OK, i haven't been updating much. Much? How about rarely? 3 weeks isn't considered rarely. Well it is to ME. Thats your problem. Well, if its my problem, it yours as well. Whatever man..lets just begin the list. I WAS untill someone interupted me. Oh and now its my fault? No, its the guy standing behind you. There isn't anybody there. That was a sarcasm. Oh, being a wise guy huh?? Just shut up and move on. Fine.

18th Sept - F1 Powerboat World Champion


Was assigned by my editor to take photos of the F1 Powerboat race at Marina. What can i say, it was hot, restless, muddy, rainy at times and somewhat exciting when the race started. Have to admit, the accidents are the fun bits.

19th Sept - Closing of Heritage Magazines


We managed to FINALLY finish both mag on schedule (but at the expenses of low incoming revenue..). With tougue-n-cheek wittiness that the creative dept posess, we scribbled up an announcement for everyone. Too bad it was left unnoticed.

20th Sept - Tennis lessons


Finally, after much struggle of arguments, we finally agreed and signed up for our tennis lessons. The racket which was solely used to collect dust has finally been made to full use of its potential.
Unfortunately, halfway through the lesson, lightning decided to pay a visit and off we ran. Bleah.

21th Sept - The Myth free screening


News of which the movie totally tanked spread around. I had just got to catch it to see how bad it was. Good thing the tics were free. Its quite an amazement that you see contest giving away free tickets all around. Guess they knew how bad it was. Anyway, my opinion, it wasn't that bad, but it was nothing to brag about.

22th Sept - Opening of 2nd Malaysian Film Fest


It was a small event, with all the Malaysian film industry ppl, management and yes the President himself, along with his wife, graced the occasion. Surprising fact: The president has lesser security then Jackie Chan. Serious.
Oh btw, i got to shake hands with the president. Woohoo!~
..but the only regret was not asking that girl from SEPET for a pic..with me..darn it, she's so cute!

Anwyay, you can read more of the event by clicking here.

23th Sept - Bowling with MX


Circumstances changed when the meeting for the MX crew was cancelled due to confusion of appointments of the "top management". Instead, we decided to still go ahead to meet up. Our plan: Dinner at Carl's Jr and Bowling at Marina. Burgers as big as your face as they say. There's nothing to shout about anyway. With the prise they slap on the menu, i would think Mcdonalds too can make such sizes. Anyway bowling was fun. Hadn't touch a bowling ball sice the army days.

24th Sept - Launch Party of SNAG mag


Having our reviews printed on a magazine is just another step ahead for us and we were cordially invited to the launch of a new man's mag SNAG. Held at Aquadisiac, Indochine, Marina Sq, the event started out with a bang with models of the magazine strutting thier catwalks like a pagent beauty contest. Live music came on and somehow the launch didn't feel satisfied. Had expected more.

You can read more of the event by clicking here.

28th Sept - MX outing for Cinderella Man


Boxing was the theme and man...although it was a long movie, it felt just right and the action in the ring was superb! I felt like throwing myself a punch or two at the opponent.
Rating: A
A must watch!

30th Sept - MX outing for Corpse Bride


Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. Enough said. I'm there. ..and here i am. Watching it full digital pleasure at Eng Wah Suntec, the animation was beautiful and elegently set-up. Some complained about how the character didn't develope and that the story was alittle shallow. I say, the hell with you, its an animation, how deep do u want it anyway.
Anyway i loved it and it ended prefectly.
Rating: A

5th Oct - Skeleton Key preview


My last review before i embark on my magazine production. Sigh. Anyway, pretty good stuff here. Finally something thats not a remake. Damn Hollywood.

You can read my review by clicking here.

If you don't see it, that means my webmaster hasn't updted the page yet, so hang on!

6th Oct - Singaporean Gigolo event @ Gotham Penthouse


In conjuction with Deuce Bigalow sequel, a bunch of corporate company held the Singapore Gigolo party at the Gotham Penthouse, Clark Quey. It was a raunchy event with men and women scantly clothed, showning off thier booties and all. No wonder it was an M18 Event!

Look out for the detailed write-up of the event at movieXclusive.com

8th Oct - Taegukgi - Tin Case, 3Disc digipak, Photobook, Postcard


What a surprise it was when this package came. Recently, i bought Taeguki dvd box set from Korea which consist of 3 disc pack, photobook and postcard. I've always wanted to buy this movie and almost bought one at the local stores, but behold! I laid my eyes on this beauty and i told myself, i've got to get a hold of this. And finally it has arrived.

Its so totally cool.

OK, this is really outdated. Its been ages since i updated my blog and i have a perfectly good excuse for this.

Works of course~


Sept 11th:

The cast and director of Jackie Chan's latest works, "The Myth" was in town to promote its arrival to the cinemas. Director Stanley Tong, actor Jackie Chan and the lovely Mallika Sherawat graced the occasion with all smiles. It was a perfect setting. Not in comparison with the movie but the venue itself. The press conference was set at "The Pod", 16th floor of the new national library. Spectacular view all around, i was astound at the grand display. I couldn't help but acted touristy and snapped some pics.

Finally, at 230pm, the stars arrived. Hordes of vultures quickly came to surround as strobes of flashes lit the room. As the cameramen tried to take their shots, little were they aware of thier positions and almost strampled on me! Jackie exclaimed an advice to be carefull to the photographers as he was lead to the stage by the bouncers.

I was wondering, if i DID fall, would be come up to me and give me a helping hand? That will be the perfect publicity shot for us man~

As they sat at thier seats and began shooting Qs, i could help thinking how similar Jackie looked in real life. Some stars look alittle different in comparison with real and reel life but Jackie was exactly how i imagined. Jovial, chatty, full of energy and humble, it isn't a wonder why everyone loved him. Oh btw, he has a habit of crushing plastic bottles. Beats me. My guess: when it's thrown away, at least theres more space in the bin so as not to waste the space.


DAMN. I wish i was Jackie in this pic...








Next up: The introduction to Jackies own Orchid hybrid. (no kidding..)

Situated deep inside the Burkill Hall, National Botanical Gardens, the unveiling of "Dendrobium Jackie Chan", a new hybrid of orchid for our dragon hero. It was rather a quite ceremony, with only a few media press and garden staff.


Next up: Dicussion panel at the National Library

Ok. i won't be saying much (or none at all) on this section because its all in mandarin. I was like a total foreign and didn't understand a word they said except for a few spartial english sprinkled around.

Anyway if you guys wanna read more about "The Myth" promo tour in singapore, drop by moviexclusive.com.
Or if you're too lazy to search click here THE MYTH TOUR.

Pior before the panel discussion, we did plan a guerrilla tactic to get upclose to Jackie for a pic or two a soon as it ends, but unfortunately, they left in a whirlwind and we rtaher dissapointed. Richard however did manage to shake hands with him (or so he says) but there wasn't anyone around to witness it. Guess we'll just have to swollow his words then. You guys can read his encounter right HERE.

Thats the end folks. If you wanna read more in detail, click the above link and enjoy.

The Korean Film Festival Started out with a bang with the most widely entertaining shows to be shown in Korea. Once in a while, its quite refreshing to see works from all over the world and that seem to be the case for me the past few days of movie magic.

You can see the whole list of korean movie by click on the link below.
CLICK HERE



Right after work on Friday, Shaiful and i caught up and endulge ourselves to this great blockbuster "Silmido"

SILMIDO
This Korean blockbuster movie by director Kang Woo-suk,is based on a true story of a secret South Korean commando whose existence has been veiled to the public. Having lived as a social outcast on account of his father who went to North Korea, Gang In-chan is again charged with attempted murder. In a desperate effort for survival, Gang joins a new special commando organized after North Korea's armed guerillas' attempt to assassinate the South Korean president in 1968. Gang and 30 other conscripted soldiers undergo hellish training and are transformed into virtual human weapons. With a reconciliatory mood forming between the two Koreas, however, their mission is abruptly halted on the very day of operation. Now, frustrated by the Seoul government's decision to disband the special force, they are acutely conscious of their ill fate and decide to take vengeance on the president. The story is based on the Silmido incident on Aug. 23 in 1971 when the government declared a state of emergency. The movie is a real manifestation of divided Korea's tragedy.

A technical glitch happened 15mins near the end. It was amusing. Already at its high points, emotions swelling, suddenly, the screen went off, lights came on and waiting music blared. A few minutes later everything continued back its path only to happen agian the 2nd time. I feel like asking for refund. Anyway it started up agian soon after and tossed the idea aside. It was an awesome show. Didn't expect the plot line to twist and turn so much that you didn't know what will happen (Oh and it helps too that you don't know what the movie is about. To be honest, i agreed wanting to watch this because i liked the poster..*what a laugh). Anyway this show is worth the weekend price.


Recently, Richard alerted us of this competition set up by Power 98 to watch the asian premeire of the Russian "Night Watch". Shocked at the timing, i bluntly agreed to take up the challenge and incidentally the timing came in perfect grace as it was taking place on that very same day after "Silmido". Registration started at 1am and as soon as all the participatant arrived, the challenge began. Yes there were games to be played. What? They're gonna just give away tickets free just like that? Don't be riduculous. Of cos they want us to work for it. Anyway, it wasn't much of a deal.

First of all being in teams of 2, we were tied up by our hands. Each of us are to pick a card to select among us all who to be in major of. The Light side or Dark side. The point will be to make opposite side join YOUR side. So you go around converting people and at the same time having us search 3 levels of floors for a 5 dollar bills hidden around in exchange for real money. Unfortunately we didn't find any.

Time was 215am, we were excorted into the preview lounge for our prize giving ceremony and light refreshments. Freebies was given away that consist of bar voucher, Starlight cinema admition tickets, badges, tatoo stick-ons, music cd, power 98 Tshirt and a creepy doll with spider legs...

NIGHT WATCH
Set in contemporary Moscow, Night Watch revolves around the conflict and balance maintained between the forces of light and darkness – the result of a medieval truce between the opposing sides. As night falls, the dark forces battle the super-human “Others” of the Night Watch, whose mission is to patrol and protect. But there is constant fear that an ancient prophecy will come true: that a powerful “Other” will rise up, be tempted by one of the sides and tip the balance plunging the world into a renewed war between the dark and light, the results of which would be catastrophic.

Another awesome show. I didn't take notice of russian movies but this takes the cake. Cool effects. Great editing (at times dizzying pace). A sprinkle of humour around and kick ass soundtrack. A must watch! Can't wait for the next 2 installment of this trilogy, Day Watch and Dusk Watch.

Be with me
*Click here for more details

With almost no dialogs, the suffering emotional silence was defening as the characters on screen surfed through thier wave of heart tugging dilemmas. Divided into 3 parts, interwoven to create a sense of universal point about love, critic abroad and locally have been raving about this feature.



I know some are gonna beat me to a plup about this but, the emotional ride didn't really hit me. Maybe i'm a fan of words. Dialogs that were heard didn't really hit my nerves about love and hence the connection wasn't there. There were a couple sences that were touching but something was missing from it. I tried to be overwhelm of the whole sense but, damn, i just didn't connect.

*Shrugs

I would critic more but it'll be like shooting myself in the foot. Don't get me wrong, its isn't a bad film, infact kudos to Eric. He did a great job with this and i'm proud of this peice.

A Bittersweet Life
*Click here for details

Korean seem to have a knack of revenge movies in comparison with Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengence and more. This is no exception. Blowing accounts of situations gone wrong, misunderstanding and over churning of emotions. Violence galore, it sadistically did pleasure having seen all the rough tumbles that i wish i could do the some that i know (...nah kidding).

Thanks to MovieXclusive, a bunch of us managed to enjoy this marvel of sweat and blood on the house.

3rd-4th Sept - Singapore Writers Festival

This was incidentally a spark of interest when Richard suggested us to join him in the panel talk about graphic novel being the future wave.

Text in the City, the Graphic Novel Way (Talk)
Sep 2, 19:00 - 20:00, Panel Room (5th Floor), National Library
Free admission

Colleen Doran, creator of comic book series, A Distant Soil, and the Sandman artist behind “Façade”, dissects the use of words and visuals in sequential art and graphic novel storytelling techniques.

Even though we were 1/2 late (thks richard..grr), i did learn quite a abit of the going ons of the graphic industry.

Next up on Sat was a workshop on script writing.

Watching Movies, Writing Films: A Screenwriting Workshop (Workshop)
Sep 3, 11:00 - 12:00, Library@Esplanade
Free admission (online registration)

Online Reservations

Andrew Bovell conducts a screenwriting workshop and shares his experiences working on the films Lantana and Strictly Ballroom.

Looking at the amount of info thrown at us, i wouldn't think a hours worth would barely scrape over the interduction to the world of film script writing. Anyhow, it did enlighten me of some aspect of writing and angles to take, sequentials of scenes that make a good story and how film script writing is a combination of rigid technicality and inspiration. Pretty interesting.

Stefan did tell me that good ideas are plenty around us. the problem is, people are not writing them down. Writing seems to be the propeller that will indefinately drive you forward to completion that provoking literary you've always dreamed/imagine all this time. It may be a scribble of a thought, a paragraph of story or a sketch of a charater. Its got to start somewhere right?

So far, i've got:
1) An idea for a 4-part tv series that intertwine 4 housing apartment with interconectng story.
2) A concept of a WW2 local epic trilogy.
3) A begining of a thriller grahic novel (which was done AGES ago and have no clue of its where about..sigh..).
4) A music video for James Blunt, "No Bravey".

Anybody wanna point me to the right direction for my dream come true?

I need to breath. Sure enough, the magazines are already out, FINALLY, but that doesn't mean the shows over. I've been bracing myself for when Joe broke the news that he's leaving for Mediacorp and i'm happy for him. But that would mean all the crap will start falling onto me and i'm afraid if i were to take on this role, i'll end up being bad guy around, pushing to meet deadlines and having to say no to clients requirement when its impracticle. I see everyone's angle and i totally understand every point of view but situations of mindset forces us to react a certain way which just sucks.
Upper management are interviewing a replacement to a position of Senior designer and i wonder, what is my job designation is. As far i'm concern, i was given a graphic designer title. Do they rather trust a total stranger to lead the creative dept instead of someone who has been around almost 6 months? I'm not complaining (oh wait..i am..) but if thats the case..i've got to set my role straight. Hell, i'm not gonna take more responsibility with the same status that i'm in.

Sigh.

Anyway, the battle continues and frictions sparks new comflicts which i don't give a damn. I'm tired. Should i push on and suffer the bombardment in hopes for some light at the end of the tunnel? Decisions afloat and i'm none too happy to make one.

Right now, i just want to curl up in bed and sleep. Or watch a movie. Its my only escapism.

Last tuesday was indeed a happy day for me. Having finish the magazine, burden has finally lifted off my shoulder. I could literally fly now. Even with me having to come back later in the afternoon, there wasn't anything to do ( yes there are side projects to finish but hell with it..). Then later that evening, Stefan and i met up at Orchard to cover the launch party of Eric Khoo's latest movie " Be With Me " at Bar None. The atmosphere was a laid back and cosy one with only invites for the media.

“ Be With Me ” is a tapestry of stories woven around the themes of love, hope and destiny. The characters lead separate lives but are bound by one common desire - to be with their loved one. The protagonists in the movie are fictitious except for Theresa Chan, whose life story inspired “ Be With Me ". Deaf and blind since she was 14, Theresa, now 61, has triumphed over her disabilities to live an amazing life.

- MovieXclusive.com

Local celebrities slowly flowed into the bar and soon the the place was up and happening with hype, glitz and glamour. Seriously, we felt a little out of place, seeing all thier "Hi there", "Nice seeing you agian" and etc to thier known ones. Drinks was free flow all around so that did help us loosen up. Finally it was time to get on with the show.

A little preview of the movie was shown, like the ones in the cinemas now, with additions of varied shots and alternative trailers.

Next up was the live performance of the movie soundtrack. Good enough to get a hand on one indeed! Very emotional, slow instrumental tunes. I guess you can't really wrong there.

Next was the introduction to the cast of the movie.

Now, these are the moments that i died and went to heaven...

Alas, joy and happiness accends upon me as i click on the last button that ended the unfavourable agony of this scripted routine. There's this change of air surrounding me and finally, i can breathe agian...

Its 630 am, Saturday.

Havent slept since friday morning and the magazine is being far from being finished. I kept nodding off with my mouse in my hand. Thats a sure sign, I. AM. TIRED.

Eventually, we gave up. I couldn't even concentrate on a simple layout and even if i manage to, it ended up something that looked like a kindergarden kid's work. We were practically zombies all complete with slurry speech and random acts of insanity.



Time was 11am. We packed up, along with our iMacs so that we could continue at home, and headed home.

As soon as i reached home, i had a quick wash and off i was to neverland. It was a total knock-out cos the next thing i knew, it was 430pm and finally was fresh awake.

Well, not totally.

Later that evening, met up with the guys to catch "36".

PARIS. For several months an incredibly violent gang has been successfully holding up armoured bank vans. The chief of Police, Robert Mancini (Andre Dussolier) has been quite frank with the two lieutenants under his command, Leo Wrinks (Daniel Auteuil) and Denis Klein (Gerard Depardieu) : whoever manages to bust this gang will replace him as the "Chief" at the Police HG, located 36 Quai des Orfevres. The fight is on between these two super cops, who once were friends, and now are at odds about everything: their private lives, their methods, their staff and a woman, Camille Wrinks (Valeria Golino).

Sypnosis by MovieXclusive.com

Its a pretty engaging movie and if only i wasn't in a bad shape, fresh from the aftermath of exhaution, i could have enjoyed the movie even more. Love the score (although they did keep repeating certain tunes which was kinda irritating.) and the cinematography!


As the usual routine, we soured the area to hang out and Macs was the eventual location where we finally headed back home near midnight. Occationally nodding off agian in the bus, i longed for my bed.



Ah. Finally. A long awaited rest. ZZZzzzzz...