In Comic: KL 2009

Let's do something different. Instead of a normal travelogue, let's try to showcase the best pictures in comic form! (Save me time from typing comments also :X)

Enjoy~

Yep, I photoshop-ed Eve's "flower-pose" onto the pic where Ron was grinning happily!



~


OKAY!

If I got time I'll do some more photos. But hope all of you enjoyed it! =D

(Next post will be Avatar and Sherlock Holmes' reviews)

Take care, people!

Mad. Crazy. Busy.

December holidays are too short! So, I'm back from KL; I know it's cliche, but I'm still gonna say it - good food, good shopping, great company =D

Schedule packed till end of the year and beyond. So many outings coming up! Really sorry if I can't attend some of them. Blame the short holidays.

Pay is coming in tomorrow on X'mas Day! Will always welcome that.

Just received an sms from the army - I have to pass my IPPT before my next birthday. I don't mind skipping my birthday next year. Must start exercising!!!

Anyway, 'tis the season to be jolly~ Take a look at my compilation of the Year in Music 2009 (Below)!

Taylor vs Gaga: Year in Music 2009

One is a pretty girl-next-door who has the knack for penning sweet melodies, and the other is a sexy and wildly-unpredictable performer who churns out monster hits.

But only one will reign on Life, Curious' look-back on The Year in Music 2009.

Why the Both of them?
One can say that they are two of the most talked-about (living) artistes this year, whose vocal prowess dominated the music industry. Although both are decidedly different in the elements that make them successful, their combined star-power is blinding to say the least.

It would be an understatement to say that they are talented (both write their own chart-topping songs), as talent alone wouldn't be enough to survive in the current cut-throat climate of the industry. One would have to score well in the looks department (either sweet-prettiness or sexiness bothering on insanity), and have song-hooks that will keep the consumers buying.

These two females have excelled in every way possible, and it would be almost impossible to find another solo artiste half as successful as each of them in the year of 2009.



The Country Lass With The Radio-Friendly Songs
If you thought that sing-and-strum records are no longer economically-viable, think again. Bursting onto the scene with the country-pop hit Teardrops On My Guitar, there is definitely no looking for this earnest female singer ever since.

2009 saw her 'swiftly' sweeping major awards at her genre's definitive accolade: The Country Music Awards, and even beating out the late Michael Jackson to clinch the Artiste of the Year at the American Music Awards.

And who can forget the 'heartless' embarrassment by Kanye West at the MTV Video Music Awards? Heck, even the President of the United States was on her side, calling him a "jack-a**".


Notable Discography:

• Love Story
• You Belong With Me
• Crazier
• Two Is Better Than One (duet with Boys Like Girls)
• Fifteen
• Untouchable

Plus the fact that she's dating one of the hottest 'werewolf' in town, Taylor Lautner, can the female Taylor be Life, Curious' top artiste of the year?

We'll weigh the odds against her strongest competitor:



The Next Madonna
The headliner I chose for this 'lady' sums it all up: arguably an even more outrageous chameleon than Madonna, I've always thought that this shape-shifter - with her club-banging tunes - is poised to be this generation's definitive artiste.

Just Dance, like all her hard-hitting dance anthems, helped this multi-talented woman to explode onto the music scene.

From fake-stabbing herself and bleeding on-stage to setting a grand piano on fire during a performance at the American Music Awards, she got us all going 'Gaga' with her antics, but never-forgetting to entertain us with those sickeningly-catchy songs.

Her out-of-this-world music videos are becoming a must-watch, after Paparazzi and Bad Romance proved that high-fashion plus a dose of insanity can make highly-addictive videos.


Notable Discography:

• Just Dance
• Pokerface
• Lovegame
• Paparazzi
• Bad Romance
• Telephone (feat. Beyonce)
• Speechless

Although there are all the seemingly-ridiculous rumours of her being a she-male still swimming around, there is no stopping this famed 'workaholic' from becoming music royalty. Speaking of which, Lady Gaga recently performed for Her Majesty, The Queen of England, at a gala-concert. So few have had that privilege.

So.. now for the inevitable question:

Who's the pick for Life, Curious' Artiste of the Year?

*cue drum-roll*





*APPLAUSE!*

The result becomes rather indisputable when you're going to be taking over Madonna's reign. Well, it is only this humble blogger's opinion, so please don't get upset whatsoever. But if you've been rooting for her all along, cheers! =D

In any case, Taylor Swift is also one of my favourite artiste so far. She's talented, beautiful and spunky. With her legions of fans all over the world, she's definitely here to stay =)
~



And here's a look-back at the rest of 2009's music greats!



The Tunes:
I Gotta Feeling, Boom Boom Pow

What's Up:
Spending a record-breaking 20 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, these two massive hits from The E.N.D (Energy Never Dies) album are the definitive anthems of 2009.



The Tunes:
If U Seek Amy, 3

What's Up:
Very clever use of wordplay there, Brit. Besides, the suggestive use of the number ups the risque factor by a notch. Remember her singing 'I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman'? She's a woman now, for sure.




The Tune:
Fireflies

What's Up:
A happy-sounding and catchy pop song with a bit of delightful electronic thrown in the mix, this Billboard #1 song is definitely a different tune among the pack.

Worth A Look:
Watch the psychedelic video here.




The Tunes:
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), Halo

What's Up:
After the spectacular performance at the VMAs of her now-famous dance moves from the Single Ladies video, it is certified that she's one of our generation's best 'live' performer. Sasha Fierce's crystal clear vocals are distinct, and she's got a bootylicious body to boot.




The Tunes:
Take A Bow, Russian Roulette

What's Up:
After the tumultuous saga of Chris Brown's abuse, Rihanna bounced back hard and stronger than before. Her latest album, Rated R, is a gritty and effective serving of what this tough R&B singer has to offer.




The Tunes:
My Life Would Suck Without You, Already Gone

What's Up:
After a dismal experimental third album, the original American Idol stuck to her sure-win formula for her fourth record, All I Ever Wanted, and delivered splendidly. Although netizens were lambasting that her third single, Already Gone, sounds very much like Beyonce's Halo, the hit song is still performing very well on the charts.

Worth A Look:







The Tunes:
Mad World, For Your Entertainment

What's Up:
It looks like this dude just keeps pushing the envelope further. While it still remained uncertain whether coming out of the closet during the Idol competition hurt his chances of claiming the title, Adam Lambert is following a tradition where the runner-up is enjoying bigger success than the champion. I still think that he needs to tone-down his antics a little (man-kissing and crotch-trusting on 'live' TV have to stop), but besides that, there is no denying that he is one spectacular performer.




The Tunes:
I Told You So (feat. Randy Travis), Temporary Home

What's Up:
This country darling is the kind of girl that guys want to bring home to their parents. The most successful Idol yet, Carrie Underwood is sweet and gorgeous. Combined with her saccharine vocals, we know God must've spent a little more time on her.




The Tunes:
Run This Town (feat. Rihanna & Kanye West), Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys)

What's Up:
Besides being known as Mr Beyonce, this A-list rapper and producer is a well-respected guru in the industry. Performing the grand closing act for this year's MTV Video Music Awards, Jay-Z sure knows how to bring the house down.




The Tunes:
Thinking of You, Waking Up In Vegas

What's Up:
A slew of hosting gigs - including the massive MTV Europe Music Awards - helped this hot 'lass to achieve increasing heights of fame, even though she's only released one album so far. Her husky voice is memorable, as of her sexy tastes in clothes.




The Tune:
Mama Do (Uh Oh Uh Oh)

What's Up:
It's toe-tappin', hand-clappin' fun. One of the more recognisable songs of 2009, this young British singer's debut hit single will surely get everybody singing along.




The Tunes:
Know Your Enemy, 21 Guns

What's Up:
After their Grammy-winning American Idiot, this solid punk-rock band released 21st Century Breakdown to much fan-fare. Looks like fans just cannot get enough of their catchy and head-banging tunes.




The Tunes:
Obsessed, I Want To Know What Love Is

What's Up:
Although Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel didn't do as well as E=MC2 and The Emancipation of Mimi on the charts, her 12th studio album heralded the return of Mariah's ballad-belting old days. The remake of the Foreigner hit is an old-school rendition and a great reminder of the seven-octave singer's vocal power.

Worth A Look:
Check out her 'live' performance at UK's X-Factor here - simply breath-taking.




The Tunes:
I Run To You, Need You Now
What's Up:
Probably less emo than Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum is country's next big band. As of the genre, their tracks are extremely listenable. Perfect for a contemplative Sunday afternoon.




The Tunes:
Not Fair, F*** You

What's Up:
Her songs are always the catchy ones - but with those oh-so-cheeky lyrics. F*** You is the awesome one where everybody knows but only a few dare to sing along. Radio shouldn't have touched that record (they unceremoniously censored the words, which basically were the best parts). Let's see what this playful lass will come up with next.




The Tunes:
Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny), Hush Hush

What's Up:
It's tough when you're more or less the only popular girl group left around. But the unstoppable Nicole Scherzinger has led this pop group to dizzy heights with their groovy tracks and sexy dance moves. Doing the English version of the Oscar-winning song from Slumdog Millionaire catapulted them to a higher status.




The Tunes:
Fame (2009), Out Here On My Own

What's Up:
It's a pity it isn't a spectacular remake, but this 2009 version of the famed musical does pack wonderful songs. Naturi Naughton delivers a heartfelt performance on the soundtrack's best recordings. Thumbs-up for a great effort.

Worth A Look:


~


And SO.

That is just my little list on what I think is the BEST of 2009.

Watch out for the Countdown of Movies of 2009 coming out before the end of the year!

Meanwhile, Happy Christmas everyone!

Take care, people.

Finding Neverland

I'm sitting here, whiling time away while I wait for my 2pm shuttle bus so I can go out and change Sing dollars to Malaysian ringgit. (Yes, I have yet to change it, even though the trip is tomorrow)

THE TRIP IS TOMORROW!

I have yet to pack. But it's alright. Used to packing. Always same old, same old.

Twenty minutes ago, an uninvited guest attempted to enter my house. The 'intruder', although small in size, tried to sneak in through my door, but unfortunately (or rather, fortunately), it's head got 'kiap-ed' by the door, and it laid there, motionless.

Yup, it was a snake.

Don't get all-too-terrified yet. It was merely a grass snake. But seriously, the sight of it was :S enough. We called the security guards and they prodded it with a stick. They said it was almost-dead; barely alive. Finally got rid of it.

Imagine it had got in. And anyone of us sat down on the sofa to find this slim and slithery thing... STOP. For everyone's sanity, shall stop.

*Shudders*
~

On to something better. Finally watched one out of three of the DVDs I bought awhile ago at the Sembawang Music Centre closing down sales.

Here's my review of Finding Neverland.

I give the movie:





SYNOPSIS
A critics' darling when it was first released back in 2004, the heartwarming film tells the story of how J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) befriended a family who eventually inspired him to pen his beloved classic, Peter Pan.

Based on true events, the movie focuses on Barrie's evolving friendship with the widowed mother (Kate Winslet) and her sons. While his growing closeness with the family invited his townsmen's gossiping and alienated his own wife, he felt he was happiest and most imaginative when with them. Barrie also took it upon himself to nurture Peter (Freddie Highmore), the emotional child, and to let him realise that sometimes, life can be more magical when you believe in your own imaginations.

PRAISES
Depp's performance here solely anchored the entire movie. Not as crazy or OTT as his other roles (Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka and the upcoming Mad Hatter), he utilized the very humanistic nature of this non-fictional character and created a role that strikes a balance with instances of wild-creativity and a sturdiness befitting of a fatherly-figure.

This was also the movie where the young Freddie Highmore showcased his charm and acting talent to the world - he later moved on with Depp to Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, based on the actor's recommendation after working with him on this film.

The moments of wonder in the film come when the characters immerse themselves into their imaginative worlds. Filmed in fantasy sequences, the audience find themselves in amazement, especially when Peter and the Darlings float off out of the window, providing a beautiful reminder of this well-loved tale.

CRITICAL RECEPTION
The film garnered an impressive 7 nominations at the 2004 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay. Winslet and Depp both scored nominations in the acting category. However, it only took home the Oscar for Original Music Score, which was really a pity.

FINAL SAY: Movies like this are a rare find. A truly magical and touching film that made us wish we can be The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up.
~


Okay! Time to go out.

Take care, people!

Like, Cannot Wait lor!

3 more days to KL.

*Jumps for joy*

All Things Uniq!

I hope this will spur you to go out and help to boost the economy! Here are the two stuff I got from the Uniqlo sale:
For a Parka that is originally $19.90, I bought it at $9.90! Heard from ff that the parkas are all sold-out. Uniqlo, when are you going to stock them up again? (And the jeans?)

And a plain, cotton long-sleeved shirt also for $9.90 (U.P. $19.90).
~


And our long-awaited kbox! I mean, Partyworld. Have to apologise to some who I forgot to jio =( After the fun that we had, it is a guarantee that we will have another session in the near future =D
(Photos courtesy of Fifi)

Partyworld is certainly more colourful than Kbox. And we had student discount! $19.80 for a 4-hour session. Not that bad when you take into account that the room has the disco-feel, and you can add mechanical cheering and clapping when someone is singing =D

Javior can really sing. Pei fu, pei fu. All the bestest for your Impresario! =D

Wang and Jav BFF. Yinghui Karaoke-star wannabe. Kenny Aishwarya Rai wannabe (!!??). Me advertising for a cup. Fifi Caribbean dancer.

And here's presenting to you the Singers' Gallery~
~



JB TRIP - it's City Square again, but this time it was different. I had to control myself so that I can splurge at KL!

Christmas gifts came early this year. The tee on the left is Fungi's gift exhange for me. And the handmade stuff on the right is for Peijun and Yeewen.
~



REVIEWS

Time for some reviews. Starting with Rihanna's Rated R.
I give the album:




Solid and gritty, this is a well-produced CD packed with dark but extremely listenable material. It may be unsettling at times (her first single Russian Roulette ends with an ominous gunshot), but you'll find yourself spinning the record again to hear the different layers of the stories that this grown-up lass is trying to tell.

PUT ON REPEAT: Russian Roulette, Rude Boy, Photographs (ft Wil.i.am)
~


Next up, movies.

Firstly, the disappointing 风云 II aka Storm Warriors.
I give the film:





What you see is what you get?

Partly. When audiences were treated earlier to the great trailer of Storm Warriors, it just whetted our appetite for more. In any case, fans of this classic comic book adaptation have been waiting more than a decade for producers to create this sequel, and inevitably, expectations are high.

What you get in the movie is - thankfully - groundbreaking effects that the trailer promised, but out of all the swirling fire and sword fights, the plot and characterizations fall flat to the ground.

SYNOPSIS
The story tells of an evil lord with superior power who plans to take over China together with his son (a rather extra Nicholas Tse). It is now up to Cloud (a very charismatic Aaron Kwok) and Wind (an effective Ekin Cheng) to battle against the tyrants, since their master has suffered tremendous injury in his battle against the evil lord. Wind has taken up the potentially-dangerous responsibility of learning the art of the dark side, as that would be the only chance to counter the strength of the evil lord. But soon enough, Wind is overwhelmed by the 'evil forces' in him, and Cloud has to make the hard decision whether to destroy Wind to prevent him from wreaking further havoc.

PLUS POINTS
Filmed stylistically, props must be given to the Pang Brothers (the duo who brought us the chiller, The Eye) for translating the comic book's vivid colours and action so beautifully onto screen. Several fight sequences feature eye-popping effects that keep the audience at the edge of the seat; but sadly, relying solely on graphics and dramatic close-ups do not make a good movie.

FLAWS
Featuring two of the most useless female characters we've seen in a long time (one of them being Charlene Choi), the storyline does not bother about characterizations, so much so that when characters die-off, the audience do not get engaged. And a blatant attempt at a love story only results in more rolling of the eyes. Plus, there probably wouldn't be a more unsatisfying ending you'll watch at the movies this year.

FINAL SAY: Watch it only for the decidedly interesting effects, and the cool performance by Aaron Kwok (albeit a one-dimensional one). If not, save your money for Avatar.
~


And secondly, the can-be-better The Reader.
I give the movie:





Academy Award winner for Best Actress? Well-deserved. But Best Picture nominee? The Dark Knight definitely deserved to fill that spot than The Reader.

SYNOPSIS
The film follows a 15-year-old boy who falls for a train-attendant who's twice his age. Their sexual routines are interlaced with him reading stories to her, and this continues until their push-and-pull relationship come to an abrupt end, leaving the boy upset and confused. It is only later realised that the woman is harbouring a terrible secret in a sensitive time in Germany, and which begins a heartbreaking story of the two individuals, whose mutual acquaintance forever changed their lives.

PRAISES & FLAWS
The incomparable Kate Winslet is obviously the star of the show here. Her transformation from a strong-headed yet distraught woman charged in court to a pitiful old woman is heart-wrenching to watch. While both Ralph Fiennes and his 15-year-old portrait performed well also, the adapted screenplay suffered from a lack of a clear emotional depth that the audience can connect with.

FINAL SAY: An often depressing film, it is the actors' performances that add colour to the bleak template.
~


Okay, that's all.

Holidays are always too short. Can't wait for KL trip!

Watch out for my year-end countdown of music and movies coming soon.

Take care, people!