Nominees of 2008

Caught Four Christmases at Bugis Junction on friday. It was surprisingly good!

Meet The Parents Christmas Edition
Star Power:



It's the best to go into a movie with low expectations. Judging from the promotional posters and trailers, Four Christmases definitely comes off as yet another formulaic romantic comedy with the warm and fuzzy feeling of the festive season.

But boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise.

Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon play a loving couple who're forced to visit each of their divorced parents (that's four in total if you're counting) on Christmas because their flight to Fiji was grounded. The premise is very Meet the Parents-ish but it's welcome as long as it's funny. And through the dysfunctionality and outrageous scenarios, the result is hilarious.

Thanks, also, to a witty script and a great supporting cast, this Christmas film is very worth visiting.

FINAL SAY: This is very likely the only Christmas movie out this holidays, but it's certainly worth the watch. Funny stuff.
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Met up with Szetho, Bernard, Bobo and Colin for dinner @ PS. Always a great thing to chat at Starbucks and reminisce about the old times. About someone's bowel problems during guard duty, our beloved bsm, and many more... Will never get sick of it. =D

And remember to block off 12 / 13 Dec for steamboat!
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Went to uncle eric's official opening of his Teochew Restaurant @ Changi Village. Here are some pictures.

Food is good. Do go there and try it sometime!
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And now...

You should know that I like watching and reviewing movies, right? Remember my special post last year when I counted down to the TOP40 MOVIES OF 2007?

Well, it's back!!


(this is not the official poster. Just a teaser)

Yup, so far this year I've watched and reviewed 55 movies (and counting), so 2008's countdown will definitely be more exciting.

To fuel the thrill, I will now announce the nominees to two very important categories I want to highlight.

The Wilson's 2nd Popcorn Awards Nominations for:


> Favourite ACTOR in a Movie
(in alphabetical order)

1. Steve Carell in Get Smart

From one of the funniest movies this year, Carell (one of Hollywood's finest comedians) outshone all his co-stars as the bumbling agent Maxwell Smart. His smart alec, know-it-all routine provides the biggest laughs in this remake of the 1965 hit TV series. Best remembered from his breakthrough role in the now-classic 40 Year Old Virgin and on TV's acclaimed The Office, his turn as a widower in this year's dramedy Dan in Real Life was also very well-received.



2. Chen Kun in Painted Skin (陈坤 - 《画皮》)

His moving turn as a General being seduced by a Fox Demon (played by Zhou Xun) and later sacrificing his life for his mortal wife (Zhao Wei) certainly deserves a thumbs-up. Although this much-hyped movie didn't achieve the epic scale of another Asian blockbuster Red Cliff, Painted Skin, in my opinion, was saved very much by the affecting performances of its actors.



3. Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man

This year marks the return of this great actor who'd been plagued by bad behaviour in the past. As billionaire and superhero Tony Stark, Iron Man starkly (pun intended) reminds us of this artiste's brilliance. Besides having fun in this helluva of a movie, he also lent his credibility in the wacky Tropic Thunder.




4. Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight

Last but certainly not the least, the late actor's sudden and tragic death adds a darker edge to his intensely-psychotic turn as the Joker. Touted as one of the best on-screen performances this year, a posthumous Oscar might very well be on the way.




and now for...

> Favourite ACTRESS in a Movie
(in alphabetical order)


1. Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Her often deranged and definitely funny role as Maria is a hoot to watch. This quirky but beautiful little Woody Allen film is one of the undiscovered gems of 2008.




2. Anna Faris in The House Bunny

Physical comedy wise, not a lot of actresses can come close to what this Scary Movie-alumni can achieve. She single-handedly made this chick flick hilariously watchable - which is quite a feat.



3. Ellen Page in Juno

One of the first fine movies to be screened in Singapore in 2008, Juno is buoyed by a fresh, funny script and of course, fantastic performances. Ellen Page was nominated for an Oscar Best Actress for this character as a knocked-up and edgy teenager, who finds herself suddenly forced to grow up very fast. Ever since her controversial role in 2006's Hard Candy, you know this daring young actress is definitely one to watch out for.




4. Vicky Zhao Wei in Painted Skin (赵薇 - 《画皮》)

Although Zhou Xun is more charming, but Zhao Wei's truly touching performance here as a suffering wife will break your heart. Mimicking reel life, the crew apparently ostracised her during filming so that she could get into character. Poor thing.
~

Yup, that's it. So, who is your personal fave? Or are there other actors you preferred?

In December I shall reveal the countdown to the BEST & WORST MOVIES OF 2008. The results of Favourite Actor and Actress will also be revealed. Hopefully by then, I would have watched at least 60 movies =p

Take care, peeps!

台湾'08 - The Haven

*Contented sigh*

Taiwan. What a place. Even though I've been there twice before but this trip was definitely tons better than the previous ones.

You throw me in Taipei now and I can definitely survive. The MRT is soo easy and convenient and the 3 main night markets, Shih Lin Ye Shi, Wu Fen Pu, and Xi Men Ding are all very accessible on the MRT.

(So you see, my main happiness from the trip was derived from shopping and eating)

Here you go. My 2008 Taiwan Memories...
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Travelling there..

The Hotel:
Taipei Main Station: Where the MRT, SpeedRail and Train Stations converge. Only one stop away from the Hotel.

Yay, Singapore's pride! Fyi, 黄靖伦's CD is #1 on the Taiwan charts!

Xi Men Ding!

黑社会妹妹 (now known as Hey Girl) filming @ XMD.

XMD's famous Ah Zhong Mee Sua!! Soup is salty and tasty. Warm and slurpingly delicious.

Shi Lin Food Market.

The food stalls.

Mua Chees, hot plates, and that puffer fish thing is a cake!

Lame photo.

Taipei 101 in the day...

Taipei 101 at night.

New clothes!

Taiwan Storyland Museum.

Mr Postman.

My bro acting like an old physician.

Mm.. sexay..

@ the hotspring.

From Left to Right: Pork floss + salted egg biscuit; Oyster Omellete; BBQ corn


The shoes that I bought. All really cheap!
~

So it's settled. In the very near future, I must go back again. Preferrably summer. Where the weather is not cold. And the clothes on sale are more suitable for the Singapore weather.

And the food!

Take care, peeps!

Taiwan Teaser

Oh my goodness. Taiwan really is a haven for shopping and eating. And it's so easy to get around!!

Ok. I AM GOING BACK AGAIN.

Meanwhile, here's some teaser photos first. I'm coming back to S'pore tonight. Will do a complete post when I return. (But you can view ALL on my facebook)


Ok shall upload 3 photos for the time being. The wireless connection here is damn slow.

Shall be back in S'pore @ 11pm tonight.

Take care, peeps!

Going 2 Taiwan

Yup, as Jolin Tsai said "Welcome 2 Taiwan", I am "Going 2 Taiwan". For the third time actually. But this time, I shall really be exploring the place on their MRT, to Xi Men Ding, to Wu Fen Pu, and of course, to Shi Lin Ye Shi... thanks Bernard for the itenary! Really comprehensive.

Going from next wednesday. 19th Nov to 25th Nov. But don't worry, I'll be bringing my laptop and the hotel should have wireless. So I'll still be contactable! (But dang, weather forecast raining all the way in Taipei)

Hmm, after the ORD been going out for makan. Paiseh for people who read my blog; really quite tired these few days 'cos of this BLOODY ulcer on my lip. Kept me awake at night. Sickening.

That's Chilled Vegetables eaten with wasabi from Xin Wang HK Restaurant @ Plaza Sing. (It's deliciously refreshing!) Went there to makan with Kim before leaving for Little India to attend Ivan Tan's photog exhibition @ Post Museum.

"Fade" presented by Ivan Tan. (Taken from Fabian's Facebook)

Oh my god lah, the museum was situated at such an uluated place. Roswell Rd. Shophouses lined with fierce-looking trannies. And we even got ourselves lost in a back-alley with glowing-red rooms and shady aunties waiting for 'customers' and Indian uncles outside selling condoms =x But quite an experience (albeit scary).

Photog Exhibition was inspiring. Me kim and bernard - we should really do themed-photographs when we get better in our skills. Which is still a long, long way I know. Lol.
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It's MOF x 2. I don't want to get sick of it!

Treated my family to the desserts @ MOF as an ORD treat. Then met up with Guangmian and Jeremy (OOC-buds from SISPEC) @ Suntec's MOF. Paid with DBS Card and MOF card so got 15% discount on both occasions. Will always love their desserts.

Those who haven't tried it yet you're missing out on something really heavenly.
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Oh, I realised I haven't blogged about this yet!
Yes, I've been preoccupied with Guitar Heroes World Tour also!

Me and bro has created a band and we're playing gigs and earning money (okay, not real one). Him on guitar and me on drums, and occasionally, the microphone (yes, mic's included also). Our band name is The No Goods (NG = No Good).

Haha, all are welcome to play!
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First series: Heart of Greed (唐心风暴) was an award-winning and ratings smash. Second series Moonlight Resonance (家好月圆) is also immensely popular in HK.

And yes, my whole family has recently been addicted to this supremely-acted and well-written drama. Jiamin, shall be waiting for your Heart of Greed DVD! (Yes, I didn't watch the first one, although there's totally no link but all the same superb cast)
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Haha, serkun has watched it. I haven't finished it yet. Shall chiong!

Met up with him and zhiwei to give zhiwei our ORD treat at Fish & Co. @ Heeren's. Then went shopping. Yay, I know what to look out for in Taiwan le. Hehe.
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Recently designed this poster for jm's friend's dad who is organising a 2009 Countdown @ Braddell. This is not the official one. Just a promotional one. But yay, I'm proud of it =)

Just take note! Shall create an event on Facebook to promote this event.
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Quite excited 'bout Taiwan trip. Anybody want anything please tell me!

Driving test coming also. Argh. Stressed.

Take care, peeps!