Thursday, February 18, 2010

Gong Xi Fa Cai~

Yes, it's Chinese New Year folks! And what better way to celebrate it with families all over the world reuniting with one another. It's amazing we've been celebrating this festival and not getting bored with it. I mean, it's not just about the red packets, is it? C'mon! It must be said that we all feel loved and appreciated in certain ways.



I've been indulging, which is good. Sometimes, everyone has to do something he or she likes without giving a damn about the consequences. Now, lets see.. I've definitely been indulging in all kinds of food. But, that's an overstatement (considering how thin I am)! And I fully expect every one of you readers to indulge (in your cookies, snacks, etc).


Unfortunately, in Malaysia, firecrackers are banned (or so they say). I've not been playing with any lately, and it's sad (now this is an understatement) . Firecrackers symbolize something great, something new, to me. That matter aside, it's a trend for the Chinese to have open houses. It's a time when we invite friends and colleagues into our homes. It's a good thing too, as both parties receive more red packets!


Now, this is not a complete summary of what goes on during Chinese New Year. (Yes, I know, the balik kampung traffic jams, the fabulous reunion dinners, the fact that everyone spends more than they should, and all that.) Well, the point is, to all our Chinese readers out there, what do YOU do during CNY?


P.S. Heck, I guess nothing's too good to be true, right? My Chinese New Year can summarized into one word: Overindulgence.



Review of The Week!

Movie : The Avengers (2012)

Awe-inducing, funny and action-packed, this could be the superhero movie of the year (not that there are many).



It is unusual for directors to modify the genre of superhero movies. To be precise, if we are looking for some popcorn entertainment, Joss Whedon could have easily turned this into a full-blown alien-versus-superhero affair (that actually would not be too bad). Interestingly to note however, he does not. With an affinity to blend action scenes with tongue-in-cheek humor, he balances the tone of the movie to be both rewarding and most definitely, superhero-themed.

There are plenty of noteworthy things you can brag about this movie. The cinematography, the script, the visuals, the cast, the production design. Surely though, there would be one or two flaws, but they are not really meant to be called 'flaws' per se. Bending the laws of physics, 'saving the world' is saving the US and how Hulk manages to comply to orders are just some of the minor 'flaws'. These are probably things that you would just like to ignore for the sake of giving the director the benefit of the doubt.

It is quite evident that Whedon has made this film his own. He incorporates humor into almost every scene, as if things are not to be taken too seriously in the world of The Avengers. And it should be like that. Again, the emphasis on superhero movies usually lie on destruction, life-saving and personalization of characters. But here, there is some of that, but not completely. No chessy lines. No rushed pacing. No cliche-ridden narrative. (Just Loki speaking in a not-so-sharp English accent.)

The movie can also be likened to last year's Deathly Hallows (Part 2); a lot of hype, and duly delivered. At least we could expect how the last Harry Potter movie was meant to be : an emotional, epic battle. The Avengers did deliver but there is something different to the whole theme that somehow manages to change our view on how superhero movies should be in the future. Is it Robert Downey Junior's Shakespearean jab at Thor? Or is the excellent cinematography of sticking to single shots instead of quick-fire editing? Heck, it could even be Scarlett Johansson's semi-obscene display of bust. Anyhow the movie is a success, most definitely.


Unprecedented, now that is one word to decribe Joss Whedon's take on a superhero movie.


Personally*... Stay in your seats till the end; there are rumors that an extra scene is added to the US version of The Avengers, for compensation of the late release.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/user/894039/reviews/

Spark of inspiration?