Some Blah

Alright, haven't watched any new films yet so my movie round-up will be a bit late this time around. On my side, I've just finished exams, and I am hell worried about ARCHORG. Can't keep my mind off it. On the plus side it has a way higher chance of passing than my Calculus debacle a term ago. the bad side? If I fail this I am totally delayed. As in totally. So yah, I'm scared. Still I think I did well in the finals so cross your fingers.

Anyway, in other news, there came out a story that a 9-year old kid named Alec Greven wrote a book titled "How to Talk to Girls" where he gives out tips on how to, that's right, properly woo a girl. Damn, the kid's a genius, I'd have thought that after centuries worth of evolution, guys have yet to discover the mystery that is women. Gosh this kid showed, me. Where was he three years ago?!



But still, pretty cool stuff for the kid, I must presume he's gonna be one for the ladies, for which I can only appeal to his better nature and please take me as his disciple @_@.

Also, on to movie news, this poster was just realeased. And judging from the trailer that came out some time ago, this has got to be one of the dumbest ideas for a film ever. How in the world did they actually think that a movie version of this anime would actually work!? And the least they could do was get a decent looking cast. Emma Rossum is always a swettie, but judging from thes posters.... WTF!? @_@ (thats short for What the Fettucinni by the way. This is a clean site).





Finally it was announced earlier this week that Hugh Jackman will be hosting the Oscars this year. Pretty cool actually. Did you know that he once hosted the Tony Award and actually won one? Yah me neither. This might be an interesting year for the Oscars. That's All for now.

P.S. At 40 years old and with a body like that, all he needs is take his shirt off during the ceremony and they're golden. In fact, team him up with 9-year old Alec Greven and we males could finally dominated the female half of the population! Bwahahahah..... probably...

Latest News and Booze (Well not really, but it rhymes!)

Was passing by National Book store and I saw this. Almost shelled Five hundred pesos just to bring it home that day.
I think it's pretty damn awesome that they're giving proceeds to charity. I'm very curious though to how Rowling would fare in non-Potter books. I came out with this instead
Awesome cover if I must say. In the world of movies I just heard that MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE singer Gerard Way is doing the finale song for The Watchmen. The band is a hit or miss for me, but still, its a great choice, very fitting. The song is called Desolation Row. Now THAT's a title!!
I cannot friggin wait for this movie!!! Speaking of which, I heard that the Dark Knight is going to be re-released in theaters in the US. As of now it's 77 million short of Titanic's $600 m record. Now our fave bats actually stands a chance of getting toe-to-toe with Leo and the gang (punch that snotty lover's teeth out!). Also, it's 4 million short of being the 4th movie to reach a billion dollars worldwide. That's practically guaranteed by now.
And then there's the oscars, which are coming up. I'm pretty hopeful that Heath gets what he deserves with the oscar nod. But I am also hopeful, but doubtful, of a best picture nod.

A grassroot campaign by nerds came up and here it is. Pretty cool. It's called Dark Campaign.

Finally here's some final images on the campaign. The first is an awesome spoof of the Obama poster called The Audacity of Joke. The second is just some awesome poster they made to get Dark Knight some props for the oscars. Keep your fingers crossed!

Book Review: Twilight! And some quick comic bashes!

Twilight
by Stephanie Meyer


Well, I finally read it. After constant insistence on the sheer awesomeness of this book and the countless times I've been told to just read the damn thing, I finally have. And I went into the book with an equal sense of high expectations and a bit of stubborn skepticism. On both fronts I have been generously not disappointed.

First of all, this book is highly entertaining, the most of any book in my recent memory. It is rare to find a page-turner of this magnitude and like many books of the same breed, it draws this from its narrative. This Romance novel is dangerously addictive with its sensual tale and dark tone, it appeals to the inner romantic and emotive of any normal-brained adolescent (myself included). It is, however, by and large a girl's book. Not that open-minded testosterone induced individuals cannot enjoy it, I did immensely, but this was done by a woman and it clearly shows. The hero is a girl, and not only that, but a rather plain girl. Bella then falls in love with Edward, a vampire who by the most Estrogen-filled chance is a complete stud. If anything, this is by part an ode to one of a perfect female fantasy of falling in love with a mysterious and very dark stranger who is handsome and powerful beyond belief.

That brings us to what works perfectly. The first part, and by large a majority of the book, deals with Bella's descent into a dark, romantic and very dangerous world. How Stephanie handles Bella's teenage mindset, the stages of her falling in love from outright denial and hate to the point of sheer unconditional love, is so well made that it makes every page gush with suspense even when there's absolutely nothing happening. The author's expert use of the senses in her narrative, her masterful grasp of the teenage mindset and even a dash of old school irony borrowed heavily from Meyer's obvious love of the classics all contribute to an expertly told tale of macabre romance. And there's barely a drop of blood for the majority of the novel. All this tells a lot of the narrative work and the excellent conversation handling.

But then for all its undeniable appeal, it has its downside. The hyped finale is both predictable and abrupt, not to mention the pumped up pacing horribly shatters the slow dark build up of much of the book's romantic run. If anything, the delve into death is inevitable to add a sense of conflict and danger, but the handling of it is by far different from the rest of the book it ends up feeling completely different and quickly concluded, as if as an afterthought. If anything, it acts more like the end of a television episode where you have the feeling of inevitable continuation. While many books deal like that, this one deals so in such a case that it leaves a lot of disappointing conclusions, though a lot of the more interesting unanswered ones leave one wanting much more from the sequel.

Another disappointing turn is the handle on some characters. While most supporting are left ignored, it is the interesting ones that I feel are not given enough room to shine, and those that compromise this group is basically the Vampire family. While some characters are given a side story or two that adds a new dimension, such as the likable Alice, most feel more like missed opportunities such as Jasper and Rosalie who are both hinted at more conflict yet are never pushed to the extent beyond that of a character caricature. Speaking of which, the heroine herself, Bella, is by far a mixed element. While I applaud the exert handle on her for a majority of the issue, once she starts falling hopelessly in love with Edward she becomes highly annoying. You could excuse her sheer addiction for Edward's constant presence from time to time, one may even forgive her for thinking just about him just about every single page, but once this starts to pan out for the last quarter of the novel's run, it ruins a lot of the character build up she's had done on the first part of the book. In other words, she starts off as a responsible, smart and stubborn teenage girl and ends up a love-sick puppy with no sense of self worth. I know characters are supposed to change and evolve through the stories, but this is ridiculous, she feels like a completely different person by the end of it.

But all these, I suppose are excusable for now, just because of how well the story is driven into one's cranium. Despite its several flaws, and a few major one here and there, this story leaves one frantic and driven to know more about this dark world in Forks, despite the inevitable conclusion that, yes, you can probably guess what occurs in the next chapter. If anything, this is an ode to masterful storytelling that is entertaining beyond praise. It is no wonder that the book is so ridiculously popular, its appeal is just both so unique and yet so natural. A definite must-read for anyone looking for something to delve to in those long lonely nights.

7.5 out of 10


Quick COMIC Bashes

Wolverine # 62-65 (Get Mystique)
Written by Jason Aaron/ Pencils by Ron Garney


One of the best interpretations of the two characters ever, period. From the intricate look at their pasts to the mind-blowing confrontation between these two legendary characters, the handle on the interaction between the two is just spotless and highly entertaining. Now that Sabertooth is dead and rotting, I am really rooting for Mystique to take his place as Logan's arch-rival. This great book just shows that it's a match made in heaven. P.S. Garney's sketchy art is bot unique and highly addictive. While unremarkable at first, it grows on you to the point that you can't quite get enough of it.
10/10

Invincible Iron Man # 1
Written by Matt Fraction/ Pencils by Salvador Larroca


Awesome. It is clear that with the success of the blockbuster film, Marvel has decided to delve back a bit on what truly makes Tony Stark such a likable character. From his playboy mannerisms to his witty charm, this book molds the good old Stark with his more modern role as S.H.I.E.L.D Director. Better yet, it even plays up old school spasms withe Ezekiel Stane, son of the movie's villian Obadiah Stane, taking up the role as Iron Man's rival in the Iron suit business.

10/10

Batman # 676 (R.I.P.)
Written by Grant Morrison / Pencils by Tony Daniel


Is it just me or is every comic I've been getting so good it merits a ten? This is yet another one, not that R.I.P has begun, everyone is dying to know how Morrison is planning to kill of the Dark Knight. This book is more like a prologue more than anything else, and serves as a jumping point for any new readers and as a refresher for all the old ones. While books like these are usually boring, nothing Grant manages to do ever comes across as that. Besides, the spectacular and creepy finale more than merits the high score I give it now. Really, that ending is just so insane, I still have goosebumps right now. Joker is the bomb.

10/10

REVIEW: 27 Dresses, Kite Runner (book)

27 DRESSES
Directed by Anne Fletcher
Starring Katherine Heigl, James Marsden

Chick flicks are among the most difficult to review, mostly due to the fact that I've got male organs. So whenever a girl asks me whether I liked a certain chick flick and I reply no, they always just shrug and toss it off as because I'm a guy.
Well, it's a wrong assumption. Sure, many chick flicks in the past I've gone from dislike to pure outright hatred and spite. Some are good enough only as toilet paper for my cat. I long for the good old days when movies like Pretty Woman, When Harry met Sally, Runaway Bride and My Best Friend's Wedding dominated the screen.But that doesn't mean I don't know how to appreciate them, but the fact remains that these days, most chick flicks aren't just that well made.
27 Dresses is no exception, although thankfully it does not fall into the pits of CHicky Hell. It's a movie that falls so flat in the center of mediocrity that it is a frustratingly hear-tugging chore simply to write a fitting review for it.
You see, 27 Dresses falls victim to the except same mistakes that many of the embarrassments of its genre, it follows the formula so faithfully you'd think it was a self-mutilating albino monk. Meaning, from the very start to the end if you were to try to predict what's next, chances are you're right 90% of the time.
Every scene has the sense of de ja vu, the been there, seen that feel and the lack of any true writing or directorial force guarantees its exclusion from the good category.
But now for the good thing, and yes it's mostly a singular thing. The movie IS thankfully a bit entertaining. Katherine Heigl and James Marsden both give charming, if not astounding, performances and several scenes manage to bring out a chuckle and even a roar here and there. Meaning as a movie, it isn't boring. Yes, that's pretty much as big a compliment as I can give it. And really, what else is there to say? While it does strike some great emotions for love, it falls flat in light of greater aspects, this is a chick flick that does what it does, nothing more and nothing less. Although I must say, this movie may proves more so that both leads make entertaining characters as Heigl has proven in Knocked Up and James in Enchanted.

6 out of 10

KITE RUNNER
Written by Khaled Hosseini

This is a review I'll keep short, mostly because if I allow myself to ramble on about how much I loved the book, you'll most likely be reading the end of this review at the end of your scroll bar.
Needless to say, I loved it. No love is to weak a word. This is a book that upon completion, you know, you just know, that had it been a different era, this book would be a great classic of the ages.
It passes through many aspects: betrayal, honor, guilt, war, hope, love, friendship, family, culture... just about every damn thing but not once did the story seem convoluted or scrambled. Rather, the narrative flows seamlessly with vibrant storytelling filled with emotions at each perfect note.
The story centers around two Afghan boys, the rich well-to-do Amir and his Hazara slave boy and best friend Hassan. How Khaled portrays these two boys, and ust about every character in the book brings them to life in incredibly complex and realistic manner, but never to the point that one loses sight of who they are supposed to be.
This book is mostly a book of life, although be warned that there is much death in this tale. It's a master craft of the horrors of human nature and the limitless tragedy. From the plight of the people to the main characters' lives as they struggle through every obstacle thrown at them.
If there is one thing I did not fully love, it was the ending, which gave me little sense of satisfaction, but even that I understand and applaud. It isn't an ending of great satisfaction, maybe, but it is an ending that gives a sense of closure to the point that this is reality, in a way it's just the way it is. Khaled knows this, and he's not afraid to drive his tale around.
Amir in the book is a writer of sorts, and his best talent lays in the sense of irony in his tales. Khaled is then understandable a master of it as well, and it shows all throughout, screaming literary genius with each chapter.
This is a book of great wealth, and deserves a definite read for anyone looking for a masterpiece.

10 out of 10

Review : The Book Thief

One small fact: You are going to die.

This peek into the contents of the book, more than anything els (counting the mesmerizing cover) made me want to read this book. As much as I know what they say... don't judge a book by it's cover, sometimes it just can't be helped. Upon reading the synopsis, or what little of it is there at the back, I expected the contents to be lavished with unique writing and I expected a tale of beauty, tragedy and life. I am then lucky that this time around, my first impression wasn't debunked.

At first, the premise of Death being the narrator seemed as promising as it was enticing. And the initial human characterization seems spot on. He even delivers many of the memorable quote s throughout the book (though sadly it loses its magic halfway), including the haunting last line. While this seemed to me the initial short-sleeve trick the book had to offer, by a third way one could generally forget our unique narrator and it would do little to decrease the pleasure this book was.

Out heroine, Liesel, loses her family quite early and steals her first book almost just as early. The rest of the events however took their merry old time in coming in. This in a way contributed much to the book's charm. Unlike other books, most chapters did little to advance much of the book's plot but instead focused on many little events that did wonders for the characters. It's not often that I find a character so fleshed out by the first half of the story that no amount of further characterization on the part of the last half could enhance it any further. And while some characters seem more fleshed out than others, it is how they lived life in the small world of little Liesel that bore fruit. Markus Zusak has a narrative so enchanting and mesmerizing that every little detail seems hauntingly beautiful in its own way.




Perhaps one of the greatest flaw as well as strength of Markus' writing is how it uses Death to treat everything so blatantly. This shows us much of our narrator, he's death after all, and while his observations are disturbing and heart-breaking, her regards them with a sense of normality. This is effective, but as an added part of Death's disregard for his own part in the story, bits and parts of the ending is revealed all through out the book. While the ending did hold quite a punch, it was softened up quite a bit by these little hints. While it does characterization and narrative great, it does leave the ending quite wanting when it was already a bit flawed in the first place.

The ending, though anticipated, comes and go like a flash of emotions and blood. I know that is probably the point of the story, for something so evenly paced, it's inevitable that sch an ending, no matter how splendidly written, falters a bit in trying to hook us in mainly because it tried so hard to wrap everything up so fast. I sympathize with the characters, sure, my mind raced in the end, sure, but i could have been made to do so with much greater intensity.

Still, at the very least it doesn't linger too long because as much as the story was well written and paced, lingering on some aspects seemed to start giving off the "I've seen this, move on" feeling a few times. Not I said only a few. Even the lovely narration slightly gets on the nerve on the rarest instances.

The narration, however, is still topnotched. Where else can I get so excited on a basement imaginary boxing match with Adolf Hitler? This book is beautiful in every aspect, and I am completely grateful it caught my eye because it didn't disappoint one bit.

9 out of 10