Cloud Nine!



Actually, make that cloud nine hundred and ninety-nine! :D

For readers who aren't connected to me via Facebook, the reason for my euphoria is this: Mr. Spacey, whom I have been a huge fan of for around 15 years, personally replied to my fan letter, which I was lucky enough to hand to him during our short meeting at the Audi A8 launch last December.

( I'd end every sentence with an exclamation mark, but am exercising great restraint. :))

These are photos from one of his pre-Audi event press conferences, if you're wondering.

Mr. Spacey's letter was posted from The Old Vic Theatre in London, and reached my workplace within 10 days. I included my name card in the envelope I passed to him, you see. Efficient postal service! And thank goodness the precious missive was conveyed to me safely. It could've gotten lost in the whole heap!

First, I am awed by the fact that Mr. Spacey read my letter. He has an extremely hectic schedule, especially these past 4 months, jetting around for the awards season ( he executive-produced The Social Network ), then post-Oscars, continuing with numerous interviews, even hosting former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev's 80th birthday bash.

To be honest, I had no idea what would happen to my letter the night I presented it to him. Yes, he thanked me and put it in his jacket pocket, but I wouldn't have blamed anyone if it had gotten misplaced or forgotten, considering his whirlwind timetable and all that packing / unpacking.

So I am truly amazed that he still has the letter almost 4 months after receiving it. I can't imagine where he stored it before responding. :)

Second, the warmth and graciousness of his reply floored me completely. He thanked me for my 'kind letter' and for being 'thoughtful' for taking the time to write to him. I mean, this is what a fan should say to his / her idol, not the other way round!

Third, my letter was pretty long ( 1 full page, single-spaced, in rather small font ) and moderately gushy, but he definitely read the entire thing. Because he picked out a few paragraphs / sentences and addressed them directly. One of which is my question about whether he's met Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, who's now residing in Singapore and avoiding all the reporters. Answer: yes, Mr. Spacey has indeed met Eduardo, and thinks he will continue to elude anyone who tries to get him to 'go on the record' ( that's a direct quote from Mr. Spacey, by the way ).

Fourth, he sounded apologetic about my fan mail package, sent in late 2008, not being acknowledged after such a long time. I've already emailed The Old Vic on 2 previous occasions, and we all agree that it probably got lost en route to London. But Mr. S said he'd look for it when he goes through the boxes in his office, because he intends to open every single one of them during his stint with The Bridge Project, at least when he's in London.

Actually, my 'package' is a manila envelope rather than a box. But it may be better if he doesn't find it, because I hope to thank him in person when he returns to Singapore to play Richard III, and this time, I will make sure to bring a proper gift of appreciation!

I received his letter just before my shift on April Fool's Day. People must've been wondering why I had a goofy smile on my face for 8 whole hours.

The smile's still there, just a little less goofy. :)

So Mr. Spacey, if you read this, a big THANK YOU for the wonderful gesture. :D

Other happy news: I have confirmed tickets for 2 Broadway shows, booked 6 months in advance! Orchestra level, centre block aisle, for about US$140 each. A steal, in my opinion, since I paid more than double for Jersey Boys ( but of course, those were in the premium section, because all the shows were otherwise sold out ).

Which 2, you ask? The Book Of Mormon, and the Daniel Radcliffe musical ( with the loooong title ). If I could have my way, I'd watch one show every single night, but my mum's worried about jet lag, so she's asked me to restrict myself. For now. Fear not, I shall continue to wear her down. :P

Before I sign off, a link to Casino Jack, one of Mr. Spacey's recent releases, and a role for which he received a Golden Globe nomination.

Have a good week!

Entry #6

I realize I made a resolution to write more this year - and that includes blogging - but I haven't really stuck to my convictions so far, mostly for work-related reasons.

However, this latest entry could not be delayed any further, as my excitement about a return visit to Manhattan necessitated some serious Web-surfing on not-to-be-missed shows.



Before I begin, the latest Kevin Spacey photo. Here, he's pictured with director David Fincher ( the genius behind Se7en, Zodiac, Fight Club and The Social Network ). They're teaming up yet again for a TV series, House Of Cards, which has been picked up by Netflix. I hope it hits local cable soon. If not, there's always Sidereel. :)



Recently, I've been reminiscing about Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning musical I caught back in 2007, when I finally fulfilled a lifelong dream to see Broadway. It was nothing short of life-changing, and I've been itching to go back ever since.

Why has it taken me 4 years to do it? Well, there're lots of other places on my travel list, and since my holidays involve parents, I need to take their preferences into consideration as well. Luckily, my mom's just as nuts about musicals as I am. After all, she's the one who introduced me to movies like The Sound Of Music when I was in kindergarten. And she was ecstatic when I showed immediate appreciation for West Side Story, South Pacific, My Fair Lady, Oliver!, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, The Student Prince and The King And I, when I was in primary school.

Despite not having the chance to catch any revivals ( we missed out on South Pacific, Gypsy and West Side Story ), watching Jersey Boys was absolutely delightful. I finally understood why Broadway has remained so popular for so many decades, and still marvel at the magic that goes on almost everyday in the numerous old theatres scattered along that long New York avenue. The buildings are old, the sidewalks cracked, the stages creak and there's a musty smell inside the auditorium. But when the lights go down and the curtain goes up, you'll feel your heart soar and the world will never be the same again!



Here's a revival I'm eyeing, which stars Harry Potter boy Daniel Radcliffe. I've seen video clips of him singing and dancing, and it's easy to see why reviews have been positive. Don't expect Raul Esparza / John Lloyd Young / Jonathan Groff in terms of powerhouse vocals. He's obviously going to draw crowds no matter what, and all he has to do is carry a decent tune and keep up with the other cast members.
Definitely high on my list. No regrets about missing his turn in Equus - I'd feel too weird about looking at a naked boy. :P



This one, I'm going to watch FOR SURE. Like, if I can't get normal tickets, I'm going for the premium seats, which cost US$300 a head. ( That's what I did for Jersey Boys - best S$900 I ever spent! Actually, a jackpot machine in Caesars Palace paid for that. I had fantastic beginner's luck. :))

The Book Of Mormon opened only a week ago, and has already received rave reviews. Check out its official website for a hilarious interview clip ( bottom right hand corner ) with Jon Stewart, in which he talks to creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone ( the gurus behind South Park ).
It had me in stiches, man! What is it about the word 'Mormon' that makes everything sound funny? I've met a few myself - young American men who are wholesome, well-mannered and unbelievably gorgeous. My mom dated a few in her heyday too, as evidenced by old photos. One of them looks like John F. Kennedy Jr, okay? Insane!

Wonder if the male cast members will be equally handsome? I just want to hear the songs, one of which has the words 'Mormon' and 'hell' in the title. The last musical I laughed till I cried at was a regional production of Avenue Q. I need another kick, so let's hope I get tickets to this one!




Am considering this a bit more carefully. There's been so much hype - mostly in the form of negative publicity - and a severely overblown budget, it would seem a shame to NOT watch it, no?

Video clips are quite impressive, but only heard part of one song, which wasn't that great. If I have time, and if the ticket prices are reasonable, I may give it a go.
( Anyway, if one of the stuntmen injures himself, I'll be the first to offer my medical services. :))





I may not be a huge Beatles fan, but there're enough effusive reviews on the Internet to pique my interest. More than 2 hours of non-stop music from the group's massive catalogue, covered by musicians who've mastered not just the singing, but even the tiniest mannerisms of Paul, John, Ringo and George.

It truly is the closest thing to watching the real Beatles in the flesh. Shall think hard about this. :)



I love the film version starring Robin Williams, Nathan Lane and Hank Azaria. The original cast included Kelsey Grammer, whom I've followed on the TV series Frasier for eons. Harvey Fierstein ( remember the raspy-voiced dude from Independence Day? ) and Arrested Development's Jeffrey Tambor are the successors. Haven't checked out videos from Playbill.com just yet, but it's on my radar.



Last but not least, a Cole Porter classic that features old-fashioned jazz. More importantly, one of my favourite Porter songs, I Get A Kick Out Of You, is in this musical. Thinking, thinking... :)

I desperately want to see Raul Esparza, but his run in the Tom Stoppard play, Arcadia, ends in June. Need to track him down, argh!

p.s. I hope Jason Mraz writes music for a Broadway show in the near future. It's guaranteed to be a big hit!

Withdrawal!

A week after Michael Buble's phenomenal show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, the symptoms have yet to abate.

Been combing through YouTube for clips from the concert, and really have to thank the many fans out there who uploaded footage!

My favourite is this one which tracks Michael as he hops off the stage and makes his way to the platform in the centre of the arena, before singing Home with the 10,000-strong crowd then strolling back the other way.

My cousin's daughter can be seen very clearly during the later half of Home, and the back of my head is visible just a couple of metres behind Michael as he's escorted to the stage. Can't believe how close I was to the man! Makes me feel worse! :P

I also have a very soft spot for this video I took, with Michael performing Billie Jean and Twist & Shout. I compared this segment with many others from his previous shows, and it's become pretty obvious that he was on a major high that night!

One, he sang a short bit from another MJ song, to raucous laughter from the audience, before launching into Billie Jean. Did not do this in other countries, at least from what I've seen so far ( i.e. he just went straight to BJ ).

Two, his reaction when someone in the audience - a man just a few rows directly in front of me - caught the hat he threw out was priceless! He looked positively ecstatic, yelling "Yes!" a couple of times. Also did not happen elsewhere. He was enjoying himself thoroughly! :D

I realize that he does a lot of covers, and that critics target him for this. But I think there's an important role for artistes like Michael, who choose to support a genre which might otherwise have sunk into oblivion, who do these great songs justice by performing them beautifully, and who keep the jazz legacy alive by bringing it to millions all over the world, especially the younger generation of music lovers.

I grew up listening to jazz, thanks to my mother's invaluable influence. I know exactly what Michael means when he reminisces about his own childhood, which was shaped by his father and grandfather, both jazz fans.
Sometimes, I feel really sad that no-one at work shares my passion. I spend so much time at the hospital and have nobody to gush to! So when a concert like this happens, and 10,000 rabid fans holler the lyrics to jazz classics, filling the massive arena with their voices, it fills a huge void in my heart.

Michael is also special to me because I discovered him on my own, without any assistance from the radio or TV, etc. I first heard his album playing at Great World City's That CD Shop back in early 2003, and had no idea who he was. The song was The Way You Look Tonight, and I was so hooked I bought the disc immediately.
The rest is history.

Reading my October 2005 blog entry again is a wonderful way to relive the night I met him in person. Again, searching YouTube clips reveals that he isn't always that friendly to fans. He usually takes a photo, signs an autograph, and moves on. To this day, I have no idea what possessed him to get so cheeky with my mum and I, even grabbing our backstage passes to scribble on after he'd already initialed my programme.

I really hope my cousin's daughter will get a chance to experience this the next time he returns to Singapore. I promise you, E, I will do everything I can to make your dream come true! :)

Shall leave you with lyrics from one of his recent hits, Haven't Met You Yet. As you know, I rarely pay attention to the words unless it affects me emotionally in a huge way. But Michael's comment about this piece giving hope to all those who think they're unlucky in love made me sit up, and this verse deserves special mention:

I might have to wait, I'll never give up
I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck
Wherever you are, whenever it's right
You'll come out of nowhere and into my life

Someone broke my heart badly 11 years ago, and I've been single ever since. Somehow, this song helps me feel a lot better about my current situation, and since my mum keeps telling me she has a 'strong feeling' I'll get married one day ( trust me, her ESP ability is not to be trifled with! ), maybe I'm not a lost cause after all.

So thank you, Michael, for many great memories, and please come back soon. :)

Review Of Michael Buble's Concert
9 March 2011
Singapore Indoor Stadium

I waited 5 years and 5 months for Michael Buble to return to Singapore, and the reunion was absolutely spectacular!

This marked my 3rd time watching him on stage, but was made that much more memorable because I brought my cousin's 15-year-old daughter, E, along. She's been a huge fan of his for years, and was excited not just by the prospect of seeing her idol 'live', but of being at the Indoor Stadium for the first time ever.

The review in Life! today was very positive, but the featured photo didn't quite do the entire setup justice, and dwelled more on Michael's banter.

So I've posted a few pictures to show off the amazing stage design ( click to enlarge ), and will talk more about the music and audience reaction.



Opening number Cry Me A River got things started at 8:30pm. As the band played the dramatic intro, Michael's silhouette could be seen behind the enormous curtain covering the entire stage, and when the drapes parted, the 10,000-strong crowd roared its deafening welcome.

This song has been redone quite a few times, but I love the arrangement on Michael's version - very James Bond-esque! - and his powerful vocals are perfect for this classic.

Immediately after he finished the piece, he sat down and spoke to the audience for about 10 minutes. Very different from his previous shows when he talked less and introduced the band much later. This time round, he mentioned how he arrived a day early and went sightseeing. He visited the Marina Bay Sands and the Night Safari, even calling out and saying hello to 2 people in the stadium who brought him around.

His hilarious intros for the band members seemed ad-libbed. Sure, he's done this a million times before, but from what I could see, no-one knew what he was going to say because they had pretty shocked / embarrassed expressions on their faces, and at certain points, weren't even sure who he was talking about!

Pianist and musical director Alan Chang remains a close friend and long-time tour mate. Still looking boyish but slightly haggard ( the same can be said of Michael as well ), it finally hit me that I last saw these guys when I was 30. They've come so far these past 8 years. I can still remember their first Singapore show at Suntec City in 2003. How time flies. I feel old! :)



Michael then launched into At This Moment, also from his 2009 Crazy Love album.

And since this IS the Crazy Love tour, the repertoire featured many other titles from the release, including All Of Me, Georgia On My Mind, Crazy Love, Haven't Met You Yet, All I Do Is Dream Of You, and Heartache Tonight.

From the other albums:

Michael Buble: For Once In My Life

It's Time: Home, Feeling Good, How Sweet It Is, Song For You, Save The Last Dance For Me.

Call Me Irresponsible: Me And Mrs Jones, Call Me Irresponsible, Everything, I've Got The World On A String.

He also sang Mack The Knife, bits from Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, Aladdin's A Whole New World, and Twist And Shout( from the John Hughes comedy, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, one of my personal faves! ).

There was an awkward segment when Michael asked the audience about Ferris Bueller and didn't get much of a reaction. I was in the 12th row, so I couldn't tell him how much I love that movie. If you haven't seen it, go look for it online!

p.s. Enjoyed the giant bouncing balls which Michael kicked into the audience during Twist And Shout. Made the atmosphere so much more festive! :D

Regular readers will know that I always highlight a 'magical moment' from every show I attend. For Michael's 2005 gig, it was his soulful acoustic performance of You And I. This time, I was completely hypnotized by Georgia On My Mind, which he crooned seated next to the piano, with only Alan and the bass / guitar for company. Beautiful!

Here's a YouTube video - can't see Michael but the sound is excellent!

I was also pleasantly surprised by the number of songs from his earlier albums, especially It's Time, which I personally feel is his best work so far ( E agrees :)). Just wish he could've done You Don't Know Me and Try A Little Tenderness, because he interpretes them so wonderfully!



Here's a good view of the stage. Pictures in the Straits Times and Life! featured close-ups of Michael, but I think the stage design deserves special mention.

Definitely a lot more elaborate compared to 2005. Really love the multi-screen backdrop with the juxtapositioning effect. Kudos to the technical crew for doing such a marvelous job!
( The ticket price doubled this year - now I know why! )



This was taken when Michael, in typical form, hopped off-stage and visited his fans in the back. In 2005, he walked one round and returned to the stage after a few minutes. This time, he had a platform placed at the rear of the floor area, just in front of the tiered section. Accompanied by a guitarist, he belted out Home, a huge hit 6 years ago.

E and I sprinted to the base of the platform but were blocked by the last few rows of seats. I stayed put, but E climbed OVER the seats and ended up just inches from Michael's feet - now THAT'S what I call devotion!

Before I knew what was happening, the song ended and Michael made his way back to the front. Unfortunately, I was blocked by a crowd of people near the aisle, and only caught a glimpse of him as he zoomed past, surrounded by burly bodyguards.
My mum, however, was waiting for him at row 12 as he approached. She got an unobstructed view and even managed to stretch out her hand to touch his left shoulder! But alas, all the cameras were with E and I, so sadly, no photo. Darn!

But at least someone uploaded a YouTube video of the segment. I can see E and myself in the crowd, woohoo!



As the crowd got more revved up, the final song began and a tonne of confetti rained down from the ceiling. The cheers grew 10 times louder and the atmosphere was just unbelievable. Everyone was screaming, jumping around and laughing uncontrollably as we became covered with the stuff. Woohoo!

For the encore, Michael obliged with 3 songs, but I can only remember Feeling Good and the closing number, Song For You.
Yes, I easily forget details when I get over-excited. Even E couldn't recall the song order when I asked. But she loved every second of the show and we're both thrilled to hear Michael say he will be back in Singapore very soon, and may even perform for more than one night. YES! :D

If anyone else who was there happens to read this, please fill in the blanks if possible, and leave any comments you have about the evening.

3 videos from the gig will be uploaded today. Please scroll down the page.

Thank you, Lushington Entertainment, for making this concert possible!

Next gig on my list: Maroon 5, April 25. :)

Entry #5



I was right about not being able to post an entry till some time after the Oscars.
No big surprises, with a slight upset when The King's Speech overtook The Social Network late in awards season, going on to clinch the coveted statuette when it mattered most.

Hollywood - or more accurately, The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences - loves to feel good, and I do think the voters chose The King's Speech because of its uplifting, inspiring theme. Take a look at the list of previous Best Picture winners and see if you can spot any trends.

I've always been vocal about my distaste for Forrest Gump, which beat The Shawshank Redemption back in 1994. My anguished scream of "Noooooooo!" was probably audible in multiple districts. Thankfully, The King's Speech is a much more dignified and intelligent film, and thus more deserving of this honour. ( Don't get me wrong, Forrest Gump is entertaining enough, but Best Picture? Not by a long shot. )

Congratulations also to Colin Firth and Natalie Portman. Certainly hope the latter won't be hit by the Best Actress curse. She's got a baby on the way!

The hype surrounding hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco proved laughable as both failed miserably in their global debut. Anne's nerves manifested as shrill laughter and stammers, while James spent most of the evening squinty-eyed with a goofy grin on his face.
The chemistry was definitely lacking, the jokes fell super-flat, and that bit where James dressed in drag will go down in Oscar history as one of the most tasteless gags EVER. What the hell was he thinking!?

Don't expect either back for a second gig. I think the Academy should stick to what works, and let the comedians run the show. ( One good exception: Hugh Jackman, who isn't technically a comedian, but did a fine job in 2009 nonetheless! )

Check out Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin from 2010, and Neil Patrick Harris' opening number ( ask him to host sometime! ).

But my all-time favourite will always be the incomparable Billy Crystal.

And you never know... maybe Kevin Spacey will host someday as well. He's got my vote! :)



It's about time I commented on the American Idol contestants ( aside from excited tweets, that is :)).

You guessed it: Casey Abrams is at the top of my list of favourites, for a number of reasons.

1) he's got one of the most incredible voices I've ever heard;
2) he's an amazing performer, whether over-the-top or acoustic;
3) when he adds the bass, I just MELT;
4) I love his self-deprecating humour;
5) underneath all that facial hair, I'm pretty sure he's a handsome dude!

His rendition of Georgia On My Mind during Hollywood Week gave me major chills, man. No-one else has had such an effect on me this season, so I'm rooting for him to win this!

Don't you just love how he plays the bass? It's so unusual to see a young person not only embrace this instrument, but also play it so damn well. It isn't just a prop, it's an extension of himself, and I applaud him for knowing who he is at the tender age of 19, for picking a genre that's off the beaten path, for sticking to his beliefs and belting every lyric with 100% conviction.

Taylor Hicks did the same thing back in 2006, and despite not doing well post-American Idol win, he remains one of my all-time favourites, and I still hope he'll make a breakthrough someday.

Shall reserve my comments for the other AI10 contestants for another entry. Don't like them enough to write anything yet. Go, Casey! :)

Review of Kumar's Amazing Race 25 February 2011, Esplanade Theatre


can be viewed at Just Watch Lah.

It was soooo goooood. :)

Entry #4



Yet another Kevin Spacey photo I'm seeing for the first time. :)
And since it's possible I won't get to post anything till after the Feb 28 Oscars, here's wishing him and the rest of The Social Network team best of luck!



Today's discussion centres on the latest Best Picture Oscar contender I sat through.
I've read a few reviews and received mixed opinions from friends ( they didn't like it ), but for me, it was a very enjoyable, satisfying experience.

Reasons:

Predisposing factors: I'm a fan of dark psychological thrillers ( good example: my obsession with the Dexter TV series and novels ); Tchaikovsky is one of my favourite composers, and Swan Lake is of course my favourite masterpiece; and while I'm not the sort to pay to sit through a ballet performance, I do enjoy watching it on the small / big screen.

And with a stellar cast to boot, the combination is pretty much perfect.

Natalie Portman should, IMHO, win the Best Actress Oscar. Her portrayal of tormented, emotionally fragile Nina Sayers is heart-breaking. While the performance is subdued ( Portman's voice barely rises above a whisper in most scenes ), the tension is palpable from beginning to end, as various stressors threaten to derail the poor girl's shaky psyche.

There're many to choose from: a domineering mother who removes the doorknob so her daughter can't leave her bedroom; the slutty new ballerina who pretends to be Nina's best pal then betrays her; the overbearing ballet director who should be sued for sexual harassment and molestation.

Nina's pain is, to some degree, incomprehensible. I found myself wondering how a young woman this beautiful and talented could allow herself to become a victim. How, even after being named the lead in Swan Lake, her insecurity failed to abate. And the extent of her paranoid delusions and hallucinations is truly terrifying, when one considers her meek, submissive personality. One can only guess at the amount of pent-up frustration brewing within, unleashed in the form of imagined sexual aggression and physical violence.

Barbara Hershey deserves special mention for her role as the super-creepy mum. I've watched my fair share of really scary horror movies, but some of her facial expressions are giving me nightmares!

Mila Kunis is a massive revelation as Nina's rival, Lily. After pottering around in That '70s Show and a number of so-so films ( Max Payne, Forgetting Sarah Marshall ), she finally flexes her acting chops as one of the meanest female characters I've ever come across. Lily's venom is toxic to the core, yet that much more dangerous because she knows how to ensnare her prey. That is one vicious b****!

I'm also very impressed with Vincent Cassel, who plays ballet director, Thomas Leroy. I have a vague recollection of seeing him in a Hollywood production previously, but his role in Black Swan will remain a vivid memory for life.
He may be in his mid-40s, but oozes sexuality in every scene. Pay attention to one segment where Thomas rehearses with Nina alone in a studio then practically attacks her.
If you want visuals, go to this link, and fast forward to 46:15.

Yow. :)

Next on the list - True Grit, and maybe The Fighter.
Yes, I'm passing on 127 Hours. I have my limits!

Entry #3



... is dedicated to this year's Oscar-nominated films.

And if you're wondering what's on Kevin Spacey's T-shirt, go to this page. :)

This past week, I managed to see The King's Speech, The Kids Are All Right, and Winter's Bone.
And having already watched Inception, Toy Story 3 and The Social Network, I have to say that the lineup is pretty impressive. Though I expect Black Swan to blow me away when I get the chance to view it.

Considering the diverse selection, my current favourite at the moment is The King's Speech. Granted, it may not appeal to that many people, but I grew up with significant exposure to British fare ( books, movies, TV shows, music ), and really enjoyed this.

Director Tom Hooper has done a marvelous job juggling all the different elements without losing his bearings. The opening scene itself invokes a wide spectrum of emotions, as you watch the protagonist's futile struggle in front of thousands, his every choke horrifyingly audible.

What follows is a fascinating account of life in the British monarchy, albeit a rather dysfunctional version since throne abdication doesn't happen that often ( if ever ). The two princes couldn't be more disparate despite being the offspring of the same overbearing father. And Bertie's gradual transformation as his reluctant sense of duty gives way to triumphant jubilation is nothing short of exhilarating.

IMHO, Colin Firth is fully deserving of his Oscar nomination, and is well-positioned to win. I've seen him in quite a few roles, but he has outdone himself as George VI. His performance is finely tuned yet appears totally effortless. Watch for a segment just before his big WWII speech, when he rehearses with his therapist and uses every trick up his sleeve, resulting in a side-splitting explosion of vulgarities and assorted noises.

Geoffrey Rush, as always, remains a distinguished and unforgettable presence, scoring an Oscar nod as well. But this is definitely Firth's tour de force, and I am rooting for him all the way. :)

The Kids Are All Right will probably never make it to DVD here ( was it even shown in the cinemas? Oh well, who cares. ), so try to watch it overseas or online if you can.

Though nominated in multiple categories, I don't predict any major wins. Is it enjoyable? Yes. Is it jaw-droppingly good? Not really.

While the premise is interesting and the A-list cast helps it stand out from the rest of the pack, it didn't linger the way other nominated films did.
Inception almost drove me crazy for 2 weeks. Buzz Lightyear's Spanish phrases got stuck in my head. And The Social Network's cool one-liners dominated my tweets.

I do, however, appreciate Mark Ruffalo's turn as a homewrecker. Oops, apology about the spoiler. :)

Winter's Bone is a surprising contender, to say the least. A cast of unknowns, a simple story set in the middle of nowhere. For me, it was not easy to sit through, but I did it so I could see for myself what the deal was with lead actress Jennifer Lawrence, who nabbed her first leading role nomination at the tender age of 20.

She does possess an ethereal quality. Very pretty despite the minimal makeup and hillbilly attire. Reminds me of a young Renee Zellweger, without the squeaky voice. Unlikely to beat awards favourite Natalie Portman, but she still has a long career ahead of her, so let's hope she plays her cards right.

I'm probably going to avoid 127 Hours, purely because of the stomach-churning arm-amputation scene. I may be a medical professional, but for some strange reason, certain types of movie gore give me the heebie-jeebies. This falls in the same category as dolphin-slaying ( i.e. The Cove, which I also refuse to watch. ).

More next time.

My Review Of Russell Watson's Concert, 29th January 2011

... is posted at JustWatchLah.

Enjoy. :)

Entry #3



I realize the titles are very unimaginative, but I'm on a roll here, so bear with me. :)

This week's Kevin Spacey photo is a publicity shot for yet another upcoming release, Margin Call.

The synopsis itself reeks of Wall Street 2 ( which sucks, by the way ). But I'm game to watch anything with Mr. Spacey in it, even if it's bad ( e.g. The Life Of David Gale ). But this, like Casino Jack, probably will not make it to local cinemas, so I'll have to rely on my Megavideo subscription once more.

And speaking of Megavideo, I need to find time to watch all the Oscar-nominated films within the next 4 weeks, before the actual awards ceremony. Am most excited about The King's Speech and The Kids Are All Right. Have already seen The Social Network, Inception and Toy Story 3. Won't be making any outright predictions, but am partial to The Social Network because Mr. Spacey's an executive producer. :)

A pity he wasn't nominated for his role in Casino Jack. Fans and critics have lauded his performance, but alas, the Academy isn't jumping on the wagon.

American Idol season 10 debuted last week, to much fanfare. Sadly, the formula remains the same, though with a slight shift away from the negative. No more Simon Cowell and his nasty comments. The new judges are generous with their compliments, but only Steven Tyler stands out with his unexpectedly bubbly sense of humour.

Jennifer Lopez can't be happy about being outshone. She tries so hard to be the mother hen, but Tyler's sincerity and kindness come through in simple acts. Tonight's episode featured a young man whose fiancee is wheelchair-bound and mentally handicapped after a tragic accident. The judges asked to meet her, but only Tyler gave her a hug, before hugging members of the contestant's family. Randy Jackson and Lopez kept their distance. C'mon, you're on national TV! Act a little!

Am currently halfway through Sex And The City 2. My mum LOVES the franchise, and despite really bad reviews of the movie sequel, we're both enjoying it immensely.
In fact, Abu Dhabi looks so magnificent that we're seriously contemplating a holiday there. We have Australian friends who jet there annually. Maybe we should meet up. :)
My only grouse is that the actresses have aged significantly since the last film, yet refuse to act appropriately. Sarah Jessica Parker's wrinkles make her attempts at being girlish practically laughable. Are you going to keep at it even when you turn 50?
Chris Noth - aka Mr. Big - however, looks fabulous. Went through a heavily-overweight phase, but has slimmed down tremendously, and flaunts it in a few shirtless scenes. Good for him!

Another guilty pleasure: The Secret, which I started reading a couple of days ago, out of curiosity. Granted, the premise itself is ludicrous. I mean, if everything in life were this easy, there'd be no poverty / famine / cancer / obesity, etc.

I tested it out this afternoon, concentrating REALLY hard on a climate change I desperately needed ( long story ). Didn't materialize. But the all-important final outcome, which I also pictured as vividly as I possibly could, did come true. So I don't know if The Secret is working in a roundabout way, because I haven't mastered it yet, or is it a load of bull, plain and simple?

Tested it again during my night shift, with mixed results. Wished for a VERY quiet call, but it was busy until about 4am, before slowing to a trickle. Nothing unusual, but then, we got a bonus in the form of a transitional year resident ( the equivalent of a house officer ), who's extra-numerary, so we ended up with 5 MOs instead of the daily 4.
The Secret's merry-go-round power in action yet again? Hmmm...

Writing efforts-wise, my new and completely secret blog hasn't quite taken off yet, but I know I must be patient, and am confident that with time, a breakthrough will materialize. Have been reading many other more well-known blogs, which awe and humble me. While many have complimented my skills with the written word, I know they are nothing compared to the world's biggest players.

But in an effort to push myself and take this seriously, I intend to enter an international writing contest and submit a couple of entries. Have been tossing around a few ideas, settled on the dominant themes and narrative arcs, but need quiet time to flesh them out properly.

Not easy at all!

Perhaps my mind will stop drawing a blank when I go on a week's break starting today.

Till next time...

Entry #2



One of my New Year resolutions for 2011 is to post a Kevin Spacey or Kevin Spacey-related picture with every post I make here.

This entry's selection: a poster for Casino Jack, a movie that is getting rave reviews and which has earned Mr. Spacey a Golden Globe nomination, but that will probably never see the light of day in local cinemas.

( And if you're wondering what The Social Network has to do with the Hollywood star, he executive-produced it. )

As expected, Mr. Spacey's been doing a whirlwind press tour promoting the new film. A few videos worth sharing:

1) His appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live a few weeks ago. Part 3 is especially enjoyable, because he does an impression which I've never seen before, but which is also 100% spot-on. ROFL :D

2) A super-hilarious interview with Conan O'Brien, where he does yet another impression I'm seeing for the first time.
( For the record, I think Conan is 10 times funnier than Jay Leno. :))

3) Just uploaded: a priceless exchange with Stephen Colbert on The Colbert Report, aired this afternoon Singapore time. Who is Keyser Soze? *cue ominous music*

If you can, catch the 'live' telecast of the Golden Globes awards ceremony, to be shown on cable ( not sure about free-to-air TV ) this coming Monday from 9am onwards. I'll be post-call, and Mr. Spacey's confirmed to be presenting, so I'm not going to miss this for the world!


How have the last 10 days been otherwise?

Aside from the usual work hassles - the MOs are regressing and require more hand-holding with each passing day, how ridiculous is that - I've been pushing myself to write a lot more than I used to, and devouring writing resource materials with gusto.

I've also set up yet another blog, at a site that's famous for offering book and movie deals to writers who manage to distinguish themselves from the pack.

My first entry a week ago was very well-received, considering I'm a newbie, and I've been bitten by the writing bug in a major way, drawing inspiration from readers' comments and tips from established and successful writers in the magazines and books I'm now poring through.

Just wish I could've started all this 10 years ago. Life could've been very different!

To friends who've asked, I'm sorry I can't direct you to the new blog, because I need complete anonymity in order to let go of my inhibitions.

I may, however, consider revealing this blog to the frequent visitor from Google headquarters, if s/he drops me an email. I am not joking. :)

So please forgive me if the posts on It's A Zoo Out There aren't as effusive as they once were. I have a finite amount of energy, and this needs to be diverted elsewhere, at least for the time being.

Wish me luck, and have a great weekend!

Entry #1

Through some cruel twist of fate, I started feeling under the weather on the first day of 2011. Since then, my symptoms have developed into a full-blown upper respiratory tract infection, but at least without a fever or significant lethargy.

Still, it's a pretty crappy way to start the new year.



For my inaugural 2011 post, I've chosen The Social Network, which I just watched over the weekend ( couldn't find the time to go to the cineplex ).

Having read all the rave reviews and noted its increasing number of major awards wins, I was apprehensive - I always am, when personal expectations threaten to overshadow a film's actual merit.

However, I am happy to report that I enjoyed every second of the movie, despite the many debates out there over just how accurate a depiction it is.

Mark Zuckerberg is portrayed as a major douchebag, and Napster founder Sean Parker as a party animal who also causes a rift between Zuckerberg and his loyal best friend, Eduardo Saverin.

While based on a book by Ben Mezrich ( who also wrote the novel that spawned the film, 21 ), it is a one-sided account reaped from interviews given by Saverin, +/- transcripts of depositions given by the various parties ( I haven't read it, so I'm guessing here ).

As such, I'm pretty certain there's a large amount of liberty being taken, resulting in a biased view of the truth.

So I watched The Social Network with some degree of skepticism, and have no idea what to believe. But I suspect the majority of movie audiences accept what's portrayed on-screen, and can't imagine what effect this has had on Zuckerberg ( one upside: he was crowned Time magazine's Person Of The Year for 2010; not bad for a so-called douchebag :)).

Does the film live up to the hype? Definitely. I'm a long-time fan of David Fincher's work ( Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac ), and he does an excellent job here, coaxing breakout performances from the actors and juggling the different storylines adeptly.

Kevin Spacey said during his interview in Singapore last month, that The Social Network is one of those unique films that doesn't feature explosions or sex, and yet manages to engage moviegoers through a great script and cast.

The two elements certainly complement each other beautifully. Jesse Eisenberg may not be stretching his capabilities that much ( he played another talkative, fidgety nerd in Zombieland ), but he does amp things up a notch, making those lawsuit depositions crackle with tension.

Kudos for casting a relative unknown in a role that was made for him. However, I do wonder if Shia LaBeouf might have been a better choice - less sulky-faced, hence more likeable. Plus, Shia's a few years younger than Jesse.

Andrew Garfield is someone to watch, especially after clinching the Spider-man lead as Tobey Maguire retires. Beside being extremely good-looking ( love that hair! ), he's got some serious acting chops to boot. Look out for a scene where Saverin confronts Zuckerberg at the Facebook office, in front of Sean Parker. Absolutely superb!

Armie Hammer, who plays the privileged Winklevoss twins, also shines. It helps that he has the right background ( grandson of a wealthy oil tycoon ). He walks with a swagger, speaks with a crisp accent, and has the cocky attitude down pat. Let's just hope he doesn't get pigeonholed into similar parts for the rest of his career.

As for Justin Timberlake, I've never been a big fan of his, be it music- or acting-wise. His turn as Parker is fun, but nothing to really gush about. I honestly think he should just stick to singing and dancing.

Aaron Sorkin's screenplay is the first I've truly appreciated, having watched A Few Good Men, The American President and a few episodes of The West Wing. I can't make any comparisons with the actual book ( 'cos I haven't read it ), but he deserves an Oscar for churning out a script that incorporates so many different facets of the Facebook phenomenon, transforming a relatively dry subject into the Superbowl.

The one-liners come fast and furious. Harvard undergrads are portrayed as ruthless go-getters and snooty elitists ( true to a certain degree, no doubt ).

The most refreshing bit, though, is being able to watch a film that features highly intelligent young people talking up a storm and doing things that end up changing the world. College life isn't just about getting drunk and getting laid. Sometimes, staying in your dorm room typing in computer codes is way cooler.

Crossing my fingers that it will win the Best Picture Oscar. Hope Kevin Spacey will deliver a speech! :)

New Directions



...to borrow an often used motto from Glee.

And yes, the Kevin Spacey photo clearly indicates that I'm still reeling from the meet-and-greet!
( This is just one of many shots freeze-framed by a fellow KS fan from the video clips I uploaded on YouTube. Thank you so very much! )

But that's not the main gist of this entry. As the title aptly says, my recent encounter with the great Mr. Spacey jumpstarted a dream which has been brewing for way too long. A dream I've had since childhood. A dream many friends and relatives ( even my mother ) have asked me to pursue ( without jeopardizing my day job, that is ). A dream one friend seriously offered to finance, if I ever needed assistance. A dream which almost took flight 7 years ago when this blog gained global attention during the SARS epidemic.

While medicine - emergency medicine, in particular - is something I enjoy to a certain extent, it has become clear over the past decade that it is not fulfilling a deep void in my psyche.
Sure, I get to help people, earn good money, blah blah blah. But at the end of the day, what I yearn for most is a chance to express myself, and to make an intellectual and emotional impact on others.

I know that I will never be a renowned expert in my current profession. No passion for medical research, little protected time for teaching / mentoring, hate administrative duties. Work has become an endless stream of undifferentiated shifts, fraught with PR annoyances and systemic obstacles. The monotony is mind-numbing, and patients / relatives these days offer minimal appreciation for healthcare providers.

This past week, I made a number of decisions and took action to set things in motion.
First, an effort to establish collaborative working relationships with key people in the entertainment industry, to further the objectives of a group blog I contribute to.
Second, joining an online community which provides peer support and critiques on writing efforts. I haven't provided a link to the site because my username's a little obvious, so would prefer to maintain a degree of privacy in that area.
However, if anything interesting occurs, I'll be sure to post an update here. :)
Third, contemplating a medical website idea proposed by a tech-savvy reader. Anticipating a minefield of restrictions to manoeuvre around, but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Initially planned to blog at the end of the month to herald in the New Year, but since I'm at the computer now, it wouldn't hurt to do a quick summary of 2010's main events.

1) Not to belabour the point, but meeting Kevin Spacey wasn't just the highlight of the year, it has been the highlight of my life!
The fact that it occurred so unexpectedly is definitely a bonus. Sometimes, when you have lots of time to anticipate something, the actual event itself loses the oomph factor.
Although I think being post-call that evening resulted in a degree of lethargy which blunted my affect. If I'd been physically and mentally optimal, I would've bordered on manic!
Never in a million years did I ever think I would have a chance to come face-to-face with my favourite actor.
Add this to my meet-and-greet with Jason Mraz ( my favourite singer ) in March 2009, and I'm pretty much done with my personal list of People I'd Like To Talk To Before I / They Die.

2) France. Or more specifically, Paris.
Again, an unexpected surprise. This country has never been a priority in my travel plans, and was chosen only to accomodate my mom.
Even I was shocked by the effect it had on me. I've never visited a place that made me exclaim, "I don't want to go home!" before.
Paris is so exquisite, but I didn't have time to see most of the city, so a definite return is on the cards. Think maybe on my 40th birthday. Might hop through a few favourite destinations at one go. :)

3) Got promoted at last. My habit of procrastinating proved dearly when a journal writeup was massively sidetracked. But I proved a few things to myself in the process. On to the next 5, so I can make senior consultant when the time comes.

4) Took the plunge and went for Lasik surgery, because my glasses were giving me intractable headaches and contact lenses were becoming a problem. My high myopia and astigmatism haven't deterred the wonders of modern technology, and thanks to an opthalmologist who comes highly recommended by many, results have been good so far, and will probably improve with time.
No regrets at all. :)

5) Memorable concerts: attended very few shows this year, but Jamie Cullum and David Foster were both fabulous and worth every single cent.

6) Favourite movie of 2010: hands down, Inception. Didn't get to see The Social Network, which I'm pretty sure I would've enjoyed as well, so will have to wait for the DVD release.
In any case, if it wins the Best Picture Oscar and Kevin Spacey makes the thank-you speech, I will hit the roof. Literally. :)

7) Favourite TV shows of 2010: Dexter and The Closer. This is, in my opinion, as good as it gets in terms of acting and writing. I do have other favourites, but none comes anywhere close to these two.


Plans for 2011?

1) Non-work-related projects, mentioned earlier.

2) A trip back to the USA with both parents, visiting a couple of cities we haven't seen yet. But Manhattan is definitely on the itinerary. Watching a few Broadway musicals, meeting up with old friends, maybe getting one of them to bring me backstage at the Lincoln Centre ( he's got connections :)).

3) Gearing up for Russell Watson and Michael Buble's shows. Have a contact in the music industry who might be able to grant me access to the artistes.

4) The Bridge Project, featuring Kevin Spacey in the lead role of Richard III! Okay, no more gushing for now. :)

Another good year is about to conclude. Here's to an equally great 2011.

The Best Day Ever!




This entry contains additional details which Kevin Spacey fans may be interested in, so if you want a condensed version, go to the other post on Just Watch Lah.

As you know, my blog is named in Mr. Spacey's honour. So's my Twitter username.
And while he won Oscars for his roles in The Usual Suspects and American Beauty, it was actually The Negotiator that turned me into a diehard fan.
The exact moment? A tense scene where Spacey's character, hostage negotiator Chris Sabian, blasts the police and FBI for storming a building without his okay, then pleads for Danny Roman's ( Samuel L. Jackson's ) life.
If you watch that bit, you will hear Spacey's voice break. And that was when I knew that he was my all-time favourite actor.

Through the years, I've seen many of his films, often multiple times.
Personal fave: Swimming With Sharks, in which he plays the boss from hell, Buddy Ackerman. You absolutely MUST watch this movie. "You...have...no...brain." LOL!

Other faves: American Beauty, The Usual Suspects, Se7en, Beyond The Sea ( which he also directs ), Pay It Forward and Recount.

Ever since I started travelling annually, I've tried to see Mr. Spacey on stage, but the timing just never seemed right. And sending a fan mail package to The Old Vic 2 years ago didn't help either. He's probably too busy to read everyone's letters, or the envelope's gotten lost somewhere.

And when he came to Singapore early this year to promote The Bridge Project, I was devastated that I didn't get a chance to meet him.

So when an old friend alerted me about the Audi A8 event, I used every means possible to get tickets.

I've already discussed the interview segment and mentioned a list of general impressions, so here're a few extra things.

The majority of the audience didn't seem to be huge Kevin Spacey fans. Yes, he was bombarded by quite a few guests later on, but I suspect they were just making general conversation, and haven't seen a lot of his less famous films. From what I could hear, Spacey was talking about his work in the theatre more than anything else. Nothing very specific.

A few of the guests were rather rude. Even though I was quietly waiting my turn and arrived first, others barged in front of me before I could step forward, monopolizing the actor for the next few minutes as I waited. Again.

But this had its advantages. Since I had a reason to be there, I used the time to take a very good look at Mr. Spacey, who was just inches away from me. I also listened to him speak, and couldn't help thinking how surreal it was to be standing right next to a man I've dreamed of meeting for more than a decade!

My first encounter took place in the general buffet area, just outside the restricted access lounge. Mr. Spacey's assistant initially wanted to usher him inside, but I pleaded with him for a few minutes and asked if his boss would oblige with an autograph, to which he smiled and replied, "You can ask him!"

I wanted to take a quick photo with him, but MY CAMERA JAMMED. Yes, my brand new Nikon Coolpix which is only a few months old, decided to die on me at the most crucial moment, ARGH!

So the only thing I could do was fish a DVD out of my bag ( I brought 3 just in case ), and due to the time constraint ( his assistant was getting very antsy ), I decided to pass him the first one I pulled out, which happened to be Swimming With Sharks. How strange is that! :)

Once Mr. Spacey was done with the last guest, I quickly stepped forward and stretched out my hand. He immediately took it and gave me a smile, as I introduced myself and told him I'm a "very big fan" of his. I think I rambled on for a bit, explaining how my camera jammed and asking if I could have his autograph instead. He instantly agreed.

I promised myself that, in the event that I got to meet Mr. Spacey, I would do everything in my power to recall as many details as possible, instead of getting flustered and forgetting things, like I did with Michael Buble.

Here's what happened:

I gave him the Swimming With Sharks DVD box.
He opened it, likely looking for the booklet inside.
There was no booklet, because I'd mailed that to The Old Vic. But I didn't tell him this.
He then started to remove the DVD sleeve located on the outside of the box. It is, as you know, tough to manipulate, because there's a plastic cover over it.
When I saw what he was doing, I asked him to sign the disc instead, because "it's easier".
He didn't say anything to that, just smoothly whipped the sleeve out ( like magic, haha ), put it on a nearby table, and asked me for my name.
That really stunned me, because I honestly didn't expect it. I just thought he'd sign his name and that would be it.
So for a split second, I was speechless. But I recovered pretty quickly, and spelled out my name as he wrote it down with a marker pen I brought.
While he was doing this, I mentioned that he once answered one of my tweets, but he didn't acknowledge it specifically, though it looked like he heard my remark.
And since I'd met celebrities before, I took that as a cue to not push the issue, and stood there patiently as he scrawled the rest of the autograph for me.

Here's another surprise - I thought he'd just hand the stuff to me in pieces, but he slotted the sleeve BACK into the plastic cover, and closed the box, before returning it to me with a smile!
I thanked him profusely, and just as he was walking off, he spotted my pen still on the table, the same time I was about to reach for it.
He then REVERSED, took the pen in his hand, and gave it to me. At this point, I blanked out, but vaguely recall him saying something along the line of "Here you go."
I think. Sorry! :)
Before we parted, I passed him an envelope, saying that it's a "fan letter". It's from me, of course. Nothing mushy ( not my style ), just how much I admire his work, my tributes to him on Blogger and Twitter, etc.

Then he entered the lounge.

I loitered outside the area for a while, not because I wanted to bug him again, but for the simple purpose of looking at him a little longer. ( Hey, he's my favourite actor, I can't just walk away! )

About 5 minutes later, Mr. Reinhold Carl, managing director of Audi Singapore, said hello to my mum and I ( details of our earlier exchange on Just Watch Lah ). Upon hearing that my camera malfunctioned earlier and I never got a picture, he led me inside the lounge and deposited me behind Mr. Spacey, asking me to wait for my chance once he's done talking to the other guests.

The next 10 minutes were very tense. 4 ladies chatted with him, followed by a large Caucasian man - who, by the way, JUMPED QUEUE. Then Mr. Spacey's assistant tried to ask me to leave, since I'd already gotten an autograph. I told him that Audi's managing director asked me to get a photo, then he backed off a bit, but I could tell that the first chance he got, he was going to whisk his boss away from me.

Lo and behold, a male Audi staff member came to my rescue. I think it's because I helped him track down the event photographer earlier, and the gesture paid off! He took my camera and told me he'd snap a photo for me. Then when the assistant protested, the Audi guy sternly said, "One photo! Just one photo! She's been waiting for a very long time!" ( There's actually a double meaning there, 'cos I've been waiting more than 10 years, not 10 minutes! )

When Mr. Spacey was finally free, I stepped forward and apologized for bothering him again, explaining that my camera was now functional and could we take a fast picture?
It would've been understandable for him to say no, or to look unhappy about the intrusion, but none of that occurred. He smiled, faced the cameras ( mine and the event photog's ), moved in close and gently placed his hand on my back. I was a little worried that he might look at the wrong camera, but he gazed straight into mine, so the picture turned out great!

A quick thank-you and farewell, and I was outta there!

After getting home, I scrutinized his autograph because I couldn't tell what he'd written ( other than our names ). It's quite illegible! Later, I figured it out: To XXXXX, with thanks, Kevin Spacey.
Cool. :D


I can't wait to see him as Richard III next year! Will I try to meet him again? You bet! Hopefully there won't be such a big crowd to fight through, 'cos I'd really like to ask him a few questions.

It's been the perfect end to a very good year. Am so thankful for the many blessings I've received. And there're even more to come in 2011, I'm sure!

To end off, my permanent tribute to Mr. Spacey - am changing my profile to a quote from his late mother. Because so many of my own dreams have come true, and it's important to always have new ones.

Thank you again, Mr. Spacey, for your kindness and graciousness!

p.s. Finally, after multiple attempts, all 3 video clips are up! Part 3 contains Mr. Spacey's hilarious Bill Clinton impression, and ends with his mother's inspiring quote. Hope you enjoy it!
( p.p.s. that is NOT me coughing in the background )

My Cup Runneth Over


I've been festering in a cesspool of blue funk this past fortnight, and it would've taken nothing short of a miracle to lift me out of it.

So the fact that 3 miracles occurred within days of each other is, in my opinion, nothing short of divine intervention. :)



First and foremost, my scoring 2 passes to one of Kevin Spacey's appearances at the Audi A8 event.
Initially, it was a near impossible task, especially since I had no inkling about the campaign itself, until a pal sent me an SMS and gave me the shock of my life.

Next, wrangling for tickets with the general public just didn't cut it for me, so I sent someone an email and basically grovelled, but was politely told, "Sorry, I can't help you." Which I totally understand.

The big break came when I recalled receiving an envelope with the Audi logo in the letterbox earlier this week. It was addressed to my dad, but since we receive a lot of junk mail on a daily basis, we end up tossing most of these in the recycling pile.

I called my mum from work - yes, I was desperate - and she rummaged through the heap before ringing me back with the best news ever: it was indeed the invitation I was hoping for!

Quick email back to the Audi guy, who happily put me on the guest list, and sent me the confirmation the very next day.

No word on whether there'll be any Q&A, meet-and-greet or autograph-signing. Programme shows a 30-minute slot for the talk itself, followed by a dinner buffet.

But you can bet I'll try my DARNDEST to get close to Mr. Spacey. No, I'm not stalking the man. But surely you can imagine how eager I am to shake his hand and take a photo, if possible. I absolutely love his work, and think he's sexy as hell. :)

More to follow after the event itself!

As a tribute to Mr. S, videos of his priceless impersonations. ( If I get to ask him a question in person, I'll either request an impression, or a short song. :))

At the AFI.

My personal fave, from Inside The Actors Studio.

As for the other 2 miracles: tickets to Russell Watson and Michael Buble's concerts! :D



By the way, I finished Dexter Is Delicious a few days ago.
As usual, not the strongest in terms of detective work, but explored Dexter's conflicting emotions in-depth, with a most unexpected plot development in the last chapter.

I mean, I thought I'd gotten used to Jeff Lindsay's wacky ideas after 4 novels, but even I didn't see this coming! Bravo for that!

And the TV series? Season 5 episode 8 deserves an Emmy. Just for that one episode. It's that good.

I'm not kidding when I say that I love Dexter Morgan. Not in a romantic sense, of course, but in a sisterly way. When you follow a show this closely and start investing your personal feelings in its characters, you begin to care for them very deeply.

And Dexter, in all his bloodthirsty dysfunction, is one of my personal heroes.

Why am I highlighting S5 Ep 8? Because it combines impeccable writing with flawless acting, and seals the bond between Dex and survivor-turned-accomplice Lumen.
Dexter, as many fans would know, is a solitary creature when it comes to murder. His attempt at partnership in season 3 ( with a trigger-happy Assistant DA, no less ) ended in tragedy, so having him try this out a second time is definitely dicey.

However, the writers are so adept at developing his relationship with Lumen ( plus the utterly convincing acting from Michael C. Hall and Julia Stiles ) that I never once doubt that they'll end up together.




*spoiler beware*


There's a scene where Lumen is attacked by a killer who recognizes her, and Dexter comes charging into the hotel room, strangling the scumbag until he loses consciousness and releases the poor woman.

It may seem routine to most viewers, but I found it extremely poignant. Dexter, with his propensity for cold, calculated violence, is also one of TV's kindest, most caring personalities.

There's also a conversation that discusses Dexter's motivation for killing.
D: Some people deserve to die.
Lumen: Is that what you believe?
D: Well, some people don't deserve to live.

If Michael C. Hall doesn't get an Emmy next year, someone's head needs to be chopped off!

Kevin Spacey Returns To Singapore!



So soon? He was just here earlier this year before The Bridge Project's The Tempest hit the Esplanade.

I'm not complaining! :)

Strangely enough, I didn't know about the Audi A8 launch campaign until a good friend brought it to my attention.

Just called the hotline to register, but they're going to draw lots for the public, so let's hope I get lucky.

He'll be there all 3 days. How cool is that!

p.s. Doesn't he look gorgeous in this photo? Should've made this year's People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive issue. :D

First Michael Buble and Russell Watson's concerts, now this. My heart can't take any more adrenaline!

Reviews

A couple of quick ones.



First, the updated version of Hawaii Five-O, which I absolutely LOVE. :)

Cable aired 2 episodes these past few days. The pilot was mind-bogglingly good, for many reasons.

There's the excellent cast, led by Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan, carrying on the bro-mance trend that's become so popular in recent years.

Whoever picked these guys deserves an Emmy award, 'cos I haven't seen such a great male pairing since Law & Order. Most detective shows these days prefer man-woman combos, probably so they can up the will-they-or-won't-they romance factor.
So it's very refreshing to see 2 hunky dudes bickering their heads off, and the scriptwriters really whip it up with the witty one-liners.

Of course, most of the credit goes to O'Loughlin and Caan, who share the most delicious chemistry on-screen, and trade insults with gusto. The former is all icy stares and business-like calm, the latter a ball of nerves and temper flares. I find it especially funny when the shorter Caan scolds the towering O'Loughlin. Just brings to mind an image of David nagging Goliath, heh!

Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park provide the obligatory Asian ingredient, but don't make that big an impression, in my opinion. However, I'm glad to see minimal makeup on Park, a welcome change from the goop that's usually piled on actresses' faces - good examples: all the CSI series, all the teenager shows ( 90210, Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries ). But I don't exactly buy into the hard-sell that Park's character is a kick-ass tough-as-nails cop worthy of joining the task force. Better to just let her use her feminine wiles and leave the whacking to the macho men, no?

One more thing worth mentioning: the super-slick action scenes, which caused my jaw to hit the floor. A memorable chase sequence in Ep 1 had O'Loughlin slide onto the back of a stalled car just as another one came crashing head-on into it. Doesn't sound that fantastic when I write about it, but trust me, it was wild!

He's been through a number of short-lived TV series, like Moonlight and Three Rivers, so let's hope Hawaii Five-O will be his breakout role, just as McDreamy helped Patrick Dempsey jumpstart his career.

As for Hung season 2, the censors are turning the show into an incomprehensible mess, so I may have to resort to my online sources for help.
It's definitely losing steam because the novelty is wearing off, so I may not stick around for season 3.

In other news, Russell Watson is finally performing in Singapore!
I've been a fan since his debut album almost 10 years ago, so you bet I'll be at the concert, with mom in tow.
Am also hoping for some "special access" privileges, so fingers crossed. :)

Holiday Musings - Part 5

Due to a glitch in the Blogger software, some of the posting features aren't working very well, so let's see how this turns out.

It's been 3 weeks since my last entry about France, so I think it's about time for another one!

Choice of subject: the majestic Notre Dame cathedral.




I took A LOT of pictures, but picked these because they're among my favourites, and offer some of the best views.

From what I could see, most tourists cram themselves outside the main entrance ( right ), which features 3 separate doors and the famous Gallery Of Kings statues ( below ).





As a first-time visitor, I was initially disoriented by a long queue of people, whom I thought was lining up to enter the church. Turns out they were waiting to go up the stairs to the roof, which can take up to an hour!



Once inside, there's more to see, from statues of famous saints ( including Joan of Arc ), to numerous small prayer chapels, beautiful paintings, an altar, and of course, the famous rose windows.

I'm told by certain photography enthusiasts that my photos of the windows turned out great. Guess I got lucky, since I don't use a fancy or particularly expensive camera. Nikon Coolpix is good enough for me. But I did upgrade to a higher ISO, better zoom and 15 megapixels. :)



After spending about an hour strolling around the interior - was referring to my trusty Eyewitness travel guide on all the interesting sights - my mum and I went outside to walk a full round and view the exterior structure from a 360-degree perspective.

We met very few tourists along the way, which is a huge pity. The cathedral is breath-taking from every angle, and we stopped many times to gawk at the pure awesomeness of the architecture. Flying buttresses, hello!



There's also a lovely rose garden at the other end, where you can sit by a small fountain for a short breather, or bask in the sun.

Following our little walkabout, we ended the trip by listening to the church bells chime the 12 o'clock hour, after which they launched into a protracted bit of melodious clanging.
I was transfixed, and captured the interlude with my camera's video recording function.
I could practically picture Quasimodo in the bell tower! Such a beautiful summer day. My mom LOVED it. :)


Other Updates

Have been reading up a storm, zipping through Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan's The Fall, before moving on to Jeff Lindsay's Dexter Is Delicious.

The Fall - Book 2 of The Strain trilogy - was disappointing because it pales in comparison to Book 1, which blew me away.
The writing has lost the oomph factor, the chapters don't flow smoothly, the action scenes feel forced, and the plot fails to develop in a manner that sustains my interest.
I do a lot of bedtime reading - need to wind down after my frequent evening shifts. How easily I doze off is a good gauge of how terrific / abysmally bad a novel is. And I had a lot of trouble staying awake with this one. Unlike The Strain, which kept me up till 2am at one point.

Another gripe: the totally irrelevant blog and diary entries from Fet the pest exterminator, and Ephraim Goodweather the infectious disease expert. Not well-written at all, and worth skipping entirely.

Will I read Book 3? Of course. I wouldn't be able to live with myself otherwise. Just hope it will match The Strain in terms of excitement and plot / character development.

I also hope a film trilogy - or better still, a TV series! - is in the works. Am already imagining Robert Downey Jr in the Goodweather role, with Gerard Butler as Fet. If my choices become reality, I'm going to buy lottery tickets! :)

Dexter Is Delicious, on the other hand, is currently giving me insomnia. Book 4 - Dexter By Design - was unremarkable, but Book 5 has author Jeff Lindsay back in top form, exhibiting a degree of laugh-out-loud dark humour I haven't seen since Dexter In The Dark.

Can you possibly fathom how a novel about a serial killer can make me chortle heartily, even after a crappy shift at the hospital? Since I've been watching the TV series online, it's even more interesting that I'm experiencing what's essentially 2 separate realities in Dexter Morgan Land. On television, he has a baby son named Harrison, lost his wife to the Trinity Killer, rescues a young woman from a pack of perverted murderers and subsequently helps her hunt them down.
On paper, his new daughter is called Lily Anne, wife Rita is alive and well, the Miami police squad searches for a possible vampire / cannibalistic cult, and Dexter's bloodthirsty brother, Brian ( who was killed off in season 1 ), returns with what sounds to me like a sinister ulterior motive.

Balancing the 2 story arcs is making me dizzy, but I'm also loving every second. :)

Something else I highly recommend: The Walking Dead.
This new TV series airs on local cable just 5 days after its U.S. telecast, woohoo!
Based on a graphic novel and executive produced by Frank Darabont ( who directed the excellent Shawshank Redemption ), the pilot episode got me hooked fast, and Ep 2 convinced me that yes, this show is worth my time.
Why? Well, don't expect hard-core action, sex / nudity or any big stars. The pace is rather slow - lots of talking, strategizing, trying to escape from one place or other. Zombies don't make the most fascinating villains either.
Maybe it's my personal preference, but I enjoy the verbal sparring between the plucky survivors, with their power plays and heroic/ desperate attempts at staying alive.

The main draw, however, is Andrew Lincoln, an actor I never knew of until now. As deputy sheriff, Rick Grimes, he is believably gritty and handles the action scenes extremely well. The supporting cast benefits from solid direction, especially in Ep 2, when they look positively horrified while chopping up a dead zombie then smearing its foul-smelling innards on their clothes, in an attempt to disguise themselves during an escape.

Also helps that Lincoln reminds me of another favourite actor, Viggo Mortensen. Slight physical resemblance, especially that strong jawline and scruffy chin. And they both handle their firearms most magnificently. :)

I'm also currently into The Vampire Diaries. Granted, it's directed at teenagers - specifically the Twilight fans - but I have my guilty pleasures too ( Gossip Girl heh! ) and this show is much less annoying than the Twilight movies.

Are you on Team Stefan or Team Damon? I like the former, because honestly, Ian Somerhalder's range of facial expressions is so damn limited. He tries to look evil, but how badass can an arched eyebrow be?
Paul Wesley, on the other hand, excels at being tormented.

But I have to say, distorting the vampire legend is so WRONG. I prefer my bloodsuckers nocturnal. And why is it always a male vamp who goes after a human girl?

Other new TV shows on cable, which I will try to review soon: Hawaii Five-O, and Hung season 2.

Last but not least, any guesses for People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive 2010?

I have this horrible feeling that Robert Pattinson's going to be on the cover. But then again, People mag rarely bestows this title on someone in his 20s, so let's hope that trend continues.

If I had my way - quirky taste and all - I'd choose ( in order of preference ) Robert Downey Jr, Viggo Mortensen, Clive Owen, Keanu Reeves and Edward Norton.

I adore George Clooney, but he's been featured twice already.
Kevin Spacey is sexy in my book, but not an ideal candidate looks-wise.
James McAvoy's hot, but too young for such a title.

D-day: November 17!

Till next time...