THE TOPPINGS FOR 2009

*Sounds of fireworks blasting*

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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

AN AVATAR-TURE

If there's one movie this year that you can't miss, it's Avatar. Expect and get what you expect!

The trailer  I watched in the cinema wasn't a good promotional spot at all. Well for one thing the one I watch has no dialogue, just a series of clips. I had NO idea what the movie is about when I watch the trailer and I thought it's really sad because it is a good movie that deserve a better trailer or rather, introduction to get people's attention. Well, maybe that's the whole point....making people confused so that they'll look up the movie haha.

But eventually I found out what the movie is about when I coincidentally watch the 8tv Quickie the other day (it's been ages since I watch the Quickie). And after hearing the synopsis, I'm really interested in the movie; it's like THE BIGGEST movie of the year. (Sorry girls, I don't care what you say but it's not New Moon).

The only advice I have for those of you planning to watch Avatar is, find a comfortable cinema to watch it in. Make sure you feel comfortable in the seats and make sure you buy good seats. It's a three hour movie! It's literally a pain in the you-know-where if you are not in your best seats or best environment.

There is so many things I can write about when it comes to discussing a movie like Avatar.

The graphics are brilliant and beautiful. I'm not a graphic person but I'm so awed by the beauty of the world of Pandora - the glow-in-the-dark lights of the forest are magnificently breathtaking.

Avatar is the combination of 3 movies (or more, I don't know).

Watching Avatar for me is a 'Pocahontas-Eragon-Apocalypto', and maybe according to my friend, Surrogates, which I concur.

For a movie to have so many instances of other movies, Avatar really carries a lot of themes. And the great thing is, the themes of the movie are so well-developed and carried. I'm impressed because for so many themes to be that thorough and developed, the director and writer have got to do an amazing job. In fact, it is really impressive that everything can be packed into just less than 3 hours. So in other words, I think James Cameron did a fantastic job with the movie.

James Cameron conceptualizing Avatar.

He's brilliant!

First of all, the concept of Pandora is amazing.

I personally dig the glow in the dark effects to the max.

This pic is not even close to the Pandora feel you get in the cinemas

I admit that in many ways, the depiction of the aboriginals in Pandora share similarities with the indigenous of Earth, therefore some may argue that it therefore lacks originality. The Omaticaya people carries certain facial feature of Earth's aboriginal tribes. Even some of the animals in Pandora shares similarities with the animals on Earth.

However, James Cameron did manage to somehow mystify the whole concept of Pandora as another planet...he added flavour to a worn story about the love between whites and native (a.k.a. Pocahontas and John Smith) by integrating the concept of Aliens and the other world.

The story is about Jake Sully, an ex-marine, who went on-board a Science mission in which his twin brother, Tommy was involved in before his death. Jake Sully, being part of the army force at first was ignorant to the forces of nature, to the beauty and power of his surrounding, until he met Neytiri, the daughter of the Omaticaya tribe leader (very similar to Pocahontas see).

Sully and his Avatar

Neytiri

Jake Sully has a powerful energy within him that made Neytiri spare him his life and then brought him back to her tribe, to her mother who interprets all the messages of their deity Eywa. It was then decided that Neytiri teach Jake all the ways and traditions of the Omaticaya - to feel and experience the forces and beauty of nature.... Their lessons and experiences together made Jake realize what is the things that is most worth living and fighting for. Naturally, the two main characters also fell in love with each other.
 

The Colourful Themes of Avatar:

The main themes in the movie is to love nature and to respect people who are different...

1. The Power of Nature

The Omaticaya or rather, the natives of Pandora all believe that energy is borrowed from the  nature.

When Jake was lost in the forest, he struggled to light up a fire for light in the dark forest. When Neytiri put off that fire, we see the beauty of the forest, the glow-in-the-dark effects that lit up the whole forest, and that's when we realized that Jake Sully doesn't need a light because the nature itself has been radiating light (in indirect ways). It's like if we focus, we can actually feel the power of nature at work. The night itself isn't dark....

In fact, think about it. I think we can relate it even on Earth. Well yeah, we don't have the glow in the dark forests but think about the stars and the moon that lit up the Earth. Without the street lights, we'll be mesmerized by the stars.

I think the subtle message that our director wants to highlight is that we have been neglecting the beauty of nature. We've been so caught up with wealth, materialization and commercialization that we don't understand how to live with nature anymore. True...I admit...to a certain extent that I can't live in the jungle without technology.

Jake Sully said we kill our mother - mother nature, something that the Omaticaya is hanging on to. Honestly, I'm not an environmentalist

2. Science vs. Religion/Faith/Beliefs
I don't know if you are a believer, but I consider myself one (sometimes), though recently I'm kinda sick of just being a believer and just hoping.

Jake Sully said: "Maybe I'm sick of what doctors can't do"

Eywa gave Jake his legs back, his pair of legs that doctors failed to provide him.

Anyway, in Avatar we see that the indigenous respecting nature and also believing in the power of nature, in their deity, Eywa. They cling on to their spiritual side, which I guess many of us today don't/ Avatar discusses the fact that though sciences and technology explains things, there are also instances where some phenomenons could be unexplainable since it is done by the power of God.

3. Human beings are materialistic
For the sake of money and profit, humans would intrude and kill others. In other words, they are in fact taking something that don't belong to them. They tried to destroy the Omaticaya's home just because the stones on those grounds are worth millions.

I don't know if you felt the cruelty of the destruction, but when I was watching it, it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Somehow, I feel sad for the Omaticaya, sad for mother nature. The tribe lost their homes just like that...everything was destroyed and were on fire. It was a painful sight.

4. Never intrude and call people aliens
I love the ending when the natives of Pandora sends the "aliens" (humans) back. Ironic.

I think that I don't really need to say anymore because I believe that most people will actually dig this movie. No regrets watching this one~

TC-My Rating:

Btw, extra points given to Michelle Rodriguez that looks super hot here and super cool!

Lotsa Lurve,
TammyC signing off from home~

HANGING OUT WITH A BUNCH OF JEANS GIRLS

These few days had been a movie marathon - it's like I'm gulping down countless movies in a day. It's a great thing that I get to catch up on my movies but then again, my movie expectations are actually kinda hiked up. It's hard to feel the satisfaction after watching those movies. Most of the times, I either feel disappointed or I feel that I've just watched another movie that has no impact at all.

It's really been a long time since I enjoyed a heart-felt movie so much.

Tonight is my lucky night.

I was scrolling through my hard-drive and I decided on a chick-flick. I stumbled across a movie that starred 4 hot ladies that have been trying to vie for my attention since ages ago. Tonight, I paid the sudden attention that they so deserve.

So if you are thinking it is "Sex and The City the movie"...you are so far from being right.

"The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" is to me, a really nice movie. Ultimately, I guess I kinda like movies like these you know, movies that highlights life in general - where you can really just chill watching. No pressure, no expectations - a combination of family, love, friendship....and just, being girls haha. It's the kinda movie that you, or rather I can to a certain extend relate to.

"The movie brings back the charming fresh comedy, drama, romance, and adventure with a powerful message about coming of age and friendship." - SmartCine.com

The sad thing is, I did not watch the first movie, I practically jumped to the sequel...but no fret, I'm trying to get hold of the first one though. But here's what I gather from watching the sequel; Basically the story follows the life of 4 best friends, who are bonded together by a pair of blue jeans that fitted the four of them, despite their different shapes and sizes.

Nonetheless, after graduation, they had to part ways and they decided to secure their bond by passing on the jeans in rotation.

The second movie continues to follow the four different girls with basically four different characteristics and interests and backgrounds through their life journey.

First there is Lena, played by Alexis Bledel.

Greek Goddess

She is the Greek girly girl, sweet and pretty girl who is into art. She is struggling to heal from her heartbreak from her boyfriend, Kostos, whom after she broke-up with due to a family feud - something like Romeo and Juliet that sorta thing. But then she realized that she can't let go of her feelings from him but sadly he is married to another girl who claims to have Kostos's baby.

Hot man hot!!

Nude model vs. Greek God

So she pursue her love for art in by taking art lessons and met nude model, Leo, whom she nearly had a romantic inkling to. I think in Leo she found the cure to the pain of her broken heart...but then realized that her one true love is still Kostos.

Then there's Tibby, played by Amber Tamblyn who is the kinda insecure cum a bit emo cum a bit troubled with life but darn funny one.

I think she's really hot. Love her in the movie. 

Tibby...

Emo chick

She is the kinda rock-star slash punk type of girl in the movie. She has a boyfriend who loves her to the max but she is so insecure that she feels that she is not deserving of love. So whenever she gets emotionally close to someone, she feels the need to avoid it and move away.

Tibby's boyfriend, Brian

After having sex with her boyfriend, Brian, they realized that they had a sex malfunction. It scared me...like..."YOU CAN ACTUALLY HAVE A SEX MALFUNCTION? What is that?"
Oh well, it's just that the condom broke. And well, I know about practicing safe sex and all but Tibby doesn't want to have a baby to the extend that she went into an emotional shut down.
Can't blame her I guess. Different people faces different worries in life. Not that I would actually have sex before marriage but if the condom broke, I think it wouldn't be as bad for me as it would be for Tibby. I think in many ways Tibby is not just worried about having her baby, but she's worried that the people she love, like Brian would leave her, and she'll be left alone.

Next is Bridget played by Blake Lively.

The familiar face of Gossip Girl, Blake Lively plays Bridget - the sporty girl

 

Bridget is trying to recover from her mother's death, thinking that her mother left her because she doesn't love her anymore. Bridget was all this while trying to escape the truth of her past, but after an archeology assignment in Turkey, she learns from a wonderful professor, Nasrin that sometimes, it is what's left of the past that is fascinating - like the bones of the ancient people that are left behind tells fascinating tales and stories about people's traditions and cultures. Bridget then went to visit her grandmother  to face her past and rekindled with her dad.

The last member of the sisterhood is Carmen or Nena, who is starred by America Ferrera.

Now I think one thing that this movie has proved, it is that America Ferrara can act beyond her alter-ego Ugly Betty. In many ways I really enjoy watching America here.

 

The drama princess

I love this love~

 How can one not fall in love with this?

 

In this movie, America's character, Carmen is also a bit insecure, feeling that she is losing her friends since they don't hang out often anymore; it's like she's missing out on a lot of their activities and updates. Also she feels drifted from her mum, now that she has a new man in her life and a new baby on the way.

That summer, Carmen plans to spend her summer with her friends and pregnant mum but she discovered that all of them have plans of their own. She was kinda angry with them all for neglecting her and feels that they are not treasuring their friendship anymore.

To sort of distract herself, she followed her friend Julia (who is the lead actress in a play in Yale) to Vermont where she intend to help out backstage as a crew. However, she met lead actor, Ian, who practically made her audition. Though she thought it was just a fake audition  for her in which she shall just play along, not-to-be-taken seriously, she ended up with the lead role, Perdita, much to Julia's envy.

Well, naturally, Carmen had a crush on the lead actor, Ian, who's superbly GORGEOUS and British some more,..ah....with his accent and all, what is not to love, right?
Anyway, Carmen realized that her insecurities were ungrounded and that in the end, who her real true friends are.

When Effie (Lena's sister) lost their pair of jeans, the four of them were brought together again to discuss. They realized that instead of bringing them closer, the jeans had made them argue even more, and is tearing them apart. Lena decided that she should be in charged of looking for the jeans in Greece, since her sister lost it.

Little did she know, her whole bunch of friends went to Greece on a mission to get her and Kostos back together.

In the end, Carmen narrated that maybe the jeans got lost for a purpose.
To bring them back together again...
I guess sometimes, some things need to happen before we start learning to treasure the  things we have or sometimes, some things have to happen so that friendship can be built and retained.

In many ways I envy the four girls.

They have that bond that I so wish I had between few best friends...or maybe I do have that in some ways, with some of my friends. It's just that, I never felt what they girls had in a gang. But nonetheless, ALL MY FRIENDS ARE THE BEST. Many times, they've helped me go through the hardest times. I think they are one of the reason I consider myself truly blessed.

In some ways I feel like Carmen with my friends.
Sometimes, I just feel that they are slipping away.
I guess in many ways, leaving and departing is part and parcel of life. We have to part some day somehow, but the most important thing is to just be there for one another when your friends need you. To try to sustain a friendship is just by being there. Maybe we don't need to be around each other physically, I guess it's the love that lives on ya.

The bunch that I just love to hang out with and hope can hang out with forever

Such a feel good movie. Brilliant for a chill out session with friends.
Not sure there'll be another sequel but if there is, I'll be the first to line up for it.


TC-My Rating:







With LotSa Lurve,
TammyC

HOSTAGES ON CHRISTMAS

5 of us on a mission.

Go to GSC Midvalley - secure tickets to Avatar 3D on Christmas.

Should have known better.

No bookings prior to the movie.

2 hours before the 9PM show. We're kinda nuts to believe that we can actually get tickets to the movie ya.

Hey we are believers! But that doesn't mean we get the tickets lar.

So instead of flying through Pandora (the planet of the Omaticaya tribe in Avatar), we sort of ended up in Sg. Long (my cousins' house) watching DVDs.

Truth be told, I've already watch the 2D version of Avatar. It was awesome. I'm still working on the review for it. So much to talk about when it comes to that movie man! I guess I will watch the 3D version first before writing about the movie. I have a feeling writing about Avatar is gonna be another page of grandmother story from me.

Anyway...

So we were in Sg. Long, finally decided on watching "Hostage" starring Bruce Willis.

It's a movie in which I wanted to watch once upon a time but never really got a chance to. I heard it was a great movie and kinda scary.

Well, it wasn't really a psycho-analytical movie, if that's what you expect. I thought it's gonna be gory and bloody and all but really, it wasn't that bad. It might scare a few kids but if you are used to extremely violent scenes and all...(I'm not bragging ahem...) this is really nothing. Haha.

'Hostage' is about Bruce Willis, once a successful negotiator but after a failed mission blamed himself for the death of a woman and her son.  One year after the incident, he retired from his negotiating days, though still part of the police force.

The title of the movie is apt. I think there is nothing better to describe the movie than the word "Hostage".

However he was kinda forced back into the job when his family was held hostage by a bunch of people doing illegal business. In order to save his family, he has to redeem a CD from an accountant (and his family), who is held hostage by 3 teenage boys.

So basically, Bruce Willis has to juggle the responsibility of saving 2 families.

Though I feel that the storyline is not super engaging or super interesting, there were moments that kept you so suspense that you might grip on to whatever you have around you...your pillow, the mattress or maybe your hair...

Well, the few of us were hanging on to the edges of our seats, guessing the fate of the little son of the accountant. No spoilers here on whether he survived or not.

If the movie is actually supposed to be a freaky psycho-thriller, it definitely didn't blew me away. The only scary, but actually, not exactly that scary character is Mars. But I guess it is not a psycho-thriller lar because it really didn't work for me there.

Overall, it really isn't one of the best action-thriller movies I've watched. The storyline is quite normal, no twists that awed me. At points, I just wished that there were more things that would unfold but there wasn't any. I think in some ways, it is somewhat predictable.

It wasn't bad but it is just another movie.

If you are into action and all, watch this to get a medium high boost of adrenaline running. The good thing is, due to certain kinda suspense scenes, the movie wasn't draggy - the movie is pretty face paced, so it won't bore you to death.

TC-My Rating:

TammyC