Movie review: Salt

Salt
Duration: about 100 minutes.

Synopsis: As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt (Jolie) swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt's efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: "Who Is Salt?"

My views: a mysterious (& hot!) main character to start off the movie, it really tickled my curiosity so i was pretty captivated throughout. action-filled, a slightly (by slightly i really meant it was just a tiny weeny bit) above average plot, not anything particularly smart but it's a movie i personally feel is worth your time and money. as Evelyn Salt, the actions, the emotions (not a lot due to the nature of the story, but i like), Jolie is indeed a prominent star that brought this movie to life. well, if Salt was a played by a guy, i dont think i would watch this movie. so overall i would say, it's an action movie with a not-very-impressive plot, but brought to a higher level with Jolie's acting. kudos to Jolie for that!

Ratings: 4 out of 5! enjoy the suspense and actions, ... or not!

Movie review: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Duration: about 110 minutes.

Synopsis: Balthazar Blake (Nicholas Cage) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina) Balthazar can’t do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé.  The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness.  It’ll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes the sorcerer's apprentice.

My views: you just gotta love the visual effects and the humor. the master and apprentice pair (Cage and Jay Baruchel) seemed weird on the movie poster, but in the movie, i would say they made a really great pair! personally, i felt that the plot was really plain and basic, pretty light-hearted, but the effects were awesome. what kept me entertained was the humor, which kind of took me by surprise. overall this film's much better than i had expected it to be, surprisingly entertaining i would say. i would give it something between 3.5 to 4, but i'll just keep it as 3.5, i think it's better to go in with little expectations and be surprised than to go in with high expectations and be disappointed. 

Ratings: 3.5 out of 5! revel in the magics, enjoy!

Movie review: Inception

Inception
Duration: about 150 minutes.

Synopsis: Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction: stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb’s rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible - inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse; their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime.But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. An enemy that only Cobb could have seen coming.

My views: full of awesomeness, this is a real masterpiece from Nolan. the storyline is amazing, totally out of the box and impeccable. Leonardo DiCaprio just gets more charming as years go by, dont you agree? mind blasting, awesome beyond words could describe, i really felt like i've paid too little for the movie. the ending reminds me of Shutter Island though, the year's other mind-bender DiCaprio thriller. amazing cast, great graphics, a flawless plot, really well thought out. i shouldnt say more, just go get your tickets.

Ratings: 5 out of 5! i believe 5 out of 5 is still an understatement!

Nuffnang Contest: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

if i am a sorcerer's apprentice, there are many things i would wanna do!

firstly, i would grant my beloved family and friends good health! secondly, i would love to travel around the world, teleportation sounds good to me, environmental friendly, time saving and no jet lags! thirdly, if i could, i would use my powers to promote or uphold world peace. and last but not least, i would take away sufferings (like diseases) from earth.

Plot: Balthazar Blake (Nicholas Cage) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina) Balthazar can’t do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé.  The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness.  It’ll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes the sorcerer's apprentice.

alright, here goes the trailer


oh and lastly, i would use my powers to exterminate lizards! feel my wrath, fear my power! well actually im more afraid of them than they are afraid of me, i think so?

Catch The Sorcerer's Apprentice Movie starting from 22nd July 2010 and join the Walt Disney Studios Singapore official Facebook and Twitter page!

Movie review: Ip Man: The Legend is Born

Ip Man: The Legend is Born
Duration: about 100 minutes.

Synopsis: This movie serves as a prequel to Ip Man's life before becoming the Master of Wing Chun. It depicts Ip Man's (Dennis To Yu-Hang) younger days in Hong Kong as a student, and returning to Foshan, China, where he spends his formative years training to become the ultimate martial arts legend. The movie stars Ip Chun, the eldest son of Master Ip Man, as Leung Pik, Ip Man's second Wing Chun master, Dennis To Yu Hang, the youngest World Kung Fu Champion of Hong Kong who plays the young Ip Man and Fan Siu-wong, who also performed in the "Ip Man" series.

My views: very impressive casts and actors, and that was all. the first time i saw the trailer, i rolled my eyes and looked away, i felt that it was just another movie to generate big bucks, following the success of the two "Ip Man" movies. the second time i saw the trailer, i saw Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, and that gave me a reason to watch this movie. true enough, the fight scenes were pretty impressive, and yet some scenes reminded me of Streetfighter - at least 3 fight scenes and one KO scene. i felt like i've sat through the whole movie without any emotions, unlike the other two movies, there was excitement, and a tinge of dislike towards the westerners and japanese. overall i would say, really awesome casts but the plot's lacking. i know i would feel cheated after the movie but now i feel really very cheated.

Ratings: 3 out of 5! watch this movie with little expectation, enjoy... or not!

Movie review: Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3
Duration: about 100 minutes.

Synopsis: The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of our favorite gang of toy characters in Toy Story 3. As Andy prepares to depart for college, Buzz, Woody and the rest of his loyal toys are troubled about their uncertain future. Toy Story 3 is a comical new adventure that lands the toys in a room full untamed tots who can’t wait to get their sticky little fingers on these “new” toys. It’s pandemonium as they try to stay together, ensuring “no toy gets left behind.”

My views: this movie is simply amazing, fun, exhilarating and entertaining! seriously, Toy Story is the only movie with sequels that do not disappoint, and in fact, better than previous! the little giggles every now and then, the plot close to perfection, and how everything went, everything was excelente (hahaha you will know why i used this word after you've watched it)! even though this movie is slightly longer than usual animations, i still think it's a little too short as compared to the years we've waited for it.

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5! excelente, to infinity and beyond!

Movie review: The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid
Duration: about 140 minutes.

Synopsis: 12-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's (Taraji P. Henson) latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying - and the feeling is mutual - but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts "the karate kid" on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.

My views: personally, i find this movie pretty awesome. a movie i really looked forward to since i saw the trailer, and sure enough it lived up to my expectation. really entertaining and i find it interesting that "kungfu is part of our daily life", the way Dre's training went and all, not the typical grinding type, thumbs up for that but it's still weird seeing kids fighting seriously with each other. had a few laughs, some parts were really really funny, and i think i could watch this movie another ten times. but i heard that this is still inferior to the 1984 masterpiece, so im definitely checking that out too!

Ratings: 4 out of 5! be sure to check it out!

Nuffnang Contest: Toy Story 3

excited, really really excited! the third instalment of Toy Story in a few days' time! Andy's preparing to depart for college, leaving his loyal toys troubled about their uncertain future.

with the introduction of new toys, i cant help but to love Toy Story even more, especially Lots-O'-Huggin'-Bear! it's just so irresistable!

CUTE OR NOT!

(i dont take no as an answer.)

this fluffy and very lovable bear is way too adorable! and just by looking at him, it cheers me up. aww, his smile and his belly! and the best part is, ... he smells like strawberries!
how awesome is that? VERY AWESOME!

while watching the trailer, i giggled twice. first was the part where Mrs. Potato Head went "may i?", and Mr. Potato Head flexing his arms, hahahahaha! and the second, which is my favorite, when Ken meets Barbie! hilarious, and the music, classic!

really looking forward to it! most of the new characters look so adorable, and best of all, Toy Story 3's gonna be in 3D! oh i cant wait!



Catch Toy Story 3 movie starting from 17th June 2010 and join the official Facebook and Twitter page!

Movie review: A Nightmare on Elm Street

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Duration: about 90 minutes.

Synopsis: Freddy Krueger returns in “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” a contemporary reimagining of the horror classic. A group of suburban teenagers share one common bond: they are all being stalked by Freddy Krueger, a horribly disfigured killer who hunts them in their dreams. As long as they stay awake, they can protect one another…but when they sleep, there is no escape.

My views: not bad, that's all i can say. this movie kept me in suspense throughout, good sound and visual effects. however, after reading the reviews online, im tempted to watch the 1984 version. the idea that Freddy could only harm his victims when they're in sleep is logicless but brilliant. not that scary to keep me off my bed though. i felt it was unadventurous and the way the victims were killed was a bit plain and boring.

Ratings: 3 out of 5! watch it only if you have time to spare!

Day 1 (Taipei): Exploring Ximending

finally the day has arrived, 21st April! the night before, my laptop was totally grouchy and cranky, it died on me. then, in the morning, went to rp to print the itinerary and such, lots of problem and i almost cried. then went to fetch R over to my place before heading to the airport. thanks daddy!

blogged a short entry at the departure gates, and Bye Singapore!

upon reaching Taoyuan International Airport, we were picked up by the driver which we arranged for, to fetch us to our hotel in Ximending. checked-in, dropped our luggages and went downstairs, Ximending! was famished okay!

the famous 阿宗面线! it has certainly lived up to its name, awesome!
limited seats, no tables at all, so we joined the rest by eating while standing.

fried chicken

super awesome chocolate milk tea, mango smoothie, taiwan sausages, and pork dumplings.

everything's super tasty except the dumplings.

bought all these and headed back to the hotel to rest our feet.

we wanted to purchase prepaid cards so that we can call home, so we went downstairs again after eating. then was told we need to bring our passport, identification card and hotel's address so that they can register it. then we went back to our hotel to get the stuffs, and went down again. then, they said we need to be 20 years old, so in the end, we couldnt get our cards :( ended up using my phone to contact our family members.

p/s: was supposed to be blogging from our hotel but we couldnt connect to their wireless no matter where, it's said that you need to purchase the card from their convenience store or something.

Movie review: Ip Man 2

Ip Man 2
Duration: about 110 minutes.

Synopsis: Ip Man arrives in Hong Kong and tries to propagate Wing Chun in the region. He faces rivalry from the local master of Hung Ga, Hung Jan Nam. After a few encounters with each other, Hung begins to respect Ip’s existence. One day Hung is beaten to death by an English boxer during a duel. In order to protect the dignity of Chinese martial arts, Ip challenges him.

My views: i am so looking forward to Ip Man 3! this movie is awesome, love the action and all. was especially looking forward to this movie, Sammo Hung and Donnie Yen fighting on a table, what more could you ask for? the fight scenes were really awesome, but i felt the storyline a bit too light, because writing this review 3 days after watching it, i couldnt think of what to write other than the actions.

Ratings: 4 out of 5! exhilarating, you just gotta love the actions!

Bye Singapore!

at the boarding gate now! awaiting departure.

blog again tonight when i connect to the hotel's wireless.

Bye Singapore, Hello Taiwan!

Less than 24 hours

im currently feeling really crunched, with 24 hours left to finish everything.

accompanied the guys to get their hair cut at amk yesterday, didnt feel like walking around so i settled for pedicure. then we went to mustafa to get myself a new & much-much-bigger luggage! my first time there, and without a need to, i dont think i'll ever go there again.

& i am a happy red head again!
bleached once and dyed twice in 4 months, insane amount of hair dropped :(

currently, i have to finish planning my itinerary, which will probably take half a day, then do laundry, then to rp to print out the itinerary, then pay my phone bill, then pack my room, then my nails, then pack my luggage tomorrow morning. i had less than 2 hours of sleep, and i dont think i have time to sleep now, or rather until i depart.

recently i've been really addicted to this two really awesome old songs. ♥

Making Love Out of Nothing at All by Air Supply



& I Want to Know What Love Is by Mariah Carey.


have to get my ass back at the overwhelming workpile!
will blog again later.

90 xiaolongbaos, 3 human beings!

after the thwarted trip to cityhall on monday, we went on a binge, again!

was really famished upon reaching, and as soon as we'd settled down, we ordered all the meat, soup base and etc, and 10 baskets of xiaolongbaos!

the waitress who took our order went: "there's only three of your right? are you sure you want ten baskets? or you want five first, then order again later?" HAHAHA, we just went ahead with ten baskets because they take at least 20 minutes to come.

eventually, they still served us 5 baskets first, until we were almost finished (like gone in 5 minutes?) then they serve us the other five baskets. and when she came with the second batch, we surprised her by saying "another 5 baskets, thank you."

so hilarious, her reaction was: "this is already the second batch right? your ten baskets came already right? and you want another 5 baskets?"

"YES!"

these yummy little angels!

oh the godly broth!

for desserts, we had this, ... crystal jelly with flower bits inside =.=''

HAHAHA!

then for the last order, another 3 baskets! 

so we had a total of 18 baskets multiply by five, 90 xiaolongbaos, 3 human beings! i think we're on their hall of fame already.

blog again tomorrow!

p/s: i took more than 2 hours to blog this. this cranky uploader is giving me lots of problem, had more pictures but to upload each picture, i had to click the upload button, then choose the image, then wait for it to load, then close the uploader, save my draft, close my firefox, open firefox again, open my draft again, open the uploader again, wait for it to load, then click the image, then okay, then save draft again, all just for one image, then do it all over, 12 or 13 times! so tedious, but was really determined to blog. see, i've just vindicated myself!

Movie review: Rec 2

Rec 2

Duration: about 80 minutes.

Synopsis: It has been just 15 minutes after authorities lost contact with the people locked in the building under quarantine. Nobody knows what happens inside. Outside is chaos. A SWAT unit enters the interior of the house to monitor the situation and determine what is happening - a seemingly quick and easy task. But everyone knows, sometimes appearances can be deceiving.

My views: i've never watched Rec before, and prior to purchasing the movie tickets, all i read about it was SWAT team, which was enough to entice me to give it a go. the moment i got in, i kind of regretted. barely halfway through the movie, i was feeling nauseous. nearing the end of the movie, i was on the verge of puking. no joke. but i think that comes to prove that this movie wasnt that bad, because despite how uncomfortable i felt, the thought of leaving halfway never occurred to me. so talking about the movie itself, quite suspenseful, i thought it was pretty cool to merge supernaturals with zombies, exorcism with living dead. some parts of the movie resembled L4D scenes, and overall, i dont find it scary or gory, but pretty interesting. i guess much of the suspense and thrill came from the camera-view, usually we see an overview, but in this movie, we see from the SWAT member's view, so as he turns around in the room, the creeps, and who-knows-what-may-come...

Ratings: 3.5 out of 5! enjoy ... or not!

Feels good to be recognized!

i've somewhat neglected this space, but fret not, i'll be updating everyday until the 21st when i fly off, even when im there in taiwan, i'll still be able to blog actually, since the hotels im staying in have wireless connection.

for the whole of last week, i've been indulging in my favorite avocation, watching movies, dramas and tv series! speaking of which, really honored to be selected to be a reviewer for a particular site as part of their outreach program. hmm will not be going into details, but was really elated upon receiving the email.

& i broke my own record, i finished all 17 episodes of 福氣又安康 (Easy Fortune Happy Life) in 20 hours without sleep. so for the past week, it's my stay-home week! i think other than buying my meals and snacks, and occasional meet-ups for dinner, i havent been to anywhere. 

oh now i remembered, been to cityhall twice, but on both events, the shop wasnt open! so i traveled from woodlands to cityhall, to have my subway melts, then back to woodlands. splendid! 

alright other than that i really have no recollection of any other events.

found this two pictures on my phone, taken last week. so that was all i guess.

i am so potato-ey. jacket potato and potato salad as side dishes. 

from all my old pictures taken in astons, you'll always see jacket potato, it's a must!

maybe the next time i'll share my tip in enjoying the jacket potato. mad fattening but it's so worth it!

was at my aunt's place again last sunday, & homecooked RICKSHAW NOODLES!

believe it or not, i had 5 bowls of it for lunch and dinner.

so far there's only one place i know in singapore that sells it, but everytime i get there, 
it's sold out or closed :( anyway, it's at maxwell food centre. you may wanna try your luck there.

& actually it's really easy to cook luh. hehehe.

alright, going out for movies soon! will post the review later at night so check back. most probably watching rec2! & i will be blogging about xiaolongbaos tomorrow! also, my prettified nails!
so stay tuned! hasta la vista!

Movie review: Shutter Island

Shutter Island
Duration: about 140 minutes.

Synopsis: From Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese, “Shutter Island” is a story set in 1954, two U.S. marshals, Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), who are summoned to a remote and barren island off the cost of Massachusetts to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a murderess from the island’s fortress-like hospital for the criminally insane.

My views: amazing director, awesome storyline with amazing twists, great casts. this movie is really amazing, it kept me thinking throughout the whole movie, i was dying to know the ending because of the twists here and there. extremely suspenseful, even when i thought i figured it out, i still felt it was quite puzzling. a must-see if you're a fan of thriller & mystery type movies. be awed.

Ratings: 4 out of 5! watch to believe, and revel in the mind-boggling mystery!