the one with the flashbacks...

that new show i've been meaning to tell you about

2011-05-03T10:45:00.009+10:00

I've been wanting to write about a few 'new' tv series for a while now, but seeing as how procrastination often wins its battles against work, well...yeah.

It all started in January, when the lull in new episodes created by their regular hiatus near drove me crazy with boredom. So I went in search of new material, browsing through synopsis and pilots, reading reviews and asking friends and the internet......this is what I found.

(credit must be given to tumblr....who's existence though not unheard of, has only recently become a constant tool for distraction. seriously those potter tumblrs are so addictive)

...

First up...

Currently tying up its second season, Community follows a group of students as the make their way through community college. From the charmingly narcissistic to the overtly delusional, these characters take the current neurosis of the world and bring them together in one small study group. Add to that a sense of humour that is not afraid to challenge the clichés of the industry, a different pop-culture reference every few lines and whole episodes that pay homage to the classics and you've got one lovable comedy.

Although it's not without flaws (sometimes the characters take their quirks to extremes that go from making you roll your eyes to actually making you cringe in severe annoyance) the show is growing and forming its own personality. And with NBC renewing it for a third season, it can only get better.

...

A contemporary update of the classic, this short series (seriously short, there are only three episodes!) produced for BBC and created by Steven Moffat (who now writes for Doctor Who!) and Mark Gatiss, adapts the well known characters and cases, giving them a new look while still keeping true the original essense of Sherlock Holmes.

Don't expect this to be anything like the recent movie, while Guy Ritchie's Holmes was an artistic brawling tough guy, this one is more of a quirky high-functioning sociopath. The casting of Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes works extremely well to this effect, Caumberbatch brings an aloof attitude that is intensly intellectual and his weird look and mannerism bring his Holmes to life. A good amount of credit should also be given to Martin Freeman who plays Dr. John Watson. Polarising Caumberbatch perfectly, Watson is portrayed as a steady, intelligent and dependable character. Freeman also brings to his character a sense of vulnerability and courage that adds realism to the complex and wonderful relationship.

The second series promises to be released late 2011, honestly, it couldn't come soon enough.

...

Last but definitely not least, Misfits.

A bunch of youths doing community service get superpowers after being struck by lightning in a freak storm. Yeah, I know it sounds lame and overdone, but trust me, it's an amazing show.

Its gritty attitude, distinctly british personality and ballsy sense of humour make this show stand out among others that have dealt with similar material. Mutent powers have been explored before, but never with such flair, cheek and sexually charged wit.

It's a very compelling and strangely addictive show. Though unexplainable and at times irrational, your love for the characters is inevitable. It's that good.

...

There you go. I thoroughly enjoyed watching all three shows, and I really can't wait for new episodes.

I have to add that recent news has also informed me that Supernatural will be renewed for a seventh season, and though my love for the Winchesters is unwavering, I don't know if that's good news.

till next time.

coming soon to a theater near you

2011-03-03T15:44:00.018+10:00

wow, it's been a while since i've touched this blog. can't believe the last time i wrote was before i watched deathly hallows part one. which i loved.

since a review of it will be pretty much out of date by now i'll just say this, it's the closest the movies have ever come to the feel, tone and emotion of the books. Although there were flaws, it pretty much hit all the right notes. the seven potters, the trio, ron coming back, the scenes in the ministry, the malfoy manor, dobby's death and voldemort getting the elder wand! maybe it's because it's the penultimate film, maybe it's cause it marks the near end of my 'childhood' and the 'end' of the HP movies, but i really really liked DH1.

Part two has a lot to live up to, what with the battle, the kiss and all the deaths. And though i'm so looking forward to DH2...it's not the only movie that will be vying for viewer attention this year.

here are some that have caught my eye...

Thor. have you seen the trailer? it actually looks promising, let's hope it's able to stand out amongst all the other superhero stories marvel has been churning out.

speaking of marvel? there's also X-Men: First Class and Captain America: The First Avenger.

I'm looking forward to First Class, James McAvoy plays professor Xavier and i really like him.

Captain America on the other hand

How weird is it that that's Johnny Storm. Seriously, it's the same guy. He better fit the role perfectly because there really isn't any excuse. i mean, they're in the same universe!

i think everyone was surprised when they said they were making yet another one of these. but the stunts are cool, the cars are like whoa and the jokes are occasionally funny. so yeah, why not.

Cowboys & Aliens. If the title doesn't make you stop and take notice, or at least go 'wha?' then the trailer with Daniel Craig pulling out a space laser blaster gun definitely will.

sure it looks laughable, but it also looks like it might be a good story with a few good laughs a couple of heart wrenching moments. plus Joseph Gordon-Levitt is in it.

it looks kinda cute. and though we all know how it'll end, hopefully we'll get some surprises along the way.

the tag says it all really. no matter what happens i'll probably be a teary mess at the end of this.

So, those are the highlights. 2011 is looking good so far!

The last in the series...or is it?

2010-10-19T15:30:00.005+10:00

picture from : wedueltokill.tumblr.com

with all the trailers, posters and promotional news spouting from the marketing machine that is Warner Brothers, the next Harry Potter movie (in case you don't know yet, they're splitting it into two parts) has probably breached everyone's subconscious.

you've probably seen the poster with the burning castle on it and the title 'HP7' in the iconic font. if anything the fact that they're not bothering with full titles anymore marks how much Harry Potter has become a cultural and worldwide phenomenon.

just thinking about visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park in Orlando gives me happy goosebumps all over.

as for the movies, i'm staying away from all the advertising, besides popping into mugglenet once in a while just to browse the news, all trailers and TV spots are a no go. 1- they spoil bits of the movie and 2- they mostly set you up for disappointment.

as a potter fan, i've come to accept the movies for what they are, interpretations of the book rather than pure adaptation, they don't always get it right but at least most of it looks good. don't get me wrong, i'll still be there, queuing with all the rest of them on opening day...(we might actually go in costume this year, seriously)

with the internet already brimming with arguments and information on what should or should not be in the film, i'll just say this. WB has got it's work cut out, i'm glad they split it cause that gives them more time, i hope they stay as true to the books as possible and if there's a scene in the film that wasn't in the books at all (like in the last one where the burrow was attacked) i will be very very very upset.

the stuff on tv

2010-10-14T22:41:00.006+10:00

the dry spell is over...hopefully.

what with the new television season starting up again, lets hope that it'll spark me to write more. that being said, its been a difficult few months, struggling with assignments and coping with tv withdrawal symptoms.

reruns do not a happy tv-addict make.

so, five cheers for the new season, because three aren't enough!

After going through all the first couple of episodes. here are some thoughts. *and some spoilers*

- Big Bang Theory

its cool to see sheldon in a 'relationship', lets face it, he's the funniest one of the bunch. personally, though i love the show, the other three main characters seem to be surfing on whats already been given to them, there's nothing new. and besides being a shadow of normality popped in for some prettiness, penny is basically useless.

same goes for HIMYM (How I Met Your Mother)

its been getting stale, and a tad bit more obvious that they're re-using jokes. *gasp*
we're all simply holding on cause we HAVE to know who she is! and we will keep watching!! at least for a couple more seasons....but that's it!

- Glee

what can i say, i freaking love this show. i admit it. i'm a gleek.
not all is perfect though, that 'grilled cheeses' episode for one, seriously? is it just me or does Finn seem to be getting dumber? it's not just him either, quite a few of the characters seem to be slightly devolving. BUT, the music definitely makes up for it. the song choice seems to be getting better and better. i nearly smiled my cheeks off when Sam and Quinn sang 'lucky' in the latest episode.

- House

So the Cuddy/House boat has finally sailed. I'm really enjoying the new season, the cases are entertaining enough and all the characters have their fair share of spunk. But the relationship's what this season is gonna be all about so...hopefully that floats.

- NCIS/NCIS LA

there's a reason this show is in its eighth season and has a spin off. the regular NCIS is pretty much keeping up with the spirit of the show. And while LA is still in its early years, there has been visible improvement, though it'll need a bit more character anchoring before it can come close to its original's greatness.

- Bones

i don't think i can express how much i love this show. after what happened last season though, the drama has certainly mellowed. it's the whole will-they-won't-they thing, it's seriously got me on edge.

- Supernatural

ok....so i haven't actually watched any new episodes. I think i'm holding off on it cause, 1 - i don't want to be disappointed and 2 - its the last season (supposedly), and i have this weird thing about feeling like it never really ends if i don't watch the last episode/season.
(i still haven't watched the last season of Buffy, and i only watched the last episode of friends this june =p )

ok, there are a couple more shows, but i don't really have anything to say about them except that i like them, that's why i watch them, and you should check them out.

here's the list

- Fringe
- Chuck
- Lie to Me
- The Mentalist
- Criminal Minds

Also...i watched 'the last airbender' recently, and it sucked so much that its not worthy of its own post. so there.

hmmm

2010-07-16T23:54:00.004+10:00

sometimes when you're alone and inside your head, you feel like you can't stop talking. and you keep talking, just to get that voice out of your head. the one telling you that you've got something to say but no one to tell. the one that has a voice that isn't your own with an accent that's not yours either and that keeps changing with every sentence.

so you talk.

about jellyfish, the way sweet perfumes make you cough, brown paper bags, strawberry cookies, musicians, motorbikes, the music that's seeping through your walls, make up, plastic cups, the pins and needles creeping from your feet up to your calves, how everything seems more interesting on TV, how everyone should get a soundtrack to match their lives, posters, blue-tack, the smell of books, friends, leather pants and what it would taste like if your whole mouth filled up with blood.

you talk until your mind goes blank, or you fall asleep.

I think that's how you get weird dreams.

hey mickey you're so fine

2010-06-09T00:34:00.005+10:00

It's always fun to go to the cinema with a bunch of friends to catch a new movie.

But it's a whole different kind of fun when a bunch of girlfriends get together to watch a movie you've all watched before and loved!

Especially when the movie is 'Bring it on!'

Safe to say that after our amazing burrito dinner, our hilarious round of truth or dare (that's right! we did play that game!) and our usual girl drama. We were all set to cuddle up on the couch with our wine and caramelized bananas and soak in some cheer-tastic goodness.

we laughed, we cheered along, we all did the spirit fingers move (in-sync with the characters on the screen I might add, are we awesome or what!)

In short, after lots of shrieks and giggles, i realized that this is one of the reasons why movies are great things.

They bring people together, they make us laugh and they make us see that on some level, we're the same.

And its the one's that you grew up with, the ones that you can quote from and the ones that influenced your personality, that really stay with you.

No matter how cheesy they are.

Robin Hood

2010-05-13T22:42:00.003+10:00

Every ten or so years Hollywood picks up one of the classics and repackages it so they can retell it to the current generation. Personally I can't wait for the Harry Potter series to be remade.

But back to the focus of this post. Robin Hood.

No matter how many times it's retold, whichever actor they place in his shoes and whatever little tweaks they make to the tale, one thing remains the same. At the heart of it all, Robin Hood is about bravery, justice and love. He steals from the rich to feed the poor, he leads those who are lost, but most of all he fights for those who cannot fight for themselves. Seriously, this story always makes me wish I could fight with a sword.

This newest version takes a more realistic tone to the legend. Showing us not only the man behind the hero but also giving us a more rounded view of all the other characters as well. King Richard the Lion Heart (Danny Huston) for example, is not completely hero-worshiped, we also get to see the repercussions of the crusades and his decisions. It's definitely a more serious film than the 1991 Kevin Costner adventure (I love that version, definitely worth watching if you're interested in the Robin hood legend).

The story looks at Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe), the man before he becomes Robin Hood, the Hero. It takes a much more human look at how it all comes together; how the state of the country, the attitude of Prince John (Oscar Isaac) and the need of the people push Robin into taking the steps that eventually make him an out-law and a hero to the masses.

I could go on about how a Ridley Scott movie is always worth watching, how the cast fit into their roles (it is worth mentioning that Cate Blanchett made Marion Loxley a much stronger woman and therefor a much more admirable character) and how the swash buckling thrilled me as always.

But the best thing about this movie, was that its story, though different, was true in its tone to the legend of Robin Hood. It had heart and bravery, grit and gallantry, and although it's not as magical as previous versions, or as fun, it makes a good effort.

Rating: 7.5/10. It pulled at the heart strings and there were a couple of laughs, plus the slow-mo archery is awesome.

IRONMAN 2

2010-05-06T11:11:00.003+10:00

ahhhhh, the much awaited sequel! You tell yourself it's going to be amazing, yet you don't want to psyche yourself up too much because you don't want to be disappointed.

well, if you haven't yet seen Ironman 2 (why???), let me tell you now that it's worth it.

The sequel continues where the first Ironman ended, showing how Tony Stark deals with the world knowing that he is Ironman. As Tony handles the media, the government and his own personal demons, a new villain is introduced; Ivan Vanko, son of soviet physicist Anton Vanko, Ivan has a vendetta against the Stark legacy and wants to avenge his family's honor.

The mood of the movie is much like the last, witty, charming and narcissistic just like it's main character. This tone is prevalent throughout the film, pushing the story along and bringing the audience along for the ride.

The brilliance of Robert Downey Jr. is impeccable as he juggles the ups and downs of being Tony Stark. His performance is all the more enhanced by the firm support of the rest of the cast. Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts is the perfect foil to Tony's personality and the two make the perfect non-couple.

Those who had doubts about Don Cheadle taking up the role of Lt. Col. Rhodes/War Machine, can be rest assured that he gives a good performance, slipping seamlessly into the persona and the relationship the character has with Tony. Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow also deserves applause, though she pretty much has the same expression throughout the movie, she also gives us a majorly kick-ass action sequence. One of the best by a female lead by far.

Rounding out the cast is Mickey Rourke as Ivan Vanko/Whiplash. Though the character's origins and name differ from the original Marvel version, Rourke makes it work. He almost outshines Downey Jr, with his calm yet sinister portrayal of a villain that at times seem almost as intelligent as Tony.

From start to finnish, the action sequences keep the audiences' rapt attention, the many gadgets, weapons and cool moves have become a staple of the Marvel franchise. These are all the more shown off in Ironman, especially now that S.H.I.E.L.D is involved. Though the special effects are not as breath taking as in the first movie (seeing as how we've seen most of it before), some off the newer introductions are still satisfyingly gasp invoking.

It's also interesting to note that now that the Marvel universes are converging and the impending Avengers movie is slowly yet surely becoming a reality, the producer's are letting in little allusions to other Marvel character's that we've not yet seen. Make sure you stay on after the credits role to catch one of these hints.

On the whole, Ironman 2 is a worthy sequel and though it's not as fresh as it's predecessor was, the solid performances and awesome action sequences make up for a story that's only almost as-good-as the first one.

Rating : 7.7/10...minus 0.3 for not being as good as the first, which might be unavoidable but, so what. If you're a Marvel fan, you can't not watch this. If you've seen Ironman, you can't not watch the sequel. If you haven't seen either movie, where HAVE you been?

The movie i watched on the plane

2010-04-29T16:58:00.004+10:00

Every time I board a plane, my routine is mostly the same. I take out my book and my ipod, put my hand luggage in the over head space, move all the stuff off my chair (you know the blanket and pillow and earphones that the airline supplies), get comfortable and start looking through the on-board entertainment brochure.

It's very important to know what movies are playing on the flight and decide which ones I want to watch. I pick my movies even before I pick which meal I'm going to have.

It looks like a simple procedure, but it really isn't.

You see, you've got to factor in a few things.

1 - How long the flight is. Thus giving you the number of movies you can watch.
The average movie is 2-2.5 hours long, so a 7+ hour flight (e.g from brisbane to singapore, not including take off and landing when they shut down the in-flight entertainment) will allow you to watch about 3 movies.

2 - Because you might be interrupted mid-movie by the plane landing, the last movie you pick should either be something you've watched before or something that's already been released so you'll be able to find it or something you don't actually mind watching half of.

3 - New Releases. Its always nice to catch something on the plane that isn't even out in the cinemas yet. But it is about weighing pros and cons. Is it something you'd rather watch on the big screen as compared to seeing it on a screen that's 20x15cm? (think about the picture and sound quality)

4 - Romance and Comedy. These are the easy picks. Right? But then again, I'd feel weird if the dude next to me caught me watching a sex scene and as for comedy, I don't know about you but...I laugh... really loud. Then again, if you pick drama, you might end up sobbing in-front of complete strangers.

5 - Film Vs Fluff. How do you pick between a film that's gotten great reviews but is about a serious issue and a movie that will contribute to your intelligence in no way whatsoever but is something that you can easily veg-out to. (it's about maximizing value Vs relaxing on the flight)

So yeah... after all of that, the plane is pretty much in the air and the stewardess's have finished giving the safety speech and are starting to push their trolleys around to hand out the hot towels.
All I have to do then, is sit back, put my earphones on (after I've put on those new sponge thingys that they give you) and select my first movie.

Unless I need to go to the toilet first. Sometimes that happens.

The Clash of The Titans 3D

2010-04-08T21:50:00.004+10:00

Having just read Pride and Prejudice, watched a couple of chick flicks and spent a satisfying sum of money on a few very good buys. (I went shopping =p ). Its safe to say that I'd had a fairly girly week, oh, there was also lots of cupcakes and chocolate (in the form of Easter eggs!).

So what better to inject a little sword clanging, head bashing, giant scorpion crushing action into the week than Clash of the Titans?

The story is a used one; mankind wages war on the gods of Olympus, Hades plots to destroy and conquer and a hero rises from the masses to defeat the monster and save the princess. Its nothing much we haven't seen before in other movies that use Greek mythology.

The acting is average too, even though the film boasts names like Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes, they mostly just walk through the script without much effort. Sam Worthington (Avatar) puts in a good performance, plus he's already proven he can carry an action film. Though his portrayal of emotions could do with some improvement, the man looks good wielding a sword.

So, the plot is a simple one and there's not that much character development or story, why then should you see this movie?

Cause its got winged demons bursting out from hades, satisfyingly entertaining sword fights, mythical creatures like Gjinns and The Kraken and... Sam Worthington in a skirt.

It's an Action Adventure in almost every sense of the word, its not a great film but you'll get a kick out of it. So if you're looking for something that's not too sappy, dramatic or mind warping, if you're just looking for a good time of popcorn and the melodious sound of metal hitting metal, then catch this movie.

Rating : 6.5/10 ( it might actually be a 6, but it deserves an extra 0.5 for the 3D fx and action sequences)

How to train Your dragon

2010-03-29T18:39:00.005+10:00

Remember that feeling you had when you watched/read your first adventure? That tug you felt on the inside that made you believe that if you were in that world, in those shoes, you would do just what the hero/heroin was doing and it would be Awesome?

If you've never felt this way, then I suggest you add a little whimsy into your life, believe in adventure and go watch How to Train Your Dragon (in 3D cause you pay a bit more but it's that much better).

The story follows Hiccup, a young hapless viking who wants to become a dragon hunter. When he shoots down a Night Fury (rarest and most dangerous of dragons) he finds that he cannot kill it. Their inevitable friendship lead both boy and dragon into danger, discovery and revelations that will change both their worlds.

With captivating visuals and a wide range of satisfyingly comedic characters, the movie can't help but be cool. From the sweeping thrills of flight to the eye-widening view of the viking village, the dreamworks animators do not disappoint. But its not just that the movie looks cool, its got the substance to back it up too. Each character is well developed and used to their best to tell the story. From Hiccup's Father, the viking leader worried about his quirky son to the two havoc wreaking twins in Hiccup's class, they all play their part superbly.

What ultimately drives the story though, is the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless, the dragon. As their bonds of trust, friendship and love are formed, you can't help but be attached to them as much as they're attached to one another. As you watch them become a team, you won't be able to stop yourself from cheering them on.

So, be ready for adventure, prepare to put your heart out there, let your mind suspend your disbelief, sit back, strap in, and prepare to want a dragon of your own.

Rating : 9/10 . watch this movie.

The bounty Hunter

2010-03-22T12:05:00.007+10:00

people don't make good romantic comedies anymore.

what happened to romcoms actually having romance? it used to be that you wanted the main leads to get together, you knew they belonged together, there's a sense of sublime satisfaction at the end of the movie when they finally realize that they're in love.

its not like we dont know where the story is heading. we just want to be thoroughly entertained and absorbed on the way.

'The Bounty Hunter' is one of those stories that has a great premise and a promising trailer, but no follow through what so ever and very little actual romance.

When bounty hunter Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler) finds out that his next target is his ex-wife (Jennifer Aniston) he gladly tracks her down, intending to take her into custody, not knowing that there's a killer after her because of a story she's working on. All this leads to mayhem and shooting and lots of running.

But sadly, the plot is underdeveloped, the reasons for the killings never really seem to surface and the two main leads never seem to be in much danger.

There's not much spark either. Sure they both look good, Aniston rarely has a hair out of place even while on the run and although Butler looks hungover most of the time there's still a scene where he's topless and lookin fine. There's no doubt that they're attractive people, but theres no reason to believe that they're attracted to one another either.

On the whole, with Aniston's experienced ability and Butler's great screen presence, the movie could have done so much more. But the lazy development of both plot and character means that its just your run-of-the mill romcom. Funny at times but forgettable.

If you're looking for romance this weekend, something that'll really pull at you heartstrings and make you smile, I suggest pulling out your old DVD of 'You've got Mail' or 'While you were Sleeping'.

Now those, are romantic comedies.

melancholy

2010-03-01T23:49:00.002+10:00

maybe its cause i've just read an article about love and how it sucks to be single, maybe its cause i just watched 'My sister's keeper', maybe its cause its raining.

I miss home.

Somewhere out There

2010-01-27T03:14:00.000+10:00

I Might Have To Wait
I'll Never Give Up
I Guess It's Half Timing
And The Other Half's Luck
Wherever You Are
Whenever It's Right
You Come Out Of Nowhere And Into My Life

And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Baby Your Love Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Possibility

And Somehow I Know That It Will All Turn Out
And You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid I'll Give So Much More Than I Get

I Just Haven't Met You Yet

I wish:

2010-01-23T03:11:00.004+10:00

: Rainbows could be boxed

: moments could be relived

: eating chocolate made you thin

: there was a way to find that perfect someone, like a GPS tracker

: Life was perfect and love was easy

why i love a good fight

2010-01-20T02:16:00.004+10:00

with today's technology, some could say that fight sequences can sometimes get a little bit too gratuitous and self indulgent (michael bay anyone?), but i say if it looks cool, why not?

who doesn't love a good shoot-out/sword fight/all out war/any battle consisting of any of the various marshal arts?

Just look at the movies that had great fights, The Matrix, Kill Bill, 300, Lord of the Rings! (seriously the list goes on and on...Fight Club, Desperado, V for Vendetta...seriously...i'm leaving out war movies cause there are just too many). All of them were made that much more jaw dropping and awesome because of the amazing fights.

I don't know what it is but great fight scenes are just really really cool. plus once you learn about all the effort that goes into one; the choreography, the angles, the cinematography and the training, its really hard not to be completely awe-struck.

even the ones that are tech filled like G.I Joe and Transformers..the mega robot battle in the city! and i know G.I Joe didn't really have a significant fight scene, but the Delta.6 accelerator suites deserve to be mentioned.

sooo...now that i've revealed how much of a geek i really am....go watch some of the above movies if you're bored or if you're looking for a good battle scene.

Action movies might not always reveal truth or have amazing plots or inspiring lessons but a great action sequence always makes a movie that much cooler and more fun...what's not to love about that.

the first one of the year

2010-01-17T01:33:00.004+10:00

There are some people in life, with whom you just click with, you grow up with and who become permanent fixtures in your life. You can talk to them about almost anything, you laugh at everything and at each other and you always know they'll say 'yes' even before you ask for a favour.

Its the knowing look you give each other when you share a joke, the hug thats given without being asked for and the fact that spending so much time together never lessens the quality of our fellowship.

In 2010, i thank God for Friendships.

angry spiel alert!

2009-11-24T00:49:00.004+10:00

You know what annoys me?

well, ok, there are quite a few things, like people kicking my chair in the cinema or when people are really dense. but i can't possibly rant about it all now.

Now, i just really want to talk about how annoying it is when people spell stuff wrong on purpose when they text or instant message.

short hand is fine. so are acronyms.

but is it really that difficult to spell out 'then'? must you spell it with a 'd'? just because you pronounce it that way when you talk does not mean that thats the way its spelt.

its not about good grammar or even good spelling. not everyone has that. I can never remember if 'tomorrow' has two 'm's or two 'r's. BUT it obviously does not have any 'L's.

also, 'today' is not spelt 'todae'. it is not cute. I mean, whats the point? you type out the same amount of letters!

seriously. what is the point? because no one would want to appear less educated.

would they?

sigh.

ok, that was my condescending pissy rant, now that i'm done, i would like to add that i do know some very smart and nice people who do sometimes type 'dun'. so, i know it doesn't really reflect on a persons personality.

its still irksome though.

dear First year of Uni,

2009-11-07T14:55:00.004+10:00

You certainly went by faster than expected. I still remember arriving in the heat of summer feb 09, not knowing a thing about the transport system, missing bak chor mee already and meeting my housemates for the very first time.

You've been an awesome experience. Though not all your lectures were great, the one where we watched Battleship Potemkin is three hours of my life i'll never get back, most of them were worth it. Cliched as it sounds, you've helped me grow as an adult and as a writer.

Thank you for all the good times, the times when i got an assignment back and i got a good mark, the times when CLV gave us free pancakes, the times when all us girls played four kings, the time when i got my birthday surprise and for whenever a class went so well that i stopped and thought 'man, i love being here'.

Thanks for the 'bad' times too (cause we learnt from them or at least we get to laugh about them now), when there were maggots in our bin, when the neighbours were playing their bad music so loud that the walls vibrated, when we ran out of toilet paper or clean underwear and when i'd left an assignment so late that i had to run all the way to assignment minder to get it in with seconds to spare.

So, for all the memories, for the friends that became family, for the stories and the late nights,

cheers,

Love, Mel

twenty days to go

2009-10-27T09:31:00.014+10:00

Neil Gaiman is going to be in Singapore on Nov 1. He'll be speaking at the Singapore Writers Fest about graphic novels and fantasy. The talk is free and will be held at the Arts House.

I cannot begin to explain the sense of loss i feel at the fact that i shall not be able to attend, seeing as how i'm in australia still. its really ironic and annoying.

Neil is probably my favorite writer, the things he does with fantasy and the art that he has made of story telling is truly amazing. the man's a genius.

the following is an excerpt from his book 'American Gods',

I can believe things that are true and I can believe things that aren't true and I can believe things where nobody knows if they're true or not. I can believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny and Marilyn Monroe and the Beatles and Elvis and Mister Ed. Listen–I believe that people are perfectible, that knowledge is infinite, that the world is run by secret banking cartels and is visited by aliens on a regular basis, nice ones who look like wrinkledy lemurs and bad ones who mutilate cattle and want our water and our women. I believe that the future sucks and I believe that the future rocks and I believe that one day White Buffalo Woman is going to come back and kick everyone's ass. I believe that all men are just overgrown boys with deep problems communicating and that the decline of good sex in America is coincident with the decline in drive-in movie theaters from state to state. I believe that all politicians are unprincipled crooks and I still believe that they are better than the alternative. I believe that California is going to sink into the sea when the big one comes, while Florida is going to dissolve into madness and alligators and toxic waste. I believe that antibacterial soap is destroying our resistance to dirt and disease so that one day we'll all be wiped out by the common cold like the Martians in War of The Worlds. I believe that the greatest poets of the last century were Edith Sitwell and Don Marquis, that jade is dried dragon sperm, and that thousands of years ago in a former life I was a one-armed Siberian shaman. I believe that mankind's destiny lies in the stars. I believe that candy really did taste better when I was a kid, that it's aerodynamically impossible for a bumblebee to fly, that light is a wave and a particle, that there's a cat in a box somewhere who's alive and dead at the same time (although if they don't ever open the box to feed it it'll eventually just be two different kinds of dead), and that there are stars in the universe billions of years older than the universe itself. I believe in a personal god who cares about me and worries and oversees everything I do. I believe in an impersonal god who set the universe in motion and went off to hang with her girlfriends and doesn't even know that I'm alive. I believe in an empty and godless universe of causal chaos, background noise, and sheer blind luck. I believe that anyone who says that sex is overrated just hasn't done it properly. I believe that anyone who claims to know what's going on will lie about the little things too. I believe in absolute honesty and sensible social lies too. I believe in a woman's right to choose, a baby's right to live, that while all human life is sacred there's nothing wrong with the death penalty if you can trust the legal system implicitly, and that no one but a moron would ever trust the legal system. I believe that life is a game, that life is a cruel joke, and that life is what happens when you're alive and that you might as well lie back and enjoy it.

That my friend, is good writing.

That said, i shall be home in twenty days, if thats not a plus, i don't know what is.

Also, 'hi manda' =), thanks for reading my blog, even though i've neglected it so.

2009-07-16T22:10:00.009+10:00

its been a while...

i've been enjoying my holidays. lots of lazy days at home, sleeping, cooking and watching supernatural re-runs (two more months till season 5! i'm barely hanging on )

Transformers was all that i expected, lots of action and mayhem and explosions. classic Michael Bay. So what if the plot wasn't that developed, so what if it was just one big CGI-filled action sequence, it was fun and it was entertaining. and what's life if we can't go to the movies and enjoy a good robot death-match once in a while.

Melbourne was awesome. stayed with the sims, went to philip island, brighton beach and the mountains. watched a ton of movies, ate loads of heavenly food and shopped like there was no tomorrow. (seriously, i came home with an extra 15kg).

we watched Wicked at the Regent theater. i love love loved the show. everything about it was great. the songs, the sets, the costumes and the story!

but i'm back in brisbane now and thanks to the sims, i'm addicted to boys before flowers.

Half Blood Prince comes out today. i'm actually waiting till saturday to watch it so i don't get stuck with too many little kids in the cinema. rest assured that i'll put up a review after i watch it, or at least rant about how much Michael Gambon has botched the role of Dumbledore yet again.

untill then...

xxx

stories and slow dancing in a burning room

2009-06-14T22:56:00.010+10:00

For some people its music or running or that few moments just before you fall asleep. It can be found in children, in the arms of a soul mate, in the stars, in the rain and in the shower. Some people use adrenalin, others use much heavier substances.

Its that place in your mind that no one touches, where your thoughts go when you don’t keep track of them. Where dreams meet reality, where reality doesn’t have to be real.

For some people it’s a relief, a break from life…to escape from it all.

For me, its stories, in whatever medium. Its more then just going to a far off land or being whatever you want to be. It’s about abandoning yourself. Leaving behind all that is you, your dreams, your problems, your routine, your life. It’s embracing something else completely. Another place, another time, another person. To be for that moment, free. To let the story take you, guide you, show you what it’s supposed to, and just let it grow around you. To let it do what it needs to do and to let it leave its mark on you.

Because every story affects you….changes you…some in ways not as obvious as others, but they’re there nonetheless.

Someone asked me what fiction was to me…

Fiction is the past, present and future. The world as it could be or a view of a parallel universe. Its the experience you always wanted or didn't want or have never thought of having. Its the places that exist and the places that exist only in dreams.

Its an escape into someone else's story, into another world, another mindset, another truth.

Its a movie, made from your imagination, screened on the back of your eyes for an audience of one.

Short Story

2009-06-03T22:41:00.009+10:00

We had to write a 1000 word short story for my Intro to Creative writing class. I know the title is cheesy, but i suck at coming up with titles.

oh, and I really have been watching alot of crime shows...

A Love That Last Forever by Melissa Heng

I can’t breathe. The cold had seeped into my body, creeping up through my clothes. I gasped for breath, lifting my head out of the water. George, where is he? I can’t move, I pull at the ropes that bind me to the chair and cringe as pain shoots through my shoulders. I can’t feel my hands. I see George now, slumped over in the driver’s seat next to me. His nose is almost in the water.

‘George! George, wake up, please wake up!’ I cry.

I strain against the ropes, trying to free myself; I have to wake him up. The roar of the river is overwhelming as it pushes itself through the broken rear window. The water level in the car is rising fast: he will drown if I don’t wake him.

‘George!’ I scream.

He jerks awake, coughing and sputtering as he breathes water up his nose. He flinches as he shakes the water from his face, the deep cut on his brow has stopped bleeding; but it hasn’t stopped hurting.

‘Wh… where are we now?’ he asks, still disorientated and trying to keep his fear from showing.

‘I think we’re in the river. He’s pushed us into the river! I don’t want to die George!’ I can’t keep the panic out of my voice, the water is up to my chin now.

George struggles against his own ropes, I know it’s no use, his eyes dart all around, desperately looking for a way out, an escape. He sees something that makes his face blanche even whiter.

‘Oh my god, the sicko's still watching us!’

I turn to see what he is looking at, dreading it with every heartbeat. A small mini camera is attached to the rear view mirror, it’s cold, red light blinking at us, recording everything. I start to shiver as water trickles down my face. I don’t even know if it is from the river or if they’re my tears. How did we get here?

I open my eyes, confused by what I see around me. The rag in my mouth tastes awful and I can feel the rope cutting into my wrists. The room is bare and dusty, sheets of plastic hang on the walls and the only light is from a small dirty window. I hear a grunt behind me and I try to turn my head around to see if it’s George. I hear the jingle of keys, my eyes dart toward the door as it clicks and creaks open. A man walks in; he’s dressed all in black, he has a mask over his face and I can’t even see his eyes.

‘You’re finally awake.’ He says. His voice is smooth and deep and friendly. It scares the shit out of me. He reads from a file.

‘George and Ruby Cole. Ages 34 and 33 respectively. George is an accountant and Ruby is a librarian. You met when you were in college, dated for a while and now you’ve been married for 7 years. No kids… I guess that saves you from a custody battle in the divorce.’

He says this all in a calm, monotonous voice, except when he says ‘divorce’, he spits it out like a dirty word. I try to ask him what he wants, but the gag around my mouth muffles my questions and all that comes forth is a babble of muted sounds. I don’t understand who he is, how he can know so much about us, about the divorce. We haven’t even signed the papers yet.

‘I know you still love each other.’ He says bending low towards me. ‘I’ve seen the photos, the videos. A love like that doesn’t just disappear… hmm…I think you just haven’t been putting in enough effort. A marriage takes work you know.’

He has started circling us, I try to keep my eyes on him, try to plead with him to let us go, I can feel a thick warm liquid dripping down my hands.

‘You are both going to die today. It might be best to use your last few hours wisely.’ He says.

He grabs the back of my chair, its legs scream against the ground, protesting as he turns me around. He walks over to George and turns his chair so that we’re looking at each other. The screeching sends trembles up my spine.

‘I think I’ll leave you two alone now,’ he says.

He pulls down both our gags. I look at George; he is still in his working clothes. I remember seeing him, passed out on the floor of our living room. I remember dropping the groceries and then feeling a sharp pain in the back of my head.

‘What do you want with us?’ George asks. ‘We… we can pay you. We have savings…just let us go. I’ll give you anything you want.’

The man says nothing, but for some reason I feel that he is smiling. He turns and starts to walk out of the room.

‘Wait! Hey…what do you want from us? Let us go!! WHAT DO YOU WANT?!’ George screams furiously as the door slams shut and clicks. We’re locked in.

We sit there for what seems like hours. We try everything; we shout for help, plead with our captor to let us go, we struggle to free ourselves, but it only makes the ropes cut deeper. I’ve run out of tears and my throat is dry, I look at George the same time he looks up at me. The divorce was a mutual agreement, we had been growing apart for years and we’d lost the ability to communicate with each other. I just didn’t think he loved me anymore. But I didn’t care about that now, all I wanted was for him to hold me.

‘I love you Rubes. I always will.’ He whispers, as though reading my mind

‘I love you back’ I say, barely able to keep my voice from shaking.

A loud hissing sound pierces the silence, a thick white gas starts to pump into the room from all directions. My eyes start to water, I try to call out to George but my mouth won’t work, all I see is darkness.

He stands on the edge of the pier, breathing deeply from the effort of pushing the car. He smiles as he watches the couple on the small screen of his hand held camera. They’re saying how much they love each other, how much their love means to them. They’re trying so hard to get their hands free just so they can touch one last time. He’s made them realize what love is, he’s given them back their marriage and now, he’s making it last forever.

END

And to think i used to write 300 word compositions in secondary school.

i heart TV

2009-05-30T00:44:00.005+10:00

Another assignment. A one page synopsis for a TV series. i am seriously enjoying this class.

I called it...

The Collector

A weekly one-hour drama-fantasy series about a collector who bottles emotions. Taking the form of a man named Samael A. Thane, the collector’s origin and true nature is unknown, even to himself. All he knows is that this is what he was appointed to do, it is his purpose.

He must collect the emotion in its purest form, directly from the soul, while the human is experiencing it. He chooses people who are already prime examples of an emotion, all he needs to do is push them to the extreme to obtain the desired emotion while it is most potent and intense. After it is extracted, it is taken completely: the person never feels it again. This has never affected him.

He is obsessive, solitary and always rational. A cross between Dexter, Constantine and Dream (also known as Morpheus, from the graphic novel sandman by Neil Gaiman), he is not human, and he does not feel the same things they feel.

He has an apartment in New York, which is frequently visited by Socrates, a stray, untamed tomcat. A street smart, young, Latino boy, Remy, helps him run small errands. Remy’s contract states that he is not allowed to ask questions but his intuitive nature allows him to guess something of what Samael is. Although reluctant at first, their relationship develops such that Remy comes to be his conscience and confidant. There is also Mrs. Stefanov, the 74-year-old landlady with both selective hearing and memory. She always over cooks, loves talking about her past and always asks him about his mother. He never answers. Then, there is Nora, the quiet independent librarian who lives in the apartment next door. He almost took Love from her once.

Each episode begins with the collector extracting the emotion and bottling it. He talks about the emotion (voice over), its word origins, how it affects people and the world. What he does or does not understand about it. He quotes philosophers.

A subject is then introduced, their life revealed through the events that shape their personalities. Through various disguises, dreams and planted thoughts, he manipulates them, pushes them to react, to feel what he needs them to.

The series will have on-going story lines as well as follow a case-by-case structure, like ‘House’ or ‘Supernatural’. Certain emotions may take only one episode. Others, like Love, which has different forms, may take a few. As the series develops, so does Samael’s understanding of the world and of himself. As he discovers fragments of his origins and of those who appointed him his task, he comes to question the collection’s true purpose and what he will do when he completes it. He delves deeper into darker feelings, exploring Anger, Fear, Grief and Hate.

The first season culminates with him having an encounter with War, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Each episode ends with the Collector leaving the human, releasing him back into the normal time stream and taking the bottle back to his home. He then labels it and shelves it with the rest of his collection.

remember...you saw it here first!

First assignment

2009-05-13T22:30:00.003+10:00

one of my first assignments was to write a short paragraph, that had an emotional through line and that said something about me...

this is it...

There’s a moment between waking and sleeping. You’re still taking part in the dream. You want it to last because things are amazing or because you just want to see how it ends. How you’ll react. But the little things start to show. Revealing it all to be in your head, and as fantasy and reality merge, the realization of what’s happening dawns on you as the sun creeps through your blinds. You try to cling to the story, the feelings, turn them into memories before they fade. But the demands of the day start to overtake, poking into your consciousness. You open your eyes a bit, and the comfort of sleep dissipates. There’s stuff in your eyes, you need to brush your teeth, you know its going to be a bad hair day. You stretch, trying to purge the aches and fatigue from your limbs. Maybe you’ll take just five more minutes. You glance at your clock.

9:45

don’t I have class at 10! Shit.

just because...neil gaiman is a genius

2009-05-10T09:09:00.001+10:00

"quotes"

I wish I had an origin story for you. When I was four, I was bitten by a radioactive myth.
-on how his interest in mythology started

Give a man a fish, and he's creating art. But teach him to fish, and soon you'll have a pool full of exploding koi.

-random quote

Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses. You build up a whole armor, for years, so nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life... You give them a piece of you. They didn't ask for it. They did something dumb one day, like kiss you or smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore. Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so simple a phrase like 'maybe we should be just friends' or 'how very perceptive' turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It's a soul-hurt, a body-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain. Nothing should be able to do that. Especially not love. I hate love.

-The character "Rose Walker" in The Sandman #65

Life — and I don't suppose I'm the first to make this comparison — is a disease: sexually transmitted, and invariably fatal.

-Death Talks About Life

In short..i love neil gaiman's work...novels, short stories or graphic novels. check them out if you like fantasy or if you just like good story telling.

...

the pilot

2009-05-10T09:00:00.000+10:00

hello people,

so i've started a blog. i guess what with all the writing i'm doing for school, i've decided i might as well post some of my ideas, work, reviews...etc...

i've just counted, and found that i'm currently watching 4 on-going series weekly, 9 other series on and off (not including reruns)..and almost 3 movies a week.

so...you can expect lots of post to be about stuff i'm watching! ..stuff i'm doing here in australia, random thoughts of the day and the occasional whinge here and there.

thats about it for now. till next time......