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Backdated post. Actual event took place on 23 September 2006. Now.. this was the last get together I attended before my cute cousin, Nicole arrive. Yes, I would of course have to devote most of my time going out with her since she doesn’t really come back to Malaysia to visit me frequently. It it Oliver’s birthday and we all get together at the Curve’s RedBox Karaoke for a little karaoke session. It was really a surprise to see CY as it has been like ages since I last saw her. She hasn’t really change much.. which is a good thing 🙂 Most of the people arrived except for the fashionably late couple (Shirley and Wai Khiong). Hahaha… quite a normal thing. When they arrive we have already finish eating and happily singing. To my surprise, Cy can actually sing and hit those high notes. So we practically spent lots of time just listening to her singing. WOW! Oliver, the birthday boy have a fair share of singing. Mostly Justin, Eason and Jay’s songs. Everyone else would just grab any microphones they could find and sing along. I guess this is the first time everyone actually sings so freely without being shy (except for Gigi… hahaa.. she is very persistant of not singing any song). Anyway… more karaoke sessions for me to train up my talent to be the next idol please. |
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What happens to the mags that was way pass it’s expiry date. Collecting dust… Probably used to even the tables I have at home and many went to the big black garbage back when I last did some spring cleaning. Now why throw it away, why collect dust when we can do something to it? Collage it is. Cut and paste from a magazine to any medium you like. Paper, cardboard, boxes, tables, racks… hemm who says you need to know how to draw to be creative and different? When was the last time I did a collage? Probably 10 years ago. So let’s do it. The mission: The deadline: |
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Backdated post. Actual event took place on 10 September 2006. It’s always a happy day knowing that you will wake up to good food. A prior date has been set. To try out the famous Lum Mee and it’s sotong Fishballs and Fu Pei (something similar to Yong Tau Foo). May King is the locked target. Well, I actually didn’t know where we are heading to or what shop it is until I practically get there. According to my food guide (Miss Gigi), May King is located next to a wet market called Pudu Pasar. When I reach the place, it somehow looked familiar. Yeah, I tried it once before. It was back in year 2002. When I first started to work… Gigi brought me there too. But of course we just pack and eat in the office at that time. Of course one must try what is famous… and Lum Mee it is. The thick yellow noodles topped with shredded chicken meat, prawns and yummy thick black gravy. Ooo la la… it just makes me drool each time I think of it. The fishballs were equally good with chunky bits of sotong. But the best of all was the Fu Pei. It just got this great aroma and taste. I think if I didn’t order my bowl of noodles I could just finish up the whole bowl by myself. According to my reliable source,it’s a hassle to get a place to seat in the shop as it is most of the time packed. Don’t be fooled thinking you could just stand at the front of the line and food will come to you. They do have numbering system. So be smart and get a number or else you probably would just end up standing there the whole day and not getting a place. I heard the Curry Mee was equally good. But well, my stomach was giving this FULL warning. So… next time it is.
A good drink is all it need to refreshen us after a filling Lum Mee lunch and a slow walk in KLCC. Bored of the normal coffee places like Starbucks and Coffee Bean, we decided to head to Chinoz On The Park which well, from the name one would know… it’s just by the park. I was actually captivated with their glass sticker. I loved the colours and I think it looks great and work great as a background to take pictures. As usual, Gigi would order a Latte (RM11.00). Coffee addiction alert! Brian ordered Mango Fizz (RM12.00) and I ordered Pink Chocolate (RM16.00). Haha… yes, me and pink are just partner in cime.. and chocolate, woohoo… I can hear it calling my name~ yes… it’s calling my name. What exectly is a Pink chocolate? Pink Chocolate is a mixture of cranberry and strawberry juice mixed with white chocolate essence. Ah… there you have it. That’s what being written on the menu. Of course, I thought it would look pink but apparently it doesn’t. The best part, they even serves us complimentary breads… wee. Yeay… free hot buns.. free hot buns. Er… okay… now.. what shall we do after tea and before movies? Hemm… any ideas? |
Movie Title: Protégé
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Year: 2007
Protégé official site: http://www.protegethemovie.com/
Protégé, a movie that has taken up 3 years to research and prepare was finally released to the screens a few days before Chinese New Year. From the director of Lost in Time and One Night in Mongkok, Derek Yee is back to stunt us again with a drug awareness movie. Yes, a pretty much overly discussed “say no to drugs” topic is being dug out from the grave, open up and just display. It was to that extreme of detail which I admire most.
Of course this explains the 3 years of detail research and preparation. Inclusive of the actors and actress taking the initiative to visit and interview drug addicts, former drug lords and junkies. What adds up to the hype of the whole movie was the casting. Bringing in Hong Kong top notch actors and actress just gives more flavour to the movie.
As an Andy Lau fans… I would do anything to just see the first screening. Which thank god, I really manage to make it there. No kidding, regardless of how much work and how tired I am that day, I just bring myself there to see it and believe me, it’s all worth it when the movie starts.
Protégé starts of with a cat and mouse chase between Nick (Daniel Wu) and the police. Right at first glance, if you have never ever read the synopsis and whatever not and just walk in to see the movie, the first 15 minutes will get you thinking Nick is one of the best drug dealers in Hong Kong. No doubt, his planning to execution to distribution is just amazing. Old school tricks where we practically see in many Hong Kong TV series and every other drug dealing movie still works. Like the elders said, “it doesn’t matter if it’s a old trick, as long as it works”. The level of detail-ness and carefulness just manage to blow one away. Yes, the cool looks and the confidence just shine’s in Nick’s face. The best part is when he settled his job, he just throws his phone in to the lake and the next minute, you see him buying second hand phones from small stalls in bulks for a cheap price, get another prepaid card number and calls his mentor/boss Kwan (Andy Lau).
Kwan is Hong Kong’s top drug lord hiding behind an identity of a businessman that owns a big electrical shop. Born diabetic, Kwan’s health soon worsen when his kidneys is failing badly. Due to his health issue, he would have to pass over his drugs business to someone. Kwan trust no one except for Nick as Nick seems to be just the perfect candidate. Capable, careful, efficient and practically flawless.
Little does Kwan know, Nick is actually an undercover sent by the police force to expose the drug trade and capture Kwan. In the eight years, Nick has also grown close to Kwan with the protégé and mentor relationship. What puts Nick on a dilemma is when Kwan is all out to protect and help him knowing that Kwan treat him like his own brother.
Being a careful person, Kwan always believe the drug trade should be done carefully as one mistake could be a point of no return. Kwan breaks and separates everyone from gathering together. The multi layered system is what kept him and his partners safe. Of course there are people handling everything from storing to producing to distributing. However, Kwan do not get involve in everything. Everyone have their own role and Kwan job is just to oversee everything.
Nick finally got his chance to learn and know about the processes when Kwan was admitted to the hospital. Kwan taught him things he needs to know to survive in the trade, how the business works. Kwan even brought Nick to his storage factory.
On the other side of the story, Fan (Zhang Jing Chu) and her daughter stays right opposite of Nick’s place. One day, Fan came knocking on Nick’s door asking him to spare her some instant noodles. Eating the last bowl of it, Nick offers bread and jam instead. When Nick saw Fan and her daughter ate as if they have not eaten for days, he starts to care and concern for them. He brings them supplies and even pays them a regular visit. The concern and care blooms in to a quick relationship. However Fan quickly disappoint Nick when he found out she is a drug addict. What is worst is when Nick thinks that Fan drugged him as well.
Fan promised Nick that she would quit and asked Nick to help her. Of course the kind hearted Nick is all set to help her when she explained how she gotten herself into being a drug addict. Apparently his husband (Louis Koo) is a musician who take drugs. She tries to convince her husband to quit but his husband keep saying it is impossible. She then starts to take drugs to prove to his husband it is all in the mind. She then admits it was impossible and continue on and ended up where she is now. With Nick’s help Fan was getting better and is persistent to quit drugs. Everything was ruin when his husband shows up in her life once again.
Back to more drug dealing story, problem soon arise when one of the supplier from the factory could not deliver the drugs to Nick as they are lack of manpower when one of the staff is sick. Nick would have to go to the store to collect it while giving away location to the police. Unknown to him, the immigration officers were there trying to bust the pirated VCD operation a floor below Kwan’s drug factory. When Nick went in and leaves a trail at the toilet, the immigration team thought they finally get a lead to the pirated VCD factory location and caught Nick.
They then notice it was a mistake which turns out to be a golden opportunity to get a raise and increment. The immigration officers (lead by Liu Kai Chi) soon tries to bust the place. Nick manage to run away with the store owner. Kwan was furious when he saw the news. Upset and angry over his lost, he started to suspect Nick. Kwan then ask Nick to follow him and his family to go Thailand where he wants to go for prayers.
Just as Nick left, Fan’s husband came looking for her and screw up her entire plan to quit drugs. In Thailand, Kwan as a devoted father brings along his wife (Anita Yuen) and his 2 children for a holiday as well. Showing bits and pieces of information how caring he was as a husband and father, he actually wants the best for his family. Food, accommodation and everything is just luxury.
Early next morning, Kwan brought Nick along and went rounding around while blind-folding Nick. They then drive around, cross the river riding on elephants and all, which ended up with both of them in a camp. There, Kwan questioned Nick as he suspects he is a traitor. However Nick manage to escape the suspicion. One could actually see how relieve Kwan was when Nick manages to prove his innocence, not knowing what the future is installed for him.
Kwan then introduce him to his supplier, a general at the Golden Triangle. There, he explained a lot about life and what drugs are worth to them? What is it worth to the farmers? The best part is how the research and statistics done by the government about drugs info help them to learn about the current trend.
Back in Hong Kong, Nick was totally disappointed with Fan and refuses to care for her and her daughter anymore. Fan was totally upset and felt guilty. Things went downhill when her husband won’t allow her daughter to go to school, instead help him distribute drugs. Not willing to take things anymore, Fan slipped a note at Nick’s post box.
One day, Fan’s daughter come knocking on Nick’s door claiming she is very hungry. Nick then cook some food for her and then try to send her home only to notice Fan is dead with her body rotting and being eaten by mouse. Nick screaming and in the verge of breaking down act was somewhat funny.
Kwan then decides to leave Hong Kong and goes to USA to do a kidney transplant and plans to retire there. He officially pass his position to Nick and even transfer his 8 million dollar deposit with the general’s to Nick. At the very moment Kwan and family decides to leave, the police stopped him and caught him.
At the police station, the head officer (acted by Derek Yee himself) throws evidence of Kwan’s activity since 1998 and asked Kwan to disclose his other partners. Having no choice and wanted his family to lead a better life, Kwan committed suicide by slitting of his throat. Nick was there to apologize for betraying Kwan. Seeing Kwan soaking in blood, he wanted to asked for help. However, Kwan begged him to keep quiet for the sake of his family which actually is the last and only thing Nick could do to compensate to Kwan.
I must say, the attention to details, terms used was simply amazing. I learn quite a bit of stuffs from the movie. Of course I wasn’t happy with the obvious censored scenes where I hope to get a DVD later on to see.
Now… I would have given the movie a 9 if there were more attention being added to the characterization and if they make Louis Koo looks a little more better than what he looks in the show. Seriously I am disappointed with the fact of how the characters were under developed. Everything was pretty much just a brief. Not to mention everyone else except Andy and Daniel have less than 30 minutes of appearances.
I could foresee protégé bagging a lot of awards. But somehow I think it could be better. I think the story is way too big for a 1 hour and 40 minutes movie to support. Even the big cast could not cover everything. I was even some part disappointed with the loopholes of the plot like… Nick’s soft spot for drug addicts and constant questioning and disapproval of Kwan’s way in business… and yet he still gets Kwan’s trust without rising any suspicion until the raid? Nick… as Kwan’s top man stays at such a junk house? Come on.. I am not talking about big bungalows and not.. at least a decent flat or apartment.
I was troubled with the fact that it was overly done anti-drugs messages. Through out the movie we all know how bad it was and I think they could actually just skip the whole ending part with Fan’s daughter throwing away Nick’s drugs. But then again, probably it’s needed in order for them to pass the censorship boards.
I liked the idea of how Derek Yee connects the drug lords who thinks nothing but themselves as businessman. They felt they should not be blamed for corrupting the people. In their mind, when there is a demand, there are supply. It’s all up to the end user to decide as he or any other drug lords never actually force them to take drugs. It then brings it a level down to the drug addicts which pretty much was portrayed by Fan and her husband. Then the families, be it the drug lord family or the drug addicts family. The suffering, the burden they all have to take up.
I said this because I truly think and believe Andy Lau really did a great job with his acting in this movie. Yes, something different from what he has done from his previous 115 movies. I must say his acting skills have gone to a new level where you can really see how much hard work he have put in to research, details and even facial expressions. Daniel Wu was doing great as well given a lead role however his screaming and ending scene spoils all the hard work he has done for the show. Being a 6 months pregnant mother, Anita’s performance was simply amazing and stunning. All I could wish for is for her to have more screen time to show more chemistry and bonding with Andy.
And what can I say, I was just disappointed with Louis. Not that it was his fault. I think his role was simple under developed.. raw… and ugly. I just didn’t understand why they want to do this. IF it’s for a change and breakthrough thing… it really did work out well.. otherwise, I think this is one of the key element that fails the movie.
It’s surely worth the time watching during the Chinese New Year (if you just bear with Louis Koo).
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Backdated post. Actual event took place on 9 September 2006. From Souled Out.. we venture to Wow Wow Cafe at Plaza Damas. Jon suggested the place as he think it is a nice place where everyone can just sit down with a decent drink and just hang out. Like most of the chinese style cafe, this one have people performing singing lots of chinese songs and of course you could make song dedications. We all sat down and enjoyed some of the tunes… but of course some were not up to my expectations. But it’s okay. We then place our orders.. Italian Soda Berry (RM10.90) for me, Ice Hazelnut Mocha (RM10.90) for Jon, Jess Blue (RM10.90) for Winson while Gigi and Brian share a pot of Earl Grey (RM8.90) and some Potato Wedges (RM4.50). While sitting down relaxing and chit chatting, Gigi suddenly took out something she won while buying a drink at Souled Out. Haha… a kiddie arm float. We then ask her to blow it up and pose with it which was cute and funny. It got everyone at our table laughing. And amazingly we even took short video’s where everyone is require to do 3 different facial expressions. Haha… lots of laughter and talking when we notice the night is not young anymore. Talk about getting old 😀 |
Movie Title: Death Note: The Last Name
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10)
Year: 2006
Death Note: The Last Name official site: http://wwws.warnerbros.co.jp/deathnote/
I still remember the first time I saw the first Death Note trailer which noted it was the year’s best movie.. currently a big hit in Hong Kong… highest grossing movie and I told myself it is just some normal and standard gimmick to get people going. When I saw the first instalment, I was totally blown away. I am then a Death Note fans.
For the first time, I have no complaints with the acting. I like watching Japanese movies but at times the acting was kinda weak and loads of over-acting scenes. This is the very first time I am anticipating so badly for the second instalment of a Japanese movie to show.
Being someone who loves watching movie, I just got to warn anyone out there.. if you haven’t see the first instalment of the movie.. please grab and watch the first part before watching this one. The movie started of where the first part ended. No kidding.. there isn’t any brief summary or any form of montages which tells tales of the previous movie. They however manager to insert some quick flick of the Death Note rules. When I say quick flick… I seriously mean it. That practically means one have not much time and probably no time to finish reading what’s on the screen. (Click here to read review of the first movie)
As mentioned, Death Note: The Last Name started of by picking up what is left behind in the first instalment. This is when Misa Amane (Erika Toda) found the second Death Note right next to the dead body of the person who tries to kill her. Upon touching the Death Note, she is now connected and can see Rem (a female Shinigami). It was explained that Jealous (another Shinigami) always keeps and eye for Misa and as time goes by, Jealous grew fond of Misa. Jealous is all out to protect Misa at any cost. When the man tries to kill Misa, Jealous have no choice but to write his name in his Death Note and this action turned Jealous to dust.
Right.. a Shinigami’s duty is to take other’s life but not help pro-long others life. If that action is done, the Shinigami will turn to dust. Rem who always watch Jealous looking over Misa felt that she have now takes over Jealous interest and look after Misa. Hence, she finds it right to pass Jealous’s Death Note to Misa.
On the other hand, L (Ken’ichi Matsuyama) and his fellow team member attended Light’s girlfriend, Shiori Kashino (Yu Kashii) funeral. Although everyone else just think L is being cruel and insensible, L still strongly believes that Light is Kira. Failed to prove his theory, L agrees to let Light join force with him trying and hoping Light makes a mistake and so he could catch him.
Upon knowing how the Death Note works, Misa is all set to find Kira/Light (Tatsuya Fujiwara). She then send a tape to the television station she is working at.. claiming she is taking everyone in the station as hostage until Kira goes and meet her. At the Sakura festival life broadcast, she openly goes on a killing-spree. People who criticize Kira were all killed. Claiming herself as Kira II and wanted to team up with Kira to build a better world… this matter make L more worried. What is worst is when L guessed that Misa can actually just kill someone by looking at their face (unlike Light who needed to know one’s name since he turned down the “Eye of a Shinigami” offer).
Light quickly head over to the tv station when he knows his sister and father was there and he was quickly spotted by Misa. Misa then quickly reveal herself to Light and promise she will listen to whatever Light says as long as Light agree to make her his girlfriend.
Knowing how serious matters would be if Kira and Kira II teamed up, L follows Light to everywhere wearing a cute looking mask. Coincidently, Misa drop by to visit Light. Light then introduced L to Misa (hoping that she could get his name). L sensed something fishy going on and quickly pick-pocket Misa’s phone when she is being surrounded by other students. As suspected, Light immediately calls Misa right after he sees her off. Light was totally shocked when he hears Misa’s ringtone.
Misa was then captured and locked up for investigation. Misa then gave up her Death Note (once a person give up their Death Note, they will not remember anything about the Death Note until they touch a Death Note again) in order to protect Light. Rem then went up to Light and asked him to safe Misa. Rem warned Light to not try to fool her as she will protect Misa at any cost.
The plan soon start. Light ordered Rem to drop Misa’s Death Note to Kiyomi Takada (Nana Katse) someone in the TV station that Misa recommends. Light on the other hand hide his Death Note and then asked L to lock him up as well to prove his innocence. As planned Kiyomi soon gets obsessed over the Death Note and start killing people whom she felt is not worthy of living. While in the cell, Light gave up his Death Note as well. L manages to notice the difference in personality in Misa and Light but couldn’t prove anything. He was then forced to set them both free.
As L is at the corner of the investigation not knowing where to head, Light quickly jumps in and help L with the case. He manages to find leads to the case which soon lead them all to Kiyomi. The whole team spied and focus on Kiyomi and finally they all know what is actually is going on when they manage to lure Kiyomi to killed someone. Everyone of them then touch the Death Note and saw Rem. They finally know Kira kills. When everyone including Light touch the Death Note, they all saw Rem… how ever for Light, his past memories about the Death Note re-surfaced. He then secretly took out a piece of Death Note and wrote Kiyomi’s name on it.
Upon knowing how the killing was done, Misa was released. Light then asked Misa to read a letter he wrote before he give up his Death Note and asked Misa to go find his Death Note that he hide. When she touches the Death Note, she remembered everything again. Light then told Misa to write down L’s name on the Death Note to finish him off. Surprisingly… Misa forgot what L’s name was as she see so many names everyday. In a desperate mode, she asked Ryuuk to grant her “Eyes of Shinigami” which of course will cost her half her remaining life-span.
After further investigating, L finds out that one of the Death Note rule not working as what he thinks is and started to suspect it is a fake rule. He is being suspicious about Misa and asked Soichiro Yagami (Takeshi Kaga) to bring the Death Note away. As L invites Misa over and tries to prove she is Kira II, Rem starts to worry. She soon know she has fallen in to Light’s trap as Light already know Rem would risk her life to save Misa.
Rem then wrote down Watari and L’s name on her death note to protect Misa. When L died from heart attack and pulled Light’s leg, Light was laughing with an evil grin as he admits that he is Kira. He then plans to kill his father as well giving description of his death in order to get his Death Note back.
Light was in great shock as his father didn’t die as planned. And what is even better, he didn’t bring back the Death Note. Light was stunned as he knows it is not possible. Everything that is being written in the Death Note will happen. L then walks out with his whole team member surrounding Light and Misa.
L then reveals to Light that Misa’s Death Note have been swapped when she least notice it. Which means whatever Light wrote in… was just to a piece of blank paper. And why L didn’t die? He actually wrote his name in Light’s Death Note that he would die 23 days later while he was seating down eating chocolate. Hence, whatever Rem writes in the Death Note later on does not take effect. Knowing and seeing Light in a great defeat, Ryuuk then write down “the last name”.
Although lots of people think the first one was way better than this one, I would say it very much different. I think the first movie was very much exciting as it is the first time movie of death god and it seems like a new and different type of genre. Hence everyone got so excited over it. I think this was as good as the first as it focus more on character development and emotions. Not to mention the more complex issue about the Death Note and the relationships between the Death Note holder and the Shinigami’s.
What is even much better is L is the main character here which means I get to see more of him… which is the best thing ever! Of course I am a little disappointed as he is talking faster than he used to be which makes him less L than in the first movie. I think the CG’s of the Shinigami’s were great as they mimic the looks of the original Shinigami from the manga to the dot.
Of course the ending was somewhat different… but somewhat same. I think it is a good twist. They manage to change the plot yet stay original. Hahaha… however I was pretty upset as they ended the movie without giving it a room for the third movie which would actually show the battle of wits between Light with Mello and Near. But yeah, I love it… no matter what.
An advance Chinese New Year 🍊 greeting to every as I won’t be around for a week!
The plan was just to sit back, relax, chill out or do some visiting and eat cookies 🍪 like I have never eaten for years.
I can’t wait for Chinese New Year to come as I look forward for more Andy Lau shows on TV.
I remember back in the 90’s Chinese New Year, almost all TV stations will air some Andy Lau’s past Hong Kong concerts.
I will be a mini fan and jump and cheer around in front of the TV.
Sometimes I will toss the small pillows as if they were pom-poms.
Me and my sister also battle for TV slots as she would want to see other Chinese New Year shows.
My parents and sister would only shake their head while looking at me doing all those crazy stuffs.
Fortunately, I somehow manage to get my mother to like Andy Lau as well.
Haha , yes! I manage to get my mother to buy me some Andy Lau’s CD that she would play when she is doing her household chores.
Anyway, I hope everyone would have a good break and a great year ahead.
Eat more cookies, give me more ang pau and eat more piggie 🐷.
GONG XI FA CAI!
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Ahhh… my official V day. Right, my little velverse is now 2. At times it’s really hard to believe the fact that I have been crapping for 2 years now. It seems like just 2 days ago.. that I started this blog… okay, I admit it’s just a figure of speech. Been pretty much busy these days to even think of anything. Yes, although the war had ended for sometime… v for victory of course :). There were lots of stuff to clear up. So… lots of sleepless nights, deadlines… hahaa but well, I am glad I cleared my promise debts all off before Chinese New Year. Okay.. on this day (2 years ago).. I started up this blog. Of course originally it was hosted at one of those free sites. With lots of top banners, popups and god knows what advert they put in. I actually did tryout blogspot but I think it was a great hassle to even layout what I want to layout perfectly. Hence I scrap the whole thing out. I always believe a system should be flexible enough to cater to any designer’s design not the other way round. With the start of my free site… I start to write about everything I do. At that point of time, not much people know about me having a blog. As a matter of fact no one except hoshi (my ex-colleague who introduce me to the world of blogging), and 2 of my other friend. Yes, at that point of time… 3 is my lucky number.
Ah.. yeah, it’s been some time since I see my old blogskin. I guess words of mouth is really something one should never under estimate. So I guess the “I tell you only, you dun tell others” will really turn out to be a not that big deal of a secret anymore. From month to month, the people of my blog doubled. Funny thing is I never told anyone I have a blog. As a matter of fact, I denied having one. I still remember how shocked I was when someone YM me and told me they saw my blog only to find out they got to know it from my friends. And so… my blog isn’t a mystery and a big secret thing and I gradually stop being so secretive about it. When I celebrated velverse first year with an average 800 visitors per month and now an average of 3,500 visitors a month. The best part is when you know 40% of the people that visit my blog adds me to favourite every month. At times it makes me wonder… will there be by any chance people who pass by me actually already know me from my blog. Hemm… as a matter of fact, that happened once before to me. Things seems even weirder when someone whom you least expected will get online to surf around as their routine is only emailing question me about stuff I write in my blog. Which in some cases… I won’t be surprise if someday I found out my parent’s are secretly reading my blog without me even knowing. It really opens up possibilties to lots of thinking and wondering now. |
Movie Title: Pathfinder
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/10)
Year: 2007
Pathfinder official site: http://www.pathfinderthemovie.com/
Just when you felt like watching some sword fighting movies after so many battle of the mind and romantic comedy movies… Pathfinder seems to be the best choice. Then again, I learn it the hard way that things that you see might not be what it seems.
Looking and looking and looking at the trailer… the only thing that convince me to watch this movie was the Viking’s outfit and somewhat brutal scenes the trailer has made up. Lot’s of hesitation in the process of getting myself to watch it as I know no one in the movie. Er… okay, maybe I did see them act before.. but none was people I could name.
The Pathfinder movie is one movie I would describe as breath-taking scenery but quickly blended with bad acting and scripts. As much as they plan to make this a big epic movie and all… it just fails terribly. I blame it all on the casting person as they really pick the wrong person to do the jobs.
The movie started of with when a Native American woman (Michelle Thrush) stumble upon a Viking boy living in a wrecked Viking ship while she was chasing after a white horse. She then brought the little boy back to the village and decides to keep him. They held a village meeting and everyone thinks the keeping the little boy in the tribe would bring bad luck as he is not one of them.
Having strong believe in fate, the woman and her husband insisted to raise the little boy as one of their own. The boy was soon nicknamed Ghost (Karl Urban) by the tribe. The movie then quickly fast forward to 15 years later when Ghost is now a grown up man.
The village got so crowded when Pathfinder (Russell Means), his daughter StarFire (Moon Bloodgood) and other villagers drop by this village before proceeding back to their own village. Ghost quickly fel in love with Starfire.
One day, Ghost decides to go hunting in the forest. While he was busy hunting, his village was attacked by those who left him behind, the Vikings. His entire village was completely whipped out. When he return to the village, all he ever sees is dead bodies everywhere while his father was being killed by the group of Vikings. Thinking he was just a weird Native American guy, they quickly challenge him to a sword fight which Ghost ended up hurting the general.
The whole group of Viking is then determined to hunt him down. In the process of running away, Ghost was shot. He was then saved by the Pathfinder and his villagers. Not wanting them to get hurt, Ghost quickly warn them and ask them to leave the village and hide at a safe place while he go and seek revenge on the Vikings for killing his family.
The fighting scenes soon began. Lots of blood splashing here and there. And like most of the typical movies, the girl would just go back and find the guy only to cause more trouble for the guy… then got caught and the guy would try whatever he may to safe the girl. Now this is what exactly happened. However I am pretty much amazed with the fact that the Pathfinder came to the rescue only to get himself caught together with her daughter. And predictably… Ghost is entrusted by the Pathfinder to take over his position as the chief of the village after his death.
The Vikings then force Ghost to lead them to the villagers. Ghost initially refused but quickly agree when the Pathfinder’s body was tore into half and the Vikings threaten to chop StarFire’s hands. StarFire felt betrayed when Ghost lead the Vikings to the abandoned village, thinking he is also going to lead them to the other villagers.
Not knowing they they were being brought far away from the villagers, the Vikings followed Ghost to the mountains which Ghost manage to trick them and killed everyone of them.
Now… seriously, I don’t know how to elaborate the ending as I think it was totally pathetic and unreal. I really very much want to like the movie but I just couldn’t. The scripts were plain lame. The worst is the the actors didn’t put in extra effort to make the script less lame… which of course make everything lamer than lame. It is as if they were just plain reading the lines out.
Karl was such a big disappointment. I just think he didn’t do his very best in the movie. He doesn’t have the charisma. He can’t portray they anger in him. How much his past haunt him down. And he surely can’t portray how difficult it is to grow in a totally strange environment.
Sigh… if it wasn’t for the beautiful scenes… I probably would have given it a one star movie. Oh god! I need to see something better. Yes… desperately need to.
Protégé official site: http://www.protegethemovie.com/
I felt like ages since I have seen Andy on the big screen.
But that’s not true in reality. Just not too long ago, one of Andy’s new movie was released.
And now, I’m so looking forward to this movie Protégé.
Finally, aside my idol the movie also have 2 other gorgeous looking actor, Louis Koo and Daniel Wu.
All the 3 popular HK heart robe together am sure to shake the HK entertainment industry.
The movie talks about quite a sensitive topic which revolves around drugs and triad.
Let’s set the calendar to watch this.
On a side note, I was spring cleaning my PC and found some of this banners I did a long time ago using Flash software.
It was some trial I was working on and yes, it looks pretty rookie.
But it was fun, I even did one for the Chinese New Year celebration hoping that it will help me get more ang pao!