Monday, November 23, 2009

Mr. Fox is truly fantastic !!!



Animation doesn't have to be a full 3D computerized movie after all, old school traditional ones (stop-motion technique) often produce a better final product. In this case, some examples such as Nightmare Before Christmas, Wallace & Gromit, and lastly Coraline have just put the animation standard not just to enhance your visual, but also the story and family value. And Fantastic Mr. Fox just shows us a perfect example and brings message to all non-Pixar studios, that their movies look kinda dull.

Fantastic Mr. Fox, directed by Wes Anderson, is based on children story by the same name, created by Roald Dahl, the same guy who brought us Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The good thing, this movie is not only perfect for kids, but also for adults and older audiences, which makes this one a perfect family movie. The story is focusing on Mr. Fox himself, voice-casted perfectly by George Clooney, who has just started to live a stable and normal life with Mrs. Fox (Meryl Streep) and his son, Ash (Jason Schwartzman), since as we all know what a fox usually do, right? Mr. Fox made a promise to Mrs. Fox on the day they were trapped together, that he would give up stealing chickens and turkeys if they managed to escape. Fast forward 2 years human time (that's about 12 years of fox), it seems that old habits just don't die, do they? Apart from buying a new tree for their house instead living in a hole, Mr. Fox is planning to do a final heist with his pal, to steal from 3 farms where each of them is owned by different psychotic owner. But then, things don't run smoothly after all, since his actions has brought catastrophic consequences not just for his family, but also other animals.

From the opening scene, Fantastic Mr. Fox has just delivered its colorful yet gorgeous rural scenic of the farm, with trees and the river. And after a short while, we've been introduced with the main cast, and it didn't take long for us to start smiling and laughing with their attitudes. The visual is just perfect, the stop motion was nicely crafted, and suddenly this old-school animation just brings you new experience with rich details and plenty of unique characters. The story is pretty straight forward, no headache, but it's not childish nor cheesy, most of the issues happen in the real life. You kids can just bring your mum and dad to enjoy this one, without have to worry they will fall asleep along the way. Although it is aimed for kids, I guess this is one of the most adult theme for an animation movie (apart from Coraline though). Nevertheless, watching this is pure delight!

George Clooney is a perfect cast for Mr. Fox. It seems like this character is Clooney himself, blended perfectly to bring Mr. Fox into life. All the jokes and charisma is there, and you always feel his optimism in every problems he faces. On the other hand, Bill Murray is also really funny as Badger, and his funny debate with Mr. Fox is hilarious as hell. Man, they should work together again some time, the chemistry is there alright. Meryl Streep, as always, never disappoint you, and Schwartzman played Ash really well as easily moody-jealous son. For the rest, we are entertained with the stars like Michael Gambon, Owen Wilson, and Willem Dafoe. Overall, it's a perfect ensemble cast.

I must say, I was quite skeptical to see this flick, but it pays well in the end, way above my expectation. In a away, it's a smartly paced adaptation, perhaps Mr. Fox is appealing ever more to an older audience and a younger one. I felt like, I don't want to watch the movie, instead I want climb inside and play.

My Ratings: 9/10

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

No Air Con? No Problem...yet

Last week, my air con had a major break down, since it didn't blew cold air. I asked the air con guy to fix it, and it only lasted for a night, because the night after, the same problem occurred. They told me that there must be a leaking problem, which required a pressure test, where I can't turn on the air con for two days, waiting for the test result to see where's the problem. Bottom line, for the past week, I slept without air con. At the beginning, I felt that it was gonna be a nightmare, since I rarely slept without air con. Yeah, I'm as guilty as those people who generate CO2 emission and causing global warming, I assumed. Just like any other urban dwellers, especially who live in tropical climate, air con has become the main thing you must have inside your house, well, apart from your fridge, I guess.

But to my surprise, the first morning I woke up without the air con, I felt so....refreshed, I mean I woke up early, around 7, and it felt damn to good to open your eyes and wake up. Believe me, this thing has never happened to me before. Usually, I just open up my eyes, and hoping I can stay all day in the bed. It's been a week now, and I always feel the same thing. Then, when I bring this thing for a discussion with my colleagues, they told me there has been a research on this thing.

Now, I'm not an expert on this, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I'll try to explain this. Well, the easy scientific explanation is that if you are not using air con, means that the air circulation will be much better, where the you will always be supplied with fresh air. On the other hand, if you are using air con, basically it only circulates the air from the room, without any chance to introduce fresh air. Means to say, you will only get more CO2 supply, from your breath, and get cooled up, and you'll breath them again. And FYI, C02 makes you feel sleepy, and it's bad for you. Believe it or not, that's why on Yoga practice, the deep breathing exercise is very very good, because too much C02 can make you feel light-headed, sleep, and make it difficult to think clearly.

BUT, not all of us can experience a good sleep without air con, don't u agree? It's very fortunate for me that for the last few weeks, it's been raining hard, almost every day. Well, to some extent, it dropped down the temperature during the day, and during the night, the air are quite breezy, which is good. Other thing, I live on 20th floor, so basically, no mosquitoes, no insects, no car noises and horns, etc. Well, I simply cannot sleep back in Jakarta without air con, cause the air will be so stuffy, and I will busy scratching my whole body thanks to the mosquitoes bites.

My point being is, if the condition (your place and the current weather) is supportive enough, do try once in a while to sleep without air con, or perhaps just turn on the fan. It's good for your health and mind, I supposed.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Need You Now

Picture perfect memories
Scattered all around the floor
Reaching for the phone cause
I can’t fight it any more
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It’s a quarter after one
I’m all alone and I need you now
Said I wouldn’t come
But I lost all control and I need you now
And I don’t know how I can do without
I just need you now

Another shot of whiskey
Can’t stop looking at the door
Wishing you’d come sweeping in the way you did before
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It’s a quarter after one
I’m a little drunk
And I need you now
Said I wouldn’t call
But I lost all control and I need you now
And I don’t know how I can do without
I just need you now

Yes I’d rather hurt than feel nothing at all
It’s a quarter after one
I’m all alone and I need you now
And I said I wouldn’t call
But I’m a little drunk and I need you now
And I don’t know how I can do without
I just need you now
I just need you now
Oh baby I need you now


Lyrics by : Lady Antebellum

Monday, November 16, 2009

When they tell you not to panic... that's when you run!



Roland Emmerich is back, bigger, and with more carnage. After destroying earth with aliens (Independence Day) and global warming + climate change (The Day After Tomorrow), I supposed 2012 should be the final of the Emmerich's "I HATE EARTH" trilogy, cause this is the most destructive one compared with the first two. Now, he uses the earth's axis shifting which is caused by the huge explosion at the sun surface, which triggers the catastrophic sequence, started with a dramatic increase in Earth's temperature. Consequently, the earth prepares itself to stabilize the condition, which brings us to the end of the world. So, we're introduced with the main casts, a geologist/scientist (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and a family with divorced parents (John Cusack and Amanda Peet), and don't forget, the U.S President (in black, played by Danny Glover). All these people are trapped in the horrific situation where in the end the met by chance to help each other.

Well, at least it's not our fault the earth collapsed.

Be warned, in order to enjoy the movie, don't forget to "leave the brain at the door", and don't take this seriously, it might frustrates you. As much as Emmerich wants to convince us with his script (yes, he wrote this thing), it's a no brainer after all, and it's kinda difficult to swallow that all the events in the movie will actually happen. And not just the disaster, but also how the people's behavior regarding the saving the human race.

Overall, the movie comprises 4 parts, started with building the tension and gave us some background story and introducing the main casts (which is really boring), then the L.A destruction, continued with the escape, and surviving. It's a one linear story, easy to comprehend yet quite depressing, especially when it runs for 150 minutes. The L.A destruction I must say is the highest point in the movie, and the afterwards events simply cannot top that one. I felt like after we watch the earth's rampage, and people try to save their butts, how will it end? I had major disappointment with "The Day After Tomorrow" and "War of The World", because the ending were so bad, that left me with harsh review. But in this case, 2012 provided us with satisfying one, where it began with disaster, and cheesy enough, it ended with togetherness and human spirit. Well, again, no brainer, but better than nothing.

But to be frank, it's not about the story and the actors' performances, it's all about the destructions! I believe it is where all the money goes. We all can hail Emmerich as the king of 'destroying' earth. Just like all his previous disaster movies, the visual effect and the CGI scenes are so damn good and convincing, or even have so much details in it, and I must even say it's the best and the biggest of its kind. It's like a show case of destroying big cities in a way which you've never imagined, just name one, and big chance you'll get it (apart from New York, cause it has been destroyed for too many times). If you pay to see all these events, well, you'll get them, way above your expectations.

The '1 billion euros' plot is also an intriguing part of the story, since it is really harsh, but it's fat chance that only the rich people and big names can save themselves. The drama between father and son is always a good choice to drop your tears out, but if it is used over and over, you may get tired of it (hell yes, in my case). Also, I didn't like how they kill off one of the character near the end, I think it was unnecessary, and they should give him a break after what he's been through. From all the cast member, I only see Chiweter Ejiofor as the stand out one. He played so well, and I believe he deserves to get another main role in other movies. While John Cusack was overused as the 'superhero', Amanda Peet didn't deliver that much, and Oliver Platt gave us a good one, as the antagonist politician. The rest are okay, and they were some terrible ones e.g all the damn Russians (except the pilot), and Woody Harrelson's character, a radio host which is so damn annoying. And what the hell with the Arnie's impersonation, with terrible accent??? Another thing, I still wondering whether Emmerich hates Christianity as well, since he destroyed the Vatican and Rio's Jesus giant statue. I mean, why Hollywood always makes something out of Christianity?

Overall, with a decent story + decent cast + HUGE visual effect, it turns out to be a good one. It's definitely not an Oscar worthy, so don't expect too much. Just enjoy it the biggest disaster movie you can get. 2012 ultimately becomes an exercise in repetition and tedium. But, considering the subject matter, that's quite an accomplishment.

PS: Long live Africa!

My Ratings : 7/10

Friday, November 13, 2009

Welcoming Richie + Rexton

This year, for me and most of people in their late 20s, the word "marriage" has topped the chart of being the most discussed topic. For instance, every time Suri meets her friends, 80% of the chattering is all about marriage preparations, all the excitements and choosing vendors, and not to mention, lack of budget including the stress !!!!. It's like a never ending topic until you get married yourself (I'm really looking forward into it!). Then, on the 2nd place on the chart, I believe the word "babies" has become another big hit to be discussed.

The main focus --> toys !!!!!

I'm very very happy to see two of my best friends have just added new family members. For Davin and Indah, congrats for the new baby born, little Richie. It was a surprise news for me, especially when Davin gave me the message, since we didn't expect it for at least another 3 weeks or so. Nevertheless, we're happy for them, and we've been sharing a lot about the pregnancy, all the preparations and the anxiety. We haven't meet them again since we visited them at the hospital, and yes, we're looking forward to hangout with the little one! Hopefully when you're big enough, we can have Botak Jones or playing Wii together!!!


a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e

Now, onto the next one, Rexton. It was only last year, in December to be precise, when I became one of the best men for Andre+Tessa's wedding. Fast forward 10 months later, we got Rexton already! Man, they don't waste any time, I presume. Rex, you should be grateful to have a wonderful parents (also worth mentioning, crazy and silly ones). I'm sure you'll have fun hanging out with them and their friends (me included). The picture of him wearing white-blue stripes shirt and holding a teddy bear was beyond words. He's just so damn cute! I ask Andre, if his face looks like her mum, and the nose are definitely yours, what kind of guy will he be later on? A simple answer from a crazy guy, "He's gonna be like me, for sure...cool, wise, and grown-up". Ergh, you can be the judge on that one, I guess?

It's gonna be Christmas soon, and I'm sure it's gonna be a memorable one for these two couples with their lovely ones. Happy for all of you. Welcome to the club, Richie + Rexton !!! This is gonna get bigger and bigger. Yes, I'm anxious also to have one myself, but still, we have to follow the procedures, right??? I'm saving it for 2011, so maybe on that year, I hope these guys will be in the process on making the 2nd one =)

PS: Cool, Wise, Grown-Up...c'mon Dre, really????

Monday, November 9, 2009

Opening the 'box'

When it comes to Friday, all I can think about is how to spend the time at the office as quick as possible that I won't even notice that it's time to go home already. Well, last friday, I was in a good mood to finish my literature review, since it just needed couple of things to be done, and I set the deadline on 3PM. But, around lunch time, my friend called me on MSN, then we started to chat, then I missed the deadline, and I went home afterwards...nice. But it was one hell of a chat, I must say !!!

Actually, we didn't know each other at all until last year, when we attended my best friends' wedding (Andre+Tessa). Back then, I only knew that she is my friend's ex, and now she's dating the ex of my ex girlfriend (yes, that's 2 EXes). "It's a small world afterall", that's what she said. We've been doing regular chats ever since, where most of the topics were the heated and never ending debates rivalry between Liverpool and Man Utd, especially last year when the Reds came sooooo close on beating the Red Devils. And since L'pool will have no chance to win it this year, well, better luck next time (no offense there, just a fact!!!)

So, the talking point was that we were talking about our EXes (yes, again, that's 2 EXes), not to mention the story of our first experiences in relationship. Well, I guess she had a better story than me, after all. It was just damn funny to listen to our own stories, I mean, we were 17 or 18, and we used to talk about relationship as if we were adults. "Monkey Love", that's what my parent used to say. Just like the movies, so many things you can tell about your high school moments.

Nevertheless, my point is that she just played a hidden movie in my brain titled "High School", and how fascinating that I can still remember all the details on what happened back then (it was 10 years ago, by the way). Suddenly, now I'm listening to songs from high school eras, just to accompany me on remembering how good the old day was (Oasis, Spice Girls, Savage Garden, or even N'Sync....yea yea yea, I used to like them anyway).

My oh my, it's funny how we grew up during high school. All those moments when you were just to shy or scared to call a girl, how to pick up a line, how to exchange phone numbers, how to ask her out without making a fool of yourself. Well, in my experience, I used to make stupid things back then, and I can't just stop thinking that I was such a dumb ass back then. But, since I'm having a hot chick as my fiancee at the moment, I think I can take out that 'dumb ass' word.

Bottom line, high school memories are so irreplaceable, you only had once in a life time. I believe in that particular period is where you find your best friends. In my case, I guess high school shaped you to become what you are in present time (other words = your character). I'm so grateful that I can manage to keep in touch with those old pals, or making a new one, but from the same era (yes, like you, Raine!!!). I'm really looking forward to have a reunion next year, and thanks to Facebook, I guess it makes my job easier to plan this thing. Okay, enough about daydreaming and looking backwards, cause I have to finish this literature review before 2PM !!!


PS: Melancholic, but not cheesy...nice to hear that!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

I'm bloody twenty-seven !!!

When my girlfriend gave me the surprise birthday cake, it was just...shocking !!! Don't get me wrong, the cake looked tasty and yellow (believe me, it was damn good), it was the candles which said 27...Damn, I am fuckin' 27 years old !!! Well, I still feel like 4 years older, and when I look around the people whose age is 27, I'll be damned, they all look mature enough, and some of them even have their own car, or even working in much higher and higher position than me. Next year, I'll be 28, and getting married. Geezzzz...I still kinda feeling that yesterday was the first day I entered architecture school. Time really flies so fast, it just won't wait for you until you realize that it is already in the past. Oh well, enough on the melancholy, let's just talk the fun stuff.

First thing first, I lost my count to determine how many people wished me a happy birthday, either from Facebook, SMS, or phone calls. It was just outstanding how the recent technology makes you feel closer with your friends and relatives. When I opened up my Facebook, my wall was just full of the wishes, and as my gratitude, and I replied each of it personally. I guess this is my birthday with the most wishes received. Thanks to all the people who wrote me you wishes, God Bless you all.

So, what did I do on my birthday? In the afternoon, I attended my best friend's wedding matrimony. For Steven and Stefany, aka Gepenk and Tetep, wishing you both all the best.
So, what's next?

Well, nothing can make you feel so good and happier than ever on your birthday than hanging out with your best friends. On the weekend, I managed to gather my high school friends, and we had dinner at Pasta de Waraku, and we just couldn't stop chatting on everything. Seems like the 4 hours meeting just wasn't enough. I really have to give a special thanks for Suri, Icil, Erick, Edo, and Monic since they made my birthday more meaningful. It was such a pleasant moment, where I really appreciate the friendship which we have built for all these years. I don't know about you guys, but I always feel that they are one of the best gift you can ever get on every birthday. It's been like what, 10 years since all of us met for the first time? Too bad, there's only a few of us, since the rest are residing on other continents. I'm looking forward to have the big reunion on my wedding next year, let's hope they can make it.

So, happy 27th birthday for me, it's time to look at the mirror, and reflect this past 27 years. Has it been good? Have I done enough to fulfill all my hopes and dreams? Have I seized every day? Have I live my life to the fullest? Have I grown up to be a better man? To hard to tell since I don't have something to benchmark with. But, as far as I know, I think I'm walking on the right track, but still I need to work harder and to experience many things, and I still need to learn...A LOT. Maybe, I need to look my self 5 years from now, what kind of picture will I get?

Monday, November 2, 2009

Stefany & Steven


Finally, the big day for my best friends has finally come. On the weekend which was also my birthday, I was very happy to see both Gepenk + Tetep made the vow and walk down the aisle. Gepenk has been a good friend since the day we met at college time. I guess, he was one of so many friends I made in the earlier times, and since then, we've maintained a great relationship, where we were always involved in many group projects. I remember those times when we're still single and discuss lots of issues how to get hooked with pretty girls. And I believe he got one in the end, and Tetep is his first girl actually, and isn't nice where your first eventually becomes the one and only? I guess he had to go through so many obstacles and troubles to get her, and it is fruitful in the end. We used to make jokes that when they were hooked up together, Gepenk was like winning a lifetime lottery, while Tetep was the unlucky party to have him. Quite funny, but in the end, I believe they complete each other.

To my surprise, Gepenk sang to her during the church ceremonial event, and I didn't see this coming. Can't believe he had the guts to do that, and he did it well to overcome the nerves. And Tetep was just so gorgeus in her wedding dress, she's the princess on that day, and the prince can't be more happier than this. The party was great and crowded, where it was also a perfect moment to have some reunion with old friends. I didn't get too much eating since we're quite busy chattering among ourselves.

In the end, I'm wishing them well and joyful moments in the future. Can't wait to hangout again with them back in Singapore. Too bad we can't stay together, but I'm looking forward to meet them again this month. Cheers !!!