My first reaction to the she said / he said scandal was o_0?!
I feel so bad for JM. After a year of problems with CNR, the last thing he needs is a scandal right before his Korean comeback. I thought it was going to be just another "Are they dating?" netizen rumors based on their friendship from collaborations on Royal Avenue, Destination, and Not Alone. But it was so much worse. She said many things that painted JM as a cold, manipulative man who used her.
Obviously I side with JM (not just because I'm his fan but also because I seriously think he may just be gay ^^;), but she sounded genuinely hurt, so giving her the benefit of the doubt and feeling sorry for her pain, I'd say it was all just a big misunderstanding. I imagine it'd be easy to fall for and think you're in a relationship with JM when he's so friendly, sweet, almost cuddly with his friends (male and female). And I'd understand if you suddenly felt abandoned and betrayed when he becomes unavailable because he's busy (drama in Taiwan, dispute in Korea, debut in Japan) or he's feeling kinda low and keeping to himself and his family (I do that). Ironically though, I thought it strange that he was seen hanging out with friends (including SHM) more often than with his SS501 brothers, so actually I sympathize with her frustration and loneliness, missing him as TripleS do. >_>;
But! Some people have pointed out that she has no reason to go public with this private matter after all this time, espeically right as JM is planning his comeback. It may be a bit cliche to blame the big bad agency that JM left and sued, but honestly, I am a bit wary of angry execs from powerful companies like Comic Ritz which can make or break a career if they want to. =X
In any case, no one knows the truth except them, but I like that JM responded to the scandal like a gentleman and didn't humiliate or insult her like she tried to do to him. His new agency could've called her a liar, attention-grabber, or crazy woman, but they calmly chalked it up to a misunderstanding. JM admitted they were close friends, apologized for the misunderstanding, and took the high road, focusing on his music and his fans.
I really hope they can work it out as mature adults and stay friends. And I wish for JM's comeback to be successful and not negatively affected by this sensationalized news. *sigh*
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
Well, shit.
Got into a minor car accident today, and of course, it was my fault. --______--;;;
(personal entry, just skip)
(personal entry, just skip)
Saturday, July 28, 2012
The Dark Knight Rises - A
Despite insanely high expectations for the conclusion of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy--and although dampened by the horrific tragedy of the Aurora, Colorado theater shooting--The Dark Knight Rises proved to be just as epic, exciting, and emotional as fans hoped. Grade: A.
When plans to watch a midnight screening of TDKR fell through, I thought about watching it the next morning, but then I woke up to the tragic news about the Aurora shooting and was extremely saddened by the senseless attack and loss of life. I teared reading the stories of the victims, the 6-year-old girl, the Navy officer, the girl who had survived one shooting only to die at another, the man who died on his birthday and right before his first-year anniversary, and all the other lives. And reading about the shooter's life didn't help make sense of it but only raised more questions. It's hard to wrap one's head around something like this, but I think these express my sentiments best:
But although my anticipation for TDKR was overshadowed by a somber mood (and admittedly, some worry over safety), I still felt I had to go see it opening weekend, so I went with my sisters on Sunday. Many of the film's images and themes on terrorism, armed civilians, and society at war were particularly resonant, as Nolan intended to write about "things that worry us today", but what struck me the most at the end was how he showed the core of what made Batman (or, "anyman") such a compelling story and such a great hero (see above).
Nolan said his goal for TDKR was to combine the romanticism of Batman Begins with the crime thriller of The Dark Knight, and I think he was enormously successful. TDKR mixed BB's evocative sense of myth and legend grounded in reality with TDK's intense drama and disturbingly poignant questions on human nature, society, and justice, and then raised it all up several notches. Although it was 2 hours and 45 minutes long, and did seem, well, long, it didn't feel like it dragged or was over-indulgent with either action or angst. Rather, to me, it felt like I was watching a mini-series where everything was important, well-done, and high-quality, just longer (like Lord of the Rings: Return of the King). Once again, I must praise Nolan and his team for the smart writing of the complex plot with an emotional backbone, on an intimate to epic scale. I'm still amazed with their ambitious vision and the genius execution.
Tom Hardy's Bane was powerful and impressive. I love how Nolan and Hardy played Bane's immensity as well as his intelligence, which make him one of the most dangerous in the Rogues Gallery. The character has never felt more real to me. I wasn't as tense and terrified as I was with Heath Ledger's unpredictably twisted Joker, but I agree with the comparisons that say both villains are frighteningly charismatic in awe-inspiring performances.
I had been skeptical ever since Anne Hathaway was cast as Catwoman, and even more so when I saw her 60s Batman (the television series) look with long brown hair, cheesy mask and ears, and thigh-high boots (with steel stilettos, no less). But, I am pleased to be proven wrong. Hathaway and her catsuit both work really well within the movie. I still would have liked to see Catwoman with short black hair, cat-eye goggles, and combat boots, and especially more sexy Bat/Cat chemistry, but for Nolan's Bat-world, I am satisfied with Catwoman.
I also enjoyed Marion Cotillard's Miranda Tate and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's John Blake. Really good performances and characterizations. (But I was rather miffed that I figured out a major twist a bit early because of one small throwaway detail I read in a minor casting article months ago. >< I had been so careful to avoid news and spoilers, too!)
TDKR has a big cast in a big story, but what I liked best was how it brought it back to Bruce/Batman. With BB, I had been a bit disappointed that Nolan's Bruce more heavily (albeit realistically) relied on Alfred and Lucius for detective work and inventions. Then I thought TDK didn't have enough of "my" Batman, as it focused on the head-to-head confrontation with the Joker. But with TDKR, I felt like it returned to the heart of Batman and his strength as "just a man" but a badass one. (Yes, I cried at the end. ;)
I didn't walk out of the theater with a big smile and lots of excitement like with Avengers. I walked out with a sense of closure and deep affection, thinking, "This is why I love Batman." But it's impossible to say which is "better". Both have fantastic writing, directing, and acting, but with such different tones they might as well be different genres. I was right when I predicted that Avengers would be the perfect fun superhero team movie, while The Dark Knight Rises would be the perfect epic hero film. They're both the best.
But since I love Batman more than any other superhero, I'm actually more critical of Bat-movies than Marvel movies, which I take at face-value without much background or attachment. And I have to say, after all the anticipation and expectations, I have absolutely no complaints about TDKR. It tied up all storylines, completed all character arcs, met all expectations for spectacle for the eyes, stirring of the heart, and stimulation of the mind, and was a fitting conclusion to TDK trilogy. It was, quite possibly, the best Batman movie yet.
When plans to watch a midnight screening of TDKR fell through, I thought about watching it the next morning, but then I woke up to the tragic news about the Aurora shooting and was extremely saddened by the senseless attack and loss of life. I teared reading the stories of the victims, the 6-year-old girl, the Navy officer, the girl who had survived one shooting only to die at another, the man who died on his birthday and right before his first-year anniversary, and all the other lives. And reading about the shooter's life didn't help make sense of it but only raised more questions. It's hard to wrap one's head around something like this, but I think these express my sentiments best:
 |
| via @GeorgeTakei |
 |
| via @DevonCanales |
But although my anticipation for TDKR was overshadowed by a somber mood (and admittedly, some worry over safety), I still felt I had to go see it opening weekend, so I went with my sisters on Sunday. Many of the film's images and themes on terrorism, armed civilians, and society at war were particularly resonant, as Nolan intended to write about "things that worry us today", but what struck me the most at the end was how he showed the core of what made Batman (or, "anyman") such a compelling story and such a great hero (see above).
Nolan said his goal for TDKR was to combine the romanticism of Batman Begins with the crime thriller of The Dark Knight, and I think he was enormously successful. TDKR mixed BB's evocative sense of myth and legend grounded in reality with TDK's intense drama and disturbingly poignant questions on human nature, society, and justice, and then raised it all up several notches. Although it was 2 hours and 45 minutes long, and did seem, well, long, it didn't feel like it dragged or was over-indulgent with either action or angst. Rather, to me, it felt like I was watching a mini-series where everything was important, well-done, and high-quality, just longer (like Lord of the Rings: Return of the King). Once again, I must praise Nolan and his team for the smart writing of the complex plot with an emotional backbone, on an intimate to epic scale. I'm still amazed with their ambitious vision and the genius execution.
Tom Hardy's Bane was powerful and impressive. I love how Nolan and Hardy played Bane's immensity as well as his intelligence, which make him one of the most dangerous in the Rogues Gallery. The character has never felt more real to me. I wasn't as tense and terrified as I was with Heath Ledger's unpredictably twisted Joker, but I agree with the comparisons that say both villains are frighteningly charismatic in awe-inspiring performances.
I had been skeptical ever since Anne Hathaway was cast as Catwoman, and even more so when I saw her 60s Batman (the television series) look with long brown hair, cheesy mask and ears, and thigh-high boots (with steel stilettos, no less). But, I am pleased to be proven wrong. Hathaway and her catsuit both work really well within the movie. I still would have liked to see Catwoman with short black hair, cat-eye goggles, and combat boots, and especially more sexy Bat/Cat chemistry, but for Nolan's Bat-world, I am satisfied with Catwoman.
I also enjoyed Marion Cotillard's Miranda Tate and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's John Blake. Really good performances and characterizations. (But I was rather miffed that I figured out a major twist a bit early because of one small throwaway detail I read in a minor casting article months ago. >< I had been so careful to avoid news and spoilers, too!)
TDKR has a big cast in a big story, but what I liked best was how it brought it back to Bruce/Batman. With BB, I had been a bit disappointed that Nolan's Bruce more heavily (albeit realistically) relied on Alfred and Lucius for detective work and inventions. Then I thought TDK didn't have enough of "my" Batman, as it focused on the head-to-head confrontation with the Joker. But with TDKR, I felt like it returned to the heart of Batman and his strength as "just a man" but a badass one. (Yes, I cried at the end. ;)
I didn't walk out of the theater with a big smile and lots of excitement like with Avengers. I walked out with a sense of closure and deep affection, thinking, "This is why I love Batman." But it's impossible to say which is "better". Both have fantastic writing, directing, and acting, but with such different tones they might as well be different genres. I was right when I predicted that Avengers would be the perfect fun superhero team movie, while The Dark Knight Rises would be the perfect epic hero film. They're both the best.
But since I love Batman more than any other superhero, I'm actually more critical of Bat-movies than Marvel movies, which I take at face-value without much background or attachment. And I have to say, after all the anticipation and expectations, I have absolutely no complaints about TDKR. It tied up all storylines, completed all character arcs, met all expectations for spectacle for the eyes, stirring of the heart, and stimulation of the mind, and was a fitting conclusion to TDK trilogy. It was, quite possibly, the best Batman movie yet.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
On Sexism in Media & Society
Just found the most eloquent explanation of sexism in popular media and society. It's in response to the attempts of women to draw attention to it to improve the situation and the backlash by some men who claim sexism is no longer an issue or that misandry is just as prevalent in media as misogyny. But it is a wonderfully apt analogy for all prejudice and the slow change within the social consciousness.
*slow clap* Very well-said, LadyM! Thank you!
Black_Heart wrote:
If everyone was influenced by and took material from all entertainment as legitimate courses of action for real life, our society couldn't function for obvious reasons. If no one was influenced by anything in entertainment at all, I think we would be at just as much of a loss.
LadyM replied:
Well, here's the thing. It's not so much about any one piece of literature/art having a direct effect (although that does happen on occasion). Like, I feel like you're conceptualizing this as "the idea is if a guy watches one sexist movie he will go home and slap his girlfriend", and that's not really it.
Imagine there is a mosaic made up of one small piece of tile. Except by definition that's not really a mosaic, is it? A mosaic has to make up a bigger picture, made from smaller things.
But let's say five more tiny tiles are added to the mosaic. Then twenty more. A hundred. A thousand. Ten thousand. Now you have enough tiles to make a mosaic. Any one of those tiles is nothing more than a little bit of colored ceramic, and yet when you put them together you can form a definitive picture.
That's what our society is like. That's what our ideas of "normality" and gender relations and race relations and heteronormativity are like. They are built out of a million tiny things. So maybe one video game featuring Syldanian Six-Boobed Slut Warriors or whatever will not have much effect on society. The thing is, there isn't just one video game like that, and that isn't the only place the idea that women are objectified. When people criticize Hillary Clinton's appearance (because male politicians are such hotties, right? Not bloated, liver-spotted, fat old men) . . . that is a little piece of tile. When a comic artist draws kidnapped male Justice League characters in tied up but non-sexy poses, while the kidnapped female Justice League characters are tied up like they're getting geared up for a video session of "Bondage Sluts III" . . . that is a little piece of tile. When someone tells a sexist joke . . . that's a little piece of tile. Look in the comments section of any online news story about a woman being raped and you will find more little bits of tile.
And the defense is always "Well, my piece of tile isn't at fault! It's Society!" It is indeed society that predefines the mosaic, based on the piece of tile that were placed by previous generations; but it's the individual pieces of gossip, art, expectations that fill in that mosaic. Unlike a real mosaic, old bits fall off quite frequently, forgotten by a new generation. Sometimes they are replaced by a new piece that is about the same as the old one; sometimes they are replaced by a new one. Sometimes there's a lot of new pieces at once, like in the 1960s when a bunch of activists took hammers, beat the crap out of that mosaic, and stuck a bunch of new pieces on to radically alter the picture. The point is, if no one starts changing those tiles, small as they may be, the overarching image will never change.
*slow clap* Very well-said, LadyM! Thank you!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
The Avengers - A
Finally saw The Avengers on Thursday! (Well, I say "finally" even though it'd only been a week since it had come out. But in geeky anticipation time, it's a long time. XD I felt like the only geek left who hadn't seen it!) Have to say, it lives up to all the rave reviews. I give The Avengers a solid A.
In the way that Iron Man was the perfect fun, action-packed (but still logical) comic book superhero summer blockbuster, Avengers was the perfect fun, action-packed (but still logical) comic book superhero team summer blockbuster. It was a really enjoyable movie with a sensible plot, good characters/actors, lots of action (but not over-the-top), humor (oh, quippy Whedon), and even romance (good chemistry all around; I love Tony/Pepper).
What impressed me the most was how balanced the movie was. Whedon did a really great job with writing, directing, and editing in order to properly showcase the large team of 7(!) super-egos (and several supporting characters) and make excellent use of the star-studded ensemble cast. @_@ Each hero had their moments, from heroic to funny to badass. And I liked their interaction with each other, both in conflict and bonding, that showed them growing as individuals and as a team. Even the villains felt fleshed-out and entertaining.
Wow, I can't think of anything I disliked about it. Avengers was so good, it made me want to watch all the solo hero movies, in order (fandom OCD). I liked the Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor movies, but I had skipped the Hulk ones because I never found the Hulk interesting until now. Kudos to the Marvel cast and crew for turning this DC comics fangirl into a movie Avengers fan.
That said, even though Iron Man was the perfect "fantastic fun" superhero movie, The Dark Knight was the perfect "real epic" superhero movie, smart, serious, grounded, thought-provoking, and evocative. And I expect The Avengers will be similarly matched by The Dark Knight Rises later this summer. ;P (Now if only DC would shape up and start making more frequent and quality solo hero movies to build up a Justice League one! Til then, we got RandomGuy's hilarious parody trailer. ;)
 |
| LOL! Too true; too funny. We need more beefcake cheesecake in comics. XD |
What impressed me the most was how balanced the movie was. Whedon did a really great job with writing, directing, and editing in order to properly showcase the large team of 7(!) super-egos (and several supporting characters) and make excellent use of the star-studded ensemble cast. @_@ Each hero had their moments, from heroic to funny to badass. And I liked their interaction with each other, both in conflict and bonding, that showed them growing as individuals and as a team. Even the villains felt fleshed-out and entertaining.
Wow, I can't think of anything I disliked about it. Avengers was so good, it made me want to watch all the solo hero movies, in order (fandom OCD). I liked the Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor movies, but I had skipped the Hulk ones because I never found the Hulk interesting until now. Kudos to the Marvel cast and crew for turning this DC comics fangirl into a movie Avengers fan.
That said, even though Iron Man was the perfect "fantastic fun" superhero movie, The Dark Knight was the perfect "real epic" superhero movie, smart, serious, grounded, thought-provoking, and evocative. And I expect The Avengers will be similarly matched by The Dark Knight Rises later this summer. ;P (Now if only DC would shape up and start making more frequent and quality solo hero movies to build up a Justice League one! Til then, we got RandomGuy's hilarious parody trailer. ;)
The Legend of Korra
I love this show so much. It's actiony, dramatic, romancy, funny, surprisingly dark and deep, and so beautiful. Avatar: The Last Airbender redefined American "cartoon children's shows" with its anime style, Eastern cultures-inspired world, and grand-scale storytelling, landscape, and score. Legend of Korra takes all that up to the next level. Mixing Western 1920s aesthetic, lovely painting backgrounds, better animation. More mature themes and complex plot about equality. Stronger focus on the art, action, and lighting direction.
The latest episode (6) blew my mind! Past and present shippiness, mysterious flashbacks, political intrigue, classism/racism issues, and the most awesome fight scenes! It's an amazing fantasy martial-arts epic. You can watch full episodes at nick.com.
[Spoilery Speculation] I think Asami is one of the motorcycle Chi-blockers, but she will be the baddie-turned-good who later joins Team Avatar. But it'll still end with MaKorra! Poor Bolin though. ^^; Also, I read this one theory that I loved, in which Korra must sacrifice her Bending to become the spiritual Avatar that Republic City needs. It does seem to fit the theme and feel of the show. I'd love to see the poetic but tragic irony and dramatic scenes, but hopefully ending with a spiritual loophole that allows Korra to get her abilities back. But I'm sure I'll love whatever Bryke (the creators/producers/writers) gives. I just really want to see more Airbending training and philosphy, 40-year-old Aang flashback story, and the Anti-Bending Revolution and the questions it raises about social, political, and economic individuality, equality, and power. Ahh, we're halfway through! The finale is gonna be epic!
The journey home is never too long...
...when open arms are waiting there. --"The Journey Home" by Sarah Brightman
(skippable journal entry)
(skippable journal entry)
Monday, April 16, 2012
Must-See Movies of 2012
I only go to the movie theater once or twice a year. I think tickets are too expensive, I'm not that excited about many movies, and I prefer DVDs with subtitles (usually borrowed from the library). So it has to be a movie I really want to see and experience on the big screen, like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, or Star Wars. This year, there are five such films.
Avengers - May 4
I'm a DC Comics gal, but I gotta admit, Marvel totally kicks DC's cinematic ass when it comes to production/release, like 3:1! -_- In recent years, DC has Nolan's Batman (awesome), the Superman reboot (awful), Jonah Hex (didn't bother watching), and Green Lantern (okay), while Marvel did the X-Men (pretty good, especially First Class, but they're my fav Marvel heroes so i didn't like many changes), Spider-Man (good, I guess, but I prefer Blue Beetle ;), Iron Man (very good), Fantastic Four (good b/c Ioan Gruffudd), Hulk (didn't watch), Ghost Rider (ditto), Thor (very good), and Captain America (very good). I'm mostly ambivalent about Marvel, but they've had good stuff the past couple years, and it'll be cool to get the chance to see Marvel's major superhero team on filmbecause we'll never get a Justice League movie!!.
The Dark Knight Rises - July 20
Aaaahhhhh~~!! I am SO excited for the conclusion to Nolan's Batman trilogy! I'm currently struggling with whether or not I should read spoilers. Not illegally leaked spoilers, but just the viral marketing and tidbit information purposefully released in interviews and stuff. I want to be prepared and psyched, but I also want to go in "unspoiled" and ride the excitement, confusion, and thought-provoking social, political, and moral dilemmas that I expect Nolan has in-store.
[minor spoilers: basic character bio +rumors] So far I like Tom Hardy's Bane (tho I'm worried about his supposedly hard to understand speaking), I'm unimpressed with Anne Hathaway as Catwoman (not sexy enough, sorry; don't like her long brown hair w/ the 60s-ish mask and cat ears, b/c Selina Kyle should have short black hair and cat-eye goggles; cat-suit looks good tho), and of course, I'm intrigued by Marion Cotillard as Wayne exec Miranda Tate (Talia??) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's John Blake, GCPD (rumors abound! could he be Robin/Nightwing/new!Batman? or a dirty cop or... just a cop? XD he'd be a great Nightwing w/ his dark hair, lean build, and gymnastic ability).
Looper - September 28
I like sci-fi that explores human nature in "what-if" scenarios. This sci-fi action time travel movie looks promising, especially since it promises to delve into the philosphical/ethical questions of meeting and possibly killing your past/future self, in addition to the cool action sequences. It'll be interesting to see JGL transform into a younger Bruce Willis hitman through three hours of make-up and BW-inspired performance. I really liked writer/director Rian Johnson's Brick and the way he stayed true to a genre (detective) but also breathed new life to it (set in heightened reality high school), so I look forward to his spin on sci-fi.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - December 14
My mom and sisters and I are all big Lord of the Rings (films) fans, so we definitely can't wait for this one. I never finished reading The Hobbit because it wasn't as interesting to me as LOTR, but it's the same team of filmmakers, so I know it's going to be fantastic. It'll be great to return to Middle Earth (I cried so hard at the end of Return of the King ^^;). And I hate 3D, but I'm actually considering watching it in 3D; that's how much I trust Peter Jackson. Bonus: It stars Martin Freeman (Sherlock's modern Watson) as Bilbo and Benedict Cumberbatch (modern Sherlock) as Smaug the dragon via motion-capture+voice!
Les Miserables - December 14
Finally, after 25 years, the film adaptation of one of the best musicals ever! Les Miz is a favorite in my family (it's my mom's all-time fav, but it's my second, only to Phantom). I've been watching the 10th Anniversary Concert, and I keep imagining how they'll show this and that and what they'll cut and how it'll sound with Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, etc. So looking forward to it. I might just watch both Hobbit and Les Miz the day they come out.
(No movie trailer yet, so here's one with clips from the stage show, just to give an idea of how beautiful, dramatic, and epic this could be on film.)
Must-See on DVD
Rurouni Kenshin (if it's shown in US theaters, then I am so there! EEE! ^_^x), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, War Horse, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, Justice League: Doom (animated), Hunger Games, Mirror Mirror, Superman vs. The Elite (animated), Sherlock Season 2 (BBC series), Brave, Amazing Spider-Man, Ruby Sparks, Perks of Being A Wallflower, Premium Rush, Lincoln
Avengers - May 4
I'm a DC Comics gal, but I gotta admit, Marvel totally kicks DC's cinematic ass when it comes to production/release, like 3:1! -_- In recent years, DC has Nolan's Batman (awesome), the Superman reboot (awful), Jonah Hex (didn't bother watching), and Green Lantern (okay), while Marvel did the X-Men (pretty good, especially First Class, but they're my fav Marvel heroes so i didn't like many changes), Spider-Man (good, I guess, but I prefer Blue Beetle ;), Iron Man (very good), Fantastic Four (good b/c Ioan Gruffudd), Hulk (didn't watch), Ghost Rider (ditto), Thor (very good), and Captain America (very good). I'm mostly ambivalent about Marvel, but they've had good stuff the past couple years, and it'll be cool to get the chance to see Marvel's major superhero team on film
The Dark Knight Rises - July 20
Aaaahhhhh~~!! I am SO excited for the conclusion to Nolan's Batman trilogy! I'm currently struggling with whether or not I should read spoilers. Not illegally leaked spoilers, but just the viral marketing and tidbit information purposefully released in interviews and stuff. I want to be prepared and psyched, but I also want to go in "unspoiled" and ride the excitement, confusion, and thought-provoking social, political, and moral dilemmas that I expect Nolan has in-store.
[minor spoilers: basic character bio +rumors] So far I like Tom Hardy's Bane (tho I'm worried about his supposedly hard to understand speaking), I'm unimpressed with Anne Hathaway as Catwoman (not sexy enough, sorry; don't like her long brown hair w/ the 60s-ish mask and cat ears, b/c Selina Kyle should have short black hair and cat-eye goggles; cat-suit looks good tho), and of course, I'm intrigued by Marion Cotillard as Wayne exec Miranda Tate (Talia??) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's John Blake, GCPD (rumors abound! could he be Robin/Nightwing/new!Batman? or a dirty cop or... just a cop? XD he'd be a great Nightwing w/ his dark hair, lean build, and gymnastic ability).
Looper - September 28
I like sci-fi that explores human nature in "what-if" scenarios. This sci-fi action time travel movie looks promising, especially since it promises to delve into the philosphical/ethical questions of meeting and possibly killing your past/future self, in addition to the cool action sequences. It'll be interesting to see JGL transform into a younger Bruce Willis hitman through three hours of make-up and BW-inspired performance. I really liked writer/director Rian Johnson's Brick and the way he stayed true to a genre (detective) but also breathed new life to it (set in heightened reality high school), so I look forward to his spin on sci-fi.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - December 14
My mom and sisters and I are all big Lord of the Rings (films) fans, so we definitely can't wait for this one. I never finished reading The Hobbit because it wasn't as interesting to me as LOTR, but it's the same team of filmmakers, so I know it's going to be fantastic. It'll be great to return to Middle Earth (I cried so hard at the end of Return of the King ^^;). And I hate 3D, but I'm actually considering watching it in 3D; that's how much I trust Peter Jackson. Bonus: It stars Martin Freeman (Sherlock's modern Watson) as Bilbo and Benedict Cumberbatch (modern Sherlock) as Smaug the dragon via motion-capture+voice!
Les Miserables - December 14
Finally, after 25 years, the film adaptation of one of the best musicals ever! Les Miz is a favorite in my family (it's my mom's all-time fav, but it's my second, only to Phantom). I've been watching the 10th Anniversary Concert, and I keep imagining how they'll show this and that and what they'll cut and how it'll sound with Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, etc. So looking forward to it. I might just watch both Hobbit and Les Miz the day they come out.
(No movie trailer yet, so here's one with clips from the stage show, just to give an idea of how beautiful, dramatic, and epic this could be on film.)
Must-See on DVD
Rurouni Kenshin (if it's shown in US theaters, then I am so there! EEE! ^_^x), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, War Horse, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, Justice League: Doom (animated), Hunger Games, Mirror Mirror, Superman vs. The Elite (animated), Sherlock Season 2 (BBC series), Brave, Amazing Spider-Man, Ruby Sparks, Perks of Being A Wallflower, Premium Rush, Lincoln
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
SS3 reunion & JM's birthday
Just when I think I'm getting "cured" of kpop, our boySS do something that drags me right back, reminding me how lovable, handsome, talented, and simply wonderful they are. ♥
Seeing the Trio joking and singing together again made me laugh and cry at the same time. They look so happy and adorkable, just the same as they were 7 years ago (except hotter now). It's cute how HJB becomes Baby again, YS is shy and cute, and KJ is now more confident and leading. ^^
Wahh~ I love these guys! >3< God, how I miss SS501. T_T Someday...
And yes, I am disappointed that JM went to a fashion show instead of the B2M CEO's wedding a.k.a. DSP Family reunion. =( But it's his birthday, and he gets to choose how he spends it. I just hope it's not because there's been a falling out between any of the members. (I kinda suspect KHJ and JM since they've had zero interaction since the break. But the rest seem fine, just busy.)
But it's hard to be upset with JM when I'm still drooling over his glorious walk down the runway for the Dominic's Way fashion show. omggggg JM how are you so SEXY GORGEOUS HOT CHARISMATIC AWESOME?
Holy Dark Angel! JM literally looks like a living anime character! A tall, lean, beautiful man with unnatural colored hair, uselessly ornate, fashionably ragged, rock-goth clothing and accessories, and sexily smouldering expression that hints at a tortured soul. XD
Seeing the Trio joking and singing together again made me laugh and cry at the same time. They look so happy and adorkable, just the same as they were 7 years ago (except hotter now). It's cute how HJB becomes Baby again, YS is shy and cute, and KJ is now more confident and leading. ^^
Wahh~ I love these guys! >3< God, how I miss SS501. T_T Someday...
And yes, I am disappointed that JM went to a fashion show instead of the B2M CEO's wedding a.k.a. DSP Family reunion. =( But it's his birthday, and he gets to choose how he spends it. I just hope it's not because there's been a falling out between any of the members. (I kinda suspect KHJ and JM since they've had zero interaction since the break. But the rest seem fine, just busy.)
But it's hard to be upset with JM when I'm still drooling over his glorious walk down the runway for the Dominic's Way fashion show. omggggg JM how are you so SEXY GORGEOUS HOT CHARISMATIC AWESOME?
Holy Dark Angel! JM literally looks like a living anime character! A tall, lean, beautiful man with unnatural colored hair, uselessly ornate, fashionably ragged, rock-goth clothing and accessories, and sexily smouldering expression that hints at a tortured soul. XD
(Quick, someone cast him in a paranormal/fantasy romance drama NOW!)
(This is just begging to be made into a romantic melodrama movie poster.)
*swooooooon*
Happy 25th Birthday, Jung Min! You're my angel, my heaven, and I love you forever. ♥
Edit to add
Link from JM's Japanese site to romeomidnight.com shows:
A teaser image for his upcoming Japanese album?? Ahh~ this is exciting!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
New Favorite Things
Inception - I've watched it five times in a couple of weeks, and I still wanna watch it again. Imaginative, mindblowing, cool, fascinating, smart, EPIC, even funny and touching. I'm addicted to this movie. I even started reading fanfiction, which I only do for fandoms I'm really into. XD Also, I love the soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. It makes anything EPIC. My favorite track is the EPICally emotional "Time":
Christopher Nolan - When I first watched Batman Begins, I was kinda disappointed by some of the character and casting choices (Christian Bale as a less dashing Bruce Wayne who becomes a less intelligent Batman at 30(!). Katie Holmes as a young ADA love interest involved with her boss? Liam Neeson as a white(!) Ra's al Ghul?? And I still can't unsee Michael Caine when he plays Alfred. Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman were perfect though!) But after watching it again, without critical Bat-fan goggles, I can appreciate it as a very good superhero/action film. And of course The Dark Knight was outstanding all-around (great casting, especially the brilliant Heath Ledger), and I loved it (except Bale's Bat-Bear voice). I cannot wait for The Dark Knight Rises this summer!
Now Inception's awesomeness inspired me to watch Nolan's other films. I just watched Memento (about a man with short-term memory loss and a vendetta, told backwards) and The Prestige (story of two magicians' life-long feud and the secrets of illusion, plus David Bowie). Both had excellent writing, directing, style, and acting. The story concepts were interesting, intricate, involving, and impressive.
I don't know much about film direction, but I really admire Nolan's visionary storytelling abilities, always unique, just the right balance between confusing and clear, enough to intrigue and enough to understand, filled with ideas and spectacle but also a solid emotional throughline that makes the story worth caring about, ending in a mostly satisfying way that leaves you wanting more, or at least a re-watch (or two) to get it all. Nolan, with his writer brother and producer wife, makes movies that are as deep and cerebral as an indie film and as entertaining and thrilling as a Hollywood blockbuster. It's a combination of fiber and sugar; it's a BRAN DOUGHNUT.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Yup, I fell for the suave, badass, kiss-stealing ninja Point Man. I remember watching him in 3rd Rock from the Sun and having a TV crush on Tommy Solomon. lol. He was such a cute and funny young comic actor. I also loved 10 Things I Hate About You, one of the best teen flicks and modern Shakespeare adaptations. But looking at his later work, JGL has become a very accomplished dramatic actor as well (see Mysterious Skin, Brick, and The Lookout). No matter how weird, unlikable, or silly his character is, he manages to instill some real humanity and charm into it.
I guess that's why most of JGL's acclaim was for his dramedy roles, especially in the totally charming (500) Days of Summer (the whimsical but emotionally real rom-com that puts a twist on the rom-com genre and its portrayal of love) and the great based-on-a-true-story 50/50 (the cancer comedy that's both hilarious and touching with its honesty). (Hm. Why do so many of his works have numbers in the title..?)
He's a talented, diverse, and dedicated actor. Not to mention he can sing, dance, compose, play guitar and piano, speak French, do gymnastics, write, direct, and run an online production company for global artistic collaboration, hitRECord. He looks like a cross between Heath Ledger and Keanu Reeves, and he's funny, charming, and just seems like a cool guy. Wow, I'm sorry for all the fangirling over my newest celebrity crush. ^^;; But here's my favorite part of 500DoS: Tom singing karaoke! ♥
Sherlock - (No, not the Robert Downey, Jr. movies, although they're pretty fun.) I'm talking about the BBC mini-series of 90-minute TV movies, which modernizes Sherlock Holmes, bringing his genius intellect and detective skills (and bizarre personality) into today's world of technology and crime. I love this series because despite being adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's work, it's very fresh and cleverly twisty. It's fast-paced, smart, funny, quirky, intense, and cinematic, like a bromantic dramedy "CSI: London". ;P It stars Benedict Cumberbatch, one of my favorite British actors, and Martin Freeman, and they have great chemistry together as the contemporary Holmes and Watson. Here's the scene from the first episode showing their first meeting:
Christopher Nolan - When I first watched Batman Begins, I was kinda disappointed by some of the character and casting choices (Christian Bale as a less dashing Bruce Wayne who becomes a less intelligent Batman at 30(!). Katie Holmes as a young ADA love interest involved with her boss? Liam Neeson as a white(!) Ra's al Ghul?? And I still can't unsee Michael Caine when he plays Alfred. Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman were perfect though!) But after watching it again, without critical Bat-fan goggles, I can appreciate it as a very good superhero/action film. And of course The Dark Knight was outstanding all-around (great casting, especially the brilliant Heath Ledger), and I loved it (except Bale's Bat-Bear voice). I cannot wait for The Dark Knight Rises this summer!
Now Inception's awesomeness inspired me to watch Nolan's other films. I just watched Memento (about a man with short-term memory loss and a vendetta, told backwards) and The Prestige (story of two magicians' life-long feud and the secrets of illusion, plus David Bowie). Both had excellent writing, directing, style, and acting. The story concepts were interesting, intricate, involving, and impressive.
I don't know much about film direction, but I really admire Nolan's visionary storytelling abilities, always unique, just the right balance between confusing and clear, enough to intrigue and enough to understand, filled with ideas and spectacle but also a solid emotional throughline that makes the story worth caring about, ending in a mostly satisfying way that leaves you wanting more, or at least a re-watch (or two) to get it all. Nolan, with his writer brother and producer wife, makes movies that are as deep and cerebral as an indie film and as entertaining and thrilling as a Hollywood blockbuster. It's a combination of fiber and sugar; it's a BRAN DOUGHNUT.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Yup, I fell for the suave, badass, kiss-stealing ninja Point Man. I remember watching him in 3rd Rock from the Sun and having a TV crush on Tommy Solomon. lol. He was such a cute and funny young comic actor. I also loved 10 Things I Hate About You, one of the best teen flicks and modern Shakespeare adaptations. But looking at his later work, JGL has become a very accomplished dramatic actor as well (see Mysterious Skin, Brick, and The Lookout). No matter how weird, unlikable, or silly his character is, he manages to instill some real humanity and charm into it.
I guess that's why most of JGL's acclaim was for his dramedy roles, especially in the totally charming (500) Days of Summer (the whimsical but emotionally real rom-com that puts a twist on the rom-com genre and its portrayal of love) and the great based-on-a-true-story 50/50 (the cancer comedy that's both hilarious and touching with its honesty). (Hm. Why do so many of his works have numbers in the title..?)
He's a talented, diverse, and dedicated actor. Not to mention he can sing, dance, compose, play guitar and piano, speak French, do gymnastics, write, direct, and run an online production company for global artistic collaboration, hitRECord. He looks like a cross between Heath Ledger and Keanu Reeves, and he's funny, charming, and just seems like a cool guy. Wow, I'm sorry for all the fangirling over my newest celebrity crush. ^^;; But here's my favorite part of 500DoS: Tom singing karaoke! ♥
Sherlock - (No, not the Robert Downey, Jr. movies, although they're pretty fun.) I'm talking about the BBC mini-series of 90-minute TV movies, which modernizes Sherlock Holmes, bringing his genius intellect and detective skills (and bizarre personality) into today's world of technology and crime. I love this series because despite being adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's work, it's very fresh and cleverly twisty. It's fast-paced, smart, funny, quirky, intense, and cinematic, like a bromantic dramedy "CSI: London". ;P It stars Benedict Cumberbatch, one of my favorite British actors, and Martin Freeman, and they have great chemistry together as the contemporary Holmes and Watson. Here's the scene from the first episode showing their first meeting:
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I WANT THIS
Gah, my unreasonable love for cuteness and novelty strikes again!
I want this set of plushie JUSTICE LEAGUE TOTS so bad! XD
They'd be perfect for my random collection of smiley face and geeky comic book superhero memorabilia.
Must resist buying 10 Sonic kids' meals. =| Okay, maybe just for Wonder Woman. And Martian Manhunter. And maybe Flash. Oh, but Clark Kent is so adorable...
Update: I caved and bought a couple of "Wacky Pack" meals. Unfortunately, they didn't have Wonder Woman, the one I really wanted. =P But I got Martian Manhunter and a cute Supergirl. ^_^
I want this set of plushie JUSTICE LEAGUE TOTS so bad! XD
They'd be perfect for my random collection of smiley face and geeky comic book superhero memorabilia.
Must resist buying 10 Sonic kids' meals. =| Okay, maybe just for Wonder Woman. And Martian Manhunter. And maybe Flash. Oh, but Clark Kent is so adorable...
Update: I caved and bought a couple of "Wacky Pack" meals. Unfortunately, they didn't have Wonder Woman, the one I really wanted. =P But I got Martian Manhunter and a cute Supergirl. ^_^
Monday, February 20, 2012
X-mas 2011 - Prez-day 2012
Christmas presents, new DVDs, good movies, sad soaps.
(personal entry, skippable)
(personal entry, skippable)
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Hormonally Satisfying Food and Film
(skippable personal entry)
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Meeting Gene Yang
Tonight I went to ACLib HQ to watch a presentation by award-winning graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang. I've been a fan of his since reading his National Book Award nominated American Born Chinese. I also enjoyed The Eternal Smile and Level Up and was pleased when he was chosen to write the Avatar: The Last Airbender "Book 4" comic book series The Promise. So I was very excited to learn that he would fly all the way from California to be a guest speaker at the local library.
It was an interesting and entertaining hour-long presentation about "How to Make Comics", starting with the definition of the comics medium, going through the whole process of creating a graphic novel, from idea to script to sketches to line art to completed pages, and finishing off with how to think and "direct" like a cartoonist. Gene Yang is a very good lecturer (he's a high school teacher), friendly, smart, and funny.
There was quite an eclectic mix of people in attendance. Besides Chinese Americans who related to his work, there were little kids who liked to draw or were fans of Avatar, teens who read comics, a bunch of art school students, and even senior citizen literary enthusiasts. ^^ I'm really glad I went, but I regret not buying one of his books for him to sign now. =/ Also, I was disappointed that he said Avatar: The Legend of Korra would be out sometime near the end of the year. (Boo. I'd hoped it would be out earlier.)
Anyway, I had a great time. If anyone is reading this, I highly recommend American Born Chinese as a perfect example of graphic novel storytelling, using words and pictures in a way that books, paintings, or films can't.
It was an interesting and entertaining hour-long presentation about "How to Make Comics", starting with the definition of the comics medium, going through the whole process of creating a graphic novel, from idea to script to sketches to line art to completed pages, and finishing off with how to think and "direct" like a cartoonist. Gene Yang is a very good lecturer (he's a high school teacher), friendly, smart, and funny.
There was quite an eclectic mix of people in attendance. Besides Chinese Americans who related to his work, there were little kids who liked to draw or were fans of Avatar, teens who read comics, a bunch of art school students, and even senior citizen literary enthusiasts. ^^ I'm really glad I went, but I regret not buying one of his books for him to sign now. =/ Also, I was disappointed that he said Avatar: The Legend of Korra would be out sometime near the end of the year. (Boo. I'd hoped it would be out earlier.)
Anyway, I had a great time. If anyone is reading this, I highly recommend American Born Chinese as a perfect example of graphic novel storytelling, using words and pictures in a way that books, paintings, or films can't.
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