Rob Zombie’s Halloween

Ever since watching Scream, I’ve developed a liking for horror (particularly slasher) movies. And I think everyone will agree that Halloween is still the best among the lot. John Carpenter’s 1978 film did what others can’t: it made you actually scared - not because of sudden frights and loud music, but with the actual notion that Michael Myers could be real. And now that Rob Zombie has a new Halloween film that he calls a ‘re-imagining’ of the first film, I actually am excited with this… (even though some die hard fans hate the idea of remakes) Just recently I found a workprint version of the film, meaning the film isn’t finalized yet, and some scenes may or may not be in the final theatrical cut. Well, I better watch this now, just to see which one is better. Time to get my popcorn… (cue creepy Halloween theme)… dum dum dum...

Movie Review: The Bourne Ultimatum

This is usually the type of film I’d only watch once. But seeing it as a trilogy finally makes sense. By far its one of the best movies that I’ve seen this year. The 3^rd movie ties up all the loose ends that were left unanswered in the first 2 films. Matt Damon was great as always, and never did I think that the he was able to do action. The pacing was great, and the action? Wow, it was really exhilarating. The storyline was also good and Joan Allen was at her best again, supporting actors like Julia Stiles definitely made this film a definite must watch. The Bourne Ultimatum: 8/10

The irregularities of public transport

Wow I never realized I’d let week pass by without posting a blog entry. I immersed myself at work, keeping myself busy with reviewing things and at the same time enjoying what I do. Yesterday though was a hassle, not because of work, but due to the time I spent waiting for a bus to go home. Imagine this: I went out at exactly 5:10pm, so I may be able to catch the 5:30pm bus (I still have to walk a long way to the bus stop). To my surprise, not even one bus (that passes through my home) came by… and it’s already pass 7pm. Wow! I never imagined to wait that long! Finally, I just decided to walk, thinking I would arrive at my destination faster than any vehicles around… (Even if you got on a bus, intense traffic will still cost you more time). This is the only thing I hate about this place, the irregularity of public transport. The RTA said they would want people to consider alternate modes of transport, but how can people adjust to that scheme if we would spend hours just waiting for a bus. Now, they’ve tried reasoning that the Dubai Metro is on its way to becoming a reality… but that is still a few years away. Additionally, I can now take a tour of the city free with every bus ride. Why? Due to the enormous detours the bus has to take. I mean, why is everyone in a hurry to develop this city? They want Dubai to be a major tourist destination in the Middle East, they keep populating this place. *Sigh* I just wish something could be done immediately.

The top 10 movies in the Philippines... so far.

2007 has been a year of sequels and three-quels. Filipino moviegoers today are much influenced by Hollywood films, even preferring to watch them instead of movies that are our own. But now, it seems Pinoy films are already reaping in the box office, thanks to wide publicity, creative production, and most notably, a decent plot. At least Spider-Man 3 is still at top... while it wouldn't hurt if Transformers became number 1.

Top ten films in the Philippines (As of August 2007):

1. Spider-Man 3
2. Transformers
3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
5. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (someone actually watched this?)
6. Shrek the Third
7. Die Hard 4.0
8. Ouija (I wanna see this)
9. Ghost Rider
10. Ang cute ng ina mo (-> Haha)
    

My first Krispy Kreme

I never had the chance to taste the Krispy Kreme doughnut. All I know is that it is Homer Simpson’s favorite. Before, Krispy Kreme branches were only in the US, and I have already left when it opened in the Philippines.

Now I get to taste it for the first time here in Dubai. Wow, it tasted really, really good. I’m not saying that because everyone says it is. But it is really that delicious. Wish I could have more…. Well, everything comes at a price. Each doughnut costs about 4.50 Dirhams… that amounts to about 60 pesos per doughnut. (What?!)

Weekend Movie Marathon: Part Deux

Despite the weird occurrences that happened this weekend, I still got to enjoy a few movies that I didn’t get to see in the theaters.

28 Weeks Later – I actually thought the first one was good. So now I expected a lot from this sequel. The good thing is, I actually enjoyed it. There definitely some jump out moments. But what I liked was the movie’s ability to let you care for the main characters. The story was clichéd, yet still unique. I really enjoyed watching it. 28 Weeks Later: 8/10




Hot Fuzz – I’m a big fan of Shaun of the Dead. I never knew talents like Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright existed. They’re one of the most funny and creative people on the planet. The story is simple, yet very entertaining. This is of those films I’d love to buy on DVD to watch over and over again. Hilariously funny! Hot Fuzz: 9/10

Frustrations and pressures

Did you ever get that feeling that everything you do is always wrong? Or that every itsy bitsy tiny mistake you make seems to be something that you committed serious? Well, it was a weird weekend for me.

I don’t know, but for some reason I got scolded a lot. There was a time when I was just sitting down to eat, and then I was told that I didn’t get the water for drinking. After that, I was told that how am I going to survive living by myself if I can’t even get a bottle of water. Shocked that I am, I tried to explain, but I thought explaining myself would only make matters worse.

Another was when we were buying groceries. The moment we came back, I just turned on the TV. Just tried to see what’s on it (as most people do). Again I was told that here I am again trying to watch TV when I should be helping with the unpacking of the groceries. Well, actually I am going to help, and I just turned on the TV. Guess that was a big mistake.

Since then, Every move I make is a careful one. Awkward as it sounds, I am now actually afraid. I don’t know what happened; probably I was just caught in one of its mood swings…

Also, I might add. Once you’ve committed a mistake or did something really, really, wrong (for them at least). People would make it a point to remind you of that mistake every day. Even if you say that you actually did not do anything wrong, you can’t defend yourself, because you didn’t say anything. In the first place if you actually said something and started defending yourself… It’s not worth it. You’ll only be able to hear more scolding.

And then probably days after, when you finally get the guts to say it, just to be open and honest… Dismissal is only what you’ll get. You’ll either be told again that you are too sensitive… saying that it was only a small thing and you should probably dismiss it or be scolded again yet for another reason you can’t seem to understand.

So now you can get a grasp of what I feel right now. I’m not mad, just shocked that despite doing my best and trying to suppress my feelings (I’m feeling very homesick), I guess that just isn’t enough… and probably you know now why I don’t tell such things… Pressures really arise when people expect so much from you. You have to try and let them see you can do it… even if you really, really, can’t.

From dreams to nightmares...

Last night, I had those dreams where it went from a nice little dream to some people say a ‘nightmare’. I guess this is the stuff horror movies are made of, and I think I ought to share it with you guys.

My family and I were going on a skiing trip (even though I’ve never seen snow in my entire life). It was great dream; I get to spend a nice quality time with my family. We were then staying in this wooden cottage near the mountains and have a comfy fireplace. I was dressing up in PJ’s and immediately went to bed. I woke up suddenly in the middle of the night and heard a tip-toeing sound, as if like someone was walking in the hallway outside of out room. It couldn’t be anyone from my family as they were all fast asleep with me in the room.

Then I just saw the door of our room open slowly, but I couldn’t see anything. Feeling a little afraid now, I remained in my bed and hid under the covers. Then I tried to see what it is. From my bed, lying down, I saw a top of a head. I could only see the top of the head because it seemed like it was crawling towards me. Somehow I didn’t feel any fear… until it went up my bed and saw her face. Yes, it was a girl. She actually reminded me of the creepy ghost woman crawling down the stairs from the Grudge movie. I saw her face, it was lifeless. Her lips were white and she just blankly stared at me. Then she suddenly grabbed my throat and started choking it. I couldn’t scream or even move. Deep in my sleep I just wished I would wake up.

And then I did, good thing my tita didn’t notice me. I was actually panting and breathing heavily. I went to go drink a glass of water. It was creepy. I never had a dream like that before. And it definitely scared me. It was 3:30am, and from that moment I just closed my eyes and tried to sleep again. I wish I wouldn’t have a dram like that again. I still get chills when I remember that dream.

Review: The Simpsons Movie

I really am not a die-hard Simpsons fan. But every once in a while, I find myself watching the series on TV. I can't believe its a;ready been running for 18 years! Well, I guess now they've cashed in on the franchise by making the inevitable "Simpsons Movie". The plot is simple, with Homer placing Springfield in jeopardy after he pollutes the river with his 'pig crap' silo. Which in turn makes the American Government place Springfield in a huge glass dome. While the story was overly shallow, I still found my self laughing at some scenes. It indeed was very funny. Everyone on the casts still gives life to each of the yellow-colored characters. All in all, I had fun watching the film. But I guess it wouldn't make any difference if this were a one-hour special episode. The Simpsons Movie: 7/10