Movie Review-The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Release Date: 13 Dec 2012--->Watch on 05 January 2013 Saturday), 2.30pm at TGV, Kepong Prima
Language: English
Subtitle: Chinese / Malay
Genre: Action / Adventure
Running Time: 169 minutes
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Graham McTavish, Ken Stott, Aidan Turner, Dean O'Gorman, Mark Hadlow, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Peter Hambleton, Andy Serkis

My Penny of View: Long time ago, when Dwarf Thror was the King of Lonely Mountain and he brought prosperous to the people, until the attack of Smaug the Dragon. As the result, the whole kingdom collapsed and the people lived in disaster. On the other hand, Bilbo was a young hobbit and he was tricked by wizard, Gandalf to host a party for Thorin and his company of Dwarves. They were on the mission to retake back Lonely Mountain from Smaug the Dragon. Later, Bilbo has been recruited as "burglar" to steal treasure from Smaug the Dragon. Bilbo joined the company unwillingly and they have started their unexpected journey. Will they succeed?

If you are fans of Lord of The Ring, definitely you are familiar with some of the characters in this movie. Hobbit is a very important character in LOTR because he is the one gotten the mysterious ring form Gollum. Besides hobbit, there are elves, dwarf, wizard and others; so many special characters and I think the only way to differentiate all of them is by size and appearance. The movie doesn't have an ending, the almost 2.5 hours movie is all about the traveling from Shire to the bottom of Lonely Mountain. I guess it will going to be a sequel movie whether they successful to take down the Smaug the Dragon.

Rating : ★★★★☆

Churp Churp Screening-Parental Guidance

Thanks to Churp Churp and Jeff for free tickets.

Release Date: 03 Jan 2013--->Watch on 02 January 2013 (Wednesday), 9.30pm at Cathay Cineplex, e@Curve
Language: English
Subtitle: Chinese / Malay
Genre: Comedy
Running Time: 104 minutes
Director: Andy Fickman
Cast: Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei, Bailee Madison, Joshua Rush

My Penny of View: Artie and Diane was a funky couple. One day, her daughter asked them to take care of her children due to run out of resources while she and her husband went for a gateway. Artie and Diane quickly agreed with the suggestion and they wanted to prove that they were capable in taking care of their grandchildren. Eldest granddaughter, Harper was tense with violin audition, elder grandson, Turner was having language disability problem and youngest grandson was naughty and cheeky. Will Artie and Diane manage to take care of their grandchildren?

This is a family oriented movie and story line is easy to catch with laughter. Billy Crystal and Bette Midler are great actors. The combination of wonderful actors and children enlightened the movie. It's a sweet and loving family movie but lack of surprises and some of the jokes pretty lame, but the children are very cute and good in acting.

Rating : ★★☆☆☆

Nuffnang Screening-Jack Reacher

Thanks to Nuffnang for free tickets.

Release Date: 20 Dec 2012--->Watch on 18 December 2012 (Tuesday), 9pm at GSC, Tropicana City Mall
Language: English
Subtitle: Chinese / Malay
Genre: Crime / Drama
Running Time: 130 minutes
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Cast: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, Werner Herzog, David Oyelowo and Robert Duvall

My Penny of View: Story began with a man drove into a parking lot. After paid the parking, he took out his sniper riffle and aimed the opposite recreation park. Then the situation turned out as five persons killed randomly and the man ran away. After the incident, very soon police discovered the finger print on the coin to pay for parking was belonged to James Barr and they went to arrest him. During detention, James refused to say anything but only asked for Jack Reacher. Jack was a drifter and former U.S. Army Military Police Corps officer. When the officers were scratching head where to find Jack, suddenly he appeared in the police station after he saw the news that James has been arrested. Unfortunately, James was in coma situation due to attack by fellow inmates. Jack believed James was innocent and he wanted to find out the truth for James. Will he success to do so?

The storyline pretty exciting with unexpected plots. The person you thought is your friend or love one, end up is the person that betray you. However, it was slightly draggy with too much of explanations. I still prefer Tom Cruise action in Mission Impossible. He still young and handsome as usual but the movie can be more heart-stirring if there is more difficult action scenes.

Rating : ★★★☆☆

Churp Churp Screening-Life of Pi (3D)

Thanks to Churp Churp for free tickets.

Release Date: 29 Nov 2012--->Watch on 27 November 2012 (Tuesday), 9pm at GSC, One Utama
Language: English
Subtitle: Chinese / Malay
Genre: Adventure / Drama
Running Time: 125 minutes
Director: Ang Lee
Cast: Tobey Maguire, Irrfan Khan and Tabu

My Penny of View: There was a boy named himself 'Pi'. His family owned a zoo and considered one of the wealthy family in India. They have a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. When Pi's father found an opportunity in Canada, he decided to sell the zoo and move the family to Canada. They brought the animals on the ship to sell the animals in Canada. One night, when there was a storm, Pi has been separated with his family. He watched helplessly at the ship sank and killed his family and the crew. After the storm, he found himself on a lifeboat with injured zebra and orangutan. Later, hyena emerged from the tarp and killed both zebra and orangutan. Suddenly, Richard Parker appeared from the tarp and killed hyena. Then, left only Pi and Richard Parker on the lifeboat. What will happen to both of them? Will Pi survive?

Life of Pi is based on Yann Martel's 2001 novel of the same name and directed by Ang Lee. Although it's a lengthy movie, but it was well structured with exciting plots. It was about two individuals that try to survive in the middle of ocean and by default this two individuals are naturally enemies. Yes, in the end Pi and Richard Parker survived but they are back to their natural characters after back to reality. There are many implications after watching this movie. Two different endings illustrated by Pi but depends on you, which one you will like to hear it. Some rather believe the human version and some prefer the animal version. I think there is no Richard Parker in reality, and Richard Parker is Pi. The morale of the story is we will do anything to survive. The story leave it it to us to imagine the truth and the ending. What I enjoy the most, is the visualization. The effects and colors are amazingly beautiful and cool. This movie must watch in digital version.

Rating : ★★★★☆

Movie Review-Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2(2D)

Release Date: 22 Nov 2012--->Watch on 24 November 2012 (Saturday), 9.15pm at Cathay Cineplex, e@Curve
Language: English
Subtitle: Chinese / Malay
Genre: Fantasy / Romance / Thriller
Running Time: 115 minutes
Director: Bill Condon
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner

My Penny of View: Story continued with Bella awakened from her transformation from human to vampire and Jacob has imprinted on her child, Renesmee. It made Bella super furious about that. Renesmee has been rapidly grew and Carlisle still couldn't figure out what she will become later. One day, Cullen's cousin, Irina saw Renesmee from a distance and believed that she was an immortal child. Irina went to the Volturi to report what she saw and Volturi took the opportunity to destroy Cullens. Alice saw Volturi were coming to kill the Cullen and left with Jasper the next day, gave instructions to others to gather as many witnesses as they can that can testify that Renesmee is not an immortal. While the Cullens were gathering witnesses, Bella discovered she has a powerful mental shield, which she can extend to protect others from mental attacks. What will happen to Cullens? Are they successfully convince Volturi that Renesmee is not an immortal?

Finally is the last installment of Twilight series. Bella finally get what she wish for, which is she wants to become a vampire. Bella and Edward romance become perfect with existance of Renesmee. Before the happy ending, some action scenes need to be in place such as attack of Volturi. The final scene of fighting was exciting but actually it was visualization of Alice and Volturi withdrew the attack later on. Many people feel disappointed in cinema but if you have read the book, you knew about it. After the Volturi attack, Cullens finally have a peaceful life. Bella and Edward have a happily ever after.

Rating : ★★★★★

LonBay, The Farm's Best Coffee@Paradigm Mall

On 13.11.2012(Tuesday), thanks to Jeff, I was invited to join a food tasting at LonBay, Paradigm Mall. LonBay delivers unique coffee flavors by brewing its own exclusive brand of beans which are organically cultivated at farm in Johor. You will get the authentic farm fresh coffee and Malaysian made Kopi Luwak here.

The food tasting began with sifon brew of Kopi Luwak. It is cost RM89.90 for 250ml. According to the owner of LonBay, the 'Musang' are wild and they didn't keep them in cage. They will collect the digested coffee bean all over the farm and send for processing.

I have my first Kopi Luwak at Bali last year. As I recall, the Kopi Luwak is combination of bitter and sourness due to enzyme produced by 'Musang'. I can drink the coffee without adding any sugar. I think although the process of making Kopi Luwak is the same but the taste can be different due to different coffee bean. Now you can have the special Malaysian made Kopi Luwak at LonBay without travel to Indonesia. You should give a try if you never try before. It's not disgusting as you thought. The coffee bean has been cleaned and processed. Don't worry. Besides Kopi Luwak, they have other beverages for you to choose.

LonBay Ice Drip(RM19.90)-Different coffee taste with roasted smell but cooling

Milk Tea HK Style(RM4.90 for regular and RM5.90 for large)-Smooth tea taste

Ice Blended Mochaccino(RM8.90)-Amazing combination of chocolate and coffee

Vahaha Honey Peach Smoothies(RM8.90)-for me it's quite sweet

Vahaha Soursop Smoothies(RM8.90)-refreshing after shopping at Tesco

Special Honey Lemon with Coffee Enzyme-Must try!

Lonbay Coffee Enzyme is the FIRST in Malaysia! Lots of benefits including enhance blood circulation, improve aging skin and improve sleep. The taste quite similar with apple cider.

Besides beverages, LonBay also serves salads, sandwiches, pasta and desserts to complete your meal.

Hawaiian Toast(RM7.90)-Combination of pineapple, thousand island sauce, chicken ham, mozarella cheese and tomato

Lartigo Toast(RM7.90)-Combination of sausage, cheese sauce and mozarella cheese

Club Sandwich(RM7.90)

Taj Burger-This is delicious

All Time Favorite Peanut + Butter(RM2.50)

All Time Favorite Kaya + Butter(RM2.50)

Bolognese Seafood(RM13.90)-always is my favourite

Green Sauce Spaghetti(RM13.90)

American Chocolate(RM7.90)-best for chocolate lover

Classic Cheese(RM7.90)-best to enjoy with Expresso

If you like the coffee, you even can can buy the coffee and make it at home. Then you can have your Kopi Luwak at home instantly.

Oh gosh...I look so terrible

Don't forget to check it out LonBay, The Farm's Best Coffee after grocery shopping at Tesco. It so easy to locate. You find Tesco and you will find LonBay.

Address: Lot LG-13, LG Floor, Paradigm Mall, Jln SS7/26A, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur 47301 Malaysia.

Tel: 03-7887 5258

Churp Churp Screening-Cold War(寒战)

Thanks to Churp Churp for free tickets.

Release Date: 08 November 2012--->Watch on 07 November 2012 (Wednesday), 9pm at GSC, Tropicana City Mall
Language: Cantonese
Genre: Action
Running Time: (2D) 102 minutes
Director: Longman Leung, Sunny Luk
Cast: Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Eddie Peng, Aarif Rahman, Charlie Yeung

My Penny of View: Movie began with a fully loaded police car that carrying the most advance equipment and five trained police officers mysterious disappeared out of the grid. Later an anonymous call reached the police headquarter with a message of large ransom in order to release the hostages. Hence, the statement of Hong Kong as the Asia's the safest city would be tested. Sean and Waise fought to take charge of the Cold War, code for the rescue operation. Sean found Waise not suitable to take charge for the operation because his son was one of the hostages. What will happen to the hostages? Will Sean and Waise manage to save the hostages and retain the safety of Hong Kong?

Frankly speaking, not many quality Hong Kong movie in the recent years. I think this movie can be categorized as one of the good Hong Kong movie, but it still seems like lack of something if compared with Internal Affairs(无间道). Back to the movie, story line is quite straight forward. Police officers become hostages and it shows that the hijackers are not afraid of police. It's quite exciting when you find that are inner stories for the incident. The one you thought is the bad guy, end up is the good police to retain reputation of police force. Tony Leung and Aaron Kwok are seldom show up in the big screen nowadays, but I think Tony Leung make a better appearance of powerful police. Charlie Yeung is also another actress you hardly see these days. Any Lau make a special appearance. I think he will be better fit into the role of Aaron Kwok. Overall, it's one of the good movie recommended to watch during weekend.

Rating : ★★★☆☆

Genting Tribal Halloween Gathering

Thanks to Nuffnang and Genting for the invitation to join Tribal Halloween Gathering at Awana Genting Long House on 03.11.2012 (Saturday). We were gathering at the Wisma Genting in the early morning and bus provided to bring us up to Awana Genting. Before checked into the Long House, we have our lunch at Restaurant Rajawali.

The buffet lunch is RM44.05 nett for adult and RM24.35 for children. The food consists of Malaysia local and fusion food. It's a cozy and comfortable environment to enjoy your lunch and dinner.

Here we are for our stay for the night, Long House. Long House is for special event such as team building. It has 5 rooms and sort of a dormitory type. You need to walk to another side for bathroom. Genting decorated the Long House in conjunction with the Tribal Halloween Gathering.

Creepy entrance is waiting for me

Hospital Hall-Way Spirit

OMG...Sadako

Many other ghosts decorations

Zul is giving us briefing on Eco Sport Treasure Hunt

Everybody pay full attention on him

All of us divided into four groups and we started the game with Crossword and Suduko. During the hunt, we have physical test, archery, taking photos and answering questions to find the World Card. The Eco Sport Treasure Hunt ended about 3 hours time. When all the groups returned to Long House, all people went to clean up and prepare for dinner.

While waiting for others, Daniel and Darren went around to interview victims

Nini and I

Our Dinner at Pasar Ikan Bakar

Chef busy bakar bakar

Yummy seafood

Besides food, we have western and eatern ghosts

Now only I know Chinese ghost love banananana...

After some small games and full seafood dinner, we returned to Long House for Blogger Sharing session. We have Ernest from Don't Like That, Bro and Abang Nara from BeautifulNara. It was a great sharing session and I gotten some useful tips to become a successful blogger.

After the Blogger Sharing session, we have prize presentation and lucky draw. I'm think I quite lucky, I got the First World Superior Deluxe room.

Congratulations to winners.

It was a wet and cold night. The night ended with light refreshment and movie at the common area. On the next day, we have tele-match after our breakfast. The winning group would be the combination of points from Eco Sport Treasure Hunt and Tele-Match. Although my group didn't win the first prize, but I think all the group members has tried our best. It was such a memorable and meaningful weekend. After packing up, we went back to Restaurant Rajawali for our lunch and bus picked up back to the busy KL city. Thanks to Nuffnang and Genting for a wonderful experience.