Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix

I watched this movie version of the 5th installment of the Potter series in GSC over the weekend.
My review or rating of this movie?
Okay, it was way below expectation......no thumbs up from me this time....

I know Order of Phoenix and also the Half-Blood Prince were not exactly action-packed installments and no promise of major exciting wizard chase and drama but still, this movie adaptation of the book fell short of the book's story.
I was greeted by the grown and hunky Daniel Radcliffe brooding at the meadows in the opening scene and then his rising temper over his cousin Dudley's intentional clowning around and the looming of the dark clouds which successfully spurned the running of both cousins towards the dark tunnel where they were greeted by......something sinister.....

Okay, no major spoilers...I don't think everyone has watched it yet...
But suffice to say, I was watching from start to end and I didn't find any element that really gave me a "Wow" factor....in fact, I was even disappointed in the poor editing of the movie where the transition was not smooth.
In fact, pace was slow (same as in the book) but it felt even more elongated in the movie (it's supposed to be the adverse effect, right?)

Anyway, whether I recommend it or not, it's not my verdict as "One man's meat is another Man's poison".
But I have to give to a few amusing parts by the Weasley twins....haha:)

OOooooo....and thanks to GSC for the Harry Potter file folder as a freebie....liked it:) Wonder should I show to my housemate...haha:p

Harry Potter and the Deadly Hollows

My Singaporean housemate; didn't go back this weekend; which was a good thing for me actually; at least there's companion in the house.
Anyway, the other housemate also came home...so it's happy 3-4(including housemate's bf) crowd in the house!:D

Okay back to my housemate; the reason she didn't go back was due to Harry Potter...not the movie but the book:p
She got hold of the book; not in Singapore but in Malaysia (cheaper over here) and she wanted to finish it. She read until 3 or sometimes 5am in the morning over the week; I think about 3-4 days where she was late to office..(I was home on MC, remember...)
So, this weekend, she decided to catch up on her sleep...hahaha....

And I don't think she's the only one...I bet tons out there are doing the same...
Man.....this is really causing all those dark circles and black eyes effects, huh.....haha, and this again spurned the next title of "Deadly hollows"....the hollowy eyes of reading too much and losing those beauty sleep you should get....haha....

And I still haven't read the book!!! AAAAArrrrrggghhhhhhh......
calm calm.....no rush for the book.....:)

Transformers Movie Review

I have finally watched Transformers last weekend; and as promised I will provide my thoughts (not exactly a full review of the movie lar) on this movie.
As mentioned earlier, I am not exactly a fan of this Hasbro product though I knew of its existence long ago - even in the early 80's (during our childhood days).
We often see this in the cartoons on the tv back then and also the commercials; but back then, we always classify this as a boys- thing.
Anyway, I heard that there has been numerous versions of this movie and cartoons; depicting the various forms and shapes and origins of the robots.
Well, I am no fan of the robots and thus, I was just there to catch this movie:
1. To accompany a friend who was a fan
2. To see for myself the hype and buzz caused by this movie (somemore bro told me people have been clapping at the end of the movie:p)

With an open mind, I went in to the cinema to watch the movie; was wondering whether I will fall asleep through the movie as well:p
Anyway, after a few reels of commercials and way surpassing the actual screen time (I often dislike waiting for the movie to be on and how they can never meet the screen time stated on the ticket), the movie finally started with the voice of a robot narrating about the planet cybertron and also about the cube which was the power behind the birth of all races and living on the planet and also the existence of human race. Things were at peace back then but as usual, there is always good and evil; as greed surpass some of the beings there which lead to them fighting for the possession of the cube to have the ultimate power and rule over others.
Thus, duels have sparked and soon, the tracking of the cube (aka Allspark) have led them to the planet Earth where it was reported to have been sighted.
The movie brought us to the US army base in the Middle East and how the robots came to invade and tap into the highly protected government network to search for the cube found. We were at a loss as to what kind of data were they looking for as they try various hi-tech methods to hack into the military system and to download the data. Then there were battles and bombing of the naval base which led the United States to believe that they have an enemy and starting to suspect various countries. However, the noises and signals from the attacks led them to analyze that this is something beyond a normal human species' power.
Then we were led to the life of a high school boy; Sam Witwicky who was presenting on his assignment of family history and he blabbered about his great great grandfather who explored the Atlantic and then ended up promoting his ancestor's spectacles which is being auctioned at eBay. Then the story went on that he got his first car; which due to his dad's budget, managed an old Camaro for 4 grand.
Turns out, this is no ordinary car; which bore the transformers logo on it and could play songs according to the different moods. It was pretty funny when his car helped him in his quest to court his fellow classmate; a stunning girl by the name Mikaela who we later found, also had some dark secrets.
Then this was how they were involved in the battle of the robots and Sam slowly found that his Camaro was a robot. Freaking himself out, he later helped them in the mission to obtain the cube and then, the movie progressed into an exciting battle and chase between the good and evil robots and to the cool appearance of the leaders.
The Camaro was Bumblebee; one of the Autobot kind (autonomous robotic beings from Planet Cybertron and in short, the good guys). As he couldn't fight off those attacks anymore, he sends signals to summon his counterparts from planet Cybertron and then, hail the Autobots and we see various meteors hitting the planet Earth which later found themselves vehicles and they transformed themselves.
It seems that these robots are mere prototypes and do not have a shape of their own until they see something that they want; passes by any vehicle and reforms themselves into that form.
Also, I was told that the Autobots are mostly vehicles on the road while the bad robots (the Decepticons) are mostly battle ships/vehicles....isn't that a major disadvantage to the autobots?

Anyway, I won't talk about the story anymore...don't want too much spoilers...
Let me go into the movie analysis; I must say I was pretty impressed by the CGI effects...the transformation of the robots looked so smooth and natural that it didn't seem like it was sliding.
In fact, the robots (through the CG effects) seemed like they were naturally in the movie!
Thumbs up for the marvellous works done in the blend!!!:)
This is definitely hard work and I know that this movie took years to complete but bravo for the great job...I was really "Wow-ed" by the effects.

I found myself rooting for the appearance of the autobots army and even felt emotions for the robots when they were hurt. It was really cool when BumbleBee summoned his fellow counterparts and then we see all of them transforming and joining Bumblebee at the back alley'; to the surprise of Sam and Mikaela.
I really liked that part where their leader; the grand Optimus Prime introduced himself and the rest of them...his voice sounded so noble and convincing.
**I was told that they requested the actual/original voice from the cartoons back then and he agreed....this is a very old man's voice...and it is the same one for Optimus Prime..hurrah!~
Let me introduce some of the autobots featured in the movie:
The GRAND leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime

The most noble robot; that's why he was the leader.
His famous quote: Freedom is the right of all sentient beings
His motto was to protect the humans for they are innocent in the entire battle; and he was so noble that he is willing to sacrifice his own beings to avoid hurting the innocent in the process. It was really touching but he is really righteous and kind:)
Thumbs up for such a noble being that we see in a robot!!!

Our lead hero in the movie; Bumblebee.

Actually his original form was that of a Volkswagen but I did some findings and it seem that VW did not allow them to use the copyright in the movie and therefore, they had to change him to a Camaro.
At the same time, the producers wanted a bigger car to illustrate a more believable transformation when he transforms into his Autobot form; as a gigantic battle robot.
Another factor is they didn't want any resemblance to the other movie which was famed after the little beetle bug of a car; Herbie:)
I do so like him and it is really touching the way he shielded Sam and also in his fight, he was hurt...I thought he perished; but thankfully, he survived despite the two deaths...

Jazz

I don't know much; but I think this was the one in charge of medical...haha, yeah, the Autobots have their own medical team as well:)

Ironhide

This was the weapon specialists....

According to my friend, this movie depicted the Autobots as pretty weak robots when in actual fact; in the comics/cartoon, they are not.
Then I am glad; coz they are too good to be killed and bullied:D

Personally, I also felt that there were more appearances of the mean robots or aka Decepticons compared to the good ones.
Their leader....the mighty Megatron

He was captured by the humans and held as captive in the S-7; a government's secret establishment where he was frozen to preserve him.
He was the leader and the strongest in his strength...
His mission was to own the Cube and he will do anything to achieve his mission; destroying anything or anyone in his way. He really detests humans and call them weak beings.
A memorable and hilarious part was during the battle when he saw a human near him and he just flicks them away, "Disgusting!!" LOLz.....:D:D

The cool suave black police car after Sam....Barricade

When I saw the Transformers logo; I thought it was the good Autobot...so wrong!
It was the Decepticons again...but I wonder why they took the form of a righteous force....
I was told that the police car usually belongs to the Autobots form....huh...confusing lar...this movie:p

Blackout...this was the helicopter...



Starscream, the only name I can remember in the movie...haha, and always misperceived him as one of the Autobots too:p

A fighter F-2 plane....
Very aggressive decepticon which fights all the way...and it was cool the way he transforms himself into that plane attacking the base...at the end...wow:)

All in all, I must say that it was pretty captivating movie and even me, a non believer and not a fan have found myself liking the robots:)
I remembered one of the sermons by my parish priest a couple of weeks ago where he mentioned that he was also touched by the fact that the Autobots; particularly Optimus who wanted to protect the humans despite his urgent quest to obtain the Cube/Allspark to save the race. However, he wanted to accomplish his mission without any injuries or acts of destruction on the innocent.
It was endearing to hear and see that robots could have such perception and emotions and understand the consequences of their actions and chose not to hurt others.
How about human themselves?
Have we ever pondered on how meaningful this means?
I am truly enlightened by my priest's words and also the acts of Optimus Prime:)
Yeah, Autobots may be depicted as weaklings here but to me, they are strong because it is always easy to use your full strength to kill and destroy others but it is hard to balance and use your strength to battle and at the same time, protect.
So, it is always the good that triumphs over the evil!!:)
Go Autobots....

I bet Hasbro will be receiving plenty of responses following the success of the movie...


There will be sequels for this movie soon; coming 2009 and in fact, there's even words on the 3rd...making them a trilogy:)
Whatever it is, let's keep our fingers crossed and do keep in mind the moral of the story:)
Let's get Rollin'......

Only thing though, too bad my "Transformers" old tune was not used in this movie...LOL!

No more heiress

I heard on the radio the other day that the famous pop princess; Paris Hilton will no longer be inheriting the Hilton's line of business and the properties of the Hilton.
It seems that grandfather Hilton was truly disappointed and angered by her actions and misconduct in public and called her a disgrace to the family and as such, he will remove her name from the inheritance list....
Whoa....she just lost the prospect of billions of wealth and also the chains of the classy Hilton hotels....
Phew...guess this is way too high of a price to pay for frequent partying....

Near escape

Wow....this morning, I came into the office early and I was thinking to myself;
Hey, the weather looks like it's gonna rain today....(as I gazed into the dark and black skies - usual at an hour 0f 6am)....hehe...
I know, sounds absurd that I can predict rainy weather...it's still dark at that time:p
Anyway, I always can sense rain..don't ask me how, I just can...sometimes, can even "smell" rain.
I walked slowly into the building, past the guard and security scanner post and made my way into the elevator all the way to my floor.
After filling my water bottle with water from the dispenser and walking towards the cubes, I heard the loud shattering noises; really noisy...and my colleague linked it to the air-conditioning.
Somehow, I don't think so and I mentioned that it was the rain....and if it really is rain, then I am really lucky that I missed it by seconds:)
And then, as I walked down the long aisle of corridor leading to my cube, I can really confirm it is rain!
Haha...lucky me!!
If I was at the car park any longer, I am gonna be drenched...even with my umbrella sheltering me... wow, to think that I just escaped the downpour....
The minute I was in the office premises (inside the building, it poured like anything out there...haha, a true depiction of raining cats and dogs:)
It's still raining now...such a beautiful weather...
It hasn't been raining during the day for the last few days.....hehe, maybe also having fever like me:p
I love these rainy seasons:)

Viral fever...

I was on MC for the last few days; down with the fever....
Talking about health, I am usually very careful with fever; as I have this tendency of marking very high temperatures....
I haven't had fever for some time now; which is definitely a great thing but this was one rebound and I was really taken by surprise...
Initially I went to see the doc for the discomfort I felt on my hand; suspected some ergonomics (RSI related issues) due to my long hours with the computer, etc.
Anyway, I soon felt heat and was really uncomfortable....and on Monday morning, I couldn't go to work; body temperature was kinda hot....and I thought, hey, I can be back to work on Tuesday and then no...finally yesterday I got myself to work.
When I reached the office, I was like, darn, this is too cold but I forced myself to continue working although I felt temperature was rising.
Actually I was given MC until yesterday(inclusive) but I just felt bad of being on sick leave for so many days that I couldn't bear to ask my boss for another day off.
However, my fever was really bogging me and then finally, I asked my boss for half-day to go home to rest.
My boss was mild about it and told me to rest more...it was a relief...:)
Anyway, I am better now...and I have my paracetamol with me...just in case....

I remembered that I'd go for a blood test if my fever pursues:p
I guess it's due to the weather; or maybe other related factors....
My doctor almost shocked me when he told me there could be 2 reasons (when I returned for the 2nd visit); one was due to the viral infection and the second, pox!!
No no no!!!
Anyway, he ruled that out as he mentioned that the appearance of the spots would trigger the rest, and if it is really pox, there will be spots appearing all over the body within 24 hours of the first spotted pox.

So, everyone, just take good care of your health; drink more water and take care of your body:)

St Anne's Feast in Bukit Mertajam

I went to Bukit Mertajam last Saturday;travelling early in the morning from the island over to the mainland; to make my way to pay homage to the Holy Grandmother; Mother St Anne (mother of our Lady, Mother Mary).

I was expecting a huge crowd; but probably due to the date on which I went; which was about 2 days following the actual feast day, there were not too many people around.
I was there at about 5.30-6am; to beat the early crowd....and to my surprise, there was not much traffic and even most of the stalls were closed; except for a few nearer to the church's entrance; which sells flowers, newspapers and candles; on those metre long sticks used for hiking the hill.
There were still large groups; probably coming from trips organized by their respective parishes; reciting prayers and singing songs of worship along the way; at each station of the cross.
It was once again a renewed feeling to be there at the sacred place and somehow I felt peace within myself as I step into the church compound and upon entering the old church's hall.

Only the old church is often open for visits; particularly out of the normal hours.

The crowd usually will be around the old church; and then hike up to the St Anne's hill; the hill where St Anne was reported to have been sighted long time ago in history.
I have covered the story of St Anne in my other blog last year

St Anne; covered with the flowers from fellow parishioners:)


The hall; filled with prayers from the faithful


The famous St Anne's hill


I will be posting the story and more captures of my trip in my travel blog :)
It was a pleasurable homage visit and I prayed for everyone; for health and well-being:)
Have a blessed day everyone!~