Showing posts with label Screen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Screen. Show all posts

Monday, August 11, 2008

Beauty & the Beast

This is a VERY late entry. A month late. I have meant to put this up before the end of July but family matters took precedence AND ... procrastination took over, as usual.


I went for Disney's Beauty & The Beast, the Broadway Musical at the Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 1st July 2008.


I bought the lowest-priced tickets there was at RM90.00 but after the 10-minute intermission, I moved to the RM150 seats. Nice!


The Programme


That's me


That's the view of the stage from where we were seated

Overall, slightly below my expectations. I shouldn't watch the cartoon and expect the stage to take after it. I expected Gaston to be this umpphh, muscular guy but he turned out to be quite goofy. Nonetheless, he brought along a lot of humour. And then I expected Beast to be this...this growly and hairy beast he is supposed to portray but...but certain scenes turned out to be comical, somewhat childish - so much so it was kinda sissy-ish for a B-E-A-S-T. Kids loved him though. I must say that my favourite character had to be Lumiere! He stole the night definitely. Songs and the stage set were great. Had some new songs that was not featured in the cartoon.

I am awaiting the next Musical. Let me know if one comes along. Cheers!



2 flowers for this post
Hello, Wow, this is good. I also want to go for this.
charlene | Homepage | 13.08.08 - 11:11 am | #

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Hello, hello, am going to Manila next week..haha..meeting Arglene!
charlene | Homepage | 19.08.08 - 2:26 pm | #

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Saturday, December 15, 2007

Counting down

The past few weeks had been madness. I was kinda stressed out juggling my time between work and play. I finally had some time to put together some pictures taken from my phone and a one-liner update.

November
I had the opportunity to watch 'Chicago The Musical' held at Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, on 7 November.


December
We took a drive to Lumut and hopped on a ferry to Pangkor Island last weekend 8-10 December. We stayed at the Pangkor Island Beach Resort, I caught up with some extra hours of sleep, burnt myself slightly under the sun, took in a lot of sea breeze and stuffed myself crazy. That's what beach holidays are for anyway. And I was stress-free for a while. It was a much needed break.


With less than 10 days away to Christmas and counting down, I rushed through my Christmas shopping this year and just managed to send out Christmas cards last week. Yup, I still send out real cards with a personal message through conventional post and lick the stamps.


The year is closing in and closing fast! Amidst all the Christmas cheers and jingle bells, take a wild minute to reflect on 2007. You might need to write about it come end December and it's a really good topic to talk about come New Year's day. *winks*



6 flowers for this post
Thank you for the surprise card. Not many people send 'real' cards nowadays but instead opt for e-cards. There is really nothing like receiving a card through the post. It gives one such a warm feeling. Thanks again and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!
bkworm | Homepage | 16.12.07 - 8:37 pm | #

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Hello Primrose~! Merry X'mas..

Looking back on 2007..
charlene | Homepage | 18.12.07 - 9:29 am | #

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it's amazing how time is flying like a bullet train and in a blink of eyes, it's new year again... not to mention i have actually following your blog for more than a year now! can't wait to read your new year's resolution and have a happy christmas! *hugz*
MeiyeN | Homepage | 18.12.07 - 11:14 am | #

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Finally, an update! I'm so guilty for not having to send 'real' cards on time. I promise I will send next occassion.

It's always a good time to reflect especially if you do have so many things on your mind. It's another hello 2008, goodbye 2007!

Merry Christmas!
Lene | 18.12.07 - 2:36 pm | #

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Companies like Hallmark like the likes of PRose, still licking' stamps besides KFC. I lick'd some too following your footsteps (Hope da princess is still gard'ning at Taman Supreme! -- tasted funny/fanny/fonny -- steal an XXperience. Merry Christmas, butt spare the *turkey OK!

PS: Watched West Wing manyX recently, one episode the Press Chief gets 2 turkeys and has tochoose to spare one -- WH tradition. IF I were in HER position, I believe I will use a two-headed coin, SPARE BOTH TURKEYS and buy barrels of KFC as they're finger and mistleTOE-lickin' gooder
ylchong | Homepage | 20.12.07 - 2:43 pm | #

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hey frances, wishing you and your family a happy christmas!
MeiyeN | Homepage | 24.12.07 - 10:30 am | #

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Sunday, July 29, 2007

The King and I

And I thought I was going to miss this because I was too broke to buy myself a ticket. Heh! No blinkin way! Not when musicals are a rare scene on our shores AND not when yours truly love musicals. How could I miss a Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical play based on a true story which has won 5 Academy Awards, longest running performance in Broadway history etcetera etcetera etcetera, right?

So there I was at Istana Budaya for the matinee performance of THE KING & I last Sunday (too lazy to post earlier). More than your eyes have ever seen. More than your heart has ever known.


This backdrop caught my attention as I walked into Istana Budaya


Can't help but have myself among the lead actors and actresses


My ticket should have been RM175 but I guess a smile and an enthusiastic chat with the young lad earned me an unexpected 10% discount from the Axcess ticketing outlet @ Rock Corner, Midvalley


The cover of The King & I programme which cost RM25


Steps leading up to the entrance of performance hall


Snapped a picture of a picture of the hall. I was seated at the Grand Circle on the 2nd level. To me, that's the best level for reasonable tickets. Bear in mind that the first 3 rows of the Upper Circle, 3rd level may not be favourable if you're short but ideal if you are not prepared to spend on tickets and don't mind a sneak peek


A very quick snapshot of the view of the stage from my seat. Photography is prohibited in the hall

All in all, it was worth my ticket and my trip there under heavy rain. The King played by Paul Nakauchi, was very humourous. As all matinees shows are, we didn't get to see original Brianna Borger play Anna but Tara Howard was excellent. I love the set, the costumes, the props, the dances, the songs etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

When's the next musical, I wonder?

Related posts:
My Fair Lady
Phantom of the Opera Musical




8 flowers for this post
didn't know you love musicals so much, i realized. If i had enough time to get away from job, i wish i could really study music, i actually love all kinds of music. You looks great in the 2nd pic. Wow, you still able to snapshot photo when photography is strictly prohibited in the hall, how?
charlene | Homepage | 30.07.07 - 11:11 pm | #

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Prim, I can sense your delight being there watching the King and I. Am contented you went, as your love for musical is so great followed by travelling. Lastly, am still learning about you and missing you so much, as each day goes by. The more I avoid you the stronger my feeling is for you. Know for a fact that you have a caring heart but due to the past experiences. Doesn’t mean that all men are bastards. There are still those (limited though ;P) that speak sincerely from the heart and are not as aggressive as you are. But never the less you won my heart since the first day we met. But for now I will take a step back… I won’t be far (probably just a stone throw away)! When the time is right I will make my appearance for one final time
Anonymous | 31.07.07 - 1:56 am | #

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Dear "Anonymous",
Your recent inappropriate comments are displaying ever stronger degrees of psychosis. It isn't a broken heart that you are harbouring - it is a broken mind. Please seek urgent professional help before you cause PrincEss any further angst AND before you find yourself in serious trouble. Your apocalyptic threat in your above comment cannot go unchallenged. Get professional psychiatric help NOW, before it is too late.
Friend For Life | 31.07.07 - 5:11 pm | #

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Dear FFL. Pls B nice. I love dear Prim too. Pls look at yourself in the mirror or if U don't have a mirror, look into a bucket of water before hitting others below the belt. Have a good N fruitful day everyone.
Chiki | 01.08.07 - 9:38 am | #

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Hi Char, when the staff wasn't looking, I took a very quick snap without flash with my camera phone. That's why it's not a very clear picture. Naughty me.

Wow Anon, you sound like "V" in V For Vendetta.

Hi FFL, couldn't help but giggle. Not psychotic but dramatic. He said he'll take a step back now.

Wooo chiki! Suddenly everyone loves me. I'll buy you a Connetto (lurve kliks) next time.
Primrose | Homepage | 04.08.07 - 12:46 am | #

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I see you like the arty-farty stuff like i.. now i know who to call for company ..
I see you have loads of admirer now..
Mama BoK | Homepage | 05.08.07 - 4:04 pm | #

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Hi there Prim, care to blog soon? Miss you! =p
Lene | 14.08.07 - 12:49 pm | #

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so..as I am waiting for your update. I always wanted to read you. so, keep writing. cheerio..~!
charlene | Homepage | 02.09.07 - 11:31 am | #

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Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Choir of Trinity College

Hail from the University of Melbourne, the Choir of Trinity College is here in Malaysia. Their performance was held at the Plenary Theater, KL Convention Centre yesterday and they should be making their way up to the Pearl of the Orient now, then down south to JB and then to Spore before going off to Europe in their choir tour.


The poster. The Choir was directed by Michael Leighton Jones, who was very humourous and witty. He made very good bass singer in the rendition of one of the Beatles songs. I believe it got the loudest applause


The cover page of the Programme selling at only RM5


My cheap ticket going at RM60 but had the earlybird discount, down to RM54. Cool!


Classy decor leading to the entrance of the Plenary Theater at KL Convention Centre with the Choir's CD playing on the background. CD was selling at RM50, all proceeds for a good cause to a children's home in Melbourne


Me posing next to poster

The Young KL Singers made an opening appearance as well as a closing as supporting choir group. I thought the female singers were pretty mature for the Young KL Singers. Not bad at all, only if they could have smiled more on stage instead of grim looks.

The Choir of Trinity College performed lots of folk songs and lullabys from around the world - in 80 minutes, as Michael puts it. So 80 minutes it was, of graceful and soothing music. They gave a surprise encore of a local flavour "Jong jong inai, mak ipong rajawali". Excellent!

The performance ended with me asking for more. My colleague who went with me was nudging me to get off my seat.

Colleague: Hey! It's only a RM60 ticket, ok? What do you expect?
Primrose: Ooohh! I forgot! I thought I could continue clapping and they'll have to come back on stage and give a second round of encore.

Heh, heh! But don't they always??? Better luck next time.



4 flowers for this post
rm60 per tic is affordable! and.. you looked so beautiful in that pic! :D
MeiyeN | Homepage | 04.07.07 - 3:50 pm | #

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ah, the princess always know how to enjoy life with live musicals
kruy | Homepage | 04.07.07 - 6:18 pm | #

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you gave me an inspirations of live musicals. You look happy whenever there's music. Awww..i missed this, i was there at the KLCC Convention centre but with other meetings.

ha, i have to learn how to make a glass of nice almond milk for you.
charlene | Homepage | 06.07.07 - 1:06 am | #

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Hello, thot I'd just say Hi and thanks for your comments about the Young KL Singers. Am one of the altos Will try to make sure we smile more instead of looking so grim! Heheh

Yin
Yin | Homepage | 13.07.07 - 8:08 pm | #

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Thursday, May 31, 2007

My Fair Lady Musical

Oh my, is May at an end already? I meant to put up this post last week but procrastination a hectic schedule crept up on me and I had to put this off until I realised that 31 days are up!

I thought I was going to miss this musical as it coincided with the 10th International Advisory Panel hosted by the Prime Minister which was a very busy week for me as I was heavily involved - ahh, my work, see? That's another story altogether but I took a gamble and bought my tickets for the final show of the season which fell on a Sunday night.


My Fair Lady musical was held at Plennary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre between 14th - 20th May 2007. A snap of the stage from where I was seated


The Programme for the night which cost some RM50


My RM250 ticket

I'd say that Plennary Hall wasn't the best of venues for a classy musical (or rather, MFL didn't have a very professional local event organiser) since they announced the start of the musical 10 minutes later, actually allowed typical Malaysians who turned up late to enter the doors even after 15 minutes to the play (on top of the 10-minute late start time), with usherers shining their torches searching for seat numbers for those late Malaysians as though Plennary Hall was a blurdy cinema. Hello! Don't you know the rules? Start sharp at the time printed on your ticket, shut the doors and only allow late comers to enter during a break or intermission. *Sigh*

Apart from the boo-boos, the 3-hour MFL was one of the greatest musicals of all time with a cast from London comprised of seasoned theatre performers from London's West End live in Malaysia! My Fair Lady musical brought me down memory lane with signature tunes such as 'I Could Have Danced All Night', 'Wouldn't it be Loverly', 'The Rain in Spain' and 'On the Street Where You Live.' Ahh, that good ol' movie starring Audrey Hepburn.

Time to play a little tune and flex those stiff fingers. Now where did I hide all my MFL piano scores?

ps: The King and I musical is coming up in July.
Hint: I'm broke buying musical tickets. *snigger snigger*


Related post: Phantom of the Opera Musical



7 flowers for this post
Ah!! One of my all time favourite musicals. But had to give it a miss (and a lot of other musicals too) coz tak ada kerja, kenalah berjimat sikit. Sigh!
Bkworm | Homepage | 05.06.07 - 4:08 pm | #

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wah. rm 250 ticket a piece. thats very costly. you must have enjoyed the musical very much.
Patrick Leong | 05.06.07 - 6:58 pm | #

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Hehe... I have been buying ticket too. Not for musical, but for concert and Dancing with the Stars life performance!! Can't wait until the 30th of June. :P
fish fish | Homepage | 06.06.07 - 7:51 am | #

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sounds like a good one!
MeiyeN | Homepage | 06.06.07 - 2:18 pm | #

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haha, u can't run away from the Malaysian culture even thou it's a London musical. any mobile phones ringing during the show? ;p
kruy | Homepage | 06.06.07 - 6:00 pm | #

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Bkworm: You're right about the jimat part. Hmm, now have to find waterfish to buy my next ticket. Muahahaha! Bad gurl!

Patrick: Wei, all the musical tickets are priced like that one wor. Darn expensive but what to do? They have to pay the cast and all the advertisements done. By the time it comes to the end consumers, we bear most of the cost lor.

fish fish: Dancing with the Stars, eh? Where? Will they ever come to our shores here? My, you will enjoy a lot of Broadway in the USA ler... *jeles look*

MeiyeN: Hey, should go try one with your hubby.

kruy: Oh ya hoh, forgotten to report that one. YES indeed. The mobile phone rang and that blurdy person actually answered it in the midst of the musical. So distracting with that little light from her/his mobile. Sheesh!!
Primrose | Homepage | 08.06.07 - 12:48 pm | #

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Prose:

so after that did you dance through the night, and the sext 24?
minus-ing the tic princessly sum, i guess I can offer you some cuppa of tehtarik if you run out of wine and flowers
and instead of the spa maybe go outside into the gardnern and have midnight showers?
ylchong | 08.06.07 - 10:12 pm | #

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Saturday, April 28, 2007

Phantom of the Opera Musical

I guess I should amuse myself and write at least a post a month if not more. The highlight for the month of April 2007 has to be my trip to Singapore just for The Phantom of the Opera Musical at the Esplanade. This award-winning musical needs no further introduction nor elaboration.


That's the Esplanade, popularly known as the "Durian". I took this snapshot on the highway from my car. Not bad


That's the main entrance


Hi peeps! I'm doing well. *smiles* Just tired. I need more TLC. Boohoo!


That's my POTO programme for S$25


That's my S$120 POTO ticket, a box seat. Not bad :)

The props and set, sound system and the Australian cast were pretty good and impressive. Change of sets for stage was highly efficient. My view of the stage from the box seat (which seats 4) was fantastic. Tickets were a sold-out (for ALL shows. Hence the extension of the musical for a further 10 days till mid-May).

The *feel* of the musical overall was, however, *slightly* disappointing as it wasn't as captivating as how it was when I first watched it at Her Majesty's Theatre, London. Could be due to stage constraints. Could be because the theatre is too modern for old history. Different casts have different sopranos and tenors. They took off snippets of the musical compared to how they staged it in London. I thought the chandelier and the ending lacked some ooommphh!

Nonetheless, it was money well-spent.

Related posts:
The Phantom of the Opera
Consumed



4 flowers for this post
Welcome back to life, PrincEss. You've been greatly missed.
Friend For Life | 29.04.07 - 9:38 am | #

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ah princess, u'r back

"I guess I should amuse myself and write at least a post a month if not more." --> u'r becoming like me? hehe...
kruy | Homepage | 30.04.07 - 2:41 pm | #

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how are you?
charlene | Homepage | 11.05.07 - 2:24 pm | #

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Like u give a rats ass on e ppl tats cares about you! Key is whats is benefitial to you!
Secret admirer | 12.05.07 - 1:13 am | #

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Sunday, March 25, 2007

Musical weekend

I had the opportunity to go for an INTERNATIONAL series on premium tickets at the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) during the week (thank you PL). We had Renée Fleming on soprano and Hartmut Höll on piano. Hartmut wasn't exactly spectacular but thank goodness he wasn't over-expressive like Lang Lang either. Then again, he was on accompaniment only, so soprano still reigned on stage. Renée entertained us with 3 classics for an encore - superb performance, all sang in German except for Somewhere Over The Rainbow in English! Brava!

Over the weekend, I visited Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) for the first time to watch Mozart's The Magic Flute. Orchestra by the KLPac Sinfonietta, directed by Dato' Faridah Merican with her husband, Joe Hasham as the lively, humourous narrater. I was slightly disappointed with the half stage and minimal acting as I did expect a little more stage work, so it was a little visually unstimulating for me. Also, it would have been a lot better if Prince Tamino, Papageno and Sarastro were to be dressed to the theme of The Magic Flute. Dressed in suits wasn't exactly what I expected. I have a lot more to comment on but I think I'd applaud for the good efforts instead, in support of local productions. I even had the privilege to go backstage to meet music director Chong Kok Ting and conductor Brian Tan. What a pleasure!

Next, it was back to the MPO, full chamber under the LEGACY series with Munich-born Viviane Hagner on the violin conducted by Matthias Bamert on BEETHOVEN Violin Concerto in D (Op.61) with 3 movements. A very happy tune, I'd say. Glorious performance by Viviane who plays on the Sasserno Stradivarius (1717)! Rare piece loaned to her by the Nippon Music Foundation. Applause! Applause!

As for BRAHMS Symphony No.4 in E minor (Op.98) with 4 movements, I found it slightly heavy but powerful. If you've got good ears for music, you will notice that the first 8 bars of Brahms in the 4th movement is repetitive 31 times over different instruments. I gave up counting because the improvisation was so good I couldn't tell the repeats anymore after the winds.

Another privilege I had too: Upclose and dinner with MPO's (Co-Principal) Oboist, Joost Flach (pronounced Yeos) - friend of a friend. Simply cool! No photo though. My Cybershot Sony Ericsson has failed on me since last week. I'm now handicapped without much blog pics to showcase until I get it fixed or get a new phone.

"You have a lot of music to bring home to, this weekend," said a friend as I was leaving the hall.

"Indeed. It's still ringing in my ears," I managed with a smile.



1 flower for this post
i've always wanted to visit mpo since long time ago.. lucky you, must be really great to be there!
MeiyeN | Homepage | 27.03.07 - 5:04 pm | #

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Monday, February 05, 2007

Bs

I blame it on the full moon. I've watched three movies in three weeks, I shocked myself. Perhaps I just needed the distraction. It keeps the mind sane.

I must have been inspired by movies based on true stories after watching Blood Diamond when I attempted Flyboys. Not too bad for a learn-to-fly-and-trash-some-planes-to-win-the-war-and-fall-in-love World War I re-film, a good attempt to get historically accurate.

Initially, I thought it was referring to the Tower of Babel (in the Old Testament) when I read the title. After the movie, I thought there were some reference to it after all - the different languages, the exploration of issues of miscommunication, the clashes in culture (all reasons by God to make the Tower of Babel reaching heaven impossible by men). Overall, Babel was slightly slow, confusing but thought-provoking, with messages from each segment potrayed strongly though choppy and no apparent link to any common thread until later in the movie. Not highly recommended but might worth a watch (and worth the Brad Pitt) if you've watched all new releases of the month.

Now why is it that I choose movies starting with the alphabet 'B', with a tendency for blood? There was Blood Diamond, then Babel, now Blood and Chocolates. Apart from picturesque shots of Bucharest, Romania, with trees, buildings, fountains and sculptures (which I hope are all real), it's a movie on werewolves with a line that (teen) romance is possible between a werewolf and a man, with no terrifying moments and it's suitable for children under 18. No, it's nothing spectacular compared to Underworld which is more dramatic and hot and action-packed and cleverly-plotted and interestingly directed - in case you're wondering. Don't ask me where the 'chocolates' fit in as far as the title is concerned. I just thought that it might be a teaser that one tastes good to human and the other tastes good to werewolves - on second thoughts, as shapeshifters, BOTH tastes good. Hence, blood and chocolates.

Will being a movie buff in 2007 a new resolution for me?



2 flowers for this post
i fell asleep halfway watching Blood Diamond, haha.. (at home lah not cinema) perhaps i was too tired ;p
kruy | Homepage | 09.02.07 - 1:02 pm | #

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Girl, I like the new pics on side. ^_^ Good smile as always.
fish fish | Homepage | 12.02.07 - 11:00 pm | #

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Monday, January 22, 2007

Blood Diamond


I watched the film Blood Diamond starring Leonardo DiCaprio over the weekend. The whole movie was pretty slow, buildup wasn't there and the plot was common as cliché.

+++
"Sorry I was in the cinema watching Blood Diamond when you sms-ed. Hmm, don't bother watching if you're not into slow movies."

"You watched Blood Diamond only because of that pussy boy
DiCRAP-pio! Can't act to save his life."

"Eh, that's not the real reason but the movie did receive a hell lot of publicity on the radio like it was some new Bond-must-watch movie like that."

"Haven't you heard of radio CON-mercials?"

+++

Oh what the heck! I did like Leonardo's accent in the movie and his style of ending his sentences with a 'huh' anyway. Apparently, I read that it's authentic Rodhesian accent. Ticket not wasted.

However, I did leave the cinema slightly disturbed by the whole story line and so I've decided to wikipedia it simply. Ah, so it *is* inspired by true facts and a series of events with close reference to actual historical details, with subtle (or strong) messages in between, however you want to absorb it, nudging your conscience to be careful where you buy your diamonds or not buy any at all! Remember: When the buying stops, the killing would too! Heh! Cliché, cliché.

I also read somewhere that De Beers was worried that their sales for diamonds may drop considerably with the release of this movie but seriously, how many of you would actually think about whether you're buying a blood / war / conflict diamond while at the jeweller's? Most would just be buying a diamond simply because, well, you're there for a diamond!

Then again, if the movie could change your perspective on diamond purchases, you can always consider diamond alternatives like cubic zirconia or synthetic, simulated diamonds, right?

Rrrriiight!!

As for me, I love all things beautiful but don't worry about diamonds. Pearls suit me fine.

Thank you very much!



4 flowers for this post
The only thing good about diamonds is that it can be used to cut glass. Other than that, they are just useless rocks (and a wallet wrecker too... go figure...)
michaelooi | Homepage | 23.01.07 - 11:25 pm | #

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Yes!! Finally got the comment box to pop up! Dunno what happened all those months ago and dunno if it will happen again. Ooh, I like those ear studs.
bkworm | Homepage | 24.01.07 - 9:57 am | #

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Diamionds are a girl's best friend, in deed and in need.
I wonder if it's steal not too late to change my Nama by deed poll to ...s/o "Diamond"?__DEsi
ylchong | 28.01.07 - 1:14 pm | #

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watched this movie yesterday and i kinda like it!!!!! as my bf said, all because of leonardo huh? :p :p oh well, maybe?

worst of all, right after da movie my bf keeps on reminding me da cruelty of having bling-bling...
MeiyeN | Homepage | 03.02.07 - 1:00 pm | #

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Sunday, November 26, 2006

Movies in a nut

I was just sitting here thinking to myself today, that I haven't written a single movie review for 2006! Well, it's true that I am not much of a movie goer like most of you out there but I did watch more movies (this year) than any other years added together.

In no particular order, my year did start off with some movies with good looking actors - X-Men: The Last Stand. I know there's a comic on it and I know there had been a couple more X-Men series before but believe it or not, this is the first for me - only because my girlfriend was gaga over Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Cyclops (James Marsden). And then there was Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Being a blur, I didn't understand the ending because I didn't watch The Curse of the Black Pearl when it was released in 2003(?) but Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley were enough to let me walk out of the cinema not minding if I understood the movie or not. And then there was Mission: Impossible III. I remembered that girlfriend and I decided to buy tickets at the very last minute because we were either too bored or....hmm, we were bored. I am pretty sure about it. It couldn't have been Tom Cruise. *ahaks*

I didn't miss out comedy Click (starring Adam Sandler) - wasn't too bad a movie. I like the strong message behind the whole story but I personally think that people went for it because there was Kate Beckinsale in it. Equally as funny, even funnier, was Hong Kong production Rob-B-Hood with all-time-favourite Jackie Chan and heartthrob Louis Koo. It was hillarious and the baby was super cute!

Recently, I caught up with the animated film, Happy Feet with voices from Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman, Robin Williams and Nicole Kidman. I wasn't very keen initially, to watch flocks of penguins but agreed to watch only because the show we intended to watch was sold out. However, it came out better than expected. Not bad at all for singing and dancing penguins. You might just consider buying the soundtrack to this lively animation. And while we are on the subject of lively music, I thought Step Up was a pleasure to watch. While Channing Tatum may not be the best looking male lead around, Step Up could be good for those aspiring hiphop-classic dancers. Upbeat and great dance movements of an uptown ballerina and a street dancer combined on dance stage. Impressive!

It had been great watching movies on big screens but guess what? I had so much extra time, I conquered a few DVDs as well. Surprise, surprise! I watched The Banquet, starring Zhang Ziyi. A little slow at the beginning but it was quite a good production with a very good storyline, I thought. Only setback: the movie was in Mandarin and I couldn't understand a word. Had to read English subtitles which can be very distracting sometimes. And then there was this classic comedy remake of 1964, The Pink Panther, starring Steve Martin, Kevin Kline and Beyonce Knowles. Extremely hillarious I got a stitch from laughing too much. Definitely worth watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Despite the name of a Greek legend, The God of the Sea, reviews for Poseidon weren't too upheaved but I thought I'd watch it anyway since the DVD was available. Read that it was a remake of the 1972 shipwreck disaster film and it's a lot like Titanic back in 1997. I'd skip this one if I had better choices of DVDs that day. The last DVD I caught was one of sort-of-horror. Those of you who knows me well knows that I can't take any sort of horror. When I put on Godsend, I didn't expect that some fertility story a.k.a cloning via replication of cells would turn out scary. Sheesh!

I certainly wasn't disappointed with the movies that I've gone for/watched during the year. Let's see if I can push for another one or two more movies before 2006 comes to an end. That would mark the record in (my) history to have watched the most movies in a year - for someone who claims that she doesn't watch much, that is.



5 flowers for this post
Wah!!! U watched more movies than me this year.
chiki | 27.11.06 - 4:28 pm | #

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Oh, i attended The Banquet too, but I didn't see you -- you must be up dare with te Datuk, Datin & Tan SI?
Well, you confessed you are a banana eh? Luckily I could follow the man(wo?)darin, BUTT you miss'd the big screen impact, so go see It agin when GVS repeats?


(ASIDE: You must go for Mandarin lessons to Be Prepared for globalised world; you never no an assignment may thee to Vbeijing or Mongolia? And because the poems were pretty alluring -- not as A as ZhangZiyi, off course -- I dunno how many course the dinner went!) I invested another RM10 on DVD.
Plagiarised a li'l of it inb my Review -- you can reprise it here if you like, but I'll collect any ADSENse 30% K!
ylchong | Homepage | 27.11.06 - 9:18 pm | #

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i like happy feet!! ekekekee... feel like back to my childhood days though
MeiyeN | Homepage | 28.11.06 - 9:40 am | #

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LOL. This is a long list of one whole year's movies reviews!!! You lazy bum.
titoki | Homepage | 28.11.06 - 5:00 pm | #

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chiki: Eh, you alive ah? I thought you were taken to the Dead Man's Chest.

Hi Desi, didn't know you're a fan of pirates (of the dvds)

Meiyen: I thought that shoes from Pretty F(ee)t would make my feet happy as a dancing penguin.

titoki: That's my mission possible ma!!
Primrose | Homepage | 28.11.06 - 7:52 pm | #

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Sunday, August 20, 2006

The Musical

After 2 years upon the release of the movie, Puteri Gunung Ledang is finally selling their tickets to their Musical held at Istana Budaya.

I missed the 1st season this March or rather, couldn't get hold of any tickets despite them extending the Musical for 3 more days. They were a SOLD-OUT! I am NOT about to miss the 2nd season - no way!

Luck was drumming near. Hoot, hoot! There I was holding tickets with compliments from YTL Corp. to the Musical on Grand Circle seats. What more could I ask for when it comes with a complimentary Programme booklet featuring a brief biography of all on-stage talents and a demo soundtrack with 4 main songs?

My tickets

My demo cd

My programme booklet

The PGL soundtrack, live recording

Sorry for blur pics. Phone camera, see?

The Musical lasted about 2 and a half hours with one intermission. The song compostitions were very good, prose in javanese malay, very meaningful lyrics which spoke the whole musical storyline, it moved me. The soundtrack (full version) is definitely worth buying at RM35. I have no good pics to show, unfortunately, as photography was not allowed but the PGL website has very good snapshots of the stage acts.

Puteri Gunung Ledang Musical was awesome, to say the least. The opening act was nothing short of fantastic. I really don't mind watching it again, alas there isn't anymore staging for the rest of this year.

Kaulah segala-galanya
Makna di dalam hidupku
Detik ini telah lama sudah kutunggu
Hangat sentuhanmu
Melerai rindu...




1 flower for this post
I love the musical too. Wow free tickets!! You must know YTL people very well
Jane | 07.09.06 - 9:32 pm | #

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Thursday, June 08, 2006

Omen

...is a movie you won't see me watching. It was launched on 06.06.06 - of all days! Sheesh. Heard that it was a remake of the original Omen.

GirlfriendOne: Hey, Omen's out. Let's watch it tomorrow night!
Primrose: Erm...I've got yoga
GirlfriendTwo: Friday night?
Primrose: Erm...I'm not free.
GirlfriendOne: Saturday? I know you don't work Saturdays
Primrose: Well, actually I'm not into horror
GirlfriendTwo: Ok, we'll watch it during the day
Primrose: B..bu..but it's dark in the cinema!

*silence*
*GirlfriendOne bangs her head on the table*
*GirlfriendTwo says Holy Molly*
*giggles*

GirlfriendOne: You know, Primrose, no cinema in this world would be bright as day

Thanks but no thanks. I so not dig horror. You know, I can't even watch Michael Jackson's Thriller MTV. No brain-intestines-heart-eater-climb-out-from-grave-living-dead zombies and no blood sucking draculas for me. Ughh!

Enjoy your movie and write a review, please.



7 flowers for this post
Me too... Actually I was a fan of horror until I saw Emily Rose. That marked the end of all horror flicks for me.
Amie.Lee | Homepage | 08.06.06 - 10:57 am | #

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I dare not watch any horrors unless I have people around me. But then the people around me, especiallly those in the cinema, are they REALLY people...?

*Play eerie music in the back ground*
TITOKI | Homepage | 08.06.06 - 12:53 pm | #

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Go get The Constant Gardner -- Thriller NOT in Mjackson's mould, so no flighten one!
That OPEN LETTER was opened by Desi~~1/2I-3/4Eye, the sext horror movie at da cinematheque furthest from thy neighbourhood.
ylchong | Homepage | 08.06.06 - 5:03 pm | #

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haha... i thought i'm the only one ;p

i don't watch horror or ghost movie unless someone sleeps with me at night, and that person also havta accompany me to the loo and stand outside wait for me. in fact if possible i'll try my best to avoid those movies. if i do watch i prefer a bunch of people to watch together and most of the time i'll hide myself behind the pillow and put my hands on my ears.

however, i'm fine with Michael Jackson's Triller, nothing scary.

as u know sometimes i work night shift i've warn my colleagues they cannot mention anything ghostly to me hah..
kruy | Homepage | 09.06.06 - 8:26 pm | #

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Hi Amie, anything based on true stories freak me out.

*Joins TITOKI in humming the twilight zone*

Yes Desi, I have read the OPEN LETTER. Dare you send it to the zombie?

Same here Kruy. In the shower, I wash hair fast fast because I dare not close my eyes too long. What if I open them and there's a zombie right next to me. *shriek*
Primrose | Homepage | 09.06.06 - 11:51 pm | #

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omen isnt worth the watch not scary - only use cheap scares =P
mrs jeffbuckley | Homepage | 10.06.06 - 11:29 am | #

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Weh Reta, why now mrs mrs all? Hehe! Cheap scares ah? I also cannot one. Sure scream until nobody wants to admit I'm their friend. :P
Primrose | Homepage | 10.06.06 - 11:57 am | #

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Friday, February 04, 2005

Racing Stripes

Is that an intransitive verb, racing Stripes - as in to compete in a race or is that a transitive verb, racing Stripes - as in to engage in a race with or is that a noun, Racing Stripes - as in the act of running / simply a name or is that … err … bleh! I’m getting stripy already!

Yup, was at GSC (that’s the cinema), Times Square yesterday with FP watching that animal-talking movie (think Bug’s Life, Babe and Nemo) about a zebra who thinks himself as a race horse. It's a pleasant enough little movie, occasionally witty but mostly average. The two flies in the movie were hilarious whose sole purpose is to be disgusting. They love poop and made fart bubbles in someone's coffee. And it’s so ironic. I was just having a conversation with FP before the movie about fart – be it a verb or a noun.

One thing’s missing amidst all those laughs and giggles though. Spectators. The cinema is new. I can still smell the whiff of new paint. It’s huge.

*teeth chattering*

Primrose: It is frig-g-g-g-g-gin’ c-c-c-c-old
FP: Yeah and my hands need your corduroy

*teeth still chattering*

Primrose: Th-th-there’s not enough s-s-s-souls in here to ab-*shiver shiver*-sorb the air c-c-c-conditioning here
FP: *laugh, laugh*

Number of viewers? Eleven!

Dang, GSC must have been running at a loss yesterday evening for selling only eleven ticket stubs!



4 flowers for this post
Imax is also at Times right?

BTW, Steph and I enjoyed your company very much. WE very much like to think you're the sweetest thing on earth with extra icing on the top =)
Reta | Homepage | 05.02.05 - 10:43 pm | #

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I wholeheartedly agree with Reta - and that extra icing is PrincEss's compassion, understanding and acceptance when a person is down and really needs someone. After all these years, PrincEss PrimrosE has never let me down. No-one is perfect, but no-one comes closer than you, PrincEss.
Friend For Life | 06.02.05 - 9:26 am | #

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Love new cinemas.. not many ppl.. and not too dirty...!!
MrsT | 06.02.05 - 12:24 pm | #

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Reta: Yes, IMAX is there too! *blush blush* Ooooo...so sweet! I enjoyed your company and Steph's just as much too. Hope to meet up again soon...

Friend for Life: Aww!

MrsT: And very c-c-c-cold!!
Primrose | Homepage | 07.02.05 - 3:09 pm | #

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Thursday, December 23, 2004

Consumed

I'm in love all over again. I watched the Phantom of the Opera for the second time tonight (last night I mean, since it's past midnight) and walked out of the cinema with dreamy eyes and a fluttering heart. Oh, so romantic. I feel so much for the characters. For the Phantom. For Christine. For Raoul. I move so much with them.

"You read too much romance" Chiki teased with raised eyebrows and a funny look. Hmmm, I think so too. I fantasise too much about romance. I read far too many romance novels. I dream too much about how romance should be like. My imagination goes far. No wonder I'm still single in reality. I can't snap out of my own world of romance.

I have succumbed to passion. Ah, too consumed with love...

What raging fire shall flood the soul,
what rich desire unlocks its door?
What sweet seduction lies before us?

In my mind I've already imagined,
our bodies entwining, defenceless and silent,
and now I am here with you.

Past all thought of "right" or "wrong" -
One final question:
How long should we two wait, before we're one?

When will the blood begin to race,
the sleeping bud burst into bloom?
When will the flames, at last, consume us?

from "The Point of No Return", The Phantom of the Opera




1 flower for this post
My dear Princess

Don't fantasise. Indulge in one.
CK | 23.12.04 - 9:32 am
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Tuesday, December 14, 2004

The Phantom of the Opera

...The film - comes to the big screen for the first time, based on the most celebrated stage musical and the novel "Le Fantôme de l'Opéra" by GASTON LEROUX. :) I've been invited for a special screening which ended just over an hour ago and *that* was a fabulous movie. No, fabulous is an understatement.

With many (enhanced) similar scenes from the musical, they have also added 2 new songs with some new lyrical dialogues (err, obviously). In the movie, The Phantom's relationship with Christine is much more of a love affair than it is in the original story. There is a deeper emotional touch to it. With Emmy Rossum as Christine at 18 and Gerard Butler as The Phantom at 35, wow, he's old enough to be her father. *chuckle*

Apart from those irritating subtitles in the movie, which is English for an English movie (how silly can that be) and some occasional rats squeaking from a dark corner in the cinema, the movie had very beautiful cinematography and music. Ahh, romantic! *still in cloud nine* Thanks for the complimentary ticket, Mario.



2 flowers for this post
Travel Lurker: Hmm, if I were to be Christine, I *may* have chosen The Phantom - mysterious, dangerous, a dark secret, uniquely deep and profound, fiercely independent, truimphant ... minus the possessiveness perhaps.
Primrose | Email | Homepage | 17.12.04 - 7:31 pm

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So would princEss choose the Phantom or the Viscount if she is Christine, and why?
Travel Lurker | 17.12.04 - 1:49 am

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Sunday, September 05, 2004

Puteri Gunung Ledang

And today, I watched Puteri Gunung Ledang, the most expensive local film ever made. If citing poems in prose and telepathic ode in stanza would trigger that romantic hamstring in you, then this 2-hours-45-minutes love story would worth your while. *hiaks*

Wednesday, September 01, 2004

Movies

In between the movies Van Helsing and Collateral, I have watched Catwoman. A couple of weeks after Catwoman, I actually sat in for the crappy-est local production Hungry Ghost Anthropology but I walked out of it halfway through. Today, I told myself I'd better treat myself to one of the latest "good" movies and I watched Alien vs Predator.

I'm really not a movie-goer at all but being the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, I think I'm strucked!

Current emotions: Blank
Random observation: Too much time in my hands!
Currently reading: Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

Collateral

Good reviews, great feedback, dramatic trailers, dashing Cruise - comments drilled me in the brain with some high hopes and how else to discover this better but to watch the movie?

After a large portion of caramel popcorn and a jumbo coke later, I find the show entertaining but quite a disappointment. No doubt there were lots of Cruise to compensate the lack of action and the script was predictable and straightforward. There were times where the show seemingly came to a halt. A pause. Slow. Then, it plunges into a late surge of suspense to increase your adrenalin and hammers down to an uninteresting climax (was there one?).

Well, it's still a good movie to go for but do expect to let out a few yawns.

I thought Mark Ruffalo was good looking. *wink*

Saturday, May 15, 2004

Van Helsing

Primrose: P
Colleague: C

Wednesday
P: Hey, have you watched Van Helsing?
C: *two thumbs up*

Thursday
P: I heard that the movie was good
C: Veeeeery good. You MUST watch it!

Friday
P: What was Van Helsing about?
C: Eh, eh, good movie-lah. Horror-one. Got dracula-one. Go watch it-lah!


Saturday - I had to go watch it! For somebody who isn't really into the movies, my curiosity got the better of me.

Werewolves, Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster and Hugh Jackman kicking some booty. What else do you need?

With vampires flying around and werewolves chasing around, I found the script weak but not dreadful. For a movie that doesn't focus much on plot or characters or logic, there was actually plenty of all three. While there was an interesting backstory that explains the origins of all major characters like Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, Van Helsing, Heroine Anna and others, there was much dependence on great special effects and action to grab viewers' attention.

Van Helsing is an action film (rather than horror) that will appeal to those fans. It has the va-va-voom of vampires becoming bats, people turning into werewolves and lots of chasing and fighting scenes. If you want the traditional Dracula-type movie, look elsewhere.

My *hoot, hoot* for Kate Beckinsale. I like her hair!

Saturday, December 13, 2003

Riverdance - The Show

Wow, spectacular! I just came home from watching Riverdance, the biggest production of Irish dance and music, "comprises more than 70 performers and musicians on stage and a total of 120 company members culled from different corners of the globe". [quote: The Star, Dec 2003]

The Celtic chanting, Irish step dancers and soloists were remarkable. The show blended many cultures; scenes were dedicated to Russian, African-American, Spanish and, of course, the Irish heritage. The choir performed songs from the original group, Anuna, an Irish choir devoted to reproducing Irish songs from ancient and medieval times. "Riverdance's" musicians stole the show and the fiddle and uillean pipes soloists were superb.

I must say that it was worth my $151.00 ticket. And...guess what?

Eric: E
Primrose: P

[mobile phone rings]

P: Hi, E, how are you?
E: Hey hey hey (E's signature greeting)! Weh, what are you doing tomorrow night ah?
P: Well, nothing planned basically. Why?
E: Wanna go Riverdance ah?
P: *excited squeal* You know what? In fact, I'm just driving out of the concert hall carpark. I have just watched it. Hey, it's really good!
E: I've got lots of VIP free ticket passes (enticing tone) - they cost $200.00. C'mon, don't waste it.
P: (pause) Actually ... I don't mind watching it again. Is it for 8.30pm tomorrow?
E: Yup, game?
P: Yup! You come pick me up?
E: At 7.45pm, ok?
P: Kewl!

[end]

Can you believe it? In less than 24 hours, I'm going to Riverdance for a second time! La la la la la! Call me mad but I'm mesmerized!