VIVA ROCK FLINTSTONES!!

This movie brings back loads of childhood memories...

I remember watching it over and over again last time on my CD player.


I almost forget this song which I totally enjoy listening to...





"This isn't love, this is destiny...

Somewhere above this was planned for me..."





I'm not sure if any of you is familiar with Flintstones, the cartoon but I am because that is supposedly my dad's favourite cartoon. I don't know how true is that but he used to have a Flinstone cup back in those days so I assume it is his favourite cartoon haha.

















Anyway, there are various Flintstones movies out there and this one I happened to watch because it happens to be in our CD collection. My mum used to love buying any movies (some unheard of) that she thinks we like. Usually, we just don't get her choice of movies but this one, I must admit is pretty good. I got attracted to this movie because of its colourful front cover and I guess sometimes, we can judge a movie by its cover. ;P




Flintstones @ Viva Rock Vegas!









It's not like one of the most popular movies ever made but it is really quite entertaining. It actually stars some of the big comedy stars like Mark Eddy, Stephen Baldwin, Kristen Johnston, Jane Krakowski and one of Criminal Minds main actor - Thomas Gibson (he look super young here man!). It also stars Alan Cumming, who's one hell of a British comedian hehe.




This movie is about how Fred Flintstone (Mark Eddy) and Barney Rubble (Stephen Baldwin) met their two ladies Wilma and Betty. It touches on the idealistic theme of how true love can't be measured with $. In this movie, we see how Fred met Wilma, not realizing that she is rich. But all Wilma wants is a simple guy, who do not care so much about money. Fred however feels the need to impress her with diamond rings and riches.




Fred also felt intimidated by Chip Rockafella (Thomas Gibson) who is also pursuing Wilma. Though Chip seemed rich and owns a casino in Las Vegas (thus favoured by Wilma's mum), he is actually in loads of debts and is counting on marrying Wilma in order to pay them. Under Chip's plot to win over Wilma, he arranged for Fred, Barney, Wilma and Betty to spend a weekend at his Las Vegas casino.




Generally it is really good and they somehow also managed to include an alien (Alan Cumming) as an extra character just to add in a bit more humour. I mean of course it doesn't make any sense to have an alien during the prehistoric era, in fact a lot of other things in the movie just don't make sense, but this is one of those movies that you watch for entertainment and you just don't care about how logical it is.




Stephen Baldwin did a great job playing Barney Rubble here. Love his laugh.

My other favourite character is the Alien actually. Alan Cumming is just super funny.

Then it's also great to watch Thomas Gibson play a more relax role as Chip here. In Criminal Minds, he's so serious that you don't really see him smile much. But here, he's the villain and well, he smiles more and he looks very good-looking.




One more great part is when Fred sings a song to Wilma at the end. I love that song. Check it out.
















Ps: Fred's speech at the end is beautiful...like super beautiful.





This movie is almost 10 years old and to me, it's really a great watch. I've enjoyed it so much since young and therefore, I just feel like sharing it. You can watch it on YouTube if you are interested. ;P




Flintstones Viva Rock Vegas is definitely a movie for all.




TC My-Rating:


















With Lotsa Love,

TammyC off for more Thomas Gibson and 'Criminal Minds'

CASE OPENED

Freaky and scary as the trailer may be...it really isn't that bad. Seriously...compared to those Thai, Japanese and Korean ghost flicks, Case 39 is nothing.

I admit I am a super timid girl who tries to avoid as much as I can all these horror movies...They just gives me the creeps and seriously man, I find myself afraid of driving  (you know the classic seeing a 'pontianak' on your rear-view mirror scenes)or go into lifts, or in fact going anywhere alone after watching ghost movies because I keep picturing them behind me...IT'S FREAKY!!

But I'm surprised that 'Case 39' didn't scare me that bad. In fact, it is almost like watching 'Supernatural' without my hot Jensen Ackles.

'Case 39' takes us through Emily Jenkins portrayed by Renee Zellweger's adventure with a 10-year-old. Emily is a social worker who is adamant to save a 10-year-old girl, Lillith, from her abusive parents. Lillith was almost killed by her parents when Emily had rushed to her rescue just in time.

Emily was somehow persuaded by Lillith to take her as a foster child and that was when Emily's life takes a 180 degree turn. The people around Emily starts dying and soon, Emily senses that something is definitely wrong with Lillith. Emily then seeks the truth by seeing Emily's parents to find out about Lillith. Well, basically nothing special, it's just that Lillith is satanic from birth. She manipulates people's fear, which leads them to somehow kill themselves.

By the way, this is the movie in which I had a seat accident haha. Well nothing freaky but it was while I was in the cinema wanting to watch this movie in which I landed my butt on the floor because the seat was spoiled and I did not know before seating down.

It is called Case 39 because it is the 39th case that landed on Emily's desk.

I bet this movie freaks out many social workers but that's just another story. 'Case 39' isn't that bad but it wasn't good. I'm also sad that the hot Bradley Cooper had only limited screen time. His death scene in the movie is a tragedy...like really sad.

I guess I expected nothing from the movie and thus, I felt that it was okay. The reason I don't expect much is because I've always been disappointed by horror movies. I go in, anticipating to be awed but I come out feeling unsatisfied. I mean, these movies are always just design to scare the crap out of its viewers and that's it. The content and storylines are basically blueprints of one another, all formatted to follow a rigid and predictable plot. The goal of a horror movie is not to impress people with a unique story but rather to win the title of "scary movie that make most people pee in their pants".

Some of these movies leave their end open-ended, so that there could be a sequel. What the...
Some are worst...There is no explanation what-so-ever about the whole thing. Plain freak show. The only explanation is that it's a supernatural phenomena...for example "Grace" (which I wrote about a few weeks back). I don't even know why the baby in the movie live on blood.

I know not everything has an explanation and perhaps that is what some people enjoy about these movies - the unresolved mystery that leaves us guessing. Not me though...I hate to have questions unanswered. I mean I understand that in life, there is no explanation to everything and that's why I don't want to have things unexplained when I'm in the movies too (unless it is a movie about life lar).

Okay sorry I drifted. Back to "Case 39". I didn't like Renee Zellweger here. I could have thought of many other actresses who would fit better in this role. Sorry but I just don't understand why Renee is cast. I mean, Naomi Watts did fantastic in 'The Ring'. In fact it's the movie in which she caught my attention. She was good and her acting in that movie leaves an impression. (But Naomi did really bad in 'The International'. Sigh) That's the feel I'm talking about you see. The same can't be said about Renee in 'Case 39' though. I don't feel Renee nailing her scenes in this movie, I just don't feel captivated by her here. I think if I were to select an actress, I'd try Nicole Kidman. It would be interesting to watch.

Fortunately, Renee's performance in the movie is not as awful as this outfit...

I don't know what she's thinking when she chose this 'baju'.

However, impressive can be used to describe Jodelle Ferland, the young girl who played Lillith. She is B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T!! My God...seeing her smug face in the movie makes me feel like slapping her man...and that is good because she is just so in the character. You hate her so much that when you think about it, you feel that it's because she is so exceptional in playing her role as a demonic child.

 How can someone so angelic be demonic?

But well, Jodelle made it possible

Jodelle is also magnificently beautiful and I find myself staring at her though I really hate her threatening looks in the movie. I am especially impressed with the scene in which she threatens Bradley Cooper's character. She is good. I must say, with such talent in acting, she's really going a bright future in Hollywood, well, at least I think so. Honestly, her performance is so good I'm actually looking forward to more of her movies. (She's going to be in the next installment of the Twilight Saga: Eclipse ;P) I'm sorry but I kinda dig her more than Nakota Fanning. No offense. Anyway, all the promotions for this movie is so focused on Renee when  in fact, I feel that Jodelle is the star actually.

I would not watch "Case 39" again but if you ask me if it is worth a watch...Well, if you are really willing to spend on just another horror flick because you love them so much then by all means watch it. If you want to chill and hang out with your friends and you there are no other movie choice, well go ahead. But if you expect something brilliant, well, perhaps you should go watch "Sherlock Holmes" or "Avatar" instead. There are some pretty slow scenes that were boring but generally, it was okay.

TC-My Rating:

With Lotsa Lurve,
TammyC still awake at 3.30am =)

DEFINING HOLMES

Sherlock Holmes is probably the next big thing this year after Avatar and yes girls, New Moon.

If you know me well enough, you might know I love crime or mystery-solving shows or movies or books. So naturally, I anticipated the movie though I never really follow any Sherlock Holmes books.

Nevertheless, after watching the trailer though, I don't feel the excitement anymore since I felt that it was too commercialized - too much action like fighting scenes instead of the intellectual crime solving part. I kinda wish that it is some kinda more realistic movie, instead of, you know, all the accentuated graphics that somehow makes a movie surreal. But I understand though that most viewers would prefer good a** kicking action scenes with beautiful computer graphics rather than just plain boring crime solving.

But I watch it anyway because you have to watch blockbusters like these. LOL. It's an in thing and going to the cinemas is a kick-a** way to spend time with buddies. (too many kick a** used in this posting, excuse me please). Plus, to comment on a movie, you have to watch it.

I can't really give comments on the interpretation of the character Sherlock Holmes because I've never really read any of those  books and therefore, I don't even have an idea on how Sherlock Holme's character is. Did Robert Downey Jr. did good playing Sherlock? No idea but now I can't think off anyone else playing Holmes. It's just set in my mind that Robert Downey Jr. is Holmes.

However, if you ask me, Jr. had not portrayed the Sherlock I had in mind. I didn't picture Holmes to have such mischievous characteristics. Wikipedia describe Sherlock as eccentric and somewhat a loner and I agree. I'd pictured Sherlock as more quiet and a deep thinker rather than how he was depicted in the 2009 blockbuster.

The depiction of Holmes and his iconic pipe. 

I somehow still feel he is eccentric, like super mysterious kinda eccentric. 

The movie isn't bad. I guess my sudden reduced expectation for the movie helped. 

Let's start with the well, positive. We like positive things right?

The iconic character brought to life.

The movie basically delves into one of Sherlock's adventures in mystery-cum-crime solving and this first one (there is definitely gonna be a sequel, duh) sees him investigating a case involving dark magic.

I love how the movie is fast paced, though some might contest that this makes the whole movie hard to grasp and somewhat confusing. But I like the fast editing of the movie, it makes it interesting. 

My favourite scene in the movie is somewhere in the beginning, where Sherlock was in this fighting ring. First, they slow-mo the fighting action and we hear Sherlock's voice-over describing each move he made on his opponent and the inflicted consequence. Then the movements were played in normal speed and we see how the whole move is really like. Super awesome editing there! I thought it added flavour to the movie though again, all those close-up and editing techniques makes the fighting sequel super over-dramatic.

On top of that, you'll be happy to know that the movie is also somewhat entertaining, and it isn't a pain or a drag to watch (I think it's really because of the fast-paced actions). Plus, there were a few funny scenes, not excruciatingly hilarious but enough to tickle one or two of your funny bones lar. It is also interesting how they bring a somewhat modern feel towards a classic. And I'm grateful that the unraveling of the mystery is a logical one and not predictable crap. 

Those are some of the positive stuff you can expect from the movie - oh! I forgot Jude Law's  beautiful accent that enhances the UK feel of the movie. =D Well, the character itself is from the UK so of course we need to have something "United Kingdom-ish" about it and thus --> Jude Law.

What I don't like about the movie though is that the explanation to the mystery resolves so much around science that for a person who scores straight C's in all science subjects like me, it is pretty hard to understand certain rationalization made  by Holmes. Even if I do understand, I do not have the scientific knowledge to believe it.

But I prefer studying how people solve cases through observations - like the part in the movie where Holmes deduce his own whereabouts after being "kidnapped" by defining the clues that helped him reach his conclusion.

That's probably why I like Criminal Minds (it's a a tv series on the B.A.U. by the way) because it is mainly on intelligent predictions on why people behave or act a certain way. Their method of crime-solving taps into the psychology of human behaviour and then speculate the murderer's (or unsub's) next course of action through the understanding of that behaviour. It's more than just providing a scientific explanation to solving the crime; they give you a psychological analysis as well and that is always interesting for debates.

I believe Science is always relevant in order to prove a crime because Science is objective facts  but observations and subjective guesswork help lead to the solving of a crime.

So anyway, the reason I do not like Sherlock Holmes has nothing to do with the movie, but rather just my personal preferences. I'm a Social Science student, see.

I am also personally disappointed with Rachel McAdams in this movie. She's like one of my favourite actresses but in this movie, I don't feel her character. If she loves Holmes, it somehow isn't clearly represented. It's not that her acting is bad or anything, but in this movie I guess her character lacks the personality of a leading lady. To be fair, I guess one can't blame her since I personally feel that her character, Adler, in this installment is just to create suspense leading towards the sequel, and thus, it's like there are still a lot of things we don't know about her yet. Maybe the sequel will justify her existence and relevance to the movie further. One thing is for sure, McAdams is smoking hot!!

 

Overall, should you watch Sherlock Holmes?

 

Yes because it is not bad at all though it is not a movie I'll rewatch. It is entertaining too and though it is not like my favourite movie of all time, I'd say it's worth the time and worth a watch. 


TC-My Rating:

Lotsa Lurve,
TammyC

WHEN LAW IS JUST CAN'T BE ABIDED

"I do not negotiate with murderers"

Gerard Butler plays Clyde Shelton, a family man who was one day attacked in his house by 2 men. Clyde was beaten and tied up, and was forced to see his wife and daughter brutally murdered. Clyde somehow survive the ordeal, and the two murderers were arrested.

But  Assistant District Attorney Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) was ordered to make a deal with one of the killers to testify against his partner for a 10 year plea bargain prison sentence. This would be unfair as one of the killers will face a lesser punishment. Clyde doesn't want to make the deal because that would mean letting the more cruel one go, while the other one got the death penalty.

However, Nick says it was too late and the deal is done.

10 years later, Clyde returns to seek revenge against those who allowed mercy to supercede justice. He wants pay back for the murder of his family and he wants to teach those in the justice system, especially Nick Rice, a lesson.

I personally like this movie. It's gripping and engaging as the storyline is very nicely plotted. It surrounds the theme "What would you do when laws just can't be just?" or  perhaps also, "To what extend is justice considered just?".

I love Gerard Butler personally and in this movie, he made his character a heart-felt one. I pity Clyde so bad that I irrationally root for his victory in the movie though I know that his actions are wrong and somewhat cruel. But seriously, he's a happy family man who lost his wife and daughter and lived to watch one of murderers roam free just after 10 years. So, who can blame him for being angry?

I love the way he challenged the judge, the attorneys who made the release of the murderer possible. He despised the flaws of the justice system and the fact that these people had taken justice lightly and he wants to teach them a lesson. I think he basically feels that even death penalty is not a severe punishment enough to make up for what they had done to his family and him.

Clyde is not an ordinary person. In fact later, Nick found out that Clyde is part of the think-tanks. Think tanks are a group people who are highly intelligent, and usually engaged or funded by governments to think about solutions to very intricate problems, sometimes, including how to murder without leaving any trail (I believe Malaysia also have think tanks but not as effective because they left trails and created a mess; if you are Malaysian, you might know which case I'm talking about). I mean, clearly, sometimes governments or very famous corporations need to get rid of stuff in order to protect reputation, and they somehow choose a back-path.

But anyway, Clyde is a think-tank, meaning that he is super intelligent and of course his revenge is a series of games with the authorities as they try to outsmart him. The movie is like watching Criminal Minds, except that this case doesn't involve the B.A.U. Clyde is not psychotic or sadistic...he is just a smart guy seeking revenge.

I like the way Clyde challenged the judge and attorneys who somehow take the justice system so lightly. I love the scene where Clyde made a statement, embarrassing the judge in-charged of the case.


Personally, I don't get why they cast Jamie Foxx as Nick. Sorry but I am just not a fan of Jamie Foxx. It makes me really dislike the character Nick. If I were to choose someone to play Nick, my first will be Denzel Washington. Denzel just has it you know...I love watching Denzel because his movies usually has depth and he just makes the movie brilliant with his acting. I don't know why but I just like him. Okay if not Denzel Washington, then maybe Terrence Howard but definitely not Jamie Foxx.

I find it hard to take Jamie Foxx seriously. I also don't like Jamie's interpretation of the character Nick. Nick is sure that he made the right decision with the deal he made with the murderer 10 years ago. Okay maybe Nick's character is supposed to be that way, but because it is played by Foxx, I just don't like the character due to bias.

Nevertheless, I somehow agreed with Nick when he said that what Clyde is now (revengeful and murderous) is definitely what his daughter expect him to be. It leaves you thinking again, what is right, what is wrong? It also highlights to us that laws are only there as guides but at the end of the day, nothing is fair in life, sometimes, not even the law. To what extend will you go to fight for justice? Then again, what is justice? Does Clyde's torturous extermination of those murderers who took his family define justice? Or is all justice and fairness defined rigidly by a country's legal system?

Nick believes that 10 years of jail and another executed is sufficient and that justice has been served. For Clyde, those light punishments meant justice has not been served. So? What's your take?   

I argue in the end that NOTHING IS FAIR, NOT EVEN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. In fact, all the laws are bull crap that can be manipulated - sadly that is why some lawyers garner despicable reputations. Then again, what is considered fair to a person varies depending on how the situation affects us personally. So, in the end, justice and fairness is always a debatable issue and thus, the need for lawyers haha.


I guess overall, the movie is good. Okay I'm telling you...after so many episodes of Criminal Minds, the plot is not exceptionally unique BUT it sure is gripping. Thank God it still managed to keep me guessing and kept me engaged. It is somewhat predictable but it managed to excite.
Not bad if you like action and crime movies.

TC-My Rating:

With Lotsa Lurve,
TammyC on a Sunday nite...

THE NOT SO AMAZING 'GRACE'

This is probably the worst movie I've watched so far, paving its way into the list of one of the worst movie this year, well, at least on my list. I don't know about yours.

I wasn't sure what the movie is about and so I read the synopsis and deduce that it's a horror-thriller flick. Well, it does seem like an interesting movie although I'm always skeptical and scared when watching horror movies.

In short, "Grace" is basically about a baby who feeds on blood.

The only one thing I like about the movie 

Yes - the poster

Madeline was 9 months pregnant when she and her husband met with an accident. The tragic accident took her husband's life and basically killed the baby she had inside her. However, she is not willing to give up the baby and insist to carry the baby till it's due. Miraculously the baby came back to live after her birth but soon Madeline discover that Grace's (the baby)  main food is blood. Madeline obsession in caring for the baby's needs drove her pretty much into insanity, which could cause her to lose custody of her baby girl. How did she fight back?

Did you know it has actually won the dramatic Audience Award and the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award in the Sundance film festival 2009.

Why do I not like 'Grace'?
Well, as interesting as the synopsis may be, it is really not. Basically I think it's because the director had employ some artistic techniques in the movie, making it a artsy-fartsy cinematic film, rather than one that entertains. Usually artistic scene focus and stay on one single shot for as long as few minutes,  for instance, a scene of Madeline draining blood from the cattle she bought took about 5 minutes of the screen time. This technique usually make the movie a bore and creating a super slow pace for the movie, which explains why I kept fast-forwarding most scenes, dying for some drama. Dialogues are minimal, consisting of short, uninteresting sentences...

If you expect super gory, bloody, terrifying scenes, well, I'm sorry but you won't get that with "Grace". Yes there are blood here and there but it's not like filmed in a way to create fear or horror. If it is meant to inject that thrill feeling, then I think it had kinda failed. It's really pretty boring.

"He (the director) relies upon a precise and slow-building technical elegance, supplemented by fearless performances and the ever-elusive gift of a genuinely frightening story, to violate the sanctity of a mother’s love and create true horror. Seething with a kind of sophisticated terror uncommon for its genre, Grace effortlessly uncoils an atmosphere of immense discomfort and subtle intensity, while quietly creeping into the spine and slicing into our most primal fears."

- Sundance Festival Review

Sadly I beg to disagree. "Slow building technical elegance"...well if that means the movie is super draggy and it makes you feel like it's never ending, then yes.

"Sophisticated terror and slicing into our most primal fears" is really over dramatically phrased although the sentence is beautifully penned by the reviewer. I mean I didn't feel more than an ounce of fear when watching the movie so I just don't get how is it true horror. The murder scenes are predictable and extra thoughts weren't even dedicated to make the murder a more creative and intelligent one. The only thing that work perhaps is the sound effects but then again they are nothing compared to those hard-core horror flicks. Even the crappy "Midnight Meat Train" contains scarier elements than this one.


"uncoils an atmosphere of immense discomfort" - Perhaps the MOST discomfort I feel was when watching an old couple making love. Sorry but who would want to watch that? But artistic films (remember "What Time is it There?") tend to feature some of the most awkward love scenes like older people making love to each other or masturbating. No offense, they have the right to enjoy their sexual life but maybe it's best they kept it off-screen.

I agree though that the film has incorporated themes of love within a thriller-horror storyline but generally, what is so great about that when there are other horror films, with greater effects and impacts carrying the same theme of love...

But then again what do I know right? To be fair, I am not really the right person to give comments on the technical cinematic aspects of a film, especially an artistic one but usually,  for me, it is very hard to enjoy an artistic movie because I don't usually know what the director is trying to imply using those techniques. For me though, I always enjoy movies with great themes to discuss and explore and brilliant scripts that cleverly play with the dialogues. Sadly, "Grace" is just one of those films. Acting wise - not outstanding in a way that make me go like "Wao! impressive acting". In fact, I actually like none of them in the movie.

Perhaps each scene in "Grace" could have brilliantly capture various other meaning if you delve deeper into it, but on the surface, it really is not a great watch. So rent "Ju-On" or "The Ring" instead if you are planning to get goosebumps. But if you want to see it for yourself, you know, to see if it's really that bad, then by all means go for it. Besides, it's an award winning film.

TC-My Rating:

Lotsa Lurve
TammyC signing off from home

MAN, IS IT THAT HARD TO SAY I LOVE YOU?

Guys, I bet you're jealous of those dudes who just have the ability to charm the ladies. Those are what we call the ladies man ya. But maybe what you don't know is that some ladies man just wanna be a regular dude.

 

 Well, "I Love You, Man" is a story about this 'ladies man' who is so much a ladies man that he doesn't have any guy friends. He has no problem hanging out with the girls. He's a great guy, a great boyfriend who just doesn't seem able to get along with dudes. He's kinda like a geek when it comes to hanging out with the males.

So what is more pathetic? A guy with no girl friends or a guy with no guy friends? I don't know but it is true. If a guy doesn't have any guy friends, he might be the clingy kinda dude or worst, the kinda dude that sleeps around with other women.

But anyway...so "I Love You, Man" sees our 'hero' Peter Klaven in search for a best friend to be his best man at his wedding. This includes a multiple of man-dates and some male-male kissing. In the end, when Peter almost gave up, he met Sydney Fife and soon they became close friends - jamming along the music of Rush, walking dogs, talking about women and sex etc etc.

They bonded but Sydney's wild and free lifestyle soon affected Peter's career and his relationship with his fiancee, Zooey. In the end...maybe you should just watch to find out how Sydney made up to Peter.

It's not easy hanging with the dudes. Alcohol, poker, porn? - Not easy 

This movie kinda reminds me of "Me, You and Dupree" except the fact that Sydney in this movie is not as annoying as Dupree. I actually really digg Sydney's character. It'll be cool to have a friend like Sydney.

"I Love You, Man" tries to highlight that guys can also love each other and not be gay. Correct me if I'm wrong but most alpha males have problem admitting that they love their guy buddies, or maybe some of them don't really feel the need to be closely affiliated to their male friends, well in case they were mocked at. It's like weird for a guy to say "I love you" to another guy friend but this movie kinda opens our minds up on this.

Girls can proudly say I love you to their girlfriends, usually after we bid our goodbyes (Ning always says she love me lol) but when was the last time you hear your guy friends say "I Love You, Man" to each other? Erm...I actually can't remember lol.

"I Love You, Man" isn't like the best comedy ever. It has it's moments but overall, not one that I'll give 5 stars for because it is just another comedy. The acting were normal, and the script is not exceptionally catchy; so nothing outstanding in my opinion...but I do enjoy watching Jason Segel, since I love him in "How I Met Your Mother" (so I could be biased). 

This is the kinda movie you watch just to past time. You know, when you don't want anything serious and too deep for consumption. I find myself flipping through a lot of these comedies recently because I just need something to pull me out of the blues. "I Love You, Man" was good but not exactly the best. But I'm glad that it doesn't go along the lines of "Chuck and Larry", with over-exaggerated themes of explicit gay-sexual conduct. That kept the movie manly, with a bit of gayish elements. Kudos to that!

 

Band slam? 

Guys, maybe you should make this a guy-movie night out thing you know...lol. Then you guys might end up saying "I Love You" to each other, maybe shed a tear or two, hug each other and be all mushy ahem. Make sure you invite me too ;P cuz I'll love to see that.

TC-My Rating:

With LotSa Lurve,

TammyC signing off from home

I'M PROPOSING THE PROPOSAL

One of THE BEST COMEDY ever. I've never really enjoyed a rom-coom so much since 27 Dresses. Pathetic huh?

Okay, first of all, I think the tagline "Here Comes the Bribe" is brilliant. ;P

Just a line but it kinda tells the whole story, doesn't it?

"The Proposal" is a simple movie, with witty lines and great sense of humour that keeps you laughing all the way. I've never watch a romantic comedy that tickles me so much - not even "27 Dresses". Oh well, if you consider "Get Smart" a romantic-comedy (but I totally don't think it is), that movie's humor is the closest to "The Proposal". But anyway, where am I going with this? Back to the proposal.

Dig the poster! Don't you?

Margaret (Sandra Bullock) plays this really bossy chief editor in a book publishing company. Everyone in the office is terrified of her, or rather despise her bossiness and perhaps her arrogance too. Her character is kinda like Wilhelmina in "Ugly Betty" and the kinda old lady boss in "Devils Wear Prada". Which makes me wonder really, why do they always portray successful career women as bossy and such a b****.

Anyway, Margaret's 'lucky' assistant? Well, Andrew Paxton (as cute as Andrew Upton - you don't have to know who is that and he is not Cate Blanchett's husband ;P) portrayed Ryan Reynolds. Andrew is a hardworking dude who strive hard at work (though he has been sorta exploited) just so he can get his writing published.

So Margaret was informed that her Visa has expired is she is to be deported back to Canada and renewing her Visa would take a year, meaning that she will have to leave America till then. Of course, being career-driven, she is unwilling to leave her job for a year and that's when she got Andrew to marry her.

Andrew felt that he was being used, but he also decided to use this opportunity to bribe Margaret into promoting him to editor. After that his relationship with Margaret took a turn. He is not afraid to be the boss of her anymore, since she needed a favour from him.

Both of them had to go through tests and interviews to show that they are really in love and that they getting married is not actually a lie to help Margaret stay in America. After a few lies told, they both found themselves hanging out in Alaska, celebrating Andrew's grandmother, Cammy's 90th birthday.

This 'vacation' brought them together (of course); and Andrew got to know the other side of Margaret, vice versa. Then of course, before they knew it, they fell in love with each other and Margaret also fell in love with Andrew's family. She was so touched by their kindness and hospitality and love that she realized her own selfishness in making Andrew marry her. She realized that if Andrew's family found out that the marriage is fake or if they file for divorce one day, Andrew's family (mainly grandmother and mother) would be devastated.

She then pulls out from the marriage, and by that she demonstrated her love for Andrew and his family.

Overall, it was such a great comedy. Predictable as it may be, it is great material. Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds are amazing in the movie. Seriously! The chemistry is great. I love their sarcasm the most. I mean, I can laugh just watching them bickering at each other - their lines are that good. Personally, I really enjoy watching Sandra Bullock here. She never fails to play characters like these - sorta the serious girl but always makes you laugh with her antics. Both hers and Ryan's facial expressions and body language kinda rocked the movie.

Some of my favourite parts?

- Ramone's stripper routine. My God! I'll faint if you invite him to my hen-night.

- Andrew grabbing Margaret's a** when she is climbing down the ladder.

- Margaret & her fuss over the 'Baby-Maker' blanket "NOT THE BABY-MAKER!" lolx

- Grandma Cammy's giving thanks ritual

- The proposal

etc. etc.

I don't know what you think but in my book, is it a must-watch comedy!

TC-My Rating:

Extra 1/2 stars for the acting!

Lotsa Lurve,

TammyC signing off from home

ps: Check out the two of them naked. I don't know if it's disgusting or hilarious that they are glued together naked...lol.

   

THE TOPPINGS FOR 2009

*Sounds of fireworks blasting*

   * * * * /////////// * * * *

It's new year!!!!!!!!

It's 2010...

So in the spirit of celebrating the new year, I guess it is nice to also look back and reminisce the past, you know, what we've had the privilege to experience and enjoy in the cinemas in 2009.

I feel that 2009 has actually been a great year for movies. In fact, I think it's one year that I've spent a lot on visiting the cinemas - well, a movie goes best with popcorn, corn-in-cup and my Milo ice as accompaniment.

I'm naming my TOP 5 movies of 2009. Then I think I should also credit the lousy ones...lol, just so I remember that they are lousy.

THE TOP 5

*drum rolling* (though it really isn't anything grand lar)

5. Surrogates

The movie is simple, very fast-paced (thank God for that). It was over before I knew it and it was quite interesting to watch. I only wish that the crime-solving storyline had been more complicated and twisted and not that straightforward. Other than that, the movie is definitely one of my picks of the year.

4. District 9

I can't decide if this should be the 3rd or 4th movie actually. However, I'm making my subjective decision based on the entertaining factor a tad more than overall storyline, and therefore, I made this movie the 4th choice. I mean, how can ugly aliens beat the cute, adorable chipmunks, right? LOL.

Nevertheless, District 9 is a FANTASTIC movie, on which I again did not find the time to write about. The themes in the movie is great and it really kept me anticipating every minute of it. One of the best and most creative storyline I've seen. The themes of inhumanity is strong and I love movies that highlights and debates these grey areas. Overall, a must-watch from 2009.

3. Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squekquel

They are so cute I have to double their pics

Alvin & the Chipmunks deserves the 3rd spot simply because I won't get tired of watching this one for sure. The storyline for this squekquel has a solid emphasis on brotherhood, standing up for family and friends...basically it brought in some highschool elements into the world of the Chipmunks. Plus, who can get tired of the helium-voiced songs featured in the movie right? And in this installment, the Chippettes double the entertainment. I can't help but wanted to join in the sing and dance when I'm in the cinema hall. It's crazzziee..~

Oh and another good reason to watch this one is because 3 of my favourite actors are voicing the Chipmunk brothers - Justin Long (Alvin), Matthew Gray Gubler (Simon) and Jesse McCartney (Theodore). Definitely a worthy movie that does more than entertain and cheering you up!

2. Avatar

Needless to say, this is in fact one of the most brilliant works of 2009. Almost 20 years worth of planning and production works, this spot is made for Avatar. Storyline and themes well developed....overall, definitely on top of my list. The only thing about Avatar is that it is somehow a bit too long, so it kinda kills the mood  there. But generally, it is a great movie with some of the best scenery and colour, and even technology.

1. Up

You can call me childish, kiddy or whatever kid names but 'UP' is MY FIRST CHOICE for the year. Okaylar...it's not action-packed or anything, but the reason I made it first is because this is one cartoon that totally blew me away. I didn't expect it to be that good actually. I find 'Up' super creative and I love how it brings fantasy and adventure into a simple, touching story. The characters are nice, the themes are touching and relevant - basically, HOW CAN A CARTOON BE THAT GOOD? It's just an enjoyable movie that you can't help but feel an extraordinary happiness when watching it (though there were a few teary moments). I seriously think it is the effects of the colourful balloons. My pick for 2009!

Sorry folks. I know some might expect Transformer 2 or something mega lar...lol. But it is me and I'm always into the simplest and chillex movie that I can just enjoy.

So I've talked about some of the best (in my own personal opinion) movies this year but there are others I believe that are worth mentioning.

The Box

It wasn't as good as I expected it to be, but it was okay. It wasn't bad. It actually kept me guessing all the way to the end. But I wished the mystery could be more creative and fresh. It wasn't the kind of movie that made me go "OMG" at the end - in other words, the ending isn't great enough. The resolution to the mystery is too simple, not enough to quench my thirst for a greater twist in the story. The Box discuss how humans would choose money, sacrificing the lives of an unknown, but in some ways, I feel that this theme is merely discussed on the surface and not exactly enough to create a strong impact. If you watch movies like "Dark Knight" and "District 9", you'll find that the themes of human selfishness strongly embedded and solidly discussed within the movie.

Bruno

I kinda find it super entertaining, creative and meaningful. It would be on my Top 10 I guess. Though it's a bit disgusting, dirty and disturbing (triple Ds haha) here and there, but generally, it was fun to watch, though it involves covering up my eyes over some bits. Really can't stand it (ahem, that's how innocent I am, ya right~)

The Ugly Truth

A rom-com that I believe most people would enjoy. Katherine Hiegl and Gerard Butler did not disappoint though some argue that Kat Hiegl can't act. I'll leave you guys to debate on that but 'The Ugly Truth' is another relaxing movie about all the male-female dimensions and of course, love and romance. It's overall kinda hilarious and thus, one movie that you can watch with a bunch of friends (or boyfriends) on a lazy weekend.

Ice-Age 3: Dawn of the Dinasaur

Super hilarious movie. Watched it in Liverpool with a bunch of friends. I find it super entertaining. It was late when we watched it but I didn't feel a single thing. It is definitely a must watch. Sadly, I find the storyline kinda easy to forget but I can never forget the laughter it brought me ;P.

Inglorious Basterds

 Wasn't bad. Love the way the director, Quentin Tarantino gave a twist to how the German Nazis and Hitler would end. I guess it is in fact a pretty interest movie. I actually love Brad Pitt in this one. Can you believe it?

17 Again

Really entertaining. Proves that Zac Efron can act beyond his boyish roles...I actually kinda love this movie and honestly, not because Zac is in it ;P. 

Bride Wars

You could argue that this one is actually pretty nice. I watched it with my cousins...well, I kinda like it though I wouldn't say it's my favourite like "OMG I love it" movie.

Night at the Musuem 2

Can still live up the excitement of the first movie. Not bad at all.

THE SO-SO ONES:

Astro Boy 

(But I admit, it is far more entertaining than I expect, though I wouldn't say it's super brilliant. You can live without this haha)

A Christmas Carol (A remake of movie that has been remade and done on broadway - so....oh well, nice but not like super nice. But I give 5 stars to the 3D effects and the technology. Scary~ Well, maybe it's a tad more higher than it's so-so status lar)

2012 (despite the O-So-'MEGA' publicity)

Jennifer's Body (though it's really ALL ABOUT MEGAN FOX's body and sex appeal and not the storyline. What an apt title!)

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (Not like super interesting rom-com. Jen Garner can do so much better than this)

The International (Expected too much from this movie, end up in the list of my so-so. I can't even remember the story too well. Proves how forgettable it is. But it wasn't that bad lar. Just required a bit more attention. I honestly believe that Naomi Watts is not the right choice for this movie.)

Angels and Demons (I wish I could have read the book before watching it. The movie wasn't impressive. Kinda confusing and not that exciting. But most of my friends have bad review for this one, so...)

SOME OF THE WORST

My God! This is the list of movie that I don't friggin' get. But don't worry. It's just me. I have terrible taste. So if you like them, you're normal. If you love them, you're incredible. If you don't, you're me. =)

In random order since all of these are quite painful to watch:

1. Final Destination

- I still can't believe I paid 7 pounds (not Ringgit mind you) to watch this in 3D.

2. He's Just Not That Into You

- And I'm just not that into the movie. I think my friend over-credited it and I sorta had a high expectations. In many ways, I don't get the characters in the movie....I guess I only enjoy watching Justin Long haha.

3. Harry Potter (I don't even remember which one now)

- Okay I'm a Potter fan but I'm getting really disappointed with the movie. I don't get the same feel as I do reading the book. But..but..but...the best about this year's Potter is that I got to watch it in UK. It's definitely a cool feeling to watch Potter in UK man!

4. New Moon

- Besides Taylor Lautner, I really have no idea where this movie is going. If the first installment at least have a few exciting moments that kept my adrenaline going a bit, the second one is too emo for my personal liking. I still do not get Edward and Bella.

5. Hannah Montana

- Just a tool to promote Miley Cyrus songs. No effort what-so-ever (in my own personal opinion) to develop a story that is worth watching. If you like the songs in the movie, it is bearable.

2009 MOVIES I'VE YET WATCH AND HAVE TO WATCH IN 2010

1. Hotel for Dogs

2. InkHeart

3. Confessions of a Shopahilic

4. Push

5. Friday the 13th

6. Echelon Conspiracy

7. Duplicity

8. I love you, Man

9. Knowing

10. The Soloist

11. Orphan

12. Easy Virtue

13. Drag me to Hell

14. The Hangover

15. The Taking of Pelham 123

16. The Proposal

17. My Sister's Keeper

18. The Hurt Locker

19. Public Enemies

20. 500 Days of Summer

21. Funny People

22.The Time Traveler's Wide

23. Grace

24. A Cloudy Chance of Meatballs

25. Love Happens

26. Zombieland

27. Couples Retreat

28. Law Abiding Citizens

29. Cirque du Freak

30. The Princess and the Frog

31. The Lovely Bones

32. Did You Hear About the Morgans?

33. It's Complicated

34. Sherlock Holmes

So many movies, so little time...

Anyway...it's 2010!!!!!!!!! Let's celebrate and await the brilliant movies installed for next year~

Once again, HAPPIE NEW YEAR!!

With LotSa Lurve,

TammyC signing off from home