Its a tradition of mine to make a showreel every year, summing up all the works I have done in the past years. It has been a very interesting year and many things have been accomplished. I would like to thank everyone who have been supporting me and I'm looking forward to new works and opportunities.
Music:
"On Fire" by Hey Fever
myspace.com/heyfeversounds
(Check these guys out. They ROCK!!!)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
My Top Ten: Best Films of 2008
2008 has been a very momentous year and this year's line of films fared a lot better than last year. Some films met expectations, some films came with disastrous results and a few brought high quality to the film industry. Overall it has been a great year for films. Now even though I have seen a lot of films this year, there are still a lot more to see. And its really hard to build this month's top ten list because there were a lot of great movies this year. Everybody has their own opinions of which movies is the best, so this is MY list of best movies of 2008 and I'm happy to share it with you, the readers!
Before we go on to the Top Ten, I'll give you over the list of Honorable Mentions. These are films that I enjoy watching, but not enough to be on the top list.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Get Smart
10.
CLOVERFIELD
9.
HORTON HEARS A WHO!
Dr. Seuss is part of my childhood and I'm so glad to find so many elements, reminiscing of his weird, quirky and imaginative style in this movie. This is a great animated film for all ages and a good appetizer to the upcoming feature animations. Even behind the microphone, Jim Carrey proves to be so funny and so is Steve Carrel. There are so many great absurb and child-like humor that appeals to both fans and non-fans of Dr. Seuss. I would have take points for the inclusion of Jesse McCarthney, but points gain to get him to play as a silent goth kid. God I hate that guy....
8.
QUANTUM OF SOLACE
I f*ckin love Casino Royale. After that film, I got back taking interested in the James Bond franchise. I love the new look, the new feel, the new format and even the new Bond. Daniel Craig was so f*ckin awesome as James Bond. So the sequel arrived and the ride was still enjoyable. I would say that it is not as great as Casino Royale, but its a fun and ass-kicking James Bond movie. The espionage plot isn't that heavy around and goes more into favor of the action element. Some characters aren't fully developed, but the build-up of the new James Bond's enemy, Quantum gets real interesting.
Before we go on to the Top Ten, I'll give you over the list of Honorable Mentions. These are films that I enjoy watching, but not enough to be on the top list.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Get Smart
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army
The Incredible Hulk
The Orphanage
Slumdog Millionaire
The Forbidden Kingdom
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Speed Racer
Semi Pro
Pineapple Express
Bolt
The Incredible Hulk
The Orphanage
Slumdog Millionaire
The Forbidden Kingdom
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Speed Racer
Semi Pro
Pineapple Express
Bolt
Now onto the Top Ten!
10.
CLOVERFIELD
Mr. Mysterious, J.J Abram was able to get us all hyped for this film since last year with a very mysterious concept and no title. Then later we found out it was Cloverfield. The viral marketing got every Internet geek to come up with stupid and lame conspiracies and messages that may or may not be related to the movie. What resulted is a giant monster movie narrated direct-cinema style through the lens of a digital camera, held by a jock frat boy. Sure the characters seemed one-dimensional and the payoff doesn't come until the near-end of the film, but man it was an different experience. Overall if you can hold your stomach for 90 minutes, its a very fun and exciting film to watch.
9.
HORTON HEARS A WHO!
Dr. Seuss is part of my childhood and I'm so glad to find so many elements, reminiscing of his weird, quirky and imaginative style in this movie. This is a great animated film for all ages and a good appetizer to the upcoming feature animations. Even behind the microphone, Jim Carrey proves to be so funny and so is Steve Carrel. There are so many great absurb and child-like humor that appeals to both fans and non-fans of Dr. Seuss. I would have take points for the inclusion of Jesse McCarthney, but points gain to get him to play as a silent goth kid. God I hate that guy....
8.
QUANTUM OF SOLACE
I f*ckin love Casino Royale. After that film, I got back taking interested in the James Bond franchise. I love the new look, the new feel, the new format and even the new Bond. Daniel Craig was so f*ckin awesome as James Bond. So the sequel arrived and the ride was still enjoyable. I would say that it is not as great as Casino Royale, but its a fun and ass-kicking James Bond movie. The espionage plot isn't that heavy around and goes more into favor of the action element. Some characters aren't fully developed, but the build-up of the new James Bond's enemy, Quantum gets real interesting.
7.
KUNG-FU PANDA
After Shrek 3, I knew Dreamworks can't rely on the big green orge forever to produce their same old magic and this is what they need. Yeah I thought any Dreamworks movie without the green orge wouldn't bring me entertainment, but this one with with great visuals, good voice acting and the most important element: kung-fu. Po the Panda is likable enough. The Shaolin Five is good to look at, even though their characteristics and backstory are not fully developed enough. Of course the biggest feature that won the audience over in the film is the kung-fu action. For something that is animated and not Asian-produced, this film really did display spectacular and breathtaking kung-fu fighting sequences. One biggest gripe I had with this film is [RANT MODE] they didn't use enough of f*ckin JACKIE CHAN! I know he's not the main focus of the film and I'm glad he was casted already in the first place, but come on!!! He's JACKIE CHAN, the biggest influence of Kung Fu to the Western Audience! More so than Bruce Lee! I f*ckin grew up watching all of his films! In fact, he's the only reason why I came to see this movie! And if you gonna pay tribute to Kung Fu and have Jackie Chan in it, better use him f*ckin wisely! Geez I was soooo disappointed when they didn't use him enough! He's f*ckin way important than Jack Black or Angelina Jolie!! There wouldn't be Kung Fu in the US with Jackie Chan! GEEZ!!! [RANT MODE OFF] Sorry about that... on to the next entry...
KUNG-FU PANDA
After Shrek 3, I knew Dreamworks can't rely on the big green orge forever to produce their same old magic and this is what they need. Yeah I thought any Dreamworks movie without the green orge wouldn't bring me entertainment, but this one with with great visuals, good voice acting and the most important element: kung-fu. Po the Panda is likable enough. The Shaolin Five is good to look at, even though their characteristics and backstory are not fully developed enough. Of course the biggest feature that won the audience over in the film is the kung-fu action. For something that is animated and not Asian-produced, this film really did display spectacular and breathtaking kung-fu fighting sequences. One biggest gripe I had with this film is [RANT MODE] they didn't use enough of f*ckin JACKIE CHAN! I know he's not the main focus of the film and I'm glad he was casted already in the first place, but come on!!! He's JACKIE CHAN, the biggest influence of Kung Fu to the Western Audience! More so than Bruce Lee! I f*ckin grew up watching all of his films! In fact, he's the only reason why I came to see this movie! And if you gonna pay tribute to Kung Fu and have Jackie Chan in it, better use him f*ckin wisely! Geez I was soooo disappointed when they didn't use him enough! He's f*ckin way important than Jack Black or Angelina Jolie!! There wouldn't be Kung Fu in the US with Jackie Chan! GEEZ!!! [RANT MODE OFF] Sorry about that... on to the next entry...
6.
IRON MAN
I wasn't expecting this to do good, mainly because of last year's line of superhero movies that delivered sub par results like Ghost Rider, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and heck even Spider-man 3 featuring MY favorite superhero. Thankfully I was proven wrong and was treated to a fast-ride high-life "kick ass first and party later" world of Tony Stark and Iron Man. Though its not the suited ego that is the star of the movie, but the man who is wearing the suit as he is presented as the secret alias we don't get to see very often in many superhero movies. We get to see an alter ego having fun and living carefree without any problems to resolve (until he has that thing with drinking). But this film is one of the good comic book films I have seen in recent times and has made me look forward to whatever Robert Downey Jr is doing next. Which leads me to...
IRON MAN
I wasn't expecting this to do good, mainly because of last year's line of superhero movies that delivered sub par results like Ghost Rider, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and heck even Spider-man 3 featuring MY favorite superhero. Thankfully I was proven wrong and was treated to a fast-ride high-life "kick ass first and party later" world of Tony Stark and Iron Man. Though its not the suited ego that is the star of the movie, but the man who is wearing the suit as he is presented as the secret alias we don't get to see very often in many superhero movies. We get to see an alter ego having fun and living carefree without any problems to resolve (until he has that thing with drinking). But this film is one of the good comic book films I have seen in recent times and has made me look forward to whatever Robert Downey Jr is doing next. Which leads me to...
5.
TROPIC THUNDER
Yeah the first teaser didn't hold much promise to this film. Then later on it got interesting. Then when I finally saw it, I was laughing my ass off from my seat to all the way home. I never thought I would have another funny Ben Stiller movie after Zoolander and this came along. This is pretty much the satire of Hollywood nowadays from angry producers to method actors to product placements. Two stars that made the movie are two of the biggest comebacks, Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise. It takes a great artist like Robert to act as a black man without offending any black audience and to bring comedy gold to the screen. And Tom Cruise as a foul-mouthed pissed off producer can make me forget him as a Scientology-preaching looney. While there are some plot hole and inconsistency, the hilarious performance from most of the cast is enough to make this film enjoyable.
TROPIC THUNDER
Yeah the first teaser didn't hold much promise to this film. Then later on it got interesting. Then when I finally saw it, I was laughing my ass off from my seat to all the way home. I never thought I would have another funny Ben Stiller movie after Zoolander and this came along. This is pretty much the satire of Hollywood nowadays from angry producers to method actors to product placements. Two stars that made the movie are two of the biggest comebacks, Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise. It takes a great artist like Robert to act as a black man without offending any black audience and to bring comedy gold to the screen. And Tom Cruise as a foul-mouthed pissed off producer can make me forget him as a Scientology-preaching looney. While there are some plot hole and inconsistency, the hilarious performance from most of the cast is enough to make this film enjoyable.
4.
INDIANA JONES
AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
I don't care what people said, it was still awesome to see Indiana Jones again after nearly 20 years! Sure Indy doesn't have the looks and physiques back then. Sure the Russians wasn't a stronger enemy than the Nazis. Sure there were many improbable moments in the film like monkeys and fridges. And sure the mystics of the aliens doesn't match the interest that the mystics of Christianity and Hinduism possess. But I expected a big grand adventure from good old Indy and the movie delivered. Yes sir, this movie didn't "rape" my childhood (you whiny bitches). Although I could say its the 2nd weakest in the series, I have no problem with watching this again as the same as watching the weakest (Temple of Doom) again.
INDIANA JONES
AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
I don't care what people said, it was still awesome to see Indiana Jones again after nearly 20 years! Sure Indy doesn't have the looks and physiques back then. Sure the Russians wasn't a stronger enemy than the Nazis. Sure there were many improbable moments in the film like monkeys and fridges. And sure the mystics of the aliens doesn't match the interest that the mystics of Christianity and Hinduism possess. But I expected a big grand adventure from good old Indy and the movie delivered. Yes sir, this movie didn't "rape" my childhood (you whiny bitches). Although I could say its the 2nd weakest in the series, I have no problem with watching this again as the same as watching the weakest (Temple of Doom) again.
3.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
This is something that is both beautiful and haunting at the same time. The fact that these characters are portrayed by young children age 12, creates a kind of deadly innocence among the evil things surrounds them. Unlike Twilight, this is a love story between a human and a vampire that doesn't appeal to a certain demographic and involves so many adult and heavy situations. And we are never treated to two characters that are bland and ordinary, but those that are really tortured, yet stoic. This is probably the most original vampire story I have seen in years. Like what everyone have said, this is not for the faint of heart. This really takes a lot of guts to actually sit down and see this.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
This is something that is both beautiful and haunting at the same time. The fact that these characters are portrayed by young children age 12, creates a kind of deadly innocence among the evil things surrounds them. Unlike Twilight, this is a love story between a human and a vampire that doesn't appeal to a certain demographic and involves so many adult and heavy situations. And we are never treated to two characters that are bland and ordinary, but those that are really tortured, yet stoic. This is probably the most original vampire story I have seen in years. Like what everyone have said, this is not for the faint of heart. This really takes a lot of guts to actually sit down and see this.
2.
BE KIND REWIND
I don't see anything wrong with this movie. This was the most whimsical and heartfelt movie I've seen this year. Probably the most important factor of my result is that I walked out the theater with a feeling full of wonder and awe. As a film student, it was touching and refreshing to see so many innovative, yet simple filmmaking techniques without the use of computer and big budget effects. The message really gets across that anyone can make a good movie if they are determined and hardworking enough (except for Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer). Of course I would except this much magic from my favorite director, Michel Gondry and the performances from actor Mos Def and Jack Black were very fun to look at. Honestly this really inspires to actually go out there and make some quirky films. Not really an Oscar contender, but its one of my personal favorites of the year.
And the no.1 of 2008 goes to........
(drum roll)
BE KIND REWIND
I don't see anything wrong with this movie. This was the most whimsical and heartfelt movie I've seen this year. Probably the most important factor of my result is that I walked out the theater with a feeling full of wonder and awe. As a film student, it was touching and refreshing to see so many innovative, yet simple filmmaking techniques without the use of computer and big budget effects. The message really gets across that anyone can make a good movie if they are determined and hardworking enough (except for Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer). Of course I would except this much magic from my favorite director, Michel Gondry and the performances from actor Mos Def and Jack Black were very fun to look at. Honestly this really inspires to actually go out there and make some quirky films. Not really an Oscar contender, but its one of my personal favorites of the year.
And the no.1 of 2008 goes to........
(drum roll)
1.
(tied)
WALL-E and THE DARK KNIGHT
To choose out of these two films I love so much to be placed #1 is like choosing out of your two children who treat you like king everyday your ultimate favorite. Even though one is a younger angelic role model and the other is an older rebellious punk with issues, I love them both so much! These two are not only the best films I have seen this year, but they are now considered among the list of my most favorite films ever. Not only that, they brought a huge and important influence in the movie industry and even has a social and moral message to the audience. And ALSO, each of them break the mold of their own particular genre. WALL-E raises the bar of art in animation and narrates the film mostly through movement and sound instead of dialouge, reminiscing of the silent film era featuring Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. And The Dark Knight shows to the whole world that a film with a comic book as its source material can be much much more than the standard comic book movie that Hollywood usually produces. I could start with similarities. Both of them presents a great story filled with wonderful and interesting characters, beautiful music, unforgettable performance and action, good direction and both leave a huge impact on you. The difference is that one leaves you awestruck by something that is so beautiful and the other struck you with horror and darkness and leaves you shaken to the core. These two films became the biggest movie theater experiences of the year.
I'll first start off with WALL-E. I have been anticipating since I saw the first teaser and that first appearance of that robot made me go gaga. It was such a long and torturous wait in Australia and boy it was such a payoff to me! After being treated to the awesome short film Presto!, the song "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" boomed across the theater and we were taken into space. And I knew we were treated to something very special. This year, I studied about silent films for my film Masters and read everything about Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton and grew to love their works especially City Lights. And it was such a film student's treat to witness something so similar to the works of Chaplin. Every expression and emotion was portrayed from humor to sadness to love and drama, all communicated without the use of dialogue. Not only that, it expresses a deep social message about the state of humanity and the planet, echoing the problems of today. Though these messages weren't the main focus and were pulled off with clever and observational humor. The characters were developed beautifully well and it is so entertaining and charming from the start to the end of the ending credits.
The Dark Knight was a different story for me since I wasn't anticipating from the start and I was on the Indy train. At that point, I was still hurt by the atrocity of Batman and Robin and Batman Begins was able to shake off a few wounds of me. What really intrigue me was the casting of Health Ledger as the Joker. I was neither pleased nor disgust by the decision and I was looking forward what he could bring to the Batman legacy. The trailer brought forth the most interesting Joker I have ever seen and the film became part of my must-see list. Finally the day came to see the film and this is what was my experience like. Opening Title. Cool bank robbery scene, conducted by the Joker. Then we see shots of Batman, James Gordon, Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes being happy and proud and doing what they love to do with smiles on their face. Seems like its just gonna be a fine drama. Then..... the Jokers comes in and BAM!!! with the pencil! From there, everything changes as you see the Joker f*cking everyone up! And as the movie progress, it gets darker and darker. Health Ledger has brought to the comic book world the best Joker period! He's more cunning, deceitful, psychotic and more evil than any incarnation of the Joker I have seen, more than Jack's and Mark's incarnation and they were good. As soon the ending credit starts to roll, I sat in my seat frozen and eye-widen, unable to move for 5 whole minutes. Damn!
I hope that either one of them gets nominated or even win for Best Picture for the Oscars because these two are so deserving to be importantly recognized in the film industry. And if the Academy doesn't recognized these film, then there is really really something wrong with those guys.
That is my top ten list! What are your favorites?
(tied)
WALL-E and THE DARK KNIGHT
To choose out of these two films I love so much to be placed #1 is like choosing out of your two children who treat you like king everyday your ultimate favorite. Even though one is a younger angelic role model and the other is an older rebellious punk with issues, I love them both so much! These two are not only the best films I have seen this year, but they are now considered among the list of my most favorite films ever. Not only that, they brought a huge and important influence in the movie industry and even has a social and moral message to the audience. And ALSO, each of them break the mold of their own particular genre. WALL-E raises the bar of art in animation and narrates the film mostly through movement and sound instead of dialouge, reminiscing of the silent film era featuring Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. And The Dark Knight shows to the whole world that a film with a comic book as its source material can be much much more than the standard comic book movie that Hollywood usually produces. I could start with similarities. Both of them presents a great story filled with wonderful and interesting characters, beautiful music, unforgettable performance and action, good direction and both leave a huge impact on you. The difference is that one leaves you awestruck by something that is so beautiful and the other struck you with horror and darkness and leaves you shaken to the core. These two films became the biggest movie theater experiences of the year.
I'll first start off with WALL-E. I have been anticipating since I saw the first teaser and that first appearance of that robot made me go gaga. It was such a long and torturous wait in Australia and boy it was such a payoff to me! After being treated to the awesome short film Presto!, the song "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" boomed across the theater and we were taken into space. And I knew we were treated to something very special. This year, I studied about silent films for my film Masters and read everything about Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton and grew to love their works especially City Lights. And it was such a film student's treat to witness something so similar to the works of Chaplin. Every expression and emotion was portrayed from humor to sadness to love and drama, all communicated without the use of dialogue. Not only that, it expresses a deep social message about the state of humanity and the planet, echoing the problems of today. Though these messages weren't the main focus and were pulled off with clever and observational humor. The characters were developed beautifully well and it is so entertaining and charming from the start to the end of the ending credits.
The Dark Knight was a different story for me since I wasn't anticipating from the start and I was on the Indy train. At that point, I was still hurt by the atrocity of Batman and Robin and Batman Begins was able to shake off a few wounds of me. What really intrigue me was the casting of Health Ledger as the Joker. I was neither pleased nor disgust by the decision and I was looking forward what he could bring to the Batman legacy. The trailer brought forth the most interesting Joker I have ever seen and the film became part of my must-see list. Finally the day came to see the film and this is what was my experience like. Opening Title. Cool bank robbery scene, conducted by the Joker. Then we see shots of Batman, James Gordon, Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes being happy and proud and doing what they love to do with smiles on their face. Seems like its just gonna be a fine drama. Then..... the Jokers comes in and BAM!!! with the pencil! From there, everything changes as you see the Joker f*cking everyone up! And as the movie progress, it gets darker and darker. Health Ledger has brought to the comic book world the best Joker period! He's more cunning, deceitful, psychotic and more evil than any incarnation of the Joker I have seen, more than Jack's and Mark's incarnation and they were good. As soon the ending credit starts to roll, I sat in my seat frozen and eye-widen, unable to move for 5 whole minutes. Damn!
I hope that either one of them gets nominated or even win for Best Picture for the Oscars because these two are so deserving to be importantly recognized in the film industry. And if the Academy doesn't recognized these film, then there is really really something wrong with those guys.
That is my top ten list! What are your favorites?
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wedding Gift
Its been a long time since I did an animation for the Internet, mainly because this year it was all about film making. Luckily I was able to make one very special piece by the end of the year.
This animation is very very special as it is a gift for my friend's Ben and Junie as they are getting married today. Ben asked me if I can do an animation to be played at his wedding and I very gladly accepted. I was very excited to do this piece as I always wanted to do a visual storytelling, which I have been studying and research the past semester. Heck I even did a 7000 word report on it! The recent inspiration for this animation was obviously Wall-E. So this work was the element that brings full circle.
I want to say that I'm so happy for them and I wish their marriage to be of most faithful and happiest. And I'm so honored for my animation to be part of their wedding as much I'm part of their lives. So it gives me great privilege to show you my wedding animation.
I hope you enjoy this animation as much as I enjoyed making this.
Music:
"Angel" by Jack Johnson
From The Album "Sleep Through The Static"
This animation is very very special as it is a gift for my friend's Ben and Junie as they are getting married today. Ben asked me if I can do an animation to be played at his wedding and I very gladly accepted. I was very excited to do this piece as I always wanted to do a visual storytelling, which I have been studying and research the past semester. Heck I even did a 7000 word report on it! The recent inspiration for this animation was obviously Wall-E. So this work was the element that brings full circle.
I want to say that I'm so happy for them and I wish their marriage to be of most faithful and happiest. And I'm so honored for my animation to be part of their wedding as much I'm part of their lives. So it gives me great privilege to show you my wedding animation.
I hope you enjoy this animation as much as I enjoyed making this.
Music:
"Angel" by Jack Johnson
From The Album "Sleep Through The Static"
Saturday, November 22, 2008
My Top Ten: Favorite Aussie Movies
Being a guy who lives in Australia most of my life, we Aussies have a fair share of good films. There are some things in Australia that makes us unique from the rest of the world like VBs, Footy, meat pies, vegemites, even though I don't like those kinds of stuff. Thing is most of great Hollywood actors nowadays are Aussies. Even Health Ledger who f*ckin played the Joker in The Dark Knight is an Aussie! Now that is something to be proud of as an Australian. Now Australia has brought to the world their first epic feature in a long while, promptly titled Australia, directed by Baz Luhrmann. He directed such films as Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rogue, which I still stand as being an awful movie to watch. All style and no substance. And basically that is what I thought of when I watched the trailer to his newest film. While its suitable as a love letter to the country, it still hasn't convinced me as being a truly great film.
Not to say I don't like Aussie films, I f*ckin do! In fact, some of the best films I have even in my life are Aussies. So that said, as my love letter to the country, here are my monthly top ten of my favorite Aussie films...
Not to say I don't like Aussie films, I f*ckin do! In fact, some of the best films I have even in my life are Aussies. So that said, as my love letter to the country, here are my monthly top ten of my favorite Aussie films...
10.
BABE
For a talking animal film, it was very enjoyable when I saw this at a young age and it remains a children's classic. The animals were trained very well to able to perform greatly. There are some moments that were cute and funny and others were tend to be dark. Whatever may be, its a fun film that children and adults can enjoy.
BABE
For a talking animal film, it was very enjoyable when I saw this at a young age and it remains a children's classic. The animals were trained very well to able to perform greatly. There are some moments that were cute and funny and others were tend to be dark. Whatever may be, its a fun film that children and adults can enjoy.
9.
TWO HANDS
While the plot was questionable when it comes to the supernatural element, it could pass off as a nice Australian version of a Guy Ritchie gangster film. There are many funny moments in the film and the characters were interesting to look at. This film is also Health Ledger's breakout film and at that time, Health haven't tap in his extraordinary talent that you have seen later on. First time I have seen this, I would never expect this kid to become the Joker in The Dark Knight.
8.
CHOPPER
The semi-autobiographical film of famed Aussie criminal, Mark "Chopper" Read was kind of interesting, but it was the performance of Eric Bana as the title character all worth it. Eric Bana proved to be a versatile actor in this film when during the time he was known to be as a stand up comedian. There are many scenes that makes you cringe and the direction is spot on.
7.
TWO HANDS
While the plot was questionable when it comes to the supernatural element, it could pass off as a nice Australian version of a Guy Ritchie gangster film. There are many funny moments in the film and the characters were interesting to look at. This film is also Health Ledger's breakout film and at that time, Health haven't tap in his extraordinary talent that you have seen later on. First time I have seen this, I would never expect this kid to become the Joker in The Dark Knight.
8.
CHOPPER
The semi-autobiographical film of famed Aussie criminal, Mark "Chopper" Read was kind of interesting, but it was the performance of Eric Bana as the title character all worth it. Eric Bana proved to be a versatile actor in this film when during the time he was known to be as a stand up comedian. There are many scenes that makes you cringe and the direction is spot on.
7.
PRISCILLA: QUEEN OF THE DESERT
Eventually I would have to see this film sooner or later and it turns out to be a good film to watch. This film became a huge impact on homosexual and cross-dressing culture on the country that is slowly willing to accept at that time. Especially in the Outback who is kind of oblivious to them. It is also an impact as well a good story of a homosexual man and his reality of having a son from his bisexual wife. And hey, big applause to the guys who has the balls to play as gay men. And these guys all have badass roles in their resumes: Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith of The Matrix), Terence Stamp (General Zod of Superman I and II) and Guy Pearce (Leonard Shelby of Memento).
Eventually I would have to see this film sooner or later and it turns out to be a good film to watch. This film became a huge impact on homosexual and cross-dressing culture on the country that is slowly willing to accept at that time. Especially in the Outback who is kind of oblivious to them. It is also an impact as well a good story of a homosexual man and his reality of having a son from his bisexual wife. And hey, big applause to the guys who has the balls to play as gay men. And these guys all have badass roles in their resumes: Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith of The Matrix), Terence Stamp (General Zod of Superman I and II) and Guy Pearce (Leonard Shelby of Memento).
6.
WOLF CREEK
This is one freaky and scary Aussie film! This is something that has the Australian Outback as your worst nightmare. It kind of spark of controversy as the film was inspired by an event about the disappearance of a British backpacker in the Aussie Outback. The horror and violence in this film is nearly on par of other torture movies like Hostel, but its back up with a engaging story and a very creep Outback ranger. How scary to be stalk by this guy who knows their entire empty land like the back of his hands?
WOLF CREEK
This is one freaky and scary Aussie film! This is something that has the Australian Outback as your worst nightmare. It kind of spark of controversy as the film was inspired by an event about the disappearance of a British backpacker in the Aussie Outback. The horror and violence in this film is nearly on par of other torture movies like Hostel, but its back up with a engaging story and a very creep Outback ranger. How scary to be stalk by this guy who knows their entire empty land like the back of his hands?
5.
THE CASTLE
The first time I saw this movie, I didn't like it because I was young and really don't understand most of the Australian culture. After many times, it began to grow on me and became a pleasant thing to watch. I came to view this film as an outsider and observe the culture of a typical white Australian family from the family bbq to their holiday trip.
THE CASTLE
The first time I saw this movie, I didn't like it because I was young and really don't understand most of the Australian culture. After many times, it began to grow on me and became a pleasant thing to watch. I came to view this film as an outsider and observe the culture of a typical white Australian family from the family bbq to their holiday trip.
4.
KENNY
Honestly I thought this would be a film with literally so many toilet humor. But it turns out to be a funny and pleasantly dramatic portrayal of a man, working in the lowest of job hierarchy. Despite his position in society, Kenny still remains optimistic and considers his job very important to the community. The nice thing about this movie is that its an underdog story that you'll get to see a toilet man actually partaking in opportunities rarely given to anyone of his status: taking care of his son, going to the US for a toilet convention and finding love.
KENNY
Honestly I thought this would be a film with literally so many toilet humor. But it turns out to be a funny and pleasantly dramatic portrayal of a man, working in the lowest of job hierarchy. Despite his position in society, Kenny still remains optimistic and considers his job very important to the community. The nice thing about this movie is that its an underdog story that you'll get to see a toilet man actually partaking in opportunities rarely given to anyone of his status: taking care of his son, going to the US for a toilet convention and finding love.
3.
THE GODDESS OF 1967
This movie is like if Wong Kar-wai directed an Australian film. Directed actually by a Hong Kong filmmaker Clara Law, the film has many elements and style like an New Wave Cinema film, stylized with many bright colors, artistic and unconventional editing and camera-work and little and cryptic dialogue. The story goes that a Japanese man travels to Australia to buy a prized car and ends up going on a road journey across the Outback with a blind girl. The film may sound out there, but the film does bring many subtlety and emotion enough for you to appreciate it.
THE GODDESS OF 1967
This movie is like if Wong Kar-wai directed an Australian film. Directed actually by a Hong Kong filmmaker Clara Law, the film has many elements and style like an New Wave Cinema film, stylized with many bright colors, artistic and unconventional editing and camera-work and little and cryptic dialogue. The story goes that a Japanese man travels to Australia to buy a prized car and ends up going on a road journey across the Outback with a blind girl. The film may sound out there, but the film does bring many subtlety and emotion enough for you to appreciate it.
2.
CROCODILE DUNDEE
Every Australian, including me who doesn't considers himself as an actual Australian, loves this movie so much. Dundee embodies the typical Outback ranger, symbolizing Australia to the whole world. And it is so fun to see a fish-out-of-water situation that places a laid-back simple outdoors man into the modern, tech-savvy city of New York. There are so many iconic moments from the movie, but everyone knows about the "Thats not a knife, thats a knife". The character of Dundee is such full of life and wits, that you just can't help but love him.
CROCODILE DUNDEE
Every Australian, including me who doesn't considers himself as an actual Australian, loves this movie so much. Dundee embodies the typical Outback ranger, symbolizing Australia to the whole world. And it is so fun to see a fish-out-of-water situation that places a laid-back simple outdoors man into the modern, tech-savvy city of New York. There are so many iconic moments from the movie, but everyone knows about the "Thats not a knife, thats a knife". The character of Dundee is such full of life and wits, that you just can't help but love him.
1.
MAD MAX 2
To be fair, only one entry from the Mad Max Series goes into the list, because all three movies are freakin awesome! And that entry goes to my most favorite of the series. While Mad Max and Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome are so great to watch, Mad Max 2: the Road Warrior sets the perfect formula in narrative, characters, action and design while retaining a good balance from Hollywood's support. The first Mad Max was independent and was unknown to Hollywood and Beyond Thunderdome obviously had too much help from Hollywood. Mad Max 2 had a great story where Max stumbles upon and protects a group of settlers and their oil refinery from a group of punk-clad chained bikers led by Lord Humungous. He's not the only evil character that wears a hockey mask over his face. Mel Gibson was awesome as Max. His character was fully developed greatly and all of the characters are intriguing and interesting to have care for, the costumes and set designs are wicked and the final car chase scene near the end is one of the best car chases I have seen ever. If you haven't seen this, this is one Aussie movie you should see.
That is my top ten list! What are your favorites?
MAD MAX 2
To be fair, only one entry from the Mad Max Series goes into the list, because all three movies are freakin awesome! And that entry goes to my most favorite of the series. While Mad Max and Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome are so great to watch, Mad Max 2: the Road Warrior sets the perfect formula in narrative, characters, action and design while retaining a good balance from Hollywood's support. The first Mad Max was independent and was unknown to Hollywood and Beyond Thunderdome obviously had too much help from Hollywood. Mad Max 2 had a great story where Max stumbles upon and protects a group of settlers and their oil refinery from a group of punk-clad chained bikers led by Lord Humungous. He's not the only evil character that wears a hockey mask over his face. Mel Gibson was awesome as Max. His character was fully developed greatly and all of the characters are intriguing and interesting to have care for, the costumes and set designs are wicked and the final car chase scene near the end is one of the best car chases I have seen ever. If you haven't seen this, this is one Aussie movie you should see.
That is my top ten list! What are your favorites?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Finally Read Watchmen
I have never been such a huge geek. If I was, I would have read Alan Moore's most celebrated graphic novel, Watchmen a long long time ago. As much as I'm a huge movie geek, I'm not a big comic book geek and some comic book and graphic novel series were introduced through film adaptations like Sin City and 300. Thus I heard a lot of claims and recommendation everywhere, calling a graphic novel called Watchmen, the greatest graphic novel to be ever made. With all the fuss that every nerds around the world talking about both the novel and the movie adaptation directed by Zack Synder, I finally decided to find the novel Watchman in any way possible. I downloaded the novel (illegally) off the Internet in top quality PDF form and I started reading it right away.
It was pretty good.
The novel totally met my expectation as a complex and deep read. The very interesting element of the novel is that it explored the main character's history as a crime-fighter and their progressive view upon the world and society. Each character sees the world in a different light whether its rotten, flawed or doomed and has their own approach to the dilemma if the world is too late from being saved. History plays an important part in the narrative of the plot as the story consist of flashbacks and world events influenced by the league of superheroes and crime-fighters. The 1950s portrays the glory years of superheroes as they are viewed more like a celebrity icon while superheroism and vigilantes are considered banned in the 1980s and shows the superhero mythology after their glory days. Each of the characters are shown in their position in society after their days as superheroes with Rorschach kind of taking the lead in the plot narrative as an outcast.
For those who haven't read Watchmen (and I recommend that you do), I'll give you a little synopsis of the novel. The novel is set in an alternate timeline in the 1980s where Richard Nixon is still president and "superheroes" existed. The Comedian, superhero-turned-military operative and former member of the Minutemen, was found murdered as he was thrown out of the window of his apartment and Rorschach, blot-face detective and another former member, becomes the only one obsessed in finding the murderer. He soon starts reuniting and even questioning the members of the Minutemen such as Nite Owl and Dr. Manhattan and as he comes close in finding the suspect, he falls into a deadly and dangerous plot that could cost millions of innocent lives. It is not a simple "superhero reunion" story that leads the character into saving the day. The novel questions the status of human lives and history and whatever these characters are doing the right thing for mankind. These characters are trying to be more human than being superheroes and think for humanity than themselves.
To sum up my review, I was glad to finally read the novel and I see why many people love this so much. This is a very intelligent and complex story and study on human society. It is a mix of both fantastical and philosophical elements and it leaves you really pondering whether mankind have indeed improved or not. I have to say that Sin City is still my most favorite graphic novel. Its not that Watchmen is bad. Its not and its a damn good read. Its my preference. I love the whole world created by Frank Miller and the whole stylish and glorified violent film-noir and detective feel in the novel. I also love the characters in Sin City more than in Watchmen. They are just more memorable and badass for me. I mean, I still can't forget Marv, he is really is a badass! And say all you want about how Frank Miller thinks of women in his novels, but I love the women in Sin City. Powerful, forceful and beautiful. Plus the movie is still the best graphic novel adaptation around. Still Watchmen is damn good and I would even rank either second or third on best graphic novel list.
Probably the best thing I got from reading Watchmen is my newfound admiration and respect to Alan Moore. I now see Alan Moore as one of the most intelligent writers I know and have more respect than Frank Miller now. Hey I still love Frank Miller and I still think he's one cool cat, but his involvement in the movie adaptation of The Spirit is just..... eehh. Alan Moore has his own ideals in the comic book and the comic book industry and has a ugly history with Hollywood. I can see why he is pissed about Hollywood as they have taken three of his finest and well-praised works (From Hell, V for Vendetta and the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) and adapted them into mediocre and disastrous. V for Vendetta was actually good (in my opinion) and From Hell was ok, but League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen was just bad! Now his most prized and precious work ever is now treated for a movie adaptation, to be released next year. From the looks of it, I can say it looks alright, but I'm not sure. Only time will tell if its gonna be a good film.
It was pretty good.
The novel totally met my expectation as a complex and deep read. The very interesting element of the novel is that it explored the main character's history as a crime-fighter and their progressive view upon the world and society. Each character sees the world in a different light whether its rotten, flawed or doomed and has their own approach to the dilemma if the world is too late from being saved. History plays an important part in the narrative of the plot as the story consist of flashbacks and world events influenced by the league of superheroes and crime-fighters. The 1950s portrays the glory years of superheroes as they are viewed more like a celebrity icon while superheroism and vigilantes are considered banned in the 1980s and shows the superhero mythology after their glory days. Each of the characters are shown in their position in society after their days as superheroes with Rorschach kind of taking the lead in the plot narrative as an outcast.
For those who haven't read Watchmen (and I recommend that you do), I'll give you a little synopsis of the novel. The novel is set in an alternate timeline in the 1980s where Richard Nixon is still president and "superheroes" existed. The Comedian, superhero-turned-military operative and former member of the Minutemen, was found murdered as he was thrown out of the window of his apartment and Rorschach, blot-face detective and another former member, becomes the only one obsessed in finding the murderer. He soon starts reuniting and even questioning the members of the Minutemen such as Nite Owl and Dr. Manhattan and as he comes close in finding the suspect, he falls into a deadly and dangerous plot that could cost millions of innocent lives. It is not a simple "superhero reunion" story that leads the character into saving the day. The novel questions the status of human lives and history and whatever these characters are doing the right thing for mankind. These characters are trying to be more human than being superheroes and think for humanity than themselves.
To sum up my review, I was glad to finally read the novel and I see why many people love this so much. This is a very intelligent and complex story and study on human society. It is a mix of both fantastical and philosophical elements and it leaves you really pondering whether mankind have indeed improved or not. I have to say that Sin City is still my most favorite graphic novel. Its not that Watchmen is bad. Its not and its a damn good read. Its my preference. I love the whole world created by Frank Miller and the whole stylish and glorified violent film-noir and detective feel in the novel. I also love the characters in Sin City more than in Watchmen. They are just more memorable and badass for me. I mean, I still can't forget Marv, he is really is a badass! And say all you want about how Frank Miller thinks of women in his novels, but I love the women in Sin City. Powerful, forceful and beautiful. Plus the movie is still the best graphic novel adaptation around. Still Watchmen is damn good and I would even rank either second or third on best graphic novel list.
Probably the best thing I got from reading Watchmen is my newfound admiration and respect to Alan Moore. I now see Alan Moore as one of the most intelligent writers I know and have more respect than Frank Miller now. Hey I still love Frank Miller and I still think he's one cool cat, but his involvement in the movie adaptation of The Spirit is just..... eehh. Alan Moore has his own ideals in the comic book and the comic book industry and has a ugly history with Hollywood. I can see why he is pissed about Hollywood as they have taken three of his finest and well-praised works (From Hell, V for Vendetta and the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) and adapted them into mediocre and disastrous. V for Vendetta was actually good (in my opinion) and From Hell was ok, but League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen was just bad! Now his most prized and precious work ever is now treated for a movie adaptation, to be released next year. From the looks of it, I can say it looks alright, but I'm not sure. Only time will tell if its gonna be a good film.
Friday, November 14, 2008
The EGames Expo (Kinda like E3, but a lot smaller)
Well after such excruciating, yet interesting time writing my 7000 word exegesis at the end of my semester, it was appropriate for me to now have fun. And what better way to satisfy my inner geek than to attend the E-Games Expo and play so many new video games non-stop.
People may be wondering what is E-Games. Australia doesn't get a lot of good stuff like America. I mean what do we get? Meat pies, footy and VBs? Those are shit! America has Hollywood, basketball, Disneyworld and E3! When you go to E3, you're there to get a taste for brand-new upcoming games from all three video games consoles. E3 is so freakin huge. You can say that E-Games is the Australian equivalent of E3, except its 3 times smaller, not a lot of new games and not so much fancy. But hey, its cheap!
Plus I had a chance to try out new games I've been wanting to try for a long time. And the main idea of attending the E-Games Expo is not to be a video game critic, but to have fun and de-stressed from my last semester of my Masters. So I'm gonna give my first impressions on the new and upcoming games I played at E-Games.
Little Big Planet
I LOVE this game! Its exactly what gaming is about. Near-limitless creativity, unique design, very fun humor and a very expansive world. You can possibly do and make anything in this game. It may look like a simple platformer game, but the wonderful character customization, engaging gameplay and universal multiplayer design makes this game a must-buy!
Resistance 2
I don't mind shooter games and this is one of the good shooter franchise around. The story is better and the bosses are big and huge, but its the same as Resistance 1.
Gears of War 2
Same goes for this. Just the same as Gears of War 1, the story progress further and brand new levels.
Prince of Persia
I'm so glad with the changes in the new series of Prince of Persia. I like the new acrobatic system, the more dream-like design and the epic story. One thing I find cheap is that you can't actually die and reset the level. Whenever you accidentally fall off the ledge or about to be stabbed by the enemy, Elika will be there to save you and the game will still continue, removing the whole competitive flow out of it.
Resident Evil 5 (BETA)
I played the demo and there are some quirks that needed to be fixed. For example, the enemy A.I is not too good as at times, the infected seem to be just doing nothing whenever you're close to them, making them not to intimidated. Other than that, the game looks pretty awesome.
Mirror's Edge (BETA)
Very dizzying and confusing at first, but once you get a hang of the controls and viewpoint, its a very different gaming experience.
Call of Duty: World at War
Disappointing as the last Call of Duty was the one of the best shooters I ever played and this game took a step backward literally. Not that its a bad game. Its still good, but not as great as Call of Duty 4.
Wii Music
...Gay!
There are plenty of other games I played over that either old or slightly new. That said, it was a two-day event for me and I really enjoyed it. Especially having an awesome time playing Little Big Planet!
The highlight of the expo...... Winning an awesome Little Big Planet T-Shirt! I never knew I could get an awesome T-Shirt with Sackboy on it! I was so completely awestruck by what happened!
Geez.. people were jealous of me :P
People may be wondering what is E-Games. Australia doesn't get a lot of good stuff like America. I mean what do we get? Meat pies, footy and VBs? Those are shit! America has Hollywood, basketball, Disneyworld and E3! When you go to E3, you're there to get a taste for brand-new upcoming games from all three video games consoles. E3 is so freakin huge. You can say that E-Games is the Australian equivalent of E3, except its 3 times smaller, not a lot of new games and not so much fancy. But hey, its cheap!
Plus I had a chance to try out new games I've been wanting to try for a long time. And the main idea of attending the E-Games Expo is not to be a video game critic, but to have fun and de-stressed from my last semester of my Masters. So I'm gonna give my first impressions on the new and upcoming games I played at E-Games.
Little Big Planet
I LOVE this game! Its exactly what gaming is about. Near-limitless creativity, unique design, very fun humor and a very expansive world. You can possibly do and make anything in this game. It may look like a simple platformer game, but the wonderful character customization, engaging gameplay and universal multiplayer design makes this game a must-buy!
Resistance 2
I don't mind shooter games and this is one of the good shooter franchise around. The story is better and the bosses are big and huge, but its the same as Resistance 1.
Gears of War 2
Same goes for this. Just the same as Gears of War 1, the story progress further and brand new levels.
Prince of Persia
I'm so glad with the changes in the new series of Prince of Persia. I like the new acrobatic system, the more dream-like design and the epic story. One thing I find cheap is that you can't actually die and reset the level. Whenever you accidentally fall off the ledge or about to be stabbed by the enemy, Elika will be there to save you and the game will still continue, removing the whole competitive flow out of it.
Resident Evil 5 (BETA)
I played the demo and there are some quirks that needed to be fixed. For example, the enemy A.I is not too good as at times, the infected seem to be just doing nothing whenever you're close to them, making them not to intimidated. Other than that, the game looks pretty awesome.
Mirror's Edge (BETA)
Very dizzying and confusing at first, but once you get a hang of the controls and viewpoint, its a very different gaming experience.
Call of Duty: World at War
Disappointing as the last Call of Duty was the one of the best shooters I ever played and this game took a step backward literally. Not that its a bad game. Its still good, but not as great as Call of Duty 4.
Wii Music
...Gay!
There are plenty of other games I played over that either old or slightly new. That said, it was a two-day event for me and I really enjoyed it. Especially having an awesome time playing Little Big Planet!
The highlight of the expo...... Winning an awesome Little Big Planet T-Shirt! I never knew I could get an awesome T-Shirt with Sackboy on it! I was so completely awestruck by what happened!
Geez.. people were jealous of me :P
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Pixar's Next Movie, UP
I have been following Pixar ever since I was a child and it was a big milestone when they made WALL-E, a huge challenge for them to tell a story in the field of "silent movies". This idea of making a movie about a Charlie-Chaplin robot was very new and it delivered in any form of poetry, beauty and magic. There is really something about Pixar that you can't put your hands on. They already have a reputation in giving people wonderful and imaginative stories and it seems they haven't run out on that magic they possess. Surely any animation studio like Dreamworks can give audience what they want, Pixar can give the audience something different.
Already when I finished watching the new trailer for the new Pixar film "UP", I can sense another grand adventure brewing. How could you not be excited on taking a ride on a two-storey house carried by millions of helium-fueled balloons into the sky? That is the basic premise of this new film. Along for the ride is a grouchy old man named Carl and a boy scout, Russell who are traveling to a lost world, meet unexpected villains and confront terrifying creatures within the heart of the dark jungles. Now I'm sold right there. I'm still marvel by the beauty of WALL-E and now Pixar gave me something to look forward to next year.
Go and check out the trailer!
Already when I finished watching the new trailer for the new Pixar film "UP", I can sense another grand adventure brewing. How could you not be excited on taking a ride on a two-storey house carried by millions of helium-fueled balloons into the sky? That is the basic premise of this new film. Along for the ride is a grouchy old man named Carl and a boy scout, Russell who are traveling to a lost world, meet unexpected villains and confront terrifying creatures within the heart of the dark jungles. Now I'm sold right there. I'm still marvel by the beauty of WALL-E and now Pixar gave me something to look forward to next year.
Go and check out the trailer!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Change For The Better
Starting to feel patriotic now...
This is just a quick sketch with my Wacom and this illustrates how I felt on that day. Even though I'm living here in Australia, I was born in the US, which makes me American. And right now for a long time, I feel proud to be one.
This election was very important, not just for USA, but for the entire world. Through the past years, we and America have been threading on muddy waters and we needed to do something about it. Americans are now smart enough to realize that they need to change. To actually take risk and endure what is up ahead. That they cannot rely on the same old ideas. Obama is the one they need. I'm so excited that Obama is now the new and the first Black President in US history, how symbolic is that?!
I would like to thank anyone who have supported Obama at the start of the race. For those who supported the opposition, don't feel bad. McCain isn't bad, in fact he's really good as he actually protested against Bush. Its just bad timing. The Republicans already had a bad name to itself, economy has gone bad and McCain is just too old. Plus Palin kinda didn't look convincing.
Who woulda thunk? We would have a black president someday. I'm Asian and this means alot to me. What I have witnessed is something revolutionary, a start of something new. Something that we have been hoping for a long time. And I hope he does a heck of a job!
Fun trivia: Barrack Obama was born in Hawaii, I was born in Hawaii!!! How awesome is that?!
This is just a quick sketch with my Wacom and this illustrates how I felt on that day. Even though I'm living here in Australia, I was born in the US, which makes me American. And right now for a long time, I feel proud to be one.
This election was very important, not just for USA, but for the entire world. Through the past years, we and America have been threading on muddy waters and we needed to do something about it. Americans are now smart enough to realize that they need to change. To actually take risk and endure what is up ahead. That they cannot rely on the same old ideas. Obama is the one they need. I'm so excited that Obama is now the new and the first Black President in US history, how symbolic is that?!
I would like to thank anyone who have supported Obama at the start of the race. For those who supported the opposition, don't feel bad. McCain isn't bad, in fact he's really good as he actually protested against Bush. Its just bad timing. The Republicans already had a bad name to itself, economy has gone bad and McCain is just too old. Plus Palin kinda didn't look convincing.
Who woulda thunk? We would have a black president someday. I'm Asian and this means alot to me. What I have witnessed is something revolutionary, a start of something new. Something that we have been hoping for a long time. And I hope he does a heck of a job!
Fun trivia: Barrack Obama was born in Hawaii, I was born in Hawaii!!! How awesome is that?!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Time For Politics
Yeah, I'm not really keen in politics. If there's one thing I don't talk about in anything, its politics. However as I'm growing up, I'll soon have to realize that the state of government will eventually influence me, my way of living and even our future. Yeah, I don't like to sound like a downright serious preacher, but you'll see when you kids grow up. And you know.... this is probably the first grown-up blog entry I have written in my life.
But thing is I'm not talking about my country's government. You have probably known about the American election for presidency between Barrack Obama and John McCain. Why would I care about the state from another country than mine, here in Australia? Well for one thing, I was born in Hawaii and that makes me American and I have every right to care for the US. More importantly, the United States of America is probably the centerpiece of the entire world. No matter if they love or hate them, every country cares about the US. You can say that America represents everything: freedom, opportunity, unity, love, hate, tyranny, spoiled, powerful. As much as other countries are very powerful and influential, it really matters what America decides and contributes to the entire world. And right now, nothing is more important than the Election between Barrack Obama and John McCain as the decision affects the entire future.
Some of these stuffs I'm talking about may not matter to you yet because the majority of you are probably very young and live in another country. But its best to at least have knowledge about the surrounding of current events and even politics because in the end, you have to know whats best for your future. You'll have to admit George W. Bush did not do a good job as being the Leader of the most powerful nation in the world. People have made of him as being incompetent and idiotic. Yeah for Bill Clinton, he has the humiliation of being labeled as a sex pig, but as least he's not a moron. People call George W. Bush an idiot because he is an idiot. He really did made bad decisions especially with the War in Iraq for what purpose. If by "weapons of mass destruction", you mean "oil". If you suggested that Afghanistan was suspect of plotting 9/11, why attack Iraq? I know Saddam Hussein is evil in Iraq and I know you executed him, but have you found Osama Bin Laden yet, the person who actually plotted 9/11? If you have listen to Al Gore, you know about the dangers of Climate Change. So why are you still going after oil? Lastly Bush can't bring himself to be a strong and confident leader and always look like he doesn't know what he's doing. In the end, its the American people who voted for George W. Bush for both first and second term, which is in a way their fault. You let the idiot run the White House for eight years and managed to f*ck up your country.
In a way, this election is very important. And it is clearly obvious who the best decision is. And no, its not McCain and Palin. As much as McCain has great experience in running the White House, his plan is the same plan George W. Bush employed in his run as President. You can compare McCain and Obama as one of them is dusty old vinyl record with a brand spanking new vinyl record. Aren't these same old ideas are the ones that got America and probably the whole world in a pickle? Ever since Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention, I believe he's the man for the job. I believe we need change and I believe every word he has said. Not that I have no respect for McCain, he looks like a nice guy. And Palin may be a sweet old woman. But they, to me, are not convincing enough to be strong and influential leaders. Already it is not a good sign that anyone can make fun of them because of their traits, ideas and their past. McCain is old as dust and Palin is a moose-killer. I can see people making fun of Obama, but its very rare. And what an ideal kind of president to have for America. Obama could be the first Black President of the United State and he's half Muslim. Thats symbolism of unity and prosperity for you.
I may be wrong and the choice for President may be a kick in my butt, but I know who I want for President of the USA. Don't we all wonder what it would be like if Gore was President? Even though Gore didn't make it as President, he managed to scare the pants off me with his pie charts and his news on Global Warming. His film, An Inconvenient Truth really made people think on how we look after our planet and got everyone starting to take drastic actions. That's more than what President George W. Bush has done. I really hope for the very best of America because as much as I'm home in Australia, my birthplace is America and we all wish for a better future.
So in one sentence: Barrack Obama for President...
But thing is I'm not talking about my country's government. You have probably known about the American election for presidency between Barrack Obama and John McCain. Why would I care about the state from another country than mine, here in Australia? Well for one thing, I was born in Hawaii and that makes me American and I have every right to care for the US. More importantly, the United States of America is probably the centerpiece of the entire world. No matter if they love or hate them, every country cares about the US. You can say that America represents everything: freedom, opportunity, unity, love, hate, tyranny, spoiled, powerful. As much as other countries are very powerful and influential, it really matters what America decides and contributes to the entire world. And right now, nothing is more important than the Election between Barrack Obama and John McCain as the decision affects the entire future.
Some of these stuffs I'm talking about may not matter to you yet because the majority of you are probably very young and live in another country. But its best to at least have knowledge about the surrounding of current events and even politics because in the end, you have to know whats best for your future. You'll have to admit George W. Bush did not do a good job as being the Leader of the most powerful nation in the world. People have made of him as being incompetent and idiotic. Yeah for Bill Clinton, he has the humiliation of being labeled as a sex pig, but as least he's not a moron. People call George W. Bush an idiot because he is an idiot. He really did made bad decisions especially with the War in Iraq for what purpose. If by "weapons of mass destruction", you mean "oil". If you suggested that Afghanistan was suspect of plotting 9/11, why attack Iraq? I know Saddam Hussein is evil in Iraq and I know you executed him, but have you found Osama Bin Laden yet, the person who actually plotted 9/11? If you have listen to Al Gore, you know about the dangers of Climate Change. So why are you still going after oil? Lastly Bush can't bring himself to be a strong and confident leader and always look like he doesn't know what he's doing. In the end, its the American people who voted for George W. Bush for both first and second term, which is in a way their fault. You let the idiot run the White House for eight years and managed to f*ck up your country.
In a way, this election is very important. And it is clearly obvious who the best decision is. And no, its not McCain and Palin. As much as McCain has great experience in running the White House, his plan is the same plan George W. Bush employed in his run as President. You can compare McCain and Obama as one of them is dusty old vinyl record with a brand spanking new vinyl record. Aren't these same old ideas are the ones that got America and probably the whole world in a pickle? Ever since Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention, I believe he's the man for the job. I believe we need change and I believe every word he has said. Not that I have no respect for McCain, he looks like a nice guy. And Palin may be a sweet old woman. But they, to me, are not convincing enough to be strong and influential leaders. Already it is not a good sign that anyone can make fun of them because of their traits, ideas and their past. McCain is old as dust and Palin is a moose-killer. I can see people making fun of Obama, but its very rare. And what an ideal kind of president to have for America. Obama could be the first Black President of the United State and he's half Muslim. Thats symbolism of unity and prosperity for you.
I may be wrong and the choice for President may be a kick in my butt, but I know who I want for President of the USA. Don't we all wonder what it would be like if Gore was President? Even though Gore didn't make it as President, he managed to scare the pants off me with his pie charts and his news on Global Warming. His film, An Inconvenient Truth really made people think on how we look after our planet and got everyone starting to take drastic actions. That's more than what President George W. Bush has done. I really hope for the very best of America because as much as I'm home in Australia, my birthplace is America and we all wish for a better future.
So in one sentence: Barrack Obama for President...
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Rabbit of Seville
Kids grew up with Looney Tunes. There's no denying it that anyone has seen any fragmentation of Looney Tunes at any part of their lives. Aside from Mickey Mouse cartoons, Looney Tunes were a daily part of my childhood and have seen every antics of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester the Cat, Tweety, Porky Pig, you name it. And if anyone would ask me "What is my favorite Bugs Bunny cartoon? What is the most memorable?", I would have to answer "Rabbit of Seville".
Another Chuck Jones cartoon, this one was so much fun to watch and there are so many memorable and clever cartoon gags to have yourself a good time. This is a Chuck Jones cartoon where Bugs and Elmer are just at each other, set to Overture of Barber of Seville. The first part gets the pace moving, but its the second part everything gets to shine. Since I have studied about silent films for my Masters, I became so fascinated by the antics of Chaplin and Keaton and this brings forth my love of silent comedy, everything in time with the tune.
Most would have considered "Whats Opera Doc?" as Chuck's best out of his Bug Bunny cartoon and I would have to agree. The grand scale of color and mood of "What's Opera Doc?" was very epic of that time. I just prefer Overture from the opera Barber of Seville than the songs from Wagner. When it comes to comedy with music, I'm all about synchronization. When a director gets the timing of the comedy right down to the T, I automatically praise him/her as a great director. That is a mark of an amazing director. And hey, thats why everyone knows about Chuck Jones.
Check it out!
Another Chuck Jones cartoon, this one was so much fun to watch and there are so many memorable and clever cartoon gags to have yourself a good time. This is a Chuck Jones cartoon where Bugs and Elmer are just at each other, set to Overture of Barber of Seville. The first part gets the pace moving, but its the second part everything gets to shine. Since I have studied about silent films for my Masters, I became so fascinated by the antics of Chaplin and Keaton and this brings forth my love of silent comedy, everything in time with the tune.
Most would have considered "Whats Opera Doc?" as Chuck's best out of his Bug Bunny cartoon and I would have to agree. The grand scale of color and mood of "What's Opera Doc?" was very epic of that time. I just prefer Overture from the opera Barber of Seville than the songs from Wagner. When it comes to comedy with music, I'm all about synchronization. When a director gets the timing of the comedy right down to the T, I automatically praise him/her as a great director. That is a mark of an amazing director. And hey, thats why everyone knows about Chuck Jones.
Check it out!
Friday, October 3, 2008
My Top Ten: Most Favorite Anime Series
Upon the release of the new Dragonball movie (which is doomed from the start), I began reminiscing my time as a anime fanboy. If cartoons was my childhood, then anime is my teen years. Anime became the IN thing for me back in high school as for every teenagers out there. I would find ways to watch anime shows, old or new on TV or from my friend's torrent downloads. No doubt it was just a phase in my life and I soon lost interest in it during my Bachelor studies. But a few of the anime series have been so influential to me as a storyteller while it was just so awesome to watch. So that said, for this month's Top Ten is for my most favorite anime series in my lifetime.
(Note: this list qualifies TV shows and OVAs)
(Note: this list qualifies TV shows and OVAs)
10.
NEON GENESIS EVANGELION
Probably one of the earliest anime series I have seen, it was a well-developed and action-packed show that isn't just about giant robots fighting giant monsters. Despite my disinterest of robots, this was an exception for me and in fact the real stars of the show aren't the giant robots, but the actual human characters that are piloting those things. Alright, you got Shinji who is very wimpy all the time that you need his father and everyone else to piss him off. Then you got Rei who is just weird, but also kinda cute. Then there's Asuka who is the normal-looking loud-mouthed hot chick and is probably the idol of every fanboy's dream. The characters are developed very well and there are so many elements of Christianity Mythology into the plot of the world destruction. Plus there's so many freaky and weird stuff included into the mix. The ending of the TV series was anti-climatic, which gave the reason to produce The End of Evangelion movie. And that brought a whole new level of serious freaky sh*t.
NEON GENESIS EVANGELION
Probably one of the earliest anime series I have seen, it was a well-developed and action-packed show that isn't just about giant robots fighting giant monsters. Despite my disinterest of robots, this was an exception for me and in fact the real stars of the show aren't the giant robots, but the actual human characters that are piloting those things. Alright, you got Shinji who is very wimpy all the time that you need his father and everyone else to piss him off. Then you got Rei who is just weird, but also kinda cute. Then there's Asuka who is the normal-looking loud-mouthed hot chick and is probably the idol of every fanboy's dream. The characters are developed very well and there are so many elements of Christianity Mythology into the plot of the world destruction. Plus there's so many freaky and weird stuff included into the mix. The ending of the TV series was anti-climatic, which gave the reason to produce The End of Evangelion movie. And that brought a whole new level of serious freaky sh*t.
9.
LOVE HINA
Another early anime series I have watched and my own introduction to the term: fanservice. If you can forget about all the time Naru aka B*tch hits Keitaro into the horizon, this is a very fun, cute and enjoyable show to watch. I mean its every nerd's dream to run a hotel full of cute and pretty, yet weird looking girls. These girls have such weird personalities and interesting back-stories that they brought so many exciting elements into every adventures, drama and romance. I still don't see how Keitaro could like such a girl like Naru. The girl is a total B*TCH! Again, the ending fell out of place if you're counting both the TV series and the Love Hina Again OVAs. And Love Hina Again is again serious freaky sh*t! I mean incest-love, whats with the Japanese?
LOVE HINA
Another early anime series I have watched and my own introduction to the term: fanservice. If you can forget about all the time Naru aka B*tch hits Keitaro into the horizon, this is a very fun, cute and enjoyable show to watch. I mean its every nerd's dream to run a hotel full of cute and pretty, yet weird looking girls. These girls have such weird personalities and interesting back-stories that they brought so many exciting elements into every adventures, drama and romance. I still don't see how Keitaro could like such a girl like Naru. The girl is a total B*TCH! Again, the ending fell out of place if you're counting both the TV series and the Love Hina Again OVAs. And Love Hina Again is again serious freaky sh*t! I mean incest-love, whats with the Japanese?
8.
ONE PIECE
Dragonball was ok and I have no interest in Naruto, but if there's one thing I love from Shonen Jump is One Piece. It brought two things I love that suited my taste: weird characters and pirates. I mean what doesn't promise you grand epic adventures than pirates? The ragtag group of the Straw-Hat Pirates have such interesting characters with very unique abilities with Luffy the Captain being my favorite out of the group. Stretching ability is very rare among the comic and animated world and I'm glad this ability was put to full good use. Throughout the series, there has been so many great story arcs, taking them to weird and wonderful places and meeting up with new and interesting characters and its still going. Only time will tell when the creators will close it up.
ONE PIECE
Dragonball was ok and I have no interest in Naruto, but if there's one thing I love from Shonen Jump is One Piece. It brought two things I love that suited my taste: weird characters and pirates. I mean what doesn't promise you grand epic adventures than pirates? The ragtag group of the Straw-Hat Pirates have such interesting characters with very unique abilities with Luffy the Captain being my favorite out of the group. Stretching ability is very rare among the comic and animated world and I'm glad this ability was put to full good use. Throughout the series, there has been so many great story arcs, taking them to weird and wonderful places and meeting up with new and interesting characters and its still going. Only time will tell when the creators will close it up.
7.
TRIGUN
There is nothing so cool than the Wild West. The gunfights, the standoffs, the good, the bad and the ugly. The battle of good and evil in the hot blazing desert with two silver six-shooters. And this is what this show is about. Until you realized its in the freakin future. What kept this show very interesting is the whole mystery and backstory behind Vash the Stampede, the $$60 Billion Bounty. What throws everybody including a bunch of reporters and his pursers is one minute is a total goof and the next minute he is the most serious dark-looking man you ever come across. In addition to the coolness of the series, you have Nicholas D. Woofwoode who is a gun-wielding priest. And carries a giant cross which is actually a freakin huge mini cannon! How awesome is that?!
TRIGUN
There is nothing so cool than the Wild West. The gunfights, the standoffs, the good, the bad and the ugly. The battle of good and evil in the hot blazing desert with two silver six-shooters. And this is what this show is about. Until you realized its in the freakin future. What kept this show very interesting is the whole mystery and backstory behind Vash the Stampede, the $$60 Billion Bounty. What throws everybody including a bunch of reporters and his pursers is one minute is a total goof and the next minute he is the most serious dark-looking man you ever come across. In addition to the coolness of the series, you have Nicholas D. Woofwoode who is a gun-wielding priest. And carries a giant cross which is actually a freakin huge mini cannon! How awesome is that?!
6.
SCHOOL RUMBLE
This is one very funny and random show. This very much satire every high school romance anime shows out there and the timing and content of the humor is just spot on! Many times where you thought in one episode that it builds up a serious and convincing plot to the series and at the end, it slaps you in the face and tells you "No this didn't happen". My most favorite character in the series is Kenji Harima, who is a total badass poser and is trying to win the affection of the air-head Tenma Tsukamoto. I know how he must feel because I was like that in high school, looking for love and yet I didn't succeed. The humor may be jumping all over the place, but the show is fast-paced, very adorable and just down right crazy.
SCHOOL RUMBLE
This is one very funny and random show. This very much satire every high school romance anime shows out there and the timing and content of the humor is just spot on! Many times where you thought in one episode that it builds up a serious and convincing plot to the series and at the end, it slaps you in the face and tells you "No this didn't happen". My most favorite character in the series is Kenji Harima, who is a total badass poser and is trying to win the affection of the air-head Tenma Tsukamoto. I know how he must feel because I was like that in high school, looking for love and yet I didn't succeed. The humor may be jumping all over the place, but the show is fast-paced, very adorable and just down right crazy.
5.
EXCEL SAGA
Speaking of down-right crazy, Excel Saga is unapologetically insane! This show makes fun of everything about Japan and even a bit of the US. Plus you have a main female character who speaks as fast as a freakin Fighter Jet, a girl who just dies every 15 minutes and an evil villain who can't even conquer one measly city. The list of humor goes from the director of the series resembling Lupin the 3rd to a Power Rangers team blowing up a guy who is just littering to a black afro guy doing the Kamehameha wave. This show is just mind-blowingly crazy! Though you can say the series may lose some steam halfway through the season, but it picks up satisfyingly near the end.
EXCEL SAGA
Speaking of down-right crazy, Excel Saga is unapologetically insane! This show makes fun of everything about Japan and even a bit of the US. Plus you have a main female character who speaks as fast as a freakin Fighter Jet, a girl who just dies every 15 minutes and an evil villain who can't even conquer one measly city. The list of humor goes from the director of the series resembling Lupin the 3rd to a Power Rangers team blowing up a guy who is just littering to a black afro guy doing the Kamehameha wave. This show is just mind-blowingly crazy! Though you can say the series may lose some steam halfway through the season, but it picks up satisfyingly near the end.
4.
FRUITS BASKET
This is probably the most dramatic anime show I have ever seen. It could have been a funny show about people turning into animals, but the creators have gone real deep by making the transformation as a dark twisted curse. The idea of transformation through a person's embrace from the opposite gender brings up many issues of isolation, loneliness, fear of outcast and the stoic feeling of never being loved. The one person that bring these tortured souls into the light is one girl named Tohru Honda, who represents a different kind of heroine. She's not a tough superpower girl who is wielding a gun, but a simple optimistic high school girl who appears very wise in telling about the values of life. There are many funny moments in the show as well as some heartbreaking times that will make you cry. I almost cried while watching this show. This is a very emotional, yet heartwarming show that make so warm and cuddly like a hug from your loved one.
FRUITS BASKET
This is probably the most dramatic anime show I have ever seen. It could have been a funny show about people turning into animals, but the creators have gone real deep by making the transformation as a dark twisted curse. The idea of transformation through a person's embrace from the opposite gender brings up many issues of isolation, loneliness, fear of outcast and the stoic feeling of never being loved. The one person that bring these tortured souls into the light is one girl named Tohru Honda, who represents a different kind of heroine. She's not a tough superpower girl who is wielding a gun, but a simple optimistic high school girl who appears very wise in telling about the values of life. There are many funny moments in the show as well as some heartbreaking times that will make you cry. I almost cried while watching this show. This is a very emotional, yet heartwarming show that make so warm and cuddly like a hug from your loved one.
3.
BECK: MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD
I love rock music! And I love reading any story about a band's rise to fame. This presents a grunge look on the rock music industry and aspiring musicians, telling the story of one Japanese band influenced by American rock trying to hit it big in the US. You really feel for these characters as they hit speed bumps and devastating mistakes that could spell the end of the band. Not to mention hating on the jerks that are trying to make the members' lives miserable. You really want this band to succeed. The soundtrack of the series is just great to listen to as many songs ranged from hard rock, to slang-type rap to techno pop. The animation is different from any mainstream anime series and the content of both humor and drama is subtle.
BECK: MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD
I love rock music! And I love reading any story about a band's rise to fame. This presents a grunge look on the rock music industry and aspiring musicians, telling the story of one Japanese band influenced by American rock trying to hit it big in the US. You really feel for these characters as they hit speed bumps and devastating mistakes that could spell the end of the band. Not to mention hating on the jerks that are trying to make the members' lives miserable. You really want this band to succeed. The soundtrack of the series is just great to listen to as many songs ranged from hard rock, to slang-type rap to techno pop. The animation is different from any mainstream anime series and the content of both humor and drama is subtle.
2.
FLCL
This is such an underdog, either you can appreciate it or completely hate it. For me, I freakin love it! At only six episodes, you still get mastery direction, unique animations, dizzyingly crazy fight scenes and one simple yet intriguing story. Its a story of growing up with robots and girls on scooter and features many weird but believable characters that you tend to love them more once you know them like a friend from high school. Haruko is one weird girl, she's spontaneous, adorable and even downright dangerous, which makes ever more an interesting character. The other half of FLCL's success is the soundtrack by the Pillows. When I first watched FLCL, it introduced me to the mighty Pillows and they are now and still one of my most favorite bands ever! The choice of songs from the Pillows fit so perfectly into the show and their music are just awesome! Not to mention having the most awesome closing credits ever in anime.
FLCL is just so close to being number one, but its just slightly beaten by one perfect anime series....
FLCL
This is such an underdog, either you can appreciate it or completely hate it. For me, I freakin love it! At only six episodes, you still get mastery direction, unique animations, dizzyingly crazy fight scenes and one simple yet intriguing story. Its a story of growing up with robots and girls on scooter and features many weird but believable characters that you tend to love them more once you know them like a friend from high school. Haruko is one weird girl, she's spontaneous, adorable and even downright dangerous, which makes ever more an interesting character. The other half of FLCL's success is the soundtrack by the Pillows. When I first watched FLCL, it introduced me to the mighty Pillows and they are now and still one of my most favorite bands ever! The choice of songs from the Pillows fit so perfectly into the show and their music are just awesome! Not to mention having the most awesome closing credits ever in anime.
FLCL is just so close to being number one, but its just slightly beaten by one perfect anime series....
1.
COWBOY BEBOP
This show is just plain cool! You can't never ever get an anime that is so freakin cool as Cowboy Bebop! This show is just perfect! Perfect cast of characters, perfect animation, perfect stories in each episode, perfect dialogue and supremely perfect soundtrack. Yoko Kanno has delivered the most coolest and most awesome soundtrack in any anime show, bringing the mix of smooth and blaring jazz and futuristic space as a perfect match. The cool crew of the Bebop ship features Spike Spiegel, the coolest animated character to ever be drawn on celluloid, Faye Valentine, the tasty buxom femme fatale, Jet Black, the tough-as-nail captain, Ed, the weird computer girl and Ein, the smartest dog around. The show never slows down, bring about the same energy as jazz itself while the actual main storyline brings an intrigue and mysterious feel into the mix, which features a mysterious woman and a cold-blooded killer. The series brings to a solid perfect end that will make you tearful as you watch the closing credit. And you know what I mean. Heck even if I lost interest in anime, I still watch this over and over again! If you are an anime lover and haven't seen this show, then shame on you! Go freakin see the show! Bow to the awesomeness of its series opening!
That is my top ten list! What are your favorites?
COWBOY BEBOP
This show is just plain cool! You can't never ever get an anime that is so freakin cool as Cowboy Bebop! This show is just perfect! Perfect cast of characters, perfect animation, perfect stories in each episode, perfect dialogue and supremely perfect soundtrack. Yoko Kanno has delivered the most coolest and most awesome soundtrack in any anime show, bringing the mix of smooth and blaring jazz and futuristic space as a perfect match. The cool crew of the Bebop ship features Spike Spiegel, the coolest animated character to ever be drawn on celluloid, Faye Valentine, the tasty buxom femme fatale, Jet Black, the tough-as-nail captain, Ed, the weird computer girl and Ein, the smartest dog around. The show never slows down, bring about the same energy as jazz itself while the actual main storyline brings an intrigue and mysterious feel into the mix, which features a mysterious woman and a cold-blooded killer. The series brings to a solid perfect end that will make you tearful as you watch the closing credit. And you know what I mean. Heck even if I lost interest in anime, I still watch this over and over again! If you are an anime lover and haven't seen this show, then shame on you! Go freakin see the show! Bow to the awesomeness of its series opening!
That is my top ten list! What are your favorites?
Dragonball the Movie: Its Gonna Suck!
When I heard news that people are green-liting the new Dragonball movie based of the mangas by Akira Toriyama, I already knew that its gonna suck, hard and dry. While never a fan of Dragonball, I do enjoy watching from time to time and its fun seeing huge testosterone jocks duking each other out with energy blasts and earth-shattering moves. This series has elements of chinese mythology, weird characters, interplanetary scenarios and hardcore battles where anything is possible. A series like this could never work in a Hollywood movie. Before they released the trailer, the movie was just filled with wrongs. Kid from War of the World doesn't fit the character of Goku, movie sets somewhere like LA, Bulma's hair isn't blue, no Krillin and freakin Piccolo isn't green and looks like a vampire.
The lucky director for this film, is James Wong who have directed such films as Final Destination and The One. Wong may have not a colorful line of works while having been worked on the X-Files and The One, but he managed to hit it big time with Dragonball though I question his choice of music in all of films where most are angry heavy music. Though I can't see Wong directing such crazy actions that the manga and anime of Dragonball have delivered. Even though the fight scenes with Jet Li in the One were kinda innovative and wacky, its still not enough to convince me. And it is still not convincing of all the choices he makes for the story, characters and etc. And I don't care if a Japanese or an American is casted as Goku, but a very convincing actor. And a wimpy kid as Goku is not good!
The one painful stab in the heart for me is the casting of Chow Yun Fat for Master Roshi. I mean come on! Its the legendary Chow Yun Fat! That gun-wielding trenchcoat-wearing badass motherf*cker! He's the coolest Asian ever grace the screen and it breaks my heart to see him in this kind of film! Why Ken why?! It was great to see him in Pirates of the Caribbean, but I was furious that he died a pathetic death (you know what I mean) and never a chance to see him fight as a pirate. Now I fear this is the same thing happening to one of my favorite Asian icons. He's doesn't even look like Roshi! He shouldn't be there doing martial arts and blasting fireballs, but he should be blasting people with a gun! Thats the badass Chow Yun Fat I know from A Better Tomorrow, Hard-Boiled and the Killer!
I know this is a Hollywood stylization of the franchise, but if you're gonna do a Dragon ball movie, its gotta be or at least very close to Dragon ball. Sadly this is one of the latest victims to be raped by the two-faced machine that is Hollywood, where it will find many more anime series to adapt into shameless Hollywood adaptations.
Here is the trailer and pray for its sufferings:
The lucky director for this film, is James Wong who have directed such films as Final Destination and The One. Wong may have not a colorful line of works while having been worked on the X-Files and The One, but he managed to hit it big time with Dragonball though I question his choice of music in all of films where most are angry heavy music. Though I can't see Wong directing such crazy actions that the manga and anime of Dragonball have delivered. Even though the fight scenes with Jet Li in the One were kinda innovative and wacky, its still not enough to convince me. And it is still not convincing of all the choices he makes for the story, characters and etc. And I don't care if a Japanese or an American is casted as Goku, but a very convincing actor. And a wimpy kid as Goku is not good!
The one painful stab in the heart for me is the casting of Chow Yun Fat for Master Roshi. I mean come on! Its the legendary Chow Yun Fat! That gun-wielding trenchcoat-wearing badass motherf*cker! He's the coolest Asian ever grace the screen and it breaks my heart to see him in this kind of film! Why Ken why?! It was great to see him in Pirates of the Caribbean, but I was furious that he died a pathetic death (you know what I mean) and never a chance to see him fight as a pirate. Now I fear this is the same thing happening to one of my favorite Asian icons. He's doesn't even look like Roshi! He shouldn't be there doing martial arts and blasting fireballs, but he should be blasting people with a gun! Thats the badass Chow Yun Fat I know from A Better Tomorrow, Hard-Boiled and the Killer!
I know this is a Hollywood stylization of the franchise, but if you're gonna do a Dragon ball movie, its gotta be or at least very close to Dragon ball. Sadly this is one of the latest victims to be raped by the two-faced machine that is Hollywood, where it will find many more anime series to adapt into shameless Hollywood adaptations.
Here is the trailer and pray for its sufferings:
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