141 posts from 2008

MOOSIC : FREE MP3 DOWNLOADS (Malay)

Here are three Indonesian tracks which are gaining great air time on our local radio stations lately:

1) Bunga Citra Lestari - Ingkar

Bunga is Indonesia's pop idol currently busy in love with Malaysian artist Ashraf Sinclair

Download Ingkar.mp3 HERE

 

 

 

 

 

2) The Lima - Buronan Cinta

This Indonesian boy band won the Gang Starz reality program which was held in Malaysia in 2007.

Download Buronan Cinta.mp2 HERE

 

 

 3) Gigi - 11 Januari

Indonesian poprock band led by founder Armand Maulana. Formed since 1994, this band has already released 15 studio albums

Download 11 Januari.mp3 HERE

WHAT'S HOT - THE TING TINGS & MADONNA

1) That's Not My Name - The Ting Tings

Ting Tings is an English indie-pop group formed in 2006. Their album We've Started Nothing was released in May 2008, and both the album and this single That's Not My Name have reached No.1 in the UK. Great track similar to Toni Basil's Mickey and The Knack's My Sharona

2) Give It 2 Me - Madonna

Maddie's 2nd single from her Hard Candy album. This track was a product of her collaboration with Pharrell. It's one of the better songs for me in Hard Candy.

MOVIE REVIEW : JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (2008 - English)

Category : Action, Adventure / Starring : Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem

Science professor Trevor (Fraser) loses his brother in their finding of the center of the earth, being strong believers that the place actually does exist, following the science fiction novel written by Jules Verne. Years after the lost, Trevor's nephew pays him a visit one day, and before they know it both of them find themselves inadvertently stumbling upon what would be considered the myth-buster that the place deep beneath the earth does not exist. 

In Klang Valley they only show this movie on a 3D screens at GSC Cinemas @ Mid Valley. I decided that if I were to watch this movie, I would watch it 3D. I saw the trailer on normal screens and it appeared more like a children's movie to me. So 3D it was. Having to wear the uncomfortable 3D specs for one a half hours was of course slightly uneasy, but it did not give me any headaches like some would think so. 

This is purely a visual movie. We get to witness all the wonders hidden beneath the surface of the earth, from mesmerizing oasis to fleets of glowing birds, to some scary surprises as well including man-eating plants and dinosaurs. Watching it on 3D screens to me would definitely be a better experience.

Simple plot, small scale of casting, and minimal acting skills required, but obviously a visual pleasure, some great excitements in store, all in all a good movie during your family outing.

The movie trailer:

Rating : C+

MOVIE REVIEW : SEX & THE CITY (2008 - English)

Category : Comedy, Drama, Romance / Starring ; Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Christopher Noth

'The continuing adventures of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda as they live their lives in Manhattan four years after the series ended' - This description from Yahoo!Movies basically summarizes what's in store for this movie. It was one of the most anticipated movie in 2008, at least in US. Although it may sound all too simple or nothing much new to expect, no surprises no twists, just the same old plots we see in its series, it is actually a must see for all fans of SATC series.

4 years after the series ended, we now see both Miranda and Charlotte happily married with kids. Samantha is living with her model boyfriend. That leaves Carrie all single as usual, but not for long as she soon plans the big day with Mr Big, finally. All seems well, until things start to fall apart for them, especially Carrie.

What I liked about the movie is, it is exactly like watching the series all over again. Nothing changed, you still get the glitz and glamour of the fashion world, all the mind-blowing designer clothes the casts wear (although some are not that flaterring for me!), the laughters and tears the 4 friends share together.

Some may think then what's so special about this movie, nothing's new, what can we expect? Well, I suppose what made the series so successful, is the fact that audience just love watching it. And getting to watch it all over again after the series ended, on big screen is quite a treat.

Plus, get ready for a great big twist towards the end. To me the storyline was great, we also get to witness a few touchy moments when the main casts go through their own hardships, including Miranda when her marriage goes on the rocks thanks to her husband's infidelity. However, the limelight is of course on Carrie. I thought Parker did a good job this time, how she made us feel for her when her wedding did not go the way she planned towards the end.

The movie trailer:

Rating : A-

MOVIE REVIEW : HANCOCK (2008 - English)

Category : Action, Adventure, Comedy / Starring : Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman

Not many people don't like Will Smith. He has shown great testimonials in his acting career since early days of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I particularly liked him in Independence Day, Hitch and I Am Legend. Hancock was definitely everyone's anticipation. Not only is it a mega-action blockbuster, but what makes it different is, the hero is not the everyday hero we see. He is slouchy, irresponsible and reckless!

I guess the trailer for this movie is amazing. It just intrigues the audience, including watching a superhero (Smith) trying to save a dying whale stranded by the beach by throwing it back into the sea, only to smash right onto a sailing boat. We aleady have so many movies made on comic superheroes, having a hero that is totally opposite of the usual mould would be a pleasant change.

Hancock (Smith) is an edgy, irresponsible, rude and sarcastic wanderer, lives his life recklessly, not caring about his tomorrow, but also happens to be bestowed with super powers. Although consciously allowing his life in total wreck, Hancock still does his part in saving the world, only in all the wrong and careless ways. Although able to save lives, his attempts all ended up with catastrophic damages in their wake, creating more angry public than thankful. The public soon decides that they have had enough of Hancock's recklessness and wants him gone for good.One day Hancock saves the life of Ray Embrey (Bateman), a PR Executive who decides to take Hancock in as his next project, to turn Hancock's negative reputation around, despite his own wife's (Theron) hesitation.  

Perhaps I was expecting really another mind-blowing action blockbuster from Smith this time, I wasn't really astounded when I left the cinema. It was only OK for me. It lacked content in its storyline, and there was certainly no great climax. The twist they inserted on Charlize Theron was great though (sorry people, you have to watch it to find out yourself, 2M1F as you know do not give out spoilers).

The movie trailer:

Rating : B-

ARTIST ANTICIPATION : IDAYU (Previously AF3 Student)

Similar to major disappointments that I went through when great talents like Chris Daughtry and Michael Johns were eliminated in the early stages of American Idol, IDAYU was another smiliar case during the 3rd season of local reality singing competition, Akademi Fantasia. She is to me one of the most talented potentials we could ever have witnessed in the local music industry, but was unfortunely booted out in as early as the 4th week.

She has vocal capabilities of 5 octave range and could reach the whistle register which only few artists around could, including Mariah Carey. Some argued her singing style to be very similar to Mariah, but my thoughts here would be, many (and I do mean many) can try all they want to sing like Mariah, but can any actually succeed to even sound pleasant when they try on any of Mariah's almost-impossible songs? It takes a really capable talent to be able to do so, and I for one am quite sad Malaysians are not appreciating such a potential we have, and take the opportunity to groom any great artist-to-be in the local scene.

It's been sometime now since her leaving from AF, I've been waiting and waiting (or rather hoping) that some senseful producers would grab this opportunity to take her in, groom her and give her good songs to a decent debut album. But so far she has only been given two singles, Kasih Yang Terpisah and Paluan Rindumu. Kasih Yang Terpisah is one great piece of testament of how great her vocals can be, but again sadly failed to garner enough attention by the Malaysian public, or even decent amount of air-time over the radio. Well, you be the judge, here's one her performances during AF singing Tiada Lagi Tangisan just before her exit from the competition.

Lately Idayu is finally back with a new single titled Aku Tak Lupa. Friends who know me well were all excited to tell me about it, knowing how long I've been waiting. One even recorded the song over the radio in his handphone to let me listen to (thanks!!). This is promising, great song, I hope a debut album is already on the way soon for Idayu.

To listen to the song Aku Tak Lupa CLICK HERE

To download the MP3 of Aku Tak Lupa CLICK HERE (Take note link will only be available for download for 7 days from 7th July 2008)

MOVIE REVIEW : THE NANNY DIARIES (English)

Category : Comedy, Light Drama / Starring : Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney, Paul Giamatti, Chris Evans, Nicholas Reese Art, Alicia Keys

Annie Braddock (Johansson) is a fresh graduate from New York University who secretly becomes a nanny to a rich couple, despite her mother's strong encouragement that she could do much better in career with better future. Initially Annie was ecstatic, having to be exposed to expensive meals, elegant apartment she works in and posh living of her employers Mr and Mrs X.

Her nightmare soon starts as the little Grayer (Art) she is looking after turns out to be a hyperactive brat, while Mrs X (Linney) starts to impose tough and almost impossible expectations in her nanny routines. Annie is soon caught in between Mrs X, who is a 'desperate housewife' living in desperation from her broken marriage, and Mr X (Giamatti), the successful businessman who often neglects his wife and son, while soliciting affairs outside his marriage.

What seems to be a nightmare eventually has its hidden blessings when Annie meets the charming young man living in the same building with her employers, develops a special bond with Grayer, and most importantly, helps herself understand hew own place in this world.

For me this is just an OK light-hearted movie. Johansson has always somehow failed to fully impress me (except in The Other Boleyn Girl, she suited that particular role very well), perhaps its is her rather rigid facial expressions. Laura Linney on the hand is a good actress, she portrayed the desperate rich wife very well. Perhaps some may find it a treat to get to watch Alicia Keys acting as Johansson's sidekick. Then again, I'm never really an Alicia fan.

To watch trailer CLICK HERE

Rating : C-

MOVIE REVIEW : WANTED (English)

Category : Action/Adventure, Thriller / Starring : James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, Kristen Hager

The trailer for this movie was definitely a bomb. Many also went to the movies to witness the ever-mesmerizing Angelina Jolie showing off her captivating stunts in this action movie, adapted from Mark Millar’s explosive graphic novel series. It tells the story of Wes (James McAvoy), a noboby going through his day-to-day routine with no ambition, emotions and proper directions. Just when this disengaged slacker thinks his life is going to amount to nothing, Fox (Angelina Jolie) appears and changes his life to the farthest extreme by breaking the secret to him that he is actually the son of an assasin, a well-respected icon in the secret society called Fraternity, led by Sloan (Morgan Freeman).

To me the best part of the movie was the transformation of McAvoy's character from a nobody to a highly efficient assasin. The gruelling yet comical training process was great to watch. Behind the out-of-this-world action stunts boasted in this movie, I actually did not like how they're pushing too hard to be extreme in this movie. At one end, it is definitely fun to watch these stunts, but halfway through the movie, to me it just seems a bit all to corny and trying too hard. Plus there are few loose ends in the plot that were not managed well at all in the story.

What probably saved this movie as well for me was the casts. Angelina is in her usual realm, being sexy, provocative, wild and fiesty. Morgan Freeman as we know makes every role he plays work. James McAvoy is great as well for his role, being this nerdy and always-apologizing loser who goes through life with no purpose, and watching him transform towards the end is quite entertaining.

Rating : C

MOVIE REVIEW : CLEAN, SHAVEN (English)

Category : International Screens, Drama, Alternative / Starring : Peter Greene, Molly Castelloe, Megan Owen, Robert Albert II

This is an alternative, low-budget 2003 movie that depicts the disturbing world of a schizophrenic. Peter Winter (Peter Greene) is suspected of murder but rather than running away, he is chasing time to track down his daughter, after his release from the mental institution.

This movie is definitely unique and not for everyone. It uses a lot of visual and aural exaggerations to bring us into the disturbing mind of a schizophrenic man. Peter Greene is very convincing in his character. The character succumbs increasingly to hallucinations and self-mutilation, and throughout the movie we see him constantly showering and shaving himself to be hair-free and clean, peeling his own fingernail off with a blade, covering up mirrors and any other objects that he could see himself in the reflection. Yes, it is hypnotically intensed and disturbing, so for the faint-hearted, please avoid this movie.

To watch the movie trailer CLICK HERE

And here's a scene from the movie:

Rating : C

MOVIE REVIEW : THE RETURN (Russian)

Category : International Screens, Foreign, Drama/Family / Starring : Vladimir Garin, Ivan Dobronravov, Konstantin Lavronenko, Natalia Vdovina

The Return is a 2003 Russian film that tells a story of two tennage Russian boys, Ivan and Andrey, whose father returns home suddenly after a twelve year absense. Ivan and Andrey set out on a fishing trip to a remote island led by their father. The trip witnesses a journey of emotions for all three of them. Their taciturn father is constantly throwing his weight around, in his desperate efforts to show authority, and brutal efforts to make up for the missing twelve years he has left behind with his children. Andrey is ecstatic about the reunion and is constantly trying hard to please his father. Ivan is the more scpetical and unforgiving younger brother, unwilling to just accept the return without any explanation.

This movie is the winner of the Venice Film Festival, European Film Award and International Cinephile Society in 2003. Ivan Dobronravov is a treat to watch, displaying an array of anger and frustrations in his attempt to break free from the awkward fishing trip which he is forced to follow until the end. The story also boasts quite a set of beautiful sceneries in the background.

There is a slight mystery built into the plot, mainly on the actual reasons of the father's disappearance and return. We see a few scenes suggesting his intention of hiding the actual truth, and be prepared for an ending that will still need your own imagination and interpretation to weave your conclusions. To me the film worked mostly in depicting the compelling ties among the three during the trip.    

Rather than showing the movie's trailer, I'm going to show one of my favourite scenes from the movie, where Ivan breaks down in his frustration towards his father's dictatorial nature and his own unwillingness to forgive him:

Rating : B+

A movie recommendation from 2M1F