The first game I completed with my PSP. In Ratatouille, you get to play as Remy the rat and your aim is to recover the lost recipes. To do so, you will be going through several levels in environments such as bedroom, toilet, kitchen, sewer, rooftop, etc... The enemies you will be facing are mainly spiders, snakes, snails, squirrels, electric eels and crows which are not too difficult to deal with. Every room or stage requires abit of analyzing and puzzle solving. Lots of running, jumping, climbing and swimming around involved. Apart from the recipes you will get upon completion of each level, there are few other recipes which you can only obtain by retrieving 50 pieces of hidden keys. Along the way, Gusteau's ghost will guide you by providing hints. In between, there are 2 big boss fights and some races. The cheeses you get as you travel can be used to buy certain upgrades. After you hit the maximum upgrade limits, the cheeses become practically useless.

A decent game with cute characters, nice music and pretty environments. Gameplay isn't too difficult however at times, you can get frustrated with the video angles which may obstruct your view. Some enemies are quite comical, like the lobsters which make funny noises when they are eliminated or the bees' thrusting action when in attack mode. A few words of advice, do not kill all your enemies just in case you miss a hidden key and cannot turn back, you may want to die and start from the last checkpoint again. There are many sardine cans lying around which you can break to get cheese. Sometimes, they can be used as steps to get keys hidden in higher grounds so do not break the cans until you are sure.

I give Ratatouille (PSP) 6.5 upon 10.

Labels: Game Reviews

Jack Cabe, a musician on the run after committing murder, was hired as a music teacher at a Boy's Home. He introduced the boys to Rock & Roll. All of them, including Jesse Tucker (the most notorious of them all), were very much interested and they used their free time to practise this new kind of music (fyi, the story is set in 1955). This created tension between Jack and Eugene Benedict (the Home's director) who was a rigid and strict man. Eventually Eugene found out about Jack's dark secret and called upon the local authority to nail him down. Jack's initial plan was to escape but not wanting to disappoint the boys, he came back and surrendered...

Storyline so-so, music quite good, acting all right. I don't quite like how John Travolta was portrayed in this film, he seemed like a chubby, middle aged man with the tendency to act weirdly and comically. I thought that the actor Jamie Walters (Jesse Tucker) looks like James Dean, good looking dude and I'm rather surprise he did not make it big in showbiz.
You can compare and see the similarities in this picture that I did (James Dean is on the left and Jamie Walters is on the right):


A not too bad and not too good movie that I rate 6 upon 10.

Labels: Movie Reviews

Thomas won a pair of Rambo 4 tickets in a Tatarah promo. There was also a bid specially for those attending the screening. The bid item was a PSP slim. Although both of us own a set each but Thomas wanted a slim version so we placed 5 bids which total up to 10 bucks.


Before the show started, a staff from Tatarah made an announcement on the ongoing bid (grabbing every single chance to get back the tickets costs).


Finally, the show started...


John Rambo is leading a simple life in Bangkok, capturing and selling snakes for a living. One day, a group of Christian missionaries seek Rambo's help to ferry them across the river to Burma - a war zone. He agrees after being convinced by one of the missionary - Sarah Miller. Upon completion of his job, Rambo heads back home. A week later, the pastor of the missionary church pays Rambo a visit. With him, he brings the news that the group is captured by the Burmese army and he hopes that Rambo can lead a rescue team of 5 men. Facing the sadistic Major Pa Tee Tint and his troop, will Rambo suceed in his mission?

Rambo 4 is rated M18 for its violence and gore. A truly bloody movie with many killing and torture scenes. This is the first show which makes me feel sick and unwell while watching, or perhaps I was just hungry (I did not take breakfast). Although this show is fictional but I'm sure the cruelty is happening in many parts of the world throughout the centuries and the thought saddens me.
Sylvester Stallone is in very good shape despite being over 60 years old! Great performance from him in both his directing and acting role. Most of my attention was focused on him, no one else, with the exception of the dead bodies of course. However, a particular scene of him ripping the throat of a soldier with his bare hands seemed a bit exagerrating. Other then that, the action made it hard for me to stay still in my seat.
No comments on the music as I wasn't concentrating on it. I spent half of the time covering my eyes, another half panicking.

Overall, I give Rambo Four 7 uopn 10.

Anyway, before I end this entry, I want to bring up something which I'm sure many ladies who had went to Cineleisure before should know about. The shiny flooring of the loo enables you to see the next cubicle through the reflection. You can see clearly what the person nextdoor is doing! Here's a picture I took to further clarify what I mean:

Although we are all female but its still quite embarrasing. Guys reading this must be hoping that the toilets in Cineleisure are unisex=p

(Btw, for those who are wondering whether we won the bid...we didn't :(
So in other words, we spend 10 bucks on 2 tickets. All right la, still quite worth it.)

Labels: Movie Reviews

Finally, on 4th Jan 2008, Elizabeth Montgomery recieved her star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. It's her honour and she deserves it. For photos and more information, click on this link:
http://www.bewitched.net/lizstar.htm

Elizabeth Montgomery has been my idol since childhood. She's beautiful, graceful, natural and smart. I love her Bewitched series, which is the only TV series I can watch a few times without getting bored of it. It's sad that she is no longer with us but I'm sure she will be in our memory forever.

Labels: Miscellaneous

Tom Dobbs is a comedian and the talk show he hosts is very popular among the Americans. Driven by his viewers' support, Dobbs decided to run for Presidential Election. To every one's surprise, he wins the title but what he doesn't know is that the reason he won was due to a certain computer error. Eleanor Green finds out and breaks the news to Dobbs. In order to silence her, the organization behind - Delacroy, is ready to do anything. Will Dobbs be honest to the nation and what will become of Eleanor? Watch the movie to find out.

This movie is quite boring. Most of the time, you just see Robin Williams crack jokes which in my opinion, isn't really funny. Nothing exciting, not even when Eleanor was being chased by the villains. The computer glitch mentioned is quite crappy and I don't see anything worthy about the film except for the virtues Dobbs showcased which we should learn and practise. And while Dobbs was raving and babbling constantly, he did bring up some political issues which we will agree upon.

I give Man Of The Year 4 upon 10.

Labels: Movie Reviews

A movie about the legend of Beowulf and Grendel. The story is similar to "Beowulf" (the movie that was shown recently, starring Ray Winstone & Angelina Jolie) except that Grendel's mother in this movie is a monster throughout whereas in Beowulf, there are times whereby she transforms into a beautiful woman. Other parts like how Beowulf & the king are potrayed is different too. Animation is of course, not as good as "Beowulf". But its fair enough to earn a 5.8 upon 10 from me.

Labels: Movie Reviews

Wendy and her friends participate in a graduation celebration at an amusement park. While preparing for a roller coaster ride, Wendy experiences a premonition of a fatal accident that will take place during the ride. She immediately got off and so did a few other students. Her vision comes true and those who stay behind died. However, that's not the end. Wendy and friend Kevin realize that the survivors will eventually be involve in accidents that will claim their lives one by one. Reason being they are suppose to be dead and death cannot be cheated. The clues to how they will die are hidden in the photos Wendy took that night and its up to her and Kevin to stop this chain.

The version I saw was censored till the max. I don't know about the original but the one I saw wasn't scary at all. But I must admit that they are quite creative in plotting the deaths and accidents. The idea of the movie isn't too bad but the way its put onto screen is a spoiler. The full 90 minutes are jammed with killings and deaths, that's all. Graphical presentation is quite good.

I give Final Destination 5.8 upon 10. The score might be higher if I had watched the original version with no or little censorship.

(Btw, if you are into artificial tanning, you may never want to be engage in it again because of the way 2 girls died in the show.)

Labels: Movie Reviews

Commander Gray Pierce is assigned a task which he thinks is simple and easily accomplished. But the complications involve is way beyond what he had ever encountered. The Sigma Force is once again drag into a conspiracy revolving around The Bell, a device that is capable of controlling and creating evolution.

Complicated story with loads of scientific theories, I barely understand what those theories mean. James Rollins has the ability to transport you from one location to another, taking you throughout the world in an exciting manner. I don't like the ending. It just reminds me of how people like to attribute unexplainable issues to religion and God. As for the characters...after reading 2 books about The Sigma Force, I am quite into their personal life and encounters. I often imagine how they would looked if the books were turned into movies.

I give Black Order 6.8 upon 10.

Labels: Book Reviews

Tony is a typical teenager who comes from a traditional and poor family. He works in a paint shop with practically no prospect. His father is jobless and both his parents look down on him, condemning him as the black sheep of the family. His favourite activity is to patronize the disco with his friends every weekend as that is the only place where he finds confidence, happiness and a sense of belonging. One night at the disco, Tony sees Stephanie and is instantly attracted to her. He invites her to be his dance partner in a competition, she agrees but is determine not to be romantically involve with him as she wants to achieve greater things in life. As time goes by, Tony realize how meaningless and aimless his life is. With that, he decides to help himself and Stephanie change their lifestyle.

A classic piece and a good one too. Although its funny seeing the way people used to dance but I must admit their moves are pretty sleek and groovy especially John Travolta, he is superduper good. I can actually sense and feel the inner feelings of the characters so strongly; their happiness, sorrows & anger... The music is great, with all the Bee Gees' playing throughout. My favourite scene got to be the part where all the people in the disco dance together with the same movements. This movie reflects on several realistic society issue and teenager problems which even now, we are still facing. The only part which I don't quite like should be the ending, abit empty and abrupt. Other than that, I find this movie influential both mentally and physically.

I give Saturday Night Fever 7.5 upon 10.

Labels: Movie Reviews

Received news that my father went into hospital. He felt giddy while working halfway so his colleague drove him to SGH. According to the doctor, it was pneumonia and he advised my father to be hospitalised and be observed for a few days. Thank goodness, he turned out to be ok and was discharged today. But he is still quite weak and should be looked after until everything becomes normal.

Thomas too, made me so worried. Few days ago, he woke up to a sharp pain in his toe. Thought that he sprained his toe or something but his condition worsen and I urged him to see the doctor. It was suspected that he might be suffering from gout. Although nothing serious but it's a warning for him to look after his health. Not just him, me too, and everyone else should be looking after our body well.

Life is vulnerable and family ties are precious, we should treasure what we have and not waste a single day.

Labels: Family Affairs

Wow oh wow, Johnny Depp was awarded "Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy" for his performance in Sweeney Todd! The movie was also awarded "Best Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy". Boy am I excited cos the movie is showing end of this month!!!

Labels: Miscellaneous

Cats are always on alert mode even when sleeping? WRONG! At least not true for the cat I saw today. It was sleeping so soundly that no matter how me and Thomas disturb it, the sleepy fella just won't wake up. It did not even twitch its eyelids!

That's the cat:


We even took a short clip which is so funny:


Maybe it had a difficult night yesterday, chasing mice or something?

Labels: Miscellaneous

As mentioned in one of my recent entry, Thomas just bought a PSP fat version. Watching him play with his new toy everyday tempted me to buy one for myself. Finally I made my move yesterday. And to think that previously, I said that I had made up my mind NOT to buy the PSP. Well, as said, the keyword is "HAD". Now, I "HAVE" changed my mind to buy the the slim version in deep red:



Nice right? But I need to tighten my budget for the rest of the month. On top of that, I got to divide my time between gaming and reading. Come to think about it, I still have lots of PS2 games left untouched for some time. And now, I am looking at PS3. Hee...i'm going gadget crazy:)

Labels: Miscellaneous

Normally the train at my place comes in an interval of 2 minutes every morning but today, the interval increased to 7 MINUTES! A mere 5 minutes difference may not sound too bad to you but I can assure you that you won't think so if you had seen the crowd at the station.

It was bad, DAMN BAD!

I couldn't board the the first train that came because it was too packed so I waited for the next one. It was packed as well but I managed to find one small space to squeeze into.

It was terrible.

Beside me was a lady whom smelled like mothball. Another side was a girl whose hair kept brushing against my face. And infront of me was an auntie who kept using her brests to push against others. It was a torture when the people got on and off the train, no one wanted to get off and let the people behind alight so there was alot of pushing and feet-stepping.

By the time I reached Tiong Barhu, it was quite late and I thought that I would be late but thank god I managed to catch the feeder bus on time. So, I sat there happily, waiting for the bus to drive off.

I waited and waited but the bus just wouldn't move! Apparently, the driver was waiting for the bus to be filled before driving away.

He's a new driver, never seen him before so maybe he's just green. He's suppose to meet the time slots and not wait for the bus to be filled up. When he reached the next stop, he waited for the car infront to drive off before opening the door and allowing passengers to alight...It took another 5 minutes for the car infront to go away so end up, I was still late for work.

What a day...

Labels: Miscellaneous