Keeping It Fresh

Who would have thought that a documentary related to social networking would make a big hit? At least I didn't, not until I watch Catfish. Some people would not really classify it as a documentary, claiming that it is all staged. Well, we are actors and the world is the stage (trying to be philosophical but apparently failed doing so =_= ). While I try not to spoil too much about it, I feel obliged that I must write something. Catfish capitalizes on the craze of social networking and unsurprisingly, they succeeded on doing that. This movie features Facebook, Youtube, Google Map, and gadgets such as Iphone and GPS devices. People can actually relate to that as there are alot of us who are using those tools and devices. This made the movie somewhat viral and highly anticipated by geeks all over the world. For me, the movie is like eating a donut coated with chocolate but filled with bitter vinegar. I know, bad example, who would do that right? But that is how I felt after watching the movie. The relationship started all sweet, just like what we would see in romantic movies. But once truth came creeping out from the closet, they started looking for answers. The woman in the movie had a problem and she felt that she could not do something that she had always wanted all this while and with the main character in the movie, Nev Schulman, she felt that she could do all that. Up to that point, I could really felt the depress and sorrow faced by her. As this is not exactly a review about the movie, maybe I should not divulge too much information about it, for now.

Working with people from different background is really eye-opening once we had a talk with them and listen to whatever that they want to tell us. It is not exactly a heart to heart session but we can learn something from other people by doing that. I have a friend who is in her 30s. She used to be married but she is already divorced and now a single mother. I did not know that she is already divorced until she told me about it herself. I mean, who am I to poke into other people's private life. I was afraid to talk about her divorce as I did not want to upset her. But she was fine about it and told me things that really taught me something about getting married. During her marriage, she felt like she is not herself anymore. She did not do things that she used to enjoy, small things like reading books and spending time to herself. She became a dull, boring woman. While change is inevitable in a marriage, she felt that she is being forced to change into something that she is not. Now divorced, she said that she can now do things that she could not before this. She is back to her old self. Happy and not bitter.

So from these two women, though they live distance apart, they are much like each other, want to be free and not being changed into something that they are not. While change into something better is never a bad thing, there are alot of things to consider in asking someone to be exactly picture perfect like what we have in mind, as if we have some sort of mould that they must come out from. The role of a man is not to dictate what a woman should be but to make the relationship fresh, just like a catfish.

No, It Is Not The End, Yet.

It is a bit ironic that the movie Muallaf is actually shown after Yasmin Ahmad's death as this movie deals alot on death and religion. As usual, Yasmin incorporated the elements that are abundace in her other movies, such as love and interracial relationship. But no, this is not another sappy love movie.

The characters of the movie, Rohana and Rohani are sisters who are very much into theology. They read and quote not just verses from Quran, but also from holy books of other religions too. Rohani, the older sister, even tried to enroll herself into a theology course but she was told that there is no future in that course by the receptionist. I can assume that this is a critique to our education system where the courses that can help you to get a huge paycheck are very much sought after and overemphasized by the colleges thus marginalizing other self improvement courses. Rohana, the younger sister, likes to quote numbers which are actually verses from Quran. If you want to know what the numbers really mean, try to read this. But I would recommend that you watch the movie beforehand though.

Another character that is prevalent throughout the movie is Brian, a teacher at a Catholic school. He is someone who is not really interested about things associated to religion. But that change though when he meets Rohana and Rohani. I would say that the character Brian is like Mitch Albom in his latest book that I have just finished reading, Have a Little Faith. In that book, Mitch is not really interested into religion, even towards his own religion. But that changes when he meets a rabbi and a pastor. In the book, Mitch, a Jew, meets a pastor who changes his perspective towards religion while in the movie Muallaf, Brian, a Christian, meets Rohani and Rohana who are both Muslims. For me, that shows that change can come from places or people that we least expected. But dont expect any conversion done in the movie as there is no concrete scene which shows any conversion even take place.

It baffles me that this movie is being held by the Censorship Board for more than 1 year. I cant see their justification in holding it from viewing for such a long time. Is it because Rohana quoted verses from holy books of other religions too? I dont see the problem as reading holy books of other religions have been done hundred of years ago. Heck, even people who are not even Muslims read Quran and make researches about the verses. I even read how Muslim scholars read holy books of other religions and it just strengthen their faith about Quran and Islam as they know what they believe in. Or is it because that Rohani works at a pub and uses that money? Or is it because Rohani and Rohana's father drinks beer and goes to nightclubs? I have seen many other movies who are even worst than that. Just watch any movies that feature any motorcycle racing in it and most of them would feature scantily clad women in pubs and nightclubs entertaining the rempits. Dont tell me it is because of Rohani's hair was cut by her father until she is bald? Because that is just plain ridiculous.

There are many scenes that would make you to think of your daily life and what you are actually doing with it. One of the scenes is when they ask us to treat our parents with our utmost respect as we would regret it if we dont and they go away without us having any chance of asking for a forgiveness. Not only that, one of the scenes ask us to forgive anyone who might have hurt our feelings and let bygones be bygones which I assume is easier said than done by some of us. I wont say that this is Yasmin's best movie, but this is certainly one of the most stimulating. Being Yasmin's last movie, though that technically would be Talentime, it is one movie that you can never say no to.

Men and despair.

A hopeless romantic.

That's what I can conclude of what I am after watching 500 Days of Summer. But the thing is, the movie is not a love story where boy meets girl and both live happily ever after, just like the trailer had forewarned.



It is a story of heartbroken. Heartbroken in a sense of being unsure of where the relationship is heading and getting the result that you have never wanted. It is a story of a boy getting heartbroken which I assume is not covered too much by other movies. The despair of a boy in love doesnt really appeal to the masses compared to the despair of a girl. When you have been through the phases of being heartbroken and faced it first hand, this movie will surely rob the feeling of sadness that has been kept all along. The Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind and the Science of Sleep are two good examples by the brilliant director Michel Gondry that coincide with the theme of this movie. I guess music video directors like Marc Webb and Michel Gondry can really make good feature film that is true to their style of directing.

You will cringe, you will laugh, you will smile. But most of all, you will feel the despair of a heartbroken boy bouncing from an uncertain love.

Finger licking good.

When I heard about the death of Yasmin Ahmad, I told myself, there would be no other filmmakers who could make me feel like what Yasmin did.

I must have forgotten about Afdlin Shauki at that time.

After waiting weeks for Papadom, I watched the film today. The film won numerous awards during the 22nd Malaysian Film Festival 2009, including the best film. The film is about Saadom who becomes an overprotective father after the demise of his wife. A character in the movie Juno said that a woman becomes a mother when she is pregnant while a man becomes a father when he holds his newborn child. Well, in this movie, Saadom only becomes a real father after the death of his wife as he was too busy with his work before that. He missed many important events which eventually led to his wife's death. Ever since that, he made sure that he would be involved in every part of his daughter's life. Well, just maybe too much.

This film discusses few aspects of life on whether should one amass wealth to the extend of ignoring one's family eventhough the wealth was intended to ease the burden of the family's financial woes and also how far would a father go to make sure of his child's happiness (or safety). I guess being a father means more than giving you a present during your birthdays when during other times, he would be flying all around the world and not being by your side when you need him the most. A supportive father is what a child needs. Like in the film, Saadom was too afraid that his daughter would make mistakes and only realised later that mistakes are there to teach his daughter about life. The film shows that being a father is more than whipping the children when they did something wrong or reading the newspaper while drinking some tea. A father must have the emotion connection and being supportive of his children. I know, men are not known to be emotionally expressive but trying doesnt hurt, right?

Papadom includes the joy of laughter and the string of emotions that bond a family together and because of that, it is a must watch movie that should not be missed.

Memories of the past.

I have just watched The Butterfly Effect. I know, I am very late considering that the movie was released in 2004. This movie is about Evan who has the ability to travel back through time by reading his journals. His travels through time and the changes that he made in the past had affected his future in so many ways. So many, that by changing one event, it affected those around him 360 degree. All in all, the story tells you not to play God and try to change something that has already happened. It can easily be one of my favourite movies of all time.



Watching this movie, made me think. I have done many things that I'm not proud of in the past. Things that dont even deserve to be mentioned. But if I have the chance to travel through time and change it all for the better, would I do it?

Never in my life time.

For me, the shitty things that you did are there to teach you something. You learn something when you made a mistake. For example, if you have never been involved in an accident and keep on driving dangerously, you might never stop your bad driving habits. The bad things that had happened are the things that shaped me into what I am today so I guess I just have to face the future and hope for the best.Ameen.

Up, Up and away.

Some of my friends prefer to watch movies that usually involve bad-ass fighting scene or horror movies where chopping people is the 'in' thing. These movies that won't require you to think much are easy to understand because, well, they won't need you to. In watching movies, I prefer to watch movies that get you to think of other aspect apart from the usual good versus evil part though I admit I watch that kind of movies once in a while. The underlying theme is usually what gets you to think more, even after you have gone out of the cinema. So, today I watched Up, which is in the latter category.

What is the movie about, actually? It is about an old man, Carl Fredricksen, who worked as a balloon seller going on an adventure with Russell, a boy scout. So what is so exciting about an old man and a boy on an adventure, you might ask.

The theme of the movie.

For me, the theme of the movie is letting go of the past. Carl was married with a woman ,Ellie,who he had known since they were both young. In the early part of the movie, you will see how they fall in love with each other, growing old till to the death of Ellie. Carl continued his life, being a bitter old man. I'm sure many will have teary eyes during this part of the movie. I guess Ellie made an important impact in Carl's life that he couldn't seem to let go of his past with his wife by still holding on to their memories together. He won't even move out of their house even when around it is surrounded by construction site and not even letting the construction worker to touch his mailbox that he and Ellie painted together. The point that I think Carl finally let his past go is during the scene on the airship where there was hesitation of letting go of his house in order to save Russell and the rest yet he still let it go. It was quite symbolic in a sense of letting go of your past. But I guess in the trailer, all that they want to emphasise on is the funny part of the movie rather than the humanity of Carl. Well,who am I to argue, funny stuffs sell a movie, right? Nevertheless, 8/10 for the movie.It's one of the best movie so far.



Watching how loving an old man can be makes me to remember something that I will never forget in my life. It was few years ago at Masjid Tanah where I was waiting for my bus to get to Seremban. While waiting at the bus stop, I watched an old man holding his wife to get into the bus. He was holding her hand so that she wont fall while stepping on the bus stairs. Watching that made me to wonder, how many of us will still be holding our spouse's hands as we get into the golden years? Some would just leave their wife a hundred meter at the back. Another thing that I wish to share also happened few years ago as I was in a train going to KL. A couple in their 40s were arguing in the train though they weren't shouting to each other most probably due to many people watching. Their argument got heated and at one point, the man was holding that woman's head and banging it on the window glass a few times. Nobody dared to go tell him off at that time. So it gives you the idea that you should be loving to your loved ones even towards the end of it. So choose wisely what type of relationship that you want to remember and be remembered for.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm a big geek.

Ever since I was a little boy, I have been exposed to so many kinds of English movies. I guess that's where I pick up the language from. Among that many movies, I can proudly acclaim that Tron is one of them.

What? You dont know what Tron is? Well, that just shows the difference between our age. Really.

I wasnt born yet when Tron was first released in 1982. I guess I watched it 10 years after its release. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the movie so much that I can still remember the motorcycle that they ride in the movie until now. At that time, the motorcycles with flashy thingy coming out from their back were so cool that I imagined myself getting on the motorcycles and racing against the bad guys. Somehow I think Power Rangers' motorcycle copied the design from this movie. It was an extraordinary design for sure. So for you who have never watched the Tron movie, this is the trailer.



Then, today, I got to know that there will be a sequel to that movie, titled Tron Legacy.I'm so happy!!! Hahaha. I will get to relive my childhood experience again. I guess the movie makers really cater to my generations' childhood experience and turning them into movies. Just like what they did to Dragon Ball, G.I. Joe, Transformers and so many other CGI-laden movies that originate from around that era. So this is the trailer for the new Tron.



Undeniably, this new Tron is better in terms of graphics based on the trailer but I just hope that this new movie wont lack the soul that can make people remember this movie even after 20 years from now.

Sometimes, being a geek isn't that bad after all.

Action figures are not dolls.

I watched G.I. Joe today. It was quite ok, not the movie of the year, but it's still exciting nevertheless. It doesn't have all the characters in the cartoon series but as this is their first G.I. Joe movie, I guess there will be some improvements after this. The story gives a bit in depth into the history of the major characters which I think is quite useful for people to get to know the characters better. I was smiling at some parts of the movie as I remembered playing with their action figures when I was just a kid.

I'm kinda a sucker for action figures as I always fell for their advertisements and flashy boxes. Once, I cried at a shopping mall because my mom didnt want to buy an action figure for me. It was the Red Power Ranger complete with its motorcycle. Well, I wont say that Im persuasive, but I got to make her to buy it in the end.Hehe. I also had a G.I. Joe action figure too and remember playing it at the stairs and made it jumping up and down as if it was on a mission. I only bought tough action figures at that time as maybe I wanted to show my masculine side. Maybe now I should buy the Baroness.A hot woman wearing a leather suit with dark black hair and wearing spectacles...Oh, Baroness.....

Well,at least,for me, this movie is a whole lot better than Dragon Ball, a movie which destroyed my imagination for one of my favourite comics of all time, but not as good as Star Trek or Transformers. But watching two hot women fighting was worth the watch, anyday, anytime.

The risk that you take.

I was watching The Soloist the other day. The movie is about a journalist interviewing a cello player who has become a bit crazy. The movie sure makes you to think alot. The effort that the journalist made to get his story and at the same time being the cello player's friend is indescribable. So what does this movie, Coach Carter, The Freedom Writers and Dangerous Minds have in common?

They make extra effort with their work.

From what I observed, to be someone who is remembered for who you are, to be someone who people will look up to you, to be someone great, you need to have the edge that separates you from other people. Once you are in your comfort zone and simply blend in like other people, there wont be anything special about you. Step out of the comfort zone and think outside of the box.

During my first year, I always tried to score the highest mark that I could get. But in second year, this realisation came and I felt that I need something that can give me the satisfaction rather than the marks.When I did my assignments, I always try to take the topic that other people wont take eventhough the topic doesnt have many references. I did that as I feel that I need something that is challenging. So I did what I did, though I didnt get the high marks that I used to get, but I was satisfied with myself being able to do something that other people try to avoid. That is what I told my students, that they dont need to get the highest mark to be good in something, as long as they learned something valuable from it, then that's enough.

Education is what is left after what has been learned is forgotten.

Betul betul betul.

I had fun watching Geng The Movie by Les Copaque. The characters are so funny that you cant help it but feeling like a small kid again.The movie was a huge hit, garnering over RM6 million from the cinemas.

So just imagine that they're going to make another movie about Upin and Ipin and how big this going to be.

It is called Upin and Ipin: Angkasa and it is about those two kids at space with their space-ly adventure. This teaser is so hillarious, especially when they are turned upside down while trying to chase the alien.LOL



This is another major step for Malaysian animation and I really hope that they're going to make it big again.

Dont worry, i dont think i will be too old to watch Upin and Ipin when the movie is out in 2011.

The day that it was.

It was Saturday. But it wasnt just like any other Saturday. It was the day that yours truly was born 23 years ago.

The night before Boo and I went to One Utama and watched Mall Cop. The sound system at GSC that night was really horrendous. Fortunately, the movie was still ok. The review that gave that movie 3 out of 5 stars really justified itself. Then we went to Uptown and ate at Yazid's Steak House. I ordered Sizzling BBQ though I still think that their chicken chop is better. Well, RM8 for a chicken chop, it was really worth it.

The plate when I had done eating.hehe.


So the next day, which was yesterday, I was involved with a choral speaking competition for the Gombak district. My school is the organizer for the competition though we had to change the venue to SAMER for reasons that cant be avoided.



My school won 2nd place while the 1st place went to SMK Hulu Klang. I really think that these two winners really deserve their prizes. The teachers who trained my school's team were excited when the team won 2nd prize. Well, after training them for almost two months, they better be.hehe.This was somehow my birthday present la...hehe

After that event, still tired with all the runnings and organizing, I drove to Seremban and had a nice dinner with my family at Johnny's.



and had my favourite cake, cheesecake oreo from Secret Recipe :D



Whatever presents that you could have, being with your family is the most priceless that you could ever asked for. :)

p/s:thanks for those who wished me...for those who dont,I want a double next year.hehe

Full of talents

Our film industry is plagued with films that constantly harp on genres like horror and comedy. These types of films are undeniably raking all the big money from the masses. Not many producers would be willing to part their money in doing niche films. It will always be about who can get the most money of their blockbuster films.

So it is a refreshing sort that Talentime emerges from the pile of cliché films.

For me, satire is the highest form of critiques and I am glad that Yasmin Ahmad hasn’t moved from that field. Not many people would want to produce that kind of films and the few in the list includes the great P. Ramlee.

The issues that are touched by Yasmin Ahmad include the misunderstanding between the Malays, the Indians and the Chinese, the fact that the Bumiputeras are constantly being helped by the Government, the constant association that if you are a Muslim, you have to be Malay, which is clearly misguided. There are other issues that few of them really need you to read (or maybe listen) between the lines.

The actors and the actresses are certainly commendable for their effort in making this film a success. Mahesh, Pamela Chong and Jaclyn Victor should be noticed for their good debut which certainly has an impact on the film. Yasmin Ahmad certainly has an eye for the best actors which suit her film. Like she said, she always searches for the ‘charisma’ when she scouts for the actors and she did it again with this film.

The songs that are chosen for the film are certainly entertaining. But what catches me the most is the song O Re Piya which really suits that scene is the film. I had been humming the song after the film finished until my friends asked me to stop.LOL.

If you are used to watching Yasmin’s advertisments, this film is like her ads which spans for two hours. :)

Aliens and Hindustan movies

The other day, I watched Krishh at TV3 as I don’t have Astro at my Rawang’s house. The movie is quite ok la. Maybe it was because that was my only choice. Or maybe, I’m interested in superheroes and aliens. So today I took a picture of an alien.



So how? Scared already huh?hehehe.

Have a look at my flickr for more.

Half boiled ball

Even as a 23 year old, I still love to watch cartoons. I even watched most of the products by Pixar and Dreamworks at the cinemas. I think this is because I have been interested in cartoons and comics even before I started going to school. So just imagine my joy when I knew that there is going to be a Dragonball movie!

And today I watched the movie.

And not really impressed.

I wonder who wrote the script…most of the scripts are so cheesy that I thought I was eating a rotten cheese. It was like watching a teen movie where this guy has this crush on a girl but too afraid to say it. What a cliché…

Most of the characters are not even properly developed. The plot of the movie doesn’t help to show us how the characters develop. What I know from the characters is that Cici likes to kiss Goku. Luckily Cici is one hot babe.hehe.

For those who have been with Dragonball for almost twenty years, believe me, this movie wont be anywhere near your expectation. Just stick to the comics, please.

A great movie? No

A movie to watch while eating popcorns? Yes