Anything Cool (In My Opinion)

Invictus (2009)

2010-07-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

Minister of Sport: "According to the experts, we will reach the quarterfinals"
Nelson Mandela : "According to the experts, you and I should still be in jail"

I love movies. And I love sports too. So when these two are combined, I can't help having a major bias in liking them. The key to a good sports movie is it doesn't focused on the sport itself, but rather on the humanity that connected the people in the sports. Fine example of this are The Damned United, whose focused on the friendship of legendary manager Brian Clough and his assistant, Peter Taylor. Also Ken Loach's Looking for Eric which explored the relationship between a football fan and his idol. Fortunately, Invictus (2010) falls in the same category.

The year is 1995. Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) was only in office for a year. South Africa, despite it's newly status as an apartheid-free country was in turmoil. The tension between the black and the white people are high. The blacks still hold resentment because of decades of oppression, the whites fears that the blacks will run them out of the country. Not to mention unemployment and economic problems, needless to say Mandela had a huge job in his hands.

When South Africa was appointed for that year Rugby World Cup host, Mandela saw an opportunity.During a private meeting with Francois Pieenar (Matt Damon), the SA team captain, he implies that they could do so much more than playing rugby. They can provide some hope of unity and achievement in this World Cup. Although he never said it, Pieenar understood him.

And so it begans, the unlikely story of how South Africa became a world champion. It was inspiring and touching. Even though you don't understand a thing about rugby, you find yourself willing the players to score, to run through tackles. Clint Eastwood proved his skill again as one of the best working director today. The director son, Kyle, the musician who was tasked with providing music for this movie proved to be a good choice. What I like about Eastwood here is that, unlike many movies like this, he didn't dwell on those big inspiring moments, he keep it short but hitting the target nevertheless.

This movie does have one flaw though. I have nothing but respect for Morgan Freeman, he's a great actor, and I know Mandela said himself that if there's a movie about him he wanted Freeman to play him. But one thing that work against Freeman in this movie is that his iconic status proved hard to get overlooked. Freeman was so well known and iconic himself that it is hard to see him as another iconic character. Morgan Freeman did brought that charisma, wisdom and utter respect that we can expect from a man with Mandela stature. Matt Damon I thought did alright, despite not having the right physique for a rugby player. He did have one of the best non-sporting scene in the movie when the rugby team visited Mandela former cell in Robben Island, it's simple yet powerful in the movie message.

I loved the movie despite its flaws though. The fact this is based on a true story and according to some reviews, this movie got it right for about 90% regarding historical accuracies, just make it more wonderful for me. You'll appreciate Nelson Mandela and what he has achieve more if you haven't already. Go and see it.

Call It, and Raised It

2008-07-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

After the release of Iron Man and Incredible Hulk consequently, Marvel Studios were riding high. The new Hulk movie managed to restart the franchise after Ang Lee's failed attempt in 2003, and Iron Man was gaining critical praise left, right centre as well as commercial success with Robert Downey Jr brilliant portrayal of Tony Stark. They also put out the plan to create the Avengers movie, with cleverly put cameos in the two movies.

Rivals at DC/WB needed an answer. After Superman Returns failed in the box office and their JLA project is languishing in development hell, they need to come up with something. And oh boy do they have the perfect response in The Dark Knight.

The sequel to 2005 Batman Begins managed to do what few movies can, being better than the original. Begins is already praised for its realistic and dark portrayal of the comic book characters, but this movie just take it to another level. It's gaining massive positive reviews from the critics, and at the time this review is written, has broke 8 box office records, including the biggest income from the opening weekend, breaking previous record that was held by Spider-Man 3.

I should admit though, that after Kevin Smith's comment that this is the Godfather 2 of comic book movies my expectation went so high that I feel that I'm going to be disappointed when I finally saw it. Rest assured, that not only it met my expectation, but also succeed it.

The movie itself is action packed, but it never got dumbed down into a typical action movie. The story is worthy of a great crime saga, and the characters development was fantastic.

Batman and Gordon effort to clean up Gotham from organized crime received a huge boost with the emergence of the new hot shot District Attorney, Harvey Dent. Dent's hard stance in prosecuting criminals proved to be more successful than Batman vigilante ways, and it gives Bruce Wayne a glimmer of hope that one day he can finally hang up his cowl and lead a normal life.

Meanwhile, the mobsters are getting desperate with all this, and in this desperation they turned to their last hope, a guy who claims that he can killed Batman for a price, The Joker. However, the Joker wasn't really interested in reward or money, all he care about is chaos. Like what Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine) said to Wayne when the latter is trying to figure out The Joker, "Some people just like to see the world burn". And Joker pretty much got what he wanted. Chaos. Utter chaos.

That's pretty much as far as I can go without spoiling it. Rest assured that that two paragraphs is just scratching the surface.

Chris and Jonah Nolan together with David Goyer managed to wrote a story get each major character development perfectly, and the actors didn't disappoint. Bale's Batman and Wayne growth as a hero and a person, Aaron Eckhart brilliant performance in Dent portraying the rise and fall that created Two-Face, and Gary Oldman again shine in Jim Gordon's struggle to do the right thing. All was given enough arc and background stories. And much has been said about Heath Ledger final complete role, and let me tell you this. All the hype was justified. He was THAT good. His Joker is scary as hell, but you'll find yourself laughing at his jokes and felt shit afterwards, because you know you shouldn't be laughing. If let say 20 years from now, they're gonna make another Batman movie with the Joker in it, people will say "Can he play it as good as Ledger?" about the actor whose gonna play him.

To say that this is a great comic book movies is doing a bit disservice to the movie. Sometimes a movie is just so damn good it doesn't matter what genre it is.

About Two Years Ago

2008-06-16T23:09:00.000-07:00

Approximately two years ago, France and Italy met in the World Cup Final. I wrote the piece below after the game. Considering they'll meet again tonight in the Euro 2008 do-or-die group match, I repost it again below.

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Well, the world cup has ended about 4 days ago, and life's back to normal again. No more waking up in the early hours of the day to watch a game. I, as most football fans around Indonesia will be relieved that, our routine wont be disturbed.

But the after effect of the final is stil going strong. Not because of the game itself (which is not very good since only France who were going for the win while Italy defended with their lives), but what happened 10 minutes before the game's extra time ended.

When the referee was going to signal a freekick for the Italians, he was brought to attention by other players at Marco Materazzi, the Italian defender, who was lying on his back while holding his chest in pain. After the ref consulted his assistant, he sent off Zinedine Zidane, the French captain, who has been inspirational for his side in this tournament, for violent conduct. TV replays a few minutes after that shows that after exchanging a few words with Materazzi, Zidane crash his head to the Italian chest with some power.

This is the huge talking point after the game. Most newspapers printed this incident as their headlines. Football forums filled with comments on Zidane's action. Italy, who won the World Cup after beating France in penalty shoot-out, got some nice articles about their achievement, but nowhere near the intesity that Zidane's incident.

The incident has been polarizing football fans around the world. Zidane's skill is well respected in the football world as one of the best in the world. Many people would like to see him get a proper goodbye since the final is his last game before he retired from football this year. What would make him do that is the question that's been asked.

Rumours that come out from the French camp was Materazzi was making racist comments about Zidane's mother. Materazzi himself denied that he made racist comments, but doesn't go into detail of what he actually said. Zidane only said in his latest press release that Materazzi insulted his mother and sister due to the point that he can't take it anymore.

No one really know what's been said, and I doubt we can answered the above question if either both of them won't tell the truth. FIFA are allegedly conduction an investigation on this issue, since racism is quite a serious crime. Materazzi could face quite a punishment if he really did said racist things to Zidane. Even though personally, I think he might have. Materazzi is well known as a dirty player who used every trick in the book (and write one himself), to be believed that he didn't try to get Zidane sent-off.

But, even after all this, even his exit was disgraceful, I think he's still one of the best player in the world. Zidane in his prime was an absolute joy to watched. His vision, ball control, power, passing range is absolutely top class. And he did all that with the economy of movement, unlike the Brazilians who tend to show off to display their skills. He's probably the only player that can make me woke up at 3 in the morning just to see him play his skill on clubs that I don't even support.
I've been priveleged enough to see him at his best, so I have no complaint about how he ends his career.

Au Revoir Zidane, merci beacoup pour la mémoire

What's now Doc?

2008-05-29T04:47:00.000-07:00

So what's up now for Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) and the rest of the gang? House M.D season 4 finale was shown last week, and it certainly brings up some really interesting questions. While I'm not particularly liked this season for reasons I'll explain below, the finale thankfully brought something good in the series.

Season 4 started with House diagnosing a case on his own. After disbanding his team at the end of the previous season, House is adamant that he can work alone. Well, he's not actually disband them though. Foreman (Omar Epps) feared that he'll turned into House the longer he spent time around him and he resign. Cameron (Jennifer Morrison) too has had enough and also resign. Only Chase (Jesse Spencer) that was fired against his will, even though House gave the reason that Chase already learned everything he needs to know from him.

But after subsequent events Cuddy managed to convinced House to hired a team, but House being House, he didn't do conventional interviews. Instead he selected them through 'reality show' elimination process. He gathered all 40 applicants and inform them that he'll eliminate them one by one after each case, and the remaining 3 will be his team.

This is what I think the weakest part of the series though. Even though the series initial idea was 'CSI against germs', where House and his team must find the cure to mysterious illness, the show has evolved into something much more interesting in its 3 year run.

When House began the contest, it decrease the amount of personal interaction between House and the applicants (in subsequently with the patient) because of their sheer number. The best moments on previous seasons was when House is at odds with the people around him. House idea that love, humanity and faith is stupid constantly clashed with Foreman's values, Chase's beliefs and Cameron's ideals. And that's what makes it good. I love the way House constantly undermined his team, but he also secretly admired them in different ways. I also like the way House seemed to take Wilson for granted, but came through when Wilson finally need him. I also like the fact that Cuddy, who as his boss, often clashed with House, but there's a hidden fondness between the two of them, as both know each other like no other person do.

When House finally picked his team, the show was a little better (Although one could argue his team can be predicted since some names are too well known to be just another guest star), but I regretted that the writers can't come up with something new, since this new team, was essentially the old team but with different people.

Taub (Steve Jacobson) was the only people in the team who's willing to stand up to House and provide a medical diagnostic that House could appreciate, much like Foreman. Kutner (Kal Pen) wants to impress House so much, and willing to take the risk, much like Chase. 13 (Olivia Wilde) is gorgeous, idealistic but with a damaged past, which pretty much is what Cameron is all about.

Throughout the season, I can't help comparing it to previous seasons, because even though it has some great moments (Frozen was an excellent episode), it lacked what made it good in the first place.

However the last two episodes brought back what's good with the series and increased it tenfolds. In the 15th episode, aptly titled House's Head, we take a journey inside House mind, he suffered mild amnesia after the bus he was riding had an accident. It was interesting and superbly done, as House only remember someone's dying but he can't remember who because he can't remember anything before the accident. The last episode deals with the after math of the previous episode, and more importantly asking questions about House friendship with Wilson and Cuddy too (No, not THAT kind of question you perverts). I always wondered why Wilson put up with House all this time, and after the finale, I wondered no more.

All in all, this bad season was rescued by the superb finale, and thankfully this made the next season a whole more interesting.

Wow

2008-05-29T03:22:00.000-07:00

It finally sink in after a week.

Can't you believe it? Double Champions. It's so good to hear that. Let me say it again. Double Champions.

Who would thought it eh?

Well certainly not 3 years ago, when we were trailing in the league by a mile behind Chelsea, and finished bottom in our Champions League group, scoring only 3 goals. We've come a long way since then.

Although we came close to similar achievement last year and was probably fucked up by injuries, we're a little more than prepared this season to win both. You can see it in our play. We've become more tactical more astute in defending, especially in Europe. We can shut out team and annihilate them equally. And speaking of which, while Ronaldo gathered most of the praise this season, Rio Ferdinand stand the tallest of the red shirt. Put it this way, if we have to play a Champions league final and have to choose between those to who to miss the game, I'd take Ronaldo any day.

Rio leadership at the back spread through out the team, even when he's not wearing the armband. Notable mentions to the likes of Anderson and Nani. New comers at the club, but kept their nerves in the penalty shoot out. Anderson, I thought was the biggest revelation this season. He managed the hardest thing to do at Manchester United: Making Scholes unavailability from the football pitch almost unnoticeable, especially during the league run in. His maturity is astonishing. His strength and willingness was came as a surprised. We thought we're getting a Ronaldinho kind of player, when in reality, he's more a all-arounder than the older Brazilian.

Not that the Ginger Prince didn't have his say this season. While only scoring two goals all season, he choose the perfect time to score his second. A scorcher of a winner to the top corner in the Champions League semifinal.

Ryan Giggs also wrote his name in the history book, if he hasn't already. Let see, broke Sir Bobby Charlton records of 758 appearance for Manchester United, won a record 10th league title (the most of any player in the English league) the previous week. And between that achievement, he also scored United's second in the 2-0 win against Wigan, which ensured the Premiership title, and he also the one who scored the decisive penalty in the shoot out against Chelsea in the Champions League final. Not bad for a player who's been dismissed as 'past it'.

So let me extend my gratitude to other players:
Wes Brown, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra: Part of the best defensive unit in Europe and England. Especially pleased for Brown. A local lad, coming through the ranks, replacing the club captain, and he come out with flying colours.

Michael Carrick, passing extraordinaire and defensively underrated. Capello must be blind to overlook him in the England setup.

Owen Hargreaves, right winger, right back, central midfield, supreme penalty taker? No problemo.

Ji Sung Park: I'm sorry to see him missed the final, but he's more than worth his medal for his outstanding contribution in the quarter and semifinal.

Carlos Tevez, whose late goals was very Solskjaer-esque. Thanks for that equaliser against Spurs, Blackburn and Lyon.

Darren Fletcher, Arsenal season fucker.

John O'Shea, Mr Versitality.

And last but not least, thank you Edwin.

God bless.

I love this team.

A Perfect Start to the Summer

2008-05-02T04:39:00.001-07:00

For those of you who lived in a tropical country like me, summer doesn't mean sunshine and holidays. But it does signal something else. It brought a whole bunch of blockbuster movies coming to the theaters.

The first of these movies, are Marvel Studio's Iron Man (2008), based on the company's comic book character. It hits the theaters at 30 April 2008, and based on last night viewing, if the rest of them is at least as good as this one, we're in for a real treat.

Prior to his involvement in the long running Civil War storyline in the comics, Iron Man wasn't one of Marvel A-list character. If one wasn't a comic book fan, he or she probably never heard of Iron Man before.

But I reckon after a few weeks, most people would know what he's all about. In the hands of Jon Favreau (Swingers, Daredevil), Iron Man looked like every bit a summer blockbuster should be. It's fun, it has fantastic special effects, it has also surprisingly good story and acting too. Perhaps it helps that the four main actors in this movie, was nominated for an Academy Award sometime before in their career.

As with any first comic book movies, this one starts with an origin story. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is a genius with a knack at electronics and machinery. Continuing his father business with his father old friend Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), he made his millions as a weapon designer and manufacturer, selling them to the US Military. As with people who have serious amount of money, Stark was living in the fast lane. He parties and slept with beautiful women. He spent ridiculous amount of money on art works, cars and everything else he can buy.

Stark life took a drastic change after he was captured in Afghanistan by a group of terrorist after he demonstrate his latest invention, a high tech missile called The Jericho. The terrorist ordered him to build this missile for them. But instead, being a resourceful guy that he is, he used the resources to built his way out of there, in the form of a high tech armor suit.

Stark's beginning to re-evaluate his life after this experience. He found that the terrorist already used some of the weapons that comes from his company. His friendship with Yinsen (Shaun Toub), an Afghanistan doctor who is a fellow captive, made him realised that his life doesn't have a purpose before. And he wanted to make sure that he had one this time around, by building a better version of the armor and put it to good use.

Even though as I said before, the cast was full of talented actors, this is clearly a tour de force by Robert Downey Jr. His acting hit the all right notes as the cocky and arrogant Stark, but still very likable. His personal journey from a jerk to a jerk with a heart was acted really well. I don't think I've ever seen an actor nailed a part like this so completely, other than Christopher Reeve's Superman.

The rest of the cast was pretty good. Gwyneth Paltrow played Virginia 'Pepper' Potts, Stark personal assistant (and love interest) well. She wasn't given that much, but she has good chemistry with Downey, and she doesn't play the annoying damsel in distress role. The writers did a good job in not forcing the romance between Stark and Pepper. Jeff Bridges, without giving too much away, was also really good in his role. Terrence Howard as James Rhodes, a military officer liaison for Stark company, was underused, but there are hints that he'll playing a much more important role in the sequel.

The special effect was breathtaking. Stan Winston really outdo himself in creating the armor suit. I like the fact that Favreau took the time to create an actual armor for shooting rather creating all the Iron Man shots with CGI.

I'm not particularly wasn't an avid reader of Iron Man, only read his comics here and there. But if this movie doing as well as I thought it should be, I reckon there'll be a whole new generation who will loved Iron Man because of it.

This is going to be a good summer.

PS: Oh, and make sure you stay until the credits end. There'll be a nice surprise for the comic fans.

Now, I'm Going to Meet You

2008-03-07T03:23:00.000-08:00

One of the great thing about having cable at your house, is having choices at the tip of your finger. My favorite past time concerning TV is browsing channels while not particularly watching anything.

In one these time wasting activity, I stumble this little gem, a Japanese movie called Ima, ai ni yukimasu (Now, I'm Going to Meet You (2004), in one of the channels.

The story starts out as your usual drama movies. After fighting a long time illness, Mio (Yuko Takeuchi) finally passed away. She left Takumi (Shido Nakamura) her grieving husband and Yuji(Akashi Takei), her son, to live on their own.

The family of two really struggled at first. Takumi suffered a medical condition since high school that made him suffered fainting spells if he got too excited. He's feeling guilty that Mio wasted her life by taking care of him until her death. Yuji wondered whether he was responsible for her mother illness (Mio's health took a downturn after giving birth). The only thing that kept Yuji remotely happy is that a storybook that Mio created for him. The book shows that Mio will come back one year later during the rainy season, before returning to what she called, 'The Star Archive'.

This is where the movie is getting interesting. On the first day of the rainy season, both Yuji and Takumi found a woman with striking resemblance to Mio, right in the place where the storybook said Mio will return. However this person seems to suffer amnesia since she didn't remember anything, her name, her life before showing up there, and she definitely didn't remember Takumi and Yuji. Nevertheless, they took her home and take her to heart, believing that Mio has come back from the dead. They all lived happily until they found out the reason behind all this.

It's very rare a movie can mixed drama, supernatural, and perhaps science fiction elements, and provide a touching story about love and sacrifice. The movie itself took time in revealing all the facts, but when it did, it really hit home and fits the puzzle perfectly.

The ending itself is curiously good. It's not what I called a regular happy ending, but you felt heartwarmingly satisfied when the credits rolled. Perhaps because even with the other wordly element, this movie is essentially a story about how love prevails.

I also read that this movie has been opted for a 2009 Hollywood remake. I really hope though, that when the adaptation come out next year, it will make people to want to watch the original.

Here, there and Everywhere

2008-03-07T03:22:00.001-08:00

Hayden Christensen was probably one of the most confusing actors in Hollywood nowadays. His performance in Star Wars movies was deemed too wooden, static. In short, he was rubbish. However, he surprised everyone with a strong performance on Shattered Glass, where he played based-on-a-true-story journalist who was accused of fabricating his stories.

Unfortunately in Jumper(2008) it was Star Wars all over again.

The movie had a potential to be a really huge hit. It has interesting premise about a boy who suddenly found teleporting (or in this movie, jumping) powers. He first used it for his personal gain (rob banks, travelling around the world), until he was hunted down by a mysterious organization. It has all the material to be a great action summer blockbuster, especially because I think, besides flying, teleportation is probably the most wanted fantasy power out there. It promised great action and special effects bonanza. However, there's also has to be a balance with the acting to really enjoy movie like this.

Hayden who played David Rice, the main character, wasn't be able to carry the movie as the main character. I can't shake the feeling that the guy on the screen was Anakin Skywalker, put in different situations with different powers. I found myself more enjoying Jamie Bell performance as Griffin, a fellow world-weary jumper. Rachel Bilson performance as David love interest is sufficient to say the least, as I don't think she was given much anyway.

The special effect though deliver in spades. The jumping scenes was well portrayed, especially on using jumping powers for everyday use, and using it for fighting purpose.

Having said that, I found myself enjoying this just enough. Perhaps because I went in without any expectation at all, or read the novel it was based on. But nevertheless, after the credits roll down, I can't help feeling of a great opportunity missed.

I Have A Cunning Plan..

2008-03-07T03:13:00.000-08:00

When my friends said that I should check out Rowan Atkinson's old comedy show The Black Adder(1983), I admit that I was a bit skeptical. My only experience with Atkinson comedy was Mr. Bean, and while it was funny at times, his physical humour was sometimes too much and too gross for my liking. So I kinda ignore his advice. However, when WGA strike means that I run out of new TV shows episodes (namely House M.D), I reluctantly turn to this show.

The result was unexpected. I was completely hooked, from the first season to the last. I watched all four season in order in about just a week. I laughed so hard on every episode, that I hardly remember when's the last time I did so.

The series revolved on the lives of Edmund Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson) and his descendants (also played by Atkinson). Each of the four season potrayed each generation of Edmund Blackadder. From the coward and dumb Prince Edmund Blackadder in the Dark Ages, to the cunning and smart Captain Edmund Blackadder in WW I era.

The comedy was nothing like Mr. Bean. Here, the jokes are much more cerebral and located in the dialogs. It pokes fun at just about everybody, notably the French, the Scots, the Germans, and even the English themselves. Most of the humour owed to Atkinson and the cast brilliant delivery. Atkinson brought sarcasm and witty to a new level, especially on second season onwards, and the other actors compliment him perfectly. Tony Robinson, who played Baldrick (and his descendants) in each season was the target for most of the jokes as Blackadder's servant/busybody.

It helped that the rest of the supporting cast was also a group of good actors. The talented Tim McInnerny played his role as Lord Percy Percy (and later Captain Darling) wonderfully. Hugh Laurie and his comedy partner Stephen Fry, fresh from their successful turn out in their comedy show, A Bit of Fry and Laurie, join the cast in the second and third season, while Miranda Richardson played as the child-like Queen Elizabeth I in the second season.

Futhermore, in it's fourth season, set in WW I era, it pokes fun and criticized the wastefulness of war in a funny and touching way. It's very rarely to see a comedy show that can managed to bring a serious message like that, and didn't feel out of place.

I don't know what else to say, but go and see this.

America's alright..

2008-01-25T02:57:00.000-08:00

Again, in my resolution to finished my piled up DVDs, I watched In America (2001) last week. This is one of the movies that I bought purely based on reputation alone. I remember seeing it nominated in Academy Awards way back in 2002, and decided to pick it up. Although as usual, once bought, it got forgotten for quite a while before I finally watched it.

Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot) who directed and wrote the movie with his sister said that it was a bit autobiographical. It was based on his own experience, growing up in America after moving from Ireland as a little boy with his family. It explained why when you watch the movie, it appropriately felt personal.

It started with an Irish family moving into America after the death of Frankie, their youngest son. Trying to cope with the tragedy, they moved out to New York Hell's Kitchen to start anew. It wasn't easy at first. Johnny the father (Paddy Considine), is a struggling actor who can't get roles. Samantha Morton played Sarah, the mother who have to work at an ice cream parlor shop to help supporting the family. Their two daughters were probably the only people in the family who brought a positive note in the grieving family. Most of the movie was seen through out the eyes (and video camera) of their daughter Christy (Sarah Bolger). She provide a touching assessment on her family, her apartment neighbors, and living in America generally throughout the movie.

In essence I was really quite pleased with it. The two main actors, Paddy Considine and Samantha Morton did a great job. Considine who I thought was underrated (Oscar nominations went to Morton and Djimi Hounsou who played Mateo, the family neighbor), played the grieving part of his role brilliantly. One of the most powerful scene was when Mateo told him that Johnny didn't believe in God. He replied:

"I asked Him a favor once. I asked Him to take me instead of him. But He took both of us. And look what He put in my place."

But despite the brilliance of the adults actors I gotta say, the real life sisters Sarah and Emma Bolger who played their daughters was the pick of the bunch. Despite her young age, Sarah managed to portrayed the maturity of someone who are forced to grow up quickly because of all the hardships her family went through. Emma on the other hand, played Ariel, probably the only person in the family who can still see all this as an exciting adventure through her 6 years old eyes.

The story I gotta say was predictable, and more likely in the hands of other directors and actors, it would come up as something boring and unsympathetic. But props up to Sheridan and the actors. They managed to give this one life and emotion, and that alone made it worth it

Blown Away

2008-01-01T20:13:00.000-08:00

I got another confession to make. I have Spirited Away DVD for 4-5 years but only managed to watched it yesterday. Yes, I know how scandalous that sounds. It was the only animated movie to be rewarded by an Academy Award, best grossing non-US movie in the world, and a whole lot of awards. To be honest, I bought it because of the hype, but I never actually think about it that much until last night. I have loved another Miyazaki work, Princess Mononoke, but somehow I managed to ignore Spirited for 5 long years.

After last night, I kinda regret it. I regret that I waited this long to actually watch it. Spirited Away deserve all the accolades it received and a whole lot more. The animation, as usual, is outstanding. Miyazaki's style never failed to amazed me. I was impressed by Mononoke, and this one is no different. For a story which is quite personal and small scale, the art managed to give a sense of grand and epic in the movie. And instead of making it out of place with the spirit of the movie, it managed to add that sense of wonder which the movie needs. The story itself on the surface was simple, but if you look deeper, it contains much more meaning that what it actually showed. As in his previous movies, Away was filled with critiques on environmental issues. And also as in his previous movies, Away managed to get the message across, without being preachy or pushed it down our throat

Chihiro adventure in trying to release herself and her family from the curse of the gods was fairly simple. But the characters are anything but simple. The evil witch wasn't exactly that evil, the monster wasn't a monster in the truest sense, but simply someone who's looking for a friend. Chihiro was your usual teen at the start of the movie, but by the end, her character had developed into a more mature and appreciative person.

I read that Miyazaki was supposed to retired before Spirited Away, but a friend daughter (who became the inspiration for Chihiro character) persuade him to continue working and made Away. So, Mr Miyazaki friend daugther, whoever you are, wherever you are, thanks.. thanks a lot.

Keep Your Mind Wide Open

2007-12-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

There's this poll in web forum that I visited frequently that asked the users to list their top ten movies for 2007. The lists, predictably has the usual suspects, Bourne Ultimatum, Transformers, all the blockbuster. My list, admittedly, is quite similar to others.

However, after I watched Bridge to Terabithia(2007) last night, I feel obliged to include this movie, which hasn't appear on anyone else. This movie has slipped my radar for a long time because based on the trailers, I thought this would be similar to Chronicles of Narnia. It's not that I don't like Narnia, but I don't like a movie that feels like copying another movie.

So when I popped the DVD into my player last night, I was expecting to be only mildly entertained by the movie. However, after I finished, I couldn't be more wrong. This movie would easily walked in my top ten movie any day of the week. Despite the fantasy elements of the movie, I can't think similar movies which deals with more realistic themes as better as this one.

Shy and quiet 12 year old Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) was having problems both at home and school. His parents (played by Robert Patrick of Terminator 2 fame, and Kate Butler) financial problems means they have little money and time for him, and he was constantly bullied at school. The only source of solace came from the drawing he made in his sketchbook. When he met Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb), the new girl in school beat him on sprint race on the school athletic day. Hence, he didn't take her to heart at first despite her early efforts to become friends. But after a while he realize despite being very different, they both have a lot in common. Like him, Leslie is also an artist. She's an aspiring writer, just like her parents. Unfortunately, also like him, her parents also paid little attention to her when they're busy finishing their books, and she's also the target of the school bullies. Brought closer by these, they soon forged a friendship.

Their friendship took another leap when they discovered an unoccupied land just across the river, in the woods near their houses. They decided to call it their own and named it Terabithia, a magical kingdom where they can be everything they want and forget all the crap they have to face at school and home. Here, Jess and Leslie creativity and imagination took off. They created and fought creatures, monsters, dragonfly-sized winged warriors, trolls and made themselves king and queen of this kingdom. Terabithia become their fortress and refuge from the real world and helped them to face it better. Leslie lively spirit and outgoing nature managed to bring Jess out of his shell. His days were becoming much more bearable with her at his side.

This is where I stop because it's very difficult to continue reviewing this movie without giving away the ending, so the best I can do is summarize it: Bridge to Terabithia is a story about love, friendship, loss and how to deal with them. And the movie told it beautifully, as poignant and moving as the novel it was based on (Yes, I know how silly my initial thought was thinking this is a Narnia imitation). The fantasy element in this movie serves as a vehicle to Jess and Leslie imagination, and it worked. We can feel the sense of wonder they had when they make things up, but still managed to keep the realistic tone of the movie.

Josh Hutcherson again excelled as Jess. He managed to portray the changes his character went through, from the shy and introvert kid to a more outgoing person he become after meeting Leslie. AnnaSophia Robb though was even better. With less screen time she managed to made the viewers fall in love with her, portraying Leslie free spirit with such panache and freshness.

The only bad thing I can said about this movie is the marketing department of Disney who choose to sell this movie as the Narnia type of movie. It's not. It's definitely better than that. I reckon many children (and parents) feel cheated after they watched the movie. However, I also hoped most of them finished watching this feeling that they got a lot more than they hoped for, cause I certainly did.

Or as Leslie said to Jess when they see Terabithia for the first time : "Keep your mind wide open".

PS: I would definitely recommend to keep your Kleenex near by when watching this movie.

Send A Little Love This Way

2007-12-27T00:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have a confession to make. I hate rom-com movies. No, I really really really hate it. I avoid it like rabies in a Liverpool shirt and keep a healthy distance from any movies like that. The story was formulaic enough that usually you can tell how it ends (the girl and the boy kissed and made up after their big fight) without even watching it. So it was quite a surprise for myself when this morning I found one that I enjoyed quite immensely.

Little Manhattan(2005) tells a heartwarming a story about an ten year old boy named Gabe Burton (Josh Hutcherson) who falls in love for the first time to eleven year old Rosemary Telesco (Charlie Ray), his sparring partner in karate lessons. Gabe, who initially thinks all girls are disgusting first, is starting to see Rosemary, who he knows since kindergarten in a whole new light. It was the kind of realization that perhaps all boys got at one point in his life. Beside that, Gabe also have to deal with his parents (Bradley Whitford of The West Wing and Cynthia Nixon of Sex and the City) on-going divorce process, although all of them still lived under one roof.

The whole movie was narrated by Gabe, giving insight to his way of thinking and how he see the world, and how he perceived Rosemary in particular. It was funny and endearing, and Hutcherson done a masterful job in portraying him. The movie also gives a nice portrayal of New York itself. The writer-director team of Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett said in an interview that this movie is their love letter to New York. And it shows. Essentially, the movie managed to be sweet but not corny. Sad, but not heartbreaking. Funny, but not over-the-top laughs.

When you're tired of the same cliche of rom-coms, or perhaps like to take a little trip back to your first love, this movie perhaps would be perfect for you.

A New Dawn for Romania Cinema?

2007-12-18T00:27:00.000-08:00

I went to JIFFEST 2007 last week, and catch a few movies. Movie festivals intrigued me because you can see movies that doesn't have any chance to get shown here at any other time.

One of those movies is 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. I haven't heard anything about this movie before, only its reputation as Palm D'or winner at the latest Cannes Film Festival.

It was definitely a different experience. I never watched any movies from Romania, or perhaps any movie from South Europe for that matter. The movie touch some serious subjects, and more importantly it told them with such brutal truth, you can't help but being sucked in the story.

Set in 1980s Romania, the movie tells a story about two college student, Gabita Dagut (Laura Vasiliu) who wants to terminate her pregnancy with the help of her roommate Otillia (Anamaria Marinca). At that time, any form of contraception and abortion is illegal in Romania. The offenders could face serious jailtime if caught. They seek the help of Bebe (Vlad Ivanov), a doctor who's willing to execute illegal abortion with a price.

The movie pace is quite slow at the beginning, but the tension really rise when Gabita and Otillia finally meet Bebe. It's quite astonishing to see the length that Otillia take to help Gabita to achieve the abortion. While the title of the movie is referring to Gabita pregnancy, the real 'lead' character in the movie is actually Otillia. She's the one who take charge and arrange the whole thing. She's also the one who also have to made the difficult decisions regarding her own boyfriend.

The movie takes a realistic snapshot at Romania at the 80s and what consequences you get after you made your decision. The movie was shot without any soundtrack, which just add to the realism of the movie.

Anamaria Marinca was superb as Otillia, playing her part with such conviction. But the best I think comes from Vlad Ivanov, who in his 15 minutes cameo as Bebe managed to pull his part with incredible intensity. The scenes where he appeared was the best in the movie as you really felt the tension and the emotion that filled each characters.

All in all, I was quite pleased with the movie. The movie was being touted to spark the emergence of Romania cinema, and with this proof, I wouldn't disagree.

Who Put the Ball in the German's Net ?

2007-08-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow afternoon at Old Trafford, the United faithfuls have the chance to welcome back one legend, and say goodbye to another. When Roy Keane came out of the tunnel to led his Sunderland team as manager, there can be no doubt that a standing ovation for him was in order. It was under his leadership as a player that Manchester United enjoyed their most successful season to date, the 98/99 season which United won the famous treble.

But it was the leaving of another player that probably stoke up the most emotion. The player who coincidentally had as much say in that famous season as Keane, have announced his retirement from the game. After 3 years struggling with knee injury, Ole Solskjaer finally gave up any hope of playing professionally again.

The player who the press dubbed as 'The Babyfaced Assassin', due to his boyish look and his accuracy in front of goal, was probably ranked as one of the best buy Sir Alex Ferguson have ever made. When in the summer of 1996, Fergie failed to land Alan Shearer for the third time, he then settled for this then-unknown Norwegian to bolster his attacking options. Bought for a mere 1.5 million pounds, from Norway premier division side Molde FC, not many people paid much attention to this transfer. Karel Poborsky and Jordi Cruyff arrival after their impressive performance in Euro 1996 took most of it. But after the 96/97 season ended there's no doubt who people noticed most. Making the most of Andy Cole season long injury, Solskjaer ended as the club topscorer, scoring 19 goals, 18 in the league, and helped United retain their title.

Despite the impressive first season, Solskjaer never managed to hold a place as a regular starter afterwards, as Teddy Sheringham came next season, and Dwight Yorke the season after that. Not that he complained though. Despite the limited chance, he still managed to score double figures each season. Statistically, Solskjaer at that time was the most efficient striker in the league in terms of goals and minutes played.

In that fateful 1998/1999 season, Yorke and Cole partnership was firing all cylinders in domestically and in Europe, and Solskjaer saw his opportunities even more limited. So when United accepted a bid from Tottenham Hotspurs, United fans feared the worse. To their relief though, he rejected first team football with Spurs to stay with United. That decision cemented his status with the United fans, who already take him to heart when he deliberately received a red card for hacking down Rob Lee to prevent a goal in the crucial title run in the previous season.

We all know what happened that season. 4 goals against Nottingham Forest on their ground in just 10 minutes, last minute winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Injury time winner to seal the European Cup against Munich. If United fans adored him before that game, oh boy do they love him after that. His banner 20LEGEND was the only banner for a player in the Stretford End, which tells you something.

He helped United won another two titles after that, again being the subsitute most of the time. It was in 2002/2003 season though, he appeared to have cemented a first team place when Ferguson was toying with a 4-3-3 formation. Stationed as a right sided forward/winger, supporting Ruud van Nistelrooy as the lone striker and Ryan Giggs on the other wing, Ole helped United won their 15th league title. Therefore it was a cruel blow for him, when he started his injury problem after that, which robbed him 3 years of football. But commendably, United stood by him, by offering him contract extension even when he can't play because of the injuries.

His last contribution for United was the fourth goal in the 4-1 rout of Blackburn. It was typical Ole, receiving a left wing cross from Louis Saha, he sidefooted the ball first time into the bottom corner. One chance, one goal. Fittingly, in this last season, United won their 16th league title.

There was much praise come his way as a player. Arsene Wenger called him 'United most efficient player'. He wasn't that far off. Solskjaer could score from just about any angle and any way. Whether it's long range shot, tap ins, headers, left foot, right foot. You name it, he can do it.

But above all, what this (and most) United fan love about him is that the way he conducted himself as a person on and off the pitch. In an age where football players were worth big money and even bigger egos, it was refreshing to see a player who's committed to the cause, but so down to earth and doesn't take anything for granted.

Thanks for the memories Ole, it's been a privilege.
20LEGEND.

Feast For The Eyes

2007-08-21T23:55:00.000-07:00

When my friends invite me to joined them to watched Ratatouille (read: Ra-ta-TOO-ee) last weekend, I wasn't exactly excited. As far as I can tell, I've finished my 'must watched movie' list after Bourne Ultimatum, and an animated movie about a rat who like good food (instead of garbage) wasn't that interesting to me. So, I walked into the theater having almost not read a single review. I read a few posts in a forum who praised this movie, but didn't give it too much thought. But by the time I walked out, I was filled with a gush of good feeling and appreciation that I've not have for a long long time. I guess I should have more trust at Brad Bird. I mean, this is the guy who can put heart and depth on a 50 foot animated alien robot voiced by Vin Diesel, or a guy who probably make the best superhero movie out there.

Ratatouille is about a rat named Remy (Patton Oswalt). He's not like any other rat though. His heightened sense of smell enable him to developed a taste for better things in life. Which is in this case, food. He refused to eat garbage, but instead prefer stuff like cheese cooked with saffron. For his clan though, who is led by Django (Brian Dennehy), his father, he was seen as a weirdo or mainly just being picky. But Remy really love good food. He also idolised the late Auguste Gausteau (Brad Garrett), a chef who had his own tv program, and wrote a book called "Anyone Can Cook". Through the books and TV programs, Remy developed a love for cooking. Unlike the rest of his clan, Remy didn't see human as the enemy, but instead admired human ability to create.

When a series of events seperate Remy from the rest of his clan, and take him to Gasteau old restaurant in Paris, Remy finally got a chance to fulfill his dream. When a new bust boy name Linguini (Lou Romano) messed up a soup in the kitchen, Remy came to the rescue, fix the soup so well that it drew compliments from a food critic. He eventually befriended Linguini, and strike up a partnership. With Linguini human appearance and Remy talent, they took Gasteau restaurant back into one of the best in Paris. And with Remy's help, Linguini take over the restaurant from Chef Skinner (Ian Holm), Gasteau former partner, when it was discovered that Linguini is actually Gasteau long lost son.

However, the adulation that Linguini received while not acknowledging Remy to the public and his relationship with Collete (Jeanane Garofalo), the female cook in the restaurant put considerable strain to their friendship. Remy also took some pressure from his own clan, because he choose to live with Linguini rather than live with them in the sewer. To add further to the conflict, Anton Ego (Peter O'Toole), the food critic whose savage review was the reason why Gasteau restaurant lost its popularity in the first place, is making a second visit to the restaurant, eager to dismissed it again.

I'll stop here before giving away of the ending. But in short, Ratatouille's message of love, friendship, family and chasing your dreams wasn't shoved in our throat, but delivered perfectly. I also have to give props to Brad Bird to avoid making this a cliche and not pouring this movie with the oh-so-tired references to pop culture. Besides the story, Pixar again outdo themselves in terms of animation. It looked amazingly real, even the fur on Remy's body looked like the real thing.

With top notch voice acting (against the tide of casting big stars),the end product is easily one of the best movie of the year, not just for animated ones. Ratatouille managed to do something very few movies can do, providing class entertainment which is not bound by age. You can take the little ones to see it, or just went to watch it with friends.

Sorry Mr. Bird, to ever doubted you.

Ultimately Bourne

2007-08-21T01:06:00.000-07:00

In the times when action movies equivalent with high quality CGI shots and blowups, it is perhaps refreshing to see one which actually minimize them (I can even count the number of gunfight scenes and explosions in one hand), and gone back to solid storytelling and achieved maximum effect as the result. So when Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday) shouted "Action" in directing Bourne Ultimatum, he really meant that.

Bourne Ultimatum is the latest (and some source says last) installment of the Bourne series, which chronicled the story of a CIA assassin who on one of his mission, got amnesia and found conscience. Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) was through with killing people at the end of the Bourne Identity (the first installment of the series), and after apparently successful in evading CIA pursuit, live happily with his girlfriend Marie (Franka Potente). However, when Marie was killed in another CIA attempt to killed Bourne in Bourne Supremacy, he was determined to get back to the people who killed her, and ultimately the people who made him what he were.

Ultimatum continue exactly after Supremacy finished, and it picked up the pace right there. Bourne investigation led him to Simon Ross (Paddy Considine), a London journalist who have uncovered Blackbriar, the continuation of Treadstone, which is the project who trained and assigned Bourne to missions in the first place. From here, Bourne's effort to found out about Blackbriar and his real identity took flight.

Like in the previous two, Bourne's journey to achieve his goal full of thrilling suspense and action. Besides gathering information, he's also have to evade the CIA effort to killed him and anyone who helped him. Bourne's resourcefulness in outwitting the CIA agents and getting what he want is one of the key entertainment in this movie. He doesn't rely on gadgets, but instead on quick thinking and improvisations to get out of trouble. One of the most thrilling sequence in the movie was when Bourne and Ross was trying to dodged CIA surveillance in Waterloo train station with Bourne guiding Ross' movements using a cellphone.

Another strength is the previous two movies is the fight scenes, and this one is no different. I like the way the filmmakers make Bourne fights utterly believable. He was using martial arts, but not the flying and roundhouse kicks ones. He grappled, kicked, punched like street fighting, but there's a certain elegance and efficiency in his moves.

Matt Damon shines again in portraying Bourne loneliness and his one track mind to find out who he is. Julia Stiles finally got a bigger role here as Nicky Parsons, the CIA logistic agent who befriended Bourne in the first two movies. And here in Ultimatum, her interaction with Bourne was excellent. There's a certain poignant feeling about when they talked (and not talking) in a coffee shop, which led to further questions. But the ones that I'm glad that this movie decided not to answer. Joan Allen as Pamela Landy, perhaps the only person in CIA who doesn't want Bourne dead was also good. David Strathairn though was the best as Noah Vosen, a CIA director who was hellbent in his pursuit of Bourne.

It was a really good end to the series. For once this the third movie in a trilogy that doesn't try to be too smart, or try to be something it's not. A syndrome that plagued the likes of Shrek, Spider-Man and X-Men. This movie also announced the triumph of good old-fashion movie making, proving that to make a good entertaining action movie, you can rely on solid story and acting, not just big explosions and CGI.

Thank you Paul Greengrass, Tony Gilroy, and Scott Z. Burns!

R.I.P Mike Wieringo

2007-08-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

On 12 August 2007, comic book artist/writer Mike Wieringo, passed away in his apartment due to heart attack. He was 44.

It was a sad day for the industry as Mike was one of the best working artist out there, and more importantly one of the few nice guys around. His partnership with writer Mark Waid was remembered fondly by both DC and Marvel fans. The duo work on Fantastic Four from March 2002 to January 2004, was regarded as one of the best F4 run in history.

It was his and Waid run on DC's The Flash vol.2 though that propelled him into one of the country's top artist. He penciled all but two issues (80-92), and along the way, they created one of DC's memorable speedster, Impulse (Who later become the 4th Flash).

His work other than with the DC and Marvel includes his creator-own Tellos with friend Todd DeZago. The last sketch he drawed was fittingly Jarek, the main character of Tellos.

Tribute from his colleagues and friends poured. Mark Waid said of Wieringo: "I could never get it into his thick, humble head in what regard he was held by his fellow professionals. Mike was a member of a very small club of illustrators who were so revered by their peers that the brilliance of their work was never a matter of debate."

But Karl Kesel summed it best when he said : "Mike's art was about hope, not hopelessness. He drew heroes, not martyrs."

So long Mike, you'll be missed.

PS: All art are courtesy of mikewieringo.com

Welcome Back Roy

2007-08-13T23:40:00.001-07:00

On Friday, August 10, 2007, Roy Keane celebrated his 36 birthday. Of course celebrated here is a relative word, because Keane doesn't spent the day 'celebrating'. Instead, he focused himself on how to win against Tottenham Hotspurs at Stadium of Light the next day. Typically, his boys didn't disappoint him. With a last minute goal from Michael Chopra, Sunderland beat Spurs 1-0 on Saturday. They're typical Keane side, dogged, determined, and never give up until the final whistle is blown. Such was his mark on the game, whether as a player, or as a manager. As a tribute to Keane, I've written the following profile. It was written for the profile section at redcafe, and I'd thought of posting it here as a late birthday tribute.

United former captain was a controversial figure, but he was also considered as one of the greatest player to ever wear the red shirt. In his prime, the Irishman was just simply unplayable. Playing in central midfield, he had that ability to break the opponents attack on his own box and appear moments later to score a goal on the other end. An accomplished passer of the ball and a great reader of the game, he could dictate the pace of the game as well as anyone.

Born in the suburb of Cork, Ireland, 8 year old Keane started his career at local club Rockmount AFC. Although showing great promise, at one stage he was deemed too small to make it as a professional footballer. But after his request for trial was rejected by every English club he tried, he finally signed his first professional contract for Cobh Rambler at the age of 18. His performance at Rambler attracted the attention of Brian Clough, then manager of Nottingham Forest, who brought him to Forest for 47.000 pounds.

There, under Clough guidance, Keane was beginning to fulfil his potential. He helped Forest to two consecutive Cup finals, the 1991 FA Cup final lost against Tottenham Hotspurs and the 1992 League Cup final which they also lost to Manchester United. However, despite the excellent Cup runs, Forest league performance wasn't very good. When the bad run in the League reached its peak and saw Forest relegated, it was time for Keane to move on. Several Premiership clubs show interest, and it looked like Blackburn will get Keane service after reaching a verbal agreement with him. But when Alex Ferguson and Manchester United stepped in, there was only one way Keane will go.

He was a crowd favorite at Forest, but it was clear that Manchester United was the perfect stage from him. He helped United won their first double in his first season and forging a formidable partnership with Paul Ince at the centre of the park. And when United sold Ince, Kanchelskis and Hughes to give room for players from the youth academy, Keane became one of the senior midfielder at the club, a role which he relished. Keane and Cantona led the young team to another double, and when Cantona called it a day at the end of the next season, Keane was handed the captaincy.

His time as a captain is what locked him into the United legends pantheon. After missing most of the 1997-1998 season due to a knee cruciate injury, Keane led United to their best season to date, winning the Premiership, the FA Cup, and the Champions League all in one season. His performance in the Champions League Semi Final against Juventus in Turin, where he
dragged United from 2-0 down to win 2-3 was hailed as one of the best performance by a single individual player in United history. Ferguson highlighted the selflessness of his performance, citing the fact that even though the booking he got early in the game would ruled him out from the final, he still performed to ensure his teammates get there. Keane led United to another 3 titles (two consecutively after the treble, making United the only team in history to won the Premiership three times in a row), and 1 FA Cup before his controversial exit on 18 November 2005.

Keane, always one who speak his mind, was highly critical to some of the United younger players in their 4-1 defeat at Boro. A game which Keane missed due to injury. The criticism, which was recorded at MUTV, seemed to be the final nail in the coffin for his time at United. Although Ferguson and Keane still mantain a very good relationship afterwards, Keane presence at the club was deemed detrimental to the young players, which forced Ferguson to let him go.

Similar attitude was also the source of controversy, when he protested the Ireland less than professional set-up during the 2002 World Cup. Mick McCarthy, then Ireland manager, was less than happy and allegedly retort by accusing Keane of feigning injury to escape international duty at the qualifier. Keane went home and was he divided the country's opinion, some defended him claiming Keane's right about the Ireland set-up, while the other half claimed that Keane shouldn't desert his country when they needed him most.

Keane went to Celtic in January 2006, and he went on won another double for the Scottish club, winning a MOM performance against rivals Glasgow Rangers along the way. However after the season ended, Keane finally announced his retirement from football. Long time hip injury had finally taken its toll, and under medical advices, Keane was forced to hang his boots at the age of 35.

Even though Keane once stated that he didn't want to go into management after he see first hand the amount of pressure Clough and Ferguson had to endure, he finally cave in and was announced as manager of Sunderland Football Club at 28 August 2006, signing a three year deal. Keane showed his managerial talent at the North East club in typical Keane style, dragging Sunderland from second to bottom in the Championship division to won the league by the end of the season. People who judged his managerial career
would be a short one was surprised to see a much calmer Keane, although he maintains that competitive streak that has serve him so well in his playing and apparently in his managerial career too.

It remains to see whether Keane would finally come and replace Ferguson as United manager, but even if he's not, a warm reception when he'll back at Old Trafford as oppossing manager can be guaranteed.

And So It Ends

2007-08-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

After ten years, Harry Potter finally met his fate. For those who have followed the books all these years, July 21, 2007 felt like the end of an era. The seventh and last book of the series was published, and the millions and millions of fans around the world can found out what happened to Harry Potter and his friends. It's quite astonishing to see the following a book series about adventures of a boy wizard and his friends to defeat an evil wizard can gather. J.K Rowling surely never quite imagine how powerful the impact of her creation when she completed the first draft of Harry Potter and The Philosopher Stone in 1995. Although frankly, not that many did at the time. She sent her script to twelve publishers and they all rejected it, until a small company named Bloomsbury took the gamble and bought the rights and published it in 1997.

Another 5 books and 325 million copies later, it was proved to be the best gamble they ever made. Rowling's story managed to capture the hearts of millions of children, and surprisingly, a massive number of adults too. The humour was sharp and funny, while the twists are good. The plot was interesting enough for grownups while not too complicated for younger people. In short, Harry Potter series is a well written story. The books was on the top of the New York best selling novel for quite some time, until they made a new category for children books so that other books canreached number one.

In Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, the wizarding world is at war. Lord Voldemort, the afore mention evil wizard had comeback from the dead and literally taking over. Harry, who was prophesied as the one to kill him, went on his final journey for this purpose, with the help of his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

Those of you who got used to the slow starts at the previous two books, Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix, and Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, will be pleasantly surprised at the tone of this book. Four chapters into the book we already got a massive on-the-brooms dogfight battle. For the most part, the book was full of high octane actions, and it is great because this story is reaching the climax.

As established in The Half Blood Prince, Voldemort quest for immortality ended up with him splitting his soul into 7 parts. As long as parts of his soul still exist, he cannot be truly dead.

In Deathly Hallows, the story fittingly revolves around the effort of Harry, Ron, and Hermione effort to find Voldemort's soul and destroy them. While at the background, with Voldemort taking over at the Ministry, the wizarding world was beginning to feel its effect on his effort to 'purify' the wizarding race. The pure blood ideology that Voldemort brought in this fictional world was not dissimilar with the real world Hitler's Aryan superiority. The quest also served as the ultimate test to the trio's friendship. It was great that in the few parts of the book about their quest that wasn't action oriented, Rowling managed to convey that feeling of loneliness and weariness that Harry, Ron and Hermione felt. And with this being a war, there bound to be casualties. Some of Rowling's memorable characters hit the dust in this book. It was sad, but also served as a realistic aspect of the book.

I felt that this book served as a fitting end to the much beloved series. It tied up a lot of loose ends although not all of them. Rowling has mentioned that it was done on purpose because her earlier draft was far too convoluted when she included in all the details.

Although I was sad that this book means that there are no more new Harry Potter story. But I'm glad that I, as Rowling mentioned in her introduction of the book, one of who 'stayed till the end'.

So long Harry, it's been a great ride.

It's a Kind of Magic

2007-08-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

As a big fan of Harry Potter books, my experience with the movie franchise was quite mixed.

I know the old cliche that there's too much on the book to be put into the movie, played some part, but frankly, I'm one of the people who doesn't mind changing the stories from the books in the movie adaptations. In fact, I think one of the biggest mistake in the first two Potter movies: Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the lack of imagination from the director. Chris Columbus seemed too scared to upset the fans of the book, that he practically just copied everything he can from the books into the movies.

What we get then is essentially a collection of the most important part of the books, but with little cohesion and flow as a story. After Columbus switch to Executive Producer, he choose Alfonso Cuaron as the director of third movie, Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban. His effort was better than Columbus as he's willing to take more risk in adapting the book. He cut out a lot of the subplots, and added his own interpretation of J.K Rowling story. As a result, his movie was much more stylized and darker than the previous two. This is actually not a bad move, because in the book, the story also took a more darker tone. But the story is also much more condensed than the previous two, and the massive cut of the subplots still caused the effect of the story being rushed and non-smooth flow of the movie.

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire was next in line, and Mike Newell also did an admirable job in adapting the second thickest book in the Potter series. The nature of the story, which was full of action and was more straightforward, enable him to focus on main storyline and cut out most of the subplots. The result was action packed, fast paced movie that was quite enjoyable to watch. The old habit of feeling rushed and jumped flow was still there, but it was managed better than the other three.

The newest Harry Potter movie: Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix is a different beast though. This book is the thickest in all seven Harry Potter books, all 766 pages. The story itself, is drastically different from the fourth book. While Goblet is action packed, Order of the Phoenix is more about character development. The book deals a lot with Harry angst and emotion, as well as his relationships with other characters, most notably with his godfather Sirius Black and his first girlfriend, Cho Chang.

David Yates did a great job in portraying the scared and guilt-ridden Harry, heavy with the burden of defeating Voldemort, and also worrying about his first kiss. If anything, the movie displayed a more likable Harry Potter than the book version. In the book, Harry's anger showed more often than ever, such that he's borderline with being a jerk, which is not the case in this movie. Yates also succeed in making the movie's flow smoothly, and doesn't feel rushed. The cuts and the changes he made paid off handsomely. So despite the enormous number of pages, the slimming down of the story really worked on this one.

However, those who expected the movie to be full of action as the previous one, will be disappointed. But those who understand the premise of the book about character development will understand that the movie is actually channeling what the book is all about, on how Harry Potter grow up from a boy to a man.

If there are any criticism, is that the movie failed to portrayed the ending of the book adequately. In the book, after spending most of it on dealing with emotions and angst, there's a big pay off for action in the end. But in the movie, the action felt cheap and short, because Yates tone down much of this quite considerably, which is quite a let down.

But in the end, it's still an enjoyable movie and to end this review with a positive note, one of the highlights of the movie was the introduction of Evanna Lynch who portrayed Harry's eccentric schoolmate Luna Lovegood perfectly in this movie. She shines in almost every scene she's in, and I can't pictured anyone else in this role. As her role continually increased in future books, I'm looking forward to see her again in the next installment of Harry Potter movies.

More Than Meets The Eye

2007-07-16T20:51:00.001-07:00

Michael Bay finally found what he's born to do. Not making movies about historical event, or a bunch of losers trying save the world from earth crushing meteor, but about alien robots who can change shape into vehicles and beat the crap of each other.

That's judging from the success Transformers (2007) have received since it opened on 28 June (Indonesia and most of Asian countries), and 4 July in US. The movie broke in even in just a week, pulling $ 158 million, from domestic and overseas income.

Hasbro probably never dream about this, when they bought the right to market the toys from Takara toy company in 1984. The toyline, which was first designed to help kids developed their hand-to-eye coordination, consists of robots that can be change into vehicles and other things. The toys were cool enough, but Hasbro decision to give the robots a backstory and names proved to be the masterstroke. Comic book writers Jim Shooter and Dennis O'Neil envisage that these robots are warring alien race from planet Cybertron which are divided into two pact, based on different ideologies, the good Autobots,and the evil Decepticons. Bob Budiansky later created names for most of the character (bar Optimus Prime, which is O'Neil's idea).

With backstory and characters in place, Hasbro then developed an animated television series based on the toyline, which become a huge hit. Many kids religiously followed the adventure of Optimus Prime and his fellow Autobots to foil Megatron's Decepticon devious plans. Since that, for more than 20 years, Transformers has gained a cult following, especially for kids who grew up in the 80s.

Many of these 'kids' were adamant in their protest that Bay would ruin their childhood. Especially after seeing some of the design for the robots. Bay have decided that the robots boxy look from the animation series would not fit his vision, and created more other-worldly designs.

In the end it all paid off beautifully. The robots may not be easy to look in still pictures, but the transformations, the way they moved, looked fantastically realistic. Watching the movie, it doesn't feel much of a stretch that a Chevy Camaro can transform into a 30 feet robot.

The movie followed a similar story as in the animated series. In here, the Autobots and Decepticons were fighting over a life-source energy called The Allspark. It was what gives life to all the robots in the first place. When their home planet destroyed, the fight continue to Earth, the place which The Allspark has fall to. Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf), holds the key information about the location of the Allspark, and with the beautiful Mikaela (Megan Fox), they're trapped in the war between the two robots' sides. Josh Duhamel (Las Vegas), Tyrese Gibson (2 Fast 2 Furious) played as Special Force members and Jon Voight (The Champ) as US Secretary of Defense, to represent the military response of the war.

The story moved at breakneck speed, and clocked at 2.5 hours, it doesn't even feel that long. Sure, perhaps the subplot involving genius hackers (Anthony Anderson and Rachael Taylor) can be trimmed, but it doesn't really lessen the pleasure of the movie.

All in all, Transformers is a very good choice if you want to spend 2.5 hours of entertainment, without worried too much about complicated plots or storylines. It'll be a good choice for your DVD collection too. Because, lets face it, who doesn't want to see those transformations in slow motion?

Still Kicked Ass After All These Years

2007-07-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

"You're an analog player in the digital world McClane"
taunted Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Olyphant) to John McClane (Bruce Willis). While that might be true, John McClane didn't care one bit, he is still able to kicked anyone ass. In this latest Die Hard movie (Die Hard 4.0 or Live Free or Die Hard), McClaine come up with something he never came against before, in the form of cyber-terorist Thomas Gabriel, who managed to get hold of United States computer systems such as banks, power, traffic and wreaking havoc. With the help of expert hacker Matthew Farrell (Justin Long), McClane battles his way to defeat Gabriel, in the most Die Hard-ish way possible.

With just about 15 minutes of introduction, including establishing John strained relationship with with his daughter Lucy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), the rest of the movie was full of mind blowing action sequences. Len Wiseman (Underworld) has a pedigree as an action director, and it seems he took on the Die Hard mythos to heart. When Die Hard first came on in 1988, it introduce a new kind of action hero. Movie-goers have become accustomed with invicible heroes that was the norm in the 80s movies, such as Stallone's Rambo series. So when the looking battered, tired and vulnerable John McClane managed to beat a terrorist group who held hostage the building his wife works on, he became an instant hit. McClane was potrayed not as the usual action-hero, he was just simply a regular guy in the wrong place at the wrong time. The current incarnation of McClane still have those same qualities, but it's acoompanied by a sense of world weariness, noting that McClane had been doing this kind of thing for a long time.

The humour was put in good use in this movie to keep the audience from taking the action sequences for granted. Justin Long did well to provide the comic relief, as it provide a nice contrast with Willis' McClane. The movie did well enough for me to ignore all the plotholes in the movie, as the aforementioned action sequences was fantastically good. If you're looking for mindless entertainment at its best, you can't go much wrong with Die Hard.

Third Time's A Charm

2007-06-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

So what can we expect from the third installment of the Ocean series?
Admittedly, not very much. But the truth is, I never expect much from these movies, except being entertained by them. And this one certainly hit the marks with this reviewer.

In this third sequel, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and the gang was on a revenge mission. Hotel and casino mogul Willy Bank (Al Pacino) has tricked his business partner, Ruben Tishkoff (Elliot Gould) to give up his share for the newly planned five diamond hotel/casino in Vegas. For Ruben friends, namely Danny and the gang, this is simply unacceptable. With this being an Ocean movie, the revenge plan consist of several elaborated schemes, all with one purpose: bankrupting the casino on its opening night by making the casino lose. Big time.

Some of the schemes was perhaps too fantastical in nature, but it was not too distracting from the whole movie. The execution of the revenge plan was throughly entertaining, an element that's missing from the second movie.

Another factor that I think made this movie more enjoyable than the second one, is that Ocean's 12 felt they needed to do something different, while in fact, what came out was it was being too clever for its own good. While in Ocean's 13, they didn't take themselves too seriously and the writers went back to basic to what makes the first movie good. In addition, the cast looked like they enjoyed themselves more in their roles, which in turns make the movie enjoyable for the audience.

While I can say that I enjoy this movie, personally I think Ocean series has run its course. A fourth installment would be overkill, any other angle for this good-hearted conmen can still be entertaining is pretty much doubtful.

Are You Watching Closely?

2006-12-15T19:14:00.000-08:00

Well, this is another late review, but what the heck.

I actually already wrote a lengthy review about The Prestige(2006), but I decided to scrap it. The thing is, the movie is so complex and twisted, that it'll impossible for me to explain the story, without spoiling it for everyone.

So, let me just start it by saying: "It's a great movie", "a must watch", "Definitely one of the best I've seen this year".

I can also tell, that it was adapted from Christopher Priest's award winning novel of the same title, which centers on the rivalry between two magicians: Alfred Borden (played by Christian Bale) and Rupert Angier (played by Hugh Jackman) , who at first were friends and colleagues, but end up bitter enemies.

With Christopher Nolan at helm, currently the 'it' director in Hollywood, the movie took a familiar pattern like his other work, the critically acclaimed Memento, and Batman Begins(2005), in that, he tells the story in a non-linear fashion.

And Nolan prove again that he's a master in this kind of storytelling. Instead of making it pretentious or difficult to follow, it actually kept the suspense and the thrill of the story. Sure you have to paid a lot of attention, and think once in a while, but it was well worth it.

While Nolan pulling the strings behind the camera, the actors didn't do too badly either, especially the two actors. Hugh Jackman shined as Angier, potraying that obsessiveness when trying to discover the secret of Borden magic act. And Bale is equally fascinating as always, never failed in delivering that twisted, dark minded character. Jackman actually surprised me. It looked like he's being typecast because of his role as Wolverine, but in Prestige he showed that he can really act.

In short, The Prestige is a treat for someone who appreciate character depth, and complex storytelling. Although I had to remind you, that if you watched it waiting for the 'big reveal', like Nolan did at Memento, then you're gonna be disappointed. But the movie is so much more than a surprised ending. Thing with surprised ending is, once you know "it", the rest of the movie wouldn't be as good anymore if you watch it again. And I can safely say that's not the case with Prestige, it'll make you want to watch it again and again, and again.

This Is Not a Rebel Movie

2006-11-07T02:41:00.000-08:00

The Troubles has long divide Ireland literally, and has a major impact to United Kingdom too. As with ideology and sectarian clashes in most countries, one which rooted way back to the 17th century, it was a clash that leaves a bloody trail for 400 years.

Bloody Sunday (2002) tells a story about one of the blackest moment in the Isles history, where in 1972, 14 people where killed in a clash between the British army and a group of protester in the town of Derry.

The movie start with Ivan Cooper (played by James Nesbitt), a member of the Parliament of Northern Ireland busily arranging a peaceful march with the people of Derry, promoting civil right movement. Non-equality between the Protestants and Catholics in the Irish society was one of the reason of The Troubles.

The British army, concerned with the possibility of the IRA riding the march, put out strong tactical army units to guard the march. The movie shows both sides, the army and the march organizer on how to prepare for the occassion.

Sadly, things can't gone more wrong. Tension and hatred run amok to both sides. It was implied that the army was well over-reacted, and being the one with the weapons, it was easily predicted where all the dead ones originated. The movie does a very good job in building up the tension, potraying how it escalates from what supposed to be a peaceful march into its violent ending.

There is also one of the sub-story about how the march was viewed from the viewpoint of a regular person who participate in it. And how his fate after all the chaos.

Paul Greengrass style of handheld camera is the perfect choice for this kind of movie. It was fast paced, and the tension and atmosphere felt real. It was like the audience were in the thick of the action, not watching from outside. James Nesbitt put out a great performance as Cooper. His potrayal of someone who tries to do the right thing, and still to do the right thing even when all around him falls apart, makes an appealing character. In his press conference after the incident, he only said this:

"I just want to say this to the British Government... You know what you've just done, don't you? You've destroyed the civil rights movement, and you've given the IRA the biggest victory it will ever have. All over this city tonight, young men... boys will be joining the IRA, and you will reap a whirlwind."

The movie ends with U2 song "Sunday Bloody Sunday" a piece which aptly composed by them to protest about the violence of The Troubles.

The victims of Bloody Sunday are:
* Jackie Duddy (17).
* Patrick Doherty (31).
* Bernard McGuigan (41).
* Hugh Gilmour (17).
* Kevin McElhinney (17).
* Michael Kelly (17).
* John Young (17).
* William Nash (19).
* Michael McDaid (20).
* James Wray (22).
* Gerald Donaghy (17).
* Gerald McKinney (35).
* William McKinney (26).
* John Johnston (59)

14 people too much.

A Fairy Tale Season (So Far)

2006-10-29T23:41:00.000-08:00

It's quite amazing how United players stand up and be counted so far this season. Perhaps it's the Chelsea factor that urged them on. Or perhaps it's just quality that finally came through. Whatever it is, we started to enjoy our football again

Take Ryan Giggs for example. The way he has played this season, one would think he's closer to 23 than 32. Dazzling again on the left wing, his speed and trickery complements the intelligence and decision making that comes with experience.

Paul Scholes cap his fairy tale last week, scoring his 132th goal in his 500th appearance against Liverpool, United biggest rival. Not only scoring, there he put on a Man of the Match performance as well. Teaching the 'supposedly better' Steven Gerrard of Liverpool a thing or two about midfield play. Strong in possession, flawless in distribution. It was Scholes at his best.

But it wouldn't be fair to singled out Scholes for that win. As good as he is, he didn't do it all alone. Other players worth a mention too, like one Darren Fletcher. Much maligned by many United supporters last season, he has been nothing sort of excellent this time. His endless energy and excellent work rate proved to be the perfect foil for Scholes, and Carrick to a lesser extent. He tackled, harried every Liverpool players in sight and stopped them from playing their game.

And last Saturday, it was Wayne Rooney's turn. Much being said about his goal drought, and what better way to end it with a hattrick on a ground where the opposition never conceded a single goal before this season? Bolton was left wondering what has hit them 16 minutes into the first half when Rooney scored his first two in the space of 6 minutes. While his first is owed much to the vision and passing of Michael Carrick, the second was pure Rooney. Received a loose ball just outside the D, he curled in a right foot shot to the far corner, eluding every Bolton defenders trying to block it.

The question still remains, whether this United side are capable of matching Chelsea all the way. I wouldn't think about it this time, but I love the fact that this United side played the game the right way. With flair and skill, and attacking style which left the other team on their arse. Chelsea, for all their money, managed to bored their opponents to defeat. I got goosebumps seeing the team now before every game because I know, win or lose we're gonna do it our way, the Manchester United way.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

How To Save A Life

2006-10-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

I've come across The Fray when I was browsing around in youtube. Someone made a music video of their song, I Look After You, based on scenes from Prison Break. The song was great, and the comments on the youtube site was interesting enough, so I decided to check out their other songs.

And I wasn't disappointed. I have to admit, that I'm a sucker when it comes to these pop-rock emo songs. Over My Head (Cable Car) was very catchy and Isaac Slade's voice was full of emotion yet powerful.

The album name was taken from their second single, How To Save A Life, which was famous due to its use as the promo song for Grey's Anatomy third season.

They've been put in the same bracket with the likes of Coldplay, although I think it's just the case of lazy journalism. They're both soft-rock pop band with melodic sounds, but that's about it. Their approach to their songs was different, and if anything, The Fray sounds more raw at times. They're still trying to make their way in the industry while Coldplay already established themselves.

Nevertheless, it's pretty much a decent album which was well recommended to fans of the genre.

A Tribute to The Quiet Man

2006-10-22T00:48:00.000-07:00

If nothing go wrong in the next 4 hours, when Manchester United take on Liverpool on 7 PM tonight, Paul Scholes will be making the 500th appearance for Manchester United. Only 8 players in Manchester United history have played more games than him, and only two players in the current squad who have more appearance than him, which is Ryan Giggs, and Gary Neville.

While Giggs has been touted for greatness from the day he walked in to Old Trafford as a 14 years old, it's quite surprising to see now that there are people who are sceptics whether Scholes would make it as a professional footballer back then. Les Kershaw, United Youth Academy director still remember how the 16 years old Scholes in the youth team.

"At 16, we could play Scholesy for only 20 minutes a game. He couldn't run. He was a little one. Had asthma. No strength. No power. No athleticism. No endurance". "You've got a bleedin' dwarf!" someone mentioned to Brian Kidd, United youth team coach back then. But the United coach know better, since for all the negative qualities, Scholes vision and technique was miles above any 16 years old he'd ever seen. They stuck by him, and 499 appearance and 131 goals later, it was a worthy gamble.

Many people who has seen Scholes play goes as far that he was naturally the most gifted footballer the islands has ever produce since Paul Gascogine, but his quiet and shy demeanor meant that individual awards rarely comes his way. Not that it bothered him that much. This is the player, probably the only player in the Premiership who does not have an agent. He doesn't like all the hurly burly of publicity, he likes to keep everything simple and efficient. Just like his football.

But his peers and people in the game knows better. Thierry Henry called him the best midfielder in Britain. Juan Sebastian Veron, who came to United only heard about David Beckham, realised that Scholes is the best midfielder at United during his time in the club. Even Patrick Vieira, called him the best midfielder he ever played against. Kieron Dyer, who secretly wished that he'll replace Scholes in England midfield in the future admitted that "Paul Scholes is on a different planet". And in Laurent Blanc, he got his biggest admirer. When Blanc got interviewed for the Euro 2004 match buildup of England vs France, he swifly said, "Paul Scholes. I've said it before and I tell everyone who asks me: Scholes is the best English player. Intelligence, technique, strength . . . all the attributes are there. At Manchester United I saw what he could do on the training ground. Phew!".

Played as a deep lying forward as a youngster and early in his career at United, Paul Scholes was dubbed "The Ginger Prince" by the United faithful, because of his red hair and seen as the understudy of The King's, Eric Cantona. Described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the "most natural finisher" at United, he racked up two goals in his debut at the League Cup match against Port Vale in 1994, and scored further 5 goals in the next 17 league matches when he replaced Cantona when the Frenchmen got banned for the rest of the season due to the famous kung-fu kick incident.

But he didn't become a permanent fixture in the side until the 1997-1998 season. When Roy Keane knee ligament gave up for the remainder of the season, up came Scholes to Keane place in United midfield. Together with fellow youth-team mate Nicky Butt, he formed the central midfield pairing which enabled United to race into an eleven point lead in the league, before further injuries and fatigue see Arsenal pipped them for the title in the closing stage of the season.

But that season proved to be his baptism of fire. Scholes come out from it a much better player. His performances earned him his first England cap, in the Turnoi de France match against Italy, where he scored a goal and assist the other in the 2-0 win. He was named Man of the Match. He scored again in his first World Cup match later that month, a super curling shot from outside of the area in the 2-0 win against Tunisia. And he hasn't look back ever since.

Now, retired from England duties, and fully focused on his United career, Paul Scholes is on the best form of his life. His goal against FC Copenhagen last week was a typical Scholes goal. Received the ball from Patrice Evra, he took one touch to set himself before lashing out a right foot drive from 5 yards outside the area into the top corner. Simple, efficient and deadly. That's Scholes for you.

Much Ado About Nothing

2006-10-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

With many comic book movies that's been around lately, not much been said about the upcoming Luke Cage movie. I wouldn't blame them since, the character will not be known to most people outside the comic book society. I didn't even know about it, until I trawled in one of those comic forum.

Before we go any further, we need a little background on the character. Luke Cage was a character that was created in the height of blaxploitation. He was created as "the ultimate brotha'". His origins is simple enough, he was a subject to an experimentation which makes him somehow invulnerable, and superstrong. Cage was also known as the first black main character that appear in his own book.

In the current Marvel continuity, Cage has a long time relationship (and later married) with Jessica Jones, superhero turn PI which story can be found in highly succesfull Alias comics. It's interesting for me to noted that since they're probably one of the most high-profile interracial couple in the comics, it wasn't much of an issue in it. The story in the comics was NOT about a black man and a white woman having a relationship, but it's about two people who somehow end up falling with each other. You could easily swap the characters with two people in the same race and still tell the same story. And I applaud Marvel for that. Rather than telling a cliche, they managed to avoid that and still deliver a strong storyline.

However, question was raised when the director of the aforemention Luke Cage movie, John Singleton, choose a black actress to potray Jones in the movie. Singleton probably took the safe way of not trying to 'upset' the female target of the movie, if they see the black main character having a white woman as a wife.

The thing is, I could never understand what black females objects to (if any), on having a male black character married with a white woman. It smacked racism to a degree. I've said it before, making an issue of something that isn't worth making an issue about, is drawing negative response to it. The story in the comics never made race as an issue, and it was great because it should not be an issue.

Hollywood seems still to scared to made that point. Television series True Colors try to it lighten it up by taking the matter to family humour, and partly succeed. The show didn't last very long either to succesfully made that point. But so far, I hardly see any major interracial couple (mainly black male and white female), in the screen, without making race as an issue in their relationship.

I sincerely think that Hollywood missed a major opportunity in making that point in this case. However, if this actress somehow dropped out or actually playing another character, and they did cast a white woman as Jessica Jones, then forget what I've just wrote 6 paragraph before