Switzerland - Part 1 / TV Show Updates

I returned to Singapore 9 days ago, and proceeded to suffer for the next 5 days from severe jet lag, headache and nausea.

It sounds terrible, I know, but here's the thing: the tour itself was great, but the after-effects felt like withdrawal symptoms.

The jet lag was surprising. If I can adjust to 12-hour time zone differences ( U.S. ), 6 hours ( Switzerland ) should be a breeze.

I think this particularly bad phase has a significant contribution from the acclimatization process. When you're exposed to 5 degree Celsius weather daily for 2 weeks, getting hit with 32 degrees, plus haze and oppressive humidity, can't be good for you.

The other unexpected post-holiday reaction: extreme depression upon starting work. This has NEVER happened post-vacation before, not even when I loathed coming back home from France, which I LOVE to death. That year, I was practically euphoric when I stepped into the ER after 3 weeks away. This time, I felt like killing myself. I'm not joking.

I've been trying to figure this out, without success. But looking through the photos I took ( like this one of Lake Lucerne ), I guess despite not experiencing as much passion for Switzerland as I did for France, there may be some underlying emotion that I'm unaware of, which then bubbled to the surface upon coming home.

Weird, yes. And it had BETTER NOT happen again. I can't take it!

Another lovely feature of Switzerland aside from its breath-taking scenery and relaxed pace of life: minimal noise.

Even in the major cities - Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne - I don't recall hearing much in terms of traffic or human chatter. My mom even commented today that she doesn't remember any screaming babies or children. Strange, eh?
So I guess the noise factor is also related to my post-trip pain. The decibel levels in Singapore are atrocious!

The 2nd photo is of Lake Brienz, where we made a very brief stop to stretch our legs and do a bit of shopping. This shot turned out to be one of the best from the entire tour, even though the actual place wasn't that spectacular.

But I really love this picture. It illustrates perfectly everything I enjoyed about the trip - nature in all its splendour and serenity, inviting you to sit and marvel in awe at God's creations.

I definitely felt very close to Him, especially when our coach went weaving through mountains and valleys, or when we stayed at inns perched at high altitudes, and mountains greeted us every time we stood at our window.

My favourite is, without a doubt, Grindelwald. But more on that in a later entry. :)

Here's another photo I especially love, also from Brienz. You had to be there to appreciate the moment fully. I happen to have a weakness for water fowl, and when they're present in large numbers, I can stand there watching them forever.

Ahh, it was such a beautiful morning. I shall never forget it. :D

Part 2 will follow soon.

Something else that's dear to my heart: Dexter Morgan.

Season 7 premiered in the U.S. on 30 September, and thanks to the Internet, I've been able to catch 2 episodes just hours after they aired.

It is, hands down, my favourite TV series ever. Sure, it's had ups and downs, but no other character appeals to me more, and I hope Michael C. Hall wins an Emmy soon before the show ends after season 8.

It's hard to top season 4, which won guest actor John Lithgow a well-deserved Emmy for his role as a vicious serial killer, and provided some of television's most nail-biting plot developments.

Season 7 has a rather jerky start after season 6's jaw-dropping cliffhanger, but according to People magazine, things pick up after episode 4, so I'm looking forward to that!

Apart from the TV series, I'm also an ardent fan of Jeff Lindsay's novels, which are completely different from the small-screen adaptation ( only season 1 comes close ). Each medium offers different rewards - the books are hilarious, but glaring loopholes abound. The TV show is thus superior, thanks in large part to Hall's spot-on portrayal of a complex character, adding more layers with each new season.

In fact, I love Dexter so much I keep wishing he'd find a soulmate so he can vanquish all his inner demons and finally lead a normal life. No more fun for us viewers, but his happiness is much more important!

Dexter's relationship with his foster sister, Deb ( played beautifully by Jennifer Carpenter ), was veering toward the romantic ( though one-sided ) on TV, but remains purely platonic in the books. I'm a little ambivalent about this, but considering the fact that Hall and Carpenter used to be married, it's nothing short of amazing how convincing their on-screen performances are. No animosity at all - trust me, I'm scrutinizing their every move haha. Someone give them their Emmys already!

God I love this show. :D

Another big fave - The Good Wife. Followed this from season 1, and it just keeps getting better and better. That said, many series tend to peak in season 3 or 4, so I'm not sure if the writers can keep this up. I certainly hope so. :)

The cast has always been the big draw for me, but 2 episodes into season 4, it's clear that the writing team is upping its game tremendously. The cases are riveting, but the banter is top-notch. And let's not forget the subplots, ranging from the law firm's financial troubles ( $60 million, no less ) and Alicia Florrick's ( Julianna Margulies ) complicated marital issues, to her husband's heated run for Governor ( challenged by the deliciously sinister Matthew Perry, aka Chandler from Friends ) and law firm P.I. Kalinda's S&M-tinged entanglements with her terrifying husband.

Also, the cast is one of the most uniformly good-looking I've ever seen. Margulies is 46 but has never been more glamourous, and the men ( Chris Noth, Matt Czuchry, Josh Charles, Alan Cumming ) are all actors whose work I've followed for many years, and they age magnificently.

Please, if you aren't watching The Good Wife yet, this is the time to start!

A couple of new programmes to highlight, the first being Elementary. Also 2 episodes in, and I'm hooked. The main reason is Jonny Lee Miller, who plays Sherlock Holmes with a jittery, wild-eyed anxiety that works surprisingly well. Forget about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's dry mysteries, Robert Downey Jr's heroics and Benedict Cumberpatch's regal disdain. I'm a fan of RDJ's modern take, but JLM is sexier, radiates far more intelligence ( and at least makes sense, in contrast to BC's incomprehensible ramblings ), and demonstrates the most vulnerability ( undergoing drug rehab; father never visits but instead hires a paid companion for him; has a strange fear of playing the violin, his face contorting with pain at the mention of the instrument ).

By the way, JLM played the leader of a serial killer gang in Dexter season 5. He was FANTASTIC. :)

My sole grouse about Elementary: the honestly inappropriate casting of Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson.
First, she looks like a pure Chinese, so what's with the ang-moh name?
Second, Liu is famous for firecracker roles ( Ally McBeal, Charlie's Angels, Shanghai Noon ). Watson is too calm, too dour, too withdrawn. Is she going to be like this for the entire series?
Third, the 'companion' plotline is ludicrous. I'm quite open-minded about stupid or insane stories as long as they're fun and well-written ( e.g. Dexter, Suits, American Horror Story ), but a skilled surgeon giving up her medical career to become a babysitter? Come on...

No matter. I will continue to tune in for JLM alone. The crimes are nowhere as challenging as those in Law & Order, The Closer, The Good Wife or The Practice, but I'm hopeful that things will improve.

Besides, JLM takes his shirt off quite regularly. Sherlock has an older brother, Mycroft. Will he appear at some point? Will he be equally hot? :)

The last of the new shows I'd like to rave about is Major Crimes. A spin-off from The Closer ( which I love immensely ), it has kept most of the cast intact, with a few new additions in the form of Mary McDonnell ( lead character Sharon Raydor, above in the grey jacket and blue skirt ) and Graham Patrick Martin ( as key witness and troubled teen Rusty Beck, on the extreme right ).

Already at episode 8, the series received a lukewarm response when it premiered immediately after The Closer ended ( 7 successful seasons, mind you ). And I admit I wasn't pleased either. Kyra Sedgwick's Brenda Leigh Johnson was widely acclaimed ( scoring Emmy nods ) and a veritable firecracker, while McDonnell plays Raydor with a whispery voice and unflappable demeanour. Johnson had a propensity for losing her temper and banging tables during interrogation; Raydor rarely bats an eyelid at anything.

Here's where Martin plays an important part. Rusty was introduced in the series finale of The Closer, portraying a hustler whose run-in with a serial killer placed him under protective police custody. Initially cared for by Johnson, her departure from the major crimes division for personal reasons results in Rusty being transferred to Raydor.

What seemed like an irrelevant subplot has transformed into a huge revelation. Rusty's misfortunes make him highly suspicious and rebellious, yet as time passes, his bond with Raydor deepens in a heartwarming manner which is thoroughly believable.

Episode 7 made me reach for multiple tissues when Raydor located Rusty's biological father and the latter misinterpreted her kind gesture as an attempt to get rid of him. There's a tense exchange as Rusty's insecurities escalate into sheer panic, and Raydor is obviously distressed by his meltdown. This is the first time Rusty lets down his guard and shows his true age ( only 16 ), with Raydor uncharacteristically losing her composure as well. Truly heart-breaking, and GREAT TV!

Martin's 20, but still looks like a kid. I predict great things ahead in his acting career if he makes the right choices.


Thanks for reading this long entry. Was feeling inspired. Another effect from the Swiss trip? :)

To conclude, a photo dedicated to pure indulgence ( haven't done that in a while ). You know who it is, right? Smack yourself on the head if you don't. Heh. :D

Till next time...

Swimming With Sharks Review

VERY good indeed. :)

Hope I can post an entry about my recent trip to Switzerland. Once I get over the jet lag and headache / nausea induced by the awful local weather, blech.

Expectations

This will probably be the only entry for the month, so here're 3 topics for discussion.

HBO series The Newsroom has received a lot of flak since its debut a few months ago. And I mean A LOT. A description that comes up quite often is "sanctimonious". But honestly, I don't comprehend where all this negativity is coming from.

I've been riveted since it premiered on local cable in July. Does it have flaws? Yes. To list a few - regular segments of over-the-top acting ( most glaringly from Dev Patel - someone needs to ask him to tone it down a little ); the occasional pompous line about how great journalists are (usually courtesy of Will McAvoy ); a little too much attention on a certain love triangle ( someone help me understand Maggie's appeal, 'cos I still think Jim is way too good for her ).

Sounds bad? It all depends. I've boycotted shows for much less, but continue to watch The Newsroom religiously for a number of good reasons:

1) Jeff Daniels - as lead character, Will McAvoy, Daniels is superb. Acid-tongued, sharp-minded, with acrobatic verbal skills that put even the Gilmore Girls cast to shame, this role deserved an Emmy nomination but didn't get one. A massive travesty!

2) Will McAvoy - the actor is amazing, but the character is one of the best I've seen on TV. I like to compare him to Brenda Leigh Johnson from The Closer, who's also tough, opinionated and damn good at her job.
But like all compelling figures, a vulnerable soul lurks beneath the hard exterior, and Will's insecurities are exposed surprisingly early, with more nuggets revealed as the show progresses.

The big ones tend to revolve around personal relationships ( actually, don't they all? ), but a few tip their hats to journalism as well.

I'm particularly fond of Will's comment: "I'm tired of people telling me [being cheated on] is a just-get-over-it situation. You don't know what that's like in my head." A kindred spirit! I know EXACTLY how he feels. :)

3) John Gallagher, Jr / Jim Harper - Gallagher won a Tony for playing Moritz in Broadway's Spring Awakening. It's one of my favourite musicals of all time, so woohoo! :)

I ADORE Jim. Sure, there's a lovesick puppy in most TV series, but Gallagher deftly handles the emotional depth, and shows quite a flair for comedy too.

Think George from Grey's Anatomy. I LOVE George!

4) Aaron Sorkin - whatever the critics are saying about his work on The Newsroom, don't listen to them. I honestly don't have a clue why they're so pissed off.

Okay, OTT lines aside, the gems far outnumber the duds. There's a tonne of witty banter packed into each hour-long episode. Sentences spoken at machine-gun speed, quoting statistics, C-SPAN, pop culture, etc.

But the memorable ones? When they come, you'd better be paying attention.

Will: Balance is irrelevant. It has nothing to do with truth, logic or reality.

Charlie ( Sam Waterston ): I thought you got where you were by being fearless.
Leona ( Jane Fonda ): I got where I am by knowing who to fear.

5) The stories - again, critics aren't happy that Sorkin based his writing on events which have already occurred. Again, I ask, what's the big freaking deal?

What matters is how each plot is presented on-screen, and so far, after 7 episodes, there've been at least 3 which were nothing less than AWESOME.

The pilot: how the News Night team scrambled to cover an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, turning an event which most thought wasn't newsworthy into a headline.

Episode 6: a super-tense investigation of the Fukushima nuclear plant meltdown.

Episode 7: devoted to multiple perspectives related to President Obama's announcement of Osama Bin Laden's death.


If you decide to tune in but end up hating The Newsroom, then I guess it isn't quite right for you.

However, since I tried watching critically acclaimed series like Mad Men, The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, and was practically bored to death, accolades no longer matter much to me.

True Blood isn't going to win any major awards ever, but season 5 is its best one yet, and the cast deserves credit for investing so much of themselves in their roles. Is the rampant nudity ruining the show's Emmy chances? Tsk tsk!

Another victim of unfair reviews - The Bourne Legacy. Having trawled through quite a few movie websites this past month, I am appalled by some of the nasty reviews posted. A 1/10 score? This is getting personal...

At least it's still going strong at the box office. Hasn't quite reached the takings of The Bourne Identity, but this bodes well for a sequel.

Picked up from where I left off, almost 3 months ago, following an overdose of Fifty Shades ( read book 1 then went straight into the first half of book 2 - not advisable! ).

Fortunately, Fifty Shades Darker is much more palatable once you get past the halfway mark, mostly because the frivolous outings don't make an appearance ( e.g. helicopter / boat / sports car rides ).

The writing is still laughable, and the sex romps are becoming a tad routine, but plot developments are interesting enough to keep me entertained, and after a gruelling ER shift, reading a novel that doesn't make you think too much is a great way to relax.

No news about the cast yet. Hot favourite Matt Bomer ( White Collar ) remains a top pick for many, but his sexual orientation may be an issue. Not for me though - I had no idea he's gay when I saw him on TV, and am perfectly happy if he's cast as Christian Grey.

The latest bombshell? Harry Potter's Emma Watson is game for the Anastasia Steele role if Ryan Gosling is on board as Christian. I'm all for Gosling, but Emma? Not so much.

The hunt continues...


Next entry will be in October, after I return from a much-needed holiday break. I have a strange feeling about this trip - rest assured it's a good one. Won't know if it comes true until I get back.

Till next time! :)

Jersey Boys Is Coming To Singapore!

Check out my entry on Just Watch Lah.

Very tempted to go. Need to double-check my cousin's daughters' schedules first. Taking major exams this year...

And for the purpose of happy reminiscing, my blog review of the Broadway show, posted in October 2007.

Reviews - The Bourne Legacy & Peter Cincotti's Metropolis

Just got back from a screening of The Bourne Legacy, and feel compelled to post a review.

This hasn't happened since X-Men: First Class last June. I guess it also helps that I'm not working today. :)

As I've already indicated on Twitter and Facebook, the verdict comes in multiple parts:

Movie - 9.5/10

Cast ( overall ) - 10/10

Leading man Jeremy Renner - 100!

Reviews are mixed, and Legacy's domestic opening weekend box office haul of US$40 million is far behind The Bourne Ultimatum's $70 million, but here's hoping the fans will be pleased enough to spread good word-of-mouth and keep theatres packed.

**spoilers alert**

**spoilers alert**

**spoilers alert**

First, a few things to point out:

1) I have not read Robert Ludlum's novels.

2) I have seen all 3 Bourne films. Multiple times.

3) I am a huge fan of Matt Damon and Jeremy Renner.

4) I'm also very fond of Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz.

5) Legacy has been at the top of my personal Most Anticipated Movies Of 2012 list for at least the past 9 months.


Did I expect a lot from first-time director Tony Gilroy? You bet.

Did I want Gilroy and his team to succeed or perhaps surpass those who made the Bourne trilogy such a classic? Of course.

As you know, it isn't my habit to go into the details of the storyline. The Bourne franchise combined cerebral spy thriller with visceral action sequences to deliver 3 of the genre's best products. Naturally, Gilroy - writer for the entire series thus far - and the producers fully intended to capitalize on a formula that's been proven to work magic.

So did they deliver?

If you believe the critics, then the answer is apparently no. My response - I prefer to form my own opinions, thank you very much. :)

Obvious Fact #1: This is NOT about Jason Bourne.

Obvious Fact #2: Legacy finally explains what actually goes on in these top-secret medical experimentation programmes.

Obvious Fact #3: Matt Damon is not in this movie!

If you can get past these obstacles, I guarantee you'll enjoy the film as much as I did.

What's the deal with the reviewers grouching about too many medical / scientific terms? Are they bothered because such scenes slow things down? Because they can't understand what's being said? Or because they just don't care?

Yes, the first half moves at a rather leisurely pace, but I thoroughly appreciated every single minute, from Aaron Cross' ( Renner ) lonely trek through Alaska, to the CIA and the military's restrained meltdown in the control room. Things start picking up when Cross rescues Dr. Shearing ( Weisz ) at her home, then really hit top gear after they land in Manila.

The Bourne trilogy is famous for assembling casts of extremely high calibre, which is a huge advantage given the dramatic heft of the material.

Legacy does not disappoint in this area. Weisz, an Oscar winner for her role in The Constant Gardener, has been on my radar for 13 years now, since her appearance in 1999's blockbuster, The Mummy. Since then, she has starred in many wonderful productions, from Enemy At The Gates and Runaway Jury, to Constantine and The Lovely Bones.

Although her character, Shearing, doesn't have as much to do, Weisz shines in a few key sequences, such as the one in the car with Renner after her house goes up in flames, and a nail-biting massacre in the U.S. lab.

An actress with less ability could've messed up badly, but she manages to be hysterical without going over the edge.

Take that, Franka Potente! ( Don't know who that is? Shame on you. :))

Another actor whose work I'm very familiar with is Oscar nominee Norton.

I first saw him in 1996's Primal Fear ( 16 years ago, wow! ), then Rounders, American History X, Fight Club, Keeping The Faith, Death To Smoochy, Red Dragon, 25th Hour, The Italian Job, The Illusionist, The Painted Veil, and The Incredible Hulk.

Yes indeed, I am a devotee. :)

As Retd. Col. Ric Byer, his scenes are limited and he shares only a few minutes with Renner himself. He's excellent, of course, but I wish his role had been a little more well-developed. You get a sense of Byer's cold-hearted ruthlessness when he calmly stares at a monitor as a drone blasts what he thinks is a human being into smithereens, but I've seen him portray cruel / evil in American History X, Fight Club and The Italian Job. This does not come close.

Oh well, maybe in Bourne #5?

Next, the action scenes.

Damon was astounding as Bourne, be it close one-on-one combat ( remember the pen-as-a-weapon bit in Paris, in The Bourne Identity? ), wielding lethal weapons ( handguns, shotguns, knives, rolled up magazines ), or handling an assortment of vehicles through rush-hour traffic while evading entire armies of law enforcement officers.

Legacy starts small and builds up as the movie progresses. The pre-appetizers: an exploding mountain cabin, a pack of hungry wolves, the lab shooting.

Appetizers: a SUPERB whack-and-shoot fest at Shearing's country home. Do not miss the continuous shot of Cross scaling 20 feet of wall before running through a room and killing a rogue agent from the top of the stairs.

Stunt double, you sniff? I watched a Bourne Legacy movie special a few days ago, which shows Renner climbing the wall while attached to a harness. Okay, he had help. But it's him!

The main course is served when the protagonists arrive in Manila. The last 30-40 minutes of the film are pure adrenaline, beginning with a tense trip to the lab facility, followed by an UNBELIEVABLE rooftop sprint ( very reminiscent of the Tangiers sequence in Bourne Ultimatum ) and an AWESOME motorcycle chase.

Again, that's Renner jumping and running on the roofs ( tumble included ), and there're many clear shots of him and Weisz as they zoom through traffic.

Most impressive indeed!

Audience-pleasing tactics aside, Renner still has to carry the movie, and he does it with great style. Already a double Oscar nominee ( The Hurt Locker and The Town ), he blossomed further upon hitting 40, and boasts an amazing degree of athleticism.

He demonstrated skills in Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, but has A LOT more to do in Legacy, which pleases me immensely. :)

There're Damon / Bourne fans who feel that Renner / Cross can't measure up. Are they insane?! Are they disappointed because the latter has much more dialogue? Bourne was always aloof and inscrutable. Cross is, by comparison, practically dripping with warmth.

By the way, I greatly appreciate the humour during the car scene with Weisz, where Cross expresses shock that Shearing doesn't even know his name.

Renner has quite an affinity for comedy. This became apparent in MI4, but is present in abundance in The Unusuals, a hilarious detective TV series I'm currently watching on DVD. Thank you, Amazon. :)

With Legacy's success at the box office, the Bourne franchise is alive and kicking, and Renner has joined the exclusive ranks of Hollywood leading men capable of carrying big-budget releases.

No word on when Bourne #5 will materialize, but rumours are circulating that Damon is game to team up with Renner. Music to my ears. :D

I highly recommend this terrific movie! But if you don't enjoy it, don't blame me. :)

Before I sign off, a special mention about Peter Cincotti's latest album, Metropolis.

I've been listening to this non-stop in the car for the past fortnight, and consider it Peter's best work yet.

Previously known for his adventurous interpretations of jazz classics and fabulous piano-playing skills ( he trained at the illustrious Manhattan School Of Music ), he decided to branch out into the pop / rock genre a few years ago, recording East Of Angel Town.

It was a laudable effort, but an awkward transition which wasn't very well-received.

With Metropolis, however, Peter has definitely found his mojo. Congratulations! :)

Blending pop, rock, funk, jazz and techno, this is a heady mixture that showcases his writing talent, and also features much stronger vocals.

Every track is fantastic, but standouts include Do Or Die, Take A Good Look, Graffiti Wall, World Gone Crazy and Before I Go.

I've seen him in concert 3 times, the last being 2008's Singapore Sun Festival.

All were extremely different gigs - lucky me! - and I was fortunate enough to meet him twice as well.

Both encounters were wonderful to say the least, and I hope to watch him perform again in the near future. Would be great to hear him sing these songs live.


Time for dinner. Thanks for reading!

August!

Man, my blog entry frequency this year is dismal. Here's one for August, in case I don't post again till September.

The last time I mentioned this AWESOME series was in May, and thankfully, I have been keeping up with season 2 via Internet.

Like The Good Wife and Dexter - 2 excellent shows which have not lost their momentum - Suits' follow-up season is delightful. I love programmes that are smart, challenging and funny. Suits has all 3 in spades!

Another quality I really appreciate: shifting the focus away from the usual high-profile criminal cases. Most legal dramas like to drum up the adrenaline factor by featuring serial killers or bizarre murders. The Practice excelled at this, but after a while, the tricks get old.

Which is why I find Suits so refreshing. It discusses a wide range of subjects - will disputes, copyright infringement, class action, wrongful death, sexual harrassment - but somehow makes every single episode utterly fascinating.

The legal jargon is mind-blowing, but actually comprehensible as long as you're fully awake. I always make it a point to avoid watching it when I'm post-call or exhausted for some other reason. Maximum enjoyment is key!

Another element I can't get enough of - the complex dynamics between the characters. Granted, Harvey Specter and Mike Ross are at the forefront, but Louis Litt ( played to perfection by Rick Hoffman ) is gaining a lot of ground in terms of show-stealing!

There's a terrific episode in season 2 ( #4 or #5, I believe ), where Litt gets the defendant in a civil suit to turn on his own company during a tense deposition. It is one of the most ingenious scenes I have ever witnessed on television. Where straightforward legal tactics failed, he found a way to win the case by hitting where it really hurts - the bruised ego. I wish the clip was on YouTube, but it isn't. Trust me, it is UNBELIEVABLE.

The humour has picked up as well, coming at you fast and furious in season 2. I always find myself laughing heartily at the zingy one-liners, mostly from Harvey. They're a mixture of unrestrained narcissism and astute observations of the human condition. Love it! :D

Being overlooked at the Emmys is a massive injustice, but as a fellow fan assured me on Twitter - "NEXT YEAR!"

I hope so too. :)

Looking forward to The Bourne Legacy, starring Jeremy Renner, whom I have become rather obsessed with since his prominent role in last December's immensely entertaining Mission: Impossible 4.

His previous films weren't exactly action blockbusters - okay, he shot a gun and played the bad guy in SWAT - but he has really hit his stride since turning 40, wow!

He looks positively gorgeous, shows off a graceful athleticism ( Bourne Legacy director Tony Gilroy calls him a "machine" ), and handles weapons with style ( handgun, sniper rifle, bow and arrow ).

If you thought MI4 and The Avengers were tough, check out the trailers and clips for Bourne Legacy. I'm surprised he can still walk after all that leaping and tumbling and major whacking. I'm already starting to experience pain in both knees, and I'm only 37!

Another plus now that Renner's in the limelight - interviews.
There're tonnes of clips on YouTube, but this past week, I got my hands on episodes from The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Both discuss his involvement with Bourne Legacy, but the interviews couldn't be more different. I've noticed that Renner makes it a point to vary his conversations, no matter how many he has to go through. I honestly don't know how he keeps track of them all, but it's a huge treat for us fans, and I especially enjoy his wicked sense of humour, lol!

Also, he dresses EXTREMELY well for events. Not just TV appearances, but press conferences, conventions, etc. Either a sweater / shirt combo, or a suit and tie, sometimes with a vest included. I just love guys who dress up. :)

Oh yes, the photos. The first is from Empire magazine's subscriber copy cover, and the second is from the 2009 TV series, The Unusuals, which was unfortunately cancelled after 10 episodes.

The latter, however, has attained a cult-like status on the Net, thanks to a faithful following and word-of-mouth. The YouTube clips are also side-splittingly funny.

Ordered my copy from Amazon recently. Can't wait to watch it!

A few TV shows I'm watching out for...

Dexter season 7 - this is my #1 favourite series at the moment, and is unlikely to be toppled anytime soon, despite a slightly disappointing 6th season.
Michael C. Hall is flawless as Dexter Morgan, and no-one except him can play this dark and twisted character so beautifully.

Premieres in the U.S. September 30. I prefer uncensored versions, so it's back to the Internet for me. :)

Another series I'm highly anticipating - The Following, in which Kevin Bacon plays an FBI agent hunting down a network of serial killers. Wow, I just got goosebumps. :)

Last but not least, Elementary - a modern retelling of the Sherlock Holmes story, now transplanted to New York, with Dr. Watson played by none other than Lucy Liu. Eli Stone's Jonny Lee Miller should make an enigmatic Sherlock, following his memorable, evil turn on Dexter season 5.

So many other Hollywood stars are also turning to television these days - from Glenn Close ( Damages ), Angelica Huston ( Smash ), Sigourney Weaver ( Political Animals ) and Dustin Hoffman ( Luck ), to Ashley Judd ( Missing ), Patrick Wilson ( A Gifted Man ) and Rose Byrne ( Damages ).

A check regarding American Horror Story season 2 ( the show is completely insane but I just adore it :)) mentions James Cromwell, Joseph Fiennes and ( surprise! ) Adam Levine among the new cast.
Jessica Lange will return, creepier and zanier than ever, I'm sure.
My fave is Evan Peters - a young actor who holds his own and mesmerizes with his fiery performances.
Debuts October 2012.

The small screen has never looked more spectacular!

Review of Jason Mraz's Concert, Gardens By The Bay, 29 June 2012

As you can see, this entry is a week late. Mostly because I've been too busy to post something coherent, but also because I want to make sure my favourite musician gets a proper review rather than a cursory one.

JM's Gardens By The Bay gig marked his return to Singapore after 3 long years, following a sell-out show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

This was his 4th appearance here, and he was bestowed the honour of being the opening act for the Rhythm With Nature festival, in conjunction with the Gardens' official launch on 28 June.

My last experience with large crowds at an outdoor venue was SingFest 2008, which also featured JM doing an hour-long set with an all-star lineup ( review link here ).

It was really rough - hot and humid weather, sardine-can conditions, dehydration, physical exhaustion - and I swore never to put myself through that again.

But I couldn't pass up a chance to see him, even though I had no idea what The Meadow's exact conditions were like.

Only for you, Jason! Nobody else! :)

First, the venue.

It was, to be honest, aesthetically disappointing.
The Meadow should be renamed The Grassy Patch. Because that's what it is.
Considering the $1 billion poured into the construction of the sprawling Gardens, little effort was made to beautify an area which is supposed to host concerts on a large scale.
Fort Canning Park by comparison is practically scenic. At least the Marina Bay Sands provides some nice photography shots especially after sunset, but that's about it.

It's also reaaaally dark.
This became obvious when more than 10,000 concertgoers moved toward the various exits. Some areas were practically pitch black - a danger zone if the ground's uneven or if you have poor eyesight. If kids are involved, they're at risk of getting trampled.
Will someone please consider installing more lamp posts!

And...it's damn confusing for newbies.
Of course, most if not all of us there that night were first-time visitors.
The ushers did their best to direct us, but after a certain point near one of the small gardens / bridges, we were basically moving around en masse, without any clear idea whether it was the right direction or not.

I'd also like to add that if there'd been an emergency - collapse, fire, terrorist attack - good luck to everyone.

Suffice to say, I WILL NOT be attending a show there for a loooong time. I treasure my life too much.

Second, the concert itself.

I've seen JM in action 4 times in total now, and am happy to report that every single performance has been completely different.

His first Esplanade Concert Hall gig will always be my fave ( it's also the BEST concert I've ever attended, no chance of being toppled, period :)), followed by his 2009 Indoor Stadium extravaganza ( review link here ).

I'm no fan of outdoor venues partly because of our tropical weather ( makes things terribly uncomfortable ), and also because the atmosphere changes dramatically.

I suspect The Meadow causes sound to disperse, so even though the crowd was 12,000 to 15,000 strong, JM might not have heard much from the audience.

I chose to stay near the back, just in front of the hilly section. The people around me applauded at the appropriate times, but were otherwise subdued, even during the singalong segments.
A group of young girls just behind me also jabbered for almost half the show, shouting at the top of their lungs when the music drowned out their voices. I chose not to give them dagger stares to avoid any ugliness, but it was definitely annoying. Why even bother to come if you're not going to listen, dammit?!

Here's the list of songs JM performed, in order:

The World As I See It
Everything Is Sound
The Freedom Song
Bella Luna
Butterfly
Be Honest
Only Human
The Woman I Love
A Beautiful Mess
Unfold
Make It Mine
Frank D. Fixer
Curbside Prophet / The Remedy medley
You And I both
( A song I didn't recognize, with the lyrics "I'm coming over tonight" )
Details In The Fabric ( duet with Corinne May )
Lucky ( with Corinne May )
Living In The Moment
I'm Yours

Encores:
Mr. Curiosity
93 Million Miles
I Won't Give Up

This makes a total of 23 songs, spanning about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Non-stop! Jason, your stamina never fails to astound me. :)

My general impression of his mood that evening is: introspective, maybe a little sad, hopefully not bored.

People tell me he's been rather mopey this year, perhaps due to his recent breakup, or perhaps other factors are in play.

Whatever it is, the energy level was generally at a plateau, with occasional small spikes. None of the euphoria at the Indoor Stadium and SingFest for sure.

Did I mind? Not at all. I made the trip only to hear his gorgeous voice. Anything extra was a bonus.

And vocals-wise, he continues to impress.

Maybe the predominantly slow tempos appealed to me because I've grown older. But I think it's also because this reminded me of his 2006 acoustic concert at the Esplanade. I've always preferred JM's stripped-bare performances, sans heavy band backup.

Previously, JM would wing it during his gigs, choosing songs on the spot based on audience response. This time, I don't think he had as much freedom considering the programmed video clips flashing behind him during each song.

Another significant difference is the predominance of pieces from his latest release - only 3 tracks were left out. Past shows featured a much more varied repertoire.

I couldn't be happier, of course. Love Is A Four-Letter Word is, IMHO, his best album yet, and I would've been ecstatic if he'd gone through every single song on the list!

Third, highlight moments.

Definitely the slowest pieces. There were many, but I absolutely melted during Bella Luna, Be Honest, A Beautiful Mess and I Won't Give Up.

I was really looking forward to Living In The Moment, but somehow, I couldn't get into the groove, and the audience wasn't very enthusiastic either. What the heck!?

Many would've noticed the paucity of cheeky banter and on-stage antics, but JM's vocals haven't sounded this exquisite since 2006 ( i.e. at the Esplanade ). Flawless, I tell you! :)


So in conclusion, despite not being as exciting as I'd hoped, it was still a great privilege to see JM again.

He didn't tweet anything about Singapore the last time I checked, but he did post something on his blog. I stayed at the MBS in 2010 and don't recall any of the things he mentioned, but hey, I'm glad whatever was arranged managed to impress.

No luck getting a meet-and-greet this year, but I did forward a belated birthday gift via the event organizer. I hope you like it, Jason, and please come back soon! :)

10 Years And Almost 2 Months :)

Another busy 4 weeks have passed, but an update is in order!



I've been turning to the Internet in recent months, since local cable either takes forever to bring my favourite TV shows to Singapore, or forgets about them entirely.

Sherlock falls into the latter category. After an interminable hiatus following a terrific season 1, StarHub cable shows no intention of airing season 2. How typical.

Last week, I got my hands on all 3 new episodes, and I must say, BBC is trying to match HBO in terms of racy content!

Prime example: the manner in which Irene Adler is introduced. Forget about Guy Ritchie's film adaptations, which leave Robert Downey Jr completely exposed but keep the ladies covered up. BBC's version features head-to-toe nudity and bondage. Are these in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novels???

Anyway, season 2 looks like a load of fun thus far, thanks to the aforementioned antics and the always excellent cast. Look out for Andrew Scott who plays Moriarty. He's absolutely terrifying despite looking like a little boy. Gave me the creeps in this scene, brrrr!



Another wonderful film I need to rave about: The Debt, starring Sam Worthington, Jessica Chastain, Helen Mirren and Tom Wilkinson.

I'll leave you to read the synopsis elsewhere. If you're into tense thrillers with sporadic action scenes, but which feature a truly stellar cast and outstanding performances, this is definitely for you.

It took me a long time to get round to watching the movie, mostly because reviews I'd read were mixed and I honestly thought it would be dull. How wrong I was! My nerves were on edge from beginning to end, and certain bits were positively harrowing.

While Mirren is billed as the star, I personally feel that Chastain and Worthington are thrust in the spotlight. Without giving too much away, I will just say that these 2 actors share amazing chemistry here, and there're a few scenes which are exquisitely beautiful to behold.

Chastain never disappoints, but it is Worthington who really stands out, turning in one of his best performances since Terminator Salvation.

Also, keep an eye out for a prisoner who enjoys playing mind games with his captors. He derives evil pleasure from causing others to suffer, saying things which will chill you to the bone, while he flashes a smile and giggles with glee.



Although TV and movies help keep me sane, Dale Carnegie's motivational book is adding to the positive energy.

Like most publications in this genre, a lot of the advice offered sounds like common sense, but somehow, reading it helps spur you to action.

Instead of wallowing in self-pity and constant whining, I decided to empower myself by adopting a few of his suggested practices. They sound insanely simple, but produce miracles!

Over the years, work and personal experiences have turned me into a hard-core pessimist with cynical tendencies. So now, I'm trying to tune those traits down a notch, so I can stay healthy and live long enough to enjoy the fruits of my labour.

Give it a go if you'd like. Then let me know what you think. :)


Jason Mraz's Gardens By The Bay concert takes place this Friday, woohoo! Will try to post a review soon. :D

10 Years And Counting

This entry comes about 10 days early, but considering my upcoming schedule, I thought it best to write something early rather than late.

It's the first time I'm celebrating a blog anniversary, so it seems appropriate to start at the very beginning.

When I first began blogging, it was a hobby more than anything else. I just wanted something to divert my attention from work, which was stressful and at times downright depressing.

I remember being an orthopaedics MO in June 2002, often sequestered in the emergency department's plaster room for 24 hours, or doing wards rounds and assisting in theatre, none of which I enjoyed.

It was all part of a bigger plan, of course. I wanted to be an emergency physician, and rotations were an essential part of the training. Somehow, venting on the Internet helped ease the journey, and for some strange reason, I developed a small following not long after the site was launched.

Looking back, the past decade has been truly amazing. Yes, I grouch and bitch a lot, but hey, I completed my training, passed the exit exam, and turned consultant in 2010. I found my calling in emergency ultrasound, and now have so many teaching and administrative commitments I seldom have enough free time to sleep or engage in meaningful recreational activities ( TV and swimming don't count ).

I've also travelled quite a bit, finally fulfilling long simmering dreams to see countries I'd only read or heard about since childhood. I now count New York as my favourite city, followed by Paris and Tokyo. However, every trip has been a blessing, and I look forward to more. :)

The other major milestones? Definitely celebrity encounters. 2004 kickstarted the cycle when Jamie Cullum grabbed my hand during an impromptu moment at his showcase at a nightclub. Since then, my luck and persistence have paid off abundantly in the form of meet-and-greets with Michael Buble ( 2005 ), Peter Cincotti ( 2005 and 2008 ), Jason Mraz ( 2009 ), Kevin Spacey ( 2010 and 2011 ), Jonathan Groff ( 2011 ) and David Foster ( 2011 ).

Kevin Spacey, in whose honour this blog is named, remains a source of inspiration after 15 years. I will always be grateful for his reply to my fan letter in early 2011, and although I have yet to hear from him since his November '11 visit to Singapore ( fan letter and donation to his foundation successfully handed over ), I remain supportive and hopeful of a return trip in the near future.

In addition, special mention goes to all the new friends I've met through the blog, from a local doctor based overseas, to a friend's brother's younger sis who's become a great pal, to a fellow emergency physician at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital who was instrumental in introducing me to a world-renowned professor.

Last but not least, I have not forgotten the SARS saga, which I charted on this site that fateful year, conveying the local medical community's many struggles to a global audience that shared our pain and offered prayers daily.

It was a humbling experience, though one I hope will never repeat itself. But the seeds have been sown, and despite my chronic procrastination, rest assured that I have made progress in my writing efforts, and that I will accomplish what I set out to do many years ago, no matter what it takes.

So thank you for reading; thank you for accompanying me on this journey; there's much more on the way. :)

50/50 - A Review

I first heard and read about 50/50 while in New York last September, with a distinct memory of a making-of segment on continuous loop on a TV screen in the back of a taxi which was hurtling through traffic.

What followed was lots of Oscar buzz, but somehow, no major nominations materialized, and I stored this title for consumption at a later date.

I don't know why it took me more than 6 months to sit down and watch it. Maybe it's the subject matter: young guy diagnosed with cancer. I mean, I'm all for "indie" films, but I see enough death and illness daily in the ER. I don't need more of it at home on the goggle box, my last place of refuge from depression and suicide.

So imagine my surprise when I ended up loving the movie, so much in fact that I would say it's one of the best I've ever seen, and probably the best where the cancer / terminal illness topic is concerned.

There're a few spoilers ahead, so you've been warned.



Where should I start?

How about at the very beginning, when we see Adam ( Joseph Gordon-Levitt ) jogging in Seattle? He stops at a red light on a quiet morning; the roads are completely empty; someone runs across the street but he stubbornly stays put.

Those couple of minutes pass by in the blink of an eye, but the significance is not lost on me, and the patient viewer will be duly rewarded throughout the rest of the film.

Adam's story is written by Will Reiser and partially based on his own experience with cancer, which I think adds a lot of authenticity to the script.

Although I say I avoid shows like this because of my job, another big reason is the fact that many such movies make a mockery of the situation. The characters are near death but look like a million bucks ( Autumn In New York, Sweet November ). Or they're dying and still super-horny ( Autumn In New York, Sweet November, Dying Young ). Or they decide to build a house ( Life As A House ).

Have you ever seen a really sick patient? They're pale, skinny, lethargic and have zero interest in screwing or swinging a hammer.


50/50's accurate depiction of Adam's struggle with cancer won me over immediately. After he's diagnosed, you never see him exercise ever again. He becomes pallid and tired, with dark circles under his eyes. Makeup, I know, but I appreciate the effort!

The film's appeal doesn't end there. Another surprise comes in the form of humour. Not heh-heh-chuckles funny, but laugh-out-loud hilarious.

Nothing is off limits - Adam's tumour ( "the more syllables it has, the worse it is" ), Adam's girlfriend ( too dirty to print haha ), Adam's friend Kyle's raging hormones and penchant for marijuana ( look out for the night blindness excuse :D).

There aren't many movies where every scene, every word spoken or unspoken, has significance. I'm a fan of "intimate" films, some of which are kooky, most of which never reach blockbuster status - Into The Wild, There Will Be Blood, Lars And The Real Girl, Shame - except maybe a handful like American Beauty, Dead Poets Society and Sixth Sense.
50/50 joins this illustrious list for its poignant script - which left me in stitches then in tears - and deft direction by Jonathan Levine ( who also helmed teen-horror-flick-with-a-twist All The Boys Love Mandy Lane, which I think is excellent by the way ).

But it is the cast who make the 100 minutes zip by so enjoyably. Seth Rogen, whom I've always felt rather ambivalent about, steals my heart with his sensitive portrayal of Kyle. Unlike most BFFs who are written as either clowns or psychos, Kyle is refreshingly real and familiar, possessing traits all of us would recognize in ourselves or our friends. His love for Adam gradually builds up momentum, until a simple but key scene late in the film - involving a self-help book - drives the message home.

Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick, who plays therapist Katherine, turns in yet another sharp performance here. We share Adam's incredulity when she reveals her age and lack of experience, but their relationship evolves at a reasonable pace, and she soon proves to be extremely insightful despite her youthful appearance.

Anjelica Huston's Diane ( Adam's mother ) actually reminds me a lot of my own mom - protective, strong-willed and sometimes hard to handle ( heh ). But Katherine's advice that "You can't change who your parents are. The only thing you can change is how you choose to deal with them." rings true.

Even Bryce Dallas Howard's thankless role as the horrible girlfriend should be savoured. She brings a whole new meaning to the word "betrayal".

Last but not least, Joseph Gordon-Levitt deserves endless accolades for an absolutely dazzling tour de force. The role was originally offered to James McAvoy, who would've done a terrific job with it if he hadn't bowed out due to a family emergency. But JGL is marvelous despite stepping in a week before shooting began.

I've been a fan since his days on 3rd Rock From The Sun, and I couldn't be happier when he finally hit the big time with ( 500 ) Days Of Summer and Inception. Although already 31, he pulls off the role of 27-year-old Adam effortlessly, never sinking into melodramatic self-pity. If only all young people were as stoic as he is. :)

In any movie like this, the lead actor or actress' greatest challenge is getting the audience to embark on a journey with the character and push to the finish line, no matter how difficult or unpleasant it may be. What's even harder is transmitting the character's deep pain directly to the viewer. Sure, it's easy to shed a few tears during well-orchestrated moments. But there's a scene where Adam sits in Kyle's car and finally succumbs to his suffering, letting it rip with a gut-wrenching scream that hit all my synapses like a freaking sledgehammer.

I don't know how else to describe it. I hope you get my drift.

JGL was robbed of an Oscar nomination this year, and so was Michael Fassbender ( Shame ). I honestly don't know how the Academy of Arts and Sciences, which prides itself on recognizing excellence in film, can overlook 2 outstanding performances in favour of George Clooney and Brad Pitt, who are practically mediocre in comparison.

I used to think The Artist deserved the Best Picture honour. Not anymore.

Fifty Shades, Suits & A Certain Mr. Renner

As we near mid-2012, I find multiple sources of inspiration for a new blog entry. :)

First, a novel which is receiving tonnes of media attention, not unlike the Twilight series which had hordes of teenage girls ( and quite a few women ) lusting after vampires and werewolves.

I came across the Fifty Shades trilogy a few weeks ago, via an encounter so fleeting I have no clear memory of it, except a hastily scribbled book title on my to-read list.

The second time was much clearer - an article in Time magazine, in which editor-at-large Belinda Luscombe practically lambasts author EL James for her poor literary style and horrendous description of copulation.

Bad review notwithstanding, it was enough to send me scrambling for the nearest bookstore the next day. Believe it or not, family-friendly Popular stocks the stuff, albeit in a discreet corner where only the desperate or resourceful can find it. :)

I've been reading the first part - Fifty Shades Of Grey - for about a week now, and concur with Luscombe on many counts. Though I don't write about romance novels much on this blog, I used to devour them during my formative years in secondary school and junior college.

Barbara Cartland, Julie Garwood and Judith McNaught were personal faves, but more hard-core fare from the likes of Sidney Sheldon, Jackie Collins and Harold Robbins also featured prominently, even while in primary school. ( Yes, mum, you should've locked your cupboards. :))

James' work pales in comparison to these well-established authors. The plot is simplistic and requires major suspension of disbelief. Aside from Christian Grey, the other characters grate on my nerves. And yes, for someone who has 700 romance novels in her attic, James' sex-act vocabulary is in dire need of a thesaurus' assistance.

So why do I persist? I've hit the 300+-page mark and show no signs of slowing down. I stay up way past my bedtime, and frequently surf the Internet for casting rumours - Ryan Gosling for Christian? Lily Collins for Anastasia?

This is the magical effect of the hype phenomenon, also credited for the success of Twilight, a 4-book series which is pretty awful but somehow made bestseller lists and broke box-office records when it became an equally awful movie franchise.

I've read all the novels and watched all the films, so I'm not hypothesizing here.

Hype isn't always a good thing, but the curiosity it generates can be intoxicating. Perhaps it's basic human instinct that makes us yearn to be part of something bigger, something everyone's talking about. We don't want to be left out or labelled ignorant. We don't want to be alone.

For me, hype results in a rather reckless compulsion. Once I start reading a book, unless it's a total train wreck ( best example: Thomas Harris' Hannibal Rising, blech ), I can - and must - finish it.

Like most romantic tales, Fifty Shades pits a virtuous girl against a worldly older man. She's all wide-eyed innocence, blushing under his "intense gaze". He enjoys making her squirm, but she demonstrates her own capacity for seduction despite her inexperience. Any of this sound familiar?

My last foray into the world of romance was 4 years ago, when I ploughed through all 4 Twilight books, which made my head spin, and not in the best way.

Fifty Shades, I'm happy to report, fares better. I don't think I can tolerate another dose of teen angst, though I'm tempted to read The Hunger Games at some point.

If you're wondering about the "sexual acrobatics" everyone's talking about, rest assured that it's actually pretty mild. I don't know what happens in Book Two, but Fifty Shades Of Grey is plodding along at a leisurely pace, and the S&M action is maybe a 3 on a scale of 10.

( I've read hard-core stuff in the past. Don't ask me how I got it. :))

Anyway, I wish James the best of luck in her career. I think she'll improve with time, and I am always supportive of someone who shares my own love for writing, no matter what form it takes. ( Thank you also for the Twitter message, which was a most pleasant surprise! :))

More to follow as I progress...

Here's a long delayed review of what I consider to be one of the MOST AWESOME TV shows I've come across in a long time.

I literally chanced upon Suits while watching Smash on local cable. The latter ended and I had nothing else scheduled, so I decided to give it a go.

I'm so glad I did! The pilot blew my mind into another galaxy, and I've been hooked ever since.

Don't be fooled by the dodgy premise: a sharp senior litigator in a top law firm hires a new associate, knowing that he never even went to law school.

Patrick J. Adams' star is rising as he infuses Mike Ross with a lovely mixture of intelligence, charm and innocence.

But it is Gabriel Macht who steals the show - and my heart :) - as Harvey Spector, a tough but fair mentor who dispenses nuggets of ruthless advice, yet displays intermittent moments of compassion and guilt when Ross appeals to his conscience.

The script is top-notch ( you need large doses of caffeine to keep up! ), the acting superb, the humour classic ( laugh-out-loud moments abound! ), and the cases absolutely fascinating.

Listen to me: DO NOT, AT ANY COST, MISS THIS SHOW.

Last but not least, a little homage to Jeremy Renner, whom I've been paying a lot of attention to in recent months.

The Avengers is a fun movie, and deserves to reap huge profits. But I am not a comic book fan, and although Robert Downey Jr. is 3rd on my list of favourite actors, I went to this film because of Renner.

I have no idea if his portrayal of Hawkeye is faithful to the source material, but he blew my socks off, and the opportunity for a spinoff should not be missed!

Can't wait to see him in full action star mode in The Bourne Legacy. :D

Shame - A Review

My second entry in less than a week, inspired by a truly astonishing film!

Have been anticipating this for months, but when the time came to actually sit down and watch it, there was a tiny bit of apprehension about being let down. Tends to be the case when my expectations are set too high.

Thankfully, no such thing occurred here. Shame kept me riveted from beginning to end, and earns a perfect 10/10 from this finicky movie buff!

If you're not familiar with the subject matter, the less I reveal, the better. However, I will advise you NOT to be distracted by the "sex addition" tag, because although it is the dominant theme, director Steve McQueen's deft manipulation ensures that the sleaze never overwhelms.

Details follow beyond this point, so spoiler alert!

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The central character, Brandon Sullivan, is portrayed by Michael Fassbender, an actor whom I became a huge fan of only a year ago, following his broody turn in Jane Eyre ( during which I made the connection between him and Lt. Archie Hicox from Inglourious Basterds ). Since then, I've watched him play a comic book villain ( X-Men: First Class ), an evil zombie ( Blood Creek ), a Roman soldier ( Centurion ), an adulterer ( Fish Tank ), an IRA fanatic ( Hunger ), a tragic hero ( Eden Lake ) and a legendary psychiatrist ( A Dangerous Method ).

Little wonder he sits just below Kevin Spacey on my personal Top 10 Actors list! I am in awe of his talent and versatility. Plus it certainly helps that he's drop-dead gorgeous. :)

As Brandon, he once again blows me away with a multi-layered performance, combining animal sexuality with vulnerability to potent effect. Of course, the script ( by Abi Morgan and McQueen ) deserves major kudos for creating a character who is both deplorable and sympathetic, but undeniably memorable.

Viewers will no doubt feel like guilty voyeurs as McQueen takes us through intensely private moments in Brandon's life - outwardly normal and successful, inwardly in constant turmoil and progressively spiraling out of control.

We bear witness to his frequent trysts with random women which fail to satisfy his voracious sexual appetite. Pay attention to every scene - there're numerous revelations to pick up on, illustrating the gross discrepancy between Brandon's reckless abandon and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. For instance, he listens to Glenn Gould ( quiet, rather dull stuff ) but has no qualms about hiring prostitutes, engaging in threesomes, even venturing into a gay bar.
In another sequence, he vigorously cleans a toilet seat before urinating. And I wonder, this guy doesn't give a crap about sharing bodily fluids with strangers, and he wipes a toilet seat he doesn't even have direct contact with?!

Another fascinating segment involves a dinner date Brandon arranges with a saucy female colleague who's obviously attracted to him. They banter about their past and personal views on relationships. I don't have the exact quotes on hand right now, but remember laughing when Brandon said his longest relationship lasted only 4 months! He also gives his perspective on couples who have nothing to say to each other, which I can vouch for 100%. :)

Special mention goes to Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan, who plays Brandon's younger sibling, Sissy. It's difficult to describe their bond in a way that will do it justice, but again, the script provides excellent material, and the actors deliver their scenes flawlessly.

I was momentarily stunned by one sequence which left Mulligan completely exposed for a few uncomfortable minutes, but I need to accept the fact that she's a grown woman now, not giggly Kitty from Pride & Prejudice or virtuous Jenny from An Education.
Her on-screen chemistry with Fassbender is positively scorching. There're a few sexual undertones - sufficient to make my mum use the word "incestuous" - but mostly it's a totally believable dynamic, alternating between deep affection and outright disgust, that makes this acting partnership so exciting.

I definitely harbour hope for another Fassbender-Mulligan collaboration in the near future, preferably in a sweeping Victorian-era romance!

Next, the subway train scene, where Brandon locks eyes with a pretty redhead and attempts to follow her when she alights.
Words alone can't possibly convey the fiery eroticism so expertly portrayed in this 3-minute segment. There's zero dialogue, every subtle gesture carries heavy subtext, and when Brandon stands behind the flustered woman as the train comes to a stop, their hands almost touching on the subway pole, I dare you to take a breath.

The encounter is so transient, yet it reverberates throughout the film. And when it finally comes full circle, the tension slices through like a hatchet.

Last but not least, the movie title proper. When the end credits roll, I guarantee you'll find yourself pondering its various definitions, and how they apply to the different characters and situations.
While it's obvious that "shame" alludes to Brandon's self-loathing, that alone comes in many forms: he knows he needs to kick the sex addiction, but can't; his sickness is discovered by Sissy, which is mortifying; he contemplates using an infatuated colleague to act out his twisted fantasy, but stops before it's too late and hates himself for being the instigator.

The other prime example includes the redhead episode. But I'll leave it to you to figure it out, because it is absolutely stunning.

The McQueen-Fassbender partnership struck gold with Hunger in 2008, and they will work together again on Twelve Years A Slave, set in the 1800s and co-starring Brad Pitt! Am looking forward to that! :)

The Artist may have swept the Oscars, but Shame is, in my opinion, far better. Michael Fassbender should've been named Best Actor for his fearless performance, and Steve McQueen at least nominated for Best Director.

Thank you both for one of the best film experiences of my life! :)

Next entry: A review of The Avengers, which I will be seeing next week. :D

Love Is A Four-Letter Word

Many of us have been waiting anxiously for the release of Jason Mraz's new album, and I finally got to listen to it a couple of days ago.

Yes, he's my favourite musician - and will remain so as long as I still draw breath :) - but the effect his music has on me never fails to surprise.

Although We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things hit stores in 2008, fans were spared withdrawal symptoms thanks to constant tidbits these past 4 years, e.g. an acoustic version of WSWDWST, the Beautiful Mess - Live On Earth CD/DVD, intermittent spurts of new singles, plus the Life Is Good and Live Is A Four-Letter Word EPs.

Some may call these crafty marketing stunts designed to empty pockets, but in the age of digital downloads, one song may cost only 10 cents, so you do the math. :)

If anything, the albums highlight Jason's sheer artistry. How else can you describe 5 versions of a song, all of which are clearly different, yet equally awesome? I've attended 3 gigs and own every single concert CD/DVD I could get my hands on, and never tire of his performances.

This review of Love Is A Four-Letter Word is preliminary. I've listened to it straight through a couple of times, but am now hitting repeat on a number of tracks to dig a little deeper. It usually takes more than 10 replays before I'm able to identify real favourites, but here's what I thought after round 1: ABSOLUTELY SUBLIME. :D

One of the reasons I derive such great pleasure from Jason's music is that I've been lucky enough to follow his career from the very beginning. ( Thank you again, G, for introducing me to Waiting For My Rocket To Come. :))
Many musicians crash and burn after 5 years, but Jason keeps getting better a whole decade after his debut.

My general impression of Love is that it's more introspective. The trademark upbeat JM ditties are still present, but the slow and sweet melodic ballads are especially prominent here, and only one piece can be considered just a tad on the unconventional side. Compare this to WSWDWST, which featured The Dynamo of Volition, Only Human and Coyotes, which aren't exactly singalong-friendly.

Not that I'm complaining, of course! My admiration for Jason has reached the stage where I'm able to digest anything he sings. But after 10 years, this is without a doubt the JM album I've been wishing for.

His maturity shines through in many aspects, but most notably in the lyrics and musical arrangements. Certain melodies may sound deceptively simple, but then you wonder why no-one else has come up with similar tunes!

An early fave - sure to be a crowd pleaser at concerts! - is Living In The Moment ( track #2 ). Jason loves to share positive messages with fans, and the lyrics are guaranteed to put a spring in anyone's step:

"I will not waste my days / Making up all kinds of ways
To worry about all the things / That will not happen to me

I'm letting myself off the hook for things I've done
I let my past go past / And now I'm having more fun
I'm letting go of the thoughts / That do not make me strong
And I believe this way can be the same for everyone

Living in the moment / living my life
Easy and breezy / With peace in my mind
With peace in my heart / Peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home"

I can already picture the scene at his June 29 Gardens by the Bay gig - 12,000 fans belting the song with Jason, waving whatever glow-y objects we have available ( gadgets, lighters, etc ). You can bet I'm going to sing my heart out! :)


Another current fave: The Woman I Love ( track #3 ). I'm familiar with the 'live' version, but the studio recording moved me immensely. As always, Jason has a knack for noticing a relationship's subtle nuances and little moments, putting beautiful words to a gorgeous tune to produce an instant classic.

To complete the hat trick, next comes I Won't Give Up ( track #4 ), which Jason readily admits he wrote for Tristan Prettyman, a long-time love whom he was engaged to for a time before it was called off. Again, I've heard this before, but for some reason, the album recording reduced me to a teary mess. I was initially shocked by the reaction, but also realized how far my journey with Jason has progressed. I've never connected with his music so deeply before. What a breakthrough! :D


Other worthy contenders: 93 Million Miles ( poignant ), Frank D. Fixer ( outstanding ), In Your Hands ( intensely romantic ) and Be Honest ( I liken it to seeing 3 rainbows all at once :)).

Yes, Love Is A Four-Letter Word is phenomenal! Sensational! Brilliant! Which is why I'm going to try my best to memorize all the lyrics and heartily participate in the mass karaoke sessions at the show. ( I'm very bad at this, but there's always Google on my mobile for easy reference. :))

In 2009, when Jason was nominated for a few Grammys but didn't win, I predicted that his luck would quickly change, and it did ( he picked up 2 awards in 2009, in addition to being inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame ).

For 2012, I have 2 more: that Love deserves and will win the Album Of The Year Grammy, and that Jason will seriously consider writing a Broadway musical.

I also hope he will duet with Sara Bareilles someday. They're perfect for each other. :)

Thanks for reading, and if you're going to the June 29 gig, I look forward to seeing you there! It's gonna be awesome!

Inspiration... :)


It appears I may end up with only 12 or fewer blog entries by December, judging from the current frequency of posts. It's been a super-hectic 3 months so far, and I predict it will only get worse.

To keep up the writing momentum, it helps to get a jolt of inspiration once in a while, and I'm glad to report that there've been two in the past few weeks.



First, a new series which premiered on AXN Beyond a fortnight ago. Titled Necessary Roughness and based on a true story, it traces the life of an attractive female psychiatrist whose career takes an unexpected turn when (1) she discovers her a-hole husband's infidelities, (2) they commence hostile and costly divorce proceedings, and (3) a chance encounter with a football team's assistant coach lands her high-profile clientele.

Despite the "true events" proclamation, any show needs brilliant writing and equally brilliant acting to sustain itself - and Necessary Roughness has got it in spades. Supporting players Scott Cohen and Marc Blucas are personal faves - the former a Gilmore Girls and Law & Order: Trial By Jury veteran ( if you haven't seen Gilmore before, look it up online, or buy / rent the DVDs. Now! ), the latter from Buffy The Vampire Slayer and the Tom Cruise-Cameron Diaz blockbuster Knight & Day ( which I happen to love to pieces ).

Cohen relishes his role as a shady but stalwart "security specialist", while Blucas charms as the hunky yet sweet trainer. ( Though to be honest, I can't for the life of me believe a guy like him actually exists. :))

However, it is lead actress Callie Thorne who carries the show, and this she does most impressively. Bursting with class and sass, she hits her lines with precision and keeps you glued to the screen.

As for the writing, let's just say I laughed my guts out during episodes 1 and 2. Episode 3 hasn't aired yet, but I'm ready for my dose of joy juice!



Next is American Horror Story, a series I've been looking forward to since it was first announced, but somehow never got round to watching till now. ( Missed the premiere when I was in the U.S. last year, dammit! )

Read a slew of mixed reviews, but after catching the pilot yesterday, I am optimistic that this will join my list of favourites, which already include other dark-and-twisted fare such as Dexter, Game Of Thrones and True Blood.

Do not for one second brush this off as just another run-of-the-mill haunted-house cliche. Yes, a family moves into a creepy mansion fully aware of its violent history, enticed by the low asking price. Yes, there's marital strife in abundance, causing the couple's teenage daughter to "act out". Kooky neighbours - check. Psychotic / evil housekeeper - you bet. Malevolent spirits - lots in the first hour, so expect more as the show progresses.

Connie Britton, whose work I'm not familiar with, is compelling as the tormented wife, while Taissa Farmiga stands out as the troubled daughter.

However, I have a soft spot for Dylan McDermott, who won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Emmy for his role on legal drama series The Practice. A lot of his best work was on that show, and although a foray into films floundered ( does anyone remember that moronic love story co-starring Aishworiya Rai? ), followed by a couple of misses when he returned to television, I couldn't be happier that creator / producer Ryan Murphy picked him for Horror.

Aside from looking bloody awesome at 50 - nudity included! - he reminds us precisely why he won that Emmy in the first place. The pilot features an explosive scene between McDermott and Britton, as their marital conflicts come to a head and painful memories are dredged up. It is so amazing I actually stopped breathing.

Wow...

( It also made me think of the Broadway musical Follies, which I saw in New York last September, and which featured similar high-octane scenes of marital tension. )

It's good to have you back in fine form, Mr. McDermott!


Last but not least, Game Of Thrones season 2 returns in April, and local cable will air it soon after. YES!

Look out for next month's blog entry, coming soon... :)

Blog Entry For February

I'm so busy this month it's crazy. Hope you enjoy my review of Pangdemonium's Spring Awakening. :)