Thursday, May 27, 2010

From Malaysian Insider : Najib Says UMNO backs Singapore Deal

Kuala Lumpur May 27 - Datuk Seri Najib Razak declared today that he had obtained the backing of teh UMNO Supreme Council for the government's decision to relocate the Tanjung Pagar railway station in Singapore. Read more here.

And you are wondering who is the government of the day in Malaysia? You thought it's Barisan National (with its component party - which KJ said FAMILY)? Sorry, Malaysians. Now you know who rule your country and spend your tax money. I rest my case.

(My qualms above does not reflect my stand on the relocation decision)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Life of David Gale (2003)


The Life of David Gale (2003)
Director : Alan Parker
Cast : Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Laura Linney
Tagline : The crime is clear. The truth is not.

I love this movie. As I was clearing a whole bunch of unwatched DVDs, I stumbled upon this little gem (I think it belongs to my best pal Sherry) which I didn't manage to watch using my old Akira DVD player (oh... Philip is good.... play ANYTHING). It had been quite awhile I didn't get the euphoria of watching a good movie, gripped by the tight plot and constantly asking what the ending will be etc and this just give all those to me.. in one go! And it's definitely the MOST underrated movie at all time as it didn't get anything, not even nomination in Golden Globe or Oscar!!!!!!!! Not only that; the general reception of the movie was poor too. Roger Ebert, the famous movie critic gave NO star to this and I just attribute this general poor reviews was due to the perspective of the movie trying to manipulate or exploit the issue of capital penalty. Go see for yourself!

Kevin Spacey is in his element and it's one of his subtly strongest performance. I forgive him for taking the villain role in Superman (or is it Spiderman?) if he keeps on taking roles like David. But of course, money is needed to do theatre. Kate Winslet and Laura Linney are having miles and miles of differences as actors but they shared one common trait, i.e. they are both very good in what they're doing. Winslet managed to be American (remember, this is before Revolutionary Road) and somehow I feel most British actresses have more trainings and kinda well prepared. Linney while being an American actress broke all the stereotype I had in my mind and I always enjoy her movies though I really cannot understand her taking on projects such as The Nanny Diaries with Scarlett Johannsen but I guess she gotta make some money too right?

Some interesting trivia; George Clooney and Nicholas Cage were the earliest choice for the role of David and THANK GOD they turned it down though Cage stayed as producer. Spacey is the best fit and I still get chills from his turn in The Usual Suspects. And Nicole Kidman was the first choice for Winslet role????? I mean, what happen to the producers and directors?

Memorable Quotes :

[Governor Hardin and David Gale are engaged in a debate on Batter's Box]
Governor Hardin: Alan (the debate moderator), let me say something I always say and I'm gonna keep on saying. And that is that I HATE killin'. That's why my administration is willing to kill to stop it.
David Gale: So, you don't subscribe to the idea that 'a good state is the one that protects its most despised members?'
Governor Hardin: It's a nice liberal idea. But, like most nice liberal ideas, naive.
David Gale: It's a quote from you, Governor. From your first state attorney campaign
Governor Hardin: [flustered] You've got me, Professor. But let me, in my defense, offer YOU a quote. Winston Churchill: 'If you're not a liberal at twenty, you have no heart, if you're still a liberal at thirty, you've got no brain.'
[studio audience laughs]
David Gale: So, basically, you feel, to choose another quote, 'society must be cleansed of elements which represent its own death.'
Governor Hardin: Well, yes. I'd have to agree.
[laughs]
Governor Hardin: Did I say that too?
David Gale: No, that was Hitler.

I couldn't help but thinking how interesting it will be if we can see politicians/activists/interested public debate on TV on policy and stuff but yeah... it's wishful thinking.

************

David Gale: [Giving a lecture to his college students] Fantasies have to be unrealistic. Because the minute- the second- that you get what you want, you don't- you can't- want it anymore.

************
Bitsey Bloom : Hate is no fun, if you keep it to yourself

And we are wondering why people gossip???

***********

David Gale: [while drunk] Socrates was ugly, Plato was fat, and, um, and Aristotle was a prissy dresser!

It's time to dig out the Greek philosophy text book!!!!!!!!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

De-Lovely Mr. Cinema


De-Lovely (2004)
Cast : Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd, Jonathan Pryce

A look at the life of the legendary American composer, Cole Porter, whose hits were aplenty in the American Songbook Standards covered extensively by artists of the past and recent. Kline can really sing!!! And Ashley Judd is nothing but lovely. She reminds me of Angelina Jolie in Changeling as the movie started around the 30's era too. Great and entertaining watch if you love the standards. Contemporary artists such as Robbie Williams, Alanis Morissette, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello, Lemar, Sheryl Crow and Natalie Cole contributed their tribute to Porter and cameos as well. So, the soundtrack will be great!


Mr. Cinema (老港正传 Lou Gong Jing Juen) 2007
Cast : 黄秋生 Anthony Wong , 郑中基 Ronald Cheng, 毛舜筠 Teresa Mo, 莫文蔚 Karen Mok, 鲍 起静Paw Hee Ching, 岑建勋 John Sam

The movie is definitely sentimental and feel-good bordering to tear-jerking. Ignoring the real and depth peek beyond the surface of the leftist movement in HK (Anthony's character is a leftist cinema operator), the wise decision that the director made was the right casting. Anthony, Teresa and Paw were rendering undeniably award-worthy performances and Ronald is proving that he can actually act, given the chance and space to do so. Few notable tear-jerking scenes from Anthony, Teresa and Ronald. Though it might not depict the whole era of HK with regards to the leftist movement or significant events in HK-China relationship, it gives a glimpse of life in HK, or rather the one that will never be seen again.

Sui Yuet Sen Tao (岁月神偷 Echoes of the Rainbow) will be a logical next to watch.

Shrek 3 - It's Funny

It's CATasthophically and riDONKEYlously entertaining movie. Worth it even no 3D in Sandakan cinema :)

Monday, May 17, 2010

Shutter Island (2010)


Shutter Island (2010)
Director : Martin Scorsese
Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Kingsley, Mark Ruffalo, Michelle Williams

Never really been a great fan of DiCaprio but Scorsese's repeated movies casted him made me intrigued especially this time. Give me something of the Girl, Interrupted kinda vibe. It's a thriller nicely done. Entertaining. Go watch it.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

It's 398

So many buzzword in the air; blogs, twitter etc

1DelayedMalaysia
Suruhanjaya Penipuan Malaysia
You help me, I help you
Kampua
and the one I find the funniest......
Jangan bagi dia nyanyi lain kali hahahahahah

Who says Malaysian aren't creative?

P/S : The greatest spin will be in the mainstream newspaper tomorrow. For the first time in a long while, I am excited to read the paper in the morning.

Something Fishy...............

UPDATED:
and now they said it's 70% wow..........really magical!

first you say 59%. now you say 63%
??????????????????????????????????????

I Taste Kampua


courtesy of www.mauhorng.com

Had one in Brunei last week and would love to have one again.
Any good kampua stall in SDK?

You Help Me, I Help You???

http://www.malaysia-today.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31871:najib-you-help-me-i-help-you-&catid=19:newscommentaries&Itemid=100131

OMG!!! WTF???????????????????

Can't Buy Me Vote (err...... Love) - Beatles

SImply the Best - Tina Turner

The Week of The Underdogs

It had been a hell of a week. Korean Uber Cup team won for the first time in history. And of course the buy-election in Sibu too! (well... no official announcement yet, as of now.....)

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Korea Won Uber Cup - A Win for the Underdog Bravo!

Korea won the Uber Cup for the first time.
Korea 3 - China 1

Li Yong Bo can swallow his pride. It's such a sight shown on TV.
Lin Dan pulak....hmm.... well, he can be linsi but you can't deny he's the best player in the world right now. Laduk, I seriously think you should ask all the media or commentator to stop calling you Laduk while you are still playing because it's distracting.

Piala Uber Final

Up until now....
Korea 2 - China 0

Somehow it feels warm to see underdog giving the favourite a run for their money.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

I HEART WONG CHOON HAN

THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!!!!

WONG CHOON HANN DESERVED THE BEST RESPECT FROM ALL MALAYSIANS!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Stephen Hawking and District 9

Stephen Hawking is one of the best scientist in our world now. His recent feature in the Discovery channel sparks many interest around the world and yes, it's definitely worth paying attention to it than the endless fiasco of the stupid politicians in Malaysia.

And Hawkins is funny too. Besides warning us not to contact aliens because it might be dangerous, he quipped something about aliens appearance which to the effect of aliens not gonna look like Marilyn Monroe. Funny professor! Apparently Hawking love Monroe!


District 9 (2009)
Tagline : You are not welcomed here.

That prompted me to finally watch District 9, which had been in my collection for quite some time. And my verdict... fantastic! I really admire the creativity of the screenwriter and the director in the plot of the movie. And the special effects are special in the sense that it don't feels like special effect at all. A lot of undertone and subtext were being read on the premise of the movie touching issues such as discrimination and apartheid since the movie is based in South Africa.
Not to forget the subtext on the issue of weapon industry which coincidentally South Africa is also one of the big weapon producer.

Two thumbs up! Go watch it!!!!!!