RIP Cory Monteith

If you're not a Glee fan - or to be more exact, a Gleek - you probably won't understand the grief so many all over the world are experiencing, after the untimely death of one of the show's stars, Cory Monteith.

News of his demise shocked everyone, even though in the past, he'd publicly acknowledged his ongoing battle with drug addiction, and had completed rehab a few times.

I, too, was stunned. And devastated. I've been a loyal Gleek since the show first debuted 4 years ago, and Finn Hudson ( the character Cory played so wonderfully ) was one of my favourites. The series became a huge hit and launched many of its stars' careers. And the song-and-dance numbers were the best ingredient - covers which almost always surpassed the originals, performed by immensely talented young actors.

Through the years, I revelled in Cory's progress. In season 1, he was clearly awkward with the complex dance choreography, and candidly admitted as much in interviews. I found his honesty refreshing, and also appropriate, considering Finn's own struggles within the glee club.

However, as time passed, Cory's confidence grew tremendously. By season 2, he was keeping up with his fellow cast members, and his vocal strength soared. Around the same time, his relationship with co-star, Lea Michele, blossomed, and they eventually became a couple, to fans' delight.

My love for Glee extends far beyond the music and dance moves. It's the first teen-based programme to fully explore subjects which are considered taboo, at least in terms of target demographics ( i.e. tweens and high schoolers ). Bullying, teen pregnancy, homosexuality, eating disorders, morbid obesity, gun violence - nothing is off limits.
The writers shoulder a lot of responsibility in the stories they choose to tell, but the cast is more than up to the task, and Cory was always great to watch in every scene.

Another reason Cory's passing affects me so much - the fact that I met fellow cast-mate, Jonathan Groff, in person. Groff played rival school glee club leader, Jesse St. James, in seasons 1 and 2. In real life, he's also Lea's best friend, following their star-making turns on Broadway's Spring Awakening, which is one of my all-time favourite musicals.

Jonathan shared quite a few tense scenes with Cory because Jesse and Finn were involved in a love triangle, in addition to the on-stage battles. Meeting the former in 2011 in New York was one of the best celeb encounters I've ever had, and yes, I told Jon how much I love Glee, and that there're lots of fans in Singapore, which pleased him very much! :)

The last time a young Hollywood actor's death saddened me to this extent was in 1993, when River Phoenix collapsed from a drug overdose. Also extremely talented with a bright future ahead of him, he left us all too suddenly, and I haven't forgotten him even after 20 years.

My mother sometimes comments that drug addicts' deaths shouldn't surprise anyone, that they were somehow "asking for it". But I've seen addiction in its various forms up close - relatives and friends, not myself thankfully - and while the addict isn't entirely blameless, s/he isn't necessarily bad or evil either. We're all human; we have weaknesses, and not everyone will be able to overcome their personal demons, even with adequate support.

The greatest tragedy, I think, is that Cory passed away alone in his hotel room, unable to say a proper farewell to those who loved him most. Perhaps he's also unaware of how much he meant to his fans all over the world. But I hope that, wherever he is right now, he'll find the peace which eluded him on this earth, and that he's still singing and dancing.

We'll miss you always, Cory.

Reviews: Pacific Rim & Behind The Candelabra

[ Warning: Embedded spoilers. ]

I'm a self-confessed movie nut, but due to schedule conflicts, I often don't get to see shows before reading reviews.
However, it doesn't really matter that much anymore, because in recent years, I've realized my opinions are usually the opposite of what critics write. Better still, they concur with the majority of fellow film buffs. :)

To be frank, Pacific Rim wasn't high on my must-watch list. Giant robots, giant monsters ( kaiju ), mass destruction, sci-fi, etc. - not exactly my thing.
The only reason I was even remotely interested in going to the cineplex is none other than director Guillermo del Toro, whose career I've followed closely since 2001's The Devil's Backbone ( gosh, was it really 12 years ago?! ). Then came Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy and Hellboy II - 3 exquisite films which showcase his creativity and storytelling skills. If you don't know what the heck I'm talking about, you don't know what you're missing!

What sealed the deal, however, is del Toro's fanboy writeup in the July issue of Empire magazine - aka my movie bible.
His lifelong obsession with Japanese monster flicks leaps off the pages, and the nuggets of information he provided about Pacific Rim were more than enough to whet my appetite. More on those later.

Now, how do I begin my review? Let's start with the first sequence, where del Toro throws us in the deep end by staging an epic showdown between a kaiju and a Jaegar robot, in the middle of Alaska.

You can read the detailed synopsis for yourself. Just be prepared for the awesome spectacle, because my jaw hit the ground. And I couldn't stop gawking for the next 2-plus hours.

Yes, this is a typical summer blockbuster, filled with over-sized creatures / machines / weapons, waging fiery wars that flatten entire cities and kill unknown numbers of humans. We get them every year, from The Avengers to Transformers. But kaiju-wise, perhaps Godzilla ( the vapid 1998 Hollywood version ) comes closest to Pacific Rim's subject matter. In terms of fighting robots, there's Real Steel, which I gave up on after just 15 minutes.

I didn't have high hopes for Pacific Rim, having decided to sacrifice an afternoon solely in honour of del Toro. Imagine my surprise when I fell under its spell. 2 hours flew by in the blink of an eye, and I didn't even need a toilet break! :)

It incorporates the best elements from other box office greats, including Independence Day, Inception and Star Wars.
For the first, there's the multiple-story-arc format which revolves around a central humans-vs-alien-invasion theme. You get in-depth perspectives from the Jaegar pilots, the Jaegar project commander, the scientists, even the crime syndicates which harvest kaiju parts for black market profit. I'm not kidding!

For the second, you get a highly inventive tale about "neural handshakes", "drift compatibility" and "the breach". I still recall Inception's "kick", "totem", "limbo" and "dream architects".

And for the third, look out for a stick-fighting scene between a veteran Jaegar pilot and a rookie hopeful. A definite homage to The Force! :)

Battles-wise, I stand by my statement that they make Pacific Rim "the most freaking awesome movie I have ever seen". To expound on del Toro's Empire article, he mentions how he designed each kaiju based on his encyclopaedic knowledge of Japanese monster films, and highlights that each Jaegar-kaiju fight was choreographed meticulously so audiences wouldn't end up watching the same thing over and over again.

He delivers everything as promised. Each creature is brilliantly crafted, not just in appearance but personality as well. Yes, they're all prone to stomping, roaring and destroying stuff, but pay attention to their defence strategies ( powerful tails, acidic venom, and one super-cool electric-current-generating species capable of inducing a city-wide blackout ). You may also notice how, by the climactic finale, the kaiju start demonstrating serious intelligence and manage to overcome 3 Jaegars in a single attack. Scary...

The robots are no less interesting. With names like Crimson Typhoon ( China ) and Gipsy Danger ( USA ), they also have specialized artillery and even their own battle moves ( thundercloud, anyone? ).

Usually, such things hold zero appeal for me, but again, it is to del Toro's credit that I found myself completely caught up in the excitement! :D

Charlie Hunnam, an actor whose previous work I am unfamiliar with, is a great casting choice as heroic lead, Raleigh Becket. He is extremely good-looking, absolutely convincing as a Jaegar pilot, and handles the emotional scenes with a nice balance of sensitivity and masculinity.

Rinko Kikuchi, as aspiring Jaegar pilot, Mako Mori, is mesmerizing. I didn't like her that much in Babel, but she is wonderful here. No theatrics, skimpy outfits or romantic scenes. For some reason, when she first appears, standing in the rain under an umbrella and quietly staring at Becket as he arrives at the Jaegar base, she captures my full attention, and never lets go until the final credits roll.

And both actors shine the brightest when they're together. They banter, they stick-fight, they pummel monsters into the ground, and they have me rooting for them all the way. Kudos to the scriptwriters as well ( del Toro co-wrote ) - pay attention to the kaiju battles, where Raleigh repeatedly looks out for Mako. It's a tender, heartwarming relationship, forged quickly as a necessity, but which results in an unbreakable bond.

As for the supporting players, Idris Elba is appropriately regal and dignified as Commander Stacker Pentecost ( what a name! ), though I take issue with the rallying pre-climax speech and that slightly ludicrous "we're cancelling the apocalypse" tagline.
Charlie Day ( from Horrible Bosses ) delivers a breakthrough performance as eccentric scientist, Newton Geiszler, whose role gets a major expansion when he leaves the base to locate a shady figure ( Ron Perlman in a short but memorable appearance ), and proves vital in the eventual closure of the breach.

Ultimately, however, huge credit goes to del Toro, whose ingenious mind gave birth to this beautiful masterpiece. He's often lauded for his ability to coax fabulous performances from children, and this is evident in a few scenes featuring a Japanese girl ( Mana Ashida ) who plays young Mako. These show her walking through a devastated, deserted Tokyo, sobbing so desperately I found myself weeping along with her. In less deft hands, these segments could've easily sunk into cliched melodrama. But del Toro not only paces them expertly and chooses prime insertion spots ( when grown-up Mako "chases the rabbit" during her maiden drift - still with me? :)), he makes them even more poignant by revealing the identity of the Jaegar pilot who rescues her from the clutches of a vicious kaiju. ( Not going to mention that here - you need to see this for youself. )
That moment is forever seared into my brain. It is so powerful yet also delicate, and explains a pivotal part of the storyline. I can't remember the last time I was affected like this!

Don't pay any attention to the critics. Sometimes, I think they deliberately pan movies like this because they want to sound intelligent and intellectual. Even Empire's Ian Nathan ( one of the best writers I know of ) gave Pacific Rim a paltry 3 stars.

Well, sci-fi definitely isn't my thing, and I've never raved about a kaiju / giant robot film in my life. But Pacific Rim scores a 9/10 in my book, and if I had time, I would've returned to the cineplex for a 2nd viewing.

So please listen to me, and go see this movie. If you end up hating it, let me know. :)

I watched Behind The Candelabra a few weeks ago, but didn't manage to review it until now.

Chances are, it will never make it to local cable. And even if it does, it may be so heavily censored you'll scratch your head and go "Huh?" for most of the film.

My profuse thanks to Z, who got this for me from "alternative sources" when my "usual source" didn't work. :)

It is an impeccable piece of work, one I rank as Steven Soderbergh's career best.

Like many other people, I cringed when I heard Michael Douglas was cast as flamboyant pianist, Liberace, and Matt Damon his lover. Both actors have well-established heterosexual heartthrob reputations, are married with kids, and have never played overtly gay characters before. ( Damon's Tom Ripley doesn't count. )

I was rather worried, to be honest, but their performances are nothing short of astounding.

Douglas, whom I've followed since I was kid, is almost unrecognizable as Liberace. The bouffant wigs, outrageous costumes and makeup markedly transform him physically, but his mannerisms stand out even more. This is the man who practically oozed pheromones in Coma ( gorgeous beyond words ), Romancing The Stone and Fatal Attraction. He's also played ruthless villains with no redeeming qualities ( Wall Street, A Perfect Murder ).

As Liberace, he's effeminate, insecure, and ogles other men with aplomb. He also appears nude a number of times, and plays the piano ( or simulates it ) very very convincingly. ( I play the instrument, so yes, he's hitting the right keys. )

Damon matches him superbly. The guy who stole hearts in Good Will Hunting, The Bourne Identity / Supremacy / Ultimatum, The Adjustment Bureau and Ocean's Eleven / Twelve / Thirteen is 100% believable as Scott Thorson, the young stud who was Liberace's lover for 6 years.

Both men are exceptional actors in their own right, but I'm certain Soderbergh is also hugely responsible for their amazing performances in this film. Especially the intimate scenes. There's no sign of any discomfort whatsoever. I found myself squirming a little at times, but they're totally immersed in the moment, and the chemistry is SCORCHING.

Of all the straight-people-playing-gay-or-lesbian-characters films I've seen so far - and I mean hard-core ones like Brokeback Mountain and Boys Don't Cry - this wins hands down. In fact, I read somewhere that it's deemed too risque for theatrical release, making its way to HBO instead. Really, even in the USA? Unfathomable!

I shall conclude my entry here. More to follow in the near future. Considering another cineplex trip to catch The Wolverine. Hmmmm. :)

TV Show Update

I'm just going to skip the usual intro and go straight into this.

The Americans is AWESOME. I only started watching it on local cable a couple of weeks ago, mainly because I had my hands full with a load of other more prominent shows, but it is positively addictive.

Bear in mind my personal taste, of course. My favourite series aren't always the biggest hits ( note: I don't watch ratings juggernauts like NCIS, Criminal Minds, etc ) and for good reason. Let's face it, the majority of TV viewers don't enjoy too big a challenge, which explains the appeal of fluffy programmes where characters are two-dimensional / flaky, and complex crimes are solved within the last 10 minutes of each episode.

The Americans isn't a crime drama. Rather, it's an espionage thriller chopped into 13 parts. Granted, it's relatively light compared to certain movie classics ( the Bourne series, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Debt, Patriot Games, to name a few ), but this is completely understandable given the medium. The best film comparison I can think of is Little Nikita ( 1988 ), which starred River Phoenix and Sidney Poitier, and also focused on a KGB sleeper couple based in the U.S.

In this TV update, the moles are played by Keri Russell ( Felicity, Mission: Impossible 3 ) and Matthew Rhys ( Brothers And Sisters ). I read or heard somewhere that creator Joseph Weisberg used to work for the CIA or NSA or something along those lines, so it's up to viewers to decide what's based on true events, and what might have been made up.

So why do I love The Americans so much? The pilot is one heck of an adrenaline rush! There's an ambush involving a KGB defector, flashbacks to the couple's training and meeting in Moscow, tension over the new neighbour ( an FBI agent in the counter-intelligence unit, dammit! ), marital issues ( wife tries to slit husband's throat when he kisses her, yikes! ), and a major twist when husband discovers a brutal link between defector and his traumatized wife.

Russell, whom I watched 15 years ago on J.J. Abrams' Felicity, has undergone a major transformation, especially after MI3. All that physical training paid off, because she's totally convincing as a fanatical, coldly efficient operative. Still reed thin with youthful looks, but when the fight scenes start, she's a force to be reckoned with!

Rhys, who played a gay lawyer on Brothers And Sisters, also does a 180 degree turn here. I relish moments like this which I describe as nothing short of magical. Within the first 5 minutes of episode 1, I sat up and asked, "Who the heck is this guy? I've seen him before... ( does a Google search ) WHAT?! The gay lawyer from B&S? I never knew he was capable of playing a KGB agent. Wow..." :)

Whether future episodes will match the premiere in the excitement quotient remains to be seen. So far, I'm still riveted 3 episodes in. But there's no denying the excellent cast, which is more than enough reason to tune in.

Rhys has also won the role of Darcy in the BBC series A Death At Pemberley, due for release later this year. Looking forward to that!

Next, we have The Killing season 3.

I've been obsessed with this show since the very beginning. Quite a number of people dislike the snail-paced plot development ( best evidence: 2 whole seasons devoted to ONE case ), but I think it's just too bad that they can't appreciate its many other attributes - i.e. great characters, mind-twisting investigative work, memorable quotes, and a stellar cast.

Mireille Enos, who plays lead detective, Sarah Linden, is fiercely compelling. Unlike most female protagonists on TV, she rarely demonstrates her true feelings, preferring to maintain a constant veneer of outward calm, even when her entire world falls apart. In fact, the first time I see her lose her cool is in season 3. Hearing her shout and bang the table for less than a minute made my jaw drop. It is such a powerful scene, whoa...

Joel Kinnaman is also back as Linden's partner, Stephen Holder. His reunion with Linden is a joy to behold ( watch the show for details ), and if you're an ardent fan like me, you'll understand what I mean. :)
I've always loved Holder, but Kinnaman really shines this season, and like Matthew Rhys, is shooting up my radar very quickly.
It also helps that Kinnaman gives fantastic interviews. Check out his stint on Jimmy Kimmel a year ago - it's guaranteed to make you laugh till you drop. :)

Oh yes, and I am fully aware of how gorgeous he is. Half American, half Swedish. Yum. :)

At last, the final season of Dexter has arrived! My all-time favourite crime series thus far, and the novels are also terrific.

I'm sad to see this great story conclude, but at least it's doing so on a high note. Dexter remains strong ratings-wise, with a substantial and loyal following, but even good things must come to an end.

I'm a little overwhelmed by nostalgia as I ponder the past 7 years. Dexter has introduced us to a plethora of colourful characters, many of whom demonstrate moral ambiguity of the highest calibre, and I love every single one of them.

Many aren't aware of my fascination with serial killers - real and fictional. This began in secondary school and reached a point where my junior college GP tutor expressed concern when almost every essay I submitted somehow managed to incorporate a murderer. Sorry about that. :P

But come on, serial killers are extremely interesting, and while they share a number of common features, they're also very unique. Author Jeff Lindsay created one of fiction's best characters in Dexter Morgan, whose gruesome childhood steered him towards homicide, only to have that bloodlust diverted towards those who deserved it. By his police officer adoptive father, no less.

Michael C. Hall has been nominated for Emmys for the role but hasn't won any to date. I consider it a major injustice, and fervently hope this will be rectified next year. Stop awarding Mad Men, for pete's sake. Give someone worthy a chance!

Two shows to look forward to...

Suits season 3 returns on 16 July. While I admit the later half of season 2 lost some steam, I hope the writers will return to form and reward fans with what made us fall in love with it in the first place - i.e. memorable legal tussles ( not crime-related ), zingy quotes, and more vicious power struggles.

My personal wish list:

1) A new love for Harvey Spector - one who can REALLY handle him, preferably with lots of epic courtroom battles. (Because his previous love interests hardly ever showed their faces at trial. Harvey, what the heck did you see in them? )

2) Something earth-shattering involving Louis Litt. I ADORE Louis, no question. He's brilliant yet juvenile, cunning yet remorseful, absolutely hateful at times but completely relatable because we picture ourselves doing exactly the same thing.
So what could be in store for Mr. Litt this season? I'm thinking either a major client with a whopper of a case, or a female legal opponent who whips him into a drooling frenzy ( preferably a drop-dead gorgeous blonde who returns his affections ). Forget about the Harvard professor and their S&M sessions. I want him to snag a lady everyone wants, but whose heart belongs only to him. In your face, Harvey! :)

And yes, expect the usual upheaval at the law firm, Mike Ross' perpetual stress over being outed as a fake, and his tumultuous romance with legal assistant, Rachel.

I can't wait. :D

Last but not least, the premiere date for Dracula, starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, has been confirmed!

25 October on NBC, and from the looks of the YouTube trailers, it promises to be a Gothic, lavish, sensual affair.

I can't think of a better choice for the lead role. I've been a fan of Rhys Meyers' since his Henry VIII days on The Tudors, and aside from the fact that he's an exceptional, gorgeous actor, he also doesn't seem to have aged one bit since 2007 when the Tudors began. Hmmm, creepy... :)

Haven't found time to blog about my recent Tokyo trip yet. Maybe sometime soon. Stay tuned!

Review: Man Of Steel

Time constraints allow only 1 entry so far this month, and I'm going to dedicate it to the first film of 2013 to leave me in complete awe.

I realize reviews have been mixed, so take this as a personal opinion, and form your own if or when you see it.

My verdict: Man Of Steel is INCREDIBLE.




***Beware of spoilers ahead. Apologies, but I can't do it justice without going in depth.***

Let's start at the beginning - not this reboot, but the original movies which starred Christopher Reeve.
I saw Superman when I was in kindergarten, and the experience was nothing less than life-changing. Not only was I formally introduced to my first superhero, it's also my earliest memory of eye-popping special effects ( before I saw Star Wars ), and believe it or not, my first crush on an actor. :)
Superman II made an even bigger impression - that's the one with Zod - and remains my favourite of the Reeve franchise.

Bryan Singer's 2006 update was a massive letdown despite the presence of my all-time fave actor, Kevin Spacey. Aside from an awkward script and lacklustre directing, they made a huge mistake in casting Brandon Routh who, though physically appropriate for the role, is a terrible actor.

To be honest, I didn't have high hopes for Zack Snyder's reboot. I enjoyed some of his earlier work - 300, Sucker Punch - but didn't connect with Watchmen or Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole. And while his films are known for being visual adventures, they suffer in the script and acting departments.

Man Of Steel also has its flaws - a few clunky scenes and lines, a less-than-stellar villain - but these are totally obliterated by the brilliant parts.

You're welcome to disagree, of course, but the first scene that practically tore my heart out of my chest involves a school bus careening off a bridge. Young Clark Kent defies his adoptive father's repeated warnings to keep his powers hidden, lifting the vehicle to safety, then diving into the river to rescue a bully who tormented him moments before the crash.

This sequence moved me immensely, and no other superhero movie has ever had the same effect.

There's another scene, also featuring young Clark as he's cornered by a group of bullies who taunt him to fight back. Somehow, he manages to restrain himself, and only after someone helps him up (the same boy he saved from the river ) do you see his hand release its hold on a pipe that is deformed as a result of his superhuman strength.

Another major tissue moment for me. :)

These two scenes really stand out for the following reasons:
1) We know Clark has superpowers, and so does he.
2) However, he chooses not to use them even when he has good reason to.
3) He is invincible, yet becomes the target of bullies.
4) His obedience to adoptive father, Jonathan, is truly remarkable.
5) In spite of his tender age, his unwavering sense of morality is already established.

The original films never explored Clark's youth in detail. I think it's much harder for a child / teenager to control his primal urges, especially when he's fully aware of his abilities. Making a conscious decision to do the opposite is almost impossible for someone in his position. Hence the poignance of these scenarios.

These insightful snippets are utilized to great effect in the form of strategically placed flashbacks - another format not employed in the earlier movies.

Adult Clark also has his fair share of turmoil - i.e. leaves home, spends time working on a fishing boat and a diner - before discovering his origin and true purpose.

The parallels with Jesus Christ are glaringly obvious, especially when taken together with Jonathan Kent's cautionary words about the world not being able to accept Clark's powers, and Jor-El's intonation about Kal-El becoming human so he can be a bridge between two worlds. There's also the number 33 being tossed around - Superman's current age in Man Of Steel, also Christ's age when he was crucified.

David S Goyer and Christopher Nolan co-wrote the script, and I definitely would like to know why they chose to tell Superman's story from this particular angle. Maybe when I have time, I'll do an exhaustive Google search and solve the mystery.

Henry Cavill does a splendid job as Clark / Superman. I watched all 4 seasons of The Tudors and he featured prominently in the series, so I'm no stranger to this handsome young man who narrowly missed snagging leading roles in Casino Royale and Twilight. Christopher Reeve is a very tough act to follow, but Cavill is a very worthy successor.

Empire magazine mentions the lack of humour in Man Of Steel, but I don't mind it at all. It's a welcome change from the formulaic blockbuster with its snarky one-liners and gimmicks. MOS doesn't match The Dark Knight's foreboding gloom, but its somber tone fits the storyline and adds a nice touch of maturity.

Amy Adams is lovely as Lois Lane. I've never been a big fan of Margot Kidder's clownish portrayal, and Kate Bosworth lacked fire. Adams may not have that much to do here, but she exudes a classy intelligence and demonstrates good chemistry with Cavill. Their single kiss was a tad forced, but hopefully things will improve in the sequel ( already announced, woohoo! ).

Michael Shannon as General Zod was quite disappointing - unfortunate, considering his impressive body of work thus far. After the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch ( Star Trek Into Darkness ) and Guy Pearce ( Iron Man 3 ), Zod comes across as a bit of a wimp. This is not helped by redundant lines like "This can only end one way - either you die, or I do." Huh???

Russell Crowe does an admirable job as Jor-El, rising above the campy armour costume, winged creatures and strange names. But it is Kevin Costner who is the beating heart of this film. No other superhero mentor comes close to Jon Kent, who nurtures an extraordinary child and transforms him into an exceptional adult.

Oh yes, the visual effects are also quite spectacular. I wasn't paying as much attention to those though. :)


I'll probably watch this many more times when it's released on DVD. Suffice to say, it's my favourite superhero movie to date, regardless of its commercial performance.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks for reading. :)

Waxing Lyrical

It's been a while since I dedicated an entry just to TV shows. I find it very relaxing so please bear with me. :)



I am a big fan of Ghost Hunters. Probably for at least 5-6 years now. It used to air regularly but local cable stopped screening it for ages, before season 7 recently reappeared on the Thrill channel ( which specializes in horror and suspense ).

There're a lot of paranormal investigator-type programmes out there, in the U.S. and U.K. alone. I've seen quite a few of them, but GH always wins hands down. ( Ghost Adventures is also pretty good, but I have no idea what happened after season 1 and haven't tried Google searching. )

GH was founded by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, who are - get this - plumbers by trade. A moonlighting gig earned them a network contract, and the rest is history.

The format for every episode is standard, but the entire team keeps things interesting. They go to the coolest places - Sharon Tate's home ( scene of the grisly Manson family murders ), sprawling forts / asylums, even a resort in Maine which reminded me of the film, The Shining - the team members all have different, dynamic personalities ( my favourite, Dave Tango, and his pal, Steve Gonsalves, like to investigate together and crack corny jokes which have me in stitches ), and they sometimes pick up the eeriest paranormal phenomena ( disembodied voices, weird sounds, video footage of strange occurrences ).

I'm not saying everyone will enjoy this sort of thing, but I can't get enough of it. :D

Something else I'm addicted to: The Chicago Code.

Originally aired in the U.S. in 2011, after which it was cancelled after 13 episodes. It only materialized on local cable a few weeks ago, and I think it is EXCELLENT. ( Capital letters necessary, believe me. )

I'm a bit of a conoisseur when it comes to American legal procedurals. NYPD Blue, Law & Order ( original plus all the spin-offs ), CSI, Dexter and The Practice, to name a few.

The Chicago Code is right up there with my top 3. The cast is impeccable - Jennifer Beals, Jason Clarke, Matt Lauria - the stories fascinating ( though I don't think I'll have the balls to step into the city ever ), and the action sequences nail-bitingly awesome.

Is Chicago really this frightening? Who cares, when it makes TV viewing so exciting? :)

Beals is superb as the new female police Superintendent - smart, tough, and really cunning. The tactics she employs to solve cases, battle sex discrimination and fight corruption are ingenious. I've learned a few things which I use at work heh!

Lauria is adorable. All boyish good looks and earnest innocence, but blossoming quickly, with sharp instincts of his own.



Clarke, however, is the star. An Australian actor whom I've already seen in Zero Dark Thirty ( caught my eye as one of the Navy Seals who stormed Bin Laden's hideout ) and a few other not-so-prominent films ( e.g. Texas Killing Fields ), he has my undivided attention every time he appears in Code.

As Jarek Wysocki ( talk about a creative character name! ), the Superintendent's ex-partner and best friend in the force, Clarke is perfect for the smart-mouthed, swaggering role. He nails the American accent, keeps me on the edge of my seat whenever a suspect is interrogated, and handles a gun like the best of Hollywood's action stars.

Not conventionally handsome looks-wise, but an incredible actor who oozes massive sex appeal.

Little wonder he's recently won roles in The Great Gatsby and the upcoming Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes. He's 43 but still single. Please stay that way. :)



And now, on to Hannibal. It took 20 years for Thomas Harris' Dr. Lecter to hit the small screen, and the result is quite spectacular.

While the first 4 episodes annoyed me slightly - solving serial murders within one episode, plot holes sprinkled here and there, a ludicrous story about abducted boys returning to kill their families - the show has improved significantly since episode 5.

If it had been any other series, I would've stopped watching after episode 3. But I'm a long-time fan of the Hannibal novels ( excluding Hannibal Rising, which is obscenely bad ), and love Hugh Dancy to bits, so this was a no-brainer.

Dancy's Will Graham differs greatly from Edward Norton's version in Red Dragon. Here, Graham is psychologically scarred - by the gory crimes he investigates and his unique ability to think like the killers he hunts. He's socially withdrawn, moody, unshaven and plagued by terrible nightmares. Which is where Lecter steps in, when Graham's boss requests his expertise in keeping poor Will from teetering off the edge.

Mads Mikkelsen is an inspired choice for this crucial role. Following in Anthony Hopkins' Oscar-winning footsteps is never an enviable task, but he does so very well indeed. It's refreshing to see Hannibal in a younger form, still enjoying his freedom and indulging in culinary activities. Part of the fun for the viewer is figuring out what's in those delectable French dishes he whips up. The first 5 episodes keep his true nature ambiguous, but episode 6 reveals him committing a murderous deed for the first time ( that we know of, that is ), and the cat-and-mouse game ramps up 10 notches.

I think Mikkelsen may soon outshine Hopkins as the quintessential Lecter. Perhaps a TV series format helps flesh out ( apologies for the pun ) the character better, making it easier for audiences to embrace him. But there's no denying Mikkelsen's charisma - he doesn't always do or say much, but every act and word, however simple, resonates. He speaks with a rather thick European accent, in an unnervingly calm manner, always assessing the other subject with great interest if s/he is worthy. I've grown very fond of Hannibal's therapy sessions with his unsuspecting patients. Look out for a simpering, bearded, chubby fellow ( I can't recall his name offhand ) whose clumsy attempts to befriend his psychiatrist is guaranteed to elicit pity and uneasiness. Will he be Hannibal's next main course? If he keeps irritating him, yes!

More importantly, we learn of Lecter's previous specialty before he switched to psychiatry - "ER surgeon". Oooh, thank you, scriptwriters! :D

There're plans for a 5-season run, so I'm rubbing my hands with glee. Keep up the good work. Don't take us for granted! :)



Dexter fans unite! Looking forward to season 8, which, as the picture aptly describes, signals the beginning of the end.

I'm sad to see one of my all-time favourite TV shows sing its swan song, but I'm sure it's going to be epic.

Check out the many YouTube promo clips, which are fantastic. Crime scene nastiness-wise, Hannibal is a worthy successor. Thank goodness - I need my gore fix every now and then. Oh wait, there's also True Blood. And Game Of Thrones. And The Following. And Bates Motel.

TV isn't suitable for kids anymore. I'm glad that phase of my life is long over. :D

Catching Up

After more than a month of silence, it is time to update the blog. :)



First, my recent trip to Sydney, which was primarily for Josh Groban's concert at the Opera House. However, I ended up getting much more than I bargained for!



The day I arrived - after severe sleep deprivation thanks to a mistake I made with my roster request and zero rest on the plane - I prepared for an evening of R&R, only to receive a message from a friend based in Sydney about the cast of Star Trek: Into Darkness being in the city at that very moment. A frantic Google search revealed details of their appearance at a red carpet premiere near my hotel, just an hour after I got the notification!

My mum, who travels with me regularly, wasn't too pleased with the last-minute change of plans, but was surprisingly game to accompany me. After a hurried shower and a series of Facebook message exchanges with staff from the George Street Cinema ( they're amazing :)), we had 30 minutes to find our way to the venue.

Weaving through rush hour human traffic was no joke, but George Street is easy to navigate and the directions I got were accurate. Sadly, by the time we arrived, all the spots in front of the theatre were gone, and we had to make do with places across the road. However, it turns out we managed to get a good look at the proceedings, and my camera's zoom lens helped a lot. :)

Despite not being in a prime position, I could see J.J. Abrams, Karl Urban, Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto very clearly. Initially miffed that security wouldn't let us through despite the sparse crowd along the red carpet, this proved important when I realized it actually enabled those of us across the street to see what was going on.

The experience was incredible! Sure, I've caught celebrities from varying distances and interacted with a few of them previously, but this is a major blockbuster, and I'm a huge fan of its director and stars.

J.J. Abrams - I've followed his career from the beginning, from TV series Felicity, Alias and Lost, to wonderful movies Mission: Impossible 3, Star Trek and Super 8. He is soooo tiny in person, but extremely personable in spite of his A-list status. Even when reporters' attention was fixed on Pine and Quinto, Abrams continued making the rounds among the fans, chatting, signing autographs and posing for pictures. This is the man who's going to direct Star Wars Episode VII!
I also recently realized I've now seen 2 key figures from Alias in person - in addition to creator Abrams, I also met Jennifer Garner at the stage door on Broadway in 2007.
Who's next? Bradley Cooper? :)

Karl Urban - not exactly A-list just yet, but I love his work in Lord Of The Rings, and most recently, was awe-struck by his turn in Dredd. The latter is sorely underrated - I personally think it's mind-blowingly excellent!
The very tall actor towered over everyone and arrived with his wife and children. Quite friendly, but not as sociable as Abrams. It was great to see him. :)

Chris Pine - everyone arrived separately, and Pine was third. Clearly the hottest crowd favourite, he elicited loud squeals of joy when he emerged from the car, and a bunch of Chinese girls were on cloud nine when they reached out for hugs and he happily obliged. That was probably the only moment I was tempted to climb the barricade in front of me and dash across the road heh! Security can drag me away after I get a hug. :D
I too have been following Pine's career for years, from as early as his role in The Princess Diaries 2. Yes, when he and Anne Hathaway were still acting in Disney fairy tale flicks.
He's done very well for himself since scoring the role of Kirk in Star Trek. And after seeing him treat fans with such affection, I hope he achieves even greater success in the coming years. Nice chap. And equally handsome in person. :)

Zachary Quinto - the last to step onto the red carpet, and significantly more subdued than Pine. Didn't hug anyone, but posed for photos with an arm gently placed on each fan's back, flashing a slightly tight smile. I'm not too familiar with his work, having only watched him sporadically in Heroes, and films-wise, in Star Trek and Margin Call. YouTube clips of interviews reveal a strong command of the English language for sure ( "propinquity", anyone? ), but I'm particularly pleased about meeting both halves of a Hollywood couple ( Quinto's boyfriend is actor Jonathan Groff, whom I chatted with after an off-Broadway play in 2011 ).
Interesting how different they are in terms of fan treatment. Groff is unbelievably friendly, loves to converse and gave me the best hug ever. Maybe Quinto warms up under the right conditions. Who knows, if I'd said something he liked, maybe he would've hugged me too. :)




Day 2 was spent recovering from Day 1's excitement! A little bit of shopping after breakfast, then a short rest before heading to the Opera House.

It was Josh Groban's 2nd performance during his stopover in Sydney, and the audience comprised a large number of middle-aged and elderly people, with a smattering of younger fans. It was also the first time I'd ever attended a show which actually started early! Though scheduled to begin at 8pm, Josh and his band appeared on stage 2 minutes before that, without any fanfare, to everyone's delight.

The next 100 minutes were totally awesome! Not only did the repertoire feature songs from his latest release, All That Echoes, he also included popular hits from earlier albums ( his self-titled debut and follow-up, Awake ).

Selections from the former sent me into the stratosphere! Alejate, Alla Luce del Sole, Vincent ( Starry Starry Night ) and To Where You Are are among my all-time favourites, and he sang them flawlessly.

To Where You Are holds special meaning for me because it was mentioned by the fiancee of a young doctor who succumbed to SARS during the 2003 outbreak. She reached out to me on this very blog and we later corresponded via email. The song brought her great comfort and will always be a significant part of that era. When Josh sang it that night, I was overwhelmed with emotion; I swear I could feel my heart breaking all over again.

Aside from the heavenly music, Josh's humour also shone through. Famous for his witty and often corny jokes, the concert hall regularly erupted in uproarious laughter. At one point, he invited a lady in the front row to go on stage and sing a duet ( it was The Prayer ). She did an amazing job, and Josh's attempt to upstage her had us all in stitches. ( I have it on video too, what a treat! :))

Later, he hopped down and ran to the back of the hall to give someone his drumstick. Lucky girl! :D

I wish the night could've gone on forever, but it had to end sometime. When I got to the stage door, the place was swarming with around 200 fans, and Josh was only able to stay for about 10 minutes, signing autographs for those closest to him. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to meet him, but it was an unforgettable experience nonetheless, and I hope another opportunity will present itself one day in the not too distant future.

Most importantly, please don't bypass Singapore again argh!

On Day 3, we took in the annual ANZAC Day parade - a military extravaganza which we had no idea about until the day before. We also took a ferry ride to Manly. If there's time, perhaps I'll write more and post pictures in a subsequent entry, but I'd like to say a special thank-you to all the wonderful Australians we met on this trip! Strangers offered directions on the street and opened doors; drivers always let us cross the street even though it was their right of way; almost everyone we met was incredibly gracious and kind.

The locals were nice the last time we visited in 2009, but have improved even more 4 years later. Singaporeans have much to learn from other countries. Coming home is such a rude awakening. :(




Next, I need to send some love to Robert Downey, Jr. :)

I've been a fan for decades now, since his heyday in Chaplin, Chances Are and Only You. My support did not wane during his up-and-down periods, and I was hopeful about his comeback during a well-received stint on Ally McBeal.

Regardless of his trials and tribulations, I couldn't be happier when he slowly returned to prime form, notably in Zodiac, followed by Iron Man, which sealed his status as a profitable leading man.

Iron Man 2 was equally terrific, but the franchise scales new heights with Part 3. Don't think I've been this thrilled since Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol!

It's always tough to follow 2 super-successful films, but everything came together perfectly here. The mind-blowing special effects are present, but relatively toned down compared to its predecessor. Still, the plot and subplots move along efficiently, and nothing feels gimmicky. Stripping Tony Stark of his powerful suit is pure genius, and a detour to a sleepy town, with Stark befriending a precocious boy and wreaking havoc on unsuspecting inhabitants, is one of the movie's best highlights.

That, and a certain sky-diving sequence, minus parachutes!

Also, Guy Pearce has never looked better, WOW! :)

My only grouse - a small one - is the purpose of the female characters. Rebecca Hall's Maya Hansen has a pseudo-pivotal role that doesn't optimize her talent, while Gwyneth Paltrow's Pepper Potts is suddenly transformed into a super-powered fighting mutant. Err, okay...

Small wonder Iron Man 3 is raking in hundreds of millions at domestic and international box offices. I'll bet the studio is doing everything it can to keep RDJ in the franchise, because who else can play Tony Stark so perfectly? Stay on for at least Part 4, yes? :)




Someone else worth raving about: local actor Eden Ang.

I saw him last February in Pangdemonium's Spring Awakening, and more recently, in Rabbit Hole.

He played polar opposites in both productions - in the former, he was a mohawked rebel who belted rock songs; in the latter, he played a wholesome schoolboy trying to make amends for a tragic accident.

I thought he was remarkable in Rabbit Hole, despite having a relatively small role. Whenever he was on stage, I couldn't look anywhere else, and a scene he shares with Janice Koh is absolutely gut-wrenching.

He also reminds me of Joseph Gordon-Levitt. A LOT. That's a huge compliment, by the way. :)

Here's my review.




Last but not least, another upcoming trip overseas, also to catch a show which will not come to Singapore.

The main draw is Ramin Karimloo, a theatre star I've hoped to see since 2011. Purchasing tickets for shows in Japan is a horrible nightmare, and I managed to do so only because a friend who lives in Tokyo kindly offered to help. I initially gave up when 2 websites wouldn't allow seat selection, but for some strange reason, a 3rd site popped up and offered a great location.

I hope attending the show won't present any complications! Also crossing my fingers that I'll be able to meet the cast - a friend who knows Lea Salonga personally may be able to help. :)


Was planning to review Hannibal, but perhaps in the next entry.

March!

Once again, I've been neglecting this blog, concentrating recent writing efforts on Just Watch Lah.

The past few weeks have felt like a whirlwind at times, with 4 shows in 3 weeks, and more to come.

Saw Adam Lambert in concert on the 8th, at the Star Performing Arts Centre. He played to a packed theatre, but sadly, the show ended abruptly after 80 minutes and a single encore, just as everyone was getting really excited.

In spite of this rather irritating turn of events, I enjoyed myself immensely. The set list was fabulous, featuring many of Adam's chart-topping hits, which he sang flawlessly.

Many songs from his latest album, Trespassing, were featured, of course. My personal favourite: Shady, which had everyone bopping and singing along to with great enthusiasm. I haven't danced quite like this since Robbie Williams' scream-fest of a gig at the Indoor Stadium 10 years ago! :)

No idea what happened at the end when Adam left the stage, leaving his band looking confused for a moment.

Will he return to Singapore in the future? If he does, I'm definitely watching him again. But the organizers really have to do whatever it takes to make him happy. It isn't right to pay this much for only 80 minutes!




2 days later, I caught The Exchange at a little recital studio at the Aliwal Arts Centre.

It is a VERY ulu place, with a seating capacity of only 100.

But it was such a &^%*$#@ good show! :D

Here's my review. Knock yourself out!

The group headed back to Hong Kong after their stop here, and have been making huge waves this past fortnight, both at the a cappella festival and at loads of high schools.

I sent them a Facebook message while they were in Singapore, suggesting they perform at schools to increase exposure. No idea if they actually decided to follow my advice, but if they did, I'm feeling quite proud of myself. :)

I've emailed people at the Esplanade to consider organizing a show for these guys, so let's hope that effort is successful. I absolutely NEED to see them again - they are AWESOME!




Le Noir was on the 14th. The acts aren't earth-shattering, but I was very moved by the music and the almost ethereal beauty of the performers. I haven't seen so many gorgeous people in one spot since Paris' Moulin Rouge in 2010!

My mum and I had front row seats, and the performers strolled through the aisles on multiple occasions, which was fantastic. A young male skater is, hands down, the best-looking of the group, and my favourite act is a scary balancing routine featuring tiers of cylinders. It defies the laws of physics on so many levels, I had to avert my eyes and hold my breath for most of the segment. Worse than a horror film, but what an adrenaline rush! :)




On the 21st, I saw the Singapore Repertory Theatre's Venus In Fur, reviewed here.

It was a good performance, but didn't match my expectations in terms of heat. Not sure if things have improved since then, but based on my experience with other shows, I suspect they will.

There lies the conflict in writing reviews - you see shows early to stay current, but may end up with a diluted product; see them later and be rewarded with something better, but by the time your critique hits the Net, the run is practically over.

It's a fine balancing act, so I try to toggle between both, sometimes by choice, sometimes out of necessity ( e.g. if I'm overseas or have other more important commitments ).

But one of the biggest pleasures I get from my moonlighting gig is establishing valuable relationships with theatre industry figures, who are incredibly generous with their time and assistance. They arrange interviews with the cast and director, invite you to meet-and-greets or help you get autographs, etc.

My support for local theatre companies spiked only a few years ago, but the experience has been extremely rewarding in many ways. Their tireless efforts have resulted in collaborations with world-renowned troupes like the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Bridge Project, bringing stars like Ian McKellan, Rebecca Hall, Ethan Hawke, Lea Salonga and Kevin Spacey to our shores.

In addition, Pangdemonium! wows with their edgy choices, expert direction and nurturing of young talent. Spring Awakening easily rivals the Broadway productions I've seen, which is amazing!

I encourage anyone who's able and willing to make a regular donation to a local theatre company of your choice. If that isn't your thing, then at least attend the shows. They are terrific. :)




Finally got around to watching this, after Ben Affleck's triumphant win at the Oscars.

I've been a fan of his work for many years, from his early films ( School Ties, Chasing Amy, Good Will Hunting ), through the duds ( Daredevil, Paycheck, Gigli ) and his directorial efforts ( Gone Baby Gone, The Town and Argo ).

He has always struck me as highly intelligent, and I couldn't be happier that he managed to bounce back after a period of missteps ( Bennifer, anyone? ). He's blessed with a beautiful family and demonstrates great maturity as a director, choosing source material that is controversial, thought-provoking and, most importantly, inspiring.

Argo is expertly paced, with understated yet poignant performances from the entire cast. Affleck's films always explore the intricacies of human nature, and Argo celebrates the selfless contributions of the Central Intelligence Agency's personnel, many of whom risk their lives for complete strangers, fighting wars behind the scenes while others take credit for their work.

Affleck touched me deeply with his portrayal of Tony Mendez, the CIA officer who orchestrated the daring rescue. I have no idea how close it is to the truth, but for the purpose of the movie, I consider this his best role yet. The trials and tribulations he endured over the years have transformed him into an accomplished actor and director, and I applaud his perseverance and courage.

Congratulations, Ben, on your many well-deserved accolades! :D




Another film very much worth mentioning is Love Never Dies, which I watched on cable a few days ago.

Recorded during a stage performance at Melbourne's Regent Theatre, it stars Ben Lewis as the Phantom, and Anna O'Byrne as Christine Daae.

I actually had a copy of this for about a year, but never got round to viewing it because I kept reading about the negative reviews it received when it debuted at the West End ( with Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess ).

Imagine my surprise when I fell in love with the musical immediately. While I agree the plot is a little ludicrous - the finale MUST be altered! - the songs are exquisite, and the cast absolutely fabulous.

The Australian actors are superb, with Lewis and O'Byrne captivating me completely. I am now hopelessly addicted to the soundtrack!




Before signing off, I must include Josh Groban.

After being a fan for 12 years, I have decided to take a flight to catch him in concert for the very first time.

It's a gig at the Sydney Opera House, and promises to be an awesome show. I last visited the venue in 2009 during a conference trip, and recall watching the orchestra rehearse when the guide brought us on a tour.

The theatre is HUGE. And sooo grand. I managed to book 6th row centre seats - it's going to be marvelous! :D


Watching Kumar on Thursday. Check Just Watch Lah for my review.

As Kevin Spacey signed in his autograph: Go to more theatre!




Before I sign off, a special mention about Hannibal, which will premiere in the U.S. on 4th April.

The trailers are gruesome and quite terrifying, and the cast is top-notch. I love Hugh Dancy, and Mads Mikkelsen appears to suit his role as Dr. Lecter pretty well. I can't wait!

Till next time... :)

House Of Cards

It's been a long while since I've loved a TV series this much. The last time was probably in late 2006 or early 2007, when I first encountered Dexter - a show so dark and twisted I fell in love with it instantly and haven't found anything else quite as worthy after 6 years.

Now, I am happy to report that a new champion has been crowned. :)

House Of Cards, an American update of the BBC series, gained widespread attention last year, no doubt because of the many famous names attached to the project. David Fincher ( director of Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac, The Social Network ), Kevin Spacey ( a two-time Oscar winner who's starred in Se7en, American Beauty, The Usual Suspects ) and Dana Brunetti ( producer of The Social Network and the upcoming 50 Shades Of Grey film ) caused quite a bit of media frenzy, and Netflix outbid other networks to clinch the deal for exclusive access on its online subscription service.

Fortunately for those of us who can't use Netflix - note: not because we don't want to, but because Netflix's global reach isn't extensive enough - there're other ways to get our hands on the episodes, and even though I apologize for technically poaching, if Netflix would consider adding Singapore to its list, I would gladly pay.

Anyway, thank you to whoever uploaded the files on the Internet. I, for one, greatly appreciate it!

On to the show itself. Without revealing spoilers, HOC focuses on Congressman Frank Underwood ( Spacey ), who plots and schemes through a variety of complicated situations in his quest for power. Along the way, he is aided by his wife ( Claire ) his chief of staff ( Doug Stamper ) and a rookie reporter ( Zoe Barnes ). A young politician ( Peter Russo ) unwittingly becomes a pawn in Frank's game, and a series of dramatic events culminates in a cliffhanger which will have you salivating till the season 2 premiere.

To be honest, I had no idea what to expect. My interest stemmed mainly from the fact that Kevin Spacey has been at the top of my favourite actors list for close to 20 years now, since my earliest memory of him is from Se7en (1995), in which he played vicious serial killer John Doe. As far as political dramas go, I've never found them particularly appealing, giving the likes of The West Wing, Commander-In-Chief, Scandal and Political Animals a complete miss.

Aside from featuring Spacey, however, HOC also arrives at the right time in my life. If it had been 5 or 10 years earlier, I probably would've given up after a few episodes. The cast is of a substantial size, the jargon formidable, and the pace whiplash-inducing. Blink and you're sure to miss something important. This is not a programme you can leave running while you take a piss, make some coffee or multi-task. Your full, undivided attention is demanded.

But the payoff is huge. :)

The pilot's opening scene - where Frank decides the fate of a neighbour's injured dog - sets the tone for what's to come. Most strong-willed, ambitious characters are ruthless and unscrupulous to a certain degree ( and believe me, I've met my fair share in occupational and personal capacities ), but Frank practically revels in his viciousness. Perhaps the frequent asides to the camera / viewer magnifies this attribute further. It transforms you from bystander to confidante, and everything changes.

This tactic bears some similarity to Dexter, in which the protagonist's thoughts function as narrative. But compared to Michael C. Hall's serious ( almost ominous ) delivery, Spacey's drips with unabashed glee.

That sadistic streak is significantly augmented by the numerous classic quotes, a few of which can be traced to the source - a series of novels by Michael Dobbs. I attempted a Google search for an exhaustive list, and Twitter has been surprisingly generous. No idea who's running this account, but the spiritual resemblance is downright spooky. :)

Writer Beau Willimon, who developed HOC for an American audience, is most well-known for his play, Farragut North, which eventually became a critically acclaimed film ( The Ides Of March, starring George Clooney and Ryan Gosling ).

I can't give an accurate estimate of how many original quotes he penned for HOC, but I'm guessing maybe 80%?

They form an essential part of my enjoyment ( and perhaps for millions of others as well ).

A few examples:

"I love that woman. I love her more than sharks love blood." ( comment about his wife, Claire )

"We'll cleave you from the herd, and watch you die in the wilderness."

"Sometimes the only way to gain your superior's respect is to defy him."

"He doesn't measure his wealth in private jets but in purchased souls."

Willimon's script is pure genius. Intelligent, insightful and challenging, yet also incredibly witty. Many of the observations made can be applied to our own lives and the people we know. But its primary targets - politicians and those close to them - are ripped to shreds. Don't tell me you don't love it, even a little bit. :)

Granted, I live in a country that is tiny compared to most developed nations. Our political system is still monopolized by a single party, and is nowhere as convoluted as the United States'. Still, the thirst for power is universal, and anyone who puts politicians on a pedestal is in serious need of therapy. I personally consider it one of the dirtiest professions in existence. Don't be fooled by the optimistic campaign slogans and feel-good propaganda. Behind the seemingly noble intentions and wholesome images lie Machiavellian plots and sex-soaked secrets. Jokes about lawyers talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel. Politics lies a few rungs below that.

Next, the superb cast, which is virtually perfect. Robin Wright's Claire is an enigma - Frank's loyal partner-in-crime but also defiantly unpredictable when it matters most.
Frank may be a master manipulator, but Claire lies beyond his charms and even outsmarts him on a few occasions. Their marriage is unconventional by political standards, and as the series reaches its climactic finale, you shudder at the thought of these two individuals succeeding in their evil deeds.

Another memorable performance comes from Corey Stoll ( Russo ). Initially a more peripheral role, it builds up steadily, culminating in an event which will shake you to the core. Spacey's sarcastic Underwood is designed to steal the spotlight, but Stoll's Russo is a gut-wrenching portrait of spiraling self-destruction, caused in large part by forces he can't control. A sacrificial lamb in Underwood's cruel scheme, his personal struggles are manipulated in the most evil ways, with devastating results. Just when you expect him to crumble and end it all, he puts up a fight that prompts a move to silence him forever.

For me, it was an unexpected twist in the tale, and utterly heart-breaking. Definitely one of television's most memorable storylines. And what a tour de force performance from Stoll, bravo!

Michael Kelly, who plays Underwood's chief of staff, Doug Stamper, is also a favourite. He looks very familiar, though his filmography doesn't strike any major chords. However, this role definitely puts him front and centre on my radar! Though a quiet character who shuns showboating, Stamper plays an integral part in Underwood's plan, and carries out orders with cold efficiency. His moments of humanity aren't entirely surprising, given the complexity of Willimon's writing, but the source of his weakness threw me off completely and added another thick layer to the conspiracy. Fantastic. :)

Which leaves spunky reporter Zoe Barnes, played by Kate Mara. I'm sure she has a lot of fans out there, but I find her extremely annoying. Was it Willimon or Mara's intention? I think it's a case of miscasting. Mara's looks are too child-like, her voice too shrill and nasal. I picture Underwood gravitating towards someone more sultry. Zoe may be young, but she's got to be intriguing enough to cast a spell over a powerful congressman. Mara simulates an orgasm quite convincingly, but the heat is clearly absent. I don't think Spacey plays any part in the chemistry equation. Just watch him in American Beauty, The Life Of David Gale and Pay It Forward - he practically scorches the screen during the seduction scenes.

Which brings me to the star of the series - Spacey himself. Long-time readers are aware of my great respect and admiration for the man and his work. Swimming With Sharks' Buddy Ackerman was his best performance for 2 decades, until HOC came along. It is the perfect role for him, and no-one else could've played it any better. He counts President Bill Clinton as a close friend, and I think that adds significantly to his confident portrayal of a high-ranking congressman. Did a recent stint as Richard III add swagger to his performance? In my opinion, yes. This isn't the first larger-than-life role he's taken on, but I've never seen him relish it so passionately before. It is a massive treat for loyal fans, and a great showcase of unparalleled talent for many newbies.

I always marvel at how lucky I am to have met him twice, and found him immensely gracious both times. He also recently cleared a stack of fan mail at The Old Vic Theatre, and sent me a batch of DVD covers I posted 3-4 years ago, all autographed with personal messages, enclosed with a separate signed photo. Thank you, sir! :)

This review isn't exhaustive, and highlights only my main impressions of the show. If I had to pick another political series which matches HOC's malicious spirit, it would be Boss, a short-lived series about a corrupted Chicago mayor ( Kelsey Grammer ) and his savvy crew of spin doctors. Boss was cancelled after 2 seasons, but HOC should enjoy a longer run with Spacey and Willimon at the helm.

I'm just glad that there's something to keep me happy when Dexter ends after season 8.

HOC scores a perfect 10! I can't wait for season 2 to start. :D

Bye Bye Baby...

As the dust finally settles, the cast and crew of Jersey Boys (South Africa ) are now grabbing a breather before the show's early April run in Johannesburg.

Most who saw the musical had only the best things to say about it - "awesome!", "fantastic!", "amazing!" - and once again, hearty congratulations to Showtime and Base Entertainment Asia for a job well done!

Sometime last year, I filled out an online survey form emailed by Base Entertainment ( they captured my address because I attended an Andrew Lloyd Webber tribute concert previously ). I was asked a number of things, like which musicals I'd watched overseas and locally, but one question which really stood out is this: among the list of 10 shows, which would you like to see in Singapore most? I vaguely recall Spring Awakening and maybe Chicago in the mix, but without any hesitation at all, I checked the box for Jersey Boys.

Never in a million years did I think it would ever become a reality. After The Lion King, Wicked, A Chorus Line and Annie - Australian versions which I avoided - I was still waiting for the right opportunity to catch a full-scale musical at the Marina Bay Sands. And even though I wanted to watch Jersey Boys pretty badly, the only reason I held back until a week into the run proper was fear - of having a perfect memory marred, of not being able to get past the Broadway original's impossibly high standard and the original cast recording which I know like the back of my hand.

Fortunately, I did get past them, thanks in large part to my emed resident, whose opinions I value and trust. Turns out she was right on the money - I was extremely impressed with what I saw and heard. :D

But aside from the show itself, 5 key people have helped make the entire experience a truly special one. With events like these, meeting the fans is practically a duty you can't afford to shirk from. Numerous Tony winners on Broadway make it a point to sign autographs and pose for pictures at the stage door after every performance, to show their appreciation for the audience's support.

In early 2008, a few months after I missed "the original Frankie Valli", John Lloyd Young, post-performance, I wrote him a short letter saying how much I enjoyed the show, and was shocked to receive a personal reply, including 2 autographed photos. When I sent a thank-you note in return, he reciprocated with a second reply a few weeks later. I think the exchange could've gone on for ages, but decided to give him some space. Very reluctantly, might I add. :)

I mention this because it's an example of how certain actors go far beyond what anyone expects, and it stays with you forever. Like Jonathan Groff, who chatted with fans for more than 30 minutes after a matinee performance, and gave me not only a beautifully posed picture, but a whopper of a hug as well.
And Kevin Spacey, who thrilled and inspired my cousin's teenage daughter immensely when he penned a personal message for her in a Richard III programme, and was unbelievably gracious to both of us.

We sometimes set the bar so high, we easily forget how tough it is on the actors themselves.

Take this South African production. Not only were they joining an international pedigree franchise ( stressful! ), they were debuting it in an Asian country ( Frankie who? ). While predecessors like The Lion King, etc, appeal to a wide audience and feature eye-popping set designs to please the crowds, Jersey Boys relies heavily on musicality and the strength of its leads.

The absence of a massive supporting cast makes each performance a challenging and exhausting one. The musical moves at an insane pace, with a never-ending parade of high-energy numbers stuffed between tense dramatic scenes. It's got to be one of the hardest jobs ever. Doing it far from the comforts of home and family no doubt only adds to the fatigue.

Which is precisely why this particular Jersey Boys experience illustrates how far the actors' dedication goes. Even before I first met them in person, Daniel Buys ( who plays Tommy DeVito ) accepted my Facebook friend request and sent me directions to the stage door. ( Yolanda Kimber, the company manager, did the same through the JerseyBoysSA FB page. )

When my group arrived, I was completely shocked to see all 4 actors waiting for us. Grant Almirall ( Frankie Valli ) revealed that they'd come out together specially to meet us, and Yolanda was right there with them as well.

The guys were a huge pleasure to talk to, signing beautiful autographs and expressing their appreciation for our support. That was great! I thought. Am going to watch it again, who knows if we'll get to talk to them once more?

The next day, 2 of the other gentlemen - Kenneth Meyer ( Bob Gaudio ) and Emmanuel Castis ( Nick Massi ) - also accepted my friend requests. Not long after, Yolanda agreed to arrange an interview for a theatre blog I contribute to. And over the past month or so, the actors corresponded with me regularly about the show and other assorted subjects. When they had to work through the Christmas and New Year holidays, I sent them festive greetings. When Grant wasn't well and couldn't perform for a few nights, I wished him a swift recovery. It wasn't much, of course, but I hope it helped in some small way.

When I finally saw the show a second time, I was lucky enough to encounter them again at a formal meet-and-greet in the foyer. They all looked gorgeous in their sharp suits, but I do kinda miss the T-shirts, bermudas and flip-flops a little heh!

I brought a few tokens of appreciation to thank them for doing the interview, but even before I got to say anything, Daniel and Emmanuel came forward and hugged me - something I didn't expect at all. ( Actually, I stuck out my hand first, earning an annoyed "Wha...?" look from Daniel. Oops, my mistake! :)) Grant and Kenneth followed, and the moment felt like a reunion of long-lost friends rather than a fan merely meeting the cast.

They were also incredibly sweet to my mum, who completely adores them. Winning her approval is not an easy thing to do! :)

I've gone through enough meet-and-greets to know that this one was really off the charts. I am not a member of the press, I'm not a big-time sponsor, I'd only met them once before, but none of this mattered. I was absolutely stunned.

Aside from audience members, they also posed with a horde of super-excited ushers, which brought a huge smile to my face. And it appears the stage door ambush has caught on with many, as evidenced by the numerous photos posted by blissed-out fans on their Facebook pages. Excellent, keep 'em coming! :D

Even after that second evening, the guys wrote back to thank me for the gifts and cards. Kenneth, who's always been the quietest of the group, practically floored me when he responded to a Facebook post on my personal page, saying he would miss Singapore as much as we miss them. Awwww. :)

When I first saw Jersey Boys in New York more than 5 years ago, I never thought it would ever make it to Singapore. When it did, I never imagined getting personally involved with it in any way.

What's transpired over the past 6 weeks will always have a special place in my heart. I love this musical so much, and every single piece of memorabilia I own ( both then and now ) is a treasure.

But most of all, I will never forget these 5 wonderful people from Jersey Boys ( South Africa ), who didn't just go through the motions of publicity like most would, but embraced all their Singaporean fans like family.

South Africa wasn't high on my list of must-sees before, but now it's definitely in the top 3!

Yolanda, Grant, Daniel, Kenneth and Emmanuel - thank you so much for everything. I eagerly await the tornado of hysteria Jersey Boys will generate on the rest of its regional tour! God bless, and hope we'll meet again one day! :)

Hello, 2013!

The new year is upon us! :)

As awards season descends, I've been loading up on the major nominees, among which Zero Dark Thirty sits prominently.

Famously referred to as The Hunt For Osama Bin Laden, the film is one slow cooker, clocking in at 2-plus hours, with numerous scenes of lengthy interrogations and CIA agents huddled in discussion in dim conference rooms.

I found it profoundly difficult to follow at times, no thanks to muffled dialogue and fleeting character development where the terrorists are concerned. The 10-year timeline adds to the rush - how many pages of script can you afford when there's so much material to cover?

Compared to director Kathryn Bigelow's previous offering, The Hurt Locker, ZDT is far less entertaining but also much more important. Ask yourself where you were when you first heard about the 9/11 attacks and I guarantee you will recall every detail without hesitation. A tragedy of such horrific proportions permeates our consciousness whether we allow it to or not. Rest assured that emotions will run high at some point, and that the final 30 minutes are extremely satisfying.

Buoyed by a top-notch cast - Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Mark Strong - the film features memorable performances, though IMHO, Chastain's best work to date is the sorely overlooked The Debt.

Keep an eye out for a standout scene with Strong bellowing at his colleagues and banging a table. Edgerton, on the other hand, shines every time he's on screen.

Disputes about accuracy aside, ZDT highlights the dedication of America's covert agents and the epic task they undertook to secure justice for the innocent thousands who perished that fateful day.

A top awards contender, this also focuses on a subject which is dear to my heart. Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as America's greatest president, and Steven Spielberg's biopic chooses a key period in his life - i.e. the passing of the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery in the United States.

Like ZDT ( and many recent movies ranging from Skyfall to The Hobbit ), Lincoln lasts a bladder-bursting 2 hours and 40 minutes, with numerous scenes of subdued conversation. The complexity of Washington politics is lost on me, but again, the illustrious cast makes the journey highly enjoyable.

Daniel Day-Lewis embraces his role wholeheartedly, earning well-deserved accolades from critics and film industry colleagues. However, his tour de force performance thus far was in There Will Be Blood. Lincoln is, without a doubt, a great character, but Daniel Plainview generated much more from the audience - a potent mixture of disgust, pity and admiration.

All bets are on Day-Lewis to win his third Oscar. Do you agree?

Next, a few highly anticipated TV shows which will premiere soon.

The Following airs in the US next Monday.

Hannibal will debut in March.

And the incredibly hot Jonathan Rhys Meyers will play Dracula in a revamped version of Stoker's timeless tale. Do not fret - the story may deviate from the original, but the setting remains in the correct era.

Other exciting events in the near future:

1) Adam Lambert's concert on 8 March
2) Venus In Fur, staged by the Singapore Repertory Theatre
3) Kumar's annual standup gig at the Esplanade
4) Dirty Dancing at the Marina Bay Sands
5) Rabbit Hole, Next To Normal and Gruesome Playground Injuries by Pangdemonium!

Details can be found at Just Watch Lah.

If you previously weren't a big fan of local theatre, 2013 is the year to change that!

Till next time... :)