Wednesday, December 30, 2009

My Top 4 Best Movies...

Another day, another movie...and this particular movie has GOT to be one of the BEST movies ever produced this year. Although, it rates as the 2nd on MY TOP 4 BEST MOVIES I've ever seen, it is still rather enjoyable with its witty dialogue and minimal effects which stays true to its form (film adaptation by the way). Anyway, here's my said list.

The 1st on my list of the Top 4 Best Movies is none other than the 2009 film which goes by the name, 'Watchmen'.

Although a little long and draggy at some points (clocking in at close to 3 hours plus of screening time), it was indeed a VERY out-of-the-ordinary superhero movie one will ever watch. The scene in which Nite Owl and Silk Spectre found in the embrace of each other's arms up in the clouds explains it all - it IS rated 18PL for a reason, you know? And did I mention that without a doubt, the MAIN character of this movie is none other than, Rorschach?? I mean, out of all the many characters found in the movie (and I mean, MANY), the most outstanding of them all was the dude wearing an ink blotted mask, smartly dressed with a coat (leather I presume) who dons a fedora (correct me if I'm wrong) with a matching peculiar outlook on justice. Besides the cool outfit and swagger, I guess it was ALSO due to the fact that he was narrating the movie for the MOST part of the time.

Anyhow, moving on to No.2 on my list. This novel adaptation which was directed by Guy Ritchie (Madonna's ex-husband, for those who are unaware) was such a joy to watch in so many ways. But, keeping it simple...it is DEFINITELY of your money's worth. The said film is entitled, 'Sherlock Holmes' (which I watched yesterday with my good friend, Fung Kai and his brother who are back here for holiday :P).

Robert Downey Jr. has indeed outdone himself with the portrayal of the ever popular sleuth, and no less said of Jude Law too as the ever faithful Dr. Watson. In comparison to 'Watchmen', the extent of the CGI effects present in THIS movie is downright puny and minute - which in fact, adds to the air of authenticity of the film (kudos to Guy Ritchie for that). The highlights of the film IMHO are definitely the fight scenes in which Holmes will calibrate and anticipate every move to take in order to deliver a breath-taking assault on his enemies to appall them. Apart from that, if you are one who, like myself, enjoys clever play of words and extensive wittiness in dialogue, then this film will definitely NOT disappoint. Besides, it is MUCH less complicated and lighter as compared to No.1. Not contradicting myself by the way, I have my OTHER reasons as to why 'Watchmen' is rated as the TOP of my list instead of 'Sherlock Holmes'. :P

No.3 - 'V for Vendetta'. The leading role for this movie whom is aptly named 'V' is played by the same actor who portrayed the prim and proper (and lethal) Agent Smith in the Matrix trilogy: Hugo Weaving. Also present is Natalie Portman who plays Evey Hammond, a young woman rescued by the vigilante.

This movie has one of the MOST complex word plays in their dialogue that my ears have ever heard. I mean, MAN!! DAMN!! Hugo Weaving really knows how to twist his tongue with all those Vs in his words...and for the fight scenes, I especially enjoyed the part where V (the main character who wears a Guy Fawkes mask) tells the corrupted party leader, Creedy, who killed the Chancellor, that he (V) is about to kill his men with his daggers and kill him (Creedy) with his bare hands. And just after Creedy's men fire away and waste their ammo on V, who by the way, is wearing a bulletproof vest under his suit...Creedy pops this question (paraphrasing of some sort might be present), "Why won't you die?!". Then, V replies aptly, "Behind this mask lies an idea...and ideas are bulletproof...". Then, as Creedys' men try to reload their fire arms...the scene changes into slow-motion and here is where we witness the impeccable wielding of daggers and execution of the men with super precision by V and the inevitable strangulation of Creedy......and that is NOT even the ENDING!! ;)

And last but not least, No.4 on my list is none other than 'Casino Royale'. This film stars the versatile Daniel Craig and the very mysterious Eva Green who has also starred in 'The Golden Compass', but forget that...let's delve into the juicy bits, shall we?

Firstly, as the title suggests, this film is revolved MAINLY around gambling and money and MORE money (Casino?). Oh, and also a bit of action and twists and all that. But, this movie is ALSO rated 18PL. It seems that I have a 'liking' for '18' movies ;) Anyway, yes...the juicy bits, as promised. The scene which would DEFINITELY be ENGRAVED at the back of my cerebrum for the rest of my life is the scene where our hero is found to be naked with his hands and feet tied, sitting on a chair in which the middle section where one's buttocks are supposed to be located is removed so as to leaving a hole. So, technically...to put things in simpler terms, Mr. Bond is sitting helplessly naked on a 'structure' of a chair. And just take a guess what the evil Le Chiffre will do to him. Alright, I'll tell you...He TORTURES him of course!! By lashing his testicles!! *and all the guys go "OUCH!!!"* Yes, with that...enough said...go watch the movie if you haven't already...

So, yes...there you have it...my top 4 best movies I have watched thus far (IMHO)...and I was supposed to clarify about those non-mellowing wedding bells right? Well, I guess that will have to wait for my NEXT post, which will be soon...I hope *gulps*...if not, ms. sarah would give me a little piece of her mind with, "who asked you not to update your blog?" :P haha..sorry, about that... ;) anyway...signing out for now...

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Of Wedding Bells & Drowsy Spells...

DECANTER. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the word 'Decanter' simply means, 'a vessel used to decant or to receive decanted liquids; especially : an ornamental glass bottle used for serving wine'. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decanter . Nevertheless, it does make a rather catchy name if one wishes to name a pub and/or restaurant in the Petaling Jaya area, don't you think? Well, for those who are oblivious to the fact of such an existence of such a place, allow me to enlighten you about the said place of my interest. Place: Decanter PJ, No. 5 Jalan 17/56, Section 17. Below is a picture of the exterior of the restaurant/pub/hang-out place/whatever you want to call it, 'coz i'm a little unsure of what it is anyway.

I'll give it a 7/10 for the exterior though. :)

Managed to get a shot of myself too. Picture courtesy of my cousin, Joseph. :)

Now, some of you might be wondering, "Err...what in the world is a dude who is underage doing in a place like this??". Well, it was a Sunday night a month back on the 8th of November and it so happened that my cousin sister was having her WEDDING 'after party' dinner there... "What an 'interesting' venue." I thought to myself. Anyway, it was a SUPER MAD night!!! Although, there was no boozing for me though - obviously. And the weird thing was, Decanter was SUPPOSED to be closed on Sundays...as stated on the sign.

*ahem*

But, I guess exceptions can ALWAYS be made. Anyway, the food was...err...'nice' ;) okay, FRANKLY speaking...it was NOT BAD, but, the portion was rather small and insufficient to feed 200 plus mouths. But, minus that little flaw, the place was rather flawless to say - cosy atmosphere, nice bar on the second floor (Yes, they have a 2nd floor! That's where the bar and all the night life is). And the BEST part: GOOD TOILETS!! haha. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pix of the interior though (picture of the toilets?! err...). Anyway, there were speeches made by the newly wedded couple: my cousin sister, Mary-Ann and her husband, Joel and my uncle to start off the night.

Mary-Ann (left) and Sara-Ann (right)

The bridegroom (Joel)
After which, the PARTAY commenced!! We were entertained by a duo who go by the name, 'Kenny & Martin'. And MAN, were they good with their songs. They really know how to work the crowd. Well, more of Martin though. Sad to say, Kenny disappeared early. Maybe, he had some urgent matters to attend to? Nevertheless, the show went on and it was a one man show by Martin. Equipped with a laptop, two keyboards and an extensive sound system, he was the LIFE of the PARTY!! And I even managed to collaborate with Martin on 2 songs and showed ma STUFF!! ;) it was INSANE!! the crowd was CRAZY and definitely BOOZED. *ahem* :P

yours truly. :)

With that, we danced and serenaded into the night and by the time it was all over, if not all then MOST of the guests were either drowsy or DRUNK... :P well, what do you expect if you held a party in a pub/restaurant place, right? :) Overall, it was indeed a memorable night. But, I foresee the wedding bells to continue ringing for a little while more. Will fill you in about more on that on my next post. ;) But, for now...signing out.