This Is Us : One Direction, Normal Guys Who Had Fun But Were Terrible Terrible Terrible Dancers

Ok, let's forget awhile about Kpop things and get back to the kind of music i used to love ( hey, I still do!) : Western Pop. Or just "Pop"..whatever you may called. Anyway, i'm talking about the movie called: This is Us by a British boyband called "One Direction" ( and everybody says : Ahhh... ) 

I'm not a Directioner,actually. But i kinda like some their hits like "One Way or Another, Kiss You, One Thing, Little Thing, That's Makes You Beautiful" and other songs from their first to third album that loaded into my ipod. :D

And for the record, i don't even know each one of their names except for Zayn (because he's moslem), Harry ( because he dated Taylor Swifth) and Liam ( because one of my friend always talk about him). The only thing i knew was : They are X-Factor UK's contestant who didn't win but totally got a HUGE success.

So.. i just knew that they will release their first movie. Skeptically i thought, just like any happening idol they got to have at least one movie while they're on top. Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, even SMTown Family and Super Junior made their "daily activities and tour life" into 3D Movie. But  when i first saw "Best Song Ever" music video on Vevo channel, the skeptical mind of mine just swept away. I hope to see something different.

My Ticket

So there i was, sitting in the C row, 5 minutes late, hoping to get entertained by these five guys from England. I have to warn you,  this is  the kind of movie that made for fans and should be enjoy by the fans only. I mean, who cares about what these boys do at the backstage, driving the golf car like crazy, chasing and lift up by their bodyguard or waking up in the middle of the night after 10 minutes sleep just for record verse part of the new song. Only fans do. They screaming out loud like crazy every time they see Harry half naked or Zayn smiles (which is i admitted.. oh well, cute!). They sing along with these boys in every concerts footage that appear. You know, those kind of things that only fans would do. But the fun part is, i did enjoy watching this movie, although i'm not the Directioner.

This Is Us :  One Direction, Normal Guys Who Had Fun But Were Terrible Terrible Terrible Dancers

Basically it's almost the same with Justin Bieber "Never Say Never and Katy Perry "The Part Of Me". There are story about them on stage and backstage. Unfortunately "This Is Us" you won't see the "private" life like what we see in Katy Perry's. There was no love live that expose in. Not even a slight talk about Taylor Swifth. *no hope*

But the excitement wasn't diminished. Chris Rock, Christiano Rinaldo, Martin Scorsese and of course not to forget Simon Cowell  are appear as the cameo. These boys talking about themselves, actually about the basic things like how they met, the first impression and even talked about there was a time when they had special conversation about kicked Zayn out of the band. I don't know if it was revealed before, but i just knew that. Hahaha.

As a none-Directioner  i found this movie like a documentary of how a boyband that doesn't look like a stereotype boyband been made. I mean, if we look back to the former boybands like Nsync', Backstreet Boys, Take That, Westlife or even older than that, New Kids On The Block, they all have the same pattern.

They are all consist of five good looking boys which have bad boy, sweet boy, funny boy, playful boy and calm boy. Some can sing, some can rap, other can dance. I'm not judging but i can see these pattern too in One Direction. The different is They ALL can sing ( and got good voice) but CAN'T dance.

They don't want to wearing the same wardrobe, smile or act like they tell them to be. They just want to be.. Them, just like ordinary guys in age between 19-21 years old. They come across as the regular guys they claim to be, five fellows who like to mess about, are grateful for their family. The difference is they surrounded by girls who can't stand not to scream or even fainting every time they showed up, flying from one country to another and have a little time to sleep.

Yes, there are some scene when they "mess" their image. Harry's sarcastic. Niall's exuberant. But  This Is Us is the Rockumentary that shows the innocuous image of One Direction. Well, hopefully those images are hold their ground because most of their precursors skidded on their fame, lost and hard to get back. 

FYI, "This Is Us" , is a 3D movie which is ( for me) only works on concert scene. It really looks like these boys in front of you. So prepared yourself to be stupefied or screaming (just like most of the girls who watching this movie). Nothing special on the effects,but the you can get the atmosphere of the concerts.

There are some extra visual zip to their usual concert spectacle, transforming the singers into superheroes or augmenting the “Space Invaders”-inspired graphics. effectively boosting the 3-D appeal. Most of the viewers are Directioners so it wasn't a surprised to hear them sing along just like they're really at the gig. If you're not the Directioner, don't worry.

I only knew their best hits but i still can enjoyed the movie. In fact, i was surprised when they're perform "Teenage Dirtbag" in one of the concert scene. "Teenage Dirtbag" is a song by American alternative rock group Wheatus. It was released in July 2000 as the lead single from their eponymous debut album. It was included on the soundtrack of the movie Loser. Some of you probably don't know it.. or you do? :D 

In the end, i agreed to what one of them said that he hopes One Direction is remembered  as normal guys who had fun but were terrible terrible terrible dancers. lol. Because that's what this movie wants to show the world that this is who they are. They're all good in singing ( and no one who doing only rapping) but they're seriously terrible dancers. 

Obviously, those who hate group’s music should avoid “This Is Us” at all costs. But if you just want to have some fun after a-long-hard-weekdays, this movie should give you something entertain and to get to know them a little more. And probably you couldn't help but like One Direction, even sing along every time “Best Song Ever” came on your car radio. Or you don't? :D. Can't wait to read your comment about it.

[Review] Top 5 K-Drama 2012

What can I say, other than reading, watching is a hobby of mine. Besides movies, I also like to watch TV series. This year my tastes changed. If last year's TV series that I watch on TV is the western serials, this year as the KPop virus spread it turned into a kind of spectacle: K-Drama.

Actually this is not the first time i watch K-Drama. In the early emergence of K-Drama I was addicted to J-Dorama and Western serial that only a few K-Drama in that period that got my attention. The reason is K-Drama's episode was longer than J-Dorama (it 's up to 22 episodes). The Korean language also too lilting to my ears that i often overslept while watching. That's why it tooks some time to watch the full episode. But that was then and this is now. I'm collecting DVD, download it and even  watch it live via streaming. My DVD player even broken because i did watch K-Drama episode marathon in one day.

Ah ya! Anyway, this is my top 5 K-Drama of 2012 ..

1. Rooftop Prince (SBS)

I put it as my number one list because this is the drama which makes me watch it non-stop back to back without falling asleep. It's really funny,hilarious,romantic and touchy. The cast did great job, even the OST were all good. No wonder this drama and the cast got awarded many times. Love it!! 

2. Bogoshipda / I Miss You   (MBC)

The first love which seperated for 14 years filled with intrigue story. Seizure of property, kidnapping, love triangles to rape makes this drama even more complicated. The genre of the drama is melodrama but has suspense in it too. So in this drama we will see romantic and funny scenes in the search and maintaining of love and  murder scene to antagonists character assassination. The drama is still running although only for 5 episode remaining. Better prepared your heart and tissue for the ending because it might not be a happy ending fairy tale drama. 

3. My Husband Got A Family ( KBS )

At first i don't understand why this drama was played before 9 PM. Apparently because this is a family drama. My Husband Got A Family is about a woman who wants marry an orphan man to avoid trouble with mother in laws.To pursue her career she also avoid having baby. However her wish cant come true when her husband reunite with his family.So she has to deal with the in laws and to make it even worse she's pregnant. Funny,entertaining yet teach me marriage lesson about in-laws-thing. 

4. King 2 Hearts (MBC)

I'm not a fan from any of the casts but still i watch it until the end. An unique story, interesting plot and acting of Jo Jung Suk, who although not a main character but steal the show. Soundtrack was pretty good, too.  Missing You by SNSD Taeyon could be an option to singing in karaoke. 

5. Innocent Man (KBS)

A man is betrayed by the woman he loves.To get even he used another woman who loves him which is a step daughter of her ex. Sounds tipical,right? If it were not for Song Joong Ki i probably skip. But still this drama has a lot tricks to make the viewers stay to watch episode after episode. 

So, That's my list for Top 5 Drama of 2012. Hopefully next year will be more no cliche dramas are running with best casts. As per one of my 2013 resolutions: better be watching drama, rather than a life full of drama ..

Happy New Year Everyone!! 새해 복 많이 받으세요 !! 

[REVIEW] Breaking Dawn Part 2 - The End of Story,The Twisted Ending

Warning : This is might include 'Spoiler'

When i read the article about Taylor Lautner Says 'Breaking Dawn Part 2' will vave "Twist" Ending That's Different From The Book, i thought "Really?". Let's be honest, from the whole Twilight Saga series, Breaking Dawn is not one of my favorite. In the early chapters, is very interesting. But after passing through the mid-chapter storyline being dropped. Stephanie Meyer did try to raise the tension towards the end of the story with the Cullen clan battles the Volturi. Unfortunatey it did not describe as the readers want. Just a 5 minutes "battle" that may be more appropriately called "deliberation." So what to expect from the last sequel of  Twilight Saga's? A twist ending just like Jacob eerrr Taylor said?

So there i was, watching it on the first show, on the first day but thankfully not in front of the first line of the screen :). Not expect much other than, "Let's finish what has been done since the days of Twilight: Catherine Hardwicke up to Breaking Dawn: Bill Condon . 

The opening credits of 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2' alternate between red and white images; seeping blood, spreading ice crystals. Although it reminds me of the films of the ancient vampire who lives in Transvenia, it's perhap as a depiction of the transformation of Bella Swan from having blood now wants blood. The ice crystals illustrate how cold the body of the vampires and the fight in Alice's prediction came as the snow thickened. 

Bella's first hunting Training

As the movie begins, on the first minutes, the viewers are all screaming of Edward Cullen who looks stunningly watching Bella who has changed into new born vampire. And before you know,less than 3 minutes the movie begins, they bumped into each other, kissing like never before. Bella who is adjusting to her new life, her new powers, and her new daughter Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy), who is half-vampire, half-human, all unsettlingly weird looking CGI. You better watch it yourself, so you know what i'm talking about.

If you read the novel Breaking Dawn before, you surely remember the conflict of the story. Irina, a vampire who was desperately in love with Edward thinks that Renesmee is "Immortal Child". She reported the matter to The Volturi who of course accepted the report as an excuse to punish the Cullen family. Alice who has the ability to see the future also get the vision of what will happen. While the life of the newlyweds' Edward-Bella in a state of delight, the news is certainly a cause an alarm not only for the family but also Jacob who was already imprinting Renesmee. According to the vision of Alice, the Volturi clan will come to attack them  as the snow thickened.  Carlisle hopes this issue can be solved with "vampire hearing". So they were scattered on a worldwide tour to round up allies that can help protect for Renesmee. There are Russian vampires, vampires Brazilian, British, Amazonian vampires.Each with their own laughably stereotypical accent. Carlisle and Esme even came to Egypt to meet Egyptian vampire while Adzan ( the calling for the mosleem to pray) is hearing. Whoaaa .. don't they burn into ash? Well, consider it as they're not even evil or something :D . Anyway, there's a scene where The Volturi come to a Japanese Vampire and i even wondered,"Why Japanese? Why not Korean?" and my friend said,"They're busy singing and dancing as Boyband and Girlband". Somehow at the final battle "The Volturi" really reminds me of one of K-pop boyband with their robe. Fortunately when they speak, the don't say " Uri Super Juni..oe or.. " Oops...

The Volturi

Frankly a lot of scenes are laughable.Director Bill Condon seems  get a hoot out of all the cold-blooded melodrama. So do some of the supporting actors, particularly Lee Pace as Garrett, a patriotic vampire who likes to boast that he took part in every American battle of the last 300 years, and Michael Sheen, who plays the sneering, cackling leader of the Volturi in high camp style. Their job is to lighten a story that turns deadly serious whenever Bella and Edward come onscreen. Also not to forget the always solid performance of Billy Burke as Bella’s dad. Billy has been consistently the best actor in the series and given any real true heart to the franchise. The Cullen family (especially Ashley Greene and Peter Facinelli) bring nice touches of true sentimentality and humor when needed and the Wolves look great. I love the scene when Bella found out for Jacob imprinting Renesmee for the first time. Unlike in the book, it seems more interesting. 

So what about the the final big battle that disappointing me when i read the novel? Well, i won't give you any spoilers… just know the battle is really top notch. No, It’s great. It really is. It’s exciting, it’s fast paced, it’s well shot, it’s VERY surprisingly violent and best of all it’s filled with HUGE surprises that had the audience at the premiere in a frenzy. It's unexpected ending. A sort of crazy surprise happening at the end of the movie that is not congruent with the book.

Somehow, even though the film is a bit slow to get moving, still has too many kisses and NC-17 Rating kind of scenes,Bill Condon closes it in a way that he really does twist a knife for anyone who may not want it to be over.The ending is epic that i even love the cast title at the last scene. "A Thousand Years" verse 2 by Christina Perry ft Steve Kazee as a backsound really help to build up the mood. It brings the memories back to the previous sequels.So touchy, so romantic and it's a really happy ending not only for Bella & Edward but also for the Twihard.

Even if you're not Twihard, this is a very happy ending for you,too. No more Edward Cullens who ruins your chance to looks handsome in the eyes of the girl you like. Hahaha.. Congratulation, It's over!Happy watching..

sort of crazy surprise happening at the end of the movie that is not congruent with the book. Bill [Condon] closes it in a way that he really does twist a knife for anyone who may not want it to be over.

Read More at: http://hollywoodlife.com/2012/11/04/breaking-dawn-part-2-ending-twist-revealed-kristen-stewart-interview/#utm_source=copypaste&utm_campaign=referral

sort of crazy surprise happening at the end of the movie that is not congruent with the book. Bill [Condon] closes it in a way that he really does twist a knife for anyone who may not want it to be over.

Read More at: http://hollywoodlife.com/2012/11/04/breaking-dawn-part-2-ending-twist-revealed-kristen-stewart-interview/#utm_source=copypaste&utm_campaign=referral

Ps; Even though i can see his wrinkle on the corner of his eyes, don't worry Edward Cullen is still handsome than ever. :) . You can also read the Review for Breaking Dawn Part 1 here

xoxo

V

sort of crazy surprise happening at the end of the movie that is not congruent with the book. Bill [Condon] closes it in a way that he really does twist a knife for anyone who may not want it to be over

Read More at: http://hollywoodlife.com/2012/11/04/breaking-dawn-part-2-ending-twist-revealed-kristen-stewart-interview/#utm_source=copypaste&utm_campaign=referral

sort of crazy surprise happening at the end of the movie that is not congruent with the book. Bill [Condon] closes it in a way that he really does twist a knife for anyone who may not want it to be over

Read More at: http://hollywoodlife.com/2012/11/04/breaking-dawn-part-2-ending-twist-revealed-kristen-stewart-interview/#utm_source=copypaste&utm_campaign=referral

16 Things I Like And Hate About Twilight Saga : New Moon

Finally! Anticipated movie of this year : Twilight Saga – New Moon has coming to town.  Queuing tickets did not take long, and had a nice place. This time two studios had been prepared for this movie. November 25, at 19:15, I choose to meet with Edward Cullen and families again.  Although I got a little bit excited because there are weekly meetings which are usually take a long time, Alhamdulillah I got there on time and watch the movie from the beginning. (Thanks Boss, you're really understandable this time)

Isabella Swan turns to eighteen, and what gifts are most desired by a girl who is in loveTo Bella who love Edward Cullen to death , vampire 109 years old but looking 17 years that (at least in his book, a reply in the movie look like a 28-year-old. Ouwwchhh!!), She just want a kiss .. Just a kiss.. and of course along with frills also want to be vampire like Edward. Something that does not want to embodied by Edward on the name of love and soul. After all, at the time a party that ends birthday disaster Bella finally teach about things in life that must be faced named: SENSE BARRED & heartbreak.

Alice. You've disappeared. Like everything else. Now who else can I talk to? I'm lost. When you left, and he left, you took everything with you. But the absence of him is everywhere I look. It's like a huge hole has been punched through my chest. But In a way, I'm glad. The pain is the only reminder that he was real. That you all were.

And how can a girl mend a broken heart? Let  the movie speak for itself.

The book is not going to be really the same with the movie.Even if you compare them, "a movie in your imagination" will be the champion. But as the movie sequel, of course, viewers expect a movie of New Moon should be better than Twilight. 

They chose the director Chris Weitz be able to answer this challenge. They said he had been making emotional films and he also understood how to work with special effects that he has directed both screenwriter for the film The Golden Compass.  Also worked with  David Brisbin (Production Designer) and Catherine Ircha (Artistic Playground) from the film The Day The Earth Stood Still.  CGI selected for Susan MacLeod effect that has worked with Weitz on The Golden Compass. But will they all options are successfully making New Moon better than Twilight? I will divide my opinions in three.  It going a little long, so here they are ..

What I Like :

1. The BREAK-UP Scene

Ok, this is it! This scene is the so depressing to read, the saddest chapters in all four books. Left by the most handsome guy in the world  who said love you so and then leave you in the forest alone, making my heart feels torn part werewolf:-p. I know, Robert Pattinson tried very hard act sad and suffering. It would be better reply he appeared cold face instead of furrowed brow and a nose that flared flowers. Kirsten Stewart was better on expression how Bella was hurt and  disbelieve in dumping, and lack of power are managed one time. And yes, my eyes involuntarily glazed and chided Edward, "You, handsome Vampire. Indeed!!"

Another part that was difficult but interesting are the months when Edward left. In the book the writer feel at ease playing with the words "September, October, November, December" but how to visualize? I will not tell. I love Mellissa Rosenberg's idea (Screenplay writer) and how Chris Weitz visualized it. Indeed Kirsten looks pretty difficult to express various emotional states experienced by Bella, but this is one of my favorite scene. 

2. Chasing Victoria

This was simply beautiful. This was simply beautiful. I love the way it was filmed, flying birds as the ratio of how fast the Victoria ran from the wolves. Unification picture with Bella on the falls cliff together with Tom Yorke’s song choice climax of the movie. I like it a lot.

3. The Birthday Party

I have watched this scene several times on the trial. Still, I wondered how would it be seen on the big screen. The scene where Jasper jumped to Bella and  pushed Edward then make me compare how this film in if it was directed by Catherine Hatchwick. Is she going to make the effect of such piles like on those soap opera action? Thank God, Chris Weinz is better describing this scene birthday party. Even if we are talking about setting the Cullen's house, I was disappointed. But well, that's another story to tell.

4. Drowning Bella

THANK YOU for getting this right, Chris Weitz! Apparition Edward, Jacob's hand pull and the emergence Victoria some distance from where Bella was a scene that making it exciting. 

5. Edward quoted Romeo and Juliet

As I recall this scene is not in the book, so it became the second scene which surprised me. Robert Pattinson quoting the line of Romeo makes me think: "How it’s gonna be if the monoloq sentence was replaced with Ijab Kabul," I marry you  with a set of tools prayers, the Qur'an, my heart and soul.”  No protest allowed :-p

6. Edward’s Sexy Intro

Ok, it is nothing to compare with the first scene of Edward and Bella show up their relationship in Twilight. But it is quite able to make the bottom row of teenagers screaming .. (well, I did too  in my heart ..who didn’t ??)

7. Jacob’s New Looks

Sorry to say ladies, as far discussed the previous day, in this sequel to Robert Pattinson aka Edward got a rival. Taylor had put on 30 pounds of muscle to play this part, and I was kind of surprise of his body. Coupled with his new haircut, not too surprised reply Bella had commented after hitting a rock.

Bella Swan : You're sort a beautiful.
Jacob Black: How hard did you hit your head?

8. The Wolves Pack

It was not easy to make the wolf pack as big as horse which could changing shape very quickly and naturally that real. Thumb up for the visual effects team, especially for the glance into the eyes of a wolf Jacob, that was so sweet!

9. Bella’s Dream

The first scene, a dream scene Bella found herself that was old in the mirror beside Edward. Surprised, it was exactly as what I thought in mind, perfectly! An opening to show the real reason why Bella really desperate to be vampire, I guess. Aging and getting older ! Do not ever mess with the age when dealing with a woman, O you of men - either a real human, vampire or werewolf-. We could be dead sensitive..

10. The Volturi

Yeah, Dakota Fanning as Jane! Dakota Fanning as Jane! She looked beautiful and murderous at the same time but quite  a spot-on casting choice.  I wonder how much she paid for. I heard she took this role just because she  want to get involved in the same production with Robert Pattinson. Wow..

The Bad

These are the  list of the 'sins' of  Chris Weitz in working on New Moon :

1. The Make Up

I couldn't  ignore about the make up because the movie is supposed to describe Edward as in the book - Vampire skinned and not as smooth as alabaster with age-, that's how important the make up is! And it was really disappointed.

Robert Pattinson look older with a thick powder but does not stick and shows wrinkles on his forehead. Powder was too thick also applies to the long-haired Jacob who finally looks girlie with a blush on and lipstick that is too subtle for a boy. I wonder did he use any mascara for his Eyelashes? Rosalie is a very small portion, looking very ... not so Rosalie. She supposed to be beautiful as in Twilight. But here she looks very .. depression, lack of sleep.

Hey, is it a vampire version of Twilight is no need to sleep. Or did I miss something in New Moon? Edward looked as he miss some sleep too. And the rest of the Cullen looks in needed of  moisturizer and makeup base that more could be made compact natural cling. Probably the same powder can be managed for the Volturi clan, but not the Cullen. Still, Hell you the Make Up artist. You make them lose their natural charm!

2. The Hair Do 

Make up for the vampire is essential and so does the hairstyle. Unfortunately there are some things that've done at the Twilight distroyed in New Moon. Ok, time passes by and the trend has changed but I just do not like new hair of Jasper. He looks like .. .. .. puddle? Rosalie wearing a wig that makes her hair look limp. And Edward? Where is  the messy hair that phenomenal? There are only three good-looking hair here: Bella Swan, Jane Volturi and Jacob Black (New hair cut .. yay!)

3. The Wardrobe

I don't know was it just me  or in fact, Edward's style has changed. The teenager high school student turned vampire to be .. CEO looked alike with the suit and everything. He looked old, and I do not like it! Amazingly Jacob made easy with the clothes that are typical of teenager. Mmh.. I guess some envious designer to  Edward ..??? Or maybe he should not have to wear a costume, right? What do you think?:-D

4. The Set Design  

Since location of shooting moved from Portland (Twilight) to Vancouver (New Moon), there are re setting in some places. To match what were in the Twilight picture with the New Moon is not easy indeed, but it would be very disturbing if the difference are too obvious. It happens to House of The Cullen and Bella's room. In Twilight, House of The Cullen was white and less furniture while the New Moon looks very "warm" with a brownish color. Bella's room looked even more expansive and brightly lit.

5. The Ending

This is the most frustrating part  throughout the film. The ending was suck! The Propose should be romantic, sweet and deep and all tried in an atmosphere that was built straight cut just press the button with a single cut on the table editor. I can still remember clearly the Twilight's ending when Edward & Bella dancing accompanied pop song even it was not connect the lyrics but can build atmosphere. Shoot in zoom out and take a picture emerged of Victoria in the window and then went with a song from Radio Head. While New Moon? It’s  like running out of celluloid film for recording. Ah Chris, you should did better than this. Did you actually read the book?

6. The Lines

On behalf of the duration, so many of the dialogues which should describe the blossom and the strong feelings of Bella and Edward, Bella's inner conflict to the emergence of Jacob in the world and of course Edward & Jacob hostilities must cur destroyed, lost.I wonder , "What movie did I watch this? Where's the romance? It's supposed to be Romance movie.”  The Relationshipsof  Prospective candidates-in-law & daughter "of Charlie & Edward also not discussed in this movie. The leap from one scene to another scene also eventually be a bit messy. It's not all in the book can appear in the film, but a strong dialogue make this film so much better at watching and really helps demonstrate what you want in the wake of his book. Even though I like to see the handsome Robert Pattinson, I prefer to see him talk then do nothing..

My Two Cents... 

Although the movie Twilight associated with Vampire and the hunt, the impression that left on me is: This is a romantic drama with a little spice teen action. Nothing at all, or gripping horror ala-ala other Vampire movies. The excited thing was in the movie New Moon, I found a different nuance. Some scenes made me feel a chill, excited and surprised. I came to think , if the New Moon had changed genres from fantasy movie to action thriller? I wish this film has an element of visual effects, action and horror, but actually it's still a love story that brings viewers into the emotional journey the characters. 

Life is a choice, that what they said. So between Catherine Hardwicke and Chris Weitz, Between Edward and Jacob, who's the best? 

As for me, Chris Weitz can not be denied made a great part but since this film based on the book written on a woman named Bella's perspective, I think Weitz failed to explore and express the feelings of Bella between two men, two of love and the two choices. Because that’s New Moon is all about, right?

Anyway, don't forget to mark your calender, because ECLIPSE will coming on June 30th 2010.

Until then, see you soon  Edward.. "It's always been you.. by the way.."