ANGELIC OR DEMONIC?

Are you an angel or demon?

I guess as human, we are neither. In fact, we could be both.

In fact, the demon/devil/satan, whatever you call it, was originally an angel...am I right?

So what I'm saying is, there's no such thing as absolute.

There is no such thing as the perfect angel. Even angels fall sometimes.

There is no such thing as an evil demon (please don't tell me this is because all demons are evil). Well, some demons are demons for a reason. Without evil, what is good, right?

 I wonder why are all the 'angels' on the left?

Hmmm...maybe because all lefties (ahem, yours truly) are angelic...

Must be, no better explanation hehe

Anyway, why am I crapping here about angels and demons, right & wrong?

Wait for it...wait for it...
I'm leading the discussion to the sequel to the movie 'The Da Vinci Code' based on Dan Brown's book, with the same grand title - The Da Vinci Code.

So apparently, Angels and Demons is the first book but then The Da Vinci Code was given the privilege to go first as the movie, well, for obvious reasons...because it was controversial and controversies SELL! Well, I mean if the first movie sucked, who would watch the second one right? If the first movie rocks, it doesn't matter if the second sucked because people would pay to watch the second one...just to find out if it sucked. Hehe...very 'theoretical'.

Anywayz...

After watching the movie (after SO SO LONG, I know, I have tears in my eyes for the chance to finally watch it) I knew the first thing I have to do is read J.T.'s review on his movie blog on this movie to get some inspiration.

J.T. writes some of the BEST movie reviews and honestly, I only read his movie blog, no other bloggers, at least for now, only he can provide a great review. He looks deep into the movie content and comes out with some of the most amazing analysis ever. Well, enough promoting him, JT - PAY ME LATER!

Anywayz, J.T. didn't disappoint.

"Angels and Demons" carries the distinctive themes of:

    Religion vs. Science.

        The Roman Catholics vs.  Illuminati

            Angels vs. Demons (or the other way around)
                 Good vs. Evil

The implicit theme is basically the indistinct lines between good and evil and also faith and believing.

Sometimes, what makes us good and evil depends on our faith and our believes.

Religion is very vague - an indeterminate subject. No right no wrong, because it's based on subjectivity and faith and beliefs.

Why do we have religious war or holy war?

Did God condone that? Under what circumstances? Who decide? Again...it's up to our own perceptions and interpretations as humans.

There are so many ridiculous acts that are done all in the name of God.

We have martyrs who claim to die because of God. We have 'holy' people who does 'holy' things like kill gays for their abnormality or set those discriminating rules that control women.

The question I always wonder is, 'gays' or any other people who are perceived as different are also created by God. God created them because it is part of a plan...So, why can't we accept them as God's creations?

Sometimes, their obsessive faith blinds them. I think it's not just with God. Sometimes, a faith in a particular leader makes us do crazy things ya. And then, it seems like we do things that we ourselves can't explain, but we just think that it is God's will. Is it?

Truth is, there is one fine line between right and wrong. Wisdom is the key. I don't know. Even sometimes I question my own beliefs.

Anyway, I'm drifting to New Zealand AGAIN! Back to the movie.

I love the fact that 'Angels and Demons' plays with this notion of faith and beliefs and the ambiguity between right and wrong. I love how the writer use the 'angels' as clues in the movie, which leads Professor Langdon to the resolution of the murder and the whole mystery.

Cleverly done is the way it relates Science and Religion into the picture. See, science is all about FACTS and solid proof - therefore making it seems like RIGHT...correct. But then, there is always the subjectivity in things or events or phenomenon...something 'spiritual' about things - thus religion.

I think the movie is trying to point out that, science and religion are interdependent. World phenomenon are explained using the theories of both. I guess at certain times, science cannot explain things - for example, I believe there is no scientific explanation for the power of faith in God. I mean, I've seen people survive Cancer because of their faith in their Gods. Though  personally, there were also many times where I've been let down. 2 of my most beloved people died of cancer. But whatever it is, what can't deny that there is some 'power' out there that goes beyond science alone. Yet, we also cannot deny the impact of science within our society.

Like I mentioned before, Science versus religion or rather, science and religion complement each other. In "Angels & Demons", Professor Langdon represents 'religion' while our gorgeous Ayelet Zurer, who plays the scientist, Vittoria Vetra represents 'science'(I believe J.T. has also mentioned this). See how both of them work together to solve the case?

To be honest, I have a very poor background on the Roman Catholics and the religion and the whole concept of the history between the science and the Catholic Church. But, one thing I do know is the story about Galileo, which is brought in in the movie quite often.

I think to fairly comment on this movie and whether or not it is loyal to the original creativity of Dan Brown, one must read the book. From J.T.'s review and the comments there, the movie hasn't done the book enough justice - well as expected, just like the Harry Potter series.

I think while the theme of the movie could be intact, I believe the delicate details of the book can only be found in the book. As much as the director wants to, there are always certain limitations when it comes to translating text into film.

Like J.T. mentioned, the solving of the whole plot because of the CCTV is pretty ...well... off-standards for such a clever writer. Have to agree on that. I guess I was pretty lost when it comes to the whole unraveling of the clues. I mean, I believe it's due to the lack of knowledge on the historical elements of religion and the Catholic beliefs and legends/myths. If it were in text form, I'd have a chance to mull over it and you know, maybe do some research.

J.T. feels that Ron Howard had learned from the past - improving 'Angels & Demons' by making it faster in pace. I personally prefer things slow when it comes to this movie though.  I mean, too fast, too confusing for me. I find myself rewinding certain scenes just to get the idea. I mean, forgive me but I was practically struggling through the movie since it has NO SUBTITLES and the sound system on my laptop, well, let's just say, is not really working to my advantage.

Personally, as popular as the movie may be due to publicity, I still think this movie is forgettable. Either because I wasn't fully focusing or it is just plain forgettable. I believe the book would be more memorable than the movie itself because it will definitely give me a clearer idea on the whole story and the characters will be more developed.

Due to limitation of time, I think certain characters in the movie lack development, which I hope to find in the book. I believe that Vittoria Vetra has more character in the book than just being a beautiful scientist. Oh, in fact, in the book, I think the Vetra scientist is a male character, not a female.

If all scientists were this hot...(I mean, a guy version hot) I'd pay attention in science class and be a scientist!!

To give a better review I think one must already read the book.

So, based on the movie alone, one can only rate the movie in itself. We can't judge it by comparing to the book. If we do, we'll be disappointed hehe.

In terms of the movie's storyline, it wasn't exactly extremely engaging. There were moments that I was pretty lost...I think because I just suck in those Catholic terms or ya, maybe I'm just bad in English. I actually have to pause and search for the meanings of certain challenging words etc etc. I think part of me predicted that Ewan McGregor plays the villain. But then there were certain parts in the movie that convinced me differently.

Conclusion:
Someone that is nice on the outside doesn't mean that they are good on the inside. Everyone does something for a reason. Whether it is justifiable or not, well, it's really up to that particular person to judge. I think sometimes we do things when we are so blinded by our beliefs, and only people who are standing on our point of view can understand. So in the end, though there are things that are downright wrong, there is always another side of looking at things. Without one thing, there won't be another.

My favourite line from the movie?

"Are you anti-Catholic Professor Langdon?
- No, I'm anti-vandalism...."




TC-My Rating:

Love,
TammyC

GONE BABY, GONE

This movie worked for me.

Now I really believe that it's better to have NO EXPECTATIONS when watching a movie.
You know, I find that I really enjoy a movie more when I have no expectations that the movie would be good. ;P

Directed by Ben Affleck, this movie stars Ben's brother Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan and one of my favourite actors, Morgan Freedom.

Well, my friend watched this movie in the cinemas and told me that, well, it wasn't really that good. Although I was dying to watch this one back then, my expectations for the movie has dropped tremendously.


At first, it was all about 2 detectives trying to solve a kidnap case of a little girl, Amanda McCready.

But as the movie proceeds, we realized that the kidnap wasn't as simple as it appears to be. Of course, Casey Affleck's character, Patrick, did some further investigation and came out with an absolutely unpredictable truth about the whole kidnap incident.

Well, it's good that the plot develops into an unconventional twist.
I like the twist in the movie.

The movie questions a decision that seems right on the surface, but yet is so wrong.

I'm not sure about you, but for me, Patrick's decision to send Amanda back to the arms of her mother is a mistake. I mean, the little girl can have a future with Morgan Freeman's character, Doyle - she is happy. But Patrick feels that 'righteousness' is when a child is with the mother.

Well, if the mother happens to be a drug addict and one who doesn't care about her daughter, I don't think anyone is likely to hand back such a sweet child to such a broken home.

I guess everyone makes mistakes in life and Patrick did a mistake that basically caused him not only I think regret, but he also loses his girlfriend Angie in the end.  I understand Partick's point of view about the child belongs to the mother and that Doyle's act of stealing the child (despite the fact that the girl has a future there) is downright wrong. But somehow, I just disagree with that because I believe that sometimes, the right thing to do really depends on the situation.

I pity Amanda really. Thanks to Patrick, she has to go back to her mum's den. I mean, if only children have the right to choose where they want to belong huh.

I guess Gone Baby Gone is not exactly a bad movie.
There were moments where it dragged itself....very slow but generally, it was bearable.

 I understand why Patrick stands alone in this picture

He lost everyone & I believe even faith in himself after handling Amanda back to her (excuse my language) 'good-for-nothing' mother

Some mistakes might are not rectifiable

I think he can still make up for his mistakes, but, that might lead us to part 2 of the movie hehe

I think 'Gone Baby Gone' isn't like a fantastic movie but it wasn't a piece of crap that you just shove off.

TC-My Rating:

Kudos to Ed Harris & Morgan Freedom

WATCHING MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING

I know that this movie is AGES ago and it is one of the classics of Romantic Comedy.

Starring Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, Cameron Diaz & Rupert Everett - I'm talking about 'My Best Friend's Wedding'.




I've heard about this movie before and since it is a rom-com, I wasn't like to keen about it. Then my friend had this movie in her HD when we were exchanging movies and I thought, well, might as well just take it lar, in case I'm in one of those lovey-dovey mood =D.

Well, I've been pretty low these few days (in fact, I'm going through one of the hardest phase in life right now since so much has happened to me in the past month), I feel like I need terrible cheering up. I need a boost of morale; something that I can just enjoy.

Did I enjoy "My Best Friend's Wedding"?
Surprisingly, yes.

Oh okay...yes, another love story. I think I kinda like that the plot is kinda unpredictable. It's not one movie that you can say that the heroine ends up with the hero. It really keeps you guessing who the lead (Mike) would choose in the end.

Plus, the movie highlights what true love means I guess.
I admire Julia Robert's character.
I fell in love with Julia Robert after watching her in Erin Brockovich. She's amazing in that movie. Love her character, love how independent, confident and intelligent she is.

In this movie, I somehow like her character too. Afraid to love and afraid to express love and yet, want to be loved. Hmmm...I guess maybe in some ways, I can relate to that when it comes to relationship but that's a different story altogether.

Anyway, the story is basically about Julia Robert's character, Julianne or Jules trying to ruin her best friend, Mike's wedding with Kimmy. So she plots and does all awful things just to screw things up for them. She realizes that she actually love Mike but she just can't tell him that.

I understand the actions she does. I guess she feels so bad that she did all those awful things but sometimes, emotions and feelings make us do the craziest thing. Trust me! I know. My biggest mistake was because of that, though not in my relationship but in something else.

Of course Julianne feels s***ty because of all the things that she's done.
Somehow, I'm feeling like that because of what I'm going through. But I guess everyone makes mistake - in love or in life and she learned & I guess I've learned too.

Julianne learned that to love someone, sometimes means just to let go.
I don't know how it feels like but I guess to love someone doesn't mean that you need to have that someone. Sometimes, it just means seeing that someone in the arms of the people they love. Maybe I'll be that kinda person too - the observer...

I guess in some ways I see a bit of myself in Julianne's character. She is arrogant - she in someways doesn't want to lose. Yeah, that's the ridiculous me. But I think one thing I don't see myself doing (at least for now) is chasing that crazily over a dude. Maybe it's too early to say haha...still young, still young and not desperate yet ;P.

There are few reasons I love the movie.
First like I said, the plot is not as predictable as the normal romantic comedies. I mean, Made of Honor is somewhat similar to this one (though I can't really say because I didn't really watch the whole movie). But with Made of Honor, the reason I still haven't bother watching the whole movie is because I already know the movie without the need to even watch the ending. Trust me and I'm right.

Secondly, I love the use of great songs in the movie.

The movie starts of with a nice song. 4 girls singing...I don't know for what reason, but I like the song.

Sometimes, we just love things for no particular reasons, don't we?

Some of the best love songs are featured in the movie. My favourite? - The Way You Looked Tonight, which in the movie was Julianne & Mike's songs. I love the part where Mike sings this song to her and they danced. I don't know, but the extremely soft side of me finds that super romantic. Oh please, I do get smitten by guys with a deep voice & an accent like Mike. Plus he can sing.

That whole stretch of scene where Jules & Mike spent their time together on that boat is my favourite scene. I love the part where Mike was telling Jules about expressing love...




Mike tells Jules that it's sometimes hard to say the word 'love' but there is just one moment , that true where you feel like telling the one you love that you love her.

The boat goes under the underpass....dark....indicating that moment where Juliannes wants to express her love...that moment~

Say it...Say it.. ARGH I can't say it

The dark moments indicate that usually these are the moments we dig deep into our true feelings, our hearts - deep inside how we are feeling The calm, the quietness It's like we're somewhere else, somewhere where we are not ourselves & we just feel that that's when we can say it but in the end, we just can't

They looked at each other...and then, they came out of that 'moment'. Sun lit their faces indicating that the moment has passed.

The lost opportunity when the light hits us with reality

I guess sometimes it's just that. You feel like you want to say it, but...the words just can't come out. There are many moments like this in my life. I always wanted to tell my parents how much I love them or how I really appreciate the things they do and then, I found my tongue tied up. There's always a 'right' moment but, usually, we just let it passed. I think I speak for many ya?

For lucky ones, they might find another moment like this. But for some, the moment might not be available again or even if there's a chance, the timing is just completely wrong. I regret that I don't have a chance to say how much I love my grandfather. I lost that moment.

Another touching part for me was towards the ending of the movie, where Mike and Kimmy were off to their honeymoon, and Julianne just can't seem to reach both of them...she wanted to say Goodbye to Mike but she was blocked by a bunch of people. Then when she was about to give up and leave, someone hugged her from behind & turned her around - Mike.

You know the feeling when all you want is just to say a final Goodbye to someone? Like, you know, just to say Good bye to someone you know that after this moment, things won't be the same anymore...I know how it feels like. I've wanted to say goodbye to a friend once. I knew that things would change between us after that because we won't see each other that often anymore. We'll have our different lives and it'll be hard to see each other since ...well, we're close but not that close, that sort of thing. In fact, I don't know if she feels the same way about how I felt about our friendship. So, there was the moment I wanted to officially say a Goodbye, but the chance slipped right off...I guess she knew that I wanted to say that Goodbye too because after that, I received an SMS telling me Goodbye. I'm glad, very very glad.

There were some really hilarious moments in the movie too.
The best was when Julianne's editor, George pretends to be her fiance.
I like George's character too. If I can have a guy best friend, I think I'd also choose someone like George BUT straight so that he can be the love of my life haha.

We might not be able to express in words but there's sometimes the touch The touch of a friend or a family An embrace feels just as good as love Nice scene huh?

The ending wasn't my favourite since I'm rooting for Julianne haha. 2 reasons - one I like Julia Roberts and second, I dislike Cameron Diaz.

Which side are you on?

I'm all for the J haha

But in the end I think the ending of the movie is actually good.
Sometimes, though the ending is not the ending we had hoped for, it's still all good. We do get something out of what we might perceive as nothing I guess....Besides, Julianne finds herself a new best friend =)

I guess sometimes, you're happiest when the one you love is happy

Dermot Mulroney is really good-looking, I must add.
Sorry I can't help but compliment hot guys. Yes, sadly, maybe I am superficial in some ways haha....

Why not to be superficial?
Well as you can see, Dermot was handsome....
and then, he grew ....more mature. Haha...
People change on the outside & many times on the inside to
So love someone for who they are I guess

Julia is stunning sweet & beautiful too. With Julia Roberts, it is hard to hate someone like her. She's a true sweetheart I think. Even when she plays such assertive and opinionated woman, she can come out as someone endearing too.

Watch this one if..
1. You like Julia Roberts
2. You just want to feel romance & laugh at the same time (duh...)
3. You have plans to ruin your best friends wedding - you might get pointers on WHAT NOT TO DO

Don't watch this one if...
You are in love with your best friend who is attach - remember, your ending would be that you get a new best friend who might be gay and that means...like they say... 'no sex' haha...


TC-My Ratings:





Love,
TammyC

LET'S GET INTO THE WILD

I don't know why I picked this movie, but I picked it out of the other hundreds unknown movies I have in my hard drive. If I haven't followed the randomness of hands on my mouse, I wouldn't have watched this movie.

I don't think many would have heard of this movie "Into the Wild". I know I haven't.

For such a star-studded cast, I wonder why it is not a famous movie

It's based on a true story about this young adventurer, Christopher Chandless. He really dislike his parents. Again...family arguments, family problems. He is from a quite well-off family and thus, naturally, the parents cared more about their money that the welfare of their children. You know how some parents feel that being a good parent means to give all the luxurious things to them?

This dude is kinda cute hehe

Chris grew up to be someone who is great at writing and loves nature. So at 22, he set out from home (ran away) and embarked on his journey "Into the Wild". His destination? - Alaska Alaska, not City Alaska.

Chris left everything - he donated his savings of $24,000 to Oxfam. He left his promising life and future in search for an adventure.

He beliefs that happiness is not about the relationships with people, sometimes, happiness can be sought just by being with nature. Fair enough I guess.

The movie is directed by Sean Penn - excellent work for the excellent cinematic visuals. I mean, for a movie that is supposed to be about nature, the scenes about the nature has got to be breathtakingly beautiful.

The story is in a series of flashback (back and forth between the day he found his magic bus and his journey before he found his magic bus) - narrated by 2 people, Chris & Chris's sister. The script of the narration is beautiful. The author has brilliantly put into words the feelings of these two characters. Deep but at the same time, grasping the essence of what the two characters are trying to say. Chris talks about his adventures while Chris's sister narrates about Chris as a person.

"Into the Wild" highlights the whole journey of Chris - the different people he met that all I belief, had in some ways taught him something about life or at least, had an influence on him to a certain extent.

For example, Jan & her partner, Rainey. I belief this couple thought Chris to see things from his parents' perspective. Jan told Chris about how her son, disapproving her relationship with Rainey, ran away from home without letting her know. Now, she doesn't even know where her son is. For Chris, yes, his parents were at fault for the failure of being good parents, but in some ways he is also wrong for not letting his parents know his whereabouts.

Jan & Rainey

Sometimes, if only we see things from a different perspective

Chris's sister narrated that Chris's disappearance has brought her parents together - they don't fight anymore but they become 'new' people - people that she herself doesn't know. To her, she feels that her parents now do not deserve the treatment that Chris is giving them. But she says that she understand that this is not the set of parents that Chris had grew up with. They were indeed really bad parents throughout Chris childhood and thus, Chris has a reason to really hate them. But now, Chris's sister just felt that they have changed for the better.

The most touching part of the story is when Chris meet an old man. I always have a soft heart for old people and when they cry, it just breaks my heart.

The man who wanted to adopt Chris
The man who taught Chris above forgiving "When you forgive, you love"

Chris finally made it to Alaska. He trained for it and he learned how to hunt and everything. He survived on birds and small animals and plants. He was enjoying life at first but reality soon sinks in. He was getting slimmer by the day and is getting not enough nutrient.

He became weaker and weaker that when he decides to leave Alaska, he can't even make it across the river. Sometimes, with not even nutrient, your brains can't function and think properly; plus you also don't have the physical energy. The ending part shows how Chris began to starve and he ate the wrong type of plant, poisoning himself. The end sees him hallucinating about going home, about hugging his parents. Finally, he realized that happiness is shared ...I guess in my interpretation, it just mean that you won't be happy alone. Very true. I mean we need our time alone but at the end of the day, it is about sharing with it others, it is about being with others. I agree~

I guess part of me wants to live like him, though I don't plan to die like him. I mean, I think it is pretty cool to go around and just embrace nature and meet different people. But I'm a person who loves people. I can't stand living alone. I just enjoy the part where he gets to hang out with so many different people and learn so many things.

It is really not a bad movie at all, though it moves a bit slow. But there are good values to be learned from the movie. There are beautiful scenery, stunning visuals and a beautiful script.

The real Chris McCandless with his magic bus

TC-My Ratings:




ps: while searching for pictures on this movie, I found out that this movie was actually nominated for 2 Oscars. OMG! I really need to update my knowledge on movies.

WE'RE ALL PENELOPES IN SOME WAYS

Every mention of the name Penelope and our minds drift to Tom Cruise's ex - Penelope Cruz.

But this movie is nothing about a hot Latina with pouting lips.

Penelope 'Snout'

I've been meaning to write about this movie a few days back but I was so tired that I just can't afford to open my eye-lids any longer.

"PENELOPE" is a simple but beautiful movie, kinda like those movie that you watch for inspiration. Just what I needed these days, something light but great to cheer me up.


The movie is about a girl, cursed to have a pig snout as a nose. Her mum faked her death and kept her hidden in the house. So, all of Penelope life is spent in her 'castle'. It was said that the spell could be broken is when she is 'loved by one of her own'.

With this, Penelope parents, especially her mum believe that by marrying her to a rich guy (one of her own) who love her will mean that she is 'loved by one of her own'. That would be the best for her because then her spell would be broken.

The movie tells us to love ourselves for ourselves - to accept ourselves for the way we are.

Love this poster. Simplicity but capturing the essence of the movie.

I believe that we always wish that we could be someone else, don't we? I know I do. I never am happy with who I am. I mean, of course generally I feel contented with my life. I'm happy but many times I wish that I wasn't me you know. I would wish that I'm taller, slimmer, have bigger eyes, nicer teeth...so many stuff that I dislike about myself physical.

Penelope hates her nose. She feels bad for herself in some ways. She feels intimidated and insecure though she seems strong. When she feels that way, she pushes everyone else away. I think it's always like that, don't you think? Because you feel that people aren't going to love you, why let them in and let them hurt you, right? Exactly! All this happens because of insecurities. I guess I know how it feels.

So since she keep scaring every suitor away, Penelope of course failed to find a husband. In fact, she purposely scare them away - like I say, she just doesn't want to let anyone in, until she meet Max Champion.

Note: Max cannot see Penelope because they are actually separated her by a special mirror. Only Penelope can see Max.
So what an unique way to date & play chess, isn't it?

Max at first was hired by a reporter to take a picture of Penelope. Max later got to know Penelope and really love her for who she is. Although at first shocked as how she looks, he really doesn't mind her looks at all. I mean, seriously, Penelope really isn't that bad looking. However, when Penelope asked Max to marry her, he refuses to. At that point, I was also confused about Max. I mean, what is going on? I was so eager to find out what is going to happen later.

Because of Max rejection, Penelope decided to run away from home and see the world.
The most beautiful feeling the movie had given me was the moment Penelope opened her house gate. The music accompanying the scene of the beautiful sky scrappers from Penelope's point of view is amazing. It aptly illustrate the feeling of awe....kinda like when I was in Liverpool, every time I see the beautiful architectures, I can hear the beautiful melody ringing in my mind.

To get a mesmerizing effect
Step 1: You open the doors/gates in slow motion

Step 2: You pan up to the most incredibly wonderful scenery

Step 3: You focus on the big eyes

Anyway Penelope had lived a few good days out in the world, independently and happily. She met some new friends - one of them, Annie (Reese Witherspoon). Nevertheless, her parents finally manage to track her down. She ran and ran and ran from her parents and finally she fainted (bear in mind, her scarf she's wearing does come in the way for breathing purposes). She woke up in the hospital and found all the reporters outside her room, eager to take her picture. She realized that nobody is actually scared of her. In fact, every one loves her.

All these years in her mind, she feels 'ugly' and 'hated'. Her mum indirectly causes this for constantly telling her how weird or bad she looks when in fact, Penelope, besides the nose, actually looks fine. In fact, she later discovers that she is not 'hated' like she has been programmed to believe. Penelope, after that incident in the hospital became the local celebrity and Max of course was happy for her. He, who once gave up his passion for music due to his gambling has decided to turn a new leaf, inspired by Penelope.

Penelope was then arranged to be married to a rich 'jerk', who once had turned her down. But Penelope realized then realized that the 'jerk' doesn't love her, and it is pointless forcing others to love her since she loves the way she is. That is when her spell broke and she got her nose back. Her mother, for a few minutes learned her lesson - that she should have loved her daughter the way she is, before going back to her own ways, complaining about how her daughter's new nose could have looked better if it were a bit sharper. Then, we found out apparently the driver of the family is actually the witch who placed the curse on the family. This time, the witch cursed the mother, 'silencing' her, to everyone else's delight =).

Towards the end of the movie, I also found out why Max rejected the marriage. He knows that he won't be able to break the curse, since he is 'not one of their own'; he is not 'rich'. He loves Penelope so much that he wishes that she be with someone who can break the spell. Of course in the end Penelope realized the truth and both of them ends up together.

The romantic ending scene that every love story needs

Happy ending to a wonderful fairy tale story.
I think everyone would enjoy Penelope - children, teens, adults or even older adults. This is a movie that a whole family can enjoy. It contains a fairytale, spell and magical elements that a child would enjoy, good moral values for everyone and romance & comedic elements for the teens and adults alike. A great watch!

I must add, if James McAvoy come across as a weird, almost paedophiliac dude in Narnia 1 as Tumnus, he sure is a sweetheart in Penelope. I actually like him a lot here as compared to in Narnia and Atonement (which bore me to death by the way; thank God the ending made up for the whole movie). What movie an actor/actress choose to appear in does affect how the fans perceive them. That's for sure. James McAvoy redeemed himself here really. Absolutely love him!

If McAvoy sounds familiar...I think it's a kinda like a potato chip brand in UK. Right?

Anyway, this McAvoy is as delicious as McAvoys potato chips =D

TC-My Rating:





Love,
TammyC

KINDER BRUNO-LICIOUS

I really have mix feelings about "Bruno".


I mean it really is HILARIOUS but contains really saucy and disturbing footage of human privates.

It is a creative movie and one would call it, mockumentary. It tries to show the realness of human beings.

"Bruno" is Sacha Baron Cohen in disguise and during production, he tricked many people into believing that he is actually Bruno. No one knows that he is actually Sacha Baron Cohen and so their emotions and reactions towards the whole 'made-up' sensitive incidents are real and genuine.

I think what "Bruno" is trying to do is to bring out 'reality' and real emotions.

Shocked!

First is on how people perceive homosexuality.

I wonder, if God really hate gays or fags as they call them, Why did God create them in the first place right? I thought you guys were the one who say God created us. Oh so now you are criticizing the 'malfunctioning' products? What happened to accepting each other for who they are?

Second is how people voice out their dissatisfaction and anger towards things that annoys them. He even got Paula Abdul fooled!

First, he got Paula to sit on human beings when talking about humanitarian cause, you know, the importance of helping people...

Then he hopes Paula could savour food placed on top of a naked dude Way to go Bruno!

"Bruno" himself is a gay dude. So, whatever he does in a certain way commands attention. The walk he walks, the way he talks and the way he carry himself and does attract eyes. I mean, people can't help rolling their eyes or stare at weirdos, right? Personally, I admit that I'm guilty of that too. So, I guess the aim of the show is to capture these expressions.

The story is about Bruno's journey of making it big in Hollywood, after screwing up his career in Austria. Loyal to him is his assistant, Lutz, who has loved him. So basically, Bruno is always figuring out ways to get himself famous. He tries various gimmicks and tried to produce different programs to score. Unfortunately, his gimmicks and programs ALL HAS TO DO WITH DIRTY 'DICKY' images. It's really that bad and torturing. I really had to close my eyes at certain parts to protect my 'innocent' eyes from the vulgarity hehe...

The last part on the ring, where Bruno and his assistant, Lutz kissed and 'rubbed' each other was really one hell of a scene. Imagine if you were there, expecting a real manly wrestling show, but then end up watching two 'freaks' make out. Those were real people who are really anti-gays. There was one part where the guys really threw a chair on the two of them. That is how bad they see homosexuality. They somehow despise gay people.

I mean, I always joke I'm anti gay because there are already not enough guys in the world for women alone, and now we, women still have to compete with guys? LOL...I encourage lesbianism because it will reduce the competition. But seriously, I guess we can't really choose our sexuality sometimes. It is not fair to judge a person because they have a different sexual orientation. That I truly mean it. I think I have nothing against gays or lesbians but what I don't like is when they get all weird...I have lesbian friends who are great people. I have worked with gay people (make-up artistes during productions) and they are really nice people (though a bit flirtatious with the guys hehe) so I have nothing against them. But some transsexuals or drag queen are annoying because they just like to disgust you by doing weird repulsive antics.

But if you think that 'ring' scene is disgusting, the front scene on his attempt to impress the producers with his new 'celebrity gossip' program is even WORST! I mean, I thought that Adam Sandler's comedies are distasteful but Bruno IS DISTASTEFUL! But I mean, like I say, it is still very funny though. So I guess the repulsive and offensive jokes can be pardoned. I'm also impressed that he can actually include so many 'private' footage in, it is UNBELIEVABLE. Well, if you are watching the edited version, then maybe you won't have the 'privilege' to feast your eyes on that though.

Anyway another scene in "Bruno" critics those celebrities who adopts children from other countries, sometimes just for the publicity. Sorry Angelina Jolie fans, but personally, again, I still think she is always publicizing her charity work and her children are also part of her publicity stunt. I know many regard her as a heroine for her kindness and all but seriously, WHY ARE ALL HER CHARITY WORKS ABOUT HER & NOT THE CHARITY? You see, when a celebrity does charity work, I seldom see any focus on the celebrity...basically it's mostly about the cause itself but whenever Jolie does a charity, I always see THE HUGE Angelina Jolie face. Sorry, I can't help but think she loves the attention. But anyway where am I going with this right? Okay, so Bruno indirectly slaps those who adopts kids for the sake of publicity on the face. In the movie, Bruno supposedly adopted this African American baby, just so he can be famous like well, I guess Angelina Jolie. And then he went on this talk show program and showed the audiences some pics of him and his baby. Of course, the pictures weren't appropriate pictures and thus, we see that the audience were all really really pissed of at Bruno. You can really see their anger at what Bruno is doing to the child. I'm not sure if those are acting but personally, I don't think so.

Bruno and his adopted son - Gayby I actually love the name hehe

A woman expressing her anger towards Bruno's exploitation of the baby

I guess there are many issues highlighted in the movie. I think as always, there is always a certain amount of good in bad. "Bruno" exemplifies a movie that can be deemed trashy in a certain way for some people who can't these kind of nonsense show, but indirectly contain subtle lessons and values in it. As always, Sacha Baron Cohen is an intelligent dude who knows how to manipulate situations...put people in awkward situations. The questions he ask and the way he respond is always freakin' hilarious - even when he was Ali G. But I have yet get the humour of Borat, maybe because I haven't really watch the whole movie yet.

I think some of the most hilarious parts is when he tries to be straight. The effort he went through - like Boot Camp, went to see a gay converter, Karate master and the real manly country men...it's SO HILARIOUS how he put these real people in awkward situations. SO DARN FUNNY! Can't help it...the Karate session was the one that I can't stop laughing at...REALLY REALLY REALLY HILARIOUS!

A Boot Camp with Bruno means Bruno Camp

Bruno tries hunting and later that night, stripped naked to scare those men

My favourite - Karate or martial arts lesson..whatever that is haha

So "Bruno" wants us to NOT STEREOTYPE GAYS, DON'T ADOPT CHILDREN FOR PUBLICITY PURPOSES, and maybe...APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANT ;P

I do, cherish you

Maybe also remember that THE ONLY WAY TO BE FAMOUS, THE BRUNO WAY IS:
- make a sex tape & MAKE SURE IT IS DISTRIBUTED! (and not easily downloaded on the Net lar)
- be straight!
- punk Paula Abdul
- adopt a baby from Africa and make sure you ship the baby in a box to enhance the excitement and attention ;P



But I guess in the end Bruno is saying, BE YOURSELF. See, he got famous after the kissing incident on the wrestling ring with Lutz. So, just by being himself, and that is, being gay and admitting to being gay, he became famous. Sometimes, what you want can be attained by the simplest ways but we just don't see it. We go through various means just to get something that can be that simple. Perhaps, that's part of life...We never truly know that the mountain we're climbing could be just a heap of sand.

This is Sacha.

This is Bruno at first


This is the FINAL Bruno

The Pros of being yourself?
Well you get a HOT SIZZLING wife

Sometimes, I wonder what kinda dad will Sacha be?
No offense though...not generalizing.

TC-My Rating:





Love,
TammyC
ps: Some people think that Torres (yes, Fernando Torres from Liverpool football club) looks like Bruno...hmmm....