Between a Humanitarian, a Former Prime Minister and A Comical Couple

The Book of Eli

Saw this last week. I have to say I’m impressed with the post-war futuristic yet apocalyptic and grim setting of the movie. In some common Hollywood movie, we will get a visual satisfaction of what the future would be, and certainly not the one captured in this movie. That is what makes this movie interesting. The idea of "The Book of Eli" is to rebuild society, but who will carry those ideas? The clash between Eli (Denzel W) and Carnegie (Gary Oldman) is quite interesting to watch. As Eli, Denzel’s performance is impeccable. Oldman is a remarkable actor, we are all aware of that. But to see him in this movie is to be aware that he allocates his entire spirit and personality for this role (Carnegie). I can’t stop observing his performance and I think it’s inimitable.

Lastly, I like the movie partly because it is a reminder to us human, not to waste things, to have a respect for objects we threw away, we might need them someday.

One particular quote I remember from the movie: "Before, people had more than they needed. They threw away things that people would kill for now.”

Verdict: 4.2 out of 5

The Ghost Writer

The movie is directed by Roman Polanski. Couple of years ago, he was quite famous.... for being a pedophile. For some time we seem to forget the great director behind the man. His latest big movie was The Pianist, gain Oscar nomination, but not quite as entertaining as Rosemary's Baby. It was my favorite Polanski movie by far.

Well.... I think the great director is back. Now I can remember him as the Director of Rosemary's Baby. As RB, I can also describe The Ghost Writer as a dark thriller. It's a dark political thriller and it gave me an unsettling feeling, through the uncertain nature of conspiracy. The movie was made with precision, supported by a great cast and a creepy atmosphere, Polanski left no detail unattended. The story centers around a politician and his support for America, or should I say his service to America to follow and back up whatever its direction lead him. Was Mr. Polanski inspired by the “love” story between Tony Blair and GWB? I think so. It’s a brave subject to begin with, Mr. Polanski. (I think I'm going to see Rosemary's Baby for the umpteenth times). Verdict: 4.5 out of 5.

Date Night

I'm very critical of comedies, so the fact that I giggled throughout the movie is a good sign. I like Tina Fey, so I took a chance on it. I didn’t like Steve Carrell, I always thought he looked stupid, but this movie proved me wrong. Still not loving him, but I have to admit he is a good comedian. They both are and they had great chemistry. The plot is silly, but the dialogue was hilarious. I would put this in the "dumb movies that are funny" category. I'd recommend it.

Verdict: 3.7 out of 5

What Are Your Guilty Pleasures?

I am now inside my room, browsing the internet and blogging...... wearing a very loose batik daster/caftan (it's like a caftan made of batik) while listening to Britney Spears' Toxic and other songs on my guilty pleasures play list.

Sooo..... what is a guilty pleasure anyway? How do you define that? I found myself having a hard time putting it into words, so I turned to yet another guilty pleasure: the internet. Dictionary.com and Wikipedia came up blank on the concept. Google didn't acknowledge it as a whole concept (define: guilty; define: pleasure).

So, I just have to come up with my own definitions:
1. Guilty pleasures are things that I like but having a hard time admitting to anyone.
2. Guilty pleasures are songs that I listen to (i.e. Britney, NKOTB) but sure as hell wouldn't wear their t-shirt in public.
3. Guilty pleasures are things that I enjoy doing although I know it's baaaaaad for me.
4. Guilty pleasures are things that I enjoy but ashamed to admit.
5. Etc.

Hah!! Talking about music taste, this is really not my taste (for most of the times). But I have to say I secretly enjoy listen to these songs when I'm feeling kinda crappy. What are the others? Well... to name a few: The right stuff by NKOTB (^_^), Material Girl by Madonna and Boyzone's No Matter What.

Daster/Caftan
And I'm not yet getting into the daster/caftan part. It's really really a comfy piece of clothes, as I can eat whatever I want while wearing it.


Food
Ok, so I don't have a hard time admitting that I like oily and very spicy belacan fried rice (with sunny side egg) and cakes, but I have a hard time feeling good after finishing a big plate of fried rice and later a thick slice of choco fudge cake, accompanied by mocha ice blend, with extra whipped cream. Peanuts, chocolate and ice creams are my weaknesses. I enjoy life a tad too much sometimes.

Music & Film
The likes of Britney and NKOTB for sure. Also a little Air Supply and The Bee Gees (shock right?). I also have a whole box set of Jane Austen Romance Movies. My favorite is Pride & Prejudice.

I have six versions of Pride & Prejudice Movies:
1. 1940 BW version starring Greer Garson and Lawrence Olivier (my fave version).

2. 1980 AE version (downloaded from the internet)

3. 1995 BBC version starring Colin Firth (my least fave - bought the box set in Lahore, Pakistan in 2004). I think Jennifer Ehle is too cynical and serious, kinda ruin the Lizzie character.

4. 2003 Indian version starring Aishwarya Rai

5. 2003 modern version (downloaded)
6. 2005 version starring Keira Knightley and Matt McFadyen (I have to say he's my favorite Mr. Darcy, he gave me mixed emotions: anger, annoyance, excitement, compassion and love)

Apart from movies, Grey's Anatomy and Vampire Diaries are my current TV obsession. Heroes used to be one, but the show become so ugly it's no longer a guilty pleasure, more like a public annoyance, like Sinetron.

Books
I like historical romance novels.... yeah. Jane Austen's I enjoy, but not exactly embarrassed to admit. I like the cheesy ones. There. I said it. This is one of 'em.