Friday, March 26, 2010

Get Up On Ye' Feet!!!

Hmm, it might be one of the most cliche phrases you have ever heard. Of course, every phrase has its story. Most probably, the phrase was made up during the 'hard' times, when people were down and out. And so they said, we will rise. And rise we shall.


It is easier said than done. You probably know this too. You have to deal with depression, pressure from other people and the constant thought that no matter how much or how hard you try to think positively, you never seem to take a step forward. There is no light at the end of tunnel, but deep inside, there is always hope.


I've had one hell of a tiring week. Demoralizing too. There's just too much to do. As a sixteen-year-old, there's bound to be plenty of homework. Now, Mum probably told you, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Besides, as we all know, this age is the information age. We get left out if we don't get proper education. Or if we don't do our homework.


Alright, alright, I know, it's a pretty lame excuse, homework and all. Like other aspiring teens, I dream. I dream of getting out. I dream of exploring the other aspects of life. I dream, and dream. All for what? Like a rainbow, when it comes, it comes all shiny and great, until it fades away...


There is also a fine line between being kicked and being crushed. I'm sure, many have experienced this before, that sense of disbelief at what has occurred around us. How do we get back up? That's the question. But, I will 'rise' . I believe all hope is not lost, and dreams are not just meant to be dreams.
Quote of the day: Most of the times, we live on hopes, not expectations.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Just Be Yourself, lah!

Lets just go straight to point.. everyone has to be someone. We are who we are. Wow, I'm sure you've heard that one before. And no, this ain't gonna be one of those inspirational stories. We do what we do best, when we are who we are. Question is, who the hell are ya?


I would like to see people as different, obviously. There are many of you who think, "I'm better than him, I'm much smarter than her, or I'm kinda worse than that guy.." . Look, it doesn't matter whether you're better or worse than someone, because know this, everyone has a place in this world. We are all the same! By hook or by crook, you are not better or worse than the people around you.


So, what's this about then? Just be yourself? To those who feel intimidated, or scared of being played around by your friends, yes, yes, yes! Just be yourself. I used to wonder why I could not be as 'cool' as my friends, so I copied their style. I acted 'cool', or at least I hoped I did. Sad to say, I was way out of my league. In the end, I just had to ask myself, "WHAT THE HELL?"


Now, don't hide it. You, too, have been through this. And, I believe, you have learned not to be who anyone else told you to be. See, we seem to forget that by being who we are, we are doing what we do best. So, be a lazy person, just as long you keep things done, and done well.

Friday, March 12, 2010

What now?

On a cheerful note, everything was just great. It feels like I've come out of my comfort zone a bit. Staring people in the eye, approaching them, standing up for myself, it's been good. On the down side, it feels as if the ego in me seems to be building. Before you know it, I get cocky, and start thinking I'm better than everyone else. Disappointing.


Now, since I've started this column on a dramatic note, it's time to take a step back. See, it's obvious. We are who we are. Sometimes, people like me, we need to be reminded of that. As much as we like to change into who we want to be, in the end, we all stick to who we are.


So, what's the point then? We all try to become who we want to be, but after all, we tried. Pessimistic, I feel, but hey, in case you didn't notice. Optimism is making the whole world feel more pessimistic. But, think about it, nothing is impossible, so, if you'd like to Barack Obama, then please, do so. There is no reason whatsoever to be intimidated by others, and let them decide on what you should be.


Yes, I have felt a little clueless, trying to come with excuses. People tell me to do this and that, but I say NO! I believe, sometimes, you have to come up with your own opinions. Only you know who you are. What say you? ( WARNING: This could lead to arrogance)

Friday, March 5, 2010

Read Between The Lines!

Yes, it's a common quote. There is a reason why they came with this quote. We were supposed to see things that weren't there. It's pretty simple if you think about it. For example, how many times have we been burdened? Sorry, silly question (just wanted to remind us all).


Commitments. In "Up In the Air", George Clooney said, "Put all those things or commitments into a backpack. Now carry the backpack on your shoulders. How does that feel?" Now, imagine yourself being told to do so. Kinda "heavy" isn't it? Basically, guys, what do we do when we feel that burden? So, read between the lines.


Folks, there is no secret, there is not one single thing you can do to avoid anything burdening you. There is no SECRET. Sure, you've heard about this before. Pretty cliche stuff, I suppose. Ask yourself, "What do I do?" Great, you're starting to see. Now, for me, it's all too common to feel weighted, even by the simplest of things. Depressing, I feel. And I'm pretty sure I'm no different than anyone else. Just as Tom Hanks was once told by his mother in Forest Gump, "You are no different than anyone else," .


There is a meaning. I know that, you know everybody knows that. Now, lets widen our imagination, what do you see about your commitments in the future? Clouded, no doubt, but nevertheless, beautiful, I hope. Simply, keep an open mind, see what you can't at first, and then realize. Go past that mental block, and well.. just feel it.


Quote of the day- " You only have to feel good, to be able to enjoy life"

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?