Movie Review - Gamer

Movie Title
Gamer (was previously named just “Game”)
Year
2009
Genre
Sci-Fi, Action

Story
In a possible near future, where online gaming entertainment has evolved into a new hybrid where players control real humans in gaming environments via nano-technology developed by the game creator – a super-successful billionaire Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall). Following the success of Society (it’s the SIMs game taken to the extreme where real humans are the avatars), the latest game sweeping the world, named “Slayers”, involves death row convicts who are given the option of participating in the game for the chance at freedom if they survive 30 rounds of carnage where they really and literally fight to survive. In the bloody Slayers game, the convicts are game avatars controlled by players. The first convict coming close to completing all 30 missions is Kable (Gerard Butler), who is also a media darling (Hmmph, a convict celeb…).

However, all is not what they seem as there is an extreme-left conspiracy theorist group called the Humanz, who vehemently oppose what Ken Castle is doing, does everything they can to free Kable as he holds the key to unlocking the mystery behind Ken Castle’s sinister plans. The Humanz Brother (Ludacris) contacts both Simon (Logan Lerman) a 17year-old teenager who “plays” Kable, and Kable to coordinate an escape. Meanwhile, Kable’s own quest to be reunited with his wife, Angie (Amber Valletta) and daughter fuels his fighting spirit and reluctant cooperation to resolve the mystery behind the conspiracy.

Acting
Well, it’s a typical Sci-fi Action movie so there isn’t any great acting that would hit you in the face or make you cry. We see Butler grimacing a lot, so I guess that’s a good thing, yes?

Some parts are quite un-intentionally comedic, eg: the final confrontation between Kable and Castle.

Overall
The concept is an interesting one where nano-tech may cause lots of problems for the human race in the future. However, the execution leaves A LOT to be desired. To be fair, the action sequences were pretty intense and done really well.

If you must watch this, my advice to Malaysians is to NOT watch this in the theatres as there were simply too much that were censored both in terms of visually and verbally (due to the liberal amounts of profanity used plus the copious amounts of ultra violent and sexually provocative images peppered thru’out the movie.). Add to the fact that the style of the movie was extremely disjointed to begin with. For most of the 1st half of the movie, much of the game environment were given the MTV style treatment where multiple non-sequential images flash before your eyes in a spasm-inducing manner. Having the images shot in weird game-simulating angles and un-natural colors add to the visual mayhem.

Wait for the DVD and rent it. Save your money for some other Sci-Fi/Action flick.

Rating: 4.5/10

Food Review - Jonker 88 Cendol & ABC

Name
Jonker 88 Cendol & ABC
Address
88, Jonker Street, Melaka
Food
Cendol & ABC (and curry laksa as well, which will appear in a separate post later)
Location
Melaka

Getting there
Located at (ok, take a guess…) 88, Jonker Street right in the heart of Melaka (Malacca) town is a quaint little shop that’s almost always packed with either tourists or locals for the excellent food.

Parking

This will be a hassle as the streets are narrow and parking spaces are extremely limited. You would be advised to park somewhere central and just take a leisurely stroll around the area.

ServiceService is quick and hassle free. Orders are placed at the front of the shop where the food is prepared.
Ambience
Well, it has lots of character as the shop is an old Colonial building from pre-Independence days. The interior is decorated like a mish-mash of a curio shop (as there are a number of interesting looking items that may be classified as antiques) cum Chinese Medical Hall but with dining tables (both wooded and marble ones).

The place is clearly separated into 2 distinct areas, one section at the front and another at the back, which has a skylight, typical of buildings from that era. I personally find the back section much more interesting than the front and I went there in all 3 of my visits during my recent trip to Melaka.
Taste
The cendol/ABC is special mainly because of the syrup used. It is made from authentic Gula Melaka (Palm or Coconut sugar) and is much thicker than what other stalls would normally use. When served, you will salivate just by looking at the thick, gooey & syrupy...molasses-like sugar being poured onto the shaved ice. Yummy! (Yes, I stayed to watch them prepare it.) The finely shaved ice is so soft and fluffy it just melts into your mouth. This really adds to the whole experience.

Presentation
The Pandan (fragrant tropical leaves) infused Cendol strips are neatly placed together with the Kidney Red-beans for the Cendol (and with peanuts and corn for the ABC)

Served in the dainty Chinese porcelain bowls, they really make it a truly Malaccan experience.

VarietyThere are several variants of the Cendol & ABC. They come in either standard or with the works. See below for details.

- Baba Chendol + Durian variant

- 8 Precious Chendol (EPC) + Durian variant

- Baba Ice Kacang (ABC) + Durian variant

Value for Money
It costs more than the normal cendol but it’s still under RM2 and definitely worth it as I have not found a cendol that tastes anything close to it in the Klang Valley. (Hmmm, maybe I need to look harder. Anyone with good recommendations please share!)
Overall
Definitely a must try! It was so good for me I had to have it every single day I was in Melaka.

Movie Review - Up

Movie Title
Up
Year2009
Genre
Animation

StoryCarl Fredricksen (Edward Asner)makes a promise to his sweetheart, Ellie (Elie Docter) from a very young age to travel to the exotic South American location their adventurer hero Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer) had gone to explore. They fell in love, got married but somehow, life got in the way and before they knew it, Ellie passes away and Carl had become a lonely old man who had not managed live their life-long dream.

One day, before he was to be hauled up to a retirement home because he had accidentally hurt a worker, he decides to leave the city by lifting his house up with balloons. However, Russell (Jordan Nagai), the boy-scout was still on the house premises when it took off, still trying to complete a task Carl had given him earlier.

So off they go in their flying house toward South American & adventure! When they land, they discover some interesting local fauna – an odd-looking chocolate-loving bird and a talking dog, and finally Carl’s hero – Charles Muntz.

Safe to say that events that occur after their meeting will bring audiences tons of laughter as the story unfolds. This being an animated movie, of course there is a happy ending but it’s an interesting ride to the finish with lots of action and guaranteed laughter.

Acting
Nagai is just brilliant as Russell! I don’t get tired of hearing his voice acting – extremely natural and realistic. Even better than Dakota Fanning I dare say (as she tends to be a little over the top in her roles). The other characters are competently done, as can be expected from a Pixar production.

OverallWhat can I say about this movie that has not been said. Let me see – excellent, fun, standard defining, delightful, heart-warming…etc. This is unreservedly the BEST Movie of 2009!

I can’t say or emphasize it enough – A MUST WATCH! Either the 2-D or 3-D version. This movie will be enjoyed by EVERYONE regardless of age as there are elements that will connect with you (yes, YOU)!

OK, OK, I do have a complaint and that is the design for Carl is just too squarish. Yes, I understand it's a deliberate move to manifest the facet of his character. Still...
Rating: 8.5/10

Order your copy here: http://astore.amazon.com/eareotbi-20/detail/B001KVZ6G6