那些年，我們一起追的女孩

I was really surprised that the first shot was that of an apple. Was it a coincidence or was this Taiwanese film conscious about its title being translated to English? What kind would it portray?

As it went on, curiously enough, it brought out that tone - quirky, innocent, carefree, friendly mood - that the Taiwanese were well-known for. Despite talking openly and rampantly about sex, it wasn't very sexual (ahhh, Hollywood). Despite being emotional, it wasn't melodramatic (ahhh, Korean films). It made me miss Taiwan - the people, the mood, the food. Just like the movie, never overproduced, never extravagant, but always rich.

Many moments got me laughing out loud. There were the ones that were obvious - the physical comedy. There were the cultural bits - Jay Chou's opening seconds of his ping pong track. Then they are those that catch you by surprise - this really is what I think, this was how I felt, that was once me - and I'd let out a mangled laughter. That of surprise, bewilderment and being touched.

It was a film that was really grounded in Taiwan, but its story-telling is not as masterful as it could have been. It was lacking that final "kick". And as friends rightly pointed out - what's with that lengthy flashback?!

But still littered with beautiful moments, its a movie not to be missed. My favourite line from the movie goes: 人生本来就有很多事是徒劳无功的啊。

In Time

I've said it once on Twitter and again on Facebook. The premise is amazing. What if you wore your riches on your wrist? What if your riches were, simply put, the hours, minutes, seconds, of your life?

In Time explores all this and more. The execution wasn't masterful enough, despite the very good big idea. It flirted with political and economical issues but never really got into the meat of it. Certainly not Avatar or Inception, but as an action-movie, it was entertaining enough. I got a little tired of the chase sequences... there's only so much running I can take, despite the the fact that Amanda Seyfried and Justin Timberlake looked good running.

It was great to see other familiar faces on screen as well. Olivia Wilde, Matt Bomer, Alex Pettyfer all had fleeting but impactful roles.

I can't imagine living in a society like that. Where people have to die just so others can be immortal. Where you live from day-to-day and bank your hopes on what you can achieve in one day. Imagine the adrenaline flooding your system, heightening your senses for fight or flight all the time, just to stay alive!

One sobering thought though - we all have that clock ticking on our forearms. Just that our reality is a bit more exciting - we can't see the numbers.

Beginners

I like how the movie is constructed. Constantly flashing back and forth, showing parallels. Sometimes we never really change. Sometimes we're just products of our past experiences. There're patterns that we can never really escape. Maybe it's fate.

Once again Ewan McGregor stole the show. He chooses his projects wisely and it's a joy watching him on screen.

I like how the movie seemingly goes nowhere. It doesn't come up with a fixed premise right at the beginning. Instead it chooses to show a slice of life, real and raw experiences. It's not something that everyone can relate to, having a gay dad, dating an actress who can't stay in one place... but the storytelling was so artful, effective montages made of stills and a voice-over, contrasting generations but showing that life has pretty much the same stuff in-store for all of us.

It's the decisions we make that make the difference. And we continue learning.

Because: "In love, we are all beginners. I would shift that a little. In life, we are always beginners." (Weetz, 2011)

Horrible Bosses

Horrible Bosses is a good cheap thrill.

The three very likable main characters plot to kill their bosses. Thankfully they weren't douche bags or it'd fall into the rather overused, trashy, brocom category. Their bosses though... were more horrible than "horrible" could begin to describe. Kevin Spacey and Colin Farrell were so horrible that if they were my bosses I'd plot to kill them for real too.

Also, 2 of the leading actors are called "Jason".

It was funny, tight, and the coincidences were believable. It was clever at parts. I think I like it better than Bridesmaids. Slightly too much toilet humour in that one. Memorable, but still, toilet humour. Literally.

The most disturbing thing (or the best thing, depending on your point of view) is that Jennifer Aniston was reduced to a blown-up sex doll. They probably surveyed 100 of the world's horniest men and asked, "What is your ultimate Aniston fantasy?" This list, of course, includes her saying, "Slap me in the face with your ding-dong" and wearing a doctor's coat with no shirt, no bra. Also eating a banana like that.

Final verdict: Very watchable for a huge number of reasons. Every one can imagine having a boss they'd want to kill.

The First Weekend

"Powerpack your Friday nights. Step on it and accelerate to the max! Dinner, movies, drinks and clubs. Chiong. Then Sat pace a little, chill and glide on. Then come Sunday, unwind and recharge and sail out on the momentum of the weekend high." Weetz, 2011.



Friday evening kicked off with meeting the interns from my internship at SPF. We met the rest of our department who were prawning with moderate success at Hai Bin! But it didn't really matter, as we sat down and gossiped and caught up with each other. It was fantastic seeing them all again. Made new friends and reconnected with old ones. I was particularly happy that we got along brilliantly despite not seeing each other for a year. Also met my junior from CS and I was glad to know that he was doing well interning there. Heineken, prawns, conversation... a warm fuzzy feeling.

Saturday was spent earning money instead of spending it! Tuition went well though. I see it as nurturing the next generation in my own little way. Poisoning them with my slightly unconventional and un-teacher-like views while explaining how to write a narrative and how to do QA for Chemistry. I've been doing it so long, it's almost effortless in a way.

Sunday. Bridesmaids. After letting it all sink in, maybe it isn't that funny! There's a lot of toilet humour, but female-style, so that's something that I've never seen before! But the rather original script and solid comedy-acting by a stellar cast made it a very enjoyable experience that was worth its weekend ticket price. The inclusion of Hold On at the end was wonderful! I am almost inspired to start tuning in to Class 95!

And then I did something that I've never done before. I went to sing karaoke. Alone! The feeling of being one with music and lyrics, of the entire body being an instrument - incredible! 2 hours, uninterrupted. I was partly inspired when listening to Jolin's discography the other day and I realised how much I missed singing and how Chinese lyrics could express emotions and thoughts in an incredibly beautiful way. So I spent the evening alone but connected! Connected to a world of composers, lyricists, singers. A solo concert for an audience of one - myself!

And that's how I spent the first weekend upon starting work.

I'm so going to regret sleeping late just to write this entry.

Love and Other Drugs

I like how humour is found in vulnerability and truth. I like how there's nakedness in the display of emotions.

I like how sex is affirmation.

I like how they were flawed, not in the usual ways. I like that it was uncertain and there was tension and that it was sweet but not cliched. I like clever conversation. I like that the film focuses on the explosiveness of human drama, conflicting needs and immense passion.

I like the small tremors and insecurities. I like the hot bodies and the horrible brother. I like the sorry doctor and the bitter receptionist.

I like this movie very much.

I like the title. A title that suggests that Love is possibly the greatest drug of all.