2012 ON 251109 0 WE WERE WARNED (TO BOOK TICKETS 1st BUT WE DIDN'T)

Whenever I finish watching a movie, I feel obliged to write about it and I have NO IDEA WHY.

I know I'm full of crap but I just need to talk about the movie. However, sometimes, I just dragged on and then later, I lost the urge to actually translate those feelings I feel about the movie into words (of the not-so-wisdom).

So I felt that I need to at least put down a few thousand words on the first movie that I've watched lately - 2012.

2012 - Remember we only have 2 years more to live. Don't say I didn't warn you. "We were warned"

*Grand music*

Poster rising up from the sea waters....

Seriously...I think it deserve this grand opening (not because the movie is good though).

I mean, with the amount of publicity that was given to this movie, no wonder the cinema is flooded with human beings. Kenny Rogers lar...what else...pop corn bags lar...you name it...

End of the world is not caused by the waters that flood Earth but the suffocation due to the lack of oxygen in Kinta City, Ipoh the night we decided to watch the movie.

Me, King Kong & YC planned to watch this movie a few weeks back and this actually lead me to another lame story... Someone pointed out that 'J' seating is too near the screen and so... we found our three butts in another cinema hall watching Phobia 2.,and don't even get me there. Safe it for another day. ANYWAYZ before I drift off, let's get back to 2012.

So after failing to get tickets over and over again for the movie, finally that night, 25102009, we actually managed to watch this blockbuster.

Was I disappointed with the movie?

Surprise surprise...no.

Why?

Because I have zero expectations on the movie, the movie turned out to be not such a painful 2 hours and 45 minutes. I never watch all these 'end of the world' slash 'disaster' movie because seriously, what do you even get out of it besides 'feasting' your eyes on natural disasters that claim the lives of thousands or even millions of fake CGI characters. Like one of my friend say, some people just like the pleasure of watching destruction, FAKE destruction mind you. For me, I'm so NOT INTO THAT.

 

Destruction beyond repair

Nevertheless, with 2012, I silently shared some teary moments with some of the touching scenes though after that King Kong had to made sure she announce it to practically the world. I have no idea why I teared up because I think the movie is in some ways pretty lame and pretty predictable. I'm actually pretty embarrassed. But nevermind, I felt the dude sitting next to me in the cinema sniffling too..hehe...

Back to 2012.

According to many, the CG is brilliantly done but then I'm not the kinda person who go for all these computer animation or graphic thingy so, nothing catchy there.

So you might be wondering why I actually watch 2012 if I had expected it to suck and I am not even the kinda person who is awed by the CG?

Well, you know 2012 is the kinda movie that you have to watch just because you want to go with the hype. At least after watching it you can give a 'critical' and 'analytical' point of view. If I hadn't watch it, it'll really be just like..."Oh I knew it'd suck so I didn't watch it. Full stop"

But now I'll be like...

The movie kinda suck though not completely because I have zero expectations prior to watching it. So I enter, expecting the worst and it turned out okay.

John Cusack's character is supposed to be like the leading character but seriously, I don't see anything in his character. Very weak and I don't understand why HE IS THE ONE GIVEN ALL THE PUBLICITY when I feel that a bit more impressive is the character Dr. Helmsley starred by Chiwetel Ejiofor.

 

Curtis & Helmsley

I mean, yes, John has some heroic moments in the movie (all really near-death but super fake moments) but seriously, towards the end of the movie, I'm like...hmmm...not really touched because I just don't feel the character. I mean, I assume he is a better man at the end of the movie and a better father but still I don't feel the transformation you know. The character is not endearing enough.

The worst part of the movie is that they killed the character Gordon and then that's it? John Cusack's wife is amazing really. Her boyfriend just died, crushed by a machine and a few minutes later she's in the arms of another man... I guess that contribute to the fact why I just don't feel the vibe of this family. The kids are adorable but that's all really. Hmmm....sad but I feel that the Curtis family is not engaging enough in the movie.

Dr. Helmsley is different. I can see him glow towards the end of the movie. Okaylar, he might not be the greatest actor in the world but I like the end part where he took charge of the ship and convincing all the Presidents and Prime Minister to open the gates for everyone. His leadership qualities oozing out. I like how he transformed from a person who decided to close-one-eye to the unfairness of the materialistic world to one who stepped up, took control of the situation and stood up for fairness. That's character though an idealistic representation of things!

Cusack's character Curtis is supposed to be a writer who's supposed to inspire but seriously, all the inspiring lines are from  Helmsley, well, from my personal point of view.

Even Helmsley relationship with his father is touching (though the acting, well a bit not up to my standards haha). By the way this is the first part that had me welled up in my eyes.

My favourite line from the movie (yes, I have one even for this movie) is by the President. First time Black president in the movie I might add. Anyway, the President told his daughter that he will announce the news about the world coming to an end so that everyone will have a chance to hold their loved ones and tell them how much they loved each other. This was the second part of the movie that got to me.

If the world is coming to an end, I would also wished that I had a chance to tell everyone how much I love them. Facing death might not be the hardest or saddest part. At least for now I don't think it is yet. I guess I was really sad watching this part because it reminded me of the deprivation of my chance to tell my grandpa how much I loved him and to be there next to him when he passed on. It is a really sad thing to not have a chance to tell that someone how much you love him or her and so I was really touched by that scene, no matter how bad the rest of the movie might be.

The storyline of 2012 is just like any other disaster movies. I mean, flood or comet invasions whatever it is, the world just get destroyed and the lead actor most likely survives. Seriously, nothing there.

But I kinda like the themes circling the whole storyline. Humanity. Helping others despite of adversities. It makes me wonder myself, if it were the end of the world, would I stay as selfish or would I actually put others before myself.

There were critics on the misrepresentation of the Ancient Mayan's prediction. Sadly, I do not possess enough knowledge on this issue to give a fair and critical comment.

Now after my not-so-professional write-up on 2012, I shall now refer you to my friend, JT and his movie blog.

JT NEVER FAILS to give an impressive account on movie analysis. He knows his stuff. He knows his director and their directing styles. He knows how to compare and contrast. In other words, HE KNOWS HIS MOVIES. And boy was JT critical on 2012 haha. In some ways I agree with JT but seriously, 2012 is not as f***ed up lar. Doesn't deserve the multiple !!! marks haha. Maybe because I really expected it to be worst. It was really long 2 hours and 45 minutes but surprisingly, bearable. Maybe because I was already preparing my sleeping mode when I entered. Then again, I managed to survive the 'ordeal' though by the end of it my eyes were barely open.

I always try to give another side of the story. TRY haha.

Well if you've read JT's blog, you might now feel that the movie REALLY SUCKED. Bare in mind, JT is very professional. A broadcast student with a highly gifted brain for movie reviewing (pay me later JT). So he might have very deep and interesting views on the movie which totally blew me away.

But I shall provide you with another link. I found this dude's blog randomly while searching for pics. Vincent Loy's blog. If you read Vincent's blog, you'll find flowery language used to describe the movie haha.

Whose side are you on? You decide.

Adding a bit of New Moon flavour here. Team JT or Team Vincent.

TC-My Rating:

Not a movie that I'll rewatch but if you like these kinda movies, I think you MIGHT like this one. The publicity is seriously OVERRATED.

WHAT'S WITH HANNAH MONTANA?

You tuck me in turn out the light...

Kept me safe and sound at night

I can almost see it..

That dream I'm dreaming...

Every sky was your own kinda blue,

And I wanted to know, how that would feel....

Pop it, lock it, polka dot it, countrify it, hip hop beat...

These tracks share a similarity. I'm giving you 5 seconds to guess.

1

2

3

4

5

If you guess it right, well done. You belong in this century.

If you have no clue, well, where have you been? But I don't blame you. I understand if you are not a Hannah Montana fan.

I mean, seriously...I really do not get the Miley Cyrus a.k.a. Hannah Montana hype. And I so not get the movie either.

Now I won't be biased just because I'm not a Miley fan. I must admit that the songs are ALL GREAT. Undeniable. Well, if you know me by now, I'm a HUGE HUGE country music fan so I can't help it but actually like Miley's songs (some of them); I mean, since she is a country girl and a country music singer's daughter. I'm a country girl at heart see ;P but not as sweet.

But honestly, Hannah Montana: The Movie is really just riding on the success of the TV show and the Hannah Montana 'brand'. And also, it is basically another way to sell Miley Cyrus's songs. I mean, movies with good soundtrack is basically have an extra avenue to gain extra revenues.

And with Hannah Montana, the movie can suck but they will still make a fortune from it. Imagine - DVDs, Soundtracks, movie sales, merchandises. You can't walk down Liverpool street without not seeing anything that is related to Hannah Montana.  The familiar purple colour backgrounds the blonde star on bags, stickers, shoes - YOU NAME IT. I won't be surprise if someone has Hannah Montana tattooed on their a** or maybe forehead. That's how crazy people are over well, a fake 15-year-old country star who isn't really singing country anymore.

So, where was I? Yes, the movie. So I mean, it is only natural that there is a movie on this and as usual, the storyline is bland. It's like sitting through 1 hour and 40 minutes of nothing.  By the way, I was so bored that I actually watch the second half of the movie on a different day.

The thing that saved the movie? Besides the fact that I love Lucas Till who is so hot because he is so the country-guy, I think some of the songs in the movie really salvage the plot. Well, maybe in the first place, it is about the music. But in my opinion, if you really want to make a musical, at least make the plot a "hooker." Seriously, if you really despise country music, you'll die a meaningless death watching this movie. For me, it's salvation haha. Most of the songs are country and the great thing is that there are cameos of my favourite country music singers - Rascal Flatts & Taylor Swift.

Basically the story is about Hannah Montana, the teenage superstar who has another identity, another life as a normal teen - Miley Steward. Well this seems like a creative concept for a sitcom but the movie kinda overdid it that it doesn't seem to make sense anymore, well at least for a 'matured' grown-up, it doesn't.

The movie sees Hannah Montana being carried away by fame, forgetting her country roots. So her daddy, Billy Cyrus tries to get her back on track by bringing her back to her hometown. There she rediscover herself.

Seems pretty predictable and the resolution of the climax just doesn't work at all.

There are 2 climatic moments. One where the British reporter is supposed to expose Miley's identity and the second one is where Travis gets angry at Miley for lying (of course we know they get back together duh!). That's basically when Miley realizes how she actually loves where she hails from, her origins.

Normally, I don't blame this teen flicks for being predictable. I mean, one of the features of chick flicks, teen flicks, bimbo flicks (whatever you  call it) is that they are ALL PREDICTABLE. You watch it just to kill time (or to torture your boyfriends ;P)

But being predictable, at least do something to develop the resolution of the climax. I mean the ending was really pure stupid. I don't know but it's not developed enough for me. Like the reporter. He just quit? And his character really isn't developed at all.

Though the ending is a happy ending, it was like eating air...I even skipped the songs at the end because I just want it to end. Not great enough sorry. Don't get it.

Oh and there were some comedic moments in the movie which I seriously DO NOT GET. It was just so lame and not funny. I mean I don't even know who will laugh at that part, well except kids maybe. For example, the scene at the spinning hotel door where a few characters were spinning there. Seriously?? And the havoc during the lunch with the mayor was so unfunny that I could cry.

Okay, now I'm done with the negative. I'll tell you what I like in the movie.

ONE:

There was one scene where Billy Ray Cyrus felt his daughter's pain and he was there for her. That is my favourite scene. I was really touched by what the father did for her daughter. I always feel moved by father-daughter moments, because deep down, these great dads always reminded me of my own daddy, who had always put us first beyond his own needs. I always feel that my dad's sacrifice is the greatest of all. I know it and that's why when I watch that scene, I was actually teary. And when Miley sang one of my favourite songs, "Butterfly Fly Away" I just can't control the waters anymore. I was actually crying. Yes! Darn I actually cried watching Hannah Montana...But I admit it and I'm not proud of it.

Meaningful dad and daughter moment

If I could sing and write, I'd write one for me dad too haha

TWO:

Taylor Swift singing "Crazier" and they were dancing.

The song is just so beautiful I can't help but fall in love with the scene. Taylor looks stunningly gorgeous here. The dancing to the music is so romantic.

I think I'm going to make a 'secret' vow here. I'll seriously consider marrying the guy who actually ask me to dance to this song haha (that is if he wants me of course haha). I mean come on! It is only one of THE GREATEST love song ever. Whenever I hear this song, I can't help but think of 2 things - romantic dance with that special someone and the streets of Liverpool. When I was in Liverpool, this song kept repeating itself on my playlist that the scenery and memories of Liverpool is plastered together with the track.

How can I say no if this dude ask me to dance?

I'm still sane

I'm positive that Lucas Till is checking Taylor Swift out.

He said he has a crush on her.

I like to see both of them. They really look like a fun couple.

THREE:

Rascal Flatts singing "Bless the Broken Road" on the front porch of the house. They sound mesmerizing. I wish they could have sung more.

FOUR:

Life is a climb and the view is beautiful.

I like the simple meetings and chats that Miley has with Travis. To me, that is so cool, just to have like a best friend who you can fall for.

Dates I'd love to have:

 Talking to each other about dreams & passions, about life & inspiring one another in life

Having loads of fun together even though you are doing s***ty work ;P

Horseriding

Or maybe just walking lar..

Not so country haha

 

 Challenging each other to some outdoor activities

Just hanging out doing normal stuff with each other

Well, even if I don't appreciate the movie, one can't deny the fact that Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana have so many worldwide fans that could just shut me up. Whatever I say don't really matter actually haha because Hannah Montana is a big hit.

Hannah Montana should follow the leads of Spiceworld. In my opinion, Spiceworld is a success seriously. The storyline is good and the jokes are witty. I love it and I don't mind rewatching it again and again. The songs were good, it just compliments the funny storyline. I don't know I just really enjoy Spiceworld.

The reason why I watch Hannah Montana is because of the songs. I want to give the movie a chance since the songs are so nice. Plus I just want to know what is all this Hannah Montana craze all about really. Why do kids like her so much?

Personally, I foresee Miley Cyrus down the 'devil's' path soon, just like Britney Spears. We'll see how long Hannah Montana 'lives'.
I can only see Taylor Swift on the angelic road.

Watch this one if you are crazy of Smiley Miley and country stuff!~  =D

TC-My Rating:

TammyC