Archive for the ‘Media TV & Movies’ Category

 

Plot Summary:

Milo Boyd, a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, gets his dream job when he is assigned to track down his bail-jumping ex-wife, reporter Nicole Hurly. He thinks all that’s ahead is an easy payday, but when Nicole gives him the slip so she can chase a lead on a murder cover-up, Milo realizes that nothing ever goes simply with him and Nicole. The exes continually one-up each other – until they find themselves on the run for their lives. They thought their promise to love, honor and obey was tough – staying alive is going to be a whole lot tougher.

What I Thought About It:

1. First, I seriously think Jennifer Aniston’s look is getting old – same gorgeous hair, same type of neutral colored clothes, same everything. No doubt, she LOOKS great but – any change m’dear? It wont hurt.

2. I honestly dont think they have chemistry. Too rough-house for Butler and too understatedly sophisticated Aniston.

3. The story works but if it wasnt the big stars playing the roles, it would have been a flop. Wait – wasn’t it?

I was able to watch FOUR chick flicks in one weekend a few weeks back. And like many other chick flicks I’ve watched – I loved the brainless entertainment which made me laugh and just feel good inside.

Disclaimer: I won’t be reviewing them – I just wanted to point out the things I loved most about each of them. I am bad with chick flicks, I love them all. Suffice to say, when I say it’s bad, it is worse than it is.

The Ugly Truth – I’ve been a fan of Gerard Butler since I saw him at PS I Love You – but I wasn’t as excited about him in this movie. He was just not so hot for me. Katherine Heigl was awesome though, and I love how her OC traits in character just made her more adorable. I didn’t like how the ending was “just that” but over-all, this is one chick flick that girls wouldn’t want to miss. It makes girls dream there is somebody out there who will love them – as cliche as it may seem – “for them”.

Four Christmases – This movie was HILARIOUS!! Vince Vaughn totally owned this movie with all his comedic poker faced punches and how he gets to be toilet papered with embarrassment each time. This movie will elicit laughs but I love how the story has some serious undertones about family and true love. And just to add a bit of a spoiler here: How crazy would it be if one of YOUR parents hooked up and married your CHILDHOOD BEST FRIEND!?

When In Rome – This was a totally forgetful movie, but Kristen Bell’s outfits more than made up for it – and Josh Duhamel’s physique. Hmm….I think I just breezed through this movie!

The Back Up Plan – This will bring tears to your eyes!! Seriously I loved this movie!!It made me yearn for a man (well, not as if I am unsatisfied with mine, FYI) who will love me all the way – I haven’t seen this actor from all the movies I saw because I would have notice. He was really attractive here, definitely Mr. Prince Charming material (you should quote some of his dialogue here – so very Aidan in SATC – You broke my heart!). His character was cute and cuddly and just – WOW. J.Lo looks too beautiful to be pregnant but somehow she always works it – her movies have never failed to be favorites of mine, surprisingly.

I’ve got more books and more movies this week – somehow I have managed to control not working into the early hours of the morning and just allow my brain to heal from over thinking (I am taking vitamin supplements just so you know!)– so I watch a chick flick or read a chick lit book (haha!) so that I my bran can shut down itself normally.

Have a great week!

Fire and Ice

Who will she choose?

After I watched the movie I had to re-read Eclipse and Breaking Dawn because I was suffering from post-giddyness syndrome I think. I needed to apply night creams to prevent dark circles from appearing.I think it’s fine I post some spoilers now as most of my friends have seen it already. As what I’ve said with New Moon this movie was really for the fans. It was surprising though that so many liked it better than the first two movies and it was interesting to note that those who liked it more never read the book – I guess Summit has been taking tips.

Anyway, I have so many comments and I will try to make things cohesive and brief to the point. My  most favorite scenes were (in chronological order):

1. When Jacob steals a kiss from Bella – this was when things start to get exciting. Edward’s angry retort was ridiculously hot, I don’t know why. Maybe because he wasn’t reeling his emotions in and not looking constipated and about to go to the loo?

The dialogue that made me pinch my husband:
Edward: “Next time you kiss her you better ask permission first.”
Jacob: “Don’t worry the next time it happens she will ask me!”

2. The bedroom scene where Bella takes advantage of the new bed at Edward’s room. THERE.ARE.NO.WORDS. Literally. Heehee. Hot schtuff.

3. The tent scene. I think this was the highlight of the movie with Jacob’s dialogue: “Admit I am hotter than you are.” It also sums up how Jacob and Edward’s love for Bella differed – Jacob’s love is wild, impulsive, passionate. Edward’s was steady, true, unselfish. My heart ached for Edward here. Especially the morning after.

You could see it in his eyes.

4. All the meadow scenes. Edward so gorgeous here.

You would not even think of getting a diet pill comparison for your diet pills or anything else when you watch this Disney Classic. I want to be able to collect all the toys featured – soon, when I have that house I can call my own with a room I can display my collectibles.

I think Toy Story really nailed the song. You would NOT be able to remember the movie whenever you hear the song You’ve Got a Friend in Me.

We got to see this in film. There is no way on Earth my kids could have forgiven me if we didn’t. They enjoyed it to bits. In fact, I won’t even give it a review because you will only hear applauses and an occasional sob from me. It trumps my most favorite Disney movie – Beauty and the Beast. Now, that is saying something.

In fact, it has gotten excellent reviews at Rotten Tomatoes:

Toy Story 3 is now the second-best reviewed film ever on Rotten Tomatoes,

with a 99% "Fresh" score. 149 reviews have been counted, 147 positive to 2 negative or "Rotten". This is quite an achievement. Everyone at Pixar, starting with director Lee Unkrich, should be very proud of what they accomplished.

The t

wo negative reviews published today, however, cost ‘TS3′ it’s perfect 100% "Fresh" score and the title of "Best Reviewed Film of All Time" on RT, still held by predecessor Toy Story 2 after eleven years.

Read more about Toy Story 3 tidbits from the Pixar Blog.

‘Toy Story 3’ trivia, courtesy of Pixar:

Fun facts

• Director Lee Unkrich edited the first two “Toy Story” films, and co-directed “Toy Story 2.” He also served as a film editor on “Toy Story 3.”

• “Toy Story 3” Producer Darla K. Anderson is the namesake for the character Darla in “Finding Nemo.”

• Director Lee Unkrich performs one line in the movie, as the voice of the Jack in the Box character who says “New Toys!” when Woody, Buzz and the gang first arrive at Sunnyside.

• On January 15, 2010, the final day for many of the 58-person animation crew, director Lee Unkrich led a mini-marching band through the studio composed of two snare drummers, two bass drummers, two giant monkeys and a Yeti.

• 17 animators on “Toy Story 3” also worked on animation for “Toy Story 2.” Four animators worked on the animation for all three “Toy Story” films.

• 92,854 storyboards were drawn over the course of the film, and of those, about half (45,516) were delivered to the editorial department. Editorial turned those storyboards into eight different “Milestone Screenings” that were shown to the Pixar Brain Trust while the film was in development.

• There are 302 total characters in the film.

Hidden facts

Read the rest of this entry »

I know this is really, REALLY late. But I need to post my two cents. While I enjoyed the movie, I would still prefer SATC1 over it. I feel that the movie is like a season episode of the SATC TV series and that the UAE experience was one big advertisement/fashion show/tourism advocacy.

Don’t get me wrong, you would still enjoy it. There are more marriage issues though so single ladies might not be able to relate. A few observations though:
1. They made sure Mr. Big redeemed himself big time here.

2. Charlotte and Miranda are two mommies I can so relate to. You need too see the scene where they get exchange mommy confessions!

3. Samantha is someone I want to be when I turn 50 – AGELESS. I am even willing to take safe diet pills!

4. Carrie here is like Carrie in the SATC series, indecisive, fickle – but she catches up and “matures”

 

And yes, Aidan is here. It is the twist we were all waiting for – but don’t worry, this has a happy ending!

 

Now that Glee is done with its season finale (more on that post later), I am going to be busy catching up the latest season of Grey’s Anatomy. There was so much sensationalized twits about its season ender that I have decided to not watch it in full not until I have fully downloaded all episodes from the season. And it may take a while. I remember the first time I watched Grey’s they were on their third season already (Yes, I am a late bloomer) and I finished all three seasons in a week – I didn’t do anything but watch TV!

I love watching medical related drama shows. I loved ER. I also love how they have put a spotlight on medical scrubs and uniforms and make them look so glamorous! Not that the nursing profession isn’t look fashionable lately. ScrubsandBeyond.com recently came up with their new summer collection of Koi Prints and I am so impressed! I can bet that nurses wearing those nursing uniforms aren’t even mistaken for nurses when they are out – they look like they are going to a nice slumber party or a picnic! The usual nurses shoes even have taken a spin and became fashionable clogs! Look at all the lovely prints: It’s a great time to be a nurse!

I cannot wait to do some Grey’s marathon watching after I finish work this week!

 

I went into a movie watching spree last week. I didn’t know what came into me but I was so lazy to work, so I watched movies and read books instead. It’s an interesting trade as I now have things to blog about! I wish watched these movies in a 42” Samsung HDTV but no such luck. Maybe this Christmas!

Here are the movies I have watched and will blog about in the days to come:
1. Four Christmases
2. The Ugly Truth
3. When in Rome
4. The Back Up Plan

I have watched two movies this month in the big screen – that is such a HUGE thing for me, me who watches movies from downloaded torrents all the time.

I believe I haven’t blogged about them yet: Sex and The City 2 and Toy Story 3. The movie is as different as night and day and yet I have enjoyed them both to bits. Whether it’s about Carrie’s shoes or her issues with sparkles in her marriage or Woody’s love for Andy, Buzz’s flamenco dance steps and his custom tail lights – they both have something unique to give to me so I can remember them by.

I also finished Jodi Picoult’s Keeping Faith and am now starting Candance Bushnells’ Carrie Diaries. I will update you as soon I finish blogging about them.

It has been a week and I only got to blog about the AMAZING Glee Season Finale last week. It makes me sad knowing it’s a Wednesday and there is no new GLEE episode for me to gleek about, but I find comfort in the fact that I can watch the 22 episodes again and again (and again).

While most viewers were raving about Glee’s performance of the Journey Medley for Regionals:

I was crying over their rendition of “To Sir With Love” – that one is veeerrrry nice.

Matthew Morrison’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” comes a close second:

 

My two favorite men from the show (it actually varies a LOT – but Mr. Shue is a constant!):

And even though Jesse is openly gay and in real life he is BFFs with Lea Michelle, you gotta admit these two have such chemistry on screen, even better with Finn.

It was a very good season and I would like to see how they will play out Season 2. Word has it that they conducted auditions for casting at MySpace.com – it seems a great way for employment screening and doing some PR too! Will Mr. Shue finally get on with Emma? Will Sue Sylvester change? What about Kurt and his Dad and his Dad’s relationship with Finn’s mother? Will Britney finally get a solo?

And I know – all questions also navigate towards Puck and Quinn and their baby girl named Beth adopted by Rachel’s mother.

6 Degrees anyone?

 

 

I watched Sex and City 2 last weekend and while I prefer the first movie I still enjoyed the second installation of the series I “grew up” with. It took a step up in the marriage department and I honestly think it tackled a usual stepping stone or stumbling block (whichever you would like to think of it) in a usual, marriage: the loss of sparkles (romance, you can call it). It is every marriage’s usual growing pain.

They also made sure to redeem Mr. Big in the movie – and well, you just have to watch it or else I might end up giving away spoilers.

Carrie Bradshaw-Preston gave her husband a Rolex watch for their anniversary (while she got a huge plasma TV in their bedroom). It was a vintage 1968 Rolex watch engraved with "Me and You, Just Us Two". Rolex watches are on top of the premium luxury watches and is considered a status symbol and a wise investment. Rolex is also the largest single luxury watch brand, producing about 2,000 watches per day, with estimated revenues of around US$3 billion according to Wikipedia!

Chris Noth (Mr.Big) wears the IWC’s Classic Pilot’s Watch Chronograph in one of the scenes too.

You can see it up close here:

Who would have thought that Mr.Big knew a thing or two about marriages when he has gone through his nth divorce? He must have loved Carrie that much to be able to do the whole marriage thing again.

And the black diamond is just too much

If you have seen (and enjoyed) the movie, you would know which scenes are these right away.

See it here!

Disney comes up with their own version of Rapunzel called Tangled.

After a retooling, the film will be based again on the literary origins of the famous fairy tale, in the veins of Classics like "Snow White" and "Cinderella": described as a traditional, character-driven fairy tale it will speak to a modern audience, with a different new style of its own.

Mandy Moore plays the lead – I have to reserve judgment on that one!

And I am getting depressed!

I can’t wait to find out what happened to the adorable Puss In Boots. How can he go from the dashing cat with the hat to the one you see in the picture? It seems not only do Shrek and Fiona need fat burners but Puss too!

We can’t squeeze the movie into our jampacked weekend schedules – my heart tells me we can’t watch it without the Dad. Maybe next week (but I have a date with the girlfriends on Saturday!)

You should have expected that I was going to post this, right?

I am sure most of you have watched it already so I am going to tell you the points in the episode which rocked:

1. Quinn looks so lovely with her Gaga outfit. BEAUTIFUL.
2. Kurt takes the spotlight this week. Love his/her acting and his/her Gaga performance. Too bad the jocks might have had a dose of too much testosterone cream
3. Dad’s Kurt
4. Santan’s rocking Gaga outfit AND her voice in the Bad Romance song.
5. Puck steals the show from Finn and Shue in my eyes when he sang Beth.

I am getting depressed thinking it will only be two episodes for this season!

After watching The Ugly Truth just a few days ago, I realize I really want to ride a hot air balloon soon. You need to see it so you can understand where I am coming from but it is safe to say that it is one of the highlights of the movie.

While the movie shot on location somewhere, I would prefer to ride a Sedona hot air balloon ride over Arizona because the view and landscape is simply more stunning! Imagine riding on a Sedona hot air balloon just before sunrise – you get to see the rocky terrains of the Arizona dessert in all its fiery glory! Sedona hot air balloon rides are being given by Sky High Balloon Adventures. Imagine riding a hot air balloon like this:

The tour consists mainly of these:

The Take Off:
They only have rides during sunrise so you will be expected to drive off to the launch site to meet with your pilot early in the morning.

The Ride:
Watch the sunrise during your ascent, after a gentle lift-off, you’ll be gliding over the Verde Valley.

The Landing:
Once you land, a commemorative picnic and chase crew awaits you. The pilot will then give you a history of ballooning and present you will a commemorative certificate of your flight.

The tour lasts three to four hours with the flight lasting anywhere between one and one and a half hours depending on the wind and the pilot’s discretion.

I was able to get the soundtrack from Glee’s episode “The Power of Madonna” the other week. Now it is always on repeat. I really like how they are letting Sue Sylvester sing in almost every episode now. I also like how they are letting Kurt and Mercedes into the Cheerios and how Sue is pressuring Mercedes to lose weight (and be desperate enough to try apidexin)

Here is the track, I will be getting Glee Volume III (The Unstoppables) soon

1.     "Express Yourself"      
2.     "Borderline / Open Your Heart"      
3.     "Vogue"  
4.     "Like a Virgin" (featuring Jonathan Groff)    
5.     "4 Minutes"  
6.     "What It Feels Like for a Girl"      
7.     "Like a Prayer" (featuring Jonathan Groff)
8.     "Burning Up"

Iron man is out today and we are contemplating if we will have our date night watching movies or dining out. Sadly, we cannot have both – as we can only leave our kids to the sitter for a short period of time. I have seen the stills of Iron Man and oh my, Scarlett Johansen is HOT HOT HOT!!!!

In two weeks (Or more), I will be watching Carrie and the girls with my girls. I hope it pushes through. I think this movie is better watched in the comforts of fellow girlfriends

My family are huge movie buffs, that when we finally have our own house, I wouldn’t even contest if my husband would want a specific room for family movies – complete with a huge flat TV screen and sound surround. But while it remains a dream, we need to save more (and fast) so we can see it happening within two years. I have been advised to buy silver bullion by friends as it seems to have replaced stocks and bonds as the greatest thing to invest in these days. Silver and gold have always been in demand, never have depreciated and is as good as cash. Monex offers bullions or bars if you are interested.

 

Of course, this blog needs its dose of vampires and werewolves with the Eclipse movie so close to showing! This movie should be a good one as I loved Book 3 among the Twilight saga. It remains to be my most favorite among the three. The tent scene (where there is no mattress I assume) should be a good one OR ELSE I WILL BE SO ANGRY AT THIS MOVIE’s DIRECTOR Hehehe.

So where will you go? Run with the werewolves or side with the vampires?
My heart stays with Edward on this one but Jacob is one tough act to beat.

Here’s the official movie overview from Fandango:

Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob — knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella is confronted with the most important decision of her life.

Here’s the official movie trailer:

Popout
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Movie Trailer

 

I immediately downloaded the movie when a fellow blogger mentioned how her brother cried so much while watching it.

I haven’t really blogged about it but we have a new addition to the family. He is a mixed breed – black and white, and hasn’t got my tall genes. He is a dog named Scamp, a present from “Santa” for the kids.

I figured it will our Family Movie last Saturday (We try to watch one movie as a family) and it was nice. I was touched – but that goes to show how much a non-dog lover I am. The husband though cried buckets. He cried twice.

And now my son wants a big dog and he will name him Hachiko. Niiiiiiiice.

The husband wants an akita dog (a royal breed of dogs for Japanese) and wants him named Hachi.

 

Here is the synopsis:

An American adaptation of a Japanese tale about a loyal dog named Hachiko. This very special friend would accompany his master to the train station every day and return each afternoon to greet him after work (Too bad the station doesn’t have nice patio furniture like at his master’s house!). Sadly his master departs one day, passes away and never returns to the station. Hachiko faithfully returns to the same spot at the station the very next day, and every day for the next nine years to wait for his beloved master. During his daily visits, Hachiko touches the lives of many who work near and commute through the town square. He teaches the local people love, compassion and above all unyielding loyalty. Today, a bronze statue of Hachiko sits in his waiting spot outside the Shibuya station in Japan as a permanent reminder of his devotion and love.

I know – where have I been all this time. But I have always been behind in trends. I read books that have been read by 90% of people I know. I listen to songs that 8 weeks behind, and watch seasons when DVDs of them come out. I might as well open merchant account for all the past books I’ve been hoarding, they are collectibles already!

Glee is High School Musical corni-fied for me. But I still love it! Who doesn’t want the mini-musicals you see in each episode? And while everybody drools over Finn and Puck, I am setting my eyes on the geek himself, high school teacher Will Schuester! Have you see him dance (he is like an older, geekier version of JT for me!).

I am not one eager beaver to watch this movie, I have to admit. I was never a fan of Tim Burton films, they are just dark and gothic for me. But my eldest wanted to (he actually has a lit of movies he needs to see in the big screen this year) so we just had to oblige.

Surprisingly, it was OK – not something I’d rave about, as I would be content to just wait for the DVD to be out so I can watch it at home, but it is something worth seeing. As with all Burton films, visual appeal holds more interest than dialogue and costume and cinematic details were outstanding.

 

You can clearly see how each character has been well thought-of and carried to perfection but the story line was pretty simple and carried straightforward. I actually do not get Mad Hatter’s dancing like he has no joints (joint supplements) but all for the good of the movie I suppose!

Alice in Wonderland is a fun ride that you wouldn’t mind getting on once, but you’d hold off until the DVD to get on again. The performances are great, the music is fantastic, the visuals are polished, but the story is essentially the same. It’s the same Alice she’s just in a new outfit. But even though it’s not the greatest movie it’s still worth a viewing and the youngsters will definitely enjoy it.

< Set in 1920s New Orleans and playing on the fairy tale of the princess kissing a frog to turn him into a prince, the film centers on Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) who doesn’t have time for princes or frogs or kisses as she works non-stop so she can afford to open her own restaurant.  Unfortunately, she ends up kissing Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos) because he’s a talking frog prince and, mistaking her for a princess, asks her to make him human again.  This would be fine (and a very short movie) except the popular fairy tale fails to mention that if you’re not a princess and you kiss a cursed frog-prince, you’ll turn into a frog too.  It’s that damned magical legalese.  The two are forced to travel across the bayou together to find voodoo priestess Mama Odie (Jenifer Lewis) in the hopes that she can turn them human again.  The proceedings are decorated with fun music and amusing supporting characters.  This is the Disney animated movie you know and love, but even better.

1. I am quite disappointed that for a first African American Disney Princess, Tiana actually spends more than half of a movie as a frog.

2. That being said, I just love how strong her character is, representative of just how modern day women have become.

3. Disney does it again, teaching social lessons to kids. I love how they represented hard work in poverty.

4. The music is the best thing about the movie, for me.

- “Never Knew I Needed” – Ne-Yo
- “Down in New Orleans (Prologue)” – Anika Noni Rose
- “Down in New Orleans” – Dr. John
- “Almost There” – Anika Noni Rose
- “Friends on the Other Side” – Keith David
- “When We’re Human” – Michael Leon-Wooley, Bruno Campos and Anika Noni Rose featuring Terence Blanchard on Trumpet
- “Gonna Take You There” – Jim Cummings featuring Terrance Simien on Accordion
- “Ma Belle Evangeline” – Jim Cummings featuring Terence Blanchard on Trumpet
- “Dig a Little Deeper ” – Jenifer Lewis featuring the Pinnacle Gospel Choir
- “Down in New Orleans (Finale)” – Anika Noni Rose
- “Fairy Tale/Going Home” – Score
- “I Know This Story” – Score
- “The Frog Hunters/Gator Down” – Score
- “Tiana’s Bad Dream” – Score
- “Ray Laid Low” – Score
- “Ray/Mama Odie” – Score
- “This Is Gonna Be Good” – Score

Source: Walt Disney Records

I just want to be accountable and make sure I post.

Books:
1. Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
2. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Movies
1. Princess and the Frog
2. Avatar
3. Sherlock Holmes
4. Tooth Fairy
5. Alice in Wonderland (this was our first family movie in theater. My three year old loved it! I was hoping it would be a Disney movie as her first movie in a theater – never imagined it would be a Tim Burton movie!)