as the baddie, Lord Blackstone.
The movie and plot moves fast, and keeps you guessing. The dialogue is witty and the characters lovable. There is everything in here, comedy, action, bit of drama. What there is not, is there is no reason you should now watch this, so go. Blockbuster done right.

8.5/10
Verdict: Good fun stuff, Watch it!



Zombieland
Alright, this movie sorta came outta the blue if your not a movie buff. Not much publicity and arguably low profile cast. But if you missed it, your loss. This is one of the most brilliantly made fun zombie movies I'ved watched in awhile. Touted as the movie version of the game Left4Dead, this one is fun start to finish. Go in, don't take it too seriously and you will come out very satisfied. Every character is so unique in their own way and with just about 6 actors through-out the whole show, the 4 main characters manage to carry the whole movie. We have the innocent but sincere geek, the ass-kicking tough guy, the ingenious but charming chick, and the innocent-looking but sneaky little sister. You come to love each of their characters because they're so simple but the chemistry between them is good, then again could just be the fact that I find Emma Stone HOT! The plot is basically just 4 people going across America to get away from zombies and finding themselves on the journey. And don't forget all those rules. This is one movie which I'll want to buy the DVD and watch again cause it's just such a laugh.

8/10
Verdict: Looking for a fun way to spend an otherwise planless night? This is it, you won't regret.

More ranting, Orianthi, and the Grammys.

In the light of news that the Grammy nominees have been released, I truly am not surprised that Taylor Swift has been given 8..... 8... YES 8, nominations for whatever categories. Only beaten by Beyonce with... 10... YES 10 nominations.

I may be extra hard on the mainstream drivel but somebody seriously needs to explain how or why Beyonce is so highly regarded as the Queen on the pop scene right now? Her music has hardly improved from when she was in Destiny's Child and the only reason I can see is because she got with Jay-Z that suddenly boosted her profile? I'll admit that her live performances are flashy, if not over the top but her songs are seriously quite rubbish. 3 off the top of my head.. the one which goes "To the left to the left", Single Ladies, and Sweet Dreams, all crap. I mean who seriously can listen through Sweet Dreams? Her vocals are nothing special, the beats nothing new, so why? Is it because of her Divaness? You tell me.

Moving on to Taylor Swift, this one is not so mind-boggling as she is manufactured to sell CDs to tweens and teens with songs moms would approve of. But seriously? Nominated for Grammys? I mean, how can anyone take her music seriously? Every song sounds so similar even in the chords used and don't even get me started on her singing ability. I believe that has been covered many times over by other writers out there. Just look around for her live performances.

And then there's this:

Record of the Year: Beyonce's "Halo," Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling," Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody," Lady Gaga's "Poker Face," Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me."

Make of that what you will. That's the state of the music industry now. IT'S THE GRAMMYS btw. The only decent song in there is Use Somebody and we all know it's just there to make up the numbers.

This is an award that has been given to truly talented artists and we can just look through the past winners to see what mainstream music has become.

In the 50s and 60s, winners included Frank Sinatra, Henry Mancini, and Tony Bennett to name a few.

In the 70s, we had the Eagles, Billy Joel, Carole King, and Roberta Flack

In the 80s, along came Michael Jackson and Tina Turner.

And in the 90s, we still had Eric Clapton, Whitney Houston, Nat King Cole, Phil Collins and Celine Dion.

After the Millennium, winners included U2, Coldplay, and Norah Jones.

All the names I've listed out are respected proper talented artists. Closer to today though, names such as Green Day, and Amy Winehouse have managed to bag Grammys, god knows how. Then again, I remember last year, we had the Jonas Brothers perform at the Grammys and suddenly it's all a little clearer.

Anyway enough of the Grammys, I don't think anyone, even in the music industry takes it too seriously anyway. Look on wikipedia for what Maynard James Keenan has to say about it for example.

No, today I'm here to give us a bit of hope. You might have heard of her and seen her video on MTV by now, but I'm still sure the majority haven't even heard of her and I think that's an injustice when we have hacks like Taylor Swift at the top of the charts. Anyway, I present you, Orianthi. She's released an album now and her video, According to You is on MTV, you can search for it on Youtube as for some reason I can't embed it. The song isn't great but it's a smart way to penetrate the market to lead them on to what she is actually capable of.

Santana has been one of the few people who have backed her and she was the guitarist on MJ's This is It tour. The girl can ACTUALLY play guitar and is damn good at it. Anyway here are some clips.


Santana on her and some clips of her live.


Orianthi - According to You Live.


This one is a compilation but mostly of her playing guitar.

Yesterday is history,
Tomorrow is a mystery,
Today is a gift,
That's why it's called the present.

Music... or lack thereof.

Soooooo, how's everyone been holding up? Really?? Like I care anyways. So, more casual blogging and something I've been wanting to get off my chest for a bit but never really got down to it.

The story goes, my CD player broke, leaving me with no choice but to be at the mercy of radio, or face driving everyday listening to myself breathe. After 2 weeks or so, I'm beginning to question the choice of listening to the radio. Either option appears to me now as dull as the other.

Alright, that is exaggerating, the DJ's and the Hitz Gotcha's are actually decent, and the only thing that keeps me entertained. Apart from that, being abused with the music, or what qualifies as music today, that spearheads the pop frontier, is frankly, SAD. Pathetic, listless, uninspired, boring. Call it what you will.

Looking at it from a broader scale, I think it is kinda what shapes us today. It represents society in a sort of obscure way. How everyone can be manipulated into thinking certain things are "nice", or being pushed around by corporates and liking something just cause everyone else likes it. In short, originality is dieing.

Turn on the radio, what do you hear? Bullshit? No.... I mean what music is playing. I can bet you at least 8 out of 10 times, you will listen to David Archuleta at least once during the duration of radio listening. David Archuleta is the epitome of boringness and uninspired music. It's basically the same disney-ish crap that's being spouted by the likes of Jonas Brothers and now, Kris Allen. There is no character, they all sing about the same things, even use the same cliches and they just sound the SAME!

On the other hand we have mainstream hiphop, that is seriously just utter bullshit. Leading the list are Rihanna, Soulja Boi and whatever crap is out there. The clearest sign of a manufactured artist is when you listen to them live. I mean honestly, listen to Rihanna and tell me she can sing? If you say yes, then you deserve to listen to that shit daily. BUT WAIT!!!!! SOULJA BOI, SOULJA BOI, SOULJA BOI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How is Soulja Boi even an artist?!?!?!?!?!?! Do people seriously enjoy his music? I think you have to bring your mindset down to the level of a piece of mud to actually level with his lyrics.

If you look back just a couple of decades. What was on air? The Beatles, Eagles, Santana, Aerosmith, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Madonna, Queen. Just some examples.

And today? Like I've already stated above, Jonas Brothers, David Archuleta, Taylor Swift, Click 5, Soulja Boi, Rihanna, Sean Kingston, Miley Cyrus.

I'll let you guys work that one out yourselves. How the hell did music fall so far? Or rather how did mainstream music fall so far? Out of the 2nd list, I'm curious to see how many of them are remembered even 10 years from now. People will probably scoff and say, oh... that crap. Why? because the music corporates would've manufactured a new style of crappy music that would be considered "cool" by the listeners.

I don't know why they're getting worse, maybe because it's the fact that talent is either getting harder to find, or real talented people are smart enough to keep away from the mainstream labels. I think even the boyband era was better that the crap on radio today.

Well, I've gone on long enough. I hope my CD player will be fixed soon because then I am reminded there's hope. There's so much talent out there not making music for money, or fame. The roots are still there, the raw feeling of making music because you want to. I think Malaysia needs a rock or underground channel because every channel plays the same crap. At least BFM has the guts to go against the norm, playing good stuff of yesteryears that aren't the same 20 or 25 "oldie" songs LightFM constantly plays.

If you think I've been talking crap, I thank you for sticking through-out the entire post. Maybe I have to accept one man's meat is another man's poison. But in this case, shit is shit. No 2 ways about it. Cheers.

Ah some things change... and some do not.

In a bid to blog more frequently, I think I might just start blogging more casually now. Whereas previously I would pigeon hole my posts down to chicks, movies etc. I think from now I might just post what's on my mind.

After a hiatus from posting to post on Twitter and the like I still think blogging like this is the best way to write. So much more freedom and proper useage of the English language no?

So anyways, I've started watching a TV series named, Californication. Starring the affable David Duchovny in the lead role, the series is about this broken down guy, who's a writer and became famous because his book was made into a movie that he hates but did well. Because of this fame and possibly his good looks, he draws women with no problem at all. Every episode there's at least a sex scene if not 2. So a warning not to watch this with your parents eh?

This guy though, who's aptly named Hank Moody by the way, is a divorcee who's still kinda in love with his ex-wife. She has moved on however and is getting married to another guy, Bill. So it's quite a funny situation where he hates Bill but has to just put up with him cause his daughter, Becca, would be staying with him and all that.

For some reason, I kinda feel there's something inside there we can all relate to. Even though this guy's a loser and a bum, he appeals to the viewer in some weird way. It's also got excellent dialogue which is witty and is pretty funny in most parts.

Yeah... so just wanted to get that out as a start. Check it out if you got the time.

Hope I'll be writing more soon, till then, Au Revoir.