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.
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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!