I know this is a couple of weeks late, but I cannot help but write something about this movie not because it is a blockbuster hit, or because of Heath Ledger [God rest his soul], but because of The Joker himself. Of course, I would really have to be honest by saying that Heath's performance as that mad villain piqued my interest in watching this Batman sequel, having not being able to watch the first one. Like, by the moment I watched the trailer on YouTube sometime last year, I decided right then and there that he would pull off that "demented" role. And he really did. What I just didn't like, though, is the fact that his sudden death pretty much hyped his performance on this film. I feel bad that one of the main reasons why this film was a box office hit was the people want to see his first and last performance as The Joker. But either way, we must give credit to him that he left this planet indeed with a bang...and an unforgettable legacy, especially on his craft.

Anyway, back to the film. Christian Bale's Batman is indeed a dark one. This film pretty much vouches for that. However, Joker's character somewhat shoved Bruce Wayne on the side. Like perhaps on the previous Batman films with The Joker as the villain, he is the most challenging, and the most dementing villain Batman has ever come across. He is not only a heartless criminal, but a smart one, at that! My unforgettable lines from this movie would definitely come from this guy. I couldn't help but agree on his take about plans, chaos and archenemies. I feel like I can absolutely relate when he told Batman, Kill you? I don't want to kill you! What would I do without you? Go back to ripping off mob dealers? No, no, you... you complete me. I would have to say, this is the best villain line I have ever heard!!*evil laugh*

Let us not forget the other good-turned-bad guy on this film, Harvey Dent. Aaron Eckheart made a good DA here. He's got that charisma, the Casanova disposition, and I just absolutely love the way he suddenly shifted to an angry, disillusioned public servant, who eventually transformed into a vindictive individual. Too bad his character as Two Face was quite short, but blame it on Joker's scheming tactics I guess for having such a short role.

And thank goodness Katie Holmes didn't reprise her role as Rachel Dawes in the film! I have always liked Maggie Gylenhaal as an actress. I believe she pulls off the smart, sassy, beautiful character on this film. I cannot be angry at her for being both Harvey and Bruce's lady love. With the spunk she's showing, I would have to say she deserves both respectable men!

Except maybe for some heartlessly violent scenes [which can be considered relevant to the film, but it is violent, nevertheless] and Batman's husky voice [which my sister and I reckon as a total turn off...yaiks!], I can pretty much say that this film is indeed worth the wait. The only downside to it is that aside from the fact that The Joker plays a huge role in this film, it is such a sad realization that we will not be able to see Heath play...and even intensify the character in the years to come. Let us just hope that if someone out there is meant to play this character on film once again, it would be another refreshingly bewildering treat for us as we see this villain crack a sick joke to Gotham City and to his archenemy, the dark knight.:D

Reasons for deciding to watch this movie: [1] It's weekend. Must celebrate it and treat myself after a hard week's work. [2] Brendan Fraser [3] Josh Hutchinson [Rosemary's baby is a kid no more!! A potential hunk in Hollywood! Can't wait for that moment to come!hehehehe!] [4] Sci-fi adventure [5] Did I already say Brendan Fraser?

The story line is basically simple. But with the disposition that I am currently in, appreciating simple things is really something. Anyway, Brendad Fraser is still his adorkable self. I just love his character in the movie. So is Josh. An absolute natural. Except for some lines that I can barely understand [ I am not sure if it's the accent, or the theatre's sound system. tsk.], I don't have that much negative things to say about this film.

There are three nice flicks this week. At least I'd be able to put a check mark on one of them. Two more to go!! :)

This review may sound biased, especially if it would be revealed how I was able to come across this film--or rather, who recommended the film to me. To be quite honest, I didn't immediately research about the film, even though the plot got me a bit interested, all because of that fear of "sounding" biased, whatever that means now.:P But, upon seeing the movie's trailer on You Tube, I immediately looked for a link where I can possibly download the movie and watch it in the comforts of my bed[thanks to iPod Touch for this.:)].

And before I get bombarded with paperworks both from work and school, I took the opportunity to stay up late to watch the movie. I would have to say, this is one of those films that its beginning piqued my interest already. That when Emma Thompson (the narrator) said her first line, I already uttered that this is a masterpiece. A literary masterpiece, at that. The opening line is just sooo good that I, for the nth time in my "literary life," belittled my capabilities of being a writer. Of course, that didn't stop me from watching the film. I also wanted to know how the story would go. Let's not also forget the fact that the line up of actors is something to look forward to on this film. I mean, Will Ferrell doing drama? That is something new!

Okay, back to the storyline first. I was basically captivated by the entire concept itself. I could barely put my iPod down during the entire film, which is actually a rare thing for me. I can only count a few films that enthralled me in that same manner. Anyway, aside from its narrative style and choices of words, the plot is also very extraordinary. I really wasn't able to predict the outcome of the story right. In fact, I even forgot to consider that the story might end with a happy ending because I am so engrossed on the thought that the writer [also played by Emma Thompson] is so into tragic endings, especially death. I am also even engrossed on the story's pace that the emotions both the writer and her character expend in the film's climax is just so moving. It made me empathize to both of them because there is this character willing to sacrifice for the sake of a literary masterpiece to come to...well, publication, and the writer's struggle whether to push through with the ending or not, especially upon knowing that her character is not a fictional character after all. Of course, let us not also forget the writer's struggle to conquer "writer's block." Some writers reckon that there is no such thing as "writer's block," because if you are a good writer, a passionate one, at that, you will just be writing everything away anyway. But based on this film, I would have to say that the "writer's block" that is being referred to here is the momentum the writer is searching for, and at the same time, the pursuit of finding the perfect ending of the story--or, in this film's case, finding the perfect death of her main character.

As far is cinematography is concerned [ I opted not to elaborate on the story because the last thing that I wanted to happen is to be strangled because of spoilers!], the concept is indeed simple. Even its visual effects are so simple, yet fitting to the film's concept. I just love it. There are also shots that even if the background is plain, the shots convey, or let's say, magnifies the emotion of the character focused on that certain part of the film. The houses/apartments featured in the film are a combination of modern design and a little bit of 70s-80s feel. I believe the combination brought colors and life to the film more or less.

And finally, let us not forget the soundtrack. I checked online who are the artists behind the songs in the film. To be honest, I really have no idea who they are, but with what I heard on this film, I believe the band...much more the soundtrack, is worth checking out. Like the film's setting, the songs also have a mixture of modern and a little bit of old school rock, particularly the guitar riffs. Raw to the highest level! yebbah!!\m/

Ultimately, I would have to say that this film practically catered to my literary, visual and most especially auditory taste. This film is pretty much the manifestation that making things simple bring beauty that is indeed unforgettable. That sometimes, keeping things simple is just what we need, after all, to bring out the best emotion there is on this complicated world. And finally, this film also made me realize that happiness comes in small, simple packages. That when you get to open them, it brings out the most colorful and spontaneous things on earth that we just basically ignore because we are so hooked on our daily routines, which we monotonously, religiously keep for the longest time.

And I would like to end in this unforgettably moving quote from the film. I won't tell whose line this is, but I hope that this, in a way, would make you interested in watching the film yourself, and at the same time, be a solution/antidote to those who are suffering from "writer's block." Here goes:


"Don't do anything that may move the plot forward. Let's see if the plot finds you."

This man never fails to surprise and impress me both at the same time. He is one of those people that no matter how they are deeply set aside, he still resurfaces like I've just known him yesterday [choz!! feeling close!!:P]

Okay, on with the music. This guy seems like he is trying to follow the footsteps of their ultimate icon as far as reinvention is concerned. He really reinvented himself, all right. Post Savage Garden and Columbia records, here he is, independent, gay and English[aside from the fact that he currently resides in London, synth pop and new wave is sooo English, isn't it?:P]! Lyrically, he is still the old Darren I know and love during his SG days, but there are few differences, of course. He is more mature, more powerful "vocally" [thanks to vocal coach?:P], less angry [but of course!! being happily married and gay and all!!!I envy him...hahahahaha!] but emotional still, nevetheless. The first thing that made me dub him as my literary guru.

His melody without Daniel. It was okay, judging from his first two solo albums. However, this is the album that I can pretty much say is the most experimental. Or maybe let's put it this way: this album sort of like time-travelled in the future. An aural time-travel to cyberspace of some sort. Okay, allow me to elaborate. This is one of those albums that used the Fairlight CMI synthesizers[which, according to Darren, is an Aussie invention], the one responsible for those new wave like sounds. Because of that, I am remembered of the 80s icons and highlights, if I may put them as such. One song reminds me of George Michael (Me, Myself and I)maybe because of the video, another sounds like Tears for Fears meets Duran Duran (The Future Holds a Lion's Heart...one of my faves in the album), there is even one track that he sounds like Andy Bell of Erasure (How To Build a Time Machine). Figures. I am also enumerating pink icons here...anyway...:P Neverland reminds me of the Jacko, not only because of how he is connected with the title, but there are just some parts[even on some songs] that Darren sounds like him.

The more I listen to this album, the more is added on my fave tracks list. Casey has just a very good narrative imagery, that there was a time that this song made me cry. Sing to Me is one of his very few sad songs in the album, which I can say hits bull's eye on the current state I am in. A Conversation With God is just a masterpiece. Short and simple lyrics, but both the melody and the words carry a very haunting message. Very beautiful. Check my profile or imeem if you want to listen to the entire track. This song so much reminds me of Eminem's Stan--with a lighter feel, of course.

Ultimately, despite Savage Garden splitting up, here is Darren still trying to retain his image as just a plain pop artist. Not all people may like him and his music...or his albums now may be even more difficult to find in record stores, but I am still loud and proud to say that no matter what he'll become, he will always be my literary guru and will always make it a point that I buy the original CDs....hehehehe! And I will be forever grateful to him for being a mixed up kid's sanity. Seeing him and thanking him in person will definitely complete me, I swear!!:D

Gladys has been raving about this cafe for weeks and we just didn't have the time[and even the resources, tsk] to check it out together. So as not to waste our dressing up efforts one wednesday, we both reckon to go there. True enough, I wasn't disappointed with the place. it's private, cozy and absolutely comfortable [except for the bossa nova music, which i am so sick of already!]. the food is okay...absolutely healthy and filling. A must visit for health buffs[ so i maybe bringing my parents here so that they can check it out themselves]. They don't serve beef or pork, they serve only organic rice and NO MSG on their food!! yey! gladys told me that the place was run by an NGO and according to their menu, their rice and coffee came from their partners--sort of like helping them sell their products.

the price is also not bad. and since it is a cafe, they are also a hotspot! if i just have a laptop, it is a very perfect place to study or have a small meeting or just plain personal browsing.

visit my album for more pics. you will definitely want to see it for yourself!

I requested my cousin to find me an original copy of FULL HOUSE on her 1-week vacation in Korea almost two months ago. She was practically asking around, only to find out that the only Full House available was the version of the Olsen Twins!! Talk about irony! So that she would be able to buy me at least something from that country, she tried scouring around record shops for a Bi album [Bi is Rain in Korean, btw]. And as what she told me, the moment she laid eyes on the album cover, she bought it at a quick! She added that with that bod, she didn't care whether it is Rain or not! She would definitely buy it either way! And since it happens to be the dead-ringer-of-the-love-of-my-life [ as what I fondly call him], it ended up to be her pasalubong to me.

The cover didn't indeed disappoint me!! Save for those wings and the star tattoo on his left side of his chest, Bi is just 1000% HOT [check the happy trail baby!!]! I practically swooned when she finally handed the CD to me. I was able to listen to the songs two weeks later[ because I was on vacation then in Luzon when she gave me the CD]. I am not really an R&B fan--rather, I don't listen to R&B that much, but with Bi, I get to appreciate that funky beat. He is one of them R&B tunes that I often listen to at the moment. Except for those awkward English phrases ["welcome to the rain's world...I'm rain, and I'm back...wha???:D], I can pretty much say I like the way he sings his songs. Most of his R&B/rap tracks are pretty cool!! Tracks number 3&5 are my new faves [ sorry, can't tell the title, they are mostly in Korean or mixed with a phrase or two of English. How can I write down the entire title?waaah!]. I am just amazed how they rap in Korean! Every words are perfectly enunciated[as if I understand them!hahahaha!]. I don't pretty much dig his ballads in this album, though...reminds me of the Great Jubilee song!!toink!!hahahahahahahaha!

Thanks sooo much cousin Beigy for buying this CD straight from Korea! This is a great substitute for the FULL HOUSE DVD! Sa uulitin!!mwah!!:D

Who would have thought that this comedy film has a tear-jerking capability as well?[this sentence sounds utterly strange, but ANYWAY...] This is what happened to me when I watched this film. I think this is better than Bruce Almighty, [although I would also have to admit that I like that film as well] not that I am a Steve Carrell fan, but I think his humor here is "calmer" than Jim Carrey's. What I like most in this film is that it is poignant especially as far as one's faith in God is concerned. I think this is wonderfully written and it made me realize just how wise God is. I just love it when he tried to talk to Evan Baxter's wife in a restaurant: Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?[the same goes with love too, I think...am I right, God?] I think this line perfectly answers everyone's question to him, which is, "why is this happening to me?"

Even though this didn't receive very good reviews from some of the critics and from the box office as well, I would have to say that watching this is a wonderful antidote to those souls that are in need of relaxation, if you know what I mean. The effects are just cool...and I think Steve Carrell makes a very good Noah in this movie!!*wink*

Cute. That's how I'd basically describe this movie. Probably because the main character of this animation is in a form of a rat. But aside from that, I just find the concept cute as well. I mean, I know it is quite ironic to have a rat in the kitchen and all that, but I think the movie was able to pull it off in its own way. Good thing Remy the rat was cute!! He looked more like an adorable puppy than a disgusting pest!! Plus the fact that the animation style is quite different. It is almost like real and I think there are some backgrounds that are not actually animated. I also didn't expect that ratatouille is also a dish!! I luckily found a simple version of it and I am hoping that I'd be able to cook it one of these days!! As what Auguste Gusteau and Anton Ego said, anyone can cook!!:D

If you are going to watch the movie, I highly recommend that you buy your own food because this movie will indeed make you hungry!! Unless you find it disgusting that a rat is the one manning the kitchen!:D

This movie is just insane...literally!!:D Couldn't help but laugh our heads off on funny antics and idiosyncrasies. This movie made me love Bi (Rain) even more as an actor. Even the actress, the cyborg, as what she claims to be (pardon me if I didn't know her name...I just didn't bother, sorry!:D), also is good in this movie. The Cinematography is also great, just love the color treatment, if you know what I mean. This movie is a must-see!! Especially to film lovers out there!:D

This movie revived my love for optimus prime! I suddenly remembered how affected I was when he died in the cartoon version[ of course, that was decades ago, when I was still a toddler!!hahahahaha!]. Now that they have technically come to life, I can't help but say that it feels sooo good to see them again in bolts and steels!;P

The movie version is a manifestation that the special effects nowadays in Hollywood is BOUNDLESS. Plus the fact that the original voice of optimus prime in the cartoons voiced the same robot in the movie truly brings me back to my childhood memories! Let's not forget to add that Hugo Weaving voiced megatron...Idol! I wanted to think that it would be cool if optimus prime, jazz, bumblebee and ironhide are truly lurking somewhere, somehow in our planet. But if megatron also happens to be here too...we are indeed in trouble!!

There are confirmed rumors circulating of a sequel. In my end, I am so much looking forward to seeing more of optimus prime and the gang!

The main reason why I decided to watch the premiere ep of this kdrama was Kim Rae-won. I never expected the drama to be engaging and funny. I've never had this kind of moment since Full House. I so much wanted to buy a DVD copy already because I bet the Korean version is much more interesting than the dubbed I am watching on TV...

I think Kim Rae-won and Jeong Ryeo-won also make a perfect on-screen couple[even off-screen...hope so!:P]. The vibe is just....something. Romantic...translation: Kilig.

The drama was technically about seeing someone that so much reminds him of his true love. Dead ringer, so to speak...something that pretty much hits home for me...hmmmm

Anyway, I still can't wait for the next episode tomorrow and the days to come...hehehehehehe!!

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A week and 7 episodes later[ I decided to buy a DVD copy because I absolutely can't wait any longer!! These are the moments that I thank piracy big time!hehehehe!], I'm beginning to love the kdrama more and more. Sure, the storyline may be a cliche, but the fact that the pair are very good actors, especially Jeong Ryeo-won, made me forget that there are situations in the drama that are just too good to be true. The thing, however in this koreanovela is that the drama is heavier than usual, and I think it is just okay. There is just something unforgettable and striking though. The football scene and the girl's love for the game and her desire to be a writer, among other things.

What I am also hoping right now, is that the ending won't be an overkill, if you know what I mean. Will definitely give an update the moment I am done watching the series.

This is one of their old songs [I haven't heard if they have a latest release either] but it was just one of those songs that got stuck in my system and hit home, at that. I honestly don't listen to this band that much because aside from the fact that this is one of my sister's favorite bands [and there was even a time that she was playing their CD for days straight I would get sick and tired of it], someone I know SO well love this band as well [which, more or less, was this person's weapon of choice to "befriend" my sister, especially during that "schism stage" that we went through]. To top it all off, I am not really into acoustic that much, meaning, I prefer music with all the banging of the drums, synth and the metallic guitar riffs. Dashboard, as I observed, is more into acoustic guitars and less of the drums. If there is anything that would make me catch my attention to this band, it would be Chris Carrabba's emo-driven voice--and good looks [but of course!].

When I tried to compile emo singles for my playlist in this site, I realized that they have good songs after all, with very "emo-driven" lyrics, which I like the best. As far as this song goes, I think that it has the best emo lyrics since it so much has an existentialist feel--with a pessimistically optimistic voice. I would have to say, this is every writer/artist's [in general] theme song as far as their craft goes.

And I will see this band absolutely in a whole light from now on...

This was previously posted in my friendster account. Reposted for my multiply contacts, special mention to mame mariz...miss you much na!!^.^

This was one of the movies that I was anticipating since late last year. Even though I don't really like Cameron Diaz(due to reasons I would rather not divulge), I decided to just grit my teeth and watch the movie anyway.

It was a good line up. All of them were fitting to the characters they portrayed. Even Jack Black. He was able to give justice to the character. Kate Winslet was adorable. I just love her, like I can totally relate to her character (hehehehe!). Jude Law was just HOT! We couldn't help but scream whenever he gave Cameron that sexy look! Wish we could meet someone like him(sigh!). And I would want to mention that this is the first movie that my friend and I realized that we love it before it even ended. Like we were ranting that we love the movie and it were still not seeing the end part yet.

The movie was about moving on, letting go and falling in love again. It more or less made us realize that there is still absolutely more to life. That someway, somehow, there will be people that will truly make a difference. With that realization, I feel that it is okay to be alone because either way, I know that there are still people around that will truly give spice in my ordinary routine.

What more can I say? This movie is just a wonderful post holiday treat--that would go for Christmas, New Year and even Valentines.;)

As what my friend told me, the movie is heartbreaking, especially the restroom scene, when Will Smith started shedding fat tears when someone was trying to use the restroom. The movie is based on the autobiography of Chris Gardner and his pursuit of...happiness. Doh. You truly can't help but be curious on this movie especially if you are not used on the idea that Will Smith will do drama. Not only that, Will Smith fans (like me...sorta) can't help but get curious over his firstborn son with Jada Pinkett, who is indeed a very charming boy like his dad.

My favorite part in the film? The ending part, where he is surrounded by people who are busy walking on the sidewalk, then there he is, trying his best to stop himself from crying and from jumping from joy. Instead, he immediately went straight to his child's daycare to hold him real tight. And as what Will Smith said on the film, " and that is what we call...happiness."

Well, I can't help but agree with my friend that it is heartbreaking. However, I would also like to add that it is also heartwarming and very inspirational at the same time because that movie is like a testimony itself that if you have a dream, if you wanted something, you really have to work hard--really hard to pursue it. and once you were able to get hold of it, you will feel the joy that you will definitely not trade for the world.

For the 80s babies, new wave enthusiasts, boy band fanatics even...for music lovers, period.

It is actually a romantic comedy, but I find it cute than romantic. Probably because it wasn't emphasized much on the movie...which I think was okay. What I loved in the movie more was the process on how they were able to make a love song together, plus the fact that the lyrics aren't that cheesy.

Drew Barrymore's clothes and accessories and hair here are just great, like I would want to try wearing those type of clothes one day. Hugh Grant, on the other hand, is beginning to show his age on the film, but we reckon it's intentional to give justice to his character as a former pop star.

Other songs were also nice, same goes with their lyrics. Hugh and Drew's voice had a nice blending and it's so very nice to know that Hugh actually sang practically all the songs there! Totally one heck of a talent! Even Cora there was okay. Just can't help but laugh over her poker face and think that she's mocking bubble gum pop stars out there...oooops!

All in all, I can say that it was a nice auditory trip back to the golden age of pop music...and music video, for that matter. It's just funny to realize though that they have such outrageous fashion statement that time...:)