YOU INTO MUSIC OR LYRICS?

I don't know why I'm suddenly in this lovey dovey mood...and since I'm feeling all mushy and romantic, I thought I should write about one of my all-time favourite romantic comedies. Seriously, I can't believe that I actually haven't written about this movie.

Now I never like romantic comedies really. I mean, I watch a lot of them, no doubt ,but they are never really my favourite genre of movies. Most of them are predictable and boring, and I usually watch these movies when I just need to watch something light to release stress. And really, sometimes, I'd prefer comedies rather than romantic/love comedies. Hmm...I guess I'm a romantic person, but as I grow older, I think I am in some ways tired of fantasizing about fairy tales and all those 'true love lasts forever' kinda story. Romantic comedies are all about that, aren't they? The hero and heroine always ends up happily together...I guess one reason I can't stand romantic comedies (or rom-com as they now call it) is because I do not want to let myself believe in happily ever after anymore because I know in real life there is really no such thing. I admit though deep down I am still a dreamer and a huge part of me still hungers for such a romantic fairy tale ending.

Anyway where am I going with this? Right! My favourite romantic movie. I'll tell you why I love it.

Normally, I would really hate lame love stories but "Music & Lyrics" is different. Although to a certain extent predictable (well we all know Drew Barrymore & Hugh Grant will end up together at the end NO MATTER WHAT), what is beautiful about this movie is that it is really simple but very touching at the same time. Plus, it is wittily hilarious, with some extraordinarily brilliant music & song lyrics. I think the script and lyrics in the movie are brilliant.

If only everything can be that beautifully written...

The story is simple really. An ex-pop band star, Alex, who, in order to rebuild his career needs to write a song in order to collaborate with popular teen star, Cora. Problem is, he doesn't write songs and he need to find a lyricist. He met Sophie, who came to water his plants and happens to be great with rhythmic writing. So, developed a 'relationship' and some beautiful words and songs were 'generated'.

The theme song of the movie is one of my all time favourite and I'm sure many of you would know this song "Way Back Into Love". I love how the lyrics to this song are illustrative of the lead characters' progression in the movie. It tells their story - their past and their present, what they want and feel. Some Chinese singers had cover this track and I think it's so sad that although many know this song, they don't know from which movie this song originated from. I think if you understand where this song is coming from, you'll actually appreciate the meaning more. I don't know...I never really like those Chinese singers' version of this song. No offense...
Using the lyrics, I'm going to talk about the movie.

"I've been living with a shadow overhead,
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed..."

Alex has always been living under the shadow of his band mate, Colin, who is more successful than him. In trying to escape his 'failure', Alex lives in the past, satisfied with his fan base, consisting of women who once adore him during the 1980s. Sophie has been under a shadow of, I'd say, herself. I think in some ways, she keeps running away from certain things because she is afraid and insecure. To a certain extent, I can relate to how the characters feel. I mean, I believe that everyone has their own 'shadow' overhead...something in the past that belittles them, a fear of something that stop them from doing something. It could be because of insecurity or a bad experience. Personally, I do have this cloud or shadow above my head, I think more because of insecurities, that kept me from doing a lot of things I guess.

"I've been hiding all my hopes & dreams away, Just in case I ever need them again someday, I've been setting aside time, To clear a little space in the corners of my mind"

Alex is hiding his dreams and hopes after being able to compete with Colin's success. He gives himself an excuse to live in the past...

"I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine, I've been searching but I just don't see the signs, I know that it's out there, There's got to be something for my soul somewhere'

This verse I relate to the most when it comes to my personal love relationship. Like I always say, I'm a really idealistic person and I'm always wanted that someone to be the only one. At some point in life, like the lyrics go, I just don't see the signs of that someone anymore, even though sometimes I choose to believe that there is someone out there for me. I think why I have been always single, because I'm afraid of getting hurt and taking that step forward. I keep waiting and waiting for the ONE person that I think is the right one and maybe there isn't a right one. I don't want to accept someone and then find that we have to break up. People tell me if you don't try you don't know, but I just can't...I don't know.I don't need him to be perfect, but just someone that just fit me...Is it wrong to dream? But this verse keeps me believing =D

"I've been looking for someone to shed some light Not somebody just to get me through the night I could use some directions And I'm open to your suggestions"

Exactly what I need (in fact I think everyone would want) in a relationship - someone that helps us improve as a person, someone who accepts us for our weaknesses but then drives us to improve...not just someone you go to bed with at night (or conduct other night activities with for that matter). I think a good partner doesn't intimidate us; he completes you and tells you things you don't know about yourself - good or bad, giving you the confidence you need, and making you a better person. Again...how idealistic. Alex & Sophie in the movie had gave each other directions, helping each other become the better person that they could be.

Of course, if we look at the song overall, it is basically about love...like how our past relationship kept us from proceeding and accepting new love. But what is wonderful is, the lyrics are also indirectly telling us the story of its characters, Alex & Sophie. The song and the movie tells of how two people help each other move on in life and not dwell in the past. Alex had always been stuck in believing that he is just an ex-pop star and not worthy of a new music career; while Sophie is intimidated by her mean lecturer, whom she loved but had used her as 'material' for his book. Because of what her lecturer had wrote about her, she always feel insecure about herself, believing that she is nobody. In the end, both of them had stepped out from their 'shadows' and found a way back into love..=D

I love music and the fact that this movie is a combination of movie & music makes me love it even more. The songs in the movie are fantastic. Besides "Way Back into Love" there are other great tunes in the movie by Haley Bennett such as "Buddha Delight" and "Entering Bootytown" which are more fun. Hugh Grant also sang another 2 beautiful and meaningful songs in the movie, "Love Autopsy" and "Don't Write Me Off Just Yet" (Do check it out).

Oh and just so you guys know, one of my favourite lines from the movie is (and one quote I believe in til now ;P):

"A melody is like seeing someone for the first time, the physical attraction, sex...but then, as you get to know the person, that's the lyrics, they're story, who they are underneath. It's the combination of the two that makes it magic" - Sophie

If only I could write like Sophie

I think this line is basically the essence of the whole movie and one that is so true, isn't it? Sophie & Alex are each representation of one element and together, they are magic. "Way Back into Love" has a beautiful melody (everyone I know love this song) and its lyrics is also beautiful...that makes it 'THE' SONG!

"Music & Lyrics" do not depend on lame disgusting jokes. Its humour is witty, so if you like those crazy goofy jokes, don't expect any in this one really. Overall, it is really a simple love comedy, but somehow, it managed to capture my heart. I've watched it many times and I still love it every time I watch it. However, some of my friends, sadly do not share the same feelings when watching it. My best friend fell asleep every time she watch it, maybe because there are no subtitles and even if there are subtitles, I don't think the subtitles can capture the beautiful meaning behind the script and lyrics. Till today, that friend of mine still haven't manage to completely watch "Music & Lyrics". Another best buddy of mine, who loved the song, said that it was good but not exceptionally great, like she expected (I think I sold the movie too much and thus she had extremely high expectations, only to be let down).

Guys...I DON'T EXPECT YOU TO LIKE 'MUSIC & LYRICS' really, unless you are those really soft-hearted, sweet dudes who actually enjoy romantic comedy (like my bro - I don't know if it is a good or bad thing really). But for the sake of 'teman-ing' (accompanying) your girlfriends, this movie is really not bad.

To me, this movie is like a classic...it's so underrated in my opinion. Personally, I think this movie could be at the "Titanic" status - you know, a movie that one shall remember for that sort of thing. No doubt my all time favourite romantic comedy.


TC-My Rating:

YES MAN! YES!

'Yes Man' is a movie I'll recommend to all those pessimists or those who tends to constrain themselves within the four walls of their room or house.

I think this is a better poster, don't to think?
More vibrant and fun!

I wouldn't say I'm a pessimist; If I had to choose, I'd say that I'm more an optimist in certain ways since I'm a dreamer. Dreamers or idealists always tend to have a way of being so imaginative that they only see things wonderfully. Personally, I hate being an idealist, or rather, I'm sick of being an idealist, maybe because I'm tired of being let down so often.

Anyway, back to 'Yes Man' then. I guess the movie is in some ways 'summoning' us to say 'Yes'...to be positive and embrace every opportunity bestowed upon us. Jim Carrey's character, Carl started out as someone who says 'No' to almost EVERYTHING by giving excuses and neglecting the people around him who wants a chance to spend time with him. Because of the negativity, he denied himself the opportunity to live life to the max. After an awakening, Carl went to this "Yes" seminar thingy and made a 'covenant' to say Yes to everything. If not, something bad will happen to him. Of course in the end we learn that there is in fact no covenant made, it was only something to get him to say 'yes' and all those bad stuff that happened to him were just psychological effects...like how when you are negative, you generate negative stuff, that sort of thing. I think in the end we learn that, while it is always good to say "Yes", it is also very important to weigh every pros and cons before making a choice as to whether your answer is 'Yes' or 'No' - like what a normal human would do right?

I think it's good to say 'Yes' but sometimes I think one must also learn to say 'No'. I think although saying 'Yes' is good, I think for me sometimes the problem is learning to say 'No' to things that I don't want to do. Although there are some people who have a tendency to say 'No' to everything, there are also people who subdue to everything by saying 'Yes' all the time, even though they do not want to do it. I mean, I'm sure there are some of you really kind-hearted folks out there who would do everything for your friends or anyone for that matter even if it is at your inconvenience. I have friends who are like that - they are that kind and sometimes, I wonder why I can't be as kind as them. I think as I grow older, I've becoming harsher in a way that I do am able to say 'No' to certain people, but then after I deny the help, I feel so guilty for not helping. I sometimes wonder, do we have the rights to say no or are we supposed to help? If I don't want to help, but force myself to help...is that supposed to be? If not, then why do I feel so guilty and bad after rejecting to help?

Bringing in a little "Harry Potter" into the movie...interesting~

I think 'Yes Man' is a good movie, but it doesn't keep you guessing what is going to happen next. So basically, you are just going with the flow, watching a movie that is not exactly climatic. I kept wondering what would the climax be since after watching around 1 hour or more, everything in the movie still seem rosy. The movie wasn't bad but it wasn't exceptional. It is just another movie that top ups Jim Carrey's acting career in comedies. There are certain parts that were funny, but wasn't extremely hilarious. If you want to laugh your butt off or roll down a fleet of stairs watching this one, I don't think so. I think in some ways this movie would be loved by many though. There is a strong message behind this movie, there's no doubt about it. Thus, I believe that there would be certain people that would love this simple yet entertaining movie. I mean sometimes in life, what better than to have a simple and relaxing, yet inspiring movie to make our day right?

Jim Carrey did a rendition of one of my favourite Third Eye Blind song "Jumper" in the movie to convince a 'jumper' to not jump

I'll recommend this movie to everyone because everyone could use a little boost of positivity in life. Plus, like I say, it is really not that bad considering that this is a very light movie that doesn't strain your brain much and to a certain extent will tickle one's funny bone. If you like hot guys, you can always check out Bradley Cooper, who plays Carl's best friend. Overall, not a bad movie for a relaxing Saturday night ;P


TC-My Rating:






With Lotsa Lurve,
TammyC

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM ON MY NIGHT ON THE PLANE

That night, while I was on my flight back to Malaysia, missing Liverpool, I had a chance to browse through the array of movies available on Etihad Airways. It is so cool that we can now watch movies on aeroplanes, right?

Anyway, since I always have problems sleeping at night (but no problem feeling sleepy throughout the afternoons though), I had to watch something or do something in order to get over my missing Liverpool. So, "Night at the Museum 2" is PERFECT!



I love "Night at the Museum 1" and I wanted to watch "Night at the Museum 2" once I heard about its release. Nonetheless, I never got a chance since I was busy with my trip to Liverpool and the 15 assessments that the University had put me through. Thank God that finally, I have got the privilege to enjoy this movie, even though it is on a plane.

Was I disappointed?
NO, NOT AT ALL! It is a great movie!
Although there were parts which doesn't make any sense logically, I still love the movie.

Why?
I mean, I love the fact that "Night at the Museum 2" is set in a bigger museum, with more characters. I love how the director include so many different elements into it - the space section, the little Einsteins, the Egyptian history...and still maintain some of the old casts. Basically, I'd say it's a great combination. And also, not forgetting, the 3 little cupids played by The Jonas Brothers.

The storyline is not exceptionally brilliant. It is really like those normal adventure comedy storyline but fantastic, I think, is how the different characters are brought in together. Music is also brilliant - thanks to The Cupids (I never like The Jonas Brothers but I love them in this movie). I like Amy Adams as well in this movie. She's a confident woman who is not afraid to express her love - something we can all admire; Ben Stiller is not as useless as he was in the first movie; Owen Wilson is still hilarious in some ways...

Overall, I love the way the director maintain certain essence from the first movie and introduces something new to this second movie. He kept some of the hilarious scenes (for eg: the little tiny Roman guy, Octavius, shouting very loudly, declaring his fighting spirit, and the background music heightens the 'war' atmosphere then the director cuts to the real atmosphere - quiet and sound, then the director cuts back to the screaming and then back to the quiet to indicate that the tiny guy's scream has no impact what-so-ever in the real world even though in his tiny world he had screamed his lungs out) - I don't know, I just thought the irony is hilarious, that's all ;P

"Night at the Museum 2" is not a disappointment. Maybe some might say it is not as fantastic as the first, well, I mean, it's always hard to live up to the first one, but then it is still not that bad at all. The first movie always has the advantage of being 'fresh' and 'unexpected', but this second one is in some ways also very creative, while adhering to the movie's original concept while bringing in new fun characters.

I'd say watch it for normal relaxing purposes.



TC-My Rating:





Lotsa Love,
TammyC

MY FINAL DESTINATION IN LIVERPOOL

It's been quite some time since I update this movie blog of mine huh..
Well, been really busy with Uni assignments and well, now that I'm back in Malaysia, I'll have more time for movies before I start work.

That night, after the graduation ball, me and my bunch of friends happened to pass by Odeon cinema in Liverpool city centre. My best friend YY had been telling me how badly she wanted to watch 'Final Destination 4'. Even though I wasn't keen about 'Final Destination' at all, I did ask my friend whether or not she want to watch it then since we won't have any chance of watching any movies again in Liverpool. I planned to watch something else but sadly, there wasn't much choice at that time. So, I was destined to watch 'Final Destination 4' and it was my last movie in Liverpool, on the 1st of September 2009 to be exact.

What I think about the movie?
Well, 'Final Destination' movies are all predictable. It all adheres to a same storyline...nothing special there really. The lead actor/actress gets a premonition, save a bunch of people from an accident and then the people he/she save die tragically, under the weirdest circumstances one by one, according to the sequence of their 'supposed' death in the initial accident that they had been rescued from.




'Final Destination 4' is no different from the first 3 installments. The only thing different is that this movie is in 3D format. This is my first 3D movie and so part of me was really excited. Sadly, the movie was just too fake for my liking. Although the 3D effects were cool, the gory scenes were quite forgettable. I am not sure if I'm immune to violence or what, but then I just feel that these gory scenes just come and goes. There were parts in which I squinted, and almost swear, but I guess after that, it was completely forgotten. It doesn't stick in my mind or have any impact what-so-ever.

I think with Final Destination, the interesting part is really the way these people dies. There always seem to be a series of events leading to the death itself and it is sometimes hard to predict how they actually die. It keep you speculating the way in which these victims will die and usually, they die in the most unexpected way. I remember this victim the most because I find the way she dies most memorable I guess.

First, the mother goes to a saloon to do her hair. The director cleverly featured a few things together. The director draws our attention first to the malfunctioning saloon chair, and then to the barber's scissors - close to the victim's eyes (making us speculate that something will happen to the chair and the scissors will pierce through her eyes any moment), then the director also draws our attention to the ceiling fan, going to fall any moment...basically to different things that would make you think that the lady is going to die under any of these circumstances. Everything then turned out right but as she opened the saloon door after paying, a stone flung towards her eyes and she died on the spot. Freaky that she escaped all the other catastrophes but dies in the simplest ways. Clever the way the director plays with our minds, using editing techniques to create that fear in us.

It seems like there is a scientific explanation to these strange ways that these people dies in. Like, in some ways, it is very mystical and mysterious, but then again there is always scientific explanations for the different ways of dying. Personally, I don't think that all of those methods of dying make sense. I mean, if really things blow off so easily, or heat could have so many effects on things causing explosions and death, then I believe many would have died freaky like that.

Overall, in terms of storyline, I don't think I even need to grade it. It's too predictable and boring. In terms of creativity of death, I think it wasn't really as great as the 3rd one. I can't compare it to the first 2 Final Destination as I didn't watch them, but I do think that the 3rd one is better if compared to the 4th one. Also, the actors and actresses in the 3rd movie are better in terms of acting. I find the actors & actresses in the 4th installment very fake and had failed to deliver the necessary expressions. They are just pretty people delivering lines.

However, after this movie I find myself joking a lot about how we might die abruptly. For example, one of my friend was wearing sneakers and I told her that "do you know that wearing sneakers could get you killed?" (there was a part where the actress nearly got killed because of her shoelace, which I think was stupid); then we were crossing the road and I reminded my friends to be careful not to drop any coins into the drains because that little coin could indirectly cause a person's death...See how nutty I am right? That is the after-effects of 'Final Destination 4'.

I would say then that 'Final Destination' is not worth my 7.50 pounds. I think if you just want to go for a 3D experience (love the 3D glasses by the way, though I recycled instead of kept them), then you might want to watch this one. But then you can always opt for 'G-Force', with little hamsters instead of this movie. Seriously...it really isn't that great. Or if you had been a 'Final Destination' fan all this while, it could be compulsory for you to follow this one too right? If not, you can't be deem a Final Destination fan. If you want something exciting or gory, FORGET THIS MOVIE. If it doesn't even work on me, I doubt it will work on those of you who love gore and excitement.



TC-My Rating:








Love,
TammyC

HARRY POTTER & MY HALF PLEASURE

I know I haven't been blogging for quite some time.
Had been super busy. But this is Harry Potter we are talking about. It has to be written about.

So yesterday was Potter day. Yesterday was a day that would make a substantial mark in my life. Yesterday I watched Harry Potter in Liverpool. The book started in UK and now, I'm watching it,Harry Potter in UK itself...what more can you ask for?

Anyway back to the movie.
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE


Honestly, I'll consider myself a Harry Potter book fan...Not a Harry Potter in general fan.
I love the books, I love the way J.K. Rowling writes, but I am really beginning to dislike the movies.

The previous installment, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF PHOENIX was a disappointment. There were so many interesting moments in that movie that were not included. For example, like Ron's father being sent to the hospital. I think that whole part is interesting because that part shows more about the love in the Weasley family, and also mainly explains the reason why Harry would rush to Sirius at the end of the movie. Also, by excluding that part, we also do not really see Neville Longbottom's hatred for Bellatrix and I think it somehow minimizes the character of Longbottom. I think if you read the book, you'll know the significance of Longbottom's character, which in the movie, has been subsided.

Neville Longbottom - he was supposed to have Harry's life

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, the penultimate book or movie for that matter, delivers the same disappointment. The opening scene was brilliant cinematographically, no denying that. Amazing how the director transits from the modern world to the magical world. Beautiful that the camera brings us the POV shot in the beginning that practically brings the audience on a 'rollercoaster ride' through the towns of Diagon Alley. The feeling was impressive.

One of the amazing shots in the movie

However, the first shot of Harry Potter was a smack on the face for me. The beginning part was a total 'creation out of no-where' by the director. I don't really remember Harry hitting on any girls in the restaurant. The whole of the front part with Harry Potter in the cafe was a bit ...I don't know - unrelated?

I was almost lost and when Dumbledore finally appears and brought Harry somewhere, it all started to come back to me again.

But sad...even though this movie has maintained certain parts of the movie, I think it failed to create that feeling of excitement the book gives. I know maybe it's because I've read the book. But then again, I feel that the movie failed to really present the dynamic relationship between the characters in the movie. For example, Harry's hatred over Snape, Harry's jealousy when he sees Ginny and Dean...Harry's feeling about the whole Hermoine-Ron relationship...Harry's feeling towards Dumbledore. Everything was just subtle in the movie, all on the surface.

I remember when reading the book, the whole storyline was captivating. It really got me hooked as I was so so eager to know who the "Half-Blood Prince" is and also to find out more about Tom Riddle's history. I think it failed because my friends who didn't read the book weren't really excited about who the Half-Blood Prince is and they were like practically lost. I don't know if it's because there were no subtitles or because the significance of the Half-Blood Prince was highlighted enough. I guess it's both. I don't think my friends enjoyed it because I don't think they get most parts.

The books are all brilliant, but movies a tad disappointing

Even if you get the parts, you will feel that the book has been robbed off its essence and dramatized. So many parts of Tom Riddle's history has been omitted and it feels like those "Hocruxes" are just "Horcruxes".

* Horcruxes are things that you can store your soul into if you rip your soul apart. In the magical world, it's like a real evil thing to do and it's like really dark magic. So Tom Riddle a.k.a. Voldemort has divided his soul into 7 parts - 7 Horcruxes.

What the movie didn't focus on was Dumbledore's journey in finding those Horcruxes. In the book, each Horcrux has a special value to Tom Riddle a.k.a. Voldemort. He just don't put his soul into any cabbage or carrots...He finds things that are of real significance, great things. The movie failed to showcase this part and I thought it is important because it is the key to how Harry is going to find other other Horcruxes in the final book.

The diary, the ring, the goblet in the hill...all these have significance in Tom Riddle's life. These things are of value. We all know about the diary (in the 2nd movie)...but we know nothing about the ring and the goblet. The movie did not mention anything about the Ring...supposingly there's a story on that. I can't remember the exact story, but there is a story on that.

What this movie does focus on is the love-triangle between Ron and Hermoine. It tries to also feature Harry and Ginny, though I think that the love parts were all a bit awkward. I don't know. I just don't feel the connection between them like I feel with the characters when I read the books. I mean, I can't feel Harry's jealousy when he sees Ginny and another guy. I can't feel Harry like thinking about Ginny all the time...I can't also really feel Hermoine when she cries because she sees Rupert and Lavender together. Nevertheless, at most parts, Hermoine and Ron are more convincing than Harry.

Harry and Ginny


Ron and Hermione


Ron and Lavender

Hurt....

But honestly, I really think that the movie is wasted on their love relationships. Maybe there should be less of that and more on creating the suspense for audience.

My favourite character is Ron...and I love Rupert. I think the movie is nevertheless entertaining because there is Ron. So thank GOD for Ron! But then, even the Quidditch scenes for Ron has been tremendously altered.

I think I really can't blame the directors. The books are so long and to translate everything into a movie would be hell of a job. So, I think, I was not entirely happy with the movie and I realize that watching a Harry Potter movie for me is just like a duty, like something that I have to do, rather than something that satisfy me.

The first 2 Harry Potter movies were BRILLIANT. The director had captured the essence of the movie, making it magical and everything in the book is almost translated onto screen. Visually and emotional satisfying. The 3rd and 4th movie were by far the most disappointing because most of the main parts were completely altered. Sad... the 3rd was directed by a director who had never read Harry Potter before, until when he was asked to direct the movie. It didn't work for me. I think that way, the director is really directing from a block-buster movie perspective, and not really from the perspective of translating the essence of Harry Potter.

What used to be EXCEPTIONAL...
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Aren't they cute as kids?

3rd Installment - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

4th Installment - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

TC-My Ratings:

With Lotsa Lurve,
TammyC

THE MAN RETURNS

I remember watching this movie "Superman Returns" ages ago. But watching it again today on TV2 just helps me understand the movie in a whole new level.

Well, when I watched the movie the first time, I was mainly drooling over how hot Brandon Routh is. And yes indeed, after all these years, he is still as stunningly attractive. I wonder where he is now? I guess sometimes looks alone brings you nowhere...Opps!

Anywayz, I was shocked to see James Marsden playing Richard, Lois Lane's fiance. I mean, last time, iIhad noooo idea it was him. I only hated that character because I wanted Superman and Lois Lane together and that fiance is just a nuisance in their relationship. I know, how childish right? Well I was like that last time haha. I always watch a show or movie if only the hero and heroine of my choice ends up together. LAME ya...but i wouldn't say i'm out of that phase but at least some improvement haha.

I have a completely different feeling about Richard this time when watching "Superman Returns" this time however. Maybe it's because I like James Marsden haha...
But no, seriously, Richard is actually my favourite character, besides Superman of course.

I think Richard is like the human symbol of Superman. It's like, when Superman left Lois, she found Richard I think because of Richard's similarity with Superman. Well, Richard flies airplanes, so he indirectly, it's like he flies, just like Superman. And there was a scene where Lois Lane asked him, how did you come here and he answered, "I flew". I guess this shows the symbolic representation of Superman in Richard.

The climax of the movie sees Superman in trouble. Richard flew his plane together with Lois and son, Jason, to Superman's aid. I guess it really shows that Superman is really 'human' in his own way, even though he hails from another planet. He needs help as much as we do too. And at the beginning we see Superman helping others, and later we see Richard helping Superman.

Richard is also really cool because even though he knows his beloved Lois is in love with Superman, he is there for her. So supportive and that's what made him a real man. He is somewhat like Superman here again, isn't he? Superman is there for Lois.

I feel now that "Superman Returns" have a deeper meaning to it. It's not just a lame remake of comic book heroes. If you ask me, what the whole movie is trying to say is, anyone can be Superman in their own ways. You don't need a cape and a red underwear worn outside to be Superman. And even if you are Superman, it doesn't mean that you don't need help.

Lois in the movie won an award for her article "Why we don't need Superman in our life"

But Superman told her that he hears cries for help everyday and I guess he feels it's his responsibility to help them....I guess we can relate to that. We are no SUperman of course but I'm sure as human you see pleas for help everywhere and sometimes I guess, we should help, like Superman, but within our powers of course.

This lead me to my favourite part of the movie, which is when Superman flew together with Lois and brought her 'hanging' in mid-air in the middle of nowhere. And there he asked "What do you hear?". Lois answered, "Nothing" and he replies, "I hear everything."

I remember this part til now. The exact phrase. Personally, I'm really touched by Superman's reply, I don't know why. Maybe because I feel that he is burdened with that responsibility. For Superman, he has to help like practically everyone...maybe he feels tired too. Have you ever felt that you want to help but you can't? Well, for us, we can just be like "Hey, I Can't help you, I'm not Superman!" But for him, well he is Superman. Plus, who can he confide in?

I am recently exposed to a text on religion etc etc, and how the program "Lost" contains certain depictions of religion that spurred a lot of online discussions about the matter. Of course the main point of the text is a lot more and not important in this context. But because of the article, I thought of how "Superman Returns" might be also used to communicate certain idea of religion.

"Superman" is seen as the saviour in the movie. There was a part in the movie where we hear a voice-over of Superman's father saying that he sent his only son to Earth to help humans. I'm not Christian but isn't that similar to why God sent his only son, Jesus to Earth?

If it is an indirect representation of Christianity, I guess the author of the movie is very subtly saying that, maybe even the son of God has weaknesses, like Superman - Kryptonite. Sorry, I'm not trying to offend Christians but it's just what I feel the movie is presenting because of the scriptwriting.

Superman is seen as the "savior" in the movie. And the "Saviour" at the end needs to be saved. Or put it differently, even the "savior" has a weakness too.

Superman was declared dead towards the end of the movie, but then he woke up again. Just like how Jesus rise again after being crucified.

Lois is like Mary Magdalene. Jesus loves her the most among his disciples, right? I hope I get the facts right haha. Jesus loves all his disciples but her the most. Superman takes care of all of us, but Lois the most.

The scene in which we see Superman flying above Earth, closing his eyes (similar to the picture below)....gives me the impression that he is like God...overlooking on all of us...listening to our cries...

I just see some similarities here and there. Again I really do not wish to anger any Christians. Feel free to reason with me because my facts could be inaccurate.

I am not a Superman fan. I'm never. I find Superman fake. I mean, how can one not see that Clark Kent is Superman! Plus I really hate superhero movies where the heroine always seem to need help from the hero. Plzzzz....cal me whatever but in reality, it's not necessarily like that.

But I thank God that "Superman Returns" is quite realistic in some ways. Like at least Lois has character - she's dependent and even though she needs Superman's help, she's not like that useless herself. She doesn't sit and wait for help but uses her brains also.

And I love the fact that the story includes a part in which Richard and Lois helped Superman. It just shows that sometimes, we can do a part even without super powers.

When Superman was in the hospital, in comma, Lois kissed him and then looked at that monitor thingy in the hospital and then she shook her head and laughed. I find this part very realistic haha...because she was hoping that she's in a fairy tale, a true love's kiss would wake a person up. I don't know about you but even tough girls sometimes secretly wish for a fairy tale ending in devastating times. And when it doesn't happen, they'll laugh at themselves for that silly thought because we all know that storybook endings seldom happen. And even if it does, I don't think I'm the lucky one. Trust me, I do think like that sometimes. I guess Lois was feeling exactly the same.

Superman - fictional or realistic...you decide. I mean, Superman to me is just a symbolic representation of someone great, that we feel can 'save' us. Saving us doesn't have to be physically but in so many other aspects and ways. I'm sure deep in all our hearts, we have our own Superman or Supermans. And maybe you are a "superman" to someone else too. You will never know ;P

TC-My Rating:

p/s: The stars is not really representative of the storyline, but rather, how the director managed to so subtly incorporate the religious aspect into the movie

With LotSa Lurve,

TammyC

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE!

And the award goes to...

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best Motion Picture of the Year: Slumdog Millionaire

Achievement in Directing: Slumdog Millionaire

Music written for motion pictures (Score) : Slumdog Millionaire

Music (Song): Slumdog Millionaire

Achievement in film editing: Slumdog Millionaire

Achievement in sound mixing: Slumdog Millionaire

Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire

Writing (Adapted screenplay): Slumdog Millionaire

Great directing style, great cinematography, great editing and great writing. I agree! The music is also good because it captures the Hindi Bollywood culture and combines it with some Hollywood flavours. There were a few songs in the movie which caught my attention. They were in English but with Indian-styled melody. Cool and interesting! Haha...Overall the movie is something very new and different.

Previously, there were many British films that combines Indian or Punjabi cultures with the Western cultures such as Bend It Like Beckham, Bride and Prejudice and even the BBC comedy Kumars at No. 42. All these shows tries to depict Indians living abroad and their cultures.

Slumdog Millionaire I feel, is a movie that integrates the two cultures in a new, creative way. When you watch the movie, you see features of a Hollywood or Western movie to be exact, but also elements of an Indian movie. That means, the movie is true to its roots of the Indian culture but also includes some Western cultures in it. Contrary to the previous integration of both cultures, this movie is set in India, instead of in British or America. But then, you see how even in India, we see the Western influences. Even the program "Who Wants to be A Millionaire" itself is a product from America.

The British director, Danny Boyle is amazing because he manages to capture the essence of an Indian movie and incorporate it into one that is "Oscar worthy". I don't know the real definition of Oscar worthy but in my opinion, a movie that is accepted, recognised and admired by the Americans. I mean, the Academy Awards, is grand because of the Americans. It's like a huge thing to win an Oscar, and to even be nominated is already huge. And sometimes, your movie can be crap but if it has anything to do with the Oscars, people would perceive it as good. You may not like a movie and find it boring, but if it has win an Oscar, you'd doubt that you yourself has no taste in movies because you don't get an award winning movie.

Anywayz back to 'Slumdog Millionaire'. I think the director is really successful. I envy that a British director actually knows how to maintain the Indian feel in his movie, without even using cliche Bollywood techniques like dancing around the bushes and stuff.

The storyline is arranged in an extremely creative way. Each question from "Who Ones to Be A Millionaire" will lead to a flashback of the main actor, Jamal's life and his childhood. I love it. The technique of narration is brilliant! I'm really impressed. I mean, I really find that movie makers are trying different techniques and styles when it comes to the incorporation of flashback scenes. Some are highly confusing, while some are simple, yet very cleverly done.

Slumdog Millionaire is actually a very normal story about the struggles in a young Indian boy's life. But again, with it's editing and the way of its unique time and space arrangements make the movie a great one.

Cinematography - amazing. Beautiful colours that highlights the vibrant Indian cultures but also suitable tones were used to describe the adversities and poverty of the citizens of India. The transitions between scenes were also very nicely done and it connects it scene in a very smooth way.

The actor and actress are pretty...not necessarily superstars in Hollywood, but able to capture and deliver the script. I wouldn't say their performances are outstanding, the lead actress wasn't that impressive to be honest, but she's pretty in her own natural way. The lead actor too. I love the fact that they are just simple, normal day, average-like people.

The ending was one of the most beautiful and touching moments I've ever seen. Sometimes, a love scene or romantic scene do not require much. In fact, it doesn't need to involve steamy scenes. It just makes the movie cheap I think.

A focus on the way the actors look at each other and with the right music that creates the atmosphere, the scene would be one that melts hearts. The ending was beautiful. You feel the happiness for that couple, you feel the joy of being loved yourself. I seldom cry when the couples end up living happy ever after, but "Slumdog Millionaire" managed to make me shed a tear or two. It's the realness of the affection between the two lead characters and alleviated by the company of some really heart-felt music.

I'll end by saying this: "SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE" is a must watch!!

TC-My Rating:

Really Oscar Worthy

With LotSa Lurve,

TammyC