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)

................

Lovey Dovey Tuesday: Second Chance

Question: do you believe in second chances?
Answer: yes. Definitely. Humans make mistakes. Most of it are unconscious  People change, circumstance change, time change. What's important is to realize that you made the mistake.

Question: Then why don't you give him chance?
Answer: I did. He's just three years too late to take it. And three million tears too slow to take it back.  I'm no longer in that space where I was waiting for him. I've moved on. I might look back to reminisce that space. But, I'll never go back there. I know what it feels like being there. And I don't want to feel it again. I'm over it.

Question: Then why bother to write this post at all?
Answer: Because I'm tired of repeating myself. I'm just over it. All I feel now is politeness from a long and old friendship. This is safe. This is fine. This is comfortable. Isn't it enough that we can still stay friends? That we can still bump shoulders and laugh about it?

Question: Well, maybe now he has changed. Don't you think he deserves another chance?
Answer: I have no doubt he has. But the thing is, I did too. I'm no longer that teen girl who is filled with romantic dreams and happy ever after. Somewhere along the way, I've found much bigger things I want in life. So many years had passed and gone. Do I believe in a second chance? Yes, "a" second chance. not chances. When you make the same mistake twice, it's no longer a mistake. It's a choice. He made his choice. And I made mine.

Question: Isn't it unfair? You gave him the chance when he was not yet ready for it.
Answer: I suppose, opportunities present itself to you only when you are ready? I suppose trains/bus/airplane will wait for you when you are ready to board? I suppose time will wait for you when you are ready?? No, it never did, never is and never will. Time goes on and goes by without waiting for anyone. Once it passes, you can't do anything to turn it back. I did not exactly decide to leave that space. I just did. But once I did, I decided not to go back. And even if I try, I won't be able to stay long. Because being out of that space feels much better.

Question: If you are so sure, why don't you just give the chance? You won't lose anything. 
Answer: That's where you are wrong. I will lose something. I'll lose time. And I would probably hurt again at the exact same spot it did before. You see, I know him. And more importantly, I know myself. Despite how much we change, I know him. I know for sure he did not know where he was wrong, and more frustrating is he did not feel that he was in the wrong at all. That is fine. I mean, sometimes you just can't see it from other people's perspective. But other people will apologize anyway. For the sake of the friendship we have. For the sake of burying the hatchet. But not him. Never him.That part of him didn't change at all. And I know from there giving him another chance meaning giving him another chance to hurt me. I know myself. despite how much I feel like I don't care, but eventually I will care. And then, I'll get hurt again. This is one choice I prefer not to make.

Question: In short you are just scared?
Answer: Terrified. 

Second chances.... I believe in second chances. Just not sure if everyone deserves it....

................

MAGACON 2012

I am no gamer.
I mean, sure, I like to play video games, and analog games, and some pc games.
But I have never admitted to be a gamer-girl.
Because I never was.

But MAGACON 2012 that happened on 3-4 November 2012. makes me rethink my disposition on this fact. lol. I had sooo much fun and enjoyed all the games I played tremendously that I have no doubt I could and would be addicted to these games given the chance.

Thanks to Nuffnang and Tony Teh, I manage to experience MAGACON for myself. MAGACON is Malaysia Games Convention and a "funfair where Malaysians gather to meet new people and play hundreds of games from all platforms. MaGaCon is Malaysia’s largest games convention that combines the best of both digital and analog worlds."

As a Nuffnager, we were given a slot of our own called the Nuffnang Challenge. We were each given three mission to be completed.

The first mission being to play the Call of Duty II. Honestly, I have never played this game before. So I decided to allow my partner in crime for the day to play for me. Which is actually useless bacause they made me play anyway. lol. But I really enjoyed the game. In fact, I fared better than my friend. lol Must be the hidden gamer girl in me.

My Partner on his COD game. 

Then we head over to the analog side to play an extremely gigantic version of the usual Jenga. Our nemesis that day was team Teh Tarik. 

Our tower ended up to be as tall as Tony's. But I didn't take any photos as I was very busy with trying to make sure the damn tower did not collapse.

Tony's and Iris's Tower

Before we played the Jenga, Teh Tarik's team and the brat's team, manage to face off in a single game of what we used to call "bola kotak". I remember playing this game when I was much younger in school. But now, there's a much better version of it, with the same player, rules and ball, but with better and much more even field. (We use to play this on our school table. lol) Check out their website at www.mindspot.com.my

My friend and Teh Tarik face-off

And our last mission was to have a care-free face off with the public. And so we decided to play the "bola kotak" again. I am however, sorry that for the life of me, I could not recall the name of the contenders.

Me pretending like I could actually shoot a goal.

I also manage to do some crafting at one of the booth. We were suppose to color our own toy soldier. I am, extremely bad with arts. I wanted to make my soldier a cool colour of white and red. But in the end, because of my two left hand, I manage to make a pink soldier instead. Lol. Sorry about that XD

My "art work". The pink soldier, lol

And believe it or not, I also played Assassin's Creed III on PS3. The person in charge there gave me a mission to kill the guards. I need to play the game again to see how the game really is. It was a bit too easy that time, and since the playing was so short, I didn't manage to understand what the game is all about.

Source

My card with stamp as proof I played it XD

But, my highlight for the day was actually playing "Just Dance". It is EXTREMELY good exercise. I need to get one of those quick. It is fun and you have a good exercise without actually meaning to.

Our dance face-face off XD

Here's the video that I took (from the tv that recorded our retarded dance. lol)

All-in-all it was a very fun day. If I get to go again next time, I will make sure to play more games. I saw some interesting cards table on the analog side and more ps3 games which I was not able to play. But I will surely do so next time. And I'll bring someone who is more into games, so I'm sure to have a partner to indulge in these wonderful world of games. lol.

This event had fed the brat in me to the (almost) full extent. Let's look forward for another MaGaCon and unleash the brats in us. muahahahahah

Sincerely ever bratty,

................

Catching Up: Miyavi Live in KL 2012

KyaaaaAAAAaaaaAAAaaaa!!! (In a total fan girl way!)
Miyavi was in Malaysiaaaa!!
I got to touch his hand!
I got to touch his leg!
I got to see him!
I was sprayed by his god-like spray from his mouth~
OMG he's so sexy!
OMG so beautiful, so enticing~
MIYAVI SAMA!!!

My fav photo of the night~ (Source)

Okay, that wasn't me that was what all the girl (and guys) around me that night say all night long and everyday after ever since Miyavi's Live in KL concert last 25th July 2012. He came down for a three day promo of his new album, "What's My Name" and his first ever debut in KL and South East Asia.

He WAS however, super duper supercalifragilisticexpialidociously AWESOME!

I was VERY2 lucky to won a ticket to go to Miyavi's concert from The Daily Chilli (SHOUTOUT to the awesome web!!) I have to say, that particular day, had been a very looonggg and tiring one for me. Plus the fact that I did not get enough sleep the night before, I was thiiiiis close to ffk the show. But I didn't. I WAS SOOO GLAD I did that. It was TOTALLY worth it.

So anyway, I dragged my lazy self all the way to Stage KL, Avenue @ K and was greeted by a surprisingly long queue. But again thanks to The Daily Chilli, I was so damn lucky to be able to cut through this line and enter through VIP & Media Entrance. And so, I got the first row view of the whole awesome slaptastic show! Unfortunately, I did not bring my camera along. Well, I figured, it's gonna be a rock concert! Unless it's for work, you don't bring big, bulky intrusive camera to a rock concert! Right?

Suuper long queue~~ (Source)

So, most photos are taken from flimsy phone camera, or from other people's website. XD

Remember the cutie pie that is Koujee? Well, that cutie pie, just grown up to be a delicious cherry on top of a cool ice cream! ahahaha. With his all new cool image (instead of the cute image he used to have) he did the opening for this show with the rock violin sensation, Dennis Lau. Check Out his new videos!

Koujee's new image

Double yay for me! Not only I get to see Miyavi, I also get to see Koujee perform LIVE again! I would say, both him and Dennis, managed to get the crowd (even more) going and ready for Miyavi. And man, this guy just keeps getting better!

Awesome opening by Koujee and Dennis Lau (Source)

Okay, back to Miyavi. He performed quite a few of numbers that night that includes What's My  Name、Universe、Survive、No No No、Yeah、Shelter、Selfish Lov e、I Love You,I  LoveYou,I Love You,and Hate You、We Love You、Gravity、Strong、Day1、Futurisctic Love。

As soon as he enters stage, people were screaming their head off! Check out this video and hear them out. This is the opening of his show, What's My Name?

When he first come to my side, I was so excited. He was an arms length from me and if I just reach out, O could probably touch him. Everyone around me is jumping and banging their head. I'm almost sure (or might be my imagination) that he looked straight at me expecting me to do the same. But Dear Miyavi, I was sooooo mesmerized by the sheer beauty that is you and also your guitar playing that all I could do was stare. I'm serious. It was the FIRST time, and it could be the LAST time I would ever see you that upclose. Banging head and jumping seems like a waste of time from seeing you! LOL.

Source

I loved how the crowd would response to everything he said or ask them to do. The guy on my left, I think was among the most enthusiastic of all. The guy on my right, was singing to almost every line of Miyavi's song, which I think was super awesome. Oh yeah, to the guy on my right, whoever and what your name is, Thank You for being considerate that night. He asked me to let him know if I feel uncomfortable by him. Seriously? Asking that during a concert? A rock one at that? He was really sweet.

My favorite number that night would be Selfish Love. It was SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! He was so engrossed in the feeling of the song, that I was feeling it too! But Malaysians being Malaysians, some people at the back just don't know how to appreciate it and shut up! They kept on talking and making noise! It was sooo disappointing to realize, they are not really there for the music. Rather to just rock it out. There's nothing wrong with that, really. But I think more than just a rock star, Miyavi is a musician, he deserves to be heard and deserves to be respected.  The same scene from other countries, would have created complete pin drop silence. It really was beautiful, that song.

Soo much feelings~ (Source)

One of the camera-worthy moment of the concert was when he tried to speak in Bahasa. I never thought a rock guy could look so adorable, but he did! There were a few moments when he flashed his sheepish grin which would have melted any girl's heart.

Source

The most epic scene that night was when he did a sudden lunge towards the table which caused a ripple effect of crazy hype from the crowd. It was during his encore where he sang "What A Wonderful World" & "Are You Ready To Rock"

Everyone wants a piece of him~~ (Source)

Somewhere along the moment during encore, he was shouting ""stop filming, bang your head, I'm talking to you, bang your head! Stop f**king filming, BANG YOUR HEAD!" It was super epic. Check out this video at around 7.00!

I tried not to scream too much that night, because I have an impending performance waiting ahead of me, but how the hell you do you stay quiet during the encore of that magnitude of awesomeness??? There is just no way! lol!

I'm the one in font row with the overly colourful tudung XD (Source)

It was truly an entertaining night. I just wished I was able to meet him in person and get a picture with him, or maybe a signature or something. But well, nevertheless I got the next best thing to it;

Cuteness Overload. hahah 

Pictures with Koujee!!! 

Koujee Beatbox and Nana Eddy the Brat

lol. Despite his new image, he's still the cutie pie that I knew and loved.

It was a great night. I will definitely go again (if it is free again :p)
Still very much bratty,


................

Catching Up Series~~

A lot of things had happened to me.
I have been to a lot of events,
done a lot of interesting things,
met a lot of interesting people with interesting characters.

But my workload just doesn't want to cease.

Source

And my laziness just kept on piling up. heheh~~

Source

Which amounts to hiatus in blogging up for almost two months, despite having tons and tons of interesting things to talk about.

So I decided to come out with this series : Catching UP.
So basically the post will be posts that could have happened up to more than half a year ago~~~
But, Since I still have it lurking in my mind, and the photos are still crowding my diskspace. I thought

So, do read on ~~ XD


................

The Alternative Wingman

Presenting my first ever "debut" on youtube.

Okay, maybe not. but I was able to shamelessly wheedle my way and somehow managed to convince Dan Khoo of Dan Khoo Productions to feature me in one of his video. Congrats to him for his 10,000th Subscriber!!!

Also starring in it in a much bigger role, is my favorite comic blogger, Ernest Ng of Bro, Don't Like That La Bro. 

So go and backtrack and watch all of Dan's Videos and backtrack and read all of Ernest's comic. Mark my words, you'll thank me. ahhaahahah

just the usual brat,

................

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,

................