7th Day of Christmas

"On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree."

Huge blister.
More sleep.
Less internet.
More hospital.
Less productive.
No power supply for laptop.
Just psp.

6th Day of Christmas

"On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree."

Taxis are expensive.
HSBC Treetop walk is short.
Walking is a good form of exercise.
Socks need to be thicker!
Blisters are irritating.
Overnight guard duty.

5th Day of Christmas

"On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree."

Swimming is fun.
Hellooo Judy!
New goggles.
Hospital again.
Pray pray.

4th Day of Christmas

"On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree."

I hope you like the storage space, Imouto!
Please take care of your doggie!
Hospital visits are becoming the norm.
Time is money.

3rd Day of Christmas

"On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree."

Thank you Xiaomei for the wonderful lunch and Swensen's Ice-cream!
Thank you for the wonderful concert/service, girls.
Thank you Mr Lee for the transport.

2nd Day of Christmas

"On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree."

Happy Birthday Xiaomei!
Get well soon, Mama!

1st Day of Christmas

"On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree."

Merry Christmas!

Roar!

Ever had one of those days when your handphone, psp and pocket pc ran out of battery all at the same time?
Well, this was one of those days. Perhaps i have left my pocket pc music running the whole night only to discover that the damned thing would not switch on after i had left the house. So i spent the entire journey to the massage parlour in silence, playing sudoku. Speaking of which, my timing slackened with each game that i play. Maybe a sign of old age.

And PFFFT! Singapore didn't capitalise on their many many opportunities. All it took was Vietnam's single attack and the Lions were down and out for the count.

Despair.

She said...

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For through me your days will be many,
And years will be added to your life."
-Proverbs 9:10-11

Night of many familiar faces

It all began with me, meeting my God-sis for supper. Punggol Nasi Lemak! Banana leaf otah, curry cabbage, fish fillet, egg and rice! $3.80. Lotsa chilli!

Hello Miss Liang! Always bump into you there when I eat there.

Adjourned to Selegie Tau Huey across the street. Nice n smooth tau huey.

Hello Mr Wu from 4S1 2000. It's been almost 10 years! =)

Movie Reviews: Quarantine, Twilight, Seven Pounds

Quarantine

The pseudo-documentary horror movie, with its hand-held trembly-cam and tipsy point of view, is enjoying a resurgence almost a decade after the advent of “The Blair Witch Project.” In a little more than a year we’ve seen “Cloverfield” and the low-budget non-charmer “The Signal.” Now “Quarantine” wants to remind us that the most terrifying threat we face could be brewing not in the Middle East but in the apartment next door.
Most of the audience stumbling into "Quarantine" will have no idea it's a remake of a 2007 Spanish horror film titled "Rec." I can't blame anyone for their ignorance, since the original picture never broke through to America due to distribution disinterest, and that's a crying shame.
"Rec" was a beautiful chiller, constructed with resourcefulness and genre filmmaking wizardry that instilled a modest concept with the right amount of armrest-ripping content to fuel nightmares for weeks. "Quarantine" is the unavoidable American replica, only this version has ingested a bottle of idiot pills and washed it all down with a full glass of directorial incompetence.
Hollywood has drained the tension away, replacing Spanish innovation with American stupidity. Very claustrophobic, very bloody, very nauseating. Makes you scared of old women, animals and little children.
Rating: 2/10

Twilight

Here, as in Stephenie Meyer's 2005 novel, Edward (Robert Pattinson) is Romeo, Heathcliff, James Dean, and Brad Pitt all rolled into one: a scruffy-gorgeous bloodsucker pinup who is really an angelic protector. When Bella (Kristen Stewart), who has come to Forks, Wash., to live with her police-chief dad, sits next to Edward in biology class, he acts like he's suffering a seizure (or an attack of bad Mexican food). But it's only because he can barely control himself around her. It's no surprise that Bella tunes out the other kids, even as they try to befriend her. They don't make her tingle with the fear of her own desire. Edward, like any good vampire, has a predatory glamour. As Bella gets to know him, what's irresistible to her is that he promises not a blood consummation but its very opposite: a refusal to give in to the hunger that tempts him most.
For girls, the intense, ego-stroking appeal of Meyer's novel was the way that Bella becomes this undead Byronic stud's soul mate without quite knowing why she's worthy. She's a Kewl Generation damsel waiting to be rescued from her jaded heart.
"Twilight" can be rather cheesy in certain scenes. Other than that, it could have more action. The romance in the movie is just too overwhelming for me to swallow.
Rating: 7/10

Seven Pounds

“Seven Pounds” is an endlessly sentimental fable about sacrifice and redemption that aims only at the heart at the expense of the head. Intricately constructed so as to infuriate anyone predominantly guided by rationality and intellect, this re-teaming of star Will Smith and director Gabriele Muccino after their surprisingly effective “The Pursuit of Happyness” is off-putting for its manifest manipulations, as well as its pretentiousness and self-importance.
Ben appears anxious to please, his directness and soft-spoken urgency betokening a genuineness of intent. Before long, an appealing tenderness enters into his relationship with Emily that ultimately blossoms into a full-blown love story, something that fills out a great chunk of the running time.
This is something different from the recent super-hero-like "I Am Legend" and "Hancock". If "Seven Pounds" does not grip your heart and make you shed a tear of empathy, then maybe you just aren't human.
Bottom Line: Spiritual redemption is not a typical Hollywood theme, but this Will Smith movie shows it can be done.
Rating: 8/10

Alone time

Project Laptop Stand

Many happenings

Started the day early, really early, earlier than normal, 8am. Went for my aunt's father-in-law's funeral. He lived a long life of 91 years. Was healthy, always exercise at the park downstairs. Till a week ago when he had to install a pacemaker, for reasons I don't really know. Went to ICU, became super critical, went home to the Lord in his sleep. God bless his soul.

Suddenly, it all became too nostalgic for me to handle. Tears filled my eyes, but refused to flow out. Chills went down my spine as I thought of what would happen next, my grandma. The final grandparent I have left. Been spending a lot of time with her recently. She's eating well, and a lot too. Enjoying every moment of it. The bad part of all this is that she's got diabetes, and her legs have gangrene. There's no known cure for it. If it spreads upwards to the rest of the leg, which it will, doctors have suggested amputation. But she, being 82, I fear would not pull through the operation.

Such a familiar feeling, walking into the viewing room of Mandai Crematorium, seeing people in traditional black and white, teary-eyed, red-nosed, crying out loud. Just cannot help but to breakdown into tears too. That's just human, I guess. Life goes on. Dust to dust, ashes to ashes.

Feeling powerless, literally, cos the electricians were repairing some power line at my flat, I decided to head out of the house to my cousin's place to check out what's on MIO tv. Not bad actually, there's like free movies on demand, for a month for new subscribers. But it's nothing that I've not seen. Ended up playing ps2 with my cousin. Torres was victorious again! Yes, winning eleven. Changed from bashing up baddies in Warriors Orochi 2, something like Dynasty Warriors.

Here I am, ending the day by hanging up my Singapore Flag at my window, after bringing it back from Australia. Time to hit the sack. Till next time...

Movie Review: The Women, Wild Child

The Women

Bad Movie, Great Cast

I mean, come on: Annette Bening, Meg Ryan, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing, Eva Mendes, and Bette Midler, for crying out loud! This should have been 114 minutes of chic flick bliss. Instead, it was hugely disappointing.
The acting was often forced and overblown. The characters were caricatures; they lacked depth.
(Spoilers ahead)
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There are only 3 highlights that I can salvage from my memory. First was the fashion show (probably because there was no dialogue). Beautiful clothes made for a great visual experience. Second was Bette Midler. Even though her cameo came from out of no where (the scene seemed unnaturally inserted into the second half of the movie so that her name could be added to the credits), she was charming as usual. Third is the last scene in the hospital. It was chaotic (and yes overblown, again) but fun. The exaggeration in this scene is acceptable because it was slapstick. Therefore, by definition it was supposed to be overdone (unlike the rest of the movie). Though I must say, the Blair Witch Project-style camera work (you know, the kind that makes you a bit queasy) was a bit much.
Don’t get me wrong, these women have got style (we’ve seen them shine in other films), but you don’t see the sparkle in this movie.

Rating: 2/10

Wild Child

People like Lindsay Lohan have done it. So does Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow and Hilary Duff among many others. Thus even you have one of Tinseltown’s hottest actress as your aunt, you still need to pay your dues.
In "Wild Child", Emma Roberts (niece of Julia Roberts and daughter of sometimes actor, Eric Roberts) plays Poppy Moore, a totally spoiled California girl who is being shipped off to a boarding school in the UK by his father for her increasing rebellious behaviour. The rules of staying in a boarding school means Poppy’s Jimmy Choo (heels), Louis Vuitton (bags), iPhone and her internet access have to make way for prim & proper school uniform, school rules and the school bully aka headgirl, Harriet.
There’s the lovable Nick Frost (the chubby half from Hot Fuzz) who turns up as a sissy hairdresser and a bunch of supporting comical characters that makes "Wild Child" a joy to sit through.
If you love the Harry Potter series where the average age of the leading cast members is below the legal age of 21 or any of those early Lindsay Lohan’s girly flicks, you should have no problem lapping up this unpretentious and light-heartened teen comedy.

Rating: 6/10

Wu Jie Lu

I understand...

I understand.

Upcoming Street Fighter Movie!

You would never believe who is the NEW Chun-Li.

Kristin Kreuk!!!

Movie Reviews: Transporter 3, Resident Evil Degeneration, Bolt

Transporter 3

I thought Transporter 2 could have been better, but I think 3 was the final nail in the Transporter Coffin. Transporter 3 just killed the character development that Transporter and Transporter 2 made. The fight scenes were cheesy as hell. (Spoilers ahead)
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I mean, throwing a rose into a defeated enemy's hole in the floor with the opera music? Give me a break. Frank Martin falling in LOVE?!? That was as cheesy as anything!
The story moved too fast. The car scenes were horrible especially when Frank was driving on two wheels. The whole movie just was awful. I came out of the theaters utterly pissed off. I was HIGHLY anticipating this release since last August and it was a total let down. I have lost a ton of respect for Jason Statham after making this pathetic piece of crap and the Crank movies. Just awful. I don't recommend this movie to anybody.
Rating: 2/10

Resident Evil: Degeneration

The first full-length feature in the franchise to be created via CG, is also the first one to stay true to its video-game roots. Unlike the three live-action movies that came before it, DEGENERATION moves the game’s plot forward and takes place after the zombie outbreak in Raccoon City and the fall of the Umbrella Corporation.

There’s plenty here for RESIDENT EVIL fans to enjoy, though, despite the slow pace between certain scenes. DEGENERATION captures the true essence of the games, complete with intriguing dialogue, and in a welcome move, it has even cast the lead voice talent (Alyson Court and Paul Mercier) from its interactive predecessors. The CGI is excellent, though more care should have been given to lip-synching the actors’ voices to their digital alter egos.

It’s no surprise that DEGENERATION’s conclusion leaves the door open for another chapter in the series. Interestingly enough, it doesn’t appear that the film’s scenario ties in to that of the forthcoming RESIDENT EVIL 5 game—but I guess we’ll all have to wait until next spring to find out for sure.

Rating: 8/10

Bolt

Story:
Bolt is the world's greatest super-dog. He is incredibly fast, is super strong, has heat vision, and has a super bark. He uses his powers to save the world from the evil Dr. Calico. Bolt is also ever vigilant and protects his owner, Penny, from the forces of evil.

Too bad Bolt doesn't realize he's on a TV show and none of it is real.

When Bolt is accidentally separated from Penny, he's forced to make a cross-country journey to save his owner. The catch is he still thinks he has super powers. Bolt captures a cat prisoner named Mittens and forces her to lead him to where Penny is being held. Despite her protests, Mittens can't convince Bolt that he's just the star of a TV show. Matters aren't helped when a Bolt super-fanboy (and hamster in a ball) named Rhino joins them and further reinforces Bolt's delusions.

What Worked:
The supporting cast is so strong that Bolt is almost relegated to the role of straight man. John Travolta does a fine job as Bolt and gives the character a sympathetic and earnest tone. Miley Cyrus is also good as Penny, but she's not in the movie all that much. Where the two really shine is in the song they sing together in the closing credits.

I was impressed how practically every new character that was introduced along the way brought an entertaining piece to the story. A couple of cats (one voiced by Diedrich Bader) amusingly harass Bolt in his trailer. In New York, Bolt encounters a funny group of pigeons that are perfectly animated like real world pigeons. When we meet Mittens, her exasperation and dismay at Bolt's high levels of crazy brings a lot of laughs. But the real show stealer is the hamster Rhino who is voiced by Mark Walton. He brings the house down and the character's introduction alone takes the movie to another level. Rhino's uber-fanboy persona and can-do attitude is hilarious. How can you not crack up when a hamster in a ball does a maniacal laugh or offers to snap a man's neck? Rhino might be able to carry a movie on his own.

The animators do a really great job with the performances of the CG characters. A standout scene is when Mittens is teaching Bolt how to beg for food. By giving him little instructions here and there ("Ears down! Head tilted!"), Bolt goes from a neutral facial expression to an all out "I'm cute, feed me" look right before your eyes. That scene should be required viewing for any aspiring animator. The subtle touches with body motions and facial expressions are apparent through the rest of the film.

The Bottom Line:
"Bolt" was a fun film. I'd recommend it not just for families but anyone that enjoys comedies or animation. This is not just a kid's movie.

Rating: 7/10

Smiley

Qin, check this out. The moon is smiling! ( :
Click HERE for full article.