LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Fashion Police on MC !!!!

2008-08-20T00:56:00.000-07:00

This is a late entry but i decided to just go through with it. I know its done and forgotten but let me just refresh your minds what went on that night. The stars were out in full force attending the 21st Malaysian Film Festival 2008 in Putrajaya. Some came prepared while others were just committing many fashion crimes. Where shall i start? Well i think its better if i let the pictures do the talking!

What are they wearing? A leopard print cocktail dress and something that looks like a rainbow threw up on it!

Did she look in the mirror before she leave the house? Whats with the hair and the necklace?

Pastel Tuxedos & Suits? Fortunate enough Samuel Rizal looked great in his.

Intan Ladyana was beyond saving!

Final Results for the 21st Malaysian Film Festival

2008-08-10T22:23:00.001-07:00

These are the final results for this years 21st MALAYSIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2008.

Those that i have highlighted RED are my predictions to who should bring home the coveted award and those that i have highlighted ORANGE are the ones who actually won. The ones selected with a ** are my predictions that won. I will be giving my views on the winners in my future posting.

1.) Best Film
1957: Hati Malaya
Pensil
Anak Halal
Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang**
Wayang

2.) Best Film-Director

Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan (Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan) (Wayang)
Shuhaimi Binti Baba (Shuhaimi Baba) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Ahmad Idham Bin Ahmad Nadzzri (Ahmad Idham) (Congkak)
Mohamad Bin Mohd Khalid (Mamat Khalid) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Osman Ali (Osman Ali) (Anak Halal)

3.) Best Actor

Afdlin Shauki Bin Aksan (Afdlin Shauki) (Sepi)
Adlin Bin Aman Ramlie (Adlin Aman Ramlie) (Susuk)
Mohamed Noor Bin Shamsuddin (Rosyam Nor) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Abd. Manan Bin Embong (Eman Manan) (Wayang)
Farid Kamil Bin Zahari (Farid Kamil) (Anak Halal)

4.) Best Actress

Maya Karin Roelcke (Maya Karin) (Anak Halal)
Fazira Wan Chek (Erra Fazira) (Anak)
NurFazura Binti Sharfuddin (Fazura) (Kayangan)
Noraishah Binti Abdul Aziz (Nasha Aziz) (Otai)
Vanidah Imran (Vanidah Imran) (Akhirat)

5.) Best Screenplay

Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan (Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan) (Wayang)
Mohamad Bin Mohd Khalid (Mamat Khalid) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Abdul Rahmad Ahmad (Ara) Nik Samira Nik Md Mustaffa (Mira Mustaffa) (Sepi)
Osman Ali (Osman Ali) (Anak Halal)
Gerald Hans Isaac (Hans Isaac) (CUCI)

6.) Best Original Story

Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan (Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan) (Wayang)
Mohamad Bin Mohd Khalid (Mamat Khalid) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Abdul Rahmad Ahmad (Ara) Nik Samira Nik Md Mustaffa (Mira Mustaffa) (Sepi)
Osman Ali (Osman Ali) (Anak Halal)
Subash A/L Manokaran (M. Subash) (Pensil)

7.) Best Cinematography

Raja Mukhriz bin R. Ahmad kamaruddin (Raja Mukhriz) (Evolusi KL Drift)
Mohd Noor Mohd Kassim (Madnor Kassim) (Sepi)
Daven A/L Raghavan (Daven R) (Susuk)
Raja Mukhriz bin R. Ahmad kamaruddin (Raja Mukhriz) (Kayangan)
Khalid Bin Zakaria (Khalid Zakaria) (Anak Halal)

8.) Best Editor

Mohd Hafiz Kamaruzaman (Wayang)
Ahmad Mustadha Bin Samingon (Ahmad Mustadha) (Congkak)
Raja Affandi Raja Jamaludin (Affandi Jamaludin) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Johan Bahar (Johan Bahar) (Sepi)
Nik Haslinda Nik Hassan (Nik Haslinda) (1957: Hati Malaya)

9.) Best Original Music Score

Mohd Hafiz Askiak (Hafiz Askiak) (Wayang)
Hardesh Singh (Hardesh Singh) (Susuk)
Nurzaidi Bin Abd Rahman (Nurzaidi) (Anak Halal)
Sharon Anne Paul (Sharon Paul) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Ahmad Kamal Badarudin (Ahmad Kamal Badarudin) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )

10.) Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Zul Huzaimy Bin Marzuki (Zul Huzaimy ) (Wayang)**
Farid Kamil Bin Zahari (Farid Kamil) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Adlin Bin Aman Ramlie (Adlin Aman Ramlie) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Idris Bin Mohd Yusof (Eizlan Yusof) (Impak Maksima )
Mohd Fauzi bin Mohd Nawawi (Fauzi Nawawi) (Anak Halal)

11.) Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Nabila Huda Bin Suhaimi (Nabila) (Akhirat)
Sabaranu Binti Baharudin (Nanu) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Azizah Binti Mahzan (Azizah Mahzan) (Anak)
Rominah Sidek (Ruminah Sidek) (Pensil)**
Wan Intan Edrinas Binti Wan Mokhtar (Dynas Mokhtar) (Kayangan)

12.) Best Art Direction
Aida Fitri Buyong (Aida Buyong) Kamarul Nizam Bin Abdul Rahman (Kamarul Nizam) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Nazrul Asraff Mahzan (Nazrul Asraff ) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )**
Kek Ting Lam (Ting Lam ) (Susuk)
Anuar Nor Arai (Arai Mohd Nor) (Johnny Bikin Filem)
Irwan Mazwan bin Ibrahim (Irwan Mazwan ) (Anak Halal)

13.) Best Sound Effect

Ng Kang Wei (Brian Ng (Kang)) (Congkak)
Azman Bin Abu Hassan (Azman Hassan) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Azman Bin Abu Hassan (Azman Hassan) (Anak Halal)
Daud Sulaiman (Daud Sulaiman) (Evolusi KL Drift)

14.) Best Young Actor
Syazlynne Erynna Binti Abdullah (Erynne Erynna) (Congkak)**
Nur’Arina Binti Abd Malek (Nur’Arina ) (Congkak)
Mohd Asrah Afif (Mohd Asrah Afif) (Wayang)
Mohd Asrah Aris (Mohd Asrah Aris) (Wayang)
Amrul Hisham (Amrul Hisham) (Anak)

15.) Most Promising Director

Barney Lee (Barney Lee) (Anak)
Mohd Syamsul Bin Dato' Yusof Haslam (Syamsul Yusof ) (Evolusi KL Drift)
Mohd Latiff Zami (Yeop Hitler) (Dunia Baru The Movie)
Subash A/L Manokaran (M. Subash) (Pensil)
Gerald Hans Isaac (Hans Isaac) (CUCI)

16.) Most Promising Actor

Subash A/L Manokaran (M. Subash) (Pensil)
Mohd Kamarulzaman Taib (Che Kem) (1957: Hati Malaya)**
Zaefrul Nadzarine Nordin (Zaefrul Nadzarine Nordin) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Mohd Syamsul Bin Dato' Yusof Haslam (Syamsul Yusof ) (Evolusi KL Drift)
Wan Kenari (Wan Kenari) (Wayang)

17.) Most Promising Actress

Julia Binti Bob Fauzi Ziegler (Julia Ziegler) (Kayangan)
Lisa Surihani Binti Mohamed (Lisa Surihani ) (I'm Not Single)**
Mas Normuharni Sheikhah Bt Mohd Sattar (Mas Muharni) (Wayang)
Avaa Vanja Binti Mohamad Ramli (Avaa Vanja) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Diana Rafar (Susuk)

18.) Best Costume Designer/ Garment

Dee Hasnan Yaccob (Dee Hasnan) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Mohd Zaini Abd. Rahman (Mohd Zaini ) (Susuk)
Mohd Zaini Abd. Rahman (Mohd Zaini ) (Anak Halal)
Nasirah Binti Ramlan (Nasirah Ramlan) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )**

19.) Best Poster

CUCI
Susuk**
Anak Halal
Evolusi KL Drift
Pensil

20.) Best Digital Film

Ganavin Ivanthaanda Hero
Jarum Halus**
Malaysia's Sweetheart
Wirasiswi
Yantra

21.) Best Documentary

Making The Cut
The Woodsmiths
Kami Yang Disyaki
Restoring Merdeka
The Perak Man

22.) Best Animation

Apocalypse
Family Portrait
Upin & Ipin
World War
Nene Breshke

23.) Best Short Film

Hasrat
TIFFIN
Eyefingers
Burp
Kopitiam Kurang Manis

BEST ANIMATION Malaysian Film Festival 21 - THE UNDERDOG

2008-08-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Most entries in the Best Animation category for this year's Malaysian Film Festival came mostly from One Academy and individual submission. But they would have never thought that a big animation company such as Les' Copaque Production would be their biggest contender for this category. Many favor UPIN & IPIN to emerge as champion as they had won recently at the KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL last year for BEST ANIMATION. But please do not look down on the other nominees as they do deliver quite a strong piece of artwork. I have managed to find a few of their works on youtube so do have a look at what UPIN & IPIN are up against.

Best Animation

Apocalypse (i couldnt find this one)

Family Portrait

Upin & Ipin

World War

Nene Breshke

BEST ACTRESS - SNUBS at Malaysian Film Festival

2008-08-07T00:51:00.000-07:00

If you have read my previous posting then you would have known by now that myself, and many others, are not satisfied with the final nominees for BEST ACTRESS!!!!

WHY YOU ASK????
Let me remind you guys the nominees!

Best Actress
Maya Karin Roelcke (Maya Karin) (Anak Halal)
Fazira Wan Chek (Erra Fazira) (Anak)
NurFazura Binti Sharfuddin (Fazura) (Kayangan)
Noraishah Binti Abdul Aziz (Nasha Aziz) (Otai)
Vanidah Imran (Vanidah Imran) (Akhirat)

The list was a shocker in its own way. This year was seriously lacking of great films and great leading ladies. But, among all of the cluttered 'NONSENSE' that was fed to us, a few actually rose to the task and delivered. I am no expert, but i do have a passion for the local film industry and has stil been supproting it ever since. And in my opinion a few of those leading ladies were SNUBBED at this year's 21st MALAYSIAN FILM FESTIVAL for BEST ACTRESS!

2 names in my opinion do not deserve to be on the list because their performance did not come close to what these ladies had to offer. Nasha Aziz gave a SHOCKING PERFORMANCE in SEPI which absolutely caught many people off guard. It was an unexpected performance and it was fantastic. But Nasha Aziz in OTAI???? Best Actress? You got to be kidding me. I would rather see her nominated as Best Supporting Actress for SEPI rather then BEST ACTRESS in OTAI! As for Vanidah Imran, i have admired you since PEREMPUAN MELAYU TERAKHIR which in my view should of been awarded as BEST ACTRESS back then. Luckily enough she finally won it for THE RED KEBAYA equally deserving as well. But to be nominated for AKHRIAT??? I saw the film and it wasn't your best at all. NOT EVEN CLOSE! I have seen better performances from you. And to be nominated for AKHIRAT just puzzles me!

These are the leading ladies whom i think should of replaced them.

First there is UMIE AIDA playing CIK PUTIH in KALA MALAM BULAN MENGAMBANG as the arrogant yet demure looks of the mysterious girl who immediately catches the attention of Rosyam Nor playing as Saleh Mat Piah. At first she doesn't shine much as she is struggling for screen time with two other main actress namely Corrine Adrienne and Avaa Vanja. But as the film goes into its second part SHE SHINES BRIGHTLY AS A PHOENIX! Her intimate scenes alone with Saleh are memorable as she opens up her character to the audience of her heartache and the burden that she has to carry. Her transformation and fighting scene towards the end as the mystery was unravel was unbelievable to me. Everything was in place, the great make-up, great camera work and her remarkable acting! It was a unforgettable performance! She definitely deserved to be nominated! Unfortunately things dont go my way!

Then there is IDA NERINA playing KAY as the character of a model who is trying to survive in the modelling industry as she starts to age and loses her beauty. There were a few great scenes that shows Ida's portrayal as the posh, arrogant and flamboyant attributes of a model were very right on point! A brilliant dramatic scene done by Ida was when she had a group of guys rape Nita while she was crying out of guilt. She definitely stepped up her game in this film especially after being paired with an actress such as ERRA FAZIRA. They both owned the screen and deserving enough should get a nomination for their performances! Erra made it but they left out IDA NERINA!

As for who i want to be crowned as this years BEST ACTRESS, ERRA FAZIRA all the way! Why not Maya Karin? Well to me she is the KATE WINSLET of MALAYSIA. She is nominated every single year but never wins one! One fine day she might finally get a role deserving of an award, BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS that is.

3 KAYANGAN Girls battle it out!

2008-08-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

These 3 smashing babes will be battling it out in their respective category for this years 21st Malaysian Film Festival. Who will bring home the honorable title as this years winner? Well in my opinion none of them will. If we were to look at their fellow nominees, they would only come close to only 2nd or 3rd place. For instance:

Most Promising Actress
Julia Binti Bob Fauzi Ziegler (Julia Ziegler) (Kayangan)
Lisa Surihani Binti Mohamed (Lisa Surihani ) (I'm Not Single)
Mas Normuharni Sheikhah Bt Mohd Sattar (Mas Muharni) (Wayang)
Avaa Vanja Binti Mohamad Ramli (Avaa Vanja) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Diana Rafar Susuk)

In this category, Julia's main competition would be coming from LISA SURIHANI (the next PRIMADONA Layar Perak) and Diana Rafar. These two ladies played leading roles in their respective films and thus showcasing their acting abilities. It wasn't GREAT but it was ENOUGH to show their range and what they are capable of doing. As for the rest well, simply put they are forgettable. Julia might come in merely a close 3rd! Moving on:

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Nabila Huda Bin Suhaimi (Nabila) (Akhirat)
Sabaranu Binti Baharudin (Nanu) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Azizah Binti Mahzan (Azizah Mahzan) (Anak)
Rominah Sidek (Ruminah Sidek) (Pensil)
Wan Intan Edrinas Binti Wan Mokhtar (Dynas Mokhtar) (Kayangan)

The recently wed, Dynas is up against fellow all stars who have been in the industry long enough to have skillfully mastered the art of ACTING except Nabila! Nabila can jump as high as she want but she is out of their league. As for this category it looks pretty much like someone is trying to pull a JUDI DENCH at the oscars for SHAKESPERE IN LOVE. But i doubt it. Since Ruminah Sidek lost to last years favorite Best Supporting Actress, Azean Irdawaty, she will be bagging home the award for this year. But, if she doesn't win this time someone needs to give her an award for BEST FEMALE VETERAN because its long overdue! Dynas is indeed a great actress and has rightfully deserved the nomination. Her performance in Apa Kata Hati was brilliant as well. Many good roles will come her way. Finally:

Best Actress
Maya Karin Roelcke (Maya Karin) (Anak Halal)
Fazira Wan Chek (Erra Fazira) (Anak)
NurFazura Binti Sharfuddin (Fazura) (Kayangan)
Noraishah Binti Abdul Aziz (Nasha Aziz) (Otai)
Vanidah Imran (Vanidah Imran) (Akhirat)

I really do question the juries for this list of nominations. I really didnt see this coming. It was a shocker not to just myself but fellow media reporters as well. The thing is these reporters are being invited to every movie press preview session and would of known who stood out the most for this years film festival. And to see that their list of favorites didn't make it to the list just questions what the jury saw in the finalist. 3 names deserve to be there, but the other two? I will be elaborating more on who got snubbed for this category after this posting. But for this category to me it will be the battle between the BRIDE TO BE, MAYA KARIN and WIFE 2nd time around also the current reigning PRIMADONA LAYAR PERAK, ERRA FAZIRA. I favor Erra over Maya Karin because in this movie we saw an absolutely OPPOSITE SIDE of Erra we havent seen before. It was the most challenging role she has done by far. Throughout her more than 10 year career as an actress this is HER BEST acting to date! She really deserves to win. As for Fazura she will be in 3rd.

BEST FILM - My Predictions for FFM21

2008-08-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

28 Julai 2008

UTUSAN MALAYSIA by ABD AZIZ ITAR

Jelas Nancie, pihak Jawatankuasa Penjurian FFM21 turut bersetuju untuk menambah baik kaedah-kaedah yang telah dikemukakan oleh Dr. Naim itu berdasarkan matlamat festival tersebut yang bertujuan mengangkat martabat industri perfileman tanah air.

“Antaranya, kami akan masukkan lima elemen penting yang akan diguna pakai oleh juri sebelum mereka sebulat suara mengangkat sesebuah filem mengungguli kategori Filem Terbaik.

“Elemen patriotisme, kasih sayang, nilai budaya setempat dan unsur pengajaran adalah diwajibkan dalam sesebuah filem itu sebelum ia diangkat sebagai Filem Terbaik festival kali ini,” ujarnya.

Kategori Filem Terbaik yang menawarkan hadiah wang tunai lebih RM25,000 itu tentunya memperlihatkan persaingan yang mungkin agak kurang setara kerana ada sesetengah filem tidak banyak mengetengahkan elemen-elemen tersebut.

Sebagai contohnya, filem Wayang arahan Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan dikatakan mempunyai banyak unsur pengajaran, nilai-nilai seni serta budaya, kasih sayang dan unsur patriotisme terhadap penjagaan persembahan wayang kulit daripada pupus di negara ini.

Namun, bagaimana pula halnya dengan filem-filem lain yang cuma sekadar memaparkan kegilaan muda-mudi terhadap trend kehidupan semasa ataupun filem-filem hantu dan komedi yang cuma sekadar membawakan unsur-unsur ringan?

Beliau mengakui terlalu susah untuk memuaskan hati semua orang dalam satu masa. Cuma dengan adanya kaedah penjurian yang lebih spesifik serta konsep tertentu maka matlamat untuk mencari Filem Terbaik akan lebih jelas.

With all of this so called "CRITERIA" then it would be pretty much an easy task to narrow down who might bring home the coveted title of the year for BEST FILM. But normally if you were to view other film festivals their best films are based on these two categories. BEST SCREENPLAY & BEST ORIGINAL STORY. Who are nominated for these two categories?

Best Screenplay

Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan (Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan) (Wayang)
Mohamad Bin Mohd Khalid (Mamat Khalid) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Abdul Rahmad Ahmad (Ara) Nik Samira Nik Md Mustaffa (Mira Mustaffa) (Sepi)
Osman Ali (Osman Ali) (Anak Halal)
Gerald Hans Isaac (Hans Isaac) (CUCI)

Best Original Story

Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan (Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan) (Wayang)
Mohamad Bin Mohd Khalid (Mamat Khalid) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Abdul Rahmad Ahmad (Ara) Nik Samira Nik Md Mustaffa (Mira Mustaffa) (Sepi)
Osman Ali (Osman Ali) (Anak Halal)
Subash A/L Manokaran (M. Subash) (Pensil)

Looking at this, 4 films have automatically made their way in the running for BESTI FILM which is WAYANG, KALA MALAM BULAN MENGAMBANG, ANAK HALAL and SEPI . But if you were to refer back to their so called "CRITERIA" of PATRIOTIC ELEMENT, LOVE, MORAL VALUES & LESSON TO BE LEARNT, a certain film might be snubbed for the final list which is SEPI! The film SEPI lacks one of the important "CRITERIA" required for best film, PATRIOTISM!The same thing happened to MUKHSIN last year when it was snubbed in the end by THE RED KEBAYA when it had no nominations at all for BEST SCREENPLAY & BEST ORIGINAL STORY.

So as of now we have 3 finalist whom i think will make it on the BEST FILM nomination. Now, what about the other two? Well let's view again the list who else has received most nominations throughout the entire Film Festival.

1. ANAK HALAL (12 nominations)
2. KALA MALAM BULAN MENGAMBANG (11 nominations)
3. WAYANG (11 nominations)
4. 1957 HATI MALAYA (9 nominations)
5. SUSUK (8 nominations)
6. EVOLUSI KL DRIFT (5 nominations)
7. PENSIL (5 nominations)
8. SEPI (5 nominations)
9. CONGKAK (4 nominations)
10. KAYANGAN (4 nominations)

Out of these 10, 3 have made it for my BEST FILM list which are highlighted in YELLOW. Out of the remaining 7, there are CLEARLY only 2 films left that fulfill the so called "CRITERIA" required for BEST FILM which are 1957: HATI MALAYA & PENSIL.

PENSIL is a contender since it received a nomination for BEST ORIGINAL STORY. But 1957: HATI MALAYA will make it to the list SNUB-BING SEPI since it has all 5 criteria's for BEST FILM required this year.

My list are based on the LOGICS of the situation and how it normally goes. These are only mere predictions from someone such as myself who has so much time to actually try and decipher who might make it for BEST FILM. I am just your average guy who is passionate about FILM. So if you were to ask me these would make it to the end.

BEST ORIGINAL THEME SONG

2008-08-04T23:20:00.000-07:00

This year they will be releasing the final top 5 for the BEST ORIGINAL THEME SONG category on the award night itself. Last year they applied it only on BEST FILM which was announced in the end. The final reveal of who made it for BEST FILM shocked many media reporters, i was there sitting right in front of them hearing their whispers like "EH, APASAL FILEM TUE TAK TERCALON. BIAR BETUL?" "THEY GOT TO BE JOKING?" "CITER NIE YANG DAPAT PENCALONAN? MOTIF????".

For the 21st Malaysian Film Festival they are doing the same thing again for BEST FILM and adding BEST ORIGINAL THEME SONG to the TOP SECRET list of nominations in their hands. Well since they do not provide a top 5, here are my predictions. The one that i have highlighted in red is most likely to win. You have to remember its not about THE MOST popular song, its about AN ORIGINAL THEME SONG that resembles the whole FILM!

Hati - Dato' Siti Nurhaliza (1957: Hati Malaya)

Hampir Ke Situ - Mendua (Duyung)

Kayangan - Ajai & Tenku Mimi (Kayangan)

Marabahaya - Pop Shuvit (Impak Maksima)

Kau Ada Dia - The Lima (Kau Ada Dia)

Best Costume - This is my choice.

2008-08-04T20:27:00.001-07:00

These are the nominees for this years Best Costume Category.

Dee Hasnan Yaccob (Dee Hasnan) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Mohd Zaini Abd. Rahman (Mohd Zaini ) (Susuk)
Mohd Zaini Abd. Rahman (Mohd Zaini ) (Anak Halal)
Nasirah Binti Ramlan (Nasirah Ramlan) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )

In my opinion this should be a clear winner base on its creativity and how it represents each character being portrayed. Below are their creativity at its best.

BEST POSTER - You Choose (FFM21)

2008-08-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

These are the finalist for BEST POSTER. So all of you could judge which poster you like the most.

And the NOMINEES ARE - FFM21(Malaysian Film Festival)

2008-08-04T02:17:00.000-07:00

These are the final shortlist of nominees for this years 21st MALAYSIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2008.

Those that i have highlighted RED are my predictions to who should bring home the coveted award. I will be updating the rest once i have finalize my choices for the remaining categories.

1.) Best Film

To be anounced on the award night!

2.) Best Film-Director

Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan (Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan) (Wayang)
Shuhaimi Binti Baba (Shuhaimi Baba) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Ahmad Idham Bin Ahmad Nadzzri (Ahmad Idham) (Congkak)
Mohamad Bin Mohd Khalid (Mamat Khalid) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Osman Ali (Osman Ali) (Anak Halal)

3.) Best Actor

Afdlin Shauki Bin Aksan (Afdlin Shauki) (Sepi)
Adlin Bin Aman Ramlie (Adlin Aman Ramlie) (Susuk)
Mohamed Noor Bin Shamsuddin (Rosyam Nor) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Abd. Manan Bin Embong (Eman Manan) (Wayang)
Farid Kamil Bin Zahari (Farid Kamil) (Anak Halal)

4.) Best Actress

Maya Karin Roelcke (Maya Karin) (Anak Halal)
Fazira Wan Chek (Erra Fazira) (Anak)
NurFazura Binti Sharfuddin (Fazura) (Kayangan)
Noraishah Binti Abdul Aziz (Nasha Aziz) (Otai)
Vanidah Imran (Vanidah Imran) (Akhirat)

5.) Best Screenplay

Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan (Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan) (Wayang)
Mohamad Bin Mohd Khalid (Mamat Khalid) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Abdul Rahmad Ahmad (Ara) Nik Samira Nik Md Mustaffa (Mira Mustaffa) (Sepi)
Osman Ali (Osman Ali) (Anak Halal)
Gerald Hans Isaac (Hans Isaac) (CUCI)

6.) Best Original Story

Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan (Prof. Dr. Hatta Azad Khan) (Wayang)
Mohamad Bin Mohd Khalid (Mamat Khalid) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Abdul Rahmad Ahmad (Ara) Nik Samira Nik Md Mustaffa (Mira Mustaffa) (Sepi)
Osman Ali (Osman Ali) (Anak Halal)
Subash A/L Manokaran (M. Subash) (Pensil)

7.) Best Cinematography

Raja Mukhriz bin R. Ahmad kamaruddin (Raja Mukhriz) (Evolusi KL Drift)
Mohd Noor Mohd Kassim (Madnor Kassim) (Sepi)
Daven A/L Raghavan (Daven R) (Susuk)
Raja Mukhriz bin R. Ahmad kamaruddin (Raja Mukhriz) (Kayangan)
Khalid Bin Zakaria (Khalid Zakaria) (Anak Halal)

8.) Best Editor

Mohd Hafiz Kamaruzaman (Wayang)
Ahmad Mustadha Bin Samingon (Ahmad Mustadha) (Congkak)
Raja Affandi Raja Jamaludin (Affandi Jamaludin) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Johan Bahar (Johan Bahar) (Sepi)
Nik Haslinda Nik Hassan (Nik Haslinda) (1957: Hati Malaya)

9.) Best Original Music Score

Mohd Hafiz Askiak (Hafiz Askiak) (Wayang)
Hardesh Singh (Hardesh Singh) (Susuk)
Nurzaidi Bin Abd Rahman (Nurzaidi) (Anak Halal)
Sharon Anne Paul (Sharon Paul) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Ahmad Kamal Badarudin (Ahmad Kamal Badarudin) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )

10.) Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Zul Huzaimy Bin Marzuki (Zul Huzaimy ) (Wayang)
Farid Kamil Bin Zahari (Farid Kamil) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Adlin Bin Aman Ramlie (Adlin Aman Ramlie) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Idris Bin Mohd Yusof (Eizlan Yusof) (Impak Maksima )
Mohd Fauzi bin Mohd Nawawi (Fauzi Nawawi) (Anak Halal)

11.) Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Nabila Huda Bin Suhaimi (Nabila) (Akhirat)
Sabaranu Binti Baharudin (Nanu) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Azizah Binti Mahzan (Azizah Mahzan) (Anak)
Rominah Sidek (Ruminah Sidek) (Pensil)
Wan Intan Edrinas Binti Wan Mokhtar (Dynas Mokhtar) (Kayangan)

12.) Best Art Direction
Aida Fitri Buyong (Aida Buyong) Kamarul Nizam Bin Abdul Rahman (Kamarul Nizam) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Nazrul Asraff Mahzan (Nazrul Asraff ) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Kek Ting Lam (Ting Lam ) (Susuk)
Anuar Nor Arai (Arai Mohd Nor) (Johnny Bikin Filem)
Irwan Mazwan bin Ibrahim (Irwan Mazwan ) (Anak Halal)

13.) Best Sound Effect

Ng Kang Wei (Brian Ng (Kang)) (Congkak)
Azman Bin Abu Hassan (Azman Hassan) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Azman Bin Abu Hassan (Azman Hassan) (Anak Halal)
Daud Sulaiman (Daud Sulaiman) (Evolusi KL Drift)

14.) Best Young Actor
Syazlynne Erynna Binti Abdullah (Erynne Erynna) (Congkak)
Nur’Arina Binti Abd Malek (Nur’Arina ) (Congkak)
Mohd Asrah Afif (Mohd Asrah Afif) (Wayang)
Mohd Asrah Aris (Mohd Asrah Aris) (Wayang)
Amrul Hisham (Amrul Hisham) (Anak)

15.) Most Promising Director

Barney Lee (Barney Lee) (Anak)
Mohd Syamsul Bin Dato' Yusof Haslam (Syamsul Yusof ) (Evolusi KL Drift)
Mohd Latiff Zami (Yeop Hitler) (Dunia Baru The Movie)
Subash A/L Manokaran (M. Subash) (Pensil)
Gerald Hans Isaac (Hans Isaac) (CUCI)

16.) Most Promising Actor

Subash A/L Manokaran (M. Subash) (Pensil)
Mohd Kamarulzaman Taib (Che Kem) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Zaefrul Nadzarine Nordin (Zaefrul Nadzarine Nordin) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Mohd Syamsul Bin Dato' Yusof Haslam (Syamsul Yusof ) (Evolusi KL Drift)
Wan Kenari (Wan Kenari) (Wayang)

17.) Most Promising Actress

Julia Binti Bob Fauzi Ziegler (Julia Ziegler) (Kayangan)
Lisa Surihani Binti Mohamed (Lisa Surihani ) (I'm Not Single)
Mas Normuharni Sheikhah Bt Mohd Sattar (Mas Muharni) (Wayang)
Avaa Vanja Binti Mohamad Ramli (Avaa Vanja) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )
Diana Rafar (Susuk)

18.) Best Costume Designer/ Garment

Dee Hasnan Yaccob (Dee Hasnan) (1957: Hati Malaya)
Mohd Zaini Abd. Rahman (Mohd Zaini ) (Susuk)
Mohd Zaini Abd. Rahman (Mohd Zaini ) (Anak Halal)
Nasirah Binti Ramlan (Nasirah Ramlan) (Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang )

19.) Best Poster

CUCI
Susuk
Anak Halal
Evolusi KL Drift
Pensil

20.) Best Digital Film

Ganavin Ivanthaanda Hero
Jarum Halus
Malaysia's Sweetheart
Wirasiswi
Yantra

21.) Best Documentary

Making The Cut
The Woodsmiths
Kami Yang Disyaki
Restoring Merdeka
The Perak Man

22.) Best Animation

Apocalypse
Family Portrait
Upin & Ipin
World War
Nene Breshke

23.) Best Short Film

Hasrat
TIFFIN
Eyefingers
Burp
Kopitiam Kurang Manis

Susuk - Not worth the wait!!!!

2008-08-04T00:24:00.000-07:00

I have never been HUGELY disappointed in my entire life on a film that i had so much high hopes on. I kept telling myself do not get over excited on something thats not certain yet. But i just can't help myself but to HOPE! I was CRUSHED BIG TIME! The movie was a mix of SERIAL KILLER + CANNIBALISM + BAD ACTING + VAMPIRE LIKE + HORNY + HUSBAND ABUSE = GONE WRONG!

I manage to make it to the recent press preview from Grand Brilliance on their latest film SUSUK! As the lights began to dim and everyone was seated i was bracing myself for a good film. As the main title sequence appeared i was APPLAUDING along with the rest of the casts, it was just a small number of us who actually applauded during the intro, and was entranced with its sundanese inspired musical score and its great graphics where the title was carved on the back of a women's body. Along came Ida Nerina running into the scene in the BRIGHT BLOOD RED kebaya fainting on to the pavement. Followed closely behind her was Adlin Aman Ramlie who then lifted her and began moving offscreen. That was among the FEW scenes that i enjoyed in this movie. As to the rest of it, it was just a HORROR THRILLER GONE WRONG!

My expectation of the movie was absolutely not met. I expect to TRULY UNDERSTAND what was so TABOO about SUSUK. Why was it FROWNED upon? What makes the practice so dangerous? What are the restrictions to those who practices it? Most of the questions i had on this SUBJECT was left unanswered! I was not alone on this but many of the other media representatives felt the same way too. It was so confusing. Throughout the whole film DAHI NI BERKERUT JER!!!! (quoted from one reporters mouth). The story did not reveal the many faces of SUSUK but merely tackled on a much easier medium to relate the practice of susuk with the entertainment industry.

Let me have a go with the casts first. I am a big fan of Ida Nerina and her works but to be honest this is her WORST acting to date! I have never seen her this bad ever! I have no idea why Amir Muhammad created such a character to be acted out that way. They actually had her in this hideous black stripped outfit jumping here and there with long nails as this so called "PENUNGGU or SERIAL KILLER to me lah" who is out to kill so she could devour their flesh to complete her TRANSFORMATION from practicing a normal susuk to SUSUK KERAMAT. Then there's SOFEA JANE and ALEEZA KASSIM, who are there just for their BEAUTY! That was it. These are two LEADING LADIES who was there to look great BERKEMBAN DALAM AIR BUNGA!

Diana Rafar's attempt to cross over to the silver screen is nothing to be praised about. It was something we have seen before. Nothing new. She was just plain and ordinary. I am not sure whether its her or the structure of the story that made her that way.

There are plenty other flaws in this movie that i have no time to tackle them one by one. But, the main letdown was the storyline of the movie. The music score on the other hand was BRILLIANT! I'm sure Pak Hassan Muthalib would agree with me on this, at least. Good job Hardesh. If you happen to read this by any chance i would like to request a copy of the movie's original score.

Technically the film was not bad thanx to Naeim Ghalili the co-director of this film. Cinematography wise it was ok. Good angles especially the last shot of Putrajaya. It also had this great graphic transition throughout the film. But a bit too frequently used. You could actually tell when and where the transition was going to morph.

I think its Amir's INDIE mentality that made this movie to be the way it was. I think thats why many indie film makers who are just so good at doing their indie stuff but can never go mainstream. People would have trouble understanding their crafts. Not many people have the same patience as i do but people pay to go to the cinema to be entertained not to be thrown all these scenes that makes you think of why is this like that, why did that happen and why is Aleeza Kassim in a TWO PIECE! I mean if there are a few scenes inviting your audience participation to think then its ok but THROUGHOUT??? I dont think so. Having to KERUT YOUR DAHI for nearly 2 hours is very torturing. Those after watching this film would seriously need a SUSUK session or a great BOTOX doctor. Entertain viewers not torture them. But, dont take my word for it, have a go and watch it yourself and tell me what you think about it.

All i want to say is JAMES LEE, do not dissapoint me!

21st MALAYSIAN FILM FESTIVAL - CROWING MOMENT

2008-07-24T04:23:00.000-07:00

This coming 9th August, the spotlight at the 21st Malaysian Film Festival (FFM21) will be on Putrajaya. This year they will be remainging last year's theme “Towards Excellence in Malaysian Cinema”, this year’s festival is said to raise the bar of local film industry with innovative and state-of-the-art technology.

This year 23 feature films will battle it out to bring back home the coveted title BEST FILM OF THE YEAR. Will history repeat itself favoring KHABIR BHATIA for his work in SEPI? I doubt it. Well we'll see what happens when they release the final top 5 schedualed to be on 2nd of August. Will be giving my predictions soon to who will bring home the title.

Azean Irdawaty - LIHATLAH DUNIA (Best Supporting Actress 2007 for WARIS JARI HANTU)

LISA SURIHANI - PRIMADONA BARU LAYAR PERAK

2008-07-24T03:48:00.000-07:00

Move over FASHA SANDHA, step aside DIANA DANIELLE beware ERRA FAZIRA, LISA SURIHANI is planning to take over the SPOTLIGHT!

Who is LISA SURIHANI u say? Let me do an intro for you. She has graced many national ad campaigns with her beauty such as Maxis, Cadbury, Hotlink, Rexona, Johnson & Johnson Pure Essentials, KFC, McDonalds and many more. She has previously acted in a supporting role for the film GOODBYE BOYS produced by Red Films. She's at a young age of 23 but speaks very maturely when being interviewed by the press. How can someone so beautiful be so talented and actually have a brain? Well she just graduated from Universiti Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom after a 3 year course taking up law completing her Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP). BEAUTY WITH BRAINS WHO KNEW!!! Unlike many other young n upcoming artist who haven't got a CLUE what they are talking about. Some people are drop dead gorgeous and so stunning but they are to me just a mere DUMB BLONDE! I don't want to mention names but you know who you are. With her presence in this industry she is deserving to be known as a force to be reckon with. Giving the other actresses a run for their money.

Her debut film as a LEADING ACTRESS in I'M NOT SINGLE, absolutely has placed her on the map of MALAYSIAN FILM INDUSTRY. After watching that film everyone would know who is LISA SURIHANI.

LADIES & GENTLEMAN , i present you LISA SURIHANI , PRIMADONA BARU LAYAR PERAK!

I'm Not Single - A Breath of Fresh Air

2008-07-24T03:01:00.000-07:00

Firstly i would like to apologize to those who continuously check up on my blog for new postings. I've been very busy lately with work that i have no time at all to make the entries that i have listed down to do in my blog. Let's tackle this one by one shall we. Here it goes.

A few weeks ago i manage to tag along with a friend of mine to the press preview of I'm Not Single directed by Pierre Andre. It's his 2nd attempt in the director's chair since 9 September which didn't do well in the cinemas. Honestly going into this press preview i didn't have any expectation at all. NONE! I was just tagging along because my friend was invited and he had no one to accompany him. Being a good friend, which i am, i decided to just sit it out and hope that i don't snore in the cinema.

As the guest started arriving one particular person caught my eye, LISA SURIHANI! She is indeed drop dead gorgeous. Her smile just blows me away. She has this aura, this presence that makes her stand out without even trying to hard. I've seen her in the movie trailer but i never knew that she would be this gorgeous in person. I might be exaggerating but its just me. I know BEAUTY when i see it.

Anyway moving on to the movie, 30 minutes into the screening all i could say was i never expected it to come out that way. I was caught off guard totally with its storyline and attempt in being original. I took this as a sign, NEVER HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS BECAUSE YOU MIGHT BE DISSAPOINTED! In this case i had no expectations at all but i was actually enjoying the film. It was entertaining in its own way and just proves how Pierre Andre has matured as a director. He definitely learnt from his previous flaws and came back with something much solid. It's a feel good movie for me that is definitely worth to watch. One scene to look for would be the scene where FARID KAMIL answers LISA's hand phone while she takes a shower. That scene was just simply hilarious!!!

As for the cast, the one that blew me away was definitely LISA SURIHANI. She wasn't FANTASTIC but she was GREAT! She filled in the character perfectly and made it her own. As you continue to watch her character to develop throughout the movie you begin to see her acting capabilities that if were to polish even more with proper coaching and future good roles she would definitely be huge one day. SHE IS IT. THE NEXT SCREEN QUEEN. Someone with a package and who could actually ACT!

As for the rest of the cast, Farid was so charming and naughty in his own way. He gave something different in the film but i can't grasp on what it was. He was pleasant to watch. Pairing Farid and Lisa was just brilliant. The chemistry between the two of them was believable.

AWAL & INTAN, well what could i say bout these two. NOTHING! Well Awal stil has a long way to go in this business. It would take a while for him to be equally or at least close enough to Farid's acting talents. INTAN on the other hand, MY GAWD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't see what directors see in her. Seriously she needs acting classes.

As for the cameo appearances by David Teo & Ahmad Idham really served most of the comedy in the movie. David is surprisingly a funny man. Even during his opening speech for the press preview he was cracking jokes like no one's business.

Overall the film to me is a feel good movie. Pierre has a lot of potential to be GREAT since he is representing the younger generation in film directing. I see great things to come from him. Hopefully he doesn't let me down.

Beauty & The Beast The Musical Vs. Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical

2008-07-07T00:23:00.000-07:00

This is a very late entry since it has passed quite a while but its worth writing. Been wanting to write about it but never seemed to have the time. Here it goes.

On 27th June 2008, i had purchased myself with a few other friends to watch one of the biggest musicals of all time BEAUTY & THE BEAST. The musical itself has been seen by nearly over 25 million people and i was surely not going to be left out on such a historical production. Nominated for nine Tony awards including Best Musical, this breathtaking musical has been wowing audiences world-wide with record breaking runs. And now the magic of this spectacularly smash-hit musical produced by UK Productions Ltd finally came to Kuala Lumpur.

Well i myself am not well off and was kinda tight on budget with everything that is going on so i purchased the RM90 ticket. I thought i was going to regret for not spending a bit more on the rm150 tickets but surprisingly enough the seats for that ticket price was not much of a difference from my rm90 ticket. Pity to those who purchased them.

As the musical started, i was having trouble trying to listen to the narration. The audio was painfully low and made the experience very unsatisfactory. The problem was that the speakers were at the lower deck where the stalls were unlike the ones in Istana Budaya where they have speakers on top as well. I tried not to focus so much on the audio as to i know how the story goes but it was just painful for me because i wanted to SING ALONG with the rest of the casts.

Well anyway, apart from the audio i enjoyed the rest of it. The production was very much working on its limited source of GRAND COSTUMES and SETS like the ones they had back in London, but the acting by some of the cast made it worth while. Especially the gentleman who portrayed Lumiere! He stole the night definitely. A very big crowd pleaser indeed. Was turned off by Gaston as to his character was supposed to be very arrogant and masculine rather then very goofy and irritating!

What made this musical a success was because it had that extra ingredient, MAGIC! The magic effect made it very interesting to watch. The effects it had going on was just brilliant in certain scenes. The use of sound effects complimented a lot in their performance. There was this one scene which reminded so much of P.RAMLEE THE MUSICAL. It was this scene where Gaston and his mate were in the bar and are clanking their beer mugs together into this fantastic choreography. It brought me back to the scene in P.RAMLEE THE MUSICAL where they were dancing using the TEROMPAH when P.Ramlee got married to Junaidah.

As the curtain call was going on me and my friends were clapping our hands to the cast and the rest of the production crew. I whispered to my friend and said would it be cool macam TIBA-TIBA Tiara came running out in her PGL attire and singing KATAKANLAHHHHHHH KEPADAKUUUU BAHAWA HADIRMU SEMATA_MATA CINTAAAAAAA. How i miss PGLM so so so much. Actually after seeing BATB Musical, i respect Datin Sri Tiara Jacqueline even more for pulling off 2 seasons of each production for Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical and P.Ramlee The Musical. It's obviously not an easy task and she manage to pull it off. I saw her during the intermission at the BATB musical. Im sure she was there to get some pointers on how to make her next production an even remarkable experience.

Well Datin Sri if by chance your reading my blog (since i always read urs) with this post, PLEASE I BEG YOU TO BRING BACK PUTERI GUNUNG LEDANG THE MUSICAL. I watched both seasons when it came out. First season i managed to watch it 6 times and 3 Times for the second season as the tickets were selling so fast. I am a huge fan of PGL very much. I really hope that PGLM revisits IB and bring back KISAH CINTA AGUNG!

Official Soundtrack for the film SEPI

2008-06-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

During the past press preview for the film SEPI, the official SEPI ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK was launched. The album consists of 15 songs with popular current hits from local and international artist and new songs for the film such as "KEMBANG PERAWAN" - Gita Gutawa, "SEPI" - Yuni Shara, "AKU BUKAN UNTUKMU" Zaf & Lah V.E. and "KAU ADA DIA" - The Lima.
The album contains such great composers ranging from Erin Gutawa, Melly Goeslow & Pacai. Below are the official MUSIC VIDEO for the film SEPI.

CINTA vs. SEPI - Khabir Say's Dont Compare!

2008-06-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

Apart from the fact that i am crazy over CINTA AGUNG kind of movies, this one was a MUST WATCH the minute i viewed the trailer. I was entranced by the angelic vocalizing of Gita Gutawa and the beautifully edited trailer. I waited this day for so long it finally came, the Press Preview for film SEPI. As the event was going along, deep down inside me i was like get over with all this and start rolling the film. But i maintained my poise and waited like a true gentleman. The lights finally dimmed and the reel started rolling.

SYNOPSIS
Three individuals in the city learn the meaning of love, loss and loneliness in this romantic drama. Adam, a successful young chef, expends his energy in creating confectionery masterpieces for weddings, yet has still to find his own bride. Then there is Sufi, who each day runs for miles in an attempt to outrun the memories of his dead wife. Finally, there is Imaan, a young playwright who discovers that theatre is a stage of where her past is finally resolved and her future is unveiled. All three strangers are inevitably linked to a single dramatic moment that transforms their lives forever.

I always remind myself when i get over excited over something not to expect much because i would be disappointed in the end if its not up to my expectation. In this case i was a bit disappointed as my expectation for this film was HUGE!! First its Khabir's work. Im a huge fan of Khabir since CINTA. I watched it 3 times in the cinema. Second Mira is writing it (his wife). If she managed to create magic in CINTA then i was expecting the same this time around. But apparently it fell short.

The film was technically PERFECT!!! It made Malaysia so BEAUTIFUL from every angles. His composition was so spot on that it complemented on the mood of that scene. I salute his D.O.P for delivering such a remarkable work. Madnor Kassim works best under the direction of Khabir since this is his second project together with him since CINTA. Most of the scenes were brilliantly well lit up that it was just unbelievable. I absolutely loved the scene with Afdlin and Vanidah in the kitchen having this food fight between them and they had this glowing light which just made it look so magical yet very romantic. The locations shot in the film was carefully chosen and turned out very fruitful for what the director had visualize. The film had a great score. A very STRONG score. They hit it out the park with this one as they did with CINTA. With composers such as PACAI who is returning for the second time after CINTA, Melly Goeslow and Erin Gutawa on board where could you go wrong???? So basically they had all the technical part covered to me. Technically i have no problems with Khabir's work. The story was what bothered me.

Obviously Mira is influenced so so so much with HOLLYWOOD ROMANTIC FILMS. CINTA was based on LOVE ACTUALLY!!! ADMIT IT the idea of CINTA was derived from that but she manage to make it her own, it had a MALAYSIAN TOUCH to it. This time around SEPI to me was also based on HOLLYWOOD films such as WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING, LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA, VEER ZHARA (Bollywood film) and another famous romantic film which i can't mention as it will SPOIL the whole film. She tried very hard to make it her own but it seemed as if she ran out of ideas to make it as original as possible. She was trying to tell 3 stories but only manage to finish 2! One of the stories felt so out of place that it didn't developed properly and was very disappointing. I didn't feel any sort of connection with the characters and the heartache that they were going through. I was left VERY DRY!

With a great line up of cast only a few stood out and delivered. Afdlin was being his ordinary self and entertained the audience with his comedic lines and true emotions which we rarely see. Vanidah on the other hand was in her element and didn't sparkle as much unlike the performance she gave in The Red Kebaya. I think she wasn't challenged enough for the role. Nasha Aziz stole the show definitely hands down. She was out of her element. She was so goofy but yet believable. She pushed herself and experimented with this role and was very refreshing to see this side of her. Tony Eusoff and Eja didnt seem to have any chemistry at all. They were very average. As for Pierre Andre he played his usual charming self and had no trouble pulling it off, very cliche. Baizura Kahar at her first attempt in a leading role delivered. She wasn't disappointing at all. I felt a sense of connection to her character and what she was going through. Her emotions came across well and managed to touch my heart. Hussein of Ruffedge made a great comeback to the silver screen after TIPAH TERTIPU. I was surprised with his acting. I never thought he had it in him. He needs to be explored more.

Overall you just cant help but COMPARE SEPI and CINTA! As much as the production team reminds us not to compare the two we just simply can't help it. IT'S MADE WITH THE SAME FORMULA!!! But stil its a film worth to watch. Its worth every RINGGIT! Dont take my word for it. See it for yourself when it hits the theatres this 26 June 2008!

P. Ramlee - Air Mata Di Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-30T02:10:00.000-07:00

The last song written by P.Ramlee and recorded by his wife Saloma. Air Mata Di Kuala Lumpur was written for a film which did not materialize. The lyrics of the song described frustrations over his failed ambitions after he moved to Kuala Lumpur.

He made only one movie in 1972 and none in 1973 (died same year in May). His film career at Merdeka Studio was already on the downside, partly due to bad creative environment. But P Ramlee was a visionary, he had readied himself as a film producer, even setting up Pawagam P Ramlee (formerly Queen Cinema) at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur.

Sadly, his film venture and acting career didn't last longer. There were bad business partnership and back stabbing. Few weeks before his death, while attending a film festival in Singapore he complained to his close associates about weight problem and his difficulty to walk.

He died a very unhappy man as reflected in his last studio song 'Air Mata Di Kuala Lumpur'. Obviously, of an unfulfilled dream to build up a vibrant film industry in Malaysia.

SEPI - Khabir Returns

2008-05-26T01:47:00.000-07:00

Bisikku pada bulan
Kembalikan temanku
Kekasihku, Syurgaku

Tanpa dia malam menemaniku
Sepi memelukku

Bulan jangan biar siang biar alam ini kelam
Biar ia sepi sepertiku

(TRANSLATION more or less)
I whisper to the moon
Return my love to me
My heart, My heaven

I am left in the silent night
Without you my love
Loneliness clouds over me

Do not allow the day looses its light
As i am left alone

Last year's Malaysian Film Festival honored the film CINTA directed by Khabir Bhatia as BEST FILM defeating WARIS JARI HANTU who was also in the running to win the award. This time around Khabir returns with SEPI. The film is due for relase on 26th June 2008. At a first glance it seems to resemble so much of its previous success CINTA. The trailer itself looks very promising. it's either a good movie or the trailer was DAMN GOOD!

Im easily persuaded especially with a enchanting score like that. What i hope is that this movie does not turn out like those movies which has a crappy storyline but a bloody damn good list of soundtracks to support it. My expectation so far for this film is quite high since its KHABIR's work. Plus with a star studded cast such as these where could they go wrong? First you have Afdlin Shauki, Vanidah Imran and Nasha Aziz who has won an award for their acting performances. Then you have Pierre Andre and Baizura Kahar returning after CINTA. Then you would have the current reigning QUEEN OF AIR MATA, EJA. As for the rest of the cast RIEZMAN KHUZAIMIE, TONY EUSOFF & HUSSEIN are not strangers to the silver screen but hasn't yet given their best performances thus far. But let's all hope under the direction of KHABIR they all manage to give a performance to remember.

An Evening with Apa Kata Hati

2008-05-26T01:10:00.000-07:00

Last 2 weeks was the Press Preview for the upcoming Tayanggan Unggul's latest production entitled "APA KATA HATI". The upcoming film received much support when many of the media rep showed up for the preview. Overall the movie received positive feedbacks from those who were present. During the PC a few questions were thrown at the team in regards to the film. Among who was put in the hot seat was Awie.

Apa pendapat Awie tentang melakonkan watak Sophie?
"Saya dah buat yang terbaik sepertimana yang diharapkan pengarah"

Kenapa Awie mengambil watak ini?
"Saya mengambil watak ini kerana tidak mahu menghadkan lakonan saya. Saya hendak "improve" sebagai seorang pelakon dan saya telah cuba bawa watak itu sedaya yang mampu".

The press was also eager to ask Mr. Director himself a few questions.

Apa cabaran yang Tiong Hin hadapi ketika membuat filem ini?
"Saya mempunyai lebih "respect" pada local film-makers yang membuat filem dengan cara begini"

Kenapa filem ini mempunyai ramai artis jemputan?
"Filem ini mempunyai artis-artis tersebut kerana saya meminati hasil kerjaya mereka. Saya jarang membuat filem dan apabila saya berpeluang untuk berkarya saya mengambil masa ini untuk dapat berkerja dengan mereka."

Ogy was also in the spotlight since this was her first appearance returning to the silver screen after 14 years.

Apa perasaan Kak Ogy kembali ke layar perak setelah 14 tahun tidak muncul?
"Hasil filem ini di luar jangkaan dan saya amat memuji Saw Teong Hin kerana telah melakukan karya yang cukup baik. I absolutely enjoyed myself ketika membuat penggambaran filem tersebut kerana dapat bergaul dengan pelakon-pelakon baru. Saya boleh kata bahawa Teong Hin adalah seorang "Actors Director" yang bijak mengarah pelakon-pelakonnya. Dia seorang yang begitu terperinci tentang apa yang dia mahukan untuk menghasilkan yang terbaik"

Apa Kata Hati? Hati Kata Suka

2008-05-23T02:33:00.000-07:00

As it is being said, ‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus’. What if a women is able to hear all those internal musings of men? Sounds scary, isn’t it? ‘APA KATA HATI’ is about an imaginary situation, when the female (an over the top love is all i need girl) by divine intervention or ( by the power of BOMOHism) is able to hear the thoughts of men. And what this blessing disguised as a curse or vice versa does to her life forms the rest of the story.

There is always a huge gap between what we say and we think. The gap is probably by a bigger margin for a woman as women think a lot. Women also worry a lot. These unnecessary worries contribute to fatigue and depression, which in turn makes her a bundle of confusions. But, men who don’t fuss too much on anything are bound to simple and insensitive, in other words simply insensitive.

Synopsis
Elly (Raja Farah) is a young fashion designer who works at Boutique Karya Anggun. She is madly head over heels for Aidil (Farid Kamil). Her close friend Linda (Dynas) doubts every inch of Aidil as she actually think he's cheating on her. In seek of truth Linda persuades Elly to visit a witchdoctor and get answers. On one fine day she is being given a gift dreamt by most women, the ability to hear what men thinks. She sees this as a curse when she hears more negative things rather than positive things. With her new found gift she also gets confused in choosing her soul mate. With all these mixed emotions she finally decides to follow her heart.

This movie is very closely RELATED to WHAT WOMEN WANTS directed by Penny Marshall in 2000 with acts by Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt. But, there is a sense of originality in terms of plot and character developments that makes APA KATA HATI an interesting movie to watch. Apart from that another reason to watch it would be that its directed by acclaimed film director behind PUTERI GUNUNG LEDANG, SAW TEONG HIN and the COMEBACK of the legendary FAUZIAH AHMAD DAUD.

Saw Teong Hin returns to the silver screen with a romantic comedy flick in hand. Will it be praised like what he did with Puteri Gunung Ledang, i doubt it. I didn't feel the "MAGIC" that he had in PGL. But i dont blame him. With the budget he had in hand he delivered accordingly with what was given to him. He was absolutely out of his element in filmaking. He pulled it off certainly. He himself mentioned he had a new respect for local filmmakers who had to make films this way.

Overall the movie was worth having me sit down and watch the whole 1hour 45 minutes. But i was a bit disappointed as i expected too much maybe. The first 15 minutes into the movie flowed smoothly but as it went on i was left a bit stuck figuring when will it take off. It's like your stuck in the 3rd gear. It wont budge. The scenes where it was suppose to take off didn't do much to me. I also realized that certain scenes weren't supported with a great score. You know when your watching all this romantic flick and you have this AMAZING score that just plays with your emotions and you start to feel like your over the rainbow? Yeah those kind of scores.

But nonetheless the movie was saved very much by the comedy acts of AC MIZAL and DYNAS! AC MIZAL as the BOMOH was just simply BRILLIANT! His scenes are really worth to watch. Dynas on the other hand brought it all the way till the end. Honestly i didn't expect it from her but she outshine the rest of the cast with a fantastic performance. Ogy's return to film proved once again that she is OGY AHMAD DAUD! I wouldn't want to share much as im NO SPOILER ok! By the way look out for the 17 CAMEOS! Let's see if you manage to spot all of them.

"AKU TAKKAN MATI!" - Mona Fandey

2008-05-06T02:00:00.000-07:00

I believe i am not alone on this but im sure most of you feel the same. I am very frustrated and bewildered. I just cant seem to face the fact that i WILL NEVER get to watch the film DUKUN! The issue that clouded over the release of this movie never gotten resolved and remains shelved somewhere not certain that it will ever see the light of day in cinemas!

SYNOPSIS
Tracing her origins to a rogue tribe of Batak women shamans who have passed their black magic tradition down through generations, Diana is – consort to the Snake Gods, mysterious and enigmatic; a tease, a flirt, a temptress, a murderer; she wants to be adored and feared at the same time. Diana knows that according to her occult practices, those who keep spirits will die a most painful death that far surpasses hanging. She has to find a way to avoid this horrific end. Diana slowly wins over Karim (her lawyer) who struggles with the dilemma between his professionalism and his human qualities. In a cruel twist of fate, Karim will be the person who helps solve her problem. When this happens, the audience will realize the terrible meaning of Diana’s words, “I Will Never Die”. In one way or another those who come close to Diana will die a physical, emotional or spiritual death.

This movie had big names like Umie Aida and Faizal Hussein jumping on board as the main casts of this film. New comer back then Elyana was to be making her debut in this film. Plus it was to be produced by ASTRO SHAW! One of THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT company in Malaysia.

When the trailer of this film was released to public in cinemas and on the internet, rumors flew so quickly about the current families of Mona Fandey and Datuk Mazlan Idris were going to serve a lawsuit against ASTRO SHAW if they were to ever release the movie on the basis of defamation on the family. ASTRO SHAW's defence towards this lawsuit was simply that this movie had NOTHING to do with actual events when on the other hand as you could see from the trailer that it mentioned in CAPS i mind you, BASED ON A TRUE STORY! What bothers me the most was WHY NOW? The film is finally completed and is waiting to be released, all of a sudden these families start to resurface and start all sorts of nonsense? Its not as if they were clueless about this film and never knew it was in the works to be made. The making of this film was PUBLISHED in news articles throughout 2006! Where have you guys been to have not known about this?

Dukun is widely believed to be based on the infamous case of Mona Fandey, the bomoh who, together with her accomplices, murdered Batu Talam assemblyman Datuk Mazlan Idris in 1993. Those who lived through the time when this case was splashed every single day since the day that they found his body would know what im talking about. For those of you who don't know what im talking about this is recap of what she did.

MONA FANDEY CASE
Perhaps one of the most sensational and unusual cases of modern times in the Far East reached its conclusion on November 2nd, 2001 when, her husband Affandi Abdul Rahman and their 31 year old helper, Juraimi Hussin, were hanged at Malaysia's Kajang Prison on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.

Maznah was better known as Mona Fandey, which was her stage name, when she performed as a pop singer and water ballet dancer in her younger days. When her earlier career ran out of steam, she and Affandi made a living as witch doctors and were known locally as "bomohs."

In July 1993, an assemblyman for central Pahang state, Datuk Mazlan Idris, had approached Mona for supernatural help to boost his political career and climb the party ladder. He was persuaded by the couple to take part in a ritual in which he was to lay on the floor with his eyes closed waiting for the money to "fall from the sky." No money fell, instead it was the blade of an axe. Idris was decapitated and then dismembered and partially skinned. His body was found cut up into 18 parts and buried in a hole near Mona's home in the state of Pahang, about 130 kilometres northeast of Kuala Lumpur. Mazlan was reported missing on July the 2nd, 1993. The day after the killing, Mona went on a shopping spree in Kuala Lumpur and later bought herself a Mercedes-Benz and had a facelift.

It would be such a disappointment that this film never makes it to our cinemas. According to the production team who had seen the final cut that it was just simply of VERY HIGH QUALITY AND THE BEST ACTING so far in Malaysian cinema.

Pierre Andre says "I'm Not Single"

2008-05-06T01:15:00.000-07:00

The upcoming second film by our young director Pierre Andre is soon to hit the screens this year by July. Let's just hope this time that he could pull it off. The trailer is not promising but at least i can be sure that its much better then "CINTA U-TURN"!. First you have the new comer Lisa Surihani who is making her debut in this feature film. She looks good and from viewing the trailer she could act too, one level higher then FASHA SANDHA. There will also be guest appearance by the most "LOVED" producer Mr. David Teo.

Sinopsis
The plot of "I'm Not Single", also known as "Aku Bukan Bujang", tells of a young couple, Maya (Lisa Surihani) and Adam (Farid Kamil), who loathe each other because they are forced into an arranged marriage by their parents. Maya's ailing grandmother wants her to marry as soon as possible, despite the fact that she already has a steady boyfriend, Dani (Awal Ashaari). Dani and Maya love each other and had even planned to marry previously. With the disturbing new development, Dani has to try and conjure up a way in order to pry Maya away from the dreaded arrangement.

Kalau Ada Cinta Pasti U-Turn - WTH????

2008-05-05T01:32:00.000-07:00

The 24th film installment by our renowned director Prof Madya A. Razak Mohaiddien makes it debut in the cinemas last week during the labor day holidays. After viewing his latest "MASTER-PIECE" i just can't stop saying to myself why does someone of his "INTELLIGENCE" never come to realize that his works are just an embarrassment to our local film industry. He is one of the reasons why many have given up hope on our local film industry.

First there is the ridiculous plot. Second the bad acting from all of its cast one in particular is our very own so called PRIMADONA FASHA SANDHA!!! She's just a pretty thing to look at but truth be told she's SH*T!! One thing that they succeeded though was turning AWIE into one BIG JOKE!

The technical side of the movie wasn't even that good either. The sound of the movie was so terrible that it was unbearable. It was obvious that this movie was so rushed that it didnt even care of its numerous technical error. Even with his IMPORTED D.O.P from India none of the shots were even captivating at all. Any local D.O.P could of pulled it off and even BETTER!

The Realism of THE SAVAGES

2008-05-05T01:01:00.000-07:00

No matter how much we don't want to believe it, our physical bodies will someday succumb to aging and exhaustion. I'm a firm believer it doesn't always have to be this way, that as long as you maintain a youthful disposition, mental power can overcome any physical capabilities. But then, I'm also 24 years-old, and my outlook is likely to change, no matter how much I don't want it to.

"The Savages" a darkly comic drama that manages to find hope and humor amidst one of life's toughest ordeals: caring for a dying parent. When your parents die, I imagine a part of you feels like you die too. No matter how good or bad a parent your mother or father was, knowing they're gone probably induces a sense of loneliness.

For anyone who's ever been a witness to anyone close to them steadily declining in health, "The Savages" will ring all too familiar. The film teaches us a lesson that could have only been taught by someone who went through a similar experience as its sad characters. The writer and director is Tamara Jenkins, who must have nurtured the screenplay out of a real-life ordeal. While much of the film is very funny, Jenkins tells it straight from the heart, and that makes it special.

Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman play Wendy and Jon Savage, a sister and brother who learn, rather suddenly, their father is showing signs of dementia. Like many of life's tragedies, such news couldn't come at a more inopportune time (is there ever an opportune time to learn your father has dementia?).

Several scenes go into detail about what it takes to care for the elderly, including one on an airplane when Wendy flies with her father. We see how something so simple becomes a major production. Larry first needs a wheelchair, and then two members of the airport staff must strap him into another chair and wheel him to his seat. Larry then screams for the bathroom, all while Wendy receives dirty looks and stares from the other passengers. Eventually, this leads to one of the film's most heartbreaking shots that had me dreading ever being in Wendy's position yet giving her my complete sympathy.

"The Savages" is simply sad. What it shows is the inevitable and depressing truth that people eventually grow old and sometimes apart. Yes, we keep visiting our friends and family members because we love them, but we must also admit it's because we feel obligated. The film doesn't simply capture this fact of life; it shows it in a completely unaffected way. It's also true emotion, and never falsely presented.

All the people, situations and events in "The Savages" are grounded in stark realism and generate a grand, yet genuine, emotional impact. It's further proof the most powerful films are those with truth at their center. That truth isn't always easy to watch and accept, but it's what we respond to.

THE BIGGEST BIMBO IN TOWN = DIANA DANIELLE

2008-04-25T01:44:00.000-07:00

I have been refraining myself so so much from actually blogging this post but i just cant resist. I admit that i have a HUGE PROBLEM with DIANA DANIELLE! By now you would all know her well from the film EVOLUSI KL DRIFT.

I attended the grand premiere for EVOLUSI KL DRIFT and i must say during the Q&A session with the media she sounded SO BLONDE! Imagine this:

MEDIA: Saya nak bertanyakan pada DIANA, apa perasaan you terhadap filem EVOLUSI KL DRIFT ini dan berlakon di bawah SYAMSUL YUSOF?

DIANA: Hmmmm i raserrrrr it's a good film. Hmmmmm SYAMSUL did a good job and i'm proud of him lah.

MEDIA: Apa cabaran yang you hadapi ketika pengambaran?

DIANA: Well i raserrrr watak ini agak mencabarrrrr. Tak sangka saya boleh bawa watak macam tue. Saya berpuas hati lah with the result. That's all i can say.

MEDIA: Apa pesanan you kepada mereka yang ingin menonton film EVOLUSI KL DRIFT.

DIANA: Hmmm... Filem nie bagus ada banyak new things in the film. Ada banyak kereta cantik-cantik. A good job done by Syamsul and i think it's going to be huge lah. That's all i could say.

Don't get me started with the interview she did with MICHELLE on MELODI the previous weeks!!!

The Greatness of Denzel Washington

2008-04-25T01:03:00.000-07:00

The storyline is the foundation and the frame that puts this movie together. The fact that it’s based on a true story only makes it ring truer to the audiences. The story goes to show us that once your psychological mind is enslaved, that’s when you are truly a slave. I really enjoy any movie that champions smart people. Movies that encourage young people to want to be educated. It’s always good to have a movie like this with great moral message which teaches to use words as weapons instead of violence.

I think the debate portrayed in the movie is way different from reality today. Now we see a debate, we’d see two teams sometimes find themselves arguing their points at the same time, it gets heated. In the movie, you see a debater from one team starts and finishes his or her argument and then afterwards, an opponent stands up and does the same. Nonetheless, it doesn’t change the fact that if you want to see a movie that reminds you again of how important it is to take a stand and do something about it rather than be ignorant, then THE GREAT DEBATERS would definitely be that movie! Plus when you have someone as big as OPRAH WINFREY jumping on board being the executive producer for this film, it is just destined for intellectual greatness.

On paper, a movie about racial intolerance and debating would seem dry, but 2nd-time director Denzel Washington ("Antwone Fisher") does an excellent job of finding the humor and truth necessary to keep "The Great Debaters" from turning into a melodrama. Not that there aren't at least two or three moments of high drama mind you, but that they're handled in a tasteful way and may require you to wipe the tears out of your eyes before the end credits roll.

Denzel’s directing is good, not great yet, but he’s definitely learning his way toward that direction. I personally think his persona and right-on-the-target acting skill are what challenge his fellow co-stars to do the same and give their all.

RENDITION a Ridiculous Liberal Propaganda?

2008-04-23T01:43:00.000-07:00

Some art is created for its own sake and some art has a purpose beyond entertainment. RENDITION from director Gavin Hood, definitely falls into the latter category. While an intriguing story in its own right, there is also a timely message that the creators wish to deliver to the audience, and it doesn’t take a subtle mind to detect it. The intent is obvious from the title alone.

There are many characters who figure prominently in the story and it would be difficult to name one as the lead character. My nomination would go to Jake Gyllenhaal's Douglas Freeman, whose difficult choice at the end of the movie makes him the most compelling character. Douglas is a new agent stationed somewhere in the Arab world. When a terrorist attack kills one of his partners, he must fill in his fallen comrade’s role. This includes the interrogation of an Egyptian born American resident who is suspected of complicity in various terrorist plots. The inhumanity of the interrogation, coupled with Douglas’ growing suspicion that the suspect, Anwar El-Ibrahimi (Omar Metwally), is innocent begin to gnaw on Douglas’ conscious.

It shall no doubt come as no surprise that the movie takes a stand against the practice of rendition. The end, however, is another matter. I must admit that I did not see it coming and even found myself momentarily confused before I was able to get oriented. The climax is inspired creativity and improves on an already solid effort.

The strongest aspect of the movie is the acting, and it’s a good thing, because the weakest aspect is the development of characters. There is little in the script, and perhaps even less in the direction, to flesh out the characters and make them endearing and memorable. The actors are asked to create characters, and fortunately they do a nice job. Led by, surprise surprise!, Meryl Streep's exceptional performance as Senator Corrine Whitman, the movie will be a delight for those who admire a fine performance by a thespian.

The warmth of AUGUST RUSH

2008-04-23T00:32:00.000-07:00

AUGUST RUSH, realistically speaking, is not what you’d consider a great film. But if you’re looking to be inspired, this is definitely the movie that you need to see. The movie is a fantasy, a fairy tale, with human elements. It isn't one in the sense of Disney's classics, animated with intimate objects procuring human abilities. But the story, a boy who is intent on finding his long-lost family, is one of fairy tale proportions.

You can watch this movie thinking it is going to be terrible, and you will be able to point out many problems. Or you can watch it in knowing full-well what to expect, and you will be left with a plastered smile on your face and tears in your eyes by the end of the movie. It is a wonderful movie, a love story to just about a child's perseverance, but also a love story about the power of music -- the universal language of love and emotions -- and it's ability to transcend into some metaphysical form.

This movie is only for those of us who appreciate the beauty of music. It’s not a musical film, but… it definitely glorifies the wonders of the sound and the notes and the connecting power they hold. The power of this movie, of course, comes from the maestro behind the music tracks and the original score: Hans Zimmer. Having him work for your movie will be like having the best toppings on your pizza.

I say see it if you feel like you need a movie to fill your heart with warmth

P.S Freddy Highmore (Finding Neverland, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) is pretty convincing as the main character, the musical prodigy kid. The kid reminded me of Haley Joel Osment. Looks pretty much like him. They look so alike that they might have been seperated at birth!

MALAIKAT MAUT (Angel Of Death)

2008-04-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

This particular movie has been put been put on hold for quite some time. Tayangan Unggul wouldn't want to mess this one up. Strategically they are waiting for THE RIGHT TIME to release this film. Reasons because they wouldnt want the film to face the same fate as ANAK HALAL!! Honestly ANAK HALAL was a very well crafted movie by Osman Ali. But i myself am very much clueless to why it wasn't as big as it was supposed to be. Was it wrong timing? Was the movie too much to handle? Anyways from the looks of this trailer this one is pretty much as promising like ANAK HALAL.

Episode 1: Eternal Peace - A young woman, Lina, is on her way home from university. There is another young woman (Fadilah) on the bus. An eerie feeling accompanies Lina on the bus. She reaches home, still feeling the cold cutting through her bones. Suddenly there is a knock on the door. A sweet naïve girl stands at the entrance, asking for help, wanting to stay over for the night, her bag has been stolen she says. Feeling pity for the girl who is soaking wet, Lina lets her stay and the girl sleeps soundly. The next morning, she is gone. No one believes Lina’s story. Then on the news, there is a story of a missing girl. It is the same girl who had stayed over. Lina feels she needs to know more. Fadilah was actually raped and killed, and her soul is not at peace.

Episode 2: The Light of Hope - Farah is a stewardess who is living her life to the fullest - drugs, sex and alcohol. She then marries her long-time boyfriend, a foreigner, who converted for love, or more appropriately…for lust. When she returns from a trip, they decide to hold a party. Feeling left out when she sees her husband flirting with other women, they fight and she leaves. Later, she wakes up in a hospital, with a strange woman by her side. Farah then tells her of the horrors she was put through. She thought she had died and gone to hell….. She had. But she is offered a second chance by God to change her way of life. She would like to repent.

Episode 3: The Tortured Punishment - A young man, JJ, forgets his roots and his religion. Tattoos on his body, black metal blaring on his stereo and free sex a regular practice, he is the son who has crushed his mother’s heart. On his way back from an illegal black metal concert, JJ and his friends got involved in an accident, and JJ has serious injury. His death is painful and slow. His dying moment is tortured and revolting. His mother asks him to repent but it is too late for him. His mouth cannot form the words, his heart as cold as ice. His suffering is never ending. Until the time he is buried, his soul is not at rest.

Kita Pergi Rumah Opah Lah! Kita Main CONGKAK (2)

2008-04-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

This latest installment from the team that brought you JANGAN PANDANG BELAKANG is now haunting in theaters starting today. When traditional game turns into a haunted subject, you get "CONGKAK". The Malay traditional game is explored through this interesting plot and proper direction along with precise narration. It might not be too early to say that this will be the horror flick of the year. If we are to look into box office ticket sales EVOLUSI KL DRIFT is very much leading being the highest grossing film of the year. But, that is not stopping the controversial producer DAVID TEO to be releasing the film giving EVOLUSI KL DRIFT a run for its money.

When i first read the sinopsis of this film i was just taken back to a 1987 classic "RAHSIA" which won BEST FILM in the 7th installment of Festival Filem Malaysia back then. David Teo stressed in his speech that the audio for this film is 98% as close to the audio being used in HOLLYWOOD nowadays. Upon hearing that i was looking forward to have a good time watching the film. But, sadly it was just otherwise.

The use of audio in this film is absolutely absurd! The director is imposing FEAR in his audience with the typical use of EEEERIE sound effects and JOLTS here and there. Who wouldnt jump out of his/her seat when your being stunned out of the blue with OVER THE TOP LOUD sound effects. Apart from the audio, another thing that was bothering me was the use of CGI AGAIN by the director in this film. It was just ludicrous. It was used a lot in the end when the shaman was confronting the spirit. I mean, if you choose to use CGI make sure it looks great on screen but its pretty much otherwise. It looks AMATEURISH like the ones being used in IMPAK MAKSIMA. The scene itself looked like a scene from STREET FIGHTERS between RYU or KEN with the spirit.

Enough said bout the technical part of the film. As for the casts of this film Erynne Erynna who plays Lisa absolutely was the highlight of the film. The petite actress has proved that she has a big talent to show off. Erynne, who was previously seen in Khabir Bhatia's "CINTA" proved that she has something to offer this industry in the near future.

Nanu Baharuddin who plays Sufiah, the wife and mother, gave her best performance so far. Although she was seen previously in Shuhaimi's "PONTIANAK" films and "WARIS JARI HANTU", the ghoulish flick unveils a completely different side to her character play as an actress.

As for Ruminah Sidek popularly known as MAK MAH didnt give much of a performance unlike JANGAN PANDANG BELAKNG. It's due to the lack of dialogue being given to her. Still nonetheless she did an excellent job. I'm sure she would be one of the reasons why people would go and watch this film.

Feeling the "IMPAK MAKSIMA" in EVOLUSI KL DRIFT

2008-04-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

To those who was HUGELY disappointed with CGI drift cars in IMPAK MAKSIMA, your about to be compensated! This latest production by Skop Productions will be the cure for that problem. I managed to attend the Grand Premiere which was held in Midvalley Megamall. It was a very grand affair indeed. The theater hall was FULL PACKED with not much seats left apart from the FRONT ROW!

Anyways, as the first scene of the movie started rolling i just can't stop recalling back to TWO FAST TWO FURIOUS. It was just similar in so many ways. Director Syamsul Yusof is OBVIOUSLY INSPIRED from that movie and among many other drift car movies such as Tokyo Drift and Initial D. But he definitely delivered in this debut film of his. He made sure that cars like the Skyline and RX7 were used in the film.

The stunts in this movie is just extremely incredible and absolutely a breakthrough in our current local film indusrty here in Malaysia. In my opinion he tore the streets of Kuala Lumpur with all of the car drifting scenes. The whole of Kuala Lumpur especially in Bukit Bintang was just simply filled with TYRE MARKS!!!

But to me that was all it had to offer. Story itself was just not much to offer. To me the whole film was just one big DRIFT SHOW from start to the end. The cast delivered well in their respective roles but there were a few characters which just seemed unnecessary. Syamsul's character seemed so WOODEN. Fasha on the other hand was her usual self with that VOICE trying to be that tough girl. Aaron delivered with his TOKAN character, very much stereotype to all others who have played that role. Iqram on the other hand seemed VERY HIGH! He must of been.

The MELODRAMA of AKHIRAT!

2008-04-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

Firstly would like to apologize to all for not keeping this blog updated. I've been very busy lately thus no posting for over a month. Anyway im back now so hope you all enjoy reading my blog.

Now where should i start with this horrific feature that i myself am very much ashamed to have spent my time watching. This feature film by Sri Saheb production is THE MOST BACKDATED, LAME, HILARIOUS (which it shouldn't be) film i have seen so far this year from our local film industry.

"AKHIRAT" is supposed to be a romantic drama about a pure and virtuous maiden Mira (VANIDAH IMRAN) who struggles to keep her life going amidst the fact that she is HIV-positive. What the movie turned out was far different from what it should intend to be originally. Romance turned into COMEDY! Drama turned into MELODARAMA! In addition, the movie had a distinct Hindi flavour about it, with flamboyant dance scenes and costumes, ludicrous baddies, as well as non-stop, intense music to help each and every scene along. Just picture this a group of BORIA'S dancing in all striking outfits in ZOUK! It just doesnt add up!

When i was watching this film it seemed VERY amateurish! If it was a college student's FINAL project i could forgive him and give credits for his PURE effort! But, this film was directed by THE PRESIDENT of PPFM (Persatuan Pekerja-Pekerja Filem Malaysia @ Film Workers Association of Malaysia) Another reason why he should be ashamed is because he had the GUTS to actually IMPORT a foreign D.O.P for the film when he had all the list of people locally to work on this film who is in my opinion MORE QUALIFIED in terms of quality compared to what was produced onscreen.

The "romantic" scenes between Mira and husband Amran were laughable, as they came across more as awkward high school sweethearts engaging in the dating game for the first time, rather then grown-up newlyweds. Furthermore, there was this particular scene when Amran desperately wants to CONSUMMATE their marriage since he has been away for a long time due to his work, Mira resists him, what should be an emotional, tense scene instead made the whole audience burst out in laughters when Amran passionately declares in his THICK ENGLISH ACCENT "I WANT TO MAKE LOVE TO YOU!" I was like LMAO along with all the others who were present at the Grand Premiere which i had attended. Even the MAIN ACTORS themselves LAUGHED AT IT! If i was the director i would of HANGED myself right outside the theatre! Having people laugh at your work during YOUR Grand Premiere is very embarassing due to its genre not being COMEDY!

The only LOGICAL reason that was being spoonfed to the media to watch this film over and over again was THE LOVE MAKING SCENE splattered all over the newspapers. That love making scene is KIDDIES work compared to all the other so called LOVE MAKING scene our local film industry has produced! To me THE ONLY ELEMENT that draws audience attraction to watch this movie is NABILA HUDA's THIGH and her acting of course! She played the hell out of that character and delivered PERFECTLY to me.

Cate Blanchett is THE QUEEN!

2008-03-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

Almost a decade after they lit up the screen in the acclaimed Elizabeth, Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, and director Shekhar Kapur reunite for the follow-up Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Even more lavishly produced than the previous one, Elizabeth: The Golden Age is, like the 1998 film, a thriller gussied up as a costume drama, but it makes the same mistake that so many sequels do: it mistakes bigger for better.

Blanchett is always interesting to watch. Her coolness comes through all the time. If she hadn't participated, then it wouldn't be worth watching at all. But it's Morton as Mary, Queen of Scots, imprisoned and super-pissed off about it, that gives the movie momentary jolts of energy.

Kapur's sequel picks up in 1585, the 27th year of her reign. The tone of this film is melodramatic, focusing on the unconsummated love between Elizabeth (Blanchett) and Raleigh (Owen). Adding salt to the wound, Elizabeth tosses her comely lady-in-waiting Bess Throckmorton (Cornish) at Raleigh, whose attention becomes so diverted that he ironically falls in love with Bess. Ooh – catfight in the court … almost. Blanchett, however, is such an amazing actor that she renders even this foolishness watchable.

There is also military intrigue as King Philip II of Spain tries to save the country from the Protestantism and make Europe again safe for Catholicism. Dramatic battle sequences follow. There's also the sidebar plot involving Elizabeth's doomed-to-be-headless half-sister Mary (Morton), although there's either too little or too much of Mary's predicament presented here to make much of an impression. Kapur's shots are beautifully composed, and the costumes and decor add to the film's delicious production design. Despite good performances all around, particularly the ever-brilliant Blanchett, Elizabeth: The Golden Age is a gilded ornament, speculative and uninterested in much besides this queen's matters of heart. We are to believe, based on the Queen's prayers, that God shifted the actual wind that caused the Spanish Armada to be defeated. Theological lesson: The Almighty Creator likes England better than Spain.

"The character of Queen Elizabeth has been a huge magnet for actresses from Bette Davis, Helen Mirren, Judi Dench — and there will be many Elizabeths after mine. There is much to be said about being a female leader...She was so far ahead of her time, if you think about it. I have no doubt that if Botox had been available in her day, Elizabeth would have been the first in line for an injection. She was quite vain. But I don't think her beauty regimen was that dissimilar to what actresses go through on Oscar morning. The techniques are different, but the goal is the same." - Cate Blanchett

Duyung CANTIK, Cerita ZERO!

2008-03-04T02:14:00.000-08:00

Recently i was invited by a fellow friend to the premiere screening of KRU's, Lineclear & Grand Brilliance latest so called BOX-OFFICE to be, "DUYUNG". It definitely wasn't like any normal premieres ive been to. It was jammed pack with a lot of DIGI loyal customers who collected their tickets to watch the screening at the same time. It was like a circus of its own. They had this huge Duyung backdrop at the cinema with a so called 'DUYUNG' and her MERMAN sitting there in their scaly tails looking all nice and dandy. Both were a hit.

Anyways back to the film. I had very high expectations for this film because the trailer was just WHOAAAAAAAA! The underwater shots themselves were enough of a reason to go and watch the film. But it turned out, i was disappointed big time. Not just disappointed but frustrated as well. The movie is yes CANTIK! (beautiful, for all you who don't understand Malay) But that was just it. Nothing else. It was just a waste of a very high potential movie that could of been something magical. There was no magic to it. The only magic i felt was the underwater shots. The beautiful corals of SIPADAN ISLAND, Sabah.

It was like watching ANAK MAMI, MAMI JARUM, NANA TANJUNG, MAMI JUNIOR and all of its other close descendents, the only difference was this was made BEAUTIFULLY with amazing shots. That was just it. Typical of Prof. Madya A. Razak like in many of his other directorials, to have all these weired unnecessary and absolutely not funny at all SOUND EFFECTS! It was driving me crazy. I just can't seem to find the purpose of those sound effects. Apart from that the story had no creativity. It was so 'DRY' even being surrounded with all of that seawater.

What i liked about the movie was just MAYA KARIN swimming in her mermaid outfit. W saw the stil photos i wasn't convinced but as you see it on screen it looked beautiful. Monhen iey spent wisely on the outfit. Maya Karin was swimming effortlessly as if she has been swimming with fins all her life. Her movement underwater was just beautiful. I also have never seen anyone who looks drop dead gorgeous underwater. She really worked it out well. Acting wise she really needs to do something with that accent of hers. As always i can't get pass that accent of hers. With that said about Maya, what i don't understand was every time when she goes under water and resurface back her hair just seemed to be so dry! What we Malay's call KEJUNG(stiff)! Why did she stil have to wear a bloody wig? If the wig was to prevent damage to her hair why couldn't there just be any continuity or self common sense that when hair hits the water its suppose to be WET not DRY! Was i the only one with eyes or the rest of the crew were just simply clueless about this?

And as for the rest of the cast who was on this so called village. They had matching attires. Why was this? Was i watching WATERWORLD? Am i to expect KEVIN COSTNER to jump out all of a sudden? As for Apek, he does what he does best. But the thing is he just needs to know when to not over do it. As for the pet monkey called ORIX he kept on promoting DIGI throughout the entire film with his one line FU-YOH, FU-YOH!

The film had a huge potential but was killed by its own story. The level of difficulty in making this particular film was said to be the most difficult ever to be made because it was done nearly 90% on water. Sets were said to have drifted away into sea. Nearly drowned our very own DUYUNG! Great mermaid suit, beautiful cinematography but sad to say ZERO story!

Erra Fazira is REALLY an actress. WOW!

2008-03-04T01:22:00.000-08:00

It just amazes me how one person can absolutely transform under the direction of another. Some people do bring out the best in you. Its just the matter of WHO! In this case our very own MULTI-TALENTED SCREEN QUEEN, Erra Fazira, manage to convince a lot of our audience that she REALLY could act. What she's trying to say is its not like KULIAH CINTA, SEMBILU, PASRAH, CINTA KOLESTEROL and what not. It's absolutely a new side of Erra. She acts her heart out in her latest flick ANAK.

I was bored out of my mind and had nothing much to do. So i decided to head to the cinemas and give a go at this movie. Reason being was the so called trailer which was a music video to NING BAIZURA's - MELANKOLIA seemed to be very promising.

Anyways the movie itself started off quite slow. The build up of the whole plot and the characters themselves took so long that i got tired of waiting and made me bored. There were a few scenes which i think was just a waste of film but i wouldnt want to elaborate more on that. What do i know hey! Erra's character was very convincing indeed. She looked so natural and her emotions were conveyed accordingly. I salute her for a great acting performance. Hopefully we get to see more of this kind of acting from her.

As for Ida Nerina, well she is damn IDA NERINA go figure!! She delivers. She always delivers. In this particular flick she made one hell of a SUPERMODEL. She dressed like one, she talked like one and behaved like one. She pulled it off perfectly.

But also not forgetting the MAIN ROLE in the movie was the ANAK in diapers who kept on creeping the audience. Just to be crawling here and there, sitting on the bed, gawking at you it sure wasn't much to do but this kid scared the shit out of many people. He sure made an impact without saying a single word.

The movie itself had its originality here and there but you just can't seem to stop saying to yourself i've seen this before. There were a few scenes which was just PHOTOCOPIED directly from other horror flicks especially those of JU-ON and THE EYE. Stil in my opinion it was worth my ticket fare to watch it. It was absolutely something different technical wise. Creatively they could of done much better. Come on think of new ways to scare people. Getting bored with endless PONTIANAK's and JU-ON's relatives!

OSCAR WINNERS

2008-02-24T18:48:00.000-08:00

* BEST PICTURE: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

* BEST DIRECTOR: THE COEN'S

* BEST ACTOR: DANIEL DAY LEWIS - THERE WILL BE BLOOD

* BEST ACTRESS: MARION COTILLARD

* BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR : JAVIER BARDEM - NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: TILDA SWINTON

* BEST ANIMATED FILM: RATATOUILLE

* BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: JUNO

* BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

* BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: ATONEMENT

* BEST ORIGINAL SONG: FALLING SLOWLY - ONCE

* BEST FILM EDITING: BOURNE ULTIMATUM

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: THEREWILLBE BLOOD

BEST COSTUME: ELIZABETH THEGOLDEN AGE

BEST SOUND MIXING: THE BOURNEULTIMATUM

BEST SOUND EDITING: THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM

* BEST MAKEUP: LA VIE EN ROSE

* BEST ART DIRECTION: SWEENEY TODD

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: THE GOLDEN COMPASS

* those which i have predicted for a winning. CONGRATULATIONS to all. Review of the Oscar results will be posted soon.

JOINED BY LOVE. SEPERATED BY FEAR. REDEEMED BY HOPE.

2008-02-23T11:16:00.000-08:00

I left this film feeling betrayed! I did not connect with Robbie and C as a couple, this adaption was too disjointed to allow that, and too schizophrenic for any continuity. I didn't know what I was watching, or what they were trying to accomplish. I did not connect with this strange little girl, or her older selves. It was beautifully shot, some scenes were poetic, but the movie was crap! If you take snips of acting scenes there was good acting, but they were good actors.

The movie was selfish, it had the opportunity to be one of the great love stories of our time, if only they had really allowed it to develop, instead of trying to be too many movies at one time;so, that we could all connect. If they were trying to make a statement that it is disjointed because it is this little girls onesided version of the events, spawned from her "guilt," they should have advertised it as so, because it was not a love story. It was a slight depiction of one as witnessed from an outsider, who apparently did not connect with anyone in her life, but her typewriter.

The use of the flashbacks distracted me from getting involved in the characters. I found absolutely no chemistry between Robbie and Cecilia. There were only 2-3 major scenes when they were together. I would have cut back on the war footage and given me more story on why thes two people fell in love with each other. And my reaction to Briney was that she should have been taken out to the woodshed. There was very little emotion in this story. It is certainly not one of the worst films of the year, but it is one of the most disappointing.

BEST ACTRESS

2008-02-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

Cotillard's incarnation of singer Edith Piaf has won her Golden Globe and BAFTA awards this season, and placed the 32-year-old as a frontrunner against Oscar veteran Julie Christie Sunday night.

I hate biopics, and seldom am I impressed with the actors who place themselves in them (exception of course given to Helen Mirren), but Marion Cotillard's performance as the tragic French singer Edith Piaf is shattering. There's a sincere distinction between her Piaf versus, say, Jamie Foxx's Ray Charles in that she's not delivering an impersonation; she's literally possessed. I haven't seen such a rapturous transformation portrayed anywhere.

Away From Her's Julie Christie, who last won this category 42 years ago with Darling, has led the race from the get-go, but La Vie En Rose's Marion Cotillard won the BAFTA for her turn as French singer Edith Piaf, a performance that showcased ageing, heartbreak, illness and skilful lip-synching. Still, the British Academy has consistently proved itself more open to foreign language films than the American one.

Cotillard (A Good Year, A Very Long Engagement, Big Fish) gives one of the most remarkable performances seen anywhere in years; she brilliantly captures Piaf’s fragility, the constant, nagging fear that everything around her could disappear in an instant, leaving her back on the streets. I was just simply left speechless looking at her acting out the role of an iconic person being THE VOICE of PARIS! She played the role of Edith Piaf at 3 different ages of her life and carried it out so convincingly. Its been so long since i've seen such a performance by an actress in a leading role. To me she really deserves to win the award on basis of not being bias but just by purely judging that she is one talented actress.

Away From Julie

2008-02-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

Both Christie and Pinsent give restrained and self-reflective performances. At times, it is too much that way. The quiet acceptance of what life brings no matter how bad, makes it seem that maybe what they had wasn’t all that special after all. It’s a tad unclear if this is the message or not. Possibly I was just too slow to pick up on what I was supposed to pick up on. "Away From Her" is a very nice exercise. I just wish that I could have had a better understanding of their early life to help me understand them a bit better. Maybe the point is that it really doesn’t matter.

SYNOPSIS

Fiona (Julie Christie) and Grant (Gordon Pinsent) are the perfect couple. They are successful and living in comfort in an utterly magical setting, enhanced by the stunning snow filled background. They have been together forever, and both, despite their age, look as elegant as can be imagined. There is little doubt that this was one stunning couple. Hell, they still are. How Julie Christie still looks this great is flat out amazing.

Fiona has become a tad forgetful but it is clear quite quickly what is to become of her. Alzheimer's Disease is coming and fighting against it is hopeless. Fiona handles it with a grace that any one of us could only hope to have under similar circumstances. The same can be said for Grant. It's tougher for him but he faces it with astounding bravery.

When it becomes clear that Grant cannot cope with this alone they reach a very mutual decision for her to go to a nursing home. After a lifetime together they are forced apart. Because of her condition, it is far easier on her than him. For thirty days he is not allowed to visit her so she can properly acclimate to her new surroundings. Grant is quite excited to see her after this imposed time apart but his visit does not go according to his plans, causing him to re-evaluate everything about his relationship and himself.

MY OSCAR PREDICTIONS

2008-02-23T03:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since i last updated this blog. Pardon me for the long dissapearence. I was on a very long holiday with a loved one. With that now finisehed i would like to make a new post for my predictions who will grab the oscars this year.

BEST PICTURE: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
'No Country' has been the clear-cut favorite from the beginning, but 'There Will Be Blood' could ride Day-Lewis' coattails to victory.

BEST DIRECTOR: THE COEN'S

Having won top honors at the DGA and SAG Awards, the Coens have Oscar squarely in their crosshairs. But watch out for stealth nominee (and Golden Globe winner) Schnabel, whose vision informs every frame of the gorgeous 'Diving Bell.'

BEST ACTOR: DANIEL DAY LEWIS - THERE WILL BE BLOOD

Day-Lewis all but owns the Oscar for his turn as a power-drunk oil tycoon in Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Blood' ... though the Academy sure does love Clooney, who has gained a bit of momentum lately, and has the advantage of playing a more likable, heroic character.

BEST ACTRESS: MARION COTILLARD

The luminous Christie has been collecting critics' awards from all over (including a Globe and SAG), but Cotillard, with her own Globes win and strong portrayal of the character Edith Piaf is a sure win for this category.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR : JAVIER BARDEM - NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Just like the sadistic killer he plays in 'No Country,' Golden Globe and SAG winner Bardem seems invincible in this category. But if anyone's going to shoot down his Oscar dreams, who better than Casey Affleck, for his turn as the murderous Robert Ford?

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: CATE BLANCHETT - I'M NOT THERE

Cate wins this buy a longshot but not to be forgotten and to be taken seriously is Ruby Dee who earned a surprise win at the SAGs.

BEST ANIMATED FILM: RATATOUILLE

What are the odds that Pixar's 'Ratatouille' WON'T win the Oscar? Well, stranger things have happened -- after all, 'Cars' lost to 'Happy Feet' last year -- and voting for the smart, quirky 'Persepolis' might make Academy voters feel like rebels.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: JUNO

It's very much leaning towards this small indie flick which had huge responses and have had enormous box office to boot. If anyone can upset her fairy-tale run, it would be Michael Clayton.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

There are some strong options here, but it's hard to imagine anyone can touch the Coen brothers and their impressively faithful adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's crime novel. But Atonement might make a huge surprise at the Oscars.

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: ATONEMENT

This is absolutely not doubt to be the winner of this category. Believe me i am so strong about this choice. I loved it like hell.

BEST ORIGINAL SONG: FALLING SLOWLY - ONCE

Enchanted received the curse and blessing of three noms in this category, which likely means its songs will cancel each other out see what happened to DREAMGIRLS! But that could be a non-factor due to the positive reaction to the wistful Irish indie 'Once' and its stirring love ballad.

BEST FILM EDITING: BOURNE ULTIMATUM

You would understand what i mean when you watch the movie for yourself.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: ATONEMENT

That DUNKRIK scene alone won them this award.

BEST COSTUME: SWEENEY TODD

Theres so much to love about the gothic garb in Sweeney.

BEST SOUND MIXING: TRANSFORMERS

Come on dont tell me you didnt hear what i heard.

BEST SOUND EDITING: TRANSFORMERS

Again dont tell me you didnt hear what i heard.

BEST MAKEUP: LA VIE EN ROSE

Let's all take a second to reflect on the astonishing fact that 'Norbit' received an Oscar nomination in this category. OK, now look no further than the travail incroyable done by 'La Vie's' artists in transforming a young Marion Cotillard into a deteriorating Edith Piaf.

BEST ART DIRECTION: SWEENEY TODD

Sweeney's' shadowy London is tough to dismiss.

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: TRANSFORMERS

Most experts are considering 'Transformers' and its 'bot battles a lock here -- there really was more than meets the eye, after all. So even folks with a weakness for Jack Sparrow should think "bigger," especially considering 'Pirates' sailed off with this prize last year.

Marrion Cotillard honoured at the Globes

2008-01-14T03:28:00.000-08:00

Unlike a crippling writers strike that has dragged on for months, Hollywood's first big awards show was over in a flash, with no key winners, no stars in sight and no real fun for fans of show business glitz.

The Golden Globes on Sunday honored such films as the tragic romance "Atonement," the crime saga "No Country for Old Men," and the bloody musical "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street."

The two-month-old strike by the Writers Guild of America scuttled the big celebrity bash at the 65th annual Globes, which were replaced by a bizarre and speedy news conference to announce recipients, without any winners around to gush their thanks.

Best Motion Picture - Drama
Attonement

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
Julie Christie – Away From Her

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
Daniel Day Lewis – There Will Be Blood

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Sweeney Todd

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Marrion Cotillard – La Vie En Rose

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Johnny Depp – Sweeney Todd

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Cate Blanchett – I’m Not There

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Javier Bardem – No Country For Old Men

Best Animated Feature Film
Ratatouille

Best Foreign Language Film
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Best Director - Motion Picture
Julian Scnabel – The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
Ethan and Joel Coen – No Country for Old Men

Best Original Score - Motion Picture
Dario Marianelli – The Attonement

Best Original Song - Motion Picture
Guranteed – Into The Wild

Hans Isaac Gambles CUCI

2008-01-14T02:36:00.000-08:00

The film CUCI was recently premiered in ONE UTAMA, with all of the main cast INCLUDING Erra showed up for the film promotion and press conference. We all know the s**t that them both had gone in the past but for her to actually show up after all of the speculations about her abandoning the film promotions was finally answered. She arrived along with fellow BFF UMIE AIDA who seemed to be wearing the same thing but in different colors. No clue what was that all about but anyways Erra Fazira very much acted professionally with all of the guests and the media who attended the premiere.

Nonetheless, enough of Erra back to the movie. Well i must say Hans pretty much gambled a lot with this film and with this kind of storyline. You just can't seem to stop thinking throughout the whole film that it so much reflected on Afdlin's work such as SUMOLAH, BULI & BULI BALIK. The comedy was definitely there but AFDLIN style! The film started of very strong and solid with all the visuals and building up of the movie but as it got towards the middle it kinda lost its momentum thus slowing down but manage to finish in the end. Hans himself admitted that his work on this film was very much influenced by AFDLIN himself since he has worked with Afdlin so many times and looks up to him.

SYNOPSIS

4 young boys JOJO (AWIE), FAIRIL (AFDLIN SHAUKI), C’TAN (AC MIZAL and KHAI (HANS), adopted into the same family leave their kampung home and head for Kuala Lumpur to hit the big time in the cleaning business. Frustrated after losing several jobs because of his younger brother’s lack of seriousness, FAIRIL the leader and most ambitious of the 4, inspires them to enter the Window Washing Olympics. Winning this competition will pit them against the current cleaning contract holders for the biggest window-cleaning job of them all- KLCC, and catapult the brothers into the window-cleaning world of skyscrapers.

Will for me this is an entertaining movie due to the comedy input that all 4 character brings. Plus with that so many cameo appearences it is pretty much worth to watch. Look out for Ida Nerina's appearence. It sure is one hell of a scene. Apart from that this might be the last time you would see HANS and ERRA working on a film together! I wonder who would play her character in HANS upcoming film MINAH!

Maya Karin The Little Mermaid

2008-01-14T02:15:00.000-08:00

Duyung (Mermaid) is the latest edition to KRU FILMS, Lineclear Motion Pictures Sdn. Bhd. and Grand Brilliance to the local film industry which is due for its release in March this year. According to Maya herself that the role itself was the most challenging for her so far eventhough it took her a very long time to embody the role in Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam, this particular role was absolutely in a different league of its own. It very much worn her out throughout the whole filming process. But indeed the outcome is said to be something extraordinary and the first ever local film to ever be shot mostly on water.

The film itself was fully shot in Pulau Sipadan, Sabah which to me seemed to be the most captivating place that hasn't be explored yet in this manner in our country. As you could clearly see the image speaks for itself.

The Duyung costume was produced out of foam and latex in Bangkok, Thailand. They had to make 4 copies of the costume as it takes a while for it to dry after a full days shoot. Due to the costume being very heavy Maya had to be strolled out on set. While looking through the stil photos for this film it absolutely reminded me of WATERWORLD. I so don't want this to turn into another WATERWORLD FLOP! With all of the right elements for a potential movie, the only thing that could go wrong with the whole movie is its screenplay which is normally the case of why our local films aren’t as popular to those of HOLLYWOOD box office movies. Let’s just hope for the best.

Best dressed for 'Critics'

2008-01-08T23:56:00.000-08:00

With the Golden Globes canceled, the big stars dress up for the Critics' Choice Awards. The most stunning couple and well dressed celeb on the red carpet had to be Brad and Angie. Picture speaks for it self.

GLOBES A NO SHOW!

2008-01-08T23:33:00.000-08:00

The show became a casualty of the bitter strike by about 10,500 screenwriters against major studios over how writers should be paid for work distributed over the Internet. Writers had said they would not work for the Golden Globes and actors said they would not cross picket lines to attend the show. Unable to reach a side deal with writers, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association on Monday canceled the televised Globes dinner, typically a loose and rowdier night out for the stars than the Oscars.

"It is kind of like somebody canceling the senior prom at the last minute," said nominee Nikki Blonsky, the teen plucked from an ice cream shop to star in "Hairspray" which was nominated for best movie or musical.

Academy Awards organizers insisted Tuesday their show will go on, though some say the Oscar broadcast could evaporate after the writers strike shut down the Golden Globes ceremony.

"We are going to do it," Cates said. "I can't elaborate on how we're going to do it, because I don't want anybody to deal with the elaboration in a way that might impact its success."

Kita Pergi Rumah Opah lah! Kita main CONGKAK!

2008-01-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

The team that brought you the ever acclaimed highest ever ssing local film in Malaysian history, Jangan Pandang Belakang, comes the upcoming horror flick CONGKAK directed by Ahmad Idham. This time around they bring back Ruminah Sidek as one of their main cast and recruit some newer fresh acts as cast for the lead roles in the film. Among the casts are Nanu Baharuddin, Riezman Khuzaimi and new comer Nur'Arina who starred in the child flick TENTANG BULAN and also not forgetting Erynne Erynna who manage to gave us a superb performance in CINTA.

Two stunning young actress are said to be the upcoming big thing in the film industry and are said to be tomorrow's leading ladies! Especially Erynne cause some say she is the our very own Dakota Fanning.

SYNOPSIS

Kazman a dedicated husband bought a bungalo for their family in the outskirts near a lake, as a family getaway each time they want to leave the city life. Sufiah, his wife, didn't agree much with the idea but Kazman has promised his friend that he would purchase the house so he went along with it. Many strange occurance happend along the way to their bungalo.

Sufiah felt very uneasy most of the times as if she was being watched by another person. Her daughter Lisa would always go downstairs at night to a dark room playing congkak with someone whom seh could only see. Sufiah not pleased with these happenings threw away the congkak in the lake.

Sufiah was awaken again the next night hearing the congkak being played in the same room. As Sufiah went to check the room she saw an old lady was playing the congkak. Many other weird things began to happen with the dissapearence of her daughters as well.

Trailer can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0RzCjzVQyA

All The Patience In The World

2008-01-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

Well recently i had all the time in the world to myself not having anything to do so i decided to watch a late nite movie all on my own. It's been a while so i guess it was just about time. I had two dvd's in mind one was A Mighty Heart and the other Things We Lost In A Fire. Both films starring previous Oscar winners Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry.But in the end i decided to Halle over Angie to save the best for last!

Things We Lost in the Fire is a well-acted, beautifully filmed reflection on love, loss, addiction and recovery from life's obstacles. Halle Berry stars as Audrey Burke, the stay-at-home wife of well-to-do real estate broker Brian. Audrey’s life is shattered when Brian is killed attempting to intervene in a domestic dispute. In her grief, Audrey reaches out to an unlikely ally: her husband’s childhood friend, Jerry, a 40-something heroin addict whose relationship with Brian Audrey has always resented. After Brian’s death, Jerry goes straight, and Audrey invites him to move into her home, where he bonds with Audrey’s kids and begins to heal. The uneasy, tense, and tender relationship that develops between Audrey and Jerry is the heart of the film, with Del Toro’s charismatic performance suggesting realms of human experience previously uncharted on film.

Benicio has one of those rare great faces--like Tommy lee Jones's or Anthony Hopkins--faces so carved and expressive that it's hard for a co-star to match their power of presence. Halle just wilts in this flick and delivers a Lifetime movie performance that I think the director tried to upgrade stylistically by inserting the eye closeups that were ultimately corny. She's a poor co-lead and her performance makes you feel that she was acting in a different film. They should of focused more on Benicio's struggle recovering from the loss of a uniquely loyal friend. They were the true soul mates in this film, not Halle and Duchovny, whose relationship came off as rather typical not soulful. But when you have only a couple of hours to create an impact, it's certain that you'll risk diluting the impact when you have to share camera time with so many characters.

Benicio's performance was simply remarkable for his sensitive, honest and enthralling take on the role of a recovering drug addict. Halle's portrayal of Audrey was bold and emotionally stripped enough to depict the raw, emotionally unreasonable and ANGRY side of mourning and grief was fantastic and all the while her pain, sensitivity and vunerabilty was still piercingly visible. I say "Benicio might have gotten the meatier role, But in some ways Halle got the more difficult one...."

"Charlie Wilson's War simultaneously entertains and informs."

2008-01-03T21:05:00.000-08:00

This is an entertaining Hollywood film that has a lot to say underneath its glamorous facade. Hanks, Hoffman and Roberts play real-life people who want to make a difference, do, but then are turned away when they want to get at the root of the difference they were trying to make in the first place. Charlie Wilson's "war" may literally mean the war that was financed and fought between the Afghans and Soviets, but it also symbolizes the lasting war, which is being fought by all of us, against the system that turns its head when real efforts need to be made so that people like Charlie Wilson don't need to take on an entire mission by themselves.

Apart from that its the return of the ever so beautiful Ms. Julia Roberts to the silver screen after hiding behind that voiceover for a spider in Charlotte's Web with co-star Dakota Fanning and fellow famous talk show host OPRAH. She played the role brilliantly and it just seems that she might of gotten some job done on her lips coz it looks extra refined in the movie. There is this one to die scene with her in this drop dead gorgeous black dress just makes her look absolutely stunning.

Apart from that this film is also nominated for the coveted award at this years GOLDEN GLOBE awards for BEST MOTION PICTURE - COMEDY OR MUSICAL up against other big films such as Across The Universe, Hairspray, Juno & Sweeney Todd. Apart from that this film is also nominated for 4 other impressive awards.

BEST PERFORMANCE by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
- Tom Hanks

BEST PERFORMANCE by an Actress in a Supporting Role for a Motion Picture
- Julia Roberts

BEST PERFORMANCE by an Actress in a Supporting Role for a Motion Picture
- Philip Seymour Hoffman

BEST SCREENPLAY
- Charlie Wilson's War

I recommed this movie for a couple of educational reasons. First, you can compare it to the book, which is not all that unusual. HOWEVER. You can also compare it to the History Channel Documentary.

My mind kept repeating. Good Grief Charlie Brown. The lead character sort of REMINDED me of Hanks, but without the box of chocolates or miniature corn cob. Roberts? Jeeze. If she doesn't have lip reduction surgery soon she may never work again.

WELCOME 2008

2008-01-03T20:32:00.000-08:00

This is a new chapter in the things that i do for this new year. Well it just seems the right thing to do since i have so many free time for myself and its just about time i get started with expressing myself to others in a more wider medium besides using my one gifted voice. So here it goes. To all my future blog readers hope this blogspace will be an enjoyable and informational one. Apart from that it will just be a place for me to bitch about stuff but that doesn't mean I'm hard to satisfy. Plus there will be sometimes i will be derailed from the essence of this blogspace which is my passion about film, but just bare with me on it. If im talking about it, there must be a reason why. So, LADIES n GENTS, QUEERS n STRAIGHTS n not forget the BI's, i present u LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!