Let The Right One In

Watched Let The Right One In after school on wed with Stephen. The review and synopsis are as follows.

Let The Right One In is not really a horror show and is actually a vampire love story. Don't mistake this movie with Twilight because the two movies are miles apart. Oskar is a 12-year-old outcast who is frequently picked on by his classmates. He dreams of getting his revenge, but he never stands up to the boys. With the arrival of his new next-door neighbor, 12-year-old Eli, Oskar may finally have found a friend, ally, and first love. But Eli is no ordinary girl: she must keep her pale skin out of the sunlight, she can perform inhuman physical feats, and she has a thirst for blood. The bodies begin to pile up, but Oskar can't stay away from the girl who has finally given him courage.

The plot might sound a little ludicrous to some people but the storytelling is very matured and the movie never shies away from the dark themes. Mortality, love, vengeance and loneliness are the main themes of this movie and the director does quite a good job with them. The character development is great and the romance is well crafted as well. This movie is a poignant, unsettling and haunting story that will make you wonder the boundaries of love.

***1/2

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White Palms

Watched White Palms with Qy after attending the Spring Singapore recruitment talk. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Having suffered as a boy under a brutal Communist-era coach, world class gymnast Miklos, moves to Canada years later in search of a new start - only to find himself unwittingly perpetuating the very same cycle of abuse among his own pupils. Redemption appears in the unlikely form of Kyle, a troubled, young Canadian teen with the potential to become a world champion. The friendship and rivalry between teacher and student forms the basis of this gripping sports drama.

This drama on the psychological effects of childhood abuse is based on the true story of the director's brother and it is compelling and realistic. The story is brutally honest and it does not hold back on the fear of the coach, the hopes dashed, and the emotional scars. The cast does an impressive job with the abusive coach, the young gymnastics coach with his hidden past, and the aloof and promising student.

White Palms is an interesting and dark film with great character development despite it being a little underwhelming at times.

***1/2

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81st Academy Awards Winners

Complete list of winners at the 81st annual Academy Awards, presented Sunday night at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles:

- Motion Picture: "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Actor: Sean Penn, "Milk"

- Actress: Kate Winslet, "The Reader"

- Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"

- Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"

- Director: Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Foreign Film: "Departures," Japan

- Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black, "Milk"

- Animated Feature Film: "WALL-E"

- Art Direction: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

- Cinematography: "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Sound Mixing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Sound Editing: "The Dark Knight"

- Original Score: "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman

- Original Song: "Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman and Gulzar

- Costume: "The Duchess"

- Documentary Feature: "Man on Wire"

- Documentary (short subject): "Smile Pinki"

- Film Editing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Makeup: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

- Animated Short Film: "La Maison en Petits Cubes"

- Live Action Short Film: "Spielzeugland (Toyland)"

- Visual Effects: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

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O... Saya

O... Saya from Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack

I am hooked to some of the songs in Slumdog Millionaire and this song is my favourite. Those who watched the movie will appreciate the song even more. A R Rahman is nominated for 3 Oscars including Best Score and 2 nominations for Best Song (O Saya and Jai Ho).

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He's Just Not That Into You

Watched He's Just Not That Into You with my jc friends yesterday. I'll never watch movie when i'm sitting front row seats at Causeway point ever again. I had sore neck when the movie ended which resulted in a bit of a headache. Anyway, back to the synopsis and review of the movie.

Based on a self-help book written by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo concerning the ever-widening gap between genders and the misunderstandings that often arise between couples. In one of stories, Gigi who can't seem to get a firm grip on the men in her life pursues an advice columnist who never quite knew what he wanted in a relationship.

I expected this movie to be more of a comedy than romance movie judging from the trailer but i received more of the latter instead. I am not saying that this movie is not funny but the best moments of this movie are already in the 2 trailers (Trailer 1, Trailer 2). This movie is entertaining and comical to a certain extent.

It professes to be a romance guru movie but i do doubt some of the advices given due to the numerous stereotypical roles in the movie. My eyes rolled when an actor in the movie proclaimed that "a girl doesn't love you if she doesn't sleep with you after she has gone out with you for a month". And I wonder why teenage promiscuity is on the rise considering the type of media they are exposed to.

Besides some cliched dialogue, the cast generally is quite likable comprising of Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly and Ben Affleck, etc. The love stories are light on depth and saccharine on taste. They are like an assortment of desserts, appealing and nice to look at, draws people in due to the romantic factor, but is ultimately forgettable.

**1/2

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Night Safari

Went Night Safari with Edwin and Meibin on thur. We went to see the animal show at 8.30 pm and it was quite disappointing despite the best efforts of the host. There were animal appearances, animals walking on thick ropes, a simple game, and animal recycling cans and bottles.

Quite a big crowd

Animal guessing which covered hand with grapes

Otter recycling cans and bottles

Nice zebra themed cafe

3 of us

Fish tank

We were not allowed to use flash photography and i took photos of the pictures of the nocturnal animals instead. Sometimes, we were not able to find the stated animals in the enclosure as the animals were either far away from the glass panes or in the darker parts of the enclosure.

Forgot what species this is

Another species of nocturnal animal

On the tram ride

Leopard

Tiger

Indian-crested porcupines

Fossils and some bones

Zebras in the vicinity

This plane looks a bit out of place in the jungle hut themed entrance

Woks, pots and pans as musical instruments

Group photo before leaving

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Valkyrie

Watched Valkyrie with Qy and Ys in the evening today. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Based on a true story, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg is a loyal officer who serves his country all the while hoping that someone will find a way to stop Hitler before Europe and Germany are destroyed. Realizing that time is running out, he decides that he must take action himself and joins the German resistance. Armed with a cunning strategy to use Hitler's own emergency plan - known as Operation Valkyrie - these men plot to assassinate the dictator and overthrow his Nazi government from the inside.

Valkyrie tells the story of an assassination attempt that is compelling and nailbiting from the 2nd hour. The 1st hour comprises of discussions of the details of the assassination as well as the preferred method to take over the country. The story works due to the historical accuracies and the cast does a relatively good job as the colonels and generals who were willing to sacrifice their lives for justice to be done.

Valkyrie celebrates the valiant effort of a group of distinguished and honourable colonels and generals who tried to save their country from all the mindless killings and occupation. The movie is a respectful attempt to glorify the brave men that had the guts to go against Hitler.

***1/2

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The Wrestler

Watched The Wrestler with Daryl on sun. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a 1980s-era pro wrestler, has become a burnt-out shell of his former self. After he has a heart attack during a small-time match, a doctor tells him he could die if he fights again. In an effort to build a new life, Robinson takes a job at a deli, tries to build a romance with a stripper and attempts to mend the broken relationship with his estranged daughter. But the prospect of a rematch with his old nemesis, the Ayatollah, proves too tempting to resist, even if it means risking his life.

The Wrestler is a character driven film and it does a fantastic job with Ram as the imperfect but highly motivated and driven pro wrestler with a gentle soul. Mickey Rourke gives a soul rendering performance that is not only physically demanding, but also emotionally draining. We wince and grimace at every cut and bruise that Ram gets, we hope for the best outcome in the romantic relationship between Ram and Pam/Cassidy, and we pray that Ram comes out safe and sound from every setback.

This movie is pitch perfect in the casting from the amazing Mickey Rourke to Marisa Tomei as the stripper as Ram's love interest, and also Evan Rachel Wood as Ram's estranged daughter. The Wrestler is a gripping, highly realistic, and emotional movie that is sincere and genuine in its storytelling. Highly recommended.

****

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Slumdog Millionaire

Watched Slumdog Millionaire with Derrick on sat. The synopsis and review are as follows.

The story of Jamal Malik, an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who is about to experience the biggest day of his life. With the whole nation watching, he is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating. Desperate to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the story of his life in the slum where he and his brother grew up, of their adventures together on the road, of vicious encounters with local gangs, and of Latika, the girl he loved and lost. Each chapter of his story reveals the key to the answer to one of the game show's questions.

Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of Jamal, his brother and Latika living in poverty but happily playing with other kids, searching through rubbish for useful items, and even stealing from other people. Things started to change when they get older but not Jamal's feelings for Latika. Danny Boyle has created a fascinating tale of finding happiness even in poverty and i particularly enjoyed the policeman chasing scene in the slums of Mumbai.

The story about a rags to riches slumdog is visually entertaining and absorbing. Slumdog Millionaire is an upbeat, mesmorizing film with unique storyline and cinematography although I still have some reservations on the rather far-fetched plot. Brilliant direction from director Danny Boyle though.

***1/2

Had a drinking session at Selegie pub with Gs and Terence after the movie. The four of us consumed a total of around 6.2 litres of beer that day.

Heineken beer tower

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Waltz with Bashir

Watched Waltz With Bashir on DVD on friday night. The synopsis and review are as follows.

One night at a bar, an old friend tells director Ari about a recurring nightmare in which he is chased by 26 vicious dogs. Every night, the same number of beasts. The two men conclude that there is a connection to their Israeli Army mission in the first Lebanon War of the early eighties. Ari is surprised that he can't remember a thing anymore about that period of his life. Intrigued by this riddle, he decides to meet and interview old friends and comrades around the world. He needs to discover the truth about that time and about himself. As Ari delves deeper and deeper into the mystery, his memory begins to creep up in surreal images.

Waltz With Bashir is definitely a haunting and resonating animation movie. The war themes in the movie are powerful yet depressing at the same time. The light flares over the city of Beirut strike a stark and vivid imagery which is even more significant given that the movie is based on real life war events. The 1982 Lebanon War and the Sabra and Shatila Massacre were events that many of us were unfamiliar with and the movie brought to audiences to light the immense suffering and pain that some Lebanese and Palestinian refugees went through.

Winner of Golden Globe Best Foreign Film, this Israel animation on war brims with unspeakable regret and events that the parties involved will never forget.

****

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Defiance

Went for Sakae Sushi buffet at NTU with Edwin and Terence in the afternoon today. We had a very full lunch + dinner and i am starting to get sick of jap food. Don't think i'll go back again in the near future.

Went to watch Defiance with Qy and Ys in the evening. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Based on a true story of four Jewish brothers living in Nazi occupied Poland that escape into the forest where they join up with Russian resistance fighters in battling the Nazis. Throughout the war, they built a village inside the forest and saved the lives of more than 1200 other Jews.

Coming from the hands of Edward Zwick, this film is a disappointment for me. Blood Diamond and The Last Samurai were miles better. The story of the Jewish brothers who saved the lives of countless other Jews should be an inspirational one as it is based on a true story but I hardly felt a whiff of inspiration. The pace of the movie felt too calm and there were not enough intense moments to make the story more compelling.

The characters and themes in the movie were not very well developed and we often get a half-baked result. The theme vengeance begets vengeance that Tuvia was vehemently against became lost somewhere in the middle of the movie. The result is a straightforward war movie replicating the actual events that took place, with insertions of some trivial events like infighting within the group for more dramatic effect.

**1/2

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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button with Derrick and Stephen in the evening. The synopsis and review are as follows.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is adapted from the 1920s story by F. Scott Fitzgerald about a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards: a man, like any of us, who is unable to stop time. We follow his story, set in New Orleans from the end of World War I in 1918, into the 21st century, following his journey that is as unusual as any man's life can be.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has gorgeous sets, beautiful cinematography, lovely score, impressive cast and a very unique story at its core. We follow through the entire lifetime of Benjamin Button, from his birth as an aged elderly man to his final moments as an infant. The character development is wonderful and Brad Pitt is assured and comfortable in his role as the cheeky old man, matured middle-age man, and charming and dashing young man. The supporting cast does a good job as well which include Taraji P. Henson as the maternal and caring mother of Benjamin, and Cate Blanchett as the childhood sweetheart who blossoms into a beautiful dancer.

You might imagine that it would be great if everyone gets older while you get younger. Mortality is the key theme of this movie and it supplements the emotional core of this movie. Growing younger may bring about more grief instead of happiness as one might see their loved ones going one by one. This story has impeccable attention to detail and perhaps it can do so with lesser details with the rather lengthy screen time of 2 hrs 47 mins. I would describe the pace of the movie as steady and it gets a tad staid in the middle of the movie.

The technical accomplishments of the movie are also impressive with the wrinkles, or the lack thereof, the skin pigmentations, the hair, etc. The movie is an epic fantasy tale that is intimate in its details, captivating with its unique storyline, and enriching with its charismatic characters.

***1/2

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Last Week of CNY

Went to my brother-in-law's factory for CNY lunch and there was a lot of food! Felt so full that i fell asleep in the car afterwards. Had my final CNY relative visitations for this year after the lunch.

Dragon Dance Troupe

A closer view

Lucky numbers

Just got the group photos of the CNY dinner at Bernard's house and they are below.

Queuing for the food

Eating our dinner

In the living room

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Bernard's house CNY dinner and gathering

Went through a writing skills test, analysis test, reasoning test and situational judgement test today. It was quite mentally draining and i do hope to get to the final stage and clear it eventually.

Bernard invited some of us to his house for CNY dinner and gathering in the evening. Many of us were amazed at some of the things in his house.

Indoor Jacuzzi!

4th level rooftop with suntan bed and mahjong etc

Some of us went to help to set up the chocolate fondue and cut the fruits.

The fruit platter designed by Hh

Kv kissing the dog!

We had our dinner and went upstairs to the entertainment room for some games.

Playing Jenga

We played mahjong and sang ktv after that.

Chandeliers

Thanks to Bernard for hosting the dinner.

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Doubt

Went to NTU's career fair earlier today and talked to quite a few companies.

Went to watch Doubt with Qy and Ys at The Cathay after school. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Principal Sister Aloysius Beuvier (Meryl Streep) of a Bronx Catholic High School accuses Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of paedophilia. When the school has just accepted its first black student - Donald, Father Flynn and him have been spending an unusual amount of time together in the church rectory. The righteous headmistress begins a merciless crusade to reveal the priest as a child molester and have him permanently expunged from the school. Without a shard of proof besides her moral certainty, Sister Aloysius locks into a battle of wills with Father Flynn.

This church drama unfolds with the superb cast of Meryl Streep as the uncompromising and intolerant Principal Sister (nominated for Oscar Best Actress), Philip Seymour Hoffman as the seemingly guilty Father accused of paedophilia (nominated for Oscar Best Supporting Actor), Amy Adams as the naive and young teacher Sister (nominated for Oscar Best Supporting Actress), and Viola Davis as the mother of Donald who loves her child deeply (nominated for Oscar Best Supporting Actress). Meryl Streep absolutely shines in her role and her performance is definitely top notch.

The story doesn't transfer brilliantly from the stage to the big screen though. The movie mainly contains narratives and storyline is not very cinematic. However, the incredible cast pushes the story forward and audiences are still able to be engaged within the power struggle and the intense arguments between the Principal Sister and Father Flynn. You will be wondering "did he or did he not do it?" throughout the movie.

***1/2

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Ade's House CNY Celebration

Many of my jc friends met up at Ade's house for CNY gathering and celebration. We had steamboat dinner and played Rock Band on PS3 afterwards.

Steamboat dinner

Playing Rock Band with guitars, drums and microphone

Enjoying ourselves

Female guitarists

Male guitarists

Group photo before 'Lau Yu Sheng'

The yu sheng went everywhere!

Playing some card games afterwards

It was an entertaining and enjoyable CNY gathering thanks to Edwin the organiser and Ade the host.

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