“MAN OF STEEL” PRESS PREVIEW

We are talking about a welcome blast from the past.

The latest MAN of STEEL alias SUPERMAN is portrayed by British actor HENRY CAVILL.

He is zooming back again, larger than life, into our hearts and minds, taking us through every detail the magical spendor of the gigantic 3D IMAX screen can ever capture.

For a fact, beefcake HENRY CAVILL is awesome.

But he ain’t any CHRISTOPHER REEVE.

REEVE is irreplaceable.

 HENRY CAVILL now adorns the famous trademark suit and cape of the perennial super hero.

In a nutshell, you are treated to a prolonged “cat-and-mouse dance” from Earth to Outer Space, to witness all forms unspeakable destruction.

Non-stop action, fallen buildings and dead bodies are a dime a dozen, from start to end, but the movie storyline remains cliche and predictable.

Even the leading protagonists are struggling for depth of character, no thanks to an insipid script.

Superman is an established folk lore that everyone knows, people from all ages and walks of life.

We know, that as an infant, he was sent hurling through space from the dying planet Krypton heading for Earth in order to survive and save mankind in the near future.  The baby was found bawling in a Kansas cornfield by Jonathan and Martha Kent who raised him as their very own, in the fictional town of Smallville.

 In this latest version, the arch-enemy General Zod (MICHAEL SHANNON) pursues him to earth to try to regain the mysterious Codex, which Kal-El (the baby) has carried from Krypton. The Codex contains the key to power.

This is where our story begins (or ends).

“MAN OF STEEL” film director is ZACK SNYDER who glorifies us with his Spartan all-men line-up epic 300.

In the Producer’s chair is CHRISTOPER NOLAN, the man responsible for the Batman mythology as in the Dark Knight trilogy.

“MAN OF STEEL” takes us through a vivid retelling of an apocalyptic clash between the super beings fighting for the future of a fragile Earth.

It’s absolute hell and mayhem throughout.

In any case, our new Super Hero and his love interest Lois Lane played by AMY ADAMS do not seem to project any ounce of chemistry. The sparkless casting seemed mismatched.

If you can sieve through all the din and clutter and still utter “Holy Moses!”, then this one’s for you.

Naturally “MAN OF STEEL” is a commendably good film.

But it could have fared a lot better with a focused direction.

Enjoy, dear friend.

“AFTER EARTH” PRESS PREVIEW

From an adoring father to his adolescent son in Hollywood, we are made to observe their bundles of love energized.

Nothing works like family, right?

Because famous daddy endeavors to make his son a household name, with the right vehicle, such as this one.

Aw, that’s sweet.

Not their first time collaboration, this one is, in fact, the second time around.

Actor WILL SMITH drums up an impressive storyline, or so it seems. Together with film director M.NIGHT SHYAMALAN and son JADEN SMITH, they all set out to ignite this futuristic science fiction called “AFTER EARTH” to wow the audiences worldwide.

Father willingly takes a back seat to relegate as the supporting actor, leaving son JADEN SMITH to take centerstage throughout the entire feature. This is inclusive of all publicity stills and overseas expeditions to promote the film. Whatever.

Our boy hero is JADEN and the film rests entirely upon his shoulders.

Brimming with over-confidence, both father and son were clearly unprepared for the rude jolts that came their way.

The critics in the West panned the film and gave it a “two thumbs down” for all kinds of funny reasons.

And of the East?

Here you can observe that what’s source for the goose ain’t sauce for the gander.

The Asian audiences are more acceptable, from reported accounts.

Tastes vary and public adulation knows no strict rules.

It’s the very same reason why the WEST takes interest in the huge CHINA market.

It is a question of dollars and cents and why you can’t pin your hopes just on one market in this fickle business of film making.

Hollywood is eyeing the huge ASIAN market to enhance its global box-office movie collections.

“AFTER EARTH” tracks a father and son stranded on an abandoned Earth after a crash landing.

Dad is wounded, so the son must overcome his fear and brave the planet’s horrible creatures and harsh conditions to get help.

The cinematography is impressive, projected in the cutting edge 4K Ultra HD technology.

The lonesome, sprawling landscapes and environments are stupendously amazing, the action sequences pop off the screen like real. Contrary to popular disdain, the CGI animation has its merits.

Given all it is worth, “AFTER EARTH” can be an entertaining movie, provided you are not looking to dig dirt.

I go with no expectations and came out enthralled.

Truly.

Honestly, as a carefree spirit, I’d like to believe that I don’t give a damn.

But I surely do.

HOW CAN YOU EVER FORGET SOMEONE YOU ONCE LOVED AND EMBRACED …

SOMEONE WHOM YOU ONCE SHARED EMOTIONAL MOMENTS WITH?

Memories are for keeps, unless you choose to tear them into shreds and discard them like dirty linen.

The heart counts and retracts those rollicking glorious togetherness, as well as the dismal ones.

True love is elusive.

Once it arrives, you hope that no measure of time and distance can tear them away from you.

But what when you fall out of love?

 Like a lost poet, I tell  you I don’t know.

 I really don’t.

Here’s my all-time favorites song “BOTH SIDES NOW”.

It evokes guilty feelings of a time past.

“THE GREAT GATSBY” PRESS PREVIEW

” THE GREAT GATSBY” a critic’s pick?

Surely.

The film is based on the memorable SCOTT FITZGERALD classic novel. It faithfully charts the raw, desolate energy of the 1920′s age of great jazz and greater debauchery.

Compelling, powerful and intriguing, it unashamedly slams the excesses of the nouveau rich who flaunt their material wealth in style.

NO, MONEY CANNOT BUY HAPPINESS.

We are transported to wild parties galore where the non-stop popping of the bottle matches the continuous overflowing of champagne in a playboy’s paradise that extols beyond bewitching fashion and music.

The film director BAZ LUHMANN pulls no punches as he laces the film with lush, garish decor. He strips away the the thin veil which masks the super rich as a lonesome, isolated group leading wasted lives for want of true love and emotional acceptance.

We are constantly reminded that the film director is a master craftsman who will spare no pains in crafting an epic, utilizing every razzle dazzle gimmick on book, including the 3D.

He competently casts LEONARDO DiCAPRIO as Gatsby, TOBEY MAGUIRE as Nick Carraway the narrator of the story and the beguiling CAREY MULLIGAN as the narcissistic Daisy decked in glittering sequined gowns and jewels and her philandering husband Tom (JOEL EDGERTON). These are great actors.

“THE GREAT GATSBY” successfully spins a visual extravaganza with a forlorn tale of a doomed romance in the tradition of his  previous ROMEO AND JULIET.

The film opens with Nick, convalescing at a sanatorium in winter time, a few years after the events.

He is struggling to come to terms with his friendship with Gatsby and is urged by his psychiatrist to write down his memoirs.

Gatsby is portrayed as an elusive billionaire of mystery, shrouded in rumor, but one thing is evident: his heart belongs to Daisy, and she is one thing money can never buy.

“THE GREAT GATSBY” is a brilliant charmer, smart, sexy, swooningly romantic.

It is beautifully shot and powerfully acted.

Embodiment of the American dream or not, it is about a doomed romance amid an age of golden jazz and repulsive decadence.

For those who love beauty and the arts, don’t miss this one.

Right.

“HUMMINGBIRD” PRESS PREVIEW

Can a hummingbird signify a death omen?

You wish.

Still, I am convinced that I stumbled upon this questionable finding from some Asian supernatural folklore.

“HUMMINGBIRD” the movie is an arresting film, for all it’s worth.

It could have a lot more going, if film director STEVEN KNIGHT who also wrote the screenplay had focused on the character development of the lead players.

It is a mob thriller with a heart, some soul and loads of humanity.

JASON STATHAM is Joey Jones, a reluctant anti-hero on the run from a past he is fleeing in order to forget, to escape a military court-marshal.

He leads an impoverished existence where the streets of London is his abode, as he braves a dog-eat-dog society of  the weak being bullied and trampled upon by unruly gangsters.

His only friend is a God fearing albeit confused nun AGATHA BUZEK (Sister Cristina) who’s in charge of feeding the homeless.

She becomes Joey’s confidante and an initial platonic chemistry sparks off for the two, until lust erupts between two complex humane souls seeking emotional connection.

JASON STATHAM is given a different type of role this time.

He not only fights, he has to horn his acting skills playing a broken man torn by injustice, looking for redemption.

The movie has him breaking into a luxurious apartment in the posh district of Covent Garden where the owner has gone for an overseas business trip for three months.

He conveniently finds  a set of car keys, a credit card and a solid bank account where Joey can adopt a new identity. Instead, he uses this opportunity to atone for  his past deeds to come clean and get a respectful job.

He gives up drugs and some booze, finds work as a dish washer in a Chinese restaurant.

He ascends to the post of porter and unofficial bouncer.

Life’s getting a lot better and it’s not unusual that he redeems himself by handing out his hard earned cash to help his hungry at friends at the shelter.

This is a dark thriller where the action is carefully measured.

The director-of-photography dresses it with an atmospheric and evocative film style to bring on the chills.

Go watch it if you are a fan of action star JASON STATHAM.

This will be his first big acting role.

Now, give him a break!

IS YOUR MUM STILL AROUND?

If she is, then you are lucky. I have no such luck.

This morning my radio was belting out a nostalgic vintage song called “MUM’s GOOD”.

For whatever inexplicable reason, I always relish this heartfelt Mandarin hit.

It’s the title song from the movie of which I probably heard it a zillion times.

We often say a mother’s love is unconditional, instinctual and forever.

I should know, because mine passed on more than a decade ago and as the years roll by, I realize that I truly miss her. A lot.

I was a moron when I was young, a badass taking her love and concern for granted. My mum made it a point to press my clothes and had my favorite dishes heated up the moment I reached home from work.

Now, I wish upon a star that if she’s still living, I would want to hold her, hug her and let her know I adore her.

Alas it is too late and I beseech you all, those whose mothers are still around, to do just that.

Time and tide wait for no man and you’d not want to live a life of regrets, just like what I have gone through now.

Mother’s Day may have recently passed, but you don’t have to wait for any Mother’s Day to demonstrate your love.

Every day can be a Mother’s Day when you show your affection and appreciation.

Do it now and as often as you can.

Be cool.

Here’s the song:

 

You hear this one before, I am sure.

“Stop holding on to what’s hurting inside you

and make room in your heart for what feels good.”

THIS IS SO RIGHT.

I repeatedly remind myself.

I have to banish away the lonesome darkness, draw the hideous curtains to invite in the enlightening light.

I need to smile more ….

and demonstrate that I mean it.

It’s my life, my very own

and I am saying that I love myself.

Shouldn’t I?

ARE YOU SO STRONG AS YOU MAKE YOURSELF TO BE?

Strong men wear masks to conceal their emotions, to greet the day.

They put on a brave facade, as always.

Emotional anguish and pain?

Who hasn’t been put through all these?

SOMETIMES the STRONGEST among us are the ones who SMILE through SILENT PAIN, CRY behind CLOSED DOORS and FIGHT BATTLES nobody knows about.

Are you a brave one?

I am afraid I am not.

Truly.

“IDENTITY THIEF” PRESS PREVIEW

To be fair, the advertising didn’t pin-point to anything cutesy or sweety about the movie.

But if you are able to settle for pure laughs and just move along with the flow, you can be in for a real treat.

Because “IDENTITY THIEF” is one goof of a gem, layering nonsensical banter all the way. It’s a journey of redemption for a fat, foul albeit atrocious female con artist called Diana (MELISSA McCARTHY) with her dim-witted male victim Sandy (JASON BATEMAN) hot on her heels.

Naturally you’ve to switch on your suspension of disbelief gear when you witness our fat leading lady getting all kinds of beastly damage being done to her.

She is ungraciously swashed in the face with a monstrous frying pan, conked on the head with a solid toaster, run over by a car and a whole load more cracks, and yet remains unscathed, but the sadistic streak in you will tickle your spine and have you bursting into hysterics.

Diana is a computer-savvy con artist who traps unsuspecting victims into divulging their Social Security numbers and birth dates, using this information to crank out fake credit cards to go on expensive shopping sprees.

She’s a sociopath, a single lonely woman with excesses:  she eats, drinks, lies and steals with compulsion.

She’s a hard-core hoarder of household appliances: dishwashers, microwaves and  an enormous jet ski she keeps parked on her front lawn.

Now our exasperated hero Sandy has to fly halfway across the country  to track the con woman and brings her back to his county in order clear his name and recover his losses.

Critics from the West happily lauded this one with a two-thumbs down.

It’s likely the type of movie that will garner an approving nod in the East.

“IDENTITY THIEF” boasts two unlikely comedians, JASON BATEMAN and MELISSA McCARTHY.

They both share an affable chemistry in this formulaic road trip spoof directed by SETH GORDON.

Feeling blue after a hard day’s grind?

Then let “IDENTITY THIEF” do the trick.

You might leave the cinema beaming like a full moon.

Check it out.

Feeling dista

APPRECIATING our DOGS for a lifetime of canine LOYALTY is SOMETHING we’ve ALWAYS taken for GRANTED.

Just like humans, DOGS have their own life span and may not be around to serve us forever.

If we don’t show how much we treasure and love them now, then when would the most appropriate time?

I suddenly realize that J-J, my baby long coat chihuahua is now 9 years old and is not as active as he used to be.

His hair is getting sparse.

His limbs are not as solid.

Everyday, I hug him, pat him and cajole him because I know that TIME and TIDE wait for no animal.

It is now my turn to show that I care, I love and I will be there for J-J, no matter what.

Amen.