Late Nite @ Esplanade - Hossan Leong

It was a simple musical numbers at the Late Nite @ Esplanade with Hossan Leong. It was an intimate evening with him, accompanied by songs from his childhood and past.

He has a wonderful vocal and did excellent jobs with the songs he performed - singing + piano! As the funny boy of Singapore, I have quite a high expectation of tonight's performance and expected to have a good laugh. But I was kind of disappointed. Late Nite with Selena was a totally hilarious and wonderful session, while late nite with Hossan was a more subtle and intimate moments of songs which he loves. It is really Seriously Hossan Leong. A side of him which not often shown on stage.

Overall, it was still an enjoyable evening with the ballads. If you are expecting a good laugh, I'm sorry darling, that element is totally missing from tonight's ingredient list.

Incredible Hulk

I went to watch Incredible Hulk with a friend this evening. I have to admit I'm not that great a fan of Marvel heroes. Incredible Hulk was something I remember watching on TV when I was a young child. The big green thing who screams, runs and jumps around the places, and also seems to save people in dire situation. Of course the thing that went through my mind then was why his clothes always split apart, with the exception of his trousers. The same thought went through my mind today while watching the movie. *Chuckle!

The new improved movie of Incredible Hulk is rather entertaining. He still does the same screaming, jumping and running, with no exception. He still destroys a lot of buildings and structures during his fights. That's the simple charm of Mr Hulk.

The part of Dr. Elizabeth Ross (ahem Liv Tyler) running after Bruce Banner in the rain, begging him to go with her is such a little boy fantasy! Steamy steamy steamy! Now now, don't get too overly excited. It was only for like perhaps 30 seconds screen time with her crying and kissing him. Betty (short for Elizabeth) is the only person who seem to be able to calm and control Hulk as demonstrated in a couple of situations throughout the movies. Its the basic Hollywood movie secret, LOVE! Now say "Aahh.... " and end with a long sigh!

Overall, the movie is rather interesting and exciting. It makes you wonder what our hero and heroine will be up to next, especially up against the new evil hulk Emil Blonsky (the Russian). It does keep you on the edge of your seat. Violent is the only word I can use to describe most of the scenes. Then again, this is Incredible Hulk we are talking about. Without violent, we might as well be watching a little kitty instead.

I have to add Edward Norton is so cute! My kind of guy! I just want to squeeze him tight in my arms and tell him, everything is alright. He has this meek vulnerable side which makes you want to protect him and give him shelter. I can't help it that I have a soft spot for men with such look. Whereas Eric Bana (the 1st Hulk) is really most of a piece of meat, erm I meant beefcake. *Grin

Rating: 4 out of 5 fairy clouds. This movie is worth watching for Incredible Hulk fans. The plot is rather simplistic and predictable. It is really just eye candy with the pretty boy and pretty girl. Ahh... *melting away!

10 Promises To My Dog

10 Promises To My Dog is a very touching and sentimental story about the friendship of a puppy golden retriever named Socks and her owner, a 12 years old Akari.

Akari found the little puppy that had wandered into her backyard one day. She decided to keep it as a pet since she has requested for one during her birthday. She showed it to her mother and was told to keep 10 promises to the dog. Over the course of the next 10 years of her life, she has fulfilled some and failed to keep some. But at the end, she appreciated the friendship and love that her beloved and faithful dog had shown to her.

It was a touching story of how an innocent companion and friendship between man and dog has taught Akari many valuable lessons about life. She learnt what is important in her life as well as to be less selfish. What she went through are such a commonality in our lives; losing our loved ones and pets, missing out the best time, failing to appreciate love when it is right there in our face, etc. The movie melted my heart and caused me quite a few tears!

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 fairy clouds. An excellent movie with a simple and yet amazing life story which many of us experience at one point of our lives.

Air Supply

I have a wonderful time at the Air Supply concert at the Singapore Expo Max Pavilion. The mesmerising array of ballad and "soft rock" from the duo are fantastic! And its my virgin voyage to live band concert!

Considering they have been singing for the past 33 years, you can still feel their passion and love for the music of the songs they have sung so many times. It is simply super! And no words can describe my feelings. It seem so surreal and yet at the same time I'm witnessing legend from the music world. I guess I was overwhelmed by them.

My heart was melted by some of my favourite songs. I can only say that I can't have enough of them. I sang my heart out with them. And I love it!

Once

Once is a UK movie which I watched on the recommendation of a friend. The story told of a guy (busker) who met a girl (immigrant from Czech Republic) on how they both fulfilled their music dreams.

The guy worked as a Hoover vacuum repairman at his father's shop. The girl was an odd job labourer who took up anything job offer to support her mother and young daughter. The guy had a tragic relationship whereby his girlfriend had an affair and they were separated. While the girl had a tragic marriage and was (also) separated from her husband.

They met while the guy was busking in the street. Their friendship sparked off a subtle romance of two very (very very) lonely persons, as well as their love and passion for music. The girl helped the guy fulfilled his dream of pursuing music as a career and assisted him in getting his music recorded as well as participating as a singer and performance in his music. They slowly fell in love with each other. But was too afraid to pursue this new unknown path.

The movie is kind of subtle with its storyline. I was anticipating for some happiness for both of the lead actor and actress but I was greatly disappointed. I wonder perhaps I was wearing my Hollywood tinted glasses while watching this movie. Can't quite blame me as my expectation was set a little high on foreign film which was highly recommended and it actually has won an Grammy award!

Nothing something I am likely to watch again. But the theme song "Falling Slowly" is a rather charming ballad.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 fairy clouds. Something to watch when you absolutely has nothing else to do at all.

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

Oh yes!!! I finally watched it on TV today. Its simply amazing and superb!!!

Another wonderful movie directed by Tim Burton. Yes, I'm a fan! He is just brilliant! Johny Depp is wonderful and lovable too! He is an excellent actor. He is great in bringing out the character and making them come alive! Marvelous!

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory isn't just a movie for children. It is also a movie for the adult and family. Willy Wonka is a eccentric but talented chocolate maker. He invented many candies, chocolate and ice creams to thrill the world, especially children! He has the biggest chocolate factory in the world.

One day, he made announcement to the world that he is giving 5 golden tickets to 5 lucky children. These children will get to have a tour of his factory for one day. The chocolate factory has been closed to outsiders for over 10 years. This was like a once in a lifetime chance.

The story revolves around Charlie Bucket and his family. Charlie was one lucky boy and he doesn't even realise how lucky he will be and how it will change his life as well as those of his family! One of the 5 children will receive a very special prize from Willy Wonka and that boy was Charlie.

The plot is fun, light and yet delicious evil just like chocolate! I totally enjoyed this movie. Highly recommended! You can watch it anytime of the day and you even watch it a couple of times without getting bored! Amazing colours and graphic of the different candies and chocolate only a child will imagine they can ever exist.

Ratings: 5 out of 5 fairy clouds!

Atonement

Finally managed to find a little time to catch up with an old movie which I have missed out last year. Atonement is a story about how a small lie of a little girl could changed the course of lives for those people.

Thirteen years old Briony Tallis was in love with their gardener Robbie, while he was in love with her older sister, Cecil Tallis. Fate has it that Briony saw something she couldn't comprehend. In addition to it, a letter with adult contents which was too much for a little girl to imagine or understand.

During an incident whereby her slight older cousin Lola was sexually "assaulted", Briony decided she is to tell the world that Robbie was the culprit! The poor boy was framed for a crime he never committed and was thus sent to war. He and Cecil never had the chance to fulfil their love for each other. They were both dead by the time Briony had the courage to deal with it. She seeked for atonement in her old age by publishing a book, titled Atonement, to tell of the story and she gave the ending a twist whereby the two lovebirds were united and given the happiness they deserved.

The plot of Atonement is rather interesting. You see how people can be selfish in pursuing their own wants and needs. But I find it a little odd that girls didn't seem to act more appropriate as pompous girls of influential family. They seemed rather average like a girl from middle class. Perhaps the war changed the people. Who knows?

The flow of the story can be rather confusing for viewers who are not used to artsy film. Still it is tastefully done and intrigue your imagination. It is rather sad that Briony's repent and regrets isn't well portrayed. Instead it seem more like a case of paranoia or acting up-tight, then remorse. I can't sense even a tint of remorsefulness.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 fairy clouds. A fairly decent show, but watching it once is definitely more than enough.

The Darjeeling Limited

The Darjeeling Limited is a new age heart warming story of how three Whitman brothers, Francis, Peter and Jack who went on a spiritual journey. The journey was arranged by the Francis (the eldest brother) to bring the family back together again after their father has passed away and also to have closure with their "runaway" mother!

The spiritual quest totally veered off course. The three boys went through a little adventure and were kicked off the train for misbehaviour. On the way to the airport, they came to a rapid river and observed 3 boys trying to cross it with their raft. Unfortunately the rope which the boys were pulling the raft snapped. The three brother tried to rescue the boys. Sadly Peter was unable to save his.

During the funeral of the boy, you get a little more in depth story of the three brothers when they have to attend their father's funeral. It was spiritual awakening and forgiveness as the brothers journey together. After the funeral, they decided to look for their wayward mother why she had refuse to attend her husband funeral and chose to hide in a monastery in the Himalayans.

Encounter with their mother was brief. She tried to evade and avoid any pain or connection with the brothers. She skipped town the very next day. With this, the brothers made their peace and closure. The show ended with a very symbolic scene where the brothers running after their leaving train and throwing away their baggage, signifying united and new beginning.

The story is entertaining. However the director is unable to bring out the spirituality connection of the three brothers. It could potentially be an excellent movie. But sadly, it just didn't have the right spice. I can only say it is mildly entertaining. In comparison, Hideous Kinky and Holy Smoke are probably much more "spiritual" in showing how characters can have closure and make peace with themselves and people around them.

Rating: 3 out of 5 fairy clouds.

Black Book

I caught this wonderful movie at Cathay Picturehouse this afternoon. It is a story of the Rachel Stein's encounter during the World War II at The Hague. She was a Jew in hiding from the Nazis' prosecution.

While trying to escape from the Nazis in Dutch, she and her family were double crossed by a "Samaritan" police officer. While crossing the river, all the Jews on board was massacred and ransacked of their valuable! Rachel was lucky to escape and taken refuge with the Resistance.

She worked to earn her stay in the refuge and was soon turned into a spy. Taking the new identity Ellis de Vries, her mission evolved from a simple companion to espionage duty to seduce an SD Colonel, Muntze.

Ill-fate beheld our lady heroine. While she remained faithful to the Resistance, she cant' help falling in love the Muntze. A comrade spy, Hans Akkermans, was also in love with Rachel and resented her for loving another man.

She was unfortunately caught in the middle of the cross selling and double crossing, resulted in both the Nazis and Resistance wanting her dead. Who was trustworthy? Who was the real traitor? Who has benefited from the war? It is true that one must be careful to trust anyone in such trouble times.

I totally empathise with our lady heroine for her lost of her family and her man. It is unbelievable she has to go through so much and yet remain so calm and quick witted. I salute and admire her courage and guts! Carice van Houten is a damn pretty and amazing actress. You can't help but love and hate her at the same time.

Many twists and turns in the story. You will be on the edge of the movie from start to end! Excellent execution of screenplay and story to keep the movie going and exciting all the way. It was an extremely intriguing movie. I'm generally not a fan of violent or war movie, but this one definitely captured my heart and attention. A movie worth watching anytime of the day!

Rating: 4 out of 5 fairy clouds.

Kung Fu Panda

A Dreamworks animation, Kung Fu Panda has a pretty hilarious plot.

Po, the panda, always dream of being part of the martial art world. He resents and is depressed working in the family's noodle shop. He dreams of being along side of the powerful legendary Furious Five (Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey).

On the day of the appointment of the Dragon Warrior by the Jade Palace, Po was selected as the Chosen One by Master Oogway! Poor panda is elated without realising that he has to face the most fearsome Tai Long very soon. He was then trained by Master Shifu, using the rather unorthodox but effective method!

As with all Disney animation, happy ending is always almost guarantee. Panda saves the day and defeated Tai Long, bring peace once again to the Valley of the Peace. I wont' reveal too much as this will most definitely spoilt the fun of watching this light-hearted animation. There are plenty of humorous and funny moments and happenings during the entire animation. You will not fall short of laughter.

Only sad thing (which is pretty usual) is a wrong portrayal of Chinese culture in ancient China. This mistake has been repeated many times by Disney. Then again, if taken with a pinch of salt, this movie is truly entertaining and excellent for the whole family. Aside from that, there are a couple of quotes I adore very much.

Favourite Quotes:
Panda (in his dream):
"Awesome has no price. Nor does attractiveness."

Master Oogway:
"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift, that's why it is called present."

Rating: 4 out of 5 fairy clouds. A movie worth watching over the weekend. Great for all ages!

Sex and The City

I got Carried away!

I'm a big fan of Sex and The City. Simply love Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. The movie picked up from where the last season ended.

Carrie was rescued by Mr Big after her frustrating stay in Paris with her Russian boyfriend, Alexander Petrovsky. He was too much into himself and had neglected her. In the movie, Carrie and Mr Big had taken a big step forward to move in with each other and proceeded to getting married.

Samantha, my favourite girl in the show, is always this loud, vibrant, charming and wild girl! Having taken off to California to be the manager of her actor boyfriend, Jerry Smith Jerod. She has surprised everyone by staying faithful to one man for 5 years! Its a miracle if you ask me. She resented being domesticated and constantly had to fight the temptation of Dante, the highly sex mirror image of the old Samantha. Dante has a damn cute ass! (What do you expect from a girlie spoof?)

Our prim and proper princess Charlotte, adopted a baby from China. She led a blissful, wonderful and happy life with husband Harry and adopted child Lily. In the movie she got her wish comes true by finally being a mom. It is always a delight to watch her as she can sometime shock you with one to two un-Charlotte things.

Miranda who married Steve in the last season, has to juggle between work and family like many of us. Her relationship with Steve went cold and sex became non-existence. With his testosterone running high, he made the biggest mistake of having a one night stand, breaking Miranda's trust and belief in marriage.

The new story starts here with Big, who is usually suave and charming, suffered from cold feet before his big day. A heartbreaking moment to see Carrie being humiliated and devastated when she is ready to take the leap of faith to marry the man of her life. You have to remember that Aidan was one her biggest love whom she is unable to commit.

The girls went to Mexico so that Carrie could have a break before facing the harsh reality that her man did not show up at their wedding which was to be witnessed by over 200 guests from her A list of people. The resort was superbly amazing. Truthfully, I wouldn't know what to know if I'm her. I would be totally hurt and humiliated. Lucky for Carrie, she has the support of her 3 good friends to pull her through the low. And the money to spend on such an exotic and luxurious location!

At the end of the show, you see the 4 girls learn from the lessons they encountered in their lives. Carrie and Big finally made it and officially wed each other. Miranda forgave Steve to embrace their love and faith for each other. Charlotte had her childhood dream comes true. Samantha restarted her life and being able to love herself again.

I shed a bit of tears here and there for the various characters. It is a wonderful reunion movie for the 4 girls. It is interesting that the writer put in a little twist between Stanford Blatch (Carrie's friend) and Anthony Marantino (Charlotte's wedding planner). A potential spark there which I notice. They started out so bitchy to each other. Ha!

Sadly, there isn't any thrill factor to the movie, except a feeling that it is continuation from the sitcom series. Still, it is a movie I have enjoyed for various reasons. From the gorgeous girls and dresses to the mouthwatering hunks and their cute asses. Oh la la! Yummy is the word I can use to describe this movie.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 fairy clouds.