Dark Knight

After the long wait, it's here. I watched The Dark Knight on Saturday with my buddy Bob. As usual, after the movie he'd ask, "so how was it?" This time, I struggled to find words to describe my opinion.

I am simply overwhelmed. All expectations were exceeded. The plot, the themes, the characters...everything is right. This is no longer a mere 'comic book superhero movie' akin to Incredible Hulk & Iron Man (I loved those 2, by the way) but it has transcended the genre. It's epic in every sense of the word - more like the feeling of watching Michael Mann's Heat or Coppola's Godfather. It's THAT good.

I don't believe in perfection, for I felt there is no such thing. But this movie came quite close. Without hesitation, a highly recommended must-see movie. Three years I waited, and it was worth every second.

Can't Smile Without You

I've been rather sick for the past couple of days, and even in my half-conscious and incoherent state I'd like to post some stuff...what follows are my thoughts on Hellboy 2: The Golden Army.

On Sunday (13th July), got together with my 'clique' members near TOA, our old stomping grounds. From there, we drove to One Utama, and catch an early 11am showtime for the aforementioned movie about that red guy with cutoff horns.

The movie was a blast. The plot is a little on the thin side...still, a fun ride. Interesting and weird characters inhabit the movie's universe - there's even a hidden market where all these creatures hang out. I found great amusement seeing two of the main characters drunkenly singing Barry Manilow's "Can't smile Without You"...surreal, funny and corny at the same time. Despite not really being human, they had a hard time dealing with relationships too, haha.

Prince Nuada - the main villain came off symphatetic at times, despite doing everything he could to end mankind. Deep down, he's just plain tired of humans fucking up the planet...he believed that his actions were justified, no matter how extreme his methods seems to be. At one point, Prince Nuada instilled doubt in Hellboy...about being the protector of these humans that didn't even liked him in the first place. In the end, the good guys saved the day and disaster is averted once more. Typical, but it works for me.

Afterwards, had lunch at Chilli's - this would be my first - and had the Oldtimer's Burger. Oh yeah, I'd definitely eat there again. Hunting for books/mags at MPH and Popular Bookstore (which have pathetic book selections) followed by caffeine consumption at Starbucks capped off a Sunday well spent.

Next on the list, the much awaited Dark Knight. Till then, adieu.

Hancock and...Carlin?

..in what way the two names above related? None, whatsoever. Just some stuff that I got into recently: watched the Will Smith movie 'Hancock' and also been downloading George Carlin's comedy albums.

First off, Hancock. In short, it's good, very good...but not quite great. In the vicinity of greatness, flirting close to it...but kind of retreated into the comfort zone. Good performances by the leads (Smith, Theron and Bateman) carried through out the movie nicely. This movie answers the question, "what if Superman was a prick?" and you get Hancock - the down and out, seemingly uncaring, perpetually trouble-making drunk 'Superhero'. Don't call him 'asshole' though, lest you enjoyed being flung into the stratosphere. Entertaining flick, but I'm looking forward more to Hellboy II and Dark Knight. Saw the latest trailer for Quantum of Solace as well...Daniel Craig's Bond = Badass.

George Carlin was one of the best standup comedians in the United States, who passed away recently (on 22nd June 2008). I heard of his name and reputation, and also that he influenced many comedians (including my favs Lewis Black & Jerry Seinfeld) but prior to his passing, I've never check out his stuff...apart from his cameo in the movie 'Dogma'. So, in the past few weeks I've gotten some of his albums (downloaded six full albums to date) and I started with his most well known track, "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television". His jokes could be a bit crass at times, and he sometimes 'test' the audience by increasing the inappropriateness of his subject matter. As he grew older, his material gets darker & bleaker...yet still highly regarded for one who stayed active for 50 years performing standup. Thanks, Mr Carlin.

Possibly watching Hellboy 2 in this weekend..maybe get together with my 'clique' too. See you soon.

Missed...by that much

I watched Get Smart last night and it was...underwhelming. It is not bad at all...just how I felt on the whole experience. The overall feeling resulted from the combo of my high expectations and dead audience members. Most of the jokes seemed to flew over people's head...I'm not undermining anybody's intelligence here, but boy oh boy were they unresponsive or what...

I always believed that comedies best enjoyed either in a big group (where everyone laughs) or just in your own privacy. Sigh. Last night was neither. Also, the antagonist is rather...lame. Not lamest(that 'honor' goes to the main baddie of Die Hard 4.0...Tim Olyphant, you suck.) but come on, Zod, you could do better than that.

I'm a Steve Carell fan...I'd watch anything with him in it (well, maybe except Evan Almighty) and he did a great job here. Everyone else is fine. Dalip Singh/Great Khali's role is bigger than I had expected. I would be more than willing to give this movie another chance...with a more receptive audience, I hope....or just wait for the dvd. Next, I'll be watching Hancock in the weekend...Hellboy 2, Wanted, Dark Knight would be on watch list for July as well. Maybe will watch Wall-E too. Agh, gonna be broke, dammit.

Low on Fuel

I've been meaning to post a proper review for The Incredible Hulk, but got side tracked by other stuff at the moment. Heck, I didn't even follow the ongoing Euro Football Tournament this year...aside from checking results online.

Before, plain laziness was the culprit for the lack of blog posts. Now I just lacked the energy...for anything and everything. I'd feel tired and go to sleep instead. The mind is willing, but the physical self just broke down. Any of my interests, be it animes, WWE, MMA, books/comics, DVDs, Xbox 360 games...none of them can keep me awake for a decent length of time. I downloaded a 'Best of' compilation of Chris Rock's stand up routine (titled 'Cheese & Crackers: The Best Bits') and while I actually enjoyed it, I still managed to feel asleep 2/3 of the way through. I loved the clips I saw (from his HBO Special Never Scared) on Youtube, so I figured I want more of his stuff.

Low on fuel...what do I need to overcome this? Tongkat Ali? Viagra? Lazarus Pit? A plain mug of hot cocoa? And perhaps one other way to revitalize myself, which I cannot disclose here, for the corniness factor would explode your brain, dear reader.

I'll be back, hopefully re-energized and with new posts to publish. Till then, auf wiedersehen, my beloved dumplings.

No Price for Awesome

*Po the Panda had beaten up the thugs in the shop*

Shop Owner: "how could we ever repay you?"
Po: "you can't put a price on awesome."

...or so it goes in the opening scene of Dreamworks' Kung Fu Panda. Po the Panda (Jack Black) dreams of fighting alongside the Furious Five, the famous warriors of the land. Po's so awesome that the enemies were blinded by his sheer...um, awesomeness.

If that sounded way too good to be true...well it is, as the Panda awakes from his pretty 2d dream into the reality of being the son & sole heir to Mr.Ping's (a duck, haha) noodle shop business. Po gaze longingly towards the Jade Temple, craves for something beyond his little world.

Meanwhile, in the Jade Temple, all is not well...as the ailing Master Oogway confers with his student/peer Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) about his visions - that the threat of Tai Lung is looming, and only the destined 'Dragon Warrior' would be able to stop him. Who will be the chosen one? Will the combined might of the Furious Five enough against Tai Lung? The fate of the land may very well rests in a certain panda's fists...hands....er, paws, or whatever you may choose to call it.

I watched this movie on Saturday 7th June, 6pm @ The Mines TGV Cinema. I have looked forward to it for some time, and also I really needed to lighten up from something that happened earlier in the day. If this movie sucked, then my weekend would've been a total wreck. Plus, a child seated behind me amused herself by frequently whacking my head with a balloon during the ads. It may not resulted in any brain damage, but it certainly didn't help to lighten the mood.

I am a fan of kung fu flicks & I'm always down for a good laugh. On both counts, Kung Fu Panda succeeded in my view. It's a highly enjoyable show (despite the balloon assault) and I heartily recommended it. The humor, the action scenes, the voice acting...there is really nothing bad I could say about any of them. The story is classic kung fu movie plot, through and through. Just sit back, and enjoy the awesomeness.

And here we...go.

04 May 2008, 8.15pm: I peered thru the blinds from my office, and I watched as my beloved country went absolutely nuts. And I can't really blame any of them. The domino effect has begun, and it'll go downhill from here on out.

Recent movie watched: Speed Racer. I loved the crazy kinetic visuals, despite having quite a formulaic storyline. Well, it's an adaptation of an old cartoon series, really what else would you expect? Still, I had a very enjoyable time watching this movie. And when Pops Racer (John Goodman) puts the ankle lock on a baddie, I completely lost it. Thumbs up.

Speed Racer suffered at the box office probably due to the fact that it opened when Iron Man was still playing in the cinemas. The latter, ended up being a great superhero movie and a huge success to boot. 'Avengers Initiative' - markout city. I didn't watch Indiana Jones 4, I wasn't really a fan of the series...but hey, that's just me. In spite of that, when the Indy soundtrack started in the trailer, I still get goosebumps.

Somebody should just halt the train that is heading down the Nostalgia Railway. It's beyond control. What's next, Beverly Hills Cop 4? Oh, wait...shit. Terminator 4? Crap, they're making that too. Hollywood, get some fresh ideas already! Maybe we'll finally get that ultimate movie team up...no, not Jet Li & Jackie Chan...not even De Niro & Pacino...nope, it's gonna be Stallone & Schwarzenegger in: Rambo vs Commando...'cause, why the fuck not?

I am looking forward to catch Dreamworks' Kung Fu Panda this weekend. Earlier in the week I bought the Bee Movie DVD (also by Dreamworks), being the Seinfeld fan that I am. I was not hugely impressed by Bee Movie, but it's still a fun watch.

For the next 2 months, I'm gonna be broke watching movies - with Hellboy 2, Get Smart, The Incredible Hulk and of course, The Dark Knight on the horizon...I just can't resist wasting my cash.

I shall return on the next post with my thoughts on Kung Fu Panda. Adieu, my gentle snowflakes.