Movie Review: Les Miserables (2012 Film)

I am SOOOOO LAZY!
What a great way to start a new year, right?
And to show how lazy I am, I won't bother to do a new greeting post. I'll just use the one my company use.

Ehehehe~~~ So, anyway, thanks to Nuffnang (as usual) I get to watch this movie Les Miserables . The reason why I don't write that much movie review is because 1) I might not find anything worthwhile to talk about or 2) I will have too much to write about it. And too many words warrant photos, and I'm lazy to search for it. When I'm lazy, it took me two to three weeks to write a simple post. I'm hopeless.

Anyway, Here goes!

Rated: Unrated
Malaysia Release Date: 25 December 2012
Genre: Musical drama
Running Time: 160 minutes
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter

Synopsis: "An adaptation of the successful stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel set in 19th-century France, in which a paroled prisoner named Jean Valjean seeks redemption" (UIP).

Verdict:
I would say it's a mix of both good and bad. It's a long show that felt very rushed yet with astounding casts who played their part excellently. Should you watch this? Yeah, sure, if you like this kind of genre. It's rather nice - mainly because the musical is already so awesome, and there are a lot of aspects where it is enjoyable. But don't expect too much. This long movie is actually rather short to capture the essence of Les Misarables fully. A lot of things that can be improved. The visual is stunning, but somehow the content is lacking here and there. And at times a bit too rushing which leaves us dumbstruck. The emotions flies by so fast you hardly have time to digest. Yet it is so draggy that you wish they will quicken the pace. That doesn't make sense? Well, you go and watch it. and let me know if it make sense or not. lol.

-Alert : May Contain Spoilers -

When I saw the line-up of the cast, I was actually wondering can these renown actors/actress sing? I mean, it's still a musical after all. I was pleasantly surprised that the singing was actually good. Of course, it couldn't compare with the Broadway casts, but they hold on their own pretty well. But what I liked the most was the raw emotion that is portrayed by the cast.

Let me start with my favorite cast in the movie. Daniel Huttlestone played Gavroche - the spirited young kid who exudes leadership, strength and bravery. I don't think they could've casted a better person to play this character. I couldn't get his acting off my mind days after I watched the show, although it was rather easy to forget the rest.

This kid is awesome!. Source

I would say they have a good casting for children casts. The kid who played the young Cosette, Isabelle Allen was also very good in portraying the feelings. (Isabelle is the one on the poster for the movie)

Isabelle - don't u think she looks a bit like the young Dakota?

Heck, she's better than the adult Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) who moved nothing inside of me. But Amanda does look pretty in the movie and that's about it. The movie did not give the grown Cossette enough space to show her character. So, I can't say much on her acting either. The character Cosette, is much to meek and weak for my like. 

I think most who watched the show loved Anne Hathaway's rendition of I dreamed a dream the most. She totally embodies the song. After she finish singing it, I actually felt like giving her a standing ovation. I bet, if the movie was not as rushed as it is, there will be a moment of pin-drop-silence right after the song - a - testament that she took the audience in awe. I didn't expect her to be as awesome as she was. She's usually the hot bod, pretty face, sex symbol in other movies she stars. This one is just "wow". A different depth than what she usually does and she does it very well. It is worth to note that the whole scene of the song I dreamed a dream was recorded one-shot.

Amazing Acting by Anne Hathaway as Fantine

I especially applaud Hugh Jackman for portraying the highly emotional and complicated emotions of Jean Valjean. He made me shed a couple of tears. I think he nailed the character pretty well for the most part of the story. The earlier part and the end part of Jean Valjean's story was played out beautifully by him. It outshone the rest of the cast during the first part when he was still a convict. The only part that felt lacking was his rendition of "Bring Him Home". It's not bad at all, but it's not there yet for me. His version lack the "holiness" feel that is usually felt when I hear the song.

I forgot that he was Hugh during the first part. 

I was quite disappointed with how the movie portrays Eponine (played by Samantha Barks). After seeing her performance for the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables, I was quite surprised to see her role with little impact. The movie had casted aside Eponine character with little depth, when in actuality her character is the symbol of strength and loyalty in the story. But as always, Samantha's rendition of "On My Own" is heavenly, and did not disappoint.

I think she's so lovely. 

Another remarkable singer that should be noted is Eddie Redmayne who played "Marius". Although I despise the character (Marius) I was still able to note that this guy is the best singer among all the male lead (in my opinion).

Why I hate Marius? He's a freaking self-centered rich boy, who has little notion of loyalty! At least that's how it is depicted in the movie to me. I don't know if others agree with me, but the Marius character irritates me. I mean, just imagine, your good friend, who had always been there for you, was shot in front of you, shot because of you, died in your arms, saying all she wanted was for you to be there by her side and everything will be fine, she who is dying, is comforting you... logically, you would only be able to think about her and be devastated about her death but yet this freaking guy, was devastated because the love of his life, whom he scarcely know, whom he just known a day or two is going off somewhere and he might not see her again. He wanted to die because of that? I mean seriously? He was actually prepared to throw away his fight with his comrades to go to the girl, okay I get it, it's love, but WTF? The only reason he said "My place belongs here" and goes to fight was because the girl went away. I HATE this kind of character the most.

But despite the hate I feel for the character, I loved the way Eddie played Marius. And because it's true, I'm gonna repeat it again, he's a real good singer!.

A touching scene. It's a Love-Hate relationship for me and this scene. 

Russell Crowe's interpretation of Inspector Javert is to me is very weak. He was not able to capture the rigidnes, the angst, the conventionality, the charismatic leader in Javert. I don't see the aura of Javert in him at all. To me, he just look like an angry old man rather than self-righteous officer. His singing was the worst. Well, it sounded nice, But there was no real strength in it. I guess, it's ok since he's not a singer but, I could find no excuse for his acting. Javert is a strong character, the antagonist of the story, so without a strong him, the story just became a tad bit bland.

The angry and confused old man. 

As for Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the Thénardiers no complaints there. They were excellent. I love their scene immensely. You just can't help to love to hate them! hehe

-Spoiler Ends (if Any)- 

I think some of the casting actually saves the movie, and some actually contribute to it being bland. Nevertheless, I find I am able to enjoy the movie - especially when you can appreciate the beautiful music by Claude-Michel Schönberg. I just love the songs in this musical. Hey, what not to like?

That's it,
The laziest brat on the planet (right now)

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The Expendables 2: Quick Movie Review

One very special reader seems to have a fun time spamming my last post. Well, not his fault, I haven't been updating AT ALL. So I thought I should give you guys something to read aside from the old s***t. hehe

Oh yeah special thanks to Nuffnang for the tickets to watch the preview to this movie.

Quick Synopsis: Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.

Quick Review: It was... OK. I enjoyed the action, the easygoing humor and the faces of those who "belongs in museum". Hehe. But hey, "nothing can beat the classic" (I just love this catch phrase. Make sure to check it out in the movie! You can't miss it).

If you are looking to see some action, u got it, if you are looking to see good ol heroes from when you are younger, you got it - I mean, they actually have every other action hero I have ever known as I grew up! Heck, they even have Chuck Norris in it!! XD

But, if you are looking for satisfaction in watching a good movie with great plots and logical story line, or if you are looking for eye candy that don't die early on in the story, well.... I suggest you try somewhere else. This movie will be an "empty" one for you.

Huge Flaw (Mild Spoiler Alert): For me, the problem lies in how terrible their actual mission - the whole point of the story - is executed, which is much more lacking than their first featured mission.

The only eye candy in the whole show~

The movie started off with a great mission executed almost perfectly with somewhat systematic planning. But the actual core mission in the movie is a bit too messy and left to chances without any planning. Well, there is, but it doesn't really scream GREAT mission like the first one.

But I guess it could be attributed by their state of mental which is grieving the lost of a promising young member (Whyyyyy did they kill off the ONLY eye candy in the show?).And probably because they are missing another kick-ass awesome member, namely Jet Li in the second mission (I soooo miss his butt-kicking-villain-slaying action).

Can someone explain why?

Also, I haven't the faintest idea why they chose Yu Nan to play Maggie. She's not especially hot, her moves are just OK. And her acting is stiffer than a stick. The only point about her that mashes well with the group is her inability to really speak in understandable-non-mumbling-non-stiff English. But the rest of the cast (despite lacking in the speaking department) have their own track record of awesomeness to look at, but her? No Idea.

The bad ass villain

The Climax, the face-off between bad-ass villain and the leader of the group, was a bit too rushed and lacked the awesomeness that I usually feel during climax. I would say the scene was a bit anti-climax if anything. It's just too easy, to convenient, too well... empty. It is just too convenient, easy and for a story with no logic whatsoever, the face off is a bit too logical. lol

(End of spoiler.. I think)



But all in all, it was still very enjoyable. Whatever is lacking wherever, it definitely helps with the humor lines they throw in. It would probably help if you have actually watched some of these great action hero's past movies. The humor lines will definitely give you a kick.

Aite that's it. Quick review for the movie the Expendables 2. Rating? lol I wouldn't be able to rate it even if my life depends on it. But have fun watching it! XD

Sincerely still bratty,

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A Ramadhan Buffet Review: La Maison, Silka Maytower Hotel & Serviced Residences KL

Happy Ramadhan Everyone!! 

First and foremost, I would like to thank this lovely hotel for inviting me yet again to their Ramadhan Buffet food review. Last year I had been invited to their review, and I remember having such great time. You can read about it HERE. 

So here's how the hotel look like, if you are wondering which one is the hotel. Or you can check out their webpage HERE

This is how La Maison looks like

And so the food~~ Let's see what they have. This time round, I couldn't bring my sister so I brought the brother I never had, Mr. Rexs or better known as Aki Borneo. I love bringing him to events especially food review as he can eat all the things I couldn't and this guy is much more diligent in taking pictures than I am. heheh. So yeah, most (if not all) general picture here are taken by him :)

Disturbed by the sudden photo attempt. hehe

Okay, let's not waste time and go see what is on my plate on that day, shall we? This time round I am much more wise in maximizing the things I eat while not over-stuffing my self XD

Round 1

Food: Ayam Goreng Berempah, Ikan Keli Masak Berlada, Pajeri Nenas, Udang Masak Percik, Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Padi.

Verdict: Everyone seems to love the chicken. I do too, as well goes for the Ikan Keli. I am no fan of Ikan Keli, but I liked this. According to one food blogger, Ken, their Ikan Keli was scrumptious. The Prawn was also nice and the Meat (Daging Salai) is to die for! I had always loved Pajeri Nenas, and this one does not betray the expectation.

Round 2

Food: Rendang Ayam, Rendang Daging, Lemang, Serunding Ayam
Verdict: The Chicken Rendang was Ok. But the Meat Rendang is a bit too Salty. But I guess, when you pair it up with the Lemang, it is quite Ok. The Serunding was nice.

Round 3

Food: Asam Pedas Ikan
Verdict: It was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!! There were quite a few variety. There was Chicken, Prawn, Squid and Meat. But I went for the traditional one which was Fish. It is one of the best Asam Pedas I've eaten by far.

One of their Asam Pedas Variety

Round 4

Food: Desserts!!
Verdict: I especially love the fruit tart. Again I failed at taking down the names. But I remember loving it! The Bread Cake is a bit tasteless, but still not so bad. The Cinnamon Caramel was disastrous for me. I don't like how the cinnamon tastes and some other bloggers said that aside from the cinnamon taste, it was tasteless.

I would say the main dishes this round is just as DELICIOUS as it was last year, if not more. Definitely value for your money. Here, let me entice you with some foods that was there.

The mutton. Aki said it was good. (I don't eat mutton)

Main Dish

Side Dishes & Desserts

As always, food reviews are only as fun as the people you get to meet. I met up with some familiar faces that day. But I only manage to snap two photos of the people sitting at my table:

Mr. Ken (nice to meet ya!) and my favorite CleverMunkey, Mr. Henry Lee

And I collect these photo's from Ken's blog. Chek out his Food POI

Ms. Eunice (right?) 

Ms. Choulyin Tan

Us. hehe

Ramadan Buffet at Silka Maytower Hotel & Serviced Residences, Kuala LumpurDate: 21 July – 18 August 2012
Time: (Monday – Sunday) 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Price: RM75 ++ per person (Adult), and RM30 ++ per person (Child)
Offer: 50% discount for the first seven (7) days and last seven (7) days of the Ramadan month.

For tourists and guests eager to experience the true sense of Ramadan – the food, culture and shopping – Silka Maytower Hotel & Serviced Residences is offering a Ramadan Room Promotion from 21 July – 18 August 2012, with standard room rate of RM130.00++ per room night and deluxe room for an additional RM30.00 ++ both inclusiveve of Sahur meals for 2 persons.
For reservations, kindly contact: +603-2692 9298, or email: reservation.maytower@silkahotel.com.

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Aladdin the Musical @ Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach

Let me start this with a heartfelt thanks to feeqsays.com who had forwarded my name to the organizers who in turn gave me 2 free tickets to watch the show. And of course, thank you to the organizers who gave the tickets, even though, I have no idea who they are.

The Cancordia Delicious Scare!!!

Guess what! After a week or so AFTER Halloween I got a delicious scare from Concordia! It's their super awesome Trick or Treat Bag! I had to go through such hurdles in order to get my hand on this bag, and FINALLY, I managed to do so. I was soooo excited! (Because I never get anything related to Halloween before!)

Movie Review - Don't be Afraid of the Dark

Like I said, movie review is not my thing.

BUT, since I got SIX tickets to the premier of "Don't be Afraid of the Dark" I feel guilty if I do not say my thanks to all those who made possible.

Me n my 'date' for the night. hehe~

Wondering how I got it? Well, like Tony Teh said, "It's because she didn't join". Lols. Thanks for the movie Nuffnang, Churp2, and most importantly Tony Teh, Benjamin Foo and Yeongboon Ooi for making it possible.

Dorsett Regency Hotel, KL Citarasa Chef Jaafar Onn

Olaa!!!!

Yes, Yes I know I had been slacking on updating. And this one is sooooooooo overdue that I can almost feel May Lee's stare on me and see her cute and pretty face crinkle up due to anger... Oh don't do that May Lee, it's not healthy for the baby (shout out to the pregnant May Lee. May u have healthy and happy child~ )

May Lee who invited me to the event

Anyway, so, I went to Dorsett Regency Hotel, in KL last 3rd August 2011, for a buka puasa buffet at its restaurant, Checkers.

Picture from Jayren's blog

Another Food Review - Nasi Lemak Kukus TTDI Jaya

CHANGE OF PACE!!
I'm gonna stop being gloomy NOW!! and give this blog some new environment.

Alright, usually I don't write food reviews - unless the food is free. But, I'll make an exception for this one, since this is one of my favorite place to eat.