Alienated By Avatar

It's my second visit to the cinema within a month period and it's because of the encouragement and enthusiam of my dear to watch a blockbuster hit movie. She has heard plenty of good reviews from friends and colleagues; read that this movie has racked high gross earnings and heard from deejays that kept on repeating how great this movie has turned out to be, who wouldn't want to watch this movie?

It already toppled 1997's Titanic record in worldwide movie sales. I was refering to no other than...

Name: Avatar

Language: English

Date of release: 16th December 2009(USA)

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang

The story basically tells about Marine's Jake Sully who decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid, the Na'vi in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an avatar identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora.

I have no idea that what I am expecting from this movie. What I've heard about this movie was that it takes almost 10 years to make it and the director has yet again spent a lot just to make this movie happen. Money to him is not a matter, it needs to be a blockbuster and that's all that matters to James Cameron. He's at it AGAIN! Just like Titanic... just that it's better than Titanic. The movie also delivers a good selection of cast. The movie started off pretty good and as I continue to watch on, I felt that I am watching Pocahontas... where you see Pocahontas met John Smith and so on. Touchy love story between the two as they learned each others cultures. Jake is just another normal man where he normally shows off how man he could be by letting his stupidity gets the best of him... however it pays off by having the respect of the Na'vi people.

The imaginary creatures and plants that was created is really good. The scenery is breathtaking however too much arial shots makes this movie a bit awkward to watch. I wonder those who's watching it on 3D can really focus on the movie? Overall, the movie is a good blockbuster... definitely plenty of positive reviews. Top notch flick if you are a sci-fi fantasy freak and as for the rest, if you've watch this... good on you. If you have not, then perhaps you might want to have a relaxed mindset before you sit yourself in the cinema to watch this.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

The Agony Of Being Stuck

Have you ever thought that the road that you usually use to travel to work and back will be smooth on the day which you planned to leave early from home so that you could get to work earlier? Then have you ever thought that the traffic will be much more at ease during the wee hours in the morning? THINK AGAIN!

Welcome to the unexplainable traffic of Penang. I left home way earlier than I could and the morning traffic greets me with a bad jam. I got stuck in a massive jam created by no other than road closures that took place nearby Little India. Thaipusam is here and according to my colleague, the chariot will travel to the Botanical Gardens on the eve of Thaipusam... which it didn't really started in the evening, instead it happens in the morning! Now the trouble is this, wouldn't it be better for the traffic police to make a public announcement on the newspaper regarding the road closures just like the days prior to Merdeka to inform the public that which roads will be closed on what day and what time so that people can avoid the specific area.

We do have a traffic reports blaring on the radio stations, however!!! Those radios normally reports mainly on the traffic conditions over in KL, the causeway between Johor and Singapore and of course, the Penang Bridge. Hello!?? The coverage is not wide enough... which is a major loss. I remembered that I had to be stuck in a jam for more than 2 hours somewhere near Seremban on my way up from JB to KL on Christmas day and guess what, the radio had no intention to report about it. Roads were closed for a specific reason is understandable but what does the onlookers has to do? DRIVE YOUR FREAKING VEHICLE and get on with it. There's nothing much to see anyway and what if you manage to take a glimpse? Would that lead you to win the lottery or perhaps would that lead you to being famous? Seriously, Malaysians tend to have a habit of stopping and look before they proceed. If you can understand what I meant by "You are not helping, you are just giving more trouble in a troubled situation".

And that's how jams are created on this tiny island where roads are as small as a lorong and magic happens that a one lane street can eventually turn itself into 3 during these jam packed days. Today is Thaipusam and there's minor jams. I don't even want to imagine and think how this tiny island be choked on traffic this coming Chinese New Year. I'm ranting it out here just for the sake of making thoughts heard and if you are asking if I am still pissed... on what specifics that I should not be?

Wallie or WallE?

I was suppose to watch a Disney animation film... and because someone accidentally took it away, I had to make do with another film which me and my dear rather enjoyed till the end. A night in at home sometimes can be relaxing as we were swayed by a movie that eventually don't hold any solid story line.

Name: Wall-E

Language: English

Date of release: 23rd June 2008 (USA)

Director: Andrew Stanton

Starring: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin

The story basically began on a not so unrealistic future, where mankind has abandoned earth because it was covered with trash. Wall-E, a garbage collecting robot has been left to clean up the mess. Mesmerized with trinkets of Earth's history and show tunes, Wall-E is alone on Earth except for a sprightly pet cockroach. One day, Eve, a sleek (and dangerous) reconnaissance robot, is sent to Earth to find proof that life is once again sustainable. Wall-E falls in love with Eve. One day a massive ship comes to reclaim Eve, but Wall-E, out of love or loneliness hitches a ride on the outside of the ship to rescue Eve. The ship arrives back at a large space cruise ship, which is carrying all of the humans who evacuated Earth 700 years earlier. When the auto-pilot computer, acting on hastily given instructions sent many centuries before, tries to prevent the people of Earth from returning, Wall-E, Eve, the portly captain, and a band of broken robots stage a mutiny.

I did mention earlier that this movie don't really have a solid story plot and it's rather enjoyable to watch because you don't have to think too much to figure out the story line of the movie. The robots don't really talk other than speaking very electronical form of sound, so you will be pampered with earth's historic past as Wall-E is rather a sentimental robot that keeps valuable and historical trash inside his little bunk. You will also see how Wall-E fell in love for Eve which reminds you on your first love... warm and fuzzy. A movie which really touches the aspect of human life where you can't sit by and let the machines do your bidding as they will run you down in the end. A very great and entertaining movie, loved by many and I guess it will continue to be loved in the many years to come.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Biting The Bullet Of Legion

It has been a long time ever since I last stepped into the cinemas. I've planned to watch so many blockbuster movies that arrives into the Malaysian cinemas at the end of the year 2009 but it was all but a mere say. After a long dry run of movie-less months, me and my dear finally decides to go ahead to watch a supernatural movie titled...

Name: Legion
Language: English

Date of release: 22nd January 2010 (USA)

Director: Scott Stewart

Starring: Paul Bettany, Tyrese Gibson, Dennis Quaid, Kevin Durand

The story basically tells about a group of strangers in a dusty diner in the Mojave Desert who become the first line of defense when God, believing the human race is no longer worthy of Him, decides to end their existence. Unaware of the chaos unfolding around the globe, Bob Hanson, the owner of a remote roadside café, his partner Percy and the restaurant’s very pregnant waitress, Charlie go about business as usual. When the television goes on the fritz and the phones go out, the group realizes they have lost all communication with the outside world. As the horrifying truth of their situation sinks in, a stranger joins them with an arsenal of stolen weapons. He informs Charlie that her unborn baby is now humanity’s only hope, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to save it. The world became a waking nightmare for the last remnants of mankind as rolling caravans of crazed killers arrive in search of fresh victims and an army of warrior angels bent on total destruction follows close behind them.

Now if you are telling me this is a movie worth a watch for the start of the 2010, don't even bother. This movie lost its main plot of being a thriller action movie and turns itself into a talk-all-you-want buffet where you only get 20 minutes of action out of the 1 and a half hour show. My first thought when I watch this movie's trailer was obviously positive until I can see that even my dear tried her best not to put on a long face sitting on a movie that bores almost the entire cinema goers. They had a bunch of excellent actors and actresses lined up for this movie but the director really spoils it. Fighting sequence that turns out a bit like watching gay porn, recalling back to individuals past and of course trying to put some sentiment on the movie really takes my toll. The only credits that's worth mentioning about this movie is a few jokes that was thrown at the least expected scenes. It's not a good start for the year 2010 movie industry and for me... I guess it's a movie that went just horribly wrong.

Rating: 2 out 10 stars

Universal Studios Singapore

Wed, Jan 20, 2010
The Straits Times Singapore
S'pore Park Slated To Open Next Week
SOUTH-EAST Asia's first big-name theme park - Universal Studios Singapore - at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) looks set to open its doors next week, just a week after the resort welcomes visitors to its hotels and shops today.

Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Genting Group, which owns the $6.59 billion resort, said yesterday: 'By the end of next week, Universal Studios Singapore will open, and when we officially launch Resorts World Sentosa later this year, it will be another significant and historical milestone achievement for the group.'

I'm super excited when I heard the news that Universal Studios is finally opening its doors to the public after 3 years of anticipation. My last visit to one of the Universal Studios franchise was when I am only 17 years old. That makes it almost 10 years ago since I last visited the Orlando Universal Studios in the United States. How outdated of me....

Here are the details that I've searched through the internet regarding the park and I hope you are as excited as I am when I reveal the park information below.

Hours of operation
Weekdays: 9:00 hrs – 19:00 hrsWeekends: 9:00 hrs- 20:00 hrs

Ticket Prices:
One-Day Pass -

Monday to Friday (excluding black-out dates)

Adult - Sin$ 66Child - Sin$ 48Senior - Sin$ 32

Weekends and Black-Out Dates

Adult - Sin$ 72Child - Sin$ 52Senior - Sin$ 36
*Black-Out Dates = Public Holidays, Eve of Public Holidays and Super-Peak Periods.

Two-day Pass (valid for two consecutive days)
Adult - Sin$ 118Child - Sin$ 88Senior - Sin$ 58

And the next part really cuts the cake. My eyes eventually "Blinged" when I read this through when I first browsed through the announcement of the theme park plans... and now... it's a reality. Let me go through the attractions that awaits for those theme park fans.

Hollywood

The Hollywood zone will be based on the real life Hollywood Boulevard, it will be the main zone of the park as it will be the first zone that visitors will enter upon entering the park. Hollywood will also host the Pantages Hollywood Theater which will be a Broadway-style theater to host plays, musicals and performances. Visitors will also be able to experience the dynamic architecture, palm trees and the famous Walk of Fame which are all iconic of the Hollywood Boulevard. Hollywood will host a variety of flagship stores and will be the main shopping area of the park.

New York

The New York zone will be based on the original New York city, it will feature the trademark city skyline, neon lights, façades and sidewalks as well as the romantic atmosphere of the Big Apple, commonly portrayed in movies. New York will also host the attraction, 'Lights! Camera! Action!'. Hosted by renowned director and producer, Steven Spielberg, this attraction features a special effects stage giving visitors a behind the scenes look on movie sets. This zone also boasts none other than the city's world famous cuisine, barbecue grills served in pizza parlors, to name a few.

Sci-Fi City

Battlestar Galactica rollercoasterThe Sci-Fi City is a real-life imagination of how a common metropolis of the future would look like containing the many modern conveniences of life as well as the remnants of past inhabitants and cultures which were once part of the city as well as international visitors from all over the world and other planets. The city is based on the popular television series, Battlestar Galactica, and features the world's tallest Dueling roller coaster.

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt is based on the historical adaptation of Ancient Egypt during 1930s Golden Age of Egyptian Exploration, it features obelisks and pyramids which are typical of Ancient Egypt. Also featured are Pharaoh's tombs which were commonly discovered during that era, visitors would take the role of a daring archaeologist who aims to unravel the riddles of the Sphinx in this sand-swept lands. The Revenge of the Mummy attraction which is an extremely popular attraction at other Universal Studios around the world is also located and is based on the popular film franchise, The Mummy, starring Brendan Fraser.

The Lost World

Divided into two themed areas: Jurassic Park and WaterWorld, this zone contains many traditional attractions present in most Universal Studios parks around the world. Jurassic Park is based on the popular film franchise by Steven Spielberg based on the novels by Michael Crichton. The zone features the newly redesigned Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure which is based on the popular Jurassic Park River Adventure attraction in other Universal Studios parks. Waterworld contains mainly water-based attractions and is based on the film Waterworld starring Kevin Costner.

Far Far Away

Far Far Away is inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s hit Shrek franchise which how the rich fairy-tale characters lived in daily life. The zone consists of many recognizable locations from the film series such as Shrek's swamp house as well as Far Far Away's glamorous Romeo Drive which contains the nightspots of the town such as Hook's Knight Club. The highlight of the zone is the Far Far Away Castle which is a world's first, it hosts attractions such as Shrek 4-D and Donkey Live featuring the voice talents of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas and Cameron Diaz.

Madagascar

Journey to Madagascar is inspired by the hit DreamWorks Animation franchise, Madagascar which featured four zoo animals escaping from the New York Zoo and unfortunately crashing onto the island of Madagascar. The zone features lush tropical jungles as well as an immersive river ride together with state of the art animated figures, digital projection as part of the attraction, Madagascar: A Crate Adventure. The attraction will feature the famous voice talents of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith.

I guess now it's the waiting game of when will I take the first step into the Universal Studios Singapore. I shall wait for that day to come. And with the opening of this park, this will definitely boosts Singapore's tourism industry by 10 fold. I wonder if they are ready for the flux of visitors?

Georgetown Cafe

This was overdue and the event took place before Christmas back in December 2009. I've just been digging up my picture folder and found all these pictures left unposted. I guess it's about time for me to give this place a review. It all started with Dad looking for something yummy again as usual and I couldn't help myself but to recommend him to go and try the Georgetown Cafe that is situated in Komtar ground floor.

The reason why I recommend my Dad to this place is because they serve great drinks and food that you can find on the streets of Penang. What is the difference? Well, the difference between the streets and this place are you get it with air-conditioned and a cozy place to eat. However the service is a bit poor (because they hired a bunch of foreign workers) but all of those doesn't really matter... it's the food!!!

A sneak peek into the menu.

The ambience around the cafe...

It really brings out the old and historic Penang look that this island carries.

Our long list of food that we've ordered.

The creamy and spicy Penang Curry Mee!

The all time famous and yummy Penang Char Koay Teow.

The very zesty Jawa Mee.

A heartful of nuggets.

Kampung Style Fried Rice.

The nutty and fruitful Penang Rojak.

And of course, the all time favourites Kaya Butter Toast.

Dad's rather eager to get it spread and be off with it. Lols!

A glass of Honey Lemon Juice anyone?

The damage for this place isn't as bad as everyone thought. The price was rather reasonable. This place has a better edge than them in terms of the food that matches what you can possibly get outside on the streets... only that the serving is much larger than some stalls out there. Comparing to Old Town, I wonder why this place receives a negative profile when mentioned. All you could hear about this place is that it's a copycat of Old Town. Well, it is not and you got to try it to see the difference. I'm giving this place I'm giving this place a rating of 7 out of 10 as their service requires much more improvement although the food has been top notch.

2010 Top 10 Things To Accomplish

People would normally say that you won't be able to accomplish much when you have a New Year resolution being planned out. Guess what folks? I'm challenging myself to see if I eventually could get all these done for the year 2010. And I've created a TOP 10 list that may guide me and to constantly remind me what I needed to achieve for this year.

10. Get myself promoted. I really need a raise from this promotion or I think it's about time for me to move on.

9. Rekindle my friendship with most of my long lost friend. It's tough... but it'll worth a shot.

8. Watch Spain and England at the World Cup 2010 live from South Africa with family and friends.

7. Get a side-income job. If I need to fulfill my desire for a better life, I need to work hard and earn a bit more. Now... who's wants to hire for some help?

6. I need to save! I mean a whole lot for god-knows-what-will-happen situation when I needed it.

5. Hit a 100 posts target for this year! Previous year posts were 92. GAMBATEH!!!

4. Lose weight! My current company are feeding its employees like feeding farm cows! Time for me to hit the gym. I need to lose at least 10 kilos.

3. Study another language if possible. I've been trying out to learn Spanish with my dear. Let's see if I could improve then.

2. Treat my dear better than ever. She meant the world to me.

1. Get myself a brand new home... if there's any left on this island. Any financial help will be really appreciated. Haha!

I guess that's all I could scribble down here and I got to stick to it from today onwards. Or perhaps I can always stick to this doggy philosophy.

Happy New Year 2010

It's a brand new year with a brand new planner and a brand new resolution. Not everything would be brand new... like my life wouldn't be brand new. My job wouldn't be brand new as I guess everyone will be waiting for the year to unfold itself into whether a positive or a negative one.

The evening sky towards the New Year... T-minus 5 hours.

The wait for New Year was a long winding one as we waited at the balcony, camera all geared up to snap the fireworks show that's being held at Esplanade every year without fail. There were multiple celebrations held around Penang this year, Esplanade, Queensbay and also Auto City.

The night sky as we countdown towards a brand New Year... T-minus 10 minutes.

As people on the streets began to countdown, it clearly indicates that we are parting ways with 2009 and welcomed the year 2010 with lots of joy and cheer! And of course, the year starts with a bang and the sky were brightly lit everywhere as fireworks hits the stage.

Happy New Year 2010 to my fellow readers!!! For this year, do look forward for more constant updates from myself. Thank you to my readers for the support in the year 2009 and will be hoping to keep my readers up to date for the year 2010 whenever I could.