Percy Who?

Since the massive success of Lord of the Rings (LOTR) and the hype of Harry Potter series, Hollywood since then has been trying to come up with their replacements, which has resulted with lots of misses than hits. A lot of fantasy movies has come up, with the tag line of trilogy, epic, chronicles, and many others, and most of them are shits (I can only think Narnia which came close to be noticed). The bad thing for Hollywood post LOTR and Harry Potter, is that every fantasy movie which comes out will eventually be called, LOTR or Harry Potter ‘wannabe’. Don’t get me wrong, I can assume most of these failed movies followed the same blueprint: book adaptation, bad scriptwriting, so-so CGI, and last but not least, failed to have someone like Peter Jackson in the driving seat.

So, what Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief has to offer? Well, for a starter, the idea is actually not bad, about the Greek Gods who apparently live in the modern era, and surprisingly, have kids, which Zeus (Sean Bean) himself forbid the Gods to see them. Percy Jackson (played well by newbie Logan Lerman) was a normal human being who can’t read properly, until he found out that he is the son of Poseidon (Kevin McKidd). He ends up in a journey to clear up his name from being accused as the Lightning Thief (Zeus’ weapon). Together with his companions Grover (annoyingly played by Brandon T.Jackson) and Annabeth, Athena’s daughter (Alexandra Daddario), they have to find a way to stop the clash of the titans (borrowed from the other movie title).

Surely, as far as I can see, there’s nothing new to offer, but still enjoyable, just don’t expect too much. For entertainment wise, it works well in some parts, although I kinda feel it’s like watching a video game, where Percy has to visit different places, where each of it he has to encounter different bosses, from Medusa (Uma Thurman), Hydra, and Hades (Steve Coogan), which I think it’s the best portrayal of modern God (rock n roll!!!).

Several low points, the casino scene is a just plain dumb and taking too long, and simply just to show off the Lady Gaga hit. The training camp is not convincing enough, lack of details, it’s like picking a site at some hills and mountain scene. To make things even worse, Grover is just too noisy and annoying in every scene, even the jokes are ineffective most of the time. It may seem unfair to compare this flick directly to LOTR, but hey, that’s the consequences if you have watched the best fantasy movie of all time, you’re looking for a better one, aren’t you?

In short, Percy Jackson is another passable kids/fantasy movie, which you won’t remember anymore once you watch…perhaps Clash of the Titans (which I think has a better premise). Nevertheless, it’s a good watch for children and young adults, with adequate action scenes and up to standard CGI. Just likerottentomatoes.com said, though it may seem like just another Harry Potterknockoff, Percy Jackson benefits from a strong supporting cast, a speedy plot, and plenty of fun with Greek mythology.

My Rating : 6/10

Gong Xi Fa Chai

One notable issue, this would be my last CNY for collecting angpao. Well, I heard that sentence from most of my relative. And, when I’ve done counting all my nephews or unmarried cousins, gosh...I’m gonna be broke next year. But hey, I guess it’s time for me to start giving, sharing the moments which I’ve been through for the past 28 years.

On the bright side, this is the year where I get the most of my angpaos. No time to waste, on that day, I went shopping and got myself some new clothes (concurrently, it’s the last day of the CNY sales).

To make it short, I’m wishing you a happy new Tiger year, may we all be blessed with prosperity, longevity, and happiness. Cheers !!!

an APPLE a day keeps doctor away....

Starting from yesterday, I literally 'eat' APPLE, means I don't need doctor anymore... (sounds stupid though). Yes, I officially join the iPhone club, after a long hard battle of choosing iPhone and PS3, the fruit came out late victoriously, which I think it's a much 'healthier' choice. Healthier choice in sense that if I chose to buy the PS3, means I need to manage the time for study, PS3, future-wife, and friends (means PS3 is my 2nd priority...hahaha..."waiting to get smacked"). Now, in a very very very unusual way...yesterday can be considered as the 'birth' of my iPhone, since my friends were unexplainable excited and I was their main target of mockery all day long, even the martabak couldn't shut them out (kinda enjoyed it though). Well, actually I have to be grateful to them, since they have 'poisoned' me throughout January by showing off their new iPhone. From the 1st person I met who had the new iPhone, Anseina...until the 6th and 7th, Erna and Rosi...along with Norwin, Friska, Agus, and iPhone veterans such as Ned and Kelvin....all of you are the guilty party !!!

Nevertheless, yesterday, February 3, 2010...was very fun and memorable indeed. Not just because the iPhone thing, but because all my colleagues' responses were insane enough to make that day became an 'unusually fun'. Guys, you have just added the 'intrinsic' value to the iPhone...(okay now you can laugh it out loud !!!)

PS: When Ned gets his iPad...we'll go to buffet dinner at least !!!!