I'm on a movie frenzy here, all hyped up to reach that 175 dvd status. But to do that, i'll need the help of dvds. Buying them will be out of the question. So rental it will be.

But which one? Lets do some research:

1) CINENOW - Dvd kiosk

Cost:
24hrs - $4.50 | 18hrs - $3.50 | 6hrs - $2.00/$2.50(new realease)

Location:
Yee Tee, Jurong East, Clementi, Hougang, Toa Payoh, Boo Keng, Bedok & Tampines

Promo:
15% discount every Wed.

2) Play! - Dvd kiosk

Cost:
24hrs - $4.50(New release) | 48hrs - $4.50(others)

Location:
Tampines Mall, Toa Payoh Hub, Tiong Bahru Plaza, North Point, Seng Kang MRT>, Woodlands Civic Center, Jurong Point, West Mall

Promo:
$3.95 every Wed on all dvd except new releases.

3) 7frames - Online/store

Cost:
48hrs - $5.00(New release) | 48hrs - $4.00(others)
Delivery/collection charges of S$3 each way.

Rental days:
1 Title = 2 Days
2 Titles = 3 Days
3 Titles = 5 Days
4/5 Titles = 7 Days

Location:
20 Eastwood Road, Eastwood Centre

4) HollywoodClicks! - Online

Cost:
Per Month basis plan >
2 DVDs at-a-time - $28 plus GST
3 DVDs at-a-time - $35 plus GST
5 DVDs at-a-time - $59 plus GST
8 DVDs at-a-time - $89 plus GST

Location:
Your PC/Mac

Promo:
Free 14 days trial.

5) Homepal - Online

Cost:
Per Month basis plan >
1 DVDs at-a-time - $21.95
2 DVDs at-a-time - $27.95
3 DVDs at-a-time - $34.95
4 DVDs at-a-time - $43.95
5 DVDs at-a-time - $52.95

Location:
Your PC/Mac

Promo:
Free 14 days trial.

6) Video Ezy - Store

Have yet to find out. Stay tuned...

7) Library@Esplanade - On location

Cost:
$21 per year - 4 dvd (max) per week

Location:
Esplanade

Note:
Don't expect new titles. Best for classics/series/past movies.

It all boils down to choices, the size of your pocket and how frequent you watch dvds.
Online, unlimited rentals might lure you into thinking of getting more dvds to watch but think about it. The amount of time for it to travel to and fro will take 1 working day each way. That would mean you have 15/30 days of movie days per month. Personally, it's not really worth the effort and cost.

Convieniece is most definately an importance part too, cos, who wants to travel out of the way just to rent a dvd for a day.

So, it all boils to a decision: Get new releases (or slightly older titles) at Play! and older classics/series at Library@Esplanade.

Since signing up is free for Play!, it should be a breeze. Furthurmore, it's REALLY near my place. I could just rent/return the dvds in the morning on the way to/from work. Works perfectly. Oh and will be signing up the dvd membership at the library this weekend. Hopefully.

Guess i failed in probability.

I owe myself a rest during the weekend and decided not to go to work. I'll let tomorrow worry tomorrow. Really dreading whats to come, but, hell with it. I can only do so much.

Oh, that means not going to the library@esplanade too. Guess that'll have to wait.

So much about not reviewing movies till my magazine closes. Meh.
Anyway, yesterday was due in line to review "High Tension"

Click here to read the review, incidentally, MINE. Hah.
Haven't really gotten to pen it down yet but my take on this:

The return of the good-old slasher flick of the yester-years with so much blood and gore, it's tightly tensioned with terror.
Great acting to boot-up too!

Decided to go back to the office to finish up some work delayed and catch-up on incoming workload so that i won't have to rush when monday comes. Left the office around 3 to meet up with the guys to a sneak preview of "Flight Plan" at GV Plaza.

Click here for MovieXclusive's review of Flight Plan.

Loved the 1st 2/3 of the movie.
(Sheer build-up of tension and drama. Very Alfread Hitchcock)

Somehow left me slightly disheartened with the last 1/3.
(Too Hollywood-ish.)

Even with me coming back on saturday to finish up work. Possibility of me coming back tomorrow (read:SUNDAY), might be a high chance. shaking some blocks loose to less the workload of my upcoming hectic week might prove a handy situation.

And maybe perhaps after that, a visit to the library@esplanade to check out the membership for its dvd collection. 21 bucks pre year for all the dvds you can devour seems rather dishy to me.

I'm better now.

Decided to put up an "i-dun-care" face and go on doing what i have to do and finish it.
There so many strings pulling me that i've decided to snip it all off and pretend to be pulled.
One wrong move and i'll just bite back.
Fierce siah..heh

Anyway reviewing a french horror flick later today, "High Tension".
I heard its a blood-bath.

Oh goody~

I'm tired.

I wake up in the morning and i have the strongest feeling of calling in sick so that i don't have to face the office.

I have the urge to do something so drastic that the boss would immediately fire me.

I would step into the office, switch on my computer and bring out Words to type in my resignation letter. Print it out. Place it obviously on my bosses table and start packing. Fast.

Start the day off refusing to go to work, switching off my handphone, changing my number, deactivating my email and pray they don't call my home phone and wishing they'll forget me.

Pack my bag and go to work, tie-up some loose ends and leave during "early" lunch time to get a ticket to Vietnam and fly off at the next available flight to stay there and help build schools for the needy.

Sigh.

I'm at the brink of a breakdown. I'm tired. Exhausted.

Best of all, i really don't know what to do abut it. Should i stay and suffer in silence and hope for the light at the end of the tunnel or do i leave and suffer the dagger stares of thought of others thinking that i'm a quiter.

..but i'm really tired..somebody pls... help me..

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.