The Week In Review



After boycotting American Idol season 10 for a week, my curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to watch the final 2 episodes.

I definitely had very high hopes for this bunch. There was a lot of talent ( except for Paul McDonald, whom I consider the biggest fluke ever. ), but voters were inconsistent, especially in their treatment of Casey Abrams.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. He's the best of the lot, and deserved to be in the finals. The only other contestant I deem a worthy contender is James Durbin.

As Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson have said countless times: this is a singing competition. Instead, AI10 has turned into some weird popularity contest, and I can bet the new Facebook voting option ( which allows up to 50 votes per person ) resulted in tweens and teens staying glued to their computers / iPhones / iPads, frantically clicking away.

How else to explain the freakish success of the mediocre? Lauren Alaina has a voice, but Pia Toscano beat her hollow before being unceremoniously eliminated early in the competition.

And Scotty McCreery? I fail to understand the appeal. He looks very ordinary, sounds bland, and lacks charisma. I'm sure he's a nice, innocent young man, but winner of the AI title? Nah...

I'm sure Lauren and Scotty will gain confidence and maturity with time. But will they be lucky enough to attain Carrie Underwood's degree of success? Something tells me they probably won't.

Always rooting for Casey and James. I hope they get recording deals and outsell the 2 finalists. :)



Are you excited about X-Men: First Class, due for worldwide release on June 3rd? Can't believe I didn't post a picture till now.

The star-studded cast includes Kevin Bacon, January Jones, Rose Byrne, and Jennifer Lawrence ( Best Actress Oscar nominee from True Grit, in case you're wondering ), but none of them compares to the 2 leads, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender ( pictured ).

McAvoy fans will know him well from The Last King Of Scotland, Atonement, Becoming Jane and Wanted ( I own many of his films on DVD :)). When I first learned he landed the role of the young Professor X, I was practically swooning. Because it's one of the coolest superhero roles ever, and this fine actor is perfect for pulling it off.

If the special effects don't swallow him up, I'm prepared to be awed by his talent once again. I predict a sensitive yet strong performance, peppered with heart-pounding action sequences that show off his physicality in the best possible way ( remember his turn in Wanted? I love that movie! :)).

Someone I'm watching closely - already mentioned in the previous entry - is, of course, Michael Fassbender. This being perhaps his biggest role yet, I hope he does well so it will lead to even better offers in the future.
After remaining just under the radar for years ( audiences might have noticed him in Inglourious Basterds, but didn't catch his name ), this could be his breakthrough performance, and he definitely has an edge over McAvoy with his tall lanky frame and movie star looks. But Jane Eyre isn't his best moment. Blame the makeup artist.



Last but not least, the movie poster for Tintin! I don't know about you, but I think it's fabulous. :D

Short post. Am still in the midst of a bad week, and nursing a painful mouth ulcer.

Update

It's been 3 weeks since the last blog entry and of course, lots has happened.
The General Election revealed major cracks in certain constituencies which were considered sure-wins for the ruling party, and the Workers' Party secured a coup in Aljunied.

PAP supporters may hail the overall result as favourable, but considering the fact that the opposition contested many districts for the very first time, the proportion of votes for the latter was indeed significant. Even in Marine Parade, which is led by behemoth Senior Minister Goh, the PAP scraped by with only 57% of the total vote.
Not good...

In the subsequent weeks, there've been major reshuffles in the Cabinet, something I can never quite understand. For example, the Education Minister will now be in charge of Defence, and he's actually a breast surgeon by training. The ex-chief of the Monetary Authority of Singapore will take over at the Ministry of Education. Excuse me, but HUH???

And let's not forget the exit of our Senior Minister and Minister Mentor. However, I have a gut feeling it's all for show. We can imagine what happens behind closed doors, especially when the ex-MM is the PM's father. These people don't have normal dinner conversations like the rest of us, okay?

Anyway, we shall see how the new arrangement pans out.



On to more lighthearted topics.
This poster is for an upcoming comedy due for release in July, starring Kevin Spacey. Check out the cool trailer here.

The only cast member who looks out of place is Jennifer Aniston. Playing a sadistic maneater dentist with a penchant for phallus-shaped food. Err, yuck?

I fully expect Mr. Spacey to outshine everyone. Nobody matches him in the nasty-boss character department. Perfect example: Buddy Ackerman in Swimming With Sharks. My favourite KS role ever!

I do, however, like Jason Bateman a lot. Since his Hogan Family days on TV, in fact.

Looks like it's going to be one big rollercoaster ride. Will it come to Singapore?



Watched the much-hyped Jane Eyre last night at the newly renovated Lido cineplex. There were only approximately 100 seats in the theatre, but with lots of leg room. Audience comprised mostly middle-aged Caucasian couples and locals in their 20s or 30s. A generally well-behaved crowd except for 2 idiots seated behind me, who giggled during almost every scene, but shut up when I loudly told my irritated mother, "They're probably DRUNK!" :)

So does the film live up to my expectations? Definitely not. This is a problem when I read movie reviews. I start getting extremely excited and prepare to be blown away, only to be disappointed. But I'm not saying it was a bad show. Just that it wasn't quite worthy of all the praise it received.

The cast is very respectable. Mia Wasikowska, who became a household name in Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland, has made some interesting choices since her big debut, recently in Oscar darling The Kids Are All Right. My cousin's 15-year-old daughter also happens to be her doppelganger, albeit with Asian features. I'm not kidding. :)

There's also Judi Dench, whose dignified presence is always dependable. And Jamie Bell is another favourite of mine, after his breakthrough performance in Billy Elliot ( the movie, not the musical ).

But the actor I was most eager to see was Michael Fassbender ( pictured above ), someone whose name didn't really register though he played a memorable role in Inglourious Basterds ( he looks fabulous in military attire :)), but who impressed enough in the Jane Eyre trailer to make me leave my home on a weekday and drive downtown to catch a late night screening.

I deliberately avoided YouTube clips of cast interviews, though I enjoyed the trailers immensely ( Gothic horror, wooo! ). It was the right decision, since I just found out he isn't British ( watch this clip ). Don't know about the rest of you, but this would've spoiled the whole experience for me.

IMHO, the only reason anyone should see a TV / film adaptation of Jane Eyre is Mr. Rochester. Same goes for Mr. Darcy in Pride And Prejudice. Casting this role is vital to the production's success, and in this respect, I believe Fassbender excels.

He may not be as handsome as I had hoped ( makeup artist, hello? ), but his performance is sufficiently tormented, even if his chemistry with co-star Wasikowska is rather lacking. The pivotal scene where Jane tells Rochester she is leaving Thornfield is meant to be heart-wrenching, with the latter tearfully begging her to stay.

Fassbender handles this beautifully, though again, I felt some discomfort seeing him and the very young Wasikowska locked in a tight embrace.

Perhaps other scenes are more palatable, and I am confident I will enjoy the film after watching it a few more times ( same thing happened with Pride & Prejudice ). Check out this clip. And how about this one? Fassbender's "You transfix me quite." is simple, yet enough to make one's heart race. I love Victorian love stories. :)

So how does the lead actress fare? I think she does a pretty good job considering her relative inexperience and the heaviness of the material. I believe she will improve further with time, the same way Natalie Portman did this past decade.

My biggest complaint, I suppose, is the editing. How much of it is the fault of director Cary Fukunaga versus film editor Melanie Oliver is anyone's guess. Condensing this particular novel into 2 hours is no mean feat. Remaking it for the 21st century audience is even tougher. Joe Wright did a marvelous job with Pride & Prejudice. Unfortunately, Jane Eyre does not live up to that standard.

Still, it isn't a bad way to spend a couple of hours at the cinema, especially if you're a literature fan. And pay attention to the soundtrack, composed by Dario Marianelli ( also responsible for Pride & Prejudice and Atonement ).

Besides, I have another opportunity to see Fassbender in action soon, as Magneto in X-Men: First Class, with one of my fave actors, James McAvoy. Looking forward to that! :D

In the meantime, I'm going to rewatch his performance in Inglourious Basterds. Rakishly dashing as Lt. Archie Hicox, easily the best-looking male in the entire cast! Can't believe I didn't check his name in the credits. Here's a link that works. He appears at 64:30, continuing on to the superb, tense tavern scene. ( Sadly, Hicox dies. )

Cable has endless reruns. Shall record this the next time it airs. :)



I am highlighting this TV series because I watched it many years ago, when I was in primary or secondary school. Local stations used to broadcast BBC productions back then, and I loved it so much I bought the DVD recently. It is an EXCELLENT adaptation, mainly because of Timothy Dalton ( previously James Bond in The Living Daylights and Licence To Kill ).

Regardless of how his career has nose-dived since his 007 heyday, I will always remember Dalton as one of the finest British actors around. I also consider him my favourite James Bond ( second fave: Daniel Craig :)).

Here's a YouTube clip of that pivotal scene I mentioned earlier. It is a million times more affecting than Fukunaga's version. Watch Dalton as he paces the room like a restless lion, breathless with anxiety and fear. Listen to his voice, thunderous then tremulous. See the tear trickle down his left cheek as he kisses his co-star, holding her tight against his chest.

If you don't want to buy the DVD, then watch the entire series in 10-minute installments, on YouTube. Your choice. :)


Before I sign off, a link to the official trailer for The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn, due for release this Christmas.

I love the comic book series. I am a huge fan of Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. I took The Lord Of The Rings tours when I visited New Zealand in 2003, and our guide drove us right past Jackson's home in Wellington. So yes, I will be watching this at the cineplex! :)

The Turning Point?



I have cast a vote at the General Election only once in my life. That was in 1997, when I was 21.

It is indeed sad that, in a First World country like Singapore, the majority of citizens isn't given the opportunity to exercise a basic right by participating in a democratic process at regular intervals.

There was a period when the younger generation was criticized for being politically apathetic. Now, as Generation Y comes of age and harnesses the power of the Internet, the tide has turned, and it is nothing short of a tsunami.

I remember how, back in 1997, I attended a Workers' Party rally at Yio Chu Kang Stadium, and heard Tang Liang Hong stir the tens of thousands who attended, with an impassioned speech in multiple languages and dialects. It was an unforgettable experience, and I felt very sorry for him when Cheng San went to the PAP, and he was forced to flee the country.

This year, I see a worthy TLH successor in the form of the National Solidarity Party's Nicole Seah. I have been viewing YouTube clips of her rally speeches, and she is a remarkable speaker, especially when you consider her tender age.

Hot issues being debated include the skyrocketing costs of living, subsidies for the poor and elderly, ministerial pay, etc. There is significant overlap with what was covered back in 1997, and I can't help wondering: is it because the ruling party isn't solving these chronic problems, or are they merely part and parcel of any country's general woes?

What the PAP needs to worry about now are the increasingly disgruntled 20- to 30-something-year-old voters, who are much more vocal and unafraid of telling you to go f*** yourself. They eagerly engage senior politicians and, as illustrated by a recent university student's witty quip to the Prime Minister, are more than capable of making you look stupid in front of the mass media.

In 1997, my mind was made up the minute the GE was announced.
This time, I remain undecided 5 days before Polling Day.

Being 14 years older is a factor. At 21, my comprehension of political issues was hazy, and my vote was significantly influenced by my parents' views.
One's temperament shifts over the course of a decade. So does one's ability to exercise moderation in the face of controversy and inflamed emotions.

While it is true that the PAP has messed up in certain areas, it has also succeeded on other fronts. However, the opposition will naturally gravitate towards the former in order to win votes. This can be a double-edged sword - a decision made in anger is rarely the right one. A cooling off period the day before polling will do nothing to extinguish that.

If the PAP is startled by the degree of hostility they're witnessing from many Singaporeans, it didn't develop overnight. Every General Election sees its fair share of political rallies, and the crowds at opposition party events easily outnumber those at the PAP's. The same issues are brought up, and every 5 years, the resentment builds further. Many have been waiting for the chance to cast their votes, and now... they have it.

It's practically confirmed that the ruling party will lose a few constituencies. The extent of that loss, however, is open to speculation. I moved to a new residence 5 years ago, and now stay in a neighbourhood which is considered a PAP stronghold. Imagine my surprise when this stronghold got contested by an opposition party, led by someone from another district. Apparently, he feels confident enough to run here, and the PAP's response can be described as 'panic mode'.

So that makes me a 'swing vote', correct? We're the ones the politicians will fight the hardest for, since we could go either way. Whichever party I end up voting for, I hope it will realize that times have changed, and certain issues that have been hanging over our heads for eons need to be addressed once and for all. As costs of living reach unbearable levels, even middle-income ( or upper middle-income ) groups will feel the pinch, and you can't just focus on the welfare of those with low salaries. Singles - especially those taking care of elderly parents - should not be ignored when dishing out financial goodies. Foreign talent has its advantages, but should not result in the marginalization of Singaporeans.

The biggest mistake the PAP may be making is the refusal to admit accountability for certain actions they have taken. I, for one, place more value in a person who is willing to accept criticism, re-evaluate his stand, and hopefully alter his decision when presented with hard facts and unpleasant truths, than somebody who refuses to listen and repeatedly defends himself in the face of indisputable evidence.

Trying to attend a few opposition party rallies this week. May post an entry if I succeed.

Review of Maroon 5's concert
25th April 2011
Singapore Indoor Stadium



Before I begin, here's a link to my review of their 2008 gig, to give you an idea of the differences between the 2 shows.

I previously swore that I wouldn't attend another Maroon 5 gig because, in all honesty, I didn't think their last one was worth the money.

However, I changed my mind when Hands All Over was released. While reports suggest it hasn't done very well sales-wise, I find it positively hypnotic, to the point where I can blast it for weeks on my car stereo or my iPod, without getting sick of any of the songs.

Suffice to say, my decision to see them a 2nd time proved to be the right one. Yesterday's show was electrifying! :)

Here's the set list:

Misery
If I Never See Your Face Again
Harder To Breathe
Give a Little More
The Sun + Billie Jean mash-up
Won't Go Home Without You
Never Gonna Leave This Bed
Secret + What's Love Got To Do With It mash-up
She Will Be Loved
Wake Up Call
Shiver
Stutter
This Love

Encores:

Hands All Over
Makes Me Wonder
Sunday Morning


Plus points:

1) Definitely less noisy compared to 2008, which almost perforated my eardrums.

2) Adam Levine was much friendlier, as evidenced by quite a bit of banter with the audience, bouncing around the stage and posing for photographs, even conducting a nice singalong session on She Will Be Loved.

3) The whole band looked stoked by the deafening cheers from the crowd, which comprised many more youngsters this time round ( i.e. teenagers, who have a lot of money to spend, I see ). I know lead guitarist James Valentine was grinning from ear to ear. And there were moments when Adam and James threw T-shirts and even a drumstick into the audience. :)

4) Many slow numbers, which I personally feel should be increased further. Adam sang the ballads beautifully, and I especially enjoyed the mash-ups - special mention to his cover of Tina Turner's What's Love Got To Do With It. Mesmerizing... please record it for your next album. :)

5) A stage setup that is superior to the sparse 2008 design - or to be accurate, what design? Last night's had a cool wall of spotlights behind the band, adding dramatic effects throughout the show. Nice!

6) A lengthier show - 90 minutes compared to 2008's 75.

Other standout performances: a very poignant Won't Go Home Without You, an epic Wake Up Call ( much more memorable than their 2008 version! ), and a superb Sunday Morning which had everyone roaring the lyrics.

The best of the night? A toss between Secret ( have always loved this song, glad Adam sang it! ) and Won't Go Home Without You ( sounded phenomenal! ).

Kudos as well to the amazing audience, who definitely made the show a success. I was surrounded by teens, and their enthusiasm is very infectious indeed. Wonder how Maroon 5 feels about appealing to high schoolers? Their fans are getting younger and younger, haha.


Last but not least, many compliments to the rest of the band, especially Valentine and bassist Mickey Madden. If you listen to their latest album, Hands All Over, the guitar and bass feature very prominently on many tracks ( especially the super-catchy ones ). Maybe they're responsible for the hypnotic effect. :)

Verdict: an terrific evening with a terrific band! Will definitely see them again when they return!

But... it would be nice to see them in more formal attire next time round. They wore the same T-shirt-and-jeans getups again. Adam looks scrawny, he needs a jacket!

Haven't had time to download photos and a video ( of Makes Me Wonder ) just yet. Stay tuned...

Let The Countdown Begin :)



In less than 7 months' time, The Bridge Project will return to Singapore, with Kevin Spacey leading an illustrious cast as they stage Richard III.

I have waited forever for this chance to watch Mr. Spacey on stage, and intend to utilize the opportunity as fully as possible:

Attend at least 2 performances.

Help publicize the event by collaborating with the SRT.

And yes, have a proper conversation with Mr. Spacey, if I'm lucky. ( I need to thank him in person for replying to my fan letter! :))


And to those of you who haven't been converted by my numerous recommendations just yet, please refer to this classic clip featuring one of his most memorable roles, i.e. John Doe in David Fincher's Se7en.

A friend of mine watched Mr. Spacey on Broadway a few years ago, in a production titled Moon For The Misbegotten. She was in her mid 20s at the time, but was practically swooning as she recounted the evening to me. Of course, it helps that she's also a big fan of his. :)

Some don't quite understand why I find Mr. Spacey so appealing. It's an acquired taste which hasn't altered in 15 years or so, and I'm convinced it will remain status quo indefinitely.

Listen to me: his stage performances are DAZZLING. DO NOT MISS IT!

Entry #7

A quick browse of my blog's 2011 archives thus far reveals a significant and troubling drop in frequency of posts.

While work commitments account for part of this trend, I also admit to neglecting this site somewhat.

A case of blogger's fatigue? Perhaps. But considering my intent to divert personal writing efforts to 'less frivolous' pursuits, it's anyone's guess when the next entry will pop up.

However, rest assured that if there's something worth discussing - especially if it's a Kevin Spacey-related event - the updates shall continue. :)



Recently, through the kindness of a fellow KS fan, I was able to download the entire Nancy Hanks lecture which was delivered by Mr. Spacey in Washington, D.C. a fortnight ago. Picture resolution wasn't great, but the sound quality was terrific, and that's all that matters to me. :)

If you haven't seen it, go to the link provided in my last post. If your computer - like mine - for some strange reason, refuses to play the video, drop me an email and I'll try to send the file to you directly.

Once again, Mr. Spacey delivers a beautiful speech, this time for a heavenly 40 minutes, which is 4 times the length of his usual TV interviews, and twice the length of his chat with Channel NewsAsia when he was in Singapore a few months ago.

However, this lecture is of course very different from an interview. Mr. Spacey has the stage all to himself for the entire duration, speaking on a topic that is near and dear to his heart. It is a powerful speech, its impact strengthened by Mr. Spacey's obvious passion for the arts, as he shares many personal experiences from teenhood all the way to his full-fledged career as an Oscar- and Tony-winning actor.

I am also very pleased to learn about the upcoming launch of the Kevin Spacey Foundation, as well as his support for artistic talent in the Middle East.

When he became my all-time favourite actor more than a decade ago, my appreciation was directed mainly at his acting / singing / directing talents. Now, he is described as a 'political activist', The Old Vic's 'artistic director', and 'founder' of an organization that aims to provide opportunities for others to succeed in film and theatre industries.

I am deeply awed by this gentleman. :)

Also, I watched Casino Jack last week. A hilarious movie in spite of its actual content ( lobbyist Jack Abramoff gets nabbed for breaching ethical codes, embezzling funds and getting mixed up with shady characters ), with a hysterically funny performance from Mr. Spacey.
Watch out for 2 key scenes where Abramoff acts out like a 5-year-old - when he gets fired, and while pitching a movie idea to producers.

Next on my to-watch-once-available list: another comedy starring Mr. Spacey, titled Father Of Invention.



Something else that's been making me laugh really hard: Mary Roach's Spook, which I chanced upon while browsing the Paranormal section of the public library. ( Yes, believe it or not, the library has a Paranormal section. :))

Why was I there, you ask? Well, I've been fascinated by things of this nature since I was a kid ( blame it on a personal experience which haunts me to this day, pun intended ). But a decision to take on a legitimate writing project led me to explore this genre further, and Roach's book caught my eye immediately.

I'm already more than halfway through, and hooked to the point of reading way past my bed-time, or whenever there's a free moment.

It is, quite simply, one of the best books I've read in a very long time. Probably not since John Berendt's City Of Falling Angels, which was maybe 4-5 years ago. ( Berendt's my favourite non-fiction author; fiction honour goes to Thomas Hardy. )

Roach writes fluently, though you need a very good command of the English language to follow some of her lengthier sentences. What I find amazing are (1) her detailed and tireless research, which take her around the globe, even to the point of enrolling in 'medium school', (2) an astute eye for minutiae, especially physical idiosyncrasies ( the more eccentric, the better ), and best of all, (3) an uncanny ability to turn the mundane into side-splitting, laugh-out-loud observations, through the simple use and manipulation of the written word.

The most entertaining of the lot ( up to the current bookmarked page at least ) involve well-aimed jabs at scientists ( quite a few of whom are medical doctors ) who conduct crazy experiments in their search for proof of the paranormal, various kooky theories about the authenticity of ectoplasm ( 'vaginally extruded' tickling my funny bone repeatedly :)), amd more kookiness at a medium school in the UK ( at a legitimate university, not some New Age nut's home ).

I've opted to leave specific quotes out of the picture, because this is a book that needs to be - that MUST BE - read from beginning to end, in order to savour the full effect of Roach's rapier-sharp humour.

It's always such a pleasure to discover a new author whom I can follow obsessively. While John Berendt figures out the subject for his next novel ( which, based on his 1-book-a-decade pattern, will be published no earlier than 2015 ), Roach shall keep me company.

Before I sign off, I'd just like to express great excitement over the soon-to-be-released X-Men: First Class, starring the accomplished James McAvoy. Woohoo! :)

Kevin Spacey's Nancy Hanks Lecture



This entry is meant to highlight the above speech, which Mr. Spacey made only a few days ago at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

YouTube clips can be found here and here.

The full speech is here.

[ Thank you to members of a Kevin Spacey fan mailing list for providing this info! ]

Mr. S is one of the finest speakers I know of, effortless at commanding the stage and audience. He is passionate about arts advocacy, and delivers yet another inspiring address.

A worthy quote:

"... I also believe that if you have been successful in the business that you wanted to be successful in, then it is your obligation to spend a good portion of your time sending the elevator back down. That was a phrase that Jack Lemmon used to share with me all the time and one that I have now adopted as my own.

...We can all send the elevator back down, 'cos it doesn't matter what floor you're on. In life, there's always someone just below, just waiting for the chance to be invited up. Our job is to make sure the floors we live on are not so high that we can no longer hear the voices of young people crying out for an opportunity that will help shape their lives and help shape a better country."

Another speech, given at the Congressional Arts Kick Off. This was prepared for a House appropriations subcommittee hearing which was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute.

"Sometimes, a person of experience - and it just so happens that Jack Lemmon was a huge idol of mine - can say just the right words, at just the right time, to a young person, and change their lives."

I know exactly what he means. A number of key figures have shaped my future in various ways, like a secondary school English teacher who complimented and nurtured my early interest in writing, a strict piano teacher who pushed me to a Distinction grade, senior medical colleagues who guided my career path.

Local schools don't focus on the arts as much as those in the U.S. and Europe, but I have never regretted my choice to major in Literature back in RGS, and can't imagine life without creative writing, films, plays and musicals.

Mr. Spacey gave me an epiphany last December, one which I will endeavour to never lose sight of. I didn't manage to express this in my fan letter ( which was prepared before his interview and our meeting ), but if I have the opportunity to speak to him in person when he returns with The Bridge Project, I will be sure to convey my appreciation.

Last but not least, a link to his MSNBC interview with Chris Matthews on Hardball.

p.s. And who in the world at DreamWorks Animation is reading my blog?! :D

Have a good weekend!

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! :)