Review: Thor: The Dark World

Movie: Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Genre: Action

Review: Can you believe it has been more than a month since the last review? I’m going to keep this one short but I have to confess, Tom Hiddleston aka Loki is my new man-crush.

If you’ve watched the first installation of Thor, then this will taste even better. I’ve heard differing opinions that they preferred the first Thor though. There are a couple of one-liner funny scenes that really cracked me up, which I really do appreciate J

Tips: As we have all learned about Marvel pictures, please stay for the end credit. There are TWO end credits for this movie, so make sure you sit through the credit rolls. (I missed the second one ugh)

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars

Review: Rush

Recently i've set up a newsletter group in the office for all movie freaks alike. I call my group the Popcorn! Here's one of the few movie review that i have done:

Movie: Rush (2013)

Genre: Biography, Action, Drama

Review: I was a little hesitant to watch Rush at first, because I know it’s going to be about fast cars and racing. But thanks to my persistent boyfriend (who even assured me that this movie garnered rocket high ratings over on Rotten Tomatoes), I finally gave in and bought the tickets.

And boy, was I in for a ride. The movie started with a racing scene, eventually led to sex scenes, which to my advantage showed a quick peek of Chris Hemsworth’s muscular, cute little butt and to my disadvantage, a whole lot of boobies scenes. Very graphic indeed. No wonder the lady at the box office counter asked for my ID card as this movie is rated at M18 (hey, does that means I look younger than 18? :P)

Story sets in the 70s, about two person with very different character with the same passion for racing. Niki Lauda (Austrian) is a very smart man, but not well liked because he is very serious in what he does. On the other hand we have James Hunt (Great Britain), a charming, ladies’ man who is hot headed and aggressive. The movie talks about how both started from nothing to joining the Ferari and McLaren’s team and became rivals.

Cinematically, the movie is so beautiful. It is so realistic, as if I am sitting in that tiny F1 car, feeling the adrenaline “rush” as they race for the top spot. I really wonder how they fit a camera to capture all the scenes so perfectly. There is not a dull moment in the movie, not even when the movie revolves around relationships behind these two champions. And I think i have a new found respect for Formula 1 drivers, who risked their lives, driving at 300km/hour around the track, regardless of rain or shine.

I read on Yahoo OMG, that the real Niki Lauda (who is 64 years old now) attended the premier of Rush, and was amazed at how accurate and realistic the movie was, as he was shocked himself, to relive the scenes in the movie. So dare I say, this movie would thrill even for non-petrol heads and with that I’m going to award my first five star verdict!

Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars!

P/S: Something that I pondered last night, there has been a trend of biographical movies lately, don’t you think? Jobs, The Butler, Argo, Lincoln to name a few, and Diana is coming up very soon. Very psyched about watching Princess Di!

#nowwatching : Candidly Nicole

Nicole Richie has come a long way, since the Simple Life series with Paris Hilton. Wasn't much of a screaming fan back then. Now she's a mother of two, but some things never change. She is still that outspoken, funny, short girl, and I absolutely adore her now!

Currently she has her own show on AOL called Candidly Nicole, which basically showcase short clips about 5 minutes long about the most random topic that you could have ever think. Candid (I supposed) and absolutely hillarious. New episodes are added every Tuesday, and I think you should watch them right here!

My nose just ran amok

Urgh just a few days leaving Penang for Peejay, flu and sorethroat decided to hit on me :S

And on a sick day like this, what's better to keep my chin's up with Michael Buble's new song :)

I'm not surprised
Not everything lasts
Have broken my heart so many times,
I stopped keepin track.
Talk myself in
I talk myself out
I get all worked up
Then I let myself down.

I tried so very hard not to lose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought I thought of every possibility

And I now someday that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid that I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

Such sweet theory to be positive on love, love, love. Michael Buble's got an amazing voice hor. Now im thinking of getting his new album 'Crazy Love'. But then again, im pretty broke. Trust me, I'm close to being evicted from my house. How to pay rental when I'm running out of moolah? Boohoo :(

I saw the other side of the clouds

The sight of clouds laid out like a field of cotton candy is beautiful. I didn't snap any photographs as I was not seated by the window but it looked something like this :

which kind of makes me want to roll around in the field of clouds slash cotton candy ;)

I travelled from Singapore to Penang via Tiger Airways, a budget airline from Spore. However, I swear this would be the first and last time cos Tiger Airways suck balls.

Firstly, it was a 0845 flight which means i had to be there two hours beforehand to check in. Getting to Changi Airport was breezy, which means I don't have to spend RM70 on taxi to airport or shit like that. I checked in and the first announcement hit me in the face. Flight was delayed for half an hour due to 'technical difficulties'. I swear I hear that reason so often everywhere!

Nvm I was at the end of the queue anyway and then closed to 0915, the second announcement asked us to walk from Gate 6 to Gate 3. Okay nvm I walked with the rest of the passenger. And then wait again.

Patience running out. The Indian guy in front of me tried to make small talks with me, made me even less patient. Then we boarded the plane, and it was friggin compact. Okay I know I shouldn't be complaining as it is supposed to be like that when you choose to buy a friggin budget airline ticket. But seriously, the seat was very small, I think the seat in my bus is even bigger and comfy. No small TV screen some more! So I spend 1 hour staring at the back seat of an uncle lor. The pilot actually tried to ease the mood a little because all of us were strapped in the plane but the plane could not take off until one more flight attendant that was called in last minute arrived. I think it took half an hour or so before he announced that she (later on I found out her name was Rachel as well zzz) was caught up in traffic jam. What the hell, we were in Singapore! There's no jam in that country!

Oh well, by 1130 i was in Penang so I happily walked to the taxi counter and got ripped off in my own country. Taxi to Jelutong, which is 10-15 minutes away cost me RM42. Fucking hell yet i had no choice. Now I'm home with mummy doing nothin but watch tv and sleep. Why don't I have friends in Penang tsk tsk.

School's out

Felt like I've taken off a gas mask and breathing in the fresh air and it feels so good. It's been a hell of a roller coaster ride right from the beginning of the semester, and I'm pretty sure the final papers managed to kill 10% of my brain cells.

Today's been a rough day for me. I supposed I learnt that the more I plan, the harder I fall when things don't go my way. :( Was on the verge on buying a pack just to take a breather but then again, i resisted and slept my emotion through. Sometimes I think I'm too emotionally driven, small little problem drives me mad. And I would replay the whole scene in my head, and analyze where went wrong.

Thank god i had an alter ego who would fight back. And books to calm me down. Phew.  Currently I'm glued on to Time Traveler's Wife. Trying to finish the book before the movie comes out in a month's time.

 

Why does love intensifies with absence?

All the chapter started with Henry's and Clare's age and halfway through, I am seriously confused. Henry-Clare-Henry-Clare, sometime two Henrys at the same time. However, I'm a hopeless romantic, thus reading books like this once in a while show the sensitive side of me huahahaha. 

This is Audrey Niffenegger's first book and I'm impressed :D She must be darn good in Maths! Heh. Okay loves, I'm going to curl up to my bed and readdddddddd...

 

My future projects

The impact from my documentary. I want to own lomocams! And take beautiful pictures :) Just that I think analogue cameras are too old school, winding them looking really black and boring. But with a bit of googling and research, lo and behold, my future endeavors...

Diana F+ CYMK edition
Price range : + - RM280

I was trying to figure out what does this cotton candy baby got to offer, and thus I went asking around in Mooks and I found out that Diana is the one where you can put all sort of shits to it i.e fish eye lens, flash wheel, a whole bunch of things to make your lomographs looks wonderful. However be warned that each piece of those accessory cost as much as the camera.

LC-A + 25th Anniversary Edition
Price range : + - RM900

Yes i know. I was raising my eyebrows too when I saw the price. And why does LC-A always have to be black and boring. Oh well. They say you ain't a true lomographer until you own this classic piece. LC-A is the first authentic lomocams, made by the Russians. Used to be a spy cameras for the soldiers so I guess that explains why it's black? hehe.

Holga in red

Price range : + - RM185 without flash, RM285 with flash

Holga's my personal favourite! :D The thing is, I've never seen a red Holga before apart from Lomographyasia. So I don't know would it cost me more to get a red one instead of the usual black. Holga's special cos it's fully plastic even the lens itself! Thus lomographs taken would have streaks of different colours, depending how much light leaks in. The downside is I think it's pretty huge for a camera. Can't complain much also la, give and take, still produce great pictures in the end of the day! :D

Now now, i just need lomo buddies to begin my quest. Care to join me Mr Glacius? ;)

I want a Moleskine!

I adore Moleskine notebook.

It's been on my mind for awhile. It sums up all things pretty.

The oilskin cover.

The crisp smell of paper.

The classy little black book to carry around and make notes in.

But somehow I always have a soft spot for reds :)

Saw this article on the stages of Moleskine (pronounced mol-a-skeen-a, they're Itallian) and it's soooo true!

Stage 1: Moleskine Pre-ownership

The people who you look up to, have one with them at all times. You cannot understand it. But you can't deny it looks cool. You look for alternatives. There are none. If only you had a good enough reason to buy one.

Like: I'm a ________ (writer, artist, musician, designer, thinker, etc. ) and all _________ have one.

Stage 2: Moleskine Selection

Hard cover or soft cover? Reporter or classic? Large or small? Dairy, which one? Cahiers? Sketchbook with thicker paper? Watercolour Notebook with even thicker paper? Choosing the right moleskine for you is a difficult process. But with time and careful practice, you will find 'the one'

Stage 3: Moleskine Community

You're now part of something bigger than yourself. A culture. A club. Your thoughts are suddenly more valuable, so are the things you say. Even your blogging has improved. When you see another moleskine owner, you give each other a nod of approval. Good thing she doesn't know that you haven't written a word yet.

Stage 4: Starting a Moleskine

You peel off the thin plastic protection film. The crackling sound fills you with excitement. You feel the oilskin cover for the first time. You snap open the elastic band a flip through the pages. your future flashes before your eyes. Your dreams waiting to burst out onto the blank pages. You bookmark an empty page, and snap the moleskine shut again. And you wait for the right moment to start.

Stage 5: Moleskine History

In the pocket of your new moleskine is a small leaflet that brings you into the world o moleskine and shares it's legendary story from it's Italian roots, the the plain notebook you now hole in your hands. You are the next part of that history.

Stage 6: Moleskine Inspiration

The pages are too perfect. It's difficult to start. "what shall I write or draw" at first there is no answer. And then, inspiration strikes. It happens more quickly for some, and slowly for others. But once inspiration strikes. You start taking notes..and you never look back.

Stage 7: Moleskine Legacy.

Finishing a moleskine feels you with a sense of satisfaction but it also makes you feel vulnerable, naked. Suddenly your ideas don't have a home. The good thing is, that wherever you are, you know you can pick up a moleskine, a notebook of the exact same quality and size from any good book or stationary store. Once you become part of the moleskine story, it's hard to imagine using any other notebook.

Taken from Cziplee.

Now I'm torn between the classic hard cover notebook or the city notebook.

I think I should start and think bout my birthday wish list for this year ey? ;)

*********

Cziplee in Bangsar is having a Moleskine sale for the entire month of July! Is this a sign? Read more bout the legendary notebook from KLue and TiC.

July read of the month

Finally after 22 years of reading, I've finally learned how to appreciate non-fictional reads. And it all begun when I accidentally brought home Chee Yan's book, and I was sold immediately :)

John C. Maxwell is my current favourite author, just because I like his writing style. His books are filled with experiences and quotes that I can relate to. My favourite quote from this book would be

The first and best victory is to conquer self

So I went hunting for my own John C. Maxwell and initially I was looking for his book titled 'Attitude', but instead i got myself something else.

Oh how I love the geeky me! ;)

'Attitude' was not even listed in the Border's book list. So monsieur bruno you know what to fedex me from France apart from my Gucci purse yea? HAHAHA!!

yeah dream on rach

De-stress Part 1

It's been a few days, my mind has been all over the places. My body and mind fucked up, and funnily enough, I googled up on what's happening to me and all leads to say I'm suffering from depression.

Physical and mental break down. Hmm.

Trying to keep sane, I try to get out for some fresh air. Went over to Le Bouchon and Bruno made me some chocolate moelleux. Well, he didn't exactly make the moelleux, it's more like I was watching him asking his chef to do this do that.

Me : Hey you said you're going to make me the chocolate moelleux.
Bruno : Well, i've been making moelleux since I was sixteen! Now I just get someone else to do it
Me : Oh how romantic hahahah!!!

And yes Bruno you were right, it was simply divine to be able to savour the dish, even though with The Cat watching us. I wish I took a picture of it, well, it is the only dish Mr Executive Chef prepared for me when he's in Msia!

Now I'm all gung-ho to do my assignment but the fact that I'm starving my ass off right now makes me think none other than chocolate moelleux! :(

P.S : Chocolate moelleux is like moist cake with runny chocolate in the middle. Served with a scoop of ice cream, the taste is awesome bedosome babeh.

P.P.S : Moelleux is pronounced mwa-le, if i didn't get it wrong hmm lol

P.P.P.S : I think I was indeed going through some depression period. Some may not know it but don't worry people, the feeling come and go. I still have my ways to counter it. That's also how I discovered a glass of Hennessey Miami does wonders :)

Edward Cullen, distract me please

I just got back from watching Twilight. Again. Heh. I guess I just can't get enough of Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson!!)

Who could resist SUCH temptation?

I don't know why but the whole plot and storyline really touches my heart. Like i have a strong chemistry towards the movie. I know this sounds so lame wtf but it's true i swear!

I was actually gushing when I know Edward is going to walk in through the cafeteria door (in the movie of course) and when he finally did, I grinned so wide from ear to ear until Superman felt a little bit inferior he had to squeeze my palm to pull me back to reality. Heh.

Oh and with the power of technology that had bestowed upon me, now i have all 13 songs OST of Twilight (yay!) and I've downloaded all 4 books. And Twilight is just the beginning. Ooohh how exciting!!

The Sagas :)

I've heard so many people dissing Twilight. But you got to understand. This is not the typical vampire-bites-you-then-you-turn-into-another-vampire movie. It's a love story. So do not expect so much actions. Instead listen to their words. It is really beautiful if you listen attentively.

It's been awhile I haven't feel like this. Nothin ever since One Tree Hill. Omg i feel like a school girl in uniform right now. Such fanatic tone of a post eh?

But sometimes it does feels good being in love once again :)

P.S. Guess what?

I just finished watching P.S. I love you. And I swear I had to dry my eyes and blow my nose throughout the whole movie. It's almost like Moulin Rouge all over again.

I read the book earlier of the year. And it's the first book that i actually cried reading it. Almost absurd, I know.

Which sets me thinking about how to deal with death of someone that you loved so deeply for? What if happy ending does not exist after all?

I know most of you saw it eon years ago. But for those who have not : Go read the book and watch the movie after that. Then tell me what's your answer.